Review: Love or Your Money Back

 Is marriage about love or marketing?

Kat is 34, single and running out of time – she wants to get married before she turns 35, but her fiancé just ditched her for a 21-year-old life coach.

Freddy is a ruthless marketing guru who thinks love is just transactional. He’ll use his marketing genius to make Kat the most sought-after woman in London, if she lets him rebrand her struggling company.

With her 35th birthday looming and her love life a disaster, Kat agrees to become Project Marriage.

Can a rebrand king sell happily ever after? Or is love something even the best marketer can't package and promote?

A smart, funny romantic comedy for fans of Emile Henry (Funny Story), Lucy Score and Ali Hazelwood. 

 Review:

This breezy romance is full of smart, funny narration that lends itself well to a lazy summer day at the beach. The romance between Kat and Freddy may not give you a sunburn, but it will help you to look forward to cuddling up to your own off-kilter special someone. 

I particularly loved seeing chronic illness represented well inside a book with a strong heroine. I applaud the writer for looking deeper than "she wears a size 10 - gasp" for why love feels challenging for a modern woman. In spite of a challenge, Kat still has plenty of confidence and capability, so it's no wonder that Freddy can't help loving her.  While high on romance (and alcohol), the story focuses on emotion than intimacy so it's a safe bet for most readers. 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Your-Money-Back-funniest-ebook/dp/B0FDBMMZQQ

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Your-Money-Back-funniest-ebook/dp/B0FDBMMZQQ

 

Author Bio – 

Bio Suzy K Quinn writes romantic comedy / rom com books / cozy mystery and has sold over 1 million books worldwide. She is a bestseller in the UK, US and Germany and has plans for total world domination with more feel-good books (bestsellers, obviously) in the near future.

Suzy lives in Wivenhoe, Essex, with her husband Demi and two daughters. She is a twin, an incompetent parent of two and now fully decaffeinated. Her twin sister, Cate Quinn, is also a bestseller author. When she's not writing, she is reading rom coms and cozy mysteries.

Suzy loves her readers and is ALWAYS happy to chat on social media - she's @suzykquinn on all the socials. You can also get a free book at her website:

www.suzykquinn.com

Social Media Links – 

Facebook.com/suzykquinnbooks

Tiktok @suzykquinn

Instagram @suzykquinn

Twitter @suzykquinn

Threads @suzykquinn

Review: Waves of Change in Pelican Crossing

 Sad to leave her daughter and granddaughters behind in England where she has been visiting for the past year, Olivia Grace is excited to return to her hometown of Pelican Crossing and resume her life as a counsellor. But a shock awaits her, threatening to destroy her future and forcing her to make changes she’d never anticipated.

Dan Parker has moved to Pelican Crossing with his teenage daughter after the death of his wife, intent on making a fresh start. Now, having fulfilled his long-held dream of opening a Wellness Centre, he confronts an unexpected challenge

Faced with an unforeseen situation and frustrated by her friends' relentless matchmaking, Olivia finally admits her attraction to Dan and agrees to a date. But real life isn’t a romantic novel, and things don’t go smoothly.

Can these two lonely people find a future together, or are they destined to grow old alone?

For fans of heartwarming small-town romances, this is a must-read. With vibrant descriptions of the charming coastal town and two endearing characters who struggle with loss and loneliness, this book will tug at your heartstrings.

Review:

Oh I do love my mature ladies in romance! This is yet another heartwarming book by Maggie Christensen. The characters are very truthful and feel authentic for their age as they both try to start over in life and love. I was thrilled that the main characters felt like mature adults, though some might call them "boring" since they tend toward communication and emotional stability. Neither character changes much throughout the book. To me, that felt realistic - leave the drama to the youth! I felt that it deepened my connection to the characters to see them relate to each other and their families in healthful ways. 

This book is perfect for fans of Debbie Macombe or Hallmark movies. I found it to have more emotional depth than either of those comparisons, however, which made my literary-fiction-loving heart very happy.  I missed the other characters from earlier books, but that just gives me good reasons to go and read those books again. 

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Wavesofchange

Author Bio – 

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

 

Social Media Links – 

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen

https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about

https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

https://bsky.app/profile/maggiechriste33.bsky.social

Cover reveal: The Croatian Island Library

 

Where books are borrowed, and friendships are forged…

When her beloved grandfather dies, Ana Meštrović buys a catamaran in his memory, which she names Dida Krila – Grandad’s Wings. 

For the summer months, it will be transformed into a travelling library, delivering books to children living across the Croatian islands.

Joined by crew members Natali, a young mechanic afraid of her own shadow, and Lloyd, an older widower who needs a fresh start, the newly-formed trio all have their own reasons for needing the floating library to be a success.

Embarking on an adventure that will change them for good, they each discover that a new chapter is only a boat ride away…

Pre-order Link - https://mybook.to/CroatianIslandLibrary

Publication Dates - 16 th January 2026 (ebook) 29 th January 2026 (paperback)

Author Bio –

Eva Glyn writes escapist relationship-driven fiction with a kernel of truth at its heart. She loves to travel and finds inspiration in beautiful places and the stories they hide.

Set mainly in Croatia, her contemporary stories are more about friendship than romance, the coming together of people through shared interests, and the opportunity to make fresh starts in their lives. A love of books is a common theme too, so her publisher, One More Chapter, has christened them the Bookish Escapes collection which currently includes The Dubrovnik Book Club,

and The Santorini Writing Retreat, with The Croatian Island Library to be published in January 2026. In addition Eva has written two Second World War dual timeline romances, An Island of Secrets and The Collaborator’s Daughter, and a new beginnings novel entitled The Olive Grove. All are set in Croatian, a country she loves. Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with more than thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvaGlynAuthor

Twitter: @JaneCable

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evaglynauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eva-glyn

Review: Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isles

 

Will she give everything up for love?

Freya Sinclair has it all. An exciting life in London, a successful career as a ceramicist and a handsome boyfriend. But when she receives a call that her elderly father is in hospital, she drops everything to support his recovery in Skye.

Back on the island, Freya finds a new lease on life – Coorie Castle’s craft centre is firing her creativity and she’s glad to be back with her dad again. Being so close to her schoolgirl crush, Mackenzie Burns, is an added bonus. The two share an instant connection and Freya misses her old life less and less.

But Freya has a boyfriend at home and now a dazzling job offer in New York. She must figure out what she truly wants, before anyone gets hurt.

A heartwarming, feel-good cosy romance perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Julie Shackman and Sue Moorcroft.

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/SSOSI

Author Bio – 

Lilac Mills lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).

She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.

She loves long hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.

Social Media Links – 

Website: https://www.lilacmills.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilacMills

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacmillsauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilacmills

Review: The Earl's Unlikely Bride

 

One summer to make her his…

 

After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable. 

Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him.

One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when she does?

Review

Tropes are the way of life for romance novels and this one takes its tropes very seriously. It's an enemies-to-lovers with a White Knight thrown in for good measure. But while plot may be predictable, the author does an excellent job at creating unique and well-developed characters and relationships. 

One of my favorite elements was her nuanced look at what makes and breaks families. Emily struggles as her mother continuously breaks any attempt at bonding. Freddie pushes past old defenses to form lasting connections with his brother's family. The poignant growth in trust and confidence experienced by all characters made this a romance worth reading. (Also - shout out to an over-30 protagonist, love my ladies with full brain development)

This romance novel is appropriate for all readers. 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Earls-Unlikely-Bride-Dashworth-Brothers-ebook/dp/B0FBY7FL68

Author Bio – 

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. She writes historical romances for both Mills & Boon and as an Indie. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

Social Media Links – 

• https://www.facebook.com/ellamattwriter

• https://www.instagram.com/ellamatthewsauthor/

• https://x.com/ellamattauthor

• https://www.threads.net/@ellamatthewsauthor

 

Review:Secrets Among Thorns

 

She's been missing for 10 years, but can a gut feeling unravel the truth?

Carol, is a mother struggling to hold her family together in the aftermath of her brother-in-law Luke's terminal diagnosis. As Carol and her husband Darren grapple with this tragedy, their daughter Lauren mysteriously vanishes. This inciting incident sets the stage for a decade-long mystery that consumes Carol and Darren's lives, straining their already tumultuous marriage.

Years later, Brenda, a 63-year-old woman who is partially retired, becomes obsessed with Lauren's disappearance after seeing her face in a local newspaper. Despite her husband Alan's scepticism, Brenda feels a profound spiritual connection to the case and is convinced that she is meant to help uncover the truth.

Does Brenda know something she shouldn't? What secrets are the family hiding? And, who is lying?

Review

This book has a twist that will curl your toes! It was quite the payoff to this psychological and paranormal thriller. 

The book depends on the somewhat-dense protagonist who is more plot device than character. She's an unreliable narrator - an unreliable everything, really. The book could benefit from another editing round to help with pacing, character and cut some unnecessary dialogue. However, I found the plot more than enough to drive the story. I was engaged until the ending and absolutely floored by the clever ending. 

I didn't find the book offensive in any way, although readers should note that there is some strong language and profanity throughout.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5J8NLMG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5J8NLMG

Author Bio – JA Andrews is from Devon in the UK and is the author of gripping twisty psychological thrillers. As well as writing fiction, he enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching reality TV and spending time with family and friends...

Social Media Links – 

X: www.x.com/jasona1980

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonofduty

Website: www.jasona.co.uk

Review: True Love Again

 

At a Gujarati wedding in North Devon, the interfering aunties are in full force, scheming and pairing off the single people. Normally Meera avoids these gatherings, but for this wedding she can’t say no. 

Krishan, a widowed single parent, struggles with the idea of moving on - especially when no one can compare to his late wife.  And the Aunties' suggestions for a perfect match aren't helping. Then he meets Meera.

When an accident with the floral arrangements sends the pair off on a mission for replacements they develop an easy friendship. Krishan suggests to Meera that they pretend to date for the rest of the summer's events, and she agrees as long as he promises to join as a Beta tester, for her dating and new experience app. 

Krishan is reluctant, but Meera promises him it will only be a couple of times.

What could possibly go wrong?

Review

True love again was a fun, slow-burn romance set among the South Asian population of England. The south Asian culture bubbles alongside the more commonly referenced elements of English life. The book explored how these cultures coexist and clash through this second-chance love story. From the wedding at the beginning to the meddling aunties along the way, elements of Gujarati culture provide authenticity and joy to this novel. The book is breezy, fun and sigh-worthy despite some heavier emotional elements. I found this book very enjoyable but warn readers that there is some spice. The book contains open-door intimacy and heavy adult themes.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F59SWC88

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F59SWC88

 

Author Bio – 

Saz Vora is a passionate storyteller, wife and mother, and a proud voice of British Asians in multicultural Britain. Born in East Africa and raised in Coventry in the heart of the Midlands, Sazgrew up balancing the vibrant rhythms of her Gujarati Indian roots with her British upbringing. This rich cultural tapestry infuses every word she writes.

Saz’s powerful debut novels, My Heart Sings Your Song and its sequel Where Have We Come—a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2020—weave a deeply emotional tale of love, loss, family, and resilience. Based on true events, her work fearlessly explores the often-unspoken realities of baby loss within South Asian families in Britain, shining a light on stories that need to be told.

Her talent has also been recognized in short form—her poignant piece on a childhood memory, Broad Street Library was longlisted for the Spread the Word Life Writing Prize 2020.

Before embracing her calling as a writer, Saz enjoyed a successful career in television production and teaching. But storytelling has always been her true passion. Today, she crafts heartfelt narratives that reflect the layered complexities of multicultural identity, family expectations, and women’s experiences—especially those often shrouded in silence.

With a love for music, food, and film (from Bollywood to Hollywood and everything in between), her books are rich with references that connect readers to her world. Each story is a soulful blend of emotion and authenticity, written for readers who appreciate the depth and drama of South Asian family life and the power of voice in confronting taboo topics.

Social Media Links – 

Website: www.sazvora.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/saz.vora

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sazvora

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@sazvoraauthor

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sazvora