Prime Stock

 Prime Stock

The Stock Squad #4

Mel A Rowe

Reviewed by Helen

This book is the last one in this awesome series and I have loved them all but the author has left the best to last Finn Wilde, we have met Finn in the last series set in Elsie Creek and I fell for him then but when the Stock Squad started my love for him grew even more and now wow this one, what can I say is the best.

A federal auditor has been sent to Elsie Creek to close down the stock squad, it appears that no matter how well this team, run by Finn Wilde has done, the amount of cases they have cracked, the amount of cattle and crocs they have saved someone is gunning for them and Finn is determined to do his best to keep them going but when he meets the auditor Taryn Hayes let’s just say she was not what he expected.

Taryn is good at her job and ex-crim Finn Wilde is not going to stop her no matter how hard he tries to ignore her but as she interviews his team and digs deeper into all they have done maybe there is more to him and this team than she has been led to believe and what’s more she needs to find out a few other things that are dear to her personally.

Soon they are working together and trust seems to be growing as well as the spark between them and what they uncover will shake a lot of people up, things heat up in many ways and the team are working hard to get the top guy, Taryn has uncovered so much and with Finn’s maps and plans they just may have cracked to case, but will they get their man?

I have to say I have tears in my eyes will writing this and while I was reading this one knowing that it is the last book in Elsie Creek I have read and loved them all, all the characters I have met and felt that are friends including Cecil and I am going to miss this place very much and I highly recommend to any reader who loves a story that will take you on a journey through thick and thin, ups and downs, sadness and joy then these are the books to read.

This one finished with a big bang and lots of joy and happiness, I loved Taryn and Finn the banter between them had me smiling so much throughout, thank you Mel A Rowe for the hours of reading pleasure you have given me and the trips to the Top End, they are a must read.

My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.

5 stars

January 23, 2026 by R&R Ramblings House

Summer Nights in Pine Harbor

 Summer Nights in Pine Harbor

Tammy Robinson

Reviewed by Helen

A lovely romance with wonderful characters and fabulous setting, Pine Harbor, Maine summer is here, Taylor Calderwood left there twelve years ago after an accident, she married Adam and they left but now Taylor is single and her mum has begged her to return for three weeks to look after her cantankerous ninety four year old great uncle, Ray while she goes on a cruise, Taylor is now an accomplished tattoo artist and is not keen to leave her business behind in New York but Taylor arrives on her bike to the town that had meant so much to her all those years ago.

Jack Garrity has been in Pine Harbor for seven months running the restaurant and bar that his friend Hannah purchased after the death of her husband, Alex who was also Jack’s best friend Jack is bound by a promise and guilt to take care of Hannah but could this quiet town be the change that Jack needed.

When Taylor and Jack meet in a rock pool late one night they instantly hit up a friendship filled with witty banter, jests and laughs but it is not long before they are both opening up about their lives and more importantly about their past could this be the turning point for both of them and could Pine Harbor become their home?

I did love this story, it is filled with emotion and a sensual chemistry that pulled them together, and I loved Taylor and Jack and was thrilled to see them find their way to a beautiful HEA. This is one that I would highly recommend to any lover of small town romance.

My thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.

4 stars

January 12, 2026 by Boldwood Books

Greek's Royal Runaway

 Greek's Royal Runaway

Trish Morey

Reviewed by Helen

When billionaire Head of Global Recovery, Theo Mylonakos is hired by Prince Rafael head of state for the small principality of Rubanestein to find his runaway sister Princess Isabella d’Montcroix he does his research and is shocked to discover her on a small island in The Tasman Sea part of Australia, Lord Howe Island.

When Theo arrives on the island he makes short work of finding the Princess working as a waitress in a café, he soon has her staying as his apartment on the island in preparation for the early morning flight of the island only to be stranded by a cyclone, this keeps them together for a few more days will he be able to cope with the Princess that long and keep his heart intact.

Izzy has loved her weeks of freedom, her stay in Sydney and now on the tropical island but when finally someone has found her with all intentions of returning her home and Izzy is determined to not go home to what she knows awaits her, can she convince her very handsome captor, Theo to believe her? She has a couple of plans both A and B she is hoping that A will work.

The chemistry and spark flares between them as the cyclone batters the island, will Izzy still be an innocent if and when she returns home because if she has her way she will lose that on her terms. I loved this one, the setting is fabulous Izzy is so strong and shows her strength to make sure she gets her way and Theo he has his reasons for always making sure he finds and returns the person he is searching for safely, but she is getting under his skin and into his heart in so many good ways she shows him laughter and fun, is it time to move forward?

I do highly recommend this one, Trish Morey never disappoints, it is moving, sensual and filled with emotion, don’t miss this one.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

5 stars

January 13, 2026 by Mills & Boon Modern

The Ironbark Promise

 The Ironbark Promise

Leonie Kelsall

Reviewed by Helen

Another fabulous story from Leonie Kelsall, we are back in Settlers Bridge and in this one will Hamish get his HEA, I really love Hamish and have seen him through all of the stories and have been cheering him on but will a new-comer to town be the one?

Jemma Di Angelis is a lawyer and barrister she works hard and is keen to make partner in the practice that she works at in Adelaide, her father Pierce lives in Settlers Bridge with his partner Sam, but when she starts getting threatening notes her father wants her at his home to keep her safe, to say that Jemma is fiercely independent is an understatement she learnt thought the years of living with her mother to make plans with her life and changing them is not good but she agrees to come for a short stay to make new plans.

Hamish MacKenzie is farmer and mechanic he has a reputation that has grown with him in the town, he is artistic and a rogue and loved by everyone but he still hasn’t found the one, but when he meets feisty Jemma at the new Turkish restaurant in town the sparks fly she comes across as strong willed and opinionated.

But they seem to be running into each other more and more and the banter between them is so good and as they get to know each other they see the good in each other and when Jemma is in danger it is Hamish who is there for her, could they have a life together, it will be a big move for either one of them but when hearts are involved they are willing to take that chance.

This is a beautiful story, I loved Hamish and Jemma the witty banter between them is so good and had me cheering them on as they journey to a HEA was filled with ups and downs, catching up with friends I have met in previous stories was wonderful. MS Kelsall has taken on some issues that are relevant in today’s lives addiction stalking to name a couple and done it so well. I loved this one and I do highly recommend it and I really am looking forward to another trip to Settlers Bridge.

My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review.

5 stars

January 6, 2026 by Allen & Unwin AU

January Joy

 January Joy

The Enchanted Village #2

Annie Seaton

Reviewed by Helen

My second visit to this enchanted village in The Cotswolds, the village that has magical cottages, cottages that seem to be able help people heal and grow, this time it is Hawthorn Cottage that maybe will make a difference with Joanna Hartwell when she arrives in the middle of winter, feeling broken.

Joanna has lived that last ten years after her husband left her for someone else caring for her parents and now she is alone with nowhere to go except Hawthorn cottage, the cottage that was left to her by a cousin in a small village this will be a place where she can hide away until she can work out what she wants from her life now, but when she arrives she soon finds out that this cottage has made other plans for Joanna. There is magic here with fires that light themselves and plants that defy winter and are blooming in the conservatory that is always warm not matter that it is snowing outside.

Soon Mrs. Willoughby is visiting and encouraging Joanna to get out into the village visit the bookshop pick up a book to read and also explains about the enchantment of not only the cottage but the village as well and when she finally makes the trip to the bookshop she meet Hugh Morrison and there is a kindness in him and also a past grief could there be something between them, a spark?

As January moves closer to February Joanna is encouraged by her cottage and Mrs. Willoughby to start to re-think her feelings and spending time with Hugh and his daughter Emma this sees Joanna’s life changing for the better, will the cottage and the village see another person find themselves and learn to trust and move forward to find a love that they deserve?

I loved this one so much it is moving, and heart-felt and uplifting, I was smiling and cheering Joanna on throughout this one, Hugh is wonderful as is Emma, these magical cottages and the enchanting village are perfect and I highly recommend this one and am really looking forward to book three.

5 stars

December 27, 2025 by ASA

A Magic Christmas

 A Magic Christmas

The Enchanted Village #1

Annie Seaton

Reviewed by Helen

This is a beautiful romance filled with magic, Australian romantasy author, Dimity Armstrong is in England living the dream her books are doing really well and now Netflix wants to make them into a series she is thrilled but rushing in the rain to see her publisher she slips and this leaves her vision impaired at the worst possible time with her manuscript due before the end of December, with her confidence shattered she makes her way to the cottage, Pippin’s Nook that her aunt left her in the Cotswolds.

Once there with the help of her agent she realizes that she will need help getting her manuscript finished and they hire an editor to come and stay at the cottage till her story is finished, Vivian Edwards comes with fabulous references but when she arrives it turns out that Vivian is a man, how is Dimity going get him to help her write the romance scenes?

It is getting closer to Christmas and Dimity and Vivian are working well together and it appears that the cottage that her aunt had always told her was magical is working its wonders it appears to be enchanted with little things happening all the time but as the book gets written Vivian and Dimity are feeling a pull towards each other they are opening up and talking more and more and it feels like the cottage is pushing them together, will they find their HEA, will Dimity get her sight back?

This is a fabulous story, I loved the enchanted cottage and village, wonderful characters and a gorgeous story, this is one that I would highly recommend, I loved it. I am looking forward to more in the series.

5 stars

November 25, 2025 by ASA

The Warrior's Vow

 The Warrior's Vow

Unbreakable SEALs #3

Charlee James

Reviewed by Helen

Charlee James takes her readers on another fabulous journey filled with intense emotion and danger as SEAL Sully Carter rescues Jane Laurier from The Amazon River after she and others have been kidnapped by human traffickers, he saves her from drowning and she ensures that he survives being shot in the process.

Jane is a nurse and travels the world helping where she can this is the most dangerous job she has been on, she has been hurt many times in her life and finds it very hard to accept that anyone would care for her the way this man, Sully has, this is all new to her and he makes her feel so special, he saved her life and she is determined that he will survive and she becomes his biggest protector, as her heart grows with love, could this really be happening to her.

Sully has been injured before in the line of duty but never this bad and his stay in hospital is all the better for having this beautiful caring woman, Jane by his side, he knows his heart is hers and no matter what they go through he will be there for her and show her that there is love and caring in this world and that she deserves it.

Their journey to a HEA is fraught with danger but from a place neither thought it would be after all they have been through but their love grows and the protector in both of them stands firm as they grow closer every day and Jane soon finds herself with friends and for the first time she knows what true love is and Sully is filled with all the love and happiness..

I did very much love this story, danger and love abound in this one and I highly recommend it, catching up with friends form past books was fabulous and I am hoping that Jude gets his story.

My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.

4 stars

January 8, 2026 by Tule Publishing

Festive Fix

 Festive Fix

Anna Foxkirk

Reviewed by Helen

Three witty and fun romances set at Christmas time, all with different characters, different locations and all made me smile.

Merry Hell
Meredith (Merry) is getting married today to Jason yes it is Christmas but that is just what she wanted, but things don’t go to plan when Merry is jilted at the altar, the best man Mike who Merry has known since they were at school steps in to make sure she is OK but does he have other reasons could it be that he wants Merry and what about Merry when she really thinks about her feelings. This one is filled with lots of fun.

The First Noelle
Noelle has just broken up with her boss, boyfriend and decides that she will be maid of honour at her best friend’s wedding, but that means a trip to New Zealand, the trip over is terrible she is crammed between two men, one of whom although very good looking makes her blood boil for the wrong reasons and she is hoping not to see him again but life throws curve balls and it appears that the obnoxious man, Sam is the best man, Christmas day on the beach will change Noelle’s life.

Holly Ever After
What happens when New Zealander, Holly who is teaching in England gets locked in a stationary room with grounds man, Scottish Clyde, overnight well the sparks will fly could this be the turning of their lives could they find love?

I did very much enjoy these three stories, I think Holly and Clyde were my favourites, all three stories had me laughing and cheering them on, these stories are described by the author a messy, fun rom coms and I totally agree, if you are looking for short Christmas stories that will brighten your day then this book is one I highly recommend.

4 stars

November 18, 2025

Boss's Christmas Baby Acquisition

 Boss's Christmas Baby Acquisition

Dani Collins

Reviewed by Helen

This is a fabulous story, awesome characters and beautiful locations, San Francisco, Paris, Spain and England when Siobhan Upton gets a new job she is thrilled but riding in the elevator she meets handsome stranger and a night of pleasure is had this is something that Siobhan has never done before, but now is time to start her new life in Spain.

When she arrives at her new workplace she discovers that her new CEO is the stranger she shared her night with Joaquin Valezquez, the sparks fly when they meet again and then a week later Siobhan discovers she is pregnant and it is not what either of them wanted, there is tension all around as Joaquin is taking over the family business from his estranged father and he fears that Siobhan will be in danger.

Children were never what Joaquin wanted but he will make sure that both Siobhan and the baby are safe but can he keep his heart safe from falling in love no matter how his heart yearns for her, Christmas is coming and the festive season sees them going to a party with Siobhan’s wealthy family is this what he wants family?

I loved this one so much, both Siobhan and Joaquin have had things happen in their pasts that have made them who they are today but is it time to look to the future and find the love and happiness that they both deserve? I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a romance that is moving and emotional, sigh worthy.

My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.

5 stars

November 25, 2025 by Harlequin Presents

Capturing the Single Dad's Heart

 Capturing the Single Dad's Heart

Kate Hardy

Reviewed by Helen

The week before spinal surgeon Nate Townsend starts his new job, his ex-wife sends his thirteen year old daughter Caitlin to live with him, yes he loves his daughter but a teenager who is not happy, but Nate is doing his best to make her happy.

Dr. Erin Leyton is a neurologist, Erin is such a caring and giving person and when after a meeting with the neurological team about the sensory garden that she has put a lot of effort into causes the new boss to ask lots of questions she feels there is something else bothering him and sets out to help and when he opens up about his daughter Caitlin, Erin is immediately drawn to helping her and Nate and soon her heart is wanting more than friendship but with Erin’s past she knows that love will never come her way.

The last thing Nate was looking for was love, he needs to think of Caitlin but soon Erin is working her way into his heart could there be a chance if he can only convince Erin that she is worthy of love, she is always trying to help others it is time that she is the one to be helped.

I picked this one from my TBR pile for a challenge I am doing and I am so glad I did what a beautiful moving and emotional story, fabulous characters I loved Nate, Erin and Caitlin and the gardens they visited, I do highly recommend this one.

5 stars

July 1, 2016 by Harlequin Medical Romances