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

Safe Haven at Wagtail Ridge

 Safe Haven at Wagtail Ridge

Janet Gover

Reviewed by Helen

Another fabulous visit to Wagtail Ridge, this is a heart-warming and beautiful story in a lovely setting with wonderful characters, come along and meet Vet, Anna Prentiss and RFS firefighter Justin Turner, I am sure you will find it hard to put this one down.

Anna moved to Wagtail Ridge three years ago after she was badly scarred in an accident, here she starts a new life and feels OK walking around town and helping animals but she knows she will never find love but the Knitting club matchmakers have a different opinion.

When firefighter Justin arrives in town with his identical twin brother Ben to train volunteers for the RFS and help protect the town form bushfires he meets the local vet Anna and he doesn’t see her scars he sees a beautiful and caring woman, but he and Ben also run into their estranged mother, Carol know as the Koala Lady, Justin wants to mend the bridge between them but Ben is still not happy with his mother he cannot let the past go.

Justin asks Anna out to dinner and the it does not go well but there is no way he is going to give up one her and soon they are opening up to each other and getting closer, it is looking like there will be a future for them but when a bushfire comes very close to Wagtail Ridge lives are in danger as well as properties, will everyone be safe?

I did love this story I loved Anna and Justin and they both deserve love and happiness, the matchmakers in town have got it right again, MS Gover explained the way bushfires rage in the dry countryside so well, I do highly recommend this one, a truly lovely story, I am sure the reader will be left feeling very happy.

My thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

5 stars

December 30, 2025 by HQ Fiction

Power Moves

 Power Moves

Leesa Ronald

Reviewed by Helen 

Another fabulous story from Leesa Ronald, she has a way of making her characters come to life on the pages and the banter is witty and fun even when she is taking on issues that are very important in today’s society, I loved meeting Camilla and Archie and I am sure you will as well.

Camilla (Millsy) Hatton is a total workaholic, she loves her job as a media specialist for the state MP for Education, she never stops even though she is missing family engagements but it is all worth it so as they can win the election, or is it?

But there is Archie Cohen political journalist and yes they went to university together but that was years ago and now he seems to be always there and it seems that he is determined to bring her boss down and that will mean she has no job either and that is the last thing Millsy wants.

But things seem to be moving in a different direction lately and that is not what Millsy wants and she is sure that Archie doesn’t want it wither but can they control their feelings as things heat up big time in the election campaign.

Millsy has things in her past that she wants to keep there nothing bad just her feelings and it seems that Archie is determined to bring them out and with her more news about her boss breaking, a trip to Wagga Wagga for a press do sees Millsy thinking differently about Boss, could things that are being said be true, is it time that Millsy starts listening to what not only her sister is saying but Archie as well?

I loved Archie he is the best and Millsy put everyone before herself could they find love and happiness in the political world they both travel in? If you love a good rom com then this is one to pick up, there is lots of emotions flowing through the words, the banter is excellent, I did very much enjoy this one and I am sure readers will as well.

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

4 stars

December 2, 2025 by Allen & Unwin

Barrington Magic

 Barrington magic

Barrington Series #11

Susan Mackie

Reviewed by Helen

I have said it before and I will say it again when I pick up one of Susan Mackie’s Barrington books I feel like I am walking into a big hug from family and friends and this one is such a gorgeous magical Christmas story, wow I loved it.

It is fast approaching Christmas and Barrington is suffering because of drought and young Evie is questioning if Santa is real, thanks to a young kid at school and her mum and partner Jamie are determined to make sure she has the best Christmas ever.

Young Vet Freddie who left Barrington a couple of years ago after a bit of trouble with Lucas wants to come home, how will not only Lucas but the rest of the town feel about that?

The chamber of commerce is trying to come up with suggestions to bring back the tourists who make such a difference to the small town, Hanna is thinking about something different relating to Christmas and the main street when her boyfriend Harry comes up with the best plan that involves Christmas lights things that are so nostalgic to so many people and especially for the children, with Harry and Lucas starting a new business involving wine tours this could be just the thing.

Will everything go to plan, will the true magic of Barrington rise and ensure a success to this fabulous Christmas event and what about the friends we have gotten to know will there be more HEA’s will Evie truly discover the magic of Christmas?

I loved this one so much it truly is a beautiful story, so moving, poignant and touching, I smiled and cried happy tears with this visit to Barrington and I can highly recommend this one enough but read the whole series you will not be sorry, happy sighs from this reader.

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

5 stars

December 21, 2025 by Small Town Publishing

Forbidden Cinderella in His Castello

 Forbidden Cinderella in His Castello

Michelle Douglas

Reviewed by Helen

Oh MS Douglas you have taken me on a magical trip to the Italian Riviera, with a castle and grumpy hero and a bright, full of positive energy off limits heroine I loved getting to know Enzo and Sadie come along and meet them.

Enzo Lombardi has holed himself in his family Castello after an accident that could have taken his life, Enzo is brooding and grumpy and has decided that love will never be for him not only because of his last girlfriend but because of his father and grandfather, so when his half-sister Chelsea asks her best friend Sadie to come and sort out the old toys in the attic, he agrees after all the Sadie he knew was quiet and shy, all should be good.

When Sadie who is an antique expert is asked by her friend to take a trip to Italy and sort through some old toys and maybe keep any eye on her injured brother she jumps at the chance this is what she needs to be able to stay away from her estranged mother she is convinced that the crush she had on Enzo all those years ago is gone, they are both different people now, that stolen kiss years before changed things then, they are from such different worlds after all Sadie is from working class Australia.

When Sadie arrives Enzo is shocked this Sadie is filled with sunshine and energy, she is witty and soon she is making this grumpy man smile, and for Sadie she feels his new scars add to his handsomeness and Enzo is soon building Sadie’s confidence making her see that she should not be putting herself down, the pull between them grows and they decide on a fling but only a fling no hearts are to be involved they are friends with benefits.

This is such a gorgeous story, fun, witty, moving and sensual as Enzo and Sadie do what they were not supposed to do and that is fall in love but will they open up and own the love that is there? I loved this one so much and highly recommend it, a gorgeous setting, wonderful characters, Sadie is filled with everything happy and Enzo is caring and loving and they make the best couple, I was smiling after finishing this one.

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

5 stars

December 16, 2025 by Mills & Boon Forever

Risky Passion

 Risky Passion

Wolf Security #5

Kendall Talbot

Reviewed by Helen

A fabulous end to the series and we got a lot of answers that I had been wanting throughout this fast paced, action packed series one that I have thoroughly enjoyed and I will miss all of the characters that I have met through two series.

When border force pilot Tory Armstrong is out on a routine flight, when her surveillance captures a suspicious vessel in the water and they are throwing bags overboard and the unthinkable they shoot her plane down where she lands in a crocodile infested mangrove swamp and she runs.

K9 Ops commander Jaxson Callahan is searching the old Angelsong Orphanage for more skeletons from missing children with his German Shepherd Onyx when he learns that a plane has gone down close to where he is he leaves his triplet brother Whitney with the new body that have just found and takes off with Onyx to find the missing pilot.

When he locates Tory she is being chased by armed men shots are being fired and there are crocodiles and a lot of other beastly things but when on the run a police car arrives they let their breaths out but they could be very wrong about this rescue.

They take off again on their way back to Angelsong danger following them but what they find there is even more shocking a dead policeman a fire in the old building and where is Whitney?
Trusting people in this area is getting harder all the time and Jaxson and his brothers are determined to share what they know with very few people but that does include the Alpha Tactical group and they are uncovering more clues along the way will they discover who B is finally? Will Jaxson and Tory find their way to a HEA?

Fabulous book, what this author puts her characters through will have you on the edge of your seat, I am hoping that there might be another spin off from this one, fingers crossed. I do highly recommend this one to any reader who loves a good thriller/romance but read them in order.

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

4 stars

June 6, 2025

Forbidden Princess's Billionaire Bodygurard

 Forbidden Princess's Billionaire Bodyguard

Annie West

Reviewed by Helen

Annie West you know your way to my heart with a Greek hero and I loved Fotis and Princess Rosamund, perfect for each other in my opinion but will they get over the hurdles that their pasts have left behind?

Princess Rosamund does not want any more security she has had enough of it but when her brother, King Leon insists that she have at least one bodyguard and friend of his who will protect her after there has been a bit of trouble with a male from her past, he assures Rosa that this man will stay by her side and they can act as a couple which should make it easier for her, but will it, will it change her life? Her reaction to meeting this tall handsome man shocks Rosa.

Fotis Mavridis has agreed to help a friend by playing bodyguard to his sister not something that he wants to do she is a spoilt Princess as far as he knows and he has no time for women like this but he will ensure that the princess is kept safe and protected although at their first meeting he feels a chemistry like never before.

Time spent together, temptation grows as they get to know each other, both of them have had a past that has molded them in the way they think, as they open up to each at Fotis’s Greek home the pull is too hard to ignore hearts are opening up but will they recognise them, will they be strong enough to be honest about how they feel?

I loved this one it is a beautiful story, I loved Rosamund she is so strong and Fotis what a hero they really do belong together even if it takes them a bit to get there, filled with emotion this sensual romance took me on a fabulous trip to Paris and Greece and I do highly recommend it, it left this reader smiling. Thank you MS. West for another keeper.

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

5 stars

December 16, 2025 by Mills & Boon Modern

A Shearer's Run

 A Shearer's Run

Shearer's Arms #1

Laurelle Cousins

Reviewed by Helen

Another fabulous read from one of my favourite authors, I love the way MS Cousins can make me feel I am in a shearing shed I can hear the shears going and the talk among the workers and I loved meeting LJ and Poppy and the team from Take Two Shearing, come along and meet them all.

Lincoln John Tanner known as LJ and his best mate Sam have just purchased a Shearer’s Run against a lot of advice but they are determined to make it all work but then there is a tragedy and now just LJ is running the business and he is struggling with guilt and trying to get growers to take them on as shearers for their farms but he needs a new classer and he meets Poppy Fletcher but can he promise her full time work, because promises he seems to break.

Poppy has arrived in Tasmania to try and get her confidence back after her reputation was trashed at the last job after black wool was found in the clip, when handsome LJ offers her a job she takes it but soon the work is running out and Poppy needs full time work otherwise she may have to make her father happy and change jobs the last things she wants.

There is a chemistry between Poppy and LJ at their first meeting but there are many ups and downs especially when Poppy’s ex and LJ”s ex arrive and the another contractor offering some of the Take Two team work when they need it, and LJ is being investigated over the accident that took Sam, will the truth all come out and will the farmers start to trust Take Two and will Poppy and LJ find their way to a HEA that they both deserve?

I loved this one from start to finish, MS Cousins brings all of these wonderful characters to life on the pages makes everything so real, it is moving, emotional and heart-warming and truly I felt it all, I do highly recommend this one and yay it is the start to a new series so we will be visiting Tasmania again and I can’t wait.

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

5 stars

December 15, 2025 by LCP