Second Chance Under the Mistletoe

 Second Chance Under the Mistletoe

Family Reunion in London #1

Kandy Shepherd

Reviewed by Helen

My first Christmas story this year and what a beautiful one it is, second chance romance for Natalie and Jon, set in London at Christmas time and I thoroughly enjoyed touring all the Christmas delights that London has to offer, come along as well.

Natalie married at the age of eighteen to the man she loved Jon, they were so young, Natalie was pregnant and her parents insisted that they marry, the pregnancy was not an easy one and when Clementine arrived it was hard and with the constant pushing by her parents, Jon soon took a job in Australia to earn enough money for a place of their own but in the end that pulled them apart and Natalie married Hugo who took on being a father to Clem, now Natalie is widowed and Clem wants a true family Christmas with her father, Natalie is not impressed with this but will not hurt her daughter.

Jon was devastated all those years ago when Natalie and he divorced he got on with his life missing not only Natalie but his daughter Clem as well but now he is a very wealthy man and when Clem wants him to spend Christmas with her and her mother Jon agrees but wonders how it will all turn out.

They decide to spend some time together before Christmas Day to ensure things run smoothly but this in the end just ramps up the pull they still have between them they both have never forgotten each other and finally see that the interference from other people caused a lot of hurt in their marriage will a holiday fling fix that or make them want more?

I loved this one from start to finish, filled with emotion it is a moving and beautiful story in such a glorious setting, Jon and Natalie are fabulous as is Clem their daughter, I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good romance with Christmas thrown in.

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

5 stars

October 28, 2025 by Harlequin Romance 

Saltwater Place

 Saltwater Place

Saltwater Romance #3

Rhonda Forrest

Reviewed Helen

Another glorious story in this fabulous series, I felt like I was on Stradbroke Island and I loved my trip, come along and catch up with the McIntosh family and get to know Grace MacCullagh as she arrives from Ireland.

Grace has arrived back in Australia to make a new Grace or so she says things got a bit out of hand back home and she needed a new start so back to visit her sister Kate and the McIntosh family although she is not planning on getting close to Jasper after their time spent together after Kate and Lachie’s wedding no way is she starting that up again, no matter how he pushes her buttons.

Jasper has never forgotten the night he spent with Grace after his brother’s wedding but it did not end well when he left to go on a surfing trip and now she is back here and still the same person she was six months ago she has a tongue so sharp and she says what she thinks and that is not in his favour but that spark they had before is still there could there be a slim chance?

This story is brilliant, the journey towards a maybe HEA is pushed along by Jasper’s grandfather Carlo as Grace takes Carlo on outings Jasper is fuming at times with what they do but underneath they are both burning up with feelings for each other, but when they start working together to unfold a very old mystery and Jasper decides that he really wants Grace can he break down the walls that she has built to show her how much love they share?

This one is witty, fun and fabulous I loved it from start to finish and I do highly recommend it Grace is the best she is awesome and made me laugh and smile and Jasper is so very good for Grace, I can’t wait for the next one in the series there are a few McIntosh’s to find their HEA yet.

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

5 stars

August 23, 2025 by Valeena Press

The Lightning Ridge Ladies

 The Lightning Ridge Ladies

Fiona McArthur

Reviewed by Helen

Fiona McArthur has taken me on another fabulous trip to Lightning Ridge for a story that is moving, heartfelt and awesome, such awesome characters a story line that has everything, romance, suspense and mystery and is a must read.

Dr. Bella Grey is heart-broken after the death of her twin William and when her older brother Dr. Konrad Grey asks her to takeover the OPAL medical entre so as he and his wife Riley can take their overdue honeymoon, Bella is more than happy to do so she needs a change and just maybe this might help her investigate what happened to William in the months leading up to his death because he was in Lightning Ridge when he went missing, can she get some answers?

Lightning Ridge is very different from her home town of Port Macquarie and her city roots but she feels welcomed as soon as she arrives, meeting The Lightning Ridge Ladies and Meesha opal jeweller who she becomes friends with very easily and then there is TJ the man in black he is gruff and big but Bella finds out that he was a friend of William’s and she is more than determined to ensure that she gets under his skin until he answers her questions.

Bella does what no one else has and that is get close to TJ and together they are soon searching for answers about William and the more time they spend together the more TJ is opening up to Bella about his tragic past, could this be a turning point in both of their lives, could they find a HEA that is what they both deserve?

I loved this one so much, it truly has everything in it friendship, there is nothing like a friend to help you through tough times and Meesha and Bella have each other’s backs and the other Lightning Ridge Ladies are there as well and then the romance of what a gorgeous romance TJ is the best and Bella she shows such strength and courage throughout this story and never gives up, it is witty and had me laughing and smiling all the way through as well as tears, I highly recommend this one, a fabulous story a fabulous setting and such awesome characters, don’t miss this one.

My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin AU for my digital copy to read and review.

5 stars

September 16, 2025 by Penguin eBooks

Headstrong Cowboy

 Headstrong Cowboy

Montana's Rodeo Cowboys #2

Nicole Flockton

Reviewed by Helen

Chrysanthemum (Chrissy) Bloom has returned home to the family flower farm in Marietta after the death of her father and discovers that the farm is in financial trouble being an accountant Chrissy is determined to fix things so as family they can keep it going but her mother is determined to sell, Chrissy plans to change her mind and enters the Copper Mountain Rodeo, it is years since she has done barrel racing but the prize money will go a long way to help keep the farm going.

Ryder Chamberlain’s bull riding career ended after a nasty accident and when he finds a letter from his late mother he finally finds a link to his family and that brings him to Marietta looking to buy land that had once belonged to his family and start a ranch, he finds that Bloom Flower Farm is on part of the land and gets wind that it might be up for sale but then he meets Chrissy Bloom and finds that getting what he wants is not going to be easy.

On their first meeting there is a spark and the more time they spend together the more that spark grows but secrets are kept and this looks like pulling them apart, can they find a way to act on what their hearts are feeling and become a couple and do what they both want?

I did love this one, it is a beautiful romance with wonderful characters, I loved Chrissy and Ryder and was cheering them one, and I do highly recommend this one, it is sure to leave any romance reader smiling.

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

5 stars

September 10, 2025 by Tule Publishing

Unforgettable Cowboy

 Unforgettable Cowboy

Montana's Rodeo Cowboys #1

Jeannie Watt

Reviewed by Helen

First book in a new series and it is a second chance romance for Bailey and Hayes and of course we are back in my favourite town of Marietta for The Copper Mountain Rodeo, come along for a beautiful story.

Bailey Logan has returned to her home town after a long absence she is a silversmith these days and travelling around selling her beautiful work but she is also helping her friend at the by looking after a horse that is mixed up in a divorce settlement, so when her neighbour Wade Matthews offers to keep the horse in his barn for Bailey to help on his ranch this has worked out well until Wade has a fall and his eldest nephew Hayes arrives at the ranch to help, she has never forgotten Hayes after all these years especially the way she left him.

Hayes returns to Fort Tree ranch to help his injured uncle and he is shocked to find Bailey there and the horse in the barn, Bailey was his first love and he has never forgotten her and it seems that the spark is still there but he knows she is covering something up and this could lead to danger.

This is a beautiful romance I loved Bailey and Hayes so much, Bailey left all those years ago because of her fears after the life she had lead with her mother and step-father even though she knows that Hayes is not like her step-father but back together now her fears are still there, Hayes is determined to get to the truth of why Bailey left before and soon they are talking and falling back together but can they move on to the future with love and happiness, and stay safe.

I do highly recommend this one, a moving and emotional story with awesome characters.

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

5 stars

September 4, 2025 by Tule Publishing

Sharing Forever in Hope Creek

 Sharing Forever in Hope Creek

Alyssa J Montgomery

Reviewed by Helen

I loved my second trip to Hope Creek, we met the three young woman, who had been fostered by Margaret and Jim in book one and saw Stella find her HEA this time lets see if Callie can find hers after a very traumatic childhood Callie settled in well with her foster parents and two foster sisters and she was determined to always be good and sensible but when Stella had her accident Callie decides to live a little and had a one night stand that leaves consequences.

Callie returns to Hope Creek Station the place that she has called home for many years for Stella and Mitch’s wedding she has taken some leave from her event planning job and has opened up to her family about the baby. She is shocked when her one night stand Jack arrives to be groomsman at the wedding, was it fate that brought them back together?

Jack Marshall three months ago had the best night of his life and never forgot the woman he spent it with but when she had gone in the morning there was no way to find her but coming to Hope Creek for his best friend’s wedding sees him reuniting with Callie and with shocking news that he is going to be a father, something he had never wanted, but Jack will never not take on his responsibilities, could they have a future together?

Jack is looking at a business proposal in Hope Creek when things turn deadly and this brings back memories from Callie’s childhood and tears them apart but will Callie be able to step up and face her past to help Jack and run with the feelings in her heart?

I did love this one and highly recommend it, Callie and Jack are just the best together and catching up with the other characters from Hope Creek was fabulous and I am looking forward to Morgan’s story now. Thank you MS Montgomery for another beautiful romance that had me cheering them on with a smile, it is filled with emotion and very moving.

My thanks to Netgalley and Escape Publishing for my copy to read and review.

5 stars

September 1, 2025 by Escape Publishing

Prince She Shouldn't Crave

 Prince She Shouldn't Crave

Royal House of Halrovia #2

Kali Anthony

Reviewed by Helen

Crown Prince of Halrovia, Gabriel Montroy does not like the media, for good reasons but he has always put his kingdom and people first, his parents the King and Queen have very strong views and are still old school so when he, with his sister’s help hires a PR consultant Lena Rosetti he did not realise that his life would change so much is it for the better?

Lena has grown up in a family with an absent father, a father she must never speak of and now she is making sure her mother and brother have a roof over their heads and when she takes on PR Consultant for Crown Prince Gabriel she is determined to do what is needed to be done to show his people that he is a person and not so serious, getting him to open up is not easy, she feels that he is keeping something from her and the longer she is with him the more she craves The Prince she shouldn’t.

Both Gabriel and Lena have secrets that they do not want known but their hearts are opening up like never before the desire that grows in each of them is soon hard to ignore but can they keep it just as a fling without hearts breaking?

I loved this one Lena and Gabriel are just made for each other in my mind and their journey to a HEA does not run smoothly after all Lena is a commoner and Gabriel a Prince can they become one very happy couple? I do highly recommend this one it is sensual, emotional and fabulous, don’t miss this one.

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

5 stars

August 26, 2025 by Harlequin Presents

What the Cowboy Wants

 What the Cowboy Wants

The Westons of Montana #3

Elsa Winckler

Reviewed by Helen

We met Rose Dalton when she arrived in Marietta, a mess of tears, for four months she has slowly healed somewhat with the help of the Ladies who she has become close to and now she feels it is time to open up to them the only problem is that animal whisper and handsome cowboy Cooper Weston is invited by his mother to join the get together so Rose can explain her past life, the life of an influencer that went horribly wrong with the help of her cousin and the man she was seeing.

Cooper Weston is a man who feels everyone’s emotions and it is hard, he prefers to spend his time with animals and is a well know animal whisperer, but when he first meets the new lady in town when she runs her car off the road the feels he gets off her are very strong, although they are living in the same town they seem to avoid each other until he cannot anymore when he hears her story the pain and hurt is hard for Cooper to take. He struggles finding someone to spend his life with because of the way he feels but could Rose be the one who opens the wall he has built around his heart.

After what Rose has been through love is not what she is looking for but Cooper is someone she cannot ignore and with her friends and Cooper’s family playing matchmaker her heart doesn’t have a chance, but things don’t go smoothly there are lots of ups and downs, will they find the love and happiness that they both deserve?

A beautiful romance that I loved it is moving and filled with emotion and the animals add so much to this story, it is one that I highly recommend and am looking forward to the next one.

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

4 stars

August 26, 2025 by Tule Publishing

The Swiss Chocolatier

 The Swiss Chocolatier

European Tycoons #3

Leanne Lovegrove

Reviewed by Helen

Sapphire Banks was living the dream life in a small town in The Hinterland engaged to the man she loved and loving her job as chocolatier at Hinterland Chocolate and then in a moment everything change her fiancé Jamie up and left and she was miserable, unknown to her, her boss Seb entered into a competition to win a three month trip to Austria to become Mentee to a top European chocolatier and she finds herself on her way to Hallstatt Austria excited and scared at the same time, but when she arrives and discovers who her mentor is just rocks her so much.

James White left home five years ago and has become one of the best chocolatiers in Europe he has done well for himself and has put the past behind him but when his ex-fiancé arrives to be mentored by him everything comes rushing back, he must continue and not think about the love they shared all those years ago, but will he be able to control his heart?

What a gorgeous story, second chance romance, such a beautiful setting, Hallstatt and Switzerland and Sapphire and James, I loved them both so much I loved seeing them as they worked together and did their best to not open up their hearts again, it is heartfelt and heart-warming then of course there is the chocolate oh my goodness, the chocolate is amazing and how I wished I had some to eat while reading. I loved the dogs as well they are beautiful.

This is a beautifully told story, Leanne Lovegrove has bought to life the characters and taken me on a gorgeous trip to chocolate country, I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a fabulous romance it is sure to leave you smiling (and wanting chocolate). I am looking forward to the next book a trip to Tuscany.

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

5 stars

September 5, 2025

The Reluctant Farm-her

 The Reluctant Farm-her

Settlers Hill #1

Laurelle Cousins

Reviewed by Helen

Charlotte Redding left her family’s sheep station Sheepwash Creek six years ago after a tragic accident took the life of her brother James, her and James were always going to run the station with their father and eventually take over but hurt and angry Charlotte left home and her boyfriend and neighbour Fraser Pierce, moved to Melbourne and became a physiotherapist and now owns her own business but after the loss of her beloved father, Charlotte is home to tie up ends and sell Sheepwash Creek but is that what she really wants to do?

Fraser has grown up on Trentham Park merino station and was always close to the Redding’s best friend to James and boyfriend to Charlotte and very close to their parents, he has been broken hearted since Charlotte left and he lost James but she is back now and he will do everything in his power to get her to stay but with his father doing his best to ensure she leaves and for them to purchase Sheepwash Creek keeping Charlotte here and convincing her that he still loves her is not going to be easy.

I loved this one from start to finish, it is filled with emotion, it is moving and I loved Charlotte and Fraser, the strength and courage shown by Charlotte as she takes on running the station and deciding what she should do in the future, will that include Fraser and will she a s a woman prove the naysayers wrong? Then Fraser wow what he will do to keep Charlotte there and prove his love, what a hero. Will they find their HEA there is a lot going on including missing wool and some not so nice people and police involved?

This story has so much going for it, true farm life with wonderful food, vanilla slice anyone? wonderful characters and of course animals that play a big part, you have to meet Brutus the ram and Lewie the sheepdog and then you have Gus and Ross who I have met before and loved, this is a story that I would highly recommend, it is fabulous and left me smiling and wanting more.

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

5 stars

August 29, 2025 by LCP