Stockman's Showdown

 Stockman's Showdown

Stockman Series #4

Mel A Rowe

Reviewed by Helen

This book blew me away, I laughed so loud, I cried bucketful’s, I was cheering as I read this one, I have loved Bree so much since meeting her in book one and of course grumpy Ryder as well, could they make a couple and a future together and find the love that is so deserved?

Since billionaire Ryder Riggs purchased The Elsie Creek Station the caretaker, Charlie’s granddaughter Bree has been a thorn in his side, she is a feisty outlaw who knows how to push his buttons in every way she can but she is the only woman that Ryder has ever thought he could love but she hates him, she calls in cupcake why?

Bree is feisty and strong as the caretaker’s granddaughter she does not work for the Riggs Brothers she is here for her Pop and her Pop is one person that she will do anything for even go on another muster with the brothers and their partners, how on earth did her and Ryder end up alone together at a waterfall and talking amongst other things, one kiss but Bree is never going near love again she has been through so much and her heart will not risk any more hurt.

This last muster and a stampede has uncovered secrets from the past that throw a twist into the case of Charlie’s missing brother and as Ryder and Bree work together to get the answers for Charlie their time together is heating up the spark between them is growing, and Bree cannot ignore the feeling but is it what she really wants, can she break the walls own that she has built around her heart. Ryder does and he is going all out to prove to Bree that a future together is possible.
Of course things never run smoothly with Elsie Creek’s Neighbour causing problems again and danger is lurking but Ryder will do everything in his power to not only keep Elsie Creek safe but the woman he loves Bree safe as well.

This last book was brilliant, I absolutely loved my trip to Elsie Creek Station and the Top End again and am very sad to see it end but the ending had to come and it was perfect, Bree and Ryder are made for each other the best HEA, there were smiles and tears from this very happy reader.

I cannot highly recommend this one enough but you must read the series in order they are a rollercoaster ride of sensual romance, suspense, danger and emotions, filled with the best characters and the setting is awesome, don’t miss this series.

I can’t wait for another Mel A Rowe story and a trip to the Top End.

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

5 stars

January 23, 2025 by R&R Ramblings House

The Secrets of Willow Bay

 The Secrets of Willow Bay

Temple River #4

Phillipa Nefri Clark

Reviewed by Helen

Once again MS Nefri Clark has taken me on a moving emotional journey, to a place that I feel very at home, River’s End this time can there be a second chance at love and friendship after everything that happened twenty five years ago, come along and meet Joanna, Lucas and Roslyn and see how things pan out when secrets and mystery are uncovered.

Joanna ran twenty five years ago when she felt so very betrayed by her best friend Roslyn she left behind her first love and a secret that she has done her best to bury deep, when she followed her parents to Queensland and left her aunt in Willow Bay she asked them never to bring up Willow Bay or her friend Roslyn and as time when on, although giving up her wish to be a fashion designer she found her place travelling the world as a fashion buyer, she has stayed single never forgetting her first love. But when a letter arrives she must now go back and face what she left behind.

Arriving back in the place she loved so much has her emotions flying in all directions and one of the first people she runs into is Lucas her heart jumps but he still has a place in her heart after all that happened not knowing what has gone on with Lucas and Roslyn has Joanna presuming what happened, which is probably not a good thing, will she ever be able to put the past behind her and find out exactly what happened?

With parts of a yacht washing up on the beach the reason she in in Willow Bay, Joanna worries about what this could mean for her is she partly to blame after that terrible night all those years ago? Getting to know Lucas and Roslyn again is so good but can she open up and tell them what really happened the night she ran, and she fears that she is in danger now with more questions than answers with more bits and pieces of the yacht washing up.

I did love this one so much, it is so well written the author has bought the characters to life on the pages I felt all of the emotions. The anger, the hurt, the pain and the love that still flows between friends and first loves, this is a story that I would highly recommend, and it has a bit of everything in it mystery, romance and a fabulous story.

This one is going to stay with me for a long time to come, many thanks MS Nefri Clark for a wonderful story.

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

5 stars

January 21, 2025 by Storm Publishing

Dr. Alaska

 Dr. Alaska

Yukon Valley #1

Jillian David

Reviewed by Helen

I loved this one, it is a fabulous romance the setting is just the best, The Yukon Valley in Alaska, wonderful characters, it is witty, fun and so romantic, come along for a trip to the wilds of Alaska and meet Lee and Mav and the many other awesome characters who live here.

Dr. Lee Tippon has just been through the worse divorce that has left her not in a good financial position and her decision to run to the ends of the earth from warm Georgia and take on a three month temporary position at the Yukon Valley Hospital might just be life changing that is if she can last through the freezing cold, first thing to do get warm clothes and better boots. On her drive to the hospital Lee pulls over to help with an accident here she meets an arrogant and cocky paramedic, he is easy on the eyes but love and a relationship is the last thing on Lee’s mind at the moment.

Maverick Steen has grown up in The Yukon Valley and loves where he lives and he has learnt that dating outsiders is not a good idea, but when he meets the new locum he needs to tell his brain and heart that again and again because she soon gets under his skin, but will she love his babies, his sled dogs and the home that he and his sister love so much?

Lee soon realizes that she loves this small close knit community and that her heart is very open to Maverick and his babies and his bed, they not only work well together when needed the chemistry and spark is growing, but can they make this work, if the rest of the community has its way it looks like a good chance.

I did love this story, I laughed and smiled throughout, Lee and Maverick make such a fabulous couple and of course the setting is just so very good, I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good romance. This is my first book from MS David but I am looking forward to more.

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

5 stars

January 14, 2025 by Tule Publishing

Wings Above the Mallee

 Wings Above the Mallee

Leonie Kelsall

Reviewed by Helen

This is a moving, emotional, heartfelt and heartwarming story all rolled into one, with another visit to Settlers Bridge, one of my favourite places to be we catch up with friends that we know and we meet bush pilot Amelia Fraser and widower Heath Brennan, two people going through grief and hurt, will they find love and happiness together, can two wounded souls help each other, this is a must read.

When Amelia lost everything she ran or flew off in her small plane with her rescue animals Dusty the magpie, and Biggles the possum because they are easy to talk to, she picks up temporary office work and does her best to not get close to people because losing them hurts too much. She finds herself in the small town of Settlers Bridge will this place change her life?

Heath is haunted by the accident that took his wife’s life he has bought a farm in Settlers Bridge and is a recluse, his father Sean and daughter Charlee are there as well but both have their own demons to cope with Charlee is nineteen now and is nothing like the daughter she used to be, struggling with drugs and university, Heath struggles to find a way to make things change, the blame she holds against her father is huge, will this small town and its residents help bring them back to together?

When Heath and Amelia meet when Amelia hangers her plane on their property there is a connection, a small one but when Amelia jumps in to help rescue a lamb things start to move between them and soon she is looking after two lambs, Charlee likes Amelia and this brings Heath and Amelia closer together but there are a lot of hills to climb before they can find the love and happiness that they both deserve there is a lot of pain and grief to unwrap and open up about first, will they get there? And what about Charlee will she find her way to normal again?

I truly loved this one so much Leonie Kelsall writes from the heart her characters are real, honest and so easy to love and I loved Heath, Amelia, Charlee and Sean, there were tears and smiles from me throughout this story, the rescue animals add so much to the story they are the best, but the love that flows from the pages of this story had me turning the pages, I do highly recommend this one, it really is a must read, thank you MS Kelsall for another keeper.

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

5 stars

January 7, 2025 by Allen & Unwin

A Kiss Under The Northern Lights

 A Kiss Under The Northern Lights

Susan Carlisle

Reviewed by Helen

I am pretty sure this is my first trip to Iceland and I loved it, Susan Carlisle took me on a magical romantic journey, meeting Dr. Beatrice (Trice) Shell and Dr. Drake Stevansson was a joy, come along to the northern lights and enjoy their story.

Trice had grown up in foster homes but what she always dreamed of was family and when she discovers that she has a gene that causes a painful skin condition and that is comes from Iceland her wish is to research the condition and luckily she applies for a position for one year working in the clinic, never realizing that this is the moment that will change her life when she meets the Doctor she is taking over from.

Drake loves his home town but what he wants more is to finish his surgeon’s rotation so he can become a surgeon and now after two years of trying to find a replacement so he can return to London the time has come, but when he meets Trice the chemistry sparks and the kisses start and maybe leaving is not what he wants.

This is a beautiful story filled with emotion as Trice and Drake find their way to love and Trice finds true happiness in this new place she fits in well and finally feels at home, will she find family? I loved Trice and Drake and the setting is so gorgeous, this is one that I highly recommend to any lover of romance and one who loves to armchair travel.

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

5 stars

January 16, 2025 by Mills & Boon Medical

Ring for an Heir

 Ring for an Heir

Annie West

Reviewed by Helen

This was such an awesome story to read, the settings London and Greece were the best and what can I say about the hero and heroine, that I loved them, felt their emotions as they get a second chance at a HEA, come along and meet Portia and Lex in a sensual, emotional and very moving journey to the HEA they deserved.

Lex Tomaras left England many years ago, heart broken and reeling from then end of the relationship that he was sure would be the best ever, but it was not meant to be and now he is a but when back in London on business he bids on a painting that brings back memories, it also brings back, Portia Oakhurst the girl who he has never forgotten.

Portia’s life changed when her father discovered what she had planned all those years ago, but she moved on and made a life for herself through heartbreak, but when she meets up with Lex again after all of these years she can still feel that chemistry that was there back then and maybe a night spent together will erase those feelings and let her move one, but one night is not enough and then when a weekend of sensual pleasure leaves consequences, Portia’s world is turned upside down again.

This truly is a beautiful story as Portia and Lex work out where life is taking them, neither have ever forgotten each other but can they come together as one now and re-discover the love that has lived in their hearts all of this time? I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good romance, a romance that will pull you in and make you feel the emotions flying off the pages. I loved it, thank you Annie West for another fabulous story that left me smiling.

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

5 stars

January 21, 2025 by Harlequin Presents

The Cowboy Fix

 The Cowboy Fix

Strawberry Ridge #2

Susan Lute

Reviewed by Helen

Book two in this series and I loved being back on the Triple L ranch in Strawberry Ridge, this time we see Nathan Lohman finally on the mend after fracturing his pelvis, it is now time for the three brothers to work and get the ranch back on track financially and the suggestion is that they bring someone in to help them, but Nathan is against this but when he meets Izzy Payton and actually listens to what she has to say maybe there is a chance that she can work wonders with the ranch and maybe see him break down the walls that he has built around his heart.

Izzy is best friends with Mallory and she loves her job and that is helping people put their businesses back on track, she leads a pretty nomadic life travelling to where her next job takes her, when she arrives at the Triple L the brothers are into a deep argument but that doesn’t stop her from getting to know them and especially Nathan there is an instant attraction even if it is the last thing that Izzy wants after her last relationship.

Izzy is soon working her magic on the ranch and Nathan, he is starting to feel that maybe there is a future for him and Izzy and after one kiss his thoughts change to keeping Izzy at the ranch, but for Izzy settling down and finding love again was never in her plans but Nathan seems to be getting her to re-think her future, that man can kiss.

This is a beautiful romance filled with emotion and lots of strong willed characters that I love, will they find their HEA and make a future together on the Triple L? I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good romance and I look forward to the next book and Jonas’s story.

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

4 stars

January 9, 2025 by Tule Publishing

Sparks Fly in Featherwood Falls

 Sparks Fly in Featherwood Falls

Featherwood Falls #3

Heather Reyburn

Reviewed by Helen

Well I have finished this wonderful series now and I will be very sad to leave Featherwood Falls there are so many wonderful characters who live there, in this one newcomer Ashleigh Paton has made the decision to escape to the country and saying that her dear grandmother would say often she has taken up a teaching position at the local school which will be very different from what she is used to but maybe she will find what she is looking for.

Ashleigh settles in and is loving her small class and the children in it, she has also made good friends in the small town especially with Claire Shepherd soon she is hiking and horse riding and Ashleigh has found peace and happiness but when one of her students, Charlie seems worried about something Ashleigh is keen to help and organises an appointment with his father, who happened to be the first resident of Featherwood Falls she met when arriving and that did not go too well.

Damian Cartwright is a widowed father of young Charlie and they lead a very reclusive life in the bush with his great aunt Dot, they have no electricity and Charlie loves the bush and the wildlife he keen to ensure all goes well, but when Damian meets up with Charlie’s new teacher after he has spoken to her about what is worrying Charlie he decides that maybe she is not the person he first though she was.

Ashleigh is soon taking it upon herself to investigate Charlie’s worry and what she finds worries her even more but with back burning starting there is danger and Ashleigh takes off into the bush to ensure everyone is safe. Will she find love and the happiness that she so deserves in this small country town and as for Damien will he put the past behind him and see that there could very well be a future for him and Charlie with Ashleigh?

I did love this one so much I loved Ashleigh, Damian and especially Charlie, of course catching up with the rest of the good folk of Featherwood Falls was fabulous, this is one that I would highly recommend to any romance reader who loves a bit of suspense thrown in.

5 stars

June 20, 2023 by Amazon Digital Services

The Knitting Club at Wagtail Ridge

 The Knitting Club at Wagtail Ridge

Janet Gover

Reviewed by Helen

This is such a beautiful story, so many emotions flying from the pages and set in such a beautiful small town, one that we have visited before and I loved being back there, will Wagtail Ridge be the perfect place for Sydney lawyer Bree Johnston to set up her Alpaca farm and Wool Shop this is something she has dreamed of for many years and now the time has come and when the very handsome real estate agent in Wagtail Ridge Matt Ambrose finds her the best place, The Gums Bree makes the biggest change in her life.

Arriving in her new home, Bree is thrilled to start this new life, being a lawyer was always to please her parents not her and she has a lot of support from her grandmother Rose, The Gums needs a little work but soon her Alpacas are arriving, meeting the residents of Wagtail Ridge is so good they are all so supportive of her and Matt well he and his beautiful daughter Vicki are soon making their way into her heart, even though it is not what she was looking for and neither was Matt.

Matt lost his wife two years ago and is doing all he can to bring Vicki up the way the both wanted too, making ends meet is not always easy and then there is his mother in law who is doing her best to take over and interfering in their lives way too much, Matt knows that she is grieving and has not come to terms with the loss of her daughter and as caring as he is it might be time to make some changes with her visits. He is feeling a pull to Bree one that he thought he might never feel again, is it time to put the past behind and look to the future?

Matt and Bree’s feelings are growing everyday as Vicki is so in love with the Alpacas and is keen to spend time with them and Bree, and the ladies of Wagtail Ridge and the new knitting club that Bree has started are keen matchmakers and they are doing their best to push them together, will they find the love and happiness that they so deserve? Adding to that Rose decides that she should move to the small town as well especially after meeting the shearer Mike, two romances in one book, yay.

I loved this story so very much truly Bree and Matt are just the best couple, caring, loving and beautiful inside and out, I loved Vicki she is such a great character and you cannot help but love the Alpacas and their Ciria (babies), this is a story that takes in grieving and how it effects people and yes I cried here and there and shed many happy tears at the end, I do highly recommend this one and I truly hope that there are more visits to Wagtail Ridge.

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

5 stars

January 1, 2025 by HQ Fiction

A Guardian for Christmas

 A Guardian for Christmas

Amanda Knight

Reviewed by Helen

This is an emotional roller coaster journey through danger, set in a snowy Colorado during the Christmas season, Hallie and Mack are bought together by an injured dog, both Mack and Hallie have been through so much in their lives can they find love and happiness and heal each other?

Hallie James is vet Technician and known as an animal whisper, working at an animal shelter her life is turned upside down when the shelter is raided and the owner taken in, Hallie is worried because of her past but lucky for her the cop, Danny Moretti who is in charge of the raid takes her in and ensures that she will not be involved and soon she is living with him, but was she lucky. When she comes home early one day and is witness to a murder, Hallie runs with Danny threatening to get her, at all costs. Hallie makes her way to the only place she has ever felt safe in Colorado.

Australian Army Commando Logan “Mack” Macrae is fighting demons after a mission that went wrong cost him is whole unit their lives and that blame can be laid at his feet because of a relationship with a woman, he came to the cabin owned by his family to sort himself out, when on the drive up the mountain he finds a woman trying her best to cox an injured dog from the bushes, they feel a connection instantly and it is one neither wants but with the dog’s help and the time spent together soon they are even closer.

Hallie knows that if she opens up to anyone they also will be in danger from Danny, Christmas is just around the corner, Mack and Hallie are getting closer and when Mack does something that his past causes and Hallie is charged with murder among other offences, Mack realises that he must do everything he can to save her, but will he be able to and save himself?

This is a fast paced, action packed romantic suspense, a fabulous setting and with wonderful characters good and bad, there is a lot of caring and love shown in this story and I love both Hallie and Mack, my heart went out to them but together they will heal each other and find the love and happiness they deserve. I do highly recommend this one, I was cheering them on throughout the story.

5 stars

November 12, 2024 by Amanda Knight Author

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