Romance Books I’ve Read and Loved
- Alis Page
- 15 hours ago
- 29 min read
There’s something about a good romance novel that just makes my heart happy. Whether it's a sweeping historical love story, a contemporary slow-burn, or a book that blends romance with a touch of mystery or fantasy, I’m always here for it. Over the past few months, I’ve read some truly wonderful romance books, and I wanted to share them with you. Some lean into other genres as well, but at their core, there’s always a love story that kept me turning the pages.
Here’s what I’ve been reading:
The House of Dreams – A beautifully written story of love, loss, and second chances, set in an enchanting old house with secrets of its own.
Title: House of Dreams
Author: Mark Stibbe
Genre: Romance Historical
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 436
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Tony Lawson is a world-famous dream therapist, but he hasn’t dreamed in years, and he needs more therapy than he can give. On the day his divorce is finalised, he is driving past a village when he sees a large old house for sale. Walking through the gates, he is captivated by its history and mystery. That night, he starts dreaming again. Drawn by its magic, Tony buys the property and discovers it once belonged to Queen Catherine Parr. As the house tells more and more of its story in Tony’s dreams, Tony is led by both the living and the dead to a startling and seismic discovery – one that will transform both the house of his soul and the soul of his house. House of Dreams is a magical tale about a 500-year-old Tudor house - its ghosts, its traumas, its treasures, and its secrets. It may only have two storeys, but it tells many tales. After reading House of Dreams, you will never see houses in the same way again.
My Thoughts: The House of Dreams by Mark Stibbe starts of in a glorious manner by introducing people slowly. I loved Rakesh the neighbour in Chelsea who seemed so calm you almost felt it oozing of off the page.
The descriptive verse is exquisite the way Stibbe bounces words around makes them sing on the pages and draws you in.
The main protagonist Tony Lawson is a well thought out character, while reading you can almost feel his pain, angst, and insecurities a testament to Stibbes writing prowess.
The House of Dreams has everything, humour that tickles your funny bone, love that tugs at your heart strings, sadness that will make you want to weep and drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat and characters that leap of the page and into your heart. I loved the switches between past and present woven seamlessly through dreams it added a captivating layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. I laughed and cried throughout; it was an emotional roller coaster that I wanted to rush through to the end but I also wanted to savour every page.
In conclusion a 5***** star book that has it all and I highly recommend.
The Pieces of Us – A heartfelt and emotional romance about two people trying to rebuild their connection after years apart.
Title: The Pieces Of Us
Author: Caroline Montague
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Orion
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 440
Format: Paperback supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Marina and Hugh were once madly in love. But after the loss of their beautiful little daughter, grief has created a distance between them that feels impossible to bridge. Marina knows leaving Italy is the only way they will be able to move on, but Thorncliffe Hall, Hugh's family home in England, is so grey and unwelcoming. Just when life feels like it may never regain colour, Marina and Hugh come across a striking china coffee pot in a London shop window, adorned with a fox flying through the night sky. The coffee pot comes attached with a mystery, one that is connected with Hugh's own family many years ago. By digging into the past, Marina is about to discover a story far beyond her wildest dreams. But will the past help her heal the present?
My Thoughts: Caroline Montague is a wizard with words. The Pieces Of Us begins with a poignant and impactful start, setting a tone that truly resonated with me. The intense descriptions made me feel as If I was actually there as a bystander.
The book moves back and forth in time making both timelines come to life.
The characters are well developed with flaws and secrets. I particularly liked where the character of the past was able to start healing a character in the present.
The book moved like a flower opening from bud one petal at a time. Just giving enough but leaving you knowing there is much more to come until everything is revealed.
The pieces of us truly had it all emotion in spades, secrets untold, a mystery unfolding. I was invested in the past and the present right until the very end where the book still had the ability to make me cry. A 5-star book for lovers of history, romance and for books with dual points of view and one I highly recommend.
The Giveaway Girl – This one is full of charm! A quirky, feel-good romance about a woman who was given away—and unexpectedly finds love.
Title: The Giveaway Girl
Author: Chrissie Bradshaw
Genre: Saga Romance
Series: The Kelly Family book 3 of 3
Publisher: Vallum Publishing
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 328
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot, and recommend
About Book: Joy’s world is turned upside down when she discovers she was given away as a newborn. She runs away from her home in Australia to go in search of her birth family in Northumberland, England. Coming face-to-face with the Kelly family ignites Joy’s envy of her sister, Rose, and she plunges into a tailspin of mistakes and heartache. Joy’s trouble-strewn journey is set in the sixties, a time of freedom and promise. She sees that popular culture and attitudes are changing, yet she still hides the shame of being the giveaway girl. What will it take for her to accept the events of the past, come to understand the meaning of love and discover her true worth?
My Thoughts: The Giveaway Girl by Chrissie Bradshaw is a romance book about a young girl who finds out she was given away as a newborn. This is the third book in the Kelly family series, and is the first book I have read, it can be read as a standalone as I wasn’t confused by anything that may have been written prior. Bradshaw delicately crafts a narrative that looks at families, secrets and the journey of Joy to find out where she comes from and understand why this has happened to her.
The emotional journey for Joy is raw and draws you in, although at times I did not like her. However, the complexity of the situation was brought to life and the twists and turns of love, burdens and misunderstanding became an emotional roller-coaster.
The one thing that was not truly clear for me was that if I had not been told the story took place in the 1960’s I would not have known that, there were a couple of clear references but it didn’t always ring true for me and I would have loved to see more.
With all that said this for me is still a 4**** read with Bradshaws ability to tell a story make The Giveaway Girl a compelling read for those of you who love books about family and romance.
The Asymmetric Man – A fascinating mix of mystery and romance, where uncovering the truth might just lead to finding love in the most unexpected way.
Title: The Asymmetric Man
Author: Alex Rushton
Genre: Romance, Action, Adventure, Thriller
Series: Book 1 of 3 The Blake Carter Series
Publisher: Scriptora
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 359
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Embark on a gripping journey of sacrifice and self-discovery in The Asymmetric Man, a thrilling tale set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War. Follow Blake, a young recruit turned undercover agent, as he navigates the treacherous world of espionage, survival, and forbidden love. From war-ravaged Saigon to seemingly impenetrable jungle and the tranquillity of a Buddhist monastery, this riveting novel explores the power of recognising and embracing one's true calling, no matter the cost.
My Thoughts: The Asymmetric man by Alex Rushton is an action, adventure thriller romance and I found it intriguing right from the start wanting to know more about the characters which I think is a testament to Rushton’s writing.
The vivid descriptions effortlessly transported me to the places providing a clear sensory experience bringing the narrative to life. The build-up of momentum during key moments was brilliant as I could almost feel the adrenalin soaring through the protagonists veins. I loved the dual time line it offered a much more insight into Blake Carter enabling me to piece together connections and events more clearly.
There was only one negative for me, Hoa once married does not appear much which felt like although there was a start and an end for her that was not much in the middle. However, this is an extremely minor point and did not detract from the story or reduce the overall star rating.
The descriptions of the time in the jungle were perceptive and I could feel the intense drama with each turn of the page. This continued right until the end where the book became a powerhouse of emotion.
In conclusion, The Asymmetric Man was a book full of enlightenment and emotion that keeps you interested right until the very end. The drama ebbs and flows and you are not sure what is going to happen next. A true 5 ***** read that although the book is down as an action, adventure, thriller, romance book it is so much more than that.
Love Lottie – A sweet, uplifting romance about self-discovery, friendship, and, of course, falling in love.
Title: Love Lottie
Author: Mel Higgins
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Dear Lottie Series book 2 0f 2
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 377
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Cathleen longs for a child to complete her family so when her parents send her sixteen-year-old sister Lottie to London after secretly giving birth to a daughter, could this new bundle be the answer to her prayers? Betty lives a good life in the city of Paris with a close knitted family around her, but when her uncle turns up the night before her wedding, family secrets are exposed, leaving her to decide where she belongs. Grace promised her unborn child that she would be a better mother than her own but while her husband Henry shows her little affection and hides away in his shed, she struggles to keep her promise. Sarah is used to her parents being different. her mum is always ill, and her dad works around the clock. However, when she starts reading books by, the author Lottie Ridley, her life changes forever.
My Thoughts: Love Lottie by Mel Higgins is an historical romance book and part of the Dear Lottie book series and although it is mentioned that you should read the first book, Dear Lottie, to get the full experience, I did not feel that my experience was any less for reading Love Lottie first. Although I have now purchased Dear Lottie.
Love Lottie starts of with a major event, and I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster that is about families, love, secret, hatred, and betrayal. The book is extremely sad in places with regrets of what ifs. The book made me cry very early on and it continued to do so as I felt the sadness ooze from the page.
The book is definitely a book well researched for its time, I could feel myself in the midst of the time period being written about and the book travel from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s with a small bit in current time.
This was a book that I did not want to put down, the short chapters added to the intensity of the events happening. Higgins ability to create a masterpiece through the characters’ lives, emotions and events had me hooked right from the very beginning until the last page, with the surprises at each twist and turn a bonus along this truly emotional ride.
The Flower Queen – A magical love story with fairy-tale vibes, set in a world where flowers hold extraordinary power.
Title: The Flower Queen
Author: Kay Freeman
Genre: Romance, Suspense
Series: Flower Queen series book 1
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 206
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: It began with a dying husband, and it ended in a dynasty. It took away her husband’s pain on his deathbed, kept her from losing the family farm, gave her the power to build a thriving business, but it’s illegal to grow in every state in the country in 1978. It even brings her first love from high school back; the only problem he works for the FBI. Will their occupations implode their romance, or will the opposite happen? A second chance at love, opposites attract , rags to riches heroine trope story.
My Thoughts: The Flower Queen by Kay Freeman is a suspense novel that has a little bit of romance in it. The novel is from a few people’s points of view which head up each chapter, and I have come to love. The book has some definite trigger points, so I would suggest you read the information first before reading. Freemans way with words gives you a real sense of the personas of the characters described. She shows vulnerabilities of the victims and makes it easy for you to connect with them.
There are secrets galore, drug lords, FBI, friends and enemies all unravelling with current crimes intertwined with past crimes. The book was easy to follow, and I read it in a coupe of sittings. I did like the main protagonists; the characters were well thought out. The only thing for me is you will need to read book 2 to find out what happens to some of the characters so there are a few unanswered questions but that does not detract from the 4 stars this book deserves. In conclusion, a book full of suspense, with twists and turns, with past crimes colliding with current crimes and a little romance, for good measure, added into the mix.
The Swans Nest – A historical romance full of intrigue, passion, and a heroine determined to carve her own path.
Title: The Swans Nest
Author: Laura McNeal
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 320
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: On a bleak January day in 1845, a poet who had been confined to her room for four years by recurrent illness received a letter from a writer she secretly idolized but had never seen. "I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett," Robert Browning wrote, "and I love you too. "Elizabeth Barrett was ecstatic. She was famous for her poetry but completely cut off from the kind of international travel that Browning used to fuel his obscure, unsuccessful, innovative poems, one of which was written from a murderer's point of view. They began an affectionate correspondence, but Elizabeth kept delaying a visit. What would happen when he saw her in person? What was Robert really like? Could she persuade her father and brothers that he was honourable, even though she had never met his family? And what would happen if she gave in to Robert's wild proposal that they go to Italy and see if the sun could cure her?
My Thoughts: The Swan’s Nest by Laura McNeal is an historical romance book set in Victorian times and is so eloquently written that I could almost feel and touch the Victorian era. There were a lot of players in the book, and at times I did lose track of them. But there was a beautiful love story intertwined throughout full of hope and fear.
The love story picks up the pace about 2/3rds of the way through and I was routing for Browning and Barrett, victims of their times. McNeal writes it beautifully taking care with the period that has you transported back.
In conclusion a wonderful love story set in Victorian times a must if you love history and romance.
The Book of Beginnings – A unique blend of romance and adventure, following a woman whose life changes when she discovers a mysterious book.
Title: The Book of Beginnings
Author: Sally Page
Genre: Family Saga, Humorous Romance
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2023
Format: Paperback
Book Length: 416
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Her new chapter starts now…
Jo Sorsby is hiding from her past when she agrees to run her uncle’s beloved stationery shop. Glimpsing the lives of her customers between the warm wooden shelves, as they scribble little notes and browse colourful notebooks, distracts her from her bruised heart.
When she meets Ruth, a vicar running from a secret, and Malcolm, a septuagenarian still finding himself, she suddenly realizes she isn’t alone.
They each have a story that can transform Jo’s life… if only she can let them in.
My Thoughts: The Book of Beginnings by Sally Page is a book about secrets, friendship, hope and belief. This is the second time I have read this book and although, I usually think there are two many books out there to read a book twice, I couldn’t resist as Sally Page is coming to our Book Club, so it has been made our Book of the Month.
As I read through the characters return to me like old friends, Sallys writing makes you feel as if you are part of each conversation. I loved the camaraderie between Jo, Ruth and Malcolm it felt like a friendship had been bonded for the long term wherever their lives would take them. Malcolm was still my favourite character, his personality opened up like a beautiful flower as the friendship progressed. Sally Page’s writing has the ability to get under the skin of people and makes you want to get to know them.
At times I cried, not because of the sadness, but simply because of the raw honesty, but at times I laughed because of the gorgeous quips, the description of the peoples faces and the antics the three friends got up to.
I loved the historical element from beyond the grave, and really enjoyed the musings between the three amigos on what the ghosts would talk about.
In conclusion, a book that is worthy of all 5 stars that is funny and sad and a great testament to true friendship. If you love a book that has a bit of everything romance, friendship, laughter and raw emotion then this book is for you.
New Dreams at Polkerran Point – A cosy small-town romance that feels like a warm hug, with characters you can’t help but root for.
Title: New Dreams at Polkerran Point
Author: Cass Grafton
Genre: Romance
Series: The Little Cornish Cove series
Publisher: canelo Romance
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 320
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: A surprise inheritance will open the doors to her future, and also the past…
When Aunt Meg leaves her cottage to Anna Redding in her will, Anna immediately packs up and heads to Polkerran, the Cornish fishing village where she was so happy as a child.
With ambitions to turn the cottage into a B&B, a job working for the enigmatic historian, Oliver Seymour, and the return of her childhood crush, Alex Tremayne, it seems the stars have all aligned for Anna.
But Aunt Meg left behind a mystery for her to solve, and a shock discovery reveals she may be living a dream that isn’t really hers to hold. Can Anna rescue the new life she’s made for herself? Who in Polkerran can she really count on in her time of need?
My Thoughts: New Dreams at Polkerran Point by Cass Grafton is a romance book and not my normal genre to read, this is also the first book I have read by Cass Grafton, and I don’t think it will be the last either. The book is an easy read, the prose flows like a gentle river, and you get to know and love the characters.
This book also has mystery and intrigue with some people not being who they seem. Grafton’s way with words made me not want to put the book down.
I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter – a great touch.
I also loved Anna’s character she was realistic and relatable, and I found myself routing for her to find happiness and true love.
In conclusion, an easy book that was so much more than just a romance book with mystery and intrigue and I thoroughly recommend.
These Hands – A poignant and heartfelt story that explores love, loss, and the quiet ways we hold on to the ones who matter most.
Title: These Hands
Author: Darcy Daniel
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Thorpe Bowker Australia
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 489
Star Rating: 5 ***** I loved it, and highly recommend
About Book: These hands are magic - but must be kept a secret These hands are love - but keep me loveless These hands are life - but might be the death of me These hands are mine.
Lucas Daniel was born with the power to heal. But it’s not a gift, instead it’s a life sentence filled with isolation and loneliness, leaving him starved of the love and affection he yearns for. During his secluded childhood, he defies his mother’s over-protective rules and tries to befriend Kelsey, the new girl next door. But she thinks he’s a freak and wants nothing to do with him … until she accidentally discovers his secret. They soon form an inseparable bond, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. Until a devastating event leaves Kelsey’s life hanging in the balance. Lucas does everything he can to save her but leaves her face scarred for life. Believing his secret has been exposed, his mother whisks him away and changes their identities. Now a reclusive country veterinarian, he’s managed to keep his secret for decades. But when Kelsey moves to the same rural town, he just might get everything he's ever wanted, and everything he's ever feared.
My Thoughts: The Hands , in the main is about two people meeting as children, who at the time have their own difficulties and are desperate for friendship and company. Although there is another story running alongside. The book moves from the period of when the children are young, to when they are grown up and tells the story from each of the main protagonist’s point of view.
The story is heart warming yet sad and a testament to Daniels writing. The story flows so easily I didn’t want to put the book down. The descriptions are exquisite, it is difficult to put into words. There are many twists and turns, and I was left wondering what would happen right up until the end.
In conclusion a story full of opportunities lost and found, sadness and happiness, life and death, love and hate and if course romance. A book I loved reading and one that I fully recommend.
Hold Me – A tender and deeply emotional romance about two people finding comfort, love, and healing in each other’s arms.
Title: Hold Me
Author: Helen C Kelly
Genre: Romance
Series: Greengrove Series book 3
Publisher: Softwood Books
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 288
Star Rating: 3*** I liked it, It’s OK
About Book: Dawn had lived in Greengrove all her life. Love had never been a priority in her mind. She had plenty of time for that, especially after watching her twin sister Debbie fall in love and have her heart shattered. Why would you put yourself through that? For the past few years, Dawn had been suffering from ill health. Being given a diagnosis was a double-edged sword. Yes, they now knew what was wrong with her, but now she felt useless. All those things that she had put on hold may now not happen. Falling in love, having children is no longer a possibility who would want to stick around with her now. A chance meeting with one boy she went to school with proved her wrong. Could she believe he could love her and her broken body?
My Thoughts: Hold Me by Helen C Kelly is a modern day romance and is the third book in the Greengrove series and is the first I have read.
The book follows Dawn who suffers with a debilitating illness and thinks she won’t find love because of it.
For me the story feels a little stilted and predictable even with the cast of players the story also feels one dimensional.
However, the description of small village life is funny and charming and the setting that Kelly describes allowed me to get to know the area and its inhabitants.
In conclusion, Hold me does have the potential for a heartfelt romance but it just wasn’t for me, but I think if you love a good old fashioned romance then this book is one for you.
The Secret of Flowers – A beautifully atmospheric novel where a hidden garden brings two lost souls together.
Title: The Secrets of Flowers
Author: Sally Page
Genre: Humour Romance
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 432
Format: Paperback supplied by Harper Collins in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: The smallest treasures can hold the biggest mysteries…
One year after her husband’s death Emma has become a wallflower, hiding among the brighter blooms in the florist where she works.
But when a colleague invites her to a talk on the Titanic, she begins a quest to uncover who arranged the flowers on board.
As Emma discovers the lost story of the girl and the great ship, she realises that flowers may unlock long buried secrets in her own life…
Will she be able to unlock the mystery of the Titanic and heal her heart too?
My Thoughts: The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page is a book I was eagerly anticipating after reading the synopsis. Each chapter is introduced with the name of a flower, setting the scene beautifully and immersing you in the story. Sally Page has a unique talent for intricate descriptions—so much so that as you read, you can almost smell the flowers blooming from the pages.
I loved the alternating chapters between Violet and Emma; it added an air of mystery that kept me hooked. Emma is a lost soul, and in true Sally Page fashion, she finds a way to connect with others. The building of trust among the main characters is heart warming, uplifting, and full of hope. The inclusion of the Titanic theme was a particular highlight for me, and I now consider myself a ‘sympathiser’ with a touch of ‘romanticism’ thrown in.
I felt a deep kinship with the wise words spoken to Emma by many of the protagonists—they brought tears to my eyes, but in the best, most uplifting way. This is a testament to Sally Page’s skill as a writer.
In conclusion, The Secrets of Flowers is a wonderful book about friendship, hope, and healing that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a heart warming read. It's a story that lingers with you long after the last page is turned.
Love and Other Cages – A modern, witty romance about love, freedom, and taking risks in life and relationships.
Title: Love and Other Cages
Author: Emilia Ares
Genre: Thriller Romance
Publisher: Sera Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 460
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating : 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Can a love forged in peril break the chains of fate?
In the intricate dance of fate, Mina, a diligent high school senior, is abruptly torn from her ordinary life by an underground criminal organization, thrusting her into an unfamiliar and challenging world. Oliver, a man who has recently emerged from the shadows of abandonment, grapples with the harsh reality of Mina's abduction. The unexpected loss of their intense love jeopardizes Oliver's newfound hope for a better life, even as their extraordinary connection ignites amid peril and enigma.
Can Oliver and Mina rewrite destiny's script? Is the radiant beacon of their blossoming connection bright enough to guide them through a world steeped in uncertainty? Or will they forever wander as seekers of the elusive symphony of joy?
My Thoughts: Love and Other Cages by Emilia Ares is a thrilling read with a bonus layer of young romance woven into the plot. Although there’s no mention of a series, it feels like the previous book should be marketed as such, but this one can be read as a stand alone.
The two main characters are complex and flawed, yet their connection feels strong and real, thanks to Ares’ writing. The story covers themes of family, loyalty, love, hope, and fear, but it’s also about longing—longing for love, acceptance, obedience, and endurance.
The book opens with a major event that sets the tone for the story, drawing you right into Mina and Oliver’s journey. It’s told from both their perspectives, with alternate chapters, which kept me engaged (if occasionally a little frustrated by what’s left unsaid). But that’s true to life, too!
The pacing is steady and well-balanced, giving just enough in each chapter to keep you hooked for the next. I’ll admit, as someone who isn’t a big romance fan, some of those scenes felt a bit drawn out for me, but that’s just personal preference. They did make the characters feel more human and gave them hope in the difficult world they live in.
As the story progressed, the tension and stakes kept rising. Mina’s harsh reality and Oliver’s desperate search for her revealed the emotional depth of their connection. Their uncertain futures kept me turning the pages—proof of Ares’ skilful writing.
For me, the book got better as I went along, with plenty of twists that held my interest. And then it ended...on a cliffhanger! Now I’m really hoping for another.
In conclusion, this book touches on so many themes, which kept me engaged from start to finish as the tension built. If you’re looking for a book with everything—romance, suspense, and emotional depth—I highly recommend Love and Other Cages.
Three Days to Be Ruined – A sizzling historical romance where reputations are on the line and hearts are at stake.
Title: Three Days to be Ruined
Author: Giovanni Siniscalchi
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Winemakers series book 5
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 200
Format: E book supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: An English lady proposes marriage to a brooding Scotsman—but she’s about to learn there’s nothing convenient about courting this fiery Highlander. An English lady with everything to lose…
Beth Croft is all poise and propriety—or so she tells herself. To save her father from financial ruin, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Boyd Sandeman, the ruggedly handsome, infuriating Scotsman and wine tycoon. She expects some challenges, but she didn’t expect Boyd himself—a man with a dry wit, a commanding presence, and a knack for turning her world upside down.
A Scotsman with a taste for revenge…
For Boyd, Beth’s offer is a chance to settle an old score with her father, who once humiliated him. He agrees, but only if Beth can prove she’s up to the task. At a festive Christmas house party, Boyd devises three challenges to test her mettle, from blind wine tastings to keeping up with his demanding (and often maddening) expectations. Yet as they spar and spark, Boyd’s own defences begin to falter in surprising ways.
Three trials, one Christmas, and undeniable chemistry…
Beth didn’t expect proving herself would mean more late nights than she’d bargained for—or that her heart would be on the line. Can she survive Boyd’s trials, break through his defences, and make it to Christmas morning with her pride—and her heart—intact?
My Thoughts: I have just finished Three Days to be Ruined by Giovanni Siniscalchi, the fifth book in the Winemakers series, and I have to say—it was an absolute delight. This wasn’t my first time reading one of Siniscalchi’s works, so I had pretty high expectations going in. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.
The way Siniscalchi writes is pure velvet. Her prose flows so beautifully, and the layers of hidden meanings and the constant undercurrent of tension kept me completely hooked. Every chapter begins with a thoughtful quote, and I loved how those added an extra touch of atmosphere, really grounding the story in its historical setting.
As I read, I found myself completely immersed in the world she created. The words felt like a rich, velvety wine, drawing me into every scene so deeply that I felt like I was actually there, quietly watching everything unfold. Siniscalchi has this incredible talent for writing historical fiction that doesn’t just tell a story but truly transports you back in time.
For me, Three Days to be Ruined is a perfect mix of romance, history, and absolutely gorgeous writing. It’s clear that Siniscalchi has mastered the art of crafting stories that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Whether you’re already a fan of the Winemakers series or picking up one of her books for the first time, this one is a must-read. I’m already looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Saints and Sinners – A gripping, character-driven novel that weaves romance with a powerful story of redemption.
Title: Saints and Sinners
Author: Piper Leigh Ion
Genre: Thriller Romance
Series: Under City Lights (Angela Wilkins) series book 1 of 3
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 356
Format: E book supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
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About Book: My brother’s murder at the hands of my fiancé has created a monster. Now I focus on killers like him, and unfortunately, I have become what I hate most in the process. As an assistant coroner at one of the best crime labs in the country, the last thing I need is a relationship to complicate things, but there is no stopping the strong connection I feel to Crime Scene Analyst Johnny Cooper. I'm struggling to keep my two lives separate. I want him, but I want to continue my vigilante crusade. Now, there's a copycat on the loose targeting me and those I care about most. My two worlds are about to collide. I pride myself on my ability to multitask, but if I’m not careful, I may find myself behind bars with nowhere left to run.
My Thoughts: Saints and Sinners is the first book in the Under City Lights Trilogy and introduces us to Angela Wilkins, a coroner with a sharp wit, a cutting sense of humour, and a loner streak that I immediately loved. Described to me as a thriller with a dash of romance, this book had me hooked from the start.
Right away, Angela stood out to me. She’s feisty, independent, and has this inner dialogue that I absolutely loved—it’s cutting, funny, and often very relatable. I found myself grinning at moments like the quote: "The Devil on my shoulder had other plans." That kind of dark humour gives Angela so much personality and made her feel real to me.
What makes this book so addictive is its pacing. The short chapters add tension and make it impossible to put down—it’s one of those “just one more chapter” books that had me turning pages late into the night. Angela’s job as a coroner adds an intriguing edge, but her vigilante side brings in this whole new layer of mystery and complexity. While her full backstory hasn’t been revealed yet, I’m sure there’s much more to come in the next instalments. I’m already curious to see what drives her and what she’s truly capable of.
The interactions between Angela and her colleagues are another highlight for me. The dialogue is sharp, layered with wit, disdain, and sometimes laugh-out-loud humour. It created this dynamic tension that kept me entertained and added depth to the story. Whether she’s clashing or bantering with those around her, Angela is always a force to be reckoned with.
Saints and Sinners is a brilliant start to the Under City Lights Trilogy. If you love thrillers with strong, complex female leads and a mix of tension, dark humour, and mystery, this one is for you. I can’t wait to read the next book and uncover more about Angela’s story!
The Rune Stone – A captivating mix of mythology and romance, where destiny and love are intertwined.
Title: The Rune Stone
Author: Julia Ibbotson
Genre: Romance Time travel Sci Fi
Series: Dr Dulac Series Book 3
Publisher: Archbury Books
Published Date: 2021
Book Length: 294
Format Read: E Book supplied by Zooloos Book Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: When Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, finds a mysterious runic inscription on a Rune Stone in the graveyard of her husband’s village church, she unwittingly sets off a chain of circumstances that disturb their quiet lives in ways she never expected. She, once again, feels the echoes of the past resonate through time and into the present. Can she unlock the secrets of the runes in the life of the 6th century Lady Vivianne and in Viv’s own life? Again, lives of the past and present intertwine alarmingly as Viv desperately tries to save them both, without changing the course of history.
My Thoughts: The Rune Stone by Julia Ibbotson is a captivating blend of time travel and romance—two of my favourite genres—so I knew I had to read it. Even though this is the third book in the Dr. Du Lac series and I haven’t read the first two (yet!), I was pleasantly surprised to find that it works perfectly as a standalone.
Ibbotson’s writing is like pure honey—rich, golden, and utterly irresistible. She effortlessly drew me into the two intertwining worlds where time dissolves, and the magic of the past flows seamlessly into the present. Her vivid descriptions and enchanting storytelling had me hooked from the first page.
The characters are wonderfully believable. I especially loved Vivianne and Dr. Viv Du Lac—they felt so real and relatable that I couldn’t help but root for them throughout the story.
If you’re a fan of time travel stories with a touch of romance and a beautifully woven narrative, this book is definitely for you. I’m off to get the first two books in the series!
Watercolors and Tears – A poetic, beautifully written love story about art, passion, and the emotions that connect us.
Title: Watercolors and Tears
Author: Jose Orlando Casteneda
Genre: Romance
Publisher: EBL Books
Published Date: 2023
Book Length: 310
Format Read: E Book supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolors in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in. While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.
My Thoughts: Watercolors and Tears is a romance novel that follows a couple, Manuel and Elvira, who are separated by circumstance and determined to reunite. Told from both of their perspectives, the story unfolds at a steady pace, immersing the reader in their emotional journey.
Blending gentle romance with harsh realities, the novel is rich in love, sadness, determination, and resilience. Manuel and Elvira are not just lovers but fighters, facing adversity with unwavering strength. My words almost feel inadequate in capturing the depth of their struggles, yet through it all, they remain full of warmth and love.
More than just a romance, Watercolors and Tears explores life’s trials, relationships, and the bonds we share with others. I felt a full spectrum of emotions while reading, which is a testament to Castañeda’s powerful storytelling. This is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that lingers in the heart long after the last page.
The Nightingale – A breathtaking historical romance set against the backdrop of war, bravery, and sacrifice.
Title: The Nightingale
Author: Kristin Hannah
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: PanMacmillan
Published Date: 2022
Book Length: 480
Format Read: Paperback
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: I always thought it was what I wanted: to be loved and admired. Now I think perhaps I’d like to be known' This story is about what it was like to be a woman during World War II, when women’s stories were all too often forgotten or overlooked . . . Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac are two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals and passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path towards survival, love and freedom in war-torn France. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.
My Thoughts: Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale is often labelled as a historical romance, but it is so much more than that. Set during World War II, it tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, whose lives take drastically different paths in Nazi-occupied France. From the very first page, the novel is impactful, evoking deep emotions that stayed with me until the very last word.
The story moves at a fairly fast pace at times, with the two main protagonists standing in stark contrast to each other—just as real sisters often do. Their character traits shine through as they both fight for what they believe in, shaped by their different ages, responsibilities, and past experiences. The dialogue between them is raw yet exquisite, capturing the complexity of their bond and the struggles that keep them worlds apart.
The Nightingale is filled with fear and anger, yet there remains a glimmer of hope, one that slowly erodes as the story progresses. Hannah’s writing is incredibly vivid, bringing events to life with powerful descriptions and immersing the reader in the sisters’ plight, as well as that of those around them.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with heart-wrenching moments and deeply moving experiences. The way the characters navigate their hardships kept me hooked, and the ending was nothing short of brilliant. I’m not afraid to admit that I cried. The Nightingale is a story of resilience, love, and sacrifice, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a novel that will truly stay with them.
In the end, The Nightingale is more than just a historical novel—it’s a testament to the strength of women, the power of love, and the unbreakable bond of family. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, making you appreciate the quiet acts of heroism that often go unnoticed. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favour and pick it up—you won’t regret it.
There you have it—my latest romance reads! Have you read any of these? Or do you have any recommendations for me? I’m always on the lookout for my next favourite love story!
Let me know in the comments.
Alis x
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