Tizi’s Book Review

When Africa is the setting of a story, but also many secrets

Synopsis

RNA – ROMANTIC NOVELISTS ASSOCIATION – FINALIST for the Joan Hessayon Award!

Sometimes the greatest discoveries are those of the heart.

Journalist Kate Harper arrives in Africa to write about poaching just as an orphaned rhino calf is being airlifted to safety. Reeling from the loss of both her parents in a car accident, she is immediately drawn to the calf and the man who rescued it.

Ex-soldier Ryan Brown has dedicated his life to protecting wildlife. When a rhino is killed on his watch, he’s forced to acknowledge there is an informer in his team and he won’t stop until he finds out who it is.

Kate and Ryan are soon thrown into the shady world of wildlife crime and as the investigation intensifies, so too does the chemistry between them.

But Kate’s secret reason for her visit to South Africa and Ryan’s troubled army past threaten to tear them apart. As they close in on the poaching syndicate, Kate makes a shocking discovery and finds herself torn between blood ties and new beginnings.

Will Kate and Ryan put the past to rest and find a future together in the beautiful African bush?

Secrets at Sunset is a gripping tale of love, betrayal and the fight to protect what matters most.

‘Adventure and Romance under African skies’– Janice Horton, Contemporary Romantic Fiction Author

‘A thought-provoking, poignant romantic suspense set in beautiful South Africa.’
– Susan Buchanan, Contemporary Women’s fiction and Romantic Comedy Author

My review

After losing her parents, Kate Harper grabs the opportunity to go to Africa to write an article about poaching. The fact that her best friend is running a wildlife sanctuary, for sure comes in handy to get the job. But that is not only the only reason Kate needs to go to Africa, because she has made a shocking discovery about herself that she needs to get to the bottom of it. Upon her arrival though, she sees how a baby rhino calf is being airlifted to safety. And the man that helped the poor calf, Ryan Brown, has dedicated his life to save animals from the brutality of men. Both Kate and Ryan are searching for the truth and the criminals that are hunting on animals. And the more time they are spending together, not only the more dangerous their quest is, but the more the mutual attraction starts too hard to ignore. However, with Kate not being completely honest about her reasons for being in Africa, and Ryan’s past in the army and the betrayal he has faced previously, is Africa the place where they find all the answers and perhaps even a future together?

I have to admit, the only time I saw the amazing creatures that rhinos are, are when I recently went to a zoo, and yes, even awarded as the best zoo of Europe. But I have never seen these creatures in their natural habitat, let not even talk about seeing them in Africa.

Yet it for sure sounds majestic, not only visiting Africa, but also seeing all these feral animals in their natural habitat!

But rather early in this book, we are also confronted with ugliness… Ugliness of people, their selfishness, thirst for money…

Just like Kate, I was shocked reading how a rhino has been brutally murdered and how its calf is still fighting for its own precious life… And while perhaps I didn’t connect with the calf like Kate did (although my heart broke for it), I could understand why Kate did exactly that.

I am still counting my blessings that I still have both my parents, and I dread the day I will lose them. But losing both your parents at the same time, by an accident, without being able to say a last goodbye to them… I could comprehend Kate’s feeling of loss, grief, and loneliness.

Unfortunately, that is not all, as Kate also discovers a secret that her lovely parents have been keeping, involving herself…

And her going to Africa, with the “excuse”  of the article she has to write, gives her not only the opportunity to visit her best friend, but do some personal digging too.

Upon her arrival in Africa, the first person she meets, is Ryan. And what a first encounter that was. In the middle of the save – the – rhino – action, Kate and Ryan meet. And I liked it somehow how Ryan is only focussed on the calf, showing that his priority at that moment is saving a life, and nothing else.

I have to say, liking Ryan from the start wasn’t easy. I could see his care and passion for the animals, but he also keeps his distance from people. And yes, he can be a grump sometimes too.

But the more I got to know Ryan, the more I understood where he was coming from. Having been in the army is no joke, and what he has been through there, is just terrible. I can only try to imagine how difficult it can be to move on from that, and have a ‘normal’ life.

On top of that, he has also been burnt by love, as he put his trust in someone, who ended up betraying not only him, but also his friends and loved ones…

So can you blame the guy’s wariness? I don’t think so…

There may be some kind of matchmaking in the process, as Kate and Ryan are somehow finding themselves spending more time together, with Ryan explaining the works and how important it is to protect the animals. But at the same time, under the African sun, Kate starts to see Ryan more for the man he truly is, and not the angry, closed man she believed him to be.

Beside the romance taking off, with several ups and downs, misunderstandings and wariness between Kate and Ryan, there are of course several mysteries that need to be solved. Not only about the poachers, and how entwined that illegal matter is, but also Kate’s search for personal answers.

Mysteries and secrets that are risky, dangerous even. And seeing how Ryan is becoming protective of Kate, shows again his care. And even when Kate does things on her own, infuriating Ryan furthermore, the anger is obviously because of a kind of fear, and again the want to protect Kate.

Kate and Ryan are going through a lot in this book, not only because of their quests, but also and more important on an emotional level. It is always easy to say you have to let people in. But when your heart is broken, how can you just do that? And with there being a lot of unsaid things between Kate and Ryan, I could understand the lack of trust from both sides. The lack of trust, and not being ready to be completely open and honest. Although for the readers, it was bit frustrating to read how Ryan and Kate keep on clashing! 😊

This book took me truly on an African journey, making me wonder about its beauty, but also shiver about the ugliness of people. But the author showed me, on a more important level, that even the most hurt and pained people can fall in love, not just with a place, but with each other too. And it may be a real rollercoaster to go through, with courage, determination, growing trust, ups and downs, love may be a scary feeling, but worth fighting for!

When forced to be with your worst enemy…

Synopsis

The head of the Irish mafia killed my family. Then made me his wife.

Patrick Mahoney erased my bloodline in one brutal night. His answer to my father’s betrayal?

Total annihilation.

But he missed one.

Me.

Instead of finishing the job, he’s claimed me—bound me to him with a ring instead of a
bullet.

Now I’m trapped in a marriage forged in blood and vengeance with my family’s executioner.

For him, it’s strategy, a twisted merger of violence and power. For me, it’s survival.

But grief hasn’t made me meek—it’s made me dangerous. I fight him at every turn—his
cruelty with defiance, his dominance with rebellion.

Yet the more time we spend together, the more our mutual hatred warps into something far
more terrifying.

Because what started with murder and revenge…

Might just end in love.

My review

Sorcha grew up as part of a mafia family. Even if she has seen and heard it all, as being the youngest and a girl, she never has been involved in the McCarthy business. Being a member of an (in)famous Irish mafia family, isn’t easy. But nothing prepared her for how her life is going to change at the hand of her enemy, Patrick Mahoney. Because as a retaliation, he killed her whole family, assuming that Sorcha has been killed too. Upon realizing that Sorcha survived the brutal attack, Patrick decides to use her for his own benefits, to strengthen his power as Irish mob boss. But Sorcha may be forced to wed Patrick, she won’t bend to his will… She is ready to fight him in every possible way. But then something starts to shift…

Being an Italian, I often joke that people shouldn’t mess with me with, because you know, I am Italian. But as I am just joking about it, I know that the mafia, whether Italian, Irish or another nationality, is a serious, criminal and terrifying matter… So the further I stay away from anything linked to mafia, the better, just like any rational person would do.

Of course, reading books where mafia is involved, and a spicy story, is a whole different matter. And when it is an amazing collaboration of awesome authors…

Obviously, in a mafia romance spicy book, there will be things that I condone. Already at the start, where a joyous event should be taking place, ends in a horrific way. And that is the catalyst of more blood spilling.

And yes, it angered me a little bit how Patrick retaliated, and how he wants to use Sorcha for his own benefit. But on a more ‘criminal’ mindset, I could understand where he is coming from.

Where Patrick’s behaviour angered me, my heart broke for Sorcha. Even if the relationship with her family was a complicated one (well, duh), she just lost everything and everyone at once, at the hand of just one angry and vengeful person…

I liked Sorcha fierceness in this story, as she is willing to literally fight for her freedom, as she for sure will never bow or kneel for Patrick. But at the same time, we also see her loving character, as she deeply wants to protect the most innocent character in this whole book.

A character that Patrick isn’t afraid to use as leverage, but we also see that beside his ruthless character, there is something else to him.

Something that Sorcha slowly also starts to see, something that allows her to poke the bear a little bit, as she is allowed to say things in a way that no one else ever was allowed to say. This shows that beside the mutual hatred, there is something simmering between them.

I have to say, there is some “action” taking place between Sorcha and Patrick, and while I can understand the need of the both of them, and even Sorcha’s desire to “do a good job”, but Patrick’s behaviour in the after – moments for sure shocked me…

And yet, we see some severe melting taking place, beside some hot, scorching bits. We see how these two sworn enemies, with Sorcha being forced marrying Patrick, are forming an alliance against other enemies. And we see how that frail alliance is shifting, how it makes both Patrick and Sorcha develop feelings that they never expected to feel, especially for each other.

So while perhaps the setting and the environment are a toxic one, the growing strength and feelings we see between Sorcha and Patrick is what I loved about this book. We see how even the most gruesome events can be the start of finding someone that you may despise at first, but how forced proximity can give you a better understanding of your enemy and that perhaps that enemy isn’t only an enemy, but also an ally and something more.

Now, this is obviously only applicable in fiction and not in real life 😊

This collaboration is for sure one that absolutely works, and I cannot wait what the wicked minds these wonderful queens have, can come up with next!  

Can one kiss in the past that changed everything, be forgotten?

Synopsis

A scorching forbidden billionaire romance. If you love forced proximity, forbidden romance, and chemistry that burns off the page, this is your next obsession. Perfect for fans of Ana Huang, TL Swan and Meghan Quinn 💋✨

✨ Forbidden romance

✨ Forced proximity

✨ Best friend’s little sister

✨ Off-limits billionaire

Theo

Making my first billion? Easy. Surviving Sadie — and her three-year-old — moving in? Pure torture. She’s my best friend’s little sister, the one girl I should never touch. Especially after that reckless kiss seven years ago…the kiss that ruined everything.

Now she’s here, under my roof, in every corner of my thoughts. Vulnerable. Off-limits. And so beautiful it hurts. I promised myself I’d protect her, keep my distance. But every laugh, every accidental touch, makes it harder to remember why I ever said no.

Sadie

I ran to Theo for safety, but the moment I walked through his door, I knew I wasn’t just in danger from my ex—I was in danger of falling again. He thinks he’s protecting me, keeping his distance. But every smouldering look says otherwise.

And every night, I wonder: what if I kissed him again? He thinks he’s just helping. But he doesn’t see how he’s rewiring my heart—how my daughter already adores him. I’m supposed to be surviving, not falling. But I know what I want…him. His hands. His mouth. His body. Even if it’s the one thing he swore I couldn’t have…

An irresistibly steamy billionaire romance filled with forbidden desire, angst and second chances!

Praise for Rachael Stewart:

“It has all the ingredients of a delicious billionaire romance but it’s full of tenderness, compassion and decadently sweet heat, too. I devoured it!” Author Laura Carter

‘WOW! Rachael Stewart keeps getting better and better! Heat and sizzle seduce you while emotion sneaks in and slaps you upside the head. This sexy, heartfelt book has it all!!’ USA Today Bestseller Amy Andrews

‘Stewart’s writing grabs you by the collar and drags you straight into a world of toe-curling heat and slow-burn healing. I fell for Theo as hard and fast as Sadie did—and loved every smouldering second of it.’ bestselling author Lily Parker

‘I can see BookTok going wild over this one.’ Reader Review

‘I was hooked really quickly into this and finished it in less than 24hours, I just didn’t want to put it down!’ Reader Review

‘It had some delightfully spicy moments in it and they were HOT!’ Reader Review

‘It’s a really enjoyable & entertaining read. I loved it & can’t wait for the next!’ Reader Review

My review

Sadie has been in love with Theo ever since she met him. But Theo being best friends with Sadie’s sister, complicated things. Yet seven years ago, Sadie kissed him, changing everything between them, and not for the better. Now Sadie is looking for shelter and protection after an abusive relationship. And staying at Theo’s place is the only option for her and her little girl. Even if Sadie is still haunted by what she has been through, and Theo keeping his distance, the fire he once used to ignite in her, is simpering back to life. But Sadie is not ready to open up for another man again, especially not the man that already broke her heart once… However, how long can they resist each other and how long until the walls fall down?

I have read several of this author’s book, and even if you would think the ending would be predictable, isn’t it journey that matters and not the result? And this book for sure was a heck of a great journey!

I have to admit, I kinda know what it felt like for Sadie, being in love with a friend of your sibling. While in my personal case, it was more of an innocent infatuation, I could relate with Sadie, seeing that person, knowing that perhaps nothing could ever come from it.

And it made sense to me, how a Sadie made a choice, a decision to move from him, and get away with a man that claims to love her. In retrospect it is obviously the wrong decision, but I could understand why Sadie went away.

However, it truly broke my heart to see in what state Sadie returned back home… From what we have seen from her past, it is obvious that she was a spirited young woman, enjoying her life. And yet the Sadie that returned is a courageous one, able to step away from the abuse, but just an empty shell compared to the past Sadie.

Of course Sadie is wary of everyone and every sound, wouldn’t you be if you were her? I cannot understand how people can treat others the way her ex did. How on earth is that not only anything but love, but why get a kick out of that power? Getting to know more about Sadie and what she has been through, made my blood boil!

The only silver lining that came out of the relationship, is sweet little Lottie. This little girl is in my opinion the ray of light in this book, for everyone. She gives Sadie the strength to get out of the relationship and built a new life again, but Lottie is also the one that melts Theo’s heart.

Theo is the perfect example of a workaholic. And sure, it paid off as he is a wealthy man now. But just like in his apartment, it is all blank. His life is work, and he has no room for anything else.

Now, don’t get me wrong, he isn’t a selfish man, or a bad man, he is just focused on his job. The fact that (perhaps even reluctantly at first), he opens his home for Sadie and Lottie, shows his compassion and care. And in a way, I also believe that he would do the same even if Sadie wasn’t his best friend’s little sister…

The fact that there is some ‘history’ between them, something that they never spoke about ever again, just adds an extra layer of discomfort between Sadie and Theo, but much more fun for the readers. I was eager to know if it would ever be addressed again, and how things would evolve between them.

It felt like the story of Sadie and Theo was some kind of quid pro quo. Sadie finds a safe place to stay, and with Theo’s help, gets over her fears and finds the strength and courage to step outside in the light again (literally and figuratively speaking). Meanwhile, Theo gets not only to understand that there is more to life than just work. He learns that chaos can be a beautiful thing, that allowing feelings, emotions and love in your life is life – altering.

Obviously there are several struggles in this book to overcome. There is the fact that Sadie and Theo are having or developing feelings that perhaps they shouldn’t have, as Theo is best friends with Sadie’s sister. There is the serious matter of abusive relationships and the fear it inflicts. There is the matter of a strained relationship between siblings. There is wariness about everything and everyone.

However, there are so many good things that are taking place in this book. There is of course a lot of strength and courage, there is a lot of care and love, there is protectiveness and care. And there is the matter of what we would do for love. Love for a child, love for a sibling, love for a friend, love for the person we truly love.

Rachael Stewart put so much in this story, showing us the ugliness of people, but most important, the resilience of people, the strength of people, the strength of love too. As usual with Rachael Stewart’s books, I just devoured so easily, that at the end I even regretted reaching the end so quickly!

Who is the real enemy?

Synopsis

A dramatic, forced proximity Viking romance where forbidden love becomes hard to resist…

A forbidden desire…

…for his enemy captor!

Mourning his wife and unborn child, Saxon warrior Ryce has found solace behind the walls of a monastery and become a priest-in-training. Then Viking shieldmaiden Alivia, blazing with righteous fury, attacks and takes Ryce captive. 

Ryce must resist the spark between him and his captor. For he’s vowed to devote his life to the priesthood, and to her, he represents the enemy who killed her family. Forced to work together to protect their people, impetuous and fierce Alivia reignites his warrior instincts. Now Ryce has a choice: return to his duty, or embrace a new future with Alivia by his side? 

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

My review

Alivia is a Viking shieldmaiden, that raids Christian settlements with an unseen fury. That is because she is working with a vengeance, as the Christians took away who she loved the most. So when together with her brother and her people, she is on another raid, which includes raiding a monastery, Alivia doesn’t even hesitate to threaten priest – in – training Ryce. But what she doesn’t know is that Ryce used to be a Saxon warrior who would do anything to protect the young boy in his charge. With his life and the boy’s life on the line, Ryce agrees to go to Alivia’s settlement, as long as nobody will harm him or Aldfrith, nor sell them into slavery. But when there appears to be another enemy looming around the corner, Alivia and Ryce are joining forces and fight for their freedom. And then the pair of them realize that hatred isn’t the only feeling they are having for each other… But with both having had their hearts broken in the past, and the imminent departure of Ryce and Aldfrith, what good could ever come of getting closer?

Vikings and Saxons, a rivalry that for sure spiked a lot of imagination for authors and readers. So when this wonderful author gave me the opportunity to read this story, how could I possibly refuse?

Now, first I need to get something off my chest… I believe that the title of the book doesn’t give a good representation of the story itself, as it may let you think it will go a certain direction, to only realize while reading that the title doesn’t fit the story itself. It’ a great title, but perhaps not for this great story.

Because this is an amazing story, do not think otherwise!

What I liked about this story perhaps the most, was Alivia. Because she is a fierce, strong young woman. And yes, there are plenty of other stories with fierce young women, but in this book Alivia is in the midst of the action, using weapons and fighting against her enemy.

But on the other hand, my heart also broke for her, after learning about the losses she has to endure, and the way she had lost her loved ones. Nobody, past or present, should ever go trough what Alivia has been through. I could understand her anger and her thirst for revenge, yet I wanted her also to understand that you cannot tar everyone with the same brush. No matter what religion, there are always good people and bad people…

My heart ached for her aching, broken and fighting heart and I was very curious to see how a shift would be taking place and how she would be able to change.

And that all starts with Ryce, or rather Aldfrith. Because no matter how much poison in a way there may be in Alivia’s heart, she isn’t immune when children are involved. And her initial need to help Aldfrith, is the catalyst of her journey with Ryce.

What Alivia doesn’t understand and sees initially, is that there is a lot they have in common, as Ryce himself has lost his loved ones too. Differently, yet the pain and grief are just the same.

I found it a bit difficult to understand initially why Ryce has chosen to become a priest, but the better I got to know him, the more I understood it was more about the inner peace he found. And obviously it is also the perfect cover while looking after Aldfrith.

Getting to know Ryce better, getting to get to his core, was enlightening in a way. Because we learn about his pain, but we also see the care and love he still has in his heart, which is especially shown with Aldfrith. Even if he doesn’t speak out what he feels, it is obvious in his actions.

Obviously, Alivia and Ryce don’t get along at all. There is Alivia’s hate of Christians, and there is Ryce’s need to do anything to protect Aldfrith, even if that means getting captured by Vikings.

Things don’t change overnight between them, that would be too strange. So in a way it was great to read how even after a while, there is still animosity between them, and they are trying to get the upper hand in situations. And yes, those moments put a smile on my face! 😊

And then, slowly, things start to shift… And those moments warmed my heart… Because even if it starts as a physical thing, we see Alivia and Ryce bonding, getting to know each other and understand each other in a way no one did before.

Even if the threat of an enemy in common bring them even more closer, I knew that there had still a lot to be discussed between Alivia and Ryce. And with their background, I saw several difficulties with that. Yet I had the hope that somehow the both of them would have the courage to talk about what’s in their hearts and dare to speak out what their desires are.

And yes, I was at one point a bit disappointed as the story didn’t go how I wanted it to go at that moment, yet I never lost my faith and trust in Sarah Rodi, that there would be a way…

Sarah Rodi once again managed to take me away on an amazing journey in the past, where the most hurt and grieving people find someone that not only understand them, but are able to let them see that no matter how hurt you are, there can be a bright future ahead, filled with love and laughter again…  

When it just supposed to be one night…

Synopsis

After one steamy night together, a Cinderella is unexpectedly reunited with the very same billionaire…on a luxury superyacht! Find out what happens in this forced-proximitystory by Rachael Stewart!

FOR ONE NIGHT OR FOREVER?

Single mom Maria has fought to reclaim her world from her controlling ex. Romance is the last thing on her mind—until billionaire widower Tim walks into her bar, igniting a passion she thought she’d buried. A brief fling was meant to be enough, until they find themselves unexpectedly reunited on a luxury superyacht. Working as a stewardess, Maria is mortified to be serving the man she shared a bed with. Worse still, their attraction is stronger than ever…

From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

Sun, Sea and Swept Away

Book 1: What Happens at the Beach…
Book 2: Cinderella’s Fling with the Billionaire

My review

Maria has worked hard to get out of the clutches of her controlling ex. So with her found freedom and being a single mother, romance is absolutely the last thing on her mind. And then one day, or rather evening, a handsome man walks in the bar she is working at. And against all odds, Maria ends up spending the night with Tim. But even if it was out of Maria’s character, she knows that this was a one – off and that she will never see Tim again. Until she accepts a job for helping out on a luxurious superyacht. Maria is more than shocked to learn that one of the owner’s guest is nobody else than Tim! While their night together was amazing, Maria working as a stewardess and serving the man she slept with, shows her how different their worlds are. And while she wants to keep her distance, the attraction between them  thinks otherwise.

Sometimes you read stories about characters that couldn’t be further away from your own life. Of course, me being happily single, not being a mother or ever having been in an abusive relationship, you would think it would be a little bit more difficult to understand Maria’s reasoning and actions.

But the truth couldn’t be further away, because no matter the differences, I felt her pain, her struggles, but also her determination, her strength and her independency. And even if I haven’t have been through what she has been through, her character was so recognizable, so real.

Even if at the start it isn’t clear what Maria ahs been through, it is obvious that she has fought hard to get where she is now, that she has fought hard for her and her daughter’s freedom. And no matter who enters the scene, nobody or nothing will ever make her give that up ever again.

It takes a while before we know Maria’s past and just like Tim, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that what happened to her, the fault is not hers at all, but that she has been taking advantage of by someone who kicks on power.

I could also understand how Maria acts out of character after meeting that stranger in the bar. Sometimes you need to break free, break out of character, and just go with the flow. And acting like that once in a while, what is wrong with that if you don’t hurt someone else?

I am also a fierce believer that Maria wouldn’t have that night with just anyone. The fact that she has it with Tim, shows us already early on in the book, that there is something between them simmering, no matter how different their  lives and lifestyle are.

Tim… what a haunted and scarred character that he is… I cannot even try to understand how much he is still in pain and grieving over his loss. Time may heal all the wounds, but it can take a loooong time. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, especially if you have lost like Tim did…

Even for Tim it is an act out of character when he has this thrilling night with Maria, but again, what is wrong with that? Especially with their chemistry!

Obviously, we know that between Maria and Tim it won’t remain with just one night. We know beforehand that they will see each other again on the superyacht, and I was having a bit an evil moment, waiting for them meeting again and wanting to see their shock! 😊

And did I get rewarded for it! 😊

The difference in status couldn’t be more obvious, and Maria’s discomfort is palpable from each page. And while I was cheering for Maria and Tim getting closer and have those sparks flying again, I could very much appreciate Maria’s desire for professionalism, and even if against better judgement, pretend that one night never happened.

Of course, being on a yacht together, it means that avoiding each other is just impossible. Yet it is also the perfect opportunity to truly get to know each other. And seeing them getting there, was just great.

Slowly, with even some ups and downs, and between extravagant behaviour of guests and saving lives, Maria and Tim get to know the person behind the money, the person behind the strong façade.

I truly enjoyed this story about hurt yet strong people, trying to find a way to truly live and enjoy life again. We see that differences can pull people apart from each other, but more important how likenesses can bring them closer together, allowing them to open up again to that strange feeling that love is.

Rachael Stewart for sure wrote a beautiful story about two people that have been through hell and back, yet deserve the world filled with happiness, joy and love. I absolutely loved getting to know Maria and Tim better, and cheering for them from the very first moment they set eyes on each other!  

When a stranger becomes a houseguest…

Synopsis

Doc Hollywood meets It’s a Wonderful Life with a hint of The Santa Clause when a globetrotting toy industry mogul is stranded in this small harbor town days before Christmas.

Despite dreams to explore the world, I’ve never been anywhere other than this small harbor town. Single mom, local postmistress, and one-fourth owner of a failing auto repair shop are all the reasons I’ve remained planted where my roots began.

Hideaway Harbor is layered in love for the holidays, enticing visitors to the coastal area for a seasonal respite, so thanks to an unpredicted blizzard, it’s no surprise when a stranger plows into the town’s welcome sign.

What is a surprise is when he’s suddenly—and rather reluctantly by me—an extended-stay guest in my home thanks to no vacancies in town, some pesky matchmaking, and candy cane martinis on a Monday.

There’s something vaguely familiar about this new visitor. The combination of snow and tinsel colored hair. The well-trimmed matching beard. The laugh lines near his coal-colored eyes. How good he looks in the color red. He’s thoughtful and kind, and has a flair for the holiday season, which makes him most likely to make the top of Santa’s good guy (with a hint of bad boy) list.

After some disappointing news concerning the holidays, the hap, hap, happiest time of the year isn’t feeling so spectacular. But my houseguest’s presence builds a snowstorm of emotions in my chest, making my Christmas wish a transfer to the naughty list . . . with him.

Unfortunately, there’s a mystery behind his origins, and he has “not-staying” written all over him. With places to be before the calendar flips to December twenty-fourth, he’ll soon be gone, and I’ve encountered this heartbreaking, lump-of-coal sensation once before.

No matter how short or sweet his visit, there’s no doubt about the magic we make together, leaving me to wonder if love is the greatest adventure we take.

+ + + 

Welcome to Hideaway Harbor – where Christmas charm meets small town – and six amazing authors bring you six original holiday romances steeped in heat, heart, and winter quirkiness which can be read as standalones.

My review

Lumi used to have to many dreams when being younger. Now she is a single mother, postmistress and quarter – owner of an auto repair shop. Life for sure didn’t go as expected for her, but Hideaway Harbor is her home. Winter always brings extra visitors, especially to see the Christmas Spirit that defines Hideaway Harbor. So when a stranger has an accident, it isn’t an actual surprise. What is a surprise, is that Lumi finds herself suddenly having the stranger with the name of Saint as a houseguest. And Lumi cannot deny there is something familiar about Saint, even if she cannot put her finger on it yet. And that even if Lumi is going to have an unusual Christmas, a very non – festive one, Saint is the one who is able to turn on emotions and feelings that Lumi hasn’t felt for a long time. However, there is a lot of secrecy around Saint, and as Saint won’t be staying, would good could ever come from all those feelings both Lumi and Saint are starting to have?

I have read several books of this series, written wonderfully by different authors, and that can all be read perfectly as a standalone. And each book, I was a bit afraid that it couldn’t live up to the other stories I have read. And yet, I am still waiting for that disappointment 😊

Perhaps I found this one the sweetest story of all what I have read. Of course there is some spice in it, and several swoon – moments. But there is something about Saint’s mysteriousness, and even a certain way of innocence, that made this story somehow sweeter.

In a way, I found Lumi a bit of a sad character at the start of the book. Not that I pitied her, but while she is content with her life, with choices she has made, that she isn’t her life at the fullest. There is still so much potential in her, yet her responsibilities then and now are keeping her in Hideaway Harbor.

It is also obvious how much she cares about just everything and everyone, from her son, to her sisters and the auto repair shop, to even that stranger that has just crashed his car…  

Now, as the partly owner of an auto repair shop, it is rather mandatory to help Saint out. And yes, even if she has been a bit pushed in letting him stay at her place, of she truly didn’t want to do it, she could have.

I don’t know if anyone could persuade me let a complete stranger in my place, no matter how much money they would offer. I think I am too wary, and perhaps that I have read too many thrillers to not think of worst case scenarios.

Even if the houseguest would be like Saint. Now, me being 39 years old, I have never thought of any man like a hot Santa. Yet with Saint, I had to rethink about that! 😊

I said it earlier, there is just something about Saint… He is extremely hot, but not just that. He also is caring, gentle, patient and just lovely. Mix that with a certain level of vulnerability, innocence too, and it is just a full package!

On the other hand, there also the burden of responsibility on his shoulders, the way his family is demanding his return home. A home and a business too, he is being very mysterious about. And whenever questions are asked, his answers only add layers of mystery!

The connection there is between Lumi and Saint is just amazing to read. Even if they start rather cold toward each other, slowly the attraction becomes unbearable to keep on ignoring any further. Wow, those sparks! 😊

But it is not just the physical attraction between them, but also the emotional attraction, the desire to make each happy somehow…

I truly enjoyed reading this story, as it shows how perhaps one accident can the start of a brand new adventure, and can make you feel things you haven’t felt or believed in for a very long time. And with that layer of mystery, and the seem of the impossible happening, it made me even wonder if Saint truly would be…  

I said it before and I will say it again, perhaps the sweetest story of the series, but equally beautiful!

When a specific clause changes the yearslong dynamics

Synopsis

A Hideaway Harbor holiday rom-com from bestselling & award-winning author Lydia Michaels!

Three billionaire brothers. One ultimatum. And a childhood best friend who just became the prize.

The Christmas rush began the moment Magnus Hawthorne informed his sons that his billion-dollar empire would come with one hell of a holiday clause—whoever marries first inherits everything.

Too bad they all want the same woman.

Wren Wilde, Hideaway Harbor’s unintentional cat lady, is sick of bossy Hawthorne men controlling her non-existent love life. After years of their territorial interference, she’s finally going after what she wants. But Greyson, Soren, and Logan have other plans—one of them must marry, and all three brothers want Wren.

With no clue how her boring life turned into a billion-dollar competition, Wren refuses to play along. But when three alpha males turn on the holiday charm and refuse to take no for an answer, her defenses crumble.

Wren must decide which brother wins, and this Christmas, her choice comes down to love.

“A steamy, small-town, holiday romance with an unforgettable love triangle that’s guaranteed to heat up readers’ hearts this winter!”

Tropes: Protector • Three Possessive Alpha Males • Billionaire Brothers • Grumpy/Sunshine • Holiday Romance • Small-Town • Rom-Com • Friends-to-Lovers • Long-Time Crush • First Love • Virgin • Christmas Ultimatum • Holiday Rush • Christmas Competition • Steamy Romance • Childhood Best Friend • Family Rivalry • Won’t Take No for an Answer

My review

Wren Wilde has grown up together with the Hawthorne boys. Especially a common grief years ago made their bond unbreakable. Although Wren has to admit that having Greyson, Soren and Logan acting not just as her best friends, but also as bigger brothers, made her love life rather non – existing. And while she loves her boys, their lives couldn’t be more different. Where Wren is known as a real cat – lady and runs The Haven, a place for peace and quiet, Magnus Hawthorne has built a billion – dollar empire to be inherited by the boys. But what nobody expected is that Magnus has added a clause before Greyson, Soren or Logan can inherit the business. A clause that the one whoever marries first, gets it all. And the three siblings think there is only one woman perfect for them… Wren. But no matter how much Wren loves the brothers, it is not enough to marry any of them. Or is there?

I have to admit, the friends that I had while growing up, aren’t my friends anymore. Not that something happened, but sometimes, that is just how life goes. So at the start of the book, I was a bit envious of the friendship between Wren, Greyson, Soren and Logan. Of course there is also the grief of losing their mothers, who were also best friends, that brought them all even closer.

On the other hand, I do have an older brother, a very protective one too. And in that aspect, I could completely understand Wren’s frustrations, as those three brother, with the best intentions, kind of ruined her love life… But when you love, you love that person, those people, completely, no matter how often they irritate you, right?

Obviously, it is not a secret what the shocking clause is that the men’s father, Magnus has added. As I am not part of the richer population of world, I truly wonder if the rich people can truly be that bold, and even crazy…

And while you may think that the Hawthorne boys are driven by money to get married as soon as possible, it is obvious that this is not the case. It is just that the brothers don’t want to lose what their family has built. And when there is so much at stake, I could understand why the only option the brothers see, is Wren.

Again, don’t go thinking that they are taking the easiest option. They truly care and love Wren, all in their own specific way. And Wren knows them inside and outside, she knows them and they know her inside and outside.

But I loved it how Wren just dismisses all of the men. Not because she doesn’t love them and she doesn’t care about their inheritance. And getting married to just any of the brothers could be an easy option, but I liked reading how Wren wants to be loved in the way that you should be loved.

Wren has been though a lot, and is in a way still finding her feet. She loves running The Haven, is perhaps even a bit excentric, but she also has her own personal struggles and issues.

But no matter what she is going through, she has one of the kindest hearts in the world. And that does not only show in the care she has for cats, but also the way she keeps on looking after her father and just how she knows how to help his through his own demons.

And let’s not forget how she is always there for any of the Hawthorne brothers, even if in the past and present they hurt her somehow.

In reviews, you have to be honest. Thus I must say, I had my own favourite Hawthorne brother. And perhaps he isn’t the easiest person to like, but in a way, or at least for me, he was.

There is so much I want to say about how the story evolves, and how many swoon – worthy moments there are. But that also means giving you all already an idea how the story will evolve. And I just won’t do that, as you have to discover it all by yourself.

What I also liked in this book, how there are several ups and downs. Because things don’t always go right from the first time, not in real life. And falling in love is perhaps the easiest bit, but it is also about keeping that love, not per se protected, but open and embracing.

We see in this book, how important it is to communicate openly about what is going through your mind, to protect your loved ones, but finding the balance and not become overprotective. And it is about the lengths you are ready to go for the person you love.

Lydia Michaels wrote a wonderful, heartwarming story about all the aspects of love, and that one special love. And the book started of with a peculiar clause, that made me frown, but I finished the book with a big, happy, satisfied smile on my face!  😊

The need to hide, the need to stay hidden

Synopsis

A runaway bride. A grumpy bookseller with a heart of gold. A friends-with-benefits deal doomed from the start.

Hideaway Harbor was supposed to be a quick detour—one cozy Christmas job, then I’d be back on the cruise ship, far from my powerful ex and the mess I left behind.

But thanks to a tiny mix-up, my “accommodation” is a storage room with a creaky daybed and no plumbing.

Enter my neighbor Fredrik: a broody bookstore owner with a decent bathroom and the social skills of a cactus.

He’s everything I shouldn’t want—grumpy, reclusive, and allergic to holiday cheer. Yet he keeps showing up for me. Saving me. Heating up the sauna…

And suddenly, we’re tangled in something neither of us is ready for.

We’re just friends. With excellent benefits. Until the lines blur.

I should keep running, but this small town is starting to feel like home.

And Fredrik… he might be the reason I finally stay.

—

The Holiday Grump is part of the Christmas at Hideaway Harbor series of six spicy romantic comedies. The books are interconnected standalones and can be read in any order

My review

While waiting for her next job on a cruise ship to start, Noelle agrees to be managing a popup shop filled with all that is Christmas in Hideaway Harbor. As Hideaway Harbor is literally a place in the middle of nowhere, it is the perfect place for Noelle, as she is running away from her controlling ex and the mess Noelle left behind by running away right before saying ‘I Do’. With Christmas looming around the corner, even in a lovely place like Hideaway Harbor, finding lodgings is difficult, so when Noelle’s accommodation is anything but what she thought it would be, Noelle doesn’t know what to do. But her shop – neighbour Frederik, owner of the bookshop right across her shop, has a decent bathroom ready to be used. However, even if Frederik is allowing Noelle to help herself with bathroom utilities, Noelle cannot deny that Frederik is a grumpy, reclusive man, wanting nothing more than being left alone. Yet Frederik cannot stop himself from helping Noelle out, even if she drives him crazy… And even if Noelle is staying at Hideaway Harbor for a limited time, Noelle and Frederik become friends with very good benefits, with no expectations at all. But when lines start to blur, is it all that defined as the both of them may think?

Christmas is always the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? The  people are cheerful, the lights outside and the ‘will it snow?’…

But while for so many it is a wonderful time of the year, it is obvious the moment that Noelle (there isn’t a more fitting name! 😊) appears for the first time, that while she is a positive person, she isn’t in the happiest time of her life. She is running away from someone and something, and she needs to be somewhere to recharge herself, to find herself again.

I truly liked Noelle, because despite everything she has been through, and that in fact she is still hiding and running away, she is just a wonderful person. Despite everything she has been through, she still keeps a smile on her face, and no matter what curveballs are being thrown at her, she never loses her joy and cheer.

The contrast with Frederik couldn’t be any bigger. Being surrounded by books all day would be heaven for me, and I think I would be loving selling stories to people. But Frederik likes the darkness in his store, the quiet of it. And even if the store isn’t making any money, he likes it how on his own he is most of the day.

The comparison that in the book is made that Frederik is a Grinch, is rather spot on. However, we see more often than not, just who the real Frederik is. And that is a man that has been hurt by love, but also a man that does not let anyone struggle.

And it is seeing that softer side of him, the real him, was what made me even fall in love with him too. Of course, it is difficult for Frederik to get out of his Grinch – mood that easily, and communication is always a work in progress, yet seeing that progress, the slow change in him taking place, was so heartwarming.

That is all thanks to Noelle and her fierceness, her persuasive powers. Noelle and Frederik couldn’t be more different at the start of the book, but also right from the start it is clear that there is something pulling them together. And seeing how they are going from a low level of antagonists, to friends to friends with… feels like the normal course of life.

Again, things don’t go straightforward between them, as both Noelle and Frederik are haunted by events of their past, some closer to the present than others. But in both cases, also thanks to each other, they are able to trust people again, to let go of the past and to not already dream, but at least think about the future again.

But what for sure also helped in Noelle’s case, is the community of Hideaway Harbor. There are for sure excentric characters, but they are all opening their arms and hearts for Noelle. It feels like Noelle not just fits perfectly in Hideaway Harbor, but that she has been part of this community forever.

Obviously, there are several heated moments in this book, and Frederik for sure surprised me a little bit in that aspect 😊. But those heated moments show once again how well Noelle and Frederik are compatible! Now, as they start of as friends with benefits, and with blurring lines, it is to be expected that things become complicated.

Yet those complications and how the pair of them cope with them, shows the struggles they have internally, but also the growth they are going through. And that growth is the core of the story.

That growth and change in the main characters show us that no matter what has happened in the past, a page can be turned. And meeting a random person can be the catalyst of seeing more lights in your life again, to believe in all what is beautiful again.

I absolutely devoured this book, wanting to read more of Noelle and Frederik, but also not wanting to read too much of them. Because I just did not want to reach the end of this beautiful, heartwarming, inspiring, very Christmassy story that for sure put a smile on my face!