Lucky Haven: Dragonfly Creek, Book 2 by Zoe York with June deBorahae (Narrator); Lance Greenfield (Narrator)

 

Description

It’s sundress season in Dragonfly Creek… and the good girl librarian needs an ex-con bodyguard—or a big, bruising cowboy to be her fake boyfriend. Maybe both.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. Screwed up a career in the military, went to jail. Got some bad tattoos. Coming home to open a garage wasn’t one of them, because now I get to watch Haven Bingham work at the library across the street.

And one summer afternoon, when she’s been pushed to her limit, I’m right there waiting for her when she storms across the street and plants an unexpected but very welcome kiss on my mouth.

Now everyone thinks we’re dating.

Everyone knows she’s mine. Mine to protect, mine to worship.

And behind closed doors?

I get to teach Haven a thing or two about how good it can feel to have the full attention of the town’s bad boy.

A standalone opposites attract, small town romance with a suspense arc! Set in Canada's cowboy country, this book is high heat and full of heart, with an ex-con mechanic and an inexperienced but very curious librarian who has always seen the best in him.

Additional content notes: 

• This book begins with a prologue 12 years in the past that sets up gaslighting and attempted grooming of a 16yo minor (Haven) by a youth pastor. 
• It contains general descriptions of previous abuse multiple characters have experienced.
• There’s on page violence and sex.

I really enjoyed listening to Lucky Haven. Cash and Haven’s long history gives the story a lovely emotional foundation, especially with Cash having quietly carried feelings for her since their school days. That long‑standing connection makes their romance feel genuine and deeply rooted, and it’s easy to get invested in them finally finding their way to each other.

The duet narration adds an extra emotional layer to the experience. Hearing both voices brings out the tension, the longing, and the softer moments in a way that suits this story perfectly. It makes Cash’s devotion feel even more heartfelt and Haven’s uncertainty more relatable.

Cash and Haven are adorable together, though Haven’s cluelessness, particularly for someone in her thirties, is both endearing and occasionally amusing. It fits her sheltered, slightly oblivious personality, and Cash’s steadiness balances her well.

There’s a good mix of romance and suspense throughout, enough to keep the plot moving without overshadowing the relationship. The danger element adds stakes and keeps the story engaging.

Overall, Lucky Haven is a warm, satisfying listen with great chemistry, strong narration, and a blend of sweetness and tension that works beautifully.

Buy link Audible Amazon

The Last Rift Dragon by Shami Stovall (BLOG TOUR- The Write Reads)

 

Book Info

Genre: Fantasy

Age Category: Young Adult

Number of Pages: 340 Pages

Publication Date: July 20, 2026

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252687866-the-last-rift-dragon

Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/f3fa1557-d6f7-4ea1-b8b7-6f2466c5f8d0

Amazon: https://a.co/d/04EtdMyQ (Canada) https://a.co/d/0f5Fb13E (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/06wvvM6E (UK)

 

Blurb

 

The City of Bridgehaven is under attack.

The nation to the west intends to murder Bridgehaven’s last three remaining dragons, rendering them extinct. They’ll stop at nothing to crush the eggs, flay the dragons, and burn Bridgehaven to the ground.

But Richter Whitlock is determined to make sure that doesn’t happen. He joins the Knights of the Silver Fog—individuals dedicated to protecting Bridgehaven, and the dragons, at all costs—in the hopes of caring for a fragile dragon egg, so that one day he may bond and fight back.

But there are traitors in Bridgehaven, and enemies are circling close.

If Richter hopes to save his home, and his egg, he’ll have to master his magic, learn to craft magitech, and become one of the greatest Knights anyone has ever seen…

The Last Rift Dragon is an excellent fantasy adventure, charged with magic that had me glued to the page and my earbuds from the very first chapter. With the shocking events in the early chapters, it propels the reader into a world where the stakes are high and the danger is constant. The world Shami Stovall has created feels rich, vibrant, and full of heart. I listened to the audiobook and was completely swept away. Luke Daniels delivers a phenomenal performance, bringing every character to life with energy, nuance, and emotion. His range of voice and accent is vast. Every character sounds like a completely different person speaking and it was fantastic to listen to. The narration adds a cinematic quality to the story and action scenes. 

One of my favourite elements was watching the Knights bond with their dragons and receive their magic. Each Knight’s ability is unique, and knowing how important those powers would become during the life and death moments of the battle scenes added a wonderful layer of anticipation. The dragon lore is imaginative and beautifully woven into the worldbuilding, making every new reveal feel exciting. I also liked that the weaker, damaged dragon was included and needed.

Richter’s storyline is very compelling. His bond with a very special dragon brings both wonder to the narrative, and I loved following his journey as he faced danger, betrayal, and the responsibility that comes with newfound power. The relationship between rider and dragon is a highly pleasing feature of the book and one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.

The Last Rift Dragon is a fantastic start to a new fantasy series. Fast‑paced and full of magic, danger, and heart. The audiobook is superb, and I’m already looking forward to diving into the next instalment.

About the Author

Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction, best known for her Frith Chronicles and Chronos Chronicles series. Before she was author, Stovall taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second.

When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators, or hanging with John 3 and John 4.

If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:

Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/

Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com

The One Where They Fall in Love by Cristina Wolf

                                                       

The One Where They Fall in Love

You never know when love may come knocking…

Hopeless romantic and romance editor Elle Thompson lives for happy endings—but real-life love? Not so much. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t thrilled when her best friend gets engaged. Really. Not jealous at all.

Meanwhile, Oliver Cole likes things a certain way. Schedules and routines and order. So when his move back to New York is disrupted with the unwelcome addition of Thor—the dog his sister adopted for him—he’s less than enthused. Even less enthused than Oliver? His neighbour, Elle.

When Elle can’t bear to hear Thor howling all night, the two agree to strike a deal: she’ll dog-sit while he’s on shift.

But what starts as a reluctant arrangement soon turns into late-night chats, sizzling chemistry, and two lonely hearts daring to let each other in.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.eu/d/0dTY5wYy

This was such an uplifting and entertaining rom-com. Elle is wonderfully unhinged in the sweetest way, and her energetic charm pairs beautifully with Oliver’s tightly‑wound personality. Their meet‑cute, complete with Thor’s sad whining and crying was an absolute highlight and instantly hooked me.

The dynamic between Elle and Oliver is irresistible. Their banter feels effortless, their day‑trip adventures are full of warmth and humour, and the gradual shift from friendship to something deeper is handled nicely. Oliver’s internal struggle and slow realisation of his feelings were especially satisfying to watch unfold.

With a lovable dog, supportive friends, and two leads who complement each other perfectly, this is a delightful, funny romance that left me smiling.

Author Bio – Cristina Wolf wrote her first book in the third grade. It was an adventure book about her beagle, Abby, complete with hand-drawn illustrations and top-notch handwriting. Needless to say, writing and reading has been a passion of Cristina’s from the beginning. After graduating from Marist College with a double major in Business and English, Cristina pursued a career in the publishing industry while earning her Master of Science in Publishing from New York University. Cristina has experience working at literary agencies and as an editorial assistant at a publishing house. Finding life in NYC a bit different than she expected, Cristina returned to her native New Jersey where she earned her Master in Teaching from Monmouth University. She now shares her love of books with her students as a middle school English teacher.

Social Media Links – https://www.cristinawolf.com/books https://www.instagram.com/cwolfbooks/

The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop by Jill Steeples

 

The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop: An uplifting, festive romance from Jill Steeples for 2026

A BRAND NEW joyful, festive romance from BESTSELLER Jill Steeples. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett. ❄️🎄

Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she has the chance to start a brand-new chapter.

Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future.

Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam.

As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions to make. Does her future lie in London or can a whole heap of books and a sprinkling of festive magic offer a life that she could never even have dreamed of?

Grab a hot chocolate and settle down for the perfect festive read. Essential reading for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Sarah Bennett.

This is such an uplifting and cosy read, filled with the kind of characters you genuinely want to be friends with. Jill Steeples always creates wonderful communities, and this book is no exception.

Guy is an affable, adorable romantic interest from the very beginning. He’s clearly smitten with Isla, even if she’s completely oblivious, and their interactions are so sweet and endearing. I loved watching their connection grow.

Isla has a few personal and professional challenges to work through, but the answer was right in front of her all along. It’s lovely to see her gradually come to that realisation, and I was rooting for her and for the final outcome the whole way through.

A very enjoyable read, full of warmth, charm, and gentle romance. Another delightful story from Jill Steeples.

Pride Comes Before a Fall (Miss Prentice's Protegees #3) by Virginia Heath

 

Description

In the third instalment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realised that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticises weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

This was such an enjoyable read and exactly the kind of historical romance that keeps me turning the pages. The first half is packed with humour thanks to Portia’s brilliant interview scene and her unapologetic disdain for the aristocracy, Leo very much included. Their banter is sharp, their reluctant attraction is great fun, and I loved every moment of their back‑and‑forth.

The story does slow a little in the middle when the focus shifts to Portia’s involvement with Equitas and the legal trouble surrounding her political writings. It’s interesting, but it changes the pace. Leo’s attempt to save her from deportation adds emotional tension, though their relationship suffers from insecurity and their inability to communicate honestly.

Thankfully, the resolution is worth the wait. It leads to a standout, genuinely hilarious scene in the House of Lords that had me grinning. Overall, this is a witty, charming story with memorable characters and plenty of heart.

Ask Me What I'm Reading by Eleanor Goymer

 

Description

Perfect for fans of One Day and Talking at Night.

Every morning, Sophie boards the same train.

Every morning, she spots him – tall, unreadable, always with a novel in hand…often the same one she is reading.

Soon, their commute becomes a silent exchange of titles, a game only they seem to be playing. But how long can a love story stay between the lines before someone dares to take it off the page…

Ask Me What I’m Reading is a slow-burn romance about chance encounters, the love of books and the quiet thrill of meeting someone who just gets it.

Ask Me What I’m Reading is an utterly charming romance. As a book lover, the premise had me obsessed from the start. I adored the subtle, silent flirting that unfolded across the train carriage through carefully chosen books and later through the Instagram account as well. I was sweet, clever, and genuinely funny.

Although the story touches on the heavier theme of grief, Eleanor Goymer handles it with a poignant, uplifting touch that never weighs the narrative down. Instead, it adds emotional depth and makes the characters’ connection feel even more meaningful.

I loved how books from across all genres play such a central role in bringing the characters together. It gives the story a special warmth and makes it a perfect read for any book lover. This was a delightful, heartwarming romance that left me smiling, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Ask Me What I'm Reading is out now

Amazon

Painted Hearts by Bec George with Flora Ogilvy (Narrator); Mat Dwyer (Narrator) (Book 1 of Indigo Lake)

 

Description

A whiskey bar owner clashes with his rival after she paints her half of their building pink in this small-town romance, from Australian author Bec George.

Two rival businesses. One very inconvenient address.

Winnie is starting over. After arriving in Indigo Lake, she's ready for a fresh chapter – beginning with Bubbles & Brushes, the charming paint-and-sip art studio she's always dreamed of opening. 

But there's one thing in her way.

Everett. Her gruff, no-nonsense next-door neighbour, whose whiskey bar shares a wall with Winnie.

When Winnie paints her side of the building a bright bubblegum pink, chaos (and competition) takes hold. Not only do they share the same building – they also share the same customer base.

As the pair butt heads over everything from noise levels to paint swatches, an undeniable spark begins to smoulder. But both have reasons for guarding their hearts, and Everett is harbouring secrets of his own.

As their rivalry spills from business into their apartments (that are also awkwardly connected), sparks fly in this laugh-out-loud grumpy/sunshine romance about two people who need therapy – but find each other instead.

A grumpy/sunshine, rivals-to-lovers, small-town romance perfect for fans of B.K. Borison, Lucy Score, and Catherine Cowles.

Painted Hearts is a charming blend of sharp banter, slow‑burn tension, and shadowy suspense. What drew me in immediately was Winnie and Everett's bickering. It had that irresistible old‑school flavour, full of teasing notes, mischievous gifts, and an undercurrent of flirtation that never feels forced. Their chemistry is playful, prickly, and wonderfully endearing.

Although the romance takes centre stage, the story threads in heavier themes that sit quietly in the background. They add depth without ever weighing down the narrative or pulling focus from the developing relationship. The sense of threat lingering at the edges of the plot keeps the tension simmering, giving the book a subtle, suspenseful pulse.

Winnie’s new circle of friends is a delight, injecting humour and warmth into the story. One of my favourite parts was the night they decided to torment Everett at his bar. It ended up being chaotic, funny, and perfectly timed to show how much life Winnie has found in her new surroundings.

The dual narration works beautifully here. Both narrators capture the characters’ personalities and emotional beats with real nuance, making the banter sharper, the tension tighter, and the quieter moments more intimate.

Overall, Painted Hearts is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is fun, flirty, atmospheric, and surprisingly heartfelt. I loved it.

Painted Hearts is out now. Audible

The Magical Matcha Teashop by Natasha Bache

 

Welcome to Lavender Hollow… your next small town romance obsession!

Grace fled London with a broken engagement and a wedding dress she still hasn't paid for. Max returned home with secrets of his own, and a painful past he’d much rather leave behind.

But neither expected to find magic hiding in a cup of matcha. Because in the sleepy village of Lavender Hollow, something unusual is brewing…

As Matcha Made in Heaven’s newest employee, Grace soon realises she has an extraordinary gift when customers start crying over their lattes and spilling secrets they never meant to share.

In the warmth of the cosy teashop, will Grace and Max discover that the best recipe for love might be one brewed together?

For fans of cozy fantasy romance, The Magical Matcha Teashop serves up the perfect blend of small-town charm, found family, spicy romance and just a sprinkle of magic.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s heartwarming, gentle, and exactly the kind of cosy read that leaves you smiling. The magical elements are only a light touch, centred on Grace’s moods and how they influence her tea and, in turn, the people who drink it. Some of the effects were quite funny, and my favourite scenes were of her parents, followed by the two workmen.

Max and Grace were such a sweet couple. Max’s quiet infatuation was adorable. He would keep the bookshop open late just so he could help her find a book, offered her a place to stay, and watched out for her when her ex appeared. His kindness and steady presence made their connection feel warm and genuine, and I loved how naturally their relationship unfolded.

Yuji, the owner of the teashop, was such a lovely character. He deeply missed his late wife and recognised the same sense of magic in Grace that his wife once had. I really liked how he reacted when he noticed people behaving oddly after drinking her tea, insisting that he make it from now and gently encouraging Grace to keep control over her emotions while brewing. His kindness and quiet wisdom added a touching layer to the story.

The small town setting and found family made this a heartwarming, whimsical read with just the right sprinkle of magic.

The Magical Matcha Teashop is available now! Kindle, audio and paperback. 

                                                         Amazon

The Twisted Mark (Witch Trials #1) by Sophie Williamson

Gabriel’s eyes haven’t left my face. There’s not much he can do to me that he’s not already entitled my body and my magic, served up on a plate in return for my brother’s freedom. I swallow hard. I’m hardly naïve—but I’ve never gone all the way. I can’t back out now. I can’t let my family down...

Sadie Sadler lives in the big city. Takes the train to work each day. Drinks fancy coffee. Does yoga… and never, ever does magic, lest it leads Gabriel Thornber straight to her door.

Sadie’s family have used their magic to protect the small northern town of Mannith for centuries. But now, Sadie’s brother Brendan is on trial for murder, and Gabriel, the charismatic and sinister head of the Sadlers’ only rivals, is moving to take the town. Only Sadie has both the knowledge to save Brendan and the magical strength to face down Gabriel.

The trouble is, there’s a good reason Sadie left home and turned her back on she bargained away her powers and her body to Gabriel to save her damn brother the last time he got in trouble. If she comes home, Gabriel will try to collect… but there’s no way she’ll allow her brother to rot in jail or her family’s strength to wane.

Returning in disguise, Sadie’s plan to save Brendan and get out is tested as she’s dragged back into a world of magic and power, with Gabriel at its centre. Battling both her long-standing terror of him and a growing, dark attraction, she must decide who Mannith’s real villains are and how far she’ll go for her family.

A promise made… a magical debt unpaid. This is a fight that could cost Sadie everything.

I originally read this book and rated it three stars, but on my re-listen, I found myself enjoying it more. The same issues still bother me, particularly the poor choices Gabriel makes and how they affect Sadie. He has a steep hill to climb to win me over in the next book.

What drew me in this time was the magical worldbuilding. I loved the idea of characters being able to speak with their dead relatives when visiting their graves. Sadie's conversation with |gabriel's mother was genuinely moving. At the same time, there’s a very dark side to this magic, and the cost required to maintain it is quite horrific. I was surprised that more characters weren’t actively searching for an alternative, given how brutal the consequences are.

The enemies‑to‑lovers thread worked well for me, and despite my frustrations with Gabriel, I’m invested enough in the relationship and the wider mystery to want to see what happens next.

The twisted Mark is a dark fantasy with a compelling magical concept and a romance I’m curious to follow further.

Buy link- Audible UK    Amazon UK

The Hopeful Hearts Bookshop (Bonnie Bay Book 1) by Debbie Johnson

 Series

Bonnie Bay

Release date

30-04-26

Language

English

Format

Unabridged Audiobook

Length

8 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher

Hachette UK - Bookouture

“Take a leap of faith and visit our perfect little bookshop by the sea.”

Bookshop owner Moira writes the first of many invitations she’ll send out into the world. They’ll find the right people, she’s certain…

Single and in a dead-end job, Kate feels hope spring when an anonymous invitation falls from the pages of a book. Now, she’s standing in a charming Scottish village and trying to ignore the six-four silver fox by her side. He’s got an invitation too, a husky Chicago accent, and dangerously gorgeous sea-blue eyes…

Widowed ex-police officer Brody never expected to be stranded in Scotland with a cute British lady. Her smile might be bewitching… but her attitude? Way too cheerful. And eccentric bookshop owner Moira says they can stay for free, as long as they don’t mind sharing one very cozy little cottage.

That’s the least of their problems. Turns out Moira’s bookshop needs them just as much as Kate and Brody need a fresh start. And with a twinkle in Moira’s mischievous matchmaking eye, things are soon hotting up in surprising ways!

But as they string fairy lights over snug reading nooks and rally the whole community to buy their favourite reads, can Kate and Brody save the bookshop and heal their hearts? Or will their fresh start come crashing down?

From the million-copy bestselling author of the Comfort Food Café series comes a brand-new, totally addictive and feel-good escapist romance with delicious steam and spice. Perfect for anyone who loves getting lost in a book–in more ways than one! 

Fans of Susan Mallery, Phillipa Ashley and Laurie Gilmore will be hooked.

I completely fell in love with this story. I finished it over two days; I couldn’t put it down. The very charming premise caught my attention straight away. People reading second hand books find a handwritten card tucked inside, inviting them to stay at The Bookshop At The Edge of the World, in Scotland. I would so love for this to happen in real life. It’s whimsical, hopeful, and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited them when they got to Scotland.

The opening is especially poignant with Moira having a conversation with her late husband before writing the cards and sending them out into the world in anticipation at what the universe would send back to her. It’s like fate is gently nudging the characters toward healing.

Two of those cards eventually find their way to Kate and Brody, who are both at a stage in life where they’re trying to figure things out again. They were like two lost souls finding a second chance at love. It was heartfelt and uplifting. I was particularly taken with Brody's backstory and how he was in the UK to see his daughter off to university.

Although I usually prefer duet narration, the dual performance worked wonderfully here. Josh Wichard, in particular, excelled. There were moments when, with just the right inflection, it genuinely sounded as though he could 'see' Kate standing in front of him as he captured Brody's angst and attraction to Kate.

The Hopeful Hearts Bookshop is a beautifully emotional story, with standout narration and an absolute delight. I immediately went to check when book two is coming out, and I can't wait for July to come around.

The Hopeful Hearts Bookshop publishes on the 30th of  April

Purchase links

Audible UK

Amazon UK

 

---