Review: Morbidly Yours - Book #1 Love In Galway Series - Ivy Fairbanks - July 2023 There are books you pick up because someone raves about them, and then there are books that simply reach out and grab you from across the shelf. Morbidly Yours was firmly the latter for me. Something about that title paired with that cover had me utterly charmed before I'd read a single word  and I'm so glad I followed that instinct, because this one turned out to be a real gem. At the heart of the story is Callum Flannelly, an introverted mortician with a deadline that has nothing to do with death certificates: marry before his 35th birthday or lose his undertaking business.  Enter Lark Thompson, a vivacious American animator who has come to Galway to embrace life and who is absolutely not thrilled about finding herself next door to a funeral home. Their odd-couple dynamic is delightful from the very first page. Now, I have to talk about Callum, because honestly? He stole my whole heart. He...

Review: Out on a Limb - Book #1 Out Series - Hannah Bonam-Young - July 2023 Okay, so here's the thing  I went into Out on a Limb already a little bit in love with Hannah Bonam-Young, because Out of the Woods absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way and cemented her as a firm favourite on my shelves. So the pressure was on. Did Book #1 in the series live up to that? Honestly? Yes and no, and I think that's perfectly okay. Winnifred "Win" McNulty is the kind of character I wanted to be best friends with from the first page. Fiercely independent, a little stubborn, and absolutely not here for anyone's pity, Win has spent her whole life navigating the world on her own terms, limb difference and all. She's not looking for a hero, she's not looking for a relationship, and she is definitely not looking for a baby. And yet! One night with the outrageously charming Bo later, and here we are. Life, as always, has other plans. What I loved most here was Win...

Review : The Candidate's Daughter - Catherine Lea - May 2013 New Zealand author Catherine Lea’s The Candidate’s Daughter is a gripping thriller that not only delivers high-stakes tension but also provides a moving portrayal of disability representation. Set against a backdrop of crime, politics, and betrayal, the novel weaves an intense and emotional story that keeps readers hooked until the very last page. The novel centers around Kelsey Money, a 22-year-old car thief who gets entangled in a kidnapping gone terribly wrong. What initially seems like a straightforward ransom plan quickly unravels when Kelsey realizes she’s been double-crossed. Now, not only is she being framed for murder, but six-year-old Holly McClaine—who has Down syndrome—is in grave danger. With only 24 hours to save the girl, Kelsey must fight against impossible odds to bring her home safely. At the heart of this novel is the complex dynamic between Kelsey and Holly. Despite being one of the so-called ‘kidn...

Review: Making a Play - Book #5 The Field Party Series - Abbi Glines - August 2019 When all else fails for me, I know that no matter what an Abbi Glines book will keep my interest as it's true I recently read an article that said as we get older, we are less likely to keep our attention alive with boring books and we become more fussy. After reviewing for over 14 years, I have found that the case. The good thing though is that like most readers, I have my favorite authors and one of them is Abbi Glines.  Years ago, I started her The Field Party series and then put it to the side, so this year I decided to go back and finish the series and now I am up to Book #6 as this morning finished Book #5 Making a Play.  In Making a Play, it is Ryker's turn to be struck by the love bug - to find that special someone who will change his life forever.  This book goes deep to redeem Ryker as he was an asshole in earlier books and very shallow, but after Book #4 and seeing how words ...

Review: At First Smile - Melissa Whitney - October 2024 This was such a cute read as we first met Penny who is visually impaired as she is slowly losing her eyesight. She walks with her cane that she calls "Cane Austen" which I have to admit was one of my favorite things in this book. When she heads to the airport, she does a good deed and pays for the guy in front of her food. Rowan is thankful and calls his assistant to have her upgraded on the flight and she ends up in first case sitting next to him as his agent has a good sense of humour. Rowan Iverson has been trying to keep a low profile as his reputation on the ice hockey rink is currently in tatters as he punches out another player. Of course, we learn that Rowan had a good reason, but is protecting another person. He is glad that Penny doesn't have a clue who is and when their flight is delayed - the pair spend a few days together where we read sparks flying between the two of them. What will happen though when...