New Release Book Review: Consequence of Their Forbidden Night by Rachael Stewart

Rachael Stewart's latest romance, "Their One Night Baby", is a heart-warming and emotional story about two best friends who cross the line one night and must navigate the consequences of their actions. This novel is a perfect combination of romance, friendship, and unexpected challenges. It's the second book in the Billionaires for the Rose Sisters series.

The story follows Brendan, a successful criminal defence lawyer, and Hannah, his best friend since childhood. Despite their undeniable attraction to each other, they have never acted on their feelings. However, one spontaneous night changes everything. When Hannah reveals that their one night together had caused an unexpected consequence, Brendan's shocked and unsure how to handle the situation…

Ms. Stewart has created two relatable and engaging characters in Brendan and Hannah. Hannah, specifically, shows resilience to conform to what others, including Brendan, believe is the right way to move their relationship forward in a positive way. I loved this about her, and her determination not to compromise. It's a classic case of poor communication between friends who haven't had to question their emotional feelings towards each other before. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of their close friendship, exposing their emotions as raw and real. As they navigate the ups and downs of unexpected parenthood, they both grow and mature, learning to trust and rely on each other in new ways.

The plot moves at a good pace, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The romantic tension between Brendan and Hannah is palpable, and their chemistry is sizzling. The author has done an excellent job of balancing the emotional drama with light-hearted moments and humour.

Overall, "Their One Night Baby" is an enjoyable and satisfying read. It's a story about second chances, unexpected love, and the power of friendship. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance novel with a strong emotional core.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher***

Their friendship is about to get very complicated when his best friend reveals their one spontaneous night had consequences… Find out what happens in the latest Harlequin Romance by Rachael Stewart!

Best friends…

until one night changes it all!

Top criminal defense lawyer Brendan is used to getting everything he wants. The only thing he can’t have? Best friend Hannah Rose. Until one night forbidden passions unexpectedly ignite and the barriers they put in place years ago are impulsively put aside. Now, determined to recover their friendship, Brendan tries to forget about their spontaneous encounter—until Hannah reveals it had consequences…

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

Billionaires for the Rose Sisters

Book 1: Billionaire's Island Temptation
Book 2: Consequence of Their Forbidden Night

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Review: Wish Upon A Cornish Moon by Amanda James

(from Goodreads)

‘I can see you don’t believe me, girl, but I’m telling you that there’s magic in the moon and that big sea out there.’ Grandma Mary cleared her throat and winked. ‘Dreams come true for them as take those old tales to heart.’ 1938
One midnight in June, 15-year-old Lamorna Williams throws a message in a bottle into the Atlantic at Magic Cove, hoping to meet her one true love – and someone writes back. 1997
On the other side of the world, Lamorna tells her story to her 16-year-old great nephew Ethan inspiring him to do the same. But this time, his message isn’t found for over twenty years… Present day
Single mum, Merrin Pascoe, is told of the legend of Magic Cove. In a moment of madness, Merrin wishes on the moon, and next day she finds a bottle in the sea. Will the cove cast its spell once again… Readers love

Every now and again, a novel surprises me and this one certainly did. It's a pure delight from beginning to end.

The narrative begins with Grandmother Mary and her experience with the local folktale. She shares the details with her granddaughters, Lamorna and Morwenna, telling them how their dreams can come true...if they believe... It's simply to write a message in a bottle and follow the ritual on the Full Moon in June, down at Capel Porth Cove aka Magic Cove. Both young women choose to believe when the time was right for them and succeeded in finding their true love. Therefore, both are eager for the younger generation to embrace the tradition and for them to believe it can work for them too.

I liked how the author manages to weaver the past with the present, as we are introduced to Merrin and Ethan. Both have a tentative connection to the two sisters and how fate has brought them together. Just like those before them, they also have to have hope and faith and a belief that life will allow them to be together. Just like Lamorna and Morwenna, life throws up challenges for the pair to navigate and in the spirit of a happy ending, all turns out well!

Ms. James has written an enchanting story spanning several generations. Set again a mainly Cornish backdrop, we learn about a charming folk tale about how local young women can find a sweetheart if they just believe...

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

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Review: Falling Hard For The Royal Guard by Megan Clawson

Love is in the heir in this royally good rom com debut releasing in Spring 2023 – perfect for anyone who likes relatable heroines (with great hair), hot and aloof book boyfriends (with great hats), near misses, almost kisses and a corgi or two.

Despite living in an actual castle, happily ever after is evading Margaret ‘Maggie’ Moore.

From her bedroom in the Tower of London, twenty-six-year-old Maggie has always dreamed of her own fairy-tale ending.

Yet this is twenty-first century London, so instead of knights on white horses, she has catfish on Tinder. And with her last relationship ending in spectacular fashion, she swears off men for good.

And then a chance encounter with Royal Guard Freddie forces Maggie to admit that she isn’t ready to give up on love just yet… But how do you catch the attention of someone who is trained to ignore all distractions?

Can she snare that true love’s first kiss… or is she royally screwed?

A right royal rom com, perfect for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue and The Royal We.

Margaret "Maggie" Moore is back living with her dad, a Beefeater at the Tower of London after ending her seven-year relationship with Bran. She's lonely and hates her job. When she literally bumps into a handsome man, she's instantly smitten but he's angry at her clumsiness. She brushes off and dismisses the incident until she sees the same man again…under vastly differing circumstances…!

Maggie is likeable but I also felt sorry for her. She's stuck in a rut and suffering the consequences of her previous actions. She finds solace in her surroundings; she's a history fanatic who has embraced where she lives.

The narrative is a blend of fascinating historical facts and an insight into the somewhat chaotic happenings in the otherwise mundane life of a woman searching for more than she currently has. Maggie's upbeat, but shows that even the strongest of women gets hurt when things go wrong.
In contrast, Freddie is aloof. The author hints at his background and character so we are grateful for the fun antics of the other guardsmen he is serving with and for them collectively embracing friendship with Maggie.

The tentative bond between Maggie and Freddie is slow as they develop a friendship based on mutual curiosity and interest. However, other shenanigans in Maggie's life at the Tower, tend to distract away from the blossoming attraction. Yet, the author's enthusiasm for the Tower of London is such, that a reader will want to turn the pages to discover more…

As a reader, I always love reading a book, where I can learn something new and Ms Clawson has written a delightful and fun novel brimming with history about the Tower of London with a sprinkle of romance and high jinks.

Overall, If you are intrigued by British Royalty, history, and romance, this is a book for you.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon via NetGalley***

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