Hastings Girls' High School, Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina

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The Wellington Billionaires

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

Book 4: Cinderella and the Billionaire Boss Catie was a reluctant part of a work group at a bar when she meets Saxon, and they spend part of the night together. Catie leaves Auckland the next morning for a new life in Wellington. She is happy to leave her nasty stepmother and sisters behind and start again. Unfortunately, her job folds and she ends up temping. An urgent job has her discovering that her new boss is the man she slept with, but why doesn't he recognise her? When she asks why he doesn't recognise her, he leaves and comes back with his twin brother. Saxon not only recognises her but has been missing her since they the night they were together. Where to now? I loved this book. I frequently laughed at some of the comments the characters made. Saxon has told Catie to use his credit card to buy food, and she only spent $9.00. Their text exchange had me laughing. Me: I bought a piece of fish. It was very nice. Him: Was it a tadpole? Catie has had a very tough life, and she doesn't see how she can have a relationship with a billionaire. Saxon is going to have to work hard to convince her otherwise. Book 5: Alice and the Billionaire Boss Alice has decided that her virginity is a problem, and she wants a one-night stand to deal with it. She goes on Tinder while she is in Wellington to pick up her sister from university before heading back home to Gisborne. Her first date was a write-off but then she gets a message from Kip. A wonderful evening leaves them both wanting more but Alice looks after her mother who suffers from MS, and she has to go home. What can Kip do to convince Alice that he can solve the problems keeping them apart? I loved this book. I read it in one sitting which had me reading until 2.30am. A lovely story with lots of laughs. I have enjoyed all of Serenity's books and this is another great book. Book 6: Beauty and the Billionaire Boss Belle has had a crush on Damon since childhood, but he is her brother's best friend and six years older than her. Then Damon gives her a ride from Wellington down to Christchurch for her sister's wedding. Damon arrives to pick her just as Belle's ex is trying to assault her. The ex is tossed out and they catch the ferry. On the trip they end up with a discussion about sex, and Damon is horrified that Belle's previous partners never made it a pleasure for her. He shows her what an orgasm is like, but it was just meant to be a one-off event. Both Belle and Damon have had tough things happen in their past, but can they heal each other? I loved this book. It sensitively deals with difficult issues, but I was still laughing in places. I look forward to reading the stories about the Christchurch billionaires in the next series.
The Auckland Billionaires

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

Book 1: Talking Dirty with the Billionaire Boss Sidnie is trying to raise money to pay for her father's medical bills. She is offered money to find information at one of the businesses that she cleans. When she is called back to the business the next day, she is terrified that she has been caught. However, CEO Mack had found a poem that Sidnie had written. She has a blog where she teaches people to talk dirty to their partners. Mack asks Sidnie to be his partner at a party that night. That turns into a one-night stand, but then Mack realises that he wants more. He is a billionaire and her bank account is normally in the red. Is it possible for them to have a relationship? Book 2: One Night with the Billionaire Boss Elizabeth has been in love with Oliver Huxley (Hux) since she was 19, but their romance was cut short when Hux said that his one-night stand was pregnant. He has asked her out once a month for the last ten years but she always turns him down. Elizabeth's relationships have not gone well, so she has given up on that, but she wants a baby. She asks Hux to be her sperm donor, but he refuses unless they do it the old-fashioned way. Will Hux throwing himself off the Sky Tower convince Elizabeth that he is serious. Book 3: Faking Love with the Billionaire Boss This book is a delightful read. I have enjoyed the previous books in this series but this one was even better. Titus is over in England to negotiate an investment deal with a company interested in his research into using AI to improve the success rate for IVF. He contacts Heidi, the sister of his good friend and was in a zoom call with her when her ex turns up and pressures her. Titus decides he needs to check on her and drives through the night to check on her. Heidi persuades him to take a few days off to sightsee. They are both trying to ignore the attraction between them but this gets more difficult when Titus invites Heidi to accompany him to a country house weekend put on by the CEO trying to attract him to England. I loved this book and the main characters. I laughed frequently at some of the lines and I was impressed with how Serenity dealt with how both characters had fathers who bullied them. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The Billionaire Princes Collection 1: Books 1-3

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

The Irresistible Billionaire Ben Prince is a widower who needs a nanny for his young daughter. Heloise urgently needs a job to pay her bills, but she doesn't want to go back to her medical research that she left after her husband died. She bonds immediately with Estella, but the problem might be the attraction between Ben and Heloise. The Castaway Billionaire Victoria, owner of Wanderlust Yoga, was surprised to see her ex on the same flight from Fiji. She had broken up with him when she was told he had cheated on her. Then the flight was struck by lightning and they end up alone in a life raft. They get swept away from the other survivors and end up alone on a desert island. Luckily Theo Prince had been taught survival techniques by his grandfather and he knew enough to keep them alive. But they still need to sort out what had happened years ago. Can they reconcile? The English Billionaire Callum and Kora meet 12 years ago at a New Years eve party. The had a one night stand, but Kora had to leave without managing to say goodbye to Callum. Twelve years on Kora has broken up with her long term boyfriend and has come to London to touch base with the English side of the family. She is stunned to discover that her past one night stand is now her cousin's ex. The attraction is still there and Callum is happy to help Kora solve a family mystery. I always thoroughly enjoy Serenity's books and this is no exception. Another great box set from Serenity Woods. Every book she writes is a great read.
Bay of Islands Brides 2: 3-in-1 Collection

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

Bride for a Night This book starts off like a typical, well written romance, but there is much more to the story than that. Freddie has returned from the army injured, and he has to deal with frequent pain. He meets up with his old school friend, Bianca, and they start to develop their relationship. But Freddie is haunted by demons from his past, and he has difficulty convincing himself that he deserves to be happy. The twist at the end that explains Freddie's demons is most unexpected. A really well written book, with a lot more depth to the tale then a usual romance. Bride for Hire Noelle and Cameron were in love as teenagers, but then Noelle's family moved to New Zealand. Noelle married and had a family in New Zealand, but her husband died a couple of years ago. Noelle is busy running a bridal business with her daughters. Cameron's marriage didn't last and he never forgot Noelle. Then Cameron was in New Zealand on business, and he sees Noelle at a charity ball, and he wants to see more of her. They have a short time to rekindle their romance, but what is going to happen when Cameron needs to go back to the UK for his business? Will Noelle have to choose between her family and him again? Book 6: Bride by Christmas Libby has known Elliot since they were kids. There has been an attraction, but one or other of them has always been in a relationship. Now neither of them are in a relationship, but Libby is still getting over the death of her boyfriend in a plane crash. Everyone is trying to help her, but there is a reason why she feels guilty when people try to comfort her. Elliot wants to be in a relationship with Libby, but can he help her get past her guilt? I haven't read a bad Serenity Woods book and I thoroughly recommend this book.
Bay of Islands Brides: 3-in-1 Collection (Bay of Islands Brides Collections Book 1)

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

I had previously read these stories as individual books. You are lucky to have the chance to read three of them in one book. Bride in Trouble Phoebe wakes up in hospital after an accident with no memory of the last eight years. She doesn't remember her beloved father's death, or her fiance that she is meant to be marrying in ten days. Rafe sets out to help her remember why she loves him. The problem is that Phoebe's mother doesn't want Phoebe told about the circumstances of her father's death. Phoebe can't understand why she seems to have changed so much in the last few years. What happened to cause her to become so driven? This story is yet another superb Serenity Woods story. The book has depth and the plot continues to develop and surprise all the way to the end. I can't recommend this book enough. Bride by Mistake Fliss is an up-and-coming film star who has returned to Northland after her ex boyfriend released revealing photos of her. She stays with an old friend while she is hiding from the press, and works out what she is going to do. Fliss meets more of Roberta's family, including her widowed brother. There is an attraction between Fliss and Dominic, but can anything happen when he is a church deacon and Fliss will have to go back to LA? Bride in Secret Roberta is on a trip to Las Vegas with a group of friends. She wakes up after a boozy evening to find that she is handcuffed to Angus, and there is a marriage certificate on the bed. It seems that they are married. They are due to fly home to New Zealand, so they decide to sort it out when they get home. Flying home, the plane crashes and they have to deal with the death of a friend and other people injured. Angus uses his doctor skills to good use, but the whole event is traumatic for all of them. Back home in New Zealand, why does Angus keep saying they can't be in a relationship when they have an obvious attraction. What can Roberta do to make this work?
Contest

By Matthew Reilly

5 stars

Stephen Swain and his young daughter are dropped in to the New York Library to take part in a contest. The only way out is to win the contest as only the winner leaves alive. This is another action packed book.
Ice Station: A Scarecrow Novel

By Matthew Reilly

5 stars

A great action read. US Marine Lt. Shane "Scarecrow" Schofield and his team are sent to an US Antarctic research station after they sent out a distress signal. Something had been found in the ice but now people are dying.
The Forgotten Girls: A Psychological Thriller

By Cate Anderson (Serenity Woods)

5 stars

She is sleeping on the streets when she is approached by Cassie who offers her the chance to stay at a property where she will be warm and well fed, but still able to leave if she wants. The House of Stars is a property where girls are sent out to clients who might have unusual tastes. Now named Virgo, she is told that her youth and virgin status make her a valuable property. The House of Stars has secrets and where have some of the girls gone? But Virgo also has secrets. This book leaves you thinking about how people end up in these situations and what would happen.
Temple

By Matthew Reilly

5 stars

The US Army asks Professor William Race to help them find an ancient Incan artifact that might be a national security threat. This book has a lot of violence.
The Tontine

By Thomas B. Costain

5 stars

I read this in one sitting and had a very bad headache when I finished. I couldn't put it down. The tontine was a lottery where the last person alive gets the money. When there are only a few survivors left people have an incentive to get rid of the opposition.
Cold to Her Bones: A Psychological Thriller

By Cate Anderson (Serenity Woods)

5 stars

A really well crafted book. I couldn't guess who the serial killer is. Ten years ago Mairead was abducted by a serial killer and rapist and imprisoned in an old crypt where he could molest her. She manages to escape after a few days but the experience rips her family apart. Now Mairead is qualified as an osteoarchaeologist and is called Rosie. Rosie is working for a TV show and they are excavating a bronze age cairn when they find the body of the latest victim of the serial killer. This suggests that the killer is after Rosie again. Rosie's friendship with archeologist Harry develops into something deeper as he helps her deal with the stress of being at risk again. Both Rosie and Harry are real people with complicated lives. They both have families with problems and this make their character human. This is a new genre for the author and she has done a superb job. I look forward to more books from her in this genre.
The Billionaire Princes Collection 2: Books 4-6

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

I have read all of these books separately. You are lucky to have the chance to read them back to back. Santa, the Billionaire Elena Hunter has been Nick Prince's PA for several years. She was also friends with his late wife but neither Nick or his late wife knew that Elena had a crush on Nick. After his wife's death Elena hoped that Nick might notice her in a personal way, but he seems to become more distant. Elena is helping to support her sister whose husband has changed considerably since a bad accident. She decides to hand in her notice, but Nick offers her a free flight up to visit her sister. When Nick finds out Elena's sister's situation he offers them a cruise to get away for a break. Will this give Elena and Nick a chance to start a relationship? This book starts slow and builds up the intensity. I couldn't put it down. The Valentine Billionaire Lucas Prince's best friend Kai asks him to pick up his sister from the airport when she flies in for Kai's wedding. Lucas is attracted to Alex, but mate's rules say you can't date your mate's sister. Both Alex and Lucas have ex's going to the wedding so they decide to fake date each other. Lucas becomes concerned about Alex's wellbeing after he sees how driven she is in her goal to win an Olympic gold medal. She is driven by her mother whose athletic career was destroyed by an accident. Can they build a relationship that will cope with the pressures from both families? I loved the characters in this book. There is a sensitive look at the pressures a top athlete is under and I loved the way the characters developed a solution. The Secret Billionaire Immi's life seems to be falling apart. Her landlord is putting the rent on her restaurant up to unaffordable levels to push her out (and he is her ex who she dumped after finding he was cheating on her), and her mother and sister are continuing to put her down. Then she is snowed in with Jacob Prince. Jacob is in Queenstown to look for a property to expand the family's toy stores. There is an instant attraction between them, but the important people in Immi's life have left her. Will Jacob do the same? I loved Immi's determination on making her own way.
The Billionaire Princes Collection 1: Books 1-3

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

The Irresistible Billionaire Ben Prince is a widower who needs a nanny for his young daughter. Heloise urgently needs a job to pay her bills, but she doesn't want to go back to her medical research that she left after her husband died. She bonds immediately with Estella, but the problem might be the attraction between Ben and Heloise. The Castaway Billionaire Victoria, owner of Wanderlust Yoga, was surprised to see her ex on the same flight from Fiji. She had broken up with him when she was told he had cheated on her. Then the flight was struck by lightning and they end up alone in a life raft. They get swept away from the other survivors and end up alone on a desert island. Luckily Theo Prince had been taught survival techniques by his grandfather and he knew enough to keep them alive. But they still need to sort out what had happened years ago. Can they reconcile? The English Billionaire Callum and Kora meet 12 years ago at a New Years eve party. The had a one night stand, but Kora had to leave without managing to say goodbye to Callum. Twelve years on Kora has broken up with her long term boyfriend and has come to London to touch base with the English side of the family. She is stunned to discover that her past one night stand is now her cousin's ex. The attraction is still there and Callum is happy to help Kora solve a family mystery. Another great box set from Serenity Woods. Every book she writes is a great read.
Like a Boss Box Set: Like a Boss Series Books 1-4

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

Must read book. This book is composed of four novellas about the romances of the four directors of Hearktech. It could be read a novella at a time or back to back. Part 1 Colette gets a temp job working for Sebastian Wright of Hearktech because she wants to get her brother's name on the list of people taking part in a trial of a new ALD (Assistive Listening Device). She seems to have the ability to cause technology to destroy itself - in her first day the elevator broke, her chair broke, her computer short circuited and the coffee machine exploded. However, she is resilient and Sebastian is attracted to her. Part 2 Gaby is working as a temp at Hearktech before she leaves on a planned trip overseas. When she meets Harry, one of the owners of the company, there is an instant attraction between them. They hook up together and develop a relationship, but what are they going to do when Gaby heads off overseas? Part 3 Caleb first sees Roxie when she is temping at Hearktech. She is completely different to the women he is normally attracted to. They then meet again when Roxie is playing guitar with her brother's band. They start a relationship, but Roxie has a secret in her life. How will Caleb react when he finds out what Roxie is hiding? Part 4 Elen has just broken up with her boyfriend and she goes out for a drink which reacts with her migraine medication. She meets Kane, who also seems to like trivia and is also alone. Elen finds Kane attractive, but he is too nice to take advantage of a very drunk woman. The next day Elen's company is interviewing for a copywriter, and who should walk in but Kane. As the best candidate he gets the job. Now what is going to happen between them? Serenity's books can be relied upon to be good reads that are well constructed and error free. Her characters are well-developed and fun to know. I read the series as four separate novellas but I would have loved to have the whole book at once. However, the novellas came out fast enough to keep me hooked anyway. Serenity is one of my favourite authors. I love that the books are properly proofread.
The Avalon Café 6-in-1 Collection: Six Cozy Witch Mysteries

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

This is a great collection about Gwen is a witch who casts her magic in her baking. She is a descendant of a long line of witches based at Glastonbury. She has a cafe which has a set of armor by the door. Then Gwen discover a body. At this stage strange things start to happen with the armor. Does it have someone linked with it? This collection is a light and quirky look at the paranormal world. I don't normally read books with paranormal themes, but I knew anything written by Hermione Moon (pen name for Serenity Wood) would be great. It is a delight to read a book that is well written and error free.
Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen (Vorkosigan Saga)

By Lois McMaster Bujold

5 stars

In his role as one of Emperor Gregor's key investigators Miles never expected to be investigating his widowed mother. Cordelia is recovering from her loss and is developing a relationship with an old connection. But life never goes smoothly.
A Civil Campaign (Vorkosigan Saga)

By Lois McMaster Bujold

5 stars

Miles is in love but can he convince widowed Ekaterin Vorsoisson to join him in his sometimes dangerous but always different life. It doesn't help that Miles was present at Ekaterin's husband's death. Miles in love is a new version of Miles and I loved seeing him trying to win his love.
The Vor Game

By Lois McMaster Bujold

5 stars

Miles has finally joined the Barrayan Military but things never go smoothly around Miles. He needs to help lead a mutiny against his commander's criminal orders, then go and rescue his friend, Emperor Gregor, after he runs away from his position. We meet the Dendarii mercenaries again as well. I love this series.
Brothers in Arms (Vorkosigan Saga)

By Lois McMaster Bujold

5 stars

Miles is still living a double life as Miles Naismith and Lord Miles Vorkosigan. Someone is trying to kill him but which version of him are they after? Things get more complicated when a Miles clone appears as well. Another great book in the series.
The Warrior's Apprentice

By Lois McMaster Bujold

5 stars

Miles Vorkosigan was discharged from the Barrayan Military Academy due to his physical damage from a prebirth attack on his mother. He goes to visit his grandmother on another planet, but Miles being Miles he acquires some unusual people and heads out into space. He acquires more people end ends up reinventing himself as Admiral Naismith of the Dendarii Mercenary Army. Miles is a delight to read about. I've read all the books in the series multiple times and will continue to do so. This is a great series.
To Master & Defend: Anniversary Edition

By Anya Summers

5 stars

I can't resist this author's books. This is part of a series, but it is fine as a standalone book. Ophelia is in need of some good sex, so she goes out with a friend to a club. Her friend didn't tell her it was a BDSM club. Ophelia decides it isn't for her and tries to leave, but is grabbed by a drunk. She is rescued by a gladiator of a man. After collapsing in his arms and having her bruised face looked after by him, Ophelia initiates sex and has the best sex of her life. She slips away quietly afterwards, and doesn't realise until later that she didn't even know his name. Three months later Ophelia finds she is pregnant. She decides to tell her sister when she returns from Scotland, but then gets a message to say that Zoey isn't coming home. Feeling desperate, Ophelia flies to Scotland to see her sister. She can't believe her eyes when her mystery man walks in on her meeting with her sister. Ophelia fainted with shock, giving Tobias a fright as well. Can Ophelia and Tobias build a relationship? What will he think about her pregnancy? I can't put books by this author down.
Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

By Ajme Williams

5 stars

Gabriella spends a hot night with Marco but then she thinks that she hears him plotting to take over her mafia family's empire. She runs. A year later Marco pulls her back to his protection. Will they be able to have a relationship?.
Ruthless Game

By Piper Stone

5 stars

Christian has been told that he needs to clean up his image and get married if his company is going to win a contract. He goes to Vanessa's firm, Perfect Pairing, to find a wife, but then he decides that Vanessa is who he wants. Vanessa's firm needs a cash investment and she needs help to get her brother into drug rehab. Can Christian persuade her to marry him?.
Seduction Summit Trails Complete Collection

By Lilah Hart

5 stars

A great set of seven mountain man novellas. You can pick n mix stories to match your taste. They are all set around the town of Seduction Summit. Enjoy
Surrender to Me

By Sierra Cartwright

5 stars

Allie/Lyra was raised by her father who was a high level thief. After her father's death she is on the run with a couple of things he left with her. She first sees Stryker at a coffee shop then he rescues her from an attacker. Allie's father warned her to stay away from Hawkeye operatives, but Stryker is determined to protect her. What would he do if he realised that his firm is hunting for her?.
Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride

By Ajme Williams

5 stars

Isabella thinks that a mafia family killed her mother and she is talking to the FBI. He father offers to marry her to a mafia family member and his enforcer Roman Ginetti agrees to marry her. Roman offers to help her to find out who killed her mother.
Forbidden Boss

By Natasha L. Black

5 stars

Mari has a hot night with a stranger but the next day she discovers the Lev is her new boss. She has been bought in as a forensic accountant to check the books. Life gets dangerous when she finds missing money. I really enjoyed these characters.
Ignited Secrets: A Dark, Mafia Romance

By Ajme Williams

5 stars

Bianca's world is turned upside-down when a leak of FBI files reveals that her father is not Matteo but his father, Giuseppe, had kidnapped her mother, so Matteo is her brother instead. She flips out that he had kept it secret for 19 years, but now she will need to prove that she can lead the family. Alessandro has been part of Matteo's security for years but now he is protecting Bianca and helping her pass four trials set by the other families. This is a rather different mafia story and has a very strong female character.
Wildwood Valley Brides Complete Collectiontion

By Lilah Hart

5 stars

This is six short stories about young women who are coming to be mail order brides. However, when they arrive they find that a local woman had been the one messaging with them. In most cases the men didn't know she had been doing it. However, true love wins through. This set is good for a quick read when you have limited time.
Undeniable: A Small Town Romance

By Mary Sue Jackson

5 stars

Cal goes to Poplar Springs to help them have a fundraiser rodeo to restore storm damage. The locals keep giving him funny looks and when Amy sees him she gets a very big shook. It turns out that Cal is the spitting image of her late husband. There is an attraction between them but can she be with her husband's doppelganger. I really enjoyed this book. I have met one of the families before but it is nice to meet more of them.
Southern Stars 3-in-1 Collection

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

A great set of books. Be careful when you start these books as they are hard to put down. I have frequently finished them at 2am. Seduction Under the Southern Stars Linc and Elora have known each other since they were children, but Elora's father say them having an innocent kiss when she was 14. Her father found 18 year old Linc a place on an archaeology site overseas. Now Linc is a famous archaeologist but he is back in New Zealand for his father's funeral. While he is in New Zealand Elora's brother asked him to help Elora find a family heirloom. There is still a strong attraction between them, but Elora has trouble getting close to people after something that happened when she was 18. This is a great read with some tough things in both Linc and Elora's past lives. Obsession Under the Southern Stars Joel has been interested in Zoe since he first met her but he didn't ask her out until she broke up with her previous boyfriend. However, Zoe keeps turning him down. Then Joel tempts Zoe with a week-long trip diving on a wreck with the possibility of finding a historical necklace. This was too much for Zoe to resist. Then they get caught by a storm and trapped on an island overnight. There is no doubt about the attraction between Joel and Zoe but both have been affected by things that happened years ago. Will they be able to make things work. This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed meeting Joel and Zoe. I loved the laugh right at the end of the book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Possession Under the Southern Stars Fraser is the director of a Wellington museum who has taken a failing museum and turned it into a success. However, funding for a new extension has fallen through, and the work is meant to be starting. There is the chance that potential donors could be convinced to cover the shortfall, but one donor is reluctant. Fraser takes Hallie with him to try and convince her to donate. Hallie and Fraser have been interested in each other for years but Hallie has only recently split from her boyfriend. Fraser really wants a relationship with Hallie, but that would be breaking the museum's rules. This is a lovely read. It's hard to put down.
The Bookshop and Bad Magic: A Paddington Bay Paranormal Tale

By Liz Homes

5 stars

A great read with a touch of magic. Charm Engle is offered a bookshop in Paddington Bay but she has not left her room in five years. With the help of a friend she travels to Paddington Bay and discovers that there is magic there. However, she also finds out that this is where the man who tried to kill her came from. I love books by this author and am looking forward to the next one. I'm in the process of rereading my previous purchases.
The Avalon Café 6-in-1 Collection: Six Cozy Witch Mysteries

By Hermione Moon/Serenity Woods

5 stars

This is a great collection about Gwen is a witch who casts her magic in her baking. She is a descendant of a long line of witches based at Glastonbury. She has a cafe which has a set of armor by the door. Then Gwen discover a body. At this stage strange things start to happen with the armor. Does it have someone linked with it? This collection is a light and quirky look at the paranormal world. I don't normally read books with paranormal themes, but I knew anything written by Hermione Moon (pen name for Serenity Wood) would be great. It is a delight to read a book that is well written and error free.
The Forgotten Girls

By Cate Anderson

5 stars

She is sleeping on the streets when she is approached by Cassie who offers her the chance to stay at a property where she will be warm and well fed, but still able to leave if she wants. The House of Stars is a property where girls are sent out to clients who might have unusual tastes. Now named Virgo, she is told that her youth and virgin status make her a valuable property. The House of Stars has secrets and where have some of the girls gone? But Virgo also has secrets. This book leaves you thinking about how people end up in these situations and what would happen.
Kings of the Bay

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

This book is a great collection of the seven books in the Billionaire Kings series as well as some delightful bonus vignettes so even if you have read some of the books there will be some new material. I haven't read a poor Serenity Woods book and these are all delightful reads. She is one of my favourite authors.
Whiskers, Waves and Witchery: A Paddington Bay Paranormal Tale

By Liz Homes

5 stars

Journalist Hamish has received two anonymous emails about Paddington Bay. They said that Callie Fortune was a witch, and that Paddington Bay had a plague of rats. He decides that it was worth a trip to investigate the tips. Several of the local families to have magic with the types of magic varying between the families. Callie is a witch but that isn't why Hamish is interested in her. Callie might be able to help him put some of his past behind him. The attraction is mutual but something from Callie's past is causing the local problems. I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it as a great read.
Rubbish Dump Hero

By Liz Homes

5 stars

I love this series. A paranormal tale set in the town of Paddington Bay between Kaikoura and Christchurch. Selene has left her violent boyfriend and is visiting her aunt in Paddington Bay. She comes across a car accident before she even arrives, then the next day she is a victim of a hit and run. Paddington Bay has magic available for those who can feel it but some people are trying to destroy a magical area. I loved the interaction of the characters. I have read some of the other books in the series and they are all great reads. It is nice to read a well written book.
How to Survive Your Boss

By Leslie North

5 stars

A sweet second chance romance. Gwen had a hot week with Harrison but then he vanished with no contact. After Harrison upsets a celebrity with a massive following he needs a good PR agent to repair his reputation. His firm hires Gwen and they find the attraction is still there. Where to now?.
Swift Mountain Fire & Rescue: The Complete Series

By Kate Tilney

5 stars

A nice collection of short firemen romances. Four short books good for a quick read. Four firefighters find their special ones in these stories. Enjoy.
Praise Me Like Fire

By Cassi Hart

5 stars

A nice set of novellas. The Smokejumper's Lady Clea is guiding a small family on a forest trail when she gets a warning that dry lightning was approaching. She starts her group back but a lightning strike leaves their group trapped by fire. The smokejumpers are sent in and she is rescued by Ryan. Ryan has fought fires since his younger brother died in a fire, but meeting Clea makes him rethink his priorities. The Hotshot's Prize Ella was taking award winning photographs when a storm sweeps in. She fell down a bank and injured her leg while taking her photographs. Zach is out training when he hears Ella calling for help. They shelter in a cave until the storm clears. But then Zach is called out to a fire. What will happen? The Pilot's Good Girl Ruby is working as a counsellor at a summer camp. Heading in to town traffic is stopped because of a fire. When the fire heads for the road helicopter piolet Jake drops a load of water all over the cars. Ruby and the contents of her car are soaked. Will Jake be able to make it up to her? The Firefighter's Angel Cindy and her father had planned a trip to Yellowstone Park, but after his death her mother remarried and now the trip includes her stepfather and creepy stepbrother. After her stepbrother tries to attack her Cindy runs and is rescued by firefighter Daniel. Can he keep her safe?
The Gift

By Jax Hart

5 stars

Clara is home visiting her mother over the holidays. She meets the new doctor when she takes her mother in for a checkup. Bennett was a very successful doctor in Boston but he decided he needed to break away from that scene. There is an attraction between the two of them but complications will follow them.
Nikolai

By Lucky Moon

5 stars

Sophie has had a tough life with her Mother's death then her Daddy being shot while holding her. Now she is being auctioned off to pay for her father's debts. Pakhan Nikolai sees her and wants her despite the problems it will cause. A good read.
Billionaire's Ruin

By Summer Cooper

4 stars

It is a good idea to have read the previous books in the series before reading this book. June is hiding out with Dannie after Kai made a bad choice. What do each of them want with her?.
Daddy Claus

By Sofia Summers

5 stars

Ember had moved to Boston to get away from the problems her ex had caused. She has only been working for the Dean of Medicine, Nate Bradley for three days when she gets him to a nearly missed appointment to be Lightkeeper at a local ceremony. However he also needs a Hearthkeeper and he names Ember. Her plan to be quiet and unnoticed is ruined. What is going to happen next?.
Unbridled Promises

By Elara Winters

5 stars

Skyler is called out to a mare in distress during a storm. As a single mother she takes her eight year old son with her. Ranch owner Lincoln was raised to be tough and to rely upon himself but Skyler and Max change his behaviour. I enjoyed how Max interacted with the other people.
The Christmas Trap

By L. Steele

4 stars

hristmas enthusiast Lark goes for an interview with Brody, a Christmas grump. She gets the job but Brody keeps overloading her to try and push her out since he is attracted to her. Lark is also organising her wedding but then she is dumped at work. Brody needs to get married to receive his inheritance so he offers to marry Lark. Will this develop into a real relationship?
New York City Mafia

By Lane Hart

5 stars

Filthy Little Games Creed is a Mafia boss who is lured to a club by Zara and a shootout kills his brother. Creed goes to visit Zara with revenge on his mind, but he finds that Zara has a visitor who is abusing her. He kills him, but he is the son of another Mafia boss. Now Creed has to work out what to do with Zara. This is a complicated tale that I really enjoyed. Cruel Little Games After her father's death Stella needs to marry Andre to link two mafia families as a protection against potential attacks. Stella doesn't want to marry someone she blames for her father's death, but reluctantly agrees. Andre has loved Stella for years and he is prepared to protect her, but his secret might tear them apart. Twisted Little Games Tristan Ferraro needs District Attorney Kirsten Hunt to drop charges against him so he needs to find some way of pressuring her. When he finds leverage Kirsten has to do what he wants but then he becomes interested in her. Tristain needs to protect Kirsten, but can he keep her safe? These are three great books but allow plenty of time to read them.
Perish Prosper Cowboys 2: Books 5 - 9

By Lark Anderson

5 stars

The Cowboy’s Tempting Enemy The Prosper and the Wither families have been enemies for 50 years, each family blaming the other for sabotage on their ranches. Then Ellie arrives at a Prosper celebration needing vet Ryder to help her save her beloved horse. They have to smuggle the horse out but why was it ill in the first place? A cowboy version of Romeo and Juliet without the tragedy. The Cowboy’s Secret Obsession Clint Prosper has been interested in Bianca Burrows for years but can he change their relationship from fun hookup to a lifelong relationship? This book has two people who have trouble actually telling their special one how they feel. I really enjoyed this book. The Cowboy’s Fake Romance Connie Faraday is reinventing herself from child actress to producer but she needs the program on the Prosper family to succeed. When her lead actor is injured she needs a replacement and persuades Axel Prosper to fill in. He is also persuaded to be her fake boyfriend and we all know what might happen now. The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride Monica LeClair is months off inheriting her family's business when she is kidnapped. She is sure that her Uncle Jack is responsible as he wants the business. She manages to escape and hides in an old barn. Wade Prosper finds her and offers to protect her by marrying her which will give her his family's protection. Will Wade be able to protect her? The Cowboy’s Spicy Christmas Lucy is trying to get away from a violent and controlling ex when she heads for Perish Prosper but she crashes her old car on the icy road. She is rescued by Dale Wither who is developing a new motel. Dale is attracted to Lucy at first sight but she is scared that her ex might find her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Perish Prosper Cowboys 1 - 4

By Lark Anderson

5 stars

The Cowboy’s Grumpy Assistant Penny has worked at the Crimson Crest since was was orphaned at 18. Greyson has been attracted to her since she arrived but she was too young at 18. Now he is a bit drunk after a Crimson Crest party and he gets quite close to Penny. Penny takes things further, but then she goes completely cold the next morning. Why? The Cowboy’s Forbidden Fling Karmen has had a crush on her brother's best friend for years, but Duke had never seemed to notice her. Then he saved her from a creep her caught her in an alley. This sparks something between them but Duke still has a problem with Karmen being his best friend's sister. . The Cowboy’s Off-Limit Friend Fiona has had a crush on her best friend Wes for years. But she doesn't want to destroy her relationship with her best friend, Wes's sister. But when she can't find someone to lose her virginity to, Wes is there. It doesn't take long for Wes to realise that Fiona is important to him. The Cowboy’s Mail-Order Nanny Twenty year old Tess has been living with her aunt after her mother's death but now her aunt has changed and she is throwing her out. Tess has been applying to the Find Your Happy Ending site as a mail order bride but then she is offered a post as a live in nanny with Randy and his son. Tess fits in well but one of the town's mothers wants Randy and is making both Tess and Frankie miserable. Will the only solution be Tess leaving?
Rancher Seeks Christmas

By Marley Michaels

5 stars

The men from Bull Mountain Ranch are having a competition about who can give their mate the best date. We have seen these couples before so it is nice to meet them again.
Mafia Don's Carnal Vows

By Piper Raven

5 stars

Aria is doing the photographs at her sister's mafia wedding to Vince. She walks into her room to take the final pre wedding photos to find her dying on the floor. The murder has been set up to make Aria look responsible. Frank, the groom's brother claims her as his to keep her alive. Aria hears her father discussing how she will be sent to Russia but it is all part of a complicated plan. This book has a lot of complicated subplots but it's well worth reading.
Stay for Christmas

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

Another hard to put down Serenity Woods book. Cullen Reeve has only settled in a place for short periods of time. He feels he doesn't deserve to be happy after his partner died on the job. He is doing a short stint at the Noah’s Ark Sanctuary, but he plans to move on before Christmas. Then vet nurse Isla Markham and her son arrive for a temporary position at the Sanctuary. She has left her abusive husband and is trying to work out what to do. Cullen is surprised to find that his dog is prepared to interact with Isla and her son. This is a great start to a new series.
SEAL’s Christmas: Eight Complete Holiday Navy SEAL Romance Boxset

By Katie Knight

5 stars

These are all full length books so allow plenty of time to read them. SEAL’s Christmas Daughter Former SEAL Zach Walker now works for a security firm and he has been tasked with protecting the runaway wife and daughter of a criminal boss. Driving around her neighbourhood he has a minor fender bender with the woman he had a one night stand with ten years ago, and she has a nine year old daughter! Can he build a relationship with them and protect his protectee? SEALs Christmas Homecoming Elena and Tom were in a relationship but they broke up when Tom joined the Navy. Now Elena runs the family Christmas tree business but she is being pressured to sell. Tom has just arrived home and he tries to help her deal with sabotage at her business. SEALs Pregnant Christmas Lover Amelia Cafferty had opened a bakery in Brightshores but the family who run the other bakery in town are bad-mouthing her. She goes out at Halloween disguised as Wednesday Adams to hear what they are saying but gets distracted by a SEAL home for a few days. A couple of months later Amelia is pregnant, and strange things are happening in her bakery. Maxwell Bloom is home on leave and calls into the bakery to find his hot one-night stand owns the new bakery. He is there to help her when her microwave explodes with a bomb, Can he help her when she is his family’s competition? SEALs Christmas Baby Lila and Preston have a hot relationship while he is home on leave, but they both know he has to go back to his tour as a marine. After he has gone Lila finds out that she is pregnant. When she goes to the base to tell him that she is pregnant, she is told that he was killed in action. Three years later she takes her son on holiday to the same holiday resort. She couldn't believe it when she sees Preston in te next cabin. He had mistakenly been reported as dead, and had been working under cover since then. Can he reconnect with Lila and build a relationship with his son? And who is trying to kill Lila? Snowed in with the SEAL Navy SEAL Preston Lawson had a great summer with Lila but he always knew he would be called back for another mission. His next mission goes wrong and a mistake has him listed as dead. He goes undercover to try and track down who betrayed his team. Meanwhile, Lila has found out that she is pregnant. When she tries to contact Preston she is told he is dead. Years later, Lila takes her son back to the place she had been with Preston for a Christmas break, and finds Preston there as well. Where to now? And someone seems to be trying to kill Lila!. Baby Daddy Protector Princess Esme's only chance to save her country from her slimy cousin is to marry and have a son to inherit the throne. But how could she meet someone prepared to marry her, and sire a son, then walk away? She asks Zach, her bodyguard, if he will do it, and as payment she will get him back into his SEAL team. Zach agrees, but can they do this without wanting more?. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holiday Heck Yeah

By Anya Summers

5 stars

MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE Sophia has had a crush on her boss Gabe, but he has a strict "don’t sleep with employees" policy. Sophia decides to pair herself up with him at The Eros Pit on masquerade night. Gabe had an unforgettable night, but then he found it he was Sophia. He needed to keep to his policy but he had trouble resisting Sophia. Then he finds out that her violent ex has escaped from prison. Can he keep Sophia safe? HOW TO ROPE A WILD COWBOY Emmett is happy being a bachelor Dom, but he has no interest in having his own sub. After he is injured in a fall from a horse his boss takes him to see the doctor. Both are stunned to discover there is a new young doctor in town. Emmett can't believe that he is attracted to such an uptight woman, but he is. Can he show Grace how great a relationship with him can be? THE LAST RIDE Ben and his fellow SEALs have been tasked with delivering letters on behalf of a dead teammate, and then making sure that the recipient reads the letter. The first recipient is Moira Kelly, who turned Ben's friend down when he asked her to marry him. SEAL Ben is sure that Moira destroyed his friend's life, but Moira has a different view on what happened. Ben and the other SEALs are horrified to discover that Moira has stalker problems that get even worse when they arrive. Can Ben help her? BRUTAL MERCY This is a new series by Anya Summers and is quite a different style to her previous books. Luna Abbott has had to run the family store and look after her younger sister since her parents died in an accident four years ago. Now a sleazy customer is claiming that she is his and that she is going with him. Luna runs into the forest in an attempt to escape and ends up at the compound of Hades Massimo. head of the Massimo crime family. Hades lets Luna in and sees her as a possible way to deal with tha cartel, but Luna will need to marry him to give him a reason to attack the cartel. I really enjoyed the book although it is more violent than Anya's normal style. HER HIGHLAND MASTER Zoey has been fired for supposedly revealing confidential client info, but she was framed. With her life in ruins she decides to take a week's break in Scotland. But it appears that her bad luck has followed her, as her rental breaks down in the wilds of Scotland. She arrives at the door of a mansion and is rescued by Jared and Declan. Declan offers to introduce her to his BDSM lifestyle. How will Zoey react? THE MAN IN THE MASK Prue Mallone has been invited to visit Bremly Manor to study Ulysses S. Grant's journal. This will help her finish her dissertation on Ulysses S. Grant. The Manor is owned by billionaire Max Donovan, and he has some very exacting rules on what behaviors he expects from Pru, and the consequences if she breaks his rules. Pru keeps seeing glimpses of a man in a mask and he visits her after she accidentally sees Max in a BDSM moment with a maid. Pru can't work out how Max is so different when he is in the mask. What is happening?
Mafia Prince's Christmas Triplets

By Ajme Williams

5 stars

Elena and Luca were an item years ago but Elena blamed Luca for her father's arrest. Luca's father sent him to Italy but now he has been recalled as his father is developing dementia. Elena tries to keep her triplets out of his sight but when will he work out who their father is? A good read.
One Vegas Night

By Iona Rose

5 stars

Lily and Jacob go to get their marriage license only to be told Lily is already married. It turns out that Lily married Cole on a drunken graduation trip to Vegas. An annulment should be easy but Cole wants Lily to help him with something first.
The Christmas Contract

By KC Crowne

5 stars

Cassandra needs money to pay her seriously ill sister's medical bills. She has signed up with the Velvet Ledger, telling them she was an experienced sub. An interview with Damien Kozlov showed that she had lied but he offered her a month long contract that would pay for all of her sister's medical care. However, Damien's efforts to take his family out of the crime world has made him a target. Now Cassandra is a target too. I really enjoyed this book.
Needing the Wrong Guy

By Lisa Freed

5 stars

Jennifer barely makes ends meet by cleaning cabins at a resort. Seth has been told to take a month away from his business before he kills himself with overwork. Jennifer helps Seth to develop a healthy routine that starts to lower his stress and his blood pressure but can he step back from his business? Will his romance with Jennifer matter more than work? I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Mafia Marriage Contract

By Autumn Archer

5 stars

Livvie has been forced into an arranged marriage with Kingston despite her wanting to stay clear of the crime families. She does not plan to be a quiet obedient wife so what is going to happen? A hard to put down book.
Mafia Don's Blood Vows

By Piper Raven

5 stars

Bianca sees Ricardo shot her father but then Ricardo takes Bianca, saying that he will protect her. Then she is pressured to marry him, using her friend's kidnapping as pressure. However, things aren't what they seemed.
Red Hot December: Complete Holiday Collection 1-3

By Cassi Hart

5 stars

Joy for the Scrooge Joy owes her flatmate back rent and she's just been made redundant. Her flatmate signs her up as an escort and she is despatched for a weekend. Billionaire Nick is asked to appraise a mansion his firm might buy. Then Joy is dropped off to him. Where to now? One Twisted Christmas Fabian has to prove that her deserves to be promoted in the family mafia business. He is given a list of people who owe money and is told to collect. Helena finds out that her Dad owes the mob money and she offers to help him pay in kind. Dad Bod's Naughty List Orlando's Mob Boss friend asks him to bodyguard his daughter Arianna. Arianna has been attracted to Orlando for a year and she wants thing to go further. Three enjoyable novellas.
Midnight Bargain

By Serenity Woods

5 stars

I loved this book and the characters. Chessie and Kenji have known each other from childhood when Chessie's father had worked for Kenji's father. Now Kenji wants to be the CEO of Ngā Whetū Rangatahi Foundation but the board feel that he might not be a good role model. After a public breakup with his model girlfriend they need him to look respectable in a stable relationship. Cassie is running her father's landscaping business after he had a heart attack. The business is in trouble because her brother has a gambling problem. They run into each other when Cassie is doing some landscaping at the Midnight Club and Kenji realises that Cassie might be the answer to his problem. This book is well written and sensitively deals with suicide and family relationships. Another great Serenity Woods book.
Break Me

By Piper Stone

5 stars

Halle and her fire crew arrive at a fire to find that a car was blocking the fire hydrant. When Alexsey won't move his car Halle knocks out two windows and puts the hose through the car. Then Halle is called out to a house fire and goes in to rescue the occupant against orders. She has rescued Alexsey and he is very interested in Halle and wants to help her. What will Halle's controlling brother-in-law do?. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Savage Temptation

By Lark Anderson

5 stars

Tessa and Atticus have been interested in each other for years but Tessa is Atticus's best friend's sister so a hookup shouldn't happen. When Tessa gets in to trouble Atticus drops everything to help her but can they keep their relationship private?
The Cowboy's Spicy Christmas

By Lark Anderson

5 stars

Lucy is trying to get away from a violent and controlling ex when she heads for Perish Prosper but she crashes her old car on the icy road. She is rescued by Dale Wither who is developing a new motel. Dale is attracted to Lucy at first sight but she is scared that her ex might find her. Another lovely Perish Prosper story.
Surrender to Me (Hawkeye Book 6)

By Sierra Cartwright

5 stars

Allie/Lyra was raised by her father who was a high level thief. After her father's death she is on the run with a couple of things he left with her. She first sees Stryker at a coffee shop then he rescues her from an attacker. Allie's father warned her to stay away from Hawkeye operatives, but Stryker is determined to protect her. What would he do if he realised that his firm is hunting for her?
Kit and the Commander

By Carolyn Faulkner

5 stars

Doctor Kit is on a flight to look after her patient Commander Bond, but he takes charge after their plane crashes. He is prepared to make sure that Kit obeys his instructions especially since the crash wasn't an accident.
Reckless Vows

By Denise River

5 stars

Stella and Jack knew each other when they were younger. Now they are both back at Marigold Cove, Jack rebuilding a resort, and Stella is meant to be getting married. However, Mollie stops while walking down the aisle and runs from her wedding. Jack helps her leave and lets her stay at his place. But her ex is likely to take revenge on Jack. A nice read although the descriptive blurb isn't particularly correct.
Mountain Needs a Heart

By Marley Michaels

5 stars

When Sutton Cooper saw this gorgeous women across the quad at college he couldn't find the courage to approach her. Next term she wasn't there. Years later he is one of the Cooper brothers who have to spend two years on their late grandfather's ranch to inherit it. He is surprised to discover the woman he admired from afar at college is doing a six month temp at the local hospital. The spark is there but will Blair believe in the mountain's call or will she return to her previous life?
Suspicion & Seduction

By Sara Hazel

5 stars

Catherine is invited to Northanger Wellness Retreat by part owner Henry. Henry has been flirting online with Catherine for months. He tells Catherine that she can investigate anything she wants but what will happen when she finds evidence of criminal behaviour?.
Frosty Arrival

By Lisa Freed

5 stars

Jack Frost has got really grumpy and the elves send him to the human realm for a week to see if his temper improves. He meets Nora who owns the bookshop and there is a spark between them. But he has to go back after a week. An enjoyable quick read.
A SEAL for the Weekend

By Sadie King

5 stars

Paige had to leave her college course early after her mother died. On her way back for the funeral she stops at a bar frequented by soldiers to lose her V-card. After a drunk man gets pushy she is rescued by Ryan. Both of them are only there for a short period of time and they decide to have a no names night. This is a quick read that is a prequel to A SEAL’s Sacrifice.
Poplar Springs: Books 1-3

By Mary Sue Jackson

5 stars

Undone Josh is running the family ranch after his parents death a few years ago, but the ranch is struggling. Then Zoe is invited to stay by his sister. They had a summer relationship, then Zoe left. Now Zoe is back and is going to revitalise the ranch's website. Will they be able to make it work this time or will Zoe leaving to work on her graduate level course break them apart again?. Unbroken Eli is a single dad working on the Cafferty ranch. Then Fiona Cafferty returns home and they end up fake dating to help Eli avoid his toxic ex. Unyielding Declan has come back to Poplar Springs to hopefully buy the vet practice if he can convince the retiring vet that he will do a good job. Years ago Shannon had shown her crush on Declan by kissing him, but she was his best friend's sister so he had retreated. Now they both need to help each other.
A Southern Stars Christmas

By Cari Blake

5 stars

We revisit the characters from Under Southern Stars when Jack, Sophia and her daughter Madison are heading off toe New Zealand for Christmas with his family. Sophia's ex pops up again, still trying to control her and make her life a misery. This book is part of a lovely series but I do recommend having read the first book in the series to have already met the characters. I have read all three books in this series and I am eagerly waiting for more books by this author.

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Hastings Girls' High School, Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina

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