Mills & Boon: 4 Free Reads for Valentines Day!

Mills and Boon  are offering 4 free e-books to celebrate Valentines Day 2026. For the whole of February 4 e-books, with redesigned vintage covers are available to download from their own site, Amazon, Kobo, Apple etc. this is a great offer as it’s a free way to explore 4 of M&B’s main genres, Modern, Medical, Historical and True Love romance. Even if you are a long time reader this also maybe a good opportunity to scope out a new author and see if there style catches your interest or you may be reintroduced to an author that you used to like but hasn’t made it in to your TBR pile for a while.

The first book I downloaded was Off Limits Fling by Rachael Stewart, She is one of my favourite authors and this novel did not disappoint. This is a True Love novel. Gabe and Avery Monroe meet again 3 years after Gabe turned down Avery’s kiss. Now, due to her brother’s meddling the pair are reunited at Gabe’s Croatian castle for the whole summer. The passion is reignited but will it burn eternal or be blown out? Both the main characters are damaged. In the past Gabe saw Avery as off limits as she had a reputation as a wild child. Now, as they spend time together he sees the real Avery and understands why she acted the way she did. An enjoyable read, both characters are relatable and work well together. Enjoyable descriptions of Croatia. The story is well paced and not dragged out. 

Falling For Her Miami Rival is an LGBTQ Medical romance.  This novel introduced me to a new author, Luana DeRosa. Both Jamie and Allegra work at the ER Palm Grove Hospital. Jamie grew up on foster care and worked hard to get where she is today. The ER depended on her. She applied to be the consultant but the job went to a new Doctor, Allegra. She is hurt but ever the consummate professional she works with Allegra and a connection between the pair develops. Once Jamie finds out Allegra is fresh out of a divorce, however, she decides they would be better staying as rivals.

This is quite a short read and focuses more on the inequalities of the US medical system as a storyline rather than the balance of the relationship between the two women. Jamie is no longer in charge, Allegra is. The author created the basis for a great storyline as she could have developed their characters and relationship around how they learned to cope with the power imbalance in the relationship but it is hardly mentioned. 

The premise for this novel is great but the execution is lacking. There are missed opportunities to develop some interesting storylines but I would still be interested to read her future novels to see how her style develops. 

Accidentally Wearing The Argentinian’s Ring by Maya Blake represents the Modern genre. Mareka is the shy quiet personal assistant to  Cayetano, her rich boss. He is about to become engaged (ultimately the engagement with Octavia is a business transaction) but when Mareka goes to collect the engagement ring from the jewellers she is photographed trying it on! The world now thinks she is his fiancée and he is dumped by Octavia. Caye still needs a fiancée inherit his grandfather’s business as his will stipulates that he must be married to inherit.  and so Mareka is the chosen one, after all she scuppered hos original plan. As the pair work together on Caye’s opulent estate they struggle to keep their engagement a business only proposition. 

This is a traditional M&B Modern romance. The alpha male needs a fiancée/ fake marriage in order to inherit. There was a fleeting hint of mutual attraction between the pair prior to the engagement ring debacle but it was never acted upon. Both main characters have problematic families which affects their attitudes to relationships. An enjoyable read, as are all Maya Blake’s novels. 

Finally the novel I wasn’t particularly looking for to reading as I don’t enjoy reading historical romances but I thought that maybe this one may change my mind - How The Wallflower Wins The Duke by Lucy Morris. This is a spicy Regency romance. Set mainly at a weekend house party Marina Fletcher is attending with her family as her father is a renowned architect and he is competing with the Moorcroft family for a contract to renovate Brook’s country house. Brook Wyndham is ex army, ex spare and now the Duke of Framlingham which he losing interest in. What he really wants to do is go on a Grand Tour and find himself. Marina Fletcher is a successful musician who has decided that she will only marry for love. Brook suggests a fake marriage between the pair.

There is definitely chemistry between the pair and neither are the traditional Regency hero/ione characters. The first part of the book is the tradition clean, almost staid romance whilst the second involves Mariana scrambling through Priest holes to get to Brook as she wants to try sex in case she never gets another chance!

I enjoyed this novel more than I though I would but I still don’t think I would reach for them regularly. As a one off it was okay but I wouldn’t rush to read anymore. I can see why they have stood the test of time and are a M&B staple, they are just not for me. 

Review: LittleSilverHedgehog Hedgehog Copper Book Charm Pendant

I love Little Silver Hedgehog jewellery and the fact that a percentage of the profit from her jewellery goes towards supporting her York based hedgehog rescue. I purchased the Hedgehog Copper Book Charm Pendant a while ago and I have finally unearthed it to use a prize and to review it.

The book pendant is at the higher price point within LSH jewellery range. It is part of the copper range and it is handmade. The book is made of copper and the rope chain has a rose gold infill. The book is incredibly intricate. The front cover has a hedgehog strolling across it and is also adorned with two little champagne coloured stones, a few leaves and flowers.  The book measures 1.4x2.1cm. The book can be opened by gently sliding down the sliding bead which widens the chain on the bottom of the book. When the book is opened two pages are revealed, each featuring a cute illustration of a little hedgehog. The back of the book is plain so will be comfortable to wear. This piece is so intricate, different and detailed. So much thought and time must have gone into making this pendant. 

I love this pendant. I am only going to be using it as a competition prize because I wear (legally prescribed) Fentanyl patches which affects my skin’s PH balance and will make the copper go green and will stain my skin! This piece deserves to be worn and admired whilst also spreading the important message - save the hedgehogs.

I purchased the item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

Capability XXL Burnt Wooden Bird Feeder Weather Resistant Hanging Bird House

My bird feeder/ house was sadly destroyed by the recent gales, not helped by the fact the crows like to sit on it and it wasn’t designed for their weight. The base of the feeder was fine so I decided to get a wooden hanging feeder and drill it on to the top of the base as a replacement. The problem I had was that the majority of wooden hanging feeders are too small or the robes are not high enough which would encourage the larger birds - magpies, crows etc to destroy it. I eventually found an XXL size feeder on Amazon from a seller based in Poland (£35.15).

The feeder took a week to arrive, was carefully boxed up and included a sample of bird feed. It looks exactly the same as the pictures on Amazon.  The house measures 35x29x30cm and seems very sturdy. The tray is great as the sides are quite high which will prevent the bird suet from being blown off or getting wet. The roof is treated and has an overhang, again this will prevent the food getting wet or snowed on in the winter months. I can’t say how easy it is to hang, it does seem quite light, as I bought it as a replacement house. You do have to screw the metal hooks in yourself, for me that was a bonus as I didn’t want the hooks to be stick ing out. 

 I really like the house. It looks easy to keep clean, is well made and is the largest I could find. It wasn’t the cheapest one available but it ticked all the boxes for my birds’ needs. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog post are my own. 

Book Review: His Forbidden Obsession: A sizzling forbidden love, secret pregnancy & forced proximity romance (The Martinelli Wedding Book 4) by Michelle Smart

His Forbidden Obsession is the fourth novel in Michelle Smart’s mafia romance series, The Martinelli Wedding. 

Niccolo Martinelli belongs to one of Italy’s oldest, noble, richest and prestigious families. His father is a Duke. Georgia Thomas is an unknown interior designer. She knows there is no future for them as a couple. Nic is having financial difficulties and so needs an influx of cash. The mafia Esposito family lend him the money on the condition that he marries the daughter, Siena. The Esposito family feel that this marriage will give their name social standing to go with their millions. Georgia and Nic have one last weekend together, he tells her about his upcoming nuptials, asks if she will continue to be his lover/ mistress and she tells him to sling his hook. Fast forward 4 months. She has realised she is pregnant and he he is the runaway groom. The Esposito brothers are trying to kill them both as their father dropped dead after Nic ran during the wedding. Nic rescues Georgia in London and they go into hiding. The question remains will they survive long enough to build a HEA? 

I really enjoyed this novel. I think it’s one of my favourite reads of 2025 and the most enjoyable out of the series, although all 4 have interesting and enjoyable storylines. The novel is well paced, the characters gel well together. There are links and references between this and the other novels in the series that are not just an afterthought but work together. The book and storyline is well paced, doesn’t drag and it feels like the author really enjoyed writing this book. If you enjoy mafia inspired, secret pregnancy, alpha male romances I would recommend this and the other novels in this series. 

An ARC copy was provided by Michelle Smart in exchange for an honest review

Book Review:Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon; Harlan Coben

Gone Before Goodbye is a psychological thriller co-authored by Reece Witherspoon and Harlan Coben. 

Dr Maggie Maggie McCabe had been a successful surgeon. She had worked as an army surgeon and won several medals for her bravery. When she left the army she married fellow army medic, Marc, and set up a charity , WorldCures Alliance, which helped victims in war torn areas with their best friend Trace. Her life fell apart when Marc was killed in a war torn Tunisia - he had gone to save lives but lost his own. Her mother died, Maggie’s medical licence was suspended and she was facing a lawsuit from a former patient, so was unable to practice what she loved. She was talking to her husband through a grief bot an app that her sister was creating to help people come to term with their loss of loved ones. Maggie and her sister were facing bankruptcy when she was offered an opportunity by her old professor, Dr Barlow. She would go to Russia operate on 2 people and leave. It sounded so simple and would clear their debts. She took the job and her life spiralled from there into a murky underworld which finally solved her husband’s  death. 

The first 47% of the novel dragged in places as the scene was set for the twists and turns which culminated in an end I did not anticipate. The characters interact well together. Porkchop is my favourite character who, during the first half of the book, caught my interest enough to carry on reading and I am so pleased that I did!  Porkchop’s humorous and stoic character balanced out the confusion, intensity and grief that shaped the main storyline. The exploration of grief and the use of AI to combat those feelings was an interesting tool to show how deeply Maggie depended on her husband in life and death. I read this in one setting as the suspense was palpable. I wanted to see who actually killed Marc and find out where Trace was.  The ending was unexpected as the authors left not a single clue or hint until the last few pages unveiled the answers that Maggie and Nadia had been looking for. 

An ARC copy was provided by Netgalley UK and Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: The Cut Throat Trial by The Secret Barrister writing as S. J. Fleet

The Cut Throat Trial, written by S.J Fleet, is a legal thriller which captures the reader’s imagination. It has an intense sit on the edge of your seat and don’t anticipate the twist at the end plot line which is both enjoyable and nerve racking! 

A retired music teacher goes out on New Years Eve to purchase a bottle of champagne to share with his wife, a yearly tradition. He never returns. Bernard Hooper is brutally murdered, killed by a knife injuries. The trial takes place at Ableford Crown Court a year later. As is devastated wife Rita points out, he will never meet his first grandchild. Three teenagers, Craig, Arron and Jamal  are accused of killing an elderly music teacher. EAs the trial progresses cracks appear in the case as it is clear the evidence is not as clear cut as it first appears. 

The narrative and point of views moves between all the main characters, defendants, Judge etc. each chapter focuses and tells the story from a different viewpoint/voice. The reader also learns about the backgrounds of the characters and none are particularly likeable. The boys’ lives have been shaped by social deprivation, the judge already assumes they are guilty before the trial even begins and the barristers are an eclectic set of individuals. There is lots of court room drama and tension and not surprisingly the novel gives an insight into how trials play out in the English legal system. 

This is a morally compelling complex legal drama. Enjoyable to read but also shows the reader not to assume but listen to all the evidence and arguments before coming to the decision of who is guilty (or not). I enjoyed the style of writing, the pacing of the storyline was just right and kept me, as the reader, enthralled in finding out who the killer actually was. I am looking forward to reading the next novel by Fleet. 

An ARC copy was provided by Netgalley UK and Picador  in exchange for an honest review

Review: Halloween Themed Classic Canes Bats At Night Derby Walking Stick

Repost: I haven’t purchased and reviewed a walking stick for some time but I as I was browsing the Stick and Cane website I noticed that Classic Canes have launched quite a few walking sticks in their Contemporary Chic  Derby Adjustable Stick. The patterns include ladybirds, owls, birds and bats. I want them all, but restrained myself and chose the bat themed walking stick. 

The Bats at Night walking Stick (£46) is adjustable, collapses into four pieces and comes in a protective pouch. My stick looks slightly strange in the photo as I had a piece removed (I am only 4ft 7”). There are black bats, tree silhouettes, orange and yellow stars on a greyish background. Depending on the lighting and background the grey takes on a lavender tint.  The stick comes with a black non slip ferrule and a chrome collar. The colours aren’t exactly the same between the handle of the cane and the shaft (not a design flaw but due to the different materials used to make the stick) and I think that adds to the spookiness of the design. The derby shaped handle is comfortable to hold and the height of the stick is easy to adjust, just press the silver buttons at the top of the shaft and slide to the height you want. Without having any adjustments made to the walking stick it is adjustable from 79cm to 89cm.

I enjoy using this stick. The theme and graphics are really cute and eye catching. I shall continue to use it when Halloween is over! 

I purchased the item myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own