Wrangled by the star by Nikki Jewell

 Published on July 16th, 2026

390 pages

I read the paperback version

Back Cover 

After a brutal public breakup gets her unofficially blacklisted from Hollywood, actress Aurelia Lane is one disaster away from becoming a cautionary tale. So when her agent lands her a role on a cowboy drama filming at a real Alberta ranch, Aura is determined not to screw it up. Too bad she can’t ride a horse.

Quinton Holloway is supposed to be helping save his family’s struggling ranch, not teaching a sharp-tongued movie star how to stay in the saddle. But from the moment Aura shows up with designer boots and stubborn determination, he’s completely screwed.

When paparazzi photos of them together explode online, fake dating seems like the perfect solution—good publicity for her, much-needed attention for the ranch, and a relationship with an expiry date. Except their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Especially when Quint discovers she likes being the one in control.

But behind Aura’s flawless smile and celebrity armor is a woman barely holding herself together. And behind Quint’s easy charm is a man falling hard for someone destined to leave. The more they blur the lines between fake and real, the harder it becomes to ignore the truth.

She’s finally found somewhere she belongs.

And he’s fallen for a woman who never meant to stay.

My review 

I received the digital version of this novel before to review it, but if you are following me for a while, you probably notice that I don’t read many e-books. I feel it’s not the same thing when you don’t have it in your hand, and since I’m reading cowboy and smalltown stories to get inspiration for my own next project, I decided to the buy paperback at Pages&Pleasures and I also have the chance to discuss with the author. 

I know it’s not the first time I have said that, but it was hard for me to choose a favorite character in this one. I have to go for Quint, just because he helps Aura to accept her new existence. He’s always nice to her, and he actually tries to be part of her world, even though it’s so different from what he’s used to. 

Aura is in second position, but close to Quint. I was scared that she was a Hollywood type that didn’t like outdoor life, and she believes she’s better than everyone. It was I thought, at the beginning, Quint’s family had the same opinion about her. Fortunately, just like Quint, you realize that she’s a more complicated character and I appreciate how she grew up in so little time. 

Since it's the first book, I’m hoping that the next will be with Shayla, Quint’s sister. She’s the character that made me laugh the most in the entire story. Aura also has a good sense of humour too, but there is something about Shayla that made me want to know more about her. 

I also need to inform you that there are a few intimate scenes, it might not be for everyone, but I enjoyed most of them. 

Excerpts 

“Stop acting like a petulant child and I’ll stop treating you like one. This is it, Aura. I’ve got a lead on something for you. Very promising, but there’s no chance of landing it if you hide under your covers for the rest of your life. “ (p.9)

“This is business. No room for heart.” (p.22)

I reach up, infusing as much confidence in the movement as I can, though I can’t quite control the slight tremor in my hand. First contact. The coat is smoother, softer than I thought it would be. And warm. Like a giant dog. I run a hand down her neck in long strokes, then reach up to scratch under her name like I saw Quint do before. (p.60) 

It takes me back to the dance floor last night. The way he held me confidently, the way we moved in sync to the music, our body inches apart. (p.144) 

“I know. It’s just..help usually comes with strings in my world. I’m trying to let go of that here, but it’s hard. I know this isn’t LA, but it’s though to lose that mindset. So, if you can be a little patient with me, I’m doing my best.” (p.144) 

Yoga has always been a refuge for me, but here, outside in the fresh air and vast empty space. The calming effect is multiplied. The gentle breeze on my skin, the rising sun on my face, and the fresh drew under my bare feet is perfection. (p.158) 

Thank you so much for letting me see who you truly are. Thank you for proving me right, because I was starting believe your lies. That I’m not enough Not worthy of your love, or anybody else’s, for that matter. Thank you. But also? Fuck you. Fuck you for trying to make me feel smaller, lesser than you. All because I’ve got different dreams than you do, and because my family is my priority at the moment. (p.279)

Sous tension – Le brasier de Geneviève Boucher

 

Publié chez les éditions De Mortagne le 16 juin 2026

285 pages

Lu en format papier

4^e de couverture

Gabriel est parti. Le vide qu'il a laissé derrière lui est immense, et Nyxia se languit, incapable de renoncer à ce qu'elle ressent pour cet homme.

Étonnamment, Emrys aussi. Depuis l'attaque qu'il a subie, son équilibre est fragile. Il doit jongler avec ses peurs et ses désirs qui s'entremêlent. Il ne se comprend plus, mais une chose est certaine : la proximité de son ancien bourreau lui manque.

Pourtant, ce dernier porte un secret lourd de conséquences. Et sa seule présence pourrait bien bouleverser leur existence.

Tous trois croyaient pouvoir contrôler le chaos de leurs sentiments, mais ils découvriront rapidement que certaines flammes ne peuvent être éteintes. Et que jouer avec le feu n'est pas toujours sans risque. Pourront-ils sortir indemnes du brasier qu'ils ont eux-mêmes déclenché ?

Mon avis

Je recommande de commencer par le premier tome, car c’est vraiment la suite du trio et je crois que c’est important de bien comprendre ce qui lie les trois avant de se jeter dans la lecture de ce tome-ci. Je tiens aussi à préciser qu’il s’agit d’un roman érotique qui contient plusieurs scènes intimes qui ne pourraient pas convenir à tout le monde. Dans mon cas, je connaissais déjà la plume de l’auteure et je savais à quoi m’attendre.

Je vous avoue que j’ai préféré le premier volet à celui-ci. Je pensais que les protagonistes manquaient un peu de profondeurs, bien qu’ils aient captivés m’ont intérêt pour certains chapitres, surtout celle où Emrys et Nyxia prennent un gros risque pour Gabriel. Toutefois, j’espérais davantage d’action.

Je donne mon étoile du match à Gabriel. Bien qu’il ait plusieurs défauts, c’est le personnage que j’ai trouvé le plus passionnant dans ce tome-ci et pas seulement à cause de son amour pour les chats et de sa persévérance. C’est lui qui se fermait le plus parmi les trois protagonistes, mais il finit par évoluer.

Si vous cherchez un moment de lecture épicé, je vous le recommande. Bien qu’il contienne plusieurs instants intenses, cela m’a permis de relaxer.

Extraits

Je ne savais plus comment me sortir la tête de l’eau. Pourtant, je suis un excellent nageur. J’ai pensé à disparaitre, parce que j’avais l’impression de ne plus être utile, de ne plus avoir d’avenir. (p.115)

J’ai tant voulu me rapprocher de toi, Emrys, mais tu m’as constamment repoussé. Je le méritais sûrement, mais..Tu ne trouves pas ça absurde que j’essaie de te fuir, tu ne cesse de venir vers moi? Comment on dit déjà? Fuis-moi je te suis, suis-moi je te fuis.. (p.122)

Une fois, ma mère m’a dit : « Gabriel, ton grand cœur fait de toi un être exceptionnel. Il te suffit de le laisser parler pour que les gens voient le véritable trésor que tu dissimules. » (p.151)

Biscuits et magie au café Chatpuccino de Rachel Rowlands

 

Publié chez Saint Jean le 21 avril 2026

350 pages

J’ai lu la version papier

4^e de couverture

Après Tempête de neige au café Chatpuccino, voici un nouveau roman réconfortant et romantique! Même si Clem aime beaucoup cuisiner pour la clientèle du café Chatpuccino, elle a la désagréable impression de passer à côté de sa vie. Quand on lui propose de participer à un concours de pâtisserie dont le vainqueur remportera un important montant d’argent, elle se lance, nourrie par son rêve d’un jour ouvrir sa propre boutique.

Toutefois, la compétition s’avère rude… et les organisateurs font tout pour entretenir la rivalité entre les différents candidats, tout particulièrement avec le propriétaire du Papatte Café, qui semble un peu trop mignon aux yeux de Clem... Coup de foudre au menu?

Mon avis

Je le recommande si, comme moi, vous adorez les chats. Sans qu’ils aient un rôle principal, ils sont présents tout au long du roman et pas seulement au café. Clem a aussi son chat qui l’aide avec son anxiété pendant les périodes éprouvantes.

Je donne mon étoile du match à Lucas, même si je peux davantage me reconnaître en Clem, car elle ressent des difficultés à prendre des décisions importantes, qu’elle stresse facilement, qu’elle aime les chats et qu’elle a vécu une déception dans sa relation amicale.  Je préfère les chats aux chiens, mais, dans ce cas-ci, je trouve le personnage plus intéressant et j’admire qu’il participe au concours pour prendre soin de ses parents vieillissants.

Clem m’a énervé à quelques reprises à cause de son manque d’assurance. J’admets qu’il m’arrive d’agir comme elle parfois, mais les gens avaient beau le réconforter, elle finissait toujours par retomber dans ses schémas.

Je suis loin d’être amatrice des téléréalités, mais j’adore Hell Kitchen, alors j’ai apprécié qu’on adopte l’idée d’une compétition culinaire dans l’histoire et certaines équipes concurrençaient pour autre chose que l’argent.

Extraits

Contente-toi d’être toi-même, lui avait dit sa mère lorsqu’elle avait commencé à travailler ici quelques années plus tôt. Clem faisait de son mieux, mais elle avait parfois du mal à s’y tenir, surtout maintenant, quand elle avait la tête qui bourdonnait à la seule idée de sortir de sa zone de confort. (p.15)

Pas question de préciser que le « quelqu’un » qu’elle retrouvait le soir était sa mère, et qu’elle vivait encore dans la maison familiale à près de vingt-cinq ans. Jusque-là, elle s’était débrouillée pour qu’aucun de ses collègues ne l’apprenne, et avait la ferme intention que ça continue, même si, à Oakside, tout finissait par se savoir. (p.19)

Tu dois croire en toi. C’est ce qui te permettra d’atteindre tes rêves. Ne te dénigre pas. Parfois, la vie peut prendre une voie inattendue. (P.34)

Je suis passé maître dans l’art de n’en avoir rien à foutre. Tu devrais essayer un peu. (p.170)

  

 

Vacation situation by Jenny Alexandra

 

Published on June 30^rd, 2026

350 pages

I read the e-book

Back Cover

What happens at the Evermore will change your life forever…

Frankie Sinclair doesn’t do relationships—only killer special effects makeup, horror movie marathons, and men she never sees twice. So when her best friend invites her on a last-minute getaway to the Evermore—a dreamy cliffside inn perched above the Pacific—Frankie happily takes the spare spot.

Her plan? One week of fun, zero attachments, and at least one very hot mistake.

Theo Beck is a workaholic and recovering relationship addict. Fresh off a brutal breakup and in the midst of a company acquisition, he's reluctantly sworn off work for a much-needed vacation—something he’s struggling to stick to until he collides with Frankie in a single, unforgettable night.

What starts as a steamy backseat hookup quickly turns into a week-long vacation situation, with three rules: stay (sexy) friends, no big feelings, no expectations.

Except Theo’s already imagining a future he didn’t see coming… and Frankie’s planning her exit before it can become something real.

My review

I will recommend it if you're looking for a light reading that will help you forget about real life or if you wish to have a pleasant moment during your vacation. I laughed a few times; however it’s not a story that will mark me. I just wanted to warn you that there is a lot of cultural references in the novel. They’re more actual than the ones in Gilmore Girls, but I prefer to mention it in case some readers don’t appreciate it. In my case, it's one of the reasons why I liked the book.

If I have to select one favorite character, I’ll choose Theo. I could relate to him more and it was interesting to see his evolution as he tries to find himself outside a relationship, although things are getting really spicy between him and Frankie. I’m in the same circumstances as him. I’m attempting to forget somebody, and many people become addicted to working in that situation. I think it helped to make that character realistic.

Frankie brings the fun, but she also gets on my nerves sometimes. As an introvert, bubbly characters annoyed me, maybe because I wish I was more like them. The further you progress in the book, the more you acknowledge that she’s more complex you imagined initially. You might find out why she doesn’t do a relationship. At the same time, she’s on vacation, it’s normal that she only wants to have fun and spend time with her friends. I’m crossing my fingers that they will have their stories. Since it’s told Book 1, I feel that it’s the first volume of a series, and all the adventure will happen at Evermore, the place where they went on vacation.

Gone Country by Hunter Snow

 

Published on August 12^th, 2025

414 pages

I read the paperback version

Back Cover

Two worlds. One accidental hit song. The stage is set for the ultimate showdown.

Jamie Keaton is a rock star with a reputation as fiery as her songs. Clayton Langley is a country singer who epitomizes Southern charm.

Their paths were never supposed to cross—let alone collide—but when a chance encounter forces them to collaborate on a song, she’s suddenly thrust into his universe of cowboy boots and steel-string guitars.

As old resentments and undeniable chemistry simmer beneath the surface, Jamie must decide whether to embrace the unfamiliar world she’s been dragged into—or to stoke the fire of their rivalry and watch everything burn.

My review

This is the first time that I have read this author. Since the primary subjects are romance and music, I couldn’t help but read it.  I wasn’t a huge fan of Country, until a few months ago. I just wanted to give that genre a chance, and the main male protagonist confirmed to me that I was right to do that.

It’s hard to choose between Jamie and Clayton; I appreciate them both. If I have to award just one star, I’ll give it to Clayton. He seems down to earth although he won prices, and he’s well known in the industry. Sometime he insists too much to convince Jamie to compose with him. At the same time, the fans like their duet, and he helps her to create a hit.

The funniest thing is that Jamie didn’t understand anything about country music before she had to co-write with him. She composes the first draft without thinking. She’s the most stubborn character I have met, and I believe she prefers Poppy, her dogs than humans. In the end, Clayton helps her to open herself to others. I can relate to her for that. People can see me as a cold person or that I dislike them, but it’s mostly because of the fear of being hurt.

The story is interesting in general. The readers can connect to one of the many characters from the books. I have to admit that you need to concentrate not on missing an important event because there is a lot of people around the two protagonists, the families, the crew who work with them, the dogs and friends. A part of me wishes that I could read the story about Clayton’s brother that is a doctor.

Excerpts

“That picture doesn’t even look like me. My hair isn’t black, it’s dark brown….my eyes are cornflower blue, not baby blue. And my boobs are definitely not that big. You know I hate photo editing with a passion.” (p.2)

“The guy before me started late and I didn’t want to disappoint the fans,” he explained as Buddy, the tour manager they shared, handed him a beer and a towel. (p.12)  

“Inspiration for what I want: Best Country Album.” He pulled up a stool and grabbed an acoustic guitar from the rack. “I know it must sound stupid – greedy, even.” (p.26)

“You wrote some lyrics? “Nolan asked, his tone skeptical. Clayton often leaned on his co-writers for words. Even if his number-one song was all his. (p.35)

Clayton sang every word with the kind of heartache only the unlucky in love could understand. His voice carried the weight of lost and regret- emotions she knew all too well. She’d had more bad days than good, spent too many nights drowning in the certainty that she shouldn’t have existed at all. And one drunken night, AJ had confirmed it, slurring the words she’s already believed: she was a mistake. (p.46)

“Who am I, Left Eye lopes?”  (p.127)

“This is a rom-com movie,” Jamie interrupted. (p.176)

The Perfect Story by Becky Tzag

 

Published on June 23^rd, 2026

211 pages

I read the digital edition

Back Cover

Nora will never stay. Justin would never ask her to. But what if that’s what they both want?

Nora Spencer enjoys moving around, meeting new people, and exploring new cities. At least, that’s what she tells herself when she packs up and moves again. Getting attached will only get you hurt, and she’s been there before. When Nora moves to Beaver Creek for a six-month contract with the small town’s paper, she expects more of the same. Instead, she meets someone who shows her how safe love can be.

Justin Castor can’t see himself living anywhere other than his hometown. Home is safe. But lately, something is missing. Justin’s ready to find love but he’s scared of getting hurt. He’s been a stepping stone in someone’s life before and he never wants to be used like that again. Meeting Nora feels like fate.

Nora is everything Justin wants, and Justin is everything Nora needs. But there’s one problem: she’s not staying.

The Perfect Story is a spicy romance with main characters who are scared to love, found family, and lots of beaver puns. It is part of the Library Love Notes series, featuring open-door, small-town romances set in the fictional cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.

My review

It’s the first book that I read by this author, and I enjoyed it just like the two other novels from this series that I already read. Everything happens in Beaver Creek, and over time I almost believed that it was an actual small town, since Gleph exists in real life, and they mentioned a few times that it was near that city.

I’ll give my star to Justin, since he gave me the opportunity to learn more about Beaver Creek, he’s older than many main protagonists that I encounter in romance. I’m always happy to meet characters that have my age and he’s mature. I have to admit that her last name made me laugh, and I understand why he didn’t like it so much.

Nora is a cool character; she’s independent, maybe she does too much when it comes to relationships, but I understand her point of view. It’s hard to open yourself to somebody these days, especially someone you just encountered. She’s also a journalist, which puts her on top of my favorite characters. She arrives right after Justin.

The library is back again in the book; it’s the location where they meet, and I couldn’t think of a better place to meet your soulmate. You can find two versions of this novel: sweet and spicy and it’s the only book from this series that has the option. I love the fact that Justin has two rabbits. I only have a cat, but I always enjoy when a pet features a role in romance.

 

 

 

Notre-Laurier d’Isabelle Germain Vigneau

 

Publié chez Hurlantes Éditrices le 11 mai 2026

78 pages

Lu en format papier

4^e de couverture

Notre-Laurier, c’est une histoire de swipe à droite. Une poésie qui prend vie en sol laurentien et qui s’enracine jusqu’en Abitibi. À mi-chemin, Mont-Laurier accueille la rencontre entre deux artistes écorchés. Ils auront trois jours pour s’inventer une histoire d’une rare intensité.

Quelque chose est venu prendre racine

Entre les braises abitibiennes et les montagnes laurentiennes

Les profils se posent en arrêt

Les sonneries se font entendre

Aimeras-tu ma voix ?

Mon avis

C’est la première fois que je lis un recueil de cette auteure. J’apprécie qu’on parle de régions québécoises que l’on mentionne peu dans les livres, je pense que l’idée rafraichissante. Tout au long de ma lecture, j’avais l’impression de suivre l’évolution d’une relation amoureuse qui débutait à distance pour finalement s’enflammer. Même si certains textes sont plus courts, l’écrivaine trouve le mot pour faire vibrer le lecteur. Souvent, j’en aurai pris plus que deux lignes, mais je recommande si vous aimez la poésie.

Extraits

Une écorce émiettée en vide lourd

Je veux crever l’abcès au chalumeau

Sortir le trop-plein

En eau de vide

Réduire à néant

Me rouler en crêpe et m’en arroser

Ça se vend où du vide en canne

Y a-tu un marché pour le vide à rabais (p.7)

 

Le café fait sa job de café

Mon corps fait sa job de corps

Le soleil revêt les tempêtes

En couverture froide de nostalgiques bonheurs (p.13)

Les sphères numériques sont susceptibles

Je suis déjà tannée (p.21)

On a pleuré de rire

Qui peut voir des pleurs dans la pluie, anyway

Je t’aime déjà plus que Mario Pelchat (p.49)