Tuesday 31 May 2016

Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst




REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar

Everywhere and Every Way (Billionaire Builders, #1)Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst

I haven't read a book by Probst previously so when an opportunity presented itself for me to read and review the first book in a new series, I jumped right at it and found it to be quite an enjoyable read.

It took me a while to warm up to Morgan as I found her far too manipulative for my liking but I will say that Probst certainly had me converted by the end of the book. Manipulative tendencies aside, she works at 'beautifying the world one house at a time' and is an independent and shrewd businesswoman who can hold her own in a male-dominated industry and for that, she had my respect from the word go.

Caleb on the other hand, I just loved. He's a hardworking, sexy, alpha male who is trying to hold on to the family business with everything he can, even if it means begging his brothers - with whom he has a very damaged relationship - to help. Sparks fly when he meets Morgan, and they continue to do so throughout the whole book, despite coming across a few hurdles along the way.

I'm really looking forward to both Tristan and Dayton's book down the track and I'm hoping that we'll also get to further explore the relationship between the brothers.

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.



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Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst


REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Everywhere and Every Way (Billionaire Builders, #1)Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. I know most people sometimes complain about the excessive use of the descriptive, however I found that it enhanced my reading experience. Jennifer produces a solid billionaire romance story.
The characters have many layers and although we read about them all, there are plenty of secrets and feelings to be revealed.

In this book we meet Caleb and his brothers Tristan and Dalton. "Pierce Brothers" are a force to be reckoned with. The three of them are so different and time has driven a wage between them. After many years of living in completely different cities and completely isolated from each other, they each have grown to resent the one person who drove them apart. Their Father. Now as they all have gathered in the wake of his dead, after all this years, it seems that life/fate and their dad, has given them a chance to repair the damage and hopefully find a common ground and their way back to each other.

It's comical seeing these grow men behave like kids. And Caleb is the one who will loose the most if this "arrangement" goes up in flames. As the eldest of the three, Caleb has worked all his life in his father's business, under his shadow, and so far he has done an incredible job. Hoping one day to inherit the business he suddenly finds himself in a tight situation after the reading of his dad's last Will and Testament. Both of his brothers have forged their lives and depend on nobody, having been pushed to make a decision at an early age to basically leave their home, its understandable the difficulty of what working together suddenly entails. They resent Caleb for so many reasons and its up to him to make it or break it, as they say. I loved Cal's overall personality, his work ethic, commitment and deep emotion that he puts into anything.

Morgan is a firecracker of a character. I loved her from her first line. She's feisty and independent and has a job most people would die for. She has a few secrets of her own and ultimately these are what drive her to get what she needs. And right now what she needs is Caleb, at any cost. Not in the way you may think, although the chemistry is electrifying every time they are together and these have quite a scorching journey ahead of them. Jennifer makes each encounter off the chart hot and I am surprised that amongst so much wood these two didn't catch fire!

In overall this was a very enjoyable story. It had me in stitches a lot of the time, but also the passion and plot urged me to read it faster.
I would love to read both Tristan and Dalton's book next as there are plenty of issues still to unravel.
Certainly a book to add to any TBR list and I feel fortunate to have received an ARC for an honest review.

Isa for Jo&Isalovebooks Review Team.

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Monday 30 May 2016

Desire After Dark by Marie Force


REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Desire After DarkDesire After Dark by Marie Force
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My rating is 3.5 STARS FOR THIS BOOK

I am very privileged to have received an Advance Readers Copy from Marie Force. I have had the pleasure to read some of her books and she never fails to deliver an utterly romantic story.

This was no exception. I had been dying for these two characters to get their own story and I am so pleased that Marie wrote their book.
After loosing her twin brother, Erin becomes some sort of a recluse. Her anxiety and OCD escalates to dangerous levels, until one day finally reaching rock bottom she decides to end her excruciating ordeal. Luckily her parents were there at the time when Erin needed the support as they help her overcome some of her fears. Never in a million years she imagined that she will fall madly in love with a pilot, when the last thing in Erin's mind is to ever get herself on a plane.
Sadly I hadn’t read some of the previous books and felt a bit lost at the start of the book and in all honesty would have liked a Prologue to allow me to understand it better. I felt I was simply thrown into the story without knowing what was going on. Obviously as your read on you are in and get totally submerged in it and engrossed with the characters.
Slim is your typical bachelor who has always sworn off marriage. He has seen all his friends take the plunge and make the big commitment. Perhaps it was because he hadn’t met the one for him. And as the story brings them together we are presented with a beautiful and romantic tale of self discovery and the healing power of love.
As much as I enjoyed seeing some of the previous characters making an appearance, I would have liked this book to completely evolve around Erin and Slim.
In overall Desire After Dark is an enjoyable read that fans of the Contemporary Romance Genre will certainly enjoy.

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Deadly Hallows by Taylor Henderson


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere


Deadly Hallows (The Dead Ringer Series Book 1)Deadly Hallows by Taylor Henderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Firstly, I noticed that this book is in the category of Romantic Suspense, I would consider it more in the Mystery as there wasn't very much romance in this story line. It follows the life of a young girl in high school, who doesn't agree with the police findings of the body they found in the neighbouring woods. She takes it on herself, with the help of the victims brother Mason, to see if they can prove his sister didn't commit suicide. What they come across, is more than they bargained for, and opens up a pandora's box with a lot of twists and turns.

These two authors have a great working relationship it seems, as I wouldn't know it was written by two people by the writing. The story in itself was good, and I enjoy reading youth books, whether it be a romance, mystery or paranormal but I felt that this book had too many inconsistencies. I noted some of the story line was unbelievable, especially her mother's decision 15 years prior. Without giving away any spoilers, there were other parts to the story line that a more mature reader would find questionable, some things didn't feel authentic.

I received a copy for an honest review.
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Wednesday 25 May 2016

Trusting Cade by Luna David


REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Trusting Cade (Custos Securities, #1)Trusting Cade by Luna David
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am trying to gather my thoughts after reading this book.
Trusting Cade by Luna David is her debut book and if this is any indication of what there is next in store, be prepared to see this lady amongst the top writers of this genre.
I have no doubt in my mind that Luna will excel. This book was well written, well edited and more importantly had a great plot.
There is no secret that that I am a big fan of MM stories and I have seen an influx of writers and novels in the past few months. So why do I believe this to be different from some other books out there, and why did this book was so great in my opinion.
Firstly as I said before, for being Luna’s first published book it had an impeccable attention to detail. Secondly, each character was well delivered. The story grabbed me from the very first page and did not let me go until the last one. The dialogues between all characters were perfectly structured and I loved being able to know their thoughts and feelings, this was different from a lot of books out there, Luna brought this new style of writing and it was refreshing and it allowed me to completely get into their minds and feel every single emotion, I cried, laughed, sighed and everything in between, it was simply breathtaking!
I feel in love with both Cade and Braden, and I was sadden to come upon the end of the book.

Cade, an ex-Army Special Forces Captain now has a thriving business with his best friend Cooper called Custos Securities. They offer security protection for both companies and individuals, priding themselves to offering a professional and top class service from only hiring those who excel in their business. The hiring process is a gruelling one.
A chance encounter places Cade into Braden’s world at a time when (without him wanting to accept it) needed him the most.
Braden is a prominent “pastry chef” or patissier, he co-owns a coffee shop with his best friend Maya and leaving the front of house dealings to her, he prefers to be in the kitchen where he is the happiest. That is until lately; he has a secret, one who he hasn’t shared even with Maya, unfortunately or fortunately for him, by a twist of fate she stumbles upon this information and as soon as she realises the danger in which Braden is in, she goes ballistic at the same time when her brother Cooper and his best friend Cade arrive at their shop. From this point forward, Luna grabs our attention delivering a wild chase of cat and mouse, as well as passionate and heartfelt romance between Cade and Braden.

By far this is a must read book for all lovers of the MM genre and one of my top reads of 2016!

The story continues in the next instalment coming out this summer, and I can’t wait for it!
ARC received in exchange of an honest review.

5 TRUSTWORTHY STARS Isalovesbooks


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Tuesday 24 May 2016

Sugar Daddy by Sawyer Bennett




REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Sugar Daddy (Sugar Bowl, #1)Sugar Daddy by Sawyer Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I've read most of Sawyer Bennett's books and this was totally unlike the rest. It starts off in rather a dark place, whilst that sense of deep difficulty doesn't endure throughout, it's in the background, on your mind, steering the journey. I didn't know what to make of it the first 10% but as a whole, I think this was quite excellent. It pulled me in and it felt a little out of the ordinary romantic suspense.

Sela is as unconventional as her name. She playing a role to seek revenge, however what starts as a means to an end, results in some deep feelings for Beck. I liked Beck, despite his CEO status. He was a genuine man, surprised at the turn of events. These two together held promise and I wanted something real for Sela in particular. Beck was able to bring some self belief to Sela.

"He's given me pleasure and respect. He's given me self-worth. Beck has made it so that I don't consider myself a victim."

There was the odd moment where I felt Sela might be 0.5% bunny boiler! The jury is out on that one.

This read is going to stick with me, especially as it won't be complete in terms of story for another two books. I'd quite like to stomp my feet and demand the next book, but I'll wait impatiently along with others who read, to know the outcome.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

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Riveted by Kenzie Macallan



REVIEWED BY Kari Cox

Riveted (Art of Eros, #1)Riveted by Kenzie Macallan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mara is a lost girl trying to get over tragedy. Her sisters take her off on a vacation where she happens to meet Mac, a nice guy that she's instantly connected to. A little mystery and a little suspense get added into this love story.

I struggled getting into this book. The author does a great job with her description of the scenes, but it goes into almost too much description. I got too distracted by what color the counter tops were in the bathroom to relate to what was actually happening. I also couldn't relate to the characters; they didn't feel realistic to me. Their instant connection that was repeated over and over again was just too much for my taste. Their dialogue and inner monologues were those of a long relationship, when they had known each others hours-days. It was also difficult to follow the way it bounced back and forth per paragraph as to who's person we were in- Mara's or Mac's.

I'm sure there are plenty readers that can relate to Mara and Mac's story and you definitely should read it yourself to see if you're one of them.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski


REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard


The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a mess. This book has enthralled me but broken me with how it has ended, not that I didn't see something of this nature coming. What is overwhelming in this book is the maturity growth in both Arin, but especially Kestrel. At only just 18, the responsibility, political espionage, compassion and moral compass, complicated by her love for Arin is one huge burden for Kestrel to carry. Arin felt a bit beaten down for some of this story but I do love his resilience in the face of adversity and he too cannot shake the deep connection with Kestrel.

This story just gets better and better and I'm holding my breath about what will happen in the final instalment. These lands, nations and cultures are so interesting and I really enjoyed the addition of the Darcan to the story. I keep thinking more is going to come of Risha's character, but not yet.

The description in this book is vivid, from detail of physical mutilations to costume and ceremony. It enables the reader to conjure up such a tangible visual as the story plays out. If all continues in this thread of goodness, this series is going to become an all time favourite but I'm a bit reluctant to get there because I don't want it to end.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout



REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard


The Problem with ForeverThe Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my favourite JLA non PNR read. I can say that categorically. The tangibility of the characters in this book, not just the lead characters, was just right. This was a book that delved into abusive childhoods and brought together two kids from the past into the now. I sometimes feel in books where abuse is a factor, that everything is 'worse case scenario'. Mallory and Rider's pasts were awful but not the absolute worst and I wholly appreciated this insight into abuse.

Now that I feel I've said abuse too many times (last one), it really isn't the prime focus of this book, just the foundation. Mallory might not be a strong female character lead but she was an evolving, developing young women. Rider was one of those immediately cool types, without trying to be, but not cocky. Rider believed in Mallory and didn't want to change her. Rider could also be incredibly sweet. Their meeting again in the now is pretty amazing. These two evoked all the feelings.

A word needs to be said about the side characters that were a real strength in this book. I felt I got to know Carl, Rosa, Ainsley, Jayden and Hector. I loved Jayden and I want to read more in the future about Hector and Ainsley. I am a long standing fan of JLA but have always favoured her PNR books, The problem with forever has turned the tide and I'm hoping for more of a similar vein.

The publisher provided a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Monday 23 May 2016

It Took A Rumor by Carter Ashby




REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

It Took A RumorIt Took A Rumor by Carter Ashby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This author has a way of writing that pulls you right in to the story. I was right there trying to figure out which one of the Deathridge brothers Ivy slept with. I also felt her despair with the townspeople that were feeding into gossip that was being spread by the town busy body that was destroying her reputation. Small town community at it's best. She ended up keeping everyone's secrets and was becoming quite overwhelmed. I'm surprised she didn't blow sooner than she did.

I found this book highly entertaining and can see myself re-reading this book quite often. I just love 'laugh out loud' books and this one is certainly one of those.

This is the first book by this author that I have read and I can honestly say I'm now a fan and look forward to reading more by her.

Absolutely loved it!

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Friday 20 May 2016

A Right To Remain by Beth Rinyu




REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken


A Right to RemainA Right to Remain by Beth Rinyu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Beth Rinyu. I loved how this story is written. Quinn and Lacey both suffered a great loss in there life. When they are trying to pick up pieces and figure out what to do next, fate steps in. Lacey rents a cottage from Quinn. They form a friendship. They are there to help each other in there time of need. As they get to know each other they confide in each other. They begin to heal from there past and find hope for there future. This story has a great mixture of heartache, friendship, love, and solving the mystery of the past. The story keeps you guessing until the end.

I loved this story and look foward to reading more books from Beth Rinyu.

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A Right To Remain by Beth Rinyu


REVIEWED By Becky Cox

A Right To RemainA Right To Remain by Beth Rinyu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beth Rinyu
A Right To Remain

Wow! My favorite Beth Rinyu yet!

A Right to Remain has it all. Mystery, angst, romance and spicy sexy time.

Lacey suffered a devastating loss, packed up and moved to a sleepy cottage in a small town. She is vulnerable and afraid but so strong in her resolve.

Quinn gave everything he had to his marriage but it still failed. He and his estranged wife suffered a loss that they could not recover from. He is heart broken and he is angry.

Rinyu weaves a great mystery inside of a beautiful romance. I was constantly surprised. The slow burn of Lacey and Quinn's relationship was a beautiful thing to read. When Lacey rents the cottage from Quinn and he lives in the upstairs apartment they become a source of comfort for each other. To me, this is her best work to date. The hero and heroine are both relatable lovable characters. Of course, Quinn is a hottie and grouchy on the outside and all softy on the inside. Lacey puts up a great front of being fine, but struggles with her losses. Her strength is her resilience.

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The mystery is expertly woven in Lacey and Quinn's story and puts this book over the top for me.

The Right to Remain is an intriguing journey which I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anyone.

I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Wednesday 18 May 2016

The Secret (The Evolution of Sin Series #2) by Giana Darling




REVIEWED BY Lynette Kelly 


The Secret
By Giana Darling

Book two the Evolution of Sin Series

Book two immediately picks up from The Affair.  Elle's week long holiday affair with the man of her dreams is over, she left him without a word never expecting to see him again.
She is making an effort to reconnect with her family in New York, at her welcome home party she is completely shocked to discover that her perfect man affair is the boyfriend of her eldest sister Elena.

Elle and Sinclair are trying to keep the secret, however the connection between them is sizzling hot, and try as they might they cannot keep away from each other.
As with book one, I didn't see myself routing for Elle and Sinclair, as it was an affair, however the authors writing has mind bending ways of making me change my way of thinking.
Elle is such a great character and I can easily identify her need to reconnect and please her family, even if it at the price of her happiness.  Sinclair is a tougher nut to crack, however we see him softening up a little in this book but the need for control is still there!

This story will suck you in and keep you there until the end, and speaking of the ending another cliffhanger that has left me wanting book 3 ASAP.
I loved getting to know the other characters, and I'm hoping that the author can give other characters their own story especially Cosima, I need to hear her story, I feel it could be spectacular.

I cannot give this book any less than a 5 star review, fast paced and well written, I throughly enjoyed it from beginning to end, now waiting impatiently for book 3 please!

Thirty-Six and a Half Motives by Denise Grover Swank


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Thirty-Six and a Half Motives (Rose Gardner Mystery, #9)Thirty-Six and a Half Motives by Denise Grover Swank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh My Stars and Garters!!!!! What a Finale!!!!!

If you have been a fan of the Rose Gardner Series, or a DGS fanatic like me, you are not going to want to miss this 9th book in the series. Everything is wrapped up for us in this instalment. We get so many answers, it's like a cheats book. So much happens with twists and turns, I could not put it down for the life of me.

This book starts only five days after the last one finished. And poor Rose is still reeling from Mason needing to take some time to process all that he learnt in Thirty-Five. But unfortunately she hasn't the luxury of curling up in bed and giving herself a huge pity party, there are deadlines to meet. The other characters all have major parts in this conclusion, some I predicted, but honestly, most will give you a gasp reaction. We finally get the insight of Violet's secret, Neely Kate has some sole searching to do, Skeeter, or as I will now be calling him, James takes on a new partner. Joe learns some amazing family secrets and Mason will stop at nothing to protect Rose.

There is not too much more that I can add, without giving away any spoilers. Did Denise do a good job on this completion, of course! Are you going to be happy with the outcomes, most certainly. Am I going to read the new series, The Rose Gardner Investigations, hell yes! Thank you Denise for creating a character that has developed so well over the last nine books (plus novellas), thank you for not completely closing off Rose to us, and producing a new and fun series for her and Neely Kate. And thank you for allowing us the chance to dream with Rose. One of my favourite all time series that I am going to read again and again and again. <3 br="">

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Tuesday 17 May 2016

Grit by J.M. Walker



REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Grit (King's Harlots MC, #1)Grit by J.M. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read from this Author and has totally blown my mind!

I haven't read many MC books and I think this was a great opportunity to get myself into the hype where there are not only motorcycles, guns, and hunks but kick ass heroines and a plot so twisted you just have to keep reading.
My first surprise was to find the lead character to be a female, I guess I was expecting the stereotypical alpha male to be running the show here, and Oh boy was Jay a firecracker of a lead! She is feisty, determined, beautiful, strong and no nonsense about her. She has had her world turned upside down and as the president of the King's Harlots she must stand by her crew and lead by example. The other girls in the club are secondary characters who I hope one day will have their own book, so many stories there to tell.
The presence of Angel, who is a Navy Seal, brings an unexpected "chaos" into Jay's perfectly structured life. However, his presence, once seemed as obnoxious, will soon be welcomed as her life and those of the members of the club seem in danger. Both Angel and Jay hide vital information about their clandestine activities and soon will realise that their objective is one and the same.
Together they must not only fight a ruthless organisation but also comes to term with what being together entails for being apart is not an option.
With plenty of angst, steamy scenes, and so many twists and turns, make this read a truly enjoyable one!. I can't wait to read more from this Author.

5 GRITTING STARS!! Isalovesbooks.




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Guns Blazing by Andrea Smith and Eva LeNoir




REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Guns Blazing (Black Balled spinoff)Guns Blazing by Andrea Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I truly and in all honesty believe that the writing Fairies have put these two authors together because I have never seen such perfection in a book than when these two Authors are at work.
Andrea and Eva are a match made in writing heaven and each time produce something so polished and so perfectly constructed you can only find yourself in book bliss.
I first fell in love with their writing when I was lucky enough to read Black Balled. That book forever ruined me for any other as it set the bar for others to come. And although I have since loved and enjoyed many authors of the genre, to me that book will be forever the ultimate MM read. It wasn’t only the story but how it was developed and how impeccable was written. But I regress. I have taken my time since finishing this book to write my review because, well you see, when you read something so amazingly and incredibly brilliant, you don't just want to write how much you enjoyed the book but you want to do it with clout.

Where to begin. We met Lloyd in Black Balled as Larson Blackburn “fuck buddy" and, although he played the part of secondary character, we always knew the time will come when he will get his own story. I am sure some of you like me, begged and bugged the Authors into give him his own book and Allas, here we finally are.

As an OCD sufferer myself (well not to the extreme level as Lloyd), I empathise with him and understand the importance of having control on all aspects of life. Sadly that is as far as the resemblance go with him because he is not only a clean freak but also someone extremely intelligent.
When we left him at the end of Black Balled, he seemed to be heartbroken from having to walk away from Larson and although he was (in his own way) happy for him finding the love of his life, he hated the idea to relinquish the man to Troy Babilonia.

Well, since then lets say he has only engaged in casual sex and is not interested in committing to anyone or allowing himself to fall once again for anyone, he seems still pretty miserable without Larson.
As a prominent lawyer he has made a name of himself and he excels and dominates all aspects of the Court, is the place where he is control. If you were to ask me who he reminds me of, I would say I envision him as Harvey Specter from Suits, he once said in one of his many immortal quotes that, “The Only Time Success comes before Work is in the dictionary”. Well Lloyd would say stuff like that.
But of course this is a Romance story too, and our Lloyd is about to get the biggest and most unexpected of visitors in the form of Luke Gunner.

Ah Luke, how can I describe him. Well, he is even smarter than Lloyd. I am talking MENSA material. The man has an enviable memory and is SEXY AS HELL. However he is uncouth where Lloyd is refined, rough where Lloyd is polished and dominant in every sense of the word . But perhaps those traits are what make this unlikely pair such a perfect fit.
Luke suddenly finds himself embroiled in a situation that can ultimately end his life, he therefore needs all the help he can get seeking the one person who can be his salvation, Lloyd.

As much as I would like to spill the beans into how these two “happened”, I am not big on spoilers and I would rather you get yourself to Amazon and ONE CLICK this baby NOW.

A fabulous original plot, total page turner, suspenseful, intense and downright sexy, Guns Blazing is a Must READ.

5 BLAZING STARS. Isalovesbooks

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Wasted Words by Staci Hart


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Wasted WordsWasted Words by Staci Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you enjoyed Staci's Bad Habits series, then you are going to love this standalone book. Staci has written this book with the same fantastic style - humor and banter galore. I was so excited when I saw the cover, it is just gorgeous and I fell right into the book from the start. I love a good friends to lovers romance story and Tyler and Cam are one couple that you will want to get to know. The only thing I would have loved more would have been a deeper, more complexed dilemma to have the angst that I needed. I felt for their concerns, especially as I have gone through this myself, but I think it needed more depth.

This book has different main characters, but it is set in familiar surroundings - the Wasted Words Bar / Book shop that Rose runs. Cam is a manager, who also loves to run the singles night every Thursday. She likes to think of herself as an awesome matchmaker. But when it comes to Tyler, she is not sure why she can't be happy about him being matched up with another girl. He is the total catch, ex football player with the body to match. Being his roommate has it advantages too, like watching him after a shower walking around in a towel. Tyler is content to go to singles night, but only to sit and keep Cam company. These two don't see what everybody else has been predicting for a long time, even with their differences, they are a perfect match.

I received a copy for an honest review.
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Friday 13 May 2016

Salvation by Sloane Kennedy


REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Salvation (The Protectors, Book 2)Salvation by Sloane Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Sloane Kennedy has become one of my favourite MM writers"

After reading Absolution, the first book in The Protectors Series, I thought I had to read another book by Sloane. Thankfully I didn't have to wait long as I was the lucky recipient of an ARC for an honest review.
From the Prologue my heart was soaring. I had to keep on reading to find out more about Ronan's and Seth's story. As much as I loved Absolution, for me Salvation was a more cathartic and emotional journey.

Ronan first met Seth whilst going out with his older brother Trace. Although several years his older, they always had a special bond. Ronan used to see Seth only as a friend and someone who was like a younger brother to him, however for Seth the feelings for Ronan even from a young age were always strong. He used to admire Ronan, and what he felt for him instead of scared him and disappear with time, it only grew stronger.
Ronan didn't have a happy upbringing. Having Trace as a boyfriend allow him not only to have a sense of normalcy but also the affection of a family he always craved. He thrived to make someone of himself who would be good and kind and would always fight to save the lives of others. But in a tragic twist of events the life he had envisioned suddenly is ripped from his grasp and leaves him a completely changed man.
Seeking revenge for what he lost, transforms Ronan into the man he is today. Cold, calmed and collected. Someone who can now as easily take a life in the quest to eradicate the scum from the earth.

Having had the perfect family, Seth goes through a deeply disturbing ordeal losing those who he loved the most in a blink of an eye. Not only did the experience left him with an emotional trauma, he will always bare the physical scars as a reminder of that crucial day.
Tragedy and pain reunite Seth and Ronan, and Seth, who is tired of fighting his emotions, does something that only sends Ronan away from his side and at the time when he needed him the most.

Many years and regrets later bring Ronan back into Seth's life. This time he is there to repair the damage he caused all those years back and offer the protection he so desperately needs. He tries to still see him as the young and innocent boy he left behind, only to find him grown into a beautiful yet insecure man. Memories of their last encounter has both men on edge, for Seth is a realisation that no matter time or distance nothing will ever be enough to forget the profound love, hurt and betrayal for the person in front of him. For Ronan is the excruciating fear of giving way to his emotions. Emotions that could forever destroy his only chance to do good by Seth. Oh if only that was as easy as it sounds. Seth scars are on display. He bares the pain and embraces his ordeal. Ronan has mastered to concealed them from the world by not allowing anyone to touch him, both physically and emotionally.



I completely fell in love with every aspect of this story. There are so many elements and so many emotions that both characters evoked in me.
The road ahead of them is a rough and painful one. They will each have to face not only their deepest and darkest demons but also open up to one another to completely immerse in what I can only describe as one the most passionate and erotic journeys of self discovery, of redemption of love and ultimately forgiveness, and I was blessed to have taken this quest with them.


Thank You Sloane for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story. It will forever remain as one of my ultimate favourites!

5 EMOTIONAL STARS!


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Dare To Take by Carly Phillips


Reviewed By Isa Jones

Dare to Take (Dare to Love, #6)Dare to Take by Carly Phillips
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all begins when Ella after completing a photo shoot is not only stranded in a tropical Island but also mugged and hurt. She calls her best friend to explain what has occurred who after hearing her ordeal rushes to one of her brothers to seek help. Unknown to her there is some history between Tyler and Ella. Tyler seems hesitant at first but only because of the way things ended many years ago.
He thought time would put a wedge in his feelings, and after the way he treated Ella he thinks the last person she wants to see when she wakes is him. However, Ella's feelings run deeper that what he is led to believe, and although hurt from the past rejection, her body only reacts one way when she is near Tyler.
The more they want to fight this attraction, the more the pull increases. Back home Tyler makes everything to make Ella safe, but soon he wont only try to protect her from danger, he will have to protect her from himself. Tyler has lived with a burden which has prevented him to commit and completely open his heart to anyone. And Ella has been rejected by those close to her too many times to allow her to love and be loved. So the journey ahead is not an easy one but boy will it be a rewarding and fulfilling one.

I would have liked to have read more about their relationship prior to present time, but this is book 6 in the Series and I don't know if we get to read them in previous books. I have downloaded the first book in the series because I would love to read about the other Dare siblings.

Romantic, Well written and with plenty of steamy moments, Dare To Take is one for all lovers of the genre.

Isalovesbooks

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Give Me a Reason (Redemption Hills, #1) by A.L. Jackson

  Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson My rating: 5 of 5 stars This BOOK deserves all the recognition and praises it has received. From that ...