Monday 31 October 2016

Nearly Yours by Charlotte Eve


REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

Nearly YoursNearly Yours by Charlotte Eve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the end of barely yours I wanted to smack Chrissie upside the head for leaving William and Tabitha the way she did. I felt so sad for them both.

Nearly Yours William hires a private investigator to find Chrissie. The investigator does not have much to go on. It was not until William received an email that he had hope of finding her. When he finds her they are reunited once again. I have seen both William and Chrissie grow in this book. Their relationship is stronger than ever.

I enjoyed William laying down the law with his mom. It seemed that things between Chrissie and William's mom were getting better but I still don't trust her.

The ending ends in a cliffhanger. I now want to smack William and say open your eye's moron. I can't wait for next book to see what is gonna happen next.

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovesbooks review team

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Mr. President by Katy Evans



REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar

Mr. President (White House, #1)Mr. President by Katy Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mr President by Katy Evans.

Adored. Breathtaking. Charming. Delicious. Enchanting. Forbidden. I could go through each letter of the alphabet and describe this book but the letters that stick out the most are L because I freaking LOVED Mr President (both the book and the candidate) and R because this was ROMANCE at its finest.

I fell in love with the synopsis when it was initially shared and consider myself extremely lucky to have received an arc from the author to read and review this first book in a new series. There's always so much hype surrounding a new Katy Evans book and they never fail to live up to that hype. Mr President had me gripped in its hooks from the word go and it didn't let go until the very last page was turned.

Matthew effing Hamilton is the independent candidate for presidency and recruits Charlotte, a girl he's known since she was a child but hasn't seen in years, to become his scheduler. You just know from the moment they meet again as adults that theirs would be a romance that transcends time and bends the rules and absolutely takes your breath away.

They are "a perfect couple, in the most imperfect situation."

Matthew hasn't always wanted to run for presidency but feels that all his father worked for when he was president and prior to his assassination will be for naught if he doesn't. And Charlotte, as the daughter of a senator, has never wanted to have much to do with politics or politicians. They both know that their relationship has an expiration date but can't seem to stop the attraction from building and consuming them. I adored both of these characters. Matthew was just divine - he is passionate about everything; about Charlotte, his campaign, his country and he gives it his all. And Charlotte is amazing in her own right. Knowing what would eventuate, she still gave as much as she could and was committed to the campaign.

I loved the sweetness, the forbidden, the sheer romance of it all. The heat and passion was heating up my ereader and I simply did not want this book to end. I love Evans' writing style. It's consuming, it's beautiful, and it's magic on paper. You can feel the passion just from her words - whether it be innocent kisses, forbidden touches, or the sexy times, it's all done with utter perfection. Love it.

Finally, I'll just say that if this was an actual campaign and Matt was up for presidency, I would be moving to the US just to vote for him but as it is, Evans gets my vote for an outstanding five star read. Cannot wait for Commander in Chief.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Saturday 29 October 2016

Secrets of an Alpha Male by J.D. Hawkins


REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Secrets of an Alpha MaleSecrets of an Alpha Male by J.D. Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't generally read MMA books but this one caught my attention from the moment I read the blurb.

Connor "Alpha Male" Anderson has the world at his feet. He is your typical arrogant, cocky and deliciously handsome fighter. He is approaching the two most important fights of his career, he is at that point when you make it or go home, when you prove the world what you are really made of and and he is giving it all and making sure people know he is ready, he is unbeatable and he is the best, only....he isn't.
Connor is too much talk and no action, he needs to stop all the noise in head to really be the best, enters Frankie.

Frankie bless her I completely loved her character, she is the typical boho girl who loves all spiritual things and has dedicated her life to study all about how to get your body in the best mind set, as a yoga instructor she knows meditation and how to tuned out the world around her, she has worked all her life to achieve independence however things aren't working so well and she is barely able to afford paying the rent, so when an opportunity arises to work with Connor in order to help him get in the game, she reluctantly takes on the challenge. I say reluctantly because Frankie will have to fight the physical attraction towards Connor if she is to get him ready for the fight of his life.

Explosive, fast paced, a knock out!



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For All the Right Reasons by Ann Lister




For All the Right ReasonsFor All the Right Reasons by Ann Lister
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For All The Right Reasons focuses on Ben, lead singer in Reckless and Sydney a professional photographer hired to follow his band and document behind the scenes.

I liked Ben tremendously. A rock star that is still a good guy with a plan and morals. His brother Simon, not so much. Didn't care for Simon at all. Ben is crazy about Sydney and wants a chance together. He is a novice photographer on the side and is very interested in her and her work.



Sydney I couldn't really connect with. I understand she had her reasons for how she was but feel like it pushed a bit to far. I grew to like her a bit more at the end of the book but overall didn't really care for her.


Ben carried the book for me and I loved his patience and tenacity with Sydney.

There are a couple good twist in the book that keep the story moving and give it a tad of a dark side. This is my third Ann Lister rocker romance and I think Covered in Lace is still my favorite. I would recommend giving them all a try as they are all different.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Friday 28 October 2016

Water Skippers by Jennifer Julie Miller


REVIEWED BY Becky Cox

Water SkippersWater Skippers by Jennifer Julie Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Water Skippers is an interesting take on paranormal. It is different which I like. I read a lot so something different always interest me.

Miller revealed this story like an onion, layer by layer. Her style kept me turning pages.

Eden a young beautiful sheltered girl befalls a tragedy. In doing so she discovers the water skippers.

"They are her little soldiers, never failing her with their constant vigilance over the Earth. They use their magic to clean the waters, heal the damaged land, and the forest."

Walter, well he is just an evil sad man. He had all the wealth anyone could ask for but...

"Unfortunately, Walter had a problem. He was a man consumed with hatred. His cruelty for humans and animals was legendary."

Kyle might not have been the perfect son to some, but I thought he was wonderful. Kindness in his heart and a zest for life. Nora thought he was pretty adorable as well.

"boy you are a big one aren't you? Easy on the eyes, all that pretty dark hair, and those bright blue eyes, if I was just, ohh, 40 years younger."

Kyle meets Eden and both of them are in for a big shock.

An enjoyable read with a bit of dark and a bit of mystery. Great paranormal with a different twist.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Black Ink: Part lll by N.M. Catalano


REVIEWED BY Becky Cox

Black Ink: Part IIIBlack Ink: Part III by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You lucky people don't have to wait on all three installments as they are all out now!

Part III is intriguing and suspenseful. I didn't stop reading until I finished Alex and Gemma's story.

Alex will stop at nothing until Gemma and his empire are safe. What he does behind the scenes of his business are crucial to so many and his love for Gemma is forefront in his mind.

"The f___ Four Horsemen are thundering through me, tearing me to f___ shreds.

Catalano wove an enthralling story and it was a pleasure to watch it unfold page by page.

This is installment does not have as much of the sexy time but a well written thriller. Hats off Ms. Catalano.

"This isn't about justice.
This isn't about retribution.
This is about vengeance.


A five star ending to an exciting thriller with some five star sexy time.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Without a Doubt by Ann Lister


REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Without a DoubtWithout a Doubt by Ann Lister
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm going to start off by saying I absolutely loved this book. This is the very first book I have read by this author and I am so glad that I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. I am definitely following this author now and look forward to reading other books by her.

Callie (Callista) is a best selling author and is having difficulties writing her next book. With a deadline looming her editor has her stay in Martha's Vineyard for the winter hoping a change of scenery is just what Callie needs to get her creativity flowing. I think it so neat that a romance author is writing about a romance author. Who can relate to a character better than that! I could actually feel Callie's struggles with her writer's block.

Her seriously hot neighbor, Jackson Brody and her become very good friends. They are both leery of 'relationships' . Jackson was dealt the biggest blow a person can get in his marriage. His wife left him for his best friend. I think it goes without saying that he struggles with the idea of anything long term and with Callie only here for the winter it seems ideal that they pal around together. Callie doesn't have much experience with relationships and does her best to keep Jackson at arms length at first. The more they hang around together the deeper their friendship seems to get.

They start building a future together and one huge misunderstanding tears it all apart. There is a reason why ex's are ex's. That's the only spoiler I'm going to give on that.

Through tragedy they have a possible second chance. They just both have to be willing to be willing to be responsive, forgive and move on.

I felt this book very well written. I love that as I was reading a long that I laughed, I cried, and I actually got mad. I love a book that sucks me in that much.

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An Early Spring by Ann Lister




REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

An Early SpringAn Early Spring by Ann Lister
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colby is on a mandatory work retreat in the mountains in Colorado. She doesn't want to be there and is making everyone miserable with her attitude. She is faced with a situation that makes her so mad that she stomps off outside on her own.

In the meantime a winter storm is moving in and all the cabins are being evacuated. Colby is nowhere to be seen.
Nick, who works with the Search and Rescue Team for the Colorado Sun Ridge Ski Resort stays behind to find Colby. It's too late to evacuate once she is found. They stay in the cabin waiting out the storm. Being confined in close quarters makes attractions build. Those two have some serious heat.

I don't know if I could be as nice as Nick was to Colby with her attitude but he could see beyond her prickliness to the person she really is. He made her open up. That just shows what a wonderful person Nick is. Personally, she was grating on my nerves.

They are separated due to no fault of their own after they get back to reality. They both end up thinking the other one didn't feel the same.

After their time together Colby re-evaluates her life and makes changes so she can be 'happy' in life. One of those changes is taking a short term job at the same Ski Resort that Nick works through.

They finally meet up again and get past all the misgivings and move on towards the future.

A bad accident has them both realizing how much they do mean to each other.

The one thing that really confused me about this book is why were those trinkets left on Wayne's headstone? I keep thinking about that and wondering if there's more to this story.

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Taking Care of Leah by Charlotte Howard


REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

Taking Care of LeahTaking Care of Leah by Charlotte Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leah is a english teacher looking forward to a 6 week break from school. She is living with her sister and brother in law since her break up from the ex. She enjoys her job and has sexual fantasies about the school caretaker Ty. They have a drunken encounter that leads to much more. Ty has a bad boy past and is into BDSM. How will Leah react when she finds out about his past? Can she put her past relationship behind her and move on with Ty?

I felt Leah's struggle about her past relationship and it made her stronger. Ty may have a bad boy past but he knows what he wants in life.
I enjoyed the story and the character's.

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovesbooks review team

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Wednesday 26 October 2016

Behind Closed Doors by Lisa Renee Jones


REVIEWED BY Becky Cox

Behind Closed Doors (Behind Closed Doors, #1)Behind Closed Doors by Lisa Renee Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Behind Closed Doors in a mystery, thriller, romance. Shew that was a mouthful, lol.

We have a poker player just doing his thing; that is poker playing, drinking, and uh pursuing female companionship for the night. Jason is at the top of his career, living large until his world takes a turn for the worse. A woman scorned and all that.

Skye is trying to save money for law school, her ultimate dream. She meets a new friend who suggest storage building auction and then things get sketchy.

Skye and Jason work together to solve a mystery. They need to occupy themselves during the interim I guess because they get down and dirty. Jason is enthralled by Skye and she is just lusty after him.

Lisa Renee gives us humor, intrigue and some serious between the sheets, against walls...sexy time.

This sexy thriller is an enjoyable read.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Covered In Lace: The Lacey Sheridan Story by Ann Lister


REVIEWED BY Becky Cox

Covered In Lace: The Lacey Sheridan Story (Sheet Music, #2)Covered In Lace: The Lacey Sheridan Story by Ann Lister
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Covered In Lace is a sexy romance with a side of dark. I enjoyed Sheet Music, but liked this one even more.

Lacey is a sexy rocker chick who is comfortable in her sexuality. Never has any trouble reeling in the men until she meets her new landlord for her temporary rental cottage. Flynn seems to take no notice of her and just generally dislikes Lacey. Well, that just gives her more of a challenge.

Flynn is being dismissive of Lacey's advances for self preservation. He knows she is just the type he will fall for and he doesn't want to go down that road...again.

I loved Flynn and his overall goodness. Yes, he is good looking but he is so much more than that. Wholesome, Mr. Fix-it, Mc Hotty.

There are some dark chapters in this read that carry over from a character in Sheet Music. He is a despicable character but add depth to the story.

I got to spend some time with Annie and Michael from Sheet Music and it was good to read how they are doing.

Oh did I forget to mention the hotness that is Lacey and Flynn together? Well, it is smokin'. A tinge of BDSM, nothing to harsh.

"'I could drown in you,' he said, his voice rough against her skin."

Great read if you enjoy a female rocker romance with a bit of darkness and some hot sexy time, which by the way, I did.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Lured In by Laura Drewry


REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Lured In (Fishing for Trouble, #2)Lured In by Laura Drewry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my second jaunt with this series and book two was my favourite so far. I'm here to tell you that fishing is sexy; yes, I do mean that. This whole concept has caused some chuckles with book friends but it does work. At the core of this series is a family trying to pull together with somewhat fractured relationships to make their island fishing trips financially stable. I get that gutting a fish is not the height of a sexy scene but Laura Drewry managed to make it so.

Jessie was introduced in book one and I've been itching to get to her story because she's the character that really caught my eye. Finn (I kid you not, the man has a fish-related name) is one of the owners but he is a fair, honest man with new found passion. This is a great friends-to-more story with such a depth of friendship behind it that it was an enjoyable burn to the something more. The chemistry made for fun reading and the complications in their lives made for some tension.

I'd class this book as easy reading and I really enjoyed my day devouring this book.

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

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A Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey



REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar

A Place in the SunA Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Place In The Sun by RS Grey

I absolutely fell in love with Georgie when we met her in The Summer Games and was thrilled to learn we'd get her story. I thought she was one hell of a supporting character; she was fun, had exuberance, and was full of life. All such wonderful traits. She certainly carries these traits over to her own book, and adds in some determination, warmth, and a LOT of heart. If possible, I adore her even more now. Georgie has escaped from London to Italy to get away from her matchmaking mama and hopes to find love (and herself) in the beautiful seaside village of Vernazza. She has her work cut out for her with Gianluca. If you look up stubborn in the dictionary, I'm certain you'll find a picture of his deliciousness right there. He's gorgeous, grumpy, and his heart belongs to someone else. He won't allow anyone else to take space in his heart but he meets his match in Georgie.

This book was a pleasure to read. I loved the characters and their complexities and although I'm not one for angst, this book had just enough to keep me thinking and feeling so much compassion for all the characters. It's a wonderful feel-good read that had me laughing from pretty much the first chapter and that continued for much of the book (obviously, angsty moments aside). Absolutely recommend this book and although I mentioned The Summer Games earlier, this is a complete standalone so you don't need to read that first (although you should because it was fantastic!).

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Black Swan Affair by K.L. Kreig


REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Black Swan AffairBlack Swan Affair by K.L. Kreig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mind. Blown.

It's been a long while since I've read a book so angsty that it's almost unbearable. Black Swan Affair makes it clear from page one that this will be a read of discomfort but that it is compelling. I read the blurb before publication and just knew I had to read this and whilst I don't normally pre-order, I did in this case. KL Kreig is a 'new to me author' but she has well and truly placed herself on my radar and I would encourage you to also give this book a go.

This story centres on a love triangle that feels forbidden, two men and one woman. The weaving of this story and their actions was complex beyond what you might first suspect from the blurb. The story of Maverick and her love for two men Kael and Killan is both deep and superficial at times. One thing is clear, the men are consistent in their love.

"Can I live my life without her, feeling as if I've had a lung removed and will never breath again?"

The chemistry, lust and love are so well written. I believed, I lived their connections with them, I felt the highs and the lows. These characters were special because they were well written, I couldn't second guess their actions and I couldn't predict where the story would go. As I headed into the final quarter of the story, the desire to know the final destination was truly unbearable. I had to read without interruption to get to the culmination.

This book is a favourite of the year for me. I will remember it for a special torturous journey it took me on and for characters that made me feel and ache.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Breeze of Life by Kirsty Dallas


REVIEWED BY Becky Cox

Breeze of LifeBreeze of Life by Kirsty Dallas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kirsty took something ugly, cancer, and wrote a beautiful story.

Bree is suffering silently and basically alone. Her neighbor George is a great sense of comfort and help to her but she has no one else to help her in this horrible journey.

"I had eclipsed sadness months ago and now I existed in a deep well of nothing."

She has loved Harper her whole life. He is her best friend and she his. Harper comes home and and is determined not to let her lie in bed and waste away.

"I'm not going to accept that you will die sooner rather than later. I will only accept life."

My bestie is battling breast cancer as I write this review. I felt Harper's sentiment the night she told me and held on tight. Cancer touches all of us at some point in our lives. What Harper does for Bree is lovely and so heartwarming. I shed more than one tear reading Breeze of Life as it touched me and gave me hope I was doing 1 millionth of what Harper does for my dear friend.

I am little bit in love with Harper myself. Everyone needs a Harper in their lives. I don't want to spoil the story, but it is a definite five star, shed a tear or two, make your heart swell, must read.

Bree grows so much throughout the book and learns about herself and Harper.

"You have to make the most of this life, Breeze, and live every second of it like tomorrow doesn't exist."

Good advise to us all.

A copy provided for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Black Ink: Part lll by N.M. Catalano



REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

Black Ink: Part IIIBlack Ink: Part III by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In part 3 Alexander getting ready to head to China and figure out who is threatening his empire and why? He knows somehow it is connected to Gemma's ex husband that swindled 3 million dollars from him. He wants to find out who is responsible not only for himself but also to keep the woman he loves safe from harm. He will stop at nothing to bring justice to those that are behind it.

The conclusion of Black Ink part 3 is explosive. My initial reaction after I read it was "Holy crap was that intense." This story has you from the beginning and holds you captive until the end. There are so many twists and turns. There is also few instances where I screamed o my gosh no way. I was blown away by the conclusion of this series.

I highly recommend Black Ink Series and I am sure you will love it just as much as I do. I am excited to read Rico's story and a few other's that are in the works.

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
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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 ...