Tuesday 31 January 2017

Always Yours by Charlotte Eve

REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken


Always YoursAlways Yours by Charlotte Eve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was excited to read the continuation of Chrissie and William's story. The second book left us with quite the cliffhanger. I needed to see how their story ended.

Chrissie is devasted by the results of blood test. William is shocked and feels betrayed by Chrissie. Chrissie is determined to find out the truth and fight for her family.

I love the conclusion of this story. It was well written. It had a good mixture of angst, hope, love and some hot sex scenes. I look forward to your next release.

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


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Gone For You by Jayne Frost

REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken 


Gone for You (Sixth Street Bands #1)Gone for You by Jayne Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Jayne Frost. Its is the first book in the Sixth Street Bands Series. I love the rock romance books. Jayne delivered a great story. Cameron is the guitarist in the band Caged. He is use to the lifestyle of one night stands. He is never in one place long enough to start a relationship with anyone. Lily is working 2 jobs and going to art school. She does not have much free time for a boyfriend. Both of their lives are about to change.

I loved this story. I enjoyed reading it from Cameron's pov. I think it brought more depth to the story. I enjoyed Cameron and Lily's chemistry and the connection they shared. His band mates are a hoot. I love how they get under his skin and always look out for him. I look forward to reading more books from this series.

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

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A Deadly Sin by Tracie Podger


REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

A Deadly Sin: Part one of the Divinus Pueri seriesA Deadly Sin: Part one of the Divinus Pueri series by Tracie Podger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story Deadly Sin totally blew me away. I loved the mystery and the intrigue of the story. It was described in vivid detail, so you could picture the scenes. I loved how Mich was always in cop mode. He is good at his job and loves what he does. He was able to get into a killer's mindset and try to predict his next move. I enjoyed trying to piece together the clues to solve the case. The ending was totally unexpected and left me in awe. I can't wait for the next book to continue this amazing story.

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Mists of the Serengeti by Leylah Attar

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 



Mists of the SerengetiMists of the Serengeti by Leylah Attar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

6 stars

THE MISTS OF SERENGETI has taken me on an epically beautiful journey but it has been quite painful at times. This is a book with phases and each phase felt somewhat different, shocking, grieving, hopeful, lulling, suspenseful and tension-bound and heart-warmingly wonderful.

The book starts with a jolt, a painful one but I could not look away, nor put the book down. I had to know, I had to live the experiences and travel with Rodel and Jack. Rodel 'Ro' was a women lacking self-discovery, she liked life to be safe. Her entry to Tanzania was necessary, she needed some closure on events and she found herself woven into her sister's life-path that led her to Jack. Jack needed Ro, he just didn't realise it. Their connection grew and grew in a believable, gradual way. I adored everything about these two, the ups and the downs, the positives and the negatives.

"When I put my hand in his large, rough grip, he held it for a moment, as if allowing me the opportunity to back out. Then he squeezed. It was a silent handshake, an unspoken agreement. And although I had only just met him, I knew I could trust Jack Warden to keep his promise, come what may."

The storyline itself has a clever, real message. The issue in the story was unknown to me, but heartbreaking and I believed in the mission Jack and Ro found themselves embroiled in. The setting of Tanzania conjured beauty and a spark in my traveller's heart. Every smell, sight, animal and piece of nature was enticing in its reality. Jack slowly revealed the country and himself to Ro.

"Jack Warden was an ever-changing enigma. He complimented, apologized, and bared himself, all at once, with a directness and sincerity that left me speechless."

The way Leylah Attar wrote grief was heartfelt but realistic. I could tangibly feel the emotions rising off Jack and Ro (cry count six and I'm not a huge crier at books). However, the writing in general was beautiful. So many sentences jumped out at me with their poignancy. It wasn't flowery prose, but the characters dialogue and thoughts were captured and painted so perfectly true. I am in awe of Attar's writing talent and will need this on my bookshelf with some of her others. This book is going to stay with me, my eyes brim as I write this.

We are all connected.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.


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The Boss by J.L. Perry

REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken


The BossThe Boss by J.L. Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harrison has been best friends with Ethan since childhood. He has also held a torch for Ethan's sister Hanna for years but never acted on it. His friendship with Ethan was more important to him. What happens when your your childhood fantasy now becomes your employee? A hot short read.

I enjoyed this story. I loved the friendship and connection between Harrison and Hanna. There is a bit of everything all rolled into one. I do how ever wish it would have been longer story. It seemed a bit rushed but none the less a fantastic story. Ethan and Michelle had an important role in the out come of the story. I love the family dynamic that it gave to the story. I look forward to your next release.

**I received a copy for an honest review**
**Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog**


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Monday 30 January 2017

Bound To Me by Christy Pastore

REVIEWED BY Joanne Swinney 



Bound to Me (The Harbour Series, #1)Bound to Me by Christy Pastore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was swept away by this book. Fate, destiny whatever you want to call it, Ella and Alex were definitely meant to be. It was such a beautifully written story with a few intense moments to keep you reading. The sexual chemistry was intoxicating making it an exciting experience to read.

Ella plans to expand her already thriving business to the states. Moving is a big step for her but she is more than capable of making it work. Her brother Ronan, remember him? Who could forget, right? If you haven’t met Ronan Connolly, you are missing out big time. You can find Hollywood’s sexiest actor in the Unscripted series. Where was I? Oh, yeah, Ronan has an overprotective nature so when he learns that Ella is going to be staying over, of course the most natural thing is for him to hire her a bodyguard. Against Ella’s wishes it’s going to happen.

Alex Robertsen AKA Ella’s bodyguard. Oh. My. God. Now this is the first time I heard of Alex, but I believe other readers were first introduced to him in the book, ‘Fifteen Weekends’. I will certainly be downloading this book, I am more than intrigued about the story. Now as I understand it Alex appealed to readers so much he needed his own story. Thank you fans of ‘Fifteen Weekends’. He most definitely has a voice worth hearing.

Complications arise when Ella and Alex first meet. Let’s just say they already know each other, unbeknown to anyone else in the room. Yes, it makes for an interesting read. They are both finding it hard but it seems Alex can be very persuasive. Alex has had his own problems to overcome, correction he still has issues that are far from resolved, but one thing is for sure he can and will protect Ella. Until the time came for him to leave and deal with his issues, and hand over the protection detail to a trusted employee.

Things take on an awful twist and it’s an intense time for everyone. As much I’d like to tell you more, I can’t. If you download this book, I promise you will become committed to reading it until the end. Just as Alex was bound to Ella.

Friday 27 January 2017

The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar


The Room Mate (Roommates, #1)The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan
2.5*

This is a little twist on the usual, best friends little sister, giving us a slightly forbidden best friends younger brother story. We have the former geek turned stud, Cannon and his sisters best friend, Paige. After Cannon is kicked out of his rental due to uncalled-for shenanigans, his sister begs her best friend Paige to rent Cannon her spare room. Unbeknownst to his sister, Cannon has, since they all grew up together, always had a crush on Paige.

This book had soooooo much promise but unfortunately for me, it just did not deliver. The blurb suggested a fun and flirtatious RomCom but I found myself rolling my eyes far too often for comfort. I think our 'hero', Cannon was supposed to be a cocky alpha but came across as an obnoxious ass and our 'heroine' is purported to be a confident and successful woman and she loses her mind over the hero? Just no. What really grated on me was Cannon's sister and Paige's best friend had far too much say in her brothers life. I mean, come on, he's a grown man and the way she spoke about him and what her expectations were and what wasn't a good idea and so on really was just too much. And this is coming from someone who absolutely LOVES a strong and healthy family connection.

I have read and enjoyed many of the authors previous books but unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Bet Me by Lila Monroe

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 



Bet MeBet Me by Lila Monroe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bet Me by Lila Monroe


I loved the sound of this book when I read the blurb and, having read a few of Monroe's RomComs previously, I knew I'd be in for an easy and enjoyable time.

Bet Me is about the down on her loveluck, Lizzie and her former almost one night stand, Jake. Lizzie inadvertently announces to the world that she's now adhering to a sexual strike until men start to demonstrate a bit of romance! I say inadvertently because the recording Lizzie made was supposed to have been directed at her sister and without the privacy option on, everyone near and far was witness to it. Before she can even get her head around it, Lizzie finds herself as a role-model for other women (and at least one man!) who demand some romance and appreciation from their significant others. She gets more attention and flowers than she'd ever bargained for and when she realizes there's a bounty on her well, maidenhead she doesn't know what to believe and who to trust. She also can't seem to stop herself from feeling *things* for her coworker slash former almost-one-night-stand, Jake who incidentally doesn't believe in romance at all.

This was a great light and highly enjoyable read and one I'd recommend if you enjoy RomComs. The characters are pretty hilarious and Hank reminded me of Hugh Hefner in a non-sleazy way. The dialogue was fun and flirty and the sexual tension -accompanied by Jake's dirty-talking- was hot!

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Thursday 26 January 2017

Atonement by Sloane Kennedy

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones


Atonement (The Protectors, #6)Atonement by Sloane Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is fantastic when you are going through a book funk to suddenly get one that completely takes you out of it, it chews you in and spits you out faster than a twister in Kansas!

Sloane Kennedy is an incredible writer and she nails every time delivering a completely, fresh, addictive, hot and page turner of a story. Fans of the Protectors series can finally celebrate the release of latest instalment and I know that they, like me would LOVE Dante and Magnus story.

One thing I love about Sloane's books is the ability to engage the reader from the very first page, she makes sure she has you right where she wants you and you are completely lost in the story, you know the whole, hook, line and sinker and that wasn't the exception with this book.
Dante is, what can I say, in a compromising situation when Magnus walks in on him, Dante has tried constantly to push Magnus buttons, ever since their first meeting, if you can recall, Magnus is little Matty's grandfather, but don't let the word grandpa put you off, Magnus is off the charts HOT and Dante is desperate to get more and more under his skin, well and under other parts of him too, however the more Dante pushes, the more Magnus repels, its like watching two similar pole magnets at work, its poetic, I love that constant guessing, will they, wont they and OMG Sloane had me at every turn. For the first time since Dante started this "dance" around Magnus he sees a new reaction and urges him to keep driving the man insane but Magnus again only treats him with disdain and aggravation.

At 41 years old, Magnus has had his fair share of tragedy in his life and has seen horrific things in his line of work as a Texas Ranger( see what I mean about hot LOL), but after the loss of his only daughter he thought his life was over, finding his grandson, Matty has giving him purpose and he has managed to put his affairs in order and his life back on track, but an upcoming trial makes him an easy target putting his life in peril and in need of protection.

At 26 Dante is happy to shag everything that moves, women, men, the gender is not important as long as he has someone who can help him forget the mistakes of his past. One mistake cost him the loss of the one person he had only loved and who had only loved him in turn, the responsibility of his actions hasn't allowed him to move forward and to ever let go, he still searches and is still holding on to hope. Working in the "security" business has given him certain purpose and he has found friends who appreciate him and his job. A job that has now placed him directly working for the one person that brings the worst in him and who he can't stop thinking about. Dante is in charge of protecting non other than Magnus.

As the two men spend more time in each others company, they start learning about their pasts, their mistakes, their losses and slowly it's like they are seeing each other for the first time, and Sloane gives us the perfect interlude between this wonderful characters.
I loved every second, I felt every word. I went on a journey with Dante and Magnus and as with every beginning, there must be an end. It was compelling, heartfelt with just the right amount of passion where the poles finally are aligned the right way.

5 MAGNETIC STARS.

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Any Time, Any Place by Jennifer Probst

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 



Any Time, Any Place (Billionaire Builders, #2)Any Time, Any Place by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Any Time, Any Place by Jennifer Probst

This is the second standalone in Probst's Billionaire Brothers series and is the story of the youngest brother, Dalton and Raven, the owner and mixologist of My Place, the most popular bar in town.

Dalton is very interested in starting something with Raven but is kept firmly at arms length. Unbeknownst to him, the two already have a history; Raven's father and Dalton's mother had attempted to run away together before they were tragically killed in a car accident on their way to the airport. Both have issues accepting this and are seeking answers from people who have no way of enlightening them. While Dalton simply wants answers, Raven is out for revenge and sees her opportunity when she reluctantly hires Dalton to restore her bar to its original and authentic beauty.

This book was an okay read for me. There was drama, a feisty and badass heroine, a swoony hero. Some of it just didn't sit well enough and I can't pinpoint why. It certainly had all the elements of a great read but the execution just wasn't there and I had difficulty connecting with the main characters. I look forward to the next book in the series and Tristan's story (I hope!).

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Delivery Girl by Lily Kate

REVIEWED BY Jess


Delivery Girl (Minnesota Ice, #1)Delivery Girl by Lily Kate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Smiley Face Pizza Stars!!

Lily Kate, your debut book is awesome. I loved it. Just loved it. Hockey, hotties, witty banter, jokes and all, you rocked your first book!

I'd never heard of Lily Kate before a few days ago. Neither have you, probably! Well, this is your sign! You've been told! Get this book!

Ryan is a hot shot hockey stud wanting to make his mark and get traded to LA. He loves Minnesota, but he's looking for a chance for some major wins! And LA is where it's at. His chance at the cup.

He never thought Ordering a smiley face pizza would turn his world up side down, but it did when beautiful, funny, pizza delivery girl, Andi knocks on his door. She's a stand up comic vying for new gigs and a steady income-she loves her family and her friends. Helping her dad out delivering pizza for his shop is just for some tips, until she comes face to face with THE RYAN PIERCE.

What's that saying? The rest is history? Well folks, it was.
Light on the drama, packed with a hilarity punch, crossed with sexy times that will curl your toes and you have a hit with DELIVERY GIRL.

Sign me up for her next book!!

*received arc in exchange for an honest review*
Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog

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The Hard Count by Ginger Scott

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 



The Hard CountThe Hard Count by Ginger Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hard Count by Ginger Scott

I have no idea what I expected when I purchased this book and truthfully, I'm still overwhelmed at the depth of my feelings upon completion. This book took me on the sweetest roller coaster ride with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the coach's daughter.

I refuse to rehash the synopsis for you; Scott has done that already and so much more eloquently than I ever could. However, I'll just say that this book was utter perfection. The characters are not likable, they're lovable. They're complex and have so much more to them than what you initially see. The storyline is intense and compelling and I only put this book down when I had to. Fine! It was to sleep! But I was back at it the moment I woke up. The Hard Count had me smiling and swooning and crying throughout the journey and there was a time or two I was so damn angry, that I was ready to hurl my ereader across the room. This book was just everything and it's already one of my favorites for the year. Loved and highly recommend.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan


REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken


The Room Mate (Roommates, #1)The Room Mate by Kendall Ryan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cannon has had some bad luck with woman lately and an issue with his ex got him evicted from his apartment. He needs to find some where to stay for a few months until he picks his specialty and his medical school. His sister Allie talks her best friend Paige into renting out her spare room to him. Paige agrees to let him stay.Cannon has had a crush on Paige for years. Can he keep that secret under wraps or will he spill the beans?

I enjoyed this story and the characters. I felt Allie was bit dramatic and overprotective of her brother. It did show how much she loved him and wanted the best for him. I loved the chemistry and the sexual tension between Cannon and Paige.

**I received a copy for an honest review**
**Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog**



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Wednesday 25 January 2017

Casanova by Emma Hart

REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken



CasanovaCasanova by Emma Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lani is home for her grandmother's funeral. She left 8 years ago with a broken heart and has not been back. She will have to deal with the man that broke her heart, Brett Walker.

Brett has made some poor decisions in his life and has a few regrets. The main one being he never got to tell his best friend Lani how he felt about her. His father has decided his bad reputation needs to be restored. The woman to do that is Lani who is a incredible journalist. She decides to take the job but wants minimal contact with Brett.

Lani wants to do the series of articles and leave town again with her heart intact. Brett is determined not to lose her again.

I enjoyed this story. It is a second chance romance with a sense of humor. I loved the character's. Lani is bit guarded at first but Brett breaks down her walls bit by bit. Brett has a heart of gold that he keeps hidden from those he loves. Lani is the one person that makes him feel complete. He wants to share his true self with her. I liked the secondary character's as well. I am looking forward to Raven's story.

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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 ...