Royally Matched by Emma Chase

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Royally Matched by Emma Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Royally Matched by Emma Chase

What an absolutely fitting story for Henry! I loved everything about this book and could not put it down even once!

I adored Henry when we met him in Royally Screwed but really fell in love with him in Royally Matched. I have to say that I felt so sorry for Henry; the role of King of Wessco has been thrust upon him and it's something he neither wanted or was prepared for. He's accustomed to living a carefree life that's predominantly about the partying and the good times and unfortunately, it's all about to change through no choice of his own.

He takes some much needed time out and takes part in a reality television show (think The Bachelor) where the future King *may* pick a bride. He thinks he'll be in for a fun time with shenanigans taking place after the cameras stop rolling but doesn't count on striking a relationship with the sister of one of the contestants. Sarah Titebottom (yea, it's her name and yea, Henry covered every conceivable joke about her tight bottom) is the complete opposite of the type of girl Henry is normally attracted to; she's quiet, she's shy, she's a librarian! The duo establish a solid friendship that doesn't take long to develop into something much deeper and it was magnificent to watch! Henry and Sarah are complete opposites in every way, but together they make magic happen between the pages.

This book was sexy and swoony and royally delicious and I could have happily kept on reading about these two for hours and hours more. I loved reading about each character maturing, facing their fears, and then owning them. The relationship progression was so organic and natural and none of it seemed contrived. This book was the perfect escape and I'm so very eager to read the third book in the series.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Roman by Sawyer Bennett

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Roman by Sawyer Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Roman by Sawyer Bennett

Having read Max just a few days ago, I was extremely apprehensive about getting into Roman because there wasn't much that I enjoyed about the former. I'm so glad I persevered and read this. It was a great fun and flirty read with engaging and likable characters.

Lexi has recently lost her mother to cancer and on her mothers deathbed finally learned the identity of her father. She reaches out to Brian Brannon, president and CEO of the Cold Fury not wanting a single thing but a sense of belonging and family. I really liked Lexi; she was fun and funny and strong and resilient and very very sweet. I actually think she was pretty perfect: she didn't want to hurt anyone but went about and did what suited her and made herself happy.

Roman is the teams baddest bad boy. He's a beast on the ice, and does what he wants, when he wants, how he wants and consequences be damned. He's constantly butting heads with the team manager who happens to be Lexi's older half-sister, Gray. I have to say, wasn't a fan of Gray at all in this book. As much as I liked her in Ryker, she kind of ruined all the warm and fuzzies I had for her.

The book is written in multiple viewpoints: Roman, Lexi, and Brian - father of Gray and Lexi and owner of the Cold Fury. I have to say that I loved that extra viewpoint from a mature character and particularly enjoyed the love story within the love story. I just have to question why, out of 7 books in this series, 4 so far mention cancer, however minutely. That's getting damn tiresome. Irrespective of that, Roman was a great book and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Hot One by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

The Hot One by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hot One by Lauren Blakely

This second chance romance is the perfect blend of sexy, sweet, and oh so romantic and is delivered with Blakely's signature style. This is the story of Tyler, a hot-shot entertainment lawyer (and cousin to Clay!!) and his college girlfriend, Delaney.

After Tyler broke her heart all those years ago, Delaney certainly moved on and changed career paths to become a massage therapist. She has amazing friends, a successful business, and is indeed happy but she's never forgotten Tyler and no one else has ever measured up to him. In any way, shape, or form. As with all of Blakely's heroines, Delaney is a strong, self-sufficient woman. She doesn't take nonsense and isn't afraid to speak her mind. However, when Tyler begs another chance from her, she is understandably hesitant in allowing him back in.

I've yet to meet a Blakely boy I haven't loved and Tyler is no exception. Cheeky, cocky, impulsive. Perfection. He takes no prisoners when it comes to his work life and that also extends to Delaney. After following the advice of his esteemed professor all those years ago and put his career before love, Tyler now has the opportunity to right things with Delaney if he can only convince her to give him a chance. And naturally, what better way to convince her than to present himself naked at her place of business? Well it must've seemed like a good idea at the time lol.

These two together are just a huge ball of simmering sexual tension. The book has a bit of a slow burn (which I LOVE) feel and when they finally get together again it. is. explosive. Seriously, one of the hottest scenes that had me panting and fanning myself and that was just with a few well placed words!

I absolutely adore this series (and I use the word 'series' loosely because this isn't a series as such). While it doesn't have the bawdy, male point of view RomCom vibe, it delivers humor, chemistry, and heart - lots and lots of heart! - to the table. I find this to be a sweeter, more romantic style that really hits the spot for me in an alternate way. I particularly love that we get the cameo appearances from characters we got to know and love previously (Simon! Clay! Penny!) and see how they're traveling along. This book is another hit for me and one I absolutely recommend.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Mister Wrong by Nicole Williams

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Mister Wrong by Nicole Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MISTER WRONG was good-easy reading, the kind of book that is effortless to delve into and stay engaged with. It had mild angst with twin brothers Jacob and Matt and Cora, a flippy-floppy woman in the middle. Cora's place between these two men was not new, she'd been conflicted for years regarding her feelings for them both, but she was marrying Jacob. What ensued were car-crash actions on impulse, that led to impossible circumstances.

"Wait. Hold up. So there was a runaway groom and now a runaway wife? God, I can't get this much drama even with my cable description."

Cora and Jacob were a couple difficult to fathom, but Cora was blind to the reality of their relationship, with Matt, she just didn't let herself see a future. Matt was the kind of good guy that made you want one for yourself, but I did want to know him deeper than I was able to. The same with Cora, I wanted to get deeper into why she made the choices that she did.

Ultimately, this was such an enjoyable read. I lost myself in the 24 hours I took to read it and I'd read it again when I'm in the mood for an easy read with great chemistry and a side of angst. Nicole Williams shows again that she can write the light books alongside the deep and heavy read, I'm a fan of both.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Roman by Sawyer Bennett

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Roman by Sawyer Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This was one of the most enjoyable Cold Fury instalments yet. I loved some of the early books most until now, until ROMAN. This was a book with parallel stories and family was central to the feel of this read.

ROMAN has one of my favourite heroines in the whole series. Lexi is really out of the box in terms of the women that have come before in Cold Fury. She was quirky and strong with a soft, loving centre. Lexi was the kind of woman who is willing to put herself out there and risk her heart for the promise of reward. It was impossible not to like her, her spark, sense of style and simplicity of life. Roman himself was not a natural pairing for Lexi at first glance but Lexi brought him to a standstill and caused re-evaluation of his lifestyle and isolation. I wasn't sure I liked Roman until I saw how he was with Lexi; these two were total, serious steam with a side of slow burn. Their connection felt fresh within the series and the chemistry was convincing and enjoyable.

One of the key parts of this book is the family story. I loved everything about this storyline and the weaving of previous characters within this. The richness of this particular part of the story was wonderful and I felt sucked in.

Sawyer Bennett can write me a Cold Fury man of Roman's ilk anytime and I'll be ready to read it. This remains a series I'll keep coming back for more of.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.



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Mack Daddy by Penelope Ward

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Mack Daddy by Penelope Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars








If one could only use one word to describe this book, mine would be; supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, well I never said that it had to be a short word LOL.
According to the English Oxford Dictionary, the definition of such word is: Extraordinarily good; wonderful, and that is what this book was.

Where to start; Even though this is not how the story begins, Francesca "Frankie" and Mackenzie who will be known from this point onwards as "Mack" met in the most peculiar of ways, I wont go into details and spoil the moment for you but let me tell you that when you read you will be in hysterics. After having to move out of her place Frankie asks one of her friends for a place to stay. She knew her friend had a roommate but never in a million years was she expecting to share the accommodation with such a perfect specimen of a man. Their first "interlude" is, as aforementioned one for the books indeed, and after a string of mishaps they hit it of and become friends.
Jane Austen used to say "conversation is a key element for from the talking comes the love" and the more time Frankie and Mack spent together the more they each learnt about each other and the harder they fell. However there is a tiny little issue, Mack has a girlfriend and family "expectations" thus preventing him from exploring those feelings. One thing I loved about Mack was his honesty and commitment, temptation was constantly lurking in the shadows yet he was always fighting for control. As their relationship deepens and blossoms and we think to know the direction of the story but we are pulled the other way bringing us back to the present day where Frankie is now a school teacher and Mack is suddenly standing in her classroom as the dad of one of her new students, YUP Mack Daddy is officially in the building!
So at the start of the book we see them in the now, and Penelope takes us on a journey of how it all began. With alternating POV's we are able to fully understand both leads and fall in love more and more with their compelling story and their dimensional characteristics.

There was some angst which had me in knots and of course last minute surprises which were being thrown into the mix making it such an entertaining read, I just couldn't put the book down.
I think by far they are one of my favourite couple from all of Penelope's books, I just loved their funny moments and their undeniable passion.

Mack Daddy is yet Another winner from Ms Ward list of #MustReads!

ARC received in exchange of an honest review.

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Going Down Hard by Carly Phillips

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Going Down Hard by Carly Phillips
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh I wanted so badly to give this book the full 5 star rating but I sadly felt there was just something missing.

DO NOT GET ME WRONG I loved the storyline and as with all her previous books in perfect Carly way they have elements we all crave for these type of stories.

At the beginning of the book we meet Derek West and Cassie Storm. He is pretty much the son of the help, however there is even from the start a connection between both of them and so far Derek has put Cassie on a pedestal. Sadly one day this changes and perhaps in its own way, is the driving force behind Derek's determination to do whatever it takes to become someone and to hope that one day he can prove his worth. Sadly his time at Cassie's family doesn't end well for his parents and this puts a wedge between his true feelings and those of "revenge". As time is brought forward destiny places them in each other path, however Derek now a successful business man, has other plans for Cassie and the family business. One thing you do know about plans is that they tend in the majority of cases to go up in flames and soon his perfectly constructed plan goes to pieces when he is once again reunited with the woman he has lived to forget. This is the part of the story where I thought I was going to see more angst. I honestly thought Derek was going to truly make Cassie work for what she wanted, regardless of the misunderstandings enough time had passed and generally you don't forget past aggressions in one day, regardless I loved the interaction between them but I wanted a bit more of a pent up energy and build up to make it more real and complete, you know that whole would he-wont he that urges you to read on.
I loved seeing some of the previous characters make an appearance within the story.
I will definitely love to read more from this Author she is always a safe bet to produce an entertaining read.

ARC received in exchange of an honest review.

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Pucked Off by Helena Hunting

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Pucked Off by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lance has always intrigued me, throughout this whole series, I knew his story was going to be a doozy, and it was! The first chapter had me hurting for him so bad and I just wanted to know more. Helena was brilliant in setting up this story line. From the earlier books, you assume you know the outcome, but the old saying of two sides to every story rings true.

Lance was just so compelling and consuming. He will be the first to tell you it is either a little or full force. And Lance at full force is delectable. His story is not an easy one to hear, he has demons from his childhood that has deep scars and makes it hard for him to trust. He has been burnt before. After getting into a bar brawl, saving a woman from domestic violence, he is in need of a therapeutic massage to get the kinks out before the pre season game. This in itself is torture, and not because of all the bruising. Although, an unexpected thing happens when he meets Poppy. For the first time ever, he enjoyed a massage and is now hooked on her hands.

What I loved most about this story was Lance, his vulnerabilities and insecurities were real and didn't feel forced. The way this couple came together wasn't instant and the time it took them to discover their feelings was magic. There was some angst, but it wasn't over any silly misunderstanding. These two acted like normal adults. Once Lance knew that Pretty Poppy was someone special, he was determined to keep her safe from outsiders. I am finding it hard to say this, but I think I love Lance more than Randy Balls! And that is saying something. Lance just makes me go all goo gar and I am so contented he found his HEA.

This is a standalone book, and you will be able to follow along with no problems. You will meet a few of the other couples from the pervious books, which I am sure it will make you want to go and read them too. If this is not your first Pucked book, this is a must one for all Pucked series lovers.

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

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Royally Matched by Emma Chase

REVIEWED BY Jess 

Royally Matched by Emma Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 TITEBOTTUM STARS

Gahhhh! I want to rewind the last 24 hours and start this all over again. I adored this book. My cheeks hurt from smiling and I'm going to have a crap book hangover for days, but who cares because ROYALLY MATCHED was soooo worth the wait.

Fellow book friends, you're going to fan girl over Emma CHASE after this read if you haven't already. She has a way with words, I tell ya. You know you're going to love a book when the first word written is, "BALLS". I mean, come on, if you haven't got a sense of humour, don't bother picking up this read because folks, I laughed my ass off. I also wanted to cry and throw my kindle, but I digress. Just read it already ;)

Firstly, I need to address the hilarious names of people in this book! Lady Sarah Von Titebottum? Who comes up with this stuff? Insert any crude joke you want but I bet CHASE has already thought of it. Nevertheless, Lady Sarah is a star. Quiet and reserved, noble and smart, but sharp witted and lovely-these are just a very few of her wonderful qualities. Standing at the front of a room before hundreds of people is not Sarah's idea of fun. So when an opportunity presents itself to avoid a presentation she's dreading, she doesn't think twice on it. She hands in her notice for a leave and off she goes. Getting cozy with the Prince of Wesseco wasn't really on the agenda, but who follows those things anyway.

Prince Henry was everything I wanted him to be. Funny, brilliant, clever and crude. Sensitive and eloquent, loyal and royal. Not only a prince, but a man of many hidden talents and qualities. Everyone thinks they know the man behind the title but only one lucky lass has that pleasure. Bored and not wanting to act on his responsibilities as future King, he decides it's time to shake things up a bit--but heaven forbid, the queen must never know.

The time Henry and Sarah spend together is gorgeous. So well written and beautifully crafted. Poignant and endearing. I found myself going back and reading some of the more intimate scenes more than once and I just couldn't get enough. A true and real fairy tale. One with a prince who has his flaws but rallied to rise and become the royal he wanted to be-not only for his family, his country or himself, but for Sarah.

A completely different story from Royally Screwed, a slower more intense burn this time around but no less sexy. I feel like I waited eons for this read-but having finished this little slice of awesome, I'm glad I had to wait. It made the real life version so much more and it was utterly and completely worth the wait.

-Received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review-

*reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog*

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The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a heart-stopping and painful read but there are no regrets in reading it. THE ORPHAN'S TALE broke my heart at the beginning and it didn't stop there. The premise for this story had me searching for the history behind the start of the book; a boxcar of babies on their way to be transported to a concentration camp and a young infant saved. This was based in reality and I can say this book was very well researched and story throughout felt so tangible.

The two main characters in this book, Noa and Astrid are two women brought together through the rough and barren circumstances of war. They develop that kind of bond that feels like sisterhood. The main story centralises around a circus, such a contrast to war and occupation but this wasn't a joyful, fun life. These two aerialists, learner and mentor, continued in this world just to survive. There was a wonderful cast of characters both in the circus and also along their travels; the character development was superb.

This book provoked such emotion, making the reader really feel the desperation, attachments and loss and hope in 1940s war time Europe. This story was not neatly tied up to make the reader satisfied. Any discomfort or sadness I felt was necessary and right. I don't want to feel my emotions smoothed over for a more comfortable experience, I want to vicariously feel the experiences of these characters cast from real history....and I did.

Pam Jenoff has excelled in her writing, concept, story and character development. This is her best work yet.

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

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Claimed by Two Masters by Claire Thompson

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Claimed by Two Masters by Claire Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was very excited to have been given the opportunity to review this book, the blurb had me hooked and was dying to read on.
I hadn't read a BDSM book in a while because there was a time when I just couldn't get enough of the genre, I think after Fifty Shades a lot of books and Authors were riding the wave and were desperate to be the next top read, so I think is hard after all these years to come up with a storyline which is fresh and original.

I have to say I thought the idea behind the plot was very clever and as I mentioned before after reading so many books of the kind I guess you could say, I had some expectations. Claire however completely surprised me because it wasn't what I was expecting at all and for that I congratulate her.

Shea is a very clever woman who has pretty much based her assumptions on sex on theoretical explanations, she is completely knowledgeable as far as information is concerned but in the practical department is Nil-pwa! her desire is another thing entirely and she lives vicariously through her fantasies. When a visit to a BDSM club places her in the path of Masters Zack and Steve her fantasies which have been a thing of her vivid imagination, soon are the forefront of her mind and a very tempting opportunity arises.

Zack and Steve have been friends for a long time, and have shared subs in the past, their experience and reputation in the world of BDSM has given them the opportunity to train many couples, subs and Doms in the do's and don'ts of the scene. Meeting Shea at first seems like a perfect opportunity to explore her submissive side but neither thought that her innocence which was running deeper that what they imagined was going to be such a turn on.
Once the three start the process it gives them more than what they bargained for and soon some lines are very dangerously close to being crossed.
Each of them has their own demons but each in turn complements the other so well so what begins as a path to one woman exploration soon is a life changing scenario.

I loved the dialogue and the descriptive. I would have liked more interaction between the leads, I feel each could have been dealt in more depth to completely get that connection which is shaping through the pages. A very enjoyable read nonetheless and very well put together story.
Plenty of XXX material for fans of BDSM MFM stories.

ACR received in exchange of an honest review.

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Pieces of Heaven by Natasha Madison

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Pieces Of Heaven by Natasha Madison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved the second instalment of this series.

In the first book Natasha had me on the edge of my seat with Bella and Jackson's story. It was such a beautiful tale about finding love after such struggles and how in spite of enduring physical abuse you can be resilient and come out stronger than ever. Whilst reading Hell and Back I was dying to see more of Mick and to finally understand why he is such a hard nut to crack.

From the outside Mick is such a sad yet complex character, there is something deep which has made him the man he is today and as I read on I was so utterly sadden by his past and at the same time was able to understand so much how his abandonment issues ultimately were preventing him from having a healthy relationship and allow him to move on with his life, it was like being stuck in limbo, that was until he met Marissa.

Their initial encounter took place on the first book and it was so great to relieve the moment from their POV. From that first moment Mick is completely and utterly unable to forget her and she has been fighting for so long on her own, she is at her lowest when her daughter is nowhere to be found. We obviously knew how certain things were going to pan out but Natasha made sure to keep us on our toes and totally engaged the reader by throwing so many curve balls I was desperate to get to the conclusion. Marissa is the perfect complement for Mick and I loved her sassiness and zest for life regardless of having to put up with so much. It was lovely to see their relationship blossom.

Another well delivered plot with plenty of angst, passion and romance.!

ARC received in exchange of an honest review.



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Pucked Off by Helena Hunting

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 

Pucked Off by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lance has always intrigued me, throughout this whole series, I knew his story was going to be a doozy, and it was! The first chapter had me hurting for him so bad and I just wanted to know more. Helena was brilliant in setting up this story line. From the earlier books, you assume you know the outcome, but the old saying of two sides to every story rings true.

Lance was just so compelling and consuming. He will be the first to tell you it is either a little or full force. And Lance at full force is delectable. His story is not an easy one to hear, he has demons from his childhood that has deep scars and makes it hard for him to trust. He has been burnt before. After getting into a bar brawl, saving a woman from domestic violence, he is in need of a therapeutic massage to get the kinks out before the pre season game. This in itself is torture, and not because of all the bruising. Although, an unexpected thing happens when he meets Poppy. For the first time ever, he enjoyed a massage and is now hooked on her hands.

What I loved most about this story was Lance, his vulnerabilities and insecurities were real and didn't feel forced. They way this couple came together wasn't instant and the time it took them to discover their feelings was magic. There was some angst, but it wasn't over any silly misunderstanding. These two acted like normal adults. Once Lance knew that Pretty Poppy was someone special, he was determined to keep her safe from outsiders. I am finding it hard to say this, but I think I love Lance more than Randy Balls! And that is saying something. Lance just makes me go all goo gar and I am so contented he found his HEA.

This is a standalone book, and you will be able to follow along with no problems. You will meet a few of the other couples from the previous books, which I am sure will make you want to go and read them too. If this is not your first Pucked book, this is a must one for the Pucked series lovers.

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

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HIDING by N.M. Catalano

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

HIDING by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed watching the characters of the Stranger series develop and grow. I have further enjoyed reading each of the stories. I missed Perfect (sorry N.M.) and will have to read it.

Hiding is Rico and Maria's story.

A different side of Rico is exposed in this book and his past is revealed and explains much of his previous behavior. As Hiding develops it shows was a great guy Rico really is.

"Tragedy struck in an alley in the middle of the afternoon in broad daylight. I'd been a walking time in a breathing corpse waiting to detonate after that."

Maria suffers a devastating event and in trying to do the right thing stirs up some major trouble from the wrong people. She flees to North Carolina to stay with her aunt.

Rico and the crew go out to eat at the restaurant where Maria is working and sparks fly. These two are hot together and their banter is hilarious. Rico's bossy side is hot.

And here the story takes off. It is a roller coaster ride of mystery. In the center of the mystery is the developing love story of Maria and Rico.

He calls her "Kitten" and I love that.

Another great addition to the Stranger series from Catalano.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks


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HIDING by N.M. Catalano

REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

HIDING by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I was first introduced to Rico he came off as arrogant jerk. I did not trust him and he seemed secretive. Which comes in handy in his profession. As we see more of him in Stranger series, he redeemed himself by his actions. In Black Ink, I seen him him in a different light. I could not wait to see how this story was gonna play out. I knew Maria was gonna have her hands full with Rico. She was strong, sassy, and could hold her own with him. He did come off as an ass hat in beginning but the interaction between him and Maria that first meeting was funny, and smoking hot. It showed both of them that they were both just existing, not living. Maria got him to open up and let his guard down about his past. It showed her she could trust him. It was beautiful watching their relationship blossom. The journey helps put some of their demons to rest.

I love this quote "Life is a sequence of events, moments strung together to make memories. Those moments are what defines us." I loved this story. Holy crap the ending was incredible. I look forward to the release of Scott's story and Canvas. EEK can't wait!

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Amazon.ca: Ann Meemken's review of HIDING: Book 5, The Stranger Stand Alone S...

Gilded Cage by Vic James

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Gilded Cage by Vic James
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars

This was a book with big aspirations but patchy execution. I thought I was getting into some kind of dystopia with 'special skilled people'. On the one hand, that's what I got, on the other it was much more than this, almost too much of many other things. This is a hugely political read, which I am not adverse to but it was inherently confusing due to an overly large cast of characters, many of similar importance; I didn't know where to place my focus.

The start to the book is gentle (post-prologue), introducing a family who are about to do their ten years time in subservience. Hierarchy is the name of the game in GILDED CAGE and if you're not skilled then you have to forfeit your rights as a person and serve the skilled for ten years in slavedays. This family were from Manchester and as a Mancunian myself, I was piqued at this facet to the book. Manchester had a slaveday town called Millsmoor and this was described as a dark, pre-industrial revolution kind of inhuman place; definitely a contrast to life outside.

Lots about this book interested me, the Equals (skilled) and their way of life. What I found was that almost all of the Equals in this book were obnoxious in one way or another. There was no upstairs/downstairs feel to the story, despite some suggestion of kind dispositions. Do not get me started on the sadomasochistic keeping of a man-dog.

Whilst this is the first book in a trilogy and there is much more to come, the story did not weave together for me at all. I don't feel invested enough to continue with the rest of the series.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Deceit in Bloom by Jennifer Michael

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Deceit in Bloom by Jennifer Michael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deceit in Bloom is the perfect title for this story. This one has a big ole cliffy so be prepared.

What a great debut novel for Jennifer Michael. It is turny (I don't think that is a word), twisty and sexy. Clever banter between characters. Burke and Paisley are like a ticking time bomb that explodes.

I am just happily reading along. Paying attention to figure out the "who done it." Then, BAM, the ending. Oh Holy Hannah, the ending.

The supporting characters, Kai, Teagan and Braelyn, are all cleverly written and add so much to the main story line.

I want to have word vomit here but don't want to give away the plot. You need to experience it first hand. I am just here, hanging out, waiting patiently for the next book. I am not going to message the author and bug her or anything. Well, maybe just a little nudge. (winks)

I was given a copy for an honest review.

Review by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks

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Mack Daddy by Penelope Ward

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Mack Daddy by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved loved Mackenzie! He is pretty perfect, except for the whole breaking Frankie's heart thing.

Frankie had blossomed since college. She had grown more confident. Definitely dressed better. She still wasn't a fan of people. Kids yes, adults, not so much. I liked Frankie. She was heart broken but proceeded to achieve her goals. She may have hidden emotionally for a while but she made it happen career wise.

Mack is an ovary buster. He is a caring, involved single father. He's definitely on all the mom's DILF list. His path was not always his own and even though he hurt Frankie I really think he did what he had to do. When his mission became Frankie, he pulled out all the stops.

Mack Daddy is told in alternating POV's and flashbacks. It worked for me. The flashbacks explained some of the angst between them. I enjoy being in the male character's head. The male perspective is always entertaining.

I enjoyed this book. I would recommend to all second chance romance lovers and readers who appreciate a hot single dad.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks

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Park Avenue Prince by Louise Bay

REVIEWED BY Joanne Swinney 

Park Avenue Prince by Louise Bay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Blissful stars


By God, she did it again. Louise Bay has an incredible talent for drawing me into her stories to the point I forget there's an outside world, kids and a husband that's waiting to be fed. Oops! But it was so worth it.

Sam Shaw is no reigning prince of any type of monarch. I wouldn't even characterise him as Prince Charming, more a prince among men, and it's definitely fitting that he's the, Park Avenue Prince.

Sam has worked hard to become the successful man he is today. He wasn't born into money, no handouts were offer to him. I'm not even sure he would have accepted any. What stands out the most is everything he tries to avoid in life, love, commitment he does them exceedingly well regardless of what he protests. He loves with passion, he commits to things in the future without even realising its indefinite.

Sam is not only a hot man of defining huge muscles, he's sweet and kind. He has a completely different outlook on life. He's certainly not materialistic, although sometimes furniture does come in handy when you want to bend someone over a sofa let's say.

Grace Astor a beautiful young lady who might have had a completely different upbringing to Sam but they aren't that different. Both having secrets and their own scars that needed healing.
Nothing is ever as it seems on the outside. Sometimes it takes someone special to see past all the makeup and really see what's underneath.

Grace runs her own art gallery. With hard work and determination she's making her like a success without any financial help from her family.
She's has great friends, poor taste in men unfortunately. What stands out the most about her is she's not a quitter. I believe she'd stand strong no matter was thrown her way. It's a quality not many people have because it's easier to give up, move on, forget. Whatever you want to call it. But Grace never lets go and that's why she deserves the love of a prince.

This book was filled with so much love, lust, humour and a storyline that captivated me from the start to finish. There was a moment in this story, I gasped because I just didn't see it coming. I thought back to a time Grace was in Connecticut with Harper and I assumed that was when her life was going to change. But I was so wrong, I was enthralled until I read, 'The End'.
I loved that the characters from, 'King of Wall Street' made an appearance. I mean who could forget Daddy King? Nope not me that's for sure.
I'm excited to see what and whom comes next by this Author.

Ultimate Bliss

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Teach Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant

REVIEWED BY Kari Cox 

Teach Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by Aubrey Bondurant! This was a super cute story. Catherine is trying to go out of her comfort zone and reconnect with the dating world. The way she goes about it is different and quite entertaining - this includes Calvin, who seems like the perfect guy to help her venture into new territory. Will is drool worthy. Aubrey gives us a perfect visual of the hunk of a man he is, add everything else we learn about his character, and he's perfect. I'll take one just like him. This story has some drama, some heartbreak, and lots of humor. The mud scene was hilarious. I also enjoy getting bits and updates of characters we've met in previous books. This is a fun, entertaining series!

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

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Amazon.co.uk: Kari's review of Teach Me Something (Something Series Book 4)

Amazon.co.uk: Kari's review of Teach Me Something (Something Series Book 4) Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Teach Me Something (Something Series Book 4) at Amazon.com....

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A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart

Reviewed by Becky Cox 

A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Thousand Letters pulled at my heart strings from the beginning. It is a second chance romance set around a terminal illness of a family member.

Elliot best friend Sophie's father has fallen ill. Sophie also happens to be the sister of the boy who broke her heart.

Wade left for the military at 18 and hasn't been home but briefly for holidays over the years. Elliot hasn't see him since he left.

I was a bit frustrated with Wade at times in his reasoning for his actions. On one had I can see why he did what he did initially but then I think he could have mended fences.

Elliot was a mouse who grew to be a cat. I wanted to push her or yell at her family at times but she came into her own eventually. I get her wanting to avoid conflict and sometimes it is easier to just agree than to argue but at some point you have to put on your big girl panties and she did.

The story was very emotional for me. The family moments with Sophie's dad were moving and heartfelt. I would recommend this book to any reader who loves a second chance romance.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks

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