Until You by Denise Grover Swank

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Until You by Denise Grover Swank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Bachelor Brotherhood series and it comes from a spin off of the Wedding Pact series, which I loved.

This book we have Tyler, who is best friends with Kevin (Book 1) and Matt (Book 3). He is a groomsman in a wedding for one of his work colleagues and good friend, Randy. At a get to know the wedding party event, Tyler meets the lovely Lanie, cousin to the Bride - Brittany. Tyler is a lawyer, who is looking to make partner this year, and has been known to be a player. Lanie is also a workaholic, and has dedicated the last ten years to her job, opening designer boutiques for a large corporation. When these two meet, and spend some time together, they get to do a lot of "firsts" as it is the only relationship they have each had. But when their jobs become more demanding and could take Lanie away from Kansas City, things look doubtful for a HEA. Tyler will need to pull out the big grand gesture and a little fan fare to show Lanie how determined he is.

I am always happy to read a Denise Grover Swank book, and especially her contemporary romance / RomCom's. They have a light and breezy feel to them, and take me to a place of pure indulgence. This wasn't as funny as the others, but it still had the elements I need to escape into a book. I would loved to have read more about the yoga, and if the girls actually attended a lesson, and a little more on Kevin and Holly. I have missed the other characters, and want to know they are all doing great. I am anxiously awaiting Matt's story. I would recommend this book.


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True Hero by Susan Owensby

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

True Hero by Susan Owensby
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting debut from Susan Owensby that held lots of potential. This was a tale of abusive husband and a woman, Ally on the run thanks to an organisation that provided new identities. Most of this book takes place 3 years later where Ally is settled in a town but remains vigilant and isolated with her son.

EX-SEAL Jonah has been trying to catch Ally's attention for a few years but she isn't open to this. Jonah was a very likable character and I did enjoy the chemistry between these two. Sometimes the narrative felt simplistic and there was an element of things being a bit too insta-love for my liking. Nevertheless, I did feel gripped by this tale of suspense until about 75% when it all became a bit too brutal. The narrative is utterly graphic and felt almost too much for what had passed in the previous 75%. Because of the very graphic nature of the description, I feel I have to mention that this book will be a trigger for some readers. The wrapping up of events was too convenient in the end for me.

I really liked the first half of the book, but the second half wasn't as strong and turned me off the characters and story somewhat.

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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The Friar by Samantha A. Cole

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

The Friar by Samantha A. Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Samantha A Cole has a way of pulling a reader into the story that makes the reader feel like the book is happening around them. Even though, The Friar, is not the usual type of book I'm used to reading from her as I was reading it it had the same effect on me.

After Adam Westfield, a former Franciscan Friar, is released from prison he wanders wherever life takes him doing odd jobs until he feels the need to move on.

That how he came to be at Sage Hammond's ranch when she is threatened by another rancher to sell her ranch. He intervened and their story takes off from there. Sage is a widow raising two young kids trying to save the ranch that has been in her husband's family for many years.

Someone wants the ranch at all cost. Adam and Sage are working hard to try to save the ranch and at the same time try to discover who wants the ranch enough to destroy others in their path.

I absolutely love the characters in this book. Adam is one of the most honorable men I know. Went to prison doing what others would consider as an act of heroism. He also kept a young kid from testifying so they would have to 'relive' what had happened.

Sage is just about working herself to the point of exhaustion after the death of husband doing everything she can to save the ranch. It would of been so much easier for her to sell. She's one very strong woman.

I like that this story didn't focus a lot on sex. Not that there wasn't any...there was plenty of sizzle. It has a strong story line that has a build up of intrigue that had me guessing on who wanted the ranch, why they wanted it and if Sage and Adam were going to survive. I love books that pull me in and don't let go.

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Plight by K.M. Golland

REVIEWED BY Jess

Plight by K.M. Golland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

PLIGHT was a lovely surprise.
I had no idea what I was getting into, but I am so glad I took the plunge.

Receiving a Facebook message from a guy Danielle swore she would never hear from or see again, especially after not being in contact for more than 22 years is a little bizarre. Elliot has a knack for timing, and his timing is spot on. A pact made years ago has not been lost on him and he is doing everything in his power to ensure his proposal to the girl of his dreams he made when they were 8, sticks. Even though its completely far fetched-Danielle excepted, life went on, they lost touch and now, out of the blue, he is cashing in on her acceptance from all those years ago.

Friends to lovers, is not a unique trope, but KM GOLLAND did a fine job making it her own and putting her own spin on it. I just loved how Elliot never stopped loving Danielle for all those years, and how he persevered and did everything in his power to get his girl. He has always been in love with Danielle and he has been biding his time until their 30th birthday's, just so he can get THE girl he's been longing for. Its not easy-Danielle thinks he is out of his mind-rightfully so!

I loved their chemistry, their flirty conversations, and the walks they take down memory lane. Letting go of their traumatic past and moving forward is actually what is holding Danielle back from Elliot, but he's there to help her move along and he does it in the most loving way. I really enjoyed both of Elliot's and Danielle's mothers-they rooted for the two of them since day one and always had a feeling these two would find their way back to one another.

A first for me from Golland and I really enjoyed the read. A quick, easy, fun story from cover to cover! I will totally read more by this author in the future!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog

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A Girl like Me by Ginger Scott

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

A Girl Like Me by Ginger Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5*'s

Wow! I did not see half of that coming! It was a great end to a wonderful YA story.

This conclusion to the Like Us duet had me guessing and assuming, mostly wrong but it took me on a journey that held me captive. So much happened in this book, maybe too much, but it also helped to understand the connection these two have for each other and the depth of their relationship.

Joss is the type of girl you want for a daughter. She is not perfect by any means, but she has the capability to pick herself up when down and she can hold her own. She is gifted in playing ball and one liners. She had me giggling with her banter with Wes and some of the other characters. Her dad, boy didn't he redeem himself, love that man. And Wes, never underestimate that boy! I adore him. He is the sweetest, kindest young man with enormous abilities. I will always be on his team.

I know it's a duet, but I'd love to hear more about them. Maybe a novella so we know they make it through college unscathed. I have really enjoyed these books and Ginger Scott's writing.



*I received a copy for an honest review.
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A Girl like Me y Ginger Scott

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

A Girl Like Me by Ginger Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Girl Like Me (Like Us Duet - Book 2) by Ginger Scott
4.5*

Wow what an amazing conclusion to an amazing story. A Girl Like Me picks up pretty much where a Boy Like You finished and these books MUST be read in order.

I won't get into the story but I will say that Scott answers all our questions and wraps the duet up very nicely with A Girl Like Me. The characters are as intriguing and complex as ever - as is their whole story. I personally wish that some of the drama had been taken out or even just scaled back as it got a bit much for my liking however, it's still a fantastic read. If you're sitting on the fence about this duet, don't hesitate to get started on it. Scott writes the most beautiful, heart-tugging stories that leave you wanting more and this was no exception.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Only One by Lauren Blakely, Narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

The Only One by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Audiobook review.

This novella is a gorgeous story of second chances, one that comes ten years later. THE ONLY ONE is
less of a rom-com feel, rather a contemporary read without as many witty quips and having recently read/listened to a number of Lauren Blakely's rom-cons, I enjoyed the change in pace.

The characters meet for a work deal unexpectedly after missing a planned meet ten years ago. I loved Gabriel, chef and restaurant owner, Spanish and all over nice guy. Penny was sweet but still nursing some hurt. I loved their build of interactions, connection and chemistry.

The book is narrated by two of my favourite narrators, Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt and they did a good job, however I do have a niggle. Gabriel was Spanish and described as having an accent, yet the male narrator was straight American. Then, when the female POV narrated male dialogue, she did it with a Spanish accent. This was rather disconcerting, but I went with the flow and still enjoyed it.

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

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Buns by Alice Clayton

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Buns by Alice Clayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 "Awesome. Incredible. Mind-blowing. Frustrating. Pretentious. Obnoxious. Freckles." Stars

BUNS was pure delight from cover to cover with characters who provided immediate connection between them and reader and a hate to something-else connection between themselves. The storyline was just engaging and I bought into it completely.

Alice Clayton brought a new friend, Clara 'Ms Morgan' into the scene and she was totally different to Roxie and Natalie (who we see with their respective partners repeatedly). She was small, atheletic, competitive, competent, bossy and untouchable. I loved her so quickly but what I loved even more was the discontent between her and the hotel owner who's business she had come to revamp, Archie 'Mr Bryant'. Archie drew me in and had me swooning simultaneously.

"Archie had taken off his jacket, loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. Which just made my eyes flicker back and forth almost nonstop to his forearms. I was a sucker for forearms. Forget the forearm. No, you forget the forearm."

These two were like two pincushions around one another but oh man, the chemistry. It was slowly burning and I was slowly burning too. There were two tangible backstories for Archie and Clara which just made the read so much richer.

"He laughed then, and it was magic. And it was into this magic that I did walk over to him, reach up toward him, not with my lips but with my hand, and gently brush back the shock of auburn hair that's had fallen down over his forehead. He closed his eyes, then instantly leaned into my touch, almost like a cat. When was the last time someone had touched this guy?"

I can say three books in, that this is my favourite series by Alice Clayton and that Oscar sure has a rival in Archie. The writing and wit was superb and I just lived the reading experience as you do with the best kind of books. A definite favourite of 2017.

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

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Excess Baggage by Laura Barnard

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 

Excess Baggage by Laura Barnard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered what happened to your first love?
Have you ever thought, what could have been if you stayed in touch?
Did you think you would ever see them again? And if so, what would happen?
This fun and quick read from Laura Barnard is all about finding your first love, and letting fate take its course. When Erica takes a much need break away from her ailing mum with her besties, she had no idea that the group of rowdy boys they stumble upon at the bar, one of them was her first love. Could she forgive him for his insensitive teen self and enjoy some time together?

This book has some funny lines that had me snorting along with Erica and wanting to be on holidays with them. Jack is that sweet boy that you meet as a teen and has grown into a fine specimen indeed. There was a lot of miscommunication, but once they sorted it all out, I was so happy for them. I just wanted more though, I wanted some added bits of them after the holiday and adjusting to everyday life. The secondary characters were just as fun to read and I am hoping that Tom and Brooke get their own book. I think these two would be very fiery and something amazing to read.

I am always happy when a Laura Barnard book hits my kindle, and this one will make you smile as well.

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


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Cheater's Regret by Rachel Van Dyken

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Cheater's Regret by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cheaters Regret by Rachel Van Dyken

This is book two in Van Dyken's Curious Liaisons series and is about a couple we met previously: Austin and Thatch. Austin catches Thatch with his tongue down another woman's throat and then *he* has the nerve to break up with *her*. I don't think so. Once her pity party is over, she comes up with a plan that had me in fits of laughter as she administered her sweet revenge. As Thatch is a highly successful plastic surgeon - and thanks to his charming good looks, is the face of the hospital - Austin shadows him for her final assignment and hopes to get answers from him... and that's where it all begins. Again ;).

I'll be brutally honest here; I really wanted to give Austin a roundhouse kick just to wake her up! She wish she hadn't just accepted whatever it was that Thatch kept dishing out. She deserved so much better than what he was putting her through. While I loved Thatch and thought his intentions were somewhat noble (though his execution was sadly lacking) I wish he'd also just come clean dammit and 'get the girl'.

Overall, this book had me in tears: first it was from laughing, and then it was from heartache for these two. I enjoyed both books in this series although they can be read as standalones. As I said in my review for Cheater, just go in and read the book for what it is and don't look too much into it.

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.



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A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This was a different ride to the two previous books in the series but it delivered. The focus was strategy and war which was complex but so cleverly plotted and written. I feel this book provided consistency in quality and didn't dip like some trilogies do at this point.

There is a lighter romantic touch to ACOWAR but the depth of love is solid, desperate and tangible. Feyre has been on such a journey as a character and what a woman she has become, a woman I admire and love as a favourite character. Rhysand was wonderful and the cast of strong side characters rocked this book, namely Nesta, Cassian and others. Dare I say, I both loved and feared some of the monsters in ACOWAR and cried over others. The creatures are described so skillfully that this is fantasy that has a 3D feeling.

I'm sad on the one hand that this first trilogy instalment is over, but I'm excited about who will feature in the next three. I have hopes about who will be the main characters, however I trust Maas to deliver. I will re-read without doubt.

This was an audio listen and I was worried about the narrator change but Amanda Leigh Cobb seamlessly slipped into the role which is admirable on book three. Great narration from start to finish.

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Buns by Alice Clayton

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Buns by Alice Clayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Buns by Alice Clayton

Clara is the quintessential career woman. She loves and lives for her job which is rebranding and rejuvenating hotels. This means that she's constantly on the move and while she has an apartment, she doesn't really have a place to call home. But that's more than fine by her! She doesn't want or need to have those roots. She has her two friends who are more or less her family, her mentor, and a possible partnership in the cards. She heads down to picturesque Bailey Falls to rebrand the gorgeous but dated Bryant House where she meets the amazing Archie Bryant, owner of the delectable buns and too seeped in tradition to be willing to accept change.

I enjoyed this book though not quite as much as the previous in the series. I think this may be because while it had a small handful of funny moments, it was lacking in the humor I've come to expect and enjoy from Clayton. The reason for this is evident: both of these characters have a lot (like, A LOT) of baggage and so so much to work through. Love and trust doesn't come easily to Clara and again, while I understood it completely, I also wanted to shake some sense into her. Archie I adored although he was bloody stubborn! Overall, I think this series is great and it's one I don't hesitate to recommend. Buns is a welcome addition to the Hudson Valley family!

*arc received from Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Somebody Else's Sky by Jessica Hawkins

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Somebody Else's Sky by Jessica Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second instalment of this trilogy continues to project some discomfort at both the ages of two the three MCs and also with regards to the sibling relationships. It's a discomfort I'm happy to feel because this is a story that pushes the boundaries and makes you consider what is personally acceptable. There was some degree of fluidity with this for me, as the emotions of Lake and Manning made me reconsider, however, I kept returning to a place of discomfort.

The early part of SOMEBODY ELSE'S SKY made for difficult reading with Manning being in a place no one would want to be. I struggled with how he pushed away Lake but he was right to do so. I really enjoyed Manning's introspection throughout this book, it brought a depth of understanding of his roller coaster emotions and baggage, that made me really see him. I still don't like Tiffany much but I do understand why she constantly pushes for what she wants.

The eventual pinnacle of this story was somewhat predictable following the prologue and therefore, I didn't feel devastated, I knew all along this was going to be where it would end. Consequently, I wasn't overly upset and just see this as another messed-up intertwining of these three. I am looking forward to reading the culmination of this trilogy and hoping for some eventual peace and satisfaction for the characters.

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

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Careen by Kerri Ann

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Careen by Kerri Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 3 is China and Risen's story with a few cameos from Circe and Wyatt.

China's friend are big part of Careen and I enjoyed their characters very much. They are witty and entertaining.

Risen's is a great character and his big reveal was a surprise. Wasn't what I expected at all.

China is having a difficult time with the the losses she has suffered and the future of the racing empire and her personal life weighing on her. Risen is a rock for her to hang on to and help her stay on her feet.

Risen has his own story but seems to be dealing with it and doing his best to move on with his life even though some of the people at the police department wanting to give him hard time and hamper his future at the police force. I foresee more trouble there.

Risen and China make a great couple and have a great story to tell. Wyatt and Circe are still my favorite but I enjoyed this book very much. I do love China's friends and they add a lot of fun to the story. Looking forward to Whiskey's story in the future.

No cliffhanger just a HEA. Plenty of future fun to be had with these characters.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks



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Crashed:Siren's Call by Kerri Ann

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Crashed: Siren's Call by Kerri Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crashed: Siren's Call starts off where book one left us on a big cliffhanger.

Circe and Wyatt are working through their personal demons as are his brother Jamieson (Whiskey) and China (Doll). Whiskey and Doll have bigger parts in this book and I think we are moving towards their stories in future books.

Siren's Call is more emotional, for me, than book one. It looks deeper into the emotional scars that several of the characters have. The author reveals more of their issues and resolve some of them. There was a twist that I didn't see coming but it worked well with the story.

I don't want to give anything anyway so I don't want to talk about the story too much. I enjoyed this book and am enjoying the author's writing style. I did have a bit of trouble with switching between given names, nicknames and then abbreviations of the nicknames for Jamieson.

This is looking to be a great new series with some heavy scenes but also some really sweet and moving scenes and a bit of comic relief from Circe's bestfriend.

Looking forward to book 3.

I was given a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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To Touch You by Cardeno C.

REVIEWED BY Joanne Swinney

To Touch You by Cardeno C.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



M/M, paranormal and shifters it’s my favourite of all reads by one of my favourite writers, Cardeno C. I absolutely love the Mates Collection. It’s pure fantasy about vampires and shifters, but I believe it all. That’s what gets me going, it’s the thrill of losing myself in a book. Cardeno is a pure genius when it comes to delivering a storyline.

Yoram Smith found his true mate from a young age. He knew there was something special about the man who came to visit his home town. Not everyone was happy about the idea of a grown man being a young boy’s true mate, not even the man in question himself. Salvatore Rossi made me so mad while I was reading, he was completely selfish, oblivious to anyone else's needs. He knew there was something special about the people in Kfarkattan. When he needed help he decided they could help him. If it hadn’t of been for Yoram I don’t think anyone would have helped this man out. He certainly didn’t come across as the type of person they would want in their family.

Yoram has been so lost and alone while growing up. There has always been a part of him that has been missing. He has put all his efforts into helping the pack, being there for his family and friends. Yoram has had to deal with so much suffering over the years but has never complained. Luckily for him he has a real good family because they aren’t about to let him suffer any longer.

Salvatore is left with little option but to face up to what he should have done many years ago. Many questions he wasn’t really bothered about the answers, now are a necessity. Yoram holds the key to those answers.

When these two eventually get together the air is thick with lust, it was so sensual and erotic I felt like I was literally there. It makes for one hot read. I know you’re probably thinking once you’ve read one sex scene you’ve read them all. With true mates that’s simply not true. Nothing beats two strong alpha males, one being a vampire and the other a shifter going at it like there life depended on it.

If you love paranormal M/M then this book is a must read. I would definitely recommend to you. I have loved taking this journey with Yorry and Sal and I am hoping for many more books in the Mates collection in the future.

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The Psychology of Dreams 101 by K.D. Grace

REVIEWED BY Joanne Swinney

The Psychology of Dreams 101 by K.D. Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars


Dreams can be weird sometimes and even weirder when you can’t differentiate between what you have dreamt and what is real.
Leah decides to sign up for a class on psychology of dreams. She’s always taking one class or another. It’s her escape from her home, she never really goes out choosing to do most things online. Taking classes is a way of leaving her house and interacting with others, learning new skills.

When she heard what others had to say about the dream class she got excited. At first she wasn’t any good at it. I honestly thought to myself, is there a bad way to dream? I mean I know the difference between a good dream and a nightmare but Leah’s dreams were at first just random, about silly things then they turned very erotic.
Leah’s teacher Al has his own dreams which he likes to share with Leah. It was all very unbelieveable.

This story was definitely the book of fantasies, there was no way I could have believe this story to be real. I think I enjoyed the erotic side of it. Foreplay, BDSM, it was all very sexy and kept me reading, but the actual storyline wasn’t something I could get lost in.

I’ve read books by this Author before and loved them, but this story was just okay.

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To Love and To Cherish by Addison Albright

REVIEWED BY Joanne Swinney

To Love and To Cherish by Addison Albright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was such a heartwarming story, I couldn’t help but fall in love with almost all the characters. Nash Marino has given up on ever finding true love. He’s become a little pessimistic and believes love doesn’t really exist, he’s happy to settle for some hot sex and someone to cuddle up with.
It’s sad that his outlook on life and love has changed but you can’t really blame him. He went through a bad breakup, if having his heart torn into pieces wasn’t bad enough he was also humiliated in the worst way.

A patient called Bernie that Nash is caring for made me giggle so much. He’s a wise old man with a few tricks up his sleeve.
Dr. Myles Burlingham is not only Bernie’s doctor but his grandson. Myles comes across as uptight and rude. I suppose being a doctor can lead to a lot of stress but there’s more to this story than you first think.

When Bernie is released from hospital he’s going to need looking after and since Myles can’t take care of his grandfather full time and see to his patients, he hires Nash to be Bernie’s live in nurse. Oh! It’s just what Bernie had in mind. That old guy is a minx.

Nash suffers a terrible accident and loses his memory not the best start when starting a new job, well, a whole new life, but you’ll have to read to find out what I am talking about.
This is one of those stories where you are hoping that everything falls into place and there’s going to be a happy ever after. The spice is just enough to keep you excited, the love of these characters made me sigh with contentment.

I have never read anything by this Author before, but I will definitely be looking out for other titles as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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Casper's Ghost by Kerri Ann

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Casper's Ghost by Kerri Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first Kerri Ann book so I was going in blind.

Casper's Ghost touches on mental health issues and overcoming loss. Throw in extreme sports, hot athletes and pretty girls.

This is a short read with a cliffy, but good news is the second installment is already out. There are several characters that I would love to hear more of their story and I am thinking Kerri Ann is going to write it for us.

Casper(Wyatt) is professional bike racer and has no shortage of woman. Sometimes more than one at a time. (wink) He is constantly needed something to alleviate his built up stress and usually finds it with woman and alcohol.

Circe works for the news station that covers the sports events. She has seen Wyatt and thinks he is hot but knows his reputation.

These two are hot together and have a moving story to tell.

A quick hot moving read. Looking forward to the next installment.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks


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Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm going to be briefer than normal in this review because my lack of connection with this book and its characters may just have been a case of its-me-not-you. That said, I have read a large amount of fiction set in a historic, Japanese context and this book just didn't reach the measure of what I know is out there. The fantasy was light, sometimes hidden and mysterious.

There was a dual POV narrative to this book, told from twin brother and sister perspectives. I did like the dual POV narrative but unfortunately I stayed in a constant position of disconnect with both Mariko and Kenshin. With regards to Ōkami, he was utterly intruiging but I never got to the bottom of who he was and I was left wanting more. I found the description in this book to be heavy and it further hindered my connection with the characters. The black clan was the best thing about FLAME IN THE MIST for me and I enjoyed camp dynamics and hazing.

I am a fan of this author but I don't think this series is ultimately for me.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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An Imperfect Engagement by Alyssa Drake

REVIEWED BY Jess

An Imperfect Engagement by Alyssa Drake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In all of the madness and grave discord that occurred during the few days that AN IMPERFECT ENGAGEMENT takes place, I have to admit, I have been thoroughly entertained and could not stop laughing. ALYSSA DRAKE is a wonderful writer, one who is able to tell you a tale so perfectly, so much so that she has risen to one of the top period piece writers for me.

As a second installment in the series, the ongoing drama and misery continues to exist. However, so does the humour. This book is filled with passion, murder, rage, courting, love, and witty banter. The Westwood brothers, Benjamin and Thomas are funny as ever and I cannot get enough of those two when they are together. Throw in the love/hate relationship Benjamin has with Edward and I nearly howled with laughter on several occasions-just as much as a cringed with all of the horror that is taking place.

Being engaged to Lord Westwood has its perks for Samantha Hastings. Not only is he a gentleman, but he also has an uncanny ability of showing up at the "perfect" moment whenever she is a damsel in distress. I simply love these two together. He and her are a perfect match. They compliment each other so well, their passion flies off the page, and they seem to like one another for more than just their bodies! To be clear, I love how much these two don't follow the rules of this time period. They display affection even though they are not married, and much to the chagrin and disappointment of her brother, Edward.

The hunt continues for the horrid Franklin. Such a cruel and monstrous man. I loath him, but this is just another compliment to Drake. She has managed to make me hate a fictional character so much, that even though I wish him dead, I cannot wait to the next installment of the series because I hope he gets whats coming to him. I HOPE a plan is devised to capture the brute, and that Samantha, Benjamin and Edward get the last word.

I adored this book and was so pleasantly surprised that I was given another opportunity to review this book as an ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. I'll often think about the wonderful characters in this book until I get the chance to find out that happens next. I do hope that Sam and Benjamin get the happily ever after they deserve.

***Reviewed by Jess for Joandisalovebooks blog***

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The Fool by P.J. Belden

REVIEWED BY Jess 

The Fool by P.J. Belden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

THE FOOL totally got me out of my book funk-so, thank you P.J Belden!

A first for me from this author, I admit I was intrigued by the blurb. But, I'm compelled to tell you all I have mixed feelings about his book. On one hand, I loved it. The characters were very well developed and really relatable. On the other hand, I feel like I was reading two different stories with the two different male protagonists. But collectively, I feel like they were also weirdly interwoven. So...

Love interest number one: Legend.
What really got me was the passion between Legend and Waverly. Even though he wasn't verbally present through half the book, his presence was very raw and emotional. Always in the background-dominating the books' vibe. Waverly is completely destroyed finding the love of her life gone one morning-with no reasoning, with no letter, no...nothing. Hiding from life, grieving the loss of two loves, has completely turned her into a introverted hermit who'd rather wither drinking away, than live.

Enter male lead number two: Alexander.
He too, is grieving a loss, and the mutual pain Waverly and he feel is a comfort to both. They bond over loss and force a "relationship" to aide in mutual healing and hope it can erase feelings they'd rather banish than deal with. What I did like about the relationship between Waverly and Xander was the honesty they had with each other, it felt honest and genuine.

Two different relationships with two different men, at two different times, for two totally different reasons, yet connected together somehow is a lot for one short story-but it was handled well for the most part. A three person perspective can be tricky!

Some continuity issues and jumpy scenes were present-which hindered some of the flow for me, but all in all I enjoyed. I devoured this quick read and would likely read more from Belden in the future.


ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog


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Duke of Manhattan by Louise Bay

REVIEWED BY Joanne Swinney

Duke of Manhattan by Louise Bay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I just…. I really have no words, sigh… Louise Bay is a phenomenal writer. She has a natural talent for bringing her stories to life. Duke of Manhattan was just sensational, it was humorous, flirtatious, at times it was blazing hot. Yeah, I absolutely loved this book.

Scarlet King is a divorcee of two years and in need of some hot, sensual stranger sex, according to her hilarious sister, Violet. She’s trying to save the only thing that means anything to her. She needs to prove to everyone around her that she can and will survive without her ex and the life she once had.

Ryder Westbury has never ever wanted to settle down, marriage just isn’t something he can ever see himself involved in. There is far too many beautiful women out there, why settle for just one? His life is certainly going to change when he finds out the only way to save all he has built up over the years will be lost to his cousin who would love to see him suffer if he doesn’t find himself a wife.

Ryder and Scarlet’s adventure shall we say is a one I could not put down. Whether they were in Manhattan or England these two characters were made for each other. What started out as a means to an end can only lead to heartache, right?. Scarlet isn’t the type of woman that Ryder is used to sleeping with. Regardless of the why’s and how’s they now need to convince the family that they are in love.

This story is a must read. It’s fun, sexy and gripping. It is a standalone novel but if you haven’t read Louise Bay’s other titles, King of Wall Street and Park Avenue Prince you are most definitely missing out.

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Barely Breathing by Katerina Bray

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Barely Breathing by Katerina Bray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I was asked to review this book, the synopsis drew me in. I love characters that beat all odds and still survive. That they find their inner strength and have personal growth while still being their true self. And that along the way, they find a person that truly believes in them. Strong, confident and bada$$ characters. This book is mostly that. I feel the story line is a good one. It had very sad aspects but also a sense of new life. The banter between the main couple for the most part was fun. And a setting in a state that I have visited is also a bonus for me.

Some of the things I struggled with were the drug references. I fully understand people who suffer from anxiety need to take medication but I didn't like that it was to a huge extreme, and not responsibly. I also feel that the story line could have been a little faster, as I was losing interest and was getting annoyed with the slow burn. Even the strongest characters need to lean on their friends for support and not push people away constantly.

Things to note, this book has triggers that some will find confronting. It is also a trilogy that will end on a cliffhanger. Great work for a debut novel.

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

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Rescuing Kassie by Susan Stoker

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 

Rescuing Kassie by Susan Stoker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rescuing Kassie is Book 5 in the Delta Force Heroes. It can be a stand alone but I highly recommend that you read the books in order to get better appreciation for the characters in the series. One of the great things about this series is you get to 'revisit' with the characters from the previous books. They are the best type of 'family' to have, one for all and all for one.

Kassie Anderson contacts Hollywood through a dating website. Through online communication they get to know each other pretty well except for the reason why Kassie contacted him in the first place. It really showed her true character when she told Hollywood her reason soon after they met. I found it interesting how his friends made him see the reality of the situation. They have a way of seeing beyond the visual layer. Poor Kassie she's doing what she has to do to protect her sister.

Kassie is probably the only woman that 'sees' Hollywood beyond his drop dead gorgeous good looks. Throughout this book he never ceases to amaze me what a real gentleman he is. I would seriously want him for myself but I feel that Kassie and Hollywood were/are meant for each other. She needs someone to fight her demons so she can have a life and he needs someone to be his other half in every sense.

I love Kassie's sense of humor. The way she stumps people with her humor is awesome. Annie has some very hilarious moments in this book too. She's too smart for her own good. I absolutely adore that little girl.

What I like best about Susan Stoker's books is that you can count on hot alpha males, intensity, intrigue, suspense and sizzling hot sex. This book has that in spades with twists of humor.

I also love that this book ended letting us know this series isn't over yet

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