Defiance by Sloane Kennedy

REVIEWED by Isa Jones 

Defiance by Sloane Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seems like a lifetime ago I started reading The Protectors Series by Bestselling Author Sloane Kennedy, however every time a new book comes out is like if I had just read them all yesterday. Sloane manages to connect each story beautifully keeping it current and fresh and each one touches a side of gay romance in an outstanding manner.

Nathan has worked all his life to maintain the perfect image, to stay on the straight and narrow of everything, Fear of thinking or doing otherwise goes against everything he has been taught by a narrow minded, bible basher parents. When his twin brother comes out he is repulsed by the mere idea of a brother who is gay, he acts in the only way he thinks to be right, bringing horrific consequences to Brody and changing the course of his life. Years pass and Nathan finds himself going against those ideas and ideals that drove his brother from his side, he is pursuing the political career he has always wanted, making him the subject of threats. When those threats seem to be including his brother, The protectors step in and send Vincent to look after Nathan.

Vincent despises everything that has to do with government. He once protected his country with pride an honour, but when the country turn its back on him and everything he once held dear, he sworn to never relate to anyone within the political spectrum. But fate as always intervenes and Nathan needs protection and Vincent was born to protect a man of his word and his honour never turns his back of a friend in need. When the two have to spend time in close proximity, lines begin to get crossed an soon both men realise that not only are they in danger of people who wont stop at nothing to destroy them, they are also in danger of loosing their hearts to one and another, and both know they wont be able to survive a loss again.

I loved this story from start to finish. Both Nathan and Vincent are so different but each character brings so much emotion to the story; each has its own demons and years of pushing people away has built a barrier around their hearts. I loved seeing them both fighting for what they want. As always Sloane makes the reader completely transfixed with the gripping storyline and all the passionate moments. Its simply PERFECTION.

I received and ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review and honestly I wish there were more stars to give.

5 DEFINITE BIG SHINY STARS!!! Joandisalovebooks Blog


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Leader of the Pack by Roxanne St. Claire

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 

Leader of the Pack by Roxanne St. Claire


Leader of the Pack is book 3 in the Dogfather Series. It can be a stand alone but I highly recommend you read them in order as it a series about a family and you catch up/revisit with members of the family in each book. I think you'll get more enjoyment overall with the series.

Liam Kilcannon is a K-9 Trainer who in the past was getting attached to single mom Andi Rivers when her son's dad shows back into her life and she chose to give him another chance.

They reconnect when her deceased son's father's sister shows up in her life threatening her life with her son, Christian. What I loved about this book is not only did Andi and Christian get Liam and his K-9 Jag for protection they got the whole Kilcannon clan.

Liam would love to have a future with Andi and her son but Andi only wants a 'no strings' attach affair. Kudos to Liam for not settling even though he fights the sexual attraction not to give in.

This book a dog, a little boy, sexy protective man, intrigue and suspense. What else could you want. This book has the overall 'feel good' vibe to it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend not only this book but the whole series!


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The Scandal of it All by Sophie Jordan

The Scandal of It All by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was simply a gorgeous book that thrilled me from cover to cover. After a few pages, when I realised there was going to be an age difference, with an older heroine, a sex club and forbidden love element, I was all in. Oh, and did I mention single parent? This book is like a beautiful marriage of themes that often don't feature in historical romance and it all worked so beautifully.

Graciela is a Spanish-born Duchess by marriage and disillusioned by widowhood. She is finally persuaded by her friend to live a little and this 'living' leads her into a very sticky situation with Lord Colin Strickland. Colin was man who didn't make assumptions nor prescribe to the prejudices around Ela's heritage. Colin was definitely an alpha but he listened and cared. Ela was on a journey of self discovery and all these elements were rich in terms of story. The heat and chemistry were perfection. At about 70% I thought I knew where the story was going but it twisted painfully, thrillingly and I was there for the writing.

I have previously read Sophie Jordan's NA series and really enjoyed it but I have now come to realise what I have been missing out on by not reading her historical works. I am feeling rather lucky to have a nice back catalogue to work through. Highly recommended for any historical romance fan.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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All or Nothing at All by Jennifer Probst

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

All or Nothing at All by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why have I only just found this series on the last book? These are interconnected standalones focusing on three brothers in a construction/building company. I have come in on the last brother but it will be fun to retreat and learn more about the other two and and novella.

This was a lovely, meaty second chance romance, involving a child. The story is narrated mainly in the present with an occasional flashback. The story engaged me in the middle of a book slump, so it really had that 'grab you' feeling. The characters had depth, as did their stories and backgrounds. Just after mid-way this book took a turn into heightened angst. I enjoyed this whilst disliking some jerk behaviour and bad decisions from the heroine, it all fed into a good up and down story.

Sydney is a single mother working for the Pierce brother's company, she's a strong, self-sufficient woman. Tristan was her first love but they worked hard at avoiding too much interaction. When these two began to reconnect, I could feel the chemistry bubbling. When that turned into more, it was so good. There was a thread of predictability with this kind of second chance story but nothing about that reduced my enjoyment.

This was my first read by Jennifer Probst and I have a great impression of her talent. I am definitely coming back for more.

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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Fatal Threat by Marie Force

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 

Fatal Threat by Marie Force
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fatal Threat is book latest book in the Fatal Series.

While on a case investigating a body that has surfaced on the shores of the river
Lieutenant Sam Holland is almost bodily removed by the Secret Service and put into protective custody along with all her and Nick's family. You could actually feel her fear when she's trying to discover if her husband is ok.

Her husband, is Vice President of the United States Nick Cappuano. He is trying to keep all their loved ones safe. Although I understand Sam's frustration about being locked away from everything she doesn't come across as very nice to others including Nick. Though in the very end of the book she proves why we need her out on the working force solving cases.

What I really liked about this book is that there's a case within a case. While the Vice President's family is on lock down the Washington Metro Police continue on with their current cases as well as trying to help solve who is threatening their Lieutenant's family.

I just want to say that I absolutely love Freddie and Gonzo! Their word play had me laughing out loud in parts of this book.

The suspense and intrigue build up is great in this book. I would of never come to the same conclusion on who was behind the threats. A great twist.


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Bullets & Bonfires by Autumn Jones Lake

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Bullets & Bonfires by Autumn Jones Lake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm just going to start off saying OMG you've got to read this book! I was drawn in from the very first and didn't put this book down until the end.

Brianna (Bree) Avery is returning home after her ex boyfriend assaulted her. Her brother, Vince, has asked his best friend, Deputy Sheriff Liam Hollister to look after her until he can get home. Liam has been fighting his attraction to Bree since childhood. In the past he chose his friendship with Vince over a possibility of a more than friendship relationship with Bree. Bree thinks that in the past he pushed away her advances because he wasn't attracted to her.

Liam is the true alpha male but he knows just the right ways to take care of and manage Bree. Manage sounds terrible but that is really what he is doing. He's getting her to open up about what happened to her, to take self defense lessons and to shoot a gun, among other things.

Bree is going through all the emotions of an abused person. Her self esteem is low. She's embarrassed. Especially after the childhood she had. It doesn't take long for this young lady to show just how strong she is.

I love Liam's parent's. They've always thought of Bree and Vince as part of their family and the advise his mom gives Bree is wonderful and just what she needs to hear.

It takes quite a bit of convincing on Bree's part to get Liam to act on their feeling. He soon realizes that she is more important than anything else in his life.

The intrigue in this book left me glued to my seat. I was so scared for Bree. She proved just how tough she really is.

I wondered why Vince seemed to be staying away from home. I couldn't figure out if he really couldn't get away from work or if because of dealing with what he had to deal with his Mom growing up that he couldn't deal with the possibility that Bree was going down the same path. I really hope there is a book with Vince's story in the future.

This is the first book I have read by Autumn Jones Lake and I am extremely glad to say I will now be stalking her. I love her writing style and absolutely loved this book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Tina for Joandisalovebooks Blog

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Billionaire Unveiled~Marcus by Author J.S. Scott

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Billionaire Unveiled: Marcus by J.S. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Billionaire Unveiled in the latest book the The Billionaire's Obsession series.

I have been highly anticipating Marcus' story and I am now a very happy girl.

Marcus Colter has kind of been in the background in the previous books in this series. Very quiet but you just know that there is a hidden depth to him.

Dani Lawson is a correspondent reporter that goes into dangerous areas in foreign countries. She risked her life by rescuing some teenagers and ended up being captured. What happens to her at the hands of her abductees is absolutely horrid and heartbreaking. This part gutted me. Marcus risks his own life to rescue her.

Prior to this these two seemed to have little tolerance for each other but I've always thought that these two had something deeper boiling underneath. Through each other they both open up to each other and you can just feel the build up to something that has the possibility to be something wonderful. They make each other stronger. It's awesome.

They end up going on a rescue mission where Marcus doesn't seem to even realize his own injuries to rescue the woman who has his heart. Seriously swoon worthy.

I absolutely loved this book and love these two together.


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Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon

Eye Candy was a freaking delight to read! A wonderful friends to lovers romance with laughs, sexiness, and frustration thrown in to make a highly enjoyable read.

Jacqueline and Vince are co-workers, in fact, they share the title of Vice President of a marketing firm. On the heels of Vince's divorce, they've also become really good friends, with Jackie giving unwavering support having gone through a divorce herself. This is all well and good until Jackie starts having a 'thing' for the buff runner who jogs past her office window at 11:45 every morning. Vince vows to help coach her in order for her land the man and in doing so recognizes that his own feelings aren't as platonic as he initially thought.

As I said earlier, I thought this book was an absolute delight. I thought the characters were for the most part likable and easy to relate to. They both have issues from their past which give them cause for grief in the here and now. I have to say that they both managed to frustrate me at times: Jackie with her blindness regarding JT and Vince's reaction at one particular point was a tad over the top. However, I thought it was a sweet and romantic book and one I will definitely be reading again. This is my first of Lemmon's books and I'm looking forward to reading more - particularly looking forward to Davis' story!

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Privileged by Carrie Aarons

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 

Privileged by Carrie Aarons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 *'s.


When I first started reading this book, I was struggling. Mainly because I felt Asher was a prat. A manipulative prat, and it was off putting. Then I started to get a better feel for who he was, and what he was protecting. I also had to understand the house he grew up in, and where the manipulation came from. Then my feelings towards him grew and I wanted to hug him and hit him at the same time.

Nora was very naive and even with her gift, it didn't give her streets smarts, but she learnt quickly in her new environment. Not everyone was happy with the circumstances that bought her to London but I liked her a lot. She was extremely smart, a little sassy but mostly the innocence made her quite endearing. When these two were together, I had this conflicting feeling of wanting them to be a couple but also knowing what he really thought. It had me transfixed and wishing for their HEA.

On the whole, after I sorted out my feelings for Asher, I enjoyed the story. I know I am reading a book of fiction, and not all things are true, but some things didn't feel factual. I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but a few little things felt out of place. This didn't interfere with how the story played out and I was pleased with the outcome.

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

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Stubborn as a Mule by Juliette Poe

REVIEWED BY Jess

Stubborn as a Mule by Juliette Poe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sawyer Bennet writing as Juliette Poe has a much lighter feel to her words than her usual contemporary romance vibe. A sweet, southern and charming book STUBBORN AS A MULE is and I had a lot of fun reading it!

I'm always in the mood for a rough around the edges, handsome southern fella. The charm and wit is endearing and Lowe Mancinkus has it in spades. He's all fired up because a fancy New Yorker has come to town and purchased his family home and can't stand someone other than his kin living in it. He does what he can to ensure she flees town and never comes back-but Melinda Rothschild has different plans, and fights hard for what she wants and what she wants is Mainer House. Mely, as her fiends call her (which doesn't include Lowe), will stop at nothing to keep her gorgeous buy of a house to herself. It's sentimental to her as well. She's feisty and funny, smart and savvy, and I really loved her passion.

Speaking of passion-even though Stubborn as a Mule was very PG, Poe still managed to write the connection Lowe and Mely had very well. They were a sweet, cute and a sexy duo who really connected and kept me smiling for the duration of the read. Lowe is just a southern gentlemen with a wiff of alpha and I just LOVED that's about him.

Some of my favourite parts of this book were with all of the sub-characters. Morri, Floyd, Pap, and even Lynette created a dynamic story line which was extremely hilarious and kept me on my toes. I will say, that the last 15% flew by for me and there is a bit of a shocker I didn't see coming and still can't decide if I loved or not, but otherwise I enjoyed the evolution of Lowe and Mely immensely.

I've gone about this series all wrong and started a my book two, but each one can be read as a stand alone with inter-connecting characters that are rich and entertaining and I plan on going back to read from the beginning.

ARC received generously in exchange for and honest review

Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog

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Baller Made by Rie Warren

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Baller Made by Rie Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baller Made is the 3rd book in the Bad Boy Ballers Series. Even though this can be a stand alone I highly recommend you read them in order. You'll get more out of the book.

Calder Malone is rebuilding his football career after his life spiraled out of control after his brother, Chris, loss his life while serving in the military overseas.

Calder has been secretly in love with Reggie since they were kids. She was unaware of his feelings, fell in love with Chris and married him. She is now a military widow that is a first class dancer in Las Vegas.

Calder is doing his best to keep Reggie at arms length. With the distance between them that helps. Reggie is injured and decides to surprise Calder but showing up on Calder's doorstep to recover and to check for herself that he is doing okay.

It doesn't take long for the sexual tension to build up, though I will say that Calder sure has a strong will. A very honorable man. He strongly feels that taking his relationship with Reggie to another level is taboo as she is his brother's widow. Reggie is doing her best to convince him, along with his fellow team mates that there is nothing wrong with them being together. I absolutely love the advise he gets and the crap his teammates give each other.

I love that we got to revisit/catch up with Rafe and Peyton, Brooklyn and Delaney, and the rest of the Carolina Crush Team. Though I think my favorite character is Peyton's best friend, Philomena (Phil). She is absolutely hilarious! I was really hoping she would get her own story in this series.

I was really sad that this series has ended but was glad that in the last chapter we get glimpse in everyone's future.



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Girl of the Grid by Jillian Dodd

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Girl off the Grid by Jillian Dodd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Camille is a blogger who gets a call from a fashion magazine to go on a one week adventure in Costa Rica and document her trip. Adam is hired to go along and photograph the trip.

I enjoy a good YA book and I did like the story line as it was a bit different. I also enjoy learning about new places and things.

Cami is a fairly spoiled fru fru girl. This opportunity, at such a young age (18), is amazing and gets Cami her dream job before she even goes to college if it goes well.

Adam was rasied completely different than Cami and has lived an adventure filled life with his parents traveling the world. He doesn't think he could be interested in this high maintenance city girl.

They both grow and learn on this trip. I laughed more than once. This one was a bit over descriptive on the animals, food and plants of the region. Some situations were a bit inconsistent.

Overall I think this is a great young adult romance.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks



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Complicating by Noelle Adams

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 

Complicating by Noelle Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love books that make you laugh out loud and this one does that.

On a bet at a wedding Daisy sucks up her courage and wins the bet but taking it an unplanned totally unlike herself move with Carter. A guy she has just met. Based on that move Carter and herself will have a permanant connection.

I highly applaud Daisy for doing the right thing and letting Carter know. Carter is the man dreams are made of. He fully supports Daisy and steps back and accepts whatever relationship/non relationship that she wants. In fact, I think at times she tramples all over poor man.

Carter and Daisy are completely opposites. She has become an image people want her to be (town good girl) and Carter is biker dude at his best. She attempts to change Carter and kudos to him for realizing it and not changing who he is. Once I found out why Daisy is attempting to change him my heart melted.

These two are both working hard for whatever is best for their baby. Though all along there is the underlying sizzle of sexual attraction. They try to ignore that attraction and try the friendship route. They have to decide if they will settle for that our let go of caution to see if they can build a future together as a family.

This is a wonderful feel good story that I really enjoyed reading.


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A Dead Man's Pulse by Samantha A. Cole

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 

A Dead Man's Pulse by Samantha A. Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Logan Reese is a former POW who has PTSD that includes flashbacks. What he lived through is absolutely gut wrenching. He is now working for Trident Security.

Police officer Dakota Swift has been trying to the Special Operations Division and has pretty much decided to go a different direction after being passed over so many times. She accepts an assignment to work with the joint task force that includes TPD, FBI and Trident Security to finally locate and discover and take down the serial killer "Kink Killer". A serial killer that is targeting submissives who are involved in the BDSM lifestyle.

Logan and Dakota go undercover as Dom and Sub. What I really liked about this book is we follow along with Logan who has absolutely no experience or knowledge of the BDSM lifestyle and we learn along with him.

Logan and Dakota's attraction is instant and builds as the story goes along. The sex scences are sizzling.

The serial killer has been active in several books and the anticipation of who this killer might be has been driving me crazy.

I don't think I have ever had an author that writing seems to get better with each book like Samantha's does. She has an amazing way of writing that pulls the reader right into the story.

Build up of suspense, intrigue in this book is unbelievable. It gets very intense. I seriously could not put this book down. I was at the edge of my seat when the sub escaped the killer. I felt like I was looking behind her to see if he was coming after her. I was also yelling at Logan to hurry back to Dakota's to save her.

Was the killer who I thought it was...no. I was completely surprised.


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The Darkest Sunrise by Aly Martinez

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 

The Darkest Sunrise by Aly Martinez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlotte Mills the best Pulmonologist in the area. Due to a devastating loss she does not treat children.

Porter Reese needs the best Pulmonologist to treat his son. He will do anything to meet Charlotte to talk her into seeing his son.

During their 'chance' meeting Porter realizes that there is connection between the two of them. They both live in darkness. They can relate to each other. Porter also has a tragedy is his pass.

As Charlotte is going through the motions of 'living' I actually felt like I was her. The author wrote in such a way that I actually could feel what the characters were feeling.

I love that Charlotte has a sense of humor that sneaks out once in awhile.

Porter is an unbelievably strong man who's a widowed single day doing the best he can to be there for his kids. I don't know how he's has coped with what he has gone through.

This is by far the best book I have read so far this year and that is really saying something as I have read several really good ones.

My emotions were all over the place in this book. There was parts that I was truly gutted, parts that I was laughing and parts that I felt hope for the characters.

This book had me hooked from the very first and kept me intrigued until the very end....the end....what a cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2! The suspense is going to drive me crazy.

I consider this book a 'MUST' read.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Tina for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog

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Trust by Kylie Scott

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Trust by Kylie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the opening page, TRUST takes a journey into the unusual, in terms of storyline and what I've come to expect from Kylie Scott in her contemporary reads (which I enjoy). This mature YA tale is a walk on the grim, depressing life of two young people. It's violent and it's beautiful.

I literally had my jaw open for the first 15%, agog and enthralled. John Cole is an unsuspecting shopper in cash-till heist alongside the heroine Edie. John Cole is a bad boy, a dealer, known to the police. Edie is an overweight, curvy and wonderful young woman, with low self esteem and not on a fitness journey. These two found a most compelling-to-read friendship. I adored the slow burn of their evolving connection and the sweet, sexy chemistry had me on the edge of my seat. This storyline is full, not with events but with connections of friendships and more. I think the connections are some of the most emotion-provoking Kylie Scott has written. She made me feel all of Edie's hopes, disappointments and longings. John Cole was simply someone I came to admire and I felt totally inspired by that book cover, even though I'm not an abs-cover fan. I bought into that man on the cover.

I do want more from these two. I can see room for another book but I have no idea if this is a plan or if this is pure standalone, I only know I would love to read more of them. I think Kylie Scott fans will be surprised by the seriousness of the context of this book and thread of darkness of characters and events, but I also hope her fans will embrace and love this as much as I did. Added to my favourites shelf of 2017.

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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Trifecta: The Program Book 1.5. by N.M. Catalano

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Trifecta: The Program Book 1.5 by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short novella letting us have a nice little sexy visit with the Trifecta relationship of Rock, Summer and Snake. These three are so different but blend perfectly together. I love these characters. " You wanna play? Let's play."

Mrs. Merriweather is priceless and adds so much. I can't wait to see what she gets up to in the next book. She and Gwen are great friends to the group of boys and Summer.

The end sets us up for the next book in the Program Series. You just thought it was over with the Club but it isn't. Looking forward to the next time...

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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Banger: Complete Collection by Dick Hertz

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Banger: Complete Collection by Dick Hertz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 To be honest, this was nothing like I expected from the synopsis that I read. It was so much more.

I flove being surprised by a book and this series of novellas complied into a book did just that.

Greyson was nothing like I thought he would be. He wasn't arrogant and cocky, even though ladies, he had every right to be. I like the alternating point of views so you get insight into the struggle of a man with a big member. The struggle is real!

Katherine was a strong independent woman that made life choices and owned them. She has great friends. Strong family support. Jerk of an ex-husband. But things are not always as they seem.

The story of Greyson and Katherine is a great one and so very entertaining. There are ups and downs (snicker) just like in any relationship but what a great story.

Greyson is such a great male lead. Successfully business man with a great attitude even though he had reasons to not be that way.

If you don't give this one a go, you are missing out.

" I will have her. And she will have me. Even if she doesn't know it, yet."

I was provided a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks


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The Taste Of Her Words by Candace Knoebel

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

The Taste Of Her Words by Candace Knoebel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Taste of Her Words

"Cover the cracks until I'm a patchwork of your love."

There are some great quotes in this story. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. It is a contemporary romance that touches on several real life situations.

Andy and Dean always had a connection with their love of words.

Andy is a single mom trying to navigate life. She wants to be strong and independent but sometimes your strength is shown when you know it is time to ask for help.

Dean is her brothers best friend. She hasn't seen him years until her brother and his friends show up at the bar where she works.

And here starts the story of love, lies and secrets.

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

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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Hello Forever by Sarina Bowen

REVIEWED BY Jess

Hello Forever by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhh, what can I say...I am a sucker for anything Sarina Bowen and ITS NEVER OVER by Nealy Wagner or HELLO FOREVER by Bowen is all that I wanted it to be.

Writing from a pseudonym's perspective must be difficult for a writer. Especially when the subject matter can be considered taboo for some. BUT NOT FOR ME. I love M/M romances and Bowen is the Queen in my opinion when it comes to matters of the heart, be it male or female.

It really pains me to hear that love cannot be rejoiced just because of someone's sexual orientation. Why the heck does it matter who you love? Who you care for? Who you want to spend the rest of your life with? Falling in love when you're a teenager and just starting to get a grip on who you are is never easy. Figuring out you're gay when your deadbeat dad is a homophobic bastard, makes things a heck of a lot worse.

Cax has known for a very long time that he is gay. But he has never been able to tell anyone for fear of rejection, harassment, and judgement. Finding solace at a Church group as a teenager always made him feel better, especially when he becomes friends with the beautiful Axel. Cax always had to hide who he was, except for when Axel came into the picture. Though it was a brief reprieve, it was always welcome-Church group never lasted long enough for Cax. Axel, the emotionally stronger of the two, had a wonderful mother growing up, who fostered him and provided him with the tools necessary to accept who he was as a human being. Never having to really hide from anyone, Axel wasn't ever in the closet. He came out in high school and lived his life to the fullest. The same cannot be said for Cax, though he wished it could have been that way. Having his mother pass away from Cancer when he was young and a military maniac for a father and three brothers to look after, he never spent any time taking care of himself.

After a wonderful, yet life changing experience at Church group one summer when they were 16, Cax and Axel were torn apart. For 8 years there was no contact. Even though the feelings they had for one another never went away. Feelings for someone who you are emotionally tied to that strongly are nearly impossible to disappear, despite the years in between. Running into each other after all that time, and not much had changed for Cax, but it had for Axel and he was going to fight for what and WHO he wanted.

Axel is my hero. The awful things that happened to him, the hurt, the slander, it didn't sway him from his feelings for his love at all. He kept at it, he left space when needed, and he was there, physically and emotionally whenever he needed to be. Cax never once took Axel for granted, he was in a horrid situation caused by his heinous father and he did what he thought necessary to protect his brothers. But eventually, enough was enough, and Cax did what he had to do to fight for what he believed in, for love and for the future of his life.

BOWEN has a knack for creating the most believable and tangible characters. She tackles hard to hear subject matter with grace and class and ALWAYS delivers with her superb writing skills. I adored hearing about Josh and Caleb and I truly look forward to the next installment-hoping to have a happy ending for Jason!

I will take any opportunity there is to read anything by Bowen, she is one of the greats for me.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Jess for Joandisalovebooks blog

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Tycoon by Katy Evans

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Tycoon by Katy Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katy Evans knows how to write a great romance!

I loved the story of Christos's and Bryn's, it was so beautiful and so HOT!!!
I am a big fan of stories involving friends to lovers or second chance romance and this book had that in spades!! Every encounter between the leads was sizzling HOT and it had me blushing at times. Aaric wasn't your typical mean and gruff alpha, there was a softer and charming side of him that I couldn't help but love. It took me a while to figure Bryn out, but once I was completely submerged in the story, I adored her.

I love the ease that Katy writes with and even though at times you want to smack the ML on the head everything is done with purpose and at the right time. What I love about these kind of stories is that when I finish the book I always have a sense of longing and I just don't want to let go. I never have enough of Katy's books they are just completely addictive.

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review and I jump with glee for having had the chance to get my hands on this book.

5 STARS! Joandisalovebooks

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Cocky Client by Whitney G.

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Cocky Client by Whitney G.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the epitome of quick, hot, jerky fun. It felt to be a shorter read than previous coffee collection offerings and I loved reading it in a short sitting. Whitney G excels at writing the obnoxious man who somehow gets under your skin and grows on you. I don't want him in real life, but I sure enjoyed reading about him.

COCKY CLIENT was an office romance and that's a favourite context for me. Ryan is the impossible client for Penelope's PR agency. There was no way to manage this man. There were doses of one night stand, office complications, emails and feelings. I just snorted at Ryan's sometimes ridiculous behaviour, but I was amused and interested. Ryan overtook most of the scenes so that Penelope was a little backseat.

All in all this was a great, small dose read with all the heat you would expect from Whitney G.

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 Butterfly Project by Emma Scott

Reviewed by Micky Barnard 

The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Emma Scott consistently blows me away with her unique characters and storylines; THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT was no exception. This makes everything she writes stick with me, in the best way. I can recall her books in detail.

THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT explores a number of issues such as surviving in near poverty, living with guilt, fractured family relationships and trust. This is all accomplished through Zelda, the graphic novel artist with a hideous experience that haunts her and Beckett the most lovely guy with much to regret. These two were such interesting and likeable characters, I felt so curious to get to know more about both of them. Their meeting was truly serendipitous and their friendship was a gradual joy. Beckett was reluctant to let himself live and I really wanted something more for him in life.

This was a read of undulating emotions, sometimes very level but with pitching to the high emotions. It made me cry a few times and I'm a reluctant crier at books, which demonstrates Emma
Scott's ability to really make you invested and feel what Zelda and Beckett were. The graphic story really spoke to the emotional temperature too. The side characters were rich and full of depth, Roy was my favourite, he made me all warm and fuzzy.

If you've not dipped your toe into Emma Scott's writing yet, this is a good one to start with and it's a standalone.

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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