Saturday 30 September 2017

Salvaging His Soul by Samantha A Cole


REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe


Salvaging His SoulSalvaging His Soul by Samantha A. Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story starts out on the Island of Caicos in the British Virgin Islands. Brie Hanson is managing the bar, Daddy-O's. This was her father's bar that she inherited when her dad passed. Her sister, Nadine had no interest in the bar.

Brie is with her friend-with-benefits Jace Atwood when she gets a frantic call from Amy, who is Nadine's best friend and room mate. Nadine is missing.

Jace doesn't even hesitate he flies with Brie to St. Lucia. Jace has a secret pass. He presently is a gun for hire, body guard and does some work outside the US for Trident Security.

There is some intense build up of suspense and intrigue which the author always does an amazing job with. Trident Security teammates get involved so you know this is going to be action packed. Love that we get to catch up with the teammates.

The banter between the characters make the story more 'real'. I love the nicknames. There are also some very hot sex scenes. We also get another look into the BDSM lifestyle.

There is just so much going on in this book that is very hard not to give out spoilers. There our some twists!

I also love how this series just seems to get better with each book. I consider this series a 'must' read and highly recommend you read them in order.

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Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 


Stud Finder (1001 Dark Nights)Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stud Finder was a great afternoon read that was funny and sexy. It was a light and easy read that was most entertaining. Both main characters are nerdy and funny in different ways. I loved Dylan. Who can resist a sexy nerd that is funny to boot.

Evie, the Stud Finder, a matchmaker that couldn't make her own match. She is beautiful, loyal and funny. Evie's friend Olivia is a great character as well. I enjoyed their girl time discussions. It made me think of me and my friends.

If you want a light, sweet, feel good love story this is the one for you. I grinned through most of the book. Blakely is clever and funny in her story telling and her sex scenes smolder. It is short, so perfect for an afternoon or bedtime read.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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The Learning Hours by Sara Ney

REVIEWED BY 



The Learning Hours (How to Date a Douchebag #3)The Learning Hours by Sara Ney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Believe the hype...... this book is the bomb!

This being the last in the series, it was bitter sweet. I am going to say it, I think it is my favourite of the Douchebag series. It was slightly different to the other two, a different perspective, but that's what made it amazing. It's a slow burn, intense love between the two main characters that was witty and flirty and sweet and endearing. It is funny that what we see on the outside can change our perception once we have gotten to know what is on the inside - that is when you are more attracted or attractive than ever! I found the naivety and inexperience made for some tender and amorous moments that left me jubilant. I can't rave more about this sports romance, very touching.

If you have read the other Douchebag books, you will love this one. If you have read Sara Ney before, you will love this one. If you haven't read any of her books, and you are a lover of sports romance, you will love this one. Actually, everyone will be hard pressed not for fall in love with this couple. Highly recommended.

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

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Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thyne


REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard


Sugar Pine Trail (Haven Point, #7)Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SUGAR PINE TRAIL can only be described as a lovely story. It was very easy to read and get lost between the pages. It has a timeline from Thanksgiving to Christmas so it is perfect for a seasonal read.

Jamie was the ultimate commitment-phobe, almost a bit frustrating in this but he had lots of pluses. He was a pilot, kind, great with kids and came with an awesome family. Jamie seemed to have a well-earned reputation with women and the looks to go with it.

"Up close, Jamie Caine was, in a word, breathtaking. He was Mr. Darcy, Atticus Finch, Rhett Butler and Tom Cruise in Top Gun, all rolled into one glorious package."

Julia, a prim and proper, mousy librarian was looking to inject some life into her mundane existence and she found herself taking in two kids from social services. These children absolutely made this book excellent. The kids themselves, but more, the emotions and connections between the kids and both Julia and Jamie made for the most heart-warming feels. The chemistry between the two main characters sizzled but although I enjoyed the slow burn, I did want a bit more heat.

This is my first read by RaeAnne Thayne, which might be odd considering this is number seven in the series but these reads do stand alone. I am definitely going back to number one because I feel the need to read about a number of Jamie's family that I met along the way.

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

Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Noble's Song by Vicki Green


REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe


Noble's SongNoble's Song by Vicki Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Noble is a woman of incredible strength. She was raised by her Mom. I loved her mom's words of wisdom that are shared throughout the book. It's interesting how it seems that fate seems to guide the steps Noble takes in her life.

Merrick's life also needs some brightness and Noble is his light. Together they seem to be on a path to a great future together after some rocky patches.

I love the secondary characters, Mae and Henry. They also have a hand in guiding Noble's life's path.

This book had my emotions all over the place. I love when an author can connect so well with her readers that they feel the emotions of the characters she writes about.

A word of warning- you'll want to have kleenex near.

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Friday 29 September 2017

Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 



Stud Finder (1001 Dark Nights)Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was exactly what I needed to read - a fun and light romance with some humor thrown in too. Lauren Blakely does it for me every single time, whether a full novel or a novella like this one, just perfect. She knows how to pack in all the good stuff to give us well rounded characters and a full story line in a short time.

Dylan was smart, nerdy, sexy and oh so swoon worthy even if he can be a complete pain the butt. He is very determined and is one that doesn't take no for an answer. He has the best deposition because he is alway happy. Who wouldn't fall in love with him! These are the points he takes to his matchmaker, Evie so she can find him the perfect match. And she is there, right under his nose, Evie - the intelligent business woman who oozes confidence and style. She was just adorable.

I loved seeing how these two came together and fell in love. There was a little bit of serendipity and some meddling from family and friends. Everyone else could see it, they just needed a little push to see how great of a connection they had. This is my first 1001 Dark Nights book, and I will be going back to read some more.

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

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First by Kimberly Stedronsky Adams

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox



FirstFirst by Kimberly Stedronsky Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First...my first Kimberly Adams book.

There is so much in my head and heart right now that I am not sure how to talk about it. I don't want to ruin this amazing story for anyone so I can't really discuss the story.

The emotions...those are here by the barrel full. I am military brat, with a brother who joined the military so I understand the leaving, the waiting and the loyalty to country and duty. I connected with all those emotions.

I was young once (a very very long time ago) and in love. I can remember those strong emotions and urges, even if it was in the stone age.

Kimberly Adams literally chewed me up emotionally. I haven't read a book in a long time that gut me like this. I love it and I don't give 5 stars often. The book has to really really move me and make me think about it for days.

I am anxious to check out some of her other work. I am so glad I took the recommendation and checked this one out. I highly recommend this story but be warned... you will cry, you will be sad but you will feel the love from the page.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks.

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Show Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant

REVIEWED BY Kari Cox 



Show Me Something (Something, #5)Show Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 5th book in this series and I think it's another hit! I enjoyed Mark's character in the earlier books and was excited for a book of his own. In line with her other books, Aubrey kept the other characters we've already met in this one and gave us little reminders of things that had happened before. I like the fact that she doesn't change things about her previous characters without the big change happening in one of her books. Juliette and Mark's story was very different, and a little odd. The secretive relationship provides a little extra excitement. There were also few unexpected quirks. I think Aubrey has provided a well written book once again and has continued a great series.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog

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Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely


REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 



Stud Finder (1001 Dark Nights)Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely

Ahh!!! I love me a hot, sexy, nerdy hero and that's exactly what we get with Dylan. He's ready to find his Mrs Right and for a computer geek, what better way is there to find one than putting a personal ad online? The only problem is that his ad attracts ALL the women and gets matchmaker Evie worked-up and determined to step in and help him secure his perfect girl. The moment they start spending time together, you can all but feel the chemistry between them and though they try to reign it all in, the feelings can't be helped!

Dylan is just perfect: he's super smart, he's completely charming, and his particular brand of geekiness was beyond adorable. Evie is just as smart and confident in herself and her abilities; she knows who she is and she owns it. They're such a perfect couple and you can't help but love them and the natural progression of their relationship. I loved getting little mentions of previous characters and I loved loved loved the ending!

Stud Finder is a quickie that was jam-packed with fun and sexiness and all the swoon we know Blakely is capable of. This little gem is a perfect addition to the 1001 Dark Nights collection.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda from Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Learning Hours by Sara Ney

REVIEWED BY Jess


The Learning Hours (How to Date a Douchebag #3)The Learning Hours by Sara Ney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars *****

For half of this book I was either swooning or feeling full of heart ache for our main dude, Rhett. Sara Nay's third installment of the THE LEARNING HOURS, HOW TO DATE A DOUCHEBAG series really pulled at my heart strings and I was both in love with this book while being saddened by some of the situations that occurred. I physically ached for some of the crap he was put through and had a hard time coping. BUT, I also LOVED the strength and perseverance he had to shove that crap aside and focus on what really mattered. His amazing self discipline, burgeoning career and a relationship he feared would never happen for a guy like him.

Being an NCAA two time Wrestling Champ has its advantages. However, when you're not a "10" on the hotness scale and you've just transferred to a new University and thus new Varsity Wrestling team, the disadvantages start to pile up. Rhett has taken a beating-emotionally. Treated like junk by the team, being hazed to no end and believing what everyone says about him-that's he's an ugly dude...so. Not. Cool. And. So. Not. True. Laurel catches wind of a prank being pulled on a guy and thinks she can get her jabs in too. What she doesn't expect while texting Rhett and joining in on the joke and subsequently his mortification, is that he's human and has feelings too.

I found it difficult to stomach Laurel at first. I thought, what a B! Who does she think she is? I wanted to wrap Rhett in a hug and never let go. But she grew on me, she grew on Rhett and she grew some balls and stuck up for her guy. What was wonderfully crafted by Nay was the way our two MC's complimented one another. Rhett chilled Laurel out, brought her down a peg and Laurel helped Rhett come out of his shell, made him finally feel worthy and loved-I adored Laurel for that. She really stepped up for me later in the read.

Rhett was pure and sweet but a tad naive. Never having been with a girl, he was extremely cautious while courtin' Laurel. He never knew what to say, how to act, who to trust. But he came out his big giant shell and embraced his life and his first time falling in love. His only fault, if you can even call it that was inexperience and once he started having opportunities to show his true self, his character just blossomed.

Nay, I think this is my favourite of the series. A different spin from the last two-while this trope may be overused, she's managed to make it unique and all her own. Going against the norm, changing the gender roles: female pursuer, vs. male. More experience female vs. male. It was lovely to read a story with such a strong female heroine. The personal growth for both of our leads throughout the read were fascinating to experience. I loved the natural progression of both Rhett and Laurel.

I'll admit. I HATED some of the sub characters. Chalk it up to fab writing? Perhaps. But it still made my blood boil. Whatshername, Laurel's cousin deserved a pie in her face and Rhett's roommates were out of line to many times I lost count.

Overall, I loved this book. Despite my pounding heart and sad eyes, I feel this story has depth and it was well written. Can't really ask for anything more than that. I am smitten, Rhett Rabideaux. Merci.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

**Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog **




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HOT STUFF by Kim Karr

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere


Hot StuffHot Stuff by Kim Karr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5🌟's

I love a sports romance, I'm not sure what the dynamics are, but I'm quick to pick one up. It could be the fit bodies, or the dedication to their craft that keeps me hooked. One of the things that appealed to me about this novel was the in depth background on the NFL. I felt that made it more authentic and that I was a part of the team.

This is told in dual POV and there isn't much in the way of secondary characters, what there is, I liked. This meant the main characters had the bulk to carry and at times I was bored. I got that the relationship was taboo, off limits, unauthorized, forbidden, disallowed, not approved - it got tiresome to keep being reminded and it just bogged down the tale by being repetitive. That being said, I did enjoy the overall story. I thought Lucas Carrington was a very lovable character and grew up fast once he was in camp. Football might have been his out from a bad childhood, but it was also his love and life. Until he meets Gillian Whitney, the intern and the coaches daughter. She lives and breathes football as well, has grown up following her dad around. What starts out as infatuation, quickly turns into something precious and it will take some understanding and forgiveness to get to their HEA.


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

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RACER by Katy Evans

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 



Racer (Real, #7)Racer by Katy Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

To say I have been desperate to read more from the Tate family was an understatement and in that, RACER delivers on all things Tate. Racer is such a chip off the old block, the similarities were both wonderful and predictable.

"Patience, I hear my father say. Rome wasn't built in a day....and nobody said it was easy to fall in love with a Tate."

Racer is a strong alpha with alpha dialogue that both made me laugh, made me love him and occasionally made me cringe. I easily succumbed to liking Racer with his fire, pace, commitment and motivation. Lana wasn't the most appealing of heroines, she was a slow-growing admiration for me. I found her strong initially in her professional pursuit of Racer but then mousy, weak with only occasional strength. I think she was in awe of Racer and pulled along in the wake of everything that he was.

"I'm only human and nobody wants to see the fire and fly straight in except the moths who don't know better."

I was glad she was wary, she needed to be. The story was engaging and I liked the downs, rather than the ups in this storyline. When things weren't going well, I felt more depth to the characters.

The highlight of this book was Racer's relationship with Remy. Remy has more than a walk-on part in this book and their connection thrilled me. There was one moment where Remy and what he said made me cry, with joy, pride and all the feels. The storyline of Lana's family was also strong and I loved her father.

This is a fast-paced read with fast developing emotions, on the whole I was okay with that. I enjoyed the emotional connection and dialogue more than the physical chemistry. RACER is a book for the fans and those fans will be happy to have spent more time with the Tate family.

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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RACER by Katy Evans

REVIEWED BY Jess 



Racer (Real, #7)Racer by Katy Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I love Katy Evans. Always have. Always will.
She's always able to bring colourful, rich, powerful and passionate characters to life and Racer is now part of the holy crew of badass men.

Taking a peak at your kindle, hoping and wishing it's you that gets the ARC is like waiting for Christmas morning when an Evans ARC is up for grabs. Seeing it, all queued up, with a little "new" in the corner is the most exciting thing to happen to me all week.

I wasn't sure how she'd pull it off. If she could pull it off. Given that there really hasn't been enough time to go by for Racer to have aged, but she nailed it. More than pulled it off. His life, his journey, felt authenticate and all male. ALPHA. MALE.

The similarities and the differences between Racer and his dad, Remy were a pleasure to read. To see all of the good that Racer inherited from his dad, was depicted wonderfully and was realistic. But along with the good, is the bad. I wondered how Evans would work this into the story line, and she did it well, giving it the mention it needed and deserved, without taking over from the overall plot of the story line. While the BP had a huge undertone to the story, it never overshadowed all of the other great themes this fantastic story had going on.

Lana was a beautiful soul. Stretched too thin and doing the best she could to keep her family afloat all while trying to ensure that their dream, her dream, her fathers dream-stayed alive. Flying all the way from Australia to Florida on her own to find the next best F1 Race Car driver, she stumbles upon just that-and so much more.

Racer Tate is the man. A rough around the edges, egotistical bag of delicious. He reminded me so much of Remy, yet he stood out on his own and made me fall for him just as I did his dad. The way he covets Lana, the way he adores her and wants to take care of her and be the best for her is so romantic.

Together, Lana and Racer were lovely for me. Their secret glances, their stolen kisses, the cuddled words of dreams and life expectations kept me gripped. The admiration they had for one another leapt off the page and kept me coming back for more and more.

I knocked off a half point for the simple fact that I feel like this story needed a wee bit more. The end was a little rushed for me, but no less satisfying. I like the way Evans ended their story, but had just wished there was a little something more, something....more!

Nonetheless, I loved it. Really enjoyed the moments of Remy and Brook and even Iris. I wonder if we will get her story next. I can only imagine how protective Remy and Racer will be if she finds a love as potent as theirs.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog

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Tuesday 26 September 2017

King Of Code by by C.D. Reiss

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere



King of CodeKing of Code by C.D. Reiss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first CD Reiss book and I have to say, I'm impressed. Not because it was all tech savvy, which I have to admit I got lost keeping up at times, but because even though you can tell a lot of research was done to get the computer terms correct, it is the love story that shined through for me.

This novel has you gripping the pages trying to work one step ahead and decoding who will win the hacker prize. At times I was saying to myself, "wait what?!! I did not see that coming!" And I love that it kept me guessing.

Taylor Harden has opened the floodgates and taunted all hackers to try and break his code. He was so confident that it couldn't happen, there was $5 million dollar prize money up for grabs. Whether for revenge or to save a community or love, Harper Barrington might be the only person who can knock the crown off Taylor's head. But who wins?

You get a little of everything in this book. It's a complete standalone told in Taylor's POV with no cliffhanger. It has some mystery, some romance and a lot of intriguing components. You don't need to understand computer science but you do need to be switched on, it is definitely not a light and fluffy read.

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

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Thursday 21 September 2017

Locked In Silence by Sloane Kennedy

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones


Locked In Silence (Pelican Bay, #1)Locked In Silence by Sloane Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the beginning of what I hope will become another readers favourite series and a completely different storyline for the Author of the bestselling, Protectors Series.
It fell so wonderfully new and refreshing and I can't wait to read the next in the series. As with her other books, Sloane always leaves us with a sense of expectation for the next book. She gradually introduces her upcoming characters and by the end we can't wait to beg for the next instalment (sorry we are a pain, I know, but we love your books SO MUCH!!) .

I approached the book with no reservations and without lingering in the protectors story line (which by the way I completely adore), and boy was I blown away. I was immediately transfixed and lost in the story, in the plot and lost in the characters beautiful dialogues. I think Sloane likes to push the WOW factor and always goes the extra mile, never leaves things simple thus hitting up a notch in my admiration-meter. When you read the book you will understand what it is I am talking about, so don't hate me if this doesn't make sense and just ONE CLICK THIS BEAUTY!.

Dallas and Nolan grew up in the small town of Pelican Bay. Both were very different. One was popular, sporty and always surrounded by friends.The other was the outcast, the nerdy, the one people used to make fun of. Nolan always sought solace in his music, desperate to leave all the humiliation and constant bullying drove him to a prestigious music school far away from his hometown. His life, once seemingly ideal, gets turned upside down when he's framed of a crime. With his reputation and musical career in the gutter and an unexpected call from home, he drives back to the place he once sworn never to return.
Dallas had the best opportunity to leave the town which never truly saw beyond his golden boy exterior. He hated following the crowd and hurting those weak and defenceless, particularly boys like Nolan. His plans for a better future are put on a permanent hold when he is involved in a accident that kills his mother, leaves his father crippled and leaves him without a voice. The town is quick to take one side of the story, pushing his only surviving relative and those around him to turn their backs on Dallas.
After years of being cast away on the outskirts of town, used to his solitary existence, Dallas never imagines that he is about to have a second chance to make things right for and with Nolan. Sometimes things happen for a reason. The universe has an ulterior motive to put these two unlikely characters in their orbits. For Nolan is the opportunity to know the person he grew up pining after, to hear him but also to find a purpose in his life.

Once again each chapter was incredibly emotional. I loved the connection between the leads. So many raw and powerful scenes and Sloane delivers them all in perfect form. With a flowing grace and unwavering perfection.

5 SHOUTY STARS. Joandisalovebooks Blog


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Wednesday 20 September 2017

DAMAGED! A Walker Brothers Novel by J.S. Scott

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones



Damaged!: A Walker Brothers Novel: (The Walker Brothers Book 3)Damaged!: A Walker Brothers Novel: by J. S. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG Author J.S. Scott has completely blown me away with her lates book in the Walker Brothers Series.
After having read Release! and Player! I was desperate to read Dane's story, being the youngest of the siblings but the most affected, I knew his story was going to be tough. As the saying goes, the best is yet to come, the wait was certainly worth it as Dane's novel certainly was even more special than what I expected and it touched me deeply.

Jan takes us through the trials and tribulations which Dane had to endured after surviving the accident in which his father and stepmother were killed. It was harrowing reading how much he suffered and what lengths he took in order to be out of public eye. Living as a recluse, Dane is forced to refrain from interacting with anyone, and after years of being alone, he is somehow content with his life. His brothers however have other ideas, so they send him a PA in the shape of a petite brunette goddess.
Kenzie has her own ghost. Events of her past have left her with trusting issues and with her own physical and mental injuries.
After a string of bad jobs and lousy salaries, leaving her on the brink of becoming homeless, Kenzie can't believe her luck at finding herself on a private jet on her way to the Bahamas to start her new job. The opportunity had come at the best of times and she was grateful that Trace and Sebastian Walker had offered her the position to become Dane's future PA. With all her belongings in a small carry on and five dollars in her pocket, Kenzie is betting her future on her new position, as an art lover herself, she is ecstatic with the prospect of meeting and working for the unapproachable, Dane Walker. Its a shame however, that Dane is not as happy to se her, it seems his brothers forgot to let him know she was coming.

Forced to spend time in each other company, Dane and Kenzie soon discover their pasts have left them both with a kindred emotional connection. For both the price of giving into their desires comes with the biggest risk of loosing the only thing that could completely destroy them, their hearts.

For all lovers of romance, fans of the series or just someone looking for a quick but unforgettable read, this story is definitely for you.

5 HEARTWARMING STARS!!!

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Monday 18 September 2017

Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 


Dear Bridget, I Want YouDear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dear Bridget, I Want You is a great rom-com.

Simon is swoon worthy. He has the accent and all us ladies love the book boyfriend with an accent. He is funny and playful. Are you getting the picture? Oh...and a hot sexy doctor. The full package with the slight dilemma that he is going to move back across the pond after his residency.

Bridget is a widowed single mom. She is a nurse at the hospital and dedicated to work and her son. Brendan is just precious. Bridget has to have a fishing hook removed by none other than Simon. Doing a favor for a friend months later, Bridget rents a room to Simon.

There was a little angst, lots of laughs and plenty of melt your heart moments. I enjoyed this collaboration by Penelope and Vi. Love both of these authors separately and they do great work together.

Highly recommend this one for a fun swoony read.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks



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Exes With Benefits by Nicole Williams

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard



Exes with BenefitsExes with Benefits by Nicole Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you want a book with heat, depth and substance then EXES WITH BENEFITS is the perfect autumn read to cozy up with. From the title, I thought this would be all kinds of light reading but what I got was some story with punch (there's a pun there) and characters to get my teeth into.

This story couples some themes that I love, second chances and bad boy turned around. In fact, Canaan gave me serious hero-swoon because he was a great guy in the most believable way. Canaan was a man not about to repeat his mistakes and I found I forgave him in the early stages of the book, his character growth between chances was apparent.

"Because you can't write a great love story without tragedy to overcome. Because that's when love is proved. Not when life's easy, but when it's so damn hard you can hardly breathe."

Maggie was a complex woman, I didn't know how to figure her out at times. Her duplicitous life was something difficult to stomach but I was generally sympathetic to her situation and why she found herself at an impasse. Maggie grew up within the narrative of this book and I was glad of her evolution, she needed it. Canaan thought he didn't deserve Maggie and I wasn't sure if Maggie deserved Canaan. The story, the characters, writing and the chemistry did not disappoint.

Whilst this is a fairly quick read, there is sufficient depth to feel like a fully rounded story. It hit the buttons for feeling good without being too light. I highly recommend for a weekend read to get lost in.

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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Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 


Black Tie Optional (Wild Wedding, #1)Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cole and Olivia's bickering and clever comebacks with each other, keep me thoroughly entertained. The chemistry with these two is off the charts.

Enemies to lovers, wedding contract romance that had plenty of witty dialogue. It is true that opposites do attract and these two couldn't be more different. They burn up the sheets and come out swinging. Made me laugh several times.

Olivia a tree hugging save the world gal with her hippy clothes and Cole a stiff shirt business man with no time for nonsense. They explode together.

The sample of the next book in this series looks to be just as entertaining.

This is my first Ann Marie Walker book and I will for sure be checking out what else she has to offer. I am a sucker for witty dialogue and clever bantering.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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I Want by Ella Fox

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 



I Want (Enamorado, #2)I Want by Ella Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I Want is book 2 in the Enamorada series but is easily a stand alone.

Kaya Porter has an interesting career. She's a professional house sitter as well as writes a blog. She's house sitting for her best friend, Emery. She's also taking care of Elvis, her pet peacock.

She meets the new sexy hot rich next door neighbor, Alejandro Cruz, when she attempts to go on to his property to rescue Elvis.

Kaya has a strict 'no relationship till I'm 25' policy. Alejandro also has had a very challenging dating past but the minute Alejandro sees Kaya he knows she is his future. I love how Alejandro almost takes baby steps with Kaya. He'll wait forever for her. She has such a hard time accepting that someone like Alejandro could actually want her for more than meaningless sex. She actually is the one that moves their relationship to the next level.

Right when it seems like their future is on course Alejandro's past comes into the picture almost like a scene out of Fatal Attraction.

I absolutely love Elvis. He has such a personality. He seem to know that Rafael, Alejandro's brother, needs him to reconnect to life. I think he's got a future in matchmaking.

I really enjoyed reading this story. It got me hooked from the beginning to the very end. There is sexual build up, romance, humor and sizzling hot sex. What more could you want...

I can't wait till the next book in the series, Rafael's story. I got my fingers crossed that Emery shows up in it.


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Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R23RT1HYXVQY93/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8

The Outskirts by T.M. Frazier


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 


The Outskirts (The Outskirts Duet, #1)The Outskirts by T.M. Frazier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoy T.M. Frazier's novels. This first book in the Outskirts duet lived up to my expectations. It ends on a cliffhanger that I felt might have happened, but I am still trying to work out how. Of course I am now hanging out for book two, so I get these answers. I also want to know the outcome when the circus comes to town!

I love characters that have a troubled past, or are dealing with anguish. Both Sawyer and Finn are battling with demons from their past but it's the strength within that makes me connect with them. Even in this first part, their self growth was attractive and endearing. They had to conquer their bad experiences individually but when they are together they form a tight bond. I can only imagine it will help them crusade in book two.

As much as I enjoyed this book, some of it left me a little flat. At times I felt an immature quality, I'm not sure if this was just the vibe of Sawyer or not. I also wanted more from Josh and Miller, their story was an enigmatic one that also had me loving their banter. This is definitely one to pick up and bury yourself into and be ready for the next installment.


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

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Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 


Dear Bridget, I Want YouDear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a good rom-com and I always enjoy it when these two authors work together. Dear Bridget, I Want You is now one of my favourites from them. It had all the elements you need for a good read - plenty of humor, a little angst and some passion.

Right from the start I was captured and was giggling along with the good doctor's antics. Simon and his British accent had me at "So,....". Love a man with an accent. He was witty as well as smart, hello he's a doctor with a great bedside manner and loads of compassion. And he wears a uniform, scrubs are like a uniform, right? Well, close enough. He had me wanting more and with his dirty mouth..... good lawdy! Bridget didn't know where to look when she first met Dr S. Hogue, didn't help with the predicament she was in either, she was hooked! She was an awesome character and I admired her tenacity and spunk with all that she had been through. She was an amazing mother and a fun all round girl.

I felt this book was strong at the beginning but lost its fun factor along the way. I was enjoying the banter between Simon and Bridget immensely. I also loved the involvement of Brendan. The slight twist with some angst was also apt and befitting but then it just seemed to change direction. Don't get me wrong, it was still a great book, but I wanted more of the banter and laughs compared to the sweet contemporary romance it ended with. Some might say there needed to be more coupling between Simon and Bridget, but I felt it was just perfect.


*I received a copy for a honest review.
** Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Sunday 17 September 2017

Misadventures of a City Girl by Meredith Wild

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe 



Misadventures of a City Girl (Misadventures, #1)Misadventures of a City Girl by Meredith Wild
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Madison escapes the reality of her life by checking into a retreat, Avalon Springs in Northern California. She needs time to heal and regroup. Due to his PTSD Luke lives his life away from others. He lives what I determine is a very lonely life.

Luke first discovers Madison when she's soaking in the hot spring on his property. He's not happy but he definitely doesn't turn away from the view.

Madison got her own show the next day when she discovers Luke's secluded cabin.

Their attraction is instant and so, so, very hot. The weather gives them a helping hand to spend more time together. They fight against a relationship beyond meaningless sex. Through Luke Madison feels desired and attractive again. Through Madison Luke feels the connection of woman.

These two connect on so many levels. I think fate had a hand in their paths crossing. They need each other to heal and to possibly have a wonderful future together if they can find a way to meet in the middle.

What an amazing team up of two great authors, Chelle Bliss and Meredith Wild. You would never know that this book was written by two authors. It flowed seamlessly. I was hooked from beginning to end. I love the intense chemistry of the characters and the twist of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.


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Give Me a Reason (Redemption Hills, #1) by A.L. Jackson

  Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson My rating: 5 of 5 stars This BOOK deserves all the recognition and praises it has received. From that ...