Nothing Personal by Karina Halle

REVIEWED BY 

Melinda Lazar 

Nothing Personal by Karina Halle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nothing Personal by Karina Halle

I loved the sound of this blurb and, given that Halle was on a winning streak with her last few books, I requested to review immediately.

Kessler and Nova have a past in which he broke her heart without knowing how she felt about him and she reacted by moving as far away as she could - all the way to Hawaii. When Kessler shows up in Hawaii and takes the position - and therefore, promotion
- meant for Nova, she’s not about to take it lying down.

I liked the characters separately although Kessler occasionally acted like an overgrown toddler but together.... mmm I’m not so sure. I do like a second chance romance and I liked this one okay but I can’t say that I loved it or that I’d rush to read it again. I didn't really believe there was a true connection between the two main characters so that’s where it kind of lost me. I also don’t think this was much of a romantic comedy, instead just a second chance romance. All in all, this was just okay for me.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog

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Unzipped by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar

Unzipped by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unzipped by Lauren Blakely

We’ve all read the stories about the guy screwing up at some point and trying to win his girl back, haven’t we? Well, Unzipped isn’t *quite* that book. While we do have the clueless, oblivious, adorably sexy nerd - complete with a big gesture - ready to do some serious groveling, he’s missing one tiny factor: the right girl. What he gets instead, is his ex-girlfriends neighbor who decides - based on the delivery of said gesture - that our hero needs some help if he wants to win the girl. What does she get out of it? Fantastic new material for her comedy show that’s in danger of being cancelled.

Kyler and Finley started off as friends in this cute story. And while there was undeniably an attraction there, they managed to focus on the task at hand, which was to get Kyler back with his ex. Actually, they managed to control the attraction until such point that Kyler recognized what and who he really wanted. It was a sweet friends to lovers romance that delivered on the flirtatious and delightful Blakely banter.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Havoc by Kindle Alexander

REVIEWED BY

Isa Jones

Havoc by Kindle Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What I love about Kindle Alexander books is that you never get the same style and storyline. This was a very original plot, Lawyer meets biker, it's your opposites attract kind of story.
I don't want to spoil the reading enjoyment and therefore won't go too much into detail but all I can say is that HAVOC was exhilarating and a totally engrossing book. The passion and attraction poured out of the pages and you can literally feel the instant pull between the leads.
Key was a HOT HOT HOT biker and you can just envision his hotness through the eyes of Alec the sexy lawyer. Both from very different social echelons where the risks of being found dating each other can bring devastating circumstances.
When the heart calls both men decide to throw caution to the wind and circumstances be damn.  What follows is a sequence of events that neither can imagine.

Every single encounter was filled with so much desire and I was definitely left wanting more from them.
A wonderful read from Kindle and I can't wait to read the next in series!
ARC received in exchange of an honest review. 5 STARS Jo&Isalovebooks



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Shifting Shadows by Michelle Frost

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

Shifting Shadows by Michelle Frost


Imagine my surprise when I found out one of my favourite M/M Authors has written a story in a genre I absolutely love. Paranormal, shifters is my thing, even more so when it’s in the gay romance section.

I am pleased to announce that I was not disappointed. In my humble opinion it’s going to be a must read for all gay romance shifter lovers.

Deckard Warren, man, he sounds too good to be true. I want it to be true, you could say I’m an obsessed fan when it comes to reading about these characters. Deckard is an enforcer of the pack. He fiercely protects his territory with the help from other pack members. Which I can’t wait to read about.

Colt is on the run. From who, what, and even where he himself has no clue. Strange, but true. When Deckard is out patrolling the area with the others. They know something is about to happen. Their senses are heightened with them being shifters, but what Deckard senses is his mate. Oh! Lord.

Nothing is ever as it seems. Well come on that’s life, right? It’s always ready to throw some curveballs our way. Twists and turns don’t just happen in reality, the world of fantasy has to endure it’s fair share of disruption.

Colt is in danger that much becomes clear, but is Colt a danger to Deckard and his pack? You wouldn’t think so when reading. Colt seems completely harmless, and cute. It’s no wonder Deckard is so taken with him.

Deckard deserves to be happy and to be loved. He tortures himself way too much for something that was completely out of his control. Colt needs a life without pain, and I know Deckard could give him that life, but I have no doubt it won’t be as easy as it sounds.

Two men living under the same roof, both attracted to each other, and the rest they say is history. Not quite, but it’s a nice thought. They do share some hot and heavy moments, lots of growling going on, and I’m sure that was coming from me.

Wolves, witches, bears this story has it all, and then some. If you love gay romance shifters then this book is a must read.



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My Bad by Lani Lynn Vale

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

My Bad by Lani Lynn Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hoax Hicks is home recovering from an injury when he meets nurse, Pru MacKenzie. He takes one look at her and the reason for his visit is instantly cured.

Pru doesn't want a relationship with a military man due to her own experiences. They both know their time is limit and decide to make the most of it. These two have some serious chemistry.

When Pru has a situation and he is away on duty he pulls in protection for his lady and when that situation blows ups in the end.....he shows just how alpha he can be. Swoon-worthy!

My Bad is book 4 in Lane Lynn Vale's The Bear Bottom Guardian MC Series but what is great about the way this author writes is that you don't have to read the whole series to follow along with this book. Though, personally, I highly recommend the series.

The only caution I have is that when you start this book you allow yourself some time because once you start it you will not be able to put it down. I read it straight through because I just couldn't let it go.


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Engaged to the EMT by Piper Rayne

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

Engaged to the EMT by Piper Rayne


Luca Bianco and Lauren Hunt have known each other since high school. She used to date one of his good friends. Her best friends are in serious relationships with his brothers. She can't seem to get away from him and she can't him. She thinks he's a player and an egomaniac.

Luca seems to live to get under Lauren's skin. They're bantering is what really drew me into this story. They're hilarious. You just know from the get-go that there is some serious attraction hidden beneath the surface between these two.

Luca has never been one for a serious relationship, never saw the need for one until now-his mom is having a serious operation and he wants her to be at ease with his life as she faces her surgery. So he makes a deal with Lauren that she can't refuse to be his fake fiance until after his mom's surgery.

What I really loved about this book and about the way it was written was while yes, there is undercurrents of heat building up between these two they actually saw and know the 'real' person each other was. No longer took each other at face value. I think it added a layer of dynamic to their building relationship. Made stronger, more realistic.

So what happens when the surgery is unsuccessful, the engagement is longer than expected and they decide to change the dynamics of their fake relationship....

This was a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed.



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Fallen Angel, Part 6: A Mafia Romance by Tracie Podger

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

Fallen Angel, Part 6: A Mafia Romance by Tracie Podger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story should have come with a warning, some trigger warnings maybe. I wasn’t quite prepared for what transpired. I don’t want to give anything away, but there are some delicate issues that are dealt with throughout this book.

I am a huge fan of the Fallen Angel series as soon as I see a new release I one click without even reading the blurb, so, to be honest, the warning would have been a moot point for me.

If you haven’t ever picked up a book in this series I would recommend you start at the beginning. You’ll be taken on a journey leaving you craving for more Robert Stone than you ever thought possible.

Robert Stone a man of power even before Italy. He’s always been a leader, I think Brooke has always known this, but she wasn’t quite prepared to what extent. Robert and Brooke together are explosive, they breathe each other's air. One can not possibly live without the other, but their relationship is on seriously shaky ground.

Robert’s brother, Travis in all but blood is fighting for his life, and I’m not talking about being in Robert’s shadow. Circumstances which lead up to a point of no return, but only leave you with a pray had me gulping for some more oxygen. I was shouting out, ‘OH MY GOD’ and ‘WTF’. I just really wasn’t sure how far this Author was going to go. Yeah, I was afraid and I know it’s only a story, but I suppose that can only be a credit to the writer.

Robert has done some bad things over the years. He has done some wicked things to protect his family. But in this story, Robert takes on a whole new persona. Maybe he has always had it in him. It’s up to Brooke to decide what she can live with. One thing I can say about this man, he would protect anyone in his family with his own life. The fear of losing someone he loves is all the motivation he needs to KILL!!

Violence, bloodshed, and lots of it make up for some pretty gruesome scenes. You know when I first started this series I think I was living a mafia fairytale, but really there is no fairytale it’s the mafia for Christ sake.

If you love a gripping mafia romance with twists and turns in every book then this is just simply perfect for you.



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Take Down by Michelle Frost

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney

Take Down by Michelle Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another spectacular read from a great M/M writer. When I first read Open Wounds book 1, I was hooked. Take Down is no different. I believe you could read as a standalone, but to build a better picture I would suggest you read in order. You will want to anyway, it’s so good.

Harbour, triple yummy in the MMA. He’s not the settling down type or so he has convinced himself. He has a stream of one night stands, or maybe that is even too long. It’s more a hookup, release and walk away. Great to read about, but sad to think this is how he lives his life. Surely everyone would love to have that one special person in their life.

Theo, just as handsome, and also in the MMA. Theo has lived a complete opposite life to Harbour. Where Harbour has had family, love and support around him. Theo hasn’t been so lucky.

Harbour and Theo’s paths crossed on a night out. Both attracted to the other, and clearly feel the need to share some fluids. Nice way to say they got down and dirty. After having such an orgasmic experience Theo is left a little shell-shocked when Harbour can just walk away so easily.

Both fighters being in the MMA are bound to bump into each other. Maybe sooner than you think. Theo is about to walk into Harbour’s territory much to Harbour’s disgust. Methinks someone needs to be taken down. HA!! Anything is possible, right?

Theo has a lot going on in his life, and absolutely no one to share it with. It’s heartbreaking to think he has no one to turn to. Maybe Harbour can become that man. I know I was hoping so throughout this story.

If you love reading about MMA fighters, and of course love the art of Tattoo’s especially on a huge muscular body, and Gay Romance then this book right here is for you.


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A Christmas Dream by Lane Parker

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

A Christmas Dream by Lane Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Is it bedtime yet? I need to sleep to conjure up some sweet dreams. A Christmas Dream is the best kind of fantasy if only things like this happened in reality.

Hayden has had to kiss a few toads in her life before meeting her Prince charming even if it was only in her dreams. She’s no stranger to heartache which for such a beautiful person is soul destroying. So what if she’s bigger than society deems acceptable. The world we live in comes with people of all different shapes, sizes, colour, and gender. There’s is saying that there is ‘someone for everyone’. Hayden just needs to believe in herself to find the man in her dreams.

Jackson, Jackson, Jackson, I’m just trying out Dorothy’s trick from the Wizard of Oz saying it out loud, ‘there’s no place like home’ three times. A girl has to try every avenue. Jackson sure is a dream. He’s tall, strong, muscular, beautiful inside and out. He’s wealthy to boot, so some women tend to see that before anything else.

Two destined hearts have a chance of happiness and love. Hopefully, everyone’s dream can eventually become their reality.

If you want to completely lose yourself in a Christmas fairytale then you should definitely read this story.


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Jock Rule by Sara Ney

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere

Jock Rule by Sara Ney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars.

I enjoyed reading the Douchebag series immensely, just as much as I am loving this series too. They are similar but also different. These ones have next to no drama about them, just a sweet romantic story that has a sports theme as well as a delectable slow burn feel.

Kipling Carmichael has a fancy name, but he looks anything but. Some might say he looks like a Sasquatch! Theodora Johnson hasn't experienced anything lavish in her life, she has worked damn hard for her achievements. She might be a strong young woman, but she somehow can't see how her friends are ditching her over boys. Standing in the background, Kip sees all and decides to break his rule and help her with finding a jock. Neither one expected the eventual outcome. Once they start spending more time together, Kip lets his guard down little by little and is surprised not only on how special Teddy is, but that he can trust her. Kip's appearance might be off-putting for some, but not Teddy. She has discovered she loves Kip's façade, especially his beard, and likes hanging out with him too.

Teddy is that sweet character that will do anything for her friends and family. She has an Aha moment that makes you just want to jump up and cheer for her. Kip is simply wonderful. He is a bit crass and boorish but it only endears him more. I love his family loyalty, and that he had a great relationship with his sister, who was a hoot! I would have like more from her. There was one other thing that niggled me. It was that the lead up of their relationship was great, super even. I felt a little flat though with the way they became a couple, that it just was, and not much else to it. I don't feel Kip taught Teddy in any way how to win a jock over, but he definitely helped her see how she could be more assertive, which was brilliant.

I am hoping there is more coming in this series, I love these books and I will be elated each time I do a re read of these until the next instalment.

**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Bulldozer by P.Dangelico

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

Bulldozer by P. Dangelico
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great escapism read that captured my interest and kept me going through a busy work week. It is the kind of book I would have liked to read in a day on holiday, but it worked on the opposite intensity of life.

This is single mom territory with an older child (age 11) and the said child is not annoying but a welcome addition to the story. Mandy has her own background of issues prior to being the together parent and business owner she is at the start of the story. Grant is her brother’s teammate that is also staying at the beach house to recuperate from some surgery. Memo: Grant is a jacka$$. He’s ignorant, arrogant and a car crash around her child.

The story builds from there and I found myself invested in Mandy as a mother but also Mandy as a woman. Grant slowly began to show signs of being more than a neanderthal and the more I saw, the more I liked. His connection to Roxy and Sam were super sweet.

There was a slow build of chemistry and a believable friendship growth between these two. There are ex-problems, addiction problems, business problems and more. It wasn’t overly angsty, just the right slice.

Although this is connected to a series, it stands alone, so if you haven’t read P Dangelico, you could start here and you’d likely want to then rewind to book one, Wrecking Ball.

I voluntarily read a copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Say You'll Be Mine by Maria Luis

REVIEWED BY

Ann Meemkem

Say You'll Be Mine by Maria Luis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shaelyn and Brady had a falling out 12 years ago. Shaelyn instead of confronting Brady just up and left. She is back in New Orleans to take care of her grandma. She hopes to not run into Brady while she is there. What will happen if they do?

I enjoyed the story. Brady was a great character. He has a job which he is trying to get a big promotion. He is a hard worker and loyal to those he loves. I really did not care for Shaelyn. She just seemed so indecisive on what she wanted. I did enjoy the banter between Brady and Shaelyn. She did finally grow on me as the story got going. I enjoyed the grandmother's of these too. They had love/hate relationship which was so funny. I love how these ladies came together for a common goal.

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4th & Girl by Max Monroe

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

4th & Girl by Max Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first Max Monroe book, and it won't be my last. It was a quick, fun read told in dual POV and I had it finished in a day. It is light, little to no angst and plenty of sweet sweet romance.

The Mavericks Rookie is keen to get off the training field, do the random drug test and hit the showers. Little did he know that he was about to meet the quirky, buttered fingered nurse aid that will haunt his thoughts for the months to come. As fate would have it, he finds her again in the least likely of places. This time Leo will not let her out of his sight! As for Gemma, being Alma's assistant isn't life fulfilling but it is very interesting indeed! All she needs is a little push, or maybe a big one, to help her through her anxieties and live out her dreams.

This is a standalone novel in a series, and at no point did I feel left out not having read the others. Although, it did give us a little background of the other couples, and I am now interested to go back and read those too. There is a pleasing epilogue that brings the story to a very happy ending. Fans of Max Monroe and the Mavericks will be delighted with this one.


**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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tragic by Devney Perry

REVIEWED BY

Ann Meemken

Tragic by Devney Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kaine has had a tragic loss that devastated him and made him cut ties with the outside world. He found seclusion in a mountain area in lark cove.

Piper is starting a new life for herself after a divorce. She finds the perfect location for her new home in the mountain area in lark cove.

There is also a hot neighbor close by although he is a bit grumpy. She is set to win him over and find out what has happened to him to cause him so much pain.

This story is beautifully written. Piper is just the medicine Kaine needs to mend a broken heart. Piper is in need of a second chance at love. They both have baggage from past relationships but will they get there happily ever after?

I loved this story. I like how they both share bits and pieces of there shattered life. It tugs at the heartstrings. You can't help but root for them to get it right.

**Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog**

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Bulldozer by P.Dangelico

REVIEWED BY 

Melinda Lazar 

Bulldozer by P. Dangelico
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bulldozer by P Dangelico

I just want to cryyyyyyyyyyyyyy from happiness right now! This book had all the feels of Wrecking Ball, not only one of my favorite books by this author but also one of my favorite books, full stop. Having finished Wrecking Ball for the umpteenth time just moments before cranking this bad boy open, I had no expectation that Bulldozer would be as engaging, enjoyable, fiery as the former and omg I was so wrong! This book, from the first few pages, ticked so many boxes for me that I just refused to put it down till the sweet, sweet end where Dangelico gave me my favorite ending (no, no, it wasn’t me with one of her characters) - a double epilogue.

Grant and Amanda meet under less than perfect circumstances: she and her son Sam have gone to take up residence in her brothers home in the Hamptons where she’s greeted by grumpy, injured, NAKED Grant who also has the keys to the house and the owners permission to stay. What follows is a fantastic enemies to lovers story with the most delicious slow burn and what I think is Dangelico’s most romantic book to-date.

I think Dangelico’s books are always well written and thought out, her characters always well developed and interesting and Bulldozer is no exception to this. What I love love love though, is her ability to write some of the biggest assholes around and make them lovable with charm, humor, and hearts of gold. My love for Grant is up there with my love for Cal and I really didn’t think I would ever say that.

Cameo appearances from characters we’ve met previously and particularly the light of my literary life was the icing on this delicious cake and in all, I thought this book was perfection. I think this will be another book by the author that I’ll read many times over.

*Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Like You Mean It by Jillian Liota

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

Like You Mean It by Jillian Liota
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Got wrapped up in this story

I got lost in this book by Jillian Liota, it’s a story that worked for me on a number of levels and also had a thread of uniqueness. The heroine, Annie is a single parent (I love single parent tropes) and there are a few twists to her background which I don’t want to spoil. Annie moves next door to a sympathetic neighbour, Cole.

Cole was a beautiful bunch of contradictions that grew on me. He had a bit of a biker-look but not a biker’s attitude. He was just a guy, running his business, seeing his girlfriend of two years but keeping her at a casual distance. There’s an element of commitment-phobe assholery to him, but I was drawn in. He was a compassionate neighbour and his relationship with Jones, Annie’s son, built quickly and I loved them together. Cole and Annie however, seemed to have good moments but then crossed wires and hurt. The girlfriend, Jess had something to do with this, boy, she irritated the heck out of me.

“I’d made it some sort of unspoken mission to try and bring whatever light Annie has inside of her to the front, to give her reason to smile like she means it. Instead, I doused it in water.”

Annie’s character went on a journey from mouse mom to empowered mom over time but she also evolved to believe in herself and find respect again. I enjoyed her character growth.

This is a book of slow burn proportions and whilst I enjoyed that because slow burn is my kryptonite, I wanted more intimacy on the page; I wanted more in culmination. I feel like I could read another Annie and Cole story but the epilogues make me think this isn’t happening.

This was a great read, a story that will wrap you up in the guy/girl (adult) next door and will keep you guessing about where things are going to end up. I think that Jillian Liota has shown versatility from her NA sports romance to this contemporary romance quite beautifully. I remain excited to read what comes next from her.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Rising Star by Susannah Nix

REVIEWED BY 

Becky Cox 

Rising Star by Susannah Nix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rising Star is my first Susannah Nix story.

I truly enjoyed Alice and Griffin’s story. It is a sweet love story with great character development.

In the beginning, their careers are not uncommon but the more I read the more their stories unfolded; there was so much more.

There were scenes that made me giggle, swoon and frown. Several great secondary characters that would make fantastic future stories.

If you are looking for a sweet love story with a bit of angst, here ya go!

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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A Bear's Protection by Dakota West

REVIEWED BY 

Joanne Swinney 

A Bear's Protection by Dakota West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My favorite storylines, shifters. And as if it couldn’t get any better than that it’s an M/M with M/M/F.
Thank you, God. Well, thank you, Dakota West for a great story.

Ash and Hunter two male shifters who have been more than happy living their lives as a couple, but apparently want every male on male shifter was is a triad, finding that one special woman that will make then complete. Not everyone has found the perfect threesome yet. Some can go for years without finding their final mate.

Cora has left behind her family, job, basically a whole life to start over. Someone clearly won’t take no for an answer, but it’s more than that. A guy she dated only twice is stalking her, the really weird kind. Sending her letters, photos of her sleeping, very scary.

Cora is moving to start again, and what better place to start over than in a town with shifters. Two men to every one woman. I’m looking up for the postcode as I write this review. (cheesy smile inserted here)

When Cora and Ash meet you just know sparks will eventually fly, but when Cora meets Hunter I thought forget the sparks, there’s going to be orgasmic fireworks with these two hot males. Oh. My. God. Even better than I imagine.

Neil the stalker isn’t about to give, unfortunately. But she’s with two very strong shifters, so she’s protected, right?

This was such a great story, I am jumping right into book two. God, I hope it’s as hot as book one.



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Taken Love by Casey Clipper

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

Taken Love by Casey Clipper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am gutted this is the last instalment of this series. I wanted to hear Mr. Murphy’s story. I’m stamping my feet like a two-year-old. I want more. I am most certainly going to read other books by this Author, I suppose I’ll have to content myself with that.

Smith was Derk’s partner. Always very quiet, in the background. Who knew the guy was a man with many secrets. They do say, you have to watch out for the quiet ones. Very true in this case. Mr. Murphy sure wants to keep him close.

Smith shakes up the mob without really meaning to. He thought he was helping someone out. He knew what would happen if the rivals got ahold of, Cara. A young woman he only previously met. If you can even call it that.

Cara has had the worst luck. Her only living parent is the complete worst. Her so-called mother has put Cara’s life in danger. Being Kidnapped is only the beginning on this rollercoaster Cara has been forced upon.

Smith will do everything in his power to save Cara. And I mean everything. Who would have thought he’d actually go against the mob boss. I was reading thinking, are you insane?

This story will shock the knickers off you. People are literally fighting for their lives in more ways than you could possibly imagine.

I have loved reading each of these books in this series. My only complaint? I WANT MORE!!


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Dangerous Love by Casey Clipper

REVIEWED BY 

Joanne Swinney 

Dangerous Love by Casey Clipper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Derk Forester!! after reading book one and two I had my doubts about even liking this guy. How wrong was I. I’m in love with Derk. He’s not every woman’s idea of the ideal man, but it’s Derk, and setting aside his bad boy persona, his wild ways with countless women. This man has passion by the buckets when he loves, he loves fiercely.

What Derk wants the most is, Mackenzie Hiland. Now she’s not about to become his next notch on his bedpost. But Derk isn’t about to give up without a fight.

Mackenzie has had her fair share of problems, an ex-husband who clearly has no sense of decency. The only one constant in Mackenzie’s life is her best friend.
This girl most definitely needed some good luck. Maybe Derk wasn’t what some would same the best kind of luck. But he would protect her with his life. She would want for nothing, be cared for and loved. That sounds pretty awesome to me.


Derk works for the mob boss, Mr. Murphy. I don’t know what it is about this guy, but I’m seriously drawn to him. He’s in every story, but I really want to know his story. He and Courtney have a relationship that no man would ever come between.

Derk accepts a high position with Mr. Murphy. It’s not something he envisioned himself doing, but for Mackenzie, he’d do anything.

This book had it all, and then some. I think I have a thing for dangerous men and all things mob.


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Dearest Stalker: Part 3 by Lane Parker

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

Dearest Stalker: Part 3 by Lane Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fabulous installment of, Dearest Stalker. This story is ongoing, I know once I have read the last part I’ll be devastated it’s over, but by God do I really want part 4 like yesterday.

If you’ve been following this story, you’ll probably have your suspicions on who Mr, sexy stalker is. I know I have my theories, and well nothing has been completely confirmed yet. But if it’s not who I think it is then who else can it be? It’s intense for sure, I mean to have this kind of love and affection, but not knowing who from can be daunting, but at the same time, this guy has looked after Kate her whole life so he can’t be a bad guy, right? It’s confusing to say the least.

Kate is finally living a life where she has a job that she loves, a home she is safe in and food on the table. The only thing missing is love. She longs to be held, and although she’s had her world rocked on a couple of occasions, she has never been able to look into her lover’s eyes.

Ian Blackwood has been on his own for so long it’s difficult for him to be around Kate. He doesn’t just want a working relationship with her, he wants HER!!

What will become of Ian and Kate? will there even be an Ian and Kate? who’s the real stalker?
O.M.G. I’m holding my breath for the final installment.


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Control by K. Bromberg

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Control by K. Bromberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Control by K Bromberg

We met and fell in love with Desi in Cuffed, which was her best friend, Emerson’s story. I was THRILLED to hear Desi would be getting a novella of her own and Bromberg did not disappoint.

After a traumatic experience, Desi signed up for self-defense classes where she meets the utterly delectable Reznor Mayne. Reznor is on a short break from his position on the SF SWAT team after he too has a devastating experience. While Desi is a character who has defensive walls built all around her, Rez shows the gentleness and determination to break her down. The two butted heads quite often which made their sexy times fairly scorching!

This was a great, short novella to accompany the Everyday Heroes series which can definitely be read as a standalone. While this was a short read, I feel that the author did justice to the characters and kept the story more than interesting. Interesting enough that I didn’t put it down till the end!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Fireworks by Sarina Bowen

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Fireworks by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fireworks by Sarina Bowen

I just lovvvve this series by Sarina Bowen! Every single book in the series has proven to be a huge hit for me and Fireworks was no exception. It’s the second-chance love story for Benito and Skylar who were best friends when they were younger and both secretly in love with the other. They’ve not had any communication with each other for twelve years and Skye wouldn’t have returned back to Vermont now if it wasn’t for her kind-of sister. Her memories of and experiences in Vermont were just awful and once Benny had let her down, she had no ties or desire to return. However, Skylar’s sister is in huge trouble and this forces Skye back into Benito’s sexy arms and life where he’s more than happy to have her.

While this was ultimately a romance, it also has a sense of mystery/suspense and given that I’ve not read one of those for a while, I really loved that! I really enjoyed watching these two find their way back to each other: I did wish Skye had opened up a bit more but I also understood why she couldn’t. I found myself a little frustrated with the fact that Skylar didn’t question what happened all those years ago when Benny let her down and the addition of the drama involving a certain character that I really could have done without brings me to the reason I’m giving this book 4 stars instead of the usual 5. Having said that, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and Benito is just swoon-worthy!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Unexpected Love by Casey Clipper

REVIEWED BY 

Joanne Swinney 

Unexpected Love by Casey Clipper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew from book one in this series that I was going to be hooked. I couldn’t wait to continue reading about the other characters in, The Love Series.

I would say that you could read each book as a standalone because each story is based around one of the main characters, but to enjoy the full experience of this fantastic storytelling series, I would advise starting at the beginning. There’s no better way to live and breathe each character as you take their journey with them.

This book is about Ryan Millen, the twin brother of Sean who I read about in book one. God, I just knew his story was going to be swoon-worthy.

Ryan’s life is literally turned upside down. I wasn’t sure how he was going to go from playboy to family man since his record of past relationships was full of one night stands. No ties, just simple fun going from one partner to another.

Ryan’s story is compelling, the need to know what happens next makes for a great page-turner. Everyone deals with situations, and events in their lives differently. When you have a strong family, support system like Ryan’s who will not let him neglect his responsibilities it makes, Ryan’s life that much more difficult.

Lynn is in the right place at the right time some might say. Her brother and cousin who already work for the Murphy’s, Ryan and Sean’s cousin would disagree. Entering the Murphy family can be dangerous. If you haven’t had a family though, and desperately want to be part of something more it’s a risk many would take.

Lynn and Ryan both seek something neither can really admit to needing. Relationships are never without certain complications, and Ryan most definitely has complications in his life.

Danger, love, amazing sex. This story has it all. I would definitely recommend you read this series.


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The Truth Within by Sloane Kennedy

REVIEWED BY

Isa Jones

The Truth Within by Sloane Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another formidable story

The wait was truly worth it after finishing the third book in the Pelican Bay series. Each book features a new couple and in this story, we met Ford and Cam. Cam is the new sheriff in town and has not been able to stop worrying about Ford and the bruises he’s constantly displaying. Ford’s brother. Jimmy, who we met in previous books, has been terrorizing him from the get-go and Ford sadly believed this was the life he was meant to lead. He has learned to box his emotions and the constant preaching of going to hell if he let his true self show have completely void him of the person he was meant to be. Thankfully Cam couldn’t let things go, having his own demons, he knew better but to stay away, but the feelings of protectiveness keep propelling him towards the young man. Together they fight old wounds. Once again, love teaches us it can be the soothing balm which our soul needs to fight for your dreams, no matter how hidden these may be. Ford and Cam’s story is one of survival and not giving up on those you love. Sloane again comes back with a formidable story of Family, lost love and found, and finding happiness in The midst of despair. 5 STARS. Isa for Joandisalovebooks and Love Has No Gender BLOG.

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