Friday 30 March 2018

Wait With Me by Amy Daws

REVIEWED BY
Isa Jones



Wait With MeWait With Me by Amy Daws
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is no secret how much I loved Amy's writing and this book was just another hit from her.

What happens when an Author has a terrible case of writer's block? She finds a tyre shop where she can get some inspiration obviously LOL! I know it sounds crazy but that was basically the story line for this Author's story.
Romance author, Kate Smith can't simply find her writing mojo she has the perfect space in her house but words aren't flowing. After taking her car for service and having to wait in the customer centre she suddenly is hit with divine inspiration, its like the words keep purring out of her system and she is back on the driving seat. However there is one tiny problem, she has ran out of cars to bring to the tyre depot and she is basically having to sneak in the centre to be able to continue writing, not only that, there is a hunky mechanic who has suddenly taken an interest in her and who she seems completely impossible to ignore.Miles is a HUNK but he has a soft side to his persona. After his last relationship he can't deal with lies and is not ready to commit. But he is suddenly paying attention to the lady writing inside the customer centre, she is an enigma but the attraction is undeniable.

What was so amazing about this book, was that even though is a work of fiction, Amy basically based this story in her own experience, NOT everything is based on her personal life, she is happily married with a beautiful child, but the idea came from something real and social media went completely bonkers with the whole scenario.
I enjoyed this book so much and although The Harris brothers are still my favourite series, this story was so original and so easy to read with plenty of laughter, romance and an emotional side to it, I could not put the book down and did not want to stop reading such an original plot.

Well done Amy for making something of your own into a winning product.


5 STARS Jo&Isalovebooks

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Wednesday 28 March 2018

The Swedish Prince by Karina Halle

REVIEWED BY 
Melinda Lazar


The Swedish PrinceThe Swedish Prince by Karina Halle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Swedish Prince by Karina Halle

Love, love, LOVED this book!

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Halle but I jumped on this one because I adored the blurb and had to read it. It’s awful when you anticipate a book being wonderful and amazing and living up to the hype (even if the hype is only in your head) and then feeling so let down upon completion. I am thrilled to say that this was not the case at all for The Swedish Prince - I was immersed in the book and the writing from the first page through to the last and only put it down when I absolutely had to.

Maggie is a journalism student living in New York when she gets a devastating call from her sister that turns her life upside down. She gives up her dream and moves back home to become the legal guardian for her younger siblings. Similarly, Prince Viktor of Sweden has also had his life upended and has escaped to America to have a few weeks of healing before he returns and assumes his duties.

Their first meeting was hilarious and their subsequent ones were just swoony and sexy and romantic and you could just feel them falling in love... I still can’t stop smiling! However, can a girl from a small town, supporting a family ever be well-regarded as a future queen? I guess you’ll have to read it to find out! I personally can’t wait to do a reread.

I am hoping and praying that Halle writes more royal stories - specifically for Magnus, the Crown Prince of Norway and Aksel, the King of Denmark - Magnus needs to be tamed and the King needs someone to put a smile on his dial! And in all honestly - if she’s taking requests - I would love Halle to write a book for Pike!

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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With This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas

REVIEWED BY
Becky Cox 



With This Man (This Man, #4)With This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just Brilliant!!

I was so excited about this new chance at some time with Jesse and Ava but won't lie and say I didn't have some trepidation that it would be the same story told from Jesse's POV. I AM SO UNBELIEVABLE PLEASED TO TELL YOU that it isn't and it is amazing.

I didn't read much of the hype about it before its release as I don't like to get swayed so Jodi made have said that it was a new story and I just didn't see it.

Jesse still tramples, Ava still cusses and rolls her eyes but With This Man reveals a whole new side of my beloved characters. I didn't think I could love them more, but alas I do.

Jodi gives us some truly emotional moments that were heartbreaking but make the story so rich. Another winner lady and thank you for sharing Jesse with the world.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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The Front Range Butcher by R.Weir

REVIEWED BY
Tina Shobe




The Front Range Butcher (Jarvis Mann Detective #6)The Front Range Butcher by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Front Range Butcher is book 7 in the Jarvis Mann Detective Series. Personally I think it can easily be a stand alone. Even though there are several characters from previous books that come into play in this book the author does such a great job describing them and how they interacted previously without going into too much detail that you don't feel like you a missing something. Though, I highly recommend you do read all the other books only because I really like this series and it gets better with each book. You also get a better understanding on how Jarvis' character has evolved from book to book.

Jarvis Mann is a private detective and in this book you can really tell his reputation is causing him to get more and more of a following. He's getting more in demand for jobs. Which is great for him as at the beginning of the series he was barely scraping by financially.

His sarcastic personality comes across quite well in this book. It had me chuckling a few times when others just weren't too thrilled with it. It's a wonder sometimes he doesn't just get punched for it.

As a reader I felt I got quite a bit of a bonus in this book. There were 3 different jobs being investigated. The author did a great job with them as they overlapped each other but you were able to easily follow along without getting confused as to the details of each case. My brain was going on overload trying to figure out 'who done it' in each case. Loved the fact that just when I thought I had it figured out there would a twist.

Also loved the danger element. There was a couple times that I was practically at the edge of my seat as I was reading along as I felt either Jarvis was going to get seriously injured or killed.

Great job, R.Weir, you have outdone yourself with this one! Can't wait till the next book in the series!



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HARLOT by Tracie Podger



REVIEWED BY
Ann Meemken 




HarlotHarlot by Tracie Podger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlotte was thrown into a world she did not want. When something happens she knew it was her chance to escape. Charlotte leaves her old world behind to start a new life. Beau finds her and knew she needed help. He brings her back to his hometown. Beau has a feeling there are secrets and a reason why she was running. He wants to help but at the same time wants to keep his family safe.

I loved the banter between Charlotte and Beau. This story had many twists and turns. It was an amazing story and I loved it.


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Two Wedding Crashers by Meghan Quinn

REVIEWED BY 
Isa Jones 


Two Wedding Crashers by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so sorry this is my first ever read by Meghan Quinn, but I am planning on remedying that immediately and would love to read Three Blind Dates ASAP.

This book was an all rounded good story. It had laughter, drama, romance, passion and left me with a beautiful parting message.

I was seriously hooked from the very first page and enjoyed every dialogue immensely.

At the insistence of their respective friends, Beck and Rylee find themselves on a plane to Key West to crash a wedding...I know right, straight from the get go this is a hilarious idea and sets the tone for what develops from high up in the air. Unbeknown to Rylee, Beck has been watching her the whole time during their flight, she is suffering from the worst case of writers block and just can't seem to find the words to start her latest romance. Her editor is expecting greatness, so the pressure is truly on, however things (as in much of these cases) don't go at all to plan, Rylee ends up with a bad case of baby puke, no story and the stiffest of necks after her journey, she is desperate to get to her hotel, get rid of her soiled clothes and take a warm shower. One mistake by the front desk later, she is in a stranger's room, but desperate times call for desperate mesures and she is "desperate", she can be in and out of the shower and nobody will ever know she was ever there...yeah, last famous words.

Beck is just excited to be getting away for a few days with his best friends, never in a million years he expected to be completely fascinated by the woman a few roads ahead of him typing away and getting the biggest projectile vomiting in the history of pukes. Now destiny has put said woman in the middle of his room, naked and completely soaking from her shower, he first thinks he has the wrong room but clearly all his clothes are here, so who is this beautiful creature..Boobs flashing and talking at miles a minute Rylee tries to make sense of the situation only getting herself in deep.

What begins as a case of being in the wrong place at the right time, suddenly develops into so much more and Beck and Rylee spend time with each other. Let's be casual they said, let's enjoy they moment, they said, let's throw caution to the wind and live in the moment.. OH how I love it when things don't go according to plan, and this story just gave me that.

Loved every minute between the two leads, every dialogue, every thought. Loved that there was so much more to each of their characters and that Meghan left few secrets out only to be revealed later in the story, saving indeed the best to last.

5 STARS. Isa for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog

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Goldie's Bears by Mila Crawford

REVIEWED BY
Joanne Swinney 




Goldie's Bears by Mila Crawford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can’t help giving spoilers, sorry. Not sorry.

This was the shortest of short reads in the history of short reads. THE END.



LOL! Okay, of course I knew it was a short read, but still I wanted it to be longer. I was enjoying the wierdly almost adult porn version of, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Don’t believe me? Read it for yourself.

Goldie, yeah that’s her name, finds herself lost in the middle of the wilderness. As beautiful as it is, she’s getting colder by the minute and is becoming tired. When she spots a cabin she can’t believe her luck, and goes to knock on the door. (giggling)
There was no answer so she opened the door and went inside. Once inside she saw three huge chairs and thought they looked so comfy she’d try them out. (laughing out loud)

There was still no sign of any man or shifter to be seen so she went to the kitchen, she was incredible hungry and searched for food. Inside the fridge were three bowls. She tried a little out of each bowl. I know, I swear I not making this up.

Goldie decided to have a look around the three bedrooms with three huge beds. She was starting to feel tired and lay down just for a little while.

From this moment onwards there is no rendition of the children’s fairytale. Adult 18 plus ONLY!

Three bear shifter brothers, Kash, Marcus and Jonas lived in the cabin Goldie was fast asleep in. They have been unsuccessfully searching for their mates for years but still not giving up. They wish desperately to have that one woman that means more to them than anything else in the world. Imagine their utter shock, but yet handle the situation dare I say calmly, at finding a woman in their cabin, and not just any woman, all theirs. Yep all of them. One mate between three big bears. I’m obviously completely jealous, anyone that knows me knows how much I love bear shifter romances.

What occurs next is unbelievable but it’s make believe so I rolled with it. Each brother in turn took care of Goldie. Not just to feed and bathe her, but took care of her needs. I mean she had like at least fifteen orgasms in one evening. Is that even possible? I know I am total green with envy. Sigh!

So, if you like short reads, romance, erotica and let’s not forget bear shifters then you need to read. You may giggle, but you won’t be laughing for long.

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Come a Little Closer by Kim Karr

REVIEWED BY
Monique Cashmere 



Come A Little CloserCome A Little Closer by Kim Karr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5* Don't Judge a Photographer by his Cover!

I have to admit, at first I found it a bit hard to follow and when the storyline was unfolding, I worried it was going to take me to a place I wasn't happy to visit........ but wow, boom, bang..... a chapter or two later and I was hooked - bit time! Even though I guessed one part of the plot early on, I needed to work out the how and why, which means I was captivated the whole way. This book is a little different to what Ms Karr writes, it is a little darker but it still has all the other elements you will be expecting. It has mystery, romance, humor and some steamy sex scenes. At times I was giggling or full on laughing, others I was a little angsty as to what was about to happen. I was intrigued by the storyline with its twists and suspense and I was also bewitched in the love story of Jaxson and Sadie.

Sadie is a good girl, trying to overcome her upbringing, then a series of events and a very bad decision lands her in big trouble. Now she thinks she is a bad person. Good guy Jaxson, feels it is overrated, so for the last 12 months is being a little selfish and dipping his toe on the dark side, in being bad. A one nightstand after some drinking goes very wrong for him, and he too is now in a bind. They must both learn to trust again, before either can amend the wrongs. I loved both these characters immensely. I loved Jaxson's dirty mouth, and I adored Sadie's sass. I enjoyed the little slow burn we got from them and even though I revel in a good romp, sometimes less is more. Overall, it is a great book that I highly recommend you give a go.

*I’m grateful for the early copy provided by the author for my honest opinion.
**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Hurts to Love You by Alisha Rai


REVIEWED BY
Micky Barnard 


Hurts to Love You (Forbidden Hearts, #3)Hurts to Love You by Alisha Rai
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3-3.5 stars

After reading books one and two immediately before this final conclusion, I had very excitable hopes for Eve and Gabe’s book. I think I might have got too excited because whilst this was a nice conclusion to the over-arching story of the Oka-Kanes and the Chandlers (AKA the Capulets and Montagues), it lacked the oomph I sought from Gabe and Eve as characters.

Eve has intrigued me from the beginning of book one and I have really enjoyed her character, her growth and her contentment in her physical appearance. Eve grew in terms of confidence and business in this book which was pleasing to read. I really enjoyed the interactions between her and Gabe for the first 50% but then it lost its intensity for me. I must admit, I didn’t really connect with Gabe throughout, which surprised me.

There is much time given to wrapping up this series and tying off all the lose ends which again is good but it felt less Gabe and Eve’s book and more a saga wrap-up.

This series is my first walk with Alisha Rai and I am a fully fledged fan of hers now. I highly recommend this series to all my romance buds, with books one and two being my favourites.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this title.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Picture Perfect Lie by Marquita Valentine

REVIEWED BY 
Melinda Lazar 



Picture Perfect Lie (Kings of Castle Beach, #1)Picture Perfect Lie by Marquita Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picture Perfect Lie by Marquita Valentine

Campbell and Knight meet at an airport lounge while waiting for their respective flights. Campbell is traveling with her infant daughter and when Knight sees her struggling to keep her cool, he swoops in and saves the day. Upon learning her story and before getting his own flight, Knight gives Campbell the details of his family and instructs her to go to them in the event that she needs help.

Their relationship is built on a lie, but not to each other. They lie to everyone else and say they’re married and that Hazel is really Knight’s daughter. To be honest, seeing the way Knight is with Hazel, it really wasn’t that difficult for anyone to believe. Knight and Campbell maintain and build on a relationship through Skype and email while he’s off on duty and it was really sweet the way their relationship developed. I enjoyed Knight’s eagerness to spend time with Campbell and his joy in Hazel.

I did feel that some parts were a bit rushed and that we missed an entire chunk of detail where we don’t know why Campbell’s family is the way it is. I thought they were an important factor and couldn’t understand why it wasn’t explained. Overall I did enjoy the book and quite look forward to the next in the series.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Affiliate by K.A. Linde

REVIEWED BY 
Becky Cox 




The Affiliate (Ascension, #1)The Affiliate by K.A. Linde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Affiliate is an interesting mix of dystopia, paranormal and historic, well that is how I perceive it. It is set in a time after great wars in this books version of earth and a different structure and heirarchy have been established in order to prevent future uprising.

Linde lays it out and explains the setting with skill. It is woven into the story which keeps it natural. The characters are well developed and likable, even the ones I don't want to like.

As in any kingdom there are lies, deception and romance.

This is Cyrene's story, along with all her wonderfully entertaining supporting characters. Cyrene and her family's life long dream of her becoming a Class 1 Affiliate has happened and it should all be coming up roses, but where would the fun in that be. Catty woman, mysterious happenings, overly bold men, the list goes on.

I enjoyed The Affiliate and looking forward to more of this story.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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Escort by Skye Warren

REVIEWED BY 
Becky Cox 




EscortEscort by Skye Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hugo and Bea's story is written from Hugo's POV. I enjoy reading from the man's POV as I think it gives a different feel to the story. Hugo speaks a bit proper for my liking, but I liked his character. His back story was interesting and an unusual concept, which is always good.

Bea is also an unusual character and uncommon which made me like her all the more. She is quirky, loves music and doesn't have much else in her life. Music gives her a connection and emotions that she lacks from personal contact.

Escort is erotic and the characters reveal an interesting history. Both are emotionally stunted and watching them bloom added romantic moments to the sexiness that is Hugo.

Looking for a different story line with plenty of erotic moments, this is the read for you!

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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Friday 23 March 2018

Hot Mess by Emily Belden

REVIEWED BY 
Micky Barnard 



Hot MessHot Mess by Emily Belden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars which I’m rounding up the rating for because it was just that good.

Some books explosively blow you away and some subtley creep and invade your mind until you are powerless in your interest. HOT MESS was the latter, it built and built to a cluster of addictive, messed up reading. I would categorise it as a mix of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.

This story that’s all hot and messy, charts a relationship between the ‘It-Chef’ Benji and his girlfriend who literally hangs on for dear life during the ride. Allie is rather weak, totally infatuated and swept along. This story is about addictions, manipulation that comes with said addictions and a restaurant that’s needs to open on time and be successful. There are real highs but there is rock bottom and it’s a grim place.

Benji was like a magnet to all around him and I have to admit that I had a cautious like of his charisma, talent and looks but as a reader, you cannot help but feel wary. Allie was a little insignificant to start but this is a story written to show how characters can really grow and grow realistically. I loved Allie being at the fore and hitting the lows but scrabbling tooth and nail to survive. The angst was palpable at times. I truly felt what it was like to be duped.

“Underneath this total fuck-show front, there was something - a lot of things, actually. There was a lost soul that needed direction. A man with a good heart and an insane amount of talent.”

The story is full and developed, I felt interested throughout and from half way, I really couldn’t put the book down; I couldn’t put Allie down.

“You’re the star of your own show and that show must go on.”

This is a fictional debut by Emily Belden and I am suitably impressed. I’ve already recommended it to a number of my friends and I’m keeping my eye out for more from this new talent.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. Thank you Harlequin Publicity Team for the instagram mailing.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Stranded with the Mountain Man by Aislinn Kearns

REVIEWED BY 
Joanne Swinney 



Stranded with the Mountain ManStranded with the Mountain Man by Aislinn Kearns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh! Man, I would climb the highest mountain in the world if it meant I’d get to be with, Elijah. He’s like Tarzan of the jungle only in this definition it’s Man of the mountain. His sex appeal is off the charts, and he doesn’t know it, which in turn is even more appealing. He’s become my biggest wet dream, um-hum it’s all Elijah goodness in my dreams at night.

Gia is on the run looking for somewhere safe to hopefully live out the rest of her life without fear. Only her destination is altered by fate when her plane crashes on a mountain. Gia is a city girl and has no idea what it means to live on a mountain, but she’s about to find out. Feeling safe is more rewarding than Gia ever thought possible, being with Elijah is like what dreams are made of. It’s all so unreal, but yet she’s safe and stuck on a huge mountain hundreds of miles aways from civilization.

Elijah has a small cabin but it’s always been enough for just him, however having Gia there makes it so much smaller. There is no electricity in his cabin, but sparks are definitely crackling with the chemistry between these two.



Elijah is enjoying Gia’s company, he’s been on his own for so long, and believed he was happy, but with Gia there things are different. She’s eager to learn how he lives and how things are done. Wanting to help out, he gives her tasks. He has a deep need to do everything he can to protect Gia.

Gia worries about what she’ll do once she gets down from the mountain. If she gets down. Does she really want to go? Elijah doesn’t want her to go, but he has nothing to offer her either. Neither are ready to let the outside in, but eventually they will have to face what is out there.

There’s an old saying, that springs to mind ‘If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain' in this case if the mountain will not come to Gia, then Gia must go to the mountain.

If you love all things romance then you won’t regret one clicking.

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Thursday 22 March 2018

Wait With Me by Amy Daws


REVIEWED BY
Melinda Lazar 

Wait With MeWait With Me by Amy Daws
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wait With Me by Amy Daws

I started this book and by the end of chapter one, I’d messaged a friend to stop whatever she was reading and start this straightaway - it was just that good!

Kate, aka Mercedes Lee Loveletter, is experiencing a terrible case of writers block. She quickly figures out that her creative juices seem to flow quite nicely in the Customer Comfort Center of Tire Depot and takes to toiling her days away, drinking free coffee and consuming an alarming number of baked goods while writing all the words. Here she meets one the of the mechanics of Tire Depot, the licorice smoking Miles. They get to know each other and develop a great friendship but while there’s an obvious attraction between them, Miles is very clear that he wants to stay just friends and not progress to more than. Considering the drama of his previous relationship, I could understand his somewhat flawed logic but still wanted to give him a good kick.

The first fifty percent of this book was five stars all the way! I read it all with a huge smile on my face and a refusal to put the book down. The second half of the story was slightly less enjoyable but only because I really wanted to smack Kate into telling Miles the truth. One thing that amused me greatly is that my brother in law is a mechanic and bless his brake fluid covered heart, but he is the complete antithesis of a book boyfriend and doesn’t look a damn thing like I imagine Miles does!

I think Wait With Me was such a great book and I’m hoping Daws writes about some of the characters we met here.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Wednesday 21 March 2018

Six Feet Under by Tonya Kappes


REVIEWED BY
Tina Shobe



Six Feet Under (A Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 4)Six Feet Under by Tonya Kappes




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Six Feet Under is Book 4 in A Kenni Lowry Mystery Series. I think this book could be a stand a lone but personally I would read the books in order as it makes it seem like the books roll into one another and you get a better understanding of the characters and the town of Cottonwood.

Celebrity Chef Frank Von Lee comes to town to taste Sheriff Kenni Lowry's, mama's chicken pot pie. He is murdered. When the cause of death is food poisoning Mama becomes the #1 suspect. Kenni knows things are not going to be good be the ghost of Poppa, her grandfather. He shows up when someone has been killed to help with the sleuthing.

What I really loved about this book and author does such a good job with is that as I am reading along I'm right there within the book trying to figure out who is the killer and what was the motive. As an extra bonus there is actually two mysteries going on within this book.

I love the characters is this book and I loved that this book made me think. Everytime I though I had it figured out who was the murderer there was a twist and my mind would go in a different direction. This book had me guessing right till the very end.

This is the type of book that you want to pick right back up and read again.

Does anyone else think there's something that Finn is hiding? I'm intrigued.

**Reviewed by Tina for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog






Fearless by Carly Phillips

REVIEWED BY 
Tina Shobe 


Fearless (Rosewood Bay, #1)Fearless by Carly Phillips
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fearless is Book 1 in the Rosewood Bay Series.

Kane Harmon is a mechanic and runs his family's garage. He took over from his dad when he dad's demon's got the best of him. Kane avoids summer flings with the summer people after being burnt.

Halley was put in the foster care system due to neglect from her drug addicted mother. Halley was bounced from home to home due to no fault of her own until her sister, Phoebe and her are taken in by their aunt. Her mom came from a wealthy family and it's hard for Halley to accept that.

After Kane rescues Halley's broken down car he finally convinces her to accept a date. These two have baggage. Kane with growning up with a dad who has a gambling addiction and Halley's with her past experiences in the foster care system.

What I loved the most about Kane (trust me there is a lot to love) is that he seems to know exactly how to tread with Halley. How to get her to open up a little at a time and how to back off when she's getting uncomfortable. This wonderful man has a lot on his plate, he's running the family business, helping his single mom sister out by taking care of his nephew when needed and being the adult child when his dad goes off the rails.

I loved it when jealousy reared it's ugly head and made Halley claim Kane as hers without even thinking about it. Suprised him too in a very good way!

When Halley's past comes into her present and shakes her beliefs in herself she shuts down again and this time the only one that can save her is herself.

When Halley blocks Kane out of her life it's soul crushing. They both finally had a well deserved happiness going. They were each making changes to gain control of their lives and their possible future and now their future seems to be one that they will not have together. The struggle that Halley had was so real. I wanted to help her out and give her words of encouragement to reach for her happiness.

This series is off to a great start! Can't wait to read Book 2, Breathe

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Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY
Monique Cashmere



WanderlustWanderlust by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Le grand amour! 4.5*'s

What is the best way to get over a break-up?
Move to Paris and start a new job.
What is the best way to get over grief?
Move to Paris for a year and learn to live life again.
That is how Griffin and Joy stubble across each other in the city of love. He is a British linguist who becomes American Joy's interpreter for her new job. This book is full of romance, filled with hope and copious amount of enlightenment. It was a joy to read - pun intended.

So many things made me happy when reading this book. I felt like I was there with Joy discovering Paris for the first time, and searching out with her the best places to eat and see. I even had to look up a map of Paris so I could get a better feel of where she and I were going. I also got a big kick out of Griffin and how he could speak fluent French, and I am sure I mispronounced many of the sayings, but had fun trying.

The story was one of a sweet instant love, and then trying to make it work with many obstacles in their path. It didn't have as much humor as I was expecting from a Lauren Blakely novel, but it was a pleasant change of pace. There really aren't many secondary characters, it is solely on Griffin and Joy's conte but her next release has Christian and Elise's histoire.

*I was grateful for the copy from the author for my honest opinion.
**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Nailed Down by Chelle Bliss & Eden Butler


REVIEWED BY
Tina Shobe

Nailed Down (Nailed Down Series, #1)Nailed Down by Chelle Bliss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kitty and Kane work together on a Late Night DIY Show. When I started reading about Kane I instantly pictured Ty Pennington from TLC's Home Improvement Show, though more bulked up.

Kitty and Kane have had some underlying feelings brewing for awhile. Neither one of them is willing to act on that attraction as they don't want to ruin their current working relationship and friendship.

Kitty has just attended her cousin, Jess's funeral and returns home with a bucket list that her cousin is challenging her to complete. Her cousin is trying to get her to 'live', to open up more to life. Kitty doesn't want to do it on her own and plays the quilty card to get Kane to help her. Though there are some items on his bucket list he does not want to help with. He is beyond her biggest supporter. He pushes her when she needs to be pushed and comforts her when she's having a rough time. He also is her protector. It was interesting when he would step into the protector roll.

The banter these two have just pulls you into the story more. There were times I was laughing out loud as I read along. They are just awesome. The more time they spend together the more the lines blur. It doesn't take long for Kitty to realize she knows just what to do to get Kane to give in.

Probably one of the best parts in the book is Kane's reaction to his brother, Kiel's button pushing. He has know idea of the depth of his feeling for Kitty until then.

It is just unbelieveable that this book was written by two authors. The story flowed seamlessly. I can't wait for Kiel's story in the next book.


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No Ordinary Love by Melody Grace


REVIEWED BY 
Tina Shobe 


No Ordinary Love (Sweetbriar Cove, #6)No Ordinary Love by Melody Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eliza returns home to SweetBriar Cover after losing her job on her way back into town she stops to help a motorist that has a flat tire. Turns out the motorist is none other than her old boss, Cal who recently has taken over the management of the Boston Newspaper where she worked.

Cal is overwhelmed with his job duties and living up to his uncle's standards. He takes his godmother up on the use of her home in SweetBriar to rest and regroup.

It takes Cal a little while to figure out why Eliza is so perturbed at him. That just adds another level of aggravation to Eliza. Cal fired her and doesn't even know who she is.

The sparks really fly between these two right from the beginning I love the bantering these two have. There was some laugh out loud moments. The only downside to Eliza personality is that she very opionated and doesn't look at the bigger picture.

Eliza really struggled to see past Cal's social standing to see the real Cal. Cal doesn't help matters when she attends a social gala with him and she is treated no better than arm candy. I don't think he meant to treat her like this. I think he knew she was out of her element and he was trying to help but then on the other hand she can be pretty opinionated and talks first and thinks later.

He really is a very nice, upstanding guy, who is struggling himself with family duties. He's under a great deal of pressure trying to make every happy and make his parents proud.

These two have to make some tough decisions on future employment and relationships. What I really like about this book as you can visualize their individual struggles and I was very glad that they both took paths that made them happy.




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Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY 
Melinda Lazar 


WanderlustWanderlust by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

Oh my goodness. My heart is so full after finishing this book and even hours later I haven’t stopped thinking about Joy and Griffin and their story as a couple and their individual stories that brought them together.

Joy has newly transplanted herself from Austin to Paris, the city of lovvve where she happens upon gorgeous and delightful Griffin. Joy has moved for her job and Griffin is there to fulfill a bucket list and also act as an interpreter for individuals and companies requiring his services - which is fortuitous given that Joy barely speaks a word of French. They meet in a coffee shop and the attraction between them is instant but they wisely (if naively) nip the attraction in the bud when it becomes apparent that Griffin will be Joy’s interpreter throughout her time in Paris.

I don’t want to say much else about the book because I think it just needs to be experienced. Paris is a city I’ve always wanted to visit and reading Wanderlust made me feel like I was there. The sights, the smells, everything is described so beautifully that I felt like I was experiencing it through Griffin and Joy. Theirs is a really beautiful and romantic love story. They shared some of Blakely’s signature banter but there was so much more. I laughed as I’m wont to do and cried because some parts moved me so much. It really was Ç'est Magnifique!

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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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 ...