The Beginning: A Prequel by N.M. Catalano

REVIEWED BY 

Ann Meemken

The Beginning: A Prequel by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this story we get to find out how Rock, Snake, Gringo, and Bull become the Program! I don't want to give this story away because it will give you great insight into what this amazing series has in store for it's readers. These guys will take you on an amazing ride. I look forward to reading the conclusion of this series!

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Stolen Kisses by Elena M. Reyes

REVIEWED BY

Isa Jones 

Stolen Kisses by Elena M. Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aww, this story was epically romantic. That love from afar but also the kind of love suddenly hits you. The characters were lovable and I loved the dual POV, loved their wittiness and the chemistry that they had. Funny how something which started as innocent can develop very quickly into a scorching passion.
Elena writes with such finesse and she completely transfixes me with some of her simple yet powerful quotes, one of my favorite was "Silently, I appraised her with a raised brow. Not that I wasn’t appreciative of the appeasing response to my inaudible question, but what prompted my beauty to come back? To come and soothe the raging inferno of envy that was scorching my veins?".
Just perfection!

4.5 STARS
Reviewed by Isa for Jo&Isalovebooks Review Team.

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Co-Ed by Rachel Van Dyken

REVIEWED BY 

MELINDA LAZAR 

Co-Ed by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Co-Ed by Rachel Van Dyken
4.5*

Being a fan of the Wingmen books, I was quite looking forward to Co-Ed, a Wingmen spin-off. Spin-offs and sequels can be a hard act to follow and, speaking for myself, I occasionally feel a little apprehensive about digging in: will it be as good as the previous? Will I like the characters? Do I really want to read a reverse-harem book with college-aged characters? Uhhhh yes. To all of the above.

I actually don’t want to say too much about this book at the risk of giving too many details away. But first of all, don’t be alarmed that it’s a reverse-harem book. Co-Ed certainly has elements of RH but it’s not a true RH - it’s Van Dyken’s spin on it. Second, the characters in this book are just so damn likable! Every single one of the Pleasure Ponies and Slater and Shawn had my enthusiasm for their character and I definitely want HEAs all-round, please and thanks! Overall, this book had so much humor which is something I’m always looking for. However, it also had a serious and yeah, sad aspect to it that I wasn’t expecting but welcomed wholeheartedly.

The book essentially covers many different relationship types, be it romantic, friendship, or brotherhood and I loved exploring each and every one of them. This is a great start to what I’m really hoping will be a series because Wingmen cannot stop here!

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Fallen Angel Part 5 A Mafia Romance by Tracie Podger

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

Fallen Angel, Part 5 - A mafia romance by Tracie Podger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe she did that. I swear she did. If you don’t want to find out what she did, don’t carry on reading.


They're DEAD! There is no coming back from that. She might as well have reached in and ripped my heart out. Who’s dead? Well, that I am not telling you. Just be prepared to mourn some of your favourite characters. It’s been a few days since I finished reading this instalment in what has been a phenomenal series, and honestly, I still can’t get over it. I mean I understand that someone had to pay, someone was definitely going to die, but why, for the love of God why them.

There can never be anyone like Robert Stone. His character captivated me just as it did Brooke from book one. This has truly been an awesome ride of love, hate, violence, gentleness, sexiness and frankly scary at times, but so, so good.

There’s a war coming that much is clear. I hate it, I don’t want there to be. I want everyone to have a happily ever after, but that only happens in fairy tales, and people this is no fairy tale.

I love the way this story has been set out hearing the events of past and present from two very powerful men. It certainly gets the juices flowing.

Out of all the book series I have read and loved it’s this one that I don’t want to be over, ever. I know that’s a tall order, but it’s my wish for the remaining characters to take me on a never-ending journey of all things mafia, Italy and of course sexy times for me to smile about.

If you love mafia romance and have never even read book one. I encourage you to pick it up today. You will be in for an awesome ride that you will not want to get off. For all of the readers who have already read the previous books in this series, well hold onto your knickers and your heart because sh*t got real.

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Tame by Colet Abedi

REVIEWED BY
Isa Jones

Tame by Colet Abedi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is nothing tame about this HOT story. Michael and Abby ignite the chapters with their pent-up sexual tension and have you reading faster to get to the end of the book. This is the first book I have read from Colet and I can say it won't be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed her writing.

I love any story with a powerful Alpha male, and Colet has given me the perfect example of power, dominance, and passion with her book, Tame. Michael is rich and handsome but he is also broody, and at times I wished I had an insight into his mind to understand some of his motives, I don't think I have ever spoken to a character out loud that much just edging him to get some balls and go for what he wanted, LOL. Michael has been Abby's "protector" since their infancy, well he is older than Abbi, so she was a child but he has been there for her ever since she can remember, fighting her battles and being the perfect hero. Unfortunately for Abby, this attraction is one way for many years (or so she thinks) so she builds her life even to the extent of getting engaged to a prominent man. When she breaks it off and decides to take the reins of her life, it all goes terribly wrong, until one day when the man of her dreams, Michael, finds her and offers her a job. It should have been easy, there is an undeniable attraction between them, clearly, Michael wants her as much as she desires him, but things aren't so straightforward, the untamable is reluctant to give in and he keeps sending all wrong signals giving poor Abby a case of whiplash.

I loved this book, it was a very enjoyable read and it had a solid plot with great characters. We knew we were going in for a wild ride but still it had me entertained and guessing the next move.
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.

5 UNTAMABLE STARS. Isa for Joandisalovebooks Review Team.

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The Perfect Find by Tia Williams

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard  

The Perfect Find by Tia Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4-4.5 stars

Another author recommended this book and having noted it a while ago, I’m glad I decided to follow up on it because this book is a lot of things. It’s age difference, it’s so incredibly funny and it about impossible love. I savoured this read because I lacked reading time and really this helped me dwell in the book for a week.

I love an older woman, younger man trope and this book worked that angle so damn well. Age isn’t their only complication, being colleagues and a familial connection makes this ten times worse. These two however, bond over friendship, similarities, shared love of things and it’s a lovely slow spiral. There’s a fair amount of spatting too.

“Look,” said Eric, “we had such a promising start to this conversation. We can’t do yesterday again. I have banter burnout.”

And banter is right, the dialogue and interactions were everything and so well written.

Jenna is such a ‘real’ character, flawed, sometimes ridiculous with a huge heart. I found her to be a strong woman, such that I could be satisfied with her decisions. She had learnt what she didn’t want in life and sought better; I admired her. Eric was a hot, immature and yet sweet guy, he grew on me. These two together were something but more than that there was a longing, a deeper connection.

“It was like she’d left her personality in a cab somewhere years ago, and he’d found it, dusted it off, and delivered it to her doorstep wrapped in a red velvet bow. She felt alive, understood, -and drop-dead sexy.”

So, this is contemporary romance done good, it felt different to what’s generally out there and I devoured that spark of uniqueness and humor. Highly recommended.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.



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Let Me In by Luna David

REVIEWED BY

Isa Jones

Let Me In by Luna David
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a complete page-turner, it was kinky but it was also wonderfully written and provided a powerful story, with many elements for all lovers of a good MM Romance.

Luna has produced a solid story. I went in blind and just wanted to enjoy the experience. I knew it was a kinky read but I was opened minded and prepared to read this, I was completely lost and loved every minute of it.
Liam is only 22 years old but he is mature for his age and due to his mother's alcoholism abuse has had to provide for him and his sister, working three jobs from a very early age, he is extremely dedicated to making the best of the dire situation, but all that responsibility and the pressure of all the jobs and making sure his sister is well looked after is beginning to take a toll on him. He dreams of having someone taking that responsibility and who he can depend on, so he longs that his latest ad he placed on a Daddy app to pick up a hit.
Cash is a forty-something entrepreneur who loves to one day become someone's forever Daddy. His current boy, Tommy, is heading to beginning a new chapter in his life and in spite of having a fantastic relationship and loving each other they both know they are not in love with one another. Tommy's main concern is to make sure Cash is not left alone, he knows if he leaves it to the "old man" he will become complacent and not put himself out there and he has so much to offer, he is rich and hot but most of all he knows he has that caring ability that a good Daddy needs. So Tommy wastes no time and places an add to look for the best boy for Cash.

Liam and Cash don't have the best of first impressions and even after things seem to slowly start building up there is something that is keeping Cash from letting go. Liam is so ready to fall in love, he is the perfect boy, the perfect submissive but also is smart and independent, there is so much love in his heart to give that some of the events that occur throughout the story are heartbreaking to read. Luna brought me to tears several times but this is just a sign of an outstanding read.

There was not one dull moment and the dialogues were powerful and well delivered. I was very privileged to have received an ARC of this magnificent book and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
In my opinion, Kinky is the new black, and Let me In had it in spades! A must read of 2018!


5 KINKY STARS. Isa for Joandisalovebooks Review Team.

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Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting patiently for Flynn to come to my hot little hands, and Yay! Here it is!
Being the identical twin of Dylan in Stud Finder (1001 Dark Nights), I just knew I was going to love him.

Flynn gets hit up every day for something or another.... marriage proposals, funding a new idea for an app, attending charity events. Little did he know that an Angel was sent to make his life more interesting and better. The night they met was like starlight, and fireworks and all the diamonds in the night's sky! They both didn't know what was just around the corner for each other.

There were a few things I loved about this book. Firstly this couple was both cute and enigmatic. Their "dates" for discovering NYC were super interesting. I have jotted down a few so I can look them up next time I am in that city. I admired their maturity and the way they handled their complexed dilemma. There were so many different drama filled divergents this could have gone, but these two were cultured and honest which made for intelligent decisions.

If you love an adorkable, nerdy and sexy character that has plenty of banter with his equally as smart and witty female lead, then you will just treasure this one as much as I did.

*I am grateful for the copy provided for my honest opinion.
**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY 

Melinda Lazar 

Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely

I’ve been on the hunt for a historical romance where the main characters meet at a masquerade. I’ve also been impatiently waiting for Flynn’s book after reading Stud Finder. While Come As You Are is as far from a historical romance as you can get, Sabrina and Flynn’s story had some cute nods to regency-era books that it hit the spot for me on more than one level.

Sabrina and Flynn meet and have one hell of a hot and anonymous encounter at a masquerade ball. They leave with promises to get in touch and does Flynn deliver on that? Why, yes. Yes he does! They plan their next meeting still withholding names and faces so imagine their utter dismay when it turns out that Sabrina’s next job as a reporter is focused on Flynn. Conflict of interest, anyone? These two put the cork in their very obvious feelings and attraction for each other and go about things the mature way, the way that won’t cause problems for Sabrina and won’t breach Flynn’s trust issues.

While I loved pretty much every single part of this book, it definitely had moments that had me feeling just a little concerned. I could feel the affection and later, love Sabrina and Flynn had for each other pouring from every page but I couldn’t see how they’d manage to work things out without compromising Sabrina’s ethics but I should have never for a moment doubted Blakely! She ultimately delivered a sexy and romantic story with some delightful banter - if I could, I would crown her the Banter Queen! - and amazing characters. I loved both Sabrina and Flynn - and the cast of side characters - unabashedly and was rooting for them the whole way through. This is absolutely another wonderful read from Blakely.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Love Coupon by Ainslie Paton

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

The Love Coupon by Ainslie Paton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book in this series THE LOVE EXPERIMENT and I was super excited to see if the same quality of writing and characters could be replicated but differently. I can report that the answer is yes. THE LOVE COUPON has two rather different characters (thankfully) but they have the same level of chemistry, hilarious connection and banter. I am of the mind that Ainslie Paton writes some of the best dialogue out there.

Flick is an acquaintance of Tom’s and she wrangles an agreement out of him to rent his spare room for a fixed term till she moves for her new job. Tom is organisation and tidiness epitomised whilst Flick is spontaneous and a little messy.

“Landlord and roommate with extracurricular activities on the side. You cook and ***k like a god. I try to stay tidy and be your ***k goddess. We get to have a good time before we go our separate ways.”

The build of their connection was fun and hot to observe. Their banter was electric and kept me so very entertained. Sometimes side characters are important in a story, but with this book, there is only Tom and Flick. I could be a fly on their wall forever. I loved the concept of love coupons, it worked brilliantly and I waited for each to play out.

“It was unclear what kind of relationship they had. Tormented and victim, maybe.”

I am here for what Ainslie Paton has to offer next, she has talent, she needs more exposure.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Rebel Heir by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

REVIEWED BY
Isa Jones

Rebel Heir by Vi Keeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward are a case of "Practice Makes Perfect"!

I have been so lucky to have read the stories written by this dynamic duo and in my very humble opinion, this has been their finest work to date. The story is not finished, oh no, by far isn't done and the next few weeks would be an excruciating wait til we get the next installment. They left this first part on a catalyst ending that will certainly provide a poignant ending to the duet.

I want to say so much, it's like my mind is on playback and just wants to share my experience with the world, however, I don't think I can do it without giving something away. In short, the story goes something like this:
Gia goes to help a friend in need and needs to do a stint at the bar she works at. However, she is not doing a good job catching the attention of angry patrons. Suddenly it's not only the patrons who can see that Gia doesn't know the difference between a mojito and a caipirinha LOL. Rush, the owner, who is God's version of perfection, is fuming to discover a strange girl behind his bar, particularly one who is screwing every single drink she is serving. When the two finally set eye to eye, Rush never expects the sass and no-nonsense attitude that Gia throws back at him. It is this moment that sets the tone and creates the perfect setting for the storyline, there are certain elements which seem predictable but Vi and Penelope just know how to keep throwing new elements at us. They just give the reader those "will they" "won't they" "OMG they did" moments. Personally, this has been their most engaging book and I can honestly say RUSH is my ideal book boyfriend, read this book and you will understand why.
THIS WAS THE BEST KIND OF RUSH in a literary and character way. LOVED EVERY SECOND.

ARC received with thanks for an honest review.

5 REBELLIOUS STARS. Isa for Jo&Isalovebooks Review Team.

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Worth Every Risk by Terri E. Laine and A.M. Hargrove

REVIEWED BY

Isa Jones

Worth Every Risk by Terri E. Laine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have the pleasure of reading from these Authors and I loved every second. I can say I had a certain expectation but sometimes when we read the blurb we prepare to read a certain type of story and I have to say with this book I was pleasantly surprised it was so much more. Yes, it was a second chance romance, but it was written in such a way that the reader completely gets lost and you can feel every emotion, throughout the book, you keep second guessing what is going to happen next.
I love dual POV's books and Worth Every Risk gave me the opportunity to understand both characters and truly enjoy their interactions, and loved both Andi and Chase. Having two kids who love to play the game, football has been an important part of our lives, so it was also great to get a glimpse inside the mind of someone who is successful in the field along with the trials, tribulations, and sacrifices that entails becoming the best.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

5 STARRS. Isa for Joandisalovebooks

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Rebel Heir by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

Rebel Heir by Vi Keeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was worried at first when I picked this book up and started to read it. I was anxious if the hype matched the actual story. I love it when these two authors come together and collaborate, especially that cocky Aussie goat lover. And at the beginning, I wasn’t feeling it.... Rush is portrayed as a brooding jerk that doesn’t do relationships but from the get-go, he is showing all signs of doing “boyfriend” semblance. And then it clicked in for me - that is exactly what reaction he has with meeting Gia, she was someone he had never come across before and it threw him off balance. His heart knew it, but it took a long time for his head to catch up.

Of course, I can’t divulge too much here but know that it is a scintillating read. The way their relationship develops is very touching and also quite funny. Gia gives as good as she gets from Rush. The nicknames he comes up with for her are cute and appropriate. She has only one for him, Bossman, which gets a smirk out of Rush. There are also moments that had me in tears. Is there a cliffhanger? Well yeah, it’s a duet. Something happens that rocks them to the core, and just when you see the light at the end of the tunnel, you are hit with another bombshell. I did see it coming, but it just made for the build-up of angst go higher and higher. I honestly don’t know how they can recover from this one. The countdown is on for me till I can get my hands on Book Two and see how it all pans out.

*I am grateful for the copy provided by the authors for my honest opinion.
**Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Coming Unraveled by Renee Harless

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

Coming Unraveled by Renee Harless
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Coming Unraveled is Book 5 in the Welcome to Carson Series. This is the first book in the series I have read and had no trouble getting invested into the story. Though I think if if a reader reads the whole series they are in for a treat.

Brooks has been attracted to Everleigh ever since he saw her. It seems the snarker she is the more he's determined that she's his. The handsome doctor that there is more to her than meets the eye.

After a night of passion in Vegas Everleigh has the face the realization that they are now married and she has no memory of the wedding.

At first I'm not a very big fan of Everleigh's. She just comes across as mean. The further into the book I got the more I got to see glimpses of the real Everleigh. She's closes herself off from people to protect herself from being hurt.

Brooks is one in million. He is so kind hearted and seems to know just what Everleigh needs. Even things she's not even aware she wants. He knows there is more to her that what everyone sees. Truthfully I'm was impressed with how much patience he has. If it had been me I'd walked away a long time ago. Sometimes the things you have to fight the most for end up being more than worth it in the end.

Is Everleigh going to be successful at pushing Brooks away or is she going to realize how much he means to her before he shuts the door to their future.

What I absolutely love about this book is the wonderful characters. They have that small town vibe that is so heart warming that leaves you yearning for more. I also found this book very entertaining and even laughed a few times as I read along. I can't wait for the next addition to this wonderful series.



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DITCHED by R.C. Boldt

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

DITCHED by R.C. Boldt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ivy along with her foster sister, Darcy and friend, Leif found a successful nitch with their business Ditched. If you have a relationship that has run it's course and you're not sure how to end things gracefully, without drama, without backlash Ditched is who you call.

Becket Jones is NFL guarterback. This guy is not the typical big headed, strut their stuff sports star. He's very down to earth. Super nice guy and to put the cherry on top he's very good looking. ~sigh~

Due to her past Ivy does not do relationships and avoids the limelight at all cost. Becket is the opposite in regards to relationships. He's doesn't do one night stands.

I absolutely love the banter between these two. I also love the way Becket actually 'sees' Ivy and knows when to push and not to push.

As you read along you get trickles of Ivy's past but you know there's more to it and when she comes out in the open with it I was gutted for her but I was also so very proud of her of no longer letting it control her life and any possible future she has.

I also feel the secondary characters really added to this story. Blue is my girl!

When their present blows up they have to either work together or getting ditched.

This is the type of book I absolutely love. As I read along it just kept getting better and better.

Just going to put a thought out there....it would be awesome if Darcy has a story that involves either Dax or Tank.

**Reviewed by Tina for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog


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Sparks Fly by Lauren Runow

REVIEWED BY

Isa Jones

Sparks Fly by Lauren Runow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Author Lauren Runow.

I don't think I have read any book like this one and for this I was very glad as it allowed me to enjoyed the book free of comparisons and with a clean slate.

I genuinely loved both characters and the story had a nice flow, it was easy to read and the dialogues were perfectly engaging.

The clock is ticking for Prince Sage to make his decision of who will become his wife. Due to the rules of the monarchy He must choose a suitable bride before his 25th birthday, he has to interview the four prospective brides-to-be in an attempt to find "the one". In his ideal world he would prefer to be able to find someone for love rather than commitment, someone who can ignite his fire, someone who gives him a spark, but with duty knocking at his door the time has come to make his decision. He is a bad boy with a heart of gold and you can't help but fall madly head over heels for him.

Everly is facing the prospect of becoming Queen of her country, with the Prince in need of a bride and her lineage the stars are aligning for them. However, she wants nothing to do with duty and wants to find her true Prince charming who can make her fall in love.

After a few trials and tribulations Sage and Everly find themselves on a cuspid of change, he must show Everly that together they can bring the change they wanted for their monarchy, and he will stop at nothing until he can show her how explosive and magical they can be together.

Passionate, loving, ROYALLY EPIC

5 STARS. Isa for Jo &Isalovebooks Review Team.


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Sparks Fly by Lauren Runow

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe 

Sparks Fly by Lauren Runow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's Prince Sage's duty to marry before his 25th Birthday. His bride-to-be must be of certain lineage. He has to chose between 4 candidates.

Everly is not thrilled to be one of the candidates, though her mom, sees this opportunity as Everly's life to take a much higher path than her own. Her mom left royalty behind to marry Everly's dad, a commoner.

What I really like Everly's character is that she is comfortable in her own skin. She is her own woman and doesn't change herself to please anyone not even the King. Which puts her out of the running, not that she cares. She only wants to marry for money.

Through solving a puzzle she gets to know Sage without knowing that it's really him.

What impressed me about Sage is that he is very dedicated to helping others. Even when he wasn't allowed to help others in his country due to his father's idea of what their 'image' should he traveled to other country's to provide help where needed. His greatest dream is to become King and use his time as reign as a period of change for his country and the citizens.

Together Sage and Everly connect on so many levels and you can just invision the many great changes the country will have with them in control. Sage's father is going to do everything in his power to make sure they do not end up together. Sage is just as determined to prove love can conquer all.

I just want to say that the King is ruthless and Marie is appalling. I also love Sage's partners in crime, Logan and Joey.



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HOTHEAD by Stella Rhys

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

Hothead by Stella Rhys
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really excited to learn that Evie, best friend of Aly from Dirty Deeds, was getting her own standalone book. I was more excited when the brooding Drew Maddox was going to be her love interest. You might remember he is the best friend of Aly's fiancé Emmett. I just knew it was going to be an amazing ride.

Drew can be hotheaded, he can be a jerk, but you will definitely know where you stand with him. He makes no apologies for his directness. I feel it is due to the fact that life has thrown him some major curve balls which has made him very cynical. But there is still hope for him yet, there is at least one person he can trust, his best mate Emmett. If he opened up his circle of trust just a little more, there would be an incredible woman for him too.

Evie Larsen has struggled most of her life, and it has made her a battler. Even when the odds are against her, she will strive to be positive and assertive. She takes a major tumble when her long time high school sweetheart ends their relationship. A chance meeting with Drew, and her whole world takes on a very different direction. I loved Evie's tenacity! I loved her believe in the good of people, her trust. I also loved the strong family values she held high, even if she had been pushed to her limits.

The chemistry between these two were off the charts from the very beginning. I admired how Evie held her own going up against Drew's smart mouth. The intensity of their passion was engaging and dynamic. To watch Drew become vulnerable with his heart was so sweet and swoony. It may take him a while to catch up with Evie, but he gets there in the end.


*I am grateful for the early copy provided by the author for an honest review.
**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Dirty by Callie Hart

REVIEWED BY 

Becky Cox

Dirty by Callie Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dirty is my kind of perfect. A bit dark, steamy, fast paced with witty banter.

The cliffhanger ending is awesome! Makes me want to throw my kindle and scream, so yeah, pretty perfect.

Sera and Fix story is enemies to lovers to enemies to ....well we will have to wait and find out.

Callie is an excellent story teller and her dialogue is spot on. I like when characters speak like real people. Fix and Sera get into an awkward situation because of a storm. She ends up seeing something she shouldn’t and we’re off on an adventure.

Great story. Can’t wait for the next one!

I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks


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Mr. So Wrong by R.C. Stephens

REVIEWED BY

Becky Cox 

Mr. So Wrong by R.C. Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sam and Al’s story is definitely entertaining. Sams’s dad adds a lot to the story as do her friends. Sams and Al both have issues and I enjoyed the revealing of their histories.

Plenty of sarcasm and cheeky comments, both of which I love. Country bumpkin and city slicker make for great fun.

Mr. So Wrong is faced paced and attention holding. Plenty of action and lots of chemistry. Enjoyed this one very much as I did the first book. This can be read as a stand-alone with no problem.

Witty, well written and entertaining! Enjoy!

I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLovesBooks.

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Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deep breath.

“Six months after Noemi’s departure, Abel still has to consciously steer his thoughts to other topics daily. Maybe human love is different. Maybe it’s weak, as variable as the weather and so as emphemeral as a breeze. Abel’s love is not.”

DEFY THE WORLDS jumped literally into action with this sequel with the pacing, writing and characterisation that fulfilled my desire for more from this trilogy. Noemi and Abel were left on different sides of the gate but their stories were compelling and at times in parallel. Both these two were challenged by prejudice for different and yet similar reasons, not fitting in and yet rising above their peers for all the best reasons.

Mansfield and his chilling daughter I thought were a great evil component until I met ‘Chucky’, who absolutely gave me the heebie geebies in every way. There were some skilful plot devices and I find I’m here for the baddies created in Claudia Gray’s mind.

Abel was the character that stole my attention however, ever evolving, loyal beyond Direction One and with one intention. He was the mech and man of integrity for me.

“As he understands it, love is not transactional; it is a thing freely given. The joy is in the giving.”

Noemi was not as constant, her loyalty to Genesis superseded often but I do believe that Noemi was on a grander journey of self and I’ve enjoying observing her, whether she was all action or occasional contemplation.

The grand plot takes you beyond what you know from DEFY THE STARS and so the story opened up even more; concentration is needed. I found some pacing issues in the latter half but I remained engaged. I cannot speak to where I am left other than I need the next part of this story, so very much.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My eyes are literally made of stars right now, dazzled, book-drunk stars. This book epitomises why YA is the sweetest spot to exist as it now joins a little collection of ‘YA-beats-all-other-genres’ books.

STARRY EYES is a real and beautiful tale of a friendship gone wrong somewhere, of families flawed and complex and a second chance at restoring friendship and love. Zorrie is a nerdy, budding astronomer with allergies and an organisation obsession. Lennon, her ex-best friend is a swoony, buff boy-man goth and he is a beta-male who stole my heart after 10 seconds. I am Lennon’s biggest fan club. This guy had the foundation of a beautiful, capable, caring human being. Zorrie and Lennon had pseudo-hate sliced with all the chemistry in the world and I just wanted to read about them forever.

Zorrie and Lennon had unconventional family contexts and one of the strong points about this story for me was that the mess that occurred in the familes wasn’t neatly tied up and restored to utopian perfection. In other words, this was one of the most real depictions of family in YA because whilst they are often flawed in YA, they normally are all okay by the end.

The story was full, rounded, deep, beautiful and captivating. The starry skies are a theme throughout and I loved this. The journey of hiking and camping floated my own recreation boat more than I can say but it was Zorrie and Lennon’s figurative hike through their problems and budding relationship that was the most wonderful thing about this book. Do you hear me swoon?

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so relaxed - sexlaxation, Lennon dubs it, and says he’ll make a fortune marketing it as a cure for allergies and stress.”.

Surprisingly, this is my first Jenn Bennett book, despite meaning to read her others. I’ll get on this now, considering she’s just written one of my favourite YA books ever.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Hot Daddy by Lila Monroe

REVIEWED BY 

Monique Cashmere

Hot Daddy by Lila Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am enjoying this series, the Billionaire Bachelors. This one is a charming quick read that had some humor and a little angst. It’s a second chance romance with a couple that have an instant attraction from the get-go when they met three years ago. Times flies, and with work commitments they meet up again in strange circumstances. But that attraction is still prominent even when it’s now unprofessional.

Cal is in a jam, and needs someone proficient in being his fake fiancé for 10 days. Jules is in between jobs, so when Olivia calls her to help Cal out, she agreed not fully knowing what was install for her. Mistakes are made, and at a price for both parties.

As I said, it is a very quick read and one that is full of sweet moments between them. Of course, when there is angst, there is also a dilemma. I know I said it with the first book, and I feel I have the same worriment again that I want the hero to work harder in winning back his sole mate. In saying that, I am eager to read Olivia and Ryan’s story.

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

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The Birthday List by Devney Perry

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere

The Birthday List by Devney Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first Devney Perry book, and I feel I started with a beauty!
I will be looking into her other books, and giving them a go too. Love this writers work.

I believe that she is an author of some fervent and passionate contemporary romance novels, and this one is exactly that. My heart just ached for Poppy and her anguish. She had the best life, a husband who adored her, and a great job - she was extremely happy until..... that tragic day Jamie her husband went out and never made it home again. I would have been just as a hot mess as Poppy was. She was brave and plucky, but her moments of sorrow were very touching. Trying to pull herself out of a deep depression, she decides that fulfilling Jamie's Birthday List might bring her closure and peace of mind. What she wasn't expecting was to find a man who could wait it out for her until she was ready to put her past behind her. Cole had the patience of a saint. He was gloriously swoony. He doted on Poppy and knew when she required space or when she needed someone to help her achieve the list. He was the perfect balance of commanding and endearing. There were a few things that bonded them, but what I loved the most was their strong family values, it resinates with me immensely.

Do I recommend this book? In A Heartbeat!

*I am grateful for the copy provided for my honest opinion.
**Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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The Boy and His Ribbon by Pepper Winters

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

The Boy and His Ribbon by Pepper Winters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I don't know how to categorise the genre of this book because the story is a metamorphosis of character growth in age and maturity. THE BOY AND HIS RIBBON is a story of becoming family, escaping abuse but never really being free. This is a tale told over a number of years, everything in this book has a tangible and realistic timeline.

The two characters in this book are Ren Wild the boy on the run and his little fellow escapee Della Ribbon. These two were enchanting characters to read; beautiful souls. Ren knocked my socks off as a care giver, his love for Della evolved and bloomed as he fathered-her, brothered-her, best-friended-her. He was utterly selfless in carving out life and survival for his Ribbon and himself. The bond between these two was seemingly unbreakable. Della evolved the most in this book, growing from babe to teen and she was a complex, fiercely-loving and possessive girl.

"He treated me as capable and brave and bright, and that's what I became because I never wanted to let him down because he would never let me down. Simple as that."

The story is narrated from a dual POV with an emphasis on Ren's perspective but Della then reflecting back on her experiences. I felt there were two distinct phases in this book, both difficult but certainly the latter years, more complex and challenging. There is a discomfort to the story direction that challenged my allegiances, my personal morality and it's a bit of noodled-mess of thinking right now. However, I could not look away, it was an addictive story, compelling in the best way.

I have thoughts about where I think the next book's story line is going and I'm full of trepidation over it but longing to read it nevertheless. I enjoyed Pepper Winter's writing in this immensely, especially the childhood era of Della and Ren.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.



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