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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