For Lila, Forever by WInter Renshaw

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

For Lila, Forever by Winter Renshaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The latest book from Winter Renshaw is a contemporary romance told in dual POV about a journey of a summer love to ten years later when they meet up again and all the ugly truths come out. Thayer and Lila meet on his family’s island where he holidays for the summer and she is there tending to their needs, being the granddaughter of the caretakers. He was infatuated from first sight and after she learnt to trust him, they started their forbidden relationship.

I read this book in one sitting, entranced by this couple. Thayer was very attentive and had a sense of optimism that was infectiously sweet. Even though Lila was the total opposite, she had a work ethic and strong personality that I admire. I enjoyed the layout of the book with the storyline alternating from past to present. It gave the novel a sense of anticipation and it was very easy to follow. I was swept along with the build-up of the rendezvous in the initial summer and how Thayer came about finding Lila again. What I did struggle with was the quickness to their reconciliation. I would have like to see them discover each other again, as people change a lot in ten years. We never did find out what Thayer’s tattoos were about, that still has me thinking. The epilogue gave me a conclusion that made sense and made me smile for all the outcomes.

** Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Emily Eternal by M.G. Wheaton

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

Emily Eternal by M.G. Wheaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an unpredictable sci-fi about a suddenly changing earth in the face of the sun turning red giant and an artificial consciousness, Emily. Emily is the protagonist and she’s spent a few years adjusting to humanity, trying to become as human and empathetic as she can.

Emily grew exponentially from a cog in a wheel, a team player in a university scientific department, to working independently for the good of humanity. Her decisions and actions were sometimes questionable and I never knew what was around the corner. The side characters were enjoyable elements, especially Jason and Nathan.

“I sweep across the world like the break of dawn.”
“In that regard, I suppose I understand the comparison to a god. What I am doing is, in fact, godlike.....except for one detail - shouldn’t a god be benevolent?”

This was a gripping story from the beginning with the occasional moment of craziness where I thought, where is this going? Then, the penny would drop, jigsaw pieces would fall into place and I’d have an ah-ha moment. It was a clever plot, most of which was reasonably easy to follow. There were some out there moments in the last 10% as the story reached its culmination, but overall this was a satisfying read that I would recommend to all sci-fi fans.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book from Hodderscape.

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AMAZON UK

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

This book was a really special one, full of awkwardness and heart and utterly endearing characters.

Annika and Jonathan meet in college at chess club in 1991. While others look at Annika and see an oddity, Jonathan sees her in quite a different light and is one to appreciate her as she is. For reasons you’ll have to read about, there is a heartbreaking breakup and the two don’t see each other until ten years later in Chicago.

The book skips back and forth between the then and now, between 1991 and 2001 and is written so beautifully that we get to experience every feeling, uncertainty, anxiety Annika and Jonathan go through. Every heartache and every heartbreak. I don’t want to say too much but I will say that I adored this book and the characters - ALL of them. Annika captured my heart and Jonathan just stole and ran away with it.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.






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The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Delightful and witty with a great story to keep the reader fully engaged, THE AUSTEN PLAYBOOK continued the series with the same quality of writing and development of characters that I have come to expect from Lucy Parker.

Book four took the setting outside of London to Grumpy Griff’s (Ford-Griffen) country seat. Griff was a TV/stage critic whilst managing the failing finances of his family’s home. Griff had thrown a few review punches at Freddy, the quirky heroine, in the past. Freddy was a breath of positive fresh air with some vulnerabilities hidden behind the ‘everything will be okay’ facade. I took to her immediately.

“He was frequently rude, definitely a Slytherin, and clearly viewed her as a sort of irritating insect who kept buzzing around his space, but there was something very reassuring about his solid warmth when she hurt.”

There was an interwoven backstory behind the main story of a play in the country. Freddy and Griff were thrown into each other’s paths and there was a persistent, bubbling chemistry between them. I had all the feelings when they were interacting, either with looks or banter.

“It was more than physical; it was a building and layering of a bond that went much deeper than that.”

As well as the clever backstory (which Parker conveys with ease), there were a literal cast of side characters, brothers, mean girls, fathers, colleagues and sisters. There is something about the acting world on stage that Lucy Parker translates so well to the reader. The English setting was spot on as always with dialogue, colloquialisms and contexts. The banter and dialogue were engaging. My only little niggle was the unstated dual POV, I loved the dual POV but had ‘who is this’ moments, however I did settle into it.

I can’t recommend this series enough and the best thing is they standalone, you can dip your toe into any of them and read out of order if that’s how you roll. Go discover Lucy Parker and you won’t regret it.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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Collision by Victor Dixen

REVIEWED BY

Micky Barnard 

Collision by Victor Dixen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you’ve been listening to me for the last 18 months, I’ve been enjoying Victor Dixen’s series immensely and highly anticipating COLLISION. I feel satisfied with the culmination but it was one crazy ride! I have felt angst, suspense and desperation for answers.

So many unexpected events occurred in COLLISION despite the cliff that DISTORTION left us with. I felt pretty shocked in particular, at the turns in some of the characters’ behaviours. Everything you think you knew about the couples and individuals were thrown up in the air and came down in a different way; I gasped. I didn’t care for the Marcus storyline as much as the others.

Leonor remained the most solid, reliable character and protagonist. Mozart grew on me more. Serena McBee, well she surpassed the scale of devious and evil with some revelations no one could see coming. I felt frustrated with Earth politics at times, wanting to get back to Mars. Andrew and Harmonie were at the forefront a lot which brought some exciting developments.

Victor Dixon knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats and in some ways, I still am left in suspense with some elements left unanswered but acknowledged as such. This is a series that is memorable and I do hope he will write more in the world of sci-fi. Thank you, it’s been a ride!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

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AMAZON UK

Time by Penny Reid

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Time by Penny Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Law of Physics Book 3: Time by Penny Reid
3.5*

Mona and Abram’s story continues in this final installment of this series. They continued to be the utterly delightful and endearing characters that they have been throughout and it’s been an overall enjoyable journey to take with them. While *we* get to spend time with Mona and Abram, they spend most of their time apart in this book as they navigate the world of long-distance relationships with many other commitments. I enjoyed this book and loved the slow-burn. However, I felt as though something was missing for me and I can’t place my finger on exactly what it was. Nonetheless, it was a conclusion that suited the characters and, missing elements aside, it’s a series I’ll be returning to down the track.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Rose by Tiffany Reisz

REVIEWED BY

Becky Cox 

The Rose by Tiffany Reisz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tiffany has written a brilliant, naughty, clever story. Nobody writes a sex scene like Tiffany. She makes you feel like you are in the scene. (Fans self).

Mythological erotica, who knew?! Reisz is blazing a trail with her unique storylines yet again.

Erotic fantasy isn’t for everyone and I didn’t know it was for me until The Red. I’m a true believer now. ;-)

Lia’s story is a must read. Though grander and odder, the base of her troubles are basic hurdles we all experience. The need for love. The need for acceptance. The need to make our parents proud.

Speaking of parents, Lia’s are hysterical and make me think that would have been Nora’s life had she not met Soren.

It was a joy to read and I look forward to more from this amazingly talented author!

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AMAZON

Mad About Moon by Melissa Foster

REVIEWED BY

Jackie Vanhinsbergh

Mad About Moon by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another brilliant book by Melissa Foster. This is Jed Moon and Josie Beckley's story. Josie is Sarah and Scott's long lost sister. Josie has trouble from her past, and some of it is mistakenly directed at her siblings. Jed breaks down her emotional walls and into her and son Hail's, heart. As usual, the Whiskey's provide strength and protection, helping Josie find her way back to her family. A lovely read and an absolute joy to read. I volunteered to read this as an ARC – giving my honest opinion.

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AMAZON UK

Fahrenheit by Leigh Lennon

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe 

Fahrenheit by Leigh Lennon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Scarlett has been dating two men and can't decide between them as she loves them both. Levi, the hot, sexy, fire firefighter has a solution and goes to Jordan, the very attractive doctor and suggests that they share Scarlett so that they both don't lose her. Jordan is straight. Levi would love to have a relationship with both Scarlett and Jordan but is allowing Jordan to set to grounds of the relationship.

As the story unfolds Jordan fights his building attraction to Levi and also deals with the confusion of those feelings. We are given insight into Scarlett's upbringing which pulls on the heartstrings.

What I enjoyed about this story besides the hotness of the sex scenes and chemistry between these three is the twist of intrigue and suspense.

An amazing book that I really enjoyed.



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Snitches Get Stitches by Lani Lynn Vale

REVIEWED BY 

Tina Shobe 

Snitches Get Stitches by Lani Lynn Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Josiah (Liner) Paldecki hates Tara for what she put his friend and MC brother Rome and their son through. Though on one of their visits he can't let go of a visit they had where he felt Tara with surprisingly blue eyes was a different person.

He begins an investigation of his own and soon discovers a horrifying truth, a twin sister, Theo, who has been abused for the majority of her life. She really has a very sick family. It is very heart-wrenching when she mentions the types of abuse she had throughout the book.

Mother nature helps them out with a tornado that leads to Theo escaping and Liner takes from there. But no way does the story stop there. There are lots of twists and turns and wonderful intrigue in this story. My best kind of read.

There are wonderful secondary characters in this books that first give Liner a hard time because he's helping out who they thought was Tara out first and then because he is a 'brother' they have his back no matter what. That is what a real family is.

The only disappointment I had in this book was that her brother, Tyson was killed. I was really hoping he'd get his happily ever after too. He did a lot of protecting both Theo and Linnie.



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Gun Shot Heart by Sam Destiny

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe 

Gun Shot Heart by Sam Destiny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One thing that Blake does not do is relationships. Because of his job as a cop he does not want someone waiting for him not to come home one day. Tia is a bartender and basically has no life for herself as she's helping (mainly raising) her nieces and nephew. Blake and Tia hook up for a night.

When bartenders who resemble Tia are being killed Blake does everything in his power to protect her. Along the way, he's drawn into her everyday life and is realizing that there might be something worth taking a risk for.

With Blake in her life, Tia is opening her eyes that as much as she loves her nieces and nephew that something is off with her relationship with her sister. That the time is now to take control of her own life. Tia is such a very strong person.

I love the suspense, the mystery and intrigue of this book. My favorite type of book!





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Meet Cute by Helena Hunting

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 🌟s

Meet Cute is just that - It's Cute! But it is so much more than that as well. When I saw the cover, I thought I was in for a light hearted rom-com, but that is not the case, and it wasn't a bad thing either. It is a book that will give you all the feels. There is some classic Hunting humor that had me smiling and snorting in parts but you will experience heartache along with Daxton and his little sister Emme. Kailyn is no stranger to what they are going through and she is the absolute right person to help them navigate through this period of their lives, even the Aisle of Red!

You could classify this novel in a few tropes, it could fall into the crush to friends/enemies to friends to lovers (that was a mouthful)! There is also the single parent side that was very touching and emotional to witness. It is not all sad and angsty, as I said there is some brilliant humor and also a delightful love story to makes this novel complete.

Kailyn is someone I would want in my corner if I ever needed a lawyer or any sort of help. She was a pillar of strength but also had the kindest heart. She is a little bit wicked too, which was engrossing to Dax. Daxton oh Dax.... what can I tell you, he was charming and smart and oh so swoony. The way he takes on his new responsibility full heartedly was inspiring and moving. I felt so much empathy for him. I think I would be a fangirl too if I ever ran into him!

I feel this book will connect with so many readers, and that's why I would recommend that you give this one a go.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Monique for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Before We Fell by Stacey Lynn

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe 

Before We Fell by Stacey Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Noah has done everything and is doing everything he can for his niece Riley including giving up his high power job. When when I read what is causing her not to talk and communicate with others I was gutted. Her teacher, Lauren is the type of teacher that is fully invested in her students and wants to reach them on whatever level she can. I really admire Lauren. She does not back down from Noah. She has both Riley and Noah's best interest at heart.

Though Noah and Lauren fight their chemistry at first it becomes too powerful not to give in. Just when life seems to be looking like there is a bright future for the three of them their world is blown apart by the one person that has practically ruined Lauren's life since childhood. A person that Lauren has no responsibility for. How is it fair that Lauren has to continuously pay for his actions.

On the other-hand how is Noah supposed to overlook that the person who is so closely connected to Lauren destroyed Riley and Noah's life. How do you get beyond that.

A warning alert: you'll want tissues close at hand when reading this book. At least I had to have them. This book is extremely well written.



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Nobody Does It Better by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Nobody Does it Better by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nobody Does It Better by Lauren Blakely

This book has been so ridiculously anticipated especially after The Feel Good Factor that I read - no devoured - it in a matter of hours.

Vanessa is off-limits to Shaw and the prohibition has been firmly put in place by Perri, Shaw’s sister and Vanessa’s best friend. As much as Perri loves Shaw, she thinks he’s a player and isn’t good enough for her bestie. Understandable but a bit sad, really, given that both Vanessa and Shaw have deep feelings for each other that have been simmering for quite some time! In any event, give these two a snowstorm and they will use it to their advantage.

I loved it. Every damn word. I loved the realness of their relationship and the slow burn that’s been building up over the years and last two books. I loved the corny, cheesy jokes from Shaw that had me both chuckling and rolling my eyes. I loved Vanessa’s flirtatiousness and willingness to lay it all out. All in all, I thought this book was a fantastic forbidden RomCom and the multiple viewpoints enhanced my enjoyment hugely! Another winner from Blakely and I can’t wait to see what she’ll give us next.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Uncomplicated by K.M. Newhold

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

Uncomplicated by K.M. Neuhold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a spin-off from the HEATHENS INK series, and book two in the Inked series. But it can most certainly be read as a standalone. I mean clearly, I now want to read other books in this series, and more from this Author. You could say that I loved this story. MMM, yep, let's get it on.

So, this is a great story, but first, let me tell you who is who. First, we have Beau, beautifully sweet, but very insecure Beau. He’s a bartender, an outrageous flirt, and never likes an empty bed.
Then we have Cas, he’s a police officer, former military and basically sex on legs. Lastly, we have Finn, hunky, a little bit of bad boy but like Beau, he has an awful lot of self-doubt.

Beau and Cas live together. Roommates if you will, but they are also bed buddies when Beau doesn’t have another man in his bed. So weird, right? But not really when you keep reading.
Cas has to go off on some assignment, this being quite a regular thing, and when he’s away Beau has company over. Man or woman, he’s not fussy as long as he’s not alone. Beau doesn’t deal with being alone very well. Cas is apparently okay with this, well he is until he finds the courage to speak up.

While Cas is away for a few weeks Beau meets Finn. Finn is really down on his luck and if there’s one thing that Beau can sense in another human being is loneliness. Beau and Finn become very close, and Cas can feel that things could be changing, or is he just being paranoid? Finn is falling for Beau, but knows once Cas is home that his time with Beau is over. Beau wants both Cas and Finn, but he's frightened of what may happen if he mentions this to Cas especially as doesn’t want to lose Cas.

OH MY GOD!! And then it happens. Cas comes home, climbs into bed with Beau, event though Beau has another man in his bed already. Its nothing out of the ordinary for them to have threesomes, but it’s late so no hanky panky is happening tonight. And then morning comes….. Beau isn’t in bed just Cas and yeah, Finn. Cas wakes up staring at Finn, Finn wakes up staring at Cas thinking he’s dreaming. And guess what? Cas and Finn already know each other. They were once in love. I know, right?

Beau, Cas and Finn had no clue that Cas was first Finn’s and vice versa. Needless to say Finn leaves, Beau promises Cas he’ll never touch Finn again, and they all go on living happily ever after. NOT!

Finn is in big trouble, his past has well and truly caught up with him. And Cas wants to save the day.

Things really do get complicated and intense over the next few weeks, but what happens in the end love always wins.
Love will find a way to make it right. Two men, three men it doesn’t matter how many men are in a relationship as long as they are happy.

This was a very detailed story. A brilliant love triangle with a twist. Danger, hot sex it had it all.

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One Love by K.A. Berg

REVIEWED BY

Jackie Vanhinsbergh

One Love by K.A. Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This love story gripped me from the start with Devin and Sebastian, an office romance goes wrong, but it's not what you expect! They both have to face issues with the stalker! Devin lashes out and hurts Sebastian with her need to protect herself and her career, with no regard for his feelings! Even though he's hurt by her he does everything in his power to keep her safe, but will it be enough!! You need to read the book to find out! Well worth the read!
I am an ARC reader giving my honest opinion.

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AMAZON UK

Stalker in the mist - will love conquer???

How Not To Break by Susan Hawke

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Swinney 

How Not to Break by Susan Hawke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Although this is book four in the Lovestrong series and the first time I have read anything from this Author, I would definitely recommend that this story is read as standalone. I followed the story really well considering there are previous books. It’s a credit to the Author that the characters and storyline were so well developed.

Hot SEAL aka Nick St. Cloud ticks all the right boxes. Hard working, caring, friendly, protective of his loved ones, and let’s not forget the man is a SEAL which may be an acronym for Sea Air and Land, but in my world, it stands for, Sexy, Electrifying Alpha Lover.

Shaw Michaelson is equally as hot, he has a fiery personality, but can't cook at all. Even a microwave meal is too risky. Seems there have been quite a few fires at Shaw’s place. He’s not short of some very hunky male attention, but only one man really holds his interested. Yeah, our delicious SEAL, Nick. It becomes very clear that these two men have a past, and were once very close indeed.

Shaw has a stalker, a very scary unknown stalker. It starts out to be quite tame. Notes left while he’s working in his shop, flowers and then the letters get darker. Nobody that loves Shaw is willing to take any chances. He must be protected.

Of course, once Nick finds out what’s going on he goes all alpha male on Shaw. It doesn’t go down too well at first, but Shaw relents and stays with Nick.

Nick and Shaw are most definitely meant to be together. Their journey is painful for both of them, but hopefully, they can put it behind them and move forward together.

I really loved this story. It was an exciting, entertaining and sexy read.

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