Overnight Service by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY 

Melinda Lazar 

Overnight Service by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Overnight Service by Lauren Blakely

This book was so damn good, I could just scream! We have Josh, a sports agent with a background in law and Haven, a sports agent with Olympic medals in her arsenal! The two formerly worked together and had a brief but deep affair until the point that Josh recuses himself when it comes to recommending Haven for a promotion. This costs Haven more than a promotion and it costs them both their love affair. Now that they’re fierce competitors vying for the same client in an unusual way, Josh and Haven finally have a chance to talk things through and see if they can allow themselves a second-chance at love.

These two were soooo much fun from the get-go. The antagonism and witty barbs (and frankly, the outright smartassery) led to such an enjoyable few hours. This book was steamy and sexy and the chemistry between John and Haven was insane! I adored these two and their ‘supporting cast’ who are simply begging for stories and I’m ever so thankful that I won’t have to wait too long for Special Delivery!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

*Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Melinda Lazar	Oct 31, 2019, 1:51 AM (7 days ago)
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Breaker by Harloe Rae

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

Breaker by Harloe Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grady aka Gray is Sutton's brother, Jace's best friend. Her family has been more of a family to him than his own. He practically lived with them growing up. She's loved him forever. Grady never crossed the line with his best friend's sister even though the feelings were always there. He never thought he was good enough because of his upbringing. Now Sutton is back after graduating from college and he's finding those feelings are getting harder to fight.

Sutton comes home to find Grady a different man, he's more closed off. Life hasn't been kind to him. He keeps paying for the sins of his parents. You can almost feel his despair through the pages of the book. It doesn't take long for her to find the Grady she knew under the layers.

Now comes the hard part-getting Grady to realize and accept that he is a great person and is good enough. He has nothing to be ashamed of. He has grown up to be an amazing man.

I love the little pep talks that Sutton's dad and mom have with Grady. They just seem to know what to say and when to say it to have the most impact on him.

Everyone wants a love as true as Grady's and Sutton's. Theirs is a rarity.


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Redemption by Rebecca Sharp

REVIEWED BY 

Tina Shobe

Redemption by Rebecca Sharp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ash is now rebuilding his life in Carmel Cove. Taylor shows up on his doorstep several months later pregnant just asking for a place to regroup herself. Both Taylor and Ash have issues in expressing their feelings and being open with each other. Though I really love how strong of a character Taylor is. Speaking from experience it is not easy to go up against your super religious parents.

Carmel Cove seems to be a very special town made up of very unique people who have formed their own family. At the head of that family is Larry, who has a lot of insight and wisdom to share with everyone. He seems to see what everyone's real issues are and guides them on the paths they need to be on.

What I did not expect was that this book would touch me so deeply. I have been affected by the addiction of a loved one in my past and reading this book brought back a lot of old memories to the forefront of my mind. It also felt in a strange way a sort of cleansing for me. What a powerful thing for an author to be able to do for a reader.

I absolutely am very excited to read the next book in this series. I can already tell it's going to be one that I'm not going to miss.




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Team Player 2: A Sports Anthology by Charleigh Rose

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere

Team Player 2: A Sports Anthology by Charleigh Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the idea of this book having different authors all writing sports romance novellas. It is one of my favorite tropes. I am slowly making my way through the eleven tales and here are my thoughts on two of the stories.

A Slice of Love by Teagan Hunter:-

This is a football-themed second chance romance that starts in high school but doesn’t get far. A few years later with a chance meeting, Jonas has the opportunity to set things right between them. It’s not going to be easy as Frankie was deeply hurt and she does not want to experience it again.


Holt’s Story by Meghan Quinn:-

This author has two baseball books out already and this is a snippet of what’s to come with Holt’s story, hence the title. These two characters have plenty of spark and the banter is ricketing all over the place. Each of them gives as good as they get and it makes for some funny lines. You get the sense that Holt is a stand up guy who knows what he wants and is not afraid to make fun of himself to get a laugh or two. Harmony is determined to make something of herself and is working hard with her studies. Maybe Holt can be the little distraction she needs to unwind.

You may want to know that some of these stories will be complete and some will be a prelude for the main book that author will be releasing later on. I am looking forward to the reading each of these gems.

*Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Moonlighter by Sarina Bowen

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Moonlighter by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moonlighter by Sarina Bowen

Moonlighter is the first book in Bowen's new series, The Company and it features Eric Bayer, a character from one of my favorite series, The Brooklyn Bruisers. Eric is feeling the tolls hockey is taking on his body and while he fully plans to rest on his break, his brother has other ideas which include sending him to Hawaii to play bodyguard/boyfriend to Eric’s childhood friend, Alex Engeles. Given that Alex didn’t recognize Eric when they bumped into each other not so long ago, he’s not particularly eager to help but the apprehension doesn’t last all that long.

I’ve had this book on my kindle for well over a week now. I was excited to read it but at the same time, I didn’t actually want to read it because then it would be over. Then when I started I worried that I’d built it up too much and that I’d be left disappointed. Silly me! I started this book and could barely stand to put it down! I’m lucky enough that I managed to read this over the weekend and only stopped for sleep. This book had everything and ticks all the boxes: the flirtation and banter that I’ve come to expect from Bowen, the sports references I love, the kickass heroine who I’ve decided is my new best friend, the somewhat grumpy hockey player I want to cuddle like he’s my own personal teddy bear, and of course, the suspense I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED!!!! This book kept me on my toes with twists and laughing at some of the comments tossed around. Bingley was a highlight for me and I’m going to request one just like him for my next birthday. Speaking of requests, I would love love love Bowen to write Max and Duffs stories sooner rather than later. I neeeeeeed more of The Company please!!!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Awk-Weird by Avery Flynn

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Awk-Weird by Avery Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Awk-Weird by Avery Flynn
4.5*

This book was hilariously awkward and delightfully weird with characters you cannot help but fall in love with.

Tess is fact-spouting florist who has not had the most fantastic of relationships with her family. She’s made her own family with a close-knit group of friends but even then, she’s waiting for the other shoe to drop, for them to leave. After all, in Tess’s world, no one ever sticks around and everything and everyone are temporary.

Cole is not a fan of change. And when I say not a fan, I mean he resists it at every opportunity. Everything in his life and his home has a place and space and that’s how they will stay, dammit! Every aspect of his life is ruled by routine and a strict regimen and it works for him until colorful Tess enters his life and stirs things up a wee bit.

With Tess and her issues and Cole still believing he’s in love with his ex, there’s a lot of confusion and frankly, hot sex, to be had as they work out the dynamics of their relationship. There’s really not much I didn’t like about this book apart from a few instances where I could have cheerfully throttled both Tess and Cole. Otherwise, I read much of the book with a smile and great enjoyment - I have a feeling Tess and Cole’s is a story I’ll return to in the future. And after that little snippet of Loud Mouth, I’m more eager than I thought possible to get my hands on Petrov!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Downfall by Willow Aster

REVIEWED BY

Becky Cox

Downfall by Willow Aster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Downfall is a shift from the author's other books in that she has created her own world for her characters. Old World in the aristocracy but with a modern twist.

The author uses her power of storytelling to paint us a picture. Sometimes it is a pretty thing to look at, but then it all changes in the blink of an eye. There are moments that shine through but the powers at be and their offspring are just not very nice people.

Luka caused me to say more than a few choice words. I picked up my phone a few times to message the author to say "seriously!" But alas, all good things come to those who wait.

Lady Eden is an exception to the royal families normal, in a good way. On occasion, this is to her detriment. She is kind. She is thoughtful.

A vast array of emotions await you in Downfall. I know you will love it as much as I did.

A great beginning to an intriguing series that I am wholeheartedly looking forward to reading.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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All The King's Women by N.M. Catalano

REVIEWED BY

Ann Meemken

All The KING'S Women: The KING Duet, Book 2 by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved ALL the Kings Women. I have been waiting for the conclusion of this series. It was definitely worth the wait.

When Lukas is charged with 5 counts of murder. There is only one person he can trust to help him with his case, Evelyn. He also wants to find out who the killer is before he or she can claim the final victim and which it would destroy his life in the process.

I adored Evelyn character. She was loving, fierce, protective, and loving. She was a strong women and someone you need in your life. Lucas is the bad boy that has a heart of gold.

The ending was incredible. I may have screamed and cursed a bit. I was at the edge of my seat. NM Catalano brings you the perfect ending to this story.

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Never Have I Ever by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY 

Becky Cox 

Never Have I Ever by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read on the average of a book a day. I see the same storylines often and I can get complacent with it and skim. Not with this one. Lauren Blakely has written an entertaining single dad, enemies to lovers story. She kept my attention from page one and I didn’t want it to end.

Piper is a self-made success at wedding planning. She is quick-witted and determined. She has a take no prisons attitude, which I love, along with a huge heart and a great sense of humor.

Zach is a single dad. He’s a great father to his daughter and an exceptional divorce attorney. A shark.

Zach’s daughter falls in love with Piper and Piper with Lucy. She is a great kid and has her eye on Piper for a new mom. Zach and Piper don't necessarily agree with Lucy and can list all the ways their relationship will never work.

“But somehow, opposites attracted and enemies became lovers. And so much more.”

A fun, engaging read.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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Single in Sitka by Katy Regnery

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

Single in Sitka by Katy Regnery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

During a work meeting, Amanda throws out a story idea off the top of her idea without much thought. She had no idea how much this was going to change the direction of her life.

Luke is going through the motions of living life and taking care of his three kids after losing his wife two years early. His sister decides to help him along to take the next step by placing a personal add out on his behalf.

The life realities that Luke and Amanda deal within the ups and downs of kids personalities and challenges, long-distance relationship challenges, overcoming past relationships is spot on.

They also prove that in order for a relationship to work both parties must work together and compromise.

This is a wonderfully written book that had me engrossed right from the beginning. It's been quite a while since I read a book that had me really disappointed that the book ended.


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The Broken One by Ruth Cardello

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

The Broken One by Ruth Cardello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sebastian Romano has focused his whole life on work after the loss of his wife and unborn child. While out looking at a property he finds a stuffed animal. A stuffed animal that happens to have a reward posted for its return.
When Sebastian delivers Wolfie back to his owner Ava and her single Mom Heather little Ava gives him a hug that seems to break through to him. It also scares him.

Sebastian and Heather just click. Their banter is great. It isn't all smooth sailing as Sebastian is very leery of opening himself up to loving again and Heather because of her past has a tenancy of shutting people out of her life. I will say their sexual chemistry and the sex scenes in this book are sizzling!

Little Ava is the star of the whole book. She is such a doll and makes you want to reach right in and give her a big hug.

The support that Sebastian has from his family is enough to make everyone jealous. Plus the banter between his brothers and him adds another great layer to this book. I can't wait until this next book.



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Never Have I Ever by Lauren Blakely

Reviewed by 

Melinda Lazar 

Never Have I Ever by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Never Have I Ever by Lauren Blakely

Sigh. The single-dad trope is one of my absolute favorites and Lauren Blakely writes it so damn well. Never Have I Ever is the story of single dad divorce attorney, Zach and mostly enemy/rarely friend, wedding planner Piper. Sounds like a clashing of worlds, doesn’t it? After all, what could a wedding planner and divorce attorney possibly have connecting them together? Well, for a start, their respective best friends are getting married which immediately throws Zach and Piper together. Coupled with the fact that Piper is on solid friendship terms with Zach's daughter (and they work out of the same building), they spend more time together and enmity turns into oh so much more.

What did I love about this book? Ahh pretty much every single thing! The characters are my kind of people - from the friendships to the romances, to parent-child - I adored and devoured every word. I loved that Zach wasn’t a bitter, woman-hating divorce attorney. I loved that *he’d* loved before and wasn’t keeping all sorts of anger and hostility bottled up. I loved that Piper was a wedding planner who wasn’t wearing rose-tinted glasses. She knew what could be on the flip-side and that also didn’t embitter her. All in all, this was a fabulous read and one I can’t wait to revisit in the future.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Beard With Me by Penny Reid

REVIEWED BY
Monique Cashmere

Beard with Me by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is no other way to describe this book but to say it’s EPIC! If you have been following this series like I have, you will know all about the brooding Billy. You will also know that there is a back story between him and Claire McClune / Scarlet St Claire. Tension has been so thick with them in the previous books that you can’t help but need to know what happened surrounding their tale. This edition is the whole background and leads up to their love story. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but it will leave you with plenty of longing and wondering how can it all be fixed. It starts from the very begging of all the siblings' stories and it ties them all in together with snippets linking each book/sibling. I loved that, the way Billy was integral in all their lives in such a positive way.

One thing you should be warned about and will know this fact if you’re a fan of this series is that Scarlet and Billy both suffer at the hands of their fathers who are in an MC. And it’s brutal and sad. It is told to us in a remarkable way that you have this undying compassion for them as it’s so tragic. It gives you plenty of insight as to the young adults they were and how it has shaped their later lives.

I have always adored Billy for his loyalty and family values but this book cements my opinion solid. He is simply the best person you would want on your side. It is why all the other siblings look up to him for guidance and reassurance. Scarlet was a sweet teen with difficult circumstances that had aged her into adulthood early. She knew she was raised differently but still took pride in where she was going in life. She was an extremely strong young woman and I’m eager to read more about her in the next book. I have cherished each of these brothers for so many distinctive reasons but Billy will now be my favorite Winston. I’m hurting but I know this next book will ease all my worries and I’m betting this couple will have their HEA in the end and it will be valorous.

* Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr. Elijah Hawkins had no idea there was anything wrong with his marriage when his wife divorced him and is still struggling to try to figure out where things went wrong. He's now sharing parenting with his darling little boy, Roman. You don't read very often about the woman having a midlife crisis. I felt really bad for Elijah. How can you figure out what you did wrong when in reality you did nothing wrong.

Elijah meets Dorothy Mayhem, a patient transporter, in the course of his workday. He's enthralled by her but is having a hard time having Dorothy understanding he would like to date her. She is thinking he would like her to babysit his son. There is actually some funny misinterpretation that happens. It takes his mom's insight to make him realize that Dorothy is on the spectrum (autism). He is not detoured by this. He actually loves Dorothy's honesty and her friendliness to everyone around her. Who wouldn't love a woman who has emu's. She is also a nursing student and her life is pretty regimented. Roman and Dorothy get along great.

The only thing I didn't like about Elijah is how he didn't consider Dorothy's feelings when his ex-wife came back into the picture. That was pretty devastating. I felt crushed for her. I'm really glad she made him work hard to win his way back.

I really liked that this story was told from both Elijah and Dorothy standpoints. It gave the reader a little insight into how Dorothy's thought process was and how she worked through things by journaling.



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