Man Cuffed by Sarina Bowen

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar

Man Cuffed by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Man Cuffed by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby

This book starts with a bang when waitress/actor Meg (bless her little theatrical socks) mistakes police officer Mack for a stripper - could have happened to anyone, but of course, it happened to Meg. That was the end of that encounter and the next time they see each other is when they realize they’re now new neighbours. Mack, having been left heartbroken, has sworn off dating and any emotional entanglement and Meg is to be no exception, no matter how much of a delight he finds her. Safe to say, Meg is having none of that particularly when she’s asked to be Mack’s date to his sister's wedding.

While this isn’t my favorite book in the Man Hands series, I still really liked Man Cuffed. I enjoyed the characters progression and adored their personalities, Meg in particular really stole the show for me. While I fell in lust with Mack, I do feel he could have groveled a little more to win Meg back over. There were some really humorous moments that I shamelessly cackled at also some moments that had me invested on a whole other level.

Overall this was an enjoyable story and a great addition to the Man Hands series. And finally, if the authors are taking requests, Lance was a character that demands a story!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

*Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.


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A Billion Times No by Kenzie Reed

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe 

A Billion Times No by Kenzie Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daisy Abernathy is a personal assistant to Chase Lancaster. She is beyond miserable and works all the time. She is finally taking a vacation to go back home to attend the wedding of her former fiance to her distant cousin. The cousin that her fiance cheated on with. Before she can get out of the office Chase comes back in unexpectedly and tries to delay her vacation. She ends up leaving with the words that she may not be returning.

Daisy has no intentions of attending this wedding alone and hires an escort. Unknown to her Chase shows up and pays off the escort and takes their place. To save face she allows Chase to be her pretend boyfriend and their story takes off from there.

The banter between Daisy and Chase is absolutely great! Daisy's grandma reminds me so much of my own grandma. She won't behave at all. She always says 'what's the fun in that'.

There is also some good bantering going on between Daisy and her sister, Callie. When Callie tells her to "Kiss my grits" as it is the only bad thing that wouldn't get them in trouble with their mom it took me my right to my Alice sitcom watching days. I was also amused by the way they used their wordplay to get their messages across. such as 'Shut your cakehole, Leave-a-Person.".

It was also funny how the whole town was watching out for Daisy's virtue and making sure Chase and she wasn't given too much alone time.

There were many, many laugh out loud moments in this book. The only part I didn't like about this book is the fact that Callie and their mom seemed to exclude Daisy and make her feel like she wasn't part of the family when it mattered most. Though in the end, her champion took care of that.
This is a great book!


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The One Night Stand Before Christmas by Jana Aston

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

The One Night Stand Before Christmas by Jana Aston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The One Night Stand Before Christmas by Jana Aston

I was soooooo eager to see what Noel had gotten up to when she revealed that she’d slept with Santa and this novella did not disappoint. I was fully invested from Noel and Teddy’s first meeting which grabbed me and didn’t let go till the very end. This book had all the laughter and sexiness that Jana Aston is notorious for and is a great conclusion to this series. Having said that, I don’t want this to be the end of Reindeer Falls! I’ve enjoyed each of these books and all of the characters immensely and saying goodbye to them is not going to work for me! I can pretty much guarantee that I’ll be reading the series every year leading up to Christmas so at least that’s something to look forward to.

Absolutely recommend this series to those who love RomComs and characters who are sexy and quirky and whatever else you need them to be. Just wonderful.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Dirty Swedish Player by R.C. Stephens

REVIEWED BY
Tina Shobe

Dirty Swedish Player by R.C. Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sierra is almost at her breaking point. She's lost her job, her cars broke down. She's just waiting for #3 and in walks in an unwanted blast for her past, her former stepbrother, Nils Karlsson.

Nils Karlsson is an NHL Hockey Star who's got himself in a hot mess and he's proposed a 'fake' relationship opportunity to Sierra to help Sierra out financially and to help him keep his job.

Nils learns that Sierra is a hard negotiator and due to their past she's is not giving him much slack.

There are many laughs out loud moments in this book especially during their friends' wedding rehearsal/reception. The more I read along the more I got the feeling that these two were going to connect on a much deeper level than the average. It Nils a little bit to realize his true feelings but once he did....

I do feel bad that both of them didn't have ideal childhoods but then again this also is one area that these two can relate on.

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Holidate by Monica Murphy

REVIEWED BY

Jackie Vanhisbergh 

I enjoyed this holiday book about Candice and Charlie, they are two people looking for love and they find it when they just don't expect it. He runs the family Christmas tree business and is pretty much a miserable grumpy man who just works constantly. Candice is asked by Charlie's mum to go with him to social events and parties with him, she loves Christmas and fully embraces the challenge! They start to grow close and they are attracted to each other. This is a nice Christmas story with the magic of Christmas. Lovely characters - a great read.
I read this book as an ARC for joandisalovebooks blog and haven given my honest opinion on the book

If You Give A Jerk a Gingerbread by Jana Aston

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

If You Give A Jerk A Gingerbread by Jana Aston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If You Give a Jerk a Gingerbread by Jana Aston

Ginger is a baker who is competing to win the Great Gingerbread Bake-Off with the grand prize of $10K that’ll go towards her setting up her own bakery. However, the ever so famous British chef, Keller is also competing for the same although he does seem to spend much of his time flirting.

This book was just way too cute for words!!!!! Ginger was adorable (she won’t argue with the description) and Keller was just delectable. The chemistry between them was there from the first meeting and grew with each time they crossed paths. It was all very sweet and flirty and perfect for the season. My only gripe with this book is that it made me soooooooo hungry! All I have is gingerbread on the brain! For her sins, I think the author should give us a book of Ginger and Keller’s recipes. This is a fantastic addition to Reindeer Falls and I wish this series would never end! Having said that, I need to know what shenanigans Noel was getting up to with Saint Nick! Another engaging and wonderful read from Jana Aston!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Melinda Lazar	10:03 AM (11 hours ago)
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Holidate by Monica Murphy

REVIEWED BY

Jackie Vanhinsbergh

Holidate by Monica Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this holiday book about Candice and Charlie, they are two people looking for love and they find it when they just don't expect it. He runs the family Christmas tree business and is pretty much a miserable grumpy man who just works constantly. Candice is asked by Charlie's mum to go with him to social event and parties with him, she loves Christmas and fully embraces the challenge! They start to grow close and they are attracted to each other. This is a nice Christmas story with the magic of Christmas. Lovely characters - a great read.
I read this book as an ARC for joandisalovebooks blog and haven given my honest opinion on the book.

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AMAZON

Leave Me Breathless by Jodi Ellen Malpas

REVIEWED BY

Jackie Vanhinsbergh

Leave Me Breathless by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put it down! Ryan works with Jake, Cami and Luce from the protector! He's ex MI5 and works in protection, well he did he's retired, gone back home to Hampton, a very small village. He meets Hannah who he's drawn to but she's skittish and each encounter she runs away. She's just moved to the village and clearly has a deep secret! He has a daughter Alex who he adores, she comes into the story as she is back from a boarding school (that her posh mother sends her to). They come together lots and build a lovely relationship. He falls in love with Hannah and Alex also loves Hannah and wants her dad happy! She runs away from him a lot! Through a series of events I won't spoil Ryan discovers her secret and then saves her when that secret comes back to get her! Fabulous read and well written as always by the very talented Jodi Ellen Malpas. I can't wait for her next book!
I read this book as an ARC for Joandisalovebooks Review Team and have given my honest option

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AMAZON

Love You Now by M. Robinson

REVIEWED BY

Becky Cox

Love You Now by M. Robinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

M. Robinson isn't called the Queen of Angst for nothing. The continuing story of Jackson and Harley gives you all the feels: smiles, tears, gritted teeth and....what a minute, what!? There was a few surprises that I definitely did not see coming.

Harley's stubbornness and Jackson's untruthfulness at times are frustrating and I wanted to yell at both of them, "enough already!" They spend so much time hurting each other, they can't see what they are denying themselves. Theirs is an epic love story that these two stubborn people had to take the long road to find.

Love You Now satisfied my need for resolution and peace with Jackson and Harley and answered all my questions; even some I didn't know I needed to ask. ;-)

You definitely need to read book 1 in Love Hurts Duo, Hated You Then and I would also suggest reading the Good Ole Boys series to get additional back story but it isn't required.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks


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Special Delivery by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Special Delivery by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Special Delivery by Lauren Blakely

Special Delivery is such a cute, quick holiday read and features Vaughn and Quinn - characters we previously met and eagerly anticipated. The two have instant chemistry but there’s a small problem: both have sworn off dating or any other entanglement and have vowed to focus only on themselves and their careers. But what can you do what you have so much in common? Who could help themselves, dammit, when there’s mistletoe hanging there practically demanding some action? Clearly not Vaughn and Quinn.

As I said, this was a sweet and sexy read and full of all the Christmassy things most of us love. The attraction was there, the banter was there, the story was solid. A delightful Christmas novella to get you set up for the season.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Melinda Lazar	Mon, Nov 11, 10:46 PM (3 days ago)
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The Boss Who Stole Christmas by Jana Aston

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar

The Boss Who Stole Christmas by Jana Aston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boss Who Stole Christmas by Jana Aston

I love love LOVE Jana Aston’s RomCom’s and this one is no exception. The Boss Who Stole Christmas is a delicious novella about the ridiculously sweet Holly and her Grinchy boss, Nick. From the get-go it’s apparent that Nick knows how to get up Holly’s nose and it’s enough to make her spitting mad. While Holly embraces all of the goodness that she’s surrounded by in Reindeer Falls, Nick comes across as a Scrooge who is only there out of a sense of obligation, not because he wants to be. Of course, we get first-hand experience into their romance when Nick drags Holly to picturesque Nuremberg for a business trip that turns super sweet and downright sexy.

I pretty much read the entire book with a smile on my face and when I was done reading, I demanded my husband take me to Nuremberg for Christmas at some point in our lives. These characters were insanely lovable and I just wish there’d been more of everything! Don’t get me wrong, this book satisfies in every way but I’m greedy enough to want more. I’m hoping that we get another glimpse of Nick and Holly in the next book which I am already eagerly anticipating. This really was a delightful Christmas novella that I’ll probably read again right before Christmas - it was just that good.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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BEARD necessities by Penny Reid

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

Beard Necessities by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of only a few long series in books, that I have started from the very beginning at book 1 and read each book on its release. I would be hanging out desperately needing to know what was next for the Winston Brothers. This one was no exception, and I went in reading it with a bittersweet feeling knowing this was the very last Winston tale to be told. That feeling quickly left once I started this novel, which is essentially part two of Billy and Claire / Scarlett's journey. Part one, or Book 6 gave us the background of how their love story began, and part two picks up just after Roscoe's book (5), or seventeen going on eighteen, eighteen going on nineteen years after part one - the point is, this is how long their traverse story has been going for. And it is an EPIC one to witness.

Billy is not the eldest in the family, but he had taken on the role of leader from a very early age. It is one he is proud to hold and his family means more to him than his own life. And that includes Scarlett too, she will be forever Scarlett in my eyes. He would do and did anything to keep her safe. Now, all these years later, they are both tired of being angry at each other, they are over all the lies that have been made for the sake of others feelings. And they are sick of the intrusions into their own life but they are in for a doozy because Cletus has plans..... big plans to get these two together, none other than in Italy, and make sure they do not leave until Billy puts a ring on it, at the very least. Now Cletus is smart, but even his plans can't all be perfect. Billy is a man of his own thoughts and actions, and he will delivery Cletus's instructions, but in his own way. From here we get to see how these two open up more to each other and fully understand how deep their love goes. Now I have always been on Billy's side, everything he says is gospel! I think I am a little hung up on him, just like Scarlett. I fully understood his reasons behind why she should never know the entire story back when they were kids. I agreed with him wholeheartedly. And then when she did find out, her being hurt and the reason behind that... well, now I am on her side! I love the way this book pulled me in all directions and opened my eyes up to the "two sides of a story" theory. I always knew it but felt it more so with this book.

Each brother has affected me in some way, but Billy is the one I am most impressed about. I adored him from book 1 and he will continue to be my favourite brother with Cletus being the most entertaining and charismatic one and a close second. I can not rate the others and they all fall into my third favourite. If I was to recommend which book out of this series is a MUST read? All of them, you couldn't possibly not know each and every one of them and get the full Winston history and drama. I am sad that this jaunt is over, but the epilogue gave me a sense of calm and complete. I also know that I can and will read this series again from its entirety again in the future, which is rare for me, but I love them all so much, I can not fully say goodbye.

*Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Once Upon a Wish-mas by Laura Barnard

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

Once Upon a Wish-mas by Laura Barnard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars.

I love a good Christmas novel and this one fits right in. It is a sweet romance story that has single dad, boss - employee, and age gap tropes. If you are looking for a quick and easy read to get you in the mood for Christmas, then grab this one.

Ruby has known what its like to loose a loved one, so she is the perfect fit to be the new nanny for Barclay Rothchester and his adorable girls. He might not be the easiest of employers to get along with but his girls make it all the worth while. Ruby sets about to teach them all that you can celebrate Christmas and enjoy your life, even if you are still grieving and mourning a family member thats passed. She has an exuberant personality that can only make you smile and be happy. She was a little silly and immature at times, but she's young and had plenty of time to mature. I think this might even have been a plus for her being a nanny so she could play with the girls and not feel self conscious about looking foolish. Barclay was a lost sole to begin with. He lost his wife two years previous and hasn't yet learnt to deal with it. He had conflicting emotions over staying true to his wife and fighting the feelings he was developing for Ruby. I felt his anguish and understood why he was struggling.

The epilogue left me on a huge high and I felt that Ruby deserved all the happiness that was coming her way. That goes for Barclay too. He found his feet in all aspects of his life and was definitely due his HEA.

*Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Once Upon a Wish-mas by Laura Barnard

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe 

Once Upon a Wish-mas by Laura Barnard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ruby Campbell is hired to be a nanny to Barclay Rothchester's two little girls. My heart went out to those poor little girls. There has been has been many been quite a turn over of nanny's threw their lives because of how over bearing and unrealistic their father is prior to Ruby. Ruby becomes their little Champion. Those girls and their happiness become her #1 priority even if that means clashing with their father and bucking his strict schedule.

At first I wasn't a very big fan of Barclay's but then the more I read along I realized this poor man if doing the absolute best he can after having the devastating loss of his wife.

Through his banter with Ruby life starts to flow back through Barclay and this little family starts to heal and move forward again.

This is a heart warming Christmas read.




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