Friday 30 September 2016

Confessed by Nicola Rendell




REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

ConfessedConfessed by Nicola Rendell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I feel quite conflicted about this book. On the one hand, I connected with both the characters Vince and Lucy. On the other hand I struggled with the relationship development direction at times.

This is the kind of book that grabs you immediately with a consuming story that's fast-paced. Lucy's life is crumbling at a exponential rate and Vince just happens to 'mark' her. Vince is described so that he draws you in. He is also a scammer but Lucy makes him think twice about his lifestyle. The storyline was strong and the chemistry real. The erotic nature of the relationship and language wasn't always in my taste. It did put me off at times but the connection with the characters kept me invested on the whole.

"Messy black hair. Rugged stubble. Eyes that could unlock a bedroom door from forty feet away. Jeans that fit him like he was the prototype for jeans in the first place"

I'm a big fan of the first book by this author but this book didn't hit the spots in quite the same way. The connection between the two books is tenuous and I would have welcomed more between Professed and Confessed. I am following Nicole Rendell to see what else she writes as I consider her 'one to watch'.

A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.

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Wednesday 28 September 2016

Sex Machine by Marie Force



REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe


Sex MachineSex Machine by Marie Force
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has the best attention grabbing first sentence ever in a book! I knew as soon as I read it that this book was going to be awesome and it did not disappoint!

I can sum Blake Dempsey up in one word "YUM". He is carrying guilt from an accident that happened in his youth. He has a lot of one night stands because of this, never letting anyone close. I wouldn't describe him as a 'player' as the women come to him. He's very upfront about it only being the one time. He's got quite the reputation for his bedroom talents. The title of the book, Sex Machine says it all.

Honey Carmichael's present is also a product of her past. A beautiful young lady who has dated just about everyone except Blake. She's heard quite a bit about Blake's talents and talks herself into taking a risk with Blake. The sex scenes are incredible and sweat worthy.

I think Blake is the only one that truly 'sees' the real Honey and vice versa. I think underneath all the heartache they unconsciously know they can heal each other. It's a matter of letting go of the past to possibly gain a much brighter future together.

I like the way the book was written from both their points of view. I think it drew me more into the story and made me connect more with the characters, get to know them on a deeper level.

This book is extremely well written. I consider it a must read. I really hope this turns into a series and we get to return to Marfa.



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Saturday 24 September 2016

The Silent Waters by Brittainy C. Cherry.


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

The Silent Waters (Elements, #3)The Silent Waters by Brittainy C. Cherry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brittainy C. Cherry has a way with characters that has you fall in love with them, root for them and wish every HEA imaginable for them. Maggie is no exception, especially after the ordeal she witnessed, and suffers from, as a kid. She looses her voice but Brooks gives her a necklace with an anchor charm on it, vowing to always be her friend and to hear her silence.

These two have a long history together, they meet at age 6 and form a bond that is hard to break. He becomes her anchor, as promised, even when his dreams take him away. They try to maintain a relationship, but sometimes you need to let the one you love go, for follow their path. They have a common bond of loving books, and will send each other new novels to read, cementing their friendship.

Brooks is every girls swoon, he is intuitive and caring and just damn sexy. Though he has to find himself along the way, after feeling like his life is drowning. And who will be there for him? Maggie, who knows that her love for him is more powerful than any devil put in her path. I loved this girl, and cried with her through the years with different obstacles. And how can you not love a girl that loves chocolate, like every wise person! Also, her father was the sweetest man, kissing her every day and telling her - "The world keeps spinning because your heartbeats exist". Just magical.

I am enjoying this series, and even though they are standalones, they all have a certain feel and angst and emotion connecting them. Each book has been 5 stars, and my opinion is this book is the best one yet. There is one more element book to be released, and I have a feeling that I will be saying that one will be my new favourite. Just spectacular.


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Tuesday 20 September 2016

Playboy Pilot by Penelope Ward & VI Keeland


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Playboy PilotPlayboy Pilot by Penelope Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know when things go together well, like strawberries and champagne, cheese and crackers, well add Penelope and Vi to the list. These girls know how to write alone, but when they get together and collaborate, we get magic with their work with characters like Perky and Trip.

Carter is a pilot that is happy distancing himself from everyone, flying from city to city exploring the world at his own pace. Until he meets Kendall. He finds her in an airport lounge, deciding where she is about to buy a ticket to trek to. After spending a little time chatting, he asks her to come to Rio with him. What has she got to loose........ a million things come to mind.
From here, we travel with Trip and Perky as they come to terms with lost loves, heartache and troubled pasts. It is a whirlwind of a journey that takes them more than a mile high!

I am always very excited to get my hands on a Vi and Penelope book, together or alone, their novels are brilliant. I may be a bit forward, but I think this is their best book yet. These two characters had me traveling with them. I was smitten, amused and sadden and just wanted them to find their place. Their story is one not to be missed.

I received a copy for an honest review.

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Monday 19 September 2016

The Studying Hours by Sara Ney


REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar



The Studying Hours (How to Date a Douchebag, #1)The Studying Hours by Sara Ney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How to Date a Douchebag by Sara Ney

Omg this book was sooooooo much pure FUN!!! I literally laughed and snorted the whole way through! How to Date a Douchebag is a fantastic college sports romance (my fave) with some awesome characters, some of whom you'll love, some you'll love to hate and will roll your eyes at, and some that'll make you think 'oh I totally know someone exactly like that'!

Oz and James meet when the big, beefy, deliciously sexy captain of the wrestling team Oz is dared by his friends to get the prissy, pearl necklace and cardigan wearing Jameson to give him a kiss in the library of all places! From word go, James had no tolerance for Oz's b.s. and let's him know it every chance she gets. While there is definitely some heat from their first meeting, they instead form an interesting friendship as Oz isn't really capable of emotional attachments and James just doesn't want to get hurt.

The chemistry between Oz and James is so freaken obvious from the word go and the banter between them is hilarious! They each give as good as they get and it was nice watching them find their way. I was fully prepared at one stage to write the author hate mail (that's a joke) but she's safe. For now. She should totally watch her back though.

Oz is a bit of an ass when it comes to girls and what he can get out of them, but he's actually an admirable person. I wasn't expecting the reasoning behind his career choices for the future and was thus pleasantly surprised. There's definitely more to him than meets the eye. I think if I have one problem -if you can call it that -is that I would've liked a bit more background on Jameson. As it was, she's insanely likable; she's smart and a smart-ass, and has sooooo much more to her than what you initially see, but I would have just liked a glimpse into her past; family etc. however, this is such a minor detail that it didn't affect my complete enjoyment of the book. I highlighted so many passages and one-liners as I was reading and I LOVED the chapter starter quotes. I was in hysterics with some of those!

I confess to being amazed that Ney managed to redeem the douchebag and I'm eagerly awaiting book two because she'll definitely have her work cut out for her with redeeming Zeke! This was a fantastic book and one I highly recommend.

*Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Friday 16 September 2016

Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton



REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard


Roman Crazy (Broads Abroad, #1)Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book hit a lot of good spots for me, Mediterranean man, Rome and the most wonderful second chance romance. The book starts in Boston but quickly moves to Rome, a place full of passion, perfect for lovers of good food, wine and romance.

The story of Avery and Marcello has a bitter start. There's already been love and betrayal but chemistry between them persists. This book narrates such growth in Avery as a woman who wants to live on her own terms and for herself. I loved her willingness to take a risk but also draw the line for her own good. Marcello was written in such a way that I couldn't resist his looks, his character and his passion. This man was passion personified and these two sizzled together. The book had some good supporting characters and I enjoyed the snapshot of Marcello's family but Avery's friend Daisy, was fabulous. I felt their friendship as a real, tangible thing.

It is no secret that I am a fan of Alice Clayton and this collaboration with Nina Bocci is truly a success. Their writing was impossible to split apart and flowed so well. I'm adding this to my favourites shelf and Marcello to my Pinterest board.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

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Confessed by Nicola Rendell



REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar


ConfessedConfessed by Nicola Rendell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Confessed by Nicola Rendell

This book was really very good. I enjoyed the authors writing style and found myself utterly entranced by the characters. I could never have imagined from the beginning of the book how perfectly they would complement each other and I'm so pleased that they did while staying true to themselves!

Vince and Lucy meet when Lucy is on the run from her pampered princess life where her notorious family is facing scandal upon scandal. As a result of her phenomenal driving skills (insert biggest snort EVER!) she rear-ends Vince, the hottest (ex) convict I've ever come across. What ensues is the ride of their lives; handcuffs are used, knives are wielded, and the Russian mafia makes an appearance as they fight to keep steps ahead of everyone else while they learn to trust each other.

I freaking ADORED Vince! I may have mentioned that he's pretty much sexy on legs, but he's also such a funny guy! He's also possessive, protective, and all those delicious things you want in an alpha male including a heart of gold. Lucy is just hilarious; she seems a bit clueless but she's actually quite the opposite. She's smart, she's bloody stubborn, and she's as feisty as hell. She gives as good as she gets and I loved her for it.

I picked up this book based on the recommendation of one of my favorite authors and I'm not disappointed. This book has some laughs, a lot of heart, and A LOT of heat. Shenanigans aside, it's a great romance. It's my first book by Rendell and I'm looking forward to read Professed next (yes, out of order).

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Rhapsody by Cecilia London


REVIEWED BY Becky Cox



Rhapsody (Bellator Saga, #5)Rhapsody by Cecilia London
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you didn't think this series could get any better, you would be wrong. London has outdone herself again!

Caroline makes huge bounds in her emotional state in Rhapsody and it is a beautiful thing to read. As I have said before the author has an amazing craft of creating the emotions for you to experience first hand. I truly feel I know this characters personally and am deeply invested in their journey.

Jack is just perfect. Perfectly distraught and heartbroken. Perfectly supportive and encouraging. Perfectly gorgeous and sexy. Yep, still hoping we can find a real one.

I continue to be in awe of Caroline's resilience and wit. Rhapsody is one of my favorites in this series. The struggles she has endured during Conscience and since would have broken anyone. London's new slogan "be fearless" is perfect for Caroline.

Rhapsody moves us forward in their journey to find each other again and to bolster the rebellion. So many beautiful precious moments in this installment I will definitely be reading it again. And the sass...I just love Caroline's sass. It has served her well in her political career, marriage and her battle to regain herself. She makes me chuckle. I am not so sure there isn't a bit of our author in Caroline's personality.

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks



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Well Hung by Lauren Blakely



REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere


Well HungWell Hung by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am hooked on this series. If you are looking for a great Rom-Com, you are going to be hooked too. Lauren Blakey knows how to write romance, but also how to add humor and banter. They way she writes in the male POV is awesome too. In this series, they are all standalones, but if you read them in order, you are introduced to the next books characters very briefly. Up next is Simon and Abby, then Chase and Josie, which are much anticipated by us fans.

Wyatt first appeared in Mister O, as he is Nick's twin brother. He is cocky, but has a very softer side. He has had some bad relationships, and has had to learn the hard way that work and pleasure are not to be mixed. Too bad he finds his new business manager very intriguing indeed. Natalie, who is Charlotte's younger sister, hasn't found her feet yet, but is hoping working with Wyatt and doing her Karate classes at night is the perfect balance. They need to travel together to quote for a job in Vegas, and you know the saying, What Happens in Vegas - Stays in Vegas, but does it? They have one wild night that might stay with them forever.

I just loved the way these two came together. It was their kindred spirits that had me from the get go. These two might even be my favs, but it changes all the time and I am sure it will again with the next book. Well Hung and Frisky Mittens are a story not to be missed.


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Wednesday 14 September 2016

Just Friends by Monica Murphy



REVIEWED BY Becky Cox

Just FriendsJust Friends by Monica Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just Friends is a young adult with a cliffhanger. Will be interesting to see where Murphy takes us in the next book.




This book made me remember why high school was so dang hard. Monica nailed the attitude and constantly changing emotions of teenagers. Olivia, Dustin, and Emily have been best friends forever. This all changes the summer before Senior year when Olivia has to go spend the summer with her dad. Things happen while she is gone that will forever change their relationships.

Enter Ryan, the new kid that moved to town while Olivia is at her dads. He knowingly or unknowingly stirs the pot even more. He and Olivia have a connection but her best friend Emily has her eye on him.

"What I really want is for the everything to go back to the way it was before."

You want to hug them, shake them and occasionally give them a swift kick in the booty. It is realistic teenage emotions, drama and inappropriate behavior. An entertaining read that I am sure any young adult enthusiasts will enjoy.

I received a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed for Becky by Jo&IsaLoveBooks
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Monday 12 September 2016

Well Hung by Lauren Blakely



REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar


Well HungWell Hung by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well Hung by Lauren Blakely

Every time I pick up a book from this series, I wonder if Blakely will manage to deliver a fresh story, something different to her previous. Will the characters be interesting? Will I still be entertained? Will I laugh? Will I be invested? The answer to all of these questions and more is a firm and unequivocal yes!

We briefly met Wyatt and Natalie in Mister O and I couldn't wait to read their story. The relationship between them is somewhat forbidden: boss and assistant but it just seems so damn easy! The two have such an awesome relationship. They talk work, talk karate, talk dirty. It's just delicious all round. They are such fun and funny characters and I truly could have kept on reading their story.

As Natalie says, Wyatt is the unicorn of men; he's funny, sweet, and well hung. Given the debacles of relationships past, he's understandably wary of moving things beyond employer/employee into something more. I love how he sees Natalie as bad ass and tough and knows how to give her exactly what she needs, because frankly, she's sick of boring men. Sigh. Let the record show Wyatt Hammer knows how to use all the tools in his arsenal. ALL of them. Ahem.

I absolutely cannot wait for Chase and Josie in Full Package (January!!!!)! And to top it off, Blakely has well and truly whet my appetite for The Sexy One with that brief glimpse of Simon and Abby. Incidentally, how does she come up with these titles?

I've said it before but it's worth repeating: Blakely writes brilliantly from a male POV! I just wonder where she gets her knowledge and inspiration from :p. This series is a must-read and one I constantly recommend. Go on, you won't be disappointed.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Act Two by Denise Grover Swank


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Act Two (Magnolia Steele Mystery #2)Act Two by Denise Grover Swank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some things are better left in the past. How many times can you be told this phrase and let the past go? For Magnolia, infinity! There are still questions unanswered about her fathers disappearance that Maggie needs resolved so she can have closure to that part of her life. Before she can dig too deep, she stumbles across a dead body. That makes two now, but who's counting. Things just aren't adding up with the details of her father's disappearance. She has to contend with a lot of predicaments to progress with the case, and one thing is for sure - she can't trust anyone!

Sometimes when you are reading book two in a series, you get lost or loose momentum with the story, not so with this book. It was fast paced and had me glued from the start. There was so much to take in, and I so wanted Magnolia to find out the truth, especially before her momma passes. Just when you think it is all tied up, another clue is dropped to add to the mystery. The last one being gasp worthy. DGS knows how to keep us intrigued and its not only the mystery but the relationships with these great characters she creates for us.

This book ends with a cliff hanger, and the next book, Call Back, is due in February 2017. I for one will be itching to get my hands on Brady....I mean the book to find out what else is installed for Maggie and the gang.

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Confessed by Nicola Rendell


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

ConfessedConfessed by Nicola Rendell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things don't start out well for Lucy Burchett. The family business is going down the toilet in a big way, she decides its time to start out alone, only to ram into a SUV and it is a ride-off. The driver, Vincent Russo, enters Lucy's life in a big way. For the next two weeks, these two go on an adventure that will have your toes curling!

There is a warning in the synopsis of this book, that it is an erotic novel, so there is plenty of sex in it, but its not repetitive like some books and the story line is more prominent. Not only that, its a doozy as well. The plot was realistic and captivating. These characters complimented each other so well, definitely yin and yang. Vince's vulnerability, that only Lucy could bring out, was a treat to read. He was so in tuned to Lucy's wants and needs and she matured immensely in the short time together. Vince also learnt from Lucy and the greatest gift of all - unconditional love.

This was my first book by this author, and it won't be my last.

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

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Stroked Long by Meghan Quinn



REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Stroked Long (Stroked, #2)Stroked Long by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in Meghan's sport series and it's my favourite so far. We know Megan can write humor but we get more for our dollar with a touch of the dark side with some serious issues. It is written in dual POV, so getting a glimpse from both sides is terrific.

Our hero has demons from a traumatic incident in his teens that he feels responsible for and has left him with deep scars. It also triggers a disorder that he tries to manage every day, some better than others. There are only four people trusted enough to know that this Gold Medalist has a troubled past. Then along comes Ruby - perky and quirky Ruby. She is sure set to mix things up for Bodi and change his life for the better as she is so colourful.

Bodi is such a tormented and broken sole that you will want to ease his pain and hug him from the first chapter. The vulnerability of Bodi is touching and sweet and endearing and just damn sexy! Add the sports swimming body and you now have your next BBF. But be warned, Rubes won't give him up too easily, she is feisty. She is drawn to him for so many reasons but it's his kind and alluring heart that makes her fall for this Olympian.

Their story is not all light hearted, there is more angst than you are expecting but it is pure joy for me. Nothing better than a roller coaster ride of emotions when reading. While things are running smoothly for this couple, the interaction is exquisite and special. To see Bodi opening up and slowly forgiving himself is magic. To watch them both accept each other - magical!

This book is a standalone, but we met Bodi in book one and we also get some details of Hollis who is the hero in book three. I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a good laugh, a little cry and some gasping. Bring on the next book!

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Saturday 10 September 2016

Moondance in Red by Salem Archer



REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken


Moondance in Red (Moondance Trilogy #1)Moondance in Red by Salem Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was fun to read. Maggie is getting over a failed marriage. She believes men can't be trusted. Mason had a gold digger break his heart. They both have trust issues with the opposite sex. When they meet sparks fly. Maggie can't deny what she feels towards Mason but she is also scared he will break heart. Mason's goal is to make Maggie happy and make her believe in love again. They will both need to set there past hurts aside to make this work.

I loved this story. Maggie is funny, witty, sassy and spunky. Mason is sweet, strong and so loving. He is Maggie's knight in shiny armour. He would do anything for her. You can't help but fall in love with these character's. I enjoyed all the twists and turns of this book. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

A wonderful debut novel by Salem Archer

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The Hard Way by Katie Ashley


REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

The Hard WayThe Hard Way by Katie Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cade Hall has grown up very privileged and not having any consequences for any actions in his life due to his father being able to get him out of everything.

One night of stupidity on his part proves that his father can't get him out of everything. In order to stay on the college football team he has to do community service at shelter working with troubled youth.

He's quite shocked that he'll be working with Avery Prescott. A girl from his past. They worked together on a project during their senior year of high school. While they were working on the project they became very close. Cade has grown up without love and besides acting pretty stupid sometimes he is very intelligent and is drawn to Avery who's also pretty smart and doesn't put up with his crap. Calls him out on it.

Avery is devastated by Cade's sudden change in attitude towards her and his actions totally ruin her reputation plus she gets corned by the 'mean girls'. (Teenage girls are just cruel!!!). Luckily she's close enough to graduation that she doesn't have to go back to school.

Avery is very surprised to have to work with Cade again. She gives him the nastiest jobs she can find. Through football Cade is able to connect with the kids through the shelter. I believe working with the kids makes Cade start to wake up and become a better person.

Will Avery and Cade overcome their pass to have a future and will Cade's father allow that to happen?


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A Little Band of Red by Lily Freeman


REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

A Little Band of Red (The Red Series, #1)A Little Band of Red by Lily Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

PJ has had a rough week but her luck is about to change. She buys a lottery ticket at the airport. She finds out it is worth 25 million dollars. She ditches her old life and everyone in it. She flys to London to start a new life for herself. She becomes friends with India. India talks her into going to a BDSM club. She is curious about it, so agrees to go.

Luke has been a master and sadist. He has felt there is something missing in his life. He has decided it was time to move on in a new direction but than he sees PJ submitting to another master. He feels something for her and vows she will be his.

This story was fun to read. PJ and Luke have great chemistry and hot sex scenes, but there is so much more. Luke needs to learn how to deal with PJ's neighbors. They need to find a balance between him being a sadist master and relationship they both want. I enjoyed this story and look forward to next book of series.

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Binary Code by D.H. Sidebottom



REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

Binary CodeBinary Code by D.H. Sidebottom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harley is a gallery owner and a computer hacker. Harley had a traumatic past and it is coming back to haunt her. She wants revenge so she can move on.

Carter is a night club owner and a hitman. He has a job to do. He finds out who his next hit is but can't do it. He is conflicted about it. He needs time to figure out what is going on with Harley and how he can help.

This was my first book I have read of DH Sidebottom and Rebecca Sherwin. This story was a different read for me. It took a bit for me to get into story. Once I did, I grew to like the characters. I enjoyed the story because there was so many twists and turns. I also enjoyed how they described the scenes in vivid detail.

I look forward to reading more books from them.

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Give Me a Reason (Redemption Hills, #1) by A.L. Jackson

  Give Me a Reason by A.L. Jackson My rating: 5 of 5 stars This BOOK deserves all the recognition and praises it has received. From that ...