Sex in the Sticks by Sawyer Bennett

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Sex in the Sticks by Sawyer Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex in the Sticks by Sawyer Bennett
3.5-4*

This is the first book in a brand new series (of standalones) from Bennett. It's about the filthy rich blogger, Valentine and the chief of police, Logan.

Valentine is tired of the men in New York and wants to know if there's another type of man around. At her cousins suggestion, she leaves New York and heads to Alaska where the men outnumber the women significantly and she can sample the offerings to her hearts content. When she disembarks the ferry she is greeted by the delectable Chief who not only drives her to the only B & B in town, but proceeds semi-arrest then rescue both Valentine and her dog (and more than once). Valentine is there for the flings and isn't interested in a relationship whereas Logan has no interest in casual hookups.

I liked this story although I didn't always like or understand Valentine. I couldn't understand why she wrote disparagingly of the town residents when they'd all -bar one- been nothing but kind to her. Also, she was 31 years old - isn't that old enough to stop giving your family the proverbial finger? She showed some growth and maturity towards the end of the book and that was great to see. I liked Logan's character a lot. He took his duties as the Chief of Police and town Mayor seriously but he also had a sense of humor. I think he was the ideal character to complement Valentine's. I'm looking forward to the next book!

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Serenity by Janet Nissenson

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Serenity by Janet Nissenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Matthew walks into a situation that no spouse ever wants to be in. After years of living his life for others it finally gives him the strength to start living life for himself. Having survived a relationship that dealt with the same issue I felt I really connected with Matthew and could feel his despair.

He previously met Sasha at a friends wedding and they reconnected when his friend's gave him her information to get a massage. This two seems to have deep connection right from the start. Sasha fought against it for quite awhile as she has a strong ethic about not mixing work with pleasure.

Sasha had turbulent childhood because of her parents. They had a very strong love/hate relationship. She's made a life for herself without turmoil and intends to keep it that way.

These two seem to be going along strong until Matthew's estranged wife has his daughter pulling a stunt that sucks Matthew back in to be there for his kids. Wow, is all I can say about his wife. She is just unbelievable.

I cheered when Matthew left his wife, his determination to work a very demanding career and still have time for his kids but then boo'd when he was a sucker and fell for his wife's ploy.

I really felt for Sasha when they split. She loved Matthew enough to not make him chose between his kids and her.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it took Matthew too long to play hard ball with his wife so that he and his kids to have a happy future without her drama.

Serenity is book 5 in the Inevitable Series. It can be a stand alone. I read the first 2 books in this series prior to reading this book and had no trouble following along and enjoying this book. We do revisit with characters from the the previous books and I feel if you read the books in order you'll get more depth from the series. I fully intend to go back and finish reading the series because it really is a good one. I think this book is very well written.



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Lovestruck by Lila Monroe

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Lovestruck by Lila Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lila is on her way to be a part of her friend, Brooke's wedding when she finds out that her college crush Will not only is also in the wedding but the wedding is at the resort he owns. She was devastated on how he treated her in college and is using all her inner strength to get through all the preparations.

It's not long before she realizes she's not over Will and that there is something strong between the two of them.

There are several chuckles in this book. Especially all the times they are interrupted. I think the secondary characters really added to this story.

I love the pep talk that Lila gave Brook the day of her wedding. Talked her right off that runaway bride ledge.

As much as I loved reading this book I felt that it seemed a little rushed. At least between Will and Lila. I would of liked to of gotten to know Will a little better.


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JOY Ride by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 

Joy Ride by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is nothing better than a rom-com to read over a cold weekend. And Lauren Blakely's books are the best, they will heat you up in no time!

This series is one of my all time favorites and there are a few reasons why. I love that they are written in the male POV. I think Lauren has mastered it. Even though she has these hot dudes telling us the story, her heroines are also bad ass. They are sassy and funny and smart. Another thing I like about the series, we always get a glimpse of the other couples and where they are at in the time line. This is important to me because I love everyone of these couples and I can't let them go.

Now, back to Max......it really was a ride! He is the King of Pleasure after all. I love being inside his head and going through the awkward moments with him. The town car scene when he takes Henley's phone.....Man Down! So funny. He may not have been a relationship kinda guy, but with help from his brother and sister, he mastered it! So swoon worthy. Henley's to do lists are an added treat. She is Max's perfect match, undoubtedly.

Do I recommend this book? Hell Yeah!
Are you missing out by not reading the full series? Incontestable!

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Legally Yours by Nicole French

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Legally Yours by Nicole French
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5-3 stars.

LEGALLY YOURS was a very mixed read for me with later highlights but earlier low-lights. The initial setting was inviting, with Skylar piquing my interest as an unusual character. She didn't seem to be able to find a fit in life, both work and outside. She'd had a few careers and was still studying and whilst I wouldn't place this in the NA genre, it did have some parallels with that type of story. At about 12%, there was a section of the story that screamed FSOG, the similarities were so strong that it began to put me off the book and continuing. However, I did continue and I'm pleased to report the character of Brandon did not become a 'Christian' despite his initial overtures. Nevertheless, I remained jaded over this similarity. In retrospect, I don't understand it's inclusion.

As mentioned, the story developed in it's own kind of direction and whilst I enjoyed some of the story, I found it to be overly descriptive and I lost focus and motivation at times. I enjoyed the Boston setting and family background. Neither Skylar or Brandon completely won me over with their connection in the long run although I have to say the steam and heat was well written. There's definitely more to come with these two and I can see the next book outlined.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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JOYRide by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Joy Ride by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joy Ride by Lauren Blakely

Let me preface this review by pointing out that when I reviewed Full Package and we got a teensy peek at Joy Ride, I was very clear in claiming Max as my own. That hasn't changed! In fact, I'm even more determined to assert this statement to one and all! He's everything I expected him to be. Everything! He's the King of the Manhattan custom car business and the self-touted King of Pleasure. He makes engines purr and women scream: he is just. that. good.

Blakely is an author who, without fail, knocks out some of my absolute favorite friend to lovers RomComs. Sadly, Joy Ride isn't one of those. Oh no, Joy Ride is an enemies to lovers! Why are they enemies? I hear you ask. Well let me tell you. Henley Rose (and what an absolute kick-ass name for a kick-ass woman!) apprenticed under Max a few years ago until one mistake cost her a promotion and her tempter cost her her position. She went on to become one of the best in the business and works for Max's competitor. When they meet again, sparks and barbs fly until they're forced to work together on a special project.

This book and these characters were everything I wanted them to be. Henley is, as mentioned, a kick-ass girl. She works in a male-dominated field and knows that professionalism is key in earning respect. She's not afraid to speak her mind but at the same time, has a vulnerable side she allows only a few to see. Max, my God, Max. He's sexy, dirty, rough, and he knows his way around an engine. Sigh. I freaking loved him. I loved the relationship development between the two: they didn't miraculously fall in love after meeting again. Blakely had them work for it and with the witty dialogue and sexy innuendos it was a clear winner for me. Adored and absolutely recommend.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Lovestruck by Lila Monroe

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Lovestruck by Lila Monroe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lovestruck by Lila Monroe
3.5*

Lovestruck is the story of Ruby and Will and is a second chance romance. Back in the college days they had a friendship which developed into something more for Ruby. She devised a clever plot to let Will know her feelings and left him a note but signed it using an alias that she thought he would recognize. The next morning she hears Will making fun of the note and, being beyond hurt and disappointed, disconnected herself from him completely without another word.

They meet again when Ruby is at the airport about to board a flight for her best friends wedding and discovers Will on the same flight. They reconnect on the plane and sparks start flying all over again. Ruby being Ruby tries to nip those feelings in the bud until she just can't resist Will anymore.

I did enjoy this book although not as much as I have enjoyed Monroe's books previously. I found Lovestruck lacking in some areas: there were still some laugh out loud moments but they were fewer and farther between for me. I guess I'm used to laugh out loud from the belly kind of romances from this author and this was more of a little chuckle here and there. I don't think I could completely believe the romance between Ruby and Will: sure, there was a lot of steam and a lot of sexy times which was great but I couldn't believe the romance aspect. I guess it felt a little rushed in that regard. I generally love this authors writing but this book definitely fell little short for me. I'm looking forward to Monroe's next book and hope it delivers her usual abundance of RomCom.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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