Worth It All by Claudia Connor

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard


Worth It All by Claudia Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A solid, enjoyable contemporary read. If I had to sum up the synopsis, I'd do it like this: single, quiet, gorgeous man with below knee prosthesis, adorable 5 year old girl with lower limb prosthesis, lovely single, busy mother in the middle. Everything about the premise for this story works. It's a perfect set up for a fulfilling read.

Jake is hard to read, it takes time to get to know him. He holds everything in and doesn't let people in his circle easily. Paige is focused on one thing, providing security and love for Casey, her daughter, even if it means working herself into an early grave. I admired Paige and loved the idea of these two getting together. Claudia Connor writes wonderful sexual tension and when that tension is actioned, boy it's good.

It's been quite a while since I read book one and whilst I've not read book two yet, even though I own it, book three stood alone. I will say, I got a little confused over the huge family who's who, but I see that as my fault for reading out or order. This series is proving to be consistently good, with heroes that engage.

The publisher provided a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks.

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This Secret We're Keeping by Rebecca Done

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard


This Secret We're Keeping by Rebecca Done
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The blurb and premise for this book really attracted me to it. The idea of a student/teacher situation decades on was an interesting concept. There's a thread of tragedy sliced with a little hope running right through this book but you dread an impending car crash situation.

Jess was the seducer at 15 years old. Matthew was the weak, misguided and prosecuted maths teacher. Decades have passed, names have been changed and secrets are the name of the game. Clearly the context of this book makes for a tense but also a discomforting read. I felt my moral and ethical compass piqued and questioned by the black, white and grey of the issues narrated.

When all was finished I had mixed feelings about the characters. Jess, years later is weak and people seem to walk over her, which was a departure from the Jess in adolescence. Clearly, she was marked by the events of the past. Matthew/Will was flaky, unrestrained in his emotions and willing to hurt those around him. I felt angry towards the older Will repeatedly.

Overall, this book was an interesting read and a unique idea. There were periods where it felt a little slow but I was able to move ahead to more steadily paced sections. This was a solid debut and I would read more from this author.

The publisher provided a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard


Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an interesting, fresh and unique book this was. It reeled me in, even when I felt a little confused towards the beginning, trying to find my feet in these strange lands.

I spent much of the book enjoying getting into Damon's head a little and generally disliking every single other character that presented themselves within the covers. General life in Vere was so different in social construct to any fantasy-historical type book I've read before and the issues of sexuality were difficult to fathom at first until explanations emerged. Damon's captor, Laurent is the ultimate snake in the grass and I couldn't stand him yet wanted to see some small piece of integrity in the man; there was little.


I feel that there is much potential for the next two books ahead, I'm interested and hoping for some battle and the political intrigue should be excellent if it continues as book one has started.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Whiskey Tribute: A Trident Security Novella-Book 5.5. by Samantha Cole

REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe

Whiskey Tribute: A Trident Security Novella - Book 5.5 by Samantha A. Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Marco's book I really wanted to hear more about Curt and see if he ever acted upon his feeling's for Dana.

Curt was Eric's best friend. Eric was married to Dana. As with true brother in arms Curt promised Eric he'd look after his family for him if anything happened to him.

Curt and the rest of the Trident team do just that, they take care of their own. by taking turns making trips to take care of Eric's family after he loses his life to an assassin.

Marco 'calls' Curt on his feelings for Dana and basically gives him the 'get off the pot' speech. I just love the Trident men and their ability to 'call' each other on their crap. Again, just proves what a close knit, great group of guys they are.

While reading Curt and Dana story I felt all kinds of emotions right along with Dana and Curt. Dana's feelings of loss, to moving on and Curt's feeling's of the loss of his best friend and then his guilt for having feelings for his best friend's wife. Their struggle is so real. I was in tears many times.

Any book that involves kids is great in my eyes. I think everyone going into a relationship that involves children should take lessons from Curt. He is amazing.

What I found interesting in this book was the fact that there wasn't the BDSM aspect as with the rest of Trident Series. Not that the sex wasn't sizzling hot, because it was. I liked this aspect. It shows as with any close 'family' everyone respects and is comfortable with each other and how they lead their lives.

This book was very well written. Absolutely love this series!


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Stuck-Up Suit by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Stuck-Up Suit by Vi Keeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! This was a book I didn’t want to finish reading. I enjoyed every word from the very first page and I was completely taken by the story.

These two ladies have the IDEAL formula to create not only an entertaining read but the MOTHER of all addictive romances. WHAT A RIDE!

The story evolves around Soraya and Graham. Two very unlikely individuals, they couldn’t be more opposite if they tried but as they saying goes opposite attract. Well don’t think this was love at first sight, oh no, on the contrary they hated each other from the moment they met.
Graham wasn’t supposed to be riding the train, but destiny had it to make sure he was there that morning, he never once looked at Soraya, nor he acknowledged her presence, he was more preoccupied with his ongoing phone call. But he wasn’t planning on leaving his phone behind when he steps off the train. Soraya on the other hand couldn’t take her eyes of the finest specimen of a man that graced her presence that day on her train, so much she observed him that she noticed the forgotten phone. This little electronic equipment wasn’t to know that was going to become the critical link between the unlikely leads and would lead them to the most torrid and electrifying love affair they had ever encountered.
Soraya grew up feeling abandoned, her dad had to make a decision which left her with a broken heart and a dysfunctional family, these events will come to haunt her in her adult life preventing her to fully open up to the idea of being in love and falling in love. Afraid to lose her heart she never truly gives herself  and others the chance, well not until Graham!.

Graham has made a name for himself. He has carry the responsabilities of his business with integrity and a strong head. Once he believed he was in love and gave his heart only to be betrayed by those who he held close, preventing him to commit to another or to fall in love again,
See the pattern? Not so different now right?

Graham and Soraya will embark in a powerful romance. But if they want to have a chance to succeed and overcome the obstacles that life will throw at them, and believe me there will be plenty of those!, they will have to fight their inner demons and accept things for what they are. If they ever want to be happy they will have to have faith in one another and ultimately in themselves.

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!

A complete page turner, funny, sexy with great dialogues and a fabulous story line. One of my favourite reads of 2016 and a MUST HAVE for all!

5 STUpendous STARS!!! Isalovebooks


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Heartbreaker by Melody Grace

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Heartbreaker by Melody Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Melody Grace’s writing and this book was as good as her rest.

Heartbreaker is the story of Finn and Eva, to kindred spirits which after being separated have a second chance at romance.
Eva had dreams, and a desire to travel, study, see the world and leave her little town behind, but an unexpected turn of events prevent her to make the leap and therefore she remains where she is.
Seeing Finn walk out of her life is heartbreaking and Eva promises to never let anyone break her in this way.
Ah but the gorgeous Finn has other plans. After a successful music career, Finn has become an idol and the rockstar he was born to be. But he wants a clean break and knows the only place he can find peace is back in his hometown, even as this brings painful memories, Finn knows he once left his heart there and now has come back to get it. Things however are not as easy as he planned and he will have to work hard at winning Eva’s affection. One thing not clear is why Eva never left and why she seems so distant. Revelations will bring Finn to a reality he wasn’t expecting to face, and he will have to embrace his past in order to secure his future.
A romantic and beautiful written story of Love and second chances.


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Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Wicked Heart by Leisa Rayven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful cover, beautiful words.

I'm in the fortunate position of only having read Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet only a few months ago. Everything to do with Elissa is fresh in my mind. She had something about her in the first two books, but there's often a certain trepidation when an author moves onto side characters from previous beloved leads. Leisa Rayven pulled me into this story within a few pages and unusually for me, I read it in 24 hours. Nothing about this book disappointed.

Elissa comes to the fore in Wicked Heart seamlessly. She is a beauty, who in all humility, just doesn't know it. She's fulfilled in the background as Stage Manager, used to the personalities and demands of actors and actresses. Her world pulls to a halt when the love of her life appears back in her world. This is a beautiful second chance that just can't happen. 'It's complicated', doesn't describe it. Despite his current relationship status, Liam is eminently likeable. He's warm and genuine, he made me laugh and lust. The story was full of wonderful turns, characters with such depth and tension and passion that goes through the roof. Where Leisa Rayven excels is with dialogue; such wit, quips, love and depth.

I feel fulfilled but sad this book is over. I powered through it with such an appetite that it will require a re-read at some point. I hope this isn't the end of this series, but frankly I will read anything Ms Rayven produces.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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