Salvation (The Protectors #2) by Sloane Kennedy, Narrated by Joel Leslie

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Salvation by Sloane Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Salvation has been one of my favourite books in The Protector series. I don't know if it's the vulnerability behind the characters, the build up passion between the leads or just the incredible storyline and extraordinary writing from Sloane Kennedy. All I know is that this Audio just brought to life a story which I already loved and made it even more special.

It is hard to choose a favourite character, is like having to pick between your kids! Both Seth and Ronan are beautiful characters, they each have endured so much suffering and loss that it is gratifying to see the story allowing them to get their HEA. In perfect Sloane way we are privy to a beautiful romance that is slowly been crafted through the pages of the book.

When I finished the Audio I was ready to message Joel and asked him if I could have his babies LOL but I refrained from the embarrassment and in order to avoid looking like a deranged stalker decided to just put my feelings into words.
Joel Leslie was MAGNIFICENT. He made me cried, he made me sigh, I was completely and utterly dumbfounded. He has bewitched me and I think he was born to play these roles. His voice is so beautiful and carries so much emotion it is impossible not to get lost in it. The transitions between dialogues and between so many different characters was done with perfection and in a masterful way. BRAVO!

Sloane Kennedy has created the Protector series which now expand to almost 8 books. There is no surprise why fans have made each and every one of these stories a Bestseller, they are so well written and have such emotional backdrops they provide readers with a very real scenario, passionate and completely addictive. I had read this book back in 2016 and I was glad to have been given the opportunity to now hear the Audio companion. To read the full review of this book visit:

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5 OUTSTANDING STARS. Jo&Isalovebooks

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I lifted my gaze to tell Seth no but then I saw it. The thing I'd feared I'd lost. It wasn't hero worship or the wayward emotions of an innocent child. And it wasn't some distorted reflection of a man who no longer existed. All I saw was me...the way he saw me. --Ronan

100 Proof by Shanora Williams

REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

100 Proof by Shanora Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW.

One word that summarises how I am feeling after reading this book. The topic of drugs and alcohol abuse is always a delicate one and is specially difficult when putting it in a book as a backdrop of a story. I don't think there is anyone out there that hasn't been affected or been involved in the use into of these substances or addictions. In my case this book came at a time when I am sadly witnessing someone very close to me going through the difficult experience of going into rehab. So saying this I was a bit weary at first as to how this story was going to pan out and if it was going to be all fun and games or not taken seriously. I am glad to say the Author conveyed in a very deep way the feelings of those into drugs, in recovery and the family and friends that surround them.

Without going into a very deep discussion of the book, this was also a complete page turner and once I started reading I just couldn't nor wanted to put it down.

Marley has to make a tough decision of walking away from her one true love in order to get her life back on track and avoid falling into the abyss that has been her upbringing. She has seen what the use of illegal substances and alcohol can do to a person. With her heart in pieces she moves away from everything and starts a new job.
Vin sees his life begin to crumble the day he has to watch the woman he loves walk away. As the black sheep of the family he has never cared what people think and he has lived to excess. The day he met Marleena was the day he finally had something good, but soon the constant party life takes him on a downhill spiral that drives him to make mistakes pushing him to get clean. As time passes by, he realises that getting help was the easy part, loosing Marley to his nemesis and winning her back is where the real battle begins.

This book was very special, it had it's dark and sad moments but also some good humour and plenty of off the chart steamy scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shanora's writing, is well structured, with great fluidity and unforgettable characters, making it a read which will stay with me for a long time.

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review. Thank You.

5 ADDICTIVE STARS. Jo&Isalovebooks.

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Captain by Lauren Rowe

REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar 

Captain by Lauren Rowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain by Lauren Rowe

When I first saw this book being promoted, I immediately requested an arc. I've only read Ball Peen Hammer by Rowe previously and I knew, well, I hoped, I'd be taken on a fun journey again. What I didn't realize that this was the story for Ryan - brother to Keane - from BPH! and I was thrilled to get back to the Morgan family!

Captain Ryan Ulysses Morgan meets the stunning, witty, sexy 'Samantha' at a bar one night and sparks are literally flying across the page at this first encounter. Unfortunately, Ryan's *very* recent (and slightly psychotic) ex gatecrashes the evening and spouts her poison and Samantha leaves believing the man of her dreams is an untrustworthy liar and master manipulator. While she spends the next few months wistfully thinking of Ryan, he wastes no time using his brother in laws' many connections to try and locate her and make her understand what really happened. He's absolutely floored when he spots her in the last place he expects to - Hawaii, at his sisters wedding where demands some answers.

While the characters were overall quite likable and easy to relate to, I really felt like giving them a smack or three throughout! All the secrets and half-assed truths drove me to borderline insanity. But still, I continued and thoroughly enjoyed. What I find I'm loving most about these books is the strong family and friendship connections. There's no bitchy best friend or family issues to add drama and I love that - frankly, the characters manage to create enough drama on their own. It's just good, honest writing. I mentioned Ball Peen Hammer earlier but you can read these as complete standalones and in no particular order. I'm definitely enjoying this authors writing style and would recommend both books. But I still need to go back and read The Club series!

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Captain by Lauren Rowe

REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 

Captain by Lauren Rowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There were certain elements to this book that I loved. I adore a man who treasures his family and has lots of banter with them. Even with the nicknames got out of hand, I still wanted to be a part of this family dynamic. I love when a book is in dual POV and when the secondary characters have a lot of action to the story. I also enjoyed the setting of the story from Seattle to Maui, that island holds a special place in my heart.

The two main characters, Ryan and Tessa, met in a bar when Tessa was out for a good time with her bestie, Charlotte. It takes a lot of searching on Ryan's part to finally catch up with Tessa again, but fate ultimately kicked in for him. For two smart people, I did find it annoying it took so long for them to connect the dots and this made for parts of the book to be a little repetitive. The connection between the two was extremely high, and I found at times I had to fan myself it was so hot. Although some of the name calling in the heat of the moment was a turn off.

This is my first book by Lauren Rowe, and certainly won't be my last. I have Keane's story on my kindle ready to go and I am looking forward to it. Even though this book is classified as a standalone, I did feel I was missing out on something..... like I missed a party somewhere along the way and didn't feel I was apart of the team. No biggie though, it only makes me want to go and read all her books.


*I received an arc for an honest review.
**Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Canvas by N.M. Catalano

REVIEWED BY Becky Cox 

Canvas by N.M. Catalano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raring 4.5

Rock is the ultimate in bad boy book boyfriends. Ex-military, motorcycle, tattoos, tattoo artist, and in the Program. He's cocky, funny and all sweet on the inside.

Summer has built herself a safe place in her cute coffee shop and lovable (mostly) customers. She is hiding and feels like she can be herself for once in her life.

These two burn up the pages. The twist i didn't see coming and gave a great spin to the story.

Rocks friends are all awesome in their own way and I look forward to their stories.

Four men who have shared so much (wink) and are the best of friends. I see another great Catalano series!

I received a copy for an honest review.

Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks

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Joy Ride by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Joy Ride by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a delight start to finish, with substance, great humour, banter and chemistry. I really enjoyed getting the sole male POV in the form of Sebastian York, it didn't feel lacking for not having a dual POV.

The context for this audiobook was unusual, set in the up-market car customisation business. Max is the NY king in this business and his ex-protege returns to the city working with his rival. In some ways, Max and Henley were a second chance story, even though technically they'd never romantically connected when they first worked as mentor and learner. What made this story excel was the strong, full-of-spark heroine, Henley. She held her own in this male-dominated world and there was so much to like about her. The chemistry and dialogue between these two set off fireworks and at other times had me laughing in my car at their banter but there was respect; that sold me on these two. There was a realism to their connection and the storyline was fun but at times there was a serious story to tell.

The narration was perfect. Whilst I've listened quite a bit to Sebastian York's narration, he does have the knack of owning the characters and in this he captured Max's off-hand ways alongside the sinking into love side of Max.

These two were a stellar couple and there's a nice little set up for the next book. This series gives me that light, humorous and hot combination that works so well and I'm looking forward to going back and experiencing the ones I've missed on audio.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Mr. Rochester by Sarah Shoemaker

REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard 

Mr. Rochester by Sarah Shoemaker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have very mixed feelings about this book and yet I am glad I've read it. A book like this is always going to come with some trepidation as JANE EYRE is my favourite book and a re-take on that concept definitely carries a risk. What appealed to me about the concept of MR ROCHESTER was the idea of his point of view but from childhood to what we know. I definitely felt frustration over how long it took to catch a glimpse of Jane Eyre and I am positive I won't be alone in this. The book had engaging parts and slow descriptive parts. This made me sense a lack of flow in my own enagagement on the whole.

Things I really liked about this book were unexpected, I truly enjoyed child and adolescent Edward Rochester. The idea of his life prior to anything we've ever had a snapshot of in JANE EYRE was totally engaging, showing a rather neglected boy, trying to find affection and fun. Some of the Jamaica story line engaged me and Bertha's mental demise was well written. I am disappointed by the last 30% that's focused on Jane and Edward's story. I don't feel that I learnt that much that's was new, despite having the opportunity to be in Edward's head. I did enjoy a rather unusual twist in this part though.

I am a huge fan of WIDE SARGASSO SEA by Jean Rhys so that's not to say I am opposed to someone writing an alternate to Edward Rochester's life. In fact, the Bertha part of MR ROCHESTER was well conceived and executed which is the focus of WIDE SARGASSO SEA. I just wanted more. I would definitely read Sarah Shoemaker again.

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

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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