Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely

Instant Gratification follows on nicely from Satisfaction Guaranteed and is the story of Malone’s sister, Truly and his best friend, Jason. Jason and Truly had an epic one-nighter which, for the sake of friendship (plus other commitments) they’ve agreed to never repeat again. However, being in each other’s sphere constantly, the flirting and suggestiveness seldom - if ever! - abates until one night, one wedding, they simply snap. They go on to agree to a friends with bennies setup even though they both want more but just won’t admit to it.

This was a great, enjoyable read filled with plenty of banter and sexual tension to keep us flipping those pages. We got to know Jason quite well as the story was predominantly told in his POV with some creative insight into Truly thrown in. I loved the various relationships we got to explore here: between siblings, friends, and more. The fact that we got to catch up with some old friends/characters made this read even more enjoyable.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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The Engagement Gift by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar

The Engagement Gift by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Engagement Gift by Lauren Blakely

The Engagement Gift is a hot AF novella in Blakely’s After Dark collection and is all about Lily and her fiancé Finn.

They are both so damn happy within their relationship and have an openness about them that many would envy. Finn is always more than willing to fulfill every single one of Lily’s fantasies (and she has an abundance!) and while Lily has never been shy about vocalizing her desires, there’s one she’s always held back on expressing: the down and dirty ménage. When she finally admits to it, Finn does everything in his power to make this a gift she’ll never forget.

Let me just start by saying holy freaking shit! This has got to be the hottttest book I’ve read this year - that I’ve read in an age if I’m being honest. This is a novella, yes, but it packs absolutely everything you could want in a full-length book: the love and respect between ALL the characters, the panty-melting dirty talk, and OMG the sex that is off the charts, dirty and delicious, and oh so hot! I loved this book and cannot wait for The Virgin Gift and The Exclusive Gift. I have a feeling this little series is quickly going to become a favorite of mine. Just a word of advice though: have your fans, battery operated friends, and/or significant others close by while reading!

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

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Dating Mr. Right: A Collection by Lauren Blakely

REVIEWED BY

Melinda Lazar 

Dating Mr. Right: A Collection: Four Standalone Romantic Comedies by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dating Mr Right

Dating Mr Right by Lauren Blakely

This is a collection of four (standalone) short stories featuring characters that we’ve met in the past and I have to say, it was ever so enjoyable catching up with them while they found their own happily ever after.

In Lucky Suit we get the story of Cameron and Kristen who meet online and go through a confusing then hilarious first date and subsequently navigate a long-distance relationship.

In Once Upon a Red-Hot Kiss we have Kirby, who absolutely hates Valentine’s Day and believes he’s been cursed to never find happiness. He’s in love with his best friend Macy who is effervescent and happy and embraces every occasion with gusto. Luckily, she’s in love right back!

Too Good to Be True features my favorite man in this boxset, Kirby! Serious swoon-alert right here! He’s a vet whose ex left him to travel the world and is a bit wary of getting involved with someone new. However, when his matchmaking client/friend sets him up with a gorgeous woman who is into sabotaging every relationship that comes her way, he bites the bullet and falls hard.

And finally, Strong Suit: the older-woman, younger-man trope has never been so flirty and delicious! Noah wears Ginny down with his paper aeroplanes and kale-infused cuisine till she accepts that Noah is the man for her, despite the age difference and food choices.

I have to say, I enjoyed all of these reads immensely. Some, if not all, of the characters I’ve been so eager to read about and was hoping Blakely would give us glimpses of in the future. So in my humble opinion, the novellas satisfied my curiosity while delivering a fun and flirty good time. Even though these are short stories, Blakely infuses so much warmth and personality into her characters that you’re left feeling as though you’ve read a complete and extensive novel which I believe says much about her as an author.

*I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.


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Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart

REVIEWED BY 

Monique Cashmere

Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying, what a freshening Cover this book has. I loved it from the first sighting and think it’s very fitting for the story.

I love a Staci Hart book, and will always be anxiously waiting for the next books release. Unfortunately, this one fell short for me. And I can’t quite put my finger on it as to why. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters but it seemed to be lacking something. There were a few components that didn’t totally fit or feel right for me. It’s odd how only Luke, with Tess, had been the instrumental members to save the family business when everyone else is there helping. And I really couldn’t get my head around the greenhouse in NYC supplying all those flowers on a daily basis and not running out. But I think my biggest dismay was that it dragged on too long where it could have been more concise with more depth.

This is certainly not a rom-com but the banter between the family members had me smiling a lot. It is a very sweet and charming contemporary romance of family values and commitment towards each other and other relationships. There is some angst as well, with an ex causing drama but the biggest outcome is love. It’s not necessarily light-hearted, but it is very heartwarming and full of emotions.

* Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooks Blog.

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It's In His Song by Shelly Alexander

REVIEWED BY

Joanne Mountford

It's In His Song by Shelly Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m back in Red River where the days are exciting, the nights are thrilling. The guys are hot, and the women are sassy.

As always Shelly Alexander tells a fabulous story with just enough chemistry to keep me turning the pages.

A second chance love story makes me sad, and yet makes me smile at the same time. If only things could have worked out in the beginning. So much time wasted, but then there wouldn’t be a second chance.

Thank God, Dylan and Hailey have a chance to rekindle their love. It’s not easy that’s for sure, but when has any true love run smoothly? Hailey has a HUGE whopper of a secret. It becomes quite clear in the beginning what that is. But how will Dylan react...(insert wink)

Dylan has some painful scars of his own to deal with. He’s going to prove to himself and to others that he can run a successful business. Another feat that is easier said than done.

You can definitely read this story as a standalone, but if you’re looking for a binge read then look no further. A Red River Valley, and all the residents are waiting to entertain YOU!

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The Judgement of Paris by Dr. Rebecca Sharp

REVIEWED BY

Jackie Vanhinsbergh

Wow, I didn't think a follow-up book could top the first book, but it does and this book takes you through every emotion! They are two shattered soles who have an undeniable connection. She is the calm in his storm, she behaves with dignity and doesn't push him into making decisions. She supports him and his work, where his estranged wife always wanted and wants the limelight and his fame and family money! His ex-wife causes heartbreak with her lies and deceit! They nearly lose each other but Leo and other forces work together to get the truth and bring him back to Troy! A beautiful love story that is well written. The additional epilogue was the icing on the cake seeing them 2 years later! 

An absolute 6-star book and a must read! 



Reviewed by Jackie for Joandisalovebooks blog


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The Lying Hours by Sara Ney

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere 

The Lying Hours by Sara Ney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love the How To Date A Douchebag Series and this one is another fun read. Each book has different characters that sometimes cross over due to it all being centred around the same university. This installment is about Abe and Skylar.

What I appreciate with these books is that each character has a flaw. Some can be redeemed and some are for us to have a better understanding and acceptance with. Abe was the gentle giant that was taken advantage of from his other team mates but especially his roommate. He had plenty of growth in this book and it made for interesting reading. I loved that he may not have known at the time that he stuffed up, but when he did, he went about to fully apologize for his actions. That is more important to me than being some alpha mucho male.

Skylar had a good head on her shoulders and knew what she liked in a partner. Lucky for Abe, it wasn’t JB. She may have been inexperienced in the bedroom, but she made up for it with the wisdom of the heart and was a quick learner. She was sweet and witty with a sincerity to admire. I also loved her roommate and the insight with the epilogue. Bring on the novella.

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