Wednesday 30 November 2016

Family Jewels by Denise Grover Swank



REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Family Jewels (Rose Gardner Investigations, #1)Family Jewels by Denise Grover Swank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Are you going to love this new Rose Gardner Investigation series? You bet your sweet patootie you will!

Rose and Neely Kate are besties. They work together at RBW Landscaping, live together on Rose's farm and dabble in solving mysteries.

Raddy Dyer is missing some family jewels - and he suspects his ex-wife has them. He wants Rose and Neely Kate to investigate and see if they can retrieve them back for him and solve this case.
And of course, things are not a simple as it first starts out and they end up needing some help from James and Jed. And as Dr Levi Romano is learning, Rose's life is anything but boring. Joe has some investigating to do on his own, and comes back with some startling news.

If you are a fan of the old series, you will love this new one. If you are new to the Rose Gardner character, you will fall in love with her along with the rest of us. Some of the old characters are back, some we only hear about, and my fingers are crossed that one particular character heads home for the farm for good. Highly recommend.

I was gifted an early copy from the author.

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Hell and Back by Natasha Madison


REVIEWED BY Isa Jones


Hell and BackHell and Back by Natasha Madison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG this book was A•MA•ZING!!!

It is the first I read from Natasha and I loved her style of writing and I can't wait to read from her.

Hell and Back is such a beautiful yet strong story. Bella and her daughter Lilah move across the country to escape years of abuse under the hands of a man who was supposed to be their protector a Husband and a Dad, instead, he has spend the last years making their lives a living hell, literally.
Upon arriving to their new destination they attract the eye of one of their neighbours, Jackson, who due to his line of work is quick to catch on on the fragile state in which both girls are. Thanks to a lovely friend from Bella's only family and to the relentless Jackson soon Bella and Lilah begin to come out of their shells, soon the ghosts from their past start receding. Jackson is desperate to protect and see both Bella and Lilah living a normal life, he uses anything in his power to make them smile and feel safe, he has his own ghosts and has tried to forget about his painful past, however, soon the past catches up with Jackson and this is where Natasha presents the reader with the mother of all twists.
This story had it all, it was emotional, heartbreaking, at parts agonisingly beautiful but it was full of romance and had plenty of HEAT too! A complete page turner and an incredible storyline. Couldn't read any faster and loved every minute of it.

5 HEAVENLY STARS.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review.

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Tuesday 29 November 2016

Stepdaddy Stripper by Cara Chance



REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Stepdaddy StripperStepdaddy Stripper by Cara Chance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I received an ARC of this book as a prize in a competition and it was a nice surprise.

Did I love the book? NO, did I enjoy it? YES.

I think is too hard sometimes to appreciate a story that is very short. I feel this book had great potential if it had been a longer read and therefore my review is reflection of this.
There are so many books out there that fall under the same category and lately I have read few MFM's (Manège) so as I was reading I felt things were just hotting up when suddenly we reached the end.

I wont go into much detail as I may be giving away the imminent plot but in this story we meet Katie who after few failed attempts is desperate to get rid of her "V" card. Whilst on a night out with her friends at a strip club she has a very hot and close encounter with one of the dancers, she can't believe her luck the and the turn of events, sadly things come to an abrupt end and she is unable to know the identity of the hunk who practically made all her dreams come true; that is until she comes to her mum's house to meet her future Stepdaddy. Things speed up from here onwards and unfortunately this only left me wishing things would have moved at a slower pace to thoroughly explore the characters and made the story more enjoyable. The two male leads were well written and the steamy scenes provided plenty for the readers imagination.

Fans of quick reads with a plethora of steamy situations will enjoy this story.





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Monday 28 November 2016

JAX by J.L. Perry



REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere 



JaxJax by J.L. Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not sure if it is possible, but I think I love Jax more than Carter! I know, its hard to believe, but Jax just won my heart and I am hooked. He is a big cutie-pie that is rough on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside, but don't tell him I said that! He has a reputation and all. And I don't think I want to meet Candice down a dark alley either. She is an amazing woman that only has eyes for Jax, but do her wrong, and she will squeeze the life out of you. This gal is sassy and can hold her own.

If you have read Bastard, you will know little bits and pieces of Jax and Candice, and I am so glad their story has come to light. The time line for this book is exactly the same as Bastard, so technically you could read Jax first, then go to Bastard, either way would work. It was great hearing small bits of Carter and Indi in this book too.

Jax has come from a family of wealth and social standing, but it didn't get him anywhere. He has had to make some tough decisions and go out on his own. Candice hasn't had it easy either, but at least she has had her mum stand by her through thick or thin. They met through Jax's brother and become best friends not wanting to go any further and wreck the relationship that they have. But one drunken night goes too far, and things change for them in a big way. It will take more than a Peanut and a Puppy to make these two realise what everyone else knew from the beginning.
JL Perry did an awesome job with this book. And I would recommend it as a starting point, or to add to this series.

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Jax by J.L. Perry



REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken 


JaxJax by J.L. Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jax is heading off to school to become a politician. It is only to make his parents happy. His heart is not in it.

Jax and Candice have been best friends for years. They both have feelings for each other but have kept to them self. They did not want to wreck their friendship. Well one night they both took it a little to far. Jax was not sure how to say goodbye to her, so he took cowards way out and left without saying goodbye to her.

They both try moving on but their is still a piece of them missing.

Jax hates school and his life. He wants to to take control of his life and make all his dreams come true.

I loved this story. I felt all the pain they both went through. I was rooting for them to finally come to their senses. I loved that Carter and Indi was included. I have a soft spot for them both. I like the fact that Jax doesn't conform to the norm. He is unique and goes after what he wants. Candice is a strong, sassy and passionate woman.

I look forward to your next release.


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After We Fall by Melanie Harlow


REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

After We FallAfter We Fall by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Melanie Harlow takes a somewhat ordinary situation, characters with realistic issues and normal lives and makes you absolutely gripped in this new release. I basically devoured this over a Sunday and I was pretty in love with some of the characters straight away.

Margot was a spoilt rich 30 year old at first glance, but in fact, she wasn't that at all. Jack pulled me in from the off, a grumpy, grieving farmer who was also a veteran. Jack had the kind of character you cannot help but like despite the prickles. These two had the most serious chemistry, when they were together, they blew me away.

What was a little different about this novel from Harlow was that it didn't jump straight into the funny. What I found was that the wit grew over the book but ebbed when things needed to get serious. This worked for me despite being more used to Harlow humour throughout, just because it fitted the characters better this way.

After We Fall was the perfect read to get lost in, you won't find yourself losing focus or concentration, you'll just want to read until it's done. Another winner.

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

Reviewed by Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Prude by Jordan S, Gray



REVIEWED BY Isa Jones

Prude (Labeled Book 1)Prude by Jordan S. Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is Jordan S. Grey's debut novel and so my first time reading her work. I feel really bad because sadly this book was not for me but I will try ensure my review is a constructive one.

I can't fault the writing as the story was well edited and had all the required elements for this type of book. However, in my opinion, the characters at times weren't well portrayed and to me that presented a dilemma as it hindered my ability to connect and to completely believe in the story.

At the beginning of the book we meet Rebecca Washington who gets dumped by her boyfriend for being boring and prudish. As I started reading the first few pages I assumed we were dealing with 15/16 year old kids because the dialogue and behaviour were so immature that I just didn't understand what was going on. Then as I continued on and found out that the characters were actually in their late 19-20's I struggled to take them seriously and sadly it just went down hill from there onwards.

Rebecca's character is supposed to be shy and she is a complete introvert and bordering on OCD behaviour. If the author intended for her character to come across as totally obnoxious and socially inept then she totally nailed it. The rambling got on my nerves and at times I wanted to close the book, but Derek made it all bearable: on the outside a typical womanising manwhore but as you read on, you see he is hiding a lot of emotional baggage. I felt his character could have had a bigger story and he should have been given his own chapters so the reader could have fully understand where his broody mood was coming from. I say the best dialogues came from the secondary characters but still I had mixed feelings with their childish behaviour.

To summarise, as this is not an original plot, I feel the Author could have delivered a solid and high rated story if the characters would have been stronger and acted within the storyline, I hope my comments only help her see other people's perceptions thus providing us readers with a well rounded book next time round.

ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion.
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovebooks Blog

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Sunday 27 November 2016

Fire In the Blood by Lily Freeman



REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken


Fire in the Blood (The Red Series, #2)Fire in the Blood by Lily Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book of the series. PJ is in a relationship with Luke. Luke is a sadist and enjoys pain. PJ has seen a more gentler side to him as well. She is torn between continuing an relationship with him or ending it.

I liked Luke to begin with but he gradually looses his marbles. PJ finally sees what he is capable off. His true color is red, for pain.

Her two bi neighbors Elliot and Mika urge her to be careful and are always watching out for her. They are always her rock. Holy hell she will need them after what Luke does to her.

Elliot and Mika are incrediable in this story. I love how protective and loving they are to PJ.

I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next.

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovesbooks review team

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Beautiful Ink, (An Inked Beauty Novel Book One) by S.L. Romines



REVIEWED BY Tina Shobe


Beautiful Ink (An Inked Beauty Novel Book One) (Inked Beauty Series)Beautiful Ink (An Inked Beauty Novel Book One) by S.L. Romines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great read! I'm typically not crazy about MC books but absolutely felt drawn into this book right from the start.

Harlow and her group of girl friends take no crap off anyone. They support each other 100% and don't hesitate to call each other out on anything. We'd all love to have friends like these ladies.

Harlow also makes Slade work hard to get back into her good graces and also to really 'hear' her.

We have our tough motorcycle dudes that are man enough to show their softer side.

We have love lost, cancer, death. Harsh realities of life. But there is also great humor and seriously sizzling hot sex.

There is a lot of F bombs dropped throughout the book but I didn't take offense as I felt it gave the story more of what reality is for MC life.

I have been wanting to find a good laugh out loud book for quite awhile and this one is a great one!

This is the first book in this series and I'm anxiously awaiting the next one in this series!


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Marriage Games by C.D. Reiss



REVIEWED BY Micky Barnard

Marriage Games (Games, #1)Marriage Games by C.D. Reiss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the best audios I've listened to in the romance genre. The two narrators were superb but not only that, this book is mainly made up of dialogue and instead of being POV narration-driven, dialogue was dual narrated. This enhanced everything about this book.

Adam started out as the wronged, hurt husband, gaining my sympathy quickly despite knowing his past. Let's put it this way, I'm not in his fan club right now, but there's a part of me still rooting for him. I really couldn't quite get the measure of Diana initially and didn't understand her decisions. What progresses between these two is like a runaway train, but they're both convinced they're in control. I enjoyed this story and the characters hugely. I am an anti-Dom/sub fan, so the fact I loved this so much speaks of the author's talent. I am waiting with bated breath for next book and conclusion to this compelling story.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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http://www.audible.com/listener/A2OKSANI1041IT?ref_=a_lib_tbaft_4

Molly-Part One by Tracy Lorraine


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere

Molly - Part One (Angel, #1)Molly - Part One by Tracy Lorraine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3*'s . I received an arc for an honest review.

I never take it lightly to review a book, as I wish I had the ability to write one myself. I don't like saying negative things in my reviews, because we need to find positive elements in everything. The favourable aspects of this book were friendships. Molly didn't come from a home with a lot of loving care, but she found friends that could fill the void and then some. The twin sisters and their family that lived next door in her early life, then more friends from her university years. This is where she met Ryan and after a tragic accident, their friendship became stronger and they are now best friends. Molly is currently the sole owner of her business and when her relationship with Max ends, Ryan takes her in to his new home and they become house mates........which then sparks feelings for both of them that they don't know how to handle.

There was definitely a good foundation to the book but I felt the characters lacked maturity which gave them no depth. Also, where angst was supposed to be building up, I was just getting annoyed with them. They were changing their decision about each other constantly, it was slightly flippant.

If you enjoy a strong female character, who treasures her friendships like they are her family, you might like this book too.


* Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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Jax by J.L. Perry


REVIEWED  by Jess 


JaxJax by J.L. Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

Jax Albright is a saint. A man who made a mistakes years ago but has long since made up for it. He was young, naĂ¯ve, and in need of an escape. Sometimes, an emotion can take over completely and there is nothing left to do but run. And run he did.

Candice didn't see it coming. It hit her like a ton of bricks. Being best friends with the man you're in love with is never easy. Not knowing that he's in love with you too and just too scared to admit isn't very fun either.

J.L Perry has written a very interwoven tale of love and friendship, second and third chances. I often found myself yearning for more of the sub plots because of how wonderfully constructed the characters were. Brian, Brendan, hearing about Carter and Indiana-it was a nice break and recess from the angst going on between our two main characters.

It's not a secret Jax and Candice belong together. The path in which they take may be long, but in the end, necessary. I really respected Jax in this book. He matured beautifully and made sound adult choices eventually. While Candice made some pretty selfish choices, she owned up to her mistakes and did everything she could to prove her loyalty and trust back to her one true love.

I'm a Perry fan through and through. I thoroughly enjoyed Jax!

***arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review***

***Reviewed by Jess for joandisalovebooks blog***

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Wednesday 23 November 2016

Raven by Scarlett Finn



REVIEWED BY Ann Meemken

Raven (Kindred, #1)Raven by Scarlett Finn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Zara meet a man in bar and they hit it off but it ends in disaster. Zara finds herself in the middle of a complicated mess. She is visited by Raven who advises her on what she needs to do. Zara is dedicated to her job and her boss Grant. She is about to find out that Grant is involved in a secret project, which if it lands in wrong hands could end in disaster. Raven has some secrets of his own but uses Zara for information he needs to get his hands on the device.

This story keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I loved the mystery and suspense of this story. Zara is strong women and dedicated to those she cares for. Raven is a bad boy with a good heart. He struggles to let Zara in but she breaks down his defenses. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

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Out of Bounds by Lauren Blakely


REVIEWED BY Melinda Lazar

Out of BoundsOut of Bounds by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Out of Bounds by Lauren Blakely

When you combine one of your favorite authors with one of your favorite genres, you're practically guaranteed to get a fantastic read. So to say I was thrilled that Lauren Blakely was releasing a sports romance is quite the understatement!

Blakely delivers a deliciously sexy sports novella featuring footballer, Drew and lawyer, Dani. They meet on the beach when Dani checks to see if Drew is hurt after being clobbered by a rogue surfboard and while Dani quickly realizes who Drew is, she's happy to pretend not to know he's the rising star quarterback for a local professional team. And who is Dani, I hear you ask. Why, she's a lawyer for the *other* local team - where Drew gets transferred to.

So this book has a bit of a forbidden feel to it: team lawyer and quarterback plus the slightly older woman and it totally rocked my world. The interactions between these two are fun and flirty and the sexy times are in-freaken-sane! Delicious! Hot!

What I love most is that Blakely (as always) gives us good, solid characters. Further to that, she never gives a weak heroine; they're always strong within their own right, smart, and are far from needy. Dani is a perfect example of that and I want to be her friend, desperately! And another thing? These women are ADORED by their men and Drew is no exception to this. I love how he views Dani as a badass because she really is one with a huge heart! As much as I love and lust for The Blakely Boys, the girls have their own special place for me.

I really loved this novella and I really hope that Blakely continues with writing sports romances - she's proven to be damn good at it!

*arc received in exchange for review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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https://www.amazon.com/review/R1WEXXGHCRBHFO/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Jinx & Tonic by Gina LaManna


REVIEWED BY Monique Cashmere


Jinx & Tonic (The Magic & Mixology Mystery Series #3)Jinx & Tonic by Gina LaManna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know that feeling you get when you're on a winner? This is how I feel now. This is the third book in this series and I think it is going from strength to strength. Miss LaManna is keeping me enthralled and captivated to the end.

In this episode, its is more about the Candidates and the Trials. It is a major honor to become a Ranger so the test is not for the faint hearted. But with an escaped prisoner, things get side tracked for a while. One thing that is constant is Lily and Ranger X. These two have a bond with their soles like no other on the Isle. Lily is finding being the Mixologist is becoming more natural and is working on potions with ease. Her and Ranger X also need to find their place together that doesn't compromise their respected positions.

This is a great series about witches and a magical island that has to combat against some evil to withstand. Highly recommend it to one and all.

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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 ...