ARC received for an honest review

It has been a while since I have read a Kimberly Knight book, and what a great way to get back into them.

Use Me, right from the start, has quickly become a favourite of her books for me.

Rhys and Ashtyn's story is smart and sexy. I love that they are both successful in their fields and that they feel equal (none of this simpering woman wondering why he wants her). There is a delicious push/pull between them that I couldn't help but adore. Neither are looking for a relationship, but that doesn't mean a relationship doesn't have plans for them!

There is also some mystery and suspense throughout the story, just waiting to play out for all to see.

The drama wasn't OTT, and wasn't there just for the sake of it. Our lovelies had their ups and downs (yes, those ones as well lol) but I loved how they reacted and resolved things - like adults!

There were a couple of twists that the reader could see coming, however getting taken along for the ride as things unfold was great.

I really did like Use Me, and can't wait to see what Ms Knight brings us next.

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

Le sigh... I love getting back to Sweetwater Springs - though I have terrible bookzheimer's and the only character I remembered in this one from the previous books was Dawanda the fudge shop owner (this probably says more about my sweet tooth than anything else!)

Paris and Lacy's story is sweet and funny and lovely and I just wanted more of this story.

It is a complete opposites attract, with the shy librarian and the unattainable bad boy with a heart of gold.

I couldn't help but want, no need these lovelies to get together.

This was a wonderful addition to the Sweetwater Springs series, and I can't wait to see what Ms Rains brings us next.

ARC received for an honest review

Gah! Put CP Smith's wonderful love stories together with Aurora Rose Reynold's BOOM! and you get the fantastic Until Joe!

If you have read CP Smith's Wallflower series, you know the lovely Bernice, and have quickly met Joe. Now it is time for their HEA.

I loved that Joe and Bernice are not some college aged couple, with issues that are so not relatable to me any more. I want my couples with a bit of grey and a life time of experience in my reads these days.

Joe is all kinds of swoonworthy. He's all alpha, all badass, all man, and all in with our lovely Bernice.

We learned more of Bernice's family - and gotta say, except for her sister, there was not much to like.

Bernice is all southern charm, and all fierce spirit. I love that she goes for what she wants - and what she wants is the man who has been in her thoughts for months.

Was great to see some more of the Wallflowers and their men - these ladies are all kinds of fabulous.

I want more!

ARC received for an honest review

Rock Chicks and Dream Men combine in this novella in the 1001 Night series.

I have wanted more Lottie since we met her in the RC books, and any man who works with Hawk Delgado is alright with me!

I have been setting Lottie up in my mind with a few of the unattached men that have popped up in the series, however none could ever be the man that Mo is to Lottie.

They say it is the quiet ones you need to watch out for - well, watch him Lottie did. It was fun watching Mo struggle with his attraction to Lottie, who was not backwards in coming forwards about what she wanted.

And one thing that I loved - seeing all the Hot Bunch come to Lottie. One in, all in with those men. Sigh.... makes me want to go read the Rock Chicks books all ... again!

Sometimes with these shorter stories, things can feel rushed, however that was not the case with Quiet Man. Because we have met these characters before and knew their stories, this was just another fabulous addition.

I want - no I need more!

ARC received from Harper Collins Australia for an honest review

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in an elevator...

Linwood Barclay is one of those authors that has been on my radar for a few years, however I just haven't gotten around to reading any of his book (there are a few of them sitting on my Kindle waiting for me!)

I am glad I have rectified that matter now, starting with Elevator Pitch.

I am on a bit of a thriller/crime story reading spree at the moment, and this book had me hooked from the get go. I was kept wondering whodunnit. Each time I thought I had an inkling of what was going on - nope, I was wrong!

Wonderfully flawed characters made this story come to life. I could relate to bits and pieces from a few of the characters in little ways.

Secrets and lies all come out as the investigation continues. This story had me anxiously turning each page, needing to know what would happen next and who the bad guys were.

I am definitely going to be moving more of his works up my TBR

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

Across decades, across generations, across continents, Emily Madden has given us another beautiful story of love, lies and the truths that come out long after we are gone.

I love the setting of the melting pot that is Kings Cross. Growing up in Sydney, yes, the Cross does have a reputation, however it is a wonderful place too.

Told from Rosie, Maggie and Brie's POV over a 50 year period, I was swept away with their lives, their loves, their losses.

I wasn't sure where this story was going to take me, and I was surprised at times with what was happening. I think I spent the last 10% of the story reading through tears.

Ms Madden has a wonderful way of writing. I feel like I am part of the story as I impatiently turn each page.

I am now looking forward to what she brings us next.

ARC received for an honest review

Nina Bocci has been a big part of the book world for years, and after collaborating, On The Corner of Love and Hate is her first solo release - yay Nina!

I live in a small town, so I adore a story set in a small town. I love a friends/enemies to lovers story.

Though our lovelies Emma and Cooper are not on the corner of love and hate - they are pretty much toeing the white line down the middle of a national highway!

It did take me a while to get into this one - I think Cooper at the beginning was so unlikable that he just frustrated and annoyed me. I hated that he had everyone snowed and they all thought he was the bees knees when we could see that he wasn't all that.

And Emma - hoy, make up your mind girly! If you don't want to do something he asks you, don't get sh!tty when someone else does it.

This does have that small town, a bit prudish feel to it (that's probably just me though. It felt more like a bible belt, southern town rather than up in Pennsylvania. I think the only thing missing was somebody clutching their pearls lol.

I did like the secondary characters. and am looking forward to Nick and Henry's stories to come in the future.

I did like that there wasn't toooo much drama or angst - yes, our lovelies had their problems, however there was nothing too OTT or stupid.

I also did find that at times, this story was a bit verbose (look at me, pulling the big words out today!) and could have been 20 or 30 pages shorter.

I liked the story, it flowed well and kept me captivated.

I am now looking forward to see what happens in Hope Lake next.

How has it taken me so long to start this series? I have had friends telling me for years to read it and I was all yeah yeah I'll get to it.

Now I am kicking myself for taking so long to get started!

Dark, gritty and real, Nine Minutes does not shy away from the reality of MC clubs, and I have a love/hate relationship with Griz, with Grunt and the people of Satan's Army.

I was left with so many questions at the end of this book, however knowing there are 2 more books, I know that they will be answered.

MOnique Makena is a new narrator to me, and one that I will be searching for more of in the future.

Copy received from author for an honest review

Ainslie Paton has again taken us on a journey unlike most with The Mysterious Stranger.

Zeke and Rory's friends-to-more relationship will have the reader guessing as they turn each page as to what will happen next.

Out to prove herself after a complete mess of her work life, she is all focus and fierceness, and cannot see what is right in front of her face.

Ms Paton always takes us to places we aren't expecting, and I love that her books are not cookie cutter stories we have read a hundred times over.

I am looking forward to what Ms Paton brings us next.