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paddlefoot55


Copy received from the author for an honest review

Love and Blarney is a novella in the Ballybeg series, and you dont not have to have read Love And Shenanigans first, but why would you want to miss out on the sweet fun read that it is.

Jayme and Ruairi's (Rory) marriage is in tatters, divorce about to become final and they are on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Misunderstandings, miscommunications and stubbornness have gotten them where they are today.

I loved that Jayme was the one to "man" up and travel across the globe to confront Ruairi about their situation. How strong she must have been to do that, with the fear of his rejection - again - at the forefront of her mind. I am pretty darn sure that I could not have done that.

I was a bit surprised with Ruairi's reaction at first, but as we got deeper into the story it was understandable - kind of? Some of the reasoning behind the leaving and the secrets and lies were a bit flimsy, but when your heart is breaking we don't always do the sensible thing.

I LOVED Ruairi's family - well, not his dad, but his mum and sisters, especially Sharon and Marcella. Love how they are all in each other's business, especially his and Jayme's, playing matchmaker.

So, will Ruairi and Jayme put the mistakes of their past behind them and have that fantastic relationship they used to have, or is it all too late for a HEA?

Uh Uh, for that you are going to have to read for yourself.



“If I do this, it’s because I’m insane or insanely in love,” he muttered underneath his breath.

Jayme’s heart skipped a beat. “I’m kind of hoping it’s the latter.”

His warm brown eyes met hers. “You know how I feel about you.”

“Do I?”


Ms Keane writes so descriptively that you can feel yourself being drawn into the landscape of the story. You can feel the cold rain, see the green fields of the countryside, imagine yourself up in the Blarney Castle, leaning back to kiss the Blarney Stone (and I whole heartedly agree with Ruairi, that thing has gotta be a hotbed of disease - cold sores anybody eeeww!!)


I was completely enthralled with Love and Blarney, read it in one sitting and didn't want it to ever end.


So Ms Keane, when can I have the next installment of the Ballybeg series?



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3.75 - 4.0 stars

Copy received from publisher via Netgalley for an honest review

This is the first Melanie Scott book that I have read, but I will be reading more.

The Devil In Denim had me in from the first chapter, and had my heart breaking for the main character Maggie right from the get go. After her father sells her legacy off, she feels that all she has worked for since she was a child has been sold down the river, she is left feeling a little sad and sorry for herself, and it doesn't help that she is attracted to the man who took it all away.

I loved Alex, Lucas and Mal - or the Hot Trio as I dubbed them. But especially Alex. Loved that he went for what he wanted. He saw, he wanted, he got! But especially loved that he wasn't too over the top alpha about it, he listened to Maggie, understood her feelings about their relationship, but still went for it all the same.

Maggie - my heart broke for her over and over as things happened with the family business. I could feel her devastation at the lost of her beloved team, her anger at her father for blind siding her with it,her confusion over he feelings for Alex - how can you love someone you should hate?

Loved the secondary characters, particularly Hana and Shelly. Love these ladies to bits! I want the in my corner, wouldn't want to face off against them.

This was a cute sweet read. Loved that it showed the behind the scenes and sometimes seedy side of the baseball world, and didn't focus on the players themselves. There were a few editing issues that I came across (had to reread a few sentences, and they still didn't make sense) but it did not take too much away from my enjoyment. Another quick round of editing should fix these things up.


ARC received from Gallery Books via Netgalley for an honest review

I had only just finished No In Between before My Control turned up on my kindle, and I just had to start it right away.

In No In Between we start to see Mark losing control as the investigation into Rebecca's disappearance/murder heats up.

In My Control, he is right on the precipice, we just don't know how much more he will take before he tips over the edge. He is no longer Mr Dominant, Mr Control. He is spiralling and it is not pretty.

His relationship with Crystal is also moving forward - well, in a two steps forward, one step back kind of way. I am glad that Mark has not shut Crystal out of his life, and seems to be opening his heart up to her - well as much as he can, as much as he understands himself at this time

"She quiets the storm inside of me and I'll be damned if I understand it."

"Crystals is slipping under my once iron-clad surface where I've let no one in for ten years. Except Rebecca."

My heart broke over and over for Mark. You could feel his heart breaking as each breakthrough in the Rebecca case comes through, as he finally truly admits to himself how he felt about her. It was rough seeing him so broken when he has always been so strong. I just wanted to grab him in a big bear hug - then make a hasty retreat because you know he wouldn't be up for that!

I love that Crystal is so strong. She knows that Mark is not right for her, not good for her, but god love her for sticking it out when things get a little rough, and for not giving up on him when he needs someone the most.

So, can Crystal break through Mark's emotional walls? How will Mark survive when things come to a head with the Rebecca situation?

Nope, for that you are going to have to read.

Ms Jones packs a punch with every single word. This is only a very short novella, but boy there is so much happening in those pages. Seeing this side of Mark gives the reader a whole new perspective of the man.


Now I can't wait for the next installments in this series, and am anxious to find out how the story ends.


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3.5 stars

I am a fan of Cardeno C's work, she writes sweet m/m romance like no one else, but Something In The Way He Needs just rubbed me a little the wrong way.

It has been a couple of weeks since I finished reading, and that "thing" that rubbed me the wrong way - I pretty much think it was Asher in general.

I am all for a dominant alpha man, but Asher just took this to the extreme, and his ultra possessiveness just irked me. For a Dom he just seemed to lack that control that we expect and his behaviour felt more assholey then protector.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the attraction between Asher and Daniel, but the whole relationship felt a bit off balance to me.

Daniel is sweet and not naive per se but he just seemed a little off with the faeries at time. I know he wasn't and he was actually a smart guy, but at times he felt like he was 15 years old not in his early 30s!

And Asher with "sugar". Sweet enough nick name, BUT all I could picture was a southern belle with a thick accent, a la Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Not the image I needed for a strong policeman!

So while I liked this story, I didn't love it like I wanted to.

Now, off to the next book in the family series.

I have to admit that this is the first J.C Reed book that I have read, even though I have had her Surrender series on my kindle forever.

Although The Lover's Secret could be read as a stand alone, it would be better if you had read the Surrender series first, as I felt that I was coming in halfway into a story, and even when I finished, I could not wrap my head properly around Brooke and Jett's relationship.

Brooke and Jett's relationship has a sexy, dark edge to it, there are some pretty deep trust issues going on on both sides. They are very much in love, but at times I felt like they were on separate planets rather than in a relationship. The sexual side of their relationship is hot - smoking, steam up your kindle hot, but even then there is that undertone that things aren't all as they seem.

Troubles from their pasts never seem to be far from their minds, and I feel that they play a big part in what is happening to them now. They are placing a wedge in their relationship, and it may be too much for them to get through. Brooke sees things about Jett that she had blinkers on about before, and seems to be seeing things clearly for the first time - or is she?

I haven't got my head around what Jett's game is either. Is he the loving man she thought he was, or is it all just another game to him?

"As perfect as he had seemed at first glance—sweet in words, gentle in actions, and sexy as hell—I shouldn’t and wouldn’t forget the fact that I had always sensed something dark lurking inside him. It was a side I had always been afraid to confront or face."

At first I thought I was going to be all out of the loop when it came to this story (again, not the author's fault, but due to my not reading the previous series) but Ms Reed gave me just enough that I could start to put all the pieces in place and kept me invested in Brooke and Jett's story. And then she really began to ramp things up towards the end, but then we were cliffhangered! But it looks like it is not long until book 2 is released so I shouldn't have to wait too long for more.

What I will be doing between now and book two is going and finally reading the Surrender Your Love series, then reread The Lover's Secret (or should it be The Lover's Lies, as there seems to be a few) to get the full impact of this new series

OK, I have to admit that I am slack and this is the first of the Lucky Harbor series that I have read (no matter how much Bianca has been at me to read them!) even though I have them all waiting for me on my kindle.

Why oh why oh WHY have I waited so long to get started??

I LOVED this book! I loved it from the first minute Becca saw Sam on the beach to the very last word. Who could resist the Sexy Surfer?

There was that instant spark of attraction between the two, and you just knew that this was either going to be hot and sizzling or blow up in their faces! But which one would it be?

Adored that Becca was always caught perving on Sam and his business partners and best friends Cole and Tanner - hence "The Peeper". But then again, who could blame a girl, she's not blind!! 3 sexy men who seem to be allergic to their shirts? Yeah, I'd be perving and drooling too!

I thought the back story of both Sam and Becca just made their relationship all the more relatable (well, not that I have a sexy grumpy surfer dreaming of me, but I can wish!!). They are both struggling to to move forward from things in their past, just going about it in the complete opposite ways, but they are just what the other needs to move ahead.

Loved, loved, loved the friendship between Sam, Cole and Tanner. Love how they rib each other mercilessly, but defend each other fiercely. Can't wait for more of these boys.

But the scene stealer for me has got to be Lucille. Gotta love a grandma who ogles the goodies of the local hotties!!

Now I am going to go back and read the rest of this series while I impatiently wait for the next one in the series!!

Now, where can I get some ranch popcorn, because I seem to be craving it now!

ARC received from author for an honest review

I have loved this series from the minute I first started reading "It All Started with a Lima Bean", and I have to say, it just keeps getting better and better.

Tangled Paths is the 3rd book in the series, but it could be read as a stand alone - but why would you want to miss out on the two beautiful stories before it? Plus, it gives you a much better idea of the other characters and relationships.

So, we have known Bri since the first book, and we first met Josh during the second book, but this third book is their story right from the beginning.

And what a story it is! I was drawn in right from the get go. The beginning of Bri and Josh's "relationship" is not a pretty one. I may or may not have had a tear in my eye for one or both of them, and might have possibly mentally bitch slapped Josh numerous times!

As we get to the here and now, I could completely understand Bri's ill-feeling towards Josh. I know I would have done more than give him the stink eye!! But they do say that there is a fine line between love and hate and she is toeing that line pretty closely!

You can feel the tension between Bri and Josh, it jumps off the page at you. There is lust, attraction, confusion all thrown into a tight ball and BAM hits you in the face. I wanted to bang their heads together to tell them to get their act together, or throw them in a darkened room and see what happened!

Well, that sort of happened, but on an island not in a darkened room, but the results were pretty darn hot!

My heart broke over and over for Bri as we learnt more about the troubles she has with her mother. Gah!! Her mother is a 100% grade a BITCH! There was not one redeeming quality in that woman! It is a wonder that Bri is as normal, and (seemingly) unaffected as she is.

Josh, Josh, Josh. Oh how wonderful I think you are. Not so much the younger Josh, but I love the man that you have made yourself today.

So, can Bri and Josh move on from the past and have a beautiful future together?

Nuh uh, for that you are going to have to read for yourself!

There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters (who if you have read the previous 2 books you will already love). Love this motley crew of family and friends! And it goes to show that family is not just blood, it is the people who love you for who you are, as you are, warts and all. And this is a beautiful family they are creating.

Ms Flores' writing just keeps getting better and better. Tangled Paths is a lot darker than the other two books in the series, dealing with issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, mental abuse and the effects it has on it's victims. She deals with these issues sympathetically and you cannot help but feel for the characters

She has completely seduced me with this series, and now I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, Grafted Vines

Complimentary copy received for an honest review

It has been a bit of a wait for Indestructible, but boy was it worth it!

Indestructible starts off right where Irreplaceable ends, so it has been a nailbiting few months in between for us readers. And as we read we are still nail biting, hair pulling, screaming at our kindles!

Cassie and Logan's relationship is going from strength to strength. They grow as individuals and as a couple. They are both willing to fight to the end for their relationship, no matter who are what is trying to pull them apart.

Cassie is so strong, with all she has been through in the series so far, there is so much more to be thrown at her, and she takes it all on head first. And boy did I love the way she took it all on!

Logan, Logan, Logan. While there were times I was pissed at you, I couldn't stay that way for long. He could test the patience of a saint at times, and how Cassie put up with it at times was beyond me! He frustrated me, but made me fall more in love with him as the story progressed.

I both loved and hated Jax at times!! Though most of the time I wanted to just trottle him (but them I am sure he would make me feel bad about it lol)

Natasha is a grade A certified Bitch. OMG there was nothing redeeming about her at all. Even when she was trying to be all nice you just knew she was just pretending and all the vindictiveness and nastiness was just below the surface.

But the scene stealer in this and the rest of the series is definitely Oliver. God I love that kid! So young but so wise.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride I have been taken on during Cassie and Logan's story, and I am sorry to see it come to an end. Ms Graham has me invested in these character's lives and I didn't want it to end.

I am happy to read that was are going to get more of the lives of the secondary characters to this series, Hilary and Caleb, Julia, Jax - and I think Oliver needs his own book!

Thank you Ms Graham for giving us this wonderful series.




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I was gifted a copy for an honest review

Mac and Superman are back!

I love, love love this couple! They are sweet, sexy, funny - Mac is bloody hilarious!

"Bra line, mom, Bra line. No one says breasts anymore. Boobs, jugs, tits, knockers, sweater puppies, hooters, the twins, traffic lights, bazoongas. Boobs, mom." ~ Mac.

And Daniel - aka Superman - is just swoonworthy. There is not one thing not to like about this man. I need to go lose my phone on a train to find my own Superman (with super parts!! )

Loved that the whole crazy gang is back in this one too.

This was an beautiful ending to Mac and Daniel's story.

Now, bring on Noah "The Walking Dildo's" story!!

       

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This is the second in the Family series by Cardeno C, but can be read as a standalone, as the characters do not overlap with the previous book.

I gotta admit, I liked this one a lot better than the first one in the series!

Wow, these two don't know the meaning of slow. They went from meeting to moving in quicker than I could eat my lunch!!! Don't know about insta-love but boy this was insta-nesting!

Spencer is the shy professor, pretty much obsessed with the hot construction worker he has been perving on for the past couple of weeks. Spencer has not gone unnoticed by Emilio - said construction worker - and when Emilio makes his move, there is no mistaking the come on!

And from there, things move full steam ahead.

Even though Spencer is 38 to Emilio's 22, there is a role reversal in their relationship, with Emilio taking on the protector role. At times though, Spencer felt more like an inexperienced 16 year old with his first boyfriend more than a smart, successful professor, but I could understand his trust issues and his hesitance.

I loved Emilio and all his family, especially his brother Henry and his sister Alicia. They were funny and wise and just all around likeable.

If you are in for a sweet, comfort read then this is the book for you. But have your dentist on speed dial because the sweet factor is turned up to the max.



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