Category: 3.5 Stars

Another pretty good debut novel, I’m reading a lot of those lately, and that’s really good news.

What was the book about?
Coming back to her office and her work football team (football as in soccer) after a business trip, Iris meets Cameron, a new American colleague and teammate. Still hurting not so much from the failure of her last relationship but from the way she behaved after the break-up, Iris has closed herself off to any idea of falling in love again. She’s not immune to Cam’s charms however, and the fact that her new friend is engaged to a ma, and won’t be staying in London forever helps her keep their relationship in check, or so she believes. Cam is not as straight as she seems, and not as indifferent to Iris as she thinks.

Featured Tropes: 
Workplace Romance, Big City, Sports, Friends to Lovers

Book Strengths:
The London setting is a nice change. Both main characters are endearing, and the web of friends and teammates around them is full of interesting people. I especially liked how both Cam and Iris have to learn to accept themselves and their past mistakes. Iris hates herself for all the meaningless sex she threw herself in after her breakup, and needs to forgive herself. As for Cam, she’s allowed her mother, then her fiancé to decide for her all her life, and she’s finally learning how to stand for herself and what (or who) she wants. 

Book Weaknesses:
In the beginning, One Small Step was too much tell, not enough show, and I was worried I wouldn’t get into the story, but it got a lot better after a while. The pace picked up, and I lost myself in Iris and Cam’s growing feelings and doubts in a very enjoyable way. 

Character Chemistry:
When they first meet, neither Iris nor Cam is looking for a relationship other than friendship. It’s the unmistakable chemistry between them that makes that friendship turn into something more despite their best intentions.

Heat Rating:
4

Wrap up:
This book undeniably feels like a first novel, which it is so it’s okay, and I’m sure MA Binfield’s writing will keep growing. I’ll keep an eye out for her next book.

Star Rating: 
3.5

Would you like to grab a copy?

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Wild Bells is the least Christmas-y Christmas novella I’ve read this year.

What was the book about?
Mia, a twenty-seven-year-old lawyer-to-be, calls herself “the Dykemaker”, as in no straight woman can resist her. Except for Linda Ling. If you thought this was going to be a toaster oven romance, think again. Because it’s not Linda Mia ends up falling for, it’s her twin sister Sandra. While “Linda is all that, Sandra is… something” (I’m more or less quoting Mia here).

Sandra is everything Mia thought she didn’t want. She’s not gorgeous, she’s in a wheelchair, she wants to date Mia. Mia doesn’t do dates. Yet, in an ironic twist of her usual modus operandi, Mia finds herself unable to resist Sandra.

Featured Tropes: 
Christmas novella, disabled character

Book Strengths:
What I liked the most about this story is the tone it’s told in. It’s almost tongue-in-cheek, but still with an unexpected, almost reluctant romantic undertone. Watching Mia acting totally out of character, trying to fight her attraction to Sandra was a lot of fun. Mia is not exactly an ice queen but she’s aloof and self-sufficient, until she melts.

Book Weaknesses:
I know novellas are supposed to be short, but a few more pages would have been welcome. As it is, the reader can see Mia falling (that part is believable) but not how, not why. 

Character Chemistry:
The chemistry between Mia and Sandra is not immediately obvious yet it’s believable. It sneaks up on Mia, and on the reader by extension. 

Heat Rating: 3

Wrap up:
While I really enjoyed this story, it left me wanting more.

Star Rating: 3.5

Would you like to grab a copy?

Amazon U.S.
Amazon U.K.
Amazon AU

What was the book about?
Two wounded souls. Avery Bennet who after a terrible break up decides to not put her heart on the line anymore, and turns into a player instead. She has quite a reputation and always gets the woman she puts her eye on. Until one day her best friend drags her to Yoga class and she can’t stop thinking about the elusive instructor. Kadence Cooper has her own demons to fight, Yoga has helped her balance her life. But she hasn’t healed completely. The question is can these two broken souls mend and heal or will be shattered once more?

Featured Tropes: Friends to Lovers / Slow-pace romance

Book Strengths:
The book, in general, is good; the plot is interesting and there is important growth character for both main characters. Both had very deep issues and even when takes a bit for them to get through, we can witness their changes and be happy about them.

Book weaknesses:
The pace is very slow, I like slow-paced romances but this one is much slower than I have expected. For some, it could be a good feature though. Also, Avery sometimes is very inconsistent, annoying and some features are not very believable.

Character Chemistry:
Kadence looks a bit more stable and likable than Avery, who is way too obnoxious and immature at the beginning. As the book progresses Avery becomes more likable and at the end is the one who grows the most. The chemistry between them is there, dancing around during the whole book. And as long as Avery behaves is stronger, by the time they solve their issues and grow personally and together their chemistry is more tangible.

Heat Rating (out of 5 flames): 🔥(1.5)

Wrap up:
This is a book for those who enjoy a very slow paced romance with real character grow.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)

Would you like to grab a copy?

Amazon U.S
Amazon U.K
Amazon AU

Chrissy works for Reggie, a well-known lawyer in Boston. She has had feelings for Reggie for a while now but she tries not to make it noticeable at work, however, when Chrissy’s son also begins to get close to Reggie, Chrissy’s heart becomes even more entangled in her affections for Reggie. When an angry and resentful ex-client comes to Reggie’s office with the intent of causing harm, Chrissy steps in and saves her life, getting hurt herself in the process. Reggie takes Chrissy and her son in while Reggie recovers, they both fall a little deeper for each other.

I liked this story. It was a quick and easy read, which was exactly what I was looking for. The opening chapter is fuelled with angst, but from then on you have a beautiful love story centring around Reggie and Chrissy.

There were times when I felt the pace lagged a bit and I was excited to get to the next chapter. Also, there was sometimes more detail than needed to be in a section of the book, but that was outweighed by the romance playing out between Reggie and Chrissy.

The chemistry between Chrissy and Reggie was active and prominent throughout. I was backing them to get together from the start and when they did, it made my heart flutter.

I heard this was originally a ‘Once Upon A Time’ fanfic and when I heard that, I was surprised I hadn’t clicked myself as I enjoy reading that verse often. I’ll go looking for more fanfic from Jazzy Mitchell because she’s left me intrigued with this novel.

3.5 stars

 

If you would like to purchase You Matter please follow the link below:

Amazon

 

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This story was very a funny and quirky story that was quite different from any Lesbian fiction novel I’ve read before.

Bess Campbell has escaped city life for the small village of Port Banir. She works at the Cabinet of Curiosities, a museum of the weird and wonderful, where no day is like the last. Ice Queen, Margaret Gale owns the Port Banir Maritime Museum where the locals don’t frequent often as her strict rules and the artifacts can make it quite boring. When a murder ties these two women together they begin to see that not only is this a setup but maybe opposites do attract!

Jess Lea set up a very exciting and unique story. I actually have a bit of a thing for the ‘Ice Queen’ trope so I was really excited about Margaret’s character from the beginning. It was nice to watch as Margret’s stone walls came down the more time she spent with Bess.

I just couldn’t personally connect with the intrigue side of the story and kept wishing there would be more build up to Margaret and Bess’s love story. I guess I am just a romantic at heart.

Despite this, I will give Jess Lea credit for constructing a story that doled out plot twist after plot twist. I wasn’t really sure where the book was headed at all until the very last few pages where I was shocked by the reveal. She built up a strong cast of secondary characters who are all well-fleshed out and have their own back stories of intrigue.

I’ll definitely check out what comes next from Jess Lea.

3.5 stars

 

If you would like to purchase ‘A Curious Women’ click the links below:

Ylva Publishing

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This was such a sweet book.

Emily and her sister, Mindy have just moved to town after the death of their mother. Mindy has Down Syndrome and when her father is too distraught by his grief to look after her, she moves in with Emily. Emily has recently divorced her husband and is looking forward to her new life with a new job in a new town. When she starts work she meets fellow teacher Andi who she brefriends straight away. After learning that Andi is gay it pikes her interest and she begins to realise she might have been in denial about her sexuality. But can she ruin an amazing friendship at the possibility Andi feels the same?

Great story that would be perfect as a holiday read. The plot was fun and the pace really good.  The protagonists were enjoyable and Emily’s character was well fleshed out. I did feel that Andi’s point of view lacked quite significantly and I would have enjoyed her page time more if I understood her better.

The storyline itself follows the friends to lovers and the work romance trope and I really enjoyed the way the author dealt with both these scenarios. Both tropes worked well together and gave more opportunities to learn about the characters lives and back story.

Lastly, I enjoyed the epilogue however, I would have preferred it as a last chapter with an epilogue after set further in the future.

This is the first book I’ve read by Joy Argento and it won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

3.5 stars

 

If you would like yo purchase this book please follow the links below:

Bold Strokes Books

Amazon

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This would be a great book for by the pool on holiday…

I had been looking forward to this book for a while especially after rereading New Beginnings by KC Richardson on few days before landing this book.

A little about the book…

When Sydney gets a call telling her that her estranged maternal grandmother has left everything to her in her will, she’s left shocked and a little confused. She decides to go to her grandmother’s farm to get a better understanding of her and her life before she sells it. There she meets Abigail, a real country girl who only has wonderful stories to tell her about her grandmother, not the horrible ones she’s heard up until then. They forge a friendship that turns into a mutual attraction. However Abigail’s life is on the farm and Sydney’s is back in Chicago. Can these two find a way to bring both their worlds together?

This was a nice story of making friends and finding love in the process. I really enjoyed Sydney and Abigail’s dynamic and the ease of their budding romance. I enjoyed the backstory behind Sydney’s grandparents and why she grew up without them in her life. I felt at times that the characters weren’t complex enough and the story lagged. The there were times there was too much going on and I wasn’t sure it was all fitting together.

That being said, the romance between both characters was nice and gave me all the feels by the end. I really think this is the kind of novel you take on holiday and read by the pool.

I look forward to seeing what’s coming up next for KC Richardson.

3.5 stars

 

If you would like to purchase A Call Away please follow the links below:

Bold Strokes Books

Amazon US

Amazon AU

Amazon UK

 

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If you’re looking for a story of love, hope and survival, you can’t go wrong by grabbing a copy of Journey to You.

 

Author Synopsis

What do you do if you are one of the few who remain alive after a mysterious, flu-like virus claims most of the global population? This is a question Kim Robins and Peri Henderson have to answer when the world changes and society falls apart.
Violent gangs of looters make it unsafe to remain in the city. Hoping to improve their chances for survival, Kim and Peri decide to hike into the remote forest area of Main.
Dangerous circumstances along the trail cause the women to join forces with another hiker and her dog. The longtime friends and their new companions set off on a daunting trek filled with both menacing and kindhearted survivors.
With evidence of the illness everywhere they go, will this journey bring each of the women the happiness and safety she seeks?

 

Dee’s Review

This story is set in April, in the not too distant future. An epidemic hits and the world ceases to exist as this cast of blue eyed characters know it. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned eye colour in a review before, but for this story, it’s a vital factor.
Thankfully, most animals also survived the pandemic.
If you’ve ever envisioned a life full of crime, hate, and starvation after such a catastrophic event, this story will give you hope it doesn’t have to be that way. Sure these ladies encounter some unpleasant human-beings along their journey, but, for the most part, the population is self-surviving so there’s little need for violence.
Paige, Peri, Allie, and co. remain healthy by drinking herbal tea, catching and eating fresh fish, canning produce, milking goats, making butter and cheese, and of course trading goods.
Peri and Paige are wonderful leading ladies, their courtship is tenuous for various reasons and because of that, was believable to me. I found Kim a little wishy-washy and never came to care for her, but such is life, literally.
Zeke, bless him, added a lot of emotional depth to this story. I really hoped him and Allie would get together, BUT what unfolded went a little beyond belief for me. I wish that ‘part’ had gone to our ladies.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and would definitely read more by this ‘no longer new to me’ author.
If you’re looking for a dark depressing story, you won’t find it here. If you’re looking for a story of love, hope and survival, you can’t go wrong by grabbing a copy of Journey to You.

3.5 stars

 

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If you would like to purchase Journey to You please follow the link below:

AJ Adaire Books

Amazon US

Bella Books

 

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Some soul mates can never be forgotten.

Author Synopsis

Jordan was in love with her best friend, Sophie, in high school and no one knew… least of all Sophie. After fleeing without a trace before graduation, Jordan vowed never to return to Monarch, the butterfly obsessed town along the Central California coast.

Ten years later, Jordan owns a successful soul mate matchmaking company where she finds love for others, but has little use for it herself. Sophie runs the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary and has yet to forgive Jordan for disappearing from her life. When Jordan is forced to return to Monarch, will their soul mate connection deepen or will differing goals tear them apart?

 

My Review

This was a beautifully written novel by Lisa Moreau that tells the story of unrequited childhood love for both women, having never truly knowing the love they felt for one another.

Jordan knows when she meets Sophie in high school, that she is her first love but also believes that Sophie will never truly love her the same way. After her Jordan’s father finds her diary with her feelings scribbled through it, he banishes her to live with her mother in another city. The scared young girl leaves without telling Sophie how she really feels, never knowing that the feelings are very mutual. When Jordan returns to deal with her family business years later, she doesn’t expect to bump into the beautiful woman she finds that she still can’t live without…

I really enjoyed the prologue to this book and was expecting quite a rollercoaster ride of emotions however what I got was actually more of a sweet love story. There was a lot of predictability with the story and I am not meaning that in a negative way, I actually enjoy quite a few authors that stick to the love story formula however, from the prologue I thought it was going to have more twists and a lot more angst.

Both protagonists personalities where fleshed out well and I understood their apprehension when it came to declaring there feelings to one another, they both had wounds from the past that hadn’t yet healed. When Jordan and Sophie finally got round to expressing their love, you could feel the tension and the genuine love between both characters. I had a little trouble imagining what Sophie looked like as she was described as the Disney Princess but unfortunately there are so many different ones.

I enjoyed this novel and personally I think it was a sweet story that is all about feeling good  and falling in love.

3.5 Stars.

Quote of the Book:

“You made me love you. Just like that Patsy Cline song. I didn’t want to do it, but you made me love you.”

 

I received my copy of The Butterfly Whisperer by NetGallery & Bold Stokes Books for a honest review.

 

If you would like to purchase The Butterfly Whisperer it is now available from Bold Strokes Books. Please follow links below to purchase your copy:

Bold Stokes Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debut Novel from Jane Hardee 

Synopsis

Michael, an up-and-coming hyperrealist sculptor from Atlanta, Georgia, is about to get her big break. An expert at carving the female form, she owes much of her success to her muse, best friend, Jess. Michael has been in love with Jess for years but treasures their friendship too much to risk it for uncertain romance. Jess, a special education teacher, values Michael’s friendship above everything else in her life. Can one passionate kiss change everything she thought she felt about Michael? Can Michael make the choice between a dear, lifelong friendship and capturing Jessica?

 

My Review

Michael has been in love with Jessica most of her life. They have been best friends since school but Michael keeps her feelings hidden from Jessica as she is scared to loose their friendship. Jessica doesn’t know she has a underlying romantic love for Michael until she kisses her and then she can’t get her feelings for Michael out of her head. Both Jessica and Michael are scared to loose each other if they explore their love with one another…

This is Jane Hardee’s debut novel and for a first novel it was written very well. It was written from both Jessica and Michael point of view, which gave more insight into their feelings from both perspectives.

I got frustrated with how long the main protagonists miscommunicated their feelings… I almost shouted at my Kindle more than once “JUST TELL HER HOW YOU FEEL!!!!”… I liked both Michael and Jessica’s personalities and thought the character development was handled well however I think the storyline could have been covered in the first half of the book and the second half could have looked at more of how they both managed forming a romantic relationship after being best friends for most of their lives.

I really enjoyed the moments that the author used memories of Michael and Jessica’s childhood to show how deep and long they love each other. The erotic scenes were written extremely well and depicted not only the sexual connection between them but also a loving and all encompassing connection that was trusting and deeply emotional.

All in all it was a good first novel by Jane Hardee. I’ll definitely be looking out for what comes next.

3.5 Stars.

Capturing Jessica will be released on 1st December 2016.

Quote of the Book:

“Sometimes I feel like I must be missing something. I mean, there have been some women to show interest in me…but not for long. Morgan and Stevie both have overflowing dance cards. And of course, Camille.” Jess splayed her hands over the surface of the water and observed the ripples flow and disappear. Michael felt angry at the thought of anyone making Jess feel anything less than perfect. Her mind flashed back to the creep with the fake Southern drawl who’d hit on Jess at Nine’s. What had she wanted from Jess? A night in bed and a good-bye in the morning? “Jess…you…I mean you have so much to offer. You’re smart and fun. Unique, compassionate. And you’re terribly sexy,” Michael said, trying not to sound breathless. Why the hell did she say that?

 

Follow the links below to purchase Capturing Jessica…

Bold Strokes Books

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon AUS

 

*ARC received from NetGalley & Bold Stroke Books in return for an honest review.

 

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Who need’s the luck of the Irish… Nora and Ger certainly do!

Author Synopsis

Nora Kelly loves her carefree London life where there’s always a new woman to seduce. Her big Irish family tease her about her footloose ways, but she knows she’s in no danger of losing her heart.

Her family has only one rule when it comes to dating: Nora can date any woman she wants—as long as she’s not a Flannery. The Kellys and the Flannerys have been feuding ever since both families arrived in London from Ireland sixty years ago, and time has not lessened the hatred.

But never-tied Nora has just met the woman of her dreams, and suddenly commitment isn’t a dirty word. Trouble is, Geraldine is a Flannery.

Can Nora convince Ger that, despite their families, they are meant to be together?

 

My Review

Nora see’s Geraldine across the room and vows to her best friend that she is her future wife (see full quote below) before she has even spoken to her.

Nora woo’s Geraldine and they fall in love and… into bed. Its almost too late when the realize that their families know each other and have been feuding for years… With no sign of hope, how can their love triumph their families hate?

The story is told from only Nora point of view. I would have liked to have a little insight into Geraldine’s thoughts as she came off cold in a lot of the scenes and due to this I never really warmed to her. Nora’s personality was genuine and she was clearly a very caring person. I wasn’t so keen on her cheesy lines but hey I’m sure that appeals to the larger audience.

The sex scenes where hot and there was a certain amount of vulnerability in those moments between the main protagonist’s that renewed my faith in their love in my moment’s of doubt.

I really liked the authors writing style and I am looking forward to reading more of her books especially in this particular series.

3.5 Stars. Good start to new series.

The next books in the series are ‘Not-So- Straight Sue’ (released October 2016) followed by ‘Fenced- in Felix’ (released November 2016) both of which are currently sitting on my to-read list. Watch out for the reviews in next few weeks.

Quote of the Book: 

“I just seen my future wife” I said to sue “I want to woo her, date her and live with her. In a couple of years I’ll send you a wedding invitation.”

 

Follow the links below to purchase Never-Tied Nora…

YLVA Publishing

Amazon AU

Amazon US

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Very Courageous

Author Synopsis

Alex Taylor is an ER nurse who prides herself on the care she gives to those in need. Through a chance encounter, Alex meets police sergeant Francesca Greco and finds the handsome officer too hard to resist. When Alex is diagnosed with a devastating disease, her role is changed from caregiver to patient and she prepares for the fight of her life.

Frank Greco has developed intense feelings for Alex, but wonders if she has it in her to take care of another woman she loves who has become sick. However, she sees this as an opportunity to do things differently this time around.

Will Alex and Frank be able to overcome Alex’s illness, and their own demons, to embrace love?

My Review

This was a tough one to review because I have mixed emotions about the book. The story follows Alex Taylor from the Authors first book ‘New Beginnings’ which I loved. So when I heard Alex had her own story I was really excited.

Alex meets Srgt Frank Greco when she’s pulled over for talking on her phone while driving. Straight after they meet they both turn up to mutual friends apartment for a party. Attraction is instant even though Alex plays hard to get. Unfortunately just as their romance is taking off Alex is diagnosed with Cancer. Can Frank stand by her when she’s just beginning to fall for her? Especially when she has lost a love one before to the same disease?

Honestly I loved this book for the first half and then it began to take a turn. Don’t get me wrong the writing is great and a fantastic topic to tackle, which I feel make the Author incredibly brave, but the characters started to get a little flat and the story was very slow for second half. The subject matter didn’t help with the characters because Alex’s personality changed during the treatment and I began not enjoy her in the book and I especially didn’t like how she treated Frank. I get that this is a symptom of some horrible disease but for me it felt a little too sad and the story lost momentum. That being said as we approached the end the story-line picked up again we got to see some really incredible strength from both protagonists and the ending was done extremely well.

3.5 stars.

Follow the links below to purchase Courageous Love by K.C Richardson…

Bold Strokes Books

Amazon US

Amazon UK

 

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*ARC received from NetGalley & Bold Stroke Books in return for an honest review.

Slow starter but i was fully invested by the end…

Author Synopsis

Motion picture producer Selena Ryan has the impossible: Fame and fortune and her integrity. Her reputation for playing fair in an industry rife with games has earned her respect from other producers, writers, and actors.

She’s learned the lesson that plenty of people would like to use her to get what they want–a starring role or some other way into the movies. Most of them feel no obligation to return any favors she might give. Burned badly by actress Jennifer Lamont, who used her and left her with a devastating aftermath, she’s wary of everyone related to the industry.

Surrounded by gatekeepers to keep the hopeful at bay, aspiring starlets have tried every trick in the book to make Selena’s acquaintance. When Gail Welles literally lands in Selena’s lap, she suspects another ploy. Jennifer’s sudden announcement that Selena is still her one-and-only is equally ill-timed and suspect. Selena wants everyone to leave her alone, even if that means living without love.

My Review

This book is not written in a typical Lesfic romance format. The story got off to a slow start. I thought the characters where never going to have their moment but when it happens boy is it worth the slow burn.

The book starts off giving a little background on Selena. She’s a movie producer, philanthropist and the owner of a broken heart, care of the very gorgeous and talented actress Jennifer Lamont. Selena is wary of love that could break her heart again and Gail Welles is everything that could wreck her.

Gail is a struggling actress and has given herself a time limit on making it in Hollywood before heading back to her hometown and starting again. Just when she thinks all is lost she gets her big break.

Gail never expected to be attracted to Selena and vice versa however the heart wants what the heart want. Selena doesn’t want to get her heart broken by another actress and she also doesn’t want to create another media buzz about sleeping with a cast member. There were so many moments for these women to make and every time I was left disappointed but wanting more.

I enjoyed Stepping Stone. 3.5 Stars.

I have just downloaded Kallmaker’s next novel in the series Captain of Industry to keep going with Jennifer Lamont’s story…

Favourite Quote

‘Maybe because she was rare. Rare and fine, a one-of-a-kind-woman. Sweet-natured without being humorless. Sexy, God yes, sexy. Blood rushed in her ears remembering Gail’s words: The only power you have over me is what i give you.‘

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Pick up your copy from the following:

Author’s Store

Bella Books

Amazon AU

Amazon US

Amazon UK