Yes! I love the story of Lily and Jake! This is a quick love story that I lost myself in for the afternoon. There are plenty of emotions, but the main theme is romance with a western, ranch vibe. The author does an amazing job weaving the funniest quips throughout the story, and I was laughing out loud at some points. I love anything to do with cowboys so this was right up my alley. If you’re looking for a feel-good, contemporary western romance, pick this one up! You won’t be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-29 18:12:512023-05-30 08:09:33Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Shannen Kern
I loved the third installment of the Bluestone series! Ace and Ivy have an amazing chemistry from the beginning, and I love to see the way things progress. The author did a great job drawing these characters towards each other and creating their own little world. I enjoy the dual point of view, but it did feel like sometimes the view switched too quickly which drew me out of the story for a moment. Once I got into the groove though, it was a cute and fun read for the day. I recommend picking up this series, especially if you enjoy contemporary romance with a western theme!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-29 18:00:012023-05-30 08:09:27Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Shannen Kern
Hero Complex reads extremely well as a standalone novel even though it’s part of a series. I enjoyed it. The main characters reminded me of myself at times. When pride and stubbornness sometimes get in the way. These characters were written in a way you feel for them. Broken souls for different reasons, never realized there was someone out there who could mend and complete them. However you know how these books go, there’s never not one that has some kind of drama that affects the characters and relationships. This time the drama was different from what I usually read. Ace and Ivy are two halves to a whole. Unfortunately neither one of them is confident that they are enough for the other. But what happens when Ace makes an announcement? How does Ivy feel about that? I enjoy the books in this series. I can only hope there may be more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2023-05-28 22:38:092023-05-30 08:11:06Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Beverly Finnie
Hero Complex is a very easy and fun read. The story flows seamlessly. I love how the author incorporates both points of view from the main characters. The character development is very well done not just with the main characters but also with the minor characters. My favorite part of the book is how Ace and Ivy work together to resolve their issues as a couple and the situations outside their relationship.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristin Boutellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristin Boutelle2023-05-27 07:38:232023-05-30 08:03:39Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kristin Boutelle
Hero Complex is the 3rd book in the Bluestone series and the MC’s are Ivy And Ace! I liked this fast paced read and I adored the characters! They start a fake relationship to keep unwanted advances away and I absolutely love that trope so I jumped on this book as soon as I read the synopsis. It was a such a cute story and I enjoyed the authors writing style. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2023-05-26 22:36:532023-05-30 08:03:12Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Anastasia Dodson
This was my first read from this author. I truly enjoyed the way the story played out. The characters were somewhat complex and intriguing. The story was paced nicely. The chemistry between the main characters (and even the secondary characters) is amazing. It makes the story that much more enjoyable to read. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Manda Kellyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngManda Kelly2023-05-25 18:49:212023-05-26 13:36:39Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Manda Kelly
Ivy has lived and breathed the ranch life for what seems all her life, inheriting Moonrock from her grandfather was the biggest honour he could have bestowed on her but as she sits looking through the books something must change, she is failing miserably. Having to let the only ranch hand go she is stuck in the cycle of chores and sleep until one night at he friends she meets the man of her dreams, and he also needs somewhere to stay for a while.
Ace is lost, being medically discharged from the Marines he is wondering a path he has no purpose to now, but when he decides to move and accepts Ivy’s offer of somewhere to stay he offers his services as a ranch hand as compensation, but he is drawn to this strong woman but will she let him in and love him the way he loves her or will his literal scars push her away.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and it was a lovely romantic story. I always love a flawed character and Ace was one of not only physical scars but was also trying to comprehend the man he is now to the man he was is heart-breaking to read. I loved that Ivy was although at times shy and reserved her character was brilliant to read as she blossomed with the help of Ace and that she helped him love himself again.
The secondary characters added to the story and as the story twists through the misogynistic characters it just makes Ace’s character more lovable as you see the true determination to protect this woman with all his heart.
If you are looking for a quick read I definitely recommend this book and you will fall in love with the characters as much as I did.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-05-25 09:08:002023-05-30 07:42:21Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Angela Shirley
4 Stars Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed
Hero Complex is a wonderfully written Second Chance Romance that once I started reading it was hard to put down. This is a fairly new author to me but I like her style of writing and attention to detail. The characters are well written, developed, relatable and at times raw and edgy. This is about two wounded souls who needs help healing. Can these two wounded souls be what the other needs? Can a fake relationship bring these two together? I love Military Romance and this one checked all the boxes. Ace is a wounded Marine who battles himself everyday about all his scars. Ivy sees Ace for who he is not what he is. These two pulled at my heart strings a bit. I highly recommend reading this fast paced story to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-05-25 04:42:372023-05-30 07:41:41Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
I truly love this series so much. This amazing author keeps bringing us such wonderful characters filled with so much heart that you can’t help but to be drawn in to their stories. Ivy and Ace had me completely hooked right from the very start and I couldn’t stop reading until I knew everything that was going to happen. They are definitely two people only truly whole when together.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2023-05-21 23:18:072023-05-30 07:19:32Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jules Herbert
This is the 3rd book in the Bluestone Series, which is about Ivy and Ace. Ivy is working to keep her Ranch while dealing with men who don’t give her the respect she deserves for all the work she is doing. She hires Ace to get some help around the Ranch but she never expected the attraction between them. When Ace lets it slip that they are engaged (fake) to keep a vultures away, things get interesting. This romance is a fun read and had me in stitches at times. The author does a great job with world building and her writing style makes it easy to get sucked into the story. I really enjoyed reading about Ivy and Ace.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2023-05-21 20:59:012023-05-30 07:18:42Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Betsy Melano
I love a well written romance. This one was just that kind of story. Ivy has set her mind on saving her grandfather’s ranch. While others doubt she can do it. There is one who knows she can. Ace, a wounded marine has many scars who he battles with daily. But the ones that are visible are the ones Ivy does not see. Throwing Ace into self doubt. Most look at him and stare or gasp. Not Ivy, she loves him, shhhh don’t tell anybody. While Ace helps Ivy out running the ranch, he learns people don’t believe a single unwed woman can do men’s work. Therefore his plan is set in motion. But remember Ivy can do what she puts her mind to. This fake engagement has opened many doors for both Ivy and Ace. To see where this story goes, read the book. What a page turner this story was. I could not put it down. The characters make the story, but the author put it to paper. I look forward to reading more from this author. As well as seeing where this author takes this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2023-05-20 11:58:552023-05-22 21:09:03Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Cindy Mayberry
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. The author’s style along with their attention to details gave the story a realistic feel which made it easy to connect to the characters. A fast paced story where two wounded souls are in need of healing and some romance. What will fate have in store for these two? Can a fake relationship be just that or will fate step in and take it somewhere else? I really enjoyed watching the growth of these characters. What they added to the story made it that much more enjoyable to read. This is a hard to put down story that had me on an emotional roller coaster in parts. An easy romance story that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2023-05-20 07:25:292023-05-27 08:39:23Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Bobbi Wagner
This is a sweet, small town romance filled with love, sass, fake engagement and definite two wounded souls and it gave me all the feels. This was an easy read and quite enjoyable.
Ivy is trying to save her own ranch, being independent and on her own, definitely not getting any respect from some of the other male clientele from the work that she does on her farm. Having a helping hand from Ace, a former marine, both Ivy and Ace are trying to work hard to get Ivy’s farm noticed. When a stingy snob tries to offer Ivy money for her farm, Ace steps in and helps Ivy but also announces their “engagement”. How will this new engagement play out as Ace and Ivy then try to navigate their feelings toward each…especially when both Ivy and Ace have their own past hurts that still haunt them.
I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Ace…it felt so raw and real…..the protectiveness of Ivy’s brother and I also loved Ace’s mother Liz. Great story and looking forward to reading more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-05-18 21:39:252023-05-25 13:08:25Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This story about Ivy and Ace is quite adorable. Ivy is trying to save her ranch from sexist clients. In steps Ace with a hair-brained idea of a fake engagement to help her out. Ace is a former Marine with some external and internal scars from being in the war. Ace is always driving Ivy nuts by constantly trying to save her when she feels like she doesn’t need to be saved. Ivy gets under Ace’s skin by accepting him for his shortcomings and scars. The constant back and forth between the two is absolutely adorable, and made me giggle a few times here and there. Its a cute story that pulls you in from page one and holds you until the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2023-05-18 20:51:162023-05-25 13:07:28Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Crystal Jimmo
I love a good fake relationship / engagement story and this is one of the good ones. Ivy and Ace are brilliant characters and I loved the chemistry between them. It was easy to connect with them. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and how their relationship developed. This is a great series and this book is a fantastic addition. I really loved the story and I am looking forward to seeing what else might be next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-05-18 13:59:322023-05-22 21:32:11Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kerry Baker
Ivy is trying to save her ranch and in doing so finds herself in a fake engagement to Ace, a wounded soul in more ways than one. With the new close proximity to each other, the fake relationship becomes more real than either expected.
This was a quick and easy read. Both lead characters were likeable and charming. Ace’s mom, Liz, was a fun character and I felt I wanted more parts with her in it. While I did love the story and flow, my biggest issues was the constant use of the pet names ‘sugar’ and ‘honey’. It felt overused and hindered the flow of dialogue for me. Good addition overall to the Bluestone series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bethany Rollinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBethany Rollins2023-05-16 12:14:032023-05-24 12:38:50Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Bethany Rollins
Ivy is smitten with Ace. It is cute and sweet, but it isn’t long before we realize that Ivy has a real problem. Ace, determined to be her hero, decides to help her with the issue. I thought the romance was realistic and chemistry was off the charts. I could easily see this being a real story the way it unfolded. Ace, who is scarred, has some internal healing to do as well. I thought this character development was great. Loved the story and could not put it down!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tina Vegahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTina Vega2023-05-14 22:18:062023-05-24 07:47:03Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tina Vega
At the beginning of this story, we see a girl who is lost and hates the life she is living. I think everyone can relate at needing a change of scenery. I found this to be so relatable. It made me feel for Lily, and I was cheering her on as I read. The romance that blooms between her and Jake takes off, and they have great chemistry. I also love the secondary characters. The characters and the setting really grow on you in this novel and it continues thru series. My only gripe about Lily is that sometimes she acted childish and naïve like when she turned away from Jake’s kisses twice, but was upset when he did the same thing. I just found it unrealistic. Other than that – great plot, great characters, great romance!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tina Vegahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTina Vega2023-05-14 22:14:042023-05-24 07:46:49Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tina Vega
Hero Complex by Isabel Reed is book three in her Bluestone series. Ugh remember wanting to just be in a fake relationship with someone because even if it wasn’t real they were still yours? That is exactly what happened with Ivy and Ace… except it certainly became quite real. This story was fun and funny all in one. Ivy was desperately in need of a way to save her ranch and Ace was the perfect person to step up to the plate. Mainly because he’s a man… because men seem to think women are incapable of being business owners, the nerve. I really like Isobel’s style, all three stories in this series have been quick reads but in a good way. I love how her characters have a great connection and how smooth the story reads. Plus who doesn’t love a Marine turned ranch hand turned hot fiancé! I mean come on! I also think Ivy may have been my favorite because she babbles a lot and let’s be honest I totally saw myself in her!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2023-05-14 19:57:252023-05-24 07:46:39Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kristan Anderson
Love Tools by Isabel Reed is book one in her Bluestone series. This book was a fast small town enemy to lover book. Lily inherits her fathers hardware store and quickly decided this is just the distraction and get away she needs. She picks up and moves away from her mediocre life from London. After pushing every button she has, Jake tries everything he can think of to get her to like him. He was a friend of her fathers, and even if he gets on her every nerve, she just can’t resist that cowboy. The interactions between the pair are super cute. The story itself was a little predictable but there were a few surprises the author threw in. Looking forward to book two!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2023-05-14 19:31:582023-05-24 07:46:24Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kristan Anderson
Hero Complex is the third in the Bluestone series. This romance will hook you from beginning to the end. Ivy needs help with her farm. Ace is the former Marine who she hired to help. Ace comes up with a clever plan to help Ivy- a fake engagement. Both Ivy and Ace must overcome a few obstacles along the way. Will the fake engagement last- read Hero Complex to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Diane Sennetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDiane Sennett2023-05-14 16:21:152023-05-24 07:45:20Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Diane Sennett
This is the third book in the Bluestone series but can be read as a standalone as each book focuses on a different couple.
I love the fake relationships trope so I was really looking forward to reading this one and it did not disappoint!
The author’s writing style makes the story easy to follow as it flows nicely and gets the information across clearly. The author wrote the characters very well and I very quickly became emotionally invested in them.
I fell in love with both Ivy and Ace. Ivy for her strength in her grief and pulling through the tough times to continue with the ranch (and the sexism from potential clients) and Ace for his support and instinct to help which ends up getting them into the fake relationship situation.
From there, it was amusing and heartwarming to see the pair grow closer and overcome their fears and insecurities to get the happiness they deserve.
I’ve loved reading the stories in this series and am holding out for more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-10 13:18:022023-05-12 13:41:21Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This is the first book in the Bluestone series which focuses on Lily and Jake’s story.
I was a little worried at first that this would be like a lot of other cowboy love stories I’ve read before but I am so glad to have been wrong. I thought the characters were really well written, they really shone through and found a place in my heart.
I loved Lily, she had the strength to start over somewhere new, away from everything she knew, and I admire her bravery in doing so. I loved her attitude and found her fun and entertaining, especially when around Jake. The chemistry between them kept me rooting for them to get together.
In addition to the great characters, I enjoyed the author’s writing style, it was clear and simple without being dull or patronising; it really increased my enjoyment in reading this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-10 13:04:322023-05-12 13:41:15Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Loved it Romantic alpha and strong sassy female, this is Ace and Ivy’s story. It is a multilayered story of two tortured souls who are facing life changing situations. Ivy is struggling with her ranch and Ace is struggling to life outside of the military. Their story has a bit of everything: drama, romance, insecurities, faking a relationship and self-discovery. It was great to see characters from the previous books in the Bluestone Series. Looking forward to the next book. Recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-05-10 05:07:272023-05-12 13:44:33Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Rayne East
Hero Complex is the third book in the Bluestone series by Isobel Reed. This series just seems to get better and better with each new instalment- with this book being my favourite of the collection, so far. It is another really great contemporary western romance – with all the ingredients needed to make for a captivating read. -A fake relationship ✔ -A retired marine- a wounded warrior, with battle scars inside and out ✔ -A hero complex – protective MC ✔ -Damaged souls ✔ -Cowboys ✔ -Ranching ✔ -Angst ✔ -Drama ✔ -self-worth/self-image issues/worthiness issues ✔ -small town ✔ -clean ✔ -emotion ✔ -captivating storyline ✔ Ace and Ivy were such fantastic characters, and so perfect for each other. I was so invested in them and the outcome of their story. All the feels. Bring on Book #4- Love Shots! Can’t wait! Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-05-09 23:49:572023-05-12 13:44:14Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book #3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Angela Hayes
Hero Complex is book three in The Bluestone series… It is a perfect quick contemporary romance. I love all the characters and that they all intertwine. Ivy and Ace definitely are a great couple, it just takes them a bit to realize it, Like a fake engagement. I definitely recommend this book and the others in this series. Very well written, funny and sweet.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2023-05-09 22:09:202023-05-12 13:43:40Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Toni Sellers
Two wounded soul’s one fake relationship…… Hero Complex is the third book in Isobel’s contemporary romance series Bluestone. It is a fun read that will have you laughing at times. I think Bluestone may just be a place to be. I really enjoy Isobel’s simplistic way of storytelling. It makes it easy to fall into the story and lose yourself for a while. Ivy needs a fiancée, and he is up to the challenge, but his hero complex is getting on her last nerve. She is perfectly capable of looking out for herself. Ace is battle weary and scared in more ways than one. He certainly is not good enough for his fake fiancée. It’s in his nature to protect. Will they be able to pull of the relationship of a lifetime or will hearts be further broken? This small-town romance has something for everyone who loves a romance with sexy cowgirls and cowboys. I fell in love with Ivy and Ace as much as I did their world of wide-open spaces. I look forward to reading more from Isobel.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-05-09 18:13:322023-05-12 13:35:02Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is was very sweet romance about 2 people who have deep issues in trusting people and allowing themselves to be loved finally coming together. It’s such a heartwarming read to see the characters growth as they help each other overcome their insecurities and issues and see what the other person sees.
Ace and Ivy’s story is really special. Ivy has had to deal with a lot losing her parents and then grandparents she has been struggling to keep the family ranch afloat for years. It seems the clients she used to have don’t want to deal with a female. When Ace a retired Marine looks for a place to stay Ivy offers him one of the ranch shacks and Ace in return offers to work on the ranch. When Ivy goes to an important meeting Ace goes along for support and somehow finds himself telling the perspective client that he and Ivy are engaged. Realising that having a man on the ranch could be a way to bring back business Ivy decides to go along with this fake relationship for the sake of her business. But what happens when the fake side of the agreement turns into something real? Both Ace and Ivy have issues and insecurities but will they be able to overcome all that and finally be happy like they deserve?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-05-09 15:13:412023-05-12 13:34:00Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Kerry Carr
Hero Complex is Book Three in the Bluestone Series. Ivy is struggling to save the studding ranch left to her by her grandparents. When Ivy is approached by a local business owner with a proposition to save her business, she tries to hear him out. That is, until he opens his mouth and starts acting like a male chauvinistic jerk who knows more than she does and treats her like she does not know anything about how to run a ranch. That is when Ivy learns the true reasons behind why her business is failing. With her being single, it seems that men do not want to bring her their business because their old-fashioned way of thinking makes them believe that a woman is not capable of running a business.
Retired Marine, Ace, has been living on Ivy’s ranch and helping her in exchange for room and board. When he learns of Ivy’s meeting with the local businessman, he goes to the meeting with her to act as moral support. Ace gets upset at the way Ivy is being treated and, in an effort, to placate the businessman he informs him that Ivy and he are engaged and that he is helping her run her business. Now the rumor is circulating in the small community that Ivy and Ace are engaged, and things begin to get messy. Ivy is horrified about the rumors but goes along with them because she needs to save her ranch.
As Ivy and Ace play the part of being engaged the sparks fly between them. Ivy is attracted to Ace but wishes that he would stop trying to save her all the time. She is independent, smart, and strong so she does not feel as though she needs a hero running to her rescue. Ace is attracted to Ivy as well, so he only wants to protect her. He would love for the relationship to be more but feels as though his battle scars will turn off Ivy. Both Ivy and Ace do their part in their engagement and try to fight off the intense chemistry between them but find the attraction becoming more undeniable as time goes by. Can there ever be a real relationship between Ivy and Ace?
I loved this entire series and have fallen in love with this author’s writing. I could not put the book down and found the storyline and the characters amazing. The characters of Ivy and Ace are believable and relatable. Ivy sees herself as an independent and strong woman who does not need a man running in to save her. When Ace tries to come to her rescue, she is offended yet realizes that she must accept help, or her ranch will fail. Ivy has trauma from her past that she needs to deal with and is carrying a huge secret that she has not told anyone about. This secret could prevent her from having the future life she deserves. Ace feels damaged and unlovable due to the scars he suffered during his time as a Marine. Neither Ivy nor Ace feel that they are good enough for the other. The events that ensue are gut wrenching and take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Be prepared to laugh, cry, scream, and maybe even swear out loud a bit as Ivy and Ace struggle through the demons from their past and try to push forward.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-09 11:12:132023-05-12 13:39:16Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Love Tools is Book One in the Bluestone Series. Lily has recently moved from London to the small town of Bluestone County after inheriting her father’s hardware store. Although Lily was estranged from her father and had not since him since she was a small child, she took the move as a fresh start. She needed to escape from the life she had in London. The city was too busy, her apartment was cramped, and she felt like she was going nowhere in her job. Plus, she found her mother to be too overbearing, and she found herself in one bad relationship after another. The excuse to run her estranged father’s hardware store clear across the country came as a welcome excuse to flee from the life she was hating and start over.
When Lilly arrives in Bluestone, she throws herself into cleaning the hardware store and preparing for it to reopen. Lily is wrapped up in cleaning the store when a drop-dead gorgeous cowboy walks into the store. She finds it hard to take her eyes off of him, but as soon as he opens his mouth the attraction rating drops drastically. Lily refuses to get into any sort of a relationship, especially with a man as annoying as Jake. Besides, she figures that nobody that good looking would be interested in her anyhow. Jake cannot seem to help messing up every time he opens his mouth but finds he is intentionally saying things to get a rise out of Lily. Although he has all but sworn off relationships, he finds Lily not only sexy as all get go, but he loves her sassy attitude.
Lily finds that she cannot seem to escape Jake who seems to be everywhere, including at her new friend, Sam’s, place. The two begin to spend time together as Jake helps her with prepping the hardware store for the reopening. As they spend time together Lily lets her guard down a bit and opens up to Jake about her relationship with her father. She is seeking answers about why her father abandoned her and what type of person he was. Why did he move across the country to run a hardware store in the middle of nowhere? Jake and her father were close so he may be able to give her some answers. As they spend more time together the chemistry between Lily and Jake intensifies and the attraction becomes undeniable.
This book was well written, and the characters were lovable and relatable. Lily and Jake both have trauma from their pasts that have left them feeling a bit broken. Both have all but sworn off relationships and have chosen to focus on other projects. For Lily it was the hardware store and for Jake it was the ranch. Jake did not know what love was and had only wanted casual relationships until he met Lily. No woman had ever made Jake feel like he could not live without her until Lily came along. Now he needs to convince Lily that he is serious about her and will not treat her like her exes had in the past. Lily has had one bad relationship after another and is scared to let her guard down for fear that Jake will also end up hurting her. The hurt, drama, angst, and betrayals from their pasts must all be worked through before either can be fully capable of having a healthy relationship. This was a wholesome love story with sexy cowboys in a small-town setting with a bit of sass, humor, and witty banter sprinkled throughout. A fantastic read that immediately made me want to read other books in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-09 10:28:262023-05-12 13:39:05Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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