Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was first drawn to this book by the cover alone! It is beautiful and colorful and really caught my eye. The story is truly amazing. I loved Leo and Sanaya from beginning to the end of the book. I enjoyed on how we find out how they meet, their playful romance and having to deal with a few “scars”. I definitely recommend this read, it is a light and fun easy read.
In His Kiss by Ava Alise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In His Kiss (The Unrequited Series Book 1) by Ava Alise
4 of 5 Stars
Xia and Jordan have been friends since they were in diapers but somewhere along the way, each fell for the other. Because of fear, youth and bad timing, neither was ready to reveal their feelings until one night with a drink or two too many. Will it ruin the lifelong friendship?
Xia’s life is falling apart. Jordan was there, as always, to catch and support her. He is reeling from this latest discovery, as well, because their families have always been so close. Jordan knows that he has to keep it together to be there for Xia as she copes with this family disaster. Xia was there for him 2 years ago for his own family tragedy. She had always been there. Jordan knew there would never be a question if he would be there for her, he just hoped that it would be more than friends.
Ava Alise delicately wrings out the emotions of the reader. I became a part of the friend group with Roman, King, Cherry and Kenzie. I was a student in class with Professor Satchi. I hated Ben and supported Della. Ava Alise handles the mental health issues of her characters with respect, appreciation and love.
I can’t wait for Book Two!
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos – Review by Stephanie Colley
They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Well that is something I always do. Sad, but true. I picked this book because of the beautiful and colorful cover. And man, it did not disappoint. The author, Jim Shomos, was extremely detailed through out this novella. I felt as if I was living the story myself.
Two unsuspecting paths cross. Love that tangles up their world. Unknown choices, heartache, and finally after held breaths the ending we all needed. It is everything you truly dream about.
If you want a short read, but you want all the emotion and deep romantic connection, this book is for you!
Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes… isn’t the title so catchy? This is the first book in Danielle Jacks’ Kiss Me series and my first experience with this author’s writing.
This was one of those stories that hit the ground running and had me hating that I needed to put it down. The characters were fun, likeable and had great chemistry. I have a hard time connecting with female main characters in many romantic stories so this was a welcomed exception. I would give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars and would most definitely be interested in reading more from this author!
Mountains Wanted by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was my first Phoebe Alexander book and my first read about swingers/open marriages and relationships. I’m not 100% sure how I feel about the book because I truly enjoyed getting to know Sarah and her family, but I also found aspects of the book extremely frustrating and hard to believe. I guess I will share what I liked and then what I wasn’t so excited about. I personally love people watching/Sociology/the study of behaviors and cultures so for me that part of Sarah’s life was incredibly interesting. I loved her willingness to be open about her life and choices with her kids, friends, lovers, etc. because it made her a much stronger, more developed character in my opinion. I personally wouldn’t want an open relationship, but the concept doesn’t bother me at all, and I enjoyed reading about Sarah’s experiences of being with who she was attracted to. I also loved the fact that the main heroine is in her late thirties, with kids, AND a little curvy to boot, it just made it so relatable!! Alexander is a gifted world-builder and has great character development skills, so that is always a huge plus!
Now for the part, I didn’t enjoy as much, the steam with James is fan-freaking-tastic, but I just couldn’t understand the absolute lack of basic communication between the two of them. In my mind, there is nothing “open” about having zero real talk, and it just made Sarah a beck and call girl, in my opinion, which tainted my feelings for James as the leading man. Since the whole story is first-person POV from Sarah, we don’t know what James was thinking. In the end, good sex just wouldn’t be worth it for me.
So, I guess what I’m trying to say is, YOU may love this book if open relationships, some interesting characters, and good steam are what you are looking for, I just couldn’t dive all the way in with Alexander on this one.
Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The characters for Sugar and spice were cute. Jolie was more relatable more than Cy was. In the beginning Cy was a huge turn off. He was whiny, annoying and clearly spoiled and knew how to get his way. Seeing him grow and actually learn that money can’t fix every problem was refreshing. Seeing Jolie put him in his place was absolutely hilarious. The sex scenes seemed a little lacking, but were still pretty good. I enjoyed the book and I will be looking forward to reading her other books!
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have no clue how to review this story. This was my first Jacks’ novel so I’m not sure if this is par for the course or different from her other tales. Either way, the story had a lot of potential, some genuinely likable characters, and a bit of steam, but it just felt rushed and forced in some areas and then ran smooth like honey in others. I guess it’s like there was an understood creation of the initial relationship of the story that didn’t feel genuine or successful, and you were just supposed to jump on the train that was already going 70mph, rather than getting on the train and being allowed to watch the relationship/situation unfold around you. But then it did flow into a relatively successful story, once you just accepted that you knew nothing about the main characters and why they would agree to the main plotline in the first place. It would be rocking along and then occasionally; the awkward forced feeling came back. I don’t know how to explain it and maybe it was a personal thing? I truly don’t know. I gave it 3 stars because Jacks created a great world to pull the reader in and characters that you wanted to like and root for, but you never felt like you truly knew them, their motives, or found clarity about how they ended up in the weird agreement in the first place. So, I’m going with 3 stars-ok for me personally, but other people might love the notion and give it a 5! I will definitely give it another go at Jacks’ writing because I did enjoy her world-building and plot idea immensely.
@pippawoods
Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ms. Alexander has done it again, i originally picked up Sugar & Spice because I love Ms. Alexander’s writing style, and she did not disappoint me. Once again her character descriptions are amazing, making her characters so likable and relatable. With the right imagination her characters stories are very easy to get swept up in, her scenery descriptions are breathtaking, almost making her readers feel like their in the story. With Sugar & Spice it was just a little different, knowing this was a romance book I expected a few things but Ms. Alexander deftinitly unfolded some very hot scenes in this one. Sugar & Spice has everything a romance reader will want great characters, love, lust, and more. So if your looking for a great weekend read then I highly recommend Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander.
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this fun flirty story. It kept me turning pages with its drama and banter. I really never knew what these two would do next. I enjoyed how the story flowed so nicely and didn’t seem forced at all.
The characters are delightful. Their dreams are different but as they come together they become blended into one. Damien and Zoe both drew me in with their honesty (with each other) and no nonsense attitudes.
The secondary characters are fun. The parents were great! I loved how enthusiastic they were about these two. How they saw something in each of the MC that they didn’t see themselves. Then there is Tyler. The older brother ex best friend. He came on strong at the beginning and I doubted his sincerity about mending fences. But once the beans were spilled he became a guy we can all appreciate.
Overall this is a well rounded story. It kept my interest and I never got bored. This is a first time author for me and I look forward to more.
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. It made me laugh and cry and get frustrated all at the same time. The author does a great job with the characters and their stories are so relatable.
Damien is a stripper/dancer. He has always had big dreams of making in L.A. but when his best friend screws up his audition it leaves him feeling bitter and more determined than ever.
One night at his club his ex best friends sister Zoe. Here is Damien’s chance to get revenge on his ex best friend. Zoe plays right into his hands when she needs someone to act as her boyfriend.
One lie turns into three and their relationship/engagement snowballs. Is this all fake? Are there really feelings involved? Will Damien choose his shot at his dream for the love of his woman? Or will he leave his dreams and focus on her?
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantastic Book!! This is an easy read and the story flows. I love the story between Zoe and Damien and the beginning of a fake relationship and then what happens when real feelings develop. Damien getting revenge on Zoe’s brother and Zoe losing her job and her boyfriend and her family does not know otherwise. You want happily ever after for Zoe and Damien, but does the happily ever after come true? Definitely read this book and find out!! This book is fun and enjoyable all around! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
Five Stars
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes is the first book in the Kiss Me series by Danielle Jacks. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Jacks, but definitely won’t be the last. This book had me hooked from the very first page. The characters were so detailed, I felt like I could be friends. Zoe and Damien had great chemistry and the witty dialogue had me laughing out loud. I read this book in one sitting and it just made me feel happy, so I look forward to the next book in the series. Excellent read for the holiday weekend, and a great start to my summer reading.
Review by@sunbarn
View all my reviews
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a quick read, was done in one sitting!! Was such an interesting romance story! I’ve read similar ones but never like this one. This is the first one in the Kiss Me series and I think is definitely worth reading. Would be a great beach/summer read. I do love the fake-relationship part but read too many stories with the misunderstandings that I can’t get behind them anymore. I am glad that it was not most of this book! Danielle Jacks is a new author to me, I was not disappointed! Will have to keep an eye out for her future books. If you want to find out what happens between Zoe and Damien and if their story ends happily definitely get a copy, will be worth it.
Review by @heather26
Mountains Wanted is definitely steamy and intended for those who are 18 and older.
Sociology professor Dr. Sarah Lynde is looking for a no strings attached hook up. She is a single mother raising a teenaged daughter and preteen son that are her first priority. She first sees Army First Sergent James McAllister in line at a sandwich shop then again at a Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell meeting. Normally Sarah doesn’t go for younger men, but there is something about this man that keeps her hanging on. Will she keep the feelings at bay and be able to only be friends with benefits or will she want something more?
James McAllister is on active duty ready to be deployed at anytime. Right now he is just looking to have some fun since he is young and not ready to settle down. Is Sarah the one that will make him want to settle down or is she a diversion on his road to the one?
I have read other titles by this author and love her writing style. I am looking forward to continuing Sarah and James’ story in book two.
Miss Understanding by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Liam and Kendall are both attracted to each other but will not act on that attraction due to office dynamics. She is his assistant and he has a no dating coworkers rule . He will do nothing to jeopardize his goal of becoming a partner at his law firm. As much as you try to dislike Liam, you end up cheering for him to succeed. A death in the family and a large deposition have Kendall and Liam sharing living quarters for a week. I couldn’t stop listening as I wanted to know if sparks would fly or not. They are both so stubborn and say the wrong things constantly. If they act on their attraction it will be a miracle. Loved this audio book so much I listened to it in one day.
Courage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After years of emotional and physical abuse, can Patience live again but will her past be the key for her future.
Patience has come back to her home town but she is not prepare to see him, Duke left years ago but still holds a place in her heart. Why did he leave and can I trust him again especially with my heart.
Duke left without a word and has been regretting that ever since, but being in the Marines and following his dreams but now he is back in town and has to try and fit in with civilian life, can Patience be a part of his life but first he has to win her trust.
This is the first book I have read by this author and was so drawn into this book from the first page to the last. I love the way the two main characters find each other after so long and with Patience’s history from her abusive husband makes her hard to trust but seeing Duke the old feelings start coming back, I loved the interaction and the story was well developed and written.
I can’t wait to read more books in this series and books by this author.
Reviewed by Angela Shirley
Courage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Courage of Us by Brooke May is book one of the Code of Honor series.
Patience and Duke have been best friends forever. Now they’ve graduated and Patience is sure nothing will tear them apart. She finally gets the nerve to tell Duke how she feels and things escalate from there. The next morning, Patience’s world falls out from under her when she wakes up to find Duke gone. Patience does the only thing she knows how to do and that is to keep moving forward as painful as that is. Seven years later, Patience doesn’t even recognize herself but she finally takes the steps to reclaim her life. As an unexpected surprise, Duke is back home and he is looking to make things right with Patience. Will Duke be able to convince Patience to hear him out? Is it too late for them?
I couldn’t put this book down! I really enjoyed it! I felt for Patience. She was just making the best out of a situation and it really spiraled out of control for her. I’m glad she was able to stand up for herself because so many people aren’t able to.
In His Kiss by Ava Alise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In His Kiss is the first book in the Unrequited series by Ava Alise. This is a contemporary friends-to-lovers romance- with plenty of angst and drama to keep things interesting.
We meet Jordan and Xia who have grown up together- with a close friendship that has spanned the years. What happens when a few too many drinks leads these long-time friends to cross the ‘friendship’ line- sharing a steamy night where secret longings are revealed. What comes with the cold light of day? Was it just an alcohol fuelled mistake? Is their friendship strong enough to survive? You know what you need to do if you want to find out.
Happy reading!
Thank you, Ava Alise!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new author to me, but I was intrigued by the cover. I picked it up and read the synopsis on the back and decided to give it a read. I’m glad that I did. I think that the writer did a great job with the character development and the world description. It was a fantastic and beautiful read but not a long book at all. I read it in no time. Of course, I also didn’t want to put it down. Not only was this a beautifully written romantic comedy, but it also contained quite a bit of drama and emotional turmoil with the typical snags in the way. I look forward to reading more of this authors work. Especially if it’s anything like this one.
Courage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautifully written story about love, losing love, challenges of life and never forgetting your first love. The characters are so well written that you can’t help feeling every piece of emotion through them.
Duke and Patience have been friends for years and with all their other friends leaving to join the army, navy and airforce Patience is content in the knowledge that she and Duke are staying together. Or so she thinks.
The night after graduation Duke just disappears without an explanation or a word of goodbye. Patience is heartbroken at this betrayal but moves on with her life.
Fast forward and Patience is in a loveless marriage with an abusive partner and she has lost herself completely. When she finally has the courage to leave she had to build herself back up and learn again who she is.
Meanwhile Duke is medically discharged from the Marines and he is returning home. Can he rebuild the relationship between himself and Patience? Will she ever forgive him for just leaving her? And when he sees Patience has become a shadow of the girl she was can he help build her back up? It’s not going to be easy as both of them are damaged and need fixing but is their first love strong enough to fix them both.
Courage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Patience and Duke have been friends since diapers. They are yin to yang for each other. The challenge is that they don’t know they are in love with each other. Once summer after graduation changes everything….fast forward to a few years later and they meet up again. Can the love and friendship be rekindled? I found myself rooting for them. As they face challenges ahead, they don’t give up on each other and they just chug along Well-written and very realistic, the author kept this smooth and easy-flowing like a summer river.
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved the cultural touch to the story. It was so well described I could see the story rolling in my head like a movie. The respect between the two main characters is so inspiring and something to thrive for in a relationship.
This pair turn eachothers world upside down but their connection is so strong they can’t be apart.
Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! Sugar and Spice is right! That’s exactly what Phoebe Alexander delivers in this page turner with surprises on every page! The lead characters were a surprise to me when I began but they quickly grow on you as you learn more about their human side and their motives! Will be very interested to see where this series goes!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes is the first book in the Kiss me series by Danielle Jacks. This contemporary romance is entertaining, fun and steamy. I enjoyed watching the story unfold as something fake through to something that is nurturing and blossoming into something real. Revenge lies and a plan do not always go as one imagines. I will not share anything more as this little gem needs to be discovered all on its own. Good reading!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks is the first book in the Kiss Me series. At 160 pages, a fairly quick read, the story is given between the two main characters, Damien and Zoe, giving each an ample amount of read time to explain and grasp each individual story and point of view while flowing delicately into a beautiful story.
Zoe doesn’t want her family to know her life is falling apart. Damien wants revenge on his ex best friend. Two very separate lives they are living but they somehow reunite at the strip club Damien works at.
Two people who knew each other growing up and now have completely separate motives somehow come together as a part of the same plan. Revenge. Misunderstanding. Whatever the reason was these two fell into a fake relationship in order to fulfill both of their motives. Can this relationship be more than just an act? All the chemistry and steam, can it all actually be real?
This story makes you feel like you are a part of their plan. Their story. It keeps you entertained and continues to add little things that make the story just a little unexpected and leaves the reader just wanting to know what happens next. The romance and the chemistry and the steamy moments as well and all the heart strings and relatability in this story makes it such an enjoyable read. I cannot wait to read the next books in this series.
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kissing Scars wasn’t a book I would typically read. It took me a while to read it even though it was a short novella. I thought the writing was very good and the characters were very well liked. I’m not sure why I had a hard time getting into it but it was of no fault of the author. This was the first book I have read by him and wasn’t really sure if I was going to be into the book or not.
It was a sweet read about 2 romantics who end up falling for each other. They are very different. There’s a big age difference between the two and they are on different paths. Will they be able to make it work or is there just to
much that they cannot see past? Again I thought it was very well written and I give the book 4 stars.
Review by @xchellex
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I fell in love with this romantic comedy novella which is inspired by a true story. When Sanaya, a computer games designer left her home in India to move to Australia and expand her carer she also had dreams of one day falling in love and having a baby. However, when she meets and falls in love with a mobile games pioneer Leo who is divorced with three kids her clear plan suddenly isn’t so clear, especially when Leo announces he does not want anymore children. Meanwhile, Leo who is a born romantic has promised himself that when his youngest son turns eighteen that it will then be his time to follow his dreams, of writing magazine stories around the world. But then he meets and falls in love with Sanaya but she wants a baby and his romance rule is, no more children. In this heartwarming romance, “they discover love writes its own rules”. This wonderfully written novella took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it and I was hooked from start to finish. The authors detailed and descriptive narrative bought both the setting and the likeable and relatable characters to life making me feel fully immersed in their love story.
The Don by Hazel Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this paranormal story. This is a newer author for me and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. This is a well written story where good and evil seem to collide. The characters are relatable and bring the story to life. The twists and turns not only heat up the pages but also left me questioning what would happen next. Vanessa has the ability to bring out the good in people. She has problems but they are about to get a little worse. Throughout the story she is faced with three men, all different. She is about to have three more problems. The story is full of action and hot, steamy men. I enjoyed the growth throughout the story as well as being pulled into the story. This is a great story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes by Danielle Jacks
5 out of 5 stars
Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes is written by Danielle Jacks is the first book that I have read by this author. The characters are well written and strong. The descriptions of the strippers wanted me to reach out and touch.
Zoe Merrill ran into her brother’s ex best friend Damien Chuke working as a stripper in a bar just to get by. Zoe moved to the city and her life just blew up in her face. Her family thinks she has a good job, and a smart boyfriend, but the reality is that she just lost them both.
Then walks in Damien and he saves the day and with this opportunity he gets revenge on her backstabbing brother is too sweet to resist. So, when bad news from home sets is world in a spin, he never thought Zoe would step up and that he would be re-introducing her to his family as his fiancée, but we can they go through with the wedding, can we or will they finally tell everyone their relationship is fake?
Will these two make it down the aisle? Can they have a happily ever after when everything started with a lie? Will they have a happily ever after?
Great book I highly recommend it….
Tracy
@tracym
Kissing Scars by Jim Shomos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars Read more
