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
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
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
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
Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed. I love this series. Its a fun romance series that will keep you flipping pages until you are done. Its the story of Ivy who is trying to save her studding ranch that has been in the family forever. With Ivy being single men don’t trust her to use her ranch because they are old fashioned. Ivy will do whatever it takes to save her ranch including pretending to be engaged to Ace, a handsome retired marine who has his fair share of battle scars. Ivy doesn’t really mind pretending to be in a relationship with Ace but he is constantly trying to “save” her and she doesn’t need saving. From the minute they start their pretend relationship sparks fly and even though they drive each other crazy they are also crazy attracted to one another. Will Ivy be able to pull of the hoax of being engaged to Ace to save her ranch and will they let down their guard long enough to have an actual romance. Read Hero Complex to find out! You will love it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-05-09 09:23:072023-05-12 13:38:58Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tausha Treadway
I loved this story of Ace and Ivy. Heaven knows, these two have issues to overcome. Being at risk of losing her ranch, Ace comes to her rescue. They kept me laughing and feeling all the emotions as they worked through their relationship. These two try so hard to keep things professional as they fake a relationship to keep the good ole’ boys studding their horses at her ranch. Yeah, the sparks flew from the moment they met. Loved the characters. It was so great to see characters like Jake/Lila and Brady/Alice from the previous books appear. Teddy/Summer made an appearance, I can’t wait for more of their story in the next book. This story has so much love, humor and romance. It’s a feel good with a second chance feel. Ivy is a spit-fire of her own that Jake is going to wrangle, if it’s the last thing he does. This is a fantastic and quick read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-05-09 06:41:512023-05-12 13:37:54Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Shelly Kittell
This fun story is about Ivy and Ace. Complete with pretending until pretend is real. Read this quick paced book and watch Ivy fall for Ace while Ace has loved her all along. What challenges will they face?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-05-09 05:43:402023-05-12 13:37:16Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tonya Merritt
And that’s what Ivy was doing. She’d do anything to save her ranch. Anything. Including pretending to be engaged to a handsome, retired Marine to placate her sexist clients. Not that draping herself over Ace was a hardship. It wasn’t. She just wished he could get over his hero complex and stop trying to save her. There were far better ways they could be spending their time.
Sweet, shy, and babbling Ivy had gotten so far under Ace’s skin, he knew he was in trouble. Faking a relationship may have been his idea but he knew deep down he didn’t stand a chance with her in real life. Medically discharged from the military, it wasn’t just internal battle scars he’d been left with, he also had some big ugly ones on his face too. If he couldn’t even look himself in the mirror, no one else ever would be able to either. Especially not the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
Can these two wounded souls turn their fake relationship into a real one?
Isobel was born and raised in London. She still lives along the River Thames with her husband and her substantial book collection. Ever the hopeless romantic, she fell in love with the genre from a young age and was inspired to write her own stories. When she’s not feasting on romantic comedies or binge reading her hoard of contemporary romance novels, Isobel is writing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hero-Complex-cover-do-not-share-until-11-April.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-05-09 00:01:382023-05-25 23:13:28Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed
And that’s what Ivy was doing. She’d do anything to save her ranch. Anything. Including pretending to be engaged to a handsome, retired Marine to placate her sexist clients. Not that draping herself over Ace was a hardship. It wasn’t. She just wished he could get over his hero complex and stop trying to save her. There were far better ways they could be spending their time.
Sweet, shy, and babbling Ivy had gotten so far under Ace’s skin, he knew he was in trouble. Faking a relationship may have been his idea but he knew deep down he didn’t stand a chance with her in real life. Medically discharged from the military, it wasn’t just internal battle scars he’d been left with, he also had some big ugly ones on his face too. If he couldn’t even look himself in the mirror, no one else ever would be able to either. Especially not the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
Can these two wounded souls turn their fake relationship into a real one?
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