Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yet another fantastic Bluestone Series book! After having read about Teddy in the previous books, it was great to see him get his turn! Summer is definitely a fiery character and I’ve always been a fan of the trope where the leads grew up together and now years later…! Once again, highly recommended!!
Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I accidentally read this as the 2nd of my Bluestone Series but it didn’t matter – although there were references to the two characters from book 2, I was still able to become quickly absorbed in the story of Lily and Ace! I love a good fake romance story and this one certainly didn’t disappoint! Highly recommended and I will be reading more from this series!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first in the Bluestone Series and my first book by this author, but it quickly became one of many in both categories! Lily is a fiery heroine with a past and Jake is everything you want in an alpha male – strong, working with animals, caring, fights for what he wants… I could go on!
The writing style keeps you reading late into the night and the plot line keeps you guessing! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book about Mitch and Mia was a great read. Reading their story and how things ended was very satisfying. I have never hated a villain character more then I hated Lacey. At first I was unsure about everything that was going on, but then that pivotal point happened and I hated her with a fiery passion from then on. Mia tried so hard to get over her husband’s death, and when she lost Mitch, she decided not to let it slow her down. She had a lot of strength that was admirable. There were times I wanted to smack Mitch upside the head for not seeing the blatant lies that was right in front of his eyes, but they do say that love is blind…
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)
Teddy falls and falls hard in this book. He and Summer are childhood friends who haven’t seen one another for several years, when Summer comes home. It’s fast and furious and pretty hot and sweet at the same time.
There is something incredibly sexy about a man who goes all in and Protector for his woman. I know there are several woman who have this kind of devotion from their men, mine may not be super alpha but I have no doubts he loves me though an alpha isn’t a horrible thing to dream about.
Summer is a strong independent woman who tried to live life outside of Bluestone, but after some time she found her way home. Life in a small town isn’t supposed to change much no matter how long you have been gone. Unfortunately someone forgot to mention that to this town.
I have loved each of the books I have read in this series and hope there are more in the future. Maybe Teddy’s friend Tyler???
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love Shots by Isobel Reed is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Love Shots is the fourth installment of the Bluestone Series. In this short, friends to lovers, romance we are introduced to Teddy and Summer. At first I was pretty sure Summer was crazy. And Teddy, well he just seemed like the hottie who got away. A few chapters in and I was totally in love with these two characters. Teddy was so caring, gentle, and overall so very sincere. Summer was damaged, running from her past, looking for a new beginning but no matter where she turned, the evil of her past haunted her. I loved how Reed kept everything at a slow steady pace. None of this story/romance felt rushed. Both characters had a past that caused them to shy away but they were able to use one another as buffers and figure out how to move on and love again. They were just perfect for one another in so many ways. This was a very short read and I didn’t want it to end. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys romance. I will definitely be heading over now to pick up more novels from this series/author.
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I continue to love hard on this series so much. This paranormal romance gives me all the feels that I love with drama, romance, vampires, shifters and the continue search for the Blood Opal. The back and forth between Alpha Kodiak and Tamaska still continues all with one purpose…kill the vampires. I highly recommend reading this series in order as this story picks up after the ending of book 2.
Tamaska and Kodiak are still fighting against the evil vampires as the Shadow Pack suffered loss and the vampires are still relentless to take Tamaska for their own use. Changes within the pack are coming, but not everyone wants to be on board. So many of the pack believe that Tamaska is the issues and why so much blood is shed…and Tamaska feels bad for everything that is happening. Kodiak will stop at nothing to make Tamaska his as his mate, with conversations of changing Tamaska as a shifter. So many questions arise as well as secrets being kept from Tamaska. There is something special about her….
Will Kodiak become the leader that the Shadow Pack needs and also keep Tamaska as his own or wil the vampires have their way and will Tamaska be there when Kodiak needs her the most.
Great series..I highly recommend so much! I am so excited there will be another book in this series!
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read two out of the three books in this series and absolutely Reed’s style of writing is so subtle and easy to understand on what’s going on in Bluestone County. The books in this series can be read as stand alone but honestly if you read others, you really look forward to what happens in this small town. It is like visiting a place you really enjoy. This one focuses on Summer, who has just left a volatile relationship and wants to start fresh. There is also Teddy, retired Navy SEAL, who is coming back to his hometown, looking for the same fresh start, when he runs into an old friend at his bar in which he recently took over from the former owner. Summer gets angry at Teddy for taking over the bar and shows him how angry she is. Teddy and Summer used to be old friends. Teddy doesn’t want his second chance to let feelings slip away. The chemistry between Summer and Teddy is amazing!
Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the previous book in this series I was looking forward to being back with the members of the band, Balefire, and I was not disappointed. This is lead singer Blu’s story, his entire life is his music and he loves everything that comes with it, “sex, booze and rock ‘n’ roll”. Whilst touring with the band Blu has his pick of female groupies and celebrities keen to be seen with him, and he’s usually fine with one night flings, until he meets Ashleigh. Ashleigh Baker is the girl next door who spends her days creating flower show pieces, in her cute floppy hat and with dirt on her knees. Unfortunately for Blu, whilst she’s all he can think about, she just wants to avoid him, and she does. Ashleigh is a freelance music reviewer, who’s happy with her little house with a much longed for long term lease. She can’t believe it when the guy on the Harley, her neighbour, is actually Blu Connolly from her favourite band. However Ashleigh is well aware of his reputation and has no plans to get involved with him, even though he’s temptation on two legs. Her plan to avoid him would be easier if Blu wasn’t on a mission to spend as much time as possible with her. This was a heartwarming opposites attract romance which kept me gripped throughout. Once again the descriptive narrative brought the characters and setting vividly to life, and made me feel apart of the Balefire bands world!
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which kept me hooked throughout. Twenty eight year old widow Mia leaves to attend Bellarmine University, where she comes face to face with her childhood best friend Mitch and his fiancée Lacey. Mia and Mitch used to spend the Summer’s together but their friendship ended when he didn’t attend her wedding. However, the spark between them is still there, and Lacey is determined to keep them apart even if she has to use lies and manipulation to do so. When Mia starts to realise that Lacey may actually be the villain not a victim, she uncovers more than she expected, including secret identities. Mia and Mitch need to work together to stop Lacey before she ruins Mia’s life, including her expulsion from the University. The storyline had plenty of drama and romance to keep me happily turning the pages and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome. The characters were all well defined and I felt immersed in the setting as the descriptive narrative brought their world to life.
The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
The Reluctant Suitor is Book Five in The Studs of Clear Creek County series. It is a historical western romance that centers around the characters of Billie Jean and Fisher. Billie Jean is a strong willed, intelligent, college educated black woman who believes in standing up for the rights of her people. While visiting her family in Clear Creek County she meets Fisher who saves her from being thrown from her runaway horse. Fisher is instantly attracted to Billie Jean but any attraction that she may have for him is quickly suppressed because they are living in a time where interracial relationships are still considered taboo and are frowned upon.
When Billie Jean learns that the blacks are working under horrible conditions at the Locke Farm, she decides to do something about it. She prepares for a fight to make changes and finds herself faced with Locke’s Property Supervisor. Fisher has worked hard to become supervisor and is proud of his achievements. He is happy to have finally gained the admiration of his high society parents and is reluctant to do anything to ruin everything he has achieved. However, Fisher is unable to deny the attraction he has towards Billie Jean and how he feels about her. He wants a future with her but with Billie Jean pitted in a battle against the Locke’s any chance at a relationship with her might be impossible. Tensions rise, attraction grows, chemistry develops, and Billie Jean finds herself reluctantly falling for Fisher. Can Fisher and Billie Jean ever have a chance at a future together?
This book was wonderfully written and discussed the topics of interracial relationships, inequality, age gaps, and forbidden romance, in a sensitive manner. The characters are well developed and engaging. Billie Jean is a strong, independent, smart, feisty, and determined woman. She was determined to make a difference in the world as she fought against injustice and inequality. Fisher is smart, strong, determined, and hardworking. He has worked hard to gain the support of his parents and is proud of everything he has achieved. Billie Jean and Fisher are attracted to one another but face a lot of obstacles that seem determined to keep them apart. This book has action, suspense, chemistry, passion, forbidden romance, angst, drama, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, and unexpected love.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I accidentally read these out of sequence so I definitely recommend reading them in order. I enjoyed this book, it tells the story between Aspen and Phoenix mainly but includes Shane and Tracey too. Can Aspen an Phoenix work through their differences? Can’t wait for the next book! Its a cliffhanger!
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I accidentally read these out of sequence so I definitely recommend reading them in order. This book is a great introduction to the main characters Aspen, Phoenix, Shane, Tracey and their college lives. The struggles they face an what is about to come.
The Reluctant Suitor by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 5th book in the The Studs of Clear Creek County Series. These stories are historical romance set in a time when interacial relationships weren’t the right thing and were frowned upon.
As with all the books in this series the writer creates strong female characters who are dealing with oppression and disadvantages because of the colour of their skin and this is just the same. This is a fast paced read so i was able to read it in one sitting.
In this story we meet Billie Jean. She has come to visit her cousins. She is seen as a bit of a trouble maker as she is the only member of the family to attend college and that wasn’t really heard off.
While she is visiting she hears about the poor treatment of her people on a farm so
Billie Jean and her cousin prepare to fight for change. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for the one man she needs to hate.
Fisher Hines is the supervisor of Locke Farm. All he wants is to make his parents proud and he intends to keep doing that. However what he didn’t plan for was Billie Jean. From the day he rescued her he can’t get her off his mind but when she comes ready for a war and attempting to destroy everything he has worked hard for will he still see her as a breathtaking damsel?
Their attraction to each other keep pulling them closer but their difference of opinions keep forcing them apart. Can their love ever succeed? What will be Fisher parents reaction when they realise just who the girl is that has captured his heart.
This is a really interesting read and as a reader I was fully immersed into their story and their fights. Both fighting for what they believe in but also fighting to be together.
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5stars
Second chance Romance with a twist
This contemporary romance had a really good premise with the childhood best friends hitting road block upon road block to their HEA. This is told from Mia’s point of view and I would have really loved to have had Mitch’s POV, as it would have added another dimension – I’m a sucker for dual POV. There were only a few minor let downs for me in the persona of Mitch and the delivery with granny it all just seemed a bit clunky. The twists with Lacey were well developed though and she had strong characterisation. Overall, for me, this is a solid first read from this author.
Oh, Teresa and Liam’s story is so relatable. Even though she came from a rich family, her struggles are one’s that many of us can relate to. Now, Liam, that man is hot, sexy mystery and one that would be fun to discover. I sure enjoyed listening to their story. The mystery of where Liam was after the bombing had me on edge wanting to know just as much as Teresa, Ali and Joe. The mysteries intertwined in this story are fantastic along with some little twists in there. Don’t even get me started on some of the antagonist’s such as Carrie, Ulla, Koli and some of the others.
The writing is wonderful. I found the tone to be a mysterious and suspenseful tone. I enjoyed it being read by the author. There was always an air of “the other shoe is going to drop.” The characters were so well-developed and the details of them in the story made me feel like I was there. Listening to the story actually gave you the feeling that you were there, kind of like you were eavesdropping.
‿)づ PREORDER (づ‿)づ
Bowie and Jagger were sensational together… until jealousy and insecurities tore them apart.
Jordan
Having my ex on our comeback tour was the last thing I expected to happen. She’d always been a kick-ass tour manager, and now she’s even hotter than I remember.
How am I supposed to resist?
Winning Lex back won’t be easy, and I’ll have to compromise on my past behaviours to make it work this time – because she’s worth it.
That is, until someone connected to my past decides to play hell with my life, leading me on a path of self-destruction. Now I stand to lose what’s most important to me. My future with the band. My relationship with Lex. Everything.
Alexis
Being offered the gig as tour manager for my ex’s band raised doubts. He’s always been the charismatic frontman, and now he’s as hot as I remember.
How am I supposed to resist?
I’ve told myself I couldn’t fall for Jordan again. Who was I kidding? He seems different now, and those old feelings are hard to ignore. Our explosive chemistry is still there, and what we have is worth fighting for.
When his past demons raise their heads, we could be in trouble.
He’s shattered my heart once, and I won’t let him do it again.
When We Fell Again is a standalone angsty, second chance rockstar romance.
Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Playboy rockstar Blu Connolly is heading home to visit his mother while his band is on hiatus from touring. He just needs a little time with his mom, some of her great cooking, and some time to be anonymous in his hometown. Blu’s plans are quickly thwarted by his mom’s new neighbor.
Ashleigh Baker has finally found a place that she can call home and put down some roots. After growing up with a military father, constantly on the move, she has found a spot where the landlord encourages her hobby of planting flowers. When Ashleigh figured out who she was living next to she never thought she would actually get to meet the lead singer for one of her all-time favorite bands. Ashleigh spends her time as a substitute teacher and freelance music reviewer.
The moment Blu arrives in the neighborhood, he loudly announces his presence by revving his motorcycle loudly late one night. Ashleigh, not caring that he is famous, comes out and tears him a new one for being rude. Blu is entranced by this angry beauty. He starts finding reasons to be around her. No matter how charming he tries to be, Ashleigh isn’t falling for it because of his reputation and she knows that eventually he will be leaving. No reason to get attached. But things don’t always go as planned.
Through women blatantly throwing themselves at Blu, he stays true to Ashleigh. She slowly starts to trust and believe that Blu can be the man she needs. When the band’s manager purposely plots to break up Blu and Ashleigh, things get explosive only the way they can in the world of rock ‘n’ roll!
There is so much good in this one. It keeps you reading. You have hope for Blu, that he really is a changed man. When you learn the reason that his mother doesn’t want to move, it gets you all misty. Excellent story. Great read!!
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Love & Stilettos is the debut novel by Evelyn Lindell. It is a contemporary romance with jealousy, plots/agendas, mystery, manipulation, secrets, lies, secrets crushes, childhood friends-to-lovers, manipulation, and more.
I loved the premise of this book and was looking forward to all the promise it held. A romantic mystery/suspense is in my top five favourite genres- so I was excited to see what Evelyn Lindell had in store for us here. I really wanted to love this book, to lose myself completely in the story- but unfortunately this didn’t grab me the way I had hoped for.
While the premise was great, I had trouble connecting with Mia as she came across as quite naïve and more immature than her age suggested, or than what the blurb had led me to believe. I was expecting a ‘strong’, confident, independent, and ‘mature’ FMC- but she was too ‘mousy’ for my liking. I got quite frustrated with her, and that feeling only intensified as the story progressed. There were situations in which the ‘villain’ came across as more the FMC- and completely ‘walked’ all over Mia. I can understand that the author was trying to add drama and tension to the story, and in some instances succeeded in doing that- but mostly I was left feeling frustrated and a little disappointed.
I think the story needed more depth and development to really ‘shine’- and adding Mitch’s (MMCs) perspective would have gone a long way to achieving that, in my opinion. Also, the storyline was quite predictable, and while that didn’t ‘detract’ too much from my appreciation of the story, added to the other ‘issues’ I had it only fuelled the flames of my discontent. I think with a little ‘tweaking’ this story could have been stellar- as it stands, I really had to force myself to stay ‘focused’ on the story as it wasn’t holding my attention and my mind kept wandering. Don’t let me put you off reading this story, as I read a lot of darker, ‘meatier’ novels and my perspective may be biased towards that- so you should read the story for yourself and make up your own mind.
I can see a lot of potential here, and as this is the authors debut novel, I am curious to read more of her work in the future to see how her ’style’ develops.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Evelyn Lindell!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The third book in the series. I highly recommend you read them in order so you can follow the characters and the story. This paranormal series keeps you on your toes and sucks you in pretty quick. The author does a wonderful job of world and character building. We continue the story of Tamaska and Kodiak, except now Kodiak is the Alpha of the pack and Tamaska is not so patiently waiting to become a wolf. Kodiak has his pack to consider and at the same time he needs to consider his relationship with Tamaska and taking her as his mate.
I really enjoyed this book and love that the series continues to be about Kodiak and Tamaska.
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
“No one is who you think. Nothing is as it seems. Your love triangle has more angles. Someone can’t stop loving you. Another person never liked you. There is a puppeteer in your life, weaving a web of manipulation and deceit that’s so complicated that even I’m having a hard time deciphering the victims from the villains. If you don’t cut the puppeteer’s strings within two weeks, you will face your ruin— expulsion, permanent humiliation, and the loss of the only man who ever loved you.”
Love & Stilettos is a contemporary romance tale. I was geared for an intense journey full of surprises, suspense, thrills and so much more after reading the above, but it didn’t punch me in the feels. There was some twists and turns, intrigue and mystery with lies and deceit that kept the story slowly moving forward. I kept reading even though I felt the story is a little predictable, because I wanted to see how it ended.
I love a story that is told in different POV’s so I would have liked to have heard from Mitch and his take on it all which I think would have given the story that much more depth. My connection with Mia didn’t really gel even though she was sweet and shy and a whole lot naive and it felt like she was so much younger than she was.
There is a lot in there to make it a great story but for me it fell a little bit short of the mark. Having said that it does not mean that you shouldn’t give it a go because my tastes and yours may be completely different and you may fall in love with it.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟
This is a good, contemporary romance that is filled with drama, a bit of humor banter, love with some twists and turns….the only thing that was difficult for me was it took at bit to get into the story. I enjoyed some of characters, especially Mia’s granny (she was a hoot) and Mitch, I was hoping Mia was a bit of a stronger character.
Mia and Mitch known each from years ago, now that Mia is back in Kentucky to start over as she become a widow at an early age. Mia is in need of Mitch’s help with an assignment she has at University and sparks have always been there between them. When Mitch’s fiancee, Lacey, tries to keep Mia and Mitch apart….drama ensues and erupts. Will Lacey’s ways keep Mitch and Mia from being friends or possibly more if Lacey keeps spinning her web of deceit.
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At the tender young age of 28, Mia finds herself a widow and living with her grandmother in Kentucky. She’s decided to enroll in school and obtain a job. Things seem to be progressing well in her life, despite the drama that she’s endured lately.
Mitch is a firefighter, living the dream. Women flock to him because of his great looks and physique. He’s taken by Lacey though and the rock on her finger proves it.
Mia and Mitch were the best of friends when they were younger. Every June, Mia travelled to KY to visit her grandmother and she and Mitch would hang out for the month. One June, Mia didn’t return and instead married Xavier.
Through a series of challenging events, Mitch and Mia may find their way to each other again but not without some road blocks and some fires that need to be put out.
I found this book to be enjoyable, even if it was a bit predictable. Granny is by far my favorite character in this book. She deserves a book of her own. I loved her wit! Mia is a bit of a pushover, despite people thinking that she is a stronger person. I think maybe Mitch could bring out some stronger in her but it would need more character development. Overall, a good book to curl up with on a stormy afternoon!
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing 2nd book. I was so happy to know that we’d get to learn Liam’s story. He is so fiercely protective of Teresa. While I absolutely adore Joe, Liam has quickly become a 2nd favorite. Even thought he tries to hide it, and so does she, the chemistry between the 2 of them is so alive and HOT. I definitely recommend reading the 1st book in the series, as it explains a bit of Liam’s story, but I also feel like this book does a really good job making it possible to read as a stand alone. Cat Treadgold is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
Review By: Manda Kelly 2023
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 5 king brothers are wealthy and live in a mansion with their father. Their mother passed away. After her passing the father hired an estate manager and he and his wife lived on the estate in a house not far from the mansion. With him came a son and a daughter. The story all comes down to Theo, Ava and Matthius. I loved every second of this all but one part when I almost had to put it down I was so disgusted but keep an open mind because it’s a great story. Theo is Ava’s best friend growing up but the “men” in ava’s life think they know what is best for her and Matthius isn’t it. My emotions were all over. Happy, sad, horrified and it’s just a roller coaster. It pulls at your heart strings and has a plot twist. I couldn’t put it down.
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 4 in the Bluestone series and I have loved everyone. If you like rugged men who are hard working and love with passion and protectivness that no one can break then these books are definately for you.
In this story we read about Teddy and Summers story and romance and wow what a read.
Teddy and Summer have been friends since they were kids. Both of them had feelings for each other but neither was brave enough to admit it and so they went their separate ways.
Fast forward and Summer returns to Bluestone to find that the bar she assumed would be hers had been sold to Teddy. Now she needs a place to live and a job and Teddy is only to happy to offer her them. As they spend time together the old feelings resurface. Will they finally get their happy ever after this time? When an ex from Summers past arrives will he be the one to destroy and tear apart Teddy and Summer?
This is a great read. I got butterflies myself reading all the romantic thoughts and feelings the couple shared.
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An interesting tale, that’s what this is. Mia, a widow, comes across her crush, Mitch and the tale begins there. Romance with some misadventure and suspense. I enjoyed their story because it was quite entertaining. My favorite character was her grandmother. I could totally relate to her. It was like seeing mine on paper. She spoke her mind and had no filter what came out of her mouth. I loved her. Mia still had some growing to do and it was good to see her do that. Once Mitch reconnected, he was always watching out for her. I found the HEA done well. I enjoyed the little twists and turns. A good read that you can enjoy.
The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was great! It’s about a forbidden romance. Billie Jean fights for her people. She has to go against the town to fight for black rights. She has an instant connection with Fisher Hines. Their love is put to the test. Fisher must fight for what he wants versus everything his family has worked for.
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book combines romance and suspense. It follows the story of a young woman who gets caught up in a dangerous world of Russian mafia and royal intrigue. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of navigating dangerous relationships. Lev and Daphne are essentially enemies to lovers – and honestly, those are the best stories! These two are total opposites. You know what they say about opposites attract!
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It honestly took me a long time to get into this story. I did continue to read it though. I guess because I caught on quickly on what was going on and who was behind it. It is a sweet love story. The idea behind coming back into your first loves life and them loving you the same is great. I wish the story wasn’t so drawn out so that there was more to the ending but overall I believe that it is a good read.