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Broken Circle (Gray Ghost #1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Broken Circle (Gray Ghost #1)Broken Circle by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Broken Circle is my first book by Amy McKinley. I felt the beginning was slow to start but I still had the huge feeling that something very bad was on its way. No big surprise that the bad was actually Liv’s own in laws and maybe even her husband, Alex….NOOOOO. Please not the husband.

I loved watching Liv grow and realize that she is strong enough, smart enough and very capable of her own safety and happiness.

A little before the half way point we learn just how bad things are and how bad they just might get. Alex’s family holds secrets that Liv may not want to know. Is Alex hiding something from his wife? Even from his family? The twists in this book kept me turning the pages. And then along comes Liam! Will Liam be the knight in shining armor we need/want? Will Liv be able to live up to her potential!?

This book left me with many feelings of heartbreak, confusion, longing, and hope. I am sure many of the same feeling Liv experienced throughout the story.

Definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from McKinley.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Honey Gold (Murder in Savannah, #2) by Lindsay Marie Miller – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Honey Gold (Murder in Savannah, #2)Honey Gold by Lindsay Marie Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ohhh how the plot thickens with book 2! You must read book one, Emerald Green, to be able to follow the adventure. Honey Gold continues where Emerald Green left off. Sneaky, slimy bad guys, dead bodies, and oh man that necklace! What can Addie and Tom do! Honestly I would have been happy if Addie had smashed it into a million pieces!

Lindsay Marie Miller pulls you into this crazy world with characters you want to just hug and some you just want to kill…again. We are lead to believe many things during this portion of the series. It seems like Tom and Addie have figured out how to be together…but then Miller gives them something else to worry about. Oh how I love Eric and Jeanine! Of course if it is too good to be true then it probably isn’t. Miller doesn’t want any of these characters to have an easy time! Eric and Jeanine have so much to work through, I think even more than Addie and Tom!

There did seem like a few gaps in the story. For example, during their time at the beach house. I felt like Tom and Addie were only there for the necklace. Didn’t anything else happen there? I believe this story could have used a little more romance and the beach house would have been a perfect place for a little more loving…but then I remember that Addie, Tom, Eric, Jeanine and many other characters in this series are just 15-17 years old. While, yes they are experiencing true love, first love and even an intense kind of love, they are still just teenagers.

I am looking forward to reading what Miller has in store for this group of young people. Will the necklace be the end all? Will there ever be a happy ending!?

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Pearl White (Murder in Savannah, #3) by Lindsay Marie Miller – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Pearl White (Murder in Savannah, #3)Pearl White by Lindsay Marie Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love to write notes and my thoughts while reading a good book. So here are a few thoughts, of course edited for sensitive eyes.

Are you kidding me with that ending!?! Just when I thought we had a happy ending…that ding dang necklace shows up! What is it? How? Just smash it! And all those evil people and the betrayal that Addie has to deal with! So not fair! Do not throw the phone! Do not throw the phone! Just keep reading! The end is near!

Ok so Lindsay Marie Miller sucked me into Addie’s adventure and still has me all twisted up! I really liked this story much more than the first two, so I cannot wait to read the next one…there is a next one right Miller?!? Remember that ending? So yeah…the next one…please.

The same main characters are in this story because the adventure is not over. Addie still seems wishy washy to me especially at the beginning. She is still a 17-18 yr old young woman with only herself to guide her, so I have given her a little more leeway in her actions and mixed up emotions. Tom was so much more lovable and believable through most of this book. This book does explain a few things that were left questionable in books one and two. But as I said before, that ending! Now there are a few more questions!

If you want to read this book (you really do want to!) you must have already read the first two books or you will not know what the heck is going on. So I am definitely recommending this book, series and author!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Emerald Green (Murder in Savannah, #1) by Lindsay Marie Miller – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Emerald Green (Murder in Savannah, #1)Emerald Green by Lindsay Marie Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great young adult story. A little romance, lots of mystery. No adult supervision anywhere in the story. The main characters are typical high school students just trying to finish school and figure out life.

The relationships in this story are wishy washy. Tom and Addie say they love each other but as soon as they disagree with each other, one of them walks away. It’s hard to remember that they are not even adults, yet they are trying to have adult relationships. They have to deal with kidnappings, violence and murder, with no one to guide them in the ways of life. Even the parent/child relationship is strange throughout this story.

Emerald Green includes several characters, many of which seem to lie, causing Tom and Addie to have trust issues. However, this does help the two learn to trust each other. One lesson learned in this story is that not everything is as it seems.

Good story line. I would like to see what happens in this series. I wonder if Addie and Tom can figure out Daniel’s secrets or if knowing will cause even more trouble. I can easily recommend this story.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Project Paradise by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Project ParadiseProject Paradise by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really really liked this book! This story is a risqué kind of story and the reader must be open minded, at least sexually open minded. Project Paradise gives you a look into a different lifestyle than most books.

The main characters, Valley and David, are a seemingly happily married couple looking to make a change. I liked Valley most of the time. I could see her insecurities hiding just below the surface. Her husband David though I am not so sure about. Sometimes he seemed almost perfect and then other times, completely closed off. I am sure he is a complete heart breaker. Some of the choices that Valley and her husband David made will not be everyone’s cup of tea. But that’s ok because variety is the spice of life! The cul-de sac that is the setting for most of this story has its typical soccer mom and PTA parents that made me laugh out loud at the accuracy. We are given a very small sneak peek into the other families/people on the cul -de-sac.

Since this is a series like no other I have read…I am seriously having a hard time waiting for the other books. Will the other stories be just as awesome? Can not wait to see what the others really think of Valley (love that name by the way) and David. What secrets could the neighbors be hiding?!

To me personally this book is a complete fantasy because I don’t think I could ever be like Valley. And that’s ok. This story was still an excellent read. I also found this book to be hot and funny and scary. Scary in the way being vulnerable makes you feel. Alexander uses her character, Valley, to teach us not to judge others and to have better communication with not just those we are intimate with but with those closest to us.

The title, Project Paradise, sounds like a goal we should all have. Everyone’s paradise is different and again that’s ok.

I highly recommend this story!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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The Last Resort Motel: Room One by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Shannon Fowler

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The Last Resort Motel: Room OneThe Last Resort Motel: Room One by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great idea! The Last Resort Motel is a new series which includes a new story from a different author each month. This review is only for Room One by Gwyn McNamee.

This was a fun but quick read. It includes an adventure with some steamy sex. And there were guys with guns! Adventure, sex and guns oh my! This story is straight forward with no huge plot twists at the end. I love the way McNamee left the ending. We have the hope of more but at the same time could be perfectly happy with the ending as is. McNamee even gave us just enough details about the main characters, Max and Aurora, that we feel connected to them in this story but at the same time there is enough kept from us that McNamee could write more about them later!

Aurora and Max are just wandering through life. It seems that they are waiting for some big adventure! Little do they know what they find in Room One!

I can safely recommend this story and look forward to the rest of the series.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Stone Sober (Hawke Family #3) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Stone Sober (Hawke Family #3)Stone Sober by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book one is Savage Collision. Book two is Tortured Skye. Book 3 is Stone Sober. This is my favorite story line so far but I am still #TeamSavage! I really loved this story and I still love the Hawke family! This book was easy to read with lines and thoughts as simple as: “Maybe in another world, another life, another time, things could be different.” Sounds like the same old story but McNamee is able to kick it up more than just a notch, she kicks it in high gear. This story is hot! Exciting! And oh my those “large black lacquered wardrobes” and all the things they held inside! No wonder Nora was feeling a little confused.

“How is it possible to dread and crave something so much at the same time?”

There were a couple of things that made me go hmmm. The biggest thing was that it seemed that Stone’s addiction was just a mild case and easily enough to kick. Even though, I felt, that his sister tried to make a huge deal out of it. Maybe his addiction wasn’t a key element to the story but then the title is Stone Sober. (Just my random thoughts.) The other thing was the Hawke family mom—Mrs. Hawke also known as loyal to a fault, “…that naïve or blind…” leader of the whole Hawke family. Is Gwyn McNamee just building us up for something more for dear ol’ mom? Or is she really not that great of a person? I have high hopes for mom!

I can not wait to read more from McNamee and I really hope there’s more of this family!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Fisher of Men by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Fisher of MenFisher of Men by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fisher of Men is a story to be read with an open mind. And maybe while you are alone. No children in sight. No distractions. This is a very sexual story, so if you like your books a little taboo then this one is for you. If you are a vanilla kind of person when it comes to sex and preferences, then you should read this book with a notepad and a pen along with that open mind mentioned before!

Phoebe Alexander gives us the story of Leah. She is the preacher’s daughter. She is a very sexual person, trying to find her way in life and in the bedroom.

“I don’t know what’s the bigger miracle, conception and birth or just life itself, the way we figure
out how to survive despite everything stacked against us.”

Alexander shows us that working hard, believing in yourself, trying new things can lead to a happily ever after even if the road there is a little bumpy!
I enjoyed this story (because I have an open mind, especially while reading). This is not my first story by Alexander and won’t be the last. Fisher of Men is actually book one in the Eastern Shore Swingers series. Book Two is The Catch. I am hoping there will be more, maybe Casey needs her story told! Or Leah’s bff, Aimee!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Enigma: The Complete Collection: Four book box set (Perception 6) by Shandi Boyes – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Enigma: The Complete Collection: Four book box set (Perception 6)Enigma: The Complete Collection: Four book box set by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book of this series had so much sex that I wasn’t sure if I could love these characters or enjoy the series. Of course if you know me I will give everything a chance, including things/people I’m not 100% sure of.

Book two was OMG a better story line than one had but with the same intensity as book one. I really felt like book one was just about Isaac and Isabelle’s uncontrollable sex life, but I can now see it was the building up for THIS BOOK!

Each book in this series just gets better and better. However, the title for book 3 is a little deceiving, the mysteries are not unmasked. Some things have been solved but then more questions have arisen in their place. So I guess that is one of the things making me want more and more of Isabelle and Isaac. Thanks Shandi Boyes!

Book four the Final Chapter, oh my! Ms Boyes has saved the best for last! I am so glad I continued this series!!! I absolutely love Isaac and Isabelle!

I am looking forward to what come next from Shandi Boyes.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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The Flip (Romance in Rehoboth #2) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Shannon Fowler

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The Flip (Romance in Rehoboth #2)The Flip by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Flip is a funny story that is not your typical romance story. The main characters, Andrew and Sonnet, went to school together starting in elementary school, but were hardly friends at all. Andrew teased Sonnet endlessly and when he wasn’t teasing her, he was ignoring her. Sonnet was only interested in learning, getting good grades and avoiding Andrew. They shared a common interest though growing up in Aunt Penny, Sonnet’s next door neighbor and Andrew’s great-aunt.
As you can tell from the blurb, these two inherit a house that needs a little fixing up.

This story made me laugh out loud and even snicker several times. Especially when Andrew discovers what Sonnet is reading on her Kindle.

“I close out of the book so I can see the title on the screen along with the rest of the books on her
virtual shelf. “Mountains Wanted?” I ask, eyebrows raised. “I bet there’s some metaphorical mountains involved,” I wink at her. “Fisher of Men? The Playground?”

Sonnet sounds like my type of reader friend!

Montgomery has a writing style that completely wraps me up and makes me forget everything around me. While this is book two in the Romance in Rehoboth series, it can be read as a standalone. I really loved reading this book and think you will too!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Spy Thy Neighbor (Enigma, #7) by Shandi Boyes – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Spy Thy Neighbor (Enigma #7)Spy Thy Neighbor by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spy Thy Neighbor gives us a funny twist to voyeurism. This book while steamy and hot was funny and heart-warming as well. This book is book seven in the Enigma Series but can be read as a standalone. I suggest reading the entire series because everyone loves a good story. For those of you that have read Shandi Boyes’ other Enigma books, you know of Hunter Kane. You know the following to be true not only for Hunter but all of Boyes’ leading men!

“Hunter should come with a warning because once you’ve been swept into the Hunter vortex, there is no possibility of being discharged from it.”

Paige is our leading lady and has fallen into Hunter’s vortex rather quickly. She is an author with writer’s block. Luckily enough, she has a little money and the time to travel, with the hopes of finding a muse and unblocking her words. Enter Hunter! However, Hunter has other plans, mostly to just be friends. You must read this to find out how that works for them!

I loved watching Paige learn to love and appreciate herself. You can tell she was hurt by her past but not so devastated that she could move on and grow. With Hunter’s “friendship” she learns many things.

“Just like the carefree Paige who only emerges in Hunter’s presence, a new, unstiffened Paige surfaces in the bedroom as well.”

I highly recommend this story, with or without the rest of the series. But you can read my other reviews highly recommending the entire series.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Beneath the Secrets (Enigma, #6) by Shandi Boyes – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Beneath the Secrets (Enigma #5)Beneath the Secrets by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Hugo’s story…oh my…which includes many flash backs to high school and his forever crush on Ava… We first met Hugo in the Enigma series but this can be read as a standalone.
Oh Shandi Boyes! What have you done to my heart!?! Beneath the Secrets? Oh no you just created more secrets! Oh and that ending?! I have said this before in my reviews, there are some books that just make you say WTF did I just read…so yeah, right now, Shandi Boyes what the actual…did I just read!?!
It wasn’t until after reading the Enigma series, that I learned that Hugo would have his own story told. Little did I know that Hugo’s story is huge! It starts when he was in high school, crushing on his little sister’s best friend, Ava. But being a player, he kept innocent Ava at arm’s length. Ava was raised by overly strict parents, with a father that bordered on mental abuse. Ava and Hugo’s friendship never falters over the years. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, at least for these two it does. However, lack of true communication, secrets and jealousy keeps them from getting a happily ever after, at least for now.
Shandi Boyes is a great writer! Every one of her stories have had me turning page after page, non-stop! The male characters are swoon-worthy while the females are determined and strong. We all want someone to love while being loved right back and Ava is no different.
“I want a man who has no qualms in showing his affection even with a house full of spectators. A man devoted solely and entirely to me. That is what I want and crave. That is what I deserve.”
I recommend this story and am patiently (sort of) waiting for the next part of Hugo and Ava’s story!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks
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Sunset After the Storm by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Sunset after the StormSunset after the Storm by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love, romance, and sex ✔
Ugly cry ✔
Unbelievably great story ✔
Crying from the first page can only mean one thing: I am either going to hate this book or I am going to freaking love it! By the end I’m still not sure how I feel about it. I will recommend it to everyone, especially those looking for a great heart wrenching story.
Have you ever cried so much that your face actually hurt? If not, please pick up Sunset after the Storm by Michelle Sullivan and a few boxes of tissues. I truly didn’t know how to write a review for such a tragic story. But I’ve been thinking, while letting my puffy eyes relax, this story didn’t just tell us about the horrible disease that affects Scotti and Mason, it told us, no it showed us, how important love truly is. Whether that love is 50 years old or 10 days old, unconditional love can make everything easier, even death.
There are clique’s that roll through everyone’s mind when thinking or talking about death; Live life to the fullest, live like there’s no tomorrow, you don’t know what you have until its gone. Scotti and Mason lived these everyday they were together. They saw the bigger picture of life.

“It may seem like no big deal to some people but when you have absolutely nothing in your life, you look forward to those little things that bring you happiness and peace.”

This book and author have moved right up into the top of my favorite list!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Enigma: The Final Chapter (Enigma, #4) by Shandi Boyes – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Enigma: The Final Chapter (Enigma #4)Enigma: The Final Chapter by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed reading this entire series. I highly recommend it. Especially to those that like cliff hangers, sex, a little mystery, a little adventure and lots of action and even more sex. There are loveable and hate-able characters in every book and The Final Chapter is no different. I am looking forward to reading more from Shandi Boyes.

Isaac and Isabelle have faced all kinds of turmoil through-out their short intense love affair. Arrests, their own jealousy and even other people’s jealousy, FBI investigations, and just about any other thing Fate and Shandi Boyes could throw at them. But somehow, some way they come out stronger and even more in love, if that is even possible. This book has the greatest challenge EVER thrown their way. Watching the growth of the two main characters and even a few of the friends through the series made my heart grow. I could only imagine how Boyes feels after having written this series.

“It was only then did I realize that life’s greatest accomplishments can’t be calculated by wealth or power. It’s measured by the people you have in your life. And that is why I will stop at nothing to ensure Isabelle once again becomes mine, because she is without a doubt, my greatest accomplishment.”

The first book of this series had so much sex that I wasn’t sure if I could love these characters or enjoy the series. Of course if you know me I will give everything a chance, including things/people I’m not 100% sure of. I am so glad I continued this series!!! I absolutely love Isaac and Isabelle! Each book just got better and better with this, The Final Chapter, the best one. Again I am looking forward to what come next from Shandi Boyes.

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Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Enigma #3) by Shandi Boyes – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Enigma #3)Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Each book in this series just gets better and better. However, the title for this book is a little deceiving, the mysteries are not unmasked. Some things have been solved but then more questions have arisen in their place. So I guess that is one of the things making me want more and more of Isabelle and Isaac. Thanks Shandi Boyes!
This book starts off where the last one ended. Each book in this series must be read in order. While the first book was setting the scene for Isabelle and Isaac’s whirlwind of a relationship with more than enough sex, the second book let us see a little more into their personalities. This book, the third in the series, gives us the heart break we need in order to hopefully find a happily ever after in the last book!?
Shandi Boyes has a writing style that captivates the reader. Much like her characters do. I love how we get to see inside both Isabelle and Isaac’s minds because just when I start thinking “what in the world are they thinking?!” Boyes gives me the other side of the situation.
The ending in this book, to me was a given. I just didn’t think it would take so long to actually happen. It’s not a surprise but it sure sucks for Isabelle. She says so herself a few times in this book that the whole world is against them, of course she uses a few choice words that Amazon won’t let me use so you’ll have to read the book to get the actual quote! Trust me on this…you want…no you need to read this series. My recommendation is to go one click the entire series right now!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Unraveling an Enigma (Enigma, #2) by Shandi Boyes – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Unraveling an Enigma (Enigma #2)Unraveling an Enigma by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And then there are some books that make you say WTF did I just read! How can it “end” like that!? Why Shandi Boyes, WHY?!? That’s how I felt after finishing this book!

OMG what a better story line this one has but with the same intensity as book one. I really felt like book one was just about Isaac and Isabelle’s uncontrollable sex life, but I can now see it was the building up for THIS BOOK! This story continues off right where book one, Enigma of Life left off. Isaac and Isabelle have been separated by the truth that Isabelle is an FBI agent and she may have withheld that information from Isaac. He finds out when she has to arrest him. The chemistry these two have is just as hot as ever but because Isaac gets arrested there is way less sex! Book one was over the top with it, which made my feelings for the characters just so so. This book there is a little more “unraveling” of the characters’ personalities and actual character, making me love them both! And then there is this enlightenment for me:

“It is hard to explain, but this is us, we show our affection through sexual contact. Our love, our desires, our needs, they are all reflected in the most intimate ways.”

This was the eye opening into Isaac and Isabelle’s fast paced relationship that I needed. My feelings about book one changes a little with this statement. I found this book was much harder to put down than book one. ~Darn 9-5 job!~ I can not wait to see what Boyes brings to the next book. I definitely recommend this book but only after reading the first one.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Enigma of Life (Enigma #1) by Shandi Boyes – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Enigma of Life (Enigma #1)Enigma of Life by Shandi Boyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story would have easily been a five star if there had actually been a little less sex! (I can’t believe I just wrote that!) But really. Our main characters are Isaac Holt and Isabelle Brahn. And boy oh boy do they have a lot of sex together. Bathrooms, airplanes, counters, cars. Yeah a lot of sex. They also have a lot of secrets from each other. I’m not really sure how I feel about these two. There is no denying the chemistry and lust they have but do they have more than that? Can they really have a relationship in the true sense of the word?

“His mouth-watering scent invades my senses and spurns on my pursuit to offer him comfort in the only way I know how. Sexually.”

I think even Isabelle hopes there is more to them. “I know my relationship with Isaac could be construed as only being based on lust and attraction.”

I liked the feeling while I was reading that something big was going to happen. There are a few characters mentioned and situations referred to that could add up to a big explosion in the end.
Did I mention the sex? There’s a lot of it. I’m worried about what happens when their work lives meet their private lives. It seems the secrets that they keep from each other may just be the ultimate downfall or that big explosion in the end. Isaac says “If you are going to be accused of something, you may as well do it.” To me this is a little foreboding and may actually be the catalyst to the explosion!

Just when I thought the “relationship” might turn into something a little more than just very hot sex, like maybe a happily ever after, real life meets work life, which equals the end of this book! GRRRR!! And BOOM! Shandi Boyes certainly had me turning the pages as fast as I could!

Definitely only for those readers over 18. Quickly moving onto book two to find out what happens with these two!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Playing for Keeps (Playing Series book 3) by Ashlie Knapp – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Playing for Keeps (Playing Series Book 3)Playing for Keeps by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashlie Knapp earns her own Championship Ring with this book! I love it! Playing for Keeps is book three in the Playing Series. I really love a good romance story where the main characters say they are not looking for love. You just know they are going to find it. It’s the adventure they take to finally get there that truly makes a great story.
Our heroine is Aria. She is such a well rounded person. She sings, dances, bar tends, plays guitar, loves animals, is a great friend. She is almost perfect. Except that she thinks she’s broken and unworthy of a loving relationship. Until Trevin breaks down all her walls.
Trevin is NBA’s bad boy, the biggest player, and we aren’t talking playing basketball. He is a womanizer. Until he meets Aria of course. Trevin isn’t a jerk about his relationships, he just knows he wants to have a good time. The women he hooks up with know this.
I loved so many of the references to pop culture, the reality TV shows, the celebrities. I found myself laughing out loud several times. And of course I was sighing, because this story is sweet too. Love is what everyone wants, in the book world and in real life. Ashlie Knapp has found what makes readers fall in love with her books.

“I know you don’t. But having someone to share your day with, someone who’ll rub your feet when they’re hurting, someone who’ll listen to you go on and on about something they don’t care one whit about but listen anyway because they care about you…well, that’s something not everyone gets in life. If you get the opportunity, you better hold on to it with both hands.”

You can not go wrong with this book or anything Ashlie Knapp writes!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Tortured Skye (Hawke Family #2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Tortured Skye (Hawke Family, #2)Tortured Skye by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

McNamee has done it again. I LOVE THE HAWKE FAMILY! The first book is Savage Collision. A few references to that book are made so it would be helpful to read it first, however this story is about Savage’s little sister Skye, and Savage’s best friend Gabe. And even though Skye is all grown up, Savage is still overprotective. Gabe is Savage’s best friend, actually raised more like brothers. Skye and Gabe should be off limits to each other but you really can’t help who you lust after…or is it really love?

“The look of satisfaction in her eyes sends a flurry of emotions through me—anger, fear, regret, pride, contentment, lust…and something else I can’t quite put my finger on.”

Skye is determined to have Gabe. She’s loved him for as long as she can remember, even when he only thought of her as a little sister. Gabe is determined to hide his feelings for Skye. He feels like he will just drag her down with his war time nightmares, crazy father and with her being like a little sister to him. But hang on to your hats, there’s a hurricane coming! Not only the hurricane of feelings but the actual weather system itself. When things seem to go wrong what can make it right again? How about a little sex?!? The sex between these two is super hot. But they also ground each other, making everything feel right. And then there’s a little more unexpected crazy thrown in and maybe being together isn’t so bad. But then there’s Savage. His name is Savage for a reason!
I really loved this story. The plot twist kept me turning the page. I really needed to see if these two would be able to handle the consequences of their choices. Also the hint of more stories to come has me waiting…as patiently as possible! (I hope McNamee is writing!) Do I recommend this story? Yes. Very much so.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Make Me Yours by Charity Ferrell – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Make Me YoursMake Me Yours by Charity Ferrell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great story by Charity Ferrell. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!! Make Me Yours which is know known as Just Her Bodyguard,  is about movie and TV actress, Stella Mendes and Hudson Barnes, who is a marine, recently home from another deployment.
Stella is a child actress all grown up and trying to make a break into the movie business. She learns who she can trust and who she would like to throat punch. Oh wait maybe that publicist is someone I want to throat punch! Either way Stella learns a few things about the business. One thing is for sure, Stella likes to feel safe and protected. Therefore she has had a bodyguard, Dallas. But Dallas is married and with a sick wife. When Dallas needs a family favor it’s Hudson to the rescue, not that Dallas actually gave him a choice but that’s what families do for each other.
Being a bodyguard to a “princess” is the last thing Hudson wants to do. But with his current relationship hitting the rocks and Dallas’ wife’s health condition, Hudson needs some time away. What he doesn’t expect is Stella actually being someone he could talk to, even become friends , or is it possible, to even love?
Being in Hollywood causes many different feelings and situations to arise. However, not everything is as it seems. Can these two have the kind of love everyone dreams of? Where distance doesn’t matter, jobs don’t matter. Just being together, working things out as they come your way.

“I’ve come to realize that you can make a home anywhere when you’re with the one you love.”

This story was fun to read, except for the heart wrenching parts! I recommend this story and look forward to what’s next with Ferrell!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Bad for You by Charity Ferrell – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Bad For YouBad For You by Charity Ferrell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bad for You is a story about Nautica and her love for her brother’s best friend, Bracken. Somewhere along the way Bracken and Nautica were told that they must not have feelings for each other much less hook up. Of course, bratty little sisters and grown men don’t always follow the rules and the chemistry between these two is super hot. Even after they try to get each other out of their systems, there is more chemistry and hotness to come!
There are several stories inside Bracken and Nautica’s story which makes this book well worth the read. Nautica’s best friend, Macy is the kind of friend we all need, caring, funny and loyal. She’s looking for her own true love. Bracken’s parents have issues, which could be another story altogether. Nautica’s father passed away years ago causing Nautica’s brother, Simon, to become very protective of Nautica And their mother.
When tragedy strikes the whole family, who will stand strong and who crumbles under the devastating pressure? Will love be enough? Can time heal all wounds?
I loved these characters. I loved the way Ferrell makes these characters feel so real, drawing the reader right into their world. There is heart break, love and just the right amount of intrigue giving this story a little of everything. Only one thing I didn’t like was Nautica’s reaction to Bracken after all the bad things happen…ugh I don’t want to give anything away so just read this story and see if you agree, personally I think I would have reacted differently. I highly recommend this story and hope there are more stories to come!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Savage Collision (Hawke Family #1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Savage Collision (Hawke Family, #1)Savage Collision by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh what can I tell you about Savage Collision?! I can tell you that there are secrets and information withheld for the purest of reasons. I can tell you this story will break your heart just a little and very nicely put it back together again. I can tell you McNamee can write a really good story!
McNamee introduces us to Danika by showing us that she is a sister not to be toyed with. When Danika thinks her sister Nora is in trouble, all bets are off and you do not want to be in her way. Savage, the perceived reason that Nora is in trouble, gets an up-close and personal look at Danika’s protective side! Danika plans to save her sister from Savage and his club but she doesn’t except the owner to look and sound and smell like Savage Hawke.
Savage has always had women throw themselves at him. His money, his body, his connections. They all want something. When Danika comes busting in his office he is sure she wants something too. Savage hopes she wants what he does. He isn’t expecting his own body to respond like it does. He can’t believe the fire he sees in Danika just from their first encounter. And boy oh boy is there fire!
This story had me laughing, crying, and even panting! These two are super hot together, but as with all good things, this too will end, right? With the secrets they each hide and the danger lurking around can Danika and Savage really be it for each other? I for one have always said communication is the key to everything, McNamee has proven me wrong with this story. Some things really are on a need to know basis. I love being wrong, this time. I highly recommend this story!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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A Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp – Review by Shannon Fowler

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A Second Time AroundA Second Time Around by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this story starts out a little… no a lot heart breaking, I absolutely love it! It is a story with all the feels! Heartbreak, love, understanding, patience, hilarity, more love and even more hilarity!

“Listen to you, Ms. Down and Out. I’m not used to this. You always have the unicorn farting rainbows mentality.”

There were even some parts I could really relate to because I say this daily:

“I’m a teacher . Throat punching would be a bad idea.”

This story is about Kasey and Paul. Kasey loses her perfect husband, Daniel, in a tragic accident right in chapter one. After a couple of years of mourning and being set up on horrible blind dates by her best friend, Beth, Kasey finally meets Paul. He is almost too good to be true. During the first week of meeting, Kasey and Paul have nothing but unbelievably chaotic craziness! From bloody noses, naked children, and a case of diarrhea! Nothing goes as planned and while Paul thinks he should be running for the hills, Kasey thinks he should too! Luckily enough for the both of them, there is something intriguing about the other to keep them wanting to get to know each other in spite of the messes that have happened.
Kasey has a secret, well something that may be the final straw for Paul. However when Kasey calls for Daniel in a moment of terror what can Paul do?

This story is so good. So funny! When Kasey and Paul get to meet Kasey’s parents I nearly peed my pants from laughing so hard! Who would have thought that was going to happen! This story is definitely worth a read!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Fat Girl (Romance in Rehoboth #1) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Fat Girl (Romance in Rehoboth #1)Fat Girl by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fat Girl by K.L. Montgomery is a story, well more like a diary or a column in a paper, about a woman named Claire, who is separated from her husband. She thinks it is due to her weight. She’s the mother of a teenager and works hard at her job. She is turning 40 and really wants to change her body, her mind and her life and ends up changing her heart as well.

“All I need to do is find my own path to happiness. I have all the ingredients I need: a family, amazing friends, a job I love. The only thing that has been holding me back all this time is me. I haven’t let myself be happy.”

O.M.G. I’m a fat girl too!! Of course I already knew this but I swear Montgomery was in my head and heart while she was writing the “fat” parts of this story. While this “story” is a real eye opener, it was also entertaining. Claire is funny, outgoing and sarcastic! She grows a great deal and realizes two things: everyone’s fat is different, and even though we shouldn’t care what others think about us everyone still wants to be accepted and receive unconditional love.

“The point is being healthy, happy, and above all, yourself. Not making yourself crazy trying to be someone else’s idealized version of yourself,”

K.L. Montgomery is a new to me author so I’m not sure how her other books are written but this one hits the spot. Its funny, endearing, and honest. This story is definitely worth a read no matter what size you are!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Room 208 by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Room 208Room 208 by Michelle Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here’s a great story about love, marriage and communication!
Being married for ten years, Sam and Ollie have found themselves in a slump. Life takes a toll, jobs, kids and those questionable friends. Sometimes you forget how special that certain someone really is. The clichés like “you don’t know how good something is until it’s gone” is so true in this story. Sometimes you really don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Marriage means love which means trying and working together. And even though marriage can be tough work there is also love, happiness and rewards. A marriage takes both the husband and wife to work together and communicate.
Michelle Sullivan is able to draw you into her story. You will feel the same pain as Sam and Ollie when things begin to go down hill.

“I feel like every bone in my body is being crushed. I have never felt this kind of pain in my life and I just don’t know how I am ever going to feel good again.”

And you also get to feel the amazing love they share because some things really are worth fighting for.

“…..we hit some mountains, but at the end of the day, our love for each other outweighs any stuff that anyone can throw at us and learning that now will only make us stronger and stronger in the years to come.”

Sometimes when reading a really good book you experience many emotions and have conflicting thoughts. My main thought while reading Room 208 is that men are so dumb and then women are so dumb. Of course if I had been in Sam and Ollie’s situation my reactions may have gotten me arrested! I really love the way these two were able to come together to start solving their problems. However as in real life, not everything in this book is all unicorns and rainbows! Please read this book!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Playing for Love (Playing Series, Book 2) by Ashlie Knapp – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Playing for Love (Playing Series, Book 2)Playing for Love by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashlie Knapp has done it again! She has written another heart melting, tear wiping, feel good, love story. This story is about Cassie and Jamal, who are friends of Callie and Kyle from book 1.
Cassie has a little bit of an ugly past, although no fault of her own, making her not trust any man. So instead of dating and socializing in any way, she turns to education and books. A girl after my own heart.
Jamal is a basketball star, single father of JJ and best friend of Kyle Kelly. Which means this story will be better understood if read after Playing to Win. This one starts right where book 1 left off. Many returning characters along with some new ones and an evil force help to give this story its 5 well deserved stars.
I loved that Cassie doesn’t have an athletic bone in her body and she accepts it and is ok with it.
“Har, har, har, you two. I can’t help it that I wasn’t born with an athletic gene in my body.”
I know some people like this and it made me laugh a lot. Even though Jamal is a star basketball player, the two find themselves together, a lot.
There are many times this story had me snickering to myself, laughing out loud and even tearing up. JJ and Jamal’s Whip and Nae Nae dance off is just one example of the laugh out loud scenes.
Ashlie Knapp has a writing style that is easy to read and follow. She includes fun, heart felt characters. And while this story is dreamy and romantic, Knapp keeps it realistic as well.
This is just a great story all around. I highly recommend this story, but don’t stop there. I highly recommend the series and author as well.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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Playing to Win (Playing Series, Book 1) by Ashlie Knapp – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Playing to Win (Playing Series, book 1)Playing to Win by Ashlie Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a cute cute fun story! Quick and easy to read, too! Ashlie Knapp is a new to me author and I am pleasantly surprised and happy to have taken a chance on her! This story is a stand alone and has a very……..ending. Ha! No spoilers in this review! If you are looking for wild and crazy, out of control alphas, then this is not the story for you. However, if you are looking for a hometown, boy next door, heart melting story, you will be delighted with Playing to Win!
This is a story about basketball star Kyle Kelly and cheerleader and future hopeful, sports broadcaster, Callie Thompson. Callie has sworn off all types of athletes thanks to one ex high school sweetheart. But when she literally runs into Kyle, there’s something about him she can’t resist. Especially when she loses a game of horse with him. How will they overcome Callie’s belief that all jocks are the same? Is Kyle too good to be true?
I loved the references to things I already love, like Taco Bell, basketball and O.M.G. Garth Brooks!
“And I named him Garth because Garth Brooks is the best musician in the history of music .”

These two characters had me laughing and hoping for the best to happen to them. I couldn’t help but to love them both! While there are no hot love scenes for delicate eyes to be offended by, there were moments of swooning. #sigh #sweetlove

“And he was right. Their lips did want to get to know each other. And if it were up to her, they were on their way to becoming best friends.”

The secondary characters, or best friends in this story, as well as their families, added to the fun and are also looking for happiness and love. Lets hope Ashlie Knapp is helping them find it!

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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The Catch by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Shannon Fowler

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The CatchThe Catch by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally!! A story about a big girl! A happy, confident big girl! Paisley is a serious, hardworking, sexy, big girl. She really doesn’t take crap from anyone and doesn’t care what people think. If only there were more people like Paisley in the real world! Paisley would make a great BFF, she could probably even convince “vanilla” people to try other “flavors”!
And then there’s Calvin…swoon…Calvin is patient, kind, dedicated. Did I say patient? Even his “caramel-colored skin” makes Phoebe’s “girly bits” excited, he looks like one of those hunks on www.tubev.sex. His “vanilla” way of life is not the usual turn off for Paisley, so when these two become friends anything is possible!
Other characters that enter Paisley’s life through out this story are Cap, Leah and Casey, all three are Paisley’s bosses at The Club. Trent, Jason and Alison also bring out the Paisley everyone knows. While walls are built around Paisley’s heart, she loves others unconditionally. Will there be someone who can break through? Can they accept Paisley for her past and her present?
Phoebe Alexander writes a fun, adventurous romantic mystery with a twist. This story takes a few taboo subjects, (sex, therapy and weight issues) and makes them a little less taboo. Looking forward to what else I can read from Phoebe Alexander.

Review by @shannonlovesbooks

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