Review ~ That Boy (That Boy 1) by Jillian Dodd

Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 Stars

"In all seriousness, I know there are large, really important issues in the world. World peace, terrorism, nuclear arms and global warming. But honestly, finding the perfect swimsuit has got to be at the very tip top of most women’s lists, regardless of race, political or sexual orientation. So in finding this perfect bikini, I really feel I’ve done my part to help conquer this great world issue."

I LOVED That Boy!! As I always say I life my life vicariously through Jillian Dodd, her books always transport me back to my days at school and whereas I was the nerdy kid that had no friends, I can pretend that I was once a popular girl, lived the life and got the boy at the end. Why did I wait so longggg to read this series?? I keep asking myself that question..I have had them downloaded for ages but got so immersed in Jillian’s other series the Keatyn Chronicles I just forgot. Then on holiday, stuck for something to read and I thought I know, I’ll read these and what I treat I had.

That Boy tells the story of JJ Reynolds (Jadyn), Phillip Mackenzie and Danny Diamond. JJ and Phillip were born around the same time, their parents were best friends and they grew up together, they were best friends, they were soul mates. Their friendship was put to the test early on when a new boy (Danny) moved in and tried to muscle his way in between them. JJ soon put him right that girls could be BFF’s with boys and after Danny got a punch in the mouth from JJ, the formidable trio was born. JJ, Phillip and Danny did everything together, JJ was one of the lads, she preferred sports, was good at it and loved it. The boys treated her as one of them and she truly was a lads girl.

JJ - "I’m gonna show That Boy that anything boys can do, girls can do better."

…JJ - "I want to play football with you guys, okay?"

…Danny – "No way. She’ll just end up getting hurt and go bawling home."..."Girls aren’t tough enough to play football."

I look that devil boy in the eye… I cock my arm back and punch That Boy right in the stomach. Then I move in closer and give him a jab to the face…he falls onto his butt in the grass…the corner of his lip is bleeding a bit…Finally he says "You know what? You just might be tough enough to play football."

I have to say that I think we both learned a lesson today. He learned that all girls aren’t prissy wimps and I learned he just might not be the Devil after all. The THREE of us have been best friends ever since.

The chemistry between all three of them is amazing, you could feel their friendship, you lived their friendship, you actually became their friend. The conversations between JJ and Danny had me in hysterics, these two together are dynamite. I do believe that Jillian made the right choice with who JJ ended up with as the other scenario would have been fireworks and not in a good way.

So, That Boy, what can I say?? I laughed, I loved, I cried and I loved a whole lot more. This book covers JJ’s whole life from the time she was born to when she gets engaged, it explores the trials and tribulations of being a girl at school, learning to kiss, dating, friendships, soul mates, love, eureka moments and most of all That Boy! And boy is That Boy good!!

Having two boys as best friends does have its plus side, JJ was well protected, she was the envy of most of the school but most of all they grounded her. She could share her wild and wacky side with Danny but Phillip was always there to reign her in when things went a bit OTT. Whenever she was sad or mad, one or both would be there, whenever she was in trouble invariably Phillip would always be there. All three of them were as tight as they came and there was nothing coming between them, especially no girls or boys for that matter!! If a boyfriend or girlfriend had a problem with their friendship they were history, it really was bro’s before hoes!

The blurb, sums this book up beautifully:-

You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits.　

There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. 　Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me. 　And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy.

As always Jillian’s writing style is extremely fun, it is witty, a little bit quirky, but it is infectious, you will get drawn into That Boy’s little bubble and you won’t want it to finish, thank god I had the next book in the series lined up ready to read.

A few quick notes on the characters:_

JJ aka Princess aka Jadyn – she is funny, she is protective of her boys, she is headstrong, she knows what she wants and she gets it, she has the boys wrapped round her little finger and knows it and her sense of humour is off the charts!

Danny Diamond – smoking hot, loveable rogue, he was soooo not the devil, or maybe just the devil in disguise? But seriously, he is adorable, he is charming, he is romantic and he is a football player and a really good one to boot, what is there not to like!! Candle lighting ceremony (sigh!!)

Phillip Mackenzie – Awww he is just perfect (sigh!!!) He truly was JJ’s soul mate, he would do anything for her, he was her knight in shining armour, their nightly phone calls, their cuddles on sleep overs, their somewhat telepathic connection, he too was smoking hot, he was protective, he was never afraid of letting his feelings show, he was just awesomesauce!! Scavenger hunt (sigh!!!)

I just totally LOVED this book and I cannot wait to get stuck into That Wedding!!

Brilliant once again Jillian Dodd!!

Review ~ Cut and Run (Cut & Run 1) by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 Stars

“So, Rule Number One, apparently, was that he wasn’t allowed to crack a smile during foreplay. “Got it,”…..

This is going to be one of those series that I cannot put down. I was so tempted to download all of them after I had finished this but I knew that if I did I wouldn’t get anything else read. So I will pace myself.

I am an avid fan of FBI drama’s and CSI and all that, so this did combine my favourite TV programmes with my avid love of reading. It is highly concentrated on the crime aspect so if this is not your type of book then this may not be the one for you.

During this book the foundations are laid for the two main characters Ty and Zane and yes this is another M/M read. From what I understand their relationship develops over the course of the series so in this book, there are some “sexy” times but not a lot.

Ty and Zane are two FBI agents, both are “bad” boys but are extremely good at their jobs, so their unorthodox methods are often overlooked as they always get the results. Zane is trying hard to clean up his act so when he is thrown together with Ty he is less than impressed. Zane comes across as the neat freak, he is calm, ethical, logical and extremely well presented. Ty on the other hand is scruffy, dishevelled, cocky, argumentative and a bit of a ladies man. Together they look like complete opposites but as the story unravels you see that they are more alike than they think and you know what they say about opposites!!

They are put on a really testing serial murder case, the FBI suspect an insider and it is up to Ty and Zane to go in and figure it out. The FBI and police on the case will just see the two of them for their outside appearances and think that their presence is not that important and that the powers that be are not taking it seriously. However, the respect that these two have is a closely guarded secret and in fact the powers that be have indeed taken this extremely seriously.

The constant banter between these two at times is hilarious, you can see the relationship building, you can sense the underlying sexual tension between them but as Zane was married and Ty is always chasing “ass” you cannot see how this can change. Slowly but surely throughout the book, you see the tide change and you are rooting for them both.

“I’ve never made fun of you,” Ty responded instantly. “Making fun of you would imply that something about you is fun.”

When they do eventually give in to their mutual attraction it is hot, it is extremely feral, they have been in like a mating dance for what seems forever and once that attraction is unleashed it makes for some seriously hot scenes. Totally combustible kindle scenes!! There are also some extremely tender moments between them, whilst they are both alpha males, they both show their emotional sides. One of the most tender moments between the two that has permanently imprinted was the way they both tended to each other after being injured, it was truly beautiful.

“I didn’t care about anybody, even myself. And when I did…” Zane’s jaw clenched, and he kept his eyes focused on the window. Anything but on the man sitting across from him. “I let him walk away.”

There are a lot of ups and downs with the case and they are both put in extreme danger. I loved the crime side of this and ate it up. I thought I knew where it was going and had totally got it wrong. Loved the way the plot developed and was on tenterhooks throughout. I cannot wait to read more about these two, especially now that the foundations have been laid. I think that a new dynamic duo has been created and I can’t wait to read about their exploits going forward. I think that I have just jumped on the Ty and Zane crazy train and I will not be jumping off until the end!!

Review ~ Unlocked (The Alpha Group 3) by Maya Cross

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 Stars

“This isn’t me giving up my life, Sophia,” he said. “This is me beginning it.”

I had been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to Sebastian and Sophia’s story and I was not disappointed! Unlocked is the last in The Alpha Group trilogy and the story picks up straight after the dramatic cliff hanger that we were left with at the end of Lockout. Sophia had been kidnapped and she is locked away, she doesn’t know if anybody realises she is missing especially as her and Sebastian had split up just before! She tries to make the best out of a bad situation but this time in confinement gives her time to think.

During this story, we find out a lot about The Alpha Group and Sebastian’s role within it, you would think that a group as powerful as this would be able to contain any problem that was thrown at it, but alas, no. This is made extremely difficult when it soon becomes apparent that there is a mole in the group and now nobody knows who to trust. The whole group is thrown into disarray and Sebastian and Sophia feel totally alone. Although, this may prove to be a good thing, eventually!

“We’re in this together, Sebastian. Whatever happens.” He stared at me for a full 10 seconds, somehow managing to look touched yet incredibly anxious. Eventually, though, he broke into a sad little smile. “Together it is, then,” he said softly, reaching out to squeeze my hand. And somehow it felt like an incredibly tender moment, instead of an insane suicide pact. Yep, definitely desensitised.

Whilst trying to keep themselves alive Sebastian and Sophia really have time to re-evaluate their relationship, finally we see why Sebastian has been holding back and his reasoning behind his decisions. Will he finally realise that the only person that he can truly trust is sitting right before him and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep them together?

“Do you remember what you said to me over dinner, the first time we went out?” I asked eventually. “Nothing worth having comes risk free.’ Well. That’s how I feel now.” I got to my feet and moved over to him, taking his hands in mine. “I’m a big girl. I can make my own decisions. I understand the risks, and I’m telling you I’m okay with them. I love you, Sebastian, and if that’s the price for being with you, then it’s one I’m willing to pay. The question is, are you?”

As always, Maya writes some steaming hot scenes in this book. Sebastian is still Alpha by name and alpha by nature, however, there are not as many scenes in this book as we are used to. This is mainly because this final book centres around the plot of the Alpha Group and they literally do not have time for any of those shenanigans !! As I said before, they are mainly trying to keep themselves alive!

….allowing him to sheathe himself in me all the way to the root. Finally he pulled away, only to bury his head against my neck. “Say it again,” he whispered, teasing me with a slow rocking motion. “I love you,” I breathed. “And I love you,” he replied. And then he was moving in me again, his mouth tracing fire across my collarbone…

We see a whole new side to Sebastian in this book, he is loving, he is extremely protective and he opens up a lot. If you didn’t love the man of mystery before, you sure will now! Sophia, really develops too in this book. She has her back bone, she uses it, she steps up to plate and is literally Sebastian’s right hand woman throughout this book. You can see their relationship getting stronger and stronger and you cannot help but root for them throughout the book. They also have an amazing connection to, not just physically but mentally too. It is this connection that amazingly gets them through some really tricky situations but will they both be standing at the end?

I have loved this series, a mixture of steamy romance, with mystery, danger, twists and turns, ups and down’s and a fabulous plot that will keep you guessing and page turning till the end. This book also has an epilogue, and I am really love them so you will not be disappointed with the end. I cannot wait to see what Maya has in store for us next!

 

Blog Tour ~ Promo & Giveaway ~ The Cityscape series by Jessica Hawkins

 

Series Trailer:
 

Book 1 ~ Come Undone

Book Description:

 

Olivia Germaine has already found love. Devoted wife, loyal friend, determined career woman - she’s created the life she always envisioned.

But when Olivia locks eyes with a handsome stranger across a crowded room, he peers a little too closely and sees emotions she thought she’d buried long ago.

David Dylan, alleged playboy and eternal bachelor, challenges Olivia to confront the life she’s built and to make decisions that could either lead to happiness . . . or regret.

Will Olivia be able to draw the line between lust and love?

And can David respect that line?

Find it on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17909758-come-undone

 

Excerpt:

I threw the apple rind I’d been holding into the trash across the room, sinking a perfect shot. “Three-pointer,” I said, throwing my hands up.

“Basketball fan, huh?” David grinned at me.

“Bill is,” I replied without thinking. “How about you?”

“I’m a Chicago Bears fan myself.”

“Ah. Football. I could see that.”

“Oh?”

“Sure, I can picture you as a quarterback, working the field. Leaving a trail of cheerleaders in your wake,” I said, biting my lip as I smiled. “Did you play in high school?”

“Yes, though I would’ve preferred to focus on the swim team.”

“So? Quarterback? Linebacker?” I paused, running my hand along the edge of Lucy’s desk. “Tight end?”

“QB.”

I nodded. “Thought so. I had a crush on our high school quarterback.” I cocked my head. “He looked a little like you, but not as tall,” I said, letting my eyes wander down his body.

His hand twitched, and he quickly crossed his arms tighter. “What are you doing?”

I lightly lifted my right shoulder, staring him down. “What?”

“You’re flirting with me, even though you asked me to back off. Just like on the roof the other day.” He stopped, and I blinked at him a few times, unsure of what he’d say next. “Olivia, I’ll put on a show in front of your friends, at your work, whenever we’re in public. But I’m growing tired of pretending when we’re alone. Don’t tempt me,” he warned.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
Kobo

Book 2 - Come Alive

 

 

Book Description:

 

Come Alive is the second book in The Cityscape Series.

Determined to move on with her life, Olivia Germaine has vowed to forget David Dylan. Struggling to keep her head above water, she focuses on her new promotion and refuses to drown in the memory of their night together.

But when Olivia realizes what life without David means, she must decide if she is willing to risk everything for him . . . and if she is ready to reopen the wounds of her past.

Can Olivia move forward with her marriage despite her feelings for David?

And can David stay away like he promised?

Find it on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17909765-come-alive

 

Excerpt Picture:

 

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon
Amazon UKBarnes and Noble
Kobo

 

Book 3 - Come Together

 

Book Description:

 

With a single decision, Olivia Germaine’s fantasy has become a reality. Now she is faced with two commitments: one she must make and one she must break. But in order to accept a love she never thought possible, Olivia will have to let go of the broken past that defines her - and of deeply-rooted fears that could ruin everything.

Everything is what David Dylan wants to give her, and it’s what he wants in return. He must prove to Olivia that despite his playboy ways, he’s worth leaving behind the stable future her husband can offer her. David is a man who always gets what he wants . . . but this time he may be fighting for something unattainable.

Can Olivia escape the past that threatens to consume her?

And can David break through to her before it does?

 

Find it on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144545-come-together

 

Excerpt Picture:

 

 

 

About The Author:

 

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. Some of her favorite things include traveling, her dog Kimo, Scrabble, driving aimlessly and creating Top Five lists. She is the helpless victim of an overactive imagination that finds inspiration in music and tranquility in writing. Currently she resides wherever her head lands, which lately is the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

Author Links:
· Book Trailer: http://bit.ly/10gB1VA
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicahawkinsauthor
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/jess_hawk
· Website: www.jessicahawkins.net
· Amazon: http://amzn.to/15QSMxC
· Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jhauthor

 

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