Trusting You, Trusting Me: A Hart Security Spin Off by Jacki James

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
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I used to believe in true love and happy ever after, but my ex taught me that not all men are prince charming… and that I can’t trust myself to tell the difference.

I had a plan for my life: a husband, a couple of kids, a successful career in animal medicine. For a short time, it looked like I was going to get everything I wanted. But my prince turned into a frog, and I was left trying to navigate life as a single dad.

Then along comes Ash Southerland, and our one-night stand turns into so much more. Once again, I can see a path to the future I always dreamed of. But what if I’m wrong, and just like before I’m seeing something that isn’t real.

The longer I’m around him, the easier it is for me to believe that this time I might get it right. If he can learn to trust others after all he has been through, then surely, I can do the same.

But when family secrets from his past come to light, will our newfound love be strong enough to weather the storm?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Trusting You, Trusting Me is a great romance by Jacki James. The title says it all. This is a story where both men need to learn to trust again, both in themselves, and each other.

I quickly feel into this book and didn't want to put it down. 

I enjoy the way Ash and Ezra meet, and adore the way everything develops for them. 

This is a tale with an instant attraction, plenty of sweetness, and trust issues. 

Their story includes some suspense and anxiety as someone is watching Ash. I enjoy the way all of this is developed and carried out. With Ash's past attack, the tension is definitely increased.

I enjoy the writing style, and I adore the men and all the lovable side characters. We get to visit with the men from Hart Security, as well as be entertained by cute kids and a sweet dog. 

Trusting You, Trusting Me is a great, low angst romance. This Jacki James read had me smiling a lot. I highly recommend it when you're in the mood for a feel-good romance, filled with adorable kids and dogs. 

Reining in the Bad Boy: An MM Holiday Romance (The Men of River Gorge) by Jacki James

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

What kind of loser pretends to have a boyfriend?

Oh, yeah, that’s me, Landon Nichols. I’m the loser. In my defense, I didn’t actually make up a boyfriend. My mom just assumed I had one, and I figured if it made her feel better to think I had someone in my life, then what could it hurt? Nothing, right?

Until she decides I need to bring my pretend boyfriend home for Christmas. I don’t want to lie to my mom, but I don’t want to worry her either. I’m flat out of excuses and I have no idea what to do.

Then in walks Miller Monroe. Miller has a reputation as a bad boy, so imagine my surprise when he insists on going with me to see my family. But I’m a horrible liar, and I know I’ll never pull off a fake relationship.

His solution? We’ll date, just as friends, so I won’t be lying. For a guy who is supposed to be terrified of commitment, Miller is awfully committed to making this fake boyfriend thing work, and now I have a whole new problem…

What kind of loser falls for his fake boyfriend?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Reining in the Bad Boy is a heart-warming holiday romance by Jacki James. Part of The Men of River Gorge series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

If you enjoy fake boyfriends, and friends to lovers, you will love this story. I absolutely love the way they go from friends to lovers. It's perfectly wonderful.

As for the men, Miller has always been a playboy, with a reputation of not being serious with men. Seeing Landon get to know the real Miller is fantastic, as he's full of doubts and discoveries, slowly learning about the real man behind the playboy lifestyle. 

I love the real Miller. Absolutely love him and how he is with Landon. And damn, these two are sexy together.

Written in alternating 1st person pov, everything about this story works for me. We get to know both men well, with their storyline just as precious as can be. Add in Landon's family and you get some great side characters as well.

Reining in the Bad Boy is sweet and tender. Jacki James left me delighted with this easy and fun read. I was sad to see it end. Basically, you need to read this the next time you're in the mood for a fun, light-hearted Christmas romance. 

Snowflake Kisses (Snowed In - Valentine's Inc. #6) by Jacki James

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

FrankieTaylorisapastrychefinneedofafreshstart,andCapRobertsisacoffeeshopownerinneedofapastrychef.Shouldbeaperfectfit.

Butthedeliciouspastrieshebakesaren'ttheonlythingaboutFrankiethatmakesCap'smouthwater,andasanewlysinglefather,Capcan’taffordtorisknotonlyhisheart,buthisdaughter'saswell.Especiallysincetheydon'tknowifFrankiewillstayinRiverGorge.

Withthehelpofafewmeddlingfriends,onedeterminedlittlegirl,andafewsnowflakekisses,thetwomenwilldiscoveralovethatisworththerisk.

Silk, lace, and cupcakes. What else could he want in a man?

Frankie Taylor is a pastry chef in need of a fresh start, and Cap Roberts is a coffee shop owner in need of a pastry chef. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it?

When Devin “Cap” Roberts hired Frankie to make the pastries for his coffee shop, it was supposed to be a business arrangement. But once he discovers something that leaves him wondering what Frankie has on underneath his clothes, business is the last thing on Cap’s mind.

As a newly single father, Cap is risking not only his heart, but that of his daughter’s as well. However the more he gets to know Frankie, the more he realizes that a man like him only comes along once in a lifetime—and a love like theirs is worth taking a chance for.

Snowflake Kisses is a standalone book in the Snowed In - Valentine’s Inc. series, which are only connected by the same writing prompt.

Frankie Taylor is a pastry chef in need of a fresh start, and Cap Roberts is a coffee shop owner in need of a pastry chef. Should be a perfect fit.

But the delicious pastries he bakes aren't the only thing about Frankie that makes Cap's mouth water, and as a newly single father, Cap can’t afford to risk not only his heart, but his daughter's as well. Especially since they don't know if Frankie will stay in River Gorge.

With the help of a few meddling friends, one determined little girl, and a few snowflake kisses, the two men will discover a love that is worth the risk.
Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Snowflake Kisses, Jacki James' contribution to the Snowed In - Valentine's Inc series, is a delightful small town romance. 

Devin's a cafe owner who's raising his niece. The fun starts when he invites Frankie to work with him. It's superb the way this helps both men, and brings out the best in Frankie. There are fun bakery creations, with are wonderfully described, both fun and easy to envision. 

My favorite character however is Annie, Devin's niece. The four year old is absolutely cute, sweet, and funny. The way she bonds with Frankie is superb and is a huge part of the story. If you enjoy kids, you'll love her. Honestly, if you enjoy kids, Jackie James excels in weaving adorable children into her stories.

As a couple, Devin and Frankie are amazing. Their connection is strong both in and out of the bedroom. But, best of all, there's lace! Oh wow, I love the lace!

The writing is great, with excellent dialogue and a quick pace. As I've come to expect from this author, she excels in the development of a fantastic group of friends, family, and small town feel. Although a predictable plot, it's still 
wonderful and riveting.

Snowflake Kisses is perfect when you're looking for your next fluffy romance. Jacki James will not disapoint.

Finding Ripley by Jacki James

Amazon Link - Available on KU

Goodreads Link

Blurb

A cowboy Daddy and a big city boy.


Ripley Ellis never intended to return to Bluebird Ranch. The day his father kicked him out for being gay was the day he shook the dust off his cowboy boots and moved to the city. But thanks to his homophobic father, the only way he can claim his inheritance is to return. He has to stay for one year, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.


The life of a rancher isn’t an easy one. Reed Warner knows that. He also knows that there is no other life for him. It’s all he’s ever wanted. Now that he’s retired from the rodeo, he’s ready to make his dreams come true. There’s only one problem—Ripley. The sassy city boy just inherited the ranch Reed is planning to buy.


If they can put aside their differences and work together, they may both find exactly what they’re looking for.

A cowboy Daddy and a big city boy.

Ripley Ellis never intended to return to Bluebird Ranch. The day his father kicked him out for being gay was the day he shook the dust off his cowboy boots and moved to the city. But thanks to his homophobic father, the only way he can claim his inheritance is to return. He has to stay for one year, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.

The life of a rancher isn’t an easy one. Reed Warner knows that. He also knows that there is no other life for him. It’s all he’s ever wanted. Now that he’s retired from the rodeo, he’s ready to make his dreams come true. There’s only one problem—Ripley. The sassy city boy just inherited the ranch Reed is planning to buy. 

If they can put aside their differences and work together, they may both find exactly what they’re looking for.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Finding Ripley is another great read by Jacki James. The author's writing draws me into the characters and their minds immediately. 

The flamboyant Ripley returns home with a chip on his shoulder. He's snarky and bitchy, immediately clashing with the rancher Reed. Their storyline is complicated as the two men have to figure out a way to work things out on the ranch. 

It's a story of dealing with the past. It's a story full of grief, pain, and hurt. I love the writing which is full of seamless dialogue, including some fantastic snark and banter. There's also a lot of emotions involved, as Ripley's past is heartbreaking. 

Told in alternating first person pov, both characters easily come to life. Ripley's the man who hides behind his sass, which makes him someone I want to help. And Reed is the man who instantly wants to tame the bitchy Ripley. What follows is a wonderful tale of them getting to know each other as they drop their attitudes.

One thing that I found good, but weird, is how easily Reed takes to calling Ripley "baby boy." They both accept it as appropriate, but as the reader I found it a little quick and awkward.

My favorite scene has to be the goats in pajamas. Omg, you just have to read this. I couldn't stop laughing.

My favorite aspect is actually the meaning of the title, as Ripley needs to discover for himself who he is. When one is raised in a homophobic home, they can never truly find themselves without some major reflection. This story is in fact Ripley finding his true self, instead of just acting the way he felt he had to act. It's a long and worthwhile journey for the young man.

Finding Ripley is an excellent enemies to lovers romance. It's perfect when you're in the mood for a feel-good story. This Jacki James tale of finding a purpose and finding a home won't disappoint. I don't see any indication that this is the start of a series, but I want more, I need more. Of the town, of the guys, and of their friends. So, here's hoping we'll get more.

Ship Work (Valentine's Inc. Cruises #1) by Jacki James

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Blurb

Falling in love with your boss is never a good idea. Now if someone could just explain that to my heart.

Dane:
When I first started working for Holt Atwood, I respected him. That respect turned to like, and eventually into love.

But Holt is married to his job, and I am not about playing second fiddle to mergers and acquisitions. So it’s time to move on.

I can do this one last thing for him though. I can go on this singles cruise with him and help him see that work isn’t all there is to life. If I can do that, I will feel better about leaving him with such short notice.

Holt:
Work has been my focus for so long I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just let go and have fun.

At first, when my parents insisted I go on this cruise because I was on the fast track to burn out, I thought I could take my assistant along and make it a work trip.

But Dane has other ideas, and the longer I am around him outside of work, the more I realize maybe everyone is right. Maybe I have been so focused on work I’ve missed what’s really important.

I just hope it’s not too late to convince Dane I want him for more than work. I want him forever.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Jacki James' Ship Work is everything I was hoping for from this contribution to the Valentine's Inc Cruises series. 

This romance between Dane and Holt is a super fun boss/employee romance. Holt's the boss who's whole life is about work, work, and more work. He doesn't know how to enjoy life. Dane's the employee who has a crush on Holt and is about to quit working for the man.

What follows is a fun cruise ship adventure where Dane teaches Holt to let loss and relax. I love this aspect of the story, as the extent to which Holt is "all work" is quite funny, and Dane's teaching him to relax is charming. 

I enjoy that we learn why Holt is the way he is, making his addiction to work relatable. 

Ship Work is a short, quick tale that contains a sweet romance. It's a cute story with a fun premise. It's a great way to start off this multi-author series, and a perfect read for when you're in the mood for a feel-good romance. 

Daddy Rules (Breaking the Rules #6) by Jacki James

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Blurb

Rule #10- Remember, Daddy knows best. 

A move to a new town was the fresh start River needed to finally find himself and figure out what to do with his life. He is tired of making decisions and messing up. If only there was someone who could tell him what to do for a while so he didn’t have to think.

Blake has had enough playing around. He wants the real thing. Someone to come home to at night. Someone to love. Someone who would let him take care of them, completely.

Blake is new to dating a man, as well as new to being a Daddy. River is a hot mess. No boy has ever needed a Daddy more than he does.

Can a newly out bisexual man just coming into his own be the right Daddy to handle River?

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jacki James' Daddy Rules, is another fantastic addition to her Breaking the Rules series. Like the previous books, I found myself immediately riveted by her characters and writing style.

River has a bad case of ADHD, which leaves him struggling to remember things, keeping his schedule, and more. Knowing many with ADHD, I found the author illustrates this issue perfectly. I enjoyed every moment of his scattered personality and his story.

This take on Daddy kink is wonderfully done, organically developed and believable as well. Blake's a natural caregiver who he needs to be allowed to care for his lover. Some see him as controlling, but he's naturally a fixer. 

River and Blake are the perfect compliments for one another. River desperately needs a Daddy, and Blake is easily able to fill that role. Both men experience extreme growth as a result. Adding love to the equation is a mere bonus.

I love their interactions and the way their Daddy relationship works so darn well for these too. It's a learning experience for both as both Blake and River are new to this type of relationship. Add in the fact that Blake's never been with a man before and it's exquisite. Even better, River easily falls into calling him Daddy in front of people, which tends to be rare in these books. And as for in the bedroom, damn, they are hot!

Although it states it can be a standalone, I highly suggest you read the books in order. Not only are they all wonderful, it will eliminate any confusion, as there are a lot of characters. This large group of friends and family are amazing. It's stupendous the way the author seamlessly adds to this group.

Daddy Rules is a sweet and romantic Daddy kink romance. It's a low angst, stellar story. As usual, Jacki James made me laugh and swoon, and I can't thank her enough for this gem. 

Age Rules (An Open Wounds and Breaking the Rules Crossover) by Michelle Frost & Jacki James

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Blurb

After spending twenty years serving in the US Navy while Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in effect, Darren Davis is unapologetically out and proud. He knows exactly what he wants in a relationship, and up and coming MMA star Andre Harrison isn’t it. He’s too young, his time in Austin is too fleeting, and he’s definitely way too far in the closet. All Darren has to do is convince his traitorous heart that Andre isn’t the man for him.

It’s true what they say, one phone call really can change your life. Rushing home to Austin when his former hockey star father has a heart attack puts Andre Harrison on a path he hadn’t allowed himself to imagine. Between trying to mend his father’s health, keeping his MMA training on schedule, and hiding his growing attraction for hospital President Darren Davis, he finds himself succeeding on all counts except one. Try as he might, he can’t deny the connection he feels with the sexy silver fox, and wonders if something real could grow between them if they’d only break their own rules and give their feelings a fighting chance.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Gripping from the start, Age Rules is a fantastic crossover book written by Michelle Frost and Jacki James. 

Andre's a MMA fighter who's closeted due to his career. His famous father is one who constantly reminds him of the importance of being discreet with his sexuality. I always enjoy a good closeted athlete romance, and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. 

Meeting Darren, Andre can't resist the older man who also has his eyes on the handsome fighter. Both can only resist so long. Their romance starts as a short-term sexual relationship, but soon they become more involved than they ever expected. I love the way the authors handle this.

The sex is definitely hot, including some bondage and control scenes, which by the way is sweet and emotional. It was more than I could have hoped for with the emotion of the bondage scene.

The angst is wonderfully developed, natural, and certainly realistic. With angst over the age difference, as well as the closeted status, both are important and relevant issues that are splendidly explored. 

One surprise aspect of this tale I enjoyed thoroughly is the father/son relationship between Andre and his father. I don't want to give anything away, but it's realistic and wonderfully developed. It made me angry, sad, worried, and more.

Andre and Darren's relationship involves facing one's fears, re-evaluating one's values, and deciding if one can live their truth. There's angst, romance, and great friends, in addition to the hot sex scenes. 

If you enjoy MMA stories, or age gap romances, definitely check out Age Rules. The writing is great, as I'd expect from Michelle Frost and Jacki James. For a co-written book they perfectly blended their series and writing styles. It is definitely going on my re-read list.