Heartbeats in Honolulu by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

I need this promotion. But if I win, what will I lose?

I've done everything right in nearly a decade as a Marine, but thanks to stuff outside of my control, it's all gonna come crashing down if I don't pick up a rank soon.

Enter recruiting duty. My one chance to kill it and earn the promotion that will save my job.

There's just one thing standing in my way. Her.

Hot-tempered, pigheaded, and frustratingly gorgeous Sergeant Nora Cannon is gunning for the same promotion. Shots were fired the moment we met and I can tell neither one of us is going down without a fight.

The only problem is, when we’re not fighting, sparks are flying. And I can’t get her fierce attitude and cunning smile out of my mind. But I can’t afford to let her distract me. I can’t afford to let her win.

Or, can I? Because as much as I don't want to lose my job, I don't want to lose her, either.

My Review: 5 Stars

It always feels like Christmas when a favorite author releases a new book. I get all excited, let out a little squeal, and do a happy dance around my room. Not too sure my neighbors appreciate me doing that at 4am but come on guys! I can't help it! There's nothing better than diving into a new book! 

Y'all. I'm not going to lie. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. If I'm being completely honest, I was a bit hesitant. I have loved Hunter from the moment we first met him and knew it would take someone pretty amazing to capture his heart. But it never even crossed my mind that it would be another Marine. Don't ask me why I never thought about it because I have no clue! But in hindsight, it's actually pretty perfect.

I absolutely adored Nora and Hunter and found myself routing for them from the very beginning. They got off to a pretty rocky start, but I loved watching their friendship grow, watching them open up to each other, watching them learn who the other is and what makes them tick. They love deeply, are fiercely loyal, know what they want in life and are not afraid to go after it. Add to that their explosive chemistry and you have the makings of an amazing book! 

I am really loving this series! It's a lot of fun and giving me that much needed break from reality amidst all this craziness called life. There's nothing better than curling up in my big, comfy chair and diving into a great book. I'm looking forward to reading Tess and Logan's story. Y'all know how much of a sucker I am when it comes to single parent tropes. And the best part? Sadie is the perfect age! I cannot wait to see her wrap Logan around her little pinky. Hehe. 

I seriously can't get enough of Ms. Mastorakos's books. Y'all. She's seriously amazing! I always know I'm in for a treat when I pick up one of her books. She just has this way of kidnapping me and holding me hostage until the very end. I don't know about you, but I LOVE when that happens!

And of course I can't forget my casting. I know I say this a lot but.... I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

Believing in You by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

How do you make a long-distance relationship last? Don't fall for your brother's best friend.

While on deployment, Jake Murphy takes to online dating hoping to find someone to share forever with back home. His connection with a beautiful kindergarten teacher is everything he was looking for. That is, until he realizes she's his best friend's sister.

After being dumped by her high school sweetheart, Ivy Brooks gets pushed into online dating by her well-meaning friends. Despite her reluctance, she hits it off with a handsome Marine. Too bad her brother would never be cool with her dating one of his friends... especially after what happened last time.

Jake and Ivy know they shouldn't keep talking, but late-night flirting and inside jokes leave them both glued to their phones. Their secret is bound to come out sooner or later. Will their love survive the fallout?

My Review: 5 Stars

Have you ever read a book that was SO good that you wanted all your friends to read it? I'm not talking about the... "Oh my gosh! You have to add this book to your TBR list!" I'm talking about the... "Drop whatever you're reading and read this book! I do not care if you have 20 review books that need to be read! You need to listen to me and pick it up... RIGHT NOW!" That's where I'm at right now. 😉

This is, hands down, my absolute favorite book in this series. I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved it! I may or may not have had to turn my kindle off when my lunch hour was over so I didn't sneak in reading instead of actually working. Oh the problems of a Book Dragon. 

Y'all... I quickly fell in love with all things Jake and Ivy. I couldn't get enough of these two! Watching their attraction turn into friendship and then into love melted my heart. They were absolutely perfect for each other. And that sizzling chemistry that was jumping off the pages?! YOWZERS! Butterflies were doing all kinds of dive bombs in my tummy! Their first kiss and that epilogue turned me into a big ol' pile of goo... and loved every minute of it! Best. Book. Ever!

One of the things I love about series like this one is being able to see old friends and catching up with their lives, as well as see new relationships develop. I am going to be so sad when this series is over. I have one more book to read before I'm all caught up and I can't decide if I want to read it now or if I want to wait. Whatever I decide, I'm definitely going to be suffering from a major book hangover. The struggle is real y'all! 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I am so glad that I discovered Ms. Matorakos. Her books have been just what I needed right now. I have loved every single one of them and I will definitely be reading them over and over again. I'm excited to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* I am in love! What do you think?!