Total Creative Control (Creative Types #1) [Lewis & Aaron] by Joanna Chambers & Sally Malcolm

I went into this one mostly blind. Didn't know what it was about and when I opened my Kindle App on my phone (yeah, still no e-reader!) I didn't care. I just needed to read and I was curious of Joanna writing Contemporary. I'll sum it by saying Joanna together with Sally (whom I didn't know) collaborated WONDERFULLY with this one. I can't wait for the next ones in the series. I want to say it was a PLEASURE to read, but it would sound a bit untruthful as some parts were VERY difficult for me to read (and for the characters to endure). 

Lewis Hunter is the creator and writer of the hit TV show "Leeches". He is brilliant at what he does, but he is also the worst boss and since he needs a PA, they mostly don't last the week leaving Lewis even more frustrated. When he meets Aaron Page for the first time he immediately feels it's a match made in heaven and even though Aaron came originally for just a week he stayed for three years, becoming invaluable to Lewis (and the show). They work great together, Aaron has the best ideas and he made something very special for the show when he bluntly asked Lewis on their first day not to kill off a side character. It impacted the show tremendously but it had more undercurrents than just that. 

Aaron has been a fan of the show even before getting the job, he is also an avid Fanfic writer well known in the Fandom. It might just be a PA job but working with Lewis is everything he could have wished for, even if originally just for a week. Getting to know Lewis, seeing the impact he has on him and the show, makes him want to stay even more even if it means putting aside or even considering his future. Also while others had a difficult time working with Lewis, it was somehow quiet easy for Aaron to understand Lewis' POV and his little quirks. His attraction to his boss annoys him but he is determined to ignore it as it's more than obvious they are a great team together!

The Labours of Lord Perry Cavendish (Winterbourne #4) [Perry & Jonny ] by Joanna Chambers

What a wonderful story! My only two complaints would be Perry not being a real life person and me not being able to have him for myself! It was so obvious what Jonny saw in him as well as why he and Lysander (and Adam) loved him so much. He doesn't see himself for the wonderful human being that he is. As he himself says - "Sometimes people don't see what you are. They only see what you're not". This fault tend to turn against us when we start seeing the faults certain people see in us and not our true potential or more basically who we are at heart. 

Lord Peregrine "Perry" Cavendish had enough time of drinking and waking up hung over. That's why he travels to his friends estate. Failing to announce his visit he come when his best friend Lysander Winterbourne is too busy with harvest to entertain him and his partner Adam Freeman is away on a business trip. Having time for himself allows him to travel the grounds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. When Adam finally returns he has his dearest friend Jonathan "Jonny" Mainwaring with him. 

The First Snow of Winter (Winterbourne #3) [Sam & Jasper] by Joanna Chambers

This novella was SO amazingly tender and sweet! I didn't want it to end and I truly wish this was a full length novel as I would have LOVED seeing these two become a real couple, exposing their weaknesses, their hearts. 

Sam Alderton and Jasper Huxley have known each other most of their lives. As their mothers have been best friends since an early age as well. When Jasper was 17 and Sam 20 they shared a kiss neither of them forgot but thinking about seeing each other again 5 years later makes Sam weary. Weary of his reaction back then and insecure in himself after losing his left arm in battle. 

Restored (Enlightenment #5) [Henry & Kit] by Joanna Chambers

This book was EVERYTHING. I didn't want it to end and yet I did. I fell in love with both Henry and Kit in a SECOND. They lived their lives with the cards they were dealt with and it wasn't easy. When they first met and the time they shared together was the most naive and innocent for both of them but it all changed one night and nothing was the same ever again. 

While this book can be read as a TOTAL standalone we did actually met Kit Redford before, he is the owner of "Redford" a discreet club for gentlemen of a certain persuasion where characters from previous installments have visited. Kit, or rather, Christopher, started his life as a son of a whore and was raised to become one himself. He didn't resent his life, it was what it was, and while he was with Henry he was happy. They spent less than a year together and while he knew in his heart this couldn't be real he still cared deeply for Henry. He also hoped he could make something for himself once the year they had together is over and he is paid fully but one night Henry disappeared breaking their contract and leaving him with basically nothing. Bringing Kit into dark times. He might have came out of it a successful businessman who lacks for nothing but the prices he had to pay hardened him. He thought he left the past behind but when 18 years later Henry appears, "His duke" as his friend refers to him, it brings everything back. The love, the loss, the betrayal, the pain of fists he had to endure.

The Bequest (Enlightenment #3.5) [Murdo & David] by Joanna Chambers

I didn't know I missed Murdo and David so much until I started reading this wonderful epilogue. This series was one of my first attempts at Historical Romance and it's been so wonderful I can only thank Joanna for introducing me to this sub-genre with these two. Getting this short novella truly made me BELIEVE they couldn't have had a better Happily Ever After. 

It's obvious in Murdo's words when David asks him if he misses what he left behind to live with him in the country: "I have not missed London for a single moment. But I would miss it with my whole heart if you were here and I was not. You are my home. My heart is wherever you are".

Master Wolf (Capital Wolves Duet #2) by Joanna Chambers

OUTSTANDING. I really don't have enough words to describe how heart breakingly beautiful the second part of Lindsay and Drew's story progressed (and ended). While the first part "Gentleman Wolf" - was told solely from Lindsay's POV in the second part we get Drew's sole POV. I can't imagine the struggle Lindsay was in during the time after making Drew a Werewolf, but Drew has his own personal turmoil. I gotta say, I wanted to strangle him at times (and I wasn't the only one..) but I could also understand why he was unable to trust himself and his emotions when everything was tainted by their bond.

I'm getting ahead of myself.. So let's go back to a reminder of what this Duet of books is about. Please note this is a REMINDER which also means if you haven't read the first of this duet - first YOU MUST and second, please don't continue on reading as this will contain MAJOR spoilers for you.

Lindsay Somerville is a Werewolf, when his pack leader Marguerite de Carcassonne tasks him to find important documents for her in Edinburgh concerning the whereabouts of her maker Alys, he isn't thrilled but accepts. That's where he stumbles upon Drew Nicol and though it takes him long enough to seduce him he is willing to put in the effort. Everything about Drew simply feels right.

Gentleman Wolf (Capital Wolves Duet #1) by Joanna Chambers

Though I had a bit of a slower start once I got into this story it was impossible to put it down. I couldn't wait to see how this one would end, since it's part one of Lindsay and Drew's story. So don't worry, though there is much to do in the 2nd part ("Master Wolf") I was content with the way it ended.

I'll start by saying English isn't my mother tongue and so I'm not used to reading Historical novels (Romance or otherwise) so it took me time to get into the story as - truth be told - the language was a bit difficult for me at times. But I kept on because I knew I can trust Joanna to bring me a book worth reading and that it was! I really enjoyed this one. Lindsay and Drew's relationship was slow building even with all the nudging from Lindsay's part. It needed time - THEY needed the time. Also it's NOT the right place for Lindsay to find his mate considering it's not just his home town, it's also where he was imprisoned for years and years and just the thought of returning to his master makes him shudder.

Mr. Winterbourne's Christmas (Winterbourne, #2) [Lysander & Adam] by Joanna Chambers

Such a SWEET novella. I enjoyed seeing Lysander and Adam again, this time as a couple though they are both unsure of the seriousness of their relationship. Yet when they are both invited to Lysander's home estate it's the perfect time to not only ponder their current situation but to think of the future.

When Lysander's sister was married to Adam's brother it was no secret it was all about the money, Adam's money.. His brother Simon got the "title" while Lysander's family got the money his father needed after gambling away his own.. They had an agreement but as Lysander and Adam see the way the estate hasn't been renovated they realize there's another reason Adam was invited.. Lysander's father was obnoxious. He wanted everyone to do his bidding so he can keep on being irresponsible with his money and be paid off by other men. Adam saw through him but what he didn't predict was Lysander's reaction.

Tribute Act (Porthkennack #8) [Nathan & Mack] by Joanna Chambers

This book should have been a medical recommendation for me I swear! I had a horrible month, the year truly started on the wrong foot so I'm so glad that this book was in my schedule it made thing so much better. It was sweet, yet heart-breaking but also heart-warming at the same time. It was tender yet it wasn't mushy. It was about family taking you for granted and yet loving you fiercely and trying its best which isn't always enough. It was simply beautiful. If you don't have this book on your list - add it NOW, and do yourself a favor and find the time to read it. It's SO worth it. 

Nathan Bridges meets Dylan MacKenzi (aka Mack) rather randomly at a pub. After sharing a night together Mack disappears and Nathan (our sole POV) is left feeling he might have lost something before he even got to having it... It was good, but more than that it had a promise that vaporized when he woke up alone to find a cold note.

Enemies like You by Joanna Chambers & Annika Martin

This is NOT what I expected this book to be. IMO the sexual tension takes WAY too much space and not only that it changed the way I saw the two characters or rather it made me sort of disconnect from them. They are both playing with fire with their attraction towards each other but mostly it feels somehow immature the way their sexual desire makes them act against their projective which means THE WORLD to both of them, each for his own reasons.

Enemies with Benefits - Prologue by Joanna Chambers & Annika Martin

This short novella is the first 8 chapters of "Enemies Like You". I think it's an interesting idea! When downloading it I didn't it's just that - a part of the book itself. But that's exactly what it is. It brings us the first encounter of Will and Kit. It's engaging, it's HOT and it's almost impossible to put down once you start.

A Gathering Storm (Porthkennack #2) [Ward & Nick] by Joanna Chambers

I'm not sure what to make of this book. It wasn't what I was expecting and though I liked a lot of things about it, I'm not sure I truly liked both MC. Up until the middle I found myself struggling to keep going. While the setting of the story, the way Joanna portrayed the town of Porthkennack and Ward's growing interest in science through his journal were beautifully written, I felt the relationship buildup was left somehow "unattended". I wanted to see more of Ward and Nick TOGETHER to see how they connect and not through Ward's explanations of scientific discoveries. 

Sir Edward Fitzwilliam comes to the town of Porthenneck to pursue his interest in communicating with ghosts. Though it sounds like a mystical interest it's actually a scientific one. Ward is a respectable scientist or rather he was before he started this specific interest of his. It started after he lost his twin brother and ever since he's been obsessed. But as a good scientist he was looking for a way to contact George, his dead brother, as George was able to contact him (when he informed Ward of his death before anyone could have gotten wind of it). A natural area in Porthkennack has the ability to reconstruct the way he connected with George so naturally he bought the place and made it not only a home but a place to conduct his experiments. So now all he needs are subjects to test and see if others can connect with the dead as he was able in the same conditions. Yet no one in the town want to participate in his experiments.. Not after a truly unfortunate event Ward had actually nothing to do with.. The only unwilling subject he is able to get is Nicholas Hearn - who is not only half Gypsy but he also just recently lost his mother who was considered a "medium" by the people of the village. Nick isn't doing this of his truly own free will.. but once he and Ward start talking he realizes he enjoys their time together even if he won't admit it..

Wish Come True by Keira Andrews, Joanna Chambers, Amy Jo Cousins, Megan Erickson, Suki Fleet, Kaje Harper & Anyta Sunday

This is a holiday anthology I was really excited to read. First it contains a novella by Joanna Chambers - no doubt it means it's a MUST read, then I realized it also has novellas by Amy Jo Cousins and Megan Erickson! Yeah, I clicked on the buy button without thinking more about it. I recently read a short story by Kaje Harper I really enjoyed and planned on reading more by her so I was happy about that as well. I haven't read anything by the other authors and so it's a good opportunity to sample more "new" (=to me) authors.  

Another reason to grab this anthology is its worthy cause! The proceedings will be donated to "Lost-N-Found" youth - a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to take LGBTQ youths off the streets into permanent housings.

Unnatural (Enlightenment #4) [Iain & James] by Joanna Chambers

Outstanding. This is another one of those I'm reluctant to write a review because I KNOW I won't be able to express just HOW amazing it was! So if I wasn't clear before - I LOVED this book to pieces. It broke my heart and patched it back together. I found myself holding a hand over my chest the last third of the book and I literally shed tears (which is very uncommon!) at a few breaking points. My oh my oh my, Iain and James, what a ride they had until they found their HEA. 

We've met Iain in the Enlightenment series, first in the very short novella "Season's End" (between the 1st and 2nd installment) if you're read it you might remember Iain having a scene in this "high society brothel" in which he yells at a young guy that he shouldn't be there and he shouldn't have gotten an invitation / recommendation and so on.. the scene continues on to Murdo without an explanation to what actually went on there. This is the last time Iain and James meet but it's not where the story starts. 

Humbug by Joanna Chambers

Let's face it, this one getting a 5 star review is NO surprise and yet when I started reading this one I was a bit worried.. I mean, Quin sounds like a real douche.. redeeming a douche is ALWAYS a possibility but question is - can it be done in 74 pages? YES, apparently ;) 

Quin Flint is exactly the kind of guy I would love to hate. A self centered guy, who is not only just about himself, he is also all about the job and thinks everyone around him MUST be consumed by work responsibility 24/7.. He is a mean boss, he doesn't interact with his workers in a considerate way and not only that, he is also not that a good friend to his REAL friends. 

Unforgivable by Joanna Chambers

Truthfully, it's pointless to even attempt to write a review for this OUTSTANDING novel. It's one of THE best I've read this year. I enjoyed many books this year, some by authors I know and other by authors I WISH to know better, but this one, I don't know, just throw me completely. Even though I already knew I loved everything else I've read by Joanna it was still a surprise just how MUCH I enjoyed it. Especially with one issue it deals with that could have changed my review for the worst - it's no secret that the hero cheats on the heroine - repeatedly! But before you condemn this book because of this issue, or because you're not into HR, or some other reason - please, I ask of you - give it a shot. It's SO well written, it's IMPOSSIBLE to put down and it's so heart crushing it's impossible not to be sucked into this story without even wanting to return to life as we know it. 

You see what I mean? what is there more to say?

Yet, I WILL write a review, if only to give you an idea of what this one is about, and to remind myself in the future when I look at this beautiful cover and try to remember what it was all about and why I get the sudden feeling as though I want to hug the screen...

The Lady's Secret by Joanna Chambers

Perfection. I kinda feel like being naughty and leaving this review with just this single word. Frankly, there is little to add. I can tell you how amazing the story was, how much I enjoyed the characters and mostly the relationship buildup. How great the whole "time and place" was for me even though I don't read Historical that often. Yeah, I could also tell you how intrigued I was by the whole plot line and everything that happened and how I imagined it would play and the fact it didn't play as I thought it would.. I could tell you all that but it simply WON'T express just how much I enjoyed it and how much you HAVE to grab it and read it. I tell you now Joanna can write about apes and chickens populating the moon and I'd happily read it!

So, let's write a few words on the plot, shall we? 

Introducing Mr. Winterbourne (Winterbourne #1) [Lysander & Adam] by Joanna Chambers

REALLY enjoyed this one! I loved everything I've read by Joanna and this seems no different! This story is really short time-wise - the whole plot takes place in ONE day in which Lysander Winterbourne has to take Adam Freeman - a wealthy business man who is about to marry his sister - around Town. 

They don't start off well especially with everyone looking down at Adam for not being Nobility and Adam on his part isn't impressed or interested in all these snob-y types. Then when the both just act on what THEY enjoy they start to see each other in a total different way. 

Another Place in Time by Aleksandr Voinov, K.J. Charles, Kaje Harper, Jordan L. Hawk, Joanna Chambers, Tamara Allen

I found this anthology as I was combing through all of Aleksandr Voinov book list yet even though I read a few Historical Romance novels by Aleksandr I was reluctant to try this one. See, the ones I read by him were all round WWII (meaning - not THAT Historical ;)). Then I stumbled upon Joanna's Enlightenment series which made me see this genre in a different light and so I decided to give this one a go and generally try out more Historical novels which are a bit out of my comfort zone yet might surprise :)

While all of these are Historical by definition, the setting of each one is quite different, which gives a great arch of interest to anyone wanting to try out the Historical MM Romance genre.  

Rest And Be Thankful by Joanna Chambers

Another short and very sweet novella. It was quite heart breaking just how things got messed up for Cam. He came with so much hopes and dreams to live in a small town, only to somehow find himself a total outsider with a failing business. He says he isn't a "people's person" and it shows, but he isn't a bad guy, he just made a few mistakes.