Tag Archives: Marie Johnston

Violet Promises (Oil Dukes 1) by Marie Johnston-review

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Violet Promises (Oil Dukes 1) by Marie Johnston-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

It was supposed to be one night to feel alive after getting out of a dud of a relationship. Now I’m having a baby, and I only have the soon-to-be dad’s first name.

After my breakup, I need to find a job and place to live, but I can’t move into the house my grandma left me unless I’m married. Fortunately, the guy renting the place doesn’t know that, so I stop by and find out if he can move at the end of his lease.

Only when the door opens, it’s him. My one-night stand. I do the only reasonable thing possible. I tell him we’re going to have a baby and promptly puke over the railing of the porch. Next thing I know, I’m on his couch, and he’s demanding a paternity test.

Except he doesn’t just want the test. He wants to make sure I don’t tamper with the results. He doesn’t believe me. Apparently showing up jobless and homeless to persuade him to move doesn’t make me trustworthy. Guess I’m not the only one with a dating history that leaves me jaded.

•••••••••

REVIEW: First book in a new series, although one of the characters did appear in a previous book, (Endless Memory) and I did hold out hope that they would get a book. Then I realised it also contains a Barron, so it’s a double sided treat. (Oil Barron Series)

Evander Barron, what a grump! But as the book progresses, I understood where he was coming from. But it took a while for him to defrost towards Violet.

Violet Duke is looking for a new start after a breakup. So she’s hoping that a move to be nearer her sister will improve her chances. It also helps that she has a home in Coal, and that’s where she’s going to start her new life…..

Stipulations for inheriting the home her grandma had left her, had been to be married before she could live or sell the house. And the executor of the will is an aunt who won’t back down (I think she likes to play matchmaker.)

A one night stand that ends up being more! Violet is pregnant, and needs a place to stay. Can you imagine her surprise to find the lodger she needs to leave is none other than the man she slept with!

Think this is a definite “he falls first” book.

I love the way this author brings her characters to life. And the world they inhabit is just great. Described beautifully, you can almost imagine being there.

Can trust come? Or will Evander always distrust Violet? She lied about wanting the house, so why should he trust her?

Can they really coparent? Or will they raise the child separately?

And when doubt raises its ugly head, will they be able to get past it? Or will Violet push away the only man that has truly understood and loved her?

“You’re my world. You’re my beautiful wildflower.”

“Ever since I saw you at the bar that night, I knew you were special.”

“She was mine. I just had to convince her.”

So the rest of the Duke’s will hopefully get a book. And fingers crossed it’s Alder next 🤞

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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An Endless Memory (Oil Knights 5) by Marie Johnston-review

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An Endless Memory (Oil Knights 5) by Marie Johnston-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 15, 2024

Move out or get married. Those are my options, thanks to the trust my grandma left behind.

From Marie Johnston comes a single mom, marriage of convenience romance.

My aunt is determined to see to the terms of the inheritance. If I don’t get married, I’ll have to find somewhere I can afford with two kids and a lot of debt—and do it without losing my brand new job. When she confronts me on the moveout deadline, I try to buy time. I blurt out a name. I tell her I’m engaged to Eliot Knight.

Eliot’s my boss’s brother, and he’s been around the vet clinic where I work. He’s hot. He’s charming. He’s who I’d pick if I had to marry someone at a moment’s notice. But he wasn’t supposed to hear me. He wasn’t supposed to get dragged into my mess. And he wasn’t supposed to agree to help me. Now, we’re Mr. and Mrs. Knight.

We only need to be married for a year, and he runs his family’s ranch in another town. Three hours away. Yet circumstances keep throwing us together, and I get a lot of time with my new husband. I enjoy his company. His…touch. I fall hard the first time I heard him say “my wife.”

But our lives are still separate. At the end of the year, I’m afraid I’ll get to keep my house, but I’ll lose my heart and be left with nothing but endless memories.

••••

REVIEW:A great way to say goodbye to the Knight family and the series 😊

The final book is Eliot Knight, he has long taken on the responsibilities of the Knight Ranch. He’s made a few appearances/mentions in previous books, and I was curious to meet me. He seems like a stand-up guy. Putting the needs of the family before his own, I did wonder if that ever got to be a problem….

Lily on the other hand is terrified of losing her home! The inheritance Lily received from her grandmother, states in order to keep the home, Lily needs to be married! (Rather archaic if you ask me 🤨) and if she doesn’t have a home, then how can she work?

Their initial meeting wasn’t exactly a meeting of souls 😆, but they definitely made lasting impressions on each other.

Eliot walks in on a conversation with Lily and her aunt at just the right time. And being the gentleman he is goes right along with Lily! (He walks in as Lily is claiming that Eliot and her dating!! Oops)

They enter a marriage of convenience so that Lily can inherit her grandmother’s farmhouse and land. It’s only for a year, they can manage a year, right? Though they pretend to be married and living together when needed, the chemistry begins fly between them. And Eliot finally realizes that life is more than just working at the ranch!
He also realises it’s time to confront his troubled relationship with his mother!

Lily wants and needs to be independent, she wants to make it on her own. But can she keep her heart out of this marriage? It’s looking harder and harder! She fears that she’s falling for her “fake” husband!

I loved the ending of this book, even though I wasn’t sure they would make it! I liked how Eliot decides that he wants his little ready made family, and will do anything to keep it. Lily did keep him on his toes 😆 We also get to catch up with the Knight siblings.

I love the chemistry, the banter and the rapport between Lily and Eliot.
Right from the first they are attracted to each other, but neither are willing to put their feelings on the line!

I’ve read a d loved all the previous books, and there is no need to worry if you haven’t read any before this one (they all stand on their own, and can be read out of order with no problems)

I’m sad to say goodbye, but I know it won’t be long before the author gives me a new family 😉 to obsess over.

A highly recommended read 👍🏻

 

Reading Order and Previous reviews
A Reckless Memory
A Temporary Memory
An Unfinished Memory
A Fearless Memory

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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A Fearless Memory (Oil Knights 4) by Marie Johnston-review

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A Fearless Memory (Oil Knights 4) by Marie Johnston-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 16, 2024

The only thing I admire more than the old farmhouse next door is the guy who owns it. My best friend’s brother.

I didn’t mean to give my hot neighbor a full peep show when my puppy locks me outside in nothing but a towel. Yet Austen Knight pretends he didn’t see everything and offers me an interior design job—help him renovate the farmhouse I’ve adored since I was a kid.

I’m a single mom trying to run a business in a small town. I can’t be alone with Austen day in and day out without igniting rumors that could hurt the career I’ve worked so hard for. But I need the money, and he’s leaving after the house is done and goes on the market.

Turns out, renovating with him is fun. Working with him is addicting. And I look forward to our cold beer together after a long day. When works turns to pleasure, I should put a stop to what we’re doing, it’s not professional, but I can’t.

Austen reignites something in me that I left behind long ago. He’s become so much more than my friend’s brother and my neighbor, but he’s going to be gone soon. Guys always leave in the end. I’ll be a struggling single mom again, and he’ll be nothing but a fearless memory.

••••••

REVIEW:Friends to lovers. Best friends brother. Not always my favourite genres, but I do love this series and this author always writes a good book, so here we go…..

Both points of view are in this book, and that’s something I really like to read.

Austen Knight hasn’t had much to say in the previous books. But his presence is felt in this one. Not a grumpy reclusive character I was expecting. He’s funny, charming and a thoughtful character. But he’s not going to stay forever, once the house he’s living in is remodelled he’s leaving again!

We’ve seen Vienne is previous books, so I was glad she finally got a story. Vienne is working hard at building her career. She loves her interior designing business, it’s been hard but rewarding. If only she could put her feelings in a box for Austen and bury them, it would be so much easier working for him! She doesn’t need gossip about them sabotaging her business. And anyway what’s the point in getting attached, he won’t be around forever?!

Whilst dancing around each other and their feelings, Austen really helps her with her confidence, she’s unsure about her choice of business, unsure about herself and just a bag of indecision all round. And in return Vienne has helped Austen with his issues concerning his childhood (not going to say too much as I think it’s part of the story.) They are great together and really complement each other, but with the elephant in the room (Austen’s imminent departure) neither want to commit to anything more than a little fun…..
But if gossips find out about them, then how will the town view her? Will she lose the business she’s been working so hard to build?

So can Austen stay? Can Vienne make a go of her business?
And can we have Eliot’s book soon 😜

Another great story about a family who never seem to have a shortage of people to chat about. A little angst, a few naughty 😜 scenes and when we finally get down to business 🥵 wow!

So do you need to read in order? No, not really, they all stand on their own pretty well, there are few people we e met before pop in and out, but if you’ve not read them before it won’t detract from the story. But I’ve read and loved them all, and at some point I’m going back from the beginning to reconnect.

Grab the book, you won’t be sorry.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
A Reckless Memory
A Temporary Memory
An Unfinished Memory

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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An Unfinished Memory (Oil Knights 3) by Marie Johnston-review

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An Unfinished Memory (Oil Knights 3) by Marie Johnston-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2024

I never keep secrets from my best friend, but I’m not sure how to tell her I’m sneaking around with her brother…who’s also my ex-husband.

I might be single, but I’m not ready to mingle. I should’ve stayed home from the street dance. My feet are barely surviving the two-step and my dance partners are looking for dates while I’m only interested in forgetting the man I was once married to.

The night’s about to end with bruised toes and a rain storm when the guy who swept me off my feet years ago cuts in right before the downpour starts. Wilder Knight has always been the best dance partner I’ve ever had. Just not the best husband.

Once the storm hits, we take refuge in his pickup, but that isn’t all we do. After steaming up the windows and losing my underwear, I make a habit out of hooking up with my ex-husband.

Only the longer we continue, the easier it is to see why our marriage fell apart. I couldn’t get over him the first time and losing him a second time might destroy the secure life I’ve built for myself, leaving me to ask… Were we better left an unfinished memory?

•••••

REVIEW:I must admit I’d been hoping to read Sutton and Wilder for a while now (we got to see glimpses in previous books, and that just wetted my appetite)
And although I’m not a huge fan of second chances, this author has a way of writing the story that always peaks my curiosity. And again it didn’t disappoint.

It’s a second chance romance with a divorced couple. Their love/chemistry was never in question. It was the lack of attention that Sutton received from Wilder that was the reason Sutton walked away…. Coming from a neglected childhood, Sutton wanted more from Wilder, and all she got was a man putting in too many hours at the job. Admittedly it was to build a better future for them, lack of communication was also a major factor in them separating.

It’s clear that Wilder and Sutton still love each other despite their divorce. It all kicks off after Wilder sees Sutton kiss another man, then a well timed storm gives him the opportunity to snag a kiss and more in the back of his truck ?) But when they start sneaking around secretly, you know the issues that tore up their marriage still linger in the background, and will bite them at some point. Keeping it from family and friends does keep them on their toes. But why hide, it felt like their were ashamed of their actions. ??‍♀️

Wilder and Sutton have both grown and changed over the years. So it stands to reason they both need to take time and learn about one another, how much they’ve changed, and not to be taken for granted again… So spending more time (at first secretly) together means they have to understand one another’s needs and desires for the future. If they have a second chance of happiness it’s going to take work.

I did wonder if Wilder would succeed this time around, or would he fall again at the same hurdles? And will Sutton give Wilder the time and space to figure things out, or will she walk away? But this time forever?

The journey to a HEA for Sutton and Wilder is by no means easy. It’s messy, emotional and filled with uphill battles.

But the one thing that keeps me coming back…. The families, they are there for one another, sometimes making mistakes, but they always have your back.

So if you like your second chance at romance, grab this book. You won’t be disappointed.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
A Reckless Memory
A Temporary Memory

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ?

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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A Temporary Memory (Oil Knights 2) by Marie Johnston-review tour

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A Temporary Memory (Oil Knights  2) by Marie Johnston-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 16, 2023

Nannying two adorable kids was a way to support myself until I got on my feet again. I wasn’t supposed to fall for their stern single dad.

After a sudden, bad breakup, I land in a small town in the middle of nowhere, cut off from all my accounts and resources. I have a stalled dancing career, a mom in long-term care, and no money.

Then I meet Alcott “Cody” Knight. The type of guy I’ve learned to steer clear of—driven, rigid, and devastating in a suit. Only he also has two adorable kids, and he needs a nanny for the summer.

For two months, he’ll pay more than I need to help my mom and myself. For two months, I’ll take care of his kids, give them dance lessons, and see what a normal life could be like. For two months, I have to try not to fall for a guy who’s hotter in jeans and cowboy boots than in a suit and treats me like I matter.

But my stay was only ever for a few months, to get back on my feet so I can get my life back. I might be used to leaving, but I can’t stop wishing Cody and I could be more than a temporary memory.

•••••••

REVIEW: A spin off series from her “Oil Kings” Series, these are cousins/family of the original series. You don’t need to read the previous series, nor the previous book to enjoy this one.

“A Temporary Memory” is a small town/single dad/slow burn romance that I’ve come to love from this author.

Tova is a burlesque dancer, but life is on hold at the moment…. What with her love life down the toilet and her dancing career taking a tumble! Oh! And don’t forget her ill health mother! Her finances won’t let her rest for too, so taking a nanny job seems to be the best option whist she figures out her life…..

Cody Knight desperately needs help.
(Can’t help but think of Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music movie) how unbending and strict he is, he loves his kids, but doesn’t really know how to show it!

Almost from the start there is a spark between them, but Tova can’t get entangled with emotions again, and it’s only a temporary job. You can almost see from the start there will be sparks, but it takes time to fan the flames ?
I loved the scenes where Tova teaches dance, it shows how much she enjoys dancing and the author puts real passion and thought into those scenes.

I really liked how Cody changed from rigid father, to someone the kids could call daddy and want to spend time with. Is that Tova’s influence, I’m sure it is, considering how he was in the start of the book!
The small town is beautifully written about, you could easily imagine walking the streets.
All the additional characters are added with care and thought. (Nothing worse than throwing in people when they aren’t needed!)
Pace was steady and never felt rushed or packed out with useless information.

Yes, it does follow the usual route, but as I said, this author adds something to her stories that will have you wanting the pages never ending ?

A highly recommended read if you love this genre.

Click here for Julie’s review of book one A RECKLESS MEMORY

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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A Reckless Memory (Oil Knights 1) by Marie Johnston-review tour

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A Reckless Memory (Oil Knights 1) by Marie Johnston-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 10, 2023

I fled minutes before my wedding when I learned my fiancé had been paid to marry me. Ten years, too many crappy exes, and one drunken decision later, I’m now his boss.

From Marie Johnston comes a small town second chance romance.

A night out with a friend turned into shots and duping an old ex of mine into taking a job at my budding horse rescue.

The last time Ansen Barron saw me, I was fishtailing away from our wedding with his dog. When he arrives, I expect him to reverse right back down my driveway after he learns I’m his boss.

I don’t expect to find a jaded man in the place of the easygoing guy I was once engaged to. I also don’t expect my heart to race when he’s around. Or for him to treat me like I always meant more to him than a payday.

I don’t regret hiring him. He’s the best man for the job, and he’s trying to prove he’s changed, one melting kiss at a time.

But no matter how hot we are together, I can’t forget I once thought he was the best man for me and maybe it’s safer for my heart if he stays a reckless memory.

•••••

REVIEW:A Reckless Memory is the first in a new series for a favourite author of mine.

A second chance romance in a small town setting which will leave you laughing/smiling and wanting to shake both of the MC’s.

Aggie runs away from her wedding with the grooms dog! Reason? She overheard a conversation that she probably should’ve have, her groom was being paid to marry her!! Uh no thanks.

Ten years later, and Aggie has the chance to exact a little revenge…. Said groom is down on his luck and Aggie decides to employ him!

You can always rely on the author to deliver a beautifully written story, and her second chance books are my favourite.

The author draws you in with likeable characters (including the animal kind ?) you can’t help but liking both Aggie and Ansen, although in places I wasn’t sure Aggie and Ansen were really suited, but the author weaves her magic, and here we are, wanting more.

Aggie had to struggle to be seen and heard in her male dominated family. Her father ran the family with an iron fist, so it’s little wonder her brothers saw her as a nuisance rather than an asset.

Ansen was set up to be the bad guy, but reading his story you have to see him in a different light.

Ansen just has to prove to Aggie that his intentions then and now are pure and true.

Neither can trust one another, but the spark is still there! Can they overcome the pain and the betrayal from ten years ago?

Did Ansen really take the money? Did Aggie hear all the conversation before running off?

I would definitely recommend it to fans of this genre.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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Make Me Exhale (Oil Barrons 5) by Marie Johnston-review tour

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Make Me Exhale (Oil Barrons 5) by Marie Johnston-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2023

Trust fund? Check. Plans to restore an old train foundry into a brewery? Check. Grumpy project manager? Sigh . . . check.

If I wanted to deal with a man just like my uptight dad, I would’ve told my parents what my brewery plans were. Only I didn’t tell anyone. I waited for my trust fund to deliver once I turned twenty-five, and I bought the old train foundry I’d been eyeing for years. Then McCoy Cunningham shows up.

I’m told he’s the best. He’s older than me and knows both sides of the business—the restoration and the brewing. But all I’ve gotten from him are scowls and dismissive grunts. McCoy might think he’s the expert, he might look at me like I should be in diapers with pigtails, but he’s wrong if he thinks he can bulldoze me.

All it takes is one look. One time I catch him eyeing me with something other than disdain. One conversation where we’re geeking out over yeast strains and hops. One kiss that leads to more.

I promised myself I’d never settle for a guarded man who thinks he knows everything, especially one who won’t put me before business. And after what McCoy’s been through, he’s all about work. No personal entanglements. The last thing I need is to be left with flat beer and a broken heart.

Make Me Exhale is a standalone novel in the Oil Barrons series.

•••••

REVIEW:Book five in the Oil Barrons series, and we see McCoy and Isla take the leads in this book.

It’s not necessary to read any of the previous books, as each book stands on its own.

Isla Baron can finally fulfil her dream of owning a brewery. She waited, planned and dreamed of this moment for years. She plans to make it work by putting on events at her little brewery, it’s going to work, it has to!

She’s kept her plans to herself, not telling her family what she intends to do with her inheritance (I get the impression the family do a lot for Isla, they don’t give her enough credit!)

McCoy swore he’s never getting involved again after a nasty divorce! it’s work all day long. Older and definitely a little more wary of women, McCoy sees Isla as a flighty young thing who knows nothing about the business she wants to set up!

It’s suppose to be project manager and client relationship, but Isla feels like she’s being bossed about by said project manager and her family! Her dream is set back time after time with delays and she takes it out on family and friends!

She’s too young. He’s too grumpy….. So you know that once they admit their feelings it’s going to explode all over the page ? but you do have to wonder if it’s ever going to happen!

And even when they do admit their feelings for one another, McCoy keeps her at arms length! Not really letting her in! Isla feels frustrated! Does she give him more time, or is it time to walk away?

I have to admit, this is probably my favourite of the series. I really liked this couple. Isla was very sure of herself, she knew what she wanted to do, and how to go about it. I did think her family and friends could have had a bit more faith in her (they jumped in too quick with opinions and help, instead of letting Isla figure it out for herself) and even grumpy McCoy was a great character. After a messy divorce he was a work/work/work kind of guy. So to see him fall for little miss sunshine was fun to read.

So if you like grumpy/sunshine tropes, age gap tropes, then this is the book for you.

A highly recommended read from one of my favourite small town romance authors.

Previous Reviews

Make Me Whole
Make Me Dream

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

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Make Me Dream (Oil Barrons 4) by Marie Johnston-review tour

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Make Me Dream (Oil Barrons 4) by Marie Johnston-review tour

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3D11Pqd

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2022

Being ghosted by my best friend’s brother was easier to get over than the pink positive sign I got six weeks later.

With our ten-year age difference, I didn’t think I was more to Stetson Barron than his little sister’s quirky best friend, the one with store-bought hair color and thrifted clothing. Until one hot summer night at his cousin’s wedding when I climbed him like a water tower.

And then he didn’t talk to me for weeks afterward.

A pink plus sign and a panic attack later, the trailer house I share with my mom burns down. Stetson shows up at the ER like a country knight on a diesel-powered steed, arranges a place for my mom to stay, and takes me home with him.

The weeks of radio silence after our hookup have left me wary. Being with Stetson should be a fantasy come to life, but I’m waiting for my prince to ride away. I’m not the type of woman his parents want him to be with, and they’d rather pretend there’s no baby than welcome me to the family. My mom was in the same situation once, and I’ve learned her lesson—alone is better than abandoned.

When Stetson is forced to choose between his new family unit and old family expectations, will he prove to be the man of my dreams? Or am I in for a heart-breaking wake-up call?

••••

REVIEW: This book can be read without reading the previous books (that’s what I’ve done) I don’t think it makes a lot of difference (but apparently this couple gets together in the last book) Unexpected pregnancy/age gap romance/small town romance/forbidden romance (best friends brother) 

I’d heard about Stetson in a previous series (?) and to be honest I wasn’t too enamoured with, he’d seemed like a self centred type of guy! And as I began to read this book, my opinion of him wasn’t too high! (His mother dictates all of his actions!) But give it a chance….. it turns out to be a really good read. 

The Barron family are treated like royalty in their home town, and that gives Stetson the appearance of a spoiled rich kid! But underneath the facade is a man who wants to be seen and loved for who and not what he is! It’s easier to give into family notions and pressures than buck the trend……

Lyric isn’t from the right side of the tracks, she might (just) be good enough for Stetson’s little sister to be friends with, but dating/marriage, no, definitely not good enough! 

But an unexpected problem has occurred from their hot night together….. an unexpected pregnancy!! How will Stetson react when Lyric finally plucks up the courage to tell him? 

I grew to like the couple as I read the book. They’ve both had a hard time pulling away from their families. Lyric has a carefree attitude to life which is the complete opposite of Stetson, he really was a jerk sometimes, and you just wanted to shake some sense into him.. 

So can this couple overcome their own insecurities, his families interference and the town’s expectations? Or will it all be just too much for them? 

I’m going to go back and read this series and there is a few things that apparently roll through this series ? I love the author’s paranormal series, but her contemporary books are becoming a one click. 

Click HERE for Julies review of book one MAKE ME WHOLE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

FOLLOW: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram / Bookbub/ Pinterest

Marie Johnston is a RITA® Finalist, and a best-selling and award-winning writer of paranormal and contemporary romance – and an avid reader of them both.

Several years ago, when kids started outnumbering adults in the house, Marie Johnston left her job as a public health microbiologist to stay at home. Settling into working part-time and shuttling kids around gave Marie the opportunity to think about what she wanted to be when she grew up. A die-hard science geek, she explored her previously thought to be non-existent creative side after much time spent making snowman crafts and coloring princesses. Having entertained thoughts of writing a book one day then subsequently deciding it would be too hard, she finally put the figurative pen to paper and began to type – and fell in love with storytelling.

The Sigma Menace is the first series by Marie with Fever Claim being her first book EVER. She is humbled by the fact that people are willing to read to her books and looks forward to keeping readers entertained for many years.

Marie lives with her husband and four kids in the Upper Midwest where the summers are gorgeous, the winters are brutal, and spring and fall are luxuries.

Share