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Hot Off the Press
When Great Britain has an unexpected General Election, political journalist Jenna Edwards is excited to go on the campaign trail. That is until she’s assigned to cover the Green Party and their attempt to win more than one paltry seat in Parliament. Disappointed, Jenna resigns herself to weeks of reporting on tree-hugging, plant-based diets, and renewable energies. The only bright spot? Well, that would be the hot brunette she seems to irritate with her very existence.
Senior Advisor to the leader of the Green Party, Sarah Clarke doesn’t have time for unreliable journalists, particularly ones who insist on making a bad impression. She has an entire campaign to oversee, leaving no room for distractions, no matter how attractively they might be packaged.
With election fever gripping the nation, will Jenna and Sarah give in to their headline-worthy chemistry, or will they end up a forgotten footnote in the annals of an election campaign diary?
Book Two of the Branded Hearts series.
Senior Advisor to the leader of the Green Party, Sarah Clarke doesn’t have time for unreliable journalists, particularly ones who insist on making a bad impression. She has an entire campaign to oversee, leaving no room for distractions, no matter how attractively they might be packaged.
With election fever gripping the nation, will Jenna and Sarah give in to their headline-worthy chemistry, or will they end up a forgotten footnote in the annals of an election campaign diary?
Book Two of the Branded Hearts series.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2023
119 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 25, 2024
2.5 stars!
A somewhat imaginative and bland book #2
***--- had to skip, speed read and even gloss-over certain paragraphs ...
A somewhat imaginative and bland book #2
***--- had to skip, speed read and even gloss-over certain paragraphs ...
June 17, 2023
I really wanted to like this one, especially coming off of the first book in the series.
I found myself struggling to relate to or even be fully interested in the characters. Jenna is a 35ish reporter and Sarah is a 46-year old campaign manager. Their meeting is sexy enough, but gave me total unrealistic vibes (picture this: a club scene, eyes meet from across the room, dancing ensues, then sudden making-out with a total stranger). They obviously cross paths after a drunken night and lots of negging and flirting occurs afterwards. I think what I found most farfetched was the fact that Jenna, the so-called "player" of her friend group, fell so hard and fast for a hot and cold political campaign manager. I hated the emotional back and forth. The actual steamy scenes took too long to happen (61% into the book). These ladies could not address their own insecurities and issues before trying to get together, even though they were in their mid-30s/40s. It just felt clunky. TLDR: I was into it for a bit, then I wasn't, then I was, then I reallyyy wasn't. It took a lot of self-pressure to finish it, but I only did so I could move on. Otherwise, it was fine.
I found myself struggling to relate to or even be fully interested in the characters. Jenna is a 35ish reporter and Sarah is a 46-year old campaign manager. Their meeting is sexy enough, but gave me total unrealistic vibes (picture this: a club scene, eyes meet from across the room, dancing ensues, then sudden making-out with a total stranger). They obviously cross paths after a drunken night and lots of negging and flirting occurs afterwards. I think what I found most farfetched was the fact that Jenna, the so-called "player" of her friend group, fell so hard and fast for a hot and cold political campaign manager. I hated the emotional back and forth. The actual steamy scenes took too long to happen (61% into the book). These ladies could not address their own insecurities and issues before trying to get together, even though they were in their mid-30s/40s. It just felt clunky. TLDR: I was into it for a bit, then I wasn't, then I was, then I reallyyy wasn't. It took a lot of self-pressure to finish it, but I only did so I could move on. Otherwise, it was fine.
June 9, 2023
Another pretty good read in the series…An age gap romance, between a political advisor and a journalist who between the 2 of them blew (a tad too many) hot and cold throughout the book.
July 20, 2023
3,5 stars
This was quite fun. Just like the previous book: way too many miscommunications as a trope, but it still somehow worked. I'm just way less invested in politics, so that's why I rated it lower.
This was quite fun. Just like the previous book: way too many miscommunications as a trope, but it still somehow worked. I'm just way less invested in politics, so that's why I rated it lower.
June 11, 2023
Happy tears
I really enjoyed this book, no2 in the series, an interesting storyline very well written. If you enjoy books with great characters, lovely banter interwoven with realistic life experiences, I would be surprised if you didn't enjoy reading this. Looking forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this book, no2 in the series, an interesting storyline very well written. If you enjoy books with great characters, lovely banter interwoven with realistic life experiences, I would be surprised if you didn't enjoy reading this. Looking forward to the next one.
December 23, 2023
I enjoyed being back in the Branded Hearts universe. It’s such a wonderful group of friends and I love seeing how they support each other. Jenna and Sarah were great characters. The only thing that bugged me was they were both runners, which made for similar drama. I also don’t love when a MC goes back and recounts the previous chapter from their own POV- once it’s ok but it felt repetitive after a while. Still, I was drawn into the story and had a hard time putting it down.
Short summary: when Jenna shows up for the campaign trail, the last person she expects to see is the woman she forgot she snogged the night before. Will Sarah forgive her? Will Jenna remember? As long-term commitment-phobes, will a relationship even be possible once they do make up?
Short summary: when Jenna shows up for the campaign trail, the last person she expects to see is the woman she forgot she snogged the night before. Will Sarah forgive her? Will Jenna remember? As long-term commitment-phobes, will a relationship even be possible once they do make up?
November 19, 2024
Loved this book - a real tear jerker (They so look after each other.) Loved the relationship between the four friends and how they support each other. Highly recommended.
August 15, 2024
Really enjoyed this one. The interactions between the characters is fantastic. I love the relationship of the friend group.
April 28, 2024
This is part two of a series which started with Charlie and Robyn’s story in ‘Not in the Script’. This is Charlie’s friend Jenna’s story. Jenna is the ‘love them and leave them’ type, never having had a committed relationship. When she kisses an alluring woman at a nightclub and senses a deep connection, rather than going with it she runs away and loses herself in an alcohol-fuelled haze. She even temporarily forgets the woman she kissed.
Jenna works as a political journalist and is given the job of reporting on the Green Party at an upcoming British General Election. She’s hungover and late to her first event. She has no idea that the first person she meets, the Senior Adviser to the Greens, is none other than the beautiful brunette she kissed the night before. Sarah however, remembers Jenna very clearly and isn’t amused…
This is clearly written by a Brit as the banter and use of words is spot on. I loved the way we got to know the two MC’s, Jenna and Sarah who both have huge insecurities about events that happened in the past. Their insecurities lead to various problems in pursuing a relationship, but they were understandable. Even when they make bad choices which almost break them apart completely, you ‘get’ why they behave the way they do. So, it was the characters, rather than the plot that made me love this. I’ll definitely be back for Lauren’s story in the future!
Jenna works as a political journalist and is given the job of reporting on the Green Party at an upcoming British General Election. She’s hungover and late to her first event. She has no idea that the first person she meets, the Senior Adviser to the Greens, is none other than the beautiful brunette she kissed the night before. Sarah however, remembers Jenna very clearly and isn’t amused…
This is clearly written by a Brit as the banter and use of words is spot on. I loved the way we got to know the two MC’s, Jenna and Sarah who both have huge insecurities about events that happened in the past. Their insecurities lead to various problems in pursuing a relationship, but they were understandable. Even when they make bad choices which almost break them apart completely, you ‘get’ why they behave the way they do. So, it was the characters, rather than the plot that made me love this. I’ll definitely be back for Lauren’s story in the future!
June 16, 2023
Finally, a truly mature romance 💘
While I guess that while this novel falls under the category of age gap, it’s hard for me to think of two successful, intelligent women, one in her mid 40s and the other in her mid 30s as members of two different generations.
However, I think the author deftly dealt with the commitment problems experienced by successful, career driven women, who are suddenly reach a point in their lives with questions about why they have yet to have found that “forever soul mate”.
And, the realization that, the reason rests within themselves, and how to change that behavior pattern.
It is sometimes hard for any reader to stop themselves from yelling at the main characters, “Wake up!” 🫤
This novel is filled with wonderful characters who exemplify what friendships are all about, and you will definitely fall in love with “Sophie”.
I intend to read the rest of this series.
😘
While I guess that while this novel falls under the category of age gap, it’s hard for me to think of two successful, intelligent women, one in her mid 40s and the other in her mid 30s as members of two different generations.
However, I think the author deftly dealt with the commitment problems experienced by successful, career driven women, who are suddenly reach a point in their lives with questions about why they have yet to have found that “forever soul mate”.
And, the realization that, the reason rests within themselves, and how to change that behavior pattern.
It is sometimes hard for any reader to stop themselves from yelling at the main characters, “Wake up!” 🫤
This novel is filled with wonderful characters who exemplify what friendships are all about, and you will definitely fall in love with “Sophie”.
I intend to read the rest of this series.
😘
August 7, 2023
Second in the Branded Hearts, but you can read as stand alone - there is just some short interaction with the characters from “Not in the script”.
This is a WlW romance, in this case with an age gap, one night to forever trope.
Jenna is a political journalist who has to cover the Green party during the campaign, where Sarah is campaign manager.
They meet and the attraction is so instantaneus that they kiss without really exchanging words, and then Jenna runs because she is too attracted.
This is kind of a tonica in the story as both MCs have commitment issues, so there are some turns and mistakes and growing and asking for forgiveness and moving forward. Not every person is really aware so early in life, or your needs and wants they change as you grow or maybe when you find your special person?
This is a WlW romance, in this case with an age gap, one night to forever trope.
Jenna is a political journalist who has to cover the Green party during the campaign, where Sarah is campaign manager.
They meet and the attraction is so instantaneus that they kiss without really exchanging words, and then Jenna runs because she is too attracted.
This is kind of a tonica in the story as both MCs have commitment issues, so there are some turns and mistakes and growing and asking for forgiveness and moving forward. Not every person is really aware so early in life, or your needs and wants they change as you grow or maybe when you find your special person?
September 5, 2024
Awesome, until it got to the end.
This was absolutely a five star story until you got to the ending. The story told of breaking down walls and getting through barriers while two very emotionally damaged women fall in love with each other was absolutely amazing. I was in tears more than once.
What I didn't like, however, Was how after everything they put each other through, Sarah didn't have enough respect for Jenna to ask her before she did things for Sophie. I can't say I wouldn't have been upset. It seems like she was throwing her money around and trying to buy acceptance.
Also, as appreciative as Sophie was to Jenna, she was a bit disrespectful by continually taking sides with Sarah. I know most will look at it as being playful, but the two of them ganging up on Jenna just wasn't right. Especially in the beginning. I wasn't a fan of the ending. Not even a little.
This was absolutely a five star story until you got to the ending. The story told of breaking down walls and getting through barriers while two very emotionally damaged women fall in love with each other was absolutely amazing. I was in tears more than once.
What I didn't like, however, Was how after everything they put each other through, Sarah didn't have enough respect for Jenna to ask her before she did things for Sophie. I can't say I wouldn't have been upset. It seems like she was throwing her money around and trying to buy acceptance.
Also, as appreciative as Sophie was to Jenna, she was a bit disrespectful by continually taking sides with Sarah. I know most will look at it as being playful, but the two of them ganging up on Jenna just wasn't right. Especially in the beginning. I wasn't a fan of the ending. Not even a little.
June 8, 2023
I ended up DNFing after more than 70% read for a few reasons. The biggest was the manufactured drama when there was already plenty to draw from. Another was the atrocious editing/proofreading - or lack of it. Since I got it through Kindle Unlimited, it should be the most recent version so I can assume that the author either doesn't know or doesn't care to fix it. Yeah, this pissed me off. I ended up highlighting some of the issues when my frustration got to be too much and I needed to get it out of my head. I shared my notes and highlights if you're interested.
My frustration wouldn't have been so great had I not been invested in the relationship and the family ties. Just so disappointing.
My frustration wouldn't have been so great had I not been invested in the relationship and the family ties. Just so disappointing.
July 25, 2023
I was less impressed with this book than the first one. I honestly couldn't stay interested in it, took me longer to read than book 1. Which I read in one day. don't get me wrong I enjoyed all the banter between the characters. It just seam like it was never going to end... Sophie I enjoyed the most, hope someday you write a book with her as the main character. She doesn't have to be gay like her Auntie, but I would like to see a spin off about her. get more background and her feelings on how she was raised by her grandmother and not her Auntie.
June 6, 2023
Loved it. I liked Morrison's previous entry in the Branded Hearts series, but this book is a cut above. Sarah and Jenna have both had traumatic experiences in their pasts, and the novel explored them with just the right amount of depth for just the right length. Sophie was a great character too, and I hope she turns up at some point in the next two books in the series - which I'm eagerly waiting for.
May 22, 2023
It’s Not Often A Romance Makes Me Cry
But this one did. When two commitment-phobes get off on the wrong foot, despite intense chemistry, you wonder how they can find each other and get past their fears at the same time. Yet they do, and that’s the lovely story that K.E. Morrison tells in this delightful book.
But this one did. When two commitment-phobes get off on the wrong foot, despite intense chemistry, you wonder how they can find each other and get past their fears at the same time. Yet they do, and that’s the lovely story that K.E. Morrison tells in this delightful book.
May 25, 2023
Great Love Story
You will love the two main characters and their close and supportive friends. Jenna and Katherine both have good careers but no significant other in their life. There is immediate attraction but Jenna disappears and it takes the support of their friends to help them find love and happiness. Very nicely written.
You will love the two main characters and their close and supportive friends. Jenna and Katherine both have good careers but no significant other in their life. There is immediate attraction but Jenna disappears and it takes the support of their friends to help them find love and happiness. Very nicely written.
June 1, 2023
the ups and downs of learning to love
These two women really put each other through the wringer trying to find their way to each other. But like that old saying, anything worth having is worth working for. The main characters are perfect for each other. And of course, the secondary characters are worthwhile additions that move the mains closer to each other. Well done.
These two women really put each other through the wringer trying to find their way to each other. But like that old saying, anything worth having is worth working for. The main characters are perfect for each other. And of course, the secondary characters are worthwhile additions that move the mains closer to each other. Well done.
December 5, 2023
What a sequel!
What a cracking story, full of emotional, loving and funny insights exploring how two commitment phobes get together although the one who struggles the most did surprise me as I didn’t quite see that coming. Great support from the Branded Hearts gang and I’m looking forward to the next installment featuring Lauren. Great writing once again.
What a cracking story, full of emotional, loving and funny insights exploring how two commitment phobes get together although the one who struggles the most did surprise me as I didn’t quite see that coming. Great support from the Branded Hearts gang and I’m looking forward to the next installment featuring Lauren. Great writing once again.
June 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. My previous reads were disasters, I left two books in the middle and really skimmed over the end of a third just to find out how the heroine was going to get out of her problems.
So what a joy this book is. I can't recommend it highly enough. I sincerely hope that Branded Hearts#3 will be as good.
So what a joy this book is. I can't recommend it highly enough. I sincerely hope that Branded Hearts#3 will be as good.
December 19, 2024
Sarah and Jenny have the most self sabotaging traits ever but i loved every second of it 💘
This delicious slowburn was filled with bad decisions and so much tenderness. They were mature in their actions but also had trauma that they had to get through, making it slightly chaotic, which i so enjoyed!!
I didn't expect to tear up at the Sophie and Jenny plotline but i did.
5 stars 🌟
This delicious slowburn was filled with bad decisions and so much tenderness. They were mature in their actions but also had trauma that they had to get through, making it slightly chaotic, which i so enjoyed!!
I didn't expect to tear up at the Sophie and Jenny plotline but i did.
5 stars 🌟
April 17, 2023
On again, off again
When reading a romance novel, you expect a connection, then a broken connection, then happily ever after. Not with Hot off the Press - it happens against and again. You wonder if this story will have a different ending. You have to read to find out
When reading a romance novel, you expect a connection, then a broken connection, then happily ever after. Not with Hot off the Press - it happens against and again. You wonder if this story will have a different ending. You have to read to find out
April 27, 2023
Enjoyed the second book in the series and look forward to book three an easy read with a good story small editing niggles Jenner worked for the Independent at the start but suddenly became a Telegraph journalist and Elsie at one point became Elise small points.
May 15, 2023
I just finished reading Hot off the Press after finishing Not in the Script. I didn’t think that book could be topped, but K.E. Morrison certainly did with Hot off the Press. I cried while reading the epilogue. I can’t wait to read Lauren’s story. Books three and four can’t be written fast enough
May 28, 2023
Inspiring Story
It's seldom that I read a book from start to finish in one day. I was greatly impressed by how it unfolded, and the changes with the characters were so believable! A really feel good read! I look forward to reading all of K.E. Morrison's books.
It's seldom that I read a book from start to finish in one day. I was greatly impressed by how it unfolded, and the changes with the characters were so believable! A really feel good read! I look forward to reading all of K.E. Morrison's books.
June 22, 2023
Loved it!
Two books in & I’m already hooked on this series and K.E. Morrison’s writing. The depth of the characters is amazing and getting to read about each of the women in this wonderful group of friends leaves me yearning for more!
Two books in & I’m already hooked on this series and K.E. Morrison’s writing. The depth of the characters is amazing and getting to read about each of the women in this wonderful group of friends leaves me yearning for more!
July 7, 2023
Emotional
This book kept my emotions reeling. The realness I felt reading it was awesome. I can not wait for the other two books to cone out. I want to know more about Nay. I'm a little nervous to read more about Laura. I have a feeling Laura's story is going to be a tear jerker.
This book kept my emotions reeling. The realness I felt reading it was awesome. I can not wait for the other two books to cone out. I want to know more about Nay. I'm a little nervous to read more about Laura. I have a feeling Laura's story is going to be a tear jerker.
August 18, 2023
very good !
Really enjoying the branded hearts romance saga!
Hot off the press was very good! Loved reading Jenna’s story and read more about Charlie and Robyn.
Can’t wait for Lauren’s story 😊
Really enjoying the branded hearts romance saga!
Hot off the press was very good! Loved reading Jenna’s story and read more about Charlie and Robyn.
Can’t wait for Lauren’s story 😊
September 13, 2023
So good, I had to wipe tears from my eyes more than once. Maybe I’m just a softy.
I was engaged from the beginning. The different dynamics of the characters made this a delightful read. Love is possible if we let it be.
I was engaged from the beginning. The different dynamics of the characters made this a delightful read. Love is possible if we let it be.
September 18, 2023
Loved it
K.E. Morrison is a excellent writer, she is able to capture all the complex emotions of a budding relationship. Highly recommended.
So far I love the series, I can't wait for the next one.
K.E. Morrison is a excellent writer, she is able to capture all the complex emotions of a budding relationship. Highly recommended.
So far I love the series, I can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews