M . H . B . graduated law from a Canadian University and loves spending time with her partner and her German Shepherd Dog. She has a passion for animals and enjoys the simple things in life: books, music, chocolate, sunny days and overall wellness. When she is not writing, her mind is in another world, with a book in hand.
Sage was in a relationship of convenience, caught under the thumb of her manipulative father, with no way out and no hope for a future of her own choosing. Jacob was a wellknown manwhore who never imagined ever changing his dirty ways. In each other, these two found themselves, embarking on something new and changing into the best versions of who they could be. Neither of them could have expected what they found in the other or how love could evolve in a heart that never held any fond emotions, but there it was. While this book involves cheating, there's nothing tawdry about it.
This is one of those instances in which the blurb of the book is misleading. However, this ended up being a good thing. I think if the synopsis mirrored the plot, I would have been disappointed. I went into this book blind and I recommend the same for anyone who picks it up. Otherwise, your heart might already turn against Sage.
It took a while for the story to get going. A long while. I didn't feel the momentum, or even want to continue going, until I hit the halfway mark and then I couldn't put the book down. Told from three different perspectives, I got the chance to meet three people and come to several opinions on each. If I were to pick a favorite, I'd have to go with Lincoln. He was such a sweet man, maybe a bit oblivious, but his heart was kind and I couldn't ask for more than that. I only wish for him to find his happiness and hope to see it in the next book.
copy kindly received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I decided to DNF this one because I can already tell by the start of the first two chapters that I am not going to like these characters. The book has premise already for others to love this, and I'm sure they storyline will play out well, however I loathe these rich kinds of characters and really do not want to read about them right now. Not for me, but I'm sure others will enjoy.
I'm not entirely sure what to think about this one. The premise was original and I definitely enjoyed Sage's story and development...but it wasn't what I was expecting. The cover and blurb give the impression that this would be a much sexier, steamier read than its actual contents. In fact, the only 'sexy' part, really, was Sage's fabulous, daring fashion preferences.
I appreciated M.H.B.'s interesting take on a love triangle, but sadly I found Jacob a lukewarm hero with not much to him other than some slightly unsettling jealousy and impatience. There was enough intrigue (and plenty of drama) to make me want to read on, but I'm not entirely on-side just yet.
Before I finish, I'd also like to mention that this could have used another round of proofreading, but as I signed up to review Part 2 and this was also therefore an ARC, I'm unsure if this is the final, published copy or not. Therefore, that does not contribute to my rating.
The Millionare, The Billionaire Heiress & Politician.
This review was not easy it's a 3.5 star but to close to 4 for me not to round up.
One of my biggest problems with this story was in each chapter on the characters inner monologue was redundant. My dear author we understand the heiress was sexually experienced and kept a emotional distance no need to read this for the better part of the book.
This story ends on a clifhanger despite not loving this story I am intrigued enough to continue to the next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of Invisible Leash in order to give it an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is a bit of a conundrum for me. The book is based on an adult world with very adult themes, yet the characters were very juvenile especially Sage. I found her to be a cold, immature, spoiled brat who only thinks about herself. It was ironic that she kept touting how she didn’t want to rely on a man yet she was living off of her Daddy. It was beyond ridiculous. If there is a way to make a character any less likable, that is how to do it. Even her back story didn’t redeem her in my eyes. Yes, I felt sorry for that 16-year-old girl that she was and I HATE her father, but I never warmed to Sage.
Jacobs character starts off a hot alpha male that had a lot of potential, yet he quickly turned it to a whipped idiot chasing after Saga and putting up with crap that no man in his right mind would put up with.
Lincoln, was the nice guy in the story but seriously where were his balls? I mean come one? He is going to be a Senator, and he is going to take that crap from Sage are you kidding me?
I am not going to lie M.H.B can write a hot sex scene, and this book is packed with them. I think the characters needed to be set in a different setting say high school or even college. They are written too immature for the setting they are in. I didn’t hate the story, but I wasn't invested in it or the characters. I am giving it 2.5 Boundless stars it was okay I just didn’t like the characters.
As an Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily promised an honest review. Here it is.
Rating: 4 (of 5 stars).
In general: Problematic Triangle Relationship.
Main characters: - Sage Cross (22) Her parents are wealthy. She just graduated from college with a law degree and looking for a job. Her dad wants her to marry Lincoln Black, a candidate senator and become his ’trophy wife’. She doesn’t love Lincoln, but being financially dependent of her dad, she complies.
- Jacob Storm (27). Co-owner of Axiom, a top newspaper company. He meets Sage at a fundraise party and is impressed with her. She feels a physical attraction for him but she avoids his courtship. His company joins Lincoln’s campaign team.
- Lincoln Black (29). He’s a lawyer with political ambitions. So he took a sabbatical year from his job to campaign for a Senate seat. He hires Sage as a lawyer assistant in his campaign team.
The author, Myriam Brunet, then describes in an interesting plot with credible main characters how Lincoln during the campaign more and more feels that Sage will never love him but only helps him because she considers him a friend and she wants to gain experience as a lawyer so she more likely gets a good job. During the campaign she meets Jacob again and they like each other more and more. But it’s complicated. In public Sage is Linc’s girlfriend and Jacob doesn’t like a secret relationship. But Sage fears that her controlling dad will stop her allowance if she breaks up with Lincoln. Moreover Jacob gets into business trouble. In short: finding a happy end is problematic. But the reader gets no answer how they solve their problems for the book ends in an enormous cliffhanger. And I hate that.
First, I want to thank M.H.B. for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
M.H.B has an amazing way with expressing her characters feelings and body language in Invisible Leash The Cross Series Part 1. Immediately I was drawn to Sage’s and Jacob’s characters. Jacob just oozed sexuality and he desired Sage. There was so much chemistry between them yet so much sexual tension too. This was one variable that made the story very enticing.
M.H.B found a very creative graphic designer for this cover. One of the most unique ones I have ever seen actually. When you look at the cover at first you woman’s legs chained at the ankles by a silver chain wearing black heels. If you look closer at the woman you will see there is scene of a couple and a cityscape in the background. Amazing job!
This book is to her heart locket, her dream catcher, and her secret keeper.
Many times, I have stated that I love when authors get creative and pick unique names for their characters. M.H.B did just that and went out of the box. I loved the name Sage as sage green is one of my favorite colors. She chooses Jacob and Lincoln also for names of the characters in the book. As mentioned earlier Sage and Jacob had so much built up sexual tension from all the chemistry that they had between them. When they finally let that all go man oh man can M.H.B write some good sex scenes!!
If you are a fan of politics there is a storyline around that aspect as well.
To my chagrin, while reading “Invisible Leash” by M.H.B. I realized that I was very familiar with the characters Sage Cross, girlfriend of Lincoln Black, senatorial candidate and Jacob Storm, major shareholder in Axiom because I had previously read the third book in the series. The“Invisible Leash” is the first in the Cross series. Go figure!! I was very taken with Lincoln Black’s story and therefore at the time, did not like Sage and Jacob enough to go back and read about their perils.
I was P. O.’d at them at how they treated Lincoln and though they were bad people. I vowed to never give Sage and Jacob the time of day. Well, now that I unwittingly started reading about them, I held my nose and stuck it out. The good news is that Sage and Jacob aren’t as bad as I thought they were. I still think that they are selfish and narcissistic characters but I understand how they are themselves victims of abominable parenting.
The bad news is that this book ends on a cliffhanger and I detest cliffhangers. Authors need to realize you can end a story and still continue the saga to the next book without a cliffhanger. The writing is good, the story has interest but is predictable and the characters are somewhat one dimensional. I think I was on the right path by just forgetting about Sage and Jacob and continuing the series from where Lincoln Black left off. I loved his story!! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was given a readers copy of Invisible Leash by M.H.B. for my honest review.
First off let me start by saying that the cover for this novel is absolutely stunning and completely attracted me towards wanting to reading it even before the blurb did.
Invisible Leash is the debut novel for indie author M.H.B. for what looks to be a duet called the Cross Series.
M.H.B. did an excellent job of writing her characters, painting them within the canvas of my mind. I love a strong female lead and even though Sage, in some ways, is weak to some of the powers around her, she is very headstrong and determined. Powerful characteristics for a female persona.
Along with the characters, the plot was well thought out and left you wanting more and more of Sage and Jacob. And M.H.B. doesn’t hold back on the steam factor. Lots of sizzling hot moments between the pages of this novel.
Well I did find Invisible Leash to be a bit wordy at times, and the writing to a bit novice, I have no doubt that M.H.B. will become favoured as she moves forward and becomes a well seasoned author.
Overall it was a impressive debut and I give 3.5 starts to Invisible Leash
An intwining tale of politics, deciet, turmoil and love. I loved Sage and her sassy and determined attitude. The constant controll and interference of her father in her life had me heartbroken and wishing him illwill. Lincoln was a sweetheart and dealing with his own heartbreak only wanting the best for them both. Jacob was a smooth talking player with a good heart that got swept away by Sage. I was praying they would get together and find happiness and love away from all the interferences. Ellie and Derrick and Abigail where great characters and loyal friends to Sage and Jacob, I hope to hear more from them and all the characters in the books to come. The darkness in Sages life was constantly coming back to bite her in the back side and I hope she can finally overcome it all and be happy with Jacob. I cant wait to see what happens next.
Ends on a cliffhanger and has a dark past revealed that's not suitable for those that are not into reading certain things.
Just found myself a new author to follow. Family secret, fake boyfriend, tons of money, and someone trying to controll it all from the backseat. Sage may seem like a daddy's girl, but she is far from that. Every little thing can do, she tries to rub it in his face. Like someone punishing a dog for pooping on the floor. Ever since that night. Men don't impress her, unless they have a big....and know how to use it for her benefit. But helping her dad's best friend's son win the campaign, is an all new low. She's bored and she's doesn't want to be with him....how will she get out of this pickle of a jam?
The grass is not always greener on the other side.
On the outside, we meet a beautiful, rich well put together lady, who has a man that is willing to take care of her. Yet she seems to resist him. Then we met the other characters in the story and we realize why this lady is the way she is.
What appears perfect on the outside may have so many ties to others that one may start to feel like a dog on a leash with an owner who is not paying attention.
This was my first reading of a novel by M H B, even though I enjoyed the storyline, in some parts the story itself was a bit wordy. I will still read book two because I am curious to find out what happens.
I received an e-copy of this novel from Candid Book Reviews and I am under no obligation to review.
I won this book on goodreads. I have seen a LOT of rich-beautiful-talented-got everything-girl books. I will admit that that kind of hook is getting old to me. I found the characters to be a bit unbelievable - particularly when it comes to a complete change of character. I did read to the end. I am also of the belief that a novel shouldn't leave you hanging like this - it isn't like a TV series. Even if there is a sequel, there needs to be some sort of ending.
Wow....this book is So exciting. It is full of intrigue and steamy scenes. This is my first read by this author and I’ll be looking for more. I loved Sage and Jacob’s story. They certainly had a lot of obstacles to overcome to get to their hea. Lincoln was such a sweet character, and too naive for her, in my opinion. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. This honest review is based on a complimentary copy via HiddenGems
Three POVs. Sage. Jacob. Lincoln. Sage and Jacob are two troubled people. Yet they fall hard for each other. Sage's father is demanding she help Lincoln in his campaign to run for a Senate seat. Then she is to marry him and be his trophy wife. This story is very complex and very steamy. I'd like to read Lincoln's story next. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
I love how this story unfolds. The mix of romance and limelight and all too familiar destructive family ties adds excitement and thrill to the story. I love how we have a glimpse of each of the characters' thoughts. I highly recommend this book to all those who seek a little thrill in romantic plots.
Ok this book is a PAGE TURNER! If your a fan of romance it’s for you! I couldn’t put it down. I found myself loving Sage’s character and understanding her ambition to want to make it on her own without the help of a man. Her finding love with a man who was willing to let her make her own choices just made me that much happier with their love story. I CANNOT WAIT for book two!
I'm not going to lie, I got this book for two reasons...okay three.
1st: I liked the cover art 2nd: It was free (Goodreads giveaway) 3rd: I thought there'd be more sexy-time.
I had a hard time getting into this book, mostly because I didn't care about the characters (especially the main female lead)... but I persevered (endured) and by the end I had come to appreciate the characters and their story lines... and then... it ends in a cliff-hanger. I didn't like that.
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book from Candid Books Reviews. I loved this book because I love Sage! M.H.B, thank you for such a strong character! Both Lincoln and Jacob were well done as well. You did a great job as well making me totally dislike Sage's parents. You kept me engaged throughout. This was a difficult book for me to put my Kindle down! Thank you. I'll be watching for more!
This is a really good story, it's emotionally engaging, very intense and even has a little suspense. It is very sexy but it is much deeper than that, there is character depth and some shocking revelations. I really would have given it five stars, if it wasn't a cliffhanger which I wasn't expecting since this is not a novella. I really like the couple as a whole even though their predicament isn't ideal. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
This is a really good story, it's emotionally engaging, very intense and even has a little suspense. It is very sexy but it is much deeper than that, there is character depth and some shocking revelations. I really would have given it five stars, if it wasn't a cliffhanger which I wasn't expecting since this is not a novella. I really like the couple as a whole even though their predicament isn't ideal. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
Invisible Leash had me hooked with Sage's story! Her "black" heart was a heart of a lot of hurt and a lot of mistrust. I was blown away as pieces of our heroine was revealed little at a time. I love her coldness. I love the bold. This woman means business! She uses her past as a shield and a means to revenge. I loved that we had Lincoln's and Jacob's POV. You get all the emotions that each character brings. That is a win in my book!
Invisible Leash story line flowed easily. The story was not too long and not too short. You can see that the author took her time building the characters and the drama. There is an edge with the story and a bit of dark added. Invisible Leash is a book that you will stay up late into the night to finish because you cannot get enough of it! And the cliffy will have you begging for more! Did you all see the cover? HOT and it pulls you in! I cannot wait to see what happens next with Sage Cross.