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micmezle's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
jigsawgirl's review against another edition
4.0
One thing I discovered was that I had been pronouncing Isla's name incorrectly throughout this series.
I was so frustrated by Isla not being able to stand up to her parents domination. Yet, she took baby steps and with each of her victories, I could only cheer for her.
I liked Isla and McCoy. She seemed to be able to stand up to him. I hated when her doubts and insecurities took over. Not only with McCoy, but with her family and best friend. It was kind of painful to see how alone Isla felt.
McCoy's mother surprised me. I didn't expect that behavior from her. Especially after everything he had been through. I did appreciate that McCoy and Isla seemed to find strength in one another. There were some unexpected twists in this book. A couple of jaw droppers. Things that I did not expect to see happen.
This book could be read as a stand-alone. I honestly believe a reader will get more enjoyment if they read this series in order. Even if a reader decides to start with book 3 or 4, that would be better than starting with this book. There are some enjoyable times to be had with this series.
McCoy and Isla had intense chemistry that allowed their romantic, steamy relationship to develop. There were strong emotions displayed through the entire book. It was worth navigating those emotions to see McCoy and Isla reach their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
I was so frustrated by Isla not being able to stand up to her parents domination. Yet, she took baby steps and with each of her victories, I could only cheer for her.
I liked Isla and McCoy. She seemed to be able to stand up to him. I hated when her doubts and insecurities took over. Not only with McCoy, but with her family and best friend. It was kind of painful to see how alone Isla felt.
McCoy's mother surprised me. I didn't expect that behavior from her. Especially after everything he had been through. I did appreciate that McCoy and Isla seemed to find strength in one another. There were some unexpected twists in this book. A couple of jaw droppers. Things that I did not expect to see happen.
This book could be read as a stand-alone. I honestly believe a reader will get more enjoyment if they read this series in order. Even if a reader decides to start with book 3 or 4, that would be better than starting with this book. There are some enjoyable times to be had with this series.
McCoy and Isla had intense chemistry that allowed their romantic, steamy relationship to develop. There were strong emotions displayed through the entire book. It was worth navigating those emotions to see McCoy and Isla reach their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
smithsj123's review
4.0
The final instalment in the Oil Barrons series, with Book 5 focusing on daughter and youngest Barron - Isla. She finally has access to her trust fund, and is ready to prove herself and focus on her passion. She has purchased an old building in town and is setting up a brewery and event space. McCoy, is her project manager for the renovation, but things do not run smoothly for either of them.
There are lots of challenges to overcome, but their attraction to each other is not one of those challenges. However, Isla is fiercely independent and reluctant to ask for help, but she is bright and determined. A great set of characters and a great finale to this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
There are lots of challenges to overcome, but their attraction to each other is not one of those challenges. However, Isla is fiercely independent and reluctant to ask for help, but she is bright and determined. A great set of characters and a great finale to this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
jennasbookcase's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a good ending to the series. And this one was quite emotional just like all the others.
I've really enjoyed this small town series and MJ has a way of writing beautiful stories using real like experiences. I was on the verge of tears so many times during this one and had to stop reading because my vision was blurry.
I thought this book was a beautiful ending to the Oil Barrons Series and I can't wait to read the companion series next.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Themes/tropes
✨Small town
✨Family drama
✨Workplace
✨Forced proximity
✨Grumpy x sunshine
I've really enjoyed this small town series and MJ has a way of writing beautiful stories using real like experiences. I was on the verge of tears so many times during this one and had to stop reading because my vision was blurry.
I thought this book was a beautiful ending to the Oil Barrons Series and I can't wait to read the companion series next.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Themes/tropes
✨Small town
✨Family drama
✨Workplace
✨Forced proximity
✨Grumpy x sunshine
joyffree's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I don't wanna say goodbye😫
What a magical way to wrap up the series.
Welcome - cop a squat, grab a brew - relax there's rootbeer too if you prefer, and enjoy the journey that Isla and Coy's story as well as the final chapter in the Barron's family saga.
Don't worry though a little 🐦 mentioned that we would see them again soon
The story is full of humor, romance, and heart. Johnston does a great job of developing the characters and their relationships. The reader can't help but root for Isla and McCoy to find their happy ending.
Make Me Exhale is the fifth book in Marie Johnston's Oil Barrons series. It is a standalone novel that can be read without having read the previous books in the series - Though trust me you will want to go back and read them all.
The story follows Isla Barron. After finally coming into her trust fund, Isla turns her plans into a reality - to use the money to start her own brewery. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with, and she is determined to make her brewery a success without any family "input". I took her time to find her legs but dog-gone it she was going to do this the right way.
McCoy Cunningham is the project manager who was hired to help Isla with her brewery. He has felt the sting of betrayal and doesn't play well with others however he is a talented engineer, and he is the best person for the job.
Isla and McCoy seem like complete opposites. There is a lot of chemistry between them. Which they fight - and fail at - quite spectacularly.
Make Me Exhale is a fun and heartwarming romance novel. It is a story about following your dreams and finding love. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is engaging. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.
What a magical way to wrap up the series.
Welcome - cop a squat, grab a brew - relax there's rootbeer too if you prefer, and enjoy the journey that Isla and Coy's story as well as the final chapter in the Barron's family saga.
Don't worry though a little 🐦 mentioned that we would see them again soon
The story is full of humor, romance, and heart. Johnston does a great job of developing the characters and their relationships. The reader can't help but root for Isla and McCoy to find their happy ending.
Make Me Exhale is the fifth book in Marie Johnston's Oil Barrons series. It is a standalone novel that can be read without having read the previous books in the series - Though trust me you will want to go back and read them all.
The story follows Isla Barron. After finally coming into her trust fund, Isla turns her plans into a reality - to use the money to start her own brewery. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with, and she is determined to make her brewery a success without any family "input". I took her time to find her legs but dog-gone it she was going to do this the right way.
McCoy Cunningham is the project manager who was hired to help Isla with her brewery. He has felt the sting of betrayal and doesn't play well with others however he is a talented engineer, and he is the best person for the job.
Isla and McCoy seem like complete opposites. There is a lot of chemistry between them. Which they fight - and fail at - quite spectacularly.
Make Me Exhale is a fun and heartwarming romance novel. It is a story about following your dreams and finding love. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is engaging. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.
aplace_inthesun's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
A final hurrah in the Oil Barrons series. Book 5 I think and we see the baby of the family Isla, stepping out on her own. She’s purchased an old building and is planning a distillery and event space with great plans and a sizeable trust fund to spend. Enter McCoy, 11 years her senior and the project manager for the renovation. He’s working for his mother after a bitter divorce that cost him emotionally and financially.
Isla is fiercely independent but as a result feels increasingly disconnected from her family. She and NcCoy have an instant attraction and have lots in common. This is a nice story, that probably suffered from a little dip in the middle of the book that made me lose a little connectedness. It picked up towards the last third and there were some nice outcomes as a final instalment with these characters.
Isla is fiercely independent but as a result feels increasingly disconnected from her family. She and NcCoy have an instant attraction and have lots in common. This is a nice story, that probably suffered from a little dip in the middle of the book that made me lose a little connectedness. It picked up towards the last third and there were some nice outcomes as a final instalment with these characters.
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