Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster

Fighting DirtyTITLE: Fighting Dirty
SERIES #: Ultimate #4
CHARACTERS: Merissa & Armie
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/23/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With the life he’s led and the muscles he’s gained, Armie Jacobson isn’t afraid of anything. Except maybe Merissa Colter’s effect on him. It’s not just that she’s his best friend’s little sister. Fact is, she deserves better. Women pursue him for one night of pleasure, and that’s all he wants to offer. Until rescuing Merissa from a robbery leads to the most erotic encounter of his life.

Good girl meets bad boy. It’s a story that rarely ends well. But Merissa is taking matters into her own hands. No matter how he views himself, the Armie she knows is brave, honorable and completely loyal. And as past demons and present-day danger collide, they’re both about to learn what’s truly worth fighting for…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This might be my favorite from the series. Maybe it was because of Armie or Maybe because of Rissy but most likely because from book one we knew these two had a connection. Yeah it was the typical “can’t be with my best friends little sister” kind of story… but there is so much more to it.

Armie has been the playboy of the series. Sure the other guys were too but Armie was more so but once we, as the reader, knew where his heart really belonged it was sweet torture waiting for their story to come out. But it was well worth the wait. Merissa is adorable. She is sweet but also a fighter and I don’t mean in the MMA way. She wants to be independent but is just so head over heels in love that she is almost starry eyed for Armie. They belong together.

I also enjoyed the suspense part of the story. It’s not a who dun it kind of suspense since the reader knows pretty quickly but it keeps the story really moving and while a lot happens it is not overdone. The story really flows well and keeps your attention.

But the best part of this story is the bro-romance. The guys from the gym are family. They have each other’s backs and no questions asked are there to support them and yet the ribbing they give each other is sweet in a masculine way. And the connection between Cannon and Rissy and Cannon and Armie are beyond wonderful. Everyone should have a brother and friend like Cannon. The humor that Lori Foster puts in her books makes me smile which doesn’t happen a lot.

I look forward to the new series with some familiar faces. As much as I love Armie. I think Leese just may steal my heart away and I can’t wait.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Stone Cold Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan

stone cold cowboyTITLE: Stone Cold Cowboy
SERIES #: Montana Men #4
CHARACTERS: Rory Kendrick & Sadie Higgins
AUTHOR: Jennifer Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 23, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With their hearts’ desires on the line, nothing can stop the Montana Men

Sadie Higgins has a bad habit of bailing her brother out of trouble. But when he rustles a herd of cattle from the tough, honorable Kendrick brothers, it’s Sadie who’s in for it. Because the cowboy tracking them down is big, silent, and forbidding as hell.

Rory Kendrick is on the hunt to find out who’s been stealing from him. When he stumbles upon Sadie in the woods, he barely recognizes the quiet, vulnerable beauty who has always taken his breath away. His mission shifts in an instant: He will do anything it takes to keep her safe . . . and make her his.

Sadie has always protected her family—no matter the price. But when Rory ropes her heart, she’s forced to take a look at her life and make a dangerous choice—one that could cost, or gain, her everything.

REVIEW:
WOW!!!
The start of Stone Cold Cowboy starts of and a very heartbreaking way. Sadie finds herself in a situation that only a miracle will get her out of.
I really enjoyed this book. Sadie is a trooper. Sadie is willing to do anything for those she loves including giving up her own happiness for them. But this last time with her brother was to much for even Sadie to handle. Thankfully she has a very stubborn cowboy in her corner.
Rory Kendrick is one tough cowboy who is about get his world turned upside down by a one Sadie Higgins and her family. Rory had two choices. Turn his back or Cowboy up.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Ryan has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss & Avon in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Hunted By Darkness by Katie Reus

Hunted by DarknessTITLE: Hunted by Darkness
SERIES #: Darkness #4
CHARACTERS: Bo & Nyx
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 9, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From two different worlds…

Now that she’s escaped her oppressive family, Nyx is enjoying her new life and friends—even if most of her friends don’t know who or what she is. As a rare demigod, she’s just learning how powerful she truly is, but family drama turns her world upside down, throwing the one man she cares about into danger.

He wasn’t supposed to fall for her…

Nyx is nothing like the females half-demon Bo Broussard has been with. Sweet and innocent, she’s not even remotely his type. But the moment she walks into his bar, he knows he’s not letting her go. Unfortunately someone from her past thinks they can force her into an arranged marriage.

He’s not letting her go…

Someone is targeting one of them, and Bo doesn’t know why. When they’re thrown into a hell realm together, he and Nyx will need to band together if they want to survive the perils of that world. No matter who was behind the attack, his choice is clear. Defend Nyx at all cost and make her his forever.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As always Ms. Reus writes a story that draws you in and makes you love her characters. I have been hoping for Bo and Nyx to break out of the I like you but not going to do anything about it faze. And finally they get with the program only for Bo to be a dumbass.

I enjoyed Hunted by Darkness. I really enjoyed the journey that Bo and Nyx were forced to go on. And I am looking forward to seeing how these two grow as the series goes on.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie Reus in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Redemption by Kate Douglas

redemptionTITLE: Redemption
SERIES #: Intimate Relations #2
CHARACTERS: Ben Lowell & Lola Monroe
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From bestselling author Kate Douglas comes a breathtaking tale of unraveling secrets, heart-stopping passion, and a love that conquers all…

SECRETS THREATENING TO CONSUME

Lola Monroe knows that appearances can be deceiving—even in the most beautiful of places and angelic of faces. She’s seen how the ugliest rumors and lies can destroy women’s lives and careers. So when roommate’s brother-in-law shows up at Lola’s doorstep—unannounced, unassuming, and unbelievably gorgeous—she can’t help but wonder if he’s hiding something behind that handsome face, that sly smile, and those tempting lips…

PASSION WORTH FIGHTING FOR

A battle-scarred veteran with devilish looks, Ben Lowell has spent his entire life running from his past, his family—and his deepest, darkest secrets. When he meets Lola, he knows in his heart he can trust her with the truth, even if it means baring his soul and losing her forever. Lola wants to help Ben find redemption by reconciling with his family. But when she discovers more skeletons hiding in his closet—and more dangers waiting in the shadows—the powerful love that binds them together could be the one thing that tears them apart…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Redemption picks up where Intimate left off. We got to learn a lot about Ben in book one of this series. But in Redemption we learn a lot more about Ben and his way of thinking. Ben has been battling the demons from his past. But now he has a chance to face those demons and slay them. Ben might be surprised by the reception he gets when he gets home.
I liked this story. It was a great continuation of Ben & Jake’s story. I was happy to see the brothers resolve some of their issues. I also really like Ben and Lola together. While the story line moved very face it was a good journey.
I am looking forward to the next installment into this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Worth The Risk by Savannah Stuart

worth the riskTITLE: Worth the Risk
SERIES #: Miami Scorcher Series, #2
CHARACTERS: Stephan Lazos & Marisol Cabrera
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: August 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One man is getting in the way of her revenge…her mate.

Werewolf Marisol Cabrera has one goal in life: kill the man who murdered her entire pack. When she meets alpha werewolf Stephan and realizes he’s her mate, all her carefully laid plans dissipate in seconds. By all accounts, she should hate Stephan and everything he stands for. After all, he’s a dirty arms dealer doing business with her mortal enemy. Unfortunately, every time the dominating wolf gets close, she can’t deny her growing attraction for the last man in the world she expected to want.

But things aren’t what they seem…

Undercover DEA agent Stephan Lazos is about to make the biggest bust of his career, but everything that can go wrong, does. He never expected to discover his mate while on the job. She saves his life and his cover when he almost shifts in the middle of a crowded Miami nightclub, but that doesn’t mean he trusts her. The clock is ticking and if he doesn’t figure out what secrets the sexy she-wolf is keeping from him, he might not just lose his job, but his life in the process.

Length: 36,000 word

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I have been reading this series out of order. But each story has stood on it’s own that I don’t feel like I am missing anything. Worth the Risk is the second book in the Miami Scorcher series.
Marisol is Miami out of revenge and nothing is going to stop her. But as with all great plans you can never plan for every turn life will throw at you.
Stephan is undercover trying not only to do his job but to protect his pack as well. Stephan maybe a seasoned agent but nothing could prepare him for Marisol.
I really enjoyed Stephan & Marisol’s story. Stephan & Marisol are a fun couple. I love that they are both stubborn yet they find a way to work together. I hope to see them and have updates on these two as I finish out the story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & KR Press, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Unexpected Rush by Jaci Burton

unexpected rushTITLE: Unexpected Rush
SERIES #: Play by Play #11
CHARACTERS: Barrett Cassidy & Harmony Evans
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: February 16, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times Bestselling author of All Wound Up, a football hot shot and his best friend’s sister are breaking all the rules.

All the Right Moves

For Barrett Cassidy, playing defense for the Tampa Hawks is a dream come true. And now he may have discovered his dream woman. Harmony Evans, once the sweet, gawky teenage sister of his best friend and teammate has grown into a smart, gorgeous woman with moves he finds hard to resist. But he knows he can’t get involved with his best friend’s sister—it’s guy code.

Harmony has always gone after what she wants with single-minded determination, from her independence to her education to her career in social work. She never expected her youthful crush on Barrett to develop into something deeper. And she’s not about to let some ridiculous man rules or her brother stand in her way.

When the chemistry is this combustible, lines tend to get crossed. And when Barrett and Harmony’s secret gets out, it just might be game over

REVIEW:
Another great Play by Play story from Ms. Burton!! We have got to know Barrett Cassidy over the last few book in this series. The whole Cassidy clan is great. But I will say that I always had a soft spot for Barrett. I was so happy that he got his story. Barrett is a tough talking, no nonsense defensive football player who is willing to do what it takes on the field for a win and willing to do anything family and friends. But in Unexpected Rush Barrett is going to realize that sometime the simplest thing you can to is speak the truth.
Harmony Evans is wonderful!!! I love her. She is the perfect match for a football player who doesn’t know that he is ready for a future. I loved the she put Barrett through the paces in this story.
I always love visiting this series. I love that Ms. Burton can take two things that I love romance & sports and write a story that always brings me to tears and laughter. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series, because Flynn and Drake both need stories. I am really looking forward to Drake’s story!!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Dark Alpha’s Embrace by Donna Grant

dark alphas embraceTITLE: Dark Alpha’s Embrace
SERIES #: Reapers #2
CHARACTERS: Kyran & River
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: February 16, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exclusive new series from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant!

There’s no escaping a Reaper. I’m an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

I’m a warrior. My unbreakable determination, my backbone of steel define me. As a Reaper who does Death’s bidding, weakness is a word I don’t understand. Until a stunning librarian stirs emotions deep within me I’ve never felt before. Her soft curves blunt the sharp edges of my soul, crushing my defenses – yet make me stronger. But underneath those wide eyes and fierce femininity, she has a weapon, one she won’t hesitate to use. And when the Dark begin their deadly descent, we’ll need each other’s love and protection…or risk fracturing apart.

REVIEW:
Dark Alpha’s Embrace picks up where we left off in Dark Alpha’s Claim. With the Reapers fighting an old enemy and learning how to cope with changes that they never thought would happen.
I enjoyed this second installment in the Reaper’s series. I love all the Reapers. They are so serious, loyal and fun!! I really enjoyed the addition of River to this series. It should be interesting to see how she copes with all the changes coming her way.
The end of this story reinforce my hate of a certain Light Fae. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. But I if I know Ms. Grant there will be much anxiety before the series is over.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Natasha reviews See Me by Nicholas Sparks

see meTITLE: See Me
CHARACTERS: Maria & Colin
AUTHOR: Nicholas Sparks
PUBLICATION DATE: October 13, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
See me just as I see you . . .

Colin Hancock is giving his second chance his best shot. With a history of violence and bad decisions behind him and the threat of prison dogging his every step, he’s determined to walk a straight line. To Colin, that means applying himself single-mindedly toward his teaching degree and avoiding everything that proved destructive in his earlier life. Reminding himself daily of his hard-earned lessons, the last thing he is looking for is a serious relationship.

Maria Sanchez, the hardworking daughter of Mexican immigrants, is the picture of conventional success. With a degree from Duke Law School and a job at a prestigious firm in Wilmington, she is a dark-haired beauty with a seemingly flawless professional track record. And yet Maria has a traumatic history of her own, one that compelled her to return to her hometown and left her questioning so much of what she once believed.

A chance encounter on a rain-swept road will alter the course of both Colin and Maria’s lives, challenging deeply held assumptions about each other and ultimately, themselves. As love unexpectedly takes hold between them, they dare to envision what a future together could possibly look like . . . until menacing reminders of events in Maria’s past begin to surface.

As a series of threatening incidents wreaks chaos in Maria’s life, Maria and Colin will be tested in increasingly terrifying ways. Will demons from their past destroy the tenuous relationship they’ve begun to build, or will their love protect them, even in the darkest hour?

Rich in emotion and fueled with suspense, SEE ME reminds us that love is sometimes forged in the crises that threaten to shatter us . . . and that those who see us for who we truly are may not always be the ones easiest to recognize.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book a lot. I almost always love a Nicholas Sparks book, and frequently find myself sobbing hysterically at the end. I will say, this book did not make me cry, nor did it pull particularly hard on my emotions. It was however intriguing. I enjoyed the suspense aspect and the mixed race couple – I am happy that Sparks is at least attempting to bring diversity into his characters. All supporting characters were fun and made the book hard to put down. If you’re a Sparks fan give it a go!

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Power Unleashed by Savannah Stuart

power unleashedTITLE: Power Unleashed
SERIES #: Miami Scorcher Series #3
CHARACTERS: Adam Tucker & Paz Cabrera
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: August 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She has a big secret…

After a year in captivity, werewolf Paz Cabrera is trying to figure out her place in the world. While her sister’s new family is welcoming, Paz still doesn’t feel like she belongs to the Lazos pack. She has a big secret that could harm them all and give The Council ammunition to kill her. When The Council sends their legendary enforcer to hunt a rogue werewolf terrorizing Miami, she makes a shocking discovery about the one man she’s supposed to be avoiding. He’s her mate and she’s terrified he’ll uncover her secret.

He’ll stop at nothing to uncover the truth…

As enforcer and one of the oldest living werewolves on the planet, Adam Tucker had fated himself to a lonely life. After centuries by himself, he never expected to meet his mate while on the job, but now that he’s found her, he won’t let her go. Paz denies their connection, but she can’t escape the sizzling heat between them. No matter what it takes, he plans to uncover the truth behind her resistance and bond her to him forever.

Miami Scorcher Series, #3
Length: 35,000 words

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Adam is the Council’s enforcer. He is the one that has to clean up all the dirty work. His has been sent by the Council to investigate the two she-wolves saved from the lab and track down a rogue werewolf. Adam knows how to do his job and he does it very well. He is always prepared. Always. Except this trip to Miami he not prepared. Because he never prepared for her.
Paz has survived being kidnapped and locked away in a lab for over a year. She is safe now. As long as no one finds out her secret. A secret that if the Council’s enforcer find out about could lead to her death. Paz’s only chance is to lie and hope that the enforcer never finds out.
I really enjoyed Adam and Paz’s story. Both Adam and Paz have a lot of secrets in their past which makes them perfect for each other. They will also learn what the meaning of trust and love are. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & KR Press, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Rage/Killian by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

rage killianTITLE: Rage/Killian
SERIES #: Bayou Heat #17/#18
CHARACTERS: Rage & Lucie/ Killian & Rosalie
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: August 11, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Get Wild in the Wildlands

From New York Times Bestsellers, Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright, the heat of the bayou is back with Rage/Killian in an all-new dual ‘tail’. Enter the Wildlands, where a new, volatile danger threatens the sizzling hot Pantera.

RAGE
Rage might be an aggressive Hunter by nature, but the gorgeous male has never had a problem charming the females. All except Lucie Gaudet. Of course, the lovely Geek is a born troublemaker, and it was no surprise to Rage when she was kicked out of the Wildlands.

But now the Pantera need a first-class hacker to stop the potential destruction of their people. And it’s up to Rage to convince Lucie to help. Can the two forget the past—and their sizzling attraction—to save the Pantera?

KILLIAN
Gorgeous, brutal, aggressive, and human, Killian O’Roarke wants only two things: to get rid of the Pantera DNA he’s been infected with, and get back to the field. But the decorated Army Ranger never bargained on meeting the woman—the female—of his dreams on his mission to the Wildlands.

Rosalie lost her mate to a human, and now the Hunter despises them all. In fact, she thinks they’re good for only one thing: barbeque. But this one she’s guarding is testing her beliefs. He is proud and kind, and also knows the pain of loss. But in a time of war between their species, isn’t any chance of love destined for destruction?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I am not catch up on this series, but Rage & Killian’s story can easily be read as a stand alone novella. Yes, it might be a tad bit spoilery for some. I didn’t have an issue, but just a warning.
Both Rage & Killian’s stories are very fast paced novellas. A lot happens very quickly in each story. I really enjoyed Rage & Lucie and would love to know more about these two. I have a funny feeling Rage is going to have his hands full with her ;). Killian & Rosalie have both suffered so much in the past it is great to see two lost souls find happiness.
I really need to get on the horse and get catch up on this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Concepts & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Need Me by Cynthia Eden

need meTITLE: Need Me
SERIES #: Dark Obsession #3
CHARACTERS: Devlin Shade & Julianna Smith
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Innocent…or guilty?

The cops think that Julianna Smith is a murderer. No one will listen when Julianna claims she’s innocent, and as the suspicions mount against her, only Julianna knows the truth…a killer is hunting her. Somewhere in the darkness, a stalker is closing in and preparing to deliver a final justice that she can’t escape.

He’s her only option.

Devlin Shade isn’t a man who trusts easily, and when Julianna Smith walks into VJS Protection, he’s well aware of her reputation—the sexy blond could be a cold-blooded murderer. Only when he looks at her, cold is the last thing that Devlin feels. There’s an instant attraction between them—hot, fierce, primal. And he agrees to take her case. He’ll be her bodyguard. He’ll keep her safe from the enemy hunting her, and he’ll also find out the truth about the mysterious Julianna. If she is a killer, he’ll turn her over to the cops himself.

She can’t let him get too close…

Julianna knows that she is walking a dangerous line with Devlin. She never expected to want him so much, and as they grow closer, she realizes that he’s working to uncover her secrets. But the secrets that she carries are worth killing for…and she can’t let anyone discover the truth, not even Devlin.

Killer or victim…

Soon the thin line between right and wrong is blurred. For Devlin, the case becomes personal, and all that matters is Julianna—keeping her safe and stopping the stalker who is on her trail. As he slides deeper into Julianna’s dangerous world, Devlin’s own darkness rises up. He’s played the good guy for so long, but now his mask is falling away. He isn’t controlled, he isn’t safe, and when Julianna is threatened, he will cross any line to keep her safe.

NEED ME.

Some needs can push you to the edge of sanity…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Need Me was another good story in Ms. Eden’s Dark Obsession series. We have got to see Devlin in the first to books as he is one third of the VJS Protection service. But we finally get to see what makes him tick. And of course we have seen Julianna before too. After finishing Want Me I was wondering what would happen to her and if she was indeed a murderer.
I enjoyed this book and I am very much looking forward to reading Ethan’s story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Hocus Pocus Publishing, Inc. in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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