Author: Kimberly

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Kelly reviews Watch Me by Cynthia Eden

watch meTITLE: Watch Me
SERIES #: Dark Obsession #1
CHARACTERS: Chance Valentine & Gwen Hawthorne
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.

He was hired to protect her.

Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.

He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.

But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I enjoyed Watch Me and am looking forward to the next two books in this series. I will say that the suspense was just a tad be off for me. I kinda had it figure out from the beginning. But then a wrench got thrown in there and I doubted myself for a minute. But I really did like Chance and his partners. I really liked Chance & Gwen together. Heck I even liked Ethan.

Watch Me was a quick read. I keep thinking I will read just one more chapter and before I knew it I was done. If you are a Cynthia Eden fan I think you will like this book.

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.

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Natasha reviews Christmas At Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers

christmas at carriage hillTITLE: Christmas at Carriage Hill
SERIES #: Swift River Valley Novella
CHARACTERS: Alexandra & Ian
AUTHOR: Carla Neggers
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/2/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Celebrate the holidays with this magical Swift River Valley novella from New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers
When fashion designer Alexandra Rankin Hunt is asked to create the dresses for Olivia Frost’s Christmas wedding in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, she jumps at the chance. She’s certain she’ll never get to design one for herself not with her history of falling for the wrong men. Ian Mabry, the sexy fighter pilot whose bravery reminded her of her beloved great-grandfather, was the worst yet.
To Alexandra’s surprise, Ian is also at Carriage Hill, Olivia’s picturesque country inn. And if anyone can charm his way into a wedding, it’s him. Ian wants more than an invitation he’s determined to find a way back into Alexandra’s life.

REVIEW: This was a nice short read just in time for the holidays. This novella is a part of a series that I have not read, but luckily the author gives us plenty of background information to make sure we understand the world she’s created. I enjoyed meeting all of these characters who fans of this series likely already know so well. I really liked Alexandra and her personality, she’s pretty easy going and sweet. Ian is super cocky and confident, but it works for him. They were cute together and I enjoyed their story. If you have an hour to kill, snuggle in with this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Natasha reviews Broken Open by Lauren Dane

broken openTITLE: Broken Open
SERIES #: The Hurley Boys #2
CHARACTERS: Tuesday Eastwood & Ezra Hurley
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beyond passion. And beyond their control.
Five years ago, Tuesday Eastwood’s life collapsed and left her devastated. After an empty, nomadic existence, she’s finally pieced her life back together in the small Oregon town of Hood River. Now Tuesday has everything sorted out. Just so long as men are kept for sex, and only sex.
Then she met him.
Musician and rancher Ezra Hurley isn’t the man of Tuesday’s dreams. He’s a verboten fantasy,a man tortured by past addictions whose dark charisma and long, lean body promise delicious carnality. But this craving goes far beyond chemistry. It’s primal. It’s insatiable. And it won’t be satisfied until they’re both consumed, body and soul…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts First off, I have to say – kudos to this author for featuring an interracial couple in this story! It’s a reality in the world, and one we don’t see represented a lot in the romance genre, so I’m super excited about that. Ezra and Tuesday were so great together. Each equally head strong and stubborn but both gravitating toward one another in a way neither could fight. This story is full of heartbreak. Ezra and Tuesday have overcome extremely painful situations and are both in a place where they can see the brighter side of life. All of the cast of characters have strong individual personalities and I loved getting to know all of them. This is the second book in the Hurley Boys series but can easily be read as a standalone since the author gives a lot of background information to the reader. I really enjoyed this story and it’s definitely worth a read!

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

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Natasha reviews Three The Hard Way by Sydney Croft

three the hard way****Warning: This book and review is an m/m/m story. If you are offended please do not continue to read.****
TITLE: Three the Hard Way
SERIES #: ACRO #7
CHARACTERS: Ian, Taggart & Justice
AUTHOR: Sydney Croft
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Lovers Taggart Brody and Justice McKinney possess special abilities that make them valuable to agencies who employ—or enslave—people with extraordinary talents. When tragedy tears them apart, Justice finds purpose working for the good guys: ACRO, the super-secret Agency for Covert Rare Operatives. But he never forgets Taggart or the past they once shared.

Heartbroken, Taggart runs from who he is . . . right into the arms of Ian Bridges. But Ian, battling his own demons, betrays Tag to the terrorist organization Itor. After months of torture, Tag manages to escape, but kills an ACRO agent in the process.

With nowhere left to turn, Tag disappears into the Alaskan wilderness, but it’s only a matter of time before his enemies track him down. He reaches out to Justice, and somehow Ian finds him too, hoping to right his wrongs. With ACRO and Itor both bearing down, the three men must figure out how to forgive, how to work together, and how to love each other—or the coming battle will destroy them all.

Twenty percent of all proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Visit their website at itgetsbetter.org for more information and to find out how you can get involved.

REVIEW:
Finally! Another installment of the ACRO series! I have loved this series for years and have been anxiously awaiting a new story for years. Hats off to Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler who step out of their typical day to day storytelling as Sydney Croft and delve into a m/m/m story that is so passionately loving and important. I loved all three of these main characters. Ian, Tag and Justice are all extremely hardheaded and independent. But they all have a common need: to love and be loved. I loved this little glimpse into ACRO and these characters. It was written perfectly and I applaud these authors for their bold writing skills. It definitely is appreciated by fans of this series that you do not shy away from these characters that we love so much – no matter where they take you! I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this amazing series and hope it comes sooner rather than later.

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

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Kelly reviews The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter

the closer you comeTITLE: The Closer you Come
SERIES #: The Original Heartbreakers #1
CHARACTERS: Jase Hollister & Brook Lynn Dillon
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers, where three not-quite-reformed bad boys are about to meet the women who will bring them to their knees.

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. Model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty—but he’s determined to play by the rules.

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been the responsible type. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and wouldn’t know fun if it bit her. Or so she thinks. Jase makes bad look oh, so good. Dangerous, sexy and tempting as sin, he is everything she never knew she wanted. Passion sizzles between them, but is it enough to melt his resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what he needs

REVIEW:
Ms. Showalter is a great story teller.
As The Closer you Come started I was not a Jase fan. Why you ask? Well, he was a bit of a dirt bag. That is all I am giving you. You will have to read to find out. But as the story went on and we got to see the real Jase. The Jase that doesn’t hold back and that loves fully I totally fell for him.
Brook Lynn is great. She puts up with so much and almost always stands tall (she is human and sometimes humans react stupidly). I love that when she counts people move. I loved how Brook Lynn handled all the boys (Jase, Beck and West). She is a master of all things. 🙂
There were times that the story was just a tad slow for me. But I think I blame my crazy life at the moment for making me take longer than I normally would to read this story. I really can’t wait for the next two books in this series. I can’t wait to see how Ms. Showalter wrangles Beck & West.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQN Books 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 Tamed by Stacey Kennedy

tamedTITLE: Tamed
SERIES #: Club Sin #5
CHARACTERS: Porter Marshall & Kenzie Hart
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: March 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy returns to the tantalizing world of Club Sin in an enticing novel of control and surrender.

Porter Marshall has nearly achieved his goal of becoming a Club Sin Master, but his new sub poses a much bigger challenge than he anticipated. Despite their mutual attraction and red-hot dungeon sessions, Kenzie Hart plays her own games. Her bratty, you-can’t-break-me attitude masks terrible personal hurt—pain that only the exquisite touch of a skilled Dom can release. But when Porter suggests taking their connection to the outside world, Kenzie denies him . . . which only makes him want her more.

Kenzie can’t ignore the raw, fierce bond she has with Porter. But she can’t give in to his dangerous demands, either. Is the passion they share real, or is he using her to solidify his status at Club Sin? And yet, who else can she trust with the shattering secrets she holds within? As Porter expertly brings her to the point of no return, Kenzie surrenders her body—and, piece by piece, her heart.

Tamed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
Another great story from Ms. Kennedy. Loved Porter when we first met him in Cora & Adian’s book. There was something about him that made you want to grab him and give him a big hug. Not that he would ever admit that he needs random hugs. Well except from Kenize. When it comes to Kenize, Porter will do just about anything.
Now that brings me to Kenize. Kenize is all tough and fierce when she is inside the walls of Club Sin, but outside she is anything but. So when she enters into this agreement with Porter, Kenize figures it will be like it always has been. She will mouth off and get what she wants. Only problem is that Porter Marshall doesn’t play by the rules.
I really enjoyed Porter and Kenzie’s story. Both have been looking for something for so long. Neither truly knowing what it was that they needed. But together they have found what completes them. Great story!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept 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 Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

black iceTITLE: Black Ice
CHARACTERS: Britt and Mason
AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick
PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger is hard to resist in this sexy thriller from Becca Fitzpatrick, the New York Times bestselling author of the Hush, Hush saga.
Britt Pheiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn’t prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants; but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.
Britt is forced to guide the men off the mountain, and knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target.
But nothing is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?
Black Ice is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed the Hush Hush series, so when I saw that Becca Fitzpatrick had a new YA book out I jumped on it. I have to say, I loved this book! There were a few times where the characters annoyed me and where I thought the book was moving along too slowly – but I was wrong. There was a purpose to it all and I found that all of the build up was necessary for the epic ending. This story is an emotional roller coaster that I couldn’t put down. The characters are intriguing and I was truly invested in Britt and Mason. I will say, I guessed at the big reveal pretty early on, but there were still twists I didn’t see coming – so I was still somewhat guessing up until the end. Britt was a strong lead character and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own. The epilogue seemed a little lengthy at a glance, but I loved it! Hands down, my favorite part of the book. I sobbed…a lot.

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 Stripped With The Vampire by Jax Garren

stripped with the vampireTITLE: Stripped with the Vampire
SERIES #: Austin Immortals #1
CHARACTERS: Charlie & Vince
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: March 11, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a world of dark spells and blood ties where no one is safe, love is the most powerful magic of all.
Shy vampire Charlie never intended to see Vince again after the bad boy human broke his heart. But when Vince turns up beaten and marked for sacrifice to an Aztec God, Charlie will do anything keep him safe.

Vince has never forgiven himself for the lie that ended things with Charlie. The spark between them is as hot as ever, and Vince would risk body and soul to make it a fire again. But as they hide deeper in Austin’s supernatural society—a world of lies, dark magic, and warring immortals—he finds the path to reconciliation more twisted than he’s ever imagined.

REVIEW:
**Warning**
This is a m/m romance so if you don’t like reading this genre I would stop here.

Stipping the Vampire was a good story. I don’t normally read m/m romances but I did enjoy Charlie & Vince’s story. I enjoyed the crazy world that Ms. Garren has created of vampires (both good and totally messed up). There was so much going on in this story. Myths, legends, crazy people, love, longing and an uncertain future.

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

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Kelly & Natasha review Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

rock hardTITLE: Rock Hard
SERIES #: Rock Kiss #2
CHARACTERS: Gabriel Bishop & Charlotte Baird
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In New York Times Bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Baird.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO—a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake—clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts T-Rex is on the hunt. But this time the mouse has come armed with weapons. Lots and lots of weapons to take down the big bad T-Rex.

I was so very excited to get my hands on Gabriel and Charlie’s story. I had falling in love with Charlie in book 1 Rock Addiction. I knew from the moment Charlie stepped on the since she was a lot tougher than even she thought she was. In Rock Hard she proves that over and over again. And of course we can forget listening to Charlie talk about her horrible new boss to her best friend Molly.
Gabriel is most definitely a T-Rex kind of guy. But even T-Rex’s need love right? Or they need to be knock up side the head a few times. But either way Gabriel is nice on the eyes, a whiz at his job, bossy and a super nice guy who will do anything for those he loves.

I could keep going but I really want you to find out for yourself why Rock Hard is so far (because I hope there are lots more books) my favorite book of the series. :). If you liked the first two stories in the Rock Kiss series you will love Rock Hard. If you are new to the series never fear. Rock Hard can be read out of order (but I would suggest starting with book one).
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Singh has in store for this series next.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This was another great installment in this series. I loved Charlotte and Gabriel together. He’s such an intimidating yet loving leading character. I have to say, Charlotte’s behavior was frustrating me for a good portion of the book – however she began to grown on me after more of her background emerged. The supporting characters in this series continue to be intriguing and the relationships genuine. I love this series and will continue to read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & TKA Distribution 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 The Accidental Werewolf 2 by Dakota Cassidy

accidental werewolf 2TITLE: The Accidental Werewolf 2: Something about Harry
SERIES #: Accidentals #8
CHARACTERS: Harry Emerson & Mara Flaherty
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: July 21, 2014
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 2 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N  | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s in a furry situation.

Accountant Harry Ralph Emerson has always been a by-the-numbers kind of guy. But when he finds himself trapped at work sprouting an obscene amount of hair, he knows his odds for maintaining normalcy are zero to none. After a frantic internet search, Harry goes through the OOPS—Out in the Open Paranormal Support—checklist and comes to a disheartening conclusion: He’s turning into a werewolf and he needs help ASAP.

She might be the only solution.

Werewolf Mara Flaherty has long carried a torch for Pack Cosmetics’s sexy single accountant, even after her attempt to seduce him went down in flames. When her sister-in-law, Marty, shows up to handle Harry’s OOPS emergency, she tasks Mara with showing the hirsute hottie the ropes. But Mara knows Harry’s condition is a result of her lab experiment gone wrong—and the previously mild-mannered object of her affection is about to give her a piece of his mind…

REVIEW:
Mara Flaherty wants one thing. Well really she wants two, but the second thing will never come true after what she did at the christmas party last year. So back to only wanting one thing. A baby. So what does any brain beauty due? Why create a baby making formula. Only one problem. Mara didn’t drink it. Oh NO… that honor went to the number 2 thing that Mara wants. The hunky, brainy, totally not into Mara and very human Harry Emerson. One problem. Harry is no longer human. Oops…..

Another great story from Ms. Cassidy. And great narration by Ms. Mitchell. These two are a great combination. Ms. Cassidy with her witty, always with the funny, yet can bring me to tears stories. And Ms. Mitchell nailing every character to a T with how they should sound. I am so happy that I started this series on audio. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Yay a Dragon 🙂 Can’t wait to start.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audio book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Cowboy Heaven by Cheryl Brooks

cowboy heavenTITLE: Cowboy Heaven
SERIES #: Cowboy Heaven #1
CHARACTERS: Angela & Dusty
AUTHOR: Cheryl Brooks
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cheryl Brooks, well known for her blazing hot love scenes, presents a smoking new erotic romance series set at a Wyoming ranch and featuring sexy-as-sin cowboys.

When widow Angela McClure decides to let loose and start a secret affair with a younger ranch hand, she inflames rancher Dusty Jackson’s long simmering desire. Both men are irresistible – and forbidden – so Angela forms a plan to divert her old-fashioned father’s suspicions: flirt with all of “her cowboys.’ The new competition makes Circle Bar K ranch hotter than it’s ever been before…

REVIEW:
This was really hard to read.It seemed like it was written as a short erotic story and the author decided to add some back story to it. The only thing missing was the “boom chicka bow bow” music playing in the background.

Worst part was the sex scenes weren’t even that great. Won’t be continuing with this series.

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

2hearts

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Kimberly reviews Rumors by AC Arthur

rumorsTITLE: Rumors
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/30/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N Coming Soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her death tore them apart. Will solving her murder bring them back together?

Best friends Landy, Tenile, Nicole, Nathan, Justin, and Kareem were the golden children of Tanner University. Their paths were set: doctors, lawyers, business moguls, they were going to light the world on fire. Then, two weeks before graduation, Landy was murdered—and Nathan was blamed. Though he was never charged, vicious rumors drove him from town, and the circle of friends broke.

Ten years later, Nathan is back in Tanner, determined to clear his name. He’s asking questions no one wants answered, and soon rumors threaten to divide the community once more. Everyone in this small town is keeping big secrets—especially Landy’s old friends—and someone is willing to kill to keep their darkest deeds buried. . . .

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This story was previously released as Within The Shadows in 2007.I have enjoyed other stories by AC Arthur but I have to say I had the hardest time with this book. First there are so many characters that they all seem to mesh together. I never seemed to find myself caring about any of them. It felt like I was reading a soap opera or some teen drama where the group jumps from partner to partner in the same circle. I really just can’t say I enjoyed it and I am sorry to have to say that.

I will continue to read AC Arthur but think I will stick to her current reads and not the ones that are releases from before as her writing has improved so much.

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

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