Kimberly

March 5, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Brash by Laura Wright

TITLE: Brash
SERIES #: The Cavanaugh Brothers #3
CHARACTERS: Cole Cavanaugh & Grace Hunter
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of the Cavanaugh Brothers novels returns to the Cavanaugh’s Texas Triple C ranch as the brothers confront the painful memories of their childhood and the truth about their sister’s murder…

No matter how many fights UFC champion Cole Cavanaugh wins, he can’t rid himself of the guilt of not having saved his twin sister’s life. Now, not only is he facing his arch enemy in the ring, he’s fighting to uncover the truth about Cass’s death. But will winning both fights truly give him the retribution and absolution he seeks? Or does he need the healing power of love to finally move on with his life?

The mystery surrounding Cass’s murder also haunts veterinarian Grace Hunter. Many believe that her father might hold the key to the truth. Unfortunately the ex-Sheriff’s deteriorating mental state makes it impossible to separate fact from fiction. As Cole persuades Grace to help him unlock the elusive clues, her defenses weaken. She finds the Stetson-wearing fighter irresistible. But while the truth could free Cole’s heart, it could very well end up shattering hers.

REVIEW:
Another good book in Ms. Wright’s Cavanaugh Brothers series. I have really liked Cole from the start and was so happy to read his book. He seems to be the one hurting and taking the blame the most in Cass’s murder. Cole puts on a front that he doesn’t care about anyone or anything (other than his sister and fightin. But in BRASH we get to see a new side to Cole. The side that shows he does care just a little bit. I have to say one of my favorite scenes is when Grace goes on a date with the Reverend and Cole’s reaction. Priceless 🙂 . In BRASH we learn more about what and who happened to Cass. I won’t give you more than that, because you know you need to read it and find out for yourself.
But this was a good story and I can’t wait to see what happens next with Blue’s story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 5, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews The Accidental Genie by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: The Accidental Genie
SERIES #: The Accidentals #7
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE:
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s all bottled up.

Jeannie Carlyle is a caterer extraordinaire, more than ready to handle any challenge thrown at her. But when her client asks her to open up a rare bottle of gin for a party, Jeannie is shocked when a guy in poofy pants pops out and she gets sucked inside. Trapped in the bottle, Jeannie does the only thing she can think of and uses her cell phone to search the term “paranormal” and finds the number for OOPS—Out in the Open Paranormal Support.

Until he sets her free.

Werewolf Sloan Flaherty isn’t keen on dealing with distraught women, especially since his sister-in-law Marty basically forced him to man the OOPS phones. But when Jeannie calls in a panic, Sloan is the only one available to find Jeannie’s bottle. After giving it a good rub, Jeannie emerges dressed like a character from Arabian Nights and starts calling Sloan “Master.” Now, they need to figure out how to break their unwanted bond, before the wishes Jeannie can’t stop granting get them into more trouble than even the OOPS girls can handle

REVIEW:
Dear Ms. Dakota,
Thank you so very much for making me cry, laugh, cringe and have a major case of anxiety. You wrote yet another great Accidental story. But let me just tell you how much I hate when a certain person kept getting the upper hand. Oh did I die just a little. Ugggg!!!!!
But I still love you and can not wait for the next adventure into the Accidentals. Oh and what you did to Nina!!! Priceless!!! Pure genius!!!! Or should I say GENIEUS!!!! Is that a word? Oh who cares!! Loved it!!!
Loved Jeanie. Loved Sloan!!!! Loved it all!!!!
Thanks for a great story,
Me.

And as always Ms. Mitchell does an amazing job of bring this rag tag crew to life for me. Keep up the awesome work Meredith.

On to the next adventure!!!!!!

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

March 4, 2015March 1, 2015

Natasha reviews My Sister’s Grave by Robert Dugoni

TITLE: My Sister’s Grave
SERIES #: The Tracy Crosswhite Series
CHARACTERS: Tracy Crosswhite & Dan O’Leary
AUTHOR: Robert Dugoni
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tracy Crosswhite has spent twenty years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah’s disappearance and the murder trial that followed. She doesn’t believe that Edmund House — a convicted rapist and the man condemned for Sarah’s murder — is the guilty party. Motivated by the opportunity to obtain real justice, Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD and dedicated her life to tracking down killers.

When Sarah’s remains are finally discovered near their hometown in the northern Cascade mountains of Washington State, Tracy is determined to get the answers she’s been seeking. As she searches for the real killer, she unearths dark, long-kept secrets that will forever change her relationship to her past — and open the door to deadly danger.

REVIEW: This was a new author to me and I found I enjoyed the book a lot. The storyline takes place twenty years after the incident and the mystery unfolds in real time along with tidbits of information from twenty years ago. I was intrigued and found I couldn’t wait to get more pieces of the puzzle. The whodunit was completely speculative on my part, and I was definitely surprised by the ending – which doesn’t happen often! The characters were all real and genuine in their own ways – love them or hate them. And there were plenty that I hated. For the most part though I enjoyed them all and was very pleased with the story.

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

March 3, 2015March 2, 2015

Kelly reviews Unraveled by Lorelei James

TITLE: Unraveled
SERIES #: Mastered #3
CHARACTERS: Knox Lofgren & Shiori Hirano
AUTHOR: Lorelei James
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sizzling continuation of the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man will find the domination he’s always craved…

Shiori Hirano and Knox Lofgren are left to run the martial arts program at Black Arts while Ronin Black travels. On the surface, the two highest ranked belts appear to cooperate—but in private, they butt heads constantly, despite the undeniable attraction between them. Soon their power exchanges start to make for a sweltering dynamic in the bedroom…

At first Knox is shocked to be living out his submissive desires, but Shiori sets out to prove that embracing his true sexual nature doesn’t make him a weak man. But even while their sexual relationship grants him a power and fulfillment he finds surprising, there’s no training regimen for the fight that comes with loving a strong woman

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Wowza can Ms. James write a story. Unraveled kinda throws you for a loop by having the Dom/sub role reversed. But let me tell you it was a great story. I am not sure it would have worked with any of the other character so far in this series. But Knox and Shiori make it work and make it real. I will admit at times the story was a tad slow and I found myself wanting to skip forward. But then I was worried I would miss something. Needless to say I was very happy with Knox and Shiori’s journey of discovery.
I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & & Penguin Group Berkley, NAL/Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 3, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Accidentally Dead, Again by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Dead, Again
SERIES #: Accidental #6
CHARACTERS: Sam McLean & Phoebe Reynolds
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2014
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 49 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a wild work-sponsored Halloween party, entomologist Sam McLean wakes up with a spotty memory–and a pointy set of fangs. Sam’s one-night stand wasn’t just dressed as a vampire; she had the bite to match. Somehow, Sam’s unconscious body ends up at the OOPS office, where paranormal crisis counselors Nina, Marty, and Wanda give him the down-low on accidentally becoming a creature of the night.

Dealing with a newbie like Sam is no easy task, but things get even more crazy when Phoebe Reynolds–a woman who claims to be Nina’s sister–storms into the office and causes a catfight that ends when Phoebe is accidentally bitten by Sam’s recently formed fangs. Now the OOPS girls have two fledgling vamps on their hands, and their powers–and the attraction building between them–are unlike anything they’ve seen before.

REVIEW:
Another fun Accidentals story. I really liked the twists and turns in this story. I loved all the names that Nina calls Phoebe. I loved that Phoebe is a more well put together Nina. It was great to finally see someone stand up to Nina. I think Nina finally found her match in her little sister. I loved Sam!!! Sam the bug guy is great. No matter what secrets he is hiding or way Sam is a great guy.
As always Ms. Cassidy writes a fun, snarky, I think my ears will never be the same after listening to Nina and everything will be okay story. Loved it!!
Ms. Mitchell does a great job as always narrating the Accidental series. I love that it is so easy to know who is talking. Loved it.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

March 2, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Beyond the Darkness by Katie Reus

TITLE: Beyond the Darkness
SERIES #: Darkness #3
CHARACTERS: Bran Devlin & Keelin Petronilla
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Now that she has her freedom, she’s not giving it up.

Dragon shifter Keelin Petronilla spent centuries in forced hibernation dreaming of one thing: freedom. Now she’s living life on her terms—she’s ditched her clan for an unruly wolf pack, she tends bar for a half-demon, and she’s loving it…until a powerful supernatural being targets her. She intends to handle the mysterious attacks on her own…without the help of dragon Alpha Bran Devlin. Sure, he’s sexy in that hot, scowling possessive way, but Keelin wants to live her own life in her own way.

Now that he’s found his mate, he’s not letting her go.

Former black ops agent Bran Devlin is a born dragon Alpha and leader of a fierce clan. Getting mated was never part of his plan—until a feisty dragon princess gets under his skin in a big way. The hell of it is, she doesn’t want a mate; she just wants to have a good time. He plays along, but when a dark and powerful being marks her for death, he’s determined to stay by her side in spite of her protests. Now that he’s found his mate, he means to keep her safe no matter what the cost…even if he has to risk it all.

REVIEW:
Nothing says love like a golden glow and blue flames.
Sure Bran acts like your typical Alpha at times but he is head over heels for Keelin. Which was fun to watch him figure out how to get what he wants without pulling the Alpha card. Well the Alpha card is played but in a very nice way.
Keelin is determined not to mate with Bran. Even if every part of her wants him. The struggle between these two is get fun. But in the end sometime you just have to roll with the punches and let fate have her way.
Awe, it was great to be back in Ms. Reus’ world of dragons and all things paranormal. I really enjoyed Bran and Keelin’s story. I was hoping for a little more drama surrounding Keelin. But all in all it was another great story from Ms. Reus. And the set up for the next book. Oh boy!! Bo is going to have his hands full.

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.

February 27, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly review Accidentally Catty by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Catty
SERIES #: Accidental #5
CHARACTERS: Shaw Eaton & Katie Wood
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 20 Minutes
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: June 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A purrr-fectly scintillating new novel from the national bestselling author of Accidentally Demonic.

Katie Woods never thought she’d be forty-one, divorced, and thrust back into the dating world. To start fresh, Katie uproots her veterinary practice to upstate New York-not exactly the hottest dating scene on the planet. But when an unconscious cougar appears at her clinic, Katie’s newly single life gets a much needed jolt of the supernatural kind.

After Katie examines the cougar and leaves him caged overnight, she’s shocked to find a big strapping specimen of young, hot man in its place. And when the scratch she got during the exam results in some unnatural side effects, Katie has more to deal with than her animal attraction to a much younger guy-she has to figure how to stop herself from becoming a cougar of the four-legged variety.

REVIEW:
The last thing that Dr. Woods ever expected to find on her doorstep is a cougar. But when said cougar scratches her strange things start happening. To make matters worse Katie’s lovely assistant has called OOPS for help. What is OOPS you say? You will need to pick up a copy of Accidentally Catty to find out. But in the mean time Dr. Katie Woods just learned that she is a cougar shifter and the person responsible is not only a cougar but a very naked and yummy man locked in one of her crates. Let the chaos ensue.

Another fun book from Ms. Cassidy. Ms Cassidy can never let her Accidentals have a simple time of things. I loved Katie & Shaw. They are both stubborn and have a wicked sense of humor. We get to see all the other Accidentals too. Wanda and Nina play a huge roll in this book.

And as always Ms. Mitchell does a great job bring the characters to life. And Shaw so dreaming. Thank you Ms. Mitchell for doing such a great job with Shaw. On to the next one 🙂

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

February 26, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly reviews At Wolf Ranch by Jennifer Ryan

TITLE: At Wolf Ranch
SERIES #: Montana Men #1
CHARACTERS: Gabe Bowden & Ella Wolf
AUTHOR: Jennifer Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 25, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Everything’s bigger in Big Sky country, including the hearts of the Montana Men…

After years on the rodeo circuit, Gabe Bowden wants nothing more than land of his own and a woman who will claim his heart for more than one night. When he has the chance to buy the enormous Wolf Ranch spread, he snaps up the incredible deal. Everything is set, until Gabe rescues a woman on the deserted, snowy road leading to the property, and the half-frozen beauty changes everything.

Ella Wolf rushes to her family’s abandoned Montana ranch after her twin sister is murdered. She knows she’s next . . . unless she can uncover a secret hidden somewhere at Wolf Ranch. The last thing Ella expects is to be rescued by a rugged rancher with his own agenda. A man who almost makes her forget how dangerous love can be.

As an unlikely partnership sparks into something so much more, and a killer closes in, can Ella and Gabe learn to trust one another before it’s too late?

REVIEW:
This was my first book by Jennifer Ryan. At Wolf Ranch is the first book in her new Montana Men series. This was a good story. The beginning of this book is heartbreaking. But as the story goes on I learned that what you see is not always what you get. Ella is not the party girl that the world thinks she is. She is one tough cookie who is willing to do anything to find the truth. A truth that might just get her killed.
Gabe is dream in the way that all hunky yummy cowboys are. He is so amazing with Ella and the events that happen in this book.
Of course I don’t want to give anything away. But if you are looking for a new read and love cowboys, love suspense and love romance I would highly suggest you pick up a copy of At Wolf Ranch. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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.

February 26, 2015February 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Bound By Danger by Katie Reus

TITLE: Bound to Danger
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #2
CHARACTERS: Cade O’Reilly & Maria Cervantes
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
NARRATOR: Sophie Eastlake
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: January 20, 2015
RUN TIME: 8 hours & 44 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.

Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.

REVIEW:
As I read over my original review of Bound to Danger (below) I find that I loved this book just as much the second time around as I did the first time. But this go around I listened on audio. Sophie Eastlake does a good job of bringing Ms. Reus’ characters to life. My only complaint is that at time the male voice sound a little stuffy. But other than that, I enjoyed the non-stop action of this story.

Original review: Eight years is a long time to stay away from the one you love. But that is what Cade O’Reilly did and he had his reasons. But when Maira’s name come acrossed the board as needing protection he know that he was the only one that could do it. He will do anything for Maira, except let her go this time. This time he plans to stay, but will Maira want him to after she learns of his secrets?

Bound to Danger is the second book in Katie Reus’ news Deadly Ops series. Bound to Danger is every bit as good as Targeted (bk 1). From page one there is not stop action. And even in the middle of a life and death situation Katie is able to let our hero & heroine have a great love story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from Katie Reus and Audible.com in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 25, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly reviews What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling

TITLE: What a Devilish Duke Desires
SERIES #: The Sinful Scoundrels #3
CHARACTERS: Harry Norcliffe & Lucy
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WILL A FEW FLIRTATIOUS STEPS

Harry Norcliffe never wanted to inherit his beloved uncle’s title. The rigidity of the ton, the incessant reminders from his marriage-minded mama that he must settle down with a highborn lady and produce an heir and a spare: it’s all such a dreadful bore. So when his mother asks him to take part in a dancing competition, he patently refuses. The last thing he needs is another chore . . . until a beautiful, brilliant, delightfully tempting maid makes him rethink his position.

LEAD TO A SCANDALOUS SEDUCTION?

Most women would be over the moon to be pursued by a wickedly handsome—not to mention wealthy—duke like Norcliffe. But Lucy will not be any man’s trophy. She could use a friend, though, and what begins innocently soon ignites into desire. As Lucy tries to resist Harry’s scorching kisses, he makes an utterly irresistible offer. Enter the dance contest with him, and win a prize that could change her life forever . . . if falling in love doesn’t change it first.

REVIEW:
Finally we get Harry’s book. I have really liked Harry since first met him on that wet soggy night. He has been one of my favorites, right after Bells. And Harry’s story is just perfect for him.

As the last unmarried of his friends he has started to re-think his lifestyle after the death of his favorite Uncle. Harry finally meets his match in Lucy.

Lucy is one tough cookie. Lucy not only has to take care of herself but her ailing grandmother. Not an easy thing to do when you are a women in London. But a chance in counter with Sir Galahad will change everything.

I loved this story. I have enjoyed this whole series. If you have enjoyed the first two book in the Sinful Scoundrels you will love Harry’s book. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dreiling has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 24, 2015February 22, 2015

Natasha review Cursed by Fire by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Cursed by Fire
SERIES #: Immortal Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Dethan & Selinda
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/24/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the scorching hot first book in a thrilling new series featuring four warrior brothers who have the power—and the curse—of immortality.
For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.
Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to make Selinda his forever.

REVIEW:
What a great beginning to a new series! I loved this book! Dethan is a strong hero that carries this book wonderfully. I love the potential for this series – four strong brothers all suffering and hopefully brought back into the world. Selinda and Dethan are really great together. Though their association starts off a little shaky things really begin to turn for them throughout the story. Selinda is a meek, fragile little thing for most of the book – and I did wish she would toughen up a little earlier, but it worked out. I was completely captivated by the story and couldn’t put the book down. Things were moving a little slow at times, but I enjoyed the characters so much I didn’t mind it too much. I cannot wait for book two!

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

February 24, 2015February 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Whipped by Jacye Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Whipped
SERIES #: Facile Restaurant series #7
CHARACTERS: Mark Ferrell & Lydia Conner
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: January 26, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N| Smashword

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Whipped is the seventh installment of Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona’s Facile Restaurant series. Each story in the ten part series focuses on a different couple.

Facile’s chief pastry chef Lydia Conner has watched the jerk at Table Seventeen run her fellow kitchen staffers ragged all night with his special requests and substitutions. But she knows she can sweeten his sour mood with one of her legendary desserts. No man alive can resist her special flourless chocolate cake…. Except for the jerk at Table Seventeen.

Mark Ferrell just wants this godforsaken evening in the armpit of the South to be over. But his partners are drawing out this client dinner as if they are being paid by the course. Still recovering from a relationship with a vigilante vegan, Mark’s afraid Facile’s rich food might actually kill him. To compound his misery, he gets a visit from the enraged, sizzling-hot pastry chef whose work he’s just rejected. Mark is about to get a chocolate-dipped lesson in what it means to indulge.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Sweetness overload.
The ladies did it again. Ms. Conrad & Ms. Corona do such a great job of packing an amazingly good story into so few pages. As with every Facile Restaurant story I open the book and blast through the story. When I get to the end I keep trying to turn the page for more. I really hope (fingers crossed) that the ladies will do a revisit for each of these couples. I want to know more!!! MORE I tell you!!!! 🙂
Love love love this series!! Can’t wait for the next installment.

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