Kimberly

February 10, 2015February 7, 2015

Kelly reviews Southern Spirits by Angie Fox

TITLE: Southern Spirits
SERIES #: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #1
CHARACTERS: Ellis Wyatt & Verity Long
AUTHOR: Angie Fox
PUBLICATION DATE: January 21, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When out of work graphic designer Verity Long accidentally traps a ghost on her property, she’s saddled with more than a supernatural sidekick—she gains the ability see spirits. It leads to an offer she can’t refuse from the town’s bad boy, the brother of her ex and the last man she should ever partner with.

Ellis Wyatt is in possession of a stunning historic property haunted by some of Sugarland Tennessee’s finest former citizens. Only some of them are growing restless—and destructive. He hires Verity put an end to the disturbances. But soon Verity learns there’s more to the mysterious estate than floating specters, secret passageways, and hidden rooms.

There’s a modern day mystery afoot, one that hinges on a decades-old murder. Verity isn’t above questioning the living, or the dead. But can she discover the truth before the killer finds her?

REVIEW:
Southern Spirits is the first book in Angie Fox’s new Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries Series. This is going to be a fun series. And I already can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I really really liked Verity. She is so much fun, sassy and has a pet skunk, named Lucy. Who has a pet skunk? Well a kick butt ghost hunter that is who.
Ellis is yummy too. Although I have to say that I really didn’t like him in the very beginning. He was not very nice to Verily. But he ended up redeeming himself.
Southern Spirits takes you on a fun journey of mystery, ghost hunting, finding oneself and surviving very angry poltergeist.

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

February 9, 2015February 7, 2015

Natasha reviews Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

TITLE: Seeker
SERIES #: Seeker #1
CHARACTERS: Quin, John & Shinobu
AUTHOR: Arwen Elys Dayton
PUBLICATION DATE: February 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.
Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin’s new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.

REVIEW:
It’s taken me a few days to write this review after finishing the book because I didn’t know where to start. This book held a lot of promise and the characters were likable – but I feel like the story didn’t go anywhere. Quin, John and Shinobu are all training to become Seeker’s and it’s this huge deal that they’ve looked forward to their whole lives, but I still have no idea exactly what a Seeker is. Lots of things happen in the book, but nothing that solidly explains anything. I kept hoping that it would all make sense at the end, but that was not the case. I did hope for a more in-depth understanding of the story however it wasn’t really delivered.

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

February 6, 2015February 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Jaguar Pride by Terry Spears

TITLE: Jaguar Pride
SERIES #: Heart of the Jaguar #4
CHARACTERS: Huntley Anderson & Melissa Overton
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: February 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
JAG Special Forces operatives like Golden Claw agent Melissa Overton and her partner, Huntley Anderson, are trained for the most dangerous missions in the harshest environments. These hardened jaguar shifters can handle any variable, even . . . babies?

When Huntley and Melissa find two jaguar shifter cubs snoozing in their jungle hut while on assignment, they have to keep the cubs and each other safe from ruthless poachers, bringing these partners closer in ways they never expected

REVIEW:
Huntley and Melissa are a great team on missions. They both are fearless, smart and love being wild. Oh and the like each other, only problem they both are dating other people. But that is okay work and pleasure don’t mix well.
I won’t give away anything but when you mix two Jaguars who like each other (A LOT), two baby Jaguar cubs, a lot of spilled milk, poachers and one weaselly bad guy you have a lot of action.
I really liked Huntly & Melissa together. I loved them with the babies too. I can’t wait to see what is next for this series.

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

February 5, 2015February 1, 2015

Natasha reviews Just in Time for a Highlander by Gwyn Cready

TITLE: Just in Time for a Highlander
SERIES #: Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands #1
CHARACTERS: Duncan MacHarg & Abigail Kerr
AUTHOR: Gwyn Cready
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/3/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s tough being a woman in a man’s profession, especially for Abby Kerr, the unexpected chieftess of Clan Kerr. Loathe to marry but in need of a strong arm, Abby wishes for a Scots warrior and gets . . . Duncan, the historical reenactment hobbyist.
Wall Street Impresario Duncan MacHarg isn’t bad with a fencing foil, but he’s no Highlander. When a misdirected spell plucks him from the 21st century, he lands in 1705 Scotland at the feet of the fiercest woman he’s ever laid eyes on…

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book! Immediately, Duncan is a very likable character and the way he goes with the flow has me cracking up constantly. Abby is a little more difficult to get to know and therefore start to like because she’s in such a difficult position. I loved how she was clan chief though, that was a great role for her. Duncan and Abby are thrown together in a series of stressful and unbelievable situations. Both characters easily accept the unexplainable and ask very little questions which seemed a little hard to believe and made the story a little less believable. Despite my sometimes frustration with the characters lack of meaningful conversation I still enjoyed the story and supporting characters. It was a great highlander story and I look forward to the rest of the series.

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

February 5, 2015February 1, 2015

Kimberly reviews Rough Justice by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Rough Justice
SERIES #: Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club #1
CHARACTERS: Arianne & Jagger
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/03/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
IT TAKES A GOOD, STRONG WOMAN
Raised in a motorcycle gang, tough, beautiful Arianne Hunter has always dreamed of a normal life. But no sooner does she escape her father’s domineering grasp than she wakes up to find herself in a rival gang’s clubhouse—at the mercy of the dangerously sexy Jagger Knight.

TO TAME A MAN WHO’S HELL ON WHEELS.
The alpha leader of the notorious Sinner’s Tribe, Jagger Knight is all muscle, all biker, and all man. But somewhere inside this hard tattooed outlaw, Arianne senses a kindred spirit—and she can’t ignore their tempestuous attraction. Can she beat him at his own game in a revved-up blaze of glory? Or will their passion spark a war that’s the end of the road for them both?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts
If I had written the review after the first 100 pages it would have been much different than it is right now. The reason? I was ready to put the book on my DNF list and considering I have only a handful on that list you know it would be extreme if I did. But some how I kept telling myself “just a few more chapters and I will decide” and I am glad I did.

The first 100 pages…. They are hard to deal with. I imagine this story is along the lines of Sons Of Anarchy (since I have never seen it I am not sure) but Jagger is a bad guy. Not the bad guy who ends up being good he is a full on bad guy. He and his bikers are not afraid to beat or kill someone. To them it is just another day’s activities. They sell weapons and kidnap people for money (bad people yes but still kidnapping). And I honestly had a hard time with that. I also had a hard time with the wording. The first 100 pages was like the author had taken a list of biker terminology and checked off using all of it… and some over and over. Man, if I had heard about his “cut” (not a vest apparently) one more time I might have screamed. But then it changed.

In the next 180 pages Jagger changed and I found I liked him. Yes he is still a bad guy but the way he was with Arianne and the other bikers shows his heart of gold. Arianne is a good character too. She is tough. She was brought up in a rival biker gang and knows how to handle herself and I was really glad to see that that never changed throughout the book. So many times the woman starts tough, gets the guy, becomes soft and needs to be “saved” but not this one. Wait, yes, she needs to be saved but she does her part in the escaping as much as the saving. I guess you have to read it to understand that sentence.

So by the end of the book I enjoyed it. Yes, I still don’t like the bad guys that they are. I don’t want to condone the violence that the book represents but I enjoyed the story in general. I wouldn’t have thought I would be looking forward to the next in the series but I am. And now I know I need to read through the whole thing but in the long runs the Sinners are worth reading about.

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

February 4, 2015February 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Quarterback Draw by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Quarterback Draw
SERIES #: Play-By-Play
CHARACTERS: Grant Cassidy & Katrina Koslova
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: February 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Playing For Keeps

Grant Cassidy knows how to be a football star—flash that dazzling smile, throw the winning pass, get the girl. But while the hot quarterback loves the game and the lifestyle, no woman has come close to catching his heart. Then he matches wits with a smart, gorgeous model, and Grant finds himself wanting more than a fling.

Supermodel Katrina Koslova might live in a world of glitz and camera flashes, but she works hard to provide for the family that relies on her. She doesn’t have time for fun—much less a boyfriend—but Grant seems determined to be the exception to Katrina’s rule.

Their explosive chemistry is undeniable, but Katrina’s afraid to let go and rely on anyone but herself. Grant intends to ease her fears and prove he’s a man of style and substance

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Loved Grant! He was almost too good to be true. Until you met his family then you know why he is so very awesome. The Cassidy family is to die for. Grants 3 brothers (fingers crossed this means more books) are funny, smexy and very competive. Grant’s baby sister had to deal with 4 overbearing, trouble making, always competing older brothers I don’t think there is anything or anyone she can’t handle. Grant’s parents are the perfect pair. And the glimpse we get of their love story will make you smile, laugh and shed a little tear.

Katrina has not had it easy. She took over raising her little brother and sister at age seventeen. But she was determine to make their lives as good as she could make them. And honestly Katrina did a great job at that. Anya and Leo didn’t want for anything. Or at least that is what Katrina thought until Grant popped into her life.

Another amazing Play-By-Play novel by Ms. Burton. I totally loved Grant & Katrina from page one of this book. Even though this a typical hot sports star mets equally hot supermodel story, it honestly didn’t feel that way. I connected with the characters so much that what they did for a living was not an issue for me. Both are so down to earth that it made it very easy. I will say that the 1st Annual Cassidy football game was a riot to read about.

If you are a Jaci Burton fan I am sure you will love Grant & Katrina’s story! If you are new to this series. You could read this book as a stand alone. But why not start at the beginning and find out what sports stars are so yummy.

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.

February 4, 2015February 1, 2015

Kelly reviews The Surrender Gate by Christopher Rice

TITLE: The Surrender Gate
SERIES #: Desire Exchange #1
CHARACTERS: Emily Blaine, Jonathan Claiborne & Marcus Dylan
AUTHOR: Christopher Rice
PUBLICATION DATE: February 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N {Coming Soon}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice’s first foray into erotic romance, The Flame, earned accolades from some of the genre’s most beloved authors. “Sensual, passionate and intelligent,” wrote Lexi Blake, “it’s everything an erotic romance should be.” J. Kenner called it “absolutely delicious,” Cherise Sinclair hailed it as “beautifully lyrical” and Loreli James announced, “I look forward to reading more!” Now, Christopher returns you to the world first introduced in The Flame with an all new novel of The Desire Exchange…

Emily Blaine’s life is about to change. Arthur Benoit, the kindly multi-millionaire who has acted as her surrogate father for years, has just told her he’s leaving her his entire estate, and he only has a few months to live. Soon Emily will go from being a restaurant manager with a useless English degree to the one of the richest and most powerful women in New Orleans. There’s just one price. Arthur has written a letter to his estranged son Ryan he hopes will mend the rift between them, and he wants Emily to deliver the letter before it’s too late. But finding Ryan won’t be easy. He’s been missing for years. He was recently linked to a mysterious organization called The Desire Exchange. But is The Desire Exchange just an urban legend? Or are the rumors true? Is it truly a secret club where the wealthy can live out their most private sexual fantasies?

It’s a task Emily can’t undertake alone. But there’s only one man qualified to help her, her gorgeous and confident best friend, Jonathan Claiborne. She’s suspected Jonathan of working as a high-priced escort for months now, and she’s willing to bet that while giving pleasure to some of the most powerful men in New Orleans, Jonathan has uncovered some possible leads to The Desire Exchange—and to Ryan Benoit. But Emily’s attempt to uncover Jonathan’s secret life lands the two of them in hot water. Literally. In order to escape the clutches of one of Jonathan’s most powerful and dangerous clients, they’re forced to act on long buried desires—for each other.

When Emily’s mission turns into an undercover operation, Jonathan insists on going with her. He also insists they continue to explore their impossible, reckless passion for each other. Enter Marcus Dylan, the hard-charging ex-NAVY Seal Arthur has hired to keep Emily safe. But Marcus has been hired for another reason. He, too, has a burning passion for Emily, a passion that might keep Emily from being distracted and confused by a best friend who claims he might be able to go straight just for her. But Marcus is as rough and controlling as Jonathan is sensual and reckless. As Emily searches for a place where the rich turn their fantasies into reality, she will be forced to decide which one of her own long-ignored fantasies should become her reality. But as Emily, Jonathan, and Marcus draw closer to The Desire Exchange itself, they find their destination isn’t just shrouded in mystery, but in magic as well.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Emily is a girl on a mission. Two mission: One to find out what the heck her best friend is up to when he leaves her. But what she finds is not exactly what she expected. And her time as a spy is interrupted with a crash though a skylight. And the second is to find the long lost son of her dad’s best friend. But in order to do that Emily is going to have to cross boundaries she has only ever dreamed of crossing.

I am a little on the fence about this story. It started off very interesting and then trailed off for me a bit then picked up again at the end. I enjoyed reading Emily’s journey into desire and her fantasies. But there was just a little something missing for me in this story. Mr. Rice has another Desire Exchange novella coming out later in the year, I look forward to reading it.

If you are looking for a hot steamy read that will take you on a journey of finding your hearts desire and making fantasy become reality. You should pick up a copy of The Surrender Gate.

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

February 3, 2015February 1, 2015

Kimberly reviews Hunger’s Mate part 4 by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Hunger’s Mate Part 4
SERIES #: Shadow Shifters #5
CHARACTERS: Jewel & Ezra
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/03/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Part Four and the breathtaking conclusion to A.C. Arthur’s HUNGER’S MATE (Shadow Shifters)! Jewel has always had her own agenda. But when Ezra discovers how far she’s gone—sleeping with the enemy to achieve her means—he has no choice but to ask himself: Can he trust her with his own secrets? Instinct tells him that he must be near her. She is the one who can satisfy his hunger. But will his passion for her mean the destruction of him and his kind? How far will one Shadow Shifter go as he follows his own heart?

REVIEW:
This is the fourth and final installment of this story. So as I said on the first installment I am not a fan of the new way some authors are taking one story and making them be released in parts so I was very happy that I was able to get all four installments at once and was able to read them as a full story. I know that the author puts out the installments and then the full story comes out. Of course it is up to each individual and their preference but I would wait until all parts are complete.

Now about the story itself. I really enjoyed this story. I liked Ezra and Jewel together but this was mostly Ezra’s story. I know it was supposed to be Jewel’s too but we really got more of his story than hers. The story is well written and interesting. The story had a lot of action and the romance was sweet. Any fan of the genre will enjoy the story and while I have not read the first couple books in the series I have read this one and the one directly before it and can understand what is going on just fine but I would say you would not be disappointed if you started from book one and enjoy the entire collection.

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

February 3, 2015February 1, 2015

Natasha reviews Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock

TITLE: Twisted Innocence
SERIES #: The Moonlighters Series #3
CHARACTERS: Holly Creed & Creed Kershaw
AUTHOR: Terri Blackstock
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/3/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Holly s secrets backfire, is the mess too big to unravel?
Holly Cramer has worked hard to keep the identity of her daughter s father a secret, shamed and embarrassed by the one-night stand. But when the police knock on her door searching for Creed Kershaw, she realizes his identity isn t as hidden as she thought. The fact that Creed is a person of interest in a recent drug-related murder only increases her humiliation.
When Holly s and Creed s paths cross, Holly is unsure whether to be terrified of him or trust him. His tenderness with their daughter makes her want to believe his story that he had nothing to do with the murder. Then she discovers that Creed has a connection to Leonard Miller who killed both her sister’s fiancé and her brother-in-law, and kidnapped her nephews and things only become more complicated.
Will Creed lead them to the man who has plagued her family, or become another of his victims?”

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I accidentally began reading this book without realizing it was already a part of a series. Thankfully, the author gives you enough background information that allows this to read easily as a standalone book. Another thing I didn’t realize what that this book is considered Christian fiction – not a big deal, just not something I was expecting. Holly is a good lead character whose past mistakes lead her life into a series of unexpected and challenging situations. I appreciated her need to better her life because of her child and felt she was an easy character to relate to. Creed was also a great character. His life really took a turn for the worse and threw him into a heap of trouble that makes his patch collide with Holly’s. I enjoyed the supporting characters a lot and found the whole group very entertaining. Enjoyable read.

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

February 2, 2015February 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Hunter Reborn by Katie Reus

TITLE: Hunter Reborn
SERIES #: Moon Shifter #5
CHARACTERS: Aiden & Larissa
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: February 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Losing her was the hardest thing he’d ever endured…

Warrior shifter Aiden’s investigation of the trafficking of vampire blood leads to a startling discovery: the beautiful vampire bondmate he thought was dead. Decades ago, they’d defied their powerful families to be together, but then Larissa disappeared without a trace. When their mating link broke, it nearly destroyed Aiden. Now she’s back with no memory of where she’s been. Even more shattering—Larissa claims she has no idea who Aiden is.

Now she’s back…

It’s a race against time to bring down an operation more evil than his pack ever suspected, and Aiden finds himself working side by side with a mate who no longer trusts him—and she wants out. But he lost her once, and he won’t let her go again. Unfortunately, Larissa’s blood is the key to a powerful monster’s dangerous plan—and he’ll stop at nothing to destroy her, sparking off a war between the supernaturals and humans that no one will win.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great story from Ms. Reus. There is a lot going on in this book so I will do my best to not give you any spoilers. While this is Aiden’s story, we get to see a lot of two other possible (okay one seems pretty for sure) couples which makes me so very excited about the next few books in this series. But back to Aiden’s story.
In the very beginning we learn a lot more about Aiden and why he is the way that he is. We learn about the level of grief that he has endured for years. As the story goes on we learn more about the who’s, the why’s and the what’s that lead Aiden down a very grief stricken road. But now that things changed Aiden will never let anyone hurt what is his again.
I loved Larissa. She is feisty and sweet. I really loved Aiden and Larissa’s first encounter. Even if it ended with both of them on the floor. 🙂 You will have to read to find out what I am talking about.
If you are a Moon Shifter fan you will love this book. If you are new to this series I would highly suggest that you start from the being of the series. There is an ongoing story line that flows from one book to the next.

January 30, 2015January 24, 2015

Kimberly reviews For Keeps by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: For Keeps
SERIES #: Love To The Rescue #2
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A SUMMER FLING . . . OR SOMETHING MORE?
Merry Atwater would do just about anything to save her dog rescue – even if it means working with the most stubborn man on the planet. It’s hard to avoid the sparks that fly with TJ Jameson, the ruggedly sexy cowboy in charge of the children’s camp where she’s just taken an animal therapy job. But commitment is not Merry’s style, and TJ clearly wants more than just a roll in the hay.

TJ Jameson isn’t looking for anything complicated-just a peaceful life on his family’s ranch with a wife and kids. “No-strings” Merry Atwater doesn’t fit that bill, no matter how irresistible she is. But when he sees how Merry gets through to his autistic nephew and the other kids at Camp Blue Sky, TJ’s a goner. If he doesn’t give in to the now, he might just lose his shot at forever . . .

REVIEW:
This is a sweet story about finding love in unexpected places. Merry doesn’t want to fall in love and have a family but she does want to rescue every dog she sees especially boxers. TJ wants nothing more than to settle down and have a true love like his parents with some cowgirl/farm girl. But when a camp for special needs kids brings them together somehow they just click.

I enjoyed this story. It got a little wordy at times but the story is really good. I enjoyed the special needs kids and how they all had different abilities and yet were able to do things like train dogs. I think the author did a great job with Noah and his autism. It might sound like this book would have a heavy storyline when I mention special needs kids and rescuing animals but it doesn’t. It is sweet and a pure romance.

Any fan of the romance genre will enjoy it and if you love dogs and kids you will enjoy it even more.

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

January 29, 2015January 24, 2015

Kimberly reviews Full Tilt by Rick Mofina

TITLE: Full Tilt
CHARACTERS: Kate
AUTHOR: Rick Mofina
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A LIFE-AND-DEATH RACE AGAINST TIME

Deep in the woods of upstate New York a woman flees a blazing barn. She is burned beyond recognition, and her dying words point police to a labyrinth of “confinement rooms”-rooms designed to hold human beings captive-where they make other chilling discoveries.

In Manhattan, Kate Page, a single mom and reporter with a newswire service, receives a heart-stopping call from a detective on the case. A guardian angel charm found at the scene fits the description of the one belonging to Kate’s sister, Vanessa, who washed away after a car crash in a mountain river twenty years ago.

Kate has spent much of her life searching for the truth behind her little sister’s disappearance. Now, a manhunt for a killer who’s kept a collection of victims prisoner for years without detection becomes her final chance to either mourn Vanessa’s death-or save her life.

REVIEW:
If you are a fan of the suspense genre than Rick Mofina is an author you should have on your list to read. This mystery was engrossing and hard to put down. Kate was first introduced in the last book and we catch up with her again in this story. I could explain the story but the synopsis does a really good job.

I really enjoy Kate. She is a strong single mom and someone you would want to be friends with.

Again if you are a fan of mystery then this book will spark your interest. If you are a fan of Mofina’s you will enjoy this story and if you haven’t read him before then you will want to go back and get all of his books and start from the beginning.

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