Kimberly

January 16, 2015January 12, 2015

Kelly reviews The Tempted by Donna Grant

TITLE: The Tempted
SERIES #: Rogues of Scotland #3
CHARACTERS: Stefan Kennedy & Morvan
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: January 19, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A MAN CONSUMED BY RAGE

Stefan Kennedy is cursed by a gypsy and sentenced to a prison of darkness and despair. A hell that only serves to feed the monster within. Unexpectedly released from his mystical cell, he’s engulfed by fury and overcome by a need for vengeance. Until a beautiful woman tames his inner beast. Stefan owes it to his friends to find out what happened to them after their run-in with the gypsy, but the mysterious and enchanting Morvan may be a temptation he can’t resist.

A WOMAN’S MAGICAL TOUCH

Morvan has always been a child of the forest. She spends her days using her gifts to calm and heal the animals she encounters. But when she finds herself compelled across clan borders to a mysterious cliff with a wall of strange etchings, she’s helpless to resist. Somehow, Morvan magically brings forth a stranger seemingly more beast than man, yet despite the inherent dangers, she’s driven to help the handsome Highlander. While his appearance in her life may end up shattering the peace she’s worked so hard to find, he could also prove to be the man of her dreams.

REVIEW:
Another good story from Ms. Grant. The Rouge of Scotland stories are all very short and sweet, therefore my review will be too. I really enjoyed reading about Stefan’s journey and the role he played in the evening that lead to them all being locked away. I really like Morvan. I loved that she is touch and gentle all at the same time.
I am very much looking forward to the final book in this series.

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

January 15, 2015January 12, 2015

Kelly reviews Boiled by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Boiled
SERIES #: A Facile Restaurant Short Story #4
CHARACTERS: Jason Parker & Gen Ferrar
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The next title in the Facile Restaurant series of ten short stories by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona. Each story focuses on a different couple.

All Jason Parker wanted to do was throw a nice anniversary dinner for his parents at Facile, just one nice dinner that his parents don’t end up planning, cooking, or funding. It’s too bad that his family seems hell-bent on ruining it. Between his older brother stealing credit for the entire enterprise, his uncle stealing the silverware and his sister stealing everyone’s joy, it’s enough to send Jason running for the comfort of Facile’s bourbon supply.

The only thing keeping him sane in this quagmire of dysfunction is the table’s waitress, Gen Ferrar, who is handling his family circus like a ringmaster. Short, sassy, and shrewd, Gen knows how to handle all sorts of problem diners – the cheapskates, the grabby drunks, the bitter pills. She’s just never had so many of those types at one table. Watching Jason, a genuinely nice guy just trying to do something considerate, putting up with ten kinds of rudeness from his relatives makes her even more determined to make this dinner perfect. She will do whatever it takes, even if it means providing a very special brand of stress relief when his temper threatens to boil over.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Another great story Facile story. Boy howdy does some naughty stuff happen at this restaurant ;). Poor Jason’s family is a piece of work. Thank goodness for Gen and her sassy little self. These two are so great.
Just like every other Facile Restaurant story Boiled leaves me wanting more. Leaves me wanting to know what happens next for Jason & Gen. Leaves me wanting to visit Facile and see what could possible happen.
If you are looking for a quick steamy read you really should pick up this series. Can’t wait to see what is next.

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

January 15, 2015January 10, 2015

Kelly reviews In His Keeping by Maya Banks

TITLE: In His Keeping
SERIES #: Slow Burn #2
CHARACTERS: Beau Devereaux & Arial
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 bestselling author Maya Banks continues her suspenseful and steamy Slow Burn trilogy with this second book-a twisting tale featuring a strong yet vulnerable heroine in danger and the sexy alpha hero who must save her

Abandoned as a baby to a young wealthy couple and raised in a world of privilege, Arial has no hint of her past or who she belonged to. Her only link lies in the one thing that sets her apart from everyone else—telekinetic powers. Protected by her adoptive parents and hidden from the public to keep her gift secret, Ari is raised in the lap of luxury, and isolation. That is, until someone begins threatening her life.

Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the strange. As the head of Devereaux Security, he’s more than familiar with the realities of physic powers. So when a family friend approaches him about protecting his daughter, he’s more than ready to jump on board. What Beau isn’t prepared for is the extent of his attraction to his beautiful and powerful client. What began as a simple assignment, just another job, quickly turns personal as Beau discovers he’ll do anything at all to protect Ari. Even if it costs him his life.

REVIEW:
In His Keeping is the second book in Ms. Banks Slow Burn trilogy. An similar to book 1, one of the Devereaux boys finds himself tangled up with a woman that has psychic powers.
I liked this book. Liked Beau. Like Arial. But I was not overly in love with the story. I found at times that the dialog dragged on and on. I did enjoy learning more about the Devereaux’s parents, even if we are left with more questions than answers at the moment.

If you liked book one (Keep Me Safe) you will enjoy In His Keeping. I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy and Zach’s story. I do hope that Quinn & Tori will get stories too? Maybe a spin off?

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.

January 14, 2015January 10, 2015

Kimberly reviews Hunger’s Mate Part 1 by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Hunger’s Mate Part 1
SERIES #: Shadow Shifters #5
CHARACTERS: Jewel & Ezra
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/13/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Part One in an Exclusive Four-Part Novel　Half man, half animal, a Shadow Shifter must walk the line between predator and prey. Love and lust. And pure, blind hunger…A natural born hunter proud of his birthright, Ezra Preston agrees to hide his true identity and pretend to be human to learn what his enemies know of his kind. But even undercover, it’s not in his nature to play games with a woman. Especially when he discovers a creature as mysterious—and utterly delectable—as Jewel Jenner. Can she be trusted? The only thing Ezra knows for sure is that she cannot be resisted…

REVIEW:
This seems to be the new thing to do. Release books in parts and then release the whole book after. It is honestly not a favorite new trend of mine. I want the whole book when I get a book. Now that being said I have all 4 parts through NetGalley thankfully. And this first part really hooked me. I want to know what will happen next and luckily I am able to go right to the next part and begin reading but I can see how frustrating it would be for fans of the story/author to have to wait a week.

I am really enjoying Ezra. There is just something about him that I find interesting. We haven’t really gotten to see too much of Jewel yet but what we have seen I like. She is running from her past but it has caught up to her at the end of this part and Ezra just may end up going nuts if he can’t get to her soon. And that is where we are left… until part 2. So far so good. And off we go to the next part.

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

January 13, 2015January 12, 2015

Kelly reviews Poached by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Poached
SERIES #: A Facile Restaurant Short Story #3
CHARACTERS: Jason Parker & Gen Ferrar
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: December 31, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Poached is the next installment of ten erotic romance short stories by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona. The series focuses on the love lives of members of the Facile restaurant staff, each story centering around a different couple.

Kate Ravineux expected her romantic dinner at Facile to end in a proposal from her boyfriend, Scott. She did not expect to open that sacred little blue box to find a keychain. A keychain. Stinging from the realization that her girlfriend considers her a “fixer upper” only worthy of co-habitation he has to hide from his mama, Kate ditches Scott at the table and makes a run for the elevator.

Damon Blake has been watching Kate’s date from hell all night from his perch at Facile’s bar. And while Scott’s obliviousness to Kate’s curvy beauty pisses him off, it also gives him an opening to pluck Kate up like the ripest fruit from the vine. Damon invites her to his rooftop for a nightcap and some smoking hot revenge sex. The best way to get over a guy is to get under another, and in front of him… and on top of him… and bent over his knees

REVIEW:
Oh my!!!!! Oh my goodness!!! Did that really just happen?
Okay just when I think the boys of the Facile series can get any naughtier Damn Blake walks in to the scene and completely steals everything. Wowza!! The ladies really turned up the heat in this book. First the elevator, then the rooftop and then an award moment with a man she never wants to see again.
Can’t wait to see what happens next in this series.
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 13, 2015January 10, 2015

Kelly reviews Wicked Wolf by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Wicked Wolf
SERIES #: 1001 Dark Nights #13 /Redwood Pack #8
CHARACTERS: Quinn Weston & Gina Eaton
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: January 13, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N (Coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The war between the Redwood Pack and the Centrals is one of wolf legend. Gina Eaton lost both of her parents when a member of their Pack betrayed them. Adopted by the Alpha of the Pack as a child, Gina grew up within the royal family to become an enforcer and protector of her den. She’s always known fate can be a tricky and deceitful entity, but when she finds the one man that could be her mate, she might throw caution to the wind and follow the path set out for her, rather than forging one of her own.

Quinn Weston’s mate walked out on him five years ago, severing their bond in the most brutal fashion. She not only left him a shattered shadow of himself, but their newborn son as well. Now, as the lieutenant of the Talon Pack’s Alpha, he puts his whole being into two things: the safety of his Pack and his son.

When the two Alphas put Gina and Quinn together to find a way to ensure their treaties remain strong, fate has a plan of its own. Neither knows what will come of the Pack’s alliance, let alone one between the two of them. The past paved their paths in blood and heartache, but it will take the strength of a promise and iron will to find their future

REVIEW:
Wicked Wolf takes place 15 years after the end of the war between the Redwood and the Centrals. Things are slowing getting back to normal. But with the treaty between the Redwoods and the Talons still new and fresh the Alpha’s of both pack know something needs to be done to ease tension. They do this by forming a committee that will be run by Gina & Quinn. Only problem is that these two are having a hard time getting a long and fighting fate. But as always fate will not be denied, she is a fickle bitch and always gets what she wants. Or does she????

Another great story from Ms. Ryan. Carrie Ann has a great way of tugging at your heart strings while giving you a huge case of anxiety all at the same time. I love it. Well maybe I could live without the anxiety, but what fun would that be right? Quinn and Gina’s story was great. And a perfect segway into Ms. Ryan’s upcoming Talon Pack series. I can’t wait.

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

January 12, 2015January 10, 2015

Kelly reviews Best Man For Hire by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Best Man for Hire
SERIES #: Front and Center #3
CHARACTERS: Grant Patton & Anna Keebler
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s Lovestruck imprint…

So perfect he’s almost too good to be true…

Anna Keebler makes a living being unconventional. A wedding planner who specializes in more…unusual ceremonies, Anna’s client list includes everything from nudists to paintballers to Little Red Riding Hood enthusiasts. So when her photographer up and quits during a wedding blitz in Hawaii, Anna makes an unconventional decision. She hires a hot Marine to be her new photographer.

Little does she know, Grant Patton is the best man in one of her weddings. He’s so perfect he’s practically a Boy Scout—if Boy Scouts were big, ripped Marines with gorgeous gray eyes, and good at, oh, everything. Especiallysex. In fact, his only flaw seems to be that he hates marriage as much as she does. But Anna suspects the sexy Boy Scout routine is a cover, and if he wants this thing between them to be about more than sex, Grant must reveal the dark past he’s fought so hard to hide…

REVIEW:
Another great story from Ms. Fenske. So love Grant. He is so perfect and well perfect. But you can just tell when you are reading that there is a deeper reason for him trying so hard. 🙂 Anna is a lot like Kelli (I guess that is why they are such good friends) she is very blunt and outspoken and daring!!!! Oh boy is she daring. What do I mean by this? Well you need to read to find out. But I will let you know that there is a centipede, a paddleboard and things wildlife should never see.
If you are a fan of Ms. Fenske and her prior two Front and Center stories you will love Best Man for Hire. If you are new to this series, no worries you only have two stories to catch up. And it is very worth it.
I so can’t wait for the next story in this series and you will learn who it will be after you read this book.

Disclaimer:
I purchased the if book from Amazon and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 9, 2015December 28, 2014

Kelly reviews Fragmented by Stephanie Tyler

TITLE: Fragmented
SERIES #: Section 8 #3
CHARACTERS: Jem & Drea
AUTHOR: Stephanie Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6 ,2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Tyler, the Section 8 series continues…

WHEN THE RISKS ARE THIS GREAT…

When Dr. Drea Timmons was kidnapped during Section 8’s last mission, Jem did everything in his power to rescue the woman he’d fallen for—a woman unwillingly recruited for one of S8’s most personal and dangerous covert operations. Drea survived, but at a price. The trauma of her capture has rendered her without a single memory of her ordeal—or any recollection of how violently unpredictable her ex-boyfriend, Danny, an Outlaw Angel, had become, or why she had left him.

IS TRUST EVEN AN OPTION?

When Danny threatens to turn Drea over to the feds, she is forced to go on the run and confront a past that is as deadly as her future. As trouble closes in on both ends, Drea has no choice but to trust Jem, the only man who can help her, the only man whose electrifying touch brings back memories—piece by piece—too stirring to forget

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Fragmented is book 3 in the Section 8 series. In my review of Unbreakable (bk 2) I had said that you could read Unbreakable (bk 2) without reading Surrender (bk 1). Well you really should read Unbreakable (bk 2) before reading Fragmented (bk 3). Fragmented picks up where Unbreakable leave off and the events that happened to Drea. So if you have not read Unbreakable you might want to stop here.

Fragmented did pick up after the events from Unbreakable. Which left Drea without parts of her memory. But she remembers the man in the photo. A man she sees as a hero. Her hero.
But sometimes people are not what they seem. Drea found that out a long time ago too.

Jem’s job was to protect Drea and he let her down. But when push comes to shove he doesn’t know if he is strong enough to walk away from her.

This was a good story. I enjoyed Jem & Drea’s story. I was also thankful that it was not as heart wrenching as the prior books. I am not sure that I could have handled another story like Grace’s. I really wish that Drea would have done just a tad bit more in that room with Danny (I know I would have given the chance). There is a lot going on in Fragmented. From the FBI to the Biker gangs Section 8 has it’s hands full.

I am very interested to see what happens with Jem’s little brother Key ( :D). Oh and Ethan. We can’t for get Ethan.

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.

January 8, 2015December 28, 2014

Kimberly reviews A Little On The Wild Side by Robyn Kaye

TITLE: A Little On The Wild Side
SERIES #: Wild Thing #3
CHARACTERS: Bianca & Trapper
AUTHOR: Robyn Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/06/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman who gets what she wants…
Bianca Ferrari—ex-supermodel turned successful business woman—seems to have it all: beauty, brains and a career she loves. And she did it all by herself . . . through sheer force of will and ruthless determination. So when her life is suddenly turned upside down, it’s hard for her to admit that going it alone may not be an option…

A man who knows what she needs…
Sexy, rugged and down-to-earth, Trapper Kincaid has a knack for attracting all kinds of women—mostly the wrong kind. When he finds out that the exhaustingly independent and drop-dead gorgeous Bianca is in serious need of help, he knows he’s the man for the job. But Bianca isn’t going to make it easy…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is the third in the series and while I only read the 2nd in the series I have to say that I loved Call Me Wild so I had a high expectation for this story and it met it. I really didn’t expect to love this as much as I loved the other one but I hoped it would be close and it was. Trapper is a great character. He is so loving and has a great sense of humor. He is written so well that it is hard not to enjoy him. But did I fall for him? Not really. I just would want him to fall for one of my friends. Bianca is a little bit of a pain in the butt but still someone fun to read about. Would I want her to be my best friend? Actually no but again I would enjoy spending some time with her.

Now that probably sounds like I didn’t enjoy the characters but I really did. They mesh well. They are meant to be together that is for sure. I wish there had been a bit more of Gramps. Gramps is a hoot of a character but we really didn’t get enough of him in this story.

I read this book during the holidays (it is not a holiday romance) and I wish I had more time to read it in one sitting. It has a really nicely written flow and unfortunately I kept having to break that flow when life intruded (dang it!) but even so I enjoyed it very much. And I can’t wait for Karma’s story.

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

January 7, 2015December 28, 2014

Natasha reviews How To Plan A Wedding For A Royal Spy by Vanessa Kelly

TITLE: How to Plan a Wedding For a Royal Spy
SERIES #: Renegade Royals #3
CHARACTERS: Captain William Endicott & Evie Whitney
AUTHOR: Vanessa Kelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/6/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Whether as spies or lovers, the Renegade Royals—illegitimate sons of England’s Royal Princes—are bold, skillful, and a force to be reckoned with…

A war hero returned from Waterloo should be able to indulge in a bit of bad behavior. Instead, Captain William Endicott is summoned by his father, the Duke of York, to investigate an assassination plot. The unlikely suspect: William’s former sweetheart. Will can’t believe that innocent Evie Whitney could be mixed up in anything so nefarious. Then again, almost everything about Evie has changed—except for his body’s instinctive response to hers…

Just as Evie’s life is finally coming together, Will saunters back into it. Should she slap him—or seduce him? Even as she tries to decide, scandal pushes her toward marriage with a man she can neither trust nor resist—and into the heart of a deadly conspiracy…

REVIEW: I hate picking up books in the middle of the series, especially if I don’t know they’re a part of a series. This is book 3 in a series and I didn’t realize that until I was well into the book .That said, it didn’t matter. This author gives enough background and reference information that you do not feel like you’ve missed anything and are able to read this book as a stand alone. This is very important to me when inadvertently starting in the middle of a series. If nothing else, this book made me want to go back and read the first two books in this series so I could experience everything that came before; however if you don’t have the time it’s not necessary. This was a nice historical romance that was equal parts entertaining and intriguing. This is a great idea for a series, with great side characters that I cannot wait to see get their own books cough Alec cough. Anywho, I highly recommend this series, it’s truly a great read.

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

January 6, 2015December 28, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Hungry Like The Wolf by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Hungry Like the Wolf
SERIES #: SWAT #1
CHARACTERS: Gage Dixon & Mackenzie Stone
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
INTRODUCING SWAT: SPECIAL WOLF ALPHA TEAM
They’re tight
They’re on target
They’re as alpha as men can get.

The Dallas SWAT team is hiding one helluva secret . . . they’re a pack of wolf shifters.

The team of elite sharpshooters is ultra-secretive—and also the darlings of Dallas. This doesn’t sit well with investigative journalist Mackenzie Stone. They must be hiding something . . . and she’s determined to find out what.

Keeping Mac at a distance proves impossible for SWAT team commander Gage Dixon. She’s smart, sexy, and makes him feel alive for the first time in years. But she’s getting dangerously close to the truth—and perilously close to his heart.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Mackenzie Stone will do anything for a story. Her motto is “The truth should be told”, even if people get hurt. The story comes first. But Mac will soon learn that sometimes the truth can do more than hurt it can destroy.
Gage Dixon is the leader of the SWAT team. And he always puts his pack first. But when the nosey Ms. Stone butts her way into his life he either has to kick her to the curb and risk her finding out the true. Or pull her in and show her enough to throw her off the scent. Question is which is the lesser of the two evils?
This is going to be a good series I can see it already. I really did enjoy this first book. And like many first books in a series there is a lot of world building and history that needs to be laid out. So at times Hungry Like the Wolf was just a tad bit slow for me. At times I wanted to punt Gage & Mac both. But all in all I liked the story and can’t wait for more of these Wolf’s.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts I had a hard time with this book. First I really didn’t feel like the characters had chemistry. I wasn’t too fond of the whole journalist thing and her using the team for information. I didn’t enjoy the writing very much and while I think the story had potential it didn’t meet it.

I really never became a fan of Mac’s. She seems cold and unfriendly, just like a stereotypical reporter, but maybe because of the beginning I never warmed up to her. Gage is good. I liked him. And I liked the Pack but just not the story. I didn’t like Mac’s reaction to finding out the info.

I am not sure why this book just didn’t sit well with me but it didn’t I am sorry to say.

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

January 5, 2015December 30, 2014

Kelly reviews The Trouble With Texas Cowboys by Carolyn Brown

TITLE: The Trouble with Texas Cowboys
SERIES #: Burnt Boot #2
CHARACTERS: Sawyer O’Donnell & Jill Clearly
AUTHOR: Carolyn Brown
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Sawyer O’Donnell takes a ranch job on a whim, he lands smack dab in the middle of a Texas-sized feud! The Gallaghers and the Brennans are at each other’s throats to woo the red-headed spitfire, Jill Cleary, and stake a claim for the Fiddle Creek Ranch.

Jill makes Sawyer’s blood boil. They argue, they banter, but Sawyer soon goes from being driven crazy to crazy in love. Damned if he knows how that happened. But now that it has, how does he compete with two men that can give this cowgirl a lifestyle beyond her wildest dreams

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Let the great pig wars begin…..

Sawyer O’Donnell is just trying to make a living doing what he loves more then anything. Ranching. But finding himself at the wrong end of a shotgun could end his dream before it begins. Only problem is that the feisty red-headed angel on the business side of the shotgun make him want more.

Jill Cleary doesn’t share well. But then he finds a man living in her bunkhouse she freaks a little. That is until the knocking and offer of dates start coming to there door. Then she realizes that This man maybe the only thing that can save her.

Loved this book!!! Love Sawyer and Jill. Loved Miss Piggy and Miss Chickadee. So glad that I picked up this book and gave Burnt Boot Texas a wehrl. If you love a good cowboy love story filled with mischief, mayhem, roses and daisies you really need to add this to your list of must reads. Can’t wait to see what happens next in 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.