Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews The Quick And The Undead by Kimberly Raye

Quick and UndeadTITLE: The Quick and The Undead
SERIES #: Tombstone, Texas
CHARACTERS: Riley & Boone
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Tombstone, Texas, where anything is possible, even your wildest fantasy. Once a haven to outlaws, Tombstone is now a tourist town that gives travelers a taste of the old West. What visitors don’t realize, however, is that the super-hot cowboys, gunslingers, and lawmen walking the streets aren’t actors—they’re originals. These ancient vampires claimed Tombstone two centuries ago.

So step right up, folks, and book your trip today! The outlaws of Tombstone will be waiting . . .

Travel blogger Riley Davenport loves her job, travelling to the most exotic places in the world. Even better, it keeps her one step ahead of her stalking ex. The last thing she wants in her life is a strong alpha male. But that’s exactly what she gets when she comes face-to-face with Sheriff Boone Jarrett, a hero right out of her most erotic fantasies.

Boone isn’t just the law in Tombstone, Texas. He’s also an ancient vampire and the target of a crazed killer. He certainly doesn’t have time for romance. But a temporary fling? Now that he can handle.

Unfortunately, their first night together ends in disaster when Riley witnesses a murder. And to protect her, Boone forces her into hiding. Only her “captivity” ends up becoming the realization of her wildest, most carnal fantasies. Still, Riley’s not going to fall for him, at least that’s what she tells herself.

But as she gets to know him—the man and the vampire—she starts to wonder if she can hold out . . .

REVIEW:
This book had so much potential but it just didn’t meet up to it. I wanted to enjoy it. I mean what a great concept about original outlaw cowboys being vampires and now running a vacation spot to save their land. I really like the idea and if the story had been through a revision or two (or three) I think it would have worked.

First the good. The characters are interesting. Riley and Boone have an instant connection that continues throughout the whole book. The relationship between Tag and Belle is adorable and I look forward to hearing more about them. There was a bit of suspense. But I think some of the suspense was dropped without much-ado. I mean we heard so much about Phil and then he never shows up. So much could have happened to add to the story if he had shown up as well as the vampire who was there causing trouble.

Now the bad. The thing that drove me the craziest is how many times things were repeated. I mean you don’t need to tell the reader a half a dozen times that Riley had no childhood because of her father. We got it. Over and over we heard about her ex and how he was. Again we got it. And Boone’s father issues were repeated so many times I wanted to slap and tell him he was a outlaw get over it. And finally the fact that each time a character was mentioned we had to be told what he/she was (gunslinger/thief/etc). Maybe in the beginning but not every time.

I have to say usually at the end of vampire books something happens to the non-vampire causing the vampire to have to turn his/her love and they un-live happily ever after. Well that didn’t happen and it left me hanging. I mean what happens now? Will Riley eventually be turned? Will he only have her a few decades and then he moves on? What? BTW: I will never complain about the typical ending happening ever again.

As I said this book had a lot of potential and I wish it had actually met it.

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

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Natasha reviews Rise Of The Phoenix by Elianne Adams

rise of the phoenixTITLE: Rise of the Phoenix
SERIES #: Return to Avalore #2
CHARACTERS: Brienne & Evan
AUTHOR: Elianne Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/30/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon|

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shattered by bitter rejection, Brienne Roberts flees Avalore. Taken in by the Erritols, she’s stunned at the kindness displayed by her supposed sworn enemies. The curse that surrounds her new family torments them, and she is determined to end it, no matter the cost.
Evan Mayfield, her named mate, will stop at nothing to eliminate all threats to his people. Discovering Brienne living with the man-beasts disgusts and infuriates him, but he must do his duty—to bring her back to face justice with her people, and himself.
Brienne’s pride cannot smother the undeniable love she has for Evan. And despite Brienne’s treachery, keeping her at arm’s length will be the hardest thing Evan has ever done.

REVIEW:
I just love this series so much! This is the second full length novel in the Return to Avalore series and features Evan and Brienne. Evan is the brother to the Queen of Avalore and his duty to protect his people has always come first in his life – until he finds he is to be mated to Brienne. Due to misunderstandings and equal amounts of stubbornness these two were torn apart from one another for years and an unlikely confrontation brings them together again.

I loved these two together! Brienne made an intriguing appearance in book one, Call of the Dragon and I couldn’t wait to learn more about her and Evan. Their story did not disappoint. The chemistry between these two is electric. I also loved how equal they were. They are both incredibly strong and capable individuals and are each protective of each other, but they are also understanding of each other’s abilities and strengths – it was refreshing. I also really enjoyed the story line in this story. Many lingering questions I’d had from book one were answered (yay!). I was interested the entire time and really loved seeing what life was like with the Erritrol’s. This author has done a great amount of world building and I will anxiously await all installments of this series.

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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Kelly reviews Her Secret Agent by Paige Tyler

hers ecret agentTITLE: Her Secret Agent
SERIES #: X-Ops #0.5
CHARACTERS: John Loughlin & Cree Forest
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
John Loughlin, the Director of the Department of Covert Ops, is in New York City on a recruiting mission. He’s been tracking and evaluating one shifter in particular for some time. Cree Forest is a clever fox shifter—and very foxy. Cree is a translator for the UN and John is keen to recruit her brilliant mind and persuasive skills to join the DCO.

But Cree isn’t what she seems. Just as John has been watching her, Cree has been spying on him. She is working with a rogue shifter and John is getting too close—professionally and personally! On opposite sides professionally, can they trust each other with their hearts?

REVIEW:
John Loughlin is a man that prides himself on always being prepared. So when he sets up a meeting with one very foxy Cree Forest, John thinks he has it all worked out. But unfortunately or maybe fortunately for John things don’t go according to plan.

Oh this story was way too short!!! I want more of John & Cree. I hope that by releasing this novella it means that John will be getting a full length novel soon and a very happy HEA!

If you have read the first 2 books in the X-Ops series you will love this short novella and glimpse into John’s life. If you are new to this series feel free to start with either the novella or book 1.

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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Natasha reviews Call Of The Dragon by Elianne Adams

Call of the dragonTITLE: Call of the Dragon
SERIES #: Return to Avalore #1
CHARACTERS: Rhia & Drake
AUTHOR: Elianne Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon|

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rhia Atkinson is a woman on the run. The same vicious creatures that killed her mother four years ago are still on the hunt, and she’s the prey. She thought she’d come to terms with her solitary existence until Drake comes along, reigniting her dreams of family and belonging. His tall tales of a missing queen and the looming extinction of a race of people she never knew existed has her agreeing to go on a journey to Avalore. Traditions as old as time stand in her way as she tries to convince Drake that he’s her choice for a mate. With the enemy breathing down her neck, all she has to do is figure out a way to make it work before she ends up joined to some stranger, or worse, dead.
Drake Sperwell has spent years searching for one woman, the Queen of Avalore. Time is running out. With the survival of their entire species hanging in the balance, failure is not an option. When he finds her deep in battle in New York City, all his prayers are answered. What he didn’t count on was his reaction to the woman, or his dragon’s need to claim her as its mate. Denying their chemistry might just kill him, but she’s off limits. Her destiny lies with her true mate in Avalore.

REVIEW:
OH MY GOSH I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!! I could not put it down! Ok, sorry, I know I’m yelling right now, but I am so relieved and happy to read a book that I absolutely loved. It’s such a sigh of relief to be excited about a series again! First of all can we all just sigh at this cover, it’s gorgeous! This is the first story in the new Return to Avalore series. It follows Rhiannon who recently learned that she is the lost Queen of the magical land called Avalore. Drake is a dedicated citizen of Avalore who spent years searching for their lost queen in hopes of bringing her back to their homeland and saving their people. From the moment they meet the connection between Rhia and Drake was obvious and undeniable. They go through countless obstacles and trials that bring them closer together, only to have them torn apart. I loved these two together, they are extremely strong individually but you could tell that they were just meant for each other. They were the perfect pairing. I was never bored while reading this story and just wanted to soak up every single character. The supporting characters were just as strong and lovable as the main characters. The only thing I felt missing was a little more detail on how and why Rhia was removed from Avalore in the first place. There are some assumptions but I don’t feel it was clearly explained. I’m not sure if that’s something we’ll see play out in future books or not, but I hope so. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for this series I will be a dedicated follower! I highly recommend this book.

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

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Kimberly reviews Make Me Lose Control by Christie Ridgway

make me lose controlTITLE: Make Me Lose Control
SERIES #: Cabin Fever #2
CHARACTERS: Shay & Jace
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/30/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway returns to Blue Arrow Lake with the dazzling story of opposites attracting in the rustic mountains of California.

As live-in tutor to a headstrong teen, Shay Walker has her hands full—and the girl’s absentee father doesn’t help matters, either. All Shay wants is to let loose and indulge in a birthday fling with the hottest stranger who’s ever caught her eye. But her one-night stand turns out to be Jace Jennings, her student’s long-distance dad…and now he’s taking up residence—at his lakeside estate and in Shay’s most secret fantasies.

Jace isn’t exactly a family man, but he’s determined to do his best by his daughter—and the first step is forgetting how hot he is for her teacher. But close proximity and their heated connection keeps Shay at the forefront of his mind—even as it’s obvious she holds her heart in check. So does Jace. Until they both realize that losing control just might mean finding forever.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts So many romances have the broken hero/heroine who has dealt with so much in their past and they are working at moving beyond. Well this has the heroine doing the same but the difference is most of this is in her own mind. Shay sees herself as an outsider in her own family because her mom had an affair and she does not share the same father as the others but the family doesn’t see her this way at all but Shay can’t get past it. She also blames herself for her dad’s death but again no one else does. These are both in her own mind and heart. So how does she get past something that no one else can understand?

Jace had a bad childhood himself. Mostly his dad never taught him how to love. So when he spends 10 years away from his daughter and then needs to come back into her life he doesn’t know how. And really doesn’t know how to understand Shay and his feeling for her. And then there is London who is dealing with her own issues as a 15 year old girl and her first crush.

I enjoyed this story very much. I liked the way the characters were written. I enjoyed the family in the background. Seeing Ryan and Poppy from the first book in the series was great too. I really enjoyed the epilogue. You do not need to have read the first in the series but you will know you missed their story but it will not take away from this one. I have read all of Ridgway’s books and this one ranks really high for me. You will enjoy it if you give it a try.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly & Kimberly review Blood Assassin by Alexandra Ivy

blood assassinTITLE: Blood Assassin
SERIES #: The Sentinels
CHARACTERS: Fane & Serra
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They are the outcasts of humanity. Blessed with power. Cursed by fate. Driven by passion. The Sentinels have returned. . .

Out Of The Shadows

At six-foot-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds, Fane is a natural born guardian. A flawless mix of muscled perfection and steely precision, he has devoted years of his life to protecting a beautiful necromancer. But after she found love in the arms of another, Fane has been a warrior adrift. He swears allegiance only to the Sentinels. And no woman will ever rule his heart again. . .

Into The Fire

Not only a powerful psychic, Serra is that rare telepath who can connect to minds through objects. When the daughter of a high-blood businessman is kidnapped, Serra agrees to help. But when she stumbles onto a conspiracy involving secrets sects and ancient relics, her life is in mortal danger–and Fane is her only hope. Is the warrior willing to risk his body, his soul, and his heart, for Serra? Or will one last betrayal destroy them both?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another good book in Ms. Ivy’s ‘The Sentinels’ series. Really like Fane & Serra relationship and I enjoyed the story for the most part. But it was a bite of a cat and mouse game for most of the book. It seems that Fane & Serra were never going to solve the mystery of who kidnapped Molly.

Not sure I like Bas at all, but was willing to do anything to keep Molly safe. So I guess you could like that about him. As the story went on I found myself liking him just a little bit more and in the epilogue I almost cried. Poor Bas.

Lana (The Mave) and Wolfe were a nice little side story. Really like Lana & Wolfe, I hope these two become an item.

Overall this book was a tad bit different then book one but it was still good. Blood Assassin added a new element to the Sentinel world. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ok so here is the thing. I enjoyed this story for the most part but some things about it just didn’t add up. First the good. I enjoyed the connection between Fane and Serra. Even from the last book we knew they were attracted to each other and Fane was holding off so it was great to see them come together. Bas… well Bas is an interesting character who at first seemed like a jerk and then we realize he is just a dad wanting his baby back (that is in the synopsis so it is not a spoiler) so you give him some slack because come on what dad wouldn’t go to any lengths they had available to get his baby back? And the Mave and Wolfe. Well lets just say they need their own story or at least a novella.

But now the other side of things. First Fane does a 180 so quickly that it makes his “no Serra rule” just seem crazy. I mean he is alone with her for 2 seconds and all of a sudden he realizes he can’t live without her? And here is Serra’s dream coming true after everything and she just says “ok sure no problem”? I mean wouldn’t she question his turn? Ok maybe she does for a moment but not too long. Then the baby kidnapping story goes on wayyyyyy too long. I mean sheesh we didn’t need a walk through of every house that Serra needed to look for Molly at. Then I can’t even tell you how many times this Sentinel and psychic screw up. How many times they let someone get the jump on them or the “psychic” doesn’t see what is going on. I mean sheesh it is like they left Valhalla and lost their strengths. And finally the cover is just terrible. Yeah I know that had nothing to do with the storyline but it has to be said. Who designed that cover? Neither one of the characters look good.

Ok so yes there is a bunch just not right with this story but all in all it is a good story. It leads us to the next book which is Bas’ story and that sounds like it might be interesting. Am I jumping up and down over this story? No but I am looking forward to continuing the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Kensington 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 Served Hot by Marie Harte

served hotTITLE: Served Hot
SERIES #: Best Revenge #2
CHARACTERS: Dexter Black & Maya Werner
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: December 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One little lie, one huge grudge, and one picture-perfect plan for revenge…

Blackmailed into a prom date by the cute but geeky Dexter Black twelve years ago, Maya Werner shocked herself by having a good time. For a strong-willed, hot-tempered artist who’s used to having the upper hand, that’s never sat well with her.

At weekly wine night with her friends, Maya finds herself pledging to get revenge on the men who’ve done her wrong—starting with Dex. Except the Marine Corps transformed the nerd into a hot, sexy guy with the audacity to blackmail her again. This time into a few dates.

Dex is back in town with one goal in mind: to win the girl of his dreams. But he knows how she operates. His strategy? Keep her off balance by running hot and cold until she melts into the passion between them.

When a misunderstanding stokes old hurts, Maya backs away when she should stand her ground. But Dex has a contingency plan: pour on the charm with both barrels, until he has his own form of revenge—loving Maya, forever.

Warning: Blackmailing a stubborn, hot-tempered artist into bed, and an ex-Marine who has a penchant for taking pictures. Yeah, those kinds of pictures

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Revenge: Is a dish best served cold.
Well not if you are Maya Werner. Maya’s idea of revenge is to get hot and heavy with the very hot Dexter Black. It is only fair you see. Dexter blackmailed her into a date 12 years ago and he has done the same thing again now. But unfortunately for Maya, Dex is not going to let her go this time. This time is he prepared for her and so called revenge.
LOVED this book. Served Hot is the second book in Marie Harte’s Best Revenge series. If you have not read book on Served Cold you really should start there (but you don’t have to, but I would and did). In Served Hot we get to see how Maya part of the Terrible Trio handles her nemesis. And boy howdy does she handle him well. This was a really fun and quick read. I loved Dexter when we met him in book 1 and loved him even more in Served Hot. I am so very glad that I found Marie and her yummy books. I so can’t wait for the last book in this trilogy Served Sweet.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Samhain Publishing 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 Hot Blooded by Donna Grant

hot bloodedTITLE: Hot Blooded
SERIES #: Dark Kings #4
CHARACTERS: Laith & Iona Campbell
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: December 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dark Kings soldier on in their fight to preserve their dragon magic. But eternal doom is always close behind…

SWORN TO PROTECT

His name is Laith. To most, he’s known as the owner of a local pub near Dreagan. But little do his patrons know that beneath his handsome, charming exterior Laith has the heart and soul of a Dragon King—one who wields control by keeping his friends close and his enemies, just across the border, closer. Until a mysterious stranger enters the picture, and sets his whole world off course…

DRIVEN TO DESIRE

Iona is a woman with a mission: To learn the truth about her dead father. She’s returned to Scotland only to learn that she’s part of an ancient pact with Dreagan—one that will threaten the fragile peace with the Dragon Kings. Gorgeous, sly Iona isn’t like anyone Laith has ever met before . . . and she harbors a secret that others would kill to possess. Will she complete him—or destroy him? Passion always comes with a price.

REVIEW:
In Hot Blooded The Kings have to deal with the death of their neighbor. John Campbell was more than just a neighbor he was a friend and the keeper of something very important to The Kings.
With the death of her father Iona Campbell has inherited the family land. But along with that comes some very interesting rules and people.

Another great Dark King novella. I was very happy that this story took a different path than the prior book. It was great to see all the Dragon Kings working together. It was great to see The Warriors getting along and working side by side with The Kings. Liath and Iona are great together. I am already looking forward to seeing them both in future books. There were a few heartbreaking parts in this book too. I know that Ms. Grant will make these right at some point in time, but like any good (evil) author she needs to torture us just a little. 😀
Can’t wait for the next Dark King novel.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Donna Grant 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 Virals by Kathy Reichs

ViralsTITLE: Virals
SERIES #: Virals #1
CHARACTERS: Tory, Hiram, Ben & Shelton
AUTHOR: Kathy Reichs
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/2/10
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage “sci-philes” who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer’s scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends. They’re a pack. They are Virals

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the first book in the Virals series by Kathy Reichs. This series tells the story of Tory Brennan – niece to famous forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan – and her friends Ben, Hiram and Shelton. These four are best friends who live on a secluded island and their parent’s work in a research facility. They are curious by nature and get into all kinds of trouble together. When an accidental discovery turns into a life or death situation their worlds change forever. I really enjoyed this story. Tory and her friends are a great group of kids to follow and are incredibly resourceful and courageous. The ending of the story came as a surprise to me, I didn’t see a lot of it coming – which is good. The writing is solid, comical and compelling. Once I got into it, I couldn’t put the book down. These kids are wild and the situations they get into are so crazy you have to keep reading to see how they’ll get out of it. There are many other books in the series and I’m just getting started.

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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Kimberly reviews Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale by KE Saxon

Diamonds & ToadsTITLE: Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale
CHARACTERS: Delilah & Isadora
AUTHOR: K.E. Saxon
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/23/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Together, sweet Delilah and wicked Isadora make the perfect woman. But the Perrault family fairy is a troublemaker and imbues diamonds upon one sister and toads upon the other. Now up is down and down is up in a world where no good deed goes unpunished. Leather, blindfolds, and handcuffs purge sweet of all reserve. A few misspoken words of lust gives wicked a whole new meaning.

Once upon a time, there were two sisters, one cursed and one blessed by fairy magic…

Bibbidee-bobbidi-boo, They’re naughty. How about you?

REVIEW:
OK I do not know what I expected from this book but it certainly wasn’t this… First this book is set in two parts: Delilah’s story and Isadora’s story. I enjoyed Delilah’s but not so much of Isadora’s. And not sure why they had to throw in the stereo-typical wicked stepmother. It is a short read so I will not say too much about it except in a strange way I enjoyed it but not a lot.

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

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