Kimberly

October 21, 2014October 17, 2014

Kelly reviews Gone To Her Grave by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Gone to Her Grave
SERIES #: Rogue River Novella #2
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 21, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.

When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.

Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?

A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Carly is a social worker that will do anything for the kids she is trying to protect. Even give up the man she loves. But when push comes to shove there is only one person that Carly will trust. The question is has she pushed him away for good?

Seth loves his wife and would do anything for her. Except be 100% understanding when it comes to the dangerous of her job. Except he is starting to see the errors of his ways and when Carly calls in need of help there is no way he can let her face trouble alone.

Gone to Her Grave is the second novella in Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot’s Rogue River Novella series. To say that I devoured this novella would be a complete understatement. I read this story in one bite.

After reading On Her Father’s Grave I could not wait to find out more about the events that are happening in Solitude, Oregon. And like any good evil suspense author Ms. Leigh’s’ Gone to Her Grave left me with so many more questions. I am dying to have all my questions answered.

What are my questions? Well if I told you that I would give away too much of the plot line. So my suggestion would be to pick up Novella #1 On Her Father’s Grave, then read Gone to Her Grave and find out the questions yourself 😉 I can not wait for the next two novella’s in this series!! Answers I need answers darn it

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

October 21, 2014October 17, 2014

Natasha reviews That Night by Chevy Stevens

TITLE: That Night
CHARACTERS: Toni & Ryan
AUTHOR: Chevy Stevens
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/17/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a teenager, Toni Murphy had a life full of typical adolescent
complications: a boyfriend she adored, a younger sister she couldn’t relate to, a strained relationship with her parents, and classmates who seemed hell-bent on making her life miserable. Things weren’t easy, but Toni could never have predicted how horrific they would become until her younger sister was brutally murdered one summer night.
Toni and her boyfriend, Ryan, were convicted of the murder and sent to prison.
Now thirty-four, Toni is out on parole and back in her hometown, struggling to adjust to a new life on the outside. Prison changed her, hardened her, and she’s doing everything in her power to avoid violating her parole and going back. This means having absolutely no contact with Ryan, avoiding fellow parolees looking to pick fights, and steering clear of trouble in all its forms. But nothing is making that easy—not Ryan, who is convinced he can figure out the truth; not her mother, who doubts Toni’s innocence; and certainly not the group of women who made Toni’s life hell in high school and may have darker secrets than anyone realizes. No matter how hard she tries, ignoring her old life to start a new one is impossible. Before Toni can truly move on, she must risk everything to find out what really happened that night.
But the truth might be the most terrifying thing of all.

REVIEW:
I’ve never read anything by Chevy Stevens before, but I am such a fan now! I couldn’t put this book down. Toni and Ryan are a teenage couple in love. High school drama, bullies, demanding parents and typical teenage angst fill this story with so much tension. Toni’s life is turned upside down when one fateful night her younger sister is murdered. The police, her parents and the whole town place the blame on Toni and Ryan, and they end up spending 14 years in prison for her murder. The story is told from Toni’s point of view in alternating timelines – both the events of the past and the events of the present. Telling a story with different time streams can be confusing to readers, but this was written so well I found that the story flowed beautifully. Each chapter gave just enough information to keep you hanging at the edge of your seat for more.

When Toni and Ryan are released they begin to investigate the murder on their own and against their parole conditions. The ensuing plot gains momentum and is full of drama, action and intensity. I wanted to whoop my fist in the air in triumph and at the same time cry for all of the things these characters go through – especially Toni. I just can’t say enough about this story. It was a fabulous read and I could’ve kept reading for hundreds of pages more. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read that highlights the injustices, prejudices and assumptions that are so prevalent in our society; as well as their sometimes devastating outcomes.

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

October 20, 2014October 20, 2014

Kelly reviews Dangerous Surrender by Katie Reus

TITLE: Dangerous Surrender
SERIES #: The Serafina: Sin City #4
CHARACTERS: Roman MacNeil & Taylor
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: October 21, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A cold-blooded killer wants her dead.

After her friend is murdered right before her eyes, Taylor uses her wits to escape with just a bullet wound, thankful to be alive. But now the killer isn’t the only one after her—the cops are, too, and Taylor’s not sure she can trust them—or anybody else in her life in California. She decides to turn to her old friend in Vegas, racing there with just the clothes on her back, only to arrive and realize he’s off on his honeymoon. Desperate, she breaks in and crashes.

A former Marine is determined to protect her.

When former Marine Roman MacNeil finds a gorgeous stranger unconscious and bleeding in his friend’s shower, his first thought is to help her…until she tries to knock him out with a vodka bottle. Lucky for Taylor, Roman isn’t a man who goes down easily. When he realizes the trouble she’s in, he’s determined to protect her—whatever it takes. As they’re thrust into a deadly situation they discover an attraction they never bargained for. But a determined killer is closing in, and time may be running out.

REVIEW:
Nothing can ruin your day faster than someone shooting at you.
Maybe not, because seeing your best friend killed in front of your eyes is worst.

Taylor is one tough chick who knows has mad skills with a computer and has some killer shoes!!!. Roman is pretty darn awesome. I love how they meet, even if it was under horrible circumstances. These two were great to read about.

Another great Serafina: Sin City story from Ms. Reus. This was a really quick read for me. As with all shorter stories I wanted the story to go on longer. I wanted more of Roman and Taylor, but we can’t always get what we want right? I hope to see them both in upcoming Sin City books.

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

October 20, 2014October 17, 2014

Kelly reviews Talk This Way by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Talk This Way
SERIES #: Plum Orchard #0.5
CHARACTERS: Flynn McGrady & Cat Butler
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In her sexy new series, bestselling author Dakota Cassidy introduces the Call Girls, a spirited group of friends ready to take on lust, love and everything in between…. Find out where it all began in this delicious novella!

If life is like a box of chocolates, Cat Butler has tasted them all—and decided on none. It’s no wonder she can’t keep a job, even though her mother’s health depends on it. Just when she finds herself up a creek without a paddle—again—a benevolent friend throws her a lifeline. In the form of a job at, of all places, a phone sex hotline. Not exactly what she had in mind, but if it pays the bills for her mom’s expensive nursing home, what’s the harm?

Successful entrepreneur Flynn McGrady knows a thing or two about responsibility. So when his mother has a stroke, he knows the right thing to do is relocate to Atlanta to be near her while she recovers. He’s got a plan for everything—except for feisty Cat, who finally gets his mama to talk again. Talk dirty, that is, and he’s not pleased. Cat is gorgeous and sassy to boot…too bad she’s not the type to settle down.

Cat and Flynn may have bigger fish to fry, but the sparks between them are hotter than hell. And when they finally give in to temptation, the results are explosive. Can a girl who follows her heart and a guy who follows his head find their way to forever?

REVIEW:
Poor Cat Butler finds herself trying her hardest to keep her head above the water and keep her ill mother in the very expensive rehab home. But when Cat’s sassy mouth gets her fired from her latest job, she finds a very unconventional job offered to her by her friend Landon. The question is will she take a leap of faith or sink. Oh and did I mention the sexy Flynn?

Flynn McGrady is only in town to check on his mom. The last thing he ever expected was the sweet and sexy Cat Butler to be able to get his mom talk again. But saying “Spank me harder” was not exactly what Flynn had in mind. But there is just something about Cat. Something that makes him lose his mind and good senses.

As with all novellas I can’t give away to much. So I will leave you with this: Talk this Way was a very fast read, yet it was a very fun story and a great beginning to the Plum Orchard series. Looking forward to all the books in this series.

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

October 17, 2014October 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Firelight Girls by Kaya McLaren

TITLE: The Firelight Girls
CHARACTERS: Ethel, Laura, Ruby, Shannon
AUTHOR: Kaya McLaren
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The summers you spend at summer camp are indelibly etched on your heart. But what happens when the camp you love is about to close? Can you ever really say goodbye to the place that made you who you are? These are the questions that plagues Ethel, the seventy-year-old former camp director who is nursing a broken heart after losing the love of her life as she now faces the impending closure of the camp on Lake Wenatchee that she called home. It’s also a question that inspires change in forty-year-old Shannon, who spent the summers of her youth as a vibrant, capable camp counselor and is now directionless after watching her career implode. And there’s Laura, who has lost all intimacy with her husband and doesn’t know if she can save what seems to be gone forever. Finally, Ruby, who betrayed Ethel years ago and hasn’t spoken to her since, hopes this will be her chance to make amends. When the four women learn that a homeless teen has been hiding at camp, they realize camp is something much more immediate for all: survival.

And so the three generations of women search for a way to save the place that saved them all, finding in the process a way back to themselves and each other in The Firelight Girls, Kaya McLaren’s novel of love and loss, heartbreak and healing.

REVIEW:
This is a story of 5 women. It is heartwarming and if you ever spent time at a summer camp this will bring back warm memories. These women formed a friendship and while each has moved on when the camp is closing they find themselves back together again to spend time to reminisce and talk about how the camp changed them.

The characters really drag you in. There is someone for everyone. Which one are you? Which is more like your friends? This is comforting and warm. It is a great book to curl up to by a fire and have some “me” time. A light read made to enjoy.

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

October 17, 2014October 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Running From The Past by Katie Reus

TITLE: Running From the Past
CHARACTERS: Caleb Ryder & Emma Garcia
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: Re-issue October 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman on the run.

Miami socialite Emma Garcia has been running from who she is her entire life. When she witnesses a horrific crime, she goes on the run. In desperation, she answers an ad for a chef on a remote horse farm in the middle of nowhere, Florida. It seems like the perfect plan until she figures out what to do with her secrets. The only thing she doesn’t count on is being attracted to the rugged cowboy who owns the place. Whenever he comes around the only thing she can focus on is his seductive voice and sinful body.

And her past is about to catch up with her.

Former Marine Caleb Ryder hires Emma even though he knows she’s lying about her identity. He desperately needs the help, but he also doesn’t have the heart to turn away a woman so obviously in need. After being burned by a woman once, he doesn’t let that deter his mission to claim Emma’s body and heart. Now that she’s his, he’ll face any threat to protect her, no matter how deadly.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a very very quick read. So I would give too much away.
But Emma is running from her life. I life that has been less than perfect. Finding herself on a ranch was the last thing she had ever seen herself doing. But it might just be the best place to be.
Caleb is not looking for anything other than a cook. But what he finds is a woman who could change everything in his life. Whether that is for the good or bad, I guess you will have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed this re-release of Katie Reus’ Running from the Past. If you like romance suspense I would give this quick read a go.

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

October 16, 2014October 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights #10) by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights #10)
SERIES #: Midnight Breed #12.5
CHARACTERS: Lazaro Archer & Melena Walsh
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once, they lived in secret alongside mankind. Now, emerged from the shadows, the Breed faces enemies on both sides—human and vampire alike. No one knows that better than Lazaro Archer, one of the eldest, most powerful of his kind. His beloved Breedmate and family massacred by a madman twenty years ago, Lazaro refuses to open his heart again.

Sworn to his duty as the leader of the Order’s command center in Italy, the last thing the hardened warrior wants is to be tasked with the rescue and safekeeping of an innocent woman in need of his protection. But when a covert mission takes a deadly wrong turn, Lazaro finds himself in the unlikely role of hero with a familiar, intriguing beauty he should not desire, but cannot resist.

Melena Walsh has never forgotten the dashing Breed male who saved her life as a child. But the chivalrous hero of her past is in hard contrast to the embittered, dangerous man on whom her safety now depends. And with an unwanted—yet undeniable—desire igniting between them, Melena fears that Lazaro’s protection may come at the price of her heart.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Oh novella’s how I love to hate you. Love because I get more stories from Lara Adrian about the Midnight Breed’s. Hate you because I read you to fast and my experience is over so quickly.
With that I give you my thoughts.

Starting Tempted by Midnight I was transported back to when Lazaro’s family was killed. It was so bitter sweet. Because I remember crying when it happened. But in Tempted by Midnight Lazaro meets with fate. A fate that he didn’t want yet could not resist.

Melena has be awestruck by Lazaro Archer since the moment he saved her a stupid little girl trying to prove her toughness. But now she finds herself in awe of the man. The man that just saved her life yet again.

I loved this novella. Love Lazaro. Loved Melena. Really wish the story was longer (insert dramatic sigh). But as with all novella’s I can’t give you to much (what fun would that be). If you are a Midnight Breed fan you will love and devour this novella. If you are new to the Midnight Breed you could actually read this novella and be okay. BUT I think you should start at the beginning and get catch up. There is a LOT of history behind this book.

So can’t wait to see what Lara has in store for the Midnight Breeds next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Evil Eye Concepts & 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 16, 2014October 11, 2014

Jennifer reviews He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: He’s So Fine
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #11
CHARACTERS: Olivia Bentley and Cole Donovan
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/30/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Olivia Bentley, Lucky Harbor is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It’s the place where folks are friendly to strangers-and nobody knows her real name. Olivia does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone . . . until she sees a man drowning. Suddenly she’s rushing into the surf, getting up close and personal with the hottest guy she’s ever laid hands on.

Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to “save” him. In fact, he’d like to spend a lot more time skin-to-skin with Olivia. He’s just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole’s heart, or will it be the end of Olivia’s days in little Lucky Harbor?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I absolutely adore the Lucky Harbor series and He’s So Fine was such a touching romantic tale about two people finding love while overcoming the hurt of past relationships. Olivia Bentley came to Lucky Harbor to start over with a normal life and leave her famous television past behind her. She had a successful business but knows that something is missing in her life until she meets sexy Cole Donovan. Cole would love to get to know Olivia better but the pain of his past prevents him from truly trusting the love that is right in front of him. When her past finally comes to light, Cole may throw everything away because he can’t let go of the past relationship that he thought he had left behind.
I really liked Olivia from the very beginning of the book. She wanted desperately to create a new life for herself and get people to like her because of who she was now, instead of who she was in her past. Her family kept hounding her to do a reunion special to cash in on the television character that she was and seemed to have no interest in actually spending time with Olivia. Only getting what they felt she “owed” them, which made me extremely angry. I hate people that try to take advantage of others and Olivia deserved so much more than that. She gave her heart completely to Cole but she knew in the back of her mind that once he found out the truth about who she really was, he would run the other way.
Cole seemed to have everything figured out and he just kept going on with his life without dealing with a past betrayal. He cared about Olivia but always seemed to be holding back and waiting for her to make a mistake. He used that past relationship as a compass for love and if anything in that relationship wasn’t completely true then the whole thing was a lie in his eyes. He had to learn that everything isn’t always black and white and Olivia never once made him feel that her love wasn’t the real thing. She hid her past because she wanted something that was real, not something that was tainted and a mirage created due to her television childhood. The ending of this book made me cry because Olivia’s past and future came together in a good way and Cole finally realized what he always had right in front of him.
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.

October 15, 2014October 11, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review On The Naughty List by Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta & Sugar Jamison

TITLE: On the Naughty List
CHARACTERS: Multiple
AUTHOR: Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta & Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The most wonderful time of the year is back with On The Naughty List, bringing perennial favorite holiday stories from Lori Foster and Carly Phillips, along with two Christmas stories that delighted readers a year ago. This sexy anthology will make you want to give your heart to Christmas again and again…

Lori Foster has two co-workers plan a Christmas party side-by-side-and discover a love worth celebrating in Christmas Bonus.

Carly Phillips explores a “mistletoe moment” when a no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss meets his twin instead–and gives him a scintillating kiss that leaves him begging for more in Naughty Under the Mistletoe.

Beth Ciotta brings two friends who, after years apart, together at home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore, but when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine if they are better off as “just friends”? Or could it be that true love was there all along? in Some Kind of Wonderful.

In Sugar Jamison’s Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas, former wild child Dina Gregory returns home to New York to find the father of her young son. Instead, she finds his stuffy older brother, Ben. Ben can’t help but admire her tenacity—and her bold beauty. Could it be that Dina has reignited his Christmas spirit?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts It is always hard to review novella’s without giving too much of the story away so below is a quick and dirty review for each.
Christmas Bonus: Characters: Eric Bragg & Maggie Carmichael
Eric has been interest in Maggie for years, except now she is his boss. Any hope of a relationship with her has gone out the window. Or has it?
Maggie needs Eric. She needs him to help her by being her date for the company Christmas party. It is the perfect plan to seduce the man she is in love with. But will Eric take the bait?
Eric & Maggie were great!!
Naughty Under the Mistletoe: Characters: Maxwell Cobin & Antonia Larson
A hot kiss under the mistletoe with the man of your dreams is the perfect way to start the holiday season. Only problem Toni just kissed the wrong man.

And Max thought going to his father’s company Christmas party was going to be boring.

Max & Toni were really fun to read.

Some Kind of Wonderful: Characters: Zachery Cole & Maya Templeton
This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.

Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: Characters: Ben Rowe & Dina Gregory
I think this was my favorite story of the four. I love Ben & Dina!
I just loved Ben. He is dark, stuffy and stubborn and in need of a lot of light and laughter in this life.
Dina is one tough cookie who has not lived the best life. But now that she has her son she wants to be better and that means facing the father of her son.
I for sure am going to pick up more of Sugar Jamison’s stories.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Christmas Bonus: 3 Hearts – This story was just ok. While short it seemed to take forever to read. The characters just don’t seem to mesh either. Erik acts like a old man not just in his early thirties. And Maggie is 22 but asks like the 17 year old she was when they met. Not my cup of tea.

Naughty Under The Mistletoe: 3.5 Hearts – This story is cute. Different with the whole twin brother thing. Enjoyable short read.

Some Kind Of Wonderful: 3.5 Hearts – This is part of a series that I haven’t read. It is cute. I wanted to read more but it was still good. I may have to go back to read the series.

Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas: I read this story last winter. I gave it 4 stars. See review at Books-n-Kisses.

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

October 15, 2014October 11, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Light by Donna VanLiere

TITLE: The Christmas Light
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Donna VanLiere
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the small town of Grandon, five very different people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Jennifer and Ryan are both single parents, struggling with their own losses and heartache as they attempt to move forward in the present while still holding onto the memories, joy, and heartache of the past. Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope. The New York Times bestselling author of the beloved The Christmas Hope series returns with this new heartwarming, inspirational story about the power of love and faith to reveal the possibilities that lay right in front of you.

REVIEW:
This was a hard read for me. Mainly because of the writing. It is written as if the author is writing a screenplay. It is distracting if you ask me. The rest of the story was fine and had a sweet holiday feel good feeling about it but it was hard for me to get passed the writing. This is my first book by this author even though everyone probably knows The Christmas Shoes from the song. Just not my cup of tea.

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

October 14, 2014October 11, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review One In A Million by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: One in a Million
SERIES #: Lucky harbor #12
CHARACTERS: Tanner Riggs & Callie Sharpe
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It’s that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she’s sworn off love . . .

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he’s still paying for his own mistakes? It’s hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there’s something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Seriously, I can not get enough of Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor books. Every single book that I have read I have totally and utterly fallen in love with. I am so very upset and hope that this is not true that this is the last Lucky Harbor novel. I know there is a novella to come in December. But I honestly don’t know what I am going to do about not having a new Lucky Harbor book in my future. Well I guess I could do a re-read. And I guess I can hope that Ms. Shalvis will come to her senses and realize that Lucky Harbor needs more love stories.

That being said back to One in a Million. There was just something about Tanner that grabbed me when he stepped on the pages in He’s So Fine. Now don’t get me wrong Cole & Sam are hot and I loved them too. But Tanner stole my heart. There is just something about this tough, wounded, ex Navy Seal that screams “I need a hug”. But never fear Callie seems to have that part covered (darn her 😉 ) Anywhoo….. Loved loved loved loved this book. Loved Callie (even if I wanted to slap her up side the head a time or two. Thank goodness for Lucille).
Loved this whole series. And honestly tearing up just a bit that it could be over. But never say never right *sniff, sniff* If you are a Lucky Harbor fan you will totally love One in a Million. If you are new you really should start at the beginning with Simply Irresistible.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Well this is it. This is the end. But what a way to go. Jill Shalvis brought us to this tiny town of Lucky Harbor and through 12 books she let us meet 12 wonderful couple, a nosy old lady with a social media fascination, a few great kids, and a wonderful town and now we have to say goodbye but not before the 12th couple connects and that is Callie and Tanner.

Maybe because it was so bittersweet this might be my favorite couple that Shalvis has written. Maybe she just saved the best for last. I don’t know but I really enjoyed Callie and Tanner. First I adored Tanner for the last two books. I love the bro-romance the three amigos have and enjoyed reading their story and since Tanner was such a big part of the other books maybe that gave me more time to fall in love with him but no matter how it happened I did just that. And Callie.. well she is something. She is so sweet and loving and a little broken and love-shy and yet you not only want to be friends with her but pull her in and hug her. Troy is a great character too and another reason to open your arms for a hug.

No fan of contemporary romance should miss this series. Lucky Harbor is a wonderful place to visit and I am sad to know that one of my favorite fictional vacation spots will be no more but I enjoyed the times I got to visit and thank Shalvis for all the wonderful people I met along the way. Here’s to the next series may it be as wonderful as this one.

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

October 14, 2014October 11, 2014

Natasha reviews Son Of No One by Sherrilyn Kenyon

TITLE: Son of No One
SERIES #: Darkhunter #23, Hellchaser #6
CHARACTERS: Cadegan & Jo
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
PUBLICATION DATE: 9/2/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s not easy being life’s own personal joke, but Josette Landry has made an unstable peace with the beast. Life will continue to throw every bad thing it has at her, and she will continue to not put her head in an oven. But that’s okay. That which doesn’t kill her will just require a few hours of mental insanity. Completely down on her luck, Josette takes a job with a local paranormal group trying to get their own cable show as a photographer and camerawoman. Yeah, they’re even crazier than she is. The only paranormal thing she believes in is the miracle that keeps her rusted out hoopty running. But when her group accidentally releases something truly evil into the world, they are forced to call in reinforcement.

From the moment Josette meets Cadegan, she knows something about him isn’t quite right. And it’s not just because she can’t even begin to pronounce his last name: Maboddimun. Mysterious and armed with lethal sarcasm, he seems a lot older than his apparent age…

Centuries ago, Cadegan sold his soul for vengeance against the betrayer who cursed him. Forced against his will to do good, he hates everything in life. All he wants is a way out. But for the damned there is only eternal suffering. And yet there is something about Josette that intrigues him as much as it irritates and frustrates him. Something he can’t seem to fight, and the last time he felt this way about a woman, it cost him his soul.

He knows he has to stay away from her, but the evil her friends unleashed is hellbent on consuming her soul. Something he cannot allow. If one more innocent is taken, he will be sent back to an unimaginable prison that makes his current hell look like paradise. But how can he keep her safe when his being with her is the greatest threat of all?

REVIEW: This is another installment in the Darkhunter series, but also connects to many other series that Sherrilyn has introduced over the years. The story itself is okay to read. Cadegan is a loveable character with the same tortured past we see in many of Sherrilyn’s books. Jo is a strong female lead – another staple in Kenyon’s writings. Jo has a strong personality and is a smart ass. Though that’s funny I found it to be too much at times when situations didn’t particularly warrant it. It cheapened some of the moments and made her come off as a little bit of a dolt. We see many familiar characters in this book and are also introduced to many many more. I’ve honestly given up trying to keep track of all of the Kenyon characters, their powers and their connections to one another. She’s expanded this series so far and added SO MANY THINGS it’s nearly impossible to keep track of it all. I like that because she’s moving the series forward, but at the same time I find it daunting as a reader and it takes away from the series. Because of this I just take each book as it stands and don’t try to connect them all back anymore. I’ll keep reading this series for now and see what else is in store in this universe.

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