Kimberly reviews In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

TITLE: In Your Corner
SERIES #: Redemption #2
CHARACTERS: Amanda & Jake
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“You have to go. I won’t be able to control myself. I’ve wanted you so bad for so long and after I’ve been in the cage…I can’t think straight.” He gives a guttural groan and his fist clenches on my hip.
Primitive. Primal. His need speaks to me. I tighten my grip on his neck and rock up to kiss him. He takes over. His kiss is hard and demanding.
“Mine.” His voice is raw, savage and for a moment I truly believe he may lose control.
He rules in the ring
Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn’t dull the pain of Amanda’s rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.
A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn’t found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help…
But can he rule her heart?
Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda’s not sure if she can stay in control, or if she’s finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. WOW Jake is just so alpha he can burn you alive. Amanda is the perfect person for him to be with it. They compliment each other so well.

I wasn’t sure if I could enjoy this as much as the first in the series but this is hands down better. The problems the characters have are real. They are intense and they are true. Jake is darker and sexier as the synopsis says and Amanda is real and someone I would want to be friends with.

I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next one in the series.

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

August 13, 2014August 10, 2014

Jennifer reviews Return To Homecoming Ranch by Julia London

TITLE: Return to Homecoming Ranch
SERIES #: Pine River #2
CHARACTERS: Libby Tyler, Sam Winters
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Curly-haired Libby Tyler never stops smiling…until her beloved boyfriend suddenly forces her out of their home and away from his adoring kids. When she learns he dumped her for his flighty ex-wife, Libby’s sadness turns to fury—and she very publicly smashes his truck with a golf club, earning herself a trip to a mental health center for some “rest.”

Handsome, hazel-eyed deputy Sam Winters has been sober for two years. Afraid of backsliding, he lives in the mountains and keeps his distance from people. Yet he never forgot Libby, his former colleague at the sheriff’s office whose charm and cheerfulness always warmed his days.

Now Libby’s back, ignoring the townspeople’s whispers (and her ex’s restraining order) while desperately trying to make Homecoming Ranch a successful event destination. She keeps causing trouble for Sam, but he finds her smile more beautiful than ever…and his touch gives her thrills she’s never felt. Could these two lost souls mend each other’s broken hearts?

REVIEW: The thing that I loved about this book was that Libby and Sam were two kindred spirits that were doing their best to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives in Pine River. Libby Tyler was heartbroken when she was kicked to the curb by her ex-boyfriend and had a difficult time moving on from the life that she helped create with him and his children. Feeling lost and alone, she finds herself driving by his house when she knows that she needs to stay away and move on. Sam Winters is a recovering alcoholic who has always had eyes for Libby and Sam soon finds himself trying to keep her out of trouble with her ex-boyfriend.

Libby has never known what her friendship has meant to Sam, especially during the dark times recovering from his addiction. I loved how Sam was there to help Libby, even when she didn’t want it and to be the friend that she needed when the whole town though that she had lost her mind. They were great together as a couple and that Sam showed Libby that true love had always been right in front of her, she just had to take his hand and grab it.
Return to Homecoming Ranch is a sweet, delightful romance that you just can’t put down. I enjoyed Libby and Sam’s story, as well as getting updates about what is happening in the lives of previous characters from the first book in the series, Homecoming Ranch. Ms. London has written such a lovely romantic tale about two broken hearts that finally find the love that they were searching for and I can’t wait to see what is in store for these characters in the future.

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.

August 13, 2014August 10, 2014

Jennifer reviews Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

TITLE: Better Homes and Hauntings
CHARACTERS: Deacon Whitney, Nina Linden
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I loved, loved this book! I have always been a big fan of Molly Harper and the fact that this book is about a haunted house is an added bonus for me. Nina Linden is down on her luck trying to build her landscaping business when she gets the job of a lifetime helping to renovate the grounds of The Crane’s Nest, which is owned by software mogul, Deacon Whitney. Nina joins a group of business-minded people set on bringing the decrepit mansion back into its former glory but each of them begin to experience things that have them believing that the house actually may be haunted.
Molly Harper is such a talented writer because each of her books are filled with romance, mystery and a dash of snarky humor that will definitely keep you entertained. I loved Nina, Deacon, Cindy and Jake in Better Homes and Hauntings and couldn’t get enough of these characters. The dialogue between these characters had me laughing out loud and wanting to find the secrets of The Crane’s Nest right along with them. Nina and Deacon were so cute together since they were both shy people that had a lot in common if they just gave it a chance. I felt sorry for Cindy for part of this book because she liked Jake and he was just an idiot that needed to be hit over the head for not remembering her from his past. I love all of Ms. Harper’s books and Better Homes and Hauntings has now become a favorite of mine. Can’t wait for her next book because I know that it will be a fun and entertaining ride.

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

August 12, 2014August 10, 2014

What releases the week of August 11th? Check here!

Happy Release Week!!!!

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Just click on a link to see what books are available.

August 12, 2014August 10, 2014

Kimberly reviews What A Lady Craves by Ashlyn Macnamara

TITLE: What A Lady Craves
SERIES #: The Eton Boys Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Henrietta & Alexander
AUTHOR: Ashlyn Macnamara
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/12/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Henrietta Upperton is about to marry Alexander Sanford, when he rushes off to India to salvage his family’s fortune. Then comes the devastating news that he has wed another. Eight agonizing years later, a storm washes Alexander ashore—injured, widowed, and hunted—and one glimpse of his ruggedly handsome face reawakens the desire Henrietta thought she had buried deep inside. Her body still yearns for his touch, but she’s determined not let him wound her again . . . not this time.
For Alexander, honor always comes first. But only now does he realize that when given the choice between two virtuous deeds, he picked the wrong one. On the run with his life in tatters and a pair of daughters in tow, Alexander burns for Henrietta. He knows he does not deserve forgiveness. And yet he longs to wrap his arms around her warm body once again. What’s more, he is sure the lady craves the same.

REVIEW:
I had the hardest time with this book. I really never cared about either of the main characters. Alexander is just a jerk who thinks he does everything for honor and even when he hurts others with his actions he doesn’t see it as dishonor. And Henrietta just seems desperate or something. Why she would allow Alexander back into her life I have no clue.
I started off feeling saddened for Henrietta but right off the bat she keeps the box from Alexander when he has lost everything and I guess I never recovered for her keeping it from him. Mind you I never liked Alexander either. I really just wanted to slap them both and tell them to leave each other alone and never talk again. But I guess they deserve each other if they are willing to get back together after everything that has happened.

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

August 11, 2014August 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Wild Need by Donna Grant

TITLE: Wild Need
SERIES #: Chiasson series #3
CHARACTERS: Beau Chiasson & Davena Arcineaux
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: August 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS:

iBooks: http://bit.ly/WNiBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1o54rGG
Nook: http://bit.ly/WNnook
Kindle: http://amzn.to/XcSvZT
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uhWEct

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this third thrilling story in the Chiasson series, New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant delivers a fiery tale about a man who embraces his heritage and a woman trying to escape evil.

STALKED BY DEATH…

Davena Arcineaux would like nothing more than to put her past of tragedy and magic behind her and stop running. Maybe even find a great guy to share her life with and start a family. But an evil Voodoo priestess who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Davena has tracked her to Lyons Point. And time has run out for Davena.

FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL…

Brave, protective, Beau Chiasson was prepared to live his life alone, but when fate puts the lovely Davena in his path, he realizes that there has been a part of him missing that only she can complete. Engaged in the biggest fight of his life, Beau must not only save the parish from evil, but also win Davena’s heart – if he can keep them both alive

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Beau is the youngest of the Chiasson’s brothers. While he has always taking the stand that he doesn’t want or need love in his life (except for his family) he finds it hard to not notice the beautiful and mysterious Davena Arcineaux. But Beau is determine to do just that. Right up until evil touches his dreams. The smell of smoke and the taste of pure evil spars Beau into facing that fact that Davena needs him. But does she?

Davena is one tough chick, even if she doesn’t know it yet. She has an amazingly heart breaking story that only get worst. But when she things she is down and out for good her night with beautiful blue eyes comes in to rescue her. Davena is not willing to risk anyone else’s life ever again. But can she win alone?

Wild Need is book 3 in Donna Grant’s Chiasson series. And I believe that each story has gotten better and better. I loved Beau and Davena’s story. My only grip about this story is how long it took for Beau & Davena to come together. But it was necessary (you will have to read to find out). Oh and a little surprise at the end of the book had me saying “Look out world. Everything just changed.” I can’t wait for the next installment in this novella series.

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

August 11, 2014August 10, 2014

Kelly reviews Wild Dream by Donna Grant

TITLE: Wild Dream
SERIES #: Chiasson series #2
CHARACTERS: Lincoln Chiasson & Ava Ledet
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE FAMILY TORN APART…

Ava Ledet has had a hard time forgiving her father for walking out on her to hunt the supernatural. When Ava returns to the bayous to visit a friend and attempt to gain some closure, she’s confronted by the ghosts of her past. Unfortunately, that’s not the only darkness descending upon her. An evil unlike anything she’s ever encountered has focused on her, and she’s forced to put her life in the hands of a handsome hunter if she’s to live another day.

ANOTHER CURSED…

Gorgeous, loyal Lincoln Chiasson always has his brothers’ backs, and when his cousin from New Orleans needs his help after being cursed by a Voodoo priestess, he’s among the first to offer assistance. Until he sets eyes on Ava. After that, protecting her becomes more important than anything. Or anyone. But can he win her trust – and her love – while keeping her safe from his family?

REVIEW:
All the Chiasson brothers has been hell bent on not having women in their lives. That worked really well until Vincent had to go and get himself in love with Olivia. But the other brothers are still taking that stand. But needless to say that doesn’t work out so well for Lincoln. The minute he sees Ava he knows he is doomed. But falling for Ava is only half of Lincoln’s problem. There is a werewolf on the loose and he has Ava in his sights.

Wild Dreams is novella number 2 in Donna Grant’s new Chiasson series. Wild Dreams was just as good as Wild Fever. But like any good novella Wild Dreams gave us a great quick read but left us wanting more. Oh and we get to meet the LaRue cousins and learn just a tad bit about them. I am looking forward the need book in this novella series Wild Need.

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

August 8, 2014August 5, 2014

Kelly review Bound To Danger by Katie Reus

TITLE: Bound by Danger
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #2
CHARACTERS: Cade O’Reilly & Maria Cervantes
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

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

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

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

Bound by Danger is the second book in Katie Reus’ news Deadly Ops series. Bound by Danger is every bit as good as Targeted (bk 1). From page one there is not stop action. And even in the middle of a life and death situation Katie is able to let our hero & heroine have a great love story.

If you have not started this series and you love romance suspense I would suggest picking up a copy of Bound by Danger and Targeted.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the 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.

August 8, 2014August 2, 2014

Kimberly reviews Dare To Surrender by Carly Phillips

TITLE: Dare To Surrender
SERIES #: Dare To Love #3
CHARACTERS: Isabelle & Gabe
AUTHOR: Carly Phillips
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Part of Invitation to Eden
After ending a relationship to a cheating, domineering man, Isabelle Masters takes off in her leased Mercedes, only to be arrested for grand theft and hauled to a local police station. To her surprise, she is rescued by the most unlikely person possible, Gabriel Dare, a man she’s been attracted to for far too long. Gabe offers Isabelle freedom along with an invitation to Eden, an exclusive island resort where everything and anything is possible.
Although Gabe yearns to possess Isabelle, he knows all too well he must fight his primitive need to bind her to him, and instead help bring out the independent woman she yearns to become – or risk losing her for good.
A woman who needs to run her own life. A man who needs to exert control. Can she surrender to his erotic demands without losing her sense of self once more?

REVIEW:
This is #3 in the Dare To Love series but also part of the Invitation To Eden book series by different authors. However I read it as a stand alone and there was no problem with that.

I enjoyed this story. It has a feel of fan fiction of 5 Shades of Grey. It does fall under the whole he is a billionaire, she is a working commoner and they some how fall for each other. That being said it is a quick enjoyable read. The characters are well defined and I enjoyed how Gabe allowed Isabelle to be her own person. Good quick read for fans of Grey.

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

August 7, 2014August 2, 2014

Thursday’s Thought…

August 7, 2014August 2, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Hero Of A Highland Wolf by Terry Spears

TITLE: Hero of A Highland Wolf
SERIES #: Heart of the Wolf #14
CHARACTERS: Grant MacQuarrie & Colleen Playfair
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s ready for change…
Colleen Playfair has never been to Scotland, but when she discovers she must spend a year and a day overseas learning to manage her newly inherited estate, she’s ready for the challenge. She even has some ideas for improvements-if she can get past the sexy werewolf who seems convinced he’s the one in charge.
But he’s digging in his claws…
Grant MacQuarrie and his clan have been managing Farraige Castle for three centuries. The last thing he wants is a meddling American heiress trying to change the way things have always been done. He’s more than willing to fight the she-wolf every step of the way, using every tool at his disposal. And if that means taking the lass to bed, well…all the better.
Locked in a battle of wills, caught in an attraction they can’t escape, Colleen and Grant must find a way to work together…or face losing it all

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Grant will not let another Fairplay come into his home and try to take over. He didn’t let the last one do that and he won’t let this one do it either. But poor, poor Grant has no idea what is about to walk through his doors.

Colleen is excited and nervous to finally be at the Farraige Castle and ready to take on the manager of the estate too. No matter what he has planned she is ready. One little problem. No one told her that Grant and his clan were Highland Wolfs. Well doesn’t that just throw a monkey wrench in the whole thing.

I didn’t realize when I pick this book up that it was book 14 of Terry’s Heart of the Wolf series. But Hero of a Highland Wolf was easily read as a stand alone. Yes there were other couples together that made me realize that I might have missed a book or two before this one, but I would not have guessed I missed 13 :).

I really enjoyed Grant & Colleen. They are both alpha to the core yet they both turn to putty when they are together. Something that fires both of them at times. I loved the all night girl party that Colleen has with Julia. My only issue with this story is the drama. I would have loved to see that bad guy get a little more sneaky and maybe his ass handed to him a little more. But all in all this was a great Highland Wolf story :). Come one hot wolf shifters in kilts? Does it get much better?

I can’t wait to see what Terry has in store for these Highland Wolfs. I have my guess who is next and it should be a fun ride to watch him fall.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the 14th in the series and I have to say I have only read one other which I enjoyed and plan to go back and read the whole series but I really loved this book. Colleen and Grant had an interesting connection. They really hit it off right from the start. I adored Colleen. I want to be her friend. She has a great sense of humor and is snide and quick witted. I also liked she was alpha. So many times we hear about the men being alpha but it was great to have the girl be it too.
Grant is great. He is so alpha and yet can be so adorable. I loved him and everyone else for that matter at the ladies party. I could not stop smiling. They are just so cute during that exchange. I can’t wait for the other two triplets to get their stories.

I really enjoy this series. I enjoy the humor that Spear adds to her paranormal romance. If you are a fan of shape shifters then you will really enjoy this book. You do not need to have read the series to read this book even though you will certainly want to go back and read them all.

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.

August 6, 2014August 2, 2014

Kimberly reviews Power Play by Mallery Malone

TITLE: Power Play
SERIES #: Billionarie’s CLub N.O#2
CHARACTERS: Macy & Raphael
AUTHOR: Mallery Malone
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/05/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Raphael Jerroult a.k.a. the Crescent City Casanova, has fought his whole life—both in and out of the boxing ring. Watching his father suffer for years after his mother’s death, he’s resolved to envelop himself in a shell made of money, MMA matches, and a different woman every day. But when an old flame, and the only woman he’s ever truly let in, comes back in his life, Raphael can’t stop being distracted by the red-headed beauty with the curves that go on for days…
Macy Lovelace has no desire to start things up again with Raphael. Memories of the sweetest torture she’s ever known can’t make her forget that he’s not cut out for long-term love. But Macy’s the only girl who Raphael ever let in, the only girl who really knows his sexy, dangerous side. And with the Crescent City Casanova, the only way to keep up, is to be tied down…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a very short (80 pages) story. It is the second in the series even though it can stand alone. I have not read the first in the series and was not lost at all. Because it is so short everything happens very fast usually that can drive me crazy but because this couple had a history it helped with the pace. It is well written and a fun story to have between novels.

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