Author: Kimberly

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Kelly reviews Taking It All by Maya Banks

taking it allTITLE: Taking it All
SERIES #: Surrender Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Tate & Chessy
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Taking it All is the final book in Maya Bank’s Surrender Trilogy. Taking it All was an extremely emotional story to read. If you have not read the first two books there may be spoilers. So I would suggest reading Letting Go (bk1) & Giving In (bk2) first. **** We have know since book one that something is not right between Tate & Chessy. We just haven’t know all the details of what, why and who? But in Taking it All we finally find out the answers. And some of them are not pretty. In the prior books I felt so bad for Chessy and Tate. In the beginning I figured it would be a simple I am a dumbass please forgive me. Then the restaurant happened and I started not feeling so sorry for Tate. Then he explained. And just when I think things are going to be okay The House scene happens and let me tell you I lost any feelings I had for Tate right then and there. I am happy that Tate & Chessy were able to make amends. I am not sure I would be that strong or forgiving ****
All in all this was a great trilogy. One thing I love about trilogy’s is that you know that the story lines will be wrapped up in a nice bow in a short period. But I do hope that in the future Maya will revisit these couples and give us an update maybe in the form of a novella trilogy. 🙂

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.

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly & Natasha review Crave The Night by Lara Adrian

crave the nightTITLE: Crave the Night
SERIES #: Midnight Breed #12
CHARACTERS: Nathan & Jordana
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Born and raised to be an emotionless killing machine, Nathan is one of the most lethal Breed vampires in existence. A key member of the Order—an elite group of warriors charged with protecting both mortals and vampires—Nathan executes each mission with flawless precision and a total lack of mercy. Now he must pursue a powerful, hidden enemy. But Nathan’s hard discipline and training are no match for the fierce pull he feels toward a young woman he has no right to desire—a woman of wealth and high social standing who has long been promised to another Breed male, and who may also prove to be the key to rooting out Nathan’s elusive quarry.

Jordana lives a life of glittering privilege as a member of a prominent Breed family in Boston. Surrounded by fine things and fawning admirers, Jordana wants for nothing—until she crosses paths with a dark, intense warrior from the Order and finds herself swept into an impulsive, sizzling kiss that neither of them will forget. As much as she tries to deny her deep feelings for Nathan, Jordana cannot resist the craving to be near him, to break through his forbidding walls and see the man he truly is. But getting close to Nathan will thrust Jordana into a treacherous new world, forcing her to risk all she has and all she knows about herself and her past. And loving this seductive man could be the most dangerous temptation of all

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts We all fell in love with Nathan as a young 13 year old boy back in Hunter’s book. Nathan had been taken from his mother and put into the hunters training course and raised to be a cold blooded killer by the Breed’s enemy. While he might have been saved by his mother and new family the demons of his past will never leave him. Making it extremely difficult to be normal or as normal as a Breed member can be. But one small, determined Breed-mate might just be the one thing that Nathan needs to realize that his is not the monster he believes himself to be.

I have been away from the Midnight Breed series way to log!! I loved Nathan as a young boy and loved seeing glimpses of him in Edge of Dawn. And loved this book. Lara does a great job of sucking me back into the Breeds world. There are new twists and turns in the world and a newest enemy of the Breed is more determined than ever. I just love this series and so can’t wait to see what is next!!

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 HEARTS I was so excited for this book! I am so obsessed with this series, and am thankful that Lara has decided to continue the series with the next generation of Breed! I couldn’t put this book down, I devoured it! I’ve loved Nate since we first met him and couldn’t wait to dig deeper into his character and past. He didn’t disappoint. The electricity between him and Jordana vibrated off of the pages and it was palpable. My only complaint is that their relationship felt a little rushed and lacked depth. I would have liked to see them spend more time together, getting to know each other more. I still feel that Nate is somewhat of a mystery to me. I love where the story is going and the new twists and turns taking place. It will definitely be an exciting future for the Breed and I can’t wait!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Lara Adrian 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 You Own Me by Shiloh Walker

you own meTITLE: You Own Me
SERIES #: Stand alone
CHARACTERS: Decker Calhoun & Elizabeth Waters
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: August 4 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It had always been her…

Ten years had passed since the doors slammed shut behind Decker Calhoun, taking away his freedom, but more importantly, locking him away from Elizabeth Waters, the only woman he’d ever loved—the woman he’d given up everything for.

The day he was sentenced, he’d looked at her and said, No regrets, Lizzie. But he lied, because he did have one. Although he’s been out of jail for three years now, he was a year too late. Lizzie never knew how he felt and just months before he was released, she found somebody else and it’s too late.

Or maybe not. It seems that Lizzie’s boyfriend wants an open relationship and two can play at that game. Now all Decker has to do is convince Lizzie that he’s the better man…and has been all along.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Decker and Lizzie have a history. A history that is not pleasant. A history that both wish they could forget. But they can’t. Lizzie has tried to move on. Maybe not super successfully, but at least she has tried. Decker on the other hand has not been able to move on.
This was a really good quick read. As with all novella’s I can’t in good faith give you to much. But I loved Decker & Lizzie’s story. Even if the truth was staring them in the fact the whole time.

If you are looking for a quick read about love, forgiveness and a chance at happiness you should pick up a copy of You Own Me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Shiloh Walker 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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Kimberly reviews Going Under by Jeffe Kennedy

going underTITLE: Going Under
SERIES #: Falling Under #1
CHARACTERS: Emily & Fox
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Knowing all too well the damage online trolls can inflict, game designer Emily Bartwell takes privacy seriously. Living in solitude and working remotely under a male alias gives her a sense of security. The sexy writer renting the house next door ignites desires she’d forgotten she had, and when he invites her to play games of a very different sort, Em is ready and willing. Even if it means breaking all her own rules to abide by his.
Undercover tech reporter Fox Mullins is so close to the biggest scoop of his career: finding the elusive programmer Phoenix. An increasingly erotic adventure with his reserved but passionate new neighbor is the ideal way to heat up the chilly Pacific Northwest nights as he tracks the brilliant gamer.
At first Fox is happy to help Em explore her newly awakened kinky side, no holds barred, no strings attached. But as they push the limits of intimacy, both physical and emotional, Fox discovers he’s not the only one keeping secrets. And revealing hers may mean betraying the one woman who embodies everything he desires.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok here is the thing. I liked the story. The romance/sex of the story is right in line with Kennedys writing and oh so hot but I had a hard time with the whole gaming thing. Maybe I am just old. Did I just say that? But I can’t wrap my head around that world. Yes I know it is out there but it seems so immature for me. Maybe if I lived that life I could have enjoyed this book more.

Kennedy is oh so good at the writing of the BDSM world. She gives such a sense of power to the women who submit and that is extremely hot. I loved the romance/sex in this book very much. Fox and Em have such a great chemistry.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews The Hexed by Heather Graham

The Hexed TITLE: The Hexed
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #13
CHARACTERS: Devin & Rocky
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A place of history, secrets…and witchcraft.
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn’t be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her “crazy” great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body’s been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin’s been led to a third body—by…a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem’s rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin’s might be the next body in the woods…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts There is just something about Heather Graham’s books that draw you in. I read this book in one sitting staying up until 3am to finish it. Graham incorporates so much research that each book is a history lesson that you do not know you are attending or even wanted to know about. In this case the history is about Salem and the witch trials. And the story is really interesting and written well.
As with all of Graham’s books I never know who did it. I can never seem to figure it out. I am sure there are people out there that can but I am not one of them and I am pretty good usually with a mystery but not from Graham which is always exciting to not know even until the end. Rocky and Devin have an instant connection. Lately Graham’s books have started with the couple having an antagonistic relationship and I really did not enjoy that but this couple doesn’t. They have a chance meeting and they spark right away which was really enjoyable.

This is the best Graham has written in a while and that is saying something because all her books are really good.

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

5hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews The Fall Of Lady Grace by Julia London

fall of graceTITLE: The Fall of Lady Grace
SERIES #: Cabot Sisters #2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Geoffrey
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A plan born of desperation…
Once the toast of society, Grace Cabot and her sisters now await the shame of losing high status and fine luxuries upon the death of the Earl of Beckington. The dire circumstances are inevitable unless, of course, Grace’s wicked plot to seduce a wealthy viscount into marriage goes off without a single hitch. But once a stolen embrace with the wrong man leads her to be discovered in the arms of Geoffrey, the Earl of Merryton, her plan takes a most unexpected—and scorching—twist.
…and altered by passion.
Governed by routine and ruled by duty, Jeffrey had no desire for a wife before he succumbed to Grace’s temptation. Though his golden-haired, in-name-only bride is the definition of disorder, he can’t resist wanting her in every way. But once her secrets meet his, society might consider their lives to be ruined beyond repair…while Geoffrey might just see it as a new beginning.

REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this story. The story is interesting but I never really felt a connection between the characters. Jeffrey has a form of OCD and while understandable it just gets irritating. And he has these issues with what he feels sexually and I know this is set in historical times but he is only into light BDSM, not torture. I never warmed up to Grace either. I liked her in the first in the series but not much in this one.

That being said the main story is good. The writing is different in the way that Julia London writes but done well.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Shifters Claim by A.C. Arthur

Shifters Claim FullTITLE: Shifter’s Claim
SERIES #: Shadow Shifter’s #4
CHARACTERS: Priya & Sebastian
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sebastian Perry, gorgeous shape-shifter, has tremendous guilt. Completely disarmed by his momentary hesitation to save a woman, he has fallen into despair. Sworn as a shifter to protect any female in danger, no amount of status, success, or money, can make him feel right again. Prowling around his domain, Bas aches to feel complete, to feel alive, to feel the love of a female. But what woman could possibly trust a man, shifter or not, that cannot protect her?Priya Drake is tired of fending for herself. Growing up in a family that had nothing but problems, she’s made it to a top newspaper as a reporter, only to continually get snubbed by her boss. When she accidentally witnesses Bas shift, she knows she’s sitting on the scoop that will make her career. But telling the story isn’t so simple. She needs to get her facts straight, and the mounting attraction between her and Bas isn’t helping one bit. Priya thinks she has everything under control, but as the nights get hotter and danger continues to mount, Priya has to ask herself—can she betray the man she loves?

REVIEW:
I read this as the installments that were released but this is the full story and I have to say I would think it would be best to read it in full. I read the installments back to back as if it was the full story so I was able to see how the breaks would be as I opened up the next part and I would have really hated having to wait.

I enjoyed the story of Priya and Bas. There is something that connects them right away. I enjoyed the suspense as well as the background story. I have not read the first three in the series but that did not take away from the story except making me realize I had missed some of the story.
If you are a fan of shape shifters then I think you will enjoy this story a lot.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Desired by Stacey Kennedy

DesiredTITLE: Desired
SERIES #: Club Sin #3
CHARACTERS: Ella & Kyler
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.
After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts From the first couple of pages I knew this was going to be my favorite (so far) of the series. I have liked Kyler from book one. Something about his was so special and he seemed to enjoy the idea of love. He wanted to help his friends fall in love not just enjoy sex. So when a woman came into Kyler’s life he would love with all his heart and soul. And we finally got to meet this woman.

I enjoyed everything about this story and while the sex was written really well I really appreciated that Kyler didn’t change as the story progressed. I was worried that some how Kyler would decide he didn’t want to love and had made a mistake and the other Masters would have to come in and remind him of who he was but I was so glad that did not happen. He stayed true to the character from book one. Ella was an interesting character. And so perfect for Kyler. She needed him and Kyler needs to be needed. There were times I was not fond of Ella but I always seemed to like her.
If you are a fan of this series then this will enjoy this one as well and probably more than the others. If you are new to the series/author pick this one up because you will enjoy it so much and become a fan.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews No Strings Attached by Susan Andersen

no strings attachedTITLE: No Strings Attached
SERIES #: Razor Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Tasha & Luc
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some mistakes are worth repeating…
Tasha Riordan’s one night with Luc Bradshaw was the best of her life. The following two—when she got thrown into a Bahamian jail on bogus charges—were her worst. Now, seven years later, the undercover DEA agent is back. Invading her town. Her restaurant. Her fantasies. She can’t trust a man who lied to her. Yet, neither can she trust herself—not when their chemistry burns even hotter than before.
Learning he has two half brothers shocks Luc. Discovering they live in the same town as Tasha—that’s a different kind of thrill. Their mutual lust is still off the charts, but he can’t get her to listen to his side of what happened on that long-ago night. Good thing he’s got powers of persuasion that go deeper than words. Because nothing has ever felt this right…

REVIEW:
This was a very intense romance with so many ups and downs. And what a great roller coaster it was. I truly loved the connection between Luc and Tasha. Maybe because the connection starts off with them as a couple (for lack of a better word) and then jumps to when they see each other again. I also really enjoy the connection of the brothers. There is just something undeniably sweet about these Bradshaw boys.

The story did get a little wordy at times and repeated a bunch of itself. And if you read the series from the beginning it went over the same things that the first couple went over but since it can be read as a stand alone I understand but it did make it wordy.

I hope this is not the last in the series since I really enjoy the town and the people in it but can’t imagine who else they could bring in. I would suggests reading all the books in the series because once you meet one Bradshaw boy you will want to meet all of them and you might as well get them in order.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts