Happy 4th Of July!
Kelly reviews In The Mood For Love by Beth Ciotta
TITLE: In The Mood For Love
SERIES #: Cupcake Lovers #4
CHARACTERS: Sam McCloud & Harper Day
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Harper Day blows into the small town of Sugar Creek, Vermont, she takes the sleepy community completely by surprise. A stunning beauty and frenzied workaholic, the celebrity publicist based out of L.A. maintains she will only be in Sugar Creek for vacations. The cozy atmosphere of Sugar Creek, however, has other plans. Haunted by a troubled past and insecure about her future, Harper finds solace in doing publicity for the Cupcake Lovers. Now if only she could get her life back in line, and put a stop to this newfound attraction she has for one of the members…
Sam McCloud feels an intense connection to Harper, which makes things way more complicated. Still reeling from his wife’s untimely death and focused on raising his two young children, Sam doesn’t have the emotional strength to get close to a woman again. But when he finds Harper in a jam and the best solution leads to them constantly being together, Sam cannot deny their attraction. True, Harper is from a different world and still struggling with her past, but Sam is determined not to lose another woman he loves
REVIEW:
I am not sure that there could be two people more different than Sam & Harper, yet they work. So the saying that opposites attract hold true in this story. Sam the hometown hero and now single father after the passing of his wife. Harper is a big city girl that lives an extremely busy life. Yet the chemistry between these two is like gas and fire. So when Harper’s world comes crashing down on her the first person she turns to is Sam. And of course Sam is more than willing to help Harper. But could there be more to Harper then what she shows? And could there be more to their relationship than just sex? Guess you need to read to find out.
Awe Sam & Harper. In book 3 there was a lot of buildup for these two. And I am happy to report that In The Mood For Love was a great story. I am super excited about the next book in the Cupcake Lover’s series. : )
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews Heart Of Obsidian by Nalini Singh
TITLE: Heart of Obsidian
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #12
CHARACTERS: Kaleb Krychek & Sahara Nightstar
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: June 4, 2013
RUN TIME: 13 Hours & 8 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Step into New York Times bestseller Nalini Singh’s explosive and shockingly passionate Psy-Changeling world…
A dangerous, volatile rebel, hands stained bloodred.
A woman whose very existence has been erased.
A love story so dark, it may shatter the world itself.
A deadly price that must be paid.
The day of reckoning is here.
From “the alpha author of paranormal romance” (Booklist) comes the most highly anticipated novel of her career—one that blurs the line between madness and genius, between subjugation and liberation, between the living and the dead
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts How do I begin a review on such a heart wrenching emotional story? I am not even sure. Kaleb & Sahara’s story has been building for years & years. Books & books. We have know for a long time that Kaleb has been searching for someone. But it was not until Hawke’s book Kiss of Snow that we learned who. But even then we didn’t know who Sahara was to Kaleb. But once Kaleb finds her he will never let her go again. No one in the world will take Sahara away from him again, not even Sahara herself will keep them apart.
*Possible Spoiler*
Thankfully Sahara has no desire to leave Kaleb ever. Even if she can’t truly remember who and what he is to her.
Heart of Obsidian was a very emotional story as I said above. But I think that it was so much more emotional not necessarily for the love story (which was very emotional) but for the simple fact of watching Kaleb grow and learn what love truly is. I am very much looking forward to the next book which is Vasic’s story (this arrow needs a whole lot of love), but also to see what the future has in store for Kaleb & Sahara.
As always Angela does an amazing job of bring Nalini’s world alive for me. I love how she is able to make each character so different from the next and so real. So thank you to Ms. Singh for another amazing story and thank you to Ms. Dawe for reading this story for me.
On to Vasic.
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Thursday’s Thought…
Kelly reviews Fireborn by Keri Arthur
TITLE: Fireborn
SERIES #: Souls of Fire #1
CHARACTERS: Emberly Pearson
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Keri Arthur comes a brand new series featuring heroine Emberly Pearson—a phoenix capable of taking on human form, and cursed with the ability to foresee death…
Emberly has spent a good number of her many lives trying to save humans. So when her prophetic dreams reveal the death of Sam, a man she once loved, she does everything in her power to prevent that from happening. But in saving his life, she gets more than she bargained for.
Sam is working undercover for the Paranormal Investigations Team, and those who are trying to murder him are actually humans infected by a plague-like virus, the Crimson Death—a by-product of a failed government experiment that attempted to identify the enzymes that make vampires immortal. Now, all those infected must be eliminated.
But when Emberly’s boss is murdered and his irreplaceable research stolen, she needs to find the guilty party before she goes down in flames
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a good first book in Keri’s new Souls of Fire series. I really liked Emberly. Who could not like a Phoenix? But Emberly has a very complicated life that just keeps getting more and more complicated by the page. I won’t tell you a lot because you need to read for yourself but let’s say Emberly has a soul mate that she is not in love with. And like any good Keri Arthur book Emberly has a very interesting sex life.
There is a lot going on in this first book. I am not totally wild about the Urban Fantasy genre mostly because I really like my HEA at the end of each book. But Fireborn was still a good read and I am looking forward to where Keri is going to take this cast of characters.
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.
Natasha reviews Cross & Crown by Abigail Roux
TITLE: Cross & Crown
SERIES #: Sidewinder #2
CHARACTERS: Nick & Kelly
AUTHOR: Abigail Roux
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/9/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Nick O’Flaherty arrives at the scene of a double homicide to find he has a witness to the crime, he thinks it’s his lucky day. But when he realizes his witness is suffering from amnesia and can’t even remember his own name, Nick wishes he’d gone with his gut and put in for vacation time.
Then Nick’s boyfriend and former Recon teammate, Kelly Abbott, joins him in Boston, and Nick finds his hands a little too full as the case and his personal life collide. The witness he’s dubbed “JD” is being tailed by Julian Cross, a retired CIA hitman. To complicate matters further, JD forms an attachment to Nick that Nick struggles not to respond to as they search for the key to JD’s identity.
Trying to determine whether JD is friend or foe as they investigate the crime puts them on the trail of a much older mystery. When multiple attempts are made on their lives, Nick is forced to turn to old enemies and new allies to solve a centuries-old crime before he and Kelly get added to the history books.
REVIEW:
This is another strong addition to the newly developed Sidewinder series – which is a spinoff of Abigail Roux’s Cut and Run series. I am a HUGE fan of the Cut and Run series and was really excited that Abi was allowing us to stay within this universe with the Sidewinder spinoff. Historically I have not been a huge fan of Nick’s character. I have actually begun to change my way of thinking when it comes to Nick due to this detailed insight into his personality and life. I absolute LOVE him and Kelly. They are so refreshing to me and work so absolutely perfectly together. The only reason this book doesn’t get a five star review is because I found the treasure hunt aspect of the story hard to follow and a little disinteresting. That in now way diminishes the incredible story telling and intriguing nature of Abi’s books and I will always follow any series she decides to write. I’m very optimistic about where this series will go, she has so many options and I hope it lasts for a long time! I highly recommend all of these books for anyone who loves action, intrigue, comedy and love!
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews Straddling The Line by Jaci Burton
TITLE: Straddling the Line
SERIES #: Play by Play #8
CHARACTERS: Trevor Shay & Haven Briscoe
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trevor Shay has it all—a successful football and baseball career, and any woman he wants. But when he finds out his college mentor’s daughter is in trouble, he drops everything to come to her aid.
Haven Briscoe has finally landed a dream job as a sportscaster for a major network. But she hasn’t been able to move past the recent death of her beloved father, and it’s affecting her career. A plum assignment following the daily life of sports superstar Trevor Shay might be just the inspiration she needs…
Trevor will do anything to spark life back into Haven, including letting her into every aspect of his world. The chemistry between them flames higher than one of Trevor’s home runs and faster than his dashes to the end zone. But as they grow closer, Haven stumbles onto Trevor’s closely guarded secret, one he’s hidden his entire life. And despite his protests, now it’s Haven’s turn to put everything on hold to help Trevor. Will he let her in and trust her with a secret that could blow his professional and personal world apart?
REVIEW:
Trevor Shay maybe a superstar that straddles the line between baseball and football. But there is so much more to this superstar then what he does on the field. So when Trevor is asked to check in on Haven and make sure she is okay he is more than willing to help. But when Haven shows up Trevor gets a little more than he bargained for.
As always Jaci writes a great story wrapped in the sports world. I have loved all of her Play by Play books and Straddling the Line was the same. I loved getting a closer look at Trevor and Haven. We have seen glimpse of them in the past books but it was great to learn all of their secrets.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series and to learn more about Quarterback Cassidy and his clan.
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.
Kelly reviews Azagoth by Larissa Ione
TITLE: Azagoth A Demonica Novella (1001 Dark Nights)
SERIES #: Demonica series #10
CHARACTERS: Azagoth & Lilliana
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: June 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Even in the fathomless depths of the underworld and the bleak chambers of a damaged heart, the bonds of love can heal…or destroy.
He holds the ability to annihilate souls in the palm of his hand. He commands the respect of the most dangerous of demons and the most powerful of angels. He can seduce and dominate any female he wants with a mere look. But for all Azagoth’s power, he’s bound by shackles of his own making, and only an angel with a secret holds the key to his release.
She’s an angel with the extraordinary ability to travel through time and space. An angel with a tormented past she can’t escape. And when Lilliana is sent to Azagoth’s underworld realm, she finds that her past isn’t all she can’t escape. For the irresistibly sexy fallen angel known as Azagoth is also known as the Grim Reaper, and when he claims a soul, it’s forever
REVIEW:
As always Larissa writes a story the makes you remember why I love the Demonica world so much. Azagoth maybe a total bad ass Grim Reaper but there is so much more to him than just his status as the Grim Reaper and the baby sitter of souls. Azagoth has finally had enough and puts his foot down, no more doing Heaven’s dirty work. Oh and he wants a willing Mate.
This was a great read not as short as a novella and not a full length novel it feel somewhere in between them. Azagoth and Lilliana both have so much pain in their pasts that it makes them perfect for each other. That is after they get past all the misunderstandings. 🙂 If you are a fan of the Demonica series you will love Azagoth and Lilliana. If you are new? I would say WHAT??? You have not read Larissa’s Demonica Series yet? Then I would tell you to start from the beginning.
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
What releases the week of June 30th? Check here!
Natasha and Kimberly review Then Came You by Jill Shalvis
TITLE: Then Came You
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #5
CHARACTERS: Emily & Wyatt
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.
Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…
NATASHA’S REVIEW:
This was my first Jill Shalvis book and I loved it! I really was pleased that though this book is a part of a series it could be read as a stand alone for people like me who were late to the game. The interactions between Emily and Wyatt were both electric and comedic gold. I laughed out loud many times, and really enjoyed the whole story. The supporting cast of characters is essential to these stories, and they definitely give the story depth and feeling. I enjoyed them all and really look forward to the next book in this series!
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh how I loved this story. I read it in one day not being able to put it down. It actually had me smiling from the first chapter and when the text scene happened about halfway through I actually laughed out loud.
Wyatt is just too adorable for words. I mean honestly if there are real men like him in the world women all over would be going crazy. He is sweet, loving, funny as heck and just all around sexy but he also is determined, caring and has a good heart for people and animals. He is perfect. Emily is a crack up. I want to be her friend. She can be sarcastic and speaks out loud without thinking. She is so funny. And I adored her.
Shalvis has written another great story in the series and if you haven’t read her before then go ahead and start with this one because it will have you hooked.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
Kelly reviews Fire Rising by Donna Grant
TITLE: Fire Rising
SERIES #: Dark Kings #2
CHARACTERS: Tristan & Samantha “Sammi” Miller
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tristan, the newest Dragon King, is having a tough time fitting in. Despite his ability to transform into a proud, strong dragon at will, no one knows where he came from or how he became a Dragon King, including himself. When trouble arises in the form of the mob, Tristan is going to have to put aside his questions and band with the other Dragon Kings to protect Dreagan. As if things weren’t complicated enough, he is about to find something worth fighting for more important than the Dragon Kings…
Sammie Miller, pub owner in Oban, has been scorned by her business partner—and former lover. Used as a front for money laundering with the mob, Sammie is in great danger once she realizes what has happened. Barely escaping, she plans to rest at Dreagan for only a day before going back on the run. When Tristan swears to protect her, Sammie thinks his efforts will be in vain—the mob is too powerful, and it will take more than the average man’s devotion to keep her safe. But the closer she gets to Tristan, and the more he learns his secrets, Sammie can’t deny that having a Dragon King who worships you, body and soul, isn’t such a bad thing…
REVIEW:
Is it wrong for me to want all the Dark Fae to die horrible slow deaths? I get a huge case of anxiety whenever I read about them. Fire Rising kinds followed a very similar plot line as Darkest Flame yet it was still a good story. I loved Tristan, yet at the same time I want to slap him upside the head. Boy, you need to learn about your past and deal with it in order to have a future. Geesh. Sammi is tough yet at the same time she is not. She has lived through a lot and that has made her harden her heart. Of course it takes a life and death matter to make her open her eyes. Silly girl.
All and all this was a good book. I love all the character that were involved in this mission. And I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I believe Kiril’s books is going to be a wild ride.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Natasha reviews Pia Saves The Day by Thea Harrison
TITLE: Pia Saves the Day
SERIES #: The Elder Races Series
CHARACTERS: Pia & Dragos
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/23/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest story of the Elder Races, two mates face their deadliest challenge yet—each other…
Pia and Dragos’s magical young son Liam (the Peanut), is growing at an unprecedented rate, and if that isn’t enough, he is also exhibiting new, and unpredictable, magical gifts. To protect him, the concerned parents decide to move to upstate New York.
Both Dragos and Pia relish the idea of leaving behind the city. They finally have the space to indulge their Wyr side, and Liam can grow in safety. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally—but their idyllic situation is shattered when Dragos is injured in a freak accident.
Stripped of his memory and bereft of Pia’s taming influence, there’s nothing holding back Dragos’s darkest side. And in order to restore her family and save her mate, Pia must confront the most powerful menace in Elder Races history.
It’s going to take more than a penny to fix this…
REVIEW: Another great novella in the Elder Races Series. Dragos and Pia pretty much have their own mini series inside of this series, and that’s just fine with me. I enjoy them together so much and I was excited that Thea took this story in a new direction to spice things up a bit. It’s a new level drama in the lives of all of our favorite characters, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!
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.
