Thursday’s Thought…
Kelly reviews Jaguar Hunt by Terry Spears
TITLE: Jaguar Hunt
SERIES #: Heart of the Jaguar #3
CHARACTERS: David Patterson & Tammy Anderson
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An agent and a jaguar-shifter chase trouble, and each other, through the jungles of Belize…
Agent Tammy Anderson has a reputation: she prefers to work alone. So when she’s paired up on a mission with jaguar-shifter David Patterson—who’s only recently been released from jail—to say she’s less than thrilled is a understatement. Until she realizes that this sexy agent has what it takes…
Soon, what started as an “easy” mission to locate a missing jaguar takes the pair to Belize, where they’re chasing down two renegade teen shifters who know more than they’re telling. As the action heats up, can they keep their minds on the job and off of each other?
REVIEW:
Tammy doesn’t work well with others. Well she works just fine with them as long as they are not her partner and not getting in her way. But on her latest mission Tammy has finally met her match in partners.
David is a man on a mission and nothing is going to stop him. David’s first hurdle is getting Tammy to actually work with him.
This was a great read. I loved David and Tammy. I loved the twins!! They are so sneaky and awesome. I enjoyed the mission that Tammy and David were on. It kept me guessing as to the who’s and the why’s.
This was my first book in this series. I was happy that Jaguar Hunt easily read as a stand alone book. I do plan on going back and reading the first two books in this series. I am already looking forward to who and what is next in this series.
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.
Kimberly reviews Heat by Jamie K. Schmidt
TITLE: Heat
SERIES #: Club Inferno #1
CHARACTERS: Mallory & Max
AUTHOR: Jamie K. Schmidt
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/03/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the run from her abusive fiancé, ER doctor Mallory Bryant arrives at her sister’s Connecticut resort desperate for a place to restore balance to her life. But Couture is more than a haven for the rich and fashionable. Beneath its elegant facade is an erotic playground where dominants and submissives play out their fantasies. At first, Mallory is wary of Max Spencer, the martial arts trainer acting as her bodyguard—until he introduces her to passion so intense she wants nothing more than to surrender to his touch.
As one of Couture’s most skilled doms, Max enjoys taking Mallory to the limits of pleasure. It’s a dangerous proposition, and as their sensual games draw them into a relationship beyond the boundaries of pupil and master, Max starts spiraling out of control. But when Mallory’s violent past catches up with her, Max knows what he must do: draw her closer than ever before, even if it means risking a surrender of his own.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Everyone seems to have jumped on the “If you liked Fifty Shades you will love this book” bandwagon and most times I end up not liking them much or they are just ok but this book was different. I really enjoyed this story. I liked how the characters had an instant connection, but Max was not willing to rush Mallory. So many times I call the men in these stories “diamonds in the rough” but Max is just a diamond. He is beyond sweet and understand. He has a heart that women would love. I think I might have even fallen a little in love with him.
Mallory is strong in her own way too. At first I wasn’t sure if she would play the victim the whole time but she didn’t. Yes she had some times that she broke down but they were times you can imagine a real woman would fall apart. She is certainly the type of woman I would want to be friends with.
There were a couple of minor things like I got a little tired of Mallory comparing David to Max “David and I would have kissed and gone to bed but Max had something else in mind” type thinking. And the ending seemed a little abrupt. Yes there was a epilogue but it still seemed to just end. I would have liked a little more. But I guess we will catch up with Mallory and Max in the next in the series and I can’t wait.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker
TITLE: Deeper Than Need
SERIES #: Secrets & Shadows #1
CHARACTERS: Noah Benningfield & Trinity Ewing
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trinity Ewing—she’s new in Madison, and her one goal is to put her old life behind her. She’s made mistakes. A lot of them. She’s done everything short of selling herself to stay alive and provide for her son. Now she’s just looking for a place to put down roots and call home. The old ramshackle house on the banks of the Ohio River seem to be the perfect place. It needs work—a lot of it.
A former minister, Noah Benningfield now works as a carpenter. He hasn’t entirely lost his faith, but he has lost himself. Which is exactly how he likes it. He doesn’t want to find himself, because then he’d have to look at the many ways he failed. Working with his hands is easier. Or so he thinks. He hasn’t ever had a job where he uncovers a skeleton, though. Not until now.
He can’t help but wonder…are these the remains of Lana, the girl he’d loved in high school? Losing her had all but destroyed his life back then, a life he has only now pieced together. Even as he deals with the turmoil of that, there’s a new turmoil, one caused by Trinity—she’s everything he won’t let himself have, and everything he realizes he wants.
Life becomes even more complicated when a ghost from the past blows back into town… Bethany Sutter—one of the last people to see Lana alive all those years ago.
REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Deeper Than Need is the first full length novel in Shiloh Walker’s new Secrets & Shadow’s series. Just like the pre-quel novella’s, Deeper Than Need is shrouded in mystery and a lot of unanswered questions. Most of those questions revolve around one night. A night that changed the lives of so many people. A night that left so many questions. But unlike the novella’s I didn’t find myself as drawn to these two characters.
Noah & Trinity are thrown together under terrible circumstances. Yet, they find a way to cope. They both have demons from their pasts that they are ashamed of. Yet, the have learned to live again. The biggest questions is will the ghosts of the past keep them apart or bring them closer together.
This was a good story and Shiloh does a great job of keeping you guessing as to the why’s, who’s, and how’s. I just didn’t feel the connection to Noah that I would have liked. I am not sure what it was, because Noah is a good guy. But other then that this was a good read. If you are suspense fan you will enjoy this book .
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.
What releases the week of June 2nd? Check here!
Kimberly reviews Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid
TITLE: Gimme Some Sugar
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #2
CHARACTERS: Carly & Jackson
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/03/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Out of the frying pan. . .and into the fire!
Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she’s running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter…
Jackson Carter wasn’t looking for love. But he’s not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits…
It’s the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds… and thirds… and fourths..
REVIEW:
This is the second in the series but it can be read as a stand alone if you have not read the first one. It took a little while to get into this book for me. I had a hard time connecting to Carly for some reason. She was a little off putting in the first book and isn’t in this one so I am not sure why I had the problem but I did. Once I reconciled who she was I was able to enjoy her. Now Jackson I liked right away. He is a sweet guy and his friendship with Shane is adorable. And how could it be more perfect than a man who loves to eat hooking up with a chef? But there is more to them.
I enjoyed the story even if it was a bit cliche’ but then again it is a romance so it is not like I expected something different. It just seems like the whole “he can’t love because his dad was a jerk” is overdone sometimes. Luckily while that is the case in this story it is not the main thing.
This is a great summer read. Sitting on the beach needing an enjoyable read that doesn’t tax the brain but is still fun is perfect for this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews Branded by Laura Wright
TITLE: Branded
SERIES #: The Cavanaugh Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Deacon Cavanaugh & Mackenzie Bryd
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers…
When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.
Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Full disclosure at 16% in to the book I really really really dislike Deacon Cavanaugh. He is a total pain in the arse. But there is so much more to Deacon then meets the eye. He may be a cold-heart, take no prisoners business man but deep down he is still a cowboy at heart. It did take the whole book for Deacon to win me over. And it was most definitely a wild ride. Mackenzie really makes him work for both her forgiveness and love.
Mac is one tough chick. She may have suffered just as much as the Cavanaugh family, but she was able to find the silver lining in the storm that she called her childhood. But all that changed when Everett passed and now Mac is fight to keep the only thing she knows. Her home.
This was a good beginning to Laura Wright’s new series. As I said before Deacon really had to work hard to win me over. And I am still not sure I am totally in love with him. But his little brothers that might be a different story. I am very much looking forward to learn more about James & Cole.
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.
Kimberly reviews Up In Flames by Lori Foster
TITLE: Up In Flames
CHARACTERS: Melanie & Adam/Delilah & Mick
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Body Heat
The last person Melanie Tucker wants to find herself trapped with on a party boat is her nemesis, Adam Stone. As always, he’s too smooth…and a bit too sexy for comfort. But when they both fall overboard—and wind up stranded together—Melanie just can’t resist all the delicious body heat smoldering between them….
Caught in the Act
When a robbery goes bad, undercover cop Mick Dawson can’t believe Delilah Piper was just in the wrong place at the wrong time—and neither do the perps. The only way to protect her while he investigates what really happened is to stick with her 24/7—and try not to fall for the object of his investigation!
REVIEW:
BODY HEAT
This is a short story with the cliche’ deserted on an island scenario but it is an enjoyable read. The characters connect immediately. Since it is so short there is not much I can say without giving much away but it is a very good read.
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
I really enjoyed this story. The connection between Mick and Delilah is so instantaneous that it is hard not to imagine them together. I loved that Mick was practically stalking her to see when he could get a good time to meet her. Delilah is a very strange character but also fun. She is the ultimate Gemini (even though that is never mentioned) but she seems to have two distinct sides to her, one very open and outgoing and adventurous and the other shy and unsure and naive almost. This was the third in the series but I didn’t know it until after I read it. Yes you can tell that Dane and Alec have a story but it doesn’t affect this one. But I will go back and read them because I enjoyed the background characters as much as Mick and Delilah.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Natasha reviews Circle Of Fire by Keri Arthur
TITLE: Circle of Fire
SERIES #: Damask Circle Series #2
CHARACTERS: Kirby Brown & Doyle Fitzgerald
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: March 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In one, vicious night, Kirby Brown’s world is torn apart. Her best friend is dead, killed by a madman who is now after her. And she has no idea why.
Doyle Fitzgerald has been sent to Melbourne, Australia to hunt down a killer. What he doesn’t expect to find is a circle of witches capable of controlling the elements and a sorceress determined to take that power for herself. And he certainly isn’t expecting to play bodyguard to a woman who is more than she seems. When the police prove incapable of protecting Kirby from the monsters that chase her, she has no choice but to place her safety in Doyle’s hand. And while she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, she fears to trust him because of the magic that lies in his soul. It quickly becomes evident that the reason behind the killings lies in Kirby’s past. But it is a past she has no wish to remember.
Because Doyle isn’t the only one with magic in his soul.
Only her magic is capable of destroying the world.
REVIEW:
Keri Arthur never disappoints. This was a great addition to my already extensive Keri Arthur collection. I loved the character interactions between Kirby and Doyle right away. Though set in a paranormal world, the story was refreshingly believable. Kirby and Doyle had just the right amount of angst, questions and apprehension I’d expect to find in the type of situation they were thrust into. Their interactions together were intense, funny and promising. The story line itself was interesting and full of suspense. I was actually sad when we got to the climax of the book because it meant the hunt was nearly over. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading book three in 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.
Thursday’s Thought…
Kimberly reviews Surrender by Tawny Taylor
TITLE: Surrender
CHARACTERS: Abby & Kameron
AUTHOR: Tawny Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I was his.
To touch.
Anywhere.
Any time he wanted.
Abby is ready to agree to anything to stop her brother from going to prison, but Kameron Maldondo, the owner of MalTech Corporation, is asking for the unexpected. Enthralled by his commanding brilliance, she agrees to be his assistant, at his beck and call for whatever he needs–whenever and however he wants. What that means is for him to decide and for her to submit to. Frightened yet fascinated by what he promises, Abby becomes a willing captive to his caress, undone by his peerless touch, a quivering submission to an aching need for complete carnal surrender. . .
REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This book was just ok for me. I have more complaints with it than I do praise but the story had an underlying interesting story so I am letting the stars fall mostly in the middle.
First the good. The story like I said is a bit interesting and even though I was pretty sure I had the who-dun-it figured out I wasn’t sure (I was right by the way) but knowing I was sure kept me interested. Abby is kind of interesting too even though I would never say she is one of my favorite heroines. She does what she believes is right and stands by it which I can appreciate. Kam is just ok and falls more in the complaint side.
Now the bad. There is not much in the erotica side to this story and what is sexual is the same over and over and not something that is every other erotic novel out there. There was nothing interesting about it. Kam is so far from a Dom that it is laughable. He wouldn’t know what to do with half the items in the dungeon he has. I think the author fell into “a kiss is more intimate than anything else sexually” idea because if I had read the word kiss one more time I might have screamed.
Maybe if this story had been categorized as romantic suspense it would have been better but as it says it is erotica and the synopsis makes you think that this book comes up lacking.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews Hunt The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy
TITLE: Hunt the Darkness
SERIES #: Eternal Guardians #11
CHARACTERS: Roke & Sally
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The vampire, Roke, is raw, sensual, always in control. Yet somehow he’s allowed the unthinkable to happen: a nymph-like witch named Sally has used her magic to trick Roke into mating with her. The pair will remain bound for eternity unless Sally breaks the spell. The trouble is, she has no idea how. . .
Mating with Roke was an accident; at least that’s what Sally keeps telling herself. She’s on the hunt for her demon father, whose identity holds the key to releasing the spell. The search won’t be easy with Roke shadowing Sally’s every move. As they mate with a ferocity that leaves them both aching for more, Sally isn’t sure if her world is more dangerous without Roke—or with him.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Another good story from Ms. Ivy. I love Roke. He is all kinds of I am an island to myself. Well except when it comes to the feisty little witch that mated him by accident. When it comes to his temporary mate Roke will do everything in his power to protect her. Even at the cost of his own heart.
Sally is awesome. she is feisty, determined, loyal and wicked powerful. And the absolute perfect mate for Roke if only she could realize that. But after three weeks of running from him Sally has decided (with a little help from Roke) that she will not be continuing on this journey without him.
These two were fun to read about. And the journey that they are on tests them and their mating the whole way through the book. Roke believes it is fate that they are mated. But Sally thinks it is just the spell. Only time will tell which one is right.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.