Kelly reviews Saving His Mate by Savannah Stuart

saving his mateTITLE: Saving His Mate
SERIES #: Crescent Moon #4
CHARACTERS: Rex Serano & Margery
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: May 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the moment vampire bounty-hunter Rex Serano meets sexy shifter Margery, he’s smitten. When the alpha of the Kincaid pack asks him to join with them, he’s stunned by the offer, but the real draw is the beautiful, caring female who seems to want nothing to do with him.

Margery is the driving maternal force for her pack and she has one rule: she doesn’t date vampires. Years ago she was nearly killed by rogue vamps and she has no interest in getting involved with one now. No matter how sexy a certain, persistent bounty hunter might be.

When one of Rex’s hunts gets messy, Margery gets caught in the crossfire and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her. They might be different species but the mating call is undeniable and too strong to ignore. Now they must find a way to reach common ground and trust their instincts if they’re going to fight for a future together.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The 4th book in Savannah Stuart’s Crescent Moon series was a quick read. But a good quick read. A lot of things happen in a very short period of time. But Savannah does a great job of making the story not feel rushed. Sometimes that is hard to do in a novella. But like every good novella it does leave you wanting more. Wanting to know how Rex & Margery are doing. What is going to happen to them in the future. Well the past ever come back and bite them? So many questions. I hope that Savannah will revisit these two in a future novella and maybe answer a few of these questions.
If you are a fan of Ms. Stuart you will surely enjoy Saving His Mate. If you are new to this series I would suggest starting from the beginning :). Not that you have to Saving His Mate can easily be read as a stand alone.

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

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Kelly & Kimberly review Frisky Business by Tawna Fenske

frisky businessTITLE: Frisky Business
CHARACTERS: William Barclay & Marley Cartman
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Marley Cartman is fed up with arrogant rich guys who treat her like garbage, so she vows to only date men with modest paychecks and a little dirt under their nails.

Her new boss, William Barclay, is exactly the kind of man she’s trying to avoid: an eccentric millionaire with duct shape shoes and an unexplained vendetta against her.

But as Will and Marley butt heads over grumpy badgers and phallic artifacts, they discover that sometimes the opposite of what you want is exactly what you need.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts She finally did it… She moved to Bend. She is finally doing what she wants to do. Well kinda, Marley is still trying to convince her dad that he doesn’t know best, trying to keep the secrets of her past secrets and trying hard to avoid her very hot, down to earth and uber rich new boss. Why you ask? Because she is has been burned more than once by a man with money.

Frisky Business is a story about new starts, new love and realizing that you have to grab on to what makes you happy. I loved that Marley thinks that all her man problems will be solved simply by dated a man that doesn’t have tons of money. It made it rather funny when she went on some rather interesting dates. My favorite was the model airplane guy…. hehehe.

This was a fun book. Like all of Tawna’s books you will laugh, cry and wonder how the heck she comes up with this stuff. 🙂 If you are looking for a feel good book you really should pick up a copy of Frisky Business.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This is a delightful humorous story which I enjoyed very much. I was chuckling/smiling before chapter 3 and didn’t stop most of the story. The humor that is written for Will and Marley is so funny. They are so snide and quick witted. Besides the humor the writing of the story is well done as well.

I have not read anything from this author before but I will be reading her again. While funny the story was also poignant in understanding who you are and what you need to overcome to become that person. I will say that I had a problem with each “average” guy being a jerk or dork. Sure we all want to end up with the millionaire sweetheart average guys are not all bad. I wish there had just been one guy who was average and sweet and a good guy but they just didn’t connect. But that being said I really enjoyed this book very much.

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly review In Bed With The Boss by Alexa Bravo

in bed with the bossTITLE: In Bed With The Boss
CHARACTERS: Trish & Keith
AUTHOR: Alexa Bravo
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trish Carter is chasing the career opportunity of a lifetime, and nothing is going to stand in her way. After a failed marriage and years of self-doubt, she needs her business proposal to succeed — but there’s one hurdle left: presenting to the Board of Directors and charismatic CEO, Keith Donnelli. So then it can only be the stress and extreme tension that leads her to jump the hot stranger in the elevator…

But the unexpectedly explosive encounter puts all her plans in jeopardy, when the stranger isn’t a stranger at all. Now, her whole future rides on how well she can resist the temptation of sleeping with her boss. Will Trish finally have the chance to make her secret dreams come true or will following her heart destroy her chance at a future?

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 Hearts

REVIEW:
This is a somewhat short story but the problem is that it is very wordy so it seems longer. It is a alright story. The characters have good chemistry. The story is a bit cliche’ but for a short romance it is fine.

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

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Kelly reviews Sinful Seduction by Katie Reus

sinful seductionTITLE: Sinful Seduction
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #8
CHARACTERS: Alexander Blue & Mina Hollingsworth
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: April 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’ll do anything to protect her….

Former Marine and newest Red Stone Security employee Alexander Blue is still adjusting to the civilian world after a decade spent at war, but when he sees someone in danger, nothing can take away that intrinsic need to protect. After stopping a would-be mugger, Blue finds himself being bandaged up by a sensual local artist in her Key West condo. He never expected to stay the night, even if it is on her couch. The mysterious Mina gets under his skin in a way he never thought possible. When it becomes clear that her mugging wasn’t random and she’s being targeted by deadly men, Blue has no problem stepping into the role of protector.

But she doesn’t want to be saved

Tired of being coddled and treated like a child, Mina has tried to distance herself from her family. When danger finds her, she’s forced to turn to the sexy stranger who she feels a strong, unexpected connection with. In him she sees glimmers of herself; a little broken, withdrawn and wary of the world. Soon she learns that the biggest threat might not be from the men trying to kidnap her, but from the quiet warrior who poses an immediate risk to her heart.

Sinful Seduction appears in Sinful Seduction anthology

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I would say breaking up an attempted mugging is not the best way to meet a woman, but leave it up to Alexander Blue to do just that. Being in the right place at the right time not only let him save Mina from being mugged, kidnapped or worse, but also gave Blue a chance met a woman that just possible could be it for him. That is if she will let him get close.
Another great Red Stone Security story. My only issue is that I read this story so fast. I wanted more of Blue!! I just loved him and Mina! I hope to get a glimpse of them in a future Red Stone Security story.
If you are a fan of this series you will want to make sure to add this book to your must read list. If you are new to this series not worries this book can easily be read as a stand alone.

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Forged by Jacquelyn Frank

ForgedTITLE: Forged
SERIES #: The World of Nightwalkers #4
CHARACTERS: Katrina & Ahnvil
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Katrina Haynes discovers a large man lying wounded in the snow, she fears he is at death’s door. But as Kat tends to his injuries, she quickly realizes that they’re the least of her worries. With an irresistible Scottish brogue and a strange ability to harden his chiseled body like a statue, the stranger awakens a desire she is unable to resist—and a fascination about the intriguing world he exists in.

As a proud Gargoyle, Ahnvil must safeguard the Nightwalker to whom he’s sworn fealty. But as this bewitching woman nurses him back to health, arousing an almost uncontrollable hunger within him, he is possessed with the fierce impulse to protect her as well. And he will have to shield her—for by coming to his rescue, Kat has placed herself in the middle of a supernatural war . . . and exposed herself to dark, powerful magic. As human and Gargoyle forge an unbreakable bond, Kat will discover that despite his intimidating strength and size, one thing Ahnvil does not possess is a heart of stone.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I loved this story. I enjoyed the characters very much. I enjoyed the suspense as well as the sexual tension. I did not know this was part of a series until I went to get this information for my review so while it can be a stand alone I will most certainly be working my way backwards to read the first three in the series. I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting staying up way too late to finish it.

I loved that Ahnvil was a Gargoyle. I have not read a story about them before so having that new twist was so exciting. I enjoyed the way he interacted with Kat. Their connection is very strong right from the start. Kat is a strong woman even though she doesn’t think so.

If you enjoy a paranormal with a twist from the vamps and shifters this is the book you need to pick up. You will not be disappointed.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Natasha reviews Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter

burning dawnTITLE: Burning Dawn
SERIES #: Angels of the Dark #3
CHARACTERS: Thane & Elin
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies. He lives by a single code: no mercy. And as he unleashes his fury on his most recent captor, he learns no battle could have prepared him for the slave he rescues from his enemy’s clutches–a beauty who stokes the fires of his darkest desires.
Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her challenges her every boundary. But Thane’s unwavering determination to protect her means she must have her greatest fears–and enter a world in which passion is power, and victory means breathtaking surrender.

REVIEW: Yay! With this book I was able to see once again what made me fall in love with Gena’s books in the first place so many years ago! In one word, this book was FABULOUS! Elin just might be my favorite female character Gena has written – in her words – in the history of ever! Elin is strong, fierce, down to Earth and wickedly hilarious. She is the perfect match for Thane, challenges him at every turn and asserts herself in the male dominated world she finds herself in. I can’t even pinpoint parts of the book that were my favorite, because they were ALL my favorite. Elin and Thane’s story – the struggle, the devastation, their pasts – it was all so intense and I couldn’t put the book down, I had to find out how it would all play out. The supporting characters also played an important role in making this book so fun to read. The girl power in this book is so much fun, and I really hope to get deeper into these characters in future books. I laughed so hard any time any of the other barmaids made appearances. Oh and of course cameo appearances by some of the Lords sure didn’t hurt this book in any way either! This series can go so far, all of the characters we meet are intriguing and I know their personal stories will be amazing. I so hope Gena continues this series for a long time so I can see all of my favorites stories play out!

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

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Kelly & Kimberly review When We Met by Susan Mallery

When we metTITLE: When We Met
SERIES #: Fools Gold #13
CHARACTERS: Angel Whittaker & Taryn Crawford
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: April 29, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe to toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Another good story from Susan. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the past Fool’s Gold books this was still a really good book. I have been wanting to read Angel’s story since he stepped on to the pages. He seems like such a scary dude, but is really a softy at heart. His back story is heart breaking. Tayrn, kinda rubs me the wrong way. I am not sure if it is because she is trying too hard to never be what she once was? Or if she is a little on the stuck up side. But either way I think that Angel & Tayrn made a good couple.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Fools Gold series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite fictional location and it is always a great time to go back and visit. Susan Mallery is the Queen of Contemporary Romance in my opinion and I love spending time in her world.

This story took me a little bit to get into. Taryn is so “city” that it was hard to see her in a small town but somehow she acclimates to the town and it because part of who she is. Angel is the last in the CDS men and I couldn’t wait to read his story. He has had such an interesting past. Taryn is the best person he could have in his life and I loved their story. I so loved the softer side of Angel. Reading about his Acorns and when he confronts his past was so sweet.

I loved the little changes in this story and yet still keeping with tradition. The dumped party was great. The slogan change of the town is great. What the “boys” want to change it to had me chuckle every time. And I can’t wait for the rest of the football players to get their “happy ending”. I hope the sentence from Mayor Marsha about needing a S&R team is a hint of what 2015 will bring to Fool’s Gold. And on a personal note: Thanks Susan Mallery for mentioning Asheville, NC. I live right outside it and the city is worth a visit.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts


Kimberly review Half Moon Harbor by Donna Kauffman

Half Moon HarborTITLE: Half Moon Harbor
SERIES #: Bachelors of Blueberry Cove #2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Brodie
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bold, brash, Irish—Brodie Monaghan’s been breaking hearts ever since he arrived in Maine to rebuild the family business. Still, there’s one woman he just can’t wow.

Grace Maddox claims she’s now part owner of Monaghan Shipbuilders, and she has her own dreams for the weathered dockside buildings.

Tiny Blueberry Cove has a way of welcoming strangers with wide open arms, but is the sleepy coastal village ready for the fireworks these two spark?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. I honestly have to say I really enjoyed Brodie. Talk about a great guy! There was something about Brodie in book #1 (Pelican Point) that every reader knew he had to be the next bachelor to go down and Grace was the perfect fit for him. Brodie is a roll with the flow kind of guy and plays a different role than the alpha type man but yet is not the strong silent type either. But there is just no way to put Brodie into a cliche’ but he is adorable.

Grace is starting over in every aspect of her life and she couldn’t have found a better person to help her down that road than Brodie. I was sad to not see very much with Grace and Ford but I think that is coming in book #3 (Sandpiper Island) so it is something to look forward to.

I love this new series from Donna Kauffman and can’t wait for the next in the series… and the next and the next and the next.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Rising Assets by Rebecca Zanetti

Rising AssetsTITLE: Rising Assets
SERIES #: Maverick, Montana #3
CHARACTERS: Melanie & Colton
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Friends with benefits was never the plan…

Melanie Jacobs is in trouble. With three jobs—including running her ranch—and dwindling funds, she’s exhausted. Not to mention desperately trying to hide a secret. Unfortunately, her best friend Colton Freeze knows all too well that’s something is going on, and he won’t give up until he knows exactly what he needs to fix.

Then Colton learns the truth—that Melanie’s future happiness rests in the fickle hands of fate, and her chances for having a family are shrinking with every passing day. Her only comfort is Colton, but when a heated argument between them turns into an even hotter kiss, the boundaries of their friendship are erased, leaving only a scorching-hot hunger for more.

Every kiss—every touch—is a stolen pleasure. But will their new friends-with-sexy-benefits arrangement bring them closer together, or destroy everything they once shared?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Every time Rebecca Zanetti writes about a cowboy I think I will never love her last guy as much as I loved the one before but here I am wrong again. Colton is the perfect alpha man with a giving heart. He is a fixer and a planner. He needs thing to go by that plan or he really doesn’t get why it fell apart and suddenly Melanie is something he never planned but she has a problem he needs to fix and dang it he will do it.

Melanie has her own issues and while she usually includes Colton (and Hawk) in any problems this is something she thinks she needs to handle on her own. I love the way that Melanie is snide and quick witted. She doesn’t take any crap.

This is another great book by Rebecca Zanetti. And I can’t wait to read Hawk’s story. He might just turn into the cowboy I fall in love with the most. Oh, and I gave this book an extra .25 stars because any book that mentions Grease (my favorite movie) deserves a little extra.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Pleasures of Spring by Evie Hunter

SpringTITLE: The Pleasures of Spring
SERIES #: Pleasures #4
CHARACTERS: Roz & Andy
AUTHOR: Evie Hunter
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Roz Spring is an actress and a chameleon, the kind of woman who always lands on her feet. But even Roz can’t talk her way out of witnessing a murder, and she must go into hiding before the murderer comes for her. Andy McTavish has turned his back on a life of privilege to prove himself in the world of international security. Tall, dark and dangerous, Andy is the ultimate seducer who has never met a woman who can tame him. Roz needs his protection and, to get his family off his back, Andy needs a fake fiancée. The solution is obvious: pretend to be a couple. Getting up close and personal won’t be hard, as the chemistry between them is electrifying. As two practiced charmers drive each other beyond the limits of sensual endurance, they find their usual defences are no good. When the barriers come crashing down, a raw passion emerges that neither wants to admit.They know that when the murderer shows his hand, they will face a fight for life and freedom. And if they survive, what will happen when the need to pretend is over? The Pleasures of Spring is the latest sizzling standalone novel from Evie Hunter whose trademark combination is an addictive erotic story and a page-turning plot. If you’re an Evie fan, you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re new to Evie, well, you’re in for quite the delicious treat…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I was on the fence for more than half of the story not because it wasn’t good but because it was just too drawn out. I was tired of the same lines over and over. It seemed like the author(s) kept forgetting they had already told us about Roz’s poor upbringing and how she had to save her father. But the last part was fast paced and entertaining. I enjoyed the story for the most part.

A few things. Besides the constant reminder of Roz’s past the book was just a bit too long. I mean really 480 pages? It should have been cut by about 100. Andy is a interesting character but not the Dom that he claims to be. Yeah he likes control but he is more playboy/flirt than a Dom.

But this is Roz’s story and it is a good one. It closes off the series, which I guess they are doing with this book, nicely.

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

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