Thursday’s Thought…
Kimberly reviews Once Upon A Billionaire by Jessica Clare
TITLE: Once Upon A Billionaire
SERIES #: Billionaire Boys Club #4
CHARACTERS: Maylee & Griffin
AUTHOR: Jessica Clare
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success—at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They’re just not always as successful when it comes to love…
As a member of the royal family in a small European country, Griffin Verdi’s presence is requested at the wedding of the century. The scholarly billionaire feels out of his depth in social situations, so a good assistant is required—especially when dealing with royal etiquette.
Unfortunately for Griffin, he’s stuck with Maylee Meriweather, a pretty, charming, and thoroughly unsuitable woman who doesn’t know a thing about high society—but she sure can kiss. Her lack of polish may sink Griffin, because after all, even his money can’t buy class. But through Maylee’s eyes, he’s starting to appreciate the simple things in life—if simple means the most complicated woman he’s ever met.
Maylee is everything Griffin isn’t—and everything he wants—if he can let down his guard and step outside his sheltered world…
REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. Maybe it was because it is the 4th in the series which I didn’t realize but I really think it was the writing. It had a youthful feel the writing and the way Maylee speaks seems “dumbed down” and stereotypical of what a southern is supposed to sound like.
I didn’t feel any kind of real connection between any of the characters even the men in the club. Just not my cup of tea I guess.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Navy Seal Surrender by Angi Morgan
TITLE: Navy SEAL Surrender
SERIES #: Texas Family Reckoning #1
CHARACTERS: Alicia & John
AUTHOR: Angi Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A NAVY SEAL RETURNS TO TEXAS TO FIND HIS FAMILY IN TROUBLE AND HIS HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST
Navy SEAL John Sloane thought he’d come home to Texas to save the family ranch and reconnect with his estranged twin brother. He never expected to reunite with the girl whose heart he broke. But when Alicia Adams’s daughter is kidnapped, the fearless SEAL jumps into action.
However, the off-book op poses unfamiliar dangers to John, none more risky than his feelings for Alicia. To regain her trust and protect her from the kidnappers, he’ll risk his career and even his life. It all hinges on one daring scheme that could prove he’s the hero she needs or break her heart all over again.
REVIEW:
I don’t know… Something about this book is just off. Not sure what it is. The characters didn’t have a lot of connection and the writing wasn’t all that great but it was ok. The story is interesting and keeps your attention but something is just off.
John really didn’t have the SEAL feel to him. He messed up more often than not. He seemed over his head a lot of times in the story and then all of a sudden he would have this amazing thought that everyone ohhh’ed over. Alicia seems worthless if you ask me. She lets everyone just take advantage of her. I actually liked the twin brother Brian better than anyone so I will probably read the next in the series to see what happens with him.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Mine To Claim by A.C. Arthur
TITLE: Mine To Claim
SERIES #: Damaged Hearts #1
CHARACTERS: Grace & Aidan
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts—a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females—human or otherwise—from the savage fury of his own nature…In Mine to Claim by A.C. Arthur, Grace Kincaid has been trapped her whole life. Controlled in every way by her domineering parents, she has never had any moment of excitement or passion in all her eighteen years. When a rare night out with a friend ends in violence, Grace believes that perhaps her parents are right to keep her under lock and key. There’s just one problem—she can’t get the irresistibly sexy, mysterious man who saved her from danger out of her head. She knows she should go back to her safe world, but her newfound passion for life—and for her enigmatic protector—are making that impossible…Despite his strength and power, Aidan Sanchez cannot escape. Bound by his Shifter bloodline, he is repulsed by the very attributes his family wishes him to embrace. His main goal is to keep his more dangerous…hungers… under wraps. But when a fight at a club forces Aidan to protect the most alluring woman he’s ever seen, there’s no turning back. He knows he shouldn’t drag her into his world, but she’s awakened a fire within him, and for once, he’s willing to lose control if it means having Grace…
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts While I didn’t see it anywhere I feel like this book is more YA then anything. While a sweet short paranormal it is written with a youthful feel. I liked Aidan, he seemed strong and alpha. Grace was wishy-washy if you ask me but I did like her. While obvious Aidan is a shifter there is no shifting until the last chapter which seemed odd to me. Good just young.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What releases the week of April 21st? Check here!
Kimberly reviews All Fired Up on Vivian Arend
TITLE: All Fired Up
SERIES #: DreamMakers #1
CHARACTERS: Lynn & Parker
AUTHOR: Vivian Arend
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s ready to lead the way
Parker Wilson never thought he’d go from battle-hardened soldier to romance expert, but after his stint in the Rangers, that’s exactly what happened. As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., he helps other men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. When a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of passion, Parker’s mission becomes more personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.
She’s more than willing to follow
Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s just ditched her boring almost-boyfriend and is tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a bit of a hard time getting into this story. Not because of the storyline but the writing just seemed a bit off but within a few chapters I was in the flow of the writing and found myself enjoying it. I liked Parker. Lynn was just ok for me. But the interesting thing was the difference in profession these ex-Rangers took on. I like that they didn’t open a security office or private investigation agency. They opened a dating service. How cute is that?
I ended up really enjoying this story and all the little things that happened to this couple. I liked the connection between the three guys as well. Thought the first sex scene was a little weird considering how the book ended up but I guess it was easy enough to get through.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day by Kate McKinley
TITLE: How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day
SERIES #: What Happens in Scotland #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa & Lucas
AUTHOR: Kate McKinley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucas Alexander, the ninth Duke of Arlington, is a man who gets what he wants. So when he sees the alluring Miss Pippa Welby from across a crowded ballroom, he vows to make her his. But the bold and spirited Pippa has sworn never to marry into the haute ton. Now Lucas must win her the only way he knows how—one wicked kiss at a time.
The daughter of a wealthy tradesman, Pippa has been sneered at by the upper echelons her entire life. So when the duke arrives on her doorstep with an invitation to her own engagement ball—to him—in ten days, Pippa hatches a daring plan. She must lose the duke before the ball, or risk losing her own heart.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Based on the name I am sure anyone can guess the synopsis of the story. Just take the movie by a similar name and set it in historical times and make the man a Duke and yep for the most part you got it right.
This is a sweet story and a quick read with less than 100 pages. The characters are well formed and connect well. The spitfire between them is endearing. I had a couple of problems with it though. **Possible spoilers: First Lucas never really admits his feelings for her. Second she acquiesces to what he wants way too easily. And third I really don’t understand why the series name talks about Scotland when the couple is in London.** But again it is a sweet quick read and if you like historicals you should enjoy this one too.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Ace In The Hole by Marissa Dobson
TITLE: Ace In The Hole
SERIES #: SEALed For You #1
CHARACTERS: Gwen & Ace
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ace Diamond left behind the woman he loved when he joined the Navy SEALs. For years he focused on his career, working his way up, risking life and limb on missions for his country. Now home on leave, he must face his past and ask himself if leaving her was a mistake.
At seventeen, Gwyneth London gave her heart away only to have it broken. More than a dozen years later, she decides to embrace her single life and have a child on her own. Ready to start over in her hometown, she doesn’t expect to see the man who still has her heart, but when he walks into her life she’s unable to push him away.
Can Gwyneth and Ace claim the life they were supposed to have, or will they let love pass them by?
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Such a charming story. I couldn’t stop reading. This is about a second chance at love and making the future right after messing up the past. The connection is immediate between Gwen and Ace, probably because they never stopped loving each other. And while you can understand that he had good intentions you wonder how he could have walked away so many years ago. This couple is just so sweet together. I would have loved more pages and wish there had been more to this story. I could have kept on reading for another 100 pages. While complete as it is I wanted more time with them. I hope we are given the chance to see more of them as the rest of the series unfolds.
This is a great story to have ready between novels. To take an hour to yourself and sink into their lives. Great job by Marissa. Bring on the next in the series. I can’t wait.
Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free from the author..
Kimberly reviews Night After Night by Lauren Blakely
TITLE: Night After Night
SERIES #: Seductive Nights #1 (and #.5)
CHARACTERS: Julia & Clay
AUTHOR: Lauren Blakely
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/18/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He plays to win and isn’t afraid to break all the rules…
Fiery bartender Julia Bell has been hit on by her fair share of customers, but has never been tempted to dip so much as a toe in that particular dating pool. She wants a man who can claim her body AND captivate her mind. Enter Clay Nichols, a lawyer with a dirty mind and a mouth to match. Confident, sexy, and commanding, he takes Julia to new heights of pleasure. And after one unforgettable weekend together, he craves more of her. If only she hadn’t taken off without saying goodbye…
Julia has no room in her life for commitment, not while she has serious trouble breathing down her neck, thanks to the criminal dabblings of a former flame. She doesn’t want to involve anyone she cares about in the kind of danger that’s chasing her and that’s the problem with Clay–she’s falling for him. Hard. He makes her heart race, and sets her body on fire.
He’s determined to keep her in his life, no matter the cost. She’s the woman he desires in every way. But when the past threatens to destroy any chance at a future, she has to make a choice –keep running, or give love a shot with a man who can hold her imagination, and her heart, night after night…
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts First let me say that Night After Night is #1 in the series but you really need to read First Night (#.5) to understand… Luckily the copy I got from NetGalley included both.
This is a short novella about a chance meeting between Julia and Clay and the connection they had but Julia has her own issues that she is dealing with and Clay really doesn’t want any more drama in his life. There is a conclusion to this story in After This Night (comes out in May) but this story is left with a cliffhanger.
I enjoyed the story. It is an interesting combination of good and not so good writing. The story is written very well and is very intriguing but some of the conversations aren’t written in a way that a normal person would talk. There is just something off about it.. And yet I liked the story. The connection between Julia and Clay is great. They are hot between the sheets and the writing of those scenes is done very well. I want to know how it ends. I want to see the couple make it. I am really looking forward to the next book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday’s Thought…
Natasha reviews The King by J.R. Ward
TITLE: The King
SERIES #: Black Dagger Brotherhood #12
CHARACTERS: Wrath and Beth
AUTHOR: J.R.Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Long live the King…
After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle–with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything–and everyone–at risk.
Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response–or the distance it creates between them.
The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?
REVIEW:
Let me start by saying how much I love this series. I have been such a dedicated fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood for the past five years and believe it is one of the most intense paranormal drama series out there. J. R. Ward writes in a way that is dark and lovely all at the same time. Her character development, world building and ability to allow readers to truly feel every, single emotion her characters portray is absolutely phenomenal. With all of that being said, this book was really hard for me to like. The past few books in the series have involved a changing plot line and lots of new character introductions. Each book has had a main couple and then three to four side stories developing at the same time. Though it’s been noticeable in the past, it was flat out distracting in this book. There were five different stories happening all at the same time in this book and the constant flipping back and forth was slightly disorienting. I found myself getting sucked into a storyline, then all of a sudden it would switch to two different characters and I had to start my mind processing all over again – it was exhausting. In addition to this, I found the story lacked any type of intense climax, unless you count the very end – which was intense yet predictable. I am happy that the big “problem” with Beth and Wrath was addressed and we can now move forward without that hanging over the heads of readers. Overall the book was enjoyable, yet it lacked the deep connection that I usually get from the BDB books. Maybe it’s just because all of the main characters have been exhausted and we’re starting to explore new characters. It’s a little like watching your child walk into a kindergarten classroom for the first time – bittersweet. Of course I will continue with this series, the characters are still amazingly flawed and loveable and I can just never get enough of these Brothers!
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews Tangled Innocence by Carrie Ann Ryan
TITLE: Tangled Innocents
SERIES #: Dante’s Circle
CHARACTERS: Dante Bell, Jace Goodwin & Nadie Morgan
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: April 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?
As one of the seven lightning struck women, Nadie Morgan has known for a while now that her fate would be forever changed…and revolve around a certain dragon. From the first time Dante Bell saw Nadie, he knew she was the one for him. There’s just one problem–there’s another in his life he’s waiting on as well.
When Jace Goodwin, a bear shifter and Mediator, finally comes back to the human realm after years away under circumstances out of his control, his first stop is to Dante’s Circle where he not only finds his dragon, but the woman they both have been waiting for.
Once secrets are told and the sparks fly, Nadie’s new life becomes something she never thought possible. However there’s another realm at play and Jace and Nadie’s dragon will have to fight harder than he’s ever fought before to keep the life he’s waited eons for.
Warning: Contains one not-so-innocent human, a bear known for his bear-hugs, a tattooed and pierced dragon with a fiery temper, and a connection so explosive, you’ll be fanning yourself from page one.
REVIEW:
A Dragon shifter who has waiting 10,000 years for his mates.
A Bear shifter who is finally home and ready to claim what is his.
And a not so human female that will forever tie them together.
This was a good story, although maybe not a great as I would have like. There was something just a bit off for me. I don’t know what really. It is just in the past I have held Dante up on a very high pedestal and I didn’t feel the same connection with him in this book. It was not until the end of the book that I felt we had the old Dante back. So maybe it was just a case of him having to be way too serious in this book.
Jace the sweet tough bear shifter was fun to get to know better. But Jace sure goes through a lot in this book. It was great to see that Nadie finally get a little happiness. Overall this was a good continuation in the Dante’s Circle series and sets up perfectly for the next book (Faith & Levi)
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Fated Desires Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.