Author: Kimberly

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Natasha reviews The Genesis Project by Tigris Eden

Genesis projectTITLE: The Genesis Project
SERIES #: New Earth #1
CHARACTERS: Genesis Blackmore, Xander Treegold and Adam Reynard
AUTHOR: Tigris Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/28/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Old earth has been deemed unsuitable for life, New Earth is home. With the Uni-Wars over, races have joined together in order to sustain their way of life. All life was considered worth saving, but only one race failed to submit. Humans.
Now extinct, humans are a thing of the past. The people of New Earth won’t acknowledge their hand in their eradication, but they have benefited from it. Dr. Vaggo Blackmore has found the answer, he’s restored his races way of life- sustenance through farming. The one thing that will give them back their long lives….. Blood, human blood.
Biologically engineered in a lab, Genesis Blackmore has always been different. Her father has told her it’s due to her enhancements, the Federated Council sees her as a genetic mutation; and her fellow peers see her as the shiny new toy. Gen has had better days.
Everyone on New Earth has milky white skin, platinum blonde hair, and electric blue eyes. It’s the norm. Genesis’ glossy, black hair, ice blue eyes ringed by gold, would have almost made her socially acceptable- if it wasn’t for her golden skin and blue, gold veins. In a sea of milky white she alone is the dark anomaly.
All Pars get their life’s nourishment through blood plasma. All Pars find their match through the tasting. Gen can do neither, forbidden by her father to do so. She can neither taste, nor be tasted. Something that’s never bothered her until now.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Oh, I’m intrigued! I really enjoyed this book. The beginning is filled with a lot of information that kinda bogs down the story a bit. There is a lot of back-story and information to be shared about the world the characters live in, and at times I was confused by it all. But it does eventually pick up and I’m happy I kept reading. About halfway through, I couldn’t put it down! Genesis is a very strong character, and the author wrote her in such a manner that she will continue to grow and become even stronger. I can’t wait to see the things that Genesis will work through and discover. I also really enjoyed the other two main characters: Xander and Adam. I will say though, that I’m kinda Team Xander! He’s a sweetie, underneath it all – I’m convinced! As a general rule I don’t enjoy love triangles, but the uncertainty with these characters is exciting and I’m enjoying the tension. The book had a few minor editing issues, but it did not take away from the story at all. I’m very excited to read the next installment of this series, because that ending just wasn’t fair!

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.

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Kimberly reviews Breathe Into Me by Sara Fawkes

Breathe into MeTITLE: Breathe Into Me
CHARACTERS: Lacey & Everett
AUTHOR: Sara Fawkes
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
How did my life get so broken? It’s a question Lacey St. James asks herself every day. Stuck raising her little brother in a trailer park while she works a dead end job at a grocery store, she has a stalker ex-boyfriend, a bad reputation, and no way out.

And then, she meets Everett, who changes her entire existence.

Everett is an outsider who’s housesitting his family’s mansion off the coast, and for reasons Lacey can’t understand, he’s completely transfixed by her. He seems determined to show her that life can offer more than she’d ever hoped for, if only she believes in herself. She desperately yearns to trust him, but what happens when she finds out that everything he’s told her is a lie?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This book is so sad. Pulled from recent headlines it hits home to bullying. I am not sure Lacey could have anything else go wrong in her life. She is such a sad case and yet someone you want to see pull herself together and show the world she can make it. Everett is so not the alpha male, unless he needs to be, but there is still something about him.

I enjoyed this book. There is just so much that goes on in it that it is hard to not want to keep reading it. The characters, including background characters, are very interesting and their feelings palpable. Well written. And I loved the cover art.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Education of Victoria by Angela Meadows

education of victoriaTITLE: The Education Of Victoria
CHARACTERS: Victoria
AUTHOR: Angela Meadows
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lessons in love and a whole lot more, are in store in this saucy romp set in a European finishing school for young ladies. Packed off to a continental finishing school, 16-year-old Victoria thinks she will be taught how to be a dutiful wife for a gentleman. But she soon discovers that she has a lot to learn in the arts of pleasure at the Venus School for Young Ladies. There she encounters the strictness of Principal Madame Thackeray and her team of tutors. Under their guidance she learns the finer arts of sexual pleasure and discovers that there are plenty of fellow students and staff willing to share their carnal knowledge with this sweet young English rose. On returning to England, she finds her father in financial difficulty, and must turn her newfound education to good use to save the family estate.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Umm Wow ok… did I say wow… This was not erotica this was written porn. Good written porn but still. I am not sure there is more than 3 paragraphs written at a time that does not have some kind of sex scene. There is sex is every form and with every person. Nothing is too taboo in this book. Including the fact the main character who starts this journey at what her father thinks is a finishing school but it more of a school of sex is only 16.

First not that I would compare the writing of this book with the Sleeping Beauty series from Anne Rice but if you enjoyed the type of book that the Sleeping Beauty books are then you will enjoy this. There is a slight story wrapped around the character having sex with everything that moves.

I enjoyed the story for what it was but it was a little much at some points. That being said if there is another in the series I will pick it up.

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

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Kimberly reviews Aflame by Krissy Daniels

AflameTITLE: Aflame
SERIES #: Apotheosis, #1
CHARACTERS: Grayce & Zander
AUTHOR: Krissy Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To save her soul, he’ll let her burn.

Grayce has been on the run for years. Having escaped an abusive relationship with a violent psychopath, she is trying to rebuild her life one small step at a time. Things are going well until Zander crosses her path, badass and sexy as hell. His presence awakens heated desires she long ago buried. Last thing Grayce wants is a man, and the way her body reacts to Zander scares her more than the threat of being found.

Tyr will do anything to get his little dove back. She is a Beacon, and her raw, burning energy gives him power and strength. More than the evil that already compels him. But a blond giant of a man hovers protectively around her. No matter. He’ll play with him too.

When Zander rescues Grayce from Tyr’s first attempt to reclaim her, he reveals his superhuman abilities. Power that Grayce also has, but has yet to understand. As predestined soul mates, Zander must help Grace control her rage before her fire threatens to destroy everyone and everything in her path. But his true challenge is more than that—to show her it’s possible to trust and love again.

CONTENT WARNING: Hot sex with a foul-mouthed firecracker.

REVIEW:
What a weird and yet intriguing story. So different than anything I have read before. The characters were interesting and had so much background that I felt like I knew them. The life Grayce has led was so sad and scary that I felt so bad for her. I loved Zander (but then I am a fan of the big alpha possessive kinda guy) and found myself happy and sad for him.

There were a few things that I would have changed. I mean even having the warning of a foul mouthed woman was not enough to describe the language in this book. And I missed the fact that we didn’t get an answer to Grayce’s legal issues… I mean come on she is wanted for murder. Even so I really enjoyed this story.

Looking for something a bit different to read? Love a bit of magic (for lack of a better word) in a story? Like a guy who loves with his whole heart and a woman who is willing to overcome her past? Then this is the book for you.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Turned by Virna DePaul

TurnedTITLE: Turned
SERIES #: The Belladonna Agency #1
CHARACTERS: Ty Duncan & Ana Martin
AUTHOR: Virna DePaul
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.
Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.
But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.

Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.

When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.

Can Ana help Ty find his humanity in a love that could heal them both, or will their passion lead them into a darkness impossible to escape?

REVIEW:
2.5 HEARTS Really on the fence about this book. I liked the world, liked the idea behind the story liked the beginning. But I just never really connected with the main two characters. I really can’t explain why. I just didn’t feel the love that I would have liked to.

Even with that it was a good story and I am going to give the next book in this series a shot.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Bantam Dell in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

2hearts

 


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Kelly review Midnight Pursuit by Elle Kennedy

Midnight PursuitsTITLE: Midnight Pursuits
SERIES #: Killer Instincts #4
CHARACTERS: Ethan Hayes & Juliet Mason
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her job is to stay hidden.
Too bad he can’t take his eyes off her.

Soldier-for-hire Ethan Hayes is the youngest member of an elite mercenary team. While he may be affectionately nicknamed the rookie, the skills Ethan honed as a Marine make him seriously dangerous. But when a sudden distress call puts him in close quarters with a rival, he finds more than his field skills being put to the test.

Juliet Mason stands out as the master thief in a covert group of assassins and spies. Her latest mission is personal—and it’s gone horribly wrong. Juliet may prefer to work alone, but when the rookie comes to her aid in snowy Eastern Europe, she can’t deny they make a good team. But even up against a powerful enemy, their most challenging task yet may be fighting the passion between them..

REVIEW:
3.5 HEARTS The best way to explain Ethan & Juliet is like a tornado meeting a hurricane. While each can be very destructive independently together they will be unstoppable. But somewhere along the way the storms calm and all that is left is each other.
This was a fast pace book. There was no waiting for the action to start. I will say that I think my one of my favorite parts is Ethan’s rules on dating (hehe) Juliet never expected that :D.
If you are a fan of Elle’s Killer Instinct series you will love Ethan & Juliet’s story. Oh and Jack gives us a bit of a surprise at the end of this book (sneaky guy 🙂 ). Looking forward to the next book in this series.

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.

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Kimberly reviews Enchanting The Beast by Kathryne Kennedy

9781402269882TITLE: Enchanting The Beast
SERIES #: Relics of Merlin #3
CHARACTERS: Philomena & Nicodemus
AUTHOR: Kathryne Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Grimspell Castle. With its dark, imposing stone walls, it certainly looked haunted. As a ghost-hunter, Lady Philomena was accustomed to restless spirits. But she found the dark, imposing nature of the castle’s owner far more haunting than any specter. London Society might not approve of shape-shifters such as Sir Nicodemus Wulfson, but firmly-on-the-shelf Philomena rather enjoyed the young baronet’s sudden interest in sniffing around her skirts. She’d even consider giving in to him altogether if not for a murderer on the loose—a beast that might just be Nico himself.

REVIEW:
Take a bit of Mary Poppins + Harry Potter + Beauty and the Beast and you have this story. Magical creatures and ghost and witches and shape-shifters. There is everything you need to make a story a paranormal and it works out perfectly. I did not know this was the third in the series and it never felt like I was missing something. It does however make me want to go back and read the first two books.

The characters are delightful. Phil is a bit of a cougar (to use todays terms and I do not mean a shifter). And Nico is a great alpha with the possiveness and fierceness but also the sweetness that we romance lovers adore reading about.

I didn’t want to miss one word of this story and can’t wait to read any more that come from the series. If you love the paranormal romance genre then you have to pick up this delightful story.

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

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Kelly reviews He Can Fall by Melinda Leigh

he can fallTITLE: He Can Fall
SERIES #: A She Can Novella
CHARACTERS: Sean & Amanda Wilson
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When security expert Sean Wilson takes his wife, Amanda, along on a business trip to an isolated bed and breakfast, he’s hoping to combine work and pleasure. But when four armed men storm the inn and take the staff and his wife hostage, the romantic getaway is over. A former army Ranger, Sean will do anything to save his wife, and when he finds the seven-year-old granddaughter of the innkeeper in the snowy woods, the situation becomes more dire. Sean must get the child to safety, but as the armed men become increasingly hostile and violent, Amanda’s life is also on the line. Cut off from help and spurred by desperation, Sean and Amanda must make hard choices that could get them all killed.

Thriller Award nominee and bestselling romantic suspense author Melinda Leigh delivers a page-turning story of love, fear, and desperate choices.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts GREAT novella!!!
I am always amazed how much you can put into a short story. Again this was a great short story and like any review I do for novella my review will be short too. I don’t like giving away too much. I will say that even though this was a short story I didn’t feel like anything was missing. I felt that Melinda was able to tell a great story without leaving me with that “I want more” that can come with a novella.
If you have read Melinda’s She Can… Series you will LOVE this novella. If you are new to the She Can…Series He Can Fall is easily read alone and does not affect the order of the series at all. I would highly suggest picking up a copy of the novella.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Melinda Leigh 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 Burn For Me by Shiloh Walker

Burn For MeTITLE: Burn for Me
SERIES #: Secrets & Shadows #0.5
CHARACTERS: Tate Bell & Ali Holmes
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Scarred long ago by the disappearance of his mother, Nichole, Tate Bell aches to spend his days and nights with Ali Holmes, a woman he’s loved for years. But while Ali’s heart pines to be with Tate, her head has reservations… Ali knows that Tate has never forgiven his father for the fight he had with Nichole right before she left the house—and was never heard from again. Ali thinks that Tate’s unresolved anger is a force to be reckoned with…even though the heat that blazes between them is undeniable. Now both Tate and Ali are left to wonder: Can love really conquer all?

REVIEW:
Burn for Me it the first novella in Shiloh Walker’s new Secrets & Shadows series. In Burn for Me we get to meet Tate Bell. A man afraid to truly love or let anyone get too close. Yet knows that the one thing that matters most to him is about ready to walk away. Ali might love Tate, but she can’t wait for him any more. Walking away is going to be the hardest thing she has ever done.

This was an amazing start to Shiloh’s new romance suspense series. Let me tell you chapter one starts of with a major bang. While there is a love story the mystery that surrounds the Bell family has me dying for the next novella in this series.

If you love romance suspense you need to add Burn for Me to your read list.

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.

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Kelly reviews Sweetest Surrender by Katie Reus

sweetest SurrenderTITLE: Sweetest Surrender
SERIES #: The Serafina: Sin City #3
CHARACTERS: Vadim & Angel
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: March 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman on the run…

Angel has been on her own for two years, moving from place to place to outrun her past. With no family and few friends to lean on, she’s managed to keep her secrets and stay safe. But when her past suddenly catches up to her, she has a choice to make. Run or stay and claim her life once more.

He’ll stop at nothing to protect her…

Vadim has never let anyone close to him—until Angel. From the first time he met her, everything changed. As a private consultant for Wyatt Christiansen, he’s good with computers and he’s got connections to unearth people’s deepest, darkest secrets. When Angel’s life is threatened Vadim steps in and uses all his resources to end the threat once and for all. As the danger closes in, he lies to her in an effort to protect her, not realizing that even once the threat is eliminated, he might lose her anyway.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts

This was a quick read about 150 pages. There may have not been a ton of suspense in this story it was a good story. I really loved Vadim. I mean really who doesn’t love man who one is hot, two has an accent and three scares the living bejesus out of everyone but you. Well that pretty much sums up Vadim. He is a total badass but yet so sweet and gentle when needed. And that is everything Angel needs.
Angel is a sweet girl who was dealt some very bad cards. To many deaths in her short life and trusting the wrong person at the wrong time has made the last two years a living nightmare for her. But with Vadim by her side she might be able to face the demons from the past.

Over all I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to what is next in The Serafina: Sin City series.

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

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