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Release Day Tuesday!!! 1.14.14
Kelly reviews Hidden Destiny by Carrie Ann Ryan
TITLE: Hidden Destiny
SERIES #: Redwood Pack # 6
CHARACTERS: North Jamenson & Lexi Anderson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: January 14, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
North Jamenson has always held his wolf closer to the surface than others. He’s the quiet one, the one no one really knows about yet he holds the darkest secret. He’s watched his brothers find their mates and start families, and now it was his turn. He knows Lexi could be his and her son could be part of his family, but he doesn’t know if he’s ready to share the darkness that’s entwined with his soul.
Lexi Anderson is a mother, a sister, a latent wolf, and a new member of the Redwood Pack. She’s also holding secrets so close to her heart she’s not even sure she knows the truth anymore. When North takes another step closer to wanting to cement their bond, Lexi must come to grips with her past and what it means for her future. The Centrals’ war isn’t over yet and Lexi’s life is on the line as the paths they’ve chosen takes a drastic turn.
REVIEW:
North knows he is loved by his family, but there is something dark in him that stirs that scares him. The one person that could possible help him control this darkness wants nothing to do with him. But North is not giving up on Lexi and will not let fate take her away from him, no matter what price he has to pay.
Lexi has finally found a place she can call home for herself, her son and her brother. But there is still a lot of tension coming from the other packmates. But the biggest issue that Lexi is facing is North. Her mate. Yet she can’t give him what they both want so badly.
North & Lexi have a huge uphill battle on their hands. The only want to win this battle is to trust each other and the new family that Lexi has now. But will it be enough?
Another really good story from Carrie Ann Ryan. I really enjoyed North & Lexi’s books. I am so glad that these two got a happy ending, kind of. Want to know what I mean by that you will just have to pick up a copy of Hidden Destiny to find out.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kimberly reviews Beyond Eden by Kele Moon
TITLE: Beyond Eden
SERIES #: Eden #1
CHARACTERS: Eve, Paul & Danny
AUTHOR: Kele Moon
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/10
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three lifelong friends find themselves tangled in a web of love, pain and dangerous secrets in this erotic Garden of Eden tale.
Tall, dark and handsome Danny Carlow has always gotten whatever he wants except for the two he wants more than anything-his best friends, lovers Paul and Eve. Determined, he waits like a snake in the grass, poised for the right moment to offer them a temptation too delicious to resist.
Artist Eve Everton makes the painful decision to leave her true love Paul for the siren call of New York City. Ten years later, with her life in shambles, she returns. When Paul’s waiting arms aren’t available, Eve falls for Danny’s charm and finds herself a willing accomplice in the dangerous games Danny plays.
Former college football star Paul Mattling is now a successful attorney with a bright future ahead of him. But behind those brilliant blue eyes are secret desires for a taste of the forbidden. Will he play it safe or give in to Danny and Eve and bite the apple?
Reader Advisory: Not for the faint of heart, the pain in this story is vivid and real, the emotions even more so. Haunting and poignant, Beyond Eden presents a darker side of BDSM. You might gasp. You might cry. You might find yourself reading it again and again.
REVIEW:
Wow.. umm… well… ok… This is definitely erotica. There is no doubt about that. 90% of this book is sex and most of it hard core in some way or another. As the reader advisory above says there is a lot of pain in this story and it is physical as well as emotional. This is not your sweet BDSM story (if there is such a thing). This is very intense and borders on cruel except it is what the sub wants.
I gave this book 4 stars because I decided to do something that is rare for me. I decided to not compare it in a general scope (ie: historicals, contemporary, paranormal and erotica) but solely on erotica. The reason I did that is because this book, in my humble opinion, can not really be classified as a romance. Yes there is love but there is certainly no romance in this story. So I compared it to other erotica that I have read and it is very well written for the genre and should be given the credit for that. If this is the type of story you like, once again as said above, you will want to read this again and again. If you are into erotica romance than I would warn you this might be too much.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Wanted by J. Kenner
TITLE: Wanted
SERIES #: Most Wanted #1
CHARACTERS: Angelina & Evan
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.
Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.
My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.
And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great novel by J. Kenner. This probably falls under the erotica genre but I really do not see it that way. This is romance with some steamy sex. Yes it says fans of 50 Shades of Grey will love it and they probably will (I did) but this is about love and romance. It is about sex and control. It is not about BDSM nor fetishes.
I had a hard time getting to like Angelina. She seemed almost childlike in her crush and she seemed like a spoiled child not getting her way so she would do things to get people’s attention. However that is not her goal. She needs the thrill for herself. And eventually I found myself liking her. Evan is a powerful guy with secrets and he was fun to get to know.
I was really glad to see this story had an end. I know it is part of a series but it is not only the story of these two characters. I do not mind an ongoing story once in a while like in Kenner’s Stark series. But I don’t want them all to be. I hope we will learn more about the Knights in Heated but that it will be the story of another Knight.
Kenner has become one of my favorite authors and this story keeps her at the top of my list. I can’t wait for Heated.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews This Side Of The Grave by Jeaniene Frost
TITLE: This Side of The Grave
SERIES #: Night Huntress #5
CHARACTERS: Cat & Bones
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb. 22, 2011
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger waits on both sides of the grave.
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”; the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.
REVIEW:
Cat finds herself in the middle of yet another battle. A battle that can only end one of two ways. With her death or the death of her enemy. And if Cat wants the paranormal world to know that she means business she will need to take down this enemy and make him an example.
Oh how I have missed Cat and Bones and their wild group of friends. I do have to say I am seriously in love with Vlad. 🙂 Favorite line from this book of course is from Vlad. “Premature inflamulation” he replied. “Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don’t like to talk about it.”
Cat and Bones are such a great team. I just love how they play off each other, push each other and know when to back off and let each other stand on their own to feet.
Moving on to the next book 🙂
Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews Hope Flames by Jaci Burton + a Giveaway
TITLE: Hope Flames
SERIES #: Hope #1
CHARACTERS: Luke McCormack & Emma Burnett
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 7th, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When it comes to love, they already know the rules…by heart.
Thirty-two and finally setting up her veterinary practice in the town she once called home, Emma Burnett is on her own and loving it. Independent and driven, she’s not letting any man get in the way of her dreams. Not again.
That’s fine with Luke McCormack. Divorced and hardly lacking in female company when he needs it, he’s devoted to the only faithful companion in his life—his police dog. Still, there’s something about Emma he can’t shake.
When a series of local break-ins leaves Emma vulnerable, she seeks help from the first man to spark her desire in years. And now they’re giving each other something they thought they’d lost forever… hope.
REVIEW:
Small town girl Emma Burnett has finally returned home. To say that the years since she left for college have be easy or fun would a lie. After a failed relationship, a return to school and finally following her dream, Emma finds herself the owner of a small veterinary clinic in her home town. But the last thing that Emma wants, needs or has time for is a man. Too bad the perfect man just walked through her door.
Luke is a little gun shy about women and relationships. After the embarrassment of his failed marriage Luke has vowed that he will never be in a relationship again. But after meeting the town’s newest vet he may have to rethink this whole single life thing.
Awesome start to a new series by Jaci Burton. Hope Flames brings us to the small town of Hope. We get to meet a fun cast of characters. Jaci always does a great job of bring her characters to life.
I am already looking forward to the next two books in this series Hope Ignites (4/14) & Hope Burns (10/14). If you love Jaci Burton you will love the Hope series!!!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
A little about Jaci Burton:
Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.
Where you can find Jaci: Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads
Giveaway Time:
Thursday’s Thought…
Kelly reviews Dark Wolf by Christine Feehan
TITLE: Dark Wolf
SERIES #: Dark #25
CHARACTERS: Dimitri Tirunul & Skyler Daratrazanoff
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: January 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan now delivers her most eagerly awaited novel of all — ten years in the making.
In Dark Lycan, Christine Feehan journeyed into the heart of the Carpathians, and into the souls of two lifemates stirred by the flush of passion and the threat of annihilation. In Dark Wolf, the breathtaking story continues as the bonds of family are imperiled, and the fate of two lovers lies hidden in the seductive shadows between life and death.
Skyler Daratrazanoff always recognized the miracle that was Dimitri Tirunul, a man beyond any dream that had ever engaged her nights. But she was human. Vulnerable. He was Carpathian. Nearly immortal. She was nineteen. He was an ancient. Yet she held half his soul, the light to his darkness. Without her, he would not survive. Caught between the two warring species, Dimitri has spent centuries hunting the undead to keep his people free, and humans safe. He had survived honorably when others had chosen to give up their souls. But now, marked for extermination by the Lycans, Dimitri found himself alone, and fearing for his life. But salvation was coming…
No Lycan would ever suspect someone like Skyler to dare mount a secret rescue operation. A teenage girl. A human of untested abilities. But she had something no one else had. She was predestined for Dimitri—as he was for her. And there was nothing stronger for Skyler than her desire to see her life-dream come true. Whatever the risk
REVIEW:
It has been a while since I have read a Christine Feehan novell. I think I have read all of the Dark series books except the two prior to this one so I am familiar with Dimitri & Skyler. If you are new to this series you really should read the series in order, and yes there are a lot of books. But there is a lot of history in these books. That being said. I really did enjoy Dimitri & Skyler’s book.
Dimitri & Skyler make a wonderful couple. Skyler is a little gun shy about certain parts of life and Dimitri is so very patient with her. I really enjoyed the love story between these two. and really enjoyed learning more about Zev. But, and I know this because the next book is coming, I felt that there was no resolution to the who’s, what’s and why’s in this book.
I am looking forward to Zev & Bronnie’s book next!!
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 Island Promises by Thayne, Ferrarella, Banks
TITLE: Island Promises: Hawaiian Holiday/Hawaiian Reunion/Hawaiian Retreat
CHARACTERS: Varied
AUTHOR: Thayne, Ferrarella, Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Ex-Wife: Megan McNeil is genuinely happy to escort her little girls to their father’s wedding in Kauai, Hawaii;even though she feels like a third wheel. One gorgeous groomsman definitely disagrees. But are they both carrying too much baggage to begin a new romance?
The Best Man: Devlin Marshall won’t let anything spoil his buddy’s big day not even his own rocky marriage. Secrets and mistrust have divided him from his Amy, but the love in the air seems to be catching.
The Sister: Family comes first. Deep down, Gabi Foster knows it, but this holiday is hurting her career. Can a sweet, sexy surfing instructor convince her that love is worth more than a business deal
REVIEW:
Hawaiian Holiday
4 Hearts I loved this story. It was so sweet. I loved the little girls and liked how the special needs child was written so well and not as if she was a burden. I wish it has been a full size novel because I would have enjoyed more time with this couple and the girls.
Hawaiian Reunion
3 Hearts This story is very well written and some how (I really am not sure how) had me hoping this couple would get back together. Amy is just argumentative and insecure so why I wanted her with a good guy like Devlin I have no idea but I did.
Hawaiian Retreat
3.5 Hearts This story was very sweet as well. It did feel a little rushed in some way and yet drawn out in others. Not sure why that is but it had that feeling. Kai is just a sweetie.
Overall I am giving this 3.5 Hearts. I enjoyed all the stories. It is a fast read (I read it in a day) and yet seemed complete and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the way the kids were written in the book. Not perfect but real. An enjoyable read all the way around.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Release Day Madness! 1.7.14
Kelly reviews The Vampire Hunter by Michele Hauf
TITLE: The Vampire Hunter
SERIES #: In the Company of Vampires
CHARACTERS: Kaz & Zoe
AUTHOR: Michele Hauf
PUBLICATION DATE: January 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A vampire hunter finds himself powerless to resist a bewitching stranger’s dangerous magic in Michele Hauf’s latest romance.
In all his years of battling the undead, Kaz has never seen bloodlust like this. And as a Knight of the Stake, it’s up to him to find out who’s responsible for the mayhem sweeping the streets of Paris and put a stop to it. Kaz’s task becomes infinitely more complicated when a very attractive witch wants to help.
With her quirky charm and irresistibly kissable lips, Zoe; just feels right to Kaz, the way no mortal woman ever has before. But as a sworn enemy of the supernatural, can he really trust a witch? Especially one with dangerous secrets of her own?
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Kaz & Zoe have a very sweet relationship only one problem is that at the moment they are working on the opposite side of a very big problem for the vampires. But neither truly knows the depth of the Magic Dust problem until it is almost too late. Their only chance of winning this war is to work together no matter how difficult it may be.
This was a good story. I really like this world that Michele has created. Vampires, Fairies and Hunters oh my. I love how Michele throws in characters from other books in to all of her books. It is fun to get a glance at your past favorite characters. Of which one of mine made a cameo in The Vampire Hunters. 🙂
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.
Jennifer reviews Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
TITLE: Some Girls Bite
SERIES #: Chicagoland Vampires #1
CHARACTERS: Merit, Ethan
AUTHOR: Chloe Neill
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/7/09
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago’s vampires announced their existence to the world–and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he got only a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker…and this one decided the best way to save my life was to make me the walking undead.
Turns out my savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I’ve traded sweating over my dissertation for learning to fit in at a Kenwood mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan “Lord o’ the Manor” Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred-year-old vampire, he has centuries’ worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects my gratitude–and servitude. Right….
But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I’m surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), an inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan’s attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone’s still out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches?
My initiation into Chicago’s nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war…and there will be blood.
REVIEW: This is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series and definitely should not be missed. One thing that I loved about Merit was that she wasn’t your typical heroine because she never asked to become a vampire and this wasn’t how she envisioned her life to be. She was a grad student with the hopes of becoming a teacher and all that changed the night that she was attacked. I enjoyed watching her internal struggle as she tried to decide what to do with her newfound vampire powers. The choice of becoming a vampire was taken away from her originally, but Merit could now decide to enter that world on her own terms and I loved watching the decisions that she made right in front of my eyes.
Chloe Neill created a magical paranormal world where vampires are commonplace and people now make the conscious decision to be turned and join a vampire house like it is a celebration. The chemistry between Merit and Ethan was so intense in this book and I enjoyed how their personalities clashed on every little thing. Merit wasn’t going to back down from anyone and that included the master of the Cadogen House. Also, there are very hot-looking vampires in this book and I am hoping that Merit will get together with at least one of them (please let it be Morgan) in the future. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series because I have a feeling that it is going to be very entertaining watching Merit’s interactions in her new vampire world.
