Author: Kimberly

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Kelly reviews Full Throttle by Erin McCarthy

full throttleTITLE: Full Throttle
SERIES #: Fast Track #7
CHARACTERS: Rhett Ford & Shawn Hamby
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Easing into the turns…
As one of only two girls on the tween racing circuit, Shawn Hamby has always run with a fast crowd. But now at thirty-two, she doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. And she definitely doesn’t need a man bossing her around off of the track…

Putting the pedal to the metal…
But after a silly girls’ night at a fetish club, Shawn can’t get Rhett Ford out of her mind. He’s younger than her, and he’s her best friend’s brother-in-law, which should be red flags. Rhett is looking for someone to lead in bed, but he can’t imagine that Shawn would ever submit to him. Boldly surrendering is more her style. And with Rhett behind the wheel, it’s going to be one wild ride

REVIEW:
4.5 HEARTS A fault book club trip to a fetish club leads to Shawn being whisked out on the dance floor and sends her heart racing until her girlfriends drag her out of the arms of one very hot man.
A condition of her grandpa’s will that will force her to grow up or lose everything she loves, her dirt track.
And proposal “Will you marry me?” is not the first question a girl normally asks on a first date. Is this a first date? But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Loved this story. Love Rhett & Shawn. They are just to cute together. This was my first Fast Track novel and I am super excited to backtrack and read the first 6 books. If you are a fan of Erin’s Fast Track series you will love Rhett & Shawn’s book!! Can’t wait to see who is next

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Penguin Group Berkeley 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 Hot Pursuit by Jo Davis

hot pursuitTITLE: Hot Pursuit
SERIES #: Sugarland Blue #2
CHARACTERS: Taylor Kayne & Cara Evans
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Sugarland, Detective Taylor Kayne is always ready with quick wit and a quicker smile. But he’s about to meet a woman who will make him want to take his sweet time….

Taylor is a laid-back, smart-aleck kind of lawman. He’s also a man’s man, as well as every woman’s private fantasy. But years ago, he was part of a botched hostage situation that ended with him being hailed as a tough-as-nails hero—even though the pain, fear, and shame from that terrible day still haunt his every moment.

Cara Evans couldn’t care less about Taylor’s pain. In the moment he became a so-called hero, she lost someone she dearly loved. Yet neither of them is prepared for the instant, undeniable attraction that flares between them—or the danger that’s soon hot on their heels.

REVIEW:
Book 2 in the Sugarland Blue series thoughts back into the world of Sugarland police force. Hot Pursuit we get to learn more about the Taylor and the demons that chase him. As a young cop Taylor was put into an unwinnable situation. But after leaving LA and trying to start over Taylor thought things might be getting better, even if his nights are still plagued with nightmares.
Cara is a woman out for revenge. She wants the man responsible for her sister’s murder to pay for his crime. Revenge is all she can think about for the last four year. Cara had made this man a monster in her mind. An unfeeling, uncaring, unthinking monster. When Cara finally finds her mark she realizes that the man she has hated for 4 years is anything but the monster she made it out to be.
Theses two are a great couple. Things move really fast for them. But when it is right it is right. But with a threat from the past stalking them at each moment their time together maybe too short to really explore what they might have.
Another good book for Jo Davis. I am loving the Sugarland series. I can’t wait to see what or who Jo is going to give us next.

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Christmas in Tahoe by Elisabeth Barrett

christmas in tahoeTITLE: Christmas In Tahoe
CHARACTERS: Ann & Chase
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Silicon Valley actuary Ann Smith is an expert at calculating probabilities, but lately the odds haven’t been in her favor. Two years ago her fiancé died a week before their planned Christmas wedding, leaving Ann heartbroken and alone. When a friend suggests heading up to Lake Tahoe for a long Christmas weekend of skiing, wine, and relaxation, Ann thinks it might be just the thing to help get her life back on track. But Ann’s plans go awry when her friend cancels at the last minute, and Ann ends up driving to Tahoe with Chase Deckert, a sexy snowboarder who pushes all her buttons.

Chase Deckert is a man who lives by his own rules. A few years ago his business partner betrayed him by selling out their biomedical research for a quick profit. Chase left science far behind, and now spends his days snowboarding in Tahoe, wanting nothing to do with the dog-eat-dog world of Silicon Valley. Chase has closed his mind and his heart and only believes in one thing: fate. But fate seems to be in a giving mood, because joining him for Christmas is a brave, beautiful woman who shows him the true meaning of the season and helps him rediscover a part of himself he’d long forgotten.

Fueled by the mountain scenery, the season, and their unbelievable chemistry, Ann and Chase end up learning more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined possible. Can one long, steamy Christmas help them realize they’re meant to be together? Or when the holiday is over will they be right back where they started?

REVIEW:
3.5 HEARTS This is a sweet holiday romance about a second chance at love. While sweet and sentimental I had a couple of problems with it. Ann thinks too much about the fiance’ she lost during the story. She seems to still be IN love with him. While I understand the concept of she will always love him but she needs to move on the fact that she thinks about him so much even while being in Chase’s bed it a bit much for me. And the other problem was Chase’s change of heart at the end. It seemed too quick. But then again this is a short story.

I enjoyed the romance of it. I enjoyed the way Chase was written as a caregiver who seemed to understand Ann so quickly. I enjoyed their romance in general. Will this get you into the holiday spirit? Nope. But it is a nice read (and if you are from the area as I am it was a great to know the landmarks mentioned.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Some Kind Of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta

Some kind of wonderfulTITLE: Some Kind of Wonderful: A Holiday Novella
SERIES #: Cupcake Lovers #3.5
CHARACTERS: Zachary Cole & Maya Templeton
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: October 22, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Have yourself a scrumptious, small-town Christmas with this special Cupcake Lovers holiday novella, Love on a Winter’s Night!

Growing up in Sugar Creek, Maya Templeton and Zachary Cole were best friends. After high school, each went out into the world in search of adventure. Maya moved to Florida to explore her passion for baking and pastry-making, eventually establishing her own business:

Cupcakes & Dreamscapes. Zach joined the military and became a Marine Scout Sniper. Now, after years apart, they’re both going home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore. In fact, Zach seems to have the hots for Maya’s business partner. But when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine their connection. Are Maya and Zach better off “just friends”—just as they were when they were young? Or could it be that true love was there all along?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.

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

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Kimberly reviews So Irresistible by Lisa Plumley

So IrresistableTITLE: So Irresistible
CHARACTERS: Gabby & Shane
AUTHOR: Lisa Plumley
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tantalizing. Hot. And mouthwateringly delicious. The pizzas at the Portland restaurant chain Shane Maresca is secretly priming for takeover are all that and more. Unfortunately for him, so is Gabriella Grimani, the business owner’s daughter. He had no idea who she was when they had their first X-rated one night stand. Now she’s all he can think about. For someone whose career hinges on ruthlessness, that’s a slice of disaster.

Tough, take-charge Gabby intends to put her family’s restaurants back in the black, and that means no distractions. But somehow Shane keeps getting to the part of her that no one else sees–enticing her to lean on him. To trust him. That could be the biggest mistake Gabby and her business ever made. . .or a recipe for something truly spectacular…

REVIEW:
Something was just off with this book for me. I had a hard time with the characters in the beginning even though I did eventually warm up to them. The story is a bit interesting even though it is pretty common. The writing seemed a bit off too so I had a hard time with it.

I have only read a couple of books by Plumley and I can say this was not one of my favorites. The story was so slow at least in the beginning that I found it hard to keep reading it.

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

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Winter Romance Review! Kelly reviews Where The Heart Is by Darcy Burke

where the heart isTITLE: Where The Heart Is
SERIES #: A Ribbon Ridge Novella
CHARACTERS: Derek Sumner & Chloe English
AUTHOR: Darcy Burke
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2013

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Home is more than a place . . .

Breaking free from her structured life, Chloe English quits her high-powered job and moves across the country to work as an art teacher. The simple life is all she hoped it would be until her house burns down, leaving her homeless. When a handsome firefighter swoops in to save the day, she can’t believe her luck. He’s laid-back and unassuming, everything she’s looking for in a man—or so he seems. It turns out he’s as ambitious as her ex, comes with a family who could be more stifling than hers, and harbors dark secrets he may never be able to share.

Orphaned as a teenager, Derek Sumner has found a place in his best friend’s family. However, the love and support of his surrogate parents and siblings can’t erase the grief and loss he struggles every Christmas to banish. But this year he meets the fun and sexy Chloe, whose optimism and sense of joy are incredibly contagious. Can she help him face his bleak past so they can forge a happy future?

REVIEW:
4.25 HEARTS Chloe has finally gotten out from under the finger of her family. While she loves them she just can handle not living up to the expectation they put on her. Finally happy in the small down of Ribbon Ridge Chloe sees the future is going to be bright. Except that brightness seems to be coming from the fact that her house is on fire.

Derek has for a long time felt like a lone wolf. Oh he has a family that loves him, even if they are his adopted family. But something is missing in his life and he has yet to figure out what it is. But that is all going to change with a sad twist of fate. It is hard to believe that a fire could ever end in something so good, but only if Derek is willing to take that leap of faith.

This was a great novella. I really loved Derek & Chloe. Both have some baggage that they wish the didn’t, but that just made them more real. I will say that Chloe is beyond patience, more patience than I would have been. But in the end I think it was her patience that was able to finally break down the walls that surround Derek. Okay that is all you get from me. If you want to know more about what happens you will just have to pick up a copy of Where The Heart Is. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Intrepid Reads 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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Kimberly reviews The Seduction Of Hypothesis by Delphine Dryden

Seduction of hypothesisTITLE: The Seduction Of Hypothesis
SERIES #: Science of Temptation #2
CHARACTERS: Lindsey & Ben
AUTHOR: Delphine Dryden
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
(1 Curious Sub + 1 Dom in Denial) – Inhibitions = 4 Naughty Nights

Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.

Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…

Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…

REVIEW:
While this is the second in a series this book stands alone. This is a book of love and erotica with a science spin. This series proves nerd are sexy. Lindsey is just realizing that she has the tendency to be a sub and while she is still in love with her ex-boyfriend when she hinted about it he thought she was joking but now he realizes she is serious.

What is different about this book is the guy is not a Dom who has been living this life for a long time and turning his girlfriend on to it like so many books are now. They are both new to the experience and yet he is willing to try it and finds he likes it. I enjoyed that part of this. I liked that both were coming out of their shell at the same time. I enjoy this authors writing and if you enjoy a quick erotic romance this is the one to pick up (and don’t forget the first in the series either The Theory Of Attraction).

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 Fear For Me by Cynthia Eden

fear for meTITLE: Fear For Me: A Novel of the Bayou Butcher
CHARACTERS: Anthony Ross & Lauren Chandler
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: November 12, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s the obsession two men share: one wants her love, the other wants her life.
A shared passion for justice first brought Baton Rouge district attorney Lauren Chandler and US marshal Anthony Ross together—when each played their part in bringing down the infamous Bayou Butcher. The sparks flying between the two made it clear they weren’t just a legal dream team. Then desire had to make way for duty, and what they had was done. But it would never be over.
Five years later, it’s none other than the Butcher who gets things started again, when his shocking jailbreak reunites the lawyer and the lawman…and reignites their love. But this time, the pair is in danger of being permanently parted—by a killer with revenge on his mind, and Lauren on the top of his list. As a new wave of terror sweeps through the streets and swamps of Baton Rouge, one man will pit his boundless passion against another relentless hate, for the life of the woman who obsesses them both.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
5 years.
5 years he has waited.
5 years he has planned and today is the day that he will finally get his revenge on those who put him here.

This was a disturbingly good story. I have often said that the mind of a suspense author is a very scary place to be. Cynthia Eden has proven that again with Fear For Me. If you have read Die For Me: A Novel of the Valentine Killer, you will see a few familiar names in Fear For Me. But if you have not read Die For Me yet, I would suggest that you do. Fear For Me my hold a spoiler.
I really enjoyed this book and the twists and turns made me a little afraid to close my eyes and try to sleep. While I feel a little strange saying that I can’t wait for Cynthia’s next serial killer. I am looking forward to Scream For Me (Feb 4, 2014)

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Montlake Publishing 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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Jennifer reviews The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

the naturalsTITLE: The Naturals
SERIES #: The Naturals #1
CHARACTERS: Cassie, Michael and Dean
AUTHOR: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seventeen-year-old Cassie is a natural at reading people. Piecing together the tiniest details, she can tell you who you are and what you want. But, it’s not a skill that she’s ever taken seriously. That is, until the FBI come knocking: they’ve begun a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to crack infamous cold cases, and they need Cassie.

What Cassie doesn’t realize is that there’s more at risk than a few unsolved homicides – especially when she’s sent to live with a group of teens whose gifts are as unusual as her own. Soon, it becomes clear that no one in the Naturals program is what they seem. And when a new killer strikes, danger looms close. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse with a killer, the Naturals are going to have to use all of their gifts just to survive.

REVIEW:
Cassie lost her mother to a killer and has been haunted by that memory ever since. She also has the gift of being able to get into a person’s head and determine things about them just by looking at them. This talent gets her noticed by the FBI and they soon recruit her to be a part of a teenage task force known as The Naturals. The Naturals each have a different skill involving perception that helps agents solve cases and find the identity of killers that have eluded them. To Cassie, this means everything because there is one case that she has always wanted to find answers to, the unsolved murder of her mother and now a copycat killer is trying to finish what was started so long ago.

I loved the premise of this book when I first heard about it and The Naturals had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved Cassie and I could feel her initial apprehension about joining this group but I wouldn’t have been able to turn down an opportunity such as this either. The Naturals was an amazing thrill ride of suspense that made it hard for me to put down. I loved the dual viewpoints where the reader was able to see things through Cassie’s eyes as well as the killer’s eyes and knowing that made the book even more exciting. This was an intriguing story with engaging characters that has made me a permanent fan of of Ms. Barnes and hopeful that the sequel in this series is just as thrilling as The Naturals.

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

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