BnK Wants To Know… What is your favorite type of paranormal romance?
BnK Wanted to Know Your Fictional BFF… Here are your answers!
Kimberly reviews Against The Ropes by Sarah Castille
TITLE: Against The Ropes
CHARACTERS: Makayla & Max
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/03/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He scared me. He thrilled me. And after one touch, all I could think about was getting more…
Makayla never thought she’d set foot in an underground mixed-martial arts club. But if anyone needs a medic on hand, it’s these guys. Trouble is, at her first sight of the club’s owner she’s the one feeling breathless.
All sleek muscle and restrained power, the man they call Torment plays to win at any cost. Whether it’s in the ring or in the bedroom, he knows exactly when to use a soft touch and when to launch a full-on assault. He always knows just how far he can push. And he’s about to tempt Makayla in ways she never imagined.
REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure when I first started this book how it was going to be. The writing seemed a little off even though I honestly can not say why it was off it just was. But as I read more of the story I realized how much I was enjoying it.
Max is one in the many of the controlling millionaires in the romance genre today but something is a bit different about him. While rich and controlling he is also a down to Earth kind of guy. He has his own demons but he enjoys the way he deals with them. Makayla is funny, sweet and just a average girl with debts and demons of her own. The connection between them is immediate.
I really enjoyed this story. I liked the humor and the sincerity of this story. Looking forward to another story from Castille.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Desired By Shadow by Cynthia Luhrs
TITLE: Desired By Shadow
SERIES #: Shadow Walkers #2
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Robert
AUTHOR: Cynthia Luhrs
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/07/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A modern-day ghost story with a twist.
Betrayed. Kidnapped on her way home from work, Maggie is thrown into a terrifying world of shadow. Narrowly escaping death, she flees her kidnappers only to come face to face with the enemy.
Coming across a dying stranger, Maggie unleashes a terrible curse when she saves Robert. Now with only a week to break the curse, time is running out as they are locked in a deadly fight with forces that will stop at nothing to destroy them before they succeed. Intensely romantic and thrilling, Desired by Shadow portrays the struggle between redemption, retribution and the desire to find a love that transcends time.
REVIEW:
To be honest this book was just too weird for me. I just couldn’t get into it at all. Maybe if I had read the first in the series (I didn’t realize it was one when I got it) I might have understood it more but it was just too out there.
I like ghost stories (like Heather Graham) and from the synopsis I thought it was something like that but it is so far from that it is hard to even say they both write ghost stories. First the ghost are able to manifest to physical form which I didn’t like. There are all kinds of supernatural creatures which I might have been able to appreciate if that is what I thought the book was about. The romance part is weird too and I didn’t like how Robert was sleeping with three women at the beginning of the book.
Maybe it is your style and I wouldn’t tell you not to read it but I think you need to know the real synopsis of the book before you choose this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly & Kimberly review Carved In Stone by Kate Douglas
TITLE: Carved in Stone
CHARACTERS: Nate Murdock & Alexandra Martin
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: September 13, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Archeologist and folklore expert Nate Murdock has discovered ancient stone carvings that will either revolutionize thinking in his field or get him laughed out of it entirely, and he’s hired world-renowned photographer Alex Martin to document his find and bolster his claim. When the alluring Alexandra Martin, not Alex, shows up for the job, Nate’s not sure whether to send her packing or take her into his arms.
Alexandra Martin, the daughter of the famed photographer and just as talented with a camera, is a dark-haired and dark-eyed beauty. Years ago her father built his reputation on photographs he’d stolen from her, and she’s out to prove once and for all that she’s the real deal. When the opportunity to work with the celebrated and ruggedly handsome Nate Murdock falls into her lap, she jumps at the chance—whether he likes it or not.
As tempers flare and accusations fly, the two dig in for a battle of wills and an uneasy truce at their remote mountainside camp. But when drug smugglers trap them in a cave and leave them to die, Nate and Alexandra realize they must trust each other—and the fiery passion growing between them—and surrender to a mysterious force as it guides them through a perilous escape and the acceptance of a powerful love as primal and compelling as the mountain itself.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.25 Stars This was a pretty quick read. While not my favorite of Kate’s story it was still a good story. I like the tension between Nate & Alex. Both are stubborn and hardheaded. But Alex has been burned one too many time in the past, so she takes no crap from anyone especially men. But after an adventure up the side of a cliff, being shot at, beat up, trapped in a cave in it might be time for both of the to learn to trust. Or the both can continue to be stubborn and let their future fly away from them.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Stars This book was just “ok” for me. While an interesting storyline I had a hard time with the characters. The chemistry seemed forced to me and while I do not mind some tension between the main characters I do not enjoy constant bickering. There was too much getting close then pulling away and control issues on the part of Alex for me. And Nate was just too short tempered.
Like I said the storyline is interesting and the sex scenes are good without being over the top. But there is just something about this story that made me feel like I was forcing myself to finish it.
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.
Thursday’s Thought…
Kelly & Kimberly review Always On My Mind by Jill Shalvis
TITLE: Always On My Mind
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #8
CHARACTERS: Jack Harper & Lean Sullivan
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept. 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING
After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack’s ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib – that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle.
No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine – perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their “just friends” rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?
KELLY’s REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jack & Leah have been the best of friends since they were kids. They did everything together. Leah was there for Jack when his dad died and Jack was there for every time that Leah’s dad mistreated her. Both have loved each other forever, but Leah was scared and ran not only from a poor home life but from her best friend. Now Leah is back in Lucky Harbor, but only for a short time. Just to help her grandma get back on her feet.
When Leah slips up and tells Jack’s mother that they are dating. She only said it to put Jack’s mom’s mind at ease Leah was not prepared for the follow out of a pretend relationship in Lucky Harper. Not only is the whole town talking about their upcoming wedding, but Jack is really mad at her.
Another great Lucky Harbor story. I so very much love my visits to Lucky Harbor. With each trip I fall more and more in love with this town, this series and Jill Shalvis.
I was so happy that I had the opportunity to read Always On My Mind early. The only bad part is that now I have to wait for the next book in the Lucky Harbor series.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Oh how I adored this story! I loved Jack. He is so endearing that it is hard not to enjoy his every moment. When he is strong, courageous and determined he is something to behold but when he puts his sweetness to use WATCH OUT! Leah is sweet too. I guess way to describe her is having self-esteem issues but somehow she still manages to stay on her feet and work through it all.
I will be honest. I will a little worried about the bakery and firefighter thing happening in this book. I mean really doesn’t every book have one or both going on? But something about this story pulls you in from moment one. There were so many points where I had to smile and even a couple times of a quick chuckle and there was also a few times of deep sadness for the characters at what they had to endure.
This book is worth the read whether you have read the series or not. I so look forward to the next book in which Ben and Aubrey are featured. Ben is so funny in this story. And trust me no one should miss meeting KEVIN!
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.
Winter Romance Wednesday (Part 2)! Kelly reviews A SEAL Wolf Christmas by Terry Spears
TITLE: A SEAL Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: Heart of the Wolf #12
CHARACTERS: Bjornolf Jorgenson & Anna Johnson
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Navy SEAL Bjornolf Jorgenson and undercover operative Anna Johnson have a rocky beginning at their first meeting all to do with pantyhose and tying her to a bed after some heavy-duty sparring, and him declaring she has mighty fine killer knees. Christmas is coming but thoughts of sugar plum fairies and kissing under the mistletoe isn’t something these two gray werewolves have in mind when they’re tasked to be the newlyweds preparing for Christmas while investigating a SEAL’s murder at a Christmas Tree farm.
Neither care about Christmas, sharing gifts, and all the traditions that go along with the season since neither enjoyed the holiday while growing up. But as they battle each other as to what makes for the perfect newly married couple’s first Christmas, they learn that a little Christmas cheer can become so much more, especially if they can take down a SEAL’s killer before they become his next target.
REVIEW:
Bjornolf & Anna have a history that not many know about. Well not much of a history as a fleeting moment of time. But that was enough time for both to realize that there was something more between them. But the job always comes first right?
I enjoyed this book very much even if I could not figure out how to pronounce Bjornolf’s name. Why do authors have to pick the most complicated names on the planet. Anyways. I really enjoyed B & Anna’s story. This was my first trip to the Heart of the Wolf series and I do plan on returning and reading the complete series in the very near future. While part of a series A SEAL Wolf Christmas easily reads as a stand alone book. Although I would have like to see the initial interaction between B & Anna. *wink, wink*
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.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas On 4th Street by Susan Mallery
TITLE: Christmas On 4th Street
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #12.5
CHARACTERS: Noelle & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s nowhere better to spend the holidays than with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery in the town of Fool’s Gold, where love is always waiting to be unwrapped… Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That’s why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool’s Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that’s magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush.
Gabriel’s memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year’s eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle…and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can’t stop sharing.
Gabriel didn’t think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Stars 6 Hours! 6 Wonderful hours… That is how long it took me to read this book. I could not put it down. There is no better place to be than Fool’s Gold during the holidays or anytime of year really. But there is something about the streets covered in snow with decorations on every business that makes you feel at home there.
We met Noelle in the previous books in the series and while we knew she had a history we hadn’t found out what it was until now. Noelle is a fighter but you wouldn’t know it from the sweetness we have come to know about her. And it takes awhile for Gabriel to see it too. These two are perfect for eachother. There is a chemistry that you feel from the first couple of pages and never seems to stop sizzling.
There is just something about this unbelievable town that makes you want to pack up and move there. Mallery has a way of bringing you home to her fictional town and making you never want to leave.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Stars As always Fool’s Gold is a fun place to visit. While this was not my favorite Fool’s Gold book I have read so far it was still a fun book. Gabriel & Noelle are so sweet together. It started from chapter one and keep going to the end of the book. Which is where I had my only problem. For me the jump from I can’t commit
to the altar was just a little too fast for my liking. But other than that I enjoyed this book. I really loved the snow scene!
If you are a Susan Mallery fan you will love this book. Because how can a trip to Fool’s Gold ever truly be bad?
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Butterfly Cove by Christina Skye
TITLE: Butterfly Cove
SERIES #: Summer Island #4
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Rafe
AUTHOR: Christina Skye
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maybe opposites don’t always attract. If they did, architect Olivia Sullivan would have run away with bad boy Rafe Russo when they were teenagers. Instead, Olivia has spent ten years dreaming up designs for a life that hasn’t gone the way she planned. Still reeling from her career’s implosion and her father’s death, Olivia thanks her lucky stars for the support of her three lifelong friends. But this good girl is through sitting on the sidelines. When Rafe returns to the beautiful Oregon coast where they grew up, her former flame ignites a new desire. Now Olivia must take a walk on the wild side to show the new deputy that in matters of love being bad can feel very good.
Freshly back from Afghanistan, rugged ex-Marine and new deputy Rafe is done breaking laws and hearts. He’s always regretted leaving Olivia behind, but now she’s after adventure and he’d better proceed with caution. Because wanting her again might be easy, but fighting for a future together will be his biggest risk yet.
REVIEW:
Another great read by Christina Skye. As the author grows so do her stories. When I found her books she was fun to read but now she brings more of an air of romance and intrigue to her books and they keep getting better every time I read one.
The characters she has of Olivia and Rafe have been through so much in their lives and yet it was each other they most wanted. There are a lot of stories right now about the servicemen coming home from the war in Afghanistan and this is another one and while to be honest there was nothing different about this story than so many others right now there was something that connected between the two characters and I found it a pleasure to read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews The Night Is Forever by Heather Graham
TITLE: The Night Is Forever
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #11
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Dustin
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happened here, on a historic ranch outside Nashville, during the Civil War? And what’s happening now?
Olivia Gordon works at the Horse Farm, a facility that assists patients with mental and physical recovery; her specialty is animal therapy. She’s always loved her job, always felt safe…until now.
People are dying, starting with the facility’s founder, whose body is discovered in a ravine on the property-site of a massacre in 1862. And before every death, Liv sees a horse and rider, wearing a soldier’s garb, in the night sky…. Warning? Omen? Or clue?
Liv calls in her cousin Malachi and his Krewe, an FBI unit of paranormal investigators, to discover the truth. New Krewe member Dustin Blake knows they need Liv’s involvement in the case, yet he’s worried about her safety. Because he and Liv quickly become more than colleagues…and he doesn’t want to lose her to the endless night.
REVIEW:
Another great ghost story from Heather Graham. She is the queen of ghostly romance if you ask me. But what i enjoy best about her writing is the history she puts in. By the time you are done with her books you want to visit the site and take a ghost tour yourself and this was not different.
I was unsure about the romance of Dustin and Olivia at first. I think Graham has been putting a bit too much tension (non-sexual) into her main characters lately and this had that too. The characters while attracted to each other didn’t have an immediate spark but as the story moves on of course the spark lights up.
There was a number of ghost in this story which I was glad to see. Again lately Graham has not had as many ghostly encounters in her books.. yes there are ghost just not as many scenes with them but this one had a couple of good ones and I enjoyed that.
If you love a ghost story and a romance then you can not beat the way that Graham brings her stories together.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday’s Thought…
