Thursday’s Thought…
Kimberly reviews Just This Once by Trish Jensen
TITLE: Just This Once
CHARACTERS: Shannon & Rick
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Will she say Yes, just this once?
As a minister’s daughter, Shannon Walsh was raised to say No to a lot of temptations with men at the top of that list. She’s an adult now, making her own choices, but until Mr. Right comes along, she plans to keep resisting the call of the wild.
Then Rick Hardison moves in next door. The handsome rascal doesn’t appear to have spent many hours inside a church, and he doesn’t waste any time drawing Shannon inside his wickedly sexy arms. What’s a good girl to do when the man of her dreams is a very bad boy? She decides to take a chance. But just this once.
REVIEW:
This is a very cute short read. Apparently it is a reprint from 1998 and honesty it has aged pretty well. Maybe a thing or two here or there that didn’t age (a answering machine, no cell, etc) but mostly it stands the test of time. Shannon and Rick are adorable and Bert is one for the books. Goodness he is adorable. The book had me holding in a laugh by page 10.
This is the perfect beach book as they call it. Just sit back relax and enjoy the story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer reviews Blurred by Tara Fuller
TITLE: Blurred
SERIES #: Kissed By Death #2
CHARACTERS: Cash, Anaya
AUTHOR: Tara Fuller
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Cash is haunted by things. Hungry, hollow things. They only leave him alone when Heaven’s beautiful reaper, Anaya, is around. Cash has always been good with girls, but Anaya isn’t like the others. She’s dead. And with his deteriorating health, Cash might soon be as well.
Anaya never breaks the rules, but the night of the fire, she recognized part of Cash’s soul–and doomed him to something worse than death. Cash’s soul now resides in an expired body, making him a shadow walker, a rare, coveted being that can walk between worlds. A being creatures of the underworld would do anything to get their hands on.
The lines between life and death are blurring, and Anaya and Cash find themselves falling helplessly over the edge. Trapped in a world where the living don’t belong, can Cash make it out alive?
REVIEW: I’m sad to admit that I haven’t read Inbetween, the first novel in this series but that didn’t stop me from picking up Blurred. I instantly liked Cash from the very beginning and understood his frustration about his current situation. He was chosen to stay in his current body because he is “special” to the higher powers that be and Anaya was meant to watch over him until his time was truly up. He was meant to serve a higher purpose but darker forces wanted to get their hands on him first and Cash didn’t really know who he could trust. I adored Cash and Anaya together as a couple because they just seemed to fit together. They had this intense connection that neither of them could understand or deny. Whenever she was around Cash, he just instantly felt at ease, even when his life felt like it was falling apart around him. She also started having feelings for Cash and was afraid to act on those feelings because she felt that she was betraying someone that she loved in the past. Their love story was heartbreaking because they knew they could never be together but couldn’t fight their strong feelings for one another.
The ending of this book just about killed me because it showed what two people would do for love even if it meant sacrificing everything that they’ve worked for. I thought that this was a haunting love story with just the right amount of mystery about Cash’s true identity and tender romance that had me crying at the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series from the talented Tara Fuller.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer reviews All Out Of Love by Lori Wilde
TITLE: All Out of Love
SERIES #: A Cupid, Texas Novel #2
CHARACTERS: Lace Bettingfield and Pierce Hollister
AUTHOR: Lori Wilde
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Millie Greenway and her friends have tried for years to keep the Cupid legend alive in their hometown, but she’s not getting much help from her granddaughters. Lace Bettingfield knows the legend is bogus. As a teen, she left a letter at the Cupid statue and got nothing in return but humiliation. But now the guy she dreamed of is back in town, Lace begins to wonder if the tale might just prove to be true.
REVIEW:
This was the first book that I’ve read in the Cupid, Texas series and I enjoyed this book immensely. Lace Bettingfield was humiliated as a teenager because she left a letter at the Cupid Statue about Pierce Hollister, which was then broadcasted to her entire high school. Several years later, Lace has returned to Cupid after finishing her PhD and is working for the Cupid Botanical Gardens with the intent of putting her past behind her. At the same time, Pierce has returned home to recuperate after a football injury and help his ailing father. The two accidentally meet at the hospital and Pierce can’t believe that Lace is now this beautiful woman that used to follow him around as a teenager. Lace is determined to prove that she has gotten Pierce out of her system but every time he touches her, those old feelings come back, stronger than before. Pierce wants to prove to Lace that he has changed and that Lace is the only woman for him. But, Lace is afraid that she will be the laughing stock of Cupid all over again and her heart wants to believe that her and Pierce were meant to be together all along.
I absolutely loved Lace’s character in this book because I completely understood what she was going through. She took a chance by sending that letter out to Cupid and it backfired, but it made her a stronger person because of it. She was smart, sassy and I loved that she had curves compared to the other heroines that I’ve read. She wanted to prove that Pierce couldn’t get to her after all these years and he tried very hard to get her attention and make up for his past mistakes. I also liked the interactions between Lace and Pierce, because she had such a wicked sense of humor and she wouldn’t let Pierce be taken advantage of by others either. They were a very cute couple together and I’m glad to see that Pierce got his act together to prove that Lace was meant to be with him.
All Out of Love is a tender-hearted romance about second chances at love and I was impressed with the residents of Cupid, Texas. Lori Wilde has created a wonderful series that will pull at your heart-strings and will make you want to visit Cupid over and over again. I can’t read the next book in the series, Somebody to Love.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews A Spy to Die For by Kris DeLake
TITLE: A Spy to Die For
SERIES #: Assassins Guild #2
CHARACTERS: Jake Hunter & Skye Jones
AUTHOR: Kris DeLake
PUBLICATION DATE: July 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack Hunter is a double agent. Skye Jones is a pirate…or is that just a cover? One thing is for sure—neither of them are competent assasins. Thrown together on the Krell space station during an important Assassins Guild meeting, each is determined to get to the truth and prevent catastrophe. But when Jack and Skye are matched against two master killers, they find themselves caught in the crosshairs between their willingness to trust each other and the undeniable attraction coursing through them. Both knows that a long-term relationship is tough in their profession, but the chemistry they’ve got is too good to deny. Now all they have to do is stay alive.
REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book. This was my first book by Kris Delake, yet it is book 2 in the series, which I didn’t know when I started reading. But I never really felt lost with the storyline. Will I did enjoy the book I didn’t connect completely with the world.
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.
Kelly reviews The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love by Erin Quinn & Giveaway!!
TITLE: The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love
CHARACTERS: Santo Castillo & Roxanne Love
AUTHOR: Erin Quinn
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 27, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love and death make dangerous bed partners.
She cheated death….
All Roxanne Love has ever wanted is to be normal—marriage, kids, the life of June Cleaver. She tries to fit in but can’t conceal her ability to defy death–not from the world, not from the darkest creatures of the Beyond and not from the Reaper determined to destroy her. Now Roxanne is on the run, her only ally a compelling, dangerous detective with secrets of his own. Against her will, she’s drawn to his quiet strength and heated touch. But can she trust him with the truth?
….until she felt death’s kiss.
Incognito as guilt-ridden cop, Santo Castillo, the Reaper’s plan is simple: get close to Roxanne, uncover the secret of her immortality and cut it at the source. Yet with this borrowed body come emotions the Reaper hadn’t expected. Now nothing is clear but his conflicted desire to protect the woman he came to kill. As destiny forces them to face an enemy hell-bent on using Roxanne to wipe out all of mankind, she and Santo must choose between love….and salvation.
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Roxanne Love has died 4 times now. She is not afraid to die because he has always been waiting for her. But when she died this last time he was not there. Roxanne doesn’t have time to worry about that right now she has bigger problem. Hellhound size problems. Roxanne’s only chance of survival is to trust the sexy, dark stranger that has not left her side since she was shot at her restaurant. But is he really what he says he is?
Santo Castillo is not who he seems to be. He is something much more dangerous and his sights are set on Roxanne Love. Only problem is that he was not prepared for the very human reaction he has when he sees her. Santo has figure out if he is going to be able to finish his mission or has something changed in him forever.
I really, really enjoyed this book. I love Roxanne and Santo. Roxanne is a sweet girl that when push comes to shove will fight till the end to protect what she loves. Santo is fun to read about. He knows what he is, but fights the changes that are taking place. I could go on, but then I would give you spoilers. So I will say you need to put this book on your to be read list for sure.
And I can’t wait to see what happens next to the Love family.
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.
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Erin and I would love to give you a chance to win a digital copy of one of Erin’s Mists of Ireland books
For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter below
Kelly reviews Unforgettable by Alison Kent
TITLE: Unforgettable
SERIES #: Dalton Gang #3
CHARACTERS: Boone Mitchell & Everly Grant
AUTHOR: Alison Kent
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE DALTON BOYS TAKE THE REIGNS
The infamous Dalton Gang was once known for ridingand playinghard. Now, as owners of the Dalton Ranch in Crow Hill, Texas, they’re working from sunup to sundown. But one look from the right woman can tempt them back into the saddle
When a walk on the wild side turned into a nightmare for Everly Grant, she escaped her abusive ex by taking a job with Crow Hill’s small newspaper. Now she’s assigned to write a human interest story on the return of the Dalton Gang, and she soon discovers that Boone Mitchell could give her plenty more than a good interview. As much as she craves safety, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to Boone’s dangerous streak. Before she takes the cowboy to bed, she lays down the law: There are no strings attached, and she’s the one in charge.
That’s fine for Boone. In fact, Everly teaches him things no other woman ever dared. Soon they find themselves wanting more than their simple arrangement will allow. But to get there, Everly will have to open up in ways she thought she never could
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This was my first Alison Kent book. I did enjoy this book. Although I think I would have liked to read book one and two in the series first. Not that I think it would have had a big impact on Unforgettable, but because I really wanted to know more about Boone’s pals.
While I enjoyed Boone & Evelyn’s story. It felt like there were too many thing unfinished at the end of the book. Yes there was a happy ending, but a lot of loose ends that were not tied off. We never got to see what Evelyn’s human interest story was. What did she write about the Dalton gang? Did she even write the story? Also what was up with Les Upton. This part of the story just feel short for me. I kept waiting and waiting for something to happen. But no. Nothing happened at all.
But over all Unforgettable was a good story and I am sure fans of The Dalton Gang will be happy with Boones’ story.
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.
Kelly reviews Turn and Burn by Lorelei James
TITLE: Turn & Burn
SERIES #: Blacktop Cowboy #5
CHARACTERS: August Fletcher & Tanna Barker
AUTHOR: Lorelei James
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6th, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.
Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy
Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs.
REVIEW:
This was just an okay book for me. Maybe I should have read the books before this one. I am not sure. I just never really connected with the characters, the world and the whole story in general. It was not a bad story and I like the cast of characters. It just didn’t grab me and suck me in.
I am sure that Lorelei fans will really enjoy this book and I hope that they do.
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.
Kelly reviews Midnight Games by Elle Kennedy
TITLE: Midnight Games
SERIES #: Killer Instincts #3
CHARACTERS: Trevor Callaghan & Isabel Roma
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wears a thousand deadly identities. He sees through them all.
A master of disguise, Isabel Roma spends her life pretending to be other women. Normally, her emotions are reined in tight—but sexy mercenary Trevor Callaghan has a knack for getting under her skin. The elite operative’s quiet strength and raw magnetism affect her in ways she’s never felt before, a distraction that can quickly turn deadly in their dangerous line of work.
After putting his tragic past behind him, Trevor is ready to focus on his future—and he damn well intends for Isabel to be in it. When their entire operation is thrown into chaos, Trevor enlists Isabel’s talent for deception. And as they attempt to save their team in a world where the stakes are high and the danger is grave, Trevor must convince Isabel that the woman beneath all the disguises is the one worth having.
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Ahh Trevor & Isabel’s story. Words that come to mind are stubborn, determined and a never say die attitude. This is what you get from these two. They are both so stubborn and determined but for very different reasons.
Trevor is a man on a mission to get Isabel to see that there is way more to them then she thinks there is. And this time Trevor is not going to let her run away from him, no matter what he has to do.
Isabel may come off as tough. She may be one of the best chameleons out there. But the one thing that scares her to death is Trevor Callaghan. And for a very good reason, Trevor makes her feel.
This was a good story. Parts were a little slow. But overall I enjoyed Trevor & Isabel’s story. I am looking forward to the next book in this 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.
Kimberly reviews Ugly Ducklings Finish First by Stacy Gail
TITLE: Ugly Ducklings Finish First
CHARACTERS: Payton & Wiley
AUTHOR: Stacy Gail
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Metal Mouth. Queen Geek. Dr. Payton Pruitt heard it all growing up. But she’s over it, and attending her ten-year high school reunion is the perfect way to prove it to herself. Even if there’s only one person she’s interested in seeing in Bitterthorn, Texas: Wiley Sharpe.
Now a respected lawyer, Wiley didn’t live down to the label Most Likely to Be Slapped with a Paternity Suit. But recent acts of vandalism suggest someone still sees him as a heartbreaker, and the reunion seems a likely place to find the culprit. Instead, Wiley comes face-to-face with his old pal Payton—and is wowed not only by her transformation into a ravishing swan, but by the connection they still share.
Payton is pleased the playboy she used to tutor has grown into an honorable man, but she’s too smart to fall for a guy with roots in a place she couldn’t wait to leave. But while Payton is an academic genius, Wiley is the one with the PhD in pleasure, and he intends to use it to convince her to stay…
REVIEW:
This is a sweet, albeit common, story. Hasn’t every fan of romance read the one about the geek in school who couldn’t get her crush’s attention and she grows up gorgeous and he falls in love with her? Sure we all have and this is pretty much the same. However, Gail has a way of writing that I really enjoy reading and this story was no different.
I enjoyed the characters and the connection they had right away. Wiley is a great male character who the reader wishes would turn up at her school reunion and Payton while smart is not written as pretentious.
If you are looking for an enjoyable short read than this is the book you should pick up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly & Kimberly review Seeing Red by Jill Shalvis
TITLE: Seeing Red
SERIES #: Firefighter #3
CHARACTERS: Joe Walker & Summer Abrams
AUTHOR: Jill Shalivs
RE-PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seeing-red-jill-shalvis/1006995671?ean=9780451215024&itm=1&usri=9780451215024
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Summer Abrams nearly died trying to save her father from a warehouse fire that, in the end, took his life. Consumed by guilt, she never set foot back in the town where her world fell apart. But now, twelve years later, another fire has ripped through that very warehouse, drawing Summer back to Ocean Beach–and to the man who was once her best friend…and is now a wildly sexy fire marshal who ignites her deepest desires.
Joe Walker has spent most of his life keeping people at bay. Summer was the only person he’d ever let in, but she’d broken his heart–and then took off without a word. After all these years, she’s back–and she won’t leave until they track down the arsonist responsible for this latest fire. Now Joe, who swore he’d never fall for Summer again, discovers he can’t resist the scorching heat between them–and suddenly he’s wondering if all these hot nights could be become something more lasting.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
Ah, Jill Shalvis always knows how to draw me into a story. Seeing Red was originally released back in 2005. But they are doing a re-release of this book and I am very glad that they are. I really enjoyed is this story.
This was a good story of two kids who went through a horrible event. Both went in separate direction until another unfortunate event brings Summer back home. Not only to face the family she left but to face the best friend she left so many years ago without even a word.
Joe was not prepared for Summer to come home. It is hard to forgive your best friend for not only leaving you without a word but for breaking your heart too. But the minute that Joe sees her, he is that teenage boy who is head over heels in love with her.
Summer may want to be friends again, but Joe doesn’t know if his heart can handle another break.
I just love reading Jill’s books. She puts so much heart in each one. If you have not picked up a Jill Shalvis book you are missing out!!
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Stars is a reprint from 2005 but weirdly enough it looks like they changed the hero’s name (I wonder why?). I will say that as much as I love Jill Shalvis’ books I really could not get into this one. Maybe her writing style has changed or maybe it was that it started with Joe in a relationship (albeit a rocky one) with someone else but something put me off about this story.
Summer was also a hard character to feel for. Yes she was dealt a hard blow at a young age which hardened her but I never really warmed up to her.
While not one of my favorite Shalvis’ books it is still a good story and worth the read.
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.
Kelly & Kimberly review Surrender To Sultry by Macy Beckett
TITLE: Surrender to Sultry
SERIES: Sultry Springs #3
CHARACTERS: Colton Bea & Leah McMahon
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Leah McMahon is back in Sultry Springs, Texas to help her dad recover from surgery. But there’s a new sheriff in town and he’s none other than Colton Bea, the wild-as-weeds boy who stole her heart a decade earlier.
Colt’s a changed man, and the feelings between these high school sweethearts are stronger than ever. But Leah’s got a secret so devastating that he may never forgive her. Can she find a way to earn absolution and build a future with the sultry man she’s loved half her life?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
Loved this book. Colt is so sad and damaged and the only person on the plant that can help him has been gone for 10 long years. But just when he thinks life will be filled with nothing but loneliness and pain Leah came tearing back into his life. But Leah wants nothing to do with Colt. And she has a very good reason why and a secret that could tear them apart yet again.
These two have such a heartbreaking story. So much pain over such a long time. If they could have just talked, if they could have been smarter, if they could have been more grown up. But that is really hard to do when you are young and in lust. Sometimes you have to lose everything in order to learn and sometimes it takes you two times of losing everything before you really learn what is most important.
I just love this series and I am sad that this is the last book in the Sultry Springs Trilogy (at least for now I hope). I was so happy and honored to get an early copy of Surrender to Sultry. If you are a fan of the 1st two Sultry Springs book (Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs, Book 1)
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars What a heartbreakingly sad story with thankfully a happy ending. Man I am not sure I have ever read a book with such sadness in it and yet the author had me not wanting to miss a word and staying up late to read to the end. The past that Leah and Colt have is fixed with teenage angst but the struggles they have gone through as adults is just as emotional.
After having read the first two in the series and seeing Colt sadness over the one that got away I knew his story would be a doozy and I was right. And yet Colt has a side that we didn’t get to see before. His sweet side is just as sexy and his brooding side. Leah is a very closed off person after the sacrifices she has made and yet she is strong and courageous.
I felt I was on a rollercoaster that kept going from page one to the last page. So many lows and wonderful highs. This book can be read alone but I do not know why you wouldn’t want to spend all the time in Sultry Springs that you can so pick up the first book and don’t stop until you read this one. And then hope that Macy Beckett changes her mind and adds more to this 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.