Author: Kimberly

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Jennifer reviews Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout

obsession

TITLE: Obsession
CHARACTERS: Serena and Hunter
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/31/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: He’s arrogant, domineering and…To.Die.For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something…unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.

Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable–breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life…or is it Hunter?

REVIEW: I have been a huge fan of Jennifer’s Lux series and I was excited to read more about the Luxen and Arum war. Hunter is a very different character than the Arum we’ve seen in the Lux series and I’m glad to finally learn that there are good and evil people on both sides. Hunter is a handsome, brooding and dangerous type of guy that is sent by the DOD to protect Serena after she had learned that the Senator’s sons are Luxen and they have placed a hit on her life. Her best friend died because of these secrets and now, Serena is on the run with Hunter with the Luxen close behind them trying to eliminate Serena before she talks to anyone else.

Serena is a strong character because she has lost everything and she seems to keep fighting back. Her relationship with Hunter is caustic because they seem to get on each other’s nerves but the sexual chemistry between them is electrifying. Very hot and steamy sex scenes in this book and it had me hoping that everything would work out for Serena and Hunter in the end.

Jennifer L. Armentrout is a very talented author and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Luxen-Arum war from the other side. This is a great companion book to the Lux series and I would love to learn more about these characters in the future. Obsession was a fun read that was action-packed and very entertaining and each of us need a little more of Hunter in their lives.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Conceal by Juliana Stone

Conceal

TITLE: Conceal
SERIES #: The Baker Triplets #3
CHARACTERS: Beau Simon & Betty Jo Baker
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: June 15 , 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No one said going home would be easy…

Black sheep and all around troublemaker, Betty Jo Barker is back home and hoping for a do-over. Things are finally looking up until Beau Simon comes to town. The man pushes every button she owns and manages to awaken long dead emotions she’d rather leave buried. Beneath the surface she knows she’s a wreck–her scars run deep–and she can’t help but wonder, is Beau Simon the one who can fix her?

Beau Simon, the brightest star in Hollywood has come to New Waterford for one reason only. He’s determined to have Betty Jo Barker star in his next film. He knows she’s perfect for the part, but a past encounter might prove more than a little difficult to overcome. As Beau turns on the charm, hoping to win over this complicated woman, he realizes it won’t be easy.

Only time will tell if what lies beneath can ever be overcome. Or if love can heal all

REVIEW:
Loved this book. I have always been Betty Jo’s fan. I have always rooted for her. I knew from day one that there was more to her than just the partying pain in the but girl that she acts like. And I was very right. Betty Jo has endured more than even her sisters know about. But Betty is a very strong, brave and ultimately sweet person it has just taken her longer than her sister to realize that.

Beau Simon, the yummy Hollywood superstar that hurt Betty a few years ago is back in town for one reason and one reason only. Betty. But he doesn’t know how much that reason will change until it is almost too late.

Like I said before I loved this book. Loved Betty & Beau together. Totally loved that Beau is an Oregon State Beavers fan (GO BEAVS!!!). Just plain loved this trilogy!!! I so can’t wait to see what Juliana has in store next for us.

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

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Kimberly reviews Eyes Wide Open by Raine Miller

Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes Wide Open
SERIES #: The Blackstone Affair #3
CHARACTERS: Brynne & Ethan
AUTHOR: Raine Miller
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The third part in The Blackstone Affair series: A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.

Big surprises are on the horizon for Ethan and Brynne as they struggle to adjust to what life has thrown at them. Demons from the past are threatening to destroy the passionate bond they’ve forged despite their vow that nothing will ever keep them apart. A truly devastating loss coupled with the promise of a new hope opens their eyes to what is most important, but is it possible for the lovers to move on from the painful histories that continue to haunt them? A stalker is still lurking in the shadows, plotting evil amidst the distraction of the 2012 Olympic games in London. Brynne and Ethan are on the cusp of losing everything as the stakes rise. Will they yield to circumstances beyond their control or will they give every ounce of fight they have left to save each other and win the ultimate prize of a life together?

Eyes Wide Open is a passion-wrought story that shows us what pure love can achieve when tested and what the heart can accomplish despite danger and adversity.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is the third in the Blackstone Affair series and probably the best of the bunch. I was a little worried about this one after having read the second one which did not have the same feel as the first and while the first was not the best book I had ever read it was interesting and this story went back to the basic of the story and was much better.

The storyline is interesting in this book. The stalker is still in the book which was the understory of all three books but in the end we find out who it is. The problem is that Ethan still seems to immature in this relationship. He has become obsessed with Brynne in my opinion and it just seems he is not only obsessed with Brynne’s safety (understandable) but also with sex with her and knowing every aspect of her day. He is just not the alpha Dom that I think the author was trying to get across instead he seems needy and desperate. Brynne in this book actually seems more down to earth. Yes she goes through some emotions but it is understandable with her past and what is going on.

Sure give this book a try if you are into the erotic and romance/suspense type books. I doubt you will be sorry you did.

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

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Kimberly reviews Ruby by Jeffe Kennedy

Ruby

TITLE: Ruby
SERIES #: Facets Of Passion #3
CHARACTERS: Dani & Bobby
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/13/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Book three of Facets of Passion

Danielle Sosna has no problem denying herself in order to achieve her goals—after all, that attitude landed her a dream job at Vogue Paris. But in New Orleans for one last assignment before heading overseas, she’s faced with the most decadent of temptations. Seductive Cajun chef Bobby Prejean takes Dani’s strength of will as a challenge, and offers her a night of wild indulgence—if she will agree to obey his every command…

Dani can’t resist Prejean’s invitation to join him in a world of carnal desire, complete with fetish costumes and masks. Determined to keep her emotional distance, she gives Prejean everything but her name. A night becomes a week, as she spends Mardi Gras suspended…in the delicious space where pleasure meets pain.

Too late, she realizes the cloak of anonymity has not protected her—and that chasing her dream might come at the expense of her heart.

For more Facets of Passion, check out Sapphire and Platinum, available now!

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series and while I somehow missed the first one I loved the second (“Platinum”) so I was excited to read this story. And it did not disappoint. I will say it was not as good as Platinum but still a great erotic read.

The main characters have an instant connection and it flows through the whole story. The erotic scenes are creative and interesting. I was a little surprised at the way the main male character changed toward the end but it does not take away for the story. If you enjoy erotica with a BDSM theme then you will enjoy this book and the entire series. Hope there is more to come.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

Accidental demon Slayer

TITLE: The Accidental Demon Slayer
SERIES #: Demon Slayer #1
CHARACTERS: Lizzie & Dimitri
AUTHOR: Angie Fox
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl. For Lizzie Brown, that’s just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she’s seen it all, Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer-and all hell is after her.

Of course, that’s not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you’ve never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn’t work, how dangerous could a little seduction be…?

REVIEW:
If you like silly and paranormal then you will enjoy this book. I was going to give it 1 stars because I really did not enjoy this however I can see that someone who enjoys silly movies, books, etc would like this.

I am also not a fan of talking animals even though Pirate has some ok lines it is not enough to make this book worth while. I am not a fan of silly movies (Austin Powers, The Hangover, etc) and know I am one of the minority but if you are a fan and like a good paranormal then do not take my word for it. Try it yourself and see.

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

2hearts

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Kimberly reviews Don’t Bite The Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee

Dont bite the bridesmaid

TITLE: Don’t Bite The Bridesmaid
SERIES #: Sons of Kane #1
CHARACTERS: Alice & Noah
AUTHOR: Tiffany Allee
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alice Shepard needs one thing: a date for her sister’s wedding. And not just any date. A hunk who will make her fiancé rue the day he left her for her best friend. Her drop-dead gorgeous neighbor fits the bill—even if he is a bit quirky and never comes out during the day—and Alice has downed just enough appletinis to ask him. But she makes it quite clear that there will be no funny business.

Spending a week on a cruise ship full of humans while sleeping close to his sexy next-door neighbor sounds like a helluva bad idea to vampire Noah Thorpe. But his friends need time to get him out of a shotgun wedding—a vampire bonding that will tie his fate to a female vampire he’s never met. And Alice’s offer comes at just the right time.

What could possibly go wrong?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a cute story with more of a contemporary feel than a paranormal even though Noah is a vampire. The characters are very cute together and while it is a vampire romance it has a bit of a different storyline than a lot of paranormal romance.

While short parts of the story went on a bit too long. But it is really cute so worth it. If you enjoy a contemporary paranormal with vampires then this is the book for you.

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

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Kelly reviews Beautiful Danger by Michele Hauf

Beautiful Danger

TITLE: Beautiful Danger
SERIES #: In the Company of Vampires #1
CHARACTERS: Domingos LaRoque & Lark (Lisa
AUTHOR: Michele Hauf
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Could Her Sworn Enemy Lead Her Out of Darkness?As a member of an ancient order of hunters, Lark has found that eliminating dangerous vampires is about more than duty. It’s personal—a kill for every day her husband was held captive before his death. Staking her prey isn’t a challenge until she confronts Domingos LaRoque. Mad with vengeance and the blood of a powerful phoenix, Domingos tests her skills…and seduces her soul.

Once a talented musician, Domingos can’t escape the constant music in his head …or his need to destroy the werewolf pack that tortured him. Though trusting the hunter ordered to kill him could be his gravest mistake, the dark desires between them can’t be refused. Yet as he and Lark become allies to defeat a mutual threat, loving the enemy may be the ultimate sacrifice.

REVIEW:
This was an okay story for me. Normally I love the worlds that Michele Hauf creates. But for some reason I just didn’t connect with this story or the characters.

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.

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones

being me

TITLE: Being Me
SERIES #: Inside Out Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Sara & Chris
AUTHOR: Lisa Renee Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You—in the seductive tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey.

Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the lost journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.

In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but not before his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca, but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?

REVIEW:
This is the second in a trilogy and the first thing you need to know is it does not stand alone. You must read the first to understand the second (and the third am sure). And the second thing you need to know is while it might be in the genre of erotica this book is not. And neither was the first for that matter. Sure it has a feel to it of erotica but honestly nothing happens in it that so many other books don’t have too.

Now I really enjoyed the first book but so it seems with so many trilogies the middle one just doesn’t stand up to the first (and usually the last) of the three books and I feel that way about this one. Something is off in it a bit. First it is too long. I say that because there is just a lot of “I must tell him my secret but he will never forgive me so I won’t tell him my secret”… it gets old kind of quick. And honestly the secret doesn’t end up having the big wow factor I think it is supposed to.
And there is something amount desperate and needy about this story that the first one I didn’t feel had.

But all of that being said it is a good story. It is one that makes me want to read the last in the trilogy (Revealing Us) to see how the story ends. Once again I am not one that compares books but seeing as the publisher/author itself seems to want to jump on the bandwagon saying “if you loved 50 Shades you will love this” I will say that if you loved 50 Shades you probably will enjoy this even though it is very different there is that underlying connection the books seems to have.

But again do not read this one as a stand alone. It needs the first to understand any of this story.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Claiming His Mate by Savannah Stuart

claiming his mate

TITLE: Claiming His Mate
SERIES #: Crescent Moon #2
CHARACTERS: Max McCray & Lauren Hayes
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: June 16, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She thought the house was empty when she broke in…

When jaguar shifter Lauren Hayes breaks into an alpha’s home to steal back what rightfully belongs to her pride, she doesn’t expect to be tackled by Max McCray, second-in-command of the Kincaid wolf pack. As punishment for her crime the sexy wolf shifter demands that she stay with him for one week. Knowing she’ll start a war between her pride and his pack if she doesn’t, she has no other choice but to agree, even if the thought of being near him 24/7 makes her scared that she won’t be able to hide her growing attraction to him.

Now he has a week to make her his…

Max has waited months to make a move on the sexy jaguar shifter and now that she’s broken shifter rules, he’s not letting her go. He doesn’t care that he’s a wolf and she’s a jaguar, claiming her forever is the only thing that matters. Unfortunately, not everyone likes the idea of him being with a feline shifter. Max is forced to choose sides between Lauren and members of the pack he’s sworn allegiance to in order to protect the woman he knows is his destined mate.

REVIEW:
It should have been a quick smash and grab, but oh no!!! It had to get all complicated the form of Max McCray, the uber sexy were that Lauren can’t stop thinking about. Now that he catch her breaking & entering her fear now is what her punishment will be.
She was back. Max was beside himself excited that she finally came back. But catching her breaking into the Alpha’s house was not the welcome home party he had in mind. But this gave him the perfect ideas for the perfect punishment for his perfect little mate.

This was a very quick, guilty Saturday afternoon read. I loved the tension between Max & Lauren. I didn’t read book 1, where Max & Lauren first crossed paths, but I didn’t feel lost at any time in the book. I do plan on going back and reading book 1 very soon.

And really who would have ever thought that dogs & cats would play so well together. I can’t wait to see what Savannah has in store for 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

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Jennifer reviews Unbuttoned by Maisey Yates

Unbuttoned

TITLE: Unbuttoned
SERIES #: A Silver Creek Novella
CHARACTERS: Carly Denton & Lucas Miller
AUTHOR: Maisey Yates
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/18/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Carly Denton has learned to keep her buttons and emotions firmly fastened. Her parents’ constant drama, and an unrequited crush on her brother’s best friend, taught her to keep her passion beneath the surface. But she can no longer avoid the one man with the ability to bring that passion to a boil…

Lucas remembers Carly as a freckle-faced tomboy–not a frosty woman who treats him like a burr under her saddle. But when they must work together on a charity project, Lucas is shocked to find their bickering melt into some serious mutual attraction. He’s determined to show Carly that he’s the man for her, if only she’d learn to let loose.

Lucas is the last man on earth Carly should give in to. The freedom she finds in his arms has her feeling happier than ever, but is it enough to make her realize that the greatest risk isn’t losing your heart, but losing the chance at happiness?

REVIEW:
I love small town romances and I was very excited to read one that was based here in Oregon. Carly Denton has her life completely mapped out when she becomes Councilwoman for Silver Creek and placed in charge of a charity project which forces her to work with her brother’s best friend, Lucas Miller. Carly has always had a crush on Lucas but can’t get past his philandering ways and Lucas can’t figure out why Carly is so temperamental whenever he is around. So one day, she decides to throw caution to the wind and experience one night of passion with the man she has always known to be off-limits.

I liked Carly because she was smart and didn’t want to get romantically involved with someone who she knew would eventually break her heart. Even though she had feelings for Lucas, she was basing her opinions on his past behavior without realizing that Lucas was finally becoming the man that he always wanted to be. Carly was also so determined to hold on to her “respectable” image in the eyes of the townspeople after the history of her parent’s notorious public fights in front of the entire town. She never wanted to be the type of person that would lose control when it came to love and her feelings for Lucas were so strong that she thought she would blow everything that she worked for if she pursued a relationship with him. Lucas, on the other hand, was tired of his love ‘em and leave ‘em ways of the past and wanted to finally have a true relationship with a woman and his heart was set on Carly.

When these two finally got together, they realized they had more in common than they originally thought and with a little trust, could have a great life together. The sexual chemistry between them was explosive and the sex scenes in this book were very hot and steamy. The book was also filled with humorous one-liners between Carly and Lucas that had me laughing out loud.

Maisey Yates is a very talented author and has created the perfect small-town romance about two people that found love once they learned to take a leap of faith. I was pleasantly surprised with this novella and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the residents of Silver Creek in the next book, Unexpected.

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

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