Author: Kimberly

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Kelly reviews What a Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling

TITLE: What a Wicked Earl Wants
SERIES: The Sinful Scoundrels #1
CHARACTERS: Andrew “Bells” Carrington & Laura Davenport
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE: May 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WILL A RAKE’S WICKED WAYS

Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it’s fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for …

LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?

It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar’s daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura’s good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ..

REVIEW:
AAAhhhhhh The Earl of Bellingham finally gets his story…..

Andrew of better known as “Bells” is a confirmed bachelor. That is how it has been, how he wants it and how it is going to stay. All he needs now is a new mistress and things will be perfect. Too bad for the Earl of Bellingham that he can’t control fate. Because fate is about to throw a huge wrench in his plans of bachelorhood.

I have been in love with Bellingham since we met him in Vicky’s “How To” Series. I was very excited when I learned that Bells was going to get his own story and be the start of a new series. I really enjoyed the torture and torment that Vicky makes Bells suffer in this book (he deserves it). Laura is a perfect fit for our reluctant Bells. My only fault with the story is that Laura didn’t make him suffer more for his pain-in-the-butt stubbornness.

If you are a fan of Vicky’s already you will really enjoy What a Wicked Earl Wants. But never fear if you are new to Vicky, What a Wicked Earl Wants can easily be read as a stand alone, but I would suggest grabbing the “How To” Trilogy so you can see where our sweet stubbornness Bells started from.

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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Kelly and Kimberly review Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Just One Kiss
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #11
CHARACTERS: Patience McGraw & Justice Garrett
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again-and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Justice & Patience are such a great couple. There was so much emotion happening in the this book. Childhood best friends, both loved each other even back then. But in the dead of night Justice just disappears. Now that he is back, will it before good? Or will he disappear again and break Patience’s heart all over again?

I have to admit this is my first Susan Mallery book. Yes I started with book 11(crazy i know!!!). But I loved this story and loved Susan’s writing. This was a great book. Easily read as a stand alone. I never felt lost at any time in Just One Kiss. But I do plan on going back and reading the first 10 books in the Fool’s Gold series. But until then I am really looking forward to Two of a Kind (#12) and Three Little Words (#13).
If you are a Susan Mallery fan you will love Justice & Patience’s story!! If you are new to Susan. Don’t be afraid to grab this book and start reading and find out why a trip to Fool’s Gold is so very nice.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Another great visit to Fool’s Gold. This time the mini vacation was spent with Patience, Justice and Lilly. But it does not matter who you are actually visiting with you are always sure to bump into others that you know and love.

This has to be my favorite series of all my favorite authors books. I feel like I am coming home when I read one of Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. Each time I read about a character from a previous book I actually feel like waving hello. There is just something about the characters that Mallery writes. They get into your heart and soul. I will admit that Patience and Justice was not one of my all time favorite characters from Mallery but they would still be heads above characters from other authors. And that says a lot.

I would compare Justice to a chocolate covered marshmallow. He looks real good, is hard on the outside but when it comes to his inside he is just soft and sweet. Now Patience is the exact opposite. She looks sweet on the outside but she can hold her own and can stand on her own two feet. I wish there had been more scenes with Justice and Lilly (Patience’s daughter) because those scenes were just too sweet for words.

As with all of Fool’s Gold stories this years mini series (the year of the bodyguards) can be read alone but I would say start with book one and you when you finish this book (#11) you will hold your breath for book #12.

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 Forbidden Desires by Jodie Griffin

TITLE: Forbidden Desires
SERIES #: Bondage & Breakfast #2
CHARACTERS: Bella & Marcus
AUTHOR: Jodie Griffin
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/19/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When it comes to sex, Bella Massey wants a man who’ll get down on his knees and beg. And although she’s got the hots for firefighter Marcus Aiello, she can’t believe an alpha male like him could have a submissive bone in his body.

Marcus isn’t looking for a relationship, but Bella is not like any woman he’s ever met. When he discovers what the sexy librarian is really looking for in a man, he’s even more intrigued. But giving up control is difficult for Marcus—no matter how much he desires it.

Despite their intense attraction, Marcus and Bella’s budding relationship is at an impasse. Until a weekend at a unique B&B offering all manner of naughty nightly activities teaches them both just how good it can feel to lose control…

REVIEW:
So much could have happened with this story that I was disappointed it didn’t and parts of it just didn’t work for me. I believe the author was trying to buck the stereotype of what we are used to. By writing Bella as a slightly bigger woman we expect her to be an introvert and the Italian fireman Marcus should be a born Dom and while the story had potential it just didn’t work as well as the I hoped.

The characters just didn’t connect which was a shame. Is it weird to say that the story was good and the characters were good but they were just not meant to be in the same story together? That is how this book felt to me.

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

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Kimberly reviews Red Hot Holiday by Calhoun/Mitchell/Braemel

TITLE: Red Hot Holiday
AUTHOR: Calhoun/Mitchell/Braemel
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’ll be home for Christmas…to fulfill all your dreams.

This holiday, a Mountie is determined to get her man. A widow finds a fireman who ignites her passions again. And two men unsure of their commitment discover a happily ever after—and a blindfold—under their tree. No matter your desires, this collection of three shorts is bound to treat you to all the joys of the season.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:
I Need You for Christmas by Leah Braemel
Breath on Embers by Annie Calhoun
Wish List by K.A. Mitchell

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a three part anthology with some steamy holiday romance. Each story is well written and while the third is the best of the three all are worth reading. While the love is in the air the sex is steamy too. I liked how the characters were already set in motion and didn’t just fall for the holidays. If you enjoy a holiday read with a bit of romance thrown in then I think you will enjoy these stories. Be warned though the first story is m/m

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

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Kimberly reviews The Marquess Who Loved Me By Sara Ramsey

TITLE: The Marquess Who Loved Me
SERIES #: Muses of Mayfair #3
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Nick
AUTHOR: Sara Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/13/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A not-so-merry widow…

The widowed Marchioness of Folkestone is notorious for her parties, her art collection, and her utter disregard for the rules. But Ellie Claiborne knows her destruction is near. The new marquess is her first lover – the man whose sculpted body and sardonic grin haunt her every time she picks up her paintbrush. If he ever returns to claim his inheritance, her heart won’t survive seeing him again.

A man determined to destroy her…

Nicholas Claiborne hasn’t stepped foot in England since watching Ellie marry his cousin. He has no use for the gorgeous, heartless girl who betrayed him, or the title she abandoned him for. But when his business in India turns deadly, Nick must return to London to uncover a murderer – and take revenge on the woman he couldn’t force himself to forget.

A love they can’t escape…

Nick hates Ellie’s transformation from sweet debutante to jaded seductress. Ellie despises him for leaving her behind. Still, the sparks between them reignite the passion that should have been their destiny. As their demands of each other turn darker and a potential killer closes in, they must decide whether to guard the fragile remnants of their hearts — or find a way to fall in love all over again.

REVIEW:
I had a hard time getting into this story. The characters never really clicked for me and Ellie was just not a likable character. There seems to be some anger in her towards Nick when she is the one who ditched him and he should be the one that is mad. It seems so weird the way this story is written. Everything is backwards. The people who are mad at Nick should be mad at Ellie. The storyline of the attempted murder was so hidden it was non-existent. While Nick is an adorable character he deserved someone better than Ellie. I could have read more of Nick if not for the fact that Ellie had to butt herself in all the time. So many muses that Nick could have gone with and he chooses Ellie? Why?

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

 

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Kimberly reviews Bonds Of Trust by Lynda Aicher

TITLE: Bonds Of Trust
SERIES #: Wicked Play #1
CHARACTERS: Cali & Jake
AUTHOR: Lynda Aicher
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members’ night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he’s intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she’s been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she’s not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn’t want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. It was lighter on the BDSM that I expected based on the synopsis but it was still an enjoyable read. The characters have an instant attraction and while the story is good it has become mainstream with the influx of BDSM stories.

Was it a story that will make the headlines like other BDSM? Not a chance. This book feels as if a stay at home mom decided she could write a book and jump on the popular bandwagon. But at the same time. It is a fine story in general and what the heck if you like erotica then pick it up.

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

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Kimberly reviews Now You See It by Cait Donnelly

TITLE: Now you See It
SERIES #: Inner Edge #1
CHARACTERS: Brady & Gemma
AUTHOR: Cait Donnelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former Navy SEAL Brady McGrath has no trouble attracting female attention. But women never stick around long once they learn he can read feelings through touch. When an old Navy buddy hires him to protect his sister, he doesn’t need extra-sensory abilities to know someone wants something from Gemma Cavanagh —something worth killing for.

Gemma’s finally getting a handle on her own unique ability to make things disappear—even making them reappear on occasion. When someone breaks into her house and hacks into her computer, she’s certain her soon-to-be-ex husband is to blame—until the police show up on her doorstep with the news he’s been murdered. And she’s their number one suspect.

After barely escaping a firebombing, Gemma and Brady are forced into hiding—and forced to confront the chemistry between them. As they desperately search for the killer, can Brady help Gemma harness her abilities—and keep her from finding out about his own dark past?

REVIEW:
Another book with a Navy Seal (aren’t they all anymore?). But I thought why not it sounded a bit different but while it had a bunch of potential I just couldn’t get into the flow of this book. Gemma is a character that I could not enjoy at all. While the men of the story are interesting that alone can not carry this story.

I loved the idea that the characters had paranormal abilities but that was not the main premise of the book so that was interesting to me but Gemma just wasn’t enjoyable enough for me to enjoy the story. The suspense is there so do not pick this up thinking it is paranormal but pick it up to enjoy the suspense.

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

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Kimberly reviews Romancing The Holiday by Burton/Dimon/Barth

TITLE: Romancing The Holiday
SERIES #: Kent Brothers #3/Holloway #3
AUTHOR: Burton/Dimon/Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
We wish you a merry Christmas…and a happily ever after!

A memorable three-night stand gets rekindled in a cabin in West Virginia. An office romance is sparked by an impulsive holiday kiss. And two best friends scout locations for a marriage proposal and discover that they make a perfect match. ‘Tis the season for laughter, love and a lifetime of happiness.

Edited by Angela James this anthology includes:
We’ll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
The Best Thing by Jaci Burton
Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

REVIEW:
Great holiday romances. These are novella’s from previous holiday stories. Enjoyable for the holidays. Not much I can say about them except if you enjoy a holiday romance then pick this one up.

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

4 Hearts

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Jennifer reviews Too Hot To Handle by Victoria Dahl

TITLE: Too Hot to Handle
SERIES #: The Jackson Series #2
CHARACTERS: Merry Kade and Shane Harcourt
AUTHOR: Victoria Dahl
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This good girl’s going bad…Merry Kade has always been the good girl. The best friend. The one who patiently waits for the guy to notice her. Well, no more. Merry has just scored her dream job, and it’s time for her life to change. As the new curator of a museum in Wyoming, she’ll supervise a lot of restoration work. Luckily she’s found the perfect contractor for the job.

Shane Harcourt can’t believe that someone wants to turn a beat-up ghost town into a museum attraction. After all, the last thing he needs is the site of his dream ranch turning into a tourist trap. He’ll work on the project, if only to hasten its failure…until the beautiful, quirky woman in charge starts to change his mind.

For the first time ever, Merry has a gorgeous stud hot on her heels. But can she trust this strong, silent man, even if he is a force of nature in bed? When Shane’s ulterior motive come out, he’ll need to prove to Merry that a love like theirs may be too hot to handle, but it’s impossible to resist.

REVIEW:
Victoria Dahl has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time and I thoroughly enjoyed her new book, Too Hot to Handle. Merry Kade is so sweet and adorable in an awkward way and I could instantly relate to her. She has always been considered the best friend and not the “hot chick” and I felt for her trying to navigate in today’s misconstrued dating scene. When she meets Shane Harcourt, she immediately believes that he only sees her as a “friend” and any sexual contact that they may have would be labeled under “friends with benefits.” No strings attached and no long-term commitment potential when all Merry would love to do is settle down with this hot cowboy.

Shane started off in this book as having a chip on his shoulder and had this reputation that he wasn’t looking for a relationship. He agrees to help Merry with rebuilding the ghost town of Providence, little by little, but we quickly find out that he has ulterior motives to assisting Merry. I have to say that Shane grew on me after a while and I was really hoping that he could see Merry as more than a friend because they seemed to have great chemistry together. Merry deserved a true relationship and to know what love feels like and there were a few people in this book who would have kicked him in the ass if he broke Merry’s heart. I really enjoyed this book and reconnected with past characters from Close Enough to Touch and I am looking forward to more love stories in the beautiful town of Jackson, Wyoming.

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

4 Hearts