Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly review Desperate Measures by Linda Cajio

TITLE: Desperate Measures
CHARACTERS: Ellen & Joe
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellen Kitteridge is doing her best to put a personal but very public tragedy behind her. Trusting any man—especially one who radiates power and sensuality like Joe Carlini— isn’t easy . . . but it sure is fun. She’s never felt more alive as she helps Joe track down whoever is stealing Carlini family secrets. Playing spy games, with lust heating every moment, has taken her way beyond her comfort zone—and now she’s wondering if she’s gone too far.

Carlini Foods is Joe’s life, but Ellen, with her perfect mix of vixen and vulnerability, makes him realize how hungry his heart has become. Fate has made her his co-conspirator as he ferrets out a traitor in the ranks. Now it’s up to Joe to make sure she stays close. Ellen may have been hurt in the past, but Joe’s not going to give up on the best thing that has ever happened to him.

REVIEW:
While this story is cute it is OH SO DATED! I mean the characters meet in a roller skating rink for heavens sake. Originally published in 1989 as a LoveSwept novel this story does not stand the test of time.

Now that being said if you know ahead of time how dated it is it is a very cute story. I enjoyed it and can understand why it has become a “LoveSwept Classic”. It is a simple quick read and enjoyable… but really? Frank Sinatra? Can we say d-a-t-e-d?

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

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Kimberly reviews He’s So Shy by Linda Cajio

TITLE: He’s So Shy
CHARACTERS: Penelope & Richard
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Penelope Marsh last laid eyes on the gorgeous man standing before her, Richard Creighton had been a skinny nerd with glasses. Now he’s one of the most popular actors in the world. The only reason he’s back in New Jersey is to play the lead in a period piece directed by Penelope’s cousin. But Penelope’s too old for a schoolgirl crush—especially when the crush in question is a sexy Hollywood hunk.

Still sometimes shocked to be the object of a pretty woman’s desire, Richard is most comfortable with the cameras rolling, hiding behind the mask of his carefully crafted characters. Penelope’s presence on the set brings back memories of his painfully shy childhood—and yet he’s powerfully drawn to the willowy schoolteacher with the long legs and vivid blue eyes. Most celebrity romances must weather promiscuous starlets and invasive paparazzi, but Richard faces a different challenge altogether: proving that he’s come into his own since he was a kid—not to Penelope, but to himself.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 1994 and even from the prologue of the book you can see that this book is very dated. While a cute read it is best to know that up front.

This story is very typical of the romance of the day. However the couple is cute and endearing in their own way. The story is short so if you enjoy a cute romance this will be one that will become a classic just like it is in the LoveSwept Classic collection.

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

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Jennifer reviews Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson

TITLE: Hot Blooded
SERIES #: Jessica McClain #2
CHARACTERS: Jessica McClain
AUTHOR: Amanda Carlson
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It hasn’t been the best week for Jessica McClain. Her newly found mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge, and Jessica is positive she can save him. But being the only female werewolf in town comes with its own set of rules and powers…if only she understood them. Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

REVIEW:
After finishing Full Blooded last year, I was dying to read Hot Blooded and Amanda Carlson doesn’t disappoint with this exciting new novel. Jessica is on a quest to save her mate, Rourke, from the clutches of the evil goddess, Selene, who happens to be hiding out in her mountain lair. To get to Rourke, Jessica must battle through the dangerous supernatural traps that Selene has set for her, meaning to kill everyone in its path. Selene won’t give up Rourke without a fight and Jessica is willing to do anything to be reunited with her mate.

I loved this book so much! Hot Blooded picks up right after the events of Full Blooded and this book is filled with non-stop action. Jessica is trying to come to terms with her new found supernatural abilities and decipher the alleged prophecy that claims that a female wolf will rule all. The problem is that she has to get her mate back and then she will be able to sort out all the rest. I just loved Jessica’s personality and I instantly related to her. She would do anything to find Rourke and bring him home safely but was afraid to lose any of her close friends in the process. This book was enjoyable from beginning to end and we learn so much more about Jessica and how her new powers affect the wolf pack. I also love the refreshing take on the werewolf folklore and I am excited to see where Ms. Carlson goes with this in further books. I can’t wait to read Cold Blooded later this year and Amanda Carlson is destined to be a big name in the paranormal genre.

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

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Kelly reviews Her Warriors Three Wishes by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Her Warriors’ Three Wishes
SERIES: Dante’s Circle #2
CHARACTERS: Ambrose Griffin, Jamie Bennett, Balin Drake
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: April 23, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

Ambrose Griffin is older than most, if not all, civilizations. As each year passes, he submerses himself into his training, only relaxing around his protégée and friend, Shade. After losing his wife and children in the last Angelic Wars, he guards his heart and has no desire to share it with another.

Bookkeeper and romance novel enthusiast, Jamie Bennett dreams of being swept off her feet by a white knight. However, her life is no romance book. Since meeting Ambrose—a sexy, delicious angel—she’s been twisted inside out and doesn’t know why. Things are happening that she can’t control and now her life is in danger.

Balin Drake is stuck in hell, literally. His life of refusing to take souls, even though it’s part of his demon nature, has caught up with him. He’s dying and now must search for his true half, but even a mating may not save him. When he meets the two people who could fill that part, he’ll need to fight for something he hasn’t felt in over a century—hope.

Warning: Contains a rigid angel who needs a certain sexy woman to help him unwind, a book keeper who finds herself the creamy center of the best cookie ever, and a demon who has a certain taste for pressing them both against walls.(

REVIEW:

3.5 Stars In Her Warriors’ Three Wishes Jamie Bennett finds herself in Hell, literally. She has been kidnapped by Pyro, her intended mates enemy. But what is worse is that her intended mate has not wanted anything to do with her for the last year. But Ambrose seems to be her only hope of surviving her unplanned trip to hell. But fate seems to have a little trick up her sleeve…..

See Ambrose is not Jamie’s only intended mate..

This was a good story. It started a little slow but picked up quickly. For some reason I am not really feeling the menage story line these days. I am not sure why. It is not the writing, the story or the characters. I think it is just me. But I still enjoyed this story and love the new cast of characters that were introduced. *cough* Hunter!!!

Can’t wait for his 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.

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Guest Reviewer Charity reviews Desperate Choices by Hildie McQueen

TITLE: Desperate Choices
SERIES #: A Protectors Novel
CHARACTERS: Rachel & Roderick
AUTHOR: Hildie McQueen
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/14/13

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When an Immortal demon slayer saves Rachel Andrews from certain death, her life changes forever. An unbreakable bond with the handsome Protector, drags her into a world she never believed existed and has no desire to be part of.

The actions of one night drastically alter the course of his long existence. Torn between his feelings for Rachel and his life’s calling, Roderick Cronan comes face to face with the fact that he is losing both.

MY REVIEW:
I was asked to read book 2 of this series for someone, but after finding out that there were other books in the Protector Series I had to get them all and read them in order, I’m a little OCD like that 🙂

Unlike some, I started with this one (book 0.5) and not Book 1. I’m glad I did, because I felt that it set up the Protector world perfectly. From the very 1st paragraph I was happily sucked into this world.

Desperate Choices was a quick, very smooth read that left me wide eyed, mouth gaping and racing to my laptop to grab the next one to be sent to my kindle.

Rachel and Roderick are perfect together from the beginning, I love their instant chemistry. From a few reviews that I read from others who loved this novella I’ll see Rachel and Roderick later 😉 I had to make sure with an ending like that.

We are introduced to two other characters in this novella that I have a feeling we are going to see in the future (I haven’t read any of the other books at this point yet so I’m just guessing here), one of them is Roderick’s roommate Cyn, LOVE HIM, he made me giggle out load a few times and brought the humor to this short novella. The other is Julian, I can imagine some won’t like him cause you know he is the boss and has to be the bad guy sometimes, but I really liked him.

I’m going to keep this review short and to the point because I have the next installment and I’m itching to read it 🙂

All Around I am amazed that Hildie was able to entice me with so few pages into the world of the Protectors.

I give Desperate Choices 5 out of 5, never have I been so enticed by a series so easily and quickly and that’s a feat in itself. Give this short novella a read, I doubt you won’t be finding yourself rushing to grab the next one just as I did.

Happy Reading!!!!

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.

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Jennifer reviews Gone With The Wolf by Kristin Miller

TITLE: Gone with the Wolf
CHARACTERS: Drake and Emelia
AUTHOR: Kristin Miller
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
CEO and alpha werewolf Drake Wilder has given up the search for his one true love. When he discovers that she’s a secretary in his company, Drake’s primal instincts kick into overdrive.

What he wouldn’t give to have her fingers rake over his body instead of the keyboard….

Free-spirited bartender Emelia Hudson wants nothing more than to make her Seattle-based bar succeed. But when profits decline, she slips into a dress suit and secures a nine-to-five. After learning that her bar has become property of Wilder Financial, Emelia is determined to get some answers.

Two can play the ruthless business game. If only her attraction to the boss wasn’t so intense….

When Drake’s twin brother senses that Drake has found his match—and now inherits their father’s billion dollar estate–he hatches a plan to take Emelia out. Drake vows to protect her at all costs, but he might have to pay with his own life.

REVIEW:
Emelia Hudson is trying to do everything in her power to save her struggling bar, The Knight Owl, from being taken over by the greedy Wilder Financial, who claim that they are the rightful owners of the bar instead of Emelia. This causes Emelia to take a temp job at Wilder Financial to find out the truth about her deed and why Russell Wilder is so determined to destroy her little bar. She never expected to find that Russell “Drake” Wilder was such a gorgeous man that seemed to set her body on fire with every touch.

Emelia was definitely a free-spirit in this book, whose intent was to find the truth behind the claims that Wilder Financial owned her building when she holds a copy of the deed herself. She is tough, sarcastic and had a great sense of humor that made you instantly like her. Drake was the type of guy who was used to getting what he wanted and the last thing that he expected was that Emelia would be his soul-mate. Once he knew this, he was fiercely protective of her and wanted her to have the best in life. I could understand Emelia’s hesitation because he was so rich and powerful and there wasn’t anything that seemed to put them on even ground. I loved that he was willing to do anything to prove his love for her and Emelia couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Gone with the Wolf was a delightful story and I hope to see more from Kristin Miller because I adored Emelia and Drake.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

TITLE: Midnight Secrets
SERIES #: Wildfire #1
CHARACTERS: Savannah & Zach
AUTHOR: Ella Grace
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS

On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. I did not want to miss a word of it. Zach and Savannah have a connection from the first moment and the background stories are very interesting and it is nice that the background story is more than just one simple story. There are actually countless stories going on in this story and somehow they all wrap around Savannah and Zach. Yet it does not feel overwhelming with the same characters.

Zach is just so adorable. He has such a romantic side and yet is all male. Savannah while she seems so innocent in the beginning shows she grows into a capable woman and still keeps her innocence.

I didn’t like that it took so long for the story of the Grandfathers letters to start. It was well past half the story. And honestly I am not sure I buy the whole reason Savannah decides to stay in town (no spoilers) either. There are a couple things also that were brought up and then never discussed again which I wanted to know more about. But that being said it really is an interesting story. There is a bit of everything in this story that any fan of romantic suspense would enjoy.

I can not wait to read the next in the series and see what the other two of the triplets is up to… and with who!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Summer He Came Home by Julianna Stone

TITLE: Summer He Came Home
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Cain
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this romance but had some problems with it… First the good part… Maggie and Cain have a connection right away that flows through the entire story. I enjoyed the storyline (mostly) and enjoyed the other “Bad Boys” and can not wait to read their stories too. I adored Michael (Maggie’s son) even though having a 7 year old I can honestly say no child that age speaks and acts the way he does but he is endearing and I enjoyed the connection that Cain and Michael have as much as the one Cain has with Maggie.

Now the part I was not so sure of… Cain is a rocker who comes back for one of his best friends funerals (that was written so emotionally well) but the background of Cain is really off some. First the story claims the band is starting to make it and the concerts they are playing have a bunch of fans… but then they are the opening act and Cain is already “tired” of the lifestyle. He also claims to be tired of the lifestyle but then anytime he plays the guitar it is written that he feels like he is missing something. It just seems the characters background is not written very clearly.

But that being said I enjoyed the book and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the “coming home again” romance.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly reviews Paradise Hops by Liz Crowe

TITLE: Paradise Hops
CHARACTERS: Lori/Garret/Eli
AUTHOR: Liz Crowe
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A brutal attack left Lori Brockton convinced she was damaged goods. By the time she emerges from hiding two years later, ready to run her family’s famous brewery, she’s determined to be independent–never rely on anyone ever again. Nearly a year of working in every corner of Brockton Brewing Company, from warehouse to pub, front office to kitchen, teaches her all she needs to know about the business. Then, she comes face-to-face with masculine perfection in a suit and her world is rocked in more ways than one. Garret Hunter is the new Brockton business manager who takes one look at the beautiful, sad young woman and his entire existence coalesces around winning her heart.

But standing between Garrett and what he believes is his true love, is a six-feet six-inch blond-haired bad boy brewer.

Eli Buchannan is a craft beer rock star, recently hired by Brockton to drag the company into the 21st century. He brings innovation and attitude plus a prima donna ladies’ man reputation. But he’s sworn off anything resembling commitment, personal or professional, after getting burned at his last job on both fronts.

Garret Hunter is “The Perfect Man” — handsome, successful, stable, eager to settle down. Eli Buchannan… is not. Compelling, smoking hot, creative and elusive, he represents everything Lori Brockton should avoid. But just as she makes a difficult choice, a drastic life-changing shift occurs, and nothing is ever the same again.

REVIEW:
I just could not get into this book. The character of Lori is way beyond irritating and I just never cared about her circumstances. I am not big on the love triangle storyline anyway but wanted to give this book a shot and I am kinda sorry that I did.

Eli is crass and I just hated every scene he was in. Garret was very sweet but a bit OCD. Lori is selfish and I just never understood why she had to go back and forth between the two. And the end… UGH! I was just disappointed. I think this is a love it or hate it kind of story and I just didn’t love it at all.

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