Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews The Professional/The Player by Rhonda Nelson

TITLE: The Professional/The Player
SERIES #: Men Out Of Uniform #13/#1
CHARACTERS: Jeb & Sophie/Jamie & Audrey
AUTHOR: Rhonda Nelson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE PROFESSIONAL
Former military man Jeb Anderson accepted a job at Ranger Security to regain some control over his life. But when he goes undercover to investigate a series of thefts at a retirement home, his number one suspect completely unravels his control…and sends his libido sky-high! As far as massage therapist Sophie O’Brien is concerned, Jeb is infuriating. Still, she’d like nothing more than to find out just what’s underneath Jeb’s reserved exterior—and his clothes! Because if he’s half as talented as his nickname implies, letting him uncover all her secrets will be very, very satisfying….

THE PLAYER
There’s nothing like a man in uniform…or out of it! Especially when he’s as hot as former Ranger Jamie Flanagan. After their last assignment went horribly wrong, he and his buddies needed to get out of the military for good. There was only one catch–that he and his pals promise their commanding officer one favor. Any favor. Now tall, dark and sexy Jamie is a top security specialist… and the ultimate ladies’ man. So he’s more than a little surprised when he learns the colonel has set him up to protect his granddaughter. Who would trust a player like Jamie with a gorgeous woman like Audrey? Then he learns his “mission” is to seduce her away from another man….

REVIEW:
THE PROFESSIONAL
I am not sure how I feel about this story. I really enjoyed the storyline itself and I enjoyed the characters too. They really are so cute together. Then why am I not sure about it? Because it makes Jeb, who supposedly is an Army Ranger, look like an idiot. Becca is the one who thinks up everything and Jeb is just the muscle. And while I liked him as the muscle I felt like he was written wrong. I also would have enjoyed more of the twin connection. That being said I liked the story. And I think anyone who enjoys romance will enjoy it too. Pick it up and you will not be disappointed.

THE PLAYER
This is actually a reprint of the first in the series of “Men Out of Uniform” and it was good but again not great. There is just something a little off about the way this author writes these books. It isn’t that it is bad writing just odd. I am glad I read the other book first because I am not sure I would have continued with the series having read this book first. But seeing as I did read the other one first it was kind of nice to backtrack and see how it all began.

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

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Jennifer reviews The Collector by Victoria Scott

TITLE: The Collector
SERIES #: Dante Walker Series
CHARACTERS: Dante Walker
AUTHOR: Victoria Scott
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of Hell’s best–a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of Hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect–he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.

REVIEW: Dante is the epitome of a bad boy and he makes good girls want to do bad things because that’s his job. Look for people doing bad things or “sinning” and mark their soul with his collector stamp. Once a soul obtains a certain number of collector stamps, he then takes their soul until the time that their body dies and they are sent to the hot place down below. His next mark is Charlie Cooper and if he finishes this assignment in ten days, he will be able to stay on Earth permanently and never have to return down below. When he meets Charlie, she is a very nerdy teenager and Dante has no clue why the Boss Man wants her. He just has to corrupt her soul and he is done with the assignment.

Dante was a jerk in the beginning of this book. He was used to getting what he wanted before he died with his looks, charm and money, so it was relatively easy for him to infiltrate Charlie’s world. He paid attention to her and tried to “help” her to be more popular and Charlie trusted him almost immediately. Charlie was such a sweet girl who just wanted to help others make a difference in their lives and couldn’t believe that this good looking guy was interested in her. I couldn’t imagine anyone not caring about Charlie after spending time with her and I’m glad that Dante had second thoughts to completing his mission.

Victoria Scott has created an amazing debut novel with The Collector and this story will have you believing in second chances and the possibility of redemption. This book was funny, smart and sweet and I was holding my breath as I couldn’t wait to see what happens next. I can’t wait to read The Liberator which is out later this year to see what happened to Dante and Charlie after the events of The Collector.

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

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Kimberly reviews Claim Me by J. Kenner

TITLE: Claim Me
SERIES #: Stark Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Nikki & Damien
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.
Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.

I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.

But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.

Claim Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:

3.5 Stars Claim Me is the second in the Stark Trilogy. I would suggest you read Release Me first. This is a continuing story and I do not believe that the books can stand alone.

As with the first in the series this book is compared to Fifty Shades of Grey and again i will say while they are very different there is a similarity to them that makes me understand the comparison in the synopsis. While this book does fall into the erotica genre as Shades does I find them to be very different. Shades was a book of romance with erotica thrown in to explain the character. This is more of a story of erotica with the characters information thrown in. Now that does not mean it is not good because it is.

I gave the first in the series 4 stars but I couldn’t give this book that many. IN an odd turn of events there was too much sex but not enough erotica. Meaning that they had a number of sex scenes (heck it seemed every other page had a quickie) but there was not much of the romance or erotica that the first story had.

So yes I did enjoy this story but not as much as the first and you certainly have to read the first before you read this. But if you enjoy the genre you will enjoy this book.

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

 

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Kimberly reviews Down In New Orleans by Heather Graham

TITLE: Down In New Orleans
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Ann infiltrates the dark corners of the Big Easy to clear her ex-husband’s name, what begins as an innocent investigation becomes a matter of life and death

Ann and Jon Marcel are a rare case; five years after their divorce, they’re good friends, and Ann has come to love Jon’s hometown of New Orleans. Until the day Jon staggers through her door covered in blood and mumbling, “I didn’t do it.”

Jon is charged with murdering a stripper, and in order to save him, Ann will have to dive into the sordid New Orleans underworld, looking for clues in erotic clubs and seamy jazz spots. And, if that weren’t enough, she must deal with the resolute detective bent on bringing her husband to justice—the eagle-eyed lieutenant who dogs her steps and surfaces in her dreams. But despite her wavering affections, Ann has bigger concerns as she becomes embroiled in a fight not only for Jon’s freedom, but also for her life.

REVIEW:
Ok first this is a reprint from 1996 and I have to say as much as I love Heather Graham I was not overly thrilled with this story. The characters never connected. I thought Mark was actually a very mean man. I hated how he called Ann “a little fool” and “stupid” on more than one occasion. Ann was strong willed and didn’t seem the type to take it yet she seemed to take his crud for some reason. The story had potential and I can definitely say that Graham has improved in her stories since writing this one so if you have not read one of her stories to do NOT read this first since it will give you a wrong impression of her writing.

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

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Kelly reviews Love Irresistibly by Julie James

TITLE: Love Irresistibly
SERIES: FBI/ US Attorney #4
CHARACTERS: Cade Madison & Brooke Parker
AUTHOR: Julie James
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE’S USED TO GETTING WHAT HE WANTS…
A former football star and one of Chicago’s top prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cade Morgan will do anything to nail a corrupt state senator, which means he needs Brooke Parker’s help. As general counsel for a restaurant company, she can get a bug to the senator’s table at one of her five-star restaurants so the FBI can eavesdrop on him. All Cade has to do is convince Brooke to cooperate—and he’s not afraid to use a little charm, or the power of his office, to do just that.

AND WHAT HE WANTS IS HER.
A savvy businesswoman, Brooke knows she needs to play ball with the U.S. Attorney’s office—even if it means working with Cade. No doubt there’s a sizzling attraction beneath all their sarcastic quips, but Brooke is determined to keep things casual. Cade agrees—until a surprising turn of events throws his life into turmoil, and he realizes that he wants more than just a good time from the one woman with whom he could fall terrifyingly, irresistibly in love .

REVIEW:
This was my first book in Julie James FBI/US Attorney series. Yes, I started with book 4. But Love Irresistibly easily stands on it’s own. There was mention of other characters that I assume where from books 1, 2 or 3. But I never felt lost.

Cade & Brooke are a great couple. Both seem set on not really ever needing anyone in their life. Their jobs have always come first. But Cade & Brooke learn quickly that all work and no play is no way to live your life.

I really liked Cade & Brooke. I really like the story, although at times I was a little bored. But even with that I did enjoy this 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.

4 Hearts

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Jennifer reviews Greta And The Goblin King by Chloe Jacobs

TITLE: Greta and The Goblin King
AUTHOR: Chloe Jacobs
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
While trying to save her brother from the witch three years ago, Greta was thrown into the fire herself, falling through a portal to a dangerous world where humans are the enemy, and every ogre, goblin, and ghoul has a dark side that comes out with the full moon. To survive, 17-year-old Greta has hidden her humanity and taken the job of bounty hunter–and she’s good at what she does. So good, she’s caught the attention of Mylena’s young Goblin King, the darkly enticing Isaac, who invades her dreams and undermines her determination to escape. But Greta’s not the only one looking to get out of Mylena. The full moon is mere days away, and an ancient evil being knows she’s the key to opening the portal. If Greta fails, she and the boys she finds stranded in the woods will die. If she succeeds, no world will be safe from what follows her back….

REVIEW:
Chloe Jacobs has created a fantastic paranormal novel that had me entranced with its characters from the very beginning. Greta was a tough-minded young woman who did what she needed to survive in a world where she is the enemy that everyone fears. I was amazed at her character because she was hiding her true identity while trying to make a life in this strange new world. She tried to make the best of her situation while always hoping for a way back home to her family. I loved her interactions with Isaac, the Goblin King, and their love-hate relationship throughout the course of this book. Isaac was a very dark brooding hero and you were never really sure of his true motives when it came to Greta. This book was action-packed and never slowed down for a second for readers to catch their breath during this story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and I hope that there is another story about Greta and the interesting inhabitants of the Mylena World.

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

4 Hearts
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Guest Reviewer Jaime reviews The Maid and The Queen by Nancy Goldstone

TITLE: The Maid and The Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc
AUTHOR: Nancy Goldstone
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The untold story of the extraordinary queen who championed Joan of Arc.

Politically astute, ambitious, and beautiful, Yolande of Aragon, queen of Sicily, was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages. Caught in the complex dynastic battle of the Hundred Years War, Yolande championed the dauphin’s cause against the forces of England and Burgundy, drawing on her savvy, her statecraft, and her intimate network of spies. But the enemy seemed invincible. Just as French hopes dimmed, an astonishingly courageous young woman named Joan of Arc arrived from the farthest recesses of the kingdom, claiming she carried a divine message-a message that would change the course of history and ultimately lead to the coronation of Charles VII and the triumph of France.

Now, on the six hundredth anniversary of the birth of Joan of Arc, this fascinating book explores the relationship between these two remarkable women, and deepens our understanding of this dramatic period in history. How did an illiterate peasant girl gain access to the future king of France, earn his trust, and ultimately lead his forces into battle? Was it only the hand of God that moved Joan of Arc-or was it also Yolande of Aragon?

REVIEW:

It’s completely obvious Goldstone is a genius when it comes to telling tales of predominant historic figures, and this book is no exception. She captures the essence of Joan of Arc and Yolande of Aragon to a tee. The author’s work is flawless, and this well-written biography almost teaches us readers reminiscent to a textbook explaining who and why they are significant hundreds of years later. It’s tough enough to highlight one heroine, but the addition of a second in this book is just an extra sweet bonus of knowledge and talent that adds to history buffs’ must-read list. It’s paced perfectly so we don’t get confused with the overload of information, and the several illustrations throughout aid our creative thought and eases us through the enigmatic world which we have never explored previously. Many may not know the importance or the impact Joan of Arc has bestowed upon the world, but whether it was a curse or a blessing in disguise, her story is told beautifully and many will agree, unforgettable.

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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Kimberly reviews Lush by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Lush
SERIES #: Delicious #3
CHARACTERS: Mary & Damien
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.

Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.

What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…

REVIEW:
First I have to say that I have not read the first two in the series so that made it hard in the beginning to follow who all the characters are. There are a bunch of people thrown in the beginning and it got very confusing. I hate to say it but I really don’t think this book can stand alone and needs to be read in the series.

I don’t know… I just couldn’t get into this book. I am not sure why. I don’t think the characters had much of a chemistry together. The friends had more chemistry than Damien and Mary. They are both too focused on what they do than what they want. There wasn’t enough time with them together as well. The sex scenes are good but not as “dirty” as I expected from the information I received on the book. I also had a hard time with the dialogue. It seemed so off from how a normal conversation would sound.

I can understand why someone who has read the rest of the series (and I think some other books before that too) would enjoy this book I just couldn’t get into it.

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

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Kimberly reviews A Vampire’s Salvation by Virna DePaul

TITLE: A Vampire’s Salvation
SERIES #: Beyond Human Novellas #1
CHARACTERS: Frankie & Jacob
AUTHOR: Virna DePaul
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jacob La Costa Rios is the head of the California governor’s security team; he’s also a vampire who wants the governor, a presidential hopeful, to support the peaceful integration of vampires into human society. Unfortunately, there are others who oppose Jake’s plan. Plus, Jake’s a little distracted by discovering his one true mate, the human female who can give him everything he’s always wanted: love, children, and continuing immortality. Francesca Marie Stewart is the governor’s “go-green” political consultant.

Although she’s been attracted to Jake from day one, her priority is her career and protecting her heart. But then Jake blatantly propositions her and Frankie, who hasn’t experienced sexual intimacy since she was seventeen-years-old, decides it’s time to take what she wants—within reason. No matter—once Jake makes love to Frankie, he knows reason will be the farthest thing from her mind. Then he just has to eliminate the person threatening her, reveal the fact he’s a vampire, and convince her that trusting him will bring both of them eternal happiness.

REVIEW:
This is a Vampire Erotica eNovella (say that 5 times fast). It is the beginning of the Beyond Human Novellas which means it really does not have an ending and I can not wait for the next one in the series. The characters have a connection immediately. And even though it is a short read of only about 70 pages the story is complete (ok not the ending but that is what the next story is for). The characters past are fully formed and the present is interesting.

If you enjoy vampire stories with a bit of erotica thrown in then this is the story to have on your ereader ready to read at a moments notice.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Enchantress by Rae Morgan

TITLE: Enchantress
AUTHOR: Rae Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/05/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Successful businessman Eric Thorsson Ward has worked hard to reach the stage in life where he could have anything he wants – – and he wants Gina Morelli. Problem is successful businessmen remind Gina of her father, a man who’d abandoned her mother, took her brother, and started a whole new family, one that didn’t include her.

When she finds her brother shot and the threatening phone calls start, Gina reluctantly accepts Eric’s offer of protection and help. After all, even if he breaks her heart, she’ll still be alive.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars ~ I really enjoyed this story. Yes some parts of it got a little cheesy (“Petey”) but the story is complete and interesting. It is a short story only about 100 pages but it still feels whole. The characters are fully developed for a short story. The problem I had, while small was distracting, was the writing at some points made me wonder if the story was originally written as a shape-shifter story. There are a number of references to a wolf and the senses a wolf has “I could smell her danger across the room”, “like a wolf I mate for life”, etc type sentences and I kept waiting for the big reveal that never came. Mind you it would have made a great shape-shifting story.

If you are looking for a quick read with suspense and romance this would be a good story to pick up. *I believe this is a reprint*

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

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Kimberly reviews Love Letters Volume 1 by Glass/Thacher/Cale/Wells

TITLE: Love Letters Volume 1
SERIES #: Obeying Desire
CHARACTERS: various
AUTHOR: Glass/Thacher/Cale/Wells
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love Letters Volume 1 contains four hot novellas that will tempt you to submit to desire:

A Is for Assignment by Ginny Glass

Lane Heywood is the last person Cameron Isley wanted as his partner in an undercover investigation at a sex club. But with the sexy psychiatrist masquerading as his Domme, he’ll have to submit to her erotic torment—and try to control his all-too-real lust.

B Is for Bondage by Christina Thacher

When Rachel Cooper begins BDSM lessons, she soon starts fantasizing about her instructor, Marc Thibaud. They’re not supposed to have sex—until one lesson crosses the line…

C Is for Curious by Emily Cale

Mistress Rebecca Greer has had her eye on The Black Rose BDSM club’s shy receptionist, so when Hilary “accidentally” interrupts one of her sessions, Rebecca decides to give her a taste to satisfy her curiosity.

D Is for Detained by Maggie Wells

He was the preacher’s son; her parents owned the local sex shop. Sherry Adams and Tyler Prescott’s attraction was forbidden when they were teenagers, but years later Deputy Tyler takes out his trusty handcuffs to show her just how good they could be together.

REVIEW:
This is four stories in one read. I assume since this is A-D that the rest will be in alphabetical order as well. The stories were short with each story about 20 pages. They are good but since they are so short there is not much of any kind of background or story to each story. Good for a short read that you can start and finish before bed.

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