Author: Kimberly

Posted on

Kelly reviews The Trouble With Love by Beth Ciotta

TITLE: The Trouble with Love
SERIES: Cupcake Lovers #2
CHARACTERS: Jayce Bello & Rocky Monroe
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rocky Monroe’s bad luck is legendary. So it stands to reason that during a quick trip to New York on behalf of the Cupcake Lovers’ forthcoming book, she winds up in the arms of the one man she never wants to see again. So what if he’s also the man she can’t stop dreaming about? Mouth-watering Jayce Bello has always been Rocky’s biggest mistake, and she’s not going to let history repeat itself … unless she gets a new taste of his delicious kisses.

When Jayce Bello left Sugar Creek ten years ago, it was the right thing to do—for him and for Rocky, his best friend’s little sister. But one passionate night with gorgeous, reckless Rocky is enough to prove that she’s the missing ingredient in his happiness. Now, with scandalous secrets souring the sweetness of the Cupcake Lovers’ club, Jayce needs to convince Rocky that their love is something to savor

REVIEW:
The second book in Beth Ciotta’s Cupcake Lover’s series was just as much fun as Fool for Love. We get to learn what the heck happened between Rocky & Jayce.

Rocky Monroe has had a major problem with Jayce Bello for all of her life, it is a love/hate relationship. But when Rocky finds herself in the big city mugged and slightly hit by a car the first person she calls is Jayce.

Jayce has never really understood what he did wrong all those years ago. All he knows is that Rocky still hates him, but Jayce is going to change that. With or without Rocky’s help.

Rocky and Jayce have some major history which makes their interactions so much fun. I wanted to talk some sense into Rocky. But she is beyond stubborn and has to learn the hard way. And boy does she learn.

If you have read Fool for Love then you will understand the tension between Rocky and Jayce. While you could read The Trouble with Love alone I think it would be best to read Fool in Love first.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Wild Child by Shelley Munro

TITLE: Wild Child
CHARACTERS: Zoe & Matt
AUTHOR: Shelley Munro
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Zoe Underwood is one sexy disruption.

From the moment her father married Matt’s mother, Zoe has tempted Matt Cantrell with her seductive curves and driven him crazy with her flirting and provocative manner. The thing is they have no future because Zoe is his stepsister. Determined to dodge trouble, Matt leaves Auckland to live and work in the Gold Coast of Australia. A sea between them should do the trick and let him move forward without the “Zoe” distraction in his life.

Matt Cantrell is one stubborn dude.

No one presses Zoe’s buttons like the tall, dark and gorgeous Matt. In fact, every other man pales in comparison. One last play. Zoe decides to invade Matt’s territory and make her move before some other clever woman snaps him up. She’ll bust through emotional walls and push boundaries. By the time she’s finished, Matt won’t know what hit him. Yes. Good or bad, she’ll stir things up and take a chance on love.

Note – this book was previously published by All Romance ebooks as part of the 28 Days of Heart series in 2010.

REVIEW:
This is a very short story so it will be a very short review. The subject matter is a little odd. Yes there is no blood between the characters and I do know that there are a number of these stories all over the internet but it was still a little off. The story is good and the writing is good. I just am not sure that most people would enjoy reading this type of relationship.

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

Posted on

Kelly reviews Fever by Maya Banks

TITLE: Fever
SERIES: Breathless #2
CHARACTERS: Jace & Bethany
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise…

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.

REVIEW:
I am so on the fence about this book. I really liked Jace in book one. But in FEVER Jace is very controlling asshat. While he might mean well he does a very poor job showing it. So many times in this book I really wanted Bethany to tell Jace to go to hell and walk away. But that was not going to happen. I really would have liked Bethany to be a bit stronger too. I think Jace needed a woman that would challenge him.

But overall it was an okay story for me. I do plan on finishing this series with Ashes’ book and I hope that book 3 is better than book 2

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.

Posted on

Kelly reviews The Summer He Came Home by Juliana Stone

TITLE: The Summer He Came Home
SERIES: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Cain Black & Maggie O’Rourke
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
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:
4.5 Stars ~ Starting a book off with a funeral doesn’t normally seem like a good idea for a romance novel. But sadly this funeral is what brings all the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake back together.

Cain had vowed many years ago to never come back to this small little town. There was nothing here for him, besides his mom. But with the death of his good friend Cain has returned, but only for a very short visit. Only this time things are just a tad bit prettier in Crystal Lake. Or maybe it is the very pretty and fiery redhead that is new to town.

There are so many ups and downs in this story. I could not put this book down. While book 1 is Cain and Maggie’s story Juliana does a great job of sucking in the secondary character to the forefront and makes us want more of them .

Aaaahhhh I have a new love. I really did love this first book of the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake. And I really really really can’t wait for book two to see what Juliana has in store 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

Posted on

Kelly reviews Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Thrill Ride
Black Knight Inc #4
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
Characters: Rock Babineaux & Vanessa Cordova
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/2/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won’t Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist

very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight

REVIEW:
In Thrill Ride we finally get a little more insight into why Rock went rogue. But even Rock doesn’t completely understand what he was involved in until it is almost too late. But what Rock is willing to do and give up in order to protect his team and the ones he loves will put everyone in the Black Knight Inc family to the ultimate test.

Vanessa is willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring back the man she loves. But when finding a man who doesn’t want to be found is the easiest part of her job. Vanessa finally realizes the true meaning of love, family and never saying give up.

Another great story from Julie Ann Walker. I loved Rock and Vanessa from the glimpses that we got of them in the other Black Knight Inc books. And there story lived up to everything I hoped it would be. Even if there were times I wanted to slap some sense into Rock… Boy is he ever stubborn. I am so glad that Vanessa was tough enough to deal with all his crap. I can’t wait to see what adventure Julie Ann takes us on next.

If you have enjoyed the first three books in the Black Knight Inc Series then I think you will love Thrill Ride. If you have not started the Black Knight Inc Series yet. I would highly suggest you put this on you need to read list.

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

 

Posted on

Kelly reviews Wrecked by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Wrecked
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:04/02/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars ~ Wrecked shows us that no matter how stubborn you are there is always room for change. When Abigale finds herself left at the altar, she decides that it is time for a big change in her life. To do something wild and crazy for once in her life. To break the rules and not always have a plan. Abigale never could have predicted that this one wild and crazy thought would completely and utterly change her life.

When Zach (Abigale’s best friend) finds out about Abigale’s plan for a one-night hot torrid affair. He knows he has to be that person. He can’t sit back any longer and watch the love of his life wreck her life anymore.

But will stepping over that friendship line be everything he hoped for or will it wreck the friendship forever?

I loved this book!!! Such a great story of learning to let go and finding out that everything you ever really wanted has been right in front of you the whole time.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
Posted on

Kelly reviews Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison

TITLE: Rising Darkness
SERIES: Games of Shadows #1
CHARACTERS: Mary & Michael
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison begins an all-new, darkly romantic paranormal saga, in which the fate of existence itself lies in the balance—and the key to victory may rest in the hands of two eternal lovers…

In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. She’s feeling disconnected from herself. Voices appear in her head. And the vivid, disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s handsome, enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself…

Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on—and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. And the more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver.

Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago…Michael.

REVIEW:
I have come to the the conclusion that Urban Fantasy is really not my cup of tea. I am not 100% sure why. But it just doesn’t grab me. Maybe I am going through a phase right now.

That being said Rising Darkness was just okay for me. The storyline was interesting enough. That characters are interesting. But there was something off for me. Again I can’t say way or what it was.

I will be putting this book on my need to re-read again in the future shelf. Maybe the second time around I will be in the right mood.

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.

Posted on

Jennifer reviews Only Lycans Need Apply by Michele Bardsley

TITLE: Only Lycans Need Apply
SERIES #: Broken Heart Vampires
CHARACTERS: Drake and Moira
AUTHOR: Michele Bardsley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: When I found the ancient tomb of the two most powerful vampires in history, I knew I was in for a lot of trouble…..

But archaeologists like me, Moira Jameson, are ready for trouble. Okay, maybe not human-species-threatening trouble. Or the kind of trouble that arrives in the form of a sexy werewolf named Drake. Yeah. Werewolf. And I thought ancient curses and walking corpses were a joke. Um..not so much.

‘Cause a walking corpse Named Karn wants to reveal vampires, and all of parakind, to the humans. And everyone else thinks that’s a bad idea. Then a pyramid mysteriously appears in Broken Heart, Oklahoma, and I’m appointed to get inside, survive booby traps, and awaken two very old, very hungry vampires. Luckily, Drake has my back (and my front). Unfortunately, archaeology sometimes reveals some very nasty surprises. And I’ll have to decide between saving myself…or saving the world.

REVIEW:
This is the ninth novel in the Broken Heart Vampires series and I’m in love with this Oklahoma town where most paranormal beings call home. The main character, Moira Jameson, has the reputation of being difficult among her University colleagues but her love of archaeology has kept her going after the death of her grandfather. When she comes upon a mysterious pyramid during an excavation, all hell breaks loose and she finds out that she has been chosen to awaken two very old vampires and help save mankind. Michele Bardsley’s novels are so full of imagination and humor, it is difficult not to fall for these characters. Moira has such a great heart even though her life has been filled with tragedy and I enjoyed that she was fiercely protective of the people in her life. She understands that she must be the one to free the elder vampires even though Drake would love to take that responsibility from her. Drake is the strong silent type that instantly wants Moira to be his mate and does everything to protect her which was a trait I instantly loved about his character. I was captivated by this story and finished it within one sitting. The humor will have you laughing out loud and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved visiting the town of Broken Heart and was sad when this story had to end and I’m looking forward to heading back to this lovely town soon in Michele’s next novel.

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

Posted on

Kelly reviews Surrender by Stephanie Tyler

TITLE: Surrender
SERIES: Section 8 bk #1
CHARACTERS: Dare O’Rourke & Grace Powell
AUTHOR: Stephanie Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED

For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.

NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.

Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.

**ADDED BY AUTHOR: Dare’s love interest in this book is NOT his half sister – I promise!***

REVIEW:
Stephanie Tyler, a former Navy Seal, Secrets, Lies and Romance…. Do I need to say more?

Oh? I do?

Okay fine, Surrender is a great start to a new romantic suspense series for Stephanie.

Dare O’Rourk finds himself thrown into the middle of a life and death situation. If he fails it is not only his death, but his sisters and a few surprisingly new allies. But learn to trust those allies is not going to be easy.

It seems everyone in this book as some kind of secret they are keeping from the other. Something that could put them all at risk at any time. It seems they can never get a jump on their enemy. Which lead me to believe there was a spy among them… But it was so much worse than I thought.

I will say I was really surprised. I didn’t see the twists and turns that Stephanie through at me. Great first book in this new series. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Section 8 team.

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

Posted on

WHAT BOOK DID YOU WANT TO SEE MADE INTO A “MADE FOR TV” MOVIE?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT BOOK DID YOU WANT TO SEE MADE INTO A “MADE FOR TV” MOVIE?

The number one choice was….. LOVE BY DESIGN BY ELIZABETH JAMES
In a close second was The Fatal Series by Marie Force
Followed by:
Three Sisters by Susan Mallery
The Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton
Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost
Against The Wall by Rebecca Zanetti
Lord Of The Abyss by Nalini Singh
A Christmas Hope by Joseph Pittman
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
The Demonica Series by Larissa Ione
Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James
The Seascape Trilogy by Vicki Hinze
Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian
and The Sultry series by Macy Beckett

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Her Lucky Love by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Her Lucky Love
SERIES: Holiday Montana #4
CHARACTERS: Brayden Cooper & Allison Malone
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: March 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brayden Cooper has always been lucky. It’s in his blood and in the coin that he has hanging on a leather tie around his neck. He has everything in the world he could ever want: money, a job, brothers he loves, and the luck that comes with his powers. Yet he’s empty. Everyone but him knows he loves Allison, yet it’s going to take something stronger than luck to bring them together.

Allison Malone is exhausted. After the death of her abusive husband, her hell of a marriage is finally over and now she’s alone with her three children that are the center of her world. Long hours at work, plus mommy duty at home are taking its toll on her and that’s not the worst of it. Her late husband’s family is in town and they want her children.

The outsiders have secrets of their own and it’s going to take all of the Coopers, especially Brayden’s, help to save them. When trouble attacks, Allison will have to remember that she’s also a woman who needs love, and Brayden might be the one to give that to her.

Warning: Contains one sexy mechanic with a lucky streak, a waitress who needs to give into her temptations, and a love so fierce it’s bound to set the sheets on fire. Again.

REVIEW:
Finally Brayden gets his story and we get to see a side of Bray that no one would believe. See Brayden is the nice Cooper brother. Well that is what everyone thinks. But Brayden has been keeping a secret. One he has not wanted to share with anyone let alone his pain in the butt brothers. But when a threat from Allison’s past comes back, Brayden is willing to do anything to keep the love of his life safe and sound.

This was a really good story. I was so happy that Bray & Ally finally got over their issues and made a run of it. They are so sweet & hot together. And Brayden while he may seem the sweet nice Cooper brother, he does have a few surprises up his sleeves for his new lady love.

If you have enjoyed the other Holiday Montana stories you will really enjoy Her Lucky Love. Can’t wait to see what happens with the next and final book in the Holiday Montana 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.

4 Hearts