Kimberly’s review of SECRET by L. Marie Adeline
TITLE: SECRET
CHARACTERS: Cassie
AUTHOR: L. Marie Adeline
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In S.E.C.R.E.T there are…
No Judgments. No limits. No shame.
Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed. The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.
REVIEW:
First I want to say I enjoy reading erotica so I wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t. Yes the sex scenes are hot the rest of it is just not worth it. If this society existed I might even join it because I think it is empowering to women and I will give the author that much. If you read this book and it empowers you to enjoy yourself, your life and your sex then by all means read it but I just never connected with Cassie.
I want to read the erotica where there is a romance to it. I want to know that in the end the H/H will be together… I want the HEA and this just didn’t do that for me.
That being said I can certainly understand those who loved this book. I think it has so much potential and the right kind of reader would love it… that is just not me.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday’s Thought…
Who was your fictional Valentine? Check out the list… You may find a new love!
CURRAN – Kate Daniel’s series by Ilona Andrews
ADAM – Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs
CALVIN – Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
NICK – Fatal Series by Marie Force
TREY – Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett
HARDY – Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
ILLIAM – Guild Hunters series by Nalini Singh
ACHERON – Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon
REYES – Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones
ANY DOM – Shadowlands series by Cherise Sinclair
STRIDER – The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter
WRAITH – Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione
BRADEN – On Dublin Street b y Samatha Young
DIMITRI & ADRIAN – Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
CLAY – All Summer Long by Susan Mallery
ANY DOM – Mountain Masters/Dark Haven series by Kallypso Masters
GRAYSON – Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
Kimberly’s review of Love & A Blue Eyed Cowboy by Sandra Chastain
TITLE: Love And A Blue-Eyed Cowboy
CHARACTERS: Fortune & Hunter
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunky cowboy Hunter Kincaid is bruised, broke, and brash enough to think that he can win the top prize in a motorcycle scavenger hunt through the backwoods of Georgia. What he doesn’t count on is being saddled with Fortune Dagosta as a partner. After locking horns with the back-seat driver, Hunter soon hopes to lock lips. Can a loner of the open road be a lover with an open heart?
Fortune has no idea how she’ll survive a week on the road with a smartass like Hunter. But she needs the money from the race to put a new roof on her halfway house for troubled kids—and Hunter’s her best shot at first place. Despite a few bumps on the way, Fortune finds herself lost in Hunter’s deep blue eyes. Neither expects the attraction to last, but Hunter and Fortune have embarked on the ride of their lives.
REVIEW:
This story is so adorable. First let me say some of the things are dated since it was originally released in 1992 apparently. There are references to talking to Minnie Pearl, Barbara Mandrell, etc but the names are either unknown to the modern reader (Mandrell) or the person has passed away (Pearl) so that was a little dated but the rest of the story is really cute.
Imagine the “Amazing Race” in the Carolinas & Georgia. That is what this book is about. Two strangers thrown together following clues to win the race and make money. But they have their own reasons for wanting the money. The journey with these characters is sweet. Hunter is just an all around good guy and Fortune is almost too sweet for words but something about her makes her human and not icky sweet.
This is an adorable book to have for that winter day curled up on the couch in front of the fire (that is what I did).
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly’s review of Release Me by J. Kenner
TITLE: Release Me
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.
Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.
Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.
But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.
REVIEW:
This is a very intense book. Not because of the sex which is actually relatively low key, yet exciting. I mean the characters. We learn mostly about Nikki in this story and she has a very intense past. Her pain is almost palpable on the pages. I did expect a slightly different reason for her pain (a more dramatic reason) so I was a little disappointed in the simplicity of her reasoning for doing what she does but that does not make it any less extreme.
This book will be compared to 50 Shades Of Grey (aren’t all erotic stories now?) and while I can understand the comparison because there are similarities it would not be fair. However, it will be because the synopsis itself is claiming if you like Shades you will like this. But while I reviewed Shades as a haunting love story, this book is more of an intense romance. Damien is very romantic, sweet and there is never a hardness about him. And Nikki is not an innocent.
Yes if you liked Shades you will probably like this book too but not because there is a comparison but because it is the same genre. I assume in the next book (Claim Me) that we will learn more of Damien’s story. Which I look forward to.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly’s review of Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire
TITLE: Making Him Sweat
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Mercer
AUTHOR: Meg Maguire
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s hitting below the belt…
Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who’s inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business…provided she can take on the very intimidating—and wickedly hot—boxer who stands in her way!
Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He’s the only one who can protect his “home”—even if it is a little run-down— from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere…
Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it…
REVIEW:
2.5 Stars
I found this book to be almost boring to be honest. The characters did not connect at all. Something was just off with the characters and the writing. I really wanted to enjoy this story but I just couldn’t. I also wanted to think that maybe this was the first book from this author because I did see a lot of potential but I looked it up and she has written quite a few stories so I am not sure why this book just didn’t click.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly’s review of Three Sisters by Susan Mallery
TITLE: Three Sisters
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #2
CHARACTERS: Andi/Boston/Deanna
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life – buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi’s new future may be coming together, but the truth is she’s just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house.
When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora’s Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he’s right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she’s lost herself, and she’s in danger of losing her entire family if things don’t change.
Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for one other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she’s not so sure. Now it’s time for them to move forward, with or without one another.
Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they’re really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.
REVIEW:
LIVE ~ LOVE ~ LAUGH
These are the best words to describe the ladies of the houses known as the Three Sister. One friend needs to learn to live again after the death of her baby. One friend needs to learn to love and trust again after a relationship ends. And one just needs to learn how to laugh and not take life so seriously.
This is not a story of romance (but of course there is some). However this is a story about love. Learning to love yourself and the women who have become your friends. Each story is told only from the female point of view with three different yet intertwined stories. They are heartbreaking and emotional. The stories leave you sad, angry, happy and renewed. The women that Susan Mallery has given us are so different that at first I thought I wonder which one of these women I will relate to and I found I somehow related to all of them in some way. I was the woman left with a broken heart wondering if I should or could love again, I was the woman who had lost something so incredibly special I wondered if I could be whole again and I was the woman who had done everything to be the woman I was supposed to be and was not sure if it was enough. I think every woman has been these women at some point in their lives. No, not all at once but over time and years.
These women were so poignant that it was hard not to feel the emotions of each as I read their stories and finally decided to just stop trying to fight the feelings and embrace them. I cried, I smiled, I wanted to be at their table having wine and giving them my opinion of what they needed to do.
This is not Fool’s Gold. This is real life encompassed in one single book. How Susan Mallery got through the writing of this book with all the emotions she poured into it I will never know but I am glad she did. I am a better person for “knowing” these three women because I see myself in each of them and realize every woman should spend more time LIVING ~ LOVING ~ AND LAUGHING.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly’s review of Bungalow Nights by Christie Ridgway
TITLE: Bungalow Nights
SERIES #: Beach House #2
CHARACTERS: Layla & Vance
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway’s Crescent Cove, California, where the magic of summer can last forever… Combat medic Vance Smith made a promise to a fallen officer: to treat the man’s young daughter to an idyllic vacation at Beach House No. 9. One month, some sun and surf, a “helmet list” of activities to check off and Vance will move on. But the “little girl” he’s expecting turns out to be a full-grown woman. With silky hair, big brown eyes and smelling sweetly of the cupcakes she makes for her mobile bakery, Layla Parker is irresistible. And Vance shouldn’t lay a finger on her. Honor-and one heck of a scarred heart-says so.
To Layla, Vance is a hero who was injured trying to save her father’s life. She intends to spend their month of lazy days and warm nights taking very good care of the gorgeous soldier-inside and out…
REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book but I am not sure it was one of my favorites from Ridgway. I enjoyed the story of Vance and Layla. I thought they had a very good chemistry and I enjoyed reading their story. Both of their stories were sad and yet sweet. In the beginning I was not sure about the relationship between Vance and Layla. It seemed a little forced but then it really began to grow. I just wish it had not taken so long. The story of Layla’s dad was just heartbreaking.
However, I just never got into the story of Baxter and Addy. I usually enjoy a background romance but those two had no chemistry at all.
This is the second in the series but it can mostly certainly stand alone. If this is the first time you are reading Ridgway then read the first in the series before this one. Do not base the author solely on this book. I love everything this author writes and this was not an exception it just will not be high on my favorites.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly’s review of Platinum by Jeffe Kennedy
TITLE: Platinum
CHARACTERS: Steel & Althea
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Althea Grant’s Charleston gallery might be suffering from the bad economy, and her artistic aspirations have gone nowhere, but she’s doing just fine, thank you. When bad-boy sculptor Steel rides up on his motorcycle looking to rent studio space, his infusion of cash is more than welcome. But his art is raw, visceral, sexual—and completely inappropriate for her pastel world of watercolor landscapes.
Steel, fascinated by Althea’s rare albino coloring, sees in her the key to his next piece: a metal satyr designed for bondage games. Moving into her gallery basement is the first step; seducing the cool Southern belle into modeling for him is the second.
As Steel peels away her careful manners and tasteful outfits, Althea begins to realize her life isn’t just fine at all—it’s as pale and washed-out as the watercolor paintings she’s failing to sell. Can she transform her life and accept her most secret desires?
REVIEW:
You know what I liked best about this book? Steel and Althea are just normal people. Steel is not some billionaire CEO with control issues. Althea is not some off the street secretary. They are normal people. If anything Althea is the one who was brought up proper and has never known the world that Steel leads her to. He is beer and she is wine but they work together.
Yes, Steel is into having control in the bedroom and his BDSM is new to Althea but he is always willing to let her be who she wants to be. I enjoyed the playfulness that Steel has when he is around Althea. I just really enjoyed the whole story.
I did, however, feel like the ending was a bit rushed. Another couple of chapters (or maybe even just an epilogue) would have been nice. It just needed a bit more. But other than that I think if you like erotica this will be one you really enjoy.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly’s review of Vampires Gone Wild by Sparks/Palmer/Arista/Falconer
TITLE: Vampires Gone Wild
SERIES #: Love At Stake #13.5
AUTHOR: Sparks/Palmer/Arista/Falconer
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/12/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
Pamela decides to shed her prim and proper ways for spandex and a mask to help fight the Malcontents. Now if only she weren’t so distracted by the sexy vampire fighting by her side . . .
A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Trapped in Vamp City, Lukas has been unable to return to the beauty who stole his heart. But now that she’s stumbled into his world, it will take every ounce of cunning he possesses to keep her alive.
First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Valiance’s first date in a hundred years is going great . . . until they’re attacked in the parking lot and quiet, unassuming Esme turns out to be way more than she appears.
Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay lives a vampire race that wants nothing to do with the “landers” except to feed on them. But when Stellan sets eyes on Angelina, everything changes.
REVIEW:
I was going to review each short story separately but honestly they are so much alike it how I would review them that I changed my mind. These stories are all a little weird. All a little odd. All a bit stupid and all a bit interesting. Honestly I am not sure if I liked these stories but something kept me wanting to read all four stories. The problem was some seem part of an ongoing series so that was a bit confusing since I have not read these authors before. But honestly I think it was just not enough time with the characters and the storylines. As with most books with more than one story/author I enjoyed some stories and didn’t some others.
If you are looking for a true vampire story than these are not it but if you are looking for a quick paranormal read that just happen to be called vampires than pick this book up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Guest Reviewer Shayna reviews Crossing Lines by Alannah Lynne
TITLE: Crossing Lines
SERIES #: Heat Wave #3
CHARACTERS: Kevin & Sam
AUTHOR: Alannah Lynne
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/28/13
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The world’s best-stocked toy drawer can only take a gal so far. Bored with her current assortment of vibrating, plastic pieces, Sam Wallace decides to add a new sex toy to her collection: Kevin Mazze. The sexy Italian is more than happy to help her live out her long-held sexual fantasies, and trusting him with her body is easy. Trusting him with her heart, however, is not… especially when he commits an unforgiveable sin.
Kevin Mazze is one of the good guys. He’s spent his life always doing the right things and making those around him happy. When he meets the woman of his dreams, at the worst possible time, he finds himself making bad choices in the name of good and crossing lines he never thought he would… while praying she never finds out.
REVIEW:
Let me just start off by saying I could not put this book down. I was so excited to hear that this was Kevin’s story. I wanted Kevin to have his Happily Ever After and Sam could not be more perfect for him in all ways possible. This was an emotional story for me. I laughed, I got angry, and definitely teared up a little. Thank you Alannah for a fabulous read. You never disappoint! If you haven’t started the Heat Wave Series, you are definitely missing out on something special.
Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.
