Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Forever Werewolf/Moon Kisses by Michele Hauf

TITLE: Forever Werewolf/Moon Kisses
AUTHOR: Michele Hauf
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/03/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FOREVER WEREWOLF
Alexis Conner, princess of the Alpine pack and pureblood werewolf, hides a painful secret-she has never shifted. If she can’t shift, she can’t mate, and so Lexi resigned herself to a lifetime of loneliness. But then a stranger arrives, and Lexi senses that her world will never be the same….
A massive avalanche might be to blame for Trystan Hawkes getting stuck at Castle Wulfsiege, but after one look at Lexi, Trystan is not about to leave. Lexi is strong, smart and incredibly sexy. Not that it matters. Tryst is an omega-the fabled lone wolf. Even more damning is his mixed vampire heritage. Lexi knows that the vampire blood running through Tryst’s veins makes him off-limits, but what if he’s the one man who can rouse her inner wolf?

MOON KISSED
Escaping from bloodthirsty vampires, Belladonna Reynolds ran straight into the arms of a werewolf. As a man Severo drew her in with his dark good looks; as a beast he astounded her with his insatiable sensual appetite. Whether afraid or aroused, Bella fled to his lair when threatened by an evil monster of the night…. Severo tried to keep Bella–his mate–safe from the vampiress who held a malicious desire for revenge against him, but he alone wasn’t enough. Now Bella had taken the form of his most cursed enemy. How could he desire the very thing he’d spent his life destroying? And even if he did, what would the werewolf do to Bella on the next full moon?

REVIEW:
This book contains two stories. Reviewed separately.
FOREVER WEREWOLF
3 Stars… Honestly I am not sure how I felt about this story. While I wanted to know what happened and wanted to read to the end of the book I also wondered why I wanted to do that. The characters were written in such a juvenile way (especially in their speech) that I actually went back to check to see if this was YA, which it was not. The sex scenes later would give that away. The story was interesting and kept me interested but I was just never into the characters. Tryst seems like some kind of childish man who idolizes the idea of living in a pack and Lexie is very cold. But something does seem to click with them eventually. This is my first story from this author so I am not sure of her normal writing but something is just different about it.

MOON KISSED
3 ½ Stars… Based on the first book (see above) I was not sure about reading this story but it was much better than the first one I read. This story was more mature and the storyline was very good. I enjoyed the characters of both Bella and Severo even though I felt the writing did not keep to the character of Severo toward the end and changed him which was disappointing. Bella is a bit of a desperate woman to me but yet something about her is very intriguing. This is a good werewolf story that any fan of the genre would enjoy.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Just One Night by Eve Gaddy

TITLE: Just One Night
AUTHOR: Eve Gaddy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’d invited her to walk in the moonlight–but would it lead to more than just one night?

His tender smile invited her to confess her deepest secrets, but Luke Morgan never expected Alex Sheridan to reveal the memories that tormented her dreams. When his comforting caresses escalated into sudden, sweet ecstasy, Alex was stunned by the speed of her surrender! The rugged architect had slipped through her defenses and touched her soul, but when suspicion shadowed his every move, could she help him clear his name?

In this explosive and intriguing novel of high stakes and risky business, Eve Gaddy challenges her lovers to walk a tightrope between trust and betrayal. Drawn to a charismatic man who’d soothed her grief one restless night, she’d found herself sharing her pain–and his bed–but could she believe their sudden passion might be the real thing?

REVIEW:
For some reason I just could not get into this story. It has an interesting story so I am not sure what it was but it was definitely something that just didn’t click for me. I also had a hard time with some of the inaccuracies like the fact that Luke just hands over the names of his Navy SEALS (ummm no!), etc. I wish I could explain what didn’t work for me with this story but I just can’t. I would say if the synopsis interest you then read it because it could just be me and you might enjoy it more than I did.

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

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Kimberly’s review of How To Marry A Warlock In 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde

TITLE: How To Marry A Warlock In 10 Days
AUTHOR: Saranna DeWylde
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/25/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Middy Cherrywood does. She’s got more warlock than she can hex with Dred Shadowins. He isn’t just a billionaire playboy and Weekly Warlock centerfold. He’s a spy for the High Chancellor, and he convinces Middy to pose as his fiancée for his latest mission. Too bad no one told his mother before she slipped Middy a potion that will make their sham engagement all too real in just ten days.

Dred Shadowins already has his hands full with cursed objects, possessed nuns, and dreams where Merlin makes him pay for taking his name in vain by relating his sexcapades with Nimue. But by the end of the mission, he’s convinced his most difficult challenge is the hero’s cape Middy’s draped over his shoulders. Because he wants nothing more than to give her the one thing he may not be capable of providing: Happily Ever After.

REVIEW:
I have to say that I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. I was not sure based on the beginning of the book because it seemed a little over the top on magic and thought it might be heading towards a cheesy witch story but a little way into the book I really began to enjoy it.

Middy and Dred have a great relationship and are written really well and with a good amount of humor. I liked the fact that Dred admits he has always had a crush on Middy because it brings the story full circle. There were some twist and turns that were fun to read.

I think anyone would enjoy this story whether you are a fan of paranormal or just romance but as a fan of books with witches you will find yourself unable to put it down.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Forbidden by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Forbidden
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE:  10/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles the evil forces who prey on them.

The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.

REVIEW:
This is a new series about Nightwalkers branching off from the older one about Bodywalkers and I have to say I was confused. I have not read the other series and I just had no idea who these characters were and why they were doing what they were doing.

That being said it was an interesting story if not a bit too far fetched for me. I guess I should have realized that this was about a reincarnation from long ago using another body to come back to the world and should have stayed away but I didn’t so I have to say I am just not interested in that type of storyline. As I said it is an interesting story and I can see why so many people would be fans of it but it is just not the genre that I am interested in.

I gave it 3 stars because while I would say I was not a fan of it at the same time I feel I am influenced by the fact that it is not my cup of tea. If you are a fan of Frank’s and have read the other in the previous series I am sure you will enjoy this one just as much.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Lean On Me by HelenKay Dimon

TITLE: Lean On Me
AUTHOR: HelenKay Dimon
PUBLICATION DATE:   10/22/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cassidy Clarke once climbed the world’s highest mountains, but after an unexpected illness ends her career she’s back in her hometown, broke and hoping for a little luck. But the townsfolk aren’t exactly putting out a welcome mat for the woman who once snubbed them in the media, despite her apologies now.

Mitch Anders knows someone has set up camp on the grounds of his plant nursery, and he’s surprised to find his sexy high school crush ducking questions about where she’s staying. Though he’s sworn to stop cleaning up other people’s messes, Mitch offers Cassidy a job and a place to stay—his place. Bedsharing optional, but definitely welcome.

Out of options and too attracted to Mitch to keep things platonic, Cassidy says yes to his offer. She wants to get back on her feet financially and start a new career. She never expects to suffer a different kind of fall, one that has her believing Mitch just might bring her something bigger and better than luck.

REVIEW:
This was a very cute read. While I am not sure that the story was any different than so many other short stories out there it was written very well and the characters were immediately relatable. Cassidy was written really strong, independent and in such a low point in her life that you feel so sad for her yet proud of her for surviving. Mitch suffers from white knight syndrome which is common in short romance stories. I enjoyed this read. I read it between larger novels just to read something short and move beyond one story to the other and it worked better than I thought. It only took a couple hours to read and would have enjoyed it to be a little longer.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Planning For Love by Christi Barth

TITLE: Planning For Love
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes and anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott request the pleasure of your company for their disaster of a courtship.

Wedding planner Ivy Rhodes is the best in the business, and she’s not about to let a personal problem stop her from getting ahead. So when she’s asked to star in the reality TV show Planning for Love, it doesn’t matter that the show’s videographer happens to be a recent—and heartbreaking—one-night stand.

Bennett Westcott admits he didn’t handle his encounter with Ivy very well. But looking at her beautiful smile—and great body—through a camera lens every day? He can’t be faulted for suggesting they have some no-strings fun.

The more time they spend together, the more Ben realizes Ivy isn’t the wedding-crazed bridezilla he’d imagined. But if he doesn’t trust himself to make a relationship last, how can he convince Ivy to give him another chance?

REVIEW:
Have you ever heard the line “Chase him until he catches you”? Well that is the best way to describe this storyline. While some of the story could be a bit cliche’ it was really a good story. Ivy is the typical wedding planner who believes in romance, love and forever. Ben is the typical cynical man who believes in reality, lust and for now. But there is something about Ivy that he can not ignore.

What I enjoyed about this book was the characters were very real and relatable. Both Ivy’s romantic heart and Ben’s scared one are something people can relate to. The background stories are interesting and some of the scenes are very sweet between these two characters. I thought they were written very well together and enjoyed watching Ben do romantic things without even knowing he was being romantic. We have all met people like these two people. The woman who falls in love with every man she has one date with and the man who is afraid of commitment. They are the perfect characters to write a love story about.

However, they are also the same “couple” we read about in a lot of books. While they were enjoyable and it was a good version of the story it was the same story I have read before. Her the hopeless romantic woman and him the commitment-phobic man. There did not seem to be much difference in so many other books as far as storyline goes. I wanted something different, just any part of the book to be different, but it never happened.

I did enjoy the background characters. I would have loved to read more about the guys getting together. I loved the poker game and would have loved a couple more scenes of that throughout the book. Daphne is an interesting character and I hope the next book is about her. She is egotistical (when it comes to work), loyal (when it comes to friends) and funny (ok maybe snide is a better word). While I am sure her story is already written I would love to see Daphne with a man who is color-blind and can not view her floral “masterpieces” the way she does (just a hint to Barth in case her book is not written).

If you love the romance genre, as I do, then you will enjoy this book. Yes, it is something we have all read before but it is beautifully written and enjoyable. I look forward to Barth’s next book.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of How To Drive A Dragon Crazy by G.A. Aiken

TITLE: How to Drive a Dragon Crazy – The Dragon Kin #6
AUTHOR: G.A. Aiken
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. Honestly, though, I thought I was finished with the one dragon I’d have done anything for: Éibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue-haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me.

If Éibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn’t need it — namely me — I’ll let him. Because while I’m trying to fulfill a ridiculous quest for a pushy god, I’m going to draw this overconfident warlord much too close, rekindle his fires, and enjoy every minute of his delicious defeat.

REVIEW:
Okay, Maybe starting with book 6 was not a good idea.  There seemed to be so much history in this series I think I should have started with book 1.   That being said this book was just okay for me.  Maybe when I have a little more time I will start this series from the beginning.

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.

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Kimberly’s review of Avenging Angel by Anne Marie Becker

TITLE: Avenging Angel
AUTHOR: Anne Marie Becker
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Grains of sand glistened in the moonlight, bright against the backdrop of her wet hair. Her blue lips were parted slightly, as if she could take in that last breath she’d been gasping for. She was, in a word, perfection.
When his friend’s niece is murdered, Detective Noah Crandall vows to track down the killer. Since the victim worked in an art gallery with the well-connected and well-heeled Vanessa Knight, Noah questions her first. Despite the chemistry between them, Noah tells himself a relationship would be impossible. He’s a loner and their backgrounds are worlds apart.
Drawn to Noah and horrified by the death of her intern, Vanessa shares her insights into the New York City art world. As they work together on the case, she’s tempted to explore the possibility of a real relationship with the sexy outsider who ignites her desire. But what Vanessa doesn’t realize is that in order to complete his gruesome series of paintings, the killer has targeted her to become his next victim…

REVIEW:
This is the second in the “Mindhunters” series which I did not read the first one but having gone back and read the synopsis for the first in the series I do not think they are connected except the SSAM institute mentioned in the book. This book certainly stands alone.

Honestly I am not sure why I liked this book but I did. It is filled with more cliche’ than believable, it has Noah being the perfect, protective and handsome cop who had a terrible childhood, Vanessa being the heiress that wants to make her own way in the art world even without her parents approval, the fact that she is dumb enough to not believe she is in danger and even down to the walking out of the ocean scene but this really was a good book.  It is fast moving and filled with suspense. I enjoyed this couple when they were together but I have to say while I realize it was done for background in the story the fact that Vanessa can not tell her, in her mind, ex boyfriend they are really through just grated on me. She just did that whole “there will be a better time than now” thing and it drove me nuts. Then the fact that she feels the need to run after this man and he thinks he doesn’t deserve love was again so cliche’ but the story is very interesting and a fun read. I enjoyed the camaraderie with Noah and Diego a lot.

I wish there had been a slightly different ending. It just didn’t seem to give the “correct” finale to me and a epilogue was really needed. I know it should be that I did not enjoy this book with all the complaints I am writing but I really did enjoy it and I think if you enjoy romantic suspense then you will too.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Shades of Temptation by Virna DePaul

TITLE: Shades of Temptation
AUTHOR: Virna DePaul
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/18/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Carrie Ward understands dangerous men, and she’s got the scars to prove it. These days, the Special Investigations Group detective saves her risk taking for the job. But when she’s asked to pursue a high-profile serial killer, she’ll have to join forces with the last man she wants to depend on—Jase Tyler, an ace senior detective who’s as reckless as she is cautious. And despite her best intentions, the sparks begin to fly.As Carrie and Jase race to try to save the next victim, the passion that simmers between them ignites. But a cunning killer at the top of his game is challenging carrie to play to the very end. Now all she can count on are her instincts—and Jase, the one man daring enough to keep her safe….

REVIEW:
I enjoyed Shade of Temptation but not as much as book 1 Shade of Desire.

In Shades of Temptation we get to learn more about Jase and Carrie.  While I really liked Jase and Carrie’s story I kinda felt like these two were forced together.  It took a very long time for me to feel the connection between these two.  They do make a great team, but I struggled a little with them as a couple. But other than this was a good book.
Jase & Carrie have to team up to solve not one but two serial murder cases.  But when one of the serial murders sets his eyes on Jase & Carrie, these two learn quickly how fragile life really is.
If you like a good romantic suspense and liked Shades of Desire I believe you will like Shades of Temptation.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Lip Service by M.J. Rose

TITLE: Lip Service
AUTHOR: M.J. Rose
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lip Service is the prequel to M.J. Rose’s Bestselling Butterfield Institute Series which includes three novels – The Halo Effect, The Delilah Complex, The Venus Fix – and the short story collection In Session.

Lip Service probes the secret world of phone sex and one woman who becomes empowered by what she discovers there. Not since Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying has a novel so masterfully examined the relationship between sexuality and identity. On the surface, Julia Sterling’s life seems blessed. Married to a renowned psychiatrist, living on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side, Julia deeply loves her stepson, and is forging a career as a journalist.

When a writing job at The Butterfield Institute – a sex therapy clinic – exposes her to the world of phone sex, Julia glimpses a world that stirs her erotic fantasies but threatens her carefully constructed reality. As she explores her emotional and sexual connections to the men she knows and several she will never meet, she confronts evil, perversity, and her own passions.

Tracing the currents of desire, illusion, and psychological manipulation,Lip Service is an astonishingly vivid glimpse into one woman’s inner life. At the same time, this electrifying thriller grips the reader as it builds toward a battering climax.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release of a book from 1999 and the first thing the reader will notice is some of the dated references (sitting next to JFK Jr., debating banning cigarette tv ads, etc). I found myself forcing myself to read this book and I think it has something to do with the time line. While 1999 was not all that long ago the era was so different. Phone sex was a huge thing before the internet and the references to some many now not so current subjects was distracting. I can see how maybe at the time this was erotic and sensual but not much anymore.

The story has to do with Julia and her psychiatrist husband and the power he holds over her. In this day in age we would have claimed she was emotionally abused. This is also a coming into your own story and while I can appreciate that this story is written as if the character is sitting on the shrink’s couch.This is the first book by M.J. Rose and she has gone on to write many books but I think re-releasing this book was not a wise decision.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Lethal Rider
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/22/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he’s about to become a father.
Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he’s ever wanted- a family.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Lords of Deliverance series. This story wraps around Thanatos (Death) and Regan. The beginning of this book was actually in Immortal Rider (#2) when Regan seduced Than and took his five thousand year old virginity and now Regan is pregnant with Than’s child. When this book starts Than has been held captive and Regan is 8 months pregnant. Now Than has learned about their baby and will do anything to keep his son safe and Regan’s as well.

As with all Ione’s books this book proves yet again that she is the queen of paranormal romance. No one can write this genre like Ione can. It is amazing how she can make demons so human and humans act so monstrous. When we first met Regan her acts were just unbelievable and we actually felt angered on behalf of Than but with this book we read about her redemption. We get to know her past and why she was so easily swayed to do anything she had to do to get pregnant by Than. Regan really becomes someone we understand and have compassion for. Than is just so delightful. Yes he is the Horseman of Death and has a side to him that should be turned away from but his actions with Regan and the unborn child are so gentle and loving that it is hard not to fall for him.

This is the third in the L of D series but also continues from the Demonica series. I would suggest starting at the beginning of the Demonica series but at the minimum start with book one of the L of D series. This whole series is about the coming of the apocalypse and without reading the first and continuing from there the background of this story will not make as much sense. Ione is a great author and you will not regret reading this entire series if you enjoy paranormal romance.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of A Jaguar’s Kiss by Katie Reus

TITLE: A Jaguar’s Kiss
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Owen Wright, alpha of his wolf pack, hasn’t seen jaguar shifter Gabriela Segura in nearly ten years. She was his first love—until he did something to drive her away just as their relationship was heating up. Now Gabriela has returned to Montana, and his craving for her is stronger than ever….

But a recent string of brutal attacks on humans have the wolves suspicious of the jaguars, threatening the tenuous peace between the packs. Before he can claim Gabriela as his mate, they must join forces to prove her family’s innocence and track down the true predator.

REVIEW:
Returning home after too many years away Gabriela finds herself being kidnapped by one of the the local wolf pack and he is blabbering on about jaguar attacks on the locals.   All Gabriela wants to do is get home and find out if what the wolf is saying is true.  To check in with her family to make sure they are all okay. The last thing and the last person she wants to see Owen Wright, the love of her life, the man who broke her heart just walked through the door.

This was a really good novella.  I loved the mystery of who is behind the killings, although I would have loved to get a little more into the heads of the bad guys.  But Gabriela and Owen are great together.

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