Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Snowbound with a Stranger by Rebecca Rogers Maher

Snowbound with a Stranger
AUTHOR: Rebecca Rogers Maher
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dannie Marino is hiking with colleagues when a sudden blizzard separates her from her group. She’s rescued by Lee, a dangerously sexy stranger who leads her to a remote cabin to weather the storm.
When the night inevitably ends in an intense erotic encounter, Dannie is both shocked and liberated by her response. But being intimate means letting herself be vulnerable, which isn’t her style. Lee tries to reach out to her, but she avoids any emotional entanglement by pushing him away.
Snowed in and unable to hide from each other, Dannie and Lee must both face up to their most closely guarded emotions. When the storm abates, will they be able to stop running from the past and live fully in the future?

REVIEW:
This is a very quick read with only about 75 pages and I really enjoyed it. Both characters of Dannie and Lee have issues from their past but when they are stuck in a small cabin for three days those issues become secondary to the current of passion that is running between them. A lot happens to these two while they are stranded. It is a really well written story that the reader gets to enjoy. It is not all about passion and love there are real emotions these two have and I would have liked a bit of a longer book to delve deeper into their stories. We read that Dannie is feeling burnt out in her job but the story only skims the top of why she is feeling this way and Lee has had some major heartbreak and has secluded himself from feeling for the last few years and that also could have been discussed. Also these characters have an instant connection but we never read why and *possible spoiler* Lee feels this connection just looking at her picture before he even meets Dannie. That being said this book is a really good story and would be great to have ready for when you need a quick read.

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Let Me In by Callie Croix

Let Me In
AUTHOR: Callie Croix
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On leave for Thanksgiving, the last thing marine lieutenant Talia Barnett expects to find is Liam Brodie waiting for her at the airport. He’s had a starring role in her fantasies for the past two years, and although she’d love to make them a reality, she has a dark secret that prevents her from taking things further.

A former marine, Liam’s specialty is planning tactical operations, and that’s just what he plans to do to win Talia. The woman has kept him at arm’s length for too long, and this time he’s finally going to claim her—body and heart.

What begins as comfort quickly turns hot. When Liam shows Talia a hint of the dominant nature inside him, the submissive part of her flares to life. Though she desires him, she’s going back on deployment and doesn’t want to dump all her drama on him. Will he find a way to break through the protective walls around her heart and convince her they have a future that goes far beyond the bedroom?

REVIEW:
This is a short read (about 100 pages). The synopsis really does not go into all the storylines of this book. Of course the book has the story of Talia and Liam together but it also is the story of a daughter who needs to care for her mentally ill/hoarding mother, her inability to become close to anyone because they might find out about her mother, her desire to be in a real family where she feels loved and cared for and her desire to know she is not alone in her world. Talia is a very complex character who can be a strong Marine and put her life on the line every day while deployed but a scared child when she comes home on leave. Liam has been in love with Talia for the two years he has known her and is willing to take on her burdens if she would only let him.
While the book mentions over and over his dominant nature there really is not much shown in the book. There is very little that I would even consider that makes this book require the “erotica” title. Of course there is sex in the book but we are not talking S&M dominant just a man who takes control in the bedroom. I enjoyed this read and it would be a great book to have on your e-reader for when you need a short, interesting, and enjoyable read.

4 Hearts


REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Hunting the Shadows by Alexis Reed

Hunting The Shadows
AUTHOR: Alexia Reed
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amy has spent her life in isolation. Locked away in the Centre, a secret government facility where children with extraordinary abilities are raised as highly skilled fighters, she longs for a normal life. A life where being around people doesn’t overload her sensitive telepathic mind. A life where she can’t see through the eyes of a murderer as he hunts down his next victim…

J.C. Nikolaiev was a top researcher, but when his conscience got the better of him, he tried to destroy his work and free his subjects—and was imprisoned as a traitor. To save himself and prevent more people from dying, J.C. must catch the serial killer stalking the halls of the facility. But his only leads come from a woman whose thoughts have invaded his mind…

Finally out of the psych ward, Amy joins forces with J.C. to find the killer before he closes in on them. Can their growing attraction withstand the truths they uncover?

REVIEW:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This seems to be the first book by this author and I was not sure what to expect but this book had the feel of Christine Feehan’s “GhostWalkers” series. At first when I read the synopsis I wondered if it was going to be a take off of Feehan’s books but this book really stands alone and while it has the same feel to it the fact is this book can only be compared to “GhostWalkers” because it is set in an institution and there is telepathy being used. That being said if you enjoy the “GhostWalkers” series you can not miss this book. I can imagine Reed’s writing evolving to become a very well known name in the paranormal world. This book had excitement, romance and suspense. I did not want to miss a word of it. Yes, I do believe Reed has some work to do to reach the pinnacle of say someone like Feehan but I believe she could do it in time.

The character of Amy is simplistic and yet intriguing. She has so many talents and yet has been locked away her whole life so while she can kill a man with her mind she has never touched grass and the joy she gets from doing that is endearing. J.C. is an interesting character. While you can sense how he feels for Amy there are a number of times you wonder if he really is on her side or is he just being “a company man” and doing what he has to do. I would have been happier to if I had met more of the background players and they had been given more of a storyline since I found it easy to identify the killer pretty early. I enjoyed the intimate communication between Amy and J.C. very much and wish there had been a little more of it in the personal setting and not just in time of stress but the few times we heard the personal conversations I feel it brought more connection to the couple.

This is a really good book and if you like romantic suspense then you will really like this book. I look forward to watching the growth of this author and can’t wait to see where she takes her career.

4 Hearts


REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Only Yours by Susan Mallery

Only Yours
Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Man’s best…matchmaker?

Montana Hendrix has found her calling–working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right…or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

REVIEW:

Another great visit to “The Land of Happy Endings” in the “Fool’s Gold” series by Susan Mallery!

This is the 5th in the series and the second of the Hendrix triplets story. Montana is the most interesting of the triplets, she thinks her sisters are beautiful but finds herself lacking, she sees good in everyone except herself and in this book we find out why. Simon has had a extremely hard life and really has very little emotion when it comes to other people. Montana and Simon make an interesting pair. You really feel that she is the Ying to his Yang because they are so opposite but fit together perfectly.

Simon is not like the other guys Mallery has written about in the series. All of them have been these attractive men inside and out but Simon is scarred from a incident in his childhood both physically and emotionally. He is not the “perfect” man and can be a little rough around the edges. He is not the leading man that you swoon over but there is something about him that draws the reader to him. We have known Montana through the whole series so we feel a connection with her and want her to be happy. It was also enjoyable to catch up with the rest of the town like Pia having the twins and Denise dating.

As with all of Mallery’s books I consumed the pages in a short period of time. I love this series and love the stories Mallery brings to us. Mallery is a treasure chest with each book being another precious gem to admire.

4 Hearts

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine by Jayne Fresina

Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine
by Jayne Fresina
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/05/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

“Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentlemen with other attachments need not apply.”

Scarred in a childhood accident, Sophia Valentine doesn’t expect any takers on her ad for a husband in the Farmer’s Gazette, until the mysterious Lazarus Kane shows up at her door. To Sophia, he is an exciting, enigmatic stranger. But Lazarus has known Sophia for years and has come a long way to find her. Things are about to get complicated for the mischievous Miss Valentine.

REVIEW:

This books has the potential to be a good book but it is just too long (about 100 pages too long) with a lot of sentiments repeated over and over. And honestly you really do not end up caring much for the two main characters. Sophie at first seems childlike climbing in trees, sneaking books, running away, etc but in the first chapter she is almost 30 years old. The synopsis says she was scarred in a childhood accident but in fact it was 10 years before the story begins so she was 19 years old in the preface. And I really didn’t understand why Sophie was not jumping at the chance to marry Lazarus since she was unhappy in her family home.

The story does get better about halfway through. More of the history of these characters comes out and it actually seems as if you see Sophie grow up. When there is more action and less of the beginning dialogue you can enjoy the book more. While I still never fell in love with these characters I did like them and wanted to know what happened to them by the end.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Heat Rises by Alice Gaines

HEAT RISES
AUTHOR: Alice Gaines
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/12/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |  B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Snowbound in a cabin . . . able to live out all her fantasies . . . Laura Barber has dreamt of doing unspeakably delicious things with Ethan Gould for years. Now, stuck in a mountain cabin, she just might get her shot. Ethan offers her the chance to live out each and every one of those desires. They may be rivals in the business world, but in the bedroom they’re a perfect match. Knowing they have only a few days, Laura shakes off all her inhibitions. Every secret need, every lust-filled thought . . . it’s all fair game.
REVIEW: This is a short story of erotica. It is about 65 reading pages and a very good story. The characters were enjoyable and while the storyline at first was a little short of context when the couple really had an interesting time stuck in the cabin. The thing about this story was it is a pretty common erotica fantasy story, stuck in a cabin with the man of your dreams. But what I enjoyed was the way the characters were written. They were given very interesting personalities and a interesting background of knowing each other before. And while I did enjoy the story the erotica of the story was not very imaginative but still very well written. If you enjoy erotica then I think you will enjoy this book. It has all the highlights of a sexual daydream.

 

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Too Tempting To Resist by Cara Elliot

Too Tempting To Resist
AUTHOR: Cara Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the Wolf’s Lair . . .
Determined to stop her wayward brother from squandering their dwindling fortune, Lady Eliza Brentford decides to follow him to his favorite den of depravity. There, among the candlelight and raucous revelry, she encounters her brother’s role model in debauchery, the notorious Marquess of Haddan, Gryffin Dwight. Staring into his smoldering green eyes, Eliza can’t help but find the rakehell nobleman seductively charming-and sinfully attractive.

In a Lover’s Paradise . . .
When Gryffin appears on Eliza’s estate as a guest of her brother, a stolen kiss among the garden’s blooms leads to a night of unbridled passion. Suddenly the lovely widow feels herself opening up, like the petals of a rose. Could this master of seduction possibly feel true emotion for Eliza? Or is he leading her down the garden path to an Eden of delights no woman can resist-and a fall no woman can escape?

REVIEW:

What a delightful book. I could not put it down. The synopsis on the back of this book does not even come close to explaining everything that happens. Yes there is the love story between Hadden and Eliza but there is also the brother, the brothers despicable friends, her painting (incognito), Hadden writing (incognito) and flowers. I had no idea flowers had so many meanings and you will hear them all in this book. This is the second in the series even though is definitely stands alone. But the writing of this book makes you want to run out and read the first one and most certainly pick up the third when it comes out and I for one can not wait.

Hadden is the typical rake we have all read about in historical romance novels but the interesting thing is even before he meets Eliza he is tired of that life and ready to make a change he is just not sure what that change is until Eliza comes into his life. He has turned to writing and wants to publish his works about landscaping and has no idea the sample work he has seen is actually Eliza’s paintings. Hadden is a “man’s man” but when he meets Eliza he has this adorably sensitive playful side that makes the reader fall in love. And Eliza is so incredibly strong. So much is happening to her and she is always trying to figure it out on her own. She does not run off begging for help. She just knows that these are things she needs to deal with and she does. She is a delightful character who does not make you feel like she is a “damsel in distress” even though she most certainly is.

To play on the title – Read this book because it is “Too Tempting To Resist” and no lover of historical romances should resist it.

4 Hearts

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

 

 

 

 

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Kimberly’s Review of Summer Days by Susan Mallery

Summer Days
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/29/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to – the Castle Ranch in Fool’s Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could’ve prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he’s finding Heidi – and life as a cowboy – much more compelling than he wants to admit. For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she’s always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won’t give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome. As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they’ll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

REVIEW:
Oh, how I adore Fool’s Gold! Summer Days is a new direction in the Fool’s Gold series. This book is #7 in the series and takes on a character that we had only just met in the last book. Heidi is sweet and innocent in her own way and just wants to have a home to call her own and when her grandfather sells her land a big court battle takes place and that brings in Rafe to protect his mom from the “thief” who took her money and won’t give her the land. Rafe grew up in Fool’s Gold and is not happy to be back.

I really enjoyed these characters Rafe is what I would describe as a diamond in the rough. He has a heart of gold but doesn’t want anyone to see it. And Heidi is just an “every woman” type of girl, she is not gorgeous, she has simple taste, she is hardworking and wants to be loved.

As with all of the Fool’s Gold series (and the rest of Mallery’s books) I loved this story. It had me laughing and it had me shedding a tear for Heidi. I, however, was sad that more of the town was not mentioned in this book since that is what makes Fool’s Gold what it is but loved the story so much that I could see past that.

Usually with this series I say that, yes, the book can stand alone but it is best to read the whole series from the start and, yes, I will be saying that again but this one really can stand alone better than most. With it being the start of a new cowboy series (Stryker brothers) you really can read it alone and get to know Fool’s Gold. But be warned once you visit Fool’s Gold you will return again and again.

4 Hearts

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins

Somebody To Love
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon’s Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father’s wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she’s not thrilled — …even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist’s assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn’t the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn’t the only thing that needs a little TLC….

REVIEW:

This book is second in not one but two series and what makes it interesting is it can stand alone and is still enjoyable. You never feel like you are missing some vital information from the other books. First it is the second after The Next Best Thing (Ethan/Lucy) where the best friends of Parker Welles are the main characters and then she ends up in Gideon’s Cove which was first introduced in Catch of the Day (Maggie/Malone).

The characters of Parker and James are very interesting and it does not take long for you to get involved in their story. Parker is portrayed as having grown up rich and spoiled but honestly I did not see it. Yes she was rich (until her father lost it all) but she has friends who are not rich, she is a single mom who works (writing children’s books) and is not afraid to do what she needs to do for her son. James is a lawyer and you can tell right off that there is more to him. He is a good guy who has gotten a bad rap for being Parker’s fathers “yes man”. There is a past they are both trying to move beyond. And a future together if they manage not to mess up the present.

I really enjoyed this book. I had never read anything from Higgins before but I will most certainly pick up more of her books. Higgins uses some British terms (bugger, crikey, loo, etc) and it seems a bit odd sometimes since the rest of the book she doesn’t and it is set in Maine, USA. The other bizarre thing is her talking to the angel characters in the children books she has written and them talking back to her (in her mind of course). But it does not take long to get passed that and just enjoy the story and the many background characters Higgins has included. And the Epilogue is so sweet it will bring a tear to any single mothers eye. .

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

4 Hearts


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Kimberly’s review of Falling in Danger by Kaylie Newell

Falling In Danger
AUTHOR: Kaylie Newell
PUBLICATION DATE:   02/20/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A journalist stumbles onto the story of a lifetime. And finds herself falling in danger…

When young, naïve reporter Jessica Brady is kidnapped and held for ransom by the head of an illegal dog fighting organization, undercover police officer Ian Cole realizes he’s got his hands full. He’s on the verge of busting the ring when he’s assigned to babysit her, which isn’t an easy feat. She’s neurotic, feisty, and also happens to be scared to death of dogs. Now he has to figure out a way to get them both out alive.

Jessica has no idea the thug she’s becoming attracted to is actually a cop, but it’s clear he’s not like the rest of the men in the organization. Particularly Albert Mancini, the disturbed only son of the ring boss, who has an appetite for alcohol and women. Especially Jessica.

When Ian’s cover is blown, he’s forced to bust the ring early. Weeks later, Jessica can’t stop thinking about the experience that has changed her forever. She wonders about the tall, sexy detective who saved her life. And the mobster’s prize-winning pit bull, Bruta.

An idea for a story is born. What if these dogs were given a second chance at life?

As Jessica digs deeper into their troubled world, she ends up falling for the police officer who rescued them. And discovers layers of her heart she never knew existed.

But when Albert escapes from jail, her happiness turns to terror. He hasn’t forgotten about the detective who put him behind bars. Or the beautiful young woman whose every move has become his obsession.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly
4 Stars
REVIEW:
The synopsis gives you a very clear explanation about the book so I will not reiterate that but I will tell you I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The book is very well written especially since it looks like this is only the second book by this author.

I love the male character, Ian, he has a strength about him that is written so clearly into the character it is hard not to fall for him. Jessica is great too, except I would have been happier to not have her on the verge of tears so often. I also enjoyed Bruta, the pit bull. The book is about dogfighting and the rescue of fighting dogs and Bruta is a poster child for these innocent victims. It breaks your heart to know that these dogs are out there forced into a life they do not want and yet the books celebrates the “parents” who rescue these dogs and rehabilitate them.  The only thing is I wished the author had given us a little more of an epilogue/chapter 15. It felt a little abrupt of an ending when it comes to the couple and the dog even though, yes, it is a happy ending a little more detail would have been nice. But other than that this book is great and is not a story to be missed.

**NOTE: 40% of the publisher’s proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to The Pixie Project, a non-profit organization that provides adoption services for animals.

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Kimberly’s review of Trinity Bound by Carrie Ann Ryan

Trinity Bound
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/28/12
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?

Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?

Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Redwood Pack series. Having just finished the first and second I would have to say this falls right in between my favorites (the second tops my favorite so far). But that says a lot because both of the first two books received 4 stars and this one does as well.

The difference in this book is Reed is not the Alpha, Beta or even the Omega. Reed feels like he is nothing important in his pack since he claims to “just be an artist”. He does not have the attitude that most werewolves have in books. That does not make him any less desirable just different then what paranormal readers are used to. Hannah is too sweet for words. She wants to love and when two men come to her offering their love how can she choose? Or does she need to?  Now Josh is an interesting character. He is ex-military, strong and independent but then you realize he doesn’t want to get to close because everybody ends up leaving him eventually.  These three have something special… The trinity bond.

As with the other two books from Ryan this is a really good book. A lot happens in this book that keeps the attention of the reader. If you enjoy paranormal/shape-shifter books you will enjoy this one. And while it could be read on its own I would definitely read the first two first to know the family. The Jamesons’ are a big part of this series. I can not wait for Adam’s story next!

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Kimberly’s review of Stuck with you by Trish Jensen

Stuck with You
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/01/01
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As lawyers on opposing sides of a messy divorce case, Paige Hart and Ross Bennett ought to have kept matters purely professional, yet Paige and Ross came to loathe each other with an intensity that was strictly
personal. The bad blood between them takes on an unexpected new dimension when the infuriated pair is forced to share a hospital room, when they’re quarantined after being exposed to the rare and highly contagious Tibetan Concupiscence Virus that’s reputed to shift sensual desire into high gear. When symptoms (which a nonmedical person might mistake for pure and simple lust) start showing up way ahead of schedule, the lawyers’ objections to each other are overruled — and they enjoy every minute of it. But, after the doctors declare that the disease has run its course, Paige and Ross are still feverish with a longing for one another that they hope will never be cured. When the verdict comes in, will they be sentenced to life — in love? The trend toward funny, sexy contemporary romance has been around for a while, but Trish Jensen offers readers a fresh (in both senses of the word) take on this popular genre.

 

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly
4 Stars

REVIEW:
As with all of Trish Jensen’s books this book is hard to put down. It is not long into this book when you fall for these characters. Ross has a sense of humor no woman could deny was her undoing and Paige is just adorable and while brilliant in life not so much in love (the sports analogies are so cute). These characters jump off the page and make you smile and laugh. (And the Scrabble scene is not to be missed!) * The secondary story of Rachel and Nick should have been a book all on its own.* Pick up this book if you didn’t in 2001 and enjoy it!
Paige and Ross are both lawyers. And while he is a divorce lawyer Paige is usually in tax law, that is until a family member asks Paige to help with her divorce (or any other law a family member needs handled). So now Paige and Ross are on opposites sides of the table. At least until the explosion at the court house. Then they are stuck with each other in a quarantined room at the hospital with a possible virus that causes an over-stimulated sex drive. How can you be in a room with a person you find attractive when your sex drive has been spiked? Turn the page and find out.