Category: 3 Star

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Kelly reviews The Holiday Spirit by Dani Harper

holiday spiritTITLE: The Holiday Spirit
CHARACTERS: Galen McAllister & Kerri Tollbrook
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dani Harper’s Christmas ghost story is BACK with all-new material. The characters have haunted their author into resurrecting her popular paranormal romance novella and expanding it into a full-length novel. Additional scenes and new details make THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT bigger, better … and badder!

* * * *

All she wants for Christmas is a ghost…

Writer Kerri Tollbrook spends her free time counseling the newly departed, but the tall, dark and handsome spirit she meets at the shopping mall claims he’s not dead. Is he just in denial? Or is something more sinister at work?

Firefighter Galen McAllister has felt like The Invisible Man ever since a malicious spell separated him from his still-living body. Kerri is the first person he’s met who can actually see him. Now if only he can get her to listen … because the nightmare creature that trapped him between two worlds isn’t finished!

REVIEW:

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3

I didn’t read the original version of this story.  But I did enjoy this revised story that Ms. Harper wrote.  I liked Kerri and her ability to see and speak to ghost.   I really like Galen!!  Who doesn’t like a hot firefighter?     I loved their first encounter, it had me laughing.   

I enjoyed the love story and how it grew over the course of this book.   I do hope that this will not be the last time that we see these two.  I would like to know what happens to them in the future.  

If you are looking to add a little Christmas ghost story to your Fall reads I would suggest picking up a copy of The Holiday Spirit.  

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dani Harper in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

 

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dani Harper in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews City Of Echoes by Robert Ellis

city of echoesTITLE: City Of Echoes
SERIES #: Matt Jones #1
CHARACTERS: Matt Jones
AUTHOR: Robert Ellis
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On Detective Matt Jones’s first night working Homicide in LA, he’s called to investigate a particularly violent murder case: a man has been gunned down in a parking lot off Hollywood Boulevard, his bullet-riddled body immediately pegged as the work of a serial robber who has been haunting the Strip for months. Driven by the grisliness of the killing, Jones and his hot-tempered partner, Denny Cabrera, jump headfirst into the investigation. But as Jones uncovers evidence that links the crime to a brutal, ritualized murder that occurred eighteen months prior, he begins to suspect that there’s more going on beneath the surface. When Jones discovers shocking, deep-seated corruption; a high-level cover-up; and his own personal ties to the rising body count, he’s no longer sure he can trust anyone, even himself.

REVIEW:
I will say I am not exactly a fan of film noir and that is how this felt to me. The whole grey room with the private dick and woman in distress, etc. But that being said it was ok. I wouldn’t say it is a favorite. I wouldn’t even say that I will rush to read the next one but it keep my attention mostly.

I never really connected with the characters. Any of them really. And the thriller part of it wasn’t all that thrilling. But again it sorta kept my attention so I rated it right down the middle.

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

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Kelly reviews Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye

hard as steelTITLE: Hard as Steel (a 1001 Dark Nights Novella)
SERIES #: Hark Ink #4.5
CHARACTERS: Ike Young & Jessica Jakes
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE: September 22, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After identifying her employer’s dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn’t make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him—and always has.

Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he’s ever known, one he’s purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike’s not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself—or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a quick read. I really enjoyed Ike & Jess’ story.
Ike and Jess both have a lot of guilt for things in their past. Things that have kept Ike from following his heart. But with a threat on Jess’ life Ike is thrown into the role of protector. Something that he takes very serious. And he won’t let anyone mess it up even his feeling for the sassy women he is protecting.
What I loved most about this story was that while Jess was in trouble this story focused on the relationship between Ike & Jess. We got to see what really happens when two people are locked up in a cabin out in the middle of nowhere.
Oh and the Pool Table hehehehe…. I will just leave this here for you to think about.
Fans of the Hard Ink series will love Ike & Jess’ story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Concepts in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Lilith Enraptured by Michelle M Pillow

lilith enrapturedTITLE: Lilith Enraptured
SERIES #: Divinity Warriors #1
CHARACTERS: Sorin & Lilith
AUTHOR: Michelle M. Pillow
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Divinity Warrior book set in the Divinity Universe.

Sorin of Firewall lives in a land forever at war. In fact, the Starian men are so busy fighting, their marriage ceremony has been reduced to a “will of the gods” event where they simply pick a woman out of a lineup and claim her as a wife. With women becoming scarce, it’s necessary to trade the offworld Divinity Corporation for brides. Duty-bound to attend the ceremony, Sorin has no intention of picking a bride, let alone one from another dimension. That is, until he sees Lilith, the bewitching woman sent by the gods to reward—or punish?—him.

Lilith, a data analyst for Divinity, is betrayed by the Corporation and wakes up in a primitive, uncharted dimension filled with warriors who know only war and duty. Her fear of becoming a sex slave to a big, beefy knight becomes all too real when a warrior of god-like proportions claims she’s his new woman. As Lilith discovers, there are worse fates than being the focus of Sorin’s skillful and earthy seduction.

REVIEW:
I will be honest and say this was a bit out of my comfort zone of stories. I am not big on other worlds, dimensions, etc. But that being said it was a good read.

The book really focused on Lilith which was ok but got to be a little much for me. She kind of drove me nuts. Sorin needs to get a sense of humor if you ask me. He has no warmth.

I love the current works of Michelle Pillow but this one just didn’t do it for me.

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

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Kimberly reviews Slaughter by John Lutz

slaughterTITLE: Slaughter
SERIES #: Frank Quinn #10
CHARACTERS: Frank Quinn
AUTHOR: John Lutz
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A beautiful jogger, drained of blood, dismembered, then meticulously reassembled on the the grass in Central Park. Subway derailments, plummeting elevators, collapsing construction cranes, apartment explosions—all creating a bloody, senseless puzzle. Detective Frank Quinn knows that even while the slayer is taunting the cops and the public, he’s also screaming to be caught. But Quinn will have to risk everything he holds precious to bring in this killer. . .

REVIEW:
Not one of my favorites by Lutz. It seemed a little scattered if you ask me. First the killer doesn’t seem to stick to the same things. Everything I have ever learned the killer usually sticks to a general MO so when the killer doesn’t in this book it becomes distracting.

The story is a bit gory. I mean sometimes it just seems to go too far. I enjoy a suspenseful thriller as much as the next person but this one just seemed to be a bit overboard.

I will get the next in the series but I will read it with trepidation.

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

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Kimberly reviews Nightwalker by Jacquelyn Frank

nightwalkerTITLE: Nightwalker
SERIES #: The World of Nightwalkers #5
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Kamen
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the final chapter in the Nightwalkers saga! As the momentous showdown with a powerful demon unfolds, a passionate encounter breaks the ultimate taboo.

Kamen is a Bodywalker, an ancient soul reborn in one human host after another. He’s also a prisoner of his own kind: for it was Kamen who released Apep, the deadly god who threatens the existence of their world. To atone for this grievous error, Kamen accepts an urgent mission: to convince the other nations of the Nightwalkers to set aside their centuries-old conflicts and band together. If he fails, all will be lost. And no tribe presents a greater challenge than the Wraiths, the spectral beings who are feared and despised for their lethal deathtouch.

Kamen makes first contact with a stunning, ghostly pale beauty named Geneviève. Part Wraith and part human, scorned as a half-breed, Viève shares the hunger for redemption—and for connection. Her scintillating touch holds the kiss of death, and yet it makes Kamen feel more alive than ever. Soon his lips are pressed against hers, sending Viève into fits of desire and forging a bond that breaches the divide between them. Now they must unite all the Nightwalkers, from Vampire and Shadowdweller to Djynns, and fast—for Apep is ready for war.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a bit of a hard time with this story but it is most certainly my fault. I read the story before this one (#4) and it was easily read as a stand alone but this being the last of the series it was really confusing since I have not backtracked yet to read the others in the series.

Kamen and Genevieve are great. I enjoyed that part of the story. It was the battle of war that I had a hard time with understanding.

I plan on reading the series in its entirety and then I believe I will re-read this story and hopefully understand it better.

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

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Natasha reviews Sorcerer To The Crown by Zen Cho

sorcerer_front mech.inddTITLE: Sorcerer to the Crown
CHARACTERS: Zachariah & Prunella
AUTHOR: Zen Cho
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sparkling debut, magic and mayhem clash with the British elite…

The Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, one of the most respected organizations throughout all of England, has long been tasked with maintaining magic within His Majesty’s lands. But lately, the once proper institute has fallen into disgrace, naming an altogether unsuitable gentleman—a freed slave who doesn’t even have a familiar—as their Sorcerer Royal, and allowing England’s once profuse stores of magic to slowly bleed dry. At least they haven’t stooped so low as to allow women to practice what is obviously a man’s profession…

At his wit’s end, Zacharias Wythe, Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers and eminently proficient magician, ventures to the border of Fairyland to discover why England’s magical stocks are drying up. But when his adventure brings him in contact with a most unusual comrade, a woman with immense power and an unfathomable gift, he sets on a path which will alter the nature of sorcery in all of Britain—and the world at large…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, but was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. I enjoy Zachariah as a leading character and was intrigued by him from the beginning. Then when you add Prunella to the mix, it’s a great combination with these two. This story has all of the fantasy elements a reader could wish for and also a bit of humor. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and was captivated by the ease of the storytelling. A fun read that will definitely have you looking forward to more from this author.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Claimed by the Warrior by Savannah Stuart

claimed by the warriorTITLE: Claimed by the Warrior
SERIES #: Lumineta #3
CHARACTERS: Con & Leilani
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Held captive against her will…
When Leilani travels to the mountain region of her new planet, Lumineta, she discovers the remote mountain clan has a law stating that any unmated female in their sector can be forced to live there for one moon cycle. At first she’s livid—until she realizes that being held captive means that the warriors bring her gifts and simply try to impress her as part of their courting rituals. But she’s not interested in anyone except the sexy leader—and living under his roof makes her feel nothing like a captive. He has her rethinking everything she thought she knew about Luminet males.
The last thing he needs in his life is a complicated human female…
Con has never thought much about taking a mate. As leader of his clan, he’s too busy and females are too complicated—especially those mysterious humans. But the longer he’s around Leilani, the more he realizes she’s worth fighting for. Despite his planet’s tradition that says two males mate with one female, he has no intention of sharing—or ever letting her go.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a very very quick read. The storyline moves along quickly (it is a novella) yet, it didn’t feel like the story was rushed. The relationship between Con & Leilani was very sweet and challenged both of them at each turn.
I really like this alien world that Savannah. The men are kinda pains in butts, but they learn quickly that while they believe females should be protected they should never underestimate the poor or the rath of a female.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from KR Press, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Pure Wicked by Shayla Black

pure wickedTITLE: Pure Wicked (a 1001 Dark Nights Novella)
SERIES #: Wicked Lovers #6.5
CHARACTERS: Jesse McCall & Bristol Reese
AUTHOR: Shayla Black
PUBLICATION DATE: September 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
During his decade as an international pop star, Jesse McCall has lived every day in the fast lane. A committed hedonist reveling in amazing highs, globetrotting, and nameless encounters, he refuses to think about his loneliness or empty future. Then tragedy strikes.
Shocked and grieving, he sheds his identity and walks away, searching for peace. Instead, he finds Bristol Reese, a no-nonsense beauty scraping to keep her family’s business afloat while struggling with her own demons. He’s intent on seducing her, but other than a pleasure-filled night, she’s not interested in a player, especially after her boyfriend recently proposed to her sister. In order to claim Bristol, Jesse has to prove he’s not the kind of man he’s always been. But when she learns his identity and his past comes back to haunt him, how will he convince her that he’s a changed man who wants nothing more than to make her his forever?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
This was a very quick read. I liked Jesse & Bristol both. Jesse is world famous who is needing to lay low and get his head back in the game. Bristol is trying to recover from the betrayal of her boyfriend. Both are looking for something that they never thought they would find. But Fate works in mysterious ways and brings people together when they need it the most.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Concepts in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Texas Thunder by Kimberly Raye

texas thunderTITLE: Texas Thunder
SERIES #: Rebel Moonshine #1
CHARACTERS: Callie & Brett
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Set deep in the heart of Texas, bestselling author Kimberly Raye’s sizzling new series proves that men, women, and moonshine make one dangerous combination…

RECIPE FOR DISASTER
The most infamous moonshiners in Lone Star history, the Tuckers and the Sawyers have been feuding for over a hundred years. Sure, the days of buckshot and bloodshed are long gone, but it’s not over yet. To save the family business, Callie Tucker has to find the recipe for the legendary Texas Thunder moonshine. But first she’ll need to make a devil’s bargain—with a red-hot hellraiser named Brett Sawyer.

ROMANCE WITH A KICK
A Sawyer through and through, Brett was raised to never trust a Tucker—especially one as pretty as Callie. But desperate times call for desperate measures. With his ranch going bankrupt, Brett agrees to help Callie find the recipe, sell the rights, and split the profits. Of course, it won’t be easy for these two enemies to work together. But it’s even harder to ignore the sparks of attraction—when just one kiss delivers a kick stronger than any swig of moonshine…

REVIEW:
I had a hard time with this story. Yes it is cute and the premise is good. It is kind of a current version of Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. But the hard thing was the writing. So many repeats of the same things over and over. I was so tired of hearing about about how the grandfather of Callie didn’t care about anything but his moonshine. And Brett thinking his pappy would get better when the ranch was taken care of.

The chemistry is there for the couple and the background characters are interesting. It just seemed really slow to me. And a bit depressing to tell the truth. But again the romance part is good and of course works out in the end.

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

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Kelly reviews Bonded by Laura Wright

BondedTITLE: Bonded
SERIES #: The Cavanaugh Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Blue Perez Cavanaugh & Emily Shivers
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of Brash returns to the Triple C Ranch in River Black, Texas, for more cowboys, romance, and danger…

Ranch hand Blue Perez’s once simple life is spinning out of control. He’s discovered he has three half-brothers, and they’re not ready to accept his claim on the ranch. Also, Blue’s girlfriend may have betrayed him in the worst way possible. And after one evening of drowning his sorrows at the bar, there’s someone he can’t get out of his mind, a woman who says she’s carrying his child.

Following a night of breathtaking passion in the arms of the man she’s longed for all her life, waitress Emily Shiver is contemplating her next step. With everything that’s going on in Blue’s life, she doesn’t want to force him into fatherhood. Yet as hard hearted as he may seem, Blue can’t turn his back on her, particularly when she becomes the target of someone’s dark obsession

REVIEW:
Bonded is the final book in the Cavanaugh Brother’s series. Bonded wrapped up the series nicely. We learn more about Blue and his mom. We finally get to see Blue come to grips with his past and future. We also finally get to know who is behind Cass’ kidnapping and murder.
I really liked Blue and Emily together. Their relationship was a bit of a whirlwind. But every relationship is different. I don’t mind the fast pact of the love story. My only issue is that I wish we would have gotten more about Cass’ killer. I know it is sick and twisted. But I felt that the story was lacking just a little in this aspect ( I think I have been reading too many straight suspense books of late. Not enough anxiety for me I guess).
But even with that this was a good series and happy that it was wrapped up nicely.

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Kimberly reviews Running Wild by Susan Andersen

running wildTITLE: Running Wild
SERIES #: Sisterhood Diaries #4
CHARACTERS: Magdalene & Finn
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They can’t escape the heat…

Magdalene Deluca isn’t the damsel-in-distress type. But if she has to involve a stranger in a dangerous chase through South America, she’s glad Finn Kavanagh’s the guy she sucked into her problems. Very glad. The man oozes sex and magnetic confidence. And since their connection is steamier than the sultry rain forest, why waste time resisting him?

Finn’s peaceful vacation is blown to bits the second Mags strides into view. For years he’s ignored his family’s pleas to settle down. Now he’s falling hard for a blonde force of nature who’s allergic to commitment. First he has to keep Mags safe as they search for her missing parents. Then they can determine if it’s time to stop running—and take a chance on the wildest thrill he’s ever known…

REVIEW:
This is the 4th in a series but the first I have read. It can certainly be a stand alone.

I had a hard time with this story. It was cheesy for lack of a better word. I never felt a connection between Mags and Finn. There was too much of the same information repeated and it got old. I was so tired of hearing how Mags parents cared more about “other kids” than her own.

Just not my cup of tea. Sorry.

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

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