Category: 3 Star

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Kimberly reviews Ever After by Rachel Lacey

ever afterTITLE: Ever After
SERIES #: Love To The Rescue #3
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Pete
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Olivia Bennett is not having a happy birthday. Instead of blowing out her twenty-nine candles, she’s stuck in jail, caught red-handed in a graffiti incident that (perhaps) involved one too many strawberry margaritas. Worst idea ever. The only bright side is that she ended up in the strong arms of the most gorgeous lawman she’s ever seen.

Pete Sampson (aka Deputy Hot Stuff) faces intense pressure from the sheriff to find out who’s behind a string of vandalisms. And after her spray-painting spree, Olivia is suspect number one. Still, Pete can’t stop thinking about her. Wanting her. Now he’s torn between his duty and his overpowering desire for the vivacious waitress. But he may have to bend the rules because true love is more important than the letter of the law …

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts All in all I enjoyed this story. The characters are well written. You get a true feel for who they are and their beliefs. Pete is a good guy but I wouldn’t say he is an alpha man. He is just a all around good guy. Olivia is a bit of a goody-two shoes to me. She is not one of my favorite characters but I liked her.

I am sure that the author didn’t plan for Olivia to be so hoity toity but she is. Yes she doesn’t have a fit when someone eats non-vegetarian in from of her but the rest of the time she is written kind of pompous.

This story is very preachy in some parts. Don’t get me wrong I understand that the farm factories are having the issues written in this story. I watch the news but I don’t read romance’s to be preached at. I want to be taken out of reality and this story certainly doesn’t allow that. Having the issue brought up a handful of times throughout the book would have done just fine but this book hits you with it every chance it gets.

Now that all being said again I enjoyed the book. The romance is fine. The characters are fine. It doesn’t really leave much question as to the “who-dun-it” but it is still ok.

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

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Kimberly reviews Wildest Dreams by Robyn Carr

wildest dreamsTITLE: Wildest Dreams
SERIES #: Thunder Point #9
CHARACTERS: Lin Su, Blake & Charlie
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blake Smiley searched the country for just the right place to call home. The professional triathlete has traveled the world, but Thunder Point has what he needs to put down the roots he’s never had. In the quiet coastal town he can focus on his training without distractions. Until he meets his new neighbors and everything changes.

Lin Su Simmons and her teenage son, Charlie, are fixtures at Winnie Banks’ house as Lin Su nurses Winnie through the realities of ALS. A single mother, Lin Su is proud of taking charge and never showing weakness. But she has her hands full coping with a job, debt and Charlie’s health issues. And Charlie is asking questions about his family history—questions she doesn’t want to answer.

When Charlie enlists Blake’s help to escape his overprotective mother, Lin Su resents the interference in her life. But Blake is certain he can break through her barriers and be the man she and Charlie need. When faced with a terrible situation, Blake comes to the rescue, and Lin Su realizes he just might be the man of her dreams. Together, they recognize that family is who you choose it to be.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So I will start by saying I liked this story… mostly. I do not want anyone to get the wrong impression. I liked it. It was just not one of my favorites from Robyn Carr. I have more unlikable things than likable when it comes to this book but all in all I liked it… Can you tell I am making it clear upfront that I liked it so when you read the rest of the review you will know .

I am used to something a little different from Carr. The writing is a little choppy. It is almost like she wrote the lines in short sentences to remind her what she wanted to say and then cut and paste it into the story. I know that sounds mean and I do not mean it to be but that is how I read the story.

I also didn’t think Blake and Lin Su connected well. Blake is sweet but there was no passion between them. I really didn’t like how to steps into this family and starts making decisions and telling Lin Su what she needs to do (“stop smothering him” “he needs some freedom”, etc). While the sentiment might be true he has no right. As a single mom this might get to me more than others but it was aggravating when I read those parts. But that being said I really never connected with Lin Su as a mom either. She IS overprotective and just not very friendly. Charlie is great. He is a really smart and sensible kid and her demands are really unfounded.

I usually enjoy the Thunder Point series and really anything by Carr so I will not hold this book against her but it won’t be one that I jump to tell people about.

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

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Kimberly reviews Solitude Creek by Jeffery Deaver

solitude creekTITLE: Solitude Creek
SERIES #: Kathryn Dance #4
CHARACTERS: Kathryn Dance
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jeffery Deaver, “the master of manipulation” (Associated Press) and “the most creative, skilled and intriguing thriller writer in the world.” (Daily Telegraph, UK) returns with the new, long-awaited, Kathryn Dance thriller.

A tragedy occurs at a small concert venue on the Monterey Peninsula. Cries of “fire” are raised and, panicked, people run for the doors, only to find them blocked. A half dozen people die and others are seriously injured. But it’s the panic and the stampede that killed; there was no fire.

Kathryn Dance–a brilliant California Bureau of Investigation agent and body language expert–discovers that the stampede was caused intentionally and that the perpetrator, a man obsessed with turning people’s own fears and greed into weapons, has more attacks planned. She and her team must race against the clock to find where he will strike next before more innocents die.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the fourth in the Kathryn Dance series. Kathryn is a CBI agent with special talents. Well that is what it is supposed to be but to be truthful I really don’t see that she figures out anything that any Joe Shmoe would figure out.

There is a lot going on in this story. I almost feel like it should have been two different novels but it is wrapped into one so it is what it is. Deaver is an interesting storyteller but one that you either like or don’t like to be truthful.

There is a lot of action going on so it does keep your attention even if you don’t enjoy the characters. And I have to say while I figured out a lot of the book I didn’t figure out the who-dun-it.

I would say give it a try I doubt it would something you regret if you enjoy the genre.

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

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Kimberly reviews Wolf Trouble by Paige Tyler

wolf troubleTITLE: Wolf Trouble
SERIES #: SWAT #2
CHARACTERS: Xander & Khaki
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/04/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s in trouble with a capital T…

There’s never been a female on the Dallas SWAT team and Senior Corporal Xander Riggs prefers it that way. The elite pack of alpha male wolfshifters is no place for a woman. But Khaki Blake is no ordinary woman.

When Khaki walks through the door attractive as hell and smelling like heaven, Xander doesn’t know what the heck to do. Worse, she’s put under his command and Xander’s protective instincts go on high alert. When things start heating up both on and off the clock, it’s almost impossible to keep their heads in the game and their hands off each other…

REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this book. It seemed so slow and while the story was good it dragged and dragged.

Something was just off. It didn’t seem to flow very well especially where Khaki was concerned. They match between Khaki and Xander is good. They fit really well together but it is the parts without Xander that just don’t seem to work for me.

I am sure the next in the series will be better. In my experience the second in the series is always a hard book to read.

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

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Kelly reviews Wolf Trouble by Paige Taylor

wolf troubleTITLE: Wolf Troubles
SERIES #: SWAT #2
CHARACTERS: Xander Riggs & Khaki Blake
AUTHOR: Paige Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE: August 4, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s in trouble with a capital T…

There’s never been a female on the Dallas SWAT team and Senior Corporal Xander Riggs prefers it that way. The elite pack of alpha male wolfshifters is no place for a woman. But Khaki Blake is no ordinary woman.

When Khaki walks through the door attractive as hell and smelling like heaven, Xander doesn’t know what the heck to do. Worse, she’s put under his command and Xander’s protective instincts go on high alert. When things start heating up both on and off the clock, it’s almost impossible to keep their heads in the game and their hands off each other.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was so excited for Xander’s book. He is all tall, dark, stubborn and dreamy. But I found Wolf Troubles to be a little slow. I enjoyed the tension, lust and relationship that Khaki has with Xander. She is the perfect match for him. But for me this book focus a little too much on Khaki’s training and then throwing her for a better word to the wolves on her first mission. I did like Khaki, but there was just a small disconnect for me.
All and all it was a good book and I am happy I read. I am looking forward to the next SWAT book.

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

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Natasha reviews The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

bourbon kingsTITLE: The Bourbon Kings
SERIES #: The Bourbon Kings #1
CHARACTERS: Lane & Lizzie
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal….

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.respectable people to swoon.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately it just wasn’t as addicting as I’d hoped it would be. The characters each have very different personalities, but not much that makes them particularly memorable or likable. I didn’t feel like I got to know many of them very well. While interesting, they didn’t stick out too much to me. The story also moved very slowly, it definitely wasn’t a page turner. More of a casual stroll type of read. Some may definitely enjoy that, it just wasn’t my favorite kind of story.

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

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Natasha reviews Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica

9780778316558_RHC_SMP.inddTITLE: Pretty Baby
SERIES #: N/A
CHARACTERS: Heidi, Chris & Willow
AUTHOR: Mary Kubica
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A chance encounter sparks an unrelenting web of lies in this stunning new psychological thriller from national bestselling author Mary Kubica
She sees the teenage girl on the train platform, standing in the pouring rain, clutching an infant in her arms. She boards a train and is whisked away. But she can’t get the girl out of her head…
Heidi Wood has always been a charitable woman: she works for a nonprofit, takes in stray cats. Still, her husband and daughter are horrified when Heidi returns home one day with a young woman named Willow and her four-month-old baby in tow. Disheveled and apparently homeless, this girl could be a criminal—or worse. But despite her family’s objections, Heidi invites Willow and the baby to take refuge in their home.
Heidi spends the next few days helping Willow get back on her feet, but as clues into Willow’s past begin to surface, Heidi is forced to decide how far she’s willing to go to help a stranger. What starts as an act of kindness quickly spirals into a story far more twisted than anyone could have anticipated.

REVIEW: I loved Kubica’s first book, The Good Girl, so I was very excited when I saw her new release! This is definitely a dark story and not for the faint of heart. All of the characters are extremely flawed and their stories are told in pieces – from multiple points of view – throughout the entire book. Unfortunately for me, I felt the story was pretty slow moving. I kept reading because I knew Kubica would throw some type of crazy twist into the story that would throw off the reader. However, I ended up predicting what twists the story would take. Though the read was enjoyable, and Kubica is great at story telling, the story just wasn’t my favorite. That said, I still really like this author and her work so I will keep my eyes open for more stories from her.

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

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Kimberly reviews No One Needs To Know by Kevin O’Brien

no one needs to knowTITLE: No One Needs To Know
CHARACTERS: Laurie
AUTHOR: Kevin O’Brien
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/28/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A SECRET WORTH KILLING FOR…
In July 1970, actress Elaina Styles was slain in her rented Seattle mansion along with her husband and their son’s nanny. When the baby’s remains were found buried in a shallow grave close to a hippie commune, police moved in—only to find all its members already dead in a grisly mass suicide.

AGAIN…
Now, decades later, a film about the murders is shooting at the mansion. On-set caterer Laurie Trotter ignores gossip that the production is cursed. But then people start dying…

AND AGAIN…
As Laurie digs deep into what happened all those years ago, the truth emerges more twisted than any whispered rumor, as a legacy of brutal vengeance reaches its terrifying climax…

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3.5 Hearts

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I really enjoyed this book. It was not a sit on the edge of your seat thriller but the story is engrossing and interesting. I have not read any of this previous books so I can not compare but I thought this was pretty good.

The story is about a Charles Manson type murder movie but soon the crew starts being murdered and Laurie is there to solve the crimes. I have always been interested in the Manson murders so I thought I would enjoy this but there wasn’t a lot of that to be honest.

If you enjoy a little suspense then give the book a try. Do not expect to be blown away but I think you will like the book anyway.

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

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Natasha reviews Wicked Embers by Keri Arthur

wicked embersTITLE: Wicked Embers
SERIES #: Souls of Fire #2
CHARACTERS: Emberly, Jackson, Sam & Rory
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Keri Arthur, New York Times bestselling author of Fireborn, presents the thrilling new Souls of Fire Novel featuring Emberly Pearson, a phoenix that can transform into a human—and is haunted by the ability to foresee death….

Crimson Death, the plague like virus spawned from a failed government experiment to isolate the enzymes that make vampires immortal, continues to spread. Emberly and her partner, Jackson Miller, are desperately seeking the stolen research for a cure before the virus becomes a pandemic.

But their mission is jeopardized by another threat uncovered in Emberly’s prophetic dreams. A creature of ash and shadow has been unleashed on a murdering spree. Now Emberly must summon all her gifts and investigative knowledge to put an end to this entity’s brutal rampage—even if it means placing herself in harm’s way….

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Emberly is a strong female character lead – I enjoy her a lot. This book was another interesting installment in this new series and offered answers to lingering questions. I’m curious how the story line will continue from here, it’s going to be very exciting. There are lots of characters in this series, and sometimes they get mingled together, but they’re all intriguing and you want to see more of them. Emberly reminds me a lot of Keri’s heroine Riley Jensen – which is a big compliment, since I loved that series. I’ll keep following the series, I want to see what’s in store for these characters. It seems Emberly is destined for an eternity of heartbreak and my fingers are crossed she’ll find her happy lifetime! Keri Arthur writes very creative stories with characters you fall in love with, even if sometimes the complexity gets a little deep.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Penguin Group Berkley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Seal Wolf Hunting by Terry Spears

seal wolf huntingTITLE: SEAL Wolf Hunting
SERIES #: Heart of the Wolf #16
CHARACTERS: Paul Cunningham & Lori Greypaw
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Paul Cunningham is one of the only bachelors left on the SEAL wolf team, and he’s less than thrilled to hear he’s been volunteered for a local charity bachelor auction.

Lori Greypaw suspected that her grandmother would use the auction as an opportunity to fix her up. So she’s not surprised when she “buys” Paul to help Lori renovate her mountain cabin for a week. Lori’s had a crush on the sexy SEAL wolf for years, but he proves to be handy with more than a hammer when two fugitives come knocking and he’ll do anything to protect the woman he’s falling for.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed SEAL Wolf Hunting. But at time the book was a little slow to me. There was not a ton of action in this book. It seemed like this was more of a coming home second chance at life book. Paul Cunningham loves being a SEAL, but he loves his family more. He has always known at some point in time he was going to have to step in to the role as Alpha, but he has not been ready. I liked Lori a lot in this book. She can kick some serious butt when needed and knows when she is in over her head. I liked Paul & Lori together. They make a great team and a great Alpha couple.
I am hoping that the next book in the series is Allen’s and we get to stay with the Cummingham pack a little longer so we can see how everyone is doing.
Until next time SEAL Wolfs… Until next time.

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

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Kelly reviews Flight from Death by Yasmine Galenorn

flight from deathTITLE: Flight from Death
SERIES #: Fly by Night #1
CHARACTERS: Alex & Shimmer
AUTHOR: Yasmine Galenorn
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn comes an all-new series set in the realm of her Otherworld novels.

I’m Shimmer, a blue dragon shifter. Thanks to a mistake, I was exiled from the Dragon Reaches and sentenced to work for Alex Radcliffe, a vampire who owns the Fly by Night Magical Investigations Agency. Now, not only do I have to adapt to Earthside culture, but every time I turn around, somebody’s trying to kill us. And worse, Alex is as gorgeous as he is exasperating. But you know what they say: All’s fair in love and bounty hunting…

When an old friend of Alex contacts him about a haunting at the High Tide Bed & Breakfast in Port Townsend, Washington, we think we’re on a simple ghost hunt. But our investigation quickly transforms into a deadly fight as we uncover an eighty-year-old murder, a cursed house, and a dark force trapping the spirits within. To stop impending disaster we must break the curse and lay the angry spirits to rest.

REVIEW:
Flight from Death is the first book in Ms. Galenorn’s new Fly by Night series. As I started this book I knew that this was a spin off from her Otherworld series (sadly I have not got catch up on this series). I wondered if I would be lost in this new world. I was not. Ms. Galenorn does a great job of bring us up to speed quickly on the world she has created. I think were it would have been beneficial (for me) was to see Alex and Shimmer before this book. They have some kind of history. I think that history, while retold a little in Flight from Death, would have helped understand Alex and Shimmer’s attraction to each other just a little better. I felt like in Flight from Death that it went from “oh he is cute, but has a girlfriend” to “oh the broke up, must jump at this chance”. Now don’t get me wrong I loved Alex and Shimmer I just wish that there was just a tad bit more build up (hence knowing their history in the other books). But that being said, Flight from Death was a good book. I enjoyed the story line and the what’s and why’s. I love that Shimmer is a dragon. Not enough female dragon shifters everywhere.
If you are a Yasmine Galenorn fan you will love this book. If you are new to Ms. Galenorn I hope that you will give Flight from Death a try.

Favorite line:
“….. Say, I’m hungry. Patrick have anything good in the house? I could eat a horse.”
Alex glanced at me, grinning “Have you ever? Eaten a horse?”
I blushed. Truth was, I had………..

Awe, gotta love dragons.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Caress Of Pleasure by Julie Kenner

caress of pleasureTITLE: Caress of Pleasure
SERIES #: A Dark Pleasure Novella (a 1001 Dark Nights Novella)
CHARACTERS: Dante Storm & Brenna Hart
AUTHOR: Julie Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: April 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’d thought that he was mine, the dark, arresting man who commanded not only my body but my heart. Dante had swept into my life, and I’d succumbed to the burn of passion in his arms.

I’d believed we had a love that would last forever, but he’d shattered my dreams and broken me into pieces when he’d walked away, taking a piece of my soul with him.

Now he has come back seeking my help, and though I try to keep my distance and protect my heart, I cannot deny that the fire between us burns hotter than ever. And I cannot help but fear that this time our passion will reduce us both to ashes.

REVIEW:
This is my second novella in this series that I have read. And much like the first novella I read. The world is very interesting. I am intrigued by all that is going on. Dante and Brenna are very likeable characters. Yet, most of their problems could have been solved so many years ago if they had just talked to each other. But, then we wouldn’t have had a story. I know I can’t have my cake and eat it too. Or can I?
So all and all I enjoyed this story and I am very interested to see what is next.

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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