3 Star – Page 32 – Books-n-Kisses

June 1, 2015May 31, 2015

Kimberly reviews Yield To Me by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Yield To Me
SERIES #: Club Excelsior #1
CHARACTERS: Marcy & Jax
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No-holds-barred attraction…

Amateur MMA fighter, Marcy Foster is determined to win the state championship. But dark secrets and a broken trust mean there’s one submission she just can’t master. Fortunately Club Excelsior has hired a coach who knows all the right moves.

Sexy, confident and commanding, fight consultant Jax demands control, both in and out of the ring. But once he has Marcy against the ropes, Jax knows he’s in too deep. He has the dominance to give her what she needs, but once he unleashes her hidden passions, there’s no going back.

Under Jax’s skilled hands, Marcy submits to her deepest desires. But when her personal and professional worlds collide, she is forced to face a brutal truth — yielding to her darkest needs may be the one thing that costs her the fight…and her heart.

*This novella was originally published in the New York Times bestselling anthology, Unraveled, and now contains 50% new content*

REVIEW:
OK so this book was just ok for me. I am not big on MMA but sometimes enjoy the stories and since I have liked this author I thought I would try it but now I realize not only am I not much into MMA but I really am not a fan when the fighter is the woman.

Apparently this was part of a anthology which was added to and released last year. Maybe it is having the next part come out so they re-released it with more content. The story is only about 90 pages and some seemed to go on way too long with the same lines about “we shouldn’t do this but I can’t help it” and then the ending rushed through the last chapter.

Just not my cup of tea.

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

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May 1, 2015April 26, 2015

Kimberly reviews Vampires Never Cry Wolf by Sara Humphreys

TITLE: Vampires Never Cry Wolf
SERIES #: Dead In The City #3
CHARACTERS: Sadie & Killian
AUTHOR: Sara Humphreys
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/03/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sadie Pemberton is the DJ at the hottest vampire club in New York City, and she loves her freedom almost as much as she hates werewolves. She has no desire to tie herself to anyone for eternity—even the deliciously sexy Killian Bane—werewolf prince and heir apparent who has been sent to patrol the city.

But Sadie bears the mark of the moon—the mark that Killian has been looking for, the mark that’s meant to reveal his perfect mate. How can the fates be so cruel? Even more importantly, how is he ever going to change her mind?

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Ok So I am not sure why I keep reading this series since to me each book is just ok to good. Not great. Not terrible but just ok. And this is no different BUT something keeps bringing me back to these books and I request them again.

Sadie is just trying to run her club for the vampires and humans in the area and really has a dislike for werewolves but Killian keeps coming to the club and she doesn’t know why but soon finds out his is going to be opening his own club. Sadie is of course ticked and while the vampire/wolf treaty may be important to their kind her own livelihood is important to Sadie and she is not going to take this lying down.

Killian is alpha for sure but in a polite kind of way. He is not out to rule the world. I enjoyed him very much and found I was rooting for him to get his way.

If you enjoy the paranormal genre of vampire/shifters you will enjoy this. There is more in the romance than the paranormal really but still an ok read. Ok a good read.

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

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April 30, 2015April 30, 2015

Kelly reviews When Irish Eyes Are Haunted by Heather Graham

TITLE: When Irish Eyes Are Haunted
SERIES #: Krewe of Hunters Novella #14.5
CHARACTERS: Craig Rockwell & Devin Lyle
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Devin Lyle and Craig Rockwell are back, this time to a haunted castle in Ireland where a banshee may have gone wild—or maybe there’s a much more rational explanation—one that involves a disgruntled heir, murder, and mayhem, all with that sexy light touch Heather Graham has turned into her trademark style.

REVIEW:
I have only read one other book in the Krewe of Hunters series. I really enjoyed this quick mystery. Craig “Rocky” and Devin are a fun couple even we trying to solve a mysterious death.
Ms. Graham keeps us guessing on the who done it part all the way until the end of the story. I had my guess as to who it was. But the way really through my off. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

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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April 23, 2015April 20, 2015

Kelly reviews Her Wild Hero by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Wild Hero
SERIES #: X-Ops #3
CHARACTERS: Declan MacBride & Kendra Carlsen
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: May 5, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Name: Kendra Carlsen
Rank: Trainer, Dept. of Covert Ops
Objective: Get out of the office and into the field

Name: Declan MacBride
Rank: Munitions Expert, Dept. of Covert Ops
Status: Bear Shifter
Objective: Protect Kendra at all costs

The steamy Costa Rican jungle brings out the bear in Declan MacBride when he and new operative Kendra Carlsen are ambushed. In the midst of relying on each other to survive, and fighting his explosive attraction to Kendra, this shifter is about to lose control

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As a reward for being a model employee Kendra is finally getting her chance to go out in the field. It should be a simple trip down to Costa Rica, observe the team and then head home. But that is not exactly how it goes. Let’s just say things get dirty really fast.

Declan is not thrilled about his newest teammate. But like the good little soldier he is he will deal with it. That is right up until Kendra is in the crosshairs of the enemy. At that moment Declan’s beast is fully unleashed.

Another good story from Ms. Tyler. The ongoing plot in the X-Ops keeps getting more and more twisted with each book. I keep trying to figure who, what and why. Oh and a new character drops in……..

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.

April 21, 2015April 20, 2015

Kelly reviews Chasing Danger by Katie Reus

TITLE: Chasing Danger
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #2.5
CHARACTERS: Dax Costas & Hannah Young
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: April 21, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of Bound to Danger, a tale of a woman in danger and the one man who will keep her safe at all costs…

Chief Nursing Officer Hannah Young is accustomed to working under pressure, but even she’s still reeling in the aftermath of a horrific terrorist attack on Miami. And things only get worse after a knife wielding maniac tries to kill her. Desperate for help, Hannah must turn to the one man she never thought she’d see again.

After spending an intensely passionate night with Hannah, NSA Agent and former Delta Force operative Dax Costas fell off the face of the earth. He got called away for a two week mission with no way to contact her. Now he can’t get the smart, sexy woman out of his head. She might be angry at him, but when it appears she has a stalker, Dax moves her under his roof and into his protection.

Unfortunately, whoever wants Hannah dead will stop at nothing. And if Dax can’t identify the perpetrator in time, it could be too late to discover if there is more between him and Hannah than just heated passion

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Hannah Young has seen her share of drama. Being kidnapped will do that to a girl, but thankfully she was saved and the wonderfully sex Dax was there for her. While right up to the time he stood her up. But he is back. But will Hannah give him a chance? Or does faith have other plans for her
Dax Costas is in love with Hannah. But disappearing is not the best way to show someone you care. But nothing will stand in his way this time. All Dax needs is to get Hannah alone for a few minutes and to explain.
Chasing Danger was a quick read, but exciting read. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

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.

April 17, 2015April 12, 2015

Kelly reviews On The Run by Jo Davis

TITLE: On the Run
SERIES #: Sugarland Blue #4
CHARACTERS: Tonio Salvatore & Angel Silva
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: April 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest Sugarland Blue novel, Detective Tonio Salvatore always puts his job first—until a beautiful piece of trouble has him questioning the rules he’s sworn to live by…

Tonio knows that loneliness is the price he has to pay to avoid being hurt again. But the strictly by-the-book cop never expected to be blindsided by a woman who pulls him right out of his self-imposed isolation.

Angel Silva isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks—she’s on the wrong side of the law. She’s desperate to break free from her dangerous brother and his gang, but when a sexy new recruit joins them, Angel is more trapped than ever—because the ruthless Tonio Reyes isn’t what he seems. When she discovers the man she’s falling for is one of Sugarland’s finest, she’s forced to go on the run.

Instead of taking Angel into custody, Tonio finds himself risking his career to keep her safe. And as the beautiful woman tears down all his defenses, Tonio realizes he’ll risk his very life to set her free.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As always Ms. Davis takes us on a wild journey of ups and downs. But there was something off on this story for me. I can’t say the story was not good because it was. I just personally felt a little discounted to the characters. I have loved Tonio in the prior stories was really excited to read his story. So I can’t really put my finger on the discount, but I do believe it was all me.
I plan on re-reading On the Run when I personally am in a better mind frame.

April 14, 2015April 12, 2015

Kimberly reviews Cursed By Fire by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Cursed By Fire
SERIES #: Immortal Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Dethan & Selinda
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/15
ORDER LINKS: :Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the scorching hot first book in a thrilling new series featuring four warrior brothers who have the power—and the curse—of immortality.

For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.

Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to make Selinda his forever.

REVIEW:
I was worried about starting a new series from an author that I recently found. I enjoy the other series so would I like this one? The answer is yes. I enjoyed it very much.

Dethan is a great character. He is a conflicted character who never believed he could find something as great as being a warrior but then he finds love. Selinda was just ok for me. She was hard to get to like but eventually I did.

Give this new series a try.

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

April 7, 2015April 6, 2015

Kimberly reviews Darkness Eternal by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Darkness Eternal
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #7.5
CHARACTERS: Kata & Uriel
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For the Guardians of Eternity, battle is a way of life—whether the plight of their world is at stake, or the fate of their heart…

After being held captive by one vampire for four centuries, Kata had no intention of taking another one to the underworld with her. Yet even in the pits of Hell, there’s no ignoring the intoxicating desire awakened by Uriel’s touch…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a short novella in the Guardians of Eternity series. Kata has been a prisoner and vampire Uriel is her escape. There is something very interesting about the two together. They are enjoyable and the story was over way too quickly.

Just a small part of a wonderful series that any fan of paranormal will enjoy.

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

March 20, 2015March 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Watch Me by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Watch Me
SERIES #: Dark Obsession #1
CHARACTERS: Chance Valentine & Gwen Hawthorne
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.

He was hired to protect her.

Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.

He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.

But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I enjoyed Watch Me and am looking forward to the next two books in this series. I will say that the suspense was just a tad be off for me. I kinda had it figure out from the beginning. But then a wrench got thrown in there and I doubted myself for a minute. But I really did like Chance and his partners. I really liked Chance & Gwen together. Heck I even liked Ethan.

Watch Me was a quick read. I keep thinking I will read just one more chapter and before I knew it I was done. If you are a Cynthia Eden fan I think you will like this book.

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

March 17, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Broken Open by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Broken Open
SERIES #: The Hurley Boys #2
CHARACTERS: Tuesday Eastwood & Ezra Hurley
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beyond passion. And beyond their control.
Five years ago, Tuesday Eastwood’s life collapsed and left her devastated. After an empty, nomadic existence, she’s finally pieced her life back together in the small Oregon town of Hood River. Now Tuesday has everything sorted out. Just so long as men are kept for sex, and only sex.
Then she met him.
Musician and rancher Ezra Hurley isn’t the man of Tuesday’s dreams. He’s a verboten fantasy,a man tortured by past addictions whose dark charisma and long, lean body promise delicious carnality. But this craving goes far beyond chemistry. It’s primal. It’s insatiable. And it won’t be satisfied until they’re both consumed, body and soul

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts First off, I have to say – kudos to this author for featuring an interracial couple in this story! It’s a reality in the world, and one we don’t see represented a lot in the romance genre, so I’m super excited about that. Ezra and Tuesday were so great together. Each equally head strong and stubborn but both gravitating toward one another in a way neither could fight. This story is full of heartbreak. Ezra and Tuesday have overcome extremely painful situations and are both in a place where they can see the brighter side of life. All of the cast of characters have strong individual personalities and I loved getting to know all of them. This is the second book in the Hurley Boys series but can easily be read as a standalone since the author gives a lot of background information to the reader. I really enjoyed this story and it’s definitely worth a read!

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

March 11, 2015March 8, 2015

Kelly reviews Stripped With The Vampire by Jax Garren

TITLE: Stripped with the Vampire
SERIES #: Austin Immortals #1
CHARACTERS: Charlie & Vince
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: March 11, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a world of dark spells and blood ties where no one is safe, love is the most powerful magic of all.
Shy vampire Charlie never intended to see Vince again after the bad boy human broke his heart. But when Vince turns up beaten and marked for sacrifice to an Aztec God, Charlie will do anything keep him safe.

Vince has never forgiven himself for the lie that ended things with Charlie. The spark between them is as hot as ever, and Vince would risk body and soul to make it a fire again. But as they hide deeper in Austin’s supernatural society—a world of lies, dark magic, and warring immortals—he finds the path to reconciliation more twisted than he’s ever imagined.

REVIEW:
**Warning**
This is a m/m romance so if you don’t like reading this genre I would stop here.

Stipping the Vampire was a good story. I don’t normally read m/m romances but I did enjoy Charlie & Vince’s story. I enjoyed the crazy world that Ms. Garren has created of vampires (both good and totally messed up). There was so much going on in this story. Myths, legends, crazy people, love, longing and an uncertain future.

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

March 6, 2015March 1, 2015

Kimberly reviews Rumors by AC Arthur

TITLE: Rumors
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/30/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N Coming Soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her death tore them apart. Will solving her murder bring them back together?

Best friends Landy, Tenile, Nicole, Nathan, Justin, and Kareem were the golden children of Tanner University. Their paths were set: doctors, lawyers, business moguls, they were going to light the world on fire. Then, two weeks before graduation, Landy was murdered—and Nathan was blamed. Though he was never charged, vicious rumors drove him from town, and the circle of friends broke.

Ten years later, Nathan is back in Tanner, determined to clear his name. He’s asking questions no one wants answered, and soon rumors threaten to divide the community once more. Everyone in this small town is keeping big secrets—especially Landy’s old friends—and someone is willing to kill to keep their darkest deeds buried. . . .

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This story was previously released as Within The Shadows in 2007.I have enjoyed other stories by AC Arthur but I have to say I had the hardest time with this book. First there are so many characters that they all seem to mesh together. I never seemed to find myself caring about any of them. It felt like I was reading a soap opera or some teen drama where the group jumps from partner to partner in the same circle. I really just can’t say I enjoyed it and I am sorry to have to say that.

I will continue to read AC Arthur but think I will stick to her current reads and not the ones that are releases from before as her writing has improved so much.

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