3 Star – Page 35 – Books-n-Kisses

December 4, 2014November 29, 2014

Natasha reviews Owning Violet by Monica Murphy

TITLE: Owning Violet
SERIES #: Fowler Sisters #1
CHARACTERS: Violet & Ryder
AUTHOR: Monica Murphy
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/2/2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series – perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase – that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.
I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.
Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary – perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.
My everything

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ooh this book made me so mad and so happy all at the same time. It tells the story of shy pushover Violet and over confident womanizer Ryder. These two are an unlikely pair as they are complete opposites. We start off not liking Ryder at all, which was done on purpose – he’s not a good guy. Violet was also not likeable from the very beginning, because you felt so upset that she was such a pushover and you wanted her to be stronger and more secure. She had the capability to be so strong but she was letting herself be trampled over, which is hard to read. That said, she definitely grew throughout the story and I think she found herself and her inner strength. She makes some decisions along the way that many people wouldn’t make, but they worked for her. Ryder continued to be a jerk throughout the book, but he made incremental changes that turned him into a much different person by the end of the book. There are also great antagonists in the book that you completely love to hate! Overall it was a very good story, super intense, very explicit love scenes and a feeling of closure and completeness – loved the epilogue. There are two other books coming out in this series starring Violet’s sisters Rose and Lily that I cannot wait to read because I just love these two!

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Bantam Dell. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 1, 2014November 30, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Geared For The Grave by Duffy Brown

Guest Post

by Duffy Brown

Pets are the best! They are our constant companions. They love us when we’re bitchy and in our sloppy PJs with no hair combed and when we have the flu. And they train us really well. Here I thought we were supposed to train them! Ha!

Pet joke: What side of the door does the cat like to be on? The other side. That’s why I jump up and down the whole blasted night while trying to watch TV to let my cat in and out of the porch. Am I a well trained owner or what!

Then there’s the food issue. Every three days I bake my cat chicken thighs. Not breasts or legs or wings…but thighs. Then cut into small pieces and served room temp. Not cold and not hot.

And then we have the water glass issue. Know that snotty white cat on TV who eats his kibble out of a crystal glass…that’s my cat’s water bowl. Good grief.

I have two cats, Spooky and Dr. Watson. Dr. Watson was supposed to be for my son, a gift from my daughter. Yeah, right. We all know how the pet for the sibling thing works…parents get the pet! And I got Spooky out of the grocery store parking lot. He was living in the cart area. I herd this pitiful meow and suddenly had a new cat in my life.

If I didn’t have cats I’d have a dog. I know they are more work but they are always happy. Something about a wagging tail will cure any depression, a gift from the pet gods. I have a dog…the other Bruce Willis…in my Consignment Shop mystery series.

In Geared for the Grave there are two cats, Bambino and Cleveland. Here’s a little about Bambino:

I dropped my duffle and snagged a cue, aimed for the far pocket and sailed the yellow-striped ball across the felt till Rudy plucked it right off the table. “Hey, why’d you do that? I nailed that shot.”
Rudy scooped his hand into the pocket, dragging out a sleepy black and white kitten. “Bambino hangs out there, left pocket’s off limits.” Rudy balanced on one crutch–he was a one-crutch kind of guy. “So, Chicago, what brings a pool shark to my doorstep this time of night?”

Tell me about your pet. Where does he hang out? How does he have you trained? I’ll give away two Geared for the Grave totes from the answers.

Have a meowing-good day.
Duffy

About the Author:

I love anything with a mystery. While other girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, I longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. I live in Cincinnati, have two cats, Spooky and Dr. Watson, my license plate is Sherlok and I now conjure up who-done-it stories of my very own for Berkley Prime Crime. I am a national bestselling author and my Consignment Shop Mystery series is set in Savannah and the CyclePath Mysteries are set on Mackinac Island.

Website/Facebook

Mackinac Island is a peaceful summer resort town where everyone coasts through the streets on bicycles. But after someone sends a prominent local on her final ride, it’s up to one resourceful visitor to get things running again…

Hoping to shift her chances of a promotion in her favor, Evie Bloomfield heads to Mackinac Island to assist her boss’s father. Rudy Randolph has broken his leg and operating his bike shop, Rudy’s Rides, is too much to handle by himself. But Evie’s good turn only leads to more trouble…

After Evie’s arrival, wealthy resident Bunny Harrington dies in what looks like a freak bike accident. Upon closer inspection, Bunny’s brakes were tampered with, and now the prime suspect in her murder is also Bunny’s number one enemy: Rudy. So if Evie hopes to stay on her boss’s good side, she’ll need to steer Rudy clear of jail. Now she must quickly solve this mystery so she can put the brakes on the real killer’s plan…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Geared For The Grave

Review (3.75 Stars): I love Ms. Brown’s Consignment Shop Mysteries so I was very excited to hear that she was starting a brand new series. Evie Bloomfield has had her run of bad luck and is hoping that will all change when she arrives at Mackinac Island. Hoping for a promotion, she agrees to visit her boss’s father, Rudy, who just happens to be recuperating from a broken leg and currently runs a bike shop on the island. Shortly after Evie’s arrival, Rudy becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a wealthy resident and it is up to Evie to help find the real murderer or run the risk of losing her job back home. The only problem is that Evie is having a hard time finding someone on Mackinac Island that didn’t want the victim dead and the true killer will do anything to keep the truth from coming out.

Evie was a fun character that always seemed to find herself in the middle of trouble. She was a bit of a klutz but her heart was in the right place and she was trying to prevent Rudy from being arrested for a crime that he didn’t commit. Mackinac Island was full of interesting and crazy characters that made this mystery entertaining and I’m looking forward to seeing how Evie acclimates to her new small-town surroundings after being in Chicago for so long. The only thing was that the mystery was a little on the slow side for me but I’m sure things will definitely pick up in the next installment of this mystery series.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Geared For The Grave. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by December 10th, answer Ms. Brown’s question from above in the comments:

November 28, 2014November 27, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Share The Moon by Sharon Struth

Sometimes trust is the toughest lesson to learn.

Sophie Shaw is days away from signing a contract that will fulfill her dream of owning a vineyard. For her, it’s a chance to restart her life and put past tragedies to rest. But Duncan Jamieson’s counter offer blows hers out to sea.

Duncan still finds Sophie as appealing as he had during boyhood vacations to the lake. Older and wiser now, he has his own reasons for wanting the land. His offer, however, hinges on a zoning change approval.

Bribery rumors threaten the deal and make Sophie wary of Duncan, yet she cannot deny his appeal. When her journalistic research uncovers a Jamieson family secret, trust becomes the hardest lesson for them both.

Amazon/B&N

Thud!

Air whooshed from Sophie’s lungs. Pain coursed through her shoulder blades, neck, and spine. The ground’s chilly dampness seeped into her cotton khaki pants, raising goose bumps on her skin. Seconds passed without breath before she managed to swallow a gulp.

Lying flat on her back, she stared at the cornflower blue sky and spotted a chalky slice of the moon. The night Henry died, a similar crescent had hung from the heavens, barely visible nestled among the glittering stars. She prepared for the scrape that threatened to tear the gouge of her scarred heart. Seven years. Seven painful years. She closed her eyes and after a few seconds, the weight of sadness lifted off her chest.

Tears gathered along her lower lashes. She pushed a strand of unruly long hair from her face. Footsteps crunched on the ice pellets and headed her way.

“Matthew Shaw…” Fury pooled in her jaw as she resisted the urge to yell at her son. “You’d better have a good excuse for taking so long.”

A man with cinnamon hair, short on the sides with gentle waves on top, knelt at her side. She studied the strong outline of his cheeks and the slight bump on the bridge of his angular nose that gave him a rugged touch, but he wasn’t familiar.

“Are you okay?” He searched her face.

The stranger hovered above. Tall treetops, clinging to the last of their earth-toned foliage, served as a backdrop to her view. A vertical crease separated his sandy brows.

She couldn’t pry herself from his vivid blue eyes, in part stunned from the fall, but also by her first responder.

About the Author:

Sharon Struth is an award-winning author who believes it’s never too late for a second chance in love or life. When she’s not writing, she and her husband happily sip their way through the scenic towns of the Connecticut Wine Trail. Sharon writes from the small town of Bethel, Connecticut, the friendliest place she’s ever lived. For more information, including where to find her other novels and published essays, please visit her website.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Share The Moon

Review (3.75 Stars): Sophie Shaw has discovered that a big developer has come in and taken away the opportunity for her family to build a vineyard by purchasing the prospective property days before they were going to sign the contract. For Sophie, this is a devastating blow because the property has a deeper significance than just being a vineyard and she will do whatever it takes to try to get it back. Duncan Jamieson has decided to make a fresh start after spending most of his life dedicated to the corporate rat race and can’t imagine a better place than buying the lake property where he spent his summers as a youth. He never expected to run into his teenage crush, Sophie, and find out that his own company has beaten out her family for the lake property. To make amends, Duncan and Sophie start spending time with another and find that their sexual chemistry is hard to deny. Sophie soon learns that his family has secrets to hide and these secrets may help win back the property but ultimately destroy any chance that they have to build a future together.

This was a darker romance for me because there was a lot of heartbreak and sadness for Sophie and Duncan. Sophie had experienced a devastating loss in her family and she was still struggling to recover emotionally from it. Duncan had suffered a loss as well and he understood what Sophie was going through even though she never wanted to admit it. I liked them together as a couple because they had that instant attraction and chemistry from the moment that they met, even though they had a rough patch after learning the reason why Duncan was there. I was glad to see that with the right person Sophie was able to make peace with what happened in the past and bring light and love back into her life. Share The Moon is a promising debut in the Blue Moon Lake series and I’m looking forward to seeing these characters again in the second installment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 28, 2014November 22, 2014

Natasha reviews Changeling by Philippa Gregory

TITLE: Changeling
SERIES #: Order of Darkness #1
CHARACTERS: Isolde & Luca
AUTHOR: Philippa Gregory
PUBLICATION DATE: 5/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl.
Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.
Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.
Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I love historical romances and love everything Philippa Gregory writes. She’s extremely knowledgeable about historical characters and her writing is amazing. I was very curious about her Young Adult series since I had never read a YA that was also a historical, so decided to give it a go. I’m happy that I did. This has all the tells of Philippa’s writing. It’s elegant, poignant and full of accurate historical context. There are a number of supporting characters in this book that are all equally intriguing and I am actually very excited to see how all of their stories will play out. Isolde and Luca are both likable enough, though I cannot say I love them just yet. However, the antics Luca and his companions get themselves into is almost comical and his squire – Freize is hilarious. He stole this story in my opinion. This was a great read and I’m excited to see what else is in store for this group of characters!
Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 25, 2014November 22, 2014

Kimberly reviews Tears Of The Rose by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: The Twelve Kingdoms: Tears Of The Rose
SERIES #: Twelve Kingdoms #2
CHARACTERS: Amelia & ???
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three sisters. Motherless daughters of the high king. The eldest is the warrior-woman heir; the middle child is shy and full of witchy intuition; and the youngest, Princess Amelia, she is as beautiful as the sun and just as generous.
Ami met her Prince Charming and went away to his castle on the stormy sea-cliffs—and that should have been her happily ever after. Instead, her husband lies dead and a war rages. Her middle sister has been taken into a demon land, turned into a stranger. The priests and her father are revealing secrets and telling lies. And a power is rising in Ami, too, a power she hardly recognizes, to wield her beauty as a weapon, and her charm as a tool to deceive…
Amelia has never had to be anything but good and sweet and kind and lovely. But the chess game for the Twelve Kingdoms has swept her up in it, and she must make a gambit of her own. Can the prettiest princess become a pawn—or a queen?

REVIEW:
So I had a hard time with this story. First I never warmed up to Amelia. When we met her in the first in the series she was superficial and spoiled and that did not change in this book. And while she does seem to change toward the end of the book a bit and she grows up for lack of a better word by then it was too late and I just didn’t care. I liked Hugh and maybe if he had been involved instead of dying in the first book then we could have enjoyed Amelia more but this way I just didn’t.

This story doesn’t have the feel of the first book which felt like a trip to Narnia, Hogwarts and other places rolled into one. This just felt lacking.

Now that being said I usually find I do not enjoy the second book in a trilogy. The first gives us the beginning with information into understanding what is happening and the third closes up the story so it is interesting in its own way but the second just seems less than and it is the same with this. I will most likely read the next in the series and hope that it is better.

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

November 18, 2014November 16, 2014

Kimberly reviews Nothing But Trouble by JL Hammer

TITLE: Nothing But Trouble
CHARACTERS: Frankie & Wes
AUTHOR: JL Hammer
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s the kind of trouble he can’t resist …
With an angry loan shark hot on her heels, Frankie Delenski flees a Vegas gentlemen’s club with one thought in mind: hide before she’s nothing more than a chalk outline. Now on the run…she finds herself stranded in a sleepy Colorado town during a storm. Her only salvation becomes the suspicious and gorgeous deputy sheriff determined to arrest her…

From the get-go, Wes Malone must restrain his lust for this stunning, unpredictable woman in a sequined bra and rely on his instincts as a cop. As he sifts through the haze of lies, the truth about her predicament is like a sucker punch to the gut. She’s in serious danger and getting involved with her means nothing but sweet, irresistible trouble…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ever have one of those days? Well Frankie is having one of those months. She got herself into a little trouble and somehow the whole thing snowballed from there. But the good part? She met Wes.

They are an interesting set of people and while I enjoyed them the characters seemed to change during the story. Wes was kind of short tempered and not mean exactly but rough around the edges but by the end of the story he had a great sense of humor and a lot of protectiveness around Frankie. Frankie is snide and quick witted and someone you want to be friends with as long as you are not around her when all hell is breaking loose.

This is an interesting story with a lot of action. It does get a bit wordy at some points but still keeps your attention. The background characters are interesting as well. Would I recommend it? Sure why not. Probably won’t be your favorite book in the world but you will still enjoy the adventure.

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

November 13, 2014November 9, 2014

Kelly reviews The Flame by Christopher Rice

TITLE: The Flame
SERIES #: 1001 Dark Nights #11
CHARACTERS: Andrew & Cassidy Burke & Shane
AUTHOR: Christopher Rice
PUBLICATION DATE: November 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHRISTOPHER RICE PRESENTS HIS FIRST WORK OF EROTIC ROMANCE.

IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT…

Cassidy Burke has the best of both worlds, a driven and successful husband and a wild, impulsive best friend. But after a decadent Mardi Gras party, Cassidy finds both men pulling away from her. Did the three of them awaken secret desires during a split-second of alcohol-fueled passion? Or is Mardi Gras a time when rules are meant to be broken without consequence?

Only one thing is for certain—the chill that’s descended over her marriage, and her most important friendship, will soon turn into a deep freeze if she doesn’t do something. And soon.

LIGHT THIS FLAME AT THE SCENE OF YOUR GREATEST PASSION AND ALL YOUR DESIRES WILL BE YOURS.

The invitation stares out at her from the window of a French Quarter boutique. The store’s owner claims to have no knowledge of the strange candle. But Cassidy can’t resist its intoxicating scent or the challenge written across its label in elegant cursive. With the strike of a match and one tiny flame, she will call forth a supernatural being with the ultimate power—the power to unchain the heart, the power to remove the fear that stands between a person and their truest desires.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a good 1001 Dark Night’s story.
And was my first Christopher Rice read. And boy howdy did I ever jump off the deep end with this book. As with any good novella I can’t give you too much. But lets just say that a night of impulsive decisions will forever change the way that three people look at each other. In the short term it has through all of them for a loop. But with a little other worldly help they may have a bright future. The only question is are they willing to jump into the flame.

My warning to you:
The Flame is not for the faint of heart. The Flame is has a m/f/m, m/m and m/m/f scenes so as long as you are prepared for some very hot hotness make sure to pick up a copy of The Flame. I am already looking forward to Mr. Rice’s next 1001 Dark Night story (next year).

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.

November 12, 2014November 9, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Mistletoe Mansion by Samantha Tonge

TITLE: Mistletoe Mansion
CHARACTERS:Kimmy & Luke
AUTHOR: Samantha Tonge
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kimmy Jones has three loves: cupcakes, gossip magazines and dreaming of getting fit just by owning celeb workouts. When Kimmy’s Sensible Boyfriend told her he didn’t approve of her longing for the high life or her dream of starting a cupcake company Kimmy thought she could compromise – after all, she did return those five-inch Paris Hilton heels! But asking her to trade in cake-making for a job sorting potatoes is a step too far.

So, newly single – and newly homeless – Kimmy needs a dusting of Christmas luck. And, masquerading as a professional house sitter, her new temporary home is the stunning Mistletoe Mansion. Soon she’s best buds with glamorous next door golf WAG Melissa, and orders are pouring in for her fabulous Merry Berry cupcakes! The only thorn in her side is handsome handyman Luke, a distraction she definitely doesn’t need. And talking of distractions, something very odd is going on at night…

Kimmy is finally living the life she’s always wanted. But will her glimpse into the glittering lifestyle of the rich and famous be as glamorous as she’s always imagined…?

REVIEW:
I had the hardest time with this story and would have given it 2.5 but I am bumping it to mid-star because I think some of this was me. I have never been a fan of dumb-silly. I mean those kind of movies never even make me break a smirk while others can’t rave enough about it. So maybe it was just me.

First this story is set in England so the language is different but that is ok and just needs some understanding. The whole celebrity fascination didn’t sit with me either. I, again, am not the type that watch the reality shows or can’t wait for my People magazine to come in. I couldn’t care less about celebrities so Kimmy’s obsession is not something I can get behind.

I guess the story is ok. The characters got on my nerves more often than not. I didn’t get why Kimmy was so wrapped up in Adam when he was so hot and cold. Luke is ok but I really don’t get his fascination with Kimmy. This story was just not for me (can you tell?) but maybe someone who enjoys silly comedy would appreciate it.

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

November 12, 2014November 9, 2014

Kelly reviews Half Moon Harbor by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Half Moon Harbor
SERIES #: Bachelors of Blueberry Cove #2
CHARACTERS: Brodie Monaghans & Grace Maddox
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: April 29, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bold, brash, Irish—Brodie Monaghan’s been breaking hearts ever since he arrived in Maine to rebuild the family business. Still, there’s one woman he just can’t wow.

Grace Maddox claims she’s now part owner of Monaghan Shipbuilders, and she has her own dreams for the weathered dockside buildings.

Tiny Blueberry Cove has a way of welcoming strangers with wide open arms, but is the sleepy coastal village ready for the fireworks these two spark?

DIY is so much better with two. . .

Includes an easy do-it-yourself restoration project!

REVIEW:
Half Moon Harbor is book 2 in the Bachelors of Blueberry Cove. I liked this story but didn’t fell head over heels in love with it. I really liked how Brodie & Grace met. I like their courting. I liked how Grace kicked some serious butt at the end of the book. But there was something a little disconnected for me. I can’t really put my finger on it. I enjoyed the book over all and glad that I read.

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

November 11, 2014November 9, 2014

Natasha reviews The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison

TITLE: The Silent Wife
CHARACTERS: Jodi and Todd
AUTHOR: A.S.A. Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/25/13
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A chilling psychological thriller about a marriage, a way of life, and how far one woman will go to keep what is rightfully hersJodi and Todd are at a bad place in their marriage. Much is at stake, including the affluent life they lead in their beautiful waterfront condo in Chicago, as she, the killer, and he, the victim, rush haplessly toward the main event. He is a committed cheater. She lives and breathes denial. He exists in dual worlds. She likes to settle scores. He decides to play for keeps. She has nothing left to lose. Told in alternating voices, The Silent Wife is about a marriage in the throes of dissolution, a couple headed for catastrophe, concessions that can’t be made, and promises that won’t be kept. Expertly plotted and reminiscent of Gone Girl and These Things Hidden, The Silent Wife ensnares the reader from page one and does not let go.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Well, I don’t even know where to start with this story. Jodi and Todd have a very complicated relationship. Though not married, they’ve been together for 20 years. When Todd makes a life altering decision it throws Jodi’s world into chaos. I found that both of these characters were extremely difficult to like. I didn’t particularly care about either of them, because they both bred such negativity and deception. They were actually perfect for each other – which I guess is the point. Though not likable characters I found myself very curious how the story would unfold and if it would follow the expected path the author had set up. Some parts of the story were dull, but overall I was pleased with how the whole story unfolded, though much of the time I was just shaking my head in disbelief. I really love that we actually do not have a concrete conclusion in the end; readers are left to their own opinions on some of the events in the story which creates a fun twist on a dark tale. It was an interesting read and I’m happy I gave it a go.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 7, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Her Lone Wolf by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Lone Wolf
SERIES #: X-Ops #2
CHARACTERS: Clayne Buchanan & Danica Beckett
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Leaving him was Impossible…

It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse…

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back—and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to take no for an answer this time.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I think I can sum up this book in a few words: Tension, Anxiety, Deception and Relief.

Her Lone Wolf is book 2 in Paige Tyler’s X-Ops series. We pick up shortly after the events from book one (I would suggest reading in order, but you don’t have to). Ivy and Landon are still working on the issues from book one (no I am not going to tell you what they are). But Clayne is sent on a mission to help hunt a serial killer. But when Clayne gets to the west coast a very unpleasant surprise is waiting for him. The woman who broke his heart 2 years ago.
To say that the tension between Clayne & Danica was mild would be understated. These two love and hate each other for many reason all of which boils down to the fact that neither wants to live without the other.
There is a lot going on in this book. We jump from Clayne & Danica in the future, to them in the past, to Ivy & Landon back to Clayne & Danica’s current mission. It took me a while to figure out how Clayne & Danica’s mission factored in with Landon & Ivy’s but it all came clear the farther I got into the book. Unfortunately it left many questions unanswered and left me wondering just who can they trust.
I am looking forward to the next book in these series. The epilogue was a little disturbing……..

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts I am not sure why but I had a hard time reading this story. First Clayne is just mean. Yeah he lightens up some but he has anger management problems that make me just want to slap him and walk away and never look back. Danica seems strong but I think it says something about her that she is into Clayne.

This is the second in the series and the first was a bit different so I was looking forward to this one but it just didn’t interest me at all. I enjoy the background story and am looking forward to reading more in the series to see what happens but I could have done without this part of the story… Or maybe just done without Clayne because if he had been written different I might have been more inclined to enjoy the story.

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

November 7, 2014November 2, 2014

Natasha reviews Her Wicked Captain by Sandra Jones

TITLE: Her Wicked Captain
SERIES #: The River Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Dell & Rory
AUTHOR: Sandra Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/4/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She played right into his hands. The River Rogues, Book 1 Possessing uncanny people-reading skills like her mama, Philadelphia “Dell” Samuels has spent thirteen years in her aunt’s rustic Ozarks home, telling fortunes over playing cards and trying to pass as white. But the treacherous Mississippi River childhood her mama dragged her away from finally catches up to her on a steamboat captained by her old friend Rory Campbell. Known to his crew as the Devil’s Henchman, Rory is a gambler in need of a miracle. Following the cold trail of his boss’s wife and bastard daughter, Dell, Rory has only one goal in mind: saving his crew from the boss’s cruelty by ruining him. The only one who can defeat the Monster of the Mississippi is the man trained to take his place. Rory’s convinced he can lure his boss into a high-stakes game against a rival, and with Dell’s people-reading skills, the monster will lose everything. Under Rory’s tutelage and protection, Dell agrees to the tortured captain’s plan. Passion and peril quickly bring them together as lovers. But when Rory’s plan goes awry, the lives of the innocent depend on Dell’s ability to read the situation correctly—and hopefully save them all. Warning: There’s not enough moonshine on the Mississippi to keep this fortune teller from saving The Devil’s Henchman, a high-stakes gambler—and her childhood friend—from his boss’s cruel attentions. Touches upon issues of child abuse, revenge, and redemption.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a good first book in this new series. I really liked Dell and Rory. They were great together and gave each other just enough crap for me to love them. I really enjoyed how Dell wasn’t a character that just cowed to a man and was timid. She was strong willed and did what she needed to do. Rory was a sweetie and he just fumbled all over himself sometimes which was super charming. I also enjoyed many of the supporting characters and hope we get to see more of them. My only critique of this book was that sometimes the scene would change but it wasn’t immediately evident. That slowed down my reading a little so I could make sure I was in the correct moment, but other than that it was a great read and I really like this author.

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