3 Star – Page 41 – Books-n-Kisses

May 28, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Hunt The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Hunt the Darkness
SERIES #: Eternal Guardians #11
CHARACTERS: Roke & Sally
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The vampire, Roke, is raw, sensual, always in control. Yet somehow he’s allowed the unthinkable to happen: a nymph-like witch named Sally has used her magic to trick Roke into mating with her. The pair will remain bound for eternity unless Sally breaks the spell. The trouble is, she has no idea how. . .

Mating with Roke was an accident; at least that’s what Sally keeps telling herself. She’s on the hunt for her demon father, whose identity holds the key to releasing the spell. The search won’t be easy with Roke shadowing Sally’s every move. As they mate with a ferocity that leaves them both aching for more, Sally isn’t sure if her world is more dangerous without Roke—or with him.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Another good story from Ms. Ivy. I love Roke. He is all kinds of I am an island to myself. Well except when it comes to the feisty little witch that mated him by accident. When it comes to his temporary mate Roke will do everything in his power to protect her. Even at the cost of his own heart.
Sally is awesome. she is feisty, determined, loyal and wicked powerful. And the absolute perfect mate for Roke if only she could realize that. But after three weeks of running from him Sally has decided (with a little help from Roke) that she will not be continuing on this journey without him.
These two were fun to read about. And the journey that they are on tests them and their mating the whole way through the book. Roke believes it is fate that they are mated. But Sally thinks it is just the spell. Only time will tell which one is right.

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

May 27, 2014May 18, 2014

Kimberly review Don’t Call Me Baby by Gwendolyn Healsey

TITLE: Don’t Call Me Baby
CHARACTERS: Imogene
AUTHOR: Gwendolyn Heasley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All her life, Imogene has been known as the girl on THAT blog.

Imogene’s mother has been writing an incredibly embarrassing, and incredibly popular, blog about her since before she was born. Hundreds of thousands of perfect strangers knew when Imogene had her first period. Imogene’s crush saw her “before and after” orthodontia photos. But Imogene is fifteen now, and her mother is still blogging about her, in gruesome detail, against her will.

When a mandatory school project compels Imogene to start her own blog, Imogene is reluctant to expose even more of her life online…until she realizes that the project is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to tell the truth about her life under the virtual microscope and to define herself for the first time.

Don’t Call Me Baby is a sharply observed and irrepressibly charming story about mothers and daughters, best friends and first crushes, and the surface-level identities we show the world online and the truth you can see only in real life.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was asked to read this book from publishers and while I wasn’t sure I thought why not. First I will say this is for YA. This is not the contemporary romance it might seem from the cover. This is about Imogene’s life and how she deals with being a “celebrity” by her mom’s popular blog. When she has no other recourse she starts her own blog and insanity begins.

This is a light easy read and I can totally see teenage girls enjoying this book. As a matter of fact I intend to loan my copy to just such a teen and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks. As an adult who has been one for many many years it will be interesting to get a teenagers point of view on how she would have dealt with this.

This is a sweet coming of age story in a social media/blog happy world.

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

May 19, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Sun-Kissed by Laura Florand

TITLE: Sun-Kissed
SERIES #: Snow Queen #2
CHARACTERS: Mack Corey & Anne Winters
AUTHOR: Laura Florand
PUBLICATION DATE: May 22, 2014
ORDER LINKS: | B&N {Add: } Not up yet, remind me closer to release day

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They called her the Ice Queen.

Anne Winters. Self-made billionaire. Household name. Divorced single mom. Convicted felon. She didn’t let anyone or anything get to her. No one was allowed to breach the walls around her heart except for her own son. She had only one trusted friend: her vacation house neighbor. They’d been walking the beach together for twenty years. Not that this gave him access to her heart, of course…

They called him a man who got what he wanted.

Mack Corey. Self-made billionaire. Dominant world player. Widowed father of the bride. No felony convictions yet, although his daughters had come close. He’d transformed his family company into one of the top 500 by the age of thirty. He’d raised two daughters who dumped him for idiot arrogant French chocolatiers and went off to live in Paris. Hell, he even managed to tolerate his dad. But that Ice Queen act Anne Winters had going was really starting to get to him…

They’d been friends for twenty years. Could they become lovers?

Could a frozen heart be kissed by the sun?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Mack & Anne have been the best of friends for years. They have helped each other through the pains in life that no one should have have to go through. They have remained friends through a prison sentence. But now they must face a problem that could have their future for ever.
This was a good quick read. I loved the deep connection that Mack & Anne have as friends. Yet as Mack changes the rules and Anne fights him both know they will never lose their friendship. Laura did a great job of writing a story about two people who are not young, who are set in their ways, who think that life has not left to offer them, and showing that love can be found anytime and anywhere.

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

May 16, 2014May 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Best Medicine by Tracy Brogan

TITLE: The Best Medicine
SERIES: Bell Harbor #2
CHARACTERS: Evelyn & Tyler
AUTHOR: Tracy Brogan
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn…sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn’t…most of the time), she’d never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she’s going to find someone to spend her life with, she’ll do it scientifically: with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site.
But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he’s sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn’s affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He’s too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he’s her patient.
But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

REVIEW:
I am on the fence about this book. It was very obvious what was going to happen but then again I would think most romance novels are. There was too much “he’s too young for me but I really like him” throughout the book. I never really felt like the characters connected either. There was some humor and some really good lines that made me smile and I liked Tyler but Evelyn was just “blah” for me. And it was a really long book for the subject.

The books is also written in the first person which didn’t translate well for me. Was it bad? No. Was it great? No. Was it ok? Yes. Just not sure I would recommend it.

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

May 15, 2014May 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Break For Me by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Break for Me
SERIES #: Secrets & Shadows #0.6 (Novella about 80 pages)
CHARACTERS: Dean West & Jensen Bell
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: April 22, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jensen Bell had twelve happy years before her mother disappeared and her whole world went to pieces. Since then, she’s become a cop—one who takes great pride in her work, and in helping keep others safe. The saving grace in her own life has been Dean West, the only man who can make her burn with desire and help her through her burdens. But when a shocking discovery turns her life upside-down, even being wrapped in Dean’s arms might not be enough to keep her out of harm’s way

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts The second novella in Shiloh Walker’s new Secrets & Shadow’s series picks up where we left off in Burn for Me. With the Bell family still looking for answers about their mother’s disappearance. But are they going to be ready for the answers if/when they get them?

Since this was a novella I can’t give you much. Other than I enjoyed Jensen & Dean’s story. I did find the story line a tad-bit fast it was still a good story. I am very much looking forward to the next novella in this series.

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

May 13, 2014May 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews Part Of Me by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Part Of Me
SERIES #: Damaged Hearts #2
CHARACTERS: Lidia & Brayden
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts—a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females—human or otherwise—from the savage fury of his own nature… Lidia Morales has always felt out of place. The one stable presence in her childhood has always been Brayden. Every major moment, every growing pain, everything in her life has been shared with him since they were little, so it makes sense to her that they will stay friends at college together. Until one night, emotions are revealed in a heated kiss, and Lidia’s world is turned upside down. Brayden has always been just a friend and she knows she should look somewhere else for love. But the memory of the passion between them is undeniable—and Brayden isn’t about to let her forget it. As trouble brews, Lidia may need Brayden more than she realized and Brayden will do whatever it takes to convince her that they are soulmates…bonded for life.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and while sweet just like in the first book I felt it is more for the YA. That being said it is still a fine read even for an old person like me. There is very little paranormal in this story even though both are shifters. Being a short read it is nice to have between longer novels just be ready for the feeling that you are watching a couple of 20 year olds deal with life.

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

May 9, 2014May 3, 2014

Kelly & Natasha review Hell For Leather by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Hell for Leather
SERIES #: Black Knights Inc #6
CHARACTERS: Bryan “Mac”McMillan & Delilah Fairchild
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Only the most urgent crisis could force Delilah Fairchild to abandon her beloved biker bar and ask the surly Bryan “Mac” McMillan for help. Her uncle—the man who raised her—has vanished into thin air, and Mac is the only person with the right connections to help her find him. What the ex-FBI agent has against her is a mystery…but when the bullets start to fly, Mac is her only chance of finding her uncle alive.

Mac knows that beautiful women can’t be trusted, but he has to put his natural wariness of Delilah aside in order to help her. With the clock ticking, Mac and Delilah find themselves holding on to each other in the wildest adventure of their lives

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts This was an okay story for me. I liked Mac & Delilah but something was missing. Some kind of connection to these two. I am not sure what it was. It was a good enough story. Lots of action. Lots of things going on. But something was missing.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I love this series. Julie Ann Walker never disappoints in these books. She’s created truly lovable characters that you can’t help to want to get to know. Her stories never lack action, passion and intrigue. This was no different. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

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.

May 7, 2014May 3, 2014

Kelly reviews Giving In by Maya Banks

TITLE: Giving In
SERIES #: Surrender Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Jenson & Kylie
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kylie sees the way Jensen looks at her. The dark promise in his eyes. That rough edge of dominance she knows he possesses. But dominance is the one thing that frightens her above all else. She and her brother barely survived a childhood steeped in violence and abuse. She could never give up total control and submit to a man. Especially a man like Jensen. Could she?
Jensen sees the shadows in Kylie’s eyes. Knows he has to tread very carefully or risk losing any chance he has with her. All he wants is the opportunity to show her that dominance doesn’t equal pain, bondage or discipline. That emotional surrender is the most powerful of all, and that to submit—fully to him—will fulfill the aching void in her heart in a way nothing else ever will.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Giving In is the second book in Maya Banks’ Surrender Trilogy. Will I enjoyed reading Jensen & Kylie’s story it was just a tad bit slow for me.

There was a lot of emotions in the book. Both Jensen & Kylie have some pretty bad demons in their past that they need to deal with. Jensen thinks that he has dealt with his. While Kyle knows she has not. These two do make a good couple as they both understand what the other has been through.

I am looking forward to Cheesy & Tate’s book. I hope that Chessy brings Tate to his knees.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the 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.

May 5, 2014May 3, 2014

Kelly reviews Saving His Mate by Savannah Stuart

TITLE: Saving His Mate
SERIES #: Crescent Moon #4
CHARACTERS: Rex Serano & Margery
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: May 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the moment vampire bounty-hunter Rex Serano meets sexy shifter Margery, he’s smitten. When the alpha of the Kincaid pack asks him to join with them, he’s stunned by the offer, but the real draw is the beautiful, caring female who seems to want nothing to do with him.

Margery is the driving maternal force for her pack and she has one rule: she doesn’t date vampires. Years ago she was nearly killed by rogue vamps and she has no interest in getting involved with one now. No matter how sexy a certain, persistent bounty hunter might be.

When one of Rex’s hunts gets messy, Margery gets caught in the crossfire and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her. They might be different species but the mating call is undeniable and too strong to ignore. Now they must find a way to reach common ground and trust their instincts if they’re going to fight for a future together.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The 4th book in Savannah Stuart’s Crescent Moon series was a quick read. But a good quick read. A lot of things happen in a very short period of time. But Savannah does a great job of making the story not feel rushed. Sometimes that is hard to do in a novella. But like every good novella it does leave you wanting more. Wanting to know how Rex & Margery are doing. What is going to happen to them in the future. Well the past ever come back and bite them? So many questions. I hope that Savannah will revisit these two in a future novella and maybe answer a few of these questions.
If you are a fan of Ms. Stuart you will surely enjoy Saving His Mate. If you are new to this series I would suggest starting from the beginning :). Not that you have to Saving His Mate can easily be read as a stand alone.

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

May 2, 2014April 27, 2014

Kimberly review In Bed With The Boss by Alexa Bravo

TITLE: In Bed With The Boss
CHARACTERS: Trish & Keith
AUTHOR: Alexa Bravo
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trish Carter is chasing the career opportunity of a lifetime, and nothing is going to stand in her way. After a failed marriage and years of self-doubt, she needs her business proposal to succeed — but there’s one hurdle left: presenting to the Board of Directors and charismatic CEO, Keith Donnelli. So then it can only be the stress and extreme tension that leads her to jump the hot stranger in the elevator…

But the unexpectedly explosive encounter puts all her plans in jeopardy, when the stranger isn’t a stranger at all. Now, her whole future rides on how well she can resist the temptation of sleeping with her boss. Will Trish finally have the chance to make her secret dreams come true or will following her heart destroy her chance at a future?

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 Hearts

REVIEW:
This is a somewhat short story but the problem is that it is very wordy so it seems longer. It is a alright story. The characters have good chemistry. The story is a bit cliche’ but for a short romance it is fine.

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

April 29, 2014April 12, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review When We Met by Susan Mallery

TITLE: When We Met
SERIES #: Fools Gold #13
CHARACTERS: Angel Whittaker & Taryn Crawford
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: April 29, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe to toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Another good story from Susan. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the past Fool’s Gold books this was still a really good book. I have been wanting to read Angel’s story since he stepped on to the pages. He seems like such a scary dude, but is really a softy at heart. His back story is heart breaking. Tayrn, kinda rubs me the wrong way. I am not sure if it is because she is trying too hard to never be what she once was? Or if she is a little on the stuck up side. But either way I think that Angel & Tayrn made a good couple.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Fools Gold series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite fictional location and it is always a great time to go back and visit. Susan Mallery is the Queen of Contemporary Romance in my opinion and I love spending time in her world.

This story took me a little bit to get into. Taryn is so “city” that it was hard to see her in a small town but somehow she acclimates to the town and it because part of who she is. Angel is the last in the CDS men and I couldn’t wait to read his story. He has had such an interesting past. Taryn is the best person he could have in his life and I loved their story. I so loved the softer side of Angel. Reading about his Acorns and when he confronts his past was so sweet.

I loved the little changes in this story and yet still keeping with tradition. The dumped party was great. The slogan change of the town is great. What the “boys” want to change it to had me chuckle every time. And I can’t wait for the rest of the football players to get their “happy ending”. I hope the sentence from Mayor Marsha about needing a S&R team is a hint of what 2015 will bring to Fool’s Gold. And on a personal note: Thanks Susan Mallery for mentioning Asheville, NC. I live right outside it and the city is worth a visit.

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

April 25, 2014April 16, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Pleasures of Spring by Evie Hunter

TITLE: The Pleasures of Spring
SERIES #: Pleasures #4
CHARACTERS: Roz & Andy
AUTHOR: Evie Hunter
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Roz Spring is an actress and a chameleon, the kind of woman who always lands on her feet. But even Roz can’t talk her way out of witnessing a murder, and she must go into hiding before the murderer comes for her. Andy McTavish has turned his back on a life of privilege to prove himself in the world of international security. Tall, dark and dangerous, Andy is the ultimate seducer who has never met a woman who can tame him. Roz needs his protection and, to get his family off his back, Andy needs a fake fiancée. The solution is obvious: pretend to be a couple. Getting up close and personal won’t be hard, as the chemistry between them is electrifying. As two practiced charmers drive each other beyond the limits of sensual endurance, they find their usual defences are no good. When the barriers come crashing down, a raw passion emerges that neither wants to admit.They know that when the murderer shows his hand, they will face a fight for life and freedom. And if they survive, what will happen when the need to pretend is over? The Pleasures of Spring is the latest sizzling standalone novel from Evie Hunter whose trademark combination is an addictive erotic story and a page-turning plot. If you’re an Evie fan, you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re new to Evie, well, you’re in for quite the delicious treat…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I was on the fence for more than half of the story not because it wasn’t good but because it was just too drawn out. I was tired of the same lines over and over. It seemed like the author(s) kept forgetting they had already told us about Roz’s poor upbringing and how she had to save her father. But the last part was fast paced and entertaining. I enjoyed the story for the most part.

A few things. Besides the constant reminder of Roz’s past the book was just a bit too long. I mean really 480 pages? It should have been cut by about 100. Andy is a interesting character but not the Dom that he claims to be. Yeah he likes control but he is more playboy/flirt than a Dom.

But this is Roz’s story and it is a good one. It closes off the series, which I guess they are doing with this book, nicely.

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