3 Star – Page 42 – Books-n-Kisses

April 23, 2014April 12, 2014

Kimberly reviews Navy Seal Surrender by Angi Morgan

TITLE: Navy SEAL Surrender
SERIES #: Texas Family Reckoning #1
CHARACTERS: Alicia & John
AUTHOR: Angi Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A NAVY SEAL RETURNS TO TEXAS TO FIND HIS FAMILY IN TROUBLE AND HIS HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST

Navy SEAL John Sloane thought he’d come home to Texas to save the family ranch and reconnect with his estranged twin brother. He never expected to reunite with the girl whose heart he broke. But when Alicia Adams’s daughter is kidnapped, the fearless SEAL jumps into action.

However, the off-book op poses unfamiliar dangers to John, none more risky than his feelings for Alicia. To regain her trust and protect her from the kidnappers, he’ll risk his career and even his life. It all hinges on one daring scheme that could prove he’s the hero she needs or break her heart all over again.

REVIEW:
I don’t know… Something about this book is just off. Not sure what it is. The characters didn’t have a lot of connection and the writing wasn’t all that great but it was ok. The story is interesting and keeps your attention but something is just off.

John really didn’t have the SEAL feel to him. He messed up more often than not. He seemed over his head a lot of times in the story and then all of a sudden he would have this amazing thought that everyone ohhh’ed over. Alicia seems worthless if you ask me. She lets everyone just take advantage of her. I actually liked the twin brother Brian better than anyone so I will probably read the next in the series to see what happens with him.

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

April 23, 2014April 12, 2014

Kimberly reviews Mine To Claim by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Mine To Claim
SERIES #: Damaged Hearts #1
CHARACTERS: Grace & Aidan
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/14
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…In　Mine to Claim by A.C. Arthur, Grace Kincaid has been trapped her whole life. Controlled in every way by her domineering parents, she has never had any moment of excitement or passion in all her eighteen years. When a rare night out with a friend ends in violence, Grace believes that perhaps her parents are right to keep her under lock and key. There’s just one problem—she can’t get the irresistibly sexy, mysterious man who saved her from danger out of her head. She knows she should go back to her safe world, but her newfound passion for life—and for her enigmatic protector—are making that impossible…Despite his strength and power, Aidan Sanchez cannot escape. Bound by his Shifter bloodline, he is repulsed by the very attributes his family wishes him to embrace. His main goal is to keep his more dangerous…hungers… under wraps. But when a fight at a club forces Aidan to protect the most alluring woman he’s ever seen, there’s no turning back. He knows he shouldn’t drag her into his world, but she’s awakened a fire within him, and for once, he’s willing to lose control if it means having Grace…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts While I didn’t see it anywhere I feel like this book is more YA then anything. While a sweet short paranormal it is written with a youthful feel. I liked Aidan, he seemed strong and alpha. Grace was wishy-washy if you ask me but I did like her. While obvious Aidan is a shifter there is no shifting until the last chapter which seemed odd to me. Good just young.

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

April 22, 2014April 22, 2014

Kimberly reviews All Fired Up on Vivian Arend

TITLE: All Fired Up
SERIES #: DreamMakers #1
CHARACTERS: Lynn & Parker
AUTHOR: Vivian Arend
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s ready to lead the way

Parker Wilson never thought he’d go from battle-hardened soldier to romance expert, but after his stint in the Rangers, that’s exactly what happened. As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., he helps other men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. When a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of passion, Parker’s mission becomes more personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.

She’s more than willing to follow

Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s just ditched her boring almost-boyfriend and is tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a bit of a hard time getting into this story. Not because of the storyline but the writing just seemed a bit off but within a few chapters I was in the flow of the writing and found myself enjoying it. I liked Parker. Lynn was just ok for me. But the interesting thing was the difference in profession these ex-Rangers took on. I like that they didn’t open a security office or private investigation agency. They opened a dating service. How cute is that?

I ended up really enjoying this story and all the little things that happened to this couple. I liked the connection between the three guys as well. Thought the first sex scene was a little weird considering how the book ended up but I guess it was easy enough to get through.

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

April 21, 2014April 22, 2014

Kimberly reviews How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day by Kate McKinley

TITLE: How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day
SERIES #: What Happens in Scotland #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa & Lucas
AUTHOR: Kate McKinley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucas Alexander, the ninth Duke of Arlington, is a man who gets what he wants. So when he sees the alluring Miss Pippa Welby from across a crowded ballroom, he vows to make her his. But the bold and spirited Pippa has sworn never to marry into the haute ton. Now Lucas must win her the only way he knows how—one wicked kiss at a time.

The daughter of a wealthy tradesman, Pippa has been sneered at by the upper echelons her entire life. So when the duke arrives on her doorstep with an invitation to her own engagement ball—to him—in ten days, Pippa hatches a daring plan. She must lose the duke before the ball, or risk losing her own heart.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Based on the name I am sure anyone can guess the synopsis of the story. Just take the movie by a similar name and set it in historical times and make the man a Duke and yep for the most part you got it right.

This is a sweet story and a quick read with less than 100 pages. The characters are well formed and connect well. The spitfire between them is endearing. I had a couple of problems with it though. **Possible spoilers: First Lucas never really admits his feelings for her. Second she acquiesces to what he wants way too easily. And third I really don’t understand why the series name talks about Scotland when the couple is in London.** But again it is a sweet quick read and if you like historicals you should enjoy this one too.

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

April 18, 2014April 13, 2014

Kimberly reviews Night After Night by Lauren Blakely

TITLE: Night After Night
SERIES #: Seductive Nights #1 (and #.5)
CHARACTERS: Julia & Clay
AUTHOR: Lauren Blakely
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/18/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N {coming soon}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He plays to win and isn’t afraid to break all the rules…

Fiery bartender Julia Bell has been hit on by her fair share of customers, but has never been tempted to dip so much as a toe in that particular dating pool. She wants a man who can claim her body AND captivate her mind. Enter Clay Nichols, a lawyer with a dirty mind and a mouth to match. Confident, sexy, and commanding, he takes Julia to new heights of pleasure. And after one unforgettable weekend together, he craves more of her. If only she hadn’t taken off without saying goodbye…

Julia has no room in her life for commitment, not while she has serious trouble breathing down her neck, thanks to the criminal dabblings of a former flame. She doesn’t want to involve anyone she cares about in the kind of danger that’s chasing her and that’s the problem with Clay–she’s falling for him. Hard. He makes her heart race, and sets her body on fire.

He’s determined to keep her in his life, no matter the cost. She’s the woman he desires in every way. But when the past threatens to destroy any chance at a future, she has to make a choice –keep running, or give love a shot with a man who can hold her imagination, and her heart, night after night…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts First let me say that Night After Night is #1 in the series but you really need to read First Night (#.5) to understand… Luckily the copy I got from NetGalley included both.

This is a short novella about a chance meeting between Julia and Clay and the connection they had but Julia has her own issues that she is dealing with and Clay really doesn’t want any more drama in his life. There is a conclusion to this story in After This Night (comes out in May) but this story is left with a cliffhanger.

I enjoyed the story. It is an interesting combination of good and not so good writing. The story is written very well and is very intriguing but some of the conversations aren’t written in a way that a normal person would talk. There is just something off about it.. And yet I liked the story. The connection between Julia and Clay is great. They are hot between the sheets and the writing of those scenes is done very well. I want to know how it ends. I want to see the couple make it. I am really looking forward to the next book.

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

April 17, 2014April 12, 2014

Natasha reviews The King by J.R. Ward

TITLE: The King
SERIES #: Black Dagger Brotherhood #12
CHARACTERS: Wrath and Beth
AUTHOR: J.R.Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle–with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything–and everyone–at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response–or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?

REVIEW:
Let me start by saying how much I love this series. I have been such a dedicated fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood for the past five years and believe it is one of the most intense paranormal drama series out there. J. R. Ward writes in a way that is dark and lovely all at the same time. Her character development, world building and ability to allow readers to truly feel every, single emotion her characters portray is absolutely phenomenal. With all of that being said, this book was really hard for me to like. The past few books in the series have involved a changing plot line and lots of new character introductions. Each book has had a main couple and then three to four side stories developing at the same time. Though it’s been noticeable in the past, it was flat out distracting in this book. There were five different stories happening all at the same time in this book and the constant flipping back and forth was slightly disorienting. I found myself getting sucked into a storyline, then all of a sudden it would switch to two different characters and I had to start my mind processing all over again – it was exhausting. In addition to this, I found the story lacked any type of intense climax, unless you count the very end – which was intense yet predictable. I am happy that the big “problem” with Beth and Wrath was addressed and we can now move forward without that hanging over the heads of readers. Overall the book was enjoyable, yet it lacked the deep connection that I usually get from the BDB books. Maybe it’s just because all of the main characters have been exhausted and we’re starting to explore new characters. It’s a little like watching your child walk into a kindergarten classroom for the first time – bittersweet. Of course I will continue with this series, the characters are still amazingly flawed and loveable and I can just never get enough of these Brothers!

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

April 16, 2014April 14, 2014

Kelly reviews Tangled Innocence by Carrie Ann Ryan

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

As one of the seven lightning struck women, Nadie Morgan has known for a while now that her fate would be forever changed…and revolve around a certain dragon. From the first time Dante Bell saw Nadie, he knew she was the one for him. There’s just one problem–there’s another in his life he’s waiting on as well.

When Jace Goodwin, a bear shifter and Mediator, finally comes back to the human realm after years away under circumstances out of his control, his first stop is to Dante’s Circle where he not only finds his dragon, but the woman they both have been waiting for.

Once secrets are told and the sparks fly, Nadie’s new life becomes something she never thought possible. However there’s another realm at play and Jace and Nadie’s dragon will have to fight harder than he’s ever fought before to keep the life he’s waited eons for.

Warning: Contains one not-so-innocent human, a bear known for his bear-hugs, a tattooed and pierced dragon with a fiery temper, and a connection so explosive, you’ll be fanning yourself from page one.

REVIEW:
A Dragon shifter who has waiting 10,000 years for his mates.
A Bear shifter who is finally home and ready to claim what is his.
And a not so human female that will forever tie them together.

This was a good story, although maybe not a great as I would have like. There was something just a bit off for me. I don’t know what really. It is just in the past I have held Dante up on a very high pedestal and I didn’t feel the same connection with him in this book. It was not until the end of the book that I felt we had the old Dante back. So maybe it was just a case of him having to be way too serious in this book.
Jace the sweet tough bear shifter was fun to get to know better. But Jace sure goes through a lot in this book. It was great to see that Nadie finally get a little happiness. Overall this was a good continuation in the Dante’s Circle series and sets up perfectly for the next book (Faith & Levi)

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

April 14, 2014April 12, 2014

Kimberly reviews Nailed by Christine D’Abo

TITLE: Nailed
CHARACTERS: Sophia & Fynn
AUTHOR: Christine D’Abo
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Warning: This show contains scenes of sexual tension.

Hosting a new TV show is a fantasy-turned-reality for diva decorator Sophia Holbrook. But concentrating on color swatches is hard when all she can think of is her studly co-host, contractor Fynn Babineau. These two may clash over blueprints and budgets on screen, but with the lust palpable between them, rumor has it they have been putting more than just their heads together behind the scenes. . . .

What secrets will the cameras expose? Tune in tonight to find out.

Viewer discretion advised. Mature audiences only.

REVIEW:
This is a short story of about 90 pages. Just a quick read. There were a few hitches in the story. Like it jumped a bit from scene to scene but it was an okay story to have ready to read between novels. Did it need the viewer discretion advisory? Not at all. There is nothing much sexual about this story. Some tension and a few scenes but nothing above and beyond.

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

April 11, 2014April 6, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Wolf Siren by Karen Whiddon

TITLE: The Wolf Siren
SERIES #: The Pack #15
CHARACTERS: Lilly & Kane
AUTHOR: Karen Whiddon
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a werewolf and the beautiful siren he once saved meet again, resistance is futile…

As Pack Protector, Kane McGraw never gets involved with the victims he saves. But Lilly Gideon may be the one exception. She has intrigued him ever since he helped free her from a religious compound called Sanctuary. So when he learns that she’s still in danger, he can’t stay away—not even if it means exposing Lilly to the fanatics she’s trying to escape.

Years of psychological torture have left Lilly without the ability to control her shifter nature. Any man she touches is driven mad by an all-consuming desire. Though she wants Kane more than any man, she’s forced to deny him the release they most crave. That is, until he decides it’s time to take matters—and her—into his own hands…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So I am on the fence about this one but will give it a boost to the better side because it is different than shape-shifter books I have read before. I enjoyed the book in general. It was interesting and had a storyline I enjoyed. This is part of a series which I didn’t realize, actually it is 15th in the series, and while it (sorta) could stand alone there was no question that there was a storyline prior to this book that was missed.

The problem was there were some inconsistencies throughout the book. A bit too much jumping around like the author forgot to say something in the last chapter so lets throw it in this chapter. Kane is a sweet guy. I mean really sweet. Almost too sweet. He is so afraid of hurting Lilly that he never takes a chance on anything. And as a bodyguard he sucks. I mean he leaves Lilly alone over and over and for a wolf he kinda sucks too. I mean he can’t even smell that it is his brother walking to his door he has to look out the window? Lilly comes into her own and I loved that part. She started out more like a beaten dog than a wolf but really becomes the she-wolf we know she can be.

Like I said I am on the fence but I liked it.

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

April 10, 2014March 29, 2014

Kelly reviews Screen by Michele Renae

TITLE: Screen
SERIES #: Paris Secrets #2
AUTHOR: Michele Renae
PUBLICATION DATE: February 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Links not up yet

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She fell willingly, seduced by the erotic foreignness of all that he was.

Words can be more powerful than touch. Stimulate and engage the senses, then watch what happens…

They began a daring affair a few weeks ago, baring skin, sensual secrets—their very souls—before their bedroom windows, situated across the street from one another. Now they’ve taken it to the next level. The laptop screen has added sound to their intimate liaisons, and his voice, that delicious French accent, is oh, so sexy. His laughter teases good shivers across her skin, and his sensual commands seduce her deeper into a world of erotic play. Fantasies lure them into a new intimacy and a surprising trust that the two strangers who have never touched welcome.

Yet frustrations grow as she pines for his touch. They must meet. Soon. But a secret is revealed that will challenge their desires and the trust both have earned.

Return to the heroine’s Parisian apartment as she continues her relationship with Monsieur Sexy, and they explore the delicious intricacies of cyber-sex.

Book #2 in the Paris Secrets trilogy begins with a bang.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Screen is book 2 in Michele Renae’s Paris Secret’s series. If you have not read Window I would suggest starting there. I don’t think that this book would stand alone very good, way to much happens in book one that sets up for book 2.

Like Window, I enjoyed Screen and got to learn more about the characters and what drive them. But one of them has a secret that could destroy what they have been trying to build. It will be interesting to see how Michele solves some of the problems that our heroine and hero have. I am looking forward to Skin book 3 in the Paris Secrets series.

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

April 10, 2014April 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Immortal Hunter by Kait Ballenger

TITLE: Immortal Hunter
SERIES #: Execution Underground #2
CHARACTERS: David Aronowitz & Allsún O’Hare
AUTHOR: Kait Ballenger
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but at what price?

As an exorcist, David Aronowitz grew up the target of demonic assassins. Now he’s a member of the Execution Underground and hellspawn everywhere fear his name. But when a demon
slips into the seductive body of the only woman he’s ever loved, David must confront the heartbreak of their past to save her.

The piece of her heart Allsún O’Hare gave to David so long ago left her trapped between two worlds: the Fae and the human. And when David comes to her rescue, fate reunites her with her greatest temptation—and her biggest mistake.

Now, as they’re swept together into a wicked game with the demon who controls her, David must decide if saving Allsún’s life is worth sacrificing his own—and the future of humanity itself.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts David & Allsún have a very heart breaking history. Even more heartbreaking for the fact that Allsún has been hiding a secret from David. A secret that she fears will ruin any chance at friendship that they may or may not have.
David has loved Allsún forever. He has never stopped. The last few years have been hell on him, but when Allsún was in trouble nothing could keep him away from her. If only he was a little quicker.
These two have such a sad story. They both love each other so much. But so much has happened and so much time has past that neither know where the other stands. But before they can ever move forward David & Allsún will have to face demons of the past, present and a possible unknown future.

Another good book from Kait! Immortal Hunter is book 2 in Kait’s Execution Underground. Immortal Hunter picks up where we left off after the events in Twilight Hunter. So if you have not read Twilight Hunter I would suggest going back and read book 1. While you could read IH with our reading TH, but you would miss a bit of David & Allsún’s history.

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

April 9, 2014March 29, 2014

Kimberly reviews Down On Her Knees by Christine Bell

TITLE: Down On Her Knees
SERIES #: Dare Me #3
CHARACTERS: Courtney & Rafe
AUTHOR: Christine Bell
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Four lessons, no strings…

Detective Rafe Davenport has always made Courtney DeLollis uneasy. While her instincts whisper, Touch him, her mind says, Run. But since she learned that he’s dominant in the bedroom, she hasn’t been able to forget about it. She should be appalled—she knows all too well what happens when a man has too much control—but a deeper, darker part of her is fascinated…

And so is Rafe. The sexual tension between them is thick enough to touch, and damn, does he want to touch. So he suggests something that will benefit them both. Four scenes—because anything more is a relationship, and Rafe won’t go there ever again. Each scenario is designed to tease and torment. To show Courtney that with every submission comes the reward of scintillating pleasure. But once he has Courtney down on her knees, Rafe realizes that she might be the one woman capable of bringing him to his…

REVIEW:
This was just ok for me. The story was cute and the characters had chemistry. I had a problem with Rafe being labeled a Dom. First he might fall under the controlling label but not Dom. Courtney was a good character. Together they seemed good.

The problem was the sex was unimaginative and the terminology was wrong. They kept saying they had 4 scenes. What was actually happening was a roleplaying date. And other than one scene there was no BDSM that the Dom claimed he was into. It seemed as if the author was jumping on the BDSM bandwagon with no clear understanding of what it is.

Now that being said the story is cute as I said and the characters are good together. The story just might have been better as a contemporary because picking it up as erotica will disappoint.

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