Category: 3 Star

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Kelly reviews Sweet by Erin McCarthy

SweetTITLE: Sweet
SERIES #: True Believers #2
CHARACTERS: Riley Mann & Jessica Sweet
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: October 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jessica Sweet thought going away to college would finally make her free of her parents’ constant judgments and insistence she play chastity club role model for their church events, but if anything, the freedom has made her realize she can’t go home and be a hypocrite anymore. Tired of dodging their questions, she stays at school over the summer and lands in an unexpected crash pad: Riley Mann’s house.

Sarcastic, cocky, and full of opinions, Riley is also sexy personified with tattoos and biceps earned from working as a roofer all day. Not the right guy for her even if Jessica was looking for a relationship, which she is definitely not. But Jessica knows that Riley hides the burden of having to raise his younger brothers behind that grin and as she helps him get his house in order for a custody hearing, they begin to fall hard for each other, and she is forced to question what she’s hiding herself.

Jessica has never had a problem getting naked with a guy, but when it comes to showing Riley how she truly feels inside, her fear of rejection may just ruin the best thing—the best guy—to ever happen to her

REVIEW:
I liked this story, but didn’t love. I am not sure if it is this genre or what. But I have yet to find a New Adult book that has blown me away. Maybe it is because I don’t connect with the characters on that level. Maybe I am just too old. I am not really sure. I liked Riley. For me he made the story worth reading. I liked that he was worried about his younger brothers so much. I am just really on the fence about this how New Adult genre.

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.

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Kelly reviews First Bite by Dani Harper

First BiteTITLE: First Bite
SERIES #: Dark Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Travis Williamson & Neva Ross
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
NARRATOR: Veronica Muench
PUBLICATION DATE: October 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn’t want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.

REVIEW:
I am kinda on the fence about this book. I liked the story line. I liked Neva & Travis and a few of the other side characters. Meredith is one crazy, evil, magic wielding bad guy. And all in all it was a good book, but there was just something a little off for me. Maybe be it was the timeline. Maybe it was Meredith and her getting the upper hands. Maybe it was my mood. Or maybe it was the narrator. I was not overly wild about the narrator at times she was a little too nasally for me and the audio book had some major fluctuations in the sound and quality of the book. Even with all I will be continuing this series to see what happens with Neva, Travis, Meredith and everyone else. But the next book I think I will read.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Master Of The Opera Act 2: Ghost Aria by Jeffe Kennedy

Master of the Opera 2TITLE: Master Of The Opera Act 2: Ghost Aria
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #2
CHARACTERS: Christy & Master
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the second seductive installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s thrilling “Master of the Opera,” a young woman falls deeper under the spell of the man who haunts her dreams, fuels her desire, and demands her surrender…With each passing day of her internship at the Sante Fe Opera House, Christine Davis discovers something new, something exciting-and something frightening. Hidden in the twisting labyrinths beneath the theater is a mysterious man in a mask who, Christy’s convinced, is as real as the rose he left on her desk-and as passionate as the kiss that burns on her lips. He tells her to call him “Master,” and Christy can’t deny him. But when her predecessor-a missing intern-is found dead, Christy wonders if she’s playing with fire…

If her phantom lover is actually a killer, how can she continue to submit to his dark, erotic games? And if he is innocent, how can she resist-or refuse-when he demands nothing less than her body and soul?

REVIEW:
This is the second installment by Jeffe Kennedy’s new book. It is a very short story so far (under 40 pages) so I don’t have too much to say but as a fan of Kennedy’s I am sure this will be an interesting read. It is obviously based on Phantom of the Opera with a few differences of course. Act 2 is the main meeting of the couple. While they have said hello this installment lets Christy realize Master is real and not the ghost she thought him to be. There are 6 installments so this is really only the beginning.

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

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Kelly reviews Never Stopped Loving You by Keri Ford

Never Stopped Loving YouTITLE: Never Stopped Loving You
SERIES #: Chester Farm #1
CHARACTERS: Wade Chester & Kara Duncan
AUTHOR: Keri Ford
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At eighteen, Kara Duncan had already made her fair share of mistakes, choosing the wrong boy and earning herself a bad reputation in the process. Hurt and humiliated, she’d packed up and moved on, sure that everyone in Bella Warren, Arkansas, would be better off without her. She’d planned never to return, but when crisis strikes, she has nowhere else to turn.

After seven years, Wade Chester thought his feelings for Kara were finally ancient history. Until he sees her again, standing on his front porch just as she’d done a million times before. She needs his help—and his family’s crops—if her canning business is going to survive. The rest of his family has let bygones be bygones, so why is it so hard for him to let go of the past?

While Kara claims to be interested only in putting things right, the old heat flaring between them is undeniable. But Wade will need to risk his heart—and the reputation of his farm—to prove that they’re meant to be together.

REVIEW:
This was an okay story for me. It was kind of a mix between a new adult and an adult book.
When we start this book we learn that Kara & Wade have a past from when they were young. I past that didn’t end very well for either of them. But now Kara is back and a business partner to Wade and his sister. These two are thrown together and have to face the past, the present and the possibility of a future together.

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

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Kimberly reviews Island Promises by Thayne, Ferrarella, Banks

Island PromisesTITLE: Island Promises: Hawaiian Holiday/Hawaiian Reunion/Hawaiian Retreat
CHARACTERS: Varied
AUTHOR: Thayne, Ferrarella, Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Ex-Wife: Megan McNeil is genuinely happy to escort her little girls to their father’s wedding in Kauai, Hawaii;even though she feels like a third wheel. One gorgeous groomsman definitely disagrees. But are they both carrying too much baggage to begin a new romance?

The Best Man: Devlin Marshall won’t let anything spoil his buddy’s big day not even his own rocky marriage. Secrets and mistrust have divided him from his Amy, but the love in the air seems to be catching.

The Sister: Family comes first. Deep down, Gabi Foster knows it, but this holiday is hurting her career. Can a sweet, sexy surfing instructor convince her that love is worth more than a business deal

REVIEW:
Hawaiian Holiday
4 Hearts I loved this story. It was so sweet. I loved the little girls and liked how the special needs child was written so well and not as if she was a burden. I wish it has been a full size novel because I would have enjoyed more time with this couple and the girls.

Hawaiian Reunion
3 Hearts This story is very well written and some how (I really am not sure how) had me hoping this couple would get back together. Amy is just argumentative and insecure so why I wanted her with a good guy like Devlin I have no idea but I did.

Hawaiian Retreat
3.5 Hearts This story was very sweet as well. It did feel a little rushed in some way and yet drawn out in others. Not sure why that is but it had that feeling. Kai is just a sweetie.

Overall I am giving this 3.5 Hearts. I enjoyed all the stories. It is a fast read (I read it in a day) and yet seemed complete and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the way the kids were written in the book. Not perfect but real. An enjoyable read all the way around.

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

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Kelly reviews The Vampire Hunter by Michele Hauf

vampire HunterTITLE: The Vampire Hunter
SERIES #: In the Company of Vampires
CHARACTERS: Kaz & Zoe
AUTHOR: Michele Hauf
PUBLICATION DATE: January 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A vampire hunter finds himself powerless to resist a bewitching stranger’s dangerous magic in Michele Hauf’s latest romance.

In all his years of battling the undead, Kaz has never seen bloodlust like this. And as a Knight of the Stake, it’s up to him to find out who’s responsible for the mayhem sweeping the streets of Paris and put a stop to it. Kaz’s task becomes infinitely more complicated when a very attractive witch wants to help.

With her quirky charm and irresistibly kissable lips, Zoe; just feels right to Kaz, the way no mortal woman ever has before. But as a sworn enemy of the supernatural, can he really trust a witch? Especially one with dangerous secrets of her own?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Kaz & Zoe have a very sweet relationship only one problem is that at the moment they are working on the opposite side of a very big problem for the vampires. But neither truly knows the depth of the Magic Dust problem until it is almost too late. Their only chance of winning this war is to work together no matter how difficult it may be.

This was a good story. I really like this world that Michele has created. Vampires, Fairies and Hunters oh my. I love how Michele throws in characters from other books in to all of her books. It is fun to get a glance at your past favorite characters. Of which one of mine made a cameo in The Vampire Hunters. 🙂

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.

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Kimberly reviews Turn Up The Heat by Foster, Ridgway & Dahl

Turn Up The HeatTITLE: Turn Up The Heat
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Foster, Ridgway & Dahl
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three sizzling tales from three bestselling authors

Love Won’t Wait by Lori Foster
Brendan “Brick” Carlisle is used to women falling at his feet, so shy waitress Merrily Loveland is a breath of fresh air—and an irresistible challenge. But before he can make his move, Merrily comes to him with an offer he can’t refuse. If only their “no-strings” pact didn’t leave him wanting so much more….

Beach House Beginnings by Christie Ridgway
She might have avoided Crescent Cove, California, for years, but no-nonsense Meg Alexander is confident she can handle a brief trip home. What she doesn’t count on is the spark of desire she feels for Caleb McCall. Can a weekend in paradise convince her to give love a second chance?

Strong Enough to Love by Victoria Dahl
Photographer Eve Hill had always told herself that sexy Brian Stewart was off-limits. But now he’s back in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Eve can’t resist their long-denied attraction. When the reality turns out to be hotter than the fantasy, Eve might end up getting more than she bargained for…

REVIEW:
Love Won’t Wait by Lori Foster
3.5 Hearts Sweet story of innocence. I can’t really say much since it is a short story but the characters have a connection right away. Brick is a good guy and Merrily is pure innocence. The story wrapped up a little too quickly but it is an enjoyable read.

Beach House Beginnings by Christie Ridgway
3 Hearts Sad but sweet romance novella. Meg lost the love of her life 10 years ago now she back to the cove and Caleb comes into the picture. Caleb is very sweet and understanding. Meg is still sad and has built a wall around herself. Having read the rest of the series it was a nice trip back to the cove.

Strong Enough to Love by Victoria Dahl
3 Hearts Again this is a very sweet short story. It is a bit sad though. The characters were in love before but circumstances did not allow for their romance. But now Brian is back and the situation has changed but Eve has a hard time getting over how he left. It is a very quick read and did not allow for a lot of time to get to know the characters.

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

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Kimberly reviews Master Of The Opera Act 1: Passionate Overture by Jeffe Kennedy

Master of the Opera 1TITLE: Master Of The Opera Act 1: Passionate Overture
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #1
CHARACTERS: Christy & The Ghost
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the first tantalizing installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s ravishing serial novel Master of the Opera, an innocent young woman is initiated into a sensual world of music, mystery, passion–and one man’s private obsession. . .

Fresh out of college, Christine Davis is thrilled to begin a summer internship at the prestigious Sante Fe Opera House. But on her first day, she discovers that her dream job has a dark side. Beneath the theater, a sprawling maze of passageways are rumored to be haunted. Ghostly music echoes through the halls at night. And Christy’s predecessor has mysteriously disappeared. Luckily, Christy finds a friend and admirer in Roman Sanclaro, the theater’s wealthy and handsome patron. He convinces her there’s nothing to fear–until she hears the phantom’s voice for herself. Echoing in the labrynths. Singing of a lost love. Whispering her name: Christine.

At first, Christy thinks she’s hearing things. But when a tall masked man steps out of the shadows–and into her arms–she knows he’s not a phantom of her imagination. He is the master of her desire. .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the first installment by Jeffe Kennedy’s new book. It is a very short story so far (40 pages) so I don’t have too much to say but as a fan of Kennedy’s I am sure this will be an interesting read. It is obviously based on Phantom of the Opera with a few differences of course. Act 1 is just the introduction introducing us to the characters and the storyline. I look forward to Act 2.

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

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Kelly reviews A Christmas to Remember by Shalvis, Ashley, Ramsay, Cannon & Pappano

christmas to rememberTITLE: A Christmas to Remember
SERIES #: Christmas Novellas
CHARACTERS: Multiple Stories
AUTHOR: Shalvis, Ashley, Ramsay, Cannon & Pappano
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Curl up with this heartwarming Christmas collection!

Jill Shalvis, Dream a Little Dream: Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter Ian, a sexy friend with sexy benefits. But Ian secretly longs for more. Luckily, ’tis the season for giving love a chance . . .

Kristen Ashley, Every Year: Holidays don’t come easy for Shy and his brother, Landon. But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime . . .

Hope Ramsay, Silent Night: Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance. When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger. And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger.

Molly Cannon, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas: Lincoln is a bachelor who’s set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time. . .

Marilyn Pappano, A Family for Christmas: War widow Ilena doesn’t mind spending Christmas alone. But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?

Plus: Excerpts from upcoming novels!

REVIEW:
I enjoyed 3 of the 5 stories in this book. 3 of the authors were new to me. While I enjoyed all but 1 of the stories it was fun reading these quick christmas novellas. It is always hard to review novellas because the are so short. But if you love any of these authors or looking for some quick christmas reads I would suggest picking up a copy of A Christmas to Remember.

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

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Winter Romance Review! Kimberly reviews The Christmas He Loved Her by Juliana Stone

Christmas He Loved HerTITLE: The Christmas He Loved Her
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Raine & Jake
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All he wants this Christmas is her.

In the small town of Crystal Lake, Christmas is a time for sledding, hot chocolate, and cozying up to the fire with those you love. For Jake Edwards, it’s also time to come home and face his past. He thought there would never be anything harder than losing his brother. Turns out there is: falling in love with his brother’s widow, Raine.

Ever since they were little, Jesse was the Edwards brother who was always there for her, and Jake was the one who knew just how to push her buttons. Raine can’t imagine a life without them, which is why it was doubly decimating when Jake left town after his brother’s sudden death. Now he’s back and she doesn’t know whether to be mad or thrilled. Maybe both. Maybe it will be the perfect chance for both of them to finally find happiness again.

REVIEW:
What a sad story. Raine most certainly is suffering from depression which of course does not make for much of a holiday romance. Jake is suffering from PTSD so the two of them really need more than just each other. The characters seem so angry with each other, with themselves and with the world.

I also had a hard time with Raine being in such a depression yet she feels love for her dead husband’s twin brother? Raine is so self-absorbed that I found her hard to like. She thinks she is the only one suffering. Jake has been with Jesse his entire life but Jake should think Raine’s pain was more important than his own? I like Jake and want him to turn out happy but I can’t imagine he would really be happy with a person like Raine.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and wanted to read this one so much but it didn’t have the same feel as the first one. I will say the sorrow in this series is so real the reader feels depressed too and that I guess is a sign of a good book. The problem is I just never connected with Raine.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins

Perfect MatchTITLE: The Perfect Match
SERIES #: Blue Heron #2
CHARACTERS: Honor & Tom
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What if the perfect match is a perfect surprise?

Honor Holland has just been unceremoniously rejected by her lifelong crush. And now—a mere three weeks later—Mr. Perfect is engaged to her best friend. But resilient, reliable Honor is going to pick herself up, dust herself off and get back out there… or she would if dating in Manningsport, New York, population 715, wasn’t easier said than done.

Charming, handsome British professor Tom Barlow just wants to do right by his unofficial stepson, Charlie, but his visa is about to expire. Now Tom must either get a green card or leave the States—and leave Charlie behind.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Honor agrees to help Tom with a marriage of convenience—and make her ex jealous in the process. But juggling a fiancé, hiding out from her former best friend and managing her job at the family vineyard isn’t easy. And as sparks start to fly between Honor and Tom, they might discover that their pretend relationship is far too perfect to be anything but true love….

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this book. Maybe not as much as Higgin’s other books but it is still an enjoyable read. There is just something a little off about this story and I don’t exactly know what it is. The characters really do not have any chemistry which is a shame.

I liked Honor when she was a background player in the first in the series so I expected to like her in this one and I did but I just didn’t love her. Or Tom really. I think the beginning of the book was a little slow and then the ending seemed to zoom by.

Now that all being said there is no such thing as a bag book by Higgins. She is one of the best in the contemporary romance genre so even a book that isn’t perfect is still great and this one is a good story. I just wouldn’t read it and not give her other books a try.

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

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Kelly & Kimberly review Her Sexist Mistake by Jill Shalvis

Her Sexiest MistakeTITLE: Her Sexiest Mistake
CHARACTERS: Kevin McKnight & Mai Appleby
AUTHOR: Jill Shalivs
PUBLICATION DATE: Release Nov 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mia Appleby finally has the life she always wanted. She’s escaped her trailer trash childhood and built a nice life for herself with a marketing job and a cute, little condo. But no matter how much baggage she’s ditched from her past, she still hasn’t managed to shake her greatest weakness-men. So when her new neighbor turns out to be single and oh-so-sexy, Mia’s worried she’s playing with fire . . .

Kevin McKnight can’t get enough of his gorgeous neighbor, but after one amazing night, she’s already showing him the door. Something tells him this is the way she handles most men. But Kevin is far from your average guy-and he’s ready to prove it to Mia. When a blast from her past shakes up Mia’s life in a major way, will she stick with her self-sufficient solo act . . . or take a chance leaning on Kevin’s strong shoulders?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 HEARTS As a huge Jill Shalvis fan I am willing to read any of her books. So when Her Sexiest Mistake came up for review I jumped at the chance. Her Sexiest Mistake was originally released in December of 2005. While I was happy to read this book it was not up to the normally standards I have set for Jill’s books. Her Sexiest Mistake is still a great read, but I love to see how Jill has grown as another over the years.

Kevin was awesome. He is such a giving guy. So giving that he is almost a pushover, but that just makes him more lovable. Mia, while acting all tough and in control is really that same scared little girl she was as a kid. I really liked how patient Kevin was with her, but at times I wanted him to slam the door in her face and never look back. But when that did finally happy I was really sad. But as with all Jill’s books she can not leave them unhappy.

I loved the side stories in this books too. I just loved Mike & Tess!!! And of course Hope! What would a love story be without a pain in the butt teenager.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 HEARTS This is a re-release from 2005 and I can honestly say that over the last decade Jill Shalvis’s books have improved ten-fold. Don’t get me wrong I liked this story but not as much as I enjoy what she writes now.

Something was just off with Mia. I never warmed up to her. Kevin was sweet but a bit of a door mat. I think Mia was supposed to be standoffish because of her past but she actually just seemed self absorbed and unfriendly. I liked the story and there some parts of it that pulls you in but then Mia does something again and you just don’t enjoy it as much.

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

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