Kelly reviews Striking Distance by Pamela Clare

TITLE: Striking Distance
SERIES #: I-Team #6
CHARACTERS: Javier Corbray & Laura Nilsson
AUTHOR: Pamela Clare
PUBLICATION DATE: November 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her past is a secret—even to her.
Discovering it will be the most dangerous move of her life.

TV reporter Laura Nilsson, known as the “Baghdad Babe,” spent eighteen months in an Al Qaeda compound after being kidnapped live on the air. Two years later, she’s still wondering why.

No rescue mission in Javier Corbray’s fourteen years as a Navy SEAL affected him the way Laura’s rescue did. No woman has stirred his protective instincts the way she has. And he wants her more than he’s ever wanted anyone.

As Laura and Javier’s passion ignites, so does Laura’s need to discover the mystery of her past. Especially when she learns that her abduction was not random—and that she’s still a target for a killer with an impenetrable motive. Now Javier will have to rely on his skills to keep the woman he loves from being struck down before she dares uncover the truth

REVIEW:
I liked this story but was not in love with it. This was an extremely intense story with a lot of sorrow and hurt. Maybe that is way I did not feel connected with the story. I thinking that if you are a fan of Pamela’s you will enjoy Javier & Laura’s story. This being my first Pamela Clare story I think it was just a little to intense for my mind frame at the time I read.
I do plan on giving Pamela’s I-Team series another shot.

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

December 11, 2013November 24, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Kissing Season by Rachael Johns

TITLE: The Kissing Season
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Matteo
AUTHOR: Rachael Johns
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every family has a black sheep…and Hannah Elliot is it.

It’s no surprise to anyone when Hannah Elliot makes the spontaneous decision to marry a stranger in Las Vegas. But when she finds herself pregnant and her new husband files for an annulment, she dreads having to tell her family.

Returning to her Australian hometown of Wildwood Point, Hannah is determined to become a devoted mum and put her baby’s needs ahead of her own. She’s also set to prove to her family she can actually be responsible. This means putting her wild past behind her and accepting a job back in the family business…while keeping her pregnancy a secret!

Except, when gorgeous Italian Matteo Della-Bosca walks through the shop door, Hannah finds her resolve slipping fast…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very sweet short story. While not a very Christmasy story it is still very tender and enjoyable. It is a bit obvious of a storyline but that is ok. The characters have an instant connection and truly are adorable together. Enjoyable read for anytime of year.

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

December 4, 2013December 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Christmas in Tahoe by Elisabeth Barrett

TITLE: Christmas In Tahoe
CHARACTERS: Ann & Chase
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Silicon Valley actuary Ann Smith is an expert at calculating probabilities, but lately the odds haven’t been in her favor. Two years ago her fiancé died a week before their planned Christmas wedding, leaving Ann heartbroken and alone. When a friend suggests heading up to Lake Tahoe for a long Christmas weekend of skiing, wine, and relaxation, Ann thinks it might be just the thing to help get her life back on track. But Ann’s plans go awry when her friend cancels at the last minute, and Ann ends up driving to Tahoe with Chase Deckert, a sexy snowboarder who pushes all her buttons.

Chase Deckert is a man who lives by his own rules. A few years ago his business partner betrayed him by selling out their biomedical research for a quick profit. Chase left science far behind, and now spends his days snowboarding in Tahoe, wanting nothing to do with the dog-eat-dog world of Silicon Valley. Chase has closed his mind and his heart and only believes in one thing: fate. But fate seems to be in a giving mood, because joining him for Christmas is a brave, beautiful woman who shows him the true meaning of the season and helps him rediscover a part of himself he’d long forgotten.

Fueled by the mountain scenery, the season, and their unbelievable chemistry, Ann and Chase end up learning more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined possible. Can one long, steamy Christmas help them realize they’re meant to be together? Or when the holiday is over will they be right back where they started?

REVIEW:
3.5 HEARTS This is a sweet holiday romance about a second chance at love. While sweet and sentimental I had a couple of problems with it. Ann thinks too much about the fiance’ she lost during the story. She seems to still be IN love with him. While I understand the concept of she will always love him but she needs to move on the fact that she thinks about him so much even while being in Chase’s bed it a bit much for me. And the other problem was Chase’s change of heart at the end. It seemed too quick. But then again this is a short story.

I enjoyed the romance of it. I enjoyed the way Chase was written as a caregiver who seemed to understand Ann so quickly. I enjoyed their romance in general. Will this get you into the holiday spirit? Nope. But it is a nice read (and if you are from the area as I am it was a great to know the landmarks mentioned.

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

December 4, 2013November 24, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Some Kind Of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta

TITLE: Some Kind of Wonderful: A Holiday Novella
SERIES #: Cupcake Lovers #3.5
CHARACTERS: Zachary Cole & Maya Templeton
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: October 22, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Have yourself a scrumptious, small-town Christmas with this special Cupcake Lovers holiday novella, Love on a Winter’s Night!

Growing up in Sugar Creek, Maya Templeton and Zachary Cole were best friends. After high school, each went out into the world in search of adventure. Maya moved to Florida to explore her passion for baking and pastry-making, eventually establishing her own business:

Cupcakes & Dreamscapes. Zach joined the military and became a Marine Scout Sniper. Now, after years apart, they’re both going home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore. In fact, Zach seems to have the hots for Maya’s business partner. But when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine their connection. Are Maya and Zach better off “just friends”—just as they were when they were young? Or could it be that true love was there all along?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.

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.

December 3, 2013November 24, 2013

Kimberly reviews So Irresistible by Lisa Plumley

TITLE: So Irresistible
CHARACTERS: Gabby & Shane
AUTHOR: Lisa Plumley
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tantalizing. Hot. And mouthwateringly delicious. The pizzas at the Portland restaurant chain Shane Maresca is secretly priming for takeover are all that and more. Unfortunately for him, so is Gabriella Grimani, the business owner’s daughter. He had no idea who she was when they had their first X-rated one night stand. Now she’s all he can think about. For someone whose career hinges on ruthlessness, that’s a slice of disaster.

Tough, take-charge Gabby intends to put her family’s restaurants back in the black, and that means no distractions. But somehow Shane keeps getting to the part of her that no one else sees–enticing her to lean on him. To trust him. That could be the biggest mistake Gabby and her business ever made. . .or a recipe for something truly spectacular…

REVIEW:
Something was just off with this book for me. I had a hard time with the characters in the beginning even though I did eventually warm up to them. The story is a bit interesting even though it is pretty common. The writing seemed a bit off too so I had a hard time with it.

I have only read a couple of books by Plumley and I can say this was not one of my favorites. The story was so slow at least in the beginning that I found it hard to keep reading it.

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

November 28, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Window by Michele Renae

TITLE: Window
SERIES #: Paris Secrets #1
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Michele Renae
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 22, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An erotic romance behind glass

The first time she sees her new neighbor, his sexy smile arouses her curiosity — and her desires. His hard, chiseled muscles and playful invitations are irresistible.

Bared before their windows, framed and displayed above the streets of Paris, they embark upon a provocative affair.

Their daring game of exhibitionism lures her back for more and more, and she quickly realizes he is the man she has dreamed about.

Yet she’s never heard his voice. Never felt his touch. Never thought she’d experience something this exquisite.

Or this bold…

Paris Secrets
Do you dare?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Window is an interesting twist on an erotic romance story. Two people, two windows, no touching, no talking yet a relationship of sorts has started. But the question is how will it end? I enjoyed this book. It is very different than your normal boy meets girl romance. That alone is refreshing. I am glad that I pick up this book and gave it a try. I am looking forward to seeing what Michele has next in this series. I really hope that the hero & heroine will finally take that step and move their relationship to the next level.

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

November 27, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Big, Not So Small, Curvy Girls, BBW Romance Dating Agency by Ava Catori

TITLE: The Big, Not So Small, Curvy Girls, BBW Romance Dating Agency
CHARACTERS: Becky & Reed
AUTHOR: Ava Catori
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Becky Holgate’s lost her focus. It’s complicated…she didn’t mean to fall in love with another woman’s guy. How could she be a matchmaker for other people if all she could think about was her own heart? Determined to ignore her growing infatuation, she set her sites on building her career. Only Reed Amwell was making it hard to concentrate; every encounter left her breathless.

Reed didn’t mean to fall for the curvy girl, but she was carefree, silly, and fresh. Her soft curves and playful heart had him questioning his current relationship. Could he be with the wrong girl? He needed to figure it out fast, because his wedding day was getting closer by the minute.

With a laugh-out-loud best friend, an insane cat, and a business to run, Becky Holgate didn’t have time for guys like Reed Amwell…until time was running out.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Big title, short story, big wallop of feelings. I have to say the first thing I did was go to the authors information to see if she was a bigger girl and the reason I did is because the author really has the feelings of a bigger girl in her story. Every big girl (and I am one) has that feeling that they are not good enough, that someone else is better because she is skinnier, and that a gorgeous guy will never be attracted to them and Catori expresses those feelings perfectly.

This is a story with a happy ending (aren’t most romances?) but I am not sure it is a realistic ending in most cases. However the story really hits on the feelings perfectly. And I have to say the writing is done very well. The conversations between characters is realistic, funny and moving.

The story is short, about 120 pages, but it is complete and enjoyable. Every big girl should pick this story up to remember that IT can happen. And every skinny girl should read it to get an idea of what us big girls feel on a daily basis.

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

November 26, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

TITLE: The Pieces We Keep
AUTHOR: Kristina McMorris
PUBLICATION DATE: November 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this richly emotional novel, acclaimed author Kristina McMorris evokes the depth of a mother’s bond with her child, and the power of personal histories to echo through generations.
Two years have done little to ease veterinarian Audra Hughes’s grief over her husband’s untimely death. Eager for a fresh start, Audra plans to leave Portland for a new job in Philadelphia. Her seven-year-old son, Jack, seems apprehensive about flying—but it’s just the beginning of an anxiety that grows to consume him.
As Jack’s fears continue to surface in recurring and violent nightmares, Audra hardly recognizes the introverted boy he has become. Desperate, she traces snippets of information unearthed in Jack’s dreams, leading her to Sean Malloy, a struggling US Army veteran wounded in Afghanistan. Together they unravel a mystery dating back to World War II, and uncover old family secrets that still have the strength to wound—and perhaps, at last, to heal.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a story of two very different worlds. One set in the present day and the WWII era. But we have two women struggling with love, live and the world around them. Yet some how they are connected.

The Pieces We Keep tells the story of both of these women. Audra is a young widow who is struggling to raise her little boy. But Jack’s night terrors is making life very hard. But the journey that Audra goes on in order to help her son will soon open the doors to a past that and how everything is so connected.

This was another great book by Kristina. I really loved how Kristina took a topic so close to her heart and found through research that the old saying of having an “old soul” is very true. I loved that she was able to take her love of history and mix it with a story that keeps you wanting to turn the page.

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

November 20, 2013November 18, 2013

Guest blogger: Cindy McDonald

Change of Life

I’ve had several bloggers ask me to write the article: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN AUTHOR. And while that is kind-of, sort-of an interesting subject—I think I’m going to write an article called: THE DIFFERENCE IN A DAY OF MY LIFE SINCE BECOMING AN AUTHOR—because whoa, has my life changed!

As the bio on the back of my books and on my website reads: For twenty-six years my life whirled around a song and a dance: I was a professional dancer and choreographer for most of my adult life and never gave much thought to a writing career until 2005. What was a day in my life like as professional dancer? Well, it was considerably different than it is now. Let me show you…

When I was a dancer I would get up at my leisure, have a cup of coffee, some breakfast, and then I would work-out with weights and an elliptical for an hour. I would spend the next few hours doing what was required around the house. By 2:30 I was at the auditorium working with the cast of whatever musical I was choreographing, and by 3:45 I was in my car on my way to my dance school to greet my first round of students by 4:00. I would teach an entire schedule of ballet/pointe, jazz, and tap classes until approximately 9:30. I taught at my dance school Monday through Thursday and rehearsed musicals Monday throughSaturday.

Whew! Just thinking about it makes me sweat.

After twenty-six years I was ready to do something else with my life, and in 2005 I had started writing. In 2011 I published the first book of my first series, Unbridled. There are four books in that series thus far with another coming in January of 2014, and of course I now write another series, First Force—the first book from that series has just released, INTO THE CROSSFIRE. In May of 2011 I retired from my dance career. It was a scary proposition to leave the lifestyle that I lived for so long, but change was something that I was ready to embrace.

My life is much different now. It’s…quieter. I get up every morning, drink coffee, workout with weights and my elliptical—sometimes I take my dog for a run, and then I settled in my chair to wrangle with all the social networking sites to market my books. By 11:00am I am usually in my office with my glasses parked on my nose dragging my characters into one debacle or another. It’s quiet…well, until the bullets start flying and my characters are diving for cover. Of course I take time out over the course of the afternoon to check my email, market, market, and more marketing for my books, and then there’s dinner that I must prepare—another change in my life. When I was a dancer I never cooked dinner because I was always at the dance school during the dinner hour. To tell you the truth, teaching myself to prepare dinner every night has been more of a challenge than writing—my husband will gladly confirm that for you.

I’ve experienced a lot of things in the last two years: attending conventions, talking with groups, attending book festivals, and my favorite: virtual book tours—I just love them!

People are always asking me, “Do you miss dance?” Sometimes I do. I miss my students. I miss choreographing musicals, and quite frankly all the applause. Nevertheless I love my books, and I love sharing them with you.

A notorious killer leaves Jack Haliday’s world in shambles.

It has been four years since ex Navy SEAL, Jack Haliday, had an explosive run-in with a biker gang, wounding their leader, Gunner. During those years Jack had acquired everything he ever wanted: a beautiful wife, an adorable daughter, and a lovely home in the suburbs—everything was just about as perfect as it could get, until Gunner returned to twist Jack Haliday’s world inside-out with a vengeance that he could never have prepared for.

Now Jack has a score to settle and he’s got some friends to help him do it!

Purchase your copy at AMAZON.

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE.

About the Author:

For twenty-six years Cindy’s life whirled around a song and a dance: she was a professional dancer/choreographer for most of her adult life and never gave much thought to a writing career until 2005. She often notes: Don’t ask me what happened, but suddenly I felt drawn to my computer to write about things I have experienced (greatly exaggerated upon of course—I’ve never been murdered!) with my husband’s Thoroughbreds and happenings at the racetrack. Viola! Cindy’s first book series, Unbridled, was born—there are four books to that series so far.

Cindy is a huge fan of romantic suspense series, and although she isn’t one to make New Year’s resolutions, on New Year’s Day 2013 she made a commitment to write one, Into the Crossfire is the first book for her new series, First Force.

People are always asking Cindy: do you miss dance? With a bitter sweet smile on her lips she tells them: Sometimes I do. I miss my students. I miss choreographing musicals, but I love my books, and I love sharing them with you.

For more information, book trailers, and excerpts for all of Cindy’s books please visit her website: www.cindymcwriter.com.

Connect & Socialize with Cindy!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK

*****

Kelly’s review of Into The Crossfire

TITLE: Into the Crossfire
SERIES #: First Focus #1
CHARACTERS: Jack Haliday
AUTHOR: Cindy McDonald
PUBLICATION DATE: September 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It has been four years since ex-Navy SEAL Jack Haliday, had an explosive run-in with a biker gang, wounding their leader, Gunner. During those years, Jack had acquired everything he ever wanted: a beautiful wife, daughter, and a lovely home in the suburbs–everything was just about as perfect as it could get, until Gunner returned to twist Jack’s world inside-out with a vengeance that he could never have prepared for. Now Jack has a score to settle and he’s got some friends to help him do it

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 1/2
REVIEW:
Jack Haliday has always known his job could be dangerous. But he never realized just how dangerous it could end up being until the day that his world was turned completely upside down and he lost everything.

This was an okay book for me. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters but there was something missing for me. I just never really connected with it over all. But fan’s of suspense novels would enjoy this story.

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

November 18, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews BBW Erotic Romance Boxed Set

TITLE: BBW Erotic Romance Boxed Set
SERIES #: Varies
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Various ~ See below for authors name
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dangerous curves ahead! This collection of ten scorching hot romances featuring plus-size heroines and the powerful alpha males who crave their lush, curvy bodies is guaranteed to spark a fire deep inside, whether you’re looking for a rags-to-riches fairytale, a rough and wild love affair, or a sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers romance. Pamper your inner big girl with this boxed set and feel the heat!

VEGAS KNIGHTS by Marina Maddix, author of the bestselling Laid Bear: Curvy artist Kelly finds herself on the ride of her life to Las Vegas with a real-life ‘Knight on shining armor’, but is their love strong enough to survive beyond the dazzling lights of Sin City?

HUNTING FOR CURVES by Julianne Reyer, an All Romance best selling author: Shy and curvy Jasmine Taylor is down on her luck when she meets two gorgeous men–billionaire CEO Evan Westmore and his longtime lover, Luke Rosso. She can’t resist the invitation to join them for one night of passion, but then both men start falling for her. Will the steamy threesome lead to disaster or is it the start of a new relationship for all three?

BLIND WOLF by Aubrey Rose: A blind werewolf leading a pack of stragglers finally finds his one true mate — then realizes she’s human…

FOR KEEPS by Adriana Hunter, Amazon and B&N Top 100 Bestselling author: Curvy single Valerie Gordon finds herself reluctantly accepting a job transfer where she comes face-to-face with billionaire bad boy Tyler Princeton, son of the senior partner. Tyler isn’t used to being turned down and when he sets his sights on Valerie there is little that he won’t do to get her into his arms, and into his bed…

MAKE YOU MINE by Tawny Taylor, USA Today Bestselling Author in addition to B&N and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author: To keep her job, Daryl Laroche must find the perfect new client for her employer–a prestigious matchmaking company–and the sexy, rich and enigmatic Tevin Page fits the bill. But before he signs the contract, he issues one deliciously tempting demand…

CURVES OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA by Krista Lakes, author of the bestselling romance “Saltwater Kisses”: Megan can’t believe her luck when a billionaire playboy courts her and makes her a part of his life on the south coast of France, despite her flaws.

OPEN YOUR CURVY LEGS FOR ME, a BDSM New Adult erotic romance by Aphrodite Hunt, author of 25 Amazon Top 100 Erotica/New Adult and 12 B&N Top 100 bestselling books. Plus-sized Mariel meets gorgeous, seemingly unattainable Michael in college, and is amazed she can turn his head. Golden boy Michael is ashamed to admit he likes bigger women, especially to his laughing friends. Can the two of them have a relationship?

THE BIG, NOT-SO-SMALL, CURVY GIRLS, BBW ROMANCE, DATING AGENCY by Ava Catori: Becky’s life just got complicated. With a laugh-out-loud best friend, an insane cat, and a business to run, Becky Holgate didn’t have time for guys like Reed Amwell…until time was running out.

THE POWER BILLIONAIRE by Angelina Spears: Plus-size secretary Merrin Rexford is seduced by a powerful billionaire who harbors dark secrets, but dangerous Special Agent Evartt makes her world – and desires – spin out of control! Who will she choose?

RIDING CURVES by Christa Wick, bestselling author of PET. Stuck on the back of Aiden Perry’s motorcycle, engine thrumming between her legs while she is pressed against his big, hard body, Cecelia Harper is about to have her secret crush exposed.

REVIEW: Over All 3 Hearts
VEGAS KNIGHTS by Marina Maddix (Page 9)
2 Hearts This story just didn’t do anything for me. It was very cliche’ and there was no chemistry between the characters. Anyone could see what was going on but Kelly seemed naive about it. The sex scenes were tame really and with no imagination for a story that is in an erotic romance set. This should not have been the first book in the boxed set. I hope they get better from here.

HUNTING FOR CURVES by Julianne Reyer (Page 191)
3 Hearts The name does not fit the story if you ask me. This is m/m/f and there is an erotic feel about it. The problem is that the story is just sad. Not bad, just sad. There is a lot of feelings of loss in the story. The two males are trying to reconnect. The female is going through bad times and even the connection between the three of them has a sadness to it. Don’t get me wrong the story is good and it is a quick read but it really doesn’t have that HAPPILY ever after feel.

BLIND WOLF by Aubrey Rose (Page 287)
3 Hearts Well this one is certainly the best written of the books so far in this boxed set. And I enjoyed the storyline. What I didn’t like was Damien is a liar and a cheat. I get the whole he was going to take another wolf because he hadn’t found his mate thing but he kept lying to Julia at every turn. And I have never been one who enjoys when one of the characters is involved with someone else first. And this should not be describe as erotica. There was barely any sex at all.

FOR KEEPS by Adriana Hunter (Page 387)
3.75 Hearts Ok I know I said this on the last one but this was most certainly the best story so far. This has a complete feel to it even though it is only 75 or so pages. The story is sweet in it’s simplicity. I enjoyed that the expected is not necessarily what happens. Very sweet story.

MAKE YOU MINE by Tawny Taylor (Page 450)
3 Hearts This was sweet in a cute kind of way. Mostly obvious except a part or two and yet still sweet. Not my favorite of the 10 book set but certainly not one that I didn’t like. The characters have a good connection.

CURVES OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA by Krista Lakes (Page 558)
2.5 Hearts This was just ok for me. It was pretty much sex with a bit of a story. The problem was it was repetitive sex. It was not very interesting really. There was some parts that were entertaining but unfortunately not enough to make this story good.

OPEN YOUR CURVY LEGS FOR ME by Aphrodite Hunt (Page 660)
3 Hearts Ok so here is the thing with this one. I liked it… Mostly… The storyline was ok and the sex scenes were interesting… the problem? It leans to the stereotype of the big girl being used for sex because the guy is too embarrassed to date her. Ok maybe it works out in the end but why this woman is so willing to be used by this guy over and over is beyond me. Maybe if it showed more of a secret romance than just secret sex it would have played different but it didn’t. I read it feeling like it gives credence to the way big girls feel and they should just accept what a handsome man is willing to give no matter what.

THE BIG, NOT-SO-SMALL, CURVY GIRLS, BBW ROMANCE, DATING AGENCY by Ava Catori (Page 727) ** I received this book as a stand alone prior to receiving this boxed set. **
3.5 Hearts Big title, short story, big wallop of feelings. I have to say the first thing I did was go to the authors information to see if she was a bigger girl and the reason I did is because the author really has the feelings of a bigger girl in her story. Every big girl (and I am one) has that feeling that they are not good enough, that someone else is better because she is skinnier, and that a gorgeous guy will never be attracted to them and Catori expresses those feelings perfectly. This is a story with a happy ending (aren’t most romances?) but I am not sure it is a realistic ending in most cases. However the story really hits on the feelings perfectly. And I have to say the writing is done very well. The conversations between characters is realistic, funny and moving. The story is short but it is complete and enjoyable. Every big girl should pick this story up to remember that IT can happen. And every skinny girl should read it to get an idea of what us big girls feel on a daily basis.

THE POWER BILLIONAIRE by Angelina Spears (Page 866)
3 Hearts Another one that was just ok for me. In the beginning I was thinking it was going to be my favorite of the set but I have to say the mood of the story changed. It was light and humorous and just sweet but then it turned. It lost its lightness. I don’t want to say too much because it would give parts away but I really didn’t like who the characters became.

RIDING CURVES by Christa Wick (Page 976)
4 Hearts This was definitely the best of the set. It was a complete story with all the romance and sex. There were a few parts that I am not thrilled with but it was still a very good and interesting story. I enjoyed the connection of the characters which was immediate and not forced.

*Page #’s are based on the version I received from NetGalley
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 15, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Moonlight by Lisa Kessler

TITLE: Moonlight
SERIES #: Moon #1
CHARACTERS: Adam Sloan & Lana Turpin
AUTHOR: Lisa Kessler
PUBLICATION DATE: July 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rancher Adam Sloan is more than meets the eye. As the heir to his Pack, the sexy werewolf’s biggest challenge is keeping his kin’s true nature under wraps. But a group of jaguar shifters threatens to reveal the pack, blasting into town killing humans in plain sight. And when he smells one at the local diner, his standing orders are to take her out.

Lana Turpin doesn’t realize she’s a moving target. Raised in the foster system, she only knows that she blacks out during the new moon and wakes up without remembering a thing. But now she’s being tracked by some strange organization that wants her back—even though she’s never stepped foot inside their compound. And the stranger across the diner is watching her like an enemy.

It should be a simple mission for Adam, but when he touches the frustratingly beautiful Lana, his inner wolf howls…mate. Now, the two must find and stop the people who hunt her…and Adam must keep his own family from killing the only woman he will ever love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The only good jaguar is a dead jaguar. That has been Adam’s moto for a very long time. It is part of Adam’s job to hunt down the jaguars that have been hunting humans in his pack’s territory. But all that is about to change, when Adam’s scents a new jaguar in the area.

Lana has been on the run for months. She knows the new moon is coming and fears where she will end up next. But worse than that are the men that are after her. How long can she keep going on like this at some point her luck is about to run out. No sooner does she think that then a very imposing man walked through the door. But something about him puts her at ease.
Adam & Lana have to fight off an unknown enemy, all while fighting the fact that they should be enemies themselves. The lines have been drawn and there is only one thing left to do when you find that your enemy is your intended mate. Fight like help and hope you both survive.

This was a good book. It took me a while to really get into the story. I am thinking that it was how the book was written. The story is told in first person from both Adam & Lana’s point of views. But after getting use to how the story was being told I started enjoying it more. I am looking forward to the next installment in the Moon series, Aren’s story is next. I do hope that Lisa will write a story about Sebastian.

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

November 13, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Hunted: An Erotic Retelling Of Beauty & The Beast by Cerys Du Lys

TITLE: Hunted: An Erotic Retelling Of Beauty & The Beast
CHARACTERS: Danya & Everett
AUTHOR: Cerys Du Lys
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When the beast-cursed man of legends comes for her, desiring her as his mate, can Danya tame his savage ways and show him love, or will she unwittingly become some plaything for a monster, existing solely for his pleasure?

(A Cerys du Lys erotic fairy tale novel)

Hidden in the woods sits a mansion. Rumors say it’s commanded by a beast-cursed man who crossed a witch nearly a century ago.

Danya has no time for rumors and fantasies, though. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, now trapped by her father’s constant debt, she struggles just to care for her family. She’s shamed herself, sold her body, all to make some coin and ward the debtors away for a little while longer.

One day someone will find her and love her and offer her a better life. Right?

The one who comes for her is nothing like what she expects, though. The beast-cursed man of legends knows her scent and he hunts for her lust like a wolf pursuing a rabbit through the underbrush. He wants her, needs her, desires her body, and yet…

There’s a reason the witch cursed him in the first place, isn’t there? The lord’s son, Everett, trapped as a man in wolf’s clothing, bound to the witch’s whim. Can Danya hope to tame his wild ways, undo his curse, and find love in the process, or is she merely a pleasure toy to him, some sexual prey meant to be Hunted?

Impassioned, steamy, and haunting. This evocative fairy tale of obsession, lust, and erotic thrill will enchant you, romance you, and leave you feeling bewitched.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
Ok imagine watching Disney’s Beauty & the Beast and all of a sudden the characters come to life and have an orgy. Yep that is pretty much this book.

The story is the mostly classical telling of the B&B story. He is changed by a witch. Beauty comes along to love him and he changes. Ok got it. But now they are messing around like bunnies. Every time they have sex another servant comes back to life and one or the other feels the need to sleep with them.

The sex is erotic and wild. If you want to read it for the sex go for it and enjoy but if you are looking for a fairy tale with a little bit of eroticism that is not this book. Almost every scene is a sex scene (at least through more than half of the book) and there is no fairy tale aspect to it. I would have given the “story” 2 stars and the erotica 4 so I settled for a 3 as an overall review.

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