Category: 3 Star

Posted on

Kelly reviews Darkness Awakened by Katie Rues

Darkness AwakenedTITLE: Darkness Awakened
SERIES #: Darkness #1
CHARACTERS: Finn Stavros & Lyra Marius
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Years ago he ended things between them to protect her…

As leader of one of the fiercest werewolf packs in the south, Finn Stavros is in full battle mode 24/7. He has no choice—he’s one of the few beings strong enough to fight the Akkadian demons, whose mysterious escape from hell threatens the entire world. With the battle turning bloodier by the second, Finn is ready for anything…until his vampire long lost love shows up on his doorstep in desperate need of his help, sending his heart into a tailspin. He agrees to help her, unaware that she carries a shocking secret that will turn his life upside down.

This time, he’s not letting her go…

Vampire Lyra Marius curses the day she met Finn. The ruthless werewolf promised to love her forever, but he rejected her instead—before she could share her life altering news. Pregnant, kicked out of her coven, and cast aside by the love of her life, Lyra struggled to raise their rare shifter-vampire daughter Vega alone among humans. When the 16-year-old is kidnapped and used to fulfill a frightening prophecy, Lyra swallows her pride and turns to Finn for help. But how long can she fight her feelings for him and keep him from guessing the truth about who Vega really is? As they race against the clock to save their daughter, they must defeat the lethal threat imposed by demons infiltrating the human world and a hell gate that could not only reveal their existence to mankind, but destroy the world in the process.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts After a very short romance Finn & Lyra were forced to go separate ways. Not really forced by Finn tried to do the right thing in order to protect Lyra. But after 17 years a day has not gone by that Finn has not regretted his decision. But when Lyra shows up unannounced asking for his help. Finn plans move to heaven and hell in order to help her and find her daughter.

Lyra has always loved Finn and will until the day she dies, even if he caused her so much hurt 17 years ago. But asking for his help knowing the secret she is keeping from him is to much. If she can just find her daughter then maybe they can sit down and talk everything through. But Vega’s safety is the most important thing right now.

I enjoyed this story. I can’t say that I was totally in love with it until about 3/4 of the way through. The last 1/4 of the book is really good and I am looking forward to learn more about Drake.

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.

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Holding Out For A Hero by Amy Andrews

holding out for a heroTITLE: Holding Out For A Hero
CHARACTERS: Ella & Jake
AUTHOR: Amy Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Holding Out For A Hero
When sensible schoolteacher Ella Lucas rides into her home town on a Harley and seduces the resident football hero, Jake Prince, she figures she can be forgiven and move on. After all, she’s just buried her mother.

Two years later, back in the city, their paths cross again but this time Jake is in the process of destroying her favourite dive bar. With her home facing a wrecker’s ball, her school being closed down and her 15-year-old brother hell bent on self-destruction, it’s the last straw. Throw in a dominatrix best friend who is dating a blue ribbon guy so straight he still lives at home with his mother, it’s no wonder the sanest person in Ella’s life is a dog.

With all this to contend with, the last thing Ella needs is Jake back in her life. But, as fate would have it, Jake is the only chance she has to save her school.

As the school football season heats up, old secrets threaten to surface and Ella takes on greedy developers, school boards and national tabloids. But can she save not just her home, her school and her brother, but also the reputation of the man she’s never been able to forget? And, more importantly, does she want to?

Holding Out for a Hero is a quirky, heartwarming tale of unlikely romance, friendship and family.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this story. It was a bit of a different storyline than usual. It was a bit wordy with the same things over and over and I am not sure there was much chemistry between the characters but somehow the story worked.

Ella has just about everything coming at her that you can imagine and there is a bit of background between Ella and Jake so it makes sense they connect again but it was odd how at some points the author wrote that the characters had a connection even in youth and then other times that they barely talked to each other growing up.

But it is a heart touching story that turns out to have a HEA.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kelly reviews Targeted by Katie Reus

TargetedTITLE: Targeted
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Jack Stone & Sophie Moreno
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hidden in plain sight…

Former Marine sniper and current NSA agent Jack Stone has a new face to go with his new identity. But he still has the same tortured memories—which include the woman he let get away years ago, when they were teenagers. Now his new assignment in Miami will put him so close to the woman he’s never been able to forget, he could reach out and touch her—if only she weren’t under suspicion.

When Sophie Moreno uncovers evidence linking the medical supply company she works for with arms smuggling—and worse—she doesn’t know who to turn to. After a shocking betrayal, she realizes the only person she can trust is a mysterious new person in the company—a man with hauntingly familiar eyes.

As Sophie questions her intense attraction to this man and Jack struggles not to blow his cover, the two of them must race against the clock to stop terrorists from killing scores of people—starting with them.Hidden in plain sight…

Former Marine sniper and current NSA agent Jack Stone has a new face to go with his new identity. But he still has the same tortured memories—which include the woman he let get away years ago, when they were teenagers. Now his new assignment in Miami will put him so close to the woman he’s never been able to forget, he could reach out and touch her—if only she weren’t under suspicion.

When Sophie Moreno uncovers evidence linking the medical supply company she works for with arms smuggling—and worse—she doesn’t know who to turn to. After a shocking betrayal, she realizes the only person she can trust is a mysterious new person in the company—a man with hauntingly familiar eyes.

As Sophie questions her intense attraction to this man and Jack struggles not to blow his cover, the two of them must race against the clock to stop terrorists from killing scores of people—starting with them.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts I enjoyed Targeted but was not in love with it. I liked Jack & Sophie well enough but never fully connected with them. Targeted was good don’t get me wrong. The tension between Jack & Sophie was electric. Fueled more by the fact that they have a past that she is not aware of. The story line is filled with danger, tension and a heavy dose of suspense. But for me there was not a huge spark of excitement. It could have been my mood, the weather, stress who knows. But even with that I still did enjoy the new world the Katie has created and I am looking forward to the next Deadly Ops 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.

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kimberly reviews First Bite by Danie Harper

First BiteTITLE: First Bite
SERIES #: Dark Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Neva & Travis
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

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:
3.5 Hearts This is an interesting story of werewolves/Changlings (you will understand that when you read the book). It is different in not only is there shapeshifters but also a bit of magic. What I really appreciated was that Neva became a shapeshifter but had a hard time with it. Her character references what she has seen on movies and tv and is scared. So many of these books the person is turned and 2 pages later they are fine with it. But really wouldn’t you be freaked with a bunch of questions?

I liked Travis too but he is not the alpha wolf so many of these books are known for. He is the lone wolf. They bicker a lot and I am not sure the chemistry is there as much as the need for each other is. But I liked them.

I am guessing this is not the end of the story since this is the first in the series so it will be interesting to see where the author takes the next one.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kimberly reviews For Love Of Lacey by Sandra Chastain

For The Love of LaceyTITLE: For Love Of Lacey
SERIES #: Holland-Winter #2
CHARACTERS: Lacey & Tyler
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last time Lacey Lee Wilcox saw straight-laced corporate type Tyler Winter, he was wearing a permanent scowl with his perfectly tailored suit. So when he shows up at her best friend’s bohemian wedding, Lacey takes it upon herself to keep the cynical exec out of the way. But underneath the pinstripes, Lacey finds an old soul—not to mention an incredible body—and what was supposed to be a vexing day turns into a wild time that leaves Lacey wanting more.

Lacey’s taste for adventure stirs something in Tyler he wasn’t sure he still possessed. It’s something that worries him just a little—after all, he hasn’t become Atlanta’s most successful real-estate mogul by letting loose. But maybe, just maybe, there is such a thing as working too hard . . . and there’s no one Tyler would rather play hooky with than lovely Lacey.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a re-release from 1988 and while there are a few things things that are dated it is worth the read. Tyler is so adorably cute. He made me smile a number of times. Lacey cracks me up too. They are quite the pair.

The mood does change some about half way through the story and turns a little more serious but it is still a really good read…. it just looses some of the fun element of it.

This is a quick read and worth having around for the in between books pick up.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Devil’s In The Details by Kimberly Raye

Devils in the DetailsTITLE: The Devil’s In The Details
SERIES #: Devil #1
CHARACTERS: Jess & Cutter
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jess Damon’s life is…complicated. Not only is she a man-eating succubus (albeit recently reformed), but she has the mother from hell—literally. Yep, Houston’s hottest wedding planner is the daughter of the devil. Though as far as her mother knows, Jess is only in the business to hook up with hunky groomsmen, not to find true love.

But when demon hunter Cutter Owens rolls into town, turning her back on her evil birthright proves harder than Jess thought. Cutter is out to take down the devil once and for all—and he wants Jess’s help to do it. There’s no denying Cutter is gorgeous, in that sexy “a demon stole my soul” sort of way. And, sure, Lillian Damon is the queen of evil. But she’s still Jess’s mom. Now Jess must outfox the world’s greatest demon hunter without revealing her true identity or—devil forbid!—falling in love. Sexy, funny, and fiendishly clever, this bewitching paranormal romance is one hell of a read.

REVIEW:
I have read a couple of Raye’s books but never a paranormal one by her and I am just not sure I enjoyed it. The story is interesting but a little common. And while Raye’s sense of humor is usually enjoyable to me this one just seemed silly.

There is also too many characters. I know that is odd but Raye seems to have needed to add every Hellish character she has ever heard of. I also didn’t realize this is a continuous story which I didn’t enjoy. I will probably pick up the next book hoping it is better.

There are good points to this book. The story is funny in and of itself and some of the background characters are fun to read about too. This one just didn’t make me impressed.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

A Nantucket ChristmasTITLE: A Nantucket Christmas
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: NancyThayer
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Known for her heartwarming observations of family life, New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer showcases her beloved Nantucket’s snowy off-season in this emotionally gratifying and utterly entertaining story.

Holidays on this Massachusetts island are nothing short of magical, from the jolly decorations on the Brant Point lighthouse to the much anticipated Christmas Stroll, in which merrymakers promenade through quaint streets adorned with Yuletide cheer. The season’s wonderful traditions are much loved by Nicole Somerset, new to Nantucket and recently married to a handsome former attorney. Their home is already full of enticing scents of pine, baking spices, and homemade pie.

But the warm, festive mood is soon tempered by Nicole’s chilly stepdaughter, Kennedy, who arrives without a hint of holiday spirit. Determined to keep her stepmother at arms’ length—or, better yet, out of the picture altogether—Kennedy schemes to sabotage Nicole’s holiday preparations. Nicole, however, is not about to let anyone or anything tarnish her first Christmas with her new husband.

Nancy Thayer’s wonderful tale reminds us that this is the season of miracles. Before the gifts are unwrapped, surprise visitors appear, and holiday joy comes to all, both naughty and nice.

REVIEW:
Honestly this story is just sad. Yes it has a happy ending but most of it is just down right depressing. First it starts with Nicole and Sebastian who are an older couple finding second love and then Kennedy (Sebastian’s grown daughter) makes for trouble on the first Christmas for the older couple.

Kennedy is a spoiled brat. She acts like a child wanting her divorced parents to get back together and doing everything to drive away the new wife. For a grown woman with a child she is just obnoxious and unlikable.

To be fair the writing is good but I can’t imagine how it would get anyone into the holiday spirit.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kelly reviews A Touch Of Crimson by Sylvia Day

A Touch of CrimsonTITLE: A Touch of Crimson
SERIES #: Renegade Angels #1
CHARACTERS: Adrian Mitchell & Lindsay Gibson
AUTHOR: Sylvia Day
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 4, 2011
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a love that transcends death survive a war between angels, vampires, and lycans?

An angel with immense power and insatiable desire, Adrian Mitchell leads an elite Special Ops unit of the seraphim. His task is to punish the Fallen–angels who have become vampires–and command a restless pack of indentured lycans.

But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals–losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her: Shadoe, her soul once more inhabiting a new body that doesn’t remember him. This time
he won’t let her go.

With no memory of her past as Shadoe, Lindsay Gibson knows only that she can’t help being fiercely attracted to the smoldering, seductive male who crosses her path. Swept into a dangerous world of tumultuous passion and preternatural conflict, Lindsay is soon caught between her angel lover, her vampire father, and a full-blown lycan revolt. There’s more at stake than her love and her life–she could lose her very soul…

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I like this book. But never got totally invested in the characters. Parts and pieces of the story reminded me to much of a couple other stories. I will say that I was not planning on moving to the next book because of some events in this one. But Ms. Day was able to put my mind at ease and I do plan on picking up the next book in this series.

Since I listened to on audio I will have to comment on Luke Daniels as the narrator. I have to say that I love Luke. I love Luke’s voice and how he reads & delivers the story. But I will say that this so far has been my least favorite book that I have had Luke read to me.

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.

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Command Performance by Sarah Jane Stone

CommandTITLE: Command Performance
CHARACTERS: Hunter Cross & Maggie Barlow
AUTHOR: Sarah Jane Stone
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Subject: Chief Warrant Officer Hunter Cross;
Mission: Keep Margaret Barlow distracted;using any means necessary!
Ranger Hunter Cross is the army poster child—excitement, danger and no strings in sight. And he’s been in town exactly three hours before a curvy blonde named Maggie flashes him a look that says “You belong in my bed.” It’s a night of wicked satisfaction. And it’s a night they can never repeat….
All Professor Maggie Barlow wanted was an orgasm—or three— from the dead-sexy Ranger. Having him as her official army liaison while she works on her new book? That wasn’t in the plan. Especially when she learns that Hunter has orders to “control” her. Little does the army know that when it comes to their deliciously naughty nighttime activities, Hunter is at Maggie’s complete command….
Uniformly Hot! The Few. The Proud. The Sexy as Hell

REVIEW:
3.75 Stars Maggie is on the rebound from finding her fiance cheating on her. So what is a girl to do. Go pick the hottest guy she can find, sounds like a good plan to her. It is just for one night. One night to live a fantasy, to feel, to live, to let go of control and to be who she would really like to be.
Hunter is in town because of his job. He really wants to get the job done and move on. He has obligations that he needs to attend too. But when he spots Maggie he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. One night. That is all either of them want. That is until morning comes and Maggie walks out of his hotel room leaving Hunter wanting another night with her.
This was a good story. It started off with a bang, then slowed down just a bit, then picked up again. I was overall happy with this book. I don’t know what happened to the formatting as I put it on my kindle but the font wigged out on me. If you are looking for a good book I would suggest picking up a copy of Command Performance.

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.

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kelly & Kimberly review Carved In Stone by Kate Douglas

Carved in StoneTITLE: Carved in Stone
CHARACTERS: Nate Murdock & Alexandra Martin
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: September 13, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Archeologist and folklore expert Nate Murdock has discovered ancient stone carvings that will either revolutionize thinking in his field or get him laughed out of it entirely, and he’s hired world-renowned photographer Alex Martin to document his find and bolster his claim. When the alluring Alexandra Martin, not Alex, shows up for the job, Nate’s not sure whether to send her packing or take her into his arms.

Alexandra Martin, the daughter of the famed photographer and just as talented with a camera, is a dark-haired and dark-eyed beauty. Years ago her father built his reputation on photographs he’d stolen from her, and she’s out to prove once and for all that she’s the real deal. When the opportunity to work with the celebrated and ruggedly handsome Nate Murdock falls into her lap, she jumps at the chance—whether he likes it or not.

As tempers flare and accusations fly, the two dig in for a battle of wills and an uneasy truce at their remote mountainside camp. But when drug smugglers trap them in a cave and leave them to die, Nate and Alexandra realize they must trust each other—and the fiery passion growing between them—and surrender to a mysterious force as it guides them through a perilous escape and the acceptance of a powerful love as primal and compelling as the mountain itself.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.25 Stars This was a pretty quick read. While not my favorite of Kate’s story it was still a good story. I like the tension between Nate & Alex. Both are stubborn and hardheaded. But Alex has been burned one too many time in the past, so she takes no crap from anyone especially men. But after an adventure up the side of a cliff, being shot at, beat up, trapped in a cave in it might be time for both of the to learn to trust. Or the both can continue to be stubborn and let their future fly away from them.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Stars This book was just “ok” for me. While an interesting storyline I had a hard time with the characters. The chemistry seemed forced to me and while I do not mind some tension between the main characters I do not enjoy constant bickering. There was too much getting close then pulling away and control issues on the part of Alex for me. And Nate was just too short tempered.

Like I said the storyline is interesting and the sex scenes are good without being over the top. But there is just something about this story that made me feel like I was forcing myself to finish it.

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.

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kelly reviews She Can Scream by Melinda Leigh

She Can ScreamTITLE: She Can Scream
SERIES: She Can…#3
CHARACTERS: Luke Holloway & Brooke Davenport
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept 17, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Another good book from Melinda. While I was not completely surprised by who the bad guy was. I was surprised by the lengths the killer took to be the sick person that he was.
I am always in awe of suspense authors and how twisted, evil and sick their minds are. I am always amazed at how even when I know (or think I know) what is happening they always keep me on the edge of my seat. Always make me want to keep turning that page. Always give me anxiety while reading their books. Melinda does all of this.
If you love a good romance suspense novella I would highly suggest grabbing one of Melinda’s books. You will never look at a cold dark basement that same.

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.

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright

Sleigh BellesTITLE: Sleigh Belles
SERIES #: Sassy Belles #3
CHARACTERS: Dallas & Cal
AUTHOR: Beth Albright
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With her hair perfectly coiffed, nails freshly manicured and a heavy trail of perfume wafting behind her, local news reporter Dallas Dubois is sure she’s about to kick her career—and maybe her love life—into high gear. The director of the Tuscaloosa children’s Christmas play has fallen ill, and Dallas is ordered by her station manager to take the reins. Everyone is shocked—especially Cal Hollingsworth, who still remembers her as the Ice Queen from high school.

If nothing else, Dallas has never met a challenge that a little lip gloss and a Chanel knockoff couldn’t fix. But she has no idea how to relate to these kids, and their brutal honesty is giving her pause. Things are made even more complicated by the butterflies she gets whenever Cal is near….

But when long-lost family members re-enter her life, Dallas’s icy veneer begins to melt. And with Cal by her side, she soon realizes that it’s what’s under all the hair spray that counts.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I enjoyed this story all though it had many sad parts. I wondered if it really was a holiday story with home much sadness was going on. But in the end as with all holiday stories it has a happy ending.

Dallas is hard to like at first. She seemed so smug and stuck up but once the reader gets to know her and her story there is actually something that changes the way the reader sees her. Cal is a sweet guy and I enjoyed him but honestly this is not his story. It is Dallas’s.

I’ll be honest. There were a couple of things I did not like. I tried to figure out how to say it on here but it would be spoiler so I will not do that but lets say sometimes forgiveness doesn’t come with a bow. And I wish there had been a epilogue. I wanted to know what happened with Sara Grace. But maybe that will be told in the next book. But all that being said it ended up a heartwarming holiday story perfect for a winter day snuggled up in front of the fire that gets you into a holiday mood.

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

3hearts-68-77