Category: 3 Star

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Kimberly reviews The Marquess Who Loved Me By Sara Ramsey

TITLE: The Marquess Who Loved Me
SERIES #: Muses of Mayfair #3
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Nick
AUTHOR: Sara Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/13/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A not-so-merry widow…

The widowed Marchioness of Folkestone is notorious for her parties, her art collection, and her utter disregard for the rules. But Ellie Claiborne knows her destruction is near. The new marquess is her first lover – the man whose sculpted body and sardonic grin haunt her every time she picks up her paintbrush. If he ever returns to claim his inheritance, her heart won’t survive seeing him again.

A man determined to destroy her…

Nicholas Claiborne hasn’t stepped foot in England since watching Ellie marry his cousin. He has no use for the gorgeous, heartless girl who betrayed him, or the title she abandoned him for. But when his business in India turns deadly, Nick must return to London to uncover a murderer – and take revenge on the woman he couldn’t force himself to forget.

A love they can’t escape…

Nick hates Ellie’s transformation from sweet debutante to jaded seductress. Ellie despises him for leaving her behind. Still, the sparks between them reignite the passion that should have been their destiny. As their demands of each other turn darker and a potential killer closes in, they must decide whether to guard the fragile remnants of their hearts — or find a way to fall in love all over again.

REVIEW:
I had a hard time getting into this story. The characters never really clicked for me and Ellie was just not a likable character. There seems to be some anger in her towards Nick when she is the one who ditched him and he should be the one that is mad. It seems so weird the way this story is written. Everything is backwards. The people who are mad at Nick should be mad at Ellie. The storyline of the attempted murder was so hidden it was non-existent. While Nick is an adorable character he deserved someone better than Ellie. I could have read more of Nick if not for the fact that Ellie had to butt herself in all the time. So many muses that Nick could have gone with and he chooses Ellie? Why?

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

 

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Kimberly reviews Bonds Of Trust by Lynda Aicher

TITLE: Bonds Of Trust
SERIES #: Wicked Play #1
CHARACTERS: Cali & Jake
AUTHOR: Lynda Aicher
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members’ night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he’s intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she’s been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she’s not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn’t want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. It was lighter on the BDSM that I expected based on the synopsis but it was still an enjoyable read. The characters have an instant attraction and while the story is good it has become mainstream with the influx of BDSM stories.

Was it a story that will make the headlines like other BDSM? Not a chance. This book feels as if a stay at home mom decided she could write a book and jump on the popular bandwagon. But at the same time. It is a fine story in general and what the heck if you like erotica then pick it up.

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

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Kimberly reviews Now You See It by Cait Donnelly

TITLE: Now you See It
SERIES #: Inner Edge #1
CHARACTERS: Brady & Gemma
AUTHOR: Cait Donnelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former Navy SEAL Brady McGrath has no trouble attracting female attention. But women never stick around long once they learn he can read feelings through touch. When an old Navy buddy hires him to protect his sister, he doesn’t need extra-sensory abilities to know someone wants something from Gemma Cavanagh —something worth killing for.

Gemma’s finally getting a handle on her own unique ability to make things disappear—even making them reappear on occasion. When someone breaks into her house and hacks into her computer, she’s certain her soon-to-be-ex husband is to blame—until the police show up on her doorstep with the news he’s been murdered. And she’s their number one suspect.

After barely escaping a firebombing, Gemma and Brady are forced into hiding—and forced to confront the chemistry between them. As they desperately search for the killer, can Brady help Gemma harness her abilities—and keep her from finding out about his own dark past?

REVIEW:
Another book with a Navy Seal (aren’t they all anymore?). But I thought why not it sounded a bit different but while it had a bunch of potential I just couldn’t get into the flow of this book. Gemma is a character that I could not enjoy at all. While the men of the story are interesting that alone can not carry this story.

I loved the idea that the characters had paranormal abilities but that was not the main premise of the book so that was interesting to me but Gemma just wasn’t enjoyable enough for me to enjoy the story. The suspense is there so do not pick this up thinking it is paranormal but pick it up to enjoy the suspense.

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

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Kelly reviews Eternal Demon by Laura Wright

TITLE: Eternal Demon
SERIES: Mark of the Vampire #5
CHARACTERS: Erion & Hellen
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | BN

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Erion’s son is kidnapped by the evil vampire Cruen, Erion vows to stop at nothing to find his hideaway—including intercepting the traveling party of Cruen’s beautiful bride-to-be. But instead of a vulnerable caravan, Erion is met by a feral band of female demons that includes Hellen, the bride—a creature of dark magic and darker passion.

Though the safety of his son is foremost, Erion can’t deny his unexpected connection to Hellen—inflaming a manic desire as primal as it is irresistible. As their bond intensifies, they move toward an inevitable and terrifying battle. With time running out, Erion realizes he must not only find and rescue his son but protect Hellen from Cruen and the underworld forces waiting to destroy her for her betrayal.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This was not my favorite book in the Mark of the Vampire series, but my favorite (Nicky) was in this one more than the last (Eternal Beauty). But while this was not my favorite it was still a good story and a good spin on the Mark of the Vampire world.

I am not sure what it is, but for some reason despite being Nicky’s twin I just don’t feel a connection with Erion like I do with Alex, Nicky & Luca. But as the story went on I got to see a side of Erion that he never shows any one. And I will admit that there were a few tears towards the end of this book.

I do have to say that sometime I really love/hate how Ms. Wright leaves us hanging at the end of her books. Eternal Demon is not different. To say I wanted to yell at the end of this book was an understatement *shakes fist at Ms. Wright*. My second favorite character in this series (Synjon) has turned into a complete asshat after the events of the last two books and novella. But I am looking forward to seeing if he can redeem himself in Eternal Sin. And I want to see what other twists and turns Ms. Wright throws at us in the MOTV series.

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.

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Kelly reviews True by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: True
CHARACTERS: Tyler Mann & Rory Macintosh
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost.

REVIEW:
I liked this story, but was not in love with it. I do realize that the characters were college age and therefore very selfish and well for a lack of a better word, stupid. But I guess that is how most college kids are. They don’t think before they act.

The sweet, smart shy girl meets the bad boy kinda story.

A couple of my biggest problems was the smoking. I know that people do it but for some reason I don’t want to read about my hero/heroine smoking.

The second biggest problem was that the hero was sleeping with the heroines roommate right before they hooked up. I don’t know this just bugged me the whole book.

But overall it was an okay read for me. Will I grab the next book in this series? I am still on the fence about that.

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.

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Kimberly review Desperate Measures by Linda Cajio

TITLE: Desperate Measures
CHARACTERS: Ellen & Joe
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellen Kitteridge is doing her best to put a personal but very public tragedy behind her. Trusting any man—especially one who radiates power and sensuality like Joe Carlini— isn’t easy . . . but it sure is fun. She’s never felt more alive as she helps Joe track down whoever is stealing Carlini family secrets. Playing spy games, with lust heating every moment, has taken her way beyond her comfort zone—and now she’s wondering if she’s gone too far.

Carlini Foods is Joe’s life, but Ellen, with her perfect mix of vixen and vulnerability, makes him realize how hungry his heart has become. Fate has made her his co-conspirator as he ferrets out a traitor in the ranks. Now it’s up to Joe to make sure she stays close. Ellen may have been hurt in the past, but Joe’s not going to give up on the best thing that has ever happened to him.

REVIEW:
While this story is cute it is OH SO DATED! I mean the characters meet in a roller skating rink for heavens sake. Originally published in 1989 as a LoveSwept novel this story does not stand the test of time.

Now that being said if you know ahead of time how dated it is it is a very cute story. I enjoyed it and can understand why it has become a “LoveSwept Classic”. It is a simple quick read and enjoyable… but really? Frank Sinatra? Can we say d-a-t-e-d?

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

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Kimberly reviews He’s So Shy by Linda Cajio

TITLE: He’s So Shy
CHARACTERS: Penelope & Richard
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Penelope Marsh last laid eyes on the gorgeous man standing before her, Richard Creighton had been a skinny nerd with glasses. Now he’s one of the most popular actors in the world. The only reason he’s back in New Jersey is to play the lead in a period piece directed by Penelope’s cousin. But Penelope’s too old for a schoolgirl crush—especially when the crush in question is a sexy Hollywood hunk.

Still sometimes shocked to be the object of a pretty woman’s desire, Richard is most comfortable with the cameras rolling, hiding behind the mask of his carefully crafted characters. Penelope’s presence on the set brings back memories of his painfully shy childhood—and yet he’s powerfully drawn to the willowy schoolteacher with the long legs and vivid blue eyes. Most celebrity romances must weather promiscuous starlets and invasive paparazzi, but Richard faces a different challenge altogether: proving that he’s come into his own since he was a kid—not to Penelope, but to himself.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 1994 and even from the prologue of the book you can see that this book is very dated. While a cute read it is best to know that up front.

This story is very typical of the romance of the day. However the couple is cute and endearing in their own way. The story is short so if you enjoy a cute romance this will be one that will become a classic just like it is in the LoveSwept Classic collection.

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

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Kelly reviews Her Warriors Three Wishes by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Her Warriors’ Three Wishes
SERIES: Dante’s Circle #2
CHARACTERS: Ambrose Griffin, Jamie Bennett, Balin Drake
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: April 23, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

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?

Ambrose Griffin is older than most, if not all, civilizations. As each year passes, he submerses himself into his training, only relaxing around his protégée and friend, Shade. After losing his wife and children in the last Angelic Wars, he guards his heart and has no desire to share it with another.

Bookkeeper and romance novel enthusiast, Jamie Bennett dreams of being swept off her feet by a white knight. However, her life is no romance book. Since meeting Ambrose—a sexy, delicious angel—she’s been twisted inside out and doesn’t know why. Things are happening that she can’t control and now her life is in danger.

Balin Drake is stuck in hell, literally. His life of refusing to take souls, even though it’s part of his demon nature, has caught up with him. He’s dying and now must search for his true half, but even a mating may not save him. When he meets the two people who could fill that part, he’ll need to fight for something he hasn’t felt in over a century—hope.

Warning: Contains a rigid angel who needs a certain sexy woman to help him unwind, a book keeper who finds herself the creamy center of the best cookie ever, and a demon who has a certain taste for pressing them both against walls.(

REVIEW:

3.5 Stars In Her Warriors’ Three Wishes Jamie Bennett finds herself in Hell, literally. She has been kidnapped by Pyro, her intended mates enemy. But what is worse is that her intended mate has not wanted anything to do with her for the last year. But Ambrose seems to be her only hope of surviving her unplanned trip to hell. But fate seems to have a little trick up her sleeve…..

See Ambrose is not Jamie’s only intended mate..

This was a good story. It started a little slow but picked up quickly. For some reason I am not really feeling the menage story line these days. I am not sure why. It is not the writing, the story or the characters. I think it is just me. But I still enjoyed this story and love the new cast of characters that were introduced. *cough* Hunter!!!

Can’t wait for his 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.

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Kimberly reviews The Professional/The Player by Rhonda Nelson

TITLE: The Professional/The Player
SERIES #: Men Out Of Uniform #13/#1
CHARACTERS: Jeb & Sophie/Jamie & Audrey
AUTHOR: Rhonda Nelson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE PROFESSIONAL
Former military man Jeb Anderson accepted a job at Ranger Security to regain some control over his life. But when he goes undercover to investigate a series of thefts at a retirement home, his number one suspect completely unravels his control…and sends his libido sky-high! As far as massage therapist Sophie O’Brien is concerned, Jeb is infuriating. Still, she’d like nothing more than to find out just what’s underneath Jeb’s reserved exterior—and his clothes! Because if he’s half as talented as his nickname implies, letting him uncover all her secrets will be very, very satisfying….

THE PLAYER
There’s nothing like a man in uniform…or out of it! Especially when he’s as hot as former Ranger Jamie Flanagan. After their last assignment went horribly wrong, he and his buddies needed to get out of the military for good. There was only one catch–that he and his pals promise their commanding officer one favor. Any favor. Now tall, dark and sexy Jamie is a top security specialist… and the ultimate ladies’ man. So he’s more than a little surprised when he learns the colonel has set him up to protect his granddaughter. Who would trust a player like Jamie with a gorgeous woman like Audrey? Then he learns his “mission” is to seduce her away from another man….

REVIEW:
THE PROFESSIONAL
I am not sure how I feel about this story. I really enjoyed the storyline itself and I enjoyed the characters too. They really are so cute together. Then why am I not sure about it? Because it makes Jeb, who supposedly is an Army Ranger, look like an idiot. Becca is the one who thinks up everything and Jeb is just the muscle. And while I liked him as the muscle I felt like he was written wrong. I also would have enjoyed more of the twin connection. That being said I liked the story. And I think anyone who enjoys romance will enjoy it too. Pick it up and you will not be disappointed.

THE PLAYER
This is actually a reprint of the first in the series of “Men Out of Uniform” and it was good but again not great. There is just something a little off about the way this author writes these books. It isn’t that it is bad writing just odd. I am glad I read the other book first because I am not sure I would have continued with the series having read this book first. But seeing as I did read the other one first it was kind of nice to backtrack and see how it all began.

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

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Kimberly reviews Claim Me by J. Kenner

TITLE: Claim Me
SERIES #: Stark Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Nikki & Damien
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.
Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.

I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.

But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.

Claim Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:

3.5 Stars Claim Me is the second in the Stark Trilogy. I would suggest you read Release Me first. This is a continuing story and I do not believe that the books can stand alone.

As with the first in the series this book is compared to Fifty Shades of Grey and again i will say while they are very different there is a similarity to them that makes me understand the comparison in the synopsis. While this book does fall into the erotica genre as Shades does I find them to be very different. Shades was a book of romance with erotica thrown in to explain the character. This is more of a story of erotica with the characters information thrown in. Now that does not mean it is not good because it is.

I gave the first in the series 4 stars but I couldn’t give this book that many. IN an odd turn of events there was too much sex but not enough erotica. Meaning that they had a number of sex scenes (heck it seemed every other page had a quickie) but there was not much of the romance or erotica that the first story had.

So yes I did enjoy this story but not as much as the first and you certainly have to read the first before you read this. But if you enjoy the genre you will enjoy this book.

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

 

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Kimberly reviews Down In New Orleans by Heather Graham

TITLE: Down In New Orleans
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Ann infiltrates the dark corners of the Big Easy to clear her ex-husband’s name, what begins as an innocent investigation becomes a matter of life and death

Ann and Jon Marcel are a rare case; five years after their divorce, they’re good friends, and Ann has come to love Jon’s hometown of New Orleans. Until the day Jon staggers through her door covered in blood and mumbling, “I didn’t do it.”

Jon is charged with murdering a stripper, and in order to save him, Ann will have to dive into the sordid New Orleans underworld, looking for clues in erotic clubs and seamy jazz spots. And, if that weren’t enough, she must deal with the resolute detective bent on bringing her husband to justice—the eagle-eyed lieutenant who dogs her steps and surfaces in her dreams. But despite her wavering affections, Ann has bigger concerns as she becomes embroiled in a fight not only for Jon’s freedom, but also for her life.

REVIEW:
Ok first this is a reprint from 1996 and I have to say as much as I love Heather Graham I was not overly thrilled with this story. The characters never connected. I thought Mark was actually a very mean man. I hated how he called Ann “a little fool” and “stupid” on more than one occasion. Ann was strong willed and didn’t seem the type to take it yet she seemed to take his crud for some reason. The story had potential and I can definitely say that Graham has improved in her stories since writing this one so if you have not read one of her stories to do NOT read this first since it will give you a wrong impression of her writing.

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

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Kimberly reviews Lush by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Lush
SERIES #: Delicious #3
CHARACTERS: Mary & Damien
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.

Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.

What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…

REVIEW:
First I have to say that I have not read the first two in the series so that made it hard in the beginning to follow who all the characters are. There are a bunch of people thrown in the beginning and it got very confusing. I hate to say it but I really don’t think this book can stand alone and needs to be read in the series.

I don’t know… I just couldn’t get into this book. I am not sure why. I don’t think the characters had much of a chemistry together. The friends had more chemistry than Damien and Mary. They are both too focused on what they do than what they want. There wasn’t enough time with them together as well. The sex scenes are good but not as “dirty” as I expected from the information I received on the book. I also had a hard time with the dialogue. It seemed so off from how a normal conversation would sound.

I can understand why someone who has read the rest of the series (and I think some other books before that too) would enjoy this book I just couldn’t get into it.

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