Category: 3 Star

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Kimberly’s review of The Importance Of Being Wicked by Victoria Alexander

TITLE: The Importance Of Being Wicked
SERIES #: Millworth Manor #2
CHARACTERS: Miranda & Win
AUTHOR: Victoria Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this dazzling new novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander welcomes you to Millworth Manor, a delightful English country estate where love is always perfectly at home…
For Winfield Elliott, Viscount Stillwell, finding a prospective bride always seemed easy. Perhaps too easy. With three broken engagements to his name, Win is the subject of endless gossip. Yet his current mission is quite noble: to hire a company to repair his family’s fire-damaged country house. Nothing disreputable in that—until the firm’s representative turns out to be a very desirable widow.

Lady Miranda Garrett expected a man of Win’s reputation to be flirtatious, even charming. But the awkward truth is that she finds him thoroughly irresistible. While Miranda resides at Millworth to oversee the work, Win occupies her days, her dreams…and soon, her bed. For the first time, the wicked Win has fallen in love. And what began as a scandalous proposition may yet become a very different proposal…

REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Victoria Alexander’s for a while now but I don’t think this will be one of my favorites which is weird because I enjoyed the first book and the novella about Win’s engagements so much. The problem was I didn’t feel a connection between Win and Miranda. Win did not seem to be light-hearted man he was in the first 1 ½ books.

While the story was good in general and I think would have been better if we had not met Win before in the previous books. He was such a great background that I was thrilled his story was coming out but maybe I just had my hopes too high for his story.

I didn’t like the way Miranda deceived Win so much either. I know the times were different and women did not work back then but it just seemed there were so many opportunities for her to fess up and she didn’t.

With all that being said no Alexander book is bad. She is a phenomenal author who adds humor to the straight laced historical times. You can never go wrong reading a Alexander novel.

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

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Kimberly’s review of With This Kiss: Part One by Eloisa James

TITLE: With This Kiss
SERIES #: Part 1
CHARACTERS: Grace & Colin
AUTHOR: Eloise James
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/12/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lady Grace Ryburn, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashbrook, has fallen wildly in love with Colin Barry, a dashing young lieutenant serving his country in the Royal Navy. When he returns home to exuberant celebrations, will he even notice the quiet wallflower he grew up with … or will he fall for Grace’s sparkling, gorgeous sister?

REVIEW:
This is a very short three part story. The first part being only about 50 pages. This is certainly only the beginning of the story. In this story we learn of the love Grace has for Colin and that it has been going on for years.

It is actually kind of a sad story. I feel so sad for Grace. She is living in the shadow of her younger sister. I look forward to reading the next part since this was certainly left unfinished. But it is good and you will want to find out how it happens.

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

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Kelly’s review of Free Fall by Catherine Mann

TITLE: Free Fall
CHARACTERS: Jose “Cuervo” James & Sarah Carlson
AUTHOR: Catherine Mann
PUBLICATION DATE: March 5th, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Pararescueman Jose “Cuervo” James can’t imagine committing to anything other than his job. But when he parachutes deep into East Africa to rescue wounded Interpol agent Sarah Carson—a woman from his past—he finds himself ensnared in more ways than he can count. Racing through the jungle to stop separatists from attacking the U.S. embassy, Jose and Sarah must call upon their training to survive. Could this be their second chance at passion…or will the rebels end their future before it begins?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Free Fall is book four in Catherine Mann’s Elite Forces series. I have not read the first two books in this series but I did read book three (and liked it). I like the Catherine’s style of writing. She tells really good stories and I really like the characters in this series. And I love that the new guy’s nickname is FANG. You will have to read to know why.

All that being said there were parts and pieces of this book that confused me a little. There seemed to be a whole lot going on and I was left with a few questions. Maybe these will be addressed in a later book. I am not sure. But all in all this was a good book and I am glad that I read.

If you are a fan of Catherine and her Elite Force series I think that you will really enjoy Jose’s story. For the newbies don’t be afraid to pick up this book and read. Free Fall can easily be read as a stand-alone book

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’s review of Falling For The Lawyer by Anna Clifton

TITLE: Falling For The Lawyer
CHARACTERS: Alex & JP
AUTHOR: Anna Clifton
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alex Farrer has just one resolution: don’t get sacked by the new boss that day. Enter one knight to rescue her from a run‐in with a pile of mud. But will upending Alex’s entire life be the next job on her knight’s ‘to‐do’ list, whether she likes it or not?
Legal eagle JP McKenzie has just one resolution: never get involved with a woman who won’t stand up for herself. That is until a muddy Alex Farrer lands in his life with a crushingly big mountain of family expectation in tow. So what else is a modern‐day knight to do?

REVIEW:
I am just not sure about this story. It is a short story (about 100 pages) and I have to say that I could not stop reading it. The problem is I am just not sure what I liked about it. I am not sure what JP sees in Alex once he gets to know her. Alex is slightly irritating for most of the book in that she is so meek. But yet I really couldn’t pull away from the story.

Usually I do not like when one of the main characters starts out with a significant other already but in this book it seemed to work. I think it is a book that anyone that likes romance books will enjoy.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Jade’s Gamble by Patricia Olney

TITLE: Jade’s Gamble
CHARACTERS: Jade & Trace
AUTHOR: Patricia Olney
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Single mother Jade O’Donnell is desperate. Embroiled in an ugly custody battle, Jade is convinced that being in a committed relationship will up her chances to keep her son. So when the wildly charismatic Trace Banyon walks into her lawyer’s office to inquire about a job, Jade’s willing to bet that he’s the perfect candidate to play the part of loving husband. She just never expects that Trace will steal her heart.

Temptation in the flesh, Trace insists that he will never be tied down in real life. He agrees to Jade’s scheme on one condition: It will mean nothing more than a business deal. But with Jade posing on his arm, Trace can’t help but feel genuine affection—and exhilarating passion. Now his bewitching make-believe wife has the stalwart bachelor considering the two words he has sworn will never pass his lips: “I do.”

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this short story and the characters of Jade and Trace. They have a connection right from the start of the story.

Because it is such a short story I felt some things were missing like there is not enough about the ex husband and I was saddened that we did not get Lucas’ reaction about the ending.

I think in general this story could have been more in-depth but that being said the story is good and is an enjoyable quick read.

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

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Kimberly’s review of SECRET by L. Marie Adeline

TITLE: SECRET
CHARACTERS: Cassie
AUTHOR: L. Marie Adeline
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In S.E.C.R.E.T there are…
No Judgments. No limits. No shame.

Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed. The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.

REVIEW:
First I want to say I enjoy reading erotica so I wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t. Yes the sex scenes are hot the rest of it is just not worth it. If this society existed I might even join it because I think it is empowering to women and I will give the author that much. If you read this book and it empowers you to enjoy yourself, your life and your sex then by all means read it but I just never connected with Cassie.

I want to read the erotica where there is a romance to it. I want to know that in the end the H/H will be together… I want the HEA and this just didn’t do that for me.

That being said I can certainly understand those who loved this book. I think it has so much potential and the right kind of reader would love it… that is just not me.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Vampires Gone Wild by Sparks/Palmer/Arista/Falconer

TITLE: Vampires Gone Wild
SERIES #: Love At Stake #13.5
AUTHOR: Sparks/Palmer/Arista/Falconer
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/12/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
Pamela decides to shed her prim and proper ways for spandex and a mask to help fight the Malcontents. Now if only she weren’t so distracted by the sexy vampire fighting by her side . . .

A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Trapped in Vamp City, Lukas has been unable to return to the beauty who stole his heart. But now that she’s stumbled into his world, it will take every ounce of cunning he possesses to keep her alive.

First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Valiance’s first date in a hundred years is going great . . . until they’re attacked in the parking lot and quiet, unassuming Esme turns out to be way more than she appears.

Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay lives a vampire race that wants nothing to do with the “landers” except to feed on them. But when Stellan sets eyes on Angelina, everything changes.

REVIEW:
I was going to review each short story separately but honestly they are so much alike it how I would review them that I changed my mind. These stories are all a little weird. All a little odd. All a bit stupid and all a bit interesting. Honestly I am not sure if I liked these stories but something kept me wanting to read all four stories. The problem was some seem part of an ongoing series so that was a bit confusing since I have not read these authors before. But honestly I think it was just not enough time with the characters and the storylines. As with most books with more than one story/author I enjoyed some stories and didn’t some others.

If you are looking for a true vampire story than these are not it but if you are looking for a quick paranormal read that just happen to be called vampires than pick this book up.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Leandros by Celia Jade

TITLE: Leandros
AUTHOR: Celia Jade
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (no link)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Vicky’s plan was a hiking expedition to Mount Olympus. Ending up in an unearthly villa with a Greek demigod was not on the agenda.

When the Greek demigod flashed his law enforcement badge and accused her of carrying STX, Vicky almost laughed. In reality, she all but swooned as she took in his powerful build and azure eyes. He looked a lot like the men in her erotic fantasies, but he was no ordinary man. He was a fearsome immortal with a dark sexuality. A dangerous man.

Her few relationships with conservative men hardly translated into the image of a sexual tigress, so why did this demigod invite her to a private villa on Mount Olympus? She was a rational woman, except for this moment, when her reaction to him frightened her in a way that was too tempting to ignore.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a very short read of only about 35 pages. It is an interesting story and I can imagine it being just the beginning of a even longer novella. She is mortal, he a demigod and it is a weekend they will never forget. It is an enjoyable short read. Pick it up just to have on your ereader for a quick grab.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Misty by M. Garnett

TITLE: Misty
SERIES #: Blood Sisters #1
CHARACTERS: Misty & Rad
AUTHOR: M. Garnett
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (no link)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I don’t have a sister—I was an orphan. I don’t believe in Vampires. They are myths that make interesting movies.

Say this three times, and three women find out that what they have believed in all their lives is wrong. They do have sisters, and there are Vampires.

Among the Vampires are those who just want their blood, because it is better than normal mortal blood. But there is also a special connection for each sister with three male Vampires who want more than just blood.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Ummm… Well I think I liked this book. I am not really sure but since I want to read the second in the three book series I am thinking I did. It is an interesting story. A few things are different than the normal vampire book but then again so many authors put their own spin on the breed.

I really liked Rad. He is really the hot vampire we all enjoy reading about. And Misty is written as a very strong woman who doesn’t just crumple into her vampire to be protected. I was impressed with the independence of this character.

The running away/hunt pages went on too long. While I enjoyed the clever writing of how Misty stayed on the run I was bored with the chase after one chapter. Unfortunately it went on a lot longer than that.

The other problem was I expected the other two sisters to show up but they never did. As a matter of fact they were not even mentioned until the last page. Which is why I do want to know what happens to the sisters. And on a personal note I really dislike that the cover has triplets (the sisters are not) and that they look nothing like the character described but that is just my opinion.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Dream Keeper by Storm Savage

TITLE: Dream Keeper
SERIES #: Blood Bites #2
CHARACTERS: Savaant & Angel
AUTHOR: Storm Savage
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Angel’s arrival on Dunalino creates quite a stir. As Savaant’s chosen one, her blood is highly sought after for the high it delivers. Her scent has become irresistible to all men. The threat escalates when other males seek to steal a taste of her sensual blood. They long to experience the intense orgasm said to accompany a stolen blood-bite from the woman in the legend.

Let the games being. Can Angel wriggle her way out of a game of blood-bites? Will trust in her new found love be enough to save her? Or will a cunning male seal her fate before Savaant is able to find her?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is the second part and I would recommend you read the first book or you will most certainly not understand this book at all. It is a short read (at 80 pages it is even shorter than book1 Dream Seeker) so it will not take long to read. The connection of the characters are palpable and they make you want to read what is going to happen.

This book had more erotic sex than book 1. And more intrigue. This series is good even though I can not explain why. The writing is not very good but I really enjoyed the books. I don’t know why it is good but I really think for a short read it will be something a fan of the paranormal would enjoy.

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

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Kelly’s review of Rush by Maya Banks

TITLE: Rush – The Breathless Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Gabe & Mia
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking…

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

REVIEW:
I liked this story, like the character well enough to keep reading. But I had a few issues with this book.

I didn’t like the mousey little Mia in the beginning of the book, but by the end I did kinda like her. She finally grow up enough to stand up for what she wants.

Gabe while he might be dreamy, he was a bit of a……butt (to put it nice). Who the heck signs a contract to have a relationship? He is dominant, controlling and well a real pain in the butt. But in the end he learns, or will learn.

I will admit that I was a little nervous. When reviews or people refer to books with a 50 Shade of whatever compariance I normally will stay far away from that books. I am glad that I read and do plan on reading the next two books in this 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’s review of The Reunited by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: The Reunited – The FBI Psychics #3
CHARACTERS: Joss Crawford & Drucella Chapman
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the national bestselling author of The Departed comes an all new novel of danger, intrigue, and a love stronger than death…

AN ETERNAL DESIRE

With his strong psychic ability, FBI Agent Joss Crawford longs for the woman he loved in a past life. But after years of searching, a new case is drawing him into the last place he’d ever want to find her: an underground slave ring. Going undercover to infiltrate the network, he meets Drucella Chapman–the mastermind’s fiancee. Joss has every reason to believe she’s evil. So why is he irresistibly drawn to her?

A DANGEROUS GAME

Drucella has made it her personal mission to bring the slave ring down. But the sadistic ring leader is even more careful than he is cruel. In order to gain information, Dru has had to get close to the very man she wishes to kill, psychically reading his memories bit by bit. she’d do anything to finish the job, but agreeing to marry him may have been a step too far–even for her.

A FATEFUL ENCOUNTER

Though Joss and Dru are both undercover, nothing can disguise the sense of deja vu they experience when they meet. Neither can afford to be distracted from the mission at hand, but perhaps their reunion is exactly what this mission needs.

REVIEW:
This was a strange book for me. I am not sure if it was because I have not read book one or two in this series. Or maybe it was my mood. I am not 100% sure. But The Reunited didn’t draw me in like a normal Shiloh Walker book. I guess I just never really connected with the characters.
Still this was an okay read and I will be putting it on my list of need to read the series from book one.

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.