Category: 3 Star

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Kimberly’s review of Countdown To First Night by Hart/Daley/Minton

TITLE: Countdown To First Night
AUTHOR: Hart/Daley/Minton
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten, nine, eight, seven…
Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
Shelby Craig comes to Snow Falls for a First Night job, but secretly hopes it will be a respite from her grief and a haven for her two young kids. A sympathetic cop becomes the determined widow’s staunchest ally—though helping her may break his heart.

Six, five, four…

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was supposed to be a done deal! Children’s book author Ellie Summers came to the festival to meet her new illustrator. She didn’t expect him to turn down her proposal. And then to find the obstinate man so charming… Is it wrong to hope his matchmaking twin daughters succeed?

Three, two, one…

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Pride is a hard thing to swallow, but Jolie Godwin does her best to ignore her grievances with Jake Wild this one time. The man is graciously letting her exhibit her artwork in his luxury resort for First Night. He seems like a good person and a devoted uncle. If only he’d always been so perfect. Because his kiss is something she can’t forget….

Cue the fireworks!

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars First let me say in general each story was sweet. I am not one who enjoys the whole “We meet, we aren’t meant to be together, we need to be together, we love each other” in a matter of a couple of chapters but these stories were sweet enough to keep me interested.

Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
This was a very cute story. I liked that the main couple already knew each other as children and had reconnected. I really enjoyed the main male character of Ronan when he interacted with the children. Very sweet story.

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was cute but not as cute as the first one. I was a little tired of the main male character Brody’s attitude. He should have been named Brooding because that is what it seemed he was doing the whole time. I enjoyed the children of the story too even though trust me no 6 year old speaks the way they do.

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Once again I enjoyed this story as much as the first story. I liked that the characters had a history and in this case a very long history. The characters are really interesting and I loved that little Anna spoke sign language. There is true romance in this story.

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

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Jennifer’s review of Strictly Forbidden by Shelley Bradley

TITLE: Strictly Forbidden
AUTHOR: Shelley Bradley
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Miss Kira Melbourne is anything but a proper English rose. Her exotic beauty, courtesy of her foreign mother, has marked her as an outsider, and her ghastly reputation as a woman of loose virtue has only added to that status. The victim of a devious viscount’s horrible lies, Kira has the chance to redeem herself and become a member of polite society as the fiancee of a respected country clergyman. She’ll finally have a place to belong…even if it’s in the arms of a tepid man she doesn’t love.

Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne, isn’t about to let his naive country cousin marry a scandalous woman like Kira Melbourne. The solution is a simple one: Gavin will seduce the vixen and prove her unworthiness, thereby releasing his cousin from any obligation. But spending time with Kira is like awakening to a world of color and beauty, and it stirs the fiery desires that Gavin has fought to suppress his entire life. Caught in his own dangerous game, sharing forbidden pleasure with Kira, Gavin knows the price of loving her is high–and yet it is one that he will willingly pay..with every beat of his heart.

REVIEW: I have read other novels from Shelley Bradley that I have absolutely adored and I couldn’t wait to read another historical romance from this author. Kira Melbourne is a beautiful young woman that is trying desperately to escape the vicious rumors that she is a woman of loose morals by marrying James Howland, a country pastor. Gavin Daggett, James’ cousin, is instantly attracted to Kira because of her beauty and plans to seduce her to prove that she is unworthy of being his cousin’s wife. This plan ultimately backfires because he finds that Kira is a lovely woman that seems to be the perfect match for him instead of his cousin.

I enjoyed Kira’s character because she was very sweet and trusting but she seemed so naive at times about how things were going to turn out with Gavin. Gavin was a hero that I had a hard time connecting with due to the fact he wasn’t very nice to Kira for most of the novel. He acted like a complete jerk and didn’t really redeem himself until the last few pages of this book. I almost had the feeling that Kira could have found somebody better than Gavin just by the way that he acted toward her. I also wish that Kira’s brother, Darius, had more interaction in this story because he was a great character. I loved that he was so protective of Kira and I wanted him to find his little piece of happiness with someone.

I am going back to read Strictly Seduction which was Brock and Madeline’s love story, who played a minor role in this book. This book wasn’t a winner for me but I still love Shelley’s books and can’t wait to read the next one that she releases.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes

TITLE: Anything He Wants
AUTHOR: Sara Fawkes
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/27/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
First published as a five-part e serial novel, Anything He Wants inflamed imaginations everywhere and became a national bestseller. Now available for the first time ever as a complete book, this edition contains never-before-released scenes and special bonus material. Don’t miss this erotic tale of a powerful billionaire who always gets what he wants and the young woman who’s about to enter his exclusive realm–a world of glittering opulence and all-consuming passion, where she’ll explore the darkest reaches of her own desire.

Lucy Delacourt’s temp position isn’t quite her dream job but it pays the bills. The highlight of her day is riding the elevator in the mornings with a handsome stranger. Tall, dark, and sexy as hell, Lucy knows he’s way out of her league, but a girl can look, right?

Everything changes the day the stranger seduces her. Completely out of character, she yields without a fight, but she has no idea her wanton acts with a man whose name she doesn’t know will change her life forever. Because the sexy stranger is none other than Jeremiah Hamilton, billionaire CEO of Hamilton Industries, and one taste isn’t nearly enough to satisfy his need. As the billionaire pulls Lucy deeper into his world of high stakes business deals and ruthless takeovers, he demands nothing less than her complete surrender. But even as enemies seek deadly revenge against him, she’ll discover that her greatest threat is falling for her fiercely guarded boss…and yielding to her own darkest needs.

REVIEW:
The first thing I want a reader to know is this book has a cliffhanger and does not end with this book so don’t expect it. I was surprised by this and wish I had known before reading it (not that I wouldn’t have read it but I would have liked the forewarning.

Now, I have not researched this book but, I am going to assume that it was written as fan fiction off of 50 Shades Of Grey. There is just too many similarities in the stories. Not enough to say it was a rip off of it but enough to make me wonder if it started out as fan fiction and has become popular. The story is good (if not familiar) but Jeremiah really is not into BDSM as you would think he just likes control. He allows too many things that a Dom would never allow the sub to take liberties with. That being said the erotica is good. This is more of what the average person who enjoys a little fun can connect with, it is not over the top like some scenes from Shades.

It is good. It is interesting. It has more than just sex. I think anyone who enjoys these genre will enjoy this story very much.

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

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Kelly’s review of Instant Gratification by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Instant Gratification – Wilder #2
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
Charcters: Stone Wilder & Emma Sinclair
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/09
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Instant Attraction, Jill Shalvis introduced Cameron, Stone, and T.J.; the sexy, daredevil brothers who run Wilder Adventures. And for Stone Wilder, the thrill of a lifetime is about to arrive in a surprising package. . .

The Doctor Is In Deep
Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. . .
When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here – in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist

REVIEW:
I have to say first I am a huge fan of Jill Shalvis and I am totally in love with her Lucky Harbor and Animal Magnetism series. So I was super excited to get a chance to read Instant Gratification book two in her Wilder Series. Jill originally released The Wilder Series back in 2009 and just released the series in 2012.

While I really enjoyed Stone and Emma’s story. I was not totally sucked into the world to the point of being obsessed like the other series have done. But I still really liked the book and very glad that I read. Stone is dreamy and yummy. Emma is tough as nails and a very good fit for Stone.

I am planning on going back and reading book one and three in this series. I really do like the Wilder boys and want to learn more of them .

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

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Kimberly’s review of Born To Be Wild by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Born To Be Wild
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Of course, that’s nothing for musketeer Zach Brogan, who risks life and limb daily as the owner of an adventure vacation outfitter. Skydiving into active volcanoes, hang gliding off glaciers, diving in shark-infested waters—Zach lives and breathes heart-stopping scenarios. But nothing can prepare him for seeing his childhood friend Dara again—or for the visceral reaction their reunion incites.

Dara Colbourne is living her professional dream: granting elaborate wishes to ill children. Yet when her new project puts her face-to-face with the guy who teased her all through school, Dara is far from pleased. But she is unprepared for the handsome, flirty man that Zach Brogan has become. As the two spar over trip logistics, the heat rises to levels neither can ignore. Is the thrill of adventure all there is between them, or can Dara trust this magnetic bad boy with her heart?

REVIEW:
This is a reprint of an earlier work from Donna Kauffman. As with all her books I enjoyed this one. The characters are interesting. The women in Kauffman’s Loveswept novels always prove to be independent and capable, yet, willing to find love. The men are dangerous and a diamond in the rough. This book was no different. This is the second in the Three Musketeers series. It is a good short read. Perfect for cuddling up in front of the fire or on a beach.

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

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Jennifer’s review of The Edge Of Nowhere by Elizabeth George

TITLE: The Edge of Nowhere
AUTHOR: Elizabeth George
PUBLICATION DATE: 9/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Becca King is on the run. Her ability to hear “whispers”–the thoughts of others–has put her at risk from her stepfather, whose criminal activities she’s discovered. When she arrives on Whidbey Island, beautiful, wild and a world apart, she embarks on a life very different from her old one, with new friends that include, Seth, a kind-hearted dropout turned gypsy jazz musician; Derric, a Ugandan boy adopted by a local family; Diana, with whom she shares a psychic powers; and Debbie, who makes a habit of helping runaways.

REVIEW: I was very excited to read the beginning of this new Young Adult series from Elizabeth George because I have enjoyed her mysteries in the past. This book held the promise of mystery and romance with a paranormal element among a secluded locale which should have been thrilling to read. The only problem was that this book didn’t follow through with any of these aspects that were promised. Becca King, the main character, has a hearing disability that is helped via an auditory device that can drown out excess noise to help her focus when others are speaking. When she doesn’t use this device, she is able to pick up “whispers” from people, which are snippets of their true thoughts. This helps Becca discover people’s most intimate thoughts and feelings, even when their facial expressions portray something else entirely. She is currently on the run from her stepfather, because she learned from his “whispers” that he killed his business partner and covered up the crime. She is brought to Whidbey Island to stay with a family friend, but nothing goes as planned and Becca finds herself living alone in a strange city with no one to help her.

To me, Becca was a very sad character that spent most of the book feeling sorry for herself instead of looking for anything positive in her new surroundings. The pacing of the story was very slow and the mystery aspect of this novel turned out to be not a mystery at all. I have enjoyed Elizabeth George’s Adult mysteries but I was very disappointed in this installment in her YA series. The second one may be more interesting but I was unable to connect with these characters and will not be reading the next one after reading The Edge of Nowhere.

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

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Kelly’s review of For The Love Of A Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

TITLE: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior – Shadowlands #3
AUTHOR: Shona Husk
Characters: Meryn & Nadine Gilbert
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/1/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Centuries ago, Meryn was thought to be utterly lost–all traces of his soul given up to the ravening goblin horde. But with the curse that enslaved him now broken, he must once again learn to walk in the realm of men.

Nurse Nadine Gilbert likes working the night shift to avoid her disturbing dreams, but her mysterious new patient looks hauntingly familiar. Meryn knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance, but Nadine brings out his long-buried human side. Telling her the truth about his violent past could destroy their fragile trust. Could she ever believe in the love of a Goblin Warrior?

REVIEW:
I liked this book and this series but I didn’t love. I will say when I started this series all I could think about was David Bowie from “The Labyrinth” (if you aren’t old enough google it :D). But sadly this was not like the movie I love so much back in the 80’s. Yes, young people the 80’s were cool. But that might have been a good thing. While David Bowie was dreamy the movie was well kinda bad.

That being said For the Love of a Goblin Warrior was my least favorite of the series. I just never really connected with Meryn or Nadine. I think was too stuck on that darn Goblin Prince Dai. But I did find that I had more questions than answers after reading this book. I am not sure if there will be a book 4, but if there is I hope that Shona will answer more questions about Nadine and her crazy dreams.

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 Kissed By A Vampire by Caridad Pineiro

TITLE: Kissed By A Vampire
AUTHOR: Caridad Pineiro
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For two thousand years, vampire elder Stacia has roamed on her own, haunted by the betrayal that turned her into a creature of the night. Her nights looming empty and eternal, Stacia longs for love, but settles for quick bites and sinful pleasures in South Beach. Until she comes face-to-face with the unforgettable DEA agent she once brought back from the brink of death. Alex Garcia knows that demons exist—the real kind, the kind that are kidnapping women and selling them into slavery. Finding those victims is his focus—not a beautiful seductress whose otherworldly abilities can’t possibly be real. But when Stacia summons all her powers to prove what she really is, Alex will summon all his to believe in the vampire’s kiss….

REVIEW:
The story is good. The connection of the characters is not. I have never read a book by Pineiro before and while most of the writing was good I was tired of her using the same words over and over. How many times does the vampire need to tell us she is an elder? While we apparently meet this characters in “Death Calls” the meeting is explained and does not matter if you have not read the first one (as I had not).

I really just did not feel a chemistry between these two characters. And Stacia (Who is an elder. Did we mention that already?) seems to be a bit of a wuss of a woman. Ok maybe not a wuss but certainly not the powerful vampire she is supposed to be. And Alex just has no depth to him. He is not the alpha you would think a vampire would fall for and his sweet moments are just blah.

Ok now that has been said the storyline is interesting and keeps you wanting to read more. Maybe it was just these characters but this book just didn’t do it for me much.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements by Victoria Alexander

TITLE: Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements
AUTHOR: Victoria Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN…
Some say I do not take my engagements seriously. Nonsense. What man with no interest in marriage would find himself proposing not once, but three times? And each time, I’ve felt certain that this, at last, is the absolutely, positively, perfect woman.

Miss Felicia Whitingdon, for instance, has youth, beauty, style, grace—and a handsome fortune. Lady Lucille Eustice is a widow of impeccable social standing, and a balm to my soul. Then there is Miss Caroline Hibbit, sweet and charming in every way. Any one of these intoxicating treasures could make a man happy. Any one of them could be an ideal wife. But which—if any of them—will it be?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I will try to explain this novella so it is understood where it lies in Alexander’s stories. We meet Win in “What Happens At Christmas” as the best friend and cousin of Gray. During that story we learned that Win had been engaged three times but it was nothing more than a couple of passing comments. Now “The Importance Of Being Wicked” will be coming out which is Win’s story. So this novella is the short telling of the three engagements that never turned into marriage.

The story makes you almost sad for Win but knowing his story will be out soon does help with that because Alexander would never leave him without a true love. I enjoyed this little romp. Win is a delightful character in the Christmas novel and has a wonderful sense of humor so I can not wait to read his story. And I am very glad that Alexander has given us the background we need to know how Win really wants love.

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

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Kelly’s review of The Cat’s Meow by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: The Cat’s Meow – Witch’s Brew #1
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
Characters: Libby & Kale
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/13/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.

While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.

Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart.

REVIEW:
When evil comes knocking on your door you have two choices. Run or Open the door and kick it’s evil backside off your porch. Libby finds herself in this very dilemma in The Cat’s Meow. But Libby is about to learn she has a very good back up plan in the form of a warlock that doesn’t take no for an answer.

This was a fun book. I will admit that the book started just a little slow for me. But as the book went on it got better and better. I really liked the world that Stacey developed and love the cast of characters she brought to life. And I am looking forward to what is next in the Witch’s Brew 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 A Taste Of Ice by Hanna Martine

TITLE: A Taste of Ice – Elements #2
AUTHOR: Hanna Martine
Characters: Xavier & Cat
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There is an untapped world of magic that any man would covet…

Five years ago, Xavier escaped from the Ofarian Plant. Today he calls a Colorado mountain town home. It’s there he buries himself in his work, swearing off magic and relationships—until a woman threatens every promise he’s made to himself.

Cat has always known she is different. Water speaks to her on an uncanny level, and she channels this gift into beautiful painted waterscapes. Now, a gallery is debuting her work in Colorado—and it’ll reveal far more about her than she imagined.

The spark between Cat and Xavier is enough to throw both of them off balance. Every tantalizing moment sends them dangerously close to a rising flood of desire. Dangerous because Xavier comes to suspect that Cat is an Ofarian—his people’s enemy. But they’re both about to discover a far greater, more malicious power at play.

REVIEW:
I am really on the fence about this book. I think I really should have read book one Liquid Lies first. I think there was more history with the Element world and the main character Xavier’s history.

I enjoyed this book, but didn’t love. I liked Xavier and Cat but never really connected with them. I am not sure what it was about this book. It just didn’t suck me in. I do plan on going back and reading book one and then maybe I should read book two again and see if I feel the same way. I will be planning on reading the next book in this series too.

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 Surrender The Dark by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Surrender The Dark
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Jarrett McCullough values those bonds as seriously as he values his job heading a covert group of operatives skilled in handling sensitive international information. But his current mission has suddenly gone very wrong—and he finds himself wounded and near death in the last place he ever expected to be.

Rae Gannon is stunned to find her ex-boss bleeding from a gunshot wound, mere paces from her front door. It has been two years since her move to the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, where she tried to erase the memories and the pain she suffered from having been part of McCullough’s team. Yet as Rae tends to Jarrett’s battered body she realizes that the air between them is still sizzling with a slow-burning need. But this time there are more than just hearts at stake. The mission that almost got Jarrett killed threatens to put Rae back in harm’s way. And if they surrender to their desires, it may cost them their lives.

REVIEW:
This is a reprint of an earlier work from Donna Kauffman. As with all her books I enjoyed this one. The characters are interesting. The women in Kauffman’s Loveswept novels always prove to be independent and capable, yet, willing to find love. The men are dangerous and a diamond in the rough. This book was no different. This is the first in the Three Musketeers series. It is a good short read. Perfect for cuddling up in front of the fire or on a beach.

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