Category: 3 Star

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter

TITLE: Last Kiss Goodnight – Other World Assassin #1
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
Character: Soloman Judan & Vika Lukas
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The breathtaking first novel in New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter’s new paranormal romance series, Otherworld Assassins, featuring a black ops agent who is captured and enslaved…and the beautiful deaf girl who holds the key to his salvation…

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE…

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test.

REVIEW:
I have not had the chance to read Gena’s Alien Huntress series yet, which Last Kiss Goodnight is a spin off of. I will say that I don’t think that you have to have read Gena’s the Alien Huntress series first. Gena does a good job of explaining the world. But I think if you did read them you would have a greater understanding of the world.

That being said I am on the fence about this book. I loved the setting, the idea, and a good majority of the characters. Solo & Vika are great together and apart. But I will admit that I was bored more than once while reading. Maybe I was tired. But there didn’t seem to be the same amount of action or sexual tension as I have found in past books of Gena’s. But overall I did enjoy. Really like the ending and the tension. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the 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.

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Rescuing Christmas by Thompson/Mann/DeNosky

TITLE: Rescuing Christmas
AUTHOR: Thompson/Mann/DeNosky
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Holiday Haven by Vicki Lewis Thompson
All Ben Rhodes wants for Christmas is to be left alone. And yet, in a fit of Christmas-cheer-induced insanity, he agrees to help beautiful shelter director Tansy Dexter find homes for all her rambunctious animals. Little does he know that the one truly in need of a loving home this season…is him.

Home for Christmas by Catherine Mann
Shelby Conrad has had more than her fair share of silent nights. But even though her husband, Tech Sergeant Alex Conrad, is coming home in time for Christmas, Shelby isn’t sure he’s in time to save their marriage. Can a road trip to deliver three shelter dogs to their new homes teach the couple that the most precious gift of all is hope?

A Puppy for Will by Kathie DeNosky
Will Parker hasn’t exactly had all his hopes and dreams met, but work has filled the gaps in his life. Or so he thinks…until an energetic and large Saint Bernard foster puppy and Will’s cute neighbor Macie Fairbanks introduce him to the best thing about Christmas and life—unconditional love.

REVIEW:
Holiday Haven by Vicki Lewis Thompson
4 Stars This is a adorable book. It will make you want to run out and adopt a pet. Tansy is all about the animals and rehabing them but when Ben walks into her life she decides he needs a little rehab himself to realize that he can love animals and people without getting hurt. This book is kind of the white knight in reverse. She saves him from himself. I enjoyed it a lot. Very cute.. and the animals are great!

Home for Christmas by Catherine Mann
2 Stars I was not very fond of this story. I appreciate that it also has The Haven (from the 1st in this book) but it is more sad than happy. Alex comes home from leave knowing Shelby has been set to divorce him. They take a car trip to deliver three dogs from The Haven to new families. Shelby hopes it will help their relationship but weirdly they bring along a cameraman (you need to read the first story to understand that) and then after 75+ pages of them not getting along and being snippy to each other they make up and claim they love each other and everything is hunky dorey. Honestly, the reader is left feeling like the relationship will never really work out.

A Puppy for Will by Kathie DeNosky
3 Stars This was back to being a good story. It is an on going story from story one and two in this book so it is nice to see how everything ends up. However by the end of it you realize that everything has happened in a matter of weeks and it just seems a little bit pushed. However this is a cute story with Will, Macie and an adorable puppy named Harley.

The combination of all these stories is cute and the bit of holiday in the books can put you in the mood for the holidays as well as making you want to run out and adopt a pet.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Let It Snow by Leslie Kelley/Jennifer LaBrecque

TITLE: Let It Snow: The Prince Who Stole Christmas/My True Love Gave To Me
AUTHOR: Leslie Kelley/Jennifer LaBrecque
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Prince Who Stole Christmas by Leslie Kelly
Between her ne’er-do-well brother and her candy shop, Claire Hoffman has her hands full. But when sexy sparks start flying between Claire and her gorgeous but enigmatic tenant “Phil,” Claire wonders if all the chocolate has made her a little Christmas crazy. But what will happen to her fantasy when her dishy fling tells her that, er, …he’s actually a prince?

My True Love Gave to Me… by Jennifer LaBrecque
Years ago in the town of Good Riddance, Alaska, Gertie and Knox were best friends—until Knox fell under the “spell” of a rather cold, remote woman. But three years later, Knox and Gertie are reunited at the Chrismoose festival…and all it takes is a snowed-in night in a cabin for Gertie to turn Knox’s chill into a red-hot blaze of sexstasy!

REVIEW:
The Prince Who Stole Christmas
3 Stars Ok, First the reader should know that Philip is from another planet. The synopsis doesn’t say anything about that but I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t sure why lights go on with a switch or what a pair of jeans are. I am not really into the whole from another planet thing so I wasn’t too interested in this story. Taking that away the characters are interesting and the story is good. I am not sure I would classify it as a holiday romance since there is not much about Christmas in it.

My True Love Gave to Me…
3 Stars This was just ok. The story is good and has a lot of potential the problem is that the characters just do not mesh well together. There is no spark with them. Yes the story has a nice background and a understanding of why things happened but you just never feel that spark. And while it does take place during the holiday season there is not much of a holiday feel to the story either. Something was just missing from this story.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of A Gift For All Seasons by Karen Templeton

TITLE: A Gift For All Seasons
AUTHOR: Karen Templeton
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hiring Patrick Shaughnessy to landscape her new inn was strictly a business arrangement. Until April Ross got to know the war-scarred single father…and his irrepressible little girl. Patrick made it clear he wasn’t looking for romance. Neither was April. But could she make him see that some risks were worth taking? The lively, widowed blonde might be the most tempting woman Patrick had ever known, but the returning vet knew a happy ending wasn’t in the cards. Still, that was before April started working her magic on his daughter…and on him. Maybe this Christmas was a time for new beginnings—if Patrick had the courage to go with the powerful feelings April had awakened in him….

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is very cute holiday read. It is pretty typical of the holiday story (even movie) that we see so much of. Man thinks his life has to wrap around his kid, he can’t love both, he’s been hurt before… Woman has a heart as big as all outdoors and proves to him he can love and be loved. That being said it is written very well. Patrick is a wounded vet with scars inside and out who the reader will fall in love with. April is a little too goody goody for me but I enjoyed her anyway. Lili is adorable but anyone with a four year old will be thinking to themselves she acts younger but talks older which was a big contradiction.

I am not sure it was much of a holiday story either. Yes, there is a Christmas decorating scene but not much else. This book could be read at anytime and be enjoyed. If you enjoy a good old fashion romance then you will love this book.

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

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilaire

TITLE: Deliver Me From Temptation – Paladin Warriors #2

AUTHOR: Tes Hilaire
PUBLICATION DATE:12/4/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Logan Calhoun is the last full-blooded Paladin, the future leader of a race of immortal warrior angels. The heavy responsibility of continuing the Paladin line falls to him, and the last thing he should do is get involved with a human. Then fate throws Jessica Waters, a homicide detective who doesn’t believe in fate or divine intervention, into his path. Her devotion lies in her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. Like Logan, she’s a warrior for her people, and she awakens within him something he’d never thought he’d feel. But she’s also as human as they come

REVIEW:
Deliver Me From Temptation (DMFT) is Tes Hilaire’s second book in her Paladin Series. I liked this book, but didn’t love it. Really for me it was not until the very end that I really felt anything for Jessica (our heroine). Logan, I really liked him in book one (Deliver Me From Darkness) and thought that he lived up to who I thought he should be.

I did like the twist that Tes put on the end of the book. That being said I did like the book, didn’t love. But I am looking forward to seeing where the Paladin series goes next.

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.

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Heart Of A Soldier by Tamara Hoffa

TITLE: Heart of a Soldier
AUTHOR: Tamara Hoffa
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/21/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Soldier Jameson Hunter faces the battle of his life: winning the heart of Charlotte Mackenzie, widowed mother of a young recruit.

REVIEW:
Since this was a short novella I will keep my review short (mostly because I don’t like to give spoilers)and say. If you love a good quick read about a second chance for love I would recommend picking up a copy of  Heart of a Soldier. Only down side to being so short is that I was left wanting more, wanting to know how things are going with these two. But isn’t that what a good short story should do?

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.

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Ice Cold by Cherry Adair

 

 

TITLE: Ice Cold
AUTHOR: Cherry Adair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/11/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
T-FLAC operative Rafael Navarro will never allow another woman to suffer the consequences of his dangerous life. But in a world where a terrorist can do more damage with a keyboard than a bomb, he needs the expert help of a cyber-geek. And fast. Fellow operative, and cybercrimes specialist Honey Winston prefers computers to people. But when a serial bomber threatens the world’s financial infrastructure, she’s forced to work closely with Navarro, whose notorious skill in the bedroom is as legendary as his dexterity defusing bombs. Honey and Rafael must fight sparks hot enough to melt their resolve, and push beyond fear itself, as they join forces in a bid to race the clock before a sinister and lethal bomber proves just how much they both have to lose. T-FLAC is back, and the timer is counting down in the most pulse-pounding explosive op yet.

REVIEW:
Ice Cold is Cherry Adair’s 17th book in the T-Flac series. But can easily stand alone. As this was the first book in this series that I have read. So never fear if you are not catch up on this series

I enjoyed this book, glad that I read it and would suggest it to my fellow book readers. But I didn’t love this book. At times I found myself a little board and would skim parts. But I did like the relationship between Honey & Rafael. I did enjoy even if I was left with a few unanswered questions. At the end I felt like there were questions about Rafael’s past that were never answered. Questions that I think Honey would have wanted answered. But all and all it was a good story.

If you are a fan of Cherry Adair I believe you will like this story.

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.

 

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Cherry Adair’s innovative action-adventure novels have appeared on numerous bestsellers lists, won dozens of awards and garnered praise from reviewers and fans alike. With the creation of her kick butt counterterrorist group, T-FLAC, years before action adventure romances were popular, Cherry has carved a niche for herself with her sexy, sassy, fast-paced novels.  She loves to hear from readers.

Her latest book is the romantic suspense novel, Ice Cold.

Visit Cherry Adair’s website at www.cherryadair.com.

Book Trailer Html:

Learn more about Cherry’s tour at the tour page:
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/09/28/pump-up-your-book-presents-ice-cold-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Santa’s Executive – Holiday, Montana #2
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/4/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Justin Cooper wasn’t always the straight-laced Holiday Elementary School principal. In his youth, he broke all the rules and enjoyed being the bad Cooper brother. One Christmas Eve night he got a little too rowdy and things changed forever. Now the consequences of that fateful night have come back in full force and the myths of Christmas might be more real than he thought.

Rina Brewer is one of Santa’s elves. Not the tiny cute little toy maker, but the sexy, petite, energy filled bombshell kind. She’s come to Holiday to aid Justin in his new role as Santa’s executive, but as soon as she sees the sexy ex-bad boy, she realizes the job may be more than she bargained for.

As they work together to make this Christmas one to remember, an old foe has come to town to make sure that this holiday is the coldest yet.

Warning: Contains a perky elf who dreams of something more, a Christmas myth who may be a baddie, and a sexy ex-bad boy who craves Christmas cookies…and a certain perky blonde.

REVIEW:
Santa’s Executive is book two in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Holiday, Montana series. In Santa’s Executive we get to meet Justin Cooper. The reformed bad-boy of the Cooper Clan turned elementary school principal. Justin finds himself at a bit of a crossroads with the upcoming holiday season. Justin is unsure why or what is happening to him and after the events that happened to his baby brother Matt, Justin is a little freaked out.

When the very cute and bubble Rina shows up at Justin’s door spinning tales of Santa and his new job, he is both taken aback and drawn to this woman. Justin agrees to sit down and listen to what Rina has to say even if he doesn’t want to believe.

I enjoyed this story. I really liked Justin & Rina as a couple. But there were a few holes in the story for me. I few things that while they were not huge or would likely change the story they still bugged me a little. Maybe it was just me. Maybe I was not in the Christmas spirit I am not sure. But I did enjoy the story and I am looking forward to the next installment in Carrie Ann’s Holiday, Montana series

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.

Posted on

Jennifer’s review of Almost A Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

TITLE: Almost a Scandal
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Essex
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: A LADY IN DISGUISE…. For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place–at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizing aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues…

A MAN OVERBOARD….Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty–and distractingly gorgeous–Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board–and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of a battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test….

REVIEW:
I usually love reading historical romance and I was excited to read this novel about a woman that assumes the identity of her brother on a Naval ship. The problem that I had with this novel was that the love story was minimized for me by the endless technical descriptions in regards to running a ship. This made it difficult for me to get deeply invested in the characters because I was trying to figure out what these terms meant and how it related to the storyline. I thought that Sally was a very brave woman for taking her brother’s place and placing herself in harm’s way to prove that the Kent family didn’t turn away from their responsibilities. Other than that, I had a hard time relating to her character and the romance between her and Lieutenant David Colyear felt rushed at times. I couldn’t see the chemistry between these two characters and I was left feeling disappointed at the end of this book.

Even though I didn’t like “Almost a Scandal,” I still would like to read more from this author and read her next book called “A Breath of Scandal.” This book may not have been enjoyable for me but I don’t like giving up on historical romance authors without reading at least a few of their books first.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Need by Todd Gregory

TITLE: Need
AUTHOR: Todd Gregory
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the sultry streets of New Orleans, you can indulge every desire. Even when what you crave is blood.

As far as the mortal world knows, Cord Logan died two years ago. In reality, he stalks the French Quarter, searching for victims. Cord knew that coming back to New Orleans would be risky now that he’s broken with the fraternity of vampires who first claimed him. But a chance encounter with an old friend triggers unexpected desire, and reveals a lethal curse that endangers not just his kind, but all of humanity.

Cord’s quest to break the curse leads him on a journey of carnal self-discovery and deep into the bayous. Here, where magic reigns unchecked, Cord must tap into his dark, unpredictable abilities and all his seductive powers. And if he fails, he’ll have all eternity to regret it…

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I have to say that the synopsis did not explain everything this book is about. Honestly it is gay erotica with a touch of a vampire story. There is a lot of sexual scenes and while it is very well written and even though it is nothing that I expected it to be I really enjoyed the storyline but I was a bit surprised by all the gay erotica

As I said it is well written and a very interesting story but there is a bit too much of the same thoughts over and over. The story would have worked better as a short story. Not because there is not enough storyline, there is, it is just things are repeated too often and take up too many pages.

I liked Cord but there were so many sex partners that it was distracting. Cord just falls into bed with anyone and after thinks “maybe I shouldn’t have done this” which makes the reader feel that the book was really a chance to write a gay erotica and the author figured vampires were popular now.

That being said if you enjoy vampire stories AND gay erotica than this is the book for you. This is just a story that you need to know the details going in before reading.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz

TITLE: Seven Day Loan
AUTHOR: Tiffany Reisz
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Want more than Fifty Shades? Mills & Boon have the answer with 12 Shades of Surrender! All 12 stories promise unforgettable romances with a sinful edge – surrender to pure reading pleasure… A trained submissive, Eleanor will do
whatever her master commands – even spend a week with a stranger! But while she’ll let him have her body, she’s determined to keep a guard around her heart…

REVIEW:
This is a short story (33 pages). The story is Eleanor is a submissive and she is loaned to a Dom while her Master is gone for the week. The problem is that Daniel doesn’t really show any dominant qualities to me. Yes he asks her to do some over the top stuff but there is never a time she seems subservient to him. It is a erotic short read though.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Night Falls Like Silk by Kathleen Eagle

TITLE: Night Falls Like Silk
AUTHOR: Kathleen Eagle
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A gripping sequel to the romantic suspense “The Night Remembers” from “USA Today” bestselling/Rita-Award-winning author Kathleen Eagle.

Thomas Little Warrior had grown up on the streets and barely escaped with his life and dignity intact. Now an adult, Thomas has beaten the odds and become a successful underground comic book artist. Tom meets beautiful Cassandra Westbrook at an auction and almost immediately they begin a love affair that rocks both their worlds. But when a series of valuable drawings is stolen, a new mystery begins to unravel Tom’s life. In the process of tracking down the drawings and the murky history behind them, Cassandra and Tom find out just how sinister Tom’s past can be. Danger lurks on each path, drawing them together and at the same time threatening to tear them apart.

REVIEW:
This is an interesting story but I was really confused for a lot of it. I was even more confused about the “elsewhere” sections (you have to read it to understand). The characters and the storyline keep your attention but something about it just didn’t work for me. I never felt the connection between Tom and Cassandra. This story was just so oddly written that it was hard to follow.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.