Category: 3 Star

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Kimberly’s review of Not This Time by Vicki Hinze

TITLE: Not This Time
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE:   02/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Small town scandal. International terrorist attack. Who among them is the traitor?

Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together, but their once solid friendship is now strained. Beth is leery of Sara’s husband, and when he is kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect.

Then, their small town of Seagrove Village is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn’t know who to trust. Someone she knows is linked to the attack, but who? Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center? In the midst of the confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past. She knows she shouldn’t fall in love with him, but she can’t resist or even explain their bond. As her world unravels around her, she wonders, is it possible to be beyond redemption?

 

REVIEW:
This is the third in this series and I have not read the first two so I have to say I was really confused especially in the beginning (really through the whole thing on some people). You can tell that some of the characters have been mentioned in the other books before this one and were the backstory so coming into this book not knowing these characters was a little hard. Especially since there are so many characters mentioned just in the first three chapters. I had only read the Seascape series from this author and this book is completely different. The Seascape were these extremely romantic movie-esque books set at a magical seaside inn. This book is about terrorism and scandal. Way different.

I really liked the story of Joe and Beth. They have an adorable relationship and Joe is written as a really great guy. Beth is an interesting character as well. She is strong and caring. The problem is that it is hard to believe all of these things are happening in this small little town and nobody knows about it. And while some seems far fetched the rest seems to not have any merit. Because I did not read the first two books I did not have the whole backstory on NINA and why I would care who in the small town was the bad guy.

I think if you read all the books in order it would make sense but reading only this one was hard to do.


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Kimberly’s review of Cosmo’s Fifty-One Shades of Blonde by Jessica Knoll

TITLE: Cosmo’s Fifty-One Shades of Blonde
AUTHOR: Jessica Knoll
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The sexy story that first burned up the pages of Cosmopolitan is here-with three new chapters that are so hot they may steam up your screen. Christopher Reiss is the handsome and extremely intimidating CEO of a major financial firm. Megan’s nothing but a lowly assistant. But when she stumbles upon some incriminating evidence that could threaten Christopher’s career, she finds herself on his radar . . . and eventually his desk, his kitchen counter, his bed . . . you get where this is going, right? Jessica Knoll is a senior editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about relationships, sex, career, and health. According to her colorist, her hair is only three shades of blonde.

REVIEW:
This short story first appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine and is only about 30 pages. It is a sexy erotic story which I would have been happy with if it had been a little longer. There was such a jump from Megan seeing Christoper to having sex that it just felt rushed. A chapter in between would have been better. But for a short sexy story this one fits the bill.

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

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Kelly’s review of A Season For Sin by Vicky Dreiling

TITLE: A Season For Sin
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/04/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Introducing the Sinful Scoundrels…

The Earl of Bellingham is nothing is not a creature of habit: money, meals, and mistresses must be strictly managed if a man is to have a moment’s peace. It’s a system that works splendidly for him–until now. With his oldest and dearest friends succumbing, one by one, to wedded bliss, Bell is now restless and a trifle lonely. Enter the Sinful Scoundrels–Colin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire, and Harry Norcliffe, Viscount Evermore–who drag him back into society and draw his rakish eye to the ton’s new beautiful young widow. Bell isn’t after a wife, but a challenge. And Laura Davenport should fit the bill quite nicely…

REVIEW:
Season for Sin is Vicky’s new novella and prequel to her upcoming Sinful Scoundrels series.  If you have read Vicky’s “How To” series you have meet The Earl of Bellingham, or Bells as his pals call him.   In Season for Sin we get a closer look at what makes Bells tick and a little insight as to why his is still a very eligible bachelor.

As with ever novella we are left wanting more.  And I will say that as I was reading I was just getting into the story and then Vicky so cruelly leaves us hanging (don’t worry Vicky I still love you).  And I for one can’t wait for the first book in the Sinful Scoundrels series.

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

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Kimberly’s review of A Scandalous Affair by Karen Erickson

TITLE: A Scandalous Affair
AUTHOR: Karen Erickson
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Third in the Merry Widows series

From the moment Daphne, Lady Pomeroy, meets the mysterious Marquess of Hartwell at a masquerade ball, she’s determined to seduce him. The handsome, charming man cannot possibly be the cold, calculating lord who Society calls “Black Hart.” Risking everything, the lonely widow invites the elusive Hartwell to her dinner party . . . for two.
Hartwell’s arrogant reputation is built on a lie. For he has a shameful secret that keeps him in the shadows: a stutter—his downfall since childhood. He’d rather keep his mouth shut than look the fool. But he’s shocked to discover that in Daphne’s company—and in her bed—his stutter vanishes.
After one wanton evening together, Daphne is hurt when the lord lives up to his Black Hart name. Yet his reasons for leaving surprise even him. Now he must confess everything or risk losing Daphne forever.

REVIEW:
This is a short historical romance (about 80 pages). The story was fine and was written really well. I had not read the other two in the series before picking this one up.

For the most part I enjoyed the characters. Daphne is very bold and determined in this story. It seems that historicals use one of two female characters… the virginal wallflower or the passionless widow. This one falls under the widow. But I will say she is more bold than in most historicals. Now Hartwell…. He was just ok for me. He seemed handsome and passionate but also suffering from an inferiority complex brought on by his stuttering. The problem is he rarely stuttered throughout the whole book. The author claims he is so comfortable with Daphne he does not suffer from the ailment, that is until they discuss it toward the end of the story and then he seems to have it more. He even has a confrontation with another person and does not have the stutter which seems off for the reader since this is what the male character is all about.

However it is such a short story that if you enjoy historicals this would be great to have on your e-reader for when you are between books and looking for a quick read because it is a good story.

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Ursula’s review of Spinning Gold by Vivi Andrews

TITLE: Spinning Gold
AUTHOR: Vivi Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Rumpelstiltskin as you’ve never seen it before. In this fairy tale, no princes need apply.

Juliana Ravel will do anything to save her innocent brother from the executioner, but what the supposedly charming prince demands is impossible. Spinning straw into gold? He might as well ask her to fly. Her only hope is a family heirloom – a gold medallion rumored to be the magic prison of one of the fabled golden fae.

Trapped inside the medallion for hundreds of years, Rue isn’t fool enough to trust Juliana, but he can’t help but be tempted by the feisty beauty. Even though she is the spitting image of the witch who betrayed and imprisoned him, Rue agrees to help her. For a price.

Entranced by the exotic, golden-skinned man, Juliana agrees to his terms, believing her worries are at an end. But when the tyrannical prince finds her surrounded by riches, he isn’t about to let her walk away – instead holding her prisoner within the corrupt court. Juliana’s only freedom is her nights with Rue, where their negotiations turn to seduction, and together they construct a desperate plot to escape a life where they must keep spinning gold… or die

REVIEW:
A very romantic tale on the classic: Rumplestiltskin.  It was set in medieval times, contained magic, fae and had hot sex.  There was a villain, a brother in peril and a handsome prince. Sounds like the stuff dreamy stories are made of.  I just wasn’t swept away.  The whole evil prince/evil advisor plot was a little convoluted. So was the whole captured/enslaved fae part for that matter. I enjoyed the premise of a girl willing to do anything it took to save her brother. The realization that she was totally naive and that she had some growing up to do was the best part of the book. Oh and the happy ending. Because I am a sucker for those.

The premise for the story was great. The characters were the stuff that fairytales are made of. The writing was solid. And the plot was classic. But it just didn’t carry me off into the fantasy. I think a lot of people will really enjoy this book. It just wasn’t for me.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of a blog contest.

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Kimberly’s review of Straight From The Heart by Janelle Taylor

TITLE: Straight From The Heart
AUTHOR: Janelle Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Two passionate novellas and the story of the author’s own happily-ever-after romance.STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART Kimberly Harden is a recently divorced mom just looking for a quiet weekend at a friend’s cabin, only to find that a mistake in arrangements has brought her husband’s divorce attorney there too. Sexy lawyer Stephen Wright was secretly on Kimberly’s side, and when a sudden flood strands them in the cabin together, he decides to prove that he has her best interests at heart.WINDS OF CHANGE The love between Dorry Sims and Luke James is strong enough to best the Wyoming wilderness where they’ve made their home. But a greedy neighbor wants their ranch and Dorry, too, and he’ll get rid of Luke anyway he can, including framing Luke for a crime Luke didn’t commit. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Janelle Taylor shares the story of falling in love with her husband, Michael.

REVIEW:
This novella is cute. It is short with three stories and is a cute read. Cliche’ but cute.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART: This is a short story of about 65 pages. While enjoyable the story is very cliche’. The man and woman get stuck in a cabin together. Can’t stand each other in the beginning then fall in love. And unfortunately they spend way too long not liking each other and while there is a crackle to their relationship it just seems so dull. Maybe if the story had a bit more to it then it would have been better. I am just not sure.

WINDS OF CHANGE:  Again another short story about 30 pages. It is set in the western frontier and was hard to read. The ain’ts and haftas are just distracting. I was not impressed with the writing of this story.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: This is the real story of the author meeting her husband and is probably the best in this book. I hope they live happily ever after.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Seven Years To Sin by Sylvia Day

TITLE: Seven Years To Sin
AUTHOR: Sylvia Day
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The longer the resistance…
Seven years ago, on the eve of her wedding, proper Lady Jessica Sheffield witnessed a licentious scene no innocent young miss could imagine. Shocked, yet strangely titillated, she’d held her silence regarding scandalous Alistair Caulfield, and walked down the aisle as expected. But through years of serene, unremarkable marriage, Caulfield’s image remained burned into her imagination, fueling very illicit dreams. . .
…the sweeter the reward
Alistair ran far from the temptation of the prim debutante with the fire of passion in her eyes— all the way to the West Indies. As a successful merchant, he has little in common with the rakehell youth she knew. But when newly widowed Jessica steps aboard his ship for a transatlantic passage, seven years’ worth of denied pleasures are held in check by nothing more than a few layers of silk—and the certainty that surrender will consume them both.

REVIEW:
While this book is written very well and has a really interesting story for some reason I just could not get into it. I kept trying and trying but nothing seemed to click. I never felt the connection of Alistair and Jessica. I actually felt more of a connection with her first husband.

Jessica never seemed to warm up and was just to proper. And Alistair seemed like a lovesick puppy for too long for me.

As I said this was written very well I just think it was something that did not click with me and this story. I do believe if you are a fan of historical romance this would be an interesting book to read for most people.

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

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Kimberly’s review of The Last Good Man by Kathleen Eagle

 The Last Good Man
AUTHOR: Kathleen Eagle
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Savannah Stephens has finally come home to the purple hills of Sunbonnet, Wyoming, after years of living a life far different from the one she’s known. But her return has set Sunbonnet’s queen bees buzzing. Why has this successful woman returned home? And where is the unknown father of Claudia, the beautiful six-year-old daughter she brought with her?
But Savannah isn’t talking. Not to her Aunt Billie who raised her, and not to the childhood friends she left behind. Savannah’s been hurt deeply, and the worst scars of all –the ones she’s sure will never heal — are the ones that no one can see or touch. But one person refuses to let her retreat in isolation. When Savannah went east to find fame and fortune, strong, silent Clay stayed in Sunbonnet and tended his horses. But his steadfast love for Savannah never wavered, and he’s not going to give up on her now.
Soon Savannah cannot help but yield to the force of a man with the heart, soul, and grit to persist. For her heart knows that she hides from the one thing that can heal the hurt consuming her body and soul.

REVIEW:
Honestly I was not very thrilled with this book. It was so depressing it left me in a funk. Savannah is in such a depression that it is hard to enjoy her. And Clay is so love sick and wanting to take care of everything and everyone he sees that he becomes almost pathetic to me. While I can understand how some people would enjoy this book it was just too sad for me. I am the girl who likes a strong alpha male and Clay to me was not that at all. And while he may be the kind of guy you want to be in a relationship with when the going gets hard he is not the kind of guy I want to read about. He most certainly falls into the catagory of having “white knight” syndrome. and Savannah was hard for me to deal with. Yes she has gone through alot that has turned her world upside down but she has survived it but she does not act like it. She has left everything for someone else to take care of including her daughter. And I am not sure she has moved on from loving Clay’s older brother and it makes me wonder why he would fight for her at all.

As I said I can probably see why some people may enjoy it and if you were in a depressed mood and read it maybe by the end you would not be so down but having not started depressed it was hard to rally from this book. It is very slow paced and written different then I am used to (maybe because it is a reprint from 2000) so maybe that was a factor. Maybe I would have enjoyed it at another point in my life but not right now.

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Kimberly’s review of Dog Tails by Tara Chevrestt

TITLE: Dog Tails
AUTHOR: Tara Chevrestt
PUBLICATION DATE:   02/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon (Kindle Only)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Meet Lola, Pudgy, and Jazzy, three canine cuties that will warm your heart and make you laugh.

In Thank Dog It’s Friday, Lola and her human mommy, Trisha trade bodies for a day! Can they cope with their new bodies and prevent Trisha’s husband from throwing her into a mental institution?

Pugnacious introduces Pudgy, a very pugnacious pug. She takes her job in a dog bakery very seriously and when the bakery is robbed, it’s up to her to save the day, the cash, and the canine cookies!

In Tail of Terror, Jazzy does the unthinkable and she runs away. If she can survive the mean streets, there may be a lesson in store for her and she may make a new friend.

Dog Tails is intended for dog lovers everywhere, but even cat lovers will smile and fall in love with Lola, Pudgy, and Jazzy.

REVIEW:
This is three stories based on the authors dogs. These are cute short stories. If you have ever thought to yourself that you could write a story about how your pet acts then you will totally understand where Chevrestt is coming from. Yes these stories are not about adventures the dogs actually took but their personality has been put into the stories. This is a good set of stories to have on your e-reader for a quick read when you need one since it is broken into three separate stories.

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Kelly’s review of Dust Of My Wings by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Dust of My Wings
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/12
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?

Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.

Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.

REVIEW:
This was a good 1st book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s new series.   I really enjoyed the twist Carrie puts on the paranormal world in this book.   I loved the cast of characters that Carrie creates and am looking forward to more books to learn more about them.  I really want to know more about Dante.  But I am getting ahead of myself.  Dust of My Wings is Lily and Shade’s story.

Shade finds himself tasked with protecting the supernatural worlds secret.  Because if it was not for him a mere human would not have her hands on evidence that there other things out there besides humans.  Should be a simple smash and crap task.  But Shade learns very quickly that nothing involving Lily will ever be simple.

Lily might hate her boss but she loves her work.  Her newest project is to identify a strange blue powder that her boss demands she gets done now.  But after running many test Lily is still not able to identify what it is.  Little does Lily know just how much that little vial of blue powder will forever change her life.

As I said earlier I enjoyed this book.  I enjoyed the world that Carrie created and am looking forward to more books in this series.

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

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Kelly’s review of Moonglow by Kristin Calliahan

TITLE: Moonglow – Darkest London #2
AUTHOR: Kristin Calliahan
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy’s door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

REVIEW:

Moonglow is book 2 in Kristin’s Darkest London series.  The Darkest London series is a mixture of a historical and paranormal romance.  Kristin does a great job of bring to life the characters in this story.  Daisy is a widow that is very thankful to be out of her horrible marriage.  She is strong, determined and very stubborn. Ian, is very aloof, doesn’t trust anyone. But these two are great together.  They are like magnets at times the repeal each other and time they are drawn together beyond their control.

Both are gun shy on trust, but when they have to team up to catch a murderer they both learn quickly that the other will have their back no matter what.

I enjoyed this story.  Even if at times I was a little lost about the world, I would suggest reading Firelight (bk 1) first.   But other then that I enjoyed this book.  I am looking forward to the next book in this series Winterblaze, and what is 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.

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Kimberly’s review of A Wild Night’s Bride by Victoria Vane

A Wild Night’s Bride
AUTHOR: Victoria Vane
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/27/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With the devil in charge, there will surely be hell to pay…
What happens when a struggling actress and a grieving widower come together in a night of unbridled debauchery orchestrated by a bored and machinating rake?
She’s a lonely lady down on her luck.
Phoebe Scott, alias Kitty Willis, is a struggling Covent Garden actress with a bruised heart and a closely guarded secret.
He’s steadfast and eminently respectable.
Sir Edward Chambers, Ned to his intimates, is guilt-ridden over his beloved wife’s death and has avowed to live out a rustic and mundane life…of celibacy.
With the devil in charge, there will surely be hell to pay.
Devil-in-disguise Viscount Ludovic DeVere is determined to return his best friend, Ned, to the land of the living. His meddling machinations result in a night of mind-blowing passion after which “Dull Dog Ned” awakes to find himself in the King of England’s bed!

REVIEW:
Phoebe and Ned meet during a night of an erotica soree. She is looking for a protector and he has been forced to attend by his friend DeVere. A bet is put down by DeVere to challenge him. So he is challenged to take a woman in the King’s bed… not just any woman but Phoebe. To win the bet DeVere, Phoebe and Ned work together. But there is more to every story.

Between the beginning of the story and the end was like reading two different authors. The beginning was a little bit of a let down. The writing in the beginning was as if the author was trying too hard. But then about halfway through the writing seemed to change. The story became more interesting and the writing better. If you are interested in historicals with a touch of erotica then I think you will enjoy this book.