Category: 3 Star

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Kimberly’s review of Threat Of Darkness by Valerie Hansen

Threat of Darkness
AUTHOR: Valerie Hansen
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/05/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
TO PROTECT THE CHILD
As a nurse and special advocate for children, Samantha Rochard is used to danger in small town Serenity, Arkansas. But when she suspects a little boy is in jeopardy from his powerful father, the danger turns on her. Her only source of protection? The handsome police officer who broke her heart five years ago. Yet after John Waltham comes to her rescue in more ways than one, Samantha must trust in him-and the Lord-to watch over her…and save one sweet little boy.

REVIEW:
This is a short story (about 200 pages). The synopsis of this book makes it seem that the characters are on the run with this boy who has an abusive father but in all honesty the boy is barely featured for the first half of the story and while the events of the book wrap around him in the second half the child himself is not really an intrical part of the remainder of the story. The story is more about the difficulties that Samantha is going through and the fact that the love of her life is back in town and seem to be thrown together at every turn.

Samantha is a interesting character and I liked her but I was not fond of John at all. He is a cop but really he seems useless to me. He never seems to understand the danger Sam is in and seems to not be a very bright man in the face of danger. The best character in the book is the dog, Brutus, he at least knows when there is danger.

This is a Christian book so there are a lot of mentions of praying and God which was fine but it seemed at times that they only prayed when help was needed and for me that seems wrong. I am not sure that I would say this book was great but it was good and I wanted to know what happened in the end.

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Kellys’ review of A Woman Made For Pleasure by Michele Sinclair

A Woman Made for Pleasure
AUTHOR: Michele Sinclair
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/7/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Known as the Daring Three, a trio of exquisite young women are taking London by storm. But if Lady Millie Aldon has her way, no man will win her hand in marriage—not even the one she loves.

A Passion For Adventure

Drawn to a life of excitement and risk, Lady Millie Aldon made a pact to forsake marriage. But her plans are thrown into chaos when Chase Wentworth returns to town. The lanky lad she remembers from childhood is now the Marquess of Chaselton, possessing an air of mystery Millie can’t resist. As Chase moves through London’s elite circles, his stealth manner has Millie convinced he harbors a secret—one she is determined to reveal.

A Dangerous Seduction

As Millie makes a game of observing Chase’s every move, she finds her attraction to him unsettling. When a stolen kiss threatens to turn their flirtation into something more powerful, she questions her vow of freedom. But Millie has no idea of the danger she’s facing. Chase has a complicated past—and his clandestine efforts to expose a traitor will soon provide a more perilous—and passionate—adventure than Millie could ever have planned.

REVIEW:
The Daring Three…. So much fun I loved that three young girls make a pact to never marry, well except for the amendments that each put on the pact.  Amendments that no man could ever fulfill.   Or could he?

Millie has always been the hardheaded ringleader of the Daring Three.  But Millie never planned for the biggest adventure of her life.  Falling in love.  Chase has finally come home at the pleds of his mother.  But the last thing he ever planned to find when he came home was Lady Aldon.

I enjoyed this story and found the three girls fun.  Millie is a little pushy, stubborn and fiercely independent.  But I think she is a lot of these things because she is scared to fall in love.  Scared to trust people other than two closed pals.  I really liked Chase’s character.  He has a goal that he was to obtain, but finds that long his journey he has found a much better prize.

I am looking forward to the next adventure of the Daring Three.

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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Kelly’s review of West of Want by Laura Kaye

West of Want
Hearts of the Amenoi #2
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Recently divorced over her infertility and gravely injured, Ella still fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t saved him from betrayal and loss—worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt leads him to save her, but he vows not to get involved.

Ella’s honesty, empathy, and unique calming influence attract Zeph like no other, and he finds himself wanting…everything. Ella knows Zeph’s different and fears rejection, but falls for his otherworldly masculinity and ancient, sad blue eyes. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want—a love that can be trusted

REVIEW:
After almost losing her own life Ella finds herself face to face with a stranger.  A stranger that she is drawn to beyond explanation.  But Ella is a little gun shy she has been hurt in the past.  Trusted blindly and been burned.  So how can she learn to put her full trust into someone she just met?

Zephyros suffered betrayal and loss many times in his very, very long life.  So when he learns that he is the cause in almost killing a innocent human he does what ever it takes to protect her.  But Zeph never thought that he would fall for her.  But is he willing to put his heart on the line again?

Ella & Zephyros are two peas in a pod.  Both have suffered from loss and betrayal.  But can they both learn to trust each other blindly?  Because that trust is the only thing that will keep them safe from the Eastern storm that is heading their way.

West of Want is Laura Kaye’s 2nd book in her Hearts of the Anemio Series.  While I enjoyed this story I felt at times it was a little rushed.  I mean, I am all for the lust at first sight, but Ella really just jumps into this relationship with Zeph with both feet and never looking.  But other then that I really like this story a lot.  I love the world that Laura has created and I am looking forward to what is next for the Gods.

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Kelly’s review of The Night Beat by Gini Koch

The Night Beat
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/02/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place — Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness.

Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. But it’s Victoria who has to face the Adversary and figure out what intricate plan Lucifer has up his wings before everyone she cares about is destroyed.

In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat

REVIEW:

A new book and a new series from the wonderful Gini Koch.  Okay I have to be honest.  This book was hard for me.  I am not sure if it is just the Urban Fantasy genre that messes with me.  But I have tried reading multiples of them in the last few months and I just have a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
That being said The Night Beat has all the classic Gini humor, twist, and bet you need to re-read that one more time moments.   If you are a Urban Fantasy fan I believe that you will love this book.  Gini Koch fans will surely enjoy this new book too.   I didn’t summarize the book, I felt the blurb gives you a great idea of what might or might not happen.  Please I know Gini lives spoiler free.  So it was hard for me to try to summarize without giving out spoilers.

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Kimberly’s review of Consent To Love by Abby Wood

Consent To Love
AUTHOR: Abby Wood
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/02/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Twenty-four-year-old small-town girl Ana Reynold serves beer at the local bar, tries to keep her beater car running, and dreams of a better life as a painter. If she can learn to make a decent steak, she might get promoted to cook—and earn enough for her real heart’s desire. Right now, that doesn’t include romance.

But when she meets a tall, dark and sexy Native American man named Kane, Ana can’t take her eyes off him—or stop thinking about him. But she’d better. Everyone knows the proud Lakota who raises horses wants nothing to do with a townie barmaid who’ll bring shame to his people.

Except Kane can’t get Ana off his mind. He proposes a red-hot weekend in bed, a no-strings affair to end Monday morning. Yet once Kane brings the outsider onto Lakota land, everything changes…

REVIEW:
This novella is a quick read with only about 135 pages. The story is very well written. There were a few times while reading the dialogue of the characters that I thought to myself “this is not how a normal person would speak” but once you get into the swing of the story it is not as obvious (either that or the conversations get better). Ana seems somewhat naive for a twenty-four year old even one raised in a small town but she is a sweet character. Kane is hard to describe. At some points he seems loving and others like he is only out for sex. I was confused by his character but I liked him. There was a lot of talk in the storyline about how the outside world views “injuns” and would give Ana a hard time for being involved with Kane so I was disappointed that there was not a more intense moment of something that happens when Ana is off of reservation land. I enjoyed this story and think if you enjoy cowboy romance then this is one you will want to pick up and enjoy yourself. *Note* This apparently is the second in the “consent” series because in this book Daphne and Will (Consent to the Cowboy) make an appearance and while “Consent to Love” stands alone you do get the feeling that Daphne and Will had their own story before.

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Kelly’s review of Blade Song by JC Daniels

 Blade Song
AUTHOR: JC Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kit Colbana—half breed, assassin, thief, jack of all trades—has a new job: track down the missing ward of one of the local alpha shapeshifters. It should be a piece of cake.

So why is she so nervous? It probably has something to do with the insanity that happens when you deal with shifters—especially sexy ones who come bearing promises of easy jobs and easier money.

Or maybe it’s all the other missing kids that Kit discovers while working the case, or the way her gut keeps screaming she’s gotten in over her head. Or maybe it’s because if she fails—she’s dead.

If she can stay just one step ahead, she should be okay. Maybe she’ll even live long to collect her fee

Kelly’s Review:
I have to start by saying that I have not read many books in the Urban Fantasy genre.  Yes, yes I know there are lots of great ones out there.  I promise I will get to them.  So when JC asked me to read her new book I was excited and nervous all at the same time.  Then came the disclosure that this was not going to be a HEA romantic-ish ending.  So I was a little worried I may not like.  But I went into it with my eyes open and really did end up liking this book a lot.

Kit Colbana is a very tough girl. She has been through so much in her life that it is amazing how well rounded she is.  But she has a soft spot for kids and is willing to stand up for them no matter what the cost is to her.  And that is how she finds herself in the situation that she is currently in.
A situation that involves one crazy female Alpha, a lost boy, a pain in the butt vampire, and an amazingly good looking, totally out of this world protective, royal pain in the ass new bodyguard.  Who is also the Alpha’s head enforcer.

I will say that it did take me a little bit to get into this book.  I liked Kit right off and loved Damon.  But it took me a little while to figure out the world and decide if I like the book.  I love that Kit was brave, strong and determined.  But the same time she is young, naive and gets herself in over her head.   Damon is an Alpha all the way even if he doesn’t know it yet 😉 .  I really did in enjoy this book and look forward to the next installment in the series.  I look forward to seeing how Kit grows and what other surprises she has up her sleeves.

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Kimberly’s review of Getting Over Mr. Right by Chrissie Manby

Getting Over Mr. Right
AUTHOR: Chrissie Manby
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
BEEN DUMPED? GET MAD. BUT NOT THIS MAD.

Have you ever had your heart broken? How did you get over it?
If a pint of ice cream cheered you up and you were able to delete his number and start again then . . .
You’re a weirdo and this book is not for you.

But if you reacted with denial, begging, or a spot of casual witchcraft, then you’ve come to the right place. This is one woman’s journey from love to lunacy and back again. If you ever recall past heartbreaks with acute embarrassment and an urge to go into hiding, this will make you feel better. Sure, you may have sent his new girlfriend a bunch of dead roses, but did you spend a grand on psychic hot-lines and a voodoo curse?

Kimberly’s Review:
Remember being in love? Life is perfect with your guy and then he says “it’s over”? Then remember calling your best friend and crying? Having your best friend call to see if she could play middle-man and get you two back together? Getting into the car and driving down his street to see what he was doing? Maybe even making that one last call to say you loved him and please take you back? And when he didn’t you cried again on your best friends shoulder until finally you moved on?

Well now imagine not moving on… becoming a stalker and going mad!  Yep that is what happens to Ashleigh. This character has lost her ever loving mind but since it is not happening to you it can be enjoyed in this weirdly funny story. I, at one point. wondered if this was a “What not to do when dumped for dummies” book and thought maybe I should pick it up for my step-daughter now that she is dating but I worried she would find this hysterical and decide to try some of these things herself. This is most certainly a young woman’s story and not meant for a mature, past the point of obsessing over a guy, kind of woman.

I think you have to have a certain kind of personality to appreciate this book.  If you find humor is inappropriate circumstances then you will enjoy this book. Just remember this is not a handbook but a work of fiction. Do not try this at home!

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Kelly’s review of Natural Evil by Thea Harrison

 Natural Evil
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/20/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Claudia Hunter is on a road trip through the Nevada desert when she sees the body of a dog on the side of the highway. Pulling over to investigate, she quickly determines that the enormous animal is clinging to life. While working to save him with the help of the local vet, Claudia realizes there’s something about the creature that seems more. Other. Wyr. Which makes this case of animal cruelty attempted murder.

Too injured to shape shift, Luis Alvaraz is reluctant to tell Claudia what he knows about his attack, afraid it will only make her a target. But the sheriff is corrupt, and his attackers know Luis is alive and vulnerable. To make matters worse, a sandstorm is sweeping into town, and if they’re going to survive the night, Luis will have to place all his trust in Claudia.

Warning: Take a gorgeous man temporarily stuck in the dog house, add a strong, take-no-prisoners woman, mix in encroaching enemies and a raging sandstorm and stir to combine. Enjoy with a freshly opened can of whoop-ass.

Kelly’s REVIEW:
Natural Evil is Thea Harrison’s 2nd e-novella in the Elder’s Race series.  While I really liked Luis & Claudia, this novella didn’t suck me to The Elder Races like Thea’s other books. Coming off reading Oracle’s Moon, which I totally loved, Natural Evil just didn’t do it for me.

I look forward to the next installment in the Elder Races series.

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Kelly’s review of Wishful Thinking by Gabi Stevens

Wishful Thinking
AUTHOR: Gabi Stevens
PUBLICATION DATE:  04/24/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Free-spirited artist Stormy Jones-Smythe was raised by two talented Wizard fathers but never showed the slightest hint of magical abilities. Which is why she’s totally surprised when three famous fairy godmothers show up at her door to tell her she’s one of them.

Surprised, and none too happy.  The godmothers are fugitives, framed for treason, and the last thing the magical Council wants is another fairy godmother going rogue. Hence Stormy’s new full-time Guard, Hunter Merrick.

Stormy quickly realizes she’s not going to escape Hunter’s watch…and before long, she’s not sure she wants to. But her freedom depends on her ability to expose the plot against the godmothers, and that means getting control of her magic. Despite the growing chemistry between them, Hunter is fiercely loyal to the Council—and duty-bound to keep Stormy from doing either of those things.

But he didn’t count on Stormy’s irrepressible exuberance and passion for life. Before long, even Hunter isn’t sure which side he’s on, and he can’t contain Stormy either way.

Kelly’s REVIEW:
I am not sure where I stand on this book.  I liked the story.  But did not  love.  I have to admit that I ended up skimming a lot of parts in the book.  I like the hero of this book Hunter is a straight up kind of guy.  The heroine Stormy I never really connected with her.  I am not really sure what I can say…
If you love the first two books in Gabi’s series I think you will be happy with Wishful Thinking.  And this is maybe where I went wrong.  I started with book 3.

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Kimberly’s review of Ruined By Rumor by Alyssa Everett

TITLE: Ruined by Rumor
AUTHOR: Alyssa Everett
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted! She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind…

Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana? Certainly not Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love. When he learns she’s been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on. Comfort soon turns into a passionate kiss—and scandal when they are caught in an embrace.

Only one thing will save Roxana from certain ruination: marriage to the earl. The match may save her reputation, but responsible, tongue-tied Ayersley is a far cry from her dashing former fiancé. She’s convinced Ayersley is merely doing his duty…while he’s sure Roxana is still in love with another man. Are they trading one disaster for another?

REVIEW:
So this book could go either way for me. It was nicely written and a good story. The problem is it is a lot like other historicals I have read. The difference is Ayersley is shy and intelligent and not the rogue or rake that is used in most historicals. Typical of historicals though Roxana is compromised by a kiss so she and Ayersley have to be married. And of course Roxana thinks Ayersley is marrying her to be proper and he thinks she is still in love with her ex-fiance’. There are so many mixed and missed signals that the reader easily becomes impatient with the couple. However, that being said this is not an uncommon storyline in historicals and if you are a fan of the genre then you are used to the storyline and probably enjoy it. The author did a good job with the feel of the book, I just wish there had been more to it then the normal historical that so many have already written. I also felt the ending was rushed. Once the feelings had finally come to the forefront the book seemed to end and we were given the epilogue.

If you are only a passing fan of the genre then this may not be your cup of tea. But if you like historicals then you will most likely enjoy this book and enjoy the differences that it does have like a man being a politician instead of a rake.

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Kelly’s Review of Night Walker by Lisa Kessler

Night Walker
Night Series #1
AUTHOR: Lisa Kessler
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/02/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…
Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.
She’s haunted by dreams of her own death…
After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she’s drawn to him in ways she doesn’t understand.
They’ve waited in the shadows for centuries…
Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies re-emerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he’s ever loved again.

REVIEW:
The connection that Calisto & Kate have spans the test of time. Fate has finally brought them back together only to try to drive them apart. But this time will be different. This time Calisto will not let his enemy’s have her even if that means sending her away. Oh but Fate can’t be messed with. What fate wants is what fate gets.

Night Walker is the first book in Lisa Kessler’s new Night Series. This was a good first book. I will say for me it started a little slow. I didn’t really feel a connection to the characters until about chapter 15. Oh, there were parts that tugged at my heartstrings, but for the most part it took me awhile to get connected. After I finally got that connection I grow to love these characters. And was rooting for their happy ending. Did they get it? I can’t say… 🙂 You have to read the book.

I did enjoy this book. I am looking forward to where Lisa is going to be taking us next.

3 1/2 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

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Kelly’s review of Hidden Crimes by Emma Holly

Hidden Crimes
AUTHOR:Emma Holly
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cats and dogs shouldn’t fall in love. Like any wolf, RPD detective Nate Rivera knows this. He can’t help it if the tigress he’s been trading quips with at the supermarket is the most alluring woman he’s ever met—sassy too, which suits him down to his designer boots.

Evina Mohajit is aware their flirtation can’t lead to more. Still, she relishes trading banter with the hot werewolf. This hardworking single mom hasn’t felt so female since her twins’ baby daddy left to start his new family. Plus, as a station chief in Resurrection’s Fire Department, she understands the demands of a dangerous job.

Their will-they-or-won’t-they tango could go on forever if it weren’t for the mortal peril the city’s shifter children fall into. To save them, Nate and Evina must team up, a choice that ignites the sparks smoldering between them .

REVIEW:
Should Cats and dogs fall in love?  If you read Hidden Crimes you will know the answer is 100% yes.
Nate is a rough and tough wolf who is trying hard to except his place in life and in his pack.  But soon he will learn that sometime a challenge is just what a wolf needs.  Whether it be in the form of a feisty female Alpha Tiger or his own Alpha, Nate is about to learn just how important he really is.
Evina, is the Alpha of her clan. So she has to be tough and being a single mom makes her more then tough.  But she has always had a soft spot for the man she calls the  Holy Foods  Romeo.  So when she sees Nate looking a little down curiosity gets the best of this cat.

Both Nate & Evina will learn that sometimes playing nice will get you everything that you want.

This was a great story.  Emma Holly writes really good romance novels.  If you have not had the pleasure of reading one of Emma’s books I would very highly recommend you get on it.

3 1/2

REVIEWED BY: Kelly