Category: 3 Star

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Kelly’s review of Fire Kissed by Erin Kellison

Fire Kissed
AUTHOR: Erin Kellison
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/03/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fae Fire
It is Kaye Brand’s power to wield. But outcast from her kind, she’s been selling herself to the highest bidder—money for her survival in exchange for a magic glimpse into the flames of the future.

Angel Ice
One of the angelic Order, Jack Bastian has no use for a female like Kaye, as provocative and unexpected as her blazing beauty. Yet he has no choice but to hire her to uncover the secrets of his sworn enemy and her former fiancé, Ferrol Grey.

Magekind
War is inevitable between the defenders of the Order and the mage Houses who threaten to engulf the world in Shadow. For Jack, mage-born Kaye is off limits, no matter how hot the impossible attraction between them. But in the coming darkness, beset by danger and desire, everything is about to change.

REVIEW:
I am so on the fence about this book.  I liked the story.  I like the hero Jack.  I kinda liked the heroine, Kaye.  But I am really torn about the events that happened in this book.  While Fire Kissed can easily stand as a read alone book and is the beginning of a new series.   I would suggest reading the other Shadow books in this series first so you have a better understanding of the Shadow world.

That being said Kaye, my dear, dear Kaye. Oh I want to hate you so badly. In order to get what she wants Kaye puts herself into a situation that no one should ever have to be in.  I understand why she did it, but I don’t like it.  I think that Jack forgives her way to easy.  What did she do?  Well you will just have to read the book for yourself.

If you are a fan of Erin’s Shadow series Fire Kissed book one in the Shadow Kissed series will take you on an emotional journey of love, loss, betrayal and revenge.  I look forward to the next installment in the Shadow Kissed series.

3 1/2 hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

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Kelly’s review of The Claimed by Caridad Piñeiro

The Claimed
Sin Hunters #2
AUTHOR: Caridad Piñeiro
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Victoria Johnson loves her life. She’s her own boss in a quaint beachside town, and has great friends who keep her grounded. If only they knew who she really is: an heiress to an ancient race who possesses astonishing superhuman powers. It’s Victoria’s duty to restore her clan of Light Hunters to their former glory by choosing the perfect mate. In Christopher Sombrosa, she just may have found him. Strong, smart, and successful, Christopher exudes a powerful energy. Their connection is sensual, irresistible-and forbidden.

A member of the Shadow Hunter clan, Christopher has defied his own father to lead his people away from affliction and violence. Yet he cannot ignore his duty to carry on his ancient bloodline. Stunningly beautiful and brimming with an erotic life force, Victoria is everything Christopher ever hoped for in a mate . . . but as a Light Hunter, she’s his mortal enemy. Together, they could unite their warring tribes. But murderous factions on both sides don’t want peace-and they’ll stop at nothing to keep light and darkness apart forever

REVIEW:

I have to start by saying I think this is a series you need to read in order. I made the mistake of picking up book 2 and reading it first. I will tell you I was a little, okay fine totally confused about the world that Caridad create. Not that the world itself is confusing. I just have a feeling so much happened in book one that I would highly recommend you read The Lost first. Okay with that being said now for my review.

I enjoyed this book. Didn’t love, didn’t hate, really I am on the fence about it. I wanted to badly to love Christopher and Victoria’s characters but for me I just never felt a connection with them. Now Ryan, Christophers slightly uptight second in command I like him and am hoping that his book is next.

Christopher and Victoria have a rough road ahead of them. Never before have Shadow and Light joined forces. But there seems to be so much and so many people standing in their way. But love and destiny will not be denied. Once joined nothing will stop them from trying to make the world of the Hunters better.

REVIEWED BY:Kelly

 

 

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Kimberly’s review of Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine by Jayne Fresina

Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine
by Jayne Fresina
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/05/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

“Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentlemen with other attachments need not apply.”

Scarred in a childhood accident, Sophia Valentine doesn’t expect any takers on her ad for a husband in the Farmer’s Gazette, until the mysterious Lazarus Kane shows up at her door. To Sophia, he is an exciting, enigmatic stranger. But Lazarus has known Sophia for years and has come a long way to find her. Things are about to get complicated for the mischievous Miss Valentine.

REVIEW:

This books has the potential to be a good book but it is just too long (about 100 pages too long) with a lot of sentiments repeated over and over. And honestly you really do not end up caring much for the two main characters. Sophie at first seems childlike climbing in trees, sneaking books, running away, etc but in the first chapter she is almost 30 years old. The synopsis says she was scarred in a childhood accident but in fact it was 10 years before the story begins so she was 19 years old in the preface. And I really didn’t understand why Sophie was not jumping at the chance to marry Lazarus since she was unhappy in her family home.

The story does get better about halfway through. More of the history of these characters comes out and it actually seems as if you see Sophie grow up. When there is more action and less of the beginning dialogue you can enjoy the book more. While I still never fell in love with these characters I did like them and wanted to know what happened to them by the end.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Just Say Yes by Phillipa Ashley

Just Say Yes
AUTHOR: Phillipa Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Lucy Gibson is stunned when her famous reality TV-star boyfriend proposes to her on live television. Although flattered, she rejects his proposal and escapes to a secluded cottage owned by the handsome Josh Standring. Although he may not capture the hearts of millions of viewers, he captures the one heart that matters-and amidst the chaos of proposals, paparazzi, and passion, Josh and Lucy discover that when you know you have found The One, it is so easy to just say yes.

 

REVIEW:

This book was “ok” for me nothing more. It never seems to click with the characters Lucy/Nick or Lucy/Josh. The first eight chapters is a look back on what caused the break up from Lucy’s reality TV-star that caused all of England to turn against her. And honestly I think the reader can tell in the first chapter that Nick is just not an all around good guy. I even wondered if he was bi-polar at one point. Then the next few chapters are about Lucy pinning over her ex. Really there was nothing to pine over. Then she heads away to get away from the paparazzi and meets Josh but he is already in a relationship. Which I as the reader really do not enjoy. While I can appreciate that characters have a history of past romances I really do not enjoy one of the leads to be a homewrecker (even if they are just dating). And towards the end it seems that Josh just all of a sudden has a change of heart about Lucy, before that he had been less than enamored with her. And after the change of heart he is head over heels.

This book was previously released in 2008. This book is written by an English author so there are a lot of phrases and words that are not commonly used in America. Maybe it was the fact that the writing was off because of the different countries but it was a hard book for me to enjoy. That being said I can see how others may enjoy it so do not miss the chance to read it if you enjoy books set in modern day London.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

 

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Kimberly’s review of Heat Rises by Alice Gaines

HEAT RISES
AUTHOR: Alice Gaines
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/12/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |  B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Snowbound in a cabin . . . able to live out all her fantasies . . . Laura Barber has dreamt of doing unspeakably delicious things with Ethan Gould for years. Now, stuck in a mountain cabin, she just might get her shot. Ethan offers her the chance to live out each and every one of those desires. They may be rivals in the business world, but in the bedroom they’re a perfect match. Knowing they have only a few days, Laura shakes off all her inhibitions. Every secret need, every lust-filled thought . . . it’s all fair game.
REVIEW: This is a short story of erotica. It is about 65 reading pages and a very good story. The characters were enjoyable and while the storyline at first was a little short of context when the couple really had an interesting time stuck in the cabin. The thing about this story was it is a pretty common erotica fantasy story, stuck in a cabin with the man of your dreams. But what I enjoyed was the way the characters were written. They were given very interesting personalities and a interesting background of knowing each other before. And while I did enjoy the story the erotica of the story was not very imaginative but still very well written. If you enjoy erotica then I think you will enjoy this book. It has all the highlights of a sexual daydream.

 

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

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Kimberly’s review of Trinity Bound by Carrie Ann Ryan

Trinity Bound
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/28/12
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?

Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?

Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Redwood Pack series. Having just finished the first and second I would have to say this falls right in between my favorites (the second tops my favorite so far). But that says a lot because both of the first two books received 4 stars and this one does as well.

The difference in this book is Reed is not the Alpha, Beta or even the Omega. Reed feels like he is nothing important in his pack since he claims to “just be an artist”. He does not have the attitude that most werewolves have in books. That does not make him any less desirable just different then what paranormal readers are used to. Hannah is too sweet for words. She wants to love and when two men come to her offering their love how can she choose? Or does she need to?  Now Josh is an interesting character. He is ex-military, strong and independent but then you realize he doesn’t want to get to close because everybody ends up leaving him eventually.  These three have something special… The trinity bond.

As with the other two books from Ryan this is a really good book. A lot happens in this book that keeps the attention of the reader. If you enjoy paranormal/shape-shifter books you will enjoy this one. And while it could be read on its own I would definitely read the first two first to know the family. The Jamesons’ are a big part of this series. I can not wait for Adam’s story next!

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Kelly’s ARC review of Seduced by the Vampire King by Laura Kaye

Seduced by the Vampire King
Vampire Warrior Series #2
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
American exchange student Kate Bordessa has fled to Russia to escape her family’s hopes that she’ll become one of the Proffered, human women who feed and mate with elite vampire warriors. But when she stumbles upon a wounded vampire in the streets of Moscow, she’s instinctively driven to protect him–and feels an undeniable spark of desire.

Grieving over the deaths of his brothers, Vampire Warrior King Nikolai Vasilyev has thrown himself into battling his enemies, focused only on vengeance. Until the attack that brought him to Kate. Their sexual attraction explodes into a night of uncontrolled passion–a night that marks them as mates. Is their connection strong enough to convince them to embrace a destiny neither of them was expecting?

REVIEWED BY: Kelly
3 ¾ Stars

REVIEW:
Seduced by the Vampire King is Laura Kaye’s second book in her Vampire Warriors series.   This was a quick 90 page read.  So because the book was short I won’t give too much away.
I will say that Nikolai is stubborn, damaged and is way too hard on himself.  Kate is just the breath of fresh air that Nikolai needs in this life.

I enjoy Nikolai and Kate’s story better than book one In the Service of the Vampire King.  I was able to connect with the characters more in this second book.  That being said I hope that Laura will write follow up stories about these characters.  I want to know how they are doing, how these big tough Warrior Vampires handle having feisty women in their lives   If they finally win the war, what will happen after they do.

Huge thank you to Laura for allowing me to read your story and I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the Vampire Warrior series.