4 Star – Page 106 – Books-n-Kisses

February 28, 2014February 28, 2014

Book Spotlight & Review: Inherit The Word by Daryl Wood Gerber

“When tempers get too hot to handle, someone’s bound to get grilled.”

Jenna Hart moved back to Crystal Cove, California, with the intention to relax and help her aunt, Vera, run the local culinary bookshop and café. But it’s hard to follow a simple recipe for relaxation when murder gets thrown in the mix. The Cookbook Nook is set to host the town’s upcoming Grill Fest, a tasty tradition, which pits local amateur chefs against one another. The expression “too many cooks” proves all too true when the eight-time champ is found murdered in the alley behind the café. Jenna has to douse the flames before the wrong person gets burned.

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Daryl Wood Gerber is the author of A Cookbook Nook Mystery series, featuring an avid reader, admitted foodie, and owner of a cookbook store in picturesque coastal California. The series will debut in 2013. In addition, under the pen name Avery Aames, Daryl writes the Agatha Award winning, nationally bestselling A Cheese Shop Mystery series, the 5th book
DAYS OF WINE AND ROQUEFORT coming in February 2014.

Prior to her career as a novelist, Daryl wrote screenplays and created the format for the popular TV sitcom Out of this World. A fun tidbit for mystery buffs, Daryl was also an actress and co-starred on “Murder, She Wrote“, as well as other TV shows. Daryl is originally from the Bay Area and graduated from Stanford University. She loves to cook, read, golf, swim, and garden. She also likes adventure and has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. She has been happily married for over twenty-five years, and Daryl and her husband have a grown son who has flown the coop.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Inherit The Word

Review (4.5 Stars): This is the second book in this delightful mystery series and I loved this better than the first one. Jenna has finally been settling in to Crystal Cove and running her culinary book store with her eccentric aunt Vera, which has been a great success. Now, they have the opportunity to host this year’s Grill Fest which usually has tempers flying among the contestants vying for the prestigious title. When Natalie Mumford, eight-time Grill Fest champ, is found dead behind The Cookbook Nook, Jenna’s dear friend and surrogate mom is the prime suspect. Jenna decides to investigate to help save her friend and try to find out who wanted to win this contest at all costs.

Inherit The Word was an enjoyable addition to this great series and after reading this, I have to say I’m a big fan. In the beginning of the series, I had a hard time connecting with Jenna but now I’ve loved how she is finally settling in to Crystal Cove and learning to live again after the death of her husband, David. She has a successful business and is entertaining the possibility of a romance with fellow business owner, Rhett Jackson. So much has changed for her and it was fun to watch everything unfold for her in this story.

The mystery was quick-paced and well-written while the zany cast of characters in Jenna’s life make this story fun. I had a hard time figuring out the killer because there was so many great suspects and plot twists that kept me guessing. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and spending more time with Jenna in Crystal Cove.

February 28, 2014February 12, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Hot Shots by Marsh/LaFleur/Kennedy

TITLE: Hot Shots
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Marsh/LaFleur/Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy as sin and hot as hell, these firefighters smolder with passion and burn with desire. . .
“Fired Up” by Anne Marsh
Hannah Green watches for wildfires from an isolated fire tower in Sequoia National Park by day and radios Cajun firefighter Cole Henry at night to share carnal fantasies hot enough to start a forest fire. . .
“Sizzle” by Lynn LaFleur
When photojournalist Maysen Halliday arrives in Lanville to take calendar pictures of the sexiest firefighters in Texas, red hot Fire Chief Clay Spencer makes her want him for her own personal centerfold…
“Five-Alarm Masquerade” by Stacey Kennedy
With her home destroyed in a fire, Abby has only the muscular arms of a rock hard firefighter to hold her up and the dream of blazing hot nights of pure erotic pleasure to keep her going. . .

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts All three of these novella were very steamy, sexy yet sweet reads. I won’t go into much detail as the are novella’s and I would give too much away. But let me just say that Cole & Hannah are burning up the airways. Clay & Maysen will break all the rules on short town visits. And Gavin & Abby will make you re-think that sexy gift you just got. I really liked all three stories. If you are looking for a few steamy quick reads you should pick up a copy of Hot Shots. I mean come on ladies. Hot Firemen? Need I say more??

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
“Fired Up” by Anne Marsh
4 Hearts Holy Heck this was HOT (pun intended). This was a quick story of about 55 pages and yet I was engrossed. Cole is downright irresistible and I wouldn’t mind meeting him in the words for a few days and nights.

“Sizzle” by Lynn LaFleur
4 Hearts Another HOT story. This is most certainly in the erotica genre and if the first story didn’t give a reader that impression this one would. But it is a really good story. I enjoyed the characters very much. Clay is hot and very male but what I liked about him was he could tell how Maysen wanted control at some points and he let her. His ego was not affected which was really hot if you ask me.

“Five-Alarm Masquerade” by Stacey Kennedy
3.5 Funny thing is I picked this book because of this author and figured I would read the other authors until I got to Kennedy but as much as I enjoyed this story it did not stand up to the other two. Ok now do not get me wrong. I did enjoy this one. If it was a stand alone I would have been thrilled with it but having read the other two it was my least favorite.

I enjoyed every single one of these erotic stories. They were a great combination. If you are a fan of erotica then you will enjoy these short stories, and it doesn’t hurt that they are about fire fighters.

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

February 27, 2014February 1, 2014

Kimberly reviews Liberty by Ginger Jamison

TITLE: Liberty
CHARACTERS: Lexy & Ryan (?)
AUTHOR: Ginger Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man she thought she knew. A passion beyond her wildest fantasies…

When Ryan Beecher returns home after a long deployment overseas, Lexy barely recognizes her husband. The man who left Texas for Afghanistan was cruel and abusive. The man who comes back to her is a badly injured stranger with amnesia—and no memory of their life together.

Lexy can’t believe how much Ryan has changed. The wounded marine is now gentle, caring and tender. And his touch awakens yearnings she’s never felt before. As he takes them both to the point of no return, can Lexy trust this lover who seems to live only for her pleasure…as he seeks his salvation in her healing embrace?

A poignant and erotic story of longing, secrets and second chances, Liberty explores the limits of desire and the boundaries of love.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting in how different from any other story I have read. The characters are enjoyable. I had a few problems with some of the things that were or were not done (DNA test, anyone?). But the story is so sweet and Ryan is so lovable it is hard not to enjoy him. I can see why Lexy is so scared and stand-offish but she comes into her own so completely that it is nice to watch.

I can’t see why this is considered erotic but it is poignant and loving and the romantic. I really love this authors style (as Ginger or Sugar Jamison) and can’t wait for her next book.

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

February 26, 2014February 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Eat, Play, Lust by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Eat, Play, Lust (a novella)
CHARACTERS: Paul Hammond & Cami Pressman
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: August 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cami Pressman is a yoga instructor with a lifelong secret love of junk food. Not even an irresistible man can replace the mouthwatering wickedness of her favorite foods.

Until, that is, Paul Hammond signs up for her class. He’s a gourmet chef looking to score some fitness tips, and a date with Cami. Suddenly Cami’s lust for junk food isn’t the only thing making her tingle.

When this sinful chef and hot yoga teacher eat, play, and lust together, they just might bring their obsession to a new level.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
Yoga on a paddleboard….Check
A set of wet clothes……Check
Tater Tots in the oven……..Check

This was such a fun, shorty, dirty and wet story. I just love the whole idea behind this story. I think just about every girl on the planet will be able to relate to Cami. And just about every girl in the world would like to have a man like Paul.

If you are looking for a quick that will leave you satisfied you need to grab a copy of Eat, Play, Lust.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Entangle Flirts, Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 25, 2014February 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Thrown For A Curve by Sugar Jamison

TITLE: Thrown For A Curve
SERIES #: Perfect Fit #2
CHARACTERS: Cherri & Colin
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WHEN YOU’RE A big girl
Cherri has often wished she were thin and graceful like a ballerina instead of being a six-foot-tall blonde with curves that require serious caution. Surely a charming Irishman like her new boss Colin, with his throaty brogue and to-die-for bod, would never go for someone like Cherri. Unless maybe he’s looking for the exact opposite of a delicate lass?
There’s more of you to love
When Colin hired Cherri to work in his furniture-restoration shop, he had his eyes, first and foremost, on her artistic talents. But now he can’t help but see Cherri for the lush, spirited beauty that she is…and, soon enough, he finds himself mixing business with pleasure. But Cherri turns out to be more vulnerable than she appears. Is she in need of more than Colin can give? Or could it be that a feeling stronger than lust has him thrown for a curve?

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.25 Hearts

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I absolutely loved this book. Talk about needing better communication skills! This couple needs to learn how to say “hello” to each other correctly but somehow they work. The connection these two have is just endearing. Cherri is the type that wants to handle everything herself and even if she knows she needs help she finds it hard to ask for. Colin’s past makes him question every thought he has. And even though they have so many differences they are a lot a like and seemed to be a “Perfect Fit”.

This story had me tearing up a little which rarely happens to me while reading. It also had me smiling more often than not. Sugar Jamison has a way of drawing you into her story. Her characters are not perfect model types. They are real people with esteem issues. Sugar was made to write and I am so glad I found her stories. I can’t wait for the next one… Hopefully it is Belinda’s story!

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

February 25, 2014February 1, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Evenings Stars by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Evening Stars
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #3
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: February 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns to Blackberry Island with the poignant tale of two sisters on the verge of claiming their dreams.

Small-town nurse Nina Wentworth has made a career out of being a caretaker. More “Mom” than their mother ever was, she sacrificed medical school—and her first love—so her sister could break free. Which is why she isn’t exactly thrilled to see Averil back on Blackberry Island, especially when Nina’s life has suddenly become…complicated.

Nina unexpectedly finds herself juggling two men—her high school sweetheart and a younger maverick pilot who also wants to claim her heart. But as fun as all this romance is, Nina has real life to deal with. Averil doesn’t seem to want the great guy she’s married to, and doesn’t seem to be making headway writing her first book; their mom is living life just as recklessly as she always has; and Nina’s starting to realize that the control she once had is slipping out of her fingers. Her hopes of getting off the island seem to be stretching further away…until her mother makes a discovery that could change everything forever.

But before Nina and Averil can reach for the stars, they have to decide what they want. Will Averil stay? Will Nina leave? And what about the men who claim to love them? Does love heal, or will finding their happy ending mean giving up all they’ve ever wanted?

REVIEW:
3 Hearts Sadly this book was not a hit for me. I love Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold series so much, but Evening Stars fell flat for me. I just never really connected with any of the characters in this book. Both Nina & Averil got on my nerves. The only character I really did like was Kyle and I think it was his bad boy image. Maybe I had high hopes for this books or maybe it was the juggling of stories lines from character to character. I am not sure. It just was not for me.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts There is just one word for the story. Poignant. Yes there is a romance (or two) in this story but that is not what it is about. This is about family and the dynamics of a family with a mom who will not grow up, a daughter who grew up too fast and another daughter who doesn’t know her role in her life.

I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Nina at first. She seemed so put upon but once I realized why she was like that I could understand her life. She was thrown into a life that she never wanted to have. Then Averil seemed so spoiled but again once you get to know the character and her history it all makes sense. These women needed to realize what they needed from life and this story is their coming of age even though they are already adults.

This is not a Fool’s Gold story filled with love and happy endings. But it is a great story that makes you sad, happy, smile and heartbroken. The characters weave their way into your system and you want to see them bloom.

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

February 24, 2014February 23, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: The Sinister Sitcom Caper by Sally Carpenter

Sandy Fairfax, former teen idol and star of the ‘70s hit TV show “Buddy Brave, Boy Sleuth,” is now a middle-aged recovering alcoholic who realizes that making a comeback can be murder. He’s the guest star on “Off-Kelter,” a corny family situation comedy, and the lowest rated TV show of the 1993 fall season. Before rehearsals barely begin one of the actors drops dead at Sandy’s feet. He investigates, enlisting the aid of two of his new cast mates: a dwarf and an animal actor. During his snooping, we meet Sandy’s ex, his parents and his teenage son, all with their own “situations” going on. During rehearsals Sandy also encounters a beautiful choreographer—could this be love? Will Sandy solve the murder before the Friday night taping of “Off-Kelter” or will the elusive killer cancel our hero before the final credits? This book was inspired by the author’s experience working as a tour guide/page at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood.

Amazon/Goodreads

About the Author:

Sally Carpenter is native Hoosier now living in Moorpark, Calif.

She has a master’s degree in theater from Indiana State University. While in school her plays “Star Collector” and “Common Ground” were finalists in the American College Theater Festival One-Act Playwrighting Competition. “Common Ground” also earned a college creative writing award and “Star Collector” was produced in New York City.

Carpenter also has a master’s degree in theology and a black belt in tae kwon do.

She’s worked as an actress, freelance writer, college writing instructor, theater critic, jail chaplain, and tour guide/page for a major movie studio. She’s now employed at a community newspaper.

Website/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of The Sinister Sitcom Caper

Review (4 Stars): The thing that I liked about this book was its sense of humor. The story was very entertaining, light-hearted with a crazy cast of characters. Sandy Fairfax, 70’s sitcom teen hearthrob, is making his comeback by doing a guest appearance on the soon to be cancelled TV show, Off-Kelter. On the first day of rehearsal, he finds a misfit group of actors that all seem to be at each others throats instead of trying to learn their lines. In the middle of all this drama, an actress falls over dead and Sandy is the only witness to the crime. Now, he is involved in solving a murder while trying to reinvent his career.

This was a very quick read for me. I liked Sandy who had a great acting career when he was younger but lost it all and is now a recovering alcoholic. He had a lot of character flaws and that is what endeared him to me. He knew he made a bunch of mistakes in his life and now he was trying to make a comeback. This was an entertaining mystery with lots of humor that takes you inside the fascinating world of sitcom television. I liked The Sinister Sitcom Caper and I would love to read more about this character.

February 24, 2014February 2, 2014

Kelly reviews No One To Trust by Katie Reus

TITLE: No One to Trust
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #1
CHARACTERS: Porter Caldwell & Elizabeth Martinez
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
NARRATOR: Pyper Down
PUBLICATION DATE: March 1, 2012
PUBLISHED ON AUDIO: December 27, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Computer security specialist Elizabeth Martinez has never been able to turn her back on her brother Benny. When his risky lifestyle finally lands him in harm’s way, Elizabeth finds herself dragged into the dangerous underworld with him and into the cross hairs of one of Miami’s death-dealing drug lords. Only after her ex-boyfriend saves her does she realize she might have no choice but to depend on the one man she has tried so desperately to forget.

Former Marine Porter Caldwell never should have let Elizabeth walk away from him all those months ago. She means more to him than anything and now that she’s in danger and turned to him for help, he won’t make that mistake again. When a local gang targets her and she’s nearly killed in a drive by shooting, Porter vows to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if it means turning his back on all that he’s sworn to uphold.

Length: 45,000 words

REVIEW:
When Elizabeth Martinez brother calls for help Elizabeth is always willing to drop everything and everyone to run to his side. But this time Benny has pulled Elizabeth into a very dangerous situation that could possible leave them both dead.

This was really good book. I enjoyed the tension between Elizabeth and Porter the whole time. I really want to know more about the rest of the Caldwell brothers and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Since this books was given to me for review on Audio I need to address that part of the review. I normally like an narrator that can tell me a story not read me a story. Pyper was a little more of the reading of the story then telling of the story. But even with that I did enjoy listening to this book on audio. I would suggest that you head over to audible (or where you buy your audio books) and listen to a sample of No One To Trust and make sure that Pyper is the right narrator for you.

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

February 21, 2014March 8, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Limoncello Yellow by Traci Andrighetti

I recently had the opportunity to read this amazing mystery and I am honored to have Traci here with us today to talk about her fun character, Franki Amato. Take it away, Traci.

Ten Things You Should Know about Limoncello Yellow’s Franki Amato

Instead of the usual “how-I-came-up-with-the-idea-for-my-book” post, I thought I’d share some fun facts from my character development sheet for Francesca “Franki” Amato. Franki is the tough-talking, 29-year-old private investigator protagonist of my debut novel, Limoncello Yellow.

Franki looks like the 1960’s Italian movie actress Claudia Cardinale, but she wears the signature cat-eyeliner of Sophia Loren.
She is 5’10”, 170 pounds and has an oversized butt. She can’t decide whether Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” is her least or most favorite song.
Her motto is, “When life gives you lemons, make Limoncello.” But in extreme cases, she revises it to, ” When life gives you lemons, skip the ‘making Limoncello’ part and just go straight to drinking it.”
Thanks to her meddlesome Sicilian nonna, Franki suffers from Catholic guilt even though she’s not a practicing Catholic and precisely because she’s not a practicing Catholic.
She loves Murder She Wrote, trashy reality shows featuring New Jersey, and any and all variations of Say Yes to the Dress.
Although she’s OCD about the outward appearance of her apartment, inside her cabinets, closets and drawers total chaos reigns.
She has a passion for food, especially Nutella straight from the jar. She rationalizes that the ridiculously caloric chocolate hazelnut spread is basically just the Italian version of chocolate pudding.
When she’s at work at Private Chicks, Inc., Franki often spontaneously worries that she has forgotten to shave the hair that grows on her big toes.
She uses profanity–but mostly in Italian–so that it doesn’t seem as offensive to readers. And because it just plain sounds cool.
Her one intense dislike: mimes. She simply can’t understand why anyone would want to paint himself (or herself) white or monochrome and then pretend to do things like juggle or cry.

Any questions? If so, send them to me at traci@traciandrighetti.com. Franki doesn’t like talking about herself, and she can be kind of confrontational, especially if you ask her about her love life.

About the Author:

Traci Andrighetti is the author of the Franki Amato mystery series. In her previous life, she was an award-winning literary translator and a Lecturer of Italian at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a PhD in Applied Linguistics. But then she got wise and ditched that academic stuff for a life of crime–writing, that is.

If she’s not hard at work on her next novel, Traci is probably watching her favorite Italian soap opera, eating Tex Mex or sampling fruity cocktails, and maybe all at the same time. She lives in Austin with her husband, young son (who desperately wants to be in one of her books) and three treat-addicted dogs.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Francesca “Franki” Amato is a tough-talking rookie cop in Austin, Texas—until an unfortunate 911 call involving her boyfriend, Vince, and a German female wrestler convinces her once and for all that she just isn’t cut out for a life on the police force. So Franki makes the snap decision to move to New Orleans to work at her friend Veronica’s detective agency, Private Chicks, Inc. But Franki’s hopes for a more stable life are soon dashed when Private Chicks is hired by the prime suspect in a murder case to find out what really happened to a beautiful young boutique manager who was found strangled to death with a cheap yellow scarf. When she’s not investigating, Franki is hoping to seduce handsome bank executive Bradley Hartmann, but most of her time is spent dodging date offers from a string of “good Italian boys”—make that not-so-good aging Italian men—that her meddlesome Sicilian grandma has recruited as marriage candidates. As Mardi Gras approaches and the mystery of the murdered shop girl gets more complicated, Franki must decipher the odd ramblings of a Voodoo priestess to solve both the murder and the mystery of her own love life.

Amazon/Goodreads

Jennifer’s Review of Limoncello Yellow

Review (4.5 Stars): I absolutely loved this mystery and I know that you will fall in love with Franki as well. She was sweet, spunky and fun and I couldn’t get enough of her personality. I loved that this story takes place in New Orleans and I felt as though I was right there with Franki while she explored her new surroundings. Makes me want to go visit New Orleans immediately to spend time visiting the French Quarter and the fabulous restaurants. Ms. Andrighetti has created a great character and a delightful new series that will have you laughing out loud. Can’t wait to read more of these wonderful mysteries in the future.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Limoncello Yellow. This giveaway is for US Residents only. (If you have already won a prize on this tour, a new winner will be chosen) To be entered in the drawing by February 28th, answer me this question in the comments:

What is the best place to visit in New Orleans?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 21, 2014February 2, 2014

Natasha reviews Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith

TITLE: Wicked Designs
SERIES #: The League of Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Emily Parr & Godric St. Laurent
AUTHOR: Lauren Smith
PUBLICATION DATE: January 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple—find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.
It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.
Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon—if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler’s niece, the difficult debutante’s blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.
Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric’s shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard—and rob him of the woman he can’t live without.
Warning: This novel includes a lady who refuses to stay kidnapped, a devilish duke with a dark past, and an assortment of charming rogues who have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Natasha House
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW: This was a great read! I’ve never read Lauren’s work before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I love historical romance so was excited to get started. From the beginning Lauren introduces us to a wonderfully diverse and intriguing cast of characters. I wanted to keep reading just to learn all I could about them all. Emily is a very strong and likeable female lead. She fights for what she wants and for what is right. I loved watching her get to know the members of the League and of course Godric. He is such a devilish character, and you just love him for it. How could you be rooting for the man who abducted this innocent woman in order to settle a score, but you are rooting for him. You want him and Emily to find a way to understand each other and come together. They have so many obstacles in front of them and are both so stubborn. The supporting characters were a great addition to this story and I am very excited to get to know all of them in future books!

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

February 20, 2014February 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Tempted By The Soldier by Nicollete Day

TITLE: Tempted By The Soldier
SERIES #: Falling For You #2
CHARACTERS: Lilly & Nate
AUTHOR: Nicollete Day
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When one touch isn’t enough, why resist?

Road trips are supposed to be fun. Or, at least, full of hot sex. For photographer Lilly Grayson, the fifteen-hour drive to her friend’s wedding with Nate Jennings will be neither. Not that Nate isn’t sexy—the man is six-foot-three-inches of mouth-watering Marine. But Lilly’s been there, done that…and he walked away. Now it’s time for a little payback. The kind that’ll make a man desperate for a taste of what he can’t have.

And Nate wants a taste—so badly that he can barely keep his hands on the wheel. But the scars and ghosts of his last tour still haunt him. He can’t give into temptation, not this time. Lilly deserves a whole man—one who can love her the way she deserves to be loved, even if she doesn’t believe it can happen. And that can’t be Nate. Not when he’s leaving again in two weeks, and this time, he’s not sure he’ll return…

REVIEW:
I would say this is a sweet story but it isn’t but that does not mean it wasn’t good. It is. The characters are both so broken especially Nate. The trend in romance now is soldiers coming home and being broken, having nightmares and PTSD. This story has that too. So it is pretty typical of the times in romance.

That being said I really enjoyed this story. Nate drags your heart to him. You want to grab him and hug him and just try to make him feel better. Lilly isn’t broken, more like insecure, yet she wants so badly to be strong. If you enjoy a sweet yet sad read about a Marine who needs to learn his worth then this is the story for you.

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

February 18, 2014February 3, 2014

Natasha reviews A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth

TITLE: A Matchless Romance
SERIES #: Aisle Bound #4
CHARACTERS: Tabitha Bell & Drew Watson
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/17/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago’s premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it’s the perfect opportunity.
His discomfort with talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He’d be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a non-negotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she’s determined to keep their relationship all business.
But soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique—and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game-over before he can win her heart

REVIEW: I really enjoyed this book! It was an easy, quick, fun read. This is book 4 in a series, and as a general rule I don’t like to start books in the middle of the series. However this book carried enough of its own weight that I didn’t find myself upset that I had missed a lot of the history of the characters. You see a lot of the side characters from previous books and it gives you a really fun look into their personalities. Those books must have been fun if their interaction with these main characters is any indicator. I really enjoyed Tabitha and Drew. They were both strong lead characters. I found myself laughing A LOT at the things they said and did. The only thing that threw me off was just how fast the story wrapped up in the end, – it seemed a little rushed. But that’s just a minor criticism. It was a great read and I’m happy I was introduced to this fantastic new (to me) author!

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