Category: 4 Star

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Kimberly’s review of Release Me by J. Kenner

TITLE: Release Me
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

REVIEW:
This is a very intense book. Not because of the sex which is actually relatively low key, yet exciting. I mean the characters. We learn mostly about Nikki in this story and she has a very intense past. Her pain is almost palpable on the pages. I did expect a slightly different reason for her pain (a more dramatic reason) so I was a little disappointed in the simplicity of her reasoning for doing what she does but that does not make it any less extreme.

This book will be compared to 50 Shades Of Grey (aren’t all erotic stories now?) and while I can understand the comparison because there are similarities it would not be fair. However, it will be because the synopsis itself is claiming if you like Shades you will like this. But while I reviewed Shades as a haunting love story, this book is more of an intense romance. Damien is very romantic, sweet and there is never a hardness about him. And Nikki is not an innocent.

Yes if you liked Shades you will probably like this book too but not because there is a comparison but because it is the same genre. I assume in the next book (Claim Me) that we will learn more of Damien’s story. Which I look forward to.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Bungalow Nights by Christie Ridgway

TITLE: Bungalow Nights
SERIES #: Beach House #2
CHARACTERS: Layla & Vance
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway’s Crescent Cove, California, where the magic of summer can last forever… Combat medic Vance Smith made a promise to a fallen officer: to treat the man’s young daughter to an idyllic vacation at Beach House No. 9. One month, some sun and surf, a “helmet list” of activities to check off and Vance will move on. But the “little girl” he’s expecting turns out to be a full-grown woman. With silky hair, big brown eyes and smelling sweetly of the cupcakes she makes for her mobile bakery, Layla Parker is irresistible. And Vance shouldn’t lay a finger on her. Honor-and one heck of a scarred heart-says so.

To Layla, Vance is a hero who was injured trying to save her father’s life. She intends to spend their month of lazy days and warm nights taking very good care of the gorgeous soldier-inside and out…

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book but I am not sure it was one of my favorites from Ridgway. I enjoyed the story of Vance and Layla. I thought they had a very good chemistry and I enjoyed reading their story. Both of their stories were sad and yet sweet. In the beginning I was not sure about the relationship between Vance and Layla. It seemed a little forced but then it really began to grow. I just wish it had not taken so long. The story of Layla’s dad was just heartbreaking.

However, I just never got into the story of Baxter and Addy. I usually enjoy a background romance but those two had no chemistry at all.

This is the second in the series but it can mostly certainly stand alone. If this is the first time you are reading Ridgway then read the first in the series before this one. Do not base the author solely on this book. I love everything this author writes and this was not an exception it just will not be high on my favorites.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Platinum by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Platinum
CHARACTERS: Steel & Althea
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Althea Grant’s Charleston gallery might be suffering from the bad economy, and her artistic aspirations have gone nowhere, but she’s doing just fine, thank you. When bad-boy sculptor Steel rides up on his motorcycle looking to rent studio space, his infusion of cash is more than welcome. But his art is raw, visceral, sexual—and completely inappropriate for her pastel world of watercolor landscapes.

Steel, fascinated by Althea’s rare albino coloring, sees in her the key to his next piece: a metal satyr designed for bondage games. Moving into her gallery basement is the first step; seducing the cool Southern belle into modeling for him is the second.

As Steel peels away her careful manners and tasteful outfits, Althea begins to realize her life isn’t just fine at all—it’s as pale and washed-out as the watercolor paintings she’s failing to sell. Can she transform her life and accept her most secret desires?

REVIEW:
You know what I liked best about this book? Steel and Althea are just normal people. Steel is not some billionaire CEO with control issues. Althea is not some off the street secretary. They are normal people. If anything Althea is the one who was brought up proper and has never known the world that Steel leads her to. He is beer and she is wine but they work together.

Yes, Steel is into having control in the bedroom and his BDSM is new to Althea but he is always willing to let her be who she wants to be. I enjoyed the playfulness that Steel has when he is around Althea. I just really enjoyed the whole story.

I did, however, feel like the ending was a bit rushed. Another couple of chapters (or maybe even just an epilogue) would have been nice. It just needed a bit more. But other than that I think if you like erotica this will be one you really enjoy.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Raphael/Parish by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

TITLE: Raphael/Parish – Bayou Heat #1 & #2
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: 1.7.13
Characters: Raphael & Ashe/Parish & Julia

ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
RAPHAEL

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

PARISH

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family

REVIEW:
Myth & Legend turn into reality in Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright’s Raphael/Parish. Books one and two in Ivy & Wright’s new joint series Bayou Heat.

In Raphael (bk1) we get introduced to the world of the Pantera Shapeshifters. Ivy does a great job of creating the world in this first story. Boy does Raphael’s story start with a bang. We get to meet Raphaels mate as she is being kicked out of her house by her drunk of a mother for being pregnant. Problem is Ashe can’t remember who or when…. But this is going to be the least of her problems when she wakes up to find Raphael in her dark hotel room talking about lost myths, shifters and that they are now mated.

In Parish (bk2) we pick up with Parish on a mission to find a human doctor for Ashe. But when Parish see Julia for the first time something in him changes. This change scares Parish. He doesn’t like humans, doesn’t trust humans not after what happened to Keria. But Parish is drawn to Julia so much so that he is willing to kidnap her and keep her if that is what it will take to make her his.

I really enjoyed both of these stories and good golly Wright leaves us hanging at the end of Parish. I am so looking forward to Bayon/Jean-Baptiste (bk 3&4) release day is scheduled for April 15th, 2013 (Happy Tax day to me!!) and Talon/Xavier’s (bk 5&6) scheduled for release summer of 2013

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of How To Seduce An Angel In 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde

TITLE: How To Seduce An Angel In 10 Days
SERIES #: 10 Days #3
CHARACTERS: Tally & Falcon
AUTHOR: Saranna DeWylde
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
GOT ANGEL?

Drusilla “Tally” Tallow does. Both fallen and otherwise because she’s got ten days of Heavenly and Infernal Parole after knocking Falcon Cherrywood from his broom. All she wanted was to settle down with a nice warlock, have babies, and grow old together. But she’s got a bad habit of falling for the wrong warlock. She blames Cupid. Too bad her Heavenly Parole Officer is none other than the heart bandit himself—the newly appointed Cupid and current fixture in all her fantasies, Falcon Cherrywood.

After smiting Cupid with a fireball, Falcon Cherrywood must now play the Diapered Archer. He can’t think of anything more humiliating than flying around in pink wings shooting arrows into hopeless fools. Archery was never his strong suit and Falcon doesn’t even believe in love. But more troubling are the feelings his sinfully irresistible parolee sets off in him—for only Tally has the power to make him believe in things better left to fairy tales, like Happily Ever After.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
This series is just plain cute. Yes it is paranormal but kind of in the Bewitched typed paranormal. This one did not have as much levity as the second one did (I did not read the first one yet) but it was still really fun. I think Tally is just adorable. She is written having a great sense of humor, she is so snide that it is hard not to enjoy her words, and yet she is strong enough to stand up for herself… most of the time.

I was a little surprised at how needy she was with Falcon but then I guess if I had a guy like Falcon I would want to need him too. He is.. wow.. just great. He is that boy you thought was the older brother type but ended up being the hottest lover type. And it is hard not to enjoy his sensitivity.

If you enjoy fun paranormal romance this is most certainly the book (and series) for you. It is fun. It is light-hearted. And it is just a good read.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Die For Me by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Die for Me
CHARACTERS: Dane Black, Katherine Cole & Valentine
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She thought her fiancé was the perfect man—until he turned out to be the perfect killer…

Katherine Cole is running for her life, desperate to escape the Valentine Killer—so-called because he stabs his victims through the heart and leaves them holding a telltale single red rose. Still he tracks her to New Orleans and begins carving a bloody path to her door. But this time, Katherine refuses to run any farther. This time, she’ll do anything to stop the madman she once loved, even trust the sexy cop promising to keep her safe…

Detective Dane Black never lets his emotions interfere with his job, even as the Valentine Killer surfaces in New Orleans to stalk his prey. But when Dane agrees to protect the killer’s ex-fiancée, Katherine Cole, he can’t ignore the passion kindling between them. After a single unforgettable night binds them body and soul, Dane knows he won’t rest until Katherine is safe in his arms—and the Valentine Killer is dead. Dark and intensely sexy, this romantic suspense novel from USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Eden is sure to leave readers breathless.

REVIEW:
4 1/2 Stars This was a page turner for me. I started Die for Me thinking I would read a chapter or two. Nope!!! Finished the book in one sitting (stayed up till 1 am on a work night *GASP*).
Cynthia does a fabulous job of painting a story that is suspenseful, romantic and on the edge of your seat good. I wanted to scream “don’t go in there”, “look behind you” and “oh for the love of pete why did you do that?” so many times. But none of that helped. Cynthia kept me guessing about the who’s, the whys and the what. And like any good reviewer I am not going to spoil it for you. But you do need to add Die for Me to your need to read list.

And besides what could possible go wrong when a serial killer shows up in your town?

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Sarah’s Fate by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Sarah’s Fate
SERIES #: Fate Series #2
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Josh
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sarah McMillan’s life came crashing down when her parents died. Moving across country, she’s determined to pull the pieces together and get on with her life. But when a man steps into her path, all her plans may have been for not.

Josh Andrews spent years searching for his mate, only to find her when he least expects it. Fate brings him Sarah, someone who needs him more than he’d thought he’d needed her. But convincing her to be his mate and start a new life might be harder than the journey to find her.

Can Josh convince Sarah to let him in? Or will the fact he is a mountain lion destroy what they could have had?

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Fate Series but it certainly can be read as a stand alone. However, by reading this first you will want to go back and read the first one (Snowy Fate) so I recommend you just start with the first story.

I enjoyed Sarah very much and really liked Josh. I enjoyed it more than the first book. This was not as short as the first in the series so it gave more background and more detail and it could be because of that but I really think Josh is just the better brother.

Again this is a short read so it is a perfect shapeshifter story to have ready for those times when you just need a little down time. But since the first one is even shorter pick them both up for a cute series.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Collide by Juliana Stone

TITLE: Collide – The Barker Triplets #2
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
CHARATERS: Bobbi-Jo Barker & Shane Callagher
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A second chance never looked so good…

Bobbi-Jo Barker has been in love with the wrong man for years. A man who doesn’t fit into the perfect, controlled life she’s created.A man who not only broke her heart but nearly destroyed her. So the fact that he’s back in town shouldn’t matter because he’s all wrong for her, or so she thinks…

Shane Gallagher, prodigal son, ex-con, and all around hellion, has returned to the small town of New Waterford to mend fences and get his life back. What he doesn’t count on are the feelings he still has for the one woman who can break him—the one woman who is totally wrong for him.

And yet, as Bobbi and Shane are thrown together and begin to navigate a life with each other in it, neither can deny the attraction they feel, or the emotions that come with it—the good and the bad. And so the question becomes… can these two damaged souls survive a second chance at love?

REVIEW:
Collide is a story of second chance at love. Bobbi-Jo & Shane were totally and completely in love when they were younger but a string of misunderstandings lead them on very different paths.
After a failed trip to the altar, a trip to the pen and a chance encounter at the not so local bar, these two willing have a chance to make it right.
I really liked this story. Although I read book two before book I didn’t feel lost at all (but I have already got book one to read). I was rooting for Bobbi-Jo and Shane the whole book and was so upset the reason these two broke up. Yes there were tears, laughter and a lot of good reading.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series Conceal (release date late spring 2013) #Team Betty-Jo

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of How Hard Can It Be? by Robyn Peterman

TITLE: How Hard Can It Be?
AUTHOR: Robyn Peterman
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 17, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

One happy ending coming right up…

What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new? Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lot of pastel fleece, and blackmail—just to start with…

Visualize and succeed, Oprah said. I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order. Okay, TV was not my strength. But a lack of talent has never stopped me before. Which is why I’ve embarked on a writing career. I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance?

Leave it to me to wind up in a group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath. Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel. And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn’t commit—by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime. Maybe I’ve found my calling after all

REVIEW:
I have to start by saying a huge thank you to my pal Kally for gifting me this book to read. Robyn has such a dry sense of humor. I was busting a gut throughout this whole book. And yes I was brought to emotional tears too. I really can’t wait to see what Robyn has in store for us next.

How Hard Can It Be is the story of Rena trying to find out who she really is. Rena signs up for a book writing club in hopes to becoming the next big writing super star. Instead Rena finds herself, arrested, being blackmailed, falling in love, being dumped and well up a creek without a paddle. But even after all that Rena finds a way to save the day???
Or does she?

Super funny!!! And boy howdy the story Rena writes is off the charts… In a totally and completely wrong way.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of How Beauty Saved The Beast by Jax Garren

TITLE: How Beauty Saved The Beast – Tales of the Underlight #2
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: 2.11.13
Characters : Wesley “Hauk” Haukon & Jolie Beniot
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jolie Benoit left her old life behind to become an agent of the Underlight. Training under Sergeant Wesley Haukon, she’s honing her combat skills, all the while coping with the intense sexual attraction she feels for Hauk. She keeps their friendship casual, but when his high school sweetheart transfers into their division, Jolie finds herself grappling with jealousy.

The Underlight gave Hauk a purpose, but he can’t escape his past completely. The physical and emotional scars from the fire that killed seven fellow Army Rangers will mark him forever. Jolie sends his protective instincts into overdrive, but he’s convinced he’ll never be worthy of her love.

Hauk is determined to keep Jolie from harm. But when the Order of Ananke ambushes them with a new weapon that neutralizes Hauk, making him vulnerable, it’s Jolie who must tap into her hidden strengths to rescue him—or risk losing him forever.

REVIEW:
The second book in Jax Garren’s Tales of the Underlight Series brings us back together with Hauk & Jolie pretending that there is nothing more between them then friendship. But after a scorching hot kiss between them in the work out room the door to more is finally open. But who is going to take that first step in.Just when things look like they are finally going to go right for Hauk & Jolie in walks Hauk’s old high school flame. But the real question is who is this old girlfriend and what does she really want with Hauk.

Oh my goodness these two are killing me. I just wanted to grab them throw them into a room and lock the door. Hauk & Jolie are perfect for each other and I so can’t wait to see what Jax has in store for them in the next book in this series. This was another great story from Jax.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Midnight Alias by Elle Kennedy

TITLE: Midnight Alias – Killer Instinct #2
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
Characters: Luke Dubois & Olivia Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s smart, seductive, and in way over her head.
He’s her only way out.

An undercover DEA agent has gone off the radar. Suspecting an internal mole, the government needs Luke Dubois and his elite team of operatives to recover their man, and the New Orleans native thinks he’s found his way inside the dark underbelly of Manhattan: Olivia Taylor, the girlfriend of a mob boss and the sexiest woman he’s ever laid eyes on. His new mission objective? Get past Olivia’s defenses and convince her to take a chance—on him.

All Olivia wanted was to finish law school and live a normal life, but that dream was shattered when one dangerous night put her deeply in a mobster’s debt. Now Luke and his team will help her escape—in exchange for intel on the missing agent. But Olivia doesn’t anticipate her intense attraction to the reckless Louisiana charmer or that she’ll be forced to risk everything—including her heart

REVIEW:
Under cover. Trying to find a missing DEA agent. Catch in a tangled web of lies and fear. Drugs, lies and guns. But through it all love will win. Or will it?

Olivia had never thought that her life would turn out the way that it has. But sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do. It is only a matter of time before she can make her escape. But just as Olivia is ready to make her more fate throws a wrench in her plans. Know Olivia finds herself helping out who she hopes are the good guys.

Luke could have never guessed the twists and turns his latest mission has taken him on. But I am sure that he is darn glad he did. All except maybe getting catch claiming out of that window and down the fire escape. What you want to know what I am talking about? You will just have to pick up a copy of Midnight Alias.

This was my first Elle Kennedy book and boy did I love this book. Luke is well in a word YUMMY!!!! I really did love this book. It kept my attention from page one. I am looking forward to more of the Killer Instinct series. There are so many pain in the butt characters that need to fall in love so badly. And Yes, I will be going back and reading book 1.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Finding Abigail by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Finding Abigail – Holiday Montana #3
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
Characters: Tyler & Abigail
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tyler Cooper is the town sheriff and, in the past, had been the only person keeping Holiday steady. Though the community is now finding out that it’s town is magical, Tyler has always known it—it’s in his blood. He has always known his fate of becoming a cupid, striking love into the hearts others, but an enemy from his past is set on keeping him from finding his own destiny—and love.

Abigail Clarke is leaving Holiday for good. She has to. After years of trying to fit in and make Tyler notice her, she’s giving up. She’s watched her friends fall in love and it’s heartbreaking. Acknowledging that the one man she’s always loved doesn’t want her, it’s time to move on and find her own future.

Right when the stars align and Tyler opens his eyes, his enemy is back and has his sights on Abigail. Abigail is in danger and Tyler may be the only one to stand up to him and save her.

Warning: Contains one sexy sheriff who turns into cupid, complete with bow and arrow, the sweetest teacher you’ll ever meet who needs to find her bad girl side, and a love of candy hearts that’s sure to bring them together.

REVIEW:
Finding Abigail has to be my favorite book so far in the Holiday Montana Series (well we haven’t got to Jackson’s book yet, but so far out of the three this is my favorite). I really like Tyler. He is all stuffy and hates love. Blah, blah, blah Poor guy. Love is about to become his new job.
Abby can’t take anymore. The darn small town of Holiday is closing in on her. But when she goes to say goodbye to the one and only man she has ever loved something very strange happens.
But will it be enough?
If you have read the Holiday Montana Series to date you know all about Tyler and Abby. But in Finding Abigail you will get to see a side to both of them we didn’t know about. And we find out why and what has been keeping them apart for so long.

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

4 Hearts