Category: 4 Star

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Kelly’s review of Stolen by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Stolen
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shay Morgan has stayed hidden for a long time. Living a reclusive life in Earth’s End, Alaska, she’s as far away as she can get from the trauma of her childhood and the man who hurt her long ago. But terror takes over Shay’s life yet again when an unknown stalker steals away the fragile peace she’s built for herself—targeting not only her but the one man who’s ever managed to get past the walls she’s built around herself.

Elliot Winter has lived through being falsely accused before—it ruined his military career. Now it’s happening all over again. And this time, his accuser is a twisted impostor who’s targeting his ex-girlfriend, Shay. Despite a fierce mutual attraction, Shay and Elliot broke up because Shay couldn’t let her guard down, couldn’t let Elliot in. But now they both need to trust each other to confront a psycho who seems to know all their secrets

REVIEW:
Shay Morgan has had anything but a storybook life. Her childhood is something made of nightmares and her adult life is not going much better. Recovering from a car accident, breaking up with her boyfriend, her best friend is starting to act really strange and to top it all off someone is impersonating her.

Shay will soon learn that she has to step out of her comfort zone in order to protect herself from this most recent threat. But can Shay let the past go long enough to truly trust the only person in her life that is worth her trust?

This was a great story. Messed up, but a great story. Even when I learn the who, the what and the why I was still dying for more. I didn’t want to put this book down until the last page was read.

Really Good!! If you love a good romantic suspense you really should pick up a copy of Stolen.

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.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of One Night With A Hero by Laura Kaye

TITLE: One Night with a Hero
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/20/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

REVIEW:
Brady, Brady, Brady……
One Night with a Hero is Laura Kaye’s follow up to her Forbidden Hero story. Brady is Alyssa’s big brother and this boy has some major demons of his own.

In One Night with a Hero Brady tried to drowned his self-imposed sorrows in that of a very feisty and super cute Joss. But when Brady finds that his one night stand is living next door he can’t help but go back for seconds, then instantly regrets his actions.

But will seconds be enough?

There is just something about Joss that draws Brady, but he is too darn stubborn to take a chance. And therefore does everything he can to distance himself from her.

Brady is a beyond stubborn and a bit of an a$$. Yes, he has some issues from his past. The way he treats Joss at times made me want to slap him upside the head. Joss is a big girl and really does know how to take care of herself. But protecting your heart is a totally different situation. There are some thing a girl should not have to deal with on her own. But when push comes to shove Joss knows how to shove back.

Over all I really liked this story and very glad that Laura gave us Brady’s story

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Dark Knight by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Dark Knight
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the head of a secret government task force, commonly referred to as the “dirty dozen,” Scottie Giardi is as tough as she is professional. But this skilled operative has her hands full keeping Logan Blackstone in check while his brother completes a dangerous mission. Logan is big, strong, sexy, and determined to find the twin brother he’s never met. More amused than intimidated by Scottie’s undercover games, he’s ready to play, offering a taste of sweet temptation in the bargain.

An ex-cop on a deeply personal mission, Logan isn’t about to tolerate interference, even if Scottie is gorgeous and could easily make him forget his business. She may have the upper hand while they’re locked up in his mountain cabin, but the fire in her eyes tells him the desire she feels is real. Their mutual attraction is about to take them into the dangerous, vulnerable places of the heart, where there’s no turning back.

REVIEW:
I so enjoyed this book. I had just finished the other three in the series (Santerra’s Sin #1, Silent Warrior #2, Light My Fire #3) and was thinking I would take a break and come back to this book later but something made me start reading it and I think it is the best of the series.

To be honest though there is no suspense in this romantic suspense but there is a lot of romance. The character of Logan is so intense and mesmerizing that it is hard not to fall for him right away. Scottie is a tough woman but the author has been able to match her up to someone equal to her and yet complimentary to her. Not any man would have been good for Scottie but Logan is perfect.

This is a great short story and one that any romance fan will enjoy. You do not need to read the others in the series but I think as a fan you will enjoy them. Pick up the first one and you will not be able to put any of them down.

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 Fated by Carly Phillips

TITLE: Fated (Serendipity 1.75)
AUTHOR: Carly Phillips
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s second choice again. Unfortunately, her undeniably intense desire for Nick Mancini is testing her best laid plans because Kate has carried a torch for Nick since high school– but she’s always been permanently in the friend zone.

Lately, Nick has definitely noticed Kate. Unfortunately he can’t get her to take him seriously. He knows he’s made some stupid moves in the past but he’s determined to get Kate to act on their obvious and mutual attraction. However Kate’s stubborn and she’s been hurt before, which means Nick will have to pull out all the stops in order to convince her he’s not the same boy she used to know, and she’s not second best… she’s everything.

REVIEW:
This is a very short but very sweet novella. It is only about 25 pages but worth the read. I have not read the rest of the Serendipity series (I want to though) so I was unsure if this would be confusing but it is not at all. Yes you can tell there is a full story about Faith and Ethan that involves Nick but this is such a sweet story that it doesn’t matter. You won’t be confused but you will be delighted to read it.

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 What Happens At Christmas by Victoria Alexander

TITLE: What Happens At Christmas
AUTHOR: Victoria Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

A blazing fire, an English country house … and the ultimate game of charades. In this charming holiday novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander, a beautiful widow finds her plan for a Christmas proposal going perfectly awry …
Camille, Lady Lydingham, knows precisely what she wants for Christmas—an official engagement to a handsome, dashing prince. Her very proper suitor expects a proper English family and the perfect Dickensian Christmas, which leaves the lovely widow with a slight problem. The last thing Camille wants is for the prince to meet her unconventional relatives. But with the aid of a troupe of actors, Camille intends to pull off a Christmas deception of massive proportions.

At least until Grayson Elliot shows up. A dozen years ago, he declared his love on the day before her marriage to another man, then vanished from her life. Now he’s back, gate-crashing Camille’s already chaotic house party, playing absolute havoc with her scheme—and with her heart. Because for Grayson, losing Camille once was quite bad enough. Losing her twice? Unthinkable. And he’ll find a way to show her they belong together—for this season, and every Christmas yet to come…:

REVIEW:
4 1/2 Stars If you enjoy historical romance then Victoria Alexander is probably already on your favorites list and this book will keep her right at the top of that list. No one can write historicals like Alexander can. She brings you right into the world of Lords and Ladies until you feel you are living in the wrong era.

I so enjoyed the characters of Camille and Grayson as well as the background players of this book.. and I do mean players. When Camille has set her sights on a prince who wants the Dickens version of Christmas Camille figures this is her chance to win him over and hires a troupe of actors to play her family who are away for the holidays. Then the unexpected happens the her one true love comes back after 11 years. And just when you think that is story enough the real family returns to celebrate Christmas, and so it keeps going on and Camille becomes unsure of her plan for Christmas and her plan for a prince.

I really enjoyed this holiday novel. While I will say it was a bit too long and could have been shortened some the story is engrossing, funny and sweet. As a fan of not only the genre but also of Alexander herself I expected this book to be good but having never read a holiday story from her I must say this book put me right into the holiday spirit. What a wonderful book.

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 We’ll Be Home For Christmas by HelenKay Dimon

TITLE: We’ll Be Home for Christmas
AUTHOR: HelenKay Dimon
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No man likes having his bedroom skills described as forgettable, but that’s just what Lila Payne does when she runs into Spencer Thomas again. When she discovers that he’d lied about his name during their brief three-day romp a few months before, she’s so angry that she pretends she doesn’t remember him.

Spence regrets his deception, but not as much as he regrets that their time together didn’t last longer. When she shows up in his town, looking to revitalize her uncle’s mountain resort, Spence is determined to help. Maybe rescuing Lila from a hopeless renovation project will get him in her good graces—and back in her bed.

Lila has no interest in being rescued, and Spence is insulted by her stubborn rebuffs and her “faulty” memory. But when rehab work turns into an after-hours meeting, the two of them are in for a night that just might prove unforgettable

REVIEW:
This was a fun novella of two people who are looking for something more out of life. A chance encounter at a hotel, three blissful days together only to part ways. But funny thing about fate when you least expect it she throws you a curve ball.

Since this is a novella. I will just say that I loved this story and would suggest you pick up a copy.
Also this novella can be found in the Romancing the Holiday’s Anthology with 2 other wonderful Christmas novella’s

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 The Spirit Of Christmas by Liz Talley

TITLE: The Spirit Of Christmas
AUTHOR: Liz Talley
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/27/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brennan Henry doesn’t have time for holly and jolly. He’s been too busy boosting the bottom line for the family business. That is, until his eccentric grandfather hands over a lot of money to a stranger on the street. Some nonsense about her being the true spirit of Christmas. Yeah, right. All Brennan can see is he’s now got a situation on his hands with one Mary Paige Gentry.Then he meets Mary Paige. And no matter how deep he searches, it seems she’s the real deal. Kind, compassionate and just enough sass to keep him very intrigued. The spark of attraction between them could land him on the naughty list! But his is still a dollars-and-cents world…unless she can prove there’s more to the season—more to life—than money.

REVIEW:
This is a very cute holiday romance. Brennan is a modern day Scrooge but he has his reasons and it has made him the man he is today. That is until Mary Paige shows him what the Spirit of Christmas is all about.

I enjoyed this story. The characters are very cute together. M.P. might be a little too good but it is hard not to like her. Brennan is a diamond in the rough that you just want to polish. I loved Brennan’s grandfather. What a wonderful old coot he is.

This story makes you think… What can a little kindness to a stranger do for you?

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 She Can Tell by Melinda Leigh

She Can Tell

She Can…. #2
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12
Characters: Mike O’Connell & Rachel Parker

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a terrible accident abruptly ends her riding career, Rachel Parker returns to Pennsylvania to rebuild her family’s horse farm. But her welcome home is anything but warm. Her sister’s abusive husband and a violent vandal threaten Rachel’s new business and her life. Someone is systematically trying to destroy her. Someone who knows private things about her. Someone who’s been watching her. Now Rachel must face the fact that the sins of her carefully hidden past have returned to haunt her…
Police Chief Mike O’Connell never had trouble drawing the line between his personal life and his job—until he met Rachel Parker. Mike’s investigation uncovers a shocking number of secrets and suspects. But the stalker’s escalating violence convinces him he doesn’t have much time to sort through it all. Whoever is watching Rachel wants her dead. Mike and Rachel race to untangle a web of deceit and lies that stretches two decades into the past—before her stalker strikes again.

REVIEW:
She Can Tell takes us on a wild ride of who done it. Even when you think you know you don’t know.

Whenever I read a suspense book I try so hard to figure out who it the bad guy. In She Can Tell I thought I know who did it, then Melinda throughs something in that makes me questions and rethink myself. Then when I think I have it again she switches the focus on to someone else again. And still I think I know, but oh NO…. that can’t be right.

That being said I really loved She Can Tell. I loved the world Melinda created, the characters she developed and the suspense that she infuses in this story. I can’t wait to see what Melinda has in store for us next.

If you love a good romance suspense and have not tried Melinda Leigh yet, I would highly recommend you go pick up a copy of She Can Tell.

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

 

Learn more about Melinda Leigh’s Promo tour here

12/07 – Paranormal Haven
12/13 – United by Books
12/19 – Books-n-Kisses – Review
12/26 – All Things Books – Review

01/03 – Book Lovin’ Mamas – Review
01/14 – Romance Crush Junkies – Review
01/18 – The Reading Café – Review
01/23 – Cocktails and Books – Review

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SHE CAN RUN

Series:  She Can…,  Book 1
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Publication date:  November 28, 2011
Purchase Links:  Amazon / B&N

 One bad decision turned a single mom into a fugitive.

Ten months ago, Elizabeth Baker uncovered a dangerous secret about her politician husband—a secret that nearly got her killed. Now she and her children are running for their lives. When Beth is hired as the caretaker of a remote Pennsylvania estate, she dares to hope she has found a corner of the world where Congressman Richard Baker can’t find them. But when her new boss dies suddenly and his nephew inherits the estate, Beth is faced with outwitting a former homicide detective who is very smart, very suspicious—and very attractive.

Forced into retirement by an injury and grieving the loss of his uncle, Jack O’Malley is unprepared to share his new home with a strange woman and her two kids. He is even less prepared for the instantaneous attraction he feels whenever Beth enters the room. She is beautiful, intelligent, kind…and obviously terrified of someone or something. As Jack’s investigation uncovers the shocking details of Beth’s past, the rural community is shaken by the murder of a local woman  Driven by instinct and desire, Jack is determined to keep Beth and her children safe, even if doing so means putting his heart—and his life —on the line.

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Kimberly’s review of Under The Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Under the Mistletoe – Lucky Harbor #6.5 (Novella)
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/4/12
ORDER LINKS: Under the Mistletoe(Amazon) | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
JUST ONE MORE KISS

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he’s overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia’s love for a lifetime.

REVIEW:
This is a very short story from the Lucky Harbor series. And I just have to say Nick is wonderful. I think I am in love. Yes he messes up (don’t most men) but there is just something about him that is just too sweet not to love. Mia is adorable too.

I just started on the Lucky Harbor series so I was not sure of all the characters even though some of them had been introduced in some of the other stories but you do not really need the background for this short novella.

It is a wonderful short read even a Lucky Harbor novice would enjoy!

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.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Season For Surrender by Theresa Romain

TITLE: Season For Surrender
AUTHOR: Theresa Romain
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Honor Among Rogues
Alexander Edgeware, Lord Xavier, has quite a reputation—for daring, wagering, and wickedness in all its delightful forms. But the wager before him is hardly his preferred sport: Xavier must persuade a proper young lady to attend his famously naughty Christmas house party—and stay the full, ruinous two weeks. Worse, the lady is Louisa Oliver, a doe-eyed bookworm Xavier finds quite charming. Yet to refuse the challenge is impossible—he will simply have to appoint himself Miss Oliver’s protector…

Mischief Among Misses
Louisa knows her chance for a husband has passed. But she has no desire to retire into spinsterhood without enjoying a few grand adventures first. When Lord Xavier’s invitation arrives, Louisa is more intrigued than insulted. And once inside the rogues’ gallery, she just may have a thing or two to teach her gentlemen friends about daring…

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars What a delightful story. I did not want to miss a word of it. The story was really enjoyable and the characters are written with such depth. I do think it was a bit too long (maybe 50 pages or so) and it took a bit too long for the characters to come together but the story leading up to it was so good that it makes up for it. There is something about Xavier that appeals to the reader. He is not an alpha male nor do we see the rake in him. What the reader sees is a male who begins his journey to realizing that every man has to grow up at some point and now is his time. And with Louisa we read of a woman who just wants to come out of the shadows and find happiness. Together they end up connecting on a level that neither knew they had.

It looks like this might be the second book that the author has written and I can’t imagine how much better she could possibly get with time and stories under her belt since this book is close to perfect. It also looks like the first book the author wrote was the beginning of The Seasons Series but this book can most certainly be read alone. I did and I didn’t even know another book had been written until after I finished this book.

Any fan of the historical romance genre will without a doubt enjoy this book. It has everything that a fan could want. I would recommend any fan to run out and pick it up.

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 Babycakes by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Babycakes
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Molten Chocolate…Cinnamon Spice…Gingerbread…Old-Fashioned Vanilla…You can’t stop at just one.

And the women of the Cupcake Club love to indulge…

Kit Bellamy was raised on pie. Mamie Sue’s Peanut Pies, to be exact, the family company her scheming brother-in-law sold out from under her. Now Kit needs a new recipe for her life—and sleepy Sugarberry Island is the first ingredient. Running mail-order cupcake business Babycakes is a chance to get her baking on again—until she meets tall, dark, and adorable lawyer Morgan Westlake. New to the island to raise his goddaughter, he’s as mouthwatering as any of Kit’s creations. It’s just her luck that he’s the spawn of the very law firm that helped crush her dreams…

Fortunately, Kit’s new friends can assure her that Morgan is no typical Westlake—and that even lawyers, not to mention single dads, need romance. If Kit can just be persuaded to follow her appetite—and set another place at her holiday table—her sweetest dreams just might come true…

REVIEW:
What an adorable book. The characters of Kit and Morgan are wonderful but it is Lilly that I could not help but fall for. After a bumpy start the couple and Lilly make a delightful family.

You can tell when you start this book that it is part of a series and having not read the other two books before it I was a bit confused on who was who but after a while you are able to put the others in the background and what a bunch of characters they are as well.

What I enjoyed most for the romance of not just Kit and Morgan but of Morgan and Lilly (uncle & niece), the romance of the friends Kit makes at the bakery and even the romance with the island they come to adore. Maybe that is not romance in the typical word but the loving friendship/family these characters bring out has more romance than some novels I have read.

If you are a fan of romance then this is not to be missed. Fair warning: This book will send you to your internet browser to see pictures of baby sea turtle and having you fall in love with them.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free from the author.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of No Mistletoe Required by Jeanette Murray

TITLE: No Mistletoe Required
AUTHOR: Jeanette Murray
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dan Beckins isn’t sure how he let his best friend con him into volunteering to build Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the local hospital. He’s got no problems with charity work, but anything Christmas-related is off-limits ever since he lost his parents on Christmas Day years ago. The only bright spot is working with smoking-hot Anna Smith.

Anna Smith loves Christmas and volunteering at the hospital is one of her yearly highlights. She had leukemia as a teen and then a breast cancer scare in her mid-twenties, and is now operating under a self-imposed rule that she can’t have a relationship until the doctors give her a clean bill of health.

A little fling might be permissible, though, and sexy lawyer-turned-carpenter Dan seems like the perfect candidate. But when chemistry flares and the two start forming a real connection, will Anna run away before like turns to love?

REVIEW:
This is a cute short holiday story. It is only about 70 reading pages so it is perfect for that quick read snuggled up on the couch by the Christmas tree with the fireplace lit.

Because it is such a short story everything happens really quick… the whole “love at first sight” thing which is hard for me… but that being said it is such a cute story it is worth the read. I enjoyed the characters and even though it is short you do feel the connection as well as the resistance between this couple. It could have even enjoyed a few more chapters of us seeing Dan and Anna with the hospital kids.

If you enjoy a good holiday romance this is a great one.

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

4 Hearts