Category: 4 Star

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Kimberly’s review of Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

 Immortal Rider
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE:   12/01/11
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She’s been marked as Satan’s bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself—and everyone else—safe is to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she’s kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.

Arik Wagner knows the saying “love hurts” better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he’s topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

REVIEW:
I honestly have never read a Larissa Ione book that I have not enjoyed and this is no exception. This is the second in the Lords of Deliverance series. Ione is one of the best when it comes to Paranormal Romance.

I would not suggest reading this book without first reading the Eternal Rider (the first in the series) as there is a lot of references to the first book and the background story of Reseph is continued in this book and while you can probably pick up the gist of the story if you did not read the first one I am not sure why you would not want to since Ione is the Queen of this genre.

I was a little taken back at the way Ione had Limos become more reserved then she was in the first book. She was written as a bad-ass in the first book but she falls for Arik and becomes a little bit of a lovesick puppy then the doberman she was in Eternal Rider. That being said she can still kick butt better than most. I enjoyed the fact that the storyline of Lethal Rider (#3/Than’s story) was begun in this book. I can not wait to start the next book.

If you enjoy this genre then you can not miss this series and don’t miss the series that started it all “Demonica”.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Chilled by Kendra Elliot

 Chilled
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE:   8/14/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a forensic nurse on a search and rescue team, Brynn Nealey braves a dangerous blizzard to find the survivors of a plane crash in the Cascade Mountains. Joining her is Alex Kinton, a former US marshal with self-destructive tendencies. Alex lies his way onto Brynn’s team to find the man who killed his brother—and then return the favor. But once the team members reach the plane’s wreckage, they discover everyone aboard has perished…except for the man Alex is hunting. Alex will do whatever it takes to track his target through the vast, snowy wilderness.

As the temperatures drop, however, so do Alex’s defenses. His contact with the sharp, kindhearted Brynn makes his lust for vengeance difficult to reconcile with his growing feelings for a woman who risks her life to help others. What will happen to Alex’s savage instincts when he finally has the opportunity to confront his brother’s killer?

In Chilled, the next thrilling tale in the Bone Secrets saga, Golden Heart finalist Kendra Elliot weaves an icy tale of cold nights, cold hearts, and cold-blooded killers.

REVIEW:

A plane crash.  A search team.  A murderer on the loose.

This was a great suspense romance. From the beginning you feel like you are sucked into the SAR’s team journey.  While this is Brynn’s story you get to know each of the cast of and fall in love with all of them. So much so I wanted to know more about all of them.  I am hoping that Kendra will be writing a story for a few of them.  But back to the review.

I love the suspense of this book.  We know who the bad guy is, or at least we think we do. But yet we don’t know all the variable of the whys, the hows, or the true who’s.  Kendra takes up to the very end of the book before we truly understand everything that is happening.  But along the way we have a very sweet and tender beginning of a love story if they can just get off this mountain alive.

If you love a good suspense book I would highly suggest ordering a copy of Chilled.  I am very much looking forward to the next book Kendra has in store for us.

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

4 Hearts
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Ursula’s review of Rules Of Negotiation by Inara Scott

Rules of Negotiation
AUTHOR: Inara Scott
PUBLICATION DATE:   02/14/2012
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He let her make the rules…

NYC’s most eligible bachelor, Brit Bencher, is also known as The Slayer for his reputation in the boardroom…and the bedroom. And he’ll do anything to take care of his family, even seduce high-powered corporate attorney Tori Anderson in the hopes of getting her to reveal confidential information about one of her clients. But for the first time in his life, he finds he’s falling for a woman.

…and then he started to break them.

After juggling the demands of her career and the stress of caring for her ailing mother, Tori Anderson doesn’t have time for relationships—but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to feel like a woman. When Brit offers a no-strings attached fling, it sounds like exactly what she needs. But what will she do when Brit decides he won’t take “one night stand” for an answer? When Tori uncovers his lies, will he lose his chance with her forever?

REVIEW:
Right from the beginning it is clear that Brit has an ulterior motive, but I found it hard to care.  His character was so well written that even when he is being an ass, you like him.  It is clear that he is torn from the get go. He sets out to use Tori as a contact to obtain something for his beloved sister, but can’t help his own attraction to her. Soon he forgets why he started the whole thing and mostly just goes with it.  Of course that comes back to bite him in the aforementioned ass.

Tori is a driven woman with no room in her life for anything outside of work and making sure her mother is taken care of.  Despite her better judgement she is sucked into a sort of relationship with Brit as long as it is on her terms.  Driven by demons from her past, she is determined that she can indulge in this fling with no strings or repercussions.

Both of these characters have had less than ideal childhoods and it has caused them to deal with relationships in a warped way.  Both of them want to avoid a serious one and neither of them is willing to put anything but their family first. This makes for a less than ideal beginning to the relationship.  Brit sees the light and the error of his ways far sooner than Tori does. He comes to the conclusion that he has to stop living his life for his family and tries to get Tori do the same so they can be together. This makes for plenty of drama and angst that had me shedding a few tears.  I love it when a book makes me “feel”

Complete with the meddling family and an overly familiar assistant, this book had plenty of laughs to go along with the emotion.  I definitely recommend this book.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of One Naughty Night by Laurel McKee

One Naughty Night
AUTHOR: Laurel McKee
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/22/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hundred years has passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on…

Under the cover of night, nothing is forbidden.

Lily St. Claire will do anything for the family that saved her from the streets. With their support, the young widow has become the hostess of The Devil’s Fancy, London’s most exclusive gaming den. She’s determined to restore the St. Claire family fortune, lost a century before to the despised Huntington clan. But a ghost from her past may be her ultimate undoing…

Lord Aidan Huntington is handsome and wealthy, with a taste for adventure and a reputation for wickedness. A gambler and a rake, Aidan can’t resist a seductive woman with secrets—but one naughty night with Lily leaves him wanting more. As Lily is drawn into London’s dark underworld by an old enemy, Aidan will risk everything to save the woman who has awakened his deepest desires.

REVIEW:
What an intriguing story. There is so much happening in this book and yet it seemed like I could not get enough of it. I can not wait for the next one to come out!

Aidan and Lily are fascinating characters and written really well. The reader is pulled into their story almost from page one. Lily’s background is so filled with adventure it is hard to believe one person could live that life yet the way it is written you do not feel overwhelmed by it. And Aidan is perfect. He is sexual, powerful and wicked. Yet he has another side that Lily (and the reader) get to see as a man who is protective, loving and talented. They complement each other perfectly and the rest of the characters are wonderful in the background of Lily and Aidan’s story.

This is considered historical romance but could also be listed as erotica. While the scenes are extremely sexual they are not overpowering and do not make you feel like the rest of the book was written around the sex scenes. This is a true romantic suspense in a historical setting.

So much happens in this book that it is hard to discuss without giving something away but I most certainly think anyone would enjoy this read and finish the book waiting breathlessly for the next in the series… I know I am!

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Desire The Night by Amanda Ashley

Desire the Night
AUTHOR: Amanda Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Held captive in a basement prison, wrapped in silver chains, the vampire Gideon is too weak to fight the monster who enslaves him. For years, she’s tapped his precious blood like a fountain of youth – sustaining him with human females she captures for his pleasure. But with the latest victim she brings him, he senses something intriguingly different. Something dangerous, yet oh so tempting.

REVIEW:
This was my 1st Amanda Ashley book and I have to say that did really enjoy this book.  Except for one small part.  Kay our Heroine had to do something in order to spare the our hero from further harm, and I really don’t like reading about that.  While I understand the whole bad guy using the “you said you would do anything” play, I still don’t like it.

That being said I enjoyed the rest of the book.  I enjoyed Gideon & Kay’s story.  If it was not for fate and the twisted mind of a crazy witch these two would have never met.  I guess being in the wrong place and the wrong time work out for the best for these two.

If you are already a fan of Amanda Ashley I believe you will love this story very much.  If you are new to Amanda, like me, never fear Desire the Night can easily be read as a stand alone. And I would highly recommend this book

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of The Unspoken by Heather Graham

The Unspoken
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
AN AIRLESS TOMB. AN UNSPOKEN CURSE 1898: Bound for Chicago, the freighter Jerry McGuen goes down in Lake Michigan, taking with it every man aboard. But what other fate could befall a vessel carrying the ill-gotten sarcophagus of an Egyptian sorcerer? Because a curse unspoken is no less deadly. Now: A veteran diver and “ghost ship” expert is exploring the legendary wreck for a documentary. He dies inexplicably inside the freighter’s main saloon. Then another diver is killed and panicked rumors rise like bubbles from the lake: ancient demons have awakened below! The expedition’s beleaguered financier calls paranormal investigator Katya Sokolov to Chicago to save the film -and perhaps some innocent lives. Along with media forensics guru Will Chan, Kat plumbs the depths of an evil that may date back to the time of the Pharaohs. But some secrets are best drowned in the seas of the past.

REVIEW:
Once again Graham delivers a story the reader can not put down. Set in Chicago/Lake Michigan this story is a page turner. I have never read another author that puts as much research into her books as Graham does. She draws you into her story from the first chapter. While Graham is known for her ghost stories this did not have as many ghost as with most of her other stories which was a little disappointing but still an excellent story.

This is part of the Krewe (Texas Krewe) series and this books takes place right where the last book (The Unholy) left off, even having to do with “Amun Mopat”. The main characters of this book are Will and Katya. Will seems very unlikable in the beginning and there is some antagonism between Will and Kat, they do eventually warm to each other of course. Will seems almost calmed and in sync with Kat and it brings out his softer side. Kat is a M.E. that has joined the Krewe and was called to go to Chicago but she is having dreams and is not sure what they signify. I enjoyed “watching” Will soften toward Kat, wanting to protect her and yet knowing that she is just as trained as he is so he knows he needs to believe she can take care of herself. They make a great team together once you get past the roughness that Will starts out with.

As with all of Graham’s stories I never figure out the “who” or the “why” no matter how many hours I lay awake trying to think it through. And I love that about her writing. No one tells a ghost-story-who-done-it like Graham. This story can be read alone but I recommend reading The Unholy to understand the background of Amun Mopat.

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 The Unholy by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Unholy
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/26/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Hollywood shrine hides unholy deeds The 1940s: hard-boiled detectives and femmes fatale are box-office gold. In one iconic scene, set in a deserted museum, the private eye arrives too late, and the buxom beauty is throttled by an ominous Egyptian priest. Now: the Black Box Cinema immortalizes Hollywood’s Golden Age in its gallery of film noir tributes. But the mannequin of that Egyptian priest is hardly lifeless. He walks-and a young starlet dies a terrifying death. Movie mogul Eddie Archer’s son is charged with the grisly murder. Eddie calls agent Sean Cameron, who specializes in…irregular investigations. As part of an FBI paranormal forensics team, Cameron knows that nightmares aren’t limited to the silver screen. Working with special-effects artist Madison Darvil-who has her own otherworldly gifts-Cameron delves into the malevolent force animating more than one movie monster.

REVIEW:
The best thing about the ghost novels by Heather Graham is they are so hard to figure out who did it and this book was no exception. I will say I had the villain in my top 3 suspects but not the why. Heather Graham is the master of ghost stories. This is the sixth in the Krewe of Hunters series and the second with the Texas Krewe characters.

This time they head to L.A. because Sean’s old boss and mentor calls to say his son was arrested for murder. Madison has actually taken the position Sean worked in L.A. and is asked to show Sean the things that have changed since he left. I really never felt a huge connection between Sean and Madison, they just didn’t have that love match that other characters from Graham have had. That being said it is still a great story. I have no idea where Graham finds the time to research so much for her stories.

I really enjoyed the ghost that lives with Madison (I won’t ruin it by telling you who it is) and enjoyed the mystery of the storyline. Another great book by Heather Graham.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Pleasures Of A Tempted Lady by Jennifer Haymore

TITLE: Pleasures Of A Tempted Lady
AUTHOR: Jennifer Haymore
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DANGEROUS DESIRE
Captain William Langley knows the ocean well, but nothing could prepare him for what he discovers adrift on the cold Irish Sea. The tiny boat carries two passengers: a child–and Meg Donovan, Will’s long-lost love. Meg’s disappearance at sea eight years ago was a devastating blow. Now she’s back, as beautiful as ever, and with secrets as deep as Will’s own . . .
After years held captive by a cold-blooded pirate, Meg has finally escaped with little Jake, the boy she’s come to love as if he were her own. But the pirate wants his revenge–and Meg must do whatever it takes to shield Jake from the madman. Determined not to lose Meg again, Will vows to protect them both, yet Meg can’t risk putting the only man she’s ever loved in danger. With the threat to her safety growing, and her passion for Will burning brighter every day, surrendering herself to Will might be a pleasure too tempting to resist . . .

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Donovan Sisters series. I had not read the previous two books. However this book stands alone even though you can tell in a few paragraphs that there is a previous story from other books. I was going between 3 ½ and 4 stars but decided on 4 because this really is a captivating story that I enjoyed.

It is a historical set at sea for probably about half of the book. Meg and Will have a wonderful long-lost-love feeling to them. They find each other again and over all the years the love has not died no matter what they have been dealing with. Jake is a wonderful boy who steals the scenes that he is in. There is a lot of adventure in the story and a lot of love.

If you are a fan of the historical stories then this is one you will most certainly enjoy reading. It has all the feel of the romances of years ago with the wind swept sea and lost love. It is wonderfully written.

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 Only His by Susan Mallery

Only His
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/27/11
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wedding bells are ringing in Fool’s Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they’ve seen each other naked, but she’ll never forget the way he broke her heart.
Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada’s “business only” ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again…or will their past get in the way?

REVIEW:
Another wonderful visit to the “Land of Happy Endings”. This is the sixth in the Fool’s Gold series and the last of the Hendrix triplets stories. While, of course, you can read this as a stand alone I would not recommend it. This is a series that no one should miss and it is best to start in the beginning.

This is the story of Nevada Hendrix. She is the triplet who is the most tom-boy of the three girls so it was fun to watch her have some “girly” moments. Tucker is a interesting character. It is also interesting that the main characters knew each other before but in a different setting all together. They did not grow up together like in some romances but met for a short time in college while he was involved with someone else. As a fan of the series it was great to find out the history of Jo and to see where Denise had gone with her romance with Max. Of course we caught up with the other two Hendrix triplets s well.

The best thing about this series is it is a progressive series. The couple from book one is mentioned and we read about them having a baby, etc. We meet up with them while they attend the same festivals or even just walk down the street. It is set up so the people of the town are always evolving and like the character of Jo, who we met in the original book, we are just now learning of her past who the town as speculated on from the beginning.

I love this series and I love all novels from Susan Mallery. She is an author not to be missed!

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Fear The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

Fear the Darkness 

Guardians of Eternity #9
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her visions lead her to danger

Beautiful Cassandra is a Were, a prophet both vulnerable and defiant, blessed with visions that portend the fate of the world. A rare and delicate creature, Cassie must be protected at all costs. Enter Caine, a powerful cur turned pure blooded Were whose recent tangles with a demon lord have left him in serious need of redemption. Caine is duty-bound to keep Cassie out of danger—and that means resisting his potent urge to seduce her…

And only he can save her

As Cassie’s mysterious visions lead them in and out of danger, Caine believes he has found his true mate, the woman with whom he is bound for all eternity. Cassie is both charmed and frightened by Caine’s magnetism, and unsure if he–or her feelings for him–can be trusted. But Cassie can’t afford to doubt Cain now. A deadly enemy bent on destruction is closer than they realize—and only they can keep chaos from ruling the world.

Review:
Fear the Darkness was a fabulous book.  Caine & Cassie’s story sucked me in so completely that I read this story so fast.  If I didn’t need sleep to function I would have read in one sitting.

I have to admit that I have not read all the books in the Guardians of Eternity series.  But that didn’t stop me from understanding what is happening in Fear the Darkness.  While I would recommend reading the books in order, it is not a must.

While I don’t know much about Caine and Cassie’s histories.  I love these characters in this book.  I loved the struggle these two have to go through.  I love all the drama that is surrounding them.

I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series and really need to do some backtracking and read the books I have missed.  If you are a fan of Alexandra Ivy, Fear the Darkness will not disappoint you.  We get a little of everything in this book, love, lust, trust, betrayal, dark and light, enemy and foe.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand

The Chocolate Thief
by Laura Florand
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Paris
Breathtakingly beautiful, the City of Light seduces the senses, its cobbled streets thrumming with possibility. For American Cade Corey, it’s a dream come true, if only she can get one infuriating French chocolatier to sign on the dotted line…

Chocolate
Melting, yielding yet firm, exotic, its secrets are intimately known to Sylvain Marquis. But turn them over to a brash American waving a fistful of dollars? Jamais. Not unless there’s something much more delectable on the table…

Stolen Pleasure
Whether confections taken from a locked shop or kisses in the dark, is there anything sweeter?

REVIEW:
What do you get when you mix an American determined to get a hold of on very hot French chocolatiers secrets, no matter the cost?  You get a super sweet love story wrapped in a nice little package.

This was a really fun book.  I loved Cade’s determination in what she wants.  Even if she doesn’t really know what she wants.  But what better way to get to get what you want but to steal it.
Sylvain has a touch for chocolate that most don’t.  He understands it, he feels it, he lives it.  Similar to what he knows about women.  But Sylvain is not prepared for the feisty American that just walked into his shop.

It was really fun to read the world that Laura has created in the book.  At times I was craving chocolate so bad it was not even funny.  If you are looking for a sweet romance story, I would suggest picking up a copy of the Chocolate Thief.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Temptation & Twilight by Charlotte Featherstone

Temptation & Twilight
AUTHOR: Charlotte Featherstone
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/19/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Iain Sinclair, Marquis of Alynwick, is certain there is a special hell for him. An unrepentant rake, he holds nothing sacred – except for beautiful Elizabeth York. For years, Alynwick has tried to forget the woman he loved so well, and treated so badly. A woman who could hold nothing in her heart for him except hatred.

All of society believes Elizabeth, blind daughter of a duke, to be a proper young lady. But no one knows of her wanton affair with Alynwick. When Lizzy learns of her ancestor’s ancient diary – filled with exotic tales – she longs to uncover the identity of the unnamed lover within and hesitantly allows Alynwick, who claims to have knowledge of the “veiled lady,” to help her solve the mystery.

Eager to be Lizzy’s eyes, Alynwick brings the seductive text to life, and each night it takes greater effort for her to forget his betrayal. With each whispered word, her resolve gives way, without her knowing that a centuries-old secret will lead them to a present-day danger.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Brethren Guardians series and having not read the first two in the series I must say that I was kind of lost with the background story. Apparently in the first two books the Brethren Guardians have been after “Orpheus” but there is not a lot of storyline in the book to explain the reason why they are pursuing him.

I enjoyed this story but it was just a bit too long for me. The synopsis makes it sound like Iain and Lizzy spend a lot of time reading this diary of exotic takes but I believe there were only about half a dozen readings and much of the story was about Iain wanting to be a different man then he was as a young man and Lizzy not trusting he has changed. It took over ¾ of the book for Iain to even read the first pages to Lizzy so I think the synopsis really gives the wrong idea of this book. However it is a really good book for what it really is… A historical romantic suspense.

I was very disappointed in the ended (the suspense part not the romance part) because there were no clues as to who Orpheus was. However I will say not having read the first two books maybe it was in those but I don’t think so. I think we were supposed to figure it out from this book and I have never been fond of throwing an unknown character in as the villain.

I did really enjoy the romance of Iain and Lizzy. Lizzy is blind but is so strong and her blindness is never written as a handicap. Iain makes women swoon and wish their men would speak so poetically to them. This is a very interesting book and the storyline is great albeit a bit too long but I think the reader can get past that for the great romance Featherstone has written.

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

4 Hearts