TITLE: Tangled
SERIES #: An Intimate Relations Short Story
CHARACTERS: Nate & Cassie
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nate shows up to work at Tangled Vineyards ready to do what he loves best—craft award-winning wines. But when something better comes in the form of Cassie, the winemaker and former owner, Nate is completely love-drunk. Getting involved with Tangled’s mixologist is a bad way to start off a new job, but with Cassie as a temptation, Nate doesn’t stand a chance.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Tangled is the prequel to Ms. Douglas Intimate Relations trilogy and was previously published in the anthology Hot Alphas.
I enjoyed this novella. It was a very quick read and the storyline was very quick. But it was a good little story and a great introduction to the Intimate Relations series. Nate and Cassie are great. I would have loved for the story to be a little longer. But that is my feeling after all novellas.
I did read Tangled after reading the first two books. I didn’t feel lost or that I was reading out of order. Tangled can easily stand on it own.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Last Thing I Remember
CHARACTERS: Sarah
AUTHOR: Deborah Bee
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For fans of Rubbernecker and Before I Go To Sleep, a tense thriller with a clever and original premise – and a devilish twist
Sarah is in a coma.
Her memory is gone – she doesn’t know how she got there. And she doesn’t know how she might get out.
But then she discovers that her injury wasn’t an accident. And that the assailant hasn’t been caught.
Unable to speak, see or move, Sarah must use every clue that she overhears to piece together her own past.
And work out who it is that keeps coming into her room.
A novel that grips from the very beginning and that will live long in the memory, The Last Thing I Remember is Deborah Bee’s startling debut thriller.
REVIEW:
This is so different and so entrancing. This psychological thriller is exactly that. A thrill.
Sarah is in a coma and unable to do anything except think. She and her neighbors daughter piece together what happened to Sarah that put her into the coma.
Honestly if I say too much it gives a lot away. Let’s just say that if you are looking for a book that makes you think and keeps your attention and is something outside of the normal thriller than this is the book for you. I am so glad I picked it up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Take My Breath Away
SERIES #: Cabin Fever #1
CHARACTERS: Poppy & Ryan
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway comes a sparkling new series set in the California mountains, where Hollywood glamour meets rustic charm, and the sparks fly among the unlikeliest of couples…
Poppy Walker has a plan to restore the family resort, and she’s sticking to it. So when a good-looking guy with plenty of cash rents one of her half-repaired vacation cabins, she figures he’s just what the handyman ordered. But when a late-winter storm blows through, it takes down some trees, her roof and then…her self-control. Even though she’s been burned before by a wealthy passer-through, she can’t stay away from the brooding but gorgeous stranger in the bungalow next door.
Former teen idol turned Hollywood exec Ryan Hamilton wants a private place in which to endure his very personal heartbreak. Finally, at this rustic mountain cabin, he has all the seclusion one man could want—until sparks begin to fly with his sexy, formerly chilly landlady. By the time the weather dies down, they’re both hot, bothered and certain they’re still wrong for each other. But there’s no telling how they’ll face the new storm brewing on the horizon…
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What a delightful story. I truly enjoyed every word of it. Ryan is just heartbreaking in his sadness and yet he can be so charming. Poppy is such an optimist that she claws are your heart. And Mason is adorable.
I really believe any single mom should read this story. It clearly shows how a single mom feels. How the child takes over her whole heart and makes her believe that no one can add to that space. And yet this story shows that a mom can be a sexual being not just a mom.
I really look forward to getting back to the resort and seeing how that works out in Shay’s story which is next. Each of the background characters of this story are great and make you want to hear their stories too. Ridgway has begun this series with a winner.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Twilight Hunter
SERIES #: Execution Underground #1
CHARACTERS: Jace McCannon & Frankie Amato
AUTHOR: Kait Ballenger
PUBLICATION DATE: August 27, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but what happens when danger collides with desire?
Jace McCannon has one loyalty: the Execution Underground. Despite his mixed blood, his hatred for the werewolves he hunts is legendary. But in his search for a sadistic killer, Jace finds himself face to face with a stunningly seductive packmaster…and longing for a night with his mortal enemy.
Nothing can stop Frankie Amato from defending her kind–or catching the rogue responsible for killing women in her territory. For that, this alpha female needs Jace’s skills more than she wants to admit. But as their investigation exposes evil truths, need burns into a passion that dare not be fulfilled. For to do so will have deadly consequences for them both.
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jace has always felt ashamed of who he is, or more actually what he is. But he can’t change the past he can only move on. Try to look forward to a future free of at least a few of the beasts he hunts. But the very near future has slightly different plans for Jace. Jace is about to learn that he should not fear or be ashamed of what he is. Because it is the very thing that might be able to save everyone.
As if tracking a killer is not hard enough, Frankie has found herself in the crosshairs of a hunter from the Execution Underground. But there is something about the very sexy hunter that calls to Frankie. Something that she can’t avoid, something that is all consuming, something that could be deadly for her if he finds out who she really is.
Great start to a new series by a great new author!!! Kait has busted onto the scene with a new look at the paranormal with a twist of mythology. Twilight Hunter is book one in Kait’s Execution Underground series. She also released a novella Shadow Hunter, but you don’t have to read them in order. I was sucked into this world and never wanted to leave. I so can’t wait to see what Kait has in store for us next.
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.
TITLE: Dangerous Curves Ahead
SERIES #: Perfect Fit #1
CHARACTERS: Elllis & Mike
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellis Garrett is dumping her critical boyfriend, opening a plus-size clothing store, and starting a blog—all to spread the word that fashion shouldn’t require a size-two body, and happiness should allow for the occasional cupcake. Or two. But is indulging fantasies about her sister’s long-ago ex, the still-hunky Michael Edwards, biting off more than she can chew?
Mike must be losing his detective’s touch. He doesn’t recognize Ellis when he bumps into her at Size Me Up, and he certainly doesn’t remember his ex-girlfriend’s outspoken sister being so irresistible. Her curves are indeed dangerous—and so is her wit. Could it be that Ellis is his Perfect Fit? One thing’s for sure: Mike will make it his sworn duty to find out…
REVIEW:
This book is adorable. I did have some problems with it (see below) but mostly I devoured it (no pun intended). Ellis is a plus size girl who has changed her whole life lately and the last thing she expects is Mike to come back into her life. They had only met a couple times before but a crush is a crush after all. I loved Ellis. She is so snarky and snippy and has a quick sense of humor. She is the kind that can laugh at herself and can make others laugh with her. The problem is she is tired of being laughed AT. Mike is a sweet guy and I really enjoyed him most of the time. Yes I said most.
So here comes the parts that I didn’t like. The couple yo-yos too much.. together, not together, together, etc. While I understand the reason for the not-togethers it went on too many times. I didn’t enjoy the fact that Ellis was always saying she is “fat”. She has a lot of confidence in herself (most of the time) so I would have thought she would use more confident words like plus size or rubenesque, etc. But I can get past that. And non-story related the story has tons (and I mean tons) of errors. I am not sure if the author did not have a editor (if not I will volunteer since I have done it for many books) but sometimes there were so many little errors I had to re-read the sentence to understand it. **NOTE: I went back and looked and I received a uncorrected copy from NetGalley so it was probably fixed by the time the book went live**
NOW… that being said I still adored this book. I think every plus-size girl in the world should pick it up. I think every skinny girl should too… Why? Because it shows how big girls really feel. It shows how what we hear affects our confident, it show show we don’t understand why a gorgeous guy likes a big girl and it shows that big girls deserve love too. I can’t wait for the next in the series. I know this series will be a BIG hit. (Get it?)
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Best of My Love
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #20
CHARACTERS: Aidan Mitchell & Shelby Gilmore
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: April 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”
To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?
Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.
As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I always love to visit Fools Gold California!!! And in Best of My Love another wonderful visit. I love that Ms. Mallery writes us a story that makes us want to cry, laugh and slap someone upside the head at least once while reading. I loved Aidan & Shelby’s journey.
We have got to see both Aidan and Shelby over the last few stories and it was great to get to know them both more. I loved the social experiment that Shelby talks Aidan into. I love the boy thing and girl thing. I loved the interventions, the margarets and the acceptance. I really enjoyed this story and the segway into Ms. Mallery’s new (hopefully soon) spin off. I for one can’t wait to visit Happily Inc.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQN Books & Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Pleasures Of Winter
AUTHOR: Evie Hunter
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | (No link for B&N)
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Pleasures of Winter is a steamy erotic story of romantic obsession and explosive sexual chemistry for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You.
When reporter Abbie Marshall needs to escape Honduras, a private jet carrying a Hollywood A-lister is her only way out. She has a ride home with Irish actor Jack Winter – notorious womanizer and all round bad boy. Abbie is shaken to the core by Winter’s blazing beauty and provocative mind.
After the plane’s nose-dive into the remote rainforest forces them to fight for survival, Abbie catches tantalizing glimpses of the complicated man behind the image. And the more she sees of him, the more he touches some primal part of her that she is determined to suppress. But after a devastating encounter with Winter’s shadow side, Abbie’s detachment is shattered.
On returning to normal life, Abbie cannot forget what happened, nor ignore the shocking rumours about the star’s private life. Her struggle to make sense of her torment leads straight back to Winter, who is just as obsessed by her. But if they are to have a relationship, Abbie knows she must embrace his hidden desires … and accept her own.
No longer caring about anything but their intoxicating love affair, Abbie is drawn deeper into the dark heart of Winter – and the secret that threatens to destroy everything …
REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. The characters jumped out to me right away and I felt they had a connection on the pages. I am not sure I would compare it to Fifty Shades of Grey as the synopsis (sorta) does because yes it does have D/s BDSM but there is completely different feel to this book then Shades.
The characters are very real and while Jack has money he is not portrayed as the millionaire CEO like most of the BDSM books seem to do. Yes he is rich but he is an actor. I imagine him as a George Clooney type. There is nothing haunting about Jack but there is something charismatic about him. I also liked that Abbie was not a pushover. She is strong-willed and curious but she is a reporter not afraid to go after the hard stories.
Some things that I had a hard time with: first the author is obviously foreign so some of the wording or phrasing did not transfer to read fluently but that was something that is noticed but can be looked over. Second the character of Abbie while in the jungle she is strong willed and independent I had a problem when she was first learning about her submissive side. The first email conversation with the “Disciplinarian” she told him everything about herself including her name, her families names, job, etc… No reporter (or anyone I would hope) would give all that information away to a stranger online. It really made it hard for me to enjoy that portion of the book. Plus for a reporter Abbie seems so dense about the emails. I mean really the emails use the same wording that Jack did in the jungle but she doesn’t think anything of it?
But that is the only parts I had a hard time with. I believe anyone who enjoys this genre will truly enjoy this book. It has everything a D/s story could want.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Ready to Were
SERIES #: Shift Happens series #1
CHARACTERS: Hank Wilson & Ester “Essie” McGee
AUTHOR: Robyn Peterman
PUBLICATION DATE: November 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I never planned on going back to Hung Island, Georgia. Ever.
I was a top notch Were agent for the secret paranormal Council and happily living in Chicago where I had everything I needed – a gym membership, season tickets to the Cubs and Dwayne – my gay, Vampyre best friend. Going back now would mean facing the reason I’d left and I’d rather chew my own paw off than deal with Hank.
Hank the Tank Wilson was the six foot three, obnoxious, egotistical, perfect-assed, best-sex-of-my-life, Werewolf who cheated on me and broke my heart. At the time, I did what any rational woman would do. I left in the middle of the night with a suitcase, big plans and enough money for a one-way bus ticket to freedom. I vowed to never return.
But here I am, trying to wrap my head around what has happened to some missing Weres without wrapping my body around Hank. I hope I don’t have to eat my words and my paw.
***This novella originally appeared in the Three Southern Beaches collection released July of 2014. This is an extended version of that story
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This was such a fun book. Robyn does a great job of adding in just enough snark and humor into all of her books. While still telling a great story that tugs at your heart strings and makes you feel really bad for the bad guys. I for one can’t wait to see what is next in this series. The secondary characters were just as much fun as Hank & Essie.
Bring on more Shift Happens books.
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Love Potions
SERIES #: Warlocks MacGregor #1
CHARACTERS: Lydia & Erik
AUTHOR: Michelle M Pillow
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Erik MacGregor, from a clan of ancient Scottish warlocks, isn’t looking for love. After centuries, it’s not even a consideration…until he moves in next door to Lydia Barratt. It’s clear that the shy beauty wants nothing to do with him, but he’s drawn to her nonetheless and determined to win her over.
Lydia Barratt just wants to be left alone to grow flowers and make lotions in her small cottage. The last thing she needs is a demanding Scottish man meddling in her private life. Just because he’s gorgeous and totally rocks a kilt doesn’t mean she’s going to fall for his seductive manner.
But Erik won’t give up and just as Lydia let’s her guard down, his sister decides to get involved. Her little love potion prank goes terribly wrong, making Lydia the target of his sudden embarrassingly obsessive behavior. They’ll have to find a way to pull Erik out of the spell fast when it becomes clear that Lydia has more than a lovesick warlock to worry about. Evil lurks within the shadows and it plans to use Lydia, alive or dead, to take out Erik and his clan for good.
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I can not even tell you how much I enjoyed this story. It was mostly lighthearted and actually had me chuckle a number of times. Erik is so funny and sweet sometimes that you have to smile. Lydia is a great character as well. Both are perfect for each other. So enjoyable!
There is a little bit of everything in this paranormal romance. Warlocks, Ghosts, Liderc and so much more. But there is also a sweet romance, a sweet best friend and a clan of Scot’s in kilts. What is not to love?
I can’t wait for the next in the series. I am assuming it is Charlotte’s story but honestly I am not even sure which Warlock she will be with but then any of the MacGregors would be great. Well done to the author Michelle M Pillow. While I have not read her before I will be looking for her from now on.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: How To Seduce A Fireman
SERIES #: Wild Heat #1
CHARACTERS: Cassie & Quinn
AUTHOR: Vonnie Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The heat is on…
Book 1 in the ‘Wild Heat’ series – the hottest new fireman trilogy of the fall!
Cassie Wolford has crushed on fireman Quinn Gallagher ever since he moved to Clearwater three years ago. There’s just one problem: he’s always made it clear dating is out of the question. But once a Wolford sets their sights on someone, that person doesn’t stand a chance! Cassie decides it’s time for Quinn to get a dose of his own medicine… and sets out to show him what he’s missing!
Quinn knows only too well what Cassie’s up to but he can’t give her what she wants. He isn’t good for anyone, much less someone as sweet as his angel. Fighting her off hurts like hell, but giving her false hope of a happy ever after would be damn cruel. That’s why he has to leave Clearwater.
Unfortunately, someone from his past has different ideas and when Cassie’s life is threatened this former CIA operative is staying put, prepared to crawl through hell and back to keep her safe. And it looks like he might just have to.
REVIEW:
So I really enjoyed this story. There is a wonderful amount of angst between the characters who so clearly love each other from moment one and they compliment each other really well. However there is a lot of anger between them. Thankfully the author put that they were in counseling because if a couple ever need counseling it is this couple. I enjoyed Quinn mostly. When he gets mad or in his own head too much he can be a bit of an a$$ so that gets old pretty quick. And Cassie is a bit of a lovestruck teenager even though she is an adult. But that being said they somehow work well together.
There is quite a bit of suspense too. Well maybe that is not the right word but it will have to do. The writing is good and certainly keeps you glued to the story. The little bit of a problem with the writing is it seems like we have missed a few books in the series but we haven’t. The older brothers have their women already and the background that is given seems like we should have met them already so I went back and looked and this is the first in the series and I do not see a series prior to this one that would have us meet them (if I am wrong I hope someone lets me know). But there are more coming in the series and I am glad. The other little thing is we really didn’t get to see to much “fireman” in the book but that is ok the story was good enough to let that slide.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Claimed
SERIES #: Club Sin #1
CHARACTERS: Dmitri Pratt & Presley Flynn
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Presley Flynn is ripe to experience her secret fantasies . . . and Dmitri Pratt wants nothing more than to fulfill them. Once inside the elite Club Sin in Las Vegas, Presley is nervous but excited—and determined to surrender to her every desire. Dmitri is her Master, and his touch is like fire. With each careful, calculated caress, he unleashes her wildest inhibitions, giving her unimagined pleasure.
Presley is different than the other submissives Dimitri has mastered. The BDSM lifestyle is new to her, and so are the games they play at Club Sin. From the start, Presley stirs emotions in him far beyond the raw purity between a dom and the perfect sub. For the ecstasy they share goes beyond the dungeon igniting a passion that claims the very depths of the heart.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
Just when I think I might be done with the BDSM genre Stacey has to write a story that tugs at my heartstrings.
I really enjoyed this book. Stacey does a really good job of not going over the top with the BDSM factor and focus more on the relationship. I really felt more connected with the characters because of this. It was not just about the sex.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. It is a short story of less than 200 pages but it captures the reader from the beginning and doesn’t let go. I will say you have to be a fan or BDSM erotica to read, if not then this is not the book for you at all. But if you are a fan you will not want to miss it.
The erotic storyline is not over the top for the genre and you can feel the affection of the characters right away so you know there is a love story to follow the sex which was entertaining. There was one part that I really did not enjoy (no spoilers) but I guess it was needed for the story but I still didn’t enjoy those couple of pages. But that was all it was, a couple of pages, and helped the story to continue.
As I said if you are a fan of the genre then do not miss this story.
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.
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she’s to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date – a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she’s to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – but he is more than what he appears and Melanie’s analytical mind goes into overdrive.
Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night away from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life? REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly Wise NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars
REVIEW: Kade and Melanie meet on a blind date. It is meant to be a one night stand but when Kade sees and smells her he knows Melanie is his mate. But how do you convince a human she is meant to be the mate of a werewolf?
This is the first in the Redwood Pack series. It is a short story of about 50 pages. And it is a great short read. It will only take about an hour or two to read it but if you like man/wolf stories then you will want this book to add to your stories.
It was hard for me to get passed the werewolf terminology. Lovers of paranormal books have come to call them shape-shifters and honestly it reads better. Werewolves make you think of a hairy man walking around but Kade does actually become a wolf. And once you realize he is not going to look like “Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man” version of a werewolf it is better. **Possible spoiler – but I doubt it ** The book could have been a little longer so it did not feel so rushed for answers and we could have met Kade’s opponent in Melanie’s love and it would have read a little better but that being said I enjoyed it and I have the next two books in my hands (FYI: which are longer) and I think they will be just as enjoyable.
TITLE: Tangled
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