Category: 5 Star

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#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Against The Wall by Rebecca Zanetti – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Against the Wall
SERIES: Mavrick Montana #1
CHARACTERS: Jake Lodge & Sophie Smith
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: March 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Never challenge a cowboy in the courtroom…

Surveying the proposed site for a high-end golf course should have been a breeze for spunky Landscape Architect Sophie Smith. But when this born-and-bred city girl is suddenly—and quite literally—swept off her feet by a sexy cowboy on horseback, she realizes that the country life has some serious (and seriously steamy!) possibilities. That is, until she finds out exactly who her smokin’-hot wrangler really is.

Cowboy and Tribal lawyer Jake Lodge is desperately trying to block the development. And if that means playing hardball—and being every inch the shark lawyer—so be it. But Sophie is a distraction he didn’t expect. A distraction that makes his blood burn.

Two different worlds. Two opposing sides. And when they finally give into the exquisite temptation, the consequences will shake the foundations of both of their lives

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Sophie Smith is a on a mission. She has to convince the local tribe and county that her company should put in a golf course. If she can do this she can save her Uncle’s company. The last thing Sophie ever expected was to be swept off her feet. And boy does Jake sweep Sophie off her feet. Even when she tries to fight him on this growing attraction Jake never gives up on her or what he wants.

I could go into so much more about this book. But I really try to keep my review spoiler free and I fear if I say much more I will tell you the whole book. You just really need to buy this book!!!

I think the Rebecca knocked out of the park with this first book in her new Contemporary romance series. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Heck I can’t wait for the next three. Each of the Lodge kids are spunky, loyal, total smart asses, and never give up when they set their sights on a goal.

If you are looking for a new love. You need to take a trip to Maverick Montana.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
I had to force myself to finish this book… why? Because I knew if I finished this book it would be over and I never wanted this book to end. I have a brand new fictional love in Jake.

I don’t want to tell much of the plotline because honestly I loved the surprise of it all. This is a different type of writing for Zanetti and I have to say that as much as I loved her paranormal books I just could not get enough of this book and its characters.

Sophie is an adorable character. She is the type of woman that you just know would be a great friend. She is comfortable with everyone and has a passion that she so desperately wants to follow. Jake is just.. wow. There is something about this man that every woman would find irresistible.

I can not wait until the next book (Under The Covers) comes out. I wonder who is will be about… Quinn? Oh yeah… Wait… Colton? That works… Dawn? Yeah I want her story too… No matter who it is about I will be picking it up as soon as I can!

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.

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Jennifer reviews Only Lycans Need Apply by Michele Bardsley

TITLE: Only Lycans Need Apply
SERIES #: Broken Heart Vampires
CHARACTERS: Drake and Moira
AUTHOR: Michele Bardsley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: When I found the ancient tomb of the two most powerful vampires in history, I knew I was in for a lot of trouble…..

But archaeologists like me, Moira Jameson, are ready for trouble. Okay, maybe not human-species-threatening trouble. Or the kind of trouble that arrives in the form of a sexy werewolf named Drake. Yeah. Werewolf. And I thought ancient curses and walking corpses were a joke. Um..not so much.

‘Cause a walking corpse Named Karn wants to reveal vampires, and all of parakind, to the humans. And everyone else thinks that’s a bad idea. Then a pyramid mysteriously appears in Broken Heart, Oklahoma, and I’m appointed to get inside, survive booby traps, and awaken two very old, very hungry vampires. Luckily, Drake has my back (and my front). Unfortunately, archaeology sometimes reveals some very nasty surprises. And I’ll have to decide between saving myself…or saving the world.

REVIEW:
This is the ninth novel in the Broken Heart Vampires series and I’m in love with this Oklahoma town where most paranormal beings call home. The main character, Moira Jameson, has the reputation of being difficult among her University colleagues but her love of archaeology has kept her going after the death of her grandfather. When she comes upon a mysterious pyramid during an excavation, all hell breaks loose and she finds out that she has been chosen to awaken two very old vampires and help save mankind. Michele Bardsley’s novels are so full of imagination and humor, it is difficult not to fall for these characters. Moira has such a great heart even though her life has been filled with tragedy and I enjoyed that she was fiercely protective of the people in her life. She understands that she must be the one to free the elder vampires even though Drake would love to take that responsibility from her. Drake is the strong silent type that instantly wants Moira to be his mate and does everything to protect her which was a trait I instantly loved about his character. I was captivated by this story and finished it within one sitting. The humor will have you laughing out loud and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved visiting the town of Broken Heart and was sad when this story had to end and I’m looking forward to heading back to this lovely town soon in Michele’s next novel.

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

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Jennifer’s review of Along Came Trouble by Ruthie Knox

TITLE: Along Came Trouble
SERIES #: Camelot Series #2
CHARACTERS: Ellen Callahan and Caleb Clark
AUTHOR: Ruthie Knox
PUBLICATION DATE: 3/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An accomplished lawyer and driven single mother, Ellen Callahan isn’t looking for any help. She’s doing just fine on her own. So Ellen’s more than a little peeved when her brother, an international pop star, hires a security guard to protect her from a prying press that will stop at nothing to dig up dirt on him. But when the tanned and toned Caleb Clark shows up at her door, Ellen might just have to plead the fifth.

Back home after a deployment in Iraq and looking for work as a civilian, Caleb signs on as Ellen’s bodyguard. After combat in the hot desert sun, this job should be a breeze. But guarding the willful beauty is harder than he imagined–and Caleb can’t resist the temptation to mix business with pleasure. With their desires growing more undeniable by the day. Ellen and Caleb give in to an evening of steamy passion. But will they ever be able to share more than just a one-night stand?

REVIEW:
Ellen Callahan just wanted peace and quiet in her life but that wasn’t possible when her famous brother decided to have an affair with the next door neighbor. Now the paparazzi are in town to get a glimpse of the famous couple and tramping over Ellen’s lawn to do it. Ellen didn’t need anyone to take care of her and that goes for the security detail that her brother has hired for her. I liked that she was very successful in her career but also very down-to-earth. She had a famous brother and she never got wrapped up in that lifestyle. She just wanted to raise her son without distractions after recently divorcing her philandering, drunk, yet full of himself ex-husband, Richard. I loved her personality and I truly connected with her because its hard being a mom while having a career and trying to balance both worlds. She didn’t want to find love but it was exactly what she needed and I wish everyone could have a Caleb Clark.

As I read this book, I kept picturing Caleb as a Dwayne Johnson type of guy that seemed to have it all. He was this handsome, strong guy who looked as though he could have any woman that he wanted because he was such a charmer. The thing is, he was actually looking for that one woman that he could call his own and when he saw Ellen, he knew that he had found her. He just had to convince her and take took a little “negotiation.” He was the perfect match for her because protecting his family and the people that he loved meant everything to him because after being in the military, that was one of the things that he could do very well. I also just loved the way Caleb and Ellen interacted with each other, sometimes without even saying a word.

This is the second book in the Camelot series and Ruthie Knox has created a real winner with this one. This story is filled with humor, family fighting, romance and hot steamy sex between our two main characters. I can’t wait to read more from this author and I hope that when I grow old I can be like the character Nana in this book. She had some of the best lines that will have you laughing out loud.

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

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Guest Reviewer Erica reviews Three Sisters by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Three Sisters
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #2
CHARACTERS: Andi/Boston/Deanna
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life – buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi’s new future may be coming together, but the truth is she’s just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house.

When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora’s Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he’s right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she’s lost herself, and she’s in danger of losing her entire family if things don’t change.

Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for one other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she’s not so sure. Now it’s time for them to move forward, with or without one another.

Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they’re really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.

REVIEW:
Susan Mallery’s newest novel, “Three Sisters”, is the second in her newest series, Blackberry Island. It follows the first in the series “Barefoot Season”. This is about 3 women and their families who live in the 3 Queen Anne Victorian houses on the island. Andi buys the 3rd house, to turn the bottom part into a pediatric office, and she will live upstairs.

Next door is Deanna, a wife and mother of 5 daughters. She accuses her husband of having an affair, and he assures her that he is not cheating on her. She is obsessive-compulsive, she washes her hands so much, that she is embarrassed to shake Andi’s hand when she talks to her for the second time, and she hides it in her sleeve. The first time she meets Andi, she is rude. She feels that her daughters do not appreciate her, she always sees the daughters yelling that “Daddy is home”, but she never gets the same treatment. I did not like Deanna at the beginning of the book, but luckily she matures and changes throughout the novel. We learn about why Deanna acts the way she does, and why she washes her hands so much.

Finally, we have Boston, who married her high school sweetheart, but they do not have any children. Unfortunately, they had a son, who passed away at only 6 months old. Boston spends her days painting, and drawing pictures of her son, eating, sleeping, anything her beautiful baby did, or did not get to do, due to his short life. Boston’s husband spends his time away from home, trying to drown his sorrows in a bottle. At the end of the book, Susan gives us a lovely meeting between Boston and her husband where they talk about what happened, and eventually they help each other get through their grief.

Andi meets Wade, who will be her contractor. Wade is the Brother-in-Law of Boston. He will tear apart the first floor of her house, and turn it into a beautiful pediatric office. Andi also commissions Boston to paint a mural to make the kids feel more excited than scared to be at the doctor. Susan describes an amazing jungle scene, which I for one, really wanted to see in paint, besides what I painted in my head.

Andi also spends some time with a few of Deanna’s daughters. She invites them over for lemonade and cookies, and one day Boston visits, and spends that afternoon drawing the children, and their cat.

Deanna talks to Andi about her OCD, and Andi gives her the name of a psychiatrist, and convinces her to go for an appointment. Deanna does go for the appointment, and by the end of the book, she is a lot nicer than she was at the beginning. She also talks more to her daughters, and instead of yelling at them like she did in the beginning of the book, she listens to them and talks in a calm manner.

We also get to see Michelle and Carly from the first book, when Deanna goes to apply for a job at their bed-and-breakfast. We do not get to catch up with them; we are mainly with Deanna when she meets them for her interview.

This is just another amazing Susan Mallery novel, She writes amazing characters with sad, happy, and sometimes tragic back stories, but at the end of each novel, she gives them hope, love, and great friends. I for one cannot wait for the next Blackberry Island novel.

On the plus side, on susanmallery.com, she has a calendar on the left side of the page, which gives us some save-the-dates for some of her upcoming novels. Also visit blackberryisland.susanmallery.com, for a Blackberry Island map, and a visitor’s guide, and also recipes.

Also see foolsgold.ca.susanmallery.com, for her Fools Gold series, which at the end of July of this year, will have released 12 full length novels, and some e-novellas.

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.

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Guest Reviewer Hai-Yen reviews Hearts Of Darkness by Laura Kaye

TITLE: Hearts Of Darkness
CHARACTERS: Makenna & Caden
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/21/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Makenna James thinks her day can’t get any worse, until she finds herself stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call and juggling too much stuff, the pin-striped accountant caught only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights went out.

Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he’s terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he’s trapped in his own worst nightmare.

To fight fear, they must both reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

REVIEW:
I first discovered Laura Kaye’s work with “Hearts in Darkness” (HID). This story falls into the contemporary romance genre, which was a first for me. I fell completely and utterly in love with HID on so many levels.

For starters, the cover got my attention. I don’t want to sound shallow but I do love a great cover and this cover caught my attention (I mean, have you seen it?!). After reading the blurb, I was curious. What is so special about the story of two strangers stranded in an elevator? Well, when it is written by Laura Kaye, let’s just say it is insanely hot!

Makenna James thinks her day can’t get any worse, until she finds herself stuck in a pitch-black elevator with a complete stranger. Distracted by a phone call and juggling too much stuff, the pin-striped accountant caught only a glimpse of a dragon tattoo on his hand before the lights went out.

Caden Grayson is amused when a redhead literally falls at his feet. His amusement turns to panic when the power fails. Despite his piercings, tats, and vicious scar, he’s terrified of the dark and confined spaces. Now, he’s trapped in his own worst nightmare.

To fight fear, they must both reach out and open up. With no preconceived notions based on looks to hold them back, they discover just how much they have in common. In the warming darkness, attraction grows and sparks fly, but will they feel the same when the lights come back on?

The story is compelling and, at times, heartbreaking. The main characters are likable. You cannot help but get attached to them and wish them well. I have never read a love scene that is so explicitly well described and emotionally-charged. I laughed, cried and groaned while reading HID. A truly heartfelt story. I highly recommend HID. You won’t be disappointed. Promise. Laura Kaye has been on my To-Read list ever since.

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.

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Guest Reviewer Misty reviews The Dark Lady by Maire Claremont

TITLE: The Dark Lady
SERIES #: Mad Passion #1
CHARACTERS: Eva & Ian
AUTHOR: Máire Claremont
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Victorian era was full of majestic beauty and scandalous secrets—a time when corsets were the least of a woman’s restrictions, and men could kill or be killed in the name of honor…

Lord Ian Blake has returned from India a broken man. Years ago, he pledged to Lady Eva Carin—his childhood companion and first love—that he would bring her husband back alive. His failure haunts him. But even his jaded soul can’t anticipate the shocking sight of beautiful, independent Eva confined in a madhouse.

Locked in an asylum, forgotten by society, Eva is adrift in both body and mind. For Ian to break her free, they must cross a powerful enemy—and prove her sanity to England’s unforgiving aristocracy. But the biggest danger of all may come when the secrets of Eva’s tragic past are finally unlocked.

REVIEW:
A Beautifully Dark Delight
I have been anxiously awaiting Máire Claremont’s debut from the moment I first spied the cover. The lush art work led me to believe that the contents inside would certainly be even better. The Dark lady had me from page one and kept me entranced right through the final pages. The writing is solid. The Dark Lady’s hero and heroine are equally matched in strengths and tragedies. The story weaves its way through the dark side of Victorian England, a side which is often forgotten. Claremont draws readers into the dark recesses of an often cruel era where those who have power often abused such power. From a country side madhouse to the beautiful ballrooms of London this book takes readers on ride that so few historical romances do.
They had been friends since early childhood but destiny and duty fell in their paths. Lady Eva Carin has not only lost her husband but soon after suffers a much greater loss than that, the loss of her infant son in an accident of her own making. Her brother-in-law Thomas, the new Lord Carin sees fit to commit Eva to an asylum of which she has endured many cruelties including a regular dosing of laudanum and many pain filled beatings. Lord Ian Blake has returned from India haunted by the events that led to the former Lord’s death and dreads coming face to face with Eva, but he knows he owes her the truth about what really happened to her husband. Ian is stunned to learn that she’s been committed, but upon entering the halls of the asylum that she has been placed in, he becomes livid and enraged. The only thing that stops him from committing murder is the thought of never being able to see Eva again. This sets off a chain of events that puts them both in danger as they each try to overcome the torments that life has thrown at them.
I was drawn into the story from beginning and my heart went out to Eva and Ian. The story telling is lush and simply draws you into the period. There are many strong secondary characters that will make you want to come back for a second helping. Beautifully crafted, and has been written in a fashion that believable for its time period. For a novel that has an overall darkness to it, the light soon begins to filter in.
Easily a Five Star

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.


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Jennifer’s review of Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan

TITLE: Winterblaze
AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Once blissfully in love….Poppy Lane is keeping secrets. Her powerful gift has earned her membership in the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, but she must keep both her ability and her alliance with the Society from her husband, Winston. Yet when Winston is brutally attacked by a werewolf, Poppy’s secrets are revealed, leaving Winston’s trust in her as broken as his body. Now Poppy will do anything to win back his affections….

Their relationship is now put to the ultimate test… Winston Lane soon regains his physical strength but his face and heart still bears the scars of the vicious attack. Drawn into the darkest depths of London, Winston must fight an evil demon that wants to take away the last hope of reconciliation with his wife. As a former police inspector, Winston has intelligence and logic on his side. But it will take the strength of Poppy’s love for him to defect the forces that threaten to tear them apart.

REVIEW:
I have been waiting a long time to finally learn Poppy and Winston’s story and Kristen Callihan doesn’t disappoint in her latest installment in the Darkest London series. This is a heart-wrenching tale of a couple that has to battle a demon from the depths of hell to protect their true love. Poppy has always been an interesting character to me as the oldest Ellis sister and we finally learn her supernatural ability that she has gone to great lengths to keep hidden. Poppy was also protecting other deep dark secrets in this novel that would threaten to destroy her relationship with her husband and her family if they became known. I was quite irritated with Winston’s character in the beginning because he had separated from Poppy when he learned one of these secrets and instead of standing by her, decided it was best that they go their separate ways. This secret destroyed his image of Poppy and considering he was holding secrets of his own, made me angry with his character. Poppy was such a strong character in my eyes with all the responsibilities that she had to deal with and had wanted to make the best of the situation even if it meant not living with her husband anymore.

During the course of the novel, they were able to make amends and join forces to hunt a deadly demon, Isley, who threatened Winston’s life and his future with Poppy. He was intent on taking Winston’s soul unless Winston was able to discover the identity of a Moira Darling and the object that she had stolen from this deadly demon. The journey to find Moira Darling brought Poppy and Win closer together but also unearthed secrets that neither had wanted to come to light. I enjoyed learning about Poppy and Winston’s relationship and courtship which appeared via flashbacks during the course of this novel. Kristen is an amazingly talented author and each novel seems to be better than its predecessor in this dazzling paranormal Victorian world. I can’t wait to read her next novel, Shadowdance, which continues the adventures of Jack Talent and the beautiful yet elusive Mary Chase.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Three Sisters by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Three Sisters
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #2
CHARACTERS: Andi/Boston/Deanna
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life – buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi’s new future may be coming together, but the truth is she’s just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house.

When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora’s Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he’s right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she’s lost herself, and she’s in danger of losing her entire family if things don’t change.

Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for one other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she’s not so sure. Now it’s time for them to move forward, with or without one another.

Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they’re really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.

REVIEW:

LIVE ~ LOVE ~ LAUGH
These are the best words to describe the ladies of the houses known as the Three Sister. One friend needs to learn to live again after the death of her baby. One friend needs to learn to love and trust again after a relationship ends. And one just needs to learn how to laugh and not take life so seriously.

This is not a story of romance (but of course there is some). However this is a story about love. Learning to love yourself and the women who have become your friends. Each story is told only from the female point of view with three different yet intertwined stories. They are heartbreaking and emotional. The stories leave you sad, angry, happy and renewed. The women that Susan Mallery has given us are so different that at first I thought I wonder which one of these women I will relate to and I found I somehow related to all of them in some way. I was the woman left with a broken heart wondering if I should or could love again, I was the woman who had lost something so incredibly special I wondered if I could be whole again and I was the woman who had done everything to be the woman I was supposed to be and was not sure if it was enough. I think every woman has been these women at some point in their lives. No, not all at once but over time and years.

These women were so poignant that it was hard not to feel the emotions of each as I read their stories and finally decided to just stop trying to fight the feelings and embrace them. I cried, I smiled, I wanted to be at their table having wine and giving them my opinion of what they needed to do.

This is not Fool’s Gold. This is real life encompassed in one single book. How Susan Mallery got through the writing of this book with all the emotions she poured into it I will never know but I am glad she did. I am a better person for “knowing” these three women because I see myself in each of them and realize every woman should spend more time LIVING ~ LOVING ~ AND LAUGHING.

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

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Kelly’s review of Edge Of Dawn by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Edge of Dawn – Midnight Breed #11
Characters: Mira & Kellen
AUTHOR:Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts

REVIEW:
It was great to be back in the world of the Midnight Breed. 20 years in the future from the last book (#10 Darker After Midnight) the world has changed and all the kids are grown up. I will admit it was a little strange to go from seeing Mira a little rambunctious girl in Darker too this strong warrior woman in Edge of Dawn. But once you get over the time lapse you will be totally fine.

The world is not much better then when we left it at the end of Darker. The Breed has been out in the open and humans still fear them. Wars have raged. People both Breed and human have been lost. The Breed & human are trying to find a way to live peacefully. But not all is what it seems and soon a new enemy emerges that will threaten everything that the Breed has been trying to do for the last 20 years.

Edge of Dawn brings most of the original Breed members back to this story to fight against this new enemy. And since I really don’t like to give spoilers…..

Edge of Dawn is Mira & Kellan’s story And it is a great story of love, loss, betrayal and learning to trust again. I really, really, really, loved this story and loved the new elements that Lara brings to this new world of the Midnight Breed.

I will tell you that I did need a tissue a time or two. I loved to see some of my favorite’s back (even if my favorite was only mentioned) and I have a few new favorites among the younger Breed members now too.

I am very much looking forward to where Lara is going to take us with this new Breed of characters and what she has in store for us with this new enemy.

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.

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Guest Reviewer Shayna reviews Crossing Lines by Alannah Lynne

TITLE:  Crossing Lines
SERIES #: Heat Wave #3
CHARACTERS: Kevin & Sam
AUTHOR:  Alannah Lynne
PUBLICATION DATE:  01/28/13

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The world’s best-stocked toy drawer can only take a gal so far. Bored with her current assortment of vibrating, plastic pieces, Sam Wallace decides to add a new sex toy to her collection: Kevin Mazze. The sexy Italian is more than happy to help her live out her long-held sexual fantasies, and trusting him with her body is easy. Trusting him with her heart, however, is not… especially when he commits an unforgiveable sin.

Kevin Mazze is one of the good guys. He’s spent his life always doing the right things and making those around him happy. When he meets the woman of his dreams, at the worst possible time, he finds himself making bad choices in the name of good and crossing lines he never thought he would… while praying she never finds out.

REVIEW:
Let me just start off by saying I could not put this book down. I was so excited to hear that this was Kevin’s story. I wanted Kevin to have his Happily Ever After and Sam could not be more perfect for him in all ways possible. This was an emotional story for me. I laughed, I got angry, and definitely teared up a little. Thank you Alannah for a fabulous read. You never disappoint! If you haven’t started the Heat Wave Series, you are definitely missing out on something special.

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.

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Jennifer’s review of Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

TITLE: Scarlet
SERIES #: The Lunar Chronicles #2
CHARACTERS: Scarlet, Wolf and Cinder
AUTHOR: Marissa Meyer
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison –even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

REVIEW: I am absolutely in love with this series! This is the second book in The Lunar Chronicles and it picks up right after the events of “Cinder.” We find that Cinder has now been imprisoned and will soon be turned over to the deadly and devious Queen Levana who wants nothing other than to kill Cinder for her pure enjoyment. When Cinder finally does escape, she takes on the most unlikely of partners in her quest for freedom and to stay far out of the reach of the wicked Queen. I enjoyed every minute of this novel and I loved how there were two characters perspectives, Cinder and the introduction of Scarlet, who holds the key to Cinder’s past and true identity. Scarlet was an interesting character because she was so responsible at such a young age and was willing to do anything to find her grandmother who had been kidnapped and was being held hostage. I am looking forward to seeing how Scarlet’s and Wolf’s relationship develop after the events of “Scarlet” because there are so many unanswered questions and we don’t know Wolf’s true motives for helping Scarlet. You can also start to see how the pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together in regards to Cinder’s past and what it means for her future. I am also glad that Cinder has finally decided that enough was enough and it is time for her to take a stand instead of running away from everything. This is such an exciting book full of action and suspense and it will have you rooting for Scarlet and Cinder until the very last page. I will definitely be counting the days until the next book, Cress, is released next year.

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.

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Jennifer’s review of The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein

TITLE: The Next Forever
AUTHOR: Lisa Burstein
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/13/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: One night in college can change everything……Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story.

Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush–where the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.

Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.

REVIEW: Lisa Burstein follows up with her characters from her previous novel, Pretty Amy, who are now in college and are faced with the ultimate temptation that could destroy their once solid relationship. I haven’t read Pretty Amy but I was still able to connect with Amy and Joe and their doubts about continuing their relationship. Being in college provided them with so much freedom and choices that they finally reached a crossroad where they must make a decision about their romantic future. I thought this novella was very poignant, thought-provoking, and at times intensely emotional about what decision would you make if you were given the opportunity to lead another life. I liked Amy because she seemed to be battling herself by either falling back to her “bad girl” ways or trying to actually find out who she really was. The novella presented both character’s viewpoint and you could see the emotional battle they were faced with each decision they made. I loved this story and it made me believe that even though you are given different opportunities doesn’t mean they are always right and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. This story will stick with you well after the last page and I can’t wait to read more by Lisa Burstein.

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