Category: 5 Star

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Guest Reviewer Tonya reviews The Fatal Series by Marie Force

SERIES TITLE: The Fatal Series

AUTHOR: Marie Force

The “Fatal Series” is by far one of the best legal romance thriller type book series I have ever read. There are a total of 6 books in the series so far with the 7th book coming out in June. Marie Force has done an absolutely amazing job describing her characters and bringing them to life in her books. You truly feel like you are friends with the main characters Sam and Nick. And as their lives and the lives of their families and friends unfold within the pages of each of the Fatal books you are drawn in deeper with each turn of the page, leaving you breathless, excited, anxious and racing to get to the next book. And if you finish before book 7 comes out don’t be surprised if you are either picking them up to read them again or are going through serious withdrawals waiting for that next book to open and see the lives of Sam and Nick unfold before you again.
Contained within this write up are the reviews for each of the 6 books currently in this series. I have to say again what an amazing writer Marie Force is. This is just one of several series she has written not to count multiple stand alone books. You wont go wrong reading any of her books but by far to me the “Fatal Series” books are 5 star top notch books.
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 Book 1 – FATAL AFFAIR – High Paced – Super Intense!!!
I love books with strong female leads and I love books even more when the strong female lead is in a powerful position like in this case a detective.Samantha “Sam” Holland is a detective investigating the horrific murder of a very popular US Senator. A major witness to the case Nick a man she had a one night stand with over 6 years ago found the body of the senator. Sam has had so real trials in her life since then from a bad marriage, her father (once the chief of police) being injured on the duty and permanently paralyzed, a high profile case she was on turned bad and now the murder of a US Senator. She doesn’t need this man to come back into her life but he does and at full force.

The plot of the book, the lay out all of it is excellent. I love when I can start a book and immediately be drawn into the story, into the lives of the characters and feel like I am right there, like one of them. You can’t wait for the next page, the next clue to try and find out who murdered the Senator and let me just say I was completely shocked in the outcome – who really murdered the senator.
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Book 2 – FATAL JUSTICE – Highly Intense-Superb!!!
If you liked book 1 in the Fatal Series you will LOVE book 2 “Fatal Justice” OMG I could not put this book down. I fell in love with the main characters Sam “Samantha” Holland and Nick Cappuano in book 1 but this book sealed it.Sam and Nick go through some very real life issues in this book, learning more about each other, a lot of Sam’s past is revealed in this book and what she went through. How her and Nick handle each incident is very well laid out and feels so very true to life. You laugh, you cry, and you can’t wait for the next page to see what happens.

This one starts out with a man who commits a horrific crime on his family and during the investigation information about her father is found. Sam’s on high alert how is this man connected to what happened to her father all those years ago.

A high profile murder and Nick is back in the spotlight as he and Graham and Lainie are close to this person. Then a young man almost murdered related to the person who was murdered and this investigation becomes very twisted, Sam struggles to put the pieces together.

Sam goes through a lot of trials in this book, from being held hostage, shot at, horrible car accident, yes even almost losing Nick. All test her strength and resolve and her relationship with Nick. They hit some bumps in this one, but its really great to read how they get through each one.

I really love the epilogue on this – oh now don’t go and rush to get to it but it is by far the best, and I mean the best way for this to be done that I have seen in a book EVER……..

Hurry up and get this book now if you haven’t read book one “Fatal Affair” you have to start there first but then rush to get this one. I am off to get book Three “Fatal Consequences”

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 Book 3 – FATAL CONSEQUENCES – Buckle Up This One Is Explosive!!!
Sam and Nick are back again for book 3, with Nick preparing for reelection and Sam back on the job as they celebrate their engagement yet another mystery to solve. Several women are murdered, one of Sam’s own is horrible attacked and the clock is ticking for Sam to figure out just who is killing women in her city. As always it hits close to home with Sam and Nick and the political world is turned upside down again from yet another scandal. This one by far the best scandal so far.I love how Marie writes her story lines, they are so fast paced and entrenched in details. Not only do you feel like you are right there while Sam and her team are chasing down the bad guys, but you are right there while Nick is dealing with reelection, they deal with her family and a possible new member to their family and you begin to learn a lot more about Cruz, Gonzo and McBride.

Even though the main characters are Nick and Sam, I love how Marie adds in the story lines for Gonzo and Christina, Cruz and Elin as well as her father and his new bride Celia. This book starts off with the wedding of her father and Celia and what a wedding it is. And just builds from there.

Like the other books I couldn’t put this one down and before I knew it I was done and rushing to download the next one. Great job Marie as always.

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 Novella – FATAL DESTINY – A Wedding To Remember!!!
Marie did a great job sharing Nick and Sam’s wedding. From wedding planner Shelby aka Tinkerbelle to the dress by Vera Wang it is the perfect wedding, but getting there isn’t so perfect.As always there is something going on in Sam’s world of homicide that always seems to keep Nick and the reader slapping your hand to your palm saying OMG not again Sam. LOL

The book starts out with Nick worrying about Sam’s whereabouts as he is home with a house full of guest for their wedding shower. There is something going on between them and he is worried as they seem to have drifted apart. He thinks its from his extreme amount of time with work. He doesn’t know she is trying to fight through an inner turmoil after the loss of their unborn child.

This novella is perfect it is mostly about the wedding of course but there is some work for Sam thrown in there which of course just has to be with Nick and Sam. LOL Sam learns her team mates have been working on the lead they found at the Reece house in regards to the shooting of her father. She is also dealing with the fact her ex husband who is in jail for the attempted murder of her and her soon to be husband Nick may get out of jail on a technicality. Sam turns to an old informant for some help in searching through the clues into her fathers shooting. And in the process she learns of a horrible man who committed a horrifying crime and walked away without a slap on his hand. In digging into this she learns of something the AUSA did and why.

This story digs more into that and what the fall out is just before the wedding (of course) and then its the big day the wedding and OH WHAT A WEDDING IT IS……..

You wont be sorry for reading Fatal Destiny.

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 Book 4 – FATAL FLAW – Flawless Edition To The Fatal Series!!!
Marie has done it again with the next book in the Fatal Series…. I just can not get enough of Nick and Sam and the rest of the gang. As soon as I finish one book I am downloading and delving right into the next book.Nick and Sam return from their honeymoon and dive right back into their life and work. This book has a bit of a twist in that the crime Sam is investigating does not have a political connection this time which was really nice to see as we all no even though they are in DC not all crimes are political in nature. The victims all seem to be well liked, no enemies and there seems to be no evidence left behind to give Sam the thread she loves to pull to unravel a crime. But there is a connection that she later finds in each one – one big connection that leads to a very unexpected and surprising end to the crime spree.

Nick and Scotty go on their trip to Fenway Park in Boston and Nick plans to talk to Scotty about something big that him and Sam have hopes for. But the outcome isn’t what they expect and Nick is worried about what might happen with the young boy they have come to love.

Sam’s father has a really bad turn in this book and Sam is worried that her father may not make it through this one. So as she tries desperately to solve a crime she is also desperately hoping her father is able to make it through this next battle of his. She also has two of her detectives searching into a cold case that her father was never able to close in hopes that she can close it for him in case something happens to her father.

There is a lot going on in this book and Marie does a great job telling each story, and brings more of Cruz and Elin and Gonzo and Christina as well as Lindsay and Terry.

I just can’t state it enough how much I love this series

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Book 5 – FATAL DECEPTION – Deceptively Awesome!!!
Nick and Sam are finally married and enjoying newlywed bliss and each day they learn even more about each other while continuing to build their lives together.
The story line is as always awesome with the death of a very high ranking officials wife and a missing baby the plot is thick and Sam and her homicide team are knee deep in it, of course with the help of an FBI agent she would rather not have to deal with and who Nick thinks is into his wife, little does Sam know one of Sam’s team members feels the same way.While Sam is dealing with this new head scratching crime, she gets involved in another incident and as typical is hurt but the outcome is “kick ass”, and Nick’s career is beginning to really heat up as he prepares for the speech of a lifetime.

Scotty comes to a decision on living with Sam and Nick and it turns their world upside down. And Sam comes to another decision regarding having a child of their own. McBride and Arnold dig back into her fathers unsolved cold case and confront Sam with what they find which brings Sam and her father together again about this topic – I wont say how that ends but as always its good.

I have read a lot of series in the past but this is by far the best, strong female & male lead detective thriller, political crime thriller, romance combination I have ever read and is by far my all time 5 star favorite. Way to go Marie – you are a Force to be reckoned with.

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I hope that my review of these 6 books has you running to Amazon.com or Barns N Nobles or where ever you go to download your ebooks. I can’t state it enough you wont be sorry for picking up Fatal Affair and not getting any house work done until you turn the last page and put down Fatal Deception.
Also if I can throw in there – make sure to join the Fatal Series group on Facebook – so you can keep up with this series. Marie even writes little bits and pieces here that don’t go into the books. It keeps Sam and Nick going for all of us who have become serious fans. https://www.facebook.com/groups/FatalSeries/
Thank you again for allowing me the pleasure of sharing my review of Marie Force & her “Fatal Series” books.
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Guest Review: Susan reviews Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

TITLE: Poison Princess
SERIES: Arcana Chronicles #1
CHARACTERS: Jack & Evie
AUTHOR: Kresley Cole
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She could save the world—or destroy it.
Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.
With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?
As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side…

REVIEW:
Poison Princess is a Must Read!

Both my daughter and I are huge fans of Kresley Cole’s series….so a new venture from her grabbed my attention before it was even available…I read it the first day and was not disappointed! This story is so good, with well-developed characters and a great lead-in for another epic love relationship. It was rather refreshing to have a passionate love story that was age-appropriate yet kept this old lady’s interest! Not that I mind steamy stuff on occasion, but I like a good story that uses the love interest as an underlying strong element rather than the the focus of the entire story. The challenge Evie faces as she learns more about who she is and what she can do kept my attention to the end and I can’t wait for more!

 

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: Kathleen reviews Shades Of Gray by Maya Banks

TITLE: Shades Of Gray
SERIES #: KGI #6
CHARACTERS: PJ & Cole
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

KATHLEEN’S BOOK REVIEW WEBSITE

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
P.J. and Cole were sharpshooting rivals on the same KGI team and enjoyed a spirited, uncomplicated camaraderie. Until the night they gave in to their desires and suddenly took their relationship one step further. In the aftermath of their one night stand, they’re called up on a mission that goes terribly wrong, and P.J. walks away from KGI, determined not to drag her teammates into the murky shadows she’s poised to delve into.

Six months later, Cole hasn’t given up his search for P.J., and he’s determined to bring her back home where she belongs. Bent on vengeance, P.J. is on a mission that will plunge her into a serpentine game of payback and make her question everything she’s ever believed in. Cole—and the rest of their team—refuse to let her go it alone. Even if it means sacrificing their loyalty to KGI and their very lives…

REVIEW:
A close knit team used to running high risk missions together. A budding romance between to
members. A mission that goes terribly wrong. The need for vengeance to the exclusion of all others. Can they get through this? Will the Team remain intact? Can love truly overcome all? I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I applaud Maya Banks for tackling such a difficult and taboo subject matter. It is totally believable and plausible as something that would happen in a real life situation.

PJ’s character is well written and so realistic in her emotions and thought processes that I felt my own emotions on a roller coaster ride with her. She is such a strong character but believable as her situation proves that even the toughest aren’t infallible. I really empathized with Cole and his fight for love whilst dealing with his own emotions and guilt. The tell of a good story is when your own emotions are swept along with the tide of the story, and Shades of Gray does not disappoint. I found myself so entrenched in the story that I was actually getting angry at the Villain Brumley, who as villains go was quite well written.

Steele, Dolphin, Baker and Renshaw are steadfast in their support and they take their “We live as a
team, we die as a team” seriously and it endears you to them to see their solidarity with their team
mate. I could not put the book down, I needed to see the outcome and find out if there could be a happily ever after.

In all the KGI novels, Steele’s team and PJ and Cole in particular is a story I have been waiting for and it was most definitely worth the wait. I would recommend this and all the others in the KGI series as definite must reads.

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: Robyn reviews Wildly by Debra Kayn

TITLE: Wildly
AUTHOR: Debra Kayn
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/21/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shauna Marino left Cottage Grove, California an innocent teenager, gangly, wild and with no fashion sense, always diving headfirst into whatever feelings ruled the moment. Now, she’s back to fix her mistakes. She’s gained a respectable job, set a plan in motion to benefit the town, and all that’s left is to prove to Grayson Schyler she’s changed. Maybe this time, he won’t tell her no when she shows up naked and asks him to make her a woman.

Grayson Schyler, former Wimbledon champion, would’ve recognized Shauna anywhere. She’s made his life sweeter one moment, and hell the next. As someone in the public eye, he’d gone to great strains not to allow the media to misread their relationship, which wasn’t always easy when Shauna was around. Now she’s back, asking for his help, and all he can think about is if she came back to make him pay for what he’d done.

REVIEW:
Maybe I have a thing for hot tennis players (okay, I do), but I seriously couldn’t put this book down. The heroine and hero are likable, have amazing chemistry and a realistic backstory that makes them empathetic and the perfect match.

Shauna Marino’s returned to her hometown, Cottage Grove, after college to prove one thing, she is no longer the infatuated teenager that did crazy stunts to attract the attention of one older pro tennis player.

The only problem, that tennis player, Grayson Schyler, still lives in the small town and is hotter than ever. He has a reputation for being a player on and off court. While Shauna’s come back with her head held high, Grayson’s realizes she’s no longer a teenager and ready to take what is his. However, he’s not ready to admit to her (or himself for that matter) how much she’s always meant to him.

You really see their emotional growth throughout the book, as both Shauna and Grayson start to realize how important they’ve always been to one another.

I was rooting for this couple all the way, and I know you will, too. Look forward to reading more from this author!

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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Check Out Our Top 5 Picks Of 2012!!!

KELLY’S CHOICES
Julie Ann Walker’s Amazon Page | Julie Ann Walker’s B&N Page

Nalini Singh’s Amazon page | Nalini Signh’s B&N Page

Justin Cronin’s Amazon Page | Justin Cronin’s B&N Page

Erin Morgenstern’s Amazon Page | Erin Morgenstern’s B&N Page
Jill Shalvis’ Amazon Page | Jill Shalvis’ B&N Page

JENNIFER’S CHOICES

Amanda Carlson’s Amazon Page | Amanda Carlson’s B&N Page
Kristen Callihan’s Amazon Page | Kristen Callihan’s B&N Page
Gretchen McNeil’s Amazon Page | Gretchen McNiel’s B&N Page
Erin Knightley’s Amazon Page Erin Knighley’s B&N Page
Louisa Edwards’ Amazon Page | Louisa Edwards’ B&N Page

KIMBERLY’S CHOICES
Susan Mallery’s Amazon Page | Susan Mallery’s B&N Page
Julie Garwood’s Amazon Page | Julie Garwood’s B&N Page
Larissa Ione’s Amazon Page | Larissa Ione’s B&N Page
Joseph Pittman’s Amazon Page | Joseph Pittman’s B&N Page
E.L. James’ Amazon Page | E.L. James B&N Page

URSULA’S CHOICES

Kristen Ashely’s Amazon Page | Kristen Ashley’s B&N Page
Laurann Dohner’s Amazon Page | Laurann Dohner’s B&N Page
Sylvia Day’s Amazon Page | Sylvia Day’s B&N Page
Lexi Blake’s Amazon Page | Lexi Blake’s B&N Page

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Kimberly’s review of Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Rogue Rider
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues – and falls for – a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he’s also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian’s life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian’s neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he’s putting Jillian in danger. And once it’s revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

REVIEW:
Is there a way to give this book more than 5 stars? I hope so because it deserves it. I absolutely loved this book and Reseph is now my favorite of all the Horsemen. If you have not read the Lords of Deliverance series then do NOT start with this book. Start at book one (Eternal Rider) or even better start back at the very beginning with the Demonica series but do not read this book as a stand alone because you will be missing out on so much.

The change in Reseph from the other books is delightful. We watched as he reigned down horrors on the world in the last three books and then within a couple chapters he is sitting in front of a fire with a cat named Doodle on his lap. I loved it! The way that Reseph changes is so fun to watch that it is hard not to fall in love with him and considering for the last three books we have hated him that is saying something.

Ione has once again shown us why she is the queen of paranormal romance. The world she brings us into is one that captures us from the first word and never seems to let go. If you have read her books I would doubt I would need to “recommend” this to you since you are probably waiting with baited breath to read it but I would recommend you start it on a Friday night because you will not want to put the book down.

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

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Jennifer’s review of Kissing Under The Mistletoe by Marina Adair

TITLE: Kissing Under the Mistletoe
AUTHOR: Marina Adair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Regan Martin stopped believing in Christmas miracles six years ago when she lost everything–her house, her job, and her impeccable reputation in the wine industry–after she fell in love with a man she had no idea was married. Then Regan gets a chance for a fresh start in the Napa Valley, and she starts wondering if holiday wishes really do come true. But she soon tumbles back down to earth when she learns that her new boss is none other than Gabe DeLuca, the scorned wife’s brother. Gabe wants nothing more than home-wrecking Regan Martin out of his life, his sister’s world, and his family’s business. Mostly, he wants the lush beauty out of his head. Yet his attempts to run her out of town have him thinking twice, especially when he sees that Regan may hold the key to tracking down his sister’s stolen start-up capital. Even worse for Gabe, Regan might just be his Christmas wish and hold the key to his heart.

REVIEW:
This was a great little holiday romance for me. I connected to Regan’s character from the very beginning because all she wanted was a home for her daughter and to leave her past mistakes behind her. She regretted having an affair with a man that she had no idea was married until it was too late and Gabe DeLuca had been making her life miserable ever since to protect his sister, Abby, from ever meeting the “other woman.” I never understood why Gabe went to such great lengths to damage Regan’s reputation wherever she went. I could understand that he didn’t want them meeting but going out of his way to get her fired from jobs was just downright spiteful. I didn’t like his character for most of the book because of this and it wasn’t until almost the end, that I started to warm up to him. There were times in this book that I want to give him a swift kick in the butt but he made it up to Regan at the end. The ending of this book absolutely killed me and made me a crying mess and I loved every minute of that scene for Regan.

I recently found out that Marina is working on the third novel in this series and I can’t wait to spend more time with the delightful characters of St. Helena. The townspeople of St. Helena make this book even more fun especially the three Mrs. Clauses. Some of the things they did in this book still make me laugh thinking about them. I’m now curious as to which DeLuca family member will find love and happiness in the next installment.

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

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Jennifer’s review of Sealed With A Curse by Cecy Robson

TITLE: Sealed With A Curse
AUTHOR: Cecy Robson
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls-with one exception: they’re products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region–until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows that vampires aren’t aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But, Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha’s family to keep the regions safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy–or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

REVIEW:
Cecy Robson has created a wonderful paranormal world with her debut of Sealed With a Curse. This book is filled with non-stop action and romance with four amazing women that are involved in a battle of epic proportions that may cost them their lives. I loved this book because the Wird sisters are just phenomenal. They have supernatural powers that have never been seen before and they just want to live their life peacefully in Lake Tahoe taking care of others as nurses. I was impressed by the fact that these women are nurses, which holds a special place in my heart and there were scenes in this book that I could definitely relate to.

Celia, is the main character in this book and is the oldest of the four sisters. She has done everything to protect her family from witches, vampires and werebeasts while trying to deal with her own unusual power. She is a tough, smart and funny woman that you just can’t help caring for and wanting her to experience the normal things in life. Especially when there are hot, sexy, werewolves living in Lake Tahoe who seem to be enchanted with the Wird sisters. I thought that Aric was absolutely gorgeous and I was hoping that he would be a perfect match for Celia because he was so determined to protect her from all the vampire drama. I was definitely rooting for them by the end of this book to become a little more than just friends.

Sealed With a Curse is a well-written novel that shouldn’t be missed especially if you enjoy paranormal romance. I am desperately wanting the next book in the series, A Cursed Embrace, that is set to come out next year but I will try to be patient until I can get my fix of the Wird Sisters and the hot werewolf pack of Lake Tahoe.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Ursula’s review of Haunted Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

TITLE: Haunted Sanctuary
AUTHOR: Moira Rogers
PUBLICATION DATE: 01-22-13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The shadows of her past could destroy their future.

Green Pines, Book 1

Eden Green can’t remember a time she didn’t believe in monsters—her cousin was born one. Her family’s dark past casts a long shadow, making it hard to make friends and harder to commit to a lover. She lives a quiet life in small-town Clover, Tennessee, but she’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Tired of the city packs’ corruption, yet too alpha to be a subordinate in a sanctuary town, Jay Ancheta satisfies his need to protect by serving as Clover’s Chief of Police. As much as he’s drawn to Eden, he can’t offer forever to a woman who doesn’t know what he is—or trust himself to let her go after one taste.

When Eden’s cousin and his battered pack stagger into town, their tormentors hard on their heels, Eden is bitten in the chaos. Now Jay not only has a traumatized pack to deal with, but a newly turned wolf with enough hungry alpha power to consume them both.

With their combined strength, they can create a new sanctuary—if their passion can survive the ghosts of the Green family’s legacy.

REVIEW:

OK, I have a confession. This was my first Moira Rogers book. I swear, I haven’t been hiding under a rock! I have heard of her, err them. I’ve just never had the occasion to read a book by Ms. Rogers. Wow, am I sorry I haven’t. This book was an intense introduction into Ms. Roger’s vision of werewolf shifters and witches. It was explosive from the very start and never stopped. I have found that I enjoy my paranormal books with a little (or a lot) of realistic violence. It started with a bang and I just devoured it. Not only was it a rollercoaster ride of suspense, but there was emotion and angst. I am seriously worried about Eden’s cousin. I just wanted to hold him and make everything ok. Zach is seriously damaged and I was so worried for him.

That aside, there was great action and this was a super beginning to a terrific new series. The relationship between Eden and Jay is combustible. The intense chemistry between them leapt off the page. Add to that the conflict of starting a Sanctuary and you have a fantastic book that I couldn’t put down. With werewolves and witches, the possibilities for the Green Pines series are endless. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. And I am definitely going back and getting her other books!

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

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Kimberly’s review of A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: A Fool’s Gold Christmas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage the Fool’s Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister — off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….

REVIEW:
There is no place I would rather spend Christmas than Fool’s Gold. With the beautiful backdrop of the California mountains Christmas comes alive in the latest of the Fool’s Gold series from Susan Mallery. Fool’s Gold is the type of town we all wish we belong to with people willing to help and a place where a newcomer can feel at home. But when Evie is brought to the town by her family after breaking her leg she feels more like an outsider than part of the family. The only place she feels at home in on the dance floor so when asked to teacher the children the winter dance she agrees even as she plans her escape from the town after the holidays.

Dante has also been brought to Fool’s Gold against his will by his business partner Rafe (Summer Days #7). With the past that Dante has the best thing he can do with the ladies is love ‘em and leave ‘em and he has gotten good at just that. But when Evie and her troupe dance into Dante’s life will he recognize a good thing and will either of them be willing to overcome the past to believe in love and learn that Fool’s Gold really can be home? Both are unaware that the lure of Fool’s Gold is not only in the spirit of the season but the spirit and heart of the town.

I could not put this book down. This is the 10th in the series and I have loved everyone of them but there is just something extra special about Fool’s Gold at Christmas time. I wanted to walk the streets, see the decorations of the town and watch the performance on Christmas Eve. I wanted to drink peppermint martinis at Evie’s house with the girls and wanted to walk up to Dante and hug him after smacking him upside the head. Mallery has a way of transporting you to the town of Fool’s Gold and as a reader you can feel the love she has for her (unfortunately) imagined town which makes the reader love it to. Pick up “A Fool’s Gold Christmas”, make a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle up on the couch and I promise you in a few hours when you finally set the book down you will be ready to start decorating your house for the holidays.

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

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Ursula’s review of Copy That by HelenKay Dimon

TITLE: Copy That
AUTHOR: HelenKay Dimon
PUBLICATION DATE: 08-07-12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Returning from his latest Border Patrol assignment, Jeremy Hill seeks sanctuary in his twin brother’s home. The last thing he expects to find is an armed man already inside, or Meredith Samms, a gorgeous tenant caught in the crossfire. Then he discovers that the gunman’s attack is meant for his twin brother, who is nowhere in sight, and Jeremy must take matters into his own hands. Searching for his brother while trying to protect this girl next door, Jeremy finds himself caught up in the danger he’d become all too familiar with. In his world, everyone’s a target and anyone can be a suspect, so Jeremy has no room for emotions. But what Meredith stirs within him may complicate this unexpected mission to the point of no return….

REVIEW:

This is the first Harlequin Intrigue book I have read in a long time. Now I remember why I loved them so much!  This book was explosive from the beginning and was a non-stop ride for the whole book. I really enjoy my romances with a healthy dose of mystery, suspense and intrigue. This book had a super heaping helping of it. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. I admit to being fooled by some of the false paths laid to the true bad guy. I love when a book can do that to me. Sometimes they are just too darn predictable, but not this book. There was also a really cool twin twist and the secondary romance between the other brother was interesting too. The twist at the end of the book was a great trick that I am not going to tell you about because I don’t want to ruin the book. For goodness sake, go out and buy this book. It was that freaking good! This was my very first book by Ms. Dimon. I am now looking for more of her awesome books to read!

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

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Kimberly’s review of A Christmas Hope by Joseph Pittman

TITLE: A Christmas Hope
AUTHOR: Joseph Pittman
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE FINAL CHRISTMAS WISH COULD CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER…

Nora Connors Rainer has returned to her hometown, Linden Corners, to tend to her elderly but spunky pie-baking mother–and to nurse a broken heart.  To keep busy, Nora opens “A Doll’s Attic,” a consignment shop where locals can unload their unwanted heirlooms.  And the upcoming holidays are bringing a host of interesting objects–and people–through her doors.

Eighty-five year old Thomas Van Diver hands Nora her first challenge: track down a rare, vintage item that holds powerful childhood memories for him–memories of his father and their last Christmas together before he went off to the war and never returned.

Helping them both is Brian Duncan, whose farmhouse and windmill Thomas once called home.  Together with his irrepressible young charge, Janey Sullivan, Brian will uncover the mysteries of Christmas past–and create a Christmas present that just might restore their hope, and fulfill everyone’s deepest wishes.

REVIEW:
I cried! I honestly can not tell you the last story I read where I even got choked up neither less had to grab a tissue but this one I had a tissue in hand for the last third of the book. This is a very well written story that I can only hope Hallmark Channel or Lifetime is smart enough to buy the rights to. This story has a bit of romance to it but that is not what this story is about. This is the story of Thomas and the past he is trying to return to by finding the book his dad gave him as a child. There is a lot of loss in this book but also the underlying moral that family is what and who you make it to be.

Set in a typical “Norman Rockwell” small town the characters come alive as the holidays approach the town. The main character of Thomas is a old man now and the type of man that you want to sit down on a porch rocking chair with and hear his stories. The author has really written Thomas in an endearing and captivating way. You really just want to invite him to dinner. Nora and Brian are strangers who for their own reasons have come to town, Nora returning to live with her mom and Brian who was “just passing through” years ago but for reason beyond his control has stayed.

While Thomas is written really well, I am not sure that the other characters way of speaking was typical of the current time frame. Even the children sometimes spoke “too proper” for their age and some odd comments were made that just felt a little off (I mean really what 80+ year old man has not heard of strawberry pie?) but none of these oddities take away from the delightful and poignant story. As I said above I can see this book being made into a made for tv movie and I hope if it is one day turned into a movie they will do this book justice because it deserves to be enjoyed.

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