Kelly’s Review – Page 21

April 13, 2016April 10, 2016

#TBW Kelly reviews Caress Of Darkness by Julie Kenner – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Caress of Darkness
SERIES #: 1001 Dark Nights #12
CHARACTERS: Rainer Engel & Callie
AUTHOR: Julie Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the first moment I saw him, I knew that Rainer Engel was like no other man. Dangerously sexy and darkly mysterious, he both enticed me and terrified me.

I wanted to run–to fight against the heat that was building between us–but there was nowhere to go. I needed his help as much as I needed his touch. And so help me, I knew that I would do anything he asked in order to have both.

But even as our passion burned hot, the secrets in Raine’s past reached out to destroy us … and we would both have to make the greatest sacrifice to find a love that would last forever.

REVIEW:
Where to start?
Are Raine & Callie combustible together? Without a doubt.
Was the story link interesting? Yes (kinda)
Was I in love with this story? Not really
Am I glad I read it? Sure.
I can’t put my finger on exactly why I didn’t love. Maybe it was the writing style? It was kinda hard for me when it jumps around from person to person. I am not overly sure. I just felt lost at time.

I think Julie Kenner fan’s will enjoy this short story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 8, 2016April 2, 2016

Kelly reviews What We Find by Robyn Carr

TITLE: What We Find
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #1
CHARACTERS: Cal Jones & Maggie Sullivan
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: April 5, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman’s journey to finding the happiness she’s long been missing

Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency, high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she’s never faced before. It’s in this desperate moment that Maggie’s boyfriend decides he can’t handle her emotional baggage, and she’s left alone, exhausted and unsure of what her future holds. One thing is certain, though: she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing.
Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie’s estranged father, Sully. Though raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced, Maggie has always adored Sully—despite his hands-off approach to fatherhood. When she shows up unannounced in Sullivan’s Crossing, he welcomes her with opens arms, and she relishes the opportunity to rebuild their relationship.
But when Sully has a sudden heart attack, Maggie’s world is rocked once again. Consumed with his care, she’s relieved to find that Cal Jones, a quiet and serious-looking camper, has been taking over many of Sully’s responsibilities as he recuperates. Still, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man’s eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.
Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

REVIEW:
I really liked this book. Ms. Carr does a great job of bring us a story that makes you want to cry, laugh and remember what it is like to fall in love again. I really loved the first interaction between Cal & Maggie. Maggie is so septical of this hangered looking camper who is offering help in her time of need. I loved the Maggie google’s Cal to try to find out more about him. And she tries to guess what Cal is short for (and no I am not going to tell you). It was really great to see how two broken people can find some kind of happiness in this crazy world.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

Favorite line: “If anyone tells you I passed out while you were being lowered to that little edge, they’re lying,”

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Harlequin (US & Canada) MIRA in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 7, 2016April 2, 2016

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Her Perfect Mate
SERIES #: X-Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Landon Donovan & Ivy Halliwell
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Special Forces Captain Landon Donovan is picked for an assignment with the Department of Covert Affairs, he’s stunned to find his new partner is a beautiful woman who looks like she couldn’t hurt a fly, much less take down a terrorist.

Ivy Halliwell isn’t your average covert op. Her feline DNA means she can literally bring out the claws when things get dicey. She isn’t thrilled to be paired with yet another military grunt, but Landon is different. He doesn’t think she’s a freak and he’s smokin’ hot.

Soon they find themselves facing a threat even greater than anyone imagines…and an animal magnetism impossible to ignore.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts To say Ivy is a little gun shy when it comes to her newest partner is an understatement. Ivy has not had the best track record with her partners. But there is something about Landon something that puts her at ease. But even that makes her a bit nervous.

Landon is not very happy to be pulled off of his mission and forced to come back stateside. That is until he learns who is new partner is and what she can do.

Landon & Ivy make such a great team. From the save on the rope cross I knew this was going to be a great story. The interaction between these two was so much fun.

This is my first Paige Tyler book and I am totally in love with the world that she created. These are not your ordinary shifters! Oh no this shifters. Should I tell you? I am not sure. You will just have to pick up a copy of Her Perfect Mate and find out for yourself.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts As different as this book was I really enjoyed it. Maybe I enjoyed it because of how different it is. First has much as it claims to be a shifter story the shift is different. Ivy never really becomes a cat. She can bring out her cat tendencies like claws, night vision, climbing, etc but she never actually turns into a cat. Landon is a cool character. He seems to just accept her unique qualities and while he jokes it is in fun and not to be mean. I enjoyed them together.

The one problem I have is Ivy is supposed to be one of the best but she seems to mess up a bit too much. But that is a minor problem. I really hope that the next story is Angelo’s. I love the friendship Landon and he have. Looking forward to the next in the series.

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

April 6, 2016April 2, 2016

Kelly reviews Little Red Writing by Lila DiPasqua

TITLE: Little Red Writing
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #6
CHARACTERS: Nicolas de Savignac & Anne
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
**NOTE: Originally published in the AWAKENED BY A KISS anthology.

Inspired by the tale of Little Red Riding Hood—an erotically charged historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series.

Nicolas de Savignac, Count of Lambelle, is on a mission. A member of the King’s elite private Guard, Nicolas has been assigned by the Crown to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers.

He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother’s house, or to a ravishing woman who would ignite an untamable desire…

WARNING: This tale may scandalize you. Keep the smelling salts nearby.

**Can be enjoyed as a standalone story.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Another great Fiery Tale story by Ms. DiPasqua. I love Ms. DiPasqua’s ability to take a story that we all know and love and twist it, turn it and turn up the heat. I really enjoyed Nicolas and Anne’s story. I loved that the Wolf in this story is fierce, determined and will do anything to complete his mission. Red is equally as fierce, yet she is witty, kind and able to out fox the Wolf.
I don’t want to tell too much or give too much away. But if you like your stories hawt, you hero hotter and your heroines strong and brave you need to pick up this story and find out why they are called Fiery Tales.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Lila DiPasqua in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 5, 2016April 2, 2016

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Reckless by Skye Jordan – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Reckless
SERIES #: Renegades #1
CHARACTERS: Jax Chamberlin & Lexi LaCroix
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: August 23, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker makes Lexi realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success and one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life. When that touch fills far more than just Lexi’s physical needs, she finds herself torn between the career she needs and the bad-boy she craves.

Jax Chamberlin gave up the superficial life of acting for the thrill of running his own stunt company years ago. But a recent betrayal proves he’s still too close to the limelight to find a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping-stone to success. When the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle, and Jax isn’t willing to change his ways. Especially not when he discovers who she really is. Because if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the other gold-diggers. And this time, it’s not just his bad-boy reputation at risk, but his heart, too.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Lexi has always been wanted by people. Wanted for her looks, wanted for her designs, but never wanted for who she is deep down. After spotting a very attractive man, Lexi uses her best friends newest security app to find his phone number. Lexi uses this app to send him a couple flirty text. Just a little something to break her out of her shell. Just a little harmless fun.

Jax has been burned one too many times. Everyone always wants something from him. But when Jax gets an anonymous text joking with him about his spilled coffee he finds himself drawn to this stranger and truly enjoyed the flirting back with them. But when he asks to meet her he may have gone to far.

Can Jax & Lexi put the pain of past relationships behind them long enough to trust? Or is this rendezvous in the dark to Reckless?

Guess you will need to pick up a copy to find out.

You know you just read a good book when you finish the book, look over at the clock and realize that it is 2 am. Loved this first book in the Renegades series by Skye Jordan. This story was smoking hot and yet sweet all at the same time.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Stars I loved this story. I didn’t want to miss one word of it. I loved the connection the characters had right off the bat. I loved the whole first texting scene (oh so much). I loved the angst both characters have. And I love the morale of the story (yes it sorta has a morale). I really just loved this story!

I received this book from NetGalley and for probably the first time I am thinking I need to get this book in print so I can read it again sometime. The writing is very well done. There is such fun in so many of the scenes and even some sadness but it wraps up so well. The writing of the sex scenes was done so well. While sexy it was not over the top. This author is not trying to prove herself by the sex but by the words. Bring on the next Renegade! I am waiting breathlessly!

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.

April 4, 2016April 2, 2016

Kelly reviews Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Nobody But You
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #3
CHARACTERS: Jacob Kincaid & Sophie Marren
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: March 29, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

REVIEW:
Okay, I am not sure if I could fall for Jacob any harder. He is great. Over the course of the last two books we have heard all about the missing Kincaid brother. About him up and leaving his family behind and not speaking for nine long years. But not all is as it seems. Jacob is a very good person and has tried to do right by his family even from afar. The family reunion will tug at your heartstrings and make you want to slap both Hud and Jacob upside the head. But while it was great to see the family back together it is how Jacob is with Sophie that makes you totally fall for him.
Want more? You will have to pick up this book and find out for yourself…..
As for Sophie, girl is feisty and I want her as my new BFF!!! Loved her!! Love the whole boat problem. Loved her ability to adapt to her new life and keep the glass is half full attitude. These two are just great together!! I can’t wait to see them in the next book.
Speaking of next book. Bring on Kenna!! This is going to be fun. 🙂
Until next time Cedar Ridge!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 30, 2016March 27, 2016

Kelly reviews Going The Distance by Jennifer Fusco

TITLE: Going the Distance
SERIES #: Ringside #2
CHARACTERS: Michael Perez & Ava Phillips
AUTHOR: Jennifer Fusco
PUBLICATION DATE: March 15, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The most restricted boxer at Las Vegas’s Stamina gym lets himself unravel in the second Ringside novel from the author of Fighting For It…

A dedicated fighter, Middleweight Michael Perez is willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top, and with his next fight scheduled at Madison Square Garden he’s almost there. A self-proclaimed control freak, he plans to drive himself cross country to the fight. But when his manager insists a sports reporter tag along, thinking it will be good for public relations, Michael finds himself under the watchful eye of Ava Phillips.

Ava Phillips has made a career out of exposing the underbelly of professional sports. Her instincts tell her that sexy, moody Michael Perez’s squeaky clean image is a cover for something more intriguing. Sharing the drive from Nevada to New York, Ava’s interest turns physical. But as their relationship heats up and Ava unearths his past, will she expose Michael’s darkness or succumb to the passions of a relationship she’s only ever read about?

REVIEW:
Another excellent installment in Ms. Fusco’s Ringside series. I just love this series!!! I love Michael and Ava. I loved the tension between these two. Both are stubborn and want to win. But sometimes in a game of will’s you don’t have a clear winner. Well unless you count us readers. We win big with Going The Distance.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Fusco has in store for us next!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 24, 2016March 20, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy – Catch up from the beginning

TITLE: The Accidental Werewolf
SERIES #: Accidentally #1
CHARACTERS: Keegan Flaherty & Marty Andrews
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: February 5, 2008
RUN TIME 10 hours & 14 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing at an alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy.
Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he’s a werewolf, she is now, too. Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there’s more at stake than just her highlights. And she must put her out-of-control life in the hands of the man who makes her blood run wild in more ways than one

REVIEW:
I have to say that this story started a little slow for me. It seemed to take a long time for Marty & Keegan to get things together. But after it got going I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Marty’s obsession with color wheels and Keegan’s obsession with Marty. The twists and turns on the who done it kept me guess for a while. I was wrong on some parts and right on others. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I listened to this book on audio. Meredith Mitchell did a pretty good job of narrating this. There were a few things that were a little ho hum in her reading. I was not over wilde about all the male voices, some of them were a little to high pitched for my liking (but the one really did fit the character). And the sexy scense were a little blah in the reading, not a whole lot of feeling behind them. But I can understand that, it has to be terrible hard to read a sexy scene out loud.
A couple funny lines from Marty and Keegan:
“Holy Fur and Fury!!” Marty
“That is how Muff nailed me.” Keegan
If you are looking for a fun read I would suggest picking up a copy of this book or head over to audible and listen to the sample.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the audio book from Tantor in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 23, 2016March 20, 2016

Kelly reviews Let It Breathe by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Let it Breathe
CHARACTERS: Clay Henderson & Reese Clark
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: March 22, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Forbidden fruit can be downright intoxicating.

Vineyard manager Reese Clark is determined to bring her family’s Oregon winery into the big leagues, and she knows building a new tasting room and event pavilion is her ticket there. Having her ex-husband’s best friend—and her secret college crush—turn up to head the construction project, however, definitely is not. Between her nauseating lovebird parents; her motorcycle-riding, pot-growing grandfather; and her pet alpaca fond of head-butting groins, Reese has more than enough chaotic characters in her life.

Back in college, Clay Henderson was more likely to be sprawled over a bar than building one. But even if the new clean-living Clay has matured as deliciously as an oak-aged chardonnay, he’s still off-limits. As Reese’s well-laid plans for the winery crumble like bad cork, Clay the bad boy–turned–sober gentleman is sweet enough to rescue Reese from a wardrobe malfunction and still spicy enough to play “I Never” with her. Can he overcome his past rep to offer her a love too heady to ignore?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great read by Ms. Fenske. I really enjoyed the Let it Breath. I loved Leon. He is just awesome!! Who is Leon you ask? I can’t tell you ;). But you will like him.
I really enjoyed the tension between Clay and Reese. The history that Clay and Reese have is one that is filled with a lot of hurt, booze and unrequited love. I always love a second chance romance story, but Let it Breath is more of a second chance at first love.
I love the way that Ms. Fenske can tell us a story that makes us laugh, cry and want to climb into her story and become a character in her story. I really can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 18, 2016March 13, 2016

Kelly reviews Cake by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Cake
CHARACTERS: Gergori Ivanov & Wren Davis
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: September 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Dane comes the latest release from Cosmo Red-Hot Reads from Harlequin.

She won’t be satisfied with just one bite…

Art student-slash-bike messenger Wren Davis pursues what she wants. And what she wants now is Gregori Ivanov, rock star of the Seattle art scene. With his tattoos, piercings and sensual sneer, Gregori is the ultimate bad boy. Wren’s gotten to know the man beneath the body art, too—and it only makes her crave him more.

But Gregori loves women like he loves cake and champagne—intensely, but only for the moment. And after Wren experiences just how scorching sex with Gregori is, she’s determined to show him that just one taste won’t be enough..

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This was just an okay story for me. I found myself not really liking Gregori. I liked Wren I thought that she was nice and determined. But I didn’t love her. Them together was okay. But I wanted more. There was also part of the story line that I felt was left unresolved.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 17, 2016March 13, 2016

Kelly reviews The Shamrock Case by Linda Weaver Clarke

TITLE: The Shamrock Case
SERIES #: Amelia Moore Detective Series #2
CHARACTERS: Amelia Moore & Rick Bonito
AUTHOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PUBLICATION DATE: May 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A COZY MYSTERY: Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. With the help of Rick Bonito, her new partner, her business is flourishing. When Amelia is hired to search for her client’s grandparents, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Linda brings us another cute story about Amelia and her grand adventures. It was fun to go on this trip to Ireland with Rick and Amelia. It made me want to go to Ireland and see all the things that they saw.
I loved that Amelia is so willing to go to the ends of the earth to help someone. She really goes above and beyond what a typical detective would do.
Looking forward to the next adventure.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Linda Weaver Clarke & Audible.com in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 16, 2016March 13, 2016

Kelly reviews Her Fierce Warrior by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Fierce Warrior
SERIES #: X-Ops #4
CHARACTERS: Angelo Rios & Minka Pajari
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: March 1, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The woman tensed. As anger and fear ricocheted across her face, her eyes changed from red to green to brown in a dizzying display like nothing he’d ever seen.
Every instinct in Angelo’s body screamed at him to lunge for his weapon. Instead he set his feet for impact, blocking her slashing claws. Unbelievably, after a few moments of struggling, she went still, all the fight gone…
Minka isn’t sure she should trust the sexy Special Forces soldier who found her. Subjected to horrors, on the run from scientists set on locking her in a cage, Minka is terrified of the monster she’s becoming…and somehow, Angelo is the only one who can calm the beast inside her and make her feel safe.
But can she trust the way he makes her feel when she’s not even sure she can trust herself?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I loved that Minka was so attached to Angelo from the moment they meet. And Angelo just rolled with the punches and did everything that he could to protect her.

I really enjoyed reading Angelo and Minka’s story. Ms. Tyler does a great job of answering a few of the questions that have come up over the last few books. Even as she thickens the overall plot of the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.