Kelly’s Review – Page 40

December 29, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews Served Hot by Marie Harte

TITLE: Served Hot
SERIES #: Best Revenge #2
CHARACTERS: Dexter Black & Maya Werner
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: December 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One little lie, one huge grudge, and one picture-perfect plan for revenge…

Blackmailed into a prom date by the cute but geeky Dexter Black twelve years ago, Maya Werner shocked herself by having a good time. For a strong-willed, hot-tempered artist who’s used to having the upper hand, that’s never sat well with her.

At weekly wine night with her friends, Maya finds herself pledging to get revenge on the men who’ve done her wrong—starting with Dex. Except the Marine Corps transformed the nerd into a hot, sexy guy with the audacity to blackmail her again. This time into a few dates.

Dex is back in town with one goal in mind: to win the girl of his dreams. But he knows how she operates. His strategy? Keep her off balance by running hot and cold until she melts into the passion between them.

When a misunderstanding stokes old hurts, Maya backs away when she should stand her ground. But Dex has a contingency plan: pour on the charm with both barrels, until he has his own form of revenge—loving Maya, forever.

Warning: Blackmailing a stubborn, hot-tempered artist into bed, and an ex-Marine who has a penchant for taking pictures. Yeah, those kinds of pictures

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Revenge: Is a dish best served cold.
Well not if you are Maya Werner. Maya’s idea of revenge is to get hot and heavy with the very hot Dexter Black. It is only fair you see. Dexter blackmailed her into a date 12 years ago and he has done the same thing again now. But unfortunately for Maya, Dex is not going to let her go this time. This time is he prepared for her and so called revenge.
LOVED this book. Served Hot is the second book in Marie Harte’s Best Revenge series. If you have not read book on Served Cold you really should start there (but you don’t have to, but I would and did). In Served Hot we get to see how Maya part of the Terrible Trio handles her nemesis. And boy howdy does she handle him well. This was a really fun and quick read. I loved Dexter when we met him in book 1 and loved him even more in Served Hot. I am so very glad that I found Marie and her yummy books. I so can’t wait for the last book in this trilogy Served Sweet.

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

December 26, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews Hot Blooded by Donna Grant

TITLE: Hot Blooded
SERIES #: Dark Kings #4
CHARACTERS: Laith & Iona Campbell
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: December 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dark Kings soldier on in their fight to preserve their dragon magic. But eternal doom is always close behind…

SWORN TO PROTECT

His name is Laith. To most, he’s known as the owner of a local pub near Dreagan. But little do his patrons know that beneath his handsome, charming exterior Laith has the heart and soul of a Dragon King—one who wields control by keeping his friends close and his enemies, just across the border, closer. Until a mysterious stranger enters the picture, and sets his whole world off course…

DRIVEN TO DESIRE

Iona is a woman with a mission: To learn the truth about her dead father. She’s returned to Scotland only to learn that she’s part of an ancient pact with Dreagan—one that will threaten the fragile peace with the Dragon Kings. Gorgeous, sly Iona isn’t like anyone Laith has ever met before . . . and she harbors a secret that others would kill to possess. Will she complete him—or destroy him? Passion always comes with a price.

REVIEW:
In Hot Blooded The Kings have to deal with the death of their neighbor. John Campbell was more than just a neighbor he was a friend and the keeper of something very important to The Kings.
With the death of her father Iona Campbell has inherited the family land. But along with that comes some very interesting rules and people.

Another great Dark King novella. I was very happy that this story took a different path than the prior book. It was great to see all the Dragon Kings working together. It was great to see The Warriors getting along and working side by side with The Kings. Liath and Iona are great together. I am already looking forward to seeing them both in future books. There were a few heartbreaking parts in this book too. I know that Ms. Grant will make these right at some point in time, but like any good (evil) author she needs to torture us just a little. 😀
Can’t wait for the next Dark King novel.

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

December 22, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Marked by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Marked
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #7
CHARACTERS: Zane Kyllwood & Janie Kayrs
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: December 22, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life…

Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he’s worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Where to begin?
Where to begin?
Sometimes when you love a books reviews are so easy to write. And sometimes when you love a book a spoiler free reviews is beyond difficult to write. That is my dilemma right now.
I loved loved loved MARKED. If you have not read this series yet. You really need to start with book one. Each book is it’s own story but there is a running story and if you read MARKED without reading the rest of the series you will not be a happy camper.

Now for my review.
It would be so easy to reveal so much in my review. SO very very easy. So here goes a hopefully spoiler free review.
Zane is not who you think he is and to be honest I was a little mad at him.
Janie plays a very important role.
Kalin plays a very dangerous game with very dangerous people.
Everyone and everything that Janie loves will be in jeopardy.
Everyone learns that sometimes you can fight fate.
And the only thing that can save them all is a little hope.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
This is the 7th in the series and trust me you can not jump right in and read this as a stand alone… Oh no! Do not do that. You NEED to read these from start to finish (oh what am I saying? I hope this series never ends.)

Now about this specific book. WOW. Ok did that tell you enough? Ok then how about DOUBLE WOW! Well this is probably my favorite of the series so far. Zane and Janie just have a chemistry and sex appeal together that makes them amazing to read about.

Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite paranormal authors. She writes in a way that drags you in the moment she writes the first paragraph but with Janie and Zane we have been waiting for what seems like forever. And I was not disappointed. And neither will you be.

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

December 18, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews The Accidental Human by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: The Accidental Human
SERIES #: Accidentals #3
CHARACTERS: Heath Jefferson & Wanda Schwartz
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: May 21, 2014
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 42 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Immortality bites- new from the author of Accidentally Dead and The Accidental Werewolf.

Wanda Schwartz is raking in the dough selling Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics-and she’s a pro at recruiting new saleswomen. So, she’s shocked when a man comes to one of her in-home parties-a very hot man. Heath Jefferson is sure to put some extra spin into a lot of women’s color wheels.

When Wanda is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With a werewolf and a vampire for best friends, she has options that most ordinary people wouldn’t. As Wanda ponders what to do about her mortality, Heath reveals he has secrets, and one of them is that his former bloodlust has turned into an old-fashioned lust-for Wanda. And he’s already given up too much to lose the love of his lifetimes.

REVIEW:
Wanda Schwartz is keeping a secret from her two best friends. A secret that once it gets out will change everything. But in the mean time Wanda has to get ready for her open house and sign up some new recruits for Bobby Sue. But Wanda’s newest and brightest recruit my just challenge ever one of Wanda’s last nerves.

To say that Heath Jefferson is having a rough go of it would be an understatement. Poor guys only has the cloths on his back, a watch, his man servant and his car. But when he sees the add to make a bunch of money in a short period of time he jumps at the chance. Only problem. He is a man. Yes, a man. A man who is willing to sell woman’s makeup to make a buck.

I was so excited to get to Wanda’s book. And while the story was good, the beginning was just a tad bit slow for me. But as the story went on I found that it got better and better. The last few chapters were my favorite of the whole book. I liked Wanda and Heath. I thought they were pretty funny together. It was fun to see Marty and Nina too. Even if my ears will never be the same after listening to Nina talk (Wowza that girl needs a bar of soap). All in all I am glad that I stuck with this book and finished it out.

Again, Ms. Mitchell does a great job of bring Ms. Cassidy’s characters to life. There were a few time when Ms. Mitchell was reading Nina’s dialog that I felt a little bad and shocked. She really was able to get into Nina’s potty mouth. I often wonder how narrator’s feel about things like that. 🙂 But I loved it and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this audiobook from Audible.com. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 17, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly & Natasha review Masters Of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Masters of Pleasure
SERIES #: School of Gallantry #5
CHARACTERS: Malcolm Thayer & Leona Webster
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: November 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The greatest divide between a man and a woman is not the one society sets before them but the one they set before themselves…

After Miss Leona Olivia Webster had allowed herself to fall in love with a dashing childhood friend who had left her scorned and pregnant, she is done chasing her happily-ever-after. Shunned by society, she dedicates herself to raising her young son and putting money in their pockets. She doesn’t expect to be drawn to her latest master, a brooding man of hulking presence who carves random messages into walls with his Persian blade as a means of starting a flirtation.

Malcolm Gregory Thayer, the earl of Brayton, may have dedicated himself to a life of religious virtue after leaving the monastery due to dark tendencies, but after meeting Leona, he begins to yearn for the life that had never been his. When he meets a retired French courtesan who invites him to embrace what he has long feared, he seizes the opportunity to become the man he always wanted to be. His new mission is clear. He intends to finally serve the one thing he never had: his heart.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Both Malcolm & Leona are in very different places in their life. Leona finds herself fighting for the life she has built for herself and her son. But when the debt collector comes calling Leona finds herself in much more of a pickle with the a group of men. Thankfully her knight in shiny armor happens to be walking down the street. Malcolm is only in town for a short time. But stepping in to help the lovely Leona is about to turn his world upside down.

I have to tell you this is my first School of Gallantry novel by Ms. Marvelle. I have read all of Ms. Marvelle’s other books. I do have the first 4 books in the School of Gallantry series and after reading Master of Pleasure I am looking forward reading them. If you are a Delilah Marvelle fan you will love this book. If you are new, never fear you can read this book as a stand alone easily.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Full disclosure – I absolutely love everything Delilah writes and think she is amazingly great at historical romance. This is the fifth story in her incredibly addictive, funny, seductive School of Gallantry series. In this installment we get the story of the delectably scarred and mysterious Lord Brayton and how his life is forever changed when he comes to the rescue of Miss Leona Webster and her son Jacob.

Leona is a single mother who has struggled through heartbreak and misery, all while trying to make a better life for her and her son. I immediately loved Leona when we first met her, and I was literally giddy during her and Brayton’s first exchanges. I was so intrigued and excited by them and their possible future. I loved how open and honest these two were with each other from the start. I was rooting from them from the beginning – even when Brayton was being so incredibly stubborn.

Since we’ve seen many of the classroom scenes from the School of Gallantry during this series, we don’t see a lot of them recreated in this story. We do however get much more of Prince Nasser from Persia – who I adore! I was so excited to see more about him and how he and Brayton became associated. I wouldn’t complain if he got his own novella – just saying! Anywho, this story really focuses on Brayton and Leona together more than we see them interacting with others in this world which I really appreciated. It gave them the time they needed to truly get to know each other and was so refreshing to see. All in all I loved this story so much and will always anxiously await anything Delilah chooses to write! If you haven’t read her work, please go out NOW and start reading some truly great historical romance from a gifted author.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Delilah Marvelle Productions in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 16, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews The Last Cowboy In Texas by Katie Lane

TITLE: The Last Cowboy in Texas
SERIES #: Deep in the Heart of Texas #7
CHARACTERS: Beckett Cates & Starlet Brubaker
AUTHOR: Katie Lane
PUBLICATION DATE: December 16, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No Sad Songs Here, Darlin’

Country music princess Starlet Brubaker has a sweet tooth for moon pies and cowboys: both are yummy-and you can never have just one. Now Beckett Cates may not be a cowboy, but he certainly has the heart, soul-and body-to whet her appetite. He’s a sexy ex-Marine with a touch hotter than the scorching Texas sun and arms strong enough to catch her when she lands into trouble.

Playing bodyguard to America’s sweetheart isn’t easy for Beckett. But falling for her sure is. Unfortunately, Starlet has a reputation for keeping a guy or two wrapped around her finger and Beckett refuses to be anybody’s backup. So now it’s up to Starlet to prove that she’s put her cowboy-crazy days behind her. Otherwise, she’ll be singing solo instead of living in harmony with the man who’s loved her even before her fame and fortune.

REVIEW:
I liked this story but was not totally in love with the whole story. I thought Beckett and Starlet were fun, witty and perfect for each other. And while everything made since by the end of the book I felt some parts of the story were a little slow for me. Over all I did enjoy this book.

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

December 15, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Revenant by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Revenant
SERIES #: Demonica #11 /Lords of Deliverance #6
CHARACTERS: Revenant & Blaspheme
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: December 16, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HELL HATH NO FURY . . .

For five thousand years, Revenant believed he was alone in the world, a fallen angel beyond any redemption. Now he finds he has a twin brother who had all the light and love Revenant was denied. Caught in a tug of war between Heaven and Hell, he must weigh his thirst for revenge against his desire for a mysterious female named Blaspheme—a female whose very origins could deliver him into salvation . . . or destruction.

LIKE AN ANGEL SCORNED

Blaspheme has a deadly secret: she’s the forbidden offspring of an angel and a fallen angel. Hunted by both heavenly and satanic forces, she has survived only by laying low and trusting no one. When Revenant claims he can save them both, how can she possibly believe him? But the powerful angel is persistence incarnate and for Blaspheme, there’s no place she can hide in Heaven or Hell where he won’t find her .

KELLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts If you have not read Reaver. Please stop here. You can’t understand Revenant without knowing what happened in Reaver’s book. That was your warning.

Revenant is a very complicated creature. In ways he reminds me a lot of Wraith (if you have not read Wraith’s book you need to). I can’t blame Revenant at all for how he feels or how he reacts. The poor guys has literally been through Hell. You can’t not root for him. Revenant is also his own worst enemy. But sometimes taking a leap of faith is the only thing you can do when you are at the end of your rope.

Blaspheme is saucy. I really like her. She gives Revenant a run for his money every step of the way. But Blas has her own set of issues that she is dealing with. Issues that if it gets out could mean her death. Blas will soon learn that trust is an important tool that she can’t live without. Only question is who can she really trust with her secret.

Oh man! I honestly can not get over the fact of how much I love Larissa Ione and her Demonica series. My only issue with this book is that I read it way too fast and wanted more. More Revenant, more Blaspheme, more sexy time, more of everything and everyone in the Demonica/Lords of Deliverance world.

It will truly be a very sad day when she writes the final chapter in this series. Let hope that the characters of the Demonica world keep invading her thoughts for year and years to come. I am already looking forward to Hades’ story which will be out in 2015 as part of the 1001 Dark Nights. Until then, you need to go get catch up on this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Holy Crackers!
Honestly what more is there to say about a Larissa Ione book? I mean the woman can write no wrong. She brings you right into her world in the matter of a few words.

First on Blaspheme. Is it weird that I want her as a friend even though she is from another world? She has secrets but something about her calls to the reader and you want to be there for her. Now Revenant. What a messed up creature he is but yet you find yourself rooting for him every step of the way. He has been through so much. He is complicated and yet so damn sexy.

I am not sure I have ever found a book that Ione has written that didn’t have me mesmerized and engrossed. The way Ione writes makes her the queen of all paranormal if you ask me. It doesn’t matter if she wrote about the phone book I would be right there to pick it up. If you are a fan of the paranormal genre and already love Ione’s books then this will be no exception. If you are a paranormal fan and have not read her books yet then what the heck are you waiting for?

Lastly a warning. You need to read Ione’s book Reaver first. There is just too much connected. But really why haven’t you read Reaver? Heck why haven’t you read the entire series?

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

December 10, 2014December 9, 2014

Kelly reviews Deadly Fallout by Katie Reus

TITLE: Deadly Fallout
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #10
CHARACTERS: Sawyer McCabe & Zoe Hansen
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Zoe’s stalker has been murdered…

Dr. Zoe Hansen was forced to leave her beloved hospital job to escape a stalker. It worked—or so she thought. She’s terrified when he reappears in her life one night—and stunned when he turns up viciously murdered soon after. She’s arrested for the crime, but she quickly clears her name. Unfortunately, her problems are far from over. She’ll have to accept the protection of the one man she shouldn’t want.

…now she’s in more danger than ever before.

Former Navy SEAL Sawyer McCabe might not know the gorgeous Zoe as well as he wants to, but he knows all about trouble. So when she’s threatened, he steps in to help her regardless of the consequences and gets her out of town. But it’s not enough to escape a determined killer. As the danger closes in they have to trust each other if they want to stay alive. And Sawyer’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep Zoe safe and in his arms. Because Zoe is worth risking everything for.

REVIEW:
Another great Red Stone Security story from Ms. Reus. The last few books have alluded to the fact that Zoe has been keeping something from her family and friends. And what she has been keeping could have easily got her killed.

Zoe & Sawyer are so great together. Is it wrong that I loved that there was a not so pleasant past between the ultra calm Vincent and Sawyer. And that when that past is brought up Zoe doesn’t side with you you think she would. Also the threat of calling their mother. Classic.

I will say that I think I read this book way too fast because the story was over before I knew it. But it was a great fast read. I am ready for the next book in this series. If you are a Red Stone Security fan you will enjoy this book. If you are new to the series, while I think you can pick up any book in this series and be fine I would suggest starting from the being.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie Reus, CrushStar Multimedia LLC & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 9, 2014December 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Razed by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Razed
SERIES #: Barnes Brother’s #2
CHARACTERS: Zane Barnes & Keelie Jessup
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her

REVIEW:
After reading Wrecked I could not wait for the next book in this series. I didn’t like Keelie much in book 1 mostly because she caused a lot of trouble. But in Razed I learned to like her. Keelie has a lot of secrets and demons in her past that affect her future. It was great to see her work through them throughout the book. Zane, is a great guy who has been pining for Keelie for years. He is finally at a point it is all or nothing.
I did like Razed. But I didn’t like it as much as I loved Wrecked. I am not 100% sure what it was. I just didn’t connect with Keelie and Zane in the same way I did with Zach and Abby. But even with that I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 8, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews Wolf’s Fall by JD Tyler

TITLE: Wolf’s Fall
SERIES #: Alpha Pack #6
CHARACTERS: Nick Westfall & Calla Shaw
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A top secret team of wolf shifters, the Alpha Pack are former Navy SEALS that use their Psy powers to take on the world’s greatest predators. But while each member is loyal to the pack, it can be hard to deny the call of desire…

Still tormented by his recent captivity, Alpha Pack commander Nick Westfall isn’t sure he’s fit to lead—especially when he meets the one woman he can’t claim without reliving the torture he endured at the hands of a rogue vampire.

Vampire princess Calla Shaw has seen her own share of heartbreak, but she can tell that the wild attraction she and Nick feel for each other could turn into something significant—if only he’d let it. But Calla isn’t about to give up on her mate without a fight.

Time is running out, not only for Nick to claim his mate, but for Calla and her coven. A vampire war is on the horizon, one the Alpha Pack can’t hope to win if their leader can’t pull himself back from the abyss

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts ***Warning***
If you have not read Cole’s Redemption you may not want to read this book yet. The events that happened in book 5 shape the dynamic of book 6. You have been warned. I will do my best to keep the review spoiler free for those who have not read book 5 yet.
***End of Warning***

Wolf’s Fall picks up after the devastating events in Cole’s Redemption. I can remember reading Cole’s Redemption thinking how on earth could Ms. Tyler let this happen to Nick. Not my big strong Nick. But at last it did happen and Nick has to try to move on. Which is not an easy thing for him to do. Through in the fact that he just met his mate and she is of all things a vampire.
Wolf’s Fall took me on a lot of highs and lows. Lows as to how low Nick really is. Highs that Calla is there for him. Lows of the suffering that Calla has to endure. Highs that Nick finally sees the light. All in all this was a very good book and a really quick read for me. There were just a few holes in the story for me. Things moved very quickly, which is fine but I would have like to see more relationship building.

Even with that I am so very very glad that Nick got his story and hope that this will lead him on the path of healing.

If you are a fan of the Alpha Pack you will surely enjoy Nick’s book, especially after Cole’s Redemption.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 5, 2014December 1, 2014

Kelly reviews The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter

TITLE: The Darkest Touch
SERIES #: Lord of the Underworld #11
CHARACTERS: Torin ‘Keeper of Disease’ & Kelleycael ‘The Red Queen”
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: November 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.

She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.

REVIEW:
Of all the Lords I think Torin was the one who broke my heart the most. As the Keeper of Disease he can’t touch anyone for any reason. Because they will get sick and die. And for any reason they do survive they will have to be taken down or they will be come a carrier of that disease. Meaning the sweet, caring and totally kick ass Torin can’t ever touch or be touched. I often wondered as I read through this series how Ms. Showalter was going to solve this little issue. And in The Darkest Touch Ms. Showalter does just that. She solves Torin’s problem but only to bring him more problems.
Keeleycael ‘The Red Queen’ is one mean SOB. She is feared and hated throughout the world and the realms but we good reason. Keeley is a bit of a drama queen with a very short fuse and a pension for killing things. Needless to say that her and Torin’s first visit doesn’t good smoothly. But soon Keeley will find herself in a situation that even The Red Queen can’t bully, threaten or kill her way out of.
This was another really good story from Ms. Showalter. I just loved Torin and Keeley. They are perfect for each other after they get over the whole I want to kill you moments. If you are a Lord of the Underworld fan you will love this book. If you are new to this series, I would suggest that you start at the beginning. There is a lot of history that leads up to this book. BUT I do think that you could pick up The Darkest Touch and read it and not be too lost.

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

December 3, 2014November 29, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Merry Christmas Baby
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #12.5
CHARACTERS: Sawyer & Chloe Thompson
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis brings you a heartwarming tale that could only happen in Lucky Harbor . . .

SEASON’S KISSES

Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to thinking about impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen. 13,000 words

KELLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Oh how I love a good Lucky Harbor story. And I love them even more knowing that the Lucky Harbor series is done (will kind of. I asked Jill about this and she said there will be more novellas).
Merry Christmas Baby takes us back to visit Sawyer and Chloe and little baby Bean. This was such a sweet story and I am so glad that we got to take a glimpse into Sawyer and Chloe’s life. These two have had a rough time of life and love. I am so happy that they are getting a happy ever after. And let me tell you Sawyer and baby Bean are beyond adorable together (totally tissue worthy)

Lucky Harbor fans you will love this very very short story. Until next time Lucky Harbor.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is a sweet Holiday novella with less than 40 pages but one that any fan of the Lucky Harbor series just had to have. We met Chloe and Sawyer in Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor #3) and this is their follow up. Chloe is now pregnant and going through so many pregnancy hormones she can barely stand herself neither less anyone else and when Sawyer keeps leaving she is heartbroken. But like any Shalvis story there is more to it then Sawyer wanting to get away. I loved that within a few pages of the story Shalvis says “shes once been hell on wheels” as a shout out to their first story.

I won’t say too much since it is so short and it would give too much away but I will say that it was a great Christmas gift to the fans of Lucky Harbor and Jill Shalvis. (Just wish we knew what the baby’s name is – I wrote Shalvis on Facebook to ask – No word yet)

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