Kelly’s Review – Page 49

June 24, 2014June 13, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Until We Touch
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #15
CHARACTERS: Jack McGarry & Larissa Owens
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm’s length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool’s Gold, California.

Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack’s her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa’s big secret is revealed…by her mother!

When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa’s feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he’s not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts In Until We Touch we get to learn a little more about Mr. Jack McGarry. Jack, well for a better word is a bit of an asshat once we get to know him better. I was so mad at him through this book. It is a good thing that you can’t reach into books and slap the characters around. The problem with Jack is that his past has form who he is today. And sadly I could not hold that against him. But I still think everyone should make him sweat it out more 🙂

Larissa is so sweet, shy and has such a big heart that she can’t see that the person that needs the most rescuing in her life is herself. But it is fun to watch her run around and save all of these animals. Sadly it is going to take some major heartbreak for Larissa to finally realize the errors of her ways.
As always Susan does a great job of sucking me back into the Fool’s Gold world. If you are a Fool’s Gold fan you will really enjoy Jack & Larissa’s story. If you are new to this series no worried you can read this as a stand alone, but be warned once you step foot into Fool’s Gold you my never want to leave.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I think I say this with every Fool’s Gold review but reading this series is like coming home to a town filled with family and friends. I love everything about Fool’s Gold from freaky Mayor Marsha to Jo’s odd bar to the latest couple to fall in love. There is something special about this place and about the author who writes it. Susan Mallery is the best in the contemporary romance genre and reading any one of her books will have you working your way through them all.

Now on to Jack and Larissa. We all knew from the beginning of the football heroes trilogy that they would end up together but we didn’t know how and I doubt any of us thought it would be a meddling mom who started it all but we are so glad she did. Once the seed is planted in the minds of Jack and Larissa that there is love between them there is no stopping the seed growing into a forest of trouble. Jack and Larissa are ying and yang to each other. They complement each other perfectly and are just meant to be. I also love the relationship that Jack has with Tayrn. There is something special between them that is separate from romance and it works. But the best relationship is the bro-mance between Jack, Sam and Kenny. With each summer trilogy there are three men but something about these three is a bond that is so everlasting it rivals all others. I can’t wait to watch Kenny and Bailey fall in love this Christmas and I know Chloe will be a delight to read.

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

June 20, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Temptation in Shadow by Gena Showalter

TITLE: Temptation in Shadow
CHARACTERS: Sean Walker & Gabby Nuit
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: June 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Originally released as part of THE BODYGUARD anthology, fall under the spell of Gena Showalter’s paranormal romantic suspense novella “Temptation in Shadows.” Every day he puts his life on the line, what will happen when it’s his heart in jeopardy?

Tall, lean, muscular—and definitely rough around the edges—Sean Walker is not your typical nightclub bodyguard. He’s a controller of shadows, able to wield darkness at will. But when a mysterious woman at the club turns out to have powers greater than his own, he has no choice but seduction…

Now exclusive as a standalone e-title, read the sexy story that captivate readers from New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a quick read yet good read. I found myself drawn into this world from the get go. I mean waking up not knowing where you are or why you are chained to the wall? Who wouldn’t want to know the answers. But as the story went on I kept wondering who was behind everything.
So while this was a short read I did enjoy it. If you are a fan of Ms. Showalter and did not read this story when it was included in the anthology The Bodyguard. I would suggest picking up a copy Temptation in Shadow.
I would like to know if Rowan is going to be getting a story. He is such a charmer : D

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

June 19, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Cop A Feel by Robyn Peterman

TITLE: Cop A Feel
SERIES #: Handcuffs and Happily Ever Afters #3
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Robyn Peterman
PUBLICATION DATE: June 19, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Outrageous, profane, hilarious, sexy and all kinds of wacky!” –Michelle Rowen, national bestselling author
When you get time off for bad behavior, romance is the last thing on your mind–but good old-fashioned lust is a whole different story. . .
Life undercover isn’t exactly one big party–not when you’re a DEA agent–but it sure beats a desk job. Except when you screw up big and someone has to go in and clean up after you. In that case, even paper-pushing sounds better than babysitting an erotic romance writer with as many enemies as there are euphemisms for “throbbing manhood.”
I’ve been taking down drug dealers for so long, playing bodyguard to a woman named Shoshanna Lehump sounds like nothing more than a giant pain in my ass– and being partnered with the gorgeous egotistical jerk I never should have slept with in the first place just makes a bad situation even harder–especially when he pursues me as diligently as we’re supposed to be chasing the bad guys…What’s a girl have to do to get a happy ending anyway?
“For a good time, read Robyn Peterman!” –Michelle Rowen, national bestselling author
“A zany over-the-top rompfest.” –Lexi George, author of Demon Hunting in a Dive Bar

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Cop a Feel brings us back into the fun world of Handcuffs & Happily Ever Afters. We get a closer look at Mitch’s sister and what makes her tick. Candy is a hard nose DEA agent with a weee-bit of bad luck when it comes to her job. Oh she gets the job done, but at great peril to herself. When her final mission almost kills her, her boss takes action and puts her on body guard duty. Only problem this is not your normal body guard duty. And to make matters worse Candy’s ummmm, new partner will be tagging along.

Luke has been a out of touch for a very long time. The only thing that makes him feel grounded are his night with a certain pretty girl. But when that certain pretty girl tells him to go fly a kite and that they are done something in Luke snaps. A plan snaps into place to make a certain pretty girl his forever.

I truly loved Luke & Candy’s story. I just loved everything about these two and their adventure. And once again Ms. Peterman had me laughing, crying and begging for more. Robyn’s mind is a scary place to live with the crazy cast of characters that rule her brain. But I don’t think that I would have it any other way. I am truly amazed at the level that some of her characters go to. They are so very OUT there. 🙂 But they are so much fun and that you will need some tissues for the tears and possible a set of depends to save you from laughing so hard.

I did hear a disturbing rumor that this may be the last Handcuffs & Happily Ever Afters book. I am hoping that this not true and Kensington will force, I mean ask Ms. Peterman to continue this series 🙂

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

June 17, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Vanished by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Vanished
SERIES #:the beginning of a new series
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ava McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When eleven-year-old Henley Fairbanks is abducted on her way to school, the FBI doesn’t waste a moment, sending agents to scour the area and embedding Special Agent Ava McLane with the distraught family. In the eye of the storm is local detective Mason Callahan, who also happens to be related to Henley. To make matters worse for Mason, the kidnapping comes on the heels of the murder of his longtime confidential informant, and he’s been sidelined from the investigation. Now both he and Agent McLane are holed up in the Fairbanks’ home, along with Callahan’s ex-wife, Robin. Every second counts in a kidnapping case, and the stakes keep rising the longer Henley stays missing. As Ava and Mason struggle to hold the Fairbanks family together in their darkest hour, the two investigators find themselves more and more drawn to each other.

REVIEW:
Wow this story was pretty heartbreakingly good story. Ms. Elliott does an amazing job of bring her characters to life. If you are from Oregon there are a few references in this book that will make you cry just because you know the reality of Vanished storyline. But Vanished has so many different levels to this story and not all is as it seems.

I tried to think of a way to summarize this book, but I could not think of a good way to do it without giving something away so you get nothing :-). This just means that you need to read this book for yourself.

If you are a fan of Kendra’s you will enjoy Vanished. If you are new to The Bone Secret series never fear each book can be read as a stand alone with no problems. Make sure to add this one to your buy list.

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

June 13, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Lay Me Down by Erin Kellison

TITLE: Lay Me Down
SERIES #: Reveler #2
CHARACTERS: Steve Coll & Maisie Lane
AUTHOR: Erin Kellison
PUBLICATION DATE: May 12, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Able to navigate sleep’s vast dreamwaters, wild child Maisie Lane makes easy money as a courier delivering packages from one dream to another. So what if her employers are on the shadier side of the law? Her sister thinks she’s living for the pleasure of the moment. Pleasure is involved—why shouldn’t it be?—but every step Maisie takes is part of a careful plan. That is, until she crosses into a dream so evil, she has no choice but to run.

Special Agent Steve Coll is tasked to recruit Maisie for Chimera, the organization that polices shared dreams. At first he’s taken with her funny and carefree spirit, then brought to his knees by her tough and passionate soul. Touching her is forbidden ecstasy, but Steve can’t resist breaking the rules with Maisie. A darkness is gathering, evil preparing to strike, and only Maisie stands between it and innocent lives. No matter what happens, Steve won’t let her stand alone—he’ll die before he leaves her side

REVIEW:
Lay Me Down was the 2nd novella in Erin Kellison’s new Reveler series was pretty good. I think that I enjoyed this one a little better than the first novella. I am still struggling a little with the world. There seems to be a lot going on in such a short period of time and everything was a little rushed.
But again I believe I will give book 3 a try and see if it is working for me.

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

June 13, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Darkness Falls by Erin Kellison

TITLE: Darkness Falls
SERIES #: Reveler #1
CHARACTERS: Malcolm Rook & Jordan Lane
AUTHOR: Erin Kellison
PUBLICATION DATE: May 12, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Agent Malcolm Rook is hunting for people with the rarest of talents—the ability to master dreams. He finds the undeniably gifted Jordan Lane, but she’s wary of mysterious Rook and resists his pursuit as long as she can. Yet the dreamwaters they enter are too exhilarating to resist, and attraction soon ignites electric passions. Delving too deep stirs a nightmare, one they must defeat, or be forever lost to darkness.

Fans of paranormal romance and bad boys, get ready for a dark, sexy plunge into fantasy and desire. The Reveler Series is set in a contemporary world in which people can indulge in Rêve, or shared dreaming—a pop culture phenomenon sweeping the world. Imagine being able to fall asleep at night, only to wake in a dream world, one in which you are lucid and in control—where you can be anything you want to be and do anything you like. But you must be careful…dreaming can be as dangerous as it is seductive.

REVIEW:
This was a quick read Darkness Falls was a very interesting read and world for me. I have not really decided if I am in love with this world yet or not. This first novella in the Reveler series was a little hard for me to follow and understand. But seeing as this was the first book the world building is important . Therefore I do plan to read the next novella and see if this series is really for me.

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

June 12, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Beauty And The Curse by KM Fawcett & Cathy Tully

TITLE: Beauty and the Curse
CHARACTERS: Chase Singleton & Anabel Charming
AUTHOR: KM Fawcett & Cathy Tully
PUBLICATION DATE: March 19, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cursed by a jealous witch, wealthy recluse Anabel Charming is destined to grow uglier with each passing year. Only by having sex before her twenty-first birthday can this virgin’s spell be broken. Yet no man will agree to sleep with the humpbacked, pockmarked, one-leg-shorter-than-the-other “Freak of Park Avenue.”

When handsome Chase Singleton shows up on a quest to retrieve his grandmother’s long-lost talisman, which Anabel now possesses, Anabel is willing to give up the jewel…if Chase agrees to break her curse. With two days left before her chance at a normal life is lost forever, Anabel and Chase discover the reality of beauty, the power of sexual healing, and the meaning of love.

REVIEW:
This was a quick read. I like the story but was not totally in love with it. The first chapter was a little slow and didn’t pull me in, but as the story when on I found myself hoping for the best with these two.
I really like the room of toads 🙂

If you are looking for quick, sweet read I would suggest giving Beauty and the Curse a try.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 11, 2014June 9, 2014

Kelly reviews Fighting Fate by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Fighting Fate
SERIES #: Redwood Pack#7
CHARACTERS: Logan Anderson & Cailin Jamenson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: June 10, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon │ Barnes & Noble │ ARe │ Kobo │ iTunes

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With her blue-black hair and striking green eyes, Cailin Jamenson is the epitome of beauty and the exemplar of strength. She has fought the enforced boundaries of being the lone Jamenson daughter and Redwood Pack princess, but it is the potential future with the dark wolf in her path that threatens everything she thought she desired.
Logan Anderson’s own darkness provided the reasoning for his abandonment of his former Pack, the Talons. Now, newly accepted into the Redwood Pack, this jade-eyed wolf and all she represents could be his own undoing.
In this final installment of the Redwood Pack, unimaginable tragedy strikes, and the two wolves who have fought the longest for their independence now face the uncertainty of fate and the epic battle that could end the war… and their lives.

REVIEW:
We finally get the Princess of the Redwood Pack’s story. Cailin has been a long time favorite of mine. Maybe because she is standoffish, maybe because she is tough, or maybe it is because what Fate has in store for her might just save them all. Only problem is that Cailin is stubborn, tough, and standoffish that she just might lose out on what is most important.

This was really good way to end the Redwood Pack series, although it looks like there might be a novella here an there still to come. If you have not read any of the Redwood Pack books you need to start from the beginning. There is to much history in each book and to much interconnected events that reading Fighting Fate first would be a huge mistake.

I will warn you that if you can make it through chapter 2 you may be golden. There is a few Oh My GOD moments that left me speechless.

Looking forward to what Carrie Ann has in store for the Talon Pack.

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

June 11, 2014June 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Animal Attraction by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Animal Attraction
SERIES #: Alaskan Werewolf #1
CHARACTERS: Hunter McCall & Eliza Bradley
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: Re-release
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Frustrated when none of the real newspapers will hire her as a reporter, Eliza Bradley takes the only job she can get – at a paranormal magazine. Her first assignment takes her to Fairbanks, Alaska to investigate the possibility that a werewolf has killed two local hikers.
Eliza forgets about the story, however, when she meets Hunter McCall, a local college professor and an expert on wolves. The man is an absolute hunk, and she finds herself spending more time in his bed than worrying about werewolves. That is, until she finds out that Hunter isn’t just an animal in the sack, he’s an animal out of it, too – of the werewolf variety! Talk about a complicated relationship!

But Eliza can’t dwell on Hunter’s little shapeshifting issues. There’s another werewolf out there with a taste for human blood, and she and Hunter are the only ones who can stop him.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Animal Attraction the re-release of Paige Tyler’s first book in her Alaskan Werewolf series.

Being unemployed sucks. That is how Eliza ends up finding herself in the middle of Alaska trying to track down a killer werewolf. Of course Eliza doesn’t believe in such things which makes working for a Paranormal newspaper a little hard. But once she is on the trail Eliza realized that there is much more to this story then just the paranormal. So with the help of the hunky professor and wolf expert Hunter McCall, Eliza is going to solve this case even if it kills her.

I enjoyed this book. I really like how Eliza’s mind worked and her openness to the paranormal world. And Hunter was just great. I really enjoyed the first interaction with Hunter and Eliza. Who knew ketchup could lead to true love. What to know what I am talking about? You need to pick up a copy of Animal Attraction and find out for yourself.

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

June 10, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews The Given by Vicki Pettersson

TITLE: The Given
SERIES #: Celestial Blues #3
CHARACTERS: Griffin Shaw & Katherine “Kit” Craig
AUTHOR: Vicki Pettersson
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Vicki Pettersson continues her breakout new supernatural noir mystery series as a fallen angel and a reporter team up to stop a drug cartel

After learning his wife survived the attack that killed him fifty years earlier, angel/PI Griffin Shaw is determined to find Evelyn Shaw, no matter the cost. Yet his obsession comes at a price. Grif has had to give up his burgeoning love for reporter Katherine “Kit” Craig, the woman who made life worth living again, and dedicate himself to finding one he no longer knows.

Yet when Grif is attacked again, it becomes clear that there are forces in both the mortal and heavenly realm who’d rather see him dead than unearth the well-buried secrets of his past. If he’s to survive his second go-round on the Surface, Grif will have to convince Kit to reunite with him professionally, and help uncover decades of police corruption, risking both their lives… and testing the limits to what one angel is really willing to give for love

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts By far my favorite book of this trilogy! Honestly I was not sure what to expect in this book. I have liked Grif & Kit in the first two but was still on the fence about them. But was in love with them after this book. The world that Vicki has created was very different and interesting. It makes me wonder if we will see any more trilogy’s set in this world (I think Dennis needs a book or two). The twists and turns in this trilogy were great. Vicki kept me wondering the whole time. And yes The Given is highly emotional, I did cry.

This was my first set of books by Vicki Pettersson and I am so glad that I pick up this trilogy. I do plan on checking out more of Vicki’s books in the near future. If you are looking for a really good trilogy I would suggest picking up this series and find out for yourself “Who Killed Griffin Shaw”.

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

June 6, 2014May 25, 2014

Kelly reviews Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Gimme Some Sugar
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #2
CHARACTERS: Jackson Carter & Carly di Matisse
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Out of the frying pan. . .and into the fire!

Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she’s running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter…

Jackson Carter wasn’t looking for love. But he’s not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits…

It’s the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds… and thirds… and fourths..

REVIEW:
The second book in Kimberly’s Pine Mountain series was just as good as the first book. I love how Jackson & Carly meet. It is pretty darn funny. I really liked Jackson. He seems like such a good guy. Carly on the other hand is a little stand offish about both people and relationships. Both have been hurt by their past relationships and that really scues their outlook on future relationships. And sadly when reality finally hits it might be too late.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Gimme Some Sugar can be read as a stand alone, but since it is only book 2 in the series. You should just start with book one and go from there.

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.

June 5, 2014May 25, 2014

Kelly reviews Jaguar Hunt by Terry Spears

TITLE: Jaguar Hunt
SERIES #: Heart of the Jaguar #3
CHARACTERS: David Patterson & Tammy Anderson
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An agent and a jaguar-shifter chase trouble, and each other, through the jungles of Belize…

Agent Tammy Anderson has a reputation: she prefers to work alone. So when she’s paired up on a mission with jaguar-shifter David Patterson—who’s only recently been released from jail—to say she’s less than thrilled is a understatement. Until she realizes that this sexy agent has what it takes…

Soon, what started as an “easy” mission to locate a missing jaguar takes the pair to Belize, where they’re chasing down two renegade teen shifters who know more than they’re telling. As the action heats up, can they keep their minds on the job and off of each other?

REVIEW:
Tammy doesn’t work well with others. Well she works just fine with them as long as they are not her partner and not getting in her way. But on her latest mission Tammy has finally met her match in partners.

David is a man on a mission and nothing is going to stop him. David’s first hurdle is getting Tammy to actually work with him.

This was a great read. I loved David and Tammy. I loved the twins!! They are so sneaky and awesome. I enjoyed the mission that Tammy and David were on. It kept me guessing as to the who’s and the why’s.

This was my first book in this series. I was happy that Jaguar Hunt easily read as a stand alone book. I do plan on going back and reading the first two books in this series. I am already looking forward to who and what is next in this 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.