TITLE: One Day in Apple Grove
SERIES: Small Town USA #2
CHARACTERS: Jack Gannon & Caitlin Mulchahy
AUTHOR: C.H. Admirand
PUBLICATION DATE: June 4, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Caitlin Mulchahy doesn’t have much time for socializing now that her sisters’ handyman business is thriving. For Dr. Jack Gannon–former Marine medic–keeping the residents of Apple Grove healthy is a welcome distraction from the haunting memories of his time served in Iraq. Although the two have lived in the same small town their whole lives, Cait and Jack barely know each other. That is until a stray puppy leads them to the same place at the same time. But it will take more than one adorable canine to get these two together–it’ll take a whole town.
REVIEW:
This story was okay for me. I really liked the idea of the story. I liked the characters well enough. But I just didn’t connect with this story. By the end of the book I was happy with the story.
Will I read the next book in this series? I will be giving it a try.
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.
TITLE: The Cursed
SERIES: League of the Black Swan #1
CHARACTERS: Luke Oliver & Rio Jones
AUTHOR: Alyssa Day
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author of the Warriors of Poseidon series Alyssa Day returns with a thrilling new series of paranormal romance and a heated battle between good and evil fought to the death on the streets of New York…
Bordertown private investigator Luke Oliver’s beat is the dimensional fold in Manhattan between the human and supernatural realms. But now a secret from his past—the League of the Black Swan—has surfaced. Because Luke isn’t any ordinary P.I. He’s the Dark Wizard of Bordertown, and he never backs down from a fight.
But this time the fight threatens his life and his heart. Rio Jones, the only woman he loved, needs his help against a deadly menace. Luke pushed her away once before, so she’d never fall prey to the curse that threatens to destroy him. He swore he’d never let her go again.
Luke and Rio, with the help of the newly reformed League, must keep evil forces from taking over Bordertown—all the while battling a passion on the razor’s edge between danger and desire. And going to take everything they have just to stay alive.
REVIEW:
Rio Jones is a fighter. Always has been even if she feels alone most of the time. But as her 25th birthday draws near she finds she is the center of attention and not in a good way. Rio may not know what everyone wants from her, but she does know who is the only person she can trust. Luke Oliver
Luke Oliver is very yummy (it helps that his likeness is Paul Marron, Right SG?) Yummy, but very deadly. Luke is the dark Wizard of Bordertown. He runs a private investigation services and tries his best to keep the citizens of Bordertown safe. But when Luke is drawn back into the world of the League of the Black Swan, he finds himself protecting the one woman he would not let himself get close to, not matter how bad he wanted her. Until now.
This was an awesome start to a new series for Alyssa. I really love her Warriors of Poseidon series. But I think I am going to love the League of the Black Swan series even more.
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.
TITLE: Under The Covers
SERIES: Maverick Montana #2
CHARACTERS: Juliet & Quinn
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 5/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Opposites don’t attract. They ignite.
The small Montana town near the Kooskia reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway, and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends. Namely, finding out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding in his holster…
Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something. Clearly, he needs to do a thorough investigation to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight, city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated. How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
LOVED!!! LOVED!!!! LOVED!!!!
Quinn & Juliet are amazingly awesome!!!
If you have not read Against the Wall (book 1 in the Maverick Montana series) I would highly recommend you start there. We first met both Quinn & Juliet in Against the Wall We get to see the sexual tension bewteen these two. But in Under the Covers that tension jumps to a whole new level.
Under the Covers starts with a proposition to Juliet from Quinn. A proposition for them to date for the next six, just until the election is over. While Juliet is reluctant to say yes, she does under one condition. That Quinn is never allowed to touch her ( I will tell you that the no touching policy doesn’t last long). But while Quinn & Juliet are fake dating someone is causing havoc in the small town of Maverick. And unfortunately one of them has their sights set on Juliet and the lies she has been keeping. Will Juliet’s lies be more than Quinn can handle or will Quinn’s need to protect and his growing feelings for Juliet help him over look her betrayal?
I so love this series. I love the change in direction that Rebecca has gone with her writing (I still really love the Dark Protectors 🙂 ) I am so glad she took this chance on some very hot cowboys. I can’t wait for the next two books in the series. Colton and little sister Dawn are going to be really fun books to read.
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.
TITLE: It Had To Be You
SERIES: Lucky Harbor #7
CHARACTERS: Luke Hanover & Ali Winters
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: May 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Available for a limited time, this special bonus edition of IT HAD TO BE YOU includes Blue Flame, a free, full-length novel also by Jill Shalvis.
Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she’s a thief, and now she’s about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who’s as sexy as he is stern….
After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke’s own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars All Luke wants is a nice peaceful and quiet three weeks off. This is the only reason he is back in Lucky Harbor. But Luke finds himself drawn to his new feisty roommate. But when Ali is accused of stealing Luke’s detective skills will not let him walk away from her but only until the charges are dropped and she is safe.
Love, love, love being back in Lucky Harbor. Jill always does such a great job of sucking me into the world of Lucky Harbor. Honestly I have not read a book in this series that I didn’t love.
Who doesn’t love an extremely hot man in a uniform with a tortured soul? One who has no chance of saving his heart from the half naked woman screaming on the phone in his kitchen.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars While this is part of the Lucky Harbor series there is something special about this story. And that something is Ali. While Luke is a great character it is Ali that makes this story what it is. And the highest kudos to Jill Shalvis for writing this incredible, heartbreaking yet inspirational character.
Ok first the easy part. Luke is great if not the typical commitment phobic man but honestly this is a romance so don’t we know that by the end of the story he will become hooked on Ali. Sure we do. But Ali is something more than a normal female lead to an everyday romance. There were times that I was close to tears. Not for what the character said but for how palpable her feelings were. The sadness that Ali (and Shalvis) projects is just heartbreaking and yet the character has an underlying belief that things will work out. She has lived a life that most would be hard to come back from but she does and the reader is able to be sad and proud of Ali at the same time.
Did I like this book? You bet… It was great to visit Lucky Harbor again and I can’t wait for the next visit to read Jack’s story. Jack makes a number of appearances in It Had To Be You and I can not wait to read Always On My Mind because not only is he adorable and sweet but who doesn’t love a firefighter?
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.
TITLE: What a Wicked Earl Wants
SERIES: The Sinful Scoundrels #1
CHARACTERS: Andrew “Bells” Carrington & Laura Davenport
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE: May 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WILL A RAKE’S WICKED WAYS
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it’s fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for …
LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?
It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar’s daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura’s good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ..
REVIEW:
AAAhhhhhh The Earl of Bellingham finally gets his story…..
Andrew of better known as “Bells” is a confirmed bachelor. That is how it has been, how he wants it and how it is going to stay. All he needs now is a new mistress and things will be perfect. Too bad for the Earl of Bellingham that he can’t control fate. Because fate is about to throw a huge wrench in his plans of bachelorhood.
I have been in love with Bellingham since we met him in Vicky’s “How To” Series. I was very excited when I learned that Bells was going to get his own story and be the start of a new series. I really enjoyed the torture and torment that Vicky makes Bells suffer in this book (he deserves it). Laura is a perfect fit for our reluctant Bells. My only fault with the story is that Laura didn’t make him suffer more for his pain-in-the-butt stubbornness.
If you are a fan of Vicky’s already you will really enjoy What a Wicked Earl Wants. But never fear if you are new to Vicky, What a Wicked Earl Wants can easily be read as a stand alone, but I would suggest grabbing the “How To” Trilogy so you can see where our sweet stubbornness Bells started from.
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.
TITLE: A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses & Curses
SERIES: Half Moon Hollow #3
CHARACTERS: Nola Leary & Jed Trudeau
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: May 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nola Leary would have been content to stay in Kilcairy, Ireland, healing villagers at her family’s clinic with a mix of magic and modern medicine. But a series of ill-timed omens and a deathbed promise to her grandmother have sent her on a quest to Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky, to secure her family’s magical potency for the next generation. Her supernatural task? To unearth four artifacts hidden by her grandfather before a rival magical family beats her to it.
Complication One: Her grandfather was Mr. Wainwright and the artifacts are lost somewhere in what is now Jane Jameson’s book shop.
Complication Two: her new neighbor, Jed Trudeau, who keeps turning up half naked at the strangest times, a distraction Nola doesn’t need. And teaming up with a real-life Adonis is as dangerous as it sounds, especially when he’s got the face of an angel and the abs of a washboard—can Nola complete her mission before falling completely under his spell?
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF STARS: 4
REVIEW:
Nola & Jed are like oil and vinegar. When left alone they don’t mix together, but when you give them a good shake they become delicious together.
Both are hiding secrets that they believe no one will ever understand. That no one will ever accept. But the town of Half Moon Hollow welcomes them with open arms. Accepting them craziness and all…. Well kinda.
Another fun book from Molly Harper. In A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses we get to see all of our favorite Half Moon Hollow residents. Jane, Gabriel, Dick, Andrea, Zeb & Jolie play a key role in Nola’s journey.
I loved the twists and turns that Molly throws into the Half Moon Hollow world. I seriously would love to live in this town. These guys have so much fun, even when people are try to kill them 🙂
If you have not read a Molly Harper book yet, you really must!!! She is snarky, funny and will tug at your heartstrings with each and every story.
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.
TITLE: Just One Kiss
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #11
CHARACTERS: Patience McGraw & Justice Garrett
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?
Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again-and her daughter, too?
When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.
Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Justice & Patience are such a great couple. There was so much emotion happening in the this book. Childhood best friends, both loved each other even back then. But in the dead of night Justice just disappears. Now that he is back, will it before good? Or will he disappear again and break Patience’s heart all over again?
I have to admit this is my first Susan Mallery book. Yes I started with book 11(crazy i know!!!). But I loved this story and loved Susan’s writing. This was a great book. Easily read as a stand alone. I never felt lost at any time in Just One Kiss. But I do plan on going back and reading the first 10 books in the Fool’s Gold series. But until then I am really looking forward to Two of a Kind (#12) and Three Little Words (#13).
If you are a Susan Mallery fan you will love Justice & Patience’s story!! If you are new to Susan. Don’t be afraid to grab this book and start reading and find out why a trip to Fool’s Gold is so very nice.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Another great visit to Fool’s Gold. This time the mini vacation was spent with Patience, Justice and Lilly. But it does not matter who you are actually visiting with you are always sure to bump into others that you know and love.
This has to be my favorite series of all my favorite authors books. I feel like I am coming home when I read one of Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. Each time I read about a character from a previous book I actually feel like waving hello. There is just something about the characters that Mallery writes. They get into your heart and soul. I will admit that Patience and Justice was not one of my all time favorite characters from Mallery but they would still be heads above characters from other authors. And that says a lot.
I would compare Justice to a chocolate covered marshmallow. He looks real good, is hard on the outside but when it comes to his inside he is just soft and sweet. Now Patience is the exact opposite. She looks sweet on the outside but she can hold her own and can stand on her own two feet. I wish there had been more scenes with Justice and Lilly (Patience’s daughter) because those scenes were just too sweet for words.
As with all of Fool’s Gold stories this years mini series (the year of the bodyguards) can be read alone but I would say start with book one and you when you finish this book (#11) you will hold your breath for book #12.
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.
TITLE: Forgiveness
SERIES: Redwood Pack #4.7
CHARACTERS: Adam Jameson & Bay (Milton) Jameson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: May 21, 2013
ORDER LINKS: (links pending)
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Adam Jamenson’s courtship of his mate wasn’t the most conventional. In fact, it didn’t exist. Though he knows Bay loves him with every ounce of her soul, he needs to prove to her that he’s worth it. Not only for her, but for himself. While they move on and learn to be the Enforcer mated pair, Bay will find herself on a path that leads her to a history beyond just her and Adam’s mating. When she finds a locket rich in history and memories, she’ll do all in her power to see those involved found and remembered. With Adam by her side, they’ll both find the true meaning of forgiveness.
Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 4 and 5 to give you a taste of Bay and Adam. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples
REVIEW:
Sometimes Forgiveness is as easy as saying you’re sorry. But sometimes Forgivness is as hard as learning that the people around you have already forgiven you, it is you that can’t forgive yourself.
Forgiveness is a follow up novella in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Redwood Pack Series to Adam & Bay’s story. So I would highly suggest that you read Enforcer’s Redemption first.
Adam & Bay had a bit of a rough love story. But Bay has accepted their history and has moved on. But Adam has not, at least not until now. Adam does a lot of growing up in this novella and realizes that Bay loves and forgave him a long time ago.
This was a very quick and good read. I love Adam & Bay’s characters. They are both so stubborn and perfect for eachother. I was very happy to see Adam finally be happy with his life.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series 🙂
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.
TITLE: Eternal Demon
SERIES: Mark of the Vampire #5
CHARACTERS: Erion & Hellen
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | BN
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Erion’s son is kidnapped by the evil vampire Cruen, Erion vows to stop at nothing to find his hideaway—including intercepting the traveling party of Cruen’s beautiful bride-to-be. But instead of a vulnerable caravan, Erion is met by a feral band of female demons that includes Hellen, the bride—a creature of dark magic and darker passion.
Though the safety of his son is foremost, Erion can’t deny his unexpected connection to Hellen—inflaming a manic desire as primal as it is irresistible. As their bond intensifies, they move toward an inevitable and terrifying battle. With time running out, Erion realizes he must not only find and rescue his son but protect Hellen from Cruen and the underworld forces waiting to destroy her for her betrayal.
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This was not my favorite book in the Mark of the Vampire series, but my favorite (Nicky) was in this one more than the last (Eternal Beauty). But while this was not my favorite it was still a good story and a good spin on the Mark of the Vampire world.
I am not sure what it is, but for some reason despite being Nicky’s twin I just don’t feel a connection with Erion like I do with Alex, Nicky & Luca. But as the story went on I got to see a side of Erion that he never shows any one. And I will admit that there were a few tears towards the end of this book.
I do have to say that sometime I really love/hate how Ms. Wright leaves us hanging at the end of her books. Eternal Demon is not different. To say I wanted to yell at the end of this book was an understatement *shakes fist at Ms. Wright*. My second favorite character in this series (Synjon) has turned into a complete asshat after the events of the last two books and novella. But I am looking forward to seeing if he can redeem himself in Eternal Sin. And I want to see what other twists and turns Ms. Wright throws at us in the MOTV series.
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.
TITLE: How Beauty Loved the Beast
SERIES: Underlight Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Wesley “Hauk” Haukon & Jolie Benoit
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: May 13, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s all been leading to this.
Jolie Benoit has become a skilled agent of the Underlight, relying on her savvy to complete assignments while Sergeant Wesley Haukon was out of commission. But an unexpected clue to the Order of Ananke’s diabolical scheme rattles Jolie, and she turns to Hauk for comfort.
It’s been years since Hauk took comfort from the touch of another person, though his love for Jolie is deep and powerful. Uncomfortable in his skin, scarred by a terrible fire, he is unable to give in to the pleasures that Jolie so desperately wants to grant him.
Meanwhile, the Order is lurking in the shadows—and when they strike, the blow is swift and terrible. Hauk and Jolie scramble to fight for their community, but with the future of the Underlight threatened, no one is safe. And Hauk will never be the same…
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Hauk & Jolie are so perfect for each other. I am really sad to see the end of this trilogy. I have grown to love Hauk & Jolie so much. They have been through alot over the course of these three books and I don’t want them to go. I could go on and on and on about this book/series. But I try to live spoiler free. So I am just going to say you have to read this series!!!
Jax does an amazing job of twisting the traditional story of Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. I truly loved all three of these books. While I am sad to see them go I am excited to see what Jax has in store for us next.
If you have not picked up these books I would highly recommend them. But you really do HAVE to read them in order.
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.
TITLE: The Best Man
SERIES: Blue Heron #1
CHARACTERS: Levi Cooper & Faith Holland
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best man is the one you least expect Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there .
Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle
REVIEW:
This was a super sweet read. I loved Faith. She is sweet, sarcastic, brave and as you will learn very blind to things that are right in front of her.
Levi is such a stick in the mud at times, but once you know his back story you will understand why. But he really is a great guy.
This was as I said earlier a very good read. I am really happy that I picked up a copy of this book. I won’t go into anymore details of this book as I may inadvertently give away too much. But know this: love sometimes finds you when you least expect it or when you are stuck in a bathroom window.
If you have not picked up a copy of The Best Manyou really should. I can’t wait to see what Kristan has in store for us next in the Blue Heron series.
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.
TITLE: True
CHARACTERS: Tyler Mann & Rory Macintosh
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.
Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…
Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost.
REVIEW:
I liked this story, but was not in love with it. I do realize that the characters were college age and therefore very selfish and well for a lack of a better word, stupid. But I guess that is how most college kids are. They don’t think before they act.
The sweet, smart shy girl meets the bad boy kinda story.
A couple of my biggest problems was the smoking. I know that people do it but for some reason I don’t want to read about my hero/heroine smoking.
The second biggest problem was that the hero was sleeping with the heroines roommate right before they hooked up. I don’t know this just bugged me the whole book.
But overall it was an okay read for me. Will I grab the next book in this series? I am still on the fence about that.
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.
TITLE: One Day in Apple Grove
