Category: Kelly’s Review

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Kelly reviews The Summer He Came Home by Juliana Stone

TITLE: The Summer He Came Home
SERIES: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Cain Black & Maggie O’Rourke
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars ~ Starting a book off with a funeral doesn’t normally seem like a good idea for a romance novel. But sadly this funeral is what brings all the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake back together.

Cain had vowed many years ago to never come back to this small little town. There was nothing here for him, besides his mom. But with the death of his good friend Cain has returned, but only for a very short visit. Only this time things are just a tad bit prettier in Crystal Lake. Or maybe it is the very pretty and fiery redhead that is new to town.

There are so many ups and downs in this story. I could not put this book down. While book 1 is Cain and Maggie’s story Juliana does a great job of sucking in the secondary character to the forefront and makes us want more of them .

Aaaahhhh I have a new love. I really did love this first book of the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake. And I really really really can’t wait for book two to see what Juliana has in store for us.

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.

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Thrill Ride
Black Knight Inc #4
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
Characters: Rock Babineaux & Vanessa Cordova
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/2/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won’t Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist

very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight

REVIEW:
In Thrill Ride we finally get a little more insight into why Rock went rogue. But even Rock doesn’t completely understand what he was involved in until it is almost too late. But what Rock is willing to do and give up in order to protect his team and the ones he loves will put everyone in the Black Knight Inc family to the ultimate test.

Vanessa is willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring back the man she loves. But when finding a man who doesn’t want to be found is the easiest part of her job. Vanessa finally realizes the true meaning of love, family and never saying give up.

Another great story from Julie Ann Walker. I loved Rock and Vanessa from the glimpses that we got of them in the other Black Knight Inc books. And there story lived up to everything I hoped it would be. Even if there were times I wanted to slap some sense into Rock… Boy is he ever stubborn. I am so glad that Vanessa was tough enough to deal with all his crap. I can’t wait to see what adventure Julie Ann takes us on next.

If you have enjoyed the first three books in the Black Knight Inc Series then I think you will love Thrill Ride. If you have not started the Black Knight Inc Series yet. I would highly suggest you put this on you need to read list.

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.

4 Hearts

 

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Kelly reviews Wrecked by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Wrecked
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:04/02/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars ~ Wrecked shows us that no matter how stubborn you are there is always room for change. When Abigale finds herself left at the altar, she decides that it is time for a big change in her life. To do something wild and crazy for once in her life. To break the rules and not always have a plan. Abigale never could have predicted that this one wild and crazy thought would completely and utterly change her life.

When Zach (Abigale’s best friend) finds out about Abigale’s plan for a one-night hot torrid affair. He knows he has to be that person. He can’t sit back any longer and watch the love of his life wreck her life anymore.

But will stepping over that friendship line be everything he hoped for or will it wreck the friendship forever?

I loved this book!!! Such a great story of learning to let go and finding out that everything you ever really wanted has been right in front of you the whole time.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly reviews Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison

TITLE: Rising Darkness
SERIES: Games of Shadows #1
CHARACTERS: Mary & Michael
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison begins an all-new, darkly romantic paranormal saga, in which the fate of existence itself lies in the balance—and the key to victory may rest in the hands of two eternal lovers…

In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. She’s feeling disconnected from herself. Voices appear in her head. And the vivid, disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s handsome, enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself…

Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on—and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. And the more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver.

Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago…Michael.

REVIEW:
I have come to the the conclusion that Urban Fantasy is really not my cup of tea. I am not 100% sure why. But it just doesn’t grab me. Maybe I am going through a phase right now.

That being said Rising Darkness was just okay for me. The storyline was interesting enough. That characters are interesting. But there was something off for me. Again I can’t say way or what it was.

I will be putting this book on my need to re-read again in the future shelf. Maybe the second time around I will be in the right mood.

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.

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Kelly reviews Surrender by Stephanie Tyler

TITLE: Surrender
SERIES: Section 8 bk #1
CHARACTERS: Dare O’Rourke & Grace Powell
AUTHOR: Stephanie Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED

For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.

NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.

Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.

**ADDED BY AUTHOR: Dare’s love interest in this book is NOT his half sister – I promise!***

REVIEW:
Stephanie Tyler, a former Navy Seal, Secrets, Lies and Romance…. Do I need to say more?

Oh? I do?

Okay fine, Surrender is a great start to a new romantic suspense series for Stephanie.

Dare O’Rourk finds himself thrown into the middle of a life and death situation. If he fails it is not only his death, but his sisters and a few surprisingly new allies. But learn to trust those allies is not going to be easy.

It seems everyone in this book as some kind of secret they are keeping from the other. Something that could put them all at risk at any time. It seems they can never get a jump on their enemy. Which lead me to believe there was a spy among them… But it was so much worse than I thought.

I will say I was really surprised. I didn’t see the twists and turns that Stephanie through at me. Great first book in this new series. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Section 8 team.

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.

4 Hearts

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Kelly’s review of Her Lucky Love by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Her Lucky Love
SERIES: Holiday Montana #4
CHARACTERS: Brayden Cooper & Allison Malone
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: March 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brayden Cooper has always been lucky. It’s in his blood and in the coin that he has hanging on a leather tie around his neck. He has everything in the world he could ever want: money, a job, brothers he loves, and the luck that comes with his powers. Yet he’s empty. Everyone but him knows he loves Allison, yet it’s going to take something stronger than luck to bring them together.

Allison Malone is exhausted. After the death of her abusive husband, her hell of a marriage is finally over and now she’s alone with her three children that are the center of her world. Long hours at work, plus mommy duty at home are taking its toll on her and that’s not the worst of it. Her late husband’s family is in town and they want her children.

The outsiders have secrets of their own and it’s going to take all of the Coopers, especially Brayden’s, help to save them. When trouble attacks, Allison will have to remember that she’s also a woman who needs love, and Brayden might be the one to give that to her.

Warning: Contains one sexy mechanic with a lucky streak, a waitress who needs to give into her temptations, and a love so fierce it’s bound to set the sheets on fire. Again.

REVIEW:
Finally Brayden gets his story and we get to see a side of Bray that no one would believe. See Brayden is the nice Cooper brother. Well that is what everyone thinks. But Brayden has been keeping a secret. One he has not wanted to share with anyone let alone his pain in the butt brothers. But when a threat from Allison’s past comes back, Brayden is willing to do anything to keep the love of his life safe and sound.

This was a really good story. I was so happy that Bray & Ally finally got over their issues and made a run of it. They are so sweet & hot together. And Brayden while he may seem the sweet nice Cooper brother, he does have a few surprises up his sleeves for his new lady love.

If you have enjoyed the other Holiday Montana stories you will really enjoy Her Lucky Love. Can’t wait to see what happens with the next and final book in the Holiday Montana 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.

4 Hearts

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Kelly’s review of The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca

TITLE: The Baby Bargain
CHARACTERS: Adam Waters & Megan Young
AUTHOR: Jennifer Apodaca
PUBLICATION DATE: March 11, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seeing Adam Waters is the last thing veterinarian Megan Young expects. Ex-Marine. Ex-boyfriend. And still extremely dangerous territory. But Adam doesn’t know the secret Megan has been keeping from him. The secret that was created three years ago, after their last night together…Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son. Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail…

REVIEW:
Adam & Megan were college sweethearts. But Adam decided the small town life was not for him so he left. Leaving everything behind even the girl he loves. But now he is back. Even if it is only for a couple of weeks. Adam is determined to get back in Megan’s good grace…..or more.

Megan has tried really hard to put the past behind her. but that is really hard to do when your past just walked through your door asking for help.

This was a very quick read. I didn’t put the book down once from start to finish.

Adam & Megan are just so sweet together. Even when they are keeping secrets from each other. But when push comes to shove they both step up to the plate and do what is right.

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.

4 Hearts

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Kelly’s review of Buried by Kendra Elliott

TITLE: Buried
SERIES: Bone Secret #3
CHARACTERS: Michael Brody & Jamie Jacobs
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliott
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Reporter Michael Brody is used to getting answers. The one that’s eluded him, though, for twenty long years is learning what happened to his brother Daniel the day his school bus disappeared. When the remains of the other children are discovered—and Daniel’s aren’t among them—a desperate Michael calls upon the sole survivor of the tragedy, Chris Jacobs, hoping he will finally break his silence.

Constant fear of being found by his kidnapper has driven Chris into hiding. The only lead Michael has is Chris’s sister, Jamie. Strong and impenetrable, she’s capable of burrowing deep into Michael’s heart. As they race to find Chris, Michael and Jamie somehow find each other among the decades of wreckage. But locating Chris may not be so easy. Now grown, his scars go far deeper than skin.

In Buried, the next thrilling Bone Secrets novel from bestselling author Kendra Elliot, a damaged hero digs deep into his terrifying past…and unearths a chance at love for the future.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars After 20 years of no answers to who or why someone would kidnap 9 children and a school bus driver, the discover of the children & the drivers remains only leave more questions than answers. There are only 8 bodies, 7 children & 1 adult. There should be 8 children not 7. 10 people were taken and only 1 walked away, so that leaves 9 bodies. So that means one body is still missing.

Michael wants answers. He needs to know what happened to his brother. There is only one person that he know who can answer these questions for him. Chris Jacobs. The only known survivor of the kidnapping. But finding Chris is another story. He is a man that doesn’t want to be found and finding Chris may just be the easiest part of this whole mess.

I loved BURIED… I do believe that this is my favorite of Kendra’s Bone Secret books today. Kendra just keeps getting better and better with each book. I really can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. If you like a good romance suspense story you really need to pick up a copy of Kendra’s books. They are all great reads. For me I just had to keep turning the page. I had to know what was happening next. But don’t worry if you grab BURIED 1st, while there are connected characters you can easily read any of the Bone Secret books as a stand alone

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.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Once Tempted by Laura Moore

TITLE: Once Tempted
SERIES: Silver Creek #1
CHARACTERS: Tess Casari & Ward Knowles
AUTHOR: Laura Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sweeping passions, family drama, and searing scandal play out at the magnificent Silver Creek Ranch as the heirs to a powerful dynasty seize their legacy of love.

Oldest son Ward Knowles feels the sprawling California ranch in his blood. And now that the family business has expanded to include a popular resort, he’s working harder than ever. Silver Creek is his legacy and his life, which is fine for the ruggedly sexy ladies’ man and committed bachelor. Love and trust don’t come easily for Ward since he lost his heart to a gold digger—until he meets a shy, unpretentious beauty whose sweet grace is about to turn his jaded heart into a hungry one.

Tess Casari has found sanctuary at Silver Creek, working as an assistant to Ward’s mother, Adele. Grateful for her busy new life running the ranch’s spa and resort, Tess can escape the heartbreak, humiliation, and secret shame of her failed marriage. The last thing she needs is temptation—especially from a man who reminds her so much of the husband who shattered her faith in love. But passion and destiny are about to change the rules for two people who have stopped believing in the healing power of love.

REVIEW:
After a year from hell and a failed marriage Tess does what anyone would do. She lets her best friend blindfold her spin her around in circles and then play pin the finger on the map to her new future. What Tess never expected is that the random placement of her finger on a map will change everything for her. Her faith in people, her faith in love and her faith in herself.

Great story. I loved Tess & Ward. They are just so cute even when they are fighting and trying to act like they don’t like each other. But Erica…. Oh Erica I really wish someone would have pushed her into a pile of _ _ _ _. I can’t wait to see what the Silver Creek series has in store for us next.

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.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Amazon Heat by Melinda Leigh & Rayna Vause

TITLE: Amazon Heat
CHARACTERS: Elizabeth DeMarco & Logan Spencer
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh & Rayna Vause
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 9, 2012
e-novella 65 pages
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Deep in Brazil, the Amazons are more than a whispered legend.

Two years ago, ethnobotanist Dr. Elizabeth DeMarco, driven by grief to find a cure for cancer, left her lover mid-proposal to accept a position on a research expedition to the Amazon Rainforest. Kidnapped by guerrillas, she was saved by warriors from the secret all-female civilization of the ancient Amazons. She has been kept prisoner since in the Amazon’s supernaturally hidden valley.

Despite Elizabeth’s rejection, anthropologist Logan Spencer never stopped searching for her. While consulting on a mass grave uncovered in the remote Brazilian interior near the place Elizabeth was kidnapped, Logan falls from a cliff. On the brink of death, he is collected by the Amazons and magically healed. When Logan wakes, the first person he sees is his beloved Elizabeth. Unfortunately, their reunion is less than joyful. The mystical medicine is changing Logan. But there’s no time to study the side-effects. The Amazons plan to steal Logan’s DNA, then kill him. Logan and Elizabeth must escape before dawn or Logan is doomed. Getting him out of the hidden valley won’t be easy. The Amazon’s supernatural powers make the task all but impossible.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF STARS: 3

REVIEW:
This was a very short story so I will keep my review short. I liked this story it was pretty good. Very different from Melinda’s other books. But still good. My only complain would be that because it was so short I felt like there were some things missing. Some questions left unanswered. But Melinda did leave the story open to continue in this world.

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.

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Kimberly’s review of Stand-In Star by Rachael Johns

TITLE: Stand-In Star
AUTHOR: Rachael Johns
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As an anthropologist, Holly McCartney is more comfortable in a museum than shopping on Rodeo Drive. She isn’t prepared for the media frenzy on her arrival in L.A. to accept a posthumous acting award for her late sister….or for her sister’s gorgeous friend Nate Devlin to come to her rescue. Though he resents her for some reason, she can’t fight their irresistible chemistry—especially when the paparazzi force her to stay at his mansion.

Photographer Nate only agrees to help Holly survive Hollywood for her sister’s sake, but she soon gets under his skin in a way no other woman has. The more time he spends with her, the more his attraction grows and he finds himself opening up to her in ways he never expected. But will ghosts of the past stand in the way of their perfect Hollywood ending?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. There were a couple of oddities but I was able to bypass those and enjoy the book. The author is from Australia so there is some language differences. The other thing was there was a little much of the whole “he/she could never love me for me”, etc that got a little tiring but it was still a very enjoyable book.

I enjoyed Nate very much. Holly was a little insecure but I think we were supposed to believe it was because of her being from Australia and the fact that she is the kid sister of a star. But that being said I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed everything. This is an adorable beach read.

If you enjoy romance books you will really enjoy this one…. Did I say enjoy enough? Oops!

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Blurred Expectations by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Blurred Expectations
SERIES: Redwood Pack Novella #4.5
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 1.8.13
Characters: Hanna, Josh & Reed
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hannah Jamenson has babies on the brain. It seems that her sisters-in-law are expanding their family in the blink of an eye, but Hannah feels left behind. Every time that little test reads negative a little part of her dies and she feels like her Healing powers are failing her. Her mates, Josh and Reed, are doing everything they can to help her deal with their trials and losses, but they too feel like there is nothing they can do.

Just when the lines of what they mean to each other go out of focus, an enemy from Josh’s past is back to prove the things that go bump in the night are real and everything they had held dear is now in jeopardy. In order to fight back and find their way, they’ll need to put everything on the line before they lose it all.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 4 and 5 to give you a taste of Reed, Josh, and Hannah. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of the Redwood’s favorite triad.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Being a novella I will keep this really short.

I really enjoyed this novella. I have not been really feeling the menage story line in a really like time. But I really enjoyed this story by Carrie Ann.

If you are a fan of the Redwood Pack series then you will love Hannah, Josh & Reed’s 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.