Category: Kelly’s Review

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Kelly’s review of How Hard Can It Be? by Robyn Peterman

TITLE: How Hard Can It Be?
AUTHOR: Robyn Peterman
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 17, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

One happy ending coming right up…

What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new? Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lot of pastel fleece, and blackmail—just to start with…

Visualize and succeed, Oprah said. I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order. Okay, TV was not my strength. But a lack of talent has never stopped me before. Which is why I’ve embarked on a writing career. I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance?

Leave it to me to wind up in a group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath. Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel. And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn’t commit—by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime. Maybe I’ve found my calling after all

REVIEW:
I have to start by saying a huge thank you to my pal Kally for gifting me this book to read. Robyn has such a dry sense of humor. I was busting a gut throughout this whole book. And yes I was brought to emotional tears too. I really can’t wait to see what Robyn has in store for us next.

How Hard Can It Be is the story of Rena trying to find out who she really is. Rena signs up for a book writing club in hopes to becoming the next big writing super star. Instead Rena finds herself, arrested, being blackmailed, falling in love, being dumped and well up a creek without a paddle. But even after all that Rena finds a way to save the day???
Or does she?

Super funny!!! And boy howdy the story Rena writes is off the charts… In a totally and completely wrong way.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of How Beauty Saved The Beast by Jax Garren

TITLE: How Beauty Saved The Beast – Tales of the Underlight #2
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: 2.11.13
Characters : Wesley “Hauk” Haukon & Jolie Beniot
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jolie Benoit left her old life behind to become an agent of the Underlight. Training under Sergeant Wesley Haukon, she’s honing her combat skills, all the while coping with the intense sexual attraction she feels for Hauk. She keeps their friendship casual, but when his high school sweetheart transfers into their division, Jolie finds herself grappling with jealousy.

The Underlight gave Hauk a purpose, but he can’t escape his past completely. The physical and emotional scars from the fire that killed seven fellow Army Rangers will mark him forever. Jolie sends his protective instincts into overdrive, but he’s convinced he’ll never be worthy of her love.

Hauk is determined to keep Jolie from harm. But when the Order of Ananke ambushes them with a new weapon that neutralizes Hauk, making him vulnerable, it’s Jolie who must tap into her hidden strengths to rescue him—or risk losing him forever.

REVIEW:
The second book in Jax Garren’s Tales of the Underlight Series brings us back together with Hauk & Jolie pretending that there is nothing more between them then friendship. But after a scorching hot kiss between them in the work out room the door to more is finally open. But who is going to take that first step in.Just when things look like they are finally going to go right for Hauk & Jolie in walks Hauk’s old high school flame. But the real question is who is this old girlfriend and what does she really want with Hauk.

Oh my goodness these two are killing me. I just wanted to grab them throw them into a room and lock the door. Hauk & Jolie are perfect for each other and I so can’t wait to see what Jax has in store for them in the next book in this series. This was another great story from Jax.

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 Midnight Alias by Elle Kennedy

TITLE: Midnight Alias – Killer Instinct #2
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
Characters: Luke Dubois & Olivia Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s smart, seductive, and in way over her head.
He’s her only way out.

An undercover DEA agent has gone off the radar. Suspecting an internal mole, the government needs Luke Dubois and his elite team of operatives to recover their man, and the New Orleans native thinks he’s found his way inside the dark underbelly of Manhattan: Olivia Taylor, the girlfriend of a mob boss and the sexiest woman he’s ever laid eyes on. His new mission objective? Get past Olivia’s defenses and convince her to take a chance—on him.

All Olivia wanted was to finish law school and live a normal life, but that dream was shattered when one dangerous night put her deeply in a mobster’s debt. Now Luke and his team will help her escape—in exchange for intel on the missing agent. But Olivia doesn’t anticipate her intense attraction to the reckless Louisiana charmer or that she’ll be forced to risk everything—including her heart

REVIEW:
Under cover. Trying to find a missing DEA agent. Catch in a tangled web of lies and fear. Drugs, lies and guns. But through it all love will win. Or will it?

Olivia had never thought that her life would turn out the way that it has. But sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do. It is only a matter of time before she can make her escape. But just as Olivia is ready to make her more fate throws a wrench in her plans. Know Olivia finds herself helping out who she hopes are the good guys.

Luke could have never guessed the twists and turns his latest mission has taken him on. But I am sure that he is darn glad he did. All except maybe getting catch claiming out of that window and down the fire escape. What you want to know what I am talking about? You will just have to pick up a copy of Midnight Alias.

This was my first Elle Kennedy book and boy did I love this book. Luke is well in a word YUMMY!!!! I really did love this book. It kept my attention from page one. I am looking forward to more of the Killer Instinct series. There are so many pain in the butt characters that need to fall in love so badly. And Yes, I will be going back and reading book 1.

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 Rush by Maya Banks

TITLE: Rush – The Breathless Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Gabe & Mia
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking…

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

REVIEW:
I liked this story, like the character well enough to keep reading. But I had a few issues with this book.

I didn’t like the mousey little Mia in the beginning of the book, but by the end I did kinda like her. She finally grow up enough to stand up for what she wants.

Gabe while he might be dreamy, he was a bit of a……butt (to put it nice). Who the heck signs a contract to have a relationship? He is dominant, controlling and well a real pain in the butt. But in the end he learns, or will learn.

I will admit that I was a little nervous. When reviews or people refer to books with a 50 Shade of whatever compariance I normally will stay far away from that books. I am glad that I read and do plan on reading the next two books 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.

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Kelly’s review of Finding Abigail by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Finding Abigail – Holiday Montana #3
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
Characters: Tyler & Abigail
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tyler Cooper is the town sheriff and, in the past, had been the only person keeping Holiday steady. Though the community is now finding out that it’s town is magical, Tyler has always known it—it’s in his blood. He has always known his fate of becoming a cupid, striking love into the hearts others, but an enemy from his past is set on keeping him from finding his own destiny—and love.

Abigail Clarke is leaving Holiday for good. She has to. After years of trying to fit in and make Tyler notice her, she’s giving up. She’s watched her friends fall in love and it’s heartbreaking. Acknowledging that the one man she’s always loved doesn’t want her, it’s time to move on and find her own future.

Right when the stars align and Tyler opens his eyes, his enemy is back and has his sights on Abigail. Abigail is in danger and Tyler may be the only one to stand up to him and save her.

Warning: Contains one sexy sheriff who turns into cupid, complete with bow and arrow, the sweetest teacher you’ll ever meet who needs to find her bad girl side, and a love of candy hearts that’s sure to bring them together.

REVIEW:
Finding Abigail has to be my favorite book so far in the Holiday Montana Series (well we haven’t got to Jackson’s book yet, but so far out of the three this is my favorite). I really like Tyler. He is all stuffy and hates love. Blah, blah, blah Poor guy. Love is about to become his new job.
Abby can’t take anymore. The darn small town of Holiday is closing in on her. But when she goes to say goodbye to the one and only man she has ever loved something very strange happens.
But will it be enough?
If you have read the Holiday Montana Series to date you know all about Tyler and Abby. But in Finding Abigail you will get to see a side to both of them we didn’t know about. And we find out why and what has been keeping them apart for so long.

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 Reunited by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: The Reunited – The FBI Psychics #3
CHARACTERS: Joss Crawford & Drucella Chapman
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the national bestselling author of The Departed comes an all new novel of danger, intrigue, and a love stronger than death…

AN ETERNAL DESIRE

With his strong psychic ability, FBI Agent Joss Crawford longs for the woman he loved in a past life. But after years of searching, a new case is drawing him into the last place he’d ever want to find her: an underground slave ring. Going undercover to infiltrate the network, he meets Drucella Chapman–the mastermind’s fiancee. Joss has every reason to believe she’s evil. So why is he irresistibly drawn to her?

A DANGEROUS GAME

Drucella has made it her personal mission to bring the slave ring down. But the sadistic ring leader is even more careful than he is cruel. In order to gain information, Dru has had to get close to the very man she wishes to kill, psychically reading his memories bit by bit. she’d do anything to finish the job, but agreeing to marry him may have been a step too far–even for her.

A FATEFUL ENCOUNTER

Though Joss and Dru are both undercover, nothing can disguise the sense of deja vu they experience when they meet. Neither can afford to be distracted from the mission at hand, but perhaps their reunion is exactly what this mission needs.

REVIEW:
This was a strange book for me. I am not sure if it was because I have not read book one or two in this series. Or maybe it was my mood. I am not 100% sure. But The Reunited didn’t draw me in like a normal Shiloh Walker book. I guess I just never really connected with the characters.
Still this was an okay read and I will be putting it on my list of need to read the series from book one.

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’s review of Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett

TITLE: Sultry with a Twist – Sultry Springs series #1
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
Charactes: Luke Gallagher & June Augustine
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/1/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hilarious, heartwarming, sexy and real-you’ll fall in love, guaranteed!”-Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where first loves find second chances…

Nine years after June Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs with her heart in pieces, one thing stands between her and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a bogus warrant from her tiny Texas hometown. Now she’s stuck in the sticks for a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend.

If Texas wasn’t already hot enough, working side-by-side with June would make any man melt. Luke wants nothing more than to strip her down and throw her in the lake-the same lake where they were found buck naked and guilty as sin all those years ago. In their heads, they’re older and wise. But their hearts tell a different story.

REVIEW:
HOT DOG!!!! This was a great way to start my new year. New Author. New Series. New Obsession!!! Sultry with a Twist takes us to Sultry Springs Texas and with a name like Sultry Springs how can we not get hot and bothered?

Macy’s 1st book is a second chance at love story and boy howdy does this girl know how to write a story. From page one I was in love with June & Luke. I also loved that Macy took a body issue that many woman have and showed how men don’t see it as an issue but an extreme turn on.

This was a fabulously great story and is going on my keeper shelf. If you have not had a chance to visit Sultry Springs Texas yet I would highly recommend you grab your cowboy boots and hang on tight, because this is a must read for the new year.

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 Instant Temptation by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Instant Temptation – Wilder #3
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
Characters : TJ Wilder & Harley Stephens
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he’s about to reconnect with the one woman he’s never been able to forget…
Get Your Pulse Racing
To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who’s invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley’s career is riding on this trip, and she doesn’t need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise-just like he’s done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that’s been smoldering all these years.
T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he’s damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he’s always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he’ll finally have a chance to prove it-over and over again..

REVIEW:
Another great book and great series for Jill Shalvis. The girl really knows how to suck me into her stories. I had to force myself to put the book down and get a little sleep. But all the while i was thinking about how stubborn both TJ and Harley are. But you know what they say “the bigger they are the harder they fall”. And these two are about to fall.

I am a little sad that this is the last book in the Wilder Series and really hope that JIll will bring us back to Wishful, California at some point in time for an update on the Wilder boys and the very strong women they fell in love with.

If you love Jill or any of her books and have not read the Wilder series you really need to go pick up this trilogy. It is so with the time 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.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Instant Gratification by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Instant Gratification – Wilder #2
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
Charcters: Stone Wilder & Emma Sinclair
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/09
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Instant Attraction, Jill Shalvis introduced Cameron, Stone, and T.J.; the sexy, daredevil brothers who run Wilder Adventures. And for Stone Wilder, the thrill of a lifetime is about to arrive in a surprising package. . .

The Doctor Is In Deep
Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. . .
When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here – in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist

REVIEW:
I have to say first I am a huge fan of Jill Shalvis and I am totally in love with her Lucky Harbor and Animal Magnetism series. So I was super excited to get a chance to read Instant Gratification book two in her Wilder Series. Jill originally released The Wilder Series back in 2009 and just released the series in 2012.

While I really enjoyed Stone and Emma’s story. I was not totally sucked into the world to the point of being obsessed like the other series have done. But I still really liked the book and very glad that I read. Stone is dreamy and yummy. Emma is tough as nails and a very good fit for Stone.

I am planning on going back and reading book one and three in this series. I really do like the Wilder boys and want to learn more of them .

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.

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Kelly’s review of For The Love Of A Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

TITLE: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior – Shadowlands #3
AUTHOR: Shona Husk
Characters: Meryn & Nadine Gilbert
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/1/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Centuries ago, Meryn was thought to be utterly lost–all traces of his soul given up to the ravening goblin horde. But with the curse that enslaved him now broken, he must once again learn to walk in the realm of men.

Nurse Nadine Gilbert likes working the night shift to avoid her disturbing dreams, but her mysterious new patient looks hauntingly familiar. Meryn knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance, but Nadine brings out his long-buried human side. Telling her the truth about his violent past could destroy their fragile trust. Could she ever believe in the love of a Goblin Warrior?

REVIEW:
I liked this book and this series but I didn’t love. I will say when I started this series all I could think about was David Bowie from “The Labyrinth” (if you aren’t old enough google it :D). But sadly this was not like the movie I love so much back in the 80’s. Yes, young people the 80’s were cool. But that might have been a good thing. While David Bowie was dreamy the movie was well kinda bad.

That being said For the Love of a Goblin Warrior was my least favorite of the series. I just never really connected with Meryn or Nadine. I think was too stuck on that darn Goblin Prince Dai. But I did find that I had more questions than answers after reading this book. I am not sure if there will be a book 4, but if there is I hope that Shona will answer more questions about Nadine and her crazy dreams.

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’s review of Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle

TITLE: Immortal Craving – Dark Dynasties #4
AUTHOR: Kendra Leigh Castle
Main Characters: Tasmin Singh & Bailey Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last-and most lethal-of his kind . . .

Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.

The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay’s gentle touch can subdue Tasmin’s inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?

REVIEW:
I really like the Dark Dynasty world. I love the twists and turns that Kendra has put into this book and her vampires. They are not your typical vamps which I really like. I have not been able to get back to book 1 or 2, but I have read book 3 and now book 4. I can say that you can read these books easily as stand alones, but I am going to go back and read the first two.

I loved Tasmin. I love that he has been asleep for the last 4 hundred years and doesn’t know anything about the new world, except for the fact that he is draw for some reason to a human woman who is best friends with the Queen of the Lilim’s. And Bay, she is one tough cookie. She finds herself in an impossible situation and instead of curling up in a ball or running with her tail between her legs she grabs the bull by the horns or the lion by the mane and shows everyone who is in charge here.

I really did like this book. But I would have loved for the battle scene to be a little more, uuummm of a battle. It was over just a little too fast for me. But other than the battle being a bit short I enjoyed Tasmin & Bay’s story. I am looking forward to what Kendra has in store for the Dark Dynasty 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.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Killing Time by Cindy Gerard

TITLE: Killing Time – One-Eyed Jacks #1
AUTHOR: Cindy Gerard
Characters: Mike & Eva
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exciting new series featuring Mike “Primetown” Brown, a character from her popular “Black Ops, Inc.” series.

For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different–until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike’s team–which included her husband–in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she’s determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn’t trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can’t live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?

REVIEW:
Killing Time is Cindy Gerard’s first book in her new One-Eyed Jacks series, which is a spin off of her Black Ops Series. While I have not read any of the Black Ops books, I didn’t feel lost at all when some of the Black Ops characters popped into this book. If anything it makes me want to go buy the whole Black Ops series and read them. But back to Killing Time.

Mike & Eva don’t really get off on the right foot in this book. I love that Eva was able to get a jump on him, seeing he was thinking with the wrong brain and all. But they make a great team and you always need some you trust at your six.

There is a lot of history in this book, but Cindy does a great job of laying it out for us, so we don’t feel lost. I had a hard time putting this book down. I kept wanting to know who…. Who did this to Mike & Eva….. Who, Why and Oh please don’t let it be…… (you know I don’t give spoiler’s silly)

Over all I really enjoyed this book and so look forward to what Cindy has in store for Coppe & Taggart, Mike’s fellow One-Eyed Jack Team members

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