TITLE: No Limits
SERIES #: Ultimate #1
CHARACTERS: Cannon & Yvette
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he’s never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…
Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He’s also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she’s older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.
Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather’s legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette’s scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he’ll break all the rules to do it…
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I absolutely loved this story. First I enjoyed the writing very much. It really held my attention and seeing as I stated up way too late I didn’t want to put it down until I was done. I really loved Cannon. Besides he is a sweet guy there is something about him that really attracts the reader. He is not the alpha male that most MMA fighters are portrayed as. He is a protective possessive guy but he is such so loving and sweet. He is called The Saint because of the way he treats the ladies with respect and it really comes through in the writing. He really doesn’t ever come across as being a jerk to any woman even when he would rather not have her attention. I liked how he was willing to take the time Yvette needed. He is just wonderful.
Now Yvette, well I ended up liking her (mostly). She has been through some horrible things and you can understand why she is skittish about the world around her but there were some things that didn’t sit right. Yes she is skittish but she almost seems naive sometimes. But that being said I would be her friend. What she does have is gumption. She knows she needs to step up sometimes and hold her head up high and she does. I can appreciate that about her.
I enjoyed the background characters as well. Armie is such a jerk sometimes and yet the sweetest guy at others. The care he shows to Yvette is so adorable. And I can not wait to read his and Rissy’s story.
This is a great new series by Foster and I am so looking forward to the rest of the stories to come.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Irresistible Force
SERIES #: K-9 Rescue #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: D.D. Ayers
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When adrenaline runs high, so does the force of desire…
For Shay Appleton, it’s love at first sight when a gorgeous stray dog is brought into the animal shelter where she works. She just knows he’ll make a terrific watch dog—and with an abusive ex who won’t let go, she needs all the protection she can get. But Shay never suspected that her new pet is actually a trained police K-9 named Bogart—until Bogart’s even more gorgeous, human partner shows up on her doorstep.
Officer James Cannon is one tall, strong alpha male who’s convinced that Shay stole his dog. But once he gets closer to the suspect, he realizes that this stubborn, independent woman not only needs a guard dog, she needs James as well. It seems that someone from her past is stalking her, and threatening her life. When danger meets desire, will James risk his career and his best friend…to protect the woman who’s stolen his heart?
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed this story. I read it in one sitting and couldn’t get enough. I loved James. What an incredibly sweet and caring yet possessive and protective guy. He is the perfect boyfriend. And Shay needs just that. Boy that girl has so much going on I can’t believe the author will be able to come up with something else in the next story. Talk about a bad couple of weeks! It did get to be a little much at some points but Shay takes it on and you just want to cheer for her. How James doesn’t want to just run away is beyond question but he doesn’t, he holds on tighter and I adored him for that.
And Bogart. Oh I am in love. So many stories with dogs have them as a background character who barely makes a scene but not Bogart. He is a full on part of this story. He has such a personality. He smiles, he gives mischievous looks and protects with everything he has and yet pull out a ball and he is all puppy.
This is such a great romance and yet does have a bit of suspense to it too. I think any fan of romance, suspense or of dogs will love this story. I did!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Stone Cold Lover
SERIES #: Gargoyles #2
CHARACTERS: Felicity & Spar
AUTHOR: Christine Warren
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A prominent art restorer, Felicity is more than game to help a friend track down an obscure statue in Montreal. But when “Fil” finds it, she’s taken by surprise at how drawn she is to this statue. Attracted to it in a way a girl shouldn’t lust for a stone gargoyle, she revists it at night, longing to feel its embrace. Little does Fil know, her desire for this stone cold beast is about to heat up a notch.
Locked in stone for centuries, Spar has slept, waiting for when a human would need him. When he is awoken, Spar is taken aback to find that a human female needs his help. A very sexy woman who’s about to be the victim of a cultist attack. Saving and leaving her should be no problem. But as more questions arise, Spar knows that he cannot rest until Fil is safe in his arms.
REVIEW:
First let me say that this is the second in the series and when I picked it up I actually thought it was the second in another series about gargoyles so I was very confused when I started reading this one. And honestly I never really got into the story. Most certainly you need to read the first one to understand this story. While the romance of it can stand alone the background story can not and while it is explained throughout the story something is missing by having not read the first one.
Spar and Fil are sweet for lack of a better word. Spar is overbearing and protective but do you think a gargoyle who comes to life would be anything but? And Fil has a sarcastic and snide sense of humor which is kind of fun to read.
All in all I would say it is a good story if you start from the beginning and understand it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Best Kind Of Trouble
SERIES #: The Hurley Boys #1
CHARACTERS: Natalie & Paddy
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She has complete control… and he’s determined to take it away
A librarian in the small town of Hood River, Natalie Clayton’s world is very nearly perfect. After a turbulent childhood and her once-wild ways, life is now under control. But trouble has a way of turning up unexpectedly—especially in the tall, charismatically sexy form of Paddy Hurley….
And Paddy is the kind of trouble that Natalie has a taste for.
Even after years of the rock and roll lifestyle, Paddy never forgot the two wickedly hot weeks he once shared with Natalie. Now he wants more… even if it means tempting Natalie and her iron-grip control. But there’s a fine line between well-behaved and misbehaved—and the only compromise is between the sheets!
REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts I am on the fence about this book. But leaning towards the just ok side. First it was a bit wordy and secondly I am not really sure the characters ever really connected. It is also written in an odd manor. It is as if the writer is trying to make the conversations too real but going so far that the wording seems off.
I really am not sure what Paddy sees in Natalie. She has so many issues and never sees to enjoy life. Yes she used to so I can see his connection to her then but not now. Paddy is sweet. Not really the alpha macho man that the synopsis made me think he would be. But he is sweet.
I enjoyed the connection between the brothers and think maybe I would enjoy the story of Ezra and Tuesday better than this one.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: It’s In His Kiss
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #10
CHARACTERS: Sam Brody & Becca Thorpe
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: August 26, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE KISS CAN LAST FOREVER
Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now’s her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam’s eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.
Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can’t resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca’s heart?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Lucky Harbor is just going to be a pit stop in Becca Thorpe’s journey to find happiness. A beautiful pit stop with the Pacific Ocean as it’s backdrop and delicious ranch flavored popcorn. Oh and did I mention the amazing view a very sexy surfer? But that is not way she is here. Men are not on her list. Becca is here to get her life back on track. Except a certain sexy surfer keeps getting in her way.
Sam Brody is the one that everyone comes to. If you have a question in Lucky Harbor the answer is “Go ask Sam, he know everything”. Well Sam just met something, no scratch that someone that he doesn’t know how to handle. Oh he thinks he does, but he doesn’t. Sam’s tough exterior is not going to be any kind protection for the likes of Becca. But the problem is that Sam doesn’t let people close ever.
As with every trip to the to Lucky Harbor I totally fell in love with characters and their story. Sam & Becca are so good together. Once Sam finally get’s over his “rules” ;). I loved the Becca even with her faults is able to weasel her way into Sam’s heart and through the poor guy for a loop. Again I love Lucky Harbor and it’s inhabitants. I really wish I could go visit this please of true love and nosy neighbors. But until Jill tells me the location of this secret town I will wait patiently (okay not so patiently) for the next Lucky Harbor novel.
JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts I believe that this is one of my favorite Lucky Harbor books to date. Becca Thorpe moved to Lucky Harbor to start a new life and deal with the memories of her past. She never expected to move in next door to the sexy yet grumpy Sam Brody. Sam has a tough as nails exterior to protect himself from any emotional attachment and Becca slowly breaks down Sam’s carefully built walls. Together, they just may find the love that they have always been searching for.
I will be honest, I didn’t like Sam in the beginning of the book because of that gruff exterior that he was always hiding behind. The more I read about him and how he let his guard down with Becca, made me fall in love with him as well. He always did things for the people that he cared about, he just had a difficult time actually saying the words that Becca wanted to hear. His motto was “actions, not words” and he did some amazing things for Becca over the course of the book.
Becca didn’t seem like a very strong character to me in the first few chapters but I was soon impressed by the way that she held everything together after all the things that happened to her because of her family. It brought me to tears to know that she had dealt with that much pain and was still able to put herself out there emotionally with Sam. Sam’s love brought out the best in her and was the strong support that she needed to deal with the issues that still plagued her daily life.
It’s in His Kiss is a beautifully written romance about two kindred spirits that find love when they least expected it. Ms. Shalvis has done a wonderful job creating these characters and her books are always a winner for me. Can’t wait to read Cole and Olivia’s story next in He’s So Fine.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful visit to Lucky Harbor. This is one of my favorite series and I am saddened that there is only a couple to go before Jill Shalvis leaves Lucky Harbor behind. This story was one of my favorites in the series. I adored Sam. He is quiet, responsible and good hearted but something about Becca turns him inside out and we get to see another side to him. I loved how he opened up with Becca. He was so quick to protect and is really a romantic guy. I love that he gets that Becca’s weakness is the ranch popcorn and not flowers. Any man who understands his woman that well has to be a good guy.
And Becca. She has had to deal with a lot and has had a hard time but she still has such a great sense of humor and openness about her. I wanted to be her friend from page 1 when she tells the ocean she would marry it and have it’s babies if she hadn’t already promised her heart to the popcorn. She made me chuckle right then and I knew I would love her. And I did all the way through the book.
I also enjoyed the bro-mance of Cole, Tanner and Sam. The closeness they have is endearing and really makes the background of this book. I can’t wait to read their stories in He’s So Fine and One In A Million. And then I will have to shed a few tears to leave Lucky Harbor forever.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Sandpiper Island
SERIES #: Bachelors Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Delia & Ford
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ford Maddox was running from his past when he came back to Blueberry Cove, Maine, where he’d tasted both heartache and comfort. With feisty Delia O’Reilly there to cheer him on, he couldn’t have picked a better place to start over—even if he’s determined to do it alone in his island tree house, working to save endangered seabirds . . . and himself.
But when he finds Delia fighting to hold on to her local diner, and all that’s best about their little seaside town, Ford has to lend a hand. Suddenly two fiercely independent people are building something sweeter than they ever imagined . . . together.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. It took a long time to connect with Ford. He is so stand-offish that it is hard to enjoy him. Yes he finally does warm up. Delia is sweet and I enjoyed her when we met her in the last story but she is so sad in this story. I am not sre the connection between the characters is there for most of the story. They spend a lot of time apologizing for what they say to each other because they never seem to say what they really want to say. The interesting thing is this couple is older so that was cool. Once Ford warmed up and lightened up it became more fun to read and he really became romantic and sweet.
While I enjoyed this story it was not one of my favorites from Kauffman. Something was just a bit off about this story which is hard for me to say because I really enjoy Kauffman’s works.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Black Swan Rising
SERIES #: Black Swan Rising #1
CHARACTERS: Garet
AUTHOR: Lee Carroll
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When New York City jewelry designer Garet James stumbles into a strange antiques shop in her neighborhood, her life is about to be turned upside down. John Dee, the enigmatic shopkeeper, commissions her to open a vintage silver box for a generous sum of money. Oddly, the symbol of a swan on the box exactly matches the ring given to her by her deceased mother. Garet can’t believe her luck and this eerie coincidence until she opens the box and otherworldly things start happening.
That evening, the precious silver box is stolen. When Garet begins to investigate, she learns that she has been pulled into a prophecy that is hundreds of years old, and opening the box has unleashed an evil force onto the streets of Manhattan and the world at large. Gradually, Garet pieces together her true identity—one that her deceased mother desperately tried to protect her from. Generations of women in Garet’s family, including her beloved mother, suffered and died at the hands of this prevailing evil. Does Garet possess the power to reclaim the box and defeat this devastating force? On her journey, she will meet the fey folk who walk unnoticed among humans and a sexy vampire who also happens to be a hedge fund manager that she can’t stop thinking about. But the fairies reveal a desire to overpower mere humans and the seductive vampire has the power to steal the life from her body. Whom can Garet trust to guide her? Using her newfound powers and sharp wit, Garet will muster everything she’s got to shut down the evil taking over her friends, family, New York City, and the world.
REVIEW:
Have you ever picked up a book, read the synopsis and thought this will be a great book but it ended up not meeting your expectations? That was this book for me. The synopsis had me thinking I would be pulled into this paranormal world of intrigue and really I just wasn’t pulled in at all.
I almost think there is too much going on in this book. It seems like the author thought “how many paranormal creatures can I throw into one book and have people read it?” and unfortunately there are just too many. There are also just too many odd points in the plot.
I don’t know I could tell you a bunch of things that are wrong with this book. Honestly the book just never appealed to me I guess. I went back and looked at some of the other reviews on Goodreads.com just to see if I was the only one but realized that I wasn’t.
Part of me wants to say this story needs work but thinking about it maybe it had too much work and was overexposed, if you understand what I mean.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: One Night Of Sin
SERIES #: After Hours #1
CHARACTERS: Skyler & Gage
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/04/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes it’s good to be bad…
When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.
Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.
As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skylar’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.
REVIEW:
Looking for some erotica to read? I have the book for you! If you do not like erotica then for goodness sake don’t pick up this book!
Gage and Skyler have instant chemistry and boy do they connect. And there is even a background story not just a few lines between sex scenes. If you have read Ella Kennedy before then you know this is right up her alley.There are a number of really great lines in this book that would get any wound up.
The series is just beginning with this story and I can’t wait for more.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Rescue My Heart
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #3
CHARACTERS: Holly & Adam
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.
Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.
For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.
REVIEW:
Another delightful story from Jill Shalvis. This is the third in the Animal Magnetism series and though it can be stand alone since that is how I ended up reading it I wish I had read the other two books in the series first. I enjoyed the brothers that were obviously the main characters in the other books and am anxious to read their stories.
There is a lifetime of story behind Holly and Adam and it really adds to the story. I really enjoyed the connection they had from page one even though it was hostile it is still there.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series which I am hoping is Griffin and Kate.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: One Hot Second
CHARACTERS: Parker & Chandler
AUTHOR: Stacy Gail
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Parker Radclyffe is up against a wall. Thorne Mansion, the mysterious Italianate castle she’s come to Texas to restore, isn’t the problem. No matter how intriguing the relic is, it’s merely an ember compared to the blazing magnetism of its owner, Chandler Thorne.
When his family mansion burned down, Chandler had to watch over a hundred years of proud history go up in smoke. After more than a year, he finally has everything in place to rebuild, including a renowned conservation architect to oversee the restoration. But when he lays eyes on Parker he realizes he’s gotten more than he paid for. Maybe more than he can handle.
Parker is a military brat who never sits still long enough to get burned. Chandler is her opposite, a man with deep roots and deeper family secrets. It won’t be easy to find the common ground it takes to build a home together, but Chandler is a thorn in every sense. He plans to stick with Parker until she sees that love is more than worth the risk.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is another really good story by Gail. I have enjoyed her other stories and enjoyed this one as well. Is it my favorite? Probably not but it was still enjoyable… and hot.
Parker is a great. Someone I would like to be friends with. She can be pretty funny. Chandler is blown away by Parker and I can understand why. They really have a connection that sizzles. I really enjoyed everyone in the story – yes except the Mayor who no one seems to like for obvious reasons.
Parker and Chandler would be a couple I would enjoy going on a double date with.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: In Your Corner
SERIES #: Redemption #2
CHARACTERS: Amanda & Jake
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“You have to go. I won’t be able to control myself. I’ve wanted you so bad for so long and after I’ve been in the cage…I can’t think straight.” He gives a guttural groan and his fist clenches on my hip.
Primitive. Primal. His need speaks to me. I tighten my grip on his neck and rock up to kiss him. He takes over. His kiss is hard and demanding.
“Mine.” His voice is raw, savage and for a moment I truly believe he may lose control.
He rules in the ring
Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn’t dull the pain of Amanda’s rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.
A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn’t found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help…
But can he rule her heart?
Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda’s not sure if she can stay in control, or if she’s finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. WOW Jake is just so alpha he can burn you alive. Amanda is the perfect person for him to be with it. They compliment each other so well.
I wasn’t sure if I could enjoy this as much as the first in the series but this is hands down better. The problems the characters have are real. They are intense and they are true. Jake is darker and sexier as the synopsis says and Amanda is real and someone I would want to be friends with.
I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: What A Lady Craves
SERIES #: The Eton Boys Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Henrietta & Alexander
AUTHOR: Ashlyn Macnamara
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/12/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Henrietta Upperton is about to marry Alexander Sanford, when he rushes off to India to salvage his family’s fortune. Then comes the devastating news that he has wed another. Eight agonizing years later, a storm washes Alexander ashore—injured, widowed, and hunted—and one glimpse of his ruggedly handsome face reawakens the desire Henrietta thought she had buried deep inside. Her body still yearns for his touch, but she’s determined not let him wound her again . . . not this time.
For Alexander, honor always comes first. But only now does he realize that when given the choice between two virtuous deeds, he picked the wrong one. On the run with his life in tatters and a pair of daughters in tow, Alexander burns for Henrietta. He knows he does not deserve forgiveness. And yet he longs to wrap his arms around her warm body once again. What’s more, he is sure the lady craves the same.
REVIEW:
I had the hardest time with this book. I really never cared about either of the main characters. Alexander is just a jerk who thinks he does everything for honor and even when he hurts others with his actions he doesn’t see it as dishonor. And Henrietta just seems desperate or something. Why she would allow Alexander back into her life I have no clue.
I started off feeling saddened for Henrietta but right off the bat she keeps the box from Alexander when he has lost everything and I guess I never recovered for her keeping it from him. Mind you I never liked Alexander either. I really just wanted to slap them both and tell them to leave each other alone and never talk again. But I guess they deserve each other if they are willing to get back together after everything that has happened.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: No Limits
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 