Kimberly’s Review – Page 89

April 7, 2014April 6, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Education of Victoria by Angela Meadows

TITLE: The Education Of Victoria
CHARACTERS: Victoria
AUTHOR: Angela Meadows
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lessons in love and a whole lot more, are in store in this saucy romp set in a European finishing school for young ladies. Packed off to a continental finishing school, 16-year-old Victoria thinks she will be taught how to be a dutiful wife for a gentleman. But she soon discovers that she has a lot to learn in the arts of pleasure at the Venus School for Young Ladies. There she encounters the strictness of Principal Madame Thackeray and her team of tutors. Under their guidance she learns the finer arts of sexual pleasure and discovers that there are plenty of fellow students and staff willing to share their carnal knowledge with this sweet young English rose. On returning to England, she finds her father in financial difficulty, and must turn her newfound education to good use to save the family estate.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Umm Wow ok… did I say wow… This was not erotica this was written porn. Good written porn but still. I am not sure there is more than 3 paragraphs written at a time that does not have some kind of sex scene. There is sex is every form and with every person. Nothing is too taboo in this book. Including the fact the main character who starts this journey at what her father thinks is a finishing school but it more of a school of sex is only 16.

First not that I would compare the writing of this book with the Sleeping Beauty series from Anne Rice but if you enjoyed the type of book that the Sleeping Beauty books are then you will enjoy this. There is a slight story wrapped around the character having sex with everything that moves.

I enjoyed the story for what it was but it was a little much at some points. That being said if there is another in the series I will pick it up.

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

April 7, 2014April 6, 2014

Kimberly reviews Aflame by Krissy Daniels

TITLE: Aflame
SERIES #: Apotheosis, #1
CHARACTERS: Grayce & Zander
AUTHOR: Krissy Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To save her soul, he’ll let her burn.

Grayce has been on the run for years. Having escaped an abusive relationship with a violent psychopath, she is trying to rebuild her life one small step at a time. Things are going well until Zander crosses her path, badass and sexy as hell. His presence awakens heated desires she long ago buried. Last thing Grayce wants is a man, and the way her body reacts to Zander scares her more than the threat of being found.

Tyr will do anything to get his little dove back. She is a Beacon, and her raw, burning energy gives him power and strength. More than the evil that already compels him. But a blond giant of a man hovers protectively around her. No matter. He’ll play with him too.

When Zander rescues Grayce from Tyr’s first attempt to reclaim her, he reveals his superhuman abilities. Power that Grayce also has, but has yet to understand. As predestined soul mates, Zander must help Grace control her rage before her fire threatens to destroy everyone and everything in her path. But his true challenge is more than that—to show her it’s possible to trust and love again.

CONTENT WARNING: Hot sex with a foul-mouthed firecracker.

REVIEW:
What a weird and yet intriguing story. So different than anything I have read before. The characters were interesting and had so much background that I felt like I knew them. The life Grayce has led was so sad and scary that I felt so bad for her. I loved Zander (but then I am a fan of the big alpha possessive kinda guy) and found myself happy and sad for him.

There were a few things that I would have changed. I mean even having the warning of a foul mouthed woman was not enough to describe the language in this book. And I missed the fact that we didn’t get an answer to Grayce’s legal issues… I mean come on she is wanted for murder. Even so I really enjoyed this story.

Looking for something a bit different to read? Love a bit of magic (for lack of a better word) in a story? Like a guy who loves with his whole heart and a woman who is willing to overcome her past? Then this is the book for you.

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

April 3, 2014April 3, 2014

Kimberly reviews Enchanting The Beast by Kathryne Kennedy

TITLE: Enchanting The Beast
SERIES #: Relics of Merlin #3
CHARACTERS: Philomena & Nicodemus
AUTHOR: Kathryne Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Grimspell Castle. With its dark, imposing stone walls, it certainly looked haunted. As a ghost-hunter, Lady Philomena was accustomed to restless spirits. But she found the dark, imposing nature of the castle’s owner far more haunting than any specter. London Society might not approve of shape-shifters such as Sir Nicodemus Wulfson, but firmly-on-the-shelf Philomena rather enjoyed the young baronet’s sudden interest in sniffing around her skirts. She’d even consider giving in to him altogether if not for a murderer on the loose—a beast that might just be Nico himself.

REVIEW:
Take a bit of Mary Poppins + Harry Potter + Beauty and the Beast and you have this story. Magical creatures and ghost and witches and shape-shifters. There is everything you need to make a story a paranormal and it works out perfectly. I did not know this was the third in the series and it never felt like I was missing something. It does however make me want to go back and read the first two books.

The characters are delightful. Phil is a bit of a cougar (to use todays terms and I do not mean a shifter). And Nico is a great alpha with the possiveness and fierceness but also the sweetness that we romance lovers adore reading about.

I didn’t want to miss one word of this story and can’t wait to read any more that come from the series. If you love the paranormal romance genre then you have to pick up this delightful story.

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

April 1, 2014March 29, 2014

Kelly and Kimberly review The Day He Kissed Her by Juliana Stone

TITLE: The Day He Kissed Her
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #3
CHARACTERS: Mackenzie Draper & Lily St. Clare
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He can’t wait to leave…

Mac Draper finally has everything he’s always wanted: An amazing career. A New York City apartment. He’s this close to being free of his past forever. But a mind-blowing encounter with the sexy yet tough-as-nails Lily St. Clare has him delaying his plans to put Crystal Lake in his rearview mirror for good.

She’s finally found a place to stay…

For Lily St. Clare the charming small town of Crystal Lake is her haven – a place she can hide from her famous, back-stabbing family. It’s as close to happy as she’s ever been. Until an unforgettable night with tall, dark and tortured Mac Draper gives her a glimpse of what true happiness feels like.

Lily can’t help but melt a little under the sizzling heat of Mac’s touch. But Mac’s scars run deep, and Lily’s afraid she may be falling for the one man who can never return her feelings..

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 HEARTS You know what they say about the bigger they are the harder they fall? Well things technically fall at the same rate of speed, but the bigger you are the bigger mess you are going to make when you hit. Poor poor Mackenzie is big and has build up so many walls that it is going to be a long scary way down for him. And boy does he make a mess of everything.

Lily never thought she was the forever type. But the moment she sees Mac again that thought goes right out the window. Oh, she fights it. But fate is a fickle bit…. well let’s just say that what Fate wants Fate gets.

I loved this book. I loved Mac & Lily. I loved that they both are so darn stubborn and almost ruin everything. I will say that I did cheer for Mac a little when he let his dad have it, although I think that his dad deserved more! If you have read any of the other Bad Boys of Crystal Lake you will know that Mac is the last of the three boys to get his story and it was well worth the wait.

I can’t wait to see what might be next 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 HEARTS The funny this is that I requested all the books from this series and each time I held off starting it even though I don’t know why. I read all the books around it until I give up and start the book and with the other two books once I started I couldn’t stop reading it and this book was the same. Why I don’t start it right away I have no idea.

This book was a bit rough in some parts. Mac is so haunted by the horrible childhood he had that his anger is quick and strong but when he is sweet he is just so sweet that you can’t help but fall for him. He is so cute when he is with Lily. Lily is strong and while dealing with her own stuff she is the type of woman you want to be friends with.

I do wish we had learned a little more about her past since we were told a number of times how she had a hard (albeit different from Mac) childhood but we didn’t get to hear too much about it. I hope this is not the last we see if Crystal Lake even though the Bad Boys are all settled down.

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

March 31, 2014March 13, 2014

Kimberly reviews Love Charms: A Paranormal Boxed Set by Various Authors

TITLE: Love Charms: A Paranormal Boxed Set
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Various
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blinded by Magic: A Witch Romance by Ava Catori: Raven’s weakness is mortal men. She’s fallen hard for Derek. There’s just one problem, he doesn’t know she’s a witch. Can he accept her truth or will their relationship crumble?
Blind Date by Selena Kitt: Selena Kitt’s Blind Date ventures into the strange and surreal realm of magical realism in a hot Valentine’s Day romance that takes on the classic Greek myth of Eros and Psyche.
Breathless by Cerys du Lys: Sadie and Evan live in different worlds. Brought together by fate, and held there by hope, can they bridge the gap dividing humanity, or will long held fears and prejudice force them apart forever?
The Passion Cure by Deanna Roy: Jet is a Nix, an outcast enchantress with zero power. To conjure a love spell to save her family, she seduces a handsome enchanter who is willing to break the rules, and possibly, her heart.
Marked by Charisma M. Cole: Jade Murray is a witch that can communicate with the dead. After a summoning goes awry, two murders rock the human and supernatural world. One thing connects the gruesome acts: Jade.
The Warlord’s Concubine by J.E. & M. Keep: As a servant to the princess for much of her life, Mirella sees the conquest of the land as an opportunity to elevate herself.
A Demon and His Witch by Eve Langlais: Remy’s seen a lot during his tenure in Lucifer’s guard, but nothing can prepare him for the witch with the acerbic tongue–and voluptuous figure. Can he convince her to love him and not kill him?
Psychic Appeal by Michelle McCleod: Psychic Sofia Parker has fallen in love, a problem because her new relationship drives the lovesick ghost of her ex-boyfriend to come back from the dead…anyway he can.
Memoir of a Reluctant Shaman by Ty Nolan: When his love spell goes wrong, our hero is exiled to be fully initiated as a Shaman in this spicy tale of New Orleans Voodoo and Native American magic.
Vampire Lords of Blacknall: Trinity by Shirl Anders: Only a creature of the night can save her. Lady Beth Winslow never stays home at night. She fears her stepbrother. Then a monster stalks her in the dark woods and she cannot tell beast from savior.

REVIEW:
Why I request these box sets I really do not know. When you have so many stories the average person will love some and hate others and that is what happened with this box set, of course. Just about the time I liked a story the next one was just ok for me. And of course there were the ones I didn’t like at all. It would be a nice set to have for when you need a quick story to read but reading them back to back just didn’t do it for me.

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

March 28, 2014March 9, 2014

Kimberly reviews Playing To Win by Shelley Munro

TITLE: Playing To Win
CHARACTERS: Kate & Lane
AUTHOR: Shelley Munro
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Professional rugby player Lane Gerrard is used to women throwing themselves at him, but a scurrilous tabloid article naming him as father of a child sends his temper soaring. The woman he confronts doesn’t fit the blackmailer profile. Kate Alexander is attractive with an enchanting innocence, enticing. A total stranger. Her feistiness draws his unwilling admiration, but the child…he is the image of Lane.Kate can’t deny her son’s similarity to the sexy man at her door but no way will she hand him over without a fight. Kate doesn’t possess money but she can shower her son with love. With public speculation rife, Kate reluctantly works with Lane to discover the truth. They grow closer as distrust slowly turns to mutual fascination, but the tabloid articles bring out a stalker. Mild pranks escalate into danger, and suddenly Lane realizes Kate is a woman he could love. With Kate and her son, he could have a family. Now, with his heart on the line, this is one game he’s playing to win.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I liked this story. It lets you know that sometimes things happen for a reason. As I got ready to write the review I see that it is a reprint which now makes sense. Some things in the story seemed dated but I wasn’t sure why. Now I know.

This is a typical sweet romance. It has a man who isn’t looking for love, a woman who thinks her life is complete, a boy who has been through enough already and a little bit of suspense. It is a relatively quick read. It is well written even though slightly dated but still enjoyable.

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

March 28, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Love In The Shadows by Barbara Wallace

TITLE: Love In The Shadows
CHARACTERS: Jenny & Nick
AUTHOR: Barbara Wallace
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

Jenny is a woman on a mission – she’ll even resort to dognapping to make her point! But can she teach a reclusive, emotionally-wounded tycoon that love heals all things?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the fourth is the “series” of short stories, each story is only about 60 pages long. I am not sure if it is really a series since each book is from a different author but it does involve the same people and the same dog. This is the best of the series. I enjoyed the couple very much. Their feelings are palpable from the pages. The hurt and insecurity. The story is sweet and completes the series very well.

Each book from this series is great to have on the e-reader for a quick read between books.

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

March 27, 2014March 16, 2014

Kimberly reviews Dark Moon by Leisl Leighton

TITLE: Dark Moon
SERIES #: Witch-Were #1
CHARACTERS: Skye & Jason
AUTHOR: Leisl Leighton
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/17/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N {link not up yet}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lately, Skye Collins has been unable to shake the feeling that she’s being watched. After a lifetime spent hiding her true nature, she knows that any unusual attention is something to be wary of. And the only attention she’s been receiving lately is from the intense and attractive Jason McVale.
Jason claims to know things about Skye that can’t be true, and it’s obvious he’s hiding secrets of his own. Yet despite herself, Skye can’t resist the attraction between them, and her surrender will set in motion a chain of events that will have consequences for everyone she holds dear.
Gradually, Jason convinces Skye that she has to trust him if she is to solve the riddle of her past and learn the truth about her power. But believing Jason means that her entire life has been based on a lie.
As her enemies gather strength and the danger increases, Skye is forced to accept who she really is. Will she risk everything and fight for those she loves? Or save herself and let them be destroyed by the forces of darkness?

REVIEW:
I have to say I really enjoyed this story. I was not sure what it was really about when I picked it up from NetGalley but I am so glad I did. There are witches, wiccan, wolf shifters, ghosts, and so much more in this story. I didn’t want to miss one word of it even though some parts did get a little wordy I still could not wait to read the story.

The main characters are very entertaining and interesting. They have a connection from the moment they are together. I enjoyed the background characters as well. Maybe the next in the series is Adam and Shelley? One can only hope.

If you are a fan of paranormal then you should really pick up this book. It has everything a fan of the genre would like and a bunch of suspense as well. Terrific story and one I can’t wait to read the next one of.

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

March 27, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Waking The Dead by Heather Graham

TITLE: Waking The Dead
SERIES #: Cafferty & Quinn #2
CHARACTERS: Danni & Michael
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They say a painting can have a life of its own…

In the case of Ghosts in the Mind by Henry Sebastian Hubert, that’s more than just an expression. This painting is reputed to come to life—and to bring death. The artist was a friend of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley, joining them in Switzerland during 1816, “the year without a summer.” That was when they all explored themes of horror and depravity in their art….

Now, almost two hundred years later, the painting appears in New Orleans. Wherever it goes, death seems to follow.

Danielle Cafferty and Michael Quinn, occasional partners in solving crime, are quickly drawn into the case. They begin to make connections between that summer in Switzerland and this spring in Louisiana. Danni, the owner of an eccentric antiques shop, and Quinn, a private detective, have discovered that they have separate but complementary talents when it comes to investigating unusual situations.

Trying to blend their personal relationship with the professional lives they’ve stumbled into, they learn how much they need each other. Especially as they confront this work of art—and evil. The people in the portrait might be dead, but something seems to wake them and free them to commit bloody crimes. Cafferty and Quinn must discover what that is. And they have to destroy it—before it destroys them.

REVIEW:
I read the first in this series and was not to thrilled by it but because I love Graham’s Krewe Of Hunters/Harrison Investigation series I thought I would give this series another try. I just really do not enjoy these characters. They have no true connection. While the story is interesting and the historical background that Graham weaves into her stories is interesting something is just off.

I am also not a fan of continuing stories. I enjoy past series characters coming by as background characters but I do not want the main characters to remain the same (ok maybe a series here or there but not usually) and especially with these two because they have no spark. It is as if they are forced and even they are not sure they should be together.

I need to remember to not pick up this series but there would be no stopping me from the next in the Krewe series.

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

March 26, 2014March 9, 2014

Kimberly review Master of the Opera: Crescendo by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Master Of The Opera #6: Crescendo
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #6
CHARACTERS: Christine & Master
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/20/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the sixth and final installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s sizzling Master of the Opera, a man and a woman risk everything they’ve ever loved—for the most dangerous passion they’ve ever known. . .
Caught in a web of secrets and lies, Christy Davis has come under the suspicion of the local police. Since becoming an intern at the Sante Fe Opera House, she has witnessed strange occurrences in the underground tunnels. She has heard inexplicable whispers in the shadows after midnight. And she has found the lover of her dreams in the masked man who lives down below. But after the discovery of a dead body and other sinister events, Christy realizes that her life is in danger. Two men hold her fate in their hands: Roman, the opera house’s wealthy benefactor who uses his money and power to control her. And the masked maestro known as the Master who demands her surrender and commands her pleasure with each stroke. Both want her; only one can have her. . .
In a rising crescendo of madness, obsession, and lust, Christy must take a chance and follow her heart—to a breathtaking climax as powerful as love itself.

REVIEW:
This is the sixth and last installment. I am not really impressed with this series. I think it has a lot of potential if it had been a full story but with the short spurts it was lost between installments. I would also not consider this erotica. Very few moments of sexual encounters were written in.

I was disappointed in the story in general and while I was interested enough to find out how it ends I didn’t enjoy it very much.

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

March 26, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Smokin Hot by Lynn LaFleur

TITLE: Smokin’ Hot
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Lynn LaFleur
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Singe
After breaking up with her longtime boyfriend, Julia Woods is ready to start fresh in a new town, a new state. She doesn’t want to get involved with another man, and especially not with an adrenalin junkie. The instant attraction she feels when she meets Stephen McGettis frightens her. She’s never experienced something so strong, yet she worries about starting a relationship with him. With his motorcycle racing, whitewater rafting, and skydiving, he’s as much of an adrenalin junkie as her former lover. Stephen loves Julia and doesn’t want to lose her because of her concern over what she considers his dangerous pastimes. He has to prove to her he’s not a daredevil, and that love is the greatest adventure of all.

Smolder
In town to visit her grandmother in the hospital, Rayna Holt never expected to run into her ex-husband, Marcus. Seeing him reminds her of all the pain and loss she’d experienced five years ago that led to their divorce. Marcus is still angry and hurt over Rayna destroying their marriage. They’re forced to spend time together while the construction company he works for repairs her grandmother’s house due to a fire. Old desires smolder beneath the surface, but Marcus is leery of giving in to them. Rayna broke his heart when she left him. He can’t live through that kind of pain again. Both Rayna and Marcus have to let go of the past before they can forgive each other and fall in love again.

Spark
Talia King has loved Dylan Westfield ever since the day she met him two years ago, but he treats her as nothing but a friend. Every attempt she’s made to date him or spend more time with him has been shot down by Dylan. Dylan loves Talia as much as she loves him, but his painful past won’t let him surrender to that love. Fear of physically hurting her keeps him alone and aching for a life with her…a life he knows he cannot have. A night of passion convinces Talia that she and Dylan are perfect together. Dylan admits his love to Talia, but tells her it doesn’t matter since they can never be together. Talia hatches a plan to convince Dylan that she knows he would never hurt her. It might backfire, but she believes it’s worth the risk to be with the man she loves.

REVIEW:
I can honestly say that I think Lynn LaFleur is the Queen of Short Erotica. Her stories are not very long but complete and enjoyable. While they claim to be “erotica” I really do not see it that way. This is intense sexual romance and written really well. This is not about BDSM, etc. This is about sex and romance and the couples that enjoy it.

I was going to review each separately but they are equally as good and I am enjoying these sexy firefighters.

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

March 25, 2014March 8, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Waiting On You by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Waiting for You
SERIES #: Blue Heron #3
CHARACTERS: Lucas Campbell & Collenn O’Rourke
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: March 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Does being nobody’s fool mean that you’re nobody’s love?

Colleen O’Rourke is in love with love… just not when it comes to herself. Most nights, she can be found behind the bar at the Manningsport, New York, tavern she owns with her twin brother, doling out romantic advice to the lovelorn, mixing martinis and staying more or less happily single. See, ten years ago, Lucas Campbell, her first love, broke her heart… an experience Colleen doesn’t want to have again, thanks. Since then, she’s been happy with a fling here and there, some elite-level flirting and playing matchmaker to her friends.

But a family emergency has brought Lucas back to town, handsome as ever and still the only man who’s ever been able to crack her defenses. Seems like maybe they’ve got some unfinished business waiting for them—but to find out, Colleen has to let her guard down, or risk losing a second chance with the only man she’s ever loved.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Sometimes your first love is not easy to forget or get over no matter what you do. This is the case for Colleen. She has never forgot the boy she loved when she was a kid. But he is married now so there is nothing she can do. Except Lucas is back and he is no longer married. The questions is can they get over the past hurt? And is Colleen willing to take a chance with her heart on a man who is only in town temporarily.

Waiting for You is book 3 in Kristan Higgins’ Blue Heron series. I really liked Colleen and Lucas. Even if at times both of them are brats. This two have such sad past story. I was really pulling for them, but there were so many roadblocks.

I really enjoyed the side story too. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I am hoping for Connor.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts What if your first love ruined you for all other men? What if he then came back into your life? That is what Colleen has to find out. I really enjoyed this story. It was my favorite of the series or by Higgins in general but it was really good.

I thought I would enjoy Colleen a little more than I did. She is sassy, quick-witted, snide and loves everyone but I never seemed to connect with her. I like her but I didn’t want to become her best friend (if you know what I mean). Lucas is sweet and funny and yet again I didn’t fall for him. Now all that being said I enjoyed their story. I enjoyed them falling in love again and I enjoyed reading about their past together. I am just not sure why I didn’t connect with them.

I would grab any Higgins book that comes along so I can’t wait for the next in the series (Connor’s story maybe?). Higgins is one of the best.

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