BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He let her father chase him off once, but this time nothing is getting in his way.
Fletcher Stone was forced out of the pack life, and now he makes his living as a hired thug, living day-to-day without honour or commitments. Shame over his choices and his lifestyle keep him from returning to the pack to claim Delaney — the woman who holds his heart. But when a rival pack hires him to kidnap her, Fletcher takes his chance. Now he must convince her that he never wanted to leave…and reveal a betrayal that will break her heart.
Delaney Jones has spent the last five years convinced the man she loves is dead. Nothing else would keep him from her. So when Fletcher shows up, whole, healthy, and very much alive, she’s devastated — and pissed off. He broke her heart once and he’s never going to get close enough to do it again.
REVIEW:
This is a short novella with about 60 pages but I really enjoyed it. The characters are well formed and they connect immediately. I actually wish there had been another chapter or two with more details about the past between Laney and Fletcher. If you enjoy shape shifter romance and want a quick read this is the perfect book for it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Wanton Heat
SERIES #: Feel The Heat #2
CHARACTERS: Zoe & Dominic
AUTHOR: Nicola Marsh
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At his majesty’s service…or so he thinks.
With her job and her self-respect on the line, advertising executive and reformed bad-girl Zoe Keaton heads to Italy to score a vital business deal. Unfortunately, the guy she needs to convince is the wickedly hot—and totally closed-off—Prince Dominic Ricci, who has no intention of listening to her pitch. So with the queen’s help, Zoe does the only thing that will get the job done. She kidnaps him.
But the joke’s on her when the queen’s matchmaking strands Zoe and the prince on the royal family’s secluded island. Zoe vows not to mix business with pleasure—and prove that she’s more than a spoiled rich girl who bought her way to success—but when the prince turns up the heat, the chemistry between them ignites. Is it just sizzling sex, or could an Italian prince with a tragic past fall for a take-no-prisoners American?
REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This was just “ok” for me. A little different but kind of cheesy really. I never really felt any chemistry between the characters and there was just too much bickering. It was a short read so I won’t make this too long. It just didn’t do it for me.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Hot Shots
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Marsh/LaFleur/Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy as sin and hot as hell, these firefighters smolder with passion and burn with desire. . .
“Fired Up” by Anne Marsh
Hannah Green watches for wildfires from an isolated fire tower in Sequoia National Park by day and radios Cajun firefighter Cole Henry at night to share carnal fantasies hot enough to start a forest fire. . .
“Sizzle” by Lynn LaFleur
When photojournalist Maysen Halliday arrives in Lanville to take calendar pictures of the sexiest firefighters in Texas, red hot Fire Chief Clay Spencer makes her want him for her own personal centerfold…
“Five-Alarm Masquerade” by Stacey Kennedy
With her home destroyed in a fire, Abby has only the muscular arms of a rock hard firefighter to hold her up and the dream of blazing hot nights of pure erotic pleasure to keep her going. . .
KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts All three of these novella were very steamy, sexy yet sweet reads. I won’t go into much detail as the are novella’s and I would give too much away. But let me just say that Cole & Hannah are burning up the airways. Clay & Maysen will break all the rules on short town visits. And Gavin & Abby will make you re-think that sexy gift you just got. I really liked all three stories. If you are looking for a few steamy quick reads you should pick up a copy of Hot Shots. I mean come on ladies. Hot Firemen? Need I say more??
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
“Fired Up” by Anne Marsh
4 Hearts Holy Heck this was HOT (pun intended). This was a quick story of about 55 pages and yet I was engrossed. Cole is downright irresistible and I wouldn’t mind meeting him in the words for a few days and nights.
“Sizzle” by Lynn LaFleur
4 Hearts Another HOT story. This is most certainly in the erotica genre and if the first story didn’t give a reader that impression this one would. But it is a really good story. I enjoyed the characters very much. Clay is hot and very male but what I liked about him was he could tell how Maysen wanted control at some points and he let her. His ego was not affected which was really hot if you ask me.
“Five-Alarm Masquerade” by Stacey Kennedy
3.5 Funny thing is I picked this book because of this author and figured I would read the other authors until I got to Kennedy but as much as I enjoyed this story it did not stand up to the other two. Ok now do not get me wrong. I did enjoy this one. If it was a stand alone I would have been thrilled with it but having read the other two it was my least favorite.
I enjoyed every single one of these erotic stories. They were a great combination. If you are a fan of erotica then you will enjoy these short stories, and it doesn’t hurt that they are about fire fighters.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Hot Rock
CHARACTERS: Megan & Davy
AUTHOR: Annie Seaton
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Megan Miller is on a dream trip to research her doctoral thesis at a rock festival in England. When she arrives in town she’s stunned that her temporary neighbor is the spitting image of her 70’s rock idol, too bad he’s also a world-class jerk. So why can’t she stop thinking about him?
Seventies rock star Davy Morgan is a man with a secret: rockin’ in one time and living in another. He holds his privacy close to his heart, so when a beautiful girl who not only loves but truly understands his music moves in next door, he works overtime to keep her at a distance. Easier said than done.
Megan follows Davy to the rock festival, but it’s not what or when it seems. The lure of the music draws them closer, but can their newfound love span across the decades, or will it get lost in time?
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very different book than I thought it would be. While a quick read it is very interesting. It has a big surprise (other reviews give it away if you want to know) that really makes this story different than most romances.
I liked Davy. He really has a lot of potential as a character. Megan is just ok for me. I think her story might have been told a little better but that it not to say she isn’t interesting. Looking for a quick different read than this is the book for you.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Liberty
CHARACTERS: Lexy & Ryan (?)
AUTHOR: Ginger Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man she thought she knew. A passion beyond her wildest fantasies…
When Ryan Beecher returns home after a long deployment overseas, Lexy barely recognizes her husband. The man who left Texas for Afghanistan was cruel and abusive. The man who comes back to her is a badly injured stranger with amnesia—and no memory of their life together.
Lexy can’t believe how much Ryan has changed. The wounded marine is now gentle, caring and tender. And his touch awakens yearnings she’s never felt before. As he takes them both to the point of no return, can Lexy trust this lover who seems to live only for her pleasure…as he seeks his salvation in her healing embrace?
A poignant and erotic story of longing, secrets and second chances, Liberty explores the limits of desire and the boundaries of love.
REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting in how different from any other story I have read. The characters are enjoyable. I had a few problems with some of the things that were or were not done (DNA test, anyone?). But the story is so sweet and Ryan is so lovable it is hard not to enjoy him. I can see why Lexy is so scared and stand-offish but she comes into her own so completely that it is nice to watch.
I can’t see why this is considered erotic but it is poignant and loving and the romantic. I really love this authors style (as Ginger or Sugar Jamison) and can’t wait for her next book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Thrown For A Curve
SERIES #: Perfect Fit #2
CHARACTERS: Cherri & Colin
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WHEN YOU’RE A big girl
Cherri has often wished she were thin and graceful like a ballerina instead of being a six-foot-tall blonde with curves that require serious caution. Surely a charming Irishman like her new boss Colin, with his throaty brogue and to-die-for bod, would never go for someone like Cherri. Unless maybe he’s looking for the exact opposite of a delicate lass?
There’s more of you to love
When Colin hired Cherri to work in his furniture-restoration shop, he had his eyes, first and foremost, on her artistic talents. But now he can’t help but see Cherri for the lush, spirited beauty that she is…and, soon enough, he finds himself mixing business with pleasure. But Cherri turns out to be more vulnerable than she appears. Is she in need of more than Colin can give? Or could it be that a feeling stronger than lust has him thrown for a curve?
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.25 Hearts
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I absolutely loved this book. Talk about needing better communication skills! This couple needs to learn how to say “hello” to each other correctly but somehow they work. The connection these two have is just endearing. Cherri is the type that wants to handle everything herself and even if she knows she needs help she finds it hard to ask for. Colin’s past makes him question every thought he has. And even though they have so many differences they are a lot a like and seemed to be a “Perfect Fit”.
This story had me tearing up a little which rarely happens to me while reading. It also had me smiling more often than not. Sugar Jamison has a way of drawing you into her story. Her characters are not perfect model types. They are real people with esteem issues. Sugar was made to write and I am so glad I found her stories. I can’t wait for the next one… Hopefully it is Belinda’s story!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Evening Stars
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #3
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: February 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns to Blackberry Island with the poignant tale of two sisters on the verge of claiming their dreams.
Small-town nurse Nina Wentworth has made a career out of being a caretaker. More “Mom” than their mother ever was, she sacrificed medical school—and her first love—so her sister could break free. Which is why she isn’t exactly thrilled to see Averil back on Blackberry Island, especially when Nina’s life has suddenly become…complicated.
Nina unexpectedly finds herself juggling two men—her high school sweetheart and a younger maverick pilot who also wants to claim her heart. But as fun as all this romance is, Nina has real life to deal with. Averil doesn’t seem to want the great guy she’s married to, and doesn’t seem to be making headway writing her first book; their mom is living life just as recklessly as she always has; and Nina’s starting to realize that the control she once had is slipping out of her fingers. Her hopes of getting off the island seem to be stretching further away…until her mother makes a discovery that could change everything forever.
But before Nina and Averil can reach for the stars, they have to decide what they want. Will Averil stay? Will Nina leave? And what about the men who claim to love them? Does love heal, or will finding their happy ending mean giving up all they’ve ever wanted?
REVIEW:
3 Hearts Sadly this book was not a hit for me. I love Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold series so much, but Evening Stars fell flat for me. I just never really connected with any of the characters in this book. Both Nina & Averil got on my nerves. The only character I really did like was Kyle and I think it was his bad boy image. Maybe I had high hopes for this books or maybe it was the juggling of stories lines from character to character. I am not sure. It just was not for me.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts There is just one word for the story. Poignant. Yes there is a romance (or two) in this story but that is not what it is about. This is about family and the dynamics of a family with a mom who will not grow up, a daughter who grew up too fast and another daughter who doesn’t know her role in her life.
I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Nina at first. She seemed so put upon but once I realized why she was like that I could understand her life. She was thrown into a life that she never wanted to have. Then Averil seemed so spoiled but again once you get to know the character and her history it all makes sense. These women needed to realize what they needed from life and this story is their coming of age even though they are already adults.
This is not a Fool’s Gold story filled with love and happy endings. But it is a great story that makes you sad, happy, smile and heartbroken. The characters weave their way into your system and you want to see them bloom.
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.
TITLE: The Cottage on Juniper Ridge
SERIES #: Life in Icicle Falls #4
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
How to Change Your Life…
Can a book change your life? Yes, when it’s Simplicity, Muriel Sterling’s guide to plain living. In fact, it inspires Jen Heath to leave her stressful, overcommitted life in Seattle and move to Icicle Falls, where she rents a lovely little cottage on Juniper Ridge. And where she can enjoy simple pleasures—like joining the local book club—and complicated ones, like falling in love with her sexy landlord, Garrett Armstrong.
Her sister Toni is ready for a change, too. She’s got a teenage daughter who’s constantly texting her friends, a husband who’s more involved with his computer than he is with her, and a son who’s consumed by video games. Toni wants her family to grow closer—to return to a simpler way of life.
Other women in town, like Stacy Thomas, are also inspired to unload their excess stuff and some of the extra responsibilities they’ve taken on.
But as they all discover, sometimes life simply happens. It doesn’t always happen simply!
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the 4th in the series and I have not read the others and also this is the first I have read from this author even though I have heard her name for years. This book has a lot of characters from past books but it does explain those characters fine. You just know you have missed their story.
This story is not about Jen and Garrett but about the women of Icicle Falls. Garrett is actually rarely in it to be honest. And gives little time to form a connection between them. Actually the connection that is there seems forced. But the connection of the women is not forced at all. The friendship is very well written. This story is about learning to simplify your life. it is about learning what you need and do not need in your life. This is the story of women taking on more than they can handle to be “superwoman” and them learning how to say “no”. The book they talk about Simplicity by Muriel Sterling needs to really be written.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Tempted By The Soldier
SERIES #: Falling For You #2
CHARACTERS: Lilly & Nate
AUTHOR: Nicollete Day
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When one touch isn’t enough, why resist?
Road trips are supposed to be fun. Or, at least, full of hot sex. For photographer Lilly Grayson, the fifteen-hour drive to her friend’s wedding with Nate Jennings will be neither. Not that Nate isn’t sexy—the man is six-foot-three-inches of mouth-watering Marine. But Lilly’s been there, done that…and he walked away. Now it’s time for a little payback. The kind that’ll make a man desperate for a taste of what he can’t have.
And Nate wants a taste—so badly that he can barely keep his hands on the wheel. But the scars and ghosts of his last tour still haunt him. He can’t give into temptation, not this time. Lilly deserves a whole man—one who can love her the way she deserves to be loved, even if she doesn’t believe it can happen. And that can’t be Nate. Not when he’s leaving again in two weeks, and this time, he’s not sure he’ll return…
REVIEW:
I would say this is a sweet story but it isn’t but that does not mean it wasn’t good. It is. The characters are both so broken especially Nate. The trend in romance now is soldiers coming home and being broken, having nightmares and PTSD. This story has that too. So it is pretty typical of the times in romance.
That being said I really enjoyed this story. Nate drags your heart to him. You want to grab him and hug him and just try to make him feel better. Lilly isn’t broken, more like insecure, yet she wants so badly to be strong. If you enjoy a sweet yet sad read about a Marine who needs to learn his worth then this is the story for you.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Master Of The Opera: Dark Interlude
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #4
CHARACTERS: Christine & Master
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/20/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon< | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the fourth fiery installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s scintilliating “Master of the Opera,” a woman surrenders-body and soul-to the one man who is everything she desires, everything she craves, and, possibly, everything she fears…Reeling from the discovery of a dead body in the Sante Fe Opera House, intern Christy Davis is forced to reassess the strange, erotically-charged relationship she’s forged with the mysterious masked man who lives in the labrynths below. Could her masterful lover be capable of murder, and worse? Perhaps it was the thrill of danger that drew Christy to him in the first place-like a moth to the flame-instead of a more conventional romance with the opera house’s handsome benefactor, Roman. For the sake of her sanity, she must at least give Roman a chance. But for the love of her master, she must give in to every wild fantasy, every wicked game, and every whim he commands…
Is Christy prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice? To surrender her heart, her soul, her everything? First she must acknowledge the truth: a woman in love can serve only one master…
REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This is the fourth in the series of short sections of the same story. And I must say it is getting weirder and weirder. I found myself shaking my head with this one. Christine is just so innocent and naive. And I do not mean innocent in a good way. I mean she lets people walk all over her even people she doesn’t like. I find it hard to like her to be honest.
I was also disappointed that the Master only had a cameo in this story but giving how it ended I assume he will have a bigger part in Act 5. I hope that one is better.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Chance
SERIES #: Thunder Point #4
CHARACTERS: Laine & Eric
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With its breathtaking vistas and down-to-earth people, Thunder Point is the perfect place for FBI agent Laine Carrington to recuperate from a gunshot wound and contemplate her future. The locals embraced Laine as one of their own after she risked her life to save a young girl from a dangerous cult. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Laine hopes she’ll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. She may even learn to open her heart to others, something an undercover agent has little time to indulge.
Eric Gentry is also new to Thunder Point. Although he’s a man with a dark past, he’s determined to put down roots and get to know the daughter he only recently discovered. When Laine and Eric meet, their attraction is obvious to everyone. But while the law enforcement agent and the reformed criminal want to make things work, their differences may run too deep; unless they take a chance on each other and find that deep and mysterious bond that belongs to those who choose love over fear.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This story seemed different from the rest of the series some how. I enjoyed it but not as much as the other ones. Everything about it was so opposite of what I have gotten used to reading from Carr. First the role reversal of Laine. She is the hard edged FBI agent and is dealing from PTSD in a way from the actions in The Hero (#3). Eric is more blue collar with a record and really not an alpha type guy at all.
Then there is the difference that they connect almost immediately and everything moves very fast so the reader is not waiting for them to realize they are in love. The reader does wonder when the next shoe will drop but even when it does it is more like a slipper. There is not a lot of action.
Now do not get me wrong. I enjoyed the story. I liked Eric and like Laine. They seem to fit some how. It’s just this is not my favorite in the series. I hope the next one is about Doctor Scott.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Once In A Lifetime
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #9
CHARACTERS: Ben McDaniel & Aubrey Wellington
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: February 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT
After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he’s back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she’s not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.
Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben – even though he has absolutely no idea what she’s done . . .
Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I so love visiting Lucky Harbor but sadly my visits are never long enough. Ever Lucky Harbor book I pick up I devore and when it is all said and done I want to cry a little because I know I have to wait for the next book. I really wish I could move to this sweet little town full of awesome people who love to gossip. Well that is as long as I am not the one they are gossiping about. But then again that might be fun…..
If you are a fan of Jill’s Lucky Harbor series you will LOVE Ben & Aubrey’s book. These two go on a wild roller coaster ride of highs and lows to learn what is really important in life. And of those lessons that they learn forgiveness is number one.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Another wonderful read from Jill Shalvis. She has been one of my favorite authors for a while now and this book changes nothing. We met the characters of Aubrey and Ben in recent books and it was great to see them get together in Once In A Lifetime.
Ben comes back to his hometown as the beloved son. Aubrey has been the troublemaker since she could walk. How these two get together is beyond me but they are perfect for each other. I love that Aubrey makes a list of those she has wronged and wants to right all the wrongs. And the thing is she does it for herself. Not to impress anyone, not to get something out of it. Just for herself to know that she is a better person as an adult then she was as a child. Ben is a great guy but honestly this story is about Aubrey and her journey and how Ben fits into it.
I love visiting Lucky Harbor and I can’t wait for the next in the series, It’s In His Kiss, which is Sam’s story. How in the world can Shalvis right a book about a man who barely speaks a word to anyone? Well if anyone can it is Shalvis!
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: Lone Wolf’s Captive
