Review Sunday – Page 100

March 27, 2015March 22, 2015

Kimberly reviews Force Of Attraction by D.D. Ayers

TITLE: Force Of Attraction
SERIES #: K-9 Rescue #2
CHARACTERS: Cole & Scott
AUTHOR: D.D. Ayers
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The only thing more powerful than fear is desire…
A seasoned K-9 officer with the police in Maryland, Cole Jamison has left her old life behind her. With a new home and a new partner—a protective canine named Hugo—Cole is ready for fresh challenges. A crucial position on an important drug task force is exactly what she wants…until she discovers her gorgeous, infuriating ex-husband will be the DEA agent in charge.

FORCE OF ATTRACTION
Agent Scott Lucca may be a pro when it comes to undercover assignments, but this job is daunting even for him. Posing as a happy couple on the dog competition circuit means he and Cole need to get a lot closer than they’ve been in years. Playing a live-in couple should seem like a walk in the park compared to tracking a brutal criminal, but suddenly nothing could be more dangerous than the passionate fire they’ve rekindled…

REVIEW:
Another great story in the new series . I enjoyed the first in the series very much and couldn’t wait to read this one and I was not disappointed. The men of this series are just too perfect but then again that is ok with me. Cole and Scott are hot and the sex is steamy.

And Hugo is enough to melt any girls heart.

Can’t wait for the next in the series.

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

March 26, 2015March 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Pines by Blake Crouch

TITLE: Pines
SERIES #: Wayward Pines #1
CHARACTERS: Ethan Burke and the town folk of Wayward Pines
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
NARRATOR: Paul Michael Garcia
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 33 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 21, 2012
ORDER LINKS:Audible | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
2013 International Thriller Award Nominee

Now a Major Television Event from FOX, debuting winter 2015.

Secret service agent Ethan Burke arrives in Wayward Pines, Idaho, with a clear mission: locate and recover two federal agents who went missing in the bucolic town one month earlier. But within minutes of his arrival, Ethan is involved in a violent accident. He comes to in a hospital, with no ID, no cell phone, and no briefcase. The medical staff seems friendly enough, but something feels…off. As the days pass, Ethan’s investigation into the disappearance of his colleagues turns up more questions than answers. Why can’t he get any phone calls through to his wife and son in the outside world? Why doesn’t anyone believe he is who he says he is? And what is the purpose of the electrified fences surrounding the town? Are they meant to keep the residents in? Or something else out? Each step closer to the truth takes Ethan further from the world he thought he knew, from the man he thought he was, until he must face a horrifying fact—he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive. Intense and gripping, Pines is another masterful thriller from the mind of bestselling novelist Blake Crouch.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Anyone who follows me knows I love audiobooks and I am always looking for my next audio fix. So when Pines came up on my suggestion list I headed over to audible to listen to the sample and within a minute of listening I was sucked in and knew I had to listen to this story. This is both my first book by Blake Crouch and book narrated by Paul Michael Garcia and I enjoyed very much.
Pines is a twisted story that I could easily giveaway with one sentence but I don’t want ruin it for you. But I will say that as the story went on I lost hope, gained hope, lost hope and then was left with a whole lot of WTF?!!?!?
God I want to tell you so much. But I won’t. I am looking forward to what is next for Ethan and the town folk of Wayward Pines, ID.

Oh and if you didn’t know this: Pines is becoming a TV series on Fox in May 2015. I have seen the previews and it looks like it follows book one very closely.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 25, 2015March 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Seared by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Seared
SERIES #: Facile Restaurant Series #1
CHARACTERS: Remy Billodeaux & Sabine Devereaux
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: December 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seared is the first of ten erotic romance short stories by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona. The series focuses on the love lives of members of the Facile restaurant staff, each story centering around a different couple.
Remy Billodeaux is the king of his kitchen, master of all he surveys. He is accustomed to praise and accolades, to female patrons lining up to be his “flavor of the evening.” He was not accustomed to celebrity chefs, food critics and wannabe chefs intruding on his kingdom. And Sabine Devereaux is just the cherry on the sundae of a bad night. She can’t be intimidated. She can’t be outsmarted or outcooked. And she’s not falling for his usual flirty tricks.
Sabine is thrilled for the chance to shadow chef Remy, but she’s not pleased that her father used his position as an investor in Facile to arrange this favor for her. Remy pushes her to the limits of her skill and patience, but there’s no denying the heat they generate in the kitchen together. Will she resist Remy’s skills or throw herself from the fire and into the frying pan?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
HOT!!!!
They say if you can’t handle the heat get out of the kitchen. That is so very true in SEARED the first book in the Facile Restaurant series. Remy is like any good chef and very protective of his kitchen. He is the boss and no one is going to invade his space. But when he get stuck one chef down he has to ask for help. Well he was not given much choice but to get help. Turns out one Ms. Devereaux is more than a tight body and a pretty face. She is one hell of a cook.
I want to tell you more. But this is such a short story that I could not bring myself to tell you what happens next. Just know that the boys of the Facile Restaurant are very bad. Bad in a very naughty way. Pick up a copy today!!!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 24, 2015March 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Manwhore by Katy Evans

TITLE: Manwhore
SERIES #: Manwhore #1
CHARACTERS: Malcolm Saint & Rachel Livingston
AUTHOR: Katy Evans
PUBLICATION DATE: March 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I’ve been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I’m the one discovering him…or if he’s uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

REVIEW:
Let me start with the cover of this book. Like a lot!!!!
The title? Not as wild about. I almost passed up reading this story because of it (glad I didn’t).
This story is told from Rachel’s point of view, which I don’t normally enjoy first person. And I will admit that in the beginning I was on the fence about how I felt. I was honestly worried about the whole bad boy billionaire meets mild mannered young lady storyline. It seems like this storyline has been everywhere lately. But as the story progressed I really started enjoying more and more. Rachel and Malcolm are beyond yummy together. I really enjoyed the tug and pull between these two. But like every good story there has to be some kind of drama. And it is a big one filled with a lie that could ruin everything.
Than to add to the cherry to the top of the drama sundae Ms. Evans leaves us hanging. Oh how I hate unresolved issues at the end of a story. Now I must try to find my patients until book 2 comes out in July.
Oh and the cast of characters that hang around Malcolm and Rachel *rubs hands together*. Can’t wait to see what happens with them.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 23, 2015March 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Served Sweet by Marie Harte

TITLE: Served Sweet
SERIES #: Best Revenge #3
CHARACTERS: Anson Black and Riley Hewitt
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: March 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Childhood rivals since grade school, Riley Hewitt and Anson Black have always tried to one-up the other. She’s pretty, smart, and focused. He’s arrogant, handsome and unbeaten. When Anson leaves town right after high school, Riley focuses instead on her grand passion—baking.

Fast forward a few years and she’s thinking of expanding her profitable business when her nemesis returns and decides to build his own restaurant—right next door to hers.

With the help of a large bottle of wine and her two best friends, Riley decides to get even with Anson. He’s still smug and annoying. But worse, he’s drop-dead sexy to boot.

A competition will prove who’s best, once and for all. But spending time together means getting to really know each other. Before long, Riley’s falling for the handsome entrepreneur, and her plans for revenge pale in comparison to how she feels about him.

But if she tells him she loves him, will that put the win in his column? If he doesn’t feel the same, she’s definitely going to lose. And she’s not sure she can afford to have her heart trampled on. Second place won’t cut it this time around

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts They say revenge is sweet. But for Riley Hewitt revenge sure looks a lot like making out with your enemy in your best friends kitchen.

Gash, it feels like it has been forever since I was in the world of the Terrible Trio and the Best Revenge series. Through the first two books I really like the banter with Riley and Anson.
In Served Sweet we get to finally find out all the reasons why Riley and Anson have this bitter rivalry. It may have all started when they were kids. But Riley and Anson are still trying to win against each other. It makes for a pretty fun story. And to find out that Anson is really good at……. Well I can’t tell you that what is the fun in that. Let’s just say that Anson is really good at everything. Well almost everything. There is one thing he is not good at. Well at least not yet.

Love this whole series and can’t wait to see what Ms. Harte up her sleeve for her next series. If you have not started the Best Revenge series you really should. It is fun, sexy and make you rethink your thoughts on who you want to get revenge on.

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

March 20, 2015March 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Watch Me by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Watch Me
SERIES #: Dark Obsession #1
CHARACTERS: Chance Valentine & Gwen Hawthorne
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.

He was hired to protect her.

Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.

He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.

But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I enjoyed Watch Me and am looking forward to the next two books in this series. I will say that the suspense was just a tad be off for me. I kinda had it figure out from the beginning. But then a wrench got thrown in there and I doubted myself for a minute. But I really did like Chance and his partners. I really liked Chance & Gwen together. Heck I even liked Ethan.

Watch Me was a quick read. I keep thinking I will read just one more chapter and before I knew it I was done. If you are a Cynthia Eden fan I think you will like this book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Hocus Pocus Publishing, Inc. in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid.

March 18, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Christmas At Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers

TITLE: Christmas at Carriage Hill
SERIES #: Swift River Valley Novella
CHARACTERS: Alexandra & Ian
AUTHOR: Carla Neggers
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/2/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Celebrate the holidays with this magical Swift River Valley novella from New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers
When fashion designer Alexandra Rankin Hunt is asked to create the dresses for Olivia Frost’s Christmas wedding in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, she jumps at the chance. She’s certain she’ll never get to design one for herself not with her history of falling for the wrong men. Ian Mabry, the sexy fighter pilot whose bravery reminded her of her beloved great-grandfather, was the worst yet.
To Alexandra’s surprise, Ian is also at Carriage Hill, Olivia’s picturesque country inn. And if anyone can charm his way into a wedding, it’s him. Ian wants more than an invitation he’s determined to find a way back into Alexandra’s life.

REVIEW: This was a nice short read just in time for the holidays. This novella is a part of a series that I have not read, but luckily the author gives us plenty of background information to make sure we understand the world she’s created. I enjoyed meeting all of these characters who fans of this series likely already know so well. I really liked Alexandra and her personality, she’s pretty easy going and sweet. Ian is super cocky and confident, but it works for him. They were cute together and I enjoyed their story. If you have an hour to kill, snuggle in with this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 17, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Broken Open by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Broken Open
SERIES #: The Hurley Boys #2
CHARACTERS: Tuesday Eastwood & Ezra Hurley
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beyond passion. And beyond their control.
Five years ago, Tuesday Eastwood’s life collapsed and left her devastated. After an empty, nomadic existence, she’s finally pieced her life back together in the small Oregon town of Hood River. Now Tuesday has everything sorted out. Just so long as men are kept for sex, and only sex.
Then she met him.
Musician and rancher Ezra Hurley isn’t the man of Tuesday’s dreams. He’s a verboten fantasy,a man tortured by past addictions whose dark charisma and long, lean body promise delicious carnality. But this craving goes far beyond chemistry. It’s primal. It’s insatiable. And it won’t be satisfied until they’re both consumed, body and soul

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts First off, I have to say – kudos to this author for featuring an interracial couple in this story! It’s a reality in the world, and one we don’t see represented a lot in the romance genre, so I’m super excited about that. Ezra and Tuesday were so great together. Each equally head strong and stubborn but both gravitating toward one another in a way neither could fight. This story is full of heartbreak. Ezra and Tuesday have overcome extremely painful situations and are both in a place where they can see the brighter side of life. All of the cast of characters have strong individual personalities and I loved getting to know all of them. This is the second book in the Hurley Boys series but can easily be read as a standalone since the author gives a lot of background information to the reader. I really enjoyed this story and it’s definitely worth a read!

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 17, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Three The Hard Way by Sydney Croft

****Warning: This book and review is an m/m/m story. If you are offended please do not continue to read.****
TITLE: Three the Hard Way
SERIES #: ACRO #7
CHARACTERS: Ian, Taggart & Justice
AUTHOR: Sydney Croft
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Lovers Taggart Brody and Justice McKinney possess special abilities that make them valuable to agencies who employ—or enslave—people with extraordinary talents. When tragedy tears them apart, Justice finds purpose working for the good guys: ACRO, the super-secret Agency for Covert Rare Operatives. But he never forgets Taggart or the past they once shared.

Heartbroken, Taggart runs from who he is . . . right into the arms of Ian Bridges. But Ian, battling his own demons, betrays Tag to the terrorist organization Itor. After months of torture, Tag manages to escape, but kills an ACRO agent in the process.

With nowhere left to turn, Tag disappears into the Alaskan wilderness, but it’s only a matter of time before his enemies track him down. He reaches out to Justice, and somehow Ian finds him too, hoping to right his wrongs. With ACRO and Itor both bearing down, the three men must figure out how to forgive, how to work together, and how to love each other—or the coming battle will destroy them all.

Twenty percent of all proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Visit their website at itgetsbetter.org for more information and to find out how you can get involved.

REVIEW:
Finally! Another installment of the ACRO series! I have loved this series for years and have been anxiously awaiting a new story for years. Hats off to Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler who step out of their typical day to day storytelling as Sydney Croft and delve into a m/m/m story that is so passionately loving and important. I loved all three of these main characters. Ian, Tag and Justice are all extremely hardheaded and independent. But they all have a common need: to love and be loved. I loved this little glimpse into ACRO and these characters. It was written perfectly and I applaud these authors for their bold writing skills. It definitely is appreciated by fans of this series that you do not shy away from these characters that we love so much – no matter where they take you! I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this amazing series and hope it comes sooner rather than later.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 16, 2015March 15, 2015

Kelly reviews The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter

TITLE: The Closer you Come
SERIES #: The Original Heartbreakers #1
CHARACTERS: Jase Hollister & Brook Lynn Dillon
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers, where three not-quite-reformed bad boys are about to meet the women who will bring them to their knees.

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. Model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty—but he’s determined to play by the rules.

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been the responsible type. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and wouldn’t know fun if it bit her. Or so she thinks. Jase makes bad look oh, so good. Dangerous, sexy and tempting as sin, he is everything she never knew she wanted. Passion sizzles between them, but is it enough to melt his resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what he needs

REVIEW:
Ms. Showalter is a great story teller.
As The Closer you Come started I was not a Jase fan. Why you ask? Well, he was a bit of a dirt bag. That is all I am giving you. You will have to read to find out. But as the story went on and we got to see the real Jase. The Jase that doesn’t hold back and that loves fully I totally fell for him.
Brook Lynn is great. She puts up with so much and almost always stands tall (she is human and sometimes humans react stupidly). I love that when she counts people move. I loved how Brook Lynn handled all the boys (Jase, Beck and West). She is a master of all things. 🙂
There were times that the story was just a tad slow for me. But I think I blame my crazy life at the moment for making me take longer than I normally would to read this story. I really can’t wait for the next two books in this series. I can’t wait to see how Ms. Showalter wrangles Beck & West.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQN Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 12, 2015March 8, 2015

Natasha reviews Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

TITLE: Black Ice
CHARACTERS: Britt and Mason
AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick
PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger is hard to resist in this sexy thriller from Becca Fitzpatrick, the New York Times bestselling author of the Hush, Hush saga.
Britt Pheiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn’t prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants; but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.
Britt is forced to guide the men off the mountain, and knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target.
But nothing is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?
Black Ice is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed the Hush Hush series, so when I saw that Becca Fitzpatrick had a new YA book out I jumped on it. I have to say, I loved this book! There were a few times where the characters annoyed me and where I thought the book was moving along too slowly – but I was wrong. There was a purpose to it all and I found that all of the build up was necessary for the epic ending. This story is an emotional roller coaster that I couldn’t put down. The characters are intriguing and I was truly invested in Britt and Mason. I will say, I guessed at the big reveal pretty early on, but there were still twists I didn’t see coming – so I was still somewhat guessing up until the end. Britt was a strong lead character and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own. The epilogue seemed a little lengthy at a glance, but I loved it! Hands down, my favorite part of the book. I sobbed…a lot.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 11, 2015March 8, 2015

Kelly reviews Stripped With The Vampire by Jax Garren

TITLE: Stripped with the Vampire
SERIES #: Austin Immortals #1
CHARACTERS: Charlie & Vince
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: March 11, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a world of dark spells and blood ties where no one is safe, love is the most powerful magic of all.
Shy vampire Charlie never intended to see Vince again after the bad boy human broke his heart. But when Vince turns up beaten and marked for sacrifice to an Aztec God, Charlie will do anything keep him safe.

Vince has never forgiven himself for the lie that ended things with Charlie. The spark between them is as hot as ever, and Vince would risk body and soul to make it a fire again. But as they hide deeper in Austin’s supernatural society—a world of lies, dark magic, and warring immortals—he finds the path to reconciliation more twisted than he’s ever imagined.

REVIEW:
**Warning**
This is a m/m romance so if you don’t like reading this genre I would stop here.

Stipping the Vampire was a good story. I don’t normally read m/m romances but I did enjoy Charlie & Vince’s story. I enjoyed the crazy world that Ms. Garren has created of vampires (both good and totally messed up). There was so much going on in this story. Myths, legends, crazy people, love, longing and an uncertain future.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Jax Garren in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.