Review Sunday – Page 101

March 10, 2015March 8, 2015

Kelly & Natasha review Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Rock Hard
SERIES #: Rock Kiss #2
CHARACTERS: Gabriel Bishop & Charlotte Baird
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In New York Times Bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Baird.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO—a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake—clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts T-Rex is on the hunt. But this time the mouse has come armed with weapons. Lots and lots of weapons to take down the big bad T-Rex.

I was so very excited to get my hands on Gabriel and Charlie’s story. I had falling in love with Charlie in book 1 Rock Addiction. I knew from the moment Charlie stepped on the since she was a lot tougher than even she thought she was. In Rock Hard she proves that over and over again. And of course we can forget listening to Charlie talk about her horrible new boss to her best friend Molly.
Gabriel is most definitely a T-Rex kind of guy. But even T-Rex’s need love right? Or they need to be knock up side the head a few times. But either way Gabriel is nice on the eyes, a whiz at his job, bossy and a super nice guy who will do anything for those he loves.

I could keep going but I really want you to find out for yourself why Rock Hard is so far (because I hope there are lots more books) my favorite book of the series. :). If you liked the first two stories in the Rock Kiss series you will love Rock Hard. If you are new to the series never fear. Rock Hard can be read out of order (but I would suggest starting with book one).
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Singh has in store for this series next.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This was another great installment in this series. I loved Charlotte and Gabriel together. He’s such an intimidating yet loving leading character. I have to say, Charlotte’s behavior was frustrating me for a good portion of the book – however she began to grown on me after more of her background emerged. The supporting characters in this series continue to be intriguing and the relationships genuine. I love this series and will continue to read.

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

March 10, 2015March 8, 2015

Kelly reviews The Accidental Werewolf 2 by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: The Accidental Werewolf 2: Something about Harry
SERIES #: Accidentals #8
CHARACTERS: Harry Emerson & Mara Flaherty
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: July 21, 2014
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 2 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s in a furry situation.

Accountant Harry Ralph Emerson has always been a by-the-numbers kind of guy. But when he finds himself trapped at work sprouting an obscene amount of hair, he knows his odds for maintaining normalcy are zero to none. After a frantic internet search, Harry goes through the OOPS—Out in the Open Paranormal Support—checklist and comes to a disheartening conclusion: He’s turning into a werewolf and he needs help ASAP.

She might be the only solution.

Werewolf Mara Flaherty has long carried a torch for Pack Cosmetics’s sexy single accountant, even after her attempt to seduce him went down in flames. When her sister-in-law, Marty, shows up to handle Harry’s OOPS emergency, she tasks Mara with showing the hirsute hottie the ropes. But Mara knows Harry’s condition is a result of her lab experiment gone wrong—and the previously mild-mannered object of her affection is about to give her a piece of his mind…

REVIEW:
Mara Flaherty wants one thing. Well really she wants two, but the second thing will never come true after what she did at the christmas party last year. So back to only wanting one thing. A baby. So what does any brain beauty due? Why create a baby making formula. Only one problem. Mara didn’t drink it. Oh NO… that honor went to the number 2 thing that Mara wants. The hunky, brainy, totally not into Mara and very human Harry Emerson. One problem. Harry is no longer human. Oops…..

Another great story from Ms. Cassidy. And great narration by Ms. Mitchell. These two are a great combination. Ms. Cassidy with her witty, always with the funny, yet can bring me to tears stories. And Ms. Mitchell nailing every character to a T with how they should sound. I am so happy that I started this series on audio. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Yay a Dragon 🙂 Can’t wait to start.

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

March 9, 2015March 8, 2015

Kimberly reviews Cowboy Heaven by Cheryl Brooks

TITLE: Cowboy Heaven
SERIES #: Cowboy Heaven #1
CHARACTERS: Angela & Dusty
AUTHOR: Cheryl Brooks
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cheryl Brooks, well known for her blazing hot love scenes, presents a smoking new erotic romance series set at a Wyoming ranch and featuring sexy-as-sin cowboys.

When widow Angela McClure decides to let loose and start a secret affair with a younger ranch hand, she inflames rancher Dusty Jackson’s long simmering desire. Both men are irresistible – and forbidden – so Angela forms a plan to divert her old-fashioned father’s suspicions: flirt with all of “her cowboys.’ The new competition makes Circle Bar K ranch hotter than it’s ever been before…

REVIEW:
This was really hard to read.It seemed like it was written as a short erotic story and the author decided to add some back story to it. The only thing missing was the “boom chicka bow bow” music playing in the background.

Worst part was the sex scenes weren’t even that great. Won’t be continuing with this series.

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

March 6, 2015March 1, 2015

Kimberly reviews Rumors by AC Arthur

TITLE: Rumors
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/30/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N Coming Soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her death tore them apart. Will solving her murder bring them back together?

Best friends Landy, Tenile, Nicole, Nathan, Justin, and Kareem were the golden children of Tanner University. Their paths were set: doctors, lawyers, business moguls, they were going to light the world on fire. Then, two weeks before graduation, Landy was murdered—and Nathan was blamed. Though he was never charged, vicious rumors drove him from town, and the circle of friends broke.

Ten years later, Nathan is back in Tanner, determined to clear his name. He’s asking questions no one wants answered, and soon rumors threaten to divide the community once more. Everyone in this small town is keeping big secrets—especially Landy’s old friends—and someone is willing to kill to keep their darkest deeds buried. . . .

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This story was previously released as Within The Shadows in 2007.I have enjoyed other stories by AC Arthur but I have to say I had the hardest time with this book. First there are so many characters that they all seem to mesh together. I never seemed to find myself caring about any of them. It felt like I was reading a soap opera or some teen drama where the group jumps from partner to partner in the same circle. I really just can’t say I enjoyed it and I am sorry to have to say that.

I will continue to read AC Arthur but think I will stick to her current reads and not the ones that are releases from before as her writing has improved so much.

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

March 5, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Brash by Laura Wright

TITLE: Brash
SERIES #: The Cavanaugh Brothers #3
CHARACTERS: Cole Cavanaugh & Grace Hunter
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of the Cavanaugh Brothers novels returns to the Cavanaugh’s Texas Triple C ranch as the brothers confront the painful memories of their childhood and the truth about their sister’s murder…

No matter how many fights UFC champion Cole Cavanaugh wins, he can’t rid himself of the guilt of not having saved his twin sister’s life. Now, not only is he facing his arch enemy in the ring, he’s fighting to uncover the truth about Cass’s death. But will winning both fights truly give him the retribution and absolution he seeks? Or does he need the healing power of love to finally move on with his life?

The mystery surrounding Cass’s murder also haunts veterinarian Grace Hunter. Many believe that her father might hold the key to the truth. Unfortunately the ex-Sheriff’s deteriorating mental state makes it impossible to separate fact from fiction. As Cole persuades Grace to help him unlock the elusive clues, her defenses weaken. She finds the Stetson-wearing fighter irresistible. But while the truth could free Cole’s heart, it could very well end up shattering hers.

REVIEW:
Another good book in Ms. Wright’s Cavanaugh Brothers series. I have really liked Cole from the start and was so happy to read his book. He seems to be the one hurting and taking the blame the most in Cass’s murder. Cole puts on a front that he doesn’t care about anyone or anything (other than his sister and fightin. But in BRASH we get to see a new side to Cole. The side that shows he does care just a little bit. I have to say one of my favorite scenes is when Grace goes on a date with the Reverend and Cole’s reaction. Priceless 🙂 . In BRASH we learn more about what and who happened to Cass. I won’t give you more than that, because you know you need to read it and find out for yourself.
But this was a good story and I can’t wait to see what happens next with Blue’s story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 5, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews The Accidental Genie by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: The Accidental Genie
SERIES #: The Accidentals #7
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE:
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s all bottled up.

Jeannie Carlyle is a caterer extraordinaire, more than ready to handle any challenge thrown at her. But when her client asks her to open up a rare bottle of gin for a party, Jeannie is shocked when a guy in poofy pants pops out and she gets sucked inside. Trapped in the bottle, Jeannie does the only thing she can think of and uses her cell phone to search the term “paranormal” and finds the number for OOPS—Out in the Open Paranormal Support.

Until he sets her free.

Werewolf Sloan Flaherty isn’t keen on dealing with distraught women, especially since his sister-in-law Marty basically forced him to man the OOPS phones. But when Jeannie calls in a panic, Sloan is the only one available to find Jeannie’s bottle. After giving it a good rub, Jeannie emerges dressed like a character from Arabian Nights and starts calling Sloan “Master.” Now, they need to figure out how to break their unwanted bond, before the wishes Jeannie can’t stop granting get them into more trouble than even the OOPS girls can handle

REVIEW:
Dear Ms. Dakota,
Thank you so very much for making me cry, laugh, cringe and have a major case of anxiety. You wrote yet another great Accidental story. But let me just tell you how much I hate when a certain person kept getting the upper hand. Oh did I die just a little. Ugggg!!!!!
But I still love you and can not wait for the next adventure into the Accidentals. Oh and what you did to Nina!!! Priceless!!! Pure genius!!!! Or should I say GENIEUS!!!! Is that a word? Oh who cares!! Loved it!!!
Loved Jeanie. Loved Sloan!!!! Loved it all!!!!
Thanks for a great story,
Me.

And as always Ms. Mitchell does an amazing job of bring this rag tag crew to life for me. Keep up the awesome work Meredith.

On to the next adventure!!!!!!

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

March 4, 2015March 1, 2015

Natasha reviews My Sister’s Grave by Robert Dugoni

TITLE: My Sister’s Grave
SERIES #: The Tracy Crosswhite Series
CHARACTERS: Tracy Crosswhite & Dan O’Leary
AUTHOR: Robert Dugoni
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tracy Crosswhite has spent twenty years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah’s disappearance and the murder trial that followed. She doesn’t believe that Edmund House — a convicted rapist and the man condemned for Sarah’s murder — is the guilty party. Motivated by the opportunity to obtain real justice, Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD and dedicated her life to tracking down killers.

When Sarah’s remains are finally discovered near their hometown in the northern Cascade mountains of Washington State, Tracy is determined to get the answers she’s been seeking. As she searches for the real killer, she unearths dark, long-kept secrets that will forever change her relationship to her past — and open the door to deadly danger.

REVIEW: This was a new author to me and I found I enjoyed the book a lot. The storyline takes place twenty years after the incident and the mystery unfolds in real time along with tidbits of information from twenty years ago. I was intrigued and found I couldn’t wait to get more pieces of the puzzle. The whodunit was completely speculative on my part, and I was definitely surprised by the ending – which doesn’t happen often! The characters were all real and genuine in their own ways – love them or hate them. And there were plenty that I hated. For the most part though I enjoyed them all and was very pleased with the story.

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

March 3, 2015March 2, 2015

Kelly reviews Unraveled by Lorelei James

TITLE: Unraveled
SERIES #: Mastered #3
CHARACTERS: Knox Lofgren & Shiori Hirano
AUTHOR: Lorelei James
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sizzling continuation of the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man will find the domination he’s always craved…

Shiori Hirano and Knox Lofgren are left to run the martial arts program at Black Arts while Ronin Black travels. On the surface, the two highest ranked belts appear to cooperate—but in private, they butt heads constantly, despite the undeniable attraction between them. Soon their power exchanges start to make for a sweltering dynamic in the bedroom…

At first Knox is shocked to be living out his submissive desires, but Shiori sets out to prove that embracing his true sexual nature doesn’t make him a weak man. But even while their sexual relationship grants him a power and fulfillment he finds surprising, there’s no training regimen for the fight that comes with loving a strong woman

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Wowza can Ms. James write a story. Unraveled kinda throws you for a loop by having the Dom/sub role reversed. But let me tell you it was a great story. I am not sure it would have worked with any of the other character so far in this series. But Knox and Shiori make it work and make it real. I will admit at times the story was a tad slow and I found myself wanting to skip forward. But then I was worried I would miss something. Needless to say I was very happy with Knox and Shiori’s journey of discovery.
I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & & Penguin Group Berkley, NAL/Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 3, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Accidentally Dead, Again by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Dead, Again
SERIES #: Accidental #6
CHARACTERS: Sam McLean & Phoebe Reynolds
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2014
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 49 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a wild work-sponsored Halloween party, entomologist Sam McLean wakes up with a spotty memory–and a pointy set of fangs. Sam’s one-night stand wasn’t just dressed as a vampire; she had the bite to match. Somehow, Sam’s unconscious body ends up at the OOPS office, where paranormal crisis counselors Nina, Marty, and Wanda give him the down-low on accidentally becoming a creature of the night.

Dealing with a newbie like Sam is no easy task, but things get even more crazy when Phoebe Reynolds–a woman who claims to be Nina’s sister–storms into the office and causes a catfight that ends when Phoebe is accidentally bitten by Sam’s recently formed fangs. Now the OOPS girls have two fledgling vamps on their hands, and their powers–and the attraction building between them–are unlike anything they’ve seen before.

REVIEW:
Another fun Accidentals story. I really liked the twists and turns in this story. I loved all the names that Nina calls Phoebe. I loved that Phoebe is a more well put together Nina. It was great to finally see someone stand up to Nina. I think Nina finally found her match in her little sister. I loved Sam!!! Sam the bug guy is great. No matter what secrets he is hiding or way Sam is a great guy.
As always Ms. Cassidy writes a fun, snarky, I think my ears will never be the same after listening to Nina and everything will be okay story. Loved it!!
Ms. Mitchell does a great job as always narrating the Accidental series. I love that it is so easy to know who is talking. Loved it.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

March 2, 2015March 1, 2015

Kelly reviews Beyond the Darkness by Katie Reus

TITLE: Beyond the Darkness
SERIES #: Darkness #3
CHARACTERS: Bran Devlin & Keelin Petronilla
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Now that she has her freedom, she’s not giving it up.

Dragon shifter Keelin Petronilla spent centuries in forced hibernation dreaming of one thing: freedom. Now she’s living life on her terms—she’s ditched her clan for an unruly wolf pack, she tends bar for a half-demon, and she’s loving it…until a powerful supernatural being targets her. She intends to handle the mysterious attacks on her own…without the help of dragon Alpha Bran Devlin. Sure, he’s sexy in that hot, scowling possessive way, but Keelin wants to live her own life in her own way.

Now that he’s found his mate, he’s not letting her go.

Former black ops agent Bran Devlin is a born dragon Alpha and leader of a fierce clan. Getting mated was never part of his plan—until a feisty dragon princess gets under his skin in a big way. The hell of it is, she doesn’t want a mate; she just wants to have a good time. He plays along, but when a dark and powerful being marks her for death, he’s determined to stay by her side in spite of her protests. Now that he’s found his mate, he means to keep her safe no matter what the cost…even if he has to risk it all.

REVIEW:
Nothing says love like a golden glow and blue flames.
Sure Bran acts like your typical Alpha at times but he is head over heels for Keelin. Which was fun to watch him figure out how to get what he wants without pulling the Alpha card. Well the Alpha card is played but in a very nice way.
Keelin is determined not to mate with Bran. Even if every part of her wants him. The struggle between these two is get fun. But in the end sometime you just have to roll with the punches and let fate have her way.
Awe, it was great to be back in Ms. Reus’ world of dragons and all things paranormal. I really enjoyed Bran and Keelin’s story. I was hoping for a little more drama surrounding Keelin. But all in all it was another great story from Ms. Reus. And the set up for the next book. Oh boy!! Bo is going to have his hands full.

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

February 26, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly reviews At Wolf Ranch by Jennifer Ryan

TITLE: At Wolf Ranch
SERIES #: Montana Men #1
CHARACTERS: Gabe Bowden & Ella Wolf
AUTHOR: Jennifer Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 25, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Everything’s bigger in Big Sky country, including the hearts of the Montana Men…

After years on the rodeo circuit, Gabe Bowden wants nothing more than land of his own and a woman who will claim his heart for more than one night. When he has the chance to buy the enormous Wolf Ranch spread, he snaps up the incredible deal. Everything is set, until Gabe rescues a woman on the deserted, snowy road leading to the property, and the half-frozen beauty changes everything.

Ella Wolf rushes to her family’s abandoned Montana ranch after her twin sister is murdered. She knows she’s next . . . unless she can uncover a secret hidden somewhere at Wolf Ranch. The last thing Ella expects is to be rescued by a rugged rancher with his own agenda. A man who almost makes her forget how dangerous love can be.

As an unlikely partnership sparks into something so much more, and a killer closes in, can Ella and Gabe learn to trust one another before it’s too late?

REVIEW:
This was my first book by Jennifer Ryan. At Wolf Ranch is the first book in her new Montana Men series. This was a good story. The beginning of this book is heartbreaking. But as the story goes on I learned that what you see is not always what you get. Ella is not the party girl that the world thinks she is. She is one tough cookie who is willing to do anything to find the truth. A truth that might just get her killed.
Gabe is dream in the way that all hunky yummy cowboys are. He is so amazing with Ella and the events that happen in this book.
Of course I don’t want to give anything away. But if you are looking for a new read and love cowboys, love suspense and love romance I would highly suggest you pick up a copy of At Wolf Ranch. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

February 25, 2015February 22, 2015

Kelly reviews What a Devilish Duke Desires by Vicky Dreiling

TITLE: What a Devilish Duke Desires
SERIES #: The Sinful Scoundrels #3
CHARACTERS: Harry Norcliffe & Lucy
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WILL A FEW FLIRTATIOUS STEPS

Harry Norcliffe never wanted to inherit his beloved uncle’s title. The rigidity of the ton, the incessant reminders from his marriage-minded mama that he must settle down with a highborn lady and produce an heir and a spare: it’s all such a dreadful bore. So when his mother asks him to take part in a dancing competition, he patently refuses. The last thing he needs is another chore . . . until a beautiful, brilliant, delightfully tempting maid makes him rethink his position.

LEAD TO A SCANDALOUS SEDUCTION?

Most women would be over the moon to be pursued by a wickedly handsome—not to mention wealthy—duke like Norcliffe. But Lucy will not be any man’s trophy. She could use a friend, though, and what begins innocently soon ignites into desire. As Lucy tries to resist Harry’s scorching kisses, he makes an utterly irresistible offer. Enter the dance contest with him, and win a prize that could change her life forever . . . if falling in love doesn’t change it first.

REVIEW:
Finally we get Harry’s book. I have really liked Harry since first met him on that wet soggy night. He has been one of my favorites, right after Bells. And Harry’s story is just perfect for him.

As the last unmarried of his friends he has started to re-think his lifestyle after the death of his favorite Uncle. Harry finally meets his match in Lucy.

Lucy is one tough cookie. Lucy not only has to take care of herself but her ailing grandmother. Not an easy thing to do when you are a women in London. But a chance in counter with Sir Galahad will change everything.

I loved this story. I have enjoyed this whole series. If you have enjoyed the first two book in the Sinful Scoundrels you will love Harry’s book. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dreiling has in store for us next.

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