Review Sunday – Page 104

January 27, 2015January 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Steamed by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Steamed
SERIES #: Facile Restaurant #6
CHARACTERS: Byron & Delia
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: January 20, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Steamed is the sixth installment of the Facile Restaurant short story series by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona. Each story focuses on a different couple.

Lee Broussard is just a nice guy doing a favor for a friend – delivering a gift to an anniversary dinner at Facile – and ends up seeing his girlfriend sucking chocolate mousse off some strange guy’s finger. Shocked speechless and on the verge of dismantling the classy dining room with his bare hands, Lee is distracted by lovely seating hostess Abby DuLane, who yanks him into the nearest closet.

Petite and sharp-tongued, Abby runs her hostess station like a tiny country, of which she is queen. And she is not about to let a perfect specimen like Lee suffer the indignity of a public cheating-fueled meltdown. Groping a customer in front of his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend falls within her job description, right?

Right?

REVIEW:
Another great short story by Ms. Conrad & Ms. Corona!!! Each of these short stories just keeps getting better and better with each book. I did say in my last review that I thought that Delia & Byron were my favorite. I change my mind. Abby and all her sass and take no prisoners attitude and Lee and his I am just a sweet southern guy who just got his heart ripped out are my new favorite. 🙂
After reading each story by Ms. Conrad & Ms. Corona I want more. I want to know what happens next to each couple. I want to know!!!!!!! You really need to check out this quick and steamy series.

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

January 26, 2015January 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Bound By Flame by Jeaniene Frost

TITLE: Bound by Flame
SERIES #: Night Prince #3
CHARACTERS: Vlad & Leila
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: January 27, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Play with fire, pay the price.

Leila’s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn’t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin…

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn’t like Vlad to feel fear, but he does…for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad’s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad’s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both

REVIEW:
WOW!!!!
Being back in Vlad’s world is always a hair raising adventure. The beginning of this book was gut wrenching and heart breaking. And I had a very difficult time with parts of the story, until…… Well I can’t tell you that it would ruining the story for you.
Vlad is just as deadly and dreamy as always. Leila is amazing and tough as always. Vlad & Leila are a force that no one should ever mess with. There are so many ups and downs that I didn’t know where, how or who was going to make it out alive. There were quite a few surprises along the way too. Some were good, some not so much and some made you wonder is some of the secondary characters will get stories.
Loved this book. Love this world. Love Vlad & Leila. Love Ms. Frost and her storytelling abilities. Only thing I hate? Is having to wait until next year to get the fourth and final book in this series.
If you are a fan of Ms. Frost you will love this book. If you are new to this series. I would suggest reading Cat & Bones series first. But you could start with Once Burned (book one in the Night Prince series.

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

January 23, 2015March 27, 2015

Kelly reviews The Prince by Sylvain Reynard

TITLE: The Prince
SERIES #: Florentine Series #0.5
CHARACTERS: The Prince, Gabriel & Julianne Emerson
AUTHOR: Sylvain Reynard
PUBLICATION DATE: January 20, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The unveiling of a set of priceless illustrations of Dante’s Divine Comedy at the Uffizi Gallery exposes the unsuspecting Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved wife, Julianne, to a mysterious and dangerous enemy.

Unbeknownst to the Professor, the illustrations he secretly acquired years ago were stolen a century earlier from the ruler of Florence’s underworld. Now one of the most dangerous beings in Italy is determined to reclaim his prized artwork and exact revenge on the Emersons, but not before he uncovers something disturbing about Julianne …

Set in the city of Florence, “The Prince” is a prequel novella to “The Raven,” which is the first book in the new Florentine Series Trilogy by Sylvain Reynard.

“The Prince” can be read as a standalone but readers of The Gabriel Series may be curious about the connection between The Professor’s world and the dark, secret underworld of “The Prince.

REVIEW:
After reading Gabriel’s series I was super excited to learn the Sylvain was going to be doing another series. To say this series is going to be a tad bit different would be a total understatement. The Florentine series has a huge paranormal element to it. That being said The Prince connects The Florentine series to the Gabriel’s Inferno series. which means I hope we get to see more of Gabriel in the future. Until then I can’t wait to get a my copy of book one The Raven.

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.

January 22, 2015January 18, 2015

Kimberly reviews Hunger’s Mate part 2 by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Hunger’s Mate Part 2
SERIES #: Shadow Shifters #5
CHARACTERS: Jewel & Ezra
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/20/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From HOT romance author A.C. Arthur comes HUNGER’S MATE: Part Two, in the series, in which one man’s lust for life leads him to a dangerous place…and a forbidden passion. Ezra can’t help but be on the prowl. Jewel is stunning. Sly. Insatiable. But she is no ordinary human—and he’s about to find out that he’s stalking but an alluring and mysterious cat thief. One who possesses dangerous secrets of her own…

REVIEW:
This is the second part in a four part story. Obviously you do not want to start this one without reading the first because trust me you will not understand what is going on. Also see my review of part one if you haven’t already.

Again in this story we do not get a great look at Jewel. A better one but not a great one. We get a better look at Ezra and a bit of his background. The connection between Ezra and Jewel is strong. This story is really just getting started. And now on to part 3.

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

January 22, 2015January 18, 2015

Natasha reviews Vanished by Elizabeth Heiter

TITLE: Vanished
SERIES #: The Profiler #2
CHARACTERS: Evelyn Baines
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Heiter
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/30/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the past can haunt you…

Eighteen years ago, FBI profiler Evelyn Baine’s best friend, Cassie Byers, disappeared, the third in a series of unsolved abductions. Only a macabre nursery rhyme was left at the scene, a nursery rhyme that claimed Evelyn was also an intended victim. Now, after all these years of silence, another girl has gone missing in South Carolina, and the Nursery Rhyme Killer is taking credit. But is Cassie s abductor really back, or is there a copycat at work?

Sometimes the past is best forgotten…

Evelyn has waited eighteen years for a chance to investigate, but when she returns to Rose Bay, she finds a dark side to the seemingly idyllic town. As the place erupts in violence and the kidnapper strikes again, Evelyn knows this is her last chance. If she doesn’t figure out what happened to Cassie eighteen years ago, it may be Evelyn s turn to vanish without a trace.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the second book in the Profiler series which features Evelyn Baines as an FBI profiler who struggles with her past, the disappearance of her best friend when she was a child and her current employment position. Though this is a part of a series this book can be read without reading book 1 since the author recaps fairly well what happens in the first book in the series. I have to be honest, throughout this book I was pretty impatient because I just knew who the kidnapper was and who it wasn’t and I was so frustrated with the entire cast of characters – especially Evelyn for wasting so much time looking in the wrong directions! I was seriously so fed up with the false chase that I was yelling at my Kindle. Then – FINALLY – they realize what I’ve realized the whole time…OH BUT I WAS WRONG! Oh my gosh I was so wrong and I loved that I was. It is truly enjoyable to be so confident in something and have the author throw you for a complete loop – I did not see that coming and that’s a highly paid compliment. That cemented the book for me in the great read category. I did enjoy the supporting characters – Tomas was my favorite, and I also enjoyed Kyle and Evelyn. Evelyn did seem weak and totally irrational at times, but there were others where she was very assertive and confident. If I saw more of that side of her I bet I’d like her a lot more. All in all a good read that’s definitely worth reading to the very last page.

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

January 21, 2015January 18, 2015

Natasha reviews The Same Sky by Amanda Eyre Ward

TITLE: The Same Sky
CHARACTERS: Alice Conroe & Carla Trujilio
AUTHOR: Amanda Eyre Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/20/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: A beautiful, powerful novel about motherhood, desire, and faith set amongst the changing lives of Americans along the border, from the author of How to Be Lost, “America’s best-kept literary secret” (Bookpage). For reader’s of Orphan Train and The Language of Flowers.
In this heartrending and poignant novel, award-winning author Amanda Eyre Ward tells the story of Alice Conroe, a forty year old Texas barbecue owner who has the perfect life, except she and her husband long for a child. Unable to conceive, she’s trying desperately to adopt but her destiny is quickly altered by a young woman she’s never met.
Fearless thirteen-year-old Carla Trujilio is being raised by her grandmother in Honduras along with her four year old twin brothers. Her mother is sending money home from Texas where she’s trying to make a better life for her family, but she only has enough to bring one son to her. When Carla’s grandmother dies, Carla decides to take her fate into her own hands and embarks on a dangerous journey across the border with Junior, the twin left behind.
Two powerful journeys intersecting at a pivotal moment in time: Alice and Carla’s lives will be forever and profoundly changed. Heartbreaking, emotional, and arresting, this novel is about finding the courage to trail blaze your own path in life with faith, hope and love, no matter the struggle or the tragedy

REVIEW:
This was a stunning novel. It follows the heartbreaking lives of Alice and Carla who are both searching for what they want most in the world. The author does an amazing job at really making you feel invested in each character and their story. I read the book in one night because I could not put it down. Each chapter alternates points of view from Carla to Alice until they meet in a gripping finale. The story opens up your mind to startling realities you may not understand. Beautifully written, emotional tale that I really am happy I read. I highly recommend this for a quick 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.

January 20, 2015January 18, 2015

Kimberly reviews Worth The Risk by Claudia Conner

TITLE: Worth The Risk
SERIES #: The McKinney Brothers #2
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Stephan
AUTHOR: Claudia Conner
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/20/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a McKinney brother falls in love, powerful emotion and overwhelming desire are never far behind.

Two hearts locked away . . . Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.

Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night . . . or so he believes.

Both desperate for a second chance . . . Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again . . . to a side of himself he’s tried to forget . . . a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts So first let me say that I am seriously glad that Claudia Conner put a post on her facebook page saying Stephen was nothing like Matt. Because it is so true. But as different as they are there is something similar about them and that is the way they love with their whole hearts even when they do not know they are loving someone.

I could compare the men over and over. I mean Matt in Worth The Fall is PERFECT! And he really is but Stephen is not and somehow that makes Stephen more real. Matt is the ideal that a woman dreams about but Stephen is the one a real woman would get… a real man with issues and problems and loves and hates.

Stephen and Hannah are both so broken and their lives have been parallel mostly. Stephen lived through his fiancee’ being killed by torture and Hannah was tortured beyond belief. And this is the story of how they move beyond it. I really enjoyed Stephen. Yes he can be off-putting but in a way we understand. But when he shows his love to Hannah and he puts himself out there it is with his whole heart. Something about these McKinney boys take your hearts and hold on.

Now about Hannah. Wow what a woman. She has been through what no woman can imagine going through and deals with it every day. And yet she has figured out how to make the world a better place because of her suffering. She is someone you want to be friends with and yet can see yourself becoming her protector just as much as her brothers are. And speaking of her brothers. I really really really hope that Claudia is considering writing their stories. They are just as attractive and swoon worthy as the McKinney boys so Claudia I am not only hinting I am coming right out and saying we need a Walker Brothers series.

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

January 20, 2015January 18, 2015

Kelly reviews Grilled by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Grilled
SERIES #: Facile Restaurant #5
CHARACTERS: Byron & Delia
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad, Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: January 13, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The next installment of the Facile Restaurant series of 10 short stories by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona. Each story focuses on a different couple.

Delia Montgomery is on the worst date in history of dates. The charming, funny version of “Chip” that she met online was an internet mirage, dissolving to leave her with an over-coiffed, raging douche canoe. Chip seems to be following some sort of handbook entitled, “How To Make Your Date Want To Stab You In The Face in Three Easy Steps.” Between the back-handed compliments and “helpful suggestions,” Delia is seriously considering tunneling her way through the floor of Facile with a shrimp fork.

Enter their waiter Byron, who is immediately smitten with the gorgeous victim of an internet date gone awry. Byron is a smooth, well-mannered counterpoint to dating dud Chip, who does not appreciate witnessing the instant chemistry between his date and the server he has no plans to tip. When the date implodes, Bryon is there to provide the special sort of service Delia needs to recover.

REVIEW:
Holy hotness…. It is hard for me to say but I think Delia & Bryon are my new favorite of this series. Although, I think it is safe to say that I love every couple after every story. I just love love love Delia. The crap she has to put up with on her date is sad and funny as hell. Add in on smoking hot waiter and you have a very hot, spicy and fun read.
So can’t wait to see what the ladies have in store for the people at Facile’s.

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

January 19, 2015January 18, 2015

Kimberly reviews Under His Touch by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Under His Touch
SERIES #: Falling Under #2
CHARACTERS: Amber & Alec
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/19/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amber Dolors knows better than to get involved with her boss. Devastatingly handsome in his sharp suits and sexy beyond belief, he possesses an air of command that fuels her darkest fantasies. But she’s worked too hard to get this job, and keeping it will lead to a brilliant future. She won’t cross that line—even if his way of giving orders and demanding her best performance gives her delicious warm shivers.

Alexander Knight prides himself on his integrity and self-discipline. After all, he hasn’t risen to the position he enjoys by indulging his whims over ambition. He also isn’t blind. He’s certainly noticed his sharp, young assistant is hot as hell. His self-imposed sexual hermitage doesn’t stop him from watching her. And endlessly fantasizing.

The day Alec’s cool reserve cracks and Amber catches a glimpse of something simmering beneath his apparent indifference is the day everything between them changes. Alec gives her what she’s been looking for sexually—as masterful in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom. He finds himself in the grip of an affair that tests even his boundaries, while Amber’s new role as willing student pushes them both past any consideration other than mutual longing.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Let me start by saying I am usually a fan of what Kennedy has to write but I just couldn’t enjoy this story. First it took almost half of the story for the characters to really get together. There was so much of the back and forth of “we shouldn’t do this”, “I can’t get you out of my head”, “you are my employee”, blah blah blah that I felt the connection lacked by the time they got together. I also had a hard time with the age difference. Not because it was there but because too many time it was reminded he was “old enough to be her father” putting that thought in my head.

Amber is actually too innocent if you ask me and Alec just doesn’t have the Dom attitude, again to my way of thinking. I wish I could say I thought this story had potential but I just don’t. Mind you this will not stop me from picking up the next book by Kennedy in hopes that she has gone back to her usual way of writing.

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

January 16, 2015January 12, 2015

Kelly reviews The Tempted by Donna Grant

TITLE: The Tempted
SERIES #: Rogues of Scotland #3
CHARACTERS: Stefan Kennedy & Morvan
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: January 19, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A MAN CONSUMED BY RAGE

Stefan Kennedy is cursed by a gypsy and sentenced to a prison of darkness and despair. A hell that only serves to feed the monster within. Unexpectedly released from his mystical cell, he’s engulfed by fury and overcome by a need for vengeance. Until a beautiful woman tames his inner beast. Stefan owes it to his friends to find out what happened to them after their run-in with the gypsy, but the mysterious and enchanting Morvan may be a temptation he can’t resist.

A WOMAN’S MAGICAL TOUCH

Morvan has always been a child of the forest. She spends her days using her gifts to calm and heal the animals she encounters. But when she finds herself compelled across clan borders to a mysterious cliff with a wall of strange etchings, she’s helpless to resist. Somehow, Morvan magically brings forth a stranger seemingly more beast than man, yet despite the inherent dangers, she’s driven to help the handsome Highlander. While his appearance in her life may end up shattering the peace she’s worked so hard to find, he could also prove to be the man of her dreams.

REVIEW:
Another good story from Ms. Grant. The Rouge of Scotland stories are all very short and sweet, therefore my review will be too. I really enjoyed reading about Stefan’s journey and the role he played in the evening that lead to them all being locked away. I really like Morvan. I loved that she is touch and gentle all at the same time.
I am very much looking forward to the final book in this series.

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

January 15, 2015January 12, 2015

Kelly reviews Boiled by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Boiled
SERIES #: A Facile Restaurant Short Story #4
CHARACTERS: Jason Parker & Gen Ferrar
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The next title in the Facile Restaurant series of ten short stories by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona. Each story focuses on a different couple.

All Jason Parker wanted to do was throw a nice anniversary dinner for his parents at Facile, just one nice dinner that his parents don’t end up planning, cooking, or funding. It’s too bad that his family seems hell-bent on ruining it. Between his older brother stealing credit for the entire enterprise, his uncle stealing the silverware and his sister stealing everyone’s joy, it’s enough to send Jason running for the comfort of Facile’s bourbon supply.

The only thing keeping him sane in this quagmire of dysfunction is the table’s waitress, Gen Ferrar, who is handling his family circus like a ringmaster. Short, sassy, and shrewd, Gen knows how to handle all sorts of problem diners – the cheapskates, the grabby drunks, the bitter pills. She’s just never had so many of those types at one table. Watching Jason, a genuinely nice guy just trying to do something considerate, putting up with ten kinds of rudeness from his relatives makes her even more determined to make this dinner perfect. She will do whatever it takes, even if it means providing a very special brand of stress relief when his temper threatens to boil over.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Another great story Facile story. Boy howdy does some naughty stuff happen at this restaurant ;). Poor Jason’s family is a piece of work. Thank goodness for Gen and her sassy little self. These two are so great.
Just like every other Facile Restaurant story Boiled leaves me wanting more. Leaves me wanting to know what happens next for Jason & Gen. Leaves me wanting to visit Facile and see what could possible happen.
If you are looking for a quick steamy read you really should pick up this series. Can’t wait to see what is next.

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

January 15, 2015January 10, 2015

Kelly reviews In His Keeping by Maya Banks

TITLE: In His Keeping
SERIES #: Slow Burn #2
CHARACTERS: Beau Devereaux & Arial
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 bestselling author Maya Banks continues her suspenseful and steamy Slow Burn trilogy with this second book-a twisting tale featuring a strong yet vulnerable heroine in danger and the sexy alpha hero who must save her

Abandoned as a baby to a young wealthy couple and raised in a world of privilege, Arial has no hint of her past or who she belonged to. Her only link lies in the one thing that sets her apart from everyone else—telekinetic powers. Protected by her adoptive parents and hidden from the public to keep her gift secret, Ari is raised in the lap of luxury, and isolation. That is, until someone begins threatening her life.

Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the strange. As the head of Devereaux Security, he’s more than familiar with the realities of physic powers. So when a family friend approaches him about protecting his daughter, he’s more than ready to jump on board. What Beau isn’t prepared for is the extent of his attraction to his beautiful and powerful client. What began as a simple assignment, just another job, quickly turns personal as Beau discovers he’ll do anything at all to protect Ari. Even if it costs him his life.

REVIEW:
In His Keeping is the second book in Ms. Banks Slow Burn trilogy. An similar to book 1, one of the Devereaux boys finds himself tangled up with a woman that has psychic powers.
I liked this book. Liked Beau. Like Arial. But I was not overly in love with the story. I found at times that the dialog dragged on and on. I did enjoy learning more about the Devereaux’s parents, even if we are left with more questions than answers at the moment.

If you liked book one (Keep Me Safe) you will enjoy In His Keeping. I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy and Zach’s story. I do hope that Quinn & Tori will get stories too? Maybe a spin off?

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.