Review Sunday – Page 116

September 10, 2014August 31, 2014

Kimberly reviews Ignited by J. Kenner

TITLE: Ignited
SERIES #: Most Wanted #3
CHARACTERS: Katrina & Cole
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/09/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.
My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.
Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.
I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This book was a long time coming… not in time frame but because meeting Cole in book 1 we knew he would have the darkest and most explosive of stories and he did. Cole is a very dark character and has the harshest of pasts but it was great to have him find his happy ending and he honestly couldn’t have found a better match than Katrina. She has had a dark past too. Not like his but her childhood caused her own issues and together they manage to get through the lingering effects.
Kenner has written another great story. This story is a bit of the Most Wanted as well as a Stark Trilogy combination. Which made it great that Damien Stark had a cameo. Kenner is a master as writing a dark erotic romance and this is more proof of that. Can you read it as a stand alone? Yes but why would you not want to read the beginning of the series so you understand who Cole really is. I love that he is so broken and yet he paints like a god. He has a softness in his poetic words that amaze and even has a hand in other arts that show the reader his softer side. Kenner showed that even the harshest of men have a soft side and did it wonderfully.

Yes Katrina is the one telling her tale but this is Cole’s story and it should not be missed.

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

September 10, 2014August 31, 2014

Natasha reviews Dark Skye by Kresley Cole

TITLE: Dark Skye
SERIES #: Immortals After Dark #14
CHARACTERS: Lanthe & Thronos
AUTHOR: Kresley Cole
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/5/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to help him—or vanquish him forever.
Eternal Obsession
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.
Endless Yearning
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.
Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is one of my favorite series of all time. In recent years we’ve seen Lanthe more, but Thronos was a complete mystery to us. I was excited to see this glimpse into their obviously convoluted and tumultuous past. Unfortunately, the story was lackluster for me. Kresley Cole writes AMAZING books, but this one was really hard to keep getting excited about. While there was constant action and the story kept moving forward towards a predictable end, I found I just wasn’t interested. Neither Lanthe nor Thronos became important to me on anything more than a superficial level. Though Cole seemed to be trying to add depth and emotion to the characters, I found them one dimensional and dull. We barely got glimpses into what events actually transpired to cause their 500 year feud, and their courtship seemed forced. Obviously, as with any book in this series, my absolute favorite parts were those involving Nucking Futs Nix! I’m not sure who is going to be next in this series, but I’m hoping to move past *spoiler alert* The Order’s prison and island piece that the last few books have centered around. Though I know it’s an important piece of the universe, the same setting is getting a little dull. Nevertheless, I will continue to support this series because Cole is hilarious and a fabulous story teller. This one just wasn’t my particular cup of tea.

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

September 9, 2014August 31, 2014

Jennifer reviews With This Ring by Celeste Bradley

TITLE: With This Ring
SERIES #: The Wicked Worthingtons #3
CHARACTERS: Elektra Worthington and Lord Aaron Arbogast
AUTHOR: Celeste Bradley
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Elektra Worthington is the lovely middle daughter of the eccentric, impoverished Worthington family. Her beauty means nothing to her except as her currency to return the Worthington name to its former glory of status, riches, and dominance in the ballrooms of Regency England. To this end, she will stop at nothing—even if she must kidnap a rich lord in the process. If this lucky gentleman is just returning from a long absence and knows nothing of the Worthington reputation, well, a girl shouldn’t look a gift lord in the mouth…right?

THE PRICE OF PASSION
Lord Aaron Arbogast, returning to England after a decade-old scandal—of which he was not truly guilty, but instead took the blame out of loyalty to a good friend—is the last of his line. He will someday become the Earl of Arbodean and inherit the estate…if, that is, he can prove to his ailing grandfather that he is a reformed man. Falling for a woman like Miss Worthington could cost him everything. But his desire for her? Priceless…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a new author to me and I thought that this was an enjoyable easy read. Elektra is trying to save her family from ruins and the only way that she can do that is to marry a wealthy man. By sheer chance, she finds herself staying at the same inn as Lord Aaron Arbogast and comes up with a plan to kidnap him and convince him that she is the right woman for him. What she finds instead, is that she kidnapped his man servant by mistake and the hilarity ensues from there as she tries to remedy this error.
Lord Aaron Arbogast is in town to see his ailing grandfather and to show him that he has changed his ways. He was involved in a scandal that has plagued him most of his life and wants nothing more than to put all that behind him. When his good friend and servant becomes ill, he exchanges identities with him so he can receive proper care from the employees of the inn. What he never expected, was that a beautiful young woman would kidnap him in hopes of helping save her family. He has to now keep up the charade that he isn’t Lord Arbogast or runs the risk of losing everything.
Elektra was such a fun character because she was this free spirit who took on the responsibility of helping her family. She had this huge burden on her shoulders and felt that the only way to save them all was to marry someone wealthy. She made sure that everything in her life was taken care even if it meant that she went without. Aaron needed someone like Ellie is his life because she wasn’t afraid of what people might say about them. She lived with the constant gossip about the Worthingtons and people gossiping about Aaron didn’t bother her in the slightest. She showed him what it was like to be a part of a loving and caring family and that was exactly what he needed in his life. Great story and I’m looking forward to reading more about this zany cast of characters in other books of the Worthington series.

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

September 8, 2014August 31, 2014

Natasha reviews Born Of Fury by Sherrilyn Kenyon

TITLE: Born of Fury
SERIES #: The League #7
CHARACTERS: Hauk & Sumi
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
PUBLICATION DATE:7/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The war is on…

Counted among the fiercest Andarion warriors ever born, Hauk is one of the five founding members of the Sentella- an organization that has declared war on the League that rules the Ichidian universe with an iron fist and terrifies it with an army of well-trained assassins. Hauk’s enemies are legion, but he fears nothing and no one. He will do whatever it takes to survive and protect his Sentella brethren.

Sumi Antaxas is one of the best assassins the League has ever trained. In her world, failure is not an option and she has never met a target she couldn’t execute. So when she’s assigned Hauk, she believes it’ll be a quick and easy mission.

But nothing is ever as simple as it seems, and Hauk is far better trained and skilled than his dossier shows. More than that, as she pursues him, she stumbles upon the key that will bring down not only Hauk, but the entire Sentella organization.

In the race to report her information, she is overtaken by enemies out to end her as effectively as she intends to end Hauk. Now her only key to survival is the one man she’s been sent to kill. And Hauk doesn’t trust her at all.

The only question is, will he help her to live… or send her to her grave.(less)

REVIEW:
Wow, I don’t even know where to start! I’m a huge fan of the League series and have been looking forward to Hauk’s story for years. Sherrilyn really gave us a lot of alone time with Hauk to get to know who he really is, something we’ve only caught glimpses of before in the previous books. He is such a tortured hero, I fell in love with him instantly. Sumi is a great match for him. She’s a strong female lead and really gave the story depth and feeling. Their story was a tad bit drawn out, we actually saw every piece of their courting, falling in love and building a life together. I can’t say that I was bored, because I could read about all the League characters forever, but it did seem kind of repetitive. I loved seeing all of the League characters – I mean, Nykyrian never gets old! However, the honky-dory, we love everybody thing kind of gets old. Everyone can’t just love everyone all the time! But I get it’s a story and I’ll happily play along. I’m curious who the next book will be about, I’m hoping either Fain or Bastien!

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

September 5, 2014August 31, 2014

Kimberly reviews Take Down by Mallery Malone

TITLE: Take Down
SERIES #: Billionaire’s Club #3
CHARACTERS: Karina & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Mallery Malone
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Powerful. Dominant, Unforgettable. He commands submission at all costs.
Cage fighter, Gabriel Devereaux, a man of barely leashed power, is known as the Bayou Beast.
There is one woman he will do anything , pay any amount to possess.
Karina Armistead, has come a long way from the innocent girl Gabriel used to know. An internationally known singer, she can have anything she wants. But everything tells her that getting involved with the Bayou Beast may leave her wrecked beyond repair.
Little does Karina Armistead know, but Gabriel has decided that she will be his.
He will destroy anything or anyone who stands in his way.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but can most certainly be read as a stand alone. It is a short story of less than 90 pages so it is a quick read but yet a sweet read. Gabriel is a fighter and has a vendetta against Karina and her father. Karina doesn’t understand why Gabriel left her without a word a decade before.
This story as well as the rest of the series is well written and an enjoyable quick read. Great stories to have between novels for a little romance.

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

September 5, 2014September 1, 2014

Kelly reviews Under His Protection by Katie Reus

TITLE: Under His Protection
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #9
CHARACTERS: Ivan Mitchell & Julieta Mederos
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julieta’s stalker doesn’t play by the rules

Lingerie shop owner Julieta Mederos has worked hard to get her business off the ground. Now she’s looking forward to some quality time with her friends and her big, boisterous family. But explicit texts from random phone numbers and vandalism at her shop makes it clear someone dangerous has fixated on her. Without any solid leads, the police can’t help her and she’s forced to turn to the last man she wants to depend on.

…but neither does Ivan.

Former Army Ranger and newest Red Stone Security employee Ivan Mitchell has gotten used to being alone in the world. He never even thinks about it anymore—until he meets sexy, independent Julieta. She’s everything he could ever want…but she seems determined to keep him at arm’s length. Until now. Maybe the cops can’t do anything to protect her, but he can. When things escalate faster than even he expected, he finds himself pulling out his most extreme combat skills to protect her. He’ll do what it takes to save her life—and prove to her she belongs in his.

Red Stone Security Series, #9
Author Note: Under His Protection is the ninth book in the Red Stone Security series but can be read completely as a stand-alone

REVIEW:
Gosh, I don’t want to give much away. Reading the blurb gives you a good idea of what will happen so I won’t recap. I will say that this was a super quick read. But honestly the story never felt rushed or that it was lacking in any way. I loved the story. I loved the tension between Ivan & Julieta. I guess my only complain would be that I wanted more of these two. I want to know how the future goes for them. I hope that Ms. Reus will have them pop up in a future Red Stone Security story.

If you are a fan of Ms. Reus’ Red Stone Security series you will love Ivan & Julieta’s story. If you are new to this series never fear Under His Protection can easily be read as a stand alone. Make sure to add this to your I must read list.

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

September 4, 2014August 31, 2014

Kelly reviews Midnight Betrayal by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Midnight Betrayal
SERIES #: Midnight #3
CHARACTERS: Conor Sullivan & Louisa Hancock
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Curator Dr. Louisa Hancock left behind Maine and her troubled past for Philadelphia and a job at a prominent museum. Just when it seems that Louisa’s new life is safe from her dark secrets, the body of a museum intern is found—the victim of a brutal and baffling murder.

Louisa realizes this is no random crime. And when another intern goes missing, the abduction is linked to the only man who has ever tempted Louisa’s heart—Conor Sullivan, the sexy owner of a Philly sports bar. Louisa’s past has taught her to be wary, but her heart refuses to believe Conor is guilty.

Now Conor and Louisa must dodge a police investigation—and their growing desire—as they race to find the real killer before another girl turns up dead. But trusting Conor could be deadly, especially as the evidence against him mounts…and as a merciless killer targets Louisa as the next victim

REVIEW:
They say lightning never strikes twice.
Or does it?
If you are Louisa Hancock & Conor Sullivan you might just start to believe that it does.
Wow. I am not even sure how to start this review other than to say “Murder is a dirty, dirty business and oh my good golly Ms. Leigh can write a book”.
As with all suspense books I try my best to figure out the who’s, the what’s and the why’s. But let me tell you Midnight Betrayal kept me guessing the whole time. To say I was shocked would be an understatement.
I could say so much about this book (which I loved). About this story (which I loved). About the characters (who I loved). About the scary, sick and twisted mind of a suspense author (which I love and am just a tad bit afraid of Ms. Leigh now ;D). But I really want you to pick up a copy of this book so I will leave you with this. Midnight Betrayal is an amazing read!!!!!!!
If you are a fan of romance suspense you really need to pick up a copy of Midnight Betrayal. If you are new to romance suspense or new to Melinda never fear you can read this book as a stand alone and not miss anything (although I would read book one and two, but I like to read my books in order. Plus you met Conor & Louisa in book 2)

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author as a gift. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 4, 2014August 31, 2014

Kimberly reviews Blaze Of Winter by Elisabeth Barrett

TITLE: Blaze Of Winter
SERIES #: Star Harbor #2
CHARACTERS: Avery & Theo
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.

Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This was my fault. I read the stories out of order and honestly it kind of ruined (for lack of a better word) this story for me. I liked Theo is book one so I wanted to read his story and Avery is an interesting character too but for some reason reading them out of order just kind of blew it for me.

Now I do know these books do not have to be read in order. They can stand alone just knowing that that the other brothers have their stories too so why I had a hard time I just don’t know. That being said Theo and Avery’s story is great. Theo is adorable. Avery keeps your attention too.

I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a good romance with hunky brothers for each season of the year.

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

September 3, 2014August 31, 2014

Natasha reviews My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts

TITLE: My Highland Spy
SERIES #: Highland Spies #1
CHARACTERS: Ruairi & Ravenna
AUTHOR: Victoria Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 9/2/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This Highland Laird won’t bow to the Crown
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do—he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep
But this lady spy might make him…
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator
If she doesn’t betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. It took a bit for me to get into it, but toward the end I couldn’t put it down. Ravenna is smart, sassy and just the right amount of defiant. Ruairi never stood a chance. I really enjoyed him as a character as well. He was strong, protective and understanding all rolled into one overpowering laird. I loved how much time the author gave us to get to know the two characters together. She didn’t rush things and hope it was believable. We were able to grow with the characters together. Their interactions were comical and high spirited. As were all of the supporting characters. I love Torquil, he is just the sweetest little boy, and I so hope we get a story for Fagan. His sense of humor and interactions with Grace were priceless! I’m happy I gave this author a try and will definitely be reading more from her in the future.

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

September 3, 2014August 31, 2014

Natasha reviews Pure by Julianna Baggott

TITLE: Pure
SERIES #: Pure Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Pressia, Partridge, Bradwell, Lyda & El Capitan
AUTHOR: Julianna Baggott
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/8/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it’s his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.
When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

REVIEW: I loved this book! I happen to come across this author and the synopsis intrigued me. I’ve read many post apocalypse books, and many YA novels. I have to say, this author did it right. I was so pleasantly relieved that even though this is YA the characters all had common sense and were not frustratingly juvenile. Having multiple character viewpoints can be dangerous in books. Things can get confusing and the back and forth frustrating. I did not have that problem with this book. I loved being able to experience each characters viewpoint: Pressia, Partridge and Lyda. They each added so much to the story. Though curiously we didn’t get a viewpoint from Bradwell… Every character in this book has a history and is a necessity to the overall story, even El Capitan and Helmet! I was able to see some of the story twists coming early on, but others took me completely by surprise! I love being surprised! This book has everything: action, emotional turmoil, government plots, love and loss. It was a great start to this series and I already have book two downloaded. I’m very excited to get started!

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

September 2, 2014August 31, 2014

Kimberly reviews Longing by Jamie K Schmidt

TITLE: Longing
SERIES #: Club Inferno #2
CHARACTERS: Anya & Clint
AUTHOR: Jamie K. Schmidt
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Reeling from a disastrous love affair, model and budding fashion designer Anya Litton needs a temporary refuge, a place to lick her wounds and plan her next career move. At Club Inferno, where seductively chic men and women indulge their most intimate fantasies, she can mix business with unimaginable pleasure. Anya quickly connects with club Dom Clint Reyes, who unleashes Anya’s deepest longings over nights of burning passion.
Clint is a master at taking submissives to the heights of pleasure in Club Inferno’s opulent private dungeons. But it’s Anya who has Clint begging for more when the woman of his dreams becomes his eager partner in exploring the limits of desire. As their relationship ignites into an erotic contest of wills—and a jealous rival plots against them both—Clint prepares to fight for a future with Anya. In this complicated dance, the wrong move could end it all . . . and taking control means total surrender.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts I really enjoyed this story. It is the second in the series but you do not need to have read the first at all. In fact Max and Mallory are only mentioned in passing a few times. So feel free to pick this up without having read the first… but then the first was really good so you might want to pick that one up too.
Now about this book. First about Clint. What a sweet guy. He has dreams and while he enjoys the kinky life it is not his whole world. In fact he wants to own his own place and fall in love. He wants to be more than a stripper and Dom and he finds that with Anya. I really adored Clint. However I really can’t imagine that he is a Dom in the full sense of the word. I really can’t recall anything he did that was Dom worthy. Yes he liked to be a little controlling but he didn’t Dom Anya. He understands her limits (which are plenty) and never pushes her to go beyond them.
Now to the best part of this story. ANYA! Let me say a hardy HELL YES to the author. She really pulled Anya off perfectly. I actually went and looked up a picture of Schmidt to see if she was a big girl because she really nailed the feeling us big girls have. The feeling of being too heavy to sit on a guys lap, will he laugh at her when she gets unclothed because her jeans hold in a lot, why would a guy that looks like Clint fall for a woman who looks like her, etc. Her feels are all ones that any big girl has had. Anya is a plus size model and while confident in her beauty to walk the runway as a plus size model when it comes to being an everyday woman she loses some of that confidence. And then she hears people call her fat and she crumbles. But somehow she picks herself back up. I LOVED ANYA and hope to grow up to be her someday (ok I am in my 40s so it is probably a lost cause but still).
Wonderful romance with a touch of erotica but not really any BDSM. And a wonderful couple who deserves to be cheered from an author who deserves praise.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 2, 2014August 31, 2014

Natasha reviews Beyond Love by Barbara J Duell

TITLE: Beyond Love
CHARACTERS: Michael McCall & Richard Hampton
AUTHOR: Barbara J. Duell
PUBLICATION DATE: Spring 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’d only planned to run away from home, but after eight-year-old David Hampton is almost run over by a car in downtown Sausalito and rescued by a beautiful lady with a man’s name, his plans change. All he’s ever wanted was a Mom and decides Michael McCall is the Mom he wants. All he has to do is convince his dad, and maybe Ms. McCall.
It should be easy, but unlike stories with happy endings, this is not a fairytale; this is real. When Professor Michael McCall and Dr. Richard Hampton meet, the sparks from their first encounter ignite into an instant desire so powerful it rivals the intensity of the fire that nearly destroyed the city across the bay. Their path to happy-ever-after will demand that they travel beyond their lust and the heat of their passion — a journey steeped with pain, a constant reminder of love given and lost — a journey where the past must be put away, freeing them to find the courage to reach BEYOND LOVE.

REVIEW:
This book was a little difficult for me to get into at first. I like the idea behind the story; it’s a very sweet love story. However, I found it difficult to connect with either of the main characters – especially Michael. She is definitely an aggressive, confrontational, strong personality. I was hoping I’d get to see her reign in her temper a little more throughout the book and learn to adapt to others around her. I also wish we’d gotten a little more depth of her character. She has such an amazing story to tell and I really wanted to dig deeper into her and create that connection. Richard was a good character. He had so many flaws, but all you can do is laugh sometimes at how oblivious he is to the people and things surrounding him. He was just as flawed as Michael so they were definitely perfect for each other in that regard. He was also vey sweet. I’m happy that this book allowed us to read from each character’s perspective – I really enjoy knowing what is going on inside each character’s head rather than first person accounts. Unfortunately sometimes the transitions between character perspectives was not always clear and I found myself confused at times trying to decipher which character I was reading at the moment. Overall, the book was enjoyable and I’m happy I read it. I’m very excited to see what other stories we can look forward to from Barbara!

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