TITLE: In His Sights
SERIES #: Sugarland Blues #3
CHARACTERS: Chris Ford & Robyn Lassiter
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: September 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a dangerous criminal targets those whom Sugarland detective Chris Ford holds dear, nothing will stop him from hunting down his man.…
Chris is one the best and brightest at the Sugarland PD, but lately a mysterious illness has him struggling to get through the day. When his symptoms land him in the care of brilliant and sexy Dr. Robyn Lassiter, Chris realizes that he is the latest victim in a rash of mysterious poisonings in the area—most of them fatal. Figuring out who’s causing the fatal outbreak has become a very personal—and deadly—race against time.
Despite battling her own personal demons and painful past, Dr. Robyn Lassiter can’t fight her attraction to her new patient. But as she struggles to help Chris track down the sick mind behind the deaths, she’s not only at risk of losing her heart but of falling headlong into a lethal plot that could take her life
REVIEW:
In “In His Sights” we get to learn more about Chris Ford. Chris is finally recovered from injuries he sustained while helping a fellow officer. Now he is ready to take back his life. Only problem is that he is plagued with some kind of illness. An illness that just seems to only getting worse.
With a string of deaths in seemingly healthy people Dr. Lassiter thinks something strange is happening. But first she needs to prove that the deaths are in fact not natural. But when Chris is admitted to the hospital with the same symptoms Robyn is convinced that this is no normal illness. But the question is will they figure it out before anymore victims turn up?
In His Sights is book 3 in Sugarland Blues series and another great story from Ms. Davis. Chris & Robyn are both great characters. Chris is a great cop that doesn’t know the meaning of stop both at his job or in his personal life. Robyn on the other hand has no desire to do anything more than take care of herself and her daughter. But thankfully Chris blows that notion right out of the water.
If you have enjoyed the prior Sugarland Blues books you will enjoy Chris & Robyn’s book. If you are new to the Sugarland Blues Series no fear you can read In His Sights and not be lost, although I would suggest reading the series from book one (mostly because I don’t like reading books out of order 😀 )
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the 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.
TITLE: Beauty’s Beast
CHARACTERS: Kristine & Erik
AUTHOR: Amanda Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beauty
Fair of face and figure, Kristine is young, innocent, pure. Yet she has been condemned to the gallows for killing a man. The only one who can save her is a lord so infamous that some say he is the son of the Devil himself…
And the Beast
Erik Trevayne is called the Demon Lord of Hawksbridge Castle, but few know of the curse he lives under. Or the terrifying changes slowly gnawing away at his humanity. When he weds her, all he wants of Kristine is a son. But when he beds her, a wild hope is born—that love that can tame even the most monstrous of beasts…
REVIEW:
This was a DNF for me which doesn’t happen very often. Usually if I can’t get into a book I might skim over certain sections but still manage to finish the book but not this one. I was about 20% into the book and just couldn’t go on.
First I can’t stand Kristine. She is just so dull and has no gumption to her. She just takes the way Erik uses her and leaves her room and still manages to think that she needs to learn to love him. Why? And Erik while understandable is just a jerk. Nothing about either of them makes me want to care about them.
This is not the Beauty and The Beast we grew up on. I didn’t really expect it to be but it is so slow moving with nothing going on that I just didn’t care about learning more of the differences. I would say more but not much more I can say when I couldn’t read anymore at 20%. I think this is a love it or hate it kind of book. Nothing in between.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Homecoming
SERIES #: Thunder Point #6
CHARACTERS: Iris & Seth
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been.
Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken. But now he’s been presented with an opportunity to return home and show his father—and the people of Thunder Point—he’s become a better, humbler version of his former self.
Winning over his father isn’t the only challenge. Seth must also find a way to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend, Iris McKinley, to forgive him for breaking her heart. With his homecoming, will Seth be able to convince the town, his family and especially Iris that he’s finally ready to be the man who will make them all proud?
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I’m not sure why but this had a different feel to me than the others in the series. While I enjoyed it and the story was good something was just different. There is a lot happening in this story not just with the couple but with the background players as well. Seth and Iris have an interesting dynamic. Having been friends before the connection is supposed to be there and mostly it is but it seemed to me to not be a “hot love match” but more like friends who fall in love after being together for so long. But I have to say that is a nice change to the alpha male running to the rescue of the damsel all the time.
Iris is an interesting character. She seems love sick and some points but then other times is strong and independent. Seth has been through a bunch of stuff including almost dieing but still has a sweet sense about him. Funny the character I liked the best was Robbie who has the sweetest of hearts and maybe we might get a story of him finally getting a happy ending (but I doubt it).
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: No Limits
SERIES #: Ultimate #1
CHARACTERS: Cannon & Yvette
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he’s never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…
Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He’s also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she’s older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.
Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather’s legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette’s scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he’ll break all the rules to do it…
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I absolutely loved this story. First I enjoyed the writing very much. It really held my attention and seeing as I stated up way too late I didn’t want to put it down until I was done. I really loved Cannon. Besides he is a sweet guy there is something about him that really attracts the reader. He is not the alpha male that most MMA fighters are portrayed as. He is a protective possessive guy but he is such so loving and sweet. He is called The Saint because of the way he treats the ladies with respect and it really comes through in the writing. He really doesn’t ever come across as being a jerk to any woman even when he would rather not have her attention. I liked how he was willing to take the time Yvette needed. He is just wonderful.
Now Yvette, well I ended up liking her (mostly). She has been through some horrible things and you can understand why she is skittish about the world around her but there were some things that didn’t sit right. Yes she is skittish but she almost seems naive sometimes. But that being said I would be her friend. What she does have is gumption. She knows she needs to step up sometimes and hold her head up high and she does. I can appreciate that about her.
I enjoyed the background characters as well. Armie is such a jerk sometimes and yet the sweetest guy at others. The care he shows to Yvette is so adorable. And I can not wait to read his and Rissy’s story.
This is a great new series by Foster and I am so looking forward to the rest of the stories to come.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Irresistible Force
SERIES #: K-9 Rescue #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: D.D. Ayers
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When adrenaline runs high, so does the force of desire…
For Shay Appleton, it’s love at first sight when a gorgeous stray dog is brought into the animal shelter where she works. She just knows he’ll make a terrific watch dog—and with an abusive ex who won’t let go, she needs all the protection she can get. But Shay never suspected that her new pet is actually a trained police K-9 named Bogart—until Bogart’s even more gorgeous, human partner shows up on her doorstep.
Officer James Cannon is one tall, strong alpha male who’s convinced that Shay stole his dog. But once he gets closer to the suspect, he realizes that this stubborn, independent woman not only needs a guard dog, she needs James as well. It seems that someone from her past is stalking her, and threatening her life. When danger meets desire, will James risk his career and his best friend…to protect the woman who’s stolen his heart?
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed this story. I read it in one sitting and couldn’t get enough. I loved James. What an incredibly sweet and caring yet possessive and protective guy. He is the perfect boyfriend. And Shay needs just that. Boy that girl has so much going on I can’t believe the author will be able to come up with something else in the next story. Talk about a bad couple of weeks! It did get to be a little much at some points but Shay takes it on and you just want to cheer for her. How James doesn’t want to just run away is beyond question but he doesn’t, he holds on tighter and I adored him for that.
And Bogart. Oh I am in love. So many stories with dogs have them as a background character who barely makes a scene but not Bogart. He is a full on part of this story. He has such a personality. He smiles, he gives mischievous looks and protects with everything he has and yet pull out a ball and he is all puppy.
This is such a great romance and yet does have a bit of suspense to it too. I think any fan of romance, suspense or of dogs will love this story. I did!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Miami, Mistletoe and Murder
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #4
CHARACTERS: Travis Sanchez & Noel Baskov
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: October 31, 2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fierce and sexy, former Marine Travis Sanchez has always held himself back from the rest of the world, using his tattoos and piercings as armor. But when the woman he’s wanted for months is threatened, he knows it’s time to strip away the bad boy image and show her just how much he wants to be with her. As one of Red Stone Security’s best contractors, Travis is trained for almost any situation. But nothing prepares him for the most dangerous threat of all: the one to his heart.
Kind-hearted Noel Baskov’s only wish for the holidays is that her Miami coffee shop has a successful Christmas season. But her focus on work is interrupted when the family of the young girl she mentors is threatened, and the man she’s been lusting after for months steps in to handle it. Unfortunately the danger is far from over. Can this sexy and mysterious warrior protect Noel, or will he be the one to shatter her heart?
Warning: features a heroine determined to fight for those she cares about, a protective hero with a very interesting piercing, and some holiday magic.
REVIEW:
This was a really quick read only about 87 pages. Since this was a novella I won’t give too much away but Travis & Noel are about to stumble into a situation that would put strain any relationship let alone a new relationship. I loved Travis and Noel. These two were a fun couple to read about.
If you have loved any of Katie’s other Red Stone Security stories you will love Miami, Mistletoe & Murder.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & CrushStar Multimedia LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Stone Cold Lover
SERIES #: Gargoyles #2
CHARACTERS: Felicity & Spar
AUTHOR: Christine Warren
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A prominent art restorer, Felicity is more than game to help a friend track down an obscure statue in Montreal. But when “Fil” finds it, she’s taken by surprise at how drawn she is to this statue. Attracted to it in a way a girl shouldn’t lust for a stone gargoyle, she revists it at night, longing to feel its embrace. Little does Fil know, her desire for this stone cold beast is about to heat up a notch.
Locked in stone for centuries, Spar has slept, waiting for when a human would need him. When he is awoken, Spar is taken aback to find that a human female needs his help. A very sexy woman who’s about to be the victim of a cultist attack. Saving and leaving her should be no problem. But as more questions arise, Spar knows that he cannot rest until Fil is safe in his arms.
REVIEW:
First let me say that this is the second in the series and when I picked it up I actually thought it was the second in another series about gargoyles so I was very confused when I started reading this one. And honestly I never really got into the story. Most certainly you need to read the first one to understand this story. While the romance of it can stand alone the background story can not and while it is explained throughout the story something is missing by having not read the first one.
Spar and Fil are sweet for lack of a better word. Spar is overbearing and protective but do you think a gargoyle who comes to life would be anything but? And Fil has a sarcastic and snide sense of humor which is kind of fun to read.
All in all I would say it is a good story if you start from the beginning and understand it.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Best Kind Of Trouble
SERIES #: The Hurley Boys #1
CHARACTERS: Natalie & Paddy
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She has complete control… and he’s determined to take it away
A librarian in the small town of Hood River, Natalie Clayton’s world is very nearly perfect. After a turbulent childhood and her once-wild ways, life is now under control. But trouble has a way of turning up unexpectedly—especially in the tall, charismatically sexy form of Paddy Hurley….
And Paddy is the kind of trouble that Natalie has a taste for.
Even after years of the rock and roll lifestyle, Paddy never forgot the two wickedly hot weeks he once shared with Natalie. Now he wants more… even if it means tempting Natalie and her iron-grip control. But there’s a fine line between well-behaved and misbehaved—and the only compromise is between the sheets!
REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts I am on the fence about this book. But leaning towards the just ok side. First it was a bit wordy and secondly I am not really sure the characters ever really connected. It is also written in an odd manor. It is as if the writer is trying to make the conversations too real but going so far that the wording seems off.
I really am not sure what Paddy sees in Natalie. She has so many issues and never sees to enjoy life. Yes she used to so I can see his connection to her then but not now. Paddy is sweet. Not really the alpha macho man that the synopsis made me think he would be. But he is sweet.
I enjoyed the connection between the brothers and think maybe I would enjoy the story of Ezra and Tuesday better than this one.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Memory Zero
SERIES #: The Spook Squad #1
CHARACTERS: Sam & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Sam Ryan, life began at age fourteen. She has no memory of her parents or her childhood. In a decade of service with the State Police, Sam has exhausted the resources of the force searching for clues to her identity. But all mention of her family seems to have been deliberately wiped off the record. Everything changes the night Sam’s missing partner resurfaces as a vampire . . . and forces her to kill him in self-defense. Now Sam is charged with murder. Suspended from the force, and with no one left to trust, Sam accepts some unexpected help from Gabriel Stern, a shapeshifter who conceals startling secrets.
While investigating the circumstances surrounding her partner’s strange behavior, Sam discovers that Gabriel’s been involved with a dangerous organization that’s planning a war on the human race. More immediate, someone is guarding the truth about Sam’s past—someone who’d rather see her dead than risk her knowing too much. To stay alive, Sam must unravel the threads of her past—and find out not only who she is but what she is.
REVIEW:
Can I give this more than 5 stars? I’d sure like to. I read it in one day, and stayed up until 4am to finish because I couldn’t put it down! I have a six month old baby, so sleep is definitely precious to me nowadays, so my forfeit of that tells you how much value I put on this story. I loved this book! I’ve always been a big Keri Arthur fan, and was so excited to see this series. This story had everything: action, tension, infatuation, drama, explosions, prison escapes etc. The character interaction was fabulous, and the supporting characters extremely strong! I particularly enjoy when the characters in the books I read display common sense and these did. It’s really refreshing to see a story unfold without all the unnecessary idiocy of character manipulation. There are so many questions to be answered, and these two are a great team. I sooo want to see more of Sam and Gabriel together and cannot wait for book 2 release!
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.
TITLE: Lord of Vengeance
CHARACTERS: Gunnar & Raina
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian as Tina St. John
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/11/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken captive by Gunnar Rutledge, a dark knight sworn to destroy her father, Raina d’Bussy must teach forgiveness to a man who knows no mercy and lives only to exact revenge on his enemy. But time in Gunnar’s keep stirs an unwanted passion in Raina, and something far more perilous, when she finds herself falling in love with the one man she should never desire.
For Gunnar, vengeance is all that matters. He seeks the ultimate price from his enemy’s beautiful young daughter, claiming Raina as his hostage. But the proud beauty defies him at every turn, tempting him like no other. Setting out to break Raina’s glorious spirit, Gunnar instead finds himself bewitched by her goodness, her strength. Can he seize the justice he is due without losing Raina forever?
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I’m torn with this book. I absolutely love Lara Adrian and wanted to give a try to the stories she wrote as Tina St. John, so I started with the stand alone book Lord of Vengeance. Unfortunately the book started off really slowly, and I almost put it down multiple times. Raina and Gunnar did not have as much interaction as I would’ve liked in the beginning half of the book. It literally took 17 chapters before they had a full conversation, which was frustrating to me. However, from that point forward the story took on a lot of momentum and I couldn’t wait to finish. Such treachery took place that threw everything into turmoil and it was a very intense second half. I ended up really enjoying the story, especially Raina and Gunnar together. Gunnar is a very special soul and I am happy we got to see the sweet side of him.
Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: It’s In His Kiss
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #10
CHARACTERS: Sam Brody & Becca Thorpe
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: August 26, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE KISS CAN LAST FOREVER
Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now’s her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam’s eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.
Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can’t resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca’s heart?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Lucky Harbor is just going to be a pit stop in Becca Thorpe’s journey to find happiness. A beautiful pit stop with the Pacific Ocean as it’s backdrop and delicious ranch flavored popcorn. Oh and did I mention the amazing view a very sexy surfer? But that is not way she is here. Men are not on her list. Becca is here to get her life back on track. Except a certain sexy surfer keeps getting in her way.
Sam Brody is the one that everyone comes to. If you have a question in Lucky Harbor the answer is “Go ask Sam, he know everything”. Well Sam just met something, no scratch that someone that he doesn’t know how to handle. Oh he thinks he does, but he doesn’t. Sam’s tough exterior is not going to be any kind protection for the likes of Becca. But the problem is that Sam doesn’t let people close ever.
As with every trip to the to Lucky Harbor I totally fell in love with characters and their story. Sam & Becca are so good together. Once Sam finally get’s over his “rules” ;). I loved the Becca even with her faults is able to weasel her way into Sam’s heart and through the poor guy for a loop. Again I love Lucky Harbor and it’s inhabitants. I really wish I could go visit this please of true love and nosy neighbors. But until Jill tells me the location of this secret town I will wait patiently (okay not so patiently) for the next Lucky Harbor novel.
JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts I believe that this is one of my favorite Lucky Harbor books to date. Becca Thorpe moved to Lucky Harbor to start a new life and deal with the memories of her past. She never expected to move in next door to the sexy yet grumpy Sam Brody. Sam has a tough as nails exterior to protect himself from any emotional attachment and Becca slowly breaks down Sam’s carefully built walls. Together, they just may find the love that they have always been searching for.
I will be honest, I didn’t like Sam in the beginning of the book because of that gruff exterior that he was always hiding behind. The more I read about him and how he let his guard down with Becca, made me fall in love with him as well. He always did things for the people that he cared about, he just had a difficult time actually saying the words that Becca wanted to hear. His motto was “actions, not words” and he did some amazing things for Becca over the course of the book.
Becca didn’t seem like a very strong character to me in the first few chapters but I was soon impressed by the way that she held everything together after all the things that happened to her because of her family. It brought me to tears to know that she had dealt with that much pain and was still able to put herself out there emotionally with Sam. Sam’s love brought out the best in her and was the strong support that she needed to deal with the issues that still plagued her daily life.
It’s in His Kiss is a beautifully written romance about two kindred spirits that find love when they least expected it. Ms. Shalvis has done a wonderful job creating these characters and her books are always a winner for me. Can’t wait to read Cole and Olivia’s story next in He’s So Fine.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful visit to Lucky Harbor. This is one of my favorite series and I am saddened that there is only a couple to go before Jill Shalvis leaves Lucky Harbor behind. This story was one of my favorites in the series. I adored Sam. He is quiet, responsible and good hearted but something about Becca turns him inside out and we get to see another side to him. I loved how he opened up with Becca. He was so quick to protect and is really a romantic guy. I love that he gets that Becca’s weakness is the ranch popcorn and not flowers. Any man who understands his woman that well has to be a good guy.
And Becca. She has had to deal with a lot and has had a hard time but she still has such a great sense of humor and openness about her. I wanted to be her friend from page 1 when she tells the ocean she would marry it and have it’s babies if she hadn’t already promised her heart to the popcorn. She made me chuckle right then and I knew I would love her. And I did all the way through the book.
I also enjoyed the bro-mance of Cole, Tanner and Sam. The closeness they have is endearing and really makes the background of this book. I can’t wait to read their stories in He’s So Fine and One In A Million. And then I will have to shed a few tears to leave Lucky Harbor forever.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Sandpiper Island
SERIES #: Bachelors Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Delia & Ford
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ford Maddox was running from his past when he came back to Blueberry Cove, Maine, where he’d tasted both heartache and comfort. With feisty Delia O’Reilly there to cheer him on, he couldn’t have picked a better place to start over—even if he’s determined to do it alone in his island tree house, working to save endangered seabirds . . . and himself.
But when he finds Delia fighting to hold on to her local diner, and all that’s best about their little seaside town, Ford has to lend a hand. Suddenly two fiercely independent people are building something sweeter than they ever imagined . . . together.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. It took a long time to connect with Ford. He is so stand-offish that it is hard to enjoy him. Yes he finally does warm up. Delia is sweet and I enjoyed her when we met her in the last story but she is so sad in this story. I am not sre the connection between the characters is there for most of the story. They spend a lot of time apologizing for what they say to each other because they never seem to say what they really want to say. The interesting thing is this couple is older so that was cool. Once Ford warmed up and lightened up it became more fun to read and he really became romantic and sweet.
While I enjoyed this story it was not one of my favorites from Kauffman. Something was just a bit off about this story which is hard for me to say because I really enjoy Kauffman’s works.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: In His Sights
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