Review Sunday – Page 120

August 4, 2014August 2, 2014

Kimberly reviews Going Under by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Going Under
SERIES #: Falling Under #1
CHARACTERS: Emily & Fox
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Knowing all too well the damage online trolls can inflict, game designer Emily Bartwell takes privacy seriously. Living in solitude and working remotely under a male alias gives her a sense of security. The sexy writer renting the house next door ignites desires she’d forgotten she had, and when he invites her to play games of a very different sort, Em is ready and willing. Even if it means breaking all her own rules to abide by his.
Undercover tech reporter Fox Mullins is so close to the biggest scoop of his career: finding the elusive programmer Phoenix. An increasingly erotic adventure with his reserved but passionate new neighbor is the ideal way to heat up the chilly Pacific Northwest nights as he tracks the brilliant gamer.
At first Fox is happy to help Em explore her newly awakened kinky side, no holds barred, no strings attached. But as they push the limits of intimacy, both physical and emotional, Fox discovers he’s not the only one keeping secrets. And revealing hers may mean betraying the one woman who embodies everything he desires.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok here is the thing. I liked the story. The romance/sex of the story is right in line with Kennedys writing and oh so hot but I had a hard time with the whole gaming thing. Maybe I am just old. Did I just say that? But I can’t wrap my head around that world. Yes I know it is out there but it seems so immature for me. Maybe if I lived that life I could have enjoyed this book more.

Kennedy is oh so good at the writing of the BDSM world. She gives such a sense of power to the women who submit and that is extremely hot. I loved the romance/sex in this book very much. Fox and Em have such a great chemistry.

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

August 1, 2014July 28, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Hexed by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Hexed
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #13
CHARACTERS: Devin & Rocky
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A place of history, secrets…and witchcraft.
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn’t be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her “crazy” great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body’s been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin’s been led to a third body—by…a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem’s rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin’s might be the next body in the woods…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts There is just something about Heather Graham’s books that draw you in. I read this book in one sitting staying up until 3am to finish it. Graham incorporates so much research that each book is a history lesson that you do not know you are attending or even wanted to know about. In this case the history is about Salem and the witch trials. And the story is really interesting and written well.
As with all of Graham’s books I never know who did it. I can never seem to figure it out. I am sure there are people out there that can but I am not one of them and I am pretty good usually with a mystery but not from Graham which is always exciting to not know even until the end. Rocky and Devin have an instant connection. Lately Graham’s books have started with the couple having an antagonistic relationship and I really did not enjoy that but this couple doesn’t. They have a chance meeting and they spark right away which was really enjoyable.

This is the best Graham has written in a while and that is saying something because all her books are really good.

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

July 31, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Fall Of Lady Grace by Julia London

TITLE: The Fall of Lady Grace
SERIES #: Cabot Sisters #2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Geoffrey
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A plan born of desperation…
Once the toast of society, Grace Cabot and her sisters now await the shame of losing high status and fine luxuries upon the death of the Earl of Beckington. The dire circumstances are inevitable unless, of course, Grace’s wicked plot to seduce a wealthy viscount into marriage goes off without a single hitch. But once a stolen embrace with the wrong man leads her to be discovered in the arms of Geoffrey, the Earl of Merryton, her plan takes a most unexpected—and scorching—twist.
…and altered by passion.
Governed by routine and ruled by duty, Jeffrey had no desire for a wife before he succumbed to Grace’s temptation. Though his golden-haired, in-name-only bride is the definition of disorder, he can’t resist wanting her in every way. But once her secrets meet his, society might consider their lives to be ruined beyond repair…while Geoffrey might just see it as a new beginning.

REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this story. The story is interesting but I never really felt a connection between the characters. Jeffrey has a form of OCD and while understandable it just gets irritating. And he has these issues with what he feels sexually and I know this is set in historical times but he is only into light BDSM, not torture. I never warmed up to Grace either. I liked her in the first in the series but not much in this one.

That being said the main story is good. The writing is different in the way that Julia London writes but done well.

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

July 31, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews Shifters Claim by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Shifter’s Claim
SERIES #: Shadow Shifter’s #4
CHARACTERS: Priya & Sebastian
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sebastian Perry, gorgeous shape-shifter, has tremendous guilt. Completely disarmed by his momentary hesitation to save a woman, he has fallen into despair. Sworn as a shifter to protect any female in danger, no amount of status, success, or money, can make him feel right again. Prowling around his domain, Bas aches to feel complete, to feel alive, to feel the love of a female. But what woman could possibly trust a man, shifter or not, that cannot protect her?Priya Drake is tired of fending for herself. Growing up in a family that had nothing but problems, she’s made it to a top newspaper as a reporter, only to continually get snubbed by her boss. When she accidentally witnesses Bas shift, she knows she’s sitting on the scoop that will make her career. But telling the story isn’t so simple. She needs to get her facts straight, and the mounting attraction between her and Bas isn’t helping one bit. Priya thinks she has everything under control, but as the nights get hotter and danger continues to mount, Priya has to ask herself—can she betray the man she loves?

REVIEW:
I read this as the installments that were released but this is the full story and I have to say I would think it would be best to read it in full. I read the installments back to back as if it was the full story so I was able to see how the breaks would be as I opened up the next part and I would have really hated having to wait.

I enjoyed the story of Priya and Bas. There is something that connects them right away. I enjoyed the suspense as well as the background story. I have not read the first three in the series but that did not take away from the story except making me realize I had missed some of the story.
If you are a fan of shape shifters then I think you will enjoy this story a lot.

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

July 30, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews Desired by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Desired
SERIES #: Club Sin #3
CHARACTERS: Ella & Kyler
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.
After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts From the first couple of pages I knew this was going to be my favorite (so far) of the series. I have liked Kyler from book one. Something about his was so special and he seemed to enjoy the idea of love. He wanted to help his friends fall in love not just enjoy sex. So when a woman came into Kyler’s life he would love with all his heart and soul. And we finally got to meet this woman.

I enjoyed everything about this story and while the sex was written really well I really appreciated that Kyler didn’t change as the story progressed. I was worried that some how Kyler would decide he didn’t want to love and had made a mistake and the other Masters would have to come in and remind him of who he was but I was so glad that did not happen. He stayed true to the character from book one. Ella was an interesting character. And so perfect for Kyler. She needed him and Kyler needs to be needed. There were times I was not fond of Ella but I always seemed to like her.
If you are a fan of this series then this will enjoy this one as well and probably more than the others. If you are new to the series/author pick this one up because you will enjoy it so much and become a fan.

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

July 30, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews No Strings Attached by Susan Andersen

TITLE: No Strings Attached
SERIES #: Razor Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Tasha & Luc
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some mistakes are worth repeating…
Tasha Riordan’s one night with Luc Bradshaw was the best of her life. The following two—when she got thrown into a Bahamian jail on bogus charges—were her worst. Now, seven years later, the undercover DEA agent is back. Invading her town. Her restaurant. Her fantasies. She can’t trust a man who lied to her. Yet, neither can she trust herself—not when their chemistry burns even hotter than before.
Learning he has two half brothers shocks Luc. Discovering they live in the same town as Tasha—that’s a different kind of thrill. Their mutual lust is still off the charts, but he can’t get her to listen to his side of what happened on that long-ago night. Good thing he’s got powers of persuasion that go deeper than words. Because nothing has ever felt this right…

REVIEW:
This was a very intense romance with so many ups and downs. And what a great roller coaster it was. I truly loved the connection between Luc and Tasha. Maybe because the connection starts off with them as a couple (for lack of a better word) and then jumps to when they see each other again. I also really enjoy the connection of the brothers. There is just something undeniably sweet about these Bradshaw boys.

The story did get a little wordy at times and repeated a bunch of itself. And if you read the series from the beginning it went over the same things that the first couple went over but since it can be read as a stand alone I understand but it did make it wordy.

I hope this is not the last in the series since I really enjoy the town and the people in it but can’t imagine who else they could bring in. I would suggests reading all the books in the series because once you meet one Bradshaw boy you will want to meet all of them and you might as well get them in order.

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

July 29, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews Mastering The Marquess by Lavania Kent

TITLE: Mastering The Marquess
SERIES #: Bound and Determined #1
CHARACTERS: Louisa & Geoffrey
AUTHOR: Lavania Kent
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One night of fierce passion and unbound pleasure leaves two strangers craving much more in Lavinia Kent’s sumptuous novel of sensual discovery.
The time has come for the widow Louisa, Lady Brookingston, to move on, but she refuses to remarry at the cost of shaming her late husband’s memory. Their six years together were wedded bliss—even if a war injury prevented him from fulfilling his marital duties. Only one woman can help Louisa: Madame Rouge, the discreet proprietress of a club where London’s elite explore their wildest fantasies.
Geoffrey, the Marquess of Swanston, has no intention of agreeing to deflower an anonymous virgin. But when Madame Rouge tempts him with the absolute power he’ll have over a woman who knows nothing of carnal delights, he’s intrigued. Control is the one thing he cannot resist—and control is what he loses during his night with the blindfolded beauty. He longs to take her further, to leave his mark upon her perfect behind, but the mystery woman refuses to see him again. Instead Geoffrey reluctantly agrees to take a wife, the widow of his dear friend, Lord Brookingston—fating them both to a wicked surprise.
Mastering the Marquess is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
Ok so I had a really hard time with this book. Not because it wasn’t interesting because the main part of the story was and even the first section of their meeting and the sexual part of the story was interesting. The problem is first how can two people who had sex with only a blindfold between them not know that the person they run into at a party is the same person? I mean is she the female version of Superman. Put on glasses/blindfold and they are a completely different person? I mean her hair is very distinct and what about the voice? It honestly bugged me too much to enjoy the story.

But the thing is I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed their connection. I enjoyed the writing of the story just not the storyline per se. Maybe someone else can get passed the ridiculousness of the unknowing but I couldn’t. Will I read the next in the series? Sure because I liked the idea and the writing but I really hope the next couple is not as naive as these two are.

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

July 28, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews Shifter’s Claim part 4 by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Shifter’s Claim Part 4
SERIES #: Shadow Shifter’s #4
CHARACTERS: Priya & Sebastian
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Shifter’s Claim Part II, from The Shadow Shifters series by A.C. Arthur, Priya never imagined there was truth to the story she’d been forced to track down, she never imagined coming face to face with a man that can shift into a cat.Bas hadn’t meant to reveal himself to her, he’d tried to protect the secret. Now, it was out and he wonders what the reporter will do with the information and more importantly, how the woman will react to this new facet of the man.

REVIEW:
This is the final installment (#4) of the story. The story was really interesting and the main characters really had a connection right away. The suspense part was right one. I actually read the 4 installments in one sitting which I think was best. I am not a fan of the installment fad that is going on right now but the full story can be picked up on July 29th as well which is what I would prefer.
Bas is an interesting shape shifter and Priya is perfect for him. I enjoyed them both and I really enjoyed the entire story.

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

July 28, 2014July 27, 2014

Kelly reviews Taste Of Darkness by Katie Reus

TITLE: Taste of Darkness
SERIES #: Darkness #3
CHARACTERS: Drake & Victoria
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: July 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)| ARe

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He spent more than a thousand years imprisoned in hell…

Drake is an ancient dragon shifter, one of the most powerful beings in existence, but a millennium trapped in utter darkness has left him ill-equipped for modern society. If it wasn’t for Victoria, the sweet female brave enough to befriend him, he’d be lost. She’s smart and gorgeous and everything he never dared dream of during his years of agonizing loneliness. He may not have anything to offer her, but one thing he knows for sure: he’d die to keep her safe.

Only to fall into the heaven of her touch.

Victoria is a wolf shifter, healer of the Stavros pack. She’s seen a lot, but she’s never met anybody quite like Drake, the fiery, fascinating shifter who can blaze through the skies unseen by mere mortals. He’s lost, dangerous, and the last male she should fall in love with, but the more time she spends helping him navigate modern life, the deeper—and hotter—their connection becomes. She’s thrilled when they finally locate his family, but reuniting with his people plunges them both into unimaginable danger. It’s a race against the clock trying to figure out who wants them dead and who they can trust, especially when the threat is closer than they ever imagined

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Taste of Darkness picks up a few months after the end of Darkness Awakened (bk1). Drake is out of Hell and trying to figure out his place in the world. He may not have much in the way of money or experience in this new world, but one thing Drake does know is that he will do everything to be the man that Victoria needs. But as Drake tries to navigate this new world the past comes back to bite him in the butt
This was a great follow up to Darkness Awakened. I knew from the minute the Drake blasted on to the pages that he would be a very important person in this world. And I was right. Drake’s reappearance into the world really up roots the world. And brings in a whole bunch of new characters that I can’t wait to read about. Drake and Victoria are just to cute together. I loved the Drake is trying so hard to be who he thinks Victoria wants. Yet Victoria keeps telling him that all she wants is Drake, just the way he is. I hope that Ms. Reus will revisit these two soon.
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.

July 25, 2014July 20, 2014

Jennifer reviews Talk Dirty To Me by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Talk Dirty To Me
SERIES #: Plum Orchard #1
CHARACTERS: Dixie Davis, Caine Donovan
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/29/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Former mean girl Dixie Davis is back in town and it’s payback time. Literally. Dixie is flat broke and her best–make that only–friend, Landon, is throwing her a lifeline from the Great Beyond. Dixie stands to inherit his business…if she meets a few conditions:

She’s got to live in Landon’s mansion.
With her gorgeous ex-fiance’, Caine Donovan.
Who could also inherit the business.
Which is a phone sex empire.
Wait, what?

Landon’s will lays it out: whoever gets the most new clients becomes the owner of Call Girls. Dixie has always been in it to win it, especially when it comes to Caine, who’s made it clear he’s not going down easy. (Oh, mercy.) Can Dixie really talk dirty and prove that she’s cleaned up her act? Game on!

Plum Orchard, Georgia, is about to get even juicier.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Dixie Davis was the quintessential mean girl who used people for her own gain while growing up and didn’t care who she hurt in the process. She was set to marry Caine Donovan, the golden boy of Plum Orchard, when her devious ways were exposed at their engagement party and she lost everything. Ten years later, Dixie is back in Plum Orchard to say goodbye to an old friend, who has plans for Dixie to stay in Plum Orchard for good. He has left his business to Dixie and her ex-beau, Caine, on the condition that they both work there for two months. It is bad enough that Dixie has to be in close quarters with Caine after everything that has happened, but now she has to work as a phone-sex operator to fulfill the terms of the will.
Dixie was a horrible person when she originally lived in Plum Orchard but ten years away from her childhood home has changed her for the better. She learned her lesson and came home to say goodbye to the one person that was truly her friend and was shocked that he left her his business in the will. She has made a lot of enemies in the small town and will do whatever it takes to make amends with the people that she hurt so she can start a new life. I liked Dixie a lot in this book because she knew she was a bad person in the past and due to her situation became a better person because of it. She was caring, thoughtful and loyal during this book but a lot of people had a hard time believing that Dixie was now a changed woman including Caine.
Caine had always loved Dixie and when the truth came out at their engagement party, he did everything possible to forget how she affected him. Being near her again, brought back those old feelings and he realized that he would always love her, no matter what. I wish there were more men like Caine in the world especially if they could do the voices of Johnny Depp and Daryl Dixon from the Walking Dead.
Talk Dirty To Me was a great romance for me and I was cheering for Dixie every step of the way. Dakota Cassidy has a fantastic way of writing stories that will pull at your heartstrings one minute and have you laughing out loud the next. This is the first book in the Plum Orchard series, which I know will be a hit and the next book is Something to Talk About, where Dixie’s friend, Em, finally gets her happy ending.

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.

July 25, 2014July 20, 2014

Jennifer reviews Autumn In The Vineyard by Marina Adair

TITLE: Autumn in the Vineyard
SERIES #: St. Helena Vineyard #3
CHARACTERS: Frankie Baudouin, Nate DeLuca
AUTHOR: Marina Adair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Frankie Baudouin has a hundred reasons not to trust Nate DeLuca.
First, he’s a DeLuca. Second, he kissed her–in front of the entire town–and then never called. Oh, and he’s after her land. Sorrento Ranch is Frankie’s last chance to prove to her family–and to herself–that she has what it takes to be an award-winning winemaker. And she will stop at nothing to ensure her success–even if it means playing nice with the starched, sophisticated, and oh-so-sexy Italian.

For Nate, Sorrento Ranch is more than just soil and grape vines; it was his father’s dream–a dream Nate is determined to make a reality. So when he finds himself forced to cohabitate with a hot-headed, irrational, and incredibly gorgeous Baudouin, Nate is surprised to discover that chaos could be so much fun–especially when she sleeps in nothing but lace.

REVIEW: Marina Adair has quickly become one of my favorite authors because I know that each of her books in the St. Helena Vineyard series is going to be a great romance. Frankie and Nate were great as a couple because their personalities were exact polar opposites, which made them perfect for each other. Frankie was such a free-spirit, motorcycle-riding woman while Nate was a straight-laced, making organized lists type of guy. They had such a long history together that they were destined to be together.

Frankie has to be one of my favorite characters ever because you see her vulnerability in this book and how she wanted to feel as though she belonged in her family but all she ever felt like was an outcast. But with Nate, he made her feel special and wouldn’t let her family try to destroy what she had worked so hard to build on her own. Nate did some pretty awesome things for Frankie so nothing could stand in her way from achieving success for her amazing wine and that just made me want to cry.

Autumn in the Vineyard is a great addition to a wonderful series and I can’t wait to see what is in store for Trey in Be Mine Forever.

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

July 24, 2014July 20, 2014

Natasha reviews Burn by Julianna Baggott

TITLE: Burn
SERIES #: Pure #3
CHARACTERS: Pressia, Partridge, Bradwell, Lyda & El Capitan
AUTHOR: Julianna Baggott
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/4/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inside the Dome, Partridge has taken his father’s place as leader of the Pures. His struggle has led him here, intent upon bringing down the Dome from the inside, with the help of a secret resistance force. But things are not as simple from his new position of power and he finds himself tempted by his father’s words: perhaps if the world is to survive it needs the Dome – and Partridge – to rule it…

As Partridge’s resolve weakens, Pressia and Bradwell continue piecing together the clues left to them from the time before the Detonations. It is their hope that they will be able to heal the Wretches, and free them from their monstrous fusings and the Dome’s oppression once and for all. But everything depends, too, on Partridge. Separated by distance and history, can they still trust their friend and ally? Or is the world doomed to an eternity of war and hardship?

REVIEW: Unfortunately this book didn’t have as strong an ending as I’d hoped when I began the series. The characters have gone through so many trials and tests throughout the series and have drastically changed from who they began as. That can be a good thing and a bad thing. I like the fact that Julianna had the characters evolving in a way that gave them more complexity, but I do think she drastically strayed from the core of the characters as I had perceived them to be. I was disappointed by the way things evolved and eventually ended. I like when authors allow readers to imagine for themselves what goes on with the characters once the book ends, but this ending seemed quite lackluster and rushed. After three books of build up it just ended and there is a lot left unanswered. Though I’m not thrilled with how the trilogy concluded I am happy I read it.

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