Review Sunday – Page 123

July 2, 2014June 28, 2014

Kelly reviews Straddling The Line by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Straddling the Line
SERIES #: Play by Play #8
CHARACTERS: Trevor Shay & Haven Briscoe
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trevor Shay has it all—a successful football and baseball career, and any woman he wants. But when he finds out his college mentor’s daughter is in trouble, he drops everything to come to her aid.

Haven Briscoe has finally landed a dream job as a sportscaster for a major network. But she hasn’t been able to move past the recent death of her beloved father, and it’s affecting her career. A plum assignment following the daily life of sports superstar Trevor Shay might be just the inspiration she needs…

Trevor will do anything to spark life back into Haven, including letting her into every aspect of his world. The chemistry between them flames higher than one of Trevor’s home runs and faster than his dashes to the end zone. But as they grow closer, Haven stumbles onto Trevor’s closely guarded secret, one he’s hidden his entire life. And despite his protests, now it’s Haven’s turn to put everything on hold to help Trevor. Will he let her in and trust her with a secret that could blow his professional and personal world apart?

REVIEW:
Trevor Shay maybe a superstar that straddles the line between baseball and football. But there is so much more to this superstar then what he does on the field. So when Trevor is asked to check in on Haven and make sure she is okay he is more than willing to help. But when Haven shows up Trevor gets a little more than he bargained for.

As always Jaci writes a great story wrapped in the sports world. I have loved all of her Play by Play books and Straddling the Line was the same. I loved getting a closer look at Trevor and Haven. We have seen glimpse of them in the past books but it was great to learn all of their secrets.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series and to learn more about Quarterback Cassidy and his clan.

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.

July 2, 2014June 28, 2014

Kelly reviews Azagoth by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Azagoth A Demonica Novella (1001 Dark Nights)
SERIES #: Demonica series #10
CHARACTERS: Azagoth & Lilliana
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: June 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N {coming soon}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Even in the fathomless depths of the underworld and the bleak chambers of a damaged heart, the bonds of love can heal…or destroy.

He holds the ability to annihilate souls in the palm of his hand. He commands the respect of the most dangerous of demons and the most powerful of angels. He can seduce and dominate any female he wants with a mere look. But for all Azagoth’s power, he’s bound by shackles of his own making, and only an angel with a secret holds the key to his release.

She’s an angel with the extraordinary ability to travel through time and space. An angel with a tormented past she can’t escape. And when Lilliana is sent to Azagoth’s underworld realm, she finds that her past isn’t all she can’t escape. For the irresistibly sexy fallen angel known as Azagoth is also known as the Grim Reaper, and when he claims a soul, it’s forever

REVIEW:
As always Larissa writes a story the makes you remember why I love the Demonica world so much. Azagoth maybe a total bad ass Grim Reaper but there is so much more to him than just his status as the Grim Reaper and the baby sitter of souls. Azagoth has finally had enough and puts his foot down, no more doing Heaven’s dirty work. Oh and he wants a willing Mate.

This was a great read not as short as a novella and not a full length novel it feel somewhere in between them. Azagoth and Lilliana both have so much pain in their pasts that it makes them perfect for each other. That is after they get past all the misunderstandings. 🙂 If you are a fan of the Demonica series you will love Azagoth and Lilliana. If you are new? I would say WHAT??? You have not read Larissa’s Demonica Series yet? Then I would tell you to start from the beginning.

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

July 1, 2014June 29, 2014

Natasha and Kimberly review Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Then Came You
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #5
CHARACTERS: Emily & Wyatt
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.
Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
This was my first Jill Shalvis book and I loved it! I really was pleased that though this book is a part of a series it could be read as a stand alone for people like me who were late to the game. The interactions between Emily and Wyatt were both electric and comedic gold. I laughed out loud many times, and really enjoyed the whole story. The supporting cast of characters is essential to these stories, and they definitely give the story depth and feeling. I enjoyed them all and really look forward to the next book in this series!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh how I loved this story. I read it in one day not being able to put it down. It actually had me smiling from the first chapter and when the text scene happened about halfway through I actually laughed out loud.

Wyatt is just too adorable for words. I mean honestly if there are real men like him in the world women all over would be going crazy. He is sweet, loving, funny as heck and just all around sexy but he also is determined, caring and has a good heart for people and animals. He is perfect. Emily is a crack up. I want to be her friend. She can be sarcastic and speaks out loud without thinking. She is so funny. And I adored her.

Shalvis has written another great story in the series and if you haven’t read her before then go ahead and start with this one because it will have you hooked.

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

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 1, 2014November 3, 2015

Kelly reviews Fire Rising by Donna Grant

TITLE: Fire Rising
SERIES #: Dark Kings #2
CHARACTERS: Tristan & Samantha “Sammi” Miller
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tristan, the newest Dragon King, is having a tough time fitting in. Despite his ability to transform into a proud, strong dragon at will, no one knows where he came from or how he became a Dragon King, including himself. When trouble arises in the form of the mob, Tristan is going to have to put aside his questions and band with the other Dragon Kings to protect Dreagan. As if things weren’t complicated enough, he is about to find something worth fighting for more important than the Dragon Kings…

Sammie Miller, pub owner in Oban, has been scorned by her business partner—and former lover. Used as a front for money laundering with the mob, Sammie is in great danger once she realizes what has happened. Barely escaping, she plans to rest at Dreagan for only a day before going back on the run. When Tristan swears to protect her, Sammie thinks his efforts will be in vain—the mob is too powerful, and it will take more than the average man’s devotion to keep her safe. But the closer she gets to Tristan, and the more he learns his secrets, Sammie can’t deny that having a Dragon King who worships you, body and soul, isn’t such a bad thing…

REVIEW:
Is it wrong for me to want all the Dark Fae to die horrible slow deaths? I get a huge case of anxiety whenever I read about them. Fire Rising kinds followed a very similar plot line as Darkest Flame yet it was still a good story. I loved Tristan, yet at the same time I want to slap him upside the head. Boy, you need to learn about your past and deal with it in order to have a future. Geesh. Sammi is tough yet at the same time she is not. She has lived through a lot and that has made her harden her heart. Of course it takes a life and death matter to make her open her eyes. Silly girl.

All and all this was a good book. I love all the character that were involved in this mission. And I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I believe Kiril’s books is going to be a wild ride.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 30, 2014June 29, 2014

Natasha reviews Pia Saves The Day by Thea Harrison

TITLE: Pia Saves the Day
SERIES #: The Elder Races Series
CHARACTERS: Pia & Dragos
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/23/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest story of the Elder Races, two mates face their deadliest challenge yet—each other…
Pia and Dragos’s magical young son Liam (the Peanut), is growing at an unprecedented rate, and if that isn’t enough, he is also exhibiting new, and unpredictable, magical gifts. To protect him, the concerned parents decide to move to upstate New York.
Both Dragos and Pia relish the idea of leaving behind the city. They finally have the space to indulge their Wyr side, and Liam can grow in safety. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally—but their idyllic situation is shattered when Dragos is injured in a freak accident.
Stripped of his memory and bereft of Pia’s taming influence, there’s nothing holding back Dragos’s darkest side. And in order to restore her family and save her mate, Pia must confront the most powerful menace in Elder Races history.
It’s going to take more than a penny to fix this…

REVIEW: Another great novella in the Elder Races Series. Dragos and Pia pretty much have their own mini series inside of this series, and that’s just fine with me. I enjoy them together so much and I was excited that Thea took this story in a new direction to spice things up a bit. It’s a new level drama in the lives of all of our favorite characters, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series!

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.

June 27, 2014June 24, 2014

Kimberly reviews Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

TITLE: Better Homes and Hauntings
CHARACTERS: Nina & Deacon
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

REVIEW:

3.25 Hearts I am a little on the fence about this story. It seemed like the characters connected at some points and didn’t at others. Sometimes the characters acted so cute you couldn’t help but smile then there was nothing. I gave it a little over 3 hearts/stars because for the most part I enjoyed it.

Having just been to the Baltimore I could picture the estate and loved having the Whitney’s compared to the Vanderbilts. I think this is the type of place (if it was real) that would have paranormal investigators there all the time and how fun that it was set on its own island. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough with the ghosts.

It is hard for me to say anything that was great or horrible because it just fit right in the middle the whole way.

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

June 27, 2014June 7, 2014

Natasha reviews Fuse by Julianna Baggott

TITLE: Fuse
SERIES #: The Pure Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Pressia, Partridge, Bradwell, Lyda, El Capitan
AUTHOR: Julianna Baggott
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
We want our son returned. This girl is proof that we can save you all. If you ignore our plea, we will kill our hostages one at a time.

To be a Pure is to be perfect, untouched by Detonations that scarred the earth, and sheltered inside the paradise that is the Dome. But Partridge escaped to the outside world, where Wretches struggle to survive amid smoke and ash. Now, at the command of Partridge’s father, the Dome is unleashing nightmare after nightmare upon the Wretches in an effort to get him back.

At Partridge’s side is a small band of those united against the Dome: Lyda, the warrior; Bradwell, the revolutionary; El Capitan, the guard; and Pressia, the young woman whose mysterious past ties her to Partridge in ways she never could have imagined. Long ago a plan was hatched that could mean the earth’s ultimate doom. Now only Partridge and Pressia can set things right.

To save millions of innocent lives, Partridge must risk his own by returning to the Dome and facing his most terrifying challenge. And Pressia, armed only with a mysterious Black Box containing a set of cryptic clues, must travel to the very ends of the earth, to a place where no map can guide her. If they succeed, the world will be saved. But should they fail, humankind will pay a terrible price . .

REVIEW: The first book in this series – Pure – was so good that I had really high expectations for the next book in this series. Unfortunately it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped it would be. There was a lot going on in this installment, but it seemed to be drawn out for longer than necessary. The characters were harder to like in this book based on decisions and lack of decisions made throughout. I listened to this book on audio, and the narrator for Lyda makes her sound like a robot which is hard to ignore. It alters the way I think of Lyda and her demeanor. As with book one there is a lot of the story that is hard to believe if you think about the science involved with bombings and the world after, but once you give yourself over to the fiction aspect of it all you forget about believability and just enjoy this authors version of events. The ending was shocking and intense. I’ll continue on to book three to see how the story resolves. Hopefully it will offer a little more than this section of the story.

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

June 26, 2014June 7, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Tea Shop On Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: The Tea Shop On Lavender Lane
SERIES #: Life In Icicle Falls #5
CHARACTERS: Bailey/Todd/Cecily/Luke
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a fake food poisoning incident in L.A., Bailey Sterling’s dreams of becoming a caterer to the stars collapse faster than a soufflé. Now Bailey’s face is in all the gossip rags and her business is in ruins. But the Sterling women close ranks and bring her back to Icicle Falls, where she’ll stay with her sister Cecily.

All goes well between the sisters until Bailey comes up with a new business idea—a tea shop on a charming street called Lavender Lane. She’s going into partnership with Todd Black, who—it turns out—is the man Cecily’s started dating. It looks to Cecily as if there’s more than tea brewing in that cute little shop. And she’s not pleased.

Wait! Isn’t Cecily seeing Luke Goodman? He’s a widower with an adorable little girl, and yes, Cecily does care about him. But Todd’s the one who sends her zing-o-meter off the charts. So now what? Should you have to choose between your sister and the man you love (or think you love)?

REVIEW:
I had a hard time with this story. Maybe because it was about 4 people and not just a couple or maybe because it actually had a harshness to it. I am really not sure but I just didn’t enjoy it too much. While most of it was about Cecily and Todd with a bit of Luke thrown in none of the characters seemed to have much chemistry. And then Bailey came in and while she does have chemistry with Todd it seemed wrong to have her interested in her sisters boyfriend.

There wasn’t enough about Cecily and Luke if you ask me. And I honestly wondered where Eric fit into the story. Just so many people thrown into this mix and it just never seemed to connect with any couple.

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

June 25, 2014June 24, 2014

Kelly reviews Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Then Came You
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #5
CHARACTERS: Wyatt Stone & Emily
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I just have to say that I am SO in love with Jill Shalvis and her books.

Then Came You is book 5 in her Animal Magnetism series and I am so in love with Wyatt.
Who doesn’t love a hottie in glasses that is good with animals and even better with people. That is until it comes to the people he wants in his life. Wyatt’s biggest weakness is his fear of not letting people have their own choices when in reality telling someone how you feel will make all the difference in the world about their decisions.

Emily is feisty almost to a fault. Emily lives by the rule of “I must always have a plan” but you know what they say about the best laid plans right??? I did truly enjoy watching her walls slowly crack and tumble down as she learns what real life is about.
I really enjoyed these two even if at times I wanted to slap them both. I think that a certain Parrot, a new puppy and turtle did try to steal the show at times. But both Wyatt & Emily stole the cake and my heart.

If you are a fan of Ms. Shalvis you will love this book. It is classic Jill Shalvis funny, heartbreaking, laugh out loud, sexy, horn honking, tension filled makes you want to keep turning the page reading story. So make sure you get your copy and find out why Sunshine Idaho is so nice.

June 25, 2014June 24, 2014

Kimberly reviews Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Wild Iris Ridge
SERIES #: Hope’s Crossing #7
CHARACTERS: Lucy & Brendan
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucy Drake and Brendan Caine have only one thing in common…

And it’s likely to tear them apart. Because it was Brendan’s late wife, Jessie—and Lucy’s best friend—who’d brought them together in the first place. And since Jesse’s passing, Brendan’s been distracted by his two little ones…and the memory of an explosive kiss with Lucy years before his marriage. Still, he’ll steer clear of her. She’s always been trouble with a capital T.

Lucy couldn’t wait to shed her small-town roots for the big city. But now that she’s back in Hope’s Crossing to take care of the Queen Anne home her late aunt has left her, she figures seeing Brendan Caine again is no big deal. After all, she’d managed to resist the handsome fire chief once before, but clearly the embers of their attraction are still smoldering…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts A very sweet read. It took a little while for me to get interested in this book. Maybe because the two characters didn’t connect o a romantic level since they had been adversaries or maybe it was just written for them to need time but either way it took me awhile. But once the connection had been done I really enjoyed it. There was still a bit of uncertainty between them but it enhanced the story.

I really enjoyed the background characters especially the kids, Faith and Carter. They are so sweet and every time they come in contact with someone the sweetness just comes out. I even liked Crystal when she came into the picture.

While part of a series you can read this as a stand alone without any hesitation. Looking forward to the next in the series… Maybe Aidan’s story?

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

June 24, 2014June 13, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Until We Touch
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #15
CHARACTERS: Jack McGarry & Larissa Owens
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm’s length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool’s Gold, California.

Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack’s her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa’s big secret is revealed…by her mother!

When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa’s feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he’s not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts In Until We Touch we get to learn a little more about Mr. Jack McGarry. Jack, well for a better word is a bit of an asshat once we get to know him better. I was so mad at him through this book. It is a good thing that you can’t reach into books and slap the characters around. The problem with Jack is that his past has form who he is today. And sadly I could not hold that against him. But I still think everyone should make him sweat it out more 🙂

Larissa is so sweet, shy and has such a big heart that she can’t see that the person that needs the most rescuing in her life is herself. But it is fun to watch her run around and save all of these animals. Sadly it is going to take some major heartbreak for Larissa to finally realize the errors of her ways.
As always Susan does a great job of sucking me back into the Fool’s Gold world. If you are a Fool’s Gold fan you will really enjoy Jack & Larissa’s story. If you are new to this series no worried you can read this as a stand alone, but be warned once you step foot into Fool’s Gold you my never want to leave.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I think I say this with every Fool’s Gold review but reading this series is like coming home to a town filled with family and friends. I love everything about Fool’s Gold from freaky Mayor Marsha to Jo’s odd bar to the latest couple to fall in love. There is something special about this place and about the author who writes it. Susan Mallery is the best in the contemporary romance genre and reading any one of her books will have you working your way through them all.

Now on to Jack and Larissa. We all knew from the beginning of the football heroes trilogy that they would end up together but we didn’t know how and I doubt any of us thought it would be a meddling mom who started it all but we are so glad she did. Once the seed is planted in the minds of Jack and Larissa that there is love between them there is no stopping the seed growing into a forest of trouble. Jack and Larissa are ying and yang to each other. They complement each other perfectly and are just meant to be. I also love the relationship that Jack has with Tayrn. There is something special between them that is separate from romance and it works. But the best relationship is the bro-mance between Jack, Sam and Kenny. With each summer trilogy there are three men but something about these three is a bond that is so everlasting it rivals all others. I can’t wait to watch Kenny and Bailey fall in love this Christmas and I know Chloe will be a delight to read.

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

June 23, 2014June 7, 2014

Kimberly reviews Up To Me by Christi Barth

TITLE: Up To Me
SERIES #: Shore Secrets #1
CHARACTERS: Ella & Graydon
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/23/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ella Mayhew’s always appreciated the beautiful view of Seneca Lake from the spa window of her family’s hotel.But the view improves dramatically when a hot stranger runs across the grounds—shirtless. He’s the first man to kickstart her hormones in the three years since she lost her parents, and she doesn’t even know his name.

Graydon Locke’s on his umpteenth undercover assignment. The routine’s always the same: assess a business, recommend it for closure, then roll out before anyone discovers his decisions impact hundreds of lives. He’s always believed nothing good comes out of small towns. Why would this one be different? Then he makes two classic rookie mistakes—falling for the sweet, sexy girl who owns the very business he’s on the verge of axing. And letting the town’s residents get involved in both his life, and his relationship with Ella.

Ella’s the best thing to ever happen to Gray, but he’s lied to her from the start. If he pulls the plug on Mayhew Manor, the entire town may crumble. Ella couldn’t save her parents, but it’s up to her to save their hotel. Even if that means turning her back on true love.

REVIEW:
This is a sweet story about finding love in unexpected places. Ella really comes into her own in this story. Seems she has had to grow up so fast and yet allows everyone else to make her decisions for her. But Gray opens up a part of Ella that she has been missing and she really grows into the woman she should be. Gray starts out lying about so much it is hard to imagine he will be forgiven but he does a bunch of sweet things so he redeems himself not only in the towns eyes but the readers as well.

The problem? The connection of Ella and Gray seems to go hot and cold. Gray seems sweet at some points and Ella seems taken and then they have almost a bickering feel to them. When they connected the story was sweet and really good but other times it seemed off and almost forced. But as with all (ok most) romances it has a happy ending the Gray does a little bit of groveling so the reader can enjoy them together.

I look forward to reading Ward and Piper’s story. There most certainly is one that and it will be a doozy.

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