Review Sunday – Page 125

June 11, 2014June 9, 2014

Kelly reviews Fighting Fate by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Fighting Fate
SERIES #: Redwood Pack#7
CHARACTERS: Logan Anderson & Cailin Jamenson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: June 10, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon │ Barnes & Noble │ ARe │ Kobo │ iTunes

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With her blue-black hair and striking green eyes, Cailin Jamenson is the epitome of beauty and the exemplar of strength. She has fought the enforced boundaries of being the lone Jamenson daughter and Redwood Pack princess, but it is the potential future with the dark wolf in her path that threatens everything she thought she desired.
Logan Anderson’s own darkness provided the reasoning for his abandonment of his former Pack, the Talons. Now, newly accepted into the Redwood Pack, this jade-eyed wolf and all she represents could be his own undoing.
In this final installment of the Redwood Pack, unimaginable tragedy strikes, and the two wolves who have fought the longest for their independence now face the uncertainty of fate and the epic battle that could end the war… and their lives.

REVIEW:
We finally get the Princess of the Redwood Pack’s story. Cailin has been a long time favorite of mine. Maybe because she is standoffish, maybe because she is tough, or maybe it is because what Fate has in store for her might just save them all. Only problem is that Cailin is stubborn, tough, and standoffish that she just might lose out on what is most important.

This was really good way to end the Redwood Pack series, although it looks like there might be a novella here an there still to come. If you have not read any of the Redwood Pack books you need to start from the beginning. There is to much history in each book and to much interconnected events that reading Fighting Fate first would be a huge mistake.

I will warn you that if you can make it through chapter 2 you may be golden. There is a few Oh My GOD moments that left me speechless.

Looking forward to what Carrie Ann has in store for the Talon Pack.

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

June 11, 2014June 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Animal Attraction by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Animal Attraction
SERIES #: Alaskan Werewolf #1
CHARACTERS: Hunter McCall & Eliza Bradley
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: Re-release
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Frustrated when none of the real newspapers will hire her as a reporter, Eliza Bradley takes the only job she can get – at a paranormal magazine. Her first assignment takes her to Fairbanks, Alaska to investigate the possibility that a werewolf has killed two local hikers.
Eliza forgets about the story, however, when she meets Hunter McCall, a local college professor and an expert on wolves. The man is an absolute hunk, and she finds herself spending more time in his bed than worrying about werewolves. That is, until she finds out that Hunter isn’t just an animal in the sack, he’s an animal out of it, too – of the werewolf variety! Talk about a complicated relationship!

But Eliza can’t dwell on Hunter’s little shapeshifting issues. There’s another werewolf out there with a taste for human blood, and she and Hunter are the only ones who can stop him.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Animal Attraction the re-release of Paige Tyler’s first book in her Alaskan Werewolf series.

Being unemployed sucks. That is how Eliza ends up finding herself in the middle of Alaska trying to track down a killer werewolf. Of course Eliza doesn’t believe in such things which makes working for a Paranormal newspaper a little hard. But once she is on the trail Eliza realized that there is much more to this story then just the paranormal. So with the help of the hunky professor and wolf expert Hunter McCall, Eliza is going to solve this case even if it kills her.

I enjoyed this book. I really like how Eliza’s mind worked and her openness to the paranormal world. And Hunter was just great. I really enjoyed the first interaction with Hunter and Eliza. Who knew ketchup could lead to true love. What to know what I am talking about? You need to pick up a copy of Animal Attraction and find out for yourself.

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

June 10, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews The Given by Vicki Pettersson

TITLE: The Given
SERIES #: Celestial Blues #3
CHARACTERS: Griffin Shaw & Katherine “Kit” Craig
AUTHOR: Vicki Pettersson
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Vicki Pettersson continues her breakout new supernatural noir mystery series as a fallen angel and a reporter team up to stop a drug cartel

After learning his wife survived the attack that killed him fifty years earlier, angel/PI Griffin Shaw is determined to find Evelyn Shaw, no matter the cost. Yet his obsession comes at a price. Grif has had to give up his burgeoning love for reporter Katherine “Kit” Craig, the woman who made life worth living again, and dedicate himself to finding one he no longer knows.

Yet when Grif is attacked again, it becomes clear that there are forces in both the mortal and heavenly realm who’d rather see him dead than unearth the well-buried secrets of his past. If he’s to survive his second go-round on the Surface, Grif will have to convince Kit to reunite with him professionally, and help uncover decades of police corruption, risking both their lives… and testing the limits to what one angel is really willing to give for love

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts By far my favorite book of this trilogy! Honestly I was not sure what to expect in this book. I have liked Grif & Kit in the first two but was still on the fence about them. But was in love with them after this book. The world that Vicki has created was very different and interesting. It makes me wonder if we will see any more trilogy’s set in this world (I think Dennis needs a book or two). The twists and turns in this trilogy were great. Vicki kept me wondering the whole time. And yes The Given is highly emotional, I did cry.

This was my first set of books by Vicki Pettersson and I am so glad that I pick up this trilogy. I do plan on checking out more of Vicki’s books in the near future. If you are looking for a really good trilogy I would suggest picking up this series and find out for yourself “Who Killed Griffin Shaw”.

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

June 9, 2014June 9, 2014

Natasha reviews Knight Of Love by Catherine LaRoche

TITLE: Knight of Love
CHARACTERS: Lenora & Wolfram
AUTHOR: Catherine LaRoche
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/9/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this saucy romance, an English lady turns the damsel-in-distress tale on its head as she escapes her malicious fiancé and fights for both her life and that of the lustful rebel that has become her protector.

Lady Lenora Trevelyan, a naïve yet stubborn young lady born to the highest noble houses of England and Germany, finds herself betrothed to the brutal Prince Kurt von Rotenburg-Gruselstadt cruelly. But after she is cruelly bruised and flogged by her fiancé, she decides to take the reins of her fate. In the midst of a German revolution, Lenora escapes Kurt’s iron fist and embarks home to England. She quickly finds herself in the hands of a rebel group and their robust, gentle, and handsome leader, Wolfram von Wolfsbach und Ravensworth, the English Earl of Ravensworth.

Lenora struggles to deny the passion she feels towards the frustratingly chivalrous Earl but her desire for him continues to bloom. Wolfram hungers nothing other than to fight for democracy and civil rights in uniting Germany and to protect what he assumes is his damsel in distress. Through nights of immeasurable pleasure, Lenora and Wolfram learn that their passion is no match for the revolutionary chaos that ensues. And when Lenora discovers that her protector’s life is threatened, she must risk everything to save her Knight of Love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Wow, so many things going through my mind about this book. I still can’t decide on my feelings, so I’ll just concede to them all. I fell in love with Lenora very early on in the book when in she said, “…don’t let me fall. I don’t want them to see me fall.” I knew instantly that this was an incredibly strong character who would never be swayed by anyone else save herself. I wish I’d known how true that really was! Lenora did not pull any punches, especially when it came to Wolfram! That naïve, sweet, hopeful man. He did not understand what he was getting into when she walked into his life. I will say, a pretty traumatic event happened to cement these two together and I found it VERY difficult to get past that throughout the book. I was convinced I would not be able to look past this to let myself enjoy the book. However, Wolfram and Lenora turned things around for each other and I was pleased with the outcome of this book. I’d definitely read more by this author!

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 9, 2014June 7, 2014

Kimberly reviews Barca’s Jackpot by Dennis Willis

TITLE: Barca’s Jackpot
SERIES #: Nick Barca #1
CHARACTERS: Nick Barca
AUTHOR: Dennis Willis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nick Barca is a former cop in debt to a notorious gangster. He’s offered a one-time deal to even the score and save his family. All he has to do is kill a maverick Vegas cop at his own retirement party.

Once in Sin City, he encounters Sable, a former stripper he had an affair with years earlier, and D-Man, a cocky loner who appears to be gunning for the same target.

Barca will need more than lady luck to survive.

REVIEW:
I will be honest and say this is not usually the type of book I read but since I managed to read it in one sitting with very few interruptions I may have to add the genre to my list of likes. The story has a old time feel though it is set in modern times. There is enough description of the characters that it is easy to see it in your minds eye. I can imagine a weathered man in Barca who has seen too much and never imagined it hitting so close to home. He seems lost and yet knows what needs to be done. This story takes us into Barca’s world but there is still so much about him we do not know and I really look forward to finding out more. The writing is well done. The story is easy to read and enjoyable. The characters are well formed and intriguing . I found I wanted to keep reading to know what happened. Was Barca really good or really bad? Was he willing to lose his life to save his family? Was it all a set up? So many questions that all get answered but leave the reader with more like where does Barca go from here?

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free from the author/publisher.

June 6, 2014May 25, 2014

Kelly reviews Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Gimme Some Sugar
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #2
CHARACTERS: Jackson Carter & Carly di Matisse
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Out of the frying pan. . .and into the fire!

Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she’s running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter…

Jackson Carter wasn’t looking for love. But he’s not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits…

It’s the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds… and thirds… and fourths..

REVIEW:
The second book in Kimberly’s Pine Mountain series was just as good as the first book. I love how Jackson & Carly meet. It is pretty darn funny. I really liked Jackson. He seems like such a good guy. Carly on the other hand is a little stand offish about both people and relationships. Both have been hurt by their past relationships and that really scues their outlook on future relationships. And sadly when reality finally hits it might be too late.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series. Gimme Some Sugar can be read as a stand alone, but since it is only book 2 in the series. You should just start with book one and go from there.

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

June 6, 2014May 25, 2014

Kimberly reviews Heated by J. Kenner

TITLE: Heated
SERIES #: Most Wanted #2
CHARACTERS: Sloane & Tyler
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/03/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I knew better than to risk my heart.
But fierce passion comes at a high price.

I grew up believing in right and wrong, good and evil, black and white. I knew better than to trust. And then I met Tyler Sharp.

Bold, charming, and dangerously sexy, Tyler always gets what he wants. But his smile can be deceiving, his dealings sordid, his ambitions ruthless. I thought I was the one woman strong enough to resist him, but our need for each other was too urgent to deny.

One look and I was in trouble. One touch and I was hooked. One night and I became his.

And now that I’ve fallen, there’s no going back.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I will be honest and say it took me a little bit to get into this book. I could tell something was up between Sloane and Tyler and I do not mean the heat. So I wasn’t sure at first to let myself relax into their relationship but then about a quarter of the way through the book everything changed. They changed. Tyler who had been a hard character became soft to Sloane and I enjoyed watching that change in him. Sloane was interesting too. I appreciated that she was written to stick to her guns. She didn’t just think “oh I am in love and will change everything I am to be with this guy” and that worked well. Towards the end I was totally on Tyler’s side and I think that says a lot.

J. Kenner has a way of writing that I really enjoy. First while I guess this falls under erotica the main characters of this series are not into BDSM they just have control issues. There is nothing over the top sexual in these books just fun. Second Kenner has a way that makes you somehow fall for these bad boys even though they really are “bad”. I truly look forward to Ignited (the last in the series) and Cole’s story. Something is up with that guy and I can’t wait to see what it is and what woman could possibly turn him around.

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

June 5, 2014May 25, 2014

Kelly reviews Jaguar Hunt by Terry Spears

TITLE: Jaguar Hunt
SERIES #: Heart of the Jaguar #3
CHARACTERS: David Patterson & Tammy Anderson
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An agent and a jaguar-shifter chase trouble, and each other, through the jungles of Belize…

Agent Tammy Anderson has a reputation: she prefers to work alone. So when she’s paired up on a mission with jaguar-shifter David Patterson—who’s only recently been released from jail—to say she’s less than thrilled is a understatement. Until she realizes that this sexy agent has what it takes…

Soon, what started as an “easy” mission to locate a missing jaguar takes the pair to Belize, where they’re chasing down two renegade teen shifters who know more than they’re telling. As the action heats up, can they keep their minds on the job and off of each other?

REVIEW:
Tammy doesn’t work well with others. Well she works just fine with them as long as they are not her partner and not getting in her way. But on her latest mission Tammy has finally met her match in partners.

David is a man on a mission and nothing is going to stop him. David’s first hurdle is getting Tammy to actually work with him.

This was a great read. I loved David and Tammy. I loved the twins!! They are so sneaky and awesome. I enjoyed the mission that Tammy and David were on. It kept me guessing as to the who’s and the why’s.

This was my first book in this series. I was happy that Jaguar Hunt easily read as a stand alone book. I do plan on going back and reading the first two books in this series. I am already looking forward to who and what is next in this series.

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

June 4, 2014May 25, 2014

Kelly reviews Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Deeper Than Need
SERIES #: Secrets & Shadows #1
CHARACTERS: Noah Benningfield & Trinity Ewing
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trinity Ewing—she’s new in Madison, and her one goal is to put her old life behind her. She’s made mistakes. A lot of them. She’s done everything short of selling herself to stay alive and provide for her son. Now she’s just looking for a place to put down roots and call home. The old ramshackle house on the banks of the Ohio River seem to be the perfect place. It needs work—a lot of it.

A former minister, Noah Benningfield now works as a carpenter. He hasn’t entirely lost his faith, but he has lost himself. Which is exactly how he likes it. He doesn’t want to find himself, because then he’d have to look at the many ways he failed. Working with his hands is easier. Or so he thinks. He hasn’t ever had a job where he uncovers a skeleton, though. Not until now.

He can’t help but wonder…are these the remains of Lana, the girl he’d loved in high school? Losing her had all but destroyed his life back then, a life he has only now pieced together. Even as he deals with the turmoil of that, there’s a new turmoil, one caused by Trinity—she’s everything he won’t let himself have, and everything he realizes he wants.

Life becomes even more complicated when a ghost from the past blows back into town… Bethany Sutter—one of the last people to see Lana alive all those years ago.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Deeper Than Need is the first full length novel in Shiloh Walker’s new Secrets & Shadow’s series. Just like the pre-quel novella’s, Deeper Than Need is shrouded in mystery and a lot of unanswered questions. Most of those questions revolve around one night. A night that changed the lives of so many people. A night that left so many questions. But unlike the novella’s I didn’t find myself as drawn to these two characters.

Noah & Trinity are thrown together under terrible circumstances. Yet, they find a way to cope. They both have demons from their pasts that they are ashamed of. Yet, the have learned to live again. The biggest questions is will the ghosts of the past keep them apart or bring them closer together.

This was a good story and Shiloh does a great job of keeping you guessing as to the why’s, who’s, and how’s. I just didn’t feel the connection to Noah that I would have liked. I am not sure what it was, because Noah is a good guy. But other then that this was a good read. If you are suspense fan you will enjoy this book .

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

June 3, 2014May 25, 2014

Kimberly reviews Gimme Some Sugar by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Gimme Some Sugar
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #2
CHARACTERS: Carly & Jackson
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/03/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Out of the frying pan. . .and into the fire!

It’s the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds… and thirds… and fourths..

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series but it can be read as a stand alone if you have not read the first one. It took a little while to get into this book for me. I had a hard time connecting to Carly for some reason. She was a little off putting in the first book and isn’t in this one so I am not sure why I had the problem but I did. Once I reconciled who she was I was able to enjoy her. Now Jackson I liked right away. He is a sweet guy and his friendship with Shane is adorable. And how could it be more perfect than a man who loves to eat hooking up with a chef? But there is more to them.

I enjoyed the story even if it was a bit cliche’ but then again it is a romance so it is not like I expected something different. It just seems like the whole “he can’t love because his dad was a jerk” is overdone sometimes. Luckily while that is the case in this story it is not the main thing.

This is a great summer read. Sitting on the beach needing an enjoyable read that doesn’t tax the brain but is still fun is perfect for this story.

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

June 2, 2014May 25, 2014

Kelly reviews Branded by Laura Wright

TITLE: Branded
SERIES #: The Cavanaugh Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Deacon Cavanaugh & Mackenzie Bryd
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the small town of River Black, Texas, sits the Triple C—a working cattle ranch that sustains the town. But it also holds painful memories and shocking secrets for the Cavanaugh brothers…

When the Cavanaugh brothers return home for their father’s funeral, they discover unexpected evidence of the old man’s surprising double life—a son named Blue, who wants the Triple C Ranch as much as they do. The eldest son, Deacon, a wealthy businessman who couldn’t wait to leave the ranch and move on with his life, is looking to use his powerful connections to stop Blue at any cost. He never expected the ranch’s forewoman, Mackenzie Byrd, to get in his way.

Mac knows Deacon means to destroy the ranch and therefore destroy her livelihood. But as the two battle for control, their attraction builds. Now Deacon is faced with the choice of a lifetime: Take down the Triple C to feed his need for revenge, or embrace the love of the one person who has broken down every barrier to his heart.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Full disclosure at 16% in to the book I really really really dislike Deacon Cavanaugh. He is a total pain in the arse. But there is so much more to Deacon then meets the eye. He may be a cold-heart, take no prisoners business man but deep down he is still a cowboy at heart. It did take the whole book for Deacon to win me over. And it was most definitely a wild ride. Mackenzie really makes him work for both her forgiveness and love.

Mac is one tough chick. She may have suffered just as much as the Cavanaugh family, but she was able to find the silver lining in the storm that she called her childhood. But all that changed when Everett passed and now Mac is fight to keep the only thing she knows. Her home.

This was a good beginning to Laura Wright’s new series. As I said before Deacon really had to work hard to win me over. And I am still not sure I am totally in love with him. But his little brothers that might be a different story. I am very much looking forward to learn more about James & Cole.

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.

May 30, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Up In Flames by Lori Foster

TITLE: Up In Flames
CHARACTERS: Melanie & Adam/Delilah & Mick
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Body Heat
The last person Melanie Tucker wants to find herself trapped with on a party boat is her nemesis, Adam Stone. As always, he’s too smooth…and a bit too sexy for comfort. But when they both fall overboard—and wind up stranded together—Melanie just can’t resist all the delicious body heat smoldering between them….

Caught in the Act
When a robbery goes bad, undercover cop Mick Dawson can’t believe Delilah Piper was just in the wrong place at the wrong time—and neither do the perps. The only way to protect her while he investigates what really happened is to stick with her 24/7—and try not to fall for the object of his investigation!

REVIEW:
BODY HEAT
This is a short story with the cliche’ deserted on an island scenario but it is an enjoyable read. The characters connect immediately. Since it is so short there is not much I can say without giving much away but it is a very good read.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT
I really enjoyed this story. The connection between Mick and Delilah is so instantaneous that it is hard not to imagine them together. I loved that Mick was practically stalking her to see when he could get a good time to meet her. Delilah is a very strange character but also fun. She is the ultimate Gemini (even though that is never mentioned) but she seems to have two distinct sides to her, one very open and outgoing and adventurous and the other shy and unsure and naive almost. This was the third in the series but I didn’t know it until after I read it. Yes you can tell that Dane and Alec have a story but it doesn’t affect this one. But I will go back and read them because I enjoyed the background characters as much as Mick and Delilah.

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