Review Sunday – Page 126

May 30, 2014May 15, 2014

Natasha reviews Circle Of Fire by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Circle of Fire
SERIES #: Damask Circle Series #2
CHARACTERS: Kirby Brown & Doyle Fitzgerald
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: March 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In one, vicious night, Kirby Brown’s world is torn apart. Her best friend is dead, killed by a madman who is now after her. And she has no idea why.
Doyle Fitzgerald has been sent to Melbourne, Australia to hunt down a killer. What he doesn’t expect to find is a circle of witches capable of controlling the elements and a sorceress determined to take that power for herself. And he certainly isn’t expecting to play bodyguard to a woman who is more than she seems. When the police prove incapable of protecting Kirby from the monsters that chase her, she has no choice but to place her safety in Doyle’s hand. And while she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, she fears to trust him because of the magic that lies in his soul. It quickly becomes evident that the reason behind the killings lies in Kirby’s past. But it is a past she has no wish to remember.
Because Doyle isn’t the only one with magic in his soul.
Only her magic is capable of destroying the world.

REVIEW:
Keri Arthur never disappoints. This was a great addition to my already extensive Keri Arthur collection. I loved the character interactions between Kirby and Doyle right away. Though set in a paranormal world, the story was refreshingly believable. Kirby and Doyle had just the right amount of angst, questions and apprehension I’d expect to find in the type of situation they were thrust into. Their interactions together were intense, funny and promising. The story line itself was interesting and full of suspense. I was actually sad when we got to the climax of the book because it meant the hunt was nearly over. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading book three in 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.

May 29, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Surrender by Tawny Taylor

TITLE: Surrender
CHARACTERS: Abby & Kameron
AUTHOR: Tawny Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I was his.
To touch.
Anywhere.
Any time he wanted.
Abby is ready to agree to anything to stop her brother from going to prison, but Kameron Maldondo, the owner of MalTech Corporation, is asking for the unexpected. Enthralled by his commanding brilliance, she agrees to be his assistant, at his beck and call for whatever he needs–whenever and however he wants. What that means is for him to decide and for her to submit to. Frightened yet fascinated by what he promises, Abby becomes a willing captive to his caress, undone by his peerless touch, a quivering submission to an aching need for complete carnal surrender. . .

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This book was just ok for me. I have more complaints with it than I do praise but the story had an underlying interesting story so I am letting the stars fall mostly in the middle.

First the good. The story like I said is a bit interesting and even though I was pretty sure I had the who-dun-it figured out I wasn’t sure (I was right by the way) but knowing I was sure kept me interested. Abby is kind of interesting too even though I would never say she is one of my favorite heroines. She does what she believes is right and stands by it which I can appreciate. Kam is just ok and falls more in the complaint side.

Now the bad. There is not much in the erotica side to this story and what is sexual is the same over and over and not something that is every other erotic novel out there. There was nothing interesting about it. Kam is so far from a Dom that it is laughable. He wouldn’t know what to do with half the items in the dungeon he has. I think the author fell into “a kiss is more intimate than anything else sexually” idea because if I had read the word kiss one more time I might have screamed.

Maybe if this story had been categorized as romantic suspense it would have been better but as it says it is erotica and the synopsis makes you think that this book comes up lacking.

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

May 28, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Hunt The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Hunt the Darkness
SERIES #: Eternal Guardians #11
CHARACTERS: Roke & Sally
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The vampire, Roke, is raw, sensual, always in control. Yet somehow he’s allowed the unthinkable to happen: a nymph-like witch named Sally has used her magic to trick Roke into mating with her. The pair will remain bound for eternity unless Sally breaks the spell. The trouble is, she has no idea how. . .

Mating with Roke was an accident; at least that’s what Sally keeps telling herself. She’s on the hunt for her demon father, whose identity holds the key to releasing the spell. The search won’t be easy with Roke shadowing Sally’s every move. As they mate with a ferocity that leaves them both aching for more, Sally isn’t sure if her world is more dangerous without Roke—or with him.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Another good story from Ms. Ivy. I love Roke. He is all kinds of I am an island to myself. Well except when it comes to the feisty little witch that mated him by accident. When it comes to his temporary mate Roke will do everything in his power to protect her. Even at the cost of his own heart.
Sally is awesome. she is feisty, determined, loyal and wicked powerful. And the absolute perfect mate for Roke if only she could realize that. But after three weeks of running from him Sally has decided (with a little help from Roke) that she will not be continuing on this journey without him.
These two were fun to read about. And the journey that they are on tests them and their mating the whole way through the book. Roke believes it is fate that they are mated. But Sally thinks it is just the spell. Only time will tell which one is right.

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.

May 28, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Cursed by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Cursed
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #12
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Dallas
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A haunted house in Key West

Hannah O’Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she’s dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help.

FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim’s a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down….

Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O’Brien, a member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present.

REVIEW:
As with all books by Graham the history she pours into each story is unbelievable and intriguing. Having grown up in southern Florida I find it amazing how much I didn’t know about Key West when I read Graham’s stories. Her stories are worth reading for that alone.

But the stories are worth reading for other reasons too.. her ghosts. I always enjoy the connection the main characters have with the resident ghosts. And this was no exception. I am not sure the connection with Dallas and Hannah was as strong. I just didn’t feel the spark that her other characters have had. The other thing is Dallas didn’t seem to have a huge part in this story. It seemed to mostly be Hannah’s.

Now that being said it is a really good read and any fan of ghost filled romantic suspense will love it even if they have not read the series before and if you have read the series this next one fits in perfectly.

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

May 27, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Before We Kiss
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #14
CHARACTERS: Sam Ridge & Dellina Hopkins
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling sensation Susan Mallery returns to Fool’s Gold, California, where it’s true that sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…

Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Poor Sam. He has had his share of bad luck when it comes to woman. A little gun shy now with who he trust the last thing he ever expected when moving to a sleepy little town of Fool’s Gold would be Dellina. But of course he had to go and screw that up too.
Dellina had to grow up fast when her parents were killed and she took over the raising of her little sisters. While she would like to have a man in her life the last thing she needs or wants to something permanent. But when Dellina is with Sam all those thoughts get thrown out the window. Now only if she can get him to trust her.

Oh I so love visiting Fool’s Gold. I love the people, I love the town and I love that there is always a happily ever after. I love the world that Susan has created. But let me tell you when it comes to Sam’s parents. WOWZA!! I am not sure where Susan got the idea for them or who were her role models but let me tell you Sam’s parents are…. Well for a better word interesting. I was seriously dying every time his mom opened her mouth. 😀
If you are a Fool’s Gold fan you will love this book. If you are new to the series. You need to take a trip to Fool’s Gold. But bewarned once you get here you will not want to leave. Can’t to jump into Jack’s story 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Visiting Fool’s Gold is like coming home, visiting family and seeing friends. This story is about Dellina and Sam. I have been waiting for Sam’s book. Something about him called to me when we first met the football players and I am sure that is true for anyone that has read the series. Dellina has been a background character so spending time with her was like meeting a new friend. As a fan of the series it was great to catch up with some of the past characters and meeting Kipling who will play a big part in the series next year was great.

I can’t even begin to explain how much I enjoy this series. It is the first series and the first author that I recommend when asked. There has never been a story I haven’t enjoyed from Mallery and true to form I enjoyed this one just as much as the others. Next up Jack and Larissa. A more “match made in heaven” couple than any before. And I can’t wait to read about Kenny and Bailey (I assume). Fool’s Gold might now be the “Destination for Romance” but Mallery is the Queen of Romance in my book.

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.

May 27, 2014May 18, 2014

Kimberly review Don’t Call Me Baby by Gwendolyn Healsey

TITLE: Don’t Call Me Baby
CHARACTERS: Imogene
AUTHOR: Gwendolyn Heasley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All her life, Imogene has been known as the girl on THAT blog.

Imogene’s mother has been writing an incredibly embarrassing, and incredibly popular, blog about her since before she was born. Hundreds of thousands of perfect strangers knew when Imogene had her first period. Imogene’s crush saw her “before and after” orthodontia photos. But Imogene is fifteen now, and her mother is still blogging about her, in gruesome detail, against her will.

When a mandatory school project compels Imogene to start her own blog, Imogene is reluctant to expose even more of her life online…until she realizes that the project is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to tell the truth about her life under the virtual microscope and to define herself for the first time.

Don’t Call Me Baby is a sharply observed and irrepressibly charming story about mothers and daughters, best friends and first crushes, and the surface-level identities we show the world online and the truth you can see only in real life.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was asked to read this book from publishers and while I wasn’t sure I thought why not. First I will say this is for YA. This is not the contemporary romance it might seem from the cover. This is about Imogene’s life and how she deals with being a “celebrity” by her mom’s popular blog. When she has no other recourse she starts her own blog and insanity begins.

This is a light easy read and I can totally see teenage girls enjoying this book. As a matter of fact I intend to loan my copy to just such a teen and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks. As an adult who has been one for many many years it will be interesting to get a teenagers point of view on how she would have dealt with this.

This is a sweet coming of age story in a social media/blog happy world.

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

May 26, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones

TITLE: Sixth Grave on the Edge
SERIES #: Charley Davidson #6
CHARACTERS: Charley, Reyes and the gang
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: May 20, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Few things in life can come between a grim reaper and her coffee, but the sexy, sultry son of Satan is one of them. Now that Reyes Farrow has asked for her hand, Charley Davidson feels it’s time to learn more about his past, but Reyes is reluctant to open up. When the official FBI file of his childhood abduction lands in her lap, Charley decides to go behind her mysterious beau’s back and conduct her own investigation. Because what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, another case has fallen into her lap—one with dangerous implications. Some very insistent men want Charley to hunt down a witness who is scheduled to testify against their boss, a major player in the local crime syndicate. If Charley doesn’t come up with an address in 48 hours, the people closest to her will start to disappear.

Add to that a desperate man in search of the soul he lost in a card game, a dogged mother determined to find the ghost of her son, and a beautiful, young Deaf boy haunted by his new ability to see the departed as clearly as he sees the living, and Charley has her hands full. The fact that Reyes has caught on to her latest venture only adds fuel to the inferno that he is. Good thing for Charley she’s used to multi-tasking and always up for a challenge…especially when that challenge comes in the form of Reyes Farrow.

REVIEW:
Charley is really good at multi-tasking. And by multi-tasking I mean getting herself in trouble over and over again. But she is resourceful and does seem to find a way to get herself out of trouble a lot. But in Sixth Grave she might have met her match.
There are a lot of ups and downs in this book. A lot of “Oh Charley” moments. A lot of “Reyes”……….. what was I saying. Oh yes my review. We get to see a LOT of Reyes in this book which is great (even if he is a bit distracting with his hotness). As always Darynda give us a wild adventure with Charley at the wheel. Can’t wait to see what happens next. With Charley you just never know!!!!

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

May 26, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Twelve Kingdoms: Mark of the Tala by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: The Twelve Kingdoms: Mark of the Tala
SERIES #: Twelve Kingdoms #1
CHARACTERS: Andi & Rayfe
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Queen Of The Unknown
The tales tell of three sisters, daughters of the high king. The eldest, a valiant warrior-woman, heir to the kingdom. The youngest, the sweet beauty with her Prince Charming. No one says much about the middle princess, Andromeda. Andi, the other one.
Andi doesn’t mind being invisible. She enjoys the company of her horse more than court, and she has a way of blending into the shadows. Until the day she meets a strange man riding, who keeps company with wolves and ravens, who rules a land of shapeshifters and demons. A country she’d thought was no more than legend–until he claims her as its queen.
In a moment everything changes: Her father, the wise king, becomes a warlord, suspicious and strategic. Whispers call her dead mother a traitor and a witch. Andi doesn’t know if her own instincts can be trusted, as visions appear to her and her body begins to rebel.
For Andi, the time to learn her true nature has come. . .

REVIEW:
This is a combination of Narnia, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings… sorta. This is nothing like what I have read from Kennedy before. It really has a mix of paranormal and also historical. And while it has romance this is not the erotica that Jeffe Kennedy is known for.

I really enjoyed it. So much happens that it is hard to put down. This is mainly Andi’s story but Rayfe is delightful. I wish we had seen more of him but since there is more coming in the series I hope we get a better feel for him.

If you enjoy the paranormal world of Narnia, etc then you will enjoy this story very much.

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

May 23, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Explosive Passion by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Explosive Passion
SERIES #: SEALed For You #2
CHARACTERS: Wynn & Jared
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/12/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Navy SEAL Jared “Boom” Taylor is supposed to chaperone his best friend’s sister home, but with a car malfunction and an impending storm, the plan goes out the window. Finding shelter in an abandoned cabin, with the one woman he can’t get off his mind, is his chance to prove to her that military men are worth the added effort.

Boutique owner Wynn Diamond is on the verge of some exciting opportunities and with each new door opening things become more unnerving. Deciding to take refuge in a one-night stand to let off some steam, she never thought it would turn into more.

Could a one-night stand with a man in uniform actually be the forever she had been looking for?

REVIEW:
Another great read in the SEALed for You series. Marissa has written a SEAL that any woman would love. He has a great sense of humor and loves with his whole heart. Wynn feels like how most women must feel when they get involved with a military man.. scared but willing to love.

While a short story I still couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed catching up with Ace and Gwen as well from Ace In The Hole. Can’t wait for the next in the series. If you are looking for a short read with a hot SEAL and a strong woman this is the read for you.

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

May 23, 2014May 15, 2014

Natasha reviews Circle Of Desire by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Circle of Desire
SERIES #: The Damask Circle #3
CHARACTERS: Ethan & Kat
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A TEMPTING FATE

Two children have been found dead, their souls torn from their bodies. Two more are missing, and Ethan Morgan’s niece is one of them. A dedicated cop, Ethan has every intention not only of bringing her back alive but of catching the monster behind these kidnappings. And he will use anyone and everyone to achieve those aims—even a crazy woman who claims to be a witch. But time is ticking. The victims rarely stay alive for more than seven days. Four of those days have already passed.

In ten years of working for the Damask Circle, shapeshifter Katherine Tanner has never come across anything that goes after kids the way this monster does. The last thing Kat needs is interference from a cop who has no idea what he’s up against. But the greatest threat to Kat may come not from the forces of darkness, but from the man she is beginning to love. Because Ethan is a werewolf . . . and the full moon is rising.

REVIEW: This was another strong addition to this series. I really enjoyed the interactions between Kat and Ethan. Though, I have to say – I think Kat’s grandmother, Gwen tried to steal the show. I loved how the female characters in particular were so strong and independent. I really enjoyed seeing Ethan grudgingly submit to their expertise and follow their lead. It was a fun read and I really like Ethan and Kat together!

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.

May 22, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Kiss Of Snow by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Kiss of Snow
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #
CHARACTERS: Hawke & Sienna Lauren
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2011
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2011
RUN TIME: 14 hours
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.
Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.
Then Sienna changes the rules-and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…
A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home-and the alpha who is its heartbeat.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This book had me busting up laughing, crying, and screaming NOOOOOO, so many times I loved it!!! Will after my anxiety levels came down a few notches. I was so excited to finally get to this book. Have been waiting for Hawke’s book since the moment that we met him in Slave to Sensation. My only gripe about this book was that there was not more Hawke & Sienna. While I loved the parts of Walker and Lara I wanted more of Sienna challenging Hawke. But even with that I loved this book.

Hawke & Sienna are so perfect for each other that it really did make the painful wait till book 10 for their story. I really hope that we get to see more of Hawke & Sienna in future books and what lays ahead for them.

Again Angela does an amazing job of bringing Nalini’s characters to life. I am truly in awe of the voices that this girl can do! They are all very different and distinct. Until the next book ladies (which I am starting today)!!!!

If you have not read any of the Psy-Changeling books. I really think that you need to start from the beginning. So much happens over the years to the Packs, the Council, the world that if you just picked up book 10 you may not get the full impact of the story line. So go get yourself a copy of Slave to Sensation, or do what I did and get it on audio. 🙂 But read this series!!!

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

May 21, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Once Tasted by Laura Moore

TITLE: Once Tasted
SERIES #: Silver Creek #2
CHARACTERS: Reid Knowles & Mia Bodell
AUTHOR: Laura Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: May 26, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three siblings, an extraordinary family, a lasting heritage—in the irresistible Silver Creek Ranch trilogy, they’ll fight for the land and the people they love.

Everything has come easily to Reid Knowles, the middle son of a California ranching family. But his charmed life is suddenly complicated when his good friend and neighbor asks him to help run the winery next door. His neighbor’s niece, Mia Bodell, is in charge—and she has made it clear that she’d rather be roped to a steer than to Reid Knowles. Never one to back down from a challenge, Reid vows to win her trust.

Her life marked by loss, Mia knows that nothing comes easily—love included. In high school, her heart was crushed by Reid, and even though years have passed, the hurt lingers. Mia is achingly aware that the teen heartthrob has matured into a devastatingly handsome playboy, and the budding winemaker refuses to let down her guard. But one taste of unbridled passion changes things. From Reid’s first intoxicating kiss to his unexpectedly tender seduction, Mia is swept into a passionate affair that could tear her heart to pieces . . . or give her everything she has ever wanted

REVIEW:
The one that got away. What that is not right because she never had him to begin with right? But Reid Knowles has always been the one for Mia. The only one ever!!! But with her uncle leaving her in charge of the winery and Reid acting as her new right hand man will Mia be able to fight her feelings for the cowboy?
Reid is a lot of things but a chicken is not one of them, except when it comes to Mia. When it comes to the fiery woman Reid is never sure what to do. Now they have to work together to make the winery a profitable business. But somewhere along the way Reid finds that he can’t keep this relationship just as co-workers.

These two are great. It was fun to watch them tiptoe around each other for so long. Both wanting the same thing for so long but neither brave enough to take that chance until now.

This was a great second book in Laura’s Silver Creek Series. I just love these cowboys and the feisty women that they love. If you love a good romance with the star hero a sweet, good looking, determined cowboy you need to grab a copy of Once Tasted.
I am so looking for to Quinn’s story. It is going to be fun to watch her fall and her big brothers go crazy watching 🙂

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