Review Sunday – Page 135

February 28, 2014February 12, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Hot Shots by Marsh/LaFleur/Kennedy

TITLE: Hot Shots
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Marsh/LaFleur/Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy as sin and hot as hell, these firefighters smolder with passion and burn with desire. . .
“Fired Up” by Anne Marsh
Hannah Green watches for wildfires from an isolated fire tower in Sequoia National Park by day and radios Cajun firefighter Cole Henry at night to share carnal fantasies hot enough to start a forest fire. . .
“Sizzle” by Lynn LaFleur
When photojournalist Maysen Halliday arrives in Lanville to take calendar pictures of the sexiest firefighters in Texas, red hot Fire Chief Clay Spencer makes her want him for her own personal centerfold…
“Five-Alarm Masquerade” by Stacey Kennedy
With her home destroyed in a fire, Abby has only the muscular arms of a rock hard firefighter to hold her up and the dream of blazing hot nights of pure erotic pleasure to keep her going. . .

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts All three of these novella were very steamy, sexy yet sweet reads. I won’t go into much detail as the are novella’s and I would give too much away. But let me just say that Cole & Hannah are burning up the airways. Clay & Maysen will break all the rules on short town visits. And Gavin & Abby will make you re-think that sexy gift you just got. I really liked all three stories. If you are looking for a few steamy quick reads you should pick up a copy of Hot Shots. I mean come on ladies. Hot Firemen? Need I say more??

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
“Fired Up” by Anne Marsh
4 Hearts Holy Heck this was HOT (pun intended). This was a quick story of about 55 pages and yet I was engrossed. Cole is downright irresistible and I wouldn’t mind meeting him in the words for a few days and nights.

“Sizzle” by Lynn LaFleur
4 Hearts Another HOT story. This is most certainly in the erotica genre and if the first story didn’t give a reader that impression this one would. But it is a really good story. I enjoyed the characters very much. Clay is hot and very male but what I liked about him was he could tell how Maysen wanted control at some points and he let her. His ego was not affected which was really hot if you ask me.

“Five-Alarm Masquerade” by Stacey Kennedy
3.5 Funny thing is I picked this book because of this author and figured I would read the other authors until I got to Kennedy but as much as I enjoyed this story it did not stand up to the other two. Ok now do not get me wrong. I did enjoy this one. If it was a stand alone I would have been thrilled with it but having read the other two it was my least favorite.

I enjoyed every single one of these erotic stories. They were a great combination. If you are a fan of erotica then you will enjoy these short stories, and it doesn’t hurt that they are about fire fighters.

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

February 27, 2014February 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Hot Rock by Annie Seaton

TITLE: Hot Rock
CHARACTERS: Megan & Davy
AUTHOR: Annie Seaton
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Megan Miller is on a dream trip to research her doctoral thesis at a rock festival in England. When she arrives in town she’s stunned that her temporary neighbor is the spitting image of her 70’s rock idol, too bad he’s also a world-class jerk. So why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Seventies rock star Davy Morgan is a man with a secret: rockin’ in one time and living in another. He holds his privacy close to his heart, so when a beautiful girl who not only loves but truly understands his music moves in next door, he works overtime to keep her at a distance. Easier said than done.

Megan follows Davy to the rock festival, but it’s not what or when it seems. The lure of the music draws them closer, but can their newfound love span across the decades, or will it get lost in time?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very different book than I thought it would be. While a quick read it is very interesting. It has a big surprise (other reviews give it away if you want to know) that really makes this story different than most romances.

I liked Davy. He really has a lot of potential as a character. Megan is just ok for me. I think her story might have been told a little better but that it not to say she isn’t interesting. Looking for a quick different read than this is the book for you.

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

February 27, 2014February 1, 2014

Kimberly reviews Liberty by Ginger Jamison

TITLE: Liberty
CHARACTERS: Lexy & Ryan (?)
AUTHOR: Ginger Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man she thought she knew. A passion beyond her wildest fantasies…

When Ryan Beecher returns home after a long deployment overseas, Lexy barely recognizes her husband. The man who left Texas for Afghanistan was cruel and abusive. The man who comes back to her is a badly injured stranger with amnesia—and no memory of their life together.

Lexy can’t believe how much Ryan has changed. The wounded marine is now gentle, caring and tender. And his touch awakens yearnings she’s never felt before. As he takes them both to the point of no return, can Lexy trust this lover who seems to live only for her pleasure…as he seeks his salvation in her healing embrace?

A poignant and erotic story of longing, secrets and second chances, Liberty explores the limits of desire and the boundaries of love.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting in how different from any other story I have read. The characters are enjoyable. I had a few problems with some of the things that were or were not done (DNA test, anyone?). But the story is so sweet and Ryan is so lovable it is hard not to enjoy him. I can see why Lexy is so scared and stand-offish but she comes into her own so completely that it is nice to watch.

I can’t see why this is considered erotic but it is poignant and loving and the romantic. I really love this authors style (as Ginger or Sugar Jamison) and can’t wait for her next book.

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

February 26, 2014February 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Eat, Play, Lust by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Eat, Play, Lust (a novella)
CHARACTERS: Paul Hammond & Cami Pressman
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: August 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cami Pressman is a yoga instructor with a lifelong secret love of junk food. Not even an irresistible man can replace the mouthwatering wickedness of her favorite foods.

Until, that is, Paul Hammond signs up for her class. He’s a gourmet chef looking to score some fitness tips, and a date with Cami. Suddenly Cami’s lust for junk food isn’t the only thing making her tingle.

When this sinful chef and hot yoga teacher eat, play, and lust together, they just might bring their obsession to a new level.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
Yoga on a paddleboard….Check
A set of wet clothes……Check
Tater Tots in the oven……..Check

This was such a fun, shorty, dirty and wet story. I just love the whole idea behind this story. I think just about every girl on the planet will be able to relate to Cami. And just about every girl in the world would like to have a man like Paul.

If you are looking for a quick that will leave you satisfied you need to grab a copy of Eat, Play, Lust.

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

February 26, 2014February 26, 2014

Kelly reviews Hard As You Can by Laura Kaye

TITLE: Hard As You Can
SERIES #: Hard Ink #2
CHARACTERS: Shane McCallan & Crystal Dean
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE: February 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five dishonored soldiers.
Former Special Forces.
One last mission.
These are the men of Hard Ink.

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn’t want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can—and never let go.

REVIEW:
I liked this story. Loved Shane. But had a little bit of a hard time with Crystal. Not that it really was any of her fault she was related to the wrong person. But honestly I think I would have have tried to find help before four years past. But fear and love make you do some strange things.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Hard Ink series.

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

February 25, 2014February 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Thrown For A Curve by Sugar Jamison

TITLE: Thrown For A Curve
SERIES #: Perfect Fit #2
CHARACTERS: Cherri & Colin
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
WHEN YOU’RE A big girl
Cherri has often wished she were thin and graceful like a ballerina instead of being a six-foot-tall blonde with curves that require serious caution. Surely a charming Irishman like her new boss Colin, with his throaty brogue and to-die-for bod, would never go for someone like Cherri. Unless maybe he’s looking for the exact opposite of a delicate lass?
There’s more of you to love
When Colin hired Cherri to work in his furniture-restoration shop, he had his eyes, first and foremost, on her artistic talents. But now he can’t help but see Cherri for the lush, spirited beauty that she is…and, soon enough, he finds himself mixing business with pleasure. But Cherri turns out to be more vulnerable than she appears. Is she in need of more than Colin can give? Or could it be that a feeling stronger than lust has him thrown for a curve?

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.25 Hearts

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I absolutely loved this book. Talk about needing better communication skills! This couple needs to learn how to say “hello” to each other correctly but somehow they work. The connection these two have is just endearing. Cherri is the type that wants to handle everything herself and even if she knows she needs help she finds it hard to ask for. Colin’s past makes him question every thought he has. And even though they have so many differences they are a lot a like and seemed to be a “Perfect Fit”.

This story had me tearing up a little which rarely happens to me while reading. It also had me smiling more often than not. Sugar Jamison has a way of drawing you into her story. Her characters are not perfect model types. They are real people with esteem issues. Sugar was made to write and I am so glad I found her stories. I can’t wait for the next one… Hopefully it is Belinda’s story!

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

February 25, 2014February 1, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Evenings Stars by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Evening Stars
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #3
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: February 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns to Blackberry Island with the poignant tale of two sisters on the verge of claiming their dreams.

Small-town nurse Nina Wentworth has made a career out of being a caretaker. More “Mom” than their mother ever was, she sacrificed medical school—and her first love—so her sister could break free. Which is why she isn’t exactly thrilled to see Averil back on Blackberry Island, especially when Nina’s life has suddenly become…complicated.

Nina unexpectedly finds herself juggling two men—her high school sweetheart and a younger maverick pilot who also wants to claim her heart. But as fun as all this romance is, Nina has real life to deal with. Averil doesn’t seem to want the great guy she’s married to, and doesn’t seem to be making headway writing her first book; their mom is living life just as recklessly as she always has; and Nina’s starting to realize that the control she once had is slipping out of her fingers. Her hopes of getting off the island seem to be stretching further away…until her mother makes a discovery that could change everything forever.

But before Nina and Averil can reach for the stars, they have to decide what they want. Will Averil stay? Will Nina leave? And what about the men who claim to love them? Does love heal, or will finding their happy ending mean giving up all they’ve ever wanted?

REVIEW:
3 Hearts Sadly this book was not a hit for me. I love Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold series so much, but Evening Stars fell flat for me. I just never really connected with any of the characters in this book. Both Nina & Averil got on my nerves. The only character I really did like was Kyle and I think it was his bad boy image. Maybe I had high hopes for this books or maybe it was the juggling of stories lines from character to character. I am not sure. It just was not for me.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts There is just one word for the story. Poignant. Yes there is a romance (or two) in this story but that is not what it is about. This is about family and the dynamics of a family with a mom who will not grow up, a daughter who grew up too fast and another daughter who doesn’t know her role in her life.

I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Nina at first. She seemed so put upon but once I realized why she was like that I could understand her life. She was thrown into a life that she never wanted to have. Then Averil seemed so spoiled but again once you get to know the character and her history it all makes sense. These women needed to realize what they needed from life and this story is their coming of age even though they are already adults.

This is not a Fool’s Gold story filled with love and happy endings. But it is a great story that makes you sad, happy, smile and heartbroken. The characters weave their way into your system and you want to see them bloom.

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.

February 24, 2014February 2, 2014

Kelly reviews No One To Trust by Katie Reus

TITLE: No One to Trust
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #1
CHARACTERS: Porter Caldwell & Elizabeth Martinez
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
NARRATOR: Pyper Down
PUBLICATION DATE: March 1, 2012
PUBLISHED ON AUDIO: December 27, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Computer security specialist Elizabeth Martinez has never been able to turn her back on her brother Benny. When his risky lifestyle finally lands him in harm’s way, Elizabeth finds herself dragged into the dangerous underworld with him and into the cross hairs of one of Miami’s death-dealing drug lords. Only after her ex-boyfriend saves her does she realize she might have no choice but to depend on the one man she has tried so desperately to forget.

Former Marine Porter Caldwell never should have let Elizabeth walk away from him all those months ago. She means more to him than anything and now that she’s in danger and turned to him for help, he won’t make that mistake again. When a local gang targets her and she’s nearly killed in a drive by shooting, Porter vows to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if it means turning his back on all that he’s sworn to uphold.

Length: 45,000 words

REVIEW:
When Elizabeth Martinez brother calls for help Elizabeth is always willing to drop everything and everyone to run to his side. But this time Benny has pulled Elizabeth into a very dangerous situation that could possible leave them both dead.

This was really good book. I enjoyed the tension between Elizabeth and Porter the whole time. I really want to know more about the rest of the Caldwell brothers and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Since this books was given to me for review on Audio I need to address that part of the review. I normally like an narrator that can tell me a story not read me a story. Pyper was a little more of the reading of the story then telling of the story. But even with that I did enjoy listening to this book on audio. I would suggest that you head over to audible (or where you buy your audio books) and listen to a sample of No One To Trust and make sure that Pyper is the right narrator for you.

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

February 21, 2014February 2, 2014

Natasha reviews Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith

TITLE: Wicked Designs
SERIES #: The League of Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Emily Parr & Godric St. Laurent
AUTHOR: Lauren Smith
PUBLICATION DATE: January 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple—find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.
It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.
Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon—if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler’s niece, the difficult debutante’s blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.
Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric’s shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard—and rob him of the woman he can’t live without.
Warning: This novel includes a lady who refuses to stay kidnapped, a devilish duke with a dark past, and an assortment of charming rogues who have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Natasha House
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW: This was a great read! I’ve never read Lauren’s work before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I love historical romance so was excited to get started. From the beginning Lauren introduces us to a wonderfully diverse and intriguing cast of characters. I wanted to keep reading just to learn all I could about them all. Emily is a very strong and likeable female lead. She fights for what she wants and for what is right. I loved watching her get to know the members of the League and of course Godric. He is such a devilish character, and you just love him for it. How could you be rooting for the man who abducted this innocent woman in order to settle a score, but you are rooting for him. You want him and Emily to find a way to understand each other and come together. They have so many obstacles in front of them and are both so stubborn. The supporting characters were a great addition to this story and I am very excited to get to know all of them in future books!

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

February 21, 2014February 1, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Cottage On Juniper Ridge by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: The Cottage on Juniper Ridge
SERIES #: Life in Icicle Falls #4
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
How to Change Your Life…

Can a book change your life? Yes, when it’s Simplicity, Muriel Sterling’s guide to plain living. In fact, it inspires Jen Heath to leave her stressful, overcommitted life in Seattle and move to Icicle Falls, where she rents a lovely little cottage on Juniper Ridge. And where she can enjoy simple pleasures—like joining the local book club—and complicated ones, like falling in love with her sexy landlord, Garrett Armstrong.

Her sister Toni is ready for a change, too. She’s got a teenage daughter who’s constantly texting her friends, a husband who’s more involved with his computer than he is with her, and a son who’s consumed by video games. Toni wants her family to grow closer—to return to a simpler way of life.

Other women in town, like Stacy Thomas, are also inspired to unload their excess stuff and some of the extra responsibilities they’ve taken on.

But as they all discover, sometimes life simply happens. It doesn’t always happen simply!

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the 4th in the series and I have not read the others and also this is the first I have read from this author even though I have heard her name for years. This book has a lot of characters from past books but it does explain those characters fine. You just know you have missed their story.

This story is not about Jen and Garrett but about the women of Icicle Falls. Garrett is actually rarely in it to be honest. And gives little time to form a connection between them. Actually the connection that is there seems forced. But the connection of the women is not forced at all. The friendship is very well written. This story is about learning to simplify your life. it is about learning what you need and do not need in your life. This is the story of women taking on more than they can handle to be “superwoman” and them learning how to say “no”. The book they talk about Simplicity by Muriel Sterling needs to really be written.

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

February 20, 2014February 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Tempted By The Soldier by Nicollete Day

TITLE: Tempted By The Soldier
SERIES #: Falling For You #2
CHARACTERS: Lilly & Nate
AUTHOR: Nicollete Day
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When one touch isn’t enough, why resist?

Road trips are supposed to be fun. Or, at least, full of hot sex. For photographer Lilly Grayson, the fifteen-hour drive to her friend’s wedding with Nate Jennings will be neither. Not that Nate isn’t sexy—the man is six-foot-three-inches of mouth-watering Marine. But Lilly’s been there, done that…and he walked away. Now it’s time for a little payback. The kind that’ll make a man desperate for a taste of what he can’t have.

And Nate wants a taste—so badly that he can barely keep his hands on the wheel. But the scars and ghosts of his last tour still haunt him. He can’t give into temptation, not this time. Lilly deserves a whole man—one who can love her the way she deserves to be loved, even if she doesn’t believe it can happen. And that can’t be Nate. Not when he’s leaving again in two weeks, and this time, he’s not sure he’ll return…

REVIEW:
I would say this is a sweet story but it isn’t but that does not mean it wasn’t good. It is. The characters are both so broken especially Nate. The trend in romance now is soldiers coming home and being broken, having nightmares and PTSD. This story has that too. So it is pretty typical of the times in romance.

That being said I really enjoyed this story. Nate drags your heart to him. You want to grab him and hug him and just try to make him feel better. Lilly isn’t broken, more like insecure, yet she wants so badly to be strong. If you enjoy a sweet yet sad read about a Marine who needs to learn his worth then this is the story for you.

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

February 20, 2014February 1, 2014

Kimberly reviews Master Of The Opera #4 by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Master Of The Opera: Dark Interlude
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #4
CHARACTERS: Christine & Master
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/20/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon< | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the fourth fiery installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s scintilliating “Master of the Opera,” a woman surrenders-body and soul-to the one man who is everything she desires, everything she craves, and, possibly, everything she fears…Reeling from the discovery of a dead body in the Sante Fe Opera House, intern Christy Davis is forced to reassess the strange, erotically-charged relationship she’s forged with the mysterious masked man who lives in the labrynths below. Could her masterful lover be capable of murder, and worse? Perhaps it was the thrill of danger that drew Christy to him in the first place-like a moth to the flame-instead of a more conventional romance with the opera house’s handsome benefactor, Roman. For the sake of her sanity, she must at least give Roman a chance. But for the love of her master, she must give in to every wild fantasy, every wicked game, and every whim he commands…

Is Christy prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice? To surrender her heart, her soul, her everything? First she must acknowledge the truth: a woman in love can serve only one master…

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This is the fourth in the series of short sections of the same story. And I must say it is getting weirder and weirder. I found myself shaking my head with this one. Christine is just so innocent and naive. And I do not mean innocent in a good way. I mean she lets people walk all over her even people she doesn’t like. I find it hard to like her to be honest.

I was also disappointed that the Master only had a cameo in this story but giving how it ended I assume he will have a bigger part in Act 5. I hope that one is better.

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