Review Sunday – Page 138

January 27, 2014January 17, 2014

Kelly reviews Letting Go by Maya Banks

TITLE: Letting Go
SERIES #: Surrender Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Dash & Joss
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: February 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.

Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.

When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.

REVIEW:
Letting Go is Maya’s first book in the Surrender Trilogy and it was a great start to this trilogy. In Letting Go we meet a small group of friends that are all trying to learn to live again. Some are dealing with their demons from the past. Some are dealing with their insecurities of the present. And then there is Joss who is trying to figure out how to live again after the death of her husband.

Joss finally after 3 years of mourning is finally ready to say goodbye and move on with her life and try file the a void that has always been there. But a trip to The House does not go according to plan. Not only does Joss not get what she wants Dash her husband’s best friend is there and whisks her away from what she wants. But just when Joss thinks she will have to work up the courage to walk into the club again Dash throw her for a loop and tells her he will be what she wants, what she needs, what she craves.
The only question is can these two learn to trust each other fully? Or will the ghosts from the past drive them apart.

I totally love Dash. His is so sweet yet at times a total ass. A total ass that is so in love with this woman that he is blind to the things he does and says. Joss knows what she wants, well kind of, and she is willing to do anything it takes to get that.
I really liked this story. Yes there were parts and pieces that were erotic and touches of the BDSM but for the most part I felt like I was reading a great love story. I thank Maya for writing this story. And I am looking forward to Kylie’s story and have high hopes for Chassy & Tate’s book.

If you are a Maya Banks fan I think that you will love this book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 27, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Mark Of The Demon by Diana Rowland

TITLE: Mark of the Demon
SERIES #: Kara Gillian #1
CHARACTERS: Kara Gillian, Ryan Kristoff & Rhyzkahl
AUTHOR: Diana Rowland
NARRATOR: Liv Anderson
PUBLICATION DATE: June 23, 2009
AUDIBLE PUB DATE: June 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cop and conjurer of demons, she’s a woman in danger of losing control – to a power that could kill….

“Why me? Why now?” That’s what Beaulac, Louisiana, detective Kara Gillian was asking herself when an angelic creature named Rhyzkahl unexpectedly appeared during a routine summoning. Kara was hoping to use her occult skills to catch a serial killer, but never had she conjured anything like this unearthly beautiful and unspeakably powerful being whose very touch set off exquisite new dimensions of pleasure. But can she enlist his aid in helping her stop a killer who’s already claimed the lives – and souls – of 13 people? And should she?

The Symbol Man is a nightmare that the city thought had ended three years ago. Now he’s back for an encore and leaving every indication on the flesh of his victims that he, too, is well versed in demonic lore. Kara may be the only cop on Beaulac’s small force able to stop the killer, but it is her first homicide case. Yet with Rhyzkahl haunting her dreams, and a handsome yet disapproving FBI agent dogging her waking footsteps, she may be in way over her head.

REVIEW:
This book took me a little bit to get into. I am not sure what I was expecting but after listening to Diana’s White Trash Zombie I guess I expected a little more snark and humor. But Kara is very different then Angel. As the story when on I started to like Kara. I started enjoying her view on the world and how a summoner sees things. I honestly took me until the end of the book to decided if I like the Demon Lord and the FBI agent in Kara’s life. Let’s say that I really like one when we first met him, then I hated him, then I kinda liked him. The other I didn’t like at all until the end of the book. You will have to read/listen to and see if you can figure out which is which.

The narrator was not my most favorite but she did a pretty good job. I will say that Rhyzkahl’s voice was a little creepy, but he is a Demon Lord. So I guess that is okay.

Even though this was a slow start for me I am very much looking forward to Kara, Ryan & Rhyzkahl’s next adventure.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 24, 2014January 6, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Wishing Tree by MaryBeth Whalen

TITLE: The Wishing Tree
CHARACTERS: Ivy
AUTHOR: Marybeth Whalen
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ivy Marshall, a savvy, determined woman, finds out her husband has cheated on her on the same day her sister’s perfect boyfriend proposes on national television. When Ivy’s mother asks her to return to her family’s beach home to plan her sister’s upcoming wedding, she decides to use the excuse to escape from the pain of her circumstances.
When her return to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, brings her face to face with her former fiance, old feelings rise to the surface and she wonders if there is a future for them. However, her husband has started tweeting his apology to her and doesn’t want to give up on their marriage. As she helps prepare the wishing tree for her sister’s wedding, she must examine her own wishes for the future and decide what love should be…

REVIEW:
3.75 Stars I honestly do not know of one woman who hasn’t had the thoughts that Ivy did in this story. “If I could turn back time, would I?” Ivy has just left her husband to go home to where she was once loved by her childhood sweetheart and back to a family who is upset with her for leaving him to marry someone else. But it is where she needs to be right now so off she goes. And while there she wonders about what could have been and what is.

The problem was it was a very depressing read through most of it. However I understand the quandry. I understand that moment of wondering “what if”. I understand remembering what seemed like a better simpler time.

This is a poignant, soul searching read and any woman can relate to.

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

January 24, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Dark Moon by Kate Douglas

TITLE: Dark Moon
SERIES #: Spirit Wild #2
CHARACTERS: Igmutaka, Star, Sunny & Fen
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: January 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Chanku spirit guide Igmutaka has known since the day he held the newborn daughter of Tala and Mik Fuentes in his hands, that she would grow up to be his. Unfortunately, no one thought to copy Mikaela Star on the message.

After years of avoiding her overbearing spirit guide, Star has decided to return to Montana and face the beautiful and irritating man who has haunted her nights for much too long. But first, she takes a small vacation in California, where Igmutaka just happens to be waiting.

Sunny Daye has known this day was coming. She and Ig have been lovers for years, but both of them accept that they are not meant to be a mated pair. When Igmutaka tells Sunny her man is “out there, and coming closer,” she can barely contain her excitement. But Fen Ahlberg is not at all what Sunny expected—in fact, he is so much more that his mere existence may change the Chanku forever.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts To say that this book was a bit naughty would be a totally understatement. While I don’t mind a little sex with my story I felt like this was sex with a little story. There was so much bed hoping that I couldn’t handle it. I just didn’t get how Ig could continue to bed Sunny even though he was in love with Star. It just drove me nuts. I didn’t expect the m/m relationship either.
I am still recovering from reading this book. If you like your books naughty then pick up a copy of Dark Moon. If you don’t like any kind of naughty this is not the book for you.

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.

January 23, 2014January 6, 2014

Kimberly reviews Blindsided by Fern Michaels

TITLE: Blindsided
SERIES #: Sisterhood #22
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Myra
AUTHOR: Fern Michaels
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ladies On Fire

Myra Rutledge isn’t ready to mothball the Sisterhood just yet. When Maggie Spitzer, former editor-in-chief of the Post and an honorary member of the Sisterhood, arrives with a new mission in mind, the Vigilantes are soon gathering in their war room once more. While catching up on each other’s lives, they plan a brilliant campaign against a duo of corrupt judges running a moneymaking racket that sends young offenders to brutal boot camps, often on trumped-up charges. Their enemies are powerful and ruthless, but the Sisterhood have their own formidable allies – including former President Martine Connor. Once their scheme takes off, the guilty won’t know what hit them. . .

REVIEW:
I could not finish this book but I think it was my own error. I requested this book from NetGalley because I have read other Fern Michaels books and while I think she has an odd way about her writing I usually enjoy the story. However, this book is the 22nd in a series called Sisterhood. The problem is this story is about the characters getting back together and restarting some type of operation they worked on before and while I tried I couldn’t understand the whole history of these characters.

Now I think if you are a fan of Fern Michaels and have read the other books you would probably enjoy it since this would be the 22nd in the series you have read. So I gave it 3 stars to split the error on my part down the middle.

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

January 22, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Wulfe Untamed by Pamela Palmer

TITLE: Wulfe Untamed
SERIES #: Feral Warrior #8
CHARACTERS: Wulfe & Natalie Cash
AUTHOR: Pamela Palmer
PUBLICATION DATE: January 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release…

The most enigmatic and tortured of the Feral Warriors, Wulfe is haunted by the quiet beauty of a human woman who no longer remembers him. Once a captive of both the Mage and the Ferals, Natalie stole a piece of his heart before he took her memories and sent her safely back to her fiancé. But now the Mage are threatening her again, and Wulfe will risk anything to protect her.

Natalie Cash is stunned when she’s saved by a wolf who shifts suddenly into a splendidly built, if badly scarred, man, a man with the kindest eyes. Swept into a world of intrigue and danger beyond her comprehension, she turns to the powerful Wulfe, finding a passion she’d only dreamed of. But when time runs out, they must trust one another and surrender to a wild, untamed love

REVIEW:
Wulfe & Natalie have a very sweet love story, even if it is filled with evil at every turn. Wulfe has been hurting since the death of his mate, but not in the way that most would think. But Natalie stirs something that he can’t quite figure out. When he finally realizes what he is feeling he tries to push her away, but Natalie is not having any of that. These two have to face a lot of issues between them and learn to lean on each other in the face of evil.

As I started to read Wulfe Untamed I realized that I have missed a few books in Pamela Palmers Feral Warrior’s series. While this didn’t take away from the story it just makes me want to go back and read the whole series again from book 1. Pamela has announced that his is the final book in the Feral Warriors series but I will say that I am holding out hope that she will write Grizz & Vhypers story. Maybe a spin off? Because both Grizz & Vhyper need to find their HEA

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

January 21, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Believe by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: Believe
SERIES #: True Believer
CHARACTERS: Phoenix & Robin
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: January 21, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Robin used to be a party girl… until she got black out drunk and woke up in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend. Now she’s faced with being THAT girl, and couldn’t be more disgusted with herself. She can’t even tell her friends the reason for her sudden sobriety and she avoids everyone until she meets Phoenix—quiet, tattooed, and different in every way that’s good and oh, so bad…

Phoenix is two days out of jail when he meets Robin at his cousin’s house, and he knows that he has no business talking to her, but he’s drawn to her quiet demeanor, sweet smile, and artistic talent. She doesn’t care that he’s done time, or that he only has five bucks to his name, and she supports his goal to be a tattoo artist.

But Phoenix knows Robin has a secret, and that it’s a naïve dream to believe that his record won’t catch up with them at some point. Though neither is prepared for the explosive result when the past collides with the present…

REVIEW:
I think that I have come to the conclusion that New Adult is just not for me. I don’t feel any connection with the characters and that makes it really hard to read the book. I did like that Robin finally owned up to the things that she did and that she is trying to make a better herself better. But I guess it is the mom in me that thinks the whole time “well if you didn’t put yourself in that situation in the first place you would have these issues”. But then again if the character didn’t have all of this drama then there would be no story. I think fans of this series will enjoy Robin & Phoenix’s story. But for me I think that I am going to have to hang up my hat on this series.

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.

January 20, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Sweet by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: Sweet
SERIES #: True Believers #2
CHARACTERS: Riley Mann & Jessica Sweet
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: October 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jessica Sweet thought going away to college would finally make her free of her parents’ constant judgments and insistence she play chastity club role model for their church events, but if anything, the freedom has made her realize she can’t go home and be a hypocrite anymore. Tired of dodging their questions, she stays at school over the summer and lands in an unexpected crash pad: Riley Mann’s house.

Sarcastic, cocky, and full of opinions, Riley is also sexy personified with tattoos and biceps earned from working as a roofer all day. Not the right guy for her even if Jessica was looking for a relationship, which she is definitely not. But Jessica knows that Riley hides the burden of having to raise his younger brothers behind that grin and as she helps him get his house in order for a custody hearing, they begin to fall hard for each other, and she is forced to question what she’s hiding herself.

Jessica has never had a problem getting naked with a guy, but when it comes to showing Riley how she truly feels inside, her fear of rejection may just ruin the best thing—the best guy—to ever happen to her

REVIEW:
I liked this story, but didn’t love. I am not sure if it is this genre or what. But I have yet to find a New Adult book that has blown me away. Maybe it is because I don’t connect with the characters on that level. Maybe I am just too old. I am not really sure. I liked Riley. For me he made the story worth reading. I liked that he was worried about his younger brothers so much. I am just really on the fence about this how New Adult genre.

January 20, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Up From The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

TITLE: Up From The Grave
SERIES #: Night Huntress #7
CHARACTERS: Cat & Bones
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: January 28, 2012
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s always one more grave to dig.

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave

REVIEW:
I am really sad this series is coming to an end. But like all good things it can’t go on forever. Cat & Bones have been a huge part of my love for all things paranormal. These two have had a rollercoaster ride of the years and I am grateful that I grab the very first book in this series. There will be no spoilers at all in this review. No summary of this book in this review. This is just my love of this series and for Ms. Frost. While I was surprised by a few things in this book I am so happy that Cat & Bones finally might have some down time and a chance to enjoy their life together.

I really hope that Ms. Frost will revisit these two in the future. I really can’t wait to see what the future holds. Fans of Cat & Bones will really enjoy this story.

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

January 17, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews First Bite by Dani Harper

TITLE: First Bite
SERIES #: Dark Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Travis Williamson & Neva Ross
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
NARRATOR: Veronica Muench
PUBLICATION DATE: October 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn’t want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.

REVIEW:
I am kinda on the fence about this book. I liked the story line. I liked Neva & Travis and a few of the other side characters. Meredith is one crazy, evil, magic wielding bad guy. And all in all it was a good book, but there was just something a little off for me. Maybe be it was the timeline. Maybe it was Meredith and her getting the upper hands. Maybe it was my mood. Or maybe it was the narrator. I was not overly wild about the narrator at times she was a little too nasally for me and the audio book had some major fluctuations in the sound and quality of the book. Even with all I will be continuing this series to see what happens with Neva, Travis, Meredith and everyone else. But the next book I think I will read.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 17, 2014January 6, 2014

Kelly reviews Veiled by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Veiled
SERIES #: Bone Secret #3.5 (a novella)
CHARACTERS: Jack Harper & Lacey Campbell
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: December 4, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Forensic investigator Lacey Campbell is trying to relax. She and her fiancé have escaped to a high-end resort on the Oregon Coast that they’re scoping out for their wedding venue. But when a murdered woman turns up in the hot tub, there’s no more relaxing for the couple. Neither can resist getting pulled into the case.

Tragically, the dead woman is dressed in a wedding gown, even more disturbing for Lacey given she’s about to be a bride. When the victim turns out to be a beloved bartender with a bad-news ex-husband, it looks like a domestic quarrel turned deadly. But could there be something more sinister going on in this tight-knit community?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great story from Kendra. It was fun to see Jack & Lacey again even if it is not under the best of circumstances. Because really nothing can ruin a vacation like finding a dead body and be through head first in a murder investigation.

I am not going to give you more than that. This is a novella and I don’t want to give too much away. This novella can easily be read as a stand alone, although if you have not read book 1 you might want to read it. Jack & Lacey are from book 1 Hidden.

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

January 16, 2014January 6, 2014

Kimberly reviews Master Of The Opera Act 2: Ghost Aria by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Master Of The Opera Act 2: Ghost Aria
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #2
CHARACTERS: Christy & Master
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the second seductive installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s thrilling “Master of the Opera,” a young woman falls deeper under the spell of the man who haunts her dreams, fuels her desire, and demands her surrender…With each passing day of her internship at the Sante Fe Opera House, Christine Davis discovers something new, something exciting-and something frightening. Hidden in the twisting labyrinths beneath the theater is a mysterious man in a mask who, Christy’s convinced, is as real as the rose he left on her desk-and as passionate as the kiss that burns on her lips. He tells her to call him “Master,” and Christy can’t deny him. But when her predecessor-a missing intern-is found dead, Christy wonders if she’s playing with fire…

If her phantom lover is actually a killer, how can she continue to submit to his dark, erotic games? And if he is innocent, how can she resist-or refuse-when he demands nothing less than her body and soul?

REVIEW:
This is the second installment by Jeffe Kennedy’s new book. It is a very short story so far (under 40 pages) so I don’t have too much to say but as a fan of Kennedy’s I am sure this will be an interesting read. It is obviously based on Phantom of the Opera with a few differences of course. Act 2 is the main meeting of the couple. While they have said hello this installment lets Christy realize Master is real and not the ghost she thought him to be. There are 6 installments so this is really only the beginning.

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