Review Sunday – Page 145

November 6, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Bad Nights by Rebecca York

TITLE: Bad Nights
SERIES #: Rockfort Security #1
CHARACTERS: Jack Brandt & Morgan Rains
AUTHOR: Rebecca York
NARRATOR: Tara Sands
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept. 9, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Private operative and former Navy SEAL Jack Brandt barely escaped a disastrous undercover assignment, thanks to the most intriguing woman he’s ever met. When his enemies track him to her doorstep, he’ll do anything to protect Morgan from the danger closing in on them both . . . Since her husband’s death, Morgan Rains has only been going through the motions. She didn’t think anything could shock her-until she finds a gorgeous man stumbling naked and injured through the woods behind her house. He’s mysterious, intimidating-and undeniably compelling.Thrown together into a pressure cooker of danger and intrigue, Jack and Morgan are finding in each other a reason to live-if they can survive.

REVIEW:
I had the honor of listening to this book on audio. I love audiobooks. But the narrator can make or break a good book. If you don’t have a great narrator it really doesn’t matter how good the book is. I do have my favorite narrators. So let me say that I really enjoyed the story of Bad Nights Rebecca York is an amazing story teller. And this was my first Rebecca York books. But I was not in love with the narrator for this book Tara Sands does a fine job in the dialog part, although some of the guys sounds very similar. But the storytelling part felt like she was just reading the book not telling the story. I prefer to have my narrators tell me the story. But overall I really did like this story. But I think the next book in this series I will be reading. I am not sure. I might give Tara another shot.
I loved Jack & Morgan. Oh and Shane & Max!! I can’t wait for these two’s story. But back to Jack & Morgan. Jack is a man on the run and Morgan is the unfortunate person who finds him naked, hurt and out cool. This chance meeting puts them both in grave danger. The only trusting each other and a little lucky will keep them safe.
This was a really good story. It keep my attention the whole time. I wanted Jack & Morgan to get out safe. I wanted them to realize what they could have together. I wanted to slap Jack for telling Morgan he was not the man for her. But in the end…..
Well you need to read the book to find out.

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.

November 6, 2013November 3, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Keepers: Christmas In Salem by Graham, Leblanc, Pickering and Ciotta

TITLE: The Keepers: Christmas In Salem
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Graham, Leblanc, Pickering, Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This holiday season, armed with love and passion, can the Keepers stop the reign of Darkness?

Christmas is coming to Salem, but so is an evil force that threatens all mankind. In this memorable collection led by New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham, four powerful Keepers must save their community as a strange, eternal night creeps over the town. Forced to choose between their time-honored responsibilities or the lovers their hearts desire, these four extraordinary women must risk their own happiness to save the holiday. But Christmas is a time for miracles, and as each Keeper’s greatest longing is met, the Season of Light returns. Don’t miss this magical holiday collection from Heather Graham, Deborah LeBlanc, Kathleen Pickering and Beth Ciotta.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This just didn’t do much for me. I enjoyed the story by Graham and was looking forward to the others but they just got repetitive. They were just too much alike so by the third story I was bored.

Not a great book to put you in the holiday spirit. Think I will stick with Graham’s Krewe Of Hunters series and leave the Keepers to others.

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

November 5, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Rumor Has It
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #4
CHARACTERS: Kate & Griffin
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches second grade in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate has always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Boy did I love this book. Griffin is just adorable. I just wanted to package him up, take him home and make his boo-boo all better. Kate is something else as well. She is Superwoman. And yet everything she does is authentic and well meaning. She just is who she is and I loved that about her.

The characters connected immediately. The reader can just tell they are meant to be together. There is a calmness that they give each other. I also enjoyed revisiting Holly and Adam from Rescue My Heart.

I am not sure the next in the series for Jill Shalvis but I am throwing out my request for Ryan’s story. Now there is a man I could fall in love with.

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

November 4, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Perfect Mate by Aubrey Rose

TITLE: Perfect Mate
SERIES #: A Werewolf BBW Romance #2
CHARACTERS: Julia & Damien
AUTHOR: Aubrey Rose
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The standalone romance novella which follows the #1 Bestselling Shifter Romance Blind Wolf!

Julia always thought that she was human. When the blind leader of a pack of straggling misfits claims her as his one true mate, she accepts that she is in love with Damien despite their radical differences.

But after another shifter wolf attacks them, he points to her as he dies and utters words that will change Julia’s life forever:

“…she’s not what you think she is…”

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This is the second in the novella series and I have to say it was just ok for me. The writing of the character was a bit immature. The story is sort of interesting but not much different than many others except Damien in blind. It is a short story so I won’t make this long but I do think you need to read the first novella before reading this one if you do chose to read it. There is not much to the BBW part and not much to the erotica part but if you like shifters you could possibly enjoy it.

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

November 4, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Born Wild by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Born Wild
SERIES #: Black Knights #5
CHARACTERS: Eve & William
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/5/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s got three rules:

1. Trust no one… Eve Edens has been abandoned, used, or manipulated by almost everyone she’s ever met. Born into ridiculous wealth, she’s dealt with the petty jealousies and sordid little resentments for nearly thirty years. But after three botched attempts on her life, she can no longer ignore the truth. Someone wants her dead.

2. Avoid the bad boys at all costs… William “Wild Bill” Reichert, the wonderfully sexy boy who abandoned her years ago, is back in town. Only he’s no boy. Now he’s a covert operative – and he’s all man. When Eve hires Bill to help her discover who is behind the attacks, Bill soon comes to suspect it’s someone much closer to Eve than she dares to believe.

3. And never fall for the same ruse twice… The search for the killer takes Bill and Eve deep into the dark secrets and strange world of the rich and famous, and into the heart of red-hot passion re-ignited by the peril that threatens to consume them both. But does Eve dare risk her heart on Bill a second time?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts William “Will Bill” Reichert is as hard as nails. He worked as a bomb specialist in the Navy. But there has been one thing, one person, that has always been able to bring him to his knees. Eve Edens. The one one and only woman who he has ever love and broke his heart. When Eve comes to him asking for help he is powerless to say no, but he is determined to keep his distance no matter what.

Poor Bill doesn’t know what he is in for when he agrees to help Eve. Not that he would ever turn his back on her. But if he only knew. This was another great story from Julie Ann. I just love the Black Knight Inc series. I love all the alpha males in these books and I really love that while the women might seem mousey they are tough as nails too. I mean they hang out with these bad-ass boys they kind of have to be. I really like Bill & Eve’s story. I love that both have been so tormented about the past for so long. Bill is so sweet with Eve!!! I can’t wait to see them more in future books. And speaking of future books. Bring on Mac & Delilah!! These two are going to be awesome.

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.

October 31, 2013October 29, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Pleasures Of Autumn by Evie Hunter

TITLE: The Pleasures of Autumn
SERIES #: Pleasures #3
CHARACTERS: Sinead & Niall
AUTHOR: Evie Hunter
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When fine arts curator Sinead O’Sullivan is charged with a stealing the Fire of Autumn, a dazzling ruby with a history of violence and treachery, bail is set at one million Swiss francs.

Investigator Niall Moore is hired to stop her fleeing and to find the jewel. Niall knows Sinead’s form as the feisty red-head led him a merry dance when their paths crossed once before. Despite the overwhelming sexual chemistry between them, Niall knows that he cannot trust her.

Sinead toys with Niall, refusing to tell him what she knows about the theft. An expert in interrogation, Niall uses every trick of the trade – and every tool in his erotic armoury – to get at the truth. And Sinead – just as well armed – counters his every move with one of her own.

As thief and thief-taker fight for dominance, there can be only be one winner … but what happens when the stakes are raised and it’s no longer just a jewel and Sinead’s freedom in play?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I was riveted. This was a wonderful read. While it is under the erotica genre there is more story than sex in this book. The characters are ones we have met before in the other Pleasures series but it can certainly be read as a stand alone.

I really enjoyed Sinead. She is an interesting character and more rounded of a character than the previous ladies in the series (even though I enjoyed them too). This should have been called Pleasures of the Gemini. Sinead is such a Gemini of a character. She is two complete characters in one. She enjoys her job at a museum but also has a secret life as a burlesque dancer which fulfills her other side. Naill is interesting as well. He is a Dom with interesting ideas that somehow Sinead finds just as interesting.

I would probably have given this story 5 Hearts except a couple of little things that kept driving me crazy. While I understood why Sinead could not tell Naill about her Lottie side it got tiresome for her to “switch” characters “I will show him Lottie if he thinks Sinead is too demure” type attitude. Even down to looking at herself in the mirror and thinking “this is more Lottie than it is Sinead”. It could be too much when it happened too closely together. But the little things that drove me nuts was things like they are looking for someone (no spoilers) and someone says to Sinead “did you get my email about that?” thinking she was someone else and never once did she say “no what email did you send that too?”. Hello wouldn’t that be the first thing you would ask?

Ok now all that being said I so enjoyed this book. I can’t wait for the next in the Pleasures series and am sad that there are only four seasons. Ummm Pleasures of the Gemini… Maybe they could start with the Zodiac signs which would give us fans 12 more books to enjoy!

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

October 30, 2013October 30, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas in Snowflake Canyon by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Christmas in Snowflake Canyon
SERIES #: Hope’s Crossing #6
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Dylan
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No one has ever felt sorry for Genevieve Beaumont. After all, she has everything money can buy. That is, until she discovers her fiancé has been two-timing her and she’s left with two choices: marry the philanderer to please her controlling father or be disinherited and find a means to support herself.

Genevieve’s salvation appears in the most unlikely of prospects: Dylan Caine, a sexy, wounded war vet whose life is as messy as hers. Dylan’s struggling to adjust after his time in Afghanistan, and the last thing he needs is a spoiled socialite learning about the real world for the first time. True, she may have unexpected depths and beauty to match. But he knows he could never be the man she needs…and she knows he could never be the man she thinks she wants. So why are they each hoping that a Christmas miracle willl prove them both wrong?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts What a delightful holiday romance. This story has all the good feelings of the holiday season as well as a romance that will melt any heart. I loved watching the character of Gen morph into the woman that the reader knows she will be by the end of the book. While she iz used to the finer things in life it is her heart that is made of gold.

Dylan is sweet and charming this is not his story. It is Gen’s. The reader wants them together but not because she has fallen for Dylan but she wants Gen to triumph. Ok yes maybe there are others out there that won’t agree but it is my review after all.

Looking for a holiday romance to curl up in front of the fire with? This one is it.

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

October 29, 2013October 20, 2013

Kimberly reviews Holding Out For A Hero by Amy Andrews

TITLE: Holding Out For A Hero
CHARACTERS: Ella & Jake
AUTHOR: Amy Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Holding Out For A Hero
When sensible schoolteacher Ella Lucas rides into her home town on a Harley and seduces the resident football hero, Jake Prince, she figures she can be forgiven and move on. After all, she’s just buried her mother.

Two years later, back in the city, their paths cross again but this time Jake is in the process of destroying her favourite dive bar. With her home facing a wrecker’s ball, her school being closed down and her 15-year-old brother hell bent on self-destruction, it’s the last straw. Throw in a dominatrix best friend who is dating a blue ribbon guy so straight he still lives at home with his mother, it’s no wonder the sanest person in Ella’s life is a dog.

With all this to contend with, the last thing Ella needs is Jake back in her life. But, as fate would have it, Jake is the only chance she has to save her school.

As the school football season heats up, old secrets threaten to surface and Ella takes on greedy developers, school boards and national tabloids. But can she save not just her home, her school and her brother, but also the reputation of the man she’s never been able to forget? And, more importantly, does she want to?

Holding Out for a Hero is a quirky, heartwarming tale of unlikely romance, friendship and family.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this story. It was a bit of a different storyline than usual. It was a bit wordy with the same things over and over and I am not sure there was much chemistry between the characters but somehow the story worked.

Ella has just about everything coming at her that you can imagine and there is a bit of background between Ella and Jake so it makes sense they connect again but it was odd how at some points the author wrote that the characters had a connection even in youth and then other times that they barely talked to each other growing up.

But it is a heart touching story that turns out to have a HEA.

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

October 28, 2013October 22, 2013

Kelly reviews Raw by Jo Davis

TITLE: RAW
SERIES #: Torn Between Two Lovers Novella #1
CHARACTERS: Anna Claire & Grayson James
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS is a gripping and sexy romance trilogy with a unique twist: Our heroine needs your help to decide who wins her heart… RAW introduces this sizzling new series, in which two enticing men will vie for Anna’s heart—culminating in a choice that will be determined by reader vote!

Anna Claire is a prominent restaurateur, the toast of New York. She’s not one to let down her guard, but her new prep chef is gorgeous enough to cause her to break her own rules, and soon she’s tearing up the sheets with Grayson James. More than that, she’s falling in love.

Until she discovers that Grayson is no chef. He’s an FBI agent investigating a drug ring he suspects is using her restaurant. Anna is shattered to learn she was just part of his cover.

The case means everything to Gray, right until the moment he loses what matters the most—not his intended target, but Anna. Gray is devastated when the woman he loves learns of his betrayal. Especially with his greatest enemy all too eager to take advantage of her…

So, will you join #TeamGrayson or #TeamJoaquin? Make the informed choice: Don’t miss RISKY, available in November 2013.

REVIEW:
In RAW we get to meet Anna Claire, successful restaurant owner, confident woman, yet lonely. So when her newest prep chef catches her eye and then saves her from a mugging she decided to give Grayson a chance. Gray & Anna start to get close very fast. So fast Anna believes she is falling in love. But as they get closer Gray starts acting weird and Anna is getting a little nervous that he may be keeping something from her. But what will Anna do when she learns the truth?

This is an interesting concept that Jo Davis is doing. RAW is the first in a trilogy were you as the reader pick the outcome of the series. So once you have read RAW you need to read RISKY (out in November) and decided which male you think that Anna should pick. Then in Feb 2014 Jo will be releasing the final novella in the trilogy REWARD.

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.

October 25, 2013October 22, 2013

Kelly reviews Anything But Love by Beth Ciotta

TITLE: Anything But Love
SERIES #: Cupcake Lovers #3
CHARACTERS: Luke Monroe & Reagan Deveraux
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct. 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LOVE IS SWEET…

For Reagan Deveraux, Sugar Creek, Vermont, and the Cupcake Lovers are a dream come true: A cozy little town where family and friends come before everything else. She’s never experienced anything like it—especially not growing up with her mother, a fickle, fame-hungry heiress. But Rae’s plan to hide out in anonymity for a year until she can claim her inheritance—and her independence—changes with one kiss from gorgeous pub owner Luke Monroe.

UNTIL YOU SPICE IT UP…

Luke’s charm is legendary, but he’s never been a one-woman man. Until Rae captures his attention, that is, and then disappears. With a little help from a friend, Luke tracks her down—and unearths secrets almost too wild to be true, as well as the fact that Rae lied to him, and to all of Sugar Creek. Luke’s not sure if he can forgive her, but he definitely can’t forget her, and when she returns to save the Cupcake Lovers from disaster, he knows it’s his chance to get the truth—and get the girl, this time for good

REVIEW:
Luke is the towns local playboy. Always juggling multiple women at a time. But when he hires the shy, quiet Rachel something changed for him. He really liked Rachel and after a mind blowing kiss everything changed. Luke can’t get Rachel out of his mind even if it means hurting his cousin. But when Rachel disappears from Sugar Creek everyone finds out she has been lying to them for over a year. Even knowing that Reagan (aka Rachel) lied to him Luke still can’t shake these feeling he has for her. What is a man to do?

Reagan is not happy to be home. She would rather be anywhere but home, she would really like to be back in Sugar Creek. The year she spent there was the best year of her life. But she had to come home, face reality and collect her inheritance so she can move on. The last person Reagan ever expected to see on her doorstep on Christmas eve was Luke.

Luke & Reagan both have a lot of secrets that they don’t want others to know. But if they would learn to share with each other they maybe able to face them together. But there is one secrets they are trying to keep from their family and friends. And like any secret the harder to try to keep it the greater the chance it get out.

Every trip to Sugar Creek, Vermont keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. I will say that I was super excited about “Anything But Love”, because Luke is my favorite character so far. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Cupcake Lovers group… Bring on Sam!!!

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.

October 25, 2013October 20, 2013

Kimberly reviews Captive by A.D. Robertson

TITLE: Captive: The Forbidden Side Of Nightshade
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Tristan
AUTHOR: A.D. Robertson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first adult novel set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Nightshade series, Captive delivers a steamy, forbidden romance between sworn enemies drawn together by an irrepressible desire.

Twenty-five-year-old Tristan Doran enjoys a life of incredible power and privilege. As a direct descendant of the Keepers—witches who have embraced dark magic—he defers to no one but his overlord, Lord Bosque Mar. For most of his life, Tristan has been kept out of the centuries-old Witches War, his bloodline too valuable to risk in battle.

But when a beautiful, young human Searcher named Sarah is captured and made a prisoner in his Irish castle, Tristan’s infatuation with her flings him headlong into the fray. Captive and captor, unable to contain their longing, embark on a passionate, forbidden romance together—only to learn that their love is at the heart of a prophecy predicting the downfall of the Keepers’ ages-old reign.

Captive explores the darker side of the richly imagined Nightshade universe, a fantasy world of powerful dark witches, shape-shifting wolf warriors, and fascinating history. The first of three erotic novels, Captive delves deeply into the fiery, illicit romance of two young lovers whose very desires invite their doom.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Ok so here is the deal. I have no idea what Nightshade is and what it is all about. I’ve never heard of it so even though it has Nightshade in it’s title I didn’t realize it was referring to a series by someone else. So when I started this book I was lost. Totally completely lost. I have no idea who the characters are or what they do. There are a bunch of titles like Guardian, Arrow, Keepers, etc and it was just too much to try and comprehend.

I also could not get excited about Tristan. Honestly he seems like a wuss. Sarah is the one who wears the pants in this relationship and that just doesn’t work for me. And while I can see where the sex scenes are plenty I really am not sure I would say this is erotica. Based on the information that Nightshade is a YA series I can understand it being classified as Adult and not for YA readers but erotica? Nope.

Based on all that I tried to enjoy it. I just couldn’t.

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

October 24, 2013October 22, 2013

Kelly reviews Targeted by Katie Reus

TITLE: Targeted
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Jack Stone & Sophie Moreno
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hidden in plain sight

Former Marine sniper and current NSA agent Jack Stone has a new face to go with his new identity. But he still has the same tortured memories—which include the woman he let get away years ago, when they were teenagers. Now his new assignment in Miami will put him so close to the woman he’s never been able to forget, he could reach out and touch her—if only she weren’t under suspicion.

When Sophie Moreno uncovers evidence linking the medical supply company she works for with arms smuggling—and worse—she doesn’t know who to turn to. After a shocking betrayal, she realizes the only person she can trust is a mysterious new person in the company—a man with hauntingly familiar eyes.

As Sophie questions her intense attraction to this man and Jack struggles not to blow his cover, the two of them must race against the clock to stop terrorists from killing scores of people—starting with them.Hidden in plain sight

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts I enjoyed Targeted but was not in love with it. I liked Jack & Sophie well enough but never fully connected with them. Targeted was good don’t get me wrong. The tension between Jack & Sophie was electric. Fueled more by the fact that they have a past that she is not aware of. The story line is filled with danger, tension and a heavy dose of suspense. But for me there was not a huge spark of excitement. It could have been my mood, the weather, stress who knows. But even with that I still did enjoy the new world the Katie has created and I am looking forward to the next Deadly Ops story.

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.