TITLE: Dragon Mine
SERIES #: The Hidden (Novella #0.5)
CHARACTERS: Kirin & Elle
AUTHOR: Jamie Rush
PUBLICATION DATE: June 4, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
His Dragon, her magick, a dark mystery, and hot sparks!
Kirin is summoned home to Miami when his father goes missing–the man who ruined his life, and his relationship with Elle, by being a suspect in her mother’s disappearance. When he runs into Elle, sparks fly, especially when he discovers her father is missing, too. Suspecting that their disappearances are linked, they must combine his Dragon power and her magick to find the truth in the darkest shadows. But as their desires flare again, can their burning passion overcome their past—or the danger that the future holds?
REVIEW:
This novella was just okay for me. There was a lot of down time in the story for me. I like the characters, but never really got invested in them.
I do plan on picking up book 1 when it is released and giving this world another try.
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.
TITLE: Snowy Fate
SERIES #: Fate Series #1
CHARACTERS: Aspyn & Damon
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fate always knows when you’re ready for love.
The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn’t want to be—her father’s house—with a naked man.
Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn’s father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life than what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.
REVIEW:
This is a very short shapeshifter story. The timeline is very fast . Damon is a shifter and Aspyn comes to her fathers home and meets up with Damon. Aspyn learns that fate is a powerful thing.
I enjoyed this story very much. I just wish this story had been a bit longer. I would have loved more time with these characters. If you love having a quick read around just in case you are stuck somewhere and need a story to grab this is the one for you.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: All In
SERIES #: The Blackstone Affair #2
CHARACTERS: Brynne & Ethan
AUTHOR: Raine Miller
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/09/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The second part in The Blackstone Affair series! Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man who’ll go all in.
Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He’s broken Brynne’s trust and she’s left him. He’s unwilling to live without her and isn’t giving up—he’s dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together. With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he’ll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He’ll go to any lengths to protect her. He’ll go all in.
Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.
REVIEW:
2.5 Stars This is the second in the series. I have to say that it is not as good as the first in the series. This one is written in Ethan’s point of view while the first one was Brynne’s and it just did not seem the same. Ethan is such a needy character and while he is supposed to have a domineering side it is just not much there as far as I can tell. He also seems to be obsessed with sex with Brynne but it always seems to be the same type of sex if you ask me and he seems to confuse sex with love. He can actually sometimes turn irritating.
Brynne seemed off in this story too she seemed to turn marshmallowy in this book. While we learned more about her background and wow what a background it is and explains her attitude I actually wonder if a person who has gone through what she has would actually become the sexually submissive and everyday marshmallow that she is.
I hope the next in the series end up being better than this one.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Star Crossed
SERIES #: Battered Hearts #2
CHARACTERS: Romeo & Juliet (yes really)
AUTHOR: Kele Moon
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Heavyweight MMA fighter, Romeo Wellings comes from the hard streets of New York where his family ties to the mafia cause him nothing but pain. His life takes a surprising detour when he crosses paths with the twin sister of his long time enemy. After a steamy one-night stand, he faces the fight of his life, but it’s not in the cage. The secret relationship that blooms between Romeo and his real life Juliet has him battling his family and a dark past rather than let her go.
The only lawyer in her hometown of Garnet, Jules Conner is also a volunteer Sheriff’s deputy and co-owner of a successful MMA training center. Strong and dependable, Jules is always there for those who need her. Until one forbidden night in Las Vegas with Romeo leaves her feeling so alive she can’t stop reaching out to the sexy, bad boy of MMA, even knowing the forbidden love affair could jeopardize everything.
As the tide rises against them and the people they love work at keeping them apart, Romeo and Jules hold onto a dream for a better life together and vow to go down fighting rather than accept a tragic ending.
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars We met both Jules and Romeo in the first book of the series “Defying The Odds” and it was pretty obvious from the first book that this would be the next story up and I enjoyed it. I did enjoy the first book a little better but this was really good as well.
I enjoyed Romeo and Jules together. I even enjoyed both sides of their brothers. I was a little over the whole mafia thing after a while but I guess that will be leading to a different story later on. There was a lot of sex in this book… I mean a LOT of sex. Much more than in the first story and while it is written very well I wondered if there would ever be a real story in the book. And finally there was. And the ending was really good.
This really is a good book. I look forward to reading the next story about Wyatt.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maggie is a wolf shifter who was captured and experimented on by the Kurjans. Now that a cure has finally been found for shifters (although not for vampire mates or witches), she can concentrate on creating a new life for herself and finally accepting that her memories are gone forever. Most memories, that is. Sometimes in the hazy world between dreams and dawn, she hears a Scottish voice, dark and deep, that sounds suspiciously like wolf-shifter Terrent Vilks. A man she happened to anger by kidnapping a few years back. Hey, it was for a good cause.
Terrent Vilks knows more than he’s let on for the past several years. After digging for answers, he knows exactly why the demons want Maggie dead. And he remembers his past with Maggie…very well. She is finally where he wants her. Now all he has to do is discover what exactly the Kurjans did to her, beat the demons into so much submission they leave her alone, and get her to fall in love with him. Again. Good thing he’s used to wrangling monsters.
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Oh I was so excited to read Terrent & Maggie’s story. I would have loved for their story to be longer, but isn’t that the way most novella’s are? Always leave you wanting more?
In Twisted we finally get a little insight into why Maggie may have been taken by the Kurjans and her connection to Terrent. These two have a very interesting past and it looks like the future is going to be just as interesting.
And that is all I am going to say.. Hey it is a novella!! I can’t give anything away. If you are a fan of Rebecca’s Dark Protectors’ series then you know of Terrent & Maggie and the tension that has been brewing between them. If you are new to the series. I think you could read Twisted as a stand alone, but highly recommend that you read the series in order that way you have a better understanding of the world and Terrent & Maggies past. I am very much looking forward to what is next for the Dark Protectors’ series *cough* Jase *cough*
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
This is a short novella in the Dark Protectors series. This is 5.5 of the series. The characters of Maggie and Terrent are wonderful. I love the connection that they have even if Maggie can not remember it.
We finally get into the story of Terrent and Maggie but I wish the book had been a full story and not just a novella.
This is a great series that any shifter fan would love. You could probably read this book without reading the series but I would not recommend it. And Rebecca Zanetti is a incredible author so why would you want to?
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.
TITLE: Naked
SERIES #: The Blackstone Affair #1
CHARACTERS: Brynne & Ethan
AUTHOR: Raine Miller
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares despite the demons she carries inside her. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters tormenting her resurface to destroy them both…
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a short erotic romance which is very well written. This is the first in what is so far a 3 part story. In all honesty we do not learn much about the characters background in this story just that they have both been dealt some bad hands. Ethan is a smart businessman but is almost childlike in his exuberance of Brynn which is sweet and strange all at the same time. Brynn is a lost soul who seems to finally find her place with Ethan. Yet as with every story there is some hurdles to overcome. Because this story is short I was able to read it while in between books but now I want to read the next in the series right away. Is it an incredible book? Not really but it is riveting and I didn’t want to put it down.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Defying The Odds
SERIES #: Battered Hearts #1
CHARACTERS: Melody & Clay
AUTHOR: Kele Moon
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/14/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When struggling waitress Melody Dylan gives a handsome, lonely stranger a simple gift she has no clue her life is about to take a drastic turn.
The stranger ends up being Clay Powers, a famous UFC heavyweight fighter. Clay’s large build and dangerous fists have always intimidated. People in his hometown keep their distance and Clay is fine with that. Everything changes when a new waitress at the local diner buys him a piece of pie on thanksgiving. Touched by the gesture when it’s obvious she can barely afford to survive, her warm smile and lush body churn up powerful feelings that leave Clay wanting more from her than pie.
Melody is running from her past and the small, country town of Garnet is the perfect hiding place. With an ex-husband after her and scars from her abusive marriage etched deep, the last thing she expects is to fall for a man who makes a living with his fists, but she can’t resist Clay or the tender connection they share.
Finding love in the most unlikely of places, the passion is undeniable, but Clay and Melody know their haunted pasts and unpredictable futures leave the odds stacked against them.
REVIEW:
I did not know what to expect of this book but I really enjoyed it so much. There were a few things I took issue with but it wasn’t much. The good part first. I loved Clay and Melody together. They are just so sweet and we see such a different side to Clay that it is hard to not smile when he is with Melody. I enjoyed that they both were just everyday people. Yes he has money but you never really feel he is rich. There is just something so endearing about this book and the characters.
Now the parts I took a small issue with… first the accent used. The author wrote the characters being from the south which is fine but they speak more like hicks. I figured the author could not really be from the south and after reading about the author being from Hawaii I understood. She is writing the way she imagines southerners talk. The problem is it can be a bit distracting through the entire book as it seemed I could not get used it to. But I was able to read through it.
Also Melody is a wonderful character and I enjoyed her so much, however, I think (and maybe I am wrong) some of the things she did as a woman who was abused for so long seemed odd. But then other things seemed right on the nose.
I think anyone would enjoy this story who enjoys a romance and I can’t wait for the next one!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Shattered Emotions
SERIES: Redwood Pack #5
CHARACTERS: Maddox Jameson & Ellie Reyes
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: June 18, 2013
ORDER LINKS:
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maddox Jamenson is the Omega of the Redwood Pack, the one burdened by emotions stronger than his own. He’s spent his entire life shrouded in the secrets of his “gift” and the price he has to pay to keep it, yet the cost just escalated. He’s known a mate could be in the cards for him, but he can’t have what he wants. Not when the battles he has yet to fight could destroy her.
Ellie Reyes was the Central’s princess, the daughter of the most hated Alpha of all time, yet not prized. No, she’s spent her life as the toy of her brother’s sadistic torture and has endured a pain that no one else should have to even contemplate. Though when she’s rescued, the one person who could help her, her mate, turns his back on her for reasons unknown to her. As each day passes, the strength that everyone sees in her dwindles to a point that there may be no coming back from.
When the Centrals find a new way to attack, leaving Ellie’s only protection a mate that she doesn’t think wants her, they’ll both have to overcome their fears and fight for something stronger than their pain. The war isn’t over and new players are coming that will decide the outcome. Maddox and Ellie’s connection will be tested even as their fragile bond is only newly forming.
REVIEW:
The beginning of the book was so heartbreaking and frustrating. Ellie’s history is anything but cheery. Ellie has endured many thing that no one should ever have to go through. That alone would be enough to break someone, but not Ellie. But the fact that her mate has denied her may just be the final straw.
Maddox is the Omega of the pack. He knows his place, his job and his future. But Maddox’s future changed the second the Redwood Pack saved Ellie. Maddox knew she was his mate. A mate he could never have.
These two are truly heartbreaking. Maddox is beyond stubborn. But once he realized that Ellie Makes him stronger not make her weaker. He finally make the choice to take her as his mate, no matter the consequences.
Another wonderful story from Carrie Ann and brings us closer and closer to a final battle with the Redwood Packs enemy.
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.
TITLE: Breakaway
SERIES #: Dartmouth Cobras #3
CHARACTERS: Jami Richer, Sebastian Ramos, Luke Carter
AUTHOR: Bianca Sommerland
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/04/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Against some attacks, the only hope is to come out and meet the play.
Last year, Jami Richter had no plans, no goals, no future. But that’s all changed. First step, make up for putting her father through hell by supporting the hockey team he manages and becoming an Ice Girl. But a photo shoot puts her right in the arms of Sebastian Ramos, a Dartmouth Cobra defenseman with a reputation for getting any woman—or, as the rumours imply, man—he desires. And the powerful dominant wants her…and Luke. Getting involved in Seb’s lifestyle gives her a new understanding of the game and the bonds between players. But can she handle being caught between two men who want her, while struggling with their attraction to one another?
Luke Carter’s life is about as messed up as his scarred face. His mother is sick. His girlfriend dumps him. When he goes to his favorite BDSM club to blow off some steam, his Dom status is turned upside down when a therapeutic beating puts him in a good place. He flatly denies being submissive–or, even worse, being attracted to another man. He wants Jami but can’t have her without getting involved with Sebastian. Can he overcome his own prejudices long enough to admit he wants them both?
Caught between Luke and Jami, Sebastian Ramos does everything in his power to fulfill their needs. His two new submissives willingly share their bodies, but not their secrets. When his own past comes back to haunt him, the fragile foundation of their relationship is ripped apart. As he works to salvage the damage done by doubt and insecurity, he discovers that Jami is hiding something dangerous. But it may already be too late.
Warning
This ebook contains material not suitable for readers under 18. It also contains scenes that some may find objectionable, including hockey violence, BDSM, ménage sex, bondage, anal sex, sex toys, multiple partners, woman love, and man love including, but not limited to an erotic shower scene. Readers are advised not to attempt reenacting the scene while reading the ebook.
REVIEW:
I think this was my favorite book of the series. I really enjoyed the characters and the growth they went through. There were plenty of obstacles to keep these 3 apart and they were not easily overcome. I like that the author didn’t gloss over the issues that they had to confront and overcome. Again, you can really see the writing improve as the series progresses. We also get a glimpse into previous characters lives and what is going on with them now.
I liked the added drama of the problematic ex and his family. Seems like the author is heading towards reforming the half brother and maybe making him a major character in an upcoming book. Seeing as how I like how she changed and redeemed both Silver and Jami look forward to seeing how it will all come out.
The only thing about this book that I didn’t love was how it seemed to be used as a springboard, or more like excuse to introduce more gay/bi characters. It just kind of seemed like a little convenient. I will be curious to see how it all plays out in future books in the series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Under The Covers
SERIES #: Maverick, Montana #2
CHARACTERS: Juliet & Quinn
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Opposites don’t attract. They ignite.
The small Montana town near t
he Kooskia reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway, and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends. Namely, finding out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding in his holster…
Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something. Clearly, he needs to do a thorough investigation to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight, city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated. How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?
REVIEW:
I’m a fickle thing… Why do I say that? Well back in March when I read Against The Wall I fell in love with Jake but here I am with a whole knew love… Quinn. Quinn is the perfect guy as far as I am concerned. I thought I couldn’t love one of Zanetti’s books more than the last (and her paranormal series too) but I honestly think she has created the perfect man and ALL women will fall for Quinn and you know what they will love Juliet as well.
Quinn is protective, dominate and caring. Juliet is funny, loving and willing to put her trust in a man finally. She has a background that Quinn should not be connected with but somehow they work together.
I love the men of Maverick Montana. There is just something in the water there. And there is just something about Zanetti as well. She sucks you into her books within a page and you never want to leave. I love her Dark Protector series and I can not wait for her next book Forgotten Sins the first in a new series. You can not go wrong picking up a Rebecca Zanetti book!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Great Escape
SERIES #: Wynette, Texas #7
CHARACTERS: Lucy & Panda
AUTHOR: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Where do you run to when your life has fallen apart?
Lucy Jorik is a champ at never embarrassing the family she adores—not surprising since her mother is one of the most famous women in the world. But now Lucy has done just that. And on her wedding day, no less, to the most perfect man she’s ever known.
Instead of saying “I do” to Mr. Irresistible, Lucy flees the church in an ill-fitting blue choir robe and hitches a ride on the back of a beat-up motorcycle plastered with offensive bumper stickers. She’s flying into the unknown with a rough-looking, bad-tempered stranger who couldn’t be more foreign to her privileged existence.
While the world searches for her, Lucy must search for herself, and she quickly realizes that her customary good manners are no defense against a man who’s raised rudeness to an art form. Lucy needs to toughen up—and fast.
Her great escape takes her to his rambling beach house on a Great Lakes island. Here, she hopes to find a new direction . . . and unlock the secrets of this man who knows so much about her but reveals nothing about himself. As the hot summer days unfold amid scented breezes and sudden storms, she’ll also encounter a beautiful, troubled beekeeper; a frightened young boy; a modern-day evil queen; and a passion that could change her life forever.
REVIEW:
Lucy finally got her story and what a story it is. SEP doesn’t miss a beat in this story of Lucy and Panda. The two characters have a connection from the moment Panda revs up to Lucy after she has fled the wedding to Mr. Perfect, Ted Beaudine from “Call Me Irresistible”.
While the connection is there I have to admit that I wondered if the characters were really meant to be together. But they share a common background and while their current lives are no longer the same they still click. The background characters are just as interesting as Panda and Lucy.
*Possible Spoiler* I have to say that the ending made me sad. It seems that this is the end of the series. The epilogue seems to wrap everything up and while I am sure that SEP has a new set of books in the works saying goodbye to Wynette is like saying goodbye to a hometown.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A brand-new novel in an original eBook series from popular romance author Molly Harper! When Sadie & Josh compete for the same Kentucky Tourism Commission job, sparks fly—turns out Kentucky really is for lovers.
Sadie Hutchins loves her job at the Kentucky Tourism Commission. Not only could her co-workers double as the cast of Parks & Recreation, but she loves finding the unusual sites, hidden gems, and just-plain-odd tourist attractions of her home state. She’s a shoo-in for the director’s job when her boss retires at the end of the year…until hotshot Josh Vaughn shows up to challenge her for the position.
Josh is all sophisticated polish while Sadie’s country comfort, and the two have very different ideas of what makes a good campaign. So when their boss pits them against each other in a winner-takes-all contest, they’re both willing to fight dirty if it means getting what they want. But it turns out, what Josh and Sadie want could be each other—and Josh’s kisses are the best Kentucky attraction Sadie’s found yet!
REVIEW:
Sadie Hutchins has worked her tail off to get where she is in her job. Now she has the chance to move up the ladder to her bosses position. Only problem is now she has competition. Competition in the form of a very hot Josh Vaughn.
Josh and Sadie enter into a playful, slightly painful game of who can outwit, outplay and out-prank the others. But somewhere along the way the line between enemy and lover becomes very, very, very blurry. But in the end only one can win. Or can there be two winners?
You will just have to pick up a copy of My Bluegrass Baby and find out. Another awesomely fun book from Molly Harper. I love that her characters are always fun, snarky, pains in the butts for the other characters, stubborn, beyond hard headed and always ready with a great witty comeback. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
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.
TITLE: Dragon Mine
