Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly reviews Bonds Of Trust by Lynda Aicher

TITLE: Bonds Of Trust
SERIES #: Wicked Play #1
CHARACTERS: Cali & Jake
AUTHOR: Lynda Aicher
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members’ night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he’s intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she’s been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she’s not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn’t want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. It was lighter on the BDSM that I expected based on the synopsis but it was still an enjoyable read. The characters have an instant attraction and while the story is good it has become mainstream with the influx of BDSM stories.

Was it a story that will make the headlines like other BDSM? Not a chance. This book feels as if a stay at home mom decided she could write a book and jump on the popular bandwagon. But at the same time. It is a fine story in general and what the heck if you like erotica then pick it up.

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

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Kimberly reviews Now You See It by Cait Donnelly

TITLE: Now you See It
SERIES #: Inner Edge #1
CHARACTERS: Brady & Gemma
AUTHOR: Cait Donnelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former Navy SEAL Brady McGrath has no trouble attracting female attention. But women never stick around long once they learn he can read feelings through touch. When an old Navy buddy hires him to protect his sister, he doesn’t need extra-sensory abilities to know someone wants something from Gemma Cavanagh —something worth killing for.

Gemma’s finally getting a handle on her own unique ability to make things disappear—even making them reappear on occasion. When someone breaks into her house and hacks into her computer, she’s certain her soon-to-be-ex husband is to blame—until the police show up on her doorstep with the news he’s been murdered. And she’s their number one suspect.

After barely escaping a firebombing, Gemma and Brady are forced into hiding—and forced to confront the chemistry between them. As they desperately search for the killer, can Brady help Gemma harness her abilities—and keep her from finding out about his own dark past?

REVIEW:
Another book with a Navy Seal (aren’t they all anymore?). But I thought why not it sounded a bit different but while it had a bunch of potential I just couldn’t get into the flow of this book. Gemma is a character that I could not enjoy at all. While the men of the story are interesting that alone can not carry this story.

I loved the idea that the characters had paranormal abilities but that was not the main premise of the book so that was interesting to me but Gemma just wasn’t enjoyable enough for me to enjoy the story. The suspense is there so do not pick this up thinking it is paranormal but pick it up to enjoy the suspense.

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

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Kimberly reviews Romancing The Holiday by Burton/Dimon/Barth

TITLE: Romancing The Holiday
SERIES #: Kent Brothers #3/Holloway #3
AUTHOR: Burton/Dimon/Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
We wish you a merry Christmas…and a happily ever after!

A memorable three-night stand gets rekindled in a cabin in West Virginia. An office romance is sparked by an impulsive holiday kiss. And two best friends scout locations for a marriage proposal and discover that they make a perfect match. ‘Tis the season for laughter, love and a lifetime of happiness.

Edited by Angela James this anthology includes:
We’ll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
The Best Thing by Jaci Burton
Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

REVIEW:
Great holiday romances. These are novella’s from previous holiday stories. Enjoyable for the holidays. Not much I can say about them except if you enjoy a holiday romance then pick this one up.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Eternal Demon by Laura Wright

TITLE: Eternal Demon
SERIES: Mark of the Vampire #5
CHARACTERS: Erion & Hellen
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | BN

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Erion’s son is kidnapped by the evil vampire Cruen, Erion vows to stop at nothing to find his hideaway—including intercepting the traveling party of Cruen’s beautiful bride-to-be. But instead of a vulnerable caravan, Erion is met by a feral band of female demons that includes Hellen, the bride—a creature of dark magic and darker passion.

Though the safety of his son is foremost, Erion can’t deny his unexpected connection to Hellen—inflaming a manic desire as primal as it is irresistible. As their bond intensifies, they move toward an inevitable and terrifying battle. With time running out, Erion realizes he must not only find and rescue his son but protect Hellen from Cruen and the underworld forces waiting to destroy her for her betrayal.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This was not my favorite book in the Mark of the Vampire series, but my favorite (Nicky) was in this one more than the last (Eternal Beauty). But while this was not my favorite it was still a good story and a good spin on the Mark of the Vampire world.

I am not sure what it is, but for some reason despite being Nicky’s twin I just don’t feel a connection with Erion like I do with Alex, Nicky & Luca. But as the story went on I got to see a side of Erion that he never shows any one. And I will admit that there were a few tears towards the end of this book.

I do have to say that sometime I really love/hate how Ms. Wright leaves us hanging at the end of her books. Eternal Demon is not different. To say I wanted to yell at the end of this book was an understatement *shakes fist at Ms. Wright*. My second favorite character in this series (Synjon) has turned into a complete asshat after the events of the last two books and novella. But I am looking forward to seeing if he can redeem himself in Eternal Sin. And I want to see what other twists and turns Ms. Wright throws at us in the MOTV 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.

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Kelly reviews How Beauty Loved The Beast by Jax Garren

TITLE: How Beauty Loved the Beast
SERIES: Underlight Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Wesley “Hauk” Haukon & Jolie Benoit
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: May 13, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s all been leading to this.

Jolie Benoit has become a skilled agent of the Underlight, relying on her savvy to complete assignments while Sergeant Wesley Haukon was out of commission. But an unexpected clue to the Order of Ananke’s diabolical scheme rattles Jolie, and she turns to Hauk for comfort.

It’s been years since Hauk took comfort from the touch of another person, though his love for Jolie is deep and powerful. Uncomfortable in his skin, scarred by a terrible fire, he is unable to give in to the pleasures that Jolie so desperately wants to grant him.

Meanwhile, the Order is lurking in the shadows—and when they strike, the blow is swift and terrible. Hauk and Jolie scramble to fight for their community, but with the future of the Underlight threatened, no one is safe. And Hauk will never be the same…

 

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Hauk & Jolie are so perfect for each other. I am really sad to see the end of this trilogy. I have grown to love Hauk & Jolie so much. They have been through alot over the course of these three books and I don’t want them to go. I could go on and on and on about this book/series. But I try to live spoiler free. So I am just going to say you have to read this series!!!

Jax does an amazing job of twisting the traditional story of Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. I truly loved all three of these books. While I am sad to see them go I am excited to see what Jax has in store for us next.

If you have not picked up these books I would highly recommend them. But you really do HAVE to read them in order.

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.

4 Hearts

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Jennifer reviews Too Hot To Handle by Victoria Dahl

TITLE: Too Hot to Handle
SERIES #: The Jackson Series #2
CHARACTERS: Merry Kade and Shane Harcourt
AUTHOR: Victoria Dahl
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This good girl’s going bad…Merry Kade has always been the good girl. The best friend. The one who patiently waits for the guy to notice her. Well, no more. Merry has just scored her dream job, and it’s time for her life to change. As the new curator of a museum in Wyoming, she’ll supervise a lot of restoration work. Luckily she’s found the perfect contractor for the job.

Shane Harcourt can’t believe that someone wants to turn a beat-up ghost town into a museum attraction. After all, the last thing he needs is the site of his dream ranch turning into a tourist trap. He’ll work on the project, if only to hasten its failure…until the beautiful, quirky woman in charge starts to change his mind.

For the first time ever, Merry has a gorgeous stud hot on her heels. But can she trust this strong, silent man, even if he is a force of nature in bed? When Shane’s ulterior motive come out, he’ll need to prove to Merry that a love like theirs may be too hot to handle, but it’s impossible to resist.

REVIEW:
Victoria Dahl has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time and I thoroughly enjoyed her new book, Too Hot to Handle. Merry Kade is so sweet and adorable in an awkward way and I could instantly relate to her. She has always been considered the best friend and not the “hot chick” and I felt for her trying to navigate in today’s misconstrued dating scene. When she meets Shane Harcourt, she immediately believes that he only sees her as a “friend” and any sexual contact that they may have would be labeled under “friends with benefits.” No strings attached and no long-term commitment potential when all Merry would love to do is settle down with this hot cowboy.

Shane started off in this book as having a chip on his shoulder and had this reputation that he wasn’t looking for a relationship. He agrees to help Merry with rebuilding the ghost town of Providence, little by little, but we quickly find out that he has ulterior motives to assisting Merry. I have to say that Shane grew on me after a while and I was really hoping that he could see Merry as more than a friend because they seemed to have great chemistry together. Merry deserved a true relationship and to know what love feels like and there were a few people in this book who would have kicked him in the ass if he broke Merry’s heart. I really enjoyed this book and reconnected with past characters from Close Enough to Touch and I am looking forward to more love stories in the beautiful town of Jackson, Wyoming.

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

4 Hearts

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Jennifer reviews Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting

TITLE: Dead Silence
SERIES #: Body Finder #4
CHARACTERS: Violet Ambrose
AUTHOR: Kimberly Derting
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/16/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is, until she acquired an imprint of her own. Now she’s more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to her becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, Violet finds herself pulled into a hunt for a vicious madman with an army of devoted followers–and quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

REVIEW:
Kimberly Derting has written a pulse-pounding story full of suspense with Dead Silence and the stakes are much higher for Violet and her special investigative team. In this installment, Violet is dealing with the recent events that have left her with an imprint of her own. I just want to say that Violet has come so far in her journey from the first novel in the series and finally seems to be coming to terms with her unusual gift. She seems stronger, more grown-up and I was impressed by how well she was handling everything in her life. She is still in limbo in regards to her feelings toward Rafe while having a romantic relationship with her longtime boyfriend, Jay. All this changes when she accidentally finds the bodies of a family and is thrown into a murder investigation where someone she knows becomes the prime suspect.

I really enjoyed this story and I liked how Violet was able to understand more about her gift by finding journals that belonged to her grandmother, who also had Violet’s ability. It helped to provide some answers that she had always wondered about, yet provided more questions as to what her future holds with her fellow team members of the special investigative unit. I was also impressed by her boyfriend, Jay, because all through this series, he has been a great guy that has stood beside her and would do anything to protect her. He doesn’t particularly care for Rafe and knows that Rafe has feelings for Violet but is able to put those emotions aside because they ultimately have to work together. I felt sorry for Rafe throughout this book because of his unrequited romantic feelings toward Violet but I was also glad to see there could possibly be a new love entering his life soon.

The killer in this book was absolutely creepy and I had a hard time with some of the scenes just because of the gore content. Makes you want to double check your locks and get home before it gets dark after reading this.

Kimberly Derting is such a talented writer and I have enjoyed every one of her books in the Body Finder series. I have loved Violet’s transition from being just this young girl with a bizarre talent to a young woman who now wants to help people with her “gift.” I’m hoping that there will be more books in this series because Kimberly has done a wonderful job creating these characters and I can’t wait to see what is next for Violet and her friends.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of the blog tour.

4 Hearts
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Kelly reviews True by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: True
CHARACTERS: Tyler Mann & Rory Macintosh
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost.

REVIEW:
I liked this story, but was not in love with it. I do realize that the characters were college age and therefore very selfish and well for a lack of a better word, stupid. But I guess that is how most college kids are. They don’t think before they act.

The sweet, smart shy girl meets the bad boy kinda story.

A couple of my biggest problems was the smoking. I know that people do it but for some reason I don’t want to read about my hero/heroine smoking.

The second biggest problem was that the hero was sleeping with the heroines roommate right before they hooked up. I don’t know this just bugged me the whole book.

But overall it was an okay read for me. Will I grab the next book in this series? I am still on the fence about that.

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.

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Kelly reviews Sworn To Protect by Jo Davis

TITLE: Sworn to Protect
SERIES: Sugarland Blue #1
CHARACTERS: Shane Ford & Daisy Callahan
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sugarland loves their men in blue, especially Detective Shane Ford. But Shane’s mission to protect and to serve has just gotten personal…

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but only manages to alienate him—and winds up going head to head with Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he’s sworn to protect.

REVIEW:
Sworn to Protect is the 1st book in Jo Davis’ new Sugarland Blue Series. But if you missed it there was a novella released in March “Armed and Dangerous” that takes place before this book. Which you may want to read first it gives you a little history of Shane and Daisy.

In Sworn to Protect we find Shane in an impossible situation. His best friend in the world is dead, he is now the guardian of a teenage boy, the woman of his dreams just walked out on him and someone is pushing some deadly new drug.

Daisy has been in love with Shane since the day she meet him. But he never has noticed her until a few months ago. But then he pushed her away. Daisy is not sure if she can take another risk with her heart. When Shane comes to her for help Daisy can’t say no.

This was a very good story. I loved Shane even when he was being a dummy. And Daisy is no pushover. These two are so sickening sweet!!! But I loved it.

I can’t wait to see what is in store next for the Sugarland Blue 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.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly review Desperate Measures by Linda Cajio

TITLE: Desperate Measures
CHARACTERS: Ellen & Joe
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellen Kitteridge is doing her best to put a personal but very public tragedy behind her. Trusting any man—especially one who radiates power and sensuality like Joe Carlini— isn’t easy . . . but it sure is fun. She’s never felt more alive as she helps Joe track down whoever is stealing Carlini family secrets. Playing spy games, with lust heating every moment, has taken her way beyond her comfort zone—and now she’s wondering if she’s gone too far.

Carlini Foods is Joe’s life, but Ellen, with her perfect mix of vixen and vulnerability, makes him realize how hungry his heart has become. Fate has made her his co-conspirator as he ferrets out a traitor in the ranks. Now it’s up to Joe to make sure she stays close. Ellen may have been hurt in the past, but Joe’s not going to give up on the best thing that has ever happened to him.

REVIEW:
While this story is cute it is OH SO DATED! I mean the characters meet in a roller skating rink for heavens sake. Originally published in 1989 as a LoveSwept novel this story does not stand the test of time.

Now that being said if you know ahead of time how dated it is it is a very cute story. I enjoyed it and can understand why it has become a “LoveSwept Classic”. It is a simple quick read and enjoyable… but really? Frank Sinatra? Can we say d-a-t-e-d?

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

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Kimberly reviews He’s So Shy by Linda Cajio

TITLE: He’s So Shy
CHARACTERS: Penelope & Richard
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Penelope Marsh last laid eyes on the gorgeous man standing before her, Richard Creighton had been a skinny nerd with glasses. Now he’s one of the most popular actors in the world. The only reason he’s back in New Jersey is to play the lead in a period piece directed by Penelope’s cousin. But Penelope’s too old for a schoolgirl crush—especially when the crush in question is a sexy Hollywood hunk.

Still sometimes shocked to be the object of a pretty woman’s desire, Richard is most comfortable with the cameras rolling, hiding behind the mask of his carefully crafted characters. Penelope’s presence on the set brings back memories of his painfully shy childhood—and yet he’s powerfully drawn to the willowy schoolteacher with the long legs and vivid blue eyes. Most celebrity romances must weather promiscuous starlets and invasive paparazzi, but Richard faces a different challenge altogether: proving that he’s come into his own since he was a kid—not to Penelope, but to himself.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 1994 and even from the prologue of the book you can see that this book is very dated. While a cute read it is best to know that up front.

This story is very typical of the romance of the day. However the couple is cute and endearing in their own way. The story is short so if you enjoy a cute romance this will be one that will become a classic just like it is in the LoveSwept Classic collection.

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

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Jennifer reviews Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson

TITLE: Hot Blooded
SERIES #: Jessica McClain #2
CHARACTERS: Jessica McClain
AUTHOR: Amanda Carlson
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It hasn’t been the best week for Jessica McClain. Her newly found mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge, and Jessica is positive she can save him. But being the only female werewolf in town comes with its own set of rules and powers…if only she understood them. Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

REVIEW:
After finishing Full Blooded last year, I was dying to read Hot Blooded and Amanda Carlson doesn’t disappoint with this exciting new novel. Jessica is on a quest to save her mate, Rourke, from the clutches of the evil goddess, Selene, who happens to be hiding out in her mountain lair. To get to Rourke, Jessica must battle through the dangerous supernatural traps that Selene has set for her, meaning to kill everyone in its path. Selene won’t give up Rourke without a fight and Jessica is willing to do anything to be reunited with her mate.

I loved this book so much! Hot Blooded picks up right after the events of Full Blooded and this book is filled with non-stop action. Jessica is trying to come to terms with her new found supernatural abilities and decipher the alleged prophecy that claims that a female wolf will rule all. The problem is that she has to get her mate back and then she will be able to sort out all the rest. I just loved Jessica’s personality and I instantly related to her. She would do anything to find Rourke and bring him home safely but was afraid to lose any of her close friends in the process. This book was enjoyable from beginning to end and we learn so much more about Jessica and how her new powers affect the wolf pack. I also love the refreshing take on the werewolf folklore and I am excited to see where Ms. Carlson goes with this in further books. I can’t wait to read Cold Blooded later this year and Amanda Carlson is destined to be a big name in the paranormal genre.

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