Category: Review Sunday

Posted on

Kelly reviews The Trouble With Love by Beth Ciotta

TITLE: The Trouble with Love
SERIES: Cupcake Lovers #2
CHARACTERS: Jayce Bello & Rocky Monroe
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rocky Monroe’s bad luck is legendary. So it stands to reason that during a quick trip to New York on behalf of the Cupcake Lovers’ forthcoming book, she winds up in the arms of the one man she never wants to see again. So what if he’s also the man she can’t stop dreaming about? Mouth-watering Jayce Bello has always been Rocky’s biggest mistake, and she’s not going to let history repeat itself … unless she gets a new taste of his delicious kisses.

When Jayce Bello left Sugar Creek ten years ago, it was the right thing to do—for him and for Rocky, his best friend’s little sister. But one passionate night with gorgeous, reckless Rocky is enough to prove that she’s the missing ingredient in his happiness. Now, with scandalous secrets souring the sweetness of the Cupcake Lovers’ club, Jayce needs to convince Rocky that their love is something to savor

REVIEW:
The second book in Beth Ciotta’s Cupcake Lover’s series was just as much fun as Fool for Love. We get to learn what the heck happened between Rocky & Jayce.

Rocky Monroe has had a major problem with Jayce Bello for all of her life, it is a love/hate relationship. But when Rocky finds herself in the big city mugged and slightly hit by a car the first person she calls is Jayce.

Jayce has never really understood what he did wrong all those years ago. All he knows is that Rocky still hates him, but Jayce is going to change that. With or without Rocky’s help.

Rocky and Jayce have some major history which makes their interactions so much fun. I wanted to talk some sense into Rocky. But she is beyond stubborn and has to learn the hard way. And boy does she learn.

If you have read Fool for Love then you will understand the tension between Rocky and Jayce. While you could read The Trouble with Love alone I think it would be best to read Fool in Love first.

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

Posted on

Kelly reviews Fever by Maya Banks

TITLE: Fever
SERIES: Breathless #2
CHARACTERS: Jace & Bethany
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise…

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.

REVIEW:
I am so on the fence about this book. I really liked Jace in book one. But in FEVER Jace is very controlling asshat. While he might mean well he does a very poor job showing it. So many times in this book I really wanted Bethany to tell Jace to go to hell and walk away. But that was not going to happen. I really would have liked Bethany to be a bit stronger too. I think Jace needed a woman that would challenge him.

But overall it was an okay story for me. I do plan on finishing this series with Ashes’ book and I hope that book 3 is better than book 2

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.

Posted on

Kelly reviews The Summer He Came Home by Juliana Stone

TITLE: The Summer He Came Home
SERIES: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Cain Black & Maggie O’Rourke
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars ~ Starting a book off with a funeral doesn’t normally seem like a good idea for a romance novel. But sadly this funeral is what brings all the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake back together.

Cain had vowed many years ago to never come back to this small little town. There was nothing here for him, besides his mom. But with the death of his good friend Cain has returned, but only for a very short visit. Only this time things are just a tad bit prettier in Crystal Lake. Or maybe it is the very pretty and fiery redhead that is new to town.

There are so many ups and downs in this story. I could not put this book down. While book 1 is Cain and Maggie’s story Juliana does a great job of sucking in the secondary character to the forefront and makes us want more of them .

Aaaahhhh I have a new love. I really did love this first book of the Bad Boys of Crystal Lake. And I really really really can’t wait for book two to see what Juliana has in store for us.

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

Posted on

Kelly reviews Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Thrill Ride
Black Knight Inc #4
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
Characters: Rock Babineaux & Vanessa Cordova
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/2/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won’t Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist

very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight

REVIEW:
In Thrill Ride we finally get a little more insight into why Rock went rogue. But even Rock doesn’t completely understand what he was involved in until it is almost too late. But what Rock is willing to do and give up in order to protect his team and the ones he loves will put everyone in the Black Knight Inc family to the ultimate test.

Vanessa is willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring back the man she loves. But when finding a man who doesn’t want to be found is the easiest part of her job. Vanessa finally realizes the true meaning of love, family and never saying give up.

Another great story from Julie Ann Walker. I loved Rock and Vanessa from the glimpses that we got of them in the other Black Knight Inc books. And there story lived up to everything I hoped it would be. Even if there were times I wanted to slap some sense into Rock… Boy is he ever stubborn. I am so glad that Vanessa was tough enough to deal with all his crap. I can’t wait to see what adventure Julie Ann takes us on next.

If you have enjoyed the first three books in the Black Knight Inc Series then I think you will love Thrill Ride. If you have not started the Black Knight Inc Series yet. I would highly suggest you put this on you need to read list.

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

 

Posted on

Kelly reviews Wrecked by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Wrecked
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:04/02/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…

Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?

She’s been wondering the same thing.

With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.

When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars ~ Wrecked shows us that no matter how stubborn you are there is always room for change. When Abigale finds herself left at the altar, she decides that it is time for a big change in her life. To do something wild and crazy for once in her life. To break the rules and not always have a plan. Abigale never could have predicted that this one wild and crazy thought would completely and utterly change her life.

When Zach (Abigale’s best friend) finds out about Abigale’s plan for a one-night hot torrid affair. He knows he has to be that person. He can’t sit back any longer and watch the love of his life wreck her life anymore.

But will stepping over that friendship line be everything he hoped for or will it wreck the friendship forever?

I loved this book!!! Such a great story of learning to let go and finding out that everything you ever really wanted has been right in front of you the whole time.

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

4 Hearts
Posted on

Kelly reviews Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison

TITLE: Rising Darkness
SERIES: Games of Shadows #1
CHARACTERS: Mary & Michael
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison begins an all-new, darkly romantic paranormal saga, in which the fate of existence itself lies in the balance—and the key to victory may rest in the hands of two eternal lovers…

In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. She’s feeling disconnected from herself. Voices appear in her head. And the vivid, disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s handsome, enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself…

Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on—and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. And the more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver.

Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago…Michael.

REVIEW:
I have come to the the conclusion that Urban Fantasy is really not my cup of tea. I am not 100% sure why. But it just doesn’t grab me. Maybe I am going through a phase right now.

That being said Rising Darkness was just okay for me. The storyline was interesting enough. That characters are interesting. But there was something off for me. Again I can’t say way or what it was.

I will be putting this book on my need to re-read again in the future shelf. Maybe the second time around I will be in the right mood.

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.

Posted on

Kelly reviews Surrender by Stephanie Tyler

TITLE: Surrender
SERIES: Section 8 bk #1
CHARACTERS: Dare O’Rourke & Grace Powell
AUTHOR: Stephanie Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DESPERATE, FEARLESS, AND HUNTED

For former Navy SEAL Dare O’Rourke, Section 8 was legendary. The son of one of its missing members, he grew up in the shadow of its secrets. All he knew was that it was a cabal of operatives discharged from branches of the military and reassigned to extremely dangerous, off- the-books international missions. And that their handler was as shrouded in mystery as the missions themselves.

NOTHING CAN STOP THEM. NOTHING CAN BREAK THEM.

Now the handler of Section 8 has given orders to kill any remaining members, along with their families. Dare must save his long-lost half sister, Avery, whom he was never meant to meet. Determined to fight for their lives and find their missing father, Dare and Avery bring together for one last mission those who are in danger because of their relationship to Section 8—to avenge their families and to survive.

**ADDED BY AUTHOR: Dare’s love interest in this book is NOT his half sister – I promise!***

REVIEW:
Stephanie Tyler, a former Navy Seal, Secrets, Lies and Romance…. Do I need to say more?

Oh? I do?

Okay fine, Surrender is a great start to a new romantic suspense series for Stephanie.

Dare O’Rourk finds himself thrown into the middle of a life and death situation. If he fails it is not only his death, but his sisters and a few surprisingly new allies. But learn to trust those allies is not going to be easy.

It seems everyone in this book as some kind of secret they are keeping from the other. Something that could put them all at risk at any time. It seems they can never get a jump on their enemy. Which lead me to believe there was a spy among them… But it was so much worse than I thought.

I will say I was really surprised. I didn’t see the twists and turns that Stephanie through at me. Great first book in this new series. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Section 8 team.

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

Posted on

Kelly’s review of Her Lucky Love by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Her Lucky Love
SERIES: Holiday Montana #4
CHARACTERS: Brayden Cooper & Allison Malone
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: March 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brayden Cooper has always been lucky. It’s in his blood and in the coin that he has hanging on a leather tie around his neck. He has everything in the world he could ever want: money, a job, brothers he loves, and the luck that comes with his powers. Yet he’s empty. Everyone but him knows he loves Allison, yet it’s going to take something stronger than luck to bring them together.

Allison Malone is exhausted. After the death of her abusive husband, her hell of a marriage is finally over and now she’s alone with her three children that are the center of her world. Long hours at work, plus mommy duty at home are taking its toll on her and that’s not the worst of it. Her late husband’s family is in town and they want her children.

The outsiders have secrets of their own and it’s going to take all of the Coopers, especially Brayden’s, help to save them. When trouble attacks, Allison will have to remember that she’s also a woman who needs love, and Brayden might be the one to give that to her.

Warning: Contains one sexy mechanic with a lucky streak, a waitress who needs to give into her temptations, and a love so fierce it’s bound to set the sheets on fire. Again.

REVIEW:
Finally Brayden gets his story and we get to see a side of Bray that no one would believe. See Brayden is the nice Cooper brother. Well that is what everyone thinks. But Brayden has been keeping a secret. One he has not wanted to share with anyone let alone his pain in the butt brothers. But when a threat from Allison’s past comes back, Brayden is willing to do anything to keep the love of his life safe and sound.

This was a really good story. I was so happy that Bray & Ally finally got over their issues and made a run of it. They are so sweet & hot together. And Brayden while he may seem the sweet nice Cooper brother, he does have a few surprises up his sleeves for his new lady love.

If you have enjoyed the other Holiday Montana stories you will really enjoy Her Lucky Love. Can’t wait to see what happens with the next and final book in the Holiday Montana 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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Send Me No Flowers by Trish Jensen

TITLE: Send Me No Flowers
CHARACTERS: Jenny & Rob
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When she was known as an overweight kid from a “loony” family, he often rescued her from bullies. Now she’s come back home all grownup and gorgeous, and he’s the one who will need rescuing. Sheriff Rob Townsend of Daredevil, South Carolina remembers Jenny Creighton as the girl mean kids called “Jumbo Jenny.” He was compelled to protect her on more than one occasion, a brand of heroic kindness Jenny never forgot. Jenny’s returned to the small town to claim an inheritance and open a flower shop. On the inside, however, she’s still the chubby girl who doesn’t want anyone to remember her humiliating past. Rob has turned into a hunk with a painful history of his own-one that makes him the biggest heartbreaker south of the Mason-Dixon line. When he becomes her best customer-buying flowers as goodbye gifts for a growing line-up of ex-girlfriends-the women in Daredevil begin to run from Jenny and her kiss-goodbye bouquets. How can she build a business when all the single gals in town are scared to see her on their doorsteps? And what are the secrets behind her childhood hero’s love-’em-and-leave-’em lifestyle?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a re-release from I believe 1999. This is a very cute book. As with all of the earlier books from Jensen as much as I enjoyed it I enjoy her current works better but this was a great story.
It was set in small town America so it seemed I was watching something out of Mayberry. Everyone speaks with a hick accent and says “yes ma’am” and calls everyone “Miz ___” but once I got used to that it was a enjoyable read.

Jenny is written very well. I liked how she was written as a normal woman. She wasn’t perfect but was an everyday woman who dealt with life. I enjoyed Rob as well. While he does play that small town playboy personality we really didn’t see a lot of that because the story starts off with Rob and Jenny having met 6 months ago (this time around). It is not a long book but it is worth the read.

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

Posted on

Jennifer’s review of Along Came Trouble by Ruthie Knox

TITLE: Along Came Trouble
SERIES #: Camelot Series #2
CHARACTERS: Ellen Callahan and Caleb Clark
AUTHOR: Ruthie Knox
PUBLICATION DATE: 3/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An accomplished lawyer and driven single mother, Ellen Callahan isn’t looking for any help. She’s doing just fine on her own. So Ellen’s more than a little peeved when her brother, an international pop star, hires a security guard to protect her from a prying press that will stop at nothing to dig up dirt on him. But when the tanned and toned Caleb Clark shows up at her door, Ellen might just have to plead the fifth.

Back home after a deployment in Iraq and looking for work as a civilian, Caleb signs on as Ellen’s bodyguard. After combat in the hot desert sun, this job should be a breeze. But guarding the willful beauty is harder than he imagined–and Caleb can’t resist the temptation to mix business with pleasure. With their desires growing more undeniable by the day. Ellen and Caleb give in to an evening of steamy passion. But will they ever be able to share more than just a one-night stand?

REVIEW:
Ellen Callahan just wanted peace and quiet in her life but that wasn’t possible when her famous brother decided to have an affair with the next door neighbor. Now the paparazzi are in town to get a glimpse of the famous couple and tramping over Ellen’s lawn to do it. Ellen didn’t need anyone to take care of her and that goes for the security detail that her brother has hired for her. I liked that she was very successful in her career but also very down-to-earth. She had a famous brother and she never got wrapped up in that lifestyle. She just wanted to raise her son without distractions after recently divorcing her philandering, drunk, yet full of himself ex-husband, Richard. I loved her personality and I truly connected with her because its hard being a mom while having a career and trying to balance both worlds. She didn’t want to find love but it was exactly what she needed and I wish everyone could have a Caleb Clark.

As I read this book, I kept picturing Caleb as a Dwayne Johnson type of guy that seemed to have it all. He was this handsome, strong guy who looked as though he could have any woman that he wanted because he was such a charmer. The thing is, he was actually looking for that one woman that he could call his own and when he saw Ellen, he knew that he had found her. He just had to convince her and take took a little “negotiation.” He was the perfect match for her because protecting his family and the people that he loved meant everything to him because after being in the military, that was one of the things that he could do very well. I also just loved the way Caleb and Ellen interacted with each other, sometimes without even saying a word.

This is the second book in the Camelot series and Ruthie Knox has created a real winner with this one. This story is filled with humor, family fighting, romance and hot steamy sex between our two main characters. I can’t wait to read more from this author and I hope that when I grow old I can be like the character Nana in this book. She had some of the best lines that will have you laughing out loud.

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

Posted on

Kelly’s review of The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca

TITLE: The Baby Bargain
CHARACTERS: Adam Waters & Megan Young
AUTHOR: Jennifer Apodaca
PUBLICATION DATE: March 11, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seeing Adam Waters is the last thing veterinarian Megan Young expects. Ex-Marine. Ex-boyfriend. And still extremely dangerous territory. But Adam doesn’t know the secret Megan has been keeping from him. The secret that was created three years ago, after their last night together…Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son. Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail…

REVIEW:
Adam & Megan were college sweethearts. But Adam decided the small town life was not for him so he left. Leaving everything behind even the girl he loves. But now he is back. Even if it is only for a couple of weeks. Adam is determined to get back in Megan’s good grace…..or more.

Megan has tried really hard to put the past behind her. but that is really hard to do when your past just walked through your door asking for help.

This was a very quick read. I didn’t put the book down once from start to finish.

Adam & Megan are just so sweet together. Even when they are keeping secrets from each other. But when push comes to shove they both step up to the plate and do what is right.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

TITLE: Highlander Most Wanted
SERIES #: Montgomery/Armstrong #2
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Bowen
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

REVIEW:
What a wonderful and sad story. I have never read Banks before but now I have found a new author to enjoy. Genevieve breaks my heart. While she tried to be so brave her desperation is so palpable that I just wanted to cry for and with her. And what a wonderful man Bowen was written to be. This may just be my favorite Highlander novel.

I was worried that the sadness of Genevieve would go on for so long that it would become aggravating but it never did. And while it did continue throughout the entire story she was written with such a fighting spirit that just when you thought it might get tiresome something happens and you begin to understand her sadness yet again. Bowen is a strong man who is willing to do anything for Genevieve to be happy again.

This is the second in the series and I will say having not read the first I was a little lost with the characters and history at first but that was soon inconsequential to the rest of the story so it was fine. The other problem was there was a bit of the same information over and over but again it is written so well that it was still enjoyable.

If you enjoy Highlander novels this will most certainly need to be one you pick up and if you have not read one before this should be your first. You will fall in love with the Highlanders and Maya Banks.

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

4 Hearts