Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly’s review of Platinum by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Platinum
CHARACTERS: Steel & Althea
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Althea Grant’s Charleston gallery might be suffering from the bad economy, and her artistic aspirations have gone nowhere, but she’s doing just fine, thank you. When bad-boy sculptor Steel rides up on his motorcycle looking to rent studio space, his infusion of cash is more than welcome. But his art is raw, visceral, sexual—and completely inappropriate for her pastel world of watercolor landscapes.

Steel, fascinated by Althea’s rare albino coloring, sees in her the key to his next piece: a metal satyr designed for bondage games. Moving into her gallery basement is the first step; seducing the cool Southern belle into modeling for him is the second.

As Steel peels away her careful manners and tasteful outfits, Althea begins to realize her life isn’t just fine at all—it’s as pale and washed-out as the watercolor paintings she’s failing to sell. Can she transform her life and accept her most secret desires?

REVIEW:
You know what I liked best about this book? Steel and Althea are just normal people. Steel is not some billionaire CEO with control issues. Althea is not some off the street secretary. They are normal people. If anything Althea is the one who was brought up proper and has never known the world that Steel leads her to. He is beer and she is wine but they work together.

Yes, Steel is into having control in the bedroom and his BDSM is new to Althea but he is always willing to let her be who she wants to be. I enjoyed the playfulness that Steel has when he is around Althea. I just really enjoyed the whole story.

I did, however, feel like the ending was a bit rushed. Another couple of chapters (or maybe even just an epilogue) would have been nice. It just needed a bit more. But other than that I think if you like erotica this will be one you really enjoy.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Raphael/Parish by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

TITLE: Raphael/Parish – Bayou Heat #1 & #2
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: 1.7.13
Characters: Raphael & Ashe/Parish & Julia

ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
RAPHAEL

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

PARISH

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family

REVIEW:
Myth & Legend turn into reality in Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright’s Raphael/Parish. Books one and two in Ivy & Wright’s new joint series Bayou Heat.

In Raphael (bk1) we get introduced to the world of the Pantera Shapeshifters. Ivy does a great job of creating the world in this first story. Boy does Raphael’s story start with a bang. We get to meet Raphaels mate as she is being kicked out of her house by her drunk of a mother for being pregnant. Problem is Ashe can’t remember who or when…. But this is going to be the least of her problems when she wakes up to find Raphael in her dark hotel room talking about lost myths, shifters and that they are now mated.

In Parish (bk2) we pick up with Parish on a mission to find a human doctor for Ashe. But when Parish see Julia for the first time something in him changes. This change scares Parish. He doesn’t like humans, doesn’t trust humans not after what happened to Keria. But Parish is drawn to Julia so much so that he is willing to kidnap her and keep her if that is what it will take to make her his.

I really enjoyed both of these stories and good golly Wright leaves us hanging at the end of Parish. I am so looking forward to Bayon/Jean-Baptiste (bk 3&4) release day is scheduled for April 15th, 2013 (Happy Tax day to me!!) and Talon/Xavier’s (bk 5&6) scheduled for release summer of 2013

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’s review of Vampires Gone Wild by Sparks/Palmer/Arista/Falconer

TITLE: Vampires Gone Wild
SERIES #: Love At Stake #13.5
AUTHOR: Sparks/Palmer/Arista/Falconer
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/12/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
V is for VampWoman by Kerrelyn Sparks
Pamela decides to shed her prim and proper ways for spandex and a mask to help fight the Malcontents. Now if only she weren’t so distracted by the sexy vampire fighting by her side . . .

A Forever Love by Pamela Palmer
Trapped in Vamp City, Lukas has been unable to return to the beauty who stole his heart. But now that she’s stumbled into his world, it will take every ounce of cunning he possesses to keep her alive.

First Dates Are Hell by Amanda Arista
Valiance’s first date in a hundred years is going great . . . until they’re attacked in the parking lot and quiet, unassuming Esme turns out to be way more than she appears.

Blood and Water by Kim Falconer
Beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay lives a vampire race that wants nothing to do with the “landers” except to feed on them. But when Stellan sets eyes on Angelina, everything changes.

REVIEW:
I was going to review each short story separately but honestly they are so much alike it how I would review them that I changed my mind. These stories are all a little weird. All a little odd. All a bit stupid and all a bit interesting. Honestly I am not sure if I liked these stories but something kept me wanting to read all four stories. The problem was some seem part of an ongoing series so that was a bit confusing since I have not read these authors before. But honestly I think it was just not enough time with the characters and the storylines. As with most books with more than one story/author I enjoyed some stories and didn’t some others.

If you are looking for a true vampire story than these are not it but if you are looking for a quick paranormal read that just happen to be called vampires than pick this book up.

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

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Kelly’s review of The Burning Air by Erin Kelly

TITLE: The Burning Air
AUTHOR: Erin Kelly
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 21, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Of course it was love for my children, love for my son, that caused me to act as I did. It was a lapse of judgement. If I could have foreseen the rippling aftershocks that followed I would have acted differently, but by the time I realised the extent of the consequences, it was too late.

The MacBrides have always gone to Far Barn in Devon for Bonfire Night, but this year everything is different. Lydia, the matriarch, is dead; Sophie, the eldest daughter, is desperately trying to repair a crumbling marriage; and Felix, the youngest of the family, has brought a girlfriend with him for the first time.

The girl, Kerry, seems odd in a way nobody can quite put their finger on – but when they leave her looking after Sophie’s baby daughter, and return to find both Kerry and the baby gone, they are forced to ask themselves if they have allowed a cuckoo into their nest…

Gripping and chilling, with a killer twist, The Burning Air reaffirms Erin Kelly as one of Britain’s foremost psychological thriller writers.

REVIEW:
I just was not really feeling this book. The storyline idea was good. The writing was good. But there was just something that didn’t grab me and suck me in.

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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Jennifer’s review of Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

TITLE: Scarlet
SERIES #: The Lunar Chronicles #2
CHARACTERS: Scarlet, Wolf and Cinder
AUTHOR: Marissa Meyer
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison –even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

REVIEW: I am absolutely in love with this series! This is the second book in The Lunar Chronicles and it picks up right after the events of “Cinder.” We find that Cinder has now been imprisoned and will soon be turned over to the deadly and devious Queen Levana who wants nothing other than to kill Cinder for her pure enjoyment. When Cinder finally does escape, she takes on the most unlikely of partners in her quest for freedom and to stay far out of the reach of the wicked Queen. I enjoyed every minute of this novel and I loved how there were two characters perspectives, Cinder and the introduction of Scarlet, who holds the key to Cinder’s past and true identity. Scarlet was an interesting character because she was so responsible at such a young age and was willing to do anything to find her grandmother who had been kidnapped and was being held hostage. I am looking forward to seeing how Scarlet’s and Wolf’s relationship develop after the events of “Scarlet” because there are so many unanswered questions and we don’t know Wolf’s true motives for helping Scarlet. You can also start to see how the pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together in regards to Cinder’s past and what it means for her future. I am also glad that Cinder has finally decided that enough was enough and it is time for her to take a stand instead of running away from everything. This is such an exciting book full of action and suspense and it will have you rooting for Scarlet and Cinder until the very last page. I will definitely be counting the days until the next book, Cress, is released next year.

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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Jennifer’s review of The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein

TITLE: The Next Forever
AUTHOR: Lisa Burstein
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/13/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: One night in college can change everything……Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story.

Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush–where the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.

Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.

REVIEW: Lisa Burstein follows up with her characters from her previous novel, Pretty Amy, who are now in college and are faced with the ultimate temptation that could destroy their once solid relationship. I haven’t read Pretty Amy but I was still able to connect with Amy and Joe and their doubts about continuing their relationship. Being in college provided them with so much freedom and choices that they finally reached a crossroad where they must make a decision about their romantic future. I thought this novella was very poignant, thought-provoking, and at times intensely emotional about what decision would you make if you were given the opportunity to lead another life. I liked Amy because she seemed to be battling herself by either falling back to her “bad girl” ways or trying to actually find out who she really was. The novella presented both character’s viewpoint and you could see the emotional battle they were faced with each decision they made. I loved this story and it made me believe that even though you are given different opportunities doesn’t mean they are always right and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. This story will stick with you well after the last page and I can’t wait to read more by Lisa Burstein.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Leandros by Celia Jade

TITLE: Leandros
AUTHOR: Celia Jade
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (no link)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Vicky’s plan was a hiking expedition to Mount Olympus. Ending up in an unearthly villa with a Greek demigod was not on the agenda.

When the Greek demigod flashed his law enforcement badge and accused her of carrying STX, Vicky almost laughed. In reality, she all but swooned as she took in his powerful build and azure eyes. He looked a lot like the men in her erotic fantasies, but he was no ordinary man. He was a fearsome immortal with a dark sexuality. A dangerous man.

Her few relationships with conservative men hardly translated into the image of a sexual tigress, so why did this demigod invite her to a private villa on Mount Olympus? She was a rational woman, except for this moment, when her reaction to him frightened her in a way that was too tempting to ignore.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a very short read of only about 35 pages. It is an interesting story and I can imagine it being just the beginning of a even longer novella. She is mortal, he a demigod and it is a weekend they will never forget. It is an enjoyable short read. Pick it up just to have on your ereader for a quick grab.

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

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Kelly’s review of Die For Me by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Die for Me
CHARACTERS: Dane Black, Katherine Cole & Valentine
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She thought her fiancé was the perfect man—until he turned out to be the perfect killer…

Katherine Cole is running for her life, desperate to escape the Valentine Killer—so-called because he stabs his victims through the heart and leaves them holding a telltale single red rose. Still he tracks her to New Orleans and begins carving a bloody path to her door. But this time, Katherine refuses to run any farther. This time, she’ll do anything to stop the madman she once loved, even trust the sexy cop promising to keep her safe…

Detective Dane Black never lets his emotions interfere with his job, even as the Valentine Killer surfaces in New Orleans to stalk his prey. But when Dane agrees to protect the killer’s ex-fiancée, Katherine Cole, he can’t ignore the passion kindling between them. After a single unforgettable night binds them body and soul, Dane knows he won’t rest until Katherine is safe in his arms—and the Valentine Killer is dead. Dark and intensely sexy, this romantic suspense novel from USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Eden is sure to leave readers breathless.

REVIEW:
4 1/2 Stars This was a page turner for me. I started Die for Me thinking I would read a chapter or two. Nope!!! Finished the book in one sitting (stayed up till 1 am on a work night *GASP*).
Cynthia does a fabulous job of painting a story that is suspenseful, romantic and on the edge of your seat good. I wanted to scream “don’t go in there”, “look behind you” and “oh for the love of pete why did you do that?” so many times. But none of that helped. Cynthia kept me guessing about the who’s, the whys and the what. And like any good reviewer I am not going to spoil it for you. But you do need to add Die for Me to your need to read list.

And besides what could possible go wrong when a serial killer shows up in your town?

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’s review of Sarah’s Fate by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Sarah’s Fate
SERIES #: Fate Series #2
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Josh
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sarah McMillan’s life came crashing down when her parents died. Moving across country, she’s determined to pull the pieces together and get on with her life. But when a man steps into her path, all her plans may have been for not.

Josh Andrews spent years searching for his mate, only to find her when he least expects it. Fate brings him Sarah, someone who needs him more than he’d thought he’d needed her. But convincing her to be his mate and start a new life might be harder than the journey to find her.

Can Josh convince Sarah to let him in? Or will the fact he is a mountain lion destroy what they could have had?

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Fate Series but it certainly can be read as a stand alone. However, by reading this first you will want to go back and read the first one (Snowy Fate) so I recommend you just start with the first story.

I enjoyed Sarah very much and really liked Josh. I enjoyed it more than the first book. This was not as short as the first in the series so it gave more background and more detail and it could be because of that but I really think Josh is just the better brother.

Again this is a short read so it is a perfect shapeshifter story to have ready for those times when you just need a little down time. But since the first one is even shorter pick them both up for a cute series.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Collide by Juliana Stone

TITLE: Collide – The Barker Triplets #2
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
CHARATERS: Bobbi-Jo Barker & Shane Callagher
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A second chance never looked so good…

Bobbi-Jo Barker has been in love with the wrong man for years. A man who doesn’t fit into the perfect, controlled life she’s created.A man who not only broke her heart but nearly destroyed her. So the fact that he’s back in town shouldn’t matter because he’s all wrong for her, or so she thinks…

Shane Gallagher, prodigal son, ex-con, and all around hellion, has returned to the small town of New Waterford to mend fences and get his life back. What he doesn’t count on are the feelings he still has for the one woman who can break him—the one woman who is totally wrong for him.

And yet, as Bobbi and Shane are thrown together and begin to navigate a life with each other in it, neither can deny the attraction they feel, or the emotions that come with it—the good and the bad. And so the question becomes… can these two damaged souls survive a second chance at love?

REVIEW:
Collide is a story of second chance at love. Bobbi-Jo & Shane were totally and completely in love when they were younger but a string of misunderstandings lead them on very different paths.
After a failed trip to the altar, a trip to the pen and a chance encounter at the not so local bar, these two willing have a chance to make it right.
I really liked this story. Although I read book two before book I didn’t feel lost at all (but I have already got book one to read). I was rooting for Bobbi-Jo and Shane the whole book and was so upset the reason these two broke up. Yes there were tears, laughter and a lot of good reading.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series Conceal (release date late spring 2013) #Team Betty-Jo

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’s review of Misty by M. Garnett

TITLE: Misty
SERIES #: Blood Sisters #1
CHARACTERS: Misty & Rad
AUTHOR: M. Garnett
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (no link)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I don’t have a sister—I was an orphan. I don’t believe in Vampires. They are myths that make interesting movies.

Say this three times, and three women find out that what they have believed in all their lives is wrong. They do have sisters, and there are Vampires.

Among the Vampires are those who just want their blood, because it is better than normal mortal blood. But there is also a special connection for each sister with three male Vampires who want more than just blood.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Ummm… Well I think I liked this book. I am not really sure but since I want to read the second in the three book series I am thinking I did. It is an interesting story. A few things are different than the normal vampire book but then again so many authors put their own spin on the breed.

I really liked Rad. He is really the hot vampire we all enjoy reading about. And Misty is written as a very strong woman who doesn’t just crumple into her vampire to be protected. I was impressed with the independence of this character.

The running away/hunt pages went on too long. While I enjoyed the clever writing of how Misty stayed on the run I was bored with the chase after one chapter. Unfortunately it went on a lot longer than that.

The other problem was I expected the other two sisters to show up but they never did. As a matter of fact they were not even mentioned until the last page. Which is why I do want to know what happens to the sisters. And on a personal note I really dislike that the cover has triplets (the sisters are not) and that they look nothing like the character described but that is just my opinion.

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

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Kelly’s review of How Hard Can It Be? by Robyn Peterman

TITLE: How Hard Can It Be?
AUTHOR: Robyn Peterman
PUBLICATION DATE: Jan 17, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

One happy ending coming right up…

What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new? Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lot of pastel fleece, and blackmail—just to start with…

Visualize and succeed, Oprah said. I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order. Okay, TV was not my strength. But a lack of talent has never stopped me before. Which is why I’ve embarked on a writing career. I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance?

Leave it to me to wind up in a group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath. Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel. And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn’t commit—by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime. Maybe I’ve found my calling after all

REVIEW:
I have to start by saying a huge thank you to my pal Kally for gifting me this book to read. Robyn has such a dry sense of humor. I was busting a gut throughout this whole book. And yes I was brought to emotional tears too. I really can’t wait to see what Robyn has in store for us next.

How Hard Can It Be is the story of Rena trying to find out who she really is. Rena signs up for a book writing club in hopes to becoming the next big writing super star. Instead Rena finds herself, arrested, being blackmailed, falling in love, being dumped and well up a creek without a paddle. But even after all that Rena finds a way to save the day???
Or does she?

Super funny!!! And boy howdy the story Rena writes is off the charts… In a totally and completely wrong way.

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

4 Hearts