Category: Review Sunday

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Kelly’s review of Killing Time by Cindy Gerard

TITLE: Killing Time – One-Eyed Jacks #1
AUTHOR: Cindy Gerard
Characters: Mike & Eva
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exciting new series featuring Mike “Primetown” Brown, a character from her popular “Black Ops, Inc.” series.

For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different–until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike’s team–which included her husband–in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she’s determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn’t trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can’t live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?

REVIEW:
Killing Time is Cindy Gerard’s first book in her new One-Eyed Jacks series, which is a spin off of her Black Ops Series. While I have not read any of the Black Ops books, I didn’t feel lost at all when some of the Black Ops characters popped into this book. If anything it makes me want to go buy the whole Black Ops series and read them. But back to Killing Time.

Mike & Eva don’t really get off on the right foot in this book. I love that Eva was able to get a jump on him, seeing he was thinking with the wrong brain and all. But they make a great team and you always need some you trust at your six.

There is a lot of history in this book, but Cindy does a great job of laying it out for us, so we don’t feel lost. I had a hard time putting this book down. I kept wanting to know who…. Who did this to Mike & Eva….. Who, Why and Oh please don’t let it be…… (you know I don’t give spoiler’s silly)

Over all I really enjoyed this book and so look forward to what Cindy has in store for Coppe & Taggart, Mike’s fellow One-Eyed Jack Team members

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’s review of How To Misbehave by Ruthie Knox

TITLE: How to Misbehave
AUTHOR: Ruthie Knox
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

As program director for the Camelot Community Center, Amber Clark knows how to keep her cool. That is, until a sudden tornado warning forces her to take shelter in a darkened basement with a hunk of man whose sex appeal green lights her every fantasy. With a voice that would melt chocolate, he asks her if she is okay. Now she’s hot all over and wondering: How does a girl make a move?

Building contractor Tony Mazzara was just looking to escape nature’s fury. Instead, he finds himself all tangled up with lovely Amber. Sweet and sexy, she’s ready to unleash her wild side. Their mutual desire reaches a fever pitch and creates a storm of its own–unexpected, powerful, and unforgettable. But is it bigger than Tony can handle? Can he let go of painful memories and let the force of this remarkable woman show him a future he never dreamed existed?

REVIEW:
This was a charming little romance with enough hot steamy sex that it could melt the words off the page. Amber was a sweet young woman who was attracted to Tony, but was afraid to even talk to him until the day of the tornado. They are then thrown together in a dark, small space and the sparks fly. I loved how she was so willing to lose her good girl image to spend time with this gorgeous man. Tony was a nice guy that had a troubled past and was trying desperately to find forgiveness for his past sins. He wasn’t interested in starting a relationship because he felt he wasn’t worthy while Amber felt that she was too “innocent” to attract a man such as Tony.

I was very impressed with Ruthie Knox’s writing style and I was immediately involved with these wonderful characters from the beginning. This is a novella to introduce her upcoming series and I can’t wait to read more from this author in Along Came Trouble and learn about the other inhabitants of Camelot.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements by Victoria Alexander

TITLE: Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements
AUTHOR: Victoria Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN…
Some say I do not take my engagements seriously. Nonsense. What man with no interest in marriage would find himself proposing not once, but three times? And each time, I’ve felt certain that this, at last, is the absolutely, positively, perfect woman.

Miss Felicia Whitingdon, for instance, has youth, beauty, style, grace—and a handsome fortune. Lady Lucille Eustice is a widow of impeccable social standing, and a balm to my soul. Then there is Miss Caroline Hibbit, sweet and charming in every way. Any one of these intoxicating treasures could make a man happy. Any one of them could be an ideal wife. But which—if any of them—will it be?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I will try to explain this novella so it is understood where it lies in Alexander’s stories. We meet Win in “What Happens At Christmas” as the best friend and cousin of Gray. During that story we learned that Win had been engaged three times but it was nothing more than a couple of passing comments. Now “The Importance Of Being Wicked” will be coming out which is Win’s story. So this novella is the short telling of the three engagements that never turned into marriage.

The story makes you almost sad for Win but knowing his story will be out soon does help with that because Alexander would never leave him without a true love. I enjoyed this little romp. Win is a delightful character in the Christmas novel and has a wonderful sense of humor so I can not wait to read his story. And I am very glad that Alexander has given us the background we need to know how Win really wants love.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Rogue Rider
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues – and falls for – a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he’s also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian’s life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian’s neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he’s putting Jillian in danger. And once it’s revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

REVIEW:
Is there a way to give this book more than 5 stars? I hope so because it deserves it. I absolutely loved this book and Reseph is now my favorite of all the Horsemen. If you have not read the Lords of Deliverance series then do NOT start with this book. Start at book one (Eternal Rider) or even better start back at the very beginning with the Demonica series but do not read this book as a stand alone because you will be missing out on so much.

The change in Reseph from the other books is delightful. We watched as he reigned down horrors on the world in the last three books and then within a couple chapters he is sitting in front of a fire with a cat named Doodle on his lap. I loved it! The way that Reseph changes is so fun to watch that it is hard not to fall in love with him and considering for the last three books we have hated him that is saying something.

Ione has once again shown us why she is the queen of paranormal romance. The world she brings us into is one that captures us from the first word and never seems to let go. If you have read her books I would doubt I would need to “recommend” this to you since you are probably waiting with baited breath to read it but I would recommend you start it on a Friday night because you will not want to put the book down.

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

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Kelly’s review of Forever A Lord by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Forever A Lord – The Rumor Series #3
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
Characters: Lord Nathaniel James Atwood & Lady Imogene Norwood
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/18/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lady Imogene Norwood lives a sheltered life of quiet respectability and routine…until she meets the wild and broken Lord Atwood. He is wholly unexpected among London’s elite, and the very shy English rose suddenly realizes that a little chaos might just be what her heart desires.

Lord Nathaniel James Atwood doesn’t believe true love exists. Since scandal tore him away from his family at an early age, he has spent his life fighting for what he wants. That attitude has made him a rising star in bare-knuckle boxing, and now leads him back to London to reclaim the life that was stolen from him. But upon meeting the innocent Imogene, his beliefs are trounced…as guarding his heart against her proves to be the fight of his life.

REVIEW:
As the final book in Delilah Marvelle’s Rumor series Forever a Lord brings us full circle with the story of what happened to Lord Nathaniel Atwood. if you have read the Rumor series today (which I would highly recommend you read this series in order) we all know that Lord Atwood went missing when he was just a young boy. What we didn’t know was the why, how and where he has been. Until now.

Forever a Lord gives us these answers. Yet this story so much more then what just happened to Lord Atwood as a child. Throughout the series we have seen Nathaniel yet never knew he really was. Nathaniel learns a lot about himself in this book and learns that love, trust and forgiveness are very important if one is to ever truly be happy. Lady Norwood is a great fit for Lord Atwood. She is kind, understanding and stands up to Lord Atwood when it is necessary.

I am happy that Atwood finally got his Happily Ever After, but I am sad that this series is over. I am still upset with Delilah for killing off one of my favorite characters early on. But I forgive you D. Over all I really, really enjoyed this series and it is now on my keeper, read over again shelf.

If you have not started the Rumor series I would suggest you start with the Novella Forever Mine and go from there.

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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Kelly’s review of The Cat’s Meow by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: The Cat’s Meow – Witch’s Brew #1
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
Characters: Libby & Kale
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/13/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.

While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.

Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart.

REVIEW:
When evil comes knocking on your door you have two choices. Run or Open the door and kick it’s evil backside off your porch. Libby finds herself in this very dilemma in The Cat’s Meow. But Libby is about to learn she has a very good back up plan in the form of a warlock that doesn’t take no for an answer.

This was a fun book. I will admit that the book started just a little slow for me. But as the book went on it got better and better. I really liked the world that Stacey developed and love the cast of characters she brought to life. And I am looking forward to what is next in the Witch’s Brew 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’s review of A Taste Of Ice by Hanna Martine

TITLE: A Taste of Ice – Elements #2
AUTHOR: Hanna Martine
Characters: Xavier & Cat
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There is an untapped world of magic that any man would covet…

Five years ago, Xavier escaped from the Ofarian Plant. Today he calls a Colorado mountain town home. It’s there he buries himself in his work, swearing off magic and relationships—until a woman threatens every promise he’s made to himself.

Cat has always known she is different. Water speaks to her on an uncanny level, and she channels this gift into beautiful painted waterscapes. Now, a gallery is debuting her work in Colorado—and it’ll reveal far more about her than she imagined.

The spark between Cat and Xavier is enough to throw both of them off balance. Every tantalizing moment sends them dangerously close to a rising flood of desire. Dangerous because Xavier comes to suspect that Cat is an Ofarian—his people’s enemy. But they’re both about to discover a far greater, more malicious power at play.

REVIEW:
I am really on the fence about this book. I think I really should have read book one Liquid Lies first. I think there was more history with the Element world and the main character Xavier’s history.

I enjoyed this book, but didn’t love. I liked Xavier and Cat but never really connected with them. I am not sure what it was about this book. It just didn’t suck me in. I do plan on going back and reading book one and then maybe I should read book two again and see if I feel the same way. I will be planning on reading the next book in this series too.

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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Kimberly’s review of Barefoot In The Rain by Roxanne St. Clair

TITLE: Barefoot In The Rain
AUTHOR: Roxanne St. Clair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

They say you can never go home again . . .
When “Life Coach to the Stars” Jocelyn Bloom is embroiled in scandal, the only place she can hide is the one place she wishes she could forget. She left Barefoot Bay-and the boy next door who knew all her secrets-years ago. Now nothing about the tiny island off the coast of Florida is quite how she remembers it, especially Will Palmer. He’s even more gorgeous and tempting . . . and still capable of turning her world inside out.

But what if someone is waiting for you?
To Will Palmer, Guy Bloom is more than the elderly, senile neighbor he looks after-he’s the last connection to Jocelyn, the woman Will loved and lost. But the reunion with Jocelyn doesn’t go smoothly. Shocked by the change in her father’s personality, Jocelyn struggles to reconcile her dark childhood with the sweet, confused man who has grown close to Will. Jocelyn has guided countless clients to happiness-but can she escape the rainy days of her past for a new sunny future with Will?

REVIEW:
Wow.. This book… Lets see… It is a really good book but a bit on the sad side. In short (and not giving anything away) Jocelyn returns to her hometown after a scandal in California. Her dad was abusive when she was young but now he is suffering from Alzheimers and doesn’t even recognize her. The man who she always loved but had to leave, because of her father, is now her fathers caregiver and Joss is trying to deal with everything.

Here is the hard part. How does a person forgive an abusive father even when that father is not the man he used to be? There is so much anger/hurt in this story but when you realize that people have to deal with this situation every day you wonder how they can do it.

And the relationship with Joss and Will is sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. The reader wants so badly for Joss to trust Will and yet the reader understands why trust and love can be so foreign to her.

This book is a wonderfully sad story. It is not a light read at all. However, it is written really well and is really a interesting story. It is just not a light-hearted feel good kind of story. But worth the read. It is the second in the Barefoot series but while you can tell there was a previous story with other characters it can stand alone.

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 Stolen by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Stolen
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shay Morgan has stayed hidden for a long time. Living a reclusive life in Earth’s End, Alaska, she’s as far away as she can get from the trauma of her childhood and the man who hurt her long ago. But terror takes over Shay’s life yet again when an unknown stalker steals away the fragile peace she’s built for herself—targeting not only her but the one man who’s ever managed to get past the walls she’s built around herself.

Elliot Winter has lived through being falsely accused before—it ruined his military career. Now it’s happening all over again. And this time, his accuser is a twisted impostor who’s targeting his ex-girlfriend, Shay. Despite a fierce mutual attraction, Shay and Elliot broke up because Shay couldn’t let her guard down, couldn’t let Elliot in. But now they both need to trust each other to confront a psycho who seems to know all their secrets

REVIEW:
Shay Morgan has had anything but a storybook life. Her childhood is something made of nightmares and her adult life is not going much better. Recovering from a car accident, breaking up with her boyfriend, her best friend is starting to act really strange and to top it all off someone is impersonating her.

Shay will soon learn that she has to step out of her comfort zone in order to protect herself from this most recent threat. But can Shay let the past go long enough to truly trust the only person in her life that is worth her trust?

This was a great story. Messed up, but a great story. Even when I learn the who, the what and the why I was still dying for more. I didn’t want to put this book down until the last page was read.

Really Good!! If you love a good romantic suspense you really should pick up a copy of Stolen.

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
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Kelly’s review of One Night With A Hero by Laura Kaye

TITLE: One Night with a Hero
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/20/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

REVIEW:
Brady, Brady, Brady……
One Night with a Hero is Laura Kaye’s follow up to her Forbidden Hero story. Brady is Alyssa’s big brother and this boy has some major demons of his own.

In One Night with a Hero Brady tried to drowned his self-imposed sorrows in that of a very feisty and super cute Joss. But when Brady finds that his one night stand is living next door he can’t help but go back for seconds, then instantly regrets his actions.

But will seconds be enough?

There is just something about Joss that draws Brady, but he is too darn stubborn to take a chance. And therefore does everything he can to distance himself from her.

Brady is a beyond stubborn and a bit of an a$$. Yes, he has some issues from his past. The way he treats Joss at times made me want to slap him upside the head. Joss is a big girl and really does know how to take care of herself. But protecting your heart is a totally different situation. There are some thing a girl should not have to deal with on her own. But when push comes to shove Joss knows how to shove back.

Over all I really liked this story and very glad that Laura gave us Brady’s story

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Dark Knight by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Dark Knight
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the head of a secret government task force, commonly referred to as the “dirty dozen,” Scottie Giardi is as tough as she is professional. But this skilled operative has her hands full keeping Logan Blackstone in check while his brother completes a dangerous mission. Logan is big, strong, sexy, and determined to find the twin brother he’s never met. More amused than intimidated by Scottie’s undercover games, he’s ready to play, offering a taste of sweet temptation in the bargain.

An ex-cop on a deeply personal mission, Logan isn’t about to tolerate interference, even if Scottie is gorgeous and could easily make him forget his business. She may have the upper hand while they’re locked up in his mountain cabin, but the fire in her eyes tells him the desire she feels is real. Their mutual attraction is about to take them into the dangerous, vulnerable places of the heart, where there’s no turning back.

REVIEW:
I so enjoyed this book. I had just finished the other three in the series (Santerra’s Sin #1, Silent Warrior #2, Light My Fire #3) and was thinking I would take a break and come back to this book later but something made me start reading it and I think it is the best of the series.

To be honest though there is no suspense in this romantic suspense but there is a lot of romance. The character of Logan is so intense and mesmerizing that it is hard not to fall for him right away. Scottie is a tough woman but the author has been able to match her up to someone equal to her and yet complimentary to her. Not any man would have been good for Scottie but Logan is perfect.

This is a great short story and one that any romance fan will enjoy. You do not need to read the others in the series but I think as a fan you will enjoy them. Pick up the first one and you will not be able to put any of them down.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Surrender The Dark by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Surrender The Dark
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Jarrett McCullough values those bonds as seriously as he values his job heading a covert group of operatives skilled in handling sensitive international information. But his current mission has suddenly gone very wrong—and he finds himself wounded and near death in the last place he ever expected to be.

Rae Gannon is stunned to find her ex-boss bleeding from a gunshot wound, mere paces from her front door. It has been two years since her move to the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, where she tried to erase the memories and the pain she suffered from having been part of McCullough’s team. Yet as Rae tends to Jarrett’s battered body she realizes that the air between them is still sizzling with a slow-burning need. But this time there are more than just hearts at stake. The mission that almost got Jarrett killed threatens to put Rae back in harm’s way. And if they surrender to their desires, it may cost them their lives.

REVIEW:
This is a reprint of an earlier work from Donna Kauffman. As with all her books I enjoyed this one. The characters are interesting. The women in Kauffman’s Loveswept novels always prove to be independent and capable, yet, willing to find love. The men are dangerous and a diamond in the rough. This book was no different. This is the first in the Three Musketeers series. It is a good short read. Perfect for cuddling up in front of the fire or on a beach.

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