Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly’s review of Forever Werewolf/Moon Kisses by Michele Hauf

TITLE: Forever Werewolf/Moon Kisses
AUTHOR: Michele Hauf
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/03/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FOREVER WEREWOLF
Alexis Conner, princess of the Alpine pack and pureblood werewolf, hides a painful secret-she has never shifted. If she can’t shift, she can’t mate, and so Lexi resigned herself to a lifetime of loneliness. But then a stranger arrives, and Lexi senses that her world will never be the same….
A massive avalanche might be to blame for Trystan Hawkes getting stuck at Castle Wulfsiege, but after one look at Lexi, Trystan is not about to leave. Lexi is strong, smart and incredibly sexy. Not that it matters. Tryst is an omega-the fabled lone wolf. Even more damning is his mixed vampire heritage. Lexi knows that the vampire blood running through Tryst’s veins makes him off-limits, but what if he’s the one man who can rouse her inner wolf?

MOON KISSED
Escaping from bloodthirsty vampires, Belladonna Reynolds ran straight into the arms of a werewolf. As a man Severo drew her in with his dark good looks; as a beast he astounded her with his insatiable sensual appetite. Whether afraid or aroused, Bella fled to his lair when threatened by an evil monster of the night…. Severo tried to keep Bella–his mate–safe from the vampiress who held a malicious desire for revenge against him, but he alone wasn’t enough. Now Bella had taken the form of his most cursed enemy. How could he desire the very thing he’d spent his life destroying? And even if he did, what would the werewolf do to Bella on the next full moon?

REVIEW:
This book contains two stories. Reviewed separately.
FOREVER WEREWOLF
3 Stars… Honestly I am not sure how I felt about this story. While I wanted to know what happened and wanted to read to the end of the book I also wondered why I wanted to do that. The characters were written in such a juvenile way (especially in their speech) that I actually went back to check to see if this was YA, which it was not. The sex scenes later would give that away. The story was interesting and kept me interested but I was just never into the characters. Tryst seems like some kind of childish man who idolizes the idea of living in a pack and Lexie is very cold. But something does seem to click with them eventually. This is my first story from this author so I am not sure of her normal writing but something is just different about it.

MOON KISSED
3 ½ Stars… Based on the first book (see above) I was not sure about reading this story but it was much better than the first one I read. This story was more mature and the storyline was very good. I enjoyed the characters of both Bella and Severo even though I felt the writing did not keep to the character of Severo toward the end and changed him which was disappointing. Bella is a bit of a desperate woman to me but yet something about her is very intriguing. This is a good werewolf story that any fan of the genre would enjoy.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Just One Night by Eve Gaddy

TITLE: Just One Night
AUTHOR: Eve Gaddy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’d invited her to walk in the moonlight–but would it lead to more than just one night?

His tender smile invited her to confess her deepest secrets, but Luke Morgan never expected Alex Sheridan to reveal the memories that tormented her dreams. When his comforting caresses escalated into sudden, sweet ecstasy, Alex was stunned by the speed of her surrender! The rugged architect had slipped through her defenses and touched her soul, but when suspicion shadowed his every move, could she help him clear his name?

In this explosive and intriguing novel of high stakes and risky business, Eve Gaddy challenges her lovers to walk a tightrope between trust and betrayal. Drawn to a charismatic man who’d soothed her grief one restless night, she’d found herself sharing her pain–and his bed–but could she believe their sudden passion might be the real thing?

REVIEW:
For some reason I just could not get into this story. It has an interesting story so I am not sure what it was but it was definitely something that just didn’t click for me. I also had a hard time with some of the inaccuracies like the fact that Luke just hands over the names of his Navy SEALS (ummm no!), etc. I wish I could explain what didn’t work for me with this story but I just can’t. I would say if the synopsis interest you then read it because it could just be me and you might enjoy it more than I did.

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

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Kelly’s review of Provoked by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Provoked – Dark Protectors #5
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A TIME FOR WAR…
A casualty of the war between the demons and the vampires, Jase Kayrs has been missing for six long years. His older brothers want answers—but they’re going to have to get them from an unlikely source. For when Kane Kayrs tracks down Amber Freebird, what he finds is a blonde, vegan pacifist who has no intention of using her skills in his war…

A TIME FOR LOVE…

Amber enjoys her life of chaotic freedom and has no intention of falling in line just because a sexy-as-sin vampire insists on order. Unfortunately, he discovers she may be the only hope they have of finding his brother, and there’s no way he’s going to let her go—even if it means mating her to gain her cooperation. The two are as different as can be, yet when the dominant Kane and the untamed Amber finally unite to rescue Jase, they just may find that opposites really do attract…

“Hot and fast from beginning to end.”

REVIEW:
AAAhhhhh Kane Kayrs.  The smart brother, the brother with all the answers.  The know it all brother.   Well Kane just met his match in the form of a very feisty female.   Amber knows nothing of the world that Kane lives in.  And when she does find out all she wants to do is get away from this crazy, uber hot man who has a few screws loose.  But Kane is not going to let Amber escape that easily.  He needs her.  She is the key to saving his brother and Kane will do anything to save Jase.

But with Amber, Kane is finally going to realize that he doesn’t know everything.  Not everything can be learned in a book or in a manual or on the internet.  Sometimes your heart knows more then your heart ever will.

I really enjoyed Kane & Amber’s story.  There is so much going on. Not only do we see Kane & Amber’s story. But we learn a little about what has happened to Jase, and I am not sure if or how he will ever get better.   We also get a glimpse into some kind of love triangle between Janie, Zane and Kalin.  And we can only guess as to what Janie is cooking up.  I am very much looking forward to what Rebecca has in store for us next in the Dark Protector’s series

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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Kimberly’s review of How To Marry A Warlock In 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde

TITLE: How To Marry A Warlock In 10 Days
AUTHOR: Saranna DeWylde
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/25/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Middy Cherrywood does. She’s got more warlock than she can hex with Dred Shadowins. He isn’t just a billionaire playboy and Weekly Warlock centerfold. He’s a spy for the High Chancellor, and he convinces Middy to pose as his fiancée for his latest mission. Too bad no one told his mother before she slipped Middy a potion that will make their sham engagement all too real in just ten days.

Dred Shadowins already has his hands full with cursed objects, possessed nuns, and dreams where Merlin makes him pay for taking his name in vain by relating his sexcapades with Nimue. But by the end of the mission, he’s convinced his most difficult challenge is the hero’s cape Middy’s draped over his shoulders. Because he wants nothing more than to give her the one thing he may not be capable of providing: Happily Ever After.

REVIEW:
I have to say that I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. I was not sure based on the beginning of the book because it seemed a little over the top on magic and thought it might be heading towards a cheesy witch story but a little way into the book I really began to enjoy it.

Middy and Dred have a great relationship and are written really well and with a good amount of humor. I liked the fact that Dred admits he has always had a crush on Middy because it brings the story full circle. There were some twist and turns that were fun to read.

I think anyone would enjoy this story whether you are a fan of paranormal or just romance but as a fan of books with witches you will find yourself unable to put it down.

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 Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

TITLE: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.
REVIEW:
I need to start with how much I love Darynda as an author.  Her books are always funny.  I really love Charley’s series.  But 4th Grave is my least favorite book in the series so far.  I still enjoyed this book very much, it just was not my favorite.  Although I did love all the Reyes parts 🙂
Charley is just not the same after what happened to her in book 3 (and yes you really should read this series in order).  I am looking forward to Charley healing and getting back on her game.

Reyes is still Reyes.  We do get a little more insight into why Reyes is on earth and what he may or may not wants with Charley.  And all the reasons might not be for the best.   But I want to believe that deep down Reyes is good despite who is daddy might be.

Reyes and Charley are great together and it seems that they are finally getting to a good place (it’s about time you stubborn characters).

I am looking forward to what Darynda has next for us…

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy (from NetGalley) 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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Kimberly’s review of Forbidden by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Forbidden
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE:  10/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles the evil forces who prey on them.

The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.

REVIEW:
This is a new series about Nightwalkers branching off from the older one about Bodywalkers and I have to say I was confused. I have not read the other series and I just had no idea who these characters were and why they were doing what they were doing.

That being said it was an interesting story if not a bit too far fetched for me. I guess I should have realized that this was about a reincarnation from long ago using another body to come back to the world and should have stayed away but I didn’t so I have to say I am just not interested in that type of storyline. As I said it is an interesting story and I can see why so many people would be fans of it but it is just not the genre that I am interested in.

I gave it 3 stars because while I would say I was not a fan of it at the same time I feel I am influenced by the fact that it is not my cup of tea. If you are a fan of Frank’s and have read the other in the previous series I am sure you will enjoy this one just as much.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Lean On Me by HelenKay Dimon

TITLE: Lean On Me
AUTHOR: HelenKay Dimon
PUBLICATION DATE:   10/22/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cassidy Clarke once climbed the world’s highest mountains, but after an unexpected illness ends her career she’s back in her hometown, broke and hoping for a little luck. But the townsfolk aren’t exactly putting out a welcome mat for the woman who once snubbed them in the media, despite her apologies now.

Mitch Anders knows someone has set up camp on the grounds of his plant nursery, and he’s surprised to find his sexy high school crush ducking questions about where she’s staying. Though he’s sworn to stop cleaning up other people’s messes, Mitch offers Cassidy a job and a place to stay—his place. Bedsharing optional, but definitely welcome.

Out of options and too attracted to Mitch to keep things platonic, Cassidy says yes to his offer. She wants to get back on her feet financially and start a new career. She never expects to suffer a different kind of fall, one that has her believing Mitch just might bring her something bigger and better than luck.

REVIEW:
This was a very cute read. While I am not sure that the story was any different than so many other short stories out there it was written very well and the characters were immediately relatable. Cassidy was written really strong, independent and in such a low point in her life that you feel so sad for her yet proud of her for surviving. Mitch suffers from white knight syndrome which is common in short romance stories. I enjoyed this read. I read it between larger novels just to read something short and move beyond one story to the other and it worked better than I thought. It only took a couple hours to read and would have enjoyed it to be a little longer.

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 Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall

TITLE: Phantom Shadows – Immortal Guardians #3
AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it’s not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire . . .

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different – and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question – he can’t put her in danger. But she isn’t asking him .

REVIEW:
I will start by saying I love the Immortal Guardian world.  Dianne Duvall does an amazing job of creating a complex world with many overlapping elements.  The same virus, two different results.  The leader of the Immortal Guardians is not what he seems.  Secrets kept from humanity and the Immortals.  Common enemies.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series Darkness Dawns & Night Reigns, but book 3 Phantom Shadow was just okay for me.

I love Bastien.  He is the black sheep of the Immortal’s little family.  But I just didn’t get into these story like I did the first two.  I was very happy that Bastien got a bit of happiness with Melaine.  I am looking forward to what Dianne has in store for us next.

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.

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Kimberly’s review of Planning For Love by Christi Barth

TITLE: Planning For Love
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes and anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott request the pleasure of your company for their disaster of a courtship.

Wedding planner Ivy Rhodes is the best in the business, and she’s not about to let a personal problem stop her from getting ahead. So when she’s asked to star in the reality TV show Planning for Love, it doesn’t matter that the show’s videographer happens to be a recent—and heartbreaking—one-night stand.

Bennett Westcott admits he didn’t handle his encounter with Ivy very well. But looking at her beautiful smile—and great body—through a camera lens every day? He can’t be faulted for suggesting they have some no-strings fun.

The more time they spend together, the more Ben realizes Ivy isn’t the wedding-crazed bridezilla he’d imagined. But if he doesn’t trust himself to make a relationship last, how can he convince Ivy to give him another chance?

REVIEW:
Have you ever heard the line “Chase him until he catches you”? Well that is the best way to describe this storyline. While some of the story could be a bit cliche’ it was really a good story. Ivy is the typical wedding planner who believes in romance, love and forever. Ben is the typical cynical man who believes in reality, lust and for now. But there is something about Ivy that he can not ignore.

What I enjoyed about this book was the characters were very real and relatable. Both Ivy’s romantic heart and Ben’s scared one are something people can relate to. The background stories are interesting and some of the scenes are very sweet between these two characters. I thought they were written very well together and enjoyed watching Ben do romantic things without even knowing he was being romantic. We have all met people like these two people. The woman who falls in love with every man she has one date with and the man who is afraid of commitment. They are the perfect characters to write a love story about.

However, they are also the same “couple” we read about in a lot of books. While they were enjoyable and it was a good version of the story it was the same story I have read before. Her the hopeless romantic woman and him the commitment-phobic man. There did not seem to be much difference in so many other books as far as storyline goes. I wanted something different, just any part of the book to be different, but it never happened.

I did enjoy the background characters. I would have loved to read more about the guys getting together. I loved the poker game and would have loved a couple more scenes of that throughout the book. Daphne is an interesting character and I hope the next book is about her. She is egotistical (when it comes to work), loyal (when it comes to friends) and funny (ok maybe snide is a better word). While I am sure her story is already written I would love to see Daphne with a man who is color-blind and can not view her floral “masterpieces” the way she does (just a hint to Barth in case her book is not written).

If you love the romance genre, as I do, then you will enjoy this book. Yes, it is something we have all read before but it is beautifully written and enjoyable. I look forward to Barth’s next book.

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 Enslaved in Shadows by Tigris Eden

TITLE: Enslaved In Shadows
AUTHOR: Tigris Eden
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/18/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man’s Past leads to his Future……

Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit’s job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.

When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can’t help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.

The Heart of a woman is Tested……..

Jes can’t let the tall dark agent back into her life. How can she trust any man after what she’s endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn’t have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn’t abused her physically but he’s tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.

Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?

One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.

The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another

REVIEW:
Where do I start with this book.. Oh how I want to tell you about the ending, but that just would not be fair.  Not fair at all.  But Oh MAN!!  OH, Oh *covers mouth*…  Okay lets start at the beginning.

Enslaved is Tirgis Eden’s debut novel and let me tell you I think she knocked it out of the park.  This book has a little bit of everything.  You have love, lust, trust, betrayal, failure and hope.  And oh man I really wish I could tell you all the sordid little deals.  But again that is really not fair.  I will tell you that this book left me dying, DYING I tell you for the next book in this series.

Let me tell you how hard it is to write this review without giving away spoilers.  And I try really hard not to give spoilers.  So I would just say if you are looking for a new author, a new series, a new hero & heroine to fall in love with you really need to pick up a copy of Enslaved In Shadows.  Oh and the band of side characters SO MUCH potential.

Oh and the ending?   Nope not going to tell you…. Yes, because I am evil like that.  🙂

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of How To Drive A Dragon Crazy by G.A. Aiken

TITLE: How to Drive a Dragon Crazy – The Dragon Kin #6
AUTHOR: G.A. Aiken
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. Honestly, though, I thought I was finished with the one dragon I’d have done anything for: Éibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue-haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me.

If Éibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn’t need it — namely me — I’ll let him. Because while I’m trying to fulfill a ridiculous quest for a pushy god, I’m going to draw this overconfident warlord much too close, rekindle his fires, and enjoy every minute of his delicious defeat.

REVIEW:
Okay, Maybe starting with book 6 was not a good idea.  There seemed to be so much history in this series I think I should have started with book 1.   That being said this book was just okay for me.  Maybe when I have a little more time I will start this series from the beginning.

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.

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Kimberly’s review of Avenging Angel by Anne Marie Becker

TITLE: Avenging Angel
AUTHOR: Anne Marie Becker
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Grains of sand glistened in the moonlight, bright against the backdrop of her wet hair. Her blue lips were parted slightly, as if she could take in that last breath she’d been gasping for. She was, in a word, perfection.
When his friend’s niece is murdered, Detective Noah Crandall vows to track down the killer. Since the victim worked in an art gallery with the well-connected and well-heeled Vanessa Knight, Noah questions her first. Despite the chemistry between them, Noah tells himself a relationship would be impossible. He’s a loner and their backgrounds are worlds apart.
Drawn to Noah and horrified by the death of her intern, Vanessa shares her insights into the New York City art world. As they work together on the case, she’s tempted to explore the possibility of a real relationship with the sexy outsider who ignites her desire. But what Vanessa doesn’t realize is that in order to complete his gruesome series of paintings, the killer has targeted her to become his next victim…

REVIEW:
This is the second in the “Mindhunters” series which I did not read the first one but having gone back and read the synopsis for the first in the series I do not think they are connected except the SSAM institute mentioned in the book. This book certainly stands alone.

Honestly I am not sure why I liked this book but I did. It is filled with more cliche’ than believable, it has Noah being the perfect, protective and handsome cop who had a terrible childhood, Vanessa being the heiress that wants to make her own way in the art world even without her parents approval, the fact that she is dumb enough to not believe she is in danger and even down to the walking out of the ocean scene but this really was a good book.  It is fast moving and filled with suspense. I enjoyed this couple when they were together but I have to say while I realize it was done for background in the story the fact that Vanessa can not tell her, in her mind, ex boyfriend they are really through just grated on me. She just did that whole “there will be a better time than now” thing and it drove me nuts. Then the fact that she feels the need to run after this man and he thinks he doesn’t deserve love was again so cliche’ but the story is very interesting and a fun read. I enjoyed the camaraderie with Noah and Diego a lot.

I wish there had been a slightly different ending. It just didn’t seem to give the “correct” finale to me and a epilogue was really needed. I know it should be that I did not enjoy this book with all the complaints I am writing but I really did enjoy it and I think if you enjoy romantic suspense then you will too.

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

4 Hearts