Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly’s review of A Touch Of Greek by Tina Folsom

 A Touch Of Greek
AUTHOR: Tina Folsom
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/30/10
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Selfish and gorgeous Greek God Triton is cast out of Olympus after seducing Zeus’ mistress and can only gain reentry if he finds a woman who loves him for his kindness and selflessness, not his beauty. When the mortal Sophia – recovering from an eye operation and virtually blind – needs a home healthcare worker, he takes on the role, hoping she will be his ticket home.

While defending Sophia from an unknown adversary, Triton’s protective instinct emerges. At the same time rival Gods do everything to doom him to failure. And even if Triton can win Sophia’s love, will he throw it away to return home, or will he lose his own heart to the only woman who truly sees him?

A Touch of Greek is the first book in the humorous and sexy paranormal romance series Out of Olympus following the romantic adventures of four Gods: Triton, Dionysus, Eros, and Hermes.

REVIEW:
What an interesting story. I was surprised at how much I liked this book. I have only read one other book that had to do with god/goddess and thought it was only “ok” but from the synopsis I thought this book would be funny so I decided to read it and I was pleasantly surprised. While I am not sure I would say it is funny it is enjoyable.

I enjoyed Triton and his god friends. And I enjoyed Sophia even though she was written as a helpless female. She did have some spirit about her which helped redeem her helplessness. But it really is Triton’s story more than Sophia’s if you ask me and that was just fine. I am not sure that this falls into a paranormal story, if anything it fits more into contemporary then paranormal even though it has the whole god theme, especially since Triton has lost his powers for most of the book.

This is a fun read. It is written very well. I had never read anything by this author before but I would enjoy reading the rest of this series. If you enjoy romances with a twist them I think you will really enjoy this book.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of The Harder They Fall by Trish Jensen

 The Harder They Fall
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Food fight, love match, or both? She’s a lovable klutz trying to save her family’s restaurant chain. He’s a stuffed shirt angling to buy it. Who will trip up and fall in love first?

Darcy Welham’s dad is ready to sell his five-star restaurants and retire, but she’s determined to prove she can be trusted to keep the family business going. Darcy’s sure it’s what her mother would have wanted. Only one problem: her life turns into a comedy show when she’s nervous. Pratfalls, spills, slips and fires—all in a day’s misadventures for Darcy. She can’t even wait on tables without dumping food into the customers’ laps. When supper lands on a sensitive area of businessman Michael Davidson’s finely creased trousers, he tries to have his gorgeous but careless waitress fired, only to discover that she’s the person he has to win over if he wants to buy the restaurant chain for his bosses. From that antagonistic start, Darcy and Michael soon find that there’s more to each other than first expected. She’s clumsy because she’s got low self-esteem. She may be a disaster as a waitress, but she’s a genius as a cook, with a talent for creating mouth-watering new dishes. Darcy begins to realize that Michael is not a stuffed shirt at heart—he’s patient, strong and brave, which any man who dates Darcy has to be, because she turns into a Danger Zone every time he makes her heart flutter.

REVIEW:
This is an adorable story about falling in love when you least expect it. This is the perfect romance to curl up on a couch with or to read at the beach. And it is not hard to fall quickly for these characters. These are the kind of characters you wish you had as friends.

The character of Darcy is just such a klutz that she is adorable. She is sweet, naive and innocent and even as a reader you worry for her and want to make sure she ends up all right. Michael is delightful. Even after meeting him in a bad situation you can see how calm and patient he is and when he begins to really interact with Darcy you know he is the perfect guy for her.

Trish Jensen is a great author. The humor she adds to her books is great and she is fun to read. This is the perfect book to have on hand for when you are not sure what you want to read but are looking for something light and entertaining. This books makes you smile and leaves you with a good feeling.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Consumed by Rebecca Zanetti

Consumed
Dark Protectors #4
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/05/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes You Mate For Life

Katie Smith is the best of her class, part of an elite hunting force trained to eliminate werewolves from the hills of Western Virginia. She’s good at it because she has the kind of focus and drive that won’t back down no matter how steep the odds. Call it southern sass. Whatever it is, there’s no denying her willingness to risk everything for the only man she’s ever cared about–a man on the verge of losing his very humanity. . .

Sometimes You Mate To Stay Alive

For the past ten years Jordan Pride has dedicated his life to protecting his people from a deadly shifter virus. But in a rare moment of distraction, Jordan’s guard drops just long enough for his fate to take an irreversible twist. Unless the woman he loves surrenders everything to him, again and again, under a full moon rising.

REVIEW:
As we begin Consumed we jump 10 years into the future after Hunted.  Katie is stilling dealing with the effects of the virus, but she has learned that she is good at hunting the werewolves that are created by the virus.  Katie has finally settled into her life, but the one thing she is missing is Jordan.  She has no illusions that Jordan will never be hers, he still sees her as a little kid.  But all of that is about to change.

Jordan has been fighting his feeling for Katie for years and years.  But now at the end of his time he realizes he needs to protect her from the monsters that she hunts, which means she needs protection from him too.

Really enjoyed Jordan & Katie’s story.  So much going on in this book.  So many twists and turns happening that will alter the future the characters.  I will say that I was just a little confused when I started to read until I realized that we jumped 10 years into the future.  Overall this was another great book by Rebecca.  I would suggest reading the books in order so that you have a better understanding of the world and the characters.

4 Hearts
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Ursula’s review of A Bodyguard of Lies by Donna Del Oro

A Bodyguard of Lies
AUTHOR: Donna Del Oro
PUBLICATION DATE:   1-12-12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An FBI agent hunts for an infamous Nazi spy–and risks more than he bargained for.

Handsome FBI agent Jake Bernstein is recruited by MI5 to go undercover in England and Ireland and investigate a naturalized American grandmother. His task: Discover if she was the notorious Nazi spy, Hummingbird, who caused the deaths of thousands during World War II. His obstacles: A dangerous, Irish neo-Nazi organization, the woman’s lovely blond granddaughter, and sixty years’ worth of lies. His priority: Stay alive

REVIEW:
If you like history, then this is a must read book. The juxtaposition of past and present kept my interest for the entire story. At times, I almost wished they would stay in the past. All the action and details of what was going on in England in WWII was very fascinating to me.  I am not a person who has ever been overly interested in the history of WWII so for the author to have kept my interest means she did her job. The female spy was a cold hearted bitch. She was perfectly described and it was wonderful. You absolutely hated her. And in the present she isn’t much better.  Although the author manages to drum up some sympathy for her elderly, confused state, in my book it was too little too late. That bitch was clearly getting what she deserved.

As far as the present and the conflicts there, as the story went on, I was more and more intrigued. So intrigued in fact, that I didn’t mind when the author didn’t jump back to the WWII portion of the story.  I really was worried that the hero and heroine wouldn’t be able to solve their differences. I mean how do you reconcile the fact that the man you are falling in love with says your Grandma is a war criminal and wants to send her away for the rest of her life? Luckily they get it all figured out. I wouldn’t say exactly HEA but maybe a Happy As They Can Be. Read the book and you will see for yourself.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of West of Want by Laura Kaye

West of Want
Hearts of the Amenoi #2
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Recently divorced over her infertility and gravely injured, Ella still fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t saved him from betrayal and loss—worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt leads him to save her, but he vows not to get involved.

Ella’s honesty, empathy, and unique calming influence attract Zeph like no other, and he finds himself wanting…everything. Ella knows Zeph’s different and fears rejection, but falls for his otherworldly masculinity and ancient, sad blue eyes. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want—a love that can be trusted

REVIEW:
After almost losing her own life Ella finds herself face to face with a stranger.  A stranger that she is drawn to beyond explanation.  But Ella is a little gun shy she has been hurt in the past.  Trusted blindly and been burned.  So how can she learn to put her full trust into someone she just met?

Zephyros suffered betrayal and loss many times in his very, very long life.  So when he learns that he is the cause in almost killing a innocent human he does what ever it takes to protect her.  But Zeph never thought that he would fall for her.  But is he willing to put his heart on the line again?

Ella & Zephyros are two peas in a pod.  Both have suffered from loss and betrayal.  But can they both learn to trust each other blindly?  Because that trust is the only thing that will keep them safe from the Eastern storm that is heading their way.

West of Want is Laura Kaye’s 2nd book in her Hearts of the Anemio Series.  While I enjoyed this story I felt at times it was a little rushed.  I mean, I am all for the lust at first sight, but Ella really just jumps into this relationship with Zeph with both feet and never looking.  But other then that I really like this story a lot.  I love the world that Laura has created and I am looking forward to what is next for the Gods.

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Kimberly’s review of Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey

Heiress Without A Cause
AUTHOR: Sara Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/13/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One title to change his life… A disgraced son with a dark reputation, William “Ferguson” Avenel is content to live in exile – until his father dies in the scandal of the Season. With rumors of insanity swirling around them, his sisters desperately need a chaperone. Ferguson thinks he’s found the most proper woman in England – and he won’t ruin her, even if he secretly desires the passionate woman trapped beneath a spinster’s cap.

One chance to break the rules… Lady Madeleine Vaillant can’t face her blighted future without making one glorious memory for herself. In disguise, on a London stage, she finds all the adoration she never felt from the ton. But when she’s nearly recognized, she will do anything to hide her identity – even setting up her actress persona as Ferguson’s mistress. She’ll take the pleasure he offers, but Madeleine won’t lose her heart in the bargain.

One season to fall in love… Every stolen kiss could lead to discovery, and Ferguson’s old enemies are determined to ruin them both. But as their dangerous passion ignites their hearts and threatens their futures, how can an heiress who dreams of freedom deny the duke who demands her love?

REVIEW:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was not sure what to expect since I have never read this author before but this will not be the last time I read her books. The writing was great and the story was compelling and I wanted to read every word of it.

Madeleine is a fascinating character. She is not the normal heiress we read about. She has an obsession to act and decides that losing her reputation is worth the compulsion. And to know she is willing to play a man on stage just so she can do what she loves is great. She really is a woman who makes the reader feel empowered. I loved that she was willing to do what she wanted and was not ashamed of it and more so that she would fight for the right to do it. I also loved Ferguson. His strength and his desperation are palpable. The power of his love literally jumps off the pages. And the fact that while he is dealing with his own issues he puts Madeleine’s first was perfectly written.

I would highly recommend this book. I can not wait for the second in the series. If you enjoy historical romances you really must pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of The Night Beat by Gini Koch

The Night Beat
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/02/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place — Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness.

Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. But it’s Victoria who has to face the Adversary and figure out what intricate plan Lucifer has up his wings before everyone she cares about is destroyed.

In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat

REVIEW:

A new book and a new series from the wonderful Gini Koch.  Okay I have to be honest.  This book was hard for me.  I am not sure if it is just the Urban Fantasy genre that messes with me.  But I have tried reading multiples of them in the last few months and I just have a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
That being said The Night Beat has all the classic Gini humor, twist, and bet you need to re-read that one more time moments.   If you are a Urban Fantasy fan I believe that you will love this book.  Gini Koch fans will surely enjoy this new book too.   I didn’t summarize the book, I felt the blurb gives you a great idea of what might or might not happen.  Please I know Gini lives spoiler free.  So it was hard for me to try to summarize without giving out spoilers.

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Kimberly’s review of A Night Away by Carrie Ann Ryan

A Night Away
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kade Jamenson has been mated to Melanie for almost two years. They’ve been through mating circles, battles, loss, misunderstandings, and finally, the birth of their son, Finn. The world is in turmoil around them as the Redwoods engage in war with the Centrals. But for Kade and Melanie, the turmoil is also happening at home. The responsibility of a restless baby and their Pack has taken a toll and they need a break.Not from each other. But from their Pack. Just for a night.

Kade takes Mel away for a romantic getaway and leaves Uncle Maddox alone with baby Finn. The Omega of the Redwood Pack may be adept at emotions but the idea of a baby may be beyond his immense capabilities.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 3 and 4 to give you a taste of Mel and Kade. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.

REVIEW:
This is a novella that takes place between book 3 and 4. It revisits the couple from the first book (An Alpha’s Path) Kade and Melanie. In the earlier books Kade and Melanie had a son, Finn, but now they are exhausted and want to reconnect as a couple.

If you have had a child you will connect with this book. The feeling that you need to do everything yourself and do not want to burden family to help. The feeling of needing time to sleep and reconnect with your significant other, yes with sex but also just with time and talking. While you can read this book on its own you will not get the full context of the story. The first three books are great and I would recommend picking them up before you read this story. But if you can not get all three books do not read this book at least until you read the first one to know the characters. You will not be disappointed in this series.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis

 Lucky In Love
Lucky Harbor #4
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/22/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she’s expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she’d like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he’s only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he’s gone…

For the first time in his life, Ty can’t bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn’t — including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all…anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

REVIEW:
When Mallory Quinn wants to go bad she doesn’t hold back.   As the good girl in the Quinn Family, Mallory had always keep her nose clean and has always tried to keep her family out of trouble.  Which is easier said than done.   But when a chance blind date happens Mallory jumps in with both feet, never expecting that this one night would ever last longer then one night.

Ty knows he is only in Lucky Harbor for a short period of time, trying to recover from his latest injury.  Ty is hoping he gets the good Doctor’s okay to get the heck out of dodge soon.  But when the town’s sweet heart wrangles him into her blind date he is instantly smitten and soon realizes that leaving so soon might not be an option.

Ahh, Ty & Mallory.. Love these two.  Love the dynamics of their relationship. A storage loft will never look that same *wiggles eyebrows*

Another wonderful, wonderful Lucky Harbor book.  It is safe to say after 3 books I am totally in love with Jill Shalvis and her books!!

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Just A Wish Away by Barbara Freethy

 Just A Wish Away
AUTHOR: Barbara Freethy
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alexa Parker and Braden Elliott fell in love when they were twelve years old. On a summer day, while searching for sea glass on the beaches of Washington State, they discovered an unusually shaped blue bottle. The ever-imaginative Alexa declared it a genie’s bottle. Popping the cork, they were surprised by a rogue wave that sprayed them with a fine, cool mist. Closing their eyes, they each made a wish …

Before their love had a chance to grow, life, family and tragedy separated the two best friends. Now fifteen years later, Alexa returns to Sand Harbor after her aunt is injured in a mysterious break-in at her antique store. Braden is also back, but he’s not the innocent boy Alexa remembers. His military service has left him with physical and emotional scars.

Can the sweet love of youth be recaptured by two now cynical souls? Can solving the mystery of the past bring them to a new future? Or will it take a wish, maybe two …

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Wish series however you do not need to read the first to read this one. It most certainly stands alone. In all honesty they have nothing to do with each other except both books have wishes made in them.

Alexa and Braden were summer time best friends when they were young. Alexa makes a wish to have Braden fall in love with her not knowing he already is. Then they are separated and years later Alexa returns to Sand Harbor and Braden is there now too. Can a wish come true 15 years later?

This book is the ultimate “you can never go home” book. Don’t we all wonder at some time what would have happened if we were still with our first love? Would we use the chance to reconnect if we had it? And if we did reconnect would it be the same now? That is what this book is all about.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of At Last by Jill Shalvis

At Last
Lucky Harbor #5
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE:   6/26/2012
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor

REVIEW:
Amy is only in Lucky Harbor because she is retracing the steps of her grandmother’s journey to find peace, hope and love.  Amy is hoping that maybe she will be able to find a little peace from her past, hope for her future, but she has no illusions that she will find love.  While that is until a very sexy forest ranger has to come save her from the wilds of nature.

Matt is an in Lucky Harbor to get away from everything and everyone in his life.  He has failed so many people that living a life of solitude is the right thing to do.  But one very feisty, stubborn and determined female keeps getting under his skin.  So when a chance to save her turns up Matt ups at the chance.

I loved Matt & Amy together.  They are so good for each other.  They both have troubled pasts that makes it hard for them to trust, love and let go.  But sometimes letting go is the only way that you can move on to find the happiness you never dreamed you could have.

I am so in love with Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor Series.  I have now read the last 3 books in the series and will be reading the 1st 3 very soon.  If you are looking for a great feel good love story. You really need to stop in Lucky Harbor, because you are guaranteed to find love.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Consent To Love by Abby Wood

Consent To Love
AUTHOR: Abby Wood
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/02/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Twenty-four-year-old small-town girl Ana Reynold serves beer at the local bar, tries to keep her beater car running, and dreams of a better life as a painter. If she can learn to make a decent steak, she might get promoted to cook—and earn enough for her real heart’s desire. Right now, that doesn’t include romance.

But when she meets a tall, dark and sexy Native American man named Kane, Ana can’t take her eyes off him—or stop thinking about him. But she’d better. Everyone knows the proud Lakota who raises horses wants nothing to do with a townie barmaid who’ll bring shame to his people.

Except Kane can’t get Ana off his mind. He proposes a red-hot weekend in bed, a no-strings affair to end Monday morning. Yet once Kane brings the outsider onto Lakota land, everything changes…

REVIEW:
This novella is a quick read with only about 135 pages. The story is very well written. There were a few times while reading the dialogue of the characters that I thought to myself “this is not how a normal person would speak” but once you get into the swing of the story it is not as obvious (either that or the conversations get better). Ana seems somewhat naive for a twenty-four year old even one raised in a small town but she is a sweet character. Kane is hard to describe. At some points he seems loving and others like he is only out for sex. I was confused by his character but I liked him. There was a lot of talk in the storyline about how the outside world views “injuns” and would give Ana a hard time for being involved with Kane so I was disappointed that there was not a more intense moment of something that happens when Ana is off of reservation land. I enjoyed this story and think if you enjoy cowboy romance then this is one you will want to pick up and enjoy yourself. *Note* This apparently is the second in the “consent” series because in this book Daphne and Will (Consent to the Cowboy) make an appearance and while “Consent to Love” stands alone you do get the feeling that Daphne and Will had their own story before.