Category: Review Sunday

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Kelly’s review of Forever And A Day by Jill Shalvis

Forever and A Day
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE:   7/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT.

Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family–until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day

REVIEW:
I have to admit this is my 1st Jill Shalvis book.  Yes, I started with book 6.  But really Forever and A Day can easily be a stand alone read.  But I have already started book 5 and will be working my way back to book 1.  Yes, not my normal way of doing it, but I have found that I am in love with the town of Lucky Harbor and more in love with Jill.

Grace has always done what everyone else expects of her.  But Grace now finds herself at a crossroads.  She is not sure who she wants to be or what she wants to do.  She has not been being true to herself.  Determined to make her life her own she starts having to pick up odd jobs, doing some very odd things.  But when a wrong number looking for a dog walker  for the day offers her a ridiculous about of money, she can’t turn it down.  But what Grace finds from this mistaken dog walking job will forever change her future.

Josh.  1st I have to say *sigh*, love him.  Josh is a single father of a very sweet and loving little boy who thinks he is a Jedi/dog (trust me you need to read the book to understand). On top of being a dad, he also takes care of his sister, and a doctor, running his own practice.  Needless to say Josh is a very busy man, that doesn’t have time for his little boy or sister,  let alone a love life.  But when Josh hires his new dog walker, he could never imagine the outcome of this one choice.
Okay, from page one I fell in love with this little town called Lucky Harbor.  So much so I want to pack up my bags and move there right now, find my prince charming and live happily every after.  Okay fine, I won’t go.  But still Jill, does an amazing job of getting me connected with the characters.

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Kimberly’s Review of Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick

Crystal Gardens
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/24/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Evangeline Ames has rented a country cottage far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds pleasure in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety. Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There are rumors enough already, about treasure buried under his garden, and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle—who died of mysterious causes. With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they have a common enemy. And as the energy emanating from Crystal Gardens intensifies, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.

REVIEW:
Another great read from Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. This is the first in a new historical series titled Ladies of Lantern Street. While it is not part of the Arcane Society series it does have the same feel to it. So if you liked one you will like the other.

Both Lucas and Evangeline have psychical abilities. Lucas is the new owner of the Crystal Gardens which includes botanicals that are fed by paranormal activity and actually glow during the night. When Evie is attacked she runs into the gardens and Lucas comes to her rescue. He decides it is best of her to move into the house for protection. Together they want to find out who ordered the attack on Evie and who murdered Lucas’s uncle.

As I said above this is another wonderful book from Quick/Krentz. I have enjoyed the Arcane Society books for a while now and this would fit right in with it. Evie and Lucas are interesting characters. Evie is not what she seems at first and is a delightful character to read about. Lucas is quiet yet strong and is written as a born leader.

You can never go wrong with a book by Quick/Krentz. Her books are about the paranormal but not about vampires or shape-shifters but about the power of crystals and the mind. If you enjoy historicals then pick this one up and then once you find you do not want to put it down then go back and start the Arcane Society books because this is really where Krentz/Quick excels.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Blade Song by JC Daniels

 Blade Song
AUTHOR: JC Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kit Colbana—half breed, assassin, thief, jack of all trades—has a new job: track down the missing ward of one of the local alpha shapeshifters. It should be a piece of cake.

So why is she so nervous? It probably has something to do with the insanity that happens when you deal with shifters—especially sexy ones who come bearing promises of easy jobs and easier money.

Or maybe it’s all the other missing kids that Kit discovers while working the case, or the way her gut keeps screaming she’s gotten in over her head. Or maybe it’s because if she fails—she’s dead.

If she can stay just one step ahead, she should be okay. Maybe she’ll even live long to collect her fee

Kelly’s Review:
I have to start by saying that I have not read many books in the Urban Fantasy genre.  Yes, yes I know there are lots of great ones out there.  I promise I will get to them.  So when JC asked me to read her new book I was excited and nervous all at the same time.  Then came the disclosure that this was not going to be a HEA romantic-ish ending.  So I was a little worried I may not like.  But I went into it with my eyes open and really did end up liking this book a lot.

Kit Colbana is a very tough girl. She has been through so much in her life that it is amazing how well rounded she is.  But she has a soft spot for kids and is willing to stand up for them no matter what the cost is to her.  And that is how she finds herself in the situation that she is currently in.
A situation that involves one crazy female Alpha, a lost boy, a pain in the butt vampire, and an amazingly good looking, totally out of this world protective, royal pain in the ass new bodyguard.  Who is also the Alpha’s head enforcer.

I will say that it did take me a little bit to get into this book.  I liked Kit right off and loved Damon.  But it took me a little while to figure out the world and decide if I like the book.  I love that Kit was brave, strong and determined.  But the same time she is young, naive and gets herself in over her head.   Damon is an Alpha all the way even if he doesn’t know it yet 😉 .  I really did in enjoy this book and look forward to the next installment in the series.  I look forward to seeing how Kit grows and what other surprises she has up her sleeves.

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Kimberly’s review of Getting Over Mr. Right by Chrissie Manby

Getting Over Mr. Right
AUTHOR: Chrissie Manby
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
BEEN DUMPED? GET MAD. BUT NOT THIS MAD.

Have you ever had your heart broken? How did you get over it?
If a pint of ice cream cheered you up and you were able to delete his number and start again then . . .
You’re a weirdo and this book is not for you.

But if you reacted with denial, begging, or a spot of casual witchcraft, then you’ve come to the right place. This is one woman’s journey from love to lunacy and back again. If you ever recall past heartbreaks with acute embarrassment and an urge to go into hiding, this will make you feel better. Sure, you may have sent his new girlfriend a bunch of dead roses, but did you spend a grand on psychic hot-lines and a voodoo curse?

Kimberly’s Review:
Remember being in love? Life is perfect with your guy and then he says “it’s over”? Then remember calling your best friend and crying? Having your best friend call to see if she could play middle-man and get you two back together? Getting into the car and driving down his street to see what he was doing? Maybe even making that one last call to say you loved him and please take you back? And when he didn’t you cried again on your best friends shoulder until finally you moved on?

Well now imagine not moving on… becoming a stalker and going mad!  Yep that is what happens to Ashleigh. This character has lost her ever loving mind but since it is not happening to you it can be enjoyed in this weirdly funny story. I, at one point. wondered if this was a “What not to do when dumped for dummies” book and thought maybe I should pick it up for my step-daughter now that she is dating but I worried she would find this hysterical and decide to try some of these things herself. This is most certainly a young woman’s story and not meant for a mature, past the point of obsessing over a guy, kind of woman.

I think you have to have a certain kind of personality to appreciate this book.  If you find humor is inappropriate circumstances then you will enjoy this book. Just remember this is not a handbook but a work of fiction. Do not try this at home!

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Kelly’s review of Natural Evil by Thea Harrison

 Natural Evil
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/20/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Claudia Hunter is on a road trip through the Nevada desert when she sees the body of a dog on the side of the highway. Pulling over to investigate, she quickly determines that the enormous animal is clinging to life. While working to save him with the help of the local vet, Claudia realizes there’s something about the creature that seems more. Other. Wyr. Which makes this case of animal cruelty attempted murder.

Too injured to shape shift, Luis Alvaraz is reluctant to tell Claudia what he knows about his attack, afraid it will only make her a target. But the sheriff is corrupt, and his attackers know Luis is alive and vulnerable. To make matters worse, a sandstorm is sweeping into town, and if they’re going to survive the night, Luis will have to place all his trust in Claudia.

Warning: Take a gorgeous man temporarily stuck in the dog house, add a strong, take-no-prisoners woman, mix in encroaching enemies and a raging sandstorm and stir to combine. Enjoy with a freshly opened can of whoop-ass.

Kelly’s REVIEW:
Natural Evil is Thea Harrison’s 2nd e-novella in the Elder’s Race series.  While I really liked Luis & Claudia, this novella didn’t suck me to The Elder Races like Thea’s other books. Coming off reading Oracle’s Moon, which I totally loved, Natural Evil just didn’t do it for me.

I look forward to the next installment in the Elder Races series.

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Kelly’s review of Wishful Thinking by Gabi Stevens

Wishful Thinking
AUTHOR: Gabi Stevens
PUBLICATION DATE:  04/24/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Free-spirited artist Stormy Jones-Smythe was raised by two talented Wizard fathers but never showed the slightest hint of magical abilities. Which is why she’s totally surprised when three famous fairy godmothers show up at her door to tell her she’s one of them.

Surprised, and none too happy.  The godmothers are fugitives, framed for treason, and the last thing the magical Council wants is another fairy godmother going rogue. Hence Stormy’s new full-time Guard, Hunter Merrick.

Stormy quickly realizes she’s not going to escape Hunter’s watch…and before long, she’s not sure she wants to. But her freedom depends on her ability to expose the plot against the godmothers, and that means getting control of her magic. Despite the growing chemistry between them, Hunter is fiercely loyal to the Council—and duty-bound to keep Stormy from doing either of those things.

But he didn’t count on Stormy’s irrepressible exuberance and passion for life. Before long, even Hunter isn’t sure which side he’s on, and he can’t contain Stormy either way.

Kelly’s REVIEW:
I am not sure where I stand on this book.  I liked the story.  But did not  love.  I have to admit that I ended up skimming a lot of parts in the book.  I like the hero of this book Hunter is a straight up kind of guy.  The heroine Stormy I never really connected with her.  I am not really sure what I can say…
If you love the first two books in Gabi’s series I think you will be happy with Wishful Thinking.  And this is maybe where I went wrong.  I started with book 3.

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Kimberly’s review of Ruined By Rumor by Alyssa Everett

TITLE: Ruined by Rumor
AUTHOR: Alyssa Everett
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted! She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind…

Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana? Certainly not Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love. When he learns she’s been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on. Comfort soon turns into a passionate kiss—and scandal when they are caught in an embrace.

Only one thing will save Roxana from certain ruination: marriage to the earl. The match may save her reputation, but responsible, tongue-tied Ayersley is a far cry from her dashing former fiancé. She’s convinced Ayersley is merely doing his duty…while he’s sure Roxana is still in love with another man. Are they trading one disaster for another?

REVIEW:
So this book could go either way for me. It was nicely written and a good story. The problem is it is a lot like other historicals I have read. The difference is Ayersley is shy and intelligent and not the rogue or rake that is used in most historicals. Typical of historicals though Roxana is compromised by a kiss so she and Ayersley have to be married. And of course Roxana thinks Ayersley is marrying her to be proper and he thinks she is still in love with her ex-fiance’. There are so many mixed and missed signals that the reader easily becomes impatient with the couple. However, that being said this is not an uncommon storyline in historicals and if you are a fan of the genre then you are used to the storyline and probably enjoy it. The author did a good job with the feel of the book, I just wish there had been more to it then the normal historical that so many have already written. I also felt the ending was rushed. Once the feelings had finally come to the forefront the book seemed to end and we were given the epilogue.

If you are only a passing fan of the genre then this may not be your cup of tea. But if you like historicals then you will most likely enjoy this book and enjoy the differences that it does have like a man being a politician instead of a rake.

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Kelly’s review of Shadow Rising by Kendra Leigh Castle

Shadow Rising
Dark Dynasties #3
AUTHOR: Kendra Leigh Castle
PUBLICATION DATE:   7/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ancient Secrets, Dark Passions…

As one of the Grigori, a noble vampire dynasty shrouded in mystery, Ariane has spent her life hidden away in the desert. Like all of her kind, she is a watcher, fated to observe, forbidden to act. Yet when her best friend, Sammael, vanishes, she defies all rules and flees her safe haven to bring him home.

A shape-shifting assassin for the House of Shadows, Damien Tremaine is hired to locate Sammael. His hunt for the wayward Grigori leads him to Ariane, the rogue vamp who stands between him and his bounty. Damien never lets emotion interfere with his work, but a single touch from the sexy, beguiling vampire shatters his self-control. Drawn together by their common goal, what begins as an alliance of necessity soon becomes one of desire. But when the secret at the dark heart of the Grigori comes to light, Damien and Ariane must make a choice that could bind them eternally…or tear them—and everything they care about—apart

REVIEW:
Damien, is just a pain in the ass, smart mouth, totally hot bounty hunter.  But really Damien uses all the smart mouth and sarcasm as a way to keep people from getting close to him, and it has worked for a very long time.  But like all good things it has to come to an end.  When Damien gets his next assignment to track down a missing Grigori the last thing he expected to find was one very hot, very stubborn, defiant female Grigori, that will test every wall Damien has ever put up.

Ariane has lived a very sheltered life, but she is done with that now.  Ariane is determined to go out on her own to find her missing friend Sammael.  Ariane is not prepared for the outside world, but she loves it and know now she can never go back to her sheltered life.  The one thing that Ariane was never prepared for is the very sexy cat-shifter that just walked into her life.

Damien & Ariane are like magnets.  At times they are pulled too close together you have to pry them apart and other times they repel each other.  It was great fun to read about these two and watch them grow together.  It is always fun when a big tough man falls so hard that he doesn’t even know it.  Damien may be a total and complete jerk at times, but he is sweet and dream too.

This was a great book.  This was also my first Kendra Leigh Castle book and I really enjoyed the world that Kendra created.   While I think that you can read this book as a stand alone I think it would be best to start at the beginning with Dark Awakening.  I am looking forward to what is next in the Dark Dynasties series.

4 Hearts

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly

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Kimberly’s review of Edge of Light by Cynthia Justlin

Edge of Light
AUTHOR: Cynthia Justlin
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/14/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken prisoner by a ruthless group of anarchists deep in the Cambodian jungle, anthropologist Jocelyn Hewitt is isolated in a dark prison cell. Without chance of rescue. Or hope. Until the man in the next cell reaches out to let her know she’s not as alone as she thinks.

CIA agent Oliver Shaw has been held prisoner for over two years. Forced to witness the brutal torture and slow murder of his entire team, his spirit is not just broken, it’s crushed. He no longer believes in hope. Until he hears Jocelyn through the wall, and suddenly feels like a glimpse of light is trying to reach in…

Jocelyn’s heart aches for the tortured man whose presence and voice give her the courage to risk their escape. But first she’ll have to remind Oliver who he once was, what he once loved, and bring him back to life. Only then will they have a chance for freedom—and the kind of love neither ever thought possible.

REVIEW:
DNF (which is very rare for me)… This is a very intense book with a lot of violence and I found it hard to read. This was not my kind of book. There were too many characters that they began to run together. If you enjoy intense books wrapped around violence and escape then this may be a book you would love to read. However I just could not do it.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

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Kelly’s review of Silk Road by TJ Michaels

Silk Road
Seals of Destiny #1
AUTHOR: TJ Michaels
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/17/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first Descendant in millennia with the power to use an ancient artifact is being hunted. By the good, the bad…and the worst.

* * * * *
Every rogue longs for a second chance, right? Wrong. Larien, former angel of The Host is not looking for redemption. What he needs hasn’t been seen in millennia but he’ll search the ends of the Earth to find it – from the hills of San Francisco all the way to…the Silk Road.

Jayla Protegenu learned as a child to call her protectors to keep at bay the things that prowled the night. Now, as a woman grown, she never expected one of those protectors would be a Fallen angel – Larien. His job: to help Jayla find the mythical and mystical Seal of Solomon.

Even among those who created the very meaning of good and evil, nothing is black and white. Neither friends nor enemies are what they appear.

REVIEW:
Silk Road is a mix of mythology, fallen angels, demons and magic.  We find a little bit of just about everything going on in this story.  But TJ does a great job of blending them all together.  While keeping us on our toes and I  really enjoyed the main characters Larien & Jayla.

Larien, the dark brooding fallen angel who has sworn off love, humans and will just about everyone.  He has been tasked to help a human find an ancient artifact and when that is done he is done.  Only this human and the artifact stand in his way.  But little does this fallen angel know what awaits him on the other side of that door.

Jayla has always known she is special.  She just never knew just how special she was until she wakes up to an extremely hot man in her bedroom in the middle of the night and talking about secret missions. And oh boy does this mission turn Jayla’s life upside down.

Really enjoyed this book.  Great beginning to a wonderful series.   I am looking forward to the next installment in the Seals of Destiny series.

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

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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Ursula’s review of Gentlemen Prefer Nerds by Joan Kilby

Gentlemen Prefer Nerds
AUTHOR: Joan Kilby
PUBLICATION DATE:   Available Now
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Self-professed nerd Maddie Maloney is an expert on jewels. Jewel thieves are another matter entirely! So when a mysterious Englishman warns her that a thief known as The Chameleon is after the rare pink diamond on display in her aunt’s shop, she tells herself it’s just a joke. Even if she can’t get Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome out of her mind…

But Fabian Montgomery doesn’t give up easily. He’s everywhere she goes, convinced the thief will strike. And when the diamond does go missing-and Maddie is suspected of stealing it-he whisks her away from the police and together they pursue The Chameleon.

Fabian plunges her into a glamorous world far from her humble workshop and transforms geeky Maddie into a sophisticated siren capable of espionage. Her mission: to seduce The Chameleon and steal back the diamond.

But Fabian isn’t telling her everything-like who he works for, and why he’s so interested in The Chameleon

REVIEW:

This book was a non-stop action packed read.  Chock full of mysterious, hot men and priceless gems, this book had it all. Daring car chases, hidden agendas, and a desert island.  The hero and heroine were interesting characters.  I loved how Fabian just popped into her life with no warning.  Once there she had a hard time getting rid of him, until eventually she didn’t want to. He was a very layered character and we got to see his inner struggle with his feelings for Maddie and his own honesty. The whole time he was lying to her, but somehow it was ok. Maddie is a woman who is focused on one thing, gems. They are her life.  We also get to see her family life and learn how she grew up which really shaped her into the woman she is now.  And under his tutelage, she went from Nerd to Glamazon and then back to something a little in between.  Fabian saved her life many times over the course of the book, and though he acted like it was part of the job, it was clearly so much more.

I have to be honest though: The ending made me a little unhappy. OK, a lot unhappy. I almost threw my Nook across the room while screaming: “WHAT!? That’s it!?”  It ended with a very ambiguous HFN with no indication if there would be a sequel or if it is part of a series. Overall it was a great read.

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Ursula

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Kelly’s review of A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster

TITLE: A Perfect Storm
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/27/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He never saw her coming…

Spencer Lark already knows too many secrets about Arizona Storm, including the nightmare she survived and her resulting trust issues. But in order to expose a smuggling ring—and continue avenging his own tragic past—the bounty hunter reluctantly agrees to make Arizona a decoy. Yet nothing has equipped him for her hypnotic blend of fragility and bravery, or for the protective instincts she stirs in him.

Arizona wants to reclaim her life, which means acting as bait to lure the enemy into a trap. Sure it’s dangerous, especially with a partner as distractingly appealing as Spencer. But as their plan—and their chemistry—shifts into high gear, Arizona may discover there’s an even greater risk in surrendering her heart to a hero

REVIEW:
Loved this story.   This was my first Lori Foster book and I am hooked.  I am going to have to go back and read the first 3 books in this series.  But I will say that A Perfect Storm easily reads as a stand alone book.  At no time did I feel lost or not know what was going on.

Spencer.  Spencer is yummy with a capital Y-U-M-M-Y!!!!!  He is a total man, all rough and tough.  But Spencer is so caring and generous that you can’t help but fall in love with him.  Spencer has great instincts and is more then willing to help someone in need.  So when he wakes up with Arizona in his room, he know that things are about to change.

Arizona has had a very rough life.  But instead of becoming a wallflower after everything she has been through she has come out the other side stronger and more determined.   But even Arizona knows when she needs back up.  That is why she broke into Spencer’s house, sat there watching him sleep just waiting for him to wake up.

These two were great fun to read.  Spencer is so patient, loving but could and will kick butt when need.  Arizona maybe tough on the outside but inside she still fights her demons.  With Spencer, Arizona starts to feel things she can’t understand, but she wants too.  While Spencer thinks he is the one trying to heal Arizona, he doesn’t realize that he is healing too.  But will it all be too late?  Arizona is a wild card and unpredictable.
If you have read any of Lori Foster’s books you will love A Perfect Storm.  🙂

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kelly