Kelly’s review of Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

Once Burned
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE:   6/26/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s a mortal with dark powers…

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…

He’s the Prince of Night…

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

REVIEW:
Vlad uses fear and torture to keep the ones around him loyal.  So when he realizes he is being spied on he does what Vlad does best he threatens to kill that person.  But what he never expected is that that spy is going to ask him for help, ask him to save her and in doing so will change both of their paths forever.

Leila just wants to live in peace or what little peace she can find.  But it is really hard to do that when you just got kidnapped by three very nasty and hungry looking vampires.  Forced to use her power to try to get answers for them, Leila finds herself connecting to another vampire.  And this vampire may be her only hope to make it out of this room alive.

I wanted to give this 5 stars maybe even 4 1/2 but it was a 4 for me.  I guess I have not been paying attention to the Frost world.  I was totally shocked that Vlad’s story is told by the heroine (just like all of Cat & Bones stories are from Cat’s point of view) Lelia.  I was hoping for more insight on the man we have all come to love.

I enjoyed this story.  I am very happy that Vlad finally gets his story told.  We do learn more about the man behind the myth of Dracula. Although I would have loved to have seen many parts of this story through Vlad’s point of view.

Vlad & Leila make a great team.  Both are stubborn, determined and will do anything for the people close to them.  I loved that Leila challenges Vlad every step of the way.  I can’t wait to see where Jeaniene takes us next on Vlad & Leila’s journey.  Sadly we have to wait until Spring of 2013 for the next Night Prince novel to come out.  But I think it will be worth the wait.

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

Kimberly’s review of Let Me In by Callie Croix

Let Me In
AUTHOR: Callie Croix
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On leave for Thanksgiving, the last thing marine lieutenant Talia Barnett expects to find is Liam Brodie waiting for her at the airport. He’s had a starring role in her fantasies for the past two years, and although she’d love to make them a reality, she has a dark secret that prevents her from taking things further.

A former marine, Liam’s specialty is planning tactical operations, and that’s just what he plans to do to win Talia. The woman has kept him at arm’s length for too long, and this time he’s finally going to claim her—body and heart.

What begins as comfort quickly turns hot. When Liam shows Talia a hint of the dominant nature inside him, the submissive part of her flares to life. Though she desires him, she’s going back on deployment and doesn’t want to dump all her drama on him. Will he find a way to break through the protective walls around her heart and convince her they have a future that goes far beyond the bedroom?

REVIEW:
This is a short read (about 100 pages). The synopsis really does not go into all the storylines of this book. Of course the book has the story of Talia and Liam together but it also is the story of a daughter who needs to care for her mentally ill/hoarding mother, her inability to become close to anyone because they might find out about her mother, her desire to be in a real family where she feels loved and cared for and her desire to know she is not alone in her world. Talia is a very complex character who can be a strong Marine and put her life on the line every day while deployed but a scared child when she comes home on leave. Liam has been in love with Talia for the two years he has known her and is willing to take on her burdens if she would only let him.
While the book mentions over and over his dominant nature there really is not much shown in the book. There is very little that I would even consider that makes this book require the “erotica” title. Of course there is sex in the book but we are not talking S&M dominant just a man who takes control in the bedroom. I enjoyed this read and it would be a great book to have on your e-reader for when you need a short, interesting, and enjoyable read.

4 Hearts


REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

Kelly’s review of Under Fire by Catherine Mann

Under Fire
Elite Force #3
AUTHOR: Catherine Mann
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A decorated hero, pararescueman Liam McCabe lives to serve. Six months ago, he and Rachel Flores met in the horrific aftermath of an earthquake in the Bahamas. They were tempted by an explosive attraction, yet parted ways. Still, Liam has thought about Rachel every day—and night—since.

Now, after ignoring all his phone calls for six months, Rachel has turned up on base with a wild story about a high-ranking military traitor. She claims no one but Liam can help her—and she won’t trust anyone else.

With nothing but her word and the testimony of a discharged military cop to go on, Liam would be insane to risk his career—even his life—to help this woman who left him in the dust.

REVIEW:
WOWZA!!!! Okay I have to tell you this is my first Catherine Mann book and I am now totally in love with her and her Elite Force team  Now while Under Fire can easily stand as a read alone book, I am going to go back and read book 1 and 2.   I want to know more about the team!!

Liam McCabe, is…well not very lucky in love.  Oh he loves to be in love, three marriages prove that.  But the three divorcees provide that he is very unlucky when it comes to finding the right woman.   That is until about six months ago when he met the most perfect woman ever.  But after a three short weeks together and just one kiss she walked away from him never to look back.   So image Liam’s shock when he finds Rachel hiding in the back of his jeep, wet and scared to death.

Rachel can’t believe the mess she is in.  Not only has she been getting threatening phone calls, but now someone was following her.  All because she believed the tale that one soldier told her.  But now she is really scared.  She can’t trust the police.  She can’t trust anyone.  Except Liam.  Liam will keep her safe, but first she has to get to him.

This was a great book.  I LOVED Liam and his team.  They are all witty, sexy and can kick your ass with just a look.  It was fun to read Liam & Rachel’s love story as each of them have been burned in the past and are just a little scared of what they feel for each other.  But in the end love will always win.

4 Hearts

4 ½ Stars

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly

Kimberly’s review of Hunting the Shadows by Alexis Reed

Hunting The Shadows
AUTHOR: Alexia Reed
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amy has spent her life in isolation. Locked away in the Centre, a secret government facility where children with extraordinary abilities are raised as highly skilled fighters, she longs for a normal life. A life where being around people doesn’t overload her sensitive telepathic mind. A life where she can’t see through the eyes of a murderer as he hunts down his next victim…

J.C. Nikolaiev was a top researcher, but when his conscience got the better of him, he tried to destroy his work and free his subjects—and was imprisoned as a traitor. To save himself and prevent more people from dying, J.C. must catch the serial killer stalking the halls of the facility. But his only leads come from a woman whose thoughts have invaded his mind…

Finally out of the psych ward, Amy joins forces with J.C. to find the killer before he closes in on them. Can their growing attraction withstand the truths they uncover?

REVIEW:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This seems to be the first book by this author and I was not sure what to expect but this book had the feel of Christine Feehan’s “GhostWalkers” series. At first when I read the synopsis I wondered if it was going to be a take off of Feehan’s books but this book really stands alone and while it has the same feel to it the fact is this book can only be compared to “GhostWalkers” because it is set in an institution and there is telepathy being used. That being said if you enjoy the “GhostWalkers” series you can not miss this book. I can imagine Reed’s writing evolving to become a very well known name in the paranormal world. This book had excitement, romance and suspense. I did not want to miss a word of it. Yes, I do believe Reed has some work to do to reach the pinnacle of say someone like Feehan but I believe she could do it in time.

The character of Amy is simplistic and yet intriguing. She has so many talents and yet has been locked away her whole life so while she can kill a man with her mind she has never touched grass and the joy she gets from doing that is endearing. J.C. is an interesting character. While you can sense how he feels for Amy there are a number of times you wonder if he really is on her side or is he just being “a company man” and doing what he has to do. I would have been happier to if I had met more of the background players and they had been given more of a storyline since I found it easy to identify the killer pretty early. I enjoyed the intimate communication between Amy and J.C. very much and wish there had been a little more of it in the personal setting and not just in time of stress but the few times we heard the personal conversations I feel it brought more connection to the couple.

This is a really good book and if you like romantic suspense then you will really like this book. I look forward to watching the growth of this author and can’t wait to see where she takes her career.

4 Hearts


REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

Kelly’s Review of Seduced by Blood by Laurie London

Seduced by Blood
SweetBlood #4
AUTHOR: Laurie London
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors… Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface-a power that serves him well as the Guardians’ region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can’t read: the beautiful yet mysterious

Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories. Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side-and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both.

REVIEW:

AAAhhh, it is good to be back in the world of the Sweetbloods.

Seduced by Blood is Laurie London’s fourth book in the Sweetbloods series. We finally get to look deeper into the fearless leader Tristan Santiago. *drool*

Santiago, as everyone calls him, is the tough as nails, no feeling, will rip your head off if you don’t do what he says leader of the Pacific Northwest Guardian team. But Santiago hides a very disturbing side of him, something that no one knows, something that if his team finds out they will lose all faith in him.

Roxanne Reynolds, is only in Seattle as a favor to her dear friend Lily. Why else would she be in this god awful cold and rainy place. But what Roxanne doesn’t know is just how very, very, very important she is about to become to the Pacific Northwest Guardians and the very cold, very temperamental, and all around pain in her ass leader of this group.

The Darkbloods are getting too brave, getting too comfortable, and Santiago doesn’t like it one bit. But they always seem to be one step ahead of them. When Santiago sends his team on a mission that almost gets them killed, he has to start to wonder if there is a mole in his group. But how do you find a mole when everyone is afraid of you? Well you go undercover with your new girlfriend right?

Oh how I love the Sweetblood world. I have really enjoyed every one of Laurie’s books. It is hard for me to pick who has been my favorite, all four heroes are yummy. But I really think I like Santiago the best. He is just so darn hard headed. It was great fun to watch him fall. And boy does he fall hard. Roxanne is just, well sweet is not the right word. Roxanne is just kick ass. She can kick your ass without thinking about it. But that is not always her way. She is very gentle and kind, which is exactly what Santiago needs. Oh and someone to push his buttons..

If you have not read any Sweetblood books you really need too. Laurie does a wonderful job of setting up this world. I have truly loved each book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and can’t wait to see where Laurie takes us next *cough* Mitch *cough*

REVIEWED BY: Kelly  NUMBER OF STARS: 4 ½ Stars

Kimberly’s review of Only Yours by Susan Mallery

Only Yours
Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Man’s best…matchmaker?

Montana Hendrix has found her calling–working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right…or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

REVIEW:

Another great visit to “The Land of Happy Endings” in the “Fool’s Gold” series by Susan Mallery!

This is the 5th in the series and the second of the Hendrix triplets story. Montana is the most interesting of the triplets, she thinks her sisters are beautiful but finds herself lacking, she sees good in everyone except herself and in this book we find out why. Simon has had a extremely hard life and really has very little emotion when it comes to other people. Montana and Simon make an interesting pair. You really feel that she is the Ying to his Yang because they are so opposite but fit together perfectly.

Simon is not like the other guys Mallery has written about in the series. All of them have been these attractive men inside and out but Simon is scarred from a incident in his childhood both physically and emotionally. He is not the “perfect” man and can be a little rough around the edges. He is not the leading man that you swoon over but there is something about him that draws the reader to him. We have known Montana through the whole series so we feel a connection with her and want her to be happy. It was also enjoyable to catch up with the rest of the town like Pia having the twins and Denise dating.

As with all of Mallery’s books I consumed the pages in a short period of time. I love this series and love the stories Mallery brings to us. Mallery is a treasure chest with each book being another precious gem to admire.

4 Hearts

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

Kelly’s review of The Claimed by Caridad Piñeiro

The Claimed
Sin Hunters #2
AUTHOR: Caridad Piñeiro
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Victoria Johnson loves her life. She’s her own boss in a quaint beachside town, and has great friends who keep her grounded. If only they knew who she really is: an heiress to an ancient race who possesses astonishing superhuman powers. It’s Victoria’s duty to restore her clan of Light Hunters to their former glory by choosing the perfect mate. In Christopher Sombrosa, she just may have found him. Strong, smart, and successful, Christopher exudes a powerful energy. Their connection is sensual, irresistible-and forbidden.

A member of the Shadow Hunter clan, Christopher has defied his own father to lead his people away from affliction and violence. Yet he cannot ignore his duty to carry on his ancient bloodline. Stunningly beautiful and brimming with an erotic life force, Victoria is everything Christopher ever hoped for in a mate . . . but as a Light Hunter, she’s his mortal enemy. Together, they could unite their warring tribes. But murderous factions on both sides don’t want peace-and they’ll stop at nothing to keep light and darkness apart forever

REVIEW:

I have to start by saying I think this is a series you need to read in order. I made the mistake of picking up book 2 and reading it first. I will tell you I was a little, okay fine totally confused about the world that Caridad create. Not that the world itself is confusing. I just have a feeling so much happened in book one that I would highly recommend you read The Lost first. Okay with that being said now for my review.

I enjoyed this book. Didn’t love, didn’t hate, really I am on the fence about it. I wanted to badly to love Christopher and Victoria’s characters but for me I just never felt a connection with them. Now Ryan, Christophers slightly uptight second in command I like him and am hoping that his book is next.

Christopher and Victoria have a rough road ahead of them. Never before have Shadow and Light joined forces. But there seems to be so much and so many people standing in their way. But love and destiny will not be denied. Once joined nothing will stop them from trying to make the world of the Hunters better.

REVIEWED BY:Kelly

 

 

Kimberly’s review of Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine by Jayne Fresina

Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine
by Jayne Fresina
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/05/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

“Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentlemen with other attachments need not apply.”

Scarred in a childhood accident, Sophia Valentine doesn’t expect any takers on her ad for a husband in the Farmer’s Gazette, until the mysterious Lazarus Kane shows up at her door. To Sophia, he is an exciting, enigmatic stranger. But Lazarus has known Sophia for years and has come a long way to find her. Things are about to get complicated for the mischievous Miss Valentine.

REVIEW:

This books has the potential to be a good book but it is just too long (about 100 pages too long) with a lot of sentiments repeated over and over. And honestly you really do not end up caring much for the two main characters. Sophie at first seems childlike climbing in trees, sneaking books, running away, etc but in the first chapter she is almost 30 years old. The synopsis says she was scarred in a childhood accident but in fact it was 10 years before the story begins so she was 19 years old in the preface. And I really didn’t understand why Sophie was not jumping at the chance to marry Lazarus since she was unhappy in her family home.

The story does get better about halfway through. More of the history of these characters comes out and it actually seems as if you see Sophie grow up. When there is more action and less of the beginning dialogue you can enjoy the book more. While I still never fell in love with these characters I did like them and wanted to know what happened to them by the end.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly

Kimberly’s review of Just Say Yes by Phillipa Ashley

Just Say Yes
AUTHOR: Phillipa Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Lucy Gibson is stunned when her famous reality TV-star boyfriend proposes to her on live television. Although flattered, she rejects his proposal and escapes to a secluded cottage owned by the handsome Josh Standring. Although he may not capture the hearts of millions of viewers, he captures the one heart that matters-and amidst the chaos of proposals, paparazzi, and passion, Josh and Lucy discover that when you know you have found The One, it is so easy to just say yes.

 

REVIEW:

This book was “ok” for me nothing more. It never seems to click with the characters Lucy/Nick or Lucy/Josh. The first eight chapters is a look back on what caused the break up from Lucy’s reality TV-star that caused all of England to turn against her. And honestly I think the reader can tell in the first chapter that Nick is just not an all around good guy. I even wondered if he was bi-polar at one point. Then the next few chapters are about Lucy pinning over her ex. Really there was nothing to pine over. Then she heads away to get away from the paparazzi and meets Josh but he is already in a relationship. Which I as the reader really do not enjoy. While I can appreciate that characters have a history of past romances I really do not enjoy one of the leads to be a homewrecker (even if they are just dating). And towards the end it seems that Josh just all of a sudden has a change of heart about Lucy, before that he had been less than enamored with her. And after the change of heart he is head over heels.

This book was previously released in 2008. This book is written by an English author so there are a lot of phrases and words that are not commonly used in America. Maybe it was the fact that the writing was off because of the different countries but it was a hard book for me to enjoy. That being said I can see how others may enjoy it so do not miss the chance to read it if you enjoy books set in modern day London.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

 

Kelly’s review of Enslaved by Tigris Eden

Enslaved
AUTHOR: Tigris Eden
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/18/12

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.  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

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

Kelly’s review of Darkness Surrendered by Stephanie Rowe

Darkness Surrendered
Order of the Blade: Primal Heat Trilogy #3
AUTHOR:Stephanie Rowe
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/15/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Six hundred years ago, Elijah Ross was tortured into insanity and thrust into a mental hell that no living creature has ever survived…except him. Now, that same evil is back, and Elijah is all that stands between it and the destruction of all of humanity, but each step he takes drags him further back into the nightmare that once consumed him. Elijah’s only chance is Ana Matthews, whose sensual kisses and passionate fire thrust hope and light into his blackened heart and fragmented mind, but her deadly past could be the final trigger for his descent into irretrievable madness and the destruction of his soul…and humanity.

REVIEW:

WOWZA!!!!!! This book was like a rolling stone down a very steep cliff, it keeps gaining speed until you finally think you hit rock bottom when fates steps in and stops you dead in your tracks. Darkness Surrendered picks up where we left off in Darkness Seduced with Elijah still lost under a pile of rubble and his sheva and The Order trying to find him.

This was a gripping way to end the original trilogy of The Order of the Blade. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know Stephanie was going to make everything okay between Elijah & Ana. And let me tell you she put me through the emotional ringer with these two. Just when I think it can’t get any worse it does. Let me tell you how much I hate an author that is good at writing the bad guys. When a bad guys is written good you almost want to root for him.

So my only fault with this book is that I think Ezekiel gets off way too easy. You will know what I mean when you read the book. I was a little pisses at the events at the very end of the book, but like every good author Stephanie gave me a happily ever after, well that is until sheva destiny comes back for them. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you Stephanie for the optionity to read and review your book. 🙂

REVIEWED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

Kelly’s review of Goddess in the Middle by Stephanie Julian

Goddess in the Middle
AUTHOR: Stephanie Julian
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/03/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amity, the Goddess of Health, works as a medical aesthetist, using her remaing goddess powers to help people heal their spirits. Her profession soon brings two masculine Etruscan werewolves, Remy and Rom, into her life. The two werewolves have been searching for a woman powerful enough to handle both of them, but they’ve never met a woman strong enough…until they meet Amity. Together they must use the power generated by their love to kill a vicious demon and keep him locked away forever, or risk losing everything.

REVIEW:
Another great Forgotten Goddess book by Stephanie Julian.   I really have enjoyed this series and this story didn’t let me down.

Amity, has lived her life healing people.  As a Goddess of Health that is what she is suppose to do.  While healing is rewarding something is missing in her life.   Love.   A chance trip to the local watering hole will forever change Amity’s life in the form of two very hot werewolves.

Remy (Yummy) and Rom (yum) are cousins who have had to fight all their life just to stay alive.  They are out for revenge.  They are looking for the demon that killed their families. When they find the object of the demon’s desire, they start to follow her just on the odd chance that they will get a chance to kill the demon.  What they never planned on was the attraction to the saucy brunette sitting across the bar from them.

This book is STEAMY!!!!  I mean how can you go wrong with a Goddess and two very hot Werewolfs.   I will say that I like Remy very much.  Remy is loving, tender and very caring.  Rom on the other hand I had a harder time liking.  Rom is stiff, demanding and always thinking.  But the three of them together are amazing…

If you have never read a Forgotten Goddess book.  You really need too.  I would highly suggest this series.  I totally love Stephanie and this series.

4 Hearts

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly