Category: Review

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Kimberly’s review of A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: A Fool’s Gold Christmas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/25/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage the Fool’s Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister — off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….

REVIEW:
There is no place I would rather spend Christmas than Fool’s Gold. With the beautiful backdrop of the California mountains Christmas comes alive in the latest of the Fool’s Gold series from Susan Mallery. Fool’s Gold is the type of town we all wish we belong to with people willing to help and a place where a newcomer can feel at home. But when Evie is brought to the town by her family after breaking her leg she feels more like an outsider than part of the family. The only place she feels at home in on the dance floor so when asked to teacher the children the winter dance she agrees even as she plans her escape from the town after the holidays.

Dante has also been brought to Fool’s Gold against his will by his business partner Rafe (Summer Days #7). With the past that Dante has the best thing he can do with the ladies is love ‘em and leave ‘em and he has gotten good at just that. But when Evie and her troupe dance into Dante’s life will he recognize a good thing and will either of them be willing to overcome the past to believe in love and learn that Fool’s Gold really can be home? Both are unaware that the lure of Fool’s Gold is not only in the spirit of the season but the spirit and heart of the town.

I could not put this book down. This is the 10th in the series and I have loved everyone of them but there is just something extra special about Fool’s Gold at Christmas time. I wanted to walk the streets, see the decorations of the town and watch the performance on Christmas Eve. I wanted to drink peppermint martinis at Evie’s house with the girls and wanted to walk up to Dante and hug him after smacking him upside the head. Mallery has a way of transporting you to the town of Fool’s Gold and as a reader you can feel the love she has for her (unfortunately) imagined town which makes the reader love it to. Pick up “A Fool’s Gold Christmas”, make a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle up on the couch and I promise you in a few hours when you finally set the book down you will be ready to start decorating your house for the holidays.

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

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Review of Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution by Daniel Armand

Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution
by Daniel Armand
Paperback
Publisher: Two Harbors Press
Price: $17.95
ISBN: 9781937928100
Pages: 312
Release: April 2, 2012

Amazon buy link | Barnes&Noble.com buy link

Adam Orser seems to be a regular guy, leading a fairly successful life in Toronto as a psychologist with a loving girlfriend, Jazmin.

But there is nothing ordinary about Adam.

Fate interrupts his planned marriage proposal, and a serious car accident thrusts him into a metaphysical reality behind a deep coma that holds his physical body in check. Through an advanced system of training and evolution created by the celestial realm, Adam is called to a dangerous mission with profound implications for the world he knows, and life and death consequences for one missing nine-year old girl, who is no ordinary kidnapped child. Fantastical forces are at work on both sides of the veil between the world we recognize and those yet to be discovered.

Destiny compels Adam to freely choose the part he will play in a no-limits competition between good and evil. Questions of existence, causality, and truth converge as Adam struggles to find his way back to Jazmin and a life that will never be the same.

Review by Brooke Marie

This book starts out with just a simple scene and soon develops around a funny character named Adam Orser, a funny man who doubles as a smart psychologist. This book flips between multiple characters but they are all connected within a web, they all tie back to Adam. When a kidnapping case evolves in the story needing his experience with the criminal pychi, Adam is called away at a tender moment with his beloved Jazmin. On the way Adam is in a terrible car accident that leaves him in a coma. While he is in the coma he finds out the truth behind many things while the outside world waits for his return. Adam learns this isn’t the first life he lead. He learns this from what he recognizes as angels. When a young man, an ex-lover of Jazmin’s, shows up at the hospital where Jazmin is waiting for Adam to awaken, he tells Jazmin that Adam will wake up different then before-knowing things that he shouldn’t know, being able to change and do things that no one should be able to. Jazmin doesn’t believe him at first but much to her surprise, this young man spoke truth. Why is Adam at the center of the web? How does he learn these amazing things from his dream angels? Find out in Daniel Armand’s “Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution.’

Just like everything in the world this is only an opinion, some might love or hate this book and that is up to you. Though I found this book enjoyable, but confusing. This was a very good book, with a very interesting idea that has yet to be overdone. Adam starts out as a very funny, out-spoken person, and we watch him slowly learn and become something far greater. Adam becomes knowledgeable. This book was well written but if you are looking for an easy read I don’t believe this is the book for you. While reading you need to be very focused because the book changes stories and characters and you aren’t always able to pick up the change into much later. So in that the book could have been clearer, but then pieces you read are very good, riddle-like.  After a while you start to get the rhythm of the changes but it still can be confusing at times. Nonetheless this was a good book, you grow to want more-connect the web if you will.

Claps for Mr. Daniel Armand’s “Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution.”

 

 

Daniel Armand Bio:

Daniel Armand lives in Toronto, Ontario. His inspiration behind Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution originated during the summer of 1983, after a near death encounter offered an incredible insight into the obscured aspects of life, love, and the progression of the human spirit.

Daniel is currently working on the next novel of the Adam Orser saga. “I truly hope this novel will help inspire readers all over the globe, to embrace their spirituality. It is through clarity of mind and understanding that we may one day ‘bloom’ into harmony and unlock our limitless potential.”

 

Two Harbors Press website | Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook |  Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution blog tour site 

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Simmer by Kaitlyn Davis Blog Tour

 

Simmer
Midnight Fire #2
by Kaitlyn Davis
GoodReads
Order here: Amazon | B&N

“Slowly, like a whisper almost blown away in the wind, two words streaked across her mind: ‘Kiss me.'”
Kira may have survived the eclipse, but her troubles are far from over. She’s headed to Sonnyville with one goal in mind: to learn more about her parents. But with Luke and Tristan competing for her heart and Diana gunning for her head, time is running out on the search for her mother. And the closer Kira gets to answers, the more terrified she becomes. The conduits fear her, the vampires fear her, and Kira is starting to wonder if maybe they’re right…
Simmer is the second book in the thrilling Midnight Fire Series. It is approximately 65,000 words

Review:

First I have to say that this book was much better than the first in the series “Ignite” (see review below). The characters have more definition and the storyline which is pretty predictable is more interesting than in the first book.

It is obvious to me that the author took more time to write this book then she did the first. I would have no problem recommending this book to a young adult to read where with the first book I would not have thought of recommending it. Funny thing is because it is a continuing story I would not have to tell the young reader that they should read the first to understand the second.

Honestly I am still not fully taken with the characters. They never really jump out to me but then as I explained in the review for book one I am a couple decades past the intended age target. The books still makes me feel that the author was rewriting Twilight to how she would like it but it really starts to stand on its own a little bit more.

Am I head over heels for this book? No. However I can see why a young reader may enjoy it more than I did at my (cough) advanced age.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

Ignite
by Kaitlyn Davis
PUBLICATION DATE:   10/09/11
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“With one last look, one final search of the lines of his face for some sign, Kira turned and ran away from the sound of the man she loved laughing in the face of her death.”

When Kira Dawson moves to South Carolina, she meets Luke, a blond goofball who quickly becomes her best friend, and Tristan, a mysterious bad boy who sends shivers down her spine. Kira knows they’re keeping secrets, but when she discovers Tristan’s lust for blood and her own dormant mystical powers, Kira is forced to fight for her life and make the heartbreaking decision between the familiar comfort of friendship and the fiery passion of love.

REVIEW:
First let me say that this book is meant for a young reader and since I have not been young for a couple of decades now I might not be the best to review.  However….

I had a hard time with these characters. They never seem to warm up to the reader or for that matter to each other. I never figured out what they saw in each other. Some of the time it made me wonder how anyone could not think of these characters as mean and spiteful. I think they possibly could be a portrait of the teenagers of today with the feeling of entitlement.

I really felt like the author watched Twilight went to bed thinking how she would have done it different and then wrote it out on paper but just did not have the gift of writing behind her thoughts. Maybe some youth readers would enjoy it so I would not solely base the book on me but I can not say this is something that I enjoyed.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

 

Kaitlyn Davis’ Bio:

Kaitlyn Davis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.  She’s been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to finally share her work with the world. She currently lives in New York City and dreams of having a cockapoo puppy of her own.

Want to learn more about Kaitlyn or her books? 

Check her out here

Kaitlyn Davis’ blog |  Facebook  | Twitter |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook  | Simmer blog tour site

 

 

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Kelly’s ARC review of Mine to Hold by Shayla Black

Mine To Hold
Wicked Lovers #6
AUTHOR: Shayla Black
PUBLICATION DATE:  06/04/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A friend’s duty.

Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While he supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to cry on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.

A lover’s desire.

After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a killer determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the stalker, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney — body and soul — Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her

REVIEWED BY: Kelly
4 ½ Stars
REVIEW:

Opening Line:
“Tyler, are you aware that all the girls at Sexy Sirens have nick named you Cockzilla?”

Oh what can I say about the very naughty Tyler Murphy.  Tyler is every girls dreams and their worst nightmare all rolled into one.  Tyler, is a sex god but not  willing to comment to any one. So he spends countless nights on random hook ups, that mean nothing but a good time.  But he has never really got to the root of his problems, that is until an unexpected visitor shows up at his door and everything in Tyler’s life changes.

Delaney, is one tough cookie, but not tough enough to keep survive all these death threat.  Delaney has finally reached the end of her rope and has to seek out the help of the one person she never thought she would have to ask help from.  The one person that will turn her life upside down again.  The one person that can break her heart, but it will be worth it just to keep her son safe.  Even if that means losing her heart again.

I LOVED!!!!  LOVED!!!!! LOVED!!!!! this story.  I have to say a HUGE thank you to Shayla & her assistant Christie for allowing me to read this story.  I loved everything about it.  Tyler is such a tough guy.  He acts like he has no feeling, no emotions, nothing fazes him.  But in reality he is a very sensitive, loving, caring and would die for the ones he hold close.  Oh and Tyler is wicked talented in bed, he didn’t get the name Cockzilla for nothing.  *wiggles eyebrows*

Delaney, I really liked her character.  She is not overly tough or a pushover.  She has a great balance of both.  She really makes Tyler work hard for her and he does. These two are such a fun couple to watch.  Now while their story may have started a little unconventionality the love that these two share is unbreakable.

Shayla has written another WONDERFUL story.  If you have read any of Shayla’s other Wicked Lovers book you know just how wicked her writing is.  Well Tyler has some tricks up his sleeves.  Hint: It has to do with a wall.

I would highly, highly recommend this series to anyone (unless you are fate at heart).   If you have not started this series you really need too. Each book can be read as a stand alone.  But reading from the beginning will give you a better understand of all the characters.  Which Shayla does a great job of bring back in each book.

Again HUGE thank you to Shayla & Christie for letting me read and review.  And now I am dying for Xander’s book…This boy is going to be great fun to read.

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Kimberly’s review of Falling in Danger by Kaylie Newell

Falling In Danger
AUTHOR: Kaylie Newell
PUBLICATION DATE:   02/20/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A journalist stumbles onto the story of a lifetime. And finds herself falling in danger…

When young, naïve reporter Jessica Brady is kidnapped and held for ransom by the head of an illegal dog fighting organization, undercover police officer Ian Cole realizes he’s got his hands full. He’s on the verge of busting the ring when he’s assigned to babysit her, which isn’t an easy feat. She’s neurotic, feisty, and also happens to be scared to death of dogs. Now he has to figure out a way to get them both out alive.

Jessica has no idea the thug she’s becoming attracted to is actually a cop, but it’s clear he’s not like the rest of the men in the organization. Particularly Albert Mancini, the disturbed only son of the ring boss, who has an appetite for alcohol and women. Especially Jessica.

When Ian’s cover is blown, he’s forced to bust the ring early. Weeks later, Jessica can’t stop thinking about the experience that has changed her forever. She wonders about the tall, sexy detective who saved her life. And the mobster’s prize-winning pit bull, Bruta.

An idea for a story is born. What if these dogs were given a second chance at life?

As Jessica digs deeper into their troubled world, she ends up falling for the police officer who rescued them. And discovers layers of her heart she never knew existed.

But when Albert escapes from jail, her happiness turns to terror. He hasn’t forgotten about the detective who put him behind bars. Or the beautiful young woman whose every move has become his obsession.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly
4 Stars
REVIEW:
The synopsis gives you a very clear explanation about the book so I will not reiterate that but I will tell you I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The book is very well written especially since it looks like this is only the second book by this author.

I love the male character, Ian, he has a strength about him that is written so clearly into the character it is hard not to fall for him. Jessica is great too, except I would have been happier to not have her on the verge of tears so often. I also enjoyed Bruta, the pit bull. The book is about dogfighting and the rescue of fighting dogs and Bruta is a poster child for these innocent victims. It breaks your heart to know that these dogs are out there forced into a life they do not want and yet the books celebrates the “parents” who rescue these dogs and rehabilitate them.  The only thing is I wished the author had given us a little more of an epilogue/chapter 15. It felt a little abrupt of an ending when it comes to the couple and the dog even though, yes, it is a happy ending a little more detail would have been nice. But other than that this book is great and is not a story to be missed.

**NOTE: 40% of the publisher’s proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to The Pixie Project, a non-profit organization that provides adoption services for animals.

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Kelly’s review of Savage Awakening by JD Tyler

Savage Awakening
Alpha Pack #2
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/03/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After one of their own is captured, the Alpha Pack must save him. With them is Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase. Her priority is her brother’s rescue. What she doesn’t bargain for is a scorching affair with a rugged wolf shifter. When his life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she’s willing to sacrifice in the name of love.

REVIEWED BY: Kelly
5 Stars

REVIEW:
JD did it again!!!  She has sucked me back into the world of the Alpha Pack.  I started to read this book Sunday morning and needless to say I got nothing done.  I could not put this book down.  And when I finished I wanted to start all over again. I was not ready to leave the world of the Alpha Pack.  There is so much going on with the Alpha pack.  I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful series!!!

Savage Awakening picks up a few weeks after Primal Law ends with Aric still in captivity and not being treated well at all.  This was the hardest part of the book for me.  I didn’t want to know what happened to Aric, I wanted to reach in the book and drop kick the people that were hurting him.  But I had to remember that Aric is a trooper, he presses on no matter what has happened to him or will happen to him.  But it takes one very feisty cop to show this big tough wolf that sometimes you need to let those walls down and just learn to love.

Rowan, has been devastated by the loss of her brother.  Deep down she believes he is alive and out there somewhere. When Rowan gets a tip about where her brother was or could be she races off to get answers.  What Rowan never expected was to be welcomed by a wolf shifters and a panther?   What Rowan learns from these men changes everything.

Like I said at the beginning… LOVED this book.  Aric is stubborn to a fault.  He might be this big tough warrior wolf, but deep down his is gentle, kind and loves with all his heart even if he can’t admit it.  Rowan is fun, witty and can hold her own against some pretty tough guys.  These two were great to read about.  And OH the dream walking… Vegas anyone…. hehehehe.   I am so looking forward to where JD is going to take us next.  I know that Kalen’s book Black Moon will be released in December and I can’t wait.  I have a feeling that Black Moon will be a very emotional book.  I can’t wait to see what JD has in store for Micah too, man he needs a HEA more than anyone right now.
JD, Thank you so very much for writing a wonderful book!!!!

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Kimberly’s review of Trinity Bound by Carrie Ann Ryan

Trinity Bound
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/28/12
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?

Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?

Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Redwood Pack series. Having just finished the first and second I would have to say this falls right in between my favorites (the second tops my favorite so far). But that says a lot because both of the first two books received 4 stars and this one does as well.

The difference in this book is Reed is not the Alpha, Beta or even the Omega. Reed feels like he is nothing important in his pack since he claims to “just be an artist”. He does not have the attitude that most werewolves have in books. That does not make him any less desirable just different then what paranormal readers are used to. Hannah is too sweet for words. She wants to love and when two men come to her offering their love how can she choose? Or does she need to?  Now Josh is an interesting character. He is ex-military, strong and independent but then you realize he doesn’t want to get to close because everybody ends up leaving him eventually.  These three have something special… The trinity bond.

As with the other two books from Ryan this is a really good book. A lot happens in this book that keeps the attention of the reader. If you enjoy paranormal/shape-shifter books you will enjoy this one. And while it could be read on its own I would definitely read the first two first to know the family. The Jamesons’ are a big part of this series. I can not wait for Adam’s story next!

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Kelly’s ARC review of Seduced by the Vampire King by Laura Kaye

Seduced by the Vampire King
Vampire Warrior Series #2
AUTHOR: Laura Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
American exchange student Kate Bordessa has fled to Russia to escape her family’s hopes that she’ll become one of the Proffered, human women who feed and mate with elite vampire warriors. But when she stumbles upon a wounded vampire in the streets of Moscow, she’s instinctively driven to protect him–and feels an undeniable spark of desire.

Grieving over the deaths of his brothers, Vampire Warrior King Nikolai Vasilyev has thrown himself into battling his enemies, focused only on vengeance. Until the attack that brought him to Kate. Their sexual attraction explodes into a night of uncontrolled passion–a night that marks them as mates. Is their connection strong enough to convince them to embrace a destiny neither of them was expecting?

REVIEWED BY: Kelly
3 ¾ Stars

REVIEW:
Seduced by the Vampire King is Laura Kaye’s second book in her Vampire Warriors series.   This was a quick 90 page read.  So because the book was short I won’t give too much away.
I will say that Nikolai is stubborn, damaged and is way too hard on himself.  Kate is just the breath of fresh air that Nikolai needs in this life.

I enjoy Nikolai and Kate’s story better than book one In the Service of the Vampire King.  I was able to connect with the characters more in this second book.  That being said I hope that Laura will write follow up stories about these characters.  I want to know how they are doing, how these big tough Warrior Vampires handle having feisty women in their lives   If they finally win the war, what will happen after they do.

Huge thank you to Laura for allowing me to read your story and I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the Vampire Warrior series.

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Kimberly’s review of Stuck with you by Trish Jensen

Stuck with You
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/01/01
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As lawyers on opposing sides of a messy divorce case, Paige Hart and Ross Bennett ought to have kept matters purely professional, yet Paige and Ross came to loathe each other with an intensity that was strictly
personal. The bad blood between them takes on an unexpected new dimension when the infuriated pair is forced to share a hospital room, when they’re quarantined after being exposed to the rare and highly contagious Tibetan Concupiscence Virus that’s reputed to shift sensual desire into high gear. When symptoms (which a nonmedical person might mistake for pure and simple lust) start showing up way ahead of schedule, the lawyers’ objections to each other are overruled — and they enjoy every minute of it. But, after the doctors declare that the disease has run its course, Paige and Ross are still feverish with a longing for one another that they hope will never be cured. When the verdict comes in, will they be sentenced to life — in love? The trend toward funny, sexy contemporary romance has been around for a while, but Trish Jensen offers readers a fresh (in both senses of the word) take on this popular genre.

 

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly
4 Stars

REVIEW:
As with all of Trish Jensen’s books this book is hard to put down. It is not long into this book when you fall for these characters. Ross has a sense of humor no woman could deny was her undoing and Paige is just adorable and while brilliant in life not so much in love (the sports analogies are so cute). These characters jump off the page and make you smile and laugh. (And the Scrabble scene is not to be missed!) * The secondary story of Rachel and Nick should have been a book all on its own.* Pick up this book if you didn’t in 2001 and enjoy it!
Paige and Ross are both lawyers. And while he is a divorce lawyer Paige is usually in tax law, that is until a family member asks Paige to help with her divorce (or any other law a family member needs handled). So now Paige and Ross are on opposites sides of the table. At least until the explosion at the court house. Then they are stuck with each other in a quarantined room at the hospital with a possible virus that causes an over-stimulated sex drive. How can you be in a room with a person you find attractive when your sex drive has been spiked? Turn the page and find out.

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Kelly’s (arc) review of Rough Ride by Keri Ford

Rough Ride
Roughnecks #1
AUTHOR: Keri Ford
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/06/12

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You do for family, no matter what. Lane Iverson knows that better than anyone. Harboring a secret about his mother’s death, Lane is counting the days until he finishes helping his brothers with some work and can head back to his hiding hole hours away. As long as he doesn’t have to face his three brothers every day, the guilt is easier to carry.

There is only one thing that can risk his plan. All of five foot tall, with these deep eyes and a voice that shudders through him. The completely addicting, Gretchen Jones. She’s been watching him the entire time he’s been in town. With courage from her friends behind her, she confronts what she wants. To her surprise, that’s the easy part. Keeping her heart protected when she knows he’ll be leaving? Not so easy, but her only choice.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly             
4 ½  Stars

REVIEW:
Rough Ride is book 1 in Keri Ford’s new series The Roughnecks and takes us back to the quiet little town of Apple Trail.   The Roughneck series is a spin off of Keri’s Apple Trail series which I LOVED!!!  If you haven’t read the Apple Trail series find more about it here http://keriford.com/books/uninhibited-in-apple-trail-arkansas/.  Okay back to Lane…

Lane is one tough cookie.  He loves his brothers more than anything, but being so close to them is tough.  Lane has been keep a secret from his brothers.  A secret that may just tear his family apart once and for all.  Lane wants to help his family, but the minute they are done he is going to cut and run.   The one thing he didn’t factor in was Gretchen.  Gretchen, may be the very best thing he will never deserve.

Gretchen knows that Lane is only here temporarily.  And she is not a temporary type of girl.  She is a forever girl.  But her forever was taken from her.  With the encouragement of her best friends, Gretchen takes a leap of faith that maybe, just maybe she can have just a fling with Lane.  But what will she do when it is time for him to leave?

I loved this book.  Lane is tough, complicated, full of guilt, and a stubborn pain in the ass.  But in the end he has to learn that sometimes you have to fall before you can get up and live.  Gretchen is very strong, even when the chips are down she is a trooper.  But she never will let a man walk all over her.   Lane & Gretchen are a great couple to read about.  I look forward to seeing them in

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Kimberly’s review of Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Improper Relations
AUTHOR: Juliana Ross
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/23/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N


BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Hannah’s caught watching her late husband’s cousin debauch the maid in the library, she’s mortified — but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she’s used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she’s witnessed, but there’s something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can’t bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she’s losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?
REVIEWED BY: Kimberly Wise            
NUMBER OF STARS: 3 Stars

REVIEW:
Hannah happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, or is it? When she sees her cousin-by-marriage having sex with one of the maids she finds herself curious. She never knew sex could be like what she is watching. As a widow she has had little experience, and those experiences were lacking to say the least, so when Leo offers to show her that sex is enjoyable for both people involved she can not do anything but offer her body to the experience.

This is a short story (about 70 pages) set in a historical time period when stations mattered and a proper gentleman should not consort with a ladies companion. Hannah is naive beyond belief. I am really not sure anyone could be so naive about their own body but Hannah is written to be. Leo is an enjoyable character. He is written as if he is showing Hannah how to paint, “now put that there and this here”, but somehow it works. It is an interesting story and well written for a first book. The ending was written more on the romance side than the erotica side, which the beginning of the book felt more like erotica. The book is a nice short story. It will only take an hour or so to read and it is well worth that time.

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Kelly’s review of Protectors Mate by Katie Reus


TITLE: Protector’s Mate
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE:  04/01/2012 
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N


BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After two years in a war zone, werewolf Felicia Serna has finally returned to find another pack has taken over her territory…and the new second-in-command is the very man who haunts her fantasies.

Alaric has wanted Felicia from the moment he laid eyes on her, and now he’s ready to claim her. When a threatening shifter begins stalking them, he’s determined to protect her…even if it means putting his seduction on hold. But even in the heat of danger, their red-hot passion cannot be denied



REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly             
NUMBER OF STARS:  3.5 Stars

Protector’s Mate is Katie Reus’ follow up book to Destined Mates.  While this is not a series, both books are set in the same world.  In Proctor’s Mate we get to know Alaric, who is Knox’s (from Destined Mate) second in command, better.  

Alaric has waited patiently for the woman who will become his mate.  But when someone trys to kill her Alaric will do everything he can to protect her. Alaric is a total bad-ass type of guy.  But he is also very sweet and loving towards Felicia.  While Felicia is unsure and stubborn, but learns very quickly not everyone dislikes her as she was lead to believe for so long.

I enjoyed this story.  It was a little short, but that is what happens with a novella.  I would love for Katie to for a follow up story on these two.   Huge thank you to Katie for allowing me to read and review this book for her.