Category: Review

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Kimberly’s review of More Than Memories by Kristen James

More than Memories
Kristen James
Amazon 

Can she love him if she can’t remember him? Molly Anderson returns “home” to a town she doesn’t remember, hoping it will spark a memory. She runs into Trent Williams, an off duty police officer, and something else definitely sparks.
He wants to know why she left town, with her parents, but without a word to anyone. She doesn’t remember that life. She can only tell him she knew her parents briefly before they died . . . or were murdered, she’s not sure. She hopes regaining her memory will help answer that question.
Trent has his own secrets, but they have a mystery to solve. As they work together and Molly meets their old friends, she realizes their relationship went deeper than memories. In fact, she grew up in Ridge City, even though her parents had said they lived there just a few years. How could she have forgotten her lifelong friend and love? Can she love him again if she doesn’t remember him? There’s also the possibility that she did something awful — and maybe that’s why she’s afraid to remember her old life.
Molly knows she wants him now, but the truth might destroy their love.

Review by Kimberly:  
4 Stars
Molly has forgotten everything and everyone she has ever known and doesn’t even know how it happened. So she heads to places her parents mentioned they have lived before they died in a car accident. In a little town in Oregon she walks into a police station with some questions and she runs into Trent. He cannot believe the woman who walked away from him 5 years ago has just walked back into his life. But when he realizes she doesn’t remember anything he decides he will make it his mission to find the answers that Molly needs to help her remember. And then maybe she will remember the love they shared.
Molly seems lost but strong at the same time. She really wants to remember but is afraid of what she might find out and you really feel for her. Trent is an all-around good guy. They are both very likeable characters. You really end up wanting to know what caused her memory loss. And what traumatic event could have happened that makes her want to forget everything. And I will say while I did try to think of reasons I never went to the answer that was actually given. And while I might have changed a couple of the end “answers” if I had been the writer, the book was really well written and enjoyable. Definitely worth putting on your e-book reader list.

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Kelly’s review of Oracle’s Moon by Thea Harrison

Oracle’s Moon
Elder Races #4
by Thea Harrison
Amazon | B&N|  Powells 
As a second daughter, Grace Andreas never had to worry about the intrigues of the Elder Races. But when her sister, Petra, and Petra’s husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister’s two young children – neither of which she is prepared for.
Yet, she is not alone. Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn prince of House Marid – driven by his genuine caring for the children – has decided to make himself a part of the household both as their guardian and as an exasperating counterpoint to Grace’s impudence toward the Elder Races.
But when an attempt is made on Grace’s life, she realizes that Khalil is the only one who can protect her – and offer her more than a mortal man…
My thoughts:
From the first interaction between Khalil & Grace, I knew that they would be a fun couple to read.  And boy was I right.  Khalil is an uptight, always has to be right Djinn Prince, one of the oldest of his kind.  Grace is just a mire human, well that is not entirely true.  Grace has recently taken over the job of being the Oracle after the death of her sister. 
I really enjoyed this story.  But it is safe to say that if it was not for Khalil am not sure I would have loved this story, but luckily Khalil is our hero in this story.  I liked Grace as a character, but felt without Khalil I would have been bored with her. 
Thea has created such a wonderful world with the Elder Races.  But after reading Oracle’s Moon I have so many questions of what is going to happen in the Elder Races series.  The Who’s, The What’s, The Why’s and The How’s.  And like any good author Thea doesn’t give me any answers to these questions.  J  I know that Dragos & Pia are getting another book Lord’s Fall (preorder here).  Can’t wait to see what twists and turns are next for the Elder Races.  And I hope that we see more of Khalil in the coming books.  But until then I leave you with some of my favorite Khalil lines…
From Serpent’s Kiss:
“I will sit on the baby’s”
From Oracle’s Moon:
“Indeed”
“Do you know that I am the doggie-cat”
“….I will achieve pancakes”
“Speak”
“You will shower first……then I will tell you that your beautiful”
“Well, dude….sometimes you just have to get over shit”
**AHHH** Khalil, a man of many words. 
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Vi Carious’s review of Beyond the Misty Shore by Vicki Hinze

Beyond the Misty Shore
by Vicki Hinze
Amazon | B&N | Powells
Marketing executive Maggie Wright and artist T.J. MacGregor are linked by a mysterious car accident that killed Maggie’s cousin, Carolyn, T.J.’s fiancée. When Maggie arrives on the Maine coast determined to get answers from T.J., she discovers a tortured man who is bound to the Seascape Inn by supernatural forces. Despite the tragedy that stands between them, Maggie and T.J. begin to fall in love, seeking answers and a healing spirit they may never achieve.

Review by Kimberly:

5 Stars
I want so badly to tell you about this book and why you should read it but there are not enough words to tell you how wonderful this book is. It is rare I give a book 5 stars but this book is most deserving. There is something magical about this book. It feels like a romance novel from years gone by even though it is set in the present. It makes you believe you are there and watching the love unfold instead of turning pages. Seascape Inn is a place you want to visit
This book reads like a movie. Have you seen the movies “Somewhere In Time” or “The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan”? OK this is dating myself but then if you have not seen them you should. Anyway, this book has the feel of these timeless movies. The softness of love as it grows between the characters and the mystical spirit that is there to guide not haunt make this book worth the read. More than worth the read it is worth owning the book and never letting it go. Luckily this is the 1st in a trilogy and I cannot wait to enjoy the other two books.
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Flying Frog Fairy’s Review of Steam Powered Passion by Corinne Davies

Steam Powered Passion
Steampunk Lust 1:
By Corinne Davies
Amazon | B&N
Tori is dealt a terrible blow when she is given to a couple of pirates as insurance on a ship. But finding herself lifted up into an airship is only the first of many surprises. The second?
Malcolm and Sean attacked her ship in order to get their hands on her. Malcolm and Sean both realize they need a woman in their relationship. Tori seems to be the perfect solution. But can she see past their physical differences to the men beneath and accept them as they are?
But Tori is more then she appears. She’s been passing secrets to the old-world rebels for years. When she is seen leaking information to the new-world military, will her men believe she wasn’t trying to betray them?
Can each of them see past their personal expectations and accept a relationship steam-built for three?
Review by Flying Frog Fairy:
Tori is keeping some serious secrets, but no one in this book is as they seem. So many characters have hidden agendas or double lives that you will be guessing who is good and who is bad throughout the whole story. And the story was engrossing. Equal parts passion and intrigue, it kept my interest from page one.  The characters were rich and I felt like I could immerse myself in the story as though I were really there.  The sex scenes were hot but what really got my attention was the plot.  It is an exciting story full of mystery and action.  There are several scenes where you feel like you are part of the battle. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something happens to throw it off course.  I do so love a story that isn’t too predictable.  Of course the main characters get their HEA. And there are also many other characters introduced that make it clear there will be more books in this series.
This was my very first Steampunk book. I was blown away! The details were rich and imaginative. I love how they mix a Victorian era with all sorts of new technology and off the wall inventions.  Writing a story like this takes some serious world building and Corinne Davies did not disappoint.  I was very impressed with the attention to detail and the effort Ms. Davies put into making this a rich exotic adventure for the reader. I am ready to start book 2: Steam Up Memories in which we get to know more about Tori’s sister Yzabeau. I highly recommend this book!
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Flying Frog Fairy’s Review of Steam Up Memories by Corinne Davies

Steamed Up Memories
Steampunk Lust 2
By Corinne Davies
Amazon | B&N
In a misguided attempt to atone for her mistaken loyalty to her father, Yzabeau Gifrator branches out on her own to find the truth and ends up in more danger than she ever faced before.
Liam McKenna never forgot the girl he failed to protect from being taken from their village, and now his days are filled with missions to locate women sold in the slave pits.
Tristan has loved Liam ever since the day he heard stories of a thirteen-year-old boy trying to fight an entire New World garrison in an attempt to protect someone he cared about. But their relationship has been built on the present without any true thoughts to a future.
Together, will the three of them find a love strong enough to face the bitter memories that shaped them, or will their pasts blow them out of the sky?
Review by Flying Frog Fairy:
Slave traders, spies and a forgotten past.  This book has them all, along with a healthy dose of steamy sex. Corinne Davies has done it again!  I was eager to read her follow up to Steamed Powered Passion and I was very pleased when I did.  This book grabbed my interest and never let it go. I read the entire book in one sitting.  Once again, there is rich detail in the fantastic world building.  More off the wall inventions and unbelievable technology. Even more secret lives and people who aren’t who they seem. Did I mention I love this book?  The fast pace and intrigue make for a very satisfying read.
There was also plenty of heart wrenching emotions.  I waited in agony for Yzabeau to finally realize that Liam was the boy from her childhood. And I wanted to hold Liam and tell him it wasn’t his fault. I waited with bated breath for Yzabeau’s memory to finally come back. And my heart hurt for Tristan as he desperately tried to keep them all together. It is a story of lust and love, triumph and treason, and ultimately good wins out over evil.
For now.
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(ARC) Review of Crystalfire by Kate Douglas

Crystalfire 
4th and final book in the Demonslayer Series
by Kate Douglas
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra (April 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420110020
ISBN-13: 978-1420110029
The Demon King still lives, stronger than ever, devouring souls in search of immortality. Against him stands the scholar Taron, a newly-minted warrior of Lemuria, and Willow, a woman of unearthly loveliness, born of mist. . .
Spellbound
Taron must pass through the waterfall of molten gold that shields the secret portal to his beloved land. His brilliant mind and the speaking sword called CrystalFire are his weapons against evil. But nothing can protect him from the power of love. Willow, whom he once knew as a sprite who could dance in his hand, has been changed by a master stroke of magic into the form of a beautiful, highly sensual woman, desiring a thousand pleasures that she insists he alone can give her.
Innocent and eager, Willow arouses his deepest needs and sexual hunger–and his love. He will risk all to save her, even if it means a battle to the death with the ultimate foe. . .
My thoughts:
Two of the most unlikely heroes, but well-loved characters hold the future of the world in their hands.  If they fail the world as they know it will end.  If they succeeded they will live to fight yet another day.
Taron is a scholar who has never thought he was missing anything in life.  That was until he learned that he was really not living and his life was turned upside down.  Taron has been sent out on a mission to help with a battle against evil.  The last thing he expects to find is that this is the final battle of good vs. evil and he is the one that determines that fate of the world.  But even more surprising is who will be the one fighting next to him.
When Willow wakes up to find she is no longer trapped in the mind of Bumper. But in the arms of the man she has longed for since she first laid eyes on him, she is overwhelmed by all the feeling and changes in her short life.  But when Taron tells her of his mission, Willow knows she must help Taron whether he likes it or not.
What happens along the way will change Taron & Willows life forever.
What a great way to end this series.  Although I am hoping that Kate will maybe write some more about our favorite Demonslayers.  If you have read the first three Demonslayer books you will love Crystalfire.  If you haven’t started this series I would highly suggest you get started and read the first three books before Crystalfire is released in April. Amazon has a 3 book bundle just for you to get started on the Demonslayer books click HERE. 

To Kate:  HUGE THANK YOU for sending me Crystalfire to read and review.  XOXO
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Review of The Shoppe of Spells by Shanon Grey

The Shoppe of Spells
Book 1 in the Gatekeeper Series
Shanon Grey
When is a whole more than the sum of its parts?
When it has ties to the quaint little town of Ruthorford, GA, as Morgan Briscoe discovers when a cryptic message threatens to change her life forever.
Morgan’s relatively normal life is turned on its ear when she learns not only that she is adopted, but her birth parents are dead and she now holds half-interest in a business with their ward, Dorian Drake. Dorian is running The Shoppe of Spells and despite his riveting good looks, he can barely conceal his hostility toward his new partner.
Morgan discovers that she is more than she seems and together she and Dorian have the ability to control a portal to another dimension.
Unable to control their growing attraction, Morgan and Dorian dance around their desires and her burgeoning abilities, until danger forces them to face their destiny.
Review by Flying Frog Fairy :
This story leaves you with more questions than answers. Mostly in a good way. It starts of slowly, introducing you to Morgan and the quiet life she leads.  Then with the arrival of one letter her whole life and everything she thinks she knows about it is changed. Suddenly she has an inheritance from parents she never knew she had.  We find out she was adopted and that her parents should have told her by the time she turned 25. The author never really gives a satisfactory explanation as to why 25 was the important year. That is just one of the many details that the author brings up but then never really explains.  But there is a lot going on and the details are small so most of them can be forgiven.
One thing that tweaked me a little was the introduction of the character Jasmine.  She is made out to be a protagonist with no redeeming qualities and then the author does a complete 180 and makes her a victim.  I had a hard time reconciling this. And the explanation that is given for her actions was not supported by previous descriptions of her, or her prior actions.
There is a lot going on what with the alternate dimensions, the historical details and the perfect mate scenarios.  There are a lot of characters to keep track of and this is obviously because the author is making this a series.  As I mentioned before, there are a lot of unanswered questions and unexplained details left at the end.  It may sound like I didn’t like this book but I did. Somehow it all works and keeps you intrigued enough to want to read the next book in the series to see if you find some answers.
So I do recommend this book.  The second book in the series is due out this year and the heroine is Jasmine. I am curious to see if the author will be able to redeem her character enough, at least in my eyes, to make her heroine worthy.
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Guest reviewer Natasha’s review of: Of Saw Dust & Seduction

Of Saw Dust and Seduction
By Amy Valenti
Order here: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sawdust-and-seduction
 Zoë has always been attracted to her boss, Adam. He’s hot, funny, friendly…and has more skills than she’s ever imagined.
He puts her willpower to the test on a dateless Valentine’s night, inviting her home to help him with a woodworking project. She soon discovers she has a serious weakness for men in sawdust-covered blue jeans and that Adam has a few abilities that defy logical explanation.
What would it be like to have sex with a man who could touch you from across the room and send provocative images into your mind? Zoë can’t wait to find out.

Guest Reviewer Natasha’s Thoughts:
What a fun short story. I instantly liked Zoe and Adam’s chemistry and playfulness. I loved the slight paranormal aspect in this story; it brought it off the page just a little bit more. I would like to see this story extended, just so we can see a little bit more of what happened after the ending. I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing much more of these two! Great quick read!
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Vi Carious’s review of A Facebook Affair by Tara Chevrestt

Facebook Affair
By Tara Chevrestt

Order Here http://www.breathlesspress.com/facebook-affair
When Kelly and Brandon rediscover each other on Facebook after twenty years apart, it sparks an attraction that even distance can’t extinguish. Do they truly have a future, or is this just a Facebook affair?
Kelly Littleton takes the plunge and finally joins Facebook to socialize without the limits that her hearing impairment gives her. On a whim, she looks up a childhood friend. In sending him that first message, she ignites the memories of a crush from twenty years ago. But will they turn into the flames of romance, or end up the ashes of a Facebook affair?
Brandon Hopkins has a lot on his plate. A recent divorce, a pregnant sister, and now, he realizes he’s in love with a woman who lives states away. Can he overcome the boundaries of internet romance to make this desire turn into something real, or will adversity and distance be their undoing?
                             
Vi Carious’ Thoughts:
Have you ever thought of looking up your first love on Facebook? Do you wonder what would happen? 
Kelly was always the one in school everyone made fun of. She needed hearing aids and talked funny because of her lack of hearing. In second grade she has to go to a new school in Oklahoma and becomes the target of ridicule from most of her classmates. Everyone except Brandon. Now 20 years later she decides to look up Brandon on Facebook.
Brandon is going through a divorce and is being the “man of the house” for her sister while her husband is deployed. Life is not what he wanted it to be, then suddenly a message comes from Kelly through Facebook and they begin to talk…
Can you really turn back the hands of time?
Each chapter begins with a memory of school days for Kelly and some of them are heartbreaking. It makes you wonder where the teacher was while this child is bullied and abused. The “mean girls” (one being Brandon’s sister Lindsey) are just that and more. Everything you have ever heard of happening in school is addressed in this story (from being picked last to being shoved into lockers, etc). The writing of the facebook messages are a little corny and not really sure that most people would have conversations in the way this was written but maybe that is just me. It just seems too “high school” for characters who are now 28 (I mean does a 28 year old say ‘rents for parents?) and my goodness the use of LOL is beyond normal speech. The ending of this book is a little corny too but a “feel good ending” all the same.
This is a e-book that sells for around $4. Go ahead pick it up. Have it ready for when you need a quick read. It may not end up being on your favorites list but what it will do is make you wonder WHO SHOULD YOU LOOK UP ON FACEBOOK?
NOTE: The reader needs to remember also that this was written some time before Facebook made more of it’s many changes. It uses icons, boxes, etc that are no longer being used on Facebook.
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The Danger that is Damion by Lisa Renee Jones Tour & Giveaway

The Danger that is Damion
ZODIUS #3
By Lisa Renee Jones
Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 2012)
Read an EXCERPT
Zodius Series Page 
Pre-order at Amazon|Barnes and Noble
General Powell from book 1 has returned and he’s developed a way to create and control a new generation of female GTECHs. He plans to use these women to bring both, the Renegades and the Zodius soldiers, back under his command. The world will be his. Now, Damion, a Renegade, who readers met in book two, will be pitted against one of those soldiers, a woman destined to be both his Lifebond and his enemy. Damion will become her only hope of salvation and their trust in each other the only chance they have to save the world from a madman.
My thoughts:
Lara is a woman on a mission, a mission to kill those who have hurt her and her family.  But when Lara gets the chance she can’t pull the trigger.  Something about this mission doesn’t feel right.   Now Lara has drawn the attention of one of the Renegades.  Not just any Renegade, Damion Browne.
What Lara learns from Damion, will make her questions everything she thinks, knows and feels.  Lara now has to trust the people she has long hated.  But how can she trust them when she can’t trust herself. 
Damion never breaks the rules.  NEVER!!!  He is a by-the-book kind of guy, but the minute he sees Lara the rule book gets thrown out the window.  Damion doesn’t know why yet but he is drawn to Lara, and is willing to do anything, sacrifice anything, and most of all break any rules to keep her safe and with him.
I loved Damion & Lara together.  They are both so stubborn and hard headed but perfect for each other.  Both think that they can handle anything on their own, but soon learn they are much better as a team.  I so love this series.  I can’t wait to see where Lisa takes us next. 
Giveaway time…
For a chance to win an ecopy of either The Legend of Michael (my review) or The Storm that is Sterling (my review) .  Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  
But WAIT!!!! you want more chances to win?   I see you shaking your head yes.  Good.
  
Stop by Lisa’s blog —>> http://www.lisareneejones.com/blog-tour/
There are 17 different blogs offering e-copies of Micheal and Sterling.  Each blog you enter on also puts you in a drawing for a Grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card.  
Good Luck!!! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review of Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton

Taking A Shot
Book Three in the Play-by-Play Series
Amazon | Kindle | B&N| Nook
If you want to score, you have to get in the game…
The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she’s stuck running the family’s sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she’s vowed to never fall for a jock—even one as hot as Ty.
Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty’s insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too…
But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all—including Ty…
My Thoughts:
Who doesn’t like a hot hockey player? 
Not Jenna!!
Jenna is stubborn, way too independent and is about to learn a valuable life lesson.  That sometime no matter how many wall you put up there is always someone that can break it down and that no matter how are you try to fight fate she has a way of catching with you.
Ty, is the dreamy, star play on the Ice hockey team.  He is ever woman’s fantasy.  But the one woman he wants; wants nothing to do with him.  But he is out to prove that he is the man for her.  
I loved Ty & Jenna.  They are so cute and perfect for each other.  Ty is so beyond patient with Jenna, yet pushes her all at the same time.   At times I really felt that Jenna didn’t deserve Ty, but then other times I realize Ty was exactly what she need in her life.   I truly love this story.  Love this series.  And freakin love the covers of these books. 
HUGE thank you to Jaci for letting me read her book early!!!! 
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Bre’s Review of Lakeland Heatwave bk1: Body Temperature & Rising

Lakeland Heatwave Book 1:
Body Temperature and Rising
Author: K D Grace
Genre: Paranormal erotic romance
Publisher: Xcite Books
Release: November 2011
ISBN: 9781908086877
Publisher link: http://www.erotica-romance-ebooks.com/body-temperature-and-rising.html
Blurb: First title in the Lakeland Heatwave, K.D. Grace’s paranormal erotic trilogy set in the Lake District.
Can the power of lust overcome deadly intentions? A voyeuristic encounter on the fells ends in sex with a charming ghost for American Marie Warren who realises she has the ability to unleash demons. Her powers bring her to a coven of witches who practise rare sex magic that allows ghosts access to pleasures of the flesh.
As ancient grudges unfold, Deacon, the demon Marie has unleashed will stop at nothing to destroy everything the coven’s high priestess holds dear, including Marie and her landlord, Tim Meriwether. Only the power of lust Marie and Tim share can stop Deacon before the coven is destroyed and innocent people die?
Bre’s Review:
Let me just say wow. Just wow. While there were definitely some thing’s in the book I wasn’t expecting it was all in all intriguing.
American Marie Warren moves into a cottage she rents from her sexy landlord Tim Meriwether. After and unexpected twist of events Marie finds herself in need of Tim’s help. After some struggle between the two they end up in the aid of a coven of Elemental Witches whose main power is sex magic.
The book is gripping and so erotic I lost my breath at times. It was an erotic treat and I enjoyed every second of it. While it is full of sex and damsels in distress it was a delicious read.