Kimberly reviews Midnight Lies by Ella Grace

TITLE: Midnight Lies
SERIES #: Wildefire #2
CHARACTERS: Samantha & Quinn
AUTHOR: Ella Grace
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Wilde sisters of Midnight return in this thrilling novel of romantic suspense, perfect for fans of Maya Banks, Allison Brennan, and Lori Foster.

IT’S ALWAYS HOTTER AT MIDNIGHT.
The winds of fate have blown cruelly on a family that once had it all: money, power, prestige. The lives of three beautiful daughters were forever changed when, on a sultry night in Midnight, Alabama, a murder-suicide shattered the Wilde family. The girls grew up to live separate lives but now have returned home, each to face a danger no one can see coming.

Former homecoming queen Samantha surprised everyone by going into law enforcement, but beneath her tough façade lies a wary heart. The tragedy that struck her family is an ever-present reminder that nothing is ever as it seems. When the man she loves, Quinn Braddock, a doctor and Iraq war veteran, is accused of murder, Samantha assumes the worst. Brokenhearted, her confidence shattered, she returns to Midnight. Though exonerated, Quinn still feels the sting of Samantha’s doubt, but he can’t forget his feelings for her and follows her. Soon after his arrival, a shocking murder terrifies the town, and once again, Quinn is under suspicion. This time, Samantha will not turn her back on the man she loves—even if it means walking into a killer’s trap.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series but it certainly can be read as a stand alone. There is a lot of suspense in the this story but I think most of it is “Will they stop breaking up long enough to stay together?”. There is some actual suspense too and I enjoyed the twist at the end.

Samantha and Quinn are interesting. I am not sure they are my favorite characters (I so enjoyed Zach and Savannah from book 1 must more) but there is something about them. It was just hard to see why they kept fighting to be together. But they did and it made for a great story.

I can’t wait to read Sabrina’s story and I hope it continues with Brody and Logan too. This is just a really enjoyable and engaging read.

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

September 5, 2013September 1, 2013

Kelly reviews Rush by Joan Swan

TITLE: Rush
SERIES #: Phoenix Rising #3
CHARACTERS: Quiad Legend & Jessica Fury
AUTHOR: Joan Swan
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jessica Fury, Washington lobbyist, has money, connections, and her own firm. But five years ago she had something better: happiness. Her firefighter husband, Quaid, was handsome, courageous, and crazy about her. Then one day he walked into a chemical inferno—and never walked out. Jessica has been through hell to get back on her feet. And then a rumor surfaces that could bring a miracle or shatter her world – again.

Q has been a prisoner forever. He’s honed his mind and body into weapons. He’s developed abilities no one else understands. But he’s still at the mercy of a cabal of ruthless men, who blank his memory, test him like a lab rat, and tell him lies. Although his past has been erased and his future looks grim, instinct tells him he has a woman to live for. What his mind can’t remember, his body can’t forget…

The heat is on.

REVIEW:
OH!!! Quaid & Jessica’s story. So excited to read this one!!! This story was good, hard, emotional and amazing all at the same time.

Quaid & Jessica’s story is an emotional roller coaster ride. After five long years of mourning and living a life she should have never been living, Jessica just found out that her husband might be alive. But seeing is not always believing and it is going to take a lot to convince Jessica that this man is Quaid. While every member of their team can clearly see that it is indeed Quaid, Jessica can’t face the truth.

Quaid can’t remember the beautiful woman in front of him, but he knows her. He has dreamed about her for years. When she appears with a team of men to rescue him Quaid doesn’t know if this is another dream, the doctors messing with his head again, or if this is real. Soon Quaid learns that these people are very real and could possible cause him even more problems.

Quaid doesn’t know who to trust, what is real, or what his future holds. All he knows is that he needs Jessica by his side. But will he be able to handle the fact that she is not telling him the whole truth.

This was a great story. Made me cry! Made me scream in frustration!! Made me want more!!!! I really can’t wait to see what Joan has in store for us next in the Phoenix Rising Series but I really, really , really hope (and Joan you better be reading this) that we are going to get an update story on Quaid & Jessica. Not just cameo’s in the next books. But another story even if it is a novella. I need an update on them already.
I just really need to know are Quaid and Jessica good? Any memories back yet? Any babies??
My inquiring mind needs to know Joan!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 30, 2013August 18, 2013

Kelly review First Temptation by Joan Swan

TITLE: First Temptation
SERIES #: Covert Affair #1.5
CHARACTERS: Taft Walker & Zoe Brooks
AUTHOR: Joan Swan
PUBLICATION DATE: August 19, 2013
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker knows the Mexican cartel smuggling game. But posing as part owner of an adult store to ferret out the newest tunnel into the US is a first. So is Zoe Brooks, his partner, new to undercover and a sex-toy virgin. Taft’s up for the sexy challenge. At least until he sees the real Zoe beneath her tough façade and realizes, for the first time in his life, he’ll have to risk his heart to win.

After the death of a teammate, Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a chance to work investigations with ICE. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires. Or the fact that she’ll have to break her own rules to grab hold of the passion she’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars First Temptation is part of the Wicked First Anthology package, which features 6 amazing stories by 6 amazing authors. But this is my review of Joan Swan’s First Temptation.

First Temptation is a novella in Joan’s Covert Affair series. In FT we get to see what makes Taft Walker tick. And BOY HOWDY does Taft have some tricks up his sleeve *wink, wink* What tricks you may ask? Well what would you say if I told you that Taft has to go undercover with Zoe. This will be Zoe’s first undercover operation. And what do they have to pose as? Why a couple that owns a sex shop…. 🙂 Yep!! Taft & Zoe get to own a sex shop. Needless to say these two have fun.

And that is all you are getting from me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 20, 2013August 15, 2013

Release day Blitz: Glitter & Gunfire by Cynthia Eden

Glitter & Gun Fire

Shadow Agents #4

by Cynthia Eden

Release date August 20, 2013

He was assigned to protect her not make her his own in this installment of USA TODAY bestselling author Cynthia Eden’s Shadow Agents series.

Cale Lane had his orders: keep Cassidy Sherridan alive at all costs. But who sent six armed men storming the Rio ballroom to take her out? The gorgeous party girl wasn’t giving it up. Now he had a more urgent mission: uncover Cassidy’s secrets one by one.

Cassidy didn’t need the former Texas ranger to play hero and blow her cover. Using herself as bait was the first step in bringing a killer to justice. How could she do that with Cale shadowing her every move and awakening feelings that tempted her to put her life and heart on the line?

Book Links:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17570274-glitter-and-gunfire

Author’s Bio & Picture:

USA Today Best-selling author Cynthia Eden has written over twenty-five novels and novellas. She was named as a 2013 RITA^® finalist for her paranormal romance, ANGEL IN CHAINS, and, in 2011, Cynthia Eden was a RITA finalist for her romantic suspense, DEADLY FEAR.

Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings. She has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters–vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.

Cynthia’s foreign sales for her books include translations to Japan, Germany, Thailand, Greece, and Brazil.

(Back in the day…) Cynthia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama where she studied Sociology (because people interest her) and Communication (because she likes to write about said people). Cynthia has worked as a college admissions counselor, a teacher, and as an editor. But now, Cynthia is thrilled to be spending her days making up stories.

Author Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.cynthiaeden.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cynthiaeden

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaedenfanpage?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/153738.Cynthia_Eden

August 12, 2013August 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Midnight Games by Elle Kennedy

TITLE: Midnight Games
SERIES #: Killer Instincts #3
CHARACTERS: Trevor Callaghan & Isabel Roma
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wears a thousand deadly identities. He sees through them all.

A master of disguise, Isabel Roma spends her life pretending to be other women. Normally, her emotions are reined in tight—but sexy mercenary Trevor Callaghan has a knack for getting under her skin. The elite operative’s quiet strength and raw magnetism affect her in ways she’s never felt before, a distraction that can quickly turn deadly in their dangerous line of work.

After putting his tragic past behind him, Trevor is ready to focus on his future—and he damn well intends for Isabel to be in it. When their entire operation is thrown into chaos, Trevor enlists Isabel’s talent for deception. And as they attempt to save their team in a world where the stakes are high and the danger is grave, Trevor must convince Isabel that the woman beneath all the disguises is the one worth having.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Ahh Trevor & Isabel’s story. Words that come to mind are stubborn, determined and a never say die attitude. This is what you get from these two. They are both so stubborn and determined but for very different reasons.
Trevor is a man on a mission to get Isabel to see that there is way more to them then she thinks there is. And this time Trevor is not going to let her run away from him, no matter what he has to do.
Isabel may come off as tough. She may be one of the best chameleons out there. But the one thing that scares her to death is Trevor Callaghan. And for a very good reason, Trevor makes her feel.
This was a good story. Parts were a little slow. But overall I enjoyed Trevor & Isabel’s story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 6, 2013August 3, 2013

Kelly & Kimberly review Hotshot by Julie Garwood

TITLE: Hotshot
SERIES #: Buchanan-Renard #11
CHARACTERS: Payton & Finn
AUTHOR: Julie Garwood
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hotshot-julie-garwood/1113599140?ean=9780525953012

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.

It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.

Julie’s previous two titles, The Ideal Man and Sweet Talk, both debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
After a narrow escape on a snow road from a madman trying to killer her, Peyton finds herself at a wedding. One of the MacBain boys is finally getting married and that means that Finn will be here. Peyton has followed Finn’s career and know his is an attorney and with the FBI and he just might be the only person that can help her. Finn was her hero once long time ago. Peyton is hoping that he might be that again.

Finn is a bit surprised when he sees young Peyton Lockhart all grown up. She is not the cute little girl that he saved all those years ago. Finn is a little surprised by his reaction to her but he blows it off. That is until he sees the bullet holes in her car and hears her story. Finn knows that he has to jump back in the role of Peyton’s hero no questions asked.

I loved these two. Finn & Peyton have known each other for years. Even if they didn’t really talk to one another as they got older. Finn fits the role of hero so well. But he is stubborn and it takes almost losing Peyton to finally make him realize she is it for him.
This was my first Julie Garwood book and I have to say that I really really enjoyed. This may have been book 11 in the series, but not once did I feel lost. Hotshot stands on it’s own very nicely. I am looking forward to what is next. I am hoping it is Beck & Ivy 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
The problem with Garwood’s books is they are few and far between so when one comes out I rush to read it and I have never been disappointed and this one does not disappoint either. While not my favorite of Garwood’s books I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the characters of Finn and Peyton. This book has probably more about Peyton than Finn but she is a character that is easy to like so reading her story is fun. Finn is an interesting character. I will admit that he is not one of my favorite Garwood men but I liked him none the less.

There is a lot happening in this story but not sure there is much suspense. I enjoyed the background characters as well. While part of a series this most certainly can be read alone.
Garwood is one of the best writers out there and while this might not be one of my favorite Garwood books the fact that I gave it 4.5 stars should say that it is still a great story and this story is close to the perfection that Garwood is known for.

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

July 31, 2013July 31, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Night Is Alive by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Night Is Alive
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #10
CHARACTERS: Abby & Malachi
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-night-is-alive-heather-graham/1114146209?ean=9780778315070

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s a city of beauty, history…hauntings. And one of the most haunted places in Savannah is a tavern called The Dragonslayer, built in the 1750s. The current owner, Gus Anderson, is a descendant of the original innkeeper and his pirate brother, Blue.

Gus summons his granddaughter, Abigail, home from Virginia, where she’s studying at the FBI Academy. When she arrives, she’s devastated to find him dead. Murdered. But Abby soon learns that Gus isn’t the only one to meet a brutal and untimely end; there’ve been at least two other victims. Then Captain Blue Anderson starts making ghostly appearances, and the FBI’s paranormal investigation unit, the Krewe of Hunters, sends in Agent Malachi Gordon.

Abby and Malachi have a similar ability to connect with the dead…and a similar stubbornness. Sparks immediately begin to fly-sparks of attraction and discord. But as the death toll rises, they have to trust each other or they, too, might find themselves among the dead haunting old Savannah!

REVIEW:
I am always amazed at the history that Graham has to research to write her books. And this is more of the same. This history is about pirates and was very entertaining. I usually do not know who the killer is so I was surprised that I figured it out in this book but one out of 10 isn’t much of a record.

The characters are interesting but I didn’t care for the way that Abby was written. While having just gotten out of the FBI academy she was written as naive and inexperienced and yet Malachi was written very street smart and knowledgeable. They did have a good connection though. And it was nice to catch up with some of the background characters from previous stories.

If you enjoy a romantic suspense ghost story than Graham is the author to read.

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

July 23, 2013July 22, 2013

Release Day Book Blitz

Heart-pounding action meets smoldering desire in USA TODAY bestselling author Cynthia Eden’s Shadow Agents miniseries! Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan’s life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he’s been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents’ lives apart once again.

Working side by side back in the jungles of Peru, the heat between Sydney and Gunner is hotter than ever-and so are the threats to their lives. With the danger escalating, Sydney knows Gunner is her only hope at successfully completing their assignment. But the ex-SEAL who arouses passion she’d only dreamed about also poses the greatest risk to the secret she carries in her heart…and in her belly.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17382820-sharpshooter

Cynthia’s foreign sales for her books include translations to Japan, Germany, Thailand, Greece, and Brazil.

Author Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.cynthiaeden.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cynthiaeden

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaedenfanpage?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/153738.Cynthia_Eden

July 23, 2013July 7, 2013

Kelly reviews Sharpshooter by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Sharpshooter
SERIES #: Shadow Agents #3
CHARACTERS: Gunner Ortez & Sydney Sloan
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: July 23, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Heart-pounding action meets smoldering desire in USA TODAY bestselling author Cynthia Eden’s Shadow Agents miniseries! Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan’s life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he’s been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents’ lives apart once again.

REVIEW:
Gunner & Sydney have a past that they both wish they could forget, forgive and be able to move on. But ghost of the past keep coming back to remind them of their mistakes. But the question is love more powerful than hate? Gunner & Sydney will have to trust each other more than ever or they could lose everything in a blink of the eye.

I was not aware that this was part of a series when I started. There was so much tension, strain and emotional trauma happening with the main characters I didn’t really wonder about the past characters until I was almost done with the book. That was when I released that this was part of a series. I do plan on getting books 1 & 2 and reading soon.

This was another really good story by Cynthia Eden. This was a sit down and read in one sitting book. If you are looking for a good read I would suggest picking up a copy of Sharpshooter

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 27, 2013June 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Midnight Exposure by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Midnight Exposure
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/21/12
Characters: Reed Kimball & Jayne Sullivan
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When two hikers disappear, their Maine hometown blames the blinding storms. But the truth is far more sinister. Unaware of the danger, tabloid photographer Jayne Sullivan follows an anonymous tip to rural Maine to find the most reclusive sculptor in the art world. Instead, she finds sexy, mysterious handyman Reed Kimball ? and a small town full of fatal secrets. Five years ago, Reed buried his homicide detective career along with his wife. But when a hiker’s body is discovered, the local police chief asks Reed for help. Why was a Celtic coin found under the remains? And where is the second hiker? Avoiding the media, Reed doesn’t need a nosey photographer snooping around. But when Jayne is attacked, her courage makes him want to risk everything to protect her?and to find a determined and desperate killer.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jayne, this poor girl has been through hell and back already once in her life. But who would have ever thought going to a small town in Maine would become a matter of life or death for her. This time Jayne will not be a victim. This time she will be her own hero.

Reed Kimball just wants to live a peaceful and quiet life. He has already seen and done more then most will in a lifetime. But when a beautiful stranger shows up outside his home, she off a series of events that even Reed could have never seen coming.

I really like Melinda’s writing style. She does a great job of sucking you into her world. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this book. As always I am trying to figure out the who done its. And boy howdy I would have never guessed who it was in the end.

If you have read any of Melinda’s other books you will love Midnight Exposure. If you have not read any of her books yet. I would suggest picking up a copy and jump into the suspenseful world that Melinda has created.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 3, 2013June 2, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Night Is Watching by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Night Is Watching
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #9
CHARACTERS: Jane & Sloane
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The dead of night. The Old West town of Lily, Arizona, is home to the Gilded Lily, a former theaterand bawdy house. These days, it offers theatrical productions geared to tourists, but the recent discovery of a skull, a real skull, among the props and costumes shakes everyone up.

So, who do you call? The Krewe of Hunters, a special FBI unit of paranormal investigators. In this case, it’s agent Jane Everett. Jane’s also a talented artist who creates images of the dead as they once were. But the Krewe always works with local law enforcement, and here that means Sloan Trent, former Houston cop and now sheriff. His great-great-grandmother was an actress at the Gilded Lilyand she’s not resting in peace.

Then more remains appear in the nearby desert. As they search for answers, using all the skills at their disposal, Jane and Sloan find themselves falling into danger—and into love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars While an interesting story this book just did not have the flare that Graham’s books usually have. I didn’t feel that Sloan and Jane had the connection that most of the characters have in her stories. And in all honestly all the characters seemed so snippy to each other that it was distracting. There were many moments of mean-spiritedness in this story. I am not sure why because that is not common in Graham’s books but every character seemed so pissed off at everyone else.

Now that being said as always Graham puts so much real life history into her books that even one of her worst books (which this most certainly is not) is a great read. The story of the town of Lily, Arizona is one that you don’t want to stop reading. Something is just missing from this story.

I am glad I read this book even if it was not one of my favorites. Graham’s books are always an interesting and educational read if not for any reason other than the background that she must painstakingly research.

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

May 31, 2013May 28, 2013

Kelly reviews Under The Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Under The Covers
SERIES: Maverick Montana #2
CHARACTERS: Juliet & Quinn
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 5/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Opposites don’t attract. They ignite.

The small Montana town near the Kooskia reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway, and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends. Namely, finding out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding in his holster…

Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something. Clearly, he needs to do a thorough investigation to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight, city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated. How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
LOVED!!! LOVED!!!! LOVED!!!!

Quinn & Juliet are amazingly awesome!!!

If you have not read Against the Wall (book 1 in the Maverick Montana series) I would highly recommend you start there. We first met both Quinn & Juliet in Against the Wall We get to see the sexual tension bewteen these two. But in Under the Covers that tension jumps to a whole new level.

Under the Covers starts with a proposition to Juliet from Quinn. A proposition for them to date for the next six, just until the election is over. While Juliet is reluctant to say yes, she does under one condition. That Quinn is never allowed to touch her ( I will tell you that the no touching policy doesn’t last long). But while Quinn & Juliet are fake dating someone is causing havoc in the small town of Maverick. And unfortunately one of them has their sights set on Juliet and the lies she has been keeping. Will Juliet’s lies be more than Quinn can handle or will Quinn’s need to protect and his growing feelings for Juliet help him over look her betrayal?

I so love this series. I love the change in direction that Rebecca has gone with her writing (I still really love the Dark Protectors 🙂 ) I am so glad she took this chance on some very hot cowboys. I can’t wait for the next two books in the series. Colton and little sister Dawn are going to be really fun books to read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.