TITLE: Night Falls Like Silk
AUTHOR: Kathleen Eagle
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/28/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A gripping sequel to the romantic suspense “The Night Remembers” from “USA Today” bestselling/Rita-Award-winning author Kathleen Eagle.
Thomas Little Warrior had grown up on the streets and barely escaped with his life and dignity intact. Now an adult, Thomas has beaten the odds and become a successful underground comic book artist. Tom meets beautiful Cassandra Westbrook at an auction and almost immediately they begin a love affair that rocks both their worlds. But when a series of valuable drawings is stolen, a new mystery begins to unravel Tom’s life. In the process of tracking down the drawings and the murky history behind them, Cassandra and Tom find out just how sinister Tom’s past can be. Danger lurks on each path, drawing them together and at the same time threatening to tear them apart.
REVIEW:
This is an interesting story but I was really confused for a lot of it. I was even more confused about the “elsewhere” sections (you have to read it to understand). The characters and the storyline keep your attention but something about it just didn’t work for me. I never felt the connection between Tom and Cassandra. This story was just so oddly written that it was hard to follow.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Just One Night
AUTHOR: Eve Gaddy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’d invited her to walk in the moonlight–but would it lead to more than just one night?
His tender smile invited her to confess her deepest secrets, but Luke Morgan never expected Alex Sheridan to reveal the memories that tormented her dreams. When his comforting caresses escalated into sudden, sweet ecstasy, Alex was stunned by the speed of her surrender! The rugged architect had slipped through her defenses and touched her soul, but when suspicion shadowed his every move, could she help him clear his name?
In this explosive and intriguing novel of high stakes and risky business, Eve Gaddy challenges her lovers to walk a tightrope between trust and betrayal. Drawn to a charismatic man who’d soothed her grief one restless night, she’d found herself sharing her pain–and his bed–but could she believe their sudden passion might be the real thing?
REVIEW:
For some reason I just could not get into this story. It has an interesting story so I am not sure what it was but it was definitely something that just didn’t click for me. I also had a hard time with some of the inaccuracies like the fact that Luke just hands over the names of his Navy SEALS (ummm no!), etc. I wish I could explain what didn’t work for me with this story but I just can’t. I would say if the synopsis interest you then read it because it could just be me and you might enjoy it more than I did.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Avenging Angel
AUTHOR: Anne Marie Becker
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Grains of sand glistened in the moonlight, bright against the backdrop of her wet hair. Her blue lips were parted slightly, as if she could take in that last breath she’d been gasping for. She was, in a word, perfection.
When his friend’s niece is murdered, Detective Noah Crandall vows to track down the killer. Since the victim worked in an art gallery with the well-connected and well-heeled Vanessa Knight, Noah questions her first. Despite the chemistry between them, Noah tells himself a relationship would be impossible. He’s a loner and their backgrounds are worlds apart.
Drawn to Noah and horrified by the death of her intern, Vanessa shares her insights into the New York City art world. As they work together on the case, she’s tempted to explore the possibility of a real relationship with the sexy outsider who ignites her desire. But what Vanessa doesn’t realize is that in order to complete his gruesome series of paintings, the killer has targeted her to become his next victim…
REVIEW:
This is the second in the “Mindhunters” series which I did not read the first one but having gone back and read the synopsis for the first in the series I do not think they are connected except the SSAM institute mentioned in the book. This book certainly stands alone.
Honestly I am not sure why I liked this book but I did. It is filled with more cliche’ than believable, it has Noah being the perfect, protective and handsome cop who had a terrible childhood, Vanessa being the heiress that wants to make her own way in the art world even without her parents approval, the fact that she is dumb enough to not believe she is in danger and even down to the walking out of the ocean scene but this really was a good book. It is fast moving and filled with suspense. I enjoyed this couple when they were together but I have to say while I realize it was done for background in the story the fact that Vanessa can not tell her, in her mind, ex boyfriend they are really through just grated on me. She just did that whole “there will be a better time than now” thing and it drove me nuts. Then the fact that she feels the need to run after this man and he thinks he doesn’t deserve love was again so cliche’ but the story is very interesting and a fun read. I enjoyed the camaraderie with Noah and Diego a lot.
I wish there had been a slightly different ending. It just didn’t seem to give the “correct” finale to me and a epilogue was really needed. I know it should be that I did not enjoy this book with all the complaints I am writing but I really did enjoy it and I think if you enjoy romantic suspense then you will too.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Carrie Ward understands dangerous men, and she’s got the scars to prove it. These days, the Special Investigations Group detective saves her risk taking for the job. But when she’s asked to pursue a high-profile serial killer, she’ll have to join forces with the last man she wants to depend on—Jase Tyler, an ace senior detective who’s as reckless as she is cautious. And despite her best intentions, the sparks begin to fly.As Carrie and Jase race to try to save the next victim, the passion that simmers between them ignites. But a cunning killer at the top of his game is challenging carrie to play to the very end. Now all she can count on are her instincts—and Jase, the one man daring enough to keep her safe .
REVIEW:
I enjoyed Shade of Temptation but not as much as book 1 Shade of Desire.
In Shades of Temptation we get to learn more about Jase and Carrie. While I really liked Jase and Carrie’s story I kinda felt like these two were forced together. It took a very long time for me to feel the connection between these two. They do make a great team, but I struggled a little with them as a couple. But other than this was a good book.
Jase & Carrie have to team up to solve not one but two serial murder cases. But when one of the serial murders sets his eyes on Jase & Carrie, these two learn quickly how fragile life really is.
If you like a good romantic suspense and liked Shades of Desire I believe you will like Shades of Temptation.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy (from NetGalley) of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Lip Service
AUTHOR: M.J. Rose
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/21/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lip Service is the prequel to M.J. Rose’s Bestselling Butterfield Institute Series which includes three novels – The Halo Effect, The Delilah Complex, The Venus Fix – and the short story collection In Session.
Lip Service probes the secret world of phone sex and one woman who becomes empowered by what she discovers there. Not since Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying has a novel so masterfully examined the relationship between sexuality and identity. On the surface, Julia Sterling’s life seems blessed. Married to a renowned psychiatrist, living on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side, Julia deeply loves her stepson, and is forging a career as a journalist.
When a writing job at The Butterfield Institute – a sex therapy clinic – exposes her to the world of phone sex, Julia glimpses a world that stirs her erotic fantasies but threatens her carefully constructed reality. As she explores her emotional and sexual connections to the men she knows and several she will never meet, she confronts evil, perversity, and her own passions.
Tracing the currents of desire, illusion, and psychological manipulation,Lip Service is an astonishingly vivid glimpse into one woman’s inner life. At the same time, this electrifying thriller grips the reader as it builds toward a battering climax.
REVIEW:
This is a re-release of a book from 1999 and the first thing the reader will notice is some of the dated references (sitting next to JFK Jr., debating banning cigarette tv ads, etc). I found myself forcing myself to read this book and I think it has something to do with the time line. While 1999 was not all that long ago the era was so different. Phone sex was a huge thing before the internet and the references to some many now not so current subjects was distracting. I can see how maybe at the time this was erotic and sensual but not much anymore.
The story has to do with Julia and her psychiatrist husband and the power he holds over her. In this day in age we would have claimed she was emotionally abused. This is also a coming into your own story and while I can appreciate that this story is written as if the character is sitting on the shrink’s couch.This is the first book by M.J. Rose and she has gone on to write many books but I think re-releasing this book was not a wise decision.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Santerra’s Sin
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE LIKES HIS SALSA HOT, AND HIS WOMAN HOTTER… — When she answered his knock with “Enter at your own risk,” Diego Santerra realized he’d have his hands full protecting Blue Delgado without her knowledge. He’d taken more than a little pleasure keeping an eye on her the past three weeks, but now he had to get closer — and that meant getting a job in her cantina. Blue could feel the danger he exuded, and yearned for the excitement he aroused in her passionate soul. But could surrendering to this mystery man be a sin?
At her best when a story sizzles and peril lurks in every corner, Donna Kauffman burns up the pages with a hero just born for trouble, and a lady strong enough to handle him! She provoked him, tempted him, made him hunger for what he could never have, but if he managed to keep her alive, would he ever be able to let her go?
REVIEW:
This is a reprint from 1996. While it is a good story it mostly certainly gives you the feel of the LoveSwept stories. What is a LoveSwept? It was put out as a short paperback novel to be carried with you wherever you went. In other words the equivalent of a novella. This story is fast moving and direct to the point of getting the couple together. It has some suspense and romance mixed in. The character of Blue is a little too hard shelled for me. I like a woman who can take care of herself but the man is also able to make her feel like she wants to be taken care of and I never really got that feeling from Blue and Diego was just not “alpha” enough for me. I did enjoy the story though and I think if you are looking for some quick reads to have on your e-reader this is one you will enjoy.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Not This Time
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/21/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Small town scandal. International terrorist attack. Who among them is the traitor?
Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together, but their once solid friendship is now strained. Beth is leery of Sara’s husband, and when he is kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect.
Then, their small town of Seagrove Village is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn’t know who to trust. Someone she knows is linked to the attack, but who? Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center? In the midst of the confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past. She knows she shouldn’t fall in love with him, but she can’t resist or even explain their bond. As her world unravels around her, she wonders, is it possible to be beyond redemption?
REVIEW:
This is the third in this series and I have not read the first two so I have to say I was really confused especially in the beginning (really through the whole thing on some people). You can tell that some of the characters have been mentioned in the other books before this one and were the backstory so coming into this book not knowing these characters was a little hard. Especially since there are so many characters mentioned just in the first three chapters. I had only read the Seascape series from this author and this book is completely different. The Seascape were these extremely romantic movie-esque books set at a magical seaside inn. This book is about terrorism and scandal. Way different.
I really liked the story of Joe and Beth. They have an adorable relationship and Joe is written as a really great guy. Beth is an interesting character as well. She is strong and caring. The problem is that it is hard to believe all of these things are happening in this small little town and nobody knows about it. And while some seems far fetched the rest seems to not have any merit. Because I did not read the first two books I did not have the whole backstory on NINA and why I would care who in the small town was the bad guy.
I think if you read all the books in order it would make sense but reading only this one was hard to do.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Family secrets must be kept, and painful wounds must be ignored.
After an all-out assault by a vicious terrorist bent on destroying her entire family, a former government agent must break the strict rules she has always lived by when she emerges from hiding to reluctantly accept the help of her all-too-sexy ex-lover. Running a deadly race against time, they rush to rescue her kidnapped sister, find her missing father, and bring the notorious villain to justice. But nothing ever goes as planned. Bullets fly, danger abounds, and their
passion reignites even faster than the lies are flowing. But their stubbornly held secrets just might spell the end of their rekindled love and hopes for the future…as well as their very lives.
REVIEW:
This is a short novella. Genie has gone into hiding after leaving the CTA (Counter Terrorism Agency) but when terrorist come after her Kyle (her ex-boyfriend) and the CTA come to her rescue. Now she needs to find out who the people after her are, how they found her and figure out how to save herself and her family. But she has so many secrets and she is afraid to lean on Kyle and reveal those secrets.
The problem was Genie and Kye have no real connection. While the story can be a little interesting it is just not a story that is believable enough to keep your interest completely. Luckily it is not a long story so reading it to the end was doable, at best.
The story has potential but the author just did not get the characters right. There is no connection to any of them (boyfriend, sister, dad, etc) and the reader just doesn’t get to the point of caring about them either. Plus as I said it is so unbelievable it just never meshes and it manages to get more off course with every page.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Rev It Up – Black Knight Inc #3
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Soldier. Hero. Ladies’ Man. He’s the one who broke her heart…
Career soldier Jake “The Snake” Sommers has made a few mistakes in his life, but none so terrible as forsaking the only woman he’s ever loved. But he’s finally conquered his inner demon, the one that thirsted only for blood. So, now he’s back. And he’s not leaving without Michelle. Unfortunately, her enemy has other plans. Plans to see her dead.
Mother. Warrior. Lover. She’s the one he left behind…
Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for abandoning her all those years ago. Now he’s suddenly back, after she’s finally begun to make a life for herself. But her safe, orderly world is about be blown apart. With a psychotic Las Vegas mobster gunning for her, she has no choice but to turn to Jake. Only there’s more at stake than her life. As they all head for a showdown, something that was never meant to be revealed is suddenly thrown into the light. And with a secret this hot, there’s bound to be an explosion.
REVIEW:
Jake is finally back and the only thing that he want is Shell. But winner over the broken heart of the only woman he has ever loved is going to be one of the biggest challenges he has faced and Jake has faced many challenges. But will he be able to win her over or is it too little too late.
Shell is happy that Jake is well and good, but not happy that he is back and staking claim on her. But when she learns why he has been gone all this time her broken heart starts to melt back together, but is Shell willing to fall for him again?
When a mad man gunning for the Black Knight Inc employees sets his sights on Shell, these two are put to the ultimate test. But surviving a mad man is one thing. Surviving lies, hurt and broken hearts is another story
Another great book by Julie. Jake and Shell have a history together both fell so hard so fast for each other. But neither really told the other how they truly felt. When Jake gets spooked by the demons of his past he does the only thing he can think of to protect Shell. He pushes her away. This is a great second chance love story. And who doesn’t love a second change. I will say that this book did not make me cry, oh yes there is a lot of emotional parts But unlike bk 1 Hell on Wheels and bk 2 In Rides Trouble I was not bawling my eyes out. Still it was a very good story and the set up for book 4….. EEEKKKK bring on the Cajun Rock. Confused? You will have to read this series to find out what I mean.
Seriously this series is going on to my top 10 list of keepers and read over and over and overs.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy (from Netgalley) of the book in exchange for an honest review.This review is my opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Blaze – Phoenix Rising #2
AUTHOR: Joan Swan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The hotter they come, the harder they fall…
With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…
Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.
Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again
REVIEW:
Blaze is book 2 in Joan Swan’s Phoenix Rising series. Blaze is grabs you from the page one and keeps you turning the pages until the end. You will want to scream at the characters and then reach for the tissues, root for the characters and then want to slap them upside the head. There are some surprising turns of events that will shape the next few books in this series. New characters from the past walk into the team’s life and will change the fabric of who they all are. But even with this the team is left with more questions than answers as to who and what really happened to them.
I loved Luke in FEVER and loved him more in BLAZE. Luke is just an all around great guy. He loves his friends, family and can’t let go of the love of his life. He is willing to go the extra mile to do anything to keep her, but will even that be enough to winner her back?
Keira has had a very rough life and she is always ready to cut and run the minute life starts closing. The only constant in her life has been her love for Luke. But she even throw that away. But when Luke pops back into her life she is not sure if she can turn him away again, but is she strong enough to face the demons of her past in order to move on and live her life with Luke?
Luke & Kiera find themselves thrown together in order to save a group of kids from a madman. Little do they know the journey that they are about to go on and how one little boy will change everything for all of them.
Joan is such a great writer. I love how she tugs at my heartstrings the whole way through this book. Like any good author she loves to make us as readers suffer all the emotional highs and lows that she can. If you enjoyed FEVER you will love BLAZE!! I am very much looking forward to want is next in the Phoenix Rising series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Uninvited
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/28/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1777: In the throes of the Revolutionary War, Landon Mansion is commandeered by British Lord “Butcher” Bedford. He stabs Lucy Tarleton—who spurned his king and his love—leaving her to die in her father’s arms.NOW: After the day’s final tour, docent Allison Leigh makes her rounds while locking up and finds a colleague slumped over Bedford’s desk, impaled on his own replica bayonet.
Resident ghosts may be the stock-in-trade of stately Philadelphia homes, but Allison—a noted historian—is indignant at the prospect of “ghost hunters” investigating this apparent murder.
Agent Tyler Montague knows his hauntings and his history. But while Allison is skeptical of the newcomer, a second mysterious murder occurs. Has “Butcher” Bedford resurfaced? Or is there another malevolent force at work in Landon Mansion? Wary, yet deeply attracted, Allison has to trust in Tyler and work with him to discover just what uninvited guest—dead or alive—has taken over the house.
Or their lives could become history!
REVIEW:
4 ½ Stars. I have always enjoyed Heather Graham’s ghost stories and this one is no exception. Actually I think it is the best one she has written lately, even though I love all of them. I am hearing this is the last of Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series. No one writes a ghost story like Graham does. Besides the ghosts who take on a life of their own (pun intended) the fact that Graham writes with so much history is what astounds me. By the time the reader is done with the book they actually want to travel to the city to take in the sites and read a book about the history of the area. There is no better travel agent then Graham when she writes a novel.
I really enjoyed the story of Allison and Tyler. They are written with such chemistry right from the start. While there is no real hostility when they first met, as I read in the last Graham book, there was just a underlying uncertainty about the other person and I think that comes off better when you read it. I loved the ghost Julian in the story as well. The history of the house and Philadelphia is also really interesting.
If you love a ghost story with a bit of suspense than Graham should be your first choice of authors. And as always with her books I never figure out who did it.
*Note: The ARC I received was slightly different from this description. The house was named the Tarleton-Dandrige House not the Landon Mansion and the “Butcher” Bedford was actually named Brian “Beast” Bradley. I am unsure if the characters were changed or the synopsis is incorrect.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When FBI agent Grayson Kincaid first encounters Olivia MacKenzie, she makes quite an impression. The beautiful, tough, young attorney has stumbled into the middle of an FBI sting operation and has reduced it to chaos. Months of surveillance and careful planning down the drain, Kincaid’s partner is furious and lets Olivia know that she’s ticked off the wrong guy. After all, he’s FBI. Olivia isn’t intimidated by his partner’s bullying because she’s something even scarier…she’s IRS. And working for the IRS isn’t for the faint of heart. She’s on the trail of an elaborate Ponzi scheme, one that threatens to ruin the lives of naive and unsuspecting victims, and one she has personal reasons to be angry about. But after she asks questions of the wrong people, her life is suddenly endangered. She’s accustomed to fighting for the underdog but being vulnerable herself is a very different story. Smart enough to know when to call for reinforcements, she contacts Grayson Kincaid. Together they make an excellent team to fight corruption but Olivia is also fighting the immediate and intense attraction she feels for Agent Kincaid, and that may be a battle she is bound to lose.
REVIEW:
If Julie Garwood released a new book every day I still do not believe I would get tired of reading her books. I have enjoyed all of Garwood’s works from her romantic suspense to her historicals and this book is no exception. Garwood has a way of pulling you in right from the first paragraph and you never want to leave the world that she has weaved.
I really enjoyed Olivia. She is strong and independent. She has been through a life that most of us cannot even imagine and has come out stronger and wiser for it. I love that she becomes an advocate for what she never had and is willing to do what ever needs to be done to protect “her kids” and yet her greatest indulgences are popsicles and a little white dress. Grayson is perfect. He is sexy, protective and even cooks and cleans up. What more could a woman want in a man? I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. I hope Garwood has ideas for books for these characters (Do I see a Collins/Ronan book in the works? hint hint) and I can’t wait to read about Samantha and Jane as well. And Henry, adorable Henry, can he just morph into a 25 year old so we can read his story too?
Garwood is one of my favorite authors and this book is right up there with all her others. Garwood has never written a book that is not worth reading and once you start you can not stop reading her books. While I miss the Buchanan series and hope she works back into that group since there are still siblings we need to see married off. I have enjoyed the new works she has had lately just as much as that series. The one thing wrong with this book? It ended and now I have to wait a year (or so) for the next one to come out.
TITLE: Night Falls Like Silk
| 
