Kelly reviews The Duke’s Match Girl by Lila DiPasqua

dukes match girlTITLE: The Duke’s Match Girl- A Fiery Tale Novella
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #4.5
CHARACTERS: Leo & Suzanne
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As childhood friends, Leopold d’Ermart and Suzanne Matchet were inseparable. One unforgettable Christmas Eve, their relationship changed from the best of friends…to lovers. But the heir of the Duke of Mont-Marly isn’t supposed to fall in love with the daughter of his family’s physician. Or vice versa.

Is this a second chance at first love?
Years later, Suzanne is dreading her first Christmas without her father. The heartbreak Leo caused when he left seven years ago is a distant memory. And she prefers to keep it that way. The last thing Suzanne expects is for tall, dark, and sinfully seductive Leo d’Ermart to show up at her door and announce he wants her back in his life. And in his bed. Worse, the now celebrated libertine is even more devastating to a woman’s senses than ever before…

Or are they playing with fire?
The only woman Leo, Duke of Mont-Marly, has ever yearned for is the adorably unconventional, intelligent beauty who got away. He discovers Suzanne creating and selling matchsticks, elixirs for the ill…and is still so damned alluring. Leo is determined to show her the depth of his desire, win back Suzanne’s heart. And give her a Christmas beyond her wildest imagination…

REVIEW:
4.5 HEARTS I don’t think anyone can twist a fairy tale and tell such an amazing story quite like Lila. I loved this story. I loved the tension between Leo & Suzanne. Although I wanted to kick Leo’s butt for hurting Suzanne like that. Leo & Suzanne’s history is very heart breaking and while it would have ruined the story I wish that he would have fought for her. But being a novella I am not going to tell you any more.
Just know that if you have loved any of Lila’s books you will love this story. If you are new to Lila and her Fiery Tales you can easily read The Duke’s Match Girl as a stand alone.

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kelly & Kimberly review Her Sexist Mistake by Jill Shalvis

Her Sexiest MistakeTITLE: Her Sexiest Mistake
CHARACTERS: Kevin McKnight & Mai Appleby
AUTHOR: Jill Shalivs
PUBLICATION DATE: Release Nov 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mia Appleby finally has the life she always wanted. She’s escaped her trailer trash childhood and built a nice life for herself with a marketing job and a cute, little condo. But no matter how much baggage she’s ditched from her past, she still hasn’t managed to shake her greatest weakness-men. So when her new neighbor turns out to be single and oh-so-sexy, Mia’s worried she’s playing with fire . . .

Kevin McKnight can’t get enough of his gorgeous neighbor, but after one amazing night, she’s already showing him the door. Something tells him this is the way she handles most men. But Kevin is far from your average guy-and he’s ready to prove it to Mia. When a blast from her past shakes up Mia’s life in a major way, will she stick with her self-sufficient solo act . . . or take a chance leaning on Kevin’s strong shoulders?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 HEARTS As a huge Jill Shalvis fan I am willing to read any of her books. So when Her Sexiest Mistake came up for review I jumped at the chance. Her Sexiest Mistake was originally released in December of 2005. While I was happy to read this book it was not up to the normally standards I have set for Jill’s books. Her Sexiest Mistake is still a great read, but I love to see how Jill has grown as another over the years.

Kevin was awesome. He is such a giving guy. So giving that he is almost a pushover, but that just makes him more lovable. Mia, while acting all tough and in control is really that same scared little girl she was as a kid. I really liked how patient Kevin was with her, but at times I wanted him to slam the door in her face and never look back. But when that did finally happy I was really sad. But as with all Jill’s books she can not leave them unhappy.

I loved the side stories in this books too. I just loved Mike & Tess!!! And of course Hope! What would a love story be without a pain in the butt teenager.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 HEARTS This is a re-release from 2005 and I can honestly say that over the last decade Jill Shalvis’s books have improved ten-fold. Don’t get me wrong I liked this story but not as much as I enjoy what she writes now.

Something was just off with Mia. I never warmed up to her. Kevin was sweet but a bit of a door mat. I think Mia was supposed to be standoffish because of her past but she actually just seemed self absorbed and unfriendly. I liked the story and there some parts of it that pulls you in but then Mia does something again and you just don’t enjoy it as much.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

3hearts-68-77

Interview & Giveaway with Sylvain Reynard

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Sylvain Reynard to the blog today.

Sylvain, can you please share with us a little about yourself

Hello Books n Kisses. It’s a pleasure to be with you and your readers. I’m a fairly new novelist. The Gabriel trilogy is my first series and the third and final novel is releasing December 3rd. It’s entitled “Gabriel’s Redemption.”

Currently, I’m writing a new novel, “The Raven,” which will be the first in a series.

Have you always wanted to be an author? 

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I never expected to become an author. I’m very grateful to my readers from around the world for my success.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?  

Many authors seem to write to music. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them. I enjoy music, but I find that I can’t write while listening to it because I need to hear how dialogue and descriptions sound. Music distracts me. But I often mention music in my writing because my characters enjoy music as well and I find that a specific song or piece of music can add to a scene.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?9780425266519_p0_v1_s260x420

With pleasure. My newest book is “Gabriel’s Redemption,” and it releases December 3rd from Berkley press.  It’s the third book in the Gabriel series and here is its description:

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

How did you come with the idea for this story?  

A few locations proved inspiring for the story:  Umbria, Florence, Oxford, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.  But I was also inspired by the overall theme of redemption and how finding one’s soul mate brings with it challenges along with extraordinary rewards.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress? 

I’m working on a new novel that will be the first in a series set in contemporary Florence. I’m fortunate in that my publisher has included an excerpt from it at the end of “Gabriel’s Redemption,” so readers will have a sneak peek at it.

The book is entitled “The Raven” and it will be a paranormal love story. You can read the cover copy and find out more about it here:http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2013/11/my-next-novel-revealed.html

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why? 

To be honest, most of the authors I’d like to meet are deceased. I’d have given almost anything to meet Dante, for example.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing? 

I have two suggestions.  First, write every day.  This develops the habit of writing.  Second, find someone whom you trust and ask him/her to read your work and to give you constructive criticism. Every writer needs an editor and it’s important to listen to criticism.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I’ve always wanted to see Mount Everest.  I don’t want to climb it, I just want to look at it and take pictures.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’ve tweeted with Deborah Harkness, who is a friend of EL James, whom we both know, but I’ve never had the pleasure of reading “A Discovery of Witches.” It’s on my reading list and I hope I’ll be able to read it and it’s sequels.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There’s a special giveaway to commemorate the release of “Gabriel’s Redemption,” which I’ll be hosting on my website.  www.sylvainreynard.com

 Website | Facebook | Twitter @Sylvainreynard| Goodreads

*****

9780425266519_p0_v1_s260x420Gabriel’s Redemption
Gabriel’s Inferno Series #3
Author: Sylvain Reynard
Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback | Barnes & Nobel Nook | Barnes & Nobel Paperback | iTunes iBook | Chapters Indigo Paperback | Chapters Indigo Kobo

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family. 

 Make sure to check out Kelly’s review of Gabriel’s Redemption HERE

 

Bio: I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account

Social Media Accounts : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The Louboutin winner will be gifted a Neiman Marcus gift card with shipping included. All prizes are international.

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Kelly’s review of Gabriel’s Redemption

9780425266519_p0_v1_s260x420TITLE: Gabriel’s Redemption
SERIES #:Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Gabriel & Julianne Emerson
AUTHOR: Sylvain Reynard
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon B&N

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront her about the subject of her presentation – research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
This is final book in the Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy.  I will start off saying that you really have to read this trilogy in order.  There is way too much that happens in book 1 and book 2 to just read book 3. So if you have not read I would suggest you stop here, unless you would like a bit of a spoiler.

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A love found, a love lost, a love tested and a love that will stand the test of time that is how I would describe not only this book but the whole series. If you have read book 1 & 2 you will know the bumpy road that Gabriel & Julianne have to travel.  In Gabriel’s Redemption the Emersons will have to keep fighting for their future.  Friends and foes from the past come back and are trying to stir up trouble for them.    Gabriel & Julianne learn quickly that they have to have each others back even when they have to let the other stand on their own.

This was a great way to end the series and I am so happy that I pick up Gabriel’s Inferno.  I have loved Gabriel and Julianne from day one and have been so excited to see them grow as individuals and as a couple.  I am sad that this is the end of the series, but I hope that Sylvain will give us a glimpse at The Emerson’s some time in the future.

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Kissing Season by Rachael Johns

kissing seasonTITLE: The Kissing Season
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Matteo
AUTHOR: Rachael Johns
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every family has a black sheep…and Hannah Elliot is it.

It’s no surprise to anyone when Hannah Elliot makes the spontaneous decision to marry a stranger in Las Vegas. But when she finds herself pregnant and her new husband files for an annulment, she dreads having to tell her family.

Returning to her Australian hometown of Wildwood Point, Hannah is determined to become a devoted mum and put her baby’s needs ahead of her own. She’s also set to prove to her family she can actually be responsible. This means putting her wild past behind her and accepting a job back in the family business…while keeping her pregnancy a secret!

Except, when gorgeous Italian Matteo Della-Bosca walks through the shop door, Hannah finds her resolve slipping fast…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very sweet short story. While not a very Christmasy story it is still very tender and enjoyable. It is a bit obvious of a storyline but that is ok. The characters have an instant connection and truly are adorable together. Enjoyable read for anytime of year.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Castle Hill by Samantha Young

castle hillTITLE: Castle Hill
SERIES #: On Dublin Street #2.5
CHARACTERS: Joss & Braden
AUTHOR: Samantha Young
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.

After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again…

REVIEW:
This is a short novella catching us up to what has been happening to Joss and Braden from book one. It was so great to look back at this amazing couple. There is something that pulls you in about these two.

What I enjoy about this author is that Joss didn’t miraculously get better by the end of book one. She still suffers from her PTSD. She still has issues that she may never overcome and yet she is trying so hard. Braden is such a sweetheart. While he has a moment so unlike himself in this book it is understandable. He has his own issues and sometimes they flair.

I loved getting this little bit of Joss and Braden and look forward to the rest of the series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kelly reviews Midnight Ink by Rylon, Bristol, Rothman, Forte, Alexander, Bradley, Ryan & Carr

midnight inkTITLE: Midnight Ink
SERIES #: Box Set
AUTHOR: Rylon, Bristol, Rothman, Forte, Alexander, Bradley, Ryan & Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: November 19, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One tattoo shop in one infamous city sets the stage for 8 stories about resolutions, kink, love and ink. Get ready to let the good times roll!

Report For Booty by Jayne Rylon
When Burke Levine got marching orders, he couldn’t bear to make his girlfriend Chavon White a military widow. Years later, discovering his name tattooed on her perfect ass via a New Orleans’ artist’s portfolio confirms his epic mistake. Will Midnight Ink’s New Year’s Eve party grant them a second chance?

Picture Her Bound by Sidney Bristol
She’s a police officer desperate enough to break the rules. He’s the bounty hunter standing between her and ruin. Picture Her Bound is —the first book in the brand new Bayou Bound series from Sidney Bristol—a story of right, wrong and binding pleasures.

Not So Over Eli by Robin L. Rotham
Paramedic Bart Rigger finally has the life he wants rather than the one his father dictated, thanks to hot new fiancée Rhonda Giannetti. But a whirlwind trip to New Orleans puts it all at risk when he’s forced to confront unresolved feelings for his first love, tattoo artist Elijah Bell.

Inked Memories by PG Forte
All Sophie wants is a tattoo to commemorate her battle with cancer. What she gets is celebrity tattoo artist Declan Ross, the same sexy bad-boy who used to rock her world. This time, they’ve both got scars and it’s still the ones you can’t see that are the hardest to cover.

To The Bone by RG Alexander
Etta Santos has one resolution—to cover up the last visible evidence of her past. When Christie Ryder, sexy musician and new owner of Midnight Ink, pursues her, he seems too good to be true. His music touches her soul, but can she risk trusting another bad boy with her heart?

Dangerously Inked by Eden Bradley
When the tattoo artist Finn Carter lined up for his visit to New Orleans turns out to be the mysteriously alluring sub he played on New Year’s Eve at The Bastille, the city’s BDSM club, more than his skin will be marked forever—and Rosie is just the woman to bring this playboy to his knees.

Ink Inspired (Montgomery Ink 0.5) by Carrie Ann Ryan
In Carrie Ann Ryan’s Ink Inspired, the prequel to her upcoming Montgomery Ink series, Ice Princess Shea Little wants ink and a change. Shepard Montgomery not only wants to ink her, but get through that icy exterior. Together, they’ll heat up the streets of New Orleans…and each other.

Blank Canvas (Big Easy #1) by Mari Carr
Disillusioned by divorce, Jennifer’s about to discover her wild side, starting with a tattoo from Caliph. And continuing with submission, spankings, wax play…all under the skilled hands of her wickedly sexy tattoo master

REVIEW:
One tattoo shop in one infamous city sets the stage for 8 stories about resolutions, kink, love and ink. Get ready to let the good times roll!

Report For Booty by Jayne Rylon: This was an okay novella for me. I liked the back story of Burke & Chavron. But I never felt really connected to these two.

Picture Her Bound by Sidney Bristol: This was a good story. Jacques & Odalia make a good couple. And seem to work very good together.

Not So Over Eli by Robin L. Rotham: Just as a warning to anyone that might be offended this story is a m/m/f. I liked this story but didn’t love it. I like Eli. I liked Rhonda. And I liked them together but there was something about Bart that I just didn’t connect with.

Inked Memories by PG Forte: This was a very good story of reuniting of love. Delcan & Sophie were the best of friends but grew apart.

To The Bone by RG Alexander: This was a very sweet story with a bit of a paranormal twist. I am still trying to figure out Manny. But other then that I really enjoyed Christie (yes the guys name Christie, nickname for Christopher) & Etta’s story.

Dangerously Inked by Eden Bradley: This was just an okay story for me. I really liked Rosie in the other stories and did like her in this one too. And I liked Finn, but there was something about this story that didn’t grab me and completely suck me in. I think that maybe it is my lack of understand of the whole pain & BDSM world.

Ink Inspired (Montgomery Ink 0.5) by Carrie Ann Ryan: Loved!!! Shepard Montgomery is yummy. I love his determination and gentleness with Shea. I would have loved to see more of them and hope that Carrie Ann will have them stop by a lot in the future books of the Montgomery Ink series.

Blank Canvas (Big Easy #1) by Mari Carr : I liked Jennifer & Caliph’s story. I enjoyed that Jennifer was giving a second chance at happiness. But now I want to know what happens in the future with these two.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Entangled Embrace December Launch Party

Today we’re celebrating the release of two New Adult books from Entangled Embrace!

Forged by Fate by Reese Monroe

He’s waited more than 900 years to love her…

Being the Gatekeeper to Hades is no small feat, and waiting almost a millennia to meet your mate is damn near impossible. But Theo Bradford’s mark has finally surfaced on his intended. Now all he has to do is find her and convince her to embrace her supernatural heritage.

Young genius, Sadie Nowland, has got life figured out. Graduating college at the age of eighteen and accepting a six-figure job is just what she needs to prove she’s made something of herself. But when a strange tattoo mysteriously appears on her shoulder and Theo starts talking about Mates, it catapults her neatly laid out life into chaos.

Targeted by a vicious demon escaped from Hades, Sadie is thrust into the volatile world of Shomrei warriors and a connection to Theo her brain can’t comprehend and her body can’t deny. That primal bond proves more imperative to their survival than either could have ever imagined—and just may be the key to the world’s survival.

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Goodreads

Originally from Minnesota, Reese Monroe currently enjoys living in the sunny Arizona desert with her husband of seventeen years and her loveable Shetland Sheep dog, Maddux. Monroe holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. When she’s not busy writing her next trilogy, she can be found pounding the pavement, training to run her first marathon.

Reese Monroe is a contributing blogger at the widely popular site New Adult Alley and has been part of the New Adult revolution for years having penned over twenty-five novels in the exciting new category.

Twitter | Facebook | Website | Pinterest | Google+ | Goodreads

To celebrate her release, Reese is giving away a $25 Amazon giftcard! Play along for a chance to win. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

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Sneaking Candy by Lisa Burstein

All I ever wanted was to make a name for myself as Candice Salinas, creative writing grad student at the University of Miami. Of course, secretly I already have made a name for myself: as Candy Sloane, self-published erotic romance writer. Though thrilled that my books are selling and I have actual fans, if anyone at UM found out, I could lose my scholarship…and the respect of my faculty advisor, grade-A-asshole Professor Dylan.

Enter James Walker, super-hot local barista and—surprise!—my student. Even though I know a relationship is totally off-limits, I can’t stop myself from sneaking around with James, taking a few cues from my own erotic writing…if you catch my drift. Candy’s showing her stripes for the first time in my real life, and I’ve never had so much fun. But when the sugar high fades, can my secrets stay under wraps?

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Goodreads

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She is the author of Pretty Amy, The Next Forever and Dear Cassie. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats.

Twitter | Facebook | Website | Goodreads | Blog

To celebrate the release of Sneaking Candy, Lisa is giving away several prizes. Play along for a chance to win. No purchase necessary to enter or win.

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Kimberly reviews Behind The Scenes by Trish Jensen

Behind the ScenesTITLE: Behind The Scenes
CHARACTERS: Tanya & AJ
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Together they might produce a hit TV show. If they don’t kill each other while falling in love.
Tanya Pierce’s TV-executive uncle has tapped her to host a reality show about beauty makeovers. Tanya runs an acclaimed beauty spa in a small California town—definitely outside the Hollywood spotlight, just the way publicity-shy Tanya likes it. Her partner will be AJ Landry, a sexy producer known for creating hit programs—and for distrusting women, like his ex-wife, who are looking for a meal ticket to television fame and fortune.
When Tanya and AJ meet, sparks fly. Get ready for a rollicking story filled with humor, wit, and dizzying romance.

REVIEW:
An adorable quick read. Tanya is just such a character. She is fun and sarcastic and just the kind of girl you would want to be friends with. AJ is sweet. I wouldn’t say he is a favorite lead alpha but he is sweet and charming and the books is great.

This is a great book to have hanging around for the time you need a book to grab, enjoy and be done with.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kelly reviews Full Throttle by Erin McCarthy

full throttleTITLE: Full Throttle
SERIES #: Fast Track #7
CHARACTERS: Rhett Ford & Shawn Hamby
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Easing into the turns…
As one of only two girls on the tween racing circuit, Shawn Hamby has always run with a fast crowd. But now at thirty-two, she doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. And she definitely doesn’t need a man bossing her around off of the track…

Putting the pedal to the metal…
But after a silly girls’ night at a fetish club, Shawn can’t get Rhett Ford out of her mind. He’s younger than her, and he’s her best friend’s brother-in-law, which should be red flags. Rhett is looking for someone to lead in bed, but he can’t imagine that Shawn would ever submit to him. Boldly surrendering is more her style. And with Rhett behind the wheel, it’s going to be one wild ride

REVIEW:
4.5 HEARTS A fault book club trip to a fetish club leads to Shawn being whisked out on the dance floor and sends her heart racing until her girlfriends drag her out of the arms of one very hot man.
A condition of her grandpa’s will that will force her to grow up or lose everything she loves, her dirt track.
And proposal “Will you marry me?” is not the first question a girl normally asks on a first date. Is this a first date? But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Loved this story. Love Rhett & Shawn. They are just to cute together. This was my first Fast Track novel and I am super excited to backtrack and read the first 6 books. If you are a fan of Erin’s Fast Track series you will love Rhett & Shawn’s book!! Can’t wait to see who is next

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Christmas in Tahoe by Elisabeth Barrett

christmas in tahoeTITLE: Christmas In Tahoe
CHARACTERS: Ann & Chase
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Silicon Valley actuary Ann Smith is an expert at calculating probabilities, but lately the odds haven’t been in her favor. Two years ago her fiancé died a week before their planned Christmas wedding, leaving Ann heartbroken and alone. When a friend suggests heading up to Lake Tahoe for a long Christmas weekend of skiing, wine, and relaxation, Ann thinks it might be just the thing to help get her life back on track. But Ann’s plans go awry when her friend cancels at the last minute, and Ann ends up driving to Tahoe with Chase Deckert, a sexy snowboarder who pushes all her buttons.

Chase Deckert is a man who lives by his own rules. A few years ago his business partner betrayed him by selling out their biomedical research for a quick profit. Chase left science far behind, and now spends his days snowboarding in Tahoe, wanting nothing to do with the dog-eat-dog world of Silicon Valley. Chase has closed his mind and his heart and only believes in one thing: fate. But fate seems to be in a giving mood, because joining him for Christmas is a brave, beautiful woman who shows him the true meaning of the season and helps him rediscover a part of himself he’d long forgotten.

Fueled by the mountain scenery, the season, and their unbelievable chemistry, Ann and Chase end up learning more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined possible. Can one long, steamy Christmas help them realize they’re meant to be together? Or when the holiday is over will they be right back where they started?

REVIEW:
3.5 HEARTS This is a sweet holiday romance about a second chance at love. While sweet and sentimental I had a couple of problems with it. Ann thinks too much about the fiance’ she lost during the story. She seems to still be IN love with him. While I understand the concept of she will always love him but she needs to move on the fact that she thinks about him so much even while being in Chase’s bed it a bit much for me. And the other problem was Chase’s change of heart at the end. It seemed too quick. But then again this is a short story.

I enjoyed the romance of it. I enjoyed the way Chase was written as a caregiver who seemed to understand Ann so quickly. I enjoyed their romance in general. Will this get you into the holiday spirit? Nope. But it is a nice read (and if you are from the area as I am it was a great to know the landmarks mentioned.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Some Kind Of Wonderful by Beth Ciotta

Some kind of wonderfulTITLE: Some Kind of Wonderful: A Holiday Novella
SERIES #: Cupcake Lovers #3.5
CHARACTERS: Zachary Cole & Maya Templeton
AUTHOR: Beth Ciotta
PUBLICATION DATE: October 22, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Have yourself a scrumptious, small-town Christmas with this special Cupcake Lovers holiday novella, Love on a Winter’s Night!

Growing up in Sugar Creek, Maya Templeton and Zachary Cole were best friends. After high school, each went out into the world in search of adventure. Maya moved to Florida to explore her passion for baking and pastry-making, eventually establishing her own business:

Cupcakes & Dreamscapes. Zach joined the military and became a Marine Scout Sniper. Now, after years apart, they’re both going home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore. In fact, Zach seems to have the hots for Maya’s business partner. But when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine their connection. Are Maya and Zach better off “just friends”—just as they were when they were young? Or could it be that true love was there all along?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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