Category: Romance

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Kimberly’s review of Covert Seduction by Callie Croix

TITLE: Covert Seduction
CHARACTERS: Reid & Becca
AUTHOR: Callie Croix
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Navy SEAL Reid Galvin is back from hell and eager to find comfort in Becca Anderson’s arms. He knows he hurt her when he cut contact during his deployment, so when his call interrupts her date with another man, he has only himself to blame. But he can’t forget what she means to him—or the sexy email she sent him—and he won’t miss this chance to claim her as his own.

It’s been weeks since Becca heard from the man she thought she was involved with. So when Reid wants to take up where they left off as if nothing happened, she refuses. Then he rescues her from a first date gone very wrong, and she realizes she’s not quite ready to let him go.

Reid and Becca have a lot to talk about, but since she’s not listening, he’s going to have to regain her trust another way—by bringing her most erotic fantasies to life. Making her surrender to pleasure just might be his most important mission.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is an enjoyable short story. Reid is a SEAL (aren’t they all?) who was in a relationship with Becca until he was sent on a mission. She did not hear from him for 6 weeks and while they both missed the other there was no communication which caused a problem for Becca. Reid comes home and wants to rekindle the fire. Becca had sent him a erotic love letter and Reid wants to fulfill her desires if Becca will give him the chance.

There is a bit of a romantic suspense in this story but not much. A little bit more would have been nice. I did not consider this erotica. Yes there was some sex scenes showing Reid in control but this is not D/s sex scenes.

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

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Kimberly’s review of The Valentine’s Arrangement by Kelsie Leverich

TITLE: The Valentine’s Arrangement
SERIES #: Heroes For The Holidays #1
CHARACTERS: Ronnie & Kale
AUTHOR: Kelsie Leverich
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ronnie Clark, an edgy tattoo artist with hopes of high tailing it out of the forsaken Military town she followed her now ex-fiancé to, is counting down the days until Valentine’s Day is over. Ronnie doesn’t do romance. She doesn’t do flowers or dates, and she sure as hell doesn’t do love—not anymore. After her fiancé slept with a female soldier while deployed, she has vowed never to fall in love again, especially with a soldier.

Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson is home on his mid-tour leave from Iraq, but he only has one thing on his mind—returning to his deployment to finish leading his soldiers on their mission. The last thing he wants is a relationship, but casual sex, that’s a different story. And when he meets the renowned tattoo artist Ronnie Clark, a snarky, blunt, takes no prisoners kind of woman, that seems to be all he can think about.

But when Kale realizes he has met his match with a bombshell woman who is hell bent against love, will just sex be enough? And if it’s not, will he be able to convince Ronnie that the proverbial hearts and flowers aren’t so bad after all, even if he is a soldier?

REVIEW:
Did I like this book? I am 50/50 on that answer. I liked the storyline. I thought that Kale was adorable. I couldn’t stand Ronnie. And the language just went overboard.

I am not exactly sure why Kale would be attracted to Ronnie at all. I am not talking about the fact she is tough and independent but the fact that she is rude and crass. She has nothing that makes you want to like her. I just wanted to wash her mouth out with soap. There is not one page that does not have crude language over and over. And while I realize she is trying to prove she is strong she really just proves she is just unappealing.

Now Kale is worth reading about. And the story as I said was really good… well the storyline. It had a lot of potential and Kale would have been a great hero for a story with a woman that the reader actually cared about.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Falling For The Lawyer by Anna Clifton

TITLE: Falling For The Lawyer
CHARACTERS: Alex & JP
AUTHOR: Anna Clifton
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alex Farrer has just one resolution: don’t get sacked by the new boss that day. Enter one knight to rescue her from a run‐in with a pile of mud. But will upending Alex’s entire life be the next job on her knight’s ‘to‐do’ list, whether she likes it or not?
Legal eagle JP McKenzie has just one resolution: never get involved with a woman who won’t stand up for herself. That is until a muddy Alex Farrer lands in his life with a crushingly big mountain of family expectation in tow. So what else is a modern‐day knight to do?

REVIEW:
I am just not sure about this story. It is a short story (about 100 pages) and I have to say that I could not stop reading it. The problem is I am just not sure what I liked about it. I am not sure what JP sees in Alex once he gets to know her. Alex is slightly irritating for most of the book in that she is so meek. But yet I really couldn’t pull away from the story.

Usually I do not like when one of the main characters starts out with a significant other already but in this book it seemed to work. I think it is a book that anyone that likes romance books will enjoy.

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

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Kelly’s review of Seeing is Believing by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: Seeing is Believing
CHARACTERS: Piper & Brady
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: March 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cuttersville, Ohio is full of ghosts, and they all want Piper Tucker’s help.
One guy in town just wants Piper.

Ever since Piper Tucker was young she wanted to be like everyone else, but her uncanny ability to see ghosts always put her on the other side of normal. And the apparitions are showing up now more than ever, desperately seeking help. But what can she possibly do for them? They’ve already been dead for years. Besides, she has a personal concern of her own right now. A real flesh and blood concern—named Brady.

He’s Piper’s childhood crush, and no sooner is he back in town than sparks start giving off heat. For Brady, it’s hard not to notice the sexy young woman Piper’s become, or forget the special gift she had as a girl. And right now it could come in handy, because a long-forgotten murder has been keeping a restless spirit from finding peace. All Piper and Brady have to do is solve the crime to put the specter to rest. But the passion brewing between them is just as restless, and could prove twice as dangerous

REVIEW:
This was a fun book. Although at first I could not figure out why the seeing of ghosts was so important. But in the end I finally learned. Seeing is Believing is kinda a second chance at first love story. Piper has been in love with Brady since she was a little girl. But Brady never really saw her as that. But after so much time apart and Brady’s return to town that all changes.

Only problem. No one thinks Brady is good enough for Piper. But when a mystery surrounding a murder many years ago through Piper and Brady together they both will do some growing up and learn that sometimes it is best not to listen to anyone except your own heart.

I really did enjoy this book even if I am having a hard time writing this review.

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
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Kelly and Kimberly both review A Shot Of Sultry by Macy Beckett

TITLE: A Shot Of Sultry
SERIES: Sultry Springs #2
CHARACTERS: Trey & Bobbi
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a quick trip to her hometown might get her the footage she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can’t let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can’t handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He’s strong and confident and–much to her delight–usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend’s baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him…

BOTH KELLY AND KIMBERLY GAVE THIS BOOK 4.5 STARS – COMPARE THEIR REVIEWS HERE!

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Oh Man!!!! Book two in the Sultry Springs series is SO good. Trey, ahhhh the sweet Golden Boy finally meets his match in a feisty redhead from California. And to say their first meeting was… will eventful would be an understatement.
I loved the beginning, middle and end of this book so much. I read it in one sitting. I kept saying to myself “just one more chapter and I will put down the book and go to sleep” Needless to say at 2 am I finally did read the last chapter, wiped the tears from my eyes and went to bed very happy.
I love these character, love this series and love Macy!!! I so can’t wait to see what she has in store for our resident bad-boy sheriff, in book 3 Surrender to Sultry (Aug 1, 2013).

Again if you have not jumped into Sultry Springs Texas you really need too. You will be surprised at what can be found behind the doors of a small hick town.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
OK I think I have a new fictional love. Trey totally has me under his spell. I loved the first in this series “Sultry With A Twist” and even then I wanted the next story to be Trey’s but I had no idea how much I would adore this character. There is just something sexy about this unfortunately fictional man.

I enjoyed Bobbi too. She has lived such a hard life and has so many issues of her own but Trey brings out the good in her so easily and while you feel sorry for her at some points she also captures your heart and you love her.

I could not put this book down. I never wanted to finish it and yet I couldn’t wait to see how it would end. While you can read this alone I wouldn’t suggested it. You must read the first one just because you will love it. I can’t wait for the next one “Surrender To Sultry” and what Beckett has in store for Colton!

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Jade’s Gamble by Patricia Olney

TITLE: Jade’s Gamble
CHARACTERS: Jade & Trace
AUTHOR: Patricia Olney
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Single mother Jade O’Donnell is desperate. Embroiled in an ugly custody battle, Jade is convinced that being in a committed relationship will up her chances to keep her son. So when the wildly charismatic Trace Banyon walks into her lawyer’s office to inquire about a job, Jade’s willing to bet that he’s the perfect candidate to play the part of loving husband. She just never expects that Trace will steal her heart.

Temptation in the flesh, Trace insists that he will never be tied down in real life. He agrees to Jade’s scheme on one condition: It will mean nothing more than a business deal. But with Jade posing on his arm, Trace can’t help but feel genuine affection—and exhilarating passion. Now his bewitching make-believe wife has the stalwart bachelor considering the two words he has sworn will never pass his lips: “I do.”

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this short story and the characters of Jade and Trace. They have a connection right from the start of the story.

Because it is such a short story I felt some things were missing like there is not enough about the ex husband and I was saddened that we did not get Lucas’ reaction about the ending.

I think in general this story could have been more in-depth but that being said the story is good and is an enjoyable quick read.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Love & A Blue Eyed Cowboy by Sandra Chastain

TITLE: Love And A Blue-Eyed Cowboy
CHARACTERS: Fortune & Hunter
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunky cowboy Hunter Kincaid is bruised, broke, and brash enough to think that he can win the top prize in a motorcycle scavenger hunt through the backwoods of Georgia. What he doesn’t count on is being saddled with Fortune Dagosta as a partner. After locking horns with the back-seat driver, Hunter soon hopes to lock lips. Can a loner of the open road be a lover with an open heart?

Fortune has no idea how she’ll survive a week on the road with a smartass like Hunter. But she needs the money from the race to put a new roof on her halfway house for troubled kids—and Hunter’s her best shot at first place. Despite a few bumps on the way, Fortune finds herself lost in Hunter’s deep blue eyes. Neither expects the attraction to last, but Hunter and Fortune have embarked on the ride of their lives.

REVIEW:
This story is so adorable. First let me say some of the things are dated since it was originally released in 1992 apparently. There are references to talking to Minnie Pearl, Barbara Mandrell, etc but the names are either unknown to the modern reader (Mandrell) or the person has passed away (Pearl) so that was a little dated but the rest of the story is really cute.

Imagine the “Amazing Race” in the Carolinas & Georgia. That is what this book is about. Two strangers thrown together following clues to win the race and make money. But they have their own reasons for wanting the money. The journey with these characters is sweet. Hunter is just an all around good guy and Fortune is almost too sweet for words but something about her makes her human and not icky sweet.

This is an adorable book to have for that winter day curled up on the couch in front of the fire (that is what I did).

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Release Me by J. Kenner

TITLE: Release Me
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

REVIEW:
This is a very intense book. Not because of the sex which is actually relatively low key, yet exciting. I mean the characters. We learn mostly about Nikki in this story and she has a very intense past. Her pain is almost palpable on the pages. I did expect a slightly different reason for her pain (a more dramatic reason) so I was a little disappointed in the simplicity of her reasoning for doing what she does but that does not make it any less extreme.

This book will be compared to 50 Shades Of Grey (aren’t all erotic stories now?) and while I can understand the comparison because there are similarities it would not be fair. However, it will be because the synopsis itself is claiming if you like Shades you will like this. But while I reviewed Shades as a haunting love story, this book is more of an intense romance. Damien is very romantic, sweet and there is never a hardness about him. And Nikki is not an innocent.

Yes if you liked Shades you will probably like this book too but not because there is a comparison but because it is the same genre. I assume in the next book (Claim Me) that we will learn more of Damien’s story. Which I look forward to.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire

TITLE: Making Him Sweat
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Mercer
AUTHOR: Meg Maguire
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s hitting below the belt…

Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who’s inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business…provided she can take on the very intimidating—and wickedly hot—boxer who stands in her way!

Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He’s the only one who can protect his “home”—even if it is a little run-down— from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere…

Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it…

REVIEW:
2.5 Stars
I found this book to be almost boring to be honest. The characters did not connect at all. Something was just off with the characters and the writing. I really wanted to enjoy this story but I just couldn’t. I also wanted to think that maybe this was the first book from this author because I did see a lot of potential but I looked it up and she has written quite a few stories so I am not sure why this book just didn’t click.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Three Sisters by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Three Sisters
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #2
CHARACTERS: Andi/Boston/Deanna
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life – buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi’s new future may be coming together, but the truth is she’s just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house.

When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora’s Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he’s right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she’s lost herself, and she’s in danger of losing her entire family if things don’t change.

Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for one other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she’s not so sure. Now it’s time for them to move forward, with or without one another.

Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they’re really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.

REVIEW:

LIVE ~ LOVE ~ LAUGH
These are the best words to describe the ladies of the houses known as the Three Sister. One friend needs to learn to live again after the death of her baby. One friend needs to learn to love and trust again after a relationship ends. And one just needs to learn how to laugh and not take life so seriously.

This is not a story of romance (but of course there is some). However this is a story about love. Learning to love yourself and the women who have become your friends. Each story is told only from the female point of view with three different yet intertwined stories. They are heartbreaking and emotional. The stories leave you sad, angry, happy and renewed. The women that Susan Mallery has given us are so different that at first I thought I wonder which one of these women I will relate to and I found I somehow related to all of them in some way. I was the woman left with a broken heart wondering if I should or could love again, I was the woman who had lost something so incredibly special I wondered if I could be whole again and I was the woman who had done everything to be the woman I was supposed to be and was not sure if it was enough. I think every woman has been these women at some point in their lives. No, not all at once but over time and years.

These women were so poignant that it was hard not to feel the emotions of each as I read their stories and finally decided to just stop trying to fight the feelings and embrace them. I cried, I smiled, I wanted to be at their table having wine and giving them my opinion of what they needed to do.

This is not Fool’s Gold. This is real life encompassed in one single book. How Susan Mallery got through the writing of this book with all the emotions she poured into it I will never know but I am glad she did. I am a better person for “knowing” these three women because I see myself in each of them and realize every woman should spend more time LIVING ~ LOVING ~ AND LAUGHING.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Bungalow Nights by Christie Ridgway

TITLE: Bungalow Nights
SERIES #: Beach House #2
CHARACTERS: Layla & Vance
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway’s Crescent Cove, California, where the magic of summer can last forever… Combat medic Vance Smith made a promise to a fallen officer: to treat the man’s young daughter to an idyllic vacation at Beach House No. 9. One month, some sun and surf, a “helmet list” of activities to check off and Vance will move on. But the “little girl” he’s expecting turns out to be a full-grown woman. With silky hair, big brown eyes and smelling sweetly of the cupcakes she makes for her mobile bakery, Layla Parker is irresistible. And Vance shouldn’t lay a finger on her. Honor-and one heck of a scarred heart-says so.

To Layla, Vance is a hero who was injured trying to save her father’s life. She intends to spend their month of lazy days and warm nights taking very good care of the gorgeous soldier-inside and out…

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book but I am not sure it was one of my favorites from Ridgway. I enjoyed the story of Vance and Layla. I thought they had a very good chemistry and I enjoyed reading their story. Both of their stories were sad and yet sweet. In the beginning I was not sure about the relationship between Vance and Layla. It seemed a little forced but then it really began to grow. I just wish it had not taken so long. The story of Layla’s dad was just heartbreaking.

However, I just never got into the story of Baxter and Addy. I usually enjoy a background romance but those two had no chemistry at all.

This is the second in the series but it can mostly certainly stand alone. If this is the first time you are reading Ridgway then read the first in the series before this one. Do not base the author solely on this book. I love everything this author writes and this was not an exception it just will not be high on my favorites.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Platinum by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Platinum
CHARACTERS: Steel & Althea
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Althea Grant’s Charleston gallery might be suffering from the bad economy, and her artistic aspirations have gone nowhere, but she’s doing just fine, thank you. When bad-boy sculptor Steel rides up on his motorcycle looking to rent studio space, his infusion of cash is more than welcome. But his art is raw, visceral, sexual—and completely inappropriate for her pastel world of watercolor landscapes.

Steel, fascinated by Althea’s rare albino coloring, sees in her the key to his next piece: a metal satyr designed for bondage games. Moving into her gallery basement is the first step; seducing the cool Southern belle into modeling for him is the second.

As Steel peels away her careful manners and tasteful outfits, Althea begins to realize her life isn’t just fine at all—it’s as pale and washed-out as the watercolor paintings she’s failing to sell. Can she transform her life and accept her most secret desires?

REVIEW:
You know what I liked best about this book? Steel and Althea are just normal people. Steel is not some billionaire CEO with control issues. Althea is not some off the street secretary. They are normal people. If anything Althea is the one who was brought up proper and has never known the world that Steel leads her to. He is beer and she is wine but they work together.

Yes, Steel is into having control in the bedroom and his BDSM is new to Althea but he is always willing to let her be who she wants to be. I enjoyed the playfulness that Steel has when he is around Althea. I just really enjoyed the whole story.

I did, however, feel like the ending was a bit rushed. Another couple of chapters (or maybe even just an epilogue) would have been nice. It just needed a bit more. But other than that I think if you like erotica this will be one you really enjoy.

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

4 Hearts