Category: Romance

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COVER LOVE: Alien in the House by Gini Koch

 Alien in the House 

Katherine “Kitty” Katt #7
by Gini Koch

Pre-Order Here:  Amazon  | B&N | Powells |

Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini have learned the ins and outs of Washington politics, not to mention how to prevail in intergalactic war and foil dangerous plots. But, in the aftermath of Operation Destruction, the Gower girls’ powers are burned out, the entire A-C population has been “outed” as the aliens living on Earth that they are, and, worst of all, ACE is nowhere to be found.

Then murder and mayhem are served up at an important dinner party at the American Centaurion Embassy, and when the dust settles Alpha Team and the Diplomatic Corps have more problems than just a dead Congressman.

Is there a single criminal mastermind—or multiple enemies—behind all the conspiracies that want Kitty dead and the A-Cs gone or co-opted to become the War Division?

The return of the best assassins in the business, the reappearance of two individuals long-presumed dead, Agent Malcolm Buchanan felled by something no one can identify or cure, and new technology that can block even the most powerful empath on Earth … all of this means the game’s officially afoot.

Then Vance Beaumont comes to Kitty with a wild theory that someone is systematically killing off the House of Representatives…

It’s up to Kitty and the rest of the gang to find out what’s really going on and why. But will they be able to stop the killer or killers before the rest of the U.S. House of Representatives become casualties? And will the replacement Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd District, who happens to be Jeff Martini, be the next to die?

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Kimberly’s review of Barefoot In The Rain by Roxanne St. Clair

TITLE: Barefoot In The Rain
AUTHOR: Roxanne St. Clair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

They say you can never go home again . . .
When “Life Coach to the Stars” Jocelyn Bloom is embroiled in scandal, the only place she can hide is the one place she wishes she could forget. She left Barefoot Bay-and the boy next door who knew all her secrets-years ago. Now nothing about the tiny island off the coast of Florida is quite how she remembers it, especially Will Palmer. He’s even more gorgeous and tempting . . . and still capable of turning her world inside out.

But what if someone is waiting for you?
To Will Palmer, Guy Bloom is more than the elderly, senile neighbor he looks after-he’s the last connection to Jocelyn, the woman Will loved and lost. But the reunion with Jocelyn doesn’t go smoothly. Shocked by the change in her father’s personality, Jocelyn struggles to reconcile her dark childhood with the sweet, confused man who has grown close to Will. Jocelyn has guided countless clients to happiness-but can she escape the rainy days of her past for a new sunny future with Will?

REVIEW:
Wow.. This book… Lets see… It is a really good book but a bit on the sad side. In short (and not giving anything away) Jocelyn returns to her hometown after a scandal in California. Her dad was abusive when she was young but now he is suffering from Alzheimers and doesn’t even recognize her. The man who she always loved but had to leave, because of her father, is now her fathers caregiver and Joss is trying to deal with everything.

Here is the hard part. How does a person forgive an abusive father even when that father is not the man he used to be? There is so much anger/hurt in this story but when you realize that people have to deal with this situation every day you wonder how they can do it.

And the relationship with Joss and Will is sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. The reader wants so badly for Joss to trust Will and yet the reader understands why trust and love can be so foreign to her.

This book is a wonderfully sad story. It is not a light read at all. However, it is written really well and is really a interesting story. It is just not a light-hearted feel good kind of story. But worth the read. It is the second in the Barefoot series but while you can tell there was a previous story with other characters it can stand alone.

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 Fated by Carly Phillips

TITLE: Fated (Serendipity 1.75)
AUTHOR: Carly Phillips
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s second choice again. Unfortunately, her undeniably intense desire for Nick Mancini is testing her best laid plans because Kate has carried a torch for Nick since high school– but she’s always been permanently in the friend zone.

Lately, Nick has definitely noticed Kate. Unfortunately he can’t get her to take him seriously. He knows he’s made some stupid moves in the past but he’s determined to get Kate to act on their obvious and mutual attraction. However Kate’s stubborn and she’s been hurt before, which means Nick will have to pull out all the stops in order to convince her he’s not the same boy she used to know, and she’s not second best… she’s everything.

REVIEW:
This is a very short but very sweet novella. It is only about 25 pages but worth the read. I have not read the rest of the Serendipity series (I want to though) so I was unsure if this would be confusing but it is not at all. Yes you can tell there is a full story about Faith and Ethan that involves Nick but this is such a sweet story that it doesn’t matter. You won’t be confused but you will be delighted to read it.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Rescue My Heart
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars I am convinced that Jill Shalvis can do no wrong when it comes to writing a romantic story. Jill really knows how to suck us into a story and then never let us go until we are completely satisfied. Rescue My Heart does just that. Sucks you in and hangs on tight. Besides who doesn’t love a great second chance at love story?

Adam & Holly were in love one wonderful summer in their younger years, but fate and stubbornness drove them apart. So after so much time apart Holly fears that if she asks Adam for help he will say no. But what she doesn’t know is how much Adam still loves and misses her.

Adam as tough as he is thought that he was prepared for anything. That was until the love of his life walks back in and asks for help to find her missing father. Adam is powerless to tell her no, but does tell her he will find her father on his own. It is no surprise that Adam finds he has a stow-away in the back of his vehicle.

These two go on a journey not only looking for Holly’s dad, but to learn more about each other. Why things went so wrong in the past and to learn that sometimes being stubborn might just get you everything you want
As I said before, I think Jill can do no wrong with her books. I have yet to pick up one of her books and not fall completely in love with the characters. Rescue My Heart is such a good book. If you are a fan of Jill’s you really should pick up a copy of Rescue My Heart and fall in love with Adam & Holly. While this is part of the Animal Magnetism series it is easily read as a stand alone book

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.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Heart Of A Soldier by Tamara Hoffa

TITLE: Heart of a Soldier
AUTHOR: Tamara Hoffa
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/21/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Soldier Jameson Hunter faces the battle of his life: winning the heart of Charlotte Mackenzie, widowed mother of a young recruit.

REVIEW:
Since this was a short novella I will keep my review short (mostly because I don’t like to give spoilers)and say. If you love a good quick read about a second chance for love I would recommend picking up a copy of  Heart of a Soldier. Only down side to being so short is that I was left wanting more, wanting to know how things are going with these two. But isn’t that what a good short story should do?

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.

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Kimberly’s review of Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett

TITLE: Sultry With A Twist
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Mae-June July Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs, Texas, with her heart in pieces, she swore she’d never return. But nine years later, one thing stands between June and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend. As lust turns to love, June must decide where she belongs: in the glorious anonymity of Austin or back in Sultry Springs with the man who intoxicates her like no other.

REVIEW:
I loved this book. What a delight it was to read it. There were so many scenes that brought a smile to my face that I might not have stopped smiling the whole story. The story is written so well that you feel that you know the characters from the first moment. June is just too adorable for words. She is such a mess but also such a down to earth woman that you just have to connect to her. Luke is just beyond lovable. He is a hard worker but when he plays he just melts your heart. I also enjoyed the background players including Trey (I hope the next story is his!). And Grammy Pru is just a hoot!

There was one area of the story that I wish was a little different but if I tell you then that gives the ending away and so I won’t do that but I will say that.. nope… I can’t say anything without giving it away and so I just won’t say anything at all. Just a little stereotypical but easy to overlook for a delightful story like this.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series and if it half as good as this book the author will have knocked it out of the park.

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

4 Hearts
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Jennifer’s review of Close Enough To Touch by Victoria Dahl

TITLE: Close Enough To Touch
AUTHOR: Victoria Dahl
PUBLICATION DATE:   8/28/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: For makeup artist Grace Barrett, Hollywood isn’t the land of golden opportunity.  It’s the land of difficult divas, cheating boyfriends and unemployment.  So when her great-aunt offers her a free place to stay in Jackson Hole, Grace thinks she’ll spend a little time in the sticks to figure out her life, and then move somewhere exciting to live out her dreams.  But it turns out that there are a few more thrills in this small town than Grace was expecting….

Cole Rawlins is a rugged Wyoming cowboy born and bred. Yet he can’t help but be drawn to the fascinating big-city girl who moves in across from him. He wants to get close enough to Grace to see past her tough facade, but if he does, she might get to see the real Cole.  The one with a Hollywood history gone bad.  As they discover a sizzling attraction, it becomes harder for him to keep his demons at bay–and those fires from long ago may burn them both.

They’ll need more than scorching-hot passion to make this opposites-attract affair work. But if they can learn to trust one another enough to reveal their secrets, they just might have a chance at forever.

REVIEW: I adore Victoria Dahl’s books because she always seem to write these great romances in small towns with interesting characters.  I thought this book was good, but for me, it wasn’t as light-hearted as her previous novels.  Grace is a character that has a lot of emotional baggage to deal with when she first arrives at Jackson Hole.  She has no money, no job and no direction but is trying to find her place in life without depending on a man like her mother.  She acted very tough by not letting anyone get close to her and found it easier to lash out at people instead of letting her guards down because she was afraid of being hurt.  I liked her but I wanted her to open up more to people than just pretending to be this tough city chick.

Cole was dealing with emotional issues as well during the course of this novel.  He was slowly recovering from an injury that shattered his pelvis and he was scared that he wouldn’t be able to ride a horse again.  If he couldn’t ride a horse then he would be unable to run the ranch that he was hoping to buy from his boss when he retired.  To him, that was everything and he was guilty of lashing out at others as well. Grace and Cole were so much alike even though from the outside they looked like exact opposites.  The chemistry and sexual tension was extremely hot but that isn’t all there is to a relationship and it took some time for these characters to get past their own issues to try to build that relationship.

I liked this novel but I want others to be aware that this isn’t a light-hearted romance.  These characters have some real emotional issues from mistakes of their past and the romance between the two doesn’t start off easy.  I’m looking forward to reading Victoria’s next novel in the series “Too Hot to Handle” which stars Grace’s best friend, Merry.  Hopefully, her love story will go smoother than Grace’s did.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Freed by EL James

TITLE: Fifty Shades Freed
AUTHOR: EL James
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true.

REVIEW:
This is the last in the Fifty Shades trilogy. I can wrap up all the books in three words… 1) Lover 2) Loving 3) Loved.

The first book was about finding a lover, becoming a lover and about lovers of the past. The second was about loving. Realizing that loving was something that the characters could do and the third  (this book) is about realizing you are and have been loved. Christian learned to love in book two but is never really sure that he is lovable and could be loved. He doesn’t realized that he has loved in the past whether it be his previous subs, his family or even his biological mother.

Again I will say what I have about the other two books. While I can understand why it falls under erotica genre I do not believe it. Yes there are some intense sex scenes but this book/trilogy is about love and not sex. Actually it is about moving beyond sex. That being said I also understand why these books would either be loved or hated. I am not sure these books can be “only liked”. There are no shades of grey when it comes to these books (pun intended).

Christian is a haunting character who in this book lets go of some of the ghosts. He is obsessive and protective over Ana but the reader understands why. Ana really comes into her own in the book. She is strong and independent and willing to stand up for herself more in the book.

I loved this book as I did with the trilogy. There are so many misconceptions about these stories and it really is a shame. If you enjoy the romance genre this is such a wonderful set of books. I look forward to the time when I can pick up these books again and see what I might have missed with the first read.

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

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Ursula’s review of Inside Bet by Katie Porter

TITLE: Inside Bet
AUTHOR: Katie Porter
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As assistant director in an accounting firm, Heather Morris is at the top of her game. Her straight-laced colleagues wouldn’t believe the secrets she hides: her wild teenage past, work-of-art tattoo and nipple ring.

Her orderly life veers off course when she’s approached at a wine tasting by an arrogant pretty boy with a dirty mind and a hardcore dangerous profession. She finds herself tempted to step outside her respectable façade for some well-deserved excitement.

Captain Jon “Tin Tin” Carlisle knows women. Loves women. One glimpse of the nipple ring under Heather’s conservative blazer lights up all his instincts. He’s stumbled upon a rare treasure: an exotic beauty with a sexy laugh and a taste for dares.

After a red-hot hour of roulette, their simmering attraction bursts into an exploration of mutual passion that tests even Jon’s erotic limits. Soon he craves something he’s never desired before. More. But for Heather, more means trusting, and trusting leads to trouble.

Now Jon must decide if the best sex of his life is worth chancing his heart on a woman who shields hers so well.

Warning: Contains hot power play featuring a fighter pilot who comes from old money but knows all about bringing the dirty. Also: a nipple ring, sex on the hood of a hella sweet sportscar, and one teensy, tiny, wickedly naughty fluid exchange.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book. It is part of a series, however I hadn’t read the book before this one.  I didn’t feel like I was missing out and the author really did a good job of kind of filling us in on what had gone before.  This was a sexy, hot book that had a good conflict and resolution.  I really just wanted to kick the hero in the head so many times. The heroine too. They were both stubborn and stuck in their way. This book showed how sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and trust someone once in awhile. It isn’t always an easy road and the rocky moments made for some good reading.
There were also many secondary characters that we were introduced to. It really added to the depth of the book and now I find myself wanting to go back and read the first one and the one that will come after this one. Ms. Dimon did a wonderful job of sucking me into her world and I will be happy to revisit it again in the future.

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 That Thing Called Love by Susan Andersen

TITLE: That Thing Called Love
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s the last man on earth she should want…

For a guy she’s fantasized about throttling, Jake Bradshaw sure is easy on the eyes. In fact, he seriously tempts inn manager Jenny Salazar to put her hands to better use. Except this is the guy who left Razor Bay—and his young son, Austin, who Jenny adores like her own—to become a globetrotting photojournalist. He can’t just waltz back and claim Austin now.

Jake was little more than a kid himself when he became a dad. Sure, he’d dreamed of escaping the resort town, but he’d also truly believed that Austin was better off with his grandparents. Now he wants—no, needs—to make up for his mistake. He intends to stay in Razor Bay only until he can convince Austin to return with him to New York. Trouble is, with sexy, protective, utterly irresistible Jenny in his life, and his bed, he may never want to leave…

REVIEW:
I have been enjoying the works of Susan Andersen for a while now and this one ranks right up there as one of my favorites from her. Something about this book seems different than her past writing and it really stands out as one of her best. The characters of this book are simple and everyday people. I loved the fact that Jenny was not some supermodel or something. She is on the petite side and while they can joke with her about her size she will not accept being called cute or sweet. Jake has that diamond in the rough persona. He does things because he thinks they are for the best but he is never really sure if it is the best for him or for the other person but he really does have the best of intentions. I enjoyed Austin as well. He is written as a typical teenager who is just an everyday kid (though I could have done without him cursing – even though most 13 year olds do). And I enjoyed the blooming relationship of Jake and Max as well and hope to see Max get his own story in the future.

This is a great romance novel. It is a chick-lit book that no woman who enjoys the genre will want to put down. My suggestion is to send the kids to bed (or even better to a sleepover), pick up the book, pour a glass of wine and start enjoying.

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 Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye

TITLE: Call Me Wild
AUTHOR: Robin Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Unemployed New York Times sports reporter, Jessica James gives up her big city life and moves into a borrowed house in Boise, Idaho. She’s determined to become a great romance writer, and she only has one obstacle: she doesn’t believe in love. Writing quickly becomes a challenge, so Jessica decides to go out and find some inspiration. She soon meets sexy, outdoorsy doctor Fisher Kincaid, who’s more than happy to teach her all about love.

REVIEW:
I just loved this book. I just found everything about this book to be perfect. I have never read a Robin Kaye book before but you can bet I am going to backtrack and pick some up (especially the first in this series “Wild Thing”).

Kaye has written the perfect man in Fisher. He is a smart, sexy, strong, sympathetic, understanding man (and he cooks and cleans). I found myself falling for his character almost immediately. He feels a little out of sorts since his twin brother got married and no longer has the connection they had. I loved the back stories of the siblings, not only the twin brother but the older brother and baby sister. And Gramps just steals the scenes he is in.

Jessie is a complex character and so different than so many female characters in the genre which was refreshing. Most women want to fall in love in these stories and have to convince/trick the man into realizing he loves her but not Jessie. She does not believe in love, at least not romantic love. She loves her family, her best friend and her job but not men. She was brought up a tomboy and her body fits the mold being tall and fit so she doesn’t understand how any man could find her anything but one of the guys. She believes couples go from lust to complacency and she does not want that. However what she does want is to write a romance novel. How do you do that without knowing romance? Which is where Fisher comes in.

If you enjoy the contemporary romance genre then this book is a can’t miss. Honestly, I am shocked how much I enjoyed this book. I usually ended up thinking I would have changed something in the story here or there when I read a book but not this one. I wouldn’t change a word of it. And I can’t wait to read the story of Fisher’s twin, Hunter from book one, and hopefully the stories of Trapper and Karma (their siblings). Do I see a Karma/Andrew story coming? Hint Hint!!

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

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Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

TITLE: Fifty Shades Darker
AUTHOR: E.L. James
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/15/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Fifty Shades trilogy. And as with the first book I loved it. If the first book was about lust than this book is about love. Something changes in this book and while it is still erotic it is more about romance.

This book picks up where the first book let off. Christian and Ana have broken up and been miserable and now we learn what both of them are willing to give up to be with the other. Can Christian tame his Dom to be with Ana? Can Ana be more submissive to Christian?

I have heard that this trilogy is a love story more than anything else and having read this book I can see why that is being said. The love that the characters have is palpable. There is something about this story that makes a person believe in love and the fact that a real love means being willing to compromise.

As with the first book I do think this is a love or hate story for the reader. Christian is a haunting character that stays with the reader. There is something about him that appeals to the woman who needs to fix her man. And there is something about Ana that women can relate to as well. Every woman wants to feel loved, treasured, protected and needed.

There is just something that draws me to this trilogy (and millions of others as well). This is the modern day fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast. And I am all for the “Happily Ever After”.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.