Kelly reviews Love After All by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Love After All
SERIES #: Hope #4
CHARACTERS: Sebastian “Bash” Palmer & Chelsea Gardner
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Hope Burns, a woman discovers that the man she least expects is exactly what she needs…

High school math teacher Chelsea Gardner has the perfect plan. She’s tired of dating all the wrong men, and after years of frustration, she’s developed a foolproof list of requirements for finding “The One.”

Bar owner Sebastian “Bash” Palmer finds Chelsea beautiful, smart and fun, but he thinks her list is ridiculous and unnecessary. Intent on proving Chelsea is looking for love in all the wrong ways, he offers to help her find the “perfect” man.

Chelsea knows Bash isn’t the right guy for her—he barely meets one of her criteria—but there’s something about the charismatic man that has her yearning for things that are most definitely not list approved.

Because sometimes, a relationship that looks totally wrong on paper can turn out incredibly right

REVIEW:
Bash is the anti-love, I have been burned before guy who is not looking for anything permanent. Except he has the major hots for the fiery redhead Chelsea.
Chelsea is looking for Mr. Perfect. Oh yes, Mr. Perfect she even has a list of all the qualities that her next man needs to have. But what Chelsea never planned on was Bash.

Love After All is another great story from Ms. Burton. I loved Bash and Chelsea. I loved Chelsea’s list. I even loved when Bash totally steps in it and messes everything up. I just loved this book. I truly enjoy every journey that Ms. Burton has taken me on every time we visit Hope, Oklahoma.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this 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.

April 2, 2015March 30, 2015

Kimberly reviews Holding Strong by Lori Foster

TITLE: Holding Strong
SERIES #: Ultimate #2
CHARACTERS: Denver & Cherry
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/31/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster’s irresistible new novel
Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn’t share. That’s why he’s been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry’s about to need more than she knows…
Denver’s combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she’s been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can’t hide behind a carefree facade. Because the man by her side is one who’ll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she’ll trust him enough to let him…

REVIEW:
I really enjoy this series. I know it is only the second one but I just love these books.

I really enjoyed that Denver is the “one woman” man type but Cherry is the one with the reputation and yet she has been wanting Denver for a while now and for more than just a quick romp. And of course trouble comes in and Denver is there to rescue. And who doesn’t enjoy a good rescue from a hot guy?

If you are a fan of hunky men, MMA, or romance you will enjoy this story.

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

April 1, 2015March 30, 2015

Kelly reviews When It’s Right by Jennifer Ryan

TITLE: When It’s Right
SERIES #: Montana Men #2
CHARACTERS: Blake Bowden & Gillian Tucker
AUTHOR: Jennifer Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Everything’s bigger in Big Sky country, including the hearts of the Montana Men

Wide open sky, rolling green hills . . . Gillian Tucker could get used to life in the country—one far from the violence she left behind in San Francisco. Warily accepting an invitation to the Montana ranch that belongs to her grandfather, a man she’s never met, Gillian hopes this is the haven she seeks. A sexy, overbearing cowboy who shines a light on her well-hidden dreams is not at all part of her plans.

Blake Bowden’s reckless past is far behind him, and as a newly named co-owner of Three Peaks Ranch, he’s not taking any chances. Until a beautiful, haunted woman arrives, igniting a desire he shouldn’t feel. His partner’s granddaughter is strictly off limits. But the longer Gillian’s there, the stronger the pull grows between them. And when a new danger surfaces, Blake will do anything to keep her safe…even if it means risking everything for her heart.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great Montana Men story by Ms. Ryan. I loved Blake and Gillian’s story. There was so many ups and downs in this story. Every page brought to light a new issue and a new way to deal with said issue. While there were a few story lines that didn’t get explored as much as I would have liked, I loved how much Gillian grows as a person.
Blake is what every wounded bird ever needs. Blake is patient, yet push. He is gentle, yet doesn’t use too many kid gloves and loves so deeply..
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Ryan has in store for us next.

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

March 31, 2015April 3, 2015

Kelly & Kimberly review Total Surrender by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Total Surrender
SERIES #: Sins Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Jory Dean & Piper Oliver
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: March 31, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A fight he must win…

Piper Oliver knows she can’t trust him. They warned her that the tall, dark, and sexy black-ops soldier Jory Dean would try to win her over with his steel-gray eyes and deadly charm, but she won’t be conned by this man they call a traitor. All she has to do is figure out the science necessary to save his life, and she’s done. Something isn’t adding up, though, and she won’t rest until she uncovers the truth-even if it’s buried in his deep, dangerous kiss.

A passion she can’t resist…

Jory will do anything to reunite with and save his brothers-even kidnap the gorgeous woman who’s working to deactivate the deadly chip in their spines. But the forces determined to destroy his family won’t let them go so easily. Keeping Piper alive is more than he bargained for-and so is his burning desire for her. But with every second bringing him closer to certain death, can he afford to lose himself in her hot and willing embrace?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Where to begin?
Where to begin?
I am so sad and happy that this is the last of the Sin Brothers books. Happy because we finally get to see Jory and boy howdy is Jory something!!!! But more on Jory in a second. I am super sad that this is the last of the Sin Brothers series. But I have very high hopes that we will see more of the Sin Brothers in the future (trust me I am pretty sure we will).

I have loved the Dean boys from day one. Every book got better and better as the series went on. And with each book I fell in love a little more with each brother. But Jory was always a huge question mark. There were so many questions surrounding him and finally we get those questions answered.

I think after reading book one I called up Ms. Zanetti and begged and pleaded for her to tell me that Jory was going to be okay. And like any evil author she told me to suck it up and keep reading (yes, we have a very loving relationship). So I did just that and Total Surrender was so worth the wait (other than that actual waiting part).

I won’t tell you too much because I don’t want to spoil this book for you. I will tell you that Jory is my favorite of the brothers. I loved reading about him and Piper. Love everything about him, even when he is tricking Piper :). Loved Jory’s dedication and determination. Just flat out loved him..

So here is your warning about Total Surrender. Have tissues!!! And be ready for some water works.

So can’t wait to see what maybe next for the Sin Brothers. If you love them like I did please make sure to pick up a copy of Total Surrender and make sure to tell EVERYONE about this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
I have been waiting for Jory’s book since the first chapter of the first book and Zanetti saved the best for last (and that is saying something). Jory has been a soft spot in my heart and it hasn’t changed.

I am so saddened that this is the last of the Dean boys. I mean certainly there are a couple of half brothers in the world right? Come on please!!!! Oh well I will stop begging. Only because I know Zanetti has the next best series already in her head and I can’t wait to read it.

If you have not read the series… well first… WHAT? You need to read this series. But if you haven’t don’t start with this one. You need to read the whole series from the beginning. But trust me you will not be disappointed.

Jory and Piper are perfect. The Dean boys and their women are perfect. This series is perfect which only means I can give it the perfect 5 stars!

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

March 27, 2015March 22, 2015

Kimberly reviews Force Of Attraction by D.D. Ayers

TITLE: Force Of Attraction
SERIES #: K-9 Rescue #2
CHARACTERS: Cole & Scott
AUTHOR: D.D. Ayers
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The only thing more powerful than fear is desire…
A seasoned K-9 officer with the police in Maryland, Cole Jamison has left her old life behind her. With a new home and a new partner—a protective canine named Hugo—Cole is ready for fresh challenges. A crucial position on an important drug task force is exactly what she wants…until she discovers her gorgeous, infuriating ex-husband will be the DEA agent in charge.

FORCE OF ATTRACTION
Agent Scott Lucca may be a pro when it comes to undercover assignments, but this job is daunting even for him. Posing as a happy couple on the dog competition circuit means he and Cole need to get a lot closer than they’ve been in years. Playing a live-in couple should seem like a walk in the park compared to tracking a brutal criminal, but suddenly nothing could be more dangerous than the passionate fire they’ve rekindled…

REVIEW:
Another great story in the new series . I enjoyed the first in the series very much and couldn’t wait to read this one and I was not disappointed. The men of this series are just too perfect but then again that is ok with me. Cole and Scott are hot and the sex is steamy.

And Hugo is enough to melt any girls heart.

Can’t wait for the next in the series.

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

March 25, 2015March 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Seared by Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona

TITLE: Seared
SERIES #: Facile Restaurant Series #1
CHARACTERS: Remy Billodeaux & Sabine Devereaux
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: December 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seared is the first of ten erotic romance short stories by Jacey Conrad and Gia Corona. The series focuses on the love lives of members of the Facile restaurant staff, each story centering around a different couple.
Remy Billodeaux is the king of his kitchen, master of all he surveys. He is accustomed to praise and accolades, to female patrons lining up to be his “flavor of the evening.” He was not accustomed to celebrity chefs, food critics and wannabe chefs intruding on his kingdom. And Sabine Devereaux is just the cherry on the sundae of a bad night. She can’t be intimidated. She can’t be outsmarted or outcooked. And she’s not falling for his usual flirty tricks.
Sabine is thrilled for the chance to shadow chef Remy, but she’s not pleased that her father used his position as an investor in Facile to arrange this favor for her. Remy pushes her to the limits of her skill and patience, but there’s no denying the heat they generate in the kitchen together. Will she resist Remy’s skills or throw herself from the fire and into the frying pan?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
HOT!!!!
They say if you can’t handle the heat get out of the kitchen. That is so very true in SEARED the first book in the Facile Restaurant series. Remy is like any good chef and very protective of his kitchen. He is the boss and no one is going to invade his space. But when he get stuck one chef down he has to ask for help. Well he was not given much choice but to get help. Turns out one Ms. Devereaux is more than a tight body and a pretty face. She is one hell of a cook.
I want to tell you more. But this is such a short story that I could not bring myself to tell you what happens next. Just know that the boys of the Facile Restaurant are very bad. Bad in a very naughty way. Pick up a copy today!!!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 24, 2015March 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Manwhore by Katy Evans

TITLE: Manwhore
SERIES #: Manwhore #1
CHARACTERS: Malcolm Saint & Rachel Livingston
AUTHOR: Katy Evans
PUBLICATION DATE: March 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I’ve been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I’m the one discovering him…or if he’s uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

REVIEW:
Let me start with the cover of this book. Like a lot!!!!
The title? Not as wild about. I almost passed up reading this story because of it (glad I didn’t).
This story is told from Rachel’s point of view, which I don’t normally enjoy first person. And I will admit that in the beginning I was on the fence about how I felt. I was honestly worried about the whole bad boy billionaire meets mild mannered young lady storyline. It seems like this storyline has been everywhere lately. But as the story progressed I really started enjoying more and more. Rachel and Malcolm are beyond yummy together. I really enjoyed the tug and pull between these two. But like every good story there has to be some kind of drama. And it is a big one filled with a lie that could ruin everything.
Than to add to the cherry to the top of the drama sundae Ms. Evans leaves us hanging. Oh how I hate unresolved issues at the end of a story. Now I must try to find my patients until book 2 comes out in July.
Oh and the cast of characters that hang around Malcolm and Rachel *rubs hands together*. Can’t wait to see what happens with them.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 23, 2015March 22, 2015

Kelly reviews Served Sweet by Marie Harte

TITLE: Served Sweet
SERIES #: Best Revenge #3
CHARACTERS: Anson Black and Riley Hewitt
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: March 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Childhood rivals since grade school, Riley Hewitt and Anson Black have always tried to one-up the other. She’s pretty, smart, and focused. He’s arrogant, handsome and unbeaten. When Anson leaves town right after high school, Riley focuses instead on her grand passion—baking.

Fast forward a few years and she’s thinking of expanding her profitable business when her nemesis returns and decides to build his own restaurant—right next door to hers.

With the help of a large bottle of wine and her two best friends, Riley decides to get even with Anson. He’s still smug and annoying. But worse, he’s drop-dead sexy to boot.

A competition will prove who’s best, once and for all. But spending time together means getting to really know each other. Before long, Riley’s falling for the handsome entrepreneur, and her plans for revenge pale in comparison to how she feels about him.

But if she tells him she loves him, will that put the win in his column? If he doesn’t feel the same, she’s definitely going to lose. And she’s not sure she can afford to have her heart trampled on. Second place won’t cut it this time around

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts They say revenge is sweet. But for Riley Hewitt revenge sure looks a lot like making out with your enemy in your best friends kitchen.

Gash, it feels like it has been forever since I was in the world of the Terrible Trio and the Best Revenge series. Through the first two books I really like the banter with Riley and Anson.
In Served Sweet we get to finally find out all the reasons why Riley and Anson have this bitter rivalry. It may have all started when they were kids. But Riley and Anson are still trying to win against each other. It makes for a pretty fun story. And to find out that Anson is really good at……. Well I can’t tell you that what is the fun in that. Let’s just say that Anson is really good at everything. Well almost everything. There is one thing he is not good at. Well at least not yet.

Love this whole series and can’t wait to see what Ms. Harte up her sleeve for her next series. If you have not started the Best Revenge series you really should. It is fun, sexy and make you rethink your thoughts on who you want to get revenge on.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 20, 2015March 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Watch Me by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Watch Me
SERIES #: Dark Obsession #1
CHARACTERS: Chance Valentine & Gwen Hawthorne
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Watch Me…The first book in New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden’s sexy new romantic suspense series…DARK OBSESSION.

He was hired to protect her.

Watching gorgeous Gwen Hawthorne wasn’t a hard job—but it certainly was tempting. Chance Valentine had tried to keep his distance from the sexy socialite for years, but when her father hired him to keep watch on her—as a twenty-four, seven bodyguard—Chance knew his control was about to be pushed to the limit.

He’d never wanted another woman the way he desired her. Hot. Intense. Consuming. Being so close to Gwen, Chance knew that he wouldn’t be able to resist her. So he gave into his need, her need, and he took them both to the edge of a dark and consuming desire.

But Chance soon realizes that he isn’t the only one watching Gwen. Someone else is out there, a stalker who won’t rest until Gwen is destroyed. Every day, every moment…Gwen is in danger. And Chance knows that if he can’t unmask the stalker, then he may just lose the only woman he has ever loved.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I enjoyed Watch Me and am looking forward to the next two books in this series. I will say that the suspense was just a tad be off for me. I kinda had it figure out from the beginning. But then a wrench got thrown in there and I doubted myself for a minute. But I really did like Chance and his partners. I really liked Chance & Gwen together. Heck I even liked Ethan.

Watch Me was a quick read. I keep thinking I will read just one more chapter and before I knew it I was done. If you are a Cynthia Eden fan I think you will like this book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Hocus Pocus Publishing, Inc. in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid.

March 18, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Christmas At Carriage Hill by Carla Neggers

TITLE: Christmas at Carriage Hill
SERIES #: Swift River Valley Novella
CHARACTERS: Alexandra & Ian
AUTHOR: Carla Neggers
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/2/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Celebrate the holidays with this magical Swift River Valley novella from New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers
When fashion designer Alexandra Rankin Hunt is asked to create the dresses for Olivia Frost’s Christmas wedding in tiny Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, she jumps at the chance. She’s certain she’ll never get to design one for herself not with her history of falling for the wrong men. Ian Mabry, the sexy fighter pilot whose bravery reminded her of her beloved great-grandfather, was the worst yet.
To Alexandra’s surprise, Ian is also at Carriage Hill, Olivia’s picturesque country inn. And if anyone can charm his way into a wedding, it’s him. Ian wants more than an invitation he’s determined to find a way back into Alexandra’s life.

REVIEW: This was a nice short read just in time for the holidays. This novella is a part of a series that I have not read, but luckily the author gives us plenty of background information to make sure we understand the world she’s created. I enjoyed meeting all of these characters who fans of this series likely already know so well. I really liked Alexandra and her personality, she’s pretty easy going and sweet. Ian is super cocky and confident, but it works for him. They were cute together and I enjoyed their story. If you have an hour to kill, snuggle in with this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 17, 2015March 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Broken Open by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Broken Open
SERIES #: The Hurley Boys #2
CHARACTERS: Tuesday Eastwood & Ezra Hurley
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beyond passion. And beyond their control.
Five years ago, Tuesday Eastwood’s life collapsed and left her devastated. After an empty, nomadic existence, she’s finally pieced her life back together in the small Oregon town of Hood River. Now Tuesday has everything sorted out. Just so long as men are kept for sex, and only sex.
Then she met him.
Musician and rancher Ezra Hurley isn’t the man of Tuesday’s dreams. He’s a verboten fantasy,a man tortured by past addictions whose dark charisma and long, lean body promise delicious carnality. But this craving goes far beyond chemistry. It’s primal. It’s insatiable. And it won’t be satisfied until they’re both consumed, body and soul

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts First off, I have to say – kudos to this author for featuring an interracial couple in this story! It’s a reality in the world, and one we don’t see represented a lot in the romance genre, so I’m super excited about that. Ezra and Tuesday were so great together. Each equally head strong and stubborn but both gravitating toward one another in a way neither could fight. This story is full of heartbreak. Ezra and Tuesday have overcome extremely painful situations and are both in a place where they can see the brighter side of life. All of the cast of characters have strong individual personalities and I loved getting to know all of them. This is the second book in the Hurley Boys series but can easily be read as a standalone since the author gives a lot of background information to the reader. I really enjoyed this story and it’s definitely worth a read!

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

March 16, 2015February 26, 2015

Spotlight feature of The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter

The Closer You Come

The Original Heartbreakers #1

March 31, 2015

Kindle| Nook | iTunes/iBooks | GooglePlay | Kobo

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter introduces the Original Heartbreakers, where three not-quite-reformed bad boys are about to meet the women who will bring them to their knees.

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty…

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.

Goodreads

About Author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories”, while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads