Natasha reviews Kisses Sweeter Than Wine by Jess Dee

TITLE: Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
SERIES #: Tastes of Seduction #3
CHARACTERS: Declan, Violet & Noah
AUTHOR: Jess Dee
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/18/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One sip of passion leaves them thirsty for more…Tastes of Seduction, Book 3. Declan Muirfield never planned to return to the hotel where he broke a woman’s heart and destroyed his prospects for a happy ever after. Until he finds himself strapped in Noah Martin’s passenger seat, being driven—against his better judgment—back to the scene of his crime. Noah’s spent too many years watching while Declan’s lived the life he’s expected to lead rather than following his heart and living the life he wants. Now Noah’s had enough. It’s time for Declan to confront his past so he can embrace his future—with Noah, as it was meant to be. And if that future should include a beguiling woman with honey-gold hair, all the better. Under the guise of a working weekend, Noah has invited Violet Harper to join them at the luxury vineyard hotel. Perhaps now the unspoken connection between Violet, Declan and himself can finally develop into something tangible. Almost immediately, sparks flare out of control, and clothes come flying off in a hot whirlwind of desire. But convincing Declan and Violet that the three of them belong together may prove to be the hardest task Noah has ever undertaken. Warning: A bottle of white? A bottle of red? Perhaps a bottle of bubbly instead? Ah, hell, just bring’em all. We all know good things come in threes.

REVIEW:
This is a great story that involves a three person committed relationship. I really loved Declan and Noah. Their friendship is strong, even though Declan can be extremely hard headed. However, you understand why Declan is the way he is. He feels deeply and really takes into account his impact on others. Noah is waaaay too patient for Declan, but the perfect partner for him. Then comes Violet – the perfect third party to this relationship. They all mesh extremely well from the get go and completely allow you to believe that their love for one another is all encompassing and necessary. I loved this story and the intimate interactions between the characters. The story was believable and heartfelt. Though this book is a part of a series it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Jess Dee found a new fan in me.

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

November 19, 2014November 16, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Ranch by RaeAnnd Thayne

TITLE: The Christmas Ranch
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #13
CHARACTERS: Hope & Rafe
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/18/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hope Nichols has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, except her hometown of Pine Gulch. So, when she hears that her family’s property, Christmas Ranch, is set to be shut down forever, a determined Hope heads home. She refuses to let the Grinch steal her holidaythis will be the most memorable ranch Christmas ever! And, thanks to hunky former navy SEAL Rafe Santiago and his adorable nephew, she might just pull off that miracle.

Rafe is undeniably drawn to Hope and her passion for rebuilding her family home. But he knows more about Hope’s tragic past than even she herself could imagine. And though she doesn’t know it, she owes him her life. And all he wants in return is for her to spend it with him.

REVIEW:
Looking for a light hearted feel good romantic holiday story? Well this isn’t it. While a really good story there is a number of sad things in this story. First the family is sad because of the loss of Hope’s brother-in-law and Uncle who usually ran The Christmas Ranch. Hope comes home with a hero complex (for lack of a better word) and figures she will make everything right and get the ranch working again while her sisters and aunt want to wallow. And while we can appreciate it the background makes the story sad.

Then there is Rafe who brings a sadness all his own. He has left the SEALS to care for his nephew because his sister has gone to jail and he has a history with Hope and her sisters that Hope doesn’t realize and that history is sad as well. Honestly while there is a HEA and romance and a sweetness there is more sad than happy.

Now all that being said it really is a sweet story. The time it takes to get the ranch ready for Christmas and the time Rafe and Hope spend together is nice. The romance growing between them is lovely. All-in-all this is a really good read it is just not a light hearted romance so be ready.

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

November 19, 2014November 16, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Holidays On Ice by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Holiday on Ice
SERIES #: Play by Play #8.5
CHARACTERS: Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer & Stella Slovinski
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: November 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this original holiday novella in the Play-By-Play series, New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton gives readers the gift of “plenty of romance, sexy men, hot steamy loving, and humor.” (Smexy Books)

Superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer and dancer Stella Slovinski have picked up where they left off a year ago, resuming their hot, uncomplicated affair. Stella refuses to call it dating, or a relationship. But lately, Trick is looking for more…

Stella’s been burned before—in a relationship she never talks about—not with her family, not with her friends, and definitely not with Trick. But now it’s the holiday season and Trick is determined to give Stella his heart wrapped up in a bow. He knows Stella is the right woman for him, but he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Loved.
Simple as that.
I loved this book.
Trick & Stella we have met before. I think we all know then that something was going on with them. But we just didn’t know what or how deep it ran. That being said since this was a novella I am not going to give you more. 😉 Except that I loved Trick and Stella and you should read this novella.

If you are a fan of the Play-by-Play series you will love this novella. If you have not started this series never fear you can pick up Holiday on Ice and read without being lost.
Can’t wait for the next installment!!

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.

November 18, 2014November 16, 2014

Natasha & Kimberly review Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Rocky Mountain Miracle
CHARACTERS: Cole & Maia
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No Christmas will ever be the same after Cole and Maia meet on a snowy western ranch… Find out why in #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan’s romantic holiday e-novella!

When Cole Steele, a womanizer rumored to have killed his father, meets Maia Armstrong, a veterinarian rumored to practice magic, the sizzling romance could melt all the snow on his Wyoming ranch. And when an injured horse brings them together, Cole can’t help but believe that Maia casts spells on animals—and men. What else could explain the burning passion he feels for her and the thawing of his heart just in time for Christmas?

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Christine Feehan never disappoints. This Christmas novel is no different in terms of intense storylines and having you fall in love with the characters. Cole is a super intense dominant male personality. He has been through sheer hell, which is weird to see in a Christmas novel. Luckily he meets Maia and his whole world turns upside down. Maia however is very independent and I really have no idea where her mind is at until the end. I was actually stressed during this book because I didn’t know how things would work out. That’s a good problem to have with a book. Also, I just loved Cole’s brother Jase. He was a breath of fresh air in this book and I adored him. All of these three characters together made for an extremely romantic and heart warming Christmas story.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts What an interesting story. The characters are so complex and have so much history that they feel real. Cole and Jase are half brothers who didn’t even know the other existed until recently and yet they share the history of their cruel father. Maia comes into their lives and something about her changes everything the men have ever known about life. And somehow they connect in a way the guys never thought they would be able to with another person.

It seems like this book may have been in Feehan’s mind for a long time just waiting to be written. THe characters are so intense and real that you feel like you know them. You hurt for them and you cheer their simple moments that are so hard for them. Christmas feels lost on them and the reader feels it too. The sadness of never having the holiday is intense. And then there are the times when they love. The brothers love for each other is growing and yet they are unsure how to trust. And then there is Maia who has a secret all her own that she can talk to animals. Well not talk exactly… well the book will explain… and yet she is so down to earth.

I really enjoyed this story. Was it a holiday feel good love story? No way! There is a lot that is dark in this book but it is worth the read and not something you want to miss.

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

November 18, 2014November 16, 2014

Kimberly reviews Nothing But Trouble by JL Hammer

TITLE: Nothing But Trouble
CHARACTERS: Frankie & Wes
AUTHOR: JL Hammer
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s the kind of trouble he can’t resist …
With an angry loan shark hot on her heels, Frankie Delenski flees a Vegas gentlemen’s club with one thought in mind: hide before she’s nothing more than a chalk outline. Now on the run…she finds herself stranded in a sleepy Colorado town during a storm. Her only salvation becomes the suspicious and gorgeous deputy sheriff determined to arrest her…

From the get-go, Wes Malone must restrain his lust for this stunning, unpredictable woman in a sequined bra and rely on his instincts as a cop. As he sifts through the haze of lies, the truth about her predicament is like a sucker punch to the gut. She’s in serious danger and getting involved with her means nothing but sweet, irresistible trouble…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ever have one of those days? Well Frankie is having one of those months. She got herself into a little trouble and somehow the whole thing snowballed from there. But the good part? She met Wes.

They are an interesting set of people and while I enjoyed them the characters seemed to change during the story. Wes was kind of short tempered and not mean exactly but rough around the edges but by the end of the story he had a great sense of humor and a lot of protectiveness around Frankie. Frankie is snide and quick witted and someone you want to be friends with as long as you are not around her when all hell is breaking loose.

This is an interesting story with a lot of action. It does get a bit wordy at some points but still keeps your attention. The background characters are interesting as well. Would I recommend it? Sure why not. Probably won’t be your favorite book in the world but you will still enjoy the adventure.

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

November 17, 2014November 16, 2014

Kelly reviews Cut Lara Adrian & Run by Tina Folsom

TITLE: Cut and Run
SERIES #: The Phoenix series
CHARACTERS: Ethan Jones & Tori Connors/ Scott Thompson & Phoebe Chadwick
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian & Tina Folsom
PUBLICATION DATE: November 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Darkly gifted and dangerously skilled, they were once the nation’s most powerful asset. Betrayed by unknown enemies, unable to trust anyone–not even one another–the Phoenix hold the key to unmasking a conspiracy steeped in blood and fire. To survive, they’ll have to solve . . . The Phoenix Code.

CUT by Lara Adrian

Community college professor Ethan Jones is living a lie. A precognitive agent known as Zephyr, Ethan is accustomed to subterfuge and deception, but when the Phoenix program is betrayed, he’s forced to cut all ties to the life he’s made and everyone in it—including smart, beautiful Tori Connors, the one woman who tempted the cold agent to let down his impenetrable facade.

A chance encounter years later and thousands of miles away thrusts the lovers together again, and this time Tori refuses to let Ethan deceive her. Although he is a dangerous enigma, Tori still desires him, and soon their inconvenient reunion becomes a temptation too strong to resist. With assassins closing in, Ethan and Tori embark on a desperate race for their lives—one that will put their tentative trust to the ultimate test.

RUN by Tina Folsom

Motorcycle mechanic Scott Thompson isn’t the laid-back loner he makes everyone believe. Three years ago, he was known as Ace, one of an elite group of agents in a top secret CIA program. However, the preternatural ability that made him invaluable to the government could now be his downfall, when his skill alerts him to a disaster bound to kill dozens of innocents unless he intervenes.

Journalist Phoebe Chadwick needs to persuade her editor to spare her from department cuts that threaten her job. When a mysterious stranger prevents an accident that would have killed her and many others, Phoebe goes after the story. But bad boy Scott is a reluctant hero unwilling to answer her questions, despite the sizzling chemistry that ignites between them. As his enemies hunt him down, Scott must decide if he can trust Phoebe—and how far he’s willing to go to keep her safe at his side.

REVIEW:5 Hearts

WOW!!! Where to start?
So anyone that follows me or my blog knows that I love Lara Adrian and her books. So when I had the chance to read Run and Cut, I jumped on it. And I am so glad I did. Not only did I get a great new story from Lara, but I found a new author in Tina Folsom. These two have teamed up to give us a great new series. The Phoenix Code takes us into the secret world of the our government.

CUT:
Book one in The Phoenix Code series.
We meet Ethan Jones & Tori Connors.
Ethan has been living a lie, but the feeling he has for Tori are not a lie. But when the call comes Phoenix Down, Ethan knows that life as he has known it is over for good. Ethan’s only choice is to walk away from Tori and never look back. On the run from an assassin that last thing that Ethan ever expected was to run into Tori. Ethan tries to walk away from Tori but she won’t let him. Not this time. No matter what threat is after them Tori won’t walk away

I just loved Ethan. He is all tough and soft at the same time. These two are great for each other.

RUN:
Book two in The Phoenix Code series.
We get to meet Scott Thompson & Phoebe Chadwick.
Scott is an ex-phoenix agent and has been keeping his head down for the last three years. But when he sees a bus load of kids murdered he knows he has to do something. Two things Scott never counted on. One: Phoebe Chadwick. Two: everyone having camera’s on their phones with trigger happy fingers.

Scott and Phoebe are great. I loved that Phoebe challenges and outsmarts Scotts more than once.

I really loved seeing Ethan & Scott come together and realize that there maybe more Phoenix Code survivors. But finding their fellow Phoenix’s maybe a challenge. But a challenge that they are all for. I really loved these story. I am so excited and very nervous to see what is up next in this series.

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

November 17, 2014November 16, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Rumor by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Rumor
SERIES #: Renegades #4
CHARACTERS: Grace & Josh
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/04/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former Navy SEAL Josh Marx thinks he has it all figured out. He’s living the bachelor lifestyle in southern California, running risk assessment for the Renegades, but most importantly, he’s finally gotten over the unrequited love he’s harbored for his former teammate’s ex wife. Then his buddy calls from overseas, worried because he hasn’t heard from his ex, and asks Josh to check in on her. Josh doesn’t want to get involved, but the same code that urged him to walk away in the first place is suddenly pushing him to change his Christmas plans.

Grace Ashby doesn’t appreciate the sexy SEAL trying to step in and take over. He thinks she’s hit rock bottom by working at a strip club, but she knows differently. She could set him straight, but he’s already rejected her once, and she doesn’t need one more man judging her.

She tells him to butt out of her business and her life. But Josh’s conscience won’t let him walk away this time.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What a great short story from Ms. Jordan. I will say that I didn’t like Josh much in Ricochet. Mostly because of the hell that he gave Rachel and Nathan. But looking back Josh really was a good guy, but he was fixated on something that was never his. But that seems to be Josh’s MO. Falling for a girl he can or should never have.

I am so glad that Skye wrote this novella for him. Josh deserves happiness. And let me tell you all you Josh haters will fall head over heels in love with this ex-SEAL. Totally loved this story. I want more of Josh and Grace. I hope (hint, hint Skye) that we will get another novella for them.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is a Christmas novella about the Renegades… Ok well maybe not. This is about Josh. We have met him before and while in the beginning he seemed like a jerk the readers came to know him and think better of him. Well with his story you will fall in love with him. Josh has really only loved one woman who happened to be the wife, then ex-wife, of his SEAL buddy so she was off limits. And it that nearly broke them both. Now they meet up again and the sparks fly.

I enjoyed this short story of Josh. This is a perfect short story. Yes we wanted Josh’s story and wanted him to find his happily ever after but he isn’t a Renegade so having this novella is like a little extra Christmas gift from Skye Jordan and her Renegades.

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

November 14, 2014November 9, 2014

Kelly reviews Twelves Shades of Midnight by Various Authors

TITLE: Twelves Shades of Midnight
CHARACTERS: Many many many characters
AUTHOR: 12-See below for details
PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
12 authors…12 unforgettable stories

The stroke of midnight ushers in many things. From hijinks and mischief to danger and evil, romance is the magic that binds these paranormal novellas together. Join 12 best-selling and award-winning authors as they explore the different shades of midnight in exclusive, never-before-released stories.

Liliana Hart: The Witch Next Door/ Darynda Jones: A Lovely Drop/ Shea Berkley: Dark Secrets: Stone Cold Dead/ Dakota Cassidy: Witched at Birth/ Claire Cavanaugh: Midnight Renegade/ Rachel Grant: Midnight Sun / Trish McCallan: Spirit Woods/ Angi Morgan: Bodyguards in Heels: Hit and Run Hallie/ Robin Perini: Night of the Jaguar/ Robyn Peterman: Switching Hour/ Ann Voss Peterson: The School/ Jenn Stark: Getting Wilde/

REVIEW:
This was a fun book to read. There are few of my favorites in here with a lot of new authors to me. While all of the stories were good. There were a few that were great and a few that were just a little less than good for me. But I am happy that I did get to read new authors. There are a few stories that I hope the authors will continue into a new series.

If you are looking to find some new authors I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Twelve Shades of Midnight.

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

4 Hearts

November 13, 2014November 10, 2014

Spotlight feature of Rumor by Skye Jordan + giveaway

Rumor

Renegades Novella

November 4, 2014

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes / Kobo

Former Navy SEAL Josh Marx thinks he has it all figured out. He’s living the bachelor lifestyle in southern California, running risk assessment for the Renegades, but most importantly, he’s finally gotten over the unrequited love he’s harbored for his former teammate’s ex wife. Then his buddy calls from overseas, worried because he hasn’t heard from his ex, and asks Josh to check in on her. Josh doesn’t want to get involved, but the same code that urged him to walk away in the first place is suddenly pushing him to change his Christmas plans.

She tells him to butt out of her business and her life. But Josh’s conscience won’t let him walk away this time.

Excerpt:

She pushed to her feet and dried her face. She’d be okay. Her mom would be okay. Grace just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Focus kept her moving forward, right up until she found Josh sitting on her hood, cross trainers propped on her bumper, elbows on knees.

Her stomach dropped. Her shoulders followed. But her heart was already shattered and numb. “I can’t do this, Josh. I really can’t.”

He pushed from the hood, his stance relaxed, but his expression serious. “When did this happen?”

“Last year. Listen, I have to get to cheer practice—“

“When she came to see me in the hospital, she was perfectly fine.”

Grace sighed heavily. “No, she wasn’t. She hasn’t been fine for nearly ten years, she’s just been hiding it because she didn’t want to burden me.” The thought of her mother being a burden after all she’d done for Grace was ludicrous, and just pushed her anger higher and her sadness deeper. “She started taking medication two years ago, but it hasn’t helped. She was doing better before her roommate died…”

Emotion welled up in Grace’s throat and she couldn’t go on.

“Will it get better?” he asked, his voice filled with the same distress Grace has lived with for the past year.

“No.” The word came out half-rasp, half-whisper. The will to keep all her emotions stuffed away made Grace tremble.

Josh approached her in slow, thoughtful steps. She wanted to back away, but the utter emotional defeat had robbed her of the will to move. And when he wrapped her in his arms, she squeezed her eyes closed, buried her face in his T-shirt…and broke. Just started balling.

His arms tightened as he pressed kisses to her hair. Stroked her back. Rocked her gently side to side. Her second jag in ten minutes dried up as quickly as the first, but she felt completely and utterly defeated.

“I want to help,” he murmured in that low rumbling voice.

Again, too little too late.

She knew she should let go and step back, but, God, she needed someone to lean on so badly. “There’s nothing you can do. There’s nothing anyone can do. It just…is.”

His hands stroked across her shoulders, those big warm hands on her skin, sliding intimately over her Lycra tank, curving over the small of her back and traveling up her spine to the back of her neck. She wanted so badly to lift her face to his neck, to breath him in, to taste his skin, to lick his lips the way she had last night. Craved the pressure of him between her legs, the sizzle of skin on skin.

“Let me take over the expenses here,” he murmured, cupping her head and kissing her temple. “I have the money, and you can’t keep running these crazy hours, Grace. You come here, then you go to cheer practice, then you’re at the club until an ungodly hour. You’re going to make yourself sick, then where will you be?”

The heat glowing at the center of her body immediately cooled, her defenses prickled, and she pushed away. “Mom worked two jobs and raised me for over twenty years. I sure as hell can do it for as long as she needs me.”

A little about Skye Jordan:

Skye Jordan is a pseudonym for New York Times bestselling romantic suspense author Joan Swan. Skye’s novels are about enjoying that little wild streak we don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we rarely get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, and maybe even acting a little naughty. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance.

And, yes, even love, because while wicked-great sex is good, happily ever after with wicked-great sex is even better. Skye (aka Joan) lives on the central coast of California in the heart of wine country with her husband and two daughters. As often as possible, she retreats to a hotel with critique partners for a power-writing week where much drinking, laughing, and yes, even working, ensues. When she’s not writing, Skye goes to breakfast with her hubby, attends her daughters’ barrel races, and spends a lot of time with her own horse, Riddle…while her two dogs, Paxton and Indie, tag along. She also loves to read, knit, craft, row, ride, and dabble in photography.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Newsletter

*****

Giveaway Time

Two sets of giveaways

The first one is the grand prize .

What is the grand prize?

Why it is a 6” Kindle Tablet (1 winner from the entire tour – US/Canada only)

To enter for a chance to win the Grand Prize please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The second giveaway is

1 Winner’s choice of Reckless, Rebel or Ricochet AND a $10 gift card (US/Canada only)
AND 3 Swag Bags (3 winners at each blog stop – US/Canada only)

To enter this second giveaway please leave a comment or question for Skye.

ALONG with your email (I have to be able to contact you)

Also please use (AT) and (DOT) instead of the @ and . symbols (cuts down on spam)

Make sure to check out all the tour stops:

November 10, 2014 :

Smut Book Club (Excerpt 1)

Same Book Different Review (Excerpt 2)

So Many Reads (Excerpt 2)

November 11, 2014

I Am A Book Addict (Excerpt 3)

Just The Write Stuff (Excerpt 4)

November 12, 2014

Cricket’s Chirps (Excerpt 5)

TBQ’s Book Palace (Excerpt 6)

November 13, 2014

Becky on Books (Excerpt 7)

Books-n-Kisses (Excerpt 8)

Maldivan Book Reviews (Excerpt 9)

Ms. Romantic Reads (Excerpt 9)

November 14, 2014

Smut Book Junkie Reviews (Excerpt 10)

November 13, 2014November 9, 2014

Kelly reviews The Flame by Christopher Rice

TITLE: The Flame
SERIES #: 1001 Dark Nights #11
CHARACTERS: Andrew & Cassidy Burke & Shane
AUTHOR: Christopher Rice
PUBLICATION DATE: November 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHRISTOPHER RICE PRESENTS HIS FIRST WORK OF EROTIC ROMANCE.

IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT…

Cassidy Burke has the best of both worlds, a driven and successful husband and a wild, impulsive best friend. But after a decadent Mardi Gras party, Cassidy finds both men pulling away from her. Did the three of them awaken secret desires during a split-second of alcohol-fueled passion? Or is Mardi Gras a time when rules are meant to be broken without consequence?

Only one thing is for certain—the chill that’s descended over her marriage, and her most important friendship, will soon turn into a deep freeze if she doesn’t do something. And soon.

LIGHT THIS FLAME AT THE SCENE OF YOUR GREATEST PASSION AND ALL YOUR DESIRES WILL BE YOURS.

The invitation stares out at her from the window of a French Quarter boutique. The store’s owner claims to have no knowledge of the strange candle. But Cassidy can’t resist its intoxicating scent or the challenge written across its label in elegant cursive. With the strike of a match and one tiny flame, she will call forth a supernatural being with the ultimate power—the power to unchain the heart, the power to remove the fear that stands between a person and their truest desires.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a good 1001 Dark Night’s story.
And was my first Christopher Rice read. And boy howdy did I ever jump off the deep end with this book. As with any good novella I can’t give you too much. But lets just say that a night of impulsive decisions will forever change the way that three people look at each other. In the short term it has through all of them for a loop. But with a little other worldly help they may have a bright future. The only question is are they willing to jump into the flame.

My warning to you:
The Flame is not for the faint of heart. The Flame is has a m/f/m, m/m and m/m/f scenes so as long as you are prepared for some very hot hotness make sure to pick up a copy of The Flame. I am already looking forward to Mr. Rice’s next 1001 Dark Night story (next year).

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

November 13, 2014November 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Nothing Personal by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Nothing Personal
CHARACTERS: Ryan McKay & Faith Lewis
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
NARRATOR: Elizabeth Heart
RUN TIME: 6 Hours
AUDIO PUB DATE: October 22, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Multi-millionaire casino owner Ryan McKay needs a bride in a hurry, and the one he chose has just backed out, which means he could lose his company within hours. He doesn’t know the meaning of the word failure, so he’s scrambling for Plan B and not happy that the ridiculous terms of his grandfather’s will have backed him into a corner.

So when his shy but dedicated executive assistant Faith Lewis tells him she’ll do everything in her power to make sure he succeeds, she’s shocked to realize Plan B = involves her—in other words, he wants to marry her. Like right now.

Faith reluctantly agrees, burying the heavy crush she’s had on Ryan for years. But the shy virgin is going to have to live with, sleep with, and reveal so many secrets to the enigmatic man who sees this as a logical business deal. Faith’s been holding out for love, and that four letter word isn’t in Ryan’s vocabulary after being raised by a cold, loveless family.

But love very rarely follows the rules of business or logic, and this business deal is about to get very personal.

REVIEW: 3.75 Hearts

This was a really good story from Ms. Burton. I loved that she was able to tug at my heartstrings give me a major case of anxiety and then bring such a sweet ending to this story.
Ryan started out as a bit of a dirt bag who was only looking out for number one. But he grew on me so very much. The since with Tiger was the clincher for me. Faith is so shy and sweet at times it was painful. I keep waiting for her to get a backbone and take no prisoners. Really enjoyed this story.

I was honored to get an audio copy from Tantor Audio for review. This was my first book narrated by Elizabeth Hart. I think she did a great job telling the story. Her voice for Faith was spot on. But I had a bit of an issues with the boys voices. They were a bit too high pitched for me. I would have love for Ryan’s voice to sound different. But after a while you got use to it.

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

November 12, 2014November 9, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Mistletoe Mansion by Samantha Tonge

TITLE: Mistletoe Mansion
CHARACTERS:Kimmy & Luke
AUTHOR: Samantha Tonge
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kimmy Jones has three loves: cupcakes, gossip magazines and dreaming of getting fit just by owning celeb workouts. When Kimmy’s Sensible Boyfriend told her he didn’t approve of her longing for the high life or her dream of starting a cupcake company Kimmy thought she could compromise – after all, she did return those five-inch Paris Hilton heels! But asking her to trade in cake-making for a job sorting potatoes is a step too far.

So, newly single – and newly homeless – Kimmy needs a dusting of Christmas luck. And, masquerading as a professional house sitter, her new temporary home is the stunning Mistletoe Mansion. Soon she’s best buds with glamorous next door golf WAG Melissa, and orders are pouring in for her fabulous Merry Berry cupcakes! The only thorn in her side is handsome handyman Luke, a distraction she definitely doesn’t need. And talking of distractions, something very odd is going on at night…

Kimmy is finally living the life she’s always wanted. But will her glimpse into the glittering lifestyle of the rich and famous be as glamorous as she’s always imagined…?

REVIEW:
I had the hardest time with this story and would have given it 2.5 but I am bumping it to mid-star because I think some of this was me. I have never been a fan of dumb-silly. I mean those kind of movies never even make me break a smirk while others can’t rave enough about it. So maybe it was just me.

First this story is set in England so the language is different but that is ok and just needs some understanding. The whole celebrity fascination didn’t sit with me either. I, again, am not the type that watch the reality shows or can’t wait for my People magazine to come in. I couldn’t care less about celebrities so Kimmy’s obsession is not something I can get behind.

I guess the story is ok. The characters got on my nerves more often than not. I didn’t get why Kimmy was so wrapped up in Adam when he was so hot and cold. Luke is ok but I really don’t get his fascination with Kimmy. This story was just not for me (can you tell?) but maybe someone who enjoys silly comedy would appreciate it.

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