Kelly reviews Final Lap by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: Final Lap
SERIES #: Fast Track #8
CHARACTERS: Cooper Brickman & Harley McLain
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: October 7, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Switching into high gear……

At a friend’s lavish wedding, Harley McLain and her twin sister, Charity, meet sexy stock-car driver Cooper Brickman. The more reserved Harley is immediately smitten—until he hits on her twin. But Harley has had enough of being the “nice” girl, and after trading dresses with Charity, she seduces Cooper for a night of wild sex.

……ready for a hot lap.

What was supposed to be a one-night fling gets complicated when Cooper needs a nanny to look after his kid sister—and is convinced sweet, dependable Harley would be perfect for the job. She can’t resist the money—or Cooper’s hot bod. But when her deception is revealed, will it destroy her dependable image—or will he finally realize how sexy sweet can be?

REVIEW:
I have to say that I am sad that this is the last Fast Track novel. I do hope that Erin will revisit the family’s soon. With that I have to say that I didn’t like Cooper as this book got started. He is a bit of a man-whore. Sleeping with Charity and then having the hots for Harley. I wanted so bad for him to totally mess up and have Harley see the light and move on to someone else. But you know what happened? Cooper turned out to be a great guy. Well have a lot of trial and error.
Harley for her part is a sneaky girl. Acting all shy and mouse. Pleassse, this girl is a tiger and poor Cooper is her prey :)!!!! These two were great together and adding MJ to the mix kept everyone on their toes. And now I want a llama (wonder if I can get Cooper to buy me one?)
All & all this was a great books and a great series. I can’t wait to see what Ms. McCarthy has in store for us next.

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.

October 3, 2014September 28, 2014

Kelly reviews The Troublemaker Next Door by Marie Harte

TITLE: The Troublemaker Next Door
SERIES #: The McCauley Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Flynn McCauley & Madison Gardner
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He can fix her sink, but can he wrench his way into her heart?

Flynn McCauley never thought he’d be so cliché as to fall for the girl next door. But when Maddie calls him over to help fix her faulty sink, he’s a goner. Too bad the fiercely independent interior designer wants nothing to do with him. Even worse, he’s forced to rely on the advice of his nosy brothers—and his five-year-old nephew!—to figure out how to make her give him a shot

REVIEW:
This is was my first Marie Harte book and I think I need a cold drink after reading this book. Wowza Flynn & Maddie have a lot and I mean a LOT of sexy time in this book. Not that it is bad or anything. It goes perfect with their storyline but I was not expecting that. That being said this was a great 1st book in Marie’s new series The McCauley Brothers series. I am already looking forward to more. Bring on Brody, Cam & Mike!!! But back to Flynn & Maddie. These two were great fun to read and watch them grow and stubble. I loved that Flynn got Colin got involved too (this kid is going to be a huge lady killer when he grows up-I am seeing a spin off.). It was great to see how Flynn handles Maddie’s ups and downs. Maddie seems to have a lot of them, but Flynn takes everything like a trooper. But when push comes to shove and Maddie starts to pull away Flynn uses the oldest trick in the book. Jealousy!!!

If you are looking for a sweet, dirty and sexy contemporary read you need to come hang out with The McCauley Brothers!

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

October 2, 2014December 2, 2014

Spotlight & Excerpt of Elisabeth Naughton’s Twisted + a tour wide giveaway

TWISTED

Eternal Guardians, Book #7

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Release Date: September 29, 2014

Publisher: Elisabeth Naughton Publishing, LLC

NICK – Leader of the half-breeds and the last true hero. He’s spent his life fighting a dark pull toward the gods. A pull he now knows is linked to his father Krónos and the Titan’s plan to escape from the Underworld.

But Nick’s hidden powers are coveted by more than just his father. Imprisoned by Hades, Nick battles every form of torture imaginable as the sadistic god schemes to break him. Only one thing is keeping him sane. One woman who gives him the strength to fight the relentless darkness. She has a dangerous plan of her own, though, and as Nick’s powers grow stronger, even she might not be enough to alter his destiny.

As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, Nick’s allegiances are tested. And no one knows whether he will choose to fight for good or succumb to the sinister lure of evil. Not even him.

Excerpt:

“Hold up,” Nick said. “Just where do you think you’re going?”

Cynna’s eyes widened in surprise but quickly hardened. “I’m leaving.”

“No, you’re not.”

Fury flashed in her chocolate gaze. “You don’t get to decide that. You don’t get to choose. I was willing to help you in any way I could, because I know you deserved it after all the shitty things I did to you. But not this. I can’t.” She tugged back against his grip. “I won’t.”

He’d seen her pissed when those satyrs had come at her. But this was different. This wasn’t just anger, it was panic and fear and hurt all clashing together.

“Look,” he said calmly, hoping to settle them both down. “I know you don’t want to be in Argolea.”

“You think this is about Argolea?” She wrenched her arm from his hold. “This isn’t about Argolea. It’s about her.”

“Her who?”

“Her.” She held up a hand toward the castle. “Your soul mate.”

Make sure to check out Twisted on Goodreads

About Elisabeth:

Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home. Visit her website at www.ElisabethNaughton.com to learn more about her books.

Connect with Elisabeth: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway Details:

Elisabeth is giving away a bag of goodies – books, lotions, chocolates, jewelry, etc.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

****

Follow the whole tour HERE or check out the stops below.

September 28

Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance

September 29

Sizzling Hot Books

September 30

Romancing The Darkside

October 1

October 2

October 3

October 4

October 5

October 6

Eskimo Princess Book Reviews

October 7

That’s What I’m Talking About

October 9

Cocktails and Books

Long and Short Reviews

Under The Covers Book Blog

October 10

Literal Addiction

October 11

Reading Between The Wines

The Reading Cafe

Get Lost In A Story

October 1, 2014September 28, 2014

Jennifer reviews The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan

TITLE: The Hook Up
SERIES: Game On #1
CHARACTERS: Anna Jones and Drew Baylor
AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone, and above all… No falling in love.

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is certainly not on her to do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy right?

Too bad he’s committed to making her break every rule…

Football has been good to Drew. It’s given him recognition, two National Championships, and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humor and blatant disregard for his fame turns him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she’s shut him down. Completely.

That is until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives, along with the possibility of something great. Unfortunately, Anna wants it to remain a hook up. Now it’s up to Drew to tempt her with more: more sex, more satisfaction, more time with him. Until she’s truly hooked. It’s a good thing Drew knows all about winning.

All’s fair in love and football…Game on

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Anna Jones wasn’t looking for romance when star football player, Drew Baylor, sat down next to her in class. The good-looking charismatic young man was used to charming the ladies but met his match when he looked into Anna’s eyes for the first time. She thought he was arrogant, argumentative and the last thing that Anna needed in her life for her senior year of college. But neither of them could deny the sexual attraction and before long both of them find themselves at risk of losing their hearts to one another.

I loved Anna and Drew together as a couple. Anna was an interesting character for me because even though she was in a physical relationship with Drew, she couldn’t bring herself to get emotionally attached to him. She was afraid to give everything of herself to him because she was afraid that he would break her heart and that would end of up devastating her. She tried to keep the relationship as a simple hook-up by having no kissing, no staying the night and having them pretend that they were strangers whenever they were in public together. It worked for a little while but Anna soon found out that Drew wasn’t like his reputation and he was already starting to fall hard for Anna.
I loved Drew. He was not your typical football player and worked so hard for everything that he had. He had good grades and wanted to be seen as more than a quarterback and was upset when teachers tried to give him grades that he didn’t deserve because of football. I was impressed with him because he knew that football wouldn’t last forever and took hard courses so he would have something to fall back on in life. When he met Anna, she changed his life and he was completely in the relationship with her, heart and all, while Anna was still trying to figure out what Drew really meant to her.
These two characters needed each other and they had a relationship that some people search for their entire lives and never find. Drew was that one person in Anna’s life that could make her a better person and that saw her for who she really was, flaws and all. He loved her from the beginning and couldn’t imagine his life without her. The Hook Up shows that the road to love isn’t always perfect but if you take a chance, it will be worth the risk. Ms. Callihan is one of my favorite writers and I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

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

October 1, 2014September 28, 2014

Kelly reviews Snow Falling On Bluegrass by Molly Harper

TITLE: Snow Falling on Bluegrass
SERIES #: Bluegrass #3
CHARACTERS: Kelsey, Charlie, Luke and the whole KTC crew
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: September 22, 2014
AUDIO RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 7 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Parks & Recreation meets The Blue Collar Comedy Tour in this third ebook in Molly Harper’s Bluegrass series of contemporary romances: A love triangle of colleagues heats up the winter lodge where they get snowed in for a week.

Kentucky Tourism Commission employee and executive assistant extraordinaire Kelsey is known around the office for having everything under control. So it’s not surprising that she and her boss, Sadie, have everything planned to the second for the office winter retreat. But there are things even Kelsey can’t micromanage.

An unprecedented snowstorm smothers half of Kentucky and knocks out the power, closes the roads, and generally shuts down the state. Luckily, the lodge has working fireplaces and enough food to keep the staff from turning on each other like something out of The Shining. Kelsey wouldn’t mind being stuck inside if it wasn’t for the tension with her not-so-secret crush, Charlie, the office’s statistician. But handsome Ranger Luke, the lodge’s only employee on hand, is there to take Kelsey’s mind off her discomfort.

Even though this weekend is supposed to be a planning session for KTC, Kelsey can’t help her mind from wandering and finds herself conflicted over Luke and Charlie. Someone’s love will keep her warm, but whose will it be?

REVIEW:
Snow Falling in Bluegrass takes us back into the world of the KCT (Kentucky Tourism Commission). But this time the crew is going on location, well a work retreat. What started out as a fun outing (well as much fun as spending the weekend with your co-workers) soon turns into the snow apocalypse (think Gillian’s Island covered in snow, no power, no heat, no phones, no internet, lots of ice, snow and ice. Oh and your co-workers). But it is not all bad. There is Auntie Nina’s rubbery bacon cheeseburger pizza cooked in a gourmet redneck oven, The Professor, Fort Kelsey, a very cranky marsupial, the lost of panties, and some sweet revenge that smells like popcorn.
Another awesomesauce story from Molly Harper. I love how Molly can bring together such a great story while delivering some of the funniest stuff I have ever read. I have never meet a Molly Harper book that didn’t leave me in tears, gasping for air, and loving every page of what I read. I am already preparing for my Molly Harper book withdrawals (trust me it is not pretty)
As always I listened to this book on audio, because one I love love love Amanda Ronconi reading to me. Two, I love listening to Molly’s stories because Amanda brings the character to life in a way that I am not my mind could do. And three because I am weird and I started Molly’s books on audio and plan to continue listening to them on audio. But I do still own them all on paper or in ebook form (Yes, I know I have a book hoarding issue. No, I don’t need help 😀 )
One of many of my favorite lines:
“I would gladly slap her with a salmon”
“With a salmon”
“I would follow with cream cheese” I told him “My vengeance is best served with bagels.”
“You’re an incredibly strange girl, and I mean that in the best possible way.”
If you have not picked up a Molly Harper *wiggles finger at you* shame on you. I demand you go grab one of Molly’s book and try it out.

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

September 30, 2014September 17, 2014

Writer’s Tips & Tricks Day 22: I will finish… by Lisa Hendrix

First, a huge thank you to Kelly for including me in Tips and Tricks month.

I’m writing this in mid-August, so I haven’t seen anyone else’s posts yet, but I can tell just by looking at the names of Kelly’s other guests that the last 29 days have been chock full of good advice, clever tips, and wonderful inspiration from highly productive writers.

I am not, however, one of those highly productive writers, and so this post is directed at those of you who find it as hard to get those words written as I have recently. Maybe I can teach by bad example. Let’s see how this goes:

Hello, my name is Lisa Hendrix, and I haven’t finished a book since 2010.

[Wow. That looks even worse in print than it sounds aloud.]

Here’s some background. I’ve been writing since 1990 and have been published since 1994. I think Nora finished eleventy-billion books in those 20 years. I finished eight. I’m not a fast writer, but this time it has gotten way out of hand. Being mortifyingly aware that this post will appear right after that of Yasmine Galenorn, who’s remained highly productive despite challenges that would stun most people into immobility, I’m not going to embarrass myself by trotting my excuses out. They’re pitiful.

What they amount to, is…I haven’t finished anything in four years because I haven’t written.

That’s not precisely true. I have about 70,000 words in a Scrivener file, and I peck away at the story every now and again. But it’s true enough.

I finished Immortal Champion in a blaze of caffeine-fueled glory during the 2010 RWA National Conference. If you were in Orlando, you might have seen me stumbling through the hallways in a sleep-deprived stupor or heard me snoring in a workshop (only once, I swear!). I basically collapsed afterward, telling myself I’d start later, when I recovered. I roused myself a few weeks later when my editor sent back revisions, then again when copy edits and final galleys came. Somewhere in there, I began the fourth book in the Immortal Brotherhood series, Immortal Defender, but I didn’t work consistently. Other things to do, you know. Important things. In January of 2011 when Immortal Champion came out, I signed at ALA Winter in San Diego and went on a ten day West Coast book tour with Delilah Marvelle.

And then I completely stalled.

Like I said, there were reasons, which seemed valid at the time but now look like utter bullshit when I look at the things other people have written through. Bottom line: I didn’t write.

Oh, I promoted. I Tweeted and Facebooked, and blogged a bit, and…avoided. The longer I didn’t write, the less inclined I was to try. Even opening the file became painful.

In the meantime, my fans have been asking for the next book, and in my embarrassment, I’ve been avoiding them, too. Picture that: I have fans that want my book and I have a contract with a NY publisher (which I’m way overdue on, needless to say), and I still haven’t gotten the book done. Those of you who write on with no external motivation at all have my deep admiration.

By this point, you may be asking yourself why on earth I’m hanging myself out in public with this depressing story of non-accomplishment?

Because I want to fix myself.

Because I want to change my trajectory.

And because I know there are other people out there who struggle in the same way and want to show them it’s possible to change theirs, too.

Therefore, I’ve set myself a challenge: to finish at least the first draft of Immortal Defender by the end of September, i.e. by the time you’re reading this.

I’ve already announced this to my local writers group, and now I’m announcing it here, writing to you in the future from Friday, August 22 when I had to have this to Kelly.

This is about more than getting the book done. I want to get my mojo back. I want to get back into good writing habits and rediscover the joy of slipping into the flow of the story. I want to be done with this damned book so I can start the next one and do the first draft of a second during NaNoWriMo, and then keep writing all the other stories bouncing around in my head. And the only way I can do any of that is by getting back into the habit of writing: every day, a minimum of 1250 words per day. If I do that, by the time this goes live on September 30, I should be finished.

I will come here and tell you if I made it. You’ll know instantly what I’ve accomplished in the 40 days since I typed the following words:

I, Lisa Hendrix, will finish Immortal Defender by September 30, 2014.

So, there’s my plan. And buried in all that are my Tips (you didn’t think I was going to leave you without Tips did you?):

Write every day. Make it a habit, lest you veer off the path like I did.
Set a goal, and as Debbie Macomber taught me, make it SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (as in with a time frame).
If you try all that and still aren’t getting your writing done, set things up so you’re accountable to someone, or as I’m doing here, to many someones. Everyone is motivated by something different, but for me, public humiliation seems to be the next step.

Check the first Comment(s) below to see if I made it. And then come over to my site, lisahendrix.com, and found out what’s next in my writerly makeover.

A little about Lisa:

Lisa Hendrix got hooked on mythology when she first heard stories about Hercules as a child. Her love only got grew when she discovered the Norse gods, and was sealed forever with the Robin Hood. She tries to incorporate a mix of legend and history into her books, which have ranged from a western outlaw story to a modern take on the Irish epic poem, The Midnight Court.

Her obsession currently manifests itself in the Viking warriors of the Immortal Brotherhood series, who struggle against the mischief of both gods and men to break the curse that condemns them to take animal forms. The first three in the series—Immortal Warrior, Immortal Outlaw, and Immortal Champion—have all received 4½ Star Top Picks from RT Book Reviews.

Want to learn more about Lisa and her books here: Website | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Let’s take a look at Lisa’s Immortal Champion

IMMORTAL CHAMPION

Amazon|B&N

He faces a future of cold uncertainty, until her warm embrace…

Part of a Viking crew of warriors cursed by an evil sorceress, Gunnar the Red must toil through eternity as half-man, half-beast, living out his days as a great bull, while his nights are spent in human form. And though he keeps mostly to the wilds, his heart yearns for the simple comforts of man—and the chance to redeem a tragic past…

Seeking refuge from a bitter winter in the welcoming hall of Richmond Castle, Gunnar rescues two maidens when a blaze erupts—and his destiny is forever altered. For one of the young women is Lady Eleanor de Neville, who is immediately entranced by her rescuer. Her kiss of gratitude—the brief touch of her lips against his cheek—awakens a longing in her soul. And even when she is betrothed to another, Eleanor never forgets her courageous knight.

When Gunnar rides back into Eleanor’s life, she is consumed by undeniable passion. And though his body surrenders to her every touch, Gunnar’s heart remains imprisoned by the curse—and only the magic of the truest love can save him

*****

Make sure to check out all of the other stops on this month long tour HERE and enter the grand prize giveaway.

All winner’s will be picked at the end of the month and announce the 1st week of October.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

September 30, 2014September 16, 2014

Release Day Blitz: He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis

He’s So Fine

Lucky Harbor #11

For Olivia Bentley, Lucky Harbor is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It’s the place where folks are friendly to strangers-and nobody knows her real name. Olivia does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone . . . until she sees a man drowning. Suddenly she’s rushing into the surf, getting up close and personal with the hottest guy she’s ever laid hands on.

Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to “save” him. In fact, he’d like to spend a lot more time skin-to-skin with Olivia. He’s just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole’s heart, or will it be the end of Olivia’s days in little Lucky Harbor?

A little about Jill:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

You can learn more about Jill and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @jillshalvis| And of course you can add it to your shelf on Goodreads

We are hosting a giveaway for a print copy of HE’S SO FINE. Click HERE to enter.

HE’S SO FINE is available in mass market paperback, ebook and audio book formats wherever books are sold (please see links at the top of this post.)

Don’t forget to check out Kelly & Kimberly’s reviews of He’s So Fine HERE

September 30, 2014September 28, 2014

Kelly, Jennifer & Kimberly review Chained By Night by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Chained by Nights
SERIES #: MoonBound Clan Vampires #2
CHARACTERS: Hunter & Aylin
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: September 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE
Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL
But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts In Chained by Night we pick up a few months after where we left off in Bound by Night (bk1), with Hunter waiting to be mated to a rival clan’s first daughter. But this is not a mating of love, but one of duty. Even so, Hunter is willing to do what needs to be done to protect his clan. So when Hunter’s intended mate is attacked outside his clan’s walls he runs to her rescue. Once she is safe Hunter is happy to see that she is more than he could have wished for.

Aylin is strong, feisty and determined. Unfortunately, she has been told all her life that she is nothing and noone. But in Chained by Night Aylin learns so much about herself and grows into an amazing person. One of the many things that Alyin learns is that she loves a man that can never be hers.
Rasah is Hunters intended mate. And let me tell you I hate this girl. I mean I wish there was a deep dark hole for her to fall into. Rasah, has no problem taking what she wants no matter who she hurt or what stands in her way. Not even her sister.
This book was Awesome sauce. I honestly don’t think that I have met a Larissa Ione book that I have not fallen in love with. And like all of Ms. Ione’s books, Chained by Night kept me up late at night and turning that next page to see what would happen. If you have not read Bound by Night you need to start there.
I am hoping that Myne’s story will be told next. Although there are many others that need a story too 🙂 Either way I will be very happy for the next book in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Let me think how to be describe this book… Wonderful? Sure. Maybe Amazing? Sure. Maybe Perfect? Yep that about covers it.

Ione has brought us back into her world of the MoonBound Vampires. The world where everyone knows that vampires exist and are something to be hunted. At the end of the first in the series we told that Hunter was being forced to mate with Rasha for the good of the clan but Hunter had one problem he can’t stand the vampire. But when Hunter meets her identical sister, Aylin, now that is a vampire he could sink his teeth into to (did I just say that?). This world is a bit different then most of the worlds that are written in vampire lore. She also takes some liberties with what we have learned about the “norm” of vampires but those liberties make this story special and she mixes a bit of Native American lore which is a fun twist.

I couldn’t put this book down. I am a huge fan of Ione’s books and love this series. If you have not read any of Ione’s books then you are missing out. Ione is one of the best in the paranormal genre and should not be missed. While this story could (mostly) be read as a stand alone I would not suggest it. Read the first in the series first. It explains why Hunter is being forced to mate with Rasha.

Enjoy… I did!

JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Hunter was a character that had always intrigued me and I definitely wanted to learn more about him when he made his appearance in Bound by Night. In Chained by Night, we learn that Hunter has agreed to mate with the daughter of his mortal enemy to help pacify the volatile relationship between the two clans. What he never expected was that his future mate, Rasha, was a nightmare to be around and that he unexpectedly finds himself attracted to Rasha’s twin sister, Aylin.

A man of his word, Hunter prepares for the mating ceremony, but first, he and his future mate must take part in three deadly trials to save their future first born child. Each born vampire must participate in these trials before the mating ceremony or be destined to lose their future child to a deadly enemy. Rasha declines to participate in these trials but Aylin agrees to take her place, to assist the man that is like no other that she has ever known before. As Hunter’s feelings for Aylin deepen, will he be able to say goodbye to the one woman who has his heart in order to protect the people that he has been his family for so long?

I loved Hunter and Aylin together as a couple in Chained by Night and I was praying that they would find a way to stay together in the end after everything they went through. Hunter had spent most of his life trying to be good man for his clan and even though he didn’t want to be around Rasha, he was willing to make the sacrifice. Meeting Aylin wasn’t what he planned but she was the perfect partner for him. She was smart, humble and was always looking out to help other people. After the horrors that she had been through growing up had made her not only a strong person but a good one as well and she’s become one of my favorite heroines to date. Personally, I would love to smack Rasha with a shovel just because of her attitude and the way she treated Aylin during the course of this book. She made me hate her and because of that, I loved Aylin all the more because she was still able to love her sister even after the things Rasha had done to her.

Chained by Night was an amazing paranormal tale of forbidden love and adventure that will definitely strike a chord with readers. I was swept right along with Hunter and Aylin during their dangerous trials and tribulations to protect the people they loved or die trying. Ms. Ione has always been one of my favorite authors and with each new book, she continues to captivate with her stories of hot, sexy romance and heart-stopping action.

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

September 29, 2014September 25, 2014

Kelly’s interview with Jaci Burton

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back the awesome Jaci Burton to the blog. To chat about life, influences and her newest release Hope Burns.

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

I live in Oklahoma with my husband and my dogs. Between us we have three grown kids and several grandchildren. I’ve been writing for thirteen years, published for eleven. I’ve written over sixty books so far, and have no intention of stopping any time soon.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Not always. I’ve been reading romance since I was a teenager. I dabbled a bit in writing romance in my early adult life, but working and raising kids was my priority then, and writing was backburnered until I had more time.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

My writing was influenced by all those awesome authors I read for so many years when I was young and first started reading romance. Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Johanna Lindsey, Elizabeth Lowell, Karen Robards. They all made me fall in love with the genre and kept me reading. My favorite writers today are Julie James, Maya Banks, Shannon Stacey, Jill Shalvis, Nora Roberts, Nalini Singh and so many more.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

When I first published, I wrote in several genres—not only contemporary, but paranormal, suspense, futuristic and fantasy. It was a way to get my feet wet and decide what I wanted to write. But I always came back to contemporary romance. It’s what I love to write the most, a genre I’m most comfortable in.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I don’t know that I have any rituals. Other than coffee first thing in the morning. I go through email and social media to see what’s happening out there while my mind is waking up. Then I’ll start writing.

Can you please tell us about HOPE BURNS?

HOPE BURNS is the story of Carter Richards and Molly Burnett, two people who reunite after being apart for many years. They have a history together, and a painful past that must be overcome before the two of them can have a future.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When I wrote HOPE FLAMES, the first full-length story in the Hope series, it featured Emma Burnett, Molly’s sister. Molly appeared in the book, but only by phone. There was a mystery to her, a reason why she never returned to Hope. I knew then that I needed to write her story.

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

I’m currently working on Love After All, Book 4 in the Hope series. It’s about Chelsea and Bash, two characters I love so much.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.

There’s a holiday parade in progress in downtown Hope. Molly’s one of the judges.

What would you be if you were not an author?

Probably still working in corporate life. Dealing with spreadsheets and budgets and personnel issues. Did I mention I’m very happy to be a writer? 😉

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

I can’t wait for He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis. I love and adore her Lucky Harbor series. And I’m really looking forward to Maya Banks’ Keep Me Safe, the first book her new series.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m so excited about the reissue of my Wild Riders series with new cover art. Hot men on hot motorcycles. Really, everyone should check them out! And thanks so much for letting me be a guest here on your site!

A little about Jaci:

Jaci Burton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Play by Play and Hope series. She’s a total romantic and loves a story with a happily ever after, which you’ll find in all of her books. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and her dogs. Find out more about Jaci and her books at jaciburton.com, Facebook.com/AuthorJaciBurton, and Twitter.com/jaciburton.

*****

Let’s take a look at

Hope Burns

ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Penguin

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Molly Burnett and Carter Richards share a painful past, one that sent Molly running out of town, vowing never to return. The only thing bringing her back is her sister’s wedding, and she doesn’t intend to stay long. But circumstances force her to remain in town, and within close distance of the one man who hurt her more than she’d ever been hurt before. Can the two of them face down the past and work together toward the possibility of love and happiness in Hope?

Make sure to check my review HERE

September 29, 2014September 21, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: In Your Dreams
SERIES #: Blue Heron #4
CHARACTERS: Jack Holland & Emmaline Neal
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: September 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé’s wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there’s really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won’t get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero.

But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she’ll have to start by believing in him

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Everyone loves Jack Holland. Well everyone, but me. Jack is sweet, yes. Jack is uber hot, yes. Jack is the town hero, yes. But Jack as a serious I can say no to anyone problem. I liked Jack a lot in the beginning then he kinda got on my nerves. By the end of the book I liked him again. But I think he had it too easy. There should have been a lot more I need to kiss your ass for screwing up so badly.
Emmaline on the other hand I liked all the way through the book. Oh she had her moments I wanted to shake her and tell her to get over it. But, I knew she would be okay. She is one tough chick. And really should have made Jack work harder.
But all in all this was a great story. So much going and so many sensitive issues were addressed. I am looking forward to the next novel in the Blue Heron series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ok so here is the thing… Everyone in town just adores Jack but 95% of the time I really didn’t like him at all. He is so sad and stuck in his own head and waiting for bad things to happen and then he can be mean and thinks that an “I’m sorry” will fix everything and that is the second problem. With Em it does. Why that girls falls for him I have no idea. I get that when he is sweet he really is cute and funny but those times are so rare that it really shouldn’t matter. And Em has had her heart broken before and in such a big way that why she lets Jack walk all over and use her I just do not get.

I really enjoyed the Jack we met when he was a background character but the writing was different with him in this book and I didn’t like that very much. The book is very wordy with a bunch of the same things over and over. And the amount of time we spend reading about the ex’s is just too much. I liked Em most of the time. She is comfortable in her own skin and sassy and just plain likeable but she can also be such a doormat.

I have enjoyed the others in the series and look forward to reading the next one but this one just didn’t do anything for me at all.

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

September 29, 2014September 21, 2014

Kimberly reviews Indecent Proposal by Molly O’Keefe

TITLE: Indecent Proposal
SERIES #: Bishop Boys #4
CHARACTERS: Ryan & Harrison
AUTHOR: Molly O’Keefe
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/30/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With his chiseled jaw and his thick blond hair, Harrison Montgomery was born to lead. Four generations of Montgomery men have served the state of Georgia and now he’s next in line. Harrison, though, is driven to right wrongs: namely to clean up the political mess left by his father’s greed and corruption. But Harrison must first win his congressional bid, and nothing can get in his way—not even an angel who served him whiskey and gave him a shoulder to lean on and a body to love for a night. Problem is, she’s pregnant. Scandal is brewing and there is only one solution: marriage.
Damage control? Ryan Kaminski can’t believe that a cold, calculating political animal now inhabits the body of the emotionally vulnerable stranger who’d given her the most unforgettable night of her life. Really, she doesn’t want anything from Harrison, except to be left alone to have her baby in peace. But Ryan is broke, jobless, and essentially blackmailed by Harrison’s desperate family to accept this crazy marriage deal. For two years, she will have to act the role of caring, supportive wife. But what is Ryan supposed to do when she realizes that, deep in her heart, she’s falling in love.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a cute story. Not my favorite of the series but still a sweet story. Ryan and Harrison have had so much pain in their life and have lived so many lies that they just can’t trust anyone or anything. And both have never felt true love or I guess I should say Harrison never felt it and Ryan knew love growing up but then had her world drop out from under her. Weirdly enough they are perfect for each other but at the same time them hiding their feelings gets a bit old after a while.

There was no question we would get to read Harrison’s story. We actually got a taste of it in the last story in the series. We found out he was married during his sisters story so we knew it would come soon to hear what had happened. As I said this was not my favorite in the series but still worth the read. Since none of this story took place in Bishop I wonder what or who is next in the series?

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

September 27, 2014September 19, 2014

SINsational Saturday Series: Jaci Burton’s Hope Series

Hope Smolders

Hope 0.5 A HOPE NOVELLA

“Jaci Burton does raw, passionate romance like no other” (Joyfully Reviewed), and the New York Times bestselling author of Hope Ignitesand the hot new Play-by-Play novel Straddling the Line proves it again in this novella of second chances…

Jane Kline is a struggling divorcee and single mother with a social life on hold. Not only does Jane not have the time to date anyone, she’s not even going to consider making herself vulnerable to another man after being deserted by her husband. That’s why Will Griffin, her ex’s former best friend, takes her totally by surprise.

What would such a hot and sexy wild card see in a harried mother juggling two kids and two jobs? For starters, everything Jane no longer sees in herself. As she dares to take the flirtation to the next step, Jane finds herself back where she never wanted to be—falling for another man. Now it’s up to Will to convince Jane that she has everything he wants in a woman, and that the second time around can be the best time of all.

Includes previews of Jaci Burton’s new Hope novel Hope Ignites and her new Play-by-Play novel, Straddling the Line

Hope Smolders previously appeared in Hot Summer Nights

*****

Hope Flames

Hope #1

Thirty-two and finally setting up her veterinary practice in the town she once called home, Emma Burnett is on her own and loving it. Independent and driven, she’s not letting any man get in the way of her dreams. Not again.

That’s fine with Luke McCormack. Divorced and hardly lacking in female company when he needs it, he’s devoted to the only faithful companion in his life–his police dog. Still, there’s something about Emma he can’t shake.

When a series of local break-ins leaves Emma vulnerable, she seeks help from the first man to spark her desire in years. And now they’re giving each other something they thought they’d lost forever…hope

*****

Hope Ignites

Hope #2

Logan McCormack likes his isolated life on the ranch, until a movie crew starts filming there. When actress Desiree Jenkins blows into his life, she wrecks it harder than the Oklahoma winds with her brutal honesty and soft touch. Des knows this is a temporary stay, but she loves the open freedom of the land, and for the first time in her life, Des feels like she might have found a place she can call home, with a man she might be falling in love with. But Logan’s heart is tougher than the soil beneath them—can she convince him that they belong together?

*****

Hope Burns

Hope #3

Molly Burnett and Carter Richards share a painful past, one that sent Molly running out of town, vowing never to return. The only thing bringing her back is her sister’s wedding, and she doesn’t intend to stay long. But circumstances force her to remain in town, and within close distance of the one man who hurt her more than she’d ever been hurt before. Can the two of them face down the past and work together toward the possibility of love and happiness in Hope?(

*****

Love After All

Hope #4

Coming April 2015

High school teacher Chelsea Gardner has a firm list of qualities in mind to find the perfect man. Now she just needs the right guy that fits them all. Bartender Bash Palmer doesn’t match her list at all, but the things they do share are chemistry, fun, and a romantic connection. Bash intends to show her that a list doesn’t make a forever match.