Kelly & Kimberly review When We Met by Susan Mallery

When we metTITLE: When We Met
SERIES #: Fools Gold #13
CHARACTERS: Angel Whittaker & Taryn Crawford
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: April 29, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Angel Whittaker earned his scars the hard way, but the scars that can’t be seen are the ones that haunt him the most. Since he moved to Fool’s Gold, California, he’s cobbled together a life for himself as a bodyguard trainer. If he’s not exactly happy, at least his heart is safe.

Working with pro-football superstars taught tough-talking PR woman Taryn Crawford one thing—she can go toe to toe with any man. But then dark, dangerous former Special Ops Angel targets her for seduction…and challenges her to resist his tempting kisses.

Even in four-inch heels, Taryn never backs down. Unless, somehow, Angel can convince her that surrender might feel even better than victory.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Another good story from Susan. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the past Fool’s Gold books this was still a really good book. I have been wanting to read Angel’s story since he stepped on to the pages. He seems like such a scary dude, but is really a softy at heart. His back story is heart breaking. Tayrn, kinda rubs me the wrong way. I am not sure if it is because she is trying too hard to never be what she once was? Or if she is a little on the stuck up side. But either way I think that Angel & Tayrn made a good couple.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Fools Gold series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite fictional location and it is always a great time to go back and visit. Susan Mallery is the Queen of Contemporary Romance in my opinion and I love spending time in her world.

This story took me a little bit to get into. Taryn is so “city” that it was hard to see her in a small town but somehow she acclimates to the town and it because part of who she is. Angel is the last in the CDS men and I couldn’t wait to read his story. He has had such an interesting past. Taryn is the best person he could have in his life and I loved their story. I so loved the softer side of Angel. Reading about his Acorns and when he confronts his past was so sweet.

I loved the little changes in this story and yet still keeping with tradition. The dumped party was great. The slogan change of the town is great. What the “boys” want to change it to had me chuckle every time. And I can’t wait for the rest of the football players to get their “happy ending”. I hope the sentence from Mayor Marsha about needing a S&R team is a hint of what 2015 will bring to Fool’s Gold. And on a personal note: Thanks Susan Mallery for mentioning Asheville, NC. I live right outside it and the city is worth a visit.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts


Kimberly review Half Moon Harbor by Donna Kauffman

Half Moon HarborTITLE: Half Moon Harbor
SERIES #: Bachelors of Blueberry Cove #2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Brodie
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bold, brash, Irish—Brodie Monaghan’s been breaking hearts ever since he arrived in Maine to rebuild the family business. Still, there’s one woman he just can’t wow.

Grace Maddox claims she’s now part owner of Monaghan Shipbuilders, and she has her own dreams for the weathered dockside buildings.

Tiny Blueberry Cove has a way of welcoming strangers with wide open arms, but is the sleepy coastal village ready for the fireworks these two spark?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. I honestly have to say I really enjoyed Brodie. Talk about a great guy! There was something about Brodie in book #1 (Pelican Point) that every reader knew he had to be the next bachelor to go down and Grace was the perfect fit for him. Brodie is a roll with the flow kind of guy and plays a different role than the alpha type man but yet is not the strong silent type either. But there is just no way to put Brodie into a cliche’ but he is adorable.

Grace is starting over in every aspect of her life and she couldn’t have found a better person to help her down that road than Brodie. I was sad to not see very much with Grace and Ford but I think that is coming in book #3 (Sandpiper Island) so it is something to look forward to.

I love this new series from Donna Kauffman and can’t wait for the next in the series… and the next and the next and the next.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Delilah Marvelle’s The School of Gallantry Series

Mistress of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #1

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REAL PLEASURE CAN’T BE TAKEN.

Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother’s school in London where gentlemen receive instruction—in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent, free from men and the shackles of marriage. But when Maybelle lays eyes on Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, at a soir e, and hears of his scandalous reputation, she decides he’s the perfect person for her to have a tryst with no strings attached.

IT MUST BE GIVEN.

Unbridled passion has again muddied Edmund Worthington’s family name. After his very public dalliance with the strikingly beautiful and sensual Maybelle, his mother insists he marry her. But much to the Duke’s surprise, Maybelle scoffs at his proposal. Never has he encountered such a brazen—and maddeningly irresistible—woman. But when Maybelle’s grandmother falls ill, forcing Maybelle to take over the operation of her school, Edmund devises a plan to make her his. He enrolls in the school, where no one other than Maybelle must give him expert lessons in carnal pleasure.

*****

Lord of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #2

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DESPERATE TIMES…

It’s been months since Lady Charlotte Chartwell’s philandering husband met his untimely end at the hands of an angry mistress. But as miserable as he made Charlotte in life, his death proves to be an even harsher blow. For not a farthing of his fortune or estate have passed on to her, and as a ruined widow, she is destitute, penniless and utterly without hope.

LEAD TO DESPERATE PLEASURES…

Then, as Charlotte is considering the worst, a man steps into her carriage. His intentions are quite indecent at first, but the more he learns about her, the more an unfamiliar—and undesirable—emotion creeps over him. Could it be compassion? Never! For this is Alexander Baxendale, third Earl of Hawksford. He is known throughout the ton as the Lord of Pleasure, dedicated to passion, ruthless in his pursuit of sensual gratification. Yet never in all his exploits has he met a woman who could intrigue him as Charlotte does. Can this mysterious beauty make him hang up his title and see to her pleasure alone?

*****

Lady of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #3

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Educating one’s self in the art of love takes time…

Lady Caroline Arabella Starling has been in love with her older brother’s best friend, Caldwell, since she was thirteen. Unfortunately, too many things keep getting in the way of proving her love. Her four younger sisters, her mother, her brother, all of society and the man she loves himself. But where there is a will, there is a way, and Caroline is about to redefine not only respectability but true love.

Ronan Henry Dearborn, the fourth Marquess of Caldwell, lives to see himself through Caroline’s eyes but knows he is leading a life unworthy of her or her dreams. He will do anything to keep her from learning the truth about himself and his past, including keeping her at a distance. But when he and Caroline get tangled in a situation neither of them can get out of, the only way to create a happily-ever-after between them is to take up the advice of a French courtesan who re-educates them both in the art of love.

*****

Romancing Lady Stone

School of Gallantry #3.5

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He believes in destiny. She just wants to survive it…

At forty, Lady Cecilia Evangeline Stone thinks she has everything a woman could ever want. A title, a fortune, and four children who make her proud. After a marriage of convenience that was anything but convenient, she has no desire to complicate her life by including a man in it again. When her eldest son announces his engagement to a Russian actress in Saint Petersburg, Cecilia sets out to do what any good mother would do: stop the wedding. Unfortunately, destiny has other plans.

Konstantin Alexie Levin never considered himself to be a villain. In fact, he considers himself to be a Russian gentleman. Having grown up in a refined and well-educated family that embraced criminal life to avoid debtor’s prison, the only thing preventing him from knowing happiness is the rest of the world. Everything changes, however, when Konstantin is given a chance to start life anew and travel to London to collect an unexpected reward for saving a man’s life. To his surprise, he is about to become a hero at midnight to a beautiful aristocrat who desperately needs his help. The problem is…he wants to do more than save Lady Stone. He wants to make the woman his, all his.

WARNING: This book is Rated Double S (Sweaty & Sinful) and contains strong language and sexual content which may cause respectable people to swoon

*****

Night of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #4

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An arranged marriage is daunting, but not as daunting as seducing a spouse whose passions you do not understand…

Derek Charles Holbrook, Viscount Banfield, knew his fate since he was seventeen when his father announced his union to the beautiful but mysterious American girl by the name of Miss Grey. To protect the troubled estate, Derek submits to his father’s wishes, not realizing he’s about to entangle himself in a hell of a lot more than marriage.

Miss Clementine Henrietta Grey may be worth millions, but not a single coin has ever bought her a smidge of happiness. When she marries the charasmatic and dashing Viscount Banfield, whose only strife in life appears to be the uneven seams in his coat, she finds that siring the heir he wants requires far more than her heart is prepared to give.

Unable to seduce his overly-serious and reluctant wife, Derek realizes his dreams of creating a loving family has turned into a nightmare. But with the unexpected assistance of a retired courtesan and her outrageous school, Derek and Clementine discover that passion is a language spoken not just from the body, but from the mind, heart and soul.

WARNING: This book is Rated Double S (Sweaty & Sinful) and contains strong language and sexual content which may cause respectable people to swoon.

This quirky, sexy and scandalous Regency/Victorian Historical Romance is part of a series.
THE SCHOOL OF GALLANTRY SERIES:
Book 1, Mistress of Pleasure
Book 2, Lord of Pleasure
Book 3, Lady of Pleasure
Book 3.5, Romancing Lady Stone
Book 4, Night of Pleasure
Book 5, Master of Pleasure

Kimberly reviews Rising Assets by Rebecca Zanetti

Rising AssetsTITLE: Rising Assets
SERIES #: Maverick, Montana #3
CHARACTERS: Melanie & Colton
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Friends with benefits was never the plan…

Melanie Jacobs is in trouble. With three jobs—including running her ranch—and dwindling funds, she’s exhausted. Not to mention desperately trying to hide a secret. Unfortunately, her best friend Colton Freeze knows all too well that’s something is going on, and he won’t give up until he knows exactly what he needs to fix.

Then Colton learns the truth—that Melanie’s future happiness rests in the fickle hands of fate, and her chances for having a family are shrinking with every passing day. Her only comfort is Colton, but when a heated argument between them turns into an even hotter kiss, the boundaries of their friendship are erased, leaving only a scorching-hot hunger for more.

Every kiss—every touch—is a stolen pleasure. But will their new friends-with-sexy-benefits arrangement bring them closer together, or destroy everything they once shared?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Every time Rebecca Zanetti writes about a cowboy I think I will never love her last guy as much as I loved the one before but here I am wrong again. Colton is the perfect alpha man with a giving heart. He is a fixer and a planner. He needs thing to go by that plan or he really doesn’t get why it fell apart and suddenly Melanie is something he never planned but she has a problem he needs to fix and dang it he will do it.

Melanie has her own issues and while she usually includes Colton (and Hawk) in any problems this is something she thinks she needs to handle on her own. I love the way that Melanie is snide and quick witted. She doesn’t take any crap.

This is another great book by Rebecca Zanetti. And I can’t wait to read Hawk’s story. He might just turn into the cowboy I fall in love with the most. Oh, and I gave this book an extra .25 stars because any book that mentions Grease (my favorite movie) deserves a little extra.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Pleasures of Spring by Evie Hunter

SpringTITLE: The Pleasures of Spring
SERIES #: Pleasures #4
CHARACTERS: Roz & Andy
AUTHOR: Evie Hunter
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Roz Spring is an actress and a chameleon, the kind of woman who always lands on her feet. But even Roz can’t talk her way out of witnessing a murder, and she must go into hiding before the murderer comes for her. Andy McTavish has turned his back on a life of privilege to prove himself in the world of international security. Tall, dark and dangerous, Andy is the ultimate seducer who has never met a woman who can tame him. Roz needs his protection and, to get his family off his back, Andy needs a fake fiancée. The solution is obvious: pretend to be a couple. Getting up close and personal won’t be hard, as the chemistry between them is electrifying. As two practiced charmers drive each other beyond the limits of sensual endurance, they find their usual defences are no good. When the barriers come crashing down, a raw passion emerges that neither wants to admit.They know that when the murderer shows his hand, they will face a fight for life and freedom. And if they survive, what will happen when the need to pretend is over? The Pleasures of Spring is the latest sizzling standalone novel from Evie Hunter whose trademark combination is an addictive erotic story and a page-turning plot. If you’re an Evie fan, you won’t be disappointed. And if you’re new to Evie, well, you’re in for quite the delicious treat…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I was on the fence for more than half of the story not because it wasn’t good but because it was just too drawn out. I was tired of the same lines over and over. It seemed like the author(s) kept forgetting they had already told us about Roz’s poor upbringing and how she had to save her father. But the last part was fast paced and entertaining. I enjoyed the story for the most part.

A few things. Besides the constant reminder of Roz’s past the book was just a bit too long. I mean really 480 pages? It should have been cut by about 100. Andy is a interesting character but not the Dom that he claims to be. Yeah he likes control but he is more playboy/flirt than a Dom.

But this is Roz’s story and it is a good one. It closes off the series, which I guess they are doing with this book, nicely.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Once Upon A Billionaire by Jessica Clare

Once upon a billionaireTITLE: Once Upon A Billionaire
SERIES #: Billionaire Boys Club #4
CHARACTERS: Maylee & Griffin
AUTHOR: Jessica Clare
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success—at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They’re just not always as successful when it comes to love…

As a member of the royal family in a small European country, Griffin Verdi’s presence is requested at the wedding of the century. The scholarly billionaire feels out of his depth in social situations, so a good assistant is required—especially when dealing with royal etiquette.

Unfortunately for Griffin, he’s stuck with Maylee Meriweather, a pretty, charming, and thoroughly unsuitable woman who doesn’t know a thing about high society—but she sure can kiss. Her lack of polish may sink Griffin, because after all, even his money can’t buy class. But through Maylee’s eyes, he’s starting to appreciate the simple things in life—if simple means the most complicated woman he’s ever met.

Maylee is everything Griffin isn’t—and everything he wants—if he can let down his guard and step outside his sheltered world…

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. Maybe it was because it is the 4th in the series which I didn’t realize but I really think it was the writing. It had a youthful feel the writing and the way Maylee speaks seems “dumbed down” and stereotypical of what a southern is supposed to sound like.

I didn’t feel any kind of real connection between any of the characters even the men in the club. Just not my cup of tea I guess.

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

2hearts

Kimberly reviews Navy Seal Surrender by Angi Morgan

navy Seal SurrenderTITLE: Navy SEAL Surrender
SERIES #: Texas Family Reckoning #1
CHARACTERS: Alicia & John
AUTHOR: Angi Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A NAVY SEAL RETURNS TO TEXAS TO FIND HIS FAMILY IN TROUBLE AND HIS HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST

Navy SEAL John Sloane thought he’d come home to Texas to save the family ranch and reconnect with his estranged twin brother. He never expected to reunite with the girl whose heart he broke. But when Alicia Adams’s daughter is kidnapped, the fearless SEAL jumps into action.

However, the off-book op poses unfamiliar dangers to John, none more risky than his feelings for Alicia. To regain her trust and protect her from the kidnappers, he’ll risk his career and even his life. It all hinges on one daring scheme that could prove he’s the hero she needs or break her heart all over again.

REVIEW:
I don’t know… Something about this book is just off. Not sure what it is. The characters didn’t have a lot of connection and the writing wasn’t all that great but it was ok. The story is interesting and keeps your attention but something is just off.

John really didn’t have the SEAL feel to him. He messed up more often than not. He seemed over his head a lot of times in the story and then all of a sudden he would have this amazing thought that everyone ohhh’ed over. Alicia seems worthless if you ask me. She lets everyone just take advantage of her. I actually liked the twin brother Brian better than anyone so I will probably read the next in the series to see what happens with him.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Mine To Claim by A.C. Arthur

Mine To ClaimTITLE: Mine To Claim
SERIES #: Damaged Hearts #1
CHARACTERS: Grace & Aidan
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts—a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females—human or otherwise—from the savage fury of his own nature…In Mine to Claim by A.C. Arthur, Grace Kincaid has been trapped her whole life. Controlled in every way by her domineering parents, she has never had any moment of excitement or passion in all her eighteen years. When a rare night out with a friend ends in violence, Grace believes that perhaps her parents are right to keep her under lock and key. There’s just one problem—she can’t get the irresistibly sexy, mysterious man who saved her from danger out of her head. She knows she should go back to her safe world, but her newfound passion for life—and for her enigmatic protector—are making that impossible…Despite his strength and power, Aidan Sanchez cannot escape. Bound by his Shifter bloodline, he is repulsed by the very attributes his family wishes him to embrace. His main goal is to keep his more dangerous…hungers… under wraps. But when a fight at a club forces Aidan to protect the most alluring woman he’s ever seen, there’s no turning back. He knows he shouldn’t drag her into his world, but she’s awakened a fire within him, and for once, he’s willing to lose control if it means having Grace…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts While I didn’t see it anywhere I feel like this book is more YA then anything. While a sweet short paranormal it is written with a youthful feel. I liked Aidan, he seemed strong and alpha. Grace was wishy-washy if you ask me but I did like her. While obvious Aidan is a shifter there is no shifting until the last chapter which seemed odd to me. Good just young.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews All Fired Up on Vivian Arend

All Fired UpTITLE: All Fired Up
SERIES #: DreamMakers #1
CHARACTERS: Lynn & Parker
AUTHOR: Vivian Arend
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s ready to lead the way

Parker Wilson never thought he’d go from battle-hardened soldier to romance expert, but after his stint in the Rangers, that’s exactly what happened. As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., he helps other men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. When a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of passion, Parker’s mission becomes more personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.

She’s more than willing to follow

Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s just ditched her boring almost-boyfriend and is tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a bit of a hard time getting into this story. Not because of the storyline but the writing just seemed a bit off but within a few chapters I was in the flow of the writing and found myself enjoying it. I liked Parker. Lynn was just ok for me. But the interesting thing was the difference in profession these ex-Rangers took on. I like that they didn’t open a security office or private investigation agency. They opened a dating service. How cute is that?

I ended up really enjoying this story and all the little things that happened to this couple. I liked the connection between the three guys as well. Thought the first sex scene was a little weird considering how the book ended up but I guess it was easy enough to get through.

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

3hearts-68-77

Blog Tour Interview & Review: An American Werewolf in Hoboken by Dakota Cassidy

americanwerewolf

I have the amazingly talented Dakota Cassidy here today to talk about her new book, An American Werewolf in Hoboken.  I loved Max and “Fluffy” and I can’t get enough of Ms. Cassidy’s humor in her books.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m an old, ex-small-time beauty queen who writes books about crazy situations with a little romance and smexy. 🙂

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your book, An American Werewolf in Hoboken?

Max Adams is a werewolf cursed to die if he doesn’t find his life mate, convince her he’s the one for her in a little under a month, and has to lead a double life while he does it.  Because he ends up caught in full shift by Animal Control, and his life mate, JC Jensen mistakenly adopts him. 🙂

3. How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I always sort of thought wolves don’t look that much different than domestic dogs, so what would happen if one got caught by the pound, one who doesn’t necessarily look exactly like a wolf, but maybe a hybrid. I asked myself the same question I always do, “What if” and I took off from there. 🙂

4. What is the strangest thing that you had to research for a book?

You know, researching phone sex was really interesting.  I actually called a phone-sex operator.  She was really nice.  Her name was Cinderella 🙂

5. What are you working on now?

The Accidental Dragon and more werewolves for the new series!

6. Are there any authors that have influenced you to become a writer?

You know, this just sort of happened to me, but as I began to take this more seriously, I’d definitely have to say Nina Bangs, Sandra Hill and Judith McNaught were huge influences.

7. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Shut up. LOL! Seriously. Go write. DON’T talk about it. Don’t think about it too much. Just do it.

8. I’m a huge Walking Dead fan *cough* Daryl *cough* and I know that you are too, so do you have any other favorite TV shows at the moment?

Back off the Daryl, Jen! I love House of Cards, Blacklist, Resurrection, The Following — OMG, I could go on and on!

9. Favorite vacation spot?

I don’t take those very often, but I loved Key West.

10. Is there one food or drink that you have to have while writing?

Mostly I drink water — sometimes coffee, sometimes Peach Snapple.

Thank you so much for being here, Dakota.

I hope everyone will come check out Max and his whacky clan of werewolves. Please I need shoes. LOL! Thanks for having me, love!

About the Author:

dakotaDakota Cassidy lives for a good laugh in life and in her writing. In fact, she almost loves a good giggle as much as she loves hair products and that’s saying something.

Her goals in life are simple, (like really simple): banish the color yellow forever, create world peace via hot rollers and Aqua Net; and finally, nab every tiara in the land by competing in the Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss World pageants, then sweeping them in a stunning trifecta of much duct tape and Vaseline usage, all in just under one week. Oh, and write really fun books!

Dakota lives in Oregon with her dogs  and has a husband who puts the heroes in her books to shame.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

americanwerewolf

Wooing a life mate can be hard enough for a wolf, wooing one while under the threat of a curse even more so.

Wooing a mate while pretending to be her dog? Nearly impossible.

After being drugged and captured by Animal Control, Max Adams is on Hoboken’s doggie death row when his life mate adopts him, takes him home, and promptly names him Fluffy. While JC, in all her new-pet-owner-ness, feeds “Fluffy” vile kibble, dresses him in mortifying dog couture, and schedules to have his manhood removed, Max’s human side gets to know JC. Especially in the biblical sense. Hopefully well enough to make her fall madly in love, mate with him under the full moon, and move with him to Cedar Glen to live happily every after forever and ever amen. And fast.

Because the curse comes with a deadline…and the clock is ticking.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of An American Werewolf in Hoboken

Review (4.5 Stars): Max Adams is looking for his mate in Hoboken and has to find her before the first full moon to break a family curse.  He never expected to be drugged and captured in his wolf form by Animal Control and placed for adoption in an animal shelter.  JC Jensen is tired of having worthless boyfriends in her life and decides that adopting an animal will help her from falling for the wrong guy again.  She is instantly drawn to Max at the shelter and decides that he is the pet for her and takes “Fluffy” home.  Max knows that JC is the one that is destined to be his mate and has a month to convince her that they belong together.  So he “moves” in as her next door neighbor and also plays the part of “Fluffy” to get to know JC and as time goes on, falls in love with her.  He just has to convince her that she is his mate and not scare her by announcing that he and her precious dog “Fluffy” are one in the same and that he comes from a family of werewolves.

I love Dakota’s writing style because each of her books are filled with love and humor that always makes me laugh out loud.  I felt sorry for poor Max in the beginning because he got himself captured by Animal Control and had to deal with humiliation of being a pet dog named Fluffy.  He knew that JC was his mate at first sight and was surprised to learn that she was human and not a werewolf like him.  JC had the single life that a lot of us women had, meeting jerk after jerk and wondering if we would find anyone worthy in our lives.  She decided that adopting a pet was the answer and it was by bringing Max into her life.  They were great together as a couple and he made her feel as though she was treasured which is exactly what she needed.  I loved Max’s family because of everything they did for the residents of Cedar Glen and how accepting they were of JC without a second thought.  An American Werewolf in Hoboken is a sexy, hot romance that will having you laughing at all the trouble that Max gets into while trying to find his mate. I can’t wait to see which one of Max’s family has to take their journey to find their mate next.

Kimberly reviews How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day by Kate McKinley

Lose a DukeTITLE: How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day
SERIES #: What Happens in Scotland #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa & Lucas
AUTHOR: Kate McKinley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucas Alexander, the ninth Duke of Arlington, is a man who gets what he wants. So when he sees the alluring Miss Pippa Welby from across a crowded ballroom, he vows to make her his. But the bold and spirited Pippa has sworn never to marry into the haute ton. Now Lucas must win her the only way he knows how—one wicked kiss at a time.

The daughter of a wealthy tradesman, Pippa has been sneered at by the upper echelons her entire life. So when the duke arrives on her doorstep with an invitation to her own engagement ball—to him—in ten days, Pippa hatches a daring plan. She must lose the duke before the ball, or risk losing her own heart.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Based on the name I am sure anyone can guess the synopsis of the story. Just take the movie by a similar name and set it in historical times and make the man a Duke and yep for the most part you got it right.

This is a sweet story and a quick read with less than 100 pages. The characters are well formed and connect well. The spitfire between them is endearing. I had a couple of problems with it though. **Possible spoilers: First Lucas never really admits his feelings for her. Second she acquiesces to what he wants way too easily. And third I really don’t understand why the series name talks about Scotland when the couple is in London.** But again it is a sweet quick read and if you like historicals you should enjoy this one too.

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

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Laura Kaye’s Heart of the Anemoi Series

North of Need

Hearts of the Anemoi #1

#1

While attempting to escape the agonizing memories she associates with Christmas, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband-and collapses in tears against the snowman at the sight of what she’ll never have.

Called to life by the power of Megan’s tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.

Megan is drawn to Owen’s mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things, and her heart opens enough to believe he’s a Christmas miracle. But this miracle comes with an expiration-before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow’s grief and learn to trust love again, or she’ll lose Owen forever.

*****

West of Want

Hearts of the Anemoi #2

#2

Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she’s gravely injured–and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce–Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting…everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want–a love that can be trusted.

*****
South of Surrender

Hearts of the Anemoi #3

#3

She’s the only one who can see through his golden boy façade to the broken god within…

Chrysander Notos, Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer, is on a mission: save Eurus from his death sentence and prove his troubled brother can be redeemed. But Eurus fights back, triggering vicious summer storms that threaten the mortal realm, dangerously drain Chrys, and earn the ire of the Olympic gods who ordered Eurus dead.

Laney Summerlyn refuses to give up her grandfather’s horse farm, despite her deteriorating vision. More than ever, she needs the organized routine of her life at Summerlyn Stables, until a ferocious storm brings an impossible—and beautiful—creature crashing down from the heavens.

Injured while fighting Eurus, Chrys finds himself at the mercy of a mortal woman whose compassion and acceptance he can’t resist. As they surrender to the passion flaring between them, immortal enemies close in, forcing Chrys to choose between his brother and the only woman who’s ever loved the real him

*****

East of Ecstasy

Hearts of the Anemoi #4
Release day April 22, 2014

#4

Annalise Fallston made peace with postponing her big-city dreams to care for her ill father, but lately she’s been filled with a restlessness not even her beloved painting dispels. Worse, the colors don’t speak to her as they always have, and all her efforts produce dark, foreboding images of a dangerous man and a terrifying future.

Devlin Eston, black-souled son of the evil Anemoi Eurus, is the only one who can thwart his father’s plan to overthrow the Supreme God of Wind and Storms. But first, Dev must master the unstable powers he’s been given. Distrusted and shunned by his own divine family, he never expected to find kindness and passion in the arms of a mortal.

But Devlin’s love puts Annalise in the path of a catastrophic storm, and in the final Armageddon showdown between the Anemoi and Eurus, sacrifices will be made, hearts broken, and lives changed forever…or lost