Kimberly reviews Her Rogue Alpha by Paige Tyler

her rogue alphaTITLE: Her Rogue Alpha
SERIES #: X-Ops #5
CHARACTERS: Jayson & Layla
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/06/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE’LL DO ANYTHING FOR HER
Former Special Forces Lieutenant Jayson Harmon can’t believe that his war scars don’t matter to beautiful feline shifter Layla Halliwell. Why would she saddle herself with a broken man?

But Layla knows that Jayson is a hero to the core, and that only she can heal his wounded soul. So when Jayson is deployed on another deadly mission, no way is Layla staying behind…

REVIEW:
I have to admit that I have not followed this series very well. I think I have read two so far and then I stopped. Reading this story I sort of remembered why. This story is fine it just some things were driving me nuts. I got so tired of Jayson not being able to have some faith in himself. I mean shouldn’t he be a bit more of an alpha to be able to hand Layla? But he just is so low on himself I wanted to slap him sometimes.

I just didn’t really enjoy it but I will say that it might be because I have no read all of the series and this one seems to bring up everyone ever written about. I really believe you need to read the series in order to get the full understanding of this series.

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

3hearts-68-77

#TBT Kelly reviews Darkest Flame by Donna Grant ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

darkest flameTITLE: Darkest Flame
SERIES #: Dark Kings #1
CHARACTERS: Kellen & Denae Lacroix
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: April 29, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dark Kings have fought for centuries to preserve their dragon magic. But one of the most powerful warriors of his kind will be put to the ultimate test. Is he strong enough to resist his greatest temptations? Or will he be forced to surrender – body and soul?

Her beauty is a weapon

Denae Lacroix is a beautiful MI5 agent on a deadly mission. Sent to the Scottish Highlands to spy on the mysterious Dreagan Industries, she discovers too late that she’s been set up – as human bait. She is an irresistible lure for a man who has not seen or touched a woman for centuries. He is a man with a destiny – and a desire – that could destroy them both…

His passion is a curse…

It’s been twelve hundred years since Kellan has walked among humans – and there’s no denying the erotically charged attraction he feels for Denae. But as a Dragon King, he is sworn to protect his secrets. Yet the closer he gets to this smart, ravishing woman, the more her life is in danger. All it takes is one reckless kiss to unleash a flood of desire, the fury of dragons…and the fiercest enemy of all.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Kellen has been asleep for a very long time. So when he is woken up by a pair of humans fighting to say that he is not happy would be a major understatement. But when he sees the female take down the male even being hurt he is intrigued. But his hatred for humans makes the choice of saving or not saving the female hard. But once his choice is made he knows that his life will never be the same.

Being used as bait was not in the cards on this mission. But that is exactly what happened when Denea was assigned to this mission. But had she known the lengths & deeps of what this mission was or the trouble that would find her she may have refused to go on this mission.

Kellen & Denae are great together. I loved them. I am convinced that there is not much better then a Dragon shifter. Darkest Flame is an amazing start to Donna Grant’s new series, now granted there are 4 novella’s that can be found in Dark Heat. But Darkest Flame is the first book in the Dark King’s series. I so can’t wait to learn more about Tristan and the rest of the Dragon Kings!!! Oh and Rhi!!! I can’t wait to learn all of her secrets 🙂

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Natasha reviews Betrayal: Reckless Desires by Elianne Adams

BetrayalTITLE: Betrayal: Reckless Desires
CHARACTERS: Wesken & Amalija
SERIES: Dark Wolves #2
AUTHOR: Elianne Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: June 10, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wesken has been fooled by love, and scorched by betrayal, and he will not go through it again. He’s had his once in a lifetime mate, and she was a murderous traitor. Now, all he lives for is protecting his pack from the enemy.

After years of abuse, forgetting her past wasn’t easy, but Amalija has made a new life for herself in the Komoro pack. She has no allegiance to her old Alpha, but when her brother asks for help to save other Mahehkan women, Amalija will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Even if it means deceiving her mate.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is book 2 in Elianne’s Dark Wolves series. Unfortunately, I was not able to ready book 1 prior to starting book 2, but that’s ok! This book gives enough background that it can be read as a standalone. However, I have now downloaded book 1 just so my set can be complete. This is a really quick read, however you definitely feel connected to Wesken and Amalija (can we just swoon at this beautiful name!). These two are such a good match and I was rooting for them the entire time. There are also so many supporting characters that we will get to see get their own stories, so this is a very promising series!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

#TBT Kelly reviews Tattered Loyalties by Carrie Ann Ryan – Catch Up From The Beginning

tattered loyaltiesTITLE: Tattered Loyalties
SERIES #: Talon Pack #1
CHARACTERS: Gideon Brentwood & Brie Jamenson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 17, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When the great war between the Redwoods and the Centrals occurred three decades ago, the Talon Pack risked their lives for the side of good. After tragedy struck, Gideon Brentwood became the Alpha of the Talons. But the Pack’s stability is threatened, and he’s forced to take mate—only the one fate puts in his path is the woman he shouldn’t want.

Though the daughter of the Redwood Pack’s Beta, Brie Jamenson has known peace for most of her life. When she finds the man who could be her mate, she’s shocked to discover Gideon is the Alpha wolf of the Talon Pack. As a submissive, her strength lies in her heart, not her claws. But if her new Pack disagrees or disapproves of fate’s choice, the consequences could be fatal.

As the worlds Brie and Gideon have always known begin to shift, they must face their challenges together in order to help their Pack and seal their bond. But when the Pack is threatened from the inside, Gideon doesn’t know who he can trust and Brie’s life could be forfeit in the crossfire. It will take the strength of an Alpha and the courage of his mate to realize where true loyalties lie.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts After years of war, peace has started to settle in to the Packs worlds. Not that everything is quiet, but things are much better than they were 30 years ago. Gideon has been trying hard to make his pack strong again. A job easier said than done. But now the elders want to force Gideon to mate for the good of the pack. Only problem, he just found his mate. A mate that he is unsure that he wants or truly needs.

A great start to Carrie Ann Ryan’s new Talon Pack series. If you have not read the Redwood Pack series yet, you don’t have to but I would highly recommend that you do. There is a bit (okay a lot) of history the happens in the Redwood Pack series that flows over to the Talon Pack’s new series. But if you don’t just know that this series starts 30 years after the events that happen to change the Redwood Pack forever.

I loved this book. Loved Gideon (and his grumpy butt). Loved seeing Brie again all grown up and strong. I so can’t wait for the next book in this series. Bring on FINN!!!!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

 

Kimberly reviews To Love A Wolf by Paige Tyler

to love a wolfTITLE: To Love A Wolf
SERIES #: SWAT #4
CHARACTERS: Landry & Everly
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE’S FOUND THE ONE…
SWAT officer Landry Cooper is certain Everly Danu is The One. The problem is, she has no idea what Cooper really is. And as much as he wants to trust her, he’s not sure he can share his deepest secret…

When Everly’s family discovers Cooper’s a werewolf, her brothers will do anything to keep them apart-they’ll kill him if they have to. Everly is falling hard for the ridiculously handsome SWAT officer, and she’s not about to let her brothers tell her who she can love… Until Cooper’s secret is exposed and she discovers the man she thought she knew is a monster in disguise.

BUT CAN HE KEEP HER?

REVIEW:
Cooper wasn’t born a werewolf. That came from an incident in the Army and as we read about this incident we really start to care about Cooper. But after a while I just didn’t care about much in this story.

I have been having a hard time with this series but I keep giving it a shot. I usually enjoy shifter stories but this series just seemed over done and just not realistic. I know that sounds weird when we are talking a paranormal shape shifter story and I want “real” but we all know as a fan of paranormal romance we need to be able to believe the story.

I keep giving this series a try and probably will when the next one comes out but I can’t say it is high on my list of must read.

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

3hearts-68-77

#TBW Kelly’s review of Dire Needs by Stephanie Tyler – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: DIRE NEEDS
Book 1: Eternal Wolf Clan Series
AUTHOR: Stephanie Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/06/2012
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N | Powell’s

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The full moon is their mistress. They are predators of pleasure and pain. Feared by humans, envied by werewolves, the Dire Wolves are immortal shifters, obeying no laws but their own bestial natures. Once they were many, but now only six remain, a dangerous wolfpack forever on the hunt…

Rifter leads the pack, embracing the lifestyle and ethics of an outlaw biker even as he battles an ancient enemy who has become a new, powerful force. But with his Brother Wolf raging inside him, howling to be unleashed, he needs to satisfy his hungers. And when he meets a drop-dead gorgeous blonde drinking alone in a bar that caters to both human and inhuman, Rifter’s primal instinct is to claim her.

Gwen has her own desires, long unfulfilled. She hopes a passionate night with the leather-clad, Harley-riding biker will ease her suffering. The seizures that have wracked her body her entire life are incurable—and they’re killing her.

But none of that will matter if Rifter can’t stop the growing threat to them all–trappers who are determined to enslave humankind and use the Dire wolves as part of their nefarious plan.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly           
NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this story.  As with most first books in a series there is a lot of world building and introductions of characters.  And boy are there characters in this book.   I am already looking forward to Jinx, Vice, Rogue, Stray & Liam’s books. Oh and don’t forget the twins…. But I am getting to far ahead of myself, back to the review. Dire Needs is Rifter and Gwen’s story.

Rifter is the reluctant leader of the last remaining Dires (an immortal werewolf).  The last thing Rifter ever expected to find was Gwen.  Trouble, Yes!!  Danger, Yes!!  But Gwen, Never.  Now he can’t do anything but think about her.  When Gwen is put in danger Rifter does what any wolf would do to protect his mate.  He fights to the death for her.  But how can this human be his mate? He and his brothers are cursed to never find mates.  This has to be some cruel joke, but will Rifter fight for what he wants or fight against fate?

Gwen doesn’t have much time left.  She is a walking time bomb and one of these days she will die.  So Gwen decides it is time to live her life and do the one thing that she has never done before, fight a man.  Gwen lives for now, not the past that tries to haunt her, not the future she will never have, but now, because that is all she has left.  When Gwen sees Rifter for the very first time, she know he is just what she has been looking for.  What Gwen doesn’t know is how the beautiful stranger will completely change her life in a very, very short time.

So back to what I was saying about the characters.  The cast of characters in this book are great.  Each has such strong personalities.  Vice, is cocky (wink, wink) to a fault, Jinx is so caring, Rogue is lost, Stray is quite, Liam is angry, and the twins, well the twins are just naughty.   

I loved Rifter.  He is strong, stubborn, loyal and willing to protect everyone even if it means to sacrifice himself.  Everything a born leader should be. Now that he has found his Queen he is finally ready to step into the role of leader.

I look forward to seeing where Stephanie takes us next in this series.   Thank you Stephanie for the opportunity to review your book.  

Kelly reviews Smoke And Fire by Donna Grant

smoke & fireTITLE: Smoke & Fire
SERIES #: Dark Kings #9
CHARACTERS: Kinsey & Ryder
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wanted to touch him. There had always been something about being in his arms that made her feel as if she could tackle anything and the world wouldn’t dare get in her way…

SWORN TO PROTECT
A dragon shapeshifter and a computer mastermind, Ryder is sent to guard Glasgow after a devastating Dark attack. But when memories of an explosive affair come back to him-in the flesh-Ryder cannot help but want to protect the woman who haunts his dreams. Even if means shifting into the dragon he was never supposed to reveal…

DRIVEN TO DESIRE
Kinsey could never get enough of Ryder. His every touch only left her wanting more. But now that she’s seen him in his true form, Kinsey’s world is rocked to the core. She knows that to stay-and feel-alive, she must be with Ryder. But is Kinsey’s passion worth the risk of danger that comes with being a part of Ryder’s dark and fierce world?

REVIEW:
Smoke & Fire is a little different story than our normal Dark King book. This is a story of a second chance at love. Ryder, our jelly donut loving dragon, whom we all love is reunited with the love of his life after many years. But there is something strange about the time of Kinsey’s arrival. Can she be trusted? Is she who she really says she is? And how far is Ryder willing to go to protect her and when back her love?

As always Ms. Grant writes a story that makes us fall in love with the Dragon Kings all over again. But at times Ryder’s story seemed to drag on a little. I think that the events that happened in Smoke & Fire are going to lead to some huge changes in the Dragon Kings world. Rhi’s storyline is getting deeper and deeper. Balladyn is changing yet staying the same, which makes it really hard to like him, yet I don’t hate him as much.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. What is next for the Kings, what is next for Balladyn, what is next for Rhi.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply by Terry Spear

alpha wolf needTITLE: Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #19
CHARACTERS: Eric & Pepper
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/03/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wolf shifter and park ranger Eric Silver is committed to his job policing spectacular San Isabel National Forest, and he’s hot on the scent of some mysterious wolves who are up to no good. When Eric’s investigation leads him to cross paths with forester Pepper Grayling, he’s fascinated to learn this she-wolf is her pack’s leader — strong, independent, and definitely not looking for a mate.

With unknown dangers on the prowl, Pepper is tempted to give in to her attraction to Eric and align her pack with his. But Pepper’s been pursued by many alpha males–all out to take over her pack and gain her hard-won territory–and Eric is a born leader. How does Eric earn the trust of a she-wolf who’s been betrayed so often in the past?

REVIEW:
This is the 19th in this series and I have to say that I have not even read half of them. This one was just ok to me.

They can be read as a stand alone and like I said sort of have been for me. The story had a bit of a slow start but then was fine. Pepper is a very strong female alpha and I just didn’t feel that Eric was alpha enough to be with her.

Don’t get me wrong. The romance is fine it is just not one of favorites from Terry Spear.

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

3hearts-68-77

#TBF Kelly reviews Ready To Were by Robyn Peterman – Catch Up From The Beginning

ready to wereTITLE: Ready to Were
SERIES #: Shift Happens series #1
CHARACTERS: Hank Wilson & Ester “Essie” McGee
AUTHOR: Robyn Peterman
PUBLICATION DATE: November 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I never planned on going back to Hung Island, Georgia. Ever.

I was a top notch Were agent for the secret paranormal Council and happily living in Chicago where I had everything I needed – a gym membership, season tickets to the Cubs and Dwayne – my gay, Vampyre best friend. Going back now would mean facing the reason I’d left and I’d rather chew my own paw off than deal with Hank.

Hank the Tank Wilson was the six foot three, obnoxious, egotistical, perfect-assed, best-sex-of-my-life, Werewolf who cheated on me and broke my heart. At the time, I did what any rational woman would do. I left in the middle of the night with a suitcase, big plans and enough money for a one-way bus ticket to freedom. I vowed to never return.

But here I am, trying to wrap my head around what has happened to some missing Weres without wrapping my body around Hank. I hope I don’t have to eat my words and my paw.

***This novella originally appeared in the Three Southern Beaches collection released July of 2014. This is an extended version of that story

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This was such a fun book. Robyn does a great job of adding in just enough snark and humor into all of her books. While still telling a great story that tugs at your heart strings and makes you feel really bad for the bad guys. I for one can’t wait to see what is next in this series. The secondary characters were just as much fun as Hank & Essie.
Bring on more Shift Happens books.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

#TBT Kimberly’s Review of An Alpha Path by Carrie Ann Ryan – Catch Up From The Beginning

 

TITLE: An Alpha’s Path
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE:   12/01/11
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she’s to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date – a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she’s to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – but he is more than what he appears and Melanie’s analytical mind goes into overdrive.

Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night away from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly Wise            
NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
Kade and Melanie meet on a blind date. It is meant to be a one night stand but when Kade sees and smells her he knows Melanie is his mate. But how do you convince a human she is meant to be the mate of a werewolf?

This is the first in the Redwood Pack series. It is a short story of about 50 pages. And it is a great short read. It will only take about an hour or two to read it but if you like man/wolf stories then you will want this book to add to your stories.

It was hard for me to get passed the werewolf terminology. Lovers of paranormal books have come to call them shape-shifters and honestly it reads better. Werewolves make you think of a hairy man walking around but Kade does actually become a wolf. And once you realize he is not going to look like “Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man” version of a werewolf it is better. **Possible spoiler – but I doubt it ** The book could have been a little longer so it did not feel so rushed for answers and we could have met Kade’s opponent in Melanie’s love and it would have read a little better but that being said I enjoyed it and I have the next two books in my hands (FYI: which are longer) and I think they will be just as enjoyable.

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler – Catch Up From The Beginning

her perfect mateTITLE: Her Perfect Mate
SERIES #: X-Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Landon Donovan & Ivy Halliwell
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Special Forces Captain Landon Donovan is picked for an assignment with the Department of Covert Affairs, he’s stunned to find his new partner is a beautiful woman who looks like she couldn’t hurt a fly, much less take down a terrorist.

Ivy Halliwell isn’t your average covert op. Her feline DNA means she can literally bring out the claws when things get dicey. She isn’t thrilled to be paired with yet another military grunt, but Landon is different. He doesn’t think she’s a freak and he’s smokin’ hot.

Soon they find themselves facing a threat even greater than anyone imagines…and an animal magnetism impossible to ignore.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts To say Ivy is a little gun shy when it comes to her newest partner is an understatement. Ivy has not had the best track record with her partners. But there is something about Landon something that puts her at ease. But even that makes her a bit nervous.

Landon is not very happy to be pulled off of his mission and forced to come back stateside. That is until he learns who is new partner is and what she can do.

Landon & Ivy make such a great team. From the save on the rope cross I knew this was going to be a great story. The interaction between these two was so much fun.

This is my first Paige Tyler book and I am totally in love with the world that she created. These are not your ordinary shifters! Oh no this shifters. Should I tell you? I am not sure. You will just have to pick up a copy of Her Perfect Mate and find out for yourself.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts As different as this book was I really enjoyed it. Maybe I enjoyed it because of how different it is. First has much as it claims to be a shifter story the shift is different. Ivy never really becomes a cat. She can bring out her cat tendencies like claws, night vision, climbing, etc but she never actually turns into a cat. Landon is a cool character. He seems to just accept her unique qualities and while he jokes it is in fun and not to be mean. I enjoyed them together.

The one problem I have is Ivy is supposed to be one of the best but she seems to mess up a bit too much. But that is a minor problem. I really hope that the next story is Angelo’s. I love the friendship Landon and he have. Looking forward to the next in the series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

 

Kelly reviews Bearly Accidental by Dakota Cassidy

bearly accidentalTITLE: Bearly Accidental
SERIES #: Accidentals #12
CHARACTERS: Cormac, Teddy and the OOPS Crew
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: February 13, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At the request of their friend Antonia (Accidentally Ever After), Wanda, Marty and Nina find themselves trekking up a snowy mountainside, in search of Toni’s brother. Wanted by the mob, Cormac Vitali is hiding out in the Colorado Wilderness, where the ladies from OOPS finally catch up to him…freshly tranq’d by a bounty hunter.

Bear shifter Teddy Gribanov realized Cormac was her life mate about five minutes after shooting his big muscly bod with her trusty dart gun. She’d be shocked by that revelation, if she wasn’t too busy getting stabbed, shot, and hunted down by a crooked cop and the Russian mob. Oh, and her psycho ex, freshly sprung from the pokey, and hell bent on making Teddy pay for putting him there.

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it—and when it’s least convenient. Join Wanda, Marty and Nina, manservant Archibald, sweet zombie Carl, and demon Darnell as they hatch a plan to bring down everyone standing in the way of Teddy and Cormac’s accidental happily ever after.

REVIEW:
Another very fun adventure with the ladies of OOPS. This time around the are on a bear hunt and end up with a few grumpy bears on there hands. And of course a few bad guys that are determined to end them all. But like all Accidental stories Nina, Wanda and Marty figure out a way to save the day with grand fanfare and hopefully minimal injuries.
Well….. minimal might not be true in this one. Shot… I almost gave you too much…..
I have really enjoyed this series and can not wait to see what is next for the ladies of OOPS and the crew they call family.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts