Kelly reviews A Fantasy Medley 3 by Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle, Aliette DeBodard & Jacqueline Carey

TITLE: A Fantasy Medley 3
SERIES #: Iron Druid Chronicles #0.3
AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle, Aliette DeBodard & Jacqueline Carey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In “Goddess at the Crossroads,” Kevin Hearne shares a thrillingly memorable episode from the past of his popular Iron Druid Chronicles hero Atticus O’Sullivan, revealing how one night’s dark encounter with the cult of Hecate served as inspiration for Shakespeare’s witches in the Scottish play.

With “Ashes,” Laura Bickle revisits Detroit arson investigator and powerful spirit medium Anya Kalinczyk as she, her five-foot-long salamander familiar Sparky, and Hades’ Charon pursue a destructive fire elemental named the Nain Rouge through the city’s festival in his dubious honor.

“The Death of Aiguillon” finds Aliette de Bodard exploring an episode sixty years prior to the start of her latest novel, The House of Shattered Wings, in which the survivors of an ongoing magical conflict in Paris eke out a grim existence, and one woman’s wish for a better life is granted at a terrible price.

And in “One Hundred Ablutions,” Jacqueline Carey, author of the much-beloved Kushiel’s Legacy series, tells the tale of Dala—a young woman chosen by her people’s overlords to be an exalted slave among slaves—and of the twining in her life of ritual, rebellion, and redemption.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I read this one for Kevin Hearn’s Goddess at the Crossroads
As with all of Kevin’s IDC stories it is so much fun to watch and learn more about Atticus’ past. It was a lot of fun to listen to Atticus tells Granuaile and Oberon his adventure with Mr. William Shakespeare. And of course it is great to hear Oberon’s take of this harrowing tell. Silly dog.
As one who has listened to all of the IDC via audio (Thanks Luke Daniels) it is sometimes hard to read these short stories because I miss Luke reading to me. Maybe Luke will get his hands on this story and read it to me (hint, hint Luke). I can’t wait for January 2016 for the next installment of the IDC series.

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

December 31, 2015December 28, 2015

Kelly reviews Dream Of You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

TITLE: Dream of You
SERIES #: Waiting for You #4.5
CHARACTERS: Colton Anders & Abby Erickson
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: June 23, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Abby Erickson isn’t looking for a one-night stand, a relationship, or anything that involves any one-on-one time, but when she witnesses a shocking crime, she’s thrust into the hands of the sexiest man she’s ever seen – Colton Anders. His job is to protect her, but with every look, every touch, and every simmering kiss, she’s in danger of not only losing her life but her heart also.

REVIEW:
Loved this story. Abby is the girl that we can all relate too. She is dealing with heartbreak and learning to live again. She is also learning that what she sees is not what everyone else sees.
Colton Anders is the man that we all dream of. He is amazingly good looking, humble ;), will bring you pastries in the morning and will fix your broken window on his day off. But what is best about Colton is that he loves with his whole heart!!
These two were great!!

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

December 30, 2015December 28, 2015

Gift Ideas for the Book Lover #64

Viviana, Enchantress of Books presents “Gift Idea For The Book Lover”! Hope everyone had a great Christmas/Holiday season! I’m sure many of you got gift cards and/or some cash… wouldn’t you love to spend it on something that is just ‘you’? Check out this week’s “Gift Idea For The Book Lover” or visit the main page to look through past weeks for some awesome items!! I love to hear what you think, let me know which is your favorite?

Cats Books Tea Heart Pendant, Book Lover Gift, Book Quote Necklace, Librarian, Book Addict, Book Worm, Librarian Quote, Teacher Gift

By PendantLab

$14.95 (plus S&H)

Cats Books Tea Heart Pendant

This hand crafted pendant was made with beautifully printed artwork which has been seated in a solid metal plate and covered with a crystal clear glass dome. The glass dome has a slight magnifying effect and gives the image real depth.

Dimensions: 1″ x 1″ (2,5cm x 2,5cm)

I’ll Take Books Shirt. Book Lover Graphic Tee. Love? No Thanks, I’ll Take Books. Unisex Sizing Adult Shirt.
By GoodWitchBoutique
$18.00 (plus S&H)
Books never let you down, so it shouldn’t be surprising you prefer a good book over everything else. That’s why you need this Love? No Thanks, I’ll Take Books tee.

Unisex sizes Small- XL. Choose your size and color from the menu.

Set of 7 Book Lovers Pencil Set — Pastel Colors, Imprinted Pencils, Engraved Pencils, Booknerd Gift, Bookish Gift

By IceyDesigns

$13.95 (plus S&H)

We picked out the finest pencils, our favorite quotes, and imprinted them by hand right here at home. The shimmery, midnight-blue foil on gorgeous pastel shades—what’s not to love? The pencils are hex, which won’t roll of your desk and really lend to that rich, nostalgic, cozy home feel, something round pencils can never achieve.

Quotes included in this set:
♠ I Heart Books
♠ I Read YA
♠ Book Nerd
♠ Coffee & Books
♠ Once Upon A Time
♠ Books are My Happy Place (find a matching print and journal here: http://etsy.me/1HLFMfv)
♠ Certified Book Addict

The set of seven pencils comes ready for gift-giving in a clear cello bag.
♠ Ready for gift-giving
♠ #2 lead with latex-free erasers

♠ Made in the USA

Book Lover’s Hand Towel Set – Literary Bath Decor – Book Nerd Towels – Book Bath Decor – Reader’s Bath Gift – Book Nerd Towel – Blue Towel

By outofmyhead

$24.00 (plus S&H)

An embroidered book lover’s hand towel set featuring the phrases ‘Book Nerd’ and ‘Readers Gonna Read’ with coordinating embellished ribbon detail. What a lovely, literary detail to add to any bath decor!

These thick, white cotton, terry cloth hand towels feature my machine embroidered ‘Book Nerd’ and ‘Readers Gonna Read’ in a variety of blue toned threads. I have also embellished the towel’s edge with a coordinating blue and white patterned ribbon. Gorgeous colors and one-of-a-kind! Perfect for the Book Nerd in your life!

As with all my embroidery designs, I am happy to work with you to create a custom garment using any of my designs (or finding a new one for you!) and sewing it onto a custom shirt, bag, blanket, hat, towel, bib, etc. Please convo. me with your ideas!

If items are no longer available, please contact the seller to request further information.

Click here to see more gift ideas!!

Visit us every Wednesdays for more awesome gift/present ideas for you or the

Book Lover in your life!!!

December 30, 2015December 28, 2015

Kelly reviews Headed For Trouble by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Headed For Trouble
CHARACTERS: Ian Campbell & Neve McKay
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SHE’S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.

Nine years ago, Neve McKay fled her small Southern town and disapproving family to seek a career in the big city. Now she’s finally coming home – and hoping for a fresh start. But the relationship that shattered her world still haunts her. And even among her nearest and dearest, she doesn’t feel safe.

CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?

Ian Campbell is a pure Scottish muscle – as hard and handsome as they come. But when Neve walks into his bar, his heart melts . . . and he vows to have this gorgeous and somewhat vulnerable woman in his life – for better or for worse. What is Neve’s tragic secret? And how can Neve expect Ian to protect her, when doing so could put his own life at risk? The only thing Ian knows for sure is that he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm’s way – and in his loving arms.

Read an excerpt HERE

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Neve’s story is heart breaking. She was so young and navie when she left home and sadly she had to learn a few of life’s lessons the hard way. But she has finally returned home, but she knows that it will only be a matter of time before trouble comes knocking on her door again.

Another great start of a series by Ms. Walker. I really enjoyed reading about the McKay family. In Headed for Trouble we meet Moira (the oldest), Brannon (the middle) and Neve (the baby). While we get to see each of the McKay’s and learn a little bit about each of them and the issues that they are having, but in Headed for Trouble we focus Neve.
While Neve’s story is heartbreaking. It was great to see her grow and learn how to trust. But had to be kinda easy with a hunky man like Ian Campbell. Because we all know that deep down we all want some hot scottish, kilt wearing guy to sweep us off our feet. I loved Ian. He is great and totally perfect for Neve.
I enjoyed this story a lot, even if it gain me anxiety while I was reading 🙂
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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.

December 30, 2015December 28, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The New Year’s Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander

TITLE: The New Year’s Wish
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Garrett
AUTHOR: Dani-Lyn Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Typing out memos is anything but torturous when your boss is this hot! Dani-Lyn Alexander’s irresistible new yuletide romance is a lighthearted office romp that will make you long for the company holiday party.

Olivia Calloway isn’t cut out for the nine-to-five life. She’s a born entrepreneur. She just has to figure out her soul’s true calling—and she’s given herself until the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve to do it. With her trust fund dwindling and only two and a half months to go, she takes an assistant position at prestigious law firm Harris & Harris. The problem is, Olivia’s a terrible employee—incessantly late, forgetful, and clumsy. Not that her gorgeous new boss Garrett Emerson seems to mind. Beautiful, charming Olivia has been on his mind ever since she ran into him, literally, sprinting to the interview. But Olivia’s first big assignment—to plan an elaborate last minute New Year’s Eve party for the entire company—could make or break her job entirely. With Ms. Harris herself demanding perfection, a jealous office rival rooting for Olivia to lose, and even Garrett dreading the affair, can Olivia finally prove herself—or will an unforeseen complication send her back to the drawing board? All she wants for the holidays is to be her own boss—and to ignite the flirtatious sparks between her and Garrett…so she can file their relationship under love.

REVIEW:
Ever had one of THOSE days? Well Olivia has one of those lives. She can’t get anywhere on time. She forgets important things. She is just a mess. The problem is so much happens to Olivia that it got old kind of quickly. And giving this book is only about 75 pages that is saying something.

Garrett is a single dad who is trying to make his daughter his first priority while still making a living. I liked Garrett even though really this was not his story. This story is more about Olivia and her blunders. There is also his daughte.. And the author did a pretty good job of speaking for her even though sometimes she sounds older than her 5 years.

All in all this is a cute short story. Will it get you in the holiday mood? Nope but it is a quick read and enjoyable.

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

December 29, 2015December 22, 2015

Spotlight Feature of Shiloh Walker’s Headed for Trouble

First in an all-new trilogy!

Headed for Trouble

Book #1 in The McKay’s

Release date December 29, 2015

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound | iBooks

SHE’S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.

CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?

Excerpt from Headed for Trouble:

“You might as well quit the flirting. We both know you changed your mind.”

“And who said I changed my mind?” he asked, looking put out. He crossed his arms over his chest.

“You did.” She gave a lazy shrug. “I saw it on your face, clear as day.” The look on his face was a challenge, but she couldn’t let herself meet it, even if she could find that part of herself that would want to.

Because she wasn’t sure she trusted herself, she sat down on the dock and dangled her legs over the edge, staring down into the dark water. Under the trees, it was almost cool here. Almost. Not quite. “You’ve been here for a little while—a few months or more, at least, I’m going to assume. So you’ve probably heard a few rumors, and I can’t say I blame you for deciding I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”

Boards creaked under him as he sat down next to her.

From the corner of her eye, she could see the way faded denim stretched over hard thighs, denim so worn it was going white at the seams. His T-shirt bore the logo for Manchester United and it was almost as faded as the denim. It would be soft against his skin, she thought. And under it, his skin would be incredibly hard and warm.

She wanted to curl her hands into his shirt, straddle his thighs, and rub herself against him. And she wanted to yell at him for making her think she could maybe have the small promise of oblivion with him.

You’ve lost your mind.

All this time with a nonexistent libido and now it was going haywire on her. To make matters worse, it wasn’t even lust driving her now. She’d known that from the sucker punch of pain that had hit her when the heat in Ian’s eyes had cooled, the moment he’d realized who she was.

“I’ve never been one to put much stock in rumors, Neve McKay,” he said softly.

“Really.” Turning her head, she studied him. “So the hot-to-cold act was all because you figured out I’m Brannon’s little sister? Then why are you running warm again? I’m still his sister.”

A pained look crossed his face. “You aren’t one for the easy way, are you?”

“Are you kidding?” She laughed bitterly. “I love the easy way. But the easy way hates me. I figured that out ages ago. Besides, life isn’t easy.”

Ian leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees. “Brannon, he’s one of my best friends. Has been since university. We met in London and it was like we’d known each other our whole lives.” His voice was distant now as he gazed into the water. “Like a brother, he is.”

Now he looked up and met her gaze. “I take issue when people hurt those I care about,” he said. “And . . . ”

She stiffened. Curling her hands around the boards, she focused on the far side of the bank. “Well, I’ll give you points for the loyalty you show your friends then.” She forced her fingers to unclench from the boards and went to stand.

“It’s not just that.” He caught her wrist before she could rise.

It was instinct that had her jerking back, instinct that had her pulse stopping than accelerating in fear.

It didn’t go unnoticed by Ian, either, damn him.

Although he said nothing, he let go.

She managed to rise to her feet in a slow, unhurried motion. “Look, it doesn’t matter. You’re Brannon’s friend and it’s not a secret that I’ve got some fences to mend when it comes to my family.” She gave him an easy smile and an easy shrug before she turned and headed down the dock. “But it’s probably wiser all around if you just stop this . . . whatever this is. The hot-and-cold thing gets old and I—”

The words froze in her throat as she turned and found him just a foot away.

Whoa. He was quiet. Big. Sexy. Quiet.

And he watched her with eyes that saw a lot deeper than she liked.

“The problem with stopping the hot-and-cold thing is that there is no cold.” He lifted a hand and caught one of her curls, twining it around his finger. His gaze, dark and seductive, richer than melted chocolate, held hers. “I look at you and feel nothing but fire.” in me, Neve. I think you know it, too. Now if it was just fire, then it wouldn’t be such a problem. Fire is all well and good, but it’s easy . . . and sometimes over in a flash. But this . . . ” He moved a hand between them. “I don’t think it’s just fire. You feel it, too. That’s why you’re so nervous. That’s why you’re so afraid.”

Her heart knocked up against her ribs.

“Well. Aren’t you arrogant?” she said, surprising herself with how steady her voice sounded.

“Is it arrogance when we both know I’m right?”

He took another step, taking away a few of those precious inches between them, twining a bit more of her hair around his finger. She had to tilt her head back now to hold his gaze.

“I made a misstep when I let things I didn’t understand influence any decision I made,” he murmured, his eyes falling from hers now.

He was rubbing her hair, his thumb stroking back and forth over the curl he was toying with.

She could just barely see it but the action was oddly mesmerizing.

“There are, after all, two sides to every story, aren’t there?”

Now his gaze lifted back to hers.

Swallowing, Neve tried for a snide tone as she asked, “Oh, is this where you ask me to explain my side of what happened?”

“No. This is where I kiss you.”

If he’d given her any more warning, she might have been able to . . . to . . .

Oh, hell. Neve couldn’t have done anything. Anything but grab at his shoulders and hold on tight.

Read more about the McKays! HERE

A little about Shiloh:

Shiloh Walker is an award-winning writer…yes, really! She’s also a mom, a wife, a reader and she pretends to be an amateur photographer. She published her first book in 2003. Her newest series, Secrets and Shadows, launched with Deeper than Need, followed by Sweeter than Sin and Darker than Desire.

She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance, and urban fantasy under the name J.C. Daniels.

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015

Release Day Blitz: Smoldering Hunger by Donna Grant

Smoldering Hunger

(Dark Kings Series, #8)

His kisses were soul stirring, leaving her gasping and hungry for more. They pulled her from the wasteland of her life viciously and ruthlessly. With just one kiss she was clinging to him, silently begging him to show her all that one brush of his lips had promised.

TEMPTING FATE

Darius is back. Edinburgh thought it had seen the last of this seductive Dragon King, but that was before Darius found something worthwhile. He just can’t stay away from the impossibly beautiful Dr. Sophie Martin—even though he knows that a passion this strong could prove detrimental…for them both.

CRAVING DESIRE

Sophie tried to forget her encounter with smoking-hot Darius to no avail. He’s in her dreams, tempting her. But her association with Darius catches the attention of another, putting her in mortal danger. . .and Darius, who has vowed to protect her, is her only hope. But can she trust the notorious dragon shapeshifter? The only thing she knows for sure is that she cannot resist him…

Available for purchase at

Excerpts

SMOLDERING HUNGER Excerpt 2“Sophie?”

She blinked and looked down to find Claire watching her with a worried look in her brown eyes. Sophie shot her a smile, but Claire cocked her blonde head to the side and put a hand on her hip, telling Sophie she wasn’t buying the act for a second.

“Just lost in thought,” Sophie said with a shrug.

Claire raised her brows as she regarded Sophie. “By that look, I’d say it was a man.”

A man? Darius was so much more. His presence seemed to make the earth still, waiting for his order. He commanded without a word, dominated with a look from his dark brown gaze.

Man? No man she’d ever met could be so strong and imposing.

And sexy.

Her mouth went dry thinking of the hard line of his jaw and his lips that were soft and insistent. His eyes could cut coldly, but they could also blaze with a fire so hot that it could melt the sun.

She knew what desire looked like reflected in his chocolate-colored depths. His eyes softened, turned downright sensual as he held her gaze, challenging her to try and look away.

All the while his gorgeous body with rippling muscles brought her higher and higher, giving her ecstasy the likes she’d never known.

And never known she could have.

If she hadn’t been sore the next morning when she woke, she might have thought it all a dream.

“I don’t know who he is, but you need to see him again,” Claire said, breaking into Sophie’s thoughts again. Her smile was wide, a knowing look in her eyes.

Sophie swallowed and smoothed a hand over her hair to make sure the thick length was still in place. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Uh, huh,” Claire said with a wink. “Two weeks ago you walked in here with a flush to your skin and a smile on your lips. You wore the look of a woman who had been rode well. Ever since, you occasionally get that look in your eyes. I’m telling you as your friend, Soph, go see him again. Because if I could find a man who could make me look like that after sex, I’d chain him to my bed.”

This time Sophie’s laugh wasn’t forced. She knew all too well Claire’s issues with men. She was a petite, pretty woman who had a bright smile and infectious laugh, and yet every guy she was interested in preferred someone else. Worse, it was all the wrong sorts of men who were attracted to Claire.

If Sophie thought her years without a date was a long time, Claire wasn’t behind her by far. It was why the two of them had become such good friends.

Sophie leaned down and whispered in Claire’s ear, “The sex was out of this world, but he’s also out of the picture.”

She walked away, leaving Claire with her mouth gaping and questions in her eyes. Sophie inwardly laughed, because it was a rare thing when she got to shock Claire. Normally, it was Claire who astonished her on a daily basis.

Sophie turned the corner and found a man leaning against the wall staring at her. He was drop dead gorgeous in his dark red sweater and jeans.

He wore a small smile about his wide lips as his golden eyes stared at her. His long black hair was pulled back showing off the hard planes of his face.

It unnerved her how he watched her, as if she were something to be studied under a microscope. Sophie pulled her gaze away from him, and stopped dead in her tracks when spotted Darius.

Her heart thumped in her chest and her stomach fell to her feet. She couldn’t decide if she was excited to see him or surprised. Especially after just thinking of him.

The strands of his long, dark blond hair was windblown. Just disheveled enough to make him even sexier. His hair, in addition to the five o’clock shadow of a beard, made her blood race and her hands itch to touch him, to run her hands up his chest and over his thick shoulders once more.

He watched her with his deep brown eyes without a hint of any emotion. While she was reeling from seeing him after so long and her body instantly beginning to throb with need, he felt…nothing.

Sophie knew what kind of disaster lay with Darius. She swore to never go down that path again. As tempting as he was – and good Lord was he tempting – she fortified the walls around her heart.

She walked into her patient’s room without a backward look to Darius. If only it was as easy to erase him from her thoughts as it was to look away.

The Dark Kings Series

About the Author

Donna Grant is the New York Timesand USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

You can find Donna at

Presented By

December 29, 2015December 16, 2015

Spotlight Feature: Maya Banks’ Mastered

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Surrender Trilogy and the Breathless Trilogy knows what makes readers hot. Now she turns it up in Mastered, the explosive first book in a new series of a desire too dangerous to resist.

What he wants, he takes with no remorse or guilt.

She stood out in his club like a gem, unspoiled and untouched. A lamb among wolves, she clearly didn’t belong. Drawn to her innocence he watched as she was surrounded by men who saw what he did—but no one but him could touch her. He summoned her to his private quarters. He sensed her fear. He also recognized the desire in her eyes. And he knew she wouldn’t leave before he possessed her. She had no need to know his secrets. Not until he had her under his complete and utter control.

What he wants, she isn’t sure she can give him.

The moment he told her want he wanted, she couldn’t resist. Instinct told her to run, but her heart said stay and walk the fine line between pleasure and pain. Though she wasn’t sure she could ever completely surrender, the primal part of her wanted to try, even knowing this man could break her in ways she never imagined. Because once he possessed her, he owned her and it would be too late to turn back. She can only pray that he doesn’t destroy her in the end.

Mastered Excerpt: http://mayabanks.com/books/mastered/#excerpt

*****

Author Bio: Maya Banks is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas. Visit her website at www.mayabanks.com.

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015

Kelly & Kimberly review My Kind Of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: My Kind of Wonderful
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #2
CHARACTERS: Hudson Kincaid & Bailey Moore
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 22, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE…

Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she’s determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn’t realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn’t want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn’t the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she’s not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family’s resort, Hud thinks he’s seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he’s been missing far too long. Now he’ll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts It was awesome to be back in Cedar Ridge!! I love the Kincaid family. I love how they ban together to tease each other and make each others lives less than fun, because that is what family does. But family also stands by you and pushes you when you have screwed up beyond belief and the only thing left to do is to grovel.
I loved Hudson and Bailey. Hudson is such a sweet guy trying so hard to not let people in, too not feel and to not ever hurt again. But poor Hudson just walked into a storm unlike any other storm he has ever experienced. That stroms name is Bailey Moore.
Bailey has a new lease on life and she is going to live every day to the fullest. She has even made a list of all thing she plans to do. There was one thing that Bailey has not put on her list. Hudson Kincaid.
I really enjoyed this story. I can’t wait to see what happens next to all the Kincaids!!!!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Another adorable story from Jill Shalvis. In this story we are back in Cedar Ridge in the beautiful winter with snow falling everywhere and love in the air. This is Hudson’s story.

Hudson is all about work. He has thrown himself into his job so he doesn’t have to think about what has happened between him and his twin brother, his mom’s dementia and just life in general. And then Bailey comes around and changes it all. Bailey is a survivor and has decided she will live her life to the fullest and her first stop is a ski slope with a big wall just waiting to be painted.

I really enjoyed this story. Hudson is totally an alpha man but he is so sweet and takes care of Bailey while not even letting her know he is. He can be romantic and a pain the butt in a matter of moments. Bailey is light-hearted and just wants to live and yet has a stone around her neck all the time. But weirdly enough they are perfect together.

But the best part of the story is the family connection. The way they play off of each other, the can joke and yet be serious when need be. They give each other grief but at the same time they have each other’s back and I enjoy them immensely. I can’t wait for the next in the series which is about Jacob and if he is anything like his twin it will be a heck of a story.

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

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015

Kelly & Kimberly review Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Kill Without Mercy
SERIES #: ARES Security #1
CHARACTERS: Rafe Vargas & Annie White
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he’s eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can’t just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…

There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Great start to a new series. I really enjoyed the first installment in Ms. Ivy’s new ARES Security series. The ARES Security series follows a band of brother who came together and survived the worst that life could throw at them. The security company is there second chance at everything.
Rafe finds himself going to the small town where his grandpa lived and dies. He thought that it would be faced with cleaning up the house and putting it on the market. But what Rafe finds waiting for him in Newton will forever change his world.
Annie White has lived with the knowledge that she is the daughter of a murder for 15 years. But then she starts having vision of the killer starting again she does the only thing she can think of. Return to Newton and see if she can stop a killer for good this time.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. I won’t tell you what, who or why you will have to pick up a copy for yourself and find out.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I truly enjoyed this new story from Alexandra Ivy and the men that are on the ARES Security team. I looked really forwarded to starting a new series by Ivy and I was not disappointed.

The first thing I want to say is I love the bro-mance between the 5 men. They went through hell together and came out better friends and men for it. They are all completely different and yet the same in their loyalty to each other. They became brothers and that is something that will stay with them no matter what the future holds.

Now there is Annie. She has been through alot herself but more as a by-stander forced to live with the fact that her dad was a serial killer in her childhood small town. But as expected there is always more to the story.

The story pulls you in from the first couple of pages and certainly by the first chapter or two you are drawn into the pages as Ivy always does. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the romantic suspense genre. And if you are a fan of alpha men who have a heart of gold then this is the book for you.

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

December 28, 2015December 28, 2015

Natasha’s review of Delilah Marvelle’s The Christmas Wager

TITLE: The Christmas Wager
SERIES #: A Happy Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Miss Barrington
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A mysterious key to an attic that cannot be found…
A ghost with good but overly ambitious intentions…
And a forgotten wager that is about to turn Miss Barrington’s life into a holiday mess.

Are you ready for the outrageously funny and Happy Christmas Series?
WARNING: THERE IS A LOT OF MAGIC AND ROMANCE IN THIS BOX.

London, England – Winter of 1860
When all the ladies of London realize that handsome and refined gentleman, the Duke of Ainsley, is formally looking for a wife, only weeks before Christmas, a mad dash to claim him begins. Miss Barrington knows her chances with the duke are incredibly good given what her close gypsy friend had once foretold, but a forgotten wager with her greatest nemesis, American millionaire, Mr. Redstone, is about to bring on complications and…chaos.

Will she claim the dashing and respectable duke once foretold by the stars? Or will she fall for Mr. Redstone and go against destiny? Only the days leading up to Christmas will tell!

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Natasha House
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 5
REVIEW: Oh my gosh, Delilah has such a great idea! 10 Christmas novels released every December for the next 10 years! I am jumping up and down in excitement! I loved this first installment in her new Christmas series. Felicity and Maxwell are so fun together from the first time they meet! We get an excellent amount of character building (as always with Ms. Marvelle) and we get soooo much drama! Felicity is super feisty, and Maxwell so lovable and sweet. I was stressed out for a lot of this book, and I loved every second of it. I felt so much sadness for both characters for different reasons, but when they were together I was so happy! I loved all supporting characters, and I loved the paranormal aspect of the story mixed with the historical romance. Really, what more could a reader ask for? Oh! I almost forgot the tears! I was choked up a lot of this book, and laughing out loud at other moments. In typical Delilah fashion, her story sucks you in and refuses to let you go until you finish. I cannot wait for next December for the next installment!

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

December 27, 2015December 20, 2015