Kelly reviews Talk This Way by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Talk This Way
SERIES #: Plum Orchard #0.5
CHARACTERS: Flynn McGrady & Cat Butler
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In her sexy new series, bestselling author Dakota Cassidy introduces the Call Girls, a spirited group of friends ready to take on lust, love and everything in between…. Find out where it all began in this delicious novella!

If life is like a box of chocolates, Cat Butler has tasted them all—and decided on none. It’s no wonder she can’t keep a job, even though her mother’s health depends on it. Just when she finds herself up a creek without a paddle—again—a benevolent friend throws her a lifeline. In the form of a job at, of all places, a phone sex hotline. Not exactly what she had in mind, but if it pays the bills for her mom’s expensive nursing home, what’s the harm?

Successful entrepreneur Flynn McGrady knows a thing or two about responsibility. So when his mother has a stroke, he knows the right thing to do is relocate to Atlanta to be near her while she recovers. He’s got a plan for everything—except for feisty Cat, who finally gets his mama to talk again. Talk dirty, that is, and he’s not pleased. Cat is gorgeous and sassy to boot…too bad she’s not the type to settle down.

Cat and Flynn may have bigger fish to fry, but the sparks between them are hotter than hell. And when they finally give in to temptation, the results are explosive. Can a girl who follows her heart and a guy who follows his head find their way to forever?

REVIEW:
Poor Cat Butler finds herself trying her hardest to keep her head above the water and keep her ill mother in the very expensive rehab home. But when Cat’s sassy mouth gets her fired from her latest job, she finds a very unconventional job offered to her by her friend Landon. The question is will she take a leap of faith or sink. Oh and did I mention the sexy Flynn?

Flynn McGrady is only in town to check on his mom. The last thing he ever expected was the sweet and sexy Cat Butler to be able to get his mom talk again. But saying “Spank me harder” was not exactly what Flynn had in mind. But there is just something about Cat. Something that makes him lose his mind and good senses.

As with all novellas I can’t give away to much. So I will leave you with this: Talk this Way was a very fast read, yet it was a very fun story and a great beginning to the Plum Orchard series. Looking forward to all the books in this series.

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

October 19, 2014October 18, 2014

Kissin’ the week of Oct 13th-18th Goodbye

10.13.14

Kelly & Kimberly review Stirring Up Trouble by Kimberly Kincaid

Kelly reviews The Hunger by Donna Grant

Blog Tour & Giveaway: When the Rancher Came to Town by Emma Cane

10.14.14

Natasha reviews Son Of No One by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Kelly & Kimberly review One In A Million by Jill Shalvis

Blog Tour & Giveaway: One Potion in the Grave by Heather Blake

10.15.14

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Light by Donna VanLiere

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review On The Naughty List by Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta & Sugar Jamison

10.16.14

Jennifer reviews He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis

Kelly reviews Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights #10) by Lara Adrian

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Literally Murder by Ali Brandon

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies by Janis Thornton

10.17.14

Spotlight feature of Stacey Kennedy’s Desired

Kelly reviews Running From The Past by Katie Reus

Kimberly reviews The Firelight Girls by Kaya McLaren

10.18.14

SINsational Saturday Series

Kendra Elliot & Melinda Leigh’s Rouge River Series

October 18, 2014October 17, 2014

SINsational Saturday Series: Melinda Leigh & Kendra Elliot’s Rogue River Series

Just love that when you put all four covers together they make one scene.

Now lets look at each novella in the Rogue River series

*****

On Her Father’s Grave

Rogue River #1

In a small town like Solitude, Oregon, keeping a secret can be murder.

Stevie Taylor had left her sleepy Oregon hometown for a more exciting life. But after her police chief father passes away, the LAPD cop returns to Solitude and signs on as a patrol officer, hoping to heal from her loss…and from the horrific things she’s seen in the city.

In Solitude, everyone knows everyone else’s business—and, to Stevie’s dismay, local gossip soon ties her to the new police chief and a man from her past. Tragedy then shakes up the small town when a teenager dies after taking a strange new drug. Now, the seasoned LA cop must hunt down the dealer while investigating the most important case of her life, one that could divide her tranquil town.

The first of four thrilling Rogue River novellas, On Her Father’s Grave launches a new romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh

*****

Gone to Her Grave

Rogue River #2

Expected publication October 21, 2014

In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.

When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.

Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?

A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

*****

Her Grave Secrets

Rogue River #3

Expected publication: November 4th 2014

There are no secrets in a small town—until someone has one worth dying for.

Local cop Stevie Taylor and police chief Zane Duncan have startling new proof that a deadly street drug is expanding its poisonous grip on their small town: a skull found on the banks of the Rogue River has two bullet holes in the back. Still caught up in the excitement of their new relationship, Stevie and Zane are determined to track down the drug’s source before more lives in Solitude, Oregon, are lost.

Then one death strikes especially close to home, leading to heartache and confusion for Stevie. As the drug distributers strike hard and the body count in Solitude grows higher, she and Zane must hunt down the deadly killer—but are they the predators, or the prey?

Filled with unexpected twists, Her Grave Secrets is the third exciting Rogue River novella in the romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.

******

Walking on Her Grave

Rogue River #4

Expected publication: November 18th 2014

The electrifying conclusion of the romantic suspense novella series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

The sleepy town of Solitude, Oregon, has turned into ground zero for a turf war between the manufacturers and distributors of a lethal new drug. When a teenage witness disappears, social worker Carly Taylor must find him before he’s silenced permanently.

Rogue County investigator Seth Harding wants to keep Carly, his estranged wife, out of harm’s way, but she refuses to let his concern keep her from doing her job. When one of her young charges vanishes, Carly gets pulled even deeper into the deadly case, and Seth knows he must help her…even if it leads them right into the criminals’ crosshairs.

Explosive and exciting to the last page, Walking on Her Grave is the fourth and final thrilling addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot

October 17, 2014October 17, 2014

Spotlight feature of Stacey Kennedy’s Desired

DESIRED by Stacey Kennedy

Readers of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY are sure to love DESIRED, Stacey Kennedy’s latest seductive, electrifying novel of Club Sin, where fantasy becomes reality.

Title: DESIRED

Series: Club Sin (DESIRED, book #3, BARED, book #2, CLAIMED, book #1)

Author: Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance – BDSM

Release Date: August 5, 2013

Number of Pages: 292

Publisher: Random House – Loveswept

Format: Digital eBook

ISBN: 9780553391183

“Sexy, sensual, and totally seductive … Stacey Kennedy sure knows how to make a girl swoon.”—New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff

Synopsis:

Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.

After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

Amazon| Barnes and Noble | More buying options

STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the CLUB SIN series. Growing up, Stacey’s mind wandered the path less traveled and that path most often led to love. She has always broken rules and she continues to feed off emotion – staying true to her heart. Those traits are now the bones of her stories. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who puts any of the heroes in her books to shame, and their two young children. If she’s not on mom duty or plugging away at a new story, you’ll find Stacey camping in the summer, hibernating in the winter and obsessing over Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy.

Learn more about Stacey and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Praise for the Club Sin series:

“Claimed sucked me in! Stacey Kennedy weaves together the intense BDSM lifestyle with the soft touch of a sweeter, more traditional love story in a novel with an engaging heroine at its heart.”—J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author of Release Me

“Deliciously sexy, Claimed will captivate you at once, leading you on an erotic journey that you won’t want to end. A fabulous talent, Kennedy shines in this fast-paced and exciting novel.”—New York Times bestselling author Cheyenne McCray

“Tender, emotional—and smoking hot!”—Savanna Fox, author of the Dirty Girls Book Club series, on Claimed

“Bared is a seductively haunting tale of control and surrender that will tantalize existing fans of the series while enticing new readers into the passionate world of Club Sin.”—Eliza Gayle, New York Times bestselling author of Submissive Beauty

“Bared is a hot blend of raw sensuality, and Stacey Kennedy is an author to watch!”—Eden Bradley, author of The Dark Garden and Dangerously Bound

October 17, 2014October 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Firelight Girls by Kaya McLaren

TITLE: The Firelight Girls
CHARACTERS: Ethel, Laura, Ruby, Shannon
AUTHOR: Kaya McLaren
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The summers you spend at summer camp are indelibly etched on your heart. But what happens when the camp you love is about to close? Can you ever really say goodbye to the place that made you who you are? These are the questions that plagues Ethel, the seventy-year-old former camp director who is nursing a broken heart after losing the love of her life as she now faces the impending closure of the camp on Lake Wenatchee that she called home. It’s also a question that inspires change in forty-year-old Shannon, who spent the summers of her youth as a vibrant, capable camp counselor and is now directionless after watching her career implode. And there’s Laura, who has lost all intimacy with her husband and doesn’t know if she can save what seems to be gone forever. Finally, Ruby, who betrayed Ethel years ago and hasn’t spoken to her since, hopes this will be her chance to make amends. When the four women learn that a homeless teen has been hiding at camp, they realize camp is something much more immediate for all: survival.

And so the three generations of women search for a way to save the place that saved them all, finding in the process a way back to themselves and each other in The Firelight Girls, Kaya McLaren’s novel of love and loss, heartbreak and healing.

REVIEW:
This is a story of 5 women. It is heartwarming and if you ever spent time at a summer camp this will bring back warm memories. These women formed a friendship and while each has moved on when the camp is closing they find themselves back together again to spend time to reminisce and talk about how the camp changed them.

The characters really drag you in. There is someone for everyone. Which one are you? Which is more like your friends? This is comforting and warm. It is a great book to curl up to by a fire and have some “me” time. A light read made to enjoy.

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

October 17, 2014October 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Running From The Past by Katie Reus

TITLE: Running From the Past
CHARACTERS: Caleb Ryder & Emma Garcia
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: Re-issue October 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman on the run.

Miami socialite Emma Garcia has been running from who she is her entire life. When she witnesses a horrific crime, she goes on the run. In desperation, she answers an ad for a chef on a remote horse farm in the middle of nowhere, Florida. It seems like the perfect plan until she figures out what to do with her secrets. The only thing she doesn’t count on is being attracted to the rugged cowboy who owns the place. Whenever he comes around the only thing she can focus on is his seductive voice and sinful body.

And her past is about to catch up with her.

Former Marine Caleb Ryder hires Emma even though he knows she’s lying about her identity. He desperately needs the help, but he also doesn’t have the heart to turn away a woman so obviously in need. After being burned by a woman once, he doesn’t let that deter his mission to claim Emma’s body and heart. Now that she’s his, he’ll face any threat to protect her, no matter how deadly.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a very very quick read. So I would give too much away.
But Emma is running from her life. I life that has been less than perfect. Finding herself on a ranch was the last thing she had ever seen herself doing. But it might just be the best place to be.
Caleb is not looking for anything other than a cook. But what he finds is a woman who could change everything in his life. Whether that is for the good or bad, I guess you will have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed this re-release of Katie Reus’ Running from the Past. If you like romance suspense I would give this quick read a go.

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

October 16, 2014October 15, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Literally Murder by Ali Brandon

From her Brooklyn bookstore, Darla Pettistone not only sells mysteries, but solves them, aided by her big-boned black cat, Hamlet—who has suddenly pounced into the spotlight after unleashing his fists of furry

After a video of Darla and Hamlet performing at a martial arts tournament goes viral, the Florida chapter of the Feline Society of America invites the “Karate Kitty” to be the guest of honor at their championship cat show in Fort Lauderdale.

Upon arrival, Darla discovers that not everyone in the Sunshine State has a sunny disposition. Animal rights activists are on the march, and a cat show contestant stages his own angry protest when his special breed Minx—half Sphynx, half Manx—doesn’t win. Then Hamlet disappears—only to be found next a dead man’s body. Now it’s up to Darla and Hamlet to take best in show and collar the killer.

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Ali Brandon is the national bestselling author of DOUBLE BOOKED FOR DEATH, the first in her new Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. The second in that series, A NOVEL WAY TO DIE, hit the shelves November 2012 and reached the NYT Extended List for mass market bestsellers.

Writing under her real name, Diane A.S. Stuckart, she’s also the author of the popular Leonardo da Vinci historical mystery series, which has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, as well as a Florida Book Award Silver medal.

A native Texan with a degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, Diane a/k/a Ali now lives in South Florida. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America and MWA-Florida Chapter. Visit her at www.dianestuckart.com or www.alibrandon.com

Jennifer’s Review of Literally Murder

Review (4 Stars): I love “little” Hamlet and I think that he is the most adorable kitty around. In Literally Murder, Hamlet has become an internet sensation with his “Karate Kitty” video and has been invited to be the guest of honor at the Feline Society of America cat show in Florida. Darla jumps at the chance for some fun in the sun while renovations are taking place back home in her bookstore. Upon arriving in Florida, Darla realizes that this cat show may have been more than she bargained for and one of contestant’s owner is found dead with Hamlet right by his side. The charming duo must now find a murderer before their dream vacation turns into a nightmare.

This is such a great mystery series and I love spending time with Darla and Hamlet. Literally Murder was an entertaining thrill-ride that will charm even the grumpiest of cats. The mystery was fun, exciting and definitely full of plot twists and turns. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see what kind of mischief Hamlet gets into next.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Literally Murder. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by October 25th, leave a comment below:

October 16, 2014October 15, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies by Janis Thornton

When it comes to murder, forget the butler . . . it’s the housekeeper who knows where the bodies are buried.

Small-town newspaper editor Crystal Cropper never takes “no” for an answer, hates to be called a “senior citizen,” and uses the power of her pen to expose corruption in her small town.

Cleaning lady Gertie has a knack for sweeping skeletons out of closets—which makes her one of Crystal’s best informants. But Gertie’s latest hot tip has landed her in a coma, courtesy of an unknown assailant.

Now Crystal must follow the trail of dirt and gossip right to the doorsteps of several prominent local families to solve a decade-old murder and the disappearance of a young boy . . .

Amazon

About the Author:

Janis Thornton is a freelance writer, personal historian, and award-winning journalist. She is the author of two local history books, Images of America: Tipton County and Images of America: Frankfort. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, the Indiana Writers Center, Association of Personal Historians, and the Midwest Writers Workshop Planning Committee. She lives in a small Indiana town not unlike Elmwood. Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies is her debut cozy mystery.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies

Review (3.75 Stars): Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies is the debut novel by Janis Thornton that will definitely provide plenty of entertainment. Crystal Cropper is a hard-nosed newspaper editor for the small town of Elmwood, Indiana and she is one of those characters that is very strong-willed and used to getting what she wants. Her number one town informant is Gertie, the town’s cleaning lady, who just happens to be a big fan of conspiracy theories. She calls Crystal out late one night with the promise of information regarding the disappearance of a young boy almost twenty years ago. Crystal takes the bait and finds Gertie unconscious in her home as a result of what looks to be a foiled robbery. While Gertie lies in the hospital in a medically induced coma, Crystal must put together the clues quickly before someone decides to make Gertie’s condition a more permanent situation.

I liked Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies because it was a quirky and fun small town mystery. Crystal was a very strong-willed character that had a lot of personality and I could definitely understand why she always got in trouble with the sheriff. This mystery had a good story and very interesting plot twists, which made it an enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Thornton will come out with next.

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October 16, 2014October 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights #10) by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights #10)
SERIES #: Midnight Breed #12.5
CHARACTERS: Lazaro Archer & Melena Walsh
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once, they lived in secret alongside mankind. Now, emerged from the shadows, the Breed faces enemies on both sides—human and vampire alike. No one knows that better than Lazaro Archer, one of the eldest, most powerful of his kind. His beloved Breedmate and family massacred by a madman twenty years ago, Lazaro refuses to open his heart again.

Sworn to his duty as the leader of the Order’s command center in Italy, the last thing the hardened warrior wants is to be tasked with the rescue and safekeeping of an innocent woman in need of his protection. But when a covert mission takes a deadly wrong turn, Lazaro finds himself in the unlikely role of hero with a familiar, intriguing beauty he should not desire, but cannot resist.

Melena Walsh has never forgotten the dashing Breed male who saved her life as a child. But the chivalrous hero of her past is in hard contrast to the embittered, dangerous man on whom her safety now depends. And with an unwanted—yet undeniable—desire igniting between them, Melena fears that Lazaro’s protection may come at the price of her heart.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Oh novella’s how I love to hate you. Love because I get more stories from Lara Adrian about the Midnight Breed’s. Hate you because I read you to fast and my experience is over so quickly.
With that I give you my thoughts.

Starting Tempted by Midnight I was transported back to when Lazaro’s family was killed. It was so bitter sweet. Because I remember crying when it happened. But in Tempted by Midnight Lazaro meets with fate. A fate that he didn’t want yet could not resist.

Melena has be awestruck by Lazaro Archer since the moment he saved her a stupid little girl trying to prove her toughness. But now she finds herself in awe of the man. The man that just saved her life yet again.

I loved this novella. Love Lazaro. Loved Melena. Really wish the story was longer (insert dramatic sigh). But as with all novella’s I can’t give you to much (what fun would that be). If you are a Midnight Breed fan you will love and devour this novella. If you are new to the Midnight Breed you could actually read this novella and be okay. BUT I think you should start at the beginning and get catch up. There is a LOT of history behind this book.

So can’t wait to see what Lara has in store for the Midnight Breeds next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Evil Eye Concepts & 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 16, 2014October 11, 2014

Jennifer reviews He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: He’s So Fine
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #11
CHARACTERS: Olivia Bentley and Cole Donovan
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/30/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

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

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

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I absolutely adore the Lucky Harbor series and He’s So Fine was such a touching romantic tale about two people finding love while overcoming the hurt of past relationships. Olivia Bentley came to Lucky Harbor to start over with a normal life and leave her famous television past behind her. She had a successful business but knows that something is missing in her life until she meets sexy Cole Donovan. Cole would love to get to know Olivia better but the pain of his past prevents him from truly trusting the love that is right in front of him. When her past finally comes to light, Cole may throw everything away because he can’t let go of the past relationship that he thought he had left behind.
I really liked Olivia from the very beginning of the book. She wanted desperately to create a new life for herself and get people to like her because of who she was now, instead of who she was in her past. Her family kept hounding her to do a reunion special to cash in on the television character that she was and seemed to have no interest in actually spending time with Olivia. Only getting what they felt she “owed” them, which made me extremely angry. I hate people that try to take advantage of others and Olivia deserved so much more than that. She gave her heart completely to Cole but she knew in the back of her mind that once he found out the truth about who she really was, he would run the other way.
Cole seemed to have everything figured out and he just kept going on with his life without dealing with a past betrayal. He cared about Olivia but always seemed to be holding back and waiting for her to make a mistake. He used that past relationship as a compass for love and if anything in that relationship wasn’t completely true then the whole thing was a lie in his eyes. He had to learn that everything isn’t always black and white and Olivia never once made him feel that her love wasn’t the real thing. She hid her past because she wanted something that was real, not something that was tainted and a mirage created due to her television childhood. The ending of this book made me cry because Olivia’s past and future came together in a good way and Cole finally realized what he always had right in front of him.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 15, 2014October 11, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review On The Naughty List by Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta & Sugar Jamison

TITLE: On the Naughty List
CHARACTERS: Multiple
AUTHOR: Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Beth Ciotta & Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The most wonderful time of the year is back with On The Naughty List, bringing perennial favorite holiday stories from Lori Foster and Carly Phillips, along with two Christmas stories that delighted readers a year ago. This sexy anthology will make you want to give your heart to Christmas again and again…

Lori Foster has two co-workers plan a Christmas party side-by-side-and discover a love worth celebrating in Christmas Bonus.

Carly Phillips explores a “mistletoe moment” when a no-nonsense lawyer intent on seducing her boss meets his twin instead–and gives him a scintillating kiss that leaves him begging for more in Naughty Under the Mistletoe.

Beth Ciotta brings two friends who, after years apart, together at home for the holidays. They don’t seem to have much in common anymore, but when the two get stranded together during a blizzard, they are forced to reexamine if they are better off as “just friends”? Or could it be that true love was there all along? in Some Kind of Wonderful.

In Sugar Jamison’s Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas, former wild child Dina Gregory returns home to New York to find the father of her young son. Instead, she finds his stuffy older brother, Ben. Ben can’t help but admire her tenacity—and her bold beauty. Could it be that Dina has reignited his Christmas spirit?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts It is always hard to review novella’s without giving too much of the story away so below is a quick and dirty review for each.
Christmas Bonus: Characters: Eric Bragg & Maggie Carmichael
Eric has been interest in Maggie for years, except now she is his boss. Any hope of a relationship with her has gone out the window. Or has it?
Maggie needs Eric. She needs him to help her by being her date for the company Christmas party. It is the perfect plan to seduce the man she is in love with. But will Eric take the bait?
Eric & Maggie were great!!
Naughty Under the Mistletoe: Characters: Maxwell Cobin & Antonia Larson
A hot kiss under the mistletoe with the man of your dreams is the perfect way to start the holiday season. Only problem Toni just kissed the wrong man.

And Max thought going to his father’s company Christmas party was going to be boring.

Max & Toni were really fun to read.

Some Kind of Wonderful: Characters: Zachery Cole & Maya Templeton
This was a fun quick Cupcake Lover’s read. Maya & Zach have been friends for years. The best of friends, but never anything more. But when the holiday’s bring them back together fire works spark.
Since this is a novella I am not giving you more than that. But if you love Beth’s other Cupcake Lover’s stories you will enjoy Some Kind of Wonderful.

Have Yourself a Curvy Little Christmas: Characters: Ben Rowe & Dina Gregory
I think this was my favorite story of the four. I love Ben & Dina!
I just loved Ben. He is dark, stuffy and stubborn and in need of a lot of light and laughter in this life.
Dina is one tough cookie who has not lived the best life. But now that she has her son she wants to be better and that means facing the father of her son.
I for sure am going to pick up more of Sugar Jamison’s stories.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Christmas Bonus: 3 Hearts – This story was just ok. While short it seemed to take forever to read. The characters just don’t seem to mesh either. Erik acts like a old man not just in his early thirties. And Maggie is 22 but asks like the 17 year old she was when they met. Not my cup of tea.

Naughty Under The Mistletoe: 3.5 Hearts – This story is cute. Different with the whole twin brother thing. Enjoyable short read.

Some Kind Of Wonderful: 3.5 Hearts – This is part of a series that I haven’t read. It is cute. I wanted to read more but it was still good. I may have to go back to read the series.

Have Yourself A Curvy Little Christmas: I read this story last winter. I gave it 4 stars. See review at Books-n-Kisses.

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.

October 15, 2014October 11, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Light by Donna VanLiere

TITLE: The Christmas Light
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Donna VanLiere
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the small town of Grandon, five very different people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Jennifer and Ryan are both single parents, struggling with their own losses and heartache as they attempt to move forward in the present while still holding onto the memories, joy, and heartache of the past. Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope. The New York Times bestselling author of the beloved The Christmas Hope series returns with this new heartwarming, inspirational story about the power of love and faith to reveal the possibilities that lay right in front of you.

REVIEW:
This was a hard read for me. Mainly because of the writing. It is written as if the author is writing a screenplay. It is distracting if you ask me. The rest of the story was fine and had a sweet holiday feel good feeling about it but it was hard for me to get passed the writing. This is my first book by this author even though everyone probably knows The Christmas Shoes from the song. Just not my cup of tea.

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