Kimberly reviews Master Of The Opera #4 by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Master Of The Opera: Dark Interlude
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #4
CHARACTERS: Christine & Master
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/20/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon< | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the fourth fiery installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s scintilliating “Master of the Opera,” a woman surrenders-body and soul-to the one man who is everything she desires, everything she craves, and, possibly, everything she fears…Reeling from the discovery of a dead body in the Sante Fe Opera House, intern Christy Davis is forced to reassess the strange, erotically-charged relationship she’s forged with the mysterious masked man who lives in the labrynths below. Could her masterful lover be capable of murder, and worse? Perhaps it was the thrill of danger that drew Christy to him in the first place-like a moth to the flame-instead of a more conventional romance with the opera house’s handsome benefactor, Roman. For the sake of her sanity, she must at least give Roman a chance. But for the love of her master, she must give in to every wild fantasy, every wicked game, and every whim he commands…

Is Christy prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice? To surrender her heart, her soul, her everything? First she must acknowledge the truth: a woman in love can serve only one master…

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This is the fourth in the series of short sections of the same story. And I must say it is getting weirder and weirder. I found myself shaking my head with this one. Christine is just so innocent and naive. And I do not mean innocent in a good way. I mean she lets people walk all over her even people she doesn’t like. I find it hard to like her to be honest.

I was also disappointed that the Master only had a cameo in this story but giving how it ended I assume he will have a bigger part in Act 5. I hope that one is better.

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

February 19, 2014February 19, 2014

Spotlight Feature of A Beta’s Haven by Carrie Ann Ryan

Redwood Pack, Book 6.5

Release Day: February 18, 2014

Amazon | B&N

Being the Beta of the Redwood Pack isn’t an easy task, but Jasper has never complained. He’s spent his entire adult life dropping everything so he can take care of others. Now he’s a father, a husband…and tired. His mate, Willow, knows Jasper won’t let others know that he might need a break, even for a weekend, so that’s where she comes in.

Once Jasper lets go and allows his mate to call the shots, this Beta might just be in for the ride of a lifetime.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 6 and 7 to give you a taste of Jasper and Willow. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.

Goodreads

A little about Carrie Ann:

USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan never thought she’d be a writer. Not really. No, she loved math and science and even went on to graduate school in chemistry. Yes, she read as a kid and devoured teen fiction and Harry Potter, but it wasn’t until someone handed her a romance book in her late teens that she realized that there was something out there just for her. When another author suggested she use the voices in her head for good and not evil, The Redwood Pack and all her other stories were born.

Carrie Ann is a bestselling author of over twenty novels and novellas and has so much more on her mind (and on her spreadsheets *grins*) that she isn’t planning on giving up her dream anytime soon.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. Visit the links to the left to contact her.

Get in touch with Carrie Ann Ryan!

February 19, 2014February 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Awaken Me Darkly by Gena Showalter

TITLE: Awaken Me Darkly
SERIES #: Alien Huntress #1
CHARACTERS: Kyrin en Arr & Mia Snow
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2005
PUBLISHED ON AUDIO: June 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
RIDDING THE WORLD OF EVIL, ONE ALIEN AT A TIME: THAT’S MIA SNOW’S MISSION.
Snow is in the forecast.
In a time and place not too far away, Mia Snow is an alien huntress for the New Chicago Police Department. Heading up her expert team of Alien Investigation and Removal agents, Mia’s unmatched at battling the elusive enemy among us, and she’s the perfect girl for the job. She’s seen her brother die at the hands of aliens. She’s earned each of her scars. And she’ll die before she cries. Now, a series of killings have Mia and her partner Dallas tracking alien suspects — but a sudden blast of violence leaves Dallas fighting for his life.
They are ice and fire.
The chance to save Dallas appears in the form of a tall, erotic stranger. An alien. A murder suspect. Kyrin en Arr, of the deadly Arcadian species, holds the power to heal the injured agent but not without a price. For Mia Snow, that price is surrendering to Kyrin’s forbidden seduction…and embracing their electric attraction. She’s walking a knife’s edge, risking her badge and even her life. The closer she gets to Kyrin, the more Mia learns about her own heart, her human needs — and the shocking secret that will shatter everything she’s ever believed.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had to think about this review for a little while. I really love Gena Showalter’s book. I absolutely love Justine Eyre as a narrator. And I really did enjoy this story. But when I got to the end I kept looking at my phone (because that is where my audio books plays) and thought “That’s it??”. Yep sure enough that was the end of the book. To me it felt just a little rushed but yet it was wrapped up nicely. My next thought was there will be another books with Kyrin & Mia, but as far as I can see they don’t get another book.

So I am on the fence. I like the book. Loved Justine reading to me. Loved Kyrin. Liked Mia. Loved the side characters. But was left wanting more. I wanted more Kyrin time. I wanted to see more Kyrin & Mia. I guess I hope that as the series goes on we will get glimpses of Kyrin and Mia. Because there are a lot of questions that need to be answered and the future is not certain.

If you love Gena Showalter I think that you will like this book. If you love to listen to Justine Eyre this is right up your alley. Over all I am happy with my purchase and read.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this story from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 19, 2014February 1, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Chance by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Chance
SERIES #: Thunder Point #4
CHARACTERS: Laine & Eric
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With its breathtaking vistas and down-to-earth people, Thunder Point is the perfect place for FBI agent Laine Carrington to recuperate from a gunshot wound and contemplate her future. The locals embraced Laine as one of their own after she risked her life to save a young girl from a dangerous cult. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Laine hopes she’ll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. She may even learn to open her heart to others, something an undercover agent has little time to indulge.

Eric Gentry is also new to Thunder Point. Although he’s a man with a dark past, he’s determined to put down roots and get to know the daughter he only recently discovered. When Laine and Eric meet, their attraction is obvious to everyone. But while the law enforcement agent and the reformed criminal want to make things work, their differences may run too deep; unless they take a chance on each other and find that deep and mysterious bond that belongs to those who choose love over fear.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This story seemed different from the rest of the series some how. I enjoyed it but not as much as the other ones. Everything about it was so opposite of what I have gotten used to reading from Carr. First the role reversal of Laine. She is the hard edged FBI agent and is dealing from PTSD in a way from the actions in The Hero (#3). Eric is more blue collar with a record and really not an alpha type guy at all.

Then there is the difference that they connect almost immediately and everything moves very fast so the reader is not waiting for them to realize they are in love. The reader does wonder when the next shoe will drop but even when it does it is more like a slipper. There is not a lot of action.

Now do not get me wrong. I enjoyed the story. I liked Eric and like Laine. They seem to fit some how. It’s just this is not my favorite in the series. I hope the next one is about Doctor Scott.

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

February 18, 2014February 17, 2014

Interview with Christi Barth

Books-n-Kisses is please to welcome back Christi Barth to the blog to chat little about writing, life and her newest release A Matchless Romance .

Christi, can you please share with us a little about yourself.

I started out doing opera and musical theatre (a lot due to my love of wearing petticoats and getting to kiss hot boys on stage, of course). Then I worked as a wedding planner, and finally combined my love of romance and dramatic tendencies into writing.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes. And no. I’ve been a huge bookworm and speedreader my whole life, so I’ve devoured a gajillion books. I always wanted to write, and toyed with it for years, but looked on actually getting published as the Holy Grail – utterly impossible and untouchable. I never saw it is a dream that could actually be realized. But one day it hit me that if I didn’t at least try, I’d always regret it….which was eleven books ago – all published!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I loathe writing the big sex scene. Dread it for weeks when it is on the horizon. So I pour a single White Russian and power through it all in one night. No matter how late it gets, I don’t stop until the earth has moved.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

A Matchless Romance is the final book in the Aisle Bound series, but is completely funny and adorable as a stand alone. Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago’s premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it’s the perfect opportunity.

His discomfort talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He’d be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a nonnegotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she’s determined to keep their relationship all business.

Soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique—and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game over before he can win her heart?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I can’t take credit for it at all. When I did the blog tour for Planning for Love, book 1 in the series, a commenter asked if we’d get to see the wedding of that couple in any of the following books. It wasn’t planned at that point, but it struck me as a really terrific idea….which meant I had to brainstorm a fourth book to showcase it. I think fans of the series will be thrilled to see Ivy & Ben’s lavishly romantic wedding in A Matchless Romance – and there are enough funny hijinks wrapped up in that wedding to entertain brand new readers.

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

I just finished (as in my keyboard is still smoking!) Love on the Boardwalk, an Atlantic City based sequel to Love at High Tide. It’ll be out in October, and I’ll tease you with this thought: rebound flings are supposed to have soft landings, but one sexy cop is about to fall hard…

But first, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m launching a new trilogy set in the Finger Lakes – the Shore Secrets series. Book One, Up To Me, releases on June 23. In it, a hard-nosed businessman with contempt for small town America is forever changed by the love of a sexy hotel owner and a quirky but tight-knit community famous for its anonymous journal by the lakeshore. Next week I start writing Book Two, Up To You!

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

Thanks to conferences, I’ve met many of the authors that I love to fan-girl. They were all gracious and lovely, from Nora Roberts to Christie Ridgway to Jessica Andersen to M.D. Waters. But growing up my favorite books were by Katherine Kurtz. I’d love the chance to tell her, face-to-face, how much I loved them.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write. I know it sounds simple, but it isn’t. Sit down and write at least five days a week. Treat it like a career before it is one. Don’t make excuses about your muse not being friendly, or having to run a sick husband to the doctor. That stuff happens to all of us. You still have to make the time and just write.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Uh, hitting the New York Times bestseller list, of course! And I’d really like it to happen sooner rather than later….

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

Jennifer Bernard’s next fireman novel. Laura Kaye’s next Hard Ink novel. I’m catching up on both of Nalini Singh’s series and want to inhale them like water. Darynda Jones next Grave book. Finishing off my own manuscript has put me woefully behind on reading all these awesome authors!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d love to repeat that this book can absolutely be read without having touched the previous books in the series. Jump in and enjoy this funny romp through Chicago (and then go back and read the rest). And most of all, I’d love to thank everyone who has taken the time to read any of my books. I’m thrilled you choose to spend your precious free time in the crazy worlds I create.

*****

A Matchless Romance

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press

Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago’s premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it’s the perfect opportunity.

41,000 words

February 18, 2014February 2, 2014

What releases the week of Feb 17th? Check here!

Happy Release Week!!!!

Check Out These Great Reads That Come Out This Week!

And there is so many more to choose from. Just click on a link to see what books are available.

February 18, 2014February 3, 2014

Natasha reviews A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth

TITLE: A Matchless Romance
SERIES #: Aisle Bound #4
CHARACTERS: Tabitha Bell & Drew Watson
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/17/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago’s premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it’s the perfect opportunity.
His discomfort with talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He’d be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a non-negotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she’s determined to keep their relationship all business.
But soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique—and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game-over before he can win her heart

REVIEW: I really enjoyed this book! It was an easy, quick, fun read. This is book 4 in a series, and as a general rule I don’t like to start books in the middle of the series. However this book carried enough of its own weight that I didn’t find myself upset that I had missed a lot of the history of the characters. You see a lot of the side characters from previous books and it gives you a really fun look into their personalities. Those books must have been fun if their interaction with these main characters is any indicator. I really enjoyed Tabitha and Drew. They were both strong lead characters. I found myself laughing A LOT at the things they said and did. The only thing that threw me off was just how fast the story wrapped up in the end, – it seemed a little rushed. But that’s just a minor criticism. It was a great read and I’m happy I was introduced to this fantastic new (to me) author!

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

February 18, 2014February 16, 2014

Kelly reviews Tempting Trouble by Savannah Stuart

TITLE: Tempting Trouble
CHARACTERS: Rafe Jackson & Madison/Randall Phillips & Lindsay Taylor
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tempting Trouble: two stories of erotic romance

Story 1: Tempting Witness

When Madison Dubois witnesses a terrible crime, she goes to the only place she knows she’ll be safe, Detective Rafe Jackson’s house. Rafe has been in love with Madison Dubois for longer than he cares to admit. Unfortunately for him, she views him as a big brother. Or so he thinks. When she shows up on his doorstep terrified for her life, he has no choice but to keep her safe. Undeniable sparks fly when they’re forced to share a roof but unless he can keep her alive, their relationship might not have a chance to even start.

*Novella length*

Story 2: Better Late Than Never (bonus short story)

For the past year Randall Phillips has kept his distance from sexy Lindsay Taylor. When she’s in a car accident, everything is put into perspective and he throws all his rules out the window. They share a heated kiss but for the weeks she’s on temporary leave she ignores his calls. Now that it’s her first day back at work, he plans to convince her they’re meant to be together. When he finally gets her alone he shows her all the physical pleasures she’s been missing out on. Can he convince her he’s playing for keeps?

Author Note: Please be advised that these are previously published works.

Total Word Count: 32,000
Ebook about 94 pages

REVIEW:
Tempting Witness:
Characters: Rafe Jackson & Madison Dubois
Rafe has been tip toeing around Madison for years. When her life is threatened after seeing something she should not have seen Rafe will do everything he can to keep her safe. Even if that means getting his heart broken.
This was a quick novella to read but packed with a lot of action. Both the dangerous kind and the sexy kind.

Better Late Than Never:
Characters: Randall Phillips & Lindsay Taylor This was a super super short story. I enjoyed this little quicky of a love story even if it left me wanting more.

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

February 18, 2014February 18, 2014

Kelly reviews A Beta’s Haven by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: A Beta Havens
SERIES #: Redwood Pack Novella #6.5
CHARACTERS: Jasper & Willow Jameson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1gEOAtB
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1b7nHPq
ARe: http://bit.ly/1dzTU1o

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Being the Beta of the Redwood Pack isn’t an easy task, but Jasper has never complained. He’s spent his entire adult life dropping everything so he can take care of others. Now he’s a father, a husband…and tired. His mate, Willow, knows Jasper won’t let others know that he might need a break, even for a weekend, so that’s where she comes in.

Once Jasper lets go and allows his mate to call the shots, this Beta might just be in for the ride of a lifetime.

REVIEW:
Jasper needs to learn to slow down a little and his perfect little mate is the one to show him how.

This was a short and sweet novella that give us a look at one of the favorite couples of the Redwood Pack series. I enjoyed this story but I think little Brie stole the show for me. She is too cute.

If you are a Redwood Pack fan you will enjoy this novella.

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

February 17, 2014February 13, 2014

Spotlight Feature of Hold On To Me by Elisabeth Naughton + a tour wide giveaway

Hold On To Me

Against All Odds Series, bk #2

By Elisabeth Naughton

Release Date:

Feb. 2014

Blurb:

He thinks he’s finally found the one.

Mitch Mathews never believed in love—at least not the happily ever after kind. Then he met Simone Conners. Just one night with the sexy lawyer made him reevaluate his priorities and look toward a future he never planned. The only hang up is making her see it too.

She’s almost ready for a second chance.

What started out as a casual hookup with a rugged geologist has turned into something a whole lot more. Simone’s on the verge of handing over her heart, but fear over what Mitch will say and do when he learns who she used to be holds her back.

The past could destroy their future…

Just when Simone is about to take a chance on forever with Mitch, the mistakes of her past catch up with her. Suddenly it’s not just her safety on the line anymore, it’s his too. Forced into hiding, Mitch demands answers, and Simone realizes the only way to protect everything she holds dear is to delve into a past she’s spent fourteen years trying to forget. As they search for the truth, they discover secrets, lies and a rekindled passion that burns hotter than before. But they also uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. One that could cost them more than just their future…it could cost them their lives.

Excerpt

Get out of my way.”

“Why?” Mitch’s eyes narrowed to
thin points, and a vehemence Simone had never seen before reflected in their
depths. “You came all the way over here in the middle of the night to tell me
something. Go ahead and say it.”

Emotions bubbled up inside
her—anger, heartache, disbelief—but the one that won out was betrayal, even if
a tiny voice in the back of her head said she had no right to feel that way.

She whirled on him. “You have no idea what I was willing to do for you.
You have no idea what I’ve been
through. I came here to explain, but there’s no point now.”

She ducked under his arm and rushed
down the hall toward the door and freedom. Somewhere deep inside she knew she
was being irrational. She’d broken
things off with him. Whatever and
whoever he’d done since had nothing to do with her, and yet even though her
head understood that, her heart was having a really hard time accepting it.
Because for her, things hadn’t been over. And she doubted they ever would be.

“Hold on. What you’ve done for me?” He grasped her by the arm and swung her
around to face him in the entry hall. Moonlight spilled in through the
sidelights by the front door, illuminating his enraged features and
disbelieving eyes, the t-shirt molding to his muscular chest, the loose-fitting
jeans and his gorgeous, bare feet against the hardwood floor. “You’re the one
who ended things. You’re the one who said you didn’t care. As I recall, your exact
words were, ‘I don’t love you.’ So why the fuck would I believe you’d do
anything for me when I already know you just don’t give a shit?”

She wanted to lash out, to make him
hurt the way she was hurting, to tell him he was right, that she really did no
longer give a shit. But before she could get the words out, the glass in the
far sidelight shattered, sending shards flying through the entryway.

Simone screamed. Mitch threw her to
the ground face first and covered her with his body. Pain echoed through her
hipbones and hands and anywhere she hit the hardwood. But the sound of
something small and hard digging into the siding, the door, shattering windows
and pinging off metal echoed all through the house, distracting her from the
pain.

She pushed against him, but he held
her firmly to the ground. “Stay down,” he growled. “Those are bullets.”

About the Author

I was never one of those people who knew they wanted to be an author at the age of six. I didn’t have imaginary friends. I didn’t write stories in my journal or entertain my relatives by firelight after Thanksgiving dinner. For the most part, I was just a normal, everyday kid. I liked to read, but I wasn’t exceptional at it. And when my teachers complimented me on my writing abilities, I brushed them off. I did, however, always have a penchant for the unique and absurd. And as my mother told me all throughout my childhood, I should have been an actress—I was a drama queen before my time.

Years ago, my husband bought me Scarlett: The Sequel to Gone With The Wind. If you ever saw the book, you know it’s a long one. I sat and read that thing from cover to cover, and dreamed of one day being a writer. But I didn’t actually try my hand at writing until years later when I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. And my husband? After that week of reading where I neglected him and everything else until I finished Scarlett, he vowed never to buy me another book again. Little did he know I’d one day end up sitting at a keyboard all day drafting my own stories.

To read her full bio, please visit her website.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 17, 2014February 16, 2014

Kelly reviews Hold On To Me by Elisabeth Naughton

TITLE: Hold on to Me
SERIES #: Against All Odd #2
CHARACTERS: Mitch Mathews & Simone Conners
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: February 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N {add link:}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He thinks he’s finally found the one.
Mitch Mathews never believed in love—at least not the happily ever after kind. Then he met Simone Conners. Just one night with the sexy lawyer made him reevaluate his priorities and look toward a future he never planned. The only hang up is making her see it too.

She’s almost ready for a second chance.
What started out as a casual hookup with a rugged geologist has turned into something a whole lot more. Simone’s on the verge of handing over her heart, but fear over what Mitch will say and do when he learns who she used to be holds her back.

The past could destroy their future…
Just when Simone is about to take a chance on forever with Mitch, the mistakes of her past catch up with her. Suddenly it’s not just her safety on the line anymore, it’s his too. Forced into hiding, Mitch demands answers, and Simone realizes the only way to protect everything she holds dear is to delve into a past she’s spent fourteen years trying to forget. As they search for the truth, they discover secrets, lies and a rekindled passion that burns hotter than before. But they also uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. One that could cost them more than just their future…it could cost them their lives.

REVIEW:
Oh this story had so much heart break!! But was so good. I think both Mitch and Simone learned that secrets, no matter the reason you are keeping them, will kill a relationship faster than anything else. This was a great story with lots of twists and turns. Mitch and Simone are feisty as always. It was great to see how Katie & Ryan are doing. But I have to say little Julia stole the show at the beginning of this book. This girl is going to be a terror when she gets older 🙂

If you read the first book in this series Wait for Me I think you will really love Hold on to Me.
If you have not never fear!! I think that you could read Hold on to Me and be okay. BUT, I think that you would enjoy it more, because you get to see how Mitch & Simone started, if you read them in order.

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

February 17, 2014February 15, 2014

Kelly reviews My Bloody Valentine by 8 different authors

TITLE: My Bloody Valentine-Story Collection
CHARACTERS: Many!!
AUTHOR: 8 different authors.
PUBLICATION DATE: February 10, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1- Tiffinie Helmer – HEARTLESS
Love sometimes requires restraints…
Roxie Scott is moonlighting as a dominatrix, trying to survive the financial cost of her divorce. Wearing leather and swinging a whip turned out to be more therapeutic than therapy, until her clients start turning up dead.

He refuses to be restrained…
Homicide Detective Cam Ferguson is stunned when he recognizes his former high school crush dressed in a leather cat suit and wielding a riding crop. His interrogation into her murdered clients switches from suspecting her to needing to protect her from a sadistic killer determined to make her his bloody valentine.

2- Alex Bledsoe – TANTRABOBUS
Professor Tanna Tully of the “Firefly Witch” series leads a paranormal team of graduate students as they investigate the ghost of a woman who burned to death on her wedding day. However, the mystery turns personal for one of the team, and Tanna has to call on her experience as a Wiccan high priestess to save both her student, and the spirit of a woman wronged over a century ago.

3- V.R. Barkowski – JUST A LIE
An unfaithful husband shot and mutilated by his long-suffering spouse is just another day at the office for San Francisco Homicide Inspector Del Miller. “Infidelity is ugly,” his partner tells him, but Del needs no reminder. He’s recently learned his best friend, Mike Gabretti, is cheating on his wife. When Mike breaks off the illicit affair, Del promises to say nothing—better to keep a secret than break a heart. But that’s before the jilted mistress sets her sights on payback. Now Del must choose between ignoring a danger he understands only too well or revealing the truth that will betray a lifelong friendship and destroy the lives of those closest to him.

4- Erica Hayes – UNFORGIVEN
In a decadent republic on the brink of revolution, immortal blood drinker Lisette has long ago learned the price of her selfish pursuit of pleasure. Now, trapped in marriage to the stoic nobleman who saved her from the mob, she’s vowed to use her powers only for good. By night, she stalks plague-ridden streets, armed with rapier and pistol, hunting the Possessed: the pleasure-crazed victims of Lisette’s own kind.

But beneath her respectable façade, old hungers still burn, sated only by her husband’s fading love… until the hunt pits her against their ancient enemy, a dark prince and lover who rekindles Lisette’s forbidden thirst for power — and blood.

Betrayed by the only man who can save her, with the city erupting in flames and ultimate power within her grasp, Lisette must choose between dark past and uncertain future, shadows and light — and the two magnificent, tragically irreconcilable men who haunt her soul.

5- Lizbeth Lipperman – SWEEPERS: A KISS TO DIE FOR
Dr. Mackenzie Conley, a CIA operative and expert on bioterrorism, is in Morocco undercover as a visiting professor at the University. Her mission is to investigate rumors of a powerful new nerve gas delivery system being perfected somewhere in the area. The rest of her team, including her fiancé, has already gone home after spending two weeks without finding even a hint of such a weapon. Mac stayed behind to finish her six-week stint to ensure her cover stays intact should she need to use it again.

With only one week left, Mac can’t wait to get back to the states and her fiancé. But someone in Morocco has other plans for her—plans that include kidnapping, drugging, and holding her hostage in a mountain laboratory, totally hidden from satellite coverage. Neither her team nor her handler knows where she is.

Escaping from the mountain prison becomes critical but isn’t the only thing on Mac’s mind, though, as she comes face to face with the man whose latest invention has the potential to bring the world to its knees.

6- Charlie Holmberg – SALT AND WATER
A slave to a war-torn society for eighteen months, Chellis has been tortured for one purpose: to make her cry, for the healing properties of her tears can mend any soldier’s wound. But when her captors push her too far, she revolts, resulting in her reassignment to a slave handler better suited to control her.

Ahad-dian is different from Chellis’s previous handlers. He’s reasonable, seems incapable of brutality, and treats Chellis as a sentient being, not a tool. It’s almost enough for Chellis to trust him. Ahad-dian’s generosity may be a key to Chellis’s escape, but even the soft-hearted slaver has secrets to hide—secrets that not only threaten Chellis’s freedom, but the survival of her entire species.

7- Coreene Callahan – FURY OF FATE
She’s determined to try something new…
Sasha Cooper is a woman on a mission. Determined to let loose and live a little, she takes her best friend’s advice and embarks on a night of passion with a complete stranger. No regrets in the morning. No looking back either. But when the one she chooses turns out to be a Dragonkind warrior, Sasha knows she’s in trouble—and that the man she believed was a dream come true could end up being her worst nightmare.

He never intended to get involved…
Ivar, leader of a rogue faction of Dragonkind, isn’t a pushover. So when a noisy neighbor jeopardizes the security of his secret lair, he decides to take care of the problem once and for all. Little does he know banging on Sasha’s door will send him on a passionate odyssey unlike any he’s ever experienced. But when the night takes a deadly turn, he’s left little choice—escape from the woman who possesses the power to kill him, or die trying.

8- S.G. Redling – THE TRUE LOVE OF SHERRY PAPERS

REVIEW: 3 1/2 Over all Hearts
As these are all short stories my review of each are going to be short and sweet too 😉 Okay so over all these stories were okay for me. 2 of them I really like, one of them I is didn’t like at all and the other were kinda in the middle for me.

HEARTLESS: What a way to start off this story collection!!! I have never read any of Tiffinie’s books yet. But I fell in love with Cam & Roxie!! And really nothing says true love like a couple murders right?

TANTRABOBUS: This story was just okay for me. I didn’t really feel much of a connection with any of the characters. But the ghost story was interesting

JUST A LIE: This was not a bad little story. Murder, betrayal and a confession note. But it left me looking for the next page. I hope that there will be a continuation of this story.

UNFORGIVEN: This story was just okay for me. I was a little confused about the world and what was going on.

SWEEPERS: A KISS TO DIE FOR: I didn’t like this story. 🙁

SALT AND WATER: Again another story that was just okay for me. I again was confused about the world.

FURY OF FATE: My first thought was Ivar really Ivar? After all the crap he has put the Nightfury’s through? But once I started to read I realized Ivar might not be as bad as we thought. Loved this story and hope that Coreene will continue these two’s story.

THE TRUE LOVE OF SHERRY PAPERS: This was a strange story for me. I liked it but was a little confused.

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