Taking over the world, one book at a time
10.09.17
10.10.17
10.11.17
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Chance This Christmas by Joanne Rock
10.12.17
Kimberly reviews Forsaken By Night by Larissa Ione
10.13.17
Kimberly reviews Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham
10.14.17
TITLE: Wicked Deeds
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #23
CHARACTERS: Vickie & Griffin
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nevermore…
Eager to start their life together, historian Vickie Preston and Special Agent Griffin Pryce take a detour en route to their new home in Virginia and stop for a visit in Baltimore. But their romantic weekend is interrupted when a popular author is found dead in the basement of an Edgar Allan Poe-themed restaurant. Because of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the corpse, the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters paranormal team is invited to investigate. As more bizarre deaths occur, Vickie and Griffin are drawn into a case that has disturbing echoes of Poe’s great works, bringing the horrors of his fiction to life.
The restaurant is headquarters to scholars and fans, and any of them could be a merciless killer. Except there’s also something reaching out from beyond the grave. The late, great Edgar Allan Poe himself is appearing to Vickie in dreams and visions with cryptic information about the murders. Unless they can uncover whose twisted mind is orchestrating the dramatic re-creations, Vickie and Griffin’s future as a couple might never begin…
REVIEW:
I am not sure why Graham is staying with these two characters. I enjoyed them in the first book but this is #3 of their relationship/journey and Vickie and Griffin are just not that interesting to carry three books in my opinion.
I have also never been a fan of Edgar Allen Poe. Other than having to read The Raven in school (which I did not really enjoy) I have not read anything by him so the novelty of him being in the story is lost on me.
I have always enjoyed Graham’s Krewe of Hunters and would never miss one but I really hope she moves on from Vickie and Griffin because I am ready for the next couple and hope they are back to individual stories and no more mini-series inside the main series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Forsaken By Night
SERIES #: Moonbound Clan Vampires #2.5
CHARACTERS: Tehya & Lobo
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Desire collides with danger as a vampire and a shapeshifter cross paths in this searing MoonBound Clan story from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling paranormal romance author Larissa Ione.
After accidentally shifting into a wolf—and getting stuck—Tehya, herself a vampire, has spent the last twelve years as the pet of Lobo, another vampire who has the unique gift of communicating with wolves.
When Lobo found Tehya starving and nearly frozen to death, he took her in and nursed her back to health, all the while completely unaware that she was really a fellow vampire. But there was always something special about her, and he finds out exactly how special after she’s injured and returned to her true form. Desire collides with danger as he soon finds that he must protect not only Tehya but also himself…
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very short story of less than 100 pages. It can be a stand alone even though that means you will not understand some of the dialogue of the story.
There is a lot that happens in a matter of these 100 pages. Tehya is vampire/werewolf mix but has been stuck as a wolf for over a decade. Lobo found the wolf almost dead and healed her. She became his world and saved him just as much as he saved her. Tehya then somehow manages to shift back and life changes for both Lobo and Tehya.
There is not much I can say that won’t give away some of the storyline since it is a such a short read. This series is a bit different than most vampire stories and well worth the read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: A Chance This Christmas
SERIES #: Road To Romance #3
CHARACTERS: Rachel & Gavin
AUTHOR: Joanne Rock
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Growing up in the Christmas-crazed theme town of Yuletide was fun for fashion designer Rachel Chambers until a family scandal made her unwelcome. Eight years later, she’s home for a friend’s wedding and trying to go incognito… until her old flame spots her.
Snowboarder Gavin Blake wants to make things right with Rachel, and smoothing her way back in Yuletide seems like the best way to do just that. Making Rachel his date for a week of pre-wedding parties is sure to bring them closer. Except he underestimated how long a small town can carry a grudge–or how much the memory of a long-ago kiss could tempt him all over again.
As the wedding approaches, Rachel remembers all she loved about her close-knit, Christmas-loving neighbors. But even if she can win over the town again, will she be able to convince her footloose, mogul-shredding wedding date that they can find happiness beyond the holidays?
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute holiday second chance at love romance. Gavin and Rachel knew each other has teens but a town scandal sent the friends scurrying away. Now they are both back for a wedding and sparks fly.
I thought Gavin was a sweet character and Rachel was very real. Her reactions and her emotions seemed to be honest. The background characters were nice as well. I thought it needed a bit more on the scandal of Rachel’s father and less on the infamous kiss.
This is a short read of a bit over 100 pages so alot gets added quickly. But it certainly has a holiday feel. This isn’t just set in a time of Christmas, this town IS Christmas.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
10.02.17
Kelly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske
10.03.17
Kimberly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske
10.04.17
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Dreaming Of A White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear
10.05.17
Kimberly reviews Hot Pursuit by Julie Ann Walker
10.06.17
Kimberly reviews Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne
10.07.17
TITLE: Highland Promise
SERIES #: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #1
CHARACTERS: Caitlin & Darach
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five boys destined to become Highland lairds are fostered together as brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other, and for their own true loves.
When forced to choose between duty and honor…
Darach MacKenzie vowed never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can’t be distracted—not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help.
This Highland Laird will find a way to have both…
When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what’s rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin—even if it means losing his heart.
REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Oh how I loved this story! I picked up the book never having heard about this author. Maybe this is her first story or maybe I just hadn’t found her yet but she will be on my favorites list if she keeps writing like this. Not that the book is perfect. It isn’t. There are a couple of little things that brought it the hearts down to 4.75 but all in all this is a wonderful novel.
Caitlin is so naive and sheltered. She was brought up innocent and loved but when her parents died her cruel uncle took her in and she was sequestered away from the world so she is still young in what we would now call “street smarts”. She doesn’t get insinuations, she isn’t sure of people and how they will respond to her but she tries so very hard. She wants to please out of love and respect not fear but this poor thing manages to screw everything up by just thinking about it.
Darach is a hard highland Scot who doesn’t take s*** from anyone but when he sees Caitlin something in him changes and when he finally meets her Lord help him. He manages to bring his alpha Scot to a manageable attitude when Caitlin does things he can’t even imagine anyone would consider doing in their wildest dreams… like digging up his Abbey. But he is just so sweet to Caitlin. He quickly figures out that all she does comes from her heart. She is pure and sweet and doesn’t have a cruel bone in her body. And how he manages to soften for her is just so lovely.
I really loved this book. I picked it up every second I could. I fell for Lachlan and his humor. I can not wait for his story to come out. We didn’t read much of the other three “brothers” but I can only imagine that their stories will be just as wonderful.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Hot Pursuit
SERIES #: Black Knights Inc #11
CHARACTERS: Christian & Emily
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He puts the hot…
Christian Watson, a former SAS officer and current BKI operator, never thought he would return to England after a terrible turn of events forced him to abandon his homeland. But now he’s back on British soil where old enemies are determined to do him in. Fighting for his life is pretty much SOP for Christian. Doing it with the beautiful, bossy Emily Scott in tow is another matter entirely.
In hot pursuit.
Emily lost her coveted job at the CIA because of a colleague turned rogue, and now she has just one rule when it comes to men: they’re for recreational purposes only. But when she and Christian are thrust into very close quarters while evading two mysterious men who want Christian dead, she can’t help but question all her ideas about love and life lived on the edge. Battling the bad guys is hard enough, battling her feelings for Christian just might prove impossible.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the 11th in the series and really you need to read book 10 before reading this one as it starts right where #10 leaves off.
This story is action packed. After 10 other books it is hard to believe that Walker has more in that mind of her and yet she does. She takes us to the edge in this book and it seems like something is always happening.
The characters in this book have so much to their they really are not 1 dimensional. You can really feel the tension and the lust in this story. But be ready to enjoy the adventure because the action is really what keeps this story going.
Heads up: There is a M/M romance in this story. Some may find this is not to their liking but the story is well written.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Dreaming Of A White Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: White Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Candice & Owen
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the first installment of Terry Spear’s bold, sexy White Wolf series, a romance writer’s life is changed forever when a white puppy bites her and turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter.
May all your Christmas wolves be bright…
Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life–until the playful bite of a werewolf puppy accidentally turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. Talk about a life-changing event! Candice is at the end of her rope with the unpredictable shifting, a strong desire to howl, and the need to vacuum constantly to keep the shedding fur under control.
Enter werewolf private investigator Owen Nottingham. Owen has a new mission: convince the pretty she-wolf she needs to join his pack in time for Christmas…and be his mate. It’s the only way he can think of to keep her safe…
REVIEW:
Candice and Owen are both newly turned arctic wolves. Owen is sent to find her under his PI business but he was already looking for her after seeing her the night she was turned.
The story is fine. The writing is a bit off to me but it is still a fine book. I never connected to the characters and the story didn’t have anything much that hasn’t been done before.
OK read if in the mood.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: At The Heart Of It
CHARACTERS: Kate & Jonah
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.
TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.
Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh my! How great was this book. It has everything you need to enjoy a fun romance. The humor in this story is worth the read even if the romance wasn’t there… but it is.
Jonah is a heart stealer. He stole mine for sure. And Kate and Jonah are perfect together and it is a fun adventure to get them together.
You can’t go wrong with Fenske’s books if you enjoy a light hearted funny romance.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: At the Heart of It
CHARACTERS: Jonah Porter & Kate Geary
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: October 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.
TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.
Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.
REVIEW:
Loved it!!! I just adore authors who set their books in my home state (or a least part of the book!!) Kate and Jonah are so much fun right from the very start. It was hard not to root for these two. I alway enjoy reading Ms. Fenske’s books. She can take your typical boy meets girl story and turn it upside down and shake it up like a snowglobe. We know that there has to be a happy ending when just don’t know how all the pieces will fall together or how long it will take.
I do hope that there will be another book set in this world because Amy really needs to fall in love.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
09.25.17
Kimberly reviews Storm Gathering by Rebecca Zanetti
09.26.17
Kelly reviews Lost & Found Sister by Jill Shalvis
09.27.17
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Just A Little Christmas by Janet Dailey
09.28.17
Kelly reviews Accidental Sire by Molly Harper
09.29.17
Kimberly reviews Second Chance Girl by Susan Mallery
09.30.17
TITLE: Second Chance Girl
SERIES #: Happily Inc #2
CHARACTERS: Mathias & Carol
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A touching modern fairy tale that won’t let go of your heart, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances!
Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.
Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Welcome back to Happily Inc, California. A town only Susan Mallery could dream up and make you want to move there. As a fan of her Fool’s Gold series I grabbed this book and the first in the series and really enjoy learning the new town as well as the new characters.
We met Mathias in Fool’s Gold a while ago and now it is his turn to find is Happily Ever After. And to do that we meet Carol. Carol has lived in Happily Inc for a while now and this town is just not a normal town. It has an animal sanctuary near the recycle center/dump and Carol is the gamekeeper. Her latest addition is a giraffe named Millie. And the book wraps around Carol trying to get money to purchase more giraffes so Millie has a herd.
Mathias is love shy. After watching his parents relationship and then dealing with his un-twin brother pulling away he just can’t trust. But when he meets Carol he wants to.
There is also a background story of Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich her teenage crush and current Duke. This background story was just as enjoyable.
This is another great trip to Happily Inc. Having read every single Fool’s Gold book reading this series was a no brainer. But it did take book one and some of book two to get into the feel of the new town. It is quirky and friendship/family based like Fool’s Gold. But then how can you go wrong with anything Mallery writes?
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.