Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wednesday in Review

It’s update time again :)

Below are the newest reviews I’ve written here, on Joyfully Reviewed, and on Romance Junkies. The master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

New reviews:
- Hot for Fireman (The Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel, Book 2) by Jennifer Bernard
- If the Slipper Fits (Cinderella Sisterhood, Book 1) by Olivia Drake
- The Taming of a Scottish Princess (Hurst Amulet, Book 4) by Karen Hawkins
- Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor, Book 4) by Jill Shalvis
- 10 Ways to Steal Your Lover (Love by Numbers, Book 1) by Dee Tenorio

Upcoming reviews:
- Good Cop, Bad Cop by Jenna Byrnes and Jude Mason
- How to Be a Proper Lady (Falcon Club, Book 2) by Katharine Ashe
- Beautiful Obsession by Juniper Bell
- Aloha Kaua by Jenna Byrnes
- Blame It On Texas (Hotter in Texas, Book 2) by Christie Craig
- A Perfect Storm Rising by Cameron Dane
- Elliot’s War by Kim Dare
- Trust, Love, Submit by Kim Dare
- How to Ravish a Rake (How To Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
- Too Hot to Touch (Rising Star Chef, Book 1) by Louisa Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
- A Very Personal Trainer by Justine Elyot
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Temptation & Twilight (The Brethren Guardians, Book 3) by Charlotte Featherstone
- Screw Santa (Who Needs Christmas?, Book 1) by Joyee Flynn
- Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- Intimate Beings (The Being Trilogy, Book 2) by Jessica Inclan
- Straight Cowboy by Jan Irving
- After the Abduction (Swanlea Spinsters, Book 3) by Sabrina Jeffries
- If You Give a Girl a Viscount (Impossible Bachelors, Book 4) by Kieran Kramer
- The Sure Thing by Claire Matthews
- Secret Light by Z.A. Maxfield
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- Keeping Faith by Kris Norris
- Strangers in the Night by Brynn Paulin
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Alien Sex 102 by Allie Ritch
- At Last (Lucky Harbor, Book 5) by Jill Shalvis
- Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor, Book 6) by Jill Shalvis
- Just One Kiss (Friends With Benefits, Book 1) by Isabel Sharpe
- Carrie’s Answer (Corporate Affairs, Book 1) by Sierra and V.J. Summers
- Meredith’s Awakening (Corporate Affairs, Book 2) by Sierra and V.J. Summers
- The Virgin’s Revenge (Rancho Del Cielo, Book 4) by Dee Tenorio
- Somebody Like You (Sugar Shack, Book 3) by Candice Terry
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler
- Taxes and TARDIS by N.R. Walker

Monday, May 28, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: At Last by Jill Shalvis

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I absolutely love Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series and I highly recommend them. My teaser this week comes from book 5, At Last, which I just started reading tonight. It's a bit longer than two sentences because I had to post about the scene I just got to. It's the middle of the night and Amy is stuck spending it in the woods, where she's just taken a fall...

Teaser:
"Her left wrist was on fire. So was her butt. Great, she'd broken her butt. She could see the headline on Facebook now -- Amy Michaels cracks her crack during a potty break on the mountain."
*At Last by Jill Shalvis, 10% on Kindle e-arc (releases 6/26/12)


Book Description:
At Last CoverHER LOVE HAS COME ALONG...

Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.


If you like incredibly fun contemporary romances, book 1 of the series (Simply Irresistible) is on sale for $1.99 right now on Kindle and Nook.

Sexy Snippets: At Last by Jill Shalvis


Tuesdays have never been so sexy!

Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd. To join in just grab the button, post a sexy paragraph or two from your current read and share the author & title so other participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like. Then add your post to the linky below so everyone can follow along. Have a sexy good time!


I LOVE Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series and I just started book 5, At Last (available June 26th), so here's a sexy snippet from where I'm at:

At Last Cover"Are you offering to share the tent?"

Her gaze dropped down to his chest and she chewed on her lower lip again -- which was driving him insane. *He* wanted to chew on that lower lip and then soothe the ache with his tongue.

"Sharing is a bad idea, she finally said. "A really, *really* bad idea." But she gave him another slow sweep. His chest, his abs, lower... Her pupils dilated, giving her away.

Either she had a head injury he didn't know about or looking him over had aroused her.
*At Last by Jill Shalvis, 9% on Kindle e-arc

And if you like incredibly fun contemporary romances, book 1 of the series (Simply Irresistible) is on sale for $1.99 right now on Kindle and Nook.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: At Last and Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

Today's WOW is a double-feature for me. I LOVE Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series and since book 4 (Lucky in Love) came out yesterday, I'm super eager to read books 5 and 6, coming out this summer. I'm lucky enough to have an arc of book 5 (At Last) but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. And man, oh man, do I want book 6, Forever and a Day!

At Last Cover Title: At Last
Series: Lucky Harbor, Book 5
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: June 26, 2012

Book Description (from Jill Shalvis's Website):

HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG...

Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.


Forever and a Day Cover Title: Forever and a Day
Series: Lucky Harbor, Book 6
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: July 31, 2012

Book Description (from Jill Shalvis's Website):

LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT

Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s lovable mutt to caring for his rambunctious son. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad...

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family-until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "good bedside manner." Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day...

Monday, May 21, 2012

Review: If the Slipper Fits by Olivia Drake

If the Slipper Fits by Olivia Drake
Series: Cinderella Sisterhood, Book 1
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Genre: Romance If the Slipper Fits Cover
ISBN: 9781250001771
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link

All Annabelle Quinn wants is to see the world outside the girls’ school where she was raised. A stroke of luck lands her the position of governess to an orphaned duke. But while Annabelle finds herself instantly attached to her new charge, it’s the duke’s guardian who piques Annabelle’s interest. Lord Simon Westbury is a mass of contradictions. He’s gruff, distant and seemingly uncaring, but he can also be tender when Annabelle least expects it. The attraction that pulls them together is unexpected, but then again, if Cinderella could capture the heart of a prince, perhaps Annabelle can win the love of a dark and brooding lord.

Cinderella meets Jane Eyre in the charming romance IF THE SLIPPER FITS. IF THE SLIPPER FITS is the first book in the CINDERELLA SISTERHOOD series and the tone set by author Olivia made me eager to read the second book.

Annabelle is a feisty heroine with a big heart and a quick mind. It’s easy to see how she charms Simon, even though he definitely does not want to be charmed. Simon was a bit tougher to get a true feeling for, as we don’t see as much of his thoughts as we do of Annabelle’s. Still, his passion for antiquities and the care he shows those he loves – once he learns how to show it – endeared him to me.

A dash of danger and a dash of fairytale in the form of a very special pair of shoes add to the romance plot, filling out IF THE SLIPPER FITS nicely. I do wish author Olivia Drake had spent a bit more time showing readers why Annabelle and Simon fell in love, but even taking that into account, IF THE SLIPPER FITS is a fun read. IF THE SLIPPER FITS is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Drake and I’m definitely looking forward to more CINDERELLA SISTERHOOD tales!


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

Book Excitement: The Taming of a Scottish Princess by Karen Hawkins

Karen Hawkins's final Hurst Amulet book, The Taming of a Scottish Princess, releases tomorrow, May 22nd!!! I adore Ms. Hawkins's books, but I was really excited to read this book. I was lucky enough to receive an arc, which I reviewed on Joyfully Reviewed. Michael and Jane's story is everything I'd hoped it would be. Whether you're an old or new fan of Ms. Hawkins's work, you're sure to adore the fast-paced, witty, charming The Taming of a Scottish Princess!

I enjoyed The Taming of a Scottish Princess so much that I made it a June Recommended Read. Click here to read my review. You can also read a short teaser here :)

Book Description:
The Taming of a Scottish Princess CoverA DETERMINED EXPLORER
When famed Egyptologist Michael Hurst discovers that the infamous Hurst Amulet is hidden in Scotland, he insists his trusted assistant, Miss Jane Smythe-Haughton, accompany him north. Strangely, the usually unflappable Jane seems perturbed by their destination—the mysterious Isle of Barra. A fascinated Michael watches as his staid assistant transforms, revealing intriguing layers of mystery and vulnerability. Could he be about to uncover not one, but two, precious treasures?

A DAUNTLESS PRINCESS
Once her clan’s princess, Jane fled Barra years ago to avoid a forced marriage. Since then, she has made her living as efficient Miss Smythe-Haughton—the perfect (and highly paid) assistant. Now she must confront her secrets . . . including her feelings for her irascible employer, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Michael Hurst.

A PERILOUS PLEASURE
Others are also searching for the missing amulet, however. Can Jane and Michael learn to trust each other in time to solve two riddles: the location of the Hurst Amulet, and the meaning of the vivid passion flaring between them?

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Review: Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis


Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor, Book 4
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance Lucky in Love Cover
Release Date: May 22, 2012
ISBN: 9781455503728
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Jill Shalvis Reading Order

ER Nurse Mallory Quinn is the quintessential good girl, which means she’s always taking care of everyone around her and the men she goes out with fit the bill for being Mr. Right. At the urging of her friends and fellow chocoholics, Mallory decides to take a walk on the wild side with a Mr. Wrong. And sexy Lucky Harbor mystery man Ty Garrison is the perfect Mr. Wrong for Mallory to let loose with. As hot as the sparks are that fly between her and Ty, Mallory knows that his stay in Lucky Harbor is only temporary. But the more time Mallory and Ty spend together, the closer they get. Will Mallory come to regret her decision to have a fling with Mr. Wrong when he turns out to be the perfect-for-her Mr. Right?

Return to the lively town of Lucky Harbor in the charming, sensual Lucky in Love. I fell in love with the town and people Jill Shalvis introduced in her first three Lucky Harbor books (Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, and Head Over Heels), so I had high expectations coming into Lucky in Love. Ms. Shalvis did not disappoint! Mallory is a bright, fun, hardworking, caring heroine I simply adored. Like all the Lucky Harbor heroines, Mallory is someone I’d love to be friends with, were she real. But despite how together Mallory appears to be on the outside, she carries internal scars from her past which broke my heart. Ty, in turn, is a former Navy SEAL medic who lost his team and still carries scars of his own from that. He doesn’t want to get attached to anything or anyone, which is why he thinks getting involved with Mallory is a bad idea. What Ty can’t see (at first) is that Mallory is perfect for him. The two of them have fantastic chemistry, which translates into sizzling heat and a heartwarming love story.

Lucky in Love is the fourth book in Ms. Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Where the first three Lucky Harbor books revolved around three sisters and three best friends, Lucky in Love starts off a new trilogy within the series, this one about three chocoholics and the men who love (or will soon love) them. Fans of the first three Lucky Harbor books will be delighted to hear mention of the previous books’ heroes and heroines, and Sawyer from Head Over Heels even plays a small role in Lucky in Love.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I want to move to Lucky Harbor! The town and its residents are so energetic, so endearing, that I’m always swept away by the Lucky Harbor books, and Lucky in Love is no exception. A strong addition to an already fantastic series, Lucky in Love is one book fans of contemporary romance should not miss!

Waiting on Wednesday: Somebody Like You by Candis Terry


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I read Candis Terry's first Sugar Shack novel (Second Chance at the Sugar Shack) yesterday and started on book two (Any Given Christmas) as soon as I finished. Kelly and James intrigued me in book 1, so I'm already looking forward to reading book 3, Somebody Like You.

If you like lighthearted contemporary romance and want to give the Sugar Shack series a try, Second Chance at the Sugar Shack is on sale for $1.99 on Kindle and Nook.

Somebody Like You Cover Title: Somebody Like You
Series: Sugar Shack, Book 3
Author: Candis Terry
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: June 19, 2012

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Welcome Back to the Sugar Shack

Straitlaced...

Chicago prosecutor Kelly Silverthorne has a perfect record in the courtroom and a big fat zero in the bedroom. When she loses her first case ever, she returns home to Deer Lick, Montana, to regain her confidence and shake off the "Sister Serious" moniker she's been stuck with since childhood. Only a few hours into her repentance, karma thrusts her face-to-face with yet another of her major fiascos—a one-night stand with the hottest cop in the county.

Rebel with a Cause...
Deputy James Harley has always played with fire. When smart and sexy Kelly pops back into his life, he doesn't mind going for a full burn. And that might be exactly what happens when his past threatens to catch up with his future.

A Match Made in...
Heaven only knows what Kelly's dearly departed mom has planned from the other side—especially since she's already meddled in Kelly's siblings' love lives. But even heaven knows that when love comes

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Tuesday in Review

It’s update time :)

Below are the newest reviews I’ve written here, on Joyfully Reviewed, and on Romance Junkies. The master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

Reviews for upcoming releases:
- Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance, Book 3) by Larissa Ione (available 5/22/12)
- Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling, Book 11) by Nalini Singh (available 5/29/12)

All other new reviews:
- Chain Reaction (8th Wing, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
- Demon’s Bride (Hellraisers, Book 2) by Zoë Archer
- Sinful Wager by Alice Gaines
- Bachelor Number Four by Megan Hart
- Born to Be Wild (Welcome to Paradise, Book 3) by Elle Kennedy
- Midnight Rescue (Killer Instincts, Book 1) by Elle Kennedy

Upcoming reviews:
- Good Cop, Bad Cop by Jenna Byrnes and Jude Mason
- How to Be a Proper Lady (Falcon Club, Book 2) by Katharine Ashe
- Hot for Fireman (The Bachelor Fireman of San Gabriel, Book 2) by Jennifer Bernard
- Aloha Kaua by Jenna Byrnes
- A Perfect Storm Rising by Cameron Dane
- Elliot’s War by Kim Dare
- Trust, Love, Submit by Kim Dare
- If the Slipper Fits (Cinderella Sisterhood, Book 1) by Olivia Drake
- How to Ravish a Rake (How To Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
- Too Hot to Touch (Rising Star Chef, Book 1) by Louisa Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
- A Very Personal Trainer by Justine Elyot
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Screw Santa (Who Needs Christmas?, Book 1) by Joyee Flynn
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- The Taming of a Scottish Princess (Hurst Amulet, Book 4) by Karen Hawkins
- Intimate Beings (The Being Trilogy, Book 2) by Jessica Inclan
- Straight Cowboy by Jan Irving
- After the Abduction (Swanlea Spinsters, Book 3) by Sabrina Jeffries
- If You Give a Girl a Viscount (Impossible Bachelors, Book 4) by Kieran Kramer
- The Sure Thing by Claire Matthews
- Secret Light by Z.A. Maxfield
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- Keeping Faith by Kris Norris
- Strangers in the Night by Brynn Paulin
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Alien Sex 102 by Allie Ritch
- Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor, Book 4) by Jill Shalvis
- Carrie’s Answer (Corporate Affairs, Book 1) by Sierra and V.J. Summers
- Meredith’s Awakening (Corporate Affairs, Book 2) by Sierra and V.J. Summers
- 10 Ways to Steal Your Lover (Love by Numbers, Book 1) by Dee Tenorio
- The Virgin’s Revenge (Rancho Del Cielo, Book 4) by Dee Tenorio
- Somebody Like You by Candice Terry
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler
- Taxes and TARDIS by N.R. Walker

Monday, May 14, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: The Taming of a Scottish Princess by Karen Kawkins

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I adore Karen Hawkins's Hurst Amulet series and since the beginning of the series, I've been eager for this book in particular. Michael Hurst and his assistant, Jane Smythe-Haughton, are so much fun when they're bickering.

Teaser:
"She patted his arm as if he were a child of two and said in a soothing tone, "I'm certain that once we're under way, your sense of adventure will awaken."

"My sense of adventure will not rise until noon."
*The Taming of a Scottish Princess by Karen Hawkins, page 53 of arc copy (book releases 5/22/12)


Book Description:
The Taming of a Scottish Princess CoverA DETERMINED EXPLORER
When famed Egyptologist Michael Hurst discovers that the infamous Hurst Amulet is hidden in Scotland, he insists his trusted assistant, Miss Jane Smythe-Haughton, accompany him north. Strangely, the usually unflappable Jane seems perturbed by their destination—the mysterious Isle of Barra. A fascinated Michael watches as his staid assistant transforms, revealing intriguing layers of mystery and vulnerability. Could he be about to uncover not one, but two, precious treasures?

A DAUNTLESS PRINCESS
Once her clan’s princess, Jane fled Barra years ago to avoid a forced marriage. Since then, she has made her living as efficient Miss Smythe-Haughton—the perfect (and highly paid) assistant. Now she must confront her secrets . . . including her feelings for her irascible employer, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Michael Hurst.

A PERILOUS PLEASURE
Others are also searching for the missing amulet, however. Can Jane and Michael learn to trust each other in time to solve two riddles: the location of the Hurst Amulet, and the meaning of the vivid passion flaring between them?

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Review: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione
Series: Lords of Deliverance, Book 3
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance Lethal Rider Cover
Release Date: May 22, 2012
ISBN: 9780446574501
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Larissa Ione reading order: here

As the children of a succubus and an angel, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are destined to either save the world from doomsday…or allow evil to overtake all if their Seals break.

Thanatos has spent countless centuries resisting temptation and remaining celibate, thinking that the loss of his virginity will cause his Seal to break. One fateful night ruins everything and Thanatos gives into his desire for the beautiful Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper. Now, all that Thanatos knows has been upended and his world becomes even more complicated when he discovers he’s going to be a father. The clock is ticking down to the apocalypse and Thanatos must learn to work with the woman who betrayed them in order to protect their son and save the world. But to prevent doomsday from happening, will he have to risk losing the child he’s always wanted and the woman who calls to him like no other?

The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been in Lethal Rider! Larissa Ione’s penultimate Lords of Deliverance book is a wildly addictive story, filled with action, danger, passion, romance, and love.

Having fallen in love with the Lords of Deliverance series after reading the first two books, Eternal Rider and Immortal Rider, I had high expectations for Lethal Rider. How could I not, when Ms. Ione has so deftly woven the ultimate battle of good versus evil into a pulse-pounding series of paranormal romances? Lethal Rider more than lived up to my hopes. Thanatos and Regan are two strong protagonists whose inner vulnerabilities made me want to hug them… Until I realized that would be insane even if it were possible, considering how dangerous they both are. I loved watching these two warriors learn move past what has happened and work with one another to protect their child. There are so many moments of unexpected tenderness in Lethal Rider that simply melted me. It was also pure pleasure to see Regan and Thanatos fall in love. Quite simply, they’re perfect for each other so it was easy to become invested in their romance.

As for the looming threat of the apocalypse… Damn. There were moments I wasn’t sure how Ms. Ione was going to pull off Thanatos, Ares, Limos, and their allies defeating their brother, Pestilence. The second half of Lethal Rider in particular is impossible to put down — it’s that intense. I’m pretty sure I had a death-grip on my Kindle as I was reading. I won’t reveal any of what happens because it’s simply too much fun to discover on your own.

Lethal Rider is the third Lords of Deliverance book and though Ms. Ione provides enough information that readers new to the series can follow along, I highly recommend reading Eternal Rider and Immortal Rider first. Fans of Ms. Ione’s Demonica series will also surely be delighted to learn that most of those characters play supporting roles in Lethal Rider. I haven’t yet read the Demonica series, but I’m more eager than ever to do so!

Lethal Rider is an edge-of-your-seat read that will surely delight fans of paranormal romance. Eternal Rider, Immortal Rider, and Lethal Rider have all been such stellar reads that my only complaint is having to wait to read the next book. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a series that has me this intrigued by so many characters. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Ione does in Reseph’s book, Rogue Rider, and man, oh, man, Lethal Rider left me desperate to see more of my two favorite characters in the series, Reaver and Harvester.

I’m truly convinced that Ms. Ione’s talent for creating complex, fascinating characters is unparalleled. I love the blend of darkness and light in the Lords of Deliverance world and I simply cannot wait to see what unique, engaging book Larissa Ione delivers next!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Review: Born to Be Wild by Elle Kennedy

Born to Be Wild by Elle Kennedy
Series: Welcome to Paradise, Book 3
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance Born to Be Wild Cover
ISBN: 9781609289669
Blue Ribbon Rating: 5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Elle Kennedy Reading Order

Jake Bishop has always been seen as the town bad boy. Bree Lockhart has always been seen as the town good girl. And no one but them knows about the three wild, reckless months they spent as lovers back in high school. Twelve years have passed and both Bree and Jake have gone their separate ways. But when Bree comes home and is roped into going up on the stage for a charity auction, she’s shocked to discover Jake bidding — and winning — a date with her. The intervening years since high school haven’t dimmed their desire for one another. Bree knows their reunion is only temporary, but Jake seems to be after something more. Can this good girl trust her heart to the bad boy she’s never been able to forget?

BORN TO BE WILD is an insanely addictive story! How addictive? I opened the file to read the blurb on my cellphone and – despite having a fully functioning computer and Kindle – ended up reading the entire book on my phone. I could NOT put it down.

Author Elle Kennedy knows how to write a hot book, but BORN TO BE WILD is off-the-charts erotic! Jake and Bree have sizzling chemistry that practically sweeps them off of their feet…and me, the reader, along with them. But as much as I enjoyed the raw passion of BORN TO BE WILD, it is Jake and Bree themselves that make the story memorable. Jake is wickedly sensual and a soldier to the core, but not many people expect much from him. Bree sees Jake for who he truly is, and I loved learning about him through her eyes. Bree, in turn, is a brilliant woman who has learned to stand her ground when others try to push her around. I respected and liked Bree immensely, so it was easy for me to become invested in her romance with Jake.

BORN TO BE WILD is the third Bishop brothers story in Ms. Kennedy’s WELCOME TO PARADISE series, but it can be read as a standalone. Fans of the series will, however, enjoy revisiting some of their favorite characters. And to my everlasting delight, the overarching series subplot involving Cooper and Lexie moves forward in BORN TO BE WILD, though I definitely won’t spoil what happens there.

I absolutely loved BORN TO BE WILD; it’s scorching, sweet and wholly entertaining. I finished Bree and Jake’s story wanting nothing more than to re-read it, which is always the mark of a great book. Ms. Kennedy is an auto-buy author for me and with stories like BORN TO BE WILD, it’s easy to see why. I can’t wait for the next WELCOME TO PARADISE book!


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I love Ilona Andrews's Kate Daniels series and even though I was less than thrilled with Andrea in the last book, Magic Slays, I'm looking forward to Gunmetal Magic...and crossing my fingers that Andrea gets it together where Raphael is concerned.

Gunmetal Magic Cover Title: Gunmetal Magic
Series: World of Kate Daniels, Book 1 / Kate Daniels, Book 5.5
Author: Ilona Andrews
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Ilona Andrews Reading Order

Book Description (from Goodreads):

Some people have everything figured out — Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. All she can do is try to put herself back together, something made easier by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend, Kate Daniels.

When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano — the male alpha of Clan Bouda and Andrea's former lover — die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate ... and must work with Raphael. As her search for the killer leads her into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta, Andrea knows that dealing with her feelings for Raphael might have to take a backseat to saving the world...

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Review: Chain Reaction by Zoë Archer

Chain Reaciton by Zoë Archer
Series: 8th Wing, Book 2
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance Chain Reaction Cover
ISBN: 9781426893032
Buy it here: Carina Press | Amazon

Lieutenant Celine Jur is a legend even among her fellow Black Wraith pilots. But even legends can be captured and Celine was only recently rescued from captivity after a device disabled her ship. Now the man who created the device has been located and Celine is ready for revenge. The only problem? Command wants her to take engineer Nils Calder along on the mission. Celine has no desire to bring a guy from NerdWorks with her. If she needs a partner, she’ll take one trained for combat. But tech geek Nils has a few surprises in store for Celine. He isn’t just a brain and he’s ready to prove to Celine he’s more than capable of being her partner…in more ways than one.

Zoë Archer’s second 8th Wing story is even better than the first! Chain Reaction is a sexy, fun, clever story that’ll keep you entertained from the first page to the last. I love how Celine’s strength was complimented by her femininity. So often when we see tough heroines the authors have them act masculine as a way to prove their strength – something I find unnecessary. Ms. Archer excels at creating a strong female protagonist who is relatable as well. I adored Celine and wanted her to find happiness with someone who sees her as more than a famous pilot. Nils is exactly the right man for her. He’s a total geek (which I love), but he’s also a skilled fighter. I admit, I was slightly envious of Celine because I’d love to have Nils show up on my doorstep ;) Still, Nils and Celine complement one another perfectly, which is what makes Chain Reaction such an excellent story.

I’m very picky about science fiction stories and I’m not too keen on a lot of the sci-fi romances out there. However, since I enjoy Ms. Archer’s work I decided to give her 8th Wing series a try. I’m so glad I did. No matter the genre, Ms. Archer delivers a great story with excellent world building and characters readers are sure to become invested in. If you haven’t read the first 8th Wing book, Collision Course, you can read Chain Reaction as a standalone. However, fans of Collision Course will undoubtedly be delighted that Kell and Mara play strong supporting roles in Chain Reaction.

Whether you like sci-fi, romance, nerdy heroes, strong heroines, or all of the above, Chain Reaction is a solidly entertaining read you’ll no doubt enjoy. I finished Nils and Celine’s story a well-satisfied reader and I can’t wait to read Ms. Archer’s next book!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed by Anna Campbell


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights eagerly anticipated upcoming releases!

I've been a huge fan of Anna Campbell's since reading her debut novel, Claiming the Courtesan, so it's no surprise I can't wait for her upcoming book :)

Seven Nights in a Rogues Bed Cover Title: Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed
Series: Sons of Sin, Book 1
Author: Anna Campbell
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Book Description (from Anna Campbell's website):

Will a week of seduction...
Desperate to save her sister's life, Sidonie Forsythe has agreed to submit herself to a terrible fate: Beyond the foreboding walls of Castle Craven, a notorious, hideously scarred scoundrel will take her virtue over the course of seven sinful nights. Yet instead of a monster, she encounters a man like no other. And during this week, she comes to care for Jonas Merrick in ways that defy all logic-even as a dark secret she carries threatens them both.

...Spark a lifetime of passionate surrender?
Ruthless loner Jonas knows exactly who he is. Should he forget, even for a moment, the curse he bears, a mere glance in the mirror serves as an agonizing reminder. So when the lovely Sidonie turns up on his doorstep, her seduction is an even more delicious prospect than he originally planned. But the hardened outcast is soon moved by her innocent beauty, sharp wit, and surprising courage. Now as dangerous enemies gather at the gate to destroy them, can their new, fragile love survive?

Review: Midnight Rescue by Elle Kennedy

Midnight Rescue by Elle Kennedy
Series: Killer Instincts, Book 1
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Romantic Suspense Midnight Rescue Cover
ISBN: 9780451236586
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Book Purchase Link
Elle Kennedy Reading Order

Abby Sinclair’s childhood was pure hell until she was rescued by an army ranger who helped her become the strong, fearless woman she is today. Abby’s now an assassin who will use every advantage to take out her target. But her latest assignment – to kill a Colombian drug lord – goes to hell when she finds out that her target is also in the sex trade. Desperate to free the young girls who are to be sold soon, Abby intentionally blows her cover and is captured and tortured as a result. Abby’s boss is none-too-pleased, but she recruits a team of mercenaries to rescue Abby, and part of that team is the devastatingly sexy Kane Woodland.

With Abby’s plans falling to pieces around her, she has to put everything on the line to convince Kane and his fellow mercenaries to help her rescue the imprisoned girls. Gaining Kane’s help is easy; it’s resisting her desire for him that’s hard. And the more time they spend together, the hotter the fires between them burn. But can there be a future for an assassin and a mercenary? Abby and Kane might not live long enough to find out.

Enter the high-octane world of Elle Kennedy’s KILLER INSTINCTS series with MIDNIGHT RESCUE. From the very first page, Ms. Kennedy thrusts readers into a gritty world where danger doesn’t just lurk behind, but attacks from every corner. Abby and Kane are playing the ultimate high stakes game, risking their lives and the lives of their friends to do what’s right. But MIDNIGHT RESCUE isn’t all about darkness – there’s scintillating passion and an excellent love story as well. Ms. Kennedy deftly blends the two as Abby and Kane fall in love.

Abby is a woman who’s deeply scarred by the past. She broke my heart and one of the joys of MIDNIGHT RESCUE was watching her start to heal – start to feel. It isn’t easy for Abby to let people in, but given her upbringing and the nature of her job, that makes sense. She’s got a hard outer shell, but Abby is incredibly self-sacrificing and has a good heart. She also has an incredibly difficult time reconciling her attitude toward sex with her desire for Kane. And speaking of Kane... Wow. As with all of Ms. Kennedy’s heroes, I absolutely wish he could show up on my doorstep. Kane is every bit as lethal as Abby, but he’s also caring and, I must say, off-the-charts sexy. I loved Kane and Abby together and they were a great emotional center for MIDNIGHT RESCUE.

Kane’s team of mercenaries and Abby’s fellow assassins round out MIDNIGHT RESCUE, ensuring that there are many more KILLER INSTINCTS novels that I am dying to read. I could go on about the characters whose stories I’d love to read, but that would make this a very, very long review. Suffice it to say, Ms. Kennedy’s skill at creating fascinating characters is at full force in MIDNIGHT RESCUE.

With its dark, edgy tone, passionate love story and deadly protagonists, MIDNIGHT RESCUE is a sure-fire win for fans of romantic suspense. I’m looking forward to re-reading Kane and Abby’s, and I cannot wait to read the next KILLER INSTINCTS book!


Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here with permission from Romance Junkies.