Hot Point (Firehawks)
Hot Point (Firehawks #10)by M.L. Buchman
Master mechanic Denise Conroy—with a reputation for being as steel-clad as the aircraft she keeps aloft—shuns useless flyboys who don't know one end of a wrench from the other.
Firehawk pilot Vern Taylor—known for unstoppable charm and a complete lack of mechanical skills—proves his talent for out-of-the-box thinking with every flight. He's a survivor and a natural-born heli-aviation firefighter.
When Denise and Vern crash together in the Central American jungle with wildfire on one side and a full-fledged military coup on the other, their newly forged partnership is tested to the max. They have each other, but not even their formidable skills combined can protect Denise and Vern from the conflagration sweeping the jungle... and their hearts.
My Review:
I really have to give the author credit for venturing out into the romance genre considering the fact that ML is a male author. ML manages to create an adventurous plot with strong characters and well researched details. I had to give mad props for being able to be so realistic. Hot Point is a romance any female or male for that matter can get into. Its not heavy sappy or steamy sexy but its a realistic and I had to admire that. So many romances are so sappy and over laden in sex that it feels like the writer just creates a story around the sex itself instead of actually putting effort into creating a decent book. Buchman is a fantastic artist of great talent, I really liked the respect Vern has for women and I liked that he conducted himself the way few women appreciate in a man these days. It made him a very likable hero.
There's some wish wash with the plot but it was the characters that really drove the story for me. I will be adding Buchman to my next list of favorites list. Guaranteed I will be looking for past and future books by this author.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca
Wolf Trouble
Wolf Trouble (SWAT #2) by Paige Tyler There's never been a female on the Dallas SWAT team and Senior Corporal Xander Riggs prefers it that way. The elite pack of alpha male wolfshifters is no place for a woman. But Khaki Blake is no ordinary woman.
When Khaki walks through the door attractive as hell and smelling like heaven, Xander doesn't know what the heck to do. Worse, she's put under his command and Xander's protective instincts go on high alert. When things start heating up both on and off the clock, it's almost impossible to keep their heads in the game and their hands off each other.
My Review:
Paige Tyler does adventure right. I love her h/h pairing because for every male there is an even stronger female to back him up. It was really amusing getting to see the clash of Xander and Khaki's personalities as they came head to head strength for strength. Its good getting an author who believes that women can be just as big and just as stand up as the male leads in romance. I enjoyed Xander too, he's a great male lead for Wolf Trouble. To make things even better not only do we get the thriller action romance we get kick ass paranormal thrown into this world. Its the alpha thing... its a total win.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca
Edge of Darkness
Edge of Darkness (Dark Saga #26.5)by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Lori Herter Dark Crime by Christine Feehan
Blaze knows who killed her father and she has merciless plans for payback. Until a phone call from a seductive stranger pleads with her to wait. Retribution is in his blood, too. Now, he and Blaze will be united in the blood of the guilty. Tonight, vengeance is theirs.
Dead by Twilight by Maggie Shayne
Bloodsuckers may be an accepted minority but one of them is getting away with murder. Until a female vamp teams with a mortal detective to end the killing spree. Now the night belongs to them—and so does every pleasure and danger lurking in the shadows.
Cimarron Spirit by Lori Herter
While excavating an Anasazi ruin, archeologist Annie Carmichael uncovers the resting place of a centuries-old vampire who finds in Annie the liberating mate he has longed for. But how much is Annie expected—or willing—to surrender for the man she now desires?
My Review:
Edge of Darkness is an anthology I've been waiting for a long time. Its been so long and despite it being a novella trio all the authors managed to fit in plenty of background and story to give the full novel effect even through the short format. I have to give a big cheer in relief for Dark Crime. Seriously, I've been waiting for Christine to take back some of that real feel she started out with when she began the Carpathians world and we get a little peek of that once again. I was so happy it felt like home. Thank you Christine! I loved Dead by Twilight you can never go wrong with Maggie Shayne her Twilight books are always a win - her vampires are always adventurous and fun, I also liked the third installment Cimarron Spirit, as Lori Herter is a new author to me I always find enjoyment in discovering fresh to me writers, the story could have been a tad stronger however everything that Lori brought to the table stood up well next to Christine and Maggie so that's saying something. In total Edge of Darkness is a fantastic read.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Siren's Call
Siren's Call (Rainshadow #4) by Jayne CastleIn the alien catacombs of Rainshadow, there are creatures whose compelling songs lure the unwary to their death. That’s why Rafe Coppersmith, hired to clear out the catacombs for exploration, needs a music talent. He’s knows the perfect one, but she probably doesn’t want anything do with him...
Ella Morgan had once fallen hard and fast for Rafe, but then he disappeared for months…and he’s not about to tell her why. Ella, too, has secrets that only her dust bunny knows. She’s not just a music talent, she’s a Siren: a paranormal singer capable of singing men to sleep—or to their deaths.
But once on Rainshadow, Rafe and Ella will learn that surrendering to passion doesn’t come without risks—and fighting fire with fire only adds to the flame
My Review:
Its the Dust Bunnies! New readers please be aware that you will want to start from the beginning because Sirens Call has so many series cross over and detail over lay from Jaynes books that new readers may not be able to follow much of the back story information that is included in this book.
Its a sort of refresher (although Jayne attempts to fill in some blanks) There's a lot of mystery dynamic in Sirens Call simply because there are so many questions laid out for the reader and our h/h to try to solve. And even though Sirens Call had the potential to be funny due to the one silly theme I quite enjoyed reading the story from beginning to end. Sirens Call was a delightfully fun book.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
The Daughter of an Earl
The Daughter of an Earl by Victoria Morgan An American businessman in England, Brett Curtis has little use for the haughty ton beyond seeing his sisters happily entertained in London. But when his cousin mysteriously disappears after inheriting the title of Duke, he sets out to locate him and drag him home.
Lady Emily Chandler plunged into deep despair when her fiancé died in India, and now she is determined to prove that he was murdered. The brash American Brett Curtis’s reputation may be less than sterling, but he’s just the man to help Emily on her quest—if she can convince him to accept her dangerous proposition.
While their alliance uncovers a web of scandalous secrets, their undeniable attraction threatens to reveal something even more dangerous: true love.
My Review:
I love how pretty this cover is. I know people hate readers that judge a book by its cover but this is such a pretty cover (not that I'm judging the story by it but its a plus.)
Emily and Brett were a wonderful pair. Victoria has done a fantastic job of bringing two strong characters together in a sensitive time in both of their lives and despite the emotional conflicts Emily is suffering through the story Brett has been a great support system through the journey that he accompanies her on. I thought the author handled it all well, I liked that she gave life and history to everyone both main and secondary characters and I had a great time being a part of the world that she has created. Its endearing its honest and its a read that really warms the heart.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Truly Madly Montana (A Medicine River Romance)
Truly Madly Montana (Medicine River #2)by Fiona Lowe Sexy and charming Australian doctor Will Bartlett will do anything to help out a friend, even if it means moving to Bear Paw for the summer. Some small-town hospitality, and the uncomplicated friendship of his co-worker, Millie, is just the ticket to shake off the restlessness that’s been gripping him lately.
Millie Switkowski, RN and medical student, is home for her clinical rotation, and she’s determined to make this summer so much better than last. She’s got a year of medical school under her belt, her diabetes is under control and she’s kicked her crazy crush for Will Bartlett, who only ever treated her as “one of the guys.”
But when Will turns out to be Millie’s supervising physician, without warning the summer gets a whole lot hotter than either of them anticipated. With both of them holding onto thorny secrets, can they walk away with their hearts intact?
My Review:
Truly Madly Montana is a mish mash of small town living, redeeming a future, and over coming pasts thrown in with the ensemble of characters living in our River series for the second installment, along with a pinch of "general hospital" thrown in. Everyone has something they have to overcome in their lives and that is the issue we face in this installment and I felt Fiona handled the relationships and the development very well. I really enjoyed Truly Madly Montana it was a really beautiful book that I connected to on a personal level and I like reading stories that can provide that kind of emotion for me.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
SEAL Wolf Hunting (Heart of the Wolf)
SEAL Wolf Hunting (Heart of the Wolf #16)by Terry Spear Paul Cunningham is one of the only bachelors left on the SEAL wolf team, and he's less than thrilled to hear he's been volunteered for a local charity bachelor auction.
Lori Greypaw suspected that her grandmother would use the auction as an opportunity to fix her up. So she's not surprised when she "buys" Paul to help Lori renovate her mountain cabin for a week. Lori's had a crush on the sexy SEAL wolf for years, but he proves to be handy with more than a hammer when two fugitives come knocking and he'll do anything to protect the woman he's falling for..
My Review:
Terry Spear is such a fantastic author with an amazing talent for creating stories that completely ensnare you from beginning to end. I love everything about Terry's writing, you believe the world and the people are completely real because they are so lush and vivid and detailed that you would think that its all actually taking place somewhere. Paul and Lori are a great couple that play off one another so well that you cheer them on the moment they come together. I love that Paul is that total safety blanket man that shelters and protects you and becomes that hero and best friend that is there exactly when you need him, and that Lori is that perfect counterpart to his strength with all her strong willed spirit. I loved the fun banter and the thrilling mystery plot and I loved how Terry blended them all together perfectly. Seal Wolf Hunting is a fantastic read from beginning to end.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Flight from Death (Fly by Night)
Flight from Death (Fly by Night #1)by Yasmine Galenorn I’m Shimmer, a blue dragon shifter. Thanks to a mistake, I was exiled from the Dragon Reaches and sentenced to work for Alex Radcliffe, a vampire who owns the Fly by Night Magical Investigations Agency. Now, not only do I have to adapt to Earthside culture, but every time I turn around, somebody’s trying to kill us. And worse, Alex is as gorgeous as he is exasperating. But you know what they say: All’s fair in love and bounty hunting…
When an old friend of Alex contacts him about a haunting at the High Tide Bed & Breakfast in Port Townsend, Washington, we think we’re on a simple ghost hunt. But our investigation quickly transforms into a deadly fight as we uncover an eighty-year-old murder, a cursed house, and a dark force trapping the spirits within. To stop impending disaster we must break the curse and lay the angry spirits to rest.
My Review:
New readers might be a tad bit lost on some of the details if they're jumping right in and as this is technically the first in a new series keep in mind that it is a spin off and it carries over from her previous books. For regular readers you'll recognize many familiar faces as Shimmer takes the front stage. I would have thought that the author would have considered filling in some information as she made many references to previous incidents with our cast that new readers may not be able to pick up on but it wasn't so horribly hung over that you couldn't ignore it and move on. Another point I would have thought would have been farther along was Shimmers development. We get a little fleshing out but it could have used a lot more to bring the reader a better bond with her even though we will be getting more of her in the future from the way things are looking. Over all the book itself felt like a Stephanie Plum of the paranormal world so I enjoyed the friendships and relationships that Shimmer was involved with. I'm on the fence about her intimate relationship with Alex because he felt just a little too disingenuous and that didn't quite win me over. I don't know if its because it reminded me too much of the whole Jax and Tera relationship in SOA when he says the same line but I got caught up on that for awhile. However the rest of the book was entertaining and it was nice getting a different angle on the whole Otherworld series.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Home by Morning (The Heroes of Heartbreak Creek)
Home by Morning (Heroes of Heartbreak Creek #3)by Kaki Warner Thomas Redstone—a former Cheyenne warrior seeking new purpose by following the ways of his white grandfather—is returning to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, when he decides to give the woman he loves one last chance to accept him into her life.
Prudence Lincoln’s beauty and education have brought her little joy. Envied by blacks for the advantages she’s had, and reviled by whites for her mixed blood, she’s proving herself by helping ex-slaves prepare for newfound freedom. Thomas has no place in her future, no matter how much she loves him.
He’s suffered only hardship. She was raised in privilege. Their only common ground is the spark between them that won’t die. Yet even as evil forces tear them apart again, they discover that courage can be a weapon, happiness is a choice, and love can triumph over anything.
My Review:
I really need to catch up on the previous books. Holy cow. Jumping in the middle of the series wasn't a complete mistake because the author tries to gives you hints about what took place in the previous books to which our characters were obviously an important part of so I spent a good part of the book trying to play catch up and understanding who these people are, what drives them, and what is going on in their heads. I spent a lot of time asking the famous W's through the biggest half the the book but despite that I really enjoyed the world that Kaki created, I liked the heart and even the frustrating villain and drama that encompassed Thomas and Pru's lives. The great thing is that I grew to care about them and I cared about the hills and valleys of their relationship. Home By Morning is a great story that I enjoyed from beginning to end.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
The Bourbon Kings
The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings #1)by J.R. Ward For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.
For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.
As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.
My Review:
Watch out General Hospital, stand back Young and Restless, move over Days of Our Lives, the Bourbon Kings stole your drama. JR Ward's new romance has all the makings of a daytime soap opera including its bone deep broken family, money, emotionally absent father, and every abuse on every level you can imagine including a love affair between two people that don't have any chemistry or any emotional depth. Both Liz and Lane are dragged through the theatrics surrounding every person in the book acting on both impulse, and on automatic as they both appeared to just go through the motions as their lives are completely turned upside down. The extremes of depravity know no bounds for any character involved as JR ups the ante and depravity page after page.
The only redeeming character in the entire book is the cook who practically raised the children as her own in their traumatically abusive house hold praying that the kids would reunite and strengthen their family name even though she knew the abuses they all were forced to endure. All the twisted secrets the rich and privileged behold behind the beautiful facade that is their home.
Their relationships and interactions give way to reveal all the insanity hiding behind the beautiful faces dripping in wealth and all the plots and schemes that can be imagined and planned by those hoping to increase and hold on to that wealth.
I have some really mixed feelings as to where its all going because of the epic cliff hanger ending and what potential the book really has to continue on, there are several things I felt could have been changed and some of the plot that was placed toward the end of the book that could have been added in the middle leaving out a lot of the extra filler that seemed to drag out much of the time.
While not a lot of the story is unique a lot of it is surprising because I simply wasn't expecting the author to "go there" and yet the horrors continued on. Its interesting all the various plots JR came up with and all the insanely broken people she has created. These broken souls that are forced to endure dig into you and at the same time some of the theatrics involved in the story could have been done without. Its this heady mix of intrigue and annoyance that kept me reading. I almost fear whats to come in the next installment, because how much worse can it get? But at the same time I want to know what happens next. Is that sick of me to be drawn to want to read more or is that on behalf of the authors writing? Oddly enough even though I didn't believe in Lix and Lane as a couple I want to know what happens next, I want to know how they survive in that world and what's the deal with the finger any way? Is the mother really a drug induced veg? Really? Will Lanes father and wife get away with what they've done? Curious minds want to know.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Trail of Kisses
Trail of Kisses (Hot on the Trail #1)by Merry Farmer Someone is trying to kill Lynne Tremaine. After her father sentences two members of The Briscoe Boys gang to death, Judge Tremaine feels he has no choice but to send Lynne to Denver City along the Oregon Trail to live with her Uncle George…against her will. For Lynne, the only thing worse than being sent away to the wild west is making the journey with the handsome, arrogant, wicked man her uncle has hired to escort her. Especially when the anger she feels toward him begins to turn to something hotter.
Cade Lawson is determined to prove himself to his employer, George Tremaine, after letting him down months earlier. But what he thought would be his second chance may, in fact, be a harsh punishment for his past mistakes. Lynne is headstrong, fiery, and determined to show him she is fearless. She is also beautiful and tempting, and when Cade sees just how afraid she really is underneath her brave act, he may be in danger of losing his heart to her forever. When her would-be killer attacks, it’s all he can do to keep Lynne safe.
He swore to protect her, but who will protect him from her?
My Review:
This is one of those examples of 'you can run but you can't hide' in romance. You can run away or be sent away but regardless of where you go your troubles are going to follow you wherever you end up.
Cade Lawson had a sort of John Wayne swagger and appeal while Lynn had more of a Scarlett O'hara
kind of thing going so there was a bit of friction until we (the readers) got a better sense of who she is and how well the tension between her and Cade suit their opposites attract coupling. I enjoyed the clashing personalities because it provided plenty of amusement from page to page. I do have to admit how impressed I am that Miss Farmer allows Lynn to be the advancer than the advanced which makes for a sexy scene between our couple.
I wish it hadn't been so short because it made everything happen so quickly and ended way too soon. However I enjoyed the story and it will fit well into any busy ladies day.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
Caged: The Mastered Series
Caged (Mastered #4) by Lorelei James In order to survive a life of tragedy, Deacon McConnell embraced his roughest edges and learned to fight on the streets. Then a life-changing jujitsu seminar led by Sensei Ronin Black led Deacon to become a professional fighter. With his muscular physique and his body covered in tattoos and scars, the MMA fighter defines mean, both on and off the mat.
But everything changes when innocent Molly Calloway signs up for his kickboxing class. Molly is Deacon’s opposite in every way: She’s kind, sweet, thoughtful, and educated. After a heated argument between them turns into a passionate encounter, Deacon realizes Molly is eager to experience more, and she looks to him to take her to the darker edge of lust....
The last thing either of them expects is how deeply their lives will be thrown upside down by the passion they find together.
My Review:
A little cutsey, a tiny silly, a little catty and a pinch steamy, Caged is a fun book with two fabulous characters Molly and Deacon. I didn't favor all the family drama because I thought their interaction was perfect without it but it showed the various dynamic both together and alone and of how they both handle life outside of sex. Although a little immature obviously more teen geared than adult by the drama but I liked that the characters had to face their pasts and deal with their traumas because that's a part of growing up. I respected that and I could get behind their need to deal. Their naivete was endearing and sweet, I didn't favor the immaturity although I could feel for them and their need to seclude themselves away from any possible emotional closeness or danger and vulnerability. The rest was surprising, I was impressed with Lorelei's creativity. All in all Caged was a good book that I enjoyed reading.
My Rating:
3 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley
1
Some Like It Scottish: A Kilts and Quilts Novel
Some Like It Scottish (Kilts and Quilts #3)by Patience GriffinKit Woodhouse’s matchmaking business is such a success, she’s expanding to the Highlands of Scotland where the hot, prosperous, and kilted are anxious to connect. Now, looking to fill her stable with eligible bachelors, Kit’s arrived in Gandiegow to recruit potential Real Men of Scotland. It’s not until she meets her tour guide that she discovers just how real they can be.
With his sexy grin, jeans, and black wellies, Ramsay Armstrong is an unpolished hulk of a Scottish fisherman—and a skeptic when it comes to romance. Not exactly a man of “pairing attributes” when talking marriageable matches, but he does make Kit’s heart beat a little faster. Maybe it’s the scent of the sea in his hair. Maybe it’s the challenge. Maybe it’s the thrill of the unexpected. Then again, maybe it’s love.
My Review:
Some Like it Scottish is another example of opposites attract romance which I am sort of fascinated by because I like to see how the author handles their couples characteristics and personalities and how they mesh together. Patience has handled it beautifully. The book was fun, it was enlightening, it amusing, and I enjoyed watching Ramsay and Kit play off one another and I really liked seeing how Kit's job kind of winds up blowing up in her face. How do you hook up a guy with someone else knowing that you're having feelings for said guy? Do you do your job or do you come out with the truth and tell him how you feel? I really had a good time reading Some Like it Scottish.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
I Want You to Want Me
I Want You to Want Me (Rock Star Romance #2)by Erika Kelly Derek Valencia finally has the success he’s worked so hard for. His band is touring its debut album and great reviews are rolling in. But when pictures of him tossing naked groupies off a balcony go viral, it’s damage-control time. He’s assigned a “babysitter” whose sole job is to keep him out of trouble.
Violet Davis swore she’d never work in the music industry again, but being a minder for a rock star will earn her enough to pay off the mortgage on her wildflower farm. And for a girl brought up in the foster care system, owning her own home means more to her than anything.
Though at first the two bang heads, the rocker and the farm girl soon grow close and realize that they make sweet music together. But can a girl who craves the stability of life on a farm really make it work with a man whose life is spent on the road with his band?
My Review:
I Want You To Want Me is a very drama centered YA/NA story about an upcoming band in dire need of a baby sitter who all in all doesn't do that great at her job but instead gets mixed up in intimate relationships, drugs, and other emotional immaturity with characters that are of the like in a world that's drowned in the spot light. Although I wasn't convinced of what Violet was supposed to be and the skills she was supposed to provide, she and Derek made an interesting couple and mentally were on the same level as the other so it wasn't difficult to picture them together. Both had issues that carried over from their childhood and they had issues as adults that provided conflicts for them. I still feel as if they both have plenty of growing up to do but I still enjoyed the read.
My Rating:
3 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Hell or High Water (The Deep Six)
Hell or High Water (Deep Six #1)by Julie Ann WalkerIn a world on the brink...
Six men. One sunken Spanish galleon. Millions in gold and silver coins lying on the ocean floor. And a past that refuses to let the guys of Deep Six Salvage forget the Navy SEAL motto: the only easy day was yesterday...
There's more than one kind of treasure...
The nation's security has always been CIA agent Olivia Mortier's top priority. But a mission-gone-wrong has begun to make her wonder if there's more to life than risking hers.
And more than one secret at the bottom of the sea...
Only two things could make Leo Anderson abandon his hunt for the legendary lost ship, La Santa Christina, and return to the world of weapons and warfare he swore to leave behind: a capsule of enriched uranium, lost on the ocean floor, and a plea for assistance from the one woman he can't seem to forget.
My Review:
Some of it I couldn't take seriously and some of the details weren't quite right but if you look beyond not taking it seriously its a decent story. As its the first book in the series much of it is spent plot, character and background building but the author also manages to drag our men through quite a few crazy adventurous situations all the while. I got a crack out of all the puns, quips and other oddities. (Although a few were a little over the top) The story itself was enjoyable and the characters were likable (beards in all- suba with a beard? hm... not so much) In the end Hell or High Water was a fresh change from all the recent military romances I've read lately and I will be looking forward to reading any future editions the author has in mind.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca
Earth Bound (Sisters of the Heart #3)
Earth Bound (Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart #4) by Christine FeehanAfter escaping from a cult, Lexi found refuge with her sisters on the farm that more than sustained her body—it nurtured her soul as well. But she never forgot the terror she left behind or the always present fear that the cult would find her again, and claim her. Then her nightmare came true.
Lexi was discovered and threatened—only to be suddenly saved by a stranger. He is Gavriil Prakenskii, and he’s awestruck by the woman he’s rescued. She is destined for him. He can feel it in his soul. But how can Lexi find happiness with a man steeped in secrets and shadows, one intimately acquainted with violence, and whose very love could be the death of them?
My Review:
I couldn't decide how to rate three or four stars and since there are no half stars I just went with three. The writing and the plot was strong enough but the characters just didn't convince me.
The hardest time I had was with Lexi. I'm not sure if I was taking it too literal or way too seriously but I wasn't convinced of the trauma and emotions she felt (or wasn't feeling) I liked Gavriil despite the fact he was an odd kind of character but maybe that's what Lexi needed in the end? I liked the family unit and getting to see the brothers reunite but when you put it all together something just seemed like it was missing. I think I was expecting a magical or heart source to it but I just wasn't feeling it in Earth Bound. I still liked the story and enjoyed reading it but I do miss the old Christine element to her stories these days.
My Rating:
3 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
The Duke Can Go to the Devil: A Prelude to a Kiss Novel
The Duke Can Go to the Devil (Prelude to a Kiss #3)by Erin KnightleyAfter her mother’s death, May’s sea captain father sends her halfway around the world to live with his stodgy sister in England. The summer festival in Bath made for a lovely distraction, but now she can’t wait for her father’s return so she can leave this country, its suffocating rules, and one infuriatingly proper nobleman in particular behind.
Because he is the Duke of Radcliffe, William Spencer’s whole life revolves around his duties. He never steps foot outside the bounds of proper behavior, and he expects the same of those around him. With her devil-may-care ways, May vexes him nearly as much as she tempts him, but there’s something about her that he just can’t resist. He knows he’s falling hard for her, but with lives that are worlds apart, will they ever be able to find any common ground?
My Review:
No weak female counterpart! Yes! I am loving that Erin is embracing that even though this is a historical romance she doesn't follow the cookie cutter faint swoon and baby me lady. I was amused by all the personality clashing between Mai and Will and I liked getting to see how they overcame their obstacles and how Erin was able to take all her characters the good and the "bad" and give them redeeming points and creates a really wonderful place for the reader to escape to. Way to go Erin I loved it.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Ask Me Why
Ask Me Why (Green Mountain #4.5 (Cam & Will's Wedding))by Jodi Thomas, Marie Force, Shirley Jump, Virginia KantraYou’ll Be Mine by Marie Force: Will Abbott and Cameron Murphy are finally ready to tie the knot—as long as family, friends and a love-struck moose don’t get in the way.
Midnight Bet by Jodi Thomas: When cousins Rick and Lizzy Matheson of Harmony, Texas, wind up on the wrong side of an attempted shooting, they know they’re in deep. Still, the biggest danger is losing their hearts—Rick to an old flame and Lizzy to an old friend she’d never noticed before…
Wrapped Around Your Finger by Shirley Jump: Maggie McBride is just one of the guys in the hard-knocks world of construction. Until she’s dared to ask Nick Patterson to a wedding, enticing her to knock down some walls—and risk falling in love.
Carolina Heart by Virginia Kantra: Determined to leave her wild past behind, Cynthie Lodge is forging a new life for herself and her daughters—one that’s man-free and drama-free. But when her high school crush shows up on Dare Island, he’s determined to make her break her rules
My Review:
I love anthologies and Ask Me Why is no different. Its a gathering of several fantastic authors that have brought together four fantastic novellas to gather heart and love into one place.
All of them have strong couples, men and women alike who lead stories full of heart and I enjoyed each and every installment. You'll be Mine, Midnight Bet, Wrapped Around Your Finger, and Carolina Heart are all fantastic stories. We get wedding bells, thriller mystery, opening up heart, and embracing life all over again. I love all of it. Absolutely fantastic stories winning all over again. All of them were way too short because I enjoyed them all so much. Ask Me Why is a wonderful anthology from beginning to end.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Captive Prince: Volume Two
Captive Prince: Volume Two (Captive Prince #2)by C.S. PacatWith their countries on the brink of war, Damen and his new master Prince Laurent must exchange the intrigues of the palace for the sweeping might of the battlefield as they travel to the border to avert a lethal plot.
Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgeling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow.
My Review:
While I'm not typically a fan of the m/m thing, although I have read plenty of erotica with m/m/f so I thought what the heck why not? The first one was good so I continued on because honestly the author has a way of writing that doesn't make it silly. Its literal, its poetic, its theatric. Its old literature given new life. Besides we all know that Romeo and Juliet were played two men back in the day when opera houses were all the rage, so why not?
So now we find ourselves in the epicenter of all the climax building for the series before Pacat gets to book three. Tension is high and so are the masts (if you know what I mean) You sit on pins and needles waiting and anticipating the moment when everything finally comes together and then...
boom. Pacat leaves us with an epic hard on for more.
I actually liked all the tension but I already had a lot of that from the previous book so I felt a little hang-overish with all the delay. I mean everyone wanted to get what they finally got to that took the entire book to achieve right? Either way the world is realistic, and the men aren't just gasp and pant freaky deek get it on types which is also good because then you aren't just piddled with minor detail between plough scenes and you aren't distracted by the whole who's going to be the beefy top or the nelly bottom that plenty of m/m books put in. Totally not that kind of book at all. I enjoy both Damen and Laurent and I like that regardless of how they are their tastes don't drown out the rest of the political intrigue and side drama so that there's an actual story to be told and a problem to be solved. All in all was a decent second installment to the series and I liked it.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Vipers Rule
Vipers Rule (Skulls Creek #2)by Stephanie TylerEven though he’s no longer a U.S. soldier, Talon “Tals” Garrity hasn’t lost his desire for living on the edge. As the enforcer for the Vipers Motorcycle Club, the eternal bad boy is always getting into trouble—especially with the ladies, who can’t seem to resist him. But when Maddie Wells returns to Skulls Creek, he’s shocked that she can’t seem to keep her hands off him either. Good thing Tals doesn’t mind playing with fire.
Growing up with her family’s prestigious name and money, Maddie could never indulge a bad-boy biker like Tals. Now that she’s back, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. But if Maddie ends up getting what she wants, they might both be sorry. Because some very dangerous men are hot on her trail—and Tals and his MC will have to put their lives on the line to protect her.
My Review:
Okay so I liked this installment better than the first, I always like reunion stories even though the rich/poor thing is getting a little tired - along with the MC theme Stephanie stepped it up this time. Keep in mind for readers that haven't read the first book should definitely start at the beginning since there are plenty details and history that you'll want filling in on. We get some much needed maturing out of Maddie and Tal and now we get some sexy and some drama as the two put their feelers out and attempt to heal some of the broken parts of their past and their relationship. Mad and Tal are a hot couple with some fantastic interaction. Ofcourse reality bites and not everything is happy as you hope for it to be for everyone involved but I enjoyed the ride and I look forward to seeing where the journey takes us in the next installment.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Call on Me
Call on Me (Loving on the Edge #8)by Roni LorenOakley Easton wants two things: to be a good mom to her daughter and to ditch her less than ideal night job. Hooking up with bad boy drummer Pike Ryland? Not on the agenda. She needs a promotion. Not sex, tattoos and rock ’n’ roll.
Pike isn’t about to let Ms. Prim and Proper shut him down so easily, especially when he stumbles upon Oakley’s sexy night job. She’s only playing a role on those late night calls with strangers, but when he gets her on the line, all bets are off. He won’t stop until that sultry voice is calling his name for real.
But as they move from anonymous fantasies in the dark to the flesh-on-hot-flesh reality of the bedroom, the risk of falling in love becomes all too high. And the safe, quiet world that Oakley’s worked so hard to create is about to be exposed to the one person who could ruin it all.
My Review:
I loved this book for the simple fact that Pike (love the name by the way) is a dirty talking sob. I love it. Seriously. I mean you have to really screw someones mind before you can screw their body so when you put them together you get a whole nother level of pin it up and do it sideways kind of enjoyment out of it. I got a crack out of the phone sex thing because you just don't see that very often and I had to give the author credit for being open enough to explore that kind of thing. I had a great time exploring the dynamic of Pike and Oakley's personalities as they began to open up to one another. Call on Me was a great book from beginning to end. Good job Roni.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note:
I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
The Collar: The Submissive Series
The Collar (Submissive #5)by Tara Sue MeNathaniel and Abby are struggling to navigate the challenging waters of their own relationship, when they get a surprising phone call from their partners in play, Dena and Jeff, who are in need of a helping hand…
Seven years ago, blonde, beautiful lawyer Dena Jenkins was tired of her carefully controlled life. Desperate for something exhilarating to help her escape the pressures of her demanding job and her senator father, she joined a steamy, local BDSM club as a submissive. There she met brooding Dominant, Jeff. The attraction between them was undeniable, and, despite Dena’s doubts, they couldn’t stay away from each other.
Except, as the years have passed, their blazing connection has proven difficult to maintain. Dena and Jeff have a history they’d rather forget, but Dena can’t let go of the past, and Jeff is ready to move across the country to give her space. Now, to save their passion, they’ll have to rediscover what it means to trust each other—and give themselves to each other completely.
My Review:
The Collar was an installment in the Submissive series I thought she got right. Dena and Jeff are a couple that through the good times and the bad can win you over. They have just the right balance of normalcy to make them believable and just the right mix of extreme and reasoning and understanding to pull it all together. I liked the fact that they both understood one another and allowed themselves to be who they are both in and out of the bedroom without it interfering with their sexual preferences. I liked that they got to play off one another even outside the bedroom because it gave us (readers) a chance to see how they'd function as a couple outside their play time.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
The Diamond Series Box Set
The Diamond Series Box Set by Cassandra DeanStop on by the Diamond Saloon, where devious Englishmen blithely charm sceptical saloon owners and where voluptuous singers archly tease the strong, silent type. Enjoy these two sexy tales from Freewill, Wyoming.
ROUGH DIAMOND
Owner of the Diamond Saloon and Theater, Alice Reynolds is astounded when a fancy Englishman offers to buy her saloon. She won’t be selling her saloon to anyone, let alone a man with a pretty, empty-headed grin…but then, she reckons that grin just might be a lie, and a man of intelligence and cunning resides beneath.
Rupert Llewellyn has another purpose for offering to buy the pretty widow’s saloon—the coal buried deep in land she owns. However, he never banked on her knowing eyes making him weak at the knees, or how his deception would burn upon his soul.
Each determined to outwit the other, they tantalize and tease until passion explodes. But can their desire bridge the lies told and trust broken?
FOOL’S GOLD
Christmas Eve, the Diamond Saloon is empty of its people, and Pearl la Monte has a hankering to retire early. A pounding at the Diamond’s door rids her of such a fool notion. Her irritation rises when she sees the prissy, polite-like Garrett standing outside.
Ethan Garrett has a powerful need to gain succor. When the saloon’s voluptuous redheaded singer scowls at him from the threshold of the Diamond, he doesn’t stop to think on how his ire at her has disappeared. Or how he just wants to spend some time in her company.
When a blizzard storms in, trapping them, will they spend their time arguing or find their irritation for each other disguises something more?
My Review:
I always love reading books by Cassandra Dean, they're sweet, they're fun, they're witty and more than a little steamy. You get a bountiful mix of aww's blended in with the need to break out your vibrator and go to town. I mean who doesn't dream about some handsome stetson walking in wearing worn jeans and a mind full of unique ways to ride? Seriously.
(Although I wanted so much more because I am so greedy and I enjoyed it so much.)
That's Cassandra's package. The dream package. Even when they drive you up the wall, you're tempted to ask them to. Fools Gold and Rough Diamond were great stories to dive into and quick enough to finish for you busy ladies out there. There's a cowboy waiting here for you.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
Hot SEAL
Hot SEAL (Hostile Operations Team #9)by Lynn Raye HarrisNavy SEAL Dane “Viking” Erikson has sworn off women—or at least he’s sworn off one woman: DEA Agent Ivy McGill. His ex-wife.
But when they’re forced to work together on a critical military mission, Dane can’t help but notice how the one woman he shouldn’t want is the only one he can’t stop thinking about.
Ivy knows what it’s like to fall for a SEAL’s hard muscles and killer smile—and she knows what it’s like when everything falls apart. So why is she naked against a wall and begging Dane for more?
My Review:
Yes...
Yes...
And Yes.
Hot Seal. Very hot Seal. I mean, seriously.
Not only do I love hot reunions but ex husband and wife? Hey I'm all for it so why not? Then we meet Dane and Ivy. And its all Strike Back with the action, and double the sex. Lynn Raye is amazing. I couldn't not love Dane and Ivy, both are tough as nails, give it all, take no prisoners no bs kind of couple and both of them give it all they got in all aspects of their lives.
I love the heady mix of emotion and action Lynn builds up to the total epic climax... ahem...
Showdown. Lynn delivers on all fronts for Dane and Ivy and her readers from beginning to end and I can't get enough. So buckle in and keep a change of panties near by. You're gonna love it.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
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