Author Archives: Reading In Pajamas

MIDNIGHT SECRETS by Ella Grace

MIDNIGHT SECRETS by Ella Grace
Publication Date April 30, 2013
REVIEW: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATING: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.

REVIEW:
I like that instead of a short prologue; the early years were part of the story. You come to care about them and the difficulties they face. Their young romance was tender and sweet. Separated for 10 years they have found strength in their careers and find themselves together again. The mystery and suspense wove nicely with the reawakening love and steamy passion they share. Even though some parts seemed a little slow and drawn-out, it set up the groundwork for future books on the sisters. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the other sisters returning home.

*Review copy was provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Breaking Her Rules (Red Stone Security Series) By Katie Reus

Breaking Her Rules (Red Stone Security Series) By Katie Reus
Publication Date: March 31, 2013
Rating: 5 Stars

Description:

Iris Tarango is a small-town girl from the wrong side of the tracks; she’s also a decorated former Marine who fought hard to become one of Red Stone Security’s most respected agents. But her perfectly ordered life is turned upside down when she’s assigned to guard the sexy, dominating tycoon she shares a secret history with. The instant Iris walks back into the billionaire’s diamond-studded orbit, the wild attraction flares between them…and her reputation, objectivity, and heart are in trouble.

After an attempt on his life, business magnate Wyatt Christiansen calls in major favors to hire Iris as his bodyguard. He knows she’s the best, though he has another motive too. He sees this as his final chance to win her heart. But when danger spins out of control, all Wyatt can think of is getting Iris out of harm’s way—even if it means losing her love in the end.

Unfortunately, the killer seems to know their every move. If Wyatt and Iris don’t figure out who put out the hit, they’ll lose more than their chance at happiness together.

Review:

I loved Breaking Her Rules, the 6th book in the Red Stone Series. These books can be read on their own, but I always like to read them in order if it is part of a series.

Iris Tarango and Wyatt Christiansen grew up together. He had an alcoholic for a father and she had a single mom with issues with men. This contributes to who they are. Wyatt has been in love with Iris since he was fifteen and when Wyatt finds himself needing security protection he requests Red Stone Security in the hopes of spending more time with Iris and winning her heart. They both find themselves in danger and protecting each other. I was worried that a female heroine would not give me the male alpha I prefer to read about. That was not the case with this story. Wyatt is an ultra, protective hero. Loved him!

I highly recommend this romantic suspense story. Katie Reus is the ultimate storyteller. I always find myself unable to put down her books. Lots of action, suspense, danger and steamy romance. Everything I love to read in a great story.

Reading in Pajamas – Cori

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EXTREME LOVE by Abby Niles

EXTREME LOVE by Abby Niles
Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Reading in Pajamas – Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

New body. New clothes. New men.

Used to the average Joe, Caitlyn Moore is overwhelmed when the supremely masculine Dante Jones walks into her life and expresses an interest in her. At first she pushes him away, refusing to encourage the attention of a cage fighter. Then she learns Dante has a love ‘em and leave ‘em reputation. What better way to fine-tune her non-existent flirting skills than with a male who won’t stick around? But Dante has no intention of being a practice dummy; he’s out for all or nothing. Now Caitlyn must accept Dante’s violent career and all—or let him go.

Dante “Inferno” Jones has one goal: win the Welterweight Championship. At a time when focus is crucial, the last thing he needs is a distraction. Yet Caitlyn Moore becomes a challenge he can’t resist. When the light-hearted pursuit shifts to a battle to win her heart, his focus is shot. Faced with losing the biggest match of his career, Dante must decide if his extreme life also has room for Extreme Love.

REVIEW:
Caitlyn is a real woman and not a tiny slip of a girl so I was able to relate to her dealing with self-image issues and burgeoning self-confidence. Then there is Dante…A masculine, strong-willed and determined professional fighter. She is so attracted to him but has a hard time with his good looks and fame, not to mention his violent profession isn’t something she thinks she can handle. She tries to hold him at arms length, but he is stubborn enough to go after what he wants….her. He was able to break through her personal barriers and get her to realize how beautiful and strong she is, inside and out. He is also a strong and tender hearted person, so as fate would have it, they are a perfect match. There was great romance, steamy sex, perfect bad-guy, tension and great friends. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Abby Niles’ books.

*Review copy was provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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THRILL RIDE (BLACK KNIGHTS INC.) by Julie Ann Walker

THRILL RIDE (BLACK KNIGHTS INC.) by Julie Ann Walker
Published April 2, 2013
Rating: 5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Ex-navy SEAL Rock Babineaux is as Cajun as they come—spicy, sexy, and more than a bit wicked. But would he actually betray his country? Even his best friends on the special-ops Black Knights team aren’t sure they can trust him. Now the target of a massive manhunt, Rock knows the only way to protect the team—especially his partner, Vanessa—is to run…

Rock might think he can outmaneuver them all, but he hasn’t counted on how stubborn Vanessa Cordero can be. And she refuses to cut him loose. Sure, her partner has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’drather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good because she and Rock are about to get very tight…

REVIEW:
I like that Vanessa pushes past her limited experience to bring him back. A small part of me thinks she cried too much, but it also showed how human she was. Rock is a strong sexy cajun! The action and suspense kept me riveted…I couldn’t put it down. I also love the humor and easy banter of the team. The sexual tension was great and worth the wait for them to finally get together. I love the BKI series and this one delivers.

Reading in Pajamas – Donna

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TEMPT ME by: R.G. Alexander

TEMPT ME by: R.G. Alexander
Review by Donna – Reading In Pajamas
Rated 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Published 11/01/11

In the sultry heat of the Big Easy, desire can be a dangerous thing…

Gabriel Toussaint Giodarno has returned to New Orleans to make amends with his estranged family. The last thing he expected was to be hounded by a magical wannabe-guardian angel-or to be tempted by a beauty who’s strictly off-limits.

Angelique Rousseau has always lived a safe, uneventful life. But when her friend’s twin brother arrives, Angelique finds herself drawn to him. Neither Gabriel nor Angelique is prepared for the intensity of their joined passions, or what the voodoo spirits have in store for them…

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book! It is a story about Gabriel, torn from his voodoo filled family as a child. His father took strong severe measures to make sure those powers stayed away. Now an adult he is lured back to New Orleans. This bad boy is not happy about it either.

Everyone thinks Angelique is sweet and innocent and she is over-protected by her family. None of then knew the wild side she hides until Gabriel. Their erotic passion was well written and kept me turning the pages!

Full of danger, magic and voodoo….not to mention romance and passion all surrounded with humor. This book had it all. Now I am going to see what else she has written!

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Black Moon: An Alpha Pack Novel by J.D. Tyler

Black Moon: An Alpha Pack Novel by J.D. Tyler
Release date: December 4, 2012
Series: Alpha Pack (Book 3)
Rating: 4 Stars

Book Description:
A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them–one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To be with his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all…

Review:
Kalen is a tortured soul and struggles between good and evil. This book has action, suspense and hot love. Due to J. D. Tyler’s writing skills, I have cared about all the team members from book 1 and I was glad to see Kalen get his life in order. The romance is scorching and I love the interplay between the team members. I can’t wait for book 4, Hunters Heart, coming out in September.

Reading in Pajamas – Donna

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Robin Covington – His Southern Temptation (The Boys are Back in Town, #2) – 5 Stars

Robin Covington – His Southern Temptation (The Boys are Back in Town, #2)
Publication Date: April 1, 2013
Rating: 5 Stars

Book Description:
Some women are bad. Some women are a bad idea. The best ones are both…

As a Black Ops assassin, “Lucky” Landon has had more than his fair share of close calls. Now he’s turned in his sniper rifle for the simple life of his small hometown. So the last thing he ever expected was to end up at gunpoint. Or that the woman holding the gun would be his best friend’s little sister and Lucky’s on-again/off-again lover.

Taylor Elliott is Trouble, and she likes it that way. And seeing Lucky again? Well, he’s been her dirty little secret for the past few years and everyone knows that secrets in a small town are almost impossible to keep. But Taylor has bigger problems on her plate. Like the local mob boss who wants her dead.

And right now the only thing standing between Trouble and disaster is a hottie named Lucky…

Review:
Loved it! Drew me in during the first chapter, and held my interest until the end. This story had everything I look for in a great story! A love story with steamy romance, action, danger and humor. Lucky is a sexy Black Ops assassin who is ready to settle down and he is making it his mission to convince Taylor, who he has been secretly hooking up with the over the years whenever they run into each other, that they belong together. They have amazing chemistry and made me laugh out loud. I was rooting for Lucky and Taylor!

This is the first book I’ve read by Robin Covington and she is now on my favorites list. I’m buying the first book in this series and anything else she has written. Can not wait for the next book!

Reading in Pajamas – Cori

*Review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Maya Banks – Fever (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY)

Maya Banks – Fever (THE BREATHLESS TRILOGY)
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Book Description
Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise…

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend.

Review:
This is the 2nd book in The Breathless Trilogy. Maya Banks always delivers steamy romance with great characters and she definitely delivered in this book. Jace Crestwell is a powerful, alpha male who for the first time, falls instantly for a woman he doesn’t feel the need to share with his best friend, Ash McIntyre. Since Maya Banks introduced Jace in her book, Rush, I have been looking forward to his story. He raised his sister after losing their parents and built a powerful empire with his two best friends. Jace is a very masculine, alpha male, but is also deeply compassionate and protective of those he loves. He is determined to protect Bethany and make her completely his.
I am calling this a sexy Cinderella love story! It gave me everything I look for in a great story! Loved it and can not wait for Ash’s story!

Reading In Pajamas – Cori

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HELL ON WHEELS by Karen Leabo

HELL ON WHEELS by Karen Leabo
Release Date April 8, 2013
Rating: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Stiff, by-the-book meteorologist Victoria Driscoll and devil-may-care, adventurer and photojournalist Roan Cullen find themselves teamed up to chase tornados. As the storms heat up, so does their desire.

REVIEW:
I appreciated Karen Leabo’s smooth writing style and the portrayal of the character’s emotional journey. The storm chasing plot was well written and added a great exciting edge to the story. It was a nice light romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reading in Pajamas
Donna

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