Category Archives: 3.5 Stars

Review: Rewarded: Torn Between Two Lovers (InterMix) by Jo Davis

Rewarded: Torn Between Two Lovers (InterMix) by Jo Davis
Publication Date: March 18, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20140317-142026.jpg
BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Your hearts were swayed, and your votes were counted.
Now, Anna’s decision is revealed in the conclusion to this uniquely enthralling series.

Joaquin Delacruz never thought he’d see the day when he’d beg for the FBI’s help—especially when that involved working with Special Agent Grayson Sloane. And Gray is no more eager to work alongside the criminal who stole Anna’s heart and exposed her to his dangerous world.

But with Anna held captive by a lethal enemy, Joaquin and Grayson will need to set aside their jealousies or risk losing the woman they both love.

Emotions are bound to explode, with near-catastrophic consequences. By the time Anna realizes which man truly owns her heart, body, and soul, it may be too late to save him…

REVIEW:

I really enjoyed the danger and action packed in to this story. It worked nicely with the inner turmoil of Anna being torn between the two men she loves. I for one would be hard pressed to choose between the two and like them both. I am still on the fence as to how I feel about Anna. I wished I could have gotten closer to her. But that being said, it was a quick, exciting and sexy series that I enjoyed reading.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS ➢ Kindle $2.99 http://georiot.co/24gN | B&N $2.99 http://bit.ly/1e8rnQz | Kobo $2.99 http://bit.ly/PGblVn

20140317-142111.jpg
TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS is a gripping and sexy romance trilogy with a unique twist: Our heroine needs your help to decide who wins her heart… RAW introduces this sizzling new series, in which two enticing men will vie for Anna’s heart—culminating in a choice that will be determined by reader vote!

✦#1: RAW (October 15, 2013) ➢ $2.99 http://amzn.to/17Cqn1g
✦#2: RISKY (November 19, 2013) ➢ $2.99 http://amzn.to/1bDXhCk
✦#3: REWARDED (March 18, 2014) ➢ $2.99 http://amzn.to/1mafjTo

Review: Going for Four (Counting on Love, Book 4) by Erin Nicholas

Going for Four (Counting on Love, Book 4) by Erin Nicholas
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20140309-183549.jpg
BOOK DESCRIPTION

It’s either true love…or the biggest mistake they’ve ever made.

Counting on Love, Book 4

Hot firefighter Cody Madsen has stayed away from Olivia Dixon for almost two years—technically. Even though he talks to her every day and sees her every weekend. But there’s no kissing, touching, or telling her how he really feels. Because they’re just friends. Anything more than that would mean crossing the line that Olivia’s older brother has firmly drawn between them.

Olivia wants what her three sisters have—true love. She could almost believe she’s found it with Cody, if it weren’t for the fact that he’s her older brother’s best friend and her brother won’t have it. And he’s never steered her wrong before. Her head is telling her to trust her brother, but her heart won’t let go of Cody.

Her solution? A dating site where she and Cody can each find their “Perfect Pick” once and for all.

But when the site yields some unexpected results, their real feelings come front and center. And they have to decide if it’s worth the risk to cross the line from friendship to love after all.

Warning: Contains a starry-eyed romantic, a wannabe knight in shining armor, and chocolate chip cookies. A lot of chocolate chip cookies.

REVIEW:

Going for Four is Olivia and Cody’s story. They were best friends for years and one night decided they were not allowed to drink together, they were not allowed to talk about sex with each other and most important was the no kissing each other rule. They both wanted to be together but didn’t want to risk their friendship. They both also knew that Olivia’s brother, Connor, would hate the fact that they were together. It was only a matter of time before Olivia and Cody couldn’t resist each other any longer, and after Cody accidentally saw Olivia naked that was all he could think about. Once they both let their guard down their chemistry was explosive. It was entertaining to watch Olivia and Cody get to know each other on another level. The sex was hot, but I felt too much of this book was spent avoiding each other and they spent too much time worrying about how Olivia’s brother felt. Can be read as a stand alone, but it is such a fun series and I recommend reading them all.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS ➢ Kindle $4.24 http://georiot.co/2CXg | B&N $4.99 http://bit.ly/1bA1eej | Kobo $4.59 http://bit.ly/1bZ16Wi

20140309-183613.jpg
✦COUNTING ON LOVE SERIES BY ERIN NICHOLAS ~ READING ORDER✦
✦Book 1: She’s the One: Review Rated 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Qc ~ June 11, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 http://amzn.to/I5AxRw | Nook $4.99 http://bit.ly/189nSsn | Kobo $4.59 http://bit.ly/I0lesx
✦Book 2: It Takes Two ~ Sept 17, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 http://amzn.to/1h3GiNR | Nook $4.99 http://bit.ly/18p7thB | Kobo $4.59 http://bit.ly/I0loA6
✦Book 3: Best of Three ~ November 19, 2013 ➢ Kindle $4.24 http://amzn.to/17rcXHD | Nook $4.99 http://bit.ly/I49WE6 | Kobo $4.59 http://bit.ly/I5Cg9v
✦Book 4: Going for Four ~ February 25, 2014 ➢ Kindle $4.24 http://georiot.co/2CXg | B&N $4.99 http://bit.ly/1bA1eej | Kobo $4.59 http://bit.ly/1bZ16Wi

Review: LAURA’S WOLF (Werewolf Marines #1) by Lia Silver

LAURA’S WOLF (Werewolf Marines #1) by Lia Silver
Publication Date: March 5, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20140309-181657.jpg
BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Roy Farrell is convinced that he has no future.

Roy never wanted to be anything but a Marine. But on his last tour of duty, he was bitten by a werewolf. Next thing he knew, he was locked up in a secret underground laboratory. Despite the agony caused by his newly enhanced senses, he managed to escape his captors. Unable to return to the Marines, his entire life shattered, he hid out in the woods of Yosemite.

Laura Kaplan is desperate to escape her past.

Curvy bank teller Laura was acclaimed as a hero for her courage during a bank robbery gone violently wrong. Overcome with guilt over the people she couldn’t save, she fled the city to seek solace in a lonely cabin in Yosemite. But she can’t run forever from the dark secrets of her past.

Can two broken people heal each other?

After Roy is badly wounded saving Laura from a mysterious enemy, they take refuge together in her snowed-in cabin. Forced to depend on each other for their very survival, they must come together to save their lives, face their fears, and find their hearts.

This is a stand-alone, full-length paranormal romance novel.

REVIEW:

This was an introspective book that involved more character and relationship emphasis rather than any action story. The characters are believable and the romance was nice and steamy. I would like to have seen more action but I understand that the author wanted to convey the varied effects of PTSD. I did grow to care about all the characters and find myself looking forward to hearing the other’s stories and the development of their new venture. Now that we know them, I hope the future books showcase the actual stories more, with their personal struggles included as a unique flavor.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Link: Amazon Global: http://georiot.co/ZVp
FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME ON AMAZON

Review: Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops, Book 5) by Mandy M. Roth

Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops, Book 5) by Mandy M. Roth
Publication Date: February 11, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20140210-123150.jpg
DESCRIPTION:

Book Five in the Bestselling Immortal Ops Series.

Eadan Daly has thrown himself into the role as the sixth I-Ops team member and has forged a brotherhood of sorts with the other men. When he’s asked to go on a solo mission for the PSI Branch (Paranormal Security and Intelligence) he’s not so sure he wants his old job back.

Inara Nash is a survivor, doing what she must to get by. On the run for years, from an organization she doesn’t fully understand, she tries to stay below the radar. When a blond hunk arrives and claims he’s her savoir, she suspects her luck might have finally run out. Sure, he’s hot and looks like he’d be good in bed but there is something almost magical about him that defies reality. And if there is one thing she’s learned in her life in the paranormal underground it’s you never trust a magik.

REVIEW:

It was good to catch up on the characters in the I-Ops team. Their easy banter and exciting situations make for a fun read. Eadan and Inara mesh together well and I liked their story. I thought the writing was a bit rushed, sometimes a little forced and it could have been fleshed out more, but it was still a fun quick read that has me looking forward to the next book.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINK: Kindle $3.99 http://georiot.co/3CsV

20140210-123218.jpg
✦Immortal Ops Series by Mandy M. Roth – Reading Order✦
Immortal Ops Series Box Set Books 1-4 ➢ $0.99 http://amzn.to/1cUQzGB
✦Immortal Ops
✦Critical Intelligence
✦Radar Deception
✦Strategic Vulnerability
✦Tactical Magik
✦Administrative Control (coming June 2014)
✦Separation Zone (coming Nov 2014)

Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: Ecstasy Unbound (Guardians of the Realms #1) by Setta Jay

20140128-192533.jpg
Ecstasy Unbound (Guardians of the Realms #1) by Setta Jay
Publication Date: January 31, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20140128-190200.jpg

20140128-191211.jpg
As one of the twelve Guardians of the Realms, Urian has spent the last several centuries in a constant battle to keep the inhabitants of Earth’s Realms under control. Humanity needed to evolve, hell beasts needed to die, and Immortal races needed mates. Unfortunately, he found that he cared less about duty, and more about when his sexy voyeur would again grace the shadows to watch as he and his brother Guardian shared one of the human females frequenting the club. All Guardians were forbidden contact with the little goddess and her brothers, but his need for her was escalating. He found it more difficult than ever to keep from pinning her face down on the nearest surface, and making her his.

Alexandra and her brothers have avoided exile from the human Realm for centuries, ever since the Creators sent the Gods to sleep for their sins against humanity, and banished the Immortals. She has always known that she was needed on Earth. Only once had she gone against her instincts and the price she paid will forever haunt her. It is for that reason she forces herself to stay away from the only male that has ever truly enticed her. The only one that has ever made her flesh heat, and her stomach quiver with desire.

In desperate need to help her beloved brother, she will have to go to the enthralling Guardian, her dark obsession. He is her best hope to get the help she needs, even though he would surely attempt to exile her. She won’t go easily…

*Warning – This book contains explicit and sizzling sex scenes with big dominant males that like to share. MFM, ménage, and light bondage

20140128-191139.jpg
The gods grew wild with their power and wreaked havoc and misery on the humans. Their creators, with the help of immortal warriors, imprisoned the evil gods and named 12 of the immortal warriors as guardians of the realms. Their job is to keep balance and protect the humans under their care.

Uri is one of those guardians. He is a fierce alpha male who demands being in control. His one weakness is the demi-god, Alex. She is a fierce warrior in her own right and the perfect match for his controlling nature. Although they fought their attraction, fate had other plans.
This is the first book in a new series that got a bit wordy on explaining the background of the story. But getting through all that is worth it. I found the story fun and exciting and the sex scorching hot. I like that it had a nice romantic side to go along with the unbridled passionate sex. A fun book that I had to finish in one sitting. I look forward to the installments to come as I grew to like all the characters and I am sure the whys and wherefores won’t be as prolific in the books to come.

*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links ➢ $2.99 Kindle http://georiot.co/6lH | B&N http://bit.ly/1dfbMK3 | Smashwords http://bit.ly/1kodj6t

20140128-190416.jpg
The sad truth is that I’m not nearly as entertaining as fiction. Sigh. I am a thirty-six year old stay at home writer, thanks to my incredibly supportive husband. We’ve been together for twelve years and I still love waking up next to that sexy man. We lost our furry child recently, so we are childless at the moment. Our whole world revolved around her. Needless to say, I love animals, especially dogs. Okay, maybe not all animals, I’m not a super big fan of monkeys. Any animal that throws their feces kind of eeks me out. I may, or may not, have a problem with candy. I love any research that leads to Neiman Marcus’ online shoe department. Spreadsheets give me way more happiness than they should. I love to read, the dirtier the better. It all started with the naughty historical romances by Judith McNaught that I devoured as a teenager. I love reading about hot, sexy alpha males and heroines that are smart enough to live.

20140128-190918.jpg
Website | Facebook | Twitter

20140128-191003.jpg
✦Enter Rafflecopter✦ http://tinyurl.com/mpfhmat

20140128-191635.jpg

20140128-191647.jpg

20140128-191654.jpg

Review: Down Range (Shadow Warriors) by Lindsay McKenna

Down Range (Shadow Warriors) by Lindsay McKenna
Release date: November 26, 2013 | Series: Operation: Shadow Warriors (Book 1)
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20140104-144549.jpg

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Trained to kill, but built for love…

Captain Morgan Boland is at the top of her game, as is her former lover, Navy SEAL Jake Ramsey. Then a military computer selects them to partner in a special op. The mission can’t be compromised by their personal history—and they have truckloads of it.

But the Afghan assignment might provide the discipline they need to finally get it together—outside the bedroom, that is. A lot has happened over the two years since they last went their separate ways. And there’s way more to Morgan than Jake has ever given her credit for….

REVIEW:

If you like special ops romances heavy on the military action, then this is one to read. I thought the author did a good job of bringing us up to speed on their history together and how they overcome their obstacles. Morgan is a strong capable black-ops soldier but is able to show her softer side. I liked that but there were some things about her actions that I couldn’t warm up to for a while. Jake’s opinion of women in combat made my teeth clench but that was true to real life and I liked him immediately in spite of it. This was an action packed story showing how two people mature and how time helps you realize what is important

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $5.99 | Amazon Paperback $7.19 | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $7.49 | Kobo $6.59

Review: Presidential Pursuit (A Love and Scandal Novella) by Rachel Kall

20131221-201554.jpg
Presidential Pursuit (A Love and Scandal Novella) by Rachel Kall
Publication Date: December 13, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Dynamic and determined, Helen Riley has devoted her life to public service. Now she’s on the verge of doing something no other woman has ever done: Become the President of the United States of America. But her enemies will stop at nothing to end her Presidential hopes.

Smart, loyal, and sexy Sean Mackay has never pushed to be more than Governor Riley’s best friend and strongest supporter. However, when her life is threatened Sean steps up to protect the woman he loves beyond all reason.

As the campaign heats up, sparks begin to fly between Helen and Sean. Will she make history and admit her love for Sean, or will her pursuit of the White House end in tragedy?

REVIEW:
A quick read although one spot almost got a little dry with politics, the author managed to add enough intrigue and romantic suspense to keep it flowing and the pages turning. It was a fun little story to tie in with the first book in the series, Race to Kill and the love story was very satisfying.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $0.99 http://amzn.to/1gOrl2n | B&N $0.99 http://bit.ly/JQ3HnW

****************************************

20131221-201736.jpg
Book 1: RACE TO KILL (A Love and Scandal Novel #1) by Rachel Kall
Publication Date: October 2, 2013 Rated: 4.5 Stars
Review post: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-O9
BUY LINKS:
Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/1abTBqU | Amazon Paperback $8.98 http://amzn.to/1ibkqwe | Nook $2.99 http://bit.ly/1dPMDsx | Kobo $2.99 http://bit.ly/1hPvUYW | iTunes $2.99 http://bit.ly/1atzxfI

Review: A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano

A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/vDonna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20131124-121114.jpg

Curl up with this heartwarming Christmas collection!

Jill Shalvis, Dream a Little Dream: Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter Ian, a sexy friend with sexy benefits. But Ian secretly longs for more. Luckily, ’tis the season for giving love a chance . . .

REVIEW: A cute little feel-good story. Although predictable, it still made me go all teary-eyed one moment and smile the next. I enjoyed this quick read with its steamy romance.

Kristen Ashley, Every Year: Holidays don’t come easy for Shy and his brother, Landon. But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime . . .

REVIEW: This lovely story was about 24 hours of a CHAOS family Christmas. For those who have read the books, it is Shy and Lan’s first happy family Christmas since they were children. The story was warm, heartfelt and still packed in some hot romance. I loved it.

Hope Ramsay, Silent Night: Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance. When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger. And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger.

REVIEW: This was a rather melancholy story with a happy hopeful ending. If you like stories about fate and destiny, then you will like reading how they found not only each other on Christmas Eve but that dreams do come true.

Molly Cannon, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas: Lincoln is a bachelor who’s set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time. . .

REVIEW: This was a cute little story showing how opposites do attract. I liked it, but wish the characters were more developed.

Marilyn Pappano, A Family for Christmas: War widow Ilena doesn’t mind spending Christmas alone. But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?

REVIEW: This was one of those little romances that make you go awww and leaves you smiling.

NOTE: Each author also added an excerpt from their upcoming novels. They were a nice little peek into what is coming.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
( $1.99) Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Review: There All Along by Lauren Dane and Megan Hart

There All Along by Lauren Dane and Megan Hart
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20131123-113208.jpg

Bestselling authors Lauren Dane and Megan Hart deliver two stories of longing, lust, and love in futuristic worlds where love comes first—then survival…

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“Land’s End” by Lauren Dane…The Land’s End highway is one of the most dangerous places in the universe. The constant peril of brigands keeps Verity Coleman stuck in Silver Cliffs, dreaming of the open road—and of Loyal Alsbaugh, the tall and silent highway patrolman. When her town is attacked, Verity has a chance to win over Loyal’s muted heart. But will his wounded past make him leave her along the road, or can she convince him to take her along?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story of a confident and capable woman who yearns for more and Loyal, the sexy lawman who wins her heart. I liked them both right away and the world they live in. The author managed to bring me there right away and wrote just enough danger to make it exciting. The romance was hot and very enjoyable. I only wish the story was longer and hope that she writes more about this world.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
“By the Sea of Sand” by Megan Hart…Captain Kason Reed was willing to give his life to the Sheirran Defense Forces, but now he can’t remember anything but bits and pieces of the war. When his sexual attraction to his caregiver, Teila, causes him to make advances toward her, she becomes the aggressor, urging him with her body to explore the memories of his past—memories that all seem to draw him back to Teila…

REVIEW:
This was an “other-world” “ steampunkish” story showing that returning disabled war veterans and their problems can span all worlds. If you enjoy a lot of flaming hot sex, this novella will certainly appeal to you. It is not my favorite genre but the writing was well done, smooth and made me hope for their happily-ever-after.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $7.99 | Amazon Paperback $12.32 | B&N (Paperback $12.07/ Nook $9.99) | Kobo $9.99

Review: MINE TO HOLD (Mine, Book 3) by Cynthia Eden

MINE TO HOLD (Mine, Book 3) by Cynthia Eden
Publication Date: October 21, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

20131019-172807.jpg

DESCRIPTION:

Nine years ago, Claire Kramer’s lover brutally killed her family, and he tried to kill her. She escaped, but she’s been haunted ever since that attack. Too afraid to trust another man and too worried that her past will catch up with her, Claire never gets too close to anyone. But then she meets Noah York.

He must have her.

Noah York is a man with secrets. The world sees him as a billionaire hotel tycoon, but Noah has a dark and dangerous side. For years, he worked covert military operations before he built his fortune. When it comes to death, Noah is a master. He knows that he should steer clear of Claire, but the white-hot attraction Noah feels for the delicate beauty is instant–and consuming.

He will never let her go.

Someone else is just as consumed by Claire–someone who will kill to possess her. And if Noah can’t stop the hunter in the darkness, he may just lose the one woman that he can’t live without.

REVIEW:

I enjoyed the story with all the danger, action and suspense that kept you wondering and on the edge of your seat. I only wish I had been able to warm up to Claire and Noah more, but they were both a little closed off and I couldn’t relate to them. That being said, there is just something about alpha males and the women who love them when danger is everywhere. Not to mention the steamy love scenes always make me smile. I look forward to the next one in this series.

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links ($2.99):
Kindle: http://amzn.to/178TL3U | Nook: http://bit.ly/1d6AHEQ | Kobo: http://bit.ly/17VAmNo

20131019-172702.jpg
The Mine Series by Cynthia Eden ~ Reading Order
✦ #1: Mine To Take ($2.99) ~ Review: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-gR
Kindle: http://amzn.to/14XmlyD | Nook: http://bit.ly/1eA63l9 | Kobo: http://bit.ly/16YRfLb
✦ #2: Mine To Keep ($2.99) ~ Review: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Fr
Kindle: http://amzn.to/17AYlky | Nook: http://bit.ly/1awzCQh | Kobo: http://bit.ly/16jenFP
✦ #3: Mine To Hold ($2.99) ~ Review: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-Lw
Kindle: http://amzn.to/178TL3U | Nook: http://bit.ly/1d6AHEQ | Kobo: http://bit.ly/17VAmNo