Category Archives: 3.5 Stars

Review: HOT MESS (Hostile Operations Team ‘HOT’ novella) by Lynn Raye Harris

HOT MESS (Hostile Operations Team ‘HOT’ novella) by Lynn Raye Harris
Publication Date: September 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

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DESCRIPTION:

English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a Top Secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night.

Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie. When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have.

When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her.

Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond.

REVIEW:

I enjoyed this sexy, romantic story. It was believable and hot. The espionage angle of the plot started out edgy but sort of fizzled out which left me a little disappointed. But all in all a good read that kept me turning the pages. I’ve not read the first book in this series, but it is now on my TBR list. A fun quick read.

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

FORGET ME NOT (A Flowering Novel) By Sarah Daltry

FORGET ME NOT (A Flowering Novel) By Sarah Daltry
PUBLICATION DATE: July 15, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Lily had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Derek for years – which led to their steamy night ten months ago in her bedroom. Now, Lily is going off to college and she and Derek are still going strong. However, when school starts, she realizes it’s hard to maintain a relationship while also trying to live her own life. She and Derek find themselves falling apart and Lily has no idea where to turn.

Enter Jack. Everything about him is wrong for Lily and she knows it, but she can’t stop herself from being attracted to him. When things implode with Derek, it’s Jack who is there to pick up the pieces – and show Lily an entirely new set of experiences she didn’t know she was missing.

Of course, Jack has his own problems and once Lily gets to know him better, she starts to wonder if she can handle all of Jack. When Derek reappears on the scene, Lily is forced to decide between two guys and herself. Can she find herself without losing the people who matter in the process?

This is a work intended for readers 18+ as it features explicit sex between people in college.

REVIEW:

A novel about a college student realizing that life at college is far different than the life she left at home. And true to her age, she finds her own identity in the process. This is an erotic story full of scorching sex but that does not overshadow the story line. I would have liked to have it read a little smoother in spots, but over all I enjoyed it. Not just the sex, but the story as well.

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

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HOW TO DATE A DRAGON BY Ashlyn Chase

HOW TO DATE A DRAGON BY Ashlyn Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: September 3, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Bliss Russo thought nothing exciting ever happened in her life. Until her building caught on fire and she had to be carried out of the flames in the arms of a gorgeous fireman. Sure, her apartment is now in shambles and she’ll have to start her huge work project completely from scratch. But at least her love life is finally looking up…if only she can find her red-hot rescuer again.
Dragon shapeshifter Drake Cameron is the last of his clan, and the loneliness is starting to claw at him. He’s met only one woman who might be able to stand the shock of his true nature. After all, she barely batted an eyelash when her home burned down. And feeling her curves against him was just as hot as the inferno. Just when he thinks he’ll never track her down, she walks into his firehouse—with no idea what she’s about to get herself into…

REVIEW:

This is a fun and lighthearted romance that has action and drama without getting you all tense. I enjoyed Bliss’ snarky attitude and could relate to the family dynamics. Drake was a good counter to her personality. And who doesn’t love a dragon? I had hoped the author would have described his transformation more as I could not get a real picture in my mind, but that is a minor thing. All in all, this was an enjoyable read.

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

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WHAT THE BRIDE WORE by Jade Lee

WHAT THE BRIDE WORE by Jade Lee
PUBLISH DATE: August 6, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

When All is Lost

All Grant Benton, Earl of Crowle, can think of is restoring his family’s fortune so he can go back to being a gentleman of leisure. But when he meets beautiful, purposeful Lady Irene Knopp, he begins to question whether there might not be a better way to live life after all…

What’s Left is Desire

Lady Irene will never give up her fulfilling work dressing the most beautiful brides in England. She’d rather risk losing love forever than sacrifice her own life’s purpose. Yet she has never met a more magnetic, attractive man than Grant. Trapped between the fleeting chance at love and passion for her work, is it possible she can have it all?

REVIEW:

The author did a good job of mixing the courtship and propriety of the time period with the hidden and heated passion we all love. I came to care about Irene and Grant and looked forward to their working through all obstacles and dangers. Which they did in grand fashion. A nicely written and pleasant historical romance with enough intrigue to keep you guessing and turning the pages. And with the hints on the last few pages, I will be sure to keep my eyes open for the next book.

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

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Lacey and Lethal by Laurann Dohner

Lacey and Lethal by Laurann Dohner
Publication Date: July 23, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 3.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Set in the same world as Scarred and Kilt and Mine to Chase.

Lacey hunts vampires—vile monsters who leave death and shattered lives in their wake. They murdered her sister and she wants revenge. Until she captures a big, sexy, blue-eyed vamp, and the strong attraction she feels contradicts everything she’s become. But she can’t resist getting closer. Just looking at him makes her mouth water and her thighs clench.

Lethal can’t believe the little lass got the better of him. He’s been drugged and chained, but he’s more insulted than concerned. She’s bold, fearless, as she straddles his hips and threatens to use his body, teach him how it feels to be taken without consent. Now he’s intrigued and eager to get her out of her clothes. She swears he’s the enemy, but he’s determined to be her lover.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

REVIEW:
This book is set in the same world as Scarred and Kilt in Something Wicked this Way Comes and Mine to Chase. I recommend reading the books in order, but they can be read out of order. I always enjoy Laurann Dohner’s books. Lacey and Lethal was no exception. Who doesn’t enjoy sexy vampires? Lethal is captures by Lacey who thinks all vampires are evil and joins a group of hunters after her sister is killed by a vampire. Lethal is different than any vampire she has met and she can’t deny their attraction. This is a quick sexy paranormal novella and I recommend it for paranormal lovers.

*Review copy provided by Ellora’s Cave in exchange for an honest review.

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Buy Links:
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The Right Temptation by Diane Escalera

The Right Temptation by Diane Escalera
Publication Date: June 21, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 3.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Can a childhood crush mature into the real thing?

Kayla Martinez has recently landed an RN position at a prestigious hospital in her hometown. The new job is everything she’s hoped for, especially when one hot specimen shows up in the ER. She hasn’t seen her childhood crush in years, and considering how much hotter he’s gotten over time, she almost ends up needing resuscitation.

The last thing Nico LaCosta needs is a broken arm. Now his pal’s kid sister wants to soothe his pain, but he’d rather keep his distance so her big brother doesn’t break his other arm. Kayla’s no child anymore, though. She’s one hot-blooded woman, determined to remind him of a mind-blowing kiss back when they were teenagers. Leave it to Kayla to drop by his house unannounced and play Nurse Seductive. A guy has to follow the buddy code, or face the consequences. Still, sometimes giving in to temptation is worth it…

CONTENT WARNING: Racy Language, Hot Sex, Lusty Latin Lovers

A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance

REVIEW:

I enjoyed this sexy little romance novella! Great summer read for lounging on a hot summer day. Diane Escalera writes hot streamy romances! Nico and Kayla had great chemistry and passion. Kayla reconnects with an old crush when he comes into her ER with a broken arm. Nico takes some convincing. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to the next story. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick steamy romance this summer.

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

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Ebook Giveaway on Facebook July 1, 2013!

AUTHOR BIO:

Diane Escalera

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, I relocated to South Florida, a sultry paradise I instantly fell in love with. Unlike most authors, I didn’t know I was destined to write. In fact, I worked in banking for many years, but deep down knew that it wasn’t my dream job.

At the young age of thirty-five, my sister died of an illness. I realized the same thing could happen to me. There are no guarantees. I couldn’t waste another moment doing something I didn’t love.

Writing was one of my greatest joys when I was growing up. While still working at the bank, I decided to enroll in an intensive course where I learned everything I could about the craft. It didn’t take long before I left the bank to pursue a writing career.

Still living in South Florida, I’m married, have two children and a super cute Dachshund I can’t get enough of. I feel truly blessed to be able to share my stories. I only wish I could have shared them with my sister.

www.DianeEscalera.com
www.Facebook.com/DianeEscaleraOfficial
www.Twitter.com/DianeEscalera

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THE GARNET DAGGER by Andrea Cooper

THE GARNET DAGGER by Andrea Cooper
REVIEWED BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
PUBLISHED March 25, 2013
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.

Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.

When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

REVIEW:
This was a fairy tale story full of elves, monsters and witches. The author delved deeply in the characters to give an idea of why they made the decisions they did when given little information regarding the quest. The romance part was a bit slow moving and lacked the characteristics of what I like to read. That being said, it would appeal to those that like an emotional bond rather than the physical. It was an interesting story but for some reason I found the journey to be a little long.

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

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SHADOW OF HOPE by Elizabeth Rose and Tina Pollick

SHADOW OF HOPE by Elizabeth Rose and Tina Pollick
PUBLISHED: June 21, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
A secret passed from generation to generation. A line of heirs destined to protect those they once persecuted. One god who seeks to destroy humanity’s last Hope…

Zoe is an ordinary woman who talks to her grandmother’s spirit, was raised by her coven, and is estranged from her father. Until one day she finds out that the necklace left to her by her mom, holds humanities last hope.

Evan is her reluctant protector, the last of the Templar Knights, who’s watched her from the shadows since she was a teenage girl. When an assailant from the past emerges and steals the key to keeping the rest of the world safe, Evan and Zoe must form a tenuous alliance to get it back.

Up against a mysterious enemy older than time, and a really pissed off God of War, Zoe and Evan have the odds stacked against them as they try to reclaim the Hope of all humanity. That’s if they can avoid killing each other.

Shadow of Hope is a fast paced, thrilling paranormal romance novella.

REVIEW:
This was a fun quick read with plenty of action and an unusual storyline. My only critique is that Zoe was a little one-dimensional, didn’t have a back story like the others and you never really got to know her. That being said, I couldn’t wait to see where the authors were going to take me and I anxiously kept turning the pages.

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

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Buy Links:
Amazon ($2.99)|Smashwords ($2.99)

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Trish Jensen

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Trish Jensen
PUBLISHED: April 30, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

He’s gorgeous, rich, sexy, super nice, and head-over-heels for her. So what’s the problem?
Her psychic best friend predicts that Laura Tanner is due to meet a prince—the man of her dreams. Not a likely scenario for a hard-working bar owner who’s better at karate-chopping rowdy patrons than hobnobbing with the silver-spoon crowd. When Ivy League lawyer Brandon Prince (a prince!) strolls into her bar, Laura admits he’s hard to resist. Brandon quickly realizes that this lovely, funny, take-no-prisoners woman is the special someone he’s always wanted.
Brandon is an expert at wooing women, and even a tough cookie like Laura can’t help but fall under his spell. Before she knows what’s happening, he’s lured her on a romantic adventure filled with laughter and desire. Dazzled, she begins to believe that she really can have this prince of a man as her own.

One problem: Brandon’s powerful mother is used to women chasing his family fortune, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep yet another money-grubbing female out of his life. If a man is everything you have ever wanted, how can he also be nothing but trouble?

REVIEW:

This was a light fun story that makes you think of fairytale romances. Laura and Brandon’s attraction was instant, even though they were from different worlds. The rich boy, poor girl storyline was a bit predictable, but it was still an enjoyable quick read and perfect for a lazy day at the beach.

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

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Buy Link:
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DREAM NIGHTS WITH THE CEO (Secret Desires Novel) by Kathy Lyons

DREAM NIGHTS WITH THE CEO (Secret Desires Novel) by Kathy Lyons
PUBLISH DATE: May 27, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Hotel chain CEO and millionaire Wyatt Monroe is a stick in the mud. Sure, he’s hot as sin, even with the tie, but free-spirited assistant Megan Bradford refuses to jeopardize their perfect working relationship. Why mess that up with sex? She knows he’s the love ’em and leave ’em type, and she’s determined to find a family man.

Wyatt would never cross the line between boss and employee with Megan, no matter how hard it might be to resist the temptation. But when they visit a mysterious B&B in a bid to acquire the property, he starts having erotic dreams about the sexy brunette that make it hard to resist her in daylight.

Soon the line between reality and dreams further blurs when they learn they were sharing the same erotic dreams…

REVIEW:
I was pleased that Megan and Wyatt were not stereotyped, but rather realistic likeable people. They worked together, but truly liked each other as friends before letting their true feelings loose. Of course their steamy romance was most pleasing also! The quirky storyline was different and kept me wondering where it was going…I enjoyed that. It is a nice light romance with a twist and makes me wonder if we’ll be seeing more of that B&B.

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

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