Category Archives: 4.5 Stars

Dangerous by Jacquelyn Frank (Jax)

Dangerous by Jacquelyn Frank
Publication Date: September 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

“Jacquelyn Frank knows how to write an intense, rip-roaring good read!” –Cathy Maxwell

A body that won’t quit
Clothes that are barely there
Eyes that openly invite him to take what he wants

Devon Candler is nothing like the helpless, vulnerable woman Liam expected when he agreed to provide security for her secluded Catskill Mountain estate. Yet her life is at risk. Her enemies monsters. Her secrets devastating.

Liam Nash is a trained killer who takes no prisoners, fears no man. But to him this woman is seductively, devastatingly. . .

REVIEW:

JAX delivered an exciting new world when introducing the Morphites. They can pass as humans but are so much more powerful, seductive, dangerous and cannot be killed. Devon is a strong and powerful woman. But her intelligence has come at a price and she needs Liam’s team to protect her. I enjoyed how his special ops team worked together and their easy camaraderie conveyed that they have been together for a long time. When you add the instant chemistry between Liam and Devon, you have a riveting story. Their romance was hot and intense, a perfect backdrop to the dangers surrounding them. I cannot wait for the next book in this new series.

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

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HOTSHOT by Julie Garwood

HOTSHOT by Julie Garwood
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.

It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.

REVIEW:

This book was filled with intrigue, danger, lust and love. A nice combination that was well written and kept you turning the pages right from the beginning. The romance was tender with just enough heat to keep me satisfied and the dynamics of all the players was believable and nicely done. It was clear that this is book one in what is sure to be a fun series and I am anxious to read the rest. I enjoyed this read very much.

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

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Colton by Blood (The Coltons of Wyoming) by Melissa Cutler

Colton by Blood (The Coltons of Wyoming) by Melissa Cutler
Publication Date: August 1, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Rising romantic suspense star Melissa Cutler reveals more secrets from the Coltons of Wyoming… An unsolved murder haunts those who live and work at Dead River Ranch. When called to care for the ailing Colton patriarch, Dr. Levi Colton must face the father who never claimed him. He’s not looking for distraction, but he finds it in Kate McCord, the irresistible pastry chef. Beneath her sweet smile are scars from her own tragedy—and a determination for justice.

As a wildfire forces them together with an unknown killer, Levi and Kate must confront an attraction that flares hotter than flames. They edge closer to the truth, discovering that the secret that links their pasts could lead them straight into the killer’s trap.

REVIEW:

I loved Colton by Blood! It is the second book in the Colton series written by different Harlequin authors. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but requested this one because I read Tempted Into Danger by Melissa Cutler and loved it. She is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine after reading my second book written by her. She definitely knows how to write sexy heroes. I loved the hot Dr. Levi Colton. Both Levi and Kate have been through a lot and are portrayed in a way that really makes the reader feel for them. Their story is fast paced, emotional and full of passion. I will be going back to read the first book in the Colton series by another author and look forward to reading what happens next in the series. I am also putting Melissa Cutler on my must buy list. She writes great romantic suspense books.

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

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The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld) by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a breathtaking Lords of the Underworld tale about a warrior trapped by darkness and the woman determined to save him

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

REVIEW:

I loved Kane’s book! Lords of the Underworld is one of my favorite series and I devoured Darkest Craving as soon as I received my copy. I have always felt for Kane. As the keeper of Disaster he gets left out of missions sometimes because of his demon. While some of the Lords are able to use their demons as a weapon, Disaster harms not only those around him, but Kane as well. I didn’t really see Kane as one of the sexy Lords in the group until this book. This book made him one of my favorites. Plenty of action, emotion, humor, passion and steamy love scenes. We also got plenty of William in this book. William is my favorite even though he isn’t an actual Lord of the Underworld. Gena Showalter commented on Twitter today that there will possibly be a free William scene posted on her fan website soon. I am thinking it will be Cameo or Torin’s book next. I’m hoping for Torin’s book, but I think Cameo’s story will be great if the guy she ends up with is who she gets put together with in this book (leaving out his name to prevent spoiler). If you haven’t read this series yet, start at the beginning to understand the characters and plot. If you are a fan of the series, you’ll love Kane’s book. I recommend this book and this series for paranormal romance lovers.

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

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Perfect Fling (Serendipity’s Finest) by Carly Phillips

Perfect Fling (Serendipity’s Finest) by Carly Phillips
Series: Serendipity’s Finest #5
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Erin … The Good Girl
Assistant District Attorney, Erin Marsden,is Serendipity’s quintessential good girl. The only daughter of the ex-police chief, she has never made a misstep, content with her quiet, predictable life … or so she thinks. Until Cole Sanders returns to town with heated interest in his eyes and shadows in his past.

Cole … The Bad Boy
After seven years of deep under cover work in New York City, Cole returns to Serendipity to help his aging father and to find his moral compass once more. Not to get involved with wholesome Erin Marsden. Even as a rebellious teen, he knew a girl like Erin was off limits and that hasn’t changed. But neither one of them can resist their off-the-charts chemistry and a one night stand brings complications neither Erin nor Cole expected.

The Attraction … Off the Charts!
Then Erin’s current case plunges her into a killer’s crosshairs. With more at stake than anyone knows, Erin succumbs to Cole’s take-charge attitude. As a bodyguard, he’s the best. As a lover, he’s even better. But there’s more than the matter of Erin’s safety at stake. And Cole must forgive the sins of his past and prove to himself – and to Erin – that he’s capable of the love and the forever she – and their baby – desperately need.

REVIEW:

I loved Perfect Fling! Perfect Fling is part of the Serendipity series. I didn’t read the books in the series before this book, but I am going to go back and read them now because I loved this book. Carly Phillips creates characters that the reader can not help but feel and connect with. I loved Cole and Erin as well as all the secondary characters in Serendipity. Cole is the town bad boy and Erin is the Assistant District Attorney in Serendipity. There story held my attention from beginning to end. This addition to the series is a passionate romance with a great plot filled with action and danger, great characters and some humor. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I recommend this book and this series for romance lovers.

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

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OUTSIDE THE LINES by Kimberly Kincaid

OUTSIDE THE LINES by Kimberly Kincaid
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
As an ivy-league ER doctor who eats double shifts for breakfast (and lunch…and dinner), Blake Fisher has little appetite for anything other than work. Being on the staff at Brenstville Hospital means taking care of people, a need Blake understands all too well from losing his brother to cystic fibrosis eight years ago. When he’s asked to coordinate a carnival fundraiser for the cause, he jumps at the chance to help others with the disease…until it lands him side by side with the one woman he never thought he’d see again: his ex-fiancée.

Streetwise and rough around the edges, Jules Shaw is no stranger to earning a living through hard work. But when her job as the restaurant manager of Mac’s Diner puts her shoulder to really broad shoulder with Blake Fisher, she nearly balks. She’d rather dodge and deflect than admit the real reason she broke things off, but the catering contract for the carnival means big business for Mac’s, and feeding people is Jules’s lifeblood.

As Blake and Jules join reluctant forces, they quickly rediscover the spark between them. But the possibility of a future together hinges on coming clean about the past, with potentially devastating consequences. Can Blake and Jules overcome their drastically different backgrounds and learn to love again, or will they always be outside the lines?

REVIEW:
I was looking forward to Jule’s story and I was very pleased with the results. Jules has such a fun and plucky personality that I really related to and Blake just made me want to curl up in his arms. It was an enjoyable light romance with just the right amount of heat and it hit all the right spots. I’m still smiling.

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

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Moonlight (The Moon Series) (Entangled Edge) by Lisa Kessler

Moonlight (The Moon Series) (Entangled Edge) by Lisa Kessler
Publication Date: July 15, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Rancher Adam Sloan is more than meets the eye. As the heir to his Pack, the sexy werewolf’s biggest challenge is keeping his kin’s true nature under wraps. But a group of jaguar shifters threatens to reveal the pack, blasting into town killing humans in plain sight. And when he smells one at the local diner, his standing orders are to take her out.

Lana Turpin doesn’t realize she’s a moving target. Raised in the foster system, she only knows that she blacks out during the new moon and wakes up without remembering a thing. But now she’s being tracked by some strange organization that wants her back–even though she’s never stepped foot inside their compound. And the stranger across the diner is watching her like an enemy.

It should be a simple mission for Adam, but when he touches the frustratingly beautiful Lana, his inner wolf howls…mate. Now, the two must find and stop the people who hunt her…and Adam must keep his own family from killing the only woman he will ever love.

REVIEW:

I loved Moonlight! It is a great first book in a series I will be following! This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa Kessler and I am hooked. I have to go buy the rest of her books and wait impatiently for the next book in this series to be released! Adam is a sexy werewolf and the next in line to be alpha of his pack. It’s his job to protect the pack and when jaguars are killing humans in his pack’s territory he sets out to eliminate the threat and instead finds Lana who doesn’t know what she is and has a mysterious past. Their story is a romance full of action and danger. Adam and Lana have instant chemistry and are really passionate with each other, but they have to face a lot of issues and decisions to be together. Moonlight is a hot paranormal story and I recommend it for anyone looking for a steamy paranormal with sexy shifters. Hunter’s Moon is the next book in the series and is Aren (Adam’s twin) and Sasha’s story. I can not wait to see what Lisa Kessler has in store for them!

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

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SHARPSHOOTER (Shadow Agents) by Cynthia Eden

SHARPSHOOTER (Shadow Agents) by Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: (Paperback) July 23, 2013, (eBook) August 1, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan’s life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he’s been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents’ lives apart once again.

Working side by side back in the jungles of Peru, the heat between Sydney and Gunner is hotter than ever—and so are the threats to their lives. With the danger escalating, Sydney knows Gunner is her only hope at successfully completing their assignment. But the ex-SEAL who arouses passion she’d only dreamed about also poses the greatest risk to the secret she carries in her heartand in her belly.

REVIEW:

This is book three in the Shadow Agent’s Miniseries. I was looking forward to Gunner and Sydney’s story and I was not disappointed. The Shadow Agent team is a close knit unit with all their different personalities meshing together. The action was well written and this book had my stomach knotted! Their desire for each other built with each book and finally came together in a most satisfying way. I sure hope there is a book 4 coming!

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

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Buy Links – Publication Dates: (Paperback) July 23, 2013, (eBook) August 1, 2013
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Let Love In (The Love Series) by Melissa Collins

Let Love In (The Love Series) by Melissa Collins
Publication Date: May 16, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
What would happen if you lost everything? If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how would your world change? That’s exactly what happened to Madeleine Becker when her parents died when she was ten years old. Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again. The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can’t get hurt if she doesn’t fall in love. That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy’s pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world. Maddy’s inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past. Together they find out what happens when they let love in.

REVIEW:
I loved Let Love In! This is Melissa Collins debut book that is self published and I was blown away by it! Let Love In is a steamy romance that is well written, has a great plot and great characters. It is a love story about two people who have experienced loss and connect because of it. This story took me on an emotional ride. I laughed and I cried. I was pulled into the story and really felt for the characters and connected with them. Madeline lost her family at a young age and has walls up to protect herself. She meets Reid and recognizes him as someone who has experienced pain and has the same walls. Reid is a smoking hot guy who is use to getting any girl he wants. He has never met anyone that brings out emotions in him the way Madeline does. I loved their story and can not wait for next book to read what happens next. There is a cliffhanger ending, but not the kind of cliffhanger that left me upset that the story was abruptly cut off. I loved everything about Let Love In and highly recommend it!

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

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Forgotten Sins by Rebecca Zanetti

Forgotten Sins by Rebecca Zanetti
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

His Secrets Can Destroy Her

From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked when the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.

Her Love Can Save Him

Shane can’t remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside-or who he even is-but he knows something isn’t right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he’s ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew-one who carries such a deadly secret?

REVIEW:

I was blown away by Forgotten Sins! It hooked me from page one and kept me on edge through out the entire story. Forgotten Sins is filled with action, danger, mystery, drama and steamy romance. Rebecca Zanetti pulls the reader into the story with her characters. I not only loved the main characters, Shane and Josie, but Shane’s brothers as well and can not wait for their story. Shane wakes up in the hospital with no memory of his life and a wife at his bedside that he left 2 years ago with no warning or explanation. He has no memory of Josie, but instantly feels his connection and his need to protect her. Their story will take the reader on an emotional adventure. I loved this book and cannot wait for the next book In the series! I highly recommend this story for all romance lovers!

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

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