Category Archives: 4.5 Stars

Shattered Blue: A Romantic Thriller by Jane Taylor Starwood

Shattered Blue: A Romantic Thriller by Jane Taylor Starwood
Publication Date: March 14, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Shane MacKinnon used to be somebody else. Hounded by scandal and haunted by a shameful secret, wealthy, privileged Shannon Malone fled Manhattan and took on a new identity.

Five years later, she’s finally met a man who loves her in spite of her troubled past. He’s leading her into a world of sensual pleasure she never imagined.

Now a menacing whisper on the phone threatens to shatter her new life. Someone thinks she has the missing millions from a massive investment scam. Someone who also has a far more sinister reason to come after her.

Shane thought the monster who tormented her childhood was dead. She was wrong. And now that he’s found her again, he’ll stop at nothing to finish his sadistic game.

REVIEW:
I loved Shattered Blue! Jane Taylor Starwood’s debut novel is a heart-lurching, page-turning, romantic suspense that kept me captivated! It has everything I look for in a great romantic suspense book. Plenty of danger, mystery, and steamy romance. Shattered Blue also has an intriguing plot with great characters. Matt Brennan is the perfect man in my opinion and Shane is a really likable female lead that is working to face the monsters of her past. I really enjoyed how they came together and the banter between them. Matt has an instant attraction with Shane, and Shane needs some convincing and boy does he set out to convince her! There is lots of steamy romance and passion between them. I highly recommend this book for all romantic suspense lovers! Jane Taylor Starwood is an author to watch and I can not wait to see what she comes up with next!

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

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A taste of SHATTERED BLUE for you…

From Chapter 42 ~ SHATTERED BLUE
Jordan loomed over her and a flash of light blinded her momentarily. The knife. Shane felt her newfound courage faltering, felt herself falling back through the years, into the body of that little girl.

No.

She closed her eyes, pictured Matt’s face, Gram’s face, and felt her strength returning. She would not let Jordan terrify her again. She might fail tonight, she might die, but she would not be his whimpering victim.

Opening her eyes, she braved the flashing glare of the hunting knife he held above her face. She willed her body to lie still as she stared straight into his eyes. With a thrill of triumph, she saw the surprise in the gray eyes that stared back at her.

Neither of them spoke a word, but they both knew the final moves in the game were at hand, and that Shane had just altered the rules. She could see the dawn of awareness in his eyes: She was no longer a mere pawn to toy with as he pleased.

On the other hand, he still had the knife.

About the Author

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Jane Taylor Starwood is a long-time resident of Long Island’s North Fork, and grew up San Diego, CA, and survived the crucible of New York City for fifteen years before moving to the North Fork.

Her romantic suspense novel, “Shattered Blue,” is available as an ebook and trade paperback, and She is hard at work on the next one.

Her nonfiction book, “Long Island Wine Country: Award-Winning Vineyards of the North Fork and the Hamptons,” was published in 2009.

Rapture’s Edge: A Night Prowler Novel by J.T. Geissinger

Rapture’s Edge: A Night Prowler Novel by J.T. Geissinger
Publication Date: June 18, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
SECRETS… In the hidden world that exists beside our own, a mirror world of ancient magic and elegant deceptions, a world of people who are so much more than they first appear, a war is brewing. Most of these Gifted people—the Ikati, a savage, sensual race of lethal predators—are content to hide behind human smiles, disguising their splendor in order to survive. But others are discontent. And they will hide no longer.

BETRAYALS… Eliana lives for two things only: vengeance on the man who killed her father and seeing her father’s dream of living in the open with humans come to pass. But that dream is far too dangerous for The Hunt, a group of elite Ikati assassins with one objective: eliminate her before she can expose their secrets to the world.

SEDUCTION… Demetrius is haunted by the memory of the woman he once loved. He will risk everything to save her from the killers on her tail… and convince her, before the ancient walls between two worlds crumble, that only together can they defeat their real enemy, a brilliant, cunning traitor far more deadly than either of them can guess.

REVIEW:
I loved Rapture’s Edge! I really wish I had known it was the the third book in the series. I was a little lost at times without reading the first two books. I’m going to go back and read them to fully understand the story and I recommend other readers read the series in order. J.T. Geissinger created a fascinating and unique world with her writing. I really enjoyed her writing style and the characters. Eliana and Demetrius’s interactions are hot and steamy. I was a bit frustrated with Eliana’s distrust of everyone at times and wanted to reach in the book and shake her, but I enjoy characters that stir my emotions. I also liked that Demetrius never gave up on her. Rapture’s Edge had plenty of action, intrigue, mystery, suspense and steamy romance. A great Paranormal/ Urban Fantasy Romance series!

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

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Undying Destiny (A Novel of the Enclave) (Entangled Edge) By Jessica Lee

Undying Destiny (A Novel of the Enclave) (Entangled Edge) By Jessica Lee
Publication Date: June 17, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Kenric St. James is out for revenge. Over 300 years ago, an ancient female vampire turned him against his will and killed the woman he loved. He’s spent more than a century building an Enclave of warrior vampires who have sworn to defend humanity against his evil sire and her minions. But when Kenric finds a woman he finally burns to claim as his own again, Kenric knows loving her means giving his sire another target.
Emily Ross just wanted a fresh start. She’s a survivor, coming off the tail end of an abusive relationship, and craves time alone to learn who she is and to save the home that holds her heart. The last thing she needed was a controlling, alpha male calling all the shots.
Meeting Kenric might just have changed her mind, though. He is wrong for her in all the right ways. But in order to keep her heart from breaking, he first has to keep the hordes of evil vamps from stealing her very breath.

REVIEW:
I love a book with a hot, sexy vampire hero! I loved Undying Destiny! I was captivated from the fist page and it held my attention until I turned the last page. Jessica Lee is a new author for me and when I saw the hot cover for the book on NetGalley, I decided to request it after seeing the publisher was Entangled. Entangled Publishing had been publishing a lot of great books lately. I am so glad I requested it because I found another great paranormal author. The story had everything I look for in a great book. Undying Destiny was a great story with a plot that drew me in and I loved the characters. Kenric and Emily meet by chance and are instantly drawn to one another. Their adventure begins from there. Their story had plenty of action, mystery, suspense, and steamy romance. I am looking forward to the next book and I highly recommend this book for vampire lovers!

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

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Tiger Magic (Shifters Unbound) by Jennifer Ashley

Tiger Magic (Shifters Unbound) by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Shifters Unbound (Book 5)
Release date: June 4, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
He was once a captive, but his urges were never caged. Now he’ll release them on a beautiful stranger whose own secret desires are longing to be sated…

He doesn’t have a name. He doesn’t have a clan. The humans who held him prisoner for forty years have taken them away. He knew nothing but captivity until nearly a year ago, when he was released into the light. Now Tiger lives in the Austin Shiftertown, where he struggles to belong and searches for an identity.

Carly Randal thinks her fabulous life is complete—until her car breaks down on the side of the road, and a wild-looking Shifter is the only one to help her. Tiger takes one look at Carly and knows instantly—she will be his mate. As Carly is drawn into his Shifter world, she risks everything she has for that forbidden something she still wants: passionate love.

REVIEW:
I loved Tiger Magic! I have been looking forward to Tiger’s book since Jennifer Ashley first introduced us to him. This is the fifth book in the Shifters Bound series and it keeps getting better and better. Jennifer Ashley’s books always have plenty of action, adventure, romance and great characters. Tiger was created in a lab and is damaged from his past captivity where he was experimented on by humans. He meets Carly on the side of the road when her car breaks down and he instantly knows she is his mate. She has a strong attraction to him as well. They seem to bring out the best in each other and be exactly what the other needed at that exact time in their lives. Tiger Magic was an action packed, hot romance that held my attention until the end. I can’t wait to see what Jennifer Ashley has in store for us next! I loved this series and recommend it to all paranormal romance lovers!

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MY NOW AND FOREVER by H. J. Bellus

MY NOW AND FOREVER by H. J. Bellus
PUBLISHED: June 2, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Whose parents abandon them in a trashy trailer when they are five years old? Oh Yeah! Mine do!

Hey Hoochies! I’m Milly, and I am tired of taking kicks to the gut. A broken family, an asshole husband and the loss of loved ones have left me crying Uncle, and declaring a serious case of the Fuck-Its!

I had my heart broken, stomped on and shattered before I ever started on my journey to find my little piece of happiness. With a bucket list, a ’66 Ford and wild dreams, I set out on an adventure that changed my life forever. Follow me on my journey that resurrected my inner badass.

I found my soul sista from another mista, and opened my dream shop along the way. Just when I gave up on finding true love, a pirate and a princess swept me off my ever lovin’ feet and filled my world with sprinkles, mac n’ cheese and the courage to live again. They forced my fragile heart to trust and love without fear.

Truth is, nobody’s past stays hidden forever. It’s an invisible monster waiting to attack and destroy. It has the capability to ruin everything you’ve worked to set right. All it takes is one final blow to the gut to end everything.

***Sexual Content and Adult Language***

REVIEW:
I truly enjoyed this book. Her snarky sense of humor and friends she surrounds herself with reminded me of myself. For all that happened in her life, she picks herself up and faces the world head on with bucket list in hand. I laughed, cried and cringed….but mostly smiled. The first-person writing style took me a little bit to get used to but when I did it was fun. Written from her perspective only, like it is in real life. Yep, I enjoyed this book and H.J. Bellus is now added to my list of authors to watch.

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

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PRINCE OF SHADOWS By Nancy Gideon

PRINCE OF SHADOWS By Nancy Gideon
Publication Date: May 27, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
The fourth original eBook in the steamy Shadows paranormal romance series features a woman forced to choose a mate, and a Shifter prince who may need to give up everything to win her.
Held hostage until she chooses a mate, Kendra Terriot must play a careful courtship game when choosing among the dangerous Shifter heirs. As a prince in the House of Terriot, Cale knows he can be the leader his clan needs with Kendra at his side, but first he must learn to become the kind of man she desires. In a treacherous race for the crown, where weakness means death, the only way to win her trust could mean surrendering his throne. But the only way to win her heart could mean letting her go…

REVIEW:
Prince of Shadows is a sexy shifter paranormal romance that had me captivated! I loved this story! This book is fourth book in the Moonlight Series. I was able to read Prince of Shadows without reading the books that came before it in the series, and understand the book. So this book can be read as a stand alone. I do plan on reading the other books though since I really enjoyed this one. Prince of Shadows has a lot of conflict, action, danger, intrigue, and plenty of steamy romance. I really loved the characters! Cale has loved Kendra since they were children, but left her in order to protect her. Now that Kendra is grown up and has to chose a mate, Cale sets out to win her heart while also having to deal with all the danger, and treachery around them. Kendra is naive and innocent, but she’s also brave and selfless. Cale is ruthless, but also has depth and feelings he hides from everyone. Nancy Gideon really transports the reader into the Moonlight series world. Prince of Shadows has a unique and intriguing plot that held my interest and kept me flipping the pages with anticipation until the the last page. I loved it and I plan on devouring the rest of the Moonlight Series as soon as possible. I highly recommend Prince of Shadows for paranormal romance lovers!

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

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TWISTED (Dark Protectors) by Rebecca Zanetti

TWISTED (Dark Protectors) by Rebecca Zanetti
Publication Date: June 20, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
In human form, Terrent Vilks is all male animal—dark, ripped, predatory. As wolf, he’s unforgettably dangerous, unforgettably hot. Yet Maggie can’t remember him….

Not even when she learns she once agreed to mate him. Yeah, that was years ago, before she was kidnapped and tortured, before she lost her memory. Now she knows just one thing about herself—she’ll do whatever it takes to bring down the monsters who took her, even trust her ex.

He’s got her right where he wants her…

REVIEW:
Twisted is a continuation of Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protector series. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the series in order to enjoy the full story. I absolutely loved Twisted! It is a quick novella read, but still gives you a complete story. Maggie has amnesia as a result of the testing and experimentation inflicted on her by the Kurjans. She has no memory of her life before 10 years ago and for 10 years Terrent has waited for Maggie to regain her memory and remember him. Terrent left her in the care of the Kyrs thinking it was the best thing to do for her, but he knows she belongs with him and to him as his mate. Now she is has been sent by the Kyrs to him and and he is determined to get his mate back. I loved Terrent, the sexy alpha werewolf with a brogue. I love that Maggie meets his alpha tendencies head on and stands up for herself. She also isn’t afraid to fight for what she wants. When Maggie and Terrent come together they have smoldering passion. This story has a great plot with lots of twists and turns, lots of action, great characters and plenty of steamy romance. I highly recommend this book and this series to all paranormal romance lovers!

*Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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TEMPTED INTO DANGER (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) by Melissa Cutler

TEMPTED INTO DANGER (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) by Melissa Cutler
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
“Keep the asset safe or die trying.”

When a simple mission to deliver the beautiful and brilliant Vanessa Crosby to a safe house goes horribly wrong, ICE agent Diego Santero’s life gets complicated. Keeping the anti-crime analyst safe from the notorious mercenaries after her program will put everything he’s worked for at risk.

Relentlessly hunted and not knowing whom to trust, Diego takes Vanessa on the run, deep into the heart of the deadly Panamanian rain forest. Vanessa reminds herself that she’s just another asset to the ruggedly handsome black ops agent…until their intense situation leads to a release of passion neither expected. But even if they make it out alive, how can they ever have a future together?

REVIEW:
Melissa Cutler is a new author for me and I was surprised and completely blown away by Tempted Into Danger! It completely captivated me from page one and kept me up late turning the pages. Diego is the definition of a hot alpha male! I loved him! Vanessa starts off as a mission for Diego and turns into the person he can’t live without. The danger kept me on the edge of my seat and rooting for the characters. Their story completely pulled me in and once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down because I had to see what would happen next. This story has everything I look for in a great book. It is packed with danger, action, steamy romance and great characters. I highly recommend this book for all you Romantic Suspense lovers! I can not wait for the next book and I am adding Melissa Cutler’s books to my must read list!

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

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FOREVER (Book 2 in World of the Nightwalkers) by Jacquelyn Frank

FOREVER (Book 2 in World of the Nightwalkers) by Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLISH DATE: May 28, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one—none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.

While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire, which is exactly what Menes is looking for. To fight a great enemy, pharaoh and queen must join; but to host Hatshepsut, Marissa will first have to die. Fate has given Jackson a profound choice: save Marissa from Menes’s plan or keep an entire species from the brink of extinction.

REVIEW:
Book 1 of this series, Forbidden, explained how ancient Egyptian royalty maintained a form of immortality by “blending” with humans on the cusp of death. Giving them a choice to live with an added soul and powers in exchange for helping protect others from evil. I like that this book did not have to delve into that as much and went straight to the good stuff.

Jackson is an alpha male, blended with an ancient alpha male. Somehow I don’t think it would have gone as smoothly as written, but it is a story, one that I enjoyed, so I will concede that point. I liked Jackson and the way he is around his friends and of course with Marissa. She is strong and intelligent so she took a bit of time to come to terms with her new reality. That life on earth is not all she thought, nor is her place in it. Marissa and Jackson’s romance was built smoothly to the simmering point while enemy chaos surrounded them. Her reluctance to blend with Hatshepsut was understandable regardless of her feelings for Jackson. It may sound confusing but was actually easy to follow and just flow with it. I would recommend reading book 1 first however.

I truly enjoyed this story. Not only the battle of good vs. evil, but the inner struggle of the Bodywalkers as well. The romance was very satisfying and I can’t wait for book 3 to see what happens next.

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

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BARE IT ALL by Lori Foster

BARE IT ALL by Lori Foster
PUBLISH DATE: April 30, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking.

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire—and into the line of fire….

REVIEW:
This is the second book in the Undercover Series and she has these cops figured out! Outwardly Reese is all tough and dedicated yet inside he is tender and caring. Lori does a great job of blending the two sides of him. Reserved and guarded Alice also hides a side of herself. One that longs for closeness and love. I really liked her character and how she faced the demons of her past and moved forward to embrace life. The disparate group of people that pulled together to combat the evil drug lord worked well together and I ended up caring for each one of them. I hope they appear in future books.

I truly enjoyed this book with all the action and tension meshed with the friendships and romance. It had it all nestled nicely in uniform. Lori Foster is now on my favorite list!

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

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