Category Archives: 4.5 Stars

HIS RISK TO TAKE by Tessa Bailey

HIS RISK TO TAKE by Tessa Bailey
PUBLISH DATE: May 13, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Homicide cop Troy Bennett had a reputation with the Chicago PD for being fearless and in control—until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a raid. From that moment on, he swears he’ll never again be responsible for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler. Reckless and stubbornly independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy’s avoiding, but when she walks into the pub he’s at with his new coworkers and blows his carefully laid plans to hell, Troy knows he has to have her—risks be damned. But there’s a connection between Ruby’s shadowed past and a case Troy’s working involving a notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs?

REVIEW:
I just love a dominant man in uniform and Troy fit that bill in spades! Ruby is street smart and strong willed without being witchy about it. I like that. The two of them had an easy banter that truly added to the romance and the author did a good job of weaving all this into the danger they faced from one of the city’s crime bosses. This added a nice gritty edge to the story. I really enjoyed this novella. It was fast paced, full of action, romance and smoking hot sex.

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

One for the Wicked: A Dark Mission Novel by Karina Cooper

One for the Wicked: A Dark Mission Novel by Karina Cooper
Release date: April 30, 2013
Review by: Reading In Pajamas – Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In One for the Wicked, the thrilling finale to Karina Cooper’s Dark Mission series, New Seattle’s witches will rise again…or fall forever.

Shawn Lowe has one mission: to get the cure for what’s killing the city’s witches from Dr. Kayleigh Lauderdale, the daughter of his chief nemesis. He knew the job would be difficult, but what he didn’t count on was their instant, undeniable attraction, a burning desire that neither one can control.

Sexy and satisfying, imaginative and atmospheric, One for the Wicked is a racy page-turner filled with nonstop action and plenty of passion, sure to please fans of paranormal romance.

REVIEW:
Karina Cooper’s Dark Mission series comes to a finale in One for the Wicked. This series is fast-paced, full of drama, action and romance. I picked up this book for review not knowing it was part of a series. I had to go back and read the first 4 books to understand the book. It was worth it. I loved this series and this book was a great finale! The worldbuilding in this story is incredible! I could not put these books down and devoured them. Shawn and Kayleigh are on opposites sides in this fight, but when they come together their chemistry is explosive and undeniable. When Kayleigh realizes she is on the wrong side and her father is really the villain she jumps in to help. This book was an incredible ending and I can’t wait to see what Karina Cooper has in store for her readers next. I highly recommend this series!

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

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Werewolves Be Damned (Magic & Mayhem) By Stacey Kennedy

Werewolves Be Damned (Magic & Mayhem) By Stacey Kennedy
Publication Date: April 15, 2013
Review by: Reading In Pajamas – Cori
Rating: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

REVIEW:

I loved this book! This is my first book by Stacey Kennedy and I’m hooked now! This book had everything I look for in a great story. Werewolves Be Damned has great characters, a great plot, lots of action and of course lots of romance. Kyden and Nexi have steamy chemistry! Highly recommend this book and I can not wait for the next book in this series. Hopefully one of the other characters will get a story. I’m off to Amazon to download more books by Stacey Kennedy!

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

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SURVIVOR (Book 2 in the Alone Series) by James Phelan

SURVIVOR (Book 2 in the Alone Series) by James Phelan
Young Adult
PUBLISH DATE: April 30, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
16 year old Jesse tries to survive a post-apocalyptic New York City.
At the end of the world, it’s hard to trust anyone–even yourself.
Jesse and a ragged band of survivors crawl through the wreckage of New York City. They escaped the Chasers–for now. But the infected zombie freaks are getting bolder, stronger. So when they begin to see signs of human life, they can’t believe their luck. Now they’re the chasers, looking for someone to tell them the worst vacation ever is over. Of course, luck can be good and bad. And the enemy could be closer than your reflection in the mirror. . .

REVIEW:
This book pulls you into the mind of a 16 year old boy trying to survive the aftermath of horrible destruction. To make matters worse, the chemicals have turned people into crazed ‘zombiesque’ hunters. While being chased, he is looking for others like him….normal. When he does find other stragglers, you feel their uncertainty, fear, hope and longing for companionship. Each has a different background and personality but now have something in common and they desperately hang onto that thread and struggle to determine the best course of action.
This story pulled me in and won’t let go. I can not wait until book 3 so I can stop worrying about them. Great read.

*Review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Claim Me: A Novel by J. Kenner

Claim Me: A Novel by J. Kenner
Publication Date: April 23, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas – Cori
Rating: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes the second novel in the erotic, fast-paced trilogy that started with Release Me. This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says “yes” on her own terms.

For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.

Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.

I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.

But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.

Claim Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:

Mmmmmmm Stark! Damien Stark steams up the pages of this book! Claim Me picks up where Release Me left off and continues the sexy love story between Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild. J. Kenner, the author, weaves a great love story between these two that keeps the reader fascinated and had me turning the pages until the end. Stark had me fanning myself to cool down on occasion. I highly recommend this book and this series. I will be impatiently waiting for the next book to see what happens next!

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

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Matt Bomer as Damien Stark

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ZODIAC GATEKEEPER SERIES by Mandy Roth

ZODIAC GATEKEEPER SERIES by Mandy Roth

Book 1 – PISCES PHENOMENON
Book 2 – SOMBER RESPLENDENCE

REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATING 4.5
I am reviewing both books in the series.

PISCES PHENOMENON DESCRIPTION:
The Constellaziogēns spawned the legends behind much of the human beliefs in astrology. Their world is full of magik, power, immortality and egos that tend to cloud better judgments. It’s also full of honorable warriors who are sworn to protect the people of the Earth. Detective Sirius Baron is one of these warriors. He’s desperately scrambling to cover up a rash of crimes that the humans are calling the “Zodiac Zone” abductions. Women are being taken based on their astrological signs, and the message is clear — the last hasn’t been taken.

Phoebe Fisher’s family has always been a bit protective of her. Though she knows that she and they have elements of the supernatural in their talents, she isn’t entirely sure why. When she finds herself about to be the victim of the latest Zodiac Zone abduction, she is rescued by Sirius. The instant bond between them both scares her and scorches her heart. As she comes to terms with her special connection to the stars and begins to understand the mysteries of her past, Phoebe also learns how it feels to love and be loved — by an immortal.

Warning: This book contains strong sexual language and scenes.

REVIEW:
What began as a psychic loving & sensual connection grew into an explosive passionate one when Phoebe and Sirius finally meet in person. Destined to be together they let loose with the passion they have only dreamt of. This story is full of tension and action and the sex is hot. I only wish it had been a longer book so we could delve more into the background of Phoebe and Sirius’ people. The story premise is intriguing and I am looking forward to more.

SOMBER RESPLENDENCE DESCRIPTION:
Aland Werner is a fierce warrior trained to follow the rules of both his realm and that of the humans. But when news of his mate’s existence reaches him, he’s willing to do anything to get to her and keep her safe.

Tucked away in a mental ward, Sidney Fisher hides behind a façade of crazy to control circumstances as best she can. Drawing the renegade warriors to her means her sister and cousin can live without fear of being captured. But she’s fighting a losing battle, for her destiny is more than intertwined with the star men, especially the devilishly handsome Aland. The Constellaziogēn warrior is ready to claim his mate and nothing–and no one–will come between him and his woman.

REVIEW:
Book 2 revolves around the mystically gifted Sydney. A fierce protector who has endured years of attacks and pain in order to keep her sister Phoebe and friend Heather safe from the Rogue “Star People”. Aland, a Gate Keeper and ultra alpha male discovers that she is his mate and has not really learned to be subtle in his approach.

This story did have action and intensity, but was more about Aland trying to gain Sydney’s trust. After years of being abused by the rogues, she has a hard time understanding that he is not like them. Of course, lust plays a hand and their passion is quite intense! Again, I think a longer novel would flesh out the characters and their world, but overall a fun quick read. I hope the next one is about Heather!

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AVENGING ANGEL by Cynthia Eden

AVENGING ANGEL by Cynthia Eden
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
With a messed up family background and a tendency to grow claws and fangs, Tanner Chance isn’t exactly the boy next door. But he’s a decent cop, and he keeps himself on the side of the good guys. Convenient, because when he rescues a survivor of a horrific shifter attack he finds himself instantly smitten–with an honest-to-goodness angel, as innocent as she is irresistible.
Marna may be angelic, but she’s not stupid or weak. She can take care of herself. Tanner is more temptation than protection anyway. Or so she thinks, until someone wearing her face starts taking out some of New Orleans’s more unsavory paranormals. With police and predators both gunning for her blood, Marna has no choice but to trust Tanner. . .even though what’s sparking between them is hotter than anything holy!

REVIEW:
In book 4 of “The Fallen” series, Cynthia Eden again delivers! While we catch glimpses of the past Angels, this story is all about Marna and Tanner. The action and suspense starts from page 1 and doesn’t let up. At one point it was so tense I had to stop a second to catch my breath. And such a lovely mystery of which I will not speak so I don’t ruin anything. The romance built up nicely as Marna learned to trust Tanner and he learned to trust himself. When they give in to their passion it was quite sexy. My only critique…and it is a very small one…was that Tanner was always so antagonistic to his allies. I understand why due to the story arc though. It was a great read and I highly recommend it!

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

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HUNTER by Jacquelyn Frank writing as Jax

HUNTER by Jacquelyn Frank writing as Jax
Publication Date May 2, 2013
REVIEW by Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATING: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
This can’t be happening to her. A random break down…an isolated mountain road, a seemingly chance meeting with a hotter-than-hot stranger. Tatyana is a modern gal who can handle any crisis, but before she knows what’s hit her, she’s sensing a hideous threat, not to her but to this man who draws her like a moth to flame. Hunter.
“I know things…I saw it.”
When the attack comes, she is his protection from a diabolical enemy, even as he initiates her into a startling world of magic, sorcery and sensuality. For in a moment of terrifying danger a spark has been struck, and neither can escape the erotic fire to come…

REVIEW:
I truly enjoyed this book for many reasons. I like that the men and women of the Willow Coven are strong and courageous, yet caring. They appreciate each other’s gifts not just in battling evil, but as friends. A perfect contrast to the evil warlock coven they are battling. There was mystery, tense drama and action mixed with irreverent humor. I grew to care about the characters. Tatyana is confident and quite humorous, a perfect match for Hunter, the assassin. The romance?….let me just say it hit all the points: tender, caring and hot sensuality. An all around good story and a must read!

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

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Lone Wolf (SHIFTERS UNBOUND) – Jennifer Ashley

Lone Wolf (SHIFTERS UNBOUND) – Jennifer Ashley
Publication Date: April 16, 2013
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reading In Pajamas – Cori

Book Description:
Ellison Rowe is a wolf Shifter who has embraced all things Texas. He’s a cowboy through and through, complete with a Texas drawl, cowboy hat, and well-worn cowboy boots. He’s also lonely, though he feels obligated to look after his sister who is recovering from a hit-and-run accident that has left her striving to control her feral tendencies.

Enter Maria, a human woman taking refuge with the Shifters, who volunteers to look after the cubs and help Ellison’s sister. Maria too is recovering from a haunted past—she was kidnapped and held hostage by a rogue Shifter and then disowned by her family when she was set free. Now she’s on her own, but determined to put her life back together and leave Shiftertown for good.

But someone is attempting to abduct Shifter cubs, and Maria and Ellison know they must stop him. As Maria works with Ellison to track down the kidnapper, she finds her heart slowly awakening once more. And Ellison realizes that Maria may be just the one to bring light back into his life…

Review:
All the fans of Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Bound series have been waiting for Ellison’s story. I’ve loved him since the first book. Who doesn’t like a sexy cowboy with a protective streak? I loved his story! This novella is a complete story with plenty of romance and excitement. We got to see all our favorite characters and we got updates in this novella as well. I can not wait for Tiger’s story! Jennifer Ashley always delivers!

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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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