Category Archives: 4 Stars

Guardian (The Protectors Series) by Nancy Northcott

Guardian (The Protectors Series) by Nancy Northcott
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A POWER TO KILL

FBI agent Camellia “Mel” Wray is no stranger to violence but when an old friend is brutally murdered, she takes it personally. The case hits even closer to her heart when the best person to help with the investigation is Dr. Stefan Harper, the only man she ever loved-and lost. One look at the gorgeous medical expert and Mel realizes he’s still impossible to resist-and still harboring a secret after all these years . . .

A POWER TO LOVE

Afraid Mel wouldn’t accept him, Stefan never revealed his study of magical medicine or his abilities, instead allowing her to believe he’d been unfaithful. Now she’s back in his life-and their mutual attraction burns hotter than ever. But when something dark and otherworldly threatens humans, Stefan must summon his mage powers to keep everyone safe. Will Mel be able to trust him again? Or will their love cost him even more than it did the first time?

REVIEW:

I really loved this book! This is the second book in Nancy Northcott’s The Protector Series, but it can be read as a stand alone. The author drew me into the story with her writing and the I loved the characters. Stefan and Camellia have a past and are brought back together when Camellia’s friend and mentor is killed under mysterious circumstances. Camellia is an FBI agent and allowed to work the case and Stefan is brought in as a local consultant by the local law enforcement. They ended badly when Camellia suspected Stefan cheated in their relationship. He is actually protecting his secret and his people’s and didn’t tell Camellia because she hates all things mystical. They have instant chemistry when they are brought back into each others lives. I loved Stefan and I liked Camellia as a strong female FBI agent even though she frustrated me at times. Their story is full of action, intrigue, mystery, suspense and steamy romance! I look forward to going back and reading the first book in The Protector series and the next story when it comes out. Guardian is a great paranormal romantic suspense!

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

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When Somebody Loves You by Cindy Gerard

When Somebody Loves You by Cindy Gerard
Publication Date: July 1, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 3.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Now available as an eBook, a sizzling two-book collection of previously published classic romances, Temptation from the Past and Slow Burn, by New York Times bestselling author Cindy Gerard.
Temptation from the Past: Intrigued by the enigmatic lawyer who defended abused children with passion but who seemed untouched by his charm, Michael Hayward wanted to thaw January Stewart’s cool demeanor and rouse the heat he suspected lay underneath.

Michael was the sexiest man January had ever seen, but she knew the renowned journalist was trouble. Was this man her worst nightmare come back to haunt her—or the one who would break down the defenses of a lifetime and cast away her pain?

Slow Burn: He was a wanderer whose troubled gaze barely hid his anger and despair, but Joanna Taylor knew she’d offer Adam Dursky the handyman job at her Minnesota lodge. Drawn to a loneliness in him that echoed her own, she couldn’t fight the desire his touch awakened in her.

Adam had battled his ghosts and shadows for months, but only Joanna’s touch kept the terrible memories at bay. Determined to convince her that forgiveness was better than regret, Adam insisted she make peace with her own past. Could a redheaded rebel who’d given up on love heal the pain of a hero who thought he’d lost his courage?

REVIEW:

You get two of Cindy Gerard’s previously reviewed books in one with this release of When Somebody Loves You.

The first book is Temptation from the Past, which is January and Michael’s story. January has recreated herself with a new name and is now an attorney who fights for women and children’s rights. Michael is a journalist and wants to do a story on January after hearing her speach about her work with abused women and children. He doesn’t remember her from 18 years ago, but January remembers him from the darkest time of her life and the past she wants to keep buried. Michael has a way of getting under her skin and making her want to open up though. I loved their story!

The second part of the book is Slow Burn and Adam and Joanna’s story. Both Adam and Joanna have a past they are trying to get over and when they come together find love and passion together. Slow Burn was a good romance read.

Overall I liked both books and recommend them for romance lovers.

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

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REBURN by Anne Marsh

REBURN by Anne Marsh
PUBLISHED: July 18, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

He Battles The Flames. . .

Nobody messes with Sam Clayton–or his territory. The big bruising ranger is the last line of defense in forest infernos and he’ll go up against anyone who gets in the way of putting them out. Even the FBI tracking a terrorist through the heart of a blaze. But when Sam discovers the agent is ex-lover Olivia Albert, saving himself will be more dangerous than any fire he’s faced before. . .

She Lives For The Heat. . .

Olivia needs Sam’s help to survive the heat, but when it comes to keeping her quarry from detonating a major strike, this Bureau agent is calling the shots. Except when Sam’s hard body and expert hands are reigniting a second chance that could be hot enough to burn forever. . .

REVIEW:

A well written quick-paced story where the author seamlessly introduced the backstory on Sam and Olivia. I enjoyed the Hotshot firefighter angle and the fact that Olivia was a strong successful woman who could meet him step by step. The romance was warm and heartfelt without taking away from the action. An enjoyable read.

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

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Luck of the Dragon (Entangled Covet) by Susannah Scott

Luck of the Dragon (Entangled Covet) by Susannah Scott
Publication Date: June 24, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Luciana de Luca has a PhD in sass and gemology–and a problem. Her twin brother’s gambling debts have gotten out of hand, and a mob enforcer is blackmailing her to rob the latest, greatest mega-casino on the Strip. Although Lucy has worked her whole life to get away from her family’s grifter past, to save her brother, she dons three-inch heels and a sluts-r-us dress and struts into Alec’s Gerald’s casino, determined to put her long-forgotten thieving ways to the test again.

Alec Gerald, a shape-shifting dragon, has built the Crown Jewel casino to provide sanctuary for his people amongst the flash and awe of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the sexy little thief trying to rob his gem exhibit turns out to be his mate, and he must woo her before he loses his dragon form forever. With enemies in every corner, and the all-important mating ceremony looming, Alec and Lucy must learn to trust each other, before time runs out for Alec and the rest of the dragons.

REVIEW:
I love books with dragons! I’ve always rooted for the dragon over the white knight. I’d rather have the dragon! This was a gripping story! Alec, the Black Dragon, created a haven for dragons in Las Vegas. Dragons can hide in plain view and the audience thinks it’s an illusion and part of the show. A lot of the dragons are in danger of losing their dragon if they don’t find their mate and no dragon has ever found their mate in a human. When Luciana steps into Alec’s casino he is surprised to discover his mate is human. Alec has hired Luciana to appraise his gem collection and Gio, a local criminal, is blackmailing her into helping him steal the gems by threatening her brother who is in debt due to a gambling addiction. Alec has to convince Luciana he’s the one for her while trying to stop his gems from being stolen, and protecting Luciana from whatever trouble she is in. I loved the characters and the plot was gripping. The author set up the ending to leave room for a series and I’m looking forward to reading the next book. Luck of the Dragon is a fun and romantic paranormal read!

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

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Excerpt
© 2013 Susannah Scott

Lucy’s head pounded right between her eyebrows. She pulled in a deliberate breath, held it, and blew it out. The action made her cleavage look downright Betty Boopish.

Good Lord. What was she doing here?

She was Luciana De Luca, Ph.D—the world-renowned gemologist—casing a hundred-million-dollar joint like it was an unprotected street vendor…

She surveyed the crowd outside the Crown Jewel Casino, waiting for the promised grand opening welcome from Alec Gerald. The crowd was typical Vegas eclectic. Show girls with nipple pasties stood next to grannies in jogging pants and comfy bingo shoes. Families held hands with their kids next to decked-out call girls and high-rollers.

Lucy moved her trained eye over the wrists, necks, and ears of the well-plumed assemblage and picked out the authentic jewels from the fakes. There were a few nice stones. A reasonable haul could be made from the crowd alone, but then Gino, the mob’s enforcer and number one creep, wasn’t interested in ordinary jewelry.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” A barrel-chested emcee wielded a microphone from the elevated stage about fifty feet to her left. “Welcome to the grand opening of the Crown Jewel Casino, where your greatest fears can become your greatest pleasures.” The call girls giggled, and the moms and dads glanced at each other and pulled their kids closer.

“It is my pleasure to introduce you to the legend, the casino maker, the King of Las Vegas…Mr. Aleeee-eeec Gerrr-aaaald!”

The crowd members swiveled their heads, scanning for the first sign of the Casino King. A low drum roll began, picking up speed until it seemed the drummer’s arms would give out. But the stage remained empty. The King of Las Vegas was late to his own party.

Miss Manners would have a conniption.

Suddenly, the scent of burning embers swirled over the courtyard and the wind settled, blowing Lucy’s loose hair around her face. A ground-vibrating roar followed, making every human eye search the sky for the source.

What was it?

Lucy’s well-honed survival instincts went on high alert just as a large SUV-sized black object careened through the air and landed on the raised stage with a thud.

Grannies, kids, and call girls hit the ground screaming.

Heart pounding, Lucy crouched with the crowd. The acrid scent of smoldering intensified. Pounding from the stage rattled Lucy’s eardrums. Whatever had landed there was moving and alive. On the platform, clawed feet stomped, and the creature’s matte black skin stretched over powerful muscles and bones. Black wings unfurled across the stage, and the animal roared again at the crowd, baring razor-sharp white fangs.

A dragon.

Holy Mary, Joseph, and Peter. A freakin’ dragon.

Suddenly, a burst of smoke covered the dragon, and the creature disappeared.

A dark-haired man in an elegant tuxedo stepped through the gray fog and approached the microphone. “I am Alec Gerald.” His voice was deep, and his accent was hard to place but suggested the upper class. “I’d like to welcome you to my newest casino, the Crown Jewel.” Gerald spread an open palm to the frightened crowd. “I hope you enjoyed our first show of the evening.” He gave a devious, knowing smile. “It was all just a costume. Don’t be frightened.”

After a few seconds, the stunned audience stood and broke into applause and catcalls.

Gerald obviously liked games.

Lucy stood, glaring at the casino owner. She had researched him, of course, studying his athletic image in hundreds of Internet pictures. The man was good-looking, apparently brilliant, and ruthless in his business deals. Watching the mesmerized crowd lean toward the stage, she had to admit he had that something else too—the showmanship of a champion con man—a magnetism she knew could draw people like lemmings off a cliff.

The man was flat-out people-genic.

THE LONER by Lindsay McKenna

THE LONER by Lindsay McKenna
PUBLISHED June 25, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
In all her years as deputy sheriff, Shelby Kincaid never met a man as stubborn as Dakota Carson. Practically eaten by a grizzly bear and still that man insists on returning, alone, to his isolated cabin in the Tetons. Shelby’s not even sure why it ruffles her—but she suspects it has a lot to do with the instant, powerful connection she feels with Dakota. If only he’d let down his guard with her….
Ten years as a Navy SEAL took its toll on Dakota’s body, his mind and his heart. Since being released, he’s endured months of painful physical therapy…and brutal nightmares. Dakota wants nothing more than to hide from the world, so why does Shelby’s gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion? But when Shelby’s life is threatened, Dakota knows his warrior spirit won’t hide any longer. He just hopes it’s not too late….

REVIEW:
The action started on page one and wove in nicely with a returning SEAL’s struggle with PTSD. I liked how the author dealt with this topic and didn’t make it stereotypical. The romance was both tender and fierce as they dealt with so many emotions. Two strong people faced with ongoing danger and finding each other through it all. I couldn’t put this book down.

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

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MINE TO TAKE by Cynthia Eden

MINE TO TAKE by Cynthia Eden
PUBLISH DATE: June 14, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Skye Sullivan knows that someone is watching her. Not just watching—stalking her. Months ago, Skye was involved in a dangerous car accident. The accident ended her dancing career and sent her fleeing back to Chicago. Skye is convinced that her stalker caused the crash, and she fears that he won’t stop pursuing her, not until she’s dead.

When someone breaks into her apartment in Chicago, Skye turns to the one man she believes can protect her—Trace Weston. Once, Trace was her lover. Two lost souls, they’d come together in a firestorm of need and desire. But then Trace had pushed her away. He’d joined the military, vanishing from her life. She’d put all of her emotion into dancing, and she’d tried to forget him.

Now Trace is one of the most successful men in the United States. Rich, driven, and carrying dark secrets, he agrees to help Skye. He’ll protect her from the danger that lurks in the darkness, but Trace wants more than to just be a guard for Skye.

He wants her. And he’ll take her. The years have changed him, hardened him. He’s not just a poor kid from the streets any longer. Now, he can have anything—or anyone—that he wants. And the one woman he has always wanted has just come back into his life. He won’t let her go again.

But with the threats mounting against Skye, she suspects that her stalker may be intimately close. He’s a man who knows her too well. As his attacks grow ever more dangerous, she realizes that if she trusts the wrong man, she could be making a fatal mistake.

REVIEW:
This story is full of action, drama and suspense. It really kept me guessing and on the edge of my chair… and I loved it! There may not have been a lot of steamy action but I didn’t really notice that while reading. The author made the sexual and emotional tension between Skye and Trace intense and seamlessly part of the story. I’ll be thinking of this book for a while.

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

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**Special Release Week Sale – MINE TO TAKE will be priced at .99 until 6/24.**
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Excerpt:
“H-hello, Trace.” She hated that stupid break in her voice. Trace made her nervous. Always had.He stopped in front of her. He stood at several inches over six feet, while she barely skimmed five feet three. Skye tilted her head back so that she could meet his stare.

“It’s been a long time,” Trace said, the words a deep, dark rumble. His voice went perfectly with the rock hard body and the sexy face—a voice that a woman could imagine in the darkness.

She swallowed because her throat was suddenly dry. “Yes, it has.” Ten years and three months. Not that she’d counted.

That assessing gaze of his slid down her body once more. There was an awareness in his stare that she hadn’t expected. A heat that made her remember too many things.

He was close enough to touch. Close enough for her to smell the crisp, masculine scent that clung to him.

His nostrils flared, as if he were catching her scent, too.

“You look good, Skye.” Again, that heat was in his stare. A heat that said he knew her intimately.

She wished her heartbeat would slow down.

“But you’re not here for a friendly chat, are you?” And he stepped away from her. He waved to the open chair near his desk and returned to his seat.

“We’ve never really been the friendly chat kind,” she said softly as she eased into the leather chair.

She didn’t take off her coat. She just pulled it closer to her.

A faint furrow appeared between his brows. “No, we weren’t, were we? More the hot sex type.”

Her lips parted. He had not just said that to her.

His faint smile said that he had.

“I’m not here for that, either.” She’d been wrecked after her last go round with Trace.

He leaned back in his chair. The leather groaned beneath him. “We’ll get to that…”

Uh, no, they wouldn’t. She wasn’t ready to feel that burn again.

He tapped his chin. “You’re not here for pleasantries, you’re not here for sex, then why have you come looking for me?”

This was where she’d have to beg. Because there was no way she had enough money in her account to cover his services. Not with the guy sporting this high rise building and looking like he’d just walked off the cover of GQ. How things have changed. “Someone is watching me.”

He stilled. The heat banked in his eyes as his whole expression instantly became guarded. “And what makes you so sure of that?”

“Because I can feel him.” Wait, that sounded crazy, didn’t it? When she’d gone to the cops, they’d sure looked at her as if she were crazy. You couldn’t feel a stalker. So they said.

She disagreed.

Wife in Name Only (Entangled Indulgence) by Hayson Manning

Wife in Name Only (Entangled Indulgence) by Hayson Manning
Publication Date: April 1, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Trapped in a loveless marriage, Zoe Hughes escaped to make a new life for herself on the tiny island of Tonga. Now she runs a successful boutique honeymoon resort. Selling true love is easy. No one needs to know she’s married in name only. At least until America’s premier honeymoon magazine wants to publish a feature on her perfect marriage. Now she must convince her estranged husband to rip himself away from plotting corporate takeovers in LA to save her island paradise.

Rory agrees to come for forty-eight hours, but only because he needs the positive PR. To his surprise, the wife he finds in Tonga isn’t the same woman he married. Now she’s so much more…

When a storm strands Rory in Tonga, will he win back his wife or leave paradise empty-handed?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed Wife in Name Only! Hayson Manning is a new author, but after reading the description of the book and reading that Entangled Publishing was releasing it, I said yes to the offer to send me a copy for review. I am so glad I did! This book caught and held my attention from page one. The writing style was really easy to read and the descriptions painted a vivid picture for the reader. This is a second chance for love romance. Rory and Zoe are married, but Zoe left after feeling neglected by Rory. After leaving Rory, Zoe starts over on an island running a resort, Honeymoon Haven and after a year a magazine approaches her with a request to interview her and her husband to promote the resort. She wants the publicity for the resort so she contacts Rory after a year of not speaking to him and separation to asked him to come to the island and pretend they are happily married and in love for the magazine. He needs the publicity for his image as well so he agrees and comes to the island. Rory and Zoe have their problems, but they have a strong connection and chemistry they can not fight for long. They get a second chance with each other and the chance to fix the mistakes they made the first time. This is a great afternoon read that will sweep the reader away to an island romance! I really enjoyed it and look forward to Hayson Manning’s next book.

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

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A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses By Molly Harper

A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses by Molly Harper
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Nola Leary would have been content to stay in Kilcairy, Ireland, healing villagers at her family’s clinic with a mix of magic and modern medicine. But a series of ill-timed omens and a deathbed promise to her grandmother have sent her on a quest to Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky, to secure her family’s magical potency for the next generation. Her supernatural task? To unearth four artifacts hidden by her grandfather before a rival magical family beats her to it.
Complication One: Her grandfather was Mr. Wainwright and the artifacts are lost somewhere in what is now Jane Jameson’s book shop. Complication Two: her new neighbor, Jed Trudeau, who keeps turning up half naked at the strangest times, a distraction Nola doesn’t need. And teaming up with a real-life Adonis is as dangerous as it sounds, especially when he’s got the face of an angel and the abs of a washboard—can Nola complete her mission before falling completely under his spell?

REVIEW:
It is always fun to read a Molly Harper book! You can always expect to find a sexy and funny paranormal story that is sure to entertain and put the reader in a good mood. I really enjoyed the romance between Jed, the hot guy next door, and Nola, the witch with magic issues. They had instant chemistry and attraction, but the relationship was allowed to build betweem them. Their bantering kept me laughing throughout the book. A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses was a really entertaining, sexy, and funny paranormal romance. I look forward to Molly Harper’s next book in the series.

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

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THE LAST BOYFRIEND (Forever Love) by J. S. Cooper

THE LAST BOYFRIEND (Forever Love) by J. S. Cooper
Publication Date: May 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
***USA TODAY Bestseller***
Lucky Morgan has had her share of heartbreak. She is devastated when her boyfriend dumps her after sleeping with him and she vows to herself that she won’t be used again. She decides that the next guy she dates and sleeps with, will be her one true love.

Zane Beaumont is the mysterious and snooty guy that comes into her diner every Friday night with a different girl. He’s the type of guy she’s learned to avoid: carefree, fast, handsome, rich, and sarcastic. Unfortunately, she can’t stop thinking about the devilish gleam in his eyes.

When Lucky’s car breaks down one night after a party, it is Zane who comes to her rescue. As Zane attempts to sweep Lucky off of her feet, she soon realizes that nothing is as it seems and that Zane may very well be the guy for whom she changes the rules. That is until she meets Braydon.

New Adult Contemporary Romance **Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed The Last Boyfriend! Zane is a bit of a mystery at first and seems like a player bringing a different girl on a date every Friday night to the restaurant where Lucky works. Lucky has a lot of dating rules she came up with after her last boyfriend cheated on her and while she is really attracted to Zane she doesn’t think he fits her last boyfriend rule. She can’t deny their attraction and instant chemistry when they get together though. I loved the characters even though their back and forth decision making had me angry with both of them at times. I also really enjoyed all the mystery with Zane’s character. J.S. Cooper’s writing style was very easy to read as well. This book has a great plot with likable characters, lots of mystery, drama, and steamy romance. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that left me really looking forward to the next book in the series, The Last Husband. I recommend this book for readers looking for a good New Adult Contempory Romance.

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SUGARWATER RANCH (Salt Creek Cowboys) by Stephanie Berget

SUGARWATER RANCH (Salt Creek Cowboys) by Stephanie Berget
Publication Date: April 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Sean O’Connell’s life is perfect, or it was until his partying lifestyle affected his bull riding. Now he’s ended the season too broke to leave the Northwest for the warm southern rodeos. When a wild night with his buddies gets out of hand, he wakes up naked, staring into the angry eyes of a strange woman. His infallible O’Connell charm gets him nowhere with the dark-haired beauty. It’s obvious she’s not his usual good-time girl, so why can’t he forget her?

Bar-manager Catherine Silvera finds a waterlogged, unconscious cowboy freezing to death in front of the Sugarwater Bar. She saves his life–then runs faster than a jackrabbit with a coyote on its tail. Any man who makes his living rodeoing is bad news, especially if he thinks partying is part of the competition. He’s everything she doesn’t want in a man, so why can’t she shake her attraction to the rugged cowboy?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this cowboy romance! Sugarwater Ranch was a really sweet romance about a cowboy on a downward spiral, and a woman who rescues him. Catherine comes across a freezing intoxicated man in front of her uncle’s bar, and after recognizing him as her childhood hero and crush, she takes him home with her so he doesn’t freeze in his truck. Sean is used to easy women and Catherine presents a challenge. He has to really work to convince her to let him take her on a date. She makes Sean want to be a better man. This story is a slow building romance that is really sweet and refreshing. I really enjoyed the main characters and the secondary characters in this book. I also enjoyed the ranching and rodeo details the author included. I recommend this book to any reader looking for a sweet, and heartwarming romance to curl up with this weekend. I’m looking forward to Stephanie Berget’s next book.

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

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