Category Archives: 4 Stars

TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP (Entangled: Covet) by Candace Havens

TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP (Entangled: Covet) by Candace Havens
Publication Date: May 20, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Vampire Nick Christos might’ve been born in the Middle Ages, but the good old days seem tame compared to the last eight years he’s spent ruling the Supernatural Council. His only respite is with his cute neighbor Casey Meyers, a woman he wants more than any undead man should. Sure, he’s forced to take a cold shower after every encounter, but there’s no way he’ll test his own strength by getting too close to a human, and he’s not willing to risk her life–not with bloodthirsty family on the prowl out to ruin Nick’s life.

When said Nick’s kin shows up, the innocent Casey is caught in the middle of a centuries old fight, and Nick’s biggest fear is realized. Now, instead of keeping his hands off his neighbor, he’ll risk everything to save the human he’s come to love.

REVIEW:
I devoured this fun, sexy, paranormal romance! This story was really refreshing and pleasantly surprised me. Take It Like A Vamp is a friends to lovers romance with some paranormal elements. It felt more like a good romantic comedy than your typical paranormal romance. I really enjoyed the characters. Nick is the hot, sexy neighbor who turns out to be a vampire and Casey is the curvy, quirky, and creative artist next door that keeps trying to find love with all the wrong guys. This book had me laughing out loud and giggling. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book. I am hoping Candace Haven will write a story for Linc, the hot vampire fashion designer and Nick’s best friend. You do not have to be a paranormal lover to enjoy this book. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light, funny romance to curly up with this weekend.

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

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IN TOO DEEP (BOOK 1, OTHERS OF EDENTON) by Brandy L Rivers

IN TOO DEEP (BOOK 1, OTHERS OF EDENTON) by Brandy L Rivers
PUBLISHED: April 14, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Fallon is a brilliant tattoo artist with inherent magic. Tired of men and their games, she climbs onto her Harley and leaves her old life behind. Brody is a talented motorcycle mechanic and werewolf stuck in his painful past. It’s just another depressing night until he’s attacked by vampires. Thinking he killed them, he runs into the night and crashes into Fallon. Unwilling to walk away from anyone in need, she heals Brody and then takes out the vampires who aren’t as dead as he thought. Her past collides with the present, and she finds herself stranded in Edenton, Washington where an old friend lives. With no ride and no real plan, she winds up staying in Brody’s empty apartment. Feeling alive for the first time in years, Brody is determined to claim Fallon’s heart and keep her safe from the shadows in her past. However, she prides herself on her independence and would rather keep him safe, even from herself. With the impending danger from the group of vampires and dark mages, they will have to work together. The closer they get, the harder it is for her to fight her attraction. Be prepared for monsters, magic and lots of ink.

REVIEW:
Weres, Vampires and Druids all in one town and all in one book. I thought I would be overloaded with all the “others” in one story but the author kept it all on track. I like how the Weres and Druids all worked together to combat the evil threat while basically being normal people that you could relate to. The story revolves around Fallon, a tattoo artist and Druid. She is strong, powerful and fiercely independent without being annoying. Brody is a strong werewolf who appreciates her strength and abilities. I loved how he would step back and let her deal with things instead of going all alpha on her. Their romance was nice and simmering hot.

Ms. River’s first book built a good foundation for the rest of the series and introduced all the characters and the world without getting bogged down with it. I enjoyed this book and noted to look for book 2 as I know she will get better and better as the story evolves.

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

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UNDENIABLE: Book One (Volume 1) By Madeline Sheehan

UNDENIABLE: Book One (Volume 1) By Madeline Sheehan
Publication Date: December 20, 2012
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Warning: This is not a typical, sappy love story. This is an all-consuming, soul-crushing, tear-your-heart-into-pieces story. It’s intense, gritty and raw, dark and disturbing, and it doesn’t happen overnight. This is an epic love story that knows no boundaries and has no time limits. It grows and develops—with hurt, sacrifice, and heartache—over the span of a lifetime. Eva Fox is the princess of the Silver Demons Motorcycle Club. Growing up with bikers in the club lifestyle is all that she knows. When she’s a young girl, Eva meets the reason for her existence. Deuce West is the sexy, biker bad-ass of the Hell’s Horsemen Motorcycle Club. Like Eva, he was born and raised in the club—but that’s where the similarities end. Their first meeting is innocent, but as Eva matures into a woman, their chance reunions evolve into a fit of lust and love. Fate continues to bring them together time and time again, but their twisted journey is filled with pain, betrayal, and bloodshed that could tear them apart. Eva sees in Deuce what he cannot see in himself—a man worthy of love—and Eva spends her lifetime proving to him that her undeniable love is the one thing he can’t live without. This is Eva and Deuce’s story. It wasn’t easy. Nothing worth doing ever is. And love is worth everything

REVIEW:
Ummmmm….Wow! I don’t know how to write a review for this book. People who read it are going to love it or hate it. I loved it? Yes, I’m adding a question mark because I still can’t believe I loved it. This book is a raw, uncensored, gut wrenching, emotional mess and it is not a book for everyone. Eva and Deuce didn’t have a pretty romance. It was a long messed up journey to happiness. I couldn’t put the book down and it kept me on edge the entire time I was reading it. I loved and hated the characters. The whole time I was reading this book I was thinking that I couldn’t believe I was reading this book! I think any book that causes this much emotion is a great story! I don’t know how else to describe it! It was a crazy ride and I loved it! There, I said it without a question mark!

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SKIN IN THE GAME (Entangled: Brazen) by Jackie Barbosa

SKIN IN THE GAME (Entangled: Brazen) By Jackie Barbosa
Publication Date: May 27, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Angela Peterson was always the quiet, shy kid growing up in Harper Falls, crushing on the high school quarterback and honing her football strategy skills. Now grown up and coaching the high school team, she’s shocked when that same sexy quarterback returns to Harper Falls asks her back to his hotel room. And then tries to steal her job.

Injured NFL quarterback Cade Reynolds is in Harper Falls to take over as interim head coach, and he never thought the tall, blond bombshell he propositioned would offer up any resistance. Not to a repeat of the amazingly wild night they shared and certainly not to his coaching position.

But the Harper Falls High Eagles are Angie’s team, and even the hometown hero won’t take that away from her, no matter how hot he is. As the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, this is one game neither is prepared to lose.

REVIEW:
I had fun reading Skin in the Game! It’s a novella and a quick read, but it still feels like you are getting the whole story. I loved Cade and Angie together and enjoyed their dialogue. I requested this book from Netgalley when I saw the cover and after reading the description that the geeky girl gets the hot football star it really sounded like a book I would enjoy reading. I’m a geek girl myself, so I had to root for Angie! Overall this was a sweet romance that also had some steamy moments that I enjoyed. This is the first book I have read by Jackie Barbosa and she did not disappoint. I’ll be checking out the rest of her books and adding them to my ever growing TBR list. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a feel good romance read!

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

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Love On The Line by Kimberly Kincaid

Love On The Line by Kimberly Kincaid
Publication Date: February 24, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Violet Morgan puts the personal in personal chef, catering to clients who want the full cooking experience rather than a culinary drop-and-dash. But when her brother’s police detective partner is injured in the line of duty and needs help during recovery, she makes an exception. Violet lost her father to the job seven years ago, and worries for her brother’s safety every day. The last thing she wants is to get up-close with her brother’s career-cop partner…again.

For Noah Blackwell, being a detective isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s a legacy. So when he’s forced to take mandatory leave and deal with the trauma amnesia keeping him from identifying his shooter, it’s as if insult and injury have joined forces— and now he’s got to deal with an unwanted caregiver on top of it. Never mind that he and Violet shared a steamy, secret kiss last New Year’s Eve. She rejects everything related to the job, and Noah’s not about to be distracted from recovering his memory and getting back to what he does best. No matter how pretty Violet is.

Despite their differences, Violet and Noah share a surprising bond in the kitchen that grows into something neither of them expect. But as Noah heals and their feelings for each other extend from the kitchen to the bedroom, Violet knows she must make an impossible choice. She may wear her heart on her sleeve in the kitchen, but can she put love on the line?

REVIEW:
Love On The Line was a fun, humorous, delicious, romance book. I loved the added element of cooking in this story. Make sure to have some snacks on hand before you sit down to read this book. I’m glad I followed Kimberly Kincaid’s advice and had some when I curled up to read with her book. I really enjoyed the characters and their dialogue with each other. They had me smiling and giggling. I also liked that Noah and Violet didn’t play games with each other. Violet and Noah were perfect for each other. This is a fun romance to curl up with!

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

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DRAWING THE LINE by Kimberly Kincaid

DRAWING THE LINE by Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLISHED: April 24, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
When Detective Jason Morgan is tasked with keeping a local restaurant owner safe as part of a make-or-break case, he rises to the challenge. The job is his first priority, and he owes it to the memory of his father, a detective killed in the line of duty, to do it at any cost. But Jason never expected Serenity Gallagher to be so beautiful, so serious…or so tough to protect.

Serenity has moved from place to place at the whim of her capricious mother all her life. The last thing she wants is to leave the diner she finally calls home, even if it means being stuck with a sexy blue-eyed detective. But she’s the only witness to a horrible crime, and the man behind it wants her very, very dead. Going into protective custody means survival, no matter how much Serenity hates hiding.

As Jason and Serenity bide their time together, they are shocked to discover they have much more in common than the surface reveals. But keeping her safe is Jason’s number one priority, no matter how much he’s drawn in by the woman beneath the witness, and Serenity’s past makes it difficult to trust. As the stakes get higher and the spark burns hotter, can Jason and Serenity draw the line?

REVIEW:
This was a delightful read. I enjoyed Serenity’s personality as both honest and real. Dedicated to her business yes, but still a caring and fun person. Now Jason, he may be trying to keep it all professional policy business, but we aren’t fooled. There is real attraction between them. This short novel was a very fun read that hit my wants. Likeable people, action/suspense, romance and steamy sex. It even had a killer recipe included.

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

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DARKNESS BRED (Chimney Rock) By Stella Cameron

DARKNESS BRED (Chimney Rock) By Stella Cameron
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Ever since shapeshifter Elin escaped to Whidbey Island, danger has stalked her every move. Her human traits, combined with her unique supernatural gifts, make her a prized being to be possessed . . . or destroyed. It is only the passionate attraction she shares with werehound Sean Black that gives her hope for her future-if she can elude the lethal predators who are hot on her scent.

HIDES DANGER AND DESIRE

Sean knows that Elin, with her delicate beauty and seductive powers, is his one perfect mate. The woman who can restore his humanity and make him stronger than ever. He’ll need that strength and more to protect her from those who wish to destroy him and everything he desires. For Sean carries a secret that binds him to an enemy from the past and to a darker, deadlier force-a malignant evil that is hunting the women of Whidbey Island . . .

REVIEW:

This book draws the reader in from page one. Darkness Bred is full of mystery, danger, action, intrigue and romance. Stella Cameron is a new author for me and this is the first book I’ve read of hers. I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed the world she created full of supernatural creatures. Sean and Elin both have an interesting back story that leaves the reader guessing. Sean and Elin are meant to be together and will fight to stay together no matter the consequences. I recommend this book for paranormal romance lovers!

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

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A HIGHLAND WEREWOLF WEDDING by Terry Spear

A HIGHLAND WEREWOLF WEDDING by Terry Spear
PUBLISH DATE: May 7, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
After werewolves Elaine Hawthorn and Cearnach MacNeill almost have a head-on collision on a foggy Highland road, they’re pretty well stuck with each other. It’ll be hours before anyone can get there to pull his car out of the ditch and they both have better places to be.

The sexy little American brings out all of Cearnach’s big bag protective instincts. If she thought she was in trouble before, Elaine has no idea what kind of complications a hot Scot can cause…

REVIEW:
Elaine, a young member of a pirate clan of wolf shifters finds herself thrust into the intrigue through no fault of her own. Having to hide and reinvent herself, she thought it was all behind her. But more than 300 years later she finds herself once again in the fray and back in the arms of the mysterious shifter from long ago.

I liked that she and Cearnach were so very drawn to each other, knew it was destined but were still thoughtful about it. They didn’t just dive in and say it was fate. It wove in nicely with the clan battles and intrigue. The book was well written and engaging. After all….castles, warring clans, pirate treasure and hot love all set in the Scottish Highlands….what more do you need?

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

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GABRIEL (KEMATIAN HUNTER) by Tina Pollick

GABRIEL (KEMATIAN HUNTER) by Tina Pollick
PUBLISH DATE: January 22, 2103
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
When demons break ancient bonds, a love-match between a valiant archangel and a selfless nurse bring humanity’s last hope—but contagion from the demons threaten their newly developed bond.

Kematians escape the guard of the watchful archangels and flee into the world to feed on humanity. With powerful regeneration abilities, the demons turn the tide against the valiant archangels, taking a toll on their numbers. Will Calla Stevens, a nurse with miraculous healing abilities, be able to save Gabriel when he’s on the cusp of death.

REVIEW:
Calla’s very modern day “prove it to me” attitude was evident when she was hesitant to believe in angels even though she carried a special healing ability within her. Gabriel lived his whole existence loving mankind as a whole and was unprepared for the feelings he had for her. Their struggle to come to grips with their growing emotions grew with their struggle to stay alive. You can tell that the author is very sentimental and has strong religious beliefs. It was a pleasure to see how she wove all that in with a paranormal romance. I enjoyed it!

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

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DARK WOLF (SPIRIT WILD #1) by Kate Douglas

DARK WOLF (SPIRIT WILD #1) by Kate Douglas
Publish Date: April 30, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
It is a new beginning for the Chanku. For so long they kept their shapeshifting ability secret, but now they have assimilated into the world in ways they once never thought possible. Still there are those who want to destroy them, with dark powers of their own…

A Bold New Beginning

The CEO of Cheval International, Lily Cheval chooses to live alone, but a series of rapes and murders leave her wary and worried for her fellow Chanku. Then she meets Sebastian Xenakis and the connection is intense and immediate. The son of a charismatic cult leader, Sebastian is a mysteriously sensual man who uses magic to shift into wolf form. He and Lily come together in a moment of supreme ecstasy, succumbing to a primal passion that leaves Lily shaken but utterly alive. Is Sebastian her lifetime mate or is he her worst enemy?

REVIEW:
Lilly is a strong intelligent alpha shifter who also has the command of magic in her. I like that the author was able to convey her strength without making her cold. Sebastian is an alpha in his own right, but has a vulnerability to him that I found endearing. I also enjoyed not being sure if he was a good guy, a bad guy or just caught up in events around him.

The story was interesting with plenty of action, suspense and romance. This book is not timid and is sexually uninhibited. I enjoyed the story and look forward to Spirit Wild #2!

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

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