Category Archives: Donna’s Reviews

Review: Wicked and Dangerous by Shayla Black and Rhyannon Byrd

Wicked and Dangerous by Shayla Black and Rhyannon Byrd
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION
There are men—and then there are MEN. Ones who protect and pursue…who demand and desire…who know what they want and unapologetically take it—in life and in love. Now, USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black and Rhyannon Byrd team up to deliver sizzling stories of suspense and seduction, as two women let their longings loose—and go head-to-head and body-to-body with the men who ignite their passion…

Wicked All Night by Shayla Black
A sweet school teacher who changed towns, jobs, and lives after her divorce decides to take a lover. She hooks up with a bodyguard whose talents under the sheets make her melt. Until she learns that his motives are just as dangerous as they are wicked…

Make Me Yours by Rhyannon Byrd
After her father is murdered, a woman finds herself next on the kill list—and forced to reconnect with the one man who can keep her alive. And as danger stalks her, she’ll surrender herself to the lawman whose every touch leaves her breathless and exposed…

REVIEW: Wicked All Night by Shayla Black
Hot smoldering romance. Decker has the right amount of dominance to make my toes curl even though his sense of humor was a little cheesy at times. The story itself was pretty good and kept me guessing, I always like that. It was a fun, hot quick read.

REVIEW: Make Me Yours by Rhyannon Byrd
Another hot hot romance packed into a novella. Ryder is all dominant and sexy while Lilly is a determined woman who knows who and what she wants. It was interesting to see her pursuing and him trying to run. The story line was good but took a back seat to the passion. No complaints though. Nice fun read.

Buy links:
Amazon (Kindle $7.99/ Paperback $9.00) | B&N (Paperback $10.98/ Nook $9.99) | Kobo $9.99 | iTunes $9.99

Review: HOT MESS (Hostile Operations Team ‘HOT’ novella) by Lynn Raye Harris

HOT MESS (Hostile Operations Team ‘HOT’ novella) by Lynn Raye Harris
Publication Date: September 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

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DESCRIPTION:

English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a Top Secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night.

Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie. When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have.

When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her.

Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond.

REVIEW:

I enjoyed this sexy, romantic story. It was believable and hot. The espionage angle of the plot started out edgy but sort of fizzled out which left me a little disappointed. But all in all a good read that kept me turning the pages. I’ve not read the first book in this series, but it is now on my TBR list. A fun quick read.

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

Review: GETTING ROWDY (Love Undercover Book 3) By Lori Foster

GETTING ROWDY (Love Undercover Book 3) By Lori Foster
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

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DESCRIPTION:

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn’t the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance—including a past that might come back to haunt them both.

Avery spends her nights working for tips and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy’s protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she’s finally found and the passion she’s always wanted.

REVIEW:

A very enjoyable book with just enough danger and excitement to keep it interesting and enough romance to make you turning the pages. Avery and Rowdy have an easy rapport and I like the way they play off each other. Their hook-up was inevitable and I like the way the way it worked out. All the characters in the book have a back story and they all work well together. I am looking forward to the next book and can’t wait to see who it is about. A very good read.

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

Buy Links:
Amazon Paperback ($4.79) | Kindle ($5.99) | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $6.15) | Kobo ($6.59)

HUNTER’S HEART (Alpha Pack Series #4) by J. D. Tyler

HUNTER’S HEART (Alpha Pack Series #4) by J. D. Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: September 3, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

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DESCRIPTION:

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. And when the battle gets personal, their wild side is unleashed.

Ryon Hunter sees dead people—spirits that beg him for help in ways he can’t understand. He’d do anything to end the torment, until a beautiful spirit appears to him with a plea he can’t ignore: Help me I’m alive. The woman is wildlife biologist Daria Bradford, mortally wounded after encountering a white wolf, calling to Ryon through a rare Psy gift.

When Ryon locates Daria in the Shoshone National Park, it is almost too late, but nursing her back to health at the Alpha Pack compound brings a new complication—Daria is his destined mate, and Ryon is afraid of what will happen when she discovers what he is, and what he had to do to save her life. But the biggest threat of all is still loose in the forest, leaving a merciless trail of death behind it. The Alpha Pack goes on the hunt for the mysterious white wolf, determined to stop the murderous rogue only to find that the most lethal creature of all is the one they can’t see coming

REVIEW:

J.D. Tyler delivers another great story in this paranormal special-ops series. The action and danger keeps you glued to the page, not to mention the scorching romance. I came to care about Ryon and Daria and enjoyed how they worked through their relationship. As you know, I am all about the team dynamic and although this was more focused on Ryon and Daria, the members were still there and their interplay was smooth and enjoyable as always. I was afraid that the running storyline would get redundant but the author managed to add just enough of a twist that it was kept fresh. This is one of those series where I just have to have the paper copy on my shelf and to share.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle ($5.99) | Amazon (Paperback) ($6.78) | B&N (Nook $4.55/ Paperback $7.99) | Kobo ($7.99) | iTunes ($7.99)

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READING ORDER
✦ Book 1~ Primal Law by J.D. Tyler (Alpha Pack #1, Jaxon Law’s story) (August 2, 2011)
Kindle ($5.99) | B&N ($7.99) | Kobo ($7.99) | iTunes
✦ Novella ~ Black Magic (An ALPHA PACK novella ~ Kalen Black and Mackenzie Grant) (March 2012) ($2.99)
Kindle | Nook | Kobo
✦ Book 2 ~ Savage Awakening by J.D. Tyler (ALPHA PACK #2, Aric Savage’s story) (April 3, 2012)
Kindle ($5.99) | Nook ($7.99) | Kobo ($7.99)
✦ Book 3 ~ Black Moon by J.D. Tyler (ALPHA PACK #3, Kalen Black’s story) (December 4, 2012)
Kindle | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
✦ Book 4 ~ Hunter’s Heart: An Alpha Pack Novel by J.D. Tyler (September 3, 2013)
Kindle ($5.99) | Amazon (Paperback) ($6.78) | B&N (Nook $4.55/ Paperback $7.99) | Kobo ($7.99) | iTunes ($7.99)

Review: MINE TO KEEP (Book 2 in the Mine Series) by Cynthia Eden

MINE TO KEEP (Book 2 in the Mine Series) by Cynthia Eden
Publication Date: September 16, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Skye Sullivan is trying to put the pieces of her life back together. She survived a brutal stalker and escaped his abduction, and now she is looking to the future—a future that includes Skye’s lover, billionaire Trace Weston. Skye thinks the danger is finally over for her.

She’s dead wrong.

When Trace’s past comes back to haunt him, Skye discovers that the man she loves isn’t quite who he seems to be. Trace has been leading a double-life. An ex-special forces agent, his military training turned him into the perfect killing machine. He made more than his share of enemies during his time in the military—and as he built his security empire—and one of those enemies is striking back.

He won’t lose her

REVIEW:

Trace and Skye’s love story continues with a bang. The action is non-stop and keeps you guessing until the end. I love that! The romance was hot and blended nicely with everything else going on. I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint. Truly an exciting read that I could not put down.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle ($2.99) | Amazon Paperback ($9.09) | Nook ($2.99) | Kobo ($2.99)

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Book 1 ~ Mine To Take by Cynthia Eden Buy Now 99 Cents

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READING IN PAJAMAS REVIEW LINK

**Special sale price! MINE TO TAKE will be priced at .99 for two weeks!**

Sometimes you want someone so much…
Sometimes you need someone so much…
Lust can become love.
And love can turn into a deadly obsession.
***
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.

Lust. Love. Obsession.

Just how far would you go in order to possess the one person you want the most?

Author’s Note: MINE TO TAKE is a sexy romantic suspense novella–it contains approximately 41,000 words. MINE TO TAKE is intended for adults. Sexy situations and adult language will be found within the pages of this story–please consider yourself warned.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle | Nook | Kobo

Review: HONOR UNRAVELED (RED TEAM BOOK 3) by Elaine Levine

HONOR UNRAVELED (RED TEAM BOOK 3) by Elaine Levine
Publication Date: July 27, 2013
Reviewed by : Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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DESCRIPTION:

Kit Bolanger, ex-spec ops soldier, has followed the trail of an international drug lord back to his childhood town, the one place he swore never to return. He and his team of terrorist hunters are the only thing standing between the town’s residents and the evil threatening them. It doesn’t help to know that she’s here—the woman who betrayed his trust and shredded his heart.

…It’s a War and He’s Offering No Quarter

Deciding to put roots down, Ivy Banks has brought her daughter home to the sleepy ranching community of Wolf Creek Bend, Wyoming—the one place where she was certain she’d never run into her high school flame. But he’s back, fighting a global enemy and homegrown terrorists in a hidden war that puts their lives and their hearts in jeopardy. He was bad news in high school, and he’s even worse news now.

Surrendering to him is not an option…but it’s the only thing he’ll accept.

REVIEW:

I truly enjoy the Red Team series and the ongoing back-story of the terrorist/biker/drug dealer issue. I was pleased to see the author add the “When last we visited the Red Team” page which reminded everyone what had happened up to this point. I wish more authors did that. The Red Team’s familiarity and interaction remains fun and believable as they deal with the large threat to civilians and themselves. The tension and suspense was great. The romance was steamy and touching at the same time. I also loved Kit’s interaction with his daughter. It was so believable and sweet. I would have scored this a 5 but I had a hard time warming up to Ivy and her treatment of Kit. I think she carried it way too far and I didn’t like her for a long time. That being said, she got smart and the rest of the story carried it through. A must read and a keeper for my shelf.

BUY LINKS
Kindle ($2.99) | Amazon Paperback ($12.49) | Nook ($2.99) | Kobo ($2.99)

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RED TEAM SERIES READING ORDER
✦ Red Team Book 1 ~ The Edge of Courage by Elaine Levine
(eBook 99 Cents) Kindle | Nook | Kobo
✦ Red Team Book 2 ~ Shattered Valor by Elaine Levine
Kindle ($2.99) | Paperback ($13.53) | Nook ($2.99) | Kobo ($2.99)
✦ Red Team Book 3 ~ Honor Unraveled by Elaine Levine
Kindle ($2.99) | Amazon Paperback ($12.49) | Nook ($2.99) | Kobo ($2.99)

Review: Styxx (Dark-Hunter Novels) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Styxx (Dark-Hunter Novels) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
Series: Dark-Hunter (Book 23)
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori & Donna
Rated: 5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

Sherrilyn Kenyon’s most highly-anticipated novel in the Dark-Hunter series since Acheron is here—the unforgettable story of Styxx, Acheron’s twin brother and one of the most powerful beings on earth

Just when you thought doomsday was over . . .

Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.

The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now.

She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her. But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.

Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it’s your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?

CORI’s REVIEW:

I just finished reading Styxx and I’m an emotional mess. I cried, I cried some more, and I was left with happy tears and a smile when I reached the last page. This story really touched my heart. If you read Acheron, then like me you probably hated Styxx. When Sherrilyn Kenyon announced she was writing Styxx’s story and explained that there were two sides to every story and we didn’t know Styxx, I had no idea what how right she was. Styxx’s story is heart wrenching. I’m still an emotional wreck and this is a story that stay with me. Sherrilyn Kenyon always creates a vivid and descriptive world and characters that touch the reader, but she out did herself with this book. It has become my favorite and that is saying something coming from a huge Kenyon and Dark-Hunter fan. I’m leaving a lot out of this review because I don’t want to give anything away about the characters because of how Styxx has been betrayed in previous books. I’ll just say I loved it and that this story will affect you.

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

(Updated to add Donna’s review 9/11/13)
DONNA’S REVIEW:

I just finished the book and loved how it illustrated how each person has a different view on the same event. Perception and preconceived ideas color us all. Sherrilyn Kenyon wove a story about love’s joys and trials, not just between lovers, but friends and family also. They all touched me in some way and their world will stay with me for some time. Even though Cori reviewed this book, I rated this book a 5 also and liked it more than Acheron.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle ($7.99) | Amazon Hardcover ($16.46) | iTunes ($7.99) | B&N (Nook $7.99/ Hardcover $16.46) | Kobo ($14.99)

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DARK HUNTER SERIES READING ORDER

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*Series should be read in order.
#0 FANTASY LOVER ~ http://amzn.to/16ISJHM
#1 NIGHT PLEASURES ~ http://amzn.to/12BAjbk
#2 NIGHT EMBRACE ~ http://amzn.to/14vkpk7
#3 DANCE WITH THE DEVIL ~ http://amzn.to/1fc574U
#4 KISS OF THE NIGHT ~ http://amzn.to/12BCED0
#5 NIGHT PLAY ~ http://amzn.to/15a2H80
#6 SEIZE THE NIGHT ~ http://amzn.to/1dG0fHb
#7 SINS OF THE NIGHT ~ http://amzn.to/1dfrJ7U
#8 UNLEASH THE NIGHT ~ http://amzn.to/159TLso
#9 DARK SIDE OF THE MOON ~ http://amzn.to/17W2u4B
#10 DREAM HUNTER ~ http://amzn.to/1c6QVug
#11 FEAR THE DARKNESS (FREE STORY ON SHERRILYN KENYON’S WEBSITE) http://www.officialsanctuary.com/join-sanctuary/
#12 DEVIL MAY CRY ~ http://amzn.to/16IW0XJ
#13 UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR ~ http://amzn.to/1dfsCxx
#14 DREAM CHASER ~ http://amzn.to/14vlYhR
#15 ACHERON ~ http://amzn.to/12BCeN5
#16 ONE SILENT NIGHT ~ http://amzn.to/19T3ADG
#17 DREAM WARRIOR ~ http://amzn.to/1c6S4C0
#18 BAD MOON RISING ~ http://amzn.to/1dG1Qg8
#19 NO MERCY ~ http://amzn.to/17VZHs9
#20 RETRIBUTION ~ http://amzn.to/14vgQtZ
#21 THE GUARDIAN ~ http://amzn.to/1dFZ1M5
#22 TIME UNTIME ~ http://amzn.to/141dgUU
#23 STYXX ~ http://amzn.to/1d3CtWU

Review: Seduction (A Club Destiny Novel) by Nicole Edwards

Seduction (A Club Destiny Novel) by Nicole Edwards
Publication Date: December 7, 2012
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Ashleigh Thomas might have made the biggest mistake of her life. Uprooting life as she knew it, moving back to Dallas to be closer to her family, she finds herself much closer to the one man who she had never been able to say no to. Attempting to hide the fact that she moonlights as an erotic romance author, she quickly finds herself in his arms and his bed – hoping he’ll fulfill some of those deep, dark desires she has always written about, but never experienced for herself.

Alex McDermott has spent the better part of a decade trying to convince himself to stay away from the alluring Ashleigh, but when she moves back home, he finds out that he’s no longer willing to resist the overwhelming desire she instills in him. But he’s got a secret too – one that might just push Ashleigh out of his life for good – something he’s not willing to let happen.

It doesn’t take long for the heat between them to ignite into a wildfire of lust, but can they stop hiding from each other and more importantly stop holding back?

Publisher’s Note: This book contains graphic material not suitable for readers under the age of 18, including, but not limited to one smoking hot game of Truth or Dare!

REVIEW:

It was published in 2012 and doesn’t talk much about the club but instead sets it up for her future books. I finally read this and loved it. The storyline isn’t an intense one, but the sex sure is. Very hot and very nice. This is an erotic novel and I thought it was very well written and was happy that the story wasn’t just written around the sex. I liked how everyone interacted with each other and I didn’t miss having a suspenseful side story one bit.

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Buy links:
Amazon (Paperback) | Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

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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Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

FORGET ME NOT (A Flowering Novel) By Sarah Daltry

FORGET ME NOT (A Flowering Novel) By Sarah Daltry
PUBLICATION DATE: July 15, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Lily had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Derek for years – which led to their steamy night ten months ago in her bedroom. Now, Lily is going off to college and she and Derek are still going strong. However, when school starts, she realizes it’s hard to maintain a relationship while also trying to live her own life. She and Derek find themselves falling apart and Lily has no idea where to turn.

Enter Jack. Everything about him is wrong for Lily and she knows it, but she can’t stop herself from being attracted to him. When things implode with Derek, it’s Jack who is there to pick up the pieces – and show Lily an entirely new set of experiences she didn’t know she was missing.

Of course, Jack has his own problems and once Lily gets to know him better, she starts to wonder if she can handle all of Jack. When Derek reappears on the scene, Lily is forced to decide between two guys and herself. Can she find herself without losing the people who matter in the process?

This is a work intended for readers 18+ as it features explicit sex between people in college.

REVIEW:

A novel about a college student realizing that life at college is far different than the life she left at home. And true to her age, she finds her own identity in the process. This is an erotic story full of scorching sex but that does not overshadow the story line. I would have liked to have it read a little smoother in spots, but over all I enjoyed it. Not just the sex, but the story as well.

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

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Buy Links (99 Cents):
Amazon | Smashwords