Category Archives: Donna’s Reviews

BURN (Breathless Trilogy Book 3) by Maya Banks

BURN (Breathless Trilogy Book 3) by Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: September 3, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Ash, Jace, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Ash, it’s the woman who changes everything he’s ever known about dominance and desire…

When it comes to sex, Ash McIntyre has always explored his wilder side—extreme and uncompromising. He demands control. And he prefers women who want it like that. Even the women he’s shared with his best friend, Jace.

But Jace is involved with a woman he has no intention of sharing. And now even Gabe has settled into a relationship with a woman who gives him everything he needs, leaving Ash feeling restless and unfulfilled.

Then Ash meets Josie, who seems immune to his charms and his wealth. Intrigued, he begins a relentless pursuit, determined she won’t be the one who got away. He never imagined the one woman to tell him no would be the only woman who’d ever drive him to the edge of desire.

REVIEW:

I was so anxious for Ash’s story and was not disappointed at all. His intensity was softened by his caring treatment of Josie. In that I mean it held a softer BDSM quality that I found appealing. The storyline had the intrigue and danger that I like, but it did not overshadow the romance or the lighter girlfriend fun. A well written closure to this series. This set of books will stay on my keeper shelf.

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HOW TO DATE A DRAGON BY Ashlyn Chase

HOW TO DATE A DRAGON BY Ashlyn Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: September 3, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Bliss Russo thought nothing exciting ever happened in her life. Until her building caught on fire and she had to be carried out of the flames in the arms of a gorgeous fireman. Sure, her apartment is now in shambles and she’ll have to start her huge work project completely from scratch. But at least her love life is finally looking up…if only she can find her red-hot rescuer again.
Dragon shapeshifter Drake Cameron is the last of his clan, and the loneliness is starting to claw at him. He’s met only one woman who might be able to stand the shock of his true nature. After all, she barely batted an eyelash when her home burned down. And feeling her curves against him was just as hot as the inferno. Just when he thinks he’ll never track her down, she walks into his firehouse—with no idea what she’s about to get herself into…

REVIEW:

This is a fun and lighthearted romance that has action and drama without getting you all tense. I enjoyed Bliss’ snarky attitude and could relate to the family dynamics. Drake was a good counter to her personality. And who doesn’t love a dragon? I had hoped the author would have described his transformation more as I could not get a real picture in my mind, but that is a minor thing. All in all, this was an enjoyable read.

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

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HOTSHOT by Julie Garwood

HOTSHOT by Julie Garwood
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.

It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.

REVIEW:

This book was filled with intrigue, danger, lust and love. A nice combination that was well written and kept you turning the pages right from the beginning. The romance was tender with just enough heat to keep me satisfied and the dynamics of all the players was believable and nicely done. It was clear that this is book one in what is sure to be a fun series and I am anxious to read the rest. I enjoyed this read very much.

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

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WHAT THE BRIDE WORE by Jade Lee

WHAT THE BRIDE WORE by Jade Lee
PUBLISH DATE: August 6, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

When All is Lost

All Grant Benton, Earl of Crowle, can think of is restoring his family’s fortune so he can go back to being a gentleman of leisure. But when he meets beautiful, purposeful Lady Irene Knopp, he begins to question whether there might not be a better way to live life after all…

What’s Left is Desire

Lady Irene will never give up her fulfilling work dressing the most beautiful brides in England. She’d rather risk losing love forever than sacrifice her own life’s purpose. Yet she has never met a more magnetic, attractive man than Grant. Trapped between the fleeting chance at love and passion for her work, is it possible she can have it all?

REVIEW:

The author did a good job of mixing the courtship and propriety of the time period with the hidden and heated passion we all love. I came to care about Irene and Grant and looked forward to their working through all obstacles and dangers. Which they did in grand fashion. A nicely written and pleasant historical romance with enough intrigue to keep you guessing and turning the pages. And with the hints on the last few pages, I will be sure to keep my eyes open for the next book.

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

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TO SIN WITH A VIKING by Michelle Willingham

TO SIN WITH A VIKING by Michelle Willingham
PUBLICATION DATE: July 23, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Caragh Ó Brannon defended herself bravely when the enemy landed—only, now she finds herself alone with one very angry Viking.

Styr Hardrata sailed to Ireland intending to trade, never expecting to find himself held captive in chains by a beautiful Irish maiden.

The fiercely handsome warrior both terrifies and allures Caragh, but he is forbidden territory. He is the enemy and he is married. Yet Styr harbors a secret that just might set them both free.

REVIEW:

I enjoyed how this story began and how she managed to weave the story around a married man. The author managed to deal with the subject so that it was heartfelt, believable and the outcome gratifying. Caragh was a strong and yet tender woman set up against Styr, a strong warrior who has his own tender side. A perfect match. Right away you knew who they were and began to care about what happens to them. The story itself had enough action to keep the pages turned and blended nicely with the budding romance. The heat was a little slow in coming but was satisfying when we got there. Overall, I enjoyed this book.

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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OUTSIDE THE LINES by Kimberly Kincaid

OUTSIDE THE LINES by Kimberly Kincaid
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
As an ivy-league ER doctor who eats double shifts for breakfast (and lunch…and dinner), Blake Fisher has little appetite for anything other than work. Being on the staff at Brenstville Hospital means taking care of people, a need Blake understands all too well from losing his brother to cystic fibrosis eight years ago. When he’s asked to coordinate a carnival fundraiser for the cause, he jumps at the chance to help others with the disease…until it lands him side by side with the one woman he never thought he’d see again: his ex-fiancée.

Streetwise and rough around the edges, Jules Shaw is no stranger to earning a living through hard work. But when her job as the restaurant manager of Mac’s Diner puts her shoulder to really broad shoulder with Blake Fisher, she nearly balks. She’d rather dodge and deflect than admit the real reason she broke things off, but the catering contract for the carnival means big business for Mac’s, and feeding people is Jules’s lifeblood.

As Blake and Jules join reluctant forces, they quickly rediscover the spark between them. But the possibility of a future together hinges on coming clean about the past, with potentially devastating consequences. Can Blake and Jules overcome their drastically different backgrounds and learn to love again, or will they always be outside the lines?

REVIEW:
I was looking forward to Jule’s story and I was very pleased with the results. Jules has such a fun and plucky personality that I really related to and Blake just made me want to curl up in his arms. It was an enjoyable light romance with just the right amount of heat and it hit all the right spots. I’m still smiling.

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

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ENTHRALLED ANTHOLOGY by Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook and Lucy Monroe

ENTHRALLED ANTHOLOGY by Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook and Lucy Monroe
PUBLICATION DATE: July 2, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 4 Stars

Description and review for each novella separate below:

DEVIL’S DUE

DESCRIPTION:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh returns to her sensual world of the Breedsas one stubborn Breed meets her match, and can no longer deny her mate—or the fierce desires of her own heart.

REVIEW:
This was my first taste of a Breed Novel but I had no trouble following the storyline. The danger from outside forces coupled with sometimes wondering if the good guys were really all that good, kept the tension going. As for romance? It was HOT! I can only imagine what a full-length novel would be like. This series was already on my TBR list, now they have moved up.
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THE CURSE OF THE BLACK SWAN

DESCRIPTION:
New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Day introduces the League of the Black Swanand the dangerous game one woman plays when her family’s curse dooms her to kill the man she loves.

REVIEW:
This was a nice introduction to her new series. Ms. Day did a good job of introduction without getting bogged down and overshadowing the story. I really liked the romance. Tender, heartfelt and warm. It blended nicely with the action. I cannot wait for book 1 of this new series to come out.
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SALVAGE ( A Tale of the Iron Seas)

DESCRIPTION:
New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook delivers a new story in her steampunk world of the Iron Seasas a man who’s lost everything returns home to find that not only is his marriage in jeopardy, but he must now fight air pirates who intend to steal his one remaining treasure—his wife.

REVIEW:
This is the first time that I have read a Steampunk novel. I will admit that it isn’t my cup of tea. That is a personal preference and does not reflect upon the writer’s ability to bring the story to life. She has a smooth writing style that kept me reading and I found the romance sweet and touching with just the right amount of heat. If you’ve not tried this genre yet, this would be a good one to try.
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ECSTASY UNDER THE MOON (Children of the Moon)

DESCRIPTION:
And Lucy Monroe, national bestselling author of the Children of the Moon novelsunleashes the feral passions of a werewolf on the body, mind, and soul of his prey, his lover, his lifemate.

REVIEW:
This was a short pleasing novella. I’ve also not read the Children of the Moon novels and this story made me add to my TBR list. A story of two shifter nations joining together again entwined with a sweet gentle romance was a very nice combination.

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SHARPSHOOTER (Shadow Agents) by Cynthia Eden

SHARPSHOOTER (Shadow Agents) by Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: (Paperback) July 23, 2013, (eBook) August 1, 2013
REVIEWED BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan’s life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he’s been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents’ lives apart once again.

Working side by side back in the jungles of Peru, the heat between Sydney and Gunner is hotter than ever—and so are the threats to their lives. With the danger escalating, Sydney knows Gunner is her only hope at successfully completing their assignment. But the ex-SEAL who arouses passion she’d only dreamed about also poses the greatest risk to the secret she carries in her heartand in her belly.

REVIEW:

This is book three in the Shadow Agent’s Miniseries. I was looking forward to Gunner and Sydney’s story and I was not disappointed. The Shadow Agent team is a close knit unit with all their different personalities meshing together. The action was well written and this book had my stomach knotted! Their desire for each other built with each book and finally came together in a most satisfying way. I sure hope there is a book 4 coming!

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

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Buy Links – Publication Dates: (Paperback) July 23, 2013, (eBook) August 1, 2013
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FORGED IN STEELE by Maya Banks

FORGED IN STEELE by Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: June 25, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Steele, a KGI team leader, is an enigma not even his teammates understand. His emotions are tightly locked down and nothing can break that icy exterior. Nothing except Maren Scofield, a doctor on a mission, a woman who has gotten under Steele’s skin and threatens to crack that unflappable cool he’s legendary for.

Steele is determined not to allow Maren past his carefully guarded defenses. But when she’s in danger, there’s no way he’ll allow anyone else to protect her.

Maren’s hiding something. He’s sure of it. But he isn’t prepared for the shocking discovery her secrets reveal. Or how they will forever alter the course of his destiny. He has a decision to make. Hold tight and shut her out. Or take a chance on something more powerful than he’s ever faced: Love.

REVIEW:
The KGI Team is more than a random group of people, they are a real team and I enjoy how they interact with one another. They crack me up and I love how they support each other through everything. I enjoyed how Steele, the ice-man, gives in to his emotions with Maren. Their romance melted my heart as it was real, strong and heated. It was a very nice counterpoint to the drama and danger which kept me on the edge of my chair. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. My favorite KGI story so far!

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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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