Category Archives: Donna’s Reviews

BARE IT ALL by Lori Foster

BARE IT ALL by Lori Foster
PUBLISH DATE: April 30, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking.

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire—and into the line of fire….

REVIEW:
This is the second book in the Undercover Series and she has these cops figured out! Outwardly Reese is all tough and dedicated yet inside he is tender and caring. Lori does a great job of blending the two sides of him. Reserved and guarded Alice also hides a side of herself. One that longs for closeness and love. I really liked her character and how she faced the demons of her past and moved forward to embrace life. The disparate group of people that pulled together to combat the evil drug lord worked well together and I ended up caring for each one of them. I hope they appear in future books.

I truly enjoyed this book with all the action and tension meshed with the friendships and romance. It had it all nestled nicely in uniform. Lori Foster is now on my favorite list!

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

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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.

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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A KING’S RANSOM (MASTERS OF PLEASURE SERIES) by Mandy Roth, written as Reagan Hawk

A KING’S RANSOM (MASTERS OF PLEASURE SERIES) by Mandy Roth, written as Reagan Hawk
PUBLICATION DATE: May 21, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Sci-Fi Fantasy Paranormal Erotic Romance Novel

On a quest to find his brother, King Kritan of Katarian on the planet of Panucia finds himself ambushed, beaten, tortured and then sold to fight in the arena games. The people of Tamonius–his rival kingdom–condone slavery, take public sex to new lows and try to turn a profit off anything they can. Nothing can change his hatred for everything Tamonius… that is until he meets the most breathtakingly beautiful woman he’s ever laid eyes upon. Surina of the House of Argyros, daughter to a powerful senator stirs the beast within him, making it want to lay claim to her as badly as the man does.

Free or not, Kritan is a master of seduction and has selected Surina as his newest prey. But this virginal beauty has secrets of her own–ones that change everything. And destiny just might have the last laugh.

Warning: Novel contains graphic violence, explicit sex, MF and MFM scenes, forced seduction, raw and gritty scenes of a society without order, sex scenes that may be offense to some, an alpha male shifter king who sees what he wants and goes for it, all else be damned, a head guard who has many secrets but shares a passion for the heroine and a virginal heroine who has longed to be taken rough and claimed fully by a man. This novel is not for everyone or the faint of heart.

REVIEW:

If you are looking for a hot sex filled story, than this is it. Surina was kept sheltered from the hedonistic activities of the city around her but that didn’t mean her lust could not be awakened by the handsome slave of her father. As they fight for freedom their passion and love grows. I don’t usually read Sci-Fi based books so this was a stretch for me but it was fast paced, full of explicit action and kept me reading.

*Review copy was provided by Mandy Roth 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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DEUCES WILD (RIDGEVILLE: BOOK V) by Celia Kyle

DEUCES WILD (RIDGEVILLE: BOOK V) by Celia Kyle
Published March 1, 2013
Review by: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
Rating: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Squirrel shifter Elly has been captured by Freedom, beaten, and then handed off to be raped. Only her new hotter-than-hell jailor, Deuce Pierce, isn’t keen on forcing her and is all about saving her curvy, furry ass and getting her to safety. After she’s freed, she can’t forget about the lion who saved her life, and she hunts for him, determined to find the man who haunts her.

The council has tried to keep Deuce separated from Elly, convinced he’s abused her in some way, as if he would hurt his mate. He finally beats (literally) her location out of one of their soldiers, only to find she lives in the hometown he’d vowed to leave behind. His lush squirrel may be happy to see him, but the townspeople and their families take up where the council left off. Good thing he and Elly have wicked teeth, sharp claws, a gun or two, and more love than any two people ought to share. Because no one is going to separate them, come hell, high water, or shot-out knees.

REVIEW:

This book carries on the story of the Ridgeville Pride. I love that the pride now includes squirrels. That alone shows you the humor added to these stories. The threat to our couple is not just from the Freedom group that has been dogging the shifters but from Deuces’ family also. Which added another layer to the tension. There was action, drama, laughter and of course passionate shifter sex. I liked the book and look forward to more.

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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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