Category Archives: Donna’s Reviews

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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Buy Links:
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HUNTER by Jacquelyn Frank writing as Jax

HUNTER by Jacquelyn Frank writing as Jax
Publication Date May 2, 2013
REVIEW by Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATING: 4.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
This can’t be happening to her. A random break down…an isolated mountain road, a seemingly chance meeting with a hotter-than-hot stranger. Tatyana is a modern gal who can handle any crisis, but before she knows what’s hit her, she’s sensing a hideous threat, not to her but to this man who draws her like a moth to flame. Hunter.
“I know things…I saw it.”
When the attack comes, she is his protection from a diabolical enemy, even as he initiates her into a startling world of magic, sorcery and sensuality. For in a moment of terrifying danger a spark has been struck, and neither can escape the erotic fire to come…

REVIEW:
I truly enjoyed this book for many reasons. I like that the men and women of the Willow Coven are strong and courageous, yet caring. They appreciate each other’s gifts not just in battling evil, but as friends. A perfect contrast to the evil warlock coven they are battling. There was mystery, tense drama and action mixed with irreverent humor. I grew to care about the characters. Tatyana is confident and quite humorous, a perfect match for Hunter, the assassin. The romance?….let me just say it hit all the points: tender, caring and hot sensuality. An all around good story and a must read!

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

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

PREDATORY by: Alexandra Ivy, Nina Bangs, Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jayne

PREDATORY by: Alexandra Ivy, Nina Bangs, Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jayne
Publish date: May 7, 2013
REVIEW by Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATING: 4 Stars

OUT OF CONTROL by Alexandra Ivy
An introduction to her new series “The Sentinels”, this novella is about Nikolo, a Sentinel from Valhalla on the hunt for deranged/rogue Sentinel, Dylan, who murdered his friends in her escape. To catch her, he must guard the one person Dylan thinks can make her normal….Angela Locke. All her life, Angela has felt out of step with others. Incredibly smart with a natural talent in molecular biology, she rarely cared about anything outside the lab…until she met Niko. There was an immediate attraction and they were helpless to stop it.
REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story! Plenty of action, humor and lust written into a very nice package. I can’t wait to read more.

TIES THAT BIND by Nina Bangs
Cassie has a fear of dead bodies and can’t believe she agreed to work a few hours at a funeral home for a friend. If that isn’t strange enough, she is attacked and now under the protection of a handsome and mesmerizing vampire named Ethan. The vampires are being hunted by the Collector and his minions. While Cassie helps them fight back, the desire between her and Ethan grows until there is no denying their love.
REVIEW:
Lots of action and an interesting storyline. The romance was warm and heartfelt. I liked that the writer made you care about the people. I liked it!

IN STILL DARKNESS by Dianne Duvall
When Immortal Guardian Richart d’Alencon saves single mom, Jenna McBride from a vampire attack, the sensual pull was immediate. Jenna has no memory of the attack and no idea that the man she is falling for is an immortal vampire hunter. As their love grows, so does the danger.
REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story! The action was intense, the romance steamy and the camaraderie was enjoyable. I’m already a fan of the Immortal Guardian series and this was a nice addition.

HIGH STAKES by Hannah Jayne
When vampire fashionista Nina LaShay’s design contest rival is found dead, she is the prime suspect. Sexy photographer Pike is number two. Their attraction to each other is instant but they have more important things to worry about…like who killed the contestant. What will happen if Pike finds out what she is….and what happens if she finds out he is much more than he seems?
REVIEW:
I enjoyed the fast paced writing and snarky sense of humor in this story. A very fun read!

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

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MIDNIGHT SECRETS by Ella Grace

MIDNIGHT SECRETS by Ella Grace
Publication Date April 30, 2013
REVIEW: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATING: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.

REVIEW:
I like that instead of a short prologue; the early years were part of the story. You come to care about them and the difficulties they face. Their young romance was tender and sweet. Separated for 10 years they have found strength in their careers and find themselves together again. The mystery and suspense wove nicely with the reawakening love and steamy passion they share. Even though some parts seemed a little slow and drawn-out, it set up the groundwork for future books on the sisters. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the other sisters returning home.

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

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EXTREME LOVE by Abby Niles

EXTREME LOVE by Abby Niles
Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Reading in Pajamas – Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

New body. New clothes. New men.

Used to the average Joe, Caitlyn Moore is overwhelmed when the supremely masculine Dante Jones walks into her life and expresses an interest in her. At first she pushes him away, refusing to encourage the attention of a cage fighter. Then she learns Dante has a love ‘em and leave ‘em reputation. What better way to fine-tune her non-existent flirting skills than with a male who won’t stick around? But Dante has no intention of being a practice dummy; he’s out for all or nothing. Now Caitlyn must accept Dante’s violent career and all—or let him go.

Dante “Inferno” Jones has one goal: win the Welterweight Championship. At a time when focus is crucial, the last thing he needs is a distraction. Yet Caitlyn Moore becomes a challenge he can’t resist. When the light-hearted pursuit shifts to a battle to win her heart, his focus is shot. Faced with losing the biggest match of his career, Dante must decide if his extreme life also has room for Extreme Love.

REVIEW:
Caitlyn is a real woman and not a tiny slip of a girl so I was able to relate to her dealing with self-image issues and burgeoning self-confidence. Then there is Dante…A masculine, strong-willed and determined professional fighter. She is so attracted to him but has a hard time with his good looks and fame, not to mention his violent profession isn’t something she thinks she can handle. She tries to hold him at arms length, but he is stubborn enough to go after what he wants….her. He was able to break through her personal barriers and get her to realize how beautiful and strong she is, inside and out. He is also a strong and tender hearted person, so as fate would have it, they are a perfect match. There was great romance, steamy sex, perfect bad-guy, tension and great friends. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Abby Niles’ books.

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

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THRILL RIDE (BLACK KNIGHTS INC.) by Julie Ann Walker

THRILL RIDE (BLACK KNIGHTS INC.) by Julie Ann Walker
Published April 2, 2013
Rating: 5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Ex-navy SEAL Rock Babineaux is as Cajun as they come—spicy, sexy, and more than a bit wicked. But would he actually betray his country? Even his best friends on the special-ops Black Knights team aren’t sure they can trust him. Now the target of a massive manhunt, Rock knows the only way to protect the team—especially his partner, Vanessa—is to run…

Rock might think he can outmaneuver them all, but he hasn’t counted on how stubborn Vanessa Cordero can be. And she refuses to cut him loose. Sure, her partner has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’drather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good because she and Rock are about to get very tight…

REVIEW:
I like that Vanessa pushes past her limited experience to bring him back. A small part of me thinks she cried too much, but it also showed how human she was. Rock is a strong sexy cajun! The action and suspense kept me riveted…I couldn’t put it down. I also love the humor and easy banter of the team. The sexual tension was great and worth the wait for them to finally get together. I love the BKI series and this one delivers.

Reading in Pajamas – Donna

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TEMPT ME by: R.G. Alexander

TEMPT ME by: R.G. Alexander
Review by Donna – Reading In Pajamas
Rated 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Published 11/01/11

In the sultry heat of the Big Easy, desire can be a dangerous thing…

Gabriel Toussaint Giodarno has returned to New Orleans to make amends with his estranged family. The last thing he expected was to be hounded by a magical wannabe-guardian angel-or to be tempted by a beauty who’s strictly off-limits.

Angelique Rousseau has always lived a safe, uneventful life. But when her friend’s twin brother arrives, Angelique finds herself drawn to him. Neither Gabriel nor Angelique is prepared for the intensity of their joined passions, or what the voodoo spirits have in store for them…

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book! It is a story about Gabriel, torn from his voodoo filled family as a child. His father took strong severe measures to make sure those powers stayed away. Now an adult he is lured back to New Orleans. This bad boy is not happy about it either.

Everyone thinks Angelique is sweet and innocent and she is over-protected by her family. None of then knew the wild side she hides until Gabriel. Their erotic passion was well written and kept me turning the pages!

Full of danger, magic and voodoo….not to mention romance and passion all surrounded with humor. This book had it all. Now I am going to see what else she has written!

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Black Moon: An Alpha Pack Novel by J.D. Tyler

Black Moon: An Alpha Pack Novel by J.D. Tyler
Release date: December 4, 2012
Series: Alpha Pack (Book 3)
Rating: 4 Stars

Book 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. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them–one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To be with his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all…

Review:
Kalen is a tortured soul and struggles between good and evil. This book has action, suspense and hot love. Due to J. D. Tyler’s writing skills, I have cared about all the team members from book 1 and I was glad to see Kalen get his life in order. The romance is scorching and I love the interplay between the team members. I can’t wait for book 4, Hunters Heart, coming out in September.

Reading in Pajamas – Donna

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HELL ON WHEELS by Karen Leabo

HELL ON WHEELS by Karen Leabo
Release Date April 8, 2013
Rating: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Stiff, by-the-book meteorologist Victoria Driscoll and devil-may-care, adventurer and photojournalist Roan Cullen find themselves teamed up to chase tornados. As the storms heat up, so does their desire.

REVIEW:
I appreciated Karen Leabo’s smooth writing style and the portrayal of the character’s emotional journey. The storm chasing plot was well written and added a great exciting edge to the story. It was a nice light romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reading in Pajamas
Donna

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NAUTIER AND WILDER by Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton

NAUTIER AND WILDER by Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton
Release date: April 2, 2013
Rating: 4 Stars

NAUTIE SIREN
Description:
Lora Leigh takes into the life of Dawg’s sister Piper. Being the alpha males they are, Dawg and his cousins smother Piper in protectiveness. It doesn’t help that sparks flare between her and Dawg’s co-worker, Jedediah. He’s as alpha as the others. Feeling overwhelmed by testosterone, she sneaks off to New York hoping to show her designer fashions. Alas, as with all McKays, trouble finds her causing Jed to come to the rescue.
REVIEW:
What can I say, I’m a sucker for the Nauti Boys. I love that this alpha male doesn’t try to smother her independence but still has her back. Lots of suspense, action and of course HEAT! I was a bit put off by the level of overbearing males, but it put a nice counter-point to Jed’s behavior. Overall I liked it.

RIDING TO SUNSET
Description:
Jaci Burton give us an almost “passing of the torch” to the new generation of the Wild Riders. An undercover special ops team. It revolves around General Lee’s search for his missing sister and the needed protection of his niece, Elena. In comes Jed Templeton to secretly protect her. Of course they are instantly attracted to each other. What doesn’t help is that Elena has no idea she even has an uncle, nor that Jed is more than he seems.
REVIEW:
I love the camaraderie of the Wild Riders and the chemistry between the main characters. The action and romance were well placed and I loved the twist in the storyline. I’Ve always loved the Wild Riders series and this is a good addition.

Even if you’ve not read either series, these novellas will be a great introduction.

Reviewed by: Donna DeBoard – Reading In Pajamas

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