Category Archives: romance reviews

Review: Hope Flames by Jaci Burton

Hope Flames by Jaci Burton
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When it comes to love, they already know the rules…by heart.

Thirty-two and finally setting up her veterinary practice in the town she once called home, Emma Burnett is on her own and loving it. Independent and driven, she’s not letting any man get in the way of her dreams. Not again.

That’s fine with Luke McCormack. Divorced and hardly lacking in female company when he needs it, he’s devoted to the only faithful companion in his life—his police dog. Still, there’s something about Emma he can’t shake.

When a series of local break-ins leaves Emma vulnerable, she seeks help from the first man to spark her desire in years. And now they’re giving each other something they thought they’d lost forever…hope.

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!

REVIEW:

What a great romance. This book had fun realistic characters and a great story line. Emma was focusing her life on her career and was done dating. She got out of a nightmare relationship years ago, and it was her time to make a go of her veterinary practice. Luke was happy being a police officer and did not ‘date’. He hooked up and moved on. Luke needed Emma to look at his dog and from the moment they met they both knew there was something between the two of them, but both insisted if they ignored it, it would go away. It didn’t…and led to a great story of people meeting and getting to know each other. Getting to know each other had the benefit of some hot sex. Luke and Emma’s story had every element of a great romance. I love Jaci Burton’s writing style and this book did not disappoint. I look forward to more books in this series.

*ARC provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $5.99 | Amazon Paperback $5.03 | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $5.99) | Kobo $7.99

Review: Down Range (Shadow Warriors) by Lindsay McKenna

Down Range (Shadow Warriors) by Lindsay McKenna
Release date: November 26, 2013 | Series: Operation: Shadow Warriors (Book 1)
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Trained to kill, but built for love…

Captain Morgan Boland is at the top of her game, as is her former lover, Navy SEAL Jake Ramsey. Then a military computer selects them to partner in a special op. The mission can’t be compromised by their personal history—and they have truckloads of it.

But the Afghan assignment might provide the discipline they need to finally get it together—outside the bedroom, that is. A lot has happened over the two years since they last went their separate ways. And there’s way more to Morgan than Jake has ever given her credit for….

REVIEW:

If you like special ops romances heavy on the military action, then this is one to read. I thought the author did a good job of bringing us up to speed on their history together and how they overcome their obstacles. Morgan is a strong capable black-ops soldier but is able to show her softer side. I liked that but there were some things about her actions that I couldn’t warm up to for a while. Jake’s opinion of women in combat made my teeth clench but that was true to real life and I liked him immediately in spite of it. This was an action packed story showing how two people mature and how time helps you realize what is important

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $5.99 | Amazon Paperback $7.19 | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $7.49 | Kobo $6.59

Review: Reckless (Renegades, Book 1) by Skye Jordan

Reckless (Renegades, Book 1) by Skye Jordan
Publication Date: December 22, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. Raised on the wrong side of the tracks, her years of polish and hard work are finally about to pay off. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker who makes her realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success, one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life.

Jax Chamberlin has been screwed over by gorgeous gold-diggers one too many times. Though he runs his own stunt company, all of America knows his Hollywood face even years after he’s given up acting. Finding a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping stone to success is virtually impossible, so when the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a chance at a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more. Lots more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle. And if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the rest.

Warning: This novel contains uber-hot sexual encounters. For safety’s sake, read along with pitcher of ice-water. Or…wine…

REVIEW:
I was absolutely blown away! What an amazing book! The intrigue, the passion, and the chemistry blew my mind. Lexi’s sole focus was her career and her image. Jax decided he was done with dating and his bad boy image was everything Lexi knew she was supposed to avoid until Jax got a mysterious text….then it was on. These two turned ‘it’ up beyond blazing hot. Lexi knew it could only be a one time thing, but it was so good she didn’t know if she could let him go and her career depended on it. Lexi had to decide if the most amazing man she had ever met was worth a career she had worked on her whole life or if it possible to have it all. I could not put this book down and can’t wait to read Rebel, the next book in this series. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would in a heartbeat.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $0.99 http://amzn.to/1h9mcSO | Nook $0.99 http://bit.ly/18U1Gm5 | Kobo $0.99 http://bit.ly/1cYE7JY

Review: Somebody to Love: A Cupid, Texas Novel by Lori Wilde

Somebody to Love: A Cupid, Texas Novel by Lori Wilde
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde invites you back to Cupid, Texas, where love is only a heartbeat away . . .

Sexy cowboy-scholar Jericho Chance always knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. And after sauntering back home to Cupid, he’s shocked to discover that he wants Zoe McCleary. After years from home, he takes one new look at his bubbly best friend, with her lightning smarts and luscious body, and it hits him like a bolt: she’s his somebody to love and he’s not leaving town again without her.

Settling down always seemed like a time waster to Zoe, a man magnet with a trail of broken hearts behind her. She’s not meant to settle down—but how can she resist someone as persuasive as Jericho? There’s no way they can ignore the explosive chemistry seething between them . . . even if it means risking their friendship . . .

REVIEW:

I love all of the novels in the Cupid, Texas Series and Somebody to Love did not disappoint. Jericho and Zoe have been best friends since she was 4 years old. Fast forward 20 years and that friendship has continued to grow into something much deeper. You could feel the desire sizzling between Jericho and Zoe from the first page. My heart was torn watching these two fight what would be spectacular if only the timing was right. I enjoyed the story line as it unfolded to see what would become of the undercurrent between Jericho and Zoe. Each book in the Cupid, Texas Series can be read as a stand alone, but it is a fantastic series.

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

BUY LINKS ➢ Kindle $6.64 http://amzn.to/1cy46pX | Amazon Paperback $7.19 http://amzn.to/1fR6SGB | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $6.99) http://bit.ly/1eiFoZn | Kobo $6.99 http://bit.ly/1in8JXR

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✦Cupid, Texas Series by Lori Wilde ~ Reading Order✦
✦#0.5 – One True Love (Novella) ➢ Kindle $1.99 http://amzn.to/19vI5t5 | Amazon Paperback $3.94 http://amzn.to/1czKx0B | B&N (Paperback $3.99/ Nook $1.99) http://bit.ly/19xME3F | Kobo $1.99 http://bit.ly/1fSW0YO
✦#1 – Love at First Sight ➢ Kindle $5.57 http://amzn.to/135WOp4 | Amazon Paperback $7.19 http://amzn.to/135WyX8 | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $5.99) http://bit.ly/1h6tc2G | Kobo $5.99 http://bit.ly/18RYGqz
✦#2 – All Out of Love ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18m4Wl0 | Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/1czma1i | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $5.99) http://bit.ly/JlOE5l | Kobo $5.99 http://bit.ly/1cdQ3Vz
✦#3 – Somebody to Love ➢ Kindle $6.64 http://amzn.to/1cy46pX | Amazon Paperback $7.19 http://amzn.to/1fR6SGB | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $6.99) http://bit.ly/1eiFoZn | Kobo $6.99 http://bit.ly/1in8JXR
✦#4 – Love with a Perfect Cowboy (Coming May 27, 2014) ➢ Kindle $6.99 http://amzn.to/1ceUXkX | Amazon Paperback $7.19 http://amzn.to/1czJeid | B&N (Paperback $7.99/ Nook $6.99) http://bit.ly/1agZjVH

Review: Letters from Home (Entangled Flirts) by Bethanne Strasser

Letters from Home (Entangled Flirts) by Bethanne Strasser
Publication Date: November 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
An Army doctor, Lena Rodriguez has always been too busy with school or the Army for romance. But the letters she received during deployment have captured her heart. Back home for the holidays, she awaits Christmas morning to meet the man who has turned her life upside down.

When Zack Benson watched his best friend’s sister Lena leave for Afghanistan, he knew he had to tell her he loved her. So he sent her anonymous love letters. Now that she’s home, he realizes he’s made a tactical error. Lena has fallen for the man in those letters but still thinks of him as a brother. He has to convince her otherwise because if he succeeds, he’ll get the best Christmas present ever. But if he fails, he could lose her for good.

REVIEW:
A lovely little story about love, longing and family. The story was well written and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see how things worked out for Zack and Elena. I liked them both immediately and also felt like I was a part of the family. The author built the romantic tension up nicely to a very satisfying conclusion. A great Christmas story that left me smiling.

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

BUY LINKS:
$0.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/1c02hRp | Nook http://bit.ly/18H4d2Z | Kobo http://bit.ly/1hxxYnj

Review: Presidential Pursuit (A Love and Scandal Novella) by Rachel Kall

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Presidential Pursuit (A Love and Scandal Novella) by Rachel Kall
Publication Date: December 13, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Dynamic and determined, Helen Riley has devoted her life to public service. Now she’s on the verge of doing something no other woman has ever done: Become the President of the United States of America. But her enemies will stop at nothing to end her Presidential hopes.

Smart, loyal, and sexy Sean Mackay has never pushed to be more than Governor Riley’s best friend and strongest supporter. However, when her life is threatened Sean steps up to protect the woman he loves beyond all reason.

As the campaign heats up, sparks begin to fly between Helen and Sean. Will she make history and admit her love for Sean, or will her pursuit of the White House end in tragedy?

REVIEW:
A quick read although one spot almost got a little dry with politics, the author managed to add enough intrigue and romantic suspense to keep it flowing and the pages turning. It was a fun little story to tie in with the first book in the series, Race to Kill and the love story was very satisfying.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $0.99 http://amzn.to/1gOrl2n | B&N $0.99 http://bit.ly/JQ3HnW

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Book 1: RACE TO KILL (A Love and Scandal Novel #1) by Rachel Kall
Publication Date: October 2, 2013 Rated: 4.5 Stars
Review post: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-O9
BUY LINKS:
Kindle $2.99 http://amzn.to/1abTBqU | Amazon Paperback $8.98 http://amzn.to/1ibkqwe | Nook $2.99 http://bit.ly/1dPMDsx | Kobo $2.99 http://bit.ly/1hPvUYW | iTunes $2.99 http://bit.ly/1atzxfI

Review: Come to Me Quietly: The Closer to You Series by A. L. Jackson

Come to Me Quietly: The Closer to You Series by A. L. Jackson
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

From the acclaimed bestselling author of Lost to You and When We Collide comes a New Adult novel of one woman’s obsession: a man who’s as passionate as he is elusive—and as tempting as he is trouble…

Aleena Moore is haunted by Jared Holt. It’s been six years since she’s seen her brother’s best friend, the self-destructive bad boy she secretly loved in high school. As the years pass, she knows it’s time to move on. Time to decide between a practical nursing degree and her true dream as an artist. Time to get over Jared and give another guy a chance…

Just when she opens her heart to her friend, Gabe, Aly returns home to find Jared sleeping on her couch. The teenage boy she loved has grown into a man she can’t resist. Covered in tattoos and lost in rage, he’s begging to be saved from his demons—the memories of the day he destroyed his family. As the two reconnect, their passion is hot enough to torch Aly’s judgment. But can she risk her future for a man who lives on the edge of destruction?

REVIEW:

What a powerful story. I was not sure if I was going to like the writing style because the story switched between Aly’s point of view and Jared’s point of view. I ended up falling in love with the characters and the writing style. I have not read a story in a while that was written so realistically. My heart broke for Jared and Aly as their story was shared. Aly was in love with Jared since she was a little girl chasing him and her brother around. Jared had to deal with some serious heartache, and at times I was not sure if he would overcome his struggles. Jared was her first crush and her first love. To have them reconnect after so many years was truly moving. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

*ARC provided by Berkley/NAL and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $5.12 | Amazon Paperback $10.57 | B&N (Paperback $10.54/ Nook $5.99) | Kobo $5.99

Review: Wanted: A Most Wanted Novel by J. Kenner

Wanted: A Most Wanted Novel by J. Kenner
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, and Release Me comes an all-new erotic series of three enigmatic and powerful men, and the striking women who can bring them to their knees.

He is everything I crave, all I desperately want—and he is everything I can’t have.

Evan Black embodies my every fantasy. He is brilliant, fierce, and devastatingly handsome. But he is also headstrong, dangerous, and burdened with secrets.

My family warned me to stay away, that I could never handle Evan’s dark dealings or scarred past. Maybe I should have listened. Maybe I should have run. But our desire is undeniable, and some temptations you just can’t fight.

And from the moment we touch—the passion between us consuming us both—I know that I will never be the same.

Wanted is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:

This book consumed me! I loved reading Angie and Evans story. Angie has been secretly in love with Evan for years. Evan promised to stay away from Angie. Some promises are made to be broken and I couldn’t wait to see this one broken. I felt like I knew the characters by the end of the book. Angie and Evan nearly set my hair on fire in this sizzling book. I can not wait for the next book in this series to be released. It was a great story from cover to cover.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $7.49 http://amzn.to/1h0Zz2w | Amazon Paperback $11.38 http://amzn.to/1h0YXK4 | B&N (Paperback $11.08/ Nook $9.99) http://bit.ly/1bBeOYv | iTunes $9.99 http://bit.ly/17Jg7sD

Review: Sex Snob by Elizabeth Hayley

Sex Snob by Elizabeth Hayley
Publication Date: November 16, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
ADULT CONTENT – Only Suitable for 17 Twenty-nine year old wild, carefree, and brutally sarcastic Amanda Bishop thought her three rules for dating would weed out unworthy suitors. And they did. Until she met Shane Reed, her smart-ass, sexy-as-sin CrossFit coach who pushes all her buttons. He’s the man she loves to hate. But when the hate begins to ebb away, and is replaced by feelings she can’t handle, Amanda hides behind her rules. Will the electric chemistry she feels with Shane allow her to get beyond a painful past, or will she push him away with her rules? Rules that make her the ultimate Sex Snob…This novel is a spin-off to our first book Pieces of Perfect, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.

REVIEW:
Sex Snob is an amazing sequel to Pieces of Perfect. This book was about Amanda and her personal struggle to believe all men are not like her ex. Amanda has 3 rules and Shane makes Amanda want to break every single one of them. I loved the banter between Shane and Amanda and was flying through the pages as this book captured my attention. It was only a matter of time before these two either killed each other or combusted. I was rooting for combustion and was not disappointed. This was a great book. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Elizabeth Hayley’s writing is hysterical and very sexy. I highly recommend reading both Pieces of Perfect and Sex Snob. I can not wait for the next book!

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $2.99 | Amazon Paperback $8.99 | Goodreads

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BOOK 1: Pieces of Perfect by Elizabeth Hayley
Publication Date: July 8, 2013
BUY LINKS: Kindle $2.99 | Amazon Paperback $8.99 | Kobo $2.99 | Goodreads

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
ADULT CONTENT – Only Suitable for 17+ As a sexy ex-hockey player, Max was the bad boy with something to prove. As a handsome single father, Adam was the man most women wait a lifetime for. Each man would take me on a journey of self-discovery that was marred with lies, jealousy, deceit, and a whole lot of fun. They each offered a glimpse of happily ever after, a piece of perfect. But in my constant quest to have it all, I would risk losing everything. Only one thing was certain. I’d never be the same after this.

ABOUT ELIZABETH HAYLEY:
Elizabeth Hayley is actually “Elizabeth” and “Hayley,” two friends who love reading romance novels to obsessive levels. This mutual love prompted them to put their English degrees to good use by penning their own. The product is Pieces of Perfect, their debut novel. They learned a ton about one another through the process, like how they clearly share a brain and have a persistent need to text each other constantly (much to their husbands’ chagrin). They are currently getting ready to release Sex Snob, a novel centered around Lily’s roommate Amanda, and have also begun writing the sequel to Pieces of Perfect.

“Elizabeth” lives with her husband, one and a half year old daughter and nutjob of a dog. “Hayley” lives with her husband and her own crazy dog. They are about to adopt a newborn soon. Elizabeth Hayley’s writing motto is best captured by the words of Patrick Dennis: “I always start with a clean piece of paper and a dirty mind.”

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: The Valentine’s Arrangement: A Hard Feelings Novel by Kelsie Leverich

The Valentine’s Arrangement: A Hard Feelings Novel by Kelsie Leverich
EBOOK Publication Date: January 31, 2013
Paperback Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The “emotional, spicy-hot story” (Belle’s Book Bag) that propelled Kelsie Leverich to the New York Times bestseller list!

Tattoo artist Ronnie Clark is counting the days until Valentine’s Day is over. Ronnie doesn’t do romance. She doesn’t do flowers or dates, and she sure as hell doesn’t do love—not anymore. Love leads to heartbreak, and she’s vowed never to let herself get hurt again.

Sergeant First Class Kale Emerson is home on his midtour leave from Iraq, but he only has one thing on his mind—returning to his soldiers to finish leading their mission. He’s dedicated to his men and to his country, and he’s not interested in getting wrapped up in a distracting relationship…but casual sex, that’s a different story. From the moment he sees Ronnie, he wants her. And he agrees to her terms: no romance, no fluff—just passion.

But as their sexual chemistry ignites, the lines of their arrangement get blurry, and Ronnie starts to push Kale away. And when Kale realizes he’s found his match in this gorgeous razor-tongued woman who is hell-bent against love, winning her heart could be the toughest battle he has ever fought.

REVIEW:

Absolutely loved this story! I never read a book by this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The story sounded interesting so I thought I’d give it a try. Ronnie is a tattoo artist with a smart mouth, and Kane is a bad ass military man. I could feel the temptation right from their first meeting. He took one look at her and wanted her like no other women. She took one look at him and knew she would have to fight her desire. She had sworn off all military men, but Kane was to much for her to resist. The passion between these two was amazing, and the sex was hot! Their story was truly heartfelt and emotional throughout the book, but not to the point it overshadowed Ronnie and James story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

*ARC provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $3.79 | Amazon Paperback $10.50 | B&N (Paperback $10.50/ Nook $3.99)

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✦Hard Feelings Series by Kelsie Leverich ~ Reading Order✦
✦The Valentine’s Arrangement (Jan 31, 2013) ➢ Kindle $3.79 http://amzn.to/18iUdwM | Amazon Paperback $10.50 http://amzn.to/18xmhr0 | B&N (Paperback $10.50/ Nook $3.99) http://bit.ly/1bsOm6f
✦Feel the Rush (Aug 20, 2013) ➢ Kindle $3.79 http://amzn.to/IYFCLf | B&N (Paperback $10.50/ Nook $3.99) http://bit.ly/1f2qQh7 | Kobo $3.99 http://bit.ly/18PLbI8
✦Pretending She’s His (Nov 19, 2013) ➢ $1.99 Kindle http://amzn.to/1clppXX | Nook http://bit.ly/1f2qFT1 | Kobo http://bit.ly/J8jGxS
✦A Beautiful Distraction (May 6, 2014) ➢ Kindle $5.12 http://amzn.to/1aPlrFS | B&N (Paperback $10.50/ Nook $5.99) http://bit.ly/19d3ftN