Category Archives: romance reviews

Review: Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis

Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Previously Released: December 6, 2005
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4.5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

“Fall in love with Jill Shalvis. She’s my go-to read for humor and heart!”
-Susan Mallery, New York Times bestselling author

Mia Appleby finally has the life she always wanted. She’s escaped her trailer trash childhood and built a nice life for herself with a marketing job and a cute, little condo. But no matter how much baggage she’s ditched from her past, she still hasn’t managed to shake her greatest weakness-men. So when her new neighbor turns out to be single and oh-so-sexy, Mia’s worried she’s playing with fire . . .

Kevin McKnight can’t get enough of his gorgeous neighbor, but after one amazing night, she’s already showing him the door. Something tells him this is the way she handles most men. But Kevin is far from your average guy-and he’s ready to prove it to Mia. When a blast from her past shakes up Mia’s life in a major way, will she stick with her self-sufficient solo act . . . or take a chance leaning on Kevin’s strong shoulders?

REVIEW:

If I wasn’t already in love with Jill Shalvis for being an amazing author this book would have made me love her. Mia is a hard working, emotionally detached, independent woman who is consumed by her job. She has no time for anyone in her life. Kevin just moved in 2 doors down from Mia. Waking up next to Kevin after a wild night of amazing sex was not what she had planned, although she knew right away that one night would never be enough. Add to that Hope, Mia’s teenage niece, suddenly shows up on her doorstep needing a place to stay and also stirs up her ordered life. Watching Mia struggle with these sudden changes in her perfectly planned life was both heart wrenching and entertaining. They put the fun in dysfunctional more than a few times in this great book. I loved it!

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $3.71 | Nook $3.99 | Kobo $3.99 | iTunes $3.99

Review: Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst

Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst
Publication Date: November 26, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In charming Verily, New York, Kate Seymour has a smashing success with Kinnections, the matchmaking service she owns with her two best girlfriends. But Kate’s more than a savvy businesswoman: She’s gifted with a secret power, a jolting touch that signals when love’s magic is at work. It rocked her when she picked up a strange volume of love spells in the town’s used bookstore . . . and it zapped her again when she encountered Slade Montgomery, the hot-tempered— and hot-bodied—divorce lawyer who storms into Kinnections demanding proof that playing Cupid won’t destroy his vulnerable sister, Kate’s newest client. The only way to convince this cynic that she’s no fraud, and that love is no mirage, is for Kate to meet his audacious challenge: find him his dream woman. Can Kate keep their relationship strictly business when her electrifying attraction nearly knocked her off her feet? Or has the matchmaker finally met her match?

REVIEW:

What a refreshing traditional contemporary romance. Kate owns Kinnections, a matchmaking service and she believes everyone has a true love. Slade believes true love does not exist, but is forced to become Kinnections newest client. Searching for Someday is a fun, sexy story that follows Kate and Slade on a journey to prove who is right. The story started a little slow for me and I was not sure where this book was headed. Very quickly I felt like I knew each character and couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know the outcome. Some scenes in the book made me laugh and I love it when a book can do that. I suspect this book will be part of a series and look forward to reading more from this author.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $7.59 | Amazon Paperback $7.19 | B&N $7.99 | Kobo $7.99

Review: Holiday Games (A Play-By-Play Novella) by Jaci Burton

Holiday Games (A Play-By-Play Novella) by Jaci Burton
Publication Date: November 19, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

AN ALL-NEW PLAY-BY-PLAY NOVELLA

All Elizabeth and Gavin Riley want for Christmas is a baby. Despite over a year of trying, conception hasn’t been successful. But for a high-achiever like Elizabeth, she must succeed at everything. That means making the very most of every opportunity with her husband. And when it comes to nonstop sex Gavin’s not really complaining. Exhausted, maybe…

Unfortunately, this holiday season they’re not exactly given a lot of private time. Elizabeth is hosting the holiday, Gavin’s sister is getting married, and the house is wall-to-wall with family. For Elizabeth and Gavin the nights may be chilly, but the urge is still hot. And they’re not about to let any distraction get in the way of their necessary pleasures during a holiday game that yields so many unexpected surprises.

Includes a preview of Jaci Burton’s upcoming novels Melting the Ice and Hope Flames.

REVIEW:

Liz and Gavin want to have a baby. In this short book they make every effort to make it happen. With a cute story woven between a lot of hot sex it was a hot and quick read. Jaci Burton knows how to write great sex scenes and she didn’t disappoint in this book. I look forward to more books in this series.

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

BUY LINKS:
($2.99) Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

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The Play by Play Series by Jaci Burton ~ Reading Order
Book 1: The Perfect Play ➢ http://amzn.to/1f0ehpN
Book 2: Changing the Game ➢ http://amzn.to/17yLOiW
Book 3: Taking A Shot ➢ http://amzn.to/I778p7
Book 4: Playing to Win ➢ http://amzn.to/19tuv2D
Book 5: Thrown By A Curve ➢ http://amzn.to/I77oV0
Book 6: One Sweet Ride ➢ http://amzn.to/1f0frS3
Novella: Holiday Games – Coming November 19, 2013 ➢ http://amzn.to/1b046ja
Book 7: Melting the Ice – Coming February 2014 ➢ http://amzn.to/19ttxU6
Book 8: Straddling the Line – Coming July 2014 ➢ http://amzn.to/1bDdQi0

Play by Play Series by Jaci Burton

» The Play by Play series is a steamy, sexy peek into the world of sports as seen through the Riley family. Mick Riley is a professional football player, his brother Gavin plays baseball. Their sister Jenna runs the family sports bar and doesn’t want anything to do with any guy involved with sports. Their parents are heavily involved in their lives and it’s a loving, tight knit family.

And I’m expanding the Play by Play series to include more characters beyond the Riley family. Hot, sexy, talented men who bonded together at college and remained friends beyond. I hope you’re going to love these men as much as you’ve loved and embraced my Riley family.

» I love sports. I have mad love for football, both pro as well as college. Come Fall you’ll find me planted in front of the television on the weekends to watch the Oklahoma Sooners play on Saturday and the St. Louis Rams play on Sunday. I grew up in St. Louis so Cardinals baseball has always been a big part of my life (Cardinals football was, too, before they moved to Arizona). I still remember as a kid watching one sport on television while my dad would listen to the other sport on the radio. I’m a big fan of NASCAR racing, and world cup soccer. My older son played soccer from the time he was five years old all the way through varsity soccer in high school. While I can’t catch a ball, kick a ball or throw a ball worth a damn, I love to watch it all.

» So having the chance to write a sports series has been a dream come true for me. And what better way to showcase my love for all things sports than to write this series. Hot, sexy, determined to have it all—their successes and their failures pave the way to the biggest win of their lives—that elusive happily ever after.

Review: Recipe for Attraction (A Madewood Brothers Novel) by Gina Gordon

Recipe for Attraction (A Madewood Brothers Novel) by Gina Gordon
Publication Date: November 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Bad boy Neil Harrison may have sexy body and an even sexier smile, but there’s no way in hell architect Carson Kelly is falling for the elusive bachelor. For starters, he’s her boss, and getting intimately involved with the infuriating alpha male could be a career-killer. And secondly, he’s battling personal demons in one of the most dangerous ways possible: illegal street racing. After a friend’s tragic death years ago, Carson swore she’d never get involved in that life again.

Neil knows Carson’s keeping secrets and he’s determined to uncover all of them…even if he has to seduce them out of her. But as their antagonistic work relationship ignites a passionate affair, Carson must decide if protecting Neil from his need for speed is the perfect outlet for her own restless desire, or if they’re on a one-way path to destruction.

REVIEW:

Spectacular book! Neil and Carson’s story had me hooked from the first page. Carson was Neil’s architect and they fought their attraction towards each other until the bitter end. When they were unable to fight it anymore they nearly lit my kindle on fire. This book had the perfect amount of drama, action and passion. I loved the way the author told everyone’s story while still keeping the main story on Neil and Carson. I will absolutely add Gina Gordon to my list of great books!

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

BUY LINKS:
($2.99) Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Madewood Brothers Series by Gina Gordon ~ Reading Order
*This book is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
✦Book #1: Recipe for Satisfaction (Dec 31, 2012) $2.99 ➢ Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes
✦Book #2: Recipe for Attraction (Nov 25, 2013) $2.99 ➢ Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Review: All Fired Up by Kate Meader

All Fired Up by Kate Meader
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Her sweetest mistake . . .

Cool as a Chicago winter, private events planner Cara DeLuca is a model of self-control . . . until she meets the one temptation she can’t resist: Shane Doyle. The sexy, Irish pastry chef is too hot, too sure, too young, and after a crazy night in Vegas – her new husband. While at first Cara wants nothing more than a way out of her sham marriage to Shane, she soon finds that beneath his farm boy demeanor lies a man who can match her drive, both in and out of the bedroom. How can the wrong guy feel so deliciously right?

. . . Tastes so, so good

Shane has carefully structured his career and life around one goal: connecting with the family that doesn’t know he exists. Marrying a woman with more issues than a magazine stand wasn’t part of the plan, but melting Cara’s icy exterior is so worth the detour. Now as the annulment date nears and long-buried secrets are revealed, Shane will have to fight for the one thing guaranteeing the perfect life he craves . . . the current Mrs. Shane Doyle.

REVIEW:

I had never read any of Kate Meaders books, but it looked interesting so I thought i’d give it a try. All Fired Up is a fantastic story. I loved learning about each of the characters. Shane and Lili started out married in Vegas within hours of meeting. The morning after when they realized what they had done, set the pace for the rest of the book. Watching them getting to know each other while waiting for the annulment process to be complete was emotional. Lili is independent and wanted everyone to think she was strong. Shane wanted to be part of a family. Together they burned up the pages. This is a great read and I will definitely read more of her books.

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

Buy Links:
Kindle $5.99 ⋆ Nook $5.99 ⋆ Kobo $5.99

Review: Jagged (Colorado Mountain) by Kristen Ashley

Jagged (Colorado Mountain) by Kristen Ashley
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4.5 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The next novel in Kristen Ashley’s sizzling Colorado Mountain series introduces a new electrifying relationship that turns Carnal, Colorado into a hotbed of action, romance, and suspense.

An old flame rekindled . . .

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn’t interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara’s lost her business, her marriage, and she’s barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara’s plight, he’s on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham’s faced his own demons, and he’s learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he’s meant to live. So when he hears that Zara’s having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he’s a changed man.

REVIEW:

I loved Jagged! Everyone has heard me talk about how obsessed I am with all of Kristen Ashley’s books and this one was no exception. Jagged is Zara and Ham Reece’s story. Reece has always been the one for Zara and when they were together the first time he wasn’t ready to settle down in one place with one woman. Zara ends things and settles for a man that isn’t the one and when that ends she reconnects with Ham after seeing him on the news. She’s never forgotten him and he has regretted walking away. Now he has to prove to her that he’s changed, ready to stay in one place and make a life with her. I loved the characters and the story. I highly recommend any of Kristen Ashley’s books! She writes great emotional romances with hot alpha heroes.

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $3.79 ⋆ Nook $3.79 ⋆ Kobo $3.99

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COLORADO MOUNTAIN SERIES BY KRISTEN ASHLEY ~ READING ORDER
✦#1: The Gamble – http://amzn.to/HIGoM4
✦#2: Sweet Dreams – http://amzn.to/1exgBV4
✦#3: Lady Luck – http://amzn.to/17L2Sbl
✦#4: Breathe – http://amzn.to/1aeYa3d
✦#5: Jagged – http://amzn.to/16FYDJX

Review: Christmas on Main Street by JoAnn Ross, Susan Donovan, LuAnn McLane, Alexis Morgan

Christmas on Main Street by JoAnn Ross, Susan Donovan, LuAnn McLane, Alexis Morgan
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

‘Tis the season to fall in love in these four small towns.

In “Christmas in Shelter Bay,” New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross returns to Shelter Bay, where Kelli has long tried to keep her feelings for her friend Cole a secret. But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a secluded lakeside cabin, the two friends soon discover that a little love will keep them warm.

TV producer Nathaniel Ravelle knows the Bayberry Island mermaid legend is a joke— how could a statue grant a wish for true love? But when a Christmas Nor’easter lands him in close quarters with local Annie Parker, they see magic at work in matters of the heart in New York Times bestselling author Susan Donovan’s “A Seaside Christmas.”

In LuAnn McLane’s “Mistletoe on Main Street,” Clint isn’t sure how to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava—until his father bows out of playing Santa at the annual Cricket Creek holiday parade and Clint gets the chance to make this Christmas one to remember.

And in Alexis Morgan’s “The Christmas Gift”, business is booming at Bridey Roke’s pastry shop. Everyone in town stops in to sample her holiday treats. But in her spare moments, she’s perfecting a special recipe to charm the handsome new neighbor—who has his own surprise gift for her come Christmas Eve!

REVIEWS:

✦Christmas in Shelter Bay by JoAnn Ross
A sweet little love story full of family and friends. It was so realistically written that I felt I already knew everyone in town, and like them, was happy with the warm romance just waiting to happen.

✦A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan
The first few pages had me chuckling and the smile stayed in place for the rest of the story. The author has a witty way of telling a story that could easily have gone “campy”. It was funny, sexy and very heartwarming. I am still smiling over the back story.

✦Mistletoe on Main Street by LuAnn McLane
This was a cute story of second chances. The romance was light and would appeal to those who like a tamer love story. It was a nice “happily ever after” and the author had a nice easy style that was fun to read.

✦The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan
I enjoyed this short story where Bridey helps Seth overcome his insecurities without even trying. That made this a warm lovely story with just the right touch of drama to spice things up.

Overall, these stories were heartwarming and fun to read. The small town closeness was well portrayed so that I felt a part of it all.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $5.99 ⋆ Amazon Paperback $4.79 ⋆ B&N ($7.99 Paperback/ Nook) ⋆ Kobo $7.99

Review: Wild Child: A Novel by Molly O’Keefe

Wild Child: A Novel by Molly O’Keefe
Publication Date: October 29, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Perfect for readers of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Rachel Gibson, this sizzling romance tells the story of a sexy small-town mayor and a notorious “bad girl,” who discover that home really is where the heart is.

Monica Appleby is a woman with a reputation. Once she was America’s teenage “Wild Child,” with her own reality TV show. Now she’s a successful author coming home to Bishop, Arkansas, to pen the juicy follow-up to her tell-all autobiography. Problem is, the hottest man in town wants her gone. Mayor Jackson Davies is trying to convince a cookie giant to move its headquarters to his crumbling community, and Monica’s presence is just too . . . unwholesome for business. But the desire in his eyes sends a very different message: Stay, at least for a while.

REVIEW:

Jackson is the Mayor in a small town and Monica is the original wild child. Sparks fly when the two meet. There were so many emotions I felt reading this book. O’Keefe did a great job telling each character’s story without it becoming overwhelming. Watching Jackson and Monica getting to know each other and dying to see how they would overcome their obstacles had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put the book down.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $4.55 ⋆ Amazon Paperback $4.79 ⋆ B&N $7.99 ⋆ Kobo $7.99 ⋆ iTunes $7.99

Review: BORN WILD (Black Knights Inc Book 5) by Julie Ann Walker

BORN WILD (Black Knights Inc Book 5) by Julie Ann Walker
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 5 Stars

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DESCRIPTION:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker dives back into action with the red-hot romantic suspense Black Knights Inc. series! They claim they’re bad-boy bikers who own custom motorcycle shop, but these special-ops guys—a mix of Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Marines, FBI and more—handle the jobs too tough for the government to tackle.

“Wild” Bill Reichert knows a thing or two about explosives. The ex-Navy SEAL can practically rig a bomb blindfolded. But there’s no way to diffuse the inevitable fireworks the day Eve Edens walks back into his life, asking for help…Eve doesn’t know what to do when the Chicago police won’t believe someone is out to hurt her. The only place to turn is Black Knights Inc-after all, no one is better at protection than the covert special-ops team. Yet there’s also no one better at getting her all turned on than Billy Reichert. She has a feeling this is one blast from the past that could backfire big time.

REVIEW:

Another fun ride with the Black Knights Inc, this time with Eve and Billy. The chemistry between them all is always fun and exciting. Not just in the smooth way they operate but their inner thoughts always make me chuckle. The action, humor and smoldering romance kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages well into the night. Eve and Billy were a great pairing and the glimpse into Mac and Delilah has me anxiously awaiting the next installment.

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

Buy Links:
Amazon Paperback $7.19: http://amzn.to/18RgGg9
Kindle $6.59: http://amzn.to/Hm8rQH
B&N Paperback $7.99: http://bit.ly/HkyHvB
B&N Nook $7.49: http://bit.ly/18lsHbh
Kobo $6.59: http://bit.ly/1aKk8bM

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BLACK KNIGHTS INC. BY JULIE ANN WALKER ~ READING ORDER
✦#1 HELL ON WHEELS ➢ http://amzn.to/1djSWXf
✦#2 IN RIDES TROUBLE ➢ http://amzn.to/16JSnNI
✦#3 REV IT UP ➢ http://amzn.to/Hm99NR
✦#4 THRILL RIDE ➢http://amzn.to/16JSwAJ
✦#5 BORN WILD ➢ http://amzn.to/Hm8rQH
✦#6 HELL FOR LEATHER (May 2014)
✦#7 FULL THROTTLE (December 2014)

Review: ONCE A SEAL by Anne Elizabeth

ONCE A SEAL by Anne Elizabeth
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 3 Stars

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DESCRIPTION:

What woman hasn’t dreamed of what it would be like to marry a Navy SEAL? Dan McCullum is everything Aria has ever imagined—sweet, strong, and sexy as hell. She just never expected how tough the SEAL life would be. Dan could be gone at a moment’s notice and not allowed to tell her where he’s going or when he’ll be back. Dan has never backed down from a challenge in his life. But this one is his hardest yet. How does he balance his duty to his country with a soul-deep love for Aria? It’s going to require patience, ingenuity, and some of the hottest homecomings he can dream up. Because for him, this isn’t a fling: this is forever…

REVIEW:

This book was a true to life story of Navy SEAL newlyweds and their struggle to find rhythm in their new life together. The writing was good and honestly depicted their everyday life with some pretty hot romance warming the pages. The SEAL missions were a back story as well as some intrigue of Aria’s and I wish there was more involving them as a couple. For those wanting a realistic sweet romance that shows what life would be like as a SEAL wife, this book is for you.

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

BUY LINKS:
Kindle $5.38 http://amzn.to/1dtTn28
Amazon Paperback $6.39 http://amzn.to/HbSRH8
B&N (Nook $6.49/ Paperback $6.99) http://bit.ly/1eCqaz4
Kobo $6.99 http://bit.ly/19l4NjT