Category Archives: romance reviews

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Trish Jensen

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Trish Jensen
PUBLISHED: April 30, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

He’s gorgeous, rich, sexy, super nice, and head-over-heels for her. So what’s the problem?
Her psychic best friend predicts that Laura Tanner is due to meet a prince—the man of her dreams. Not a likely scenario for a hard-working bar owner who’s better at karate-chopping rowdy patrons than hobnobbing with the silver-spoon crowd. When Ivy League lawyer Brandon Prince (a prince!) strolls into her bar, Laura admits he’s hard to resist. Brandon quickly realizes that this lovely, funny, take-no-prisoners woman is the special someone he’s always wanted.
Brandon is an expert at wooing women, and even a tough cookie like Laura can’t help but fall under his spell. Before she knows what’s happening, he’s lured her on a romantic adventure filled with laughter and desire. Dazzled, she begins to believe that she really can have this prince of a man as her own.

One problem: Brandon’s powerful mother is used to women chasing his family fortune, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep yet another money-grubbing female out of his life. If a man is everything you have ever wanted, how can he also be nothing but trouble?

REVIEW:

This was a light fun story that makes you think of fairytale romances. Laura and Brandon’s attraction was instant, even though they were from different worlds. The rich boy, poor girl storyline was a bit predictable, but it was still an enjoyable quick read and perfect for a lazy day at the beach.

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

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PRIVATE MESSAGE by Danielle Torella

PRIVATE MESSAGE by Danielle Torella
Publication Date: May 31, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Tess has never had sex. Believe it or not, she’s never had a decent kiss.

The aspiring Seattle painter and photographer is still recovering from the trauma of being beaten and nearly raped at a rock show nearly three years before. So she keeps life simple: she goes to school, goes to work in a coffee shop, goes home, goes on living.

But then Ben’s naked body crashes—almost literally—through Tess’s wall against the world.

Ben is doing his dad’s art-teacher girlfriend a favor when he agrees to pose nude for her drawing class. But what he draws is the interest of the irresistible punk-looking girl—and it’s interest he reciprocates, with interest.

Their sexual chemistry is too much to resist. But it’s when they have their clothes on that their heat quickly slips on ice. Ben’s womanizing history is one thing, but it’s history of another kind—related to that fateful night at the rock show—that threatens to tear the young lovers apart forever.

REVIEW:
I absolutely loved this book! I requested the book to read and review after spotting the hot cover on Facebook this morning and I sat down to read it not really knowing what to expect because this is the author’s first book. I was blown away! Private Message has a unique plot, great characters, and it is a great love story. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. I loved the characters in this book! Ben, sigh! I just loved him from his winks, to his smirks, to his sexy tats. Danielle Torella gives the reader both Ben and Tess’s story told from each of their prospectives, and this really made me feel connected to the characters. I love a good romance story, and this is an incredible romance story. Ben and Tess had instant chemistry and attraction that simmered and heated the pages. I don’t often find a book I really connect with like this one. You know that special feeling you get when you read an incredible book, and it leaves you excited, giddy, and happy when you’re done reading it? This is one of those books! It had everything I look for in a great story. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for it to be released so the rest of you can read it!

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

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THE LAST BOYFRIEND (Forever Love) by J. S. Cooper

THE LAST BOYFRIEND (Forever Love) by J. S. Cooper
Publication Date: May 5, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
***USA TODAY Bestseller***
Lucky Morgan has had her share of heartbreak. She is devastated when her boyfriend dumps her after sleeping with him and she vows to herself that she won’t be used again. She decides that the next guy she dates and sleeps with, will be her one true love.

Zane Beaumont is the mysterious and snooty guy that comes into her diner every Friday night with a different girl. He’s the type of guy she’s learned to avoid: carefree, fast, handsome, rich, and sarcastic. Unfortunately, she can’t stop thinking about the devilish gleam in his eyes.

When Lucky’s car breaks down one night after a party, it is Zane who comes to her rescue. As Zane attempts to sweep Lucky off of her feet, she soon realizes that nothing is as it seems and that Zane may very well be the guy for whom she changes the rules. That is until she meets Braydon.

New Adult Contemporary Romance **Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed The Last Boyfriend! Zane is a bit of a mystery at first and seems like a player bringing a different girl on a date every Friday night to the restaurant where Lucky works. Lucky has a lot of dating rules she came up with after her last boyfriend cheated on her and while she is really attracted to Zane she doesn’t think he fits her last boyfriend rule. She can’t deny their attraction and instant chemistry when they get together though. I loved the characters even though their back and forth decision making had me angry with both of them at times. I also really enjoyed all the mystery with Zane’s character. J.S. Cooper’s writing style was very easy to read as well. This book has a great plot with likable characters, lots of mystery, drama, and steamy romance. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that left me really looking forward to the next book in the series, The Last Husband. I recommend this book for readers looking for a good New Adult Contempory Romance.

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DREAM NIGHTS WITH THE CEO (Secret Desires Novel) by Kathy Lyons

DREAM NIGHTS WITH THE CEO (Secret Desires Novel) by Kathy Lyons
PUBLISH DATE: May 27, 2013
REVIEW BY: Reading In Pajamas/Donna
RATED: 3.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Hotel chain CEO and millionaire Wyatt Monroe is a stick in the mud. Sure, he’s hot as sin, even with the tie, but free-spirited assistant Megan Bradford refuses to jeopardize their perfect working relationship. Why mess that up with sex? She knows he’s the love ’em and leave ’em type, and she’s determined to find a family man.

Wyatt would never cross the line between boss and employee with Megan, no matter how hard it might be to resist the temptation. But when they visit a mysterious B&B in a bid to acquire the property, he starts having erotic dreams about the sexy brunette that make it hard to resist her in daylight.

Soon the line between reality and dreams further blurs when they learn they were sharing the same erotic dreams…

REVIEW:
I was pleased that Megan and Wyatt were not stereotyped, but rather realistic likeable people. They worked together, but truly liked each other as friends before letting their true feelings loose. Of course their steamy romance was most pleasing also! The quirky storyline was different and kept me wondering where it was going…I enjoyed that. It is a nice light romance with a twist and makes me wonder if we’ll be seeing more of that B&B.

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

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POSSESSION (The Plus One Chronicles, Book 2) by Jennifer Lyon

POSSESSION (The Plus One Chronicles, Book 2) by Jennifer Lyon
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:
Savagely sexy billionaire Sloane Michaels ruthlessly controls his life and everything in it. Even his sex partners are carefully negotiated plus-one arrangements, including his latest, the fiery bakery owner, Kat Thayne. But Sloane’s control is challenged when his mentor becomes seriously ill, and his need for Kat, his need to possess her at all costs, rivals only his single-minded goal of vengeance for the murder of his sister.

After surviving an attack six years ago, Kat Thayne escaped her fears in the protective world of her beloved bakery. Then Sloane Michaels storms into her life, making her feel beautiful, strong and sexy. Yet as Kat pushes her boundaries and uncovers a dangerous secret in her past, Sloane’s controlling side emerges. Worried that Sloane will possess her mind, body and soul, Kat fights to keep her hard won independence. But just as Sloane demands her complete surrender, she discovers he has a dark side that could destroy them both.

REVIEW:
I love this series! Possession is the second book in The Plus One Chronicles and picks up where the first book, The Proposition, left off. The series should be read in order. The Plus One Chronicles is full of drama, danger, mystery, and smoking hot romance. Sloane is the ultimate sexy alpha male and pushes past all Kat’s barriers in this book. I love them together. Not only do they have chemistry and passion that will leave you sweating, but Sloane helps Kat become stronger and to get past her fears while also giving her the skills to protect herself. They both have tragedies in their pasts that are coming back into their lives in this book. Most women want to use Sloane for his money, power and connections. Kat is the first plus one relationship he has had that only wants the man, and this is making him want to possess all of her. Jennifer Lyon makes you really feel and love these characters. I can’t say enough good things about this series. They have everything I look for in great books. Possession has an intriguing plot, great characters, danger, mystery and a great love story. I loved it and can not wait for the third book, Obsession, to be released in September. Jennifer Lyon is one of my favorite authors because she always delivers a great romance story and she definitely delivered with Possession. I recommend this book, and this series for anyone looking for a great story with lots of smoking hot romance.

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

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SUGARWATER RANCH (Salt Creek Cowboys) by Stephanie Berget

SUGARWATER RANCH (Salt Creek Cowboys) by Stephanie Berget
Publication Date: April 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Sean O’Connell’s life is perfect, or it was until his partying lifestyle affected his bull riding. Now he’s ended the season too broke to leave the Northwest for the warm southern rodeos. When a wild night with his buddies gets out of hand, he wakes up naked, staring into the angry eyes of a strange woman. His infallible O’Connell charm gets him nowhere with the dark-haired beauty. It’s obvious she’s not his usual good-time girl, so why can’t he forget her?

Bar-manager Catherine Silvera finds a waterlogged, unconscious cowboy freezing to death in front of the Sugarwater Bar. She saves his life–then runs faster than a jackrabbit with a coyote on its tail. Any man who makes his living rodeoing is bad news, especially if he thinks partying is part of the competition. He’s everything she doesn’t want in a man, so why can’t she shake her attraction to the rugged cowboy?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this cowboy romance! Sugarwater Ranch was a really sweet romance about a cowboy on a downward spiral, and a woman who rescues him. Catherine comes across a freezing intoxicated man in front of her uncle’s bar, and after recognizing him as her childhood hero and crush, she takes him home with her so he doesn’t freeze in his truck. Sean is used to easy women and Catherine presents a challenge. He has to really work to convince her to let him take her on a date. She makes Sean want to be a better man. This story is a slow building romance that is really sweet and refreshing. I really enjoyed the main characters and the secondary characters in this book. I also enjoyed the ranching and rodeo details the author included. I recommend this book to any reader looking for a sweet, and heartwarming romance to curl up with this weekend. I’m looking forward to Stephanie Berget’s next book.

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

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TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP (Entangled: Covet) by Candace Havens

TAKE IT LIKE A VAMP (Entangled: Covet) by Candace Havens
Publication Date: May 20, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Vampire Nick Christos might’ve been born in the Middle Ages, but the good old days seem tame compared to the last eight years he’s spent ruling the Supernatural Council. His only respite is with his cute neighbor Casey Meyers, a woman he wants more than any undead man should. Sure, he’s forced to take a cold shower after every encounter, but there’s no way he’ll test his own strength by getting too close to a human, and he’s not willing to risk her life–not with bloodthirsty family on the prowl out to ruin Nick’s life.

When said Nick’s kin shows up, the innocent Casey is caught in the middle of a centuries old fight, and Nick’s biggest fear is realized. Now, instead of keeping his hands off his neighbor, he’ll risk everything to save the human he’s come to love.

REVIEW:
I devoured this fun, sexy, paranormal romance! This story was really refreshing and pleasantly surprised me. Take It Like A Vamp is a friends to lovers romance with some paranormal elements. It felt more like a good romantic comedy than your typical paranormal romance. I really enjoyed the characters. Nick is the hot, sexy neighbor who turns out to be a vampire and Casey is the curvy, quirky, and creative artist next door that keeps trying to find love with all the wrong guys. This book had me laughing out loud and giggling. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book. I am hoping Candace Haven will write a story for Linc, the hot vampire fashion designer and Nick’s best friend. You do not have to be a paranormal lover to enjoy this book. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light, funny romance to curly up with this weekend.

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

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A FINE ROMANCE (Aisle Bound) By Christi Barth

A FINE ROMANCE (Aisle Bound) By Christi Barth
Book Two in the Aisle Bound Series
Publication Date: March 11, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 3.5 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
They say you form your first impression of someone within thirty seconds of meeting them. Or, in Mira Parrish’s case, within thirty minutes of not meeting them, when said person is supposed to pick you up from the airport and never shows. This is not a perfect start to her new life. Her friend Ivy is depending on her to run a new romance store, and Mira can’t afford to let her down.

Sam Lyons should probably apologize. But every time he sees Mira–which is often, since his family owns the bakery next to her shop–he can’t resist antagonizing her. There’s something about the sexy, straight-laced woman that drives him crazy. He can’t get involved, though. He has too much baggage to be any good in a serious relationship.

Despite his teasing attitude, Mira finds Sam too sweet to resist. (His hot body may be a factor.) But if there’s going to be anything permanent between them, they’ll need to let go of their pasts and look to the future…

REVIEW:
Sweet, fun, and quirky romance! I enjoyed A Fine Romance! This is the second book in Christi Barth’s Aisle Bound series and can be read as a stand alone. I am going to go back and read the first book to learn more about the secondary characters. Sam is a sexy baker and Mira is starting over in a new town with a new job. Sam and Mira have an explosive first meeting and start off on the wrong foot, but have an undeniable attraction to each other. All the bantering was really entertaining and had me smiling and laughing. They both had issues they had to get past, but they were really good together and brought out the best in each other. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance book to curl up with. Have some chocolate on hand when reading this book because it will cause chocolate cravings!

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

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SKIN IN THE GAME (Entangled: Brazen) by Jackie Barbosa

SKIN IN THE GAME (Entangled: Brazen) By Jackie Barbosa
Publication Date: May 27, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Angela Peterson was always the quiet, shy kid growing up in Harper Falls, crushing on the high school quarterback and honing her football strategy skills. Now grown up and coaching the high school team, she’s shocked when that same sexy quarterback returns to Harper Falls asks her back to his hotel room. And then tries to steal her job.

Injured NFL quarterback Cade Reynolds is in Harper Falls to take over as interim head coach, and he never thought the tall, blond bombshell he propositioned would offer up any resistance. Not to a repeat of the amazingly wild night they shared and certainly not to his coaching position.

But the Harper Falls High Eagles are Angie’s team, and even the hometown hero won’t take that away from her, no matter how hot he is. As the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, this is one game neither is prepared to lose.

REVIEW:
I had fun reading Skin in the Game! It’s a novella and a quick read, but it still feels like you are getting the whole story. I loved Cade and Angie together and enjoyed their dialogue. I requested this book from Netgalley when I saw the cover and after reading the description that the geeky girl gets the hot football star it really sounded like a book I would enjoy reading. I’m a geek girl myself, so I had to root for Angie! Overall this was a sweet romance that also had some steamy moments that I enjoyed. This is the first book I have read by Jackie Barbosa and she did not disappoint. I’ll be checking out the rest of her books and adding them to my ever growing TBR list. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a feel good romance read!

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

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Love On The Line by Kimberly Kincaid

Love On The Line by Kimberly Kincaid
Publication Date: February 24, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Violet Morgan puts the personal in personal chef, catering to clients who want the full cooking experience rather than a culinary drop-and-dash. But when her brother’s police detective partner is injured in the line of duty and needs help during recovery, she makes an exception. Violet lost her father to the job seven years ago, and worries for her brother’s safety every day. The last thing she wants is to get up-close with her brother’s career-cop partner…again.

For Noah Blackwell, being a detective isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s a legacy. So when he’s forced to take mandatory leave and deal with the trauma amnesia keeping him from identifying his shooter, it’s as if insult and injury have joined forces— and now he’s got to deal with an unwanted caregiver on top of it. Never mind that he and Violet shared a steamy, secret kiss last New Year’s Eve. She rejects everything related to the job, and Noah’s not about to be distracted from recovering his memory and getting back to what he does best. No matter how pretty Violet is.

Despite their differences, Violet and Noah share a surprising bond in the kitchen that grows into something neither of them expect. But as Noah heals and their feelings for each other extend from the kitchen to the bedroom, Violet knows she must make an impossible choice. She may wear her heart on her sleeve in the kitchen, but can she put love on the line?

REVIEW:
Love On The Line was a fun, humorous, delicious, romance book. I loved the added element of cooking in this story. Make sure to have some snacks on hand before you sit down to read this book. I’m glad I followed Kimberly Kincaid’s advice and had some when I curled up to read with her book. I really enjoyed the characters and their dialogue with each other. They had me smiling and giggling. I also liked that Noah and Violet didn’t play games with each other. Violet and Noah were perfect for each other. This is a fun romance to curl up with!

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

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