The Last Man on Earth by Tracy Anne Warren
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars
BOOK DESCRIPTION: From New York Times bestselling author Tracy Anne Warren comes a sexy and romantic new contemporary series about corporate combat in the boardroom and under-the-covers passion in the bedroom…
Idealistic good girl Madelyn Grayson believes in doing what’s right. Even as a high-powered executive in the mad world of advertising, she doesn’t cut corners, making her ad campaigns sizzle without having to burn anyone along the way.
Rival exec Zack Douglas never wastes an opportunity to land the next big deal—especially when it benefits him. A bad boy with a reputation to match, he has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to get ahead, no matter who gets in the way.
When a hot promotion pops up at their company, both Zack and Madelyn wind up on the short list for the position. But as the two square off, they discover that being heated rivals in the office makes for scorching bed play behind closed doors. Will Madelyn’s steamy, secret affair with Mr. Vice make her compromise her ideals—or worse, lose her heart?
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
REVIEW:
Right from the first page I was hooked and I couldn’t put this book down. Zack was a playboy and Madelyn hated everything about him. Everything about him except for the way he looked. Just looking at him took her breath away. He was handsome and he knew it. Zach and Madelyn couldn’t have been more opposite. A chance meeting led to burning up the sheets in what was suppose to be a one time encounter. They both knew one time would never be enough. They had to keep their affair quiet because they worked together and did not want to lose their jobs. They decided it would be a weekend thing and stay business as usual during the week. On weekends the sex was hot and it was amusing to watch as they continued to work together during the week. It wasn’t long before weekends weren’t enough. Madelyn fell in love with Zack. Zack swore he’d never fall in love again. I couldn’t wait to see if they would be able to work it out before it was too late. My only complaint is that I would have liked a more detailed ending. Other than that I loved the story and look forward to reading more books from Tracy Anne Warren.
*ARC provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.
The Professional: Part 2 (The Game Maker Series) by Kresley Cole
Publication Date: January 6, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes The Professional—the second scorching installment in her Game Maker series, an erotica collection that has readers asking: How hot is too hot?
He makes the rules . . .
Mafiya enforcer Aleksandr “The Siberian” Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.
Rules are made to be broken . . .
PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.
Are you ready to play?
Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden fantasies can come true…
REVIEW:
Wow! I didn’t think this trilogy could get any hotter, but I was wrong! Part 1 was hot, but part 2 was scorching hot! This is an erotica collection that will be released over the next couple weeks in three parts. My review for Part 1 can be found below. Part 2 picked up where Part 1 left off and immediately heated up. It was filled with even more danger and conflict. I read it without putting it down! The ending left me screaming, “What is it?” Eek! I can’t wait for Part 3, but at least we don’t have long to wait. The final installment will be released January 20th. I love this story and will be anxiously awaiting the ending.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DAZED SYNOPSIS:
Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.
Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.
To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…
There’s something deliciously perverse about staring through the clear glass. All of my senses engage as I wait in line—the fragrance that fills the air as the fire crackles beneath the foil wrapped treats wafts under my nose, the beauty in each and every small package as they line the shelves with tiny dots and colored sprinkles mesmerizes me, the sound made as the silver sheet is peeled back to reveal the magnificence it holds captivates me, and the anticipation of the taste makes my mouth water. Ummm… just thinking of the first bite into the moist brown exterior with its bittersweet Belgian chocolate complimenting the flavor of the Madagascar bourbon vanilla that oozes from its inside has me trembling. The black and white cupcake—it’s simply perfection.
Amidst the skyscrapers in Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, Sprinkles is a gem tucked away for those of us who seek out a small piece of heaven. I don’t come here often, but when I do it’s for that one special treat. The menu describes it as, “Yin and Yang.” An ancient proverb that says, “Complementary opposites, such as light and dark, day and night, and masculine and feminine, seemingly may exist as contrary forces, but are actually interconnected.” Simply put, it says one gives rise to the other and it’s true— opposites attract. Without the vanilla inside, one could not possibly crave the chocolate outside—looking at the two parts united has me drooling.
“You know what they say about staring through the glass,” a deep husky voice says from behind me.
His words tingle my skin and my gaze snaps up. “Excuse me?” I stop short, in a daze, not even sure what he just said I was so lost in my thoughts.
He chuckles. “You know what they say about staring through the glass,” he repeats.
My eyes blink and come into focus on the upward tilt of his full lips. Then my eyes move to his smooth pale skin flecked with a light stubble, his nose seemingly sculpted even with a slight imperfection in its slope, large eyes with the most unusual gray color swirling from within, and chocolate brown colored hair framing his face in pieces—I’m not sure if he has just rolled out of bed or if product molds it just so. Either way, he is utterly beautiful.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Just be careful so you don’t fall in like Alice.” He smiles, displaying his bright white teeth.
“Again, I’m sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I notice his eyes sweep over me and my heart starts pounding.
“Through the Looking Glass,” he responds in a dangerously husky voice.
This time when he speaks I catch an accent, ever so slight but extremely sexy.
It reminds me of how Robert De Nero talks, just not as loud or fast. I continue to stare, unable to respond. I notice that his physique is long and lean. He’s dressed in worn jeans that fit him perfectly. His orange laced hiking boots scream I don’t conform. A pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses hang from the V of his gray sweater, which clings to his body perfectly. And an outdoor vest tops the outfit. It throws me off. It makes him look more like an Abercrombie model than a James Dean type. It’s a navy blue down and quilted one with a silver zipper. I don’t know why, but something about his outfit, about this man, captivates me.
“Number 98,” calls the girl from behind the counter.
He steps closer. His warm breath whispers across my neck. “Through the Looking Glass is the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. When Alice gets too close to the glass, she falls in and starts on a crazy journey,” he tells me as his arm waves in the air with a green ticket on display. Stepping closer, his gaze cuts from mine to the glass case as he hands his number to the clerk whose wearing a cute brown apron with the word Sprinkles scripted across it.
“Can I have a dozen of the black and white cupcakes?” he asks.
Suddenly alarmed, my eyes dart to the case as I watch the single remaining row of beautifully crafted cupcakes diminish until there are none left. My irritation flares as I glance at my number—97.
The beautiful stranger hands the clerk his credit card and waits to sign the slip.
“I was number 97, my number was before yours,” I say as he’s handed the bag that holds his treasure.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Here let me get the sales clerk’s attention so you don’t have to take another number,” he says.
I want to stomp my feet. I want to scream. I don’t want her attention. I don’t want another number. I want the cupcakes that he stole from me.
“Miss,” he calls draping his perfectly fit body over the case. She looks his way and with a charming grin he says, “Can you help this lovely lady? She missed her number being called.”
“Of course, I’m so sorry. How can I help you?” the girl asks averting her eyes from the man who looks like he should be on the cover of GQ magazine, over to me.
He smiles at me with a face that belongs on a billboard. “Don’t fall in.”
I swear he’s goading me. But then he tips his chin and a sexy, smoldering grin passes over his lips and I’m not so sure anymore. He turns to look at me one more time before he exits, and excitement flushes over my face. I nod a slight cursory acknowledgement, then he disappears and disappointment washes over me—he’s gone. Crap. The cupcakes are also gone. Double crap. And now I’m left wondering if he saw me staring at that flavor? Did he distract me on purpose so he could purchase them first? Urrr…I’m so angry right now I consider walking out, but when the clerk asks me what I’d like I settle for the Vanilla Milk Chocolate cakes—they are the mirror reflection of the black and whites, with vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, but they are not nearly as good.
INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #2:
Title: TORN (Connections #2)
TORN SYNOPSIS:
Rock star River Wilde brought Dahlia London back from the brink of hopelessness with his unwavering love and devotion. But their entwined history is about to test the strength of that love…
Dahlia was certain she had found true love and met her ‘Once in a Lifetime’ when she reconnected with River. But Dahlia’s world comes crashing down when someone from her past resurfaces, and all of River’s carefully hidden secrets are exposed.
River wants to show Dahlia that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about dancing in the rain! But how many times can one broken heart be mended? Will River and Dahlia be able to face the turmoil together or will they be torn apart?
** TORN ** (available now – follow up to Connected)
INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK #1:
Title: Connected (Connections #1)
CONNECTED SYNOPSIS:
What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?
Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London’s soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.
When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.
Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia’s grief begins to lift–but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.
But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?
** CONNECTED ** (available now – first book of the series)
*This list will be pinned to the top of our FB page and updates will be made throughout the week. Buy links for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Paperbacks. Amazon Global links are provided. Genre codes included with titles. Key to codes listed at the bottom of the list.
Hope Flames by Jaci Burton
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 4 Stars
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.
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
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.
Dark Wolf (A Carpathian Novel) by Christine Feehan
Release Date: January 7, 2014 | Series: Carpathian (Book 24)
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
WHERE DARK LYCAN ENDED, DARK WOLF BEGINS…
BOOK NUMBER 25 IN CHRISTINE FEEHAN’S ACCLAIMED CARPATHIAN SERIES
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan now delivers her most eagerly awaited novel of all—ten years in the making—in the “the erotic, gripping series that has defined an entire genre” (J. R. Ward).
In Dark Lycan, Christine Feehan journeyed into the heart of the Carpathians, and into the souls of two lifemates stirred by the flush of passion and the threat of annihilation. In Dark Wolf, the breathtaking story continues as the bonds of family are imperiled, and the fate of two lovers lies hidden in the seductive shadows between life and death.
Skyler Daratrazanoff always recognized the miracle that was Dimitri Tirunul, a man beyond any dream that had ever engaged her nights. But she was human. Vulnerable. He was Carpathian. Nearly immortal. She was nineteen. He was an ancient. Yet she held half his soul, the light to his darkness. Without her, he would not survive. Caught between the two warring species, Dimitri has spent centuries hunting the undead to keep his people free, and humans safe. He had survived honorably when others had chosen to give up their souls. But now, marked for extermination by the Lycans, Dimitri found himself alone, and fearing for his life. But salvation was coming…
No Lycan would ever suspect someone like Skyler to dare mount a secret rescue operation. A teenage girl. A human of untested abilities. But she had something no one else had. She was predestined for Dimitri—as he was for her. And there was nothing stronger for Skyler than her desire to see her life-dream come true. Whatever the risk.
INCLUDES A PREVIEW OF CHRISTINE FEEHAN’S NEXT CARPATHIAN NOVEL, DARK BLOOD
REVIEW:
This smoking hot paranormal romance had all the aspects of the Carpathian novels we have grown to love. The danger and intrigue at times left me breathless, but that was tempered well with the love and friendship loaded on the pages. This story also had a fun group of friends that I believed had been together for years. I enjoyed Skyler’s strength and determination that was clearly shown without ever losing her softness. Dimitri was perfect for her and the romance flowed smoothly. All in all a well written story that was very hard to put down and I am still lost in their world.
*ARC provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.
~LATEST NEWS from Christine Feehan Website about the new Dark Series Trilogy~
The first book, Dark Lycan, has Fenris and Tatijana. Fenris is Dimitri’s brother. The second book, Dark Wolf is Skyler and Dimitri’s. The third book, Dark Blood, in the new trilogy is a Lycan hunter by the name of Zev who is lifemate to Bronnie, Tatijana’s sister. It is scheduled to be coming out in Septembe of 2014. The paperback re-issue of Dark Lycan in paperback will be coming out May 2014.
Link to Series Reading Order and Buy Links: http://www.christinefeehan.com/dark_series/index.php
BOOK #1: DARK PRINCE
BOOK #2: DARK DESIRE
BOOK #3: DARK GOLD
BOOK #4: DARK MAGIC
BOOK #5: DARK CHALLENGE
BOOK #6: DARK FIRE
BOOK #7: DARK DREAM
BOOK #8: DARK LEGEND
BOOK #9: DARK GUARDIAN
BOOK #10: DARK SYMPHONY
BOOK #11: DARK DESCENT
BOOK #12: DARK MELODY
BOOK #13: DARK DESTINY
BOOK #14: DARK HUNGER
BOOK #15: DARK SECRET
BOOK #16: DARK DEMON
BOOK #17: DARK CELEBRATION
BOOK #18: DARK POSSESSION
BOOK #19: DARK CURSE
BOOK #20: DARK SLAYER
BOOK #21: DARK PERIL
BOOK #22: DARK PREDATOR
BOOK #23: DARK STORM
BOOK #24: DARK LYCAN (September, 2013)
BOOK #25: DARK WOLF (January, 2014)
BOOK #26: DARK BLOOD (September, 2014)
Reckless (Renegades, Book 1) by Skye Jordan
Publication Date: December 22, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Dawn
Rated: 5 Stars
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.
Born In Blood: The Sentinels by Alexandra Ivy
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In a stunning new series, Alexandra Ivy lures readers into the dark, seductive world of the Sentinels–humans outcast by their hidden abilities, treading the line between life and death, good and evil, pleasure and pain. . .
In The Heart Of Darkness
Sergeant Duncan O’Conner has seen it all before. Beautiful erotic dancer, murdered at home, no suspect, no motive. But there’s one clue: she’s missing her heart. It’s enough to make the hard-bitten Kansas City cop enlist the help of a necro–one of the dead-channelling freaks who live in the domed city of nearby Valhalla. It’s a long shot, but desperate crimes call for desparate measures.
Lies The Kiss Of Death
Unlike the other “high-bloods” in Valhalla, Callie Brown considers her abilities a gift, not a curse. But when she reads the dancer’s final thoughts, she senses a powerful presence blocking her vision. This is no ordinary homicide. This is the work of a legendary necromancer who controls souls. A ravenous force that will put Callie’s skills to the test, O’Conner’s career at risk, and both their hearts on the line. . .literally.
REVIEW: Born in Blood is the first book in Alexandra Ivy’s exciting new paranormal romance series and was a great start to the series. I loved it! This book is full of action, danger, and steamy romance. Alexandra Ivy created an exciting and seductive new world with Sentinels, who are humans with special abilities. I loved the main characters, Duncan the sexy detective, and Callie, a gifted Sentinel. There were a lot of secondary characters that captured my attention as well. Now I’m hooked and this series will be on my must buy list. I can not wait to see what else she has in store for us in this series. I recommend this series for paranormal romance lovers.
*ARC provided by NetGalley/ Kensington in exchange for an honest review.
Reading in Pajamas 