Day: February 9, 2015

Review: Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas

Posted February 9, 2015 by Holly in Reviews | 0 Comments

Review: Crystal Cove by Lisa KleypasReviewer: Holly
Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas
Series: Friday Harbor #4
Publisher: Macmillan
Publication Date: February 5th 2013
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 336
Add It: Goodreads
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three-half-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

ONE WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN CURSED NEVER TO FIND LOVE . . .
ONE MAN WITHOUT A SOUL WHO WANTS HER MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF . . .
THEY MEET IN A SMALL ISLAND TOWN IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, WHERE MAGIC IS IN THE AIR AND FATE IS A FORCE TOO POWERFUL TO DEFY. . . .
In New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas's Crystal Cove, Justine Hoffman has made a comfortable life for herself on the island of Friday Harbor. She is the proprietor of a successful boutique hotel, and she has the safe, predictable life she has always wanted. Growing up with her flighty, nomadic mother, Marigold, has instilled in her a deep longing for stability. But in spite of everything Justine has achieved, there is still something missing. Love. And after years of waiting and dreaming, she is willing to do whatever it takes to change her destiny.
What Justine soon discovers is that someone cast a spell on her when she was born, with the result that she will never find her soul mate. Determined to change her fate, Justine finds a way to break the enchantment, never dreaming of the dangerous complications that will follow.
And when Justine meets the mysterious Jason Black, she accidentally unleashes a storm of desire and danger that threaten everything she holds dear . . . because Jason has secrets of his own, and he wants more from her than fate will ever allow.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous Friday Harbor novels, but I still felt it was a strong read. I found myself becoming frustrated with the characters toward the middle of the book. I felt there needed to be a lot more groveling on the part of the hero once his big secret is revealed. Justine’s refusal to accept what she was was frustrating, especially since she had such casual disregard for witchcraft, but was willing to meddle in it for her own purposes.

Many others were bothered by the paranormal elements, but I thought they were interesting and well done. Though soft, they added additional depth and entertainment to the story.

Still, I enjoyed the romance and the suspense of waiting to see what would happen with her curse. The end was satisfying and exciting, and I enjoyed the main characters as well as the secondary ones.

3.75 out of 5

Reading Order:

three-half-stars

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Monthly Reads: January 2015

Posted February 9, 2015 by Rowena in Features, Giveaways | 6 Comments

Rowena: This year, I promised myself that I was going to read what I wanted to read and at whatever pace I wanted to read them at. I’m not going to try to read a ridiculous amount of books this year and I think that in the first month of the year, I did just that. I’m not reading a whole lot of books but the books that I am reading, I’m really enjoying them. So I think this is going to be the year of quality reading for me. At least, I’m hoping it will be anyway.

Here’s what I read in the month that was January.


  1. Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison | 4.5 out of 5
  2. Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brooks | 4 out of 5
  3. Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh | 4.5 out of 5
  4. Perfect Couple by Jennifer Echols | 4 out of 5
  5. More than This by Jay McLean | 3 out of 5
  6. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes | 4 out of 5
  7. Catch a Falling Heiress by Laura Lee Guhrke | 4 out of 5
  8. Trade Me by Courtney Milan | 4.5 out of 5
  9. We Can Work it Out by Elizabeth Eulberg | 2.5 out of 5

Nine books. This time last year, I would have been down about that number but it’s a new year and to hell with that.

My favorite read of the month was Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison. I knew that I would enjoy this book because Holly never steers me wrong but I wasn’t prepared for how much I was going to love this book. I adored everything about it. The main couple, the secondary characters, the plot, the world. Dragos is whoa. He gets all of my heart eyes for the month. Honorable Mentions go to: Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh, Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brook and Trade Me by Courtney Milan. I enjoyed the heck out of all of those books too.

My least favorite read of the month goes to a book that I was actually looking forward to reading. We Can Work it Out by Elizabeth Eulberg. It took me a long time to read the book because I stayed mad at the main character, Penny Lane throughout the book. She took on too much and instead of me liking it, and her, it pissed me off. When I closed the book, my first thought was that Ryan and Penny’s story should have ended at The Lonely Hearts Club.

Holly: I’m still in a slump. I kind of blame Nalini Singh. I said I wasn’t going to binge-read her Psy-Changeling series, so I tried to read books in between. Which didn’t work. Eventually I gave in to the inevitable and my reading picked up again. Damn you series books! Still, I managed 14 books, which isn’t too bad. Looking over my list I realize I only read two recently published/upcoming books. I need to work on that for next month.

  1. Saving Grace by Julie Garwood (re-read) | 5 out of 5
  2. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (re-read) | 3.75 out of 5
  3. Visions in Heat by Nalini Singh (re-read) | 3.75out of 5
  4. Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh (re-read) | 4.5 out of 5
  5. Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh (re-read) | 3 out of 5
  6. Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh (re-read) | 3.75 out of 5
  7. Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brook (re-read) | 4.5 out of 5
  8. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh | 4.25 out of 5
  9. Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh |  4.25 out of 5
  10. Black Wolf’s Revenge by Tera Shanley | 2.75 out of 5
  11. Fall Into Me by Linda Winfree (re-read) | 4.5 out of 5
  12. Ransom by Julie Garwood (re-read) | 3.5 out of 5
  13. The Return of Eden McCall by Judith Duncan (re-read) | 4 out of 5
  14. Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley | 2.5 out of 5

My favorite read of the month was probably Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh. Though I’ve been enjoying the series as a whole, Branded by Fire stands out because of Mercy. I heart her. (This is, of course, excluding re-reads since we all know Judd is the bestest ever).

My least favorite read was probably Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley. That book was just boring. The secondary romance added a little spark, which is why I graded it a 2.5, but the main romance and plot were a snoozefest.

Since I didn’t read any great new books in January, I’m just going to give Slave to Sensation away, for those who haven’t read the series and want to try it out.

This month we’re giving away:

Trade Me by Courtney Milan (e-copy)
Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (print or digital, winner’s choice)

If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were. Also, be sure to tell us what book you’re interested in reading. You can put your name in for more than one book, but you’ll only be allowed to win one, so choose wisely.

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Rafflcopter Widget below to enter!

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Guest Review: Beyond Limits by Laura Griffin

Posted February 9, 2015 by Jen in Reviews | 3 Comments

Genres: Romantic Suspense

1Jen’s review of Beyond Limits (Tracers #8) by Laura Griffin.

FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc is still caught in the aftermath of her last big case when she runs into the one man from her past who is sure to rock her equilibrium even more. Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back home from a harrowing rescue mission in which he found evidence of a secret terror cell on US soil. Elizabeth knows he’ll do anything to unravel the plot—including seducing her for information. And despite the risks involved, she’s tempted to let him. Together with the forensics experts at the Delphi Center, Derek and Elizabeth are closing in on the truth, but it may not be fast enough to avert a devastating attack…

I’ve been a dedicated reader of Griffin’s Tracers series for quite a while now. I love her strong, competent heroines and her exciting plots. While I did have a few issues with this book, it still satisfied my love for a good romantic thriller.

This book shifts away from the Delphi Center a bit, which is the privately funded high tech forensic investigation organization the series centers around. (We do get a quick glimpse of some of the Delphi staff, but they’re not really integral to the story.) Instead, we hear the story of FBI Agent Elizabeth LeBlanc and SEAL Derek Vaughn. Elizabeth and Derek first met in book 6 of the series when Derek spent a whole week trying to distract Elizabeth from investigating his SEAL buddy. They were mutually attracted, but Elizabeth was reluctant to start anything with a guy who’s never around, so they parted ways. Now, Elizabeth is on a task force investigating a possible terrorist cell in Houston, Texas, the same terrorists Derek had a run in with during an operation in Afghanistan. Derek sort of barges his way into the investigation, and both he and Elizabeth’s team quickly learn that the plot is bigger and more deadly than anyone anticipated. They are in a race against time to find and stop the terrorists before they can attack.

As usual, Griffin does a great job building a suspenseful story. Often Griffin’s characters are fighting serial killers or some kind of other criminal, but this book scales up the crime. This time, Elizabeth and Derek are trying to stop a large terrorist attack that could kill thousands. It’s definitely a different kind of story, but no less exciting. There is less focus on the science component than we’ve seen in the other books, and more focus on following trails, trying to anticipate terrorist plans/targets, and profiling. I did miss the science a little because I’m geeky, but I thought the investigation was logical and appropriately complex. The ending in particular was fast paced and action packed, and I didn’t want to take my eyeballs off the page! I also really enjoyed the romance portion of the story. I felt like Elizabeth and Derek were well matched, and they had some great sexual tension.

One of my favorite things about the Tracers series is that the heroines are so damn smart and good at their jobs. The heroes are good too, but they don’t always upstage the heroines like you often see in romantic suspense. Griffin has set the bar high in my mind, but I felt like this book veered more into the same-old territory of the hero being the actual HERO while the woman is just his support. Don’t get me wrong–Elizabeth is extremely competent and an excellent agent, but Derek often steamrolled over her and took charge of her job, which pissed me off. There is one part where he goes his own way in the investigation and does some things that could legitimately get Elizabeth fired, and she is (justifiably) angry with him. But instead of talking to him about it and him apologizing for his behavior, she sleeps with him and ignores what happened. I was so frustrated that Derek got off the hook and usurped her awesomeness! I guess I just felt like things didn’t need to be this way, and in fact it would have been more logical for Elizabeth to be the star and Derek to be her support. After all, he’s a SEAL, not an investigating agent. Fortunately, Derek does grow to respect and trust Elizabeth’s skills, too, but I don’t know why he had to be the star of the show.

I think even someone new to this series could absolutely understand and enjoy this book because there’s no continuing plot from book to book, and I encourage any romantic suspense/thriller fans to give the series a try. While I wanted to see a little more focus on the heroine, Beyond Limits is still a thrilling and compelling read.

Grade: 4 out of 5

Reading Order:

This book is available from Pocket Books. You can purchase it here or here in e-format.  This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Giveaway: DreamMakers series by Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy (+ a Bonus!)

Posted February 9, 2015 by Holly in Giveaways | 14 Comments

don't walk awayLast year, Vivian Arend and Elle Kennedy teamed up to bring us the DreamMakers series.

What are three ex-military best friends supposed to do when they’re back on US soil permanently? Parker Wilson, Jack Hunter and Dean Colter considered establishing the typical security company, but a glut on the market forced a change of plans.

After listening to a friend bemoan not knowing what to do for his girlfriend’s birthday, they realized their set of job skills left them uniquely positioned to assist the confused male masses. Any idiot can plan a perfect date if he knows his woman well enough. And anyone with recon skills can fill in the missing gaps.

The idea of 3 Army Rangers running a dating service tickles me. It helps that all three are super hot, have a great friendship and know how to treat a lady.

With book 3, Don’t Walk Away, slated for release in April 2015, we thought we’d give away the first two books in the series to one lucky winner!

all fired upAll Fired Up

Book 1 of the DreamMakers. A red-hot collaboration from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors VIVIAN AREND and ELLE KENNEDY.

He’s ready to lead the way

Parker Wilson never thought he’d go from battle-hardened soldier to romance expert, but after his stint in the Rangers, that’s exactly what happened. As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., he helps other men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. When a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of passion, Parker’s mission becomes more personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.

She’s more than willing to follow

Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s just ditched her boring almost-boyfriend and is tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.

love is a battlefieldLove is a Battlefield

Book 2 of the DreamMakers series. A red-hot collaboration from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors VIVIAN AREND and ELLE KENNEDY.

He’s ready to admit she’s all grown up

After two tours of duty, former Army Ranger Jack Hunter is back in the US, working to keep DreamMakers a brilliant success. Now that his best friend’s little sister is home from college, it’s time to retire his hands-off policy and take action. He wants Pepper Wilson in his bed, but seducing the feisty redhead could be dangerous for more than one reason.

She’s ready to push all his buttons

Pepper is tired of being bossed around by everyone in her life, especially arrogant, annoying, overbearing Jack Hunter. While she can’t deny the man is out-of-this-world gorgeous, his alpha routine is getting old. His steely determination proves a match for her own, though, and the attraction simmering between them ignites into fiery passion.
But can their wild sexual exploration turn into more without someone getting burned?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

breaking wavesBONUS GIVEAWAY: We also have a copy of Breaking Waves, an anthology featuring books 1 & 2 in Vivian Arend’s Forces of Nature series to give away.

Collects Tidal Wave (Forces of Nature #1) and Whirlpool  (Forces of Nature, Book 2)

A secret world. An undercurrent of ecstasy. Desire is rising fast…

Tidal Wave

Alexia returns to Jaffrey’s Cove to discover the special getaway of her youth is even more magical than she remembers—and more erotic. She’s surrounded by golden boys of summers past, her body filled with longings she can’t explain. Joshua and Anthony are merfolk, and Alexia holds a medallion that marks her as the next leader of their people. She needs both of them working in tandem to rouse her passion high enough to shift—and protect her from those who would use her simply to gain power.

Whirlpool

Two things prevent Braden from claiming Chelsea for his own. No way will the Jaffrey’s Cove sheriff stand in the way of her dreams. And no way will he share her with another merfolk lover. With her future plans in shambles, Braden’s the only bright spot left in Chelsea’s life—except he holds her at arm’s lengthand keeps other men away. Solution? A sensual flirtation with Jamie Powell, a visiting marine archeologist. Suddenly there’s more than merfolk secrets at stake. Use the widget below to enter! 

 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the authors

vivian arendVivian Arend in one word: Adventurous. In a sentence: Willing to try just about anything once. That wide-eyed attitude has taken her around North America, through parts of Europe, and into Central and South America, often with no running water.

Her optimistic outlook also meant that when challenged to write a book, she gave it a shot, and discovered creating worlds to play in was nearly as addictive as traveling the real one. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both contemporary and paranormal stories, Vivian continues to explore, write and otherwise keep herself well entertained.

Website: http://www.vivianarend.comBlog: http://www.vivianarend.com/blog
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/VivianArend
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VivianArend
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2932249.Vivian_Arend
elle kennedyA USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle writes romantic suspense and erotic contemporary romance for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Website: http://www.ellekennedy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElleKennedy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElleKennedy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1935000.Elle_Kennedy

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