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REVIEW: Killing Time by Cindy Gerard

4/10/2018

Title: Killing Time

Series: One Eyed Jacks #1

Author: Cindy Gerard

Genre: Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery

Length:400 pages - Purchased by Reviewer

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read!

Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy

Eva is not some beautiful woman in a seedy bar. She has a target. Mike. She has a plan: drugs to knock him out and flex cuffs to keep him contained. Now, if she could only get answers. Mike is a disgraced military man who went down for the accidental death of most of his crew (The one eyed jacks) but was he simply a scapegoat? Once Mike finds out who Eva really is they embark on a quest to find the truth about the terrible event year ago …

I haven’t ready Cinder Gerard in a while. I saw this book on sale, I wanted to read more by her and boom, now it’s mine (My precious. You know you’re doing that in a Golem voice). Anyway, I really like this story. The tension and action is super high. The plot is thick with twists and turns. Who really framed Mike? What’s Eva really about? When it all comes to a huge, battle driven ending I knew I was hooked. My only issues is the jumpy point of view. Several times we are in secondary characters heads and they added nothing to the story itself, well, nothing expect word count. The romance is borderline sweet. I really like Mike and Eva. They fit together, emotionally broken and trying to patch themselves up. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

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REVIEW: Secrets and Solace by Jana Richards

4/4/2018

Title: Secrets and Solace

Love at Solace Lake, Book 2 - Not stand alone

Author: Jana Richards

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 3 Stars - A Good Read!

Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy!

The second sister, Scarlet, is staying for a few weeks while they get the lodge in order but memories of her parents murder/suicide lingers. She finds herself pulled toward Cameron and his cute daughter Tessa. As the lodge start to come together so does Scarlet and Cameron.

The beginning is slow moving. It didn’t pull me in like the first book but Cameron and Scarlet are some of my favorites from the first book so I kept reading. Scarlet is the beautiful redhead who deals with advertising. She doesn’t plan to make the lodge home but the more time she spends with Cam the more he breaks down her defenses. I like her a lot. Cameron has a long history with alcohol and a cheating, manipulative ex. He’s so adorable with his daughter. There are definitely spots in the book where the pace is snail like. There are several scenes that add nothing to the story. I wish the author or editor had cut them out so the story moved faster. The reason I took off 1 star is really about the pace. I had the urge to skim through the book, which is something I normally never do. The story is just so freaking slow moving. The second removed star is for the romance. The romance itself is nice but lacking. I didn’t feel the heat or connection that I’d hoped for between Cam and Scarlet. They mystery of her parent’s drowning/possible murder gets more complicated and I love that aspect. I have some suspicions about who her mother’s secret lover is and how the murder/suicide really happened.

This is a sweet story that I enjoyed reading

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REVIEW: Sting by Sandra Brown

3/26/2018

Title: Sting

Author: Sandra Brown

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Mystery

Length: 408 pages - Purchased by Reviewer

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read!

Heat: 2/5 - Flirty!

Jordie is in a lot of trouble and it’s not even her fault. Her brother Josh has left witness protection and a creep named Panella thinks Josh stole millions from him. Now, she’s the target of the FBI, Panella and any hitmen he hires. That’s where Shaw comes in. He’s the hitman hired to kill her but things go to hell and after a few hours with her, his resolve falters. Jordie isn’t exactly giving up either. She’s determined to get free and save her brother Josh but the twists that happen will shock you.

Wow, I’ve been wanting to read this book for a month now but haven’t had time. I finally sat down last night to read it, couldn’t stop reading it, slept for a few hours, woke and…finished the book. Yeah, that good! Jordie is fantastic. She’s smart, not helpless but not exactly a badass and she’s got this terrible weakness for Shaw. Maybe because he hasn’t killer her (yet) and maybe because of a surprise smoldering kiss that takes her breath away. She feels indebted to her brother from a childhood tragedy and she’ll go through hell to keep him safe. Shaw, oh my god, Shaw. Can you hear me melting? He’s the epitome of a sexy man, scars, muscles, hairy chest and all that good stuff. He’s also got a lot of secrets. I love the push and pull between them. As the case of Panella, Josh and the missing money unfolds the romance heightens. When the twist unwinds, which is a fabulous development, I could not stop reading. From the first page to the last page, I am totally engrossed in this romantic suspense.

Sandra Brown proves she’s the queen of romantic suspense in this must read novel, Sting.

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REVIEW: Lies and Solace by Jana Richards

3/19/2018

Title: Lies and Solace

Love at Solace Lake #1

Author: Jana Richards

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

Length: 245 pages

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read!

Heat: 2/5 - Flirty

Harper is now in charge of the family lodge and she’s looking to get some investors to bring it back to its former glory. Ethan represents the big company trying to buy her land. They’re both stuck in the lodge because of a wicked blizzard. As they get closer Ethan has a secret that’s getting harder to keep but so does Harper…...

Where the hell has this author been and why haven’t I read her before? This book is fantastic! Harper is trying her hardest to get Ethan to fall in love with this lodge. Ethan’s open to her thoughts but also feeling attracted to her. Their romance is a beautiful sizzle that really leaps off the pages. Yes, Ethan lies to her but I one hundred percent understood why he does it and totally hoped she does too. Harper’s secret isn’t really a big one, just trust issues that she has to work out. I do wish there is a bit more heat between them. The snow mobile ride and making him breakfast are great opportunities for a heated touch but miss the mark. There isn’t any real suspense here but there’s a hint of it. I’m wondering if maybe her parents murder isn’t as straight forward as it seems. A bit more heat and this book would be perfection! I’ve been going back and forth for the rating. Four stars? No, it is so freaking good. Five stars? It needs more heat. I really wish we gave out half stars. After a mental debate I’m going with five stars. I couldn’t stop reading!

If your looking for a slow burning contemporary romance, you have to read Lies and Solace!

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REVIEW: Wrecked by Shiloh Walker

3/19/2018

Title: Wrecked

Series: The Barnes Brothers 1

Author: Shiloh Walker

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

Length: 294 pages - Purchased by reviewer

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 5 stars - A Must Read!

Heat: 5/5

Zach and Abigale worked together as kid actors but both were happy to leave that world. They are best friends but Zach has fallen completely in love with Abigale, only she doesn’t seem to realize it. When her fiance goes on a rant about her getting back into acting they break up and who does she call, her best friend. He brings with her a journal called Wreck This Life and it’s going to change her forever.

This book is the epitome of romance. Oh my God! So romantic! Abigale is clueless about Zach’s feelings and she so wrapped up in her past that I believe her. When she starts seeing Zach as more than a friend the heat factor skyrockets. Finally, Zach is getting his chance but everything seems to be standing in their way, family, friends, robbers. There is never a dull moment with this book and lots of hot ones. The ending is perfect and I’ve already ordered the next book in this series. I love this book so much I’m raiding the author back list for more to read!

If you’re looking for a romantic read, stop right here! Wrecked by Shiloh Walker is a must read!

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GIVEAWAY: Winter Symphony by Jean Maxwell

3/14/2018

8 Comments

Title: Winter Symphony

Series: Overtures #1

Author: Jean Maxwell

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Holiday/Christmas

Length: 147 pages

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read!

Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot!

Jenna loves her musical career but the problem is everything else in her life. Her marriage is falling apart and she becomes unhappy with the direction of her future. When her high school sweetheart returns it may just be the miracle she was hoping for but secrets still keep them apart.

I don’t even know where to start this review. It’s one of those books that so amazingly romantic that it’s hard to sum it up in one sentence. Jenna, oh Jenna. I want to scoop her up into a hug. Her husband’s a jerk and then Brand is back in her life. Total swoon. Talk about complicated. He’s also got a medical secret that’s really heartbreaking. Oh, Jenna’s got a freaking huge secret of her own. When Jenna final breaks it off with her husband she knows life is too short to pass on what she wants. And what she wants is Brand. Although I’m not musically inclined I had no problem following this genre story. In fact, I found it wonderfully interesting.

If you like contemporary romance you’re going to love Winter Symphony!

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GIVEAWAY

The TBR Pile is giving away a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card and 3 ebooks from our prize list (1 each).

TO ENTER: Comment below on why you want to read Winter Symphony by Jean Maxwell!

For extra entries, share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below.

Winners:

$10.00 Amazon Card: Melissa
Prize List Ebook: Linda, Tammy and Kiran

8 Comments

Title: Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

3/2/2018

Title: Dead of Winter

Series: The Arcana Chronicles (not stand alone)

Author: Kresley Cole

Genre: Young adult, Dystopian, Paranormal, Romance

Length: 303 pages - Purchased by reviewer

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read!

Heat: 2/5 - Flirty

Are you freaking kidding me?! Oh my God, this book is crazy good!

The world is destroyed, powerful teenagers are fated to fight each other to the death. One of them, Evie, is evil in all the previous games but this game she had an anchor for her goodness. That would be cajun bad boy Jack. Can a moral survive in a battle of Gods?

Un-freaking-believable! The first two books are amazing and I swear they are just getting better. The evil known as The Lovers have kidnapped Arcana Selena and they have to rescue her. Meanwhile Eve must choose between Death/Aric who was her husband in a past life and Cajun mortal Jack who keeps her good. I have been in love with Jack. I'm totally TEAM JACK from the beginning. He has lied to her in the past but it is all with good intentions. The ending is a huge cliffhanger that I have to solve. Give me the next book already! Who does Evie pick? You have to read the book to find out. And Jack better not be dead! *Sobs*

Dead of Winter is another phenomenal young adult adventure in this mind blowing series. You must read The Arcana Chronicles!

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REVIEW: Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

3/2/2018

Title: Endless Knight

Series: The Arcana Chronicles (not stand alone)

Author: Kresley Cole

Genre: Young adult, Dystopian, Paranormal, Romance

Length: 320 pages - Purchased by Reviewer

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read!

Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy!

This is the second book in the Arcana Chronicles series by Kresley Cold. The first book is mind blowing and the second book is just as stunning! Evie and the Arcana's with their special powers are dealing with the end of the world. They manage to resist the urge to kill each other along with the Cajun bad boy Jack. Some Arcana are evil, others misunderstood and it's all happening after a bright flash scorched the earth. There are Bagmen (zombie like), scary cannibals (super freaking scary and dark) and Jack who is human. In the previous book he just found out about Evie's powers so there is a lot of tension there. I'm not giving up hope on them!

This is a total edge of your seat story. The story is complicated and twisted and so enthralling that a few times my mouth was hanging open while reading. I love, love, love all the characters but I think Evie is my favorite. She's trying to deal with the revelation of her powers, all these Arcana calling her evil and trying to kill her. Plus, the red witch inside her longs to get free and slaughter them all. Intense! I love Jack, even from the beginning, so when they finally acknowledge each other I was ecstatic. Then Death/Aric comes swooping in and turns everything upside down. Oh my God! So good!!

If you thought the first book was insanely good wait until you read Endless Knight. Of course, I highly recommend this series. *Rubs hands greedily for the next book*

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REVIEW: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

2/20/2018

Title: Poison Princess

The Arcana Chronicles #1

Author: Kresley Cole

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopian, Fantasy

Length: 369 pages - Purchased by Reviewer

TBR Reviewer: Christine

Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read!

Heat: 2/5 - Flirty!

Okay, stick with me here. This is a freaking weird, amazing, stunning, wonderful, complicated book.

Evie is hearing voices and having visions. She’s sent to a center where they pump her full of pills to counteract her crazy. However, when she returns to school, her best friend, her popular boyfriend and some new kids from the other side of town, everything falls apart. She starts being able to control plants and the visions are getting worse, then they start coming true. Light and death, fall onto the earth. It’s the end of the world! It withers crops, decimates water and turns people in the worst way. Now, Evie must deal with the visions, her weird powers, the end of the world, bagmen (Zombie like creatures) and oh yeah, the bad boy from school shows up. It figures he’d survive but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

I’m totally freaking out right now. This book is phenomenal! It is so weird in an ‘can’t put this book down’ way. The plot is a twisting row of vines and prickly thorns much like the main character Evie. She’s not crazy, she’s one of the few who might be able to actually save the world. The problem is, the visions don’t make sense and the voices are all riddles. She’s also distracted by the whole end of the world thing and Jackson. The bad boy Cajun with the accent that has this girl swooning. Yeah, I said it. Nope, I don’t regret it. The book starts with Evie in a serial killer’s house, telling her story, being drugged. I did not like this first-person point of view jumping. It is really confusing but it is only three short chapters so I’m begging you to press on. This story is amazing! The further the plot progress the more intense and crazy good everything becomes. Evie is falling for Jackson but a new girl shows up who may or may not be like her. There’s a bit of romance. There are bagmen attacks (Zombie like creatures) and militia on the hunt for survivors. It’s like the people who survived the apocalypse turned hard and cold but can Evie stay sweet in such a place?

Wow, Poison Princess blew me away. Right out of my freaking seat (not literally but my mouth was definitely hanging open). I’ve already ordered the next two books. I have to read them. HAVE TO. RIGHT NOW! (Grumbles about shipping time).

If you only read one book this year, you have to read Poison Princess by Kresley Cole!

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REVIEW: Bitten By Kelley Armstrong

1/29/2018

Title: Bitten

Series: Women of Otherworld #1

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Shifters

Length: 436 pages - purchased by reviewer

TBR Reviewer: Christine K.

Rating: 4 stars - Highly Recommended Read

Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot

Elena is the only female werewolf in the world, that anyone knows of. Most humans don’t survive the bite but for some reason she did. However, how she got the bite is the real story. It is from her fiancée, Clay, who never told her his deepest darkest secret. Years later, she separates from the pack trying to get back into a human state of mind. When the pack leader calls for help she reluctantly returns and nothing will ever be the same…

Okay, I’m starting this review off with the bad. They killed animals. I hate that in books. I’d normally DNF the whole series but I really like Elena so I kept reading and skipped those bits. The info dumps. Holy crap! There are pages and pages and pages of info dumps. This is an older book so I gave it a bit of leeway with that. But I like Clay and Nick too. I am kind of hoping the three of them have something going. So, I kept reading. There’s also cheating which is also another big no for me…I kept reading. The author manages to grab me and pull me in despite all these issues. She has some serious talent. I love the relationships in the pack. Jeremy, their leader, Clay who’s more animal than human and Nick who is all about the flirting. They all had a rough childhood but came together to survive.

The mystery aspect is well done. Who’s killing all these humans? Why are mutts suddenly banding together? I truly enjoy the suspense and the action is fantastic. I’ve already ordered the second book! Then I found out there’s a tv series based on this. That is definitely on my list to watch!

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