The One That Got Away by Kathryn Gerbert

Title: The One That Got Away
Author: Kathryn Gerbert
Publisher: Wild Horse Press
Published date: April 28, 2009
Genre/Theme: Contemporary Romance
Length: 64 pages
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Review:

Jennifer found herself on a plane, on her wedding day, ALONE! Though her wedding day didn't go as planned, there is a certain someone who felt it necessary to keep her company on her "all alone honeymoon". Enter Jared, an old boyfriend who has never stopped having feelings about Jennifer, but another man is NOT what she had in mind. Will Jennifer give Jared one more chance?

Oh my gosh, I loved how this story started out! I would be shocked to see any old boyfriend of mine next to me, on a plane, bound for a honeymoon I had to take alone! This was such a fun story that I am so glad I spent a few hours of my afternoon reading. I laughed when I read the part about her waiting to see if Ashton Kutcher would be popping out of somewhere! The characters were those I could easily relate to and I loved how persistent Jared was. Kudos to the author for not making the heroine a skinny minny model type!

I have never read anything by Kathryn Gerbert before and I enjoyed reading The One That Got Away. The storied just flowed at the perfect pace with the perfect balance of drama and humor! I wish I could give this story a higher rating than the highest that we have. I highly recommend this book to ANYONE who loves a fun-filled charming read. The One That Got Away is a book that proves that love doesn't always happen when we think it will. I so wish that this story was longer! Hey, maybe we can convince Ms. Gerbert to do a sequel? I am not above begging!

Rating: 5 smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Elizabeth

It Happened One Hurricane by Carla Rossi

Title: It Happened One Hurricane
Author: Carla Rossi
Publisher: Wild Rose Publishing
Published date:
Genre/Theme: Contemporary
Length: 53 Pages
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Review:

Amber Kensington moved to Texas to start over. Alex Clarke is the kind of guy who takes care of those around him. When a Hurricane causes an evacuation, he finds that Amber is stranded when her car does not start. Amber is very weary of men so her attitude toward Alex is pretty harsh. Will Amber and Alex be able to overcome their past hurts and form a friendship?

I really loved It Happened One Hurricane. I thought Alex's character was so incredibly funny. From the beginning when Alex prays to God and says "God, please don't let me scream like a girl!" to the very end when he finds himself fumbling like a teenager, this book made me laugh. I love to read a book that has a sweet message about love and God. It Happened One Hurricane is a book that you don't want to miss. It's a book that EVERYONE can read which really appeals to me because I have three teenage daughters who constantly ask me for books to read. Most of the time it's on an adult level so the answer has to be no. It Happened One Hurricane is one of those kinds of books that I feel great comfort in letting my daughters read. It has a message that I think just about everyone needs to read.

I love reading work by Carla Rossi. Her writing style flows smoothly and the subject matter is very relatable. Her characters always have problems that seem like "real life" problems which is what draws me into her stories. I recommend this story to anyone who would like a really fun, sweet and quick read. You will not be disappointed.

Rating: 4 smacks
Heat Level: sweet
Other:m/f
Reviewer: Elizabeth

Awakening Allaire by Margie Church

Title: Awakening Allaire
Author: Margie Church
Publisher: Class Act Books
Published date: August 1, 2009
ISBN: 1-935048-19-8
Genre/Theme: Contemporary Suspense
Length: 308 Pages
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Review:
Allaire West seemed to have it all with her marriage to Jeff West but then something went very wrong. His name was Devon Mercer and he was drop dead gorgeous and very, very attentive. After a very brief affair, Allaire gives birth to twins and tries to pass them off as Jeff's. When the truth comes out, all hell breaks loose and Allaire finds herself alone with two beautiful babies. As time goes on, Devon offers Allaire and the babies a place to stay - with him. Per her rules, it's strictly platonic until one day Allaire decides she's tired of platonic and secretly attends Devon's Halloween bash. After professing her love for Devon, the situtation gets intense as Allaire is kidnapped, forced to endure cruel punishment that includes starvation, isolation and drug addiction. Devon will do all that is necessary to get his beautiful Allaire back AT ANY COST! But really, can life return to normal if Allaire does make it back into his life? What ugly forces will they have to deal with if they are reunited?

A book shelf keeper! An exciting romantic thriller involving a rich, famous and very powerful family! Awakening Allaire is, simply put, one of the best romantic suspense books I HAVE EVER READ! It honestly takes a genius to figure out the ending and no, I am not a genius and was in shock almost the entire book. From the scorching description of Devon to the helplessness and desperation Allaire feels during captivity, the emotions this book evoked in me were plentiful. One minute I was laughing, the next, crying and the next, gasping at the turn of events. Ms. Church has written a jaw-dropping, spine tingling book that barely slows down long enough to catch your breath. A sensual read, it is the powerful conflict and thrilling suspense throughout the Awakening Allaire which really stands out. It is a book that captures your attention and refuses to let go of your senses. A brilliantly talented writer, I find the writing style of Ms. Church to be electrifying and very convincing. The characters endured pure hell as well as pure heaven and I enjoyed every bit of my stay with them. The strong bond between Devon and Allaire made me continue to hang on to the hope that they would both make it out of their troubles with their relationship intact. The plot was stunning, very solid and was laced with intrigue and suspense. I held my breath when Allaire was being tortured and Ms. Church painted a remarkably vivid picture of her torture. I my heart ached for both Allaire and Devon. Honestly, I can't say enough about Awakening Allaire other than you will not want to miss this book. It is an exceptional read that people will be talking about for a long time to come. Any book by Ms. Church is now an automatic add to my keeper shelf! I hear there is a sequel to Awakening Allaire called Avenging Allaire that will be out soon. You can count on me being one of the first in line to get my hands on it.

Rating: 5 SMACKS!
Heat Level: Spicy
Other: m/f
Reviewer: Elizabeth

Surviving With Love by Rebecca J. Vickery

Title: Surviving With Love
Author: Rebecca J. Vickery
Publisher: Class Act Books
Published date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-935048-22-0 1-935048-22-8
Genre/Theme: Suspense
Length: Full
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Review:

Stacey Parker is a tracker that is sent to help ex-military hostage rescuer, Cord McConnell find two teenagers that were kidnapped. When Stacey and Cord meet, there is definitely an instant attraction but a lot of underlying hostility as well. From her smart mouth to her intriguing tracker skills, Cord has a feeling they will either kill each other or give in to their attraction. No matter what, their main goal is to retrieve two teenagers that have been kidnapped. Can they survive the wilderness and make it out alive?

Surviving With Love was one of those kinds of books that have it all. The action, well rounded characters, gripping plot line and a lot of sexual tension made this book one of the best books that I have ever read. The imagery was breathtaking and I actually felt as though I were there. Stacey's character was a little spitfire who was used to working alone and doing things her way. Cord's character was strong, stubborn and oh so sexy. Seriously, you will fall in love with Cord. Who wouldn't love an ex-marine who had a gift with children? From a powerful beginning to a captivating ending, this book was certainly a page turner. Ms. Vickery has done a magnificent job with Surviving With Love. I was shocked to find out this was her first book and believe me, just reading it, it will blow you away! She smoothly weaves humor with drama and gives the reader just what they crave, a captivating read that holds your attention with memorable characters that will not soon be forgotten. I not only enjoyed the book immensely but learned about an occupation I never knew existed. Throughout the book you will learn just what a tracker does and how they operate. It was truly fascinating. I strongly suggest you take a moment, buy the book and set aside some time for yourself. You will love this book and will hate to see this book end. There is nothing better than losing yourself in a thrilling and riveting love story. I give this book 5 smacks because it simply does not get better than this.


Rating: 5 Smacks
Heat Level: Spicy
Other: m/f
Reviewer: Elizabeth