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Monday, March 31, 2014

In The Line Of Duty (First Responders #2) by Donna Alward



In The Line Of Duty (First Responders #2)

Summary:

When it comes to love, sometimes a girl has to go above and beyond.

First Responders, Book 2

Jake Symonds has been a thorn in Constable Kendra Givens’s side since the night they first met, when she’d had to arrest him. In his boxer shorts. The drunken comments he made that night are worsened by the truth she’ll never admit. For a fleeting moment, they’d connected.

Two years later, when she’s called to investigate a break-and-enter at his pub, the last thing she expects is for the now-competent businessman to cook her breakfast. But she’s no fool. The former bad boy still lurks beneath the charm. And his business involves the one thing that she’s hated since it ruined her childhood. Alcohol.

As far as he’s concerned, Jake has changed, but Kendra still has a stick up her butt. Yet he can’t help but like her sass and quick wit. One well-aimed baseball at the carnival dunk tank later and he’s got a date.

Their spark of attraction quickly flares out of control, but their emotional baggage is stacked too high to risk anything deeper—until one tragic night strips the barriers from their deepest fears. And Kendra realizes the greatest danger Jake presents is to her heart.

Product Warnings:
Readers should be aware that any sexy comments made to police officers will be used against them in the hottest way possible.
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 125 pages (E-book)
Available Formats: E-book
Publication Date: August 28th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Yesterday I reviewed the first book in the series Off the Clock and I thought it was only appropriate to review the books on consecutive days as well so look out for my review of the third book in the series Into the Fire tomorrow.

In In the Line of Duty we read Kendra and Jake's story, I had a feeling even before I read the summary before it that it would focus on Kendra whom we met briefly in Off the Clock. Going into this one I had reasonably high hopes because I enjoyed the first book so much and it isn't that this one was enjoyable it just wasn't as enjoyable as the last one.

My biggest issue with the book was Kendra. I just didn't like her at all. I didn't like how she looked down her nose at Jake just because he owned a bar and she hauled him off to the drunk tank when he was home on leave from the war two years before. She was just so snobby about the whole thing that I wanted to smack her for about 75% of the story. I understand that her mother was a drunk who left her hanging as a kid but that doesn't give her the right to look down on people who stop by a bar for a quick pint. She just seemed so caught up in her own drama that I just didn't like her.

Jake on the other hand was a sweetheart and I adored him from the beginning. He had his issues when it came to dealing with the things he had to do and see in Afghanistan but he was working through them unlike Kendra. Plus I think Kendra was a bit whiny because war hero trumps mommy had a drinking problem. I know that's harsh but I just wish she'd been a little more understanding of Jake.

As much as  I didn't care for Kendra on her own she was much more likable when she was with Jake, he mellowed her out quite a bit by the end of the book and I did like how in the end the chemistry was really there and they did grow as a couple enough that I ended up liking the story in the end more than I thought I would.

I would recommend this to fans of the first book in the series and while it is a series you could get away with reading it as a standalone because while characters from book one are referenced they only have bit parts but it was nice to see them again for me. If you're looking for a quick romantic read I really recommend not only book one but this one as well.

Liked It!
★★★
 
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To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15719662-in-the-line-of-duty
 
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Quote-Tastic Monday #40

 
This one is simple and just about sharing your favorite quotes and the books they come from! Hosted by the FABULOUS Anna at Herding Cats & Burning Soup
 
Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #4)
 
Summary:
 
Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers. But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 455 pages (Mass Market Paperback)
Publication Date: March 6th 2007 by Onyx
 
Quote:
 
“So would you like to try on some clothes?" Beth nodded at what was in her arms. "I don't have many dresses but Fritz can get you some."
You know what?" Marissa eyed the blue jeans the queen had on. "I've never worn a pair of pants before."
I've got two pairs here if you want to try them out."
Well, wasn't this a night for firsts. Sex. Arson. Pants.”
  
 
Why I picked it:
 
I love the BDB series and am so excited that the newest book is coming out so soon that I had to feature one of my favourite books from the series. I loved Butch and Marissa a lot ad Marissa is one of the more likable heroines in the series so I had to choose one quote between her ad Beth.
 
What's your quote this week?
 
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It's Monday! What Are You Reading #93

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Book Journey and is a great way for others to find out what you are planning to read this week and, best of all, see what others are reading.
 
Read Last Week:
 
The Unlikely Hero of Room 13BThe First Christmas Without YouOff the Clock (First Responders, #1)In The Line Of Duty (First Responders #2)Into The Fire (First Responders, #3)Kisses, She Wrote: A Christmas Romance (The Prince Catchers, #1.5)Revving Her Up (Full Throttle, #1)The Short and Fascinating Tale of Angelina WhitcombeLove on Loch NessThe Earl in My Bed (Forgotten Princesses, #2.5)How Not to Calm a Child on a Plane: And Other Lessons in Parenting from a Highly Questionable Source
 
Currently Reading:
 
Rachel's Totem (Cougar Falls, #1)Wings of Redemption (Return to Sanctuary, #0.5)Protector (The Elect, #1)
 
Up Next:
 
Absolute Boyfriend, Vol. 02Takedown Twenty (Stephanie Plum, #20)How to LoveMaking Waves
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The Monster Thon Kick Off

pickyourthon
 
I stumbled across Kimberly @ Kimberly's Novel Notes kick off post and decided that since I had so much fun with the last read-a-thon that I participated in that I would give this one a try. Here are the details:

What its all about: 
 
The Monster Read and Review-a-thons are a great chance for us all to get together, read some fabulous reads, and get to those reviews that we know have been sitting there waiting to be done for a little too long. You can read as much as you want. Review till you cannot review anymore. Whatever works best for you! In addition to the Thons, we will be hosting some fun related challenges, great prizes, and a Twitter party.

Our Twitter chat will be Tuesday, April 1st at 5 pm CST. #PickYourThon
 
The Rules:

You decide how much you want to participate. Whether it is just for a few days in reading then switching to reviewing or only participating on one or the other… what you get done depends on you!
How do I sign up?
 
It is quick and easy! Just fill out the linky on this page  with a URL where we can all check on your progress. Be it Goodreads, your blogs, Twitter, Facebook, or some other site.
Sign ups for the Thon will remain open until:  Midnight (EST) April 3rd
While participating in the Thon, starting and update post(s) are a great way to let everyone know how you are doing! However, they are not required to participate in the Thons. Want to know how everyone is doing? We will regularly give you a chance to link to your updates. You can also let us know on Twitter.
Follow hastag #PickYourThon.
You can also follow the hosts individually:
Kristen: @bookgoil
Kate: @neshelf

My Goals:

I have a to of library books to get through but I'm going to try to be realistic with my goals so these are what's on my TBR pile for this read-a-thon. If I don't finish them all I'm not going to stress about it plus I might read something that isn't even listed. I'll read whatever I'm in the mood for.

The Mane Event (Pride, #1)Takedown Twenty (Stephanie Plum, #20)How to LoveMaking Waves
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*[Cover Reveal] Aqua by M.A. George


Aqua
Author: M.A. George
Genre: YA Paranormal 
Expected Publication Date: April 16th, 2014 


Meet Layla McKelland: 
Novelist (unpublished, but cut her some slack…seventeen is a bit early to despair), 
Slightly neurotic introvert (Alright, let’s be honest…there’s no “slightly” about it), 
International Woman of Mystery, and…
Okay, just scratch the bio.


The only real “mystery” in Layla’s life is why her father has never been on the scene. Or why her mother drags Layla to a new coastal home every year. 


Nothing about the latest hometown seems too newsworthy…until a routine day at the beach leaves Layla questioning whether she’s read one too many paranormal fantasy novels. The plot thickens when a random guy claims to know things about her father—a bizarre claim he backs up with an equally impossible stunt. And Layla soon finds herself on the wrong side of a mysterious attempted drowning…on her own kitchen floor.


When all is done, Layla will attest that fact is far stranger than fiction. And nothing in real life is ever as transparent as it seems…Not even water.


Especially not water.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Off the Clock (First Responders #1) by Donna Alward

 
 
Off the Clock (First Responders, #1)
 
Summary:
 
The last thing she needs is a hero

Paramedic Gabe Brennan s job is saving lives. When he witnesses an accident and rushes in to help, the victim brings back memories of the night that marked him forever. The night he almost couldn t save his best friend, Brandon. Brandon s sister is in the car. She s pregnant. And his longing for her is just as sharp as ever.

Carly's never been so glad to see a friendly face. Gabe s gallant rescue and the gentle kiss he bestows upon her at the hospital resurrect feelings she buried long ago. Having just closed the book on a crumbling marriage, she s not too keen on opening herself up to hurt again. Not even for the one man who s always seemed to be there when she needed him most.

Gabe knows he shouldn t be falling for Carly, especially since she insists she s off the market. But the chemistry still simmering between them after all these years is no accident. Now all he has to do is convince her she belongs in the empty space he s always held open for her. The one next to his heart

Caution: Contents and paramedic hero may be too hot to handle!
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 98 pages (E-book)
Available Formats: E-book
Publication Date: October 4th 2011 by Samhain Publishing
 
 
Well if you've been following the blog for awhile now you'll know I love romances that offer second chances and first responders, both of which were at the core of this little contemporary romance novella.
 
I've been curious about Donna Alward's books for a good couple years and when I saw that the first three books in her First Responders series were available to download via my library's Overdrive e-book selection I got them all...and proceeded to binge read them the other night.
 
Off the Clock was a good introduction to the author's writing style and not a bad start to a good little series that takes place in a small town and it certainly does start off with a bang. Poor Carly is 8 months pregnant with her first child and comes so close to not only losing her life but that of her unborn son after a stupid drunk kid cuts her off while driving, luckily for her Gabe, her brother's ex-best friend is there to rescue her for the second time in her life.
 
While I sometimes think that books that have characters meeting or in this case getting reacquainted in extreme situations can be cheesy I liked how it was done in Off the Clock. Gabe was sweet but he was battling his guilt over the falling out that led to him not being friends with Carly's brother anymore and Carly was busy dealing with being a single mom since her ass of a husband walked out when she found out she was pregnant so both had their issues that they needed to over come.
 
I liked how the romance built up between Carly and Gabe, even though the e-book was only 98 pages long there was no insta-love. Their love developed over the course of a couple of months and you could tell that they were committed to each other. They felt like a very real couple because they had awkwardness between them at times just like real couples do, and I liked how they were excepting of each others faults.
 
Overall, I thought Off the Clock was a quick cute read. I thought that since it was published by Samhain that it would be steamy when it got to the naughty bits but was pleasantly surprised that the author had it be more sensual and less graphic. The only faults I had with the book were that I think it could have benefited from an extra 10 pages because while the writing was excellent certain parts felt a little light. I can't wait to read more by this talented, Canadian romance author.
 
I would recommend this to all of Donna Alward's fans out there that aren't familiar with this series as well as readers who have yet to give her a try. If you enjoy contemporary romances and what reads like a genuine love story I highly recommend giving this a go. It'll make a perfect afternoon read.
 
 
Liked It!
★★★ 1/2
 
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To visit Donna's Website CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Kobo CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via AmazonUK CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12209165-off-the-clock
 
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The Sunday Post #50

 
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead
Hey Folks,
Can you believe that March is almost over? This year seems to be going by super fast for me.
I hope everyone had an awesome week because I sure did!
Remember how I said I applied for college at the beginning of the month?
Well I got a call on Thursday from their admissions department and I GOT IN!
I'm going to be doing the Early Childhood Education program and I start in September and I can't wait for classes to begin.
I just hope next week is just as good.
Have an awesome first week of April!
 
Last Week on Turning the Pages
 
Monday:
 
 
Tuesday:
 
 
Wednesday:
 
 
Thursday:
 
 
Friday:
 
Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Chasing Desire by Jennifer Domenico
 
Saturday:
 
Release Day Blitz: Summoned by Rainy Kaye
Book Haul
 
Freebies from Monday's Night Out with Authors event:
 
 
I had this one given to me by the awesome Mary Sullivan who has to be one of the nicest authors I met, plus she knew Darren by name and I liked our brief chat, I'm so glad to be reviewing this for a local author.
 
 
E-books Borrowed That I've Read:
 
The First Christmas Without YouOff the Clock (First Responders, #1)In The Line Of Duty (First Responders #2)Into The Fire (First Responders, #3)Kisses, She Wrote: A Christmas Romance (The Prince Catchers, #1.5)Revving Her Up (Full Throttle, #1)The Short and Fascinating Tale of Angelina Whitcombe
 
E-books Borrowed That I Haven't Read Yet:
 
The Earl in My Bed (Forgotten Princesses, #2.5)Rachel's Totem (Cougar Falls, #1)Wings of Redemption (Return to Sanctuary, #0.5)Protector (The Elect, #1)
 
Library Books Borrowed:

Out of the Silent Planet (Space Trilogy, #1)
 
E-Books Won:
 
Before Midnight (Blood Prince, #1)Serendipity (Southern Comfort #1)Passionately Yours
 
Paperbacks Won:
 
What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)Never Entice an Earl (One Scandalous Season, #2)Trafficked
 
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