Kimberly

November 6, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly & Natasha review Her Grave Secrets by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Her Grave Secret
SERIES #: Rogue River #3
CHARACTERS: Zane Duncan & Stevie Taylor
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: November
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There are no secrets in a small town—until someone has one worth dying for.

Local cop Stevie Taylor and police chief Zane Duncan have startling new proof that a deadly street drug is expanding its poisonous grip on their small town: a skull found on the banks of the Rogue River has two bullet holes in the back. Still caught up in the excitement of their new relationship, Stevie and Zane are determined to track down the drug’s source before more lives in Solitude, Oregon, are lost.

Then one death strikes especially close to home, leading to heartache and confusion for Stevie. As the drug distributors strike hard and the body count in Solitude grows higher, she and Zane must hunt down the deadly killer—but are they the predators, or the prey?

Filled with unexpected twists, Her Grave Secrets is the third exciting Rogue River novella in the romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Don’t you hate it when you are reading a book and you get to the end of a chapter and turn the page only to find you are at the end of the book? I kept hitting the turn page on my kindle and nothing. Nothing. There was just no more for me to read.

UGGGG why do authors leave me like that? Well if you have started this series then you know that this is not the end of the story. But that Ms. Elliot & Ms. Leigh love to leave you with more questions then answers. As the body’s start piling up, the list of suspects grows longer. I am so confused as to who did it. I have a guess but I am afraid I am wrong. Can’t wait to see if I am write.

Please make sure that you start this novella series from the beginning. It is an on going story. Loved seeing Zane & Stevie again. Love seeing their relationship grow. Can’t wait for the next & last installment in this series.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Another great installment in this fabulous novella series. I love the people of Solitude, and Stevie & Zane are my favorite! I feel like I’m trudging right along with them in finding out what’s happening in Solitude and cannot wait for the conclusion to this series! The great interaction between Stevie and Zane is strong and I have no complaints. I love them together! Great story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Montlake in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 6, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy

TITLE: Midnight Action
SERIES #: Killer Instinct #5
CHARACTERS: Jim Morgan & Noelle
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s got a broken heart…
and a fully loaded arsenal….

Ex–army ranger Jim Morgan leads a team of elite mercenaries, but eighteen years ago in Paris, he was part of a black ops unit whose mission was to hunt down a rogue operative. In order to trap the criminal, Jim seduced Noelle, the man’s daughter—a ruthless act that cost him the love of his life and turned her into a mortal enemy. Now he can’t trust her, but he still desires her. He also needs her help….

Older, wiser, and unwilling to play the fool again, Noelle runs a group of highly skilled assassins. And she’s just been offered the hit of the century: Eliminate Jim Morgan. History gives them no reason to trust each other, but with their lives in jeopardy at the hands of a common enemy, the lines between love and hate are soon blurred. Now Noelle and Jim must face the past if they want to have a future—let alone a future together

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I have to start by saying that I could not wait to learn more about Jim & Noelle’s history. There has been so much tension between Jim & Noelle in all the prior books that you knew that their book would be full of tension.
There was a lot of tension between them for sure. There was also a lot of heat. Jim & Noelle have such a sad and heartbreaking history that is filled with a lot of lies, betrayals and misunderstandings. All of these issues lead them to hating each other for a very very long time. But when Jim’s life is in the crosshairs of an assassin, Noelle warns him and finds herself catch up in Jim’s web again. But this time she is not the same young native kid she was when they first meet.
And while I was excited to read their book it feel a little short of what I had hoped for. I am not sure what was missing for me. These two are so hot together. And they both do truly love each other. I really did like the story. I liked that new characters. I really like Ash 🙂 and the side stories about Liam & Sully. So all in all I liked this book and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 5, 2014November 2, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey

TITLE: Her Holiday Man
CHARACTERS: Christina & Will
AUTHOR: Shannon Stacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/03/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she’s left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she’s learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she’d be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail’s son comes home, Christina’s vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.

Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being “that poor man” who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it’s time to go home. Only his mother’s not alone. She’s taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.

As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.

REVIEW:
This is a short holiday novella of only about 75 pages. This is a very enjoyable read that really can get you into the Christmas spirit. Christina is starting over from a rich fancy life and is now without anything but her son and yet seems happier than ever. Will is coming back to hometown that he has run away from for years and finds more there than he bargained for.

I felt every bit of the Christmas feel that the author put in this story. I loved the connection that Christina, Nathaniel and Grammy Gail have even before Will comes into the picture. Most of us have had that “adopted gramma” in our lives and that is what Grammy Gail is to Nathaniel and the love they feel towards each other is so sweet. And the connection between Will and Christina is enjoyable to read as well.

This is a perfect novella to have ready to curl in front of the Christmas tree and enjoy when you have the house to yourself. It won’t take long to read and yet will make you feel ready to start the holidays.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 5, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly reviews What To Do With A Bad Boy by Marie Harte

TITLE: What to do with a Bad Boy
SERIES #: The McCauley Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Mike McCauley & Delilah Webster
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mike McCauley had his soul mate for a precious time before she died giving birth to their son. She left him with the best boy a guy could want, so why is everyone playing matchmaker? He’s sick of it . . . until he meets Delilah Webster.

For some reason, the foul-mouthed, tattooed mechanic sets his motor running. He sees the loving woman buried within. But the closer they get, the more the pain of past wounds throws a monkey wrench into a future he’s not sure he can handle.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Mike McCauley has been mourning the loss of the love of his life for last six years. The only thing that has kept him going is his son and his family. Mike has been so lost in his pain that something as simple as finding love again was never going to happen. But he can’t stop the pull that he has to one tough, sassy, tattooed, mechanic.
Delilah Webster might be this super tough chick but really she is a softy and wants what everyone else wants that one true love. But that is not in the cards for Del. But she can’t resist Mike and his sweet little boy.
Okay, I had thought that Cam’s book was my favorite. But nope. Mike is my new favorite McCauley brother. Thank goodness Abby got that flat tire.
What to do with a Bad Boy took me on a lot of highs and lows. I loved Mike & Del’s story. Just loved it. I will say that I did shed a few (or a lot) of tears in this book. If you have not read this series yet you need to and you need to start with book one! Yes you could read each as a stand alone, BUT I think it is important to read from the beginning.
I can’t wait to see what Maire has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 4, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Make You Remember by Macy Beckett

TITLE: Make You Remember
SERIES #: Dumont Bachelors #2
CHARACTERS: Beau Dumont & Devyn Mauvais
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago, Beau Dumont made the biggest mistake of his life by letting his high school sweetheart, Devyn Mauvais, slip through his fingers. Now the reformed bad boy will stop at nothing to get her back. Even if it means tricking her into taking a job on his family’s riverboat, The Belle of the Bayou.

When Devyn’s old flame offers her a stint at the boat’s day care center, she sees it as a chance to prove she isn’t just the descendant of Louisiana’s most infamous voodoo queen. Besides, it beats leading ghost tours around New Orleans. Yet when it comes to Beau, Devyn’s all business. She won’t give the sweet-talking playboy another chance to break her heart.

But there’s no escaping temptation in such close quarters, and Beau won’t be satisfied with a few hot nights with the girl he’s always loved. As he strives to make Devyn remember the good times, will his passion and heart be enough to regain her trust?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Beau & Devyn have a history that was both beautiful and heartbreaking. Both were young and in love. Both figured nothing bad could ever happen. Yet Beau messed that all up by leaving Devyn. Devyn had sworn never to let him hurt her again. The only problem is that they are still (after 10 long years) drawn to each other like a moth to flame. But will history repeat itself or do the have a second chance at their first love?
Make You Remember is book 2 in Macy’s Dumont Bachelors series. I loved Beau & Devyn when we met them in Make You Mine (book 1) and could not wait for their story. And it is safe to say that I loved their book too. Beau and Devyn are so perfect for each other. I loved that Beau was willing to do anything and everything to make Devyn see the light. While Devyn was the gun shy one (for good reason). I can safely say the storage closet and a security room will never be the same on the Belle.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. Alex has a lot and I mean A LOT of ground to cover and groveling to do. I hope that Elle-Claire makes him work hard!!

November 4, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Freed by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Freed
SERIES #: Club Sin #4
CHARACTERS: Elliott Foster & Mary Schmidt
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans who can’t get enough of USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy will love this wicked, wild spinoff novel that explores how sexy life can be outside Club Sin.

Mary Schmidt knows only too well how thrilling a Master’s touch can be. Her husband, Charles, had been her ultimate fantasy, a seducer in the erotic dance of dominance and submission. She misses the sensual lifestyle they shared, but mourns him so deeply she cannot bear to embrace her submissive needs with another Dom—until a man who exudes temptation reawakens desires she can no longer deny.

Elliott Foster is dazzled by Mary. He instantly knows that she’s the woman he’s been waiting for—a woman who turns games into need. As her Master, he dares to unlock the deepest pleasures of her flesh, releasing her from pain and healing her mind. When Mary’s lithe body comes to life under his, he knows their connection goes beyond sex. Now that he has found the perfect woman, the perfect partner, the perfect submissive, he desires only to give her everything she craves.

NOTE: Freed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts This is the first Club Sin book that I am on the fence about. I liked the characters. I like the story. But I was not in love with it. I am not really sure why but I just didn’t connect with Elliot & Mary the way that I did with the past characters. This was a beautiful story of a second chance at love which was great. And Ms. Kennedy did Mary justice in finding new love while dealing with the hurt of her lost love. I am grateful that I read this story and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is an interesting addition to the Club Sin series. While so clearly part of the series of erotica with a touch of BDSM the difference is this is about an older couple finding love the second time around. Both Mary and Elliott are in their 50’s and Mary is still recovering from a broken heart after her beloved Charles passed away 4 years ago and Elliott is the first Dom to catch her attention in all that time. Elliott wants love and submission that he has never found before and he finds it with Mary.

I enjoyed that the couple was older and that Mary already knew the life of being a submissive. She didn’t need to “learn” that she has these tendencies she already knows it. But she does need to learn to trust her heart and Dom again which really made the story different.

While you do not need to have read the series if you like the genre you would enjoy it so you should. The story is less than 250 pages so it is a long read but enjoyable.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 3, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Archangels Shadows by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Archangels Shadows
SERIES #: Guild Hunter #7
CHARACTERS: Janvier & Ashwini
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATORE: Justine Eyre
RUN TIME: 12 hours & 17 minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N| Audio

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot–should not–be walking the streets.
This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves. Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

REVIEW:
5+++ Hearts I was so excited that Janvier & Ashwini were getting a story. We have seen them in past books and have been able to see the tension between the two of them. It was great to get to see them up close and personal. Ashwini’s back story is heart breaking (yes there were few tears shed). So heartbreaking that Ashwini is not willing to have think about a future. But Janvier is stubborn and will stop at nothing to make her see it his way.

But in the mean time Javier & Ashwini are on the trial of a monster preying on women. They will not stop until these monsters are stopped and justice is served. But when two more women come up missing, will they be able to get to them in time.

While this was Ashwini & Javier’s story we got to see all of the player’s in the Guild Hunter world. But I will let all the Naasir fan’s know that there is a lot of Naasir in this book. I loved all the insight into him. It was so much fun to listen to the stories of him. And Nassir has a wicked sense of humor. Love the game of 20 questions Nassir plays with Ellie. I just love Naasir. Can’t wait for his story…. Please be next… Please be next… Please be next.

Amazing. Another seriously great story from Nalini. I honestly have not meet a book from Nalini that I have not loved. *sigh* Now I have to wait for the next book.

Once again I listened to this book via audio book. As always Justine Eyre brings to life these character so much. I love that she has made all of the characters have such distinct voices that even when they are clearing their throat I know which character is which. Totally and completely amazing. If you have not tried this series on audio I would suggest giving this whole series at try on audio.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Tantor Media, NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 3, 2014November 2, 2014

Natasha reviews Immortal by J.R. Ward

TITLE: Immortal
SERIES #: Fallen Angels #6
CHARACTERS: Jim, Sissy, Eddie, Adrian & Devina
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/7/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From J.R. Ward, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who has kept readers on the edge of their seats with her phenomenal Fallen Angels novels, comes one of the most heart-stirring and eagerly anticipated events in that acclaimed series.

This is a world where sin and salvation collide. This is a world where a cynical fallen angel struggles with the seven deadly sins and seven chosen souls. With the spellbinding Immortal, the riveting series that “changed the face of paranormal romance” comes to an epic close as mankind’s reluctant savior struggles with his greatest challenge yet…

REVIEW:
This is the final installment in the J.R. Ward Fallen Angel series. We’ve followed Jim for six books now in his fight against the evil Devina for the souls of all of humanity. This has been an intense series. Jim is extremely frustrating throughout this series and there are times when you want to strangle him. However, in this book he’s finally made some progress. He’s still a super volatile macho man that has to overcome his evil side, but he’s much more clear-headed and sane. Sissy was a big reason for this. I had my doubts about Sissy’s importance throughout this series, but I know understand why she was introduced as such a monumental character. There were times I literally cried during this book (Adrian & Eddie, Nigel & Colin). It was super emotional on many levels. The connections made through these characters were deep. I was very invested in all of their futures. There are many time when a series closes out and many followers are left disappointed. Though this series started off slow and rough for me, it definitely ended on a high note. I’m very pleased with the series closure and am very happy I stuck through the entire series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 31, 2014October 26, 2014

Happy Halloween from Books-n-Kisses.com

October 31, 2014October 26, 2014

Kelly reviews Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Dead
SERIES #: Accidentals #2
CHARACTERS: Greg Statleon & Nina Blackman
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2008 (Audio: May, 13, 2014)
RUN TIME: 10 Hour & 35 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A vampire puts the bite on a dental assistant.

It’s a lousy first day on the job for Nina Blackman when a patient, loopy from the anesthesia, bites her. At least he was cute. But for real drama she can’t beat the next evening. Nina wakes up with a set of razor-sharp fangs, bionic vision, supersonic hearing, and a taste for blood. But there’s a good explanation: It’s her patient, Long Island vampire Greg Statleon. Actually they’re perfect for each other if Nina’s willing to commit to one man for eternity.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Nina Blackman is no stranger to the paranormal. Not after the wild ride she went on with her friend Marty. But waking up as a vampire is too much for Nina. She is determined to find a way to become human again. Now to find the vampire who turned her.

This was another great story from Ms. Cassidy. I enjoyed Nina’s crazy story. I will say that I didn’t care much for Nina and her smart mouth in The Accidental Werewolf (bk 1). But as Accidentally Dead went on I really grew to like Nina. There is a whole lot more to Nina then just her tough guy act and her smart-ass mouth. And Greg!! Greg is the perfect solution for Nina. Beyond perfect! I love their fights and make ups. I love that Nina always has one more questions. I can’t wait to see these two in future books.

I am looking forward to book 3 Wanda really needs a little HEA!!

I listened to this book on audio. Ms. Mitchell did a great job again bring the characters to life again. I often wonder what narrators think when they are narrating books. I would guess that Ms. Mitchell had a great time being Nina and all her foul mouth and easily angered persona.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 31, 2014October 26, 2014

Kelly reviews Alien Collective by Gini Koch

TITLE: Alien Collective
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Katt #9
CHARACTERS: Kitty, Jeff and the whole AC Crew
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Despite not having run for office, nor wanting to remain in office, Representative Jeff Martini is being wooed as the vice presidential running mate for a charismatic senator who seems likely to win the campaign. While the Diplomatic Corps has to deal with the pressures of a political campaign sure to uncover secrets they don’t want shared with the world, Ambassador Kitty Katt-Martini has other worries—handling the reemergence of her most potent nemesis, thought dead and buried

REVIEW:
I am always amazed about the amount of stuff going on in Ms. Koch’s books. It is kind of like looking through a stain glass window. You can kind of see what is outside, yet you are looking through many panels of glass and each is showing you a different image. The question should be is what you are seeing real? Or is your image distorted?

That all being said. In Alien Collective we find Kitty, Jeff, little Jamie-Kat and the whole A-C crew with their back against the wall again. This time it seems to be Jeff who is in the crosshairs. But the questions really is who is the real enemy and who can the A-C’s really trust? As always Kitty kicks some major. But it never hurts to have a little help from your friends. Thank goodness Kitty has some amazing friends.

If you have not started this series I believe you have to read this series in order There is so much that has happened to date that you would be a little lost. If you are a fan of Kitty’s series I think that you will enjoy Alien Collective.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series even if reading the blurb gives me a cause of anxiety. I will have to trust that the keeper of words knows what she is doing.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 30, 2014October 26, 2014

Kimberly reviews Tis The Season by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Tis The Season
SERIES #: Virgin River #8 & #12
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Together for the first time in one volume, two classic holiday stories—plus a bonus novella!—from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

‘Tis the season for family, friendship and the thrill of a holiday romance…

Under the Christmas Tree

With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions

Holiday kisses don’t end with Christmas—there’s still the New Year’s Eve party at Jack’s Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.

So join us in Virgin River this year, where Robyn Carr’s trademark humor, warmth and sincerity will have you celebrating the festive season in your favorite mountain town.the festive season in your favorite mountain town.

REVIEW:
This is two stories in one. Series #8 and 12. I have only read one other book from this series but have read other books by Carr. I just couldn’t get into these books. The writing seems off to me. While sweet holiday stories they just didn’t ring true to me. Maybe it is because they were parts of the series that I haven’t read or maybe it was because the time it is written if years ago and has a different feel then how to writes now.

I never really felt the connection between any of the characters. Like I said it is a sweet holiday romance just not my cup of tea.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.