Thursday’s Thought…
Kelly reviews Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh
TITLE: Rock Addiction
SERIES #: Rock Kiss #1
CHARACTERS: Zachary Fox & Molly Webster
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…
Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.
A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…
Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart
REVIEW:
I have to start by giving you full disclosure. I don’t really care for New Adult books. I know, I know some of you love them. But normally they just leave me feeling like I am watching a bad high school drama. But when I saw that Ms. Singh was starting a new series which was labeled as new adult I almost didn’t pick up this book. But I love love love Ms. Singh (love all her Psy-Changeling & Archangel books). So I took a chance and picked up Rock Addiction.
In Rock Addiction we get to meet bad boy rock star Zachary Fox, or just Fox to his friends. We also get to meet the sweet, shy librarian Molly Webster. A chance meeting at a party will change everything for these two. I will say that there was a lot and I mean a lot of sexy time in this book. Fox & Molly don’t waste anytime getting down to busy. While at times I would have liked then to not be spending so much sexy time and maybe talk more, there were moments that Fox & Molly were just sweet. I enjoyed the story that these two shared and hope to see them grow in future books.
Speaking of future books the whole cast of characters in the Schoolboy Choir interest me. I really want to see what happens with David & Thea.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & TKA Distribution in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews How To Handle A Heartbreaker by Marie Harte
TITLE: How to Handle a Heartbreaker
SERIES #: The McCauley Brothers #2
CHARACTERS: Brody Singer & Abby Dunn
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s lust-at-first-sight when Brody Singer first sees Abby Dunn. Abby looks a lot like a woman he once knew, one who died years ago. But Abby’s definitely different—shyer but sexier.
Abby’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn’t let her forget. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the hint. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.
Only Abby can write her own ending—will she choose her own happily-ever-after, or stay safe in her shell?
REVIEW:
Book two in Marie Harte’s The McCauley Brothers series was just as good as book one. This time we get to learn about the unofficially adopted McCauley brother Brody. Brody is fun loving, carefree and totally head over heels for Ms. Abby Dunn. Although he would tell anyone or anything like that. Brody had a tough upbringing that left him very leary of love and trust. Yet he know that the McCauley’s and exceptionally Flynn have his back and always will. The demons of his past keep popping up and ruining everything.
Abby Dunn is a tough little firecracker who has some secrets of her own. One she doesn’t want anyone to know what she does for a living (you will have to read to find out). Two her last boyfriend did a number on her confidence level. And three she is in total lust with Brody Singer (not the she will do anything about it, but dang!!!!!).
These two were great fun to read about. And Abby you naughty little goddess (yes you will have to read to find out why). I just loved reading about Abby & Brody. And of course the peeks into what and who may be coming next was great fun. Plus it is always fun to see a tough alpha male be brought to his knees by something a simple as love.
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.
Kimberly reviews Ignited by J. Kenner
TITLE: Ignited
SERIES #: Most Wanted #3
CHARACTERS: Katrina & Cole
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/09/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.
My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.
Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.
I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This book was a long time coming… not in time frame but because meeting Cole in book 1 we knew he would have the darkest and most explosive of stories and he did. Cole is a very dark character and has the harshest of pasts but it was great to have him find his happy ending and he honestly couldn’t have found a better match than Katrina. She has had a dark past too. Not like his but her childhood caused her own issues and together they manage to get through the lingering effects.
Kenner has written another great story. This story is a bit of the Most Wanted as well as a Stark Trilogy combination. Which made it great that Damien Stark had a cameo. Kenner is a master as writing a dark erotic romance and this is more proof of that. Can you read it as a stand alone? Yes but why would you not want to read the beginning of the series so you understand who Cole really is. I love that he is so broken and yet he paints like a god. He has a softness in his poetic words that amaze and even has a hand in other arts that show the reader his softer side. Kenner showed that even the harshest of men have a soft side and did it wonderfully.
Yes Katrina is the one telling her tale but this is Cole’s story and it should not be missed.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Natasha reviews Dark Skye by Kresley Cole
TITLE: Dark Skye
SERIES #: Immortals After Dark #14
CHARACTERS: Lanthe & Thronos
AUTHOR: Kresley Cole
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/5/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to help him—or vanquish him forever.
Eternal Obsession
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.
Endless Yearning
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.
Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is one of my favorite series of all time. In recent years we’ve seen Lanthe more, but Thronos was a complete mystery to us. I was excited to see this glimpse into their obviously convoluted and tumultuous past. Unfortunately, the story was lackluster for me. Kresley Cole writes AMAZING books, but this one was really hard to keep getting excited about. While there was constant action and the story kept moving forward towards a predictable end, I found I just wasn’t interested. Neither Lanthe nor Thronos became important to me on anything more than a superficial level. Though Cole seemed to be trying to add depth and emotion to the characters, I found them one dimensional and dull. We barely got glimpses into what events actually transpired to cause their 500 year feud, and their courtship seemed forced. Obviously, as with any book in this series, my absolute favorite parts were those involving Nucking Futs Nix! I’m not sure who is going to be next in this series, but I’m hoping to move past *spoiler alert* The Order’s prison and island piece that the last few books have centered around. Though I know it’s an important piece of the universe, the same setting is getting a little dull. Nevertheless, I will continue to support this series because Cole is hilarious and a fabulous story teller. This one just wasn’t my particular cup of tea.
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
What releases the week of September 8th? Check here!
Jennifer reviews With This Ring by Celeste Bradley
TITLE: With This Ring
SERIES #: The Wicked Worthingtons #3
CHARACTERS: Elektra Worthington and Lord Aaron Arbogast
AUTHOR: Celeste Bradley
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Elektra Worthington is the lovely middle daughter of the eccentric, impoverished Worthington family. Her beauty means nothing to her except as her currency to return the Worthington name to its former glory of status, riches, and dominance in the ballrooms of Regency England. To this end, she will stop at nothing—even if she must kidnap a rich lord in the process. If this lucky gentleman is just returning from a long absence and knows nothing of the Worthington reputation, well, a girl shouldn’t look a gift lord in the mouth…right?
THE PRICE OF PASSION
Lord Aaron Arbogast, returning to England after a decade-old scandal—of which he was not truly guilty, but instead took the blame out of loyalty to a good friend—is the last of his line. He will someday become the Earl of Arbodean and inherit the estate…if, that is, he can prove to his ailing grandfather that he is a reformed man. Falling for a woman like Miss Worthington could cost him everything. But his desire for her? Priceless…
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a new author to me and I thought that this was an enjoyable easy read. Elektra is trying to save her family from ruins and the only way that she can do that is to marry a wealthy man. By sheer chance, she finds herself staying at the same inn as Lord Aaron Arbogast and comes up with a plan to kidnap him and convince him that she is the right woman for him. What she finds instead, is that she kidnapped his man servant by mistake and the hilarity ensues from there as she tries to remedy this error.
Lord Aaron Arbogast is in town to see his ailing grandfather and to show him that he has changed his ways. He was involved in a scandal that has plagued him most of his life and wants nothing more than to put all that behind him. When his good friend and servant becomes ill, he exchanges identities with him so he can receive proper care from the employees of the inn. What he never expected, was that a beautiful young woman would kidnap him in hopes of helping save her family. He has to now keep up the charade that he isn’t Lord Arbogast or runs the risk of losing everything.
Elektra was such a fun character because she was this free spirit who took on the responsibility of helping her family. She had this huge burden on her shoulders and felt that the only way to save them all was to marry someone wealthy. She made sure that everything in her life was taken care even if it meant that she went without. Aaron needed someone like Ellie is his life because she wasn’t afraid of what people might say about them. She lived with the constant gossip about the Worthingtons and people gossiping about Aaron didn’t bother her in the slightest. She showed him what it was like to be a part of a loving and caring family and that was exactly what he needed in his life. Great story and I’m looking forward to reading more about this zany cast of characters in other books of the Worthington series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
BnK interviews Claudia Connor – Author of Worth The Fall – Kimberly’s favorite book of 2014
Kimberly has claimed WORTH THE FALL to be her “favorite book of 2014” so she asked Claudia to visit Books-n-Kisses.
WORTH THE FALL releases tomorrow. Pre-order it today!
Welcome Claudia thank you so much for stopping by to answer of our questions. First I want to say that I loved this book and gave it 5+++ Hearts. I laughed, cried and smiled throughout the whole book.(The review will be posting tomorrow.)
Claudia: Thank you so so much!!! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that!! Really.
BnK: Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Claudia: Hi. Thank you so much for having me. I majored in Early Childhood Education and taught kindergarten and first grade on and off for ten years. I married my first love and we have three daughters. Three teenage daughters, so, yes. Say a prayer for me.
BnK: Have you always wanted to be an author?
Claudia: No, I never considered myself a writer or even wanted to be a writer, BUT I’ve always had stories in my head. I see them in a flash like I’m watching a full color movie. I’ll catch myself staring out the window, smiling. Or even crying. One day I described the above to my friend, thinking everyone did that. She gave me a really strange look and said, “No. That’s not normal. Maybe you should try writing it down.” So I did.
BnK: Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Claudia: I get my kids off to school and usually start working around seven, after I finish my tea. ~ I recently switched to black tea in my Keurig after a trip to Europe. LOVE it. ~ I take a short break for lunch, no more than ten minutes, then back at it until the kids get home at 2:15. They’re teenagers, so there isn’t much talk before they disappear to their rooms for homework and post-school decompression. I go back to work until I need to drive someone somewhere around 5. Most days I put in a few more hours after everyone’s asleep, until around midnight. If I don’t feel time crunched, or I’ve had a particularly good day, I’ll reward myself with a good book.
What do I absolutely HAVE to have? Other than pen and paper, and that paper can be a receipt or a napkin, a Diet Coke. There just comes a time a can not function without a Diet Coke and it is the one and only thing I will leave the house for when I’m on a deadline. And by leave the house, I mean drive two minutes to Walgreens in my pajama pants with a quick jacket over my pajama shirt.
BnK: Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Claudia: The most challenging thing for me so far is not having enough hours in the day. I’m just beginning to get the incredible reward of readers telling me they loved my book and that it meant something to them. That’s the absolute best.
BnK: Can you please tell us about your latest book?
Claudia: Sure. Worth The Fall is a love story, plain and simple, though love is never simple. Abby and Matt are two people with no other reason to be together and lots of reasons to be apart. Matt’s a Navy SEAL hero with skills, badassness, and an intense sense of responsibility, but he’s also a man with so much love to give. He’s just never found anyone he wanted to give it to. Until Abby. But Abby’s been left all her life and knows she can’t watch another person walk away.
So it’s about falling in love, making choices and taking chances. It’s also about believing you’re enough, believing you’re worthy of what’s being offered. I absolutely LOVE these characters. I spent three years with them before I ever considered writing their story, then almost three more years writing it. Any minute of any day I can pop into their lives, be a fly on the wall. It’s like watching your favorite movie that never ends! Hopefully when people read the book they’ll feel the same.
BnK: How did you come with the idea for this story?
Claudia: I honestly don’t feel like I come up with anything or create anyone, as odd as that may sound. I didn’t go into it wanting it to be a certain way, I just saw it playing out in my head like a movie. I watched and listened and hope I did them justice. I’m a constant thorn in the side of anyone who offers suggestions for changes because I always reply with, But that’s not how it happened!
BnK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Claudia: I have TONS of favorite authors. Let’s see…Kristan Higgins, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Linda Howard, Sharon Sala, Catherine Anderson, J.D. Robb ( Nora Roberts), and Christine Feehan, just to name a few.
BnK: Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Claudia: Definitely. I’m sure they’ve all influenced me through osmosis. And just about everything I’ve learned about story telling and romance has come from reading, beginning with my first Sweet Valley High.
BnK: Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.
Claudia: “I used my knife to cut off the damaged parachute so I wouldn’t get tangled in it, then I pulled—”
Their eyes met. His heated gaze slid from her face, over her chest and the V-neck sundress that tied around her neck. He continued his perusal slowly down the length of her legs and back up again.
“Hi.” That was all she could manage with his hot eyes melting her from across the room.
BnK: What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Claudia: I’m anxious to read Kristan Higgin’s new book, In Your Dreams. I’ve been waiting for Jack’s story.
BnK: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Claudia: Thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it and hope readers will check out Worth The Fall and let me know what they think. I’m in all the usual social media places. In addition to the ones below, readers can find me on Pinterest. I have a special board for each book. Thank you again:)
http://claudiaconnor.com
https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaConnor
https://www.goodreads.com/claudiaconnor
Kelly reviews Burning Desire Part 1 by Donna Grant
TITLE: Burning Desire, Part I
SERIES #: Dark Kings #3
CHARACTERS: Kiril & Shara
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: September 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dark Kings have fought for centuries to preserve their dragon magic. But can one warrior resist the greatest temptation of all. . .?
A DESIRE THIS POWERFUL
In his quest to destroy the Dark Fae—his nemesis—the Dragon King known as Kiril goes to Ireland as a spy. When a gorgeous, mysterious woman tries to seduce him, Kiril instantly sees through her glamour to the Dark Fae beneath. Shara isn’t just any Dark; she’s from one of the most powerful bloodlines—and despite the dangers, Kiril can’t stay away from her. He’s enthralled by her smile, enslaved by the undeniable passion…
IS A WAR WORTH FIGHTING FOR
Shara has one chance to make things right with her family—and to prove her worth. It seemed like such an easy mission…until she actually meets Kiril. His charm, his sexual magnetism is too much for her to ignore. Shara knows that falling into Kiril’s arms can bring her nothing but trouble. Yet she discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had…and an attraction that knows no bounds. But is her desire for Kiril worth the risk of eternal doom for them both?
REVIEW:
Read this in four parts but here is the overview of all for
Part I
A great start to book 3 of Donna Grant’s Dark King’s series.
Kiril is still in Ireland trying to do what he can to help all the Dragon Kings and try to find Rhi. And while he knows the Dark Fae’s are going to try something (because they always do) he just never expected Shara to be that something. Or how easily she would get under his skin.
On to Part II
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley, St Martin’s Press & Donna Grant in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Natasha reviews Born Of Fury by Sherrilyn Kenyon
TITLE: Born of Fury
SERIES #: The League #7
CHARACTERS: Hauk & Sumi
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
PUBLICATION DATE:7/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The war is on…
Counted among the fiercest Andarion warriors ever born, Hauk is one of the five founding members of the Sentella- an organization that has declared war on the League that rules the Ichidian universe with an iron fist and terrifies it with an army of well-trained assassins. Hauk’s enemies are legion, but he fears nothing and no one. He will do whatever it takes to survive and protect his Sentella brethren.
Sumi Antaxas is one of the best assassins the League has ever trained. In her world, failure is not an option and she has never met a target she couldn’t execute. So when she’s assigned Hauk, she believes it’ll be a quick and easy mission.
But nothing is ever as simple as it seems, and Hauk is far better trained and skilled than his dossier shows. More than that, as she pursues him, she stumbles upon the key that will bring down not only Hauk, but the entire Sentella organization.
In the race to report her information, she is overtaken by enemies out to end her as effectively as she intends to end Hauk. Now her only key to survival is the one man she’s been sent to kill. And Hauk doesn’t trust her at all.
The only question is, will he help her to live… or send her to her grave.(less)
REVIEW:
Wow, I don’t even know where to start! I’m a huge fan of the League series and have been looking forward to Hauk’s story for years. Sherrilyn really gave us a lot of alone time with Hauk to get to know who he really is, something we’ve only caught glimpses of before in the previous books. He is such a tortured hero, I fell in love with him instantly. Sumi is a great match for him. She’s a strong female lead and really gave the story depth and feeling. Their story was a tad bit drawn out, we actually saw every piece of their courting, falling in love and building a life together. I can’t say that I was bored, because I could read about all the League characters forever, but it did seem kind of repetitive. I loved seeing all of the League characters – I mean, Nykyrian never gets old! However, the honky-dory, we love everybody thing kind of gets old. Everyone can’t just love everyone all the time! But I get it’s a story and I’ll happily play along. I’m curious who the next book will be about, I’m hoping either Fain or Bastien!
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kimberly reviews Take Down by Mallery Malone
TITLE: Take Down
SERIES #: Billionaire’s Club #3
CHARACTERS: Karina & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Mallery Malone
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Powerful. Dominant, Unforgettable. He commands submission at all costs.
Cage fighter, Gabriel Devereaux, a man of barely leashed power, is known as the Bayou Beast.
There is one woman he will do anything , pay any amount to possess.
Karina Armistead, has come a long way from the innocent girl Gabriel used to know. An internationally known singer, she can have anything she wants. But everything tells her that getting involved with the Bayou Beast may leave her wrecked beyond repair.
Little does Karina Armistead know, but Gabriel has decided that she will be his.
He will destroy anything or anyone who stands in his way.
REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but can most certainly be read as a stand alone. It is a short story of less than 90 pages so it is a quick read but yet a sweet read. Gabriel is a fighter and has a vendetta against Karina and her father. Karina doesn’t understand why Gabriel left her without a word a decade before.
This story as well as the rest of the series is well written and an enjoyable quick read. Great stories to have between novels for a little romance.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews Under His Protection by Katie Reus
TITLE: Under His Protection
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #9
CHARACTERS: Ivan Mitchell & Julieta Mederos
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julieta’s stalker doesn’t play by the rules
Lingerie shop owner Julieta Mederos has worked hard to get her business off the ground. Now she’s looking forward to some quality time with her friends and her big, boisterous family. But explicit texts from random phone numbers and vandalism at her shop makes it clear someone dangerous has fixated on her. Without any solid leads, the police can’t help her and she’s forced to turn to the last man she wants to depend on.
…but neither does Ivan.
Former Army Ranger and newest Red Stone Security employee Ivan Mitchell has gotten used to being alone in the world. He never even thinks about it anymore—until he meets sexy, independent Julieta. She’s everything he could ever want…but she seems determined to keep him at arm’s length. Until now. Maybe the cops can’t do anything to protect her, but he can. When things escalate faster than even he expected, he finds himself pulling out his most extreme combat skills to protect her. He’ll do what it takes to save her life—and prove to her she belongs in his.
Red Stone Security Series, #9
Author Note: Under His Protection is the ninth book in the Red Stone Security series but can be read completely as a stand-alone
REVIEW:
Gosh, I don’t want to give much away. Reading the blurb gives you a good idea of what will happen so I won’t recap. I will say that this was a super quick read. But honestly the story never felt rushed or that it was lacking in any way. I loved the story. I loved the tension between Ivan & Julieta. I guess my only complain would be that I wanted more of these two. I want to know how the future goes for them. I hope that Ms. Reus will have them pop up in a future Red Stone Security story.
If you are a fan of Ms. Reus’ Red Stone Security series you will love Ivan & Julieta’s story. If you are new to this series never fear Under His Protection can easily be read as a stand alone. Make sure to add this to your I must read list.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Katie Reus in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.