3 Star – Page 24 – Books-n-Kisses

August 24, 2016August 21, 2016

Natasha reviews The Care and Feeding of Your Captive Earl by Kate McKinley

TITLE: The Care and Feeding of Your Captive Earl
SERIES #: What Happens in Scotland #3
CHARACTERS: Miss Gwendolyn Wilbraham & Earl of Hastings, Matthias Hart
AUTHOR: Kate McKinley
PUBLICATION DATE: July 18, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Lady’s Rules of Etiquette When Kidnapping a Gentleman:

1. A lady must obtain a small vial of laudanum and a sturdy length of rope.
2. Once subdued, the gentleman should be bound securely.
3. At no point should the lady leave a sharp implement within the gentleman’s reach.
4. Should rule #3 be neglected, the lady must prepare for things to go dreadfully wrong.
5. In such a case, a lady must keep her countenance and under no circumstances should she submit to his charms and surrender her heart…

Miss Gwendolyn Wilbraham is far more skilled at needlework than she is at kidnapping. But when her best friend begs her to distract the new Earl of Hastings, she reluctantly agrees. Regrettably, the earl is just as clever as he is handsome and before long, he is free of his restraints and not at all pleased…

As one of London’s most notorious rogues, Matthias Hart often finds himself in curious situations. Though he has never woken up drugged, bound, and hidden away in a remote Scottish cottage. Normally, he would welcome such a diversion, but his beautiful captor is young, witty and all-too-innocent. When he finally frees himself, all he wants is revenge and her complete surrender…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the first book I have read of Kate McKinley’s and I have already downloaded more. This story is the third installment of McKinley’s What Happens in Scotland series; book one is How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days and book two is So I Married a Highlander. I did not realize this book was a part of a series when I started it and would recommend reading the first two installments first so you get the background information that is a big part of this book. Though the story can hold its own as a standalone I would have really liked more information about all of the other things happening in the background of this story that are the focus of the first two books – so I have downloaded those two books to read next.

I really enjoyed the characters McKinley wrote. There are many of them and they are all intriguing and stubborn with so much personality. No one is left behind and I cannot wait to read the other books that no doubt go deeper into these characters and their histories. I read a few chapters of this book a night and was pacing myself as the story began to unfold. However, today it really just picked up the pace and I could not put it down until I finished it. Gwen is a great character that is relatable and strong. Matthias is of course flawed but so dang lovable. My heart was full of all the feels with their relationship dynamics. It is scary going into a historical romance in which you are unfamiliar with the author, but this proved to be successful. I am a new fan of Kate McKinley and will continue to follow her work.

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

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August 11, 2016August 11, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Family Man by TJ Lebbon

TITLE: The Family Man
CHARACTERS: Dom & Emma
AUTHOR: TJ Lebbon
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/11/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (links coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You take ONE risk. Now, those you love must pay …
Dom Turner is a dependable husband, a loving father. A man you can rely on. But it only takes one day to destroy a seemingly perfect life.
Emma thought she could trust her husband, Dom. She thought he would always look after her and their daughter Daisy….
Then one reckless act ends in two innocent deaths – and Dom’s family becomes the target of a terrifying enemy.
There’s nowhere to hide. They’re on the run for their lives. And if Dom makes one more wrong move, he won’t have a family left to protect.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts We have all thought about dropping all the responsibility for a day and taking a walk on the wild side. It is in our DNA but Dom decides to actually do it with his friend Andy and the consequences turn the family’s life upside down.

The problem with this book is I never found a character I wanted to root for or even liked. Dom is a jerk who wants to be in charge of everything. He wants to show he is mister tough guy and can beat the crap out of anyone that comes along. The problem is we just don’t care and he comes off as an ass. His wife is a pushover doormat if you ask me. I felt sorry for her in more ways than one…. First being put into this trouble because of Dom but also because she has to deal with him as a husband.

The reason I didn’t give it 3 stars is because the thriller part is well pretty thrilling. It does keep you wondering what will happen.

The best way I can describe this book is as a guy’s book. I can see them enjoying the cinematic feel of it with the fighting and action packed moments but it just wasn’t for me.

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

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August 5, 2016August 1, 2016

Natasha reviews Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

TITLE: Red Queen
SERIES #: Red Queen #1
CHARACTERS: Mare & Cal
AUTHOR: Victoria Aveyard
PUBLICATION DATE: February 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

REVIEW:
Would it be too much to ask to have a YA book that does NOT include a love triangle, or one in which not every single male character is secretly in love with the heroine? Just. One?

Ok, I just needed to get that out. Now, while this book has many of the to be expected aspects of a YA novel that I am so sick of, it was still interesting enough for me to finish – I just rolled my eyes several times and pushed through. The world that Aveyard created is interesting, but we don’t get a good grasp of its scope and purpose in the first book. We spend most of the book in the royal palace learning about the goings on of the elite Silvers. I’m hoping the world will be expanded much more in the subsequent sequels. Mare is a pretty likable heroine. She speaks her mind, is strong willed and makes mostly sensible decisions. I liked how she handled the various situations she was thrust into throughout the book. Cal will take some getting used to – right now I’m left with an ‘I don’t hate him but don’t really like him’ opinion. I am pretty excited about his character development though. I think Aveyard can do really interesting things with his character in future books that can really make the series intense. Overall the plot was stimulating, with pretty predictable conflict points and ‘mean girl’ antics just with various “abilities” added in. I will say that I loved the end of the book and was genuinely shocked. It was the best part of the book. For that reason I am going to continue with the series and am really interested to see how it will progress. If you enjoyed Red Rising by Pierce Brown, you will likely like this book. I didn’t enjoy Red Rising much, but I noticed the similarities between the series right away. They have similar premises but are executed quite differently; it’s an interesting comparison.

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

August 4, 2016August 1, 2016

Kelly reviews Don’t Let Go by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Don’t Let Go
SERIES #: Hope #6
CHARACTERS: Brady Conners & Megan Lee
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Love After All and the Play-By-Play novels, running from the past isn’t nearly as satisfying as facing the future…

Brady Conners is hardly the settling type, but when tragedy strikes in his family, he has no choice but to return home to Hope, Oklahoma. Setting up shop to work on custom motorcycles and pass the time, Brady has no intention of letting anyone get close—until he meets Megan.

Pastry shop owner Megan Lee is drawn to quiet, brooding Brady. Their connection is undeniable, and it quickly develops from physical attraction into something much stronger. But with Brady putting up barriers, Megan is afraid to truly open her heart—unless she can convince him to let go of the past…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As always Ms. Burton gives us an amazing story from Hope, Oklahoma. I have really enjoyed all of my visits to Hope. But I thinking that Don’t Let Go might be one of my top favorites in this series. I absolutely love Brady.
Brady has one goal and only one goal to open his own custom paint shop. He doesn’t really want anything to do with the people of Hope. But the sweet pastry shop owner Megan makes it very hard for him to do that. Throw in a cute little puppy and you have a fun story.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Hope.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Jove, Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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August 3, 2016August 1, 2016

Kimberly reviews Miss Frazer’s Adventure by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Miss Frazer’s Adventure
CHARACTERS: Kate & Lucius
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/02/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dear Reader,

Long before I wrote my sexy paranormal romances, I wrote traditional Regency romances as Debbie Raleigh. Now I’m thrilled to have them made available once more, as fresh and adventurous as ever…

To avoid the taint of her mother’s scandalous reputation, Miss Kate Frazer stifles her naturally high spirits to become a model of propriety. But when she is rewarded with a suitor who cares only for her dowry—and leaves her waiting at the altar on her wedding day—Kate determines that she will live as she chooses. Her first adventure will be a trip to London under an assumed name to enjoy the city’s delights. And woe to anyone who stands in her way—particularly her fiancé…

Lucius Calfield wasn’t looking forward to wedlock with the tediously suitable Kate Frazer. Still, he is chagrined when a violent storm makes him late for the ceremony. But embarrassment turns to astonishment when he finds that his fiancée has vanished entirely! And that is the least of the surprises his unaccountably changed—and unexpectedly irresistible bride—has in store…

I’ve fallen in love with these timeless books all over again, and believe that you will too.

REVIEW:

This book was originally published in 2005 under the name Debbie Raleigh and is a very quick historical romance. The problem is I never really connected to Kate. Luce was cute in his own way but I never really understood why he was so interested in Kate.

Because this was written so long ago I know that Alexandra Ivy has come into her own writing and usually I enjoy everything I read from her but this just wasn’t one of my favorites. However, that being said a fan of sweet historical romance novels will enjoy it. This is not a story of sec but a story of romance .

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

July 25, 2016July 24, 2016

Kimberly reviews Deadly Fate by Heather Graham

TITLE: Deadly Fate
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #19
CHARACTERS: Clara & Thor
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alaska—the final frontier?

When Clara Avery, an entertainer working on the Fate, an Alaskan cruise ship, goes to nearby Bear Island, she comes across a scene of bloody mayhem. She also comes across Thor Erikson, who will soon be a member of the FBI’s elite paranormal unit, the Krewe of Hunters.

Thor’s been sent from the Alaska field office to investigate several grotesque killings, with the dead posed to resemble the victims of notorious murderers. The prime suspect is a serial killer Thor once put behind bars. The man escaped from a prison in the Midwest, and all the evidence says he was headed to Alaska…

Thor and Clara share an unusual skill: the ability to communicate with the dead. Their growing love—and their contact with the ghosts of the victims—brings them together to solve the case…and prevent a deadly fate of their own!

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts We met Clara in the book before this one, Haunted Destiny, when Clara was the friend of the female lead. So we know that Clara can see ghost but she just didn’t know they are ghost. And now we meet Thor who is the next Krewe of Hunters (to be) member. However, you do not need to have read Haunted Destiny to read this story of Clara.

I love the Krewe books, I enjoy the ghost stories and the suspense, but mostly I think I enjoy the history that gets painted by Graham. She brings you to a point that you want to jump on the next plane and go to that location to read up on the history, to see the sights she is talking about or at minimum grab a history book. But this book (and Haunted Destiny) are different. There doesn’t seem to be that bit of history in these last books. I lived in Alaska and appreciated the realness of what she was talking about but the history of it is just missing.

The other part of Graham’s books is that I rarely figure out who did it. But I knew from the moment the character was introduced who it was. And that just took some of the joy of the book away.

Now this is not to say you shouldn’t read it. It’s a good read and if I hadn’t read all of the Krewe books I may have a different review I just feel this one didn’t stand up to the others.

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

July 18, 2016July 16, 2016

Natasha reviews All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

TITLE: All is Not Forgotten
CHARACTERS: Jenny, Tom & Charlotte
AUTHOR: Wendy Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: July 12, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the small, affluent town of Fairview, Connecticut, everything seems picture perfect.

Until one night when young Jenny Kramer is attacked at a local party. In the hours immediately after, she is given a controversial drug to medically erase her memory of the violent assault. But, in the weeks and months that follow, as she heals from her physical wounds, and with no factual recall of the attack, Jenny struggles with her raging emotional memory. Her father, Tom, becomes obsessed with his inability to find her attacker and seek justice while her mother, Charlotte, prefers to pretend this horrific event did not touch her perfect country club world.

As they seek help for their daughter, the fault lines within their marriage and their close-knit community emerge from the shadows where they have been hidden for years, and the relentless quest to find the monster who invaded their town – or perhaps lives among them – drive this psychological thriller to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.

REVIEW:
I really wanted to love this book. The description sounded so intriguing and I was excited to see how the author executed such a plot. Unfortunately this book was not what I was hoping it would be. The story is told from the point of view of Jenny’s psychiatrist, which was a lot confusing for me for a while. The story moved quite slow and I found it hard to remain engaged, likely due to the storytelling method – it felt too far removed. Now, with that said, I think Walker does a great job developing her characters and making them feel real and displaying their human flaws. This was likely the most compelling aspect of the book for me. I think this author has great skill in character development, but the story just wasn’t my type of story. However I am sure there are a lot of readers out there that this type of book is perfect for. I encourage anyone who is interested to pick it up and give it a go, it may be right up your alley.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 15, 2016July 10, 2016

Kelly reviews Awakened by Kate Douglas

TITLE: Awakened
SERIES #: Intimate Relations #3
CHARACTERS: Marc Reed & Mandy Monroe
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
PASSION NEVER SLEEPS.

Small-town barista Mandy Monroe will never forget the first time she saw the man of her dreams. Every morning, this impossibly gorgeous hunk would ride his bike past her coffee shop, fueling her wildest romantic fantasies. But when she learns that her crush is none other than vineyard owner Marc Reed, one of America’s hottest young entrepreneurs, Mandy knows her fantasy will never become a reality. That is, until Marc’s home burns down and he moves in with her…

As a roommate, Marc is as warm, friendly, and down-to-earth as he is rich, famous, and heart stoppingly handsome. But beneath his laidback exterior beats the heart of a red-blooded man with an uncontrollable urge to take Mandy in his arms and make mad, passionate love to her. Mandy is everything he’s ever wanted; she’s sweet, smart, funny, and irresistibly sexy. But how he can tell her the truth about his past? How can he explain the nightmares that haunt him every night? And how can he tell Mandy he loves her…without putting her heart, and her life, in danger?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Awakened was the final installment in the Intimate Relations trilogy. This was a good ending to a good series. It has been fun to watch Marc and Mandy dance around each other over the last two books. It was good to finally see them act on their lust. It was also so great to see how strong Mandy is. Marc couldn’t have asked for a better partner.
If you haven’t read this series and you enjoy romance suspense. You will enjoy this series.
I really can’t wait to see what Kate has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 6, 2016July 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Bound Beneath His Pain by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Bound Beneath His Pain
SERIES #: Dirty Little Secrets #1
CHARACTERS: Micah & Allie
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/05/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin novels kicks off a deeply sensual new series by introducing readers to Micah, a man who takes what he wants—until he meets the one woman he needs.

Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. He keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?

When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah’s her new boss. For another, he’s as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he’s got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she’s willing to go to light the way for love.

Bound Beneath His Pain is intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a new series from Kennedy. Having been a fan of the Club Sin series I was anxious to pick this up. As with all of Kennedy’s books this is meant for mature readers who enjoy erotica / BDSM.

While I enjoyed the story there was just some things off for me. First the writing is not what I am used to from Kennedy. It is not to say it is better or worse it just has a different feel. Hard to say exactly but it seems Kennedy was watching Mad Men while writing this story. Allie seems almost old fashion is her stereotypical secretary. And I really didn’t like that Micah has a stand by sub.

I am looking forward to this new series that was branched off from Club Sin.

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

July 5, 2016July 4, 2016

Kelly reviews The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone

TITLE: The Hatching
CHARACTERS: The World
AUTHOR: Ezekiel Boone
PUBLICATION DATE: July 5, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“An apocalyptic extravaganza of doom and heroism…addictive.” —Publishers Weekly

“It’s been too long since someone reminded us that spiders are not just to be feared, but also may well spell doom for mankind. Fortunately, Ezekiel Boone has upped the ante on arachnophobia. This is a fresh take on classic horror, thoroughly enjoyable and guaranteed to leave your skin crawling.” —Michael Koryta, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Wish Me Dead

An astonishingly inventive and terrifying debut novel about the emergence of an ancient species, dormant for over a thousand years, and now on the march.

Deep in the jungle of Peru, where so much remains unknown, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist whole. Thousands of miles away, an FBI agent investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery. Unusual seismic patterns register in a Kanpur, India earthquake lab, confounding the scientists there. During the same week, the Chinese government “accidentally” drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country. As these incidents begin to sweep the globe, a mysterious package from South America arrives at a Washington, D.C. laboratory. Something wants out.

The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster. An ancient species, long dormant, is now very much awake.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The Hatching is a totally different twist on of the end of the world. We don’t have to worry about Zombies, Werewolves or Vampires. Oh no… no, no, no…… The Hatching is an Arachnophobian worst nightmare!!!!
Seriously, you have been warned!!!
I am really on the fence about this story. I hate spiders I really do, but these spiders are something totally different. I found the history of the spiders interesting. I really liked a few of the characters. But at times the story was a little slow and jumped around the world a lot. I am not sure if I liked the story or not. All I know is that there were a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Atria/Emily Bestler Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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July 1, 2016June 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Sunshine Beach by Wendy Wax

TITLE: Sunshine Beach
SERIES #: Ten Beach Road #4
CHARACTERS: Maddie, Avery & Nikki
AUTHOR: Wendy Wax
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/21/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this brand-new summer read by the USA Today bestselling author of The House on Mermaid Point, three women join forces to bring a historic seaside hotel back to life…

There’s nothing that a fresh coat of paint and a few glasses of wine can’t fix…

After losing their life savings in a Ponzi scheme, Maddie, Avery, and Nikki have banded together to make the most of what they have left, using their determination, ingenuity, guts, and a large dose of elbow grease. It’s Maddie’s daughter Kyra who stumbles across a once glorious beachfront hotel that has fallen into disrepair. The opportunity to renovate this seaside jewel is too good to pass up—especially when they come up with the idea of shooting their own independent television show about the restoration. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything. With the cameras rolling, Maddie’s second-chance romance with her all-too-famous new boyfriend gets complicated, Avery struggles with grief over the loss of her mother, and Nikki’s reluctance to commit to the man who loves her could leave her to face the biggest challenge of her life. Even the hotel seems to be against them, when their renovation uncovers a decades-old unsolved murder which just might bring their lives tumbling down all over again…

REVIEW:
This is my first novel by Wendy Wax but it is the fourth in the series. This book was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be a beach romance with the three women finding love in the sunshine. Nope.

There is a Nazi mystery at the heart of this story which in all honesty is the reason I sort of enjoyed it. I never seemed to connect with any of the three women. I really don’t know how three tv reality stars and a age old mystery fit together.

I am on the fence about this one so I gave it three stars.

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

June 29, 2016June 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Rider
SERIES #: Shadow #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/28/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling “queen of paranormal romance”* is back with a sexy new series starring a Chicago crime family that hides a dark, mystical secret…

Whether it’s fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he’s not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses—both legitimate and illegitimate.

While their criminal activity is simply a rumor yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone—until now…

With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn’t expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts This is a new series from Feehan and quite different than the GhostWalkers series. The men in this story have a special talent of becoming part of the shadows and in doing so they take vengeance into their own hands.

I never really liked Stefano. He didn’t have a warmness about him even when he was at his warmest with Francesca. Yes he became sweeter but he almost stayed too alpha. I get the whole shadows pulled together to show they were meant to be together but there was too much “love at first sight”. Stefano becomes so possessive at first sight for me.

Francesca is a bit of a welcome mat. She is so sweet she just seems to let everyone take control over her. I get she is scared because of the past but she just falls under the protection of the Ferraro family and bang her whole life becomes theirs.

I enjoyed the story and maybe it was because so much has to be explained in the first book of a new series but this just didn’t do it for me. But I look forward to the brothers and Emme finding their riders.

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