3 Star – Page 44 – Books-n-Kisses

March 20, 2014March 13, 2014

Kelly reviews Fall Into Forever by Beth Hyland

TITLE: Fall into Forever
CHARACTERS: Jon Priestly & Ivy McAllister
AUTHOR: Beth Hyland
PUBLICATION DATE: March 10, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some girls may find guys like Jon exciting and charming. Some are even naive enough to want to date them. But guys like him can harbor dark, dangerous secrets. Secrets you don’t want to know or be involved in. How do you think they got this way in the first place? It’s best to follow your head and stay as far away from them as possible.
Trust me when I say this: Guys like Jon Priestly are nothing but trouble.

Ivy McAllister had it all. Perfect boyfriend. Perfect life. Perfect future. Or so they tell her. Because one night, on a dark country road, a fiery crash changed everything…and Ivy can’t remember what happened.

Now, two years later, at a new college far from home, she tries to regain control of her life, but her plans don’t include a tattooed, motorcycle-riding, indie music-obsessed guy with his own sorority girl fan club.

Jon Priestly is the hottest guy at Pacific State University. Just ask his groupies. But with a dark past he must keep hidden, he shuts himself off emotionally and trusts no one. That is…until he meets a broken girl with haunting green eyes and secrets of her own.

Ivy shouldn’t be attracted to Jon. They’re wrong for each other in every possible way. Yet as they spend time together, something about him—everything about him—feels so right.

But when threats from her past make her question what little she does remember, Ivy must decide whether to run again or trust the one person she can’t live without.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts College can be hard enough, even without the added trauma of the past. So when Ivy’s past pops up at her college is throws her into a tail spin. And just when she thinks that she will spiral out of control a knight in not-so-shiny armor comes to her rescue. The only problem is that he is everything she should never want.

Jon, might be well known on campus for all kinds of things. But he really wants is a future, stability and maybe love. Who would have ever though helping someone down from a tree would change his future.

I need to start by saying that I am not a huge new adult fan. I have found few new adult books that I have liked. So when I was asked to review Fall into Forever I was a little hesitant. But I read the blurb, though it sounded really good so I decided to give it a try. And I am glad I did. I enjoyed Fall into Forever. I think any fan of the new adult genre will enjoy Jon & Ivy’s story.

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

March 20, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Four Friends by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Four Friends
CHARACTERS: Andy, Sonja, Gerri & BJ
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Gerri can’t decide what’s more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair the damage. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it’s time to look carefully at herself. The journey for Gerri and her family is more than revealin—it’s transforming.

Andy doesn’t have a great track record with men, and she’s come to believe that for her a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth, ordinary contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja’s lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he’s through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There’s no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.

Miraculously, it’s BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a hard time with this book. I usually love Robyn Carr’s writing but this just made me feel sad in the beginning. I never connected with any of these women or their men. Honestly I really didn’t care if any of them made their relationship work or not. The best part of the story was Bob (and Beau). He is a sweet guy.

I hate that I can’t rave about this book mainly because I love reading Carr’s books and have never been disappointed before but this one just didn’t do anything for me. I can see what Carr was trying to do. I can see the way she wanted to show the different ways a broken trust can change a person and how a cheating man can change a womans life but I hated that the books make it sound like every man is a cheater in some way.

There are some good parts in this book so I don’t want anyone to think that I hated the book. I didn’t. It just didn’t work for me but I will most certainly pick up the next book by Carr because she is one of the best.

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

March 19, 2014March 13, 2014

Kimberly reviews Sex & The Single Vamp by Robin Covington

TITLE: Sex and The Single Vamp
CHARACTERS: Cici & Deacon
AUTHOR: Robin Covington
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cici Trent, vampire and media darling, spends her days finding true love for humans and supernaturals (the “Others”) at her dating agency. But someone is trying to sabotage her business and she needs help. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the one who broke her still-beating heart two hundred fifty-four years ago.

Deacon is a patient vampire. He’s only loved one woman in over three hundred years— CiCi— and she chose another. So when she shows up in his office asking for help, he finally has the chance to lay that demon to rest. He’ll help her, but for a price—a night in his bed.

Adrenaline, mischief, and a little late-night B&E light the passion that even a couple of lifetimes couldn’t put out. But Deacon has a secret and when Cici is suddenly mortal, his deception might be the only way restore her immortality. Can love bridge the gap between a heartbeat and forever?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a bit different of a vampire book. First both main characters are vampires already so there is none of the human/vampire interaction that makes up for most vampire romances. Second the world seems to know about vampires (and other paranormals) and they are almost a new segregated community.

There is suspense and romance. This is well written and interesting. It has only about 180 pages so it is a quick read good for between novels. If you are a fan of vampire romance and want a story that is a bit different then what is normally out there this is the one for you.

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

March 19, 2014March 8, 2014

Kelly reviews Dash Of Peril by Lori Foster

TITLE: Dash of Peril
SERIES #: Love Undercover
CHARACTERS: Dashiel Riske & Margo Peterson
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: March 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A no-nonsense female cop reluctantly teams up with the one man who makes her lose control in a deliciously sensual new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…

To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is 6’4″ of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own.

Beneath Margo’s tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he’ll have to prove he’s all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter

REVIEW:
This book was just alright for me. I didn’t love or hate it. I liked both Dash & Margo. But for some reason they just didn’t work for me.
I have not read any of the other books in this series but did enjoy a few moments with some of the other characters (ie. Rowdy). I do think I will give this series another try.

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

March 17, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Love Unleashed by Jackie Braun

TITLE: Love Unleashed
CHARACTERS: Mia & Gideon
AUTHOR: Jackie Braun
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?The last thing Mia wants is a relationship yet the headstrong florist can’t keep her hands off her sexy-as-sin ex-boyfriend. Will she open her heart before he leaves town for good?

REVIEW:
This is a very short story only about 60 pages. I would say it is part of a series of novella’s but each story is written by a different author so I guess they are not really considered a series and you really do not need to read any of the other stories to read this one. The characters are very sweet and while short the story felt complete. This is a good story to have ready between stories for that quick read.

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

March 15, 2014March 14, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: Big Money by Jack Getze

In this jaunty follow-up to Big Numbers, a scruffy stockbroker returns to tangle with mobsters, women and his own big mouth. The good news, as the story opens, is that the hero is in the company of a gorgeous naked lady. The bad news is that she’s pointing a shotgun at him. It’s a typical predicament for Austin Carr, a semi-shady New Jersey financial professional temporarily in charge of Shore Securities…He’s being extorted into opening a money-laundering account for local crime boss Bluefish; an auditor who was investigating his company has turned up murdered; a fetching state police captain figures he’s the key to her organized-crime probe; and his boss’s mother has been picked up for fixing her church bingo game.

Amazon/B&N/Goodreads

About the Author:

Former Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Getze is Fiction Editor for Anthony nominated Spinetingler Magazine, one of the internet’s oldest websites for noir, crime, and horror short stories. Through the Los Angeles Times/Washington Post News Syndicate, his news and feature stories were published in over five-hundred newspapers and periodicals worldwide. His two screwball mysteries, BIG NUMBERS and BIG MONEY, are being reissued by DOWN & OUT BOOKS, with the new BIG MOJO to follow. His short stories have appeared in A Twist of Noir and Beat to a Pulp. Getze is an Active Member of Mystery Writers of America’s New York Chapter.

http://austincarrscrimediary.blogspot.com/

Jennifer’s Review of Big Money

Review (3.5 Stars): This is the second book in the Austin Carr mystery series and I’m was pleasantly surprised with this book. Austin Carr always seems to get himself in hot water especially when he is asked to “watch” over things for his boss while he takes a long vacation from the investment firm. Soon, he finds himself involved with the local mob boss, murder and dangerous women. Austin never seems to catch a break in this one.

I liked this fast-paced mystery with its crazy antics, over-the-top characters and side-splitting humor. I couldn’t believe the scenarios that Austin seemed to find himself in and they usually ended up with him on the wrong side of a gun. Looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble Austin gets himself involved in with future installments of this series.

March 14, 2014March 8, 2014

Kelly review She Can Hide by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: She Can Hide
SERIES #: She Can…..#4
CHARACTERS: Ethan Hale & Abby Foster
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the moment Officer Ethan Hale pulls Abby Foster from icy waters, he senses there’s more to her than meets the eye. Abby has no memory of the accident that submerged her car in the frozen river. Three years ago, Abby was kidnapped and abandoned in a well for a week. The botched police investigation nearly killed her. Abby had moved to the mountains of Pennsylvania for a fresh start, but when it becomes clear that this car crash wasn’t an accident, she knows the violence from her past has caught up with her. But Abby’s former assailant was convicted and imprisoned, so who else wants her dead? Ethan uncovers a fresh string of murders tied to Abby’s past. Someone is trying to kill her, and this time the stalker seems determined to finish the task. As the killer grows bolder, Abby begins to trust Ethan enough to share the truth, her heart, and her life. But to stop the murders, Ethan must make a decision that could jeopardize it all.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Three years ago she survived an attempt on her life. Now Abby wants to live a quiet life in a quiet little town. But there is nothing quiet about waking up in the middle of a river with your car sinking. Problem is Abby can’t remember how she got here. When pieces of the puzzle start falling into place Abby will have to learn to trust and put her faith in to a man who very well could break her.

Another good book from Melinda. I will say that this one didn’t have my anxiety levels up until the very end. But it was still a very good story. I loved Ethan and Abby. Abby most definitely doesn’t have the best past and her fears are warranted. But even with that she is a pretty tough cookie. Abby is willing to meet danger head on, at least this time she has Ethan.
And Ethan oh boy this guy rocks!! Not only is he willing to give up his life to help his mom and little brothers. He is willing to jump into an icy river to save a stranger.

If you have read any of Melinda’s She Can… books you will enjoy She Can Hide. If you have not pick up any books in this series. Never fear they are each easily read as stand alone.

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

March 13, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Sheriff’s Secret by Susan Meier

TITLE: The Sheriff’s Secret
CHARACTERS: Marney & Dell
AUTHOR: Susan Meier
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

Marney’s 9-1-1 emergency help arrives in the form of a rugged, blue-eyed cop. Now she has the perfect bodyguard to keep her safe during those dark, steamy nights…

REVIEW:
This is a very short story of only about 60 pages. I thought it was a cute story and I enjoyed the characters. I felt like the ending was a little quick. It went from one extreme to the other in a matter of a paragraph or two but it was a great story to have just hanging around between longer reads.

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

March 12, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Driving Mr Wrong Home by Shirley Jump

TITLE: Driving Mr. Wrong Home
CHARACTERS: Gabby & TJ
AUTHOR: Shirley Jump
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

When a handsome man from Gabby’s past agrees to a cross-country road trip, her master plan to re-launch her art career quickly morphs into an unexpected, romantic reunion.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the first in a four part “series” by different authors. The series is really about the little doggy matchmaker. It is a short story of only 60 or so pages. It is sweet and simple. Old love rekindled. Good little story to read between novels.

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

March 7, 2014March 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Sapphires are an Earl’s Best Friend by Shana Galen

TITLE: Sapphires are an Earl’s Best Friend
SERIES #: Jewels of the Ton #3
CHARACTERS: Andrew Booth-Payne & Lily Dawson
AUTHOR: Shana Galen
PUBLICATION DATE: March 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She Wants Him…

She Wants Him Not…

Lily Dawson, dubbed the Countess of Charm by the Prince Regent himself, plays the role of the courtesan flawlessly while her real purpose is spying in the service of the Crown. Her mission now is to seduce a duke to test his true loyalties. She’ll do it, even though the man she really wants is Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington—the duke’s son.

Andrew is furious when he finds himself rivaling his father for Lily’s attention. When he uncovers Lily’s mission, Andrew is faced with impossible choices. It seems he is destined to betray either his family, his country, or the longings of his own heart.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was my first book in this series and while I think it might have be helpful to read the first to books first. I didn’t feel lost, but the main characters in this book do have a bit of a history that I am guessing we would see in the first two books.

I liked this book but didn’t love. I really liked Lily. She is feisty, independent, determined and not afraid to speak her mind. But Lily does have a few secrets in her past and those secrets for every changed her future. Andrew on the other hand was a bit of an asshat in the beginning. Although I did really enjoy that first kiss. Once these two came to an understanding everything was coming up roses. Or was it?

If you have read the first two books in the Jewels of the Ton series you will really enjoy Andrew & Lily’s story. If you are new to this series I would suggest you give this series and these Jewels a chance at their second chance at life and 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.

March 5, 2014March 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Silence Of The Wolf by Terry Spears

TITLE: Silence of the Wolf
SERIES #: Heart of the Wolf #13
CHARACTERS: Tom Silver & Elizabeth Wildwood
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Gray werewolf Tom Silver is determined to find the wolves who have been attacking local livestock. While tracking the pack through the Rockies, a blizzard forces him into a remote cabin where he hears a plane crash nearby.

When he discovers the sole survivor is a beautiful female werewolf/coyote shifter mix, bound as a prisoner, he knows it’s his duty to hide her. Now, they are both at risk as a search ensues for the missing prisoner.

Will Tom be able to protect this beautiful stranger while tracking down the wolves responsible for terrorizing the local livestock?

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts When Tom is asked by his Alpha (aka his brother) to look after the new shewolf in town to say that Tom was happy is an understatement. He doesn’t want to have to babysit some shewolf who is visiting for a short period. That is until he sees her, then he thinks this might be a very good idea.
Elizabeth is in town to wrap up a story she is writing on the ski resort and to meet a member of her old back. Elizabeth has been trying to solve her parents murder for years. Now that she finally has a clue as to whom nothing is going to stop her. Not even falling down a mountain.
I liked this story. Love Tom. Liked Elizabeth. But something in the story was off for me. I am not 100% sure that it is or why but it just was. Now if you are a fan of Terry’s Heart of the Wolf series I am sure you will love this story. This is only my second book in this series. I think that maybe I have a lot of unanswered questions which means I need to go back and start with book 1.

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.

February 27, 2014February 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Hot Rock by Annie Seaton

TITLE: Hot Rock
CHARACTERS: Megan & Davy
AUTHOR: Annie Seaton
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Megan Miller is on a dream trip to research her doctoral thesis at a rock festival in England. When she arrives in town she’s stunned that her temporary neighbor is the spitting image of her 70’s rock idol, too bad he’s also a world-class jerk. So why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Seventies rock star Davy Morgan is a man with a secret: rockin’ in one time and living in another. He holds his privacy close to his heart, so when a beautiful girl who not only loves but truly understands his music moves in next door, he works overtime to keep her at a distance. Easier said than done.

Megan follows Davy to the rock festival, but it’s not what or when it seems. The lure of the music draws them closer, but can their newfound love span across the decades, or will it get lost in time?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very different book than I thought it would be. While a quick read it is very interesting. It has a big surprise (other reviews give it away if you want to know) that really makes this story different than most romances.

I liked Davy. He really has a lot of potential as a character. Megan is just ok for me. I think her story might have been told a little better but that it not to say she isn’t interesting. Looking for a quick different read than this is the book for you.

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