4 Star – Page 100 – Books-n-Kisses

May 23, 2014May 15, 2014

Natasha reviews Circle Of Desire by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Circle of Desire
SERIES #: The Damask Circle #3
CHARACTERS: Ethan & Kat
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A TEMPTING FATE

Two children have been found dead, their souls torn from their bodies. Two more are missing, and Ethan Morgan’s niece is one of them. A dedicated cop, Ethan has every intention not only of bringing her back alive but of catching the monster behind these kidnappings. And he will use anyone and everyone to achieve those aims—even a crazy woman who claims to be a witch. But time is ticking. The victims rarely stay alive for more than seven days. Four of those days have already passed.

In ten years of working for the Damask Circle, shapeshifter Katherine Tanner has never come across anything that goes after kids the way this monster does. The last thing Kat needs is interference from a cop who has no idea what he’s up against. But the greatest threat to Kat may come not from the forces of darkness, but from the man she is beginning to love. Because Ethan is a werewolf . . . and the full moon is rising.

REVIEW: This was another strong addition to this series. I really enjoyed the interactions between Kat and Ethan. Though, I have to say – I think Kat’s grandmother, Gwen tried to steal the show. I loved how the female characters in particular were so strong and independent. I really enjoyed seeing Ethan grudgingly submit to their expertise and follow their lead. It was a fun read and I really like Ethan and Kat together!

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

May 22, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Kiss Of Snow by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Kiss of Snow
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #
CHARACTERS: Hawke & Sienna Lauren
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2011
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2011
RUN TIME: 14 hours
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.
Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.
Then Sienna changes the rules-and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…
A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home-and the alpha who is its heartbeat.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This book had me busting up laughing, crying, and screaming NOOOOOO, so many times I loved it!!! Will after my anxiety levels came down a few notches. I was so excited to finally get to this book. Have been waiting for Hawke’s book since the moment that we met him in Slave to Sensation. My only gripe about this book was that there was not more Hawke & Sienna. While I loved the parts of Walker and Lara I wanted more of Sienna challenging Hawke. But even with that I loved this book.

Hawke & Sienna are so perfect for each other that it really did make the painful wait till book 10 for their story. I really hope that we get to see more of Hawke & Sienna in future books and what lays ahead for them.

Again Angela does an amazing job of bringing Nalini’s characters to life. I am truly in awe of the voices that this girl can do! They are all very different and distinct. Until the next book ladies (which I am starting today)!!!!

If you have not read any of the Psy-Changeling books. I really think that you need to start from the beginning. So much happens over the years to the Packs, the Council, the world that if you just picked up book 10 you may not get the full impact of the story line. So go get yourself a copy of Slave to Sensation, or do what I did and get it on audio. 🙂 But read this series!!!

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

May 21, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Once Tasted by Laura Moore

TITLE: Once Tasted
SERIES #: Silver Creek #2
CHARACTERS: Reid Knowles & Mia Bodell
AUTHOR: Laura Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: May 26, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three siblings, an extraordinary family, a lasting heritage—in the irresistible Silver Creek Ranch trilogy, they’ll fight for the land and the people they love.

Everything has come easily to Reid Knowles, the middle son of a California ranching family. But his charmed life is suddenly complicated when his good friend and neighbor asks him to help run the winery next door. His neighbor’s niece, Mia Bodell, is in charge—and she has made it clear that she’d rather be roped to a steer than to Reid Knowles. Never one to back down from a challenge, Reid vows to win her trust.

Her life marked by loss, Mia knows that nothing comes easily—love included. In high school, her heart was crushed by Reid, and even though years have passed, the hurt lingers. Mia is achingly aware that the teen heartthrob has matured into a devastatingly handsome playboy, and the budding winemaker refuses to let down her guard. But one taste of unbridled passion changes things. From Reid’s first intoxicating kiss to his unexpectedly tender seduction, Mia is swept into a passionate affair that could tear her heart to pieces . . . or give her everything she has ever wanted

REVIEW:
The one that got away. What that is not right because she never had him to begin with right? But Reid Knowles has always been the one for Mia. The only one ever!!! But with her uncle leaving her in charge of the winery and Reid acting as her new right hand man will Mia be able to fight her feelings for the cowboy?
Reid is a lot of things but a chicken is not one of them, except when it comes to Mia. When it comes to the fiery woman Reid is never sure what to do. Now they have to work together to make the winery a profitable business. But somewhere along the way Reid finds that he can’t keep this relationship just as co-workers.

These two are great. It was fun to watch them tiptoe around each other for so long. Both wanting the same thing for so long but neither brave enough to take that chance until now.

This was a great second book in Laura’s Silver Creek Series. I just love these cowboys and the feisty women that they love. If you love a good romance with the star hero a sweet, good looking, determined cowboy you need to grab a copy of Once Tasted.
I am so looking for to Quinn’s story. It is going to be fun to watch her fall and her big brothers go crazy watching 🙂

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

May 21, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Play Of Passion by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Play of Passion
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #9
CHARACTERS: Andrew Kincaid & Indigo Riviere
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: November 2, 2010
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2011
RUN TIME: 10 hours & 21 minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In his position as tracker for the SnowDancer pack, it’s up to Drew Kincaid to rein in rogue changelings who have lost control of their animal halves- even if it means killing those who have gone too far. But nothing in his life has prepared him for the battle he must now wage to win the heart of a woman who makes his body ignite… and who threatens to enslave his wolf.

Lieutenant Indigo Riviere doesn’t easily allow skin privileges, especially of the sensual kind- and the last person she expects to find herself craving is the most wickedly playful male in the den. Everything she knows tells her to pull back before the flames burn them both to ash… but she hasn’t counted on Drew’s will.

Now, two of SnowDancer’s most stubborn wolves find themselves playing a hot, sexy game even as lethal danger stalks the very place they call home.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Andrew Kincaid is a man on a mission. The target Indigo Riviere the hard headed, uber strong, and damn sexy SnowDancer Lieutenant. The only problem with this mission is that Drew has messed up the first attack so badly that there may not be any recovering from it.
But Mr. Kincaid is one of the most stubborn men there is and with his eye on the prize he will not let anything or anyone stand in his way. Not even Indigo herself.

Indigo, man this girl made me love her and hate her all in the span of one chapter. I wanted to hug her, kicker, and slap her upside the head so many times in this book. But in the end I just loved her stubborn mule-headedness. Drew on the other hand is so fun lovin that he makes your heart smile. I guess that is why these two are so good.

So, so, so in love with this series. I do have a bone to pick with Ms. Singh. Why must you write stories that are so beyond awesome and make me fall in love with each character so much? So much so that I cry while listening to this book. Let me tell you I sure get some funny looks from other drivers when I am cry or laughing my butt off listening 🙂 Thank you Ms. Singh for being so freakin amazing!!! Thank you to Angela for being one of my favorite narrators!!!

On to the next one!!!! Finally made to to Hawke’s story!!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased the story from Audible.com. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 20, 2014May 19, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: Hanging By A Hair by Nancy J. Cohen

Marla’s joyous move to a new house with her husband, Detective Dalton Vail, is marred by their next-door neighbor who erects an illegal fence between their properties. When Dalton reminds the man of the local permitting laws, tempers flare—and worse, the neighbor is found dead the following day. Dismayed when Dalton is removed from the case due to a conflict of interest, Marla decides it’s up to her to find the killer. Can the intrepid hairstylist untangle the clues and pin down the culprit before he strikes again?

Amazon/B&N

About the Author:

Nancy J. Cohen writes the humorous Bad Hair Day mystery series featuring hairdresser Marla Shore, who solves crimes with wit and style under the sultry Florida sun. Several of these titles have made the IMBA bestseller list. Nancy is also the author of Writing the Cozy Mystery, a valuable instructional guide for writers on how to write a winning whodunit. Her imaginative romances have proven popular with fans as well. Her titles in this genre have won the HOLT Medallion and Best Book in Romantic SciFi/Fantasy at The Romance Reviews. Active in the writing community and a featured speaker at libraries and conferences, Nancy is listed in Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers, and Who’s Who in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets. Currently, she is serving as President of Florida Chapter Mystery Writers of America. When not busy writing, Nancy enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising and outlet shopping.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Hanging By A Hair

Review (4 Stars): This is the first book that I’ve read in the series and I had no problem jumping right into the story. Marla Vail and husband, Dalton, have settled into their new home and already are experiencing problems with their next door neighbor. Alan Krabber doesn’t do things by the rules and before you know it, he is found dead of an apparent suicide. When the clues point to murder, Dalton becomes the prime suspect and Marla is out to clear her husband’s name.

This was a light-hearted mystery that was a quick easy read. I found the character of Marla enjoyable and even though I haven’t read the rest of the series, I was able to follow along with the storyline. I enjoyed Ms. Cohen humorous style of writing and the mystery had a wide variety of suspects who wanted the victim dead. I will have to add this series onto my list and go back to read the other Bad Hair Day mysteries to learn more about Marla and Dalton Vail.

May 20, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly review Naughty Bits: The Training Session by Joey W Hill

TITLE: Naughty Bits: The Training Session
SERIES #: Naughty Bits #2
CHARACTERS: Madison & Logan
AUTHOR: Joey W Hill
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/20/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Madison may have ditched her well-ordered Boston life to run Naughty Bits, her sister’s North Carolina lingerie shop, but she didn’t expect to throw herself into such chaos—or to become intimate with the sexiest man she’s ever had the pleasure of meeting. After spending a night observing a submissive’s training session, Madison is ready for Logan to teach her how to feed her own deep fantasies—and get rid of all her lingering fears…

Madison’s aching desire to submit is unlike anything Logan’s ever experienced before, and he’s determined to be the man to make her relinquish control. Still, Logan’s unsure if Madison is ready to take that first step to becoming his—until she shows up at his door ready to be commanded. Luckily for them both, Logan’s got more than a few surprises up his sleeve that he knows she’ll enjoy…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the second installment in the Naughty Bits series. This is certainly the one where we see Logan’s Dom side and Madison’s sub side. There is something about these two. They are so connected in this story. Madison is also coming into her own in the story but when she is with Logan she shows her vulnerability. Logan can sense it and is drawn to it. But there are so many feelings between them that they do not share.

I can not wait for the next installment. Joey W Hill is one of the best erotica writers in my opinion. If you are not into erotica/BDSM then this is not the story for you but if you do then do not miss this series.

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

May 20, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Bonds Of Justice by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Bonds of Justice
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #8
CHARACTERS: Max Shannon & Sophia Russo
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: July 6, 2010
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2011
RUN TIME: 11 hours & 32 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Max Shannon is a cop through and through. His goal has always been to seek justice where justice needs to be given. When a serial killer brings Max together with a J-Psy, he realizes he has finally met his match and the woman he wants for the rest of his life. But in order to make this happen Max is going to have to protect her from this killer, her own people and possible herself.

Sophia knows that her time as a J-Psy is coming to an end. Her shields are breaking and when that happens total rehabilitation will happen. After that she will no longer be the person she is today. Realizing that is her future she has all but given up. That is until she meets Max Shannon. There is something about Max that makes her want to fight for a future. But is it too late?

As always Nalini blows me away with her amazing ability to write an amazing story and make it come alive. I always have such a range of emotions with every one of her stories and Bonds of Justice was no different. And again Angela brings Nalini’s characters to life in this audio version. I love that as Angela is narrating I know all the different voice she has for all the characters. She is just an amazing narrator.

I just love this series!! Anyone looking for a great paranormal series you need to grab book one Slave to Sensation and get started. On to the next book!!

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

May 19, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Blaze Of Memory by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Blaze of Memory
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #7
CHARACTERS: Dev Santos & Katya Hass
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: November 3, 2009
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: August 30, 2011
RUN TIME: 11 hours 25 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman without a past becomes the pawn of the man who controls her future…

Dev Santos discovers her unconscious and battered, with no memory of who she is. All she knows is that she’s dangerous. Charged with protecting his people’s most vulnerable secrets, Dev is duty-bound to eliminate all threats. It’s a task he’s never hesitated to complete…until he finds himself drawn to a woman who might prove to be the enemy’s most insidious weapon yet.

Stripped of her memories by a shadowy oppressor and programmed to carry out cold-blooded murder, Katya Haas is fighting desperately for her sanity. Her only hope is Dev. But how can she expect to gain the trust of a man who could very well be her next target? For in this game, one must die

REVIEW:
Dev knew when he took his job that he would have to have a heart of stone to make some of the decisions he needs to make and sadly that is coming very true. No one can be as cold as Dev except maybe a Psy. But when a young battered woman barely alive is dumped on his doorstep something in Dev melts just a little bit. But she is the enemy and like any threat to the Shine foundation enemies need to be dealt with.
She may not remember everything but she does know she is not the person she use to be. No Katya, has forever been changed by a man looking to take out the Forgotten. The question is what is Katya’s true mission? And what will happen when the final trigger is set?

Another great story by Nalini! I really love this series and love how much detail and heart that each of these characters have. I have to say that one of my favorite parts was when Judd made an appearance. I just love Judd and if you don’t know who I am talking about start with book 1!

Angela does an amazing job again narrating this book. There really is not much better than an amazing book and an amazing narrator. Can’t wait for the next installment.

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

May 15, 2014May 11, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Tamed by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Tamed
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #6.5
CHARACTERS: Caleb Donovan & Lily Sotheby
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: May 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he’s a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He’s not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that’s what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he’s in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she’s vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she’s determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What would you do if the woman of your dreams married someone else?
And then what would you do if you had a chance to finally get what you want?
Would you take it? Would you let anything stand in your way?

Well not if you are Caleb Donovan. When a chance with Lily presents itself he will do anything to grab on to her and never let her go. Nothing will stand in his way not an upcoming peace talk between the war factions of the world. Not very disturbing dreams and sure as heck not a kidnapping attempt.

This was a great addition to the Dark Protectors series. But I will say that it really did leaving dying for the next book in this series.

If you are a Dark Protectors fan you will love Caleb & Lily’s story.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Seriously is there anyone better than Rebecca Zanetti for paranormal romance? I think not. I have enjoyed every one of her books in this series (and all her books in other series too). Zanetti has a way of bringing you right into the story and you don’t want to let go.

If you haven’t been reading this series what are you waiting for? The characters are great, the writing is great and the background stories are great.. in other words it is great so pick up the first one and you won’t put the series down until you have read them all.

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

May 14, 2014May 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Long For Me by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Long for Me
SERIES #: Secrets & Shadows #0.7 (Novella about 80 pages)
CHARACTERS: Guy Miller & Christina “Tink” Bell
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: May 13, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christina Bell remembers what it was like to be part of a loving family. The youngest of the Bell children, she simply cannot believe that her dad, or anyone else she loves, had a hand in her mother’s disappearance. She’s looking forward to moving on and spending more time with her sexy best friend, Guy Miller, who she is starting to see in a whole new light.

Their attraction sizzling and love deepening, Christina feels confident in her life and ability to handle what comes her way…But when Nichole’s body is found—and the mystery of her death slowly reveals itself—Christina is left not knowing who to trust. What if Guy, her one true desire, proves to be her biggest danger?

REVIEW:
Long for Me is the final prequel novella in Shiloh Walker’s Secrets & Shadows series before book one Deeper Than Need comes out in June 2014. I really loved this story. I think Guy & Tink are my favorite couple so far. As always when I review a novella I can’t give you to much because I want you to read the book yourself. But I will say that questions get answered and lives will change again.

If you have not started this series you need to start with Burn for me. These novella’s are one overall story with each novella focusing on one of the Bell kids. I am very much looking forward to reading Deeper Than Need and seeing where Shiloh takes this series.

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

May 14, 2014May 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews Liam: Branded Brothers by Raen Smith

TITLE: Liam: Branded Brothers
SERIES #: Branded Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Charla & Liam
AUTHOR: Raen Smith
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One letter can change it all…

When caregiver Charla Tayor arrives at the isolated cottage of a man suffering with Alzheimer’s, she’s given one instruction to carry out upon his death: to deliver a letter to a man named Liam Murphy. Three years later, she’s face-to-face with the letter’s recipient, a tattooed Irish Bounty Hunter who’s exactly the type of man she’s trying to avoid.

But Charla can’t ignore their undeniable connection as Liam drags her deeper into her patient’s troubled past. Just as she’s opening her heart, her life teeters on a dangerous edge, and there’s only one man who can save her.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t all that long so I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. The connection between Liam and Charla is immediate. I will say some of it moved pretty fast romance-wise but it was still very interesting. It was not what I expected since I thought each brother would be discovered as the series progressed.

There is no real suspense to it but it is a very adventurous story. And a very enjoyable read.

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

May 13, 2014May 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Sinful Deception by Joan Swan

TITLE: Sinful Deception
SERIES #: A Covert Affair Novella
CHARACTERS: Marcus Lucero & Tova Sorenson
AUTHOR: Joan Swan
PUBLICATION DATE: April 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In need of fast cash to help her brother sneak into the US, Tova Sorenson takes a job as a sexcam operator, sparking an unlikely friendship with her very first customer. When Marcus Lucero’s border patrol teammate suggests a sexcam site for female companionship without heartache, Marcus figures he’s got nothing to lose.

While danger from Tova’s dark side brings them together in the flesh where their chemistry burns hotter than hell, it also exposes their divergent loyalties which could end not only their desires, but their lives.

REVIEW:
Marcus and Tova meet under very unusual circumstances. But thanks to those circumstances Tova is safe, a little bruised up, but safe and Marcus will do everything to keep it that way.

This was a very quick read and an ever quicker romance. But Ms. Swan does a great job with Marcus & Tova. They have such great chemistry and an even better friendship. Yet the base of this story is deep. There is a lot that was happening in a very short time and as always Ms. Swan does an amazing job of telling this story.

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