Category: 4 Star

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Laced With Poison Interview with Meg London

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Today I have the lovely Meg London here to discuss her new release, Laced With Poison, the second title in her Sweet Nothings Lingerie series.  If you love mysteries, then you definitely need to pick up this great series.

1.  Tell me about your new release Laced With Poison.
Laced with Poison is the second in my Sweet Nothings Lingerie Series writing as Meg London (I write the Gourmet De-Lite series under my own name, Peg Cochran.)  Once again we follow the adventures of Emma Taylor, her aunt Arabella, their friend Sylvia Brodsky and, of course, Pierre Louis Auguste, Arabella’s French bulldog.  Sweet Nothings is holding a trunk show at the home of socialite Deirdre Porter when one of the women takes ill and subsequently dies.  Tests reveal she was killed by a poison flower used to decorate cupcakes served at the event.  It’s a mystery where the past ends up affecting the present!  I’ve always wanted to write a story like that.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for this series?
I can’t take the credit.  The idea comes from my brilliant editor at Berkley Prime Crime.  I was hired to write the series based on her concept.  She had a big hand in plotting the first book in the series, but this one is all my own as are a lot of the characters.

3. Have you always loved mysteries?
Yes!  Ever since I discovered Nancy Drew as a kid.  I started plotting out my first mystery when I was seven years old.  I even found the perfect place to bury a body.

4. Are any of your characters based on people that you know?

No.  Although my mother is convinced she’s in every book I write!

5. What are you working on now?
I’m taking a bit of a break after writing six books in less than three years!  I’m waiting for revisions for books #3 in the Gourmet series and the Lingerie series.  I’m also waiting to find out if either series is going to be continued.  Meanwhile, I have another  proposal in the works, and I’m thinking about a short story to bridge the gap between Gourmet books #2 and #3.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up!  If you really, really want it, don’t quit!  I had 400 rejections on three projects that I was circulating within a two year period (mostly agents) and then finally I go a break.  But I had two other agents before this, and I’ve been really serious about getting published (as opposed to “dreaming” about it) for 15 years.

Thank you so much for being here on Books-n-Kisses. 🙂
Thank you for having me here today at Books-n-Kisses!  I love hearing from readers so stop by my web site www.pegcochran.com and/or www.meglondon.com.  

About the Author:

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Peg grew up in a New Jersey suburb about 25 miles outside of New York City. After college, she moved to the city where she managed an art gallery owned by the son of the artist Henri Matisse. When her first daughter, Francesca, arrive, the new family moved back to the New Jersey suburbs where her second daughter, Annabelle, was born.

After her husband died, Peg remarried and her new husband took a job in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they now live (on exile from New Jersey, she likes to joke). Peg managed to segue from the art world to marketing and is now the manager of marketing communications for a company that provides services to seniors.

Her greatest love though as always been writing – particularly mysteries! She has two cozy mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime: The Gourmet De-Lite series set in Connecticut and featuring Gigi Fitzgerald, who provides gourmet diet meals to a select group of clients, and the Sweet Nothings Vintage Lingerie series, written as Meg London, set in Paris, Tennessee with Emma Taylor who finds murder and mayhem in this quiet country town.

As for pets – she has a schizophrenic cat (really!) named Frazzle and a Westhighland White Terrier, Reggie, who is desperately in need of losing a few pounds. But you know what they say: If your dog is overweight, it means YOU aren’t getting enough exercise!

When she’s not writing, Peg can usually be found cooking, which she loves. When asked to bring a dish to a potluck she invariably opts to bring dessert – partly because she loves making sweet dishes and partly because she and her husband always manage to be late so there’s no point in putting them in charge of appetizers.

 

Jennifer’s Review of Laced With Poison

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TITLE: Laced With Poison

SERIES #: Sweet Nothings Lingerie #2

CHARACTERS: Emma Taylor, Arabella & Sylvia Brodsky

AUTHOR:  Meg London

PUBLICATION DATE: 07/02/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: You’re invited to the Sweet Nothings trunk show. See what the shop has to offer, taste some wonderful food, catch up with friends, and solve a murder….

Emma Taylor is happy to be drawing in customers at her aunt Arabella’s lingerie shop, Sweet Nothings, but replacing the store’s broken window is going to cost a small fortune.  Hoping to hoist up their sagging profits, Arabella arranges to have a trunk show at the home of a local socialite who will invite all of her friends and take care of the catering.  All Emma and Arabella have to do is show up and show off their wares.  Seems simple enough….

A gorgeous spread is prepared for the event, including delicious cupcakes topped with edible flowers.  But after one of the partygoers takes a bite and winds up dead, the guest list becomes a suspect list.  Now Emma must separate facts from idle gossip before the killer gives the cops the slip.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer             NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: Laced With Poison is the second novel in the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series and this was a very enjoyable mystery for me.  Things are starting to look up for Emma Taylor when Sweet Nothings is scheduled to present a trunk lingerie show at Deirdre Porter’s house, which could open up more opportunities for the store.  During the festivities, a prominent guest, Jessica Scott, is killed after eating a delicious cupcake that was brought to help cater the event. Now, Emma must use her sleuthing skills to help clear her friend’s name or her cupcake business will be destroyed because of the accusations.

I’m happy to say that this book was a fast-paced mystery with a quirky cast of characters and the right amount of suspense that is bound to entertain any mystery lover.  I really enjoyed learning more about Emma and her aunt Arabella, who each have love interests in this story.  But my favorite character has to be the snarky yet lovable Sylvia Brodsky, who has more spunk than any other character that I have seen before. The mystery was intriguing and well-written and I had a difficult time figuring out the murderer until their identity was revealed at the very end.  I think that this is a great series and I can’t wait to read the next one in the Sweet Nothings series.

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Kelly reviews Werewolf in Alaska by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Werewolf in Alaska

TITLE: Werewolf in Alaska
SERIES #: Wild About You #5
CHARACTERS: Jake Hunter & Rachel Miller
AUTHOR: Vicki Lewis Thompson
PUBLICATION DATE: July 2, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s a lone wolf—for now.

In Polecat, Alaska, Rachel Miller and Jake Hunter have a mutual admiration for each other—from across a lake. There’s nothing Rachel likes more than spying on the very fit wilderness guide when he skinny-dips each night. And Jake has always been curious about his reclusive artist neighbor. He even bought Rachel’s first wood carving: a wolf who looks suspiciously like him…

Jake is a werewolf, but not just any werewolf. He’s the founder of WARM (Werewolves Against Random Mating). And that means a human like Rachel is off-limits, no matter how attractive he finds her.

But when Rachel is threatened by a bear, and Jake shifts to save her, their lives collide with an intense passion, one that could change everything they’ve ever felt about themselves—and each other.

REVIEW:
4 1/4 Stars Jake & Rachel have been neighbors for the last few years. While they have never spoken to each other Rachel knows an awful lot about Jack. Thanks to some high powered binoculars and Jake’s night time skinny dips. But after a chance in counter at the local supermarket neither of their lives will be the same.

The only question is will Jake let it happen….

This was a fun book. Also this was my first Vicki Lewis Thompson book. I do plan on getting books 1-4 of the Wild About You series and reading them very soon.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Alien In The House by Gini Koch

Alien In The House

TITLE: Alien In The House
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Kat #7
CHARACTERS: Kitty Martin, Jeff Martin & Crew
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini have learned the ins and outs of Washington politics, not to mention how to prevail in intergalactic war and foil dangerous plots. But, in the aftermath of Operation Destruction, the Gower girls’ powers are burned out, the entire A-C population has been “outed” as the aliens living on Earth that they are, and, worst of all, ACE is nowhere to be found.

Then murder and mayhem are served up at an important dinner party at the American Centaurion Embassy, and when the dust settles Alpha Team and the Diplomatic Corps have more problems than just a dead Congressman.

Is there a single criminal mastermind—or multiple enemies—behind all the conspiracies that want Kitty dead and the A-Cs gone or co-opted to become the War Division?

The return of the best assassins in the business, the reappearance of two individuals long-presumed dead, Agent Malcolm Buchanan felled by something no one can identify or cure, and new technology that can block even the most powerful empath on Earth … all of this means the game’s officially afoot.

Then Vance Beaumont comes to Kitty with a wild theory that someone is systematically killing off the House of Representatives…

It’s up to Kitty and the rest of the gang to find out what’s really going on and why. But will they be able to stop the killer or killers before the rest of the U.S. House of Representatives become casualties? And will the replacement Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd District, who happens to be Jeff Martini, be the next to die?

REVIEW:
I just love this series. Love the characters, love the world and could tell you so much about this book. But you all know that I don’t do spoilers. Since I don’t want to give too much away let’s say that Kitty again has to implore her brilliantly, witty mind, ask for a little help from her friends, and live on a wing and a pray that they make it out of this one in one piece.

It was so good to be back in the A-C world. I love to see the whole cast of characters and how much the grow and change. And sweet little Jamie is getting so big 🙂

But I do love this series. Although I would highly recommend that you read this series in order. There is a lot of history that leads up to this books and if you just job into Alien in the House you might be a tad lost. But the whole series is worth reading.

I can’t wait to see what is in store for Kitty, Jeff and crew next!

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

4 Hearts

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Ursula reviews Defensive Zone by Bianca Sommerland

TITLE: Defensive Zone
SERIES #: Dartmouth Cobras #2
CHARACTERS: Silver Delgado, Dean Richter, Landon Bower
AUTHOR: Bianca Sommerland
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/24/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Silver Delgado has gained control of The Dartmouth Cobras—and lost control of her life.

Hockey might be the family business, but it’s never interested Silver. Until her father’s health decline thrusts responsibility for the team he owns straight into her hands. Now she has to find a way to get the team more fans, and establish herself as the new owner. Which means standing up to Dean Richter, the general manager and the advisor her father has forced on her. The fact that their ‘business relationship’ started with her over his lap at his BDSM club shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Their hot one night stand meant nothing! But how can she earn his respect when he sees her as submissive? Can they separate work and the lifestyle she’s curious to explore?

Balancing her new life away from Hollywood, living among people who see her as the selfish Delgado princess, has her feeling lost and alone until Landon Bower, the Cobras new Goalie slips into her life and becomes her best—and only—friend. The time they spend together makes everything else bearable, but before long his eyes meet hers with more than friendship, reflecting what she feels. Which could ruin everything.

Two Dominant men who see past her pretty mask and the shallow image she portrayed to the flashing cameras. A gentle attack from both sides that she can’t hope to block unless she learns how to play.

But she’s getting the hang of the game.

Warning
This ebook contains material not suitable for readers under 18. In also contains scenes that some may find objectionable, including BDSM, ménage sex, bondage, anal sex, sex toys, double penetration, edge play, and two Doms that will use any means necessary to earn submission. Author assumes no responsibility for repercussions related to reenacting office scenes, but will take full credit for all pleasure involved.

REVIEW:
I loved this book. The character of Silver was my favorite. I really felt for her. I wanted to cuddle her and make everything alright for her. I know a lot of people thought she was a bitch but I could tell she was just misunderstood. In the first book the glimpses of her were enough to make me want to know more. I think the author did a good job of showing the personal character growth of all the characters in this book, but especially Silver. I am glad that her relationship with her sister was repaired, because those two really need each other with the monster of a father they have.

I felt that this book was definitely better written and better edited than the first book. You could really see the writer’s growth and also it wasn’t as confusing. Also we get a tempting glimpse into the next book’s main characters. I am looking forward to reading book 3.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Midnight Exposure by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Midnight Exposure
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/21/12
Characters: Reed Kimball & Jayne Sullivan
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When two hikers disappear, their Maine hometown blames the blinding storms. But the truth is far more sinister. Unaware of the danger, tabloid photographer Jayne Sullivan follows an anonymous tip to rural Maine to find the most reclusive sculptor in the art world. Instead, she finds sexy, mysterious handyman Reed Kimball ? and a small town full of fatal secrets. Five years ago, Reed buried his homicide detective career along with his wife. But when a hiker’s body is discovered, the local police chief asks Reed for help. Why was a Celtic coin found under the remains? And where is the second hiker? Avoiding the media, Reed doesn’t need a nosey photographer snooping around. But when Jayne is attacked, her courage makes him want to risk everything to protect her?and to find a determined and desperate killer.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jayne, this poor girl has been through hell and back already once in her life. But who would have ever thought going to a small town in Maine would become a matter of life or death for her. This time Jayne will not be a victim. This time she will be her own hero.

Reed Kimball just wants to live a peaceful and quiet life. He has already seen and done more then most will in a lifetime. But when a beautiful stranger shows up outside his home, she off a series of events that even Reed could have never seen coming.

I really like Melinda’s writing style. She does a great job of sucking you into her world. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this book. As always I am trying to figure out the who done its. And boy howdy I would have never guessed who it was in the end.

If you have read any of Melinda’s other books you will love Midnight Exposure. If you have not read any of her books yet. I would suggest picking up a copy and jump into the suspenseful world that Melinda has created.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly reviews One Sweet Ride by Jaci Burton

One Sweet Ride

TITLE: One Sweet Ride
SERIES: Play By Play #6
CHARACTERS: Gray Preston & Evelyn Hill
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: June 4, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Gray Preston was born into money, but he’s built his racing empire on hard work and muscle. And now that Gray has millions of fans, his senator father sends one of his aides, Evelyn Hill, to elicit Gray’s help in garnering votes for the upcoming national election. Gray wants nothing to do with his estranged father’s campaign, but Evelyn can be pretty persuasive. She’s willing to learn about racing, and maybe even get a little dirty.

Evelyn’s number-one goal is politics, which makes working with Gray difficult, because his only passion is fast cars. As she and Gray spend time together, he teaches her about the sport he loves, and she learns a lot about the man behind the wheel. The more she learns, the more she wants him. But any desire that threatens to derail the carefully laid plans for her future is a dangerous one.

With the passion Gray and Evelyn share running hotter than either imagined, one of them is going to have to compromise, or else run the risk of losing more than their hearts.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jaci really knows how to take oil & vinegar to get a great mix. Gray & Evelyn are so different, yet work so perfectly together.

Gray is the uber hot, race car driving, racing team owner and all around good guy. But Gray does have some serious baggage when it comes to his father. So it is no surprise that he wants nothing to do with the drop dead gorgeous woman that wants him to work with his father. And support his father in his new campaign to become vice president.

Evelyn loves her job, loves politics, loves D.C. and has worked very hard to get where she is at today. So she is not going to let a crabby race car driver stand in her way of helping his father win the VP seat. Oh no, Evelyn is willing to play dirty when it comes to Gray Preston. Evelyn pulls out the dirtiest play in the book, she calls his mom… 🙂

These two are so good together. I loved every stop of their journey. Even the heartbreaking parts. If you have love Jaci’s Play-by-Play books in the past you will fall in love with One Sweet Ride. But never fear. If you are new to the Play-by-Play series (which you really should read all of them 😀 ) One Sweet Ride can easily be read as a stand alone.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly and Kimberly review Two Of A Kind by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Two of a Kind
SERIES: Fools Gold #12
CHARACTERS: Gideon Boylan & Felicia Swift
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: June 25, 2013

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery welcomes readers back to Fool’s Gold, where a one-time fling could become the real thing…

Felicia Swift never dreamed she’d hear a deep, sexy voice from her past in tiny Fool’s Gold, California. The last time Gideon Boylan whispered in her ear was half a world away…on the morning after the hottest night of her life. Her freaky smarts have limited her close friendships, and romance, but she came to Fool’s Gold looking for ordinary. Gorgeous, brooding Gideon is anything but that.

Black Ops taught Gideon that love could be deadly. Now he pretends to fit in while keeping everyone at arm’s length. Felicia wants more than he can give-a home, family, love-but she has a lot to learn about men…and Gideon needs to be the man to teach her.

As these two misfits discover that passion isn’t the only thing they have in common, they just might figure out that two of a kind should never be split apart.

 

KELLY’S REVIEW:
My second Susan Mallery book was just as good as the 1st one I read Just One Kiss #11 in the Fools Gold series.

Felicia (who we met in Just One Kiss and I would highly recommend you read Just One Kiss first) is the brainy, sexy, socially awkward new girl. Felicia has had a very strange and lonely childhood. Now she just wants to be normal. To finally fit in. To finally know what it is like to be loved and to love. But the person she wants to do all this with has made it clear that he his not the forever type.

Gideon may have dreams of Felica. He may wish that he could be everything she needs, but he knows he can’t. He is not whole any more, not after what happened to him. And Felicia deserves someone better then him. But when Felicia asks him to teach her how to date and teach her how she should act with a boyfriend. Gideon is powerless to say no.

These two are so perfect for each other. Throw in some twists and turns of life, the past and the possible future, you have an awesome story. You will be rooting for Gideon to man up and for Felicia to stand up for what she wants. Very much looking forward to the next book in this series Three Little Words.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars So this is the 12th in the Fool’s Gold series and with all of her books Susan Mallery takes us to a place that not only do we love to visit but we wish we could live.

I will be honest and say I was unsure about this story when I first started it. Felicia is a bit hard to get to know. She is what we know as “book smart but not street smart” and is a bit rough around the edges. She has never lived a normal life and her IQ is off the charts high so while at first her intelligence and yet her naivety is a little overwhelming it soons becomes endearing. Gideon on the other hand is the strong silent type. We met Gideon in the last Christmas story Mallery put out so while we knew he was a loner we also got to see that he had a heart in that muscled up body and this books just shows us more of it and gets to the heart of why he is now the strong silent guy he is.

As with all of this series you can easily pick up any book to read it as a stand alone and this story is no different but this story really gives the reader a feel of the town of Fool’s Gold that we haven’t seen as much of lately. You will never go wrong visiting Fool’s Gold or reading any of Susan Mallery’s books.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Snowy Fate by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Snowy Fate
SERIES #: Fate Series #1
CHARACTERS: Aspyn & Damon
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fate always knows when you’re ready for love.

The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn’t want to be—her father’s house—with a naked man.

Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn’s father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life than what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.

REVIEW:
This is a very short shapeshifter story. The timeline is very fast . Damon is a shifter and Aspyn comes to her fathers home and meets up with Damon. Aspyn learns that fate is a powerful thing.

I enjoyed this story very much. I just wish this story had been a bit longer. I would have loved more time with these characters. If you love having a quick read around just in case you are stuck somewhere and need a story to grab this is the one for you.

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

4 Hearts

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Blog Tour Review of Read and Buried by Erika Chase

Read & Buried

I’m happy to be hosting Erika Chase today to review her new book in the Ashton Corners Book Club series, Read and Buried.  Her first book, A Killer Read, was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel last year.

akillerread

 A Killer Read, is the first in the Ashton Corners Book Club mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime.

Reading specialist and mystery book lover Lizzie Turner was excited for the first meeting of the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society hosted in Molly Mathew’s old Southern mansion. But she didn’t expect the gathering to become the scene of an actual murder.  A stranger has been shot–and nobody knows who the victim is, or how Molly’s antique gun came to be used as the murder weapon.

As the plot becomes all too real, the police chief–Lizzie’s former high school crush–steps in to investigate.  Then Lizzie begins finding mysterious manuscript chapters in her mailbox, and Molly surfaces as the next name on the killer’s list.

 

About the Author:

Erika Chase

Erika writes the Ashton Corners Book Club mysteries for Penguin/Berkley Prime Crime.  In a parallel life Erika Chase is also known as Linda Wiken. A former mystery bookstore owner (Prime Crime Books in Ottawa, ON, Canada), Linda is also a short story writer. She is a member of those dangerous dames, The Ladies’ Killing Circle.

Her short stories have appeared in the seven Ladies’ Killing Circle anthologies (three of which she co-edited), and in the magazines Mysterious Intent and Over My Dead Body. She has been short-listed for an Arthur Ellis Award, Best Short Story, from Crime Writers of Canada.

Before life in the world of mystery, she worked as an advertising copywriter, radio producer, journalist and community education worker.  Besides writing and reading mysteries, her other passion is choral singing and she is a member of two choirs.

She shares her house with Keesha and Mojo, her two Siamese cats. Actually, they allow her to live there.

Connect with Erika Chase: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jennifer’s Review of Read and Buried

Read & Buried

 TITLE: Read and Buried

SERIES #: Ashton Corners Book Club #2

CHARACTERS: Lizzie Turner, Molly Mathews

AUTHOR: Erika Chase

PUBLICATION DATE:  12/4/12

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Hosting an award-winning novelist is quite a Christmas coup for the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society.  But when he’s murdered in Lizzie Turner’s house, she’s got a holiday homicide on her hands.

For their very first guest author event, most of the book club members can’t wait to pull out all the stops in Southern hospitality. But for Lizzie, Derek Alton is nothing but trouble–from his massive ego to his smarmy moves.  When he’s found murdered in her living room, it seems someone decided that this womanizing writer would be better off dead than read.

After suspicion falls on Lizzie’s friend, she and her fellow book club members discover that Derek wasn’t who he pretended to be. Cracking this case means going up against Lizzie’s boyfriend, police chief Mark Dreyfus, and unearthing a novel’s worth of nasty secrets. And as they get closer to uncovering Derek’s scandalous final manuscript, someone hiding in plain sight is out to write finis to Lizzie’s sleuthing for good….

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer             NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: I was very impressed with Erika’s first book, A Killer Read, and I’m glad to say that her new novel is more entertaining than her first. The book starts out with Lizzie going to the local bookstore and meeting author, Derek Alton, whom she invites to speak at the next book club meeting. Derek is a very charming guy at first but that quickly changes as he becomes an egotistical jerk who makes one too many romantic passes at Lizzie.  The next day, he turns up at Lizzie’s house unannounced and ends up being shot in the middle of her living room. Lizzie and the other members of her book club start investigating Derek’s death and find that things aren’t what they seem while there is a killer still out on the loose, looking to stop anyone from finding out the truth about Derek Alton.

One of the things that I love about this book is the characters, especially Lizzie Turner. She is a very sweet character with a good heart and a love of mystery books.  I felt that I really connected with her in this book and I loved how she was always helping others as a reading specialist. The mystery was well-written and I had trouble figuring out the killer until the very end.  There is also a list of mystery books that each character recommends at the end of the book that has me wanting to make a run to my local bookstore.  Read and Buried is a charming mystery that will keep you entertained and wanting to read more from this fabulous author.

 
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Kelly and Kimberly review Twisted by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Twisted
SERIES: Dark Protectors #5.5
CHARACTERS: Terrent Vilks & Maggie
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2013

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maggie is a wolf shifter who was captured and experimented on by the Kurjans. Now that a cure has finally been found for shifters (although not for vampire mates or witches), she can concentrate on creating a new life for herself and finally accepting that her memories are gone forever. Most memories, that is. Sometimes in the hazy world between dreams and dawn, she hears a Scottish voice, dark and deep, that sounds suspiciously like wolf-shifter Terrent Vilks. A man she happened to anger by kidnapping a few years back. Hey, it was for a good cause.

Terrent Vilks knows more than he’s let on for the past several years. After digging for answers, he knows exactly why the demons want Maggie dead. And he remembers his past with Maggie…very well. She is finally where he wants her. Now all he has to do is discover what exactly the Kurjans did to her, beat the demons into so much submission they leave her alone, and get her to fall in love with him. Again. Good thing he’s used to wrangling monsters.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Oh I was so excited to read Terrent & Maggie’s story. I would have loved for their story to be longer, but isn’t that the way most novella’s are? Always leave you wanting more?

In Twisted we finally get a little insight into why Maggie may have been taken by the Kurjans and her connection to Terrent. These two have a very interesting past and it looks like the future is going to be just as interesting.

And that is all I am going to say.. Hey it is a novella!! I can’t give anything away. If you are a fan of Rebecca’s Dark Protectors’ series then you know of Terrent & Maggie and the tension that has been brewing between them. If you are new to the series. I think you could read Twisted as a stand alone, but highly recommend that you read the series in order that way you have a better understanding of the world and Terrent & Maggies past. I am very much looking forward to what is next for the Dark Protectors’ series *cough* Jase *cough*

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
This is a short novella in the Dark Protectors series. This is 5.5 of the series. The characters of Maggie and Terrent are wonderful. I love the connection that they have even if Maggie can not remember it.

We finally get into the story of Terrent and Maggie but I wish the book had been a full story and not just a novella.

This is a great series that any shifter fan would love. You could probably read this book without reading the series but I would not recommend it. And Rebecca Zanetti is a incredible author so why would you want to?

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Defying The Odds by Kele Moon

TITLE: Defying The Odds
SERIES #: Battered Hearts #1
CHARACTERS: Melody & Clay
AUTHOR: Kele Moon
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/14/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When struggling waitress Melody Dylan gives a handsome, lonely stranger a simple gift she has no clue her life is about to take a drastic turn.

The stranger ends up being Clay Powers, a famous UFC heavyweight fighter. Clay’s large build and dangerous fists have always intimidated. People in his hometown keep their distance and Clay is fine with that. Everything changes when a new waitress at the local diner buys him a piece of pie on thanksgiving. Touched by the gesture when it’s obvious she can barely afford to survive, her warm smile and lush body churn up powerful feelings that leave Clay wanting more from her than pie.

Melody is running from her past and the small, country town of Garnet is the perfect hiding place. With an ex-husband after her and scars from her abusive marriage etched deep, the last thing she expects is to fall for a man who makes a living with his fists, but she can’t resist Clay or the tender connection they share.

Finding love in the most unlikely of places, the passion is undeniable, but Clay and Melody know their haunted pasts and unpredictable futures leave the odds stacked against them.

REVIEW:
I did not know what to expect of this book but I really enjoyed it so much. There were a few things I took issue with but it wasn’t much. The good part first. I loved Clay and Melody together. They are just so sweet and we see such a different side to Clay that it is hard to not smile when he is with Melody. I enjoyed that they both were just everyday people. Yes he has money but you never really feel he is rich. There is just something so endearing about this book and the characters.

Now the parts I took a small issue with… first the accent used. The author wrote the characters being from the south which is fine but they speak more like hicks. I figured the author could not really be from the south and after reading about the author being from Hawaii I understood. She is writing the way she imagines southerners talk. The problem is it can be a bit distracting through the entire book as it seemed I could not get used it to. But I was able to read through it.

Also Melody is a wonderful character and I enjoyed her so much, however, I think (and maybe I am wrong) some of the things she did as a woman who was abused for so long seemed odd. But then other things seemed right on the nose.

I think anyone would enjoy this story who enjoys a romance and I can’t wait for the next one!

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly reviews Shattered Emotions by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Shattered Emotions
SERIES: Redwood Pack #5
CHARACTERS: Maddox Jameson & Ellie Reyes
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: June 18, 2013
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maddox Jamenson is the Omega of the Redwood Pack, the one burdened by emotions stronger than his own. He’s spent his entire life shrouded in the secrets of his “gift” and the price he has to pay to keep it, yet the cost just escalated. He’s known a mate could be in the cards for him, but he can’t have what he wants. Not when the battles he has yet to fight could destroy her.

Ellie Reyes was the Central’s princess, the daughter of the most hated Alpha of all time, yet not prized. No, she’s spent her life as the toy of her brother’s sadistic torture and has endured a pain that no one else should have to even contemplate. Though when she’s rescued, the one person who could help her, her mate, turns his back on her for reasons unknown to her. As each day passes, the strength that everyone sees in her dwindles to a point that there may be no coming back from.

When the Centrals find a new way to attack, leaving Ellie’s only protection a mate that she doesn’t think wants her, they’ll both have to overcome their fears and fight for something stronger than their pain. The war isn’t over and new players are coming that will decide the outcome. Maddox and Ellie’s connection will be tested even as their fragile bond is only newly forming.

REVIEW:

The beginning of the book was so heartbreaking and frustrating. Ellie’s history is anything but cheery. Ellie has endured many thing that no one should ever have to go through. That alone would be enough to break someone, but not Ellie. But the fact that her mate has denied her may just be the final straw.

Maddox is the Omega of the pack. He knows his place, his job and his future. But Maddox’s future changed the second the Redwood Pack saved Ellie. Maddox knew she was his mate. A mate he could never have.

These two are truly heartbreaking. Maddox is beyond stubborn. But once he realized that Ellie Makes him stronger not make her weaker. He finally make the choice to take her as his mate, no matter the consequences.

Another wonderful story from Carrie Ann and brings us closer and closer to a final battle with the Redwood Packs enemy.

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

4 Hearts