4 Star – Page 22 – Books-n-Kisses

August 7, 2019August 5, 2019

Kelly reviews Even Tree Nymphs get the Blues by Molly Harper

TITLE: Even Tree Nymphs get the Blues
SERIES #: Mystic Bayou #3
CHARACTERS: Ingrid Asher & Rob Aspern
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 3 Hours & 3 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hilarious new standalone novella brimming with otherworldly charm from the reigning queen of paranormal romantic comedy Molly Harper!
Ingrid Asher is the newest resident of Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where shapeshifters, vampires, witches and dragons live alongside humans.
Ingrid doesn’t ask for much. The solitary tree nymph just wants to live a quiet life running her ice-cream shop in peace. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to shake her new neighbor, Rob Aspern, head of the League’s data science department and so good looking it just isn’t fair.
If there’s one thing Ingrid doesn’t need, it’s someone poking around in her business. But the more she gets to know the hunky mathematician, the more she finds herself letting her guard down. Can she trust him with her secrets, or will her past destroy everything?

REVIEW:
Another great installment in Molly Harper’s Mystic Bayou series. Even Tree Nymphs Get the Blues introduces us to Ingrid Asher the newest resident of Mystic Bayou. Ingrid is looking to start a new life and work on her love for all things ice cream.
There were a lot of funny events that happened in this short story. But my favorite scene was with a tree, Mayor Zed, Sheriff Bael and Ingrid. I laughed so hard.
If you are a Molly Harper fan you will love this little gem. I am already ready looking forward to the next installment in this series!!

As always Amanda Ronconi does an amazing job bringing all the characters to life. I love that Amanda is able to bring the right level of sass to this series and all of Molly’s books! Looking forward to the next narration by Amanda.

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

August 6, 2019August 5, 2019

Kimberly reviews Life And Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Life And Other Inconveniences
CHARACTERS: Emma & Genevieve
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck with That comes a new novel about a blue-blood grandmother and her black-sheep granddaughter who discover they are truly two sides of the same coin.

Emma London never thought she had anything in common with her grandmother Genevieve London. The regal old woman came from wealthy and bluest-blood New England stock, but that didn’t protect her from life’s cruelest blows: the disappearance of Genevieve’s young son, followed by the premature death of her husband. But Genevieve rose from those ashes of grief and built a fashion empire that was respected the world over, even when it meant neglecting her other son.

When Emma’s own mother died, her father abandoned her on his mother’s doorstep. Genevieve took Emma in and reluctantly raised her–until Emma got pregnant her senior year of high school. Genevieve kicked her out with nothing but the clothes on her back…but Emma took with her the most important London possession: the strength not just to survive but to thrive. And indeed, Emma has built a wonderful life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley.

So what is Emma to do when Genevieve does the one thing Emma never expected of her and, after not speaking to her for nearly two decades, calls and asks for help?

REVIEW:
Higgins is easily one of my favorite authors and I gladly grab any books that are available from her.

I enjoyed this story very much. It was simply about life. Emma was not one of my favorite characters but after a while I began to understand her a bit more. I enjoyed the background characters very much. Especially the grandmother. Feisty thing that she was.

As a fan of women’s lit this is a great story to read. Wonderful beach read. With a lot of angst and family love this is worth the read.

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

August 5, 2019August 4, 2019

Kimberly reviews Summer On Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: Summer On Moonlight Bay
SERIES #: Moonlight Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Only one thing can make veterinarian Noah Cuthbert return to Magnolia Harbor-his mother’s failing health. He’ll do anything to help his family, including taking a short-term gig at the local animal clinic. What he doesn’t count on is getting up-close-and-personal with the clinic’s new manager, a woman whose love and compassion for every stray that crosses her path has him rethinking his plans to head back to his big-city life…

After her time in the Navy, Lia wants nothing more than to settle down. The quaint seaside town is just what she’d been hoping for, and not just because her new boss is movie-star handsome. As they grow closer, Lia starts wondering if Noah could be the one. But when a town crisis forces Noah to take a stand that jeopardizes their new-found happiness, can Lia convince him that home doesn’t have to be a four-letter word?

Includes the bonus novel Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson!

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts After Lia finds a hurt puppy in the street she heads to the closest vet office. Noah is called in to help the puppy and sparks fly.

Lia is trying to start over in life after getting out of the Navy. Noah plans on moving back to Charleston.

I enjoyed this story very much. The characters are written very well. The background story seems to be a lead in to the next in the series which I am interested in reading.

This is the second in the series but easily can be a stand alone. Great curl up and get away from it all read. Higgins is high on my read list and should be on yours too.

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

July 31, 2019July 28, 2019

Kimberly reviews Secret Seduction by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Secret Seduction
SERIES #: Secret #1
CHARACTERS: Katie & Jason
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

To Katie life was simple. She wanted a little house in upper Boston, and four kids fathered by her best friend Jason, who she’s been infatuated with since she was eight. After a devastating family secret is exposed, all she wants now is to escape the media hype that follows her everywhere she turns. Leaving her family, friends, and Jason behind, she travels to places she’s only read about, to find a father she’s never known.

Jason is on a mission and he’s come halfway around the world to complete it. Despite his feelings for Katie, he won’t let her resistance deter him, even if it means she’ll never trust him again. As their world spirals out of control, their relationship will be tested and changed forever. If he can keep them alive and out of harm’s way, he may have a chance to make everything right.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a sweet story of a woman who decides to take some “me” time but her best friend Jason follows.

There was a lot of things happening in this story but they were fun and enjoyable to read. The characters are written very well. I believe this is a re-release because it shows the date of 2013 and it does have a couple things I found dated but nothing that distracts from the story.

This is a great beach read. And easy read that takes you out of your head.

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

July 30, 2019July 28, 2019

Kimberly reviews Highland Captive by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Captive
SERIES #: The Sons Of Gregor MacLeod #4
CHARACTERS: Gavin & Deidre
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wasn’t just his son’s savior.
She may be his as well…

Laird Gavin MacKinnon is a changed man―and not for the better. Ever since his young son, Ewan, disappeared two years ago, Gavin has grown callous and bitter. Scouring the countryside, his search leads him to a mysterious woman who maintains the boy is hers. He decides to take them both and ask questions later.

Deidre MacIntyre will go with the brooding laird if it will keep her son safe. Gavin has to admit that the beautiful lass has a bond with Ewan, and things aren’t adding up. When Deidre’s clan comes to claim her under threat of war, Gavin has a choice to make: fight for her or let her go.

REVIEW:
I have been waiting and waiting for Gavin’s story. It seems Gavin has been withdrawn since his son was taken away and we have wondered we he was in each story of the series.

Now we meet Ewan and the woman he calls “mother”. And it doesn’t take too long for Gavin to realize he is not given either up.

I had a hard time with Deidre when she was first introduced but she grew on me. And seeing Gavin differently and with his son was wonderful.

Loved this series and this story especially.

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

July 29, 2019July 28, 2019

Kimberly reviews Falling With You by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Falling With you
SERIES #: Fractured Connections #3
CHARACTERS: Sienna & Aiden
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/16/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
NYT bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan concludes a brand new series where second chances don’t come often, and overcoming an unexpected loss means breaking everything you knew.

The day I lost my best friend was the day I realized that I’d been living in the past. I’ve tried to find a way to heal, to mend that break. Somehow, I came through it partially whole. But I know I couldn’t have done that without Aiden Connolly.

The problem is, he once loved my best friend. And now she’s gone, and I refuse to be in that shadow, or worse, a replacement for someone we both loved.

I left them all behind.

My brother.

My family.

My best friend.

And her.

Only Sienna Knight doesn’t realize what she means to me. But before I can make sure she knows, I need to figure out exactly what that is.

REVIEW:
I can’t remember ever reading a non-paranormal book from Carrie Ann Ryan. To be honest I haven’t read anything lately from her but I must have missed the first two in the series but I will go back to read them.

There was so much to this story. But I loved how it was in the point of view of both characters. And I really enjoyed how the time of no communications built to the conversations that turned deep very quickly.

The friends and family are also nice background characters.

Worth every minute!

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

July 26, 2019July 25, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Seekers by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Seekers
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #28
CHARACTERS: Kerri & Joe
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/23/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE TRUTH IS SCARIER THAN FICTION

Kerri Wolf has joined the crew of The Seekers, a show that searches for paranormal phenomena, as they explore a supposedly haunted old inn on the road between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. The place is famous for its warm welcome—and infamous for being the site of an ax murder rampage in the 1920s. They’ve barely begun when a very real dead body is discovered in the basement. As a nonfiction author, Kerri is supposed to be the rational one, but she can’t explain a terrifying apparition that seems to be both a threat and a warning.

Former detective Joe Dunhill knows what she’s going through—the strange gift of being able to see and talk to the dead is a struggle he shares. A new member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, he’s on the team investigating the disturbing death. The town is steeped in old-fashioned superstition, and the deeper Joe and Kerri plunge into the dark secrets of the inn, the closer they get to a devastating truth. Will a bloody history be repeated? Or can the spirits of the past reach out to stop a killer?

REVIEW:
This series is easily one of my favorites in the genre. What I like most is the setting. Graham always makes me want to jump on a plane and head to the newest setting of the series. Having spent some time is PA lately I wanted to head to the Philly side and see where she was talking about.

This is a series with a lot of books but all of them can be a stand alone. But as with any series reading from the beginning is best. But mostly the Krewe Of Hunters are detectives who use ghosts to help with their case.

I always have a hard time figuring out “who-dun-it” which I enjoy.

Any fan of suspense with a bit of paranormal will love this book and this series.

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

July 24, 2019July 23, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Silent Ones by K.L. Slater

TITLE: The Silent Ones
CHARACTERS: Juliet & Maddy & Brianna
AUTHOR: K.L. Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This morning, I was packing up lunches, ironing, putting on the laundry I should have done last night. Now my precious daughter is accused of murder.

When ten-year-old cousins Maddy and Brianna are arrested for a terrible crime, Maddy’s mother Juliet cannot believe it. How could her bright, joyful daughter be capable of such a thing?

As the small village community recoils in horror, the pressure of the tragedy blows Juliet and her sister’s lives apart. And things get even worse when their daughters retreat into a self-imposed silence. Can anyone reach Maddy and discover the truth before her fate is sealed?

Juliet is crushed. Nothing will ever be the same for her darling girl. But she knows that to find out what really happened that day, she and her sister must unlock the secrets of their own terrible past, a past they swore never to speak about again …

The most unputdownable psychological thriller you’ll read this year from the bestselling author K.L. Slater. If you love The Wife Between Us or Gone Girl, you’ll be totally hooked on The Silent Ones.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts What a great suspenseful story. This one had me all over the place. Seems every time I thought I had the story figured out I was very wrong.

The family is interesting in their dysfunction. The girls are remaining silent. I mean totally silent which we do not understand. The mom’s are desperate and scared.

This is a really good story that will keep you turning the pages. Very few books keep me unsure of “who-dun-it” so long into the story but this one did.

Highly recommended. If you are a fan of the genre you will be thinking of this one for a long time.

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

July 15, 2019July 6, 2019

Kimberly reviews Neon Prey by John Sandford

TITLE: Neon Prey
SERIES #: Lucas Davenport #29
CHARACTERS: Lucas Davenport
AUTHOR: John Sandford
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/23/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucas Davenport pursues a prolific serial killer who has gone undetected for years in the newest nail-biter by #1 New York Times bestselling author John Sandford.

It was a relatively minor criminal matter, all things considered, but enough that the US Marshals obtained a warrant to enter the home. They didn’t expect to unearth trophies from a score of killings.

Now Davenport is on the trail of a serial murderer, one who was able to operate for years without notice or suspicion. But there’s even more to this killer than meets the eye…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the 29th… Yes 29th… in the series and while you would think it has gotten old but it really hasn’t.. Mostly.

After 28 other stories some of the personality of Lucas has crossed over a time or two but that being said the story really holds up even after so many stories. The serial killer Lucas is after this time is a cannibal that the FBI has been after for a while.

I have to say the storyline was a bit dark but still an enjoyable read. And even though it is #29 you can read it as a stand alone.

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

July 8, 2019July 6, 2019

Kimberly reviews How To Forgive A Highlander by Michelle McLean

TITLE: How To Forgive A Highlander
SERIES #: The MacGregor Lairds #4
CHARACTERS: William & Rose
AUTHOR: Michelle McLean
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
William MacGregor will lie, spy, and happily die to protect his clan from their greatest enemy. But when he kidnaps the wrong woman, he triggers the very events he’d been working so hard to prevent. And puts everyone in danger.

Rose Thatcher will do anything to protect her lady and return them both safely to English soil. But the damn Highlander who snatched her off the docks has done nothing but get in her way. She’d love to ditch the bastard, but if they want to save their respective loved ones, they are going to have to stay together.

Somewhere along the grueling journey to Scotland, their constant bickering turns into something more. Something worth fighting for. But how can an English lady’s maid, who longs for the safe, comfortable life she had in London, find love with a Highlander who can’t wait to wipe England’s dust off his feet? If they can’t defeat the enemy they accidentally led home, they might not live long enough to find out.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts For me this was a quick read of only 200+ pages but I found it enjoyable.

What a calamity of errors. When William spies a woman standing at the dock as he saw Philip off he thinks she may be a spy so he decides he better find out. Of course she is not but now he has set her in peril so he must protect her no matter what.

A cute read of bumpy roads on the way to love.

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

July 5, 2019July 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summoning by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Summoning
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #27
CHARACTERS: Kristi & Dallas
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A CALL FROM BEYOND…

When Kristi Stewart inherits a property in the old part of Savannah, she knows it comes with stories of hauntings. But she doesn’t believe in ghosts, even while she runs seances for the guests of McLane House Bed-and-Breakfast. Until the inexplicable midnight appearance of one of her infamous ancestors. Terrified, she flees into the night—and right into the arms of Dallas Wicker.

Dallas is trying to uncover the truth about a colleague who died under suspicious circumstances. As strange happenings continue to plague Kristi’s home, it is soon clear that there’s a very living threat in the neighborhood—several people have disappeared without a trace. Dallas can’t find any connection between the victims, but someone wanted them gone, and it might be linked to the history of McLane House. And that means Kristi should be very afraid.

REVIEW:
I love the Krewe of Hunters and the writing for Heather Graham. This is the 27th in the series. That seems hard to believe since I think I have read every single one of them. But as with all of the books in the series they can be read as a stand alone.

The best thing about Heather Graham’s writings is how she draws you into the city she is talking about and this one is no different, making me want to jump in the car and head to Savannah, Georgia.

The characters are always enjoyable to read and the ghost that brings aide to the Krewe is wonderful but the city and the history Graham brings to the forefront is the key to the story if you ask me.

If you enjoy the genre of suspense with a bit of paranormal then this is the book and series for you.

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

July 1, 2019June 30, 2019

Kimberly reviews Dynamic Dames by Sloan De Forest

TITLE: Dynamic Dames
SERIES #: Turner Classic Movies
CHARACTERS: 50 Leading Ladies Who Made History
AUTHOR: Sloan De Forest
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/02/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Celebrate 50 of the most empowering and unforgettable female characters ever to grace the screen, as well as the artists who brought them to vibrant life!

From Scarlett O’Hara to Thelma and Louise to Wonder Woman, strong women have not only lit up the screen, they’ve inspired and fired our imaginations. Some dynamic women are naughty and some are nice, but all of them buck the narrow confines of their expected gender role — whether by taking small steps or revolutionary strides.

Through engaging profiles and more than 100 photographs, Dynamic Dames looks at fifty of the most inspiring female roles in film from the 1920s to today. The characters are discussed along with the exciting off-screen personalities and achievements of the actresses and, on occasion, female writers and directors, who brought them to life.

Among the stars profiled in their most revolutionary roles are Bette Davis, Mae West, Barbara Stanwyck, Josephine Baker, Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, Barbra Streisand, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Joan Crawford, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Dorothy Dandridge, Katharine Hepburn, Pam Grier, Jane Fonda, Gal Gadot, Emma Watson, Zhang Ziyi, Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lawrence, and many more.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I don’t read a lot of these kinds of books but how could I not read this one? I mean 50 dynamic dames? And they truly are/were. I will be honest and say some of them I wasn’t even sure what I had seen them in or who they were (like directors or writers) but once I started reading their stories I was interested.

As a fan of the movies like Gone With The Wind, The Way We Were, Pretty Woman and so many more I loved reading the stories of the women of Hollywood.

This is a GREAT book for any fan of movies but also anyone who wants to be encouraged by the power of women!

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