4 Star – Page 23 – Books-n-Kisses

June 28, 2019June 26, 2019

Kimberly reviews Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Alpha’s Promise
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #10
CHARACTERS: Ivar & Promise
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To hell and back . . .

Though he has vampire, demon, and Viking blood rushing through his veins, Ivar Kjeidsen’s soul-crushing trip to hell broke him in ways he can barely fathom. One vow keeps the deadly immortal standing: To rescue the vampire brother who had sacrificed freedom for him. To do that, Ivar needs the help of a brilliant physicist with wary brown eyes, fierce brilliance, and skin that’s way too soft.

Dr. Promise Williams understands the underpinnings of the universe but has never figured out the human beings inhabiting it. Her function is to think—and not feel—until she’s touched by a vampire who’s nowhere near human. The primal hunger in his eyes awakens feelings in her that defy calculation. As she shows him the way to step between worlds, he brands her with a pleasure that could last more than a lifetime . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts If the question is “Did you like the book?” The answer is “Of course, It was written by Rebecca Zanetti.”

This is the 10th in the series but can be read as a stand alone. But as I always say about Rebecca’s books I have no idea why you wouldn’t want to read every single one of them.

Ivar has been through hell… literally. And it changed him in so many ways. But then he set eyes on Promise. First he is mesmerized by her abilities but then he becomes enchanted by her in every way.

I always love the women in Rebecca’s books. They are strong and independent but are not afraid of love.

I have never found a book of Rebecca’s that I didn’t love.

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

June 25, 2019June 24, 2019

Kelly reviews Crooked Street by Brian Freeman

TITLE: Crooked Street
SERIES #: Frost Easton #3
CHARACTERS: Frost Easton
AUTHOR: Brian Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: January 29, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The hunt for a killer in San Francisco becomes a dizzying game of cat and mouse in a thrilling novel of psychological suspense.
“Lombard is your Moriarty, Frost. Taking him down will be the most dangerous thing you’ve ever done.”
San Francisco homicide detective Frost Easton hadn’t seen his estranged friend Denny in years. Not until he dies in Frost’s arms uttering a final inexplicable word: Lombard. Denny appears to be the latest victim in a string of murders linked by a distinctive clue: the painting of a spiraled snake near the crime scenes. Is it the work of a serial killer? Or is Denny’s death more twisted and personal?
To find the answer, Frost reaches into a nest of vipers—San Francisco’s shady elite—where the whispered name of Lombard is just one secret. Now, drawn into a cat-and-mouse game with an enemy who knows his every move, Frost finds there is no one he can trust. And somewhere down the crooked streets of the city, Frost’s cunning adversary is coiled and ready to strike again.

REVIEW:
Crooked Street is the third installment in the Frost Easton series. This was another great story. In Crooked Street we follow the trail of another set of murders that seem to have some very strange connections, from the snakes painted near each death to the name Lombard. This case will take Detective Easton on a wild ride of who done it. But even a veteran Detective will not fully be prepared for the answers that he will get.

If you have not started this series I would recommend that you start with book one The Night Bird as Detective Easton’s story builds with each book. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

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

June 24, 2019June 23, 2019

Kimberly reviews Wolf Instinct by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Instinct
SERIES #: SWAT #9
CHARACTERS: Alyssa & Zane
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s a wolf shifter.
She hunts monsters.
How can she be The One for him?

SWAT werewolf Zane Kendrick will do whatever it takes to take down the man who attacked his pack. His search takes him to Los Angeles, but when he meets Alyssa, the smart, sexy agent who comes to his aid, he’s immediately interested in pursuing more than just the next lead. All his wolf instincts tell him that she’s The One.

FBI agent Alyssa Carson has investigated some weird stuff lately, and finding missing people drained of their blood definitely falls into that category. When following a clue leads her to Zane, she agrees to work with him and his team. She’s attracted to the gorgeous Brit, but she doesn’t have time for anything but finding answers.

When Zane and Alyssa discover the sinister truth, it’ll take everything they have to make it out of this mission with their lives―and hearts―intact.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts While this can be a stand alone I suggest that you read the series so you understand what SWAT is all about. That being said you can read this on its own and enjoy it. This is Zane and Alyssa’s story. Alyssa is FBI who looks for exactly what Zane is. Zane is SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team).

I really enjoyed the storyline of them meeting. And the romance was sweet and sexy at the same time. Paige Tyler has written a lot of shapeshifter books and I have to say that sometimes they get routine but not this one. This one I have enjoyed more than I have in a while.

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

June 20, 2019June 19, 2019

Kelly reviews Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts

TITLE: Of Blood and Bone
SERIES #: Chronicles of the One #2
CHARACTERS: Fallon Swift
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
NARRATOR: Julia Whelan
PUBLICATION DATE: December 4, 2018
RUN TIME: 13 hours & 42 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the epic Year One returns with a new tale of terror and magic in a brand new world.
They look like an everyday family living an ordinary life. But beyond the edges of this peaceful farm, unimaginable forces of light and dark have been unleashed.
Fallon Swift, approaching her thirteenth birthday, barely knows the world that existed before—the city where her parents lived, now in ruins and reclaimed by nature since the Doom sickened and killed billions. Traveling anywhere is a danger, as vicious gangs of Raiders and fanatics called Purity Warriors search for their next victim. Those like Fallon, in possession of gifts, are hunted—and the time is coming when her true nature, her identity as The One, can no longer be hidden.
In a mysterious shelter in the forest, her training is about to begin under the guidance of Mallick, whose skills have been honed over centuries. She will learn the old ways of healing; study and spar; encounter faeries and elves and shifters; and find powers within herself she never imagined. And when the time is right, she will take up the sword, and fight. For until she grows into the woman she was born to be, the world outside will never be whole again.

REVIEW:
Of Blood and Bone is book 2 in Nora Roberts’ Chronicles of One series. We pick up almost 13 years after the end of book 1 (Year One). Fallon Swift “The One” is swiftly approaching her 13th birthday and the beginning of the next chapter in her journey to save the world. Fallon’s journey will take her back to the town of New Hope that her mother and birth father helped found. The people of New Hope will play a very important role in Fallon’s journey.
Of Blood and Bone was a great second book in the series. The story is a little slow because the is a lot that Fallon has to learn in two short years. There is a lot of build up to what may happen in the final book of this trilogy. I am very much looking forward to seeing what is next.

Again Julia Whelan did an amazing job narrating this story. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I will also be looking for more books narrated by Julia.

If you have not started this series yet, I would highly suggest it! But you must read in order!!!!

Audio Sample:

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book 1 Book 3

June 18, 2019June 17, 2019

Kelly reviews A Merciful Promise by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Promise
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #6
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 18, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audiobook | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Wall Street Journal bestselling series continues as Mercy Kilpatrick becomes embedded in the nightmare of a terrorist conspiracy.
The job: infiltrate a militia amassing illegal firearms in an isolated forest community. FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick is the ideal candidate. She knows Oregon. She’s near the compound. And having been raised among survivalists, Mercy understands the mind-set of fanatics. Lay low, follow rules, do nothing to sound an alarm, and relinquish all contact with the outside world. She’s ready to blend in.
As Mercy disappears into the winter hills, something just as foreboding emerges. Mercy’s fiancé, Eagle’s Nest police chief Truman Daly, is faced with a puzzling series of murders—three men dumped in random locations after execution-style shootings.
Now, for Mercy, trapped in a culture where suspicion is second nature, and betrayal is punishable to the extreme, there is no way out. No way to call for help. And as plans for a catastrophic terrorist event escalate, there may be no way to stop them. Even if Mercy dies trying.

REVIEW:
Mercy Kilpatrick takes a last minute undercover job that will test all her skills. Will being raised by preppers and being trained by the FBI be enough to get her out of a very deadly situation?

A Merciful Promise is the sixth and final book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series. I am sad to see this series come to an end. In this last installment Mercy and Truman are tested again. I did find the story a little slow but was still a great story and showed us how strong Mercy and Truman are as a team.

I honestly hope that this is not the last time we see Mercy and Truman.

I am very much looking forward to what Kendra has in store for us next.

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

June 12, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Sister’s Of Summer’s End by Lori Foster

TITLE: Sister’s Of Summer’s End
SERIES #: Summer Resort #2
CHARACTERS: Joy & Maris
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the summer ends, friendship begins…When single mom Joy Lee abandoned her old life to take a job at a lakeside resort, she found something that her family’s wealth and influence could never buy: peace of mind. Not easy to come by for the once-burned divorce who keeps everyone at a distance. But when her new friend, Maris, dares her to take a chance with the drive-in’s charismatic new owner, everything changes for Joy and her young son.
A difficult childhood has left Maris Kennedy with definite priorities. Her job running Summer’s End, the camp store and cafe, comes first. Always. Nothing could ever make her risk that hard-won security–especially not her free-spirited colleague. But the more she encourages Joy to open herself up to new experiences, the more Maris begins to wonder what she, too, might be missing. Learning how to trust will bring Joy and Maris together.
And soon they form a friendship that leaves them as close as sisters–and open to love where they least expect it…in Summer’s End.

REVIEW:
Perfect beach read. While this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. But be sure to take it along to wherever you go this summer because it is a perfect book to take on vacation.

The characters are light hearted and sweet, there are so many emotions scenes in this book but I don’t always mean sad or heavy. A lot of fun, kindness, love and enjoyment are in this book.

And for any woman who has a unbiological sister this story will go straight to the heart… like it did mine.

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

June 11, 2019June 9, 2019

Kelly reviews Recursion by Blake Crouch

TITLE: Recursion
CHARACTERS: Helena Smith & Barry Sutton
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
PUBLICATION DATE: June 11, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
That’s what NYC cop Barry Sutton is learning, as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived.
That’s what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.
As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face to face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds, but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.
But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?
At once a relentless pageturner and an intricate science-fiction puzzlebox about time, identity, and memory, Recursion is a thriller as only Blake Crouch could imagine it—and his most ambitious, mind-boggling, irresistible work to date.

REVIEW:
What would you do if you had a memory but couldn’t tell if it was real or just a story someone told you? What length would you go to to learn the truth. Once you are there do you think you can handle the truth?

Blake Crouch does an amazing job of writing a very disturbing story. Because I could easily see this happening to us in the future. The ending had me look for more pages in the book. I was left wondering what the heck (haha) in a good way!!

If you are a Blake Crouch fan you will love this book.

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

June 10, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

TITLE: Storm And Fury
SERIES #: The Harbinger #1
CHARACTERS: Trinity & Zayne
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

REVIEW:
This is a spin off from the last trilogy. While you do not have to read the first one I suggest it. It being a spin off it will help you understand the world the book is set in.

Now that being said. I found the first part of the story a bit tedious but maybe that was because I already knew the world and it seemed to take a bit for those new to read the story.

But I did get into the story about a third of the way through and enjoyed it very much. Just give it a chance.

I really liked Zayne. He is a diamond in the rough. Trinity took me a bit to warm up to but I eventually liked her.

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

June 7, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews Lying Next To Me by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: Lying Next To Me
CHARACTERS: Warner’s and Moss’
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No matter what you see, no matter what you’ve heard, assume nothing.

Adam and Sophie Warner and their three-year-old daughter are vacationing in Washington State’s Hood Canal for Memorial Day weekend. It’s the perfect getaway to unplug—and to calm an uneasy marriage. But on Adam’s first day out on the water, he sees Sophie abducted by a stranger. A hundred yards from shore, Adam can’t save her. And Sophie disappears.

In a nearby cabin is another couple, Kristen and Connor Moss. Unfortunately, beyond what they’ve heard in the news, they’re in the dark when it comes to Sophie’s disappearance. For Adam, at least there’s comfort in knowing that Mason County detective Lee Husemann is an old friend of his. She’ll do everything she can to help. She must.

But as Adam’s paranoia about his missing wife escalates, Lee puts together the pieces of a puzzle. The lives of the two couples are converging in unpredictable ways, and the picture is unsettling. Lee suspects that not everyone is telling the truth about what they know—or they have yet to reveal all the lies they’ve hidden from the strangers they married.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Can you love and hate characters at the same time? Sure you can. Because I loved how much I hated these characters. Every single one of the suspects drove me crazy with their character.

This book was really good. I enjoyed how these characters seemed one thing and then turned into another. And I love when I am not sure if I am right on who-dun-it. And while I was pretty sure I wasn’t positive.

This book kept me interested and turning the page for the story. There were parts that were typical of the genre but if you are a fan of characters you love to hate you will love this story.

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

June 6, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The View From Alameda Island

TITLE: The View From Alameda Island
CHARACTERS: Lauren Delaney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers a poignant and powerful story about how one woman’s best intentions lead to the worst of situations and how the power of love helps her to heal and ultimately triumph.

From the outside looking in, Lauren Delaney has a life to envy—a successful career, a solid marriage to a prominent surgeon and two beautiful daughters who are off to good colleges. But on her twenty-fourth wedding anniversary Lauren makes a decision that will change everything.

Lauren won’t pretend things are perfect anymore. She defies the controlling husband who has privately mistreated her throughout their marriage and files for divorce. And as she starts her new life, she meets a kindred spirit—a man who is also struggling with the decision to end his unhappy marriage.

But Lauren’s husband wants his “perfect” life back and his actions are shocking. Facing an uncertain future, Lauren discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for the love and happiness she deserves.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoy the writing of Robyn Carr. She has a way of writing that does what a book should do. Relax you and leave you with a lightened heart.

I found myself really liking Lauren. She has dealt with a lot and has been through things that no woman should and has walked away and taken control of her life. But her husband wants his life with Lauren back and this is her story of survival and self love.

This a great beach read. There is some hard parts of the story but mostly this is a story of walking away with your head held high.

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

June 4, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Warrior
SERIES #: Shadow #4
CHARACTERS: Vittorio & Grace
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/04/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger inspires fierce passion when a serial killer threatens Chicago’s Ferraro crime family in this novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling series.

Vittorio Ferraro is a man whose family loyalty knows no bounds. He would die for his siblings and the people they love, but what he really wants is to start a family of his own. Deep down, Vittorio has always known finding a woman who could ride shadows would be nearly impossible—let alone one who could accept his particular needs—and he never expected to find her in the middle of a kidnapping.…

Grace Murphy has always been drawn to Vittorio Ferraro—or at least to the billionaire’s public bad-boy persona. Now that she’s under his protection and the sole focus of his intense caring, she can’t help wanting to get as close to him as possible. But Grace knows her presence is putting the entire Ferraro family in danger. Her monster of a brother will never let her go, but Vittorio has no intention of losing the woman whose shadow matches his own.

REVIEW:
One of the things I enjoy most about Feehan’s writing is no matter what her women have been through they are still strong and independent…. And Grace is no different. She has had a hard life because of her foster brother and his control over her. But when Vittorio comes into her life no one, not even her foster brother, can stop her from falling in love.

It took me a bit to enjoy Vittorio but I eventually did. Once I connected with Vittorio it was a much easier read.

I love reading anything that Feehan writes and this story and series is no different. Wonderful read, wonderful writing and wonderful author.

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

June 3, 2019June 2, 2019

Kimberly reviews Taken by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Taken
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1.5
CHARACTERS: Hunter & Faye
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Holt might be the most stubborn ex-soldier ever born, but when he’s called on to help find a lost foster kid, he jumps into action. Even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart five years ago—the woman who still haunts his dreams . . .

Faye Smith has spent five long years trying to get her life back on track. She knows she should’ve turned toward Hunter and not away from him. But they both had too many demons to destroy. Maybe now they’ll get another chance—and save someone else’s life too . . .

But first they’ll have to stop arguing long enough to trust the Deep Ops team. Hunter was a lost boy himself once. In fact, he ran away from the exact same man, their monster of a father. Now he and Faye will have to unite to find the brother he never knew—and maybe each other . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is #1.5 in the Deep Ops series that began with Hidden. This is a short novella that can be a stand alone and it was a quick read but since it is only after the first in the series I would suggest reading Hidden first because trust me there is never a Rebecca Zanetti book & series that is not worth reading.

This is a second chance at love story which I love (since I had a second chance at love) but there are so many cute moments especially with the animals that alone makes it worth the read.

Great story and romance. Never disappointed when Rebecca writes a book.

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