4 Star – Page 26 – Books-n-Kisses

February 20, 2019February 18, 2019

Kimberly reviews Death At Hungerford Stairs by JC Briggs

TITLE: Death At Hungerford Stairs
SERIES #: Charles Dickens & Superintendent Sam Jones #2
CHARACTERS: Charles Dickens & Sam Jones
AUTHOR: JC Briggs
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
London, 1849. When a boy is found drowned in the River Thames at Hungerford Stairs, novelist Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones of Bow Street are mystified to discover that the child is not the missing youngster for whom they have been searching. But when two more boys are brutally murdered, the trail leads them on a hunt for a serial killer in a complicated case that tests their abilities to the limit.

REVIEW:
I didn’t read the first in this series but I may go back and pick it up. I enjoyed this book so very much. Being set in the 1800’s the story has a bit of Sherlock Holmes on the streets of Dicken’s Village.

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and meeting Superintendent Sam and Charles Dickens as investigators was just delightful.

You need to be a fan of OLD English lit. If you aren’t a fan of the storylines of Holmes, Jack the Ripper and the like you won’t want to read this… Or maybe reading this will take you back to trying the classics.

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

February 18, 2019February 17, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Curse Of Oak Island by Randall Sullivan

TITLE: The Curse Of Oak Island
CHARACTERS: Marty Lagina & Rick Lagina
AUTHOR: Randall Sullivan
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/11/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In 1795, a teenager discovered a mysterious circular depression in the ground on Oak Island, in Nova Scotia, Canada, and ignited rumors of buried treasure. Early excavators uncovered a clay-lined shaft containing layers of soil interspersed with wooden platforms, but when they reached a depth of ninety feet, water poured into the shaft and made further digging impossible.

Since then the mystery of Oak Island’s “Money Pit” has enthralled generations of treasure hunters, including a Boston insurance salesman whose obsession ruined him; young Franklin Delano Roosevelt; and film star Errol Flynn. Perplexing discoveries have ignited explorers’ imaginations: a flat stone inscribed in code; a flood tunnel draining from a man-made beach; a torn scrap of parchment; stone markers forming a huge cross. Swaths of the island were bulldozed looking for answers; excavation attempts have claimed two lives. Theories abound as to what’s hidden on Oak Island—pirates’ treasure, Marie Antoinette’s lost jewels, the Holy Grail, proof that Sir Francis Bacon was the true author of Shakespeare’s plays—yet to this day, the Money Pit remains an enigma.

The Curse of Oak Island is a fascinating account of the strange, rich history of the island and the intrepid treasure hunters who have driven themselves to financial ruin, psychotic breakdowns, and even death in pursuit of answers. And as Michigan brothers Marty and Rick Lagina become the latest to attempt to solve the mystery, as documented on the History Channel’s television show The Curse of Oak Island, Sullivan takes readers along to follow their quest firsthand.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Have you watched the series? What? You haven’t? You are missing something.

So here is the deal. The series on tv has been hard at work looking for treasure. Have they found any? I guess you need to watch or read to find out….

The book followed really well what has happened on the series and I will be honest and say that I have not read the last few chapters as I haven’t seen the show and didn’t want to ruin the show but I have caught up the read to the show so I will read in conjunction with the tv show which works out perfectly!

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

February 15, 2019February 12, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Cottage On Rose Lane by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: The Cottage On Rose Lane
SERIES #: Moonlight Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Jude
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jenna Fossey’s life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor.

Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea – at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her – especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he’s come to think of as his own?

Includes the bonus story “A Wedding on Lavender Hill” by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help – the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Sweet story of love, family and sailing. When Jenna learns she has a received a huge inheritance from the grandfather she never knew her life changes. But with money comes drama of a past she is unaware of.

There are secrets around every corner and a bit of mystery with every page.

I found this story really well written and a bit of a surprise. It was a good read that was enjoyable and the romance was very sweet.

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

February 13, 2019February 12, 2019

Kimberly reviews Untouchable by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: Untouchable
SERIES #: Cutter, Sutter & Salinas #3
CHARACTERS: Jack & Winter
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man’s quest to find answers for those who are haunted by the past leads him deeper into the shadows in this electrifying novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Promise Not to Tell.

Quinton Zane is back.

Jack Lancaster, consultant to the FBI, has always been drawn to the coldest of cold cases, the kind that law enforcement either considers unsolvable or else has chalked up to accidents or suicides. As a survivor of a fire, he finds himself uniquely compelled by arson cases. His almost preternatural ability to get inside the killer’s head has garnered him a reputation in some circles–and complicated his personal life. The more cases Jack solves, the closer he slips into the darkness. His only solace is Winter Meadows, a meditation therapist. After particularly grisly cases, Winter can lead Jack back to peace.

But as long as Quinton Zane is alive, Jack will not be at peace for long. Having solidified his position as the power behind the throne of his biological family’s hedge fund, Zane sets out to get rid of Anson Salinas’s foster sons, starting with Jack.

REVIEW:
Krentz is back! Oh how I love this author! I have been a fan of hers for a decade or more and read everything she puts out. And I am glad I did not miss this one! She always adds a bit of the unbelievable to keep you involved and in this one Jack has a gift of figuring out arson cases.

Zane is the arch-enemy in this series and in this one he is after Jack and his “brothers”. They watched him kill the cult they were raised at and Zane is not going to let them just walk away.

What a great series! Like I said I read everything of Krentz’s but I have really enjoyed this series. A must read!

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

February 12, 2019February 11, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Best Of Us by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Best Of Us
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #4
CHARACTERS: Leigh & Rob, Helen & Sullivan
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.

Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.

When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am not sure if it is but it sure seems like this was the end of a great series. If not I am thrilled but if it is then it ended on a high note.

We got the story of Helen and Leigh (aunt and niece) who both find love. But what we also got was a story that shows us love doesn’t have an age limit. We got to meet Sullivan (name sound familiar???) and watch him get what Sullivan Crossing has for everyone else… Love.

Another great story by Carr. Not one to be missed.

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

February 11, 2019February 10, 2019

Kimberly reviews Highlander Ever After by Paula Quinn

TITLE: Highlander Ever After
SERIES #: The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #8
CHARACTERS: Adam & Sina
AUTHOR: Paula Quinn
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/18/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They tried to resist a marriage of convenience…
As the clan chief’s son, Adam MacGregor is duty-bound to marry a royal heir. Yet when he meets his bride—a beautiful but haughty young lass who thinks he is nothing more than a common savage—he realizes she’s more than he bargained for. But the more Adam gets to know his new wife, the more intent he is on proving her wrong about him.

But can they resist each other?
Sina de Arenberg wants nothing to do with the unsavory MacGregors, especially the fierce Highlander she now calls husband. But the more time she spends with the man she married, the more she sees his honor and courage. Just when she thinks there might be a future for her and Adam, Sina is called back to court. England isn’t the place she remembers, though, and soon she’ll be forced to choose between the life she once knew, and the Highlander who has captured her heart.

REVIEW:
This is becoming one of my favorite genres and that is because of the authors that have taken up the pen to author some great highland stories.

I loved Sina and Adam together. There is such a push and pull between them and yet the sparks fly with every tug.

There is not only an Alpha male but an Alpha female in this story and boy what a story they lead to.

You can read this as a stand alone but I do not suggest it.

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

February 8, 2019February 6, 2019

Kimberly reviews Twisted Rock by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Twisted Rock
CHARACTERS: Rose & Royce
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Someone to watch over Rose.

Losing her husband in a small plane crash last year has forced Rose to get on with her life. But when a storm rolls in, her world is shattered with the discovery of a body buried deep within her own walls. Now, as all fingers point in her direction, a mistress steps out of the shadows, along with a dark family scandal that might shed some light on motive. As people around her drop like flies, the real killer gets too close, and Rose seeks the help of the police officer who knocked on her door one rainy night a year ago.
Royce Sawyer is the cop who’d had to tell Rose that the love of her life was gone forever. Seeing the pretty blonde’s struggles for the last year has been heart-wrenching, but when everyone starts to suspect the quiet wife has a dark side, Sawyer finds it hard to keep his personal feelings separate from his professional ones, especially when it’s obvious that someone’s out to stop him from getting to the truth.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Wow! This was not what I expected. First Rose has the carpet pulled out from under her when she learns of her husbands death, then she finds out he had a whole other life she did not know of, and then (not even) last but not least she finds her husbands body when she is having the house worked on and the mistress is blaming her!

What more could go wrong? Oh trust me… in this story a lot more.

This is a keep you on the edge of your seat and can’t put down kind of book. So many twists and turns in this story that it will keep you up trying to read it in one sitting.

Not to be missed!

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

February 5, 2019February 4, 2019

Kimberly reviews How To Blackmail A Highlander by Michelle McLean

TITLE: How To Blackmail A Highlander
SERIES #: The MacGregor Lairds #3
CHARACTERS: Alice & Phillip
AUTHOR: Michelle McLean
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/14/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage, she needs a strong highlander to escape. Only Philip MacGregor insists on sending her back to her pampered life, so she’ll just have to blackmail him instead. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real.

Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.

REVIEW:
What I enjoy most about the MacLean stories is her humor as well as the romance. And the sexy highlanders is not exactly a problem to read either.

Lady Alice is strong and independent or as independent as she can be in that era. But I love that she stands her ground and doesn’t bow to her new husband. I mean come on she blackmailed the man to marry her so she could get from under her controlling family.

This series is a winner for any fan of Romance in the Highlands.

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

February 4, 2019February 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews A Soldier’s Return by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: A Soldier’s Return
SERIES #: The Women Of Brambleberry House #4
CHARACTERS: Melissa & Eli
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Women of Brambleberry House are back!

Returning home to Cannon Beach and living in Brambleberry House, a place where good things seemed destined to happen, had brought Melissa Fielding and her young daughter such joy. Perhaps it was no accident when the single mom “bumped” into Eli Sanderson, and discovered the handsome doctor was also back in town. The ex-soldier was still so captivating, but also more guarded. Was now the time to put old ghosts to rest?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another sweet romance from Thayne who seems to get better with each story she authors.

In this one it is a sorta second chance at love kind of story but now they are adults and have had to deal with real world problems as well as what Eli has seen is what no one wishes on their worst enemy but now they have a chance at real world love. But can they manage to do it?

The characters of this story really pull at the heart as well as they seem real. Enjoyable.

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

February 1, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews You Will Suffer by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: You Will Suffer
SERIES #: The Agency #3
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every small town has a secret…and this one is worth killing for. The rolling fields outside Curry, Oklahoma, are a beautiful spot to ramble on an early spring day…and a lonely place to die. Among the prairie grass and wildflowers, a killer kneels beside a curled-up figure, plunging a syringe beneath skin to deliver the fatal dose. And as the victim’s last breath mingles with the air, it sends a warning out to the world: this is just the beginning. Rejecting her judge father’s prestigious connections, Ellie Guthrie opened her own law firm in Curry. But something strange is going on. Ellie’s tires are slashed. Dead rats are dumped on her patio. Her neighbour, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, insists on watching out for her. And then bodies begin turning up – supposed overdoses that Nate suspects are something much more sinister. There’s a killer in town, toying with her, drawing both Ellie and Nate into a web of murder and vengeance. To find answers, she’ll have to unearth this small community’s dark and twisted past…before it’s her turn to die. Look for more page-turning suspense from Alexandra Ivy with Pretend You’re Safe and What Are You Afraid Of?, out now.

REVIEW:
I fell in love with the writing of Ivy with her paranormal books but have followed her over to mystery/thriller stories and I am so glad I did.

Ivy knows how to weave a tale. No matter the genre. But let’s not forget that all her books have romance and she is one of the best at that.

Ellie is trying to figure out what is going on in her small town and with each step closer to an answer the closer she is to danger. I really enjoyed the interactions between her and Nate and enjoyed the background characters too. The mystery/thriller side keeps you on the edge of your seat.

You can not be disappointed in one of Ivy’s books.

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

January 31, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Vengeance Road by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Vengeance Road
SERIES #: Torpedo Ink #2
CHARACTERS: Breezy & Steele
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Go zero to sixty in this dangerously sexy novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Breezy Simmons was born into a ruthless motorcycle club—and now that she’s out, she’s never going to be that girl again. But when her past catches up with her, Breezy must go to Sea Haven to seek out the man who almost destroyed her. The man who chose his club over her and left her feeling used and alone.

As vice president of Torpedo Ink, Steele is ride or die for the brothers he lived through hell with. He never thought he’d find something as pure as his feelings for Breezy, or that keeping her safe would mean driving her away with cruel words that turned her love for him to ash.

Now, Steele won’t let her walk away twice. He’ll do whatever it takes to make Breezy his woman again—especially when he learns the real reason she came to him for help, and that the stakes are higher than he ever could have imagined…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts There is just something about the the men in this book. They have been through a lot and seem to come out with strength. What I like it they seem like diamonds in the rough. You know with a little bit of shine they will gleam.

And the women are strong too. They aren’t the damsel in distress kind of girls. They can stand up for themselves and to anyone.

Feehan has been one of my favorites since I started reading her Ghostwalkers series and have gone back to read some of her others. She is really one that easily pulls you in.

Since this is only the 2nd in the series I suggest picking up the first one and then following it with this one so you can start the series from the beginning because you will not be disappointed in Feehan and her sexy men and strong women.

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

January 29, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Lavender Blue by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Lavender Blue
SERIES #: Blue Hollow Falls #3
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Wilson
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains lies a small town with a big heart–and a chance to begin again . . .

When Hannah Montgomery buys a lavender farm in Blue Hollow Falls with three friends, she’s creating a life she never imagined–one she hopes will honor the memory of the sweet young son she tragically lost years ago. Standing on the porch of the sprawling farmhouse, looking out on row upon row of those lush purple plumes, Hannah is ready to embrace this fresh, new start . . .

Then she meets Wilson McCall. The stonemason hired to fix their crumbling chimneys and leaky roof is quieter than most folks in the Falls. Hannah’s not surprised to learn the widower struggles with his own grief. Who could blame her if she finds joy in making Will laugh again, or if she feels a poignant kinship when she sees him with his teenaged son? But her deepening friendship with Will reminds Hannah that there’s a part of her that still needs to heal–awakening a tender yearning to have a life that isn’t just good enough, but lived fully–even if that means taking risks once more . . .

REVIEW:
How could I not enjoy this story when it is set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mtns, where I live, and also has my newly married last name. It was written for me.

Ok maybe not but it was written beautifully. Kauffman is one of the best for contemporary romance. She brings in real life places and true to life people.

Hannah is a great female lead. I can imagine becoming friends with her in real life. And Wilson is just a quiet sweet teddy bear. I found myself just wanting to see them hug because they both seemed to need it.

This is a great story that pulls you in from chapter one into a sweet romance. Great curl up, read and enjoy kind of book.

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