4 Star – Page 27 – Books-n-Kisses

January 28, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Demon’s Mercy by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Demon’s Mercy
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #9
CHARACTERS: Mercy & Logan
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/22/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Duty meets desire . . .

Mercy O’Malley hates killing people. So when she’s assigned to take out Vampire-Demon Logan Kyllwood, she lures him to a seedy bar in Scotland, then decides to kidnap him instead. How can she cold-bloodedly end all that heat, those green eyes, that ripped body?

Unfortunately for Mercy, attempted murder and kidnapping are just foreplay for the Kyllwood brothers. Logan may be the youngest of the bunch, but death and violence are already a way of life. Now he’s ready to complete a painful, terrifying ritual to become one of the Seven, dedicated to protecting this world from the most dangerous evil it’s ever known. But first he has to deal with a blackmailing Fey, a ransom demand and his own pounding need for the last female he ever should have fallen for . . .

REVIEW:
Zanetti! Whoo Hoo! Zanetti is back! (I do this every time)

Zanetti is the queen of paranormal in my book. I always look forward to grabbing up her books and this did not disappoint.

What I love best about Zanetti’s men is they are true alpha. They do not take anything from anyone… well, accept their women. Her alpha men can turn a man into a mouse with just a look. Imagine when they use their hands… or more so their power… but then the women come into the story and BAM these men think they have control but they lose it with a single kiss.

This story is the 9th in the series and yeah we can say you can read it out of order but NO… I suggest you read the series. Catch up on it. You will not be disappointed. Heck you may even come back and thank me.

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

January 25, 2019January 21, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Cottages On Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Cottages On Silver Beach
SERIES #: Haven Point #8
CHARACTERS: Megan & Elliot
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/19/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Years after betraying her, he’s back in Haven Point…and ready to learn the truth.

Megan Hamilton never really liked Elliot Bailey. He turned his back on her family when they needed him the most and it almost tore them all apart. So she’s shocked when Elliot arrives at her family’s inn, needing a place to stay and asking questions that dredge up the past. Megan will rent him a cottage, but that’s where it ends-no matter how gorgeous Elliot has become.

Coming back home to Haven Point was the last thing bestselling writer Elliot Bailey thought he’d ever do. But the book he’s writing now is his most personal one yet and it’s drawn him back to the woman he can’t get out of his mind. Seeing Megan again is harder than he expected and it brings up feelings he’d thought were long buried. Could this be his chance to win over his first love?

REVIEW:
Thayne is quickly becoming high on my must-read authors. Her writings are easy to read and enjoyable. The romance is sweet and a perfect second chance at love story.

Elliot has seemed to always love Megan but it was never the right time. Well now they are grown and he gets a second chance to winning Megan over.

This is the 8th in the series and you don’t need to have read any of the others to read this one but once you do you will want to back track into reading the entire series.

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

January 23, 2019January 21, 2019

Kimberly reviews Cross Breed by Lora Leigh

TITLE: Cross Breed
SERIES #: Breeds #23
CHARACTERS: Cassandra & Dog
AUTHOR: Lora Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Breeds are humans altered before conception with the DNA of the predators of Earth. But although they all carry the genetic material of beasts within them, Cassandra Sinclair stands apart. A unique mix of wolf, coyote and human, she is revered by many—but preyed upon by others. She is fiercely protected by her community…but no one manages to stop her when she slips away one day to offer her body in exchange for her sister’s safety.

The man she succumbs to surprises her by unleashing her inner animal in ways she never dreamed possible—and provokes her deep, furious rage. To Cassie’s shock, he is the mate she has long awaited. She may never be able to forgive his deception. Still, as dangerous enemies track her, and as the threat of all-out war between Breeds and the humans who despise them hovers in the air, they must join forces and hold fast to each other.

But the passionate union between them holds a potential that could change the world—and some will do anything to stop it…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok So here I go again… I picked up a book based on the name that I have heard from friends and family and wanted to give a try… However, this is part of a series…. And long series. This is in fact #23 in the series.

The writing is good and honestly it can be a stand alone, for the most part. There are some background characters that I can tell were from earlier books but it wasn’t distracting.

I can tell from other reviews that “Cassie’s story” was awaited with baited breath but I can’t say that. But I can say that the story was interesting and kept me captivated. I loved the romance of it and the suspense of it.

I don’t know if I will go back 22 books to catch up but I imagine I will continue the series from here.

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

January 22, 2019January 21, 2019

Kelly reviews A Merciful Fate by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Fate
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #5
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: January 15, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the next book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling Mercy Kilpatrick series, there are no such things as little secrets….
Raised by preppers, survivalist and FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has a deep-rooted need for a safe place. Her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her secret. But when skeletal remains are unearthed – those of a murdered man linked to a notorious heist – Mercy realizes she isn’t the only one with something to hide.
Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive. For Mercy and her fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, their investigation opens old wounds in Eagle’s Nest that cut deeper than they imagined. Especially when a reckless tabloid reporter draws fresh blood. It’s clear to Mercy that somebody in this close-knit community is not who they seem to be.
Some are still shattered by the heist. Some still have reason to be afraid. But which one will kill again and again to hide three decades of secrets? To land this case, it’s up to Mercy to unmask a familiar stranger before someone else dies.

REVIEW:
Another wonderful read by Ms. Elliot. I always enjoy a good suspense book that keeps me guessing. Just when I think I know what is going to happen I am lead down a different path.

A Merciful Fate is heavier on the mystery suspense then the romance. I honestly think this might have been one of my favorite Mercy books. I really enjoyed the mystery, the emotions and the love between Mercy and Truman.

I can’t wait to see what is next for Mercy and Truman. While I would love for them to finally have some downtime and live a nice boring life. But I want more Mercy books.

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.

January 21, 2019January 20, 2019

Kimberly reviews Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Hidden
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa & Malcolm
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .

Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up . . .

Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock . . .

REVIEW:
It is simple… Zanetti is one of the best. If you haven’t read anything by Zanetti before here is your chance to start with a new series.

Imagine if you just needed to get away and hide and you thought you were safe. Well in this case both Malcolm and Pippa both feel this way and yet they have been set up to be together. Now what?

Well that is what this story finds out. And with Zanetti telling the tale you will not be disappointed in the answer… I really enjoyed this story. I do not know where Zanetti comes up with her ideas but I am sure glad she does.

Can’t wait to read more of this series.

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

January 14, 2019January 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews Cut And Run by Mary Burton

TITLE: Cut And Run
CHARACTERS: Faith & Mitchell
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/09/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Twin sisters separated by the past are reunited by unspeakable crimes in New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton’s throat-clutching novel of suspense…

Trauma victims are not new to medical examiner Faith McIntyre, but this one is different. The unconscious woman clinging to life after a hit and run is FBI agent Macy Crow. What the woman from Quantico was doing in a dark alley after midnight is just one mystery. The other is more unsettling: Macy is Faith’s mirror image—the twin sister she never knew she had.

Faith knew that she was adopted, but now she’s finding that her childhood concealed other secrets. Following the trail of clues Macy left behind, Faith and Texas Ranger Mitchell Hayden make a shocking discovery on an isolated country ranch—a burial ground for three women who disappeared thirty years before.

They weren’t the only victims in a killer’s twisted plot. And they won’t be the last.

As the missing pieces of Faith’s and Macy’s dark lives snap into place, Faith is becoming more terrified by what she sees—and by what she must do to save her sister and herself from the past.

REVIEW:
Mary Burton has done it again. I have really enjoyed Burton’s books and this was no exception.

This story is a romantic suspense and a stand alone. I enjoyed that there was a bit of romance in this one. But the suspense is what keeps the book going. The characters are interesting and the background characters are really a major part of the story.

Faith and Macy have so much going on and keep the pages turning. I love any book by Burton and this is another one high on my list.

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

January 11, 2019January 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Holy Ghost by John Sandford

TITLE: Holy Ghost
SERIES #: Virgil Flowers #11
CHARACTERS: Virgil Flowers
AUTHOR: John Sandford
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/09/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Pinion, Minnesota: a metropolis of all of seven hundred souls for which the word “moribund” might have been invented. Nothing ever happened there and nothing ever would—until the mayor of sorts (campaign slogan: “I’ll Do What I Can”) and a buddy come up with a scheme to put Pinion on the map. They’d heard of a place where a floating image of the Virgin Mary had turned the whole town into a shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims. And all those pilgrims needed food, shelter, all kinds of crazy things, right? They’d all get rich! What could go wrong?

When the dead body shows up, they find out, and that’s only the beginning of their troubles—and Virgil Flowers’—as they are all about to discover all too soon.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the 11th in the Virgil Flowers series and somehow it really isn’t getting old. Flowers is such an interesting character. In this story there is a bit of a church feel to it that I found very interesting. We have all heard about sightings of Jesus/Virgin Mary and this town is actually devote to the belief.

This is a really interesting suspenseful story. Worth the read.

It can be read as a stand alone.

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

January 10, 2019January 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Little Shop Of Found Things by Paula Brackston

TITLE: The Little Shop Of Found Things
SERIES #: The Little Shop Of Found Things #1
CHARACTERS: Xanthe & Samuel
AUTHOR: Paula Brackston
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A new series about a young woman whose connection to antiques takes her on a magical adventure, reminiscent of Outlander

New York Times bestselling author of The Witch’s Daughter Paula Brackston returns to her trademark blend of magic and romance to launch a new series guaranteed to enchant her audience even more.

Xanthe and her mother Flora leave London behind for a fresh start, taking over an antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough. Xanthe has always had an affinity with some of the antiques she finds. When she touches them, she can sense something of the past they come from and the stories they hold. So when she has an intense connection to a beautiful silver chatelaine she has to know more.

It’s while she’s examining the chatelaine that she’s transported back to the seventeenth century. And shortly after, she’s confronted by a ghost who reveals that this is where the antique has its origins. The ghost tasks Xanthe with putting right the injustice in its story to save an innocent girl’s life, or else it’ll cost her Flora’s.

While Xanthe fights to save her amid the turbulent days of 1605, she meets architect Samuel Appleby. He may be the person who can help her succeed. He may also be the reason she can’t bring herself to leave.

With its rich historical detail, strong mother-daughter relationship, and picturesque English village, The Little Shop of Found Things is poised to be a strong start to this new series.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This cover is breathtaking isn’t it? I just love it. So how could I not request this book and I am glad I did. I love magic and wish so much that I could have some but when asked that question “if you had a super power what would it be?” I always say I do not know. But after reading this I wonder if I wouldn’t want the ability to know the history of anything I touched. This may be my answer from now on.

Back to the book…. I found the story as mesmerizing as the cover. This story has a bit of history thrown into the magical world. I loved the relationship between mother and daughter.

I look forward to reading the next in the series.

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

January 7, 2019January 6, 2019

Kelly reviews Nightchaser by Amanda Bouchet

TITLE: Nightchaser
SERIES #: Endeavor #1
CHARACTERS: Tess Bailey & crew
AUTHOR: Amanda Bouchet
PUBLICATION DATE: January 1, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A delicious new heart-pounding romantic adventure from USA Today bestseller Amanda Bouchet!
Captain Tess Bailey and her crew of Robin Hood-like thieves are desperate and on the run. Pursued by a vicious military general who wants them dead or alive, Tess has to decide if she can trust Shade Ganavan, a tall, dark and arrogant stranger with abiguous motivations.
Shade Ganavan had oodles of arrogance, oodles of charm, and oodles of something that made me want to kick him in the nuts.
What Tess and Shade don’t know about each other might get them killed…unless they can set aside their differences and learn to trust each other—while ignoring their off-the-charts chemistry.

REVIEW:
When I learned that Amanda was starting a new series I was extremely excited. I really enjoyed her Kingmaker’s Chronicles so I knew I had to give her new Endeavor series a go.

Tess is awesome! I loved learning who she was and why she is so important! Throw in the smexy Shade Ganavan and his own secrets and you have a great start of a new series. The secondary characters are great too!! Ms. Bouchet does a great job of making you fall in love with the secondary characters as much as the main characters!

I can’t wait to see where and what will happen in this series. It is going to be a great journey for sure!

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

January 3, 2019December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Not Quite Over You
SERIES #: Happily Ever After #4
CHARACTERS: Silver & Drew
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s nowhere better than Happily Inc to rekindle first love.

Silver Tesdal has a head for business and a mouth made for kissing, and banker Drew Lovato has his eye on both. But ever since he was dumb enough to let her go, she’s kept him at a distance. When the bank turns her down for a loan, Drew sees a double opportunity—he can finance her brilliant, unique idea to rock Happily Inc’s wedding industry and win back her trust.

Despite her reputation, Silver’s not as tough as she seems. Losing Drew nearly destroyed her. Still, his kisses are as tempting as his offer to invest in her business. If she can’t quite get over him, maybe she should get under him and knock him out of her system once and for all.

But her best laid plans begin to unravel as Silver finds herself falling even harder than when they were high school sweethearts. Which means that she’ll have to come clean about the secret she’s been hiding from him for years—and risk losing him forever.

REVIEW:
Oh Susan! You have done it again!

Susan Mallery is *THE* author that I always turn to when I want to read a contemporary romance. Happily Inc is a branch off of Fool’s Gold and this is the 4th in the series. Fool’s Gold was always my dream (novel) vacation spot. And Happily Inc is really starting to be where I want to visit after Fool’s Gold.

Mallery is great at drawing you in with the very first few pages. We have met Ronan in the first two of this series and not it is his turn at love. This is Drew’s story and we have known all along this would be the story of the Mitchell brother we all wanted to read. Worth the wait!

Never a disappointment!

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

December 27, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews Wolf Rising by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Rising
SERIES #: SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #8
CHARACTERS: Jayden & Selena
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Werewolf SWAT Officer Jayden Brooks has yet to meet The One—but when he rescues teacher Selena Rosa from a hostage situation at her high school, he knows he’s in trouble. Her scent is irresistible.

There’s a reason for that powerful scent—and it isn’t an expensive perfume. Thanks to the traumatizing events at the school, the werewolf gene flipped on and Selena’s going through the change. Even scarier, she’s on track to become an omega—an out-of-control and violent breed. It’s going to take everything Brooks has if he wants any chance to pull her back from the edge…and ultimately win her heart.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This has a little bit of everything… Is there a genre for Suspenseful Shapeshifting Romance? Well there is now.

Selena is going through the shift change and Jayden has his heart flip. Jayden is perfect alpha with a capital A. He has everything a new wolf would want in a mate but Selena is going through enough already… Can she really let her heart fall for such an alpha wolf?

Well worth the read if you enjoy the genre. It has everything and a bit more.

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

December 26, 2018December 16, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells
SERIES #: Hamilton Christmas #2
CHARACTERS: Holly & Sean
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The best holiday gifts aren’t always under the tree . . .

Holly hates the yuletide season more than ever since she received her very early inheritance: her mother’s Christmas novelty store. Now she has to put her life on hold to deal with the shop, while her parents settle into their busy sunny Florida retirement. But Holly’s childhood pal, Sean, is determined to warm her up—to Christmas and to him. When they uncover a diary concealing secrets involving both their families, this could be the Christmas that changes their lives forever . . .

Originally part of the Kissing Santa Claus anthology.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Christmas novellas that Kauffman has put out this year. And was originally part of an anthology.

Another cute holiday story that will certainly get you in the Christmas mood. I read the first one and had hoped it was a bit of a continuation but it was not but that does not mean it is any less interesting.

Kauffman is always one of my go to authors. I have never been disappointed by her stories and this one is no exception. This is a very quick read with just about 100 pages.

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