4 Star – Page 28 – Books-n-Kisses

December 21, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Rose In The Highlands by Heather McCollum

TITLE: A Rose In The Highlands
SERIES #: Highland Roses School #1
CHARACTERS: Evelyn & Grey
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1684, Scottish Highlands

Englishwoman Evelyn Worthington is resolved to build a school for ladies in her brother’s newly purchased Scottish castle. But when she arrives, not only does she find the castle scorched by fire, but a brawny Highlander bars her entry.

Clan chief Grey Campbell would rather die than see his family home, Finlarig Castle, fall into English hands, so Grey must win the battle of wills with the beautiful Sassenach who flashes a bill of sale before him.

When the war between Evelyn and Grey escalates, passions flare. But outsiders have their own plans for Finlarig. After secrets are revealed, and muskets are lit, the fates of the Campbell Clan, the school, and a possible future for Grey and Evelyn are in as much jeopardy as their lives

REVIEW:
I have McCollum to thank for showing me that the Highlander Romance genre is one that I truly enjoy.

I picked up her previous series and now I believe I am reading everything she writes.

This is a new series by McCollum and I was so excited to read it. And I was not disappointed. The characters are so real and likable… well except for the ones that shouldn’t be liked…. Then they are delightfully unlikable. Even the background characters are fun to read.

Another wonderful addition to the Highlander Romance genre! Grab it before the next one comes out.

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

December 19, 2018December 16, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Unleashed by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Unleashed
SERIES #: Hamilton Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Emma & Trevor
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A raging winter storm and a holiday spent pet-sitting reveals there’s more than one kind of animal in the house . . .

When Emma Lafferty is hired by a billionaire CEO to watch his pets over the holidays, she expects to enjoy a quiet Christmas in opulent surroundings. What she doesn’t expect is to spend the week trapped in the mansion with Trevor Hamilton, the CEO’s sexy great-nephew—and heir—whose motives are as shady as his desire is crystal clear . . .

Originally in the To All a Good Night anthology

REVIEW:
This is a cute Christmas novella of a bit over 100 pages. And the beginning of a series of holiday novellas that she has released this season. Also it was originally in an anthology.

The story moves very fast especially since it is a short story. There are a couple of things that I hope are answered in the upcoming additional novellas because it seemed to leave some information out but maybe the other stories will fill the holes.

Kauffman is always a worthy read.

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

December 17, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews Leopard’s Run by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Leopard’s Run
SERIES #: Leopard People #10
CHARACTERS: Timur & Ashe
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He keeps his emotions on a tight leash, but she can see the desire burning in his eyes…

Timur Amurov has one purpose in life: protect his family at all costs. With lethal skills honed from a violent upbringing, Timur is a leopard shifter who sees any newcomers as possible threats–and the petite blond barista who his sister-in-law, Evangeline, has hired to work in her bakery is definitely hiding something. While Timur still needs to determine if Ashe is an enemy, he does know that she is the only woman whose presence has ever truly calmed the beast roaring inside of him.

Ashe Bronte is well aware she has a type: sexy, gorgeous and dangerous as hell. Despite the fact that Timur is all those things and more, Ashe is in San Antonio for reasons that do not involve getting wild with a ruthless leopard–and she cannot afford to make any mistakes. But Timur has ignited something deep within her, and even though she knows she should keep her distance, every move he makes has her craving a taste…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Feehan has written 10 stories now in the Leopard series. A shape shifter animal you do not hear much about. Feehan can come up with some interesting storylines and characters and again in this series and this story she does it again!

Feehan is one of the queens of paranormal in my opinion. She easily draws you into each character and their story.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good shapeshifter story? Well if it is not your genre of choice turn away now but if it is then pick up this series. I want to say these stories are not a stand alone. They really need to be read in order to understand exactly who and what is going on.

This is just another great story in this great series.

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

December 14, 2018December 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews Driven To Distraction by Lori Foster

TITLE: Driven To Distraction
SERIES #: Road To Love #1
CHARACTERS: Mary & Brodie
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When desire gets this hot, you’d better buckle up…

Mary Daniels doesn’t let anything get in the way of her job acquiring rare artifacts for her wealthy boss. But this particular obstacle—huge, hard-muscled, unashamedly masculine—is impossible to ignore. Stuck in a cramped car with Brodie Crews for hours en route to their new assignment, Mary feels her carefully crafted persona—and her trademark self-control—is slipping, and she won’t allow it.

Brodie can’t imagine what secret in Mary’s past has left her so buttoned-up, though he’d dearly love to find out. Maybe then she’d trust him enough to explore their explosive chemistry. But he needs this job, so he’ll play by her rules and bide his time…until an enemy determined to outwit them strikes and he needs to get close—in every way—to protect her. Otherwise they could lose much more than a precious collectible. They could lose it all.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts A new series by Lori Foster. I really enjoyed Mary. She is woman but she is also written strong and independent. I found myself wanting to be friends with her. And of course the drop dead gorgeous Brodie and his brother are worth reading about…

But what made this story for me was the brother relationship and the relationship between the boys and their mom. It was so real family that I found myself smiling every time there was a family scene.

I loved this story and can not wait for the next one!

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

December 13, 2018December 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Protector In The Highlands by Heather McCollum

TITLE: A Protector In The Highlands
SERIES #: Highland Roses School #2
CHARACTERS: Scarlet & Aiden
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With few other options, Scarlet Worthington flees from her home in England to the wild Highlands of Scotland to help her sister run a school for ladies. There, Scarlet begins to rebuild her own shattered confidence by recruiting a fierce Campbell warrior to teach her and the students how to protect themselves from villains and scoundrels. The intimidating Aiden Campbell both infuriates Scarlet and ignites a fire inside her as she works closely with him to hone her new skills.

Burned in a fierce fire, set by English soldiers, Highland warrior, Aiden Campbell, has finally healed enough to take temporary command of his clan. That’s where his focus should be instead of dealing with the feisty, beautiful Sassenach who asks him to teach her students.

When Scarlet’s past stalks her up into Scotland, her nightmares come alive, and Aiden’s lessons are put to the test. With his own ghosts from the past making him despise English women, Aiden fights the inferno of passion that’s grown between them, a different kind of wild fire that could prove just as deadly.

REVIEW:
I have McCollum to thank for showing me that the Highlander Romance genre is one that I truly enjoy.

I picked up her previous series and now I believe I am reading everything she writes.

This is the second in a new series by McCollum and I was so excited to read it since I enjoyed the first one. And I was not disappointed again. The characters are so real and likable… well except for the ones that shouldn’t be liked…. Then they are delightfully unlikable. Even the background characters are fun to read.

Another wonderful addition to the Highlander Romance genre! Grab it before the next one comes out. Where is #3???

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

December 11, 2018December 10, 2018

Kimberly reviews Deep Down by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Deep Down
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #4
CHARACTERS: Ian & Kennedy
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/18
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ian Gamble has a past he’d rather forget—which is exactly what he’s doing at The Crooked Angel Bar
and Grill when the place catches fire. Between his active duty in the Marines and his experience as a
firefighter, his instincts get him and hot, headstrong bar manager, Kennedy Matthews, to safety. But those
same instincts kick into high gear when the fire is ruled an arson, and he discovers Kennedy’s got secrets
of her own.
The only thing that matters more to Kennedy than her bar is her brother. When she finds out he’s in over
his head with a dangerous arsonist, she’ll do anything to keep him safe—even if it means teaming up with
Gamble, who’s too sharp-eyed and hard-bodied for his own good. With every step, their attraction flares
hotter and the risks grow more dangerous. Can Gamble and Kennedy face their fears—and their
secrets—to catch a terrifying enemy? Or will they go down in flames?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Kennedy is an every woman. She has had a hard life. She is trying to get her life together.
She has a brother…. And a bar. Ian has been through a lot. As a Marine and firefighter he has lived a life
full or order and danger.
When a dumpster goes up in flames their relationship gets hot. They work to prove who the arsonist is
because many think it is Kennedy’s brother and Ian is going to keep her safe even if she doesn’t want him
to.
Really good read. Well written and light-hearted.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 7, 2018December 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Past Tense by Lee Child

TITLE: Past Tense
SERIES #: Jack Reacher #23
CHARACTERS: Jack Reacher
AUTHOR: Lee Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack Reacher hits the pavement and sticks out his thumb. He plans to follow the sun on an epic trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn’t get far. On a country road deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to a place he has never been: the town where his father was born. He thinks, What’s one extra day? He takes the detour.
At the same moment, in the same isolated area, a car breaks down. Two young Canadians had been on their way to New York City to sell a treasure. Now they’re stranded at a lonely motel in the middle of nowhere. The owners seem almost too friendly. It’s a strange place, but it’s all there is.

The next morning, in the city clerk’s office, Reacher asks about the old family home. He’s told no one named Reacher ever lived in town. He’s always known his father left and never returned, but now Reacher wonders, Was he ever there in the first place?

As Reacher explores his father’s life, and as the Canadians face lethal dangers, strands of different stories begin to merge. Then Reacher makes a shocking discovery: The present can be tough, but the past can be tense . . . and deadly.

REVIEW:
Jack Reacher is back! I really enjoy this series… but please do not base the series off the movie with Tom Cruise because he is nothing like Jack Reacher.

The intensity of these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. You do not need to have read the others to read this one. But the series is worth the read.

In this one we watch Reacher look into his father’s life so we get a bit of his history. Reacher is a character that you will never know everything about but it is great to get a bit of insight.

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

December 5, 2018December 4, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday!!! Kimberly reviews Bells, Spells and Murders by Carol J. Perry

TITLE: Bells, Spells and Murder
SERIES #: Witch City Mystery #7
CHARACTERS: Lee & Pete
AUTHOR: Carol J Perry
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Someone’s spreading deadly holiday cheer through Salem, Mass . . .

Lee Barrett has landed her dream job at Salem’s WICH-TV. As the new field reporter, she’ll be covering events live as they’re unfolding. Next on her holiday checklist is an interview with the beloved chairman of a popular walking tour through Salem’s historic districts. But it may be his ghost walking this snowy Noel season after Lee finds him murdered in his stately offices, bloody Santa hat askew.

With her police detective boyfriend working the case and a witch’s brew of suspects–including some bell-ringing Santas–Lee chases down leads aided and abetted by her wise cat O’Ryan and some unsettling psychic visions of her own. When a revealing clue leads to another dead body, not even a monster blizzard can stop Lee from inching closer to the truth . . . and a scoop that could spell her own demise this killer Christmas.

REVIEW:
This is the 7th in the series but I have not read any of the other books. But this book makes me want to go back and pick up all the others.

There was a bit of everything in this story. Some paranormal, murder, humor and so much more. I loved the characters and loved the writing.

This is a great book to start a fire, grab a warm drink and cuddle up and enjoy. It definitely puts you in a holiday mood.

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

December 4, 2018December 3, 2018

Kimberly reviews Vampire’s Faith by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Vampire’s Faith
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #8
CHARACTERS: Ronan & Faith
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/19/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dark Protectors are Back!

Vampire King Ronan Kayrs wasn’t supposed to survive the savage sacrifice he willingly endured to rid the world of the ultimate evil. He wasn’t supposed to emerge in this time and place, and he sure as hell wasn’t supposed to finally touch the woman who’s haunted his dreams for centuries. Yet here he is, in an era where vampires are hidden, the enemy has grown stronger, and his mate has no idea of the power she holds.

Dr. Faith Cooper is flummoxed by irrefutable proof that not only do vampires exist . . . they’re hot blooded, able to walk in sunlight, and shockingly sexy. Faith has always depended on science, but the restlessness she feels around this predatory male defies reason. Especially when it grows into a hunger only he can satisfy—that is if they can survive the evil hunting them both.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts WHOO HOO The Dark Protectors series is back! Zanetti is the Queen of Paranormal in my opinion. I have never read a book from Zanetti that I did not enjoy. Some more than others but always an enjoyable read.

Dr Faith has the same reaction that I think most would have finding out that Vampires exist but she is a scientist. Scientist can not possibly believe in something that science can not explain.

And then there is King Ronan… One word fits him… YUM! No more needs to be said.

If you love vampires and have not read any of Zanetti’s books.. WHY NOT? Pick them up but start at the beginning. You won’t be disappointed.

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

December 3, 2018December 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Pharaoh Key by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

TITLE: The Pharaoh Key
SERIES #: Gideon Crew #5
CHARACTERS: Gideon Crew
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/12/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Don’t miss the this exciting, New York Times bestselling adventure from Preston & Child, in which the secrets of a mysterious ancient tablet may point the way to untold treasure–or unspeakable danger.
“I just want to be crystal clear about this: if it has value, we’re gonna steal it. Are you with me?”
Effective Engineering Solutions has been inexplicably shut down and the head of the company, Eli Glinn, has all but vanished. Fresh off a diagnosis that gives him only months to live, Gideon Crew is contacted by one of his coworkers at EES, Manuel Garza, who tells him the two have mere hours to collect their belongings before the office closes forever. After years of dedicated service and several high-risk missions, theirs seems like the most ignoble of terminations-until Gideon and Garza happen upon an incredible discovery. After centuries of silence, a code-breaking machine at EES has cracked the long-awaited translation of a centuries-old stone tablet, the Phaistos Disc, that dates back to an otherwise completely unknown, ancient civilization. The mysteries of the message itself hint at incredible treasures, and perhaps even a world-altering secret. No one remains at EES to take on this most remarkable mission but Gideon and Garza. The two agree to solve the mystery of the disc’s message and split the spoils: the perfect parting gift their employer doesn’t know he has given. What lies at the end of the trail may save Gideon’s life-or bring it to a sudden, shocking close. As Gideon and Garza soon discover, some missions are more dangerous than others. But as Gideon has proved again and again, there’s no such thing as too great a risk when you’re living on borrowed time.

REVIEW:
Oh how I enjoy these authors. Any Preston/Child book is worth picking up. These books always keep me enraptured.

If you are a fan of movies like National Treasure or books by Brad Meltzer you will enjoy this series.

Gideon is a great character. Garza is really cool too.

You will be on the edge of your seat figuring out this secret.

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

November 30, 2018November 25, 2018

Kimberly reviews Legends: Murder, Lies and Cover-Ups by David Gardner

TITLE: Legends: Murder, Lies and Cover-Ups
CHARACTERS: Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Princess Diana & JFK
AUTHOR: David Gardner
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/15/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If people famously remember where they were when JFK was assassinated, many also recall where they were and what they were doing when Elvis, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson died. As for Marilyn Monroe, only now can the truth be told about how—and why—she died. After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files, interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts, and forensic experts, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information. His book reveals that Elvis Presley may have signed his death warrant going undercover for the FBI; that Marilyn Monroe’s secret affairs with JFK and his brother, Robert, left her in the crosshairs of a lethal conspiracy; why Princess Diana’s death was no accident; who ordered President John F. Kennedy’s assassination; and how on three occasions Michael Jackson “died” of painkiller drug overdoses in the months before his death.

REVIEW:
So here is the thing we have all heard about these deaths… and all the conspiracies that go along with it. So that part of each celebrity death was not surprising but the thing I enjoyed the most was the little extra information that I had never heard before.

I would share a few but then you wouldn’t be as interested because you already knew it. Catch 22.

But I enjoyed the writing of this author. No section was overly long winded. Easy to sit and read a section about a celebrity and then put the book down for a bit.

If you enjoy this genre then this book is for you.

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

November 29, 2018November 25, 2018

Kelly reviews Love And Other Wild Things By Molly Harper

TITLE: Love and Other Wild Things
SERIES #: Mystic Bayou #2
CHARACTERS: Zed & Dani
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATORS: Amanda Ronconi & Jonathan Davis
RUN TIME: 6 hours & 41 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 4, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where shape-shifters, vampires, witches, and dragons live alongside humans. The town formed around the mysterious energy rift in the bayou, which helps keep the town’s magic in balance. But lately the rift has been widening and destabilizing – threatening to send the town’s magical population into chaos.
Energy witch Danica Teel has been sent by the League to figure out what’s going on, with the help of bear-shifter Mayor Zed. While working on the case, Zed falls head over paws for Dani, but she’s reluctant to engage in anything beyond a roll in his cave. Dani’s family is counting on her to get the job done, and she has no time for distractions. But when an ominous presence begins stalking Dani through the bayou, they’ll need to band together to make it out alive.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Love & Other Wild Things is the second installment in Ms. Harper’s Mystic Bayou series. In this story we get to follow the smexy Mayor Zed and the lovely Witch Danica.
Ms. Harper does a great job of bring her classic wit and humor to Zed & Dani’s story. I love Dani’s obsession with llamas. I mean come on who doesn’t love llama?
I really enjoyed this story a lot. My only issue is that there are two narrators. I have a hard time with two narrators. It is not that I don’t like both narrators because both are equally amazing. I am not wild about the dual narration. I think it is more the change in how each character sounds that bugs me. Other then that I really enjoyed this story.

FYI: This is an audible only book.

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