4 Star – Page 29 – Books-n-Kisses

November 27, 2018November 25, 2018

Kelly reviews Changeling by Molly Harper

TITLE: Changeling
SERIES #: Sorcery and Society #1
CHARACTERS: Cassandra Reed
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: August 22, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Magic and Manners Book 1
If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s.
Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor…
But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers…and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.

REVIEW:
FYI: This is a Young Adult book and therefore doesn’t have as much snark and sassiness as all of Molly’s past books. But this is a great book for your kids to read to introduce them to the amazing talents that are Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi.

Changeling was a great start to Molly Harper’s newest series. I don’t normally ready YA books anymore but I wanted to read this because I love Molly and Amanda! Changeling follows young Sarah Smith as she tries to comes to grips with her new found magic!
I had the joy of listening to Changeling narrated by the amazing Amanda Ronconi. I will tell you that I had to look at my audible a couple times as the story started. I was expecting the the soothing southern voice of books of past. The “English” version of Amanda was a bit of a shock! But I still loved it! I loved to hear something different from Amanda!!!

This book is perfect for your youngsters that are looking for a new series to start!!

Can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

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

November 20, 2018November 18, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Crooked Staircase by Dean Koontz

TITLE: The Crooked Staircase
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #3
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/08/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“I could be dead tomorrow. Or something worse than dead.”

Jane Hawk knows she may be living on borrowed time. But as long as she’s breathing, she’ll never cease her one-woman war against the terrifying conspiracy that threatens the freedom–and free will–of millions. Battling the strange epidemic of murder-suicides that claimed Jane’s husband, and is escalating across the country, has made the rogue FBI agent a wanted fugitive, relentlessly hunted not only by the government but by the secret cabal behind the plot. Deploying every resource their malign nexus of power and technology commands, Jane’s enemies are determined to see her dead . . . or make her wish she was.

Jane’s ruthless pursuers can’t stop her from drawing a bead on her prey: a cunning man with connections in high places, a twisted soul of unspeakable depths with an army of professional killers on call. Propelled by her righteous fury and implacable insistence on justice, Jane will make her way from southern California to the snow-swept slopes of Lake Tahoe to confront head-on the lethal forces arrayed against her. But nothing can prepare her for the chilling truth that awaits when she descends the crooked staircase to the dark and dreadful place where her long nightmare was born.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series and I would suggest reading the other two books before reading this one.

I really enjoyed this character. Jane is capable and not a princess in need of rescue type. She can do it all herself.

The other thing is this is set in Lake Tahoe which I visited a number of times so I was really able to “see” the scenes as they played out.

A very enjoyable read.

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

November 19, 2018November 18, 2018

Kimberly reviews Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase

TITLE: Until There Was Us
SERIES #: The Montgomery Brothers #7
CHARACTERS: Megan & Alex
AUTHOR: Samantha Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Megan Montgomery has always been the careful type. Except…one time at her cousin’s wedding when she threw caution to the wind and had the steamiest hook-up of her life. But that was two years ago— why can’t she stop thinking about it? So when Megan accepts a job at her cousin’s company, she does everything she can to avoid Alex—knowing he’ll shake up her carefully crafted world.
Alex Rebat’s been living a good life. He loves his career and friends, but like Megan, hasn’t been able to stop thinking about their passionate encounter. And once Megan moves to town, Alex makes it his personal goal to show her that maybe it’s time to start taking a few more risks…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another book about second chances. But Chase does a pretty good job on this story.

Alex and Megan hooked up after a wedding but years later they have the chance to see if there is something real there. The relationship is good and the characters have a chemistry.

This is a really good book to take you out of your head for a while. Nothing that you need to use brain power on but interesting enough to keep you interested.

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

November 14, 2018November 13, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Mutts And Mistletoe by Natalie Cox

TITLE: Mutts And Mistletoe
CHARACTERS: Charlie & Cal
AUTHOR: Natalie Cox
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/09/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thirty-one-year-old Charlie isn’t in the mood for Christmas cheer.

Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and–adding insult to (literal) injury–her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there’s only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she’ll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez’s doggy day care center. And if she’s not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know…

But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin’s house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?

As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie’s life has never felt so out of control–but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love…

REVIEW:
What do you get when you put adorable dogs in to a holiday story? This book!

Give it time though. I wasn’t too thrilled with Charlie. She seemed a bit of a, well, you know. I just thought her too harsh. But then if you had everything happen to you that she had to her you may be a bit bitchy too. But then I warmed up to her and the romance ended up being really sweet and puts the reader into the holiday spirit.

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

November 13, 2018November 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Family Gathering
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #3
CHARACTERS: Dakota & Sidney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/17/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exceptional storyteller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr beautifully captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of any family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.

Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.

Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.

When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
Dakota is back from the military and this is her story. First let me say that you need to read the first two in the series to read this one.

Robyn Carr is one of my favorites. She can spin a story like few others. From chapter one you are drawn into her world and never want to leave it.

This book is a romance but it is also a woman’s lit wrapped up into one. It touches on everything that happens in everyday life. Love, divorce, family and so much more.

Worth the read. But then Robyn Carr always is.

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

November 7, 2018November 6, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Naughty But Nice by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Naughty But Nice
SERIES #: A Hamilton Christmas Novella #3
CHARACTERS: Griffin & Melody
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ʼTis the season for sweet surprises . . .

Businessman Griffin’s never believed in luck . . . until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there’s a catch: There’s no way he’ll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. This new love could destroy all his dreams—or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible . . .

Originally in the The Naughty List anthology

REVIEW:
This is the third installment of the novella trilogy. This is a re-release. The story is a great way to start off the holiday season and put you in the holiday mood.

Donna Kauffman has been around for a while but the more you read of her the more you want to.

You do need to read Unleashed and Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells before reading this story.

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

November 2, 2018October 31, 2018

Kelly reviews Close To The Bone by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Close to the Bone
SERIES #: Widow Island #1
CHARACTERS: Cate Wilde & Henry Powers
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: October 23, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back home on a remote Pacific Northwest island when she gets the call: a teenager’s skeletal remains have been found on a nearby island.
Together with Tessa Black, a childhood friend turned local deputy, Cate confronts dreary weather and bleak leads to make sense of the death. The complications pile up as Cate is distracted by the coroner on the case—and by nagging memories that draw her twenty years into the past. The remains suggest eerie similarities between this victim, and Cate and Tessa’s friend Samantha, who disappeared when she was fourteen.
Cate finds herself up against closemouthed locals, buried town secrets, and even her own heart. As the case unravels, will she be able to cut through the fog and find justice for the missing and the dead

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I was so excited when Kendra & Melinda announced that the were teaming up again to bring us a new novella series!! It is always exciting when these two team up. The new series takes us to Widow’s Island up in the Pacific Northwest. Close to the Bone brings us not one by two mysteries that need to be solved.

FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back on Widow’s Island to recover from her injuries. But when a call come in the middle of the night that a bone of what looks like a young girl are found. Cate will not let her injuries stop her from getting answers to who it is. As Cate approaches the crime scene the passed floods back to her of another missing girl from her past. Could this be here? Will they finally have the answers they have seeked for 20 years?

You will have to pick up a copy of Close to the Bone to find out!!!

I am on to book two in this series A Bone to Pick.

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.

November 1, 2018October 31, 2018

Kelly reviews Sergeant Sexypants by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Sergeant Sexypants
SERIES #: (Ponderosa Ranch Romantic Comedies #2)
CHARACTERS: Austin Dugan & Bree Bracelyn
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: October 26, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bree Bracelyn doesn’t date cops. It’s a personal rule that quavers when Austin Dugan flashes his baby blues—and his badge—at Ponderosa Resort’s grand opening. Bree’s the family fixer, running the resort’s PR and her siblings’ lives with cheerful efficiency. But one thing in Bree’s past can’t ever be fixed, which is why she’s staying the hell away from Officer Hottie.
Austin’s heart tacks up a wanted poster with Bree’s name the instant he lays eyes on her. Okay, the no-cops rule is an obstacle, but not impossible for a guy ambitious enough to be a shoe-in as the next police chief. Besides, he knows Bree’s into him, whether they’re flirting over weird flatware or getting frisky in the front seat of his vintage Volvo.
As Bree and Austin bond over cupcakes and hot springs hookups, Bree knows it’s a matter of time before the skeletons in her closet topple into a messy heap on Austin’s squeaky-clean life. Is there hope for a happy ending, or will their love end up DOA?

REVIEW:
Sargeant Sexypants is book two of the Ponderosa Ranch Romantic Comedies. We get to follow Bree Bracelyn and her brothers as they come together after the death of their father to run the Ponderosa Resort.

Bree Bracelyn just wants to live her life, run her resort, get to know here brothers and never ever date a cop. That is until she meets Austin Dugan the town cop.
Austin is very interested in Bree but she plays hard ball with her hard and fast rule to never date a cop and protect her secret.

This was a a great fun read. I loved the spark and steam between Bree and Austin. I loved that Austin didn’t give up on her no matter how hard Bree tried to push him away.

I always enjoy reading Tawna’s books she does and excellent job of mixing humor, romance, sexy time and bring a tear to my eye. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.

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

October 30, 2018October 29, 2018

Kelly reviews A Bone To Pick by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: A Bone to Pick
SERIES #: Widow’s Island #2
CHARACTERS: Tessa Black & Logan Wilde
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Deputy Tessa Black gave up her career as a detective with the Seattle PD and returned to the Pacific Northwest island she calls home to care for her ailing mother. Tessa thinks her mother’s illness is the worst thing she’ll face—until she responds to a routine call in the state park and discovers a local man harpooned to a sign.
As the murder investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the victim harbored secrets. Together with her FBI agent best friend, Cate, and park ranger Logan Wilde, Tessa must connect the pieces before the murderer strikes again. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she finds herself—and the ones she loves—in harm’s way.
Pressure mounts as Tessa attempts to juggle the current case with her search for the truth behind her childhood friend Samantha’s disappearance twenty years ago. Can Tessa find the murderer and uncover answers about Samantha without jeopardizing everything she holds dear?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts A Bone to Pick is the second book in the Widow’s Island novella series. In a Bone to Pick starts off with another murder on the small island. Deputy Tessa gets called about a man screaming in the park. When she gets there Park Ranger Logan is there to help. What they find is very disturbing. A man with a harpoon through his chest. But who would do this to this man.

While Tessa tries to solve this latest murder the unknown of what happened to Samantha still haunts her. Will the ever find out what happened to her?

Another great installment in Melinda & Kendra’s latest series!! I enjoy when these two team up! I am already excited for book 3 & 4 in this series!

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.

October 26, 2018October 23, 2018

Kimberly reviews Highland Betrayal by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Betrayal
SERIES #: Sons Of Gregor MacLeod #3
CHARACTERS: Callum & Maggie
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Laird Callum MacLean vowed to marry Maggie MacDonnell. But when his father’s supposed suicide makes him Laird of a clan, he’s too busy unmasking his father’s killer to bring her into his dangerous new home.

Maggie’s home isn’t any safer, so she does what any resourceful Highland lass would do. She escapes―and finds herself toe-to-toe with Callum, who’s determined to fulfill his promise. Maggie can’t bring herself to trust him with her heart again. But with a traitor still at large, they must rely on each other in every way, or their clans―and their love―will be destroyed.

REVIEW:
I love this series. This series alone has turned me into a fan of Scottish romance. The men in the series are all brothers from different lands but they grew up together and consider themselves brothers. They would do anything for each other. And this time the story belongs to Callum.

Callum was not only betrothed but in love with Maggie. But he thinks he has to take care of family business before he can have Maggie has his own, that is until she is in trouble. Now Callum and his brothers are off to save Maggie. But Maggie is a strong woman who is independent and resourceful. And she knows she doesn’t need saving but she may need a little help out of her situation.

This is the third in the series and can really be read as a stand alone but I wouldn’t suggest it. You really should read them in order so you understand the connection of the “brothers”.

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

October 25, 2018October 23, 2018

Kelly reviews Kill The Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Hearne

TITLE: Kill The Farm Boy
SERIES #: Tales of Pell #1
CHARACTERS: A Farm Boy, a Crazy Goat, a Warrior, a Bard, a Dark Lord, a Rogue and a Witch
AUTHOR: Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: 12 Hours & 38 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 17, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible| Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, a hero, the Chosen One, was born . . . and so begins every fairy tale ever told.
This is not that fairy tale.
There is a Chosen One, but he is unlike any One who has ever been Chosened.
And there is a faraway kingdom, but you have never been to a magical world quite like the land of Pell.
There, a plucky farm boy will find more than he’s bargained for on his quest to awaken the sleeping princess in her cursed tower. First there’s the Dark Lord who wishes for the boy’s untimely death . . . and also very fine cheese. Then there’s a bard without a song in her heart but with a very adorable and fuzzy tail, an assassin who fears not the night but is terrified of chickens, and a mighty fighter more frightened of her sword than of her chain-mail bikini. This journey will lead to sinister umlauts, a trash-talking goat, the Dread Necromancer Steve, and a strange and wondrous journey to the most peculiar “happily ever after” that ever once-upon-a-timed.

REVIEW:
A Farm Boy, a Crazy Goat, a Warrior, a Bard, a Dark Lord, a Rogue and a Witch…. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke right? But it’s not. It is the start of a grand adventure of a ragtag team of unlikely heroes. This team of misfits will face great obstacles, death defying feats, love and the value of thumbs!!!

This book was a riot!! A riot of laughter, puns and gasps!! I honestly don’t know how Luke Daniels got through narrating this book. I would have been laughing to much or thinking “you want me to say what?”. But as always Luke did an amazing job of bring the characters to life. I really enjoy listening to Luke Daniels read me a story. Already looking forward to the next installment from Pell.

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

October 24, 2018October 23, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Season To Celebrate by Fern Michaels; Kate Pearce; Donna Kauffman; Priscilla Oliveras

TITLE: A Season To Celebrate
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Fern Michaels; Kate Pearce; Donna Kauffman; Priscilla Oliveras
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Make it a merry Christmas with four stories of the special way the holidays warm our hearts…

CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING * Fern Michaels
Former Air Force Pararescueman Kevin Matthews is back home in Texas, working at his family’s Christmas tree farm while deciding his next move. Or maybe he won’t move at all, if sparks keep flying with the town’s new surgeon, Kate Stafford . . .

AN UNEXPECTED GIFT * Kate Pearce
Widower Billy Morgan wishes his grown children still needed him. Good thing his longtime friend, Bella, does. She’s planning her son’s Christmas wedding and Billy is happy to help. Along the way they just might discover their own occasion to celebrate . . .

CHRISTMAS IN BLUE HOLLOW FALLS * Donna Kauffman
Attorney Moira Brogan expects her brother’s Christmas wedding to be a peaceful affair. She doesn’t expect to be cornered by an unwanted lothario, rescued by a gorgeous Aussie chef–or be swept off her feet by said chef. Nursing a broken heart, the last thing she wants is a new romance. But Hudson Walker has other ideas . . .

HOLIDAY HOMERUN * Priscilla Oliveras
Event planner Julia Louisa Fernandez dreams of a life in Chicago. But her family in Puerto Rico expects her to take over the catering business. Former pro baseball player Ben Thomas knows what that’s like–and when they meet, he might be the one to inspire a winning strategy, just in time for the holidays . .

REVIEW:
I was going to review each of these stories separately but to be honest they would all have the same review. They are 4 stars. The characters are all wonderful to read about. The romances are sweet.

The stories are short and quick reads. And are great to have around to pick up when you want to put yourself into the Christmas spirit or take a break from the Christmas craziness.

Donna Kauffman is one of my favorites and having read the other books set in Blue Hollow this one was of course my favorite of all.

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