4 Star – Page 30 – Books-n-Kisses

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018

Kimberly reviews Cooper’s Charm by Lori Foster

TITLE: Cooper’s Charm
SERIES #: Love At The Resort #1
CHARACTERS: Phoenix, Ridley and Cooper
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One summer, two sisters and a chance to start over…

Before the burglary that shattered her confidence, Phoenix Rose had a fiancé, a successful store and a busy, happy existence. After months spent adrift, she takes a job at the lakeside resort of Cooper’s Charm. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, friendly colleagues and a charismatic, widowed boss, Phoenix is slowly inching her way back into the world.

Visiting Cooper’s Charm to check up on her little sister, Ridley Rose impulsively agrees to fill in as housekeeper. Still reeling from an ego-bruising divorce, she finds satisfaction in a job well done—and in the attention of the resort’s handsome scuba instructor.

For Phoenix and Ridley, Cooper’s Charm is supposed to be merely temporary. But this detour may lead to the place they most need to be, where the future is as satisfying as it is surprising…

REVIEW:
This is a new series from Lori Foster. And in one phrase it is a Learning To Love Again love story. Both have been through hard times. Both have loved and lost. Both have come to Cooper’s resort to get a new direction in life.

A sweet story with wonderful background characters. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

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

October 19, 2018October 17, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver

TITLE: The Cutting Edge
SERIES #: Lincoln Rhyme #14
CHARACTERS: Lincoln Rhyme
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/10/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DANGEROUSLY GOOD. DISTINCTIVELY DEAVER.
Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs return to New York City to confront a killer terrorizing couples at their happiest–and most vulnerable.
In the early hours of a quiet, weekend morning in Manhattan’s Diamond District, a brutal triple murder shocks the city. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs quickly take the case. Curiously, the killer has left behind a half-million dollars’ worth of gems at the murder scene, a jewelry store on 47th street. As more crimes follow, it becomes clear that the killer’s target is not gems, but engaged couples themselves.
The Promisor vows to take the lives of men and women during their most precious moments–midway through the purchase of an engagement ring, after a meeting with a wedding planner, trying on the perfect gown for a day that will never come. The Promisor arrives silently, armed with knife or gun, and a time of bliss is transformed, in an instant, to one of horror.
Soon the Promiser makes a dangerous mistake: leaving behind an innocent witness, Vimal Lahori, a talented young diamond cutter, who can help Rhyme and Sachs blow the lid off the case. They must track down Vimal before the killer can correct his fatal error. Then disaster strikes, threatening to tear apart the very fabric of the city–and providing the perfect cover for the killer to slip through the cracks.

REVIEW:
This is the 14th in the Lincoln Rhymes series. 14! And just as fresh as the first one.

Lincoln is now married to Amelia. This story is about murders in the Diamond district. And Diamonds are the key word.

This story had me wondering the entire time who-dun-it. I love stories that I can not figure it out and this one had me a bit stumped.

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

October 18, 2018October 17, 2018

Kelly reviews How To Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper

TITLE: How to Date your Dragon
SERIES #: Mystic Bayou #1
CHARACTERS: Jillian Ramsay & Bael Boone
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATORS: Amanda Ronconi & Jonathan Davis
RUN TIME: 6 hours & 33 minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 23, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Anthropologist Jillian Ramsay’s career has taken a turn south.

Concerned that technology is about to chase mythological creatures out into the open (how long can Sasquatch stay hidden from Google maps?), the League for Interspecies Cooperation is sending Jillian to Louisiana on a fact-finding mission. While the League hopes to hold on to secrecy for a little bit longer, they’re preparing for the worst in terms of human reactions. They need a plan, so they look to Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where humans and supernatural residents have been living in harmony for generations. Mermaids and gator shifters swim in the bayou. Spirit bottles light the front porches after twilight. Dragons light the fires under crayfish pots.
Jillian’s first assignment for the League could be her last. Mystic Bayou is wary of outsiders, and she has difficulty getting locals to talk to her. And she can’t get the gruff town sheriff, Bael Boone, off of her back or out of her mind. Bael is the finest male specimen she’s seen in a long time, even though he might not be human. Soon their flirtation is hotter than a dragon’s breath, which Bael just might turn out to be….

REVIEW:
How to Date your Dragon is the first book in a new series by Molly Harper. They Mystic Bayou takes us to a small town in Louisiana. A small town that has huge secrets and not fond of outsiders.

I really enjoyed Jillian and Bael’s romance. It was great fun to watch the uppity sheriff try and fail to not fall for the beautiful outsider that could ruin everything in there tiny little town. It was fun to watch Jillian learn all about Mystic Bayou and its secrets.
I really enjoyed this story. Molly does a wonderful job (as always) building us a world of magic and paranormals. And of course this book had classic Molly Harper snark that will make you laugh out loud when you are alone in the car (so be prepared to get some funny looks)

I had the pleasure of listening to it on audio. I am not a huge fan of double narrators in my audio books. Mostly because I don’t like the the crossover of when the male and female have to do the same voices and they are off. I understand that some people really love it. But I am not one of them. It won’t stop me from listening to this series in the future, but it won’t be my favorite.

I am very excited for the next installment in this series!! Bring on the very cuddly and sweet Mayor of Mystic Bayou!!!!

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 17, 2018October 16, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan

TITLE: The Christmas Sisters
CHARACTERS: Suzanne, Hannah, Beth & Posy
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…

Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…

As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?

REVIEW:
What a charming Christmas/Holiday story. This is about family and the bond that never goes away even if the family falls apart for a while.

I really started to believe these characters could be real. They were so well written and such an honest story. Sarah Morgan just captures the family dynamic.

While this is set at the holidays it really is a story about what the holidays mean. Which is love and family.

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

October 15, 2018October 14, 2018

Kelly reviews Three Reckless Wishes by Lila DiPasqua

TITLE: Three Reckless Wishes
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #10
CHARACTERS: Luc de Moutier & Isabelle Laurent
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, “Three Wishes”, the erotically charged finale in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series…
Luc de Moutier, Marquis of Fontenay, is haunted by the writings of a dead woman. He is the subject of her romantic interest. Obsessed with her journals, he can’t stop thinking about the sweetly sensual words of the late Isabelle Laurent. Though he’d never noticed her watching him from afar, he now compares every woman to the innocent enchantress who invades his thoughts and most erotic dreams…
The old Isabelle is dead. Sought after by the most powerful men in the realm, Isabelle has her choice of wealthy lovers. Her only goals are to provide for her young son, and to maintain the ruse of her demise. Three reckless wishes led her down the path she now walks. And there is no turning back. Only in her anonymously published books and with her son does she let down her guard. Charming and witty, she dons her social mask each day, her performance flawless until the very man of her long-held private fantasies walks into her life—and shakes the foundations of her carefully crafted world.
When Luc meets the beautiful courtesan, she captures his fascination and ignites an untamable hunger. He’s determined to know the woman behind the façade. To deliciously decimate her defenses, show her true passion and the pleasure of complete abandon and surrender. Soon he discovers books written in a style all too familiar to him…and that the past and dark secrets can’t stay hidden forever.
Warning: The book is a full length historical, with a carnally-gifted hero, and the woman he can’t get enough of

REVIEW:
Isabelle Laurent only goals are to keep her son and her secret safe. With that she has transformed herself into Courtesan Juliette Carre. Juliette will never let anyone take advantage her they way they did of Isabelle.

Luc de Moutier has finally regained his place in society by getting his money back, his title back and his reputation back. But there is one thing missing from his life. But it is something out of reach because the thing he desires has passed on.
I enjoyed Isabelle and Luc’s. They are so perfect for each other. It is a little sad that it took so long for them to finally find their happy ending but so worth the journey!
Another wonderful story from Ms. DiPasqua! Sadly this looks like the end of the Fiery Tales Series! This has been such a wonder series filled with wonderful stories of love, loss and redemption.

I can’t wait to see what Ms. DiPasqua has store for us in her next series.

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

October 3, 2018September 30, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Season Of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Season Of Wonder
SERIES #: Haven Point #9
CHARACTERS: Dani & Ruben
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s giving her children a season of wonder…

Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.

Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms?

REVIEW:
Thayne is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. I love the way she writes. Her stories are so sweet and heartfelt.

This is Dani and Ruben’s story. And they are really great together but the two daughters are my downfall. They are so sweet and real. I just wanted to bring Mia home with me. Silver took a bit but I finally enjoyed her too. But the older ones are always the harder ones to enjoy.

Great book to have ready on hand for your next read.

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

October 2, 2018September 30, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Dash Of Love by Jill Sanders

TITLE: A Dash Of Love
SERIES #: Pridem Oregon #1
CHARACTERS: Sara & Parker
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Head back to Pride Oregon to find out what some of your favorite Jill Sanders’ characters are up to.

Sara Jordan has finally been given the chance to run The Golden Oar, a restaurant that’s been in her family for generations. But the sexy know-it-all carpenter that her uncle hired to make some changes, keeps getting in her way. She’ll have to use all her skills just to prove that she’s up to the task.

Parker was hired to bring new life to the old building, but he hadn’t expected sparks to fly from the owner’s niece. As a series of mysterious accidents start to plague the job site, he finds himself working one-on-one with the temptress to avoid losing everything.

REVIEW:
This is such a sweet story about love and family. Parker is hired to fix up an old family restaurant that Sara is finally running.

The love story is really a delight to read but the best part is the connections the characters have with the background characters like Parker’s grandmother.

A great story to pick up.

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

October 1, 2018September 30, 2018

Kelly reviews Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Hidden
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa Smith and Malcolm West
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: September 25, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Kindle | 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:
Hidden is the first book in Mrs. Zanetti’s new Deep Op’s Series. This was a good start to a new series. I enjoyed the world that Mrs. Zanetti build with a bunch of rejected hero’s who are being a given a second chance. A second chance at a career, a second chance at a family and possibly a second chance at love.

I really enjoyed Malcolm and Pippa’s story. It was a little fast but you can’t fight love. And all the other characters are great! I really loved Roscoe. Who is Roscoe only the coolest dog ever (that has some very interesting quirks *wink, wink*). And the little kitten owned by Wolfe (I can’t wait to see this kitty’s personality grow).

I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series!!!!

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

September 21, 2018September 19, 2018

Kelly reviews The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman

TITLE: The Voice Inside
SERIES #: Frost Easton #2
CHARACTERS: Frost Easton
AUTHOR: Brian Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: January 16, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One cop’s lie has set a killer free.
Four years after serial killer Rudy Cutter was sent away for life, San Francisco homicide inspector Frost Easton uncovers a terrible lie: his closest friend planted false evidence to put Cutter behind bars. When he’s forced to reveal the truth, his sister’s killer is back on the streets.
Desperate to take Cutter down again, the detective finds a new ally in Eden Shay. She wrote a book about Cutter and knows more about him than anyone. And she’s terrified. Because for four years, Cutter has been nursing revenge day after stolen day.
Staying ahead of the game of a killer who’s determined to strike again is not going to be easy. Not when Frost is battling his own demons. Not when the game is becoming so personal. And not when the killer’s next move is unlike anything Frost expected.

REVIEW:
Frost has to make a very tough choice. Keep what he has learned to himself and keep everyone safe or do the right thing and end a friends career and set a killer free.

This was a great story from Mr. Freeman that takes us on a journey that is filled with twists and turns. While I was not completely surprised by the ending and result the ride to the end was enjoyable.

I am looking forward to the next installment in Frost’s story.

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

September 20, 2018September 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Secret by KL Slater

TITLE: The Secret
CHARACTERS: Louise, Alice and Archie
AUTHOR: KL Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You turn your back for a minute. And now your son is in terrible danger …

Louise is struggling to cope. As a busy working mum, she often has to leave her eight-year-old son Archie at her sister Alice’s flat.

Alice and Louise used to be close. But there’s a lot they don’t know about each other now – like the bottle of vodka Louise hides in her handbag, Alice’s handsome new friend and the odd behaviour of her next-door neighbour.

Archie is a curious little boy. He likes to play on his own at his auntie’s flat until one day when he sees something he shouldn’t. Now he has a secret of his own. One he can’t tell his mum. One that could put him and his family in terrible danger.

The most gripping psychological thriller you’ll read this year from the top five bestselling author K.L.Slater. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This story kept me on the edge of my seat. Because I so badly wanted to figure out the secret.

Archie is going through a hard time and has become withdrawn and secretive. When Louise leaves for a bit she leaves Archie with her sister, Alice. She is determined to find out the secret and help her beloved nephew.

This was so well written and engrossing. Can’t wait for another story from Slater.

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

September 18, 2018September 17, 2018

Kelly reviews Ain’t She A Peach by Molly Harper

TITLE: Ain’t She a Peach
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #2
CHARACTERS: Frankie McCready & Eric Linden
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 51 Mintues
PUBLICATION DATE: June 12, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An Atlanta ex-cop comes to sleepy Lake Sackett, Georgia, seeking peace and quiet—but he hasn’t bargained on falling for Frankie, the cutest coroner he’s ever met.
Frankie McCready talks to dead people. Not like a ghost whisperer or anything—but it seems rude to embalm them and not at least say hello.
Fortunately, at the McCready Family Funeral Home & Bait Shop, Frankie’s eccentricities fit right in. Lake Sackett’s embalmer and county coroner, Frankie’s goth styling and passion for nerd culture mean she’s not your typical Southern girl, but the McCreadys are hardly your typical Southern family. Led by Great-Aunt Tootie, the gambling, boozing, dog-collecting matriarch of the family, everyone looks out for one another—which usually means getting up in everyone else’s business.
Maybe that’s why Frankie is so fascinated by new sheriff Eric Linden…a recent transplant from Atlanta, he sees a homicide in every hunting accident or boat crash, which seems a little paranoid for this sleepy tourist town. What’s he so worried about? And what kind of cop can get a job with the Atlanta PD but can’t stand to look at a dead body?
Frankie has other questions that need answering first—namely, who’s behind the recent break-in attempts at the funeral home, and how can she stop them? This one really does seem like a job for the sheriff—and as Frankie and Eric do their best Scooby-Doo impressions to catch their man, they get closer to spilling some secrets they thought were buried forever.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Let the games begin!!
Frankie McCready is determined to win this battle of wits against her nemesis Lake Sackett’s resident teenage creep Jared! Yes, I said it Frankie is going to war against a teenager. With the help of the smexy, surly sheriff Frankie will get her man and prove that Jared is guilty all at the same time!!!!

Eric Linden had hoped coming to a small town would be the perfect place for him to lay low and enjoy the quiet life. Neither of those thing will happen if the super adorable coroner keeps asking him for help.

But what is a guy suppose to do when the girl he is crushing on asks for his help?

I loved this book. It was a lot of fun to watch Frankie run around like a crazy person trying to catch Jared in his tricks while trying to not fall for Sheriff Linden. As always Molly insuses her story with wit, snark and a little creative laugh! I love reading/listening to Molly’s books they always make me laugh out loud (I should remember that next time I am in the airport).

Again the amazing Amanda Ronconi lends her talented voice to bring Molly’s characters and world to life. You just can’t go wrong with this pairing!!!

Can’t wait to see what is next for the McCready family!!! I am hoping that Duffy will finally get a HEA and dump his crazy ex for good!!!

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

September 10, 2018September 9, 2018

Kelly reviews What I’ve Done by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: What I’ve Done
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #4
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 18, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Morgan Dane’s new client has blood on her hands—and no recollection of what happened—as the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling series continues.
Haley Powell wakes up covered in blood, with no memory of the night before. When she sees a man lying in the backyard, stabbed to death, she has only one terrified thought: What have I done?
Agreeing to take the case as a favor to her PI friend Lincoln Sharp, Morgan must scale a mountain of damning circumstantial and forensic evidence to prove her client innocent. Haley couldn’t appear more guilty: her bloodstained fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and she has no alibi. But Morgan can’t shake the feeling that this shocked young woman has been framed.
Someone out there is hell-bent on sabotaging her defense, targeting Morgan, her partner, and especially Haley. Someone who will stop at nothing—and whose next move will be deadly.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Waking up covered in blood, finding a dead body on the back porch and you are the only one in the house was not how Haley Powell wanted to start her day. But there is no way she could have done this….

Is there?

Or did Haley Powell just commit murder?

It is a good thing Morgan, Lance and Sharp were on this case and not me. I was so wrong on who I thought the killer was. There are a lot of moving parts in this story line and it keep me on my toes. So many so that I really don’t want to give away anything. You will just have to pick up a copy of What I’ve Done and find out for yourself who done it!!

I always enjoy reading Melinda’s books. She is able to great a world and storyline that always feels fresh and exciting. I am looking forward to the next installment 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.