4 Star – Page 31 – Books-n-Kisses

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018

Kelly reviews Killman Creek by Rachel Caine

TITLE: Killman Creek
SERIES #: Stillhouse Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Gwen Proctor
AUTHOR: Rachel Caine
PUBLICATION DATE: December 12, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.
Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…
You’re not safe anywhere now.
Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.
But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.

REVIEW:
Gwen had thought that she and her kids were safe. But this Melvin’s escape from prison and his chilling note to her. Gwen knows that no one will ever be safe again as long as Melvin is still breathing. Let the hunt begin.

Killman Creek picks up were Stillhouse Lake left off (you need to read Stillhouse Lake first. That is a must). Ms. Caine’s second installment in this series was great! We know from book one that Gwen is one tough cookie, but in Killman Creek we learn to what lengths she will go to protect her kids.

I am very excited that there will be a third installment in this series. I hope that by the end Gwen and her family will find a little bit of peace.

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 4, 2018September 3, 2018

Kelly reviews Bones Don’t Lie by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Bone’s Don’t Lie
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #3
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 13,2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shocking evidence hits close to home for attorney Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger as Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s acclaimed series continues.

Private investigator Lance Kruger was just a boy when his father vanished twenty-three years ago. Since then he’s lived under the weight of that disappearance—until his father’s car is finally dredged up from the bottom of Grey Lake. It should be a time for closure, except for the skeleton found in the trunk. A missing person case gone cold has become one of murder, and Lance and attorney Morgan Dane must face the deadly past that’s risen to the surface.

For Lance, the investigation yields troubling questions about a man he thought he knew. But memories can play dirty tricks. For Morgan, uncovering each new lie comes with a disquieting fear that someone is out there watching, because someone is killing every witness tied to this decades-old crime. Morgan and Lance follow in the shadows of a relentless killer and walk right into the crossfire.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts WOW!!!! I didn’t see that coming!!! What you ask? Like I am going to tell you that, you sillys. You will have to go get a copy of Bones Don’t Lie to find out!!!

I have loved all of the installments in the Morgan Dane series. But Bones Don’t Lie made me love Lance even more than I did before. It was both refreshing and heartbreaking to go on this journey with him.

Bones Don’t Lie is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the end!!!

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.

August 28, 2018August 27, 2018

Kimberly reviews Keep Her Silent by Theresa Talbot

TITLE: Keep Her Silent
SERIES #: Oonagh O’Neil #2
CHARACTERS: Oonagh
AUTHOR: Theresa Talbot
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/21/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘Do that which is good and no evil shall touch you’
That was the note the so-called Raphael killer left on each of his victims. Everyone in Glasgow – investigative journalist Oonagh O’Neil included – remember the murder of three women in Glasgow which sent a wave of terror through the city. They also remember that he is still at large…
When the police investigation into the Raphael killings reopens, Oonagh is given a tip off that leads her straight to the heart of a complex and deadly cover-up. When history starts to repeat itself, it seems the killer is closer than she thinks. Could Oonagh be the next target…?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I didn’t realize that this was the second in the series when I requested it so I feel like I missed a little bit of understanding the lead character. Oonagh is an interesting character with an even more interesting name. I am sure my brain was not pronouncing it correctly as I read this story.

I thought the story was good and well written for the most part. There was a few times that I felt there was too much to take in. A lot of characters were thrown in for what seems like no reason. The story dragged a bit and the story jumped a bit. But with that being said it was interesting.

I am not sure but I think when my TBR pile dwindles I will pick up the first one and maybe understand a bit more.

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

August 21, 2018August 20, 2018

Kimberly reviews When We Found Home by Susan Mallery

TITLE: When We Found Home
CHARACTERS: Callie, Keira and Malcolm
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/10/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister–Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old.

Callie doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love.

But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit… until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Wow. Just Wow! I know we live in a world where sex is about sex and not about love but to find out that your family has increased by 2 half sisters would blow your world apart but that is what has happened to Malcolm.

There is so much to this book. Romance, of course, because it is Susan Mallery but also family dynamics, love and understanding as well as misunderstanding. This is so real. As the reader meets each new character we feel like a little bit has been added to Malcolm’s (and our) life.

I am a huge fan of Mallery’s Fool’s Gold/Happily Inc series and usually don’t enjoy the “extra” (as I call them) stories as much as as the series but this one just pulls at your heartstrings.

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

August 17, 2018August 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews Good Luck With That by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Good Luck With That
CHARACTERS: Emerson, Georgia, and Marley
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it’s coming to terms with the survivor’s guilt she’s carried around since her twin sister’s death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it’s about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother’s and brother’s ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson’s dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Oh goodness what a book. With all the conversation this has started I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seemed like so many thought the book was fat-shaming and others saw the truth of the situation.

As a bigger girl I see the truth of it. Yes did some lines hit too close to home? Oh Yes! Did I feel guilty in some parts? Oh Yes! Did it make me want to improve myself? Yep!

Any bigger girl has gone into a doctors office and no matter the ailment the answer is that we are fat. I mean a broken finger is because we are fat? Apparently. But at the same time we do know that a number of issues we have could very well be from the weight and as much as we want to try to kid ourselves we can not.

This book really brings the truth to light about weight and the struggles bigger people (not just women) face.

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

August 14, 2018August 13, 2018

Kimberly reviews Flight Of The White Wolf by Terry Spear

TITLE: Flight Of The White Wolf
SERIES #: White Wolf #3
CHARACTERS: Gavin & Amelia
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Stranded in the wilderness, these warring hearts will be forced to work together―or die together.

Gavin Summerfield―an arctic wolf shifter with a fear of flying―has to fly into the vast lakeland wilderness of northern Minnesota to track down his suspect―where his ability to shift will come in very handy. Imagine his chagrin when his pilot turns out to be the woman who tasered him last time they saw each other. Things are off to a rocky start…again.

Arctic wolf shifter Amelia White isn’t entirely displeased to see Gavin again, but priorities shift when their plane is sabotaged and goes down in the middle of nowhere. As their attraction grows, Amelia hopes Gavin doesn’t discover the secret she’s been keeping…she knows he could never forgive her…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts My goodness… this is #24! 24! Really!

It is hard to believe that Spear can even come up with anything new after so many books in the series and yet she does.

Amelia and Gavin have met before years earlier but it was a different time and now Gavin is a turned wolf and Amelia is excited to see him again, well sorta. They have a past that Gavin can’t seem to place but Amelia remembers it all. But now they have to work together or they may not survive the latest meeting.

If you enjoy shifter romance than this story and this series is for you. And just an FYI this can be read as a stand alone. Or out of order.

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

August 9, 2018August 7, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer

TITLE: The Escape Artist
CHARACTERS: Jim Zwicharowski
AUTHOR: Brad Meltzer
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In #1 bestselling author Brad Meltzer’s new thriller, death is just another way to disappear.

Two hours outside of Washington, DC is the mortuary for the U.S. government’s most top-secret and high profile cases. America’s most important funeral home. To work there, mortician Jim “Zig” Zwicharowski has one rule: never let a case get personal. But when a new body arrives–of young female sergeant Nola Brown, who was a childhood friend of Zig’s daughter–Zig can’t help himself. Looking closely at Nola’s body, he realizes immediately: this isn’t Nola. Indeed, his daughter’s friend is still alive. And on the run. Zig’s discovery reveals a sleight of hand being played at the highest levels of power–and traces back through history to a man named Harry Houdini. “Nola, you were right. Keep running.”

REVIEW:
One of my favorite things about Meltzer’s books is the trueness in them and this one is not different. However what is different in this one is the sadness that I felt. This book shows how our US Soldiers are treated when their bodies return.

The suspense is very high in this book and what I loved (and hated) was each chapter made me want to turn the page and start the next chapter. Very few books anymore give me that “oh just one more chapter” feel but this one did. Each chapter ended with just enough of a cliffhanger that I had to read on.

Meltzer is amazing and this book proves it.

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

August 8, 2018August 7, 2018

Kimberly reviews Assassins’ America by Jessica Gunderson & Joe Tougas

TITLE: Assassins’ America
CHARACTERS: Various Presidents
AUTHOR: Jessica Gunderson & Joe Tougas
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lincoln watched a play. Garfield walked through a train station. McKinley shook hands with his public. Kennedy smiled and waved from a motorcade. In these moments shots rang out and four presidents suffered mortal wounds. Some say their assassins were calculating killers. Others say they were madmen guided by strange notions of the world. Assassins’ America examines the life of each killer and his victim. Their stories are full of twists and mysteries, and even today Americans live with lasting effects of these terrible crimes.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is an interesting read. There are sections on each president that are quick reads and give you some background into each one. But the sections also explain the assassination of each and why the author believes the assassinations happened.

I have been on a bit of a kick about real life and death of presidents and celebrities alike and I found this book very interesting. Especially the parts about Lincoln and Kennedy since we have heard so much about them already.

Interesting read for any history buff.

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

August 7, 2018August 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Last Seen by Rick Mofina

TITLE: Last Seen
CHARACTERS: The Hudson Family
AUTHOR: Rick Mofina
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They are the perfect family. But perfection is fragile.

Cal Hudson knows the world can be an ugly place. As a reporter for a big Chicago newspaper, Cal has journeyed into society’s darkest corners to expose the vilest crimes. But the world he and his devoted wife, Faith, share with their son is much nicer. They have made sure of it, creating a tranquil haven in suburban River Ridge to protect the person most precious to them.

Until the unthinkable happens, and nine-year-old Gage vanishes.

In a split second at a local carnival, the Hudsons’ storybook world begins unraveling. A frantic search starts to uncover splinters in their carefully crafted facade, revealing buried secrets that cast just as much suspicion on Cal and Faith as any ill-meaning stranger, and proving that the line between love and violence can disappear as suddenly as a child on a chaotic midway.

REVIEW:
As a parent this is the worst of nightmares. Your child is missing and you need to contact the FBI for help. So many kids so missing a year that it could happen to anyone.

Mofina is one of my go to authors for suspense. And in this book he is at his best. I enjoyed all the characters. I enjoyed how real it was even though you know it is fiction. But knowing this could happen to anyone makes you pay closer attention to how the case is handled.

I will warn you though the book is LONG. More than 500 pages. But the good part is Mofina puts so many twist and turns and it is written with a flow that makes it a pretty quick read for so many pages.

This book and Rick Mofina is a most read.

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

August 3, 2018July 31, 2018

Kimberly reviews Covert Game by Christina Feehan

TITLE: Covert Game
SERIES #: Ghostwalkers #14
CHARACTERS: Gino & Zara
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/20/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Treason, torture and temptation haunt the GhostWalkers in their most dangerous adventure yet, as Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling series hits an explosive new high.

Rescuing an industrial spy from the hands of a criminal mastermind is a suicide mission for the GhostWalkers. And there’s no one more up to the task than Gino Mazza. He’s the perfect killing machine–a man driven by demons so dark and destructive that his blighted soul has given up trying to find solace. But his laser-sharp focus on his target has transformed into something nearing desire.

A treasonous senator dangled top secret GhostWalker data in front of a Chinese crime lord, and he bit. Zara Hightower, one of the world’s leading experts on artificial intelligence, was sent in to psychically wipe the crime lord’s computer network. She succeeded, but at a huge cost. Now she’s the captive of a man who has descended into paranoid madness. Torture and death await her…

But GhostWalkers never leave one of their own in enemy territory. And it’s up to Gino to save Zara, or kill her if it turns out she’s led them into a trap. Either way, heaven or hell won’t stop him…

REVIEW:
The GhostWalkers! A group that gets my heart beating every time. I have been a fan of this series from the beginning. And while there have been some that I have liked more or less than others they never disappoint.

The thing about this series is the guys. There is something special about each of them and I mean that literally. And Gino is no different. As with all of the other men in the series they are diamonds in the rough. They can kill with the slightest of moves and yet when the right woman comes along their hearts melt. Ok well maybe melt is a strong word but you know what I mean.

Gino has had a terrible past. Zara was created with a specialness that even GhostWalkers may question. But they are perfect for each other. And as also Whitney is devious and as mad as they come. He is set to get and keep Zara for all the plans he set in to motion.

Feehan is one of the best and this is just another shining star in the series. Can’t wait for the next!

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

March 8, 2018March 7, 2018

Kimberly reviews Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Crossing Promises
SERIES #: Cross Creek #3
CHARACTERS: Owen & Cate
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/05/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Owen Cross, the only thing that matters more than family is farming. As the oldest Cross brother, the land is his legacy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Cross Creek a success—including hiring local widow Cate McAllister to manage the bookkeeping tasks that are growing in his office like weeds. Cate’s as pragmatic as she is pretty, and she rattles his hard-fought composure at every turn.

Cate had known a lot of things about her husband before he died three years ago in a car accident, but how much debt he’d gotten them into wasn’t one of them. She needs her job at Cross Creek, even if her boss is both gruff and gorgeous. But Owen’s a family man, through and through, and the last thing Cate is interested in is anything—or anyone—with strings attached.

As Owen and Cate join forces to right the farm, they discover there’s more to the other than the surfaces shows, and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Can Cate heal from the loss of one family to gain the love of her life? Or will the past prove too much for the promise of the future?

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series and finally it is Owen’s turn. Being the oldest he has had a lot of responsibilities but love has not been something he has wanted but lately after seeing his younger brothers fall in love.

Cate is treated differently since her family was killed in an accident and she is tired of being treated with kid gloves. When Owen hires her everything changes.

I have enjoyed this series very much. I was so excited for Owen’s story and it did not disappoint. Kincaid is growing with each story she writes and will soon be a go-to name in the literary world.

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

March 2, 2018March 1, 2018

Kelly reviews The Test by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The Test
SERIES #: The List #2
CHARACTERS: Dax Kensington & Lisa Michaels
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: February 19, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N |Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This is a test. A test of every life decision Lisa Michaels has ever made.
Lisa thought she’d gotten everything right: The nicest condo, the right career, the best hair, and a perfectly adequate sex life with her stockbroker fiancé. But when the fiancé ditches her at the altar, Lisa’s left questioning every decision she’s ever made. What if her instincts have been steering her wrong all along? And what if she tested that theory by spending one month doing the exact opposite of what she’d normally do?
A crazy-hot fling with a tattooed steelworker from the wrong side of the tracks seems like a good starting point

REVIEW:
Lisa Michaels is trying to figure out her what to do with her newfound freedom. Being left at the altar has a way of making a girl think about her choices. Lisa is looking for a bit of a change. But she never thought that change would come in the form of an extremely hot guy. Let alone to meet him at lunch with her sisters.

Dax Kensington can’t believe his luck running into his ex like this. But as he sidles up to her to rub his success in her face he realized his mistake. This lovely creature isn’t his ex at all. Just as he is about to leave this stranger propositions him with an offer he can’t refuse.

As always Ms. Fenske’s stories leave me laughing and wanting more. The Test is a great story of two people that couldn’t be more different, yet they work together perfectly! I loved watching Dax take Lisa to places she never could have dreamed of. I really can’t wait to see what is next in this series. It is sure to be sweet, sassy and smexy!!

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