4 Star – Page 35 – Books-n-Kisses

October 23, 2017October 22, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Last Move by Mary Burton

TITLE: The Last Move
CHARACTERS: Kate & Theo
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this gripping stand-alone from bestselling author Mary Burton, an FBI agent must catch a copycat killer. The only difference this time: she’s the final victim.

Catching monsters helps FBI agent Kate Hayden keep her nightmares at bay. Now an urgent call brings her back to San Antonio, the scene of her violent past. A brutal new murder shows hallmarks of a serial killer nicknamed the Samaritan. Tricky part is, Kate already caught him.

Either Kate made a deadly error, or she’s got a copycat on her hands. Paired with homicide detective Theo Mazur, she quickly realizes this murder is more twisted than it first appeared. Then a second body is found, the mode of death identical to a different case that Kate thought she’d put behind her.

Now Kate and Detective Mazur aren’t just working a homicide; the investigative pair is facing a formidable enemy who knows Kate intimately. While Mazur is personally trying to protect Kate, the closer they are drawn to the killer, the clearer it becomes that in this terrifying game, there is only one rule: don’t believe everything you see…

REVIEW:
This is a stand alone romantic suspense from Mary Burton that is most certainly worth reading.

The characters are really interesting in this story. Kate is being taunted by someone who is copying some of her earlier cases. And Theo is new to the local force. These characters are very real. They are in some interesting situations but are handling it the way I imagine most people would.

I am rarely disappointed by a Mary Burton book and this would be a great book to pick up if you have not read her before.

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

October 20, 2017October 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews In Too Deep by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: In Too Deep
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #3
CHARACTERS: Luke & Quinn
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As Station Seventeen’s rookie, Luke Slater knows his fire and EMS training will be both rigorous and risky, but he never imagined having to partner up with the one woman he wants to keep at arm’s length most of all. Quinn Copeland is as wide-open as Luke is reserved. He has no interest in letting the sweet and sexy paramedic rock his hard-earned control. But the need for composure becomes the need to survive when they find themselves in the crosshairs of a brutal gang leader on their first shift together.

Paramedic Quinn Copeland’s station mates aren’t just her friends. They’re her family. She’d do anything to keep them safe—including reluctantly trusting her impossible-to-read, impossibly gorgeous new partner with the one thing she holds close. As the passion between Luke and Quinn goes from a slow burn to a sizzle, their steps grow more and more dangerous, both in the fire house and out. Can they outwit a cold-blooded killer and face the fears that could cost them everything? Or are they in too deep?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoy this series. I mean seriously who doesn’t love a hot firefighter? But Kincaid also throws in a bit of suspense.

Quinn and Luke have had a bit of a relationship but all platonic except they really do seem to like each other. And once they are on a call together more than sparks fly.

I like the story. The best part was the suspense but the romance was ok too. I never really connected with the characters but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

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

October 19, 2017October 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews Deep Freeze by John Sandford

TITLE: Deep Freeze
SERIES #: Virgil Flowers #10
CHARACTERS: Virgil Flowers
AUTHOR: John Sandford
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Class reunions: a time for memories–good, bad, and, as Virgil Flowers is about to find out, deadly–in the thrilling new novel in the #1 New York Times-bestselling series

Virgil knows the town of Trippton, Minnesota, a little too well. A few years back, with the help of a retired schoolteacher, he investigated the corrupt–and as it turned out, homicidal–local school board, and now the teacher’s back with even more alarming news: Somebody is killing “her girls.” Over the past year, three women from the same high school class of twenty years ago have been found dead in unusual circumstances, and now that there’s a mid-winter reunion coming up, she doesn’t know what might happen. Neither does Virgil, but as he wraps his coat a little tighter and begins to dig into twenty years’ worth of traumas, feuds, and bad blood, one thing becomes increasingly clear to him. It’s true what they say: High school is murder.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I am not exactly sure when these books became a “pleasure” to read but they are. There is something about them that while there is suspense (even though we know who-dun-it from the beginning) there is just something oddly endearing about Flowers even though he is a major pain in the butt.

This case involved some really weird things including Barbie dolls. What? But it does. While beach time is over this is a perfect beach read if the genre is one of your choosing.

You can’t go wrong with Flowers even though everything about Flowers is just well… wrong.

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

October 18, 2017October 15, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Ranchers Christmas Song by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Ranchers Christmas Song
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek
CHARACTERS: Ella & Beck
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Keep a song in your heart this holiday season…
Music teacher Ella Baker’s plate is already full. But when single dad Beckett McKinley’s wild twin boys need help preparing a Christmas song for their father, Ella agrees on one condition: they teach her to ride a horse. She’s hoping that’ll help mend her strained relationship with her rancher father; it certainly has nothing to do with the crush that’s lingered since her one and only date with Beck.
It isn’t disinterest spurring Beck to keep his distance—if anything, the spark is too strong, with Ella reminding him of his ex-wife. Soon what started as an innocent arrangement is beginning to feel a lot like family. But with the holidays approaching, Beck and Ella will have to overcome past hurts if they want to keep each other warm this Christmas…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Need a holiday story that will put you in the Christmas mood? Well this is the one for you!

RaeAnne Thayne is one of my go to authors but this might be one of her best yet. Certainly the best holiday romance I have read this year.

Ella is so real. I can imagine going through what she is going through I would act exactly the same. Beck just has his hands full and needs help. And I liked he could ask for it. But besides the romance the best part may have been the twin boys. Talk about trouble with a capital “T”. But yet adorable!

Big up this book today! You will not be disappointed.

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

October 16, 2017October 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews Closer To You by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Closer To You
CHARACTERS: Tyler & Kristen
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…

REVIEW:
Too dang adorable and yet it had so much content. The romance of Kristen and Tyler is slow and steady but has so adorable scenes. There is a bit of suspense to the book which fortunately I never figured out until I read it which to me is a sign of a good suspense.

This is the first book I have read from Jill Sanders but it will not be the worse by a long shot.

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

October 12, 2017October 11, 2017

Kimberly reviews Forsaken By Night by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Forsaken By Night
SERIES #: Moonbound Clan Vampires #2.5
CHARACTERS: Tehya & Lobo
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Desire collides with danger as a vampire and a shapeshifter cross paths in this searing MoonBound Clan story from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling paranormal romance author Larissa Ione.

After accidentally shifting into a wolf—and getting stuck—Tehya, herself a vampire, has spent the last twelve years as the pet of Lobo, another vampire who has the unique gift of communicating with wolves.

When Lobo found Tehya starving and nearly frozen to death, he took her in and nursed her back to health, all the while completely unaware that she was really a fellow vampire. But there was always something special about her, and he finds out exactly how special after she’s injured and returned to her true form. Desire collides with danger as he soon finds that he must protect not only Tehya but also himself…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very short story of less than 100 pages. It can be a stand alone even though that means you will not understand some of the dialogue of the story.

There is a lot that happens in a matter of these 100 pages. Tehya is vampire/werewolf mix but has been stuck as a wolf for over a decade. Lobo found the wolf almost dead and healed her. She became his world and saved him just as much as he saved her. Tehya then somehow manages to shift back and life changes for both Lobo and Tehya.

There is not much I can say that won’t give away some of the storyline since it is a such a short read. This series is a bit different than most vampire stories and well worth the read.

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

October 3, 2017September 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: At The Heart Of It
CHARACTERS: Kate & Jonah
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.

Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh my! How great was this book. It has everything you need to enjoy a fun romance. The humor in this story is worth the read even if the romance wasn’t there… but it is.

Jonah is a heart stealer. He stole mine for sure. And Kate and Jonah are perfect together and it is a fun adventure to get them together.

You can’t go wrong with Fenske’s books if you enjoy a light hearted funny romance.

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

September 29, 2017September 24, 2017

Kimberly reviews Second Chance Girl by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Second Chance Girl
SERIES #: Happily Inc #2
CHARACTERS: Mathias & Carol
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A touching modern fairy tale that won’t let go of your heart, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Welcome back to Happily Inc, California. A town only Susan Mallery could dream up and make you want to move there. As a fan of her Fool’s Gold series I grabbed this book and the first in the series and really enjoy learning the new town as well as the new characters.

We met Mathias in Fool’s Gold a while ago and now it is his turn to find is Happily Ever After. And to do that we meet Carol. Carol has lived in Happily Inc for a while now and this town is just not a normal town. It has an animal sanctuary near the recycle center/dump and Carol is the gamekeeper. Her latest addition is a giraffe named Millie. And the book wraps around Carol trying to get money to purchase more giraffes so Millie has a herd.

Mathias is love shy. After watching his parents relationship and then dealing with his un-twin brother pulling away he just can’t trust. But when he meets Carol he wants to.

There is also a background story of Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich her teenage crush and current Duke. This background story was just as enjoyable.

This is another great trip to Happily Inc. Having read every single Fool’s Gold book reading this series was a no brainer. But it did take book one and some of book two to get into the feel of the new town. It is quirky and friendship/family based like Fool’s Gold. But then how can you go wrong with anything Mallery writes?

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

September 27, 2017September 24, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Just A Little Christmas by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Just A Little Christmas
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Jubal
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Believe in second chances this Christmas . . .

Ellie Marsden couldn’t wait to shake the dust of Branding Iron, Texas, off her heels and chase after bright lights, big city, and a wealthy husband. Now she’s come home, divorced, a little disillusioned, and a whole lot pregnant. Leave it to her one-time high school sweetheart, cattle rancher Jubal McFarland, to point out that citified Ellie is as out of place in small-town Texas as her teacup poodle. So why is there something about being back—and being with Jubal—that feels surprisingly right?

Jubal’s eight-year-old daughter, Gracie, needs a mother, but he hasn’t found the perfect woman. Or maybe the problem is that he did find her, and had his heart broken when she left town. Gracie’s already falling hard for Ellie and that ball of fluff she calls a dog. And no matter how hard the rugged cowboy tries to resist, there’s no denying the appeal of first love and sweet new beginnings—especially when there’s a little Christmas magic in the air . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a sweet holiday story about second chances. Ellie and Jubal were serious in high school but she wanted more than being a farm wife. He wanted to improve on his family’s land. But now it is ten years later and things are different. Can they make a go of it this time?

I enjoyed most of this book. There were a few things I didn’t like but to be honest they are not huge deals but they just didn’t sit right. Like how often Jubal leaves his 8 year old daughter alone while he runs into town. I get that she is used to being alone if he has to take care of the cows but he is still on the property. And speaking of his daughter, no eight year old speaks like Gracie does. She is a cutie though so it is ok.

While set at Christmas time there is isn’t a lot of Christmas in the story. But there is a holiday feel. I liked Ellie a lot. She is the type of woman I like to be friends with. She has grown into a good person. Jubal is sweet but not one that I would fall head over heels for.

This is a relatively short read, about 185 pages, so a good book to enjoy one snowy weekend this winter.

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

September 26, 2017September 24, 2017

Kelly reviews Lost & Found Sister by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Lost & Found Sister
SERIES #: Wildstone #1
CHARACTERS: Quinn Weller & Mick
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women’s fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins.

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.’s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she’s looking for a missing piece she can’t find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t quite fit in right away, she can’t help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there’s another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn’t a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she’s searched so long for.

REVIEW:
A wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Shalvis!
Quinn Weller has it all the perfect family, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect job, the perfect everything. Up until her sister was killed in a car accident. From that point on Quinn’s life has been anything but perfect.
So when she learns she has just inherited something from her birth mom her world is turned upside down. But when she learns that she has a real sister Quinn drops everything and rushes to find her.
This was a really good story. I loved Quinn!! She is hilarious! The bee scene in the tree too funny (once we know she was okay). How Quinn and Mick meet is hilarious too!!

I can’t wait for the next visit to Wildstone!!!

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

September 25, 2017September 24, 2017

Kimberly reviews Storm Gathering by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Storm Gathering
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #4
CHARACTERS: Greyson & Maureen
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Even before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Greyson Storm was a lone wolf navigating minefields. As a kid, he learned to take a hit and find safety. As an adult, he joined the military and quickly learned how to protect and defend. When the world ended, he created a mercenary camp with military precision, no entanglements, and a promise to avenge a fallen friend. As part of that vow, he kidnapped Maureen Shadow, but now that he has let her go, her blue eyes and intriguing mind keep haunting him…

As possibly the only Biotechnology Engineer still living, Maureen Shadow might be humanity’s one hope to survive the aftermath of Scorpius, making her frighteningly valuable to both allies and enemies. Even after sexual tension explodes with Greyson, she’s not sure which camp he belongs to—friend or foe? Worse yet, survival may mean thwarting his prime mission, putting her in even more peril. When danger and seduction collide, there is no safety in this new world.

REVIEW:
Yet again I will start my review as I have started every one in the series… I am not a fan of apocalyptic/dystopian stories. However this is Rebecca Zanetti so I read it and enjoy it.

This story is filled with adventure and hot romance (read: sex) but I would expect nothing less from Zanetti. Her books make it hard to stop reading no matter the time of night. Greyson is hot. No doubt about that. Maureen is a great character that I enjoyed reading.

This is part of a series and I suggest reading them in order so you understand the world the characters are now living in. You will not be disappointed reading this series even if this is one a genre you would normally pick up.

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

September 22, 2017September 17, 2017

Kimberly reviews Her Dark Half by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Dark Half
SERIES #: X-Ops #7
CHARACTERS: Alina & Trevor
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trevor Maxwell
Coyote shifter with an attitude
Covert operator
Trusts no one, especially his devastatingly beautiful new partner

Alina Bosch
Former CIA, newest operative on the covert team
Hired to spy on her partner
Motto: “Never be deceived again.”

Coyote shifter Trevor Maxwell is teamed up with CIA agent Alina Bosch to catch a killer. But when the mission becomes much more dangerous than they expected, they’re going to have to ignore the attraction between them and learn how to trust one another to come out on the other side…

REVIEW:
As I read this book I wondered if this was the last in the series and I have just not heard about it. All the stories have combined to get us to this book. And it feels like this is the final showdown. I hope it isn’t the last though. While this series has been up and down for me it is still a great read if you enjoy the paranormal genre.

I enjoyed seeing all the characters again from past books. The story is fast paced and filled with adventure.

I would love to say more but also don’t want to give much away. I will say you can read this as a stand alone but I recommend that you do not. As I said it brings back storylines and characters from the six previous books and it really is best to read this in order.

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