4 Star – Page 36 – Books-n-Kisses

September 19, 2017September 17, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Girl Who Came Back by Kerry Wilkinson

TITLE: The Girl Who Came Back
CHARACTERS: Olivia Adams
AUTHOR: Kerry Wilkinson
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thirteen years ago Olivia Adams went missing. Now she’s back… or is she?

When five-year-old Olivia Adams disappeared from her back garden, the small community of Stoneridge was thrown into turmoil. How could a child vanish in the middle of a cosy English village?

Thirteen years on and Olivia is back. Her mother is convinced it’s her but not everyone is sure. If this is the missing girl, then where has she been – and what happened to her on that sunny afternoon?

If she’s an imposter, then who would be bold enough to try to fool a child’s own mother – and why?

Then there are those who would rather Olivia stayed missing. The past is the past and some secrets must remain buried.

REVIEW:
This is my first read by Kerry Wilkinson and will not be my last. When you say psychological thriller you easily could use this book as a sample. There is a lot of twist and turns and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat a number of times.

One storyline follows Olivia and the other Lily and both are interesting and someone connected. There is a bit of un-realism in the story. But then if we wanted real life we wouldn’t be reading and we would be watching the news. This book is good and keeps your interest.

Definitely not my last read from Wilkinson.

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

September 15, 2017September 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Legacy
SERIES #: Dark #27
CHARACTERS: Emeline Sanchez
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a thrilling Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a woman fights to free herself from the grip of the vampire trying to possess her…

In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.

Now, it’s his voice that haunts her…that calls to her in the dark…that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts You would think that after 26 books this series would be getting boring or have done all it could do but nope! The Carpathian series is one that could never get old.

Christine Feehan is right up there on the list of Queen of Paranormal novels. As with all of Feehan’s books the characters are delightful to read. The writing is superb and you never want to put it down. And yet are sad when you reach the end of the story.

Emeline is dealing with tainted blood from being forced to exchange blood with a master vampire. When Dragomir saves her the excitement really begins. I looked forward to reading about Dragonmir and didn’t disappoint.

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

September 14, 2017September 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Summer That Made Us by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Summer That Made Us
CHARACTERS: The Hempstead Family
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mothers and daughters, sisters and cousins–they lived for summers at the lake house until a tragic accident changed everything. The Summer That Made Us is an unforgettable story about a family learning to accept the past, to forgive and to love each other again. That was then… For the Hempsteads, two sisters who married two brothers and had three daughters each, summers were idyllic. The women would escape the city the moment school was out to gather at the family house on Lake Waseka. The lake was a magical place, a haven where they were happy and carefree. All of their problems drifted away as the days passed in sun-dappled contentment. Until the summer that changed everything. This is now… After an accidental drowning turned the lake house into a site of tragedy and grief, it was closed up. For good. Torn apart, none of the Hempstead women speak of what happened that summer, and relationships between them are uneasy at best to hurtful at worst. But in the face of new challenges, one woman is determined to draw her family together again, and the only way that can happen is to return to the lake and face the truth. Robyn Carr has crafted a beautifully woven story about the complexities of family dynamics and the value of strong female relationships.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This story is about family. Two sisters marry two brothers and have three daughters each. The lake house was where the entire family would spend their summers. A time to escape and just be together. But a tragedy happens one summer and while the girls think they know the story they are finding out more pieces as more of the sisters/cousins come to the lake house.

The real feel of this story is a bit heartbreaking. I can imagine how the girls feel about each other and where there is misunderstanding and hurt feelings. There is also memories that each have differently.

Carr brings us some realistic family situations and feelings but I would expect nothing else. Carr is one of my favorite authors and I never miss one of her stories but this one is not a romance. It is real. It is life. It is family. I have no idea but I can almost feel that this story kept pulling at Carr’s heart and mind to be written. It needed to be put to paper and Carr did it like no one else could.

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

September 11, 2017September 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Art Of Keeping Secrets by Rachael Johns

TITLE: The Art Of Keeping Secrets
CHARACTERS: Felicity, Emma & Neve
AUTHOR: Rachael Johns
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Little secrets grow up to be big lies…

They’ve been best friends since their sons started high school together, and Felicity, Emma and Neve share everything … or so they thought.

But Flick’s seemingly perfect marriage hides a shocking secret which, with one word, threatens to destroy her and her family’s happiness. Emma is in denial about a potential custody battle, her financial constraints, the exhaustion she can’t seem to shake off and the inappropriate feelings she has for her boss. And single mum Neve is harbouring a secret of her own; a secret that might forever damage her close-knit relationship with her son.

When the tight hold they have each kept on their secrets for years begins to slip, they must face the truth. Even if that truth has the power to hurt the ones they love, and each other.

Perhaps some secrets weren’t made to be kept.

REVIEW:
This story is about friendship and secrets. Have you ever had a friend that you believe you know every little detail about. If you were to take a quiz on their life you would get 100% and even have stories for extra credit. Well what if you found out that your friend was keeping a big secret you never expected AND you now come to realize you have a secret that she doesn’t know about and it’s time to confess.

Well that is what this story is about. Three friends who believe they know each other inside and out but are shocked to learn they don’t.

I enjoyed each story. Told by each of the friends the book jumps to each character and at first I wasn’t sure if I would like it having the writing this way really added to the characters. I enjoyed the writing and the characters both forefront and background.

This is women’s lit at its finest.

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

September 7, 2017September 3, 2017

Kimberly reviews Pretend You’re Safe by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Pretend You’re Safe
CHARACTERS: Jaci & Rylan
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE SEES YOU
First came the floods. Then came the bodies. The victims—strangled, then buried along the shores of the Mississippi—have finally been unearthed, years after they disappeared. He remembers every satisfying kill . . . each woman’s terror and agony. But there’s only one he truly wanted. And fate has brought her within reach again . . .

HE KNOWS YOU
Jaci Patterson was sixteen when she found the first golden locket on her porch. Inside were a few strands of hair wrapped around a scrap of bloodstained ribbon. Though the “gifts” kept arriving, no one believed her hunch that a serial killer was at work. Now Jaci has returned home . . . and the nightmare is starting once more.

AND HE’LL NEVER LET YOU GO
Back then, Rylan Cooper was an arrogant deputy sheriff convinced that Jaci was just an attention—seeking teen. It was a fatal mistake. There’s a murderer in their midst, someone determined to settle old scores and keep playing a twisted game. And it won’t end until Jaci is his forever . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have been a fan of Alexandra Ivy’s since I found her paranormal romance novels and haven’t turned back.

In this story the suspense is intense. This is a story that keeps you on your toes and at the edge of your seat the entire book. I never did figure out who it was and to be honest that is the kind of book I like. If I figure it out in the beginning I might as well not read it. This is not one of those books.

Pick up this book, but don’t read it when you are alone in the house. You will notice every creak the house makes.

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

September 6, 2017September 3, 2017

Kelly reviews The Hook Up by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The Hook Up
SERIES #: First Impressions #3
CHARACTERS: Ellie Sanders & Tyler Hendrix
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: July 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellie Sanders is over the fairytale, thank you very much. Content with her booming career as a purveyor of Madame Butterfly pleasure aids, she doesn’t need a man for anything—except maybe marketing tips. And, okay, a few fun nights with something that doesn’t require batteries.

Love, marriage, and family aren’t in the cards for Tyler Hendrix. Period. The Navy helped Ty put his tumultuous childhood behind him, but when a sexy single mom walks through the First Impressions door looking to take her business to the next level, he feels his carefully constructed “never-get-attached” walls crack.

As Ty and Ellie maneuver through a minefield of wardrobe malfunctions, plumbing mishaps, and the world’s most awkward accidental dirty talk, discovering they have more in common than scorching sexual attraction threatens to crumble Ty’s walls for good

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful story from Tawna!! The Hook Up reminds us that love will happen whether you like it or not. Ellie Sanders definitely didn’t want it to happen but that is what happens when you test Fate and Karma all at the same time!! And Tyler. Sweet, sweet, sweet Tyler thinking he was not made for commitment. Love it!! Love seeing how these two tangled up together and then tried hard to unknot themself only to become more entangled 🙂
I think my favorite part of this book is when they first meet. Their first conversation is hilarious!! I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes!! Well done Tawna, well done!!
As always I am very much looking forward to the adventure with Tawna!!

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.

September 5, 2017September 3, 2017

Kimberly reviews Hard Justice by April Hunt

TITLE: Hard Justice
SERIES #: Alpha Security #3
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Vince
AUTHOR: April Hunt
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A DATE WITH DANGER

As the first female operative at Alpha Security, Charlotte “Charlie” Sparks has her work cut out for her. Sure, she can wrestle a man to the ground and hit a target at 200 yards with the best of them. But sometimes, being surrounded by all that testosterone can drive a woman to distraction-especially when that distraction is six-and-a-half feet of cocky, confident, Alpha-trained muscle.

Ex-SEAL commander Vince Franklin has been on some of the most dangerous missions in the world. But pretending to be Charlie’s fiancé on their latest assignment in Miami is his toughest challenge yet. Vince and Charlie are like oil and water; they just don’t mix. And when their fake romance generates some all-too-real heat, Vince learns that Charlie is more than just arm candy. She’s the real deal-and she’s ready for some serious action.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really really enjoyed this book. No it’s not perfect. There is a LOT that happens. I mean seriously what doesn’t happen in this book? I am not sure how the author will come up with more adventure for the next book.

Vince is all alpha and Charlie feels she needs to prove she deserves to be on the Alpha Team. But they have a connection from the start of the book. You just know it is going to be hot. But what I wasn’t expecting was the bit of fun and the emotional roller coaster and both were a lot of fun to read.

Charlie is a complex character. She has had so much happen in her life. And little by little she is finding out all the things that she didn’t really want to know even though she thought she did. Charlie is the type of woman I would want as my best friend. She is compassionate and yet can kick your butt or anyone that bothers you. Vince isn’t really that complicated. He has seen war and lost “brothers” on the battlefield and he is haunted by that. It isn’t a new angle but it is very well written.

I can’t imagine anyone who enjoys the genre not enjoying this book. Highly recommend!

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

August 29, 2017August 27, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wolf’s Mate by Celia Kyle

TITLE: Wolf’s Mate
SERIES #: Shifter Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Abby & Declan
AUTHOR: Celia Kyle
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger shouldn’t be this sexy…

Cougar shifter Abby Carter always plays it safe. That’s why she’s an accountant–no excitement, no danger, and no cocky alpha males. She loves her quiet life, but fate has other plans. When Abby uncovers the shady dealings of an anti-shifter organization, she’ll have to trust the too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind werewolf Declan Reed… or end up six feet under.

Declan Reed is starting over. After two years with Shifter Operations Command, it’s time to put his past behind him. Now Declan is the only thing standing between the gorgeous Abby and an early grave, and if he’s going to have any chance of keeping her alive, he’ll have to embrace the darkness he’s fought to keep at bay. But first he has to convince Abby that there’s no safer place in the world than the arms of a big bad werewolf.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the first couple of pages. Why? Because of the bro-mance the book has with the guys on the team. The humor and sarcasm the guys have is so fun and entertaining. It had me smiling and chuckling from the start. And when the guys were together it didn’t stop.

And then there is the romance of Abby and Declan. Maybe romance is the wrong word. There is no romance with these two. There is full on danger and excitement but the two work so well together. Declan is total alpha. He is overly protective and dangerous but when he falls for Abby it is with everything in him. Especially his wolf.

I enjoyed the fact that the wolf, cougar and other animals have their own personalities in this story.

I can’t wait until the next story comes out. Cole’s story should be a doozie!!

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

August 22, 2017August 20, 2017

Kimberly reviews Safe In Your Arms by RaeAnne Thayne & Allison Leigh

TITLE: Safe In Your Arms: A Quiet Storm & A Weaver Beginning
CHARACTERS: Beau & Elizabeth / Abby & Sloan
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne / Allison Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This book has been previously published and is being reissued.

Revisit these two classic romances from New York Times bestselling authors RaeAnne Thayne and Allison Leigh!
A Quiet Storm
Heart-stoppingly handsome detective Beau Riley might have left Elizabeth Quinn tongue-tied, but she needs the good detective to solve a murder that’s affected the beloved little boy in her care. So speak with him she must. If only she was sure her traitorous heart would leave it at that….
This book has been previously published and is being reissued.
A Weaver Beginning
There was no doubt in Abby Marcum’s mind that Sloan McCray is the guy for her. Though she’d moved to Weaver, Wyoming to make a better life for her little brother, she sees her future with the small town deputy. Now she has to convince the man who felt unworthy of love that she and her heart were his for the asking.

REVIEW:

3.75 Hearts This is two different stories by two different authors and both are a re-release.

I will talk about the second story first. I have never read anything from this author before. The story was good but the ending was a little bit of a let down. I won’t be jumping to pick up a book by Leigh but if another double book comes up I would be fine with reading her story.

Now about A Quiet Storm. I am a fan of Thayne’s and read any new releases that come out. You can tell this was an early writing from Thayne as she has grown so much in her writing but the story is well written and the characters are fun to read. I enjoyed their connection.

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

August 21, 2017August 20, 2017

Kelly reviews River Marked by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: River Marked
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #6
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 54 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2011
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercy Thompson is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she’s never known any others of her kind. Until now. As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease.

REVIEW:
Another fun adventure of Mercy Thompson. In River Marked we learn a lot about Mercy’s history. Who her father was/is and how she became a coyote.
I enjoyed this story but it was not my favorite in the series to date. The story felt a little slow at times! But all in all it was still a good story and I think a very important step in Mercy’s future.
As always Mr. King does an amazing job of narrating and bring these character to life

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

August 17, 2017August 16, 2017

Kimberly reviews Crossing The Line by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Crossing The Line
SERIES #: Cross Creek #2
CHARACTERS: Scarlett & Eli
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/08/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cocky farmer Eli Cross plays twice as hard as he works. When his latest stunt drums up a heap of negative PR for the family farm, he grudgingly agrees to play host to an ambitious New York City photographer. Her feature on Cross Creek could be just the ticket to show the country what the Cross brothers do best…which is more problem than solution for Eli.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart has photographed everything from end zones to war zones. She’s confident she can ace this one little story to help her best friend’s failing magazine. At least, she would be if her super-sexy host wasn’t so tight lipped. But the more Scarlett works with Eli, the more she discovers that he’s not who he seems. Can his secret bring them closer together? Or will it be the very thing that tears them apart?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Another wonderful read from Kimberly Kincaid. We are back in Cross Creek for Eli’s story.

When Scarlett is sent to help a friend by taking pictures on the farm Eli is assigned to show her around. Their story starts off with animosity but there is still an underlying attraction. Soon they head to friendship and eventually lovers. But as with all good stories. There is more than meets the eye with Eli and Scarlett is going to discover his secret.

The book was a fast entertaining read. It kept me interested from the first few pages and never really let go. It can be a stand alone but is only the 2nd in the series so you might want to pick up the first one too.

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

August 14, 2017August 13, 2017

Kelly reviews Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Silver Borne
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson # 5
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 8 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: March 30, 2010
ORDER LINKS: Audible {http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Silver-Borne-Audiobook/B003C1UL94 } | Amazon {http://amzn.to/2pI63h2 } | B&N { http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silver-borne-patricia-briggs/1100259597}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, never knows what the day – or night – may bring in a world where “witches, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters live beside ordinary people” (Booklist). But she is about to learn that while some secrets are dangerous whose who seek them are just plain deadly…

Mercy is smart enough to realize that when it comes to the magical fae, the less you know, the better. But you can’t always get what you want. When she attempts to return a powerful fae she previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.

It seems the book contains secrets – and the fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn’t take enough of Mercy’s attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side – leaving Mercy to cover for him lest his own father declare Samuel’s life forfeit.

All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn’t careful, she may not have many more

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great book from Ms. Briggs! There is a lot that happens in Silver Borne. Mercy is trying to find her placing in the Pack and still learning what it means to be mated to an Alpha. Add in the fact that Samuel needs her more than ever. Mercy has her hands full in this installment.
I really am loving this series! Ms. Briggs brings a new twist and turn with each and every book. I have yet to feel like a story is just a repeat of another! Then we have the amazingly talented Ms. King lending her talented voice to the series is just amazing!
I can’t wait to get into the next book to see what craziness will happen next

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