4 Star – Page 37 – Books-n-Kisses

August 11, 2017August 9, 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 7, 2017August 6, 2017

Kimberly reviews Worth The Wait by Lori Foster

TITLE: Worth The Wait
SERIES #: Guthrie Brothers #2
CHARACTERS: Hogan & Violet/Nathan & Brooklin
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ready or not…love will find a way

Single dad Hogan Guthrie is getting his life back on track, and working as the “barbecue master” at a local diner is just a temporary detour. He and restaurant owner Violet Shaw constantly butt heads…until one night they end up mingling other parts instead. Hogan thought he had the recipe for happiness all figured out. But loyal, carefree Violet is daring him to trust his impulses…and see just how sweet small-town living—and loving—can be.

Nathan Hawley traded his SWAT team credentials for a sheriff’s badge, but a gorgeous new neighbor is shaking up his orderly life. Nathan has a hunch there’s more to Brooklin Sweet than meets the eye—but given her caution about getting involved, he has his work cut out for him. Still, there’s something about the elusive beauty Nathan can’t walk away from—and helping her come to terms with her past might pave the way to the future they both secretly long for.

REVIEW:
I haven’t read the first in the series, Don’t Tempt Me, but this story is easily a stand alone. Well as much as three romances can be a stand alone.

Lori Foster is easily one of the best authors around. She can catch a reader’s attention within a sentence or two. And as soon as she describes her heroes any woman is a goner. This story is no exception. We have three gorgeous guys, three beautiful women and three hot romances.

Grab a glass of wine, turn off the cell phone, and enjoy this story.

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

July 24, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Serenity Harbor by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Serenity Harbor
SERIES #: Haven Point #6
CHARACTERS: Bowie & Katrina
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/27/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the town of Haven Point, love can be just a wish—and one magical kiss—away…

Computer-tech millionaire Bowie Callahan is about the last person that schoolteacher Katrina Bailey wants to work for. As far as she can see, he’s arrogant, entitled and not up to the task of caring for his young half brother, Milo. But Kat is, especially if it brings her closer to her goal of adopting an orphaned little girl. And as her kindness and patience work wonders with Milo, she realizes there’s more to sexy, wary Bo than she’d ever realized.

Bo never imagined he’d be tasked with caring for a sibling he didn’t know existed. Then again, he never pictured himself impulsively kissing vibrant, compassionate Katrina in the moonlight. Now he’s ready to make her dream of family come true…and hoping there’s room in it for him, too…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts The thing about this author is Thayne knows her romance can speak for itself without needing to push sex into the mix. Not thatsex in stories isn’t good. It can be depending on the story but Thayne writes romance, plain and simple, and this story is no different.

Bowie is a sweet guy but he has so much going on that he doesn’t know how to handle any of it. Kat is trying so hard to turn her life around and they somehow manage to meet and realize they can be good for each other and get what they need. Kat needs money to adopt a little girl. Bo needs someone to help with his little brother with autism. Kat is written so patient and loving, at least when it comes to everyone except herself. Milo is written really well. His autism is explained and portrayed so well.

This is a really sweet contemporary romance. Made to bring the reader in from the start. It can be read as a stand alone but the series is a great read. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this book. Great beach or front porch read.

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

July 21, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews On The Plus Side by Alison Bliss

TITLE: On The Plus Side
SERIES #: A Perfect Fit #2
CHARACTERS: Valerie & Logan
AUTHOR: Alison Bliss
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/27/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The second book in a laugh-out-loud new contemporary romance series from Alison Bliss!

Big girls don’t cry. They go after what they want.

Thanks to her bangin’ curves, Valerie Carmichael has always turned heads-with the exception of seriously sexy Logan Mathis. Just Valerie’s luck that the object of her lust-filled affection is also best friends with her overprotective brother. But Valerie’s determined to get Logan’s attention . . . even if it means telling a teeny little lie to get a job at his new bar.

Logan can’t remember a time when Valerie didn’t secretly fuel all his hottest fantasies. Now the curvaceous she-devil is working behind his bar, tempting him every damn night. It’s only when he finds Valerie’s naughty things-to-do list that Logan decides to break every rule in the book-by making each red-hot deed a reality.

No one warned them that they were going to fall this hard. And no one warned them that sometimes the smallest secrets can have the biggest consequences.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Let me start by saying from the comments below you may think I didn’t like this book but I actually did. There are some things that need to be addressed but all in all I enjoyed it. It seems like a good curl up on the porch and read kind of book. I liked Val mostly. I did enjoy Logan and the intimate scenes are fun and sexy.

Now for the constructive criticism. .This is the typical “can’t date my best friends little sister. There is a lot of internal conversation that repeats itself over and over. I mean how many times (in all books with this storyline) can a person think “I can’t do this she’s my best friends sister”?

Val seems a bit desperate for Logan. I get she has always been in love with him but she steps over the line to desperate a number of times. And also Val is very egotistical about looks/getting men. I get that her curves bring the boys to the yard but she talks like she is God’s gift to men. They are always missing the clues of the same situation. And finally, one thing that this (and many other) book does is not letting the person explain the situation. I mean seriously if someone is attacking you and a person walks in thinking they are getting hot and heavy do you really let them keep thinking that or do you say “He attacked me” and then explain the rest… Not “Logan I need to tell you something” and let him think the worst.

OK so now that I have gotten that off my chest this book is really good. Even with all the “typicals” in this story it is still a great read. And you can’t go wrong with a guy who loves curves.

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

July 18, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wolf Hunt by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Hunt
SERIES #: SWAT #6
CHARACTERS: Remy & Triana
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/06/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A STORM IS BREWING…
Remy Boudreaux is back in his hometown, New Orleans. He’s there with three of his fellow Dallas SWAT officers for a week of training with the NOLA PD. On the eve of a tropical storm, Remy and his buddies prowl the French Quarter. One tantalizing scent captures Remy’s senses, forcing him to follow until he is face to face with Triana Bellamy—his beautiful high school crush.

After reconnecting, Remy and Triana are close—very. Remy struggles to keep things casual. Ever since his partner—and first love—was killed on the job, he’s kept women at a distance.

But when a mysterious wolf pendant ropes them both into danger, Remy’s protective instincts kick in. He may have to reveal his true self…and hope Triana accepts him.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is part of the SWAT series and trust me you need to read the series before reading this story. Or at least most of the series. It really can’t be a stand alone. Even though if you do read it first you will want to go back and read the first five.

There are a few changes with this story from the series. First they are called out of Dallas to New Orleans. Second this falls more under the second chance at love since they knew each other in high school and third it is a bit lighter on the sex scenes but still a very sexy read.

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

July 17, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz

TITLE: The Silent Corner
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #1
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/061/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A dazzling new series debuts with a remarkable heroine certain to become a new icon of suspense, propelled by the singular narrative genius of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

I very much need to be dead.

These are the chilling words left behind by a man who had everything to live for but took his own life. In the aftermath, his widow, Jane Hawk, does what all her grief, fear, and fury demands: find the truth, no matter what.
People of talent and accomplishment, people admired and happy and sound of mind, have been committing suicide in surprising numbers. When Jane seeks to learn why, she becomes the most-wanted fugitive in America. Her powerful enemies are protecting a secret so important so terrifying that they will exterminate anyone in their way.
But all their power and viciousness may not be enough to stop a woman as clever as they are cold-blooded, as relentless as they are ruthless and who is driven by a righteous rage they can never comprehend. Because it is born of love.

REVIEW:
The best compliment I can give this story is it is typical Koontz. Koontz has a way of wanting you to read his books, at least most of them, in one sitting and this was one of those.

What is different is the concept. I can’t even imagine where Koontz came up with this story of people changing into robots which is just beyond odd and yet there is so much to the horror that you can’t put it down.

The characters are riveting and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. Koontz rarely disappoints and this one certainly doesn’t.

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

July 14, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Talen by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Talen
SERIES #: Dark Predators #7.9
CHARACTERS: Talen & Cara
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/06/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’ll love him forever . . . but he can’t make her obey . . .

The war is over. Danger has passed. Cara Kayrs is healed after decades of illness and ready for a break.

Too bad her brooding, alpha vampire husband can’t seem to change gears. In their twenty-five years together Talen Kayrs has learned to sense every shiver of her body, to ignite her desire with a word or a look. She would think he could learn she’s not some fragile damsel in distress.

But Talen is on edge, watching their backs, treating her like she’s made of glass. Like there’s something following them, a deadly threat that somehow none of their intelligence has uncovered. It’s enough to drive a woman crazy, and Talen has plenty of those tendencies already.

But what’s even more maddening is that he seems to be right . . .

Librarian Note: This novella is also included in ‘Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers, #3)’

REVIEW:
I was SOOOOOO excited to read this book. I mean seriously if you have been a fan of the series you want to read about Talen. But then I thought “Didn’t I read Talen’s story already?” And Yep! I have in Wicked Burn.

So that being said I kept reading. Yes I had already read this novella but did that stop me from reading about Talen again? Not on your life!

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

July 10, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Secrets Of The Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Secrets Of The Tulip Sisters
CHARACTERS: Kelly, Olivia, Griffith & Ryan
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/11/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A wonderful story full of romance, forgiveness and the unavoidable ties that bind, SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS is Susan Mallery at her very best.

The relationship of sisters Kelly and Olivia Van Gilder has been, well… complicated ever since their mother left them as teens, though it’s the secrets they have been keeping from each other as adults that have unwittingly widened the chasm. But one thing they do share is the not-so-secret torch they carry for the Martin brothers.

In the small enclave of New Holland, Washington, Griffith and Ryan Martin were demigods. While Griffith was the object of Kelly’s high school crush and witness to her mortal teenage humiliation, Ryan was for Olivia the boy who got away-something she’s never forgiven Kelly for-and the only person since her mother who appreciated her wild streak.

Now, ten years later, both brothers are newly returned to town. Believing they’re destined to be together, Olivia’s determined to get Ryan back, until she discovers that she’s not the only one keeping secrets…and that perhaps he’s not the handsome prince she remembered. And even though Griffith has grown up to be more irresistible than ever, Kelly’s impulse is to avoid him and the painful memory he represents, despite his resolve to right the wrong he caused her long ago-and her desire to let him.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts When someone asks me my favorite author Susan Mallery is the first author that comes to mind. If someone asks me my favorite series Fool’s Gold is the answer. This was not a Fool’s Gold book that is for sure.

I never seemed to connect with any of the characters in this story. I thought the story was good and enjoyed the dynamics of the sisters and brothers being so different than they were in school but I just didn’t understand a lot of why’s in this story. I mean I get the concept of the “why” but the why’s in this story just didn’t work for me. Just because Griffith got a divorce he will never love again? Why? There are a lot of secrets in this story too which didn’t make sense. I could go on and on of things that I just didn’t get but I won’t.

But I will say that any Mallery book is worth the read. I based this review on what I know of her writing. If I was to compare it to all the authors I read the number would have been much high. Now on to Happily, Inc. (a spin off of Fool’s Gold).

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

July 6, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Never Stop On The Motorway by Jeffrey Archer

TITLE: Never Stop On The Motorway
CHARACTERS: Diana
AUTHOR: Jeffrey Archer
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken from Jeffrey Archer’s third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes this irresistible, witty and ingenious short read. Diana, a busy single mother, looks forward to her regular retreat into the countryside to have dinner with friends. A horrible shock she receives as she is driving along the motorway unsettles her – and when she realizes that a black van is increasingly in her rear-view mirror, Diana begins to feel seriously scared. Soon terrified for her life, she does whatever it takes to stick to the stark warning given to motorists: never stop on the motorway . . . Praise for Jeffrey Archer ‘Probably the greatest storyteller of our age’ Mail on Sunday

REVIEW:
This story is very short, only about 25 pages, so it is a very quick read. Even though short it is complete. There is suspense and Diana is a fully developed character. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat but not for long.

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

July 5, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wired by Julie Garwood

TITLE: Wired
SERIES #: Buchanan-Renard #13
CHARACTERS: Allison & Liam
AUTHOR: Julie Garwood
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A beautiful computer hacker and a bad-boy FBI agent must collaborate—in more ways than one—in the sizzling new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.

Allison Trent doesn’t look like a hacker. In fact, when she’s not in college working on her degree, she models on the side. But behind her gorgeous face is a brilliant mind for computers and her real love is writing—and hacking—code. Her dream is to write a new security program that could revolutionize the tech industry.

Hotshot FBI agent Liam Scott has a problem: a leak deep within his own department. He needs the skills of a top-notch hacker to work on a highly sensitive project: to secretly break into the FBI servers and find out who the traitor is. But he can’t use one of his own. He finds the perfect candidate in Allison. Only, there’s one problem—she wants nothing to do with his job and turns him down flat.

What Liam doesn’t know is that Allison is hiding secrets that she doesn’t want the FBI to uncover. But Liam will do nearly anything to persuade her to join his team, even break a few rules if that’s what it takes. A temptation that could put his job—and both of their futures—on the line…
and longing for more . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok first let’s address the elephant in the room. This is not the same Julie Garwood that her fans are used to. Her writing has changed for some reason. The writing is different but that does not mean the story is bad. Garwood still brings an interesting story with characters worth getting to know.

The reason this writing is so different is there is no true POV. A lot of times the chapter is from one POV (his) and the next chapter from the other POV (hers). This story changes POV’s right in the middle of pages and even paragraph.

Now to the story itself. Allison is sweet and smart. Her brain is more like a computer. She can see paths that others can not especially when it comes to codes. Liam needs Allison to help him find a leak in the FBI. There is a connection right away but they work together so they shouldn’t but they will. After all how will they get the HEA if they didn’t?

While I liked Allison I wanted to cry for her sometimes. She seems to be a bit lost and sad. She allows herself to be a doormat by her aunt and uncle. And honestly a bit from Liam. She allows him to come and go way too much if you ask me. Liam seems to be a good guy but is a bit selfish if you ask me. Most times I find myself wishing I could crawl into the book and be with one of Garwood’s men but not with Liam. I just thought he was a nice guy but for someone else.

A good read but not the best of Garwood’s novels.

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

July 3, 2017July 2, 2017

Kelly reviews The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E Reichert

TITLE: The Simplicity of Cider
CHARACTERS: Sanna & Isaac
AUTHOR: Amy E Reichert
PUBLICATION DATE: May 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fall in love with The Simplicity of Cider, the charming new novel about a prickly but gifted cider-maker whose quiet life is interrupted by the arrival of a handsome man and his young son at her family’s careworn orchard by the author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake and Luck, Love & Lemon Pie.

Focused and unassuming fifth generation cider-maker Sanna Lund has one desire: to live a simple, quiet life on her family’s apple orchard in Door County, Wisconsin. Although her business is struggling, Sanna remains fiercely devoted to the orchard, despite her brother’s attempts to convince their aging father to sell the land.

Single dad Isaac Banks has spent years trying to shield his son Sebastian from his troubled mother. Fleeing heartbreak at home, Isaac packed up their lives and the two headed out on an adventure, driving across the country. Chance—or fate—led them straight to Sanna’s orchard.

Isaac’s helping hands are much appreciated at the apple farm, even more when Sanna’s father is injured in an accident. As Sanna’s formerly simple life becomes increasingly complicated, she finds solace in unexpected places—friendship with young Sebastian and something more deliciously complex with Isaac—until an outside threat infiltrates the farm.

From the warm and funny Amy E. Reichert, The Simplicity of Cider is a charming love story with a touch of magic, perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Gayle Forman.

REVIEW:
Sanna has always been an island of her own making. Growing up in a broken family didn’t help matters either. So when Isaac and Bass stumble upon their orchard Sanna doesn’t know how to be a civilized person.
Another wonderful read from Ms. Reichert. I really enjoyed watching Sanna try to figure out how to be a person. She was great with Bass, even when he messed up and broke things. Sanna and Isaac were wonderful together and the ending!!! There were tears!! I am looking forward to what Ms. Reichert has in store for us next.

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.

June 12, 2017June 11, 2017

Kimberly reviews Deep Burn by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Deep Burn
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #2
CHARACTERS: Shae & James
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/13/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Firefighter Shae McCullough is all-in, all the time. When her reckless response at a fire earns her a two-week penance filing paperwork for the arson investigation unit, the rules and routines are enough to bore her senseless. But the discovery of a possible arson at a murder scene has her instincts fired up, and when Shae is assigned to assist Remington’s elite intelligence unit with their investigation, she’s all too ready to jump in with both boots first.

To tech and surveillance expert James Capelli, logic isn’t just a job requirement, it’s a way of life. He’s less than thrilled to work with Shae, whose impulsiveness threatens his sanity and whose curves threaten his composure. Despite their differences, they uncover a case bigger than anyone could have expected—along with an attraction that burns deep.

But this killer is no stranger, and Capelli’s got a dark past. Can he and Shae outsmart a ruthless murderer, or will his secrets bury them both?

REVIEW:
4.5 Wowsa! What a story. Shae is a firefighter but can be a bit reckless and this time her recklessness got her into trouble and she needs to fill her punishment with the arson dept. But when the investigation leads to more she has to team up with James to get the answers. The problem is the investigation brings James’ past back to haunt him.

Kimberly Kincaid is in my top dozen favorite authors and this story is one of the reasons why. The characters are well written, the romance is high and the suspense is higher.

I would love to be friends with Shae. She seems the type that would have your back to others even if you are wrong, but she wouldn’t have a problem telling you that you are wrong either. James well dang that guy is wonderful. I enjoyed the background characters so much and can’t wait for the next in the series of Station Seventeen!!!

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