4 Star – Page 39 – Books-n-Kisses

May 10, 2017May 7, 2017

Kelly reviews Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Blood Bound
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #2
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 2 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2007
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Under the rule of science, there are no witch burnings allowed, no water trials or public lynchings. In return, the average law-abiding, solid citizen has little to worry about from the things that go bump in the night. Sometimes I wish I was an average citizen…

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful adventure with Mercy Thompson and the supernatural creatures of the Tri-Cities. I just love Mercy. She is smart, tough and wily just like the coyote that she is. Mercy had to use all of her skills in Blood Bound! There is a lot of things that happen that will make future stories very interesting.
The love triangle between Adam-Mercy-Samuel is driving me a bit nuts!! Make a choice girl!!! I love both of these wolfs and am going to be be heartbroken for one of them.
I can’t wait to see what is next for Mercy!!!
And of course the amazingly talented Ms. King lends her voice to bring Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Stefan and the rest of wolfs, vamps, shifters, fae and others. I always love having Ms. King read to me a story. Because she doesn’t’ just read it she lives the story. There is a huge difference between reading and telling a story and Ms. King does this job wonderfully!!!
On to the next story!!

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

May 9, 2017May 7, 2017

Kelly reviews Moon Called by Patricia Biggs

TITLE: Moon Called
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #1
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 14 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 31, 2006
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercedes “Mercy” Thompson is a talented Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She also happens to be a walker, a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote at will. Mercy’s next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she’s fixing a bus for a vampire. This is the world of Mercy Thompson, one that looks a lot like ours but is populated by those things that go bump in the night. And Mercy’s connection to those things is about to get her into some serious hot water..

REVIEW:
Moon Called introduces us to the a world where the Paranormals real and humans just found about the Fae. They have yet to find out about the Were’s, the Vampires or what Mercy really is.
Where have I been? And how the heck did I miss out on this series until now? I guess the only good thing is that I am able to listen to the stories back to back to back. Which is making me a very happy girl! Ms. Briggs amazing story writing plus the gloriously talented narrating of Ms. Lorelei King equals WINNER!!!!!
I love Mercy! She is strong, determined and willing to always push the envelope. She knows when she needs to but in (which is always) and when to but out (which is never) and boy does she know how to get herself in a pickle.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this series. I can’t wait for more adventures with Mercy, Adams, Samuel, Stephen, Z , Uncle Mike and the rest of the unfriendly’s in the Tri-Cities.

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

May 5, 2017April 30, 2017

Kelly reviews Skitter by Ezekiel Boone

TITLE: Skitter
SERIES #: The Hatching #2
CHARACTERS: The People of the world
AUTHOR: Ezekiel Boone
PUBLICATION DATE: May 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tens of millions of people around the world are dead. Half of China is a nuclear wasteland. Mysterious flesh-eating spiders are marching through Los Angeles, Oslo, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, and countless other cities. According to scientist Melanie Gruyer, however, the spider situation seems to be looking up. Yet in Japan, a giant, truck-sized, glowing egg sack gives a shocking preview of what is to come, even as survivors in Los Angeles panic and break the quarantine zone. Out in the desert, survivalists Gordo and Shotgun are trying to invent a spider super weapon, but it’s not clear if it’s too late, because President Stephanie Pilgrim has been forced to enact the plan of last resort: The Spanish Protocol. America, you are on your own.

REVIEW:
This book makes my skin crawl. I despise spiders so much and honestly this would be one of my greatest fears. I am planning on stocking up on duct tape and anything flammable.
Once again Mr. Boone has brought us back to a world that is in pure chaos. Where you are on your own to fight this enemy. As we read we learn some are more prepared than others. But will it be enough? There was a lot that happened in this book. So many people lost. So many people trying to save who and what is left of the world.
Is it ever too late for hope?

I can’t even imagine what will be next in this series. I can’t tell if we are in for a total annihilation of the human race or if they can be saved.

If you are looking for a read that will literally make your skin crawl you need to check out this series!!

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

May 1, 2017April 30, 2017

Kelly reviews Love Me Again by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Love Me Again
SERIES #: Hope #7
CHARACTERS: Deacon Fox & Loretta Simmons
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: May 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let Go, it’s never too late for a second chance at first love…

When Loretta Simmons returns to Hope, Oklahoma, after a disastrous marriage, she’s determined to remain independent for the sake of her daughter. The only thing standing in her way is Deacon Fox—the man she loved and walked away from years ago.

Since Loretta owns the bookstore right next to his current renovation project, Deacon can’t escape the woman who broke his heart. Throw in her adorable little girl and one ridiculously oversized dog, and they’re almost a family. Only he can’t be that guy—what they had was once in a lifetime.

But love has a funny way of re-opening a door you thought was firmly closed

REVIEW:
After Loretta’s divorce she found herself at a bit of a cross roads. Not really knowing what to do or where to go. But when she thought of were she wanted to raise her daughter the only place that would do would be Hope. But going home is not always the easiest thing to do. Going home means facing your past. A past that involves on Deacon Fox.
Another wonder story from Hope, Oklahoma. In Love Me Again we get to see high school sweethearts Deacon and Loretta reconnect after to many years apart. I really enjoyed watching Loretta grow as a person and a mom. For her to find her own footing but still being able to lean on Deacon.
I really enjoyed this story. Deacon is just so sweet and forgiving. He knows what he wants and is not afraid to go for it. Convincing Loretta might be another story. And of course Otis!! I mean who could love this silly, tomato plant stealing, shoe chewing guy?

But I do want to know about the two high school friends. It felt like the story line on that was never really resolved. Yes there was a confrontation but I wanted more out of it. Maybe in a future book there will be more? I don’t know. But until then. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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

April 28, 2017April 25, 2017

Kimberly reviews Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

TITLE: Natchez Burning
SERIES #: Penn Cage #4
CHARACTERS: Penn & Cailtlin
AUTHOR: Greg Iles
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles comes the first novel in his Natchez Burning trilogy—which also includes The Bone Tree and the upcoming Mississippi Blood—an epic trilogy that interweaves crimes, lies, and secrets past and present in a mesmerizing thriller featuring Southern lawyer and former prosecutor Penn Cage.
Raised in the southern splendor of Natchez, Mississippi, Penn Cage learned all he knows of duty from his father, Dr. Tom Cage. But now the beloved family doctor has been accused of murdering the African American nurse with whom he worked in the dark days of the 1960s. Once a crusading prosecutor, Penn is determined to save his father, but Tom, stubbornly invoking doctor-patient privilege, refuses even to speak in his own defense.
Penn’s quest for the truth sends him deep into his father’s past, where a sexually charged secret lies. More chilling, this long-buried sin is only one thread in a conspiracy of greed and murder involving the vicious Double Eagles, an offshoot of the KKK controlled by some of the most powerful men in the state. Aided by a dedicated reporter privy to Natchez’s oldest secrets and by his fiancée, Caitlin Masters, Penn uncovers a trail of corruption and brutality that places his family squarely in the Double Eagles’ crosshairs.
With every step costing blood and faith, Penn is forced to confront the most wrenching dilemma of his life: Does a man of honor choose his father or the truth?

REVIEW:
I requested this book seeing only the name of the author, who is a author I really enjoy, but after reading the description I realized I had already read this book when it came out. This is the fourth in the series of Penn Cage but a trilogy inside the series.

Penn is an interesting character. But since this is a trilogy inside the series you can pick this up and not be confused about the characters. What I enjoyed was how much Penn wants to protect his father but also he needs to prove the truth to everyone.

If you are a fan of suspense Greg Iles is a great author to turn to. Don’t miss this book.

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

April 25, 2017April 23, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Hangman by Mary Burton

TITLE: The Hangman
SERIES #: The Forgotten Files #3
CHARACTERS: Julia & Jim
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julia Vargas is a cop with a mission. When she’s not chasing down bad guys, Julia dedicates her time to investigating the Hangman serial killer…the same unsolved case that her father, Jim Vargas, was working on when he supposedly shot and killed himself three decades before. While rumors continue to swirl around her father’s death, Julia attempts to hunt down the truth.

The case once again hits dangerously close, however, when a woman’s bones are discovered in a historic downtown home, together with a photograph of Jim and Julia as a young girl. As horrifying as this discovery is, it may just be the break Julia has waited for. Working alongside Tobias Novak, a homicide detective with whom she shares a complicated—and steamy—history, she’s forced to confront her own past even as the Hangman looms in the shadows. But as the mysterious killer circles closer, Julia can feel her own noose begin to tighten…

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but can be read as a stand alone since the characters have not carried over. These stories are more of a suspense with romance. The male and female characters of this book are already starting a relationship but the evidence that Tobias finds has him call Julia in to check out. The evidence includes a picture with her and her father. Because of this she starts up the investigation her father had started years ago. But now she has Tobias to help her.

Mary Burton is quickly becoming a favorite authors of mine. She does follow the same outline on a lot of her books but they are really well written that they are enjoyable.

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

April 20, 2017April 16, 2017

Kelly reviews Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Any Day Now
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #3
CHARACTERS: Conrad Boyle & Sierra Jones
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: April 18, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The highly anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan’s Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It’s a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.
For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.
Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

REVIEW:
Any Day Now was a great follow up book in Ms. Carr’s new Sullivan’s Crossing series. I really enjoyed book one What We Find and enjoyed Any Day Now just as much. I really enjoyed watching Sierra try to portray herself as this tough as nails and I don’t need anyone person. Only for her to find out that while yes she is stronger than she thought. And the idea of having people in her corner is really not that scary.
I loved the dog saving scene. I loved that Sierra would risk herself to save such a sweet puppy.
Connie and Sierra are get together. It was great to see how patient Connie was with her. Letting her realize what he knew all along.
I can’t wait to see what is next for this series.

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

April 19, 2017April 16, 2017

Kimberly reviews Cauldrons & Confessions by Michelle M. Pillow

TITLE: Cauldrons & Confessions
SERIES #: Warlocks MacGregor #4
CHARACTERS: Malina & Dar
AUTHOR: Michelle M Pillow
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Malina MacGregor is more than just a delicate flower in need of manly protection, but you wouldn’t know it by the slew of male family members who show up anytime she tries to go on a date. Sure, she’s made some poor choices in men in the past—like the demon she mistakenly hooked up with in Las Vegas years ago. But that was then, and this is now, and she more than made up for that mistake.

Darragh “Dar” Lahey may be a luck demon, but his luck ran out the night he met the temptress—Malina. Now he’s back, and he has an axe to grind. Malina needs to pay for what she did to him, and the supernatural attacks he’s firing at her magickal family is just the beginning. There is only one hitch in his plans for revenge—even after all this time the stubborn woman can still make his heart ache, and his body burn with need.

REVIEW:
So I have read the first two books in the series but somehow missed the third (What???) which makes this one #4 and I am so glad I did not miss this one. Malina is the only girl in the MacGregor family and because of that the most protected and cherished. But now we know she has a past that haunts her as much as the ghosts who come into the mansion causing chaos.

I enjoy this clan so much. There are such great senses of humors these clansmen have but there wasn’t too much in this one even though there was plenty. And because it is a short read a lot gets thrown into the pages but it doesn’t matter because the book holds you and makes you want to read it all in one sitting.

You can not go wrong with these Scots or with Michelle Pillow’s books.

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

April 18, 2017April 16, 2017

Kimberly reviews Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Any Day Now
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #2
CHARACTERS: Sierra Jones
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/18/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.

Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Sullivan’s Crossing series. I enjoyed book 1 so I was excited to get this story. I was not disappointed.

The story is well written and perfect for woman’s lit fans. Sierra is trying so hard to prove herself, more so to herself than anyone else. But as we all know we are not meant to live a solitary life and needing someone is not a show of weakness. And it was great to see Sierra learn this lesson.

And I would bet any reader of this story is going to say how much they loved the dog rescue scene. LOVED IT!

Another great read from Robyn Carr.

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

April 12, 2017April 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews This Time Around by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: This Time Around
CHARACTERS: Allie & Jack
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Allie Ross is not living the life she once dreamed. Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B—which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it.

When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either.

As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved—and hated—about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets—old and new—will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.

REVIEW:
Second chance at love at it’s finest. How many times have you thought about having a second chance with your first love. And the image is perfect. Well not so much for Jack and Allie. May not be perfect but it is funny. I guess if you can’t have one you should have the other.

I enjoyed this book very much. I can only remember reading one other book from Tawna years ago and I don’t remember why I haven’t picked up anymore until this one but it reminds me that I need to go back and grab a few.

Need a fun read that will lighten up your day? This is it.

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

April 11, 2017April 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews Ever My Love by Lynn Kurland

TITLE: Ever My Love
SERIES #: MacLeod #10
CHARACTERS: Emma & Nathaniel
AUTHOR: Lynn Kurland
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Two people are caught up in love—and in time—in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Stars in Your Eyes.

In search of a fresh start, Emma Barton has traveled to Scotland to try to forget her rocky love life. Luckily, the gorgeous Highlander who owns the house up the path from her rental cottage might be exactly the kind of distraction she needs. But there’s more to his intriguing qualities than she can explain—and she certainly isn’t buying into the local legends of Highland magic.

Nathaniel MacLeod is a man adrift, all thanks to the unwanted gift that forces him to continually jump between centuries. He never knows if he’ll wind up in the present day or the fourteenth century, but when Emma follows him back through time, he suddenly has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight…

Someone has started to notice Nathaniel’s travels and now, no time period is safe, for him or for Emma.

REVIEW:
This is the 10th in the series and I a can not believe I am just now reading it. What a great book. There is just something about a time traveling romance but this one has everything it should. Mystery, romance, drastically different era’s and a strong couple who can deal with everything.

I can’t imagine having the strength that Emma has. From her strength to leave everything she knows to start over in Scotland to the fact she is able to deal with the travel and her man going back and forth at any time.

I found this book compelling and I plan to go back and read the series if it is as good as this one.

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

April 10, 2017April 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews Holding Fire by April Hunt

TITLE: Holding Fire
SERIES #: Alpha Security #2
CHARACTERS: Elle & Trey
AUTHOR: April Hunt
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

Alpha Security operative Trey Hanson is ready to settle down. When he meets a gorgeous blonde in a bar, and the connection between them is off the charts, he thinks he’s finally found the one. But after their night together ends in a hail of gunfire and she disappears in the chaos, Trey’s reasons for tracking her down are personal . . . until he learns she’s his next assignment.

Elle Monroe never expected to see Trey again. The night they shared was incredible, but the last thing she’s looking for is a relationship. Now that it’s clear she’s being targeted, though, she has no choice but to trust this man she barely knows with her life. And Trey’s not just determined to keep her safe . . . he’s determined to win her heart.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I did not read the first in the series but all in all I don’t think you need to but it may work best to have read it so you have the back story.

Trey is alllllll alpha. If you are not into books where the guy takes control to keep the damsel in distress safe then this is not the story for you. Trey is full on protector who really is a good guy who will do anything to protect the woman he is starting to fall for.

The bit of a change in this book is Elle is the “broken” one. She came from the bad home, she doesn’t want to fall in love, she is the one who to be independent and not depend on anyone ever again. Which is all honesty is usually the man’s perspective in books anymore. So the change was appreciated.

This book is truly enjoyable. I wouldn’t say it was a beach read but it is sure a cuddle up on the couch read with adventure, hot sex and characters who are well formed and enjoyable to read about.

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