4 Star – Page 40 – Books-n-Kisses

April 7, 2017April 2, 2017

Kimberly Fighting Attraction by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Fighting Attraction
SERIES #: Redemption #4
CHARACTERS: Penny & Jack
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me.
I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption’s top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn’t the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He’s hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart…Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Holy Smokes! This story is sweet, dark, sexy and intense. Penny and Jack both have a secret that they keep hidden from everyone including those closest to them. Both are into pain. Giving and receiving it. They seem perfect for each other but are they really?

This is really really dark and yet Sarah Castille manages to lighten it up. Penny has suffered since she was young at the hands of men she thought loved her and when she starts to feel she is not lovable or worthwhile she starts cutting to feel the pain. Her emotional pain is palpable and you hurt for her. Jack needs to give pain. He wants to inflict as much as he can to get out the stresses in his life. But are these the same kind of pain that they should be together?

The out of the bedroom/club scenes between Jack and Penny are so cute. He is so different in the real world and while overly protective and possessive he wants to care for the one woman who understands him. I loved the playfulness they have together. I love all the guys of Redemption to be honest. I just want to climb into the book and hang out with these guys and girls. While the couple is the main focus the others take care of their own.

Any fan of this series, of romance, of erotica/BDSM will love this story. But understand the darkness isn’t the bedroom/club scenes it is the inner turmoil and scenes of emotional to physical pain that pulls at the readers heart.

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

April 6, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews Wild Ride by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Wild Ride
SERIES #: Black Knight Ink #9
CHARACTERS: Ozzie & Samantha
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The hero we’ve all been waiting for…

Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes

Former Navy SEAL

Underground operator for Black Knights Inc., the covert government defense firm disguised as a custom motorcycle shop.

In a black-on-black international mission that went seriously sideways, Ozzie was badly injured—now he’s stuck at BKI headquarters in Chicago, champing at the bit to get out into the field again. To his disgust, he’s tasked with distracting Chicago Tribune ace reporter Samantha Tate, who’s been trying to dig up the dirt on BKI for years. Turns out Samantha’s beauty, intelligence and sense of humor are a seriously big distraction, and Ozzie’s losing his desire to keep her at bay.

Ozzie’s tired of hiding, and Samantha may be the best-and worst—person to share his secrets with…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts OZZIE!!!!!!
Need I say more? Oh, I do? So telling you that Ozzie finally gets his story is not enough for you? Telling you that Ozzie is awesome is not enough? Telling you that we learn so much more about Ozzie and his history that is beyond heartbreaking is not enough? Telling you the Samantha Tate is a rock star reporter that will not ever give up? How about Ozzie and Samantha in the kitchen. Sharing a nice meal together? What more do you want from me????
But seriously, I loved Ozzie’s book. I loved that we get to know him so much better than just the sweet, sexy, Star Trek lovin’ and lover of everything 80’s computer nerd. I really enjoyed the talk between Becky and Ozzie. Yes, there might have been a tear or a lot… If you are a BKI fan you will LOVE Ozzie’s book. If you are new to this series you really should read this series in order so that you get a better understand of the world. Plus you get a lot of Ozzie throughout the whole series. And of course we get to see a lot of Christian. Can’t wait for his book.

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

April 5, 2017April 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Forever Mine by Erin Nicholas

TITLE: Forever Mine
SERIES #: Opposites Attract #2
CHARACTERS: Maya & Alex
AUTHOR: Erin Nicholas
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maya Goodwin doesn’t believe in holding back. Ever. As a cop, she never hesitated to throw herself into harm’s way to save someone. Even after an injury on the job forces her to retire, she’s not afraid to keep risking it all to get the life she wants. With a new career teaching martial arts to kids already underway, she’s looking forward to the future – and taking a chance on the unbelievably hot Dr. Alex Nolan.

Maya – daring and spontaneous – is the exact opposite of what Alex always thought he wanted. But when a nine-year-old daughter he never knew existed shows up on his doorstep, Maya is the one who helps them hold it together. With love on the line, will the guy who’s always played it safe be willing to take the biggest risk of all?

REVIEW:
This is a really cute story. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it but once I was I couldn’t stop reading. Alex and Maya are adorable. They are so different from each other and yet so good together. I really enjoyed the beginning connection between Alex and his new found daughter. He is trying so hard but as a doctor/scientist he is very methodical. How sweet is it that whenever he learns something new about Charli he puts a note in his phone so he doesn’t make any mistakes later on.

This is not a story that will change the world but it is a great beach read that leaves you feel good about life.

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

April 4, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews This Time Around by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: This Time Around
CHARACTERS: Jack Carpenter & Allie Ross
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
NARRATOR: Carly Robins
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | 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:
4.5 Hearts When we meet Jack he is coming back to Portland Oregon. One of his first order of business is to meet up with his old flame Allie. This first meeting is hilarious. It doesn’t quite go according as planned. When Jack offers to help Allie at the B&B everything changes.
Jack & Allie learn so much about themselves and each other. That had they stayed together their lives may not have turned out as amazing.
This was such a fun second chance at love story. It almost makes me wish I had someone in my past to reconnect….. Nope! I will leave that to Jack and Allie.

I had the honor of listening to this book. I do love me some audio books. This was my first story to have Ms. Robins narrat for me. She did a good job. My biggest issue was the male voices. At times it was a little hard tell the difference between Allie and Jack. I am not sure if it was because I was listening in the car? Or if there was just not enough difference in the depth of the voice.
If you are looking for a fun second chance at true love read you really should pick up a copy of This Time Around! If you are an audio book love go listen to the sample of this story!

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

April 3, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews Mr. Ridley by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Mr. Ridley
SERIES #: The Whipping Society #1
CHARACTERS: Mr. Ridley & Miss Watkins
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: February 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LEATHER. CIGARS. ROPE. COCA. SEX.
Meet Mr. Ridley.
BOOK 1 of 3, all roped together by one man and one woman bent one twisted passion: making the other writhe.
LONDON, ENGLAND – 1830
Criminals fear the iron fist of justice he delivers. Scotland Yard will do anything to get their hands on his mind. Whilst women? They crawl in the hope of becoming his. But only one woman is about to hold his career and his body and his mind hostage.
Jemdanee (Kumar) Lillian Watkins is a botanical savant from India who ends up getting arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. Only one man believes her: Mr. Ridley. Drawn to him and the rope he knots in her presence, she quickly realizes this regimented dark hero hides nothing but his passion.
Themes include Dark humor, BDSM, mystery, and romance.
“I can be as stubborn as you. I will tap the window until it cracks and if you still refuse to open that window despite my beak bleeding…” She held up her bandaged hand. “Then I swear unto you, Ridley, I will make you bleed in turn and I will make you crawl. For you cannot make us both suffer for the bond we have found in each other.”
—————————————————————————————————————–
PLEASE NOTE: Unlike most historical romances where the hero & heroine’s attraction and love for each other stops at a mere one book, this full length book is the beginning of many (Full length book episodes!) following the highly charged, erotic saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship. Every book is tied up in own way.
BOOK 1, Mr. Ridley (Available now!)
BOOK 2, The Devil is French (Pre-Order Now, Available 4/28/17)
BOOK 3, Reborn (Available 6/28/2017, with Pre-Order Available when second book hits)

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What a wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Marvelle. I am already excited for the next two installments in this series.
Jemdanee is not your typical heroine. She is a lot younger then I had expected her to be. But boy howdy is she tough. She knows what she wants in life and is not afraid to stand up for it. Even if it gets her into a very awkward situation.
Mr. Ridley… Where to begin with him. He is everything you think of when you think of talk, dark and mysterious. A mystery that you want so badly to solve. I really liked him. Although I really wanted to punch him multiple times during the book.
But these two together!! Fireworks!!! There will also be tears. I definitely shed a few tears. But I have faith the Ms. Marvelle knows what she is doing by killing a bit of my soul in this story. 😉
Until next time Mr. Ridley…..

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

March 31, 2017March 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Embracing Love by Alison Mello

TITLE: Embracing Love
SERIES #: Once Broken #1
CHARACTERS: Kenzie & Remy
AUTHOR: Alison Mello
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
McKenzie McCormick moved back home for one reason only, and falling for a soldier isn’t it…
Fort Stewart is only a few miles away, which means her hometown has its fair share of soldiers. But Kenzie chooses to steer clear of them, as she still struggles to cope with the grief of losing her father to war. All she wants to do is help her aunt take care of her ill grandmother—until a gorgeous green-eyed Army Captain moves back into town.
The last thing Captain Remington Bennett expects to find is a pretty brunette while out on his morning run…
Intrigued by the woman he passes almost every morning, Remy is determined to get to know the brown-eyed beauty. Kenzie is reluctant to get too close, but his persistence in pursuing her slowly breaks down her defenses, turning what started out as nothing more than a nod and a shy smile into something neither of them could have predicted.
War has already taken too much from her, and Kenzie can’t afford to lose her heart to a soldier…
Even though the mutual attraction becomes too strong to ignore, Kenzie keeps fighting her feelings for the handsome Captain. But when Remy is called out on a mission and she’s faced with the possibility he might not come back, Kenzie realizes she may have let her only chance at love slip through her fingers.
Now that Kenzie is finally ready to embrace love with the kind of man she has spent her entire life avoiding, it might just be too late…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok so this is going to sound like I didn’t like this book because I have a lot to say about it but here is the thing. I did enjoy it. It is not often a story can make tears roll down my cheeks so when this one did I knew I had become invested. So while this may sound like I have a lot of complaints I feel more like this is constructive criticism than anything else.

It took me a little while to get used to the way the author writes. The sentences are very clipped, like “When we arrive, I pull her seat out for her. She sits.” Also in the beginning the sex scenes seem out of the blue. Almost like someone told her to add scenes for more impact. The scenes are also repetitive.

I actually looked to see if this was the author’s first book but it is not. She has had a number of other ones but by the end of the book I was much more familiar with her way of writing and it seemed to be easier to read. And while the sec scenes don’t really improve all that much they just are part of the story and easily read through.

Now I want to say again…. I ended up really liking this story. The background characters are what really make this story. Remy’s family and Kenzie’s Nana are wonderful. I would recommend this story to pretty much anyone and would also say don’t judge a book by its first (or second) chapter.

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

March 30, 2017March 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Crazy For You by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: Crazy For You
SERIES #: Risking It All #2
CHARACTERS: Emma & Ryan
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SHE’S TAKING A WALK ON HIS WILD SIDE

Emma Rush can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a thing for Ryan Blake. Haven’s resident bad boy is just so freakin’ hot-with tattoos, a motorcycle, and enough rough-around-the-edges sexiness to melt all her self-control. Now that Emma’s over being a “good girl,” she needs a little help being naughty . . . and she knows just where to start.

Before Emma’s brother enlisted in the military, he made Ryan promise that he would protect her from everything–including himself. When her brother doesn’t come home, Ryan needs to turn his screwed-up life around to honor his pledge. But he knows he’s still not the right kind of guy for someone as sweet as Emma. Only he can’t stop wanting to be with her. Wanting her. Falling in love with a good girl may be the craziest risk this bad boy can take . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This story is adorable. We met both of these characters in the first book of the series, Run To You. Emma and Ryan have known each other since childhood. She was his best friends little sister. But until now Ryan never saw her as anything else…. Until now.

In the book it says Ryan is a sheep in wolf’s clothing and I think it is a perfect description. Ryan wants to give Emma the world, even if that includes their romance copying the pages of a romance novel. Emma just wants to live her life. She has always been the quiet little good girl but her life has changed and she just wants some adventure and Ryan in the perfect one to help her out.

I love this bunch of friends. I would want to be a part of this group and have these guys be big brothers and the girls be best friends. I enjoyed the addition of Ryan’s little brother Trent as well.

This is a great book. Perfect beach read or curl up on the couch and relax read. Can’t wait for Jessica and Mark’s story.

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

March 29, 2017March 26, 2017

Kelly reviews The Night Mark by Tiffany Reisz

TITLE: The Night Mark
CHARACTERS: Faye Barlow & Carrick Morgan
AUTHOR: Tiffany Reisz
PUBLICATION DATE: March 28, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She has nothing to live for in the present, but finds there’s something worth dying for in the past…
From Tiffany Reisz, the international bestselling storyteller behind The Bourbon Thief and The Original Sinners series, comes an enthralling new novel about a woman swept away by the tides who awakens to find herself in 1921, reunited with the husband she’s been mourning for four years. Fans of Kate Morton and Diana Gabaldon will fall in love with the mystery, romance and beauty of an isolated South Carolina lighthouse, where a power greater than love works its magic.

REVIEW:
Another wonderful story from Ms. Reisz. I absolutely love The Bourbon Thief so I was so excited when I say that Ms. Reisz had another story coming out. While this book is not a continuation of The Bourbon Thief the story does include Bride Island. When I started this book I was not sure what was going to happen. But I really enjoyed Faye/Faith’s time traveling romance. Faye’s journey is one that a lot of people can connect with. So many people wish they could go back in time and change something. But the question should be what are you going to give up in the present to relive the past.
If you enjoy time-traveling stories I think that you will enjoy this story very much. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Reisz has in store for us next.

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

March 23, 2017March 19, 2017

Kelly reviews Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

TITLE: Born a Crime
AUTHOR: Trevor Noah
NARRATOR: Trevor Noah
PUBLICATION DATE: November 15, 2016
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The compelling, inspiring, and comically sublime story of one man’s coming-of-age, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed.

Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents’ indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle.
Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother: his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life.
The eighteen personal essays collected here are by turns hilarious, dramatic, and deeply affecting. Whether subsisting on caterpillars for dinner during hard times, being thrown from a moving car during an attempted kidnapping, or just trying to survive the life-and-death pitfalls of dating in high school, Trevor illuminates his curious world with an incisive wit and unflinching honesty. His stories weave together to form a moving and searingly funny portrait of a boy making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time, armed only with a keen sense of humor and a mother’s unconventional, unconditional love.

REVIEW:
This was a very enjoyable book. I really enjoyed having Trevor read this to me also. There is no way I would have ever been able to pronounce the African languages. This is just a wonderful love story to his mother. Trevor’s mom is a freaking rock star. I can’t even imagine my child being as naughty as him.
My favorite part of this book is the magnifying glass and the matches. I laughed so hard (kinda felt bad about it too).
Born a Crime is a wild ride of emotional highs and lows that makes you look at the life you have and be thankful all the potholes that you hit. Because they are just that. A bump in the road. Even if you get a flat you find a way to keep going. Now I don’t think I will try my hand at jumping out of a moving car. But you know sometimes you just have to do it.
If you are looking for a good read you should think about picking up a copy of this book or better yet grab the audio book.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 21, 2017March 19, 2017

Kimberly reviews Bound Together by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Bound Together
SERIES #: Sea Haven/Sisters Of The Heart #6
CHARACTERS: Viktor & Blythe
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/21/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For five years, Viktor Prakenskii has put his life on hold in order to take down the world’s most feared motorcycle club from the inside. But carrying out the insane violence and seeing the club’s exploitation of the innocent has brought his traumatic past roaring back. And there’s only one cure: to see the wife he left behind…

Blythe Daniels thought she’d never see Viktor again after he murdered her stepfather and left without a word. She rebuilt her life without him, becoming a personal trainer and physical therapist…becoming strong enough for others to lean on. But when Viktor comes back to Sea Haven, he’ll make Blythe question everything she thought she knew about good and evil—and the dark desires of the heart…

REVIEW:
Wow what a way to end the series. Christine Feehan is one of the all time best at story telling as far as I am concerned. We finally get Viktor’s story. I really believe the series was wrapped up and brought it all together.

This is a story of a second chance at love and understanding.

I do hope that Feehan figures out a way to bring some of the background characters into another series eventually. Some were great characters.

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

March 16, 2017March 12, 2017

Kelly reviews Quieter Than Killing by Sarah Hillary

TITLE: Quieter Than Killing
SERIES #: DI Marnie Rome #4
CHARACTERS: DI Marnie Rome
AUTHOR: Sarah Hillary
PUBLICATION DATE: March 9, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s winter, the nights are dark and freezing, and a series of seemingly random assaults is pulling DI Marnie Rome and DS Noah Jake out onto streets of London. When Marnie’s family home is ransacked, there are signs that the burglary can have only been committed by someone who knows her. Then a child goes missing, yet no-one has reported it. Suddenly, events seem connected, and it’s personal.

Someone out there is playing games. It is time for both Marnie and Noah to face the truth about the creeping, chilling reaches of a troubled upbringing. Keeping quiet can be a means of survival, but the effects can be as terrible as killing.

REVIEW:
Quieter Than Killing takes us on a ride of murder, kidnapping and revenge. DI Rome and DS Jake have new mystery on their hands. At first things don’t seem to fit any kind of normal profile. But as they dig deep and deep the connections start to from. And just when you think you have all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed you learn something new. So you have to ask yourself…… How far would you go for revenge?

Another wonderful story by Ms. Hillary. Just when I thought that Marnie’s life couldn’t get more complicated Quieter Than Killing brings out some very troubling issues. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

March 10, 2017March 5, 2017

Kimberly reviews Flash Of Fury by Lea Griffith

TITLE: Flash of Fury
SERIES #: Endgame Ops #1
CHARACTERS: King & Allie
AUTHOR: Lea Griffith
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Their spark is immediate

Kingston McNally lost men when someone betrayed his team, and now he’s out for retribution. His quest for the enemy’s courier leads him to Cameroon and Allie Redding, a petite Peace Corps volunteer as stubborn as she is brave. Their attraction is immediate, but Allie has secrets of her own…and she’s not giving them up easily.

But their secrets could burn them both

Allie’s life has been spent hiding in plain sight, but she’s had enough of her cloak-and-dagger existence. On her way home, her plane is hijacked-and King saves her life. But that doesn’t mean she owes him anything…even if he is the most damnably sexy man she’s ever laid eyes on. He’s got black ops and secrets written all over him, and trust is a two-way street.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed this book. King is damn hot if you ask me. His character is strong, a natural leader, dominate and yet can turn that around for the woman who grabs his heart… which is exactly what Allie does.

There are a LOT of twist and turns to this story. There is also a lot of fighting, running and sexual tension.
And a bit of repetitive storyline.

The story does have a bit of a feel that we have missed something. I actually wondered if I had missed the first in the series but checked and this is the first one. But even though it has that feel it does answer all the questions that the reader does have.

I really really really enjoyed this book. The only reason the number wasn’t higher is the repetitiveness. There is a lot of action and sometimes I just kind of felt like “won’t these two ever get a break?”. And some thoughts and storyline is repeated a bit too many times. But again reading this book is worth it every repeated letter.

I can’t wait until the next one. And the funny part is I don’t even care who’s story it is because all of the guys at Endgame Ops are just the kind of guys I love reading about!!!

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