4 Star – Page 41 – Books-n-Kisses

March 9, 2017March 5, 2017

Kelly reviews Firestorm by Donna Grant

TITLE: Firestorm
SERIES #: Dark Kings #
CHARACTERS: Dimitri & Faith
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: March 7, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SCORCHED BY DESIRE

Dimitri lives to protect the secret of the Dragon Kings from the human race. Bound by a bond stronger than blood to the Kings, Dimitri uses his strength and prowess to defend a thousand-year-old secret. But when an oh-so-sexy, slightly absent-minded archaeologist wanders into his midst, Dimitri will have to give up his rules, and give in to desire…

When Dr. Faith Reynold stumbles upon an ancient skeleton that appears it comes from a dragon, she’s completely taken aback. A woman of science, there’s no way in her mind that this mythological creature can exist. But when a devilishly handsome man named Dimitri intercepts her path to uncovering the truth, Faith’s curiosity turns into all-consuming passion. She’s never felt this way about any man before. But when Dimitri reveals his biggest secret, can she learn to love the man—as well as the dragon within, in Firestorm, the next Dark Kings novel by New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed Dimitri’s book. I liked that this storyline went in a different direction from prior books. I enjoyed learning more about the Dragon Kings history and the events that surround them forcing their dragons away. My heart broke for Dimitri when he realized what was in that mountain. I am on the fence about Faith. I neither loved or hated her. I felt she was somewhere in the middle of the road for me.
I will have to say the highlight of this story is the lengthy conversation that Rhi & Con have. Yes, they actually have a conversation.
I have been loving this series (and the Reapers) but I am getting very antsy waiting for Rhi’s story and the final showdown. I know what I would like to have happen, but like all evil authors Ms. Grant is making us wait.
Until next time Kings.

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

March 8, 2017March 5, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Girl In The Painting by Kirsty Ferry

TITLE: The Girl In The Painting
SERIES #: Rossetti Mysteries #2
CHARACTERS: Cori & Simon
AUTHOR: Kirsty Ferry
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What if you thought you knew a secret that could change history?
Whilst standing engrossed in her favourite Pre-Raphaelite painting – Millais’s Ophelia – Cori catches the eye of Tate gallery worker, Simon, who is immediately struck by her resemblance to the red-haired beauty in the famous artwork.

The attraction is mutual, but Cori has other things on her mind. She has recently acquired the diary of Daisy, a Victorian woman with a shocking secret. As Cori reads, it soon becomes apparent that Daisy will stop at nothing to be heard, even outside of the pages of her diary …

Will Simon stick around when life becomes increasingly spooky for Cori, as she moves ever closer to uncovering the truth about Daisy’s connection to the girl in her favourite painting?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and I am most certainly going back to pick up book 1( Some Veil Did Fall). I won’t say this book is perfect. It isn’t. It can be a little jumpy and some things move fast and others slow but something about this book pulled me in within a couple of pages and I just kept wanting to read it. But honestly I can’t pin down what it is.

Cori is obsessed with a painting and meets Simon at the museum. Then she is given the diary of the person who may be the girl in the painting (hence the title). The issue comes when Daisy (the author of the diary) comes to Cori in spiritual form and Cori freaks out, rightfully so. Simon is by her side throughout the situation but so is Lissy, Becky and Jon from book 1.

I have to say that I believe it was the writing that pulled me in. The story is interesting and the characters are good, the romance is ok and the setting is common but something about this story was just so wonderful.

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

March 6, 2017March 5, 2017

Kelly reviews Face The Flames by Jo Davis

TITLE: Face the Flames
SERIES #: Sugarland Blues #6
CHARACTERS: Clay Montana & Melissa Ryan
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: March 7, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The author of “Bring the Heat “returns to Sugarland, where a firefighter from Station Five will face the dangers in risking his heart…
A near-fatal accident left firefighter/paramedic Clay Montana with devastating injuries. Now, after a year-long recovery, Clay is focused on one thing: getting his body back to form, so he can return to the job he loves. And then a chance meeting with a fiery redhead changes his life…
Detective Melissa Ryan may be the new cop on the block, but she’s no stranger to Sugarland. It’s where she lived with her violent, criminal uncle a man she needs to see behind bars. But when she meets Clay at a crime scene, the down-but-far-from-out firefighter makes her rethink her priorities.
Getting close to Clay is intoxicating, but Melissa must keep her wits about her if she s to protect them from a man with deadly intentions ”

REVIEW:
CLAY!! I am so glad that we finally got Clay’s story. As all of the guys/gals start to fall in love, Clay finds himself the odd man out. But he is okay with that or he thought he was. There is nothing like almost dying to put your life into perspective.
Clay is great. I really liked his grit and determination to get back into the Station house. Throw in the tough new Detective Melissa Ryan and you get fireworks from the word go. I enjoyed the fireworks between these two. But I am thinking these two need to live in a safety bubble.
I loved how all the guys/gals of Station Five are always there for each other too. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series for us.

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.

March 2, 2017February 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews What We Find by Robyn Carr

TITLE: What We Find
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #1
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Cal
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/05/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman’s journey to finding the happiness she’s long been missing

Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency, high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she’s never faced before. It’s in this desperate moment that Maggie’s boyfriend decides he can’t handle her emotional baggage, and she’s left alone, exhausted and unsure of what her future holds. One thing is certain, though: she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing.

Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie’s estranged father, Sully. Though raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced, Maggie has always adored Sully—despite his hands-off approach to fatherhood. When she shows up unannounced in Sullivan’s Crossing, he welcomes her with opens arms, and she relishes the opportunity to rebuild their relationship.

But when Sully has a sudden heart attack, Maggie’s world is rocked once again. Consumed with his care, she’s relieved to find that Cal Jones, a quiet and serious-looking camper, has been taking over many of Sully’s responsibilities as he recuperates. Still, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man’s eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.

Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

REVIEW:
Robyn Carr is one of my favorites and this book lets you know why. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are delightful and real. The story had lots of emotion including but not limited to love, laughter, sweetness, understanding and so much more. It makes you believe in love and want to fall all over again.

The story isn’t perfect. Well I guess I should say the writing isn’t because the middle of the book was pretty wordy for no reason. It didn’t add anything but did slow the book down a bit. Cal could have had a bit more personality but all that being said I really enjoyed the story.

Can’t wait to read the next in the series.

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

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March 1, 2017February 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews On The Hunt by Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall, Hannah Jayne

TITLE: On The Hunt
SERIES #: Sentinels #2.5
CHARACTERS: Varied
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall, Hannah Jayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Four of today’s most intriguing paranormal authors entice readers deep into the shadows, where vampires, immortals, and other supernatural creatures heat up the night…

ON THE HUNT by Alexandra Ivy
Mika Tanner has loved Bailey Morrell, a beautiful Healer, since childhood. But his duty as a Sentinel, a supernatural guardian of an ancient race, clashed with her rebellious spirit. Now a dangerous new anarchist group not only threatens life as they know it—but any chance of their being together again…

SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti
With a deadly disease spreading like wildfire across the country, microbiologist Nora Medina needs to focus all her energy on stopping the pandemic. Playing with dynamite—in the form of her way-too-hot ex—is the last thing she should be doing. But forced to work with Deacan McDougall against unexpected enemies with the seconds ticking by, she knows the explosion is coming…

PHANTOM EMBRACE by Dianne Duvall
Immortal Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, yet he’s never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.

STAKE OUT by Hannah Jayne
Vampire fashion designer Nina LaShay has a lot on her plate—just two days until fashion week and the model who was flirting with her photographer boyfriend is now a corpse in her studio. But when dead turns into undead and dangerous, Nina must find out who’s responsible…before the beautiful baby vamp takes too many bites out of the Big Apple.

REVIEW:
This book included two of my favorite paranormal authors (Ivy and Zanetti) but to be honest I have never read the other two. I feel like I didn’t enjoy the other two stories because I hadn’t read the beginning of the series. Yes they can be read alone but it seems to have left me a little lost.

Now regarding Ivy and Zanetti. How can you not enjoy their works? They are the queens of paranormal and nothing they write can be bad. This is half stories from the series so I suggest reading the series before reading these but at the same time if you want to start up the series this might be a good start.

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

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February 28, 2017February 27, 2017

Kelly reviews Into The Fire by Jeaniene Frost

TITLE: Into The Fire
SERIES #: Night Prince#4
CHARACTERS: Vlad & Leila
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: February 28, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the explosive finale to New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series, Vlad is in danger of losing his bride to an enemy whose powers might prove greater than the Prince of Vampires….

In the wrong hands, love can be a deadly weapon.

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Let’s start by saying VLAD!!!! I could just stop right there with this review and everyone would be happy. Because, well VLAD!!! I mean come on who doesn’t love this guy? Well maybe not his enemies or anyone that pisses him off or looks at Leila wrong or well pretty much anyone outside of his tiny little bubble of important people. But still it is VLAD!!! So we will just look past all the rest of that.
I really enjoyed this last book in Vlad & Leila’s series (although I can always hold out hope that there will be more. Just like I have not given up on more Cat & Bones). In Into the Fire we get to see Vlad at his best and worst. We learn a WHOLE lot more about Leila and her abilities. We also get a few cameo’s of one of our favorite English bachelor vampires. 😀
While Ms. Frost said that this is the last book in Vlad & Leila’s series I felt that there are a lot of unanswered questions. I don’t want to say what those questions are for fear of giving away anything important. But I hope that this means that we have not seen the last of Dracula and his bride!
If you have read book 1-3 you will really enjoy this final book. If you have not started this series yet. You really need to read this series in order (at least the Vlad books, but I would suggest reading the whole Night Huntress Universe. I really can’t wait to see what is next in this world.

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

February 27, 2017February 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery

TITLE: A Million Little Things
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Zoe, Jen & Pam
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the bestselling author of The Girls of Mischief Bay and The Friends We Keep comes a twisty tale of family dynamics that explores what can go terribly, hysterically wrong when the line between friendship and family blurs

Zoe Saldivar is more than just single-she’s ALONE. She recently broke up with her longtime boyfriend, she works from home and her best friend Jen is so obsessed with her baby that she has practically abandoned their friendship. The day Zoe accidentally traps herself in her attic with her hungry-looking cat, she realizes that it’s up to her to stop living in isolation.

Her seemingly empty life takes a sudden turn for the complicated-her first new friend is Jen’s widowed mom, Pam. The only guy to give her butterflies in a very long time is Jen’s brother. And meanwhile, Pam is being very deliberately seduced by Zoe’s own smooth-as-tequila father. Pam’s flustered, Jen’s annoyed and Zoe is beginning to think “alone” doesn’t sound so bad, after all.

Friendship isn’t just one thing-it’s a million little things, and no one writes them with more heart and humor than book club sensation Susan Mallery!

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series. I am not sure if there will be more. Mallery usually has an added trilogy beyond her Fool’s Gold series so I wonder if this will be the last one. These stories are more real than the Fool’s Gold books. These aren’t really about romance even though romance is involved. The trilogy stories are about life. This is the story of Pam, Zoe and Jen. Each dealing with their own life and loss.

I enjoy these extra series books. However, I am more of a fan of Fool’s Gold series. These books make you think and have some inner reflection. You can never go wrong with Susan Mallery. Nothing she writes will ever be a disappointment… how could it be when she is the queen of romance?

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

February 23, 2017February 19, 2017

Kimberly reviews Grandma Must Die by Maureen L. Bonatch

TITLE: Grandma Must Die
CHARACTERS: Carman & Dylan
AUTHOR: Maureen L. Bonatch
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/07/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.

Magic bounty hunter Dylan has scoured libraries of banned magic paraphernalia seeking a method to distinguish genuine witches from impersonators. He suspects unorthodox librarian Carman might hold this information tighter than the hair he’s dying to unleash from her bun. With a past as hidden as his sleeve of tattoos, Dylan discovers he’s been used to gain Carman’s trust and their passion risks more than mixing mortals and magic.

REVIEW:
Ok this book made me actually laugh out loud a number of times. The humor alone is worth reading this book for but the story is worth it too.

There are a lot of twists in this story. The magic is in more than the storyline but in the writing as well. Carmen is adorable.

This is a quick read. It is very lighthearted so just sit back and laugh and enjoy.

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

February 20, 2017February 19, 2017

Kelly reviews The Night Bird by Brian Freeman

TITLE: The Night Bird
SERIES #: Frost Easton #1
CHARACTERS: Frost Easton
AUTHOR: Brian Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: February 1, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Homicide detective Frost Easton doesn’t like coincidences. When a series of bizarre deaths rock San Francisco—as seemingly random women suffer violent psychotic breaks—Frost looks for a connection that leads him to psychiatrist Francesca Stein. Frankie’s controversial therapy helps people erase their most terrifying memories…and all the victims were her patients.

As Frost and Frankie carry out their own investigations, the case becomes increasingly personal—and dangerous. Long-submerged secrets surface as someone called the Night Bird taunts the pair with cryptic messages pertaining to the deaths. Soon Frankie is forced to confront strange gaps in her own memory, and Frost faces a killer who knows the detective’s worst fears.

As the body count rises and the Night Bird circles ever closer, a dedicated cop and a brilliant doctor race to solve the puzzle before a cunning killer claims another victim.

REVIEW:
This is my first Brian Freeman book. I have very high hopes for Detective Easton and I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series! If you are a suspense lover you should pick up The Night Bird. It is very disturbing. I mean what could possible go wrong with a therapist that has learned how to mess with you memories.

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

February 15, 2017February 12, 2017

Kimberly reviews Heartbreak Hotel by Jonathan Kellerman

TITLE: Heartbreak Hotel
SERIES #: Alex Delaware #32
CHARACTERS: Alex Delaware
AUTHOR: Jonathan Kellerman
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/14/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis investigate the death of Alex’s most mysterious patient to date in the sensational new thriller from the master of suspense, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman.

At nearly one hundred years old, Thalia Mars is a far cry from the patients that child psychologist Alex Delaware normally treats. But the charming, witty woman convinces Alex to meet with her in a suite at the Aventura, a luxury hotel with a checkered history.

What Thalia wants from Alex are answers to unsettling questions—about guilt, patterns of criminal behavior, victim selection. When Alex asks the reason for her morbid fascination, Thalia promises to tell all during their next session. But when he shows up the following morning, he is met with silence: Thalia is dead in her room.

When questions arise about how Thalia perished, Alex and homicide detective Milo Sturgis must peel back the layers of a fascinating but elusive woman’s life and embark on one of the most baffling investigations either of them has ever experienced. For Thalia Mars is a victim like no other, an enigma who harbored nearly a century of secrets and whose life and death draw those around her into a vortex of violence.

REVIEW:
I wish I could say that I have read all 32 books in this series but I haven’t. It has been very hit and miss for me. But I have come to realize that it is also hit and miss for me if I enjoy the story. But this one I enjoyed.

The feel of the book is pure film noir. So much is going on with a ton of characters that I found a bit hard to keep track of. There is a lot going on in this story but it does keep your interest. The downside is some things are a bit graphic. There is a rape scene that is really really hard to read.

If you are a fan of film noir or dark thrillers or suspense in general I think you will enjoy this story.

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

February 13, 2017February 12, 2017

Kelly reviews The Hardest Hit by Jennifer Fusco

TITLE: The Hardest Hit
SERIES #: Ringside #3
CHARACTERS: Trevor Redding & Chelsea Fox
AUTHOR: Jennifer Fusco
PUBLICATION DATE: September 20, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Vegas. You’ve got ringside seats to the world’s hottest boxing match. Watch fearless champions. Meet the women that knock them off their feet. Fans of Katy Evans, Jamie McGuire and RJ Prescott – let’s get ready to ruuummble.
Trevor Redding has two families: the boxers at Stamina Gym and the dancers at The Gentlemen’s Club, where he works as a bouncer. So when one of the dancers is attacked, he rushes to the rescue, winding up in the hospital himself. Being his own boss, he’s not interested in what Dr Chelsea Fox has to say, no matter how stunningly beautiful she is. Concussion or not, he has the biggest fight of his career coming up. Everyone at Stamina is counting on him.
When Chelsea discovers that Trevor will do anything to fight, including hiding his diagnosis, she decides to show her roguishly handsome patient who’s boss – and just how rewarding it is to follow this doctor’s orders.
Ready for another round? Don’t miss Books One and Two in the series, Fighting For It and Going The Distance.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoyed Trevor and Chelsea’s story. Both characters are tough and determined. But there is something holding them each back. For Trevor it is recent activities and his ability to not fight. For Chelsea it is trying to live up to the standard that everyone else sets on her. I did enjoy the struggle between these two. I do wish that Trevor had been a tad bit more open minded and listened more. And Chelsea while doing the right thing should have just been honest.
I have enjoyed this whole series and hope that this is not the last that we see of this world.

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.

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February 9, 2017February 5, 2017

Kelly reviews My Sister’s Bones by Nuala Ellwood

TITLE: My Sister’s Bones
CHARACTERS: Kate Rafter
AUTHOR: Nuala Ellwood
PUBLICATION DATE: February 9, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘COMPELLING AND INTRIGUING, RIGHT FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE’ Sharon Bolton

ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO GO BACK?

Kate Rafter is a successful war reporter. She’s the strong one. The one who escaped Herne Bay and the memories it holds. Her sister Sally didn’t. Instead, she drinks.

But when their mother dies, Kate is forced to return to the old family home. And on her first night she is woken by a terrifying scream.

What secret has Kate stumbled upon?
And is she strong enough to uncover the truth . . . and make it out alive?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is my first story by Nuala Ellwood and WOW!! This was an emotional rollercoaster of a story. From page one I was drawn into Kate’s story. Kate has lived through hell as a kid and as an adult she puts herself in hell all the time. Kate is a journalist that puts herself in the middle of war zones and places no one else wants to go. But there is one place that Kate never wants to go to again. That is home. But with the death of her mother Kate knows it is time to face her past. But the events that are about to unfold even the seasoned journalist like Kate will never be prepared for.
I have to say that Nuala Ellwood kept me guessing the whole time. I honestly could not figure out what was going to happen until Ms. Ellwood told me and even when all was revealed I was still shocked. Such a great story and for this to be Ms. Ellwood’s debut novel is amazing!! I will be looking forward to what she has in store for us next.
If you are a suspense lover you need to add My Sister’s Bones to your must read list!

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

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