4 Star – Page 42 – Books-n-Kisses

February 8, 2017February 5, 2017

Kelly reviews Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Justice Ascending
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #3
CHARACTERS: Tace Justice & Sami Steel
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Tace Justice was a good ole Texas cowboy who served his country and loved his mama. After Scorpius, the world became dark, dangerous, and deadly… and so did he. The Vanguard medic is stronger, faster, and smarter than before, but he’s lost the line between right and wrong. His passion is absolute, and when he focuses it on one woman, there’s no turning back for either of them.

Sami Steel has been fighting to survive right alongside Tace, convincing the Vanguard soldiers she’s one of them. In truth, Sami is a former hacker turned government agent who worked at The Bunker, where scientists stored both contaminants and cures. Only she knows the location, and she’s not telling. Yet when sexual fire explodes between her and Tace, she’ll face even that hell again to save him.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Justice Ascending takes us back into a world that has been destroyed by the Scorpius bacterium and things are not getting any better for the people of Vanguard. Tace Justice has been trying to come to terms with himself after he was affected by Scorpius. Is it bad that I enjoyed reading about Tace’s struggles? Maybe not, it was good to see a vulnerable side to him. I really liked that Sami is tough and wants to be treated the same as any other soldier. Her backstory and the secrets she has been keeping proved very helpful. I enjoyed these two together.

Really enjoyed this book and was happy that Tace and Sami finally got together. I can’t wait to see what happens next. There are so many directions that Ms. Zanetti can go after the events of Justice Ascending. I am very much looking forward to it!

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

February 7, 2017February 5, 2017

Kimberly reviews Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Crossing Hearts
SERIES #: Cross Creek #1
CHARACTERS: Kimberly Kincaid
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this story. The reason I gave it 3.75 instead of 4 is there are just so many with the second chance at love storyline that it gets to be the same over and over. Now that being said this story was really good.

When Emerson comes home it is not because it is where she wants to be but because she is sick and even though she doesn’t tell her family she still needs to be home. Hunter is a good guy who, of course, never got over his first love. I have to say the sex scenes are worth reading.

The biggest problem was the illness. It just seemed to only be relevant when it was part of the plot and not other times. Meaning she can barely function at one point but can have the hot sex scenes I just talked about and let’s not even discuss the other physical activities she does without mention of hurting but having to push on, etc.

I think the story is good and worth the read.

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

February 6, 2017February 5, 2017

Kelly reviews The List by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The List
SERIES #: The List #1
CHARACTERS: Simon Traxel & Cassie Michaels
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the millionaire owner of a chain of computer shops, Simon Traxel isn’t normally hands-on with mundane repairs. But when a fretful brunette shows up with her fried laptop and killer green eyes, he makes an exception. And as it turns out, she needs more hands-on help than Simon imagined.

Brainy soil scientist Cassie Michaels has spent her whole life feeling like a grungy tree trunk beside her delicate flower sisters. To make herself more interesting, Cassie invented stories about her wild sex life—stories she’s expected to retell in vivid detail at a bachelorette party. Cassie’s attempt to catalog her biggest whoppers goes awry when she spills wine on her laptop and lands in Simon’s shop with her sexy list frozen on the screen.

But Simon’s interest is piqued, and the two strike a deal to make Cassie’s make-believe sexploits a reality. From steamy public romps gone hilariously awry, to sexy antics with kitchen utensils, their quest to conquer The List is equal parts scorching hot and adorably awkward.

As they near the end of The List though, Cassie and Simon second guess their pledge to shake hands and say goodbye when they cross off the last item. But will Simon’s big secret make that the one fantasy that can never come true?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a fun read. I really enjoyed the interaction between Simon and Cassie from the first met. It helped that their first meeting was hilarious. I mean who could have had worse luck than Cassie? Well at least at the moment that she had to walk into the Hot Swap Computer store. But from there on she should be thankful for that spilled wine.
And Simon, sweet, sweet Simon. He is very giving and kind and will pretty much perfect.
The two of them together are great and their journey through the List is hilarious, fun and beyond smexy!!
My only fault with this story was that it was a little predictable. But even with that I truly enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what is next for us in this series. I have a funny feeling that Cassie’s sister is in for a wild ride.

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

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February 2, 2017January 29, 2017

Kelly reviews Tastes Like Fear by Sarah Hilary

TITLE: Tastes like Fear
SERIES #: DI Marnie Rome #3
CHARACTERS: Marine Rome
AUTHOR: Sarah Hilary
PUBLICATION DATE: April 7, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sarah Hilary won the 2015 Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year with her debut, the 2014 Richard and Judy pick SOMEONE ELSE’S SKIN. She followed up with NO OTHER DARKNESS, proclaimed as ‘riveting’ by Lisa Gardner and ‘truly mesmerising’ by David Mark. Now D.I. Marnie Rome returns in her third novel.
Home is where Harm lies…
The young girl who causes the fatal car crash disappears from the scene.
A runaway who doesn’t want to be found, she only wants to go home.
To the one man who understands her.
Gives her shelter.
Just as he gives shelter to the other lost girls who live in his house.
He’s the head of her new family.
He’s Harm.
And when Harm’s family is threatened, Marnie Rome is about to find out that everything tastes like fear

REVIEW:
Tastes like Fear had me guessing all the way to the end. I never thought… Ms. Hilary does an amazing job of keeping us wondering with every page. There is so much going on and so many people that could have. I will stop right there.
I just adore this series. I love Marnie. She is tough, yet broken. She knows her strengths and weakness. And she always gets the job done.
My only complaint is that I listened to the first to books on audio, but the new books are not going to be published in the US. Bummer. Really love Justine Eyre!! But that said I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series (Quieter than Killing 03.09.17)
If you enjoy suspense books you really should pick up a copy of Someone Else’s Skin (bk1) and dive into the world of DI Marnie Rome.

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

February 1, 2017January 29, 2017

Kelly reviews Abandon by Blake Crouch

TITLE: Abandon
CHARACTERS: Abigail Foster
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 23 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2009
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On Christmas Day in 1893, every man, woman, and child in a remote gold mining town disappeared, belongings forsaken, meals left to freeze in vacant cabins – and not a single bone was ever found. One hundred thirteen years later, two backcountry guides are hired by a history professor and his journalist daughter to lead them into the abandoned mining town, so they can learn what happened. With them is a psychic and a paranormal photographer, as the town is rumored to be haunted. A party that tried to explore the town years ago was never heard from again. What this crew is about to discover is that twenty miles from civilization, with a blizzard bearing down, they are not alone, and the past is very much alive.

REVIEW:
Another disturbingly good story from Mr. Crouch. Abandon tells the story of the past events of Christmas Day 1893 and one man’s need to solve this mystery. The story bounces back and forth between 1893 and present so that we are experiencing the original town folks and Abigail’s struggles. This story was as I said disturbingly good. I felt for the people of 1893. Life was not easy by any means. But as the story goes on and on you learn just how hard life was in 1893.
Lawrence Foster spend most of his adult life obsessed with Abandon and the mystery that Christmas Day. Lawrence was able to get a special permit to go to Abandon and try to learn more. More about the people and more about what happened. Lawrence also used this trip to reconnect with his daughter Abigail. With a couple of guides and a couple of ghost hunters they set off to find Abandon’s secrets. What they didn’t know was what learning these secrets would cost them.
Great story! I have had this on my read list for a long time and very happy that I finally got a chance to read it. Well I let the very talented Luke Daniels read this story to me. Luke did an amazing job of bring the characters to life.

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

January 31, 2017January 29, 2017

Kelly reviews Breath Of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

TITLE: Breath of Fire
SERIES #: Kingmaker Chronicles #2
CHARACTERS: Griffin, Cat and Beta Team
AUTHOR: Amanda Bouchet
NARRATOR: Mia Barron
PUBLICATION DATE: January 3, 2017
RUN TIME: 15 Hours & 21 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SHE’S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD…
“Cat” Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat’s tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what’s a girl to do when she knows it’s her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom…or not at all.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Again, another amazing story from Ms. Bouchet. I am so in love with the world and her characters both good and bad. Breath of Fire picks up shortly after the end of the events in A Promise of Fire. So many things happen in Breath of Fire that will make you love the characters even more than you did before. But I will say that I think Kato my be my favorite of Beta Team. Cat & Kato form an amazing friendship in this story that at times broke my heart. Seeing Kato behind that wall of ice *tears*. While sad I think it might have been my favorite part of the book.
I so can not wait for the next book in this series. I do truly hope that Ms. Bouchet will continue this world. Because Kato, Flynn and Carver all need their stories told!! Oh and the girls too!!! Oh I can’t wait for Heart on Fire.
Again I let the very talented Mia Barron read this amazing book to me!! I really can’t wait to jump into the next book with her. If you are an audiobook fan I would suggest listening to the sample and judge for yourself.
But whether you buy in paper, ebook or audio you really really really need to read this series. Ms. Bouchet’s take on mythology is epic!!

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

January 30, 2017January 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Justice Ascending
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #3
CHARACTERS: Tace & Sami
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

REVIEW:
Again I have to say that I am not into the whole post-apocalyptic world that is popular right now but I am into Rebecca Zanetti and will read anything she writes.

Tace is great. Even in the world that I really just don’t understand I really want him to be on my side and want to protect him as well. Sami is strong and yet is the sweetest of women. She would do anything for her friends with just a “please” being said.

I try to put the world out of my head and focus on the people and story. I really don’t want to say too much because I worry it would be negative when I don’t want it to be. As I said this is just not my cup of tea but I wouldn’t miss a Zanetti story for the world, even an apocalyptic world.

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

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January 26, 2017January 23, 2017

Kimberly review On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: On Second Thought
CHARACTERS: Ainsley & Kate
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/31/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Following in the footsteps of her critically acclaimed novel If You Only Knew , multi-bestselling author Kristan Higgins returns with a pitch-perfect look at the affection—and the acrimony—that binds sisters together

Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is for Eric to blindside her with a tactless breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her half sister, Kate, who’s already struggling after the sudden loss of her new husband.

Kate has always been so poised, so self-assured, but Nathan’s death shatters everything she thought she knew—including her husband—and sometimes the people who step up aren’t the ones you expect. With seven years and a murky blended-family dynamic between them, Ainsley and Kate have never been overly close, but their shared sorrow dovetails their faltering worlds into one.

Despite the lifetime of history between them, the sisters must learn to put their differences aside and open their hearts to the inevitable imperfection of family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.

REVIEW:
So I liked this story but I wouldn’t say that I loved it. The characters are odd to me. Not so odd that I couldn’t enjoy them but there is just something odd about them. Ainsley just wants to be loved and she sticks with a guy for 11 years even though he is self centered and obnoxious. Kate is older and finds love with Nathan but months after the wedding he dies. Kate is a bit lost and delusional in her desire to be pregnant from her deceased husband.

Now none of that sounds weird but it is. Ainsley and Kate were never close as half sisters but their shared loss brings them together. Of the 450+ pages the first half of book is sadness and loss. A bit of sisters coming together. The second half is them finding what they really want from life. It has a bit of hate to love relationship and friends to lovers relationship.

The problem is I can’t really even say what this story is… It is about love and romance? No. Is it about sisterly bonding? No not really. But I can tell you one thing…..Gram Gram is adorable in her dementia.

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

January 25, 2017January 23, 2017

Kimberly reviews Power Game by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Power Game
SERIES #: GhostWalkers #13
CHARACTERS: Zeke & Bellisia
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/24/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When members of a United Nations joint security force are taken hostage by radical terrorists in Indonesia, Captain Ezekiel Fortunes is called to lead the rescue team. Part of a classified government experiment, Zeke is a supersoldier with enhanced abilities. He can see better and run faster than the enemy, disappear when necessary and hunt along any terrain. There are those in the world willing to do anything for power like that…

A formidable spy genetically engineered to hide in plain sight, Bellisia rarely meets a man who doesn’t want to control her or kill her. But Zeke is different. His gaze, his touch—they awaken feelings inside her that she never thought possible. He’s the kind of man she could settle down with—if she can keep him alive…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Man how I love this series! I have been waiting for Zeke’s story. He has powers that even some of the other GhostWalkers do not have but he is so interesting. Zeke has so much to offer and is the ultimate protector to those he loves but he doesn’t feel like he deserves or will ever find love which makes me just sad… but then Bellisia comes into his life and he knows he has to protect her.

Bellisia is an amazing character. She is strong and has special abilities but she is still just a sweetheart. I found her to be my favorite character in the book. She just always held my attention. If it has been a movie she would have held my attention each time she was on screen.

Everyone is this book is great. Since this is the 13th in the series some things can be a bit of the same old same old but with this series it is more than ok. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

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

January 24, 2017January 24, 2017

Kelly reviews Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Accidentally on Purpose
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Archer Hunt & Elle Wheaten
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: January 24, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaton’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Archer is dark and mysterious. But while he seems to have it all together there is always more than meets the eye. Elle puts on a great front of being totally in control and not needing anyone. But she has to learn that sometimes you need a little help from your friends.
I am always excited to pick up one of Ms. Shalvis’ books and from book one in this series I have been waiting and excited about Archer’s book. It is safe to say that I loved it. I can’t wait to see what is next for this series!

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

January 18, 2017January 15, 2017

Kelly reviews A Merciful Death by Kendra Elliott

TITLE: A Merciful Death
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #1
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: January 17, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI special agent Mercy Kilpatrick has been waiting her whole life for disaster to strike. A prepper since childhood, Mercy grew up living off the land—and off the grid—in rural Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. Until a shocking tragedy tore her family apart and forced her to leave home. Now a predator known as the caveman is targeting the survivalists in her hometown, murdering them in their homes, stealing huge numbers of weapons, and creating federal suspicion of a possible domestic terrorism event. But the crime scene details are eerily familiar to an unsolved mystery from Mercy’s past.

Sent by the FBI to assist local law enforcement, Mercy returns to Eagle’s Nest to face the family who shunned her while maintaining the facade of a law-abiding citizen. There, she meets police chief Truman Daly, whose uncle was the cave man’s latest victim. He sees the survivalist side of her that she desperately tries to hide, but if she lets him get close enough to learn her secret, she might not survive the fallout

REVIEW:
As an FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has always wondered when the other shoe would drop. Wondered went fate and karma would join forces and make her face her past. And it looks like time just ran out. Mercy is assigned to a multiple murder that takes her back to her home town. A place she had hoped to never visit again. The question is how will the people of Eagle’s Nest react to her return and how much of the past will resurface.

YAY!!! Mercy is a series!!! I loved Mercy when we originally meet her in Targeted (Callahan & McLane bk4). She is a very in depth character and has so many sides that I believe that we still haven’t seen or learned everything about Mercy. And Truman. How can you not like this guy? He is tough and determined. He is willing to do just about anything to get the answers to these murders. Except risking never having a chance with Mercy. These two are a great team.

I devoured this book in one sitting. I kinda wish that I had taken more time to read it because now I have to wait for the next installment in this series. I seriously can’t wait to see what is next for Mercy and Truman!!!

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

January 12, 2017January 8, 2017

Kimberly reviews Worth The Wait by Claudia Connor

TITLE: Worth The Wait
SERIES #: McKinney/Walker #1
CHARACTERS: Mia & Nick
AUTHOR: Claudia Connor
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He broke her heart. When he finds out just how badly, it will break his too.
Nick Walker found the love of his life when he was just nineteen.
Found her.
Loved her.
Lost her.
It’s been ten years since Nick watched the only woman he ever loved walk out of his life. Now this FBI Special Agent will do anything to win her back.
But it won’t be easy…
Mia’s heart was shattered by Nick. They’ll have to face their painful past if they want a future, including Mia’s own secret about that day it all fell apart.
Do you believe in second chances?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts So I love the McKinney brothers. Matt is one of my book-boyfriends from Worth The Fall. But this Walker boy just didn’t do it for me. Nick is nice and we met him in the previous book. This book actually has some moments where is takes place at the same time as when we met Hannah in Worth The Risk.

The problem is there was a lot of flashbacks of Mia and Nick’s love the first time around and I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them. In all honesty I think Nick was so stressed over Hannah (his sister) the entire time that she was his whole world. Mia is sweet and I love how she was/is with Hannah, even when Hannah is an adult.

Ok now all that being said. I still enjoyed this book. I read every word and didn’t put it down often. But I just didn’t fall for Nick like I have the McKinney boys. But we will see who is up next. These Walker boys may just turn me around.

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