4 Star – Page 47 – Books-n-Kisses

September 29, 2016September 25, 2016

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Turn Up The Heat by Kimberly Kincaid ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Turn Up The Heat
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #1
CHARACTERS: Bellamy & Shane
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“It’s not you.”

There are only so many times a girl can hear those words before she believes that it is, in fact, very much her. Unexpectedly jilted by her locally famous boyfriend and haunted by a boss who makes Attila the Hun look like a lap dog, Bellamy Blake does what any self-respecting girl in her shoes would do. She rounds up her two best girlfriends and makes plans to get the hell out of Dodge.

But Bellamy’s escape plan takes a nose dive on the side of rural route 164 when her transmission self-destructs, leaving her in the middle of a cell phone dead zone with nothing but her wits. Oh, and Shane Griffin, the hottest mechanic who’s ever checked under her hood.

Yet this small-town man isn’t all he seems. Can Shane and Bellamy prove that sometimes the most unlikely ingredients make the most deliciously sexy mix?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This was my first Kimberly Kincaid book and I enjoyed it a lot. There was a good mix of humor, drama and love in this book. I just loved Shane and the more I learned about him the more I was rooting for him. Bellamy at first seems like the typical little rich girl, but she is so much more than that and a few bad days aren’t going to hold her down.

If you like a good, sweet contemporary romance you should give Turn Up the Heat.
I am looking forward to what Ms. Kincaid has in store for us next

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts I picked this up on a whim from NetGalley. I had never read this author before but the synopsis sounded fun and light so I thought what the heck. I am so glad I did. I truly enjoyed this book.

Have you ever heard “when it rains it pours”? Well Bellamy is in the midst of a tidal wave. No matter what is going on it seems to go wrong for her but she is strong enough to just roll with the punches and I enjoyed that. Shane has some secrets but he is such a sweet guy with a heart of gold that you can’t help but adore him.

While the book is a little predictable we aren’t talking about a mystery here we are talking about a sweet romance and it is an enjoyable one. I can’t wait for Gimme Some Sugar (#2 in the series).

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

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September 27, 2016September 25, 2016

Kimberly reviews Darkest Journey by Heather Graham

TITLE: Darkest Journey
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #20
CHARACTERS: Ethan & Charlene
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/27/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination…

Charlene “Charlie” Moreau is back in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to work on a movie. One night, she stumbles across the body of a Civil War reenactor, the second murdered in two days. Charlie is shocked to learn that her father—a guide on the Journey, a historic paddle wheeler that’s sponsoring the reenactment—is a suspect.

Meanwhile, Ethan Delaney, new to the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, is brought in on the case. He and Charlie have a history of their own, dating back to when he rescued her from a graveyard—led there by a Confederate ghost!

Charlie arranges a Mississippi River cruise so she and Ethan can get close to the reenactors, find out who knows what, who has a motive. They discover a lot more as they resume the relationship that ended ten years ago…but might die, along with them, on the Journey.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am so happy to say that the Krewe is back to the way it should be. One of the best parts of Graham’s books is the history she adds. The story isn’t real but the places and history are. The stories make me want to jump on a plane and go visit parts of this wonderful country that I didn’t previously know the history of… or at minimum the books make me want to look up the information on the internet. But the last two books just didn’t have that. They were set on a cruise line that left little room for history.

But in this story we are back to the Civil War era and the background story is really interesting… enough I went online for a bit more information. I also enjoyed that we had a bit more of a ghostly presence than we have had lately.

I liked Charlie. She stood her ground when she needed to but was also a good daughter and friend. I liked that Charlie and Ethan had a previous relationship and yet were not lovers. I also enjoyed that the characters from the last two books were back in more than a passing moment.

Graham is a master of romance with a historical feel and it is great that she is back at it in this story.

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

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September 26, 2016September 25, 2016

Kelly reviews Now That It’s You by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Now That It’s You
CHARACTERS: Kyle Midland & Meg Delany
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: September 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Talented chef Meg Delaney hasn’t spoken to her cheating ex-fiancé, Matt Midland, for two years. Ditching him at the altar after blurting out “I can’t” instead of “I do” would sour any relationship. But now, just as Meg is finally ready to bury the hatchet, she learns closure is permanently off the menu. And the kicker? Matt’s brother, Kyle, is back in her life, stirring up feelings that are equal parts guilt and lust.
Meg was the best thing that never happened to Kyle. He couldn’t make a move on his brother’s girlfriend—even if Matt didn’t value her nearly enough. The situation is even more complicated now that Meg’s bestselling aphrodisiac cookbook has spawned a legal battle with the Midlands. Maybe he should stay away. But love, like family, plays by its own rules. And the one woman he shouldn’t want might be the only one who’s perfect for him.

REVIEW:
This was such a cute story, then add in Tawna’s super fun since of humor and you end up with a great story.
Meg is great! She is finally ready to put her past behind her. But to do that she needs to mend one last fence. But yet again fate has stepped in and made a huge mess of Meg’s plans.
They both know what they want but they don’t know how to bridge that gap. I really enjoyed watching Meg and Kyle struggle with what is right and what is wrong. I really liked both characters a lot.
I believe this is going to be a stand alone books, but I do hope that we might get to see Kyle & Meg in another book. I want to know more about their story and what the future holds for them.
If you are looking for a fun romance you need to pick up a copy of Now That It’s You.

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.

September 22, 2016September 17, 2016

#TBT Kimberly review Tiger Time by Marissa Dobson ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Tiger Time
SERIES #: Alaskan Tigers #1
CHARACTERS: Tabitha & Ty
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/23/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tabitha Leigh has no idea her life is about to change. Until now, she’s been living a quiet life, unaware danger stalks her.

Ty Reynolds has been watching Tabitha from a distance to see if she would go through “the change.” When she finally does, he sees more in her than just the future of their kind. Now that she is embracing her were-tiger, he must tell her she is the Queen of the Tiger . . . with a bounty on her head.

Tabitha must be protected at all cost. She has to embrace her future and her mate or it will be the end of everything she’s just come to know and hadn’t realized she needed.

REVIEW:
I have to say this book was engrossing. I could not put it down. There was some romance, some suspense, some shifting and some intrigue. I am pleasantly surprised at how much I really liked this story.

I do have to say that it is a continuing story so the story does not really end with this book. I have the second one already so I can not wait to read The Tiger’s Heart.

I enjoyed the character of Tabitha. She is strong and yet vulnerable at the same time. She really wants and needs to depend on herself but is not afraid to trust her mate’s feelings on things. I thought that Ty was written really well too. He is very Alpha and yet very loving to Tabby. I hope the second book continues some of this books storyline because some things were left unfinished.

If you enjoy a quick shifter read this one is a definite pickup.

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

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September 16, 2016September 10, 2016

Kelly reviews A Promise Of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

TITLE: A Promise of Fire
SERIES #: Kingmaker Chronicles #1
CHARACTERS: Catalia “Cat” Fisa & Griffin Sinta
AUTHOR: Amanda Bouchet
NARRATOR: Mia Barron
RUN TIME: 14 hours & 45 minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 2, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Catalia “Cat” Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Wonderful!! This was an excellent start to Ms. Bouchet’s Kingmaker Trilogy. I am already excited for the next two books in this series. A Promise of Fire kept my attention from page one. I just loved Cat. She is a mystery that slowly unravels as the story goes on. But with each mystery solved another one takes it place. Griffin is the perfect match for the very feisty Cat. Griffin is a bit of a jerk in the beginning but like Cat he is full of surprises.
I also love a book where you not only fall in love with the main characters but the secondary characters too. I can’t wait to see what happens with Cat, Griffin and the whole Beta Team!!!

I also had the pleasure of listening to A Promise of Fire on audio. I love finding new narrators to listen too. Mia Barron does a pretty good job narrating this book. If there was one item I can say that took me a bit to get use to was Griffin’s voice. It was not what I originally had thought that Beta Sinta would sound like. But after a few chapters I got use to Ms. Barron’s interpretation of his voice. I will be picking up the second book on audio also (as long as they don’t change narrators. It is the quickest way to lose me as a listener)

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.

September 15, 2016September 10, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews Storm Warrior by Dani Harper ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Storm Warrior
SERIES #: Grim #1
CHARACTERS: Rhys & Morgan
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Enslaved for millennia by the masters of the Welsh faery realm, the fierce Celtic warrior Rhys is doomed to wander the earth forever. But when a brave beauty unwittingly breaks the enchantment, he is drawn into a strange new world…and an all-consuming desire.

Sensible Morgan doesn’t believe in magic—until a mysterious being saves her from a fate worse than death, and life as she knows it changes forever. Now the man of her dreams has become flesh and blood, igniting a spark in Morgan’s soul which science cannot explain. But even a love that transcends time may not be strong enough to withstand the power of an ancient curse.

From the best-selling author of Changeling Moon, this stirring novel of passion and magic launches an addictive new series for fans of paranormal romance.

REVIEW:
4.5 HEARTS Morgan doesn’t understand why only she can see the dog, but he is there none the less. There is something unearthly about him and the way he always is around. But after coming home from her holiday the last thing she ever expected was for the same dog to save her life.

Rhys made a choice and that choice is Morgan. Even in his Grim state he knows he is bound to Morgan and vows to protect her no matter what. Even by defying the very creatures that bound him. But in doing so Rhys has brought more trouble than expected to Morgan’s quiet little farm.

Dani wrote a great story and Justine Eyre brought the characters to life for me. I have to say that love Justine as a narrator and have yet found a book she has read that I didn’t like.
Okay back to Storm Warrior. I loved the world that Dani created in this book. Fae, Grims, humans. It was all very interesting and I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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September 12, 2016September 10, 2016

Kimberly reviews Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Nobody But You
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #3
CHARACTERS: Jacob & Sophie
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

REVIEW:
It is about dang time. Jacob “just up and left” the family but there is more than what can be seen that makes this story good. I was so happy to have Jacob home. Even though we hadn’t met Jacob he felt like he was missing from the last few stories. It was great to have him home.

Sophie is great. She is the type of woman I would love to hang out with on a Friday night and just relax with. She is funny and caring and just a great character.

I have never read a book by Shalvis that I would not recommend and this falls into the same category. I would say to read the rest in this series first though so you can understand what is going on with Jacob and why his character is worth waiting for.

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

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September 9, 2016September 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Starfish Moon by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Starfish Moon
SERIES #: Brides Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Kerry & Cooper
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nestled on the Maine coast, Blueberry Cove is a peaceful retreat compared to the excitement of exotic cities and foreign lands. But it’s also the best place in the world for one woman to find her heart’s true home…

Kerry McCrae’s wanderlust has taken her to parts of the globe most people have only glimpsed in pictures. So why is tending bar at the family pub in Blueberry Cove after her Uncle Fergus’s stroke an easier adjustment than she expected? And why hasn’t she left once Fergus is back on his feet? When tall, tanned Cooper Jaxton walks through the door, she knows the answer in a heartbeat…

Born and raised deep in Australia’s outback, Cooper never planned to leave the wild country he loves. But after almost a year of having Kerry—with her sparkling eyes and outrageous stories—on his cattle station, Cooper was stunned when she left. Suddenly home wasn’t the same without her. Making his way to Blueberry Cove to find her is a risk, but Cooper is counting on the passionate connection between them to convince her that the only place either of them needs to be is together…

Let the honeymoon begin…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts As with most of Kauffman’s books the moment you start reading you feel like you are part of the story, sitting in the restaurants or walking down the beach. You also feel like you are watching a romance unfold in front of you. That is how I felt reading Kerry and Cooper’s story.

This is a light fun couple who laugh and just enjoy. Yes there are issues or the book would be no more than a chapter but the characters communicate in a way that most couples wish they could.

The story is heartfelt and sweet. I believe anyone that enjoys contemporary romance novels will enjoy this book. And you do not have to have read the series to enjoy it.

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

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September 8, 2016September 4, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Deep Autumn Heat by Elisabeth Barrett ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Deep Autumn Heat
SERIES #: Star Harbor #1
CHARACTERS: Lexie & Sebastian
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

REVIEW:
I’ll be honest. I requested this book from NetGalley ages ago but because it had no deadline I just keep putting it off and now I wish I hadn’t. What a great book. The characters are really fun and entertaining. And the story is very exciting and well written.

There is a connection with Lexie and Seb right away. Honestly from the first moment they see each other. There is quite a bit of backstory that has a few twists and turns too. And the other Grayson boys aren’t too shabby either.

If you enjoy a good romance with a bit of suspense and a lot of emotion than this is a good book to pick up. I will say the book comes up as being over 400 pages but it is a fast read while being very enthralling so don’t let the amount of pages scare you off.

I can’t wait to read the next is the series… I’m thinking… Theo?

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

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September 7, 2016September 4, 2016

Kelly reviews Forbidden Fling by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Forbidden Fling
SERIES #: Wildwood #1
CHARACTERS: Ethan Hayes & Delaney Hart
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Delaney Hart has come a long way from her wild youth, dating tattooed bikers at her father’s bar, The Bad Seed. But when his death pulls her back to Wildwood, California, she must stay to renovate the dive he left her. And also face the lies and secrets that sent her running ten years before.

When Wildwood’s chief building inspector, Ethan Hayes, shows up on the property, Delaney doesn’t recognize him. The last thing he wants to do is save the bar where his cousin died in a brawl. But the good boy from her past is all too willing to remind her of the bad girl she used to be. And one night of passion leaves them both in a compromising position.

The last place Ethan should be is in Delaney’s bed. Guilt, family pressure, and plans for a brewpub of his own make shutting down The Bad Seed his top priority…until his feelings for Delaney interfere. Because her future depends on the success of the bar’s renovation and his dreams are rooted in its failure, their forbidden romance may be destined for heartbreak

REVIEW:
Forbidden Fling is kinda like Romeo and Juliet but without all the death.

We have Ethan Hayes whose family hates Delaney Hart. And Delaney Hart who escaped town as quickly as possible. All because of one night, one fight and one horrible mistake. A mistake that has haunted both Ethan and Delaney and shaped them both in ways they didn’t know about until now.

A wonderful start to a new series for Skye Jordan. I loved Ethan and Delaney. Ethan is the guy that we all want our man to be. He is sweet, hot and not afraid to say sorry (well kinda he is a guy). Delaney is determined and strong. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the next installment.

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.

September 1, 2016August 28, 2016

Kimberly reviews Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Shadow Falling
SERIES #: Scorpius Syndrome #2
CHARACTERS: Vivienne & Raze
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.

And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .

REVIEW:

I received this book from Rebecca for a review after requesting from NetGalley and I am happy to have a copy to hang on to.

I am not a fan of post-apocalyptic novels but I will read anything that Rebecca writes and enjoy it.

Vinnie is infected and as much as she wants Raze doesn’t want to infect him so she tries to keep her distance. Tries being the key word. One of the things I enjoy about Rebecca’s books is the women always are strong and while they may fall for a guy they do not let him walk all over them. Raze is great. Totally all man but when it comes to Vinnie his soft side shows.

The story is well written and enjoyable. I would suggest reading book one so you can understand the world the characters are now living in.

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

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August 31, 2016August 28, 2016

Natasha reviews Seconds To Live by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Seconds to Live
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #3
CHARACTERS: Mac Barrett & Stella Dane
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.

Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing question: How does a dead body disappear?

Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal

REVIEW:
This is the third book in Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. In my review of book 2 I desperately wanted to see more of Mac Barrett and I finally got it! Wow is he full of surprises! He is the most mysterious Barrett sibling and I really enjoyed his backstory, which is truly unexpected. He is a strong male character and was a perfect match for Stella. I enjoyed Stella a lot as a female character. There were times where her actions frustrated me a bit, but that is expected of any type of police mystery novel. There is one part of the novel that I’m still not sure what happened…I might have to do a re-read so I have a little clearer picture in my head. But overall these stories are super intriguing with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. I truly enjoy them and Leigh’s ability to make her characters deeply interesting and realistic.

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.