4 Star – Page 50 – Books-n-Kisses

June 28, 2016June 27, 2016

Kelly reviews Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Sweet Little Lies
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Finn O’Riley & Pru Harris
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. Shalvis has given me a story that I fell head over heels in love with. I also love that we have a new series and a new cast of characters for fall in love with. I am already looking forward to the next two installments in this series. But back to Sweet Little Lies.
Pru Harris is a local ship captain that has been trying to right the wrongs of her parents past actions. While most people she has help have been thankful there is one that has been stubborn. One stubborn person that Pru just happens to have a serious lust problem with.
These two were great fun to read. I loved the tension between them. I really can’t wait for the next installment of this series. I want to see what is in store for the other characters and to get glimpse of Finn & Pru.

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.

June 24, 2016June 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Best Of My Love by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Best Of My Love
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #20
CHARACTERS: Shelby & Aidan
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”

To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?

Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.

As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful visit to my favorite fictional town in the world, Fool’s Gold. I have visited Fool’s Gold 20 times now and never tire of the people, the history, or the romance. Thank you Susan Mallery for making this town my special place even if it is just in my mind… and heart.

This visit was all about watching Shelby and Aidan fall in love… but more than that we watched them grow. Shelby has seen and felt what no child ever should and her trust issues are nil but being the strong woman she is she decides its time to learn to trust men. And that is where Aidan comes in. He is a player. But he only plays with women who will leave town but when one comes back for a second round and he can’t remember her. Well he realizes just exactly what he has become. And in walks Shelby with a proposition he can’t say no to.

Most of the time I seem to fall in love with the men in Fool’s Gold but this time I think I might have a girl crush. Shelby is just perfect in her imperfection. She is so strong and yet as sweet as the desserts she makes. To find the courage to even walk to Aidan made me love her but to watch her grow so much and have so many light bulb moments during her experiment was amazing. Yes Aidan grew too. He learned about himself and, as they say, got in touch with his feminine side but Shelby is the one who made me fall in love with this story.

As a fan of Fool’s Gold I have watched the women of the town come to the house of each broken hearted woman and wish I could join them for margaritas but this story had a bit of a different ending that had me “awwwing” out loud and smiling ear to ear.

Susan Mallery, my message to you is never stop writing about Fool’s Gold. We would be heartbroken.

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

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June 23, 2016June 20, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews Tattered Loyalties by Carrie Ann Ryan – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Tattered Loyalties
SERIES #: Talon Pack #1
CHARACTERS: Gideon Brentwood & Brie Jamenson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 17, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When the great war between the Redwoods and the Centrals occurred three decades ago, the Talon Pack risked their lives for the side of good. After tragedy struck, Gideon Brentwood became the Alpha of the Talons. But the Pack’s stability is threatened, and he’s forced to take mate—only the one fate puts in his path is the woman he shouldn’t want.

Though the daughter of the Redwood Pack’s Beta, Brie Jamenson has known peace for most of her life. When she finds the man who could be her mate, she’s shocked to discover Gideon is the Alpha wolf of the Talon Pack. As a submissive, her strength lies in her heart, not her claws. But if her new Pack disagrees or disapproves of fate’s choice, the consequences could be fatal.

As the worlds Brie and Gideon have always known begin to shift, they must face their challenges together in order to help their Pack and seal their bond. But when the Pack is threatened from the inside, Gideon doesn’t know who he can trust and Brie’s life could be forfeit in the crossfire. It will take the strength of an Alpha and the courage of his mate to realize where true loyalties lie.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts After years of war, peace has started to settle in to the Packs worlds. Not that everything is quiet, but things are much better than they were 30 years ago. Gideon has been trying hard to make his pack strong again. A job easier said than done. But now the elders want to force Gideon to mate for the good of the pack. Only problem, he just found his mate. A mate that he is unsure that he wants or truly needs.

A great start to Carrie Ann Ryan’s new Talon Pack series. If you have not read the Redwood Pack series yet, you don’t have to but I would highly recommend that you do. There is a bit (okay a lot) of history the happens in the Redwood Pack series that flows over to the Talon Pack’s new series. But if you don’t just know that this series starts 30 years after the events that happen to change the Redwood Pack forever.

I loved this book. Loved Gideon (and his grumpy butt). Loved seeing Brie again all grown up and strong. I so can’t wait for the next book in this series. Bring on FINN!!!!

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

June 22, 2016June 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Liar Liar by MJ Arlidge

TITLE: Liar Liar
SERIES #: Helen Grace #4
CHARACTERS: Helen Grace
AUTHOR: MJ Arlidge
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Detective Helen Grace gets caught in an inferno of death and destruction in the red-hot new thriller from the author of Eeny Meeny, Pop Goes the Weasel, and The Doll’s House

Detective Helen Grace has never seen such destruction. Six fires in twenty-four hours. Two people dead. Several more injured. It’s as if someone wants to burn the city to the ground…

With the whole town on high alert, Helen and her team must sift through the rubble to find the arsonist, someone whose thirst for fire—and control—is reducing entire lives to ashes.

One misstep could mean Helen’s career—and more lives lost. And as the pressure mounts and more buildings burn, Helen’s own dark impulses threaten to consume her…

REVIEW:
This is the fourth in the Helen Grace series. I only read the first one and have missed the second and third but while it helps to have a bit of a background to understanding the character of Helen you really can read this as a stand alone.

The suspense was well written and I really enjoyed the new dynamic with Charlie. Helen is a bit of a loner and sometimes she makes me sad for her. But I seem to enjoy the series and I look forward to book five… if I don’t manage to miss it somehow.

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

June 21, 2016June 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Ink And Bone by Lisa Unger

TITLE: Ink And Bone
CHARACTERS: Finley & Eloise
AUTHOR: Lisa Unger
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An instant page-turner (Lisa Gardner) that straddles the line between thriller and horror…sure to appeal to a wide range of readers, including Stephen King fans. (Booklist, starred) A young woman’s mysterious gift forces her into the middle of a dangerous investigation of a little girl’s disappearance.

Twenty-year-old Finley Montgomery is rarely alone. Visited by people whom others can’t see and haunted by prophetic dreams, she has never been able to control or understand the things that happen to her. When Finley’s abilities start to become too strong for her to handle – and even the roar of her motorcycle or another dazzling tattoo can’t drown out the voices – she turns to the only person she knows who can help her: her grandmother Eloise Montgomery, a renowned psychic living in The Hollows, New York.

Merri Gleason is a woman at the end of her tether after a ten-month-long search for her missing daughter, Abbey. With almost every hope exhausted, she resorts to hiring Jones Cooper, a detective who sometimes works with psychic Eloise Montgomery. Merri’s not a believer, but she’s just desperate enough to go down that road, praying that she’s not too late. Time, she knows, is running out.

As a harsh white winter moves into The Hollows, Finley and Eloise are drawn into the investigation, which proves to have much more at stake than even the fate of a missing girl. As Finley digs deeper into the town and its endless layers, she is forced to examine the past, even as she tries to look into the future. Only one thing is clear: The Hollows gets what it wants, no matter what.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I always enjoy a book with a normal person who has paranormal ability and that is what is happening with Finley. She has dreams that she can not control or understand. She moves back home to be with her grandmother who also has the same condition but when a child go missing Finley knows she has to help.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read but it kept me interested all the way through. The suspense was well written and the way Finley handles her gift is how I would imagine anyone would handle it. I mean do you even believe your own mind? Do you wonder if getting involved would help or hinder.

If you enjoy a quick read with suspense and a touch of paranormal I would suggest picking up this book. I look forward to more books from Unger.

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

June 20, 2016June 19, 2016

Kimberly reviews The House Of Secrets by Brad Meltzer & Tod Goldberg

TITLE: The House Of Secrets
CHARACTERS: Hazel Nash
AUTHOR: Brad Meltzer & Tod Goldberg
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A priceless book, hidden in a corpse.
A family secret, handed down through generations.
And a woman with no memory of her past.

#1 bestselling author Brad Meltzer returns with THE HOUSE OF SECRETS

When Hazel Nash was six years old, her father taught her: mysteries need to be solved. He should know. Hazel’s father is Jack Nash, the host of America’s favorite conspiracy TV show, The House of Secrets.

Even as a child, she loved hearing her dad’s tall tales, especially the one about a leather book belonging to Benedict Arnold that was hidden in a corpse.

Now, years later, Hazel wakes up in the hospital and remembers nothing, not even her own name. She’s told she’s been in a car accident that killed her father and injured her brother. But she can’t remember any of it, because of her own traumatic brain injury. Then a man from the FBI shows up, asking questions about her dad-and about his connection to the corpse of a man found with an object stuffed into his chest: a priceless book that belonged to Benedict Arnold.

Back at her house, Hazel finds guns that she doesn’t remember owning. On her forehead, she sees scars from fights she can’t recall. Most important, the more Hazel digs, the less she likes the person she seems to have been.

Trying to put together the puzzle pieces of her past and present, Hazel Nash needs to figure out who killed this man-and how the book wound up in his chest. The answer will tell her the truth about her father, what he was really doing for the government-and who Hazel really is.

Mysteries need to be solved. Especially the ones about yourself.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Have you ever read a Brad Meltzer book? If not I wonder why. He is a wonderful writer of history mixed with suspense. In this story we meet Hazel Nash who can’t remember who she is but there is a mystery regarding her father and a corpse with a bit of history stuffed in his body.

I really liked Hazel. She is so strong and independent even while facing these extraordinary circumstance. I also love a suspense that I can’t figure out. If a suspense novel keeps me up trying to figure out who did it or what will happen next then to me it is worth the read.

I really hope this is the beginning of a new series which it seems like it is. Worth the read… but then Meltzer always is.

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

June 17, 2016June 11, 2016

Kelly reviews The Trouble With Temptation by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: The Trouble with Temptation
SERIES #: The McKay’s #2
CHARACTERS: Brannon McKay & Hannah Parker
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love is the greatest risk of all.
After seven days in a coma, Hannah Parker remembers nothing about the accident that landed her in the hospital–or how she ended up pregnant with Brannon’s baby, the man she’s loved since high school. Her body and heart have burned for him for years, and when she wakes up, he’s sleeping by her bedside, anxious to keep her safe at all costs. But as Hannah struggles with her amnesia, a threat looms closer–one that could have deadly consequences if she recovers her memories. She will have to trust Brannon completely if she is to keep what haunts her at bay…and their baby safe….
Brannon McKay spent the last ten years fantasizing about Hannah. In his mind, he’s explored every passionate scenario he can think of while, in real life, Brannon took their budding relationship and threw it away with both hands. Hannah doesn’t remember what happened but, now that she is awake, Brannon would rather die than watch her walk away again. When Hannah and his unborn child’s life is threatened, Brannon must stake claim to the woman who has held his heart captive for years…or risk disaster tearing them apart

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts When we left off in book one (which you should read first) Hannah was in the hospital and Brannon ready to fight anyone who stands in his way.
I really enjoyed Brannon & Hannah’s story. Brannon is stubborn and unfortunately he has to learn everything the hard way. Thankfully Hannah is a tough cookie and can deal with his stubborn pain in the butt.
While Brannon and Hannah are trying to figure out their relationship the mystery that is surrounding the McKay family grows. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

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.

June 16, 2016June 11, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews Moon Kissed by Donna Grant – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Moon Kissed
SERIES #: LaRue #1
CHARACTERS: Myles LaRue & Addison Moore
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: November 10, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant ventures into New Orleans with her Chiasson spinoff, the first book in her scorching LaRue series complete with sizzling romance and the enchantment of the paranormal.

BROUGHT TOGETHER BY CHANCE

For years, Addison Moore worked herself ragged to achieve her goals. Close to earning her degree, the contents of a shocking letter rip her world to shreds. In an attempt to forget, she wanders into a bar, unknowingly changing her life forever. Suddenly she’s surrounded by the supernatural she thought only myth and stalked by an evil priestess intent on her death. Her only chance is with an enigmatic man who makes her want to forget everything just to be in his arms.

BOUND TOGETHER BY CIRCUMSTANCE

Myles LaRue was content owning a bar and hunting evil in the French Quarter. He wasn’t looking for love, especially after the tragedy his family already experienced. But when the exquisite Addison Moore walks into his life, he can’t help but be charmed. Despite the dangers surrounding them, Myles comes to one conclusion – against the odds they found each other, and now that they have, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Addison Moore is at the end of her rope. A random chance of walking into Gator Bait is about to change her whole world. If it is for the good or the bad that is yet to be determined.

Myles LaRue has had no interest in getting involved with anyone for any reason. But the minute that Addison walked through the doors of Gator Bait, Myles was completely and total lost.

Great start to the LaRue series. We meet the LaRue boys in book 3 ‘Wild Need’ of the Chiasson series. We learned just a little about the LaRue’s in Wild Need. But in Moon Kissed we learn a lot more about the LaRue family and the curse that follows them.

I really enjoyed Myles and Addison’s story. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the LaRue family. There is just something about these Were’s that makes them so scary loveable.

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

June 14, 2016June 14, 2016

Kimberly reviews Field Of Graves by J.T. Ellison

TITLE: Field Of Graves
SERIES #: Taylor Jackson #8
CHARACTERS: Taylor Jackson
AUTHOR: J.T. Ellison
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/14/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All of Nashville is on edge with a serial killer on the loose. A madman is trying to create his own end-of-days apocalypse and the cops trying to catch him are almost as damaged as the killer. Field of Graves reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison’s most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin. Together, they race the clock and their own demons to find the killer before he claims yet another victim. This dark, thrilling and utterly compelling novel will have readers on the edge of their seats, and Ellison’s fans will be delighted with the revelations about their favorite characters.

REVIEW:
This is the eighth in the series and I do not recall reading others by this author but I found this book to be very interesting. It is a bit dark but still very good.

The thing about this book is the killer. He is really someone that can get into your head. He has a bit of evil in him but yet also has a medical condition so it makes the reader wonder what is really going on.

If you enjoy a great psychological thriller this is sure to keep your attention.

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

June 10, 2016June 7, 2016

Kimberly reviews Seven Days Dead by John Farrow

TITLE: Seven Days Dead
SERIES #: The Storm Murders Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Emile Cinq-Mars
AUTHOR: John Farrow
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/24/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Acclaimed novelist Trevor Ferguson writing as John Farrow continues his Storm Murders series–set in storm ravaged locations and featuring retired detective Emile Cinq-Mars.

In Seven Days Dead, a woman races in a small boat through a torrential sea storm to Grand Manan island, located off the coast of Maine. She is determined to reach her dying father’s bedside. Meanwhile, Detective Cinq-Mars is enjoying a vacation on the island with his wife until he’s caught up in the investigation of a murder. Long-held secrets start to emerge, and Cinq-Mars begins to wonder if the dying father and the other death are related.

The Storm Murders, the previous book in the series, received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews. Bookpage said, “This terrific story, with sympathetic characters and Farrow’s crisp prose, is some of the best fiction to come out of Canada. Louise Penny won’t be bumped off the podium, but she’ll have to clear some space next to her.” Seven Days Dead may very well get even better reviews.

REVIEW:
I have not read the first in the series and maybe having a bit of background would have helped but the book was fine to read without the first one. Now that being said the story starts a bit slow and I wondered if it would have helped to read the first one but then I realized it is just how the author writes. So I stuck with it and I am glad I did.

One of the things I enjoy with suspense novels is not figuring it out. Yes I want to try to figure out what will happen or “Who-dun-it” but I like to be surprised and have it turned on me. And this book did that. Maybe it was because I never connected with Emile but either way I enjoyed it. I was surprised a number of times, which I enjoyed.

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

June 9, 2016June 7, 2016

Kelly reviews Blood Lust by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Blood Lust
SERIES #: The Sentinels #3
CHARACTERS: Bas & Myst
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blessed and cursed by their hidden abilities, the Sentinels have no choice but to live, and love, on the edge of humanity…

The Sentinel assassin, Bas, is facing the greatest challenge of his outcast existence. His young daughter, Molly, has been kidnapped. But her disappearance has brought the return of her mother, Myst, whom Bas has never forgotten–or forgiven.

Haunted by a vision that she’s destined to create a weapon that will destroy thousands, Myst was never impulsive–until she met the irresistibly handsome Bas. But with the Brotherhood, the enemy of the high-bloods hunting for her, Myst had to stay on the run, to keep her child, and the world, safe. Now, with the most important thing in both their lives at stake, she and Bas must embark on a treacherous journey to save Molly, to confront the truth of Myst’s fate–and to face their fierce desire for one another.

REVIEW:
Bas!!! Finally!!!
I was so happy to get a review copy of Blood Lust. I have been wanting to read Bas’ story for a while now. He is such a good daddy to Molly! And how can you not love a badass assassin who is like putty with his little girl. You can’t!! I was also happy to learn more about how Bas met Molly’s mom and what happened between them.

I really enjoyed this story. The tension between Bas & Myst is fun. They are so good together. And Molly… oh sweet little Molly!!! I just want to hug her. She is one tough little girl.

I will say that you will want to start this series from the beginning so that you can get a better understand of Bas and he past. I can’t wait to see what is next for us in this series.

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

June 8, 2016June 7, 2016

Kimberly reviews Wicked Burn by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Wicked Burn
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #3
CHARACTERS: Simone & Nikolaj
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Simone Brightston knows she can beat the rap her enemies are pinning on her. An Irish witch is nobody’s fool, and she didn’t get to her position on the high council without serious power. But her cousins want her to hide out—and they somehow convinced her arch nemesis to play getaway driver. Of all the men she’s known, Nikolaj Veis is the hardest to intimidate. With his demondark eyes and his inscrutable beauty, he’s as desirable as he is dangerous. And he knows better than to underestimate Simone. So when he pulls up on a roaring bike and tells her to climb on or fight it out, she grabs a handful
of jacket and holds on tight. Running from the law may not be the smartest plan. But when it comes to Nick, hot pursuit and a blazing fast ride are exactly what Simone’s looking for . . .

REVIEW:
It seems we have known Simone for years. I mean she has been a part of all the D.P. and R.E. books by Rebecca Zanetti. And we have also known that Simone and Nick have a connection that has been there for over a century and now we know why.
Simone is facing some serious charges and Nick is going to make sure she comes out ok no matter what. Nick is totally not what I expected. Having met him through the books I never saw the side of him that this book shows. Trust you will want to read this book. But then if you are like me and have read both series you have been waiting for Simone’s story for quite a while.

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