4 Star – Page 61 – Books-n-Kisses

September 30, 2015September 28, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review Marry Me At Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Marry Me at Christmas
SERIES #: Fools Gold #19
CHARACTERS: Jonny Blaze & Madelin Krug
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wish upon a Christmas star with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s sparkling Fool’s Gold romance!

To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she’ll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world’s sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!

Jonny came to Fool’s Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and “ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.

Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another fun trip to Fool’s Gold. Like every trip to Fool’s Gold we find ourselves immersed into the life of the town folk. In Marry Me at Christmas we get to see how Madeline reacts when she comes face to face the her celebrity crush. It has been fun over the last few books to see how star struck she is. But I don’t think Madeline was ready for the man behind the action hero facide.
Jonny Blaze is use to people wanting him, but for all the wrong reasons. Being a superstar comes with it’s downfalls. But in Fool’s Gold everyone (well almost everyone) treats him as if he is just a person. When Jonny asks for help to plan his sister’s wedding he never in his wildest dream thought he would meet someone like Madeline. Now all he has to do is keep her arms lenght.
I always love my visits to Fool’s Gold. The character are always so much fun. One great thing about this series is that you can pick up any book and read them. You do not have to read these in order. So if you have not picked up a Fool’s Gold book go do it now 🙂
Until my next trip stay out of trouble Fool’s Gold.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite (fictional) vacation spot and visiting at Christmas makes it even more special. The city comes alive with holiday activity. The snow falling makes you want to look out your own window to see the flakes. Even if you haven’t read the rest of the series (why the heck haven’t you?) you will be pulled right in and feel you are a part of the town. Mallery is one of today’s best contemporary romance writers and books like this prove why. Grab the book, sip some hot cocoa, curl up in a soft blanket and enjoy your visit to Fool’s Gold.

We have heard about Madeline’s movie boyfriend (come on you know we all have one) being Jonny. When he comes to town she is star struck but as she works with him he becomes real to her and her heart. Jonny expects to be treated like a movie star but at the same time would prefer to not be and he really gets his wish in Fool’s Gold. The connection between Madeline and Jonny is immediate. Maybe because we already know of her crush from this years summer books but watching it happen to Jonny is a lot of fun. I enjoyed the way Jonny is written so playfully. The scene with Gladys and Eddie at the first nativity meeting is priceless.

I loved the “easter eggs” in the story. Mallery asked her readers to give her items they wanted in the book and she choose some from all the suggestions. Usually the list is online about the time the book comes out but reading it early I didn’t have the list to search through but I could find some just by having them mentioned. I look forward to seeing the list and counting how many I actually figured out. Watch for those “easter eggs” hidden around the book.

Another wonderful visit to Fool’s Gold. Romance in winter is magical and having it take place in Fool’s Gold makes it even better. This book will certainly put you in the holiday mood. You will feel like breaking out the Christmas decorations in September.

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

September 30, 2015September 27, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Evergreen Springs
SERIES #: Haven Point #3
CHARACTERS: Devin & Cole
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Haven Point with New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, where hope, home, and happily-ever-after are as close as your holiday stocking…

Christmas is the last thing Cole Barrett is thinking about this year. He’s barely hanging on trying to care for his two grieving children since his ex-wife died in a tragic accident. For the reclusive Cole, this is no time for gift-giving and celebration—and certainly not for a sunny-natured optimist to blow into his screwed-up life.

In the years since her cancer treatments, physician Devin Shaw has researched the curative powers of Lake Haven’s mineral waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs are on Barrett property, forcing Devin to strike a bargain with the ranch’s attractively gruff owner: she’ll give Cole’s children the magical Christmas they deserve, and Cole will allow her patients access to the springs. But can she work her holiday magic to heal the Barrett family’s battered hearts—and her own?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a sweet (sort of) holiday story. I say sort of because parts of it can be pretty heart wrenching. There is so much hurt in the lives of the characters that at times the story can be sad.

Cole is the father of two children whose mother (Cole’s ex) was killed in an accident and he is trying to raise them. He is estranged from his father,, who just moved back on to the property, and his sister has landed on his doorstep after running away from her husband because she is pregnant with twins that she believes he does not want. Plus he is a recovering alcoholic ex-con who can’t get past his own mistakes. Devon is totally the opposite. Devon sees the good in everyone. She had a hard life growing up but has come through it with flying colors, mostly. She is a fixer and Cole and his family are the ultimate fixer-upper. But how will it affect her heart?

As I said this is an enjoyable holiday story but I did have some issues with it. First the children do not talk like children. While the daughter is a little miss know-it-all she still is only 8 but she speaks like she is 15. The son who is only 6 speaks like he is either 10 or 2 depending on the circumstance. But that being said they are both cute children whom the reader ends up liking. The estranged father is a sad old man who I felt really bad for. And I really do not feel like we got a solid ending regarding him.

Cole is a bit of a hard person to like. He does warm up but he can be sweet to his children and sometimes to Devon but mostly he is a bit harsh. And finally, Devon. I liked her even when we met her in the last story about her sister. But I felt she was written a little wanting. She fell in love with the kids before Cole so it almost seems like he was a secondary thought to the children. She seemed a bit needy. Needing love and needing to help/fix the family.

Now all that being said and I did say a lot. I really liked the story. It is a wonderful little holiday story that will get you into the spirit. Sit back with a cup of cocoa and enjoy.

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

September 29, 2015September 27, 2015

Kimberly reviews The Hidden by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Hidden
SERIES #: Krewe of Hunters # 17
CHARACTERS: Scarlet & Diego
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can the same killer strike again—a hundred and fifty years later?
Estes Park, Colorado, is a place of serenity. But it wasn’t always so serene. Shortly after the Civil War, Nathan Kendall and his wife were murdered there, leaving behind a young son. The crime was never solved.
Now…historian Scarlet Barlow is working at a small museum attached to a B and B, the same building where that murder occurred. She recently came to Colorado, reeling after her divorce from FBI agent Diego McCullough. Diego—who’s just been asked to join the Krewe of Hunters, a unit dealing with “unusual” situations…
When Scarlet unwittingly takes pictures of people who’ve been murdered—just like the Kendalls a hundred and fifty years before—the police look at her with suspicion. Then the museum’s statues of historic people, including Nathan Kendall, begin to talk to her, and she knows it’s time to call her ex-husband. Diego heads to Estes Park, determined to solve the bizarre case that threatens Scarlet’s life—and to reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts So this story is a little different at least to me than most of the books from Heather Graham. Not because it wasn’t good but because it didn’t have the history that Graham usually puts in her books. This book is set in Estes Park, Colorado and while it gives a little bit of the town there is really not a lot of other information given. The reason I really enjoy the books from Graham is she always includes so much history of the area that you want to book the next flight out to visit. This book just didn’t have that at all.

Not that being said the story was really interesting. The other part of the books Graham writes that I enjoy is that I never seem to figure out “who-dun-it” and this book was no exception. The ghost were fine. I enjoy when they have a bit more interaction. The suspense part of this was good as well.

I liked the romance of the story. Again it is a bit different than what Graham usually writes. Diego and Scarlet were married once so they have the connection already. They have a history that they could not work out but never stopped loving each other so when they are reunited the romance is rekindled versus having the new shine of a romance.

Any fan of Graham’s will enjoy this story. If you like romances with a bit of suspense you will enjoy it. I just wouldn’t say it is one of the best of the series. But I did want to thank Graham for the shout out to Asheville, NC (since I live near there). Maybe the next book can be set there… hint hint.

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

September 28, 2015September 27, 2015

Kelly reviews Menagerie by Rachel Vincent

TITLE: Menagerie
SERIES #: Menagerie #1
CHARACTERS: Delilah Marlow
AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined, provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie…

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger’s Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she’s forced to “perform” in town after town.
But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other “attractions”—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she’ll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.
Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.

REVIEW:
Beware when the carnival comes to town. While you stare at the freaks and monsters in the cages. Be thankful you are not one of them. Or are you???
This was an amazing story!! Ms. Vincent writes a story that leaves you turning the pages. Even at the end of the book I kept looking for the next page. I wanted more. I need more. I have to have more. Thank goodness there is going to be another book in this series (hopefully many more).
I really liked Delilah. She is tough, smart and takes no crap from people (even she facing the barrel of a gun). Delilah is just beginning to learn what and who she is to the people of the Menagerie and the world in fact. I can not wait to see how she grows throughout this series.
Gallagher, Gallagher, Gallagher…….. Man, I am not sure if I love or hate you. You make it really hard to do either and both at the same time. While some questions were answered I was still left with more. You are a puzzle I am looking forward to solving.
Can’t wait for the next crazy, wild and weird installment in to the Menagerie world.

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

September 25, 2015September 20, 2015

Kelly reviews Down The Rabbit Hole by JD Robb and other Various Authors

TITLE: Down the Rabbit Hole
SERIES #: Anthology
AUTHOR: JD Rob, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, RC Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audiobook

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some of your favorite New York Times bestselling authors present five all-new stories told through the looking glass—including a new Eve Dallas novella!

You’re late for a very important date…

Enter a wonderland of mesmerizing tales. It’s a place that’s neither here nor there, where things are never quite as they seem. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpiece, ranging from the impossible to the mad to the curiouser, these stories will have you absolutely off your head.

Don’t be afraid to follow them…

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Contains:
Wonderment in Death by J. D. Robb
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney
iLove by Elaine Fox
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas
Fallen by R. C. Ryan

REVIEW: 4 1/2 Hearts
“Curiouser and curiouser!” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
“We’re all mad here.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Wonderment in Death by J. D. Robb:Get ready for it. This was my first J.D. Robb read (waiting for the GASPS). I thoroughly enjoyed this story. While the who done it storyline was easy to know who done it, the why behind it was a tad bit mad. If you are a J.D. Robb fan you will love this book. Now I need to find the time to catch up on what 40 books before this one?

Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney: This was a cute story. Again, I have never read anything by Ms. Blayney. I am very intrigued by the world of Time Travel that she has created. I really enjoyed Weston and Alice’s story. I will be checking out Ms. Blayney’s other stories in this series.

iLove by Elaine Fox: Loved this story!!! Jeremy and Claire are great. And they face an issue that most people have to deal with now. Technology!!! I really enjoyed this story a lot.

A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas: I am on the fence about this one. I was a bit confused about the story and how it fit with the theme of the anthology. Not that it was not a good story. It just didn’t feel very Wonderland-y to me.

Fallen by R. C. Ryan: Loved this story. I am a sucker for a Highlander love story. Colin and Beth are great together. I want to know more about how their life turns out. Which leads me to my only issue with this story. The main reason that Beth is in Scotland. I would have liked her to address that.

If you are looking for a fun read and the possibility of finding a new author or two. And you are willing to go on a journey that might just leave you mad. I would say you need to grab a copy of Down the Rabbit Hole and see what wonders away you.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAWin exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 25, 2015September 20, 2015

Kimberly reviews Tamed by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Tamed
SERIES #: Club Sin #5
CHARACTERS: Porter & Kenzie
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/10/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy returns to the tantalizing world of Club Sin in an enticing novel of control and surrender.

Porter Marshall has nearly achieved his goal of becoming a Club Sin Master, but his new sub poses a much bigger challenge than he anticipated. Despite their mutual attraction and red-hot dungeon sessions, Kenzie Hart plays her own games. Her bratty, you-can’t-break-me attitude masks terrible personal hurt—pain that only the exquisite touch of a skilled Dom can release. But when Porter suggests taking their connection to the outside world, Kenzie denies him . . . which only makes him want her more.

Kenzie can’t ignore the raw, fierce bond she has with Porter. But she can’t give in to his dangerous demands, either. Is the passion they share real, or is he using her to solidify his status at Club Sin? And yet, who else can she trust with the shattering secrets she holds within? As Porter expertly brings her to the point of no return, Kenzie surrenders her body—and, piece by piece, her heart.

REVIEW:
First this is the 5th in the series and while it can be read as a stand alone why in the world would you want to? If you enjoy the erotica genre then why haven’t you read this series yet? And if you have read it then you have been waiting for Kenzie’s story and after meeting Porter you have been waiting for his too.

There is something about Porter. He really just needs to be loved. And Kenzie needs to be understood. And together they complete each other.

Kennedy is amazing at the stories she weaves and any fan of the genre should have her writing near the top of their TBR list.

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

September 24, 2015September 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Tempest Rising by Julie Kenner

TITLE: Tempest Rising
SERIES #: Rising Storm Episode #1
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Julie Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: September 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.

But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.

Ginny Moreno didn’t mean to do it, but when she came home to Storm, she brought the tempest with her. And now everyone will be caught in its fury…

REVIEW:
Oh man, there is a lot going on in this novella. I mean a lot!!!! In Tempest Rising, Julie Kenner introduces us to the Storm, Texas and it’s inhabitants. Tempest Rising is setting up the world for us, so of course there is going to be a lot going on. I guess I was not prepared for just HOW much was going to go on. The return Ginny Moreno will start a firestorm that will leave the town of Strom, Texas reeling.

The Storm Rising series is set like a soap opera. There are going to be so many twists and turns with each of the next seven stories. I do hope unlike a soap opera that each novella gets us one step closer to a true happily ever after. Not a happy for right now.

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

Experience Rising Storm Here…

Rising Storm Episode 1 (Sept. 24): Julie Kenner’s Tempest Rising
Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 2 (Oct. 1): Lexi Blake’s White Lightning
Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 3 (Oct. 8): Elisabeth Naughton’s Crosswinds
Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 4 (Oct. 15): Jennifer Probst’s Dance in the Wind
Amazon **iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 5 (Oct. 22): Larissa Ione’s Calm Before the Storm
Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 6 (Oct. 29): Rebecca Zanetti’s Take the Storm
Amazon **iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 7 (Nov. 5): Lisa Mondello’sWeather the Storm
Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 8 (Nov. 12): Dee Davis’s Thunder Rolls
Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Reviews for TEMPEST RISING:

“After reading Tempest Rising by Julie Kenner I can honestly say it is everything I loved about those shows from the 80’s and more; heart-stopping, twisted, engrossing, captivating, epic all describe this very first episode of Rising Storm. Even better I FELT like I was watching a television mini-series while reading it. Each time the “scene” changed, I held my breath wondering who was up next.”-Slick Reads, Guilty Pleasures Blog

About Julie Kenner:

Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 international bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas, and short stories in a variety of genres.

Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” JK writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense, paranormal mommy lit, and, with Rising Storm, small town drama. Her trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries, and her Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series (written as Julie Kenner) has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for the CW Network.

A former attorney, JK lives in Central Texas with her husband, two daughters, and several cats. One of her favorite weekend activities is visiting small towns in the Texas Hill Country.

Visit Julie Kenner’s website and follow her on: Rising StormWebsite | Facebook |Twitter | 1001 Dark Nights | Rising Storm on Goodreads

September 24, 2015September 20, 2015

Kelly reviews Someone Else’s Skin by Sarah Hillary

TITLE: Someone Else’s Skin
SERIES #: DI Marnie Rome #1
CHARACTERS: Marnie Rome
AUTHOR: Sarah Hillary
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: April 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Winner of the Theakston’s 2015 Crime Novel of the Year, and a 2014 Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Devastating and brilliant, Sarah Hilary’s SOMEONE ELSE’S SKIN has been acclaimed as ‘stunning’ by Mark Billingham and ‘superbly disturbing’ by the Observer.

Called to a woman’s refuge to take a routine witness statement, DI Marnie Rome instead walks in on an attempted murder.
Trying to uncover the truth from layers of secrets, Marnie finds herself confronting her own demons.
Because she, of all people, knows that it can be those closest to us we should fear the most .

REVIEW:
I picked this audio book up because I really enjoy Justine Eyre reading to me. This was my first Sarah Hillary book and I really enjoyed it.
I will start by saying that this book was a little slow to begin with. But like every good book you have to world build. There was a lot of world building and us learning about DI Marine Rome. As the story went on we learn more and more about Marine. We get to see into her mind and how she solves cases. We also get to see how she handles personal issues. I really liked DI Marine Rome and would want her on any case I was involved in. The case of side characters are very interesting too.
I don’t want to give anything away by telling you what happens. But at the end of the book I kept waiting for more of the story. I was driving and the end came and I yelled at my stereo “Wait, What??? You’re not done!!!! Keep going”. I didn’t want the story to end. I wanted to know what happens next.
I am looking forward to the next adventure the Rome and her detectives go one.

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

September 23, 2015September 20, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review All Wrapped Up by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: All Wrapped Up
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #5
CHARACTERS: Nick Brennan & Ava Mancuso
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Talk about a hot lead…
Christmas is coming to Pine Mountain—and it has a way of stirring up memories, good and bad. Nick Brennan may manage the Double Shot bar smooth as good whiskey, but his past is a hot mess. When he runs into a burning building to save a little boy, some people start thinking there’s more to his heroism than holiday spirit. And then the local reporter assigned to the story turns out to be gorgeous Ava Mancuso, the girl who got away.
Ava knows what it’s like to have a past. But the changes she’s seen in Nick since she knew him do more than set off her natural curiosity—his warm eyes and gruff charm have her instincts fired up. Still, all the chemistry in the world doesn’t erase history, even when Nick invites her to his little sister’s mistletoe wedding. Does he have a heart under all those secrets? Or is this going to be just another Christmas past?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts As with all Ms. Kincaid’s stories we get a sweet second chance at life romance. In All Wrapped Up we finally get to learn more about the secretive Brennan. Are local bartender has a lot of demons in his past and they are all about to come roaring back into his life. First in the form of his old flame Ava, then in the form of reality and what lead him to Pine Mountain to begin with.
This was a sweet quick read. Nick “aka” Brennan is the hero that you want to slap silly and then hug the tar out of. He is both heroic and a pain in the buttock all at the same time. But it was so good to read his story and learn more about him. And his lady love Ava. She is such a great match for him. She is strong, determined and always respects the story that is in front of her.
While it looks like this may be the end of the Pine Mountain series, never fear there is a new series on the horizon and you will get to meet a few of the guys in this story. I do hope that Ms. Kincaid will revisit Pine Mountain from time to time. I want to know what is happening with the locals. If you have not picked up the Pine Mountain series now is a good time to do so!!!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This is the 5th and last in the series. Pine Mountain has been a great place to visit and I am sad to see the series end but I am hoping that the end leads to the next series (hint hint).

Now on to the review of this particular book. I enjoyed it. I thought the characters were interesting and they kept me wanting to know more about them and to watch their story unfold. The story was a bit obvious. It has been done a time or two and left no surprise as to what would happen in the end. But it was still an ending I wanted to get to and enjoy. Some parts of the book made me roll my eyes. I mean if your boss is being a jerk to you over everything that happens wouldn’t you go to HR? But yet Ava just takes it and it got on my nerves some. Nick was sweet and I felt for him regarding what he has been through but he hides behind his past.

I know it sounds like I didn’t enjoy it but I really did like this story. While set in winter with a Christmas wedding (sort of) it has little about the holiday but it really is a sit by a fire and enjoy story.

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.

September 23, 2015September 20, 2015

Kelly reviews Run by Blake Crouch

TITLE: RUN
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
NARRATOR: Phil Giganto
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2011
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For fans of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Thomas Harris, picture this: a landscape of American genocide…
5 D A Y S A G O
A rash of bizarre murders swept the country…
Senseless. Brutal. Seemingly unconnected.
A cop walked into a nursing home and unloaded his weapons on elderly and staff alike.
A mass of school shootings.
Prison riots of unprecedented brutality.
Mind-boggling acts of violence in every state.
4 D A Y S A G O
The murders increased ten-fold…
3 D A Y S A G O
The President addressed the nation and begged for calm and peace…
2 D A Y S A G O
The killers began to mobilize…
Y E S T E R D A Y
All the power went out…
T O N I G H T
They’re reading the names of those to be killed on the Emergency Broadcast System. You are listening over the battery-powered radio on your kitchen table, and they’ve just read yours.
Your name is Jack Colclough. You have a wife, a daughter, and a young son. You live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. People are coming to your house to kill you and your family. You don’t know why, but you don’t have time to think about that anymore.
You only have time to….
RUN

REVIEW:
In RUN we follow the Colclough family as they battle to stay alive, together and for an uncertain future.

Oh my goodness this story left me a little traumatised. Mr. Crouch knows how to write a story that leaves you with a lot of WTF’s. There is a lot that happens in this book. A lot of unanswered questions. A lot of Oh my god moments. A lot of yelling “RUN!!!!!” to my audio book. And tears, yes there were tears in my eyes many times. As I listened to this book I found myself right there next to Jack, Dee and the kids. I found myself looking over my shoulder a few times.
This book is not for the faint of heart. Each page brings a new horror and just when you think it can’t get any worse it does. Seriously, if you can’t handle horror this is not the book for you. But if you like this genre or think you want to give this genre a try pick up a copy of RUN. But be warned this book is intense.

Phil Giganto did a great job of narrating this book. My only issue was some of the voices they were a little hard to tell apart at the beginning. But as the story went on I was able to tell the characters apart better and better. I am glad that I listened to this book on audio.

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

September 21, 2015September 20, 2015

Natasha reviews Bump In The Night by Elianne Adams

TITLE: Bump in the Night
SERIES #: Deadly Whispers #1
CHARACTERS: Libbie & Jay
AUTHOR: Elianne Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Libbie McMaster gets guilted into going out on Halloween night, the last thing on her mind is finding her mate. Her self-imposed seclusion has served her well over the past nine months, keeping the ghosts, goblins, and bad memories at bay. But when she meets Jay, her whole world is turned upside down.

From the moment Libbie walked into the bar, Jay can’t keep his eyes off her. Everything about her screams one thing—his. He’s willing to give her the time she needs to get used to the idea of being mated to a werewolf, but when the creatures that lurk in the shadows threaten her, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means fighting her demons.

REVIEW:
This was a fast-paced short story that I devoured. Libbie is an instantly likable character with an awesome best friend (April). I was rapidly pulled into this story because these two characters reminded me of the relationship I have with my best friend – Adams depicted friendship and loyalty so well between these two. Through April, Libbie and Jay meet and it is fabulous! Jay probably sets a record for how fast I fell in love with a fictional male character. He’s such a sweetie! I love him and Libbie together. Their interactions are comical and I wanted more of them. A lot of action is packed into this book – lots of paranormal events, goblins, ghosts, demons, angels, werewolves, witches and more. I only wish I knew more about Libbie and Jay’s pasts. I felt like we learned a lot about their present situation, but I feel there is so much more there to be explored between the two and how they reached this point – what makes them, them. I’m not sure if this series will focus on these two characters primarily, or if we’ll get to see more from the supporting characters – but I’m officially requesting BOTH from this author! I want more of Libby and Jay as well as April – and ok maybe Jordan! All-in-all it was a fantastic quick read that you’ll love and will get you hooked into everything this author releases.

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

September 21, 2015September 20, 2015

Natasha reviews A Thousand Pieces Of You by Claudia Gray

TITLE: A Thousand Pieces of You
SERIES #: Firebird #1
CHARACTERS: Marguerite, Theo, Paul
AUTHOR: Claudia Gray
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every Day meets Cloud Atlas in this heart-racing, space- and time-bending, epic new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray.

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.

Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

A Thousand Pieces of You explores a reality where we witness the countless other lives we might lead in an amazingly intricate multiverse, and ask whether, amid infinite possibilities, one love can endure.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I loved this book a lot! Readers are catapulted into this story in what seems to be the middle of a larger story. Many major events have already taken place and the story begins at a high level of emotion and drama. This was a little disappointing at first, because I felt like I did not get enough back-story, and was missing a deeper connection to the characters. However, I soon realized that this was intentional. The story is not about the “how” or even necessarily the “why”. It’s mostly about Marguerite and her experiences. Because of the storyline, we only got a cursory glance at the personalities of each of the main and supporting characters, so I did not feel any deep connection to them – though I think this will unravel over future books so I’m ok with it at this point. Already I know that I love Paul and Theo may grow on me. The story was very intriguing and exciting and I was very excited to see what each new universe would look like. Some things seemed predictable, and others were extremely surprising, which I love! I highly recommend this book.

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