5 Star – Page 11 – Books-n-Kisses

November 9, 2015November 8, 2015

Kelly reviews The Single Undead Moms Club by Molly Harper

TITLE: The Single Undead Moms Club
SERIES #: Half Moon Hollow #4
CHARACTERS: Wade , Finn & Libby Stratton
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 33 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 27, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the next book in Molly Harper’s Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series, Libby (a widow-turned-vampire) struggles with her transition, and finds out it sucks to be the only vampire member of the PTA…

Widow Libby Stratton arranged to be turned into a vampire after she was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. It wasn’t the best idea she’s ever had, but she was desperate—she’s not about to leave her seven-year-old son to be raised by her rigid, overbearing in-laws.

On top of post-turning transition issues, like being ignored at PTA meetings and other mothers rejecting her son’s invitations for sleepovers, Libby must deal with her father-in-law’s attempts to declare her an unfit mother, her growing feelings for Wade—a tattooed redneck single dad she met while hiding in a closet at Back to School Night—and the return of her sire, who hasn’t stopped thinking about brave, snarky Libby since he turned her.

With the help of her new vampire circle, Libby negotiates this unfamiliar quagmire of legal troubles, parental duties, relationships, and, as always in Harper’s distinct, comedic novels, “characters you can’t help but fall in love with” (RT Book Reviews).

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts As always Ms. Harper writes a story that sucks you in and makes you run that emotional gauntlet. The combination of Ms. Harper’s witt & amazing storytelling combined with Amanda Conconi’s voice & talent at bring characters to life left me wishing I could move to Half Moon Hollow yet again. This is a winning combo!!!
I always love to visit Half Moon Hollow. I just love this town and the characters. I loved that In The Single Undead Moms Club we get to see how the town folk of HMH deal with the newest vampire in town. Needless to say they didn’t take it very well.
I loved Libby. Libby is such a fun character and she is great with her son. I loved that she wouldn’t let Dick hug her (I was dying laughing, poor Dick). I really liked Wade even when he was being a huge brat about the supply closet. Oh and don’t forget the epic back to school supply showdown. I really like Wade & Libby together. So much so that when I got to the end of the story I looked at my audiobook and yelled “You are not done, keep reading. Amanda why did you stop reading!!!!!”.
Finn, what can I tell you about Finn. Other then he made me really wish I could stab him with a fork.
I really can’t wait to see what is next in this series!!!!

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

November 2, 2015November 1, 2015

Kelly’s review of Fangs for the Memories by Molly Harper

TITLE: Fangs for the Memories

SERIES #: Half Moon Hollow #4.5

CHARACTERS: Dick Cheney & Andrea Ryder

AUTHOR: Molly Harper

PUBLICATION DATE: November 2, 2015

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Simon & Schuster

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

For all those readers who asked, “When are Dick and Andrea getting their own story?” FANGS FOR THE MEMORIES is a flashback ebook novella exploring their courtship when Andrea was still human.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.99

The only reason this is not a 5 star is because I want MORE Dick and Andrea (thank goodness I remember Andrea’s name *wink, wink*). I am always excited to go back to the Hollow. While reading Jane’s books we got to see Dick and Andrea from Jane’s point of view. In Fangs for the Memories we get to see it from Andrea’s point of view. We get to see why Andrea is the way she is. We also get to see the smarta$$ and sweet side of Dick Cheney.
I want more!!!! I hope the Molly will continue to give us some novella’s in the future on all the characters from the Hollow. It would be nice to see what everyone is up too.

Oh and never fear as soon as Fangs for the Memories comes out I will have an audio review of this book.

Disclaimer:

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

</iframe>

October 13, 2015October 11, 2015

Kelly reviews Stroke Of Midnight by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Stroke of Midnight (A 1001 Dark Night Novella)
SERIES #: Midnight Breed #
CHARACTERS: Jehan & Seraphina
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: October 13, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Born to a noble Breed lineage steeped in exotic ritual and familial duty, vampire warrior Jehan walked away from the luxurious trappings of his upbringing in Morocco to join the Order’s command center in Rome.

But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who’s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families.

Yet as intent as they are to prove their incompatibility, neither can deny the attraction that ignites between them. And as Jehan and Seraphina fight to resist the calling of their blood, a deadly enemy seeks to end their uneasy truce before it even begins.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Oh how I love the world of the Midnight Breed. I have loved this series since book one (Kiss of Midnight). And with each book in this series I believe the stories get better and better.
I enjoyed this story very much. I love meeting Jehan, Savage & Trygg all from the Rome division of the Order (already looking forward to learning more about Savage & Trygg).
I really loved Jehan & Seraphina. I loved the tension, love the banter, loved the sandstorm and the results of said storm ;). I just loved this book.
As with all of Ms. Adrian’s stories I want more. I need more. I will have more. I really can’t wait to see what is next for this series.

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

October 2, 2015September 27, 2015

Natasha reviews Base Instincts by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Base Instincts
SERIES #: Demonica #11.7
CHARACTERS: Raze, Slake & Fayle
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: September 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a Seminus demon, Raze’s life literally depends on having sex with females. The problem is that he doesn’t desire females, and it’s physically impossible for him to be with males. Thankfully, he and his best friend, Fayle, have an arrangement that keeps him alive . . . if lonely. He finds some solace in his work as a medic at Thirst, a vampire club known for its rough clientele. But his carefully structured world turns upside down when he meets a mysterious male who makes him want what he can never have.

Slake is an assassin used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is Raze. But he also wants to earn back the soul he sold when he was a much different demon. All he has to do is capture a runaway succubus named Fayle and hand her over to her family. What he doesn’t count on is being caught himself by a web of lies—and his attraction to Raze.

Raze and Slake must navigate a dangerous world to be together. But as Fayle’s jealousy of their relationship turns deadly, they find themselves embroiled in a battle not only for their love, but their lives and souls.

REVIEW:
This was a very quick read, but fabulous! I love the Demonica series and have ready every single one of Larissa Ione’s books. She is an amazing writer and creates such touching characters – I have fallen in love with all of them. Even the not-so-nice ones! This story was no exception. Slake and Raze are great individually and so much more fun together! As with all her series, Ione gave us adequate page time for our all time favorite characters from books past. It’s a big family of a universe and I’m so happy that we get to stay connected to everyone in each installment. You never get bored; you just fall more in love with each page. Read this story alone or as a dedicated fan – you will never be disappointed!

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

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 14, 2015September 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Archangel’s Enigma by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Archangel’s Enigma
SERIES #: Guild Hunter #8
CHARACTERS: Nassir & Andromeda
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
RUNTIME: 12 hours & 25 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required—those more common to predatory animals than to man.

Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets, is fascinated by his nature—at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it’s too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows…and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare

REVIEW:
Naasir!!!! Really do I need to say more? No I don’t, but that would make for a very short review. So here it goes.
In Archangel’s Enigma we finally get to see, understand and unravel the mystery that is Naasir. He is a very complicated creature that wants nothing more than to be loved. We know that Raphael, Elena and the seven love him, Naasir wants a mate. Someone who is just his.
I loved that Naasir went around smelling women to see if they are his potential mate. The first meeting between Naasir and Andromeda had me laughing out loud. As the Guild Hunter series has grown I have wondered what or who would be able to be Naasir’s mate. I have to say I was a bit surprised that his mate was going to be a shy, young scholar. But Andromeda shocked me. She is fierce, loyal and the absolute perfect mate for Naasir. I loved their journey to save Alexander. I loved how these two played together. I loved how they fought for a future together. I loved this book. I loved Naasir and Andromeda and I hope that Nalini will write a follow up novella for these two. One that includes pups. 😀
I will say that the parts about Illium broke my heart and brought many tears to my eyes. I can not wait to see what is in story for everyone’s favorite Bluebell.
As always I had the amazing honor to have the very talented Justine Eyre read this story to me. Justine is so wicked talented it seems a little unfair. I have loved reading/listening to this story from the very first book. Justine does such a great job with the voices both male and female, that you don’t need to be told who is speaking. I have found that if you have a great narrator like Justine they can take an amazing story like Nalini’s and bring it to life. If you have not tried an audiobook I would pick up a copy of Angel’s Blood (bk1) and give this series a try.

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

August 6, 2015August 2, 2015

Natasha reviews Mistress of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Mistress of Pleasure
SERIES #: School of Gallantry #1
CHARACTERS: Maybelle & Rutherford
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: July 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother’s school in London where gentlemen receive instruction–in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent and free from men and their overbearing expectations. But when Maybelle lays eyes on the Duke of Rutherford, who is well-known for his gentlemanly ways, she can’t resist. Neither she or the duke are prepared for what their attraction is about to do not only to their sanity but their hearts.
WARNING: This book contains strong language and sexual content that may cause respectable people to swoon.

REVIEW:

Delilah has just re-released Mistress of Pleasure with tons of new content and a beautiful new cover that matches all those in this series. I loved this book the first time I read it, but the second go ‘round was even better. I guess it’s because I had a better grasp at the importance of this book and how everything connected back to this start of the series. The School of Gallantry is one of my favorite series and this book started it all. There are laugh-out-loud moments that I just had to put the book down to enjoy the moment, and truly endearing sweet, romantic moments. The characters come alive and suck you into their world; the plot is well researched and written beautifully. I love this author. I love this series; please give it a go if you haven’t already. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Ever.

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

July 24, 2015July 21, 2015

Kelly and Kimberly review Over The Top by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Over the Top
SERIES #: Maverick Montana #4
CHARACTERS: Hawk Rain & Dawn Freeze
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: July 21, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dawn Freeze had a huge crush on Hawk Rain for years, and the entire town knows it. It’s understandable―the man is total hotness. That tall, lean body. Intense dark eyes. And always one foot out the door. Now he’s on leave for exactly one week. And this time, he’s made it crystal clear that he only wants one thing. Her.
Hawk’s been fighting his attraction to Dawn for as long as he can remember. She’s his best friend’s little sister, and that means hands-off. Except now she’s all grown up, and her sweet sexiness is exactly what he craves. But just as Hawk allows himself one mindblowingly intense night with Dawn, he learns that everyone he loves is in danger. Especially her.
And the only way to protect Dawn is to push her away.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Heart FINALLY!!!! Good golly I feel like I have waited forever for Hawk and Dawn’s book. 🙂 Okay, maybe not FOREVER. But since Against the Grain (bk 1) came out back in 2013. I have been waiting. And Over the Top is was well worth the wait.

In Over the Top we finally get to see into Hawk’s mind. We get to find out what makes him tick, how he views his place in the world and what his darkest fears are. We also get to see the lenght he will go too to protect the ones he loves.
Dawn, we all know that Dawn is a tough cookie. She has to be with three older brothers. But when it comes to Hawk, well it is Hawk the man that she has loved forever. Hawk has forever been out of her reach, but that never stops her for trying to reach for him every chance she gets.
I have loved Hawk and Dawn from book one as I said above. I was so happy to finally read this book. Hawk and Dawn are a force of nature that fights against each other but when they combine they are the perfect storm. They complete each other in every way that is possible. There is so much I wish I could tell you but I don’t want to spoil the book. Just know that there are a lot of touching and slightly painful family moments in Over the Top. Jake had the best line ever in this book. You will know it when you get to it :). The future looks bright. And I am hoping that there are a few more stories up Ms. Zanetti’s sleeve, because I really want to know more about Reece and Adam.
Until next time Maverick, Montana…..

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts I have waited and waited for Dawn and Hawk’s story. I mean we have seen this love for the last three books and it is time for them to be together. Yea!

Hawk is the strong silent type. But he has been in love with Dawn for so long he can’t remember not being in love with her. And Dawn feels the same about Hawk but when she gave him a shot (in book #3) Hawk turned her down claiming they needed to be “just friends”… Don’t you hate when that happens? Well now Hawk is back home and the only thing he wants is Dawn in his bed but the problem is that puts her in danger. And that he just can not deal with.

I just LOVED this story! Maybe it was the waiting and feeling the build up of this couple since book 1 or maybe it really was the story and how Rebecca wrote it. Or maybe it was both. But no matter what I loved this story! The lines from The Lady Elks that begins each chapter are adorable! I enjoyed Mrs. Poppins and Mrs. Hudson. What cute old biddies they are! And the sex toy scene is priceless.

I have loved all the Lodge-Freeze boys and Hawk, who while not an official Lodge-Freeze he might as well be. But now I wonder who is next? Reese? Adam? While I know neither of them belong to the family the series is Maverick Montana not the family name so I am hoping Rebecca brings some more cowboys into our lives. But in the mean time Hawk has my heart… Dawn just has to stand in line.

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

July 2, 2015June 28, 2015

Kelly reviews Soul Scorched by Donna Grant

TITLE: Soul Scorched
SERIES #: Dark Kings #6
CHARACTERS: Warrick & Darcy
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Darcy was floating on a cloud of pure passion. Everywhere he touched, Warrick was leaving a mark on her, forever changing her. She could feel it through her skin and muscle, through bone and into her soul. It was as if he was changing her. And she welcomed it…

Her power is a blessing.

Born on the Isle of Skye, Darcy is a beautiful woman of many gifts. Fortune-telling is her forte, and she remains the only Druid who could unlock the secrets—and desires—of a Dragon King. His name is Warrick. And now that Darcy’s seen into his dragon heart, nothing will ever be the same…

His passion is a curse.

Warrick never intended to put Darcy in harm’s way. But ever since she revealed a shocking truth, Darcy has been hunted by the Dark Fae, who want to use her powers for their own evil purposes. Now it’s up to Warrick to do whatever it takes to keep the woman who sets his soul on fire safe. But protecting Darcy means putting himself—and his entire race—in jeopardy. Is his desperate longing for one woman worth the risk of losing everything… for eternity?

Dive into Soul Scorched, the sizzling next novel in the Dark Kings series from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant

REVIEW:
Amazing!!!! Soul Scorched takes us back into the world of the Dragon Kings. And of course thing can just go right for them right now. At every turn they are battling the Dark Fae, Urlik and each other. The events in Night Blaze (if you haven’t read I will try to keep spoiler free) had you thinking that things were getting ready to turn maybe for the better. But in Soul Scorched everything takes a huge nose dive. Friends can’t be trusted, enemy can and not everyone is what they seem.
I will say I had a little bit of anxiety (okay a lot) while reading this book. There is so much going on. The Kings are all over the place. We get a cameo from the Warriors (which only makes things more tense) and of course… We get a few bread crumbs surrounding Rhi and her Dragon King. So many things are turned upside down in this book. UUUGGGGG!!! I wish that I could just poof into Ms. Grant’s brain and see the whole story, but sadly I don’t have that power. But until then keep reading…..

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

July 1, 2015June 28, 2015

Natasha reviews Minutes To Kill by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Minutes to Kill
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Hannah Barrett & Brody McNamara
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After corporate attorney Hannah Barrett tries—and fails—to stop a kidnapping in Vegas, she can’t shake the haunting image of the terrified young girl she couldn’t save. She tells herself that a visit to her hometown in Scarlet Falls could be a welcome distraction. But soon, Hannah realizes the kidnappers have all the info they need to track her every move. And when chilling e-mails about the victim appear in her inbox, it’s frighteningly clear what happened in Vegas has followed her home.
Eight months after a terrible family tragedy, Hannah turns to Detective Brody McNamara once again. Brody is eager to help, though he’s embroiled in the investigation of a brutal murder. But the closer they work together, the stronger their feelings grow…and the more they stand to lose when two seemingly unrelated, but equally deadly, cases collide.

REVIEW: This is the second book in Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. They are great mystery romance novels with intriguing and well-written characters. I have to say, Hannah Barrett was a bit of fresh air for me as a heroine. I really liked her character in the first book Hour of Need and was very excited to see more of her in the follow-up. She is an incredibly strong and self-sufficient character who makes intelligent decisions in times of distress. There was one point in the story where I was so sure I was about to smack my head and say NOOOOO!!! – Thankfully Hannah did not make me do that and I respected the strength of the character even more. Brody and Hannah have great interaction and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the two of them together. This was another strong addition to this series. It has it all, characters we love and care about; great story telling and great plots. I’m excited for the next book in the series; I’m hoping we will finally see more of Mac!

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

June 17, 2015June 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Shard Of Hope by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Shards of Hope
SERIES #: PSy-Changeling #14
CHARACTERS: Aden Kai & Zaira Neve
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The “smoldering heat, epic romance, and awesome action” of Nalini Singh’s New York Times bestselling series continues as two Arrows find themselves caught in a chilling conspiracy that spans all three races…

Awakening wounded in a darkened cell, their psychic abilities blocked, Aden and Zaira know they must escape. But when the lethal soldiers break free from their mysterious prison, they find themselves in a harsh, inhospitable landscape far from civilization. Their only hope for survival is to make it to the hidden home of a predatory changeling pack that doesn’t welcome outsiders.

And they must survive. A shadowy enemy has put a target on the back of the Arrow squad, an enemy that cannot be permitted to succeed in its deadly campaign. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope. She knows she’s too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what.

This time, even Aden’s passionate determination may not be enough—because the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken…like Zaira.

REVIEW:
As the world tries to right itself after the fall of Silence, Aden Kai is trying to keep the Arrows safe in this strange new world of emotion.

Zaira Neve may be small but she is lethal. And Aden is the only one who can keep Zaira from falling farther into the darkness.

Shards of Hope begins 4 months after the fall of Silence and a few months after the end of Vasic’s book (Shield of Winter).

I really really loved this story. Not just because I am an uber fan of all things Nalini Singh, but because we get to see more about the Arrows. The Arrows have forever been portrayed as the bogeymen of the Psy-net. Over the last two books we have come to see that the Arrow care deeply about their squad mates and the people around them. Even if they didn’t know or acknowledge that they cared, they did (well most of them). It was a lot of fun to watch Aden learn to think like an Alpha. I loved that he works so well with the other races.
I don’t think there are many people in the Psy-Changeling world that don’t like Aden. After the events in Shards of Hope I would say that there are even more people that like him. I loved learning about Aden. While his parents were not great (okay they sucked) Aden grow up knowing the importance of his position in the squad. But I think only Vasic, Zaira and the rest of the Arrows knew how important he was from very early on.
Aden is a force unto himself. I was so happy to see what he can do. And Zaira! Oh man is Zaira a ball of fiery, wrapped in dynamite, with a lite fuse. You never want to be on her bad side. To say when Zaira snaps you should hit the deck would be an understatement. But watching her with Aden, JoJo, Pip and even Vasic we come to see just who Zaira really is.

I honestly can’t find fault in this book at all. I loved every minute of listening and every page of reading. I can not wait to see what is in store for the new Psy-Changeling world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. I also received a complimentary copy of this book on audio from Tantor Media. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 3, 2015May 31, 2015

Kelly reviews Spiraled by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Spiraled
SERIES #: Mason Callahan #3
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ave McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane solves crimes; she doesn’t witness them. When she’s trapped in a mall without her weapon as a shooter picks off victims, she hides with a wounded teen and prays for her survival.
But that’s only the beginning…
An epidemic of mass shootings has swept across Oregon. The young shooters terrify the public, committing random murders before taking their own lives. The task force assembled to solve the case—which includes Ava’s boyfriend, detective Mason Callahan—remains stumped. And on top of this chaos, Ava’s troubled twin sister reappears, throwing Ava’s already-tumultuous life into a tailspin.
An old-fashioned cop with a strong sense of duty, Mason struggles to find the cause of the shootings as workaholic Ava spins ever closer to breaking down. But can one detective save the lives of countless innocents—and prevent the woman he loves from going over the edge?

REVIEW:
Sometime you read a book and think “I loved this book”. Other time you think “This was okay”. Then you think well dang now I have to write a review and express myself on this book. After reading SPIRALED all I can think is “DANG Ms. Elliot can write a story!!!!! Spiraled was amazing!!”
Mason and Ava are amazing characters. They have been through so much over the last three books. There have been so many ups and downs. I honestly hope that they both retire and live a quiet life in Oregon.
Man, I want to tell you so much about this book. But I know, I would spoil it for you. So let me tell you about one of the things I love most about Kendra’s writing is that it is so real. Scary real!!! Reading Spiraled put me back to the place I was when the Clackamas shootings happened in Oregon. As I said scary real, I had actually thought about driving north to go shopping.

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