5 Star – Page 16 – Books-n-Kisses

November 21, 2014November 16, 2014

Kelly & Natasha review Walking On Her Grave by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Walking on Her Grave
SERIES #: Rogue River #4
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: November 18, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The electrifying conclusion of the romantic suspense novella series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

The sleepy town of Solitude, Oregon, has turned into ground zero for a turf war between the manufacturers and distributors of a lethal new drug. When a teenage witness disappears, social worker Carly Taylor must find him before he’s silenced permanently.

Rogue County investigator Seth Harding wants to keep Carly, his estranged wife, out of harm’s way, but she refuses to let his concern keep her from doing her job. When one of her young charges vanishes, Carly gets pulled even deeper into the deadly case, and Seth knows he must help her…even if it leads them right into the criminals’ crosshairs.

Explosive and exciting to the last page, Walking on Her Grave is the fourth and final thrilling addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
WOW…
I was not expecting that. What you ask? Right like I am going to tell you. Why on earth would I give away anything? I want you to read this book. But if you have not started this series you have to start with book one!! I loved seeing Seth and Carly work together.

Oh I am so happy and sad all at the same time. I am happy that the small Oregon town of Solitude (and I) finally gets some answers about the events that have been surrounding them. But I am so sad that this series is over. I really hope that this is not the only series that Melinda & Kendra will team up on.

If you enjoy romance suspense you really should check out this series and the Ladies. Both are amazing story tellers and will keep you guessing until the end.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
This was the final book in the quartet novella series Rogue River. This book takes us back to Seth and Carly’s story while continuing with the overarching plot for the whole series. I really love Seth! Carly and Seth had so many problems, hurt feelings and egos to overcome. They are both extremely head strong and stubborn; so naturally they butt heads. I’m very pleased with how this series was closed out and I’m so happy that we finally got answers to the big mysteries happening around Solitude! We also got to see our favorite characters Zane and Stevie. This whole series has been a pleasant read and opened me up to a new author with Melinda Leigh! I’m very happy I read it, it’s definitely worth the time.

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

November 17, 2014November 16, 2014

Kelly reviews Cut Lara Adrian & Run by Tina Folsom

TITLE: Cut and Run
SERIES #: The Phoenix series
CHARACTERS: Ethan Jones & Tori Connors/ Scott Thompson & Phoebe Chadwick
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian & Tina Folsom
PUBLICATION DATE: November 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Darkly gifted and dangerously skilled, they were once the nation’s most powerful asset. Betrayed by unknown enemies, unable to trust anyone–not even one another–the Phoenix hold the key to unmasking a conspiracy steeped in blood and fire. To survive, they’ll have to solve . . . The Phoenix Code.

CUT by Lara Adrian

Community college professor Ethan Jones is living a lie. A precognitive agent known as Zephyr, Ethan is accustomed to subterfuge and deception, but when the Phoenix program is betrayed, he’s forced to cut all ties to the life he’s made and everyone in it—including smart, beautiful Tori Connors, the one woman who tempted the cold agent to let down his impenetrable facade.

A chance encounter years later and thousands of miles away thrusts the lovers together again, and this time Tori refuses to let Ethan deceive her. Although he is a dangerous enigma, Tori still desires him, and soon their inconvenient reunion becomes a temptation too strong to resist. With assassins closing in, Ethan and Tori embark on a desperate race for their lives—one that will put their tentative trust to the ultimate test.

RUN by Tina Folsom

Motorcycle mechanic Scott Thompson isn’t the laid-back loner he makes everyone believe. Three years ago, he was known as Ace, one of an elite group of agents in a top secret CIA program. However, the preternatural ability that made him invaluable to the government could now be his downfall, when his skill alerts him to a disaster bound to kill dozens of innocents unless he intervenes.

Journalist Phoebe Chadwick needs to persuade her editor to spare her from department cuts that threaten her job. When a mysterious stranger prevents an accident that would have killed her and many others, Phoebe goes after the story. But bad boy Scott is a reluctant hero unwilling to answer her questions, despite the sizzling chemistry that ignites between them. As his enemies hunt him down, Scott must decide if he can trust Phoebe—and how far he’s willing to go to keep her safe at his side.

REVIEW:5 Hearts

WOW!!! Where to start?
So anyone that follows me or my blog knows that I love Lara Adrian and her books. So when I had the chance to read Run and Cut, I jumped on it. And I am so glad I did. Not only did I get a great new story from Lara, but I found a new author in Tina Folsom. These two have teamed up to give us a great new series. The Phoenix Code takes us into the secret world of the our government.

CUT:
Book one in The Phoenix Code series.
We meet Ethan Jones & Tori Connors.
Ethan has been living a lie, but the feeling he has for Tori are not a lie. But when the call comes Phoenix Down, Ethan knows that life as he has known it is over for good. Ethan’s only choice is to walk away from Tori and never look back. On the run from an assassin that last thing that Ethan ever expected was to run into Tori. Ethan tries to walk away from Tori but she won’t let him. Not this time. No matter what threat is after them Tori won’t walk away

I just loved Ethan. He is all tough and soft at the same time. These two are great for each other.

RUN:
Book two in The Phoenix Code series.
We get to meet Scott Thompson & Phoebe Chadwick.
Scott is an ex-phoenix agent and has been keeping his head down for the last three years. But when he sees a bus load of kids murdered he knows he has to do something. Two things Scott never counted on. One: Phoebe Chadwick. Two: everyone having camera’s on their phones with trigger happy fingers.

Scott and Phoebe are great. I loved that Phoebe challenges and outsmarts Scotts more than once.

I really loved seeing Ethan & Scott come together and realize that there maybe more Phoenix Code survivors. But finding their fellow Phoenix’s maybe a challenge. But a challenge that they are all for. I really loved these story. I am so excited and very nervous to see what is up next in this series.

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

November 14, 2014November 13, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: A High-End Finish by Kate Carlisle

Kate Carlisle on Creating Lighthouse Cove

Hello, my name is Kate Carlisle, and I have power over life and death.

Fictionally speaking.

I’ve just launched my second mystery series, The Fixer-Upper Mysteries, with A HIGH-END FINISH (available now in paperback and ebook), and I brought to life an entire town for your reading pleasure.

At first glance, Lighthouse Cove is an idyllic northern California coastal community, with a charming downtown and amazing views everywhere you look, but behind that perky façade is a growing sense of unrest. (This is a mystery series, after all.) Those with all the wealth want more of it, and they won’t let small-minded townies get in their way.

Shannon Hammer bridges the gap between have and have-not. She’s blue collar all the way, townie to her core, but she makes nice with the rich and powerful because her construction company is the go-to choice for the wealthy owners of all of the cliffside Victorian homes in need of restoration. In Lighthouse Cove, the best man for the job is a woman.

The Bibliophile Mysteries, my first mystery series, are set primarily in San Francisco, so I work within the framework of a place that really exists. With the Fixer-Upper Mysteries, though, I needed to create Lighthouse Cove from the ground up with such a sense of history and place that it would feel as real to readers as it does to me.

From A High-End Finish:

I turned up the radio to distract myself and cruised through downtown past the Town Square on my way to one of my houses a few streets north of Main Street.
The Town Square was pretty much deserted at this time of the morning. In the center of the grassy square, a large gazebo was set beneath sheltering trees. During the summer, free band concerts were held there on the weekends. Everyone in town turned out, carrying their lawn chairs and picnic hampers. The ice cream shop on the corner did a bumper business on those nights. Some of my earliest best memories had taken place right here. Fireworks. Marching bands. My mom and dad holding hands. Ice cream.

Now, though, the Square was silent. I scanned the area anyway on the off chance that I’d catch a glimpse of one of my girlfriends opening her shop, but the only place open was the diner on the corner. The other shops on the Square wouldn’t open for business for another two hours or more.

It was just as well, I realized as I drove on. I should probably avoid the area for the next few days. I knew my gossip quotient had skyrocketed since I’d stumbled over Jerry’s body on Sunday. Everyone in town would be vying to get the inside scoop from me, but I dreaded the whispers and questions that would follow. I had to endure scrutiny and doubt from the new police chief, but not from people I’d known my entire life.

I hope Lighthouse Cove will be a town you’ll enjoy visiting again and again. Grab A HIGH-END FINISH to get in on The Fixer-Upper Mysteries from the very beginning!

About the Author:

Golden Heart and Daphne du Maurier Award winning author Kate Carlisle spent over twenty years working in television production as an Associate Director for game and variety shows, including The Midnight Special, Solid Gold and The Gong Show. She traveled the world as a Dating Game chaperone and performed strange acts of silliness on The Gong Show. She also studied acting and singing, toiled in vineyards, collected books, joined a commune, sold fried chicken, modeled spring fashions and worked for a cruise ship line, but it was the year she spent in law school that finally drove her to begin writing fiction. It seemed the safest way to kill off her professors. Those professors are breathing easier now that Kate spends most of her time writing near the beach in Southern California where she lives with her perfect husband.

A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

In the seaside town of Lighthouse Cove in northern California, everyone knows the best man for the job is actually a woman—contractor Shannon Hammer. But while Shannon can do wonders with a power drill and a little elbow grease, she’s about to discover that some problems aren’t so easily fixed….

Shannon’s home-renovation and repair business is booming, but her love life needs work. On a blind date with real estate agent Jerry Saxton, she has to whip out a pair of pliers to keep Jerry from getting too hands on. Shannon is happy to put her rotten date behind her, but when Jerry’s found dead in a run-down Victorian home that she’s been hired to restore, the town’s attractive new police chief suspects that her threats may have laid the foundation for murder. Determined to clear her name, Shannon conducts her own investigation—with the help of her four best friends, her eccentric father, a nosy neighbor or two, and a handsome crime writer who’s just moved to town. But as they get closer to prying out the murderer’s identity, Shannon is viciously attacked. Now she’ll have to nail down the truth—or end up in permanent foreclosure…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of A High-End Finish

Review (5 Stars): I loved this book from beginning to end and enjoyed my time meeting its heroine, Shannon Hammer. Shannon owns a home-renovation business in Lighthouse Cove and is a character that you can instantly connect with. She is smart, sassy and can definitely hold her own in any situation and finds herself a suspect in a murder when a man is found dead at one of her work sites. Since she was on a disastrous date with him the night before and threatened to kill him when he got physically abusive with her, Shannon isn’t surprised that she is high on the list of suspects. But when Shannon starts to dig into the background of the murder victim, she finds that his past behavior has left quite a few people wanting him out of the picture. The more Shannon uncovers, the more her life is in jeopardy and she is one step closer to becoming this killer’s next victim.

A High-End Finish has the perfect combination of a strong heroine, quick-witted humor and a clever who-dunnit that is sure to charm mystery lovers. Kate Carlisle is a wonderfully talented mystery writer and I absolutely adore her Bibliophile mystery series. Her new series debut is definitely a winner for me and I now have another great series to look forward to spending time with.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of A High-End Finish. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by November 25th, please leave a comment for Kate below:

November 6, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly & Natasha review Her Grave Secrets by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Her Grave Secret
SERIES #: Rogue River #3
CHARACTERS: Zane Duncan & Stevie Taylor
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: November
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There are no secrets in a small town—until someone has one worth dying for.

Local cop Stevie Taylor and police chief Zane Duncan have startling new proof that a deadly street drug is expanding its poisonous grip on their small town: a skull found on the banks of the Rogue River has two bullet holes in the back. Still caught up in the excitement of their new relationship, Stevie and Zane are determined to track down the drug’s source before more lives in Solitude, Oregon, are lost.

Then one death strikes especially close to home, leading to heartache and confusion for Stevie. As the drug distributors strike hard and the body count in Solitude grows higher, she and Zane must hunt down the deadly killer—but are they the predators, or the prey?

Filled with unexpected twists, Her Grave Secrets is the third exciting Rogue River novella in the romantic suspense series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Don’t you hate it when you are reading a book and you get to the end of a chapter and turn the page only to find you are at the end of the book? I kept hitting the turn page on my kindle and nothing. Nothing. There was just no more for me to read.

UGGGG why do authors leave me like that? Well if you have started this series then you know that this is not the end of the story. But that Ms. Elliot & Ms. Leigh love to leave you with more questions then answers. As the body’s start piling up, the list of suspects grows longer. I am so confused as to who did it. I have a guess but I am afraid I am wrong. Can’t wait to see if I am write.

Please make sure that you start this novella series from the beginning. It is an on going story. Loved seeing Zane & Stevie again. Love seeing their relationship grow. Can’t wait for the next & last installment in this series.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Another great installment in this fabulous novella series. I love the people of Solitude, and Stevie & Zane are my favorite! I feel like I’m trudging right along with them in finding out what’s happening in Solitude and cannot wait for the conclusion to this series! The great interaction between Stevie and Zane is strong and I have no complaints. I love them together! Great story.

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

November 3, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Archangels Shadows by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Archangels Shadows
SERIES #: Guild Hunter #7
CHARACTERS: Janvier & Ashwini
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATORE: Justine Eyre
RUN TIME: 12 hours & 17 minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N| Audio

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot–should not–be walking the streets.
This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves. Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

REVIEW:
5+++ Hearts I was so excited that Janvier & Ashwini were getting a story. We have seen them in past books and have been able to see the tension between the two of them. It was great to get to see them up close and personal. Ashwini’s back story is heart breaking (yes there were few tears shed). So heartbreaking that Ashwini is not willing to have think about a future. But Janvier is stubborn and will stop at nothing to make her see it his way.

But in the mean time Javier & Ashwini are on the trial of a monster preying on women. They will not stop until these monsters are stopped and justice is served. But when two more women come up missing, will they be able to get to them in time.

While this was Ashwini & Javier’s story we got to see all of the player’s in the Guild Hunter world. But I will let all the Naasir fan’s know that there is a lot of Naasir in this book. I loved all the insight into him. It was so much fun to listen to the stories of him. And Nassir has a wicked sense of humor. Love the game of 20 questions Nassir plays with Ellie. I just love Naasir. Can’t wait for his story…. Please be next… Please be next… Please be next.

Amazing. Another seriously great story from Nalini. I honestly have not meet a book from Nalini that I have not loved. *sigh* Now I have to wait for the next book.

Once again I listened to this book via audio book. As always Justine Eyre brings to life these character so much. I love that she has made all of the characters have such distinct voices that even when they are clearing their throat I know which character is which. Totally and completely amazing. If you have not tried this series on audio I would suggest giving this whole series at try on audio.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Tantor Media, 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.

October 21, 2014October 17, 2014

Kelly reviews Gone To Her Grave by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Gone to Her Grave
SERIES #: Rogue River Novella #2
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 21, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Solitude, Oregon, everyone has secrets…and some will kill to keep them.

When she believes a teen is falsely accused of drug dealing, social worker Carly Taylor takes on a high-risk case and her estranged husband—the detective in charge of the investigation—to prove the boy innocent. A deadly new designer drug has taken hold of her small rural hometown of Solitude, Oregon, and Carly is determined to find the real dealer and clear the teen’s name. But the deeper she digs into the case, the more danger she unearths, until someone decides it’s time for Carly to move on…permanently.

Investigator Seth Harding knows he can’t stop his wife when she has a child to protect. But he risks any chance of reconciliation with Carly if he can’t learn to accept her dangerous job. When a drug dealer decides Carly is getting too close, will Seth lose her altogether?

A pulse-pounding Rogue River novella, Gone to Her Grave is the second exciting addition to the new romantic suspense series from Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Carly is a social worker that will do anything for the kids she is trying to protect. Even give up the man she loves. But when push comes to shove there is only one person that Carly will trust. The question is has she pushed him away for good?

Seth loves his wife and would do anything for her. Except be 100% understanding when it comes to the dangerous of her job. Except he is starting to see the errors of his ways and when Carly calls in need of help there is no way he can let her face trouble alone.

Gone to Her Grave is the second novella in Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot’s Rogue River Novella series. To say that I devoured this novella would be a complete understatement. I read this story in one bite.

After reading On Her Father’s Grave I could not wait to find out more about the events that are happening in Solitude, Oregon. And like any good evil suspense author Ms. Leigh’s’ Gone to Her Grave left me with so many more questions. I am dying to have all my questions answered.

What are my questions? Well if I told you that I would give away too much of the plot line. So my suggestion would be to pick up Novella #1 On Her Father’s Grave, then read Gone to Her Grave and find out the questions yourself 😉 I can not wait for the next two novella’s in this series!! Answers I need answers darn it

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

October 21, 2014October 17, 2014

Natasha reviews That Night by Chevy Stevens

TITLE: That Night
CHARACTERS: Toni & Ryan
AUTHOR: Chevy Stevens
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/17/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a teenager, Toni Murphy had a life full of typical adolescent
complications: a boyfriend she adored, a younger sister she couldn’t relate to, a strained relationship with her parents, and classmates who seemed hell-bent on making her life miserable. Things weren’t easy, but Toni could never have predicted how horrific they would become until her younger sister was brutally murdered one summer night.
Toni and her boyfriend, Ryan, were convicted of the murder and sent to prison.
Now thirty-four, Toni is out on parole and back in her hometown, struggling to adjust to a new life on the outside. Prison changed her, hardened her, and she’s doing everything in her power to avoid violating her parole and going back. This means having absolutely no contact with Ryan, avoiding fellow parolees looking to pick fights, and steering clear of trouble in all its forms. But nothing is making that easy—not Ryan, who is convinced he can figure out the truth; not her mother, who doubts Toni’s innocence; and certainly not the group of women who made Toni’s life hell in high school and may have darker secrets than anyone realizes. No matter how hard she tries, ignoring her old life to start a new one is impossible. Before Toni can truly move on, she must risk everything to find out what really happened that night.
But the truth might be the most terrifying thing of all.

REVIEW:
I’ve never read anything by Chevy Stevens before, but I am such a fan now! I couldn’t put this book down. Toni and Ryan are a teenage couple in love. High school drama, bullies, demanding parents and typical teenage angst fill this story with so much tension. Toni’s life is turned upside down when one fateful night her younger sister is murdered. The police, her parents and the whole town place the blame on Toni and Ryan, and they end up spending 14 years in prison for her murder. The story is told from Toni’s point of view in alternating timelines – both the events of the past and the events of the present. Telling a story with different time streams can be confusing to readers, but this was written so well I found that the story flowed beautifully. Each chapter gave just enough information to keep you hanging at the edge of your seat for more.

When Toni and Ryan are released they begin to investigate the murder on their own and against their parole conditions. The ensuing plot gains momentum and is full of drama, action and intensity. I wanted to whoop my fist in the air in triumph and at the same time cry for all of the things these characters go through – especially Toni. I just can’t say enough about this story. It was a fabulous read and I could’ve kept reading for hundreds of pages more. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read that highlights the injustices, prejudices and assumptions that are so prevalent in our society; as well as their sometimes devastating outcomes.

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

October 16, 2014October 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights #10) by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Tempted by Midnight (1001 Dark Nights #10)
SERIES #: Midnight Breed #12.5
CHARACTERS: Lazaro Archer & Melena Walsh
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once, they lived in secret alongside mankind. Now, emerged from the shadows, the Breed faces enemies on both sides—human and vampire alike. No one knows that better than Lazaro Archer, one of the eldest, most powerful of his kind. His beloved Breedmate and family massacred by a madman twenty years ago, Lazaro refuses to open his heart again.

Sworn to his duty as the leader of the Order’s command center in Italy, the last thing the hardened warrior wants is to be tasked with the rescue and safekeeping of an innocent woman in need of his protection. But when a covert mission takes a deadly wrong turn, Lazaro finds himself in the unlikely role of hero with a familiar, intriguing beauty he should not desire, but cannot resist.

Melena Walsh has never forgotten the dashing Breed male who saved her life as a child. But the chivalrous hero of her past is in hard contrast to the embittered, dangerous man on whom her safety now depends. And with an unwanted—yet undeniable—desire igniting between them, Melena fears that Lazaro’s protection may come at the price of her heart.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Oh novella’s how I love to hate you. Love because I get more stories from Lara Adrian about the Midnight Breed’s. Hate you because I read you to fast and my experience is over so quickly.
With that I give you my thoughts.

Starting Tempted by Midnight I was transported back to when Lazaro’s family was killed. It was so bitter sweet. Because I remember crying when it happened. But in Tempted by Midnight Lazaro meets with fate. A fate that he didn’t want yet could not resist.

Melena has be awestruck by Lazaro Archer since the moment he saved her a stupid little girl trying to prove her toughness. But now she finds herself in awe of the man. The man that just saved her life yet again.

I loved this novella. Love Lazaro. Loved Melena. Really wish the story was longer (insert dramatic sigh). But as with all novella’s I can’t give you to much (what fun would that be). If you are a Midnight Breed fan you will love and devour this novella. If you are new to the Midnight Breed you could actually read this novella and be okay. BUT I think you should start at the beginning and get catch up. There is a LOT of history behind this book.

So can’t wait to see what Lara has in store for the Midnight Breeds next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Evil Eye Concepts & 1001 Dark Nights in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 1, 2014September 28, 2014

Kelly reviews Snow Falling On Bluegrass by Molly Harper

TITLE: Snow Falling on Bluegrass
SERIES #: Bluegrass #3
CHARACTERS: Kelsey, Charlie, Luke and the whole KTC crew
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: September 22, 2014
AUDIO RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 7 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Parks & Recreation meets The Blue Collar Comedy Tour in this third ebook in Molly Harper’s Bluegrass series of contemporary romances: A love triangle of colleagues heats up the winter lodge where they get snowed in for a week.

Kentucky Tourism Commission employee and executive assistant extraordinaire Kelsey is known around the office for having everything under control. So it’s not surprising that she and her boss, Sadie, have everything planned to the second for the office winter retreat. But there are things even Kelsey can’t micromanage.

An unprecedented snowstorm smothers half of Kentucky and knocks out the power, closes the roads, and generally shuts down the state. Luckily, the lodge has working fireplaces and enough food to keep the staff from turning on each other like something out of The Shining. Kelsey wouldn’t mind being stuck inside if it wasn’t for the tension with her not-so-secret crush, Charlie, the office’s statistician. But handsome Ranger Luke, the lodge’s only employee on hand, is there to take Kelsey’s mind off her discomfort.

Even though this weekend is supposed to be a planning session for KTC, Kelsey can’t help her mind from wandering and finds herself conflicted over Luke and Charlie. Someone’s love will keep her warm, but whose will it be?

REVIEW:
Snow Falling in Bluegrass takes us back into the world of the KCT (Kentucky Tourism Commission). But this time the crew is going on location, well a work retreat. What started out as a fun outing (well as much fun as spending the weekend with your co-workers) soon turns into the snow apocalypse (think Gillian’s Island covered in snow, no power, no heat, no phones, no internet, lots of ice, snow and ice. Oh and your co-workers). But it is not all bad. There is Auntie Nina’s rubbery bacon cheeseburger pizza cooked in a gourmet redneck oven, The Professor, Fort Kelsey, a very cranky marsupial, the lost of panties, and some sweet revenge that smells like popcorn.
Another awesomesauce story from Molly Harper. I love how Molly can bring together such a great story while delivering some of the funniest stuff I have ever read. I have never meet a Molly Harper book that didn’t leave me in tears, gasping for air, and loving every page of what I read. I am already preparing for my Molly Harper book withdrawals (trust me it is not pretty)
As always I listened to this book on audio, because one I love love love Amanda Ronconi reading to me. Two, I love listening to Molly’s stories because Amanda brings the character to life in a way that I am not my mind could do. And three because I am weird and I started Molly’s books on audio and plan to continue listening to them on audio. But I do still own them all on paper or in ebook form (Yes, I know I have a book hoarding issue. No, I don’t need help 😀 )
One of many of my favorite lines:
“I would gladly slap her with a salmon”
“With a salmon”
“I would follow with cream cheese” I told him “My vengeance is best served with bagels.”
“You’re an incredibly strange girl, and I mean that in the best possible way.”
If you have not picked up a Molly Harper *wiggles finger at you* shame on you. I demand you go grab one of Molly’s book and try it out.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Galley, Threshold, Pocket Books & Tantor Media in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 30, 2014September 28, 2014

Kelly, Jennifer & Kimberly review Chained By Night by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Chained by Nights
SERIES #: MoonBound Clan Vampires #2
CHARACTERS: Hunter & Aylin
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: September 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE
Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL
But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts In Chained by Night we pick up a few months after where we left off in Bound by Night (bk1), with Hunter waiting to be mated to a rival clan’s first daughter. But this is not a mating of love, but one of duty. Even so, Hunter is willing to do what needs to be done to protect his clan. So when Hunter’s intended mate is attacked outside his clan’s walls he runs to her rescue. Once she is safe Hunter is happy to see that she is more than he could have wished for.

Aylin is strong, feisty and determined. Unfortunately, she has been told all her life that she is nothing and noone. But in Chained by Night Aylin learns so much about herself and grows into an amazing person. One of the many things that Alyin learns is that she loves a man that can never be hers.
Rasah is Hunters intended mate. And let me tell you I hate this girl. I mean I wish there was a deep dark hole for her to fall into. Rasah, has no problem taking what she wants no matter who she hurt or what stands in her way. Not even her sister.
This book was Awesome sauce. I honestly don’t think that I have met a Larissa Ione book that I have not fallen in love with. And like all of Ms. Ione’s books, Chained by Night kept me up late at night and turning that next page to see what would happen. If you have not read Bound by Night you need to start there.
I am hoping that Myne’s story will be told next. Although there are many others that need a story too 🙂 Either way I will be very happy for the next book in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Let me think how to be describe this book… Wonderful? Sure. Maybe Amazing? Sure. Maybe Perfect? Yep that about covers it.

Ione has brought us back into her world of the MoonBound Vampires. The world where everyone knows that vampires exist and are something to be hunted. At the end of the first in the series we told that Hunter was being forced to mate with Rasha for the good of the clan but Hunter had one problem he can’t stand the vampire. But when Hunter meets her identical sister, Aylin, now that is a vampire he could sink his teeth into to (did I just say that?). This world is a bit different then most of the worlds that are written in vampire lore. She also takes some liberties with what we have learned about the “norm” of vampires but those liberties make this story special and she mixes a bit of Native American lore which is a fun twist.

I couldn’t put this book down. I am a huge fan of Ione’s books and love this series. If you have not read any of Ione’s books then you are missing out. Ione is one of the best in the paranormal genre and should not be missed. While this story could (mostly) be read as a stand alone I would not suggest it. Read the first in the series first. It explains why Hunter is being forced to mate with Rasha.

Enjoy… I did!

JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Hunter was a character that had always intrigued me and I definitely wanted to learn more about him when he made his appearance in Bound by Night. In Chained by Night, we learn that Hunter has agreed to mate with the daughter of his mortal enemy to help pacify the volatile relationship between the two clans. What he never expected was that his future mate, Rasha, was a nightmare to be around and that he unexpectedly finds himself attracted to Rasha’s twin sister, Aylin.

A man of his word, Hunter prepares for the mating ceremony, but first, he and his future mate must take part in three deadly trials to save their future first born child. Each born vampire must participate in these trials before the mating ceremony or be destined to lose their future child to a deadly enemy. Rasha declines to participate in these trials but Aylin agrees to take her place, to assist the man that is like no other that she has ever known before. As Hunter’s feelings for Aylin deepen, will he be able to say goodbye to the one woman who has his heart in order to protect the people that he has been his family for so long?

I loved Hunter and Aylin together as a couple in Chained by Night and I was praying that they would find a way to stay together in the end after everything they went through. Hunter had spent most of his life trying to be good man for his clan and even though he didn’t want to be around Rasha, he was willing to make the sacrifice. Meeting Aylin wasn’t what he planned but she was the perfect partner for him. She was smart, humble and was always looking out to help other people. After the horrors that she had been through growing up had made her not only a strong person but a good one as well and she’s become one of my favorite heroines to date. Personally, I would love to smack Rasha with a shovel just because of her attitude and the way she treated Aylin during the course of this book. She made me hate her and because of that, I loved Aylin all the more because she was still able to love her sister even after the things Rasha had done to her.

Chained by Night was an amazing paranormal tale of forbidden love and adventure that will definitely strike a chord with readers. I was swept right along with Hunter and Aylin during their dangerous trials and tribulations to protect the people they loved or die trying. Ms. Ione has always been one of my favorite authors and with each new book, she continues to captivate with her stories of hot, sexy romance and heart-stopping action.

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

September 26, 2014September 22, 2014

Kelly& Natasha review Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Rock Courtship
SERIES #: A Rock Kiss Novella #1.5
CHARACTERS: David Rivera & Thea Arsana
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s new contemporary romance novella is pure hard rock and scorching heat…

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients–or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man…and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Rock Courtship is book 2 in Nalini Singh’s new Rock Kiss. In book one we learned that David had a bit of a crush on Thea. But the Thea has a two die hard rule “never date a client” and “never date a musician”. But David wants her and is willing to do anything he can to get her.

This was a quick read. Only 14 chapters but filled with a lot of heat and love. I don’t want to get any spoilers. David and Thea’s relationship is so sweet and I love the lengths that David goes to to get his woman.

If you enjoyed Rock Addiction (bk1) you will enjoy Rock Courtship. If you have not started the Rock Kiss series yet I would suggest you get started. But never fear you could read Rock Courtship and be okay.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts This was my first Nalini Singh book and now I’m hooked! I literally could not put this book down. I sat down to read a few pages and two hours later I was done. My only complaint is that it was a novella and not nearly long enough for my liking. This novella takes place parallel to book 1 in the Rock Kiss series – Rock Addiction. I haven’t read book 1, but found this story very easy to follow along with. Thea and David are so sweet and so perfect together. I found them both extremely likable characters and was invested in their stories very quickly – which is not typical for me. I am now going to go back and read Rock Addiction and every other book that comes out in this series. The characters are intriguing and I want to know what goes on with this tight-knit group of characters and their sometimes dysfunctional family.

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

4 Hearts

September 19, 2014September 16, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: He’s So Fine
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #11
CHARACTERS: Cole Donovan & Olivia Bentley
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: September 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Olivia Bentley, Lucky Harbor is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It’s the place where folks are friendly to strangers-and nobody knows her real name. Olivia does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone . . . until she sees a man drowning. Suddenly she’s rushing into the surf, getting up close and personal with the hottest guy she’s ever laid hands on.

Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to “save” him. In fact, he’d like to spend a lot more time skin-to-skin with Olivia. He’s just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole’s heart, or will it be the end of Olivia’s days in little Lucky Harbor?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
He’s So Fine is Cole & Olivia’s story. We met both of them in It’s In His Kiss (bk 10). Cole & Olivia’s story starts with a big bang and a splash that leaves them in a bit of an interesting situation. And the story just keeps getting better from there. Gosh, I want to tell you so much. But I am really big on no spoilers. So let’s say Cole is a man who is always ready to jump in to fix everyone and everything. And always has some very interesting things in his pants. Olivia is a woman who just wants a new start and wants to live as herself for the first time in her life.

I totally adore Jill Shalvis and her books!! I am totally in love with Lucky Harbor and am on a journey to find this town. I absolutely loved Cole & Olivia’s story. My only fault with this book is that it ended way too soon. Want wanted more of these two. I wanted to see what happened after….. well I can’t tell you that. So you need to pick up a copy of He’s So Fine and find out yourself.

I can’t wait for the next Lucky Harbor story.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful visit to Lucky Harbor. We met both Olivia and Cole in the last book but this time around we got to spend some real quality time with them and it was a great visit. Cole is a stand up, can count on him, good as they come guy but he has had his heart broken and trust broken it has caused him to be leary of liars. Olivia has grown up in a world very few get to experience and now wants to be “normal” but her past doesn’t even let her know what normal is anymore. But together they manage to work it out because come on it’s a Jill Shalvis story. Love conquers all.

I enjoyed this couple together. As soon as Olivia jumps in the water to save a stranger I knew we would see a different side to the quiet and reclusive Olivia then who we met in “It’s In His Kiss” (#10). And Cole… well who would want Cole to change? He was wonderful in the last book. I did miss that there was not as much of the three guys (Cole, Sam and Tanner) interacting as there was last time. They have a chemistry all their own which makes them incredible but there was some and for that I am happy. Olivia, well, sometimes I just wanted to slap her and say “hello just tell him already” but then the story would have ended too soon.

Shalvis has a way of drawing you in right off the bat and starting with a line like “for a guy balancing his weight.. on a boat, sex was a bonehead move” pulls you in especially when you know that guy is Cole. I can’t wait to read Tanner and Callie’s story “One In A Million” and hope the rumors aren’t true that it will be my last visit to one of my favorite towns.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.