5 Star – Page 6 – Books-n-Kisses

August 28, 2017August 27, 2017

Kimberly reviews You Say It First by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Title Of Book
SERIES #: Happily Inc #1
CHARACTERS: Nick & Pallas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/22/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks—mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won’t let love consume him, for ecstasy with an expiration date, he’s all in.

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but cave to her domineering mother and trade taffeta for trust funds working at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.

REVIEW:
If you enjoy visiting Fool’s Gold than Happily Inc will be your next favorite locale.

As a huge fan of Mallery and Fool’s Gold I was a bit apprehensive about starting this series mainly because it is in the same vein as Fool’s Gold. Mallery writes stories other than FG but they are a different, they fall more under Women’s Lit while FG would fall under Contemporary Romance. But I picked up the new story and I am so glad I did.

We met Nick in a previous FG story but he and his two brothers have moved to Happily Inc. Nick is good looking and talented. And he knows it. Pallas is the new owner of a local business learning how to be her own person professionally and personally.

As are all of Mallery’s characters this couple and the background characters are well formed and enjoyable. Knowing her writing we have a lot of new characters to befriend and this story is just the beginning.

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

August 25, 2017August 20, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wicked Bite by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Bite
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #5
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Bear
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

As she hunts for a drug lord killing her fellow witches, all Tessa Lansa’s instincts point to the Grizzly motorcycle club. That might be because their leader, Bear, is the strong, silent shifter type: warm brown eyes and more muscle and alpha male than any woman can ignore. Which makes Tessa’s plan to seduce and betray him all the more dangerous . . .

Bear doesn’t trust the curvy, blue-eyed witch. But Tessa can heal the injuries that sap his strength. And since he can’t stop thinking of her lush body and teasing smile, her plan to mate him to reclaim her own power is highly tempting. Just one problem. Once a desire this wild is loose, no one will ever control it . .

REVIEW:

BEAR! It’s been a long time coming and finally I was able to cuddle up with Bear! I believe this is the last in the Realm Enforcers series. And Zanetti saved the best for last.

This story brings us to the end where we are able to find answers to questions we have had since book one of this series. Which also means that this can not be a stand alone. But then since Zanetti is quickly becoming the Queen of Paranormal Romance I am not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to pick up every one of her books and read them all.

Which I enjoyed is the look back at some major characters from previous books. It was a bit of a family reunion of sorts.

Nessa is a great character but as you can see Bear steals this story. I have waited and waited for Bear to fall in love and the story was worth waiting for!

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

August 24, 2017August 20, 2017

Kelly reviews A Merciful Truth by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Truth
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #2
CHARACTERS: Truman Daly & Mercy Kilpatrick
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Raised by a family of survivalists, FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick can take on any challenge—even the hostile reception to her homecoming. But she’s not the only one causing chaos in the rural community of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. At first believed to be teenage pranks, a series of fires takes a deadly turn with the murder of two sheriff’s deputies. Now, along with Police Chief Truman Daly, Mercy is on the hunt for an arsonist turned killer.

Still shunned by her family and members of the community, Mercy must keep her ear close to the ground to pick up any leads. And it’s not long before she hears rumors of the area’s growing anti-government militia movement. If the arsonist is among their ranks, Mercy is determined to smoke the culprit out. But when her investigation uncovers a shocking secret, will this hunt for a madman turn into her own trial by fire?

REVIEW:

Another great book in Mercy’s series! I am in love with her so much!! Mercy is not your typical heroine! She is tough, determined and prepared. In A Merciful Truth we return to the small town of Eagle’s Nest Oregon where a string of fires sparks the police’s attention. But when two officers are murdered at one of the fires the FBI is called in and we get to see Mercy at her finest.
Again this was another great book from Ms. Elliot! I loved the twists and turns in this story. It kept me guess as to who was who and who the bad guys were. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in Mercy’s series.

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.

August 16, 2017August 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wicked Bite by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Bite
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #5
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Bear
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!
As she hunts for a drug lord killing her fellow witches, all Tessa Lansa’s instincts point to the Grizzly
motorcycle club. That might be because their leader, Bear, is the strong, silent shifter type: warm brown
eyes and more muscle and alpha male than any woman can ignore. Which makes Tessa’s plan to seduce
and betray him all the more dangerous . . .
Bear doesn’t trust the curvy, blue-eyed witch. But Tessa can heal the injuries that sap his strength. And
since he can’t stop thinking of her lush body and teasing smile, her plan to mate him to reclaim her own
power is highly tempting. Just one problem. Once a desire this wild is loose, no one will ever control it . .

REVIEW:
BEAR! It’s been a long time coming and finally I was able to cuddle up with Bear! I believe this is the last
in the Realm Enforcers series. And Zanetti saved the best for last.
This story brings us to the end where we are able to find answers to questions we have had since book
one of this series. Which also means that this can not be a stand alone. But then since Zanetti is quickly
becoming the Queen of Paranormal Romance I am not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to pick up every
one of her books and read them all.
Which I enjoyed is the look back at some major characters from previous books. It was a bit of a family
reunion of sorts.
Nessa is a great character but as you can see Bear steals this story. I have waited and waited for Bear to
fall in love and the story was worth waiting for!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 4, 2017July 30, 2017

Kelly reviews Besieged by Kevin Hearne

TITLE: Besieged
SERIES #: The Iron Druid Chronicles #4.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 8.1, 8.6
CHARACTERS: Atticus, Oberon, Granule, Owen, Puren
AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 11, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Harry Dresden meets American Gods in this collection of all-new stories set in the bestselling world of The Iron Druid Chronicles, starring 2,000-year-old Irishman/Druid, Atticus O’Sullivan.
The Iron Druid Chronicles is a hilarious and action-packed urban fantasy set in a modern world in which all the gods of every pantheon are alive and well, as in American Gods; its hero is a smart-mouthed, buttkicking magician, like Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. But it’s told in a smart, witty, unforgettable voice that’s all Kevin Hearne—a star in the fantasy world. This addictive and wildly imaginative series stars hero Atticus O’Sullivan: a handsome, tattooed Irishman who looks like a young rock star, but is in actuality a 2,000-year-old Druid with extraordinary magical powers. In Besieged, Atticus’ adventures throughout history are told in a collection of nine new and original short stories.

REVIEW:
It was so wonderful to be back in the world of the Iron Druid!! I simply love this series.
Besieged is a book of short stories that are in the IDC world. They are stories that help fill in some of the gaps between stories and answer a few questions. The last three shorts are leading up to Scourged (which Kevin has said will be the last book *tears*).
As always I let the amazingly talented Luke Daniels read this story to me. Luke is one of my favorite narrators. His ability to bring Kevin’s characters to life is simply amazing.
I honestly don’t know what I am going to do if the IDC is really coming to an end. Guess it is time for a re-listen.

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

August 3, 2017July 30, 2017

Book reviewers wanted!!!

August 2, 2017July 30, 2017

Kelly reviews Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Silver Silence
SERIES #: The Psy/Changeling Trinity Series
CHARACTERS: Valentin Nikolaev & Silver Mercant
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
RUN TIME: 16 Hours & 1 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 13, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater Bears, brings with him. Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence-her mind clear of all emotion-Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That’s what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious . . . and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan. Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed .

REVIEW:
Bears!!!
We finally get to jump into the world of Bear Changelings and it was AMAZING!!! If you have read the Psy-Changeling series you will know that the Bears were alluded to in prior books. But we didn’t know much about them! Well that all changed with this book. Because BEARS!!!!
Alpha Nikolaev is amazing! He carries the weight of his clan on his shoulders and some very deep scars in his heart. But that doesn’t stop him from being the best Bear Alpha that there can possible be. The Bears are a rowdy group that love to have fun and love each other deeply.
Silver Mercant we have seen a lot in prior books. She is an ice queen or that is what she wants us to think. It becomes clear very early one that Silver likes the attention from a certain Alpha Bear. She has no plans to act on this until her life is threatened and she is whisked away to Denhome for her safe keeping :).
This is the beginning of a wonderful cat and mouse (or Bear and Psy) game.
OMG!!! Seriously, does it get any better than a Nalini Singh book? I think not. I love and adore the world that Ms. Singh has created for us. Add to that amazing story telling the amazingly talented Angela Dawe and you have perfection!! Ms. Dawe does an amazing job of bringing Ms. Singh’s characters to the next level for me. Plus she has to say all the hard words or Russian words that if I had read them I would have just glossed over them. 🙂 So thank you Ms. Dawe for being so awesome!! I am so excited already for the next installment in this new chapter of the Psy-Changeling world.

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

August 1, 2017July 30, 2017

Want to be a book reviewer?

July 11, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Physical Forces by D.D. Ayers

TITLE: Physical Forces
SERIES #: K-9 Rescue #6
CHARACTERS: Macayla & Oliver
AUTHOR: D.D. Ayers
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/30/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LOVE TO THE RESCUE
Macayla Burkett is no ordinary private eye. She’s a pet detective, dedicated to tracking down missing dogs and cats. When two famous racing greyhounds disappear and turn up dead, Macayla finds herself in the midst of a much more serious case. And when the thieves target her and threaten her life, she realizes she’s in grave danger—until a ridiculously handsome stranger enters the picture …
Oliver Kelly may look like a male stripper, but his muscles aren’t just for show. The gorgeous Australian is co-owner of a K-9 Search and Rescue service dedicated to saving those in danger. When he and his K-9 partner, an Australian shepherd named Jackeroo, rescue the fiery detective from trouble, the sparks begin to fly. And when they join forces to stop a widespread case of animal theft, it unleashes a torrent of passion that’s impossible to tame…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts OH, How I enjoyed this book! But I have to say I am so mad at myself. I read the first 2 books in the series and then requested this story and realized it is #6!!! What?!?!?! How did I miss the last 3 books? Boy am I aggravated!

So here is what I enjoyed about Mac. Almost everything! She is a little spitfire when she needs to be but yet there is something soft about her. It is not that she is overly feminine or made to sound incapable, it is more that she seems to know when to fight the battle and when to fight the war. When it comes to animals she will fight the war with all she is worth but when it comes to herself, maybe the battle can wait.

And now there is Oliver. I enjoyed him very much. He is written with a great sense of humor and a great sense of self. He knows he is good looking and uses it to his benefit but he is not written to be an egotistical jerk. He is quick witted and made me smile a number of times with his lines. But like all of us he hides a secret and (no spoilers here) it is one that I am glad was addressed and in such a great way.

Now as I write this next paragraph keep in mind that I gave it almost 5 Hearts/Stars, but there were a few things that just didn’t mesh including the texting (this will make sense later) but if a line about using special apps had been added it would have meshed a bit more. And the last chapter…. Something was just off about it. I would have given it 5 Hearts/Stars except for this last chapter. It seemed too rushed and out of character for both of them. I wished I had stopped at the last word of the chapter twenty seven.

One last thing… I am glad the subject of dog racing was brought up and explained to the readers. I grew up in Florida and dog racing is still big (but not as big as it used to be) and can be a very hard life for dogs. This story brought up the problems without shoving it down your throat.

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

July 7, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wicked Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Kiss
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #4
CHARACTERS: Victoria & Adam
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Working as an informant for the DEA, Victoria Monzelle is used to living on the edge. But she’s not a big fan of getting kidnapped. And definitely not by a bunch of bad boy witches with fancy-colored fire to shoot at people. So when Adam Dunne shows up and claims to be a witch enforcer, she’s not going to put her life in his hands based on his word, no matter how smooth and smart and beautifully Irish his words sound. But on the run from a tribunal of witches, she isn’t going to make it far . . .

Before she knows it, Adam’s word is all that stands between her and execution. Sophisticated, just-gotta-ruffle-him Adam has vowed to make her his one eternal mate, wild and unpredictable as she is—to save her from a sentence of certain death. But Tori isn’t interested in being anyone’s pity date. And if they think she’s unpredictable now, they should see what’s coming next . .

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Zanetti may be one of the best paranormal writers of this age. Every book makes me wish she would get a contract to turn her realm into a series on television.

If Adam and Tori were on Match.com they would NEVER be connected which just makes you realize that opposites do attract. There is a lot of action and as with all of Zanetti’s book HOT! I love how Zanetti brings these big strong protective guys to their knees with a woman they never thought they could be attracted to.

I would say that this is not a stand alone, even though I know some say it can be. You really need to read the series from the start but trust me once you start you will not mind catching up on these enforcers. Holding my breath for Bear’s story!

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

July 4, 2017July 2, 2017