Heather Graham – Books-n-Kisses

March 25, 2021March 21, 2021

Kimberly reviews Danger In Numbers by Heather Graham

TITLE: Danger In Numbers
CHARACTERS: Amy Larson & Hunter Forrest
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/23/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the edge of the Everglades, an eerie crime scene sets off an investigation that sends two agents deep into a world of corrupted faith, greed and deadly secrets.

A ritualistic murder on the side of a remote road brings in the Florida state police. Special Agent Amy Larson has never seen worse, and there are indications that this killing could be just the beginning. The crime draws the attention of the FBI in the form of Special Agent Hunter Forrest, a man with insider knowledge of how violent cults operate, and a man who might never be able to escape his own past.

The rural community is devastated by the death in their midst, but people know more than they are saying. As Amy and Hunter join forces, every lead takes them further into the twisted beliefs of a dangerous group that will stop at nothing to see their will done.

Doomsday preppers and small-town secrets collide in this sultry, twisty page-turning thriller.

REVIEW:
I am a big fan of Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series and most of her other stories as well. So I am always happy to pick up a Heather Graham story. But this one was just ok for me.

I love the suspense part. And being from Florida I loved hearing all the places and lore of the state. Graham has a way of bringing you into her stories with the real history that surrounds the area she is writing about. But the romance was a bit dry in this story.

I do not know what it was but I guess I never connected with Amy or Hunter because I just wanted to get back to the meat of the story and be done with the fluff.

The religious part of the story I found interesting. I have never been fond of the cult stories but this had a bit of a different aspect to the story. The murder was one that you wanted to help Amy and Hunter find the suspect.

All in all a good story from Graham just not one of her best.

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

February 9, 2021February 7, 2021

Kimberly reviews Witness To Death by Heather Graham

TITLE: Witness To Death
CHARACTERS: Lorna & Andrew
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/28/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lorna Doria hadn’t committed a murder. She’d seen one. Yet somehow she’d become the prisoner, while the killer was out on bail. As state’s witness, she’d thought the shelter of her quiet New England life would be enough to keep her safe. Law enforcement disagreed—and it was New York City undercover cop Andrew Trudeau’s job to protect her. But their strong attraction had already made it too late for that . . .

Now, with Andrew as her bodyguard, Lorna has no choice but to accept his constant presence. She assures herself she can handle it, she’s mature, not easily rattled—except by Andrew. They’re as different as can be, yet something bonds them, something beyond the danger they face. But as a cop, Andrew’s life will always be on the line, and Lorna must decide whether she can live with that—if a killer lets them have any future at all . . .

REVIEW:
It kills me to say this but I really just didn’t enjoy this book. I kept thinking it was as if someone was writing under Graham’s name and then I figured it out. This is a reprint from 1985. That is over 3 decades to mature in her writings. And oh she has.

I never really felt the chemistry between Andrew and Lorna. The story idea was fine. Lorna is in protective custody with a man that is hard to resist while Andrew is trying to do his job to protect Lorna but what he wants is her in his arms. The concept is great and I would almost bet if Graham went back and wrote it now fans would love it.

I think I will just stick to the original novels coming out now because Graham has become one of the best over these last 35 years.

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

July 26, 2019July 25, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Seekers by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Seekers
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #28
CHARACTERS: Kerri & Joe
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/23/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE TRUTH IS SCARIER THAN FICTION

Kerri Wolf has joined the crew of The Seekers, a show that searches for paranormal phenomena, as they explore a supposedly haunted old inn on the road between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. The place is famous for its warm welcome—and infamous for being the site of an ax murder rampage in the 1920s. They’ve barely begun when a very real dead body is discovered in the basement. As a nonfiction author, Kerri is supposed to be the rational one, but she can’t explain a terrifying apparition that seems to be both a threat and a warning.

Former detective Joe Dunhill knows what she’s going through—the strange gift of being able to see and talk to the dead is a struggle he shares. A new member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, he’s on the team investigating the disturbing death. The town is steeped in old-fashioned superstition, and the deeper Joe and Kerri plunge into the dark secrets of the inn, the closer they get to a devastating truth. Will a bloody history be repeated? Or can the spirits of the past reach out to stop a killer?

REVIEW:
This series is easily one of my favorites in the genre. What I like most is the setting. Graham always makes me want to jump on a plane and head to the newest setting of the series. Having spent some time is PA lately I wanted to head to the Philly side and see where she was talking about.

This is a series with a lot of books but all of them can be a stand alone. But as with any series reading from the beginning is best. But mostly the Krewe Of Hunters are detectives who use ghosts to help with their case.

I always have a hard time figuring out “who-dun-it” which I enjoy.

Any fan of suspense with a bit of paranormal will love this book and this series.

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

July 5, 2019July 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summoning by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Summoning
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #27
CHARACTERS: Kristi & Dallas
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A CALL FROM BEYOND…

When Kristi Stewart inherits a property in the old part of Savannah, she knows it comes with stories of hauntings. But she doesn’t believe in ghosts, even while she runs seances for the guests of McLane House Bed-and-Breakfast. Until the inexplicable midnight appearance of one of her infamous ancestors. Terrified, she flees into the night—and right into the arms of Dallas Wicker.

Dallas is trying to uncover the truth about a colleague who died under suspicious circumstances. As strange happenings continue to plague Kristi’s home, it is soon clear that there’s a very living threat in the neighborhood—several people have disappeared without a trace. Dallas can’t find any connection between the victims, but someone wanted them gone, and it might be linked to the history of McLane House. And that means Kristi should be very afraid.

REVIEW:
I love the Krewe of Hunters and the writing for Heather Graham. This is the 27th in the series. That seems hard to believe since I think I have read every single one of them. But as with all of the books in the series they can be read as a stand alone.

The best thing about Heather Graham’s writings is how she draws you into the city she is talking about and this one is no different, making me want to jump in the car and head to Savannah, Georgia.

The characters are always enjoyable to read and the ghost that brings aide to the Krewe is wonderful but the city and the history Graham brings to the forefront is the key to the story if you ask me.

If you enjoy the genre of suspense with a bit of paranormal then this is the book and series for you.

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

August 2, 2018July 31, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Dangerous Game by Heather Graham

TITLE: A Dangerous Game
SERIES #: New York Confidential #3
CHARACTERS: Kieran & Craig
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The third novel in the New York Confidential series by long-established NYT bestselling romantic suspense author Heather Graham. This is the author’s romantic-suspense stream, in addition to her successful ongoing mass market paperback paranormal romantic suspense series.

Psychologist Kieran Finnegan is thrust into the middle of an investigation into human trafficking when a desperate woman shoves an infant into her arms and then flees…only to be murdered minutes later on a busy Manhattan street. Despite the fact that it isn’t an FBI case, Special Agent Craig Frasier starts poking around, because Kieran can’t stop thinking about the child and the victim. Their one lead comes through the pub, Finnegan’s on Broadway. One of the waitresses also volunteers at a church outreach center, and had been in contact with a distraught young pregnant woman, whom she recommended Kieran to as someone who might be able to help her. When Kieran goes to the outreach center to do some off-the-books investigating of her own, she is approached by two women who are worried for their missing friend, and who reveal that they were part of a human trafficking ring that did business in babies. As Craig and Kieran delve deeper into the underbelly of NYC trying to find out more, the dangerous elements of the ring come to the surface, hoping to silence Kieran before she exposes them.

REVIEW:
I honestly am not sure why I keep requesting this series. Other than it is Heather Graham I have no reason to pick it out. I have not been a fan of this series from the beginning but I keep trying it. And again this just didn’t strike me.

I am a HUGE fan of Graham’s and a HUGER (yeah I know that is not a word) fan of the Krewe of Hunters series. Maybe if I didn’t have those books to compare to I would enjoy this one more but it is hard to not see exactly what is missing from this series to the other.

I can imagine fans of Graham’s that do not like the Krewe series might find this series worth the read. And knowing me I will request the next one too. But 3 stars is the best I can do.

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

February 22, 2018February 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews Out Of The Darkness by Heather Graham

TITLE: Out Of The Darkness
SERIES #: The Finnigan Connection #3
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Tyler
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A love rekindled…or a deadly reunion?

Even after a decade, Sarah Hampton is haunted by the night that nearly ended in a bloody massacre and destroyed her high school romance with handsome Tyler Grant. Now the horror has returned. It’s a reckoning from the events of that terrifying night—and a love they never let go. Only this time Tyler must protect Sarah from the killer hiding in the darkness…or lose her forever.

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts Ok so first let me say two things. 1) I love Heather Graham’s books especially her Krewe Of Hunters series and 2) I set myself up each time I pick the books from this series so why I do it I do not know.

I know this is not it because I doubt Graham would put her reputation on the line but it is like this series is written by someone else and put her name on it. The characters are just not interesting and while the storyline was interesting if not original.

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

December 26, 2017December 25, 2017

Kimberly reviews A Season Of Miracles by Heather Graham

TITLE: A Season Of Miracles
CHARACTERS: Jillian & Robert
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Revisit a thrilling tale of second chance love in this classic Christmas romance by New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham.

Centuries ago, in another lifetime, the man Jillian Llewellyn loved tried but failed to save her. Now, in this season of miracles, two lost souls are being given a second chance.

Since her husband’s death, jewelry designer Jillian Llewellyn has withdrawn, focusing only on her work. But something unimaginable is going to shatter her safe world, drawing her into a web of danger and desire. At the center of the storm is a handsome stranger, Robert Marston. The new silent partner at Llewellyn Enterprises, Marston is as formidable as he is intimidating…as mysterious as he is familiar. The connection she feels is bone deep–as if they’ve known each other before.

When several bizarre accidents strike Jillian, a chilling fear that someone wants to harm her begins to grow. But who would want her dead? A co-worker? A member of her own close-knit family? Against her will she is drawn to Robert, unsure whether he is her salvation…or her damnation. Now, as the ghosts of the past are resurrected, Jillian and Robert must forge a new destiny as they unlock the timeless secrets of passion and betrayal. At Christmas time, anything is possible…if you believe.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 2002 under Shannon Drake. I enjoyed this story but you can tell this was the earlier days of Drake/Graham.

I enjoyed the story for the most part. It is a bit different which is what kept me reading it but it was also a bit slow. The middle was what kept my interest. The beginning was slow but I gave it the time it needed. But the end was abrupt. It needed maybe one more chapter but it felt pushed together to hurry the end.

This will not be a story I recommend but it wasn’t a bad read either.

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

November 28, 2017November 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Tomorrow The Glory by Heather Graham

TITLE: Tomorrow The Glory
CHARACTERS: Kendall & Brent
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A historical romance by Heather Graham, writing as Shannon Drake.

THE WOMAN
She is Kendall Moore—a spirited southern belle as proud as she is beautiful, driven by a cruel marriage-bed betrayal to risk her life in a dangerous gamble for freedom . . .

THE MAN
He is Brent McClain—the Confederate agent who meets Kendall aboard the warship Jenni-Lyn, and loses his heart in a single, searing night of passion . . .

THE GLORY
But war and treachery soon tear them apart—Brent into raging battle, Kendall into desperate flight from a scorned husband’s white-hot vengeance. They live only for the promise of tomorrow—and a love that will burn forever in both their hearts.

REVIEW:
Re-release from under the name Shannon Drake. This is a historical civil war romance. Graham/Drake has an unbelievable way of writing that pulls you right in. You want to crawl into the book and visit the location she is writing about.

The tension between the couple is wonderful and difficult at the same time. I picked the story because of the author being Graham but I truly enjoyed this story. I am not a huge civil war romance fan but this was a great story.

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

October 13, 2017October 11, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham

TITLE: Wicked Deeds
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #23
CHARACTERS: Vickie & Griffin
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nevermore…

Eager to start their life together, historian Vickie Preston and Special Agent Griffin Pryce take a detour en route to their new home in Virginia and stop for a visit in Baltimore. But their romantic weekend is interrupted when a popular author is found dead in the basement of an Edgar Allan Poe-themed restaurant. Because of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the corpse, the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters paranormal team is invited to investigate. As more bizarre deaths occur, Vickie and Griffin are drawn into a case that has disturbing echoes of Poe’s great works, bringing the horrors of his fiction to life.

The restaurant is headquarters to scholars and fans, and any of them could be a merciless killer. Except there’s also something reaching out from beyond the grave. The late, great Edgar Allan Poe himself is appearing to Vickie in dreams and visions with cryptic information about the murders. Unless they can uncover whose twisted mind is orchestrating the dramatic re-creations, Vickie and Griffin’s future as a couple might never begin…

REVIEW:
I am not sure why Graham is staying with these two characters. I enjoyed them in the first book but this is #3 of their relationship/journey and Vickie and Griffin are just not that interesting to carry three books in my opinion.

I have also never been a fan of Edgar Allen Poe. Other than having to read The Raven in school (which I did not really enjoy) I have not read anything by him so the novelty of him being in the story is lost on me.

I have always enjoyed Graham’s Krewe of Hunters and would never miss one but I really hope she moves on from Vickie and Griffin because I am ready for the next couple and hope they are back to individual stories and no more mini-series inside the main series.

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

August 31, 2017August 27, 2017

Kimberly reviews Lie Down In Roses by Heather Graham

TITLE: Lie Down In Roses
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Tristan
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The willful Lady Genevieve would do anything to save her beloved Edenby Castle–even if she had to share the name and the bed of her most treacherous foe, Lord Tristan. They were born to be enemies and destined to be lovers–players in a perilous game of intrigue and passion where the price was one woman’s innocence and the prize was one man’s heart.

REVIEW:
This a re-release from Shannon Drake, the name Heather Graham used for her historical romance. The original story is from 1988.

This was not one of my favorite books by Drake/Graham. It is a true “Bodice Ripper” as the saying goes. The Hero is cruel and heartless in my opinion. I never ended up liking him. The Heroine is just too weak.

The story kept me interested but I am not sure why. I really just didn’t find myself liking much of anyone in this story.

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

July 25, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Dark Rites by Heather Graham

TITLE: Dark Rites
SERIES #: Krewe of Hunters #22
CHARACTERS: Vickie & Griffin
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The witches, they are real…

A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now he’s gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. She’s having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenes—a cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.

Vickie is grateful to have Special Agent Griffin Pryce and the FBI’s elite Krewe of Hunters on her side. Vickie and Griffin are finding their way in an increasingly passionate relationship, and he’s keeping her safe and sane amid the disturbing investigation. The search for Alex will take them deep into the wilderness of Massachusetts on the trail of a serial killer, where an ancient evil is waking.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This series is one of my favorites. I always look forward to picking up the latest but this one didn’t do it for me. I think it might have been because it was the same characters from the previous book. We met Vickie and Griffin in Dying Breath which was a really good book. I am not exactly sure why we have a follow up book to that one. Usually the books in this series bring the previous characters back as background but this one focuses on the same couple again.

Now that being said one of the things I enjoy most about this series is the history that Graham includes. I feel the need to mention this in every review because by the end of each other books I am ready to jump on a plane to visit the location and this was no different. The location is still Boston and the surrounding areas and this is an area with so much history that Graham had to work with.

This might not have been one of my favorites but I can’t wait for the next one. Because even the non-faves are still a joy to read.

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

June 1, 2017May 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Dying Breath by Heather Graham

TITLE: Dying Breath
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #21
CHARACTERS: Vickie & Griffin
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/30/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Buried alive…

As a teenager, Vickie Preston survived an attack by a serial killer. That was the first time she saw a ghost. Now the city of Boston is being terrorized—someone is kidnapping women and burying them alive, but cruelly leaving a glimmer of hope for the authorities by sending a clue about their location. Vickie is pulled into the investigation when her name is mentioned in one of the notes. And as a historian, she has the knowledge to help uncover the graves the killer known as the Undertaker is choosing. But she also has another, unique lead: the spirit of one of the victims is appearing to her in dreams.

Special Agent Griffin Price is on the case for the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s special unit for paranormal investigators. He feels particularly protective of Vickie, since their shared past is connected to the threat that currently surrounds them. With the killer accelerating his plans, time is running out for more victims hidden around the city. Vickie is becoming closer with Griffin, but she’s getting too close to the danger, and every breath could be her last.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Another wonderful adventure with the Krewe of Hunters. What I enjoy most about this series is the history that Graham puts into each book. This one is set in Boston. One of my favorite cities that I haven’t been to since I was a kid. And now I just want to jump on a plane and head back for a visit.

The second biggest enjoyment for me is the ghost interaction. Some of the books have more than others and this was one of them. Dylan does quite a bit of visiting and is adorable when he does. Noah (not a ghost) is written so grown up that it is interesting to see the differences in the “brothers”. You will understand that more after reading the story.

And then there is the suspense part of the story. This is #21 in the series and I swear I have read at least 90% of them and have figured out the “who-dun-it” less than a handful of times. Graham has a way of throwing the reader (as least this reader) off the scent of the real person. I can usually tell who it is *not* but not who it is.

The thing about this series if each book can be a stand alone romantic paranormal suspense but I have no idea why someone who is a fan of the genre isn’t already a connoisseur of this series.

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