Kelly’s Review – Page 10

December 14, 2017December 10, 2017

Kelly reviews The Girl That Lived by Christopher Greyson

TITLE: The Girl that Lived
CHARACTERS: Faith Winters
AUTHOR: Christopher Greyson
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago, four people were brutally murdered. One girl lived.

No one believes her story.
The police think she’s crazy.
Her therapist thinks she’s suicidal.
Everyone else thinks she’s a dangerous drunk.
They’re all right—but did she see the killer?

As the anniversary of the murders approaches, Faith Winters is released from the psychiatric hospital and yanked back to the last spot on earth she wants to be—her hometown where the slayings took place. Wracked by the lingering echoes of survivor’s guilt, Faith spirals into a black hole of alcoholism and wanton self-destruction. Finding no solace at the bottom of a bottle, Faith decides to track down her sister’s killer—and then discovers that she’s the one being hunted.

How can one woman uncover the truth when everyone’s a suspect—including herself?

From the mind of Wall Street Journal bestselling author Christopher Greyson comes a story with twists and turns that take the reader on a journey of light and dark, good and evil, to the edge of madness. The Girl Who Lived should come with a warning label: Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop. Not since Girl on the Train and Gone Girl has a psychological thriller kept readers so addicted—and guessing right until the last page.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was my first book by Christopher Greyson and I enjoyed it. At times the story dragged a little for me. There were times that I just wanted Faith to reach out for help in a different way. But by the end of the story I realized all the ways I wanted her to do something would have ended with her death.
I did enjoy the twists and turns in this story. Every time I though I know who done it I was given more evidence that it wasn’t that person and the focus shifted to another person.
I will be on the lookout for more stories from Mr. Greyson in the future.

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

December 11, 2017December 10, 2017

Kelly reviews The Hunt by Chloe Neill

TITLE: The Hunt
SERIES #: Devil’s Isle #3
CHARACTERS: Liam Quinn & Claire Connolly
AUTHOR: Chloe Neill
NARRATOR: Amy Landon
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 26 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 27, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires Novels–the hunter becomes the hunted in a New Orleans devastated by a Paranormal war….
When bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered that Claire Connolly was a Sensitive and infected with magic, he should have turned her in to be locked up in the prison district known as Devil’s Isle. Instead, he helped her learn to control her power and introduced her to an underground group of Paranormals and humans who know the truth about the war and those who fought it.
Now the weight of Liam’s own secrets has forced him into hiding. When a government agent is killed and Claire discovers that Liam is the prime suspect, she races to find him before the government can. But she’ll discover proving his innocence is no simple matter. Their enemies are drawing closer, and time is running out.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I am enjoying this series and really happy that it looks like there will be another book. With that The Hunt started out a little slow for my liking. There was not a lot that happened until Claire, Malachi and Gavin go on the hunt for Liam to warn him about Containment. Once Liam is back with the group things start picking up in the story. And we finally get a little conclusion on the whole Claire and Liam issue (thankfully).
We also learn a lot more about Claire’s history, who her mother was. This throws a huge kink in the chain. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

As I have for the first two books I let the talented Amy Landon narrator this story for me. I have a deep love for audiobooks and love to find narrators that can bring an author’s words to life for me. Ms. Landon does a wonderful of bring Claire, Liam, Malachi, Gavin and the whole gain to life for me.

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

December 7, 2017December 6, 2017

Kelly reviews Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

TITLE: Sweet Tea & Sympathy
SERIES #: Southern Electric #1
CHARACTERS: Margot Cary & Kyle Archer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 27 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 21, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beloved author Molly Harper launches a brand-new contemporary romance series, Southern Eclectic, with this story of a big-city party planner who finds true love in a small Georgia town.

Nestled on the shore of Lake Sackett, Georgia is the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. (What, you have a problem with one-stop shopping?) Two McCready brothers started two separate businesses in the same building back in 1928, and now it’s become one big family affair. And true to form in small Southern towns, family business becomes everybody’s business.

Margot Cary has spent her life immersed in everything Lake Sackett is not. As an elite event planner, Margot’s rubbed elbows with the cream of Chicago society, and made elegance and glamour her business. She’s riding high until one event goes tragically, spectacularly wrong. Now she’s blackballed by the gala set and in dire need of a fresh start—and apparently the McCreadys are in need of an event planner with a tarnished reputation.

As Margot finds her footing in a town where everybody knows not only your name, but what you had for dinner last Saturday night and what you’ll wear to church on Sunday morning, she grudgingly has to admit that there are some things Lake Sackett does better than Chicago—including the dating prospects. Elementary school principal Kyle Archer is a fellow fish-out-of-water who volunteers to show Margot the picture-postcard side of Southern living. The two of them hit it off, but not everybody is happy to see an outsider snapping up one of the town’s most eligible gentleman. Will Margot reel in her handsome fish, or will she have to release her latest catch?

REVIEW:
Sweet Tea & Sympathy is the first book in Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series (check out Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck prequel novella). In Sweet Tea & Sympathy we get to meet the long lost McCready family member after an unfortunate event involving some flamingos, shrimps and they death of Margot’s career. Just when Margot thinks she is at her lowest point Aunt Tootie finds her and convinces her to move to Lake Sackett and work for the family.
Another wonderful story from Molly Harper.

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

December 4, 2017December 3, 2017

Kelly reviews Vampire Fight Club by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Vampire Fight Club
SERIES #: Demonica #6.5
CHARACTERS: Nathan & Lena
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: November 28, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Previously published in Supernatural

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione tempts you into the darkly irresistible world of Demonica, populated by angels and demons, shifters and humans, all with a thirst that must be quenched . . .

When a wave of violence that hits too close to home forces shapeshifter and underworld nurse Vladlena Paskelkov to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice—with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge . . .

Legendary, jaded, Nathan Sabine is the manager of Thirst, a wildly popular vampire club—and secret underground blood arena. But Nathan, a rare daywalker, possesses other, even more explosive secrets, as does his beautiful new medic, Vladlena. The one thing they can’t conceal is the lust that simmers between them . . .

Now, in an underworld divided by revelry and violence, debauchery and vengeance, Nate and Lena will discover which risks are worth taking—and which desires demand surrender . . .

REVIEW:
I have read this story before when it was in the anthology Supernatural. Vampire Fight Club is a short read that takes place in the Demonica world. We follow Lean (Vladena) on a journey to find out who killed her Brother. Along the way Lean learns more about herself than she ever imagined.
Nathan has been buying his time until the end will finally greet him. So when Lena walks in to apply for the new medical assistant job Nathan pretty much loses his sh*t.

This was a good but short story.

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

November 21, 2017November 19, 2017

Kelly reviews Save A Truck, Ride A Redneck by Molly Harper

TITLE: Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic .5
CHARACTERS: Carl & Marianne McCready
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: October 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Molly Harper brings her signature “clever humor, snark, silliness, and endearing protagonists” (Booklist) to the charming small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia with the new Southern Eclectic series.
Carl and Marianne were highschool sweethearts, loving the way only teenagers can—with no thought to logic or pride, just a bone-headed, optimistic frenzy of unicorns and hormones. That was all they needed. Or so Carl thought.
Scared of being stuck in Lake Sackett, Georgia, like so many of her friends—without a real shot at a future or achieving her own dreams—Marianne panicked and bolted to college after stomping Carl’s heart into the high grass. But when she returns to Lake Sackett for the summer with her family after years away, she and Carl are drawn together like moths to a flame. As they rekindle their old romance and remember what it was like to be in love, they have to wonder: is this, finally, their real chance at happiness?
Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Amy E. Reichert, this warm hearted and witty love story introduces Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series set in the small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia. This story about second chances proves that “Molly Harper never lets the reader down with her delightfully entertaining stories. Humor, emotions, and romance are cleverly matched, and her likable characters are most appealing” (SingleTitles).

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Below is my review of Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck. So this is my review of the audio book version.
If you follow my blog (or reviews) at all you will know that I am a huge fan of Amanda Ronconi and she doesn’t disappoint in this story! Even though I already read the novella having Amanda read it to me felt like I was reading it again for the first time. It is amazing how a talented narrator can bring a story to life more than I can in my own mind!!!

Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is the pre-quel to Molly Harper’s new series and I couldn’t be more excited!! I mean a family that has a bait shop/funeral home (yes, you read that right!!!) has to be fun right?? The McCready family has been in the Bait/Funeral business (oh that sounds bad!! They don’t use the bodies as bait I promise) for generations!! I am super excited to see what is in store for this family.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is a second chance love story for Marianne & Carl. I won’t give to much away (because you need to read) but I will say that I enjoyed the journey that Marianne & Carl’s story! Carl is very sweet and forgiving (although I do hope that he gives Marianne a hard time every now and a gain 😉 ).
I am loving Marianne’s family and can’t wait to see who a story. I can’t wait for the next installment Sweet Tea & Sympathy (November 2017)!! Also can’t wait to get the audio version of this story! The amazingly talented Amanda Ronconi is lending her voice to this series also!!! Watch for audio review to come soon.

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.

November 6, 2017November 5, 2017

Kelly reviews Twisted Truth by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Twisted Truth
SERIES #: Rogue Justice #1
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 31, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N-No Link Yet

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Detective Seth Harding responds to shots being fired, he faces a familiar sight: a double homicide. However, he is shocked to find a young boy chained in the basement. The terrified child refuses to speak, but Seth knows he is the key to something sinister.
Reluctantly, Seth calls the only social worker he trusts with the traumatized boy—his wife. Carly is recovering from her own trauma suffered on the job, but she can’t turn away from this case, not from another child in trouble. With torrential rain bearing down, threatening to isolate their little town in a killer flood, Seth and Carly know the best way to keep the boy safe from danger is to take him back to their farm.
But danger is as relentless as the storm. And it’s following them all the way home.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Twisted Truth begins with double murder and one scared little boy. As Carly takes over the care for this little boy, Seth tries to figure out all the why’s and how’s of this double homicide.

But I don’t want to tell you to much and giveaway anything! So go pick up a copy of Twisted Truth to find out how far Seth will go to protect his family and find a murderer.

I always love to visit the sleepy little town of Solitude, Oregon. I really love this series that Melinda & Kendra have created!!, Oregon. I really love this series that Melinda & Kendra have created!! I believe the ladies have said that this will be the last visit in the Rogue River series and while I agree the Taylor family needs some down time I hope that the ladies will revisit this series in the future!

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 3, 2017November 1, 2017

Kimberly reviews Truth Be Told by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Truth Be Told
SERIES #: Rogue Justice #2
CHARACTERS: Zane & Stevie Duncan
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: November 7, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N-No link yet

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A torrential two-day storm has cut off the small town of Solitude, Oregon, from the outside world. But for police officers Stevie Duncan and her husband, Zane, the ravages of nature have nothing on the nature of man. In the last forty-eight hours, a child was a mute witness to a double homicide; an unidentified body has washed up on the riverbanks; and now, at the foot of a submerged bridge, two FBI agents have been found shot to death inside their SUV. What’s worse, the young charge they were enlisted to protect has gone missing.

With the only exit out of town washed away, Stevie and Zane know that the murderer is trapped. But whatever’s going on in Solitude is far from over—because as sure as the receding water, the killer is going to resurface.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Truth Be Told picks up right after the events of Twisted Truth (bk one) with the Taylor family still taking care of one small scared little boy. So when his uncle shows up to claim him they believe that all is good and they can finally relax. But that won’t be the case when they find two FBI agents died and the only sign on the boy and his uncle is a yellow jacket next to a raging river.

For Zane this brings back horrible memories of not getting there in time to save another young boy. Will history repeat itself again?

As I said in my review of Twisted Truth I always love to visit the sleepy little town of Solitude, Oregon. I really love this series that Melinda & Kendra have created!!, Oregon. I really love this series that Melinda & Kendra have created!! I believe the ladies have said that this will be the last visit in the Rogue River series and while I agree the Taylor family needs some down time I hope that the ladies will revisit this series in the future!

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.

October 27, 2017October 24, 2017

Kelly reviews Her Last Goodbye by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Her Last Goodbye
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #2
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s Morgan Dane series continues as the fearless attorney and her partner, investigator Lance Kruger, take on a disturbing disappearance…

Young mother Chelsea Clark leaves the house for a girls’ night out…and vanishes. Her family knows she would never voluntarily leave her two small children. Her desperate husband—also the prime suspect—hires Morgan to find his wife and prove his innocence.

As a single mother, Morgan sympathizes with Chelsea’s family and is determined to find her. She teams up with private investigator Lance Kruger. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier their investigation gets. When Morgan is stalked by a violent predator, everything—and everyone—she holds dear is in grave danger.

Now, Morgan must track down a deranged criminal to protect her own family…but she won’t need to leave home to find him. She’s his next target.

REVIEW :
Her Last Goodbye is the second book in the Morgan Dane series. This time Morgan find herself trying to solve a missing persons case. Morgan is hired to defined the missing woman’s husband. Morgan believes he is innocent but the local Sheriff has other thoughts. The twists and turns surrounding this case will keep you guessing until the very end.

But will this case be to close for comfort for Lance?

I loved how close Morgan & Lance get in this book. Lance is simply the best thing that could have ever happen to Morgan and her family. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in this 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.

October 24, 2017October 22, 2017

Kelly reviews Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Archangel’s Viper
SERIES #: Guild Hunter#10
CHARACTERS: Viper & Holly
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s breathtakingly passionate Guild Hunter world with the story of a woman who isn’t a vampire or an angel…or human…

Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…

No one is safe.

REVIEW:
Holly and Venom’s story is one of heartbreak and healing! I loved every minute of it. It was great to get to know Venom better and learn more about his history. It was heartbreaking to learn more about all the Holly had to survive from her attack. But these two together were great!! The banter between Holly & Venom had me cracking up. While Archangel’s Viper really focused on Holly’s journey to health. Her journey would not have gone smoothly without a certain viper by her side.

As always I let the amazingly talented Justine Eyre read this story to me. Ms. Eyre so talented with her ability to have so many voices she can lend to this series. I love being able to listen to an audiobook and just know who is talking even without the author telling me. I always look forward to listening to Ms. Eyre.

You know what the worst thing about a Nalini Singh book is? The end!! Where there are no more pages in my book for me to read!! **insert wailing sob** The end of every book breaks my heart because my current journey in this world is over, but then excitement bubbles up because I know that the next book is on the horizon! I can not wait to see who is next in the Guild Hunter Series (fingers crossed for Illium &/or Aodhan)

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

October 17, 2017October 15, 2017

Kelly reviews Save A Truck, Ride A Redneck by Molly Harper

TITLE: Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic .5
CHARACTERS: Carl & Marianne McCready
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: October 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is the pre-quel to Molly Harper’s new series and I couldn’t be more excited!! I mean a family that has a bait shop/funeral home (yes, you read that right!!!) has to be fun right?? The McCready family has been in the Bait/Funeral business (oh that sounds bad!! They don’t use the bodies as bait I promise) for generations!! I am super excited to see what is in store for this family.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is a second chance love story for Marianne & Carl. I won’t give to much away (because you need to read) but I will say that I enjoyed the journey that Marianne & Carl’s story! Carl is very sweet and forgiving (although I do hope that he gives Marianne a hard time every now and a gain 😉 ).
I am loving Marianne’s family and can’t wait to see who a story. I can’t wait for the next installment Sweet Tea & Sympathy (November 2017)!! Also can’t wait to get the audio version of this story! The amazingly talented Amanda Ronconi is lending her voice to this series also!!! Watch for audio review to come soon.

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.

October 2, 2017September 29, 2017

Kelly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: At the Heart of It
CHARACTERS: Jonah Porter & Kate Geary
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: October 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.

Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.

REVIEW:
Loved it!!! I just adore authors who set their books in my home state (or a least part of the book!!) Kate and Jonah are so much fun right from the very start. It was hard not to root for these two. I alway enjoy reading Ms. Fenske’s books. She can take your typical boy meets girl story and turn it upside down and shake it up like a snowglobe. We know that there has to be a happy ending when just don’t know how all the pieces will fall together or how long it will take.
I do hope that there will be another book set in this world because Amy really needs to fall in love.

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.

September 28, 2017September 24, 2017

Kelly reviews Accidental Sire by Molly Harper

TITLE: Accidental Sire
SERIES #: Half-Moon Hollow #6
CHARACTERS: Ben & Megan
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: July 24, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Molly Harper’s newest paranormal romantic comedy, Ben, Gigi’s old boyfriend, must find a way to save his new love after a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident. But will she want to live after she finds out how Ben had to save her?

In this exciting addition to Molly Harper’s beloved Half-Moon Hollow series, the focus is on Gigi’s ex-boyfriend Ben. When his new girlfriend is killed in a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident, he’s determined to save her, no matter the cost, even if it means bringing her into the darkness of vampire life!

REVIEW:
Take one part Molly Harper novel and one part Amanda Ronconi narration and you get perfection!!!

Accidental Sire picks up shortly after the big party on campus (from the Big Vamp on Campus novella). Sweet Ben who we gotten to know and love over the course of the series is falling for one of Ophelia’s human friend Megan (shocking I know!! Ophelia has friends). But a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident leaves Megan making a tough choice of either dying or becoming a vampire.
Fast forward 24 hours and we have Vampire Megan. But something is not quite right! Megan should not be awake yet which is why one very human Ben was visiting her when she woke up. Ben’s visit is going swell until Megan accidently bites Ben.
There is something very different about Megan & Ben. The adventure that these two are on is one filled with lots of ups and downs!! It was great to see all the gang again!!
Of course Ms. Ronconi’s narration is a thing of beauty!! I love that she can take Molly’s words and bring them to life! These two mesh together so well it makes me often wonder if Molly is in the recording studio with Amanda giving her thumbs up and eye rolls!!

Always love Molly’s stories and have had Amanda narrate each and every one them! I can’t wait for the next adventure!

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