Kelly’s Review – Page 11

September 26, 2017September 24, 2017

Kelly reviews Lost & Found Sister by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Lost & Found Sister
SERIES #: Wildstone #1
CHARACTERS: Quinn Weller & Mick
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women’s fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins.

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.’s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she’s looking for a missing piece she can’t find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t quite fit in right away, she can’t help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there’s another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn’t a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she’s searched so long for.

REVIEW:
A wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Shalvis!
Quinn Weller has it all the perfect family, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect job, the perfect everything. Up until her sister was killed in a car accident. From that point on Quinn’s life has been anything but perfect.
So when she learns she has just inherited something from her birth mom her world is turned upside down. But when she learns that she has a real sister Quinn drops everything and rushes to find her.
This was a really good story. I loved Quinn!! She is hilarious! The bee scene in the tree too funny (once we know she was okay). How Quinn and Mick meet is hilarious too!!

I can’t wait for the next visit to Wildstone!!!

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

September 6, 2017September 3, 2017

Kelly reviews The Hook Up by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The Hook Up
SERIES #: First Impressions #3
CHARACTERS: Ellie Sanders & Tyler Hendrix
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: July 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellie Sanders is over the fairytale, thank you very much. Content with her booming career as a purveyor of Madame Butterfly pleasure aids, she doesn’t need a man for anything—except maybe marketing tips. And, okay, a few fun nights with something that doesn’t require batteries.

Love, marriage, and family aren’t in the cards for Tyler Hendrix. Period. The Navy helped Ty put his tumultuous childhood behind him, but when a sexy single mom walks through the First Impressions door looking to take her business to the next level, he feels his carefully constructed “never-get-attached” walls crack.

As Ty and Ellie maneuver through a minefield of wardrobe malfunctions, plumbing mishaps, and the world’s most awkward accidental dirty talk, discovering they have more in common than scorching sexual attraction threatens to crumble Ty’s walls for good

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful story from Tawna!! The Hook Up reminds us that love will happen whether you like it or not. Ellie Sanders definitely didn’t want it to happen but that is what happens when you test Fate and Karma all at the same time!! And Tyler. Sweet, sweet, sweet Tyler thinking he was not made for commitment. Love it!! Love seeing how these two tangled up together and then tried hard to unknot themself only to become more entangled 🙂
I think my favorite part of this book is when they first meet. Their first conversation is hilarious!! I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes!! Well done Tawna, well done!!
As always I am very much looking forward to the adventure with Tawna!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid 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 21, 2017August 20, 2017

Kelly reviews River Marked by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: River Marked
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #6
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 54 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2011
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercy Thompson is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she’s never known any others of her kind. Until now. As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease.

REVIEW:
Another fun adventure of Mercy Thompson. In River Marked we learn a lot about Mercy’s history. Who her father was/is and how she became a coyote.
I enjoyed this story but it was not my favorite in the series to date. The story felt a little slow at times! But all in all it was still a good story and I think a very important step in Mercy’s future.
As always Mr. King does an amazing job of narrating and bring these character to life

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

August 14, 2017August 13, 2017

Kelly reviews Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Silver Borne
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson # 5
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 8 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: March 30, 2010
ORDER LINKS: Audible {http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Silver-Borne-Audiobook/B003C1UL94 } | Amazon {http://amzn.to/2pI63h2 } | B&N { http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silver-borne-patricia-briggs/1100259597}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, never knows what the day – or night – may bring in a world where “witches, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters live beside ordinary people” (Booklist). But she is about to learn that while some secrets are dangerous whose who seek them are just plain deadly…

Mercy is smart enough to realize that when it comes to the magical fae, the less you know, the better. But you can’t always get what you want. When she attempts to return a powerful fae she previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.

It seems the book contains secrets – and the fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn’t take enough of Mercy’s attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side – leaving Mercy to cover for him lest his own father declare Samuel’s life forfeit.

All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn’t careful, she may not have many more

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great book from Ms. Briggs! There is a lot that happens in Silver Borne. Mercy is trying to find her placing in the Pack and still learning what it means to be mated to an Alpha. Add in the fact that Samuel needs her more than ever. Mercy has her hands full in this installment.
I really am loving this series! Ms. Briggs brings a new twist and turn with each and every book. I have yet to feel like a story is just a repeat of another! Then we have the amazingly talented Ms. King lending her talented voice to the series is just amazing!
I can’t wait to get into the next book to see what craziness will happen next

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

July 3, 2017July 2, 2017

Kelly reviews The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E Reichert

TITLE: The Simplicity of Cider
CHARACTERS: Sanna & Isaac
AUTHOR: Amy E Reichert
PUBLICATION DATE: May 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fall in love with The Simplicity of Cider, the charming new novel about a prickly but gifted cider-maker whose quiet life is interrupted by the arrival of a handsome man and his young son at her family’s careworn orchard by the author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake and Luck, Love & Lemon Pie.

Focused and unassuming fifth generation cider-maker Sanna Lund has one desire: to live a simple, quiet life on her family’s apple orchard in Door County, Wisconsin. Although her business is struggling, Sanna remains fiercely devoted to the orchard, despite her brother’s attempts to convince their aging father to sell the land.

Single dad Isaac Banks has spent years trying to shield his son Sebastian from his troubled mother. Fleeing heartbreak at home, Isaac packed up their lives and the two headed out on an adventure, driving across the country. Chance—or fate—led them straight to Sanna’s orchard.

Isaac’s helping hands are much appreciated at the apple farm, even more when Sanna’s father is injured in an accident. As Sanna’s formerly simple life becomes increasingly complicated, she finds solace in unexpected places—friendship with young Sebastian and something more deliciously complex with Isaac—until an outside threat infiltrates the farm.

From the warm and funny Amy E. Reichert, The Simplicity of Cider is a charming love story with a touch of magic, perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Gayle Forman.

REVIEW:
Sanna has always been an island of her own making. Growing up in a broken family didn’t help matters either. So when Isaac and Bass stumble upon their orchard Sanna doesn’t know how to be a civilized person.
Another wonderful read from Ms. Reichert. I really enjoyed watching Sanna try to figure out how to be a person. She was great with Bass, even when he messed up and broke things. Sanna and Isaac were wonderful together and the ending!!! There were tears!! I am looking forward to what Ms. Reichert has in store for us next.

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.

May 26, 2017May 21, 2017

Kelly reviews The Came Wanda & A Baby Carriage by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Then Came Wanda With A Baby Carriage
SERIES #: Accidental #15
CHARACTERS: Sal, Grey and the whole OOPS crew
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 15, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s almost nothing Wanda Jefferson wants more than a family to call her own, and she’s almost got it all with her husband Heath, a beautiful home in the suburbs, and her soul-satisfying work with her best friends as part of OOPS—a paranormal crisis hotline.

Yet still, there’s a tiny hole in Wanda’s heart she longs to fill with a baby. As she and Heath explore adoption, and finally bring home a beautiful baby boy with the support of their friends and family, everything that can go wrong, does.

First, no one, not even Nina the baby-loving vampire, can soothe the cranky infant. He’s cries constantly, bringing Wanda’s insecurities as a new mother out in full force. Then banshee, Sal Brice and sexy skinwalker, Grey Hamlin show up, and yikes, do they have a tale to tell—one that involves a diabolical plan that threatens Wanda’s newly formed family!

You know what that means, right? Hell hath no fury like the OOPS women on a case!

REVIEW:
Then Came Wanda is a bit shorter than our normal Accidental story but that didn’t stop this story from being another great OOPS adventure. I enjoyed meeting Sal & Grey. Sal being a Banshee and Grey being a skinwalker. I have so many questions! I want to learn more about them both. I hope that we get to see more of them in the future.
It was also great to see the Men of OOPS. We don’t get to see enough of them! It is always fun to see Nina, Marty and Wanda in action!
I am already looking forward to the next Accidental story!!! Mermaids! That is going to be fun!

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

May 25, 2017May 21, 2017

Kelly reviews Alien Education by Gini Koch

TITLE: Alien Education
SERIES #: Katherine Kitty Kat #14
CHARACTERS: Kitty, Jeff, Christopher, Chuckie, the kids, the animals and the whole A-C/human gang
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: May 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As if learning as much as possible about every alien race in the galaxy, fending off the advances both business and personal from a variety of Hollywood types, dealing with the assimilation of various alien races, and navigating the Embassy Daycare kids’ first day of “real” school wasn’t bad enough, President and First Lady Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini must now deal with new robotic attacks that endanger every alien child on Earth, the resurgence of a bigger, nastier Club 51, and a variety of murders, all while facing the most truly terrifying organization they’ve ever encountered — the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.

REVIEW:
Another wonderful adventure with Kitty and crew! I think my favorite part of this story is Christopher on the ice! Speedy and ice don’t always mix! Awe, but I still love my Christopher. It is always fun to see Kitty in action. She has a way of thinking that at times has me scratching my head. Along with her ability to decipher musically clues makes her pretty much unstoppable.
In Alien Education Kitty has to deal with the PTA!! Yes, she is thrown into battle with the president of the PTA. There is a bake sale involved, a food fight and one very well aimed roll. We have an enemy that tries to bury the hatch and a new enemy show it’s hands. We also get to see how Jamie and baby Charlie are developing. These kids are going to run the universe very very soon!! And we get some Jeff & Kitty time!! Only thing better would be more Christopher!
I can’t wait to see what comes next for Kitty and crew!!

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

May 22, 2017May 21, 2017

Kelly reviews Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

TITLE: Norse Mythology
CHARACTERS: Thor, Odin, Loki and more
AUTHOR: Neil Gaiman
NARRATOR: Neil Gaiman
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: February 7, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.
Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

REVIEW:
This was a wonderful read (or listen in my case). Mr. Gaiman’s take on the Norse Mythology was great! His narrating was wonderful too! I enjoyed learning more about Thor, Loki and Odin.
I would love to see him write us more stories from the Norse in this format. It was great to get a few of the untold stories. I would love love love to see him write something with the Morrigan (I just love her!!).

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

May 19, 2017May 14, 2017

Kelly reviews Say You’re Sorry by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Say You’re Sorry
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #1
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: May 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a new series from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh, former prosecutor Morgan Dane faces the most personal—and deadly—case of her lifetime.

After the devastating loss of her husband in Iraq, Morgan Dane returns to Scarlet Falls, seeking the comfort of her hometown. Now, surrounded by family, she’s finally found peace and a promising career opportunity—until her babysitter is killed and her neighbor asks her to defend his son, Nick, who stands accused of the murder.

Tessa was the ultimate girl next door, and the community is outraged by her death. But Morgan has known Nick for years and can’t believe he’s guilty, despite the damning evidence stacked against him. She asks her friend Lance Kruger, an ex-cop turned private eye, for help. Taking on the town, the police, and a zealous DA, Morgan and Lance plunge into the investigation, determined to find the real killer. But as they uncover secrets that rock the community, they become targets for the madman hiding in plain sight.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed the twists and turns that this story took. From page one I know this story was going to be a twisted one. Ms. Leigh did a wonderful job of keeping us on our toes with who our killer could possibly be.
I loved the Morgan is flawed. She is a young widow and mother of three young girls. I enjoyed watching her find her footing and learn to live again. Lance is great!! I love the scene of Lance and Ava it is so sweet and I can’t wait for little Sophie to realize that Lance is the bomb!
Wonderful story!! I am so glad that Ms. Leigh is writing a new series that is in Scarlet Falls. I love seeing some of the old characters along with all the new ones. I have very high hopes for Morgan’s series!! I can’t wait for 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.