Kelly’s Review – Page 20

May 24, 2016May 15, 2016

Kelly reviews All The Pretty Faces by Rita Herron

TITLE: All The Pretty Faces
SERIES #: Graveyard Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Dane Hamrick & Josie DuKane
AUTHOR: Rita Herron
PUBLICATION DATE: March 29, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Josie DuKane is on shaky ground. Having narrowly escaped the notorious Bride Killer, she penned a tell-all memoir that dug up a town’s dark past. Now the book is being made into a movie, and Josie must visit the very place that will trigger an avalanche of unwanted memories—Graveyard Falls. On the heels of her arrival, she receives a gruesome photograph of a dead woman with talon marks carved into her face. And worse, Josie just might be the next victim.

Torn between guilt, justice, and revenge, Special Agent Dane Hamrick will do anything to find the man who brutally murdered his sister. When he realizes the recent tragedies in Graveyard Falls bear an uncanny resemblance to her death, he volunteers to spearhead the investigation. But doing so means teaming up with Josie.

Nothing prepares him for the feelings the beautiful, tough woman evokes. As the body count rises and the suspect pool widens, Josie and Dane must put aside their growing attraction to run down the killer who devastated both their lives.

A killer who seems determined to destroy all the pretty faces.

REVIEW:
Oh man!!! All the Pretty Faces is an excellent follow up to Ms. Herron’s All the Beautiful Brides. We met Dane & Josie in book one.
****This might be a spoiler, so if you have not read book 1 and don’t want to know stop here****

Josie was the lone survivor of the Bride Killer. To cope with this she wrote a story to tell about the events that happened. Now she is back in Graveyard Falls getting ready for her book to be turned into a movie. But there are many in town that don’t want Josie there or want the stories to be retold. But how far is someone willing to go to make her leave? Is someone willing to start killing just to stop a movie?

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the past gets all tangled up in the present and how we left guessing who is who and why they did what they did.

I am very much looking forward to the next book 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.

May 23, 2016May 15, 2016

Kelly reviews City Of Mirrors by Justin Cronin

TITLE: City of Mirrors
SERIES #: The Passage #3
CHARACTERS: Amy, Peter, Alicia and the survives of First Colony
AUTHOR: Justin Cronin
PUBLICATION DATE: May 24, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In “The Passage” and “The Twelve”, Justin Cronin brilliantly imagined the fall of civilization and humanity’s desperate fight to survive. Now all is quiet on the horizon but does silence promise the nightmare’s end or the second coming of unspeakable darkness? At last, this bestselling epic races to its breathtaking finale.

“The world we knew is gone. What world will rise in its place?”

The Twelve have been destroyed and the hundred-year reign of darkness that descended upon the world has ended. The survivors are stepping outside their walls, determined to build society anew and daring to dream of a hopeful future.

But far from them, in a dead metropolis, he waits: Zero. The First. Father of the Twelve. The anguish that shattered his human life haunts him, and the hatred spawned by his transformation burns bright. His fury will be quenched only when he destroys Amy – humanity’s only hope, the Girl from Nowhere who grew up to rise against him.

One last time light and dark will clash, and at last Amy and her friends will know their fate.

REVIEW:
What a way to end a trilogy.
The Passage trilogy has been such an emotional journey for me. I have loved every page of this series.
If you have not read The Passage (bk1) and The Twelve (bk2) you have to read this series in order.
The City of Mirrors picks up three years after the events of The Twelve. We finally learn what happened to Amy. We get to see Peter in the role of leader. Michael finally figures out what his role is in the world. Alicia will break your heart. Sara and Hollis will find strength in each other. We have to prepare for a showdown that could cost the world everything.
I had a hard time writing this review without giving up anything. But Mr. Cornin took us on a crazy emotional journey that made me tear up multiple times. I was not sure what I was expecting with the final book in this series but there were a lot of twists and turns that I did not expect.
If you are new to this series start at book one! If you are a fan already hold onto your hat because the end is here.

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

May 16, 2016May 15, 2016

Kelly reviews Dark Alpha’s Demand by Donna Grant

TITLE: Dark Alpha’s Demand
SERIES #: Reapers #3
CHARACTERS: Talin & Neve
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: May 17, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I am coming for you…
My secret is an ancient one. I exist to exact vengeance on the Fae for their wrongs per Death’s orders. When I’m sent as a spy to one of the most treacherous, deceitful places in any realm – the court of the Light Queen – things go awry. Neve captured my soul with just a look from her seductive gaze. She is who I want, who I crave…who I hunger for. But someone has set out to kill her – and expose me. I’ll destroy any man – human or Fae – who brings harm to her, for she is the light my soul can’t risk losing.

REVIEW:
And the plot thickens!!! I really enjoyed this story. With each Reaper book we are drawn more and more into the world of Reapers, Fae and the Dragon Kings. I truly love how closely related these two series are. I am wondering with 4 more Reaper books to come and at least 4 more Dragon King’s books how are these to fractions going to work together to stop the Dark. Crap….. I might have said too much.

Talin and Neve’s story was great. I think so far this is my favorite book in the Reaper’s series. It was awesome to see Bran finally rattled. But the events at the end of Dark Alpha’s Demand broke my heart.

I can’t wait to see what and who is next in this series. I can’t wait to see how the Reapers and the Kings finally realize that they need each other. And Rhi, of course I can’t wait to see what is next for our favorite Light Fae.

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

May 12, 2016May 8, 2016

Kelly reviews The Passage by Justin Cronin

TITLE: The Passage
SERIES #: The Passage #1
CHARACTERS: Amy, Wolgast and the people of First Colony
AUTHOR: Justin Cronin
PUBLICATION DATE: June 8, 2010
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An epic and gripping tale of catastrophe and survival, The Passage is the story of Amy—abandoned by her mother at the age of six, pursued and then imprisoned by the shadowy figures behind a government experiment of apocalyptic proportions. But Special Agent Brad Wolgast, the lawman sent to track her down, is disarmed by the curiously quiet girl and risks everything to save her. As the experiment goes nightmarishly wrong, Wolgast secures her escape—but he can’t stop society’s collapse. And as Amy walks alone, across miles and decades, into a future dark with violence and despair, she is filled with the mysterious and terrifying knowledge that only she has the power to save the ruined world.

REVIEW:
This was my second read/listen of The Passage. With book 3 City of Mirrors upon us (May 2016) a reread was very necessary.
The Passage is one of my all time favorite books and one I would recommend to everyone. When I first picked up this story I was all about the HEA and didn’t read anything that didn’t have a HEA. The Passage and Mr. Cronin showed me that not every story can have a HEA. Sometimes life gets in the way and tests you at every turn.

It is safe to say that I love this book just as much the second time around as I did the 1st time. Amy, Peter, Alicia, Sara, Michael and Hollis are some of my most favorite characters ever. You root for them on every page.

I don’t want to go into to many details about this story because I want you to experience for yourself. But The Passage is an epic journey of the post apocalyptic world and the humans that are bound and determined to survive it.

If you have not read this story yet. You really need to read it. Trust me!!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and audiobook (from Audible/Amazon) and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 10, 2016May 8, 2016

Kelly reviews Tangled by Kate Douglas

TITLE: Tangled
SERIES #: An Intimate Relations Short Story
CHARACTERS: Nate & Cassie
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nate shows up to work at Tangled Vineyards ready to do what he loves best—craft award-winning wines. But when something better comes in the form of Cassie, the winemaker and former owner, Nate is completely love-drunk. Getting involved with Tangled’s mixologist is a bad way to start off a new job, but with Cassie as a temptation, Nate doesn’t stand a chance.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Tangled is the prequel to Ms. Douglas Intimate Relations trilogy and was previously published in the anthology Hot Alphas.

I enjoyed this novella. It was a very quick read and the storyline was very quick. But it was a good little story and a great introduction to the Intimate Relations series. Nate and Cassie are great. I would have loved for the story to be a little longer. But that is my feeling after all novellas.

I did read Tangled after reading the first two books. I didn’t feel lost or that I was reading out of order. Tangled can easily stand on it own.

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

May 4, 2016May 1, 2016

Kelly reviews Smoke And Fire by Donna Grant

TITLE: Smoke & Fire
SERIES #: Dark Kings #9
CHARACTERS: Kinsey & Ryder
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wanted to touch him. There had always been something about being in his arms that made her feel as if she could tackle anything and the world wouldn’t dare get in her way…

SWORN TO PROTECT
A dragon shapeshifter and a computer mastermind, Ryder is sent to guard Glasgow after a devastating Dark attack. But when memories of an explosive affair come back to him-in the flesh-Ryder cannot help but want to protect the woman who haunts his dreams. Even if means shifting into the dragon he was never supposed to reveal…

DRIVEN TO DESIRE
Kinsey could never get enough of Ryder. His every touch only left her wanting more. But now that she’s seen him in his true form, Kinsey’s world is rocked to the core. She knows that to stay-and feel-alive, she must be with Ryder. But is Kinsey’s passion worth the risk of danger that comes with being a part of Ryder’s dark and fierce world?

REVIEW:
Smoke & Fire is a little different story than our normal Dark King book. This is a story of a second chance at love. Ryder, our jelly donut loving dragon, whom we all love is reunited with the love of his life after many years. But there is something strange about the time of Kinsey’s arrival. Can she be trusted? Is she who she really says she is? And how far is Ryder willing to go to protect her and when back her love?

As always Ms. Grant writes a story that makes us fall in love with the Dragon Kings all over again. But at times Ryder’s story seemed to drag on a little. I think that the events that happened in Smoke & Fire are going to lead to some huge changes in the Dragon Kings world. Rhi’s storyline is getting deeper and deeper. Balladyn is changing yet staying the same, which makes it really hard to like him, yet I don’t hate him as much.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. What is next for the Kings, what is next for Balladyn, what is next for Rhi.

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

April 28, 2016April 23, 2016

#TBT Kelly’s review of Twilight Hunter by Kait Ballenger – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Twilight Hunter
SERIES #: Execution Underground #1
CHARACTERS: Jace McCannon & Frankie Amato
AUTHOR: Kait Ballenger
PUBLICATION DATE: August 27, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but what happens when danger collides with desire?

Jace McCannon has one loyalty: the Execution Underground. Despite his mixed blood, his hatred for the werewolves he hunts is legendary. But in his search for a sadistic killer, Jace finds himself face to face with a stunningly seductive packmaster…and longing for a night with his mortal enemy.

Nothing can stop Frankie Amato from defending her kind–or catching the rogue responsible for killing women in her territory. For that, this alpha female needs Jace’s skills more than she wants to admit. But as their investigation exposes evil truths, need burns into a passion that dare not be fulfilled. For to do so will have deadly consequences for them both.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jace has always felt ashamed of who he is, or more actually what he is. But he can’t change the past he can only move on. Try to look forward to a future free of at least a few of the beasts he hunts. But the very near future has slightly different plans for Jace. Jace is about to learn that he should not fear or be ashamed of what he is. Because it is the very thing that might be able to save everyone.

As if tracking a killer is not hard enough, Frankie has found herself in the crosshairs of a hunter from the Execution Underground. But there is something about the very sexy hunter that calls to Frankie. Something that she can’t avoid, something that is all consuming, something that could be deadly for her if he finds out who she really is.

Great start to a new series by a great new author!!! Kait has busted onto the scene with a new look at the paranormal with a twist of mythology. Twilight Hunter is book one in Kait’s Execution Underground series. She also released a novella Shadow Hunter, but you don’t have to read them in order. I was sucked into this world and never wanted to leave. I so can’t wait to see what Kait has in store for us next.

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

April 26, 2016April 23, 2016

Kelly reviews Best Of My Love by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Best of My Love
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #20
CHARACTERS: Aidan Mitchell & Shelby Gilmore
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: April 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”

To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?

Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.

As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I always love to visit Fools Gold California!!! And in Best of My Love another wonderful visit. I love that Ms. Mallery writes us a story that makes us want to cry, laugh and slap someone upside the head at least once while reading. I loved Aidan & Shelby’s journey.
We have got to see both Aidan and Shelby over the last few stories and it was great to get to know them both more. I loved the social experiment that Shelby talks Aidan into. I love the boy thing and girl thing. I loved the interventions, the margarets and the acceptance. I really enjoyed this story and the segway into Ms. Mallery’s new (hopefully soon) spin off. I for one can’t wait to visit Happily Inc.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQN Books & Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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April 22, 2016April 18, 2016

#TBF Kelly reviews Ready To Were by Robyn Peterman – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Ready to Were
SERIES #: Shift Happens series #1
CHARACTERS: Hank Wilson & Ester “Essie” McGee
AUTHOR: Robyn Peterman
PUBLICATION DATE: November 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I never planned on going back to Hung Island, Georgia. Ever.

I was a top notch Were agent for the secret paranormal Council and happily living in Chicago where I had everything I needed – a gym membership, season tickets to the Cubs and Dwayne – my gay, Vampyre best friend. Going back now would mean facing the reason I’d left and I’d rather chew my own paw off than deal with Hank.

Hank the Tank Wilson was the six foot three, obnoxious, egotistical, perfect-assed, best-sex-of-my-life, Werewolf who cheated on me and broke my heart. At the time, I did what any rational woman would do. I left in the middle of the night with a suitcase, big plans and enough money for a one-way bus ticket to freedom. I vowed to never return.

But here I am, trying to wrap my head around what has happened to some missing Weres without wrapping my body around Hank. I hope I don’t have to eat my words and my paw.

***This novella originally appeared in the Three Southern Beaches collection released July of 2014. This is an extended version of that story

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This was such a fun book. Robyn does a great job of adding in just enough snark and humor into all of her books. While still telling a great story that tugs at your heart strings and makes you feel really bad for the bad guys. I for one can’t wait to see what is next in this series. The secondary characters were just as much fun as Hank & Essie.
Bring on more Shift Happens books.

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

April 21, 2016April 18, 2016

#TBT The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter Review – Catch Up From The Beginning

The Darkest Night

Gena Showalter

Maddox has been cursed with the demon Violence. Every day is a battle for control between the demon and himself and every night Maddox must face Pain and Death for the one time that he let Violence win their daily battle for control. Just when Maddox thinks things can’t get any worse for him, the Hunters show up and threaten everything.

Ashlyn has never been normal. Her own family didn’t even want her. See Ashlyn hears voices, but not just voices, conversations that may have taken place at any time. Ashlyn only needs to stand in one place and she can hear every conversation that has taken place in that spot. All Ashlyn wants is for the voices to quiet. So when she travels to Budapest for work and hears rumors of Angels that live on the mountain close by, Ashlyn knows she must seek them out. For if the rumors hold any truth they may be able to help her.

Hunters have always searched for the Lords who house demons in their flesh and always wanted to destroy them. So it was no surprise to Maddox to see movement outside their home and he is forced to go out and defend it. Maddox finds that there are five what he believes are Hunters in his territory, after taking out four of the Hunters only one remains. But what Maddox finds is not a Hunter at all, it is a woman, a woman cold, alone and not afraid of him at all. Knowing that she must be part of the Hunters’ plan to trap him, he is unsure of what to do with her, kill her on the spot or save her from the cold. Maddox must make a decision quickly because his time is running out.

Ashlyn knows she must get to the mountain no matter what, but her travels seem in vain. She is no closer to the fortress then when she started. That is when she realizes that she is no longer alone in the forest. Something or someone is coming for her. A man appears, a very scary man, but Ashlyn is not afraid. For the first time in her life there is only silence, no voice from the past are speaking to her. Is it possible that she found the one of the Angels she was seeking?

My thoughts:

I was sucked into the world of the Lords of the Underworld from the very beginning of the book. We get to meet six of the Lords very early in the book (which I love). Each has been possessed by a demon. But these six don’t want to let their demons rule them, so they try to fight to control the demon at all times. But their daily struggles to tame the demons within are not always easily won.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Maddox and Ashlyn. They both have their own secrets that they don’t want to share for fear they will drive the other one away. When in reality it is there secrets that might keep them together. The journey that they go on is a dark, twisted and tear jerking (yes, I cried. I know shocker) trip. But in the end it is so worth the trip.

I am looking forward to reading more about the other Lords. I do have to say that most times the first book of a series is a little slow and drags on. But I didn’t feel this way at all about The Darkest Night. If you have not read these books I would recommend you go and pick up The Darkest Night, read it and tell me that you don’t want to learn more about the Lords… I dare you. J

If you want to learn more about Gena Showalter please find her here:

Website:

http://members.genashowalter.com/

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Gena-Showalter-Official-Fan-Page/208156686265

As always thank you for stopping by

*Books & Kisses*

April 18, 2016April 17, 2016

Kelly reviews Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

TITLE: Getting Rowdy
SERIES #: Love Undercover #3
CHARACTERS: Rowdy Yates & Avery Mullins
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: September 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An alpha hero’s attraction to the one woman he can’t have could draw him into a killer’s snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn’t the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance—including a past that might come back to haunt them both.

Avery spends her nights working for tips… and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy’s protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she’s finally found… and the passion she’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Getting Rowdy was a great read. Rowdy Yates is just about everything you want in a hero. He is dark, dangerous, standoffish, and willing to do anything it takes to protect those who are in need of help.
Avery is a pretty tough cookie. After the last year of her life she is ready to be happy with her new life. But when Avery’s past comes back to haunt her she has a choice to make. Run or make a stand.
I really enjoyed Rowdy and Avery’s stories. Rowdy tries so hard to not let his inner nice guy show, but when you are a pretty nice guy it is going to be hard. I will say there were a few times (early) that I wanted to slap Rowdy upside the head. But all in all I really enjoyed reading this story. And I just realized that I have not read book 1 & 2… Adding those to my list.

Favorite line: “She’s just upset because I love her.”

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

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April 14, 2016April 10, 2016

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Claimed by Stacey Kennedy – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Claimed
SERIES #: Club Sin #1
CHARACTERS: Dmitri Pratt & Presley Flynn
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Presley Flynn is ripe to experience her secret fantasies . . . and Dmitri Pratt wants nothing more than to fulfill them. Once inside the elite Club Sin in Las Vegas, Presley is nervous but excited—and determined to surrender to her every desire. Dmitri is her Master, and his touch is like fire. With each careful, calculated caress, he unleashes her wildest inhibitions, giving her unimagined pleasure.

Presley is different than the other submissives Dimitri has mastered. The BDSM lifestyle is new to her, and so are the games they play at Club Sin. From the start, Presley stirs emotions in him far beyond the raw purity between a dom and the perfect sub. For the ecstasy they share goes beyond the dungeon igniting a passion that claims the very depths of the heart.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Just when I think I might be done with the BDSM genre Stacey has to write a story that tugs at my heartstrings.
I really enjoyed this book. Stacey does a really good job of not going over the top with the BDSM factor and focus more on the relationship. I really felt more connected with the characters because of this. It was not just about the sex.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. It is a short story of less than 200 pages but it captures the reader from the beginning and doesn’t let go. I will say you have to be a fan or BDSM erotica to read, if not then this is not the book for you at all. But if you are a fan you will not want to miss it.

The erotic storyline is not over the top for the genre and you can feel the affection of the characters right away so you know there is a love story to follow the sex which was entertaining. There was one part that I really did not enjoy (no spoilers) but I guess it was needed for the story but I still didn’t enjoy those couple of pages. But that was all it was, a couple of pages, and helped the story to continue.

As I said if you are a fan of the genre then do not miss this story.

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