Melinda Leigh – Page 2 – Books-n-Kisses

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.

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.

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.

January 11, 2017January 8, 2017

Kelly reviews Burned By Her Devotion by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Burned by Her Devotion
SERIES #: Rogue Vow #2
CHARACTERS: Seth & Carly
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the second Rogue Vows novella, the town of Solitude, Oregon, will learn that good TV makes for terrible reality.

When Chase Ryan, a popular crime TV star, turns up dead, the entire town of Solitude is shaken—but the show isn’t over yet. The confessed murderer is violently abducted on the way to the county jail, and now Detective Seth Harding must find both the killer and the kidnapper.

Seth’s investigation unearths unsavory secrets from the celebrity’s life that incriminate a cast of suspects: Chase’s family, his sleazy agent, and a fanatical stalker with a troubled thirteen-year-old daughter. When that same teen disappears from her temporary foster home, Seth’s wife, social worker Carly Taylor, is drawn into the search.

Dodging paparazzi and peril, Seth and Carly track the girl. But as they get closer to uncovering the truth, the abductor sets the stage for a chilling finale

REVIEW:
Burned by Her Devotion is the second book in Ms. Leigh & Ms. Elliot’s Rogue Vow series (please read Death and Her Devotion first!!!!). As always I love when these two (Ms. Leigh & Ms. Elliot) get together to revisit Rogue River.
In book one we were dealing with a murder in the small town of Rogue River, Oregon. In book two we finally get to find out who done it!!! I can’t tell you who, what or why. But I will say that I was surprised by some of the events that took place in this series. Just when I thought I had it all figured out. Nope, the ladies have to go and make me want to chase another rabbit.
As with every book I finish by these two I hope that this is not the last time we will get to visit the sleepy little town of Rogue River.

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

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January 5, 2017December 31, 2016

Kelly reviews Midnight Obsession by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Midnight Obsession
SERIES #: Midnight #4
CHARACTERS: Connor Sullivan & Louisa Hancock
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: January 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s edgy new thriller, Louisa Hancock thought she was safe…but there’s a new killer in town.

When a mysterious package lands on Louisa Hancock’s doorstep, the Philadelphia museum curator can hardly anticipate the nightmare that’s about to envelop her. The package is addressed to her father—an expert in Viking culture—and inside is a ninth-century sword, a chilling thank-you note, and photos of two dead bodies in a tableau evoking a Nordic funeral. The gruesome images match a recent crime scene. But before the police can investigate the killer’s connection to Louisa’s father, Ward Hancock vanishes.
Sports bar owner Conor Sullivan wants nothing more than to spend his life with Louisa. Devoted and protective, he refuses to leave her side after her father’s disappearance. When a troubled young boxer he’s been coaching is suspected of the murders, Conor is pulled in even deeper. Desperate, Louisa and Conor take it upon themselves to find her father, but soon another ritualistic slaying makes it clear there’s a Viking-obsessed serial killer on the loose. And he has a new target: Louisa.

REVIEW:
The last time we saw Conor and Louisa (book 3 Midnight Betrayal. Stop here if you don’t want any spoilers) they had just survived a close encounter with a killer. Now that things are finally settling down. They can get on with their life and live happily ever after. Wait what? That is not how a suspense series goes? That is not how Ms. Leigh operates? Are you sure? Okay, you are right. Ms. Leigh is about to drag Conor and Louisa down a very dark hole and make them question everyone around them. The question is will they be able to find their way out? And how much damage will be inflicted to those they care about?

Another wonderful story by Ms. Leigh. I am in awe and a little scared of these suspense authors minds. Ms. Leigh does a great job of taking us on a journey of who done it. All the while leading us down one path after another. Never giving us time to stop and look at the actual route we are going until the end. I found myself wondering about the who the whole book. I got parts of it right but didn’t see the end coming.

If you are a fan of romance suspense you really need to pick up a copy of Midnight Obsession. If you are new to romance suspense or new to Melinda you really should check out this series. I think you could read Midnight Obsession as a stand alone but I would suggest reading at least book 3 before so that you can have a better understanding of Conor & Louisa.

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 13, 2016October 7, 2016

#TBT Natasha reviews Hour Of Need by Melinda Leigh ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Hour of Need
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #1
CHARACTERS: Grant Barrett & Ellie Ross
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
While fighting in Afghanistan, Major Grant Barrett receives devastating news: his brother and sister-in-law have been murdered in Scarlet Falls, the sleepy suburb of Grant’s youth. Emotionally scarred from war, the career soldier returns home on emergency leave to temporarily care for his orphaned nephew and niece. But when someone tries to kidnap the kids and their teenage babysitter, Grant knows it’s not a random act…and neither were the murders.

Already devastated by her neighbors’ violent deaths, Ellie Ross is shattered by the attempted abduction of her teenage daughter so she desperately turns to Grant for help. As they navigate a deadly search for the truth, they struggle with growing feelings for each other and Grant’s impending return to deployment.

But time is running out. The killer is growing bolder by the hour, and Ellie and Grant must find him before the children become his next victims.

REVIEW: This book was so good!! This is the third book I’ve ready by Melinda Leigh and I am now dedicated to reading all of her books! She is a fabulous author and her stories are so intriguing. This book had it all: drama, heart break, murder, betrayal, ice skating! Grant and Ellie are the perfect partners for one another in this story. Both of their lives are messy and they are surrounded with a fabulously hilarious and awesome cast of characters. I fell in love with this whole family and cannot wait for more books in this series! I want stories for everyone!

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

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August 31, 2016August 28, 2016

Natasha reviews Seconds To Live by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Seconds to Live
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #3
CHARACTERS: Mac Barrett & Stella Dane
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.

Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing question: How does a dead body disappear?

Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal

REVIEW:
This is the third book in Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. In my review of book 2 I desperately wanted to see more of Mac Barrett and I finally got it! Wow is he full of surprises! He is the most mysterious Barrett sibling and I really enjoyed his backstory, which is truly unexpected. He is a strong male character and was a perfect match for Stella. I enjoyed Stella a lot as a female character. There were times where her actions frustrated me a bit, but that is expected of any type of police mystery novel. There is one part of the novel that I’m still not sure what happened…I might have to do a re-read so I have a little clearer picture in my head. But overall these stories are super intriguing with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. I truly enjoy them and Leigh’s ability to make her characters deeply interesting and realistic.

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.

June 30, 2016June 27, 2016

Kelly reviews Seconds To Live by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Seconds to Live
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #3
CHARACTERS: Mac Barrett & Stella Dane
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal

REVIEW:
I loved that we finally got Mac’s story. We have seen glimpse of him over the last two books and I am sure like everyone else fell in love with the youngest Barrett kid. In Seconds to Live we get to learn so much more about Mac. What makes him tick, what makes him constantly be on the run from his family and what happens when he sets his sights on the lady he can’t get out of his mind.
Stella is great! I love that she is tough, determined and relatable. Stella is someone that you would want on your side during a crisis. It was great to see her bounce back after the events of the last book.
As always Ms. Leigh brings us a story filled with the perfect level of suspense, keeping me guessing and romance. I enjoyed every page of this book. It was great to finally get Mac’s story. I love trying to figure out the who’s and why’s. Ms. Leigh does a great job of always shocking me (rarely am I right. haha). I can’t wait to see what Ms. Leigh has in story for us next.

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.

December 8, 2015December 6, 2015

Kelly reviews She Can Kill by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: She Can Kill
SERIES #: She Can…..#5
CHARACTERS: Cristan Rojas & Sarah Mitchell
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: December 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Reformed assassin Cristan Rojas just wants to raise his daughter in peace. But after twelve years on the run, he learns that even the quiet little town of Westbury, Pennsylvania, has many hidden dangers. Although he can’t shake the feeling he’s under surveillance, Cristan’s attraction to Sarah Mitchell continues to grow, as do his concerns that his secret past could jeopardize anyone who gets too close to him.

Sarah is ready to start her life over with her children, a new job, and a budding romance. Her newfound happiness is threatened when her ex-husband becomes increasingly violent—and she soon learns her ex isn’t the only person stalking her.

Cristan fears someone from his past has arrived in town, someone far worse than a jealous ex. Someone who may be responsible for a brutal—and unsolved—murder a dozen years ago. To protect Sarah and his daughter, he must shine a light into the darkest recesses of his nightmarish past.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts She Can Kill is like a room of mirrors. You can see your enemy in the reflection but when you turn they are no longer there.

In She Can Kill we get to learn more about Cristan and his past. We get to learn that not all is as it seems in his life. We learn that this time his choice to stay may just be the the last choice he ever makes. We also get to see how Sarah (Rachel’s sister (bk 2)) is doing. Which is not great. Sarah finds herself on the wrong end of a very angry ex-husband.

She Can Kill has a lot going on. Just when you think you have the enemy in your sights they have moved. I really enjoyed Cristan and Sarah’s story. They both are dealing with choices from their past haunting them in the present. They both care deeply for their children and are willing to go to any lengths to keep them safe. While I kinda figured out the who’s, but the ending shocked me. The why’s were a real shocker to me.
It is so hard to write a review and not give away anything. So I will stop while I am ahead and spoiler free. But know that Ms. Leigh has written another excellent story.
I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

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.

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November 10, 2015November 8, 2015

Kelly reviews Tracks Of Her Tears by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Tracks of Her Tears
SERIES #: Rogue Winter #1
CHARACTERS: Seth Harding & Carly Taylor
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: November 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the first thrilling Rogue Winter Novella, sleepy little Solitude, Oregon, wakes up to another deadly threat.

County investigator Seth Harding intends to spend the holidays with his newly reconciled family, but a few days before Christmas, a homicide thwarts his plan. Seth arrives at the scene and makes a painful discovery: the victim is his brother-in-law’s girlfriend. Her apartment has been ransacked and her toddler left motherless. To make matters worse, Seth’s brother-in-law, Bruce, is missing. With Solitude locked in a rare, deadly deep freeze and the temperature plummeting, the residents launch a desperate search.

Seth calls his wife, social worker Carly Taylor, to take the case so the little girl doesn’t get lost in the foster care system. With the holidays near, Carly brings the child home with them to celebrate Christmas. But when the Taylor farm is also trashed, Seth and Carly must race against time—and against a paralyzing winter storm—to find Bruce and catch a killer in the first pulse-pounding sequel to the Rogue River Novellas.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts I was so excited when Ms. Leigh & Ms. Elliot announced that they were going to revisit the small town of Solitude, Oregon. If you have not checked out the first four novella’s in the Rogue River series you should.
In Tracks of Her Tears we get to re-visit Seth & Carly. I loved them the first time around and love them even more after this novella. Seth is back to work and his first case is a murder of a young woman. Sadly, this is a young woman that Seth knows.
This story is full of twists and turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out Ms. Leigh throws another bone at you and your re-think your thinking. Thank you for revisiting this world. It freaks me out a bit how creepy and suspense authors mind works. But I can’t wait to see what is next!!!!!

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

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August 13, 2015August 9, 2015

Kelly reviews Minutes To Kill by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Minutes to Kill
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Brody McNamara & Hannah Barrett
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N {http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/minutes-to-kill-melinda-leigh/1121014262?ean=9781501256127&itm=1&usri=9781501256127&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10:1&r=1,%201}

Eight months after a terrible family tragedy, Hannah turns to Detective Brody McNamara once again. Brody is eager to help, though he’s embroiled in the investigation of a brutal murder. But the closer they work together, the stronger their feelings grow…and the more they stand to lose when two seemingly unrelated, but equally deadly, cases collide.

REVIEW:
Minutes to Kill is the second story in the Scarlet Falls series. If you have not read Hour of Need (bk 1) I would suggest you start there. The events of Hour of Need set us up for Minutes to Kill. BUT you can read Minutes to Kill, just know that it may spoil some of Hour of Need for you.
But back to Minutes to Kill. We learn a lot more about the only sister in the Barrett family. Hannah is just as tough if not maybe a little tougher than her older brothers. I can’t tell you to much, but know that Hannah will not go down without a fight. Girl knows her stuff and packs a punch.
We got to see a little of Brody in book 1 but we didn’t know a whole lot about him. So in Minutes to Kill we learn about why’s that lead him came to Scarlett Falls.
I really enjoyed this book. Brody & Hannah are great together. Hannah may be tough but Brody balances her out. I can’t wait to see what is next in the Scarlet Falls series. Bring on the elusive Mac.

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

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July 1, 2015June 28, 2015

Natasha reviews Minutes To Kill by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Minutes to Kill
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Hannah Barrett & Brody McNamara
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After corporate attorney Hannah Barrett tries—and fails—to stop a kidnapping in Vegas, she can’t shake the haunting image of the terrified young girl she couldn’t save. She tells herself that a visit to her hometown in Scarlet Falls could be a welcome distraction. But soon, Hannah realizes the kidnappers have all the info they need to track her every move. And when chilling e-mails about the victim appear in her inbox, it’s frighteningly clear what happened in Vegas has followed her home.
Eight months after a terrible family tragedy, Hannah turns to Detective Brody McNamara once again. Brody is eager to help, though he’s embroiled in the investigation of a brutal murder. But the closer they work together, the stronger their feelings grow…and the more they stand to lose when two seemingly unrelated, but equally deadly, cases collide.

REVIEW: This is the second book in Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. They are great mystery romance novels with intriguing and well-written characters. I have to say, Hannah Barrett was a bit of fresh air for me as a heroine. I really liked her character in the first book Hour of Need and was very excited to see more of her in the follow-up. She is an incredibly strong and self-sufficient character who makes intelligent decisions in times of distress. There was one point in the story where I was so sure I was about to smack my head and say NOOOOO!!! – Thankfully Hannah did not make me do that and I respected the strength of the character even more. Brody and Hannah have great interaction and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the two of them together. This was another strong addition to this series. It has it all, characters we love and care about; great story telling and great plots. I’m excited for the next book in the series; I’m hoping we will finally see more of Mac!

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

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