Natasha reviews Wicked Embers by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Wicked Embers
SERIES #: Souls of Fire #2
CHARACTERS: Emberly, Jackson, Sam & Rory
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Keri Arthur, New York Times bestselling author of Fireborn, presents the thrilling new Souls of Fire Novel featuring Emberly Pearson, a phoenix that can transform into a human—and is haunted by the ability to foresee death….

Crimson Death, the plague like virus spawned from a failed government experiment to isolate the enzymes that make vampires immortal, continues to spread. Emberly and her partner, Jackson Miller, are desperately seeking the stolen research for a cure before the virus becomes a pandemic.

But their mission is jeopardized by another threat uncovered in Emberly’s prophetic dreams. A creature of ash and shadow has been unleashed on a murdering spree. Now Emberly must summon all her gifts and investigative knowledge to put an end to this entity’s brutal rampage—even if it means placing herself in harm’s way….

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Emberly is a strong female character lead – I enjoy her a lot. This book was another interesting installment in this new series and offered answers to lingering questions. I’m curious how the story line will continue from here, it’s going to be very exciting. There are lots of characters in this series, and sometimes they get mingled together, but they’re all intriguing and you want to see more of them. Emberly reminds me a lot of Keri’s heroine Riley Jensen – which is a big compliment, since I loved that series. I’ll keep following the series, I want to see what’s in store for these characters. It seems Emberly is destined for an eternity of heartbreak and my fingers are crossed she’ll find her happy lifetime! Keri Arthur writes very creative stories with characters you fall in love with, even if sometimes the complexity gets a little deep.

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

July 10, 2015July 5, 2015

Kelly reviews Seal Wolf Hunting by Terry Spears

TITLE: SEAL Wolf Hunting
SERIES #: Heart of the Wolf #16
CHARACTERS: Paul Cunningham & Lori Greypaw
AUTHOR: Terry Spears
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Paul Cunningham is one of the only bachelors left on the SEAL wolf team, and he’s less than thrilled to hear he’s been volunteered for a local charity bachelor auction.

Lori Greypaw suspected that her grandmother would use the auction as an opportunity to fix her up. So she’s not surprised when she “buys” Paul to help Lori renovate her mountain cabin for a week. Lori’s had a crush on the sexy SEAL wolf for years, but he proves to be handy with more than a hammer when two fugitives come knocking and he’ll do anything to protect the woman he’s falling for.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed SEAL Wolf Hunting. But at time the book was a little slow to me. There was not a ton of action in this book. It seemed like this was more of a coming home second chance at life book. Paul Cunningham loves being a SEAL, but he loves his family more. He has always known at some point in time he was going to have to step in to the role as Alpha, but he has not been ready. I liked Lori a lot in this book. She can kick some serious butt when needed and knows when she is in over her head. I liked Paul & Lori together. They make a great team and a great Alpha couple.
I am hoping that the next book in the series is Allen’s and we get to stay with the Cummingham pack a little longer so we can see how everyone is doing.
Until next time SEAL Wolfs… Until next time.

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

July 6, 2015July 5, 2015

Kelly reviews Flight from Death by Yasmine Galenorn

TITLE: Flight from Death
SERIES #: Fly by Night #1
CHARACTERS: Alex & Shimmer
AUTHOR: Yasmine Galenorn
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn comes an all-new series set in the realm of her Otherworld novels.

I’m Shimmer, a blue dragon shifter. Thanks to a mistake, I was exiled from the Dragon Reaches and sentenced to work for Alex Radcliffe, a vampire who owns the Fly by Night Magical Investigations Agency. Now, not only do I have to adapt to Earthside culture, but every time I turn around, somebody’s trying to kill us. And worse, Alex is as gorgeous as he is exasperating. But you know what they say: All’s fair in love and bounty hunting…

When an old friend of Alex contacts him about a haunting at the High Tide Bed & Breakfast in Port Townsend, Washington, we think we’re on a simple ghost hunt. But our investigation quickly transforms into a deadly fight as we uncover an eighty-year-old murder, a cursed house, and a dark force trapping the spirits within. To stop impending disaster we must break the curse and lay the angry spirits to rest.

REVIEW:
Flight from Death is the first book in Ms. Galenorn’s new Fly by Night series. As I started this book I knew that this was a spin off from her Otherworld series (sadly I have not got catch up on this series). I wondered if I would be lost in this new world. I was not. Ms. Galenorn does a great job of bring us up to speed quickly on the world she has created. I think were it would have been beneficial (for me) was to see Alex and Shimmer before this book. They have some kind of history. I think that history, while retold a little in Flight from Death, would have helped understand Alex and Shimmer’s attraction to each other just a little better. I felt like in Flight from Death that it went from “oh he is cute, but has a girlfriend” to “oh the broke up, must jump at this chance”. Now don’t get me wrong I loved Alex and Shimmer I just wish that there was just a tad bit more build up (hence knowing their history in the other books). But that being said, Flight from Death was a good book. I enjoyed the story line and the what’s and why’s. I love that Shimmer is a dragon. Not enough female dragon shifters everywhere.
If you are a Yasmine Galenorn fan you will love this book. If you are new to Ms. Galenorn I hope that you will give Flight from Death a try.

Favorite line:
“….. Say, I’m hungry. Patrick have anything good in the house? I could eat a horse.”
Alex glanced at me, grinning “Have you ever? Eaten a horse?”
I blushed. Truth was, I had………..

Awe, gotta love dragons.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 2, 2015June 28, 2015

Kelly reviews Soul Scorched by Donna Grant

TITLE: Soul Scorched
SERIES #: Dark Kings #6
CHARACTERS: Warrick & Darcy
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Darcy was floating on a cloud of pure passion. Everywhere he touched, Warrick was leaving a mark on her, forever changing her. She could feel it through her skin and muscle, through bone and into her soul. It was as if he was changing her. And she welcomed it…

Her power is a blessing.

Born on the Isle of Skye, Darcy is a beautiful woman of many gifts. Fortune-telling is her forte, and she remains the only Druid who could unlock the secrets—and desires—of a Dragon King. His name is Warrick. And now that Darcy’s seen into his dragon heart, nothing will ever be the same…

His passion is a curse.

Warrick never intended to put Darcy in harm’s way. But ever since she revealed a shocking truth, Darcy has been hunted by the Dark Fae, who want to use her powers for their own evil purposes. Now it’s up to Warrick to do whatever it takes to keep the woman who sets his soul on fire safe. But protecting Darcy means putting himself—and his entire race—in jeopardy. Is his desperate longing for one woman worth the risk of losing everything… for eternity?

Dive into Soul Scorched, the sizzling next novel in the Dark Kings series from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant

REVIEW:
Amazing!!!! Soul Scorched takes us back into the world of the Dragon Kings. And of course thing can just go right for them right now. At every turn they are battling the Dark Fae, Urlik and each other. The events in Night Blaze (if you haven’t read I will try to keep spoiler free) had you thinking that things were getting ready to turn maybe for the better. But in Soul Scorched everything takes a huge nose dive. Friends can’t be trusted, enemy can and not everyone is what they seem.
I will say I had a little bit of anxiety (okay a lot) while reading this book. There is so much going on. The Kings are all over the place. We get a cameo from the Warriors (which only makes things more tense) and of course… We get a few bread crumbs surrounding Rhi and her Dragon King. So many things are turned upside down in this book. UUUGGGGG!!! I wish that I could just poof into Ms. Grant’s brain and see the whole story, but sadly I don’t have that power. But until then keep reading…..

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

June 26, 2015June 23, 2015

Kelly reviews Accidentally Aphrodite by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidentally Aphrodite
SERIES #: Accidentals #
CHARACTERS: Khristos & Quinn
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | iBooks | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mythology buff Quinn Morris has always wanted to visit Greece, where her inner hardcore romantic envisioned proposing to her boyfriend. And she’s finally here—with her friend Ingrid. She might not have found love at the Parthenon, thanks to her cheating ex, but she has found big boobies…and swirly purple eyes…and sparkling skin. Oh, and Greek hottie Khristos, who claims to be descended from a goddess and swears Quinn’s the new Aphrodite.

With help from Khristos, and support from Ingrid’s employers—Nina, Wanda, and Marty—Quinn has to learn all the tricks of the matchmaking trade, STAT, lest she has her new friend Cupid sticking arrows in all the wrong places. All while dealing with her man-hating mother, guarding her own heart from Khristos, and protecting herself from an invisible foe who might want to snatch Quinn’s newfound powers from her—dead or alive.

REVIEW:
Another fun adventure with Nina, Wanda, Marty and the gang. I will have to say that this was a little weird for me. I have listened to all of the Accidental books on audio book. I had gotten so use to the narrator reading to me that reading Aphrodite was a little strange.
But though I missed listening to the ladies of OOOPS I enjoyed Quinn and Khristos. The whole twist on Aphrodite and her newest side kicks high jinx was a lot of fun. And of course no story would be complete without Nina being Nina. Although it was a lot of fun to watch her try to mind her P’s and Q’s.
I can’t wait to see what is next for the Accidental world.

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

June 23, 2015June 21, 2015

Kelly reviews Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Ride
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #1
CHARACTERS: Kellach Dunne & Alexandra Monzelle
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: June 23, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.

Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts When Ms. Zanetti wrote the last book in her Dark Protectors series I was super sad. Than a little birdy told me that while the Dark Protector series maybe over we were not done with the Realm world just yet. Just imagine me doing the Snoopy Dance when I got that little tid bit. Which brings us to Wicked Ride.
Wicked Ride picks up after the end of the War from Dark Protectors (so if you have not read the series you should start there :), but you could read Wicked Ride without reading Dark Protectors series).
Kellach Dunne, one of the Realm’s Enforcers, has been sent to Seattle along with his brothers looking into a new drug that could be used against witches. In order to find the source of the new drug they have to join the local Biker gang (aka motorcycle club). This make them public enemy number one in the eyes of the local cops. But Kellach will stop at nothing to get this drug off the street. The only thing standing in his way is a feisty female cop that wants to bring down the drug dealers herself.
Alexandra Monzelle (aka Lex) lives and breaths being a cop. She has known what it is like to grow up around drugs and dealers, now it is her job to rid the street of them. The newest drug and its origins may be the toughest case she has ever worked on. It sure would be easier if she didn’t have to deal with the very sexy irish bad boy biker.
Loved this book!!! Loved Kellach and Lex. I can’t wait to see who and what is next!!!

My favorite line from this book
“With the bite and the burn? I’ve mated you, baby. Welcome to Immortality”

If you enjoyed Rebecca’s Dark Protector series you will love this book. Plus a few surprise cameos were really really fun 😀

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.

June 22, 2015June 21, 2015

My interview with Vice Cop Alexandra Monzelle from Rebecca Zanetti’s Wicked Ride.

Hi all! Welcome to Books-n-Kisses. So, it’s fun to interview the heroes in romance books, but today I thought it would be interesting to interview the heroine from Rebecca Zanetti’s WICKED RIDE. The heroine is Alexandra Monzelle, and she’s a pretty tough cop. Short blonde hair, intelligent blue eyes, compact and very watchful.

She recently met Kellach Dunne, but she has no clue that he’s a hero or a, well, a witch. They’re both hunting for a drug manufacturer and distributor, but they don’t know they’re both looking for the same guy. Anyhoo…here we go.

BnK: Thank you for sitting down with us today, Alexandra.

LEX: Please call me Lex, and you’re welcome. I was told by a source that you might have a line on a distributor of Apollo, the drug that’s killing people on Seattle streets.

BnK: (It hurts witches, too, BTW). Well, I do keep my ear to the ground, but first, let’s chat.

LEX: Ah, all right. What about?

BnK: Kellach Dunne and the Titans of Fire Motorcycle Club (or MC).

LEX: Er, okay. Well, I met Mr. Dunne in an alley in Seattle the other night, and he fought a guy on fire, and then took me back to the MC. I was injured. In the morning, I arrested him. Well, I took him in for questioning.

BnK: That had to go over well.

LEX: Not really. And instead of cooperating, his cousin, Simone Brightston, showed up to act as his attorney. We didn’t get much information out of Dunne.

BnK: He’s sexy, isn’t he?

LEX: Well, if you like the bad boy type.

BnK: (Geez. Who doesn’t, right?) I see. So you’re not attracted to him at all?

LEX: Of course not. He’s an enforcer with the Titans, he breaks the law, and he’s arrogant. Sure, he has a great brogue, and he’s nice to look at, but chances are, I’ll be arresting him soon.

BnK: Right. It sounds like you’re a little interested.

LEX: Nope. I put away the bad guys. I certainly don’t sleep with them.

BnK: I didn’t mention sleeping with him, did I?

LEX: Whatever.

BnK: What if he’s undercover, too. I mean, what if he’s a good guy just doing a job?

LEX: Then I won’t arrest him, but he’d better stay out of my way.

BnK: (Man, does she have some interesting times on the way). Since I know you’ve been tailing Dunne, I have to ask, have you seen any other guys around him? Ones with odd, metallic eyes? (I’m so hoping some of the Dark Protectors show up in WICKED RIDE).

LEX: (Clears throat). Actually, yes. There’s a guy they call ‘King’ who has silver eyes; his nephew, Garrett, who has grey eyes, and another nephew called Logan. His eyes are green, though. Kellach wasn’t happy to see them, which I thought odd.

BnK: (Yay! I wanted to see more of Garrett and Logan). Hmmm. I wonder who they are.

LEX: Right. I’m thinking you know.

BnK: Nope, not me. I’ve been doing some research lately, and this is going to sound odd, but what do you think of the supernatural? Or rather, the immortal world?

LEX: No such thing.

BnK: (Yep. That’s what I figured). Are you very good with rolling with the punches, Alexandra?

LEX: No. I prefer to do the punching.

BnK: (I can’t wait to see her go toe-to-toe with Kellach. I’m not sure who to bet on, to be honest). Alrighty then. Thanks for the interview.

LEX: Wait. Now you give me information.

BnK: Oh yeah. Well, I heard the distributor of Apollo has connections to the Grizzlies, which is another MC.

LEX: Excellent. I’ll go check them out. Thanks!

BnK: (I feel kinda bad, because the Grizzlies are clean. But since they’re shifters, I guess it might be fun to watch Lex check them out.) You betcha! Have a great day.

Let’s take a little looksie at WICKED RIDE

Wicked Ride

Realm Enforcers #1

by Rebecca Zanetti

Amazon | B&N

If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks.

Want a little sneak peek? Of course you do.

Excerpt:

The woman cringed against the brick building. “I don’t understand. What kind of a weapon throws fire?”

Kell shot forward and slid an arm around the guy’s neck, spinning him into a headlock, their backs to the woman. Fire burst along the guy’s arms, burning Kell. Pain dug under his skin. With a low growl, Kell allowed his own fire free. Deep and green, it crackled along his body, shielding him from harm. With a puff of smoke, Kell’s fire quelled the human’s.

The human convulsed. Hard and fast, he shook against Kell, who held him upright. It was too late to help the guy—he had taken too much. Way too much. A wretched scream spilled from the human’s throat.

Kell released him and stepped back.

The guy fell to the wet ground, still convulsing. Red poured from his ears, his eyes, and then his nose. The rancid stench of burned flesh filled the alley. He hit hard, shook, and then went still. His eyes retained the bizarre colors, and he looked sightlessly up at the cloudy night. The rain mingled with blood across his face.

Kell sighed and pushed wet hair out of his eyes. Another dead end, and he’d wasted more time, which he absolutely did not have right now. He needed to get rid of the body and then somehow convince the woman she hadn’t just seen what she’d just seen. Plastering on his most charming smile, he turned around and froze.

“Seattle PD. Freeze, asshole,” she whispered, her stance set, a Sig Subcompact in her hands and pointed at his head

Here is a little about Rebecca:

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Dark Protectors, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series. Upcoming series are: The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome. Find Rebecca at: www.rebeccazanetti.com

*****

GIVEAWAY TIME:

Rebecca has an extra print copy of MARKED she’d love to sign and send to one commenter here.

I’ll randomly choose a name within a few days.

Leave a comment for the chance to enter. Do you like bad boys?

June 22, 2015June 21, 2015

Kimberly reviews Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Ride
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #1
CHARACTERS: Lex & Kellach
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/23/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

REVIEW:
As I talk about this story always keep in mind that I am giving it 4 stars. I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next in the series. This is a great start to the new direction of the Dark Protectors. You do not need to have read the DP series to read this one.

Lex is a human cop and Kellach is a witch enforcer. There is a drug that is hitting the streets that they are both trying to bring down but when they get together they become an addiction to each other. (I should have mentioned that tag line to Rebecca Zanetti.) They have a connection immediately but Lex has issues from her past that make it hard to love and trust. Kellach knows he can’t fall for a mortal but brain and heart are too different things.

Now remember I enjoyed this book as I say there were a lot of things I had issues with. First, while I know she has trust issues, Lex too quickly believes the worst in Kellach. Even after falling for him she still believes he is a killer and drug dealer. She never gets over that really. Also I believe there are 3 kinds of women in books. 1) The one you hate and really never start to like (usually end up hating the book), 2) The woman you want to be friends with and 3) The woman you wish you could be if you jumped into the book. The problem is Lex didn’t fall into any of these. Lex is more like the older sister of a friend who you like and want on your side but don’t really hang out with (or want to be). And Kellach never really did it for me. He’s sweet and protective but just never do I fall for him. And finally, there were a few things that were brought up but didn’t happy (ex: at one point Kellach says he will punish Lex by not letting her orgasm if she does something again but when the opportunity is there he doesn’t follow through, etc). Why bring things up if then they are not done?

Once again I will say I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t have the suspense part figured out. The background characters are great and I can’t wait to read their stories especially Simone and Nick… Or Tori and Adam? And who will Daide end up with? I really need to know!!!

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

June 18, 2015June 15, 2015

Natasha reviews Born Of Defiance by Sherrilyn Kenyon

TITLE: Born of Defiance
SERIES #: The League #9
CHARACTERS: Talyn & Felicia
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
PUBLICATION DATE: May 12, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| BN

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Born an Outcast, Talyn Batur has spent the whole of his life fighting against the prejudice of his people. An Andarion without a father is not something anyone wants to be.

But when his companion’s brother draws him into a plot against the Andarion crown, he finds himself torn between the loyalty to their planetary government that his mother has beaten into him and his own beliefs of justice and right.

Now, he must decide for himself to remain a pawn of their government or to defy everything and everyone he’s ever known to stand up to tyranny. It’s a gamble that will either save his life or end it. And when old enemies align with new ones, it’s more than just his own life at risk. And more than just his homeworld that will end should he fail.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I have been a fan of the League series forever! I love science fiction, and I love the incredibly gripping universe that Kenyon has created. However, that said, this series is starting to become a struggle for me. The cast of characters is becoming so large it’s extremely difficult to remember anyone, let alone what all has happened in the universe. To make it even more difficult – the books jump around to different points in time in the story, which makes it even more difficult to keep everyone straight. I love this series, I just wished it was a little more linear to make it easier to follow. As with all of Kenyon’s books, this poor hero is extremely tortured. Talyn has some of the worst luck of any character I’ve ever read. Thank goodness Felicia shows up. The two of them together are great and the story really worked well with the two of them as main characters. I loved it.

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

June 17, 2015June 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Shard Of Hope by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Shards of Hope
SERIES #: PSy-Changeling #14
CHARACTERS: Aden Kai & Zaira Neve
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The “smoldering heat, epic romance, and awesome action” of Nalini Singh’s New York Times bestselling series continues as two Arrows find themselves caught in a chilling conspiracy that spans all three races…

Awakening wounded in a darkened cell, their psychic abilities blocked, Aden and Zaira know they must escape. But when the lethal soldiers break free from their mysterious prison, they find themselves in a harsh, inhospitable landscape far from civilization. Their only hope for survival is to make it to the hidden home of a predatory changeling pack that doesn’t welcome outsiders.

And they must survive. A shadowy enemy has put a target on the back of the Arrow squad, an enemy that cannot be permitted to succeed in its deadly campaign. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope. She knows she’s too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what.

This time, even Aden’s passionate determination may not be enough—because the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken…like Zaira.

REVIEW:
As the world tries to right itself after the fall of Silence, Aden Kai is trying to keep the Arrows safe in this strange new world of emotion.

Zaira Neve may be small but she is lethal. And Aden is the only one who can keep Zaira from falling farther into the darkness.

Shards of Hope begins 4 months after the fall of Silence and a few months after the end of Vasic’s book (Shield of Winter).

I really really loved this story. Not just because I am an uber fan of all things Nalini Singh, but because we get to see more about the Arrows. The Arrows have forever been portrayed as the bogeymen of the Psy-net. Over the last two books we have come to see that the Arrow care deeply about their squad mates and the people around them. Even if they didn’t know or acknowledge that they cared, they did (well most of them). It was a lot of fun to watch Aden learn to think like an Alpha. I loved that he works so well with the other races.
I don’t think there are many people in the Psy-Changeling world that don’t like Aden. After the events in Shards of Hope I would say that there are even more people that like him. I loved learning about Aden. While his parents were not great (okay they sucked) Aden grow up knowing the importance of his position in the squad. But I think only Vasic, Zaira and the rest of the Arrows knew how important he was from very early on.
Aden is a force unto himself. I was so happy to see what he can do. And Zaira! Oh man is Zaira a ball of fiery, wrapped in dynamite, with a lite fuse. You never want to be on her bad side. To say when Zaira snaps you should hit the deck would be an understatement. But watching her with Aden, JoJo, Pip and even Vasic we come to see just who Zaira really is.

I honestly can’t find fault in this book at all. I loved every minute of listening and every page of reading. I can not wait to see what is in store for the new Psy-Changeling world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. I also received a complimentary copy of this book on audio from Tantor Media. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 16, 2015June 16, 2015

Audio Book Lovin’ Presents: Kelly’s interview with Yasmine Galenorn + a giveaway

Viviana, from Enchantress of Books and I am so excited to have Ms. Yasmine Galenorn on our Audio Book Lovin’ Series.

New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy for Berkley: the Otherworld Series, and the upcoming Fly By Night Series and Whisper Hollow Series. She’s also known for her Indigo Court Series, her paranormal mysteries, and her nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. She lives in Kirkland WA with her husband Samwise and their cats. Learn more about Ms. Galenorn and her books here: Website| Facebook| Facebook Discussion Group | Twitter | Goodreads

Kelly: Ms. Galenorn, what do you love/like about audio books?

A: My favorite thing about audiobooks is that it offers my readers who are sight impaired the chance to read my books. I wish every book I had could be in audio, but I don’t have any control over that in anything published by a traditional publisher.

Kelly: Can you tell us what involvement do you have in getting your novels turned into audiobooks?

A: I’m sorry to say, but none. Not with a traditional publisher. Unless I was able to withhold audio rights—and that’s very hard to do in some situations—I have no say about it, other than to say YES when I’m notified an audio publisher wants to license the rights from my publisher.

Kelly: How is your narrator selected for your novels?

A: Again, I have no clue. J That’s up to the audiobook publisher. But I do know that Cassandra Campbell, who has been the narrator for all of my audio books, has done a wonderful job.

Kelly : What information/guidance do you provide to the narrator?

A: We actually talk now and then about how to pronounce certain names/words. That started when I realized that some of the names weren’t quite spot-on. But now, every time she has a question, she comes to me and I am happy to help her.

Kelly: Do you listen to your audiobooks after they are finished? Why or why not.

A: No, though I have heard excerpts. I simply don’t have the time to sit and listen to them, and I tend to turn whatever I’m listening to into white noise when I’m busy working. But my husband started reading a lot more again once he discovered audio books, because it’s just easier for him to do while he’s busy with other things.

Kelly: If you have one book in your backlist that is not already on audio, which novel would you want to be turned into an audio book.

A: That’s easy! Night Vision and Night’s End. I really felt bad that the last two Indigo Court books weren’t picked up by the audio publisher, but there wasn’t anything I could do. And I cannot get audio rights back on those book at this point to try to find a producer/publisher on my own.

Kelly: If you could pick one person (male or female) to narrator your life who would it be and why?

A: Interesting question! Hmmm…I’ve thought about this one and…well, if it were a woman narrating my life, I’d say Pepi Gilpin (she played Roz Doyle, on Frasier). I love her voice—it’s throaty and sultry. If it were a man…either Gary Numan (my favorite singer) because I love his voice. And David Bowie would be the other choice—I could listen to him all day long. I find it interesting they both have an accent. *grins*

Kelly: For anyone who has not listened to an audiobook before. What would you tell them to try to convince them to listen?

A: If there’s any reason why you have trouble holding a book, or reading, or if you are looking for a way to relax before going to sleep—an audio book might be just for you.

Let’s take a listen to a clip from Ms. Galenorn’s Witchling, book one of the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon series

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June 16, 2015June 12, 2015

Kelly’s interview with Donna Grant

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome one of the nicest people on the planet Ms. Donna Grant. I had the amazing opportunity to meet Donna at RT this year. And of course we talked Dragons. Because how can you meet Donna and not talk about her Smexy as hell Dragon Kings.

But for those of you who don’t know Donna yet, please let me introduce you to the one and only Ms. Donna Grant.

Donna Grant is the New York Timesand USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

You can learn more about Donna and her amazing books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @donna_grant| Goodreads

So now let’s get to the good stuff….Welcome Donna, Thank you so much for stopping by Books-n-Kisses to talk a little about your upcoming release Soul Scorched.

Donna: My pleasure! I love being here.

BnK: Can you tell us who Rhi ends up with?

Donna: lol No, I’m afraid not. That is one spoiler I won’t leak.

BnK: Fine…. Let’s talk about Soul Scorched then. Tell me a little about Warrick

Donna: There have been Dragon Kings who hated humans, so I wanted one who found them interesting. Warrick can’t get enough about humans. He follows all the gossip regarding actors, and he follows Rhi’s Facebook page.

His affinity for all things human he’s tried – unsuccessfully – to hide from the other Dragon Kings because he knows how many of them despise the mortals.

Warrick also has a hard time being around others. He finds it difficult to get his thoughts into words. As a result, it’s known that he always works alone. Until now.

BnK: Tell us a little about Darcy, Warrick’s love interest.

Donna: I knew it was only a matter of time before another Druid entered the picture. When it happened, I knew it was going to have to be something big. So in walks Darcy. She’s intelligent, savvy, and very powerful. She’s making her own way in the world away from the Isle of Skye and the elders who want her to return.

She’s happy and content even though by helping Ulrik and touching dragon magic she now knows about the Dragon Kings. She figures that’s all that is going to happen until Warrick arrives one night and saves her from the Dark Fae.

BnK: Who is Rhi’s Dragon King?

Donna: lol. Nice try!

BnK: Hey I had to try…..

Donna: I completely understand. 😉

BnK: Okay back to Warrick. What would you say was the hardest part about writing Warrick’s story?

Donna: Having a heroine who can do magic. Lol.

BnK: I don’t want to spoil anything before the public gets to read Soul Scorched, but how many more Dragon Kings will be waking up.

Donna: All of them!

BnK: Do you think that there is hope for Balladyn?

Donna: I think it could go either way for Balladyn. I think a lot depends on Rhi.

BnK: Everyone is really worried about Rhi and the rest of her journey. You had told me that I needed to buckle up and hang on. Can you give us a morsel of the future for Rhi and the Dragon Kings?

Donna: Rhi will do things others don’t expect. She’ll follow her own wants for a bit, and there will be fallout from that.

BnK: I love getting a glimpse into your books. So Donna, can you open Soul Scorched to a random page and read a few lines to us.

Donna:

Darcy rolled her eyes and once more took her seat. “He didn’t tell me much. He gave me details of the Dragon Kings because I wished to know.”

Con’s condemning look was fierce. “You sided with him.”

“There are two sides to every story. Warrick told me his. Ulrik shouldn’t have attacked the humans, but what did you expect him to do? He was angry at them, and at his friends. He didn’t want to hurt any of you, so he did the only thing he could do.”

BnK: And one more time…. Rhi’s King????

Donna: Love ya, girl, but I’m not telling.

BnK: I knew you would not answer. I think we all have an idea of who we think it is. But I have come to figure out that authors are sneaky evil creatures and will keep us guessing until the end. Donna, thank you so very much for being on the blog today. I wish you tons of luck with Soul Scorched and I am already dying!! DYING I tell you for Thorn’s book.

Let’s take a look at Warrick’s book

Soul Scorched

Dark Kings #6

Pub date: June 30, 2015
Amazon | B&N

Her power is a blessing.

His passion is a curse.

Dive into Soul Scorched, the sizzling next novel in the Dark Kings series from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant.

Watch for my review of Soul Scorched coming soon.