Review Sunday – Page 29 – Books-n-Kisses

June 20, 2019June 19, 2019

Kelly reviews Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts

TITLE: Of Blood and Bone
SERIES #: Chronicles of the One #2
CHARACTERS: Fallon Swift
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
NARRATOR: Julia Whelan
PUBLICATION DATE: December 4, 2018
RUN TIME: 13 hours & 42 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the epic Year One returns with a new tale of terror and magic in a brand new world.
They look like an everyday family living an ordinary life. But beyond the edges of this peaceful farm, unimaginable forces of light and dark have been unleashed.
Fallon Swift, approaching her thirteenth birthday, barely knows the world that existed before—the city where her parents lived, now in ruins and reclaimed by nature since the Doom sickened and killed billions. Traveling anywhere is a danger, as vicious gangs of Raiders and fanatics called Purity Warriors search for their next victim. Those like Fallon, in possession of gifts, are hunted—and the time is coming when her true nature, her identity as The One, can no longer be hidden.
In a mysterious shelter in the forest, her training is about to begin under the guidance of Mallick, whose skills have been honed over centuries. She will learn the old ways of healing; study and spar; encounter faeries and elves and shifters; and find powers within herself she never imagined. And when the time is right, she will take up the sword, and fight. For until she grows into the woman she was born to be, the world outside will never be whole again.

REVIEW:
Of Blood and Bone is book 2 in Nora Roberts’ Chronicles of One series. We pick up almost 13 years after the end of book 1 (Year One). Fallon Swift “The One” is swiftly approaching her 13th birthday and the beginning of the next chapter in her journey to save the world. Fallon’s journey will take her back to the town of New Hope that her mother and birth father helped found. The people of New Hope will play a very important role in Fallon’s journey.
Of Blood and Bone was a great second book in the series. The story is a little slow because the is a lot that Fallon has to learn in two short years. There is a lot of build up to what may happen in the final book of this trilogy. I am very much looking forward to seeing what is next.

Again Julia Whelan did an amazing job narrating this story. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I will also be looking for more books narrated by Julia.

If you have not started this series yet, I would highly suggest it! But you must read in order!!!!

Audio Sample:

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

Book 1 Book 3

June 19, 2019June 19, 2019

Kelly reviews Year One by Nora Roberts

TITLE: Year One
SERIES #: Chronicles of The One #1
CHARACTERS: Lana, Max, Arlys, Fred, Chuck, Rachel, Jonah and many more
AUTHOR: Nora Roberts
NARRATOR: Julia Whelan
RUN TIME: 12 Hours & 20 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: December 5, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It began on New Year’s Eve.

The sickness came on suddenly, and spread quickly. The fear spread even faster. Within weeks, everything people counted on began to fail them. The electrical grid sputtered; law and government collapsed–and more than half of the world’s population was decimated.

Where there had been order, there was now chaos. And as the power of science and technology receded, magic rose up in its place. Some of it is good, like the witchcraft worked by Lana Bingham, practicing in the loft apartment she shares with her lover, Max. Some of it is unimaginably evil, and it can lurk anywhere, around a corner, in fetid tunnels beneath the river–or in the ones you know and love the most.

As word spreads that neither the immune nor the gifted are safe from the authorities who patrol the ravaged streets, and with nothing left to count on but each other, Lana and Max make their way out of a wrecked New York City. At the same time, other travelers are heading west too, into a new frontier. Chuck, a tech genius trying to hack his way through a world gone offline. Arlys, a journalist who has lost her audience but uses pen and paper to record the truth. Fred, her young colleague, possessed of burgeoning abilities and an optimism that seems out of place in this bleak landscape. And Rachel and Jonah, a resourceful doctor and a paramedic who fend off despair with their determination to keep a young mother and three infants in their care alive.

In a world of survivors where every stranger encountered could be either a savage or a savior, none of them knows exactly where they are heading, or why. But a purpose awaits them that will shape their lives and the lives of all those who remain.

The end has come. The beginning comes next.

REVIEW:
When the end of the world happens what will you do. Will you take it sitting down? Will you hide and hope it passes you by? Or will you fight with every fiber of your being?

Year One takes us on an amazing journey of the people of the world as they face the end of the world. We meet so many characters along the road, some will be allies and some will be enemies. The question will be can they figure out who is who before it is to late.

This is was a wonderful book. Nora Roberts is a great world and character building. I am very much looking forward to the next two installment in this series.

This was the first book I have listened to that was narrated by Julia Whelan. Julia did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life for me. I love when a narrator is able to narrate a book and it feels like I am in the story.

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

June 18, 2019June 17, 2019

Kelly reviews A Merciful Promise by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Promise
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #6
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 18, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audiobook | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Wall Street Journal bestselling series continues as Mercy Kilpatrick becomes embedded in the nightmare of a terrorist conspiracy.
The job: infiltrate a militia amassing illegal firearms in an isolated forest community. FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick is the ideal candidate. She knows Oregon. She’s near the compound. And having been raised among survivalists, Mercy understands the mind-set of fanatics. Lay low, follow rules, do nothing to sound an alarm, and relinquish all contact with the outside world. She’s ready to blend in.
As Mercy disappears into the winter hills, something just as foreboding emerges. Mercy’s fiancé, Eagle’s Nest police chief Truman Daly, is faced with a puzzling series of murders—three men dumped in random locations after execution-style shootings.
Now, for Mercy, trapped in a culture where suspicion is second nature, and betrayal is punishable to the extreme, there is no way out. No way to call for help. And as plans for a catastrophic terrorist event escalate, there may be no way to stop them. Even if Mercy dies trying.

REVIEW:
Mercy Kilpatrick takes a last minute undercover job that will test all her skills. Will being raised by preppers and being trained by the FBI be enough to get her out of a very deadly situation?

A Merciful Promise is the sixth and final book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series. I am sad to see this series come to an end. In this last installment Mercy and Truman are tested again. I did find the story a little slow but was still a great story and showed us how strong Mercy and Truman are as a team.

I honestly hope that this is not the last time we see Mercy and Truman.

I am very much looking forward to what Kendra 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.

June 13, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot by Susan Mallery

TITLE: The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot
CHARACTERS: Margot & Sunshine
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Margot and Sunshine are siblings but are as different as their names indicate. Margot is all business and Sunshine is all play.

But this is a story about sisters and love and life more than about the difference in them it is about the life of hard knocks they have endured together.

If you have never read a Susan Mallery story, well first…. WTH?… but if you haven’t read her start NOW! Susan Mallery is honestly one of my favorite authors of all time. She is the first name I think of when someone asked me for the name of my fav author. Sure there are others but she is #1!

This is a keeper! Pick it up for a great summer, or anytime, read!

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

June 12, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Sister’s Of Summer’s End by Lori Foster

TITLE: Sister’s Of Summer’s End
SERIES #: Summer Resort #2
CHARACTERS: Joy & Maris
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the summer ends, friendship begins…When single mom Joy Lee abandoned her old life to take a job at a lakeside resort, she found something that her family’s wealth and influence could never buy: peace of mind. Not easy to come by for the once-burned divorce who keeps everyone at a distance. But when her new friend, Maris, dares her to take a chance with the drive-in’s charismatic new owner, everything changes for Joy and her young son.
A difficult childhood has left Maris Kennedy with definite priorities. Her job running Summer’s End, the camp store and cafe, comes first. Always. Nothing could ever make her risk that hard-won security–especially not her free-spirited colleague. But the more she encourages Joy to open herself up to new experiences, the more Maris begins to wonder what she, too, might be missing. Learning how to trust will bring Joy and Maris together.
And soon they form a friendship that leaves them as close as sisters–and open to love where they least expect it…in Summer’s End.

REVIEW:
Perfect beach read. While this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. But be sure to take it along to wherever you go this summer because it is a perfect book to take on vacation.

The characters are light hearted and sweet, there are so many emotions scenes in this book but I don’t always mean sad or heavy. A lot of fun, kindness, love and enjoyment are in this book.

And for any woman who has a unbiological sister this story will go straight to the heart… like it did mine.

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

June 11, 2019June 9, 2019

Kelly reviews Recursion by Blake Crouch

TITLE: Recursion
CHARACTERS: Helena Smith & Barry Sutton
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
PUBLICATION DATE: June 11, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
That’s what NYC cop Barry Sutton is learning, as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived.
That’s what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.
As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face to face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds, but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.
But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?
At once a relentless pageturner and an intricate science-fiction puzzlebox about time, identity, and memory, Recursion is a thriller as only Blake Crouch could imagine it—and his most ambitious, mind-boggling, irresistible work to date.

REVIEW:
What would you do if you had a memory but couldn’t tell if it was real or just a story someone told you? What length would you go to to learn the truth. Once you are there do you think you can handle the truth?

Blake Crouch does an amazing job of writing a very disturbing story. Because I could easily see this happening to us in the future. The ending had me look for more pages in the book. I was left wondering what the heck (haha) in a good way!!

If you are a Blake Crouch fan you will love this book.

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

June 10, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

TITLE: Storm And Fury
SERIES #: The Harbinger #1
CHARACTERS: Trinity & Zayne
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

REVIEW:
This is a spin off from the last trilogy. While you do not have to read the first one I suggest it. It being a spin off it will help you understand the world the book is set in.

Now that being said. I found the first part of the story a bit tedious but maybe that was because I already knew the world and it seemed to take a bit for those new to read the story.

But I did get into the story about a third of the way through and enjoyed it very much. Just give it a chance.

I really liked Zayne. He is a diamond in the rough. Trinity took me a bit to warm up to but I eventually liked her.

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

June 7, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews Lying Next To Me by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: Lying Next To Me
CHARACTERS: Warner’s and Moss’
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No matter what you see, no matter what you’ve heard, assume nothing.

Adam and Sophie Warner and their three-year-old daughter are vacationing in Washington State’s Hood Canal for Memorial Day weekend. It’s the perfect getaway to unplug—and to calm an uneasy marriage. But on Adam’s first day out on the water, he sees Sophie abducted by a stranger. A hundred yards from shore, Adam can’t save her. And Sophie disappears.

In a nearby cabin is another couple, Kristen and Connor Moss. Unfortunately, beyond what they’ve heard in the news, they’re in the dark when it comes to Sophie’s disappearance. For Adam, at least there’s comfort in knowing that Mason County detective Lee Husemann is an old friend of his. She’ll do everything she can to help. She must.

But as Adam’s paranoia about his missing wife escalates, Lee puts together the pieces of a puzzle. The lives of the two couples are converging in unpredictable ways, and the picture is unsettling. Lee suspects that not everyone is telling the truth about what they know—or they have yet to reveal all the lies they’ve hidden from the strangers they married.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Can you love and hate characters at the same time? Sure you can. Because I loved how much I hated these characters. Every single one of the suspects drove me crazy with their character.

This book was really good. I enjoyed how these characters seemed one thing and then turned into another. And I love when I am not sure if I am right on who-dun-it. And while I was pretty sure I wasn’t positive.

This book kept me interested and turning the page for the story. There were parts that were typical of the genre but if you are a fan of characters you love to hate you will love this story.

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

June 6, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The View From Alameda Island

TITLE: The View From Alameda Island
CHARACTERS: Lauren Delaney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers a poignant and powerful story about how one woman’s best intentions lead to the worst of situations and how the power of love helps her to heal and ultimately triumph.

From the outside looking in, Lauren Delaney has a life to envy—a successful career, a solid marriage to a prominent surgeon and two beautiful daughters who are off to good colleges. But on her twenty-fourth wedding anniversary Lauren makes a decision that will change everything.

Lauren won’t pretend things are perfect anymore. She defies the controlling husband who has privately mistreated her throughout their marriage and files for divorce. And as she starts her new life, she meets a kindred spirit—a man who is also struggling with the decision to end his unhappy marriage.

But Lauren’s husband wants his “perfect” life back and his actions are shocking. Facing an uncertain future, Lauren discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for the love and happiness she deserves.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoy the writing of Robyn Carr. She has a way of writing that does what a book should do. Relax you and leave you with a lightened heart.

I found myself really liking Lauren. She has dealt with a lot and has been through things that no woman should and has walked away and taken control of her life. But her husband wants his life with Lauren back and this is her story of survival and self love.

This a great beach read. There is some hard parts of the story but mostly this is a story of walking away with your head held high.

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

June 4, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Warrior
SERIES #: Shadow #4
CHARACTERS: Vittorio & Grace
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/04/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger inspires fierce passion when a serial killer threatens Chicago’s Ferraro crime family in this novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling series.

Vittorio Ferraro is a man whose family loyalty knows no bounds. He would die for his siblings and the people they love, but what he really wants is to start a family of his own. Deep down, Vittorio has always known finding a woman who could ride shadows would be nearly impossible—let alone one who could accept his particular needs—and he never expected to find her in the middle of a kidnapping.…

Grace Murphy has always been drawn to Vittorio Ferraro—or at least to the billionaire’s public bad-boy persona. Now that she’s under his protection and the sole focus of his intense caring, she can’t help wanting to get as close to him as possible. But Grace knows her presence is putting the entire Ferraro family in danger. Her monster of a brother will never let her go, but Vittorio has no intention of losing the woman whose shadow matches his own.

REVIEW:
One of the things I enjoy most about Feehan’s writing is no matter what her women have been through they are still strong and independent…. And Grace is no different. She has had a hard life because of her foster brother and his control over her. But when Vittorio comes into her life no one, not even her foster brother, can stop her from falling in love.

It took me a bit to enjoy Vittorio but I eventually did. Once I connected with Vittorio it was a much easier read.

I love reading anything that Feehan writes and this story and series is no different. Wonderful read, wonderful writing and wonderful author.

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

June 3, 2019June 2, 2019

Kimberly reviews Taken by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Taken
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1.5
CHARACTERS: Hunter & Faye
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Holt might be the most stubborn ex-soldier ever born, but when he’s called on to help find a lost foster kid, he jumps into action. Even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart five years ago—the woman who still haunts his dreams . . .

Faye Smith has spent five long years trying to get her life back on track. She knows she should’ve turned toward Hunter and not away from him. But they both had too many demons to destroy. Maybe now they’ll get another chance—and save someone else’s life too . . .

But first they’ll have to stop arguing long enough to trust the Deep Ops team. Hunter was a lost boy himself once. In fact, he ran away from the exact same man, their monster of a father. Now he and Faye will have to unite to find the brother he never knew—and maybe each other . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is #1.5 in the Deep Ops series that began with Hidden. This is a short novella that can be a stand alone and it was a quick read but since it is only after the first in the series I would suggest reading Hidden first because trust me there is never a Rebecca Zanetti book & series that is not worth reading.

This is a second chance at love story which I love (since I had a second chance at love) but there are so many cute moments especially with the animals that alone makes it worth the read.

Great story and romance. Never disappointed when Rebecca writes a book.

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

May 29, 2019May 28, 2019

Kelly reviews Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper

TITLE: Gimme Some Sugar
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #3
CHARACTERS: Duffy McCready & Lucy Brewer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2019
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 8 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A young widow returns to Lake Sackett, Georgia to face the ghosts of her past—and decide if she’s ready to take another chance on love—in the third sparkling Southern Eclectic novel that “goes down as easy as honey on a deep-fried Twinkie” (Library Journal, on Sweet Tea and Sympathy).

Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
Once again Molly Harper “writes characters you can’t help but fall in love with” (RT Book Reviews) in this charming and entertaining love story.

REVIEW:
Lucy has moves to her hometown to grieve the lost of her husband and to raise her son in a familiar place and to pursue her dream of opening a bakery. But like any good small town Lucy will have to learn to deal with the gossip and a nosey and bossy mother in law.
Duffy McCready has always loved Lucy. She was his best friend growing up. But time, distance and both of them marrying the wrong people put a kink in their friendship. But now that Lucy is back Duffy will not let anyone or anything wreck their friendship again. Well except maybe himself.

As always I had the talented Amanda Ronconi read this story to me. I truly love having Amanda narrator Molly’s books. She is able to bring these characters to life for me. So much so that when I read any of Molly’s books I can hear Amanda’s voices in my head. I

YAY!!!! Duffy McCready finally got his own book!! I am so glad that Duffy finally got his book. I adore his lady love, Lucy! Lucy is a spit fire that give Duffy a run for his money.
I really enjoyed this last book of the Southern Eclectic series. It has been a fun ride learning about the McCready family. I can’t wait for the next book written by Molly and narrated by Amanda.

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