Review Sunday – Page 33 – Books-n-Kisses

February 27, 2019February 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Murder Pit by Mick Finlay

TITLE: The Murder Pit
SERIES #: Arrowood #2
CHARACTERS: William Arrowood
AUTHOR: Mick Finlay
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Where Evil Lies Buried

1896: Sherlock Holmes has once again hit the headlines, solving mysteries for the cream of aristocracy. But among the workhouses and pudding shops of South London, private detective William Arrowood is presented with far grittier, more violent and considerably less well-paid cases. Arrowood has no doubt who is the better detective, and when Mr. and Mrs. Barclay engage him to find their estranged daughter, Birdie, he’s sure it won’t be long before he and his assistant, Barnett, have tracked her down.

But this seemingly simple missing-person case soon turns into a murder investigation. Far from the comfort of Baker Street, Arrowood’s London is a city of unrelenting cruelty, where evil is waiting to be uncovered…

REVIEW:
Oddly enough I had two books set in the same time period in the last month and both were equally as good yet different. Arrowood is like a poor man’s Sherlock Holmes. He is in London back in the 1800’s and like Holmes people come to him when they need help.

Arrowood is clever and quizzical. He sees the clues most can’t and makes the discoveries no one else is able to do.

If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes pick up this series. I suggest reading the first in the series before this one so you understand Arrowood a bit better but trust me you will not be sorry you did.

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

February 26, 2019February 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews California Girls by Susan Mallery

TITLE: California Girls
CHARACTERS: Finola, Zennie & Ali
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The California sunshine’s not quite so bright for three sisters who get dumped in the same week…

Finola, a popular LA morning show host, is famously upbeat until she’s blindsided on live TV by news that her husband is sleeping with a young pop sensation who has set their affair to music. While avoiding the tabloids and pretending she’s just fine, she’s crumbling inside, desperate for him to come to his senses and for life to go back to normal.

Zennie’s breakup is no big loss. Although the world insists she pair up, she’d rather be surfing. So agreeing to be the surrogate for her best friend is a no-brainer—after all, she has an available womb and no other attachments to worry about. Except…when everyone else, including her big sister, thinks she’s making a huge mistake, being pregnant is a lot lonelier—and more complicated—than she imagined.

Never the tallest, thinnest or prettiest sister, Ali is used to being overlooked, but when her fiancé sends his disapproving brother to call off the wedding, it’s a new low. And yet Daniel continues to turn up “for support,” making Ali wonder if maybe—for once—someone sees her in a way no one ever has.

But side by side by side, these sisters will start over and rebuild their lives with all the affection, charm and laugh-out-loud humor that is classic Susan Mallery.

REVIEW:
Mallery is my favorite author. She is the first name that comes to mind when someone asks me to recommend an author… “Have you ever read Susan Mallery?” and most times the answer is “Yes! I love her.” From that point on I know where to go with the conversation.

First I always bring up her Fool’s Gold series, move on to the Happily Inc series and then talk about her stand alone stories. And still so many to talk about.

In this story we meet Finola, Zennie and Ali. This story takes you through every emotion a book can do. You feel the sadness and the joy that the characters feel.

Another story that can not be missed by Susan Mallery.

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

February 25, 2019February 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Wedding Guest by Jonathan Kellerman

TITLE: The Wedding Guest
SERIES #: Alex Delaware #34
CHARACTERS: Alex Delaware
AUTHOR: Jonathan Kellerman
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The electrifying new Alex Delaware thriller from global bestseller Jonathan Kellerman. First comes love…then comes murder.

In the middle of a ‘Saints and Sinners’ themed wedding, a bridesmaid finds a young woman’s corpse collapsed in the bathroom. None of the wedding guests claim to know the well-dressed victim but psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis aren’t so convinced.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is #34 in the series so it gets harder and harder to say something original about this series and the author but just as he comes up with original material I will try as well.

What I like best about this series is the way Alex Delaware is willing to follow his intuition and just goes with it. All the cops are running around like chickens with their heads cut off and Alex is calm and listens to the signs and follows where he is somehow led.

You can pick up any of the books from the series and dive in. The book lets you meet Alex all over again but more so the suspense is worth the read.

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

February 22, 2019February 18, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Haunting Of Hillwood Farm by Kathryn Knight

TITLE: The Haunting Of Hillwood Farm
CHARACTERS: Callie & Luke
AUTHOR: Kathryn Knight
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/04/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts. But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm. She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist. While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby.

Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits. He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother. He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her. His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships.

As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her. Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.

BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE OF 2018 at N.N. Light’s Book Heaven Reviews

This title previously published in the USA TODAY Bestselling Love Under Fire Romantic Suspense Thrillers Box Set

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was in the mood for a good old-fashioned ghost story. Well I sorta got it.

The ghost part was pretty obvious but kept me interesting. The romance was good and the suspense was fine too.

Problem was no part of it was great in my opinion. The writing was fine and it was a short read. A good read between more intense stories.

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

February 21, 2019February 18, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Last by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The Last
SERIES #: The List Book #3
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Ian
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/04/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sarah Keating was sure she’d be married by 30. Husband, kids, the kick-ass career helping adults with Down Syndrome—she assumed she’d have it all, and there’d be no need to fall back on the marriage pact she made with her best pal from college.
But a tipsy message she sends from her birthday party brings Ian Nolan to her door ready to rock her world, and not just with mind-blowing sex. He’s up for tying the knot, and has a million pragmatic reasons it makes perfectly good sense.
As Sarah and Ian test drive their marriage-of-convenience, they navigate awkward business dinners, a slippery steam room hookup, and a costume party gone awry. Their friendship is stronger than ever, and the sexual chemistry is off the charts.
But is that enough to make a marriage work, or will one of them fall hard and end up brokenhearted?
Each book in the The List series is STANDALONE:
* The List
* The Test
* The Last

REVIEW:
3.5 This is the 3rd in the series. I have not read the other two. I really do not know if reading the others would have helped but I don’t think so since this book stood alone if you ask me.

This is a story any fan of the genre has read a hundred times. Pact is made that if friends are not married by 30 they will marry each other. But one doesn’t believe in love and the other wants a marriage based in love.

The writing was fine I just never really connected to the characters. I kept thinking they should have stayed friends. But there were times the romance fired and I enjoyed it but it was more like one step forward two steps back.

Fenske is a great writer this story just didn’t fall into one of my favs.

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

February 20, 2019February 18, 2019

Kimberly reviews Death At Hungerford Stairs by JC Briggs

TITLE: Death At Hungerford Stairs
SERIES #: Charles Dickens & Superintendent Sam Jones #2
CHARACTERS: Charles Dickens & Sam Jones
AUTHOR: JC Briggs
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
London, 1849. When a boy is found drowned in the River Thames at Hungerford Stairs, novelist Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones of Bow Street are mystified to discover that the child is not the missing youngster for whom they have been searching. But when two more boys are brutally murdered, the trail leads them on a hunt for a serial killer in a complicated case that tests their abilities to the limit.

REVIEW:
I didn’t read the first in this series but I may go back and pick it up. I enjoyed this book so very much. Being set in the 1800’s the story has a bit of Sherlock Holmes on the streets of Dicken’s Village.

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and meeting Superintendent Sam and Charles Dickens as investigators was just delightful.

You need to be a fan of OLD English lit. If you aren’t a fan of the storylines of Holmes, Jack the Ripper and the like you won’t want to read this… Or maybe reading this will take you back to trying the classics.

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

February 19, 2019February 18, 2019

Kimberly reviews Who Killed The Fonz by James Boice

TITLE: Who Killed The Fonz?
CHARACTERS: Richie, Ralph, Potsie and all of the Gang
AUTHOR: James Boice
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/19/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The legendary 1950s-era TV show Happy Days gets reinvented as a gritty 1980s noir.

Late October, 1984. Prince and Bruce are dominating FM radio. Ron and Nancy are headed back to the White House. Crockett and Tubbs are leading men everywhere to embrace pastels. And Richard Cunningham? Well, Richard Cunningham is having a really bad Sunday.

First, there’s the meeting with his agent. A decade ago, the forty-something Cunningham was one of Hollywood’s hottest screenwriters. But Tinseltown is no longer interested in his artsy, introspective scripts. They want Terminator cyborgs and exploding Stay Puft Marshmallow men. If he isn’t interested in that sort of thing, his agent tells him, he’s gonna have to find new representation.

Then later that same day he gets a phone call with even worse news. His best friend from childhood back in Milwaukee, back when everyone called him Richie, is dead. Arthur Fonzarelli. The Fonz. Lost control of his motorcycle while crossing a bridge and plummeted into the water below. Two days of searching and still no body, no trace of his trademark leather jacket.

Richard flies back for the memorial service, only to discover that Fonzie’s death was no accident—it was murder. With the help of his old pals Ralph Malph and Potsie Weber, he sets out to catch the killer. Who it turns out to be is shocking. So is the story’s final twist.

Who Killed The Fonz? imagines what happened to the characters of the legendary TV series Happy Days twenty years after the show left off. And while much has changed in the interim—goodbye drive-in movie theaters, hello VCRs—the story centers around the same timeless themes as the show: the meaning of family. The significance of friendship. The importance of community.

Fast-paced and full of nostalgia, Who Killed the Fonz? is an ingenious twist on a beloved classic that proves sometimes you can go home again.

REVIEW:
When I saw this book I requested it figuring as a fan of the show I would find this book really cheesy… And I was not disappointed. But as a fan of the show (it was my favorite in the heyday of the show) I knew I wanted to read it. I gave it a shot figuring the author was just as much of a fan as I since he dreamt up this story.

But the story drug on way too long. There was so many mentions of episodes that I am pretty sure he didn’t miss one. All of the characters were there making cameo’s. But it was so slow I had to drag my way through the muck to get to the heart of the story.

Really what it comes down to is if you want a cheesy look back at old friends then this story is for you. But don’t expect a masterpiece. You won’t get it.

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

February 18, 2019February 17, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Curse Of Oak Island by Randall Sullivan

TITLE: The Curse Of Oak Island
CHARACTERS: Marty Lagina & Rick Lagina
AUTHOR: Randall Sullivan
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/11/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In 1795, a teenager discovered a mysterious circular depression in the ground on Oak Island, in Nova Scotia, Canada, and ignited rumors of buried treasure. Early excavators uncovered a clay-lined shaft containing layers of soil interspersed with wooden platforms, but when they reached a depth of ninety feet, water poured into the shaft and made further digging impossible.

Since then the mystery of Oak Island’s “Money Pit” has enthralled generations of treasure hunters, including a Boston insurance salesman whose obsession ruined him; young Franklin Delano Roosevelt; and film star Errol Flynn. Perplexing discoveries have ignited explorers’ imaginations: a flat stone inscribed in code; a flood tunnel draining from a man-made beach; a torn scrap of parchment; stone markers forming a huge cross. Swaths of the island were bulldozed looking for answers; excavation attempts have claimed two lives. Theories abound as to what’s hidden on Oak Island—pirates’ treasure, Marie Antoinette’s lost jewels, the Holy Grail, proof that Sir Francis Bacon was the true author of Shakespeare’s plays—yet to this day, the Money Pit remains an enigma.

The Curse of Oak Island is a fascinating account of the strange, rich history of the island and the intrepid treasure hunters who have driven themselves to financial ruin, psychotic breakdowns, and even death in pursuit of answers. And as Michigan brothers Marty and Rick Lagina become the latest to attempt to solve the mystery, as documented on the History Channel’s television show The Curse of Oak Island, Sullivan takes readers along to follow their quest firsthand.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Have you watched the series? What? You haven’t? You are missing something.

So here is the deal. The series on tv has been hard at work looking for treasure. Have they found any? I guess you need to watch or read to find out….

The book followed really well what has happened on the series and I will be honest and say that I have not read the last few chapters as I haven’t seen the show and didn’t want to ruin the show but I have caught up the read to the show so I will read in conjunction with the tv show which works out perfectly!

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

February 15, 2019February 12, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Cottage On Rose Lane by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: The Cottage On Rose Lane
SERIES #: Moonlight Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Jude
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jenna Fossey’s life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor.

Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea – at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her – especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he’s come to think of as his own?

Includes the bonus story “A Wedding on Lavender Hill” by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help – the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Sweet story of love, family and sailing. When Jenna learns she has a received a huge inheritance from the grandfather she never knew her life changes. But with money comes drama of a past she is unaware of.

There are secrets around every corner and a bit of mystery with every page.

I found this story really well written and a bit of a surprise. It was a good read that was enjoyable and the romance was very sweet.

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

February 13, 2019February 12, 2019

Kimberly reviews Untouchable by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: Untouchable
SERIES #: Cutter, Sutter & Salinas #3
CHARACTERS: Jack & Winter
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man’s quest to find answers for those who are haunted by the past leads him deeper into the shadows in this electrifying novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Promise Not to Tell.

Quinton Zane is back.

Jack Lancaster, consultant to the FBI, has always been drawn to the coldest of cold cases, the kind that law enforcement either considers unsolvable or else has chalked up to accidents or suicides. As a survivor of a fire, he finds himself uniquely compelled by arson cases. His almost preternatural ability to get inside the killer’s head has garnered him a reputation in some circles–and complicated his personal life. The more cases Jack solves, the closer he slips into the darkness. His only solace is Winter Meadows, a meditation therapist. After particularly grisly cases, Winter can lead Jack back to peace.

But as long as Quinton Zane is alive, Jack will not be at peace for long. Having solidified his position as the power behind the throne of his biological family’s hedge fund, Zane sets out to get rid of Anson Salinas’s foster sons, starting with Jack.

REVIEW:
Krentz is back! Oh how I love this author! I have been a fan of hers for a decade or more and read everything she puts out. And I am glad I did not miss this one! She always adds a bit of the unbelievable to keep you involved and in this one Jack has a gift of figuring out arson cases.

Zane is the arch-enemy in this series and in this one he is after Jack and his “brothers”. They watched him kill the cult they were raised at and Zane is not going to let them just walk away.

What a great series! Like I said I read everything of Krentz’s but I have really enjoyed this series. A must read!

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

February 12, 2019February 11, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Best Of Us by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Best Of Us
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #4
CHARACTERS: Leigh & Rob, Helen & Sullivan
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.

Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.

When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am not sure if it is but it sure seems like this was the end of a great series. If not I am thrilled but if it is then it ended on a high note.

We got the story of Helen and Leigh (aunt and niece) who both find love. But what we also got was a story that shows us love doesn’t have an age limit. We got to meet Sullivan (name sound familiar???) and watch him get what Sullivan Crossing has for everyone else… Love.

Another great story by Carr. Not one to be missed.

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

February 11, 2019February 10, 2019

Kimberly reviews Highlander Ever After by Paula Quinn

TITLE: Highlander Ever After
SERIES #: The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #8
CHARACTERS: Adam & Sina
AUTHOR: Paula Quinn
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/18/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They tried to resist a marriage of convenience…
As the clan chief’s son, Adam MacGregor is duty-bound to marry a royal heir. Yet when he meets his bride—a beautiful but haughty young lass who thinks he is nothing more than a common savage—he realizes she’s more than he bargained for. But the more Adam gets to know his new wife, the more intent he is on proving her wrong about him.

But can they resist each other?
Sina de Arenberg wants nothing to do with the unsavory MacGregors, especially the fierce Highlander she now calls husband. But the more time she spends with the man she married, the more she sees his honor and courage. Just when she thinks there might be a future for her and Adam, Sina is called back to court. England isn’t the place she remembers, though, and soon she’ll be forced to choose between the life she once knew, and the Highlander who has captured her heart.

REVIEW:
This is becoming one of my favorite genres and that is because of the authors that have taken up the pen to author some great highland stories.

I loved Sina and Adam together. There is such a push and pull between them and yet the sparks fly with every tug.

There is not only an Alpha male but an Alpha female in this story and boy what a story they lead to.

You can read this as a stand alone but I do not suggest it.

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