Review Sunday – Page 34 – Books-n-Kisses

February 8, 2019February 6, 2019

Kimberly reviews Twisted Rock by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Twisted Rock
CHARACTERS: Rose & Royce
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Someone to watch over Rose.

Losing her husband in a small plane crash last year has forced Rose to get on with her life. But when a storm rolls in, her world is shattered with the discovery of a body buried deep within her own walls. Now, as all fingers point in her direction, a mistress steps out of the shadows, along with a dark family scandal that might shed some light on motive. As people around her drop like flies, the real killer gets too close, and Rose seeks the help of the police officer who knocked on her door one rainy night a year ago.
Royce Sawyer is the cop who’d had to tell Rose that the love of her life was gone forever. Seeing the pretty blonde’s struggles for the last year has been heart-wrenching, but when everyone starts to suspect the quiet wife has a dark side, Sawyer finds it hard to keep his personal feelings separate from his professional ones, especially when it’s obvious that someone’s out to stop him from getting to the truth.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Wow! This was not what I expected. First Rose has the carpet pulled out from under her when she learns of her husbands death, then she finds out he had a whole other life she did not know of, and then (not even) last but not least she finds her husbands body when she is having the house worked on and the mistress is blaming her!

What more could go wrong? Oh trust me… in this story a lot more.

This is a keep you on the edge of your seat and can’t put down kind of book. So many twists and turns in this story that it will keep you up trying to read it in one sitting.

Not to be missed!

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

February 7, 2019February 6, 2019

Kimberly reviews Strawberry Hill by Catherine Anderson

TITLE: Strawberry Hill
SERIES #: Mystic Creek #5
CHARACTERS: Vickie & Slade
AUTHOR: Catherine Anderson
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of Spring Forward returns to Mystic Creek, Oregon, where an estranged pair are given a second chance.

As a camp cook, Vickie Brown loves feeding any size crowd in the great outdoors–with one notable exception. She never would have predicted she’d join the crew led by gruff cowboy Slade Wilder, the man who broke her heart just days before their wedding.

Life has gone on since Vickie left him, but Slade can admit his attraction to the one woman he’s ever loved remains stronger than ever. If he wasn’t in such desperate need of an experienced cook for his paying guests, he would send Vickie packing. He knows better than to seek out the company of the woman who broke off their engagement so many years ago.

Except there’s no escaping each other in the confines of the wilderness area, especially once their anger begins to soften in the shared close quarters. But after Vickie finds the courage to confront Slade, it will take a leap of faith for them to put their past behind him, even if it’s the only way to recapture their once-in-a-lifetime love.

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts Ok I didn’t find my thrill… If you don’t get that reference you are too young! But the story was ok just not great. And here is why…

I expected one romance and ended up with another. Yes the younger romance was there but there is a “second chance at love” romance happening at the same time and more emphasis was spent on the latter.

Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if it was the story that I was expecting with the second chance being just a background story but I am not sure.

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

February 5, 2019February 4, 2019

Kimberly reviews How To Blackmail A Highlander by Michelle McLean

TITLE: How To Blackmail A Highlander
SERIES #: The MacGregor Lairds #3
CHARACTERS: Alice & Phillip
AUTHOR: Michelle McLean
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/14/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lady Alice Chivers is done being controlled by her family. On the run from an arranged marriage, she needs a strong highlander to escape. Only Philip MacGregor insists on sending her back to her pampered life, so she’ll just have to blackmail him instead. But now they find themselves in an accidental marriage, and soon they’re both playing a role that feels like it was meant to be real.

Philip is cautious, in control, and in way over his head with his unexpected wife. She’s intense, spontaneous, and can’t follow an order to save her life. And he might be falling completely in love with her. However, her distractions endanger the lives of those he loves. Now he must somehow undo the damage that has been done, before his friends pay with their lives.

REVIEW:
What I enjoy most about the MacLean stories is her humor as well as the romance. And the sexy highlanders is not exactly a problem to read either.

Lady Alice is strong and independent or as independent as she can be in that era. But I love that she stands her ground and doesn’t bow to her new husband. I mean come on she blackmailed the man to marry her so she could get from under her controlling family.

This series is a winner for any fan of Romance in the Highlands.

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

February 4, 2019February 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews A Soldier’s Return by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: A Soldier’s Return
SERIES #: The Women Of Brambleberry House #4
CHARACTERS: Melissa & Eli
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Women of Brambleberry House are back!

Returning home to Cannon Beach and living in Brambleberry House, a place where good things seemed destined to happen, had brought Melissa Fielding and her young daughter such joy. Perhaps it was no accident when the single mom “bumped” into Eli Sanderson, and discovered the handsome doctor was also back in town. The ex-soldier was still so captivating, but also more guarded. Was now the time to put old ghosts to rest?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another sweet romance from Thayne who seems to get better with each story she authors.

In this one it is a sorta second chance at love kind of story but now they are adults and have had to deal with real world problems as well as what Eli has seen is what no one wishes on their worst enemy but now they have a chance at real world love. But can they manage to do it?

The characters of this story really pull at the heart as well as they seem real. Enjoyable.

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

February 1, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews You Will Suffer by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: You Will Suffer
SERIES #: The Agency #3
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every small town has a secret…and this one is worth killing for. The rolling fields outside Curry, Oklahoma, are a beautiful spot to ramble on an early spring day…and a lonely place to die. Among the prairie grass and wildflowers, a killer kneels beside a curled-up figure, plunging a syringe beneath skin to deliver the fatal dose. And as the victim’s last breath mingles with the air, it sends a warning out to the world: this is just the beginning. Rejecting her judge father’s prestigious connections, Ellie Guthrie opened her own law firm in Curry. But something strange is going on. Ellie’s tires are slashed. Dead rats are dumped on her patio. Her neighbour, former FBI agent Nate Marcel, insists on watching out for her. And then bodies begin turning up – supposed overdoses that Nate suspects are something much more sinister. There’s a killer in town, toying with her, drawing both Ellie and Nate into a web of murder and vengeance. To find answers, she’ll have to unearth this small community’s dark and twisted past…before it’s her turn to die. Look for more page-turning suspense from Alexandra Ivy with Pretend You’re Safe and What Are You Afraid Of?, out now.

REVIEW:
I fell in love with the writing of Ivy with her paranormal books but have followed her over to mystery/thriller stories and I am so glad I did.

Ivy knows how to weave a tale. No matter the genre. But let’s not forget that all her books have romance and she is one of the best at that.

Ellie is trying to figure out what is going on in her small town and with each step closer to an answer the closer she is to danger. I really enjoyed the interactions between her and Nate and enjoyed the background characters too. The mystery/thriller side keeps you on the edge of your seat.

You can not be disappointed in one of Ivy’s books.

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

January 31, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Vengeance Road by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Vengeance Road
SERIES #: Torpedo Ink #2
CHARACTERS: Breezy & Steele
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Go zero to sixty in this dangerously sexy novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Breezy Simmons was born into a ruthless motorcycle club—and now that she’s out, she’s never going to be that girl again. But when her past catches up with her, Breezy must go to Sea Haven to seek out the man who almost destroyed her. The man who chose his club over her and left her feeling used and alone.

As vice president of Torpedo Ink, Steele is ride or die for the brothers he lived through hell with. He never thought he’d find something as pure as his feelings for Breezy, or that keeping her safe would mean driving her away with cruel words that turned her love for him to ash.

Now, Steele won’t let her walk away twice. He’ll do whatever it takes to make Breezy his woman again—especially when he learns the real reason she came to him for help, and that the stakes are higher than he ever could have imagined…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts There is just something about the the men in this book. They have been through a lot and seem to come out with strength. What I like it they seem like diamonds in the rough. You know with a little bit of shine they will gleam.

And the women are strong too. They aren’t the damsel in distress kind of girls. They can stand up for themselves and to anyone.

Feehan has been one of my favorites since I started reading her Ghostwalkers series and have gone back to read some of her others. She is really one that easily pulls you in.

Since this is only the 2nd in the series I suggest picking up the first one and then following it with this one so you can start the series from the beginning because you will not be disappointed in Feehan and her sexy men and strong women.

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

January 30, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Suddenly Mine by Samantha Chase

TITLE: Suddenly Mine
SERIES #: The Montgomery Brothers #8
CHARACTERS: Christian & Sophie
AUTHOR: Samantha Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New beginnings are irresistible…

Christian Montgomery is burnt out. The family business is his entire world, and Christian has never stopped trying to atone for a mistake made years ago. His only break from grueling work is sitting on his beachfront deck, watching the California surfers, and wishing he could be that carefree.

Sophie Bennington was happy living in her small Kansas hometown…until she learned her entire life was a lie. So she hightailed it to the West coast, where she loves to surf, even though she’s no good at it, and she’s hoping to start a new career.

A chance encounter shows Christian and Sophie that no matter what happened in the past, the future is bright and new…but only if you have the courage to open your heart…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts I will be honest and say I never really connected with the characters in this book. I am not really sure why but I just didn’t.

The story was fine and the writing was fine but for some reason I didn’t enjoy the story.Maybe I wasn’t in the mind set or something.

That being said I will not say you shouldn’t read it. I might have just been off.

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

January 29, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Lavender Blue by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Lavender Blue
SERIES #: Blue Hollow Falls #3
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Wilson
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains lies a small town with a big heart–and a chance to begin again . . .

When Hannah Montgomery buys a lavender farm in Blue Hollow Falls with three friends, she’s creating a life she never imagined–one she hopes will honor the memory of the sweet young son she tragically lost years ago. Standing on the porch of the sprawling farmhouse, looking out on row upon row of those lush purple plumes, Hannah is ready to embrace this fresh, new start . . .

Then she meets Wilson McCall. The stonemason hired to fix their crumbling chimneys and leaky roof is quieter than most folks in the Falls. Hannah’s not surprised to learn the widower struggles with his own grief. Who could blame her if she finds joy in making Will laugh again, or if she feels a poignant kinship when she sees him with his teenaged son? But her deepening friendship with Will reminds Hannah that there’s a part of her that still needs to heal–awakening a tender yearning to have a life that isn’t just good enough, but lived fully–even if that means taking risks once more . . .

REVIEW:
How could I not enjoy this story when it is set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mtns, where I live, and also has my newly married last name. It was written for me.

Ok maybe not but it was written beautifully. Kauffman is one of the best for contemporary romance. She brings in real life places and true to life people.

Hannah is a great female lead. I can imagine becoming friends with her in real life. And Wilson is just a quiet sweet teddy bear. I found myself just wanting to see them hug because they both seemed to need it.

This is a great story that pulls you in from chapter one into a sweet romance. Great curl up, read and enjoy kind of book.

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

January 28, 2019January 27, 2019

Kimberly reviews Demon’s Mercy by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Demon’s Mercy
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #9
CHARACTERS: Mercy & Logan
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/22/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Duty meets desire . . .

Mercy O’Malley hates killing people. So when she’s assigned to take out Vampire-Demon Logan Kyllwood, she lures him to a seedy bar in Scotland, then decides to kidnap him instead. How can she cold-bloodedly end all that heat, those green eyes, that ripped body?

Unfortunately for Mercy, attempted murder and kidnapping are just foreplay for the Kyllwood brothers. Logan may be the youngest of the bunch, but death and violence are already a way of life. Now he’s ready to complete a painful, terrifying ritual to become one of the Seven, dedicated to protecting this world from the most dangerous evil it’s ever known. But first he has to deal with a blackmailing Fey, a ransom demand and his own pounding need for the last female he ever should have fallen for . . .

REVIEW:
Zanetti! Whoo Hoo! Zanetti is back! (I do this every time)

Zanetti is the queen of paranormal in my book. I always look forward to grabbing up her books and this did not disappoint.

What I love best about Zanetti’s men is they are true alpha. They do not take anything from anyone… well, accept their women. Her alpha men can turn a man into a mouse with just a look. Imagine when they use their hands… or more so their power… but then the women come into the story and BAM these men think they have control but they lose it with a single kiss.

This story is the 9th in the series and yeah we can say you can read it out of order but NO… I suggest you read the series. Catch up on it. You will not be disappointed. Heck you may even come back and thank me.

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

January 25, 2019January 21, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Cottages On Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Cottages On Silver Beach
SERIES #: Haven Point #8
CHARACTERS: Megan & Elliot
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/19/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Years after betraying her, he’s back in Haven Point…and ready to learn the truth.

Megan Hamilton never really liked Elliot Bailey. He turned his back on her family when they needed him the most and it almost tore them all apart. So she’s shocked when Elliot arrives at her family’s inn, needing a place to stay and asking questions that dredge up the past. Megan will rent him a cottage, but that’s where it ends-no matter how gorgeous Elliot has become.

Coming back home to Haven Point was the last thing bestselling writer Elliot Bailey thought he’d ever do. But the book he’s writing now is his most personal one yet and it’s drawn him back to the woman he can’t get out of his mind. Seeing Megan again is harder than he expected and it brings up feelings he’d thought were long buried. Could this be his chance to win over his first love?

REVIEW:
Thayne is quickly becoming high on my must-read authors. Her writings are easy to read and enjoyable. The romance is sweet and a perfect second chance at love story.

Elliot has seemed to always love Megan but it was never the right time. Well now they are grown and he gets a second chance to winning Megan over.

This is the 8th in the series and you don’t need to have read any of the others to read this one but once you do you will want to back track into reading the entire series.

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

January 24, 2019January 21, 2019

Kelly reviews Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Archangel’s Prophecy
SERIES #: Guild Hunter #11
CHARACTERS: Elena & Raphael
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Justin Eyre
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 44 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly passionate Guild Hunter world, where human-turned-angel Elena Deveraux, consort to Archangel Raphael, is thrust center stage into an eons-old prophecy…

Midnight and dawn, Elena’s wings are unique among angelkind—and now they are failing. The first mortal to be turned into an immortal in angelic memory, she’s regressing. Becoming more and more human. Easier to hurt. Easier to kill.

Elena and Raphael must unearth the reason for the regression before Elena falls out of the sky. Yet even as they fight a furious battle for Elena’s very survival, violent forces are gathering across the world. In China, the Archangel Favashi is showing the first signs of madness. In New York, a mysterious sinkhole filled with lava swallows a man whole. In Africa, torrential monsoon rains flood rolling deserts. And in Elena’s mind whispers a haunting voice that isn’t her own.

This time, survival may not be possible…not even for the consort of an archangel.

Audio Sample:

REVIEW:
Oh my poor heart!! So many emotions in this book. So many questions!! I was honestly afraid to read (listen to) this story because I had seen that it was a cliffhanger ending. But my need to be back in the Guild Hunter world was to much. I will tell you that if you don’t like cliffhangers at all wait until the next book comes out before you jump into Archangel’s Prophecy.

Archangel’s Prophecy is a wild emotional ride that will leave you wanting more. Ms. Singh is such an amazing writer. She knows all the right heart strings to pull to get you emotionally invested then she pulls the rug out from under your feet leaving you wondering what the heck just happened. Add in the extremely talented Justin Eyre and you have the perfect world! I love to have Ms. Eyre narrator this world for me.

Man alive I am not sure I can’t wait for the next installment (I mean I don’t have a choice) but it will be a rough year waiting to find out what happens next

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

January 22, 2019January 21, 2019

Kelly reviews A Merciful Fate by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Fate
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #5
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: January 15, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the next book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling Mercy Kilpatrick series, there are no such things as little secrets….
Raised by preppers, survivalist and FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has a deep-rooted need for a safe place. Her getaway in the Cascade Foothills is her secret. But when skeletal remains are unearthed – those of a murdered man linked to a notorious heist – Mercy realizes she isn’t the only one with something to hide.
Thirty years ago, an armored-car robbery turned deadly. The mastermind was captured. Four conspirators vanished with a fortune. One of them, it appears, never made it out of the woods alive. For Mercy and her fiancé, Police Chief Truman Daly, their investigation opens old wounds in Eagle’s Nest that cut deeper than they imagined. Especially when a reckless tabloid reporter draws fresh blood. It’s clear to Mercy that somebody in this close-knit community is not who they seem to be.
Some are still shattered by the heist. Some still have reason to be afraid. But which one will kill again and again to hide three decades of secrets? To land this case, it’s up to Mercy to unmask a familiar stranger before someone else dies.

REVIEW:
Another wonderful read by Ms. Elliot. I always enjoy a good suspense book that keeps me guessing. Just when I think I know what is going to happen I am lead down a different path.

A Merciful Fate is heavier on the mystery suspense then the romance. I honestly think this might have been one of my favorite Mercy books. I really enjoyed the mystery, the emotions and the love between Mercy and Truman.

I can’t wait to see what is next for Mercy and Truman. While I would love for them to finally have some downtime and live a nice boring life. But I want more Mercy books.

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.