Review Sunday – Page 38 – Books-n-Kisses

November 15, 2018November 14, 2018

Kelly reviews Kill The Queen by Jennifer Estep

TITLE: Kill the Queen
SERIES #: Crown of Shards #1
CHARACTERS: Everleigh Blair Winter
AUTHOR: Jennifer Estep
NARRATOR: Lauren Fortgang
RUN TIME: 13 Hours & 4 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 2, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

REVIEW:
Long Live the Queen!!!

What a wonderful wonderful first book in a series. I was hooked from the very first page of this book. I love Everleigh (aka Evie)!! She is awesome, tough and not willing to give up even when the odds are 100% against her. I can’t wait to see how much she grows in this series. And Sully oh man I sure hope I know where Ms. Estep is taking him :D.

As with all first books there is a lot of world building but Ms. Estep is extremely talented at keeping the story from getting bogged down by all the information you are getting.

I had the great pleasure of listening to Lauren Fortgang bring Jennifer Estep characters to life. This was my first book narrated by Ms. Fortgang. I really enjoyed the way that she handled each character. I look forward to listening to more books narrated by Ms. Fortgang.

Just remember someone always wants to kill the Queen.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased an audio copy of this book to listen to. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 14, 2018November 13, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Mutts And Mistletoe by Natalie Cox

TITLE: Mutts And Mistletoe
CHARACTERS: Charlie & Cal
AUTHOR: Natalie Cox
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/09/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thirty-one-year-old Charlie isn’t in the mood for Christmas cheer.

Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and–adding insult to (literal) injury–her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there’s only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she’ll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez’s doggy day care center. And if she’s not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know…

But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin’s house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?

As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie’s life has never felt so out of control–but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love…

REVIEW:
What do you get when you put adorable dogs in to a holiday story? This book!

Give it time though. I wasn’t too thrilled with Charlie. She seemed a bit of a, well, you know. I just thought her too harsh. But then if you had everything happen to you that she had to her you may be a bit bitchy too. But then I warmed up to her and the romance ended up being really sweet and puts the reader into the holiday spirit.

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

November 13, 2018November 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Family Gathering
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #3
CHARACTERS: Dakota & Sidney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/17/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exceptional storyteller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr beautifully captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of any family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.

Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.

Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.

When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
Dakota is back from the military and this is her story. First let me say that you need to read the first two in the series to read this one.

Robyn Carr is one of my favorites. She can spin a story like few others. From chapter one you are drawn into her world and never want to leave it.

This book is a romance but it is also a woman’s lit wrapped up into one. It touches on everything that happens in everyday life. Love, divorce, family and so much more.

Worth the read. But then Robyn Carr always is.

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

November 7, 2018November 6, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Naughty But Nice by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Naughty But Nice
SERIES #: A Hamilton Christmas Novella #3
CHARACTERS: Griffin & Melody
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ʼTis the season for sweet surprises . . .

Businessman Griffin’s never believed in luck . . . until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there’s a catch: There’s no way he’ll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. This new love could destroy all his dreams—or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible . . .

Originally in the The Naughty List anthology

REVIEW:
This is the third installment of the novella trilogy. This is a re-release. The story is a great way to start off the holiday season and put you in the holiday mood.

Donna Kauffman has been around for a while but the more you read of her the more you want to.

You do need to read Unleashed and Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells before reading this story.

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

November 5, 2018November 4, 2018

Kelly reviews An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris

TITLE: An Easy Death
SERIES #: Gunnie Rose #1
CHARACTERS: Lizbeth Rose
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
NARRATOR: Eva Kaminsky
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 48 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 2, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, the inspiration for HBO’s True Blood, and the Midnight Crossroad trilogy adapted for NBC’s Midnight, Texas, has written a taut new thriller—the first in the Gunnie Rose series—centered on a young gunslinging mercenary, Lizbeth Rose.
Set in a fractured United States, in the southwestern country now known as Texoma. A world where magic is acknowledged but mistrusted, especially by a young gunslinger named Lizbeth Rose. Battered by a run across the border to Mexico Lizbeth Rose takes a job offer from a pair of Russian wizards to be their local guide and gunnie. For the wizards, Gunnie Rose has already acquired a fearsome reputation and they’re at a desperate crossroad, even if they won’t admit it. They’re searching through the small border towns near Mexico, trying to locate a low-level magic practitioner, Oleg Karkarov. The wizards believe Oleg is a direct descendant of Grigori Rasputin, and that Oleg’s blood can save the young tsar’s life.
As the trio journey through an altered America, shattered into several countries by the assassination of Franklin Roosevelt and the Great Depression, they’re set on by enemies. It’s clear that a powerful force does not want them to succeed in their mission. Lizbeth Rose is a gunnie who has never failed a client, but her oath will test all of her skills and resolve to get them all out alive.

REVIEW:
When I saw that Ms. Charlaine Harris has a new series coming out I knew I had to give it a try. I love the Sookie Stackhouse series. I have not read Midnight Texas yet but I love the TV series. So I grabbed an audio copy of An Easy Death, book one in the Gunnie Rose series.

An Easy Death is a good first book. There is a lot of world building so the book is a bit slow. But it does pick up as the story goes on. Lizbeth Rose is a gun for hire and she is good at her job. But things are not going right for her. Her prior job is gone and now she must figure out her future. Being hired by a pair of Russian Wizards was not on her list of potential jobs. Lizbeth can’t turn down the money that they offer even if it makes her uncomfortable.

This is also my first audiobook narrated by Eva Kaminsky. I really enjoyed having Eva read this story and bring these characters to life. I will be continuing this series on audio as long as they keep Eva as the narrator (I will also be looking up more of her audiobooks).

Looking forward to the next book and were Ms. Harris takes Lizbeth. I really do hope that we get to see more of Eli and a possible relationship between these two.

If you are a fan of Ms. Harris, magic, fantasy and westerns I would suggest giving this new series a try.

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

November 2, 2018October 31, 2018

Kelly reviews Close To The Bone by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Close to the Bone
SERIES #: Widow Island #1
CHARACTERS: Cate Wilde & Henry Powers
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: October 23, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back home on a remote Pacific Northwest island when she gets the call: a teenager’s skeletal remains have been found on a nearby island.
Together with Tessa Black, a childhood friend turned local deputy, Cate confronts dreary weather and bleak leads to make sense of the death. The complications pile up as Cate is distracted by the coroner on the case—and by nagging memories that draw her twenty years into the past. The remains suggest eerie similarities between this victim, and Cate and Tessa’s friend Samantha, who disappeared when she was fourteen.
Cate finds herself up against closemouthed locals, buried town secrets, and even her own heart. As the case unravels, will she be able to cut through the fog and find justice for the missing and the dead

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I was so excited when Kendra & Melinda announced that the were teaming up again to bring us a new novella series!! It is always exciting when these two team up. The new series takes us to Widow’s Island up in the Pacific Northwest. Close to the Bone brings us not one by two mysteries that need to be solved.

FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back on Widow’s Island to recover from her injuries. But when a call come in the middle of the night that a bone of what looks like a young girl are found. Cate will not let her injuries stop her from getting answers to who it is. As Cate approaches the crime scene the passed floods back to her of another missing girl from her past. Could this be here? Will they finally have the answers they have seeked for 20 years?

You will have to pick up a copy of Close to the Bone to find out!!!

I am on to book two in this series A Bone to Pick.

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.

November 1, 2018October 31, 2018

Kelly reviews Sergeant Sexypants by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Sergeant Sexypants
SERIES #: (Ponderosa Ranch Romantic Comedies #2)
CHARACTERS: Austin Dugan & Bree Bracelyn
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: October 26, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bree Bracelyn doesn’t date cops. It’s a personal rule that quavers when Austin Dugan flashes his baby blues—and his badge—at Ponderosa Resort’s grand opening. Bree’s the family fixer, running the resort’s PR and her siblings’ lives with cheerful efficiency. But one thing in Bree’s past can’t ever be fixed, which is why she’s staying the hell away from Officer Hottie.
Austin’s heart tacks up a wanted poster with Bree’s name the instant he lays eyes on her. Okay, the no-cops rule is an obstacle, but not impossible for a guy ambitious enough to be a shoe-in as the next police chief. Besides, he knows Bree’s into him, whether they’re flirting over weird flatware or getting frisky in the front seat of his vintage Volvo.
As Bree and Austin bond over cupcakes and hot springs hookups, Bree knows it’s a matter of time before the skeletons in her closet topple into a messy heap on Austin’s squeaky-clean life. Is there hope for a happy ending, or will their love end up DOA?

REVIEW:
Sargeant Sexypants is book two of the Ponderosa Ranch Romantic Comedies. We get to follow Bree Bracelyn and her brothers as they come together after the death of their father to run the Ponderosa Resort.

Bree Bracelyn just wants to live her life, run her resort, get to know here brothers and never ever date a cop. That is until she meets Austin Dugan the town cop.
Austin is very interested in Bree but she plays hard ball with her hard and fast rule to never date a cop and protect her secret.

This was a a great fun read. I loved the spark and steam between Bree and Austin. I loved that Austin didn’t give up on her no matter how hard Bree tried to push him away.

I always enjoy reading Tawna’s books she does and excellent job of mixing humor, romance, sexy time and bring a tear to my eye. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.

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

October 31, 2018October 30, 2018

Boo! Happy Halloween from B-n-K!

October 30, 2018October 29, 2018

Kelly reviews A Bone To Pick by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: A Bone to Pick
SERIES #: Widow’s Island #2
CHARACTERS: Tessa Black & Logan Wilde
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Deputy Tessa Black gave up her career as a detective with the Seattle PD and returned to the Pacific Northwest island she calls home to care for her ailing mother. Tessa thinks her mother’s illness is the worst thing she’ll face—until she responds to a routine call in the state park and discovers a local man harpooned to a sign.
As the murder investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the victim harbored secrets. Together with her FBI agent best friend, Cate, and park ranger Logan Wilde, Tessa must connect the pieces before the murderer strikes again. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she finds herself—and the ones she loves—in harm’s way.
Pressure mounts as Tessa attempts to juggle the current case with her search for the truth behind her childhood friend Samantha’s disappearance twenty years ago. Can Tessa find the murderer and uncover answers about Samantha without jeopardizing everything she holds dear?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts A Bone to Pick is the second book in the Widow’s Island novella series. In a Bone to Pick starts off with another murder on the small island. Deputy Tessa gets called about a man screaming in the park. When she gets there Park Ranger Logan is there to help. What they find is very disturbing. A man with a harpoon through his chest. But who would do this to this man.

While Tessa tries to solve this latest murder the unknown of what happened to Samantha still haunts her. Will the ever find out what happened to her?

Another great installment in Melinda & Kendra’s latest series!! I enjoy when these two team up! I am already excited for book 3 & 4 in this series!

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

October 29, 2018October 28, 2018

Kelly reviews Shades Of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost

TITLE: Shades of Wicked
SERIES #: Night Rebel #1
CHARACTERS: Ian & Verita
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: October 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Kindle | Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this thrilling new Night Rebel series set in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress world, sexy and ruthless vampire Ian finally meets his match!
The Rule Breaker
Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies in his two centuries of existence, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian, but he’s never been able to abide by the rules for long.
The Law Maker
Veritas’ normal role is police, judge and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait…well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s devil-may-care, roguish image hides something much more powerful. And Ian discovers that Veritas has shocking secrets of her own. As they’re drawn to each other with a passion as intense as their peril, either love or justice will prevail. But each will have devastating consequences

REVIEW:
FINALLY Ian’s story!!!

Shades of Wicked pick up where we left off in Into the Fire with Ian being branded by Dagon and only has a short period of time before he has to give his life as he knows it up. So what does Ian do? Well of course he goes and whores it up, pushes his friends and family away and wait for the end.

Veritas knows the key to ridding the world of Dagon involves Ian. But she knows that Ian is not going to be easy to convince to help her, he is not really the “here let me help you kind”. But she has to try!!!

We have waited years and years for this day!!! From the first time we were introduced to Ian I was in love!! I know there had to be so much more this bad boy vampire. And boy was I right!! I don’t want to write to much because I am afraid I will give away some spoilers and you all know that I try to be spoiler free!!

As I read the last sentence of this book I was tempted to write to Ms. Frost to find out how progress on book 2 is going. But I will be a good reader and try to patiently wait for more Ian & Verita!!! I think the waiting might kill me…..

Favorite line: “I saw the real you, and every time I did, I knew you were mine.”

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books & Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 26, 2018October 23, 2018

Kimberly reviews Highland Betrayal by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Betrayal
SERIES #: Sons Of Gregor MacLeod #3
CHARACTERS: Callum & Maggie
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Laird Callum MacLean vowed to marry Maggie MacDonnell. But when his father’s supposed suicide makes him Laird of a clan, he’s too busy unmasking his father’s killer to bring her into his dangerous new home.

Maggie’s home isn’t any safer, so she does what any resourceful Highland lass would do. She escapes―and finds herself toe-to-toe with Callum, who’s determined to fulfill his promise. Maggie can’t bring herself to trust him with her heart again. But with a traitor still at large, they must rely on each other in every way, or their clans―and their love―will be destroyed.

REVIEW:
I love this series. This series alone has turned me into a fan of Scottish romance. The men in the series are all brothers from different lands but they grew up together and consider themselves brothers. They would do anything for each other. And this time the story belongs to Callum.

Callum was not only betrothed but in love with Maggie. But he thinks he has to take care of family business before he can have Maggie has his own, that is until she is in trouble. Now Callum and his brothers are off to save Maggie. But Maggie is a strong woman who is independent and resourceful. And she knows she doesn’t need saving but she may need a little help out of her situation.

This is the third in the series and can really be read as a stand alone but I wouldn’t suggest it. You really should read them in order so you understand the connection of the “brothers”.

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

October 25, 2018October 23, 2018

Kelly reviews Kill The Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Hearne

TITLE: Kill The Farm Boy
SERIES #: Tales of Pell #1
CHARACTERS: A Farm Boy, a Crazy Goat, a Warrior, a Bard, a Dark Lord, a Rogue and a Witch
AUTHOR: Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: 12 Hours & 38 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 17, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible| Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, a hero, the Chosen One, was born . . . and so begins every fairy tale ever told.
This is not that fairy tale.
There is a Chosen One, but he is unlike any One who has ever been Chosened.
And there is a faraway kingdom, but you have never been to a magical world quite like the land of Pell.
There, a plucky farm boy will find more than he’s bargained for on his quest to awaken the sleeping princess in her cursed tower. First there’s the Dark Lord who wishes for the boy’s untimely death . . . and also very fine cheese. Then there’s a bard without a song in her heart but with a very adorable and fuzzy tail, an assassin who fears not the night but is terrified of chickens, and a mighty fighter more frightened of her sword than of her chain-mail bikini. This journey will lead to sinister umlauts, a trash-talking goat, the Dread Necromancer Steve, and a strange and wondrous journey to the most peculiar “happily ever after” that ever once-upon-a-timed.

REVIEW:
A Farm Boy, a Crazy Goat, a Warrior, a Bard, a Dark Lord, a Rogue and a Witch…. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke right? But it’s not. It is the start of a grand adventure of a ragtag team of unlikely heroes. This team of misfits will face great obstacles, death defying feats, love and the value of thumbs!!!

This book was a riot!! A riot of laughter, puns and gasps!! I honestly don’t know how Luke Daniels got through narrating this book. I would have been laughing to much or thinking “you want me to say what?”. But as always Luke did an amazing job of bring the characters to life. I really enjoy listening to Luke Daniels read me a story. Already looking forward to the next installment from Pell.

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