Review Sunday – Page 39 – Books-n-Kisses

October 24, 2018October 23, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Season To Celebrate by Fern Michaels; Kate Pearce; Donna Kauffman; Priscilla Oliveras

TITLE: A Season To Celebrate
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Fern Michaels; Kate Pearce; Donna Kauffman; Priscilla Oliveras
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Make it a merry Christmas with four stories of the special way the holidays warm our hearts…

CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING * Fern Michaels
Former Air Force Pararescueman Kevin Matthews is back home in Texas, working at his family’s Christmas tree farm while deciding his next move. Or maybe he won’t move at all, if sparks keep flying with the town’s new surgeon, Kate Stafford . . .

AN UNEXPECTED GIFT * Kate Pearce
Widower Billy Morgan wishes his grown children still needed him. Good thing his longtime friend, Bella, does. She’s planning her son’s Christmas wedding and Billy is happy to help. Along the way they just might discover their own occasion to celebrate . . .

CHRISTMAS IN BLUE HOLLOW FALLS * Donna Kauffman
Attorney Moira Brogan expects her brother’s Christmas wedding to be a peaceful affair. She doesn’t expect to be cornered by an unwanted lothario, rescued by a gorgeous Aussie chef–or be swept off her feet by said chef. Nursing a broken heart, the last thing she wants is a new romance. But Hudson Walker has other ideas . . .

HOLIDAY HOMERUN * Priscilla Oliveras
Event planner Julia Louisa Fernandez dreams of a life in Chicago. But her family in Puerto Rico expects her to take over the catering business. Former pro baseball player Ben Thomas knows what that’s like–and when they meet, he might be the one to inspire a winning strategy, just in time for the holidays . .

REVIEW:
I was going to review each of these stories separately but to be honest they would all have the same review. They are 4 stars. The characters are all wonderful to read about. The romances are sweet.

The stories are short and quick reads. And are great to have around to pick up when you want to put yourself into the Christmas spirit or take a break from the Christmas craziness.

Donna Kauffman is one of my favorites and having read the other books set in Blue Hollow this one was of course my favorite of all.

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

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018

Kimberly reviews Cooper’s Charm by Lori Foster

TITLE: Cooper’s Charm
SERIES #: Love At The Resort #1
CHARACTERS: Phoenix, Ridley and Cooper
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One summer, two sisters and a chance to start over…

Before the burglary that shattered her confidence, Phoenix Rose had a fiancé, a successful store and a busy, happy existence. After months spent adrift, she takes a job at the lakeside resort of Cooper’s Charm. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, friendly colleagues and a charismatic, widowed boss, Phoenix is slowly inching her way back into the world.

Visiting Cooper’s Charm to check up on her little sister, Ridley Rose impulsively agrees to fill in as housekeeper. Still reeling from an ego-bruising divorce, she finds satisfaction in a job well done—and in the attention of the resort’s handsome scuba instructor.

For Phoenix and Ridley, Cooper’s Charm is supposed to be merely temporary. But this detour may lead to the place they most need to be, where the future is as satisfying as it is surprising…

REVIEW:
This is a new series from Lori Foster. And in one phrase it is a Learning To Love Again love story. Both have been through hard times. Both have loved and lost. Both have come to Cooper’s resort to get a new direction in life.

A sweet story with wonderful background characters. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

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

October 19, 2018October 17, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver

TITLE: The Cutting Edge
SERIES #: Lincoln Rhyme #14
CHARACTERS: Lincoln Rhyme
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/10/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DANGEROUSLY GOOD. DISTINCTIVELY DEAVER.
Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs return to New York City to confront a killer terrorizing couples at their happiest–and most vulnerable.
In the early hours of a quiet, weekend morning in Manhattan’s Diamond District, a brutal triple murder shocks the city. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs quickly take the case. Curiously, the killer has left behind a half-million dollars’ worth of gems at the murder scene, a jewelry store on 47th street. As more crimes follow, it becomes clear that the killer’s target is not gems, but engaged couples themselves.
The Promisor vows to take the lives of men and women during their most precious moments–midway through the purchase of an engagement ring, after a meeting with a wedding planner, trying on the perfect gown for a day that will never come. The Promisor arrives silently, armed with knife or gun, and a time of bliss is transformed, in an instant, to one of horror.
Soon the Promiser makes a dangerous mistake: leaving behind an innocent witness, Vimal Lahori, a talented young diamond cutter, who can help Rhyme and Sachs blow the lid off the case. They must track down Vimal before the killer can correct his fatal error. Then disaster strikes, threatening to tear apart the very fabric of the city–and providing the perfect cover for the killer to slip through the cracks.

REVIEW:
This is the 14th in the Lincoln Rhymes series. 14! And just as fresh as the first one.

Lincoln is now married to Amelia. This story is about murders in the Diamond district. And Diamonds are the key word.

This story had me wondering the entire time who-dun-it. I love stories that I can not figure it out and this one had me a bit stumped.

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

October 18, 2018October 17, 2018

Kelly reviews How To Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper

TITLE: How to Date your Dragon
SERIES #: Mystic Bayou #1
CHARACTERS: Jillian Ramsay & Bael Boone
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATORS: Amanda Ronconi & Jonathan Davis
RUN TIME: 6 hours & 33 minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 23, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Anthropologist Jillian Ramsay’s career has taken a turn south.

Concerned that technology is about to chase mythological creatures out into the open (how long can Sasquatch stay hidden from Google maps?), the League for Interspecies Cooperation is sending Jillian to Louisiana on a fact-finding mission. While the League hopes to hold on to secrecy for a little bit longer, they’re preparing for the worst in terms of human reactions. They need a plan, so they look to Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where humans and supernatural residents have been living in harmony for generations. Mermaids and gator shifters swim in the bayou. Spirit bottles light the front porches after twilight. Dragons light the fires under crayfish pots.
Jillian’s first assignment for the League could be her last. Mystic Bayou is wary of outsiders, and she has difficulty getting locals to talk to her. And she can’t get the gruff town sheriff, Bael Boone, off of her back or out of her mind. Bael is the finest male specimen she’s seen in a long time, even though he might not be human. Soon their flirtation is hotter than a dragon’s breath, which Bael just might turn out to be….

REVIEW:
How to Date your Dragon is the first book in a new series by Molly Harper. They Mystic Bayou takes us to a small town in Louisiana. A small town that has huge secrets and not fond of outsiders.

I really enjoyed Jillian and Bael’s romance. It was great fun to watch the uppity sheriff try and fail to not fall for the beautiful outsider that could ruin everything in there tiny little town. It was fun to watch Jillian learn all about Mystic Bayou and its secrets.
I really enjoyed this story. Molly does a wonderful job (as always) building us a world of magic and paranormals. And of course this book had classic Molly Harper snark that will make you laugh out loud when you are alone in the car (so be prepared to get some funny looks)

I had the pleasure of listening to it on audio. I am not a huge fan of double narrators in my audio books. Mostly because I don’t like the the crossover of when the male and female have to do the same voices and they are off. I understand that some people really love it. But I am not one of them. It won’t stop me from listening to this series in the future, but it won’t be my favorite.

I am very excited for the next installment in this series!! Bring on the very cuddly and sweet Mayor of Mystic Bayou!!!!

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 17, 2018October 16, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan

TITLE: The Christmas Sisters
CHARACTERS: Suzanne, Hannah, Beth & Posy
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…

Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…

As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?

REVIEW:
What a charming Christmas/Holiday story. This is about family and the bond that never goes away even if the family falls apart for a while.

I really started to believe these characters could be real. They were so well written and such an honest story. Sarah Morgan just captures the family dynamic.

While this is set at the holidays it really is a story about what the holidays mean. Which is love and family.

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

October 16, 2018October 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Weight Of Silence by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: The Weight Of Silence
SERIES #: Nicole Foster #2
CHARACTERS: Nicole Foster
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/14/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A heart-pounding novel of unspeakable crimes and unforgivable sins from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sound of Rain.
Homicide detective Nicole Foster has finally balanced an unsteady life and is anxious for a second chance. There’s no better place to start over than at the beginning—back at her childhood home on the Washington coast, where’s she raising her niece and keeping an eye on her increasingly fragile father. But Nicole’s past is never truly behind her—not when a disturbing new case stirs dark memories of the haunting investigation that shattered her career.
In the middle of the hottest August in a century, a toddler is found dead inside a parked car. Her father says he forgot her. It’s an unthinkable crime. And for Nicole, it’s made all the more unbearable by her own suffocating secrets—those shared by an old rival who has reappeared from the shadows and is pushing Nicole to the edge once again.
Now, wherever the truth lies, solving this case and avenging an unforgivable death is the most important move in Nicole’s career. But to see it through to the end, how far is she willing to go? And what is she prepared to risk this time?

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Not high on my Olsen favorites even though I enjoy most of his books. I never really connected with any of the characters. I thought the story was very slow and well a bit boring.

I will pick up the next in the series but I just didn’t enjoy this story.

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

October 15, 2018October 14, 2018

Kelly reviews Three Reckless Wishes by Lila DiPasqua

TITLE: Three Reckless Wishes
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #10
CHARACTERS: Luc de Moutier & Isabelle Laurent
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, “Three Wishes”, the erotically charged finale in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series…
Luc de Moutier, Marquis of Fontenay, is haunted by the writings of a dead woman. He is the subject of her romantic interest. Obsessed with her journals, he can’t stop thinking about the sweetly sensual words of the late Isabelle Laurent. Though he’d never noticed her watching him from afar, he now compares every woman to the innocent enchantress who invades his thoughts and most erotic dreams…
The old Isabelle is dead. Sought after by the most powerful men in the realm, Isabelle has her choice of wealthy lovers. Her only goals are to provide for her young son, and to maintain the ruse of her demise. Three reckless wishes led her down the path she now walks. And there is no turning back. Only in her anonymously published books and with her son does she let down her guard. Charming and witty, she dons her social mask each day, her performance flawless until the very man of her long-held private fantasies walks into her life—and shakes the foundations of her carefully crafted world.
When Luc meets the beautiful courtesan, she captures his fascination and ignites an untamable hunger. He’s determined to know the woman behind the façade. To deliciously decimate her defenses, show her true passion and the pleasure of complete abandon and surrender. Soon he discovers books written in a style all too familiar to him…and that the past and dark secrets can’t stay hidden forever.
Warning: The book is a full length historical, with a carnally-gifted hero, and the woman he can’t get enough of

REVIEW:
Isabelle Laurent only goals are to keep her son and her secret safe. With that she has transformed herself into Courtesan Juliette Carre. Juliette will never let anyone take advantage her they way they did of Isabelle.

Luc de Moutier has finally regained his place in society by getting his money back, his title back and his reputation back. But there is one thing missing from his life. But it is something out of reach because the thing he desires has passed on.
I enjoyed Isabelle and Luc’s. They are so perfect for each other. It is a little sad that it took so long for them to finally find their happy ending but so worth the journey!
Another wonderful story from Ms. DiPasqua! Sadly this looks like the end of the Fiery Tales Series! This has been such a wonder series filled with wonderful stories of love, loss and redemption.

I can’t wait to see what Ms. DiPasqua has store for us in her next series.

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

October 5, 2018September 30, 2018

Kelly reviews Ocean Light by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Ocean Light
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling Trinity #2
CHARACTERS: Bowen Knight & Kaia Luna
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
RUN TIME: 12 Hours & 51 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 12, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh dives beneath the surface of her Psy-Changeling world into a story of passionate devotion and selfless love…

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there’s a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment–taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he’s at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling…
Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won’t hide the facts of Bo’s condition from him or herself. She’s suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine…
But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back–even if it means striking a devil’s bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy.

REVIEW:
Bowen Knight awakes to what he believes is the afterlife. How could he not when he remembers being shot through the heart and sinking into the deep abyss? Something is not completely right with this afterlife. Or are they keeping his brain alive to try to find a way to stop the chip from exploding?

Bowen will have to fight with everything he has to get back to reality and the people he loves.
He never expected one of those people would be found at the bottom of the sea.

I am loving this new portion of the Psy-Changeling world that Ms. Singh is developing for us. First she brings us the much loved Bears (in Silver Silence) now we get to go into the deep and learn more about the Water Changelings of Black Sea. Ms. Singh’s mind is a dangerous place. How she comes up with these characters amazings me. Then you add in the amazing talented voice of Angela Dawe and you have a masterpiece. I truly hope that neither one of these ladies ever gets tired of their job!!
I can not wait for the next installment of the Psy-Changeling series I know that it will be amazing as all of the rest.

I would like to see a cameo by my favorite Psy Judd 🙂

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

October 4, 2018September 30, 2018

Kimberly reviews Dagger’s Edge by Lora Leigh

TITLE: Dagger’s Edge
SERIES #: Brute Force #2
CHARACTERS: Ivan & Syn
AUTHOR: Lora Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/28/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 bestselling author Lora Leigh is back–with a vengeance–in her latest novel of passion and intrigue, Dagger’s Edge, featuring the men of Brute Force.

Ivan Resnova wants nothing more than to escape his hard, brutal past. Starting over is not so easy once you’ve been a powerful crime boss but now, instead of being punished for his alleged crimes, Ivan fears that the one woman he can’t forget is in danger of paying the price.

Crimsyn “Syn” Delaney thought the danger she’d faced was over, and that she could resume her life. She never imagined it would return with a vengeance and throw her back into Ivan’s world. But when an attempt is made on her life, she needs Ivan more than ever to keep her safe–even if she is in danger of falling deeply and dangerously in love. . .

REVIEW:
For some reason I did not connect with the characters in this book. I really thought I would since the synopsis seemed so interesting but I just could not get into it.

I have to be honest and say that I ended up jumping some sections just to get done with this story.

I will pick up the next in the series and hopefully it will be better.

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

October 3, 2018September 30, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Season Of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Season Of Wonder
SERIES #: Haven Point #9
CHARACTERS: Dani & Ruben
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s giving her children a season of wonder…

Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.

Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms?

REVIEW:
Thayne is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. I love the way she writes. Her stories are so sweet and heartfelt.

This is Dani and Ruben’s story. And they are really great together but the two daughters are my downfall. They are so sweet and real. I just wanted to bring Mia home with me. Silver took a bit but I finally enjoyed her too. But the older ones are always the harder ones to enjoy.

Great book to have ready on hand for your next read.

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

October 2, 2018September 30, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Dash Of Love by Jill Sanders

TITLE: A Dash Of Love
SERIES #: Pridem Oregon #1
CHARACTERS: Sara & Parker
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Head back to Pride Oregon to find out what some of your favorite Jill Sanders’ characters are up to.

Sara Jordan has finally been given the chance to run The Golden Oar, a restaurant that’s been in her family for generations. But the sexy know-it-all carpenter that her uncle hired to make some changes, keeps getting in her way. She’ll have to use all her skills just to prove that she’s up to the task.

Parker was hired to bring new life to the old building, but he hadn’t expected sparks to fly from the owner’s niece. As a series of mysterious accidents start to plague the job site, he finds himself working one-on-one with the temptress to avoid losing everything.

REVIEW:
This is such a sweet story about love and family. Parker is hired to fix up an old family restaurant that Sara is finally running.

The love story is really a delight to read but the best part is the connections the characters have with the background characters like Parker’s grandmother.

A great story to pick up.

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

October 1, 2018September 30, 2018

Kelly reviews Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Hidden
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa Smith and Malcolm West
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: September 25, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Kindle | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .
Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up . . .
Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock

REVIEW:
Hidden is the first book in Mrs. Zanetti’s new Deep Op’s Series. This was a good start to a new series. I enjoyed the world that Mrs. Zanetti build with a bunch of rejected hero’s who are being a given a second chance. A second chance at a career, a second chance at a family and possibly a second chance at love.

I really enjoyed Malcolm and Pippa’s story. It was a little fast but you can’t fight love. And all the other characters are great! I really loved Roscoe. Who is Roscoe only the coolest dog ever (that has some very interesting quirks *wink, wink*). And the little kitten owned by Wolfe (I can’t wait to see this kitty’s personality grow).

I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series!!!!

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