Review Sunday – Page 40 – Books-n-Kisses

September 24, 2018September 23, 2018

Kimberly reviews Through The Fire by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Through The Fire
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #4
CHARACTERS: Kit & Wesley
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/28/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kit Jernigan despairs of ever fitting in with her new tight-knit K9 unit. They’ve been through too much to open their arms to a stranger―and as mysterious fires begin raging across Monroe, she can’t convince them to trust her long enough to catch the woman she knows is responsible.
Wesley March, local fire spotter, knows Kit is right, and he’s willing to help her prove it. But the more time they spend together, the closer they get…and the more danger they’re in. A member of the K9 unit’s inner circle is determined to get revenge―no matter who gets burned in the process.
This time, it’s personal.

REVIEW:
I have to say this was my least favorite of the series. Something was just off about it. Kit and Wes are a fine couple and the romance was ok but Wes kind of drove me nuts. He was so shy that I wanted to slug him sometimes. And Kit was fine but just never felt a connection with her.

I am not sure why I didn’t enjoy it. Looking at other reviews I feel like I was missing something but I never did find it. I was disappointed. But I will pick up the next in the series since I have enjoyed the other books and hope thi is just a bad fluke.

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

September 21, 2018September 19, 2018

Kelly reviews The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman

TITLE: The Voice Inside
SERIES #: Frost Easton #2
CHARACTERS: Frost Easton
AUTHOR: Brian Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: January 16, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One cop’s lie has set a killer free.
Four years after serial killer Rudy Cutter was sent away for life, San Francisco homicide inspector Frost Easton uncovers a terrible lie: his closest friend planted false evidence to put Cutter behind bars. When he’s forced to reveal the truth, his sister’s killer is back on the streets.
Desperate to take Cutter down again, the detective finds a new ally in Eden Shay. She wrote a book about Cutter and knows more about him than anyone. And she’s terrified. Because for four years, Cutter has been nursing revenge day after stolen day.
Staying ahead of the game of a killer who’s determined to strike again is not going to be easy. Not when Frost is battling his own demons. Not when the game is becoming so personal. And not when the killer’s next move is unlike anything Frost expected.

REVIEW:
Frost has to make a very tough choice. Keep what he has learned to himself and keep everyone safe or do the right thing and end a friends career and set a killer free.

This was a great story from Mr. Freeman that takes us on a journey that is filled with twists and turns. While I was not completely surprised by the ending and result the ride to the end was enjoyable.

I am looking forward to the next installment in Frost’s story.

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

September 20, 2018September 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Secret by KL Slater

TITLE: The Secret
CHARACTERS: Louise, Alice and Archie
AUTHOR: KL Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You turn your back for a minute. And now your son is in terrible danger …

Louise is struggling to cope. As a busy working mum, she often has to leave her eight-year-old son Archie at her sister Alice’s flat.

Alice and Louise used to be close. But there’s a lot they don’t know about each other now – like the bottle of vodka Louise hides in her handbag, Alice’s handsome new friend and the odd behaviour of her next-door neighbour.

Archie is a curious little boy. He likes to play on his own at his auntie’s flat until one day when he sees something he shouldn’t. Now he has a secret of his own. One he can’t tell his mum. One that could put him and his family in terrible danger.

The most gripping psychological thriller you’ll read this year from the top five bestselling author K.L.Slater. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This story kept me on the edge of my seat. Because I so badly wanted to figure out the secret.

Archie is going through a hard time and has become withdrawn and secretive. When Louise leaves for a bit she leaves Archie with her sister, Alice. She is determined to find out the secret and help her beloved nephew.

This was so well written and engrossing. Can’t wait for another story from Slater.

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

September 18, 2018September 17, 2018

Kelly reviews Ain’t She A Peach by Molly Harper

TITLE: Ain’t She a Peach
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #2
CHARACTERS: Frankie McCready & Eric Linden
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 51 Mintues
PUBLICATION DATE: June 12, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An Atlanta ex-cop comes to sleepy Lake Sackett, Georgia, seeking peace and quiet—but he hasn’t bargained on falling for Frankie, the cutest coroner he’s ever met.
Frankie McCready talks to dead people. Not like a ghost whisperer or anything—but it seems rude to embalm them and not at least say hello.
Fortunately, at the McCready Family Funeral Home & Bait Shop, Frankie’s eccentricities fit right in. Lake Sackett’s embalmer and county coroner, Frankie’s goth styling and passion for nerd culture mean she’s not your typical Southern girl, but the McCreadys are hardly your typical Southern family. Led by Great-Aunt Tootie, the gambling, boozing, dog-collecting matriarch of the family, everyone looks out for one another—which usually means getting up in everyone else’s business.
Maybe that’s why Frankie is so fascinated by new sheriff Eric Linden…a recent transplant from Atlanta, he sees a homicide in every hunting accident or boat crash, which seems a little paranoid for this sleepy tourist town. What’s he so worried about? And what kind of cop can get a job with the Atlanta PD but can’t stand to look at a dead body?
Frankie has other questions that need answering first—namely, who’s behind the recent break-in attempts at the funeral home, and how can she stop them? This one really does seem like a job for the sheriff—and as Frankie and Eric do their best Scooby-Doo impressions to catch their man, they get closer to spilling some secrets they thought were buried forever.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Let the games begin!!
Frankie McCready is determined to win this battle of wits against her nemesis Lake Sackett’s resident teenage creep Jared! Yes, I said it Frankie is going to war against a teenager. With the help of the smexy, surly sheriff Frankie will get her man and prove that Jared is guilty all at the same time!!!!

Eric Linden had hoped coming to a small town would be the perfect place for him to lay low and enjoy the quiet life. Neither of those thing will happen if the super adorable coroner keeps asking him for help.

But what is a guy suppose to do when the girl he is crushing on asks for his help?

I loved this book. It was a lot of fun to watch Frankie run around like a crazy person trying to catch Jared in his tricks while trying to not fall for Sheriff Linden. As always Molly insuses her story with wit, snark and a little creative laugh! I love reading/listening to Molly’s books they always make me laugh out loud (I should remember that next time I am in the airport).

Again the amazing Amanda Ronconi lends her talented voice to bring Molly’s characters and world to life. You just can’t go wrong with this pairing!!!

Can’t wait to see what is next for the McCready family!!! I am hoping that Duffy will finally get a HEA and dump his crazy ex for good!!!

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

September 17, 2018September 16, 2018

Kelly reviews Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

TITLE: Stillhouse Lake
SERIES #: Stillhouse Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Gwen Proctor
AUTHOR: Rachel Caine
PUBLICATION DATE: July 17, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.
With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.
But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Stillhouse Lake is a great book. It started a tad but slow but there is a lot of back story that had to be covered. But once the book got going it was filled with lots of twists and turns to keep us guess as to who and what was next. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next book. As Stillhouse Lake ended leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions.
Make sure you read this book before you pick up book 2!!

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

September 13, 2018September 12, 2018

Kelly reviews A Merciful Silence by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Silence
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #4
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 19, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the fourth book of the Wall Street Journal bestselling series, FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick must unlock the mystery of a mass murder, and the secrets of its silent witness…
For Mercy Kilpatrick, returning to rural Oregon has meant coming to terms with her roots. Raised as a prepper, Mercy is now relying on her survivalist instincts to defend her town from the people the law can’t reach. But this time, an investigation calling up a dark past for her and police chief Truman Daly may be hitting too close to home.
A rainstorm has uncovered the remains of five people—a reprise of the distinctive slaughter of two families twenty years ago. Except the convicted killer is in prison. Is this the case of a sick copycat, or is the wrong man behind bars? One person might have the answer. The lone survivor of the decades-old crimes has returned to town still claiming that she can’t remember a thing about the night she was left for dead. As the search for the truth becomes more dangerous, Mercy fears that the traumatized woman may not have buried her memories at all. She might be keeping them a secret. And there’s a price to be paid for revealing them.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts If Mercy thought being shot was going to give her time to rest and relax (which she doesn’t really know how to do) the discover of the remains of five people put a stop to that right away.

But will Mercy be ready to face her past and the issues that this case will bring up?

A Merciful Silence takes us on a very dark and twisting journey. Kendra does an excellent job of giving us many red herrings and paths for us to chase down. Once you think you know what is what you are proven wrong.

Another excellent story from Kendra!! As always I am looking forward to the next installment in Mercy & Truman’s series (even if I think they deserve some well needed rest time :D)

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.

September 11, 2018September 10, 2018

Kelly reviews Heart On Fire by Amanda Bouchet

TITLE: Heart on Fire
SERIES #: Kingmaker Chronicles #3
CHARACTERS: Cat, Griffin, Beta Team and the whole Sinta/Thalyria Family
AUTHOR: Amanda Bouchet
NARRATOR: Mia Barron
RUN TIME: 13 hours & 26 minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 2, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The riveting conclusion to the Kingmaker Chronicles!
Who is Catalia Fisa?
With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin’s role in shaping her destiny.
Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step–reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria.
What doesn’t kill her will only make her stronger…we hope.

REVIEW:
No!! Just NO!!!!!!!! I said this many time listening to this story. There was so much that happened in this final book. Cat, Griffin and Beta Team face so many challenges that I can’t name them all. There is heartbreak and joy in this book.

I do not want this series to end! Not at all. I adore the world that Amanda created. Cat, Griffin and Beta Team are some of my all time favorite characters now!! But WHY?!?!? Oh WHY!?!?! Did it have to be this way?

I am sure you are wondering what I am talking about. But you know better then to ask me such silly questions! I won’t tell you. You simply must read (or listen to) this series!!! Mia Barron does a wonderful job of bring the characters to life!

I am in love with this series and am already looking forward to a reread! I really hope that this is not the last time that we see Cat, Griffin and Beta Team.

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

September 10, 2018September 9, 2018

Kelly reviews What I’ve Done by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: What I’ve Done
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #4
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 18, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Morgan Dane’s new client has blood on her hands—and no recollection of what happened—as the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling series continues.
Haley Powell wakes up covered in blood, with no memory of the night before. When she sees a man lying in the backyard, stabbed to death, she has only one terrified thought: What have I done?
Agreeing to take the case as a favor to her PI friend Lincoln Sharp, Morgan must scale a mountain of damning circumstantial and forensic evidence to prove her client innocent. Haley couldn’t appear more guilty: her bloodstained fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and she has no alibi. But Morgan can’t shake the feeling that this shocked young woman has been framed.
Someone out there is hell-bent on sabotaging her defense, targeting Morgan, her partner, and especially Haley. Someone who will stop at nothing—and whose next move will be deadly.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Waking up covered in blood, finding a dead body on the back porch and you are the only one in the house was not how Haley Powell wanted to start her day. But there is no way she could have done this….

Is there?

Or did Haley Powell just commit murder?

It is a good thing Morgan, Lance and Sharp were on this case and not me. I was so wrong on who I thought the killer was. There are a lot of moving parts in this story line and it keep me on my toes. So many so that I really don’t want to give away anything. You will just have to pick up a copy of What I’ve Done and find out for yourself who done it!!

I always enjoy reading Melinda’s books. She is able to great a world and storyline that always feels fresh and exciting. I am looking forward to the next installment 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.

September 7, 2018September 6, 2018

Kelly reviews Peachy Flippin’ Keen by Molly Harper

TITLE: Peachy Flippin’ Keen
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #1.5
CHARACTERS: Frankie McCready & Eric Linden
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 2 Hours & 19 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: April 9, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A prank war erupts in Lake Sackett, Georgia and coroner Frankie McCready has to turn to the gorgeous but surly new sheriff for help in Molly Harper’s newest Southern Eclectic novella, perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Amy E. Reichert.
The McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop has crickets running rampant in the store and hot sauce in the Snack Shack’s ketchup bottles. But as the county coroner, Frankie has enough on her plate without worrying about the increasingly mean pranks being played at her family’s business. And the arrival of Sheriff Eric Linden, both devastatingly attractive and painfully taciturn, is enough to push her over the edge.
Linden, who didn’t seem to get the memo about men in uniform and Southern charm, is condescending and cold, revealing absolutely nothing about his past as an Atlanta police officer, while also making Frankie’s job as coroner as difficult as possible. And with the town’s Fourth of July celebration coming up, it’s essential for McCready’s to be cricket-free and in good working order. Strangling the sheriff will make her job even harder. Can Frankie hold off the threats to preserve her own sanity?
With her trademark “clever humor, snark, silliness, and endearing protagonists” (Booklist), Molly Harper invites fans to return to the family they first met in Sweet Tea and Sympathy. Y’all sit down and stay a while, won’t you?

REVIEW:
Peachy Flippin’ Keen is a quick read that gives us a small glimpse into the life of Frankie McCready. Lake Sackett’s resident coroner and the McCready’s resident weird kid.

This was a fun quick read narrated by the wonderful Amanda Ronconi.

I love how well these two (Molly & Amanda) work together to bring together such great story!! I can’t wait to see what is next not only for Frankie but for the whole McCready family!

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

September 5, 2018September 4, 2018

Kelly reviews Killman Creek by Rachel Caine

TITLE: Killman Creek
SERIES #: Stillhouse Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Gwen Proctor
AUTHOR: Rachel Caine
PUBLICATION DATE: December 12, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.
Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…
You’re not safe anywhere now.
Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.
But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.

REVIEW:
Gwen had thought that she and her kids were safe. But this Melvin’s escape from prison and his chilling note to her. Gwen knows that no one will ever be safe again as long as Melvin is still breathing. Let the hunt begin.

Killman Creek picks up were Stillhouse Lake left off (you need to read Stillhouse Lake first. That is a must). Ms. Caine’s second installment in this series was great! We know from book one that Gwen is one tough cookie, but in Killman Creek we learn to what lengths she will go to protect her kids.

I am very excited that there will be a third installment in this series. I hope that by the end Gwen and her family will find a little bit of peace.

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

September 4, 2018September 3, 2018

Kelly reviews Bones Don’t Lie by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Bone’s Don’t Lie
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #3
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: March 13,2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shocking evidence hits close to home for attorney Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger as Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s acclaimed series continues.

Private investigator Lance Kruger was just a boy when his father vanished twenty-three years ago. Since then he’s lived under the weight of that disappearance—until his father’s car is finally dredged up from the bottom of Grey Lake. It should be a time for closure, except for the skeleton found in the trunk. A missing person case gone cold has become one of murder, and Lance and attorney Morgan Dane must face the deadly past that’s risen to the surface.

For Lance, the investigation yields troubling questions about a man he thought he knew. But memories can play dirty tricks. For Morgan, uncovering each new lie comes with a disquieting fear that someone is out there watching, because someone is killing every witness tied to this decades-old crime. Morgan and Lance follow in the shadows of a relentless killer and walk right into the crossfire.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts WOW!!!! I didn’t see that coming!!! What you ask? Like I am going to tell you that, you sillys. You will have to go get a copy of Bones Don’t Lie to find out!!!

I have loved all of the installments in the Morgan Dane series. But Bones Don’t Lie made me love Lance even more than I did before. It was both refreshing and heartbreaking to go on this journey with him.

Bones Don’t Lie is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the end!!!

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.

August 29, 2018August 27, 2018

Kimberly reviews They Won’t Be Hurt by Kevin O’Brien

TITLE: They Won’t Be Hurt
CHARACTERS: Laura Gretchell
AUTHOR: Kevin O’Brien
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONCE YOU LET THEM IN
The lights are on at the Singleton vacation home on Lopez Island, Washington, illuminating the horror within. Scott Singleton, former NFL star turned television evangelist, lies dead. The bodies of his wife and four of their five children are found on the second floor, bound, gagged, and stabbed repeatedly. The oldest daughter was shot in her boyfriend’s car. And the police’s main suspect—the property caretaker—has disappeared.

THEY WILL NEVER
In her secluded vineyard home two hours away, Laura Gretchell is on edge. Her husband is out of town on business, and the children are understandably shaken. Laura tries to tell herself there’s no reason to fear. Then the door handle rattles, and the real terror begins.

LET YOU GO
They’re in her house, holding her children hostage, and Laura has only one option: do exactly what the intruders say. But as Laura races to find the information they seek, she realizes that the enemies within her own home are only part of the nightmare. Because someone wants to keep the truth hidden at any cost, no matter how many more must die . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I have read other books from O’Brien but this was not one of my favorites. The story is good and had some suspense but there were so much extra wording that the thrill left this thriller.

I am not sure why there are so many filler words but it really takes a lot from this story and the reader loses a lot of the suspense. But as I said the story itself is good. But I am not sure you won’t find yourself skipping lines.

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