Review Sunday – Page 42 – Books-n-Kisses

August 2, 2018July 31, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Dangerous Game by Heather Graham

TITLE: A Dangerous Game
SERIES #: New York Confidential #3
CHARACTERS: Kieran & Craig
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The third novel in the New York Confidential series by long-established NYT bestselling romantic suspense author Heather Graham. This is the author’s romantic-suspense stream, in addition to her successful ongoing mass market paperback paranormal romantic suspense series.

Psychologist Kieran Finnegan is thrust into the middle of an investigation into human trafficking when a desperate woman shoves an infant into her arms and then flees…only to be murdered minutes later on a busy Manhattan street. Despite the fact that it isn’t an FBI case, Special Agent Craig Frasier starts poking around, because Kieran can’t stop thinking about the child and the victim. Their one lead comes through the pub, Finnegan’s on Broadway. One of the waitresses also volunteers at a church outreach center, and had been in contact with a distraught young pregnant woman, whom she recommended Kieran to as someone who might be able to help her. When Kieran goes to the outreach center to do some off-the-books investigating of her own, she is approached by two women who are worried for their missing friend, and who reveal that they were part of a human trafficking ring that did business in babies. As Craig and Kieran delve deeper into the underbelly of NYC trying to find out more, the dangerous elements of the ring come to the surface, hoping to silence Kieran before she exposes them.

REVIEW:
I honestly am not sure why I keep requesting this series. Other than it is Heather Graham I have no reason to pick it out. I have not been a fan of this series from the beginning but I keep trying it. And again this just didn’t strike me.

I am a HUGE fan of Graham’s and a HUGER (yeah I know that is not a word) fan of the Krewe of Hunters series. Maybe if I didn’t have those books to compare to I would enjoy this one more but it is hard to not see exactly what is missing from this series to the other.

I can imagine fans of Graham’s that do not like the Krewe series might find this series worth the read. And knowing me I will request the next one too. But 3 stars is the best I can do.

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

August 1, 2018July 31, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Third Victim by Phillip Margolin

TITLE: The Third Victim
CHARACTERS: Regina & Robin
AUTHOR: Phillip Margolin
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman stumbles onto a dark road in rural Oregon—tortured, battered, and bound. She tells a horrific story about being kidnapped, then tortured, until she finally managed to escape. She was the lucky one—two other women, with similar burns and bruises, were found dead.

The surviving victim identifies the house where she was held captive and the owner, Alex Mason—a prominent local attorney—is arrested. Although he loudly insists upon his innocence, his wife’s statements about his sexual sadism and the physical evidence found at the scene, his summer home, is damning.

Regina Barrister is a legendary criminal defense attorney, known as “The Sorceress” for her courtroom victories. But she’s got a secret, one that threatens her skill, her reputation, and, most of all, her clients. And she’s agreed to take on the seemingly impossible task of defending Alex Mason.

Robin Lockwood, a young lawyer and former MMA fighter, has just left a clerkship at the Oregon Supreme Court to work for Regina Barrister. The Alex Mason trial is her first big one, a likely death penalty case, and she’s second chair to Regina. Increasingly, she’s worried her boss’s behavior and the details in the case against their client don’t quite add up.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I have to say that I haven’t read anything like this before and while part of me is on the fence that is what gave it that extra half star.

Margolin has an interesting way of writing this story. Some seems to be thrown in like characters and such but the storyline was interesting enough to make me want to know what was going on and how it would end. Both Regina and Robin are really interesting characters and I think any fan of Margolin will enjoy the story. But if you haven’t read Margolin before this would not be the first story I recommended by him.

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

March 8, 2018March 7, 2018

Kimberly reviews Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Crossing Promises
SERIES #: Cross Creek #3
CHARACTERS: Owen & Cate
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/05/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Owen Cross, the only thing that matters more than family is farming. As the oldest Cross brother, the land is his legacy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Cross Creek a success—including hiring local widow Cate McAllister to manage the bookkeeping tasks that are growing in his office like weeds. Cate’s as pragmatic as she is pretty, and she rattles his hard-fought composure at every turn.

Cate had known a lot of things about her husband before he died three years ago in a car accident, but how much debt he’d gotten them into wasn’t one of them. She needs her job at Cross Creek, even if her boss is both gruff and gorgeous. But Owen’s a family man, through and through, and the last thing Cate is interested in is anything—or anyone—with strings attached.

As Owen and Cate join forces to right the farm, they discover there’s more to the other than the surfaces shows, and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Can Cate heal from the loss of one family to gain the love of her life? Or will the past prove too much for the promise of the future?

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series and finally it is Owen’s turn. Being the oldest he has had a lot of responsibilities but love has not been something he has wanted but lately after seeing his younger brothers fall in love.

Cate is treated differently since her family was killed in an accident and she is tired of being treated with kid gloves. When Owen hires her everything changes.

I have enjoyed this series very much. I was so excited for Owen’s story and it did not disappoint. Kincaid is growing with each story she writes and will soon be a go-to name in the literary world.

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

March 2, 2018March 1, 2018

Kelly reviews The Test by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The Test
SERIES #: The List #2
CHARACTERS: Dax Kensington & Lisa Michaels
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: February 19, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N |Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This is a test. A test of every life decision Lisa Michaels has ever made.
Lisa thought she’d gotten everything right: The nicest condo, the right career, the best hair, and a perfectly adequate sex life with her stockbroker fiancé. But when the fiancé ditches her at the altar, Lisa’s left questioning every decision she’s ever made. What if her instincts have been steering her wrong all along? And what if she tested that theory by spending one month doing the exact opposite of what she’d normally do?
A crazy-hot fling with a tattooed steelworker from the wrong side of the tracks seems like a good starting point

REVIEW:
Lisa Michaels is trying to figure out her what to do with her newfound freedom. Being left at the altar has a way of making a girl think about her choices. Lisa is looking for a bit of a change. But she never thought that change would come in the form of an extremely hot guy. Let alone to meet him at lunch with her sisters.

Dax Kensington can’t believe his luck running into his ex like this. But as he sidles up to her to rub his success in her face he realized his mistake. This lovely creature isn’t his ex at all. Just as he is about to leave this stranger propositions him with an offer he can’t refuse.

As always Ms. Fenske’s stories leave me laughing and wanting more. The Test is a great story of two people that couldn’t be more different, yet they work together perfectly! I loved watching Dax take Lisa to places she never could have dreamed of. I really can’t wait to see what is next in this series. It is sure to be sweet, sassy and smexy!!

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

February 28, 2018February 27, 2018

Kimberly reviews One More Promise by Samantha Chase

TITLE: One More Promise
SERIES #: Band On The Run #2
CHARACTERS: Paige & Dylan
AUTHOR: Samantha Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ambitious Paige Walters is ecstatic when she’s hired to recruit musicians for a literacy campaign—it’s her chance to prove she’s got the chops to make it in the family business. She certainly isn’t going to let some fallen idol screw it up. But as the work brings Paige and Dylan closer together, their attraction grows…and so do their challenges…

REVIEW:
Cute story. The thing about this story it is a true romance. Not much action or adventures but just plain couple based and life based angst.

Paige is trying to prove herself to her father and her family. Dylan is a recovering alcoholic who needs to get his life back on track. They are perfect for each other and you can tell it from the first moment they meet.

The characters are very well written. They seemed like they could be based on real people. The background characters are interesting and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

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

February 26, 2018February 25, 2018

Kimberly reviews Survive The Night by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Survive The Night
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #3
CHARACTERS: Otto & Sarah
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s always been a haven:
For the lost. The sick. The injured.
But when a hunted woman takes shelter in his arms, this gentle giant swears he’ll do more than heal her battered spirit―he’ll defend her with his life.

K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe’s very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path―but for all his big heart, he’s never been in love.

Until he meets Sarah Clifton’s haunted eyes. Until he realizes he’ll do anything to save her.

All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there’s no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth…but he’d never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado by her side, Sarah’s finally ready to face whatever comes her way.

It’s time to take a stand.

REVIEW:
Another great read in the series. One of the things I enjoy in a series is background characters making cameos and this series has Mr. Espino. He helps women who need to “disappear” to find a place to go and it ends up being in Monroe, CO.

This romance is between Alice/Sarah and Otto. Of course we have met Otoo is previous books and I actually think he might have been one of my favorite background characters. There is just something about him. He is just so Alpha and has a heart of gold. Alice/Sarah is running from her horrible brother and Logan Jovanovich which is another character we have met throughout the series.

This is a great story and a great series with a lot of twist and turns and action but with sweet romance mixed in. Trust me this is a wonderful book but I suggest reading the others in the series first since there are so many recurring characters and storyline.

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

February 22, 2018February 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews Out Of The Darkness by Heather Graham

TITLE: Out Of The Darkness
SERIES #: The Finnigan Connection #3
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Tyler
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A love rekindled…or a deadly reunion?

Even after a decade, Sarah Hampton is haunted by the night that nearly ended in a bloody massacre and destroyed her high school romance with handsome Tyler Grant. Now the horror has returned. It’s a reckoning from the events of that terrifying night—and a love they never let go. Only this time Tyler must protect Sarah from the killer hiding in the darkness…or lose her forever.

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts Ok so first let me say two things. 1) I love Heather Graham’s books especially her Krewe Of Hunters series and 2) I set myself up each time I pick the books from this series so why I do it I do not know.

I know this is not it because I doubt Graham would put her reputation on the line but it is like this series is written by someone else and put her name on it. The characters are just not interesting and while the storyline was interesting if not original.

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

February 20, 2018February 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews Never Let Go by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Never Let Go
SERIES #: Haven, Montana #2
CHARACTERS: Trent & Adrianna
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/20/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Activist meets corporate in this sizzling romance by New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders.
Trent McGowan has never been the guy who doesn’t get what he wants. He and his brothers are making a go of the oil business, and he’s always had a bit of a reputation with the ladies. Only lately, something’s been missing—something Trent never realized he needed…until he sees his childhood crush standing on the picket line, trying to destroy his company. And what happened to turn sweet Addy Collins into a sexy activist?
Environmentalist Adrianna Collins has returned to her hometown of Haven, Montana, on a mission to stop destructive oil mining. She never imagined that the corporate face on the other side of the protest line would be her lifelong crush. The Trent she remembers is better known for flirting than, uh, fracking, and she can’t believe he’d risk his city to make a quick buck.
Now Trent’s determined to prove that he’s not the person she thinks he is. If he can earn Addy’s trust, he might be able to save his company—and bring Addy home for good.

REVIEW:
I really enjoy the writing of Jill Sanders. I thought this story was sweet, heartfelt and had some real “ah ha” moments… at least for me.

This is the second in the series and while each books romance can be a stand alone there is a background story that continues throughout the series.

I thought the characters were very real. They feel what a normal person would in the exact situation(s). I have enjoyed both books so far and look forward to #3. I think any fan of the romance with a bit of suspense would enjoy it too.

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

February 8, 2018February 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Highland Conquest by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Conquest
SERIES #: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #2
CHARACTERS: Lachlan & Amber
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE WAS LOOKING FOR VENGEANCE

Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber.

INSTEAD HE FOUND HER

Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan’s treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she’s threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side.

REVIEW:
After reading the first in the series I knew I would want to read them all. The Highlanders are well in a word… yummy! There is something about a Scottish Highlander. If you haven’t been a fan of the genre you will be after reading the first two books of this series.

What I enjoy about this series is the fact that the guys are alpha but the women are strong as well. In this case Amber is a healer. She is confident and willing to do anything to be free of the her captor. The guys are worth reading about as well.

Something about this genre is exciting and makes me want to hop a plane to check out the Scottish hills (and men).

You will not want to miss this story/series if you love the genre. And if you want to try out the genre for the first time this is a great book to make you a fan.

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

February 6, 2018February 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Diaper Duty Vampire by R.E. Mullins

TITLE: Diaper Duty Vampire
SERIES #: Vampires Of Amber Heights #1
CHARACTERS: John & Joann
AUTHOR: R.E. Mullins
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/11/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
During the Civil War, Union soldier, John Alden took a musket ball to the gut. As he gasped his final breath, he was turned into a vampire and started life anew in Amber Heights, Missouri. For over one hundred and fifty years, he’s lived a rather solitary life as a vampire Enforcer.

Young single mother, Joann Clarkson, needs a job and fast. Hoping to be rehired, she returns to Dr. Michaela Blautsauger’s lab prepared to eat a hefty helping of humble pie. She comes to regret that decision when she’s taken hostage. Things look grim but she’ll never stop fighting to escape. Her son needs his mama.

As an Enforcer, John must hunt down the vampire who kidnapped Joann. In his search, John winds up babysitting her toddler Cody. Changing diapers might be worse than getting staked, but nothing compares to how he feels when both mother and child fall into danger again.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute story. It is a short read which has a bunch of humor and is a light fun read. It is not a book that you need to concentrate much on. But at the same time it is cuter than I expected.

Yes there are some scenes that make you roll your eyes but in a good way. Any parent would get a kick out of it.

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

February 1, 2018January 29, 2018

Kimberly reviews More To Love by Alison Bliss

TITLE: More To Love
SERIES #: A Perfect Fit #3
CHARACTERS: Jessa & Max
AUTHOR: Alison Bliss
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This laugh-out-loud romantic comedy proves that, when enemies become lovers, all bets are off!

Jessa Gibson may be new in the little town of Granite, Texas, but in no time at all her gourmet food truck business is booming. Soon she’ll have enough money to open the restaurant of her dreams. But first, she’ll have to appease the hot local health inspector, no matter how strange his “violations” sound to her. No pink plastic gloves? Really?

Max Hager isn’t exactly who he says he is. Pretending to be a health inspector is a (mostly) innocent mistake. A mistake made way worse by Max’s immediate, electrifying attraction to the curvy, sexy, redheaded chef. Throw in a whole lot of lust, and things in Jessa’s little kitchen are about to really start heating up. But can Max find a way to come clean with Jessa before his little deception turns into a recipe for disaster?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a quick read but very sweet. I enjoy the books where the characters are not perfect. Jessa is a bigger girl but Max seems to appreciate what she has. I thought the characters were good. They had depth to them. I wasn’t thrilled with Max at first but he ended up being ok in the end. I did like Jessa though.

Jessa and I would be the best of friends if she was real. She is adorable and would feed me yummy treats. I might have told her to dump Max but as I said he begins to grow on the reader.

A really cute read. Especially for the curvy girls in the world.

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

January 30, 2018January 29, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Honorable Traitors by John Lutz

TITLE: The Honorable Traitors
SERIES #: Laker #1
CHARACTERS: Thomas Laker
AUTHOR: John Lutz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE UNKNOWN SPY

Officially, Thomas Laker is an employee of the NSA. His real employer, known as the Gray Outfit, is not listed—anywhere. When a Washington, D.C., insider is killed in a bomb explosion, Laker teams up with cryptographer Ava North on a desperate search for clues. The only thing certain is that another act of terrorism is imminent. Delving into the dangerous past when America was drawn into global conflict, they discover one of history’s greatest—and deadliest—secrets. In the wrong hands it can unleash unimaginable destruction. Now, to keep his homeland from plunging into its darkest hour, Laker will have to defend everything he believes in…

REVIEW:
2.25 Hearts So what to say about this book? Not much. I really didn’t enjoy this book at all. The characters just didn’t connect with me. Something is just off. They seem so immature for what is supposed to be their ages.

The writing is not great either. I usually enjoy Lutz’s writing but not this time. I really had a hard time finishing this book and a number of times wondered if I should just put it down and start something I would enjoy. I didn’t but the feelings never changed.

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