Review Sunday – Page 43 – Books-n-Kisses

January 29, 2018January 28, 2018

Kelly reviews The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

TITLE: The Wedding Date
CHARACTERS: Drew Nichols & Alexa Monroe
AUTHOR: Jasmine Guillory
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A groomsman and his last-minute guest are about to discover if a fake date can go the distance in a fun and flirty debut novel.

Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn’t normally do. But there’s something about Drew Nichols that’s too hard to resist.

On the eve of his ex’s wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend…

After Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she’s the mayor’s chief of staff. Too bad they can’t stop thinking about the other…

They’re just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century–or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want.

REVIEW:
Alexa Monroe never would have thought that visiting her sister to celebrate would lead to being stuck in an elevator with an amazingly hot and funny man. A man that asks her to be his savior for the weekend by attending a wedding with him. Alexa takes a chance and steps out of her comfort zone and says yes.
Drew Nichols does not want to be here for the weekend. But he is the best man at the wedding and it would look really bad if he didn’t show up. Fate is on his side but getting him stuck in an elevator with one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Then a plan forms into his brain, he will ask this amazing women! And surprisingly she says Yes!!!
I am grateful that Berkley Publishing sent this super sweet book to review. I am not sure I would have picked this book up otherwise, it was not on my 2018 list to read. But I am very grateful because I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more books from Ms. Guillory.

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

January 25, 2018January 21, 2018

Kimberly reviews Judgment Road by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Judgment Road
SERIES #: Torpedo Ink #1
CHARACTERS: Reaper & Anya
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An outlaw motorcycle club sets up shop next door to Sea Haven in the dangerously sexy new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.
As the enforcer of the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club, Reaper lives for riding and fighting. He’s a stone-cold killer who turns his wrath on those who deserve it. Feelings are a weakness he can’t afford–until a gorgeous bartender gets under his skin…
Near Sea Haven, the small town of Caspar has given Anya Rafferty a new lease on life. And she’s desperate to hold on to her job at the biker bar, even if the scariest member of the club seems to have it out for her. But Reaper’s imposing presence and smoldering looks just ratchet up the heat.
Anya’s touch is everything Reaper doesn’t want–and it brands him to the bone. But when her secrets catch up to her, Reaper will have to choose between Anya and his club–his heart and his soul.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Whoo Hoo! A new series by Christine Feehan. I was so excited to pick up this book. And I was not disappointed at all.
This series is set in MC world. Reaper is the enforcer who has so many issues but seems like a teddy bear at heart. He has a side of him that most do not see and somehow Anya see’s it even if he doesn’t want her to. But when she is in danger he is the one that will make sure she comes out of this perfectly fine.
The book is a about Reaper. To be honest it felt like Anya was a bit of a secondary character. I didn’t mind that but it is something the reader should know. This is the MC world and it is Reaper’s world and Anya is just a player in it.
That being said it is a dangerous sexy world and one that I can’t wait to read more about. Bring on this new series because it will certainly get your engine reving!

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

January 23, 2018January 21, 2018

Kimberly reviews Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Sisters Like Us
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #4
CHARACTERS: Harper & Stacey
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…
Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgeling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.
Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.
Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts To me Susan Mallery is contemporary romance’s Mary Poppins. She is practically perfect in every way. What is not to love about her stories? Nothing!
This is a book about family and the dynamics that we all face when family is involved. I also thought that it helped me to remember everyone is going through something even if others do not know it,
The characters are funny, light hearted and complex. They deal with every emotion possible and still manage to stay together as a family in the end.
Mallery is one of the best but I would suggest reading the full series before this book. She has moved beyond just the 3 she planned on but it is helpful to have the back story.

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

January 19, 2018January 15, 2018

Kelly reviews Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

TITLE: Turtles All The Way Down
CHARACTERS: Aza & Daisy
AUTHOR: John Green
NARRATOR: Kate Rudd
RUN TIME: 7 Hours & 12 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 bestselling author John Green returns with his first new novel since The Fault in Our Stars!
Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.
Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.
In his long-awaited return, John Green, the acclaimed, award-winning author of Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, shares Aza’s story with shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.

REVIEW:
I am really on the fence about this book. I enjoyed and didn’t enjoy it all at the same time. I was able to listen to this book narrated by Kate Rudd. I will say that one of my biggest issues was that it was hard at times to distinguish between characters as Ms. Rudd was reading.
The story arc itself it had me wanting to fast forward the audio book. At times Aza really got on my nerves and wasn’t sure that I was going to finish this book. But I powered through it. I am not really sure what more to say other then we actually learn what the title of the book actually means.

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

January 18, 2018January 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews Promise Not To Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: Promise Not To Tell
SERIES #: Cutler, Sutter & Salinas #2
CHARACTERS: Virginia & Cabot
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A painter of fiery, nightmarish visions throws herself into the sea—but she leaves her secrets behind . . .
Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy has spent years battling the demons that stem from her childhood time in a cult and the night a fire burned through the compound, killing her mother. And now one of her artists has taken her own life, but not before sending Virginia a last picture: a painting that makes Virginia doubt everything about the so-called suicide—and her own past.
Like Virginia, private investigator Cabot Sutter was one of the children in the cult who survived that fire… and only he can help her now. As they struggle to unravel the clues in the painting, it becomes clear that someone thinks Virginia knows more than she does and that she must be stopped. Thrown into an inferno of desire and deception, Virginia and Cabot draw ever closer to the mystery of their shared memories—and the shocking fate of the one man who still wields the power to destroy everything they hold dear.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Let me say that Krentz is high on my list of favorite authors but this book just didn’t do it for me. It seemed very long and yet each chapter was very short.
Virginia and Cabot knew each other as kids living in a cult and dealing with horrendous conditions and almost being killed. Now they are adults and believe the cult leader is back.
The story just wasn’t suspensive enough and I never really connected to the characters. I suggest reading any of Krentz’s books but don’t start with this one as you will not really get the feel of Krentz’s work.

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

January 17, 2018January 15, 2018

Kelly reviews Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Cherish Hard
SERIES #: Hard Play #1
CHARACTERS: Sailor Bishop & Ísa Rain
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: November 14, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh kicks off her new Hard Play contemporary romance series with a sizzling story that’ll leave you smiling…
Sailor Bishop has only one goal for his future – to create a successful landscaping business. No distractions allowed. Then he comes face-to-face and lips-to-lips with a woman who blushes like an innocent… and kisses like pure sin.
Ísa Rain craves a man who will cherish her, aches to create a loving family of her own. Trading steamy kisses with a hot gardener in a parking lot? Not the way to true love. Then a deal with the devil (aka her CEO-mother) makes Ísa a corporate VP for the summer. Her main task? Working closely with a certain hot gardener.
And Sailor Bishop has wickedness on his mind.
As Ísa starts to fall for a man who makes her want to throttle and pounce on him at the same time, she knows she has to choose – play it safe and steady, or risk all her dreams and hope Sailor doesn’t destroy her heart.

REVIEW:
Sailor is determined to prove to himself and his family that he is nothing like his father. He will work himself to the bone and won’t let anything get in the way of his plan. But when he is approached by a beautiful redhead in the school parking lot and she kisses him silly, Sailor starts to think there might be room for more than just work. It is not until after she runs away that Sailor realizes that that was the woman who has been haunting his dreams for the last seven years. Thank goodness he is a patient man and knows where she works because he plans on picking up where they left off.
Both Sailor and Ísa are sweet and determine. They bring out the best in each other and show each other that sometimes love isn’t hard if you don’t fight it. I really enjoyed Cherish Hard and I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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

January 16, 2018January 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews City Of Endless Night by Preston & Child

TITLE: City Of Endless Night
SERIES #: Pendergast #17
CHARACTERS: Vincent D’Agosta & Pendergast
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What begins as a manhunt for the missing daughter of a wealthy tech billionaire becomes something altogether different when the young woman’s body is discovered in an abandoned warehouse in Kew Gardens, Queens, the head nowhere to be found. It appears there may be two killers on the loose–one responsible for the young woman’s death, another responsible for the mutilation. A pair of such dastardly killers requires a team of equally talented investigators. Luckily, both Vincent D’Agosta and Special Agent Pendergast are back in town.
D’Agosta hopes that working a case back on his home turf for the first time in years will reinvigorate the FBI Special Agent and give him an opportunity to flex his investigative might. But neither is prepared to face a killer–or killers–as diabolical as this. It will take all of Pendergast and D’Agosta’s intelligence and strength simply to match wits–let alone stay alive.

REVIEW:
Imagine a modern day Sherlock Holmes with issues galore. That is who Pendergast is to me. He can see things that others can’t and he is so intelligent but he has so many issues that it is a wonder he can put his shoes on the right feet.
This book is not on the top of the list of this series but it is a good one. Pendergast is vulnerable is this story which is refreshing. He is always the smartest one in the room so to see him at this stage is odd and yet interesting.
This series is a winner and it has stood the test since this is the 17th in the series. I will say after so many books you really shouldn’t start with this one because you need to understand Pendergast from the beginning. But you won’t regret starting this series.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 11, 2018January 7, 2018

Kelly reviews A Merciful Secret by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Secret
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #3
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: January 16, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A pair of ritual murders could expose Mercy Kilpatrick to something terrifying: her own past…
Raised off the grid by survivalists, Mercy Kilpatrick believed in no greater safeguard than the backwoods of Oregon. Unforgiven by her father for abandoning the fold for the FBI, Mercy still holds to her past convictions. They’re in her blood. They’re her secrets—as guarded as her private survival retreat hidden away in the foothills.
In a cabin near her hideaway, Mercy encounters a young girl whose grandmother is dying from multiple knife wounds. Hundreds of miles away, a body is discovered slashed to death in a similar way. The victims—a city judge and an old woman living in the woods—couldn’t be more different. With the help of police chief Truman Daly, Mercy must find the killer before the body count rises. Mercy knows that the past has an edge on her. So does her family. How can she keep her secrets now…when they’re the only things that can save her?

REVIEW:
Again I find myself immersed in the world of Mercy Kilpatrick. In A Merciful Secret Mercy finds herself the first person on the scene of a vicious knife attack that turns into a murder investigation.
But that is not the only murder that the small town of Eagle’s Nest has to deal with, one of the local resident’s father has also been killed up in the big city of Portland. The only connection between these two murders is that both are very similar in method.
But neither Mercy or Truman were prepared for the wild ride that these two murders were going to take them on. When all the questions are answered someone’s hopes and dream will go up in flame.
Another wonderful book from Mrs. Elliot! I always love picking up a copy of her books. I really enjoyed seeing the connection between Mercy and Truman grow. These two are so perfect together and can work through anything as long as they are together!
I can’t wait to see what is next 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.

January 8, 2018January 7, 2018

Kelly reviews Private by James Patterson

TITLE: Private
SERIES #: Private #1
CHARACTERS: Jack Morgan
AUTHOR: James Patterson
NARRATOR: Peter Hermann
RUN TIME: 7 Hours & 3 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2010
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The police can’t help you….
Former Marine helicopter pilot Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily – and his staff of investigators uses the world’s most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases.
The press will destroy you….
Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend’s wife, Jack’s former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private’s resources to tracking down her killer.
Only one place to turn: Private….
But Jack doesn’t have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson’s sleekest, most exciting thriller ever.

REVIEW:
Private is a private investigation service that deals with high end famous people and secrets. Private is owned by Jack Morgan and ex-Marine who is waging his own wars while trying to fight off everyone else’s demons. Jack finds himself and his team with three major cases to solve. One involving one of his best friends, one involving his uncle and one case that has been dragging on for over two years. Jack also has to deal with this evil twin.

There was a lot going on in this story! Not only do we have 3 crimes to solve with have Jack’s brother throwing shade the whole book and then there is Jack’s love life. So a lot going on. But I thought that Mr. Patterson did a good job of balancing each storyline while keeping us wondering until the end.

Peter Hermann does a good job narrating this book. I am not completely wild about his female voices but overall it was good.

This is my first James Patterson book. I know, I know!! I have been living under a rock. But never fear!! I really enjoyed Private and I plan on listening to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book from Audible.com in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 5, 2018January 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews Every Dog Has His Day by Jenn McKinlay

TITLE: Every Dog Has His Day
SERIES #: Bluff Point #3
CHARACTERS: Zachary & Jessie
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A stray kitten and a rambunctious poodle bring together a small-town bachelor and a single mother in the latest romance set in Bluff Point, Maine.

Bluff Point brewery owner Zachary Caine wants nothing to do with commitment. His wild bachelor lifestyle suits him perfectly—until a foster kitten named Chaos makes him a reluctant hero. Now he’s BFFs with the kitten’s two little girls and finds himself falling for their gorgeous mother, who couldn’t think less of him.

Divorced mother Jessie Connelly wants nothing to do with men like Zach. He’s sexy and charismatic and bad news, just like her ex. But her girls adore him, and he’s doing a good job filling in for their deadbeat dad. Then a snowstorm brings out the best in both neighbors, who, it turns out, have more in common than their mutual attraction…

So when Jessie’s past threatens her and her girls, Zach is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them—and live happily ever after with this family he has made his own.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but the first one that I have read. This is an adorable story that has charm and charisma to spare. Jessie is a great character. She is “real” with issues that most women have. I loved her. Zach is a sweet guy who falls pretty quick for Jessie and her two little girls.

The story is very sweet and has a good lesson on the importance of family.

I will be heading back to read the first two in the series. Very enjoyable.

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

January 4, 2018January 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews Rocco by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Rocco
SERIES #: Ruin & Revenge #3
CHARACTERS: Rocco & Grace
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mafia enforcer, Rocco De Lucchi is the best in the business.

Cold, hard and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford—until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.

Grace Mantini has spent her whole life running from the mob. Daughter of the boss’s right hand man, she is both a prize and a target. When Rocco walks back into her life, she wants nothing to do with the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But only Rocco can protect her from the dangerous forces that seek to destroy her family. Can they escape the hands of fate closing around them? Or will love be the kiss of death for them both?

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the third in the series but the first one I read. I have never read a mafia romance that I can remember and while this was ok I am not sure the series would be for me.

The other thing I had a hard time with was the May/December romance. It just seemed icky since Rocco knew Grace as a child.

This story was just not at all what I expected and really not up my alley.

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

January 3, 2018January 2, 2018

Kelly reviews Sweet Tea And Sympathy by Molly Harper

TITLE: Sweet Tea & Sympathy
SERIES #: Southern Electric #1
CHARACTERS: Margot Cary & Kyle Archer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 27 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 21, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beloved author Molly Harper launches a brand-new contemporary romance series, Southern Eclectic, with this story of a big-city party planner who finds true love in a small Georgia town.

Nestled on the shore of Lake Sackett, Georgia is the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. (What, you have a problem with one-stop shopping?) Two McCready brothers started two separate businesses in the same building back in 1928, and now it’s become one big family affair. And true to form in small Southern towns, family business becomes everybody’s business.

Margot Cary has spent her life immersed in everything Lake Sackett is not. As an elite event planner, Margot’s rubbed elbows with the cream of Chicago society, and made elegance and glamour her business. She’s riding high until one event goes tragically, spectacularly wrong. Now she’s blackballed by the gala set and in dire need of a fresh start—and apparently the McCreadys are in need of an event planner with a tarnished reputation.

As Margot finds her footing in a town where everybody knows not only your name, but what you had for dinner last Saturday night and what you’ll wear to church on Sunday morning, she grudgingly has to admit that there are some things Lake Sackett does better than Chicago—including the dating prospects. Elementary school principal Kyle Archer is a fellow fish-out-of-water who volunteers to show Margot the picture-postcard side of Southern living. The two of them hit it off, but not everybody is happy to see an outsider snapping up one of the town’s most eligible gentleman. Will Margot reel in her handsome fish, or will she have to release her latest catch?

REVIEW:
Sweet Tea & Sympathy is the first book in Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series (check out Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck prequel novella). In Sweet Tea & Sympathy we get to meet the long lost McCready family member after an unfortunate event involving some flamingos, shrimps and they death of Margot’s career. Just when Margot thinks she is at her lowest point Aunt Tootie finds her and convinces her to move to Lake Sackett and work for the family.

Another wonderful story from Molly Harper.

The amazing Amanda Ronconi lent her talent and voice to another of Mrs. Harper’s novels. Amanda does a great job of bringing the McCready family alive. I always love having Amanda read me one of Molly’s stories! I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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.