Review Sunday – Page 51 – Books-n-Kisses

August 16, 2017August 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wicked Bite by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Bite
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #5
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Bear
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!
As she hunts for a drug lord killing her fellow witches, all Tessa Lansa’s instincts point to the Grizzly
motorcycle club. That might be because their leader, Bear, is the strong, silent shifter type: warm brown
eyes and more muscle and alpha male than any woman can ignore. Which makes Tessa’s plan to seduce
and betray him all the more dangerous . . .
Bear doesn’t trust the curvy, blue-eyed witch. But Tessa can heal the injuries that sap his strength. And
since he can’t stop thinking of her lush body and teasing smile, her plan to mate him to reclaim her own
power is highly tempting. Just one problem. Once a desire this wild is loose, no one will ever control it . .

REVIEW:
BEAR! It’s been a long time coming and finally I was able to cuddle up with Bear! I believe this is the last
in the Realm Enforcers series. And Zanetti saved the best for last.
This story brings us to the end where we are able to find answers to questions we have had since book
one of this series. Which also means that this can not be a stand alone. But then since Zanetti is quickly
becoming the Queen of Paranormal Romance I am not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to pick up every
one of her books and read them all.
Which I enjoyed is the look back at some major characters from previous books. It was a bit of a family
reunion of sorts.
Nessa is a great character but as you can see Bear steals this story. I have waited and waited for Bear to
fall in love and the story was worth waiting for!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 14, 2017August 13, 2017

Kelly reviews Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Silver Borne
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson # 5
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 8 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: March 30, 2010
ORDER LINKS: Audible {http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Silver-Borne-Audiobook/B003C1UL94 } | Amazon {http://amzn.to/2pI63h2 } | B&N { http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silver-borne-patricia-briggs/1100259597}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, never knows what the day – or night – may bring in a world where “witches, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters live beside ordinary people” (Booklist). But she is about to learn that while some secrets are dangerous whose who seek them are just plain deadly…

Mercy is smart enough to realize that when it comes to the magical fae, the less you know, the better. But you can’t always get what you want. When she attempts to return a powerful fae she previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.

It seems the book contains secrets – and the fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn’t take enough of Mercy’s attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side – leaving Mercy to cover for him lest his own father declare Samuel’s life forfeit.

All in all, Mercy has had better days. And if she isn’t careful, she may not have many more

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great book from Ms. Briggs! There is a lot that happens in Silver Borne. Mercy is trying to find her placing in the Pack and still learning what it means to be mated to an Alpha. Add in the fact that Samuel needs her more than ever. Mercy has her hands full in this installment.
I really am loving this series! Ms. Briggs brings a new twist and turn with each and every book. I have yet to feel like a story is just a repeat of another! Then we have the amazingly talented Ms. King lending her talented voice to the series is just amazing!
I can’t wait to get into the next book to see what craziness will happen next

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

August 11, 2017August 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wolf’s Mate by Celia Kyle

TITLE: Wolf’s Mate
SERIES #: Shifter Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Abby & Declan
AUTHOR: Celia Kyle
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger shouldn’t be this sexy…

Cougar shifter Abby Carter always plays it safe. That’s why she’s an accountant–no excitement, no danger, and no cocky alpha males. She loves her quiet life, but fate has other plans. When Abby uncovers the shady dealings of an anti-shifter organization, she’ll have to trust the too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind werewolf Declan Reed… or end up six feet under.

Declan Reed is starting over. After two years with Shifter Operations Command, it’s time to put his past behind him. Now Declan is the only thing standing between the gorgeous Abby and an early grave, and if he’s going to have any chance of keeping her alive, he’ll have to embrace the darkness he’s fought to keep at bay. But first he has to convince Abby that there’s no safer place in the world than the arms of a big bad werewolf.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the first couple of pages. Why? Because of the bro-mance the book has with the guys on the team. The humor and sarcasm the guys have is so fun and entertaining. It had me smiling and chuckling from the start. And when the guys were together it didn’t stop.

And then there is the romance of Abby and Declan. Maybe romance is the wrong word. There is no romance with these two. There is full on danger and excitement but the two work so well together. Declan is total alpha. He is overly protective and dangerous but when he falls for Abby it is with everything in him. Especially his wolf.

I enjoyed the fact that the wolf, cougar and other animals have their own personalities in this story.

I can’t wait until the next story comes out. Cole’s story should be a doozie!!

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

August 9, 2017August 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews Little One by Timothy G Huguenin

TITLE: Little One
CHARACTERS: Kelsea Stone
AUTHOR: Timothy G. Huguenin
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/18/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Death is cold.

Kelsea Stone can’t remember her childhood, and frankly, she doesn’t really care. She’s doing fine on her own in L.A. without any family to tie her down. But when she finds out her estranged birth parents have died and left her their house in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, she discovers more than just an inheritance waiting for her in the mountains. An angry presence lingers there, and it won’t rest until it has had its revenge.

REVIEW:
Here is what I think. You either love this story or think it is ok. No in between. At least I do not think there would be any who hate it. And my other thought is there are no longer any true ghost stories.

I really hoped this story would prove me wrong and be a true ghost story but it wasn’t. I mean seriously, I don’t think the ghost has done more than look at people for ¾ of the book. What is scary about that? However in the beginning the story seemed to catch my attention it just never stayed caught. The good thing is it is a short book (200+ pages) and a quick read.

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

August 7, 2017August 6, 2017

Kimberly reviews Worth The Wait by Lori Foster

TITLE: Worth The Wait
SERIES #: Guthrie Brothers #2
CHARACTERS: Hogan & Violet/Nathan & Brooklin
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ready or not…love will find a way

Single dad Hogan Guthrie is getting his life back on track, and working as the “barbecue master” at a local diner is just a temporary detour. He and restaurant owner Violet Shaw constantly butt heads…until one night they end up mingling other parts instead. Hogan thought he had the recipe for happiness all figured out. But loyal, carefree Violet is daring him to trust his impulses…and see just how sweet small-town living—and loving—can be.

Nathan Hawley traded his SWAT team credentials for a sheriff’s badge, but a gorgeous new neighbor is shaking up his orderly life. Nathan has a hunch there’s more to Brooklin Sweet than meets the eye—but given her caution about getting involved, he has his work cut out for him. Still, there’s something about the elusive beauty Nathan can’t walk away from—and helping her come to terms with her past might pave the way to the future they both secretly long for.

REVIEW:
I haven’t read the first in the series, Don’t Tempt Me, but this story is easily a stand alone. Well as much as three romances can be a stand alone.

Lori Foster is easily one of the best authors around. She can catch a reader’s attention within a sentence or two. And as soon as she describes her heroes any woman is a goner. This story is no exception. We have three gorgeous guys, three beautiful women and three hot romances.

Grab a glass of wine, turn off the cell phone, and enjoy this story.

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

August 4, 2017July 30, 2017

Kelly reviews Besieged by Kevin Hearne

TITLE: Besieged
SERIES #: The Iron Druid Chronicles #4.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 8.1, 8.6
CHARACTERS: Atticus, Oberon, Granule, Owen, Puren
AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 11, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Harry Dresden meets American Gods in this collection of all-new stories set in the bestselling world of The Iron Druid Chronicles, starring 2,000-year-old Irishman/Druid, Atticus O’Sullivan.
The Iron Druid Chronicles is a hilarious and action-packed urban fantasy set in a modern world in which all the gods of every pantheon are alive and well, as in American Gods; its hero is a smart-mouthed, buttkicking magician, like Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. But it’s told in a smart, witty, unforgettable voice that’s all Kevin Hearne—a star in the fantasy world. This addictive and wildly imaginative series stars hero Atticus O’Sullivan: a handsome, tattooed Irishman who looks like a young rock star, but is in actuality a 2,000-year-old Druid with extraordinary magical powers. In Besieged, Atticus’ adventures throughout history are told in a collection of nine new and original short stories.

REVIEW:
It was so wonderful to be back in the world of the Iron Druid!! I simply love this series.
Besieged is a book of short stories that are in the IDC world. They are stories that help fill in some of the gaps between stories and answer a few questions. The last three shorts are leading up to Scourged (which Kevin has said will be the last book *tears*).
As always I let the amazingly talented Luke Daniels read this story to me. Luke is one of my favorite narrators. His ability to bring Kevin’s characters to life is simply amazing.
I honestly don’t know what I am going to do if the IDC is really coming to an end. Guess it is time for a re-listen.

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

August 2, 2017July 30, 2017

Kelly reviews Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Silver Silence
SERIES #: The Psy/Changeling Trinity Series
CHARACTERS: Valentin Nikolaev & Silver Mercant
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
RUN TIME: 16 Hours & 1 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 13, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater Bears, brings with him. Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence-her mind clear of all emotion-Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That’s what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious . . . and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan. Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed .

REVIEW:
Bears!!!
We finally get to jump into the world of Bear Changelings and it was AMAZING!!! If you have read the Psy-Changeling series you will know that the Bears were alluded to in prior books. But we didn’t know much about them! Well that all changed with this book. Because BEARS!!!!
Alpha Nikolaev is amazing! He carries the weight of his clan on his shoulders and some very deep scars in his heart. But that doesn’t stop him from being the best Bear Alpha that there can possible be. The Bears are a rowdy group that love to have fun and love each other deeply.
Silver Mercant we have seen a lot in prior books. She is an ice queen or that is what she wants us to think. It becomes clear very early one that Silver likes the attention from a certain Alpha Bear. She has no plans to act on this until her life is threatened and she is whisked away to Denhome for her safe keeping :).
This is the beginning of a wonderful cat and mouse (or Bear and Psy) game.
OMG!!! Seriously, does it get any better than a Nalini Singh book? I think not. I love and adore the world that Ms. Singh has created for us. Add to that amazing story telling the amazingly talented Angela Dawe and you have perfection!! Ms. Dawe does an amazing job of bringing Ms. Singh’s characters to the next level for me. Plus she has to say all the hard words or Russian words that if I had read them I would have just glossed over them. 🙂 So thank you Ms. Dawe for being so awesome!! I am so excited already for the next installment in this new chapter of the Psy-Changeling world.

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

July 31, 2017July 30, 2017

Kimberly reviews Ominous by Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush & Rosalind Noonan

TITLE: Ominous
SERIES #: Wyoming #2
CHARACTERS: Ruth, Shiloh & Kat
AUTHOR: Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush & Rosalind Noonan
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Someone is watching. . .
New York Times bestselling authors Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush, and Rosalind Noonan join together in a gripping novel of suspense, as a long-guarded secret plunges three friends into a new nightmare.
NO WARNING
In the photograph, three teenaged girls splash in the river on a sweltering summer evening. Shiloh, Kat, and Ruth are unaware of the man who spies on them from the woods. They have no idea how their lives will be changed by the brutal violence that follows and the vow of secrecy they take.
CAN PREPARE YOU
Fifteen years later, Ruth and Shiloh have both returned to Prairie Creek, Wyoming, where Kat is deputy sheriff. Though they’ve tried to leave their shared past behind, each has the feeling that someone is lurking in the shadows. When a local girl vanishes, Kat is convinced there s a connection to that long ago night. But as the friends unite to find the missing teenager, a killer sends a chilling message.
FOR A KILLER’S VENGEANCE
He s still there. And he hasn’t forgotten. For so long he’s made do with other victims, but they can’t compare to the ones who got away. The ones who keep searching for him, blind to the terrifying truth that they are not the hunters, but his prey . . .”

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a great name for this book, because Ominous is what it is.

First, this story is very explicit and has some violent scenes. These scenes were a bit hard to read but as sad as it is these exact situations happen every day.

Three girls had to deal with a night of terror after having a little bit of fun skinny dipping. Now the girls are adults and have come back to town for various reasons. And the man who wanted to kill them on that terrible night 15 years ago is back after them because they are the girls “who got away”.

This is good and yet scary story. I think you really have to be in the mood for this kind of story. It is not a light suspense novel. This is one that makes you leary as soon as the lights go out.

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

July 28, 2017July 3, 2017

Kimberly reviews Arrowood by Mick Finley

TITLE: Arrowood
CHARACTERS: Arrowood
AUTHOR: Mick Finley
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/18/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.

The Afghan War is over and a deal with the Irish appears to have brought an end to sectarian violence, but Britain’s position in the world is uncertain and the gap between rich and poor is widening. London is a place where the wealthy party while the underclass are tempted into lives of crime, drugs and prostitution. A serial killer stalks the streets. Politicians are embroiled in financial and sexual scandals. The year is 1895.

The police don’t have the resources to deal with everything that goes on in the capital. The rich turn to a celebrated private detective when they need help: Sherlock Holmes. But in densely populated south London, where the crimes are sleazier and Holmes rarely visits, people turn to Arrowood, a private investigator who despises Holmes, his wealthy clientele and his showy forensic approach to crime. Arrowood understands people, not clues.

REVIEW:
There is one phrase I kept thinking while reading this book “a poor man’s Sherlock”. As a fan of Sherlock Holmes I guess I should have realized I would have a hard time not comparing the characters. But I have to say the tag line caught me “London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.” I mean come on any fan of Holmes and Watson would fall for this line.

I think the story was ok. Nothing more, nothing less. Not sure I will be picking up the next in the series.

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

July 27, 2017July 3, 2017

Kimberly reviews Little One by Timothy G. Huguenin

TITLE: Little One
CHARACTERS: Kelsea Stone
AUTHOR: Timothy G. Huguenin
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/18/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (Coming Soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Death is cold.

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

July 25, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Dark Rites by Heather Graham

TITLE: Dark Rites
SERIES #: Krewe of Hunters #22
CHARACTERS: Vickie & Griffin
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The witches, they are real…

A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now he’s gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. She’s having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenes—a cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.

Vickie is grateful to have Special Agent Griffin Pryce and the FBI’s elite Krewe of Hunters on her side. Vickie and Griffin are finding their way in an increasingly passionate relationship, and he’s keeping her safe and sane amid the disturbing investigation. The search for Alex will take them deep into the wilderness of Massachusetts on the trail of a serial killer, where an ancient evil is waking.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This series is one of my favorites. I always look forward to picking up the latest but this one didn’t do it for me. I think it might have been because it was the same characters from the previous book. We met Vickie and Griffin in Dying Breath which was a really good book. I am not exactly sure why we have a follow up book to that one. Usually the books in this series bring the previous characters back as background but this one focuses on the same couple again.

Now that being said one of the things I enjoy most about this series is the history that Graham includes. I feel the need to mention this in every review because by the end of each other books I am ready to jump on a plane to visit the location and this was no different. The location is still Boston and the surrounding areas and this is an area with so much history that Graham had to work with.

This might not have been one of my favorites but I can’t wait for the next one. Because even the non-faves are still a joy to read.

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

July 24, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Serenity Harbor by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Serenity Harbor
SERIES #: Haven Point #6
CHARACTERS: Bowie & Katrina
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/27/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the town of Haven Point, love can be just a wish—and one magical kiss—away…

Computer-tech millionaire Bowie Callahan is about the last person that schoolteacher Katrina Bailey wants to work for. As far as she can see, he’s arrogant, entitled and not up to the task of caring for his young half brother, Milo. But Kat is, especially if it brings her closer to her goal of adopting an orphaned little girl. And as her kindness and patience work wonders with Milo, she realizes there’s more to sexy, wary Bo than she’d ever realized.

Bo never imagined he’d be tasked with caring for a sibling he didn’t know existed. Then again, he never pictured himself impulsively kissing vibrant, compassionate Katrina in the moonlight. Now he’s ready to make her dream of family come true…and hoping there’s room in it for him, too…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts The thing about this author is Thayne knows her romance can speak for itself without needing to push sex into the mix. Not thatsex in stories isn’t good. It can be depending on the story but Thayne writes romance, plain and simple, and this story is no different.

Bowie is a sweet guy but he has so much going on that he doesn’t know how to handle any of it. Kat is trying so hard to turn her life around and they somehow manage to meet and realize they can be good for each other and get what they need. Kat needs money to adopt a little girl. Bo needs someone to help with his little brother with autism. Kat is written so patient and loving, at least when it comes to everyone except herself. Milo is written really well. His autism is explained and portrayed so well.

This is a really sweet contemporary romance. Made to bring the reader in from the start. It can be read as a stand alone but the series is a great read. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this book. Great beach or front porch read.

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