Review Sunday – Page 54 – Books-n-Kisses

May 12, 2017May 7, 2017

Kelly reviews Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Bone Crossed
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #4
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 4 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: February 9, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Patricia Briggs’s world, a place where “witches, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters live beside ordinary people” (Booklist). It takes a very unusual woman to call it home – and there’s no one quite like Mercy Thompson.
By day, Mercy is a car mechanic in the sprawling Tri-Cities of Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shapeshifter with some unique talents, Mercy has often found herself having to maintain a tenuous harmony between the human and the not so human. This time she may get more than she bargained for.
Marsilia, the local Vampire Queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan – and she’s out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack (and her close relationship with its sexy Alpha), it won’t be Mercy’s blood Marsilia is after.
It’ll be her friends’

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Bone Crossed finds us back in Mercy’s world after the events of Iron Kissed with Mercy not herself anymore. She has forever changed and it is making the people around her change too. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is the wolf’s need to protect her. Mercy will need all the help from her friends in this book. Because this time the Vampire Queen has Mercy in her crosshairs.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the way that Ms. Briggs tackled the events from book 3 and how Mercy is learning to cope. How Adam and the other are learning to help her too. Adam is so sweet and understanding. I love that Mercy and Ben are becoming better friends (because I am really liking Ben). We get to see a lot more of Stefan in Bone Crossed. He is not at his best and the Wolf’s have to save him a time or two. But we learn just how much he cares about Mercy. Well care might not be the right word for a vampires obsession. But I believe deep down Stefan might really be a good guy. And honestly if Marsilia wasn’t so evil and trying to always kill Mercy I think she would be pretty awesome.

If you have never tried an audio book you really should think about picking up this series. Ms. King is so amazing. The level of skill that this woman has is unreal. There are times with Adam, Stefan, Samuel or really any of them are talking that I totally forget that it is Lorelie narrating!! That right there my friends is the sign of a great narrator!!!

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

May 11, 2017May 7, 2017

Kelly reviews Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Iron Kissed
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #3
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
PUBLICATION DATE: January 2, 2008
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 11 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator…

Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape – but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it’s up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not.

Mercy’s loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can’t decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice for her

REVIEW:
This story broke me. I had to power through the ending of this book. It hurt so much to listen to what Mercy went through. But if anyone can come out the other side stronger it will be Mercy. I don’t like it when authors make their character suffer like this and I just hope that it doesn’t affect Mercy’s future.
Even with all that happened Iron Kissed was a good book. It was a turning point for many storylines for Mercy. We finally resolve the love triangle. We learn more about the Fae and the powers they hold. We get to see Adam in full Alpha mode. We learn a lot more about Ben, which makes me love this British pain in the backside wolf. There is so much more I could tell you but I won’t.
If you are a Mercy Thompson fan please be warned that Iron Kissed is heartbreaking. If you are new to this series do not start with this book. Start with book one, learn who Mercy is and fall in love with her and her wolfs.

Ms. King does an amazing job yet again. I am completely blown away by her talents as a storyteller. Her ability to make it through a tough book like Iron Kissed just makes me love her that much more.

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

May 10, 2017May 7, 2017

Kelly reviews Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

TITLE: Blood Bound
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #2
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 2 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2007
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Under the rule of science, there are no witch burnings allowed, no water trials or public lynchings. In return, the average law-abiding, solid citizen has little to worry about from the things that go bump in the night. Sometimes I wish I was an average citizen…

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful adventure with Mercy Thompson and the supernatural creatures of the Tri-Cities. I just love Mercy. She is smart, tough and wily just like the coyote that she is. Mercy had to use all of her skills in Blood Bound! There is a lot of things that happen that will make future stories very interesting.
The love triangle between Adam-Mercy-Samuel is driving me a bit nuts!! Make a choice girl!!! I love both of these wolfs and am going to be be heartbroken for one of them.
I can’t wait to see what is next for Mercy!!!
And of course the amazingly talented Ms. King lends her voice to bring Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Stefan and the rest of wolfs, vamps, shifters, fae and others. I always love having Ms. King read to me a story. Because she doesn’t’ just read it she lives the story. There is a huge difference between reading and telling a story and Ms. King does this job wonderfully!!!
On to the next story!!

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

May 9, 2017May 7, 2017

Kelly reviews Moon Called by Patricia Biggs

TITLE: Moon Called
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #1
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 14 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 31, 2006
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercedes “Mercy” Thompson is a talented Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She also happens to be a walker, a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote at will. Mercy’s next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she’s fixing a bus for a vampire. This is the world of Mercy Thompson, one that looks a lot like ours but is populated by those things that go bump in the night. And Mercy’s connection to those things is about to get her into some serious hot water..

REVIEW:
Moon Called introduces us to the a world where the Paranormals real and humans just found about the Fae. They have yet to find out about the Were’s, the Vampires or what Mercy really is.
Where have I been? And how the heck did I miss out on this series until now? I guess the only good thing is that I am able to listen to the stories back to back to back. Which is making me a very happy girl! Ms. Briggs amazing story writing plus the gloriously talented narrating of Ms. Lorelei King equals WINNER!!!!!
I love Mercy! She is strong, determined and willing to always push the envelope. She knows when she needs to but in (which is always) and when to but out (which is never) and boy does she know how to get herself in a pickle.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this series. I can’t wait for more adventures with Mercy, Adams, Samuel, Stephen, Z , Uncle Mike and the rest of the unfriendly’s in the Tri-Cities.

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

May 8, 2017May 7, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick

TITLE: The Girl Who Knew Too Much
CHARACTERS: Irene & Oliver
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/09/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amanda Quick, the bestselling author of ’Til Death Do Us Part, transports readers to 1930s California, where glamour and seduction spawn a multitude of sins…

When Hollywood moguls and stars want privacy, they head to an idyllic small town on the coast, where the exclusive Burning Cove Hotel caters to their every need. It’s where reporter Irene Glasson finds herself staring down at a beautiful actress at the bottom of a pool.

Seeking the truth, Irene finds herself drawn to a master of deception. Oliver Ward was once a world-famous magician—until he was mysteriously injured during his last performance. Now the owner of the Burning Cove Hotel, he can’t let scandal threaten his livelihood, even if it means trusting Irene, a woman who seems to have appeared in Los Angeles out of nowhere four months ago.

With Oliver’s help, Irene soon learns that the glamorous paradise of Burning Cove hides dark and dangerous secrets. And that the past—always just out of sight—could drag them both under…

REVIEW:
I am a fan of Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick so I was looking forward to this story but it just didn’t meet my expectations. Most of the book Amanda Quick are historical romance but this was set in the 1930’s. The other problem is it just didn’t have the writing style I am used to with Quick/JAK.

I think it was supposed to be a form of Film Noir but it felt really cheesy. Gosh I really hate saying that since I love JAK so much and wouldn’t miss one of her books if at all possible.

I want to make one thing clear though. I have based the stars on the books I normally read by this author. If based on a standard book the stars might be higher but this book is just not up to JAK/Quick’s par.

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

May 3, 2017April 30, 2017

Kimberly reviews Dating The Undead by Juliet Lyons

TITLE: Dating The Undead
SERIES #: V-Date.com #1
CHARACTERS: Silver & Logan
AUTHOR: Juliet Lyons
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/02/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s Bridget Jones with vampires in this fresh and funny paranormal romance from debut author Juliet Lyons

When Silver Harris kisses sexy Irish vampire Logan Byrne on New Year’s Eve, she knows other humans just won’t suffice. Convinced she’ll never see him again, she joins the uber-popular vampire dating site, V-Date.com.

What Silver doesn’t know is that the site is more dangerous than she could ever imagined, and soon she’s in over her head. When Logan returns, sparks fly and attraction sizzles, but they’ll have to escape some very real demons if they have any chance of lasting forever.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I read the synopsis of this book and was really excited about all the differences this book would have from other vampire stories but I have to say I was wrong. Not that this book is bad. It isn’t. It’s actually good but the parts I thought I would enjoy like people knowing vampires exist, vampires needing a dating site, etc just seemed to take away from the enthralling vampires I am used to.

The characters are well written and I enjoyed them I am just not sure that I thought the story flowed. And maybe I missed it but I am not sure why all of a sudden they are in a world where vampires are known about and the world doesn’t care. Well they care and want more information but it just doesn’t seem to be a big deal.

Maybe the others in the series will address this but I am not sure if I will be picking them up.

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

May 1, 2017April 30, 2017

Kelly reviews Love Me Again by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Love Me Again
SERIES #: Hope #7
CHARACTERS: Deacon Fox & Loretta Simmons
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: May 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let Go, it’s never too late for a second chance at first love…

When Loretta Simmons returns to Hope, Oklahoma, after a disastrous marriage, she’s determined to remain independent for the sake of her daughter. The only thing standing in her way is Deacon Fox—the man she loved and walked away from years ago.

Since Loretta owns the bookstore right next to his current renovation project, Deacon can’t escape the woman who broke his heart. Throw in her adorable little girl and one ridiculously oversized dog, and they’re almost a family. Only he can’t be that guy—what they had was once in a lifetime.

But love has a funny way of re-opening a door you thought was firmly closed

REVIEW:
After Loretta’s divorce she found herself at a bit of a cross roads. Not really knowing what to do or where to go. But when she thought of were she wanted to raise her daughter the only place that would do would be Hope. But going home is not always the easiest thing to do. Going home means facing your past. A past that involves on Deacon Fox.
Another wonder story from Hope, Oklahoma. In Love Me Again we get to see high school sweethearts Deacon and Loretta reconnect after to many years apart. I really enjoyed watching Loretta grow as a person and a mom. For her to find her own footing but still being able to lean on Deacon.
I really enjoyed this story. Deacon is just so sweet and forgiving. He knows what he wants and is not afraid to go for it. Convincing Loretta might be another story. And of course Otis!! I mean who could love this silly, tomato plant stealing, shoe chewing guy?

But I do want to know about the two high school friends. It felt like the story line on that was never really resolved. Yes there was a confrontation but I wanted more out of it. Maybe in a future book there will be more? I don’t know. But until then. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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.

April 28, 2017April 25, 2017

Kimberly reviews Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

TITLE: Natchez Burning
SERIES #: Penn Cage #4
CHARACTERS: Penn & Cailtlin
AUTHOR: Greg Iles
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles comes the first novel in his Natchez Burning trilogy—which also includes The Bone Tree and the upcoming Mississippi Blood—an epic trilogy that interweaves crimes, lies, and secrets past and present in a mesmerizing thriller featuring Southern lawyer and former prosecutor Penn Cage.
Raised in the southern splendor of Natchez, Mississippi, Penn Cage learned all he knows of duty from his father, Dr. Tom Cage. But now the beloved family doctor has been accused of murdering the African American nurse with whom he worked in the dark days of the 1960s. Once a crusading prosecutor, Penn is determined to save his father, but Tom, stubbornly invoking doctor-patient privilege, refuses even to speak in his own defense.
Penn’s quest for the truth sends him deep into his father’s past, where a sexually charged secret lies. More chilling, this long-buried sin is only one thread in a conspiracy of greed and murder involving the vicious Double Eagles, an offshoot of the KKK controlled by some of the most powerful men in the state. Aided by a dedicated reporter privy to Natchez’s oldest secrets and by his fiancée, Caitlin Masters, Penn uncovers a trail of corruption and brutality that places his family squarely in the Double Eagles’ crosshairs.
With every step costing blood and faith, Penn is forced to confront the most wrenching dilemma of his life: Does a man of honor choose his father or the truth?

REVIEW:
I requested this book seeing only the name of the author, who is a author I really enjoy, but after reading the description I realized I had already read this book when it came out. This is the fourth in the series of Penn Cage but a trilogy inside the series.

Penn is an interesting character. But since this is a trilogy inside the series you can pick this up and not be confused about the characters. What I enjoyed was how much Penn wants to protect his father but also he needs to prove the truth to everyone.

If you are a fan of suspense Greg Iles is a great author to turn to. Don’t miss this book.

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

April 27, 2017April 23, 2017

Kimberly reviews A Fire In The Blood by Amanda Ashley

TITLE: A Fire In The Blood
SERIES #: Series Name (if series)
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Andrei
AUTHOR: Amanda Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you. The gypsy’s hand gripped Tessa’s tighter. He will bring you death, she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. And life.

Ten years later, when Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious attacker, she has no idea that the handsome stranger the gypsy fortune teller predicted is not a hunter but a seven-hundred-year-old vampire. Darkly powerful, unbelievably compelling, he is obviously pursuing Tessa, but is it her love he’s after or her blood?

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts So this was a difficult story to read. First there are a number of “typical” vampire characteristics but there are a number that are not. But even that would have been ok if the story had been interesting. It took forever for me to even like Andrei and then I wouldn’t say he was great. Then Tessa is just an odd character. She is so accepting of things and then questions the littlest things. It didn’t make sense.

The background characters are irritating if you ask me. Jilly is a know it all and it gets to be too much. Bailey is great. I might have enjoyed the story of Bailey and Tristan more than this story.

I usually like Amanda Ashley’s stories but this one just didn’t do it for me.

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

April 26, 2017April 23, 2017

Kelly reviews Making Waves by Laura Moore

TITLE: Making Waves
SERIES #: Beach Lane #1
CHARACTERS: Max Carr & Dakota Hale
AUTHOR: Laura Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: April 25, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A self-made woman with a sweet, successful life discovers that even the best-laid plans are no match for unexpected passion in the beginning of a brand-new series for fans of Julie James and Tracy Brogan.

As the responsible daughter of an irresponsible socialite, Dakota Hale has plenty of practice catering to the whims of the rich and spoiled and she’s turned that experience into a thriving concierge business serving the needs of the Hamptons’ wealthy elite. But living and working among the upper crust has never tempted Dakota to follow in her mother’s jet-setting footsteps. Anytime the drama on land gets too outrageous, Dakota finds calm surfing the Atlantic waves. But when sexy mogul Max Carr hires her, it rocks her balance in a big way.

Max works hard, but he’s never had to put any effort into winning over a woman until now. With her stunning beauty and keen intelligence, Dakota is worth the effort. But it is plain she has no interest in a casual fling, and that’s all Max with his grief-stricken heart can offer. But one fraught night changes everything, with consequences neither Dakota nor Max anticipated. Now they must navigate the rough waters of society gossip and devastating secrets that threaten their fragile relationship. If they can trust in the strength of their growing feelings, they ll find that the dreams they’ve been chasing are close enough to embrace . . . together.”

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Dakota Hale has always known what it was like to be an outsider. From a birth she was an outcast in her family. But that didn’t stop her from becoming an wonderful person that has made her own success.
Max Carr is your Wall Street guy who only thinks about the next deal, the next dollar and the next adventure. He is pretty much a self absorbed rich guy. But buying Windhaven is about to change his life in ways he never could imagine.
Making Waves was a good read. I have enjoyed Ms. Moore’s books in the past so of course when I saw she was starting a new series I knew I needed to read. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I would really like to see Piper and Mimi suffer more in future books.

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

April 25, 2017April 23, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Hangman by Mary Burton

TITLE: The Hangman
SERIES #: The Forgotten Files #3
CHARACTERS: Julia & Jim
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julia Vargas is a cop with a mission. When she’s not chasing down bad guys, Julia dedicates her time to investigating the Hangman serial killer…the same unsolved case that her father, Jim Vargas, was working on when he supposedly shot and killed himself three decades before. While rumors continue to swirl around her father’s death, Julia attempts to hunt down the truth.

The case once again hits dangerously close, however, when a woman’s bones are discovered in a historic downtown home, together with a photograph of Jim and Julia as a young girl. As horrifying as this discovery is, it may just be the break Julia has waited for. Working alongside Tobias Novak, a homicide detective with whom she shares a complicated—and steamy—history, she’s forced to confront her own past even as the Hangman looms in the shadows. But as the mysterious killer circles closer, Julia can feel her own noose begin to tighten…

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but can be read as a stand alone since the characters have not carried over. These stories are more of a suspense with romance. The male and female characters of this book are already starting a relationship but the evidence that Tobias finds has him call Julia in to check out. The evidence includes a picture with her and her father. Because of this she starts up the investigation her father had started years ago. But now she has Tobias to help her.

Mary Burton is quickly becoming a favorite authors of mine. She does follow the same outline on a lot of her books but they are really well written that they are enjoyable.

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

April 20, 2017April 16, 2017

Kelly reviews Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Any Day Now
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #3
CHARACTERS: Conrad Boyle & Sierra Jones
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: April 18, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The highly anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan’s Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It’s a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.
For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.
Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

REVIEW:
Any Day Now was a great follow up book in Ms. Carr’s new Sullivan’s Crossing series. I really enjoyed book one What We Find and enjoyed Any Day Now just as much. I really enjoyed watching Sierra try to portray herself as this tough as nails and I don’t need anyone person. Only for her to find out that while yes she is stronger than she thought. And the idea of having people in her corner is really not that scary.
I loved the dog saving scene. I loved that Sierra would risk herself to save such a sweet puppy.
Connie and Sierra are get together. It was great to see how patient Connie was with her. Letting her realize what he knew all along.
I can’t wait to see what is next for this series.

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