Review Sunday – Page 55 – Books-n-Kisses

April 19, 2017April 16, 2017

Kimberly reviews Cauldrons & Confessions by Michelle M. Pillow

TITLE: Cauldrons & Confessions
SERIES #: Warlocks MacGregor #4
CHARACTERS: Malina & Dar
AUTHOR: Michelle M Pillow
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Malina MacGregor is more than just a delicate flower in need of manly protection, but you wouldn’t know it by the slew of male family members who show up anytime she tries to go on a date. Sure, she’s made some poor choices in men in the past—like the demon she mistakenly hooked up with in Las Vegas years ago. But that was then, and this is now, and she more than made up for that mistake.

Darragh “Dar” Lahey may be a luck demon, but his luck ran out the night he met the temptress—Malina. Now he’s back, and he has an axe to grind. Malina needs to pay for what she did to him, and the supernatural attacks he’s firing at her magickal family is just the beginning. There is only one hitch in his plans for revenge—even after all this time the stubborn woman can still make his heart ache, and his body burn with need.

REVIEW:
So I have read the first two books in the series but somehow missed the third (What???) which makes this one #4 and I am so glad I did not miss this one. Malina is the only girl in the MacGregor family and because of that the most protected and cherished. But now we know she has a past that haunts her as much as the ghosts who come into the mansion causing chaos.

I enjoy this clan so much. There are such great senses of humors these clansmen have but there wasn’t too much in this one even though there was plenty. And because it is a short read a lot gets thrown into the pages but it doesn’t matter because the book holds you and makes you want to read it all in one sitting.

You can not go wrong with these Scots or with Michelle Pillow’s books.

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

April 18, 2017April 16, 2017

Kimberly reviews Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Any Day Now
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #2
CHARACTERS: Sierra Jones
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/18/17
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:
This is the second in the Sullivan’s Crossing series. I enjoyed book 1 so I was excited to get this story. I was not disappointed.

The story is well written and perfect for woman’s lit fans. Sierra is trying so hard to prove herself, more so to herself than anyone else. But as we all know we are not meant to live a solitary life and needing someone is not a show of weakness. And it was great to see Sierra learn this lesson.

And I would bet any reader of this story is going to say how much they loved the dog rescue scene. LOVED IT!

Another great read from Robyn Carr.

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

April 12, 2017April 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews This Time Around by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: This Time Around
CHARACTERS: Allie & Jack
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Allie Ross is not living the life she once dreamed. Her law career ended before it ever started, her parents landed in jail for running a Ponzi scheme, and she just inherited her grandmother’s B&B—which is nice, even if it is full of extra-toed cats. As for her love life…she’d rather not talk about it.

When Jack Carpenter reaches out to reconnect with Allie, the girl who broke his heart in college, his plan is to impress her with the adult he’s become. Sure, he was a deadbeat then, but life has forced him to grow up. And it’s a relief to find out that things didn’t necessarily go the way Allie expected either.

As Allie and Jack get reacquainted, they rediscover the things they loved—and hated—about each other. But who they are now isn’t who they were then, and secrets—old and new—will test whether they have a future together, or if the past is destined to repeat itself.

REVIEW:
Second chance at love at it’s finest. How many times have you thought about having a second chance with your first love. And the image is perfect. Well not so much for Jack and Allie. May not be perfect but it is funny. I guess if you can’t have one you should have the other.

I enjoyed this book very much. I can only remember reading one other book from Tawna years ago and I don’t remember why I haven’t picked up anymore until this one but it reminds me that I need to go back and grab a few.

Need a fun read that will lighten up your day? This is it.

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

April 11, 2017April 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews Ever My Love by Lynn Kurland

TITLE: Ever My Love
SERIES #: MacLeod #10
CHARACTERS: Emma & Nathaniel
AUTHOR: Lynn Kurland
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Two people are caught up in love—and in time—in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Stars in Your Eyes.

In search of a fresh start, Emma Barton has traveled to Scotland to try to forget her rocky love life. Luckily, the gorgeous Highlander who owns the house up the path from her rental cottage might be exactly the kind of distraction she needs. But there’s more to his intriguing qualities than she can explain—and she certainly isn’t buying into the local legends of Highland magic.

Nathaniel MacLeod is a man adrift, all thanks to the unwanted gift that forces him to continually jump between centuries. He never knows if he’ll wind up in the present day or the fourteenth century, but when Emma follows him back through time, he suddenly has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight…

Someone has started to notice Nathaniel’s travels and now, no time period is safe, for him or for Emma.

REVIEW:
This is the 10th in the series and I a can not believe I am just now reading it. What a great book. There is just something about a time traveling romance but this one has everything it should. Mystery, romance, drastically different era’s and a strong couple who can deal with everything.

I can’t imagine having the strength that Emma has. From her strength to leave everything she knows to start over in Scotland to the fact she is able to deal with the travel and her man going back and forth at any time.

I found this book compelling and I plan to go back and read the series if it is as good as this one.

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

April 10, 2017April 9, 2017

Kimberly reviews Holding Fire by April Hunt

TITLE: Holding Fire
SERIES #: Alpha Security #2
CHARACTERS: Elle & Trey
AUTHOR: April Hunt
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

Alpha Security operative Trey Hanson is ready to settle down. When he meets a gorgeous blonde in a bar, and the connection between them is off the charts, he thinks he’s finally found the one. But after their night together ends in a hail of gunfire and she disappears in the chaos, Trey’s reasons for tracking her down are personal . . . until he learns she’s his next assignment.

Elle Monroe never expected to see Trey again. The night they shared was incredible, but the last thing she’s looking for is a relationship. Now that it’s clear she’s being targeted, though, she has no choice but to trust this man she barely knows with her life. And Trey’s not just determined to keep her safe . . . he’s determined to win her heart.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I did not read the first in the series but all in all I don’t think you need to but it may work best to have read it so you have the back story.

Trey is alllllll alpha. If you are not into books where the guy takes control to keep the damsel in distress safe then this is not the story for you. Trey is full on protector who really is a good guy who will do anything to protect the woman he is starting to fall for.

The bit of a change in this book is Elle is the “broken” one. She came from the bad home, she doesn’t want to fall in love, she is the one who to be independent and not depend on anyone ever again. Which is all honesty is usually the man’s perspective in books anymore. So the change was appreciated.

This book is truly enjoyable. I wouldn’t say it was a beach read but it is sure a cuddle up on the couch read with adventure, hot sex and characters who are well formed and enjoyable to read about.

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

April 7, 2017April 2, 2017

Kimberly Fighting Attraction by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Fighting Attraction
SERIES #: Redemption #4
CHARACTERS: Penny & Jack
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me.
I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption’s top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn’t the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He’s hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart…Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Holy Smokes! This story is sweet, dark, sexy and intense. Penny and Jack both have a secret that they keep hidden from everyone including those closest to them. Both are into pain. Giving and receiving it. They seem perfect for each other but are they really?

This is really really dark and yet Sarah Castille manages to lighten it up. Penny has suffered since she was young at the hands of men she thought loved her and when she starts to feel she is not lovable or worthwhile she starts cutting to feel the pain. Her emotional pain is palpable and you hurt for her. Jack needs to give pain. He wants to inflict as much as he can to get out the stresses in his life. But are these the same kind of pain that they should be together?

The out of the bedroom/club scenes between Jack and Penny are so cute. He is so different in the real world and while overly protective and possessive he wants to care for the one woman who understands him. I loved the playfulness they have together. I love all the guys of Redemption to be honest. I just want to climb into the book and hang out with these guys and girls. While the couple is the main focus the others take care of their own.

Any fan of this series, of romance, of erotica/BDSM will love this story. But understand the darkness isn’t the bedroom/club scenes it is the inner turmoil and scenes of emotional to physical pain that pulls at the readers heart.

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

April 6, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews Wild Ride by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Wild Ride
SERIES #: Black Knight Ink #9
CHARACTERS: Ozzie & Samantha
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The hero we’ve all been waiting for…

Ethan “Ozzie” Sykes

Former Navy SEAL

Underground operator for Black Knights Inc., the covert government defense firm disguised as a custom motorcycle shop.

In a black-on-black international mission that went seriously sideways, Ozzie was badly injured—now he’s stuck at BKI headquarters in Chicago, champing at the bit to get out into the field again. To his disgust, he’s tasked with distracting Chicago Tribune ace reporter Samantha Tate, who’s been trying to dig up the dirt on BKI for years. Turns out Samantha’s beauty, intelligence and sense of humor are a seriously big distraction, and Ozzie’s losing his desire to keep her at bay.

Ozzie’s tired of hiding, and Samantha may be the best-and worst—person to share his secrets with…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts OZZIE!!!!!!
Need I say more? Oh, I do? So telling you that Ozzie finally gets his story is not enough for you? Telling you that Ozzie is awesome is not enough? Telling you that we learn so much more about Ozzie and his history that is beyond heartbreaking is not enough? Telling you the Samantha Tate is a rock star reporter that will not ever give up? How about Ozzie and Samantha in the kitchen. Sharing a nice meal together? What more do you want from me????
But seriously, I loved Ozzie’s book. I loved that we get to know him so much better than just the sweet, sexy, Star Trek lovin’ and lover of everything 80’s computer nerd. I really enjoyed the talk between Becky and Ozzie. Yes, there might have been a tear or a lot… If you are a BKI fan you will LOVE Ozzie’s book. If you are new to this series you really should read this series in order so that you get a better understand of the world. Plus you get a lot of Ozzie throughout the whole series. And of course we get to see a lot of Christian. Can’t wait for his book.

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

April 5, 2017April 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Forever Mine by Erin Nicholas

TITLE: Forever Mine
SERIES #: Opposites Attract #2
CHARACTERS: Maya & Alex
AUTHOR: Erin Nicholas
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maya Goodwin doesn’t believe in holding back. Ever. As a cop, she never hesitated to throw herself into harm’s way to save someone. Even after an injury on the job forces her to retire, she’s not afraid to keep risking it all to get the life she wants. With a new career teaching martial arts to kids already underway, she’s looking forward to the future – and taking a chance on the unbelievably hot Dr. Alex Nolan.

Maya – daring and spontaneous – is the exact opposite of what Alex always thought he wanted. But when a nine-year-old daughter he never knew existed shows up on his doorstep, Maya is the one who helps them hold it together. With love on the line, will the guy who’s always played it safe be willing to take the biggest risk of all?

REVIEW:
This is a really cute story. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it but once I was I couldn’t stop reading. Alex and Maya are adorable. They are so different from each other and yet so good together. I really enjoyed the beginning connection between Alex and his new found daughter. He is trying so hard but as a doctor/scientist he is very methodical. How sweet is it that whenever he learns something new about Charli he puts a note in his phone so he doesn’t make any mistakes later on.

This is not a story that will change the world but it is a great beach read that leaves you feel good about life.

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

April 4, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews This Time Around by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: This Time Around
CHARACTERS: Jack Carpenter & Allie Ross
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
NARRATOR: Carly Robins
PUBLICATION DATE: April 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts When we meet Jack he is coming back to Portland Oregon. One of his first order of business is to meet up with his old flame Allie. This first meeting is hilarious. It doesn’t quite go according as planned. When Jack offers to help Allie at the B&B everything changes.
Jack & Allie learn so much about themselves and each other. That had they stayed together their lives may not have turned out as amazing.
This was such a fun second chance at love story. It almost makes me wish I had someone in my past to reconnect….. Nope! I will leave that to Jack and Allie.

I had the honor of listening to this book. I do love me some audio books. This was my first story to have Ms. Robins narrat for me. She did a good job. My biggest issue was the male voices. At times it was a little hard tell the difference between Allie and Jack. I am not sure if it was because I was listening in the car? Or if there was just not enough difference in the depth of the voice.
If you are looking for a fun second chance at true love read you really should pick up a copy of This Time Around! If you are an audio book love go listen to the sample of this story!

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

April 3, 2017April 2, 2017

Kelly reviews Mr. Ridley by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Mr. Ridley
SERIES #: The Whipping Society #1
CHARACTERS: Mr. Ridley & Miss Watkins
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: February 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LEATHER. CIGARS. ROPE. COCA. SEX.
Meet Mr. Ridley.
BOOK 1 of 3, all roped together by one man and one woman bent one twisted passion: making the other writhe.
LONDON, ENGLAND – 1830
Criminals fear the iron fist of justice he delivers. Scotland Yard will do anything to get their hands on his mind. Whilst women? They crawl in the hope of becoming his. But only one woman is about to hold his career and his body and his mind hostage.
Jemdanee (Kumar) Lillian Watkins is a botanical savant from India who ends up getting arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. Only one man believes her: Mr. Ridley. Drawn to him and the rope he knots in her presence, she quickly realizes this regimented dark hero hides nothing but his passion.
Themes include Dark humor, BDSM, mystery, and romance.
“I can be as stubborn as you. I will tap the window until it cracks and if you still refuse to open that window despite my beak bleeding…” She held up her bandaged hand. “Then I swear unto you, Ridley, I will make you bleed in turn and I will make you crawl. For you cannot make us both suffer for the bond we have found in each other.”
—————————————————————————————————————–
PLEASE NOTE: Unlike most historical romances where the hero & heroine’s attraction and love for each other stops at a mere one book, this full length book is the beginning of many (Full length book episodes!) following the highly charged, erotic saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship. Every book is tied up in own way.
BOOK 1, Mr. Ridley (Available now!)
BOOK 2, The Devil is French (Pre-Order Now, Available 4/28/17)
BOOK 3, Reborn (Available 6/28/2017, with Pre-Order Available when second book hits)

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What a wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Marvelle. I am already excited for the next two installments in this series.
Jemdanee is not your typical heroine. She is a lot younger then I had expected her to be. But boy howdy is she tough. She knows what she wants in life and is not afraid to stand up for it. Even if it gets her into a very awkward situation.
Mr. Ridley… Where to begin with him. He is everything you think of when you think of talk, dark and mysterious. A mystery that you want so badly to solve. I really liked him. Although I really wanted to punch him multiple times during the book.
But these two together!! Fireworks!!! There will also be tears. I definitely shed a few tears. But I have faith the Ms. Marvelle knows what she is doing by killing a bit of my soul in this story. 😉
Until next time Mr. Ridley…..

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

March 31, 2017March 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Embracing Love by Alison Mello

TITLE: Embracing Love
SERIES #: Once Broken #1
CHARACTERS: Kenzie & Remy
AUTHOR: Alison Mello
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
McKenzie McCormick moved back home for one reason only, and falling for a soldier isn’t it…
Fort Stewart is only a few miles away, which means her hometown has its fair share of soldiers. But Kenzie chooses to steer clear of them, as she still struggles to cope with the grief of losing her father to war. All she wants to do is help her aunt take care of her ill grandmother—until a gorgeous green-eyed Army Captain moves back into town.
The last thing Captain Remington Bennett expects to find is a pretty brunette while out on his morning run…
Intrigued by the woman he passes almost every morning, Remy is determined to get to know the brown-eyed beauty. Kenzie is reluctant to get too close, but his persistence in pursuing her slowly breaks down her defenses, turning what started out as nothing more than a nod and a shy smile into something neither of them could have predicted.
War has already taken too much from her, and Kenzie can’t afford to lose her heart to a soldier…
Even though the mutual attraction becomes too strong to ignore, Kenzie keeps fighting her feelings for the handsome Captain. But when Remy is called out on a mission and she’s faced with the possibility he might not come back, Kenzie realizes she may have let her only chance at love slip through her fingers.
Now that Kenzie is finally ready to embrace love with the kind of man she has spent her entire life avoiding, it might just be too late…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok so this is going to sound like I didn’t like this book because I have a lot to say about it but here is the thing. I did enjoy it. It is not often a story can make tears roll down my cheeks so when this one did I knew I had become invested. So while this may sound like I have a lot of complaints I feel more like this is constructive criticism than anything else.

It took me a little while to get used to the way the author writes. The sentences are very clipped, like “When we arrive, I pull her seat out for her. She sits.” Also in the beginning the sex scenes seem out of the blue. Almost like someone told her to add scenes for more impact. The scenes are also repetitive.

I actually looked to see if this was the author’s first book but it is not. She has had a number of other ones but by the end of the book I was much more familiar with her way of writing and it seemed to be easier to read. And while the sec scenes don’t really improve all that much they just are part of the story and easily read through.

Now I want to say again…. I ended up really liking this story. The background characters are what really make this story. Remy’s family and Kenzie’s Nana are wonderful. I would recommend this story to pretty much anyone and would also say don’t judge a book by its first (or second) chapter.

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

March 30, 2017March 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews Crazy For You by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: Crazy For You
SERIES #: Risking It All #2
CHARACTERS: Emma & Ryan
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SHE’S TAKING A WALK ON HIS WILD SIDE

Emma Rush can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a thing for Ryan Blake. Haven’s resident bad boy is just so freakin’ hot-with tattoos, a motorcycle, and enough rough-around-the-edges sexiness to melt all her self-control. Now that Emma’s over being a “good girl,” she needs a little help being naughty . . . and she knows just where to start.

Before Emma’s brother enlisted in the military, he made Ryan promise that he would protect her from everything–including himself. When her brother doesn’t come home, Ryan needs to turn his screwed-up life around to honor his pledge. But he knows he’s still not the right kind of guy for someone as sweet as Emma. Only he can’t stop wanting to be with her. Wanting her. Falling in love with a good girl may be the craziest risk this bad boy can take . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This story is adorable. We met both of these characters in the first book of the series, Run To You. Emma and Ryan have known each other since childhood. She was his best friends little sister. But until now Ryan never saw her as anything else…. Until now.

In the book it says Ryan is a sheep in wolf’s clothing and I think it is a perfect description. Ryan wants to give Emma the world, even if that includes their romance copying the pages of a romance novel. Emma just wants to live her life. She has always been the quiet little good girl but her life has changed and she just wants some adventure and Ryan in the perfect one to help her out.

I love this bunch of friends. I would want to be a part of this group and have these guys be big brothers and the girls be best friends. I enjoyed the addition of Ryan’s little brother Trent as well.

This is a great book. Perfect beach read or curl up on the couch and relax read. Can’t wait for Jessica and Mark’s story.

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