Review Sunday – Page 58 – Books-n-Kisses

February 16, 2017February 12, 2017

Kimberly reviews Upon A Mystic Tide by Vicki Hinze

TITLE: Upon A Mystic Tide
SERIES #: Seascape Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Bess & John
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/08/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With their painful divorce looming on the horizon, radio psychologist Bess Cameron and her soon-to-be-ex-husband, John Mystic, meet at Maine’s Seascape Inn to finalize the terms of a property settlement. Bess believes John is in love with someone else, and she’s determined to move on without him. Their marriage appears doomed until the Inn’s matchmaking ghost, Tony, and its irrepressible owner, Miss Hattie, take matters in hand. Sometimes you have to leap upon a mystic tide and have faith the sand will shift and an island will appear . . .

The second book of bestselling author Vicki Hinze’s Seascape Trilogy brings readers back to the gentle magic of a place where love is always stronger than the fragile boundaries of life.

REVIEW:
This is one of my favorite series of all time. There is just something special about this story, this series and the Seascape Inn.

This trilogy is about love. Love that transcends time. I could talk about this book for pages and pages but it really just comes down to if you enjoy a romance book with everything you could ever ask for than this book is it.

Get these books and just know you will want to read them over and over.

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

February 15, 2017February 12, 2017

Kimberly reviews Heartbreak Hotel by Jonathan Kellerman

TITLE: Heartbreak Hotel
SERIES #: Alex Delaware #32
CHARACTERS: Alex Delaware
AUTHOR: Jonathan Kellerman
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/14/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis investigate the death of Alex’s most mysterious patient to date in the sensational new thriller from the master of suspense, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman.

At nearly one hundred years old, Thalia Mars is a far cry from the patients that child psychologist Alex Delaware normally treats. But the charming, witty woman convinces Alex to meet with her in a suite at the Aventura, a luxury hotel with a checkered history.

What Thalia wants from Alex are answers to unsettling questions—about guilt, patterns of criminal behavior, victim selection. When Alex asks the reason for her morbid fascination, Thalia promises to tell all during their next session. But when he shows up the following morning, he is met with silence: Thalia is dead in her room.

When questions arise about how Thalia perished, Alex and homicide detective Milo Sturgis must peel back the layers of a fascinating but elusive woman’s life and embark on one of the most baffling investigations either of them has ever experienced. For Thalia Mars is a victim like no other, an enigma who harbored nearly a century of secrets and whose life and death draw those around her into a vortex of violence.

REVIEW:
I wish I could say that I have read all 32 books in this series but I haven’t. It has been very hit and miss for me. But I have come to realize that it is also hit and miss for me if I enjoy the story. But this one I enjoyed.

The feel of the book is pure film noir. So much is going on with a ton of characters that I found a bit hard to keep track of. There is a lot going on in this story but it does keep your interest. The downside is some things are a bit graphic. There is a rape scene that is really really hard to read.

If you are a fan of film noir or dark thrillers or suspense in general I think you will enjoy this story.

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

February 14, 2017February 12, 2017

Kimberly reviews Dark Witch & Creamy by H.Y. Hanna

TITLE: Dark, Witch & Creamy
SERIES #: Bewitched by Chocolate #1
CHARACTERS: Caitlyn & James
AUTHOR: H.Y. Hanna
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A witch, a kitty and dark chocolate magic…
Caitlyn is used to being the ugly duckling in her glamorous showbiz family… until the day she learns that she was adopted as an abandoned baby. Now, her search for answers takes her to the tiny English village of Tillyhenge where a man has been murdered by witchcraft – and where a mysterious shop selling enchanted chocolates is home to the “local witch”…

Soon Caitlyn finds herself fending off a toothless old vampire, rescuing an adorable kitten and meeting handsome aristocrat Lord James Fitzroy… not to mention discovering that she herself might have magical blood in her veins!

When she’s dragged into the murder investigation and realises that dark magic is involved, Caitlyn is forced to choose. Can she embrace her witchy powers in time to solve the mystery and save those she loves?

WARNING: May contain traces of “Hahaha!”

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ok so this story is cute but a bit boring. I can honestly say that was no “Hahaha!” from this book for me. Again it is cute but just not what I expected.

While I did mostly like this story it is a bit slow and none of the characters have much of a connection. I enjoyed the Widow Mags. She is just such a witchy (pun intended) woman with such attitude but really is sweet in her heart of hearts. I like the cousin connection as well. Caitlyn is a bit odd but I liked her too but just didn’t think she has much connection with anyone except the widow and her cousin.

I find it hard to say what I liked about this story but I did. I would read another from this author and in this series.

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

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February 13, 2017February 12, 2017

Kelly reviews The Hardest Hit by Jennifer Fusco

TITLE: The Hardest Hit
SERIES #: Ringside #3
CHARACTERS: Trevor Redding & Chelsea Fox
AUTHOR: Jennifer Fusco
PUBLICATION DATE: September 20, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Vegas. You’ve got ringside seats to the world’s hottest boxing match. Watch fearless champions. Meet the women that knock them off their feet. Fans of Katy Evans, Jamie McGuire and RJ Prescott – let’s get ready to ruuummble.
Trevor Redding has two families: the boxers at Stamina Gym and the dancers at The Gentlemen’s Club, where he works as a bouncer. So when one of the dancers is attacked, he rushes to the rescue, winding up in the hospital himself. Being his own boss, he’s not interested in what Dr Chelsea Fox has to say, no matter how stunningly beautiful she is. Concussion or not, he has the biggest fight of his career coming up. Everyone at Stamina is counting on him.
When Chelsea discovers that Trevor will do anything to fight, including hiding his diagnosis, she decides to show her roguishly handsome patient who’s boss – and just how rewarding it is to follow this doctor’s orders.
Ready for another round? Don’t miss Books One and Two in the series, Fighting For It and Going The Distance.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoyed Trevor and Chelsea’s story. Both characters are tough and determined. But there is something holding them each back. For Trevor it is recent activities and his ability to not fight. For Chelsea it is trying to live up to the standard that everyone else sets on her. I did enjoy the struggle between these two. I do wish that Trevor had been a tad bit more open minded and listened more. And Chelsea while doing the right thing should have just been honest.
I have enjoyed this whole series and hope that this is not the last that we see of this world.

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.

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February 9, 2017February 5, 2017

Kelly reviews My Sister’s Bones by Nuala Ellwood

TITLE: My Sister’s Bones
CHARACTERS: Kate Rafter
AUTHOR: Nuala Ellwood
PUBLICATION DATE: February 9, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘COMPELLING AND INTRIGUING, RIGHT FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE’ Sharon Bolton

ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO GO BACK?

Kate Rafter is a successful war reporter. She’s the strong one. The one who escaped Herne Bay and the memories it holds. Her sister Sally didn’t. Instead, she drinks.

But when their mother dies, Kate is forced to return to the old family home. And on her first night she is woken by a terrifying scream.

What secret has Kate stumbled upon?
And is she strong enough to uncover the truth . . . and make it out alive?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is my first story by Nuala Ellwood and WOW!! This was an emotional rollercoaster of a story. From page one I was drawn into Kate’s story. Kate has lived through hell as a kid and as an adult she puts herself in hell all the time. Kate is a journalist that puts herself in the middle of war zones and places no one else wants to go. But there is one place that Kate never wants to go to again. That is home. But with the death of her mother Kate knows it is time to face her past. But the events that are about to unfold even the seasoned journalist like Kate will never be prepared for.
I have to say that Nuala Ellwood kept me guessing the whole time. I honestly could not figure out what was going to happen until Ms. Ellwood told me and even when all was revealed I was still shocked. Such a great story and for this to be Ms. Ellwood’s debut novel is amazing!! I will be looking forward to what she has in store for us next.
If you are a suspense lover you need to add My Sister’s Bones to your must read list!

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

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February 8, 2017February 5, 2017

Kelly reviews Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Justice Ascending
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #3
CHARACTERS: Tace Justice & Sami Steel
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Tace Justice was a good ole Texas cowboy who served his country and loved his mama. After Scorpius, the world became dark, dangerous, and deadly… and so did he. The Vanguard medic is stronger, faster, and smarter than before, but he’s lost the line between right and wrong. His passion is absolute, and when he focuses it on one woman, there’s no turning back for either of them.

Sami Steel has been fighting to survive right alongside Tace, convincing the Vanguard soldiers she’s one of them. In truth, Sami is a former hacker turned government agent who worked at The Bunker, where scientists stored both contaminants and cures. Only she knows the location, and she’s not telling. Yet when sexual fire explodes between her and Tace, she’ll face even that hell again to save him.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Justice Ascending takes us back into a world that has been destroyed by the Scorpius bacterium and things are not getting any better for the people of Vanguard. Tace Justice has been trying to come to terms with himself after he was affected by Scorpius. Is it bad that I enjoyed reading about Tace’s struggles? Maybe not, it was good to see a vulnerable side to him. I really liked that Sami is tough and wants to be treated the same as any other soldier. Her backstory and the secrets she has been keeping proved very helpful. I enjoyed these two together.

Really enjoyed this book and was happy that Tace and Sami finally got together. I can’t wait to see what happens next. There are so many directions that Ms. Zanetti can go after the events of Justice Ascending. I am very much looking forward to it!

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

February 7, 2017February 5, 2017

Kimberly reviews Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Crossing Hearts
SERIES #: Cross Creek #1
CHARACTERS: Kimberly Kincaid
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this story. The reason I gave it 3.75 instead of 4 is there are just so many with the second chance at love storyline that it gets to be the same over and over. Now that being said this story was really good.

When Emerson comes home it is not because it is where she wants to be but because she is sick and even though she doesn’t tell her family she still needs to be home. Hunter is a good guy who, of course, never got over his first love. I have to say the sex scenes are worth reading.

The biggest problem was the illness. It just seemed to only be relevant when it was part of the plot and not other times. Meaning she can barely function at one point but can have the hot sex scenes I just talked about and let’s not even discuss the other physical activities she does without mention of hurting but having to push on, etc.

I think the story is good and worth the read.

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

February 6, 2017February 5, 2017

Kelly reviews The List by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The List
SERIES #: The List #1
CHARACTERS: Simon Traxel & Cassie Michaels
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the millionaire owner of a chain of computer shops, Simon Traxel isn’t normally hands-on with mundane repairs. But when a fretful brunette shows up with her fried laptop and killer green eyes, he makes an exception. And as it turns out, she needs more hands-on help than Simon imagined.

Brainy soil scientist Cassie Michaels has spent her whole life feeling like a grungy tree trunk beside her delicate flower sisters. To make herself more interesting, Cassie invented stories about her wild sex life—stories she’s expected to retell in vivid detail at a bachelorette party. Cassie’s attempt to catalog her biggest whoppers goes awry when she spills wine on her laptop and lands in Simon’s shop with her sexy list frozen on the screen.

But Simon’s interest is piqued, and the two strike a deal to make Cassie’s make-believe sexploits a reality. From steamy public romps gone hilariously awry, to sexy antics with kitchen utensils, their quest to conquer The List is equal parts scorching hot and adorably awkward.

As they near the end of The List though, Cassie and Simon second guess their pledge to shake hands and say goodbye when they cross off the last item. But will Simon’s big secret make that the one fantasy that can never come true?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a fun read. I really enjoyed the interaction between Simon and Cassie from the first met. It helped that their first meeting was hilarious. I mean who could have had worse luck than Cassie? Well at least at the moment that she had to walk into the Hot Swap Computer store. But from there on she should be thankful for that spilled wine.
And Simon, sweet, sweet Simon. He is very giving and kind and will pretty much perfect.
The two of them together are great and their journey through the List is hilarious, fun and beyond smexy!!
My only fault with this story was that it was a little predictable. But even with that I truly enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what is next for us in this series. I have a funny feeling that Cassie’s sister is in for a wild ride.

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

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February 2, 2017January 29, 2017

Kelly reviews Tastes Like Fear by Sarah Hilary

TITLE: Tastes like Fear
SERIES #: DI Marnie Rome #3
CHARACTERS: Marine Rome
AUTHOR: Sarah Hilary
PUBLICATION DATE: April 7, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sarah Hilary won the 2015 Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year with her debut, the 2014 Richard and Judy pick SOMEONE ELSE’S SKIN. She followed up with NO OTHER DARKNESS, proclaimed as ‘riveting’ by Lisa Gardner and ‘truly mesmerising’ by David Mark. Now D.I. Marnie Rome returns in her third novel.
Home is where Harm lies…
The young girl who causes the fatal car crash disappears from the scene.
A runaway who doesn’t want to be found, she only wants to go home.
To the one man who understands her.
Gives her shelter.
Just as he gives shelter to the other lost girls who live in his house.
He’s the head of her new family.
He’s Harm.
And when Harm’s family is threatened, Marnie Rome is about to find out that everything tastes like fear

REVIEW:
Tastes like Fear had me guessing all the way to the end. I never thought… Ms. Hilary does an amazing job of keeping us wondering with every page. There is so much going on and so many people that could have. I will stop right there.
I just adore this series. I love Marnie. She is tough, yet broken. She knows her strengths and weakness. And she always gets the job done.
My only complaint is that I listened to the first to books on audio, but the new books are not going to be published in the US. Bummer. Really love Justine Eyre!! But that said I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series (Quieter than Killing 03.09.17)
If you enjoy suspense books you really should pick up a copy of Someone Else’s Skin (bk1) and dive into the world of DI Marnie Rome.

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

February 1, 2017January 29, 2017

Kelly reviews Abandon by Blake Crouch

TITLE: Abandon
CHARACTERS: Abigail Foster
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: 11 Hours & 23 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2009
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On Christmas Day in 1893, every man, woman, and child in a remote gold mining town disappeared, belongings forsaken, meals left to freeze in vacant cabins – and not a single bone was ever found. One hundred thirteen years later, two backcountry guides are hired by a history professor and his journalist daughter to lead them into the abandoned mining town, so they can learn what happened. With them is a psychic and a paranormal photographer, as the town is rumored to be haunted. A party that tried to explore the town years ago was never heard from again. What this crew is about to discover is that twenty miles from civilization, with a blizzard bearing down, they are not alone, and the past is very much alive.

REVIEW:
Another disturbingly good story from Mr. Crouch. Abandon tells the story of the past events of Christmas Day 1893 and one man’s need to solve this mystery. The story bounces back and forth between 1893 and present so that we are experiencing the original town folks and Abigail’s struggles. This story was as I said disturbingly good. I felt for the people of 1893. Life was not easy by any means. But as the story goes on and on you learn just how hard life was in 1893.
Lawrence Foster spend most of his adult life obsessed with Abandon and the mystery that Christmas Day. Lawrence was able to get a special permit to go to Abandon and try to learn more. More about the people and more about what happened. Lawrence also used this trip to reconnect with his daughter Abigail. With a couple of guides and a couple of ghost hunters they set off to find Abandon’s secrets. What they didn’t know was what learning these secrets would cost them.
Great story! I have had this on my read list for a long time and very happy that I finally got a chance to read it. Well I let the very talented Luke Daniels read this story to me. Luke did an amazing job of bring the characters to life.

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

January 31, 2017January 29, 2017

Kelly reviews Breath Of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

TITLE: Breath of Fire
SERIES #: Kingmaker Chronicles #2
CHARACTERS: Griffin, Cat and Beta Team
AUTHOR: Amanda Bouchet
NARRATOR: Mia Barron
PUBLICATION DATE: January 3, 2017
RUN TIME: 15 Hours & 21 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SHE’S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD…
“Cat” Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat’s tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what’s a girl to do when she knows it’s her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom…or not at all.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Again, another amazing story from Ms. Bouchet. I am so in love with the world and her characters both good and bad. Breath of Fire picks up shortly after the end of the events in A Promise of Fire. So many things happen in Breath of Fire that will make you love the characters even more than you did before. But I will say that I think Kato my be my favorite of Beta Team. Cat & Kato form an amazing friendship in this story that at times broke my heart. Seeing Kato behind that wall of ice *tears*. While sad I think it might have been my favorite part of the book.
I so can not wait for the next book in this series. I do truly hope that Ms. Bouchet will continue this world. Because Kato, Flynn and Carver all need their stories told!! Oh and the girls too!!! Oh I can’t wait for Heart on Fire.
Again I let the very talented Mia Barron read this amazing book to me!! I really can’t wait to jump into the next book with her. If you are an audiobook fan I would suggest listening to the sample and judge for yourself.
But whether you buy in paper, ebook or audio you really really really need to read this series. Ms. Bouchet’s take on mythology is epic!!

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

January 30, 2017January 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Justice Ascending
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #3
CHARACTERS: Tace & Sami
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

REVIEW:
Again I have to say that I am not into the whole post-apocalyptic world that is popular right now but I am into Rebecca Zanetti and will read anything she writes.

Tace is great. Even in the world that I really just don’t understand I really want him to be on my side and want to protect him as well. Sami is strong and yet is the sweetest of women. She would do anything for her friends with just a “please” being said.

I try to put the world out of my head and focus on the people and story. I really don’t want to say too much because I worry it would be negative when I don’t want it to be. As I said this is just not my cup of tea but I wouldn’t miss a Zanetti story for the world, even an apocalyptic world.

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

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