Review Sunday – Page 59 – Books-n-Kisses

January 26, 2017January 23, 2017

Kimberly review On Second Thought by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: On Second Thought
CHARACTERS: Ainsley & Kate
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/31/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Following in the footsteps of her critically acclaimed novel If You Only Knew , multi-bestselling author Kristan Higgins returns with a pitch-perfect look at the affection—and the acrimony—that binds sisters together

Ainsley O’Leary is so ready to get married—she’s even found the engagement ring her boyfriend has stashed away. What she doesn’t anticipate is for Eric to blindside her with a tactless breakup he chronicles in a blog…which (of course) goes viral. Devastated and humiliated, Ainsley turns to her half sister, Kate, who’s already struggling after the sudden loss of her new husband.

Kate has always been so poised, so self-assured, but Nathan’s death shatters everything she thought she knew—including her husband—and sometimes the people who step up aren’t the ones you expect. With seven years and a murky blended-family dynamic between them, Ainsley and Kate have never been overly close, but their shared sorrow dovetails their faltering worlds into one.

Despite the lifetime of history between them, the sisters must learn to put their differences aside and open their hearts to the inevitable imperfection of family—and the possibility of one day finding love again.

REVIEW:
So I liked this story but I wouldn’t say that I loved it. The characters are odd to me. Not so odd that I couldn’t enjoy them but there is just something odd about them. Ainsley just wants to be loved and she sticks with a guy for 11 years even though he is self centered and obnoxious. Kate is older and finds love with Nathan but months after the wedding he dies. Kate is a bit lost and delusional in her desire to be pregnant from her deceased husband.

Now none of that sounds weird but it is. Ainsley and Kate were never close as half sisters but their shared loss brings them together. Of the 450+ pages the first half of book is sadness and loss. A bit of sisters coming together. The second half is them finding what they really want from life. It has a bit of hate to love relationship and friends to lovers relationship.

The problem is I can’t really even say what this story is… It is about love and romance? No. Is it about sisterly bonding? No not really. But I can tell you one thing…..Gram Gram is adorable in her dementia.

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

January 25, 2017January 23, 2017

Kimberly reviews Power Game by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Power Game
SERIES #: GhostWalkers #13
CHARACTERS: Zeke & Bellisia
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/24/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When members of a United Nations joint security force are taken hostage by radical terrorists in Indonesia, Captain Ezekiel Fortunes is called to lead the rescue team. Part of a classified government experiment, Zeke is a supersoldier with enhanced abilities. He can see better and run faster than the enemy, disappear when necessary and hunt along any terrain. There are those in the world willing to do anything for power like that…

A formidable spy genetically engineered to hide in plain sight, Bellisia rarely meets a man who doesn’t want to control her or kill her. But Zeke is different. His gaze, his touch—they awaken feelings inside her that she never thought possible. He’s the kind of man she could settle down with—if she can keep him alive…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Man how I love this series! I have been waiting for Zeke’s story. He has powers that even some of the other GhostWalkers do not have but he is so interesting. Zeke has so much to offer and is the ultimate protector to those he loves but he doesn’t feel like he deserves or will ever find love which makes me just sad… but then Bellisia comes into his life and he knows he has to protect her.

Bellisia is an amazing character. She is strong and has special abilities but she is still just a sweetheart. I found her to be my favorite character in the book. She just always held my attention. If it has been a movie she would have held my attention each time she was on screen.

Everyone is this book is great. Since this is the 13th in the series some things can be a bit of the same old same old but with this series it is more than ok. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

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

January 24, 2017January 24, 2017

Kelly reviews Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Accidentally on Purpose
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Archer Hunt & Elle Wheaten
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: January 24, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaton’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Archer is dark and mysterious. But while he seems to have it all together there is always more than meets the eye. Elle puts on a great front of being totally in control and not needing anyone. But she has to learn that sometimes you need a little help from your friends.
I am always excited to pick up one of Ms. Shalvis’ books and from book one in this series I have been waiting and excited about Archer’s book. It is safe to say that I loved it. I can’t wait to see what is next for this series!

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

January 23, 2017January 22, 2017

Kimberly reviews Thirst by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Thirst
SERIES #: The Energy Vampires #1
CHARACTERS: Rafe & Renee
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hidden society of vampires—and the humans they love—are at the heart of this opening novel in a biting, all-original series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Nightwalkers saga.

Rafe DaSilva is an energy vampire, soaking up nourishment from the sun—and, only when necessary, drawing sweet sustenance from humans who are pure in body and spirit. As the right-hand man to his queen, Rafe is a key player at a historic peace summit in New York City, which will unite the vampire nations against a common threat: the sycophants, who feed on humanity and kill indiscriminately. But Rafe’s fascination with a beautiful blond police detective may put everything at risk.

Detective Renee Holden has never worked a homicide quite like this. The victim has twin puncture wounds on his neck, and the only eyewitness swears she saw a vampire. Now’s definitely not the time to get distracted by a seductive stranger. But the suave, darkly austere, exotically handsome Rafe DaSilva is a hard man to deny, and as Renee falls under his spell, she also falls prey to his enemies. Desperate to protect her, Rafe lifts the veil on a shadow realm she can only visit—a world of intoxicating power, terrifying dangers, and forbidden pleasures.

REVIEW:
Wow is this book hard to review. The story is interesting…. Sort of. The problem is that there is a lot of things about these vampires that we are not used to hearing. I mean don’t we all know that vampires can not be in the sun and yet this society gets their energy from the sun. What? And they don’t really feed off of blood but off human energy. What? I mean why make him a vampire then?

Then there is Renee. I liked how independent she was and how strong and willing to stand on her own two feet but sometimes her character just takes it a bit too far.

This isn’t a bad story. It just took me a realllllllly long time to read and just never seemed to get my full attention. I finished it though but I doubt I will move on with the series.

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

January 19, 2017January 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz

TITLE: The Nowhere Man
SERIES #: Evan Smoak #2
CHARACTERS: Evan Smoak
AUTHOR: Gregg Hurwitz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Evan Smoak, the Nowhere Man, returns in the sequel to the breakout national bestseller Orphan X.

Spoken about only in whispers, it is said that when the Nowhere Man is reached by the truly desperate, he can and will do anything to save them.

Evan Smoak is the Nowhere Man.

Taken from a group home at twelve, Evan was raised and trained as part of the Orphan program, an off-the-books operation designed to create deniable intelligence assets—i.e. assassins. Evan was Orphan X. He broke with the program, using everything he learned to disappear and reinvent himself as the Nowhere Man. But the new head of the Orphan program hasn’t forgotten about him and is using all of his assets—including the remaining Orphans—to track down and eliminate Smoak.

But this time, the attack comes from a different angle and Evan is caught unaware. Captured, drugged, and spirited off to a remote location, heavily guarded from all approaches. They think they have him trapped and helpless in a virtual cage but they don’t know who they’re dealing with—that they’ve trapped themselves inside that cage with one of the deadliest and most resourceful Orphans.

Continuing his electrifying series featuring Evan Smoak, Gregg Hurwitz delivers a blistering, compelling new novel in the series launched with the breakout national bestseller, Orphan X.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was not one of favorite’s from Hurwitz. For some reason it seemed to take me a long time to read this book. There were parts that were very slow, they dragged on and just gave too much detail. It almost seemed like Hurwitz combined two stories because of so many villains (“I can’t make book 1 a complete story or book 2… I will just throw all the characters together in one”).

Don’t get me wrong the book is not bad just not great. Smoak just needed a little less going on and a lot less detail of what did happen.

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

January 18, 2017January 15, 2017

Kelly reviews A Merciful Death by Kendra Elliott

TITLE: A Merciful Death
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #1
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: January 17, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI special agent Mercy Kilpatrick has been waiting her whole life for disaster to strike. A prepper since childhood, Mercy grew up living off the land—and off the grid—in rural Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. Until a shocking tragedy tore her family apart and forced her to leave home. Now a predator known as the caveman is targeting the survivalists in her hometown, murdering them in their homes, stealing huge numbers of weapons, and creating federal suspicion of a possible domestic terrorism event. But the crime scene details are eerily familiar to an unsolved mystery from Mercy’s past.

Sent by the FBI to assist local law enforcement, Mercy returns to Eagle’s Nest to face the family who shunned her while maintaining the facade of a law-abiding citizen. There, she meets police chief Truman Daly, whose uncle was the cave man’s latest victim. He sees the survivalist side of her that she desperately tries to hide, but if she lets him get close enough to learn her secret, she might not survive the fallout

REVIEW:
As an FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick has always wondered when the other shoe would drop. Wondered went fate and karma would join forces and make her face her past. And it looks like time just ran out. Mercy is assigned to a multiple murder that takes her back to her home town. A place she had hoped to never visit again. The question is how will the people of Eagle’s Nest react to her return and how much of the past will resurface.

YAY!!! Mercy is a series!!! I loved Mercy when we originally meet her in Targeted (Callahan & McLane bk4). She is a very in depth character and has so many sides that I believe that we still haven’t seen or learned everything about Mercy. And Truman. How can you not like this guy? He is tough and determined. He is willing to do just about anything to get the answers to these murders. Except risking never having a chance with Mercy. These two are a great team.

I devoured this book in one sitting. I kinda wish that I had taken more time to read it because now I have to wait for the next installment in this series. I seriously can’t wait to see what is next for Mercy and Truman!!!

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

January 17, 2017January 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews Law And Disorder by Heather Graham

TITLE: Law And Disorder
SERIES #: The Finnegan Connection #1
CHARACTERS: Kody & Nick
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trust the enemy?

Desperate to escape her kidnappers, Kody Cameron can turn to only one man…and he’s holding a gun. Outnumbered and trapped in the deadly Everglades, she has little recourse, but something in this captor’s eyes makes her believe she can trust him. Does she dare to take the risk?

Undercover agent Nick Connolly has met Kody before and knows she might very well blow his cover. Though determined to maintain his facade, he can’t let Kody die. He won’t. And his decision to change his own rules of law and order are about to make all hell break loose.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I am a fan of Heather Graham’s. I love her Krewe of Hunters series and usually pick up every one of her books so I didn’t pass this one up. And mostly enjoyed it. But here is the thing the writing seemed early. What I mean is I went back to see if this was a reprint of one of her earlier works but I can’t find that it is.

Kody is a strong woman willing to do what she needs and I liked her. She was willing to put herself out there in the midst of danger to protect her people. But yet when it comes to Nick/Barrow she is a bit girly. She has feelings for the guy that just kidnapped her. But it is a little early for Stockholm Syndrome when it has only been a day. Nick doesn’t seem like a very good cop. I mean Kody does all the heavy lifting but he does seem sweet.

I will of course pick up the next one in the series when it comes out.

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

January 12, 2017January 8, 2017

Kimberly reviews Worth The Wait by Claudia Connor

TITLE: Worth The Wait
SERIES #: McKinney/Walker #1
CHARACTERS: Mia & Nick
AUTHOR: Claudia Connor
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He broke her heart. When he finds out just how badly, it will break his too.
Nick Walker found the love of his life when he was just nineteen.
Found her.
Loved her.
Lost her.
It’s been ten years since Nick watched the only woman he ever loved walk out of his life. Now this FBI Special Agent will do anything to win her back.
But it won’t be easy…
Mia’s heart was shattered by Nick. They’ll have to face their painful past if they want a future, including Mia’s own secret about that day it all fell apart.
Do you believe in second chances?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts So I love the McKinney brothers. Matt is one of my book-boyfriends from Worth The Fall. But this Walker boy just didn’t do it for me. Nick is nice and we met him in the previous book. This book actually has some moments where is takes place at the same time as when we met Hannah in Worth The Risk.

The problem is there was a lot of flashbacks of Mia and Nick’s love the first time around and I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them. In all honesty I think Nick was so stressed over Hannah (his sister) the entire time that she was his whole world. Mia is sweet and I love how she was/is with Hannah, even when Hannah is an adult.

Ok now all that being said. I still enjoyed this book. I read every word and didn’t put it down often. But I just didn’t fall for Nick like I have the McKinney boys. But we will see who is up next. These Walker boys may just turn me around.

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

January 11, 2017January 8, 2017

Kelly reviews Burned By Her Devotion by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Burned by Her Devotion
SERIES #: Rogue Vow #2
CHARACTERS: Seth & Carly
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the second Rogue Vows novella, the town of Solitude, Oregon, will learn that good TV makes for terrible reality.

When Chase Ryan, a popular crime TV star, turns up dead, the entire town of Solitude is shaken—but the show isn’t over yet. The confessed murderer is violently abducted on the way to the county jail, and now Detective Seth Harding must find both the killer and the kidnapper.

Seth’s investigation unearths unsavory secrets from the celebrity’s life that incriminate a cast of suspects: Chase’s family, his sleazy agent, and a fanatical stalker with a troubled thirteen-year-old daughter. When that same teen disappears from her temporary foster home, Seth’s wife, social worker Carly Taylor, is drawn into the search.

Dodging paparazzi and peril, Seth and Carly track the girl. But as they get closer to uncovering the truth, the abductor sets the stage for a chilling finale

REVIEW:
Burned by Her Devotion is the second book in Ms. Leigh & Ms. Elliot’s Rogue Vow series (please read Death and Her Devotion first!!!!). As always I love when these two (Ms. Leigh & Ms. Elliot) get together to revisit Rogue River.
In book one we were dealing with a murder in the small town of Rogue River, Oregon. In book two we finally get to find out who done it!!! I can’t tell you who, what or why. But I will say that I was surprised by some of the events that took place in this series. Just when I thought I had it all figured out. Nope, the ladies have to go and make me want to chase another rabbit.
As with every book I finish by these two I hope that this is not the last time we will get to visit the sleepy little town of Rogue River.

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

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January 10, 2017January 8, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wild Kisses by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Wild Kisses
SERIES #: Wildwood #2
CHARACTERS: Avery & Trace
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Newly divorced, Avery Hart returns home to Wildwood eager to take on her dream opportunity and transform her family’s dive bar into her own bakery. The contractor for hire isn’t just a master with his hands—he’s big, built, and wears a tool belt like nobody’s business. Despite being an ex-con, Trace Hutton is irresistible. Too bad he’d never go for someone as inexperienced as Avery.

Trace needs to focus on the job at hand, not daydream about smearing icing all over the sexy baker…and licking it off. This job is the key to getting his construction company back on its feet after his time in prison. Besides, no one deserves a fresh start more than Avery, and she certainly won’t get that with him.

After a delectable night of passion (and pie), Trace craves something more. But he’ll be damned if he’ll let his checkered past crush her dreams. And as Avery starts to realize how Trace fulfills more than just her physical needs, she struggles with whether to let her history decide her future, or explore the wild new possibilities of forever…

REVIEW:
Skye Jordan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and this book is one of the reasons why. This is a new series from Jordan and I really enjoyed it. I just adored Trace. The thing about Trace is he is real. I know that sounds strange since he is fictional but he is just a real down to earth character. He has issues. He has been through way too much and is trying to get his life back but he has aches and pains. He is taking care of his dad who is ill and so much more.

Avery is adorable. She is Ms Sunshine most of the time but I enjoyed that eventually everything catches up to her and she just has a mini-breakdown like women do. Everyone should have a friend like Avery in their lives.

All in all this was a really great story. Perfect for any fan of contemporary romance. Chapter 5 alone is worth reading for (assuming you enjoy the down and dirty parts of a story). You can never go wrong with Skye Jordan’s books!

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

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January 9, 2017January 8, 2017

Kelly reviews Accidental Familiar by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Accidental Familiar
SERIES #: Accidentals #14
CHARACTERS: Rick Delassanto & Poppy McGuillicuddy and the whole OOPS crew
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When the warlock’s away, the familiar will play!
A Halloween party gone wrong will keep the OOPs crew putting out one fire after another. Join them this Halloween for a ghoulishly, magic-filled tale!.
The Accidental Familiar, Book 14 of the Accidentally Paranormal series by USA Today bestselling romantic comedy author Dakota Cassidy is a laugh-out-loud addition to your Halloween reading list.
Desperate to pay the rent, Broadway-star wannabe Poppy McGuillicuddy is the middle of DJ-ing a Halloween party when a mishap with a cat named Calamity changes her life forever. Suddenly, she’s a familiar—as in, a witch’s familiar. Or in her case, a warlock’s. Even more specifically, a gorgeous warlock…who wants nothing to do with her. Thank God for the ladies from OOPs, who’ve promised their help as Poppy navigates her accidental paranormal powers.
Despite his last familiar leaving him bitter and disillusioned, warlock Rick Delassantos still isn’t heartless. He’s agreed to give Poppy a few days before contacting Familiar Central and demanding she be reassigned elsewhere. But barely a day is all it takes for Poppy to become the target of some seriously bad magic, forcing Rick to keep her close to ensure her safety. Not exactly a hardship, when his new familiar is as sexy as she is sassy.
With help from the Marty, Nina and Wanda, and assorted other OOPs friends, Rick and Poppy learn some important lessons—fate works in mysterious ways; things aren’t always as they seem; and sometimes the worst evil can be found close to home!

REVIEW:
Poppy is great! I enjoyed her interaction with Calamity, it had me laughing my butt off. That is one of the best things about the Accidental series is the humor that Ms. Cassidy puts into each story. Rick is great after you get to know him. The two of them together were wonderful. Of course when you add in Marty, Wanda, Nina and the rest of the OOPS family you have another wonderful story.
I always love picking up one of the Accidental stories. I always know that I am going to get a fun, humor filled and a show of true friendship. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

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

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January 6, 2017December 31, 2016

Kelly reviews The Protector by Donna Grant

TITLE: The Protector
SERIES #: Sons of Texas #2
CHARACTERS: Cullen Loughman & Mia Carter
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: January 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
EVERYTHING’S HOTTER IN TEXAS

When Marine Force Recon captain Cullen Loughman learns that his father’s been kidnapped, he will do whatever it takes to find him. In order to achieve his mission, Cullen will need to team up with the best of the best—someone who just happens to be the most stunning woman he’s ever laid eyes on…

This isn’t the first rodeo for ex—Air Force pilot Mia Carter. Still, Cullen’s bad-boy good looks and charm are distracting her from duty. . .and it appears that the feeling is mutual. As Mia and Cullen make their descent into a dark, dangerous world, their attraction reaches the boiling point. But is their desire worth the risk when a ruthless enemy is waiting in the wings—or will their Lone Star love conquer all?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Another good installment in the Sons of Texas series. In The Protector we pick up where we left off in the The Hero with the Loughman boys, but this time we follow the youngest of the Loughman boys Cullen. I really enjoyed Cullen and Mia’s story. They both are determine to find Orrin no matter what. But they never planned on having to run for their lives or for the answers that they uncovered.
I enjoyed this second installment and am looking forward to Wyatt’s story. I am hoping that in Wyatt’s book we get all the answers to all the questions that have come up in the last two books.

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