Review Sunday – Page 66 – Books-n-Kisses

September 15, 2016September 10, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews Storm Warrior by Dani Harper ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Storm Warrior
SERIES #: Grim #1
CHARACTERS: Rhys & Morgan
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Enslaved for millennia by the masters of the Welsh faery realm, the fierce Celtic warrior Rhys is doomed to wander the earth forever. But when a brave beauty unwittingly breaks the enchantment, he is drawn into a strange new world…and an all-consuming desire.

Sensible Morgan doesn’t believe in magic—until a mysterious being saves her from a fate worse than death, and life as she knows it changes forever. Now the man of her dreams has become flesh and blood, igniting a spark in Morgan’s soul which science cannot explain. But even a love that transcends time may not be strong enough to withstand the power of an ancient curse.

From the best-selling author of Changeling Moon, this stirring novel of passion and magic launches an addictive new series for fans of paranormal romance.

REVIEW:
4.5 HEARTS Morgan doesn’t understand why only she can see the dog, but he is there none the less. There is something unearthly about him and the way he always is around. But after coming home from her holiday the last thing she ever expected was for the same dog to save her life.

Rhys made a choice and that choice is Morgan. Even in his Grim state he knows he is bound to Morgan and vows to protect her no matter what. Even by defying the very creatures that bound him. But in doing so Rhys has brought more trouble than expected to Morgan’s quiet little farm.

Dani wrote a great story and Justine Eyre brought the characters to life for me. I have to say that love Justine as a narrator and have yet found a book she has read that I didn’t like.
Okay back to Storm Warrior. I loved the world that Dani created in this book. Fae, Grims, humans. It was all very interesting and I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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September 13, 2016September 10, 2016

Kelly reviews Witch Slapped by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: Witch Slapped
SERIES #: Witchless in Seattle Mysteries #1
CHARACTERS: Stevie Cartwright, Belfry and Win
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Hollie Jackson
RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 36 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Oh, good. Not a problem. I’ll invoke the Gods of Pilates. I’m sure they’d be happy to help. Hang on just one sec while I dial them up. Oh, wait. I can’t. Know why I can’t? Because my hands are tied behind my back with zip ties, Win!”
A rib-tickling cozy mystery complete with an ex-witch, a dead British spy, a cotton ball bat and a cast of suspects that will keep you guessing right up to the end! Witch Slapped from USA Today bestselling author Dakota Cassidy is book one in her new cozy mystery series Witchless In Seattle. Join the hunt for a murderer with Stevie, Winterbottom, and Belfry in a race against time as the local police prepare an eight by ten cell for our intrepid ex-witch.
What’s a girl to do when she’s a broke, shunned ex-witch with a very tiny, very hungry bat familiar named Belfry to feed?
Hello. My name is Stevie Cartwright, and I’ve been witchless for thirty days.
If only there was a support group for down-on-their-luck ex-witches who’ve had their powers slapped right out of them (literally). Just as I was licking my wounds after returning to my hometown of Ebenezer Falls, WA, and navigating my suddenly non-magical existence with the help of my familiar, the only friend I have left in the world–things got sticky.
Enter an ex-spy and newly departed spirit named Winterbottom, who’s infiltrated my life with his sexy British accent and a couple of requests…
Thanks to Belfry’s successful attempt to use me as a human antenna to the afterlife, I can somehow hear Win. I should be ecstatic; helping departed souls used to be my witch specialty. It’s like I got the teensiest piece of my old life back. Except Win’s dropped me right at a dead woman’s feet.
Madam Zoltar, the town’s beloved fake medium, has been murdered, and Win wants me to catch the killer.
My old life won’t be worth much if it gets me whacked before my new life has barely begun–and that seems to be exactly what the killer has planned!
Content Notes: This cozy mysteries women sleuths series has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy’s popular A Paris, Texas Romance Series.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts A fun start to a new series for Ms. Cassidy. I really enjoyed listening to this story. Ms. Cassidy writes a fun, sarcastic and mystery filled story. I loved Stevie. Not only does she have to find her place in the this new world she has been through into, but she does it so well. Okay maybe there is a little kicking, screaming, crying and murder allegations. But you know just another day in the life, right? But Stevie is a fighter and she will not let a little thing like murder keep her down.
Belfry. Oh my goodness I want a cotton ball bat familiar!!! He is just awesome.
And Win.. Let’s talk about Stevie’s yummy sounding (he is british) ghostly spy!! I have really high hopes for Win. I can’t wait to see what and how Ms. Cassidy handles him in the future.
Hollie Jackson does a good job narrating this story. There were a few small things that bugged me in the audio version. There were a few really strangely long pauses. I am not sure if this was an editing issue or not. But at one point the pause was so long I looked at my phone to make sure the book was still playing. There was one time that the same line was repeated, again I am not sure if this was an editing issue or how Ms. Cassidy wrote the story.
All in all this was a great start to a great series and I can’t wait to see what to Stevie, Win and Belfry.

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

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September 12, 2016September 10, 2016

Kimberly reviews Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Nobody But You
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #3
CHARACTERS: Jacob & Sophie
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

REVIEW:
It is about dang time. Jacob “just up and left” the family but there is more than what can be seen that makes this story good. I was so happy to have Jacob home. Even though we hadn’t met Jacob he felt like he was missing from the last few stories. It was great to have him home.

Sophie is great. She is the type of woman I would love to hang out with on a Friday night and just relax with. She is funny and caring and just a great character.

I have never read a book by Shalvis that I would not recommend and this falls into the same category. I would say to read the rest in this series first though so you can understand what is going on with Jacob and why his character is worth waiting for.

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

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September 9, 2016September 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Starfish Moon by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Starfish Moon
SERIES #: Brides Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Kerry & Cooper
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nestled on the Maine coast, Blueberry Cove is a peaceful retreat compared to the excitement of exotic cities and foreign lands. But it’s also the best place in the world for one woman to find her heart’s true home…

Kerry McCrae’s wanderlust has taken her to parts of the globe most people have only glimpsed in pictures. So why is tending bar at the family pub in Blueberry Cove after her Uncle Fergus’s stroke an easier adjustment than she expected? And why hasn’t she left once Fergus is back on his feet? When tall, tanned Cooper Jaxton walks through the door, she knows the answer in a heartbeat…

Born and raised deep in Australia’s outback, Cooper never planned to leave the wild country he loves. But after almost a year of having Kerry—with her sparkling eyes and outrageous stories—on his cattle station, Cooper was stunned when she left. Suddenly home wasn’t the same without her. Making his way to Blueberry Cove to find her is a risk, but Cooper is counting on the passionate connection between them to convince her that the only place either of them needs to be is together…

Let the honeymoon begin…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts As with most of Kauffman’s books the moment you start reading you feel like you are part of the story, sitting in the restaurants or walking down the beach. You also feel like you are watching a romance unfold in front of you. That is how I felt reading Kerry and Cooper’s story.

This is a light fun couple who laugh and just enjoy. Yes there are issues or the book would be no more than a chapter but the characters communicate in a way that most couples wish they could.

The story is heartfelt and sweet. I believe anyone that enjoys contemporary romance novels will enjoy this book. And you do not have to have read the series to enjoy it.

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

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September 8, 2016September 4, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Deep Autumn Heat by Elisabeth Barrett ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Deep Autumn Heat
SERIES #: Star Harbor #1
CHARACTERS: Lexie & Sebastian
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

REVIEW:
I’ll be honest. I requested this book from NetGalley ages ago but because it had no deadline I just keep putting it off and now I wish I hadn’t. What a great book. The characters are really fun and entertaining. And the story is very exciting and well written.

There is a connection with Lexie and Seb right away. Honestly from the first moment they see each other. There is quite a bit of backstory that has a few twists and turns too. And the other Grayson boys aren’t too shabby either.

If you enjoy a good romance with a bit of suspense and a lot of emotion than this is a good book to pick up. I will say the book comes up as being over 400 pages but it is a fast read while being very enthralling so don’t let the amount of pages scare you off.

I can’t wait to read the next is the series… I’m thinking… Theo?

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

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September 7, 2016September 4, 2016

Kelly reviews Forbidden Fling by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Forbidden Fling
SERIES #: Wildwood #1
CHARACTERS: Ethan Hayes & Delaney Hart
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Delaney Hart has come a long way from her wild youth, dating tattooed bikers at her father’s bar, The Bad Seed. But when his death pulls her back to Wildwood, California, she must stay to renovate the dive he left her. And also face the lies and secrets that sent her running ten years before.

When Wildwood’s chief building inspector, Ethan Hayes, shows up on the property, Delaney doesn’t recognize him. The last thing he wants to do is save the bar where his cousin died in a brawl. But the good boy from her past is all too willing to remind her of the bad girl she used to be. And one night of passion leaves them both in a compromising position.

The last place Ethan should be is in Delaney’s bed. Guilt, family pressure, and plans for a brewpub of his own make shutting down The Bad Seed his top priority…until his feelings for Delaney interfere. Because her future depends on the success of the bar’s renovation and his dreams are rooted in its failure, their forbidden romance may be destined for heartbreak

REVIEW:
Forbidden Fling is kinda like Romeo and Juliet but without all the death.

We have Ethan Hayes whose family hates Delaney Hart. And Delaney Hart who escaped town as quickly as possible. All because of one night, one fight and one horrible mistake. A mistake that has haunted both Ethan and Delaney and shaped them both in ways they didn’t know about until now.

A wonderful start to a new series for Skye Jordan. I loved Ethan and Delaney. Ethan is the guy that we all want our man to be. He is sweet, hot and not afraid to say sorry (well kinda he is a guy). Delaney is determined and strong. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the next installment.

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.

September 6, 2016September 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Her Rogue Alpha by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Rogue Alpha
SERIES #: X-Ops #5
CHARACTERS: Jayson & Layla
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/06/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE’LL DO ANYTHING FOR HER
Former Special Forces Lieutenant Jayson Harmon can’t believe that his war scars don’t matter to beautiful feline shifter Layla Halliwell. Why would she saddle herself with a broken man?

But Layla knows that Jayson is a hero to the core, and that only she can heal his wounded soul. So when Jayson is deployed on another deadly mission, no way is Layla staying behind…

REVIEW:
I have to admit that I have not followed this series very well. I think I have read two so far and then I stopped. Reading this story I sort of remembered why. This story is fine it just some things were driving me nuts. I got so tired of Jayson not being able to have some faith in himself. I mean shouldn’t he be a bit more of an alpha to be able to hand Layla? But he just is so low on himself I wanted to slap him sometimes.

I just didn’t really enjoy it but I will say that it might be because I have no read all of the series and this one seems to bring up everyone ever written about. I really believe you need to read the series in order to get the full understanding of this series.

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

September 5, 2016September 4, 2016

Happy Labor Day from BnK.com

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September 2, 2016August 28, 2016

Kimberly reviews When We Touch by Heather Graham

TITLE: When We Touch
SERIES #: Graham Clan #6
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Jamie
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Queen Victoria’s London is a teeming metropolis of pageantry, forbidden desire, and danger—especially in the East End, a hotbed of vice, witchcraft, and murder. What widow Lady Maggie Graham does there more than greases the rumor mill. When she agrees to wed the Viscount Langdon, there are those who would act upon their suspicions . . .

Experience has taught Lord Jamie well. He has seen his fair share of women behave inappropriately — enjoying risqué amusements in secret theatres, running about disguised in the seediest parts of the city — and then they call you vile names for coming to their rescue. And no woman is more shameless, more cunning, more intoxicating than Lady Maggie . . .

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from under the name Shannon Drake, series name Graham #6 from 2004.

As a fan of Heather Graham I picked up this book from NetGalley. I don’t read historicals very often any more but I was interested to read Graham’s work before she started writing more contemporary/paranormal (Krewe Of Hunters) stories .

I have to say it was good. But I am glad she went into the other genres.

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

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September 1, 2016August 28, 2016

Kimberly reviews Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Shadow Falling
SERIES #: Scorpius Syndrome #2
CHARACTERS: Vivienne & Raze
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.

And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .

REVIEW:

I received this book from Rebecca for a review after requesting from NetGalley and I am happy to have a copy to hang on to.

I am not a fan of post-apocalyptic novels but I will read anything that Rebecca writes and enjoy it.

Vinnie is infected and as much as she wants Raze doesn’t want to infect him so she tries to keep her distance. Tries being the key word. One of the things I enjoy about Rebecca’s books is the women always are strong and while they may fall for a guy they do not let him walk all over them. Raze is great. Totally all man but when it comes to Vinnie his soft side shows.

The story is well written and enjoyable. I would suggest reading book one so you can understand the world the characters are now living in.

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

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August 31, 2016August 28, 2016

Natasha reviews Seconds To Live by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Seconds to Live
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #3
CHARACTERS: Mac Barrett & Stella Dane
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.

Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing question: How does a dead body disappear?

Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal

REVIEW:
This is the third book in Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. In my review of book 2 I desperately wanted to see more of Mac Barrett and I finally got it! Wow is he full of surprises! He is the most mysterious Barrett sibling and I really enjoyed his backstory, which is truly unexpected. He is a strong male character and was a perfect match for Stella. I enjoyed Stella a lot as a female character. There were times where her actions frustrated me a bit, but that is expected of any type of police mystery novel. There is one part of the novel that I’m still not sure what happened…I might have to do a re-read so I have a little clearer picture in my head. But overall these stories are super intriguing with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. I truly enjoy them and Leigh’s ability to make her characters deeply interesting and realistic.

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.

August 30, 2016August 28, 2016

Kelly reviews Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Shadow Falling
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #2
CHARACTERS: Raze Shadow & Vivienne “Vinnie” Wellington
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: August 30, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.
If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.
And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire .

REVIEW:
Shadow Falling is the second book in Mrs. Zanetti’s Scorpius Syndrome series. I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment. In SF we pick up shortly after the events of Mercury Striking (bk 1 *you need to read book 1 before this book) with Vinnie trying to find her place in this new world. Not an easy thing to do when you are not right in the head anymore. And you have a hulking babysitter that follows you around like a shadow.
Raze has been on a mission since the moment he stepped in to Vanguard’s territory. A mission that involves one Dr. Wellington. But the more that Raze spends with Vinnie the harder it gets for him to complete his mission.
As I said earlier I really enjoyed this book. I liked the twists and turns the book too. There were a few questions answered, a few problems solved but many many more just surfaced. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series and how everything will work out.
If you have not given this series a try and like post-apocalyptic stories you need to pick up a copy of Mercury Striking (and Shadow Falling. Oh and the novella found in On the Hunt) and get to reading. Until next time Vanguard!!!!

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.

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