Review Sunday – Page 68 – Books-n-Kisses

August 11, 2016August 11, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Family Man by TJ Lebbon

TITLE: The Family Man
CHARACTERS: Dom & Emma
AUTHOR: TJ Lebbon
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/11/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (links coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You take ONE risk. Now, those you love must pay …
Dom Turner is a dependable husband, a loving father. A man you can rely on. But it only takes one day to destroy a seemingly perfect life.
Emma thought she could trust her husband, Dom. She thought he would always look after her and their daughter Daisy….
Then one reckless act ends in two innocent deaths – and Dom’s family becomes the target of a terrifying enemy.
There’s nowhere to hide. They’re on the run for their lives. And if Dom makes one more wrong move, he won’t have a family left to protect.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts We have all thought about dropping all the responsibility for a day and taking a walk on the wild side. It is in our DNA but Dom decides to actually do it with his friend Andy and the consequences turn the family’s life upside down.

The problem with this book is I never found a character I wanted to root for or even liked. Dom is a jerk who wants to be in charge of everything. He wants to show he is mister tough guy and can beat the crap out of anyone that comes along. The problem is we just don’t care and he comes off as an ass. His wife is a pushover doormat if you ask me. I felt sorry for her in more ways than one…. First being put into this trouble because of Dom but also because she has to deal with him as a husband.

The reason I didn’t give it 3 stars is because the thriller part is well pretty thrilling. It does keep you wondering what will happen.

The best way I can describe this book is as a guy’s book. I can see them enjoying the cinematic feel of it with the fighting and action packed moments but it just wasn’t for me.

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

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August 10, 2016August 7, 2016

Kelly reviews The Curse Of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

TITLE: The Curse of Tenth Grave
SERIES #: Charley Davidson #10
CHARACTERS: Charley, Reyes and the whole crew
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
PUBLICATION DATE: June, 2016
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 40 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a Part-time PI and full time grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murder, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

REVIEW:
Another grand adventure with Charley and Reyes. There is a lot that happens in this book and I don’t want to give anything away. But there were some sad tears and a lot of happy tears in this story. I will give you one little tid bit….. There is a Beep sighting.
In The Curse of Tenth Grave we get a few questions about both who and what Charley and Reyes are. But we also end up with a lot more questions about how in the world Charley is going get them out of trouble this time. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!!
As always Lorelei does and amazing, amazing job of narrating another wonderful story! I am truly in awe of how talented she is. I mean just let her talk to you in Reyes and then come back and tell me that she is not a wonderfully talented narrator!!! Until next time Ms. King!!

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

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August 9, 2016August 7, 2016

Natasha reviews Targeted by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Targeted
SERIES #: Callahan & McLane #4
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ava McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 7, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All Detective Mason Callahan wanted was a quiet fishing trip with the guys—a chance to get away and unwind before Halloween.

Until he finds the body of his boss, Denny Schefte, near their remote Oregon cabin. Now all he wants is to catch the sadist who slit Denny’s throat and covered his face with a mask. Mason was the last person to see him alive and will stop at nothing to find his friend’s murderer.

When the FBI learns of the mask left at the scene, they realize they have a serial killer on their hands—one who is targeting cops. They assign the case to Special Agent Ava McLane, despite her engagement to Mason. Barely recovered from her own nearly fatal injury and her sister’s attempted suicide, Ava hopes she is ready to chase another killer.

But as she delves into the increasingly disturbing case, the killer may be closer than expected—dangerously close.

REVIEW:
This is the fourth installment of the Callahan & McLane series and the stories just keep getting better. It is hard for an author to keep the same main characters in a series without it becoming a little mundane and predictable. Thankfully Elliot has figured out how to avoid that! I love how mysterious her books are, they really do keep you in suspense until the outcomes are revealed. I am strongly rooting for Eva and Mason and love their story. I hope that at some point Elliot will give us stories for some of the supporting characters in this universe as well. There is one story line I’m kind of ready to be done with, but some interesting new things happen in this book that make me hopeful for an all new set of twists and turns. If you haven’t picked these up and really enjoy a good suspense story, you won’t be disappointed in any of Kendra’s work. I can’t wait for more books in this series, things are just getting crazy!

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

August 8, 2016August 7, 2016

Kelly reviews Big Vamp On Campus by Molly Harper

TITLE: Big Vamp on Campus
SERIES #: Half-Moon Hollow #5.5
CHARACTERS: Jamie & Ophelia
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 2 Hours & 36 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You’ve asked for years when Ophelia and Jamie would get their own story and now it’s here! How will Ophelia adjust to living in a dorm room now that she has been banished from the Council and forced to matriculate at college with Jamie? Communal showers! Horrible, pretentious roommates! Humans who try to be FRIENDS! The horror!

REVIEW:
YAY!!!!!! Finally we get to see what makes Ophelia tick. And let me tell you it is very scary and involves duct tape.
I don’t want to give you too much. But this short Half-Moon Hollow story follows the on and only Ophelia and Jamie to college. There is a lot of growing up, human interaction, parties, tears and yes duct tape.
It just amazes me that everytime I pick up one of Molly’s books I fall more in love with her writing, the worlds she creates and her characters. I am always left wanting more. MORE, I tell you!!!
And of course I had to have the uber talented Amanda Ronconi read this book to me (just as she has all the other books). I love that Amanda has lent her amazing talent to Molly’s books. Again, Amanda did an amazing job narrating.

I so can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

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

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August 5, 2016August 1, 2016

Natasha reviews Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

TITLE: Red Queen
SERIES #: Red Queen #1
CHARACTERS: Mare & Cal
AUTHOR: Victoria Aveyard
PUBLICATION DATE: February 10, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

REVIEW:
Would it be too much to ask to have a YA book that does NOT include a love triangle, or one in which not every single male character is secretly in love with the heroine? Just. One?

Ok, I just needed to get that out. Now, while this book has many of the to be expected aspects of a YA novel that I am so sick of, it was still interesting enough for me to finish – I just rolled my eyes several times and pushed through. The world that Aveyard created is interesting, but we don’t get a good grasp of its scope and purpose in the first book. We spend most of the book in the royal palace learning about the goings on of the elite Silvers. I’m hoping the world will be expanded much more in the subsequent sequels. Mare is a pretty likable heroine. She speaks her mind, is strong willed and makes mostly sensible decisions. I liked how she handled the various situations she was thrust into throughout the book. Cal will take some getting used to – right now I’m left with an ‘I don’t hate him but don’t really like him’ opinion. I am pretty excited about his character development though. I think Aveyard can do really interesting things with his character in future books that can really make the series intense. Overall the plot was stimulating, with pretty predictable conflict points and ‘mean girl’ antics just with various “abilities” added in. I will say that I loved the end of the book and was genuinely shocked. It was the best part of the book. For that reason I am going to continue with the series and am really interested to see how it will progress. If you enjoyed Red Rising by Pierce Brown, you will likely like this book. I didn’t enjoy Red Rising much, but I noticed the similarities between the series right away. They have similar premises but are executed quite differently; it’s an interesting comparison.

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

August 4, 2016August 1, 2016

Kelly reviews Don’t Let Go by Jaci Burton

TITLE: Don’t Let Go
SERIES #: Hope #6
CHARACTERS: Brady Conners & Megan Lee
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Love After All and the Play-By-Play novels, running from the past isn’t nearly as satisfying as facing the future…

Brady Conners is hardly the settling type, but when tragedy strikes in his family, he has no choice but to return home to Hope, Oklahoma. Setting up shop to work on custom motorcycles and pass the time, Brady has no intention of letting anyone get close—until he meets Megan.

Pastry shop owner Megan Lee is drawn to quiet, brooding Brady. Their connection is undeniable, and it quickly develops from physical attraction into something much stronger. But with Brady putting up barriers, Megan is afraid to truly open her heart—unless she can convince him to let go of the past…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As always Ms. Burton gives us an amazing story from Hope, Oklahoma. I have really enjoyed all of my visits to Hope. But I thinking that Don’t Let Go might be one of my top favorites in this series. I absolutely love Brady.
Brady has one goal and only one goal to open his own custom paint shop. He doesn’t really want anything to do with the people of Hope. But the sweet pastry shop owner Megan makes it very hard for him to do that. Throw in a cute little puppy and you have a fun story.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Hope.

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

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August 3, 2016August 1, 2016

Kimberly reviews Miss Frazer’s Adventure by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Miss Frazer’s Adventure
CHARACTERS: Kate & Lucius
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/02/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dear Reader,

Long before I wrote my sexy paranormal romances, I wrote traditional Regency romances as Debbie Raleigh. Now I’m thrilled to have them made available once more, as fresh and adventurous as ever…

To avoid the taint of her mother’s scandalous reputation, Miss Kate Frazer stifles her naturally high spirits to become a model of propriety. But when she is rewarded with a suitor who cares only for her dowry—and leaves her waiting at the altar on her wedding day—Kate determines that she will live as she chooses. Her first adventure will be a trip to London under an assumed name to enjoy the city’s delights. And woe to anyone who stands in her way—particularly her fiancé…

Lucius Calfield wasn’t looking forward to wedlock with the tediously suitable Kate Frazer. Still, he is chagrined when a violent storm makes him late for the ceremony. But embarrassment turns to astonishment when he finds that his fiancée has vanished entirely! And that is the least of the surprises his unaccountably changed—and unexpectedly irresistible bride—has in store…

I’ve fallen in love with these timeless books all over again, and believe that you will too.

REVIEW:

This book was originally published in 2005 under the name Debbie Raleigh and is a very quick historical romance. The problem is I never really connected to Kate. Luce was cute in his own way but I never really understood why he was so interested in Kate.

Because this was written so long ago I know that Alexandra Ivy has come into her own writing and usually I enjoy everything I read from her but this just wasn’t one of my favorites. However, that being said a fan of sweet historical romance novels will enjoy it. This is not a story of sec but a story of romance .

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

August 2, 2016August 1, 2016

Kimberly reviews Dark Carousel by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Carousel
SERIES #: Dark #30
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Tariq
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/02/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the new Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a woman falls prey to the seductive allure of the past—and a vampire warrior’s intoxicating embrace…

The moment Charlotte Vintage walks into his club, Tariq Asenguard’s blood is set on fire. The ancient Carpathian had given up hope of finding his lifemate, but now he will do anything to make Charlotte his own. What Tariq doesn’t know is that Charlotte is using herself and her best friend as bait—to try to draw out the bloodthirsty killers who have already murdered Charlotte’s brother and mentor.

Charlotte is familiar with Tariq. Not only is he one of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the city, but he’s also a renowned collector of old carousel horses, which Charlotte restores. Their shared passion opens Charlotte up to trusting him with her life and with the desire she can no longer control. But it also makes her vulnerable to a centuries-old curse that will unite her and Tariq in a war against the enemies of humans and Carpathians alike…

REVIEW:
This is the 30th in the series. She 30th. This series has been going for feels like forever. And yet never seems to get old. At least not to me.

The story is about the Carpathian Hunters. Charlotte knows of Tariq but who doesn’t. He is wealthy and since they both have a love of carousel horses they have a connection. I will say that I have not read all of the books in the series but enjoy the way Feehan writes and the way she brings the readers into the story so quickly.

This is a dark paranormal story but something about it makes it seem drawn in. This is not a quick read and Feehan does spend some time explaining the background but for those who have missed all or part of the series I think it is needed.

The characters are written in a way that makes you believe this could be happening on our own streets even though it is paranormal.

You do not really need to read the other books to read this as I have said I have only read some here and there but was able to follow along without a problem. If you enjoy the paranormal world of vampire and hunter you will certainly enjoy this story.

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

August 1, 2016July 31, 2016

Kelly reviews Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

TITLE: Dark Matter, A Novel
CHARACTERS: Jason Dessen
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
PUBLICATION DATE: August 2, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the author of the bestselling WAYWARD PINES trilogy, a brilliantly mind-bending science-fiction thriller in which an ordinary man is kidnapped, knocked unconscious—and awakens in a world inexplicably different from the reality he thought he knew.

Jason Dessen is walking home through the chilly Chicago streets one night, looking forward to a quiet evening in front of the fireplace with his wife, Daniela, and their son, Charlie—when his reality shatters.

It starts with a man in a mask kidnapping him at gunpoint, for reasons Jason can’t begin to fathom—what would anyone want with an ordinary physics professor?—and grows even more terrifying from there, as Jason’s abductor injects him with some unknown drug and watches while he loses consciousness.

When Jason awakes, he’s in a lab, strapped to a gurney—and a man he’s never seen before is cheerily telling him “welcome back!”

Jason soon learns that in this world he’s woken up to, his house is not his house. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born.

And someone is hunting him.

Is the life Jason remembers just some crazed dream? And can he survive long enough to discover the answers he needs?

REVIEW:
Mr. Crouch knows how to write a story that keeps you thinking, keeps you guess, keeps you wondering what will happen next and keep you turning the pages even when you get to the end you want more.
Dark Matter takes us on an epic life altering journey with Jason Dessen. Jason finds himself in a life and death struggle to find out who and where he is. I don’t want to give too much away with my review. Because it would be really easy for me to tell you what happens.
So I will leave you with this. Dark Matter was not like anything I had read before. It is twisted and totally messed up and I totally loved this story. If you are Blake Crouch fan you will love this story. If you are new and looking for something that may be a little outside your wheelhouse I would suggest picking up a copy of Dark Matter and find out what happens when you world is turned upside down.

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

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July 29, 2016July 25, 2016

Kimberly reviews Fearless by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Fearless
SERIES #: Rescue Squad #2
CHARACTERS: Cole & Savannah
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Temperature Is Rising…

Firefighter Cole Everett’s life revolves around the firehouse. Committed to saving lives–and to the guys who always have his back in the most dangerous moments on the job–Cole’s focus is a coveted spot on the Fairview Rescue Squad. When his captain asks him to mentor a rookie firefighter, he jumps at the chance, hoping it will help to prove his skill. But the new “guy” is none other than Savannah Nelson, a female firefighter as stubbornly determined as Cole is, and a whole lot curvier in all the right places . . .

Savannah won’t let anyone extinguish her dream of fulfilling her family legacy and becoming a top notch firefighter–and she’s happily surprised when strong-willed, sexy Cole is willing to give her the chance she deserves. Concentrating on the job isn’t always easy when the heat between them flares higher every day, but Savannah won’t give up–not even when one of Station Eight’s veterans seems bent on trashing her reputation. To stop a string of possible arsons, Savannah and Cole will need to eliminate every distraction–but can they let their love go up in flames?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Sometimes when the story is about a tough female trying to make it in a man’s world the story loses something for me. And maybe it did in this one a bit but not a lot. Savannah is just a girl trying to live up to the family tradition. He isn’t out to prove that women are as good as men just that she belongs in the “family business” like the rest of the family does.

Cole is all about working his way up the firefighter chain. He wants to prove he can be the best and do what he loves.

When the two of them are together there is sparks of their own. The suspense part of the story is good but the story is more about the romance and I enjoyed it.

Kincaid does make her firefighters HOT so be prepared for some sizzle. This is the second in the series but can be a stand alone as well.

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

July 28, 2016July 24, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews Served Cold by Marie Harte – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Served Cold
SERIES #: Best Revenge
CHARACTERS: Jackson Bloom & Ann Weaver
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: September 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A little white lie has the power to bring a reformed bad boy to his knees.

Back in high school, Ann Weaver told herself getting ditched by Jack Bloom was for the best. At twenty-nine, she’s way over him. He was her first, but definitely not her last.

On weekly wine night with her friends, the talk turns to regrets—and Ann finds herself pledging to fix her past, starting with confronting those who treated her like dirt. Her first target: Jack, who’s recently moved back to town to stay.

But something’s different. He’s funny, kind, and amazing in bed. He acts like he really likes her, might even love her. Soon Ann is having a hard time remembering she’s only in it for revenge. Especially when she learns the real reason he dumped her.

Jack is older, wiser, and has a hell of a lot of experience behind him. For a chance at a future with this grown-up, gorgeous Ann, he’s ready to do whatever it takes. Until her true motive for rekindling their romance comes to light, and Jack must decide if forgiveness is enough to let love push through the lie.

Warning: A woman who’s out for revenge and encouraging friends rooting her on. May include sex in the outdoors, fun with salad, kissing in class, and a school teacher swearing like a sailor—not necessarily in that order.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts The best revenge is served cold or is it served scorching hot??
Well if you ask Ann Weaver the idea of revenge is ice cold and full of getting even against those who hurt her. But when the plan of revenge is put into place, cold is the very last thing that she experiences. To say that Jack Bloom will melt the block of ice that has encased Ann’s broken heart would be a huge understatement.
After finishing another one of Ms. Harte’s series (The McCauley Brothers ) I was super excited when I saw her new Best Revenge series. Served Cold is the first book in this trilogy (I am assuming it is a trilogy because of Terrible Trio). I am so glad that I did pick up this book. Jack and Ann are just great!!! I mean amazing. They are so great together and boy howdy the sexy time is wowza!!!
I loved this book. Loved the cover. This was one sit read for me. I just could not tear myself away from the story. I loved the side characters too!! I so can not wait for the next book in this series. If you are looking a great, quick and hot read you really need to pick up a copy of Served Cold.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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July 27, 2016July 25, 2016

Kimberly reviews Free Fall by Rick Mofina

TITLE: Free Fall
SERIES #: Kate Page #4
CHARACTERS: Kate Page
AUTHOR: Rick Mofina
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
CRISIS IN THE SKIES

Pilots with no control…

High above the Adirondack Mountains, a commuter flight to New York City turns into a rolling, twisting nightmare, plunging from the sky before the crew regains control. Then, in London, a jetliner crashes into the runway, killing fifteen people.

Investigators with no answers…

Reporter Kate Page believes something beyond mechanical—or human—error is behind the incidents that have air investigators baffled. But the mystery deepens as teams scramble to pinpoint a link between the tragedies, and Kate receives an untraceable message from someone boasting responsibility and threatening another event.

A looming disaster…

As Kate, the FBI and the NTSB race to find answers, the shadow figures behind the operation launch their most devastating plan yet, and time ticks down on one of the greatest tragedies the world has ever known.

REVIEW:
Rick Mofina does it again. Mofina has a way of pulling you into a story from the first page and not letting go and no matter how long the book is you feel like you can’t get enough and just as all of his others this is no different. This is the 4th in the Kate Page series and while I would always recommend you reading the books in order this book can be read as a stand alone. I would just imagine that you would miss a bit of Kate’s history.

I could certainly imagine this book as a tv show or movie. There is so much truism in it that you can picture it as you read the story in full technicolor detail. Kate is a strong woman who stands up for herself and I enjoy that about her. She is smart and real.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good action packed suspense. I can’t imagine anyone would be disappointed in this book or series.

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