Review Sunday – Page 70 – Books-n-Kisses

July 8, 2016July 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Riverbend Road by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Riverbend Road
SERIES #: Haven Point #4
CHARACTERS: Cade & Wyn
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/21/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love

Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.

Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

REVIEW:
Haven Point is one of my favorite fictional towns. This visit was about Wyn who is a police officer and Cade her Chief of Police. But even more important Wyn is Cade’s best friends little sister and we all know little sisters are off limits…. Well until they aren’t.

I really enjoyed this story. With all the twist and turns of should they or shouldn’t they it kept my attention through every page. I love catching up with the characters from the series.

You can not go wrong reading any book by RaeAnne Thayne and this series she is at the top of her game. If you enjoy a sweet and fun contemporary romance than this series is perfect and Riverbend Road is a great place to start.

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

July 7, 2016July 4, 2016

Kelly reviews Bewitching In Boots by Lila DiPasqua

TITLE: Bewitching in Boots
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #6
CHARACTERS: Tristan de Tiersonnier & Elisabeth de Roussel
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: June 21, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

**NOTE: Originally published in the AWAKENED BY A KISS anthology.

Inspired by the tale of Puss in Boots—an erotically charged historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series.

Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants–and she wants gorgeous Tristan de Tiersonnier, Count of Saint-Marcel, the ex-commander of the King’s private Guard.

A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he’s every bit the man he once was–and more than man enough for her.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. Di Pasqua writes an amazing story that draws you in and make you fall in love with her stories while giving you a history lesson all at the same time. If you have not read any of the other Fiery Tales don’t worry Bewitching in Boots (while connected to Little Red Writing) can easily be read as a stand alone.
Tristan the ex-commander of the Musketeers and has sequestered himself off in his home and is broody about all he has lost. Elisabeth is a woman determined to get what she wants no matter what she has to do. What does she want you ask? She wants Tristan to be reinstated as commander of the Musketeers. Oh and she wants him in her bed.
Tristan and Elisabeth were really fun to read. It was great fun to watch these two dance around each other and try to avoid what they both want. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

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

July 6, 2016July 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Bound Beneath His Pain by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Bound Beneath His Pain
SERIES #: Dirty Little Secrets #1
CHARACTERS: Micah & Allie
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/05/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin novels kicks off a deeply sensual new series by introducing readers to Micah, a man who takes what he wants—until he meets the one woman he needs.

Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. He keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?

When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah’s her new boss. For another, he’s as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he’s got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she’s willing to go to light the way for love.

Bound Beneath His Pain is intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a new series from Kennedy. Having been a fan of the Club Sin series I was anxious to pick this up. As with all of Kennedy’s books this is meant for mature readers who enjoy erotica / BDSM.

While I enjoyed the story there was just some things off for me. First the writing is not what I am used to from Kennedy. It is not to say it is better or worse it just has a different feel. Hard to say exactly but it seems Kennedy was watching Mad Men while writing this story. Allie seems almost old fashion is her stereotypical secretary. And I really didn’t like that Micah has a stand by sub.

I am looking forward to this new series that was branched off from Club Sin.

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

July 5, 2016July 4, 2016

Kelly reviews The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone

TITLE: The Hatching
CHARACTERS: The World
AUTHOR: Ezekiel Boone
PUBLICATION DATE: July 5, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“An apocalyptic extravaganza of doom and heroism…addictive.” —Publishers Weekly

“It’s been too long since someone reminded us that spiders are not just to be feared, but also may well spell doom for mankind. Fortunately, Ezekiel Boone has upped the ante on arachnophobia. This is a fresh take on classic horror, thoroughly enjoyable and guaranteed to leave your skin crawling.” —Michael Koryta, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Wish Me Dead

An astonishingly inventive and terrifying debut novel about the emergence of an ancient species, dormant for over a thousand years, and now on the march.

Deep in the jungle of Peru, where so much remains unknown, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist whole. Thousands of miles away, an FBI agent investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery. Unusual seismic patterns register in a Kanpur, India earthquake lab, confounding the scientists there. During the same week, the Chinese government “accidentally” drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country. As these incidents begin to sweep the globe, a mysterious package from South America arrives at a Washington, D.C. laboratory. Something wants out.

The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster. An ancient species, long dormant, is now very much awake.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The Hatching is a totally different twist on of the end of the world. We don’t have to worry about Zombies, Werewolves or Vampires. Oh no… no, no, no…… The Hatching is an Arachnophobian worst nightmare!!!!
Seriously, you have been warned!!!
I am really on the fence about this story. I hate spiders I really do, but these spiders are something totally different. I found the history of the spiders interesting. I really liked a few of the characters. But at times the story was a little slow and jumped around the world a lot. I am not sure if I liked the story or not. All I know is that there were a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this book.

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

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July 1, 2016June 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Sunshine Beach by Wendy Wax

TITLE: Sunshine Beach
SERIES #: Ten Beach Road #4
CHARACTERS: Maddie, Avery & Nikki
AUTHOR: Wendy Wax
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/21/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this brand-new summer read by the USA Today bestselling author of The House on Mermaid Point, three women join forces to bring a historic seaside hotel back to life…

There’s nothing that a fresh coat of paint and a few glasses of wine can’t fix…

After losing their life savings in a Ponzi scheme, Maddie, Avery, and Nikki have banded together to make the most of what they have left, using their determination, ingenuity, guts, and a large dose of elbow grease. It’s Maddie’s daughter Kyra who stumbles across a once glorious beachfront hotel that has fallen into disrepair. The opportunity to renovate this seaside jewel is too good to pass up—especially when they come up with the idea of shooting their own independent television show about the restoration. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything. With the cameras rolling, Maddie’s second-chance romance with her all-too-famous new boyfriend gets complicated, Avery struggles with grief over the loss of her mother, and Nikki’s reluctance to commit to the man who loves her could leave her to face the biggest challenge of her life. Even the hotel seems to be against them, when their renovation uncovers a decades-old unsolved murder which just might bring their lives tumbling down all over again…

REVIEW:
This is my first novel by Wendy Wax but it is the fourth in the series. This book was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be a beach romance with the three women finding love in the sunshine. Nope.

There is a Nazi mystery at the heart of this story which in all honesty is the reason I sort of enjoyed it. I never seemed to connect with any of the three women. I really don’t know how three tv reality stars and a age old mystery fit together.

I am on the fence about this one so I gave it three stars.

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

June 30, 2016June 27, 2016

Kelly 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:
I loved that we finally got Mac’s story. We have seen glimpse of him over the last two books and I am sure like everyone else fell in love with the youngest Barrett kid. In Seconds to Live we get to learn so much more about Mac. What makes him tick, what makes him constantly be on the run from his family and what happens when he sets his sights on the lady he can’t get out of his mind.
Stella is great! I love that she is tough, determined and relatable. Stella is someone that you would want on your side during a crisis. It was great to see her bounce back after the events of the last book.
As always Ms. Leigh brings us a story filled with the perfect level of suspense, keeping me guessing and romance. I enjoyed every page of this book. It was great to finally get Mac’s story. I love trying to figure out the who’s and why’s. Ms. Leigh does a great job of always shocking me (rarely am I right. haha). I can’t wait to see what Ms. Leigh has in story for us next.

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.

June 29, 2016June 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Rider
SERIES #: Shadow #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/28/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling “queen of paranormal romance”* is back with a sexy new series starring a Chicago crime family that hides a dark, mystical secret…

Whether it’s fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he’s not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses—both legitimate and illegitimate.

While their criminal activity is simply a rumor yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone—until now…

With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn’t expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts This is a new series from Feehan and quite different than the GhostWalkers series. The men in this story have a special talent of becoming part of the shadows and in doing so they take vengeance into their own hands.

I never really liked Stefano. He didn’t have a warmness about him even when he was at his warmest with Francesca. Yes he became sweeter but he almost stayed too alpha. I get the whole shadows pulled together to show they were meant to be together but there was too much “love at first sight”. Stefano becomes so possessive at first sight for me.

Francesca is a bit of a welcome mat. She is so sweet she just seems to let everyone take control over her. I get she is scared because of the past but she just falls under the protection of the Ferraro family and bang her whole life becomes theirs.

I enjoyed the story and maybe it was because so much has to be explained in the first book of a new series but this just didn’t do it for me. But I look forward to the brothers and Emme finding their riders.

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

June 28, 2016June 27, 2016

Kelly reviews Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Sweet Little Lies
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Finn O’Riley & Pru Harris
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. Shalvis has given me a story that I fell head over heels in love with. I also love that we have a new series and a new cast of characters for fall in love with. I am already looking forward to the next two installments in this series. But back to Sweet Little Lies.
Pru Harris is a local ship captain that has been trying to right the wrongs of her parents past actions. While most people she has help have been thankful there is one that has been stubborn. One stubborn person that Pru just happens to have a serious lust problem with.
These two were great fun to read. I loved the tension between them. I really can’t wait for the next installment of this series. I want to see what is in store for the other characters and to get glimpse of Finn & Pru.

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.

June 24, 2016June 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Best Of My Love by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Best Of My Love
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #20
CHARACTERS: Shelby & Aidan
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls “so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate.”

To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool’s Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her?

Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the “adventure” in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he’s inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby’s boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect.

As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool’s Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they’re just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful visit to my favorite fictional town in the world, Fool’s Gold. I have visited Fool’s Gold 20 times now and never tire of the people, the history, or the romance. Thank you Susan Mallery for making this town my special place even if it is just in my mind… and heart.

This visit was all about watching Shelby and Aidan fall in love… but more than that we watched them grow. Shelby has seen and felt what no child ever should and her trust issues are nil but being the strong woman she is she decides its time to learn to trust men. And that is where Aidan comes in. He is a player. But he only plays with women who will leave town but when one comes back for a second round and he can’t remember her. Well he realizes just exactly what he has become. And in walks Shelby with a proposition he can’t say no to.

Most of the time I seem to fall in love with the men in Fool’s Gold but this time I think I might have a girl crush. Shelby is just perfect in her imperfection. She is so strong and yet as sweet as the desserts she makes. To find the courage to even walk to Aidan made me love her but to watch her grow so much and have so many light bulb moments during her experiment was amazing. Yes Aidan grew too. He learned about himself and, as they say, got in touch with his feminine side but Shelby is the one who made me fall in love with this story.

As a fan of Fool’s Gold I have watched the women of the town come to the house of each broken hearted woman and wish I could join them for margaritas but this story had a bit of a different ending that had me “awwwing” out loud and smiling ear to ear.

Susan Mallery, my message to you is never stop writing about Fool’s Gold. We would be heartbroken.

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

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June 23, 2016June 20, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews Tattered Loyalties by Carrie Ann Ryan – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Tattered Loyalties
SERIES #: Talon Pack #1
CHARACTERS: Gideon Brentwood & Brie Jamenson
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: February 17, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When the great war between the Redwoods and the Centrals occurred three decades ago, the Talon Pack risked their lives for the side of good. After tragedy struck, Gideon Brentwood became the Alpha of the Talons. But the Pack’s stability is threatened, and he’s forced to take mate—only the one fate puts in his path is the woman he shouldn’t want.

Though the daughter of the Redwood Pack’s Beta, Brie Jamenson has known peace for most of her life. When she finds the man who could be her mate, she’s shocked to discover Gideon is the Alpha wolf of the Talon Pack. As a submissive, her strength lies in her heart, not her claws. But if her new Pack disagrees or disapproves of fate’s choice, the consequences could be fatal.

As the worlds Brie and Gideon have always known begin to shift, they must face their challenges together in order to help their Pack and seal their bond. But when the Pack is threatened from the inside, Gideon doesn’t know who he can trust and Brie’s life could be forfeit in the crossfire. It will take the strength of an Alpha and the courage of his mate to realize where true loyalties lie.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts After years of war, peace has started to settle in to the Packs worlds. Not that everything is quiet, but things are much better than they were 30 years ago. Gideon has been trying hard to make his pack strong again. A job easier said than done. But now the elders want to force Gideon to mate for the good of the pack. Only problem, he just found his mate. A mate that he is unsure that he wants or truly needs.

A great start to Carrie Ann Ryan’s new Talon Pack series. If you have not read the Redwood Pack series yet, you don’t have to but I would highly recommend that you do. There is a bit (okay a lot) of history the happens in the Redwood Pack series that flows over to the Talon Pack’s new series. But if you don’t just know that this series starts 30 years after the events that happen to change the Redwood Pack forever.

I loved this book. Loved Gideon (and his grumpy butt). Loved seeing Brie again all grown up and strong. I so can’t wait for the next book in this series. Bring on FINN!!!!

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

June 22, 2016June 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Liar Liar by MJ Arlidge

TITLE: Liar Liar
SERIES #: Helen Grace #4
CHARACTERS: Helen Grace
AUTHOR: MJ Arlidge
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Detective Helen Grace gets caught in an inferno of death and destruction in the red-hot new thriller from the author of Eeny Meeny, Pop Goes the Weasel, and The Doll’s House

Detective Helen Grace has never seen such destruction. Six fires in twenty-four hours. Two people dead. Several more injured. It’s as if someone wants to burn the city to the ground…

With the whole town on high alert, Helen and her team must sift through the rubble to find the arsonist, someone whose thirst for fire—and control—is reducing entire lives to ashes.

One misstep could mean Helen’s career—and more lives lost. And as the pressure mounts and more buildings burn, Helen’s own dark impulses threaten to consume her…

REVIEW:
This is the fourth in the Helen Grace series. I only read the first one and have missed the second and third but while it helps to have a bit of a background to understanding the character of Helen you really can read this as a stand alone.

The suspense was well written and I really enjoyed the new dynamic with Charlie. Helen is a bit of a loner and sometimes she makes me sad for her. But I seem to enjoy the series and I look forward to book five… if I don’t manage to miss it somehow.

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

June 21, 2016June 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Ink And Bone by Lisa Unger

TITLE: Ink And Bone
CHARACTERS: Finley & Eloise
AUTHOR: Lisa Unger
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An instant page-turner (Lisa Gardner) that straddles the line between thriller and horror…sure to appeal to a wide range of readers, including Stephen King fans. (Booklist, starred) A young woman’s mysterious gift forces her into the middle of a dangerous investigation of a little girl’s disappearance.

Twenty-year-old Finley Montgomery is rarely alone. Visited by people whom others can’t see and haunted by prophetic dreams, she has never been able to control or understand the things that happen to her. When Finley’s abilities start to become too strong for her to handle – and even the roar of her motorcycle or another dazzling tattoo can’t drown out the voices – she turns to the only person she knows who can help her: her grandmother Eloise Montgomery, a renowned psychic living in The Hollows, New York.

Merri Gleason is a woman at the end of her tether after a ten-month-long search for her missing daughter, Abbey. With almost every hope exhausted, she resorts to hiring Jones Cooper, a detective who sometimes works with psychic Eloise Montgomery. Merri’s not a believer, but she’s just desperate enough to go down that road, praying that she’s not too late. Time, she knows, is running out.

As a harsh white winter moves into The Hollows, Finley and Eloise are drawn into the investigation, which proves to have much more at stake than even the fate of a missing girl. As Finley digs deeper into the town and its endless layers, she is forced to examine the past, even as she tries to look into the future. Only one thing is clear: The Hollows gets what it wants, no matter what.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I always enjoy a book with a normal person who has paranormal ability and that is what is happening with Finley. She has dreams that she can not control or understand. She moves back home to be with her grandmother who also has the same condition but when a child go missing Finley knows she has to help.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read but it kept me interested all the way through. The suspense was well written and the way Finley handles her gift is how I would imagine anyone would handle it. I mean do you even believe your own mind? Do you wonder if getting involved would help or hinder.

If you enjoy a quick read with suspense and a touch of paranormal I would suggest picking up this book. I look forward to more books from Unger.

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