Review Sunday – Page 73 – Books-n-Kisses

May 16, 2016May 15, 2016

Kelly reviews Dark Alpha’s Demand by Donna Grant

TITLE: Dark Alpha’s Demand
SERIES #: Reapers #3
CHARACTERS: Talin & Neve
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: May 17, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I am coming for you…
My secret is an ancient one. I exist to exact vengeance on the Fae for their wrongs per Death’s orders. When I’m sent as a spy to one of the most treacherous, deceitful places in any realm – the court of the Light Queen – things go awry. Neve captured my soul with just a look from her seductive gaze. She is who I want, who I crave…who I hunger for. But someone has set out to kill her – and expose me. I’ll destroy any man – human or Fae – who brings harm to her, for she is the light my soul can’t risk losing.

REVIEW:
And the plot thickens!!! I really enjoyed this story. With each Reaper book we are drawn more and more into the world of Reapers, Fae and the Dragon Kings. I truly love how closely related these two series are. I am wondering with 4 more Reaper books to come and at least 4 more Dragon King’s books how are these to fractions going to work together to stop the Dark. Crap….. I might have said too much.

Talin and Neve’s story was great. I think so far this is my favorite book in the Reaper’s series. It was awesome to see Bran finally rattled. But the events at the end of Dark Alpha’s Demand broke my heart.

I can’t wait to see what and who is next in this series. I can’t wait to see how the Reapers and the Kings finally realize that they need each other. And Rhi, of course I can’t wait to see what is next for our favorite Light Fae.

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.

May 13, 2016May 8, 2016

Kimberly reviews Extreme Prey by John Sandford

TITLE: Extreme Prey
SERIES #: Lucas Davenport #26
CHARACTERS: Lucas Davenport
AUTHOR: John Sandford
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The extraordinary new Lucas Davenport thriller from #1 New York Times–bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner John Sandford.

After the events in Gathering Prey, Lucas Davenport finds himself in a very unusual situation—no longer employed by the Minnesota BCA. His friend the governor is just cranking up a presidential campaign, though, and he invites Lucas to come along as part of his campaign staff. “Should be fun!” he says, and it kind of is—until they find they have a shadow: an armed man intent on killing the governor . . . and anyone who gets in the way.

REVIEW:
Davenport is back! And after 25 other books I was thrilled to see it. Let me say there have been a lot of other books and I really don’t think you should read this as a stand alone.

This time Davenport is not working so now he has time to help out a friend who wants to figure out who is trying to kill him.

This is a little ripped from the headlines kind of story. Well not exactly but close. With the political climate going on right now it feels like it. But it is enjoyable just hope it doesn’t come to fruition.

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

May 12, 2016May 8, 2016

Kelly reviews The Passage by Justin Cronin

TITLE: The Passage
SERIES #: The Passage #1
CHARACTERS: Amy, Wolgast and the people of First Colony
AUTHOR: Justin Cronin
PUBLICATION DATE: June 8, 2010
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An epic and gripping tale of catastrophe and survival, The Passage is the story of Amy—abandoned by her mother at the age of six, pursued and then imprisoned by the shadowy figures behind a government experiment of apocalyptic proportions. But Special Agent Brad Wolgast, the lawman sent to track her down, is disarmed by the curiously quiet girl and risks everything to save her. As the experiment goes nightmarishly wrong, Wolgast secures her escape—but he can’t stop society’s collapse. And as Amy walks alone, across miles and decades, into a future dark with violence and despair, she is filled with the mysterious and terrifying knowledge that only she has the power to save the ruined world.

REVIEW:
This was my second read/listen of The Passage. With book 3 City of Mirrors upon us (May 2016) a reread was very necessary.
The Passage is one of my all time favorite books and one I would recommend to everyone. When I first picked up this story I was all about the HEA and didn’t read anything that didn’t have a HEA. The Passage and Mr. Cronin showed me that not every story can have a HEA. Sometimes life gets in the way and tests you at every turn.

It is safe to say that I love this book just as much the second time around as I did the 1st time. Amy, Peter, Alicia, Sara, Michael and Hollis are some of my most favorite characters ever. You root for them on every page.

I don’t want to go into to many details about this story because I want you to experience for yourself. But The Passage is an epic journey of the post apocalyptic world and the humans that are bound and determined to survive it.

If you have not read this story yet. You really need to read it. Trust me!!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and audiobook (from Audible/Amazon) and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 11, 2016May 8, 2016

Kimberly reviews Cin Wikkid by Mary Hughes

TITLE: Cin Wikkid
CHARACTERS: Cin & Rafe
AUTHOR: Mary Hughes
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/18/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE WRONGED DAUGHTER
Cinderella hungers to escape from under Widow Wikkid’s grinding thumb. But to snare a plum job at Prince Industries, Cin desperately needs her degree, and she can’t wrap her mind around tax accounting.
Then scarred but sexy Rafe Montoya ignites her imagination with his brilliant tutoring—and, as they work together in his cozy apartment, he sets her body on fire. So why is he pushing her to attend Gideon Prince’s marriage-mart ball?

THE HANDSOME PRINCE
Rafe is really Gideon Prince, head of Prince Industries. He must name his bride by his April first birthday or suffer the loss of his family fortune. Rumors say he’s still single because women love his money and looks, not him. Is he lonely or just another duplicitous tycoon?

THE GLASS SLIPPER TEST
Hopefuls flock to Prince’s birthday ball, but only one will emerge triumphant. Only the woman who’s kind, wise, and generous will win his heart. Is it Cin, or will her stepmother, as she always does, snatch the prize for her own daughters?
And on the night of the ball, when Cin discovers Rafe’s true identity, can she even accept his final test?

REVIEW:
This is a modern spin on an old fairy tale. Oh come on you knew that. But this is not your childs fairy tale. This is for adults and it is a fun read for any fan of romance novels.

Cin Wikkid is a quick read but enjoyable. I thought Cin was sweet and yet a strong woman who knows the way she was raised and is not afraid to be that woman. Pick it up. You won’t regret it.

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

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May 10, 2016May 8, 2016

Kelly reviews Tangled by Kate Douglas

TITLE: Tangled
SERIES #: An Intimate Relations Short Story
CHARACTERS: Nate & Cassie
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nate shows up to work at Tangled Vineyards ready to do what he loves best—craft award-winning wines. But when something better comes in the form of Cassie, the winemaker and former owner, Nate is completely love-drunk. Getting involved with Tangled’s mixologist is a bad way to start off a new job, but with Cassie as a temptation, Nate doesn’t stand a chance.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Tangled is the prequel to Ms. Douglas Intimate Relations trilogy and was previously published in the anthology Hot Alphas.

I enjoyed this novella. It was a very quick read and the storyline was very quick. But it was a good little story and a great introduction to the Intimate Relations series. Nate and Cassie are great. I would have loved for the story to be a little longer. But that is my feeling after all novellas.

I did read Tangled after reading the first two books. I didn’t feel lost or that I was reading out of order. Tangled can easily stand on it own.

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.

May 9, 2016May 8, 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.

May 6, 2016May 1, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Last Thing I Remember by Deborah Bee

TITLE: The Last Thing I Remember
CHARACTERS: Sarah
AUTHOR: Deborah Bee
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For fans of Rubbernecker and Before I Go To Sleep, a tense thriller with a clever and original premise – and a devilish twist

Sarah is in a coma.

Her memory is gone – she doesn’t know how she got there. And she doesn’t know how she might get out.

But then she discovers that her injury wasn’t an accident. And that the assailant hasn’t been caught.

Unable to speak, see or move, Sarah must use every clue that she overhears to piece together her own past.

And work out who it is that keeps coming into her room.

A novel that grips from the very beginning and that will live long in the memory, The Last Thing I Remember is Deborah Bee’s startling debut thriller.

REVIEW:
This is so different and so entrancing. This psychological thriller is exactly that. A thrill.

Sarah is in a coma and unable to do anything except think. She and her neighbors daughter piece together what happened to Sarah that put her into the coma.

Honestly if I say too much it gives a lot away. Let’s just say that if you are looking for a book that makes you think and keeps your attention and is something outside of the normal thriller than this is the book for you. I am so glad I picked it up.

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

May 5, 2016May 2, 2016

Kimberly reviews Worth It All by Claudia Connor

TITLE: Worth It All
SERIES #: The McKinney Brothers #3
CHARACTERS: Paige & JT
AUTHOR: Claudia Connor
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/19/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Read Claudia Connor for a consistently raw and emotional love story,” recommends Carly Phillips. Now the swoon-worthy McKinney Brothers series from this bestselling author continues as JT, the youngest of the trio, discovers that only love can make him whole.

She’s fighting for control. . . . Paige Roberts learned to fend for herself growing up. Now she’s doing everything possible to give her daughter, Casey, the stability she never had. But when the vivacious five-year-old decides she’s done wearing her prosthesis, Paige faces her toughest challenge yet: trusting a handsome, brooding stranger who simply wants to help.

He’s struggling to connect. . . . JT McKinney lost more than his leg in a car accident that stole his dreams of pro football. Eight years later, he’s made a new life for himself far away from his old one. His business is developing cutting-edge prosthetics and he’s more than happy to turn his attention to machines instead of people. Still, he can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.

Will they take a chance on love? . . . When JT gets the chance to help Paige’s daughter, he takes it. He never planned on the two of them tearing down his walls or teaching him to believe in himself again. Paige might not believe in happily ever afters, but JT wants more than anything to be her prince. They’ll both have to let go of the past if they want a future.

REVIEW:
So two or so years ago I fell in love with Matt (Worth The Fall). And now I have fallen in love with his baby brother, JT.

There is something about these McKinney boys that just steals your heart. Maybe it is the size of theirs and maybe it is the way they are with children but any reader would have a hard time not falling for one (or more) of these brothers. There is another brother, Stephen (Worth The Risk), but I have to say that Matt and JT are the two brothers that stole my heart.

JT lost his leg years ago and as the saying goes turned lemons into lemonade by designing better prosthetics for amputees but he has never forgotten or forgiven himself for how he lost his. Paige is a single mom who does everything she has to to make sure her daughter doesn’t have the life that she grew up in. When JT sees Paige something draws him in and then he meets her daughter, Casey, who is also an amputee and he can’t help but want to help mother and daughter. But he never imagines that he will lose his heart not only to Paige but to Casey as well. And that it will change his life so drastically.

JT is just beyond sweet. He has a heart of gold but forgot how to make it shine. Paige brings that back to him and I found myself enjoying her as much as I enjoyed him. And then of course Casey can steal any moms heart. She is such a typical five year old.

Claudia Connor quickly became one of my favorite authors after reading Matt’s story and I can’t tell you enough how she has remained high on my list as we have met the McKinney brothers. I worry that we are out of brothers (unless I counted wrong) but I know no matter what happens to the McKinney family Claudia Connor will deliver another story that will steal my heart…. But until then I will just have to split my heart between Matt and JT.

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

May 4, 2016May 1, 2016

Kelly reviews Smoke And Fire by Donna Grant

TITLE: Smoke & Fire
SERIES #: Dark Kings #9
CHARACTERS: Kinsey & Ryder
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wanted to touch him. There had always been something about being in his arms that made her feel as if she could tackle anything and the world wouldn’t dare get in her way…

SWORN TO PROTECT
A dragon shapeshifter and a computer mastermind, Ryder is sent to guard Glasgow after a devastating Dark attack. But when memories of an explosive affair come back to him-in the flesh-Ryder cannot help but want to protect the woman who haunts his dreams. Even if means shifting into the dragon he was never supposed to reveal…

DRIVEN TO DESIRE
Kinsey could never get enough of Ryder. His every touch only left her wanting more. But now that she’s seen him in his true form, Kinsey’s world is rocked to the core. She knows that to stay-and feel-alive, she must be with Ryder. But is Kinsey’s passion worth the risk of danger that comes with being a part of Ryder’s dark and fierce world?

REVIEW:
Smoke & Fire is a little different story than our normal Dark King book. This is a story of a second chance at love. Ryder, our jelly donut loving dragon, whom we all love is reunited with the love of his life after many years. But there is something strange about the time of Kinsey’s arrival. Can she be trusted? Is she who she really says she is? And how far is Ryder willing to go to protect her and when back her love?

As always Ms. Grant writes a story that makes us fall in love with the Dragon Kings all over again. But at times Ryder’s story seemed to drag on a little. I think that the events that happened in Smoke & Fire are going to lead to some huge changes in the Dragon Kings world. Rhi’s storyline is getting deeper and deeper. Balladyn is changing yet staying the same, which makes it really hard to like him, yet I don’t hate him as much.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. What is next for the Kings, what is next for Balladyn, what is next for Rhi.

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.

May 3, 2016May 1, 2016

Kimberly reviews Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply by Terry Spear

TITLE: Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #19
CHARACTERS: Eric & Pepper
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/03/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wolf shifter and park ranger Eric Silver is committed to his job policing spectacular San Isabel National Forest, and he’s hot on the scent of some mysterious wolves who are up to no good. When Eric’s investigation leads him to cross paths with forester Pepper Grayling, he’s fascinated to learn this she-wolf is her pack’s leader — strong, independent, and definitely not looking for a mate.

With unknown dangers on the prowl, Pepper is tempted to give in to her attraction to Eric and align her pack with his. But Pepper’s been pursued by many alpha males–all out to take over her pack and gain her hard-won territory–and Eric is a born leader. How does Eric earn the trust of a she-wolf who’s been betrayed so often in the past?

REVIEW:
This is the 19th in this series and I have to say that I have not even read half of them. This one was just ok to me.

They can be read as a stand alone and like I said sort of have been for me. The story had a bit of a slow start but then was fine. Pepper is a very strong female alpha and I just didn’t feel that Eric was alpha enough to be with her.

Don’t get me wrong. The romance is fine it is just not one of favorites from Terry Spear.

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

April 29, 2016April 23, 2016

#TBF Kimberly reviews Take My Breath Away by Christie Ridgway – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Take My Breath Away
SERIES #: Cabin Fever #1
CHARACTERS: Poppy & Ryan
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway comes a sparkling new series set in the California mountains, where Hollywood glamour meets rustic charm, and the sparks fly among the unlikeliest of couples…

Poppy Walker has a plan to restore the family resort, and she’s sticking to it. So when a good-looking guy with plenty of cash rents one of her half-repaired vacation cabins, she figures he’s just what the handyman ordered. But when a late-winter storm blows through, it takes down some trees, her roof and then…her self-control. Even though she’s been burned before by a wealthy passer-through, she can’t stay away from the brooding but gorgeous stranger in the bungalow next door.

Former teen idol turned Hollywood exec Ryan Hamilton wants a private place in which to endure his very personal heartbreak. Finally, at this rustic mountain cabin, he has all the seclusion one man could want—until sparks begin to fly with his sexy, formerly chilly landlady. By the time the weather dies down, they’re both hot, bothered and certain they’re still wrong for each other. But there’s no telling how they’ll face the new storm brewing on the horizon…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What a delightful story. I truly enjoyed every word of it. Ryan is just heartbreaking in his sadness and yet he can be so charming. Poppy is such an optimist that she claws are your heart. And Mason is adorable.

I really believe any single mom should read this story. It clearly shows how a single mom feels. How the child takes over her whole heart and makes her believe that no one can add to that space. And yet this story shows that a mom can be a sexual being not just a mom.

I really look forward to getting back to the resort and seeing how that works out in Shay’s story which is next. Each of the background characters of this story are great and make you want to hear their stories too. Ridgway has begun this series with a winner.

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

April 28, 2016April 23, 2016

#TBT Kelly’s review of Twilight Hunter by Kait Ballenger – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Twilight Hunter
SERIES #: Execution Underground #1
CHARACTERS: Jace McCannon & Frankie Amato
AUTHOR: Kait Ballenger
PUBLICATION DATE: August 27, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but what happens when danger collides with desire?

Jace McCannon has one loyalty: the Execution Underground. Despite his mixed blood, his hatred for the werewolves he hunts is legendary. But in his search for a sadistic killer, Jace finds himself face to face with a stunningly seductive packmaster…and longing for a night with his mortal enemy.

Nothing can stop Frankie Amato from defending her kind–or catching the rogue responsible for killing women in her territory. For that, this alpha female needs Jace’s skills more than she wants to admit. But as their investigation exposes evil truths, need burns into a passion that dare not be fulfilled. For to do so will have deadly consequences for them both.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jace has always felt ashamed of who he is, or more actually what he is. But he can’t change the past he can only move on. Try to look forward to a future free of at least a few of the beasts he hunts. But the very near future has slightly different plans for Jace. Jace is about to learn that he should not fear or be ashamed of what he is. Because it is the very thing that might be able to save everyone.

As if tracking a killer is not hard enough, Frankie has found herself in the crosshairs of a hunter from the Execution Underground. But there is something about the very sexy hunter that calls to Frankie. Something that she can’t avoid, something that is all consuming, something that could be deadly for her if he finds out who she really is.

Great start to a new series by a great new author!!! Kait has busted onto the scene with a new look at the paranormal with a twist of mythology. Twilight Hunter is book one in Kait’s Execution Underground series. She also released a novella Shadow Hunter, but you don’t have to read them in order. I was sucked into this world and never wanted to leave. I so can’t wait to see what Kait has in store for us next.

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