Review Sunday – Page 81 – Books-n-Kisses

December 30, 2015December 28, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The New Year’s Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander

TITLE: The New Year’s Wish
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Garrett
AUTHOR: Dani-Lyn Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Typing out memos is anything but torturous when your boss is this hot! Dani-Lyn Alexander’s irresistible new yuletide romance is a lighthearted office romp that will make you long for the company holiday party.

Olivia Calloway isn’t cut out for the nine-to-five life. She’s a born entrepreneur. She just has to figure out her soul’s true calling—and she’s given herself until the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve to do it. With her trust fund dwindling and only two and a half months to go, she takes an assistant position at prestigious law firm Harris & Harris. The problem is, Olivia’s a terrible employee—incessantly late, forgetful, and clumsy. Not that her gorgeous new boss Garrett Emerson seems to mind. Beautiful, charming Olivia has been on his mind ever since she ran into him, literally, sprinting to the interview. But Olivia’s first big assignment—to plan an elaborate last minute New Year’s Eve party for the entire company—could make or break her job entirely. With Ms. Harris herself demanding perfection, a jealous office rival rooting for Olivia to lose, and even Garrett dreading the affair, can Olivia finally prove herself—or will an unforeseen complication send her back to the drawing board? All she wants for the holidays is to be her own boss—and to ignite the flirtatious sparks between her and Garrett…so she can file their relationship under love.

REVIEW:
Ever had one of THOSE days? Well Olivia has one of those lives. She can’t get anywhere on time. She forgets important things. She is just a mess. The problem is so much happens to Olivia that it got old kind of quickly. And giving this book is only about 75 pages that is saying something.

Garrett is a single dad who is trying to make his daughter his first priority while still making a living. I liked Garrett even though really this was not his story. This story is more about Olivia and her blunders. There is also his daughte.. And the author did a pretty good job of speaking for her even though sometimes she sounds older than her 5 years.

All in all this is a cute short story. Will it get you in the holiday mood? Nope but it is a quick read and enjoyable.

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

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015

Kelly & Kimberly review My Kind Of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: My Kind of Wonderful
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #2
CHARACTERS: Hudson Kincaid & Bailey Moore
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 22, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE…

Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she’s determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn’t realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn’t want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn’t the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she’s not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family’s resort, Hud thinks he’s seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he’s been missing far too long. Now he’ll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts It was awesome to be back in Cedar Ridge!! I love the Kincaid family. I love how they ban together to tease each other and make each others lives less than fun, because that is what family does. But family also stands by you and pushes you when you have screwed up beyond belief and the only thing left to do is to grovel.
I loved Hudson and Bailey. Hudson is such a sweet guy trying so hard to not let people in, too not feel and to not ever hurt again. But poor Hudson just walked into a storm unlike any other storm he has ever experienced. That stroms name is Bailey Moore.
Bailey has a new lease on life and she is going to live every day to the fullest. She has even made a list of all thing she plans to do. There was one thing that Bailey has not put on her list. Hudson Kincaid.
I really enjoyed this story. I can’t wait to see what happens next to all the Kincaids!!!!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Another adorable story from Jill Shalvis. In this story we are back in Cedar Ridge in the beautiful winter with snow falling everywhere and love in the air. This is Hudson’s story.

Hudson is all about work. He has thrown himself into his job so he doesn’t have to think about what has happened between him and his twin brother, his mom’s dementia and just life in general. And then Bailey comes around and changes it all. Bailey is a survivor and has decided she will live her life to the fullest and her first stop is a ski slope with a big wall just waiting to be painted.

I really enjoyed this story. Hudson is totally an alpha man but he is so sweet and takes care of Bailey while not even letting her know he is. He can be romantic and a pain the butt in a matter of moments. Bailey is light-hearted and just wants to live and yet has a stone around her neck all the time. But weirdly enough they are perfect together.

But the best part of the story is the family connection. The way they play off of each other, the can joke and yet be serious when need be. They give each other grief but at the same time they have each other’s back and I enjoy them immensely. I can’t wait for the next in the series which is about Jacob and if he is anything like his twin it will be a heck of a story.

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

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015

Kelly & Kimberly review Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Kill Without Mercy
SERIES #: ARES Security #1
CHARACTERS: Rafe Vargas & Annie White
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he’s eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can’t just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…

There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Great start to a new series. I really enjoyed the first installment in Ms. Ivy’s new ARES Security series. The ARES Security series follows a band of brother who came together and survived the worst that life could throw at them. The security company is there second chance at everything.
Rafe finds himself going to the small town where his grandpa lived and dies. He thought that it would be faced with cleaning up the house and putting it on the market. But what Rafe finds waiting for him in Newton will forever change his world.
Annie White has lived with the knowledge that she is the daughter of a murder for 15 years. But then she starts having vision of the killer starting again she does the only thing she can think of. Return to Newton and see if she can stop a killer for good this time.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. I won’t tell you what, who or why you will have to pick up a copy for yourself and find out.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I truly enjoyed this new story from Alexandra Ivy and the men that are on the ARES Security team. I looked really forwarded to starting a new series by Ivy and I was not disappointed.

The first thing I want to say is I love the bro-mance between the 5 men. They went through hell together and came out better friends and men for it. They are all completely different and yet the same in their loyalty to each other. They became brothers and that is something that will stay with them no matter what the future holds.

Now there is Annie. She has been through alot herself but more as a by-stander forced to live with the fact that her dad was a serial killer in her childhood small town. But as expected there is always more to the story.

The story pulls you in from the first couple of pages and certainly by the first chapter or two you are drawn into the pages as Ivy always does. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the romantic suspense genre. And if you are a fan of alpha men who have a heart of gold then this is the book for you.

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.

December 25, 2015December 20, 2015

Kimberly reviews Make A Christmas Wish by Julia Williams

TITLE: Make A Christmas Wish
CHARACTERS: Livvy, Adam, Emily & Joe
AUTHOR: Julia Williams
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What’s your secret wish this Christmas?
*What will you wish for this Christmas?*
Last Christmas, when Livvy was knocked down in the supermarket car park she certainly wasn’t ready to actually be dead! For months now she’s floated on the edge of the afterlife, generally making a nuisance of herself.
And she’s not ready to go just yet! She’s furious about the new woman in her husband’s life and she’s worried about her beloved son who doesn’t seem to be adjusting to life without her at all.
This Christmas, Livvy is given one last magical chance to make everything right. Will she take the gift she’s been given to create the perfect family Christmas?

REVIEW:
This is a simple holiday ghost story of a woman who loves her family and wants to make sure they are taken care of before she moves on. But it’s not as simple as find a new love for her husband and drift away.

Her son sees her but nobody believes him since he has Aspergers and his dad doesn’t believe in ghosts. Then there is Adam who was already having an affair with Emily and of course Livvy can’t imagine Adam being with Emily since she was already coming between their marriage.

Then there is also Malaki, Livvy’s spirit guide, who shows her how her life really was and how much she drank that caused the separation with Adam. And she also has a chance to live again for 24 hours. She has to decide what is right and what is best for the man she once loved and her son.

This is a well written story with perspectives of different family members in different forms. To be honest I can imagine this making a great made for tv Christmas movie. Are you listening Hallmark Channel?

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

December 24, 2015December 20, 2015

Kimberly reviews Snowflake Wishes by Maggie McGinnis

TITLE: Snowflake Wishes
SERIES #: Echo Lake #1.5
CHARACTERS: Noah & Piper
AUTHOR: Maggie McGinnis
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Noah Drake was that guy–the one always on the lookout for his next adrenaline high, so it was no surprise when he took off across the world, seeking adventure as a travel writer. But one thing he could never escape was Piper Bellini, the girl who got away–the girl he let get away, a fact he’s never let himself forget. When he returns to Echo Lake to see if there’s any chance the flame between them can be rekindled, he never expects to spend the night holed up with Piper in a roadside diner while a blizzard rages outside. It’s exactly the kind of situation that sent Piper running years ago. But this time, Noah may have been handed a Christmas miracle, and he intends to make all of his and Piper’s wishes come true…

REVIEW:
This is a short 70 page story. I would say it is a holiday story but really there is not much holiday involved in the story. Now that being said it is a fine story. Not great but not bad either. I just never felt any connection between the two characters.

Weirdly enough this story felt way too long. There was too much drama that really just wasn’t all that interesting to me. But I will say that I liked the idea of the snowflake wishes. That is a really sweet idea that the reader included in the story.

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

December 23, 2015December 20, 2015

Kimberly reviews Snowflakes On Silver Cove by Holly Martin

TITLE: Snowflakes On Silver Cove
SERIES #: White Cliff Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Libby & George
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Snuggle up with a piece of Christmas cake and mulled wine, and spend the festive season at White Cliff Bay. You won’t want to leave! Christmas at Lilac Cottage also out now.

REVIEW:
This is a wonderfully written sweet holiday story that will put you in the Christmas mood.

Libby and George are friends who both need a bit of help. Libby needs some inspiration for the book she is writing and George needs to learn how to romance again after his divorce. The dates are a humorous time. I enjoyed reading them very much and yet they are still romantic and sweet. George is a little insecure for me but a good guy. I wish he had been more alpha than he was but he is still a guy you would want your best friend to date.

I enjoyed the secondary romance of Amy and Seb as well.

Grab a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket and curl up and read. You won’t want to stop.

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

December 22, 2015December 20, 2015

Kimberly reviews A Cold Creek Christmas Story by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: A Cold Creek Christmas Story
SERIES #: Cowboys of Cold Creek #14
CHARACTERS: Celeste, Flynn & Olivia
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sparkle In The Snow Leads To So Much More

Celeste Nichols has always preferred to keep to herself in her hometown of Pine Gulch, Idaho…until she becomes an instant celebrity! When one of her children’s stories becomes a major success, she’s suddenly the talk of the town. Celeste should be gloriously happy…but something, someone, special is still missing from her life. Could the return of her childhood crush be the answer?

Flynn Delaney has moved back home for his daughter’s sake. Yet all the millionaire’s resources can’t help the little girl heal from the tragic loss of her mother. Shy librarian Celeste and her stories do hold some indefinable magic, though. Flynn came home looking for support—can he find that, and true love, in the one who got away?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This was a sweet perfect get you in the holiday type story with all emotions that can possibly be felt.

In the last book Celeste wrote a book about Sparkle the reindeer and in this story the book has hit the bestsellers list and is even up for a movie deal. As a quiet small town librarian and with the history she has she just wants to be out of the limelight. And then Flynn comes in with his adorable daughter who has been through her own traumatic experience. And Celeste doesn’t think she can stop her heart from loving either of them.

I really liked Celeste even though she is very quiet and not one for big adventures but she has a heart of gold and wants nothing more than to please her family and the children who patron the library and The Christmas Ranch. Even though she is quiet something about her really calls to the book lover in all of us. Flynn is a father who is trying to get the little girl back to herself after her experience that caused her physical and emotional scars. And then there is Olivia who was written wonderfully. So many times children are written either too old or too young for the age the book claims they are but Olivia really sounded like a 7 year old.

This story is really more about Celeste and Olivia than about Celeste and Flynn even though the romance is there and sweet between them this is more about the relationship two children have with the past both recent and a decade before. It is very touching. It is a read any fan of romance will enjoy.

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

December 21, 2015December 13, 2015

Kelly reviews Ravaged by Elisabeth Naughton

TITLE: Ravaged (A 1001 Dark Nights Story)
SERIES #: Eternal Guardians #7.5
CHARACTERS: Aristokler & Daphne
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: June 9, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ari—Once an Eternal Guardian, now he’s nothing but a rogue mercenary with one singular focus: revenge.

His guardian brothers all think he’s dead, but Ari is very much alive in the human realm, chipping away at Zeus’s Sirens every chance he can, reveling in his brutality and anonymity. Until, that is, he abducts the wrong female and his identity is finally exposed. It will take more than the Eternal Guardians, more even than the gods to rein Ari in after everything he’s done. It may just take the courage of one woman willing to stand up to a warrior who’s become a savage.

REVIEW:
Aristokle “Ari” has been living a lie for 50 years. He has let everyone he loves think he was dead. He has justified it to himself over and over again. But what Ari doesn’t know is that the Fates have a plan for him. A plan that is going to be hard, heartbreaking and worth more than he could ever imagine or wish for. If only he can open his eyes and see what is right in front of him.

I really enjoyed this novella in the Eternal Guardians series. I think I went through every emotion in this story. I am looking forward to seeing what is next and I really hope someone fries Zeus’s butt!!!

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

December 18, 2015December 14, 2015

Kelly reviews Sleeping Beau by Lila DiPasqua

TITLE: Sleeping Beau
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #4
CHARACTERS: Adrien d’Aspe & Catherine de Villecourt
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: Release December 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N-Coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty—an erotically charged historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series. One sleeping rake, one scorching kiss, one night of unforgettable passion…

Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d’Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss–and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory.

Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress–and this time, he has no intention of letting her go…

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

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
***Sleeping Beau is the re-release of Awakened by A Kiss***

Sleeping Beau was a sweet twist on Sleeping Beauty!! Ms. DiPasqua always does an amazing job of taking a classic fairy tale and turns and twists it into a Fiery Tale with a great historical twist and a little bit of truth.
I really loved the journey of Adrien & Catherine. Adrien is out to prove to everyone that he needs and cares about no one. Catherine on the other hand only want someone to love her. Adrien and Catherine’s banter is a lot of fun. Adrien is not a man who is use to woman turning him down, but Catherine does everything in her power to resist him. But unfortunately for Catherine and fortunately for Adrien resists is futile.
If you are looking for a fun Fiery Tale about a rakish bad boy and a sweet, feisty female you need to pick up a copy of Sleeping Beau and find out why waking up to true loves morning kiss is the only way to go.

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

December 17, 2015December 13, 2015

Kimberly reviews Cold Blooded by Lisa Regan

TITLE: Cold-Blooded
CHARACTERS: Augustus & Jocelyn
AUTHOR: Lisa Regan
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/10/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fourteen years ago, high school track star Sydney Adams was gunned down in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. The investigation yielded useless clues, and the case went cold. But homicide detective Augustus Knox never gave up on finding Sydney’s killer. Now, retired from the police force and with only months to live, he enlists the help of private investigator Jocelyn Rush to clear the case once and for all.

Armed with little more than a theory as to who murdered Sydney, Jocelyn tries to lure a killer into the open. But unraveling the mystery means facing off against a cunning psychopath whose ruthlessness knows no bounds. When more bodies start to pile up, Jocelyn has to decide just how far she’s willing to go to catch a cold-blooded killer.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts WOW! What a great story. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. I haven’t read any of the other books by Regan and my understanding is Joelyn was introduced in an earlier story but this story was read as a stand alone and was fine.

I enjoyed the characters very much. They are real down-to-earth people. They aren’t written to be the people the reader wants to become. They are written to let the reader know there are real people in this world that all have stories. I know that sounds weird but it is the way I felt about these fascinating characters.

The thriller part of this story was just that… a thrill. It was a ride that I didn’t want to stop. And while I couldn’t wait to read more I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book and I am assuming the whole series to anyone who enjoys a good suspense with a bit of romance thrown in.

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

December 17, 2015December 13, 2015

Kimberly reviews Give It Up by Lori Foster

TITLE: Give It Up
SERIES #: Dean Brothers & Friends #1-3
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/24/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster knows what to do with the right man at the right time…

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
What Booker Dean wants for Christmas isn’t under the tree, it’s right next door. Frances Kennedy is everything Booker desires…and the gift he has planned for her involves a lot of delicious unwrapping…

Some Like It Hot
Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s just what the doctor ordered…

Playing Doctor
Dr. Axel Dean likes his women with sensual moxie, not virginal innocence. But when Libby Preston won’t take no for an answer, Axel is more than willing to administer the cure…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I was going to review the three stories separately but all the stories can be put together very easily. My favorite was definitely Axel’s story (Playing Doctor). Booker and Carys stories are sweet. But the thing is the boys have met the woman they have a crush on and are finally making it official and talking the women into becoming involved. Booker is a good guy but a little too soft for me. Cary is sweet too but seems to think he is cooler than he is. And I enjoyed their stories but it is Axel’s story that brought the review up from 3.5 hearts.

I just found Axel to be great. I loved the first part of the story with these strangers and how Axel reacts to the situation is pretty spot on but what he does after their second meeting is what won my heart. As per the norm when reading a short story it is hard to tell the parts we enjoyed because it will give away too much story but I can say I am glad that Lori saved the best for last.

This would be a great set of stories to have to read between novels. You can read one in short order without much commitment. You can just have each story to read when you have the time and are looking for a sweet quick romance.

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

December 16, 2015December 14, 2015

Kelly reviews Malibu Secrets by MK Meredith

TITLE: Malibu Secrets
SERIES #: Malibu Sights#2
CHARACTERS: Roque Gallagher & Addison Dekker
AUTHOR: MK Meredith
PUBLICATION DATE: December 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the verge of losing the Malibu home she inherited from her great-aunt, Addi Dekker is completely failing to prove to her family she can make it as a writer. Not exactly how a girl proves her independence. If she doesn’t want to give up her dream and go back to the soul-sucking job she just left, Addi has to swallow her dislike of Hollywood and rent the house out to the sexy-as-hell film producer.

And maybe (shhhh!) save money by secretly living there, too.

Roque Gallagher is pouring his heart and savings into his first independent film to make the industry acknowledge him for his talent and not just his family name. Addi’s home is perfect for the shoot, but she’s far too tempting. He’s never been able to handle work and a relationship, and this is the film of a lifetime. Between a shrinking budget and his director quitting, the last thing he needs is a sexy-as-sin tease like Addi. And he has a feeling there’s something she’s hiding.

REVIEW:
Malibu Secrets is MK Meredith’s second book in her Malibu Sights series. I didn’t read book one yet, not sure how I missed it. But I will be going back and reading. I did enjoy Malibu Secrets. I really liked Addi and Roque. They both are beyond stubborn and will do anything to fulfill their dreams. While the story was a little predictable the ride was very enjoyable.
I am looking forward to seeing what and how is next 🙂

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