Review Sunday – Page 82 – Books-n-Kisses

December 16, 2015December 13, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews All He Wants for Christmas by Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Laura Wright, and Skye Jordan

TITLE: All He Wants for Christmas (An Anthology)
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Laura Wright, and Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From six of your favorite New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors…

Here’s to finding spies, cops, rockers, SEALs, professional hockey players and billionaires under the Christmas tree this year!

MELT FOR ME by Elisabeth Naughton

Yuletide Spirits pub owner Ella McKinley doesn’t do holidays. Not after everything she lost on a cold, snowy night long ago. In fact, she’d be perfectly happy if the calendar jumped from November to January, bypassing December all together. Then rock’s latest “it” guy, Tate Kendrick, rolls into town, and though Ella tries to resist his wicked charm, the heat they once shared flares hotter than ever. When trouble linked to the rock star strikes at her pub, Ella suddenly starts to wonder if the return of her first love is a holiday miracle or nothing more than her nightmare before Christmas.

SWEET RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy

Meg Anderson has returned to her home in Holly, North Carolina after she discovered her relationship with Dylan Cain was nothing more than a lie. The last thing she expects is for Dylan to be her new tenant. Or the realization that he might be the only thing standing between her and a killer…

THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS by Cynthia Eden

Everyone in town thinks that Jemma White is as sweet as the delicious treats she makes at her chocolate shop—but they’re wrong. Jemma is ready to let her wild side out, and she’s just found the perfect man to make all of her fantasies come true. Grayson Cole is a too-sexy-to-be-true stranger who has escaped to Holly for the holidays. He is her perfect temptation, and Jemma can’t wait to steam up the cold winter nights with him. But when danger from Grayson’s past follows him to town, she realizes that the man she is falling for has been keeping some very dark secrets…secrets that may just get them both killed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY by Katie Reus

After unexpectedly inheriting a bookstore, Nora and her younger sister settled in Holly, NC, a place where it’s Christmas year-round. As the legal guardian for her sister the past few years, romance has been the last thing on Nora’s mind. But she broke her rules for the town’s golden boy—former SEAL Jackson O’Connor. When Jackson does something stupid and almost loses Nora for good, he realizes just how far he’s willing to go for the woman who’s stolen his heart. But it might take a Christmas miracle to get Nora to give him a second chance.

SINFUL IN SNOW by Laura Wright

Billionaire Back In Town: Gabriel Fox is a ruthless, heartless, soulless grinch. His only goal in coming to Holly, North Carolina is to ruin Carol Cardini’s Christmas. Like she ruined his—and his life—ten years ago. Now that her business is in trouble, he’s finally found the way. But the beautiful owner of Christmas Carol’s Shop and Crafts won’t allow her dream to be destroyed. Not by revenge, and certainly not by the sexiest man she’s ever known. She can, however offer an apology, and a chair at her holiday table. But can a grinch’s cold heart be warmed and healed by the love of a good woman—and the magic of Christmas spirit?

HOME ADVANTAGE by Skye Jordan

NHL superstar, Meier Grant, finds himself sidelined for a bum shoulder and sentenced to three weeks recovery—in his hometown of Holly, North Carolina. But an extended family stay isn’t on his holiday wish list, especially when his parents are more interested in capitalizing on his fame than much needed family bonding. So when he learns the high school beauty and so out-of-his-league Faith Nicholas is suddenly single, and even sexier ten years later, home doesn’t seem so bad. Not when it includes spending some quality bonding time with Faith. Meier may have some of the best moves in the league, but will they be enough to win a woman deserving of forever?

Collection: 150,000 words

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts

Since this is an anthology featuring six wonderful authors I will give you a brief review of each story. Welcome to Holly, North Carolina where Christmas abounds 24-7-365!!!

Melt For Me:
This was a sweet second chance at love story. I really enjoyed Ella and Tate. I loved the back-story and the issues that kept them apart for so long. These two are most definitely a couple that I hope Ms. Naughton will bring back at sometime in the future. I would love to know what the future holds for them

Sweet Rapture:
Too cute! That is how I would describe this story. Dylan & Meg are just to darn cute. The suspense was a little unexpected but it was a nice twist. I loved that Dylan was willing to rick everything for a second chance. And that Meg was able make one of Dylan a life long dream come true.

The Spy Who Came For Christmas:
Grayson may just be passing through town, or a least that is what he thinks he is doing right up until he sees the town’s beautiful chocolatier. Jemma is the good girl in town, the girl that never does anything bad or reckless. But one look at Grayson, that all is about to change. Loved these two and this story

Merry Christmas, Baby:
Great story. I loved Jackson and Nora. They are both so sweet and kind. I loved how they dealt with the break in’s and how Jackson gave Brad the “I am going to kill you if you look at my girl” look.

Sinful in Snow:
What does it take to bring a billionaire bad boy to his knees? That is a simple answer that Gabriel Fox is about to realize. Carol Cardini!! The girl that Gabriel has wanted to seek revenge on for the last 10 years. Poor guy, he is not going to know what hit him.
Really enjoyed this story. Gabriel is a total pain in the butt and Carol makes sure he knows it.

Home Advantage:
What could be better than a superstar who knows he is hot sh*t coming home and finding out that his superstar powers will not work on the town’s very pretty hardware store owner. I loved this story. I loved that Faith didn’t let Meier’s superstardom cloud her judgement. And I loved that Meier is not above begging and groveling. 🙂

I truly enjoyed all of these stories. If you are looking for six wonderful Christmas stories to get you in the holiday spirit, then you need to plan a trip to Holly, North Carolina. Where you could not hide from Christmas even if you wanted to.

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

December 15, 2015December 13, 2015

Kelly reviews To Catch His Mate by Savannah Stewart

TITLE: To Catch His Mate
SERIES #: Crescent Moon #5
CHARACTERS: Reece O’Shea & Alyssa Clare
AUTHOR: Savannah Stewart
PUBLICATION DATE: December 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When she ran, she didn’t think he’d follow…

Pack princess Alyssa Clare was trying to come up with ways to get out of her arranged mating to alpha wolf Reece O’Shea—until she meets the powerful male. After getting to know him, mating doesn’t seem like such a bad idea anymore. But when he makes it clear she’s just a business arrangement for him and his pack, she calls off the mating and heads south to stay with a friend to lick her wounds in private.

But he’s not willing to let her go without a fight.

Reece can’t let Alyssa go, not when he’s completely fallen for the sweet, sexy female. He doesn’t care about the arranged mating deal, he just wants her and has no idea why she ran. To win her back he infiltrates another alpha’s territory, knowing it could mean his death. Luckily Grant Kincaid allows him in his domain—as long as Alyssa is okay with it. Convincing her that she’s all he wants is a bigger challenge than he imagined. But he’s not giving up, because he knows she’s the one he’s meant to be with forever.

Length: NOVELLA

REVIEW:
To Catch His Mate was a quick and enjoyable read. I very much liked Reece and Alyssa’s story. Reece messes up royally in the beginning. But like any good Alpha male he knows when to turn on the charm and add a little groveling to win what is his.
As stated this is a novella so I don’t want to give away too much of the story. But know that Alyssa makes life a little rough for poor Reece. Oh and there is a secondary romance in this book that I just loved as much as Alyssa and Reece. I really can’t wait to see what is up next in the Crescent Moon series.

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

December 15, 2015December 13, 2015

Natasha reviews Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole

TITLE: Sweet Ruin
SERIES #: Immortals After Dark #16
CHARACTERS: Josephine & Rune
AUTHOR: Kresley Cole
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty in this sizzling new novel from Kresley Cole’s #1 New York Times bestselling Immortals After Dark series.

A foundling raised in a world of humans
Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Protecting her baby brother Thaddeus became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl…to would-be superhero…to enchanting villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
Whether by bow or in bed, archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his sights: the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty mesmerizes him. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…
Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is one of my favorite series, and I was so excited for this book. While I still love the series, and I loved where the book ultimately ended up, I was disappointed with most of it. Rune and Jo are a great match for each other, but I never really connected with either character. Jo seemed so bratty from the very beginning and I found her annoying. Kinda the same with Rune. The story was meandering along for most of the book, with a few exciting points. I will say that towards the end of the book, it really picked up speed and I finally couldn’t put it down. It’s worth reading for that alone. We also finally got more page time from our favorite characters – NIX!! There’s a healthy dose of Nix in this book, which is great for any freaking IAD book! She has to be the most genius character ever created. Though this entire book wasn’t my cup of tea, many important things happened that will affect the entire series, and I am still a huge fan IAD and will gobble up every book released. I do not want the series to end – ever!

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

December 14, 2015December 13, 2015

Kelly reviews The Fix Up by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: The Fix Up
SERIES #: First Impression
CHARACTERS: Ben Langley & Holly Colvin
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: December 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Uncovering this sexy geek’s charm is easy. Keeping her hands off of him is impossible.
While he may look like the love child of a movie starlet and an NFL linebacker, Ben Langley has the people skills of a half-drowned porcupine. Why socialize when there are chemistry labs and bad sci-fi flicks? If he has any hope of taking the helm as CEO of the family business, Ben needs an image makeover. Pronto.
Enter Holly Colvin, owner of First Impressions public relations and branding firm, and the woman who just saved Ben from the clutches of an over-attentive sales clerk. Holly’s rebranded hundreds of companies in her career, but she’s never rebranded a person. The guy clearly needs help, though, and she’s just the woman for the job.
With the clock ticking for them both, Holly and Ben face off over wardrobe malfunctions and business jargon that sounds a lot sexier than it should. But can Holly make Ben into the man he thinks he should be without losing the man she’s starting to love?

REVIEW:
What do you get when you throw a jade women and a sci-fi nerdy geek who is about to become CEO of his family company? You get a fun, witty and totally awesome story, as always from Ms. Fenske. I loved Ben and Holly. This story was so cute. Ben and Holly meet by chance at a furniture store. From that point on Ben and Holly’s relationship was one mixed with humor, education, sexualy tension, and Star Wars.
If you are looking for a fun feel good story where the nerdy geeky boy finally wins you will want to pick up a copy of The Fix Up.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. I have a funny feeling that Miriam story will be just as fun!!!

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.

December 14, 2015December 13, 2015

Kimberly reviews Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: Secret Sisters
CHARACTERS: Madeline/Jack & Daphne/Abe
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/08/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No one does romantic suspense better than Jayne Ann Krentz. Now, the New York Times bestselling author of Trust No One and River Road delivers a novel that twists and turns into a read that will leave you breathless.

Madeline and Daphne were once as close as sisters—until a secret tore them apart. Now it might take them to their graves.

They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother’s hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn’t be bothering them anymore…ever. Still their lives would never be the same.

Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother’s mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered.

Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts…and wants.

Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack’s brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth…

REVIEW:
JAK is one of my favorite authors and I really enjoyed this story. The story has a different feel to me than most of JAK’s novels. The romance is there and the suspense is there but something is a bit off to me. Now don’t get me wrong that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story because I did but it wouldn’t be at the top of my favorites by her.

I never really warmed up to Maddie or Jack. I liked Daphne and really liked Abe much more. Maddie went through a traumatic experience as a teen and Daphne, Maddie’s grandmother and some others covered up the incident and now almost two decades later the truth is coming out. But I never really got what the big deal was and why everything was taboo for 18 years. I understand the trauma for Maddie and Daphne but not really what the big deal is about everything else.

Again I want to say I really liked the story. I thought it was well written as all of JAK’s stories are. I think anyone who enjoys romantic suspense will enjoy this story. Another great read from JAK. Can’t wait for the next one.

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

December 11, 2015December 6, 2015

Kelly reviews Bring The Heat by Jo Davis

TITLE: Bring the Heat
SERIES #: Sugarland Blues #5
CHARACTERS: Austin Rainey & Laura Eden
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The author of On the Run and the Firefighters of Station Five series once again proves that nothing is hotter than loving a man in uniform—or more dangerous…

Being on the Sugarland P.D. means never backing down, no matter how intense the case—or how dangerous the attraction…

Captain Austin Rainey knows all too well that being a good cop sometimes means gaining some bad enemies. After his ex-wife is killed, he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, trying to prove he’s innocent of her murder. The last thing he needs is a distraction—especially of the irresistible female kind…

Medical examiner Laura Eden has always found Austin more than a little intriguing, but she’s kept her feelings under wraps. Now she’s determined to do her job and clear his name—but as her investigation brings them into close proximity, she can’t deny the attraction between them—or resist the temptation he presents.

But Laura and Austin soon realize their budding feelings might be more than emotionally perilous. Someone is coming after everyone Austin holds dear—and Laura might be the next one in the line of fire

REVIEW:
Another wonderful story in the Sugarland PD series. In Bring the Heat we follow Captain Austin Rainey. Austin’s life has not be that easy for the last year or so. First his marriage falls apart, then his soon to be ex is fighting him for their unborn child (a child she never wanted) and now someone is committing horrible crimes all in the name of revenge on Austin.
My heart broke reading this story. Austin has to go through so much. Way more than any man should ever have to go through. Luckily for him he has an amazing set of friends, colleagues and of course Laura Eden.
I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Davis does an amazing job of sucking you into the life of her characters and making you feel all of their joy, pain, sorrow and happiness. Bring the Heat was a roller coaster of emotions. And while there were parts of this book that were beyond painful it was a great ride with a happy ending.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

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

December 11, 2015December 6, 2015

Kimberly reviews Spellbound by Michelle M Pillow

TITLE: Spellbound
SERIES #: Warlocks MacGregor
CHARACTERS: Jane & Iain
AUTHOR: Michelle M Pillow
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/07/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Let Sleeping Warlocks Lie…

Iain MacGregor knows how his warlock family feels about outsiders discovering the truth of their powers, its forbidden. That doesn’t seem to stop him from having accidental magickal discharges whenever he’s around the woman who has captured his attention. Apparently his magick and other “parts” don’t seem to care what the rules are, or that the object of his affection just might be his undoing.

Warning: Contains yummy, hot, mischievous MacGregor boys who may or may not be wearing clothing and who are almost certainly up to no good on their quest to find true love.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed this story. I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. The MacGregor clan is funny and enjoyable and just people you want to know. Iain and Jane have an instant connection but they have no idea why. For that matter neither do we until we read a flashback from book one…. so you should read the first before you read this one. You don’t have to but I would suggest you do.

Jane has some special talents. She sees ghost and she believes she is close to dieing so to her it is just an omen of what is to come. But there is more to every story. Iain has an attraction to her the moment they lock eyes but has no idea how they can be so close when they just met but the family has some concerns about who, or what, Jane is.

I truly enjoyed this story. There were not as many laugh out loud moments like I had with the first story but it was still enjoyable. The background characters are worth the read alone. The boys are funny and pranksters who believe family is for fun as well as love.

You can not go wrong with this book or series for that matter. The humor is wonderfully written. The romance is wonderfully written. The characters are wonderfully written. In general this book (and series) is just wonderful.

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

December 10, 2015December 6, 2015

Kelly reviews Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward

TITLE: Blood Kiss
SERIES #: Black Dagger Legacy#1
CHARACTERS: Craeg & Paradise
AUTHOR: J.R, Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The legacy of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues in a spin-off series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author…
Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.
And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Great start to Ms. Ward’s spin off series. Blood Kiss reminded me of why I fell in love with the Black Dagger Brothers in the first place. We got back to basics in Blood Kiss, back into the training center and back with the story focused on the Brotherhood. I was really happy that there was not much focus on the Lessers. While this new series is highly focused on the new recruits we get to see the Brothers again up close and personal.
1st up Butch and Marissa. I have always loved Butch from day one (okay he was a bit of an Asshat in the beginning with the whole Beth thing…. but he is awesome). It was great to have a closer look at Butch and Marissa’s relationship. One that always seemed so perfect on the outside, but we learn that there are problems. It was great to see them both step out of their comfort zone to make sure the other knew where they stood. Oh and Marissa, DANG girl you rock all kinds of awesome. Just wait and see 🙂
As for our new kids. I like them a lot, okay there are a few that get on my nerves and a few that I thought that underneath all of the tough I am an island stuff are going to be great characters and I can not wait to see where they all go and what the future holds for this series.

Favorite lines:
“…Since one of you is already on the horizontal, no one has to worry about fighting Hollywood over here.”
“Personally, I’m about to cry over that,” Rhage said……

“And to show there’s no hard feelings for you being a douche just now, I’ll set you up with a good TV, internet and a twelve month calendar of Rhage so you have something pretty to look at.”

“You ever do females?”–This whole conversation had me rolling on the ground.

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

December 10, 2015December 6, 2015

Kimberly reviews Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Redemption Bay
SERIES #: Haven Point #2
CHARACTERS: McKenzie & Ben
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point—a place made for second chances…

McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her beloved hometown of Haven Point. It may be small and struggling, but it’s never let her down…unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family’s factory, leaving the town’s economy in shambles. Now he’s back—his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point’s sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice.

What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? He left Haven Point behind years ago, for good reason. Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie—its fiery young mayor—he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing…a place where love arrives when it’s least expected.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So I didn’t seem to get a bunch about this book. Ben is there to see if Haven Point is where Aidan, who we met in book #1, should open up a new portion of his business but Ben has bad memories of his home town. McKenzie is the new mayor and loves her town even though she was brought there as a child under difficult circumstances.

Ok so first Aidan has a new life with Eliza that sorta centers around Haven Point so why is he sending in Ben to check out the town (possible spoiler for this sentence: I half expected Aidan to say I knew we would build here but I wanted you to start over, etc so we would know why Aidan made this happen but that didn’t happen). The town doesn’t like Ben for reasons that the reader understands but I am not sure why Ben doesn’t like the town. I mean I understand the basic but it just seems odd.

The book is a little wordy and repeats things a number of times but that is ok. There was an odd connection between Kenz and Ben if you ask me. I mean they have great moments but then other times there is so much opposition between them that I am not sure it will work.

That all being said I enjoyed the story. Not as much as book one but it is still a good story and I am looking forward to the next in the series.

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

December 9, 2015December 9, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews The Christmas Wager by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: The Christmas Wager
SERIES #: A Happy Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Miss Barrington
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A mysterious key to an attic that cannot be found…
A ghost with good but overly ambitious intentions…
And a forgotten wager that is about to turn Miss Barrington’s life into a holiday mess.

Are you ready for the outrageously funny and Happy Christmas Series?
WARNING: THERE IS A LOT OF MAGIC AND ROMANCE IN THIS BOX.

London, England – Winter of 1860
When all the ladies of London realize that handsome and refined gentleman, the Duke of Ainsley, is formally looking for a wife, only weeks before Christmas, a mad dash to claim him begins. Miss Barrington knows her chances with the duke are incredibly good given what her close gypsy friend had once foretold, but a forgotten wager with her greatest nemesis, American millionaire, Mr. Redstone, is about to bring on complications and…chaos.

Will she claim the dashing and respectable duke once foretold by the stars? Or will she fall for Mr. Redstone and go against destiny? Only the days leading up to Christmas will tell!

REVIEW:
Okay how do I put this nicely….. Ms. Marvelle, thank you for writing this story I enjoyed every page. But darn it all I don’t know if I can wait another year for the next installment 🙂
The Christmas Wager was a great Christmas love story set in the mid-1800’s and told in only a Ms. Marvelle can tell it. Not only do we get an epic love story but we get a little history lesson with it.
I loved Felicity. She is the type of girl you want as a best friend. She is honest to a fault and one you have her loyalty you will have it for always. Maxwell…. Maxwell…. Maxwell. He is just the right mix of gentlemen and rake that all women want. It was a lot of fun watching these two circle each other.
I don’t want to give anything away, but know this if you pick up a copy of The Christmas Wager this Christmas you will be very happy.
Until next year, a whole 365 days away……

Favorite lines
“Do you always wander up to windows and accuse men of flirting with you for it? Because this would be a first for me.”

“In case you were wondering, I’m available, a full twenty and since I’m all about being honest, I should probably disclose I’ve been arrested fourteen times.”

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

December 9, 2015December 6, 2015

Kimberly reviews Last Chance Hero by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: Last Chance Hero
SERIES #: Last Chance #9
CHARACTERS: Sabrina & Ross
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ross Gardiner has had his fill of difficult relationships. Returning to Last Chance after a rough divorce, the town’s handsome new fire chief just wants safety and stability-a tall order given his dangerous job and the way he has the attention of all the single women in town. All except Sabina Grey, the girl who stole his heart when they were teenagers.

Sabina knows a lot about playing it safe. Always the good girl, she’s now responsible for her antiques store and caring for her sister. But having Ross in town brings back the memory of one carefree summer night when she threw caution to the wind-and almost destroyed her family. Now that they are both older and wiser, will the spark still be there, even though they’ve both been burned?

REVIEW:
DNF – I have not read the rest of this series. I picked up this book from NetGalley thinking I had but as soon as I read the first chapter I was like “what series is this?” and went back and looked and nope this was not the series I thought I was requesting. And I just couldn’t read it.

I have not looked it up but I would bet this author is a northerner who thinks she is a southerner. She probably spent summers visiting or something but never really got the language down. The line that put me over the edge was….

“It hadn’t taken Momma more than a minute to start ladling on the guilt just like gravy on her pot roast. And Momma never stinted on gravy.”

The writing cheesy and didn’t flow. I just couldn’t get much into this book when I realized I have so many more books that I want to read.

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

December 8, 2015December 6, 2015

Kelly reviews She Can Kill by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: She Can Kill
SERIES #: She Can…..#5
CHARACTERS: Cristan Rojas & Sarah Mitchell
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: December 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Reformed assassin Cristan Rojas just wants to raise his daughter in peace. But after twelve years on the run, he learns that even the quiet little town of Westbury, Pennsylvania, has many hidden dangers. Although he can’t shake the feeling he’s under surveillance, Cristan’s attraction to Sarah Mitchell continues to grow, as do his concerns that his secret past could jeopardize anyone who gets too close to him.

Sarah is ready to start her life over with her children, a new job, and a budding romance. Her newfound happiness is threatened when her ex-husband becomes increasingly violent—and she soon learns her ex isn’t the only person stalking her.

Cristan fears someone from his past has arrived in town, someone far worse than a jealous ex. Someone who may be responsible for a brutal—and unsolved—murder a dozen years ago. To protect Sarah and his daughter, he must shine a light into the darkest recesses of his nightmarish past.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts She Can Kill is like a room of mirrors. You can see your enemy in the reflection but when you turn they are no longer there.

In She Can Kill we get to learn more about Cristan and his past. We get to learn that not all is as it seems in his life. We learn that this time his choice to stay may just be the the last choice he ever makes. We also get to see how Sarah (Rachel’s sister (bk 2)) is doing. Which is not great. Sarah finds herself on the wrong end of a very angry ex-husband.

She Can Kill has a lot going on. Just when you think you have the enemy in your sights they have moved. I really enjoyed Cristan and Sarah’s story. They both are dealing with choices from their past haunting them in the present. They both care deeply for their children and are willing to go to any lengths to keep them safe. While I kinda figured out the who’s, but the ending shocked me. The why’s were a real shocker to me.
It is so hard to write a review and not give away anything. So I will stop while I am ahead and spoiler free. But know that Ms. Leigh has written another excellent story.
I can’t wait to see what she has in store 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.