Review Sunday – Page 84 – Books-n-Kisses

November 24, 2015November 24, 2015

Kelly reviews From Russia With Fangs by Jacey Conrad, Gia Corona + a giveaway

TITLE: From Russia with Fangs
SERIES #: From Russia… #2
CHARACTERS: Irina Sudenko & Victor Zhukovsky
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad, Gia Corona
PUBLICATION DATE: November 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Between her family’s drunken antics and vicious verbal attacks from her so-called friends, Irina Sudenko Volkov is having the worst night ever. And that’s before she’s widowed.
Volatile, cheating, no-good Sergei’s death-by-assassin unleashes chaos in the werewolf criminal underground. Irina’s panicked Papa assigns Beta wolf Viktor Zhukovsky to Irina’s security detail until her husband’s killer is found. As Irina’s world crumbles around her, the perfect princess mask falls away and Viktor meets the sharp, passionate woman underneath. Their initial chemistry gives way to a deeper attraction when Irina begins to see the decency underneath Viktor’s gruff, tattooed exterior, despite his insistence that it doesn’t exist.

Their tendency to find themselves semi-nude and in enclosed spaces is a source of amusement to her sister, Galina, but each of them knows of the deadly consequences if their relationship is brought to light. Things get even more complicated when Papa Sudenko begins to match-make Irina and Andrey Lupesco, who also happens to be in a secret relationship with Galina. Family dinners are awkward. With danger closing in on all sides, Irina has to find her claws and learn to howl.

In the much-anticipated sequel to From Russia with Claws, readers get a new perspective of the lusty exploits of the untameable Sudenko family. Gia Corona and Jacey Conrad craft a delightful tale of the anything-but-average human Irina and the libidinous lycanthropes in her life.

REVIEW:
Did you read From Russia with Claws? If not, go read it :). But don’t worry too much because reading From Russia with Fangs will not mess you up, but you still should go read From Russia with Claws.
You see, From Russia with Claws is Galina’s story where as From Russia with Fangs is Irina’s (Galina’s older sister) story. The fun thing about these two stories is that both take place at the exact same time. But in From Russia with Fangs we get to see all the events from Irina’s point of view. So this story has of the same events that take place and a few of the same conversations as From Russia with Claws. But I got answers to questions I had at the end of From Russia with Claws.
While some people may think it is strange or not a good idea to write a book like this, I loved it. I loved seeing everything from Irina’s view. I loved getting to see Irina and Victor’s relationship grow. I am really liking this series. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Oh and I am hoping for a story about Nik and Kon *wink wink*

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 23, 2015November 22, 2015

Kimberly reviews Now That She’s Gone by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: Now That She’s Gone
SERIES #: Waterman & Stark #2
CHARACTERS: Birdy Waterman & Kendall Stark
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/24/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Notorious serial killer Brenda Nevins has cajoled, seduced, blackmailed, and left a trail of bodies all across Washington State. Now, after a daring prison escape, she is free to carry out her ultimate act of revenge. The targets: forensic pathologist Birdy Waterman and sheriff’s detective Kendall Stark. The pawn: a television psychic hungry for fame, ratings, and blood. There’s only way to stop a killer as brutal, brilliant, and twisted as this: beat her at her own game…

REVIEW:
While this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed the story very much. There are some parts that were a bit odd to me. I thought it really odd that the serial killer didn’t have much of a role in the story this time. I did enjoy the reality tv part and the psychics.

Saying too much about this story can give a lot of it away and because there are a lot of twist and turns I think saying too much would be a bad thing.

The writing is really good and like I said with all the suspense it really keeps your attention. Highly recommended.

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

November 20, 2015November 15, 2015

Kimberly reviews Eeny Meeny by MJ Arlidge

TITLE: Eeny Meeny
SERIES #: Helen Grace #1
CHARACTERS: Helen Grace
AUTHOR: MJ Arlidge
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/02/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The “dark, twisted, thought-provoking” (#1 New York Times bestseller Tami Hoag) international bestseller—first in the new series featuring Detective Helen Grace.

Two people are abducted, imprisoned, and left with a gun. As hunger and thirst set in, only one walks away alive.

It’s a game more twisted than any Detective Helen Grace has ever seen. If she hadn’t spoken with the shattered survivors herself, she almost wouldn’t believe them.

Helen is familiar with the dark sides of human nature, including her own, but this case—with its seemingly random victims—has her baffled. But as more people go missing, nothing will be more terrifying than when it all starts making sense….

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts So let me say I am kind of on the fence with this one. First I am not one for British Suspense. Is that a term? Well it is now. Unless I am reading a historical I am not really into the British thing. And second while reading this I wasn’t really invested in the characters. I do not think the author did a great job of explain them. I actually wondered if this was not the first in the series and I should have already known them but it is the first.

While somewhat interesting the story was a little mind numbing and that can be good and bad. If you want to be steeped in a mystery then it is bad but if you want to read a story and get your mind off your real life then it can be good. So again I am on the fence.

And finally it was a little dark for me. I was interested in a suspenseful story but it just was too dark. Will I pick up the next one in the series… well again I am on the fence. We will see.

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

November 20, 2015November 15, 2015

Kelly reviews The Bali Mystery by Linda Weaver Clarke

TITLE: The Bali Mystery
SERIES: Amelia Moore Detective #1
CHARACTERS: Amelia Moore & Rick Bonito
AUTHOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
NARRATOR: Diane Lehman
RUN TIME: 4 Hours & 26 Minutes
AUDIO PUBLICATION DATE: June 01, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A COZY MYSTERY: Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations, but she always solves the case. With the help of Rick Bonito, her business is flourishing. When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia and Rick to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a cute and quick read (listen, the audiobook was only 4 1/2 hours long so it didn’t take to0 much time). I enjoyed this story. Both Amelia and Rick are fun characters. There were times will listening I had to wonder about Amelia’s detective skills. Thank goodness she had Rick with her to keep her in line and out of trouble. Rick was a hoot and I loved his comic relief on and his bucket list!! I will be picking up the next story in this series. I want to see how Rick and Amelia grow as detectives and I want to see what trouble they may get into next.
Diane Lehman did a really good job narrating this book. I felt like was taking away to Bali. I loved that she actually got to sing a few South Pacific tunes for us both as Amelia and Rick.
If you are a Cosy Mystery reader/listener I believe you will enjoy this story.

Until the next adventure.

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

November 19, 2015November 15, 2015

Kimberly reviews Salvage by Duncan Ralston

TITLE: Salvage
CHARACTERS: Owen Saddler
AUTHOR: Duncan Ralston
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Something is Lurking Under the Lake…

When Owen Saddler’s little sister mysteriously drowns, Owen is determined to uncover the circumstances by following in her footsteps, even if it means diving into the murky–some would say haunted–waters of Chapel Lake.

Thirty years earlier, the town of Peace Falls had been flooded to build a hydroelectric dam, and its ruins remain below the surface of Chapel Lake. The strange disappearance of the town Pastor, along with many of the parishioners, still haunts the citizens of Chapel Lake. But does the church haunt the lake itself? Is Owen really seeing ghosts… or has he descended into the depths of madness?

Salvage is the debut horror novel of author Duncan Ralston (Gristle & Bone). A darkly disturbing story of depression, religious fanaticism, and the afterlife, Salvage seeks to illuminate the evil within us all.

REVIEW:
2.75 Heart This was not what I expected. First off the “ghost” story had very little ghost at all. The horror was not exactly scary. The suspense didn’t have me on the edge of my seat and the storyline just wasn’t very believable and I am not talking about the paranormal part I am talking the actions of the characters.

The story is very slow and never really builds to the climax I wanted from the story. I kept hoping but nothing.

I am not sure why this story is getting so much high praise everywhere but I just can’t add any praise from my end. I will say the author sure knows how to write a great synopsis. If only the book was as good.

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

November 19, 2015November 15, 2015

Kimberly reviews Crimson Shore by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

TITLE: Crimson Shore
SERIES #: Agent Pendergast #15
CHARACTERS: Pendergast & Greene
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A secret chamber.
A mysterious shipwreck.
A murder in the desolate salt marshes.
A seemingly straightforward private case turns out to be much more complicated-and sinister-than Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast ever could have anticipated.
Pendergast, together with his ward Constance Greene, travels to the quaint seaside village of Exmouth, Massachusetts, to investigate the theft of a priceless wine collection. But inside the wine cellar, they find something considerably more disturbing: a bricked-up niche that once held a crumbling skeleton.

REVIEW:
This is the 15th in the series and that alone should tell you how great this series is. I mean 15 of them in a relatively short people of time and they are all (or mostly) best sellers. The Preston-Child combination is truly one that can not be beat and this story goes back to the feel of the beginning of the series.

Pendergast is well odd… to me he is a modern day Sherlock Holmes. He investigates in a way that most don’t. He sees little things that most would miss and he is just odd in a good kind of way. In this one Pendergast goes back to his roots of being a P.I. when he finds something more is going on than just a theft of expensive wines.

I love this series. If you haven’t read this series I have one question… WHY NOT?

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

November 18, 2015November 15, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Natasha reviews Merry Christmas Mrs. Robinson by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Merry Christmas Mrs. Robinson
CHARACTERS: Lady Jane & Duke of Somerset Martin Nicholas Pierce
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: November 9, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Novella originally published in the All I Want for Christmas is a Duke anthology

Lady Jane left her father, the Earl of Chadwick, and the ton behind to experience life on the stage. After a disastrous marriage, the widow is living on the edge of poverty, determined to guard her heart, when a secret admirer from her past demands a second chance.

Shy and retiring Martin Nicholas Pierce, the Sixth Duke of Somerset, has carried a torch for Lady Jane since her youth, but he is five years her junior. When she married another man, he left for Europe, determined to put her out of his mind. After returning to find Lady Jane free, he vows to replace the memories of her cursed Twelfth Night with a new beginning.

REVIEW: I love this story, I love historical romance, and I love Delilah Marvelle. She always writes such passionate characters. I always end a book feeling like I was truly a part of the world Delilah writes about. I almost always end her stories wishing I were one of the characters. This novella is perfect for the holidays and will not disappoint any Delilah readers. It is a quick stand-alone story that will make you want to pick up everything Delilah has ever written. Do that. Now. I’ll wait. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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

November 18, 2015November 15, 2015

Winter Romance Wednesday! Natasha reviews Sugar, Spice and Shifters: A Touch of Holiday Magic

TITLE: Sugar, Spice and Shifters: A Touch of Holiday Magic
AUTHORS: Elianne Adams, Calle J. Brookes, Rinelle Grey, J.K. Harper, Loribelle Hunt, Ellis Leigh, Anna Lowe, Tina Moss, Eris Sage, Vivienne Savage, Bethany Shaw, Diana St. Gabriel, Kristen Strassel, Elle Thorne, Holley Trent, Catherine Vale and Lori Whyte
PUBLICATION DATE: November 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ring in your holiday season with all-new holiday shifter stories from today’s hottest paranormal romance writers.
From the sweetest of mating claims to the spiciest of holiday wishes come true, this set has a perfect present for every reader. Whether you’ve asked Santa for wolf shifters, werebears, or dragons, this box set of ALL NEW holiday tales from bestselling authors gives the best gift any lover of paranormal romance could want: a little naughty n’ nice with a whole lot of sugar n’ spice.

REVIEW:
My favorite story in this bundle was written by one of my favorite authors, Elianne Adams. The short story, Her Gingerbread Dragon was the sweetest love story that was just right for this time of year. Maddie and Luke are both strong characters independently and work really well together. I enjoyed them as a couple very much. This story is part two in Adams’ Dragon Blood series, so we got to see characters from the first story. I enjoyed getting that connection to previous characters. However this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. My only complaint is that we don’t get much of Maddie and Luke’s backstories. I know this is because of the length of the book, but I liked the characters so much I would have liked to get to know them a little better. I want more!

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

November 17, 2015November 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Dead In Her Tracks by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Dead In Her Tracks
SERIES #: Rogue Winter #2
CHARACTERS: Zane Duncan & Stevie Taylor
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: November 17, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On Christmas morning, Solitude, Oregon, unwraps murder…
This wasn’t how Police Chief Zane Duncan expected to spend his first Christmas with fellow officer and girlfriend Stevie Taylor. But when a local motel calls in the discovery of a dead body, the couple’s holiday takes a grim turn. This is the second murder in Solitude within the week, despite the fact that their primary suspect is already in custody. Together, Zane and Stevie must face a disturbing truth—their small town may be harboring two killers.
As their investigation digs deep into the backgrounds of newcomers and longtime residents alike, Zane and Stevie also struggle to adjust to life under the same roof. Even if the stress of homicides and cohabitation don’t bring an end to the couple, the murderer lying in wait just might.

REVIEW:
Dead in Her Tracks is the second novella in Ms. Elliot & Ms. Leigh’s Rogue Winter’s series (which is a continuation of their Rogue River series, make sure to check them out too). In Dead in Her Tracks we get to catch up with Zane Duncan and Steve Taylor. We pick up where we left off in Tracks of Her Tears (so if you have not read bk one please go do that) with everything put to rest, arrests made and the small town of Solitude, Oregon can breath and enjoy Christmas.
But with a new day comes a new crime and a new murder to solve.
I really enjoyed this story. The who’s and what’s were a bit disturbing (I would expect nothing less from these ladies). I don’t want to say too much for fear that I will reveal anything. But for now this small Oregon town is quiet again. But the question is for how long????

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

November 17, 2015November 16, 2015

Kelly reviews Dark Alpha’s Claim by Donna Grant

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dark Alpha’s Claim is the first in an exclusive new series from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant!

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 whole existence is based on taking what Death wants. Born to eliminate Fae guilty of unforgivable crimes, my reckless, wild nature makes me the perfect assassin to carry out Death’s bidding. I’ve seen more sinister and violent dealings than anyone could ever imagine. But it was the sight of her face that stopped me cold. I’ve never wanted a woman-never mind a human-so badly; never felt my heart, hardened by death, burn brighter and hotter until it burst into flames. She is everything I desire. The kind of woman that compels you to stake your claim on her, to let the world know that she’s yours. A Reaper saving her life will only attract danger, but I vow to protect her at all costs from the Fae that hunt her, and keep safe the woman who has claimed me, body and soul.

REVIEW:
Dark Alpha’s Claim is the first book in Donna Grant’s new Reaper series, which is a spin off of her Dark Kings series. But while these series happen in the same world you don’t have to (but I would highly recommend) read the Dark Kings stories first.
As always Ms. Grant blows me away with her ability to tell a story that leaves me shocked and dying for more. I loved the Reapers and what they are. I loved that they are the boogie men of the Fae. I love that the Fae both light and dark are scared of them. I really enjoyed Baylon & Jordyn. I am excited to see what the future holds for these two.
I really enjoyed Death. Who was a shockingly fun character and I can’t wait to see what happens to Death as the stories go on.
There is so much that I want to say, but I don’t like to give spoiler. So know this. I loved this book and know that I will love this series!!!! Already super excited for the next installment

Favorite quotes from book
“Death was the judge. The Reapers were the executioners.”

“Defeat doesn’t become you, Cael” – Death

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.

November 16, 2015November 15, 2015

Kelly reviews Once Touched by Laura Moore

TITLE: Once Touched
SERIES #: Silver Creek #3
CHARACTERS: Quinn Knowles & Ethan Saunders
AUTHOR: Laura Moore
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For fans of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer comes Laura Moore’s breathtaking final installment in her Silver Creek contemporary romance series.

The youngest of the three Knowles siblings, Quinn has in her blood the love of the land and its beautiful creatures. Raising enough money to build an animal sanctuary is a dream Quinn lives every day—while fending off her family’s well-intentioned matchmaking schemes. Though harboring secret fears about intimacy, Quinn soon realizes she cannot fight her growing attraction to a man who has suddenly entered her life.

Scarred by his months in Afghanistan and the violence he witnessed there through his camera lens, photojournalist Ethan Saunders throws himself into hard ranching work as a prescription for healing. But falling for Quinn has given him the one thing he thought he’d lost forever: hope. Ethan discovers that Quinn, like the innocent animals she rescues, is shy, and afraid of entrusting her heart to a man. Passion soon awakens Ethan’s strength, and his tender seduction may be just what Quinn needs to believe in herself—and in his love.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I am sad to say goodbye to the Silver Creek series. I loved the first two books and was really excited when I found out that Quinn was getting her own book. Quinn is the youngest of the Knowles family. I knew Quinn’s story was going to be good.

Quinn is a smart, witty, animal loving, and rescuer of all things. But poor Quinn has been having to deal with both of her brothers falling in love. Quinn doesn’t think that love will ever be for her. She is just not good at it or maybe she has not found the right person yet.

Ethan Saunders just wants to be left alone and needs to recover without having to deal with a lot of questions. But what Ethan finds on the ranch is so much more than just recovery and hard work.

This was a great story and I thought that Ms. Moore did an excellent job or bring this trilogy to a close. While I truly hope that this is not our last visit to Silver Creek, if it was I am glad to see that everything has been wrapped up.

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

November 16, 2015November 8, 2015

Kimberly reviews The Bad Boy CEO by Sugar Jamison

TITLE: The Bad Boy CEO
CHARACTERS: Colt & Zanna
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/03/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Colt King has spent his whole life trying to prove he’s not the trash his hometown of Destiny, Nevada, thought he and his brothers were. As soon as he was old enough he left town, vowing to make a name for himself and never looking back at the place that looked down on him. But that plan goes out the window when his ailing elderly aunt asks him to come home.

He begrudgingly returns to help the woman who raised him. But he’s no longer the poor kid from the bad part of town. He’s the ruler of a custom car empire and a financial genius. He arrives expecting a boring stay, but when he walks into his childhood home to find a woman in nothing but her underwear pointing a shotgun at his face, he knows his trip home will be a memorable one. With his aunt sick and forcing him to help her restore her fledgling hair salon, he has more than enough on his plate. Colt has no idea that her sexy tenant, Zanna, is going to be the cause of his many sleepless nights.

Zanna Jacobs came to the ghost town of Destiny to stay out of trouble and stay the hell away from men. She’s got a serious thing for bad boys that’s she trying to kick, and when she lays her eyes on the brutishly handsome Colt, she knows he’s got bad news written all over him. He’s not the typical thug she goes for: He’s too clean cut, too good looking, and too cold–and when he comes to take over her salon, she’s not going to take it. Zanna decides to show him exactly who the boss is. Colt is used to people following his orders, and when Zanna challenges his every word he finds her infuriating and incredibly sexy. He can’t keep his hands off her…and knows that once he returns to Las Vegas, all bets are off…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I really enjoy the books from Jamison. I especially enjoy her Perfect Fit series. But this one just didn’t have the same feel for me. I never ended up liking Colt. He was a bit too cold. He never seemed to warm up to me. While the intensity was sometimes there, the heat never seemed to spark. Zanna is supposed to be hard nosed and strong enough to survive a lot but she never had that feel to me.

Now don’t get me wrong. The story was ok. The writing was good. The story just didn’t sit well with me. I know how Jamison writes so I still look forward to the next story she puts out and especially if it is a Perfect Fit title but this just left me cold.

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