For all those readers who asked, “When are Dick and Andrea getting their own story?” FANGS FOR THE MEMORIES is a flashback ebook novella exploring their courtship when Andrea was still human.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.99
The only reason this is not a 5 star is because I want MORE Dick and Andrea (thank goodness I remember Andrea’s name *wink, wink*). I am always excited to go back to the Hollow. While reading Jane’s books we got to see Dick and Andrea from Jane’s point of view. In Fangs for the Memories we get to see it from Andrea’s point of view. We get to see why Andrea is the way she is. We also get to see the smarta$$ and sweet side of Dick Cheney.
I want more!!!! I hope the Molly will continue to give us some novella’s in the future on all the characters from the Hollow. It would be nice to see what everyone is up too.
Oh and never fear as soon as Fangs for the Memories comes out I will have an audio review of this book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Last Good Place
CHARACTERS: Sgt Al Krug & Casey Kellog
AUTHOR: Robin Burcell
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/03/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Robin Burcell has worked as a cop, hostage negotiator, and as an FBI-trained, forensic artist . She’s also the author of award-winning thrillers. Now she uses that unparalleled experience to continue Carolyn Weston’s groundbreaking series of books, which were the basis for the hit TV show “The Streets of San Francisco.”
Sgt. Al Krug and his younger, college-educated partner Casey Kellog are investigating a string of strangulation killings when another victim is found at the Presidio…but a surprising, violent incident at the crime scene makes them wonder if everything is what it seems. The two miss-matched cops, with sharply conflicting approaches to detective work, are under intense pressure to get results. It’s a race-against-the-clock investigation that propels them into the deadly intersection of politics, real estate, media and vice… the fertile, fog-shrouded killing field of a ruthless murderer.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Al and Casey are polar opposites. Al is older and street smart. Casey is younger and book smart. They do about their work with different approaches and yet somehow get the job done.
Everyone has heard about The Streets Of San Francisco, mostly from the TV show but there were also books written but the author, Carolyn Weston, but she passed away and Burcell has taken over the series. I never read the original books so I can’t say if they stand up to them but this was well written and kept me interested.
I will say that you really shouldn’t plan on comparing this novel to the old show. The really just don’t mess and that is ok. The show was done decades ago and this story is more up to date that a cop show set in the 70’s.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Grimm’s End
SERIES #: Grimm’s Circle #9
CHARACTERS: Will & Mandy
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: October 27, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“He would walk into hell for her. Hell’s not willing to let him back out.”
“Grimm’s Circle,” Book 9
Years have passed since Will flung himself headlong into demon central. Everyone has told Mandy he’s lost to them, but she still won’t believe it. He was her heart and soul-still is-even if he never admitted they belonged together.
When a friend is nearly torn through a rip between the worlds, Mandy gets the sign she’s hoped and prayed for. Her friend is thrust back through to safety by no other than Will himself.
With all hell breaking loose on earth, only two Grimm can be spared for the mission to retrieve their leader-Mandy and the only other Grimm crazy enough to go with her.
Will would forget the color of the sky before he’d forget the love of all his lives. But his time is done. It’s only a matter of which demon will finally destroy him.
He never thought his final moments would be haunted by Mandy’s face. But is it a fitting punishment, or one last chance to atone for crimes he committed so long ago?
“Warning: This book contains too much angst, too many secrets, and two people who long to be together. It’s also the end of a long, fun ride. Thanks for taking it.”
REVIEW:
I am so sad that the Grimm’s Circle series has come to an end. But very glad that Will finally gets his story. I have loved every book in this series. I loved the twists and turns that Shiloh put into each story. I hope just because we finally have Will’s story doesn’t mean that Shiloh won’t ever visit The Grimm’s world again. I believe follow up stories are needed.
Gash, I am not even sure where to start without giving away too much. Grimm’s End is not a book you want to read as a stand alone. There has been too much that has happened over the past 8 books that lead us to the finale. So I would suggest picking up book one (Candy Houses) and starting there.
During the series we have all wondered about the why’s, the wants and the who is Will? Finally we learn it all. And it all makes since. It all becomes clear as to why Will acts the way he does and doesn’t act the way we want him too. I really can’t say
much because I don’t want to give away anything. But it has been one Hell of a trip.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Alien Separation
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Katt (Martini) #11
CHARACTERS: Kitty, Jeff and the whole crew
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: May 5, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Life’s never easy . . .
The Mastermind has finally been identified, but before Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini can take him down, they, their daughter Jamie, Charles Reynolds, Paul Gower, Christopher White, and several others are zapped out of their solar system and into another.
Landing in scattered groups on various areas of Beta Eight in the Alpha Centauri system means getting the team back together will be a major issue. But it’s only one of the challenges they’ll face. Kitty and Company have to forge alliances with the wide variety of sentient natives on the planet while plotting to create a civil war and overthrow the king – who just may be a clone of one of their bitterest enemies, Ronaldo Al Dejahl.
Of course, to do this, they have to overcome an assortment of dangerous obstacles, protect a group of refugees, take mind reading lessons, and seek out unexpected new allies as they journey to the Centerpoint of the world.
And once they reach the All Seeing Mountain, new issues and surprises await. Because there’s more than a small war going on – they’re in the midst of the Alpha Centauri Civil War!
REVIEW:
Kitty strikes again!!!! Dang I love Kitty. I want her to be my BFF. Not only because she hangs out with uber hot Aliens (love love love Christopher) but she is just an awesome character that gets thrown into situation after situation and always comes out on top, better and a tad bit wiser than when she started.
I am so excited for the next book in this series. I really can’t wait to see what the future holds for Kitty, Jeff and Jamie. :). And if I were Mastermind I would be very afraid….
If you are new to this series, I hate to say it but you really need to read this series in order. So much happens from one book to the next to get us to where we currently are. So get on it!!! Go grab Touched by an Alien and get yourself catch up on all things Kitty!!!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Christmas On Candy Cane Lane
SERIES #: Life In Icicles Falls #8
CHARACTERS: Tilda, Maddy & Ivy
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Icicle Falls is the place to be at Christmas…
Everyone’s getting ready for Christmas in Icicle Falls, especially on Candy Cane Lane, where holiday decorating is taken very seriously. Tilda Morrison, town cop, is looking forward to celebrating Christmas in her first house… until she discovers that she’s expected to “keep up” with the neighbors, including Maddy Donaldson, the inspiration behind the whole extravaganza. But this year, someone’s destroying Maddie’s precious candy canes! Thank goodness for the cop in their neighborhood.
Tilda already has her hands full trying to sort out her love life and fix up her fixer-upper. Oh, and won’t it be fun to have the family over for Christmas dinner? Not really… Then there’s her neighbor, Ivy Bohn. As a newly single mom, Ivy can sum up the holiday in two words: Bah, humbug. But she’s determined to give her kids a perfect Christmas.
Despite family disasters, irritating ex-husbands and kitchen catastrophes, these three women are going to find out that Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year!
REVIEW:
This is a really wonderful holiday novel. It really puts you in the romantic Christmas mood.
First is Tilda. And Devon. This is the typical question of can first impressions be changed? Devon has changed and Tilda just hasn’t noticed but Devon is going to try to get her to change her mind while she changes the rest of her life.
Maddy and Ivy are Tilda’s neighbors that are dealing with the own situations. Maddy IS Christmas. She is all about playing Mrs Claus and making the holiday “perfect”. Ivy is having to make a great Christmas as a divorcee with children.
I enjoyed this story very much. There were a few weird things to me. I am not sure I have ever read a book by Roberts before this one and know I have not read any from this series but if you are looking for a nice read with a holiday feel this is a great book to pick up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Autumn Thorns
SERIES #: Whisper Hollow #1
CHARACTERS: Kerris Fellwater & Bryan
AUTHOR: Yasmine Galenorn
PUBLICATION DATE: October 27, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an all-new series, New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn invites readers to Whisper Hollow, where spirits walk among the living and the lake never gives up her dead…
Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and when I returned, I inherited my grandmother’s house—and her gift. As a spirit shaman, it’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.
When I was little, I was told my mother ran off. But now it looks like she was murdered. With the help of my mysterious neighbor Bryan, we begin to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, and in doing so, unearth a dark force seeking to bury Whisper Hollow. Now I must work with the dead, rather than against them, because our enemy will do whatever she can to destroy the town, and she means to start with me.
REVIEW:
Just in time for Halloween Ms. Galenorn is releasing the first book in her new Whisper Hollow series. Autumn Thorns brings us into the world of the undead, the living and the mystery that is Whisper Hollow.
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. Kerris left home hoping to never return to the creepy strange town of Whisper Hollow, but with the death of her grandma she must return and take up her position and protect the town that she once couldn’t wait to get out of. Kerris is a spit fire. She is tough and determined even when facing a truth that could possible break her. And Bryan…. *sigh* Bryan is the super sweet shifter next door that will rock Kerris world in more than one way 😉
I am really interested to see where this series will go. I can’t wait to watch Kerris grow in her strength and power. And I can’t wait to see how Kerris & Bryan’s relationship goes.
Fan’s of Ms. Galenorn will love this new series. Not a fan yet? Pick up a copy of Autumn Thorns and come back and let me know your thoughts.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Bearing It All
SERIES #: Highlander’s Beloved #3
CHARACTERS: Anisa & Ronan
AUTHOR: Vonnie Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Scottish hunter and a French secret agent find themselves on a collision course with danger—and irresistible desire—in Vonnie Davis’s new bear-shifting Highlander novel, perfect for fans of Jennifer Ashley and Shelly Laurenston.
In the pine-dense mountains of the Scottish Highlands, shape-shifter Ronan Matheson is running free when a desperate woman parachutes out of the sky, directly onto his furry, powerful chest. Instead of clawing her to death, Ronan’s inner bear longs to keep her safe. Once he’s back in human form, Ronan is amused by the mysterious beauty’s fearless attitude—and tempted by her expertly toned physique. But what could she possibly be doing in this isolated stretch of the Highlands?
French intelligence agent Anisa Brosseau never imagined she’d be on the CIA’s bad side—until she’s framed for treason and forced to flee in a stolen drone. Hiding out in a remote cabin, Anisa just needs some time to clear her name. What she doesn’t need is a brooding, muscle-bound Scot in a skimpy kilt to drive her crazy with lust. But when Anisa’s enemies come knocking on his door, Ronan calls on a secret weapon to protect his turf and the bonny lass he’s come to love.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts While enjoyable this was not my favorite in the series. Something seemed to missing and after a while I realized it was the humor. Yes there was some but not like the last couple of books. What it did have was a lot of sappy lines which is not a bad thing but there was so many of them I wonder if Davis will have any lines left for the next book.
I liked Anisa in the beginning and I guess I continued to like her but I liked her more when she was tough and feisty. Being around Ronan made her a girly girl who somehow also lost her French accent. I liked Ronan when he was in the background of the other books and again I guess I still like him but he changed too in this book. He became so mushy that at some points it got ridiculous. And the connection he has with his bear is a bit odd. It is more like he and the bear are father and son more than two halves of the same being.
Ok now I know this might sound like I didn’t enjoy the book but I did. It just wasn’t the best in the series. While Ronan’s story needed to be told I look forward to the next in the series which I hope is Kendric’s story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: I’ll Never Let You Go
SERIES #: Morgans of Nashville #3
CHARACTERS: Leah & Alex
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LOVE HURTS
He promised to kill her. One night four years ago, Leah Carson’s husband almost succeeded. Philip stabbed her twenty-three times before fleeing. The police are sure he’s dead. But fear won’t let Leah believe it.
AND SOMETIMES
It starts with little things. Missing keys. A flat tire. Mysterious flowers. All easily explained away if the pattern wasn’t so terrifyingly familiar. Leah has a new veterinary practice and a new life with no ties to her nightmare. But Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Alex Morgan suspects something. And when another woman’s body is found, stabbed twenty-three times, Leah knows her past has found her.
IT KILLS
As Leah and Alex untangle the horrifying truth, he watches her, ready for the perfect moment. Until death—that was the vow they made. And a killer always keeps his word…
REVIEW:
This is the 3rd in the series that I have not read but all in all it was fine as a stand alone you just get the feeling that some things have happened before this book, which obviously it has.
This is a very interesting and suspenseful thriller. I found I continued to be interested throughout the entire book. What I think I liked best about the romance part of the story is that is wasn’t love at first site, now I must protect you. This was gradually finding that sometimes good things come out of bad situations. Alex is a little rough around the edges but seems to be a good guy. Leah really proves she has the strength she needs and is no longer a victim.
I found the story really good and look forward to more in the series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Seeing Evil
CHARACTERS: Samantha & Michael
AUTHOR: Jason Parent
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/04/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fate in plain sight.
Major Crimes Detective Samantha Reilly prefers to work alone—she’s seen as a maverick, and she still struggles privately with the death of her partner. The only person who ever sees her softer side is Michael Turcotte, a teenager she’s known since she rescued him eleven years ago from the aftermath of his parents’ murder-suicide.
In foster care since his parents’ death, Michael is a loner who tries to fly under the bullies’ radar, but a violent assault triggers a disturbing ability to view people’s dark futures. No one believes his first vision means anything, though—not even Sam Reilly. When reality mimics his prediction, however, Sam isn’t the only one to take notice. A strange girl named Tessa Masterson asks Michael about her future, and what he sees sends him back to Sam—is Tessa victim or perpetrator?
Tessa’s tangled secrets draw Michael and Sam inexorably into a deadly conflict. Sam relies on Michael, but his only advantage is the visions he never asked for. As they track a cold and calculating killer, one misstep could turn the hunters into prey.
REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book. It is a wonderful paranormal suspense book and will keep you interested until the very end.
Michael is a teen who has visions and while most do not believe him Samantha realizes what he can do and uses it to help. Michael has lived his own rough life. He lost his parents at a young age and was in the foster care system for years. Tessa lives a horrible life from the father from hell. His actions are so unbelievable that it is truly sad that there are real people like this in the world. And both are only teenagers. Together their lives are a horror story in itself. Samantha is hard core and what you may see as rude but seeing her the way the teens see her brings a different light to her character.
The author did an incredible job with this story. The characters are well formed and interesting to read about. Parent really has a way of pulling you right in. Highly recommend.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: From Russia with Claws
SERIES #: From Russia…. #1
CHARACTERS: Galina Sudenko
AUTHOR: Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona
NARRATOR: Natasha Volkov
RUN TIME: 9 hrs and 56 mins
PUBLICATION DATE: August 18, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Alpha female Galina Sudenko agreed to attend her distant cousin’s birthday party, she wasn’t counting on meeting the devastatingly handsome and powerful Rom Alpha, Andrey Lupesco, or having her sexy times with him interrupted by the murder of her idiot brother-in-law, Sergei. But such is life when your father is one of the most powerful werewolves within Seattle’s supernatural Russian organized crime syndicate.
Not content with being just a pretty face and good breeding stock, Galina sets out to make her mark within the family. But in doing so, she runs afoul of her eldest brother, Alexei, the heir apparent to the family dynasty. He has no intention of ceding his position without a fight.
Andrey and Galina’s burgeoning romance is threatened when she discovers that before his death, Irina’s husband, Sergei, hijacked Andrey’s shipment of the werewolf drug, Bullet, a synthetic drug that gives the supernatural creatures a cocaine-like high. Sergei’s theft means that Andrey had a reason to have Sergei killed, leaving Galina to decide whether to risk trusting Andrey even as her feelings for him deepen.
As her brother Alexei’s behavior becomes more erratic, Galina must find the missing shipment, prove to her family that she’ll be a capable leader, and decide whether her lover Andrey can be trusted before she can hope to challenge her brother for his position as head of the family.
A tale of sexy werewolves, forbidden love, family power struggles, and danger closing in, Gia Corona and Jacey Conrad’s From Russia With Claws will leave you howling for more!
REVIEW:
From Russia with Claws is Jacey Conrad & Gia Corona first full length novel. I need to address something up front. If you are picking up this book because Molly Harper is writing as Jacey, that is great, awesome and totally wonderful!!!! But stop there, this is not a Molly Harper book this is a Jacey & Gia book. And Jacey & Gia’s books are a LOT different then Molly’s books. Okay back to my review.
In From Russia with Claws we met the Sudenko family. We learn that the Sudenko family deals in not so legal dealings. But while the Sudenko family is trying to stay at the top there is a power struggle within the family itself. Galina’s oldest brother Alexei wants to take over as head of the family. But he is not leader material and Galina will only let Alexie take over the family over her dead body. Which Alexei is more than okay with.
I really really liked. I loved Galina!! There is just something about an Alpha chick that I totally love to read about!!! Oh and man Andrey *swoon*. If an Alpha chick is awesome and Alpha male is even better. Andrey and Galina are combustible together *fan’s self*
The whole case of side characters are wonderful too from Irina to Victor to Nik to Kon. I want to know more about them.
I did pick this book up on audio. This was also the first book I listened to that was narrated by Natasha Volkov. Ms. Volkov did an amazing job pronouncing the Russian names and words. But my biggest issue with Ms. Volkov was that the male voices were too similar to the female voices. Which made it hard at times to know who was talking until it was written into the story. I do hope that Ms. Volkov will work on her male voices, because I think she if can get them down she will do a great job. I have read that other had issue with Galina’s voice but I think it fit in perfectly with who Galina is.
Here is the clip: https://soundcloud.com/audible/from-russia-with-claws
Disclaimer:
I purchased this audio book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Hot Holiday Nights
SERIES #: Play-by-Play
CHARACTERS: Alex McConnell, Ben Reynolds and Victoria Baldwin
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: October 20, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Victoria Baldwin is a successful sports agent who always puts work first—unless she’s on vacation. Then it’s all about play. On holiday in Hawaii over Christmas, she meets Alex McConnell, a successful young surfer on the islands for a surfing competition. She couldn’t think of a better vacation fling. But when she meets Ben Reynolds, Alex’s manager, she realizes she wants both men. This could be her hottest holiday ever, and the vacation that changes her life.
REVIEW:
In Hot Holiday Nights we get to follow sports agent Victoria Baldwin on her holiday trip to Hawaii. And it just happens to be the same time as a huge Surfing contest. Which brings some hottie surfers. Alex is a surfing super start and a very sweet guy who is looking for a good time will he is in Hawaii. Ben is Alex’s agent, best friend and was once a competitive surfer until he was hurt.
This was a very quick read and boy howdy it was spicy. Victoria is a women who knows what she wants and when she wants it. Alex, Victoria and Ben make a great team!!! I don’t want to give you too much but if you like the Play by Play series you will love this novella.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Chapelwood
SERIES #: The Borden Dispatches #2
CHARACTERS: Lizzie Borden, Simon Wolf and the folks of Birmingham Alabama
AUTHOR: Cherie Priest
NARRATORS:James Patrick Cronin, Julie McKay
RUNTIME: 13 hrs and 32 mins
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From Cherie Priest, the award-winning author of Maplecroft, comes a new tale of Lizzie Borden’s continuing war against the cosmic horrors threatening humanity…
Birmingham, Alabama is infested with malevolence. Prejudice and hatred have consumed the minds and hearts of its populace. A murderer, unimaginatively named “Harry the Hacker” by the press, has been carving up citizens with a hatchet. And from the church known as Chapelwood, an unholy gospel is being spread by a sect that worships dark gods from beyond the heavens.
This darkness calls to Lizzie Borden. It is reminiscent of an evil she had dared hoped was extinguished. The parishioners of Chapelwood plan to sacrifice a young woman to summon beings never meant to share reality with humanity. An apocalypse will follow in their wake which will scorch the earth of all life.
Unless she stops it.
REVIEW:
When I finished Maplecroft (bk #1 of Borden Dispatches) I sent a message right away to Ms. Priest to ask when the next book would be out. Needless to say I was so beyond excited when Ms. Priest told me that Chapelwood was coming out. I was so engrossed in Lizzie’s world and the monsters that she fought, that I make Chapelwood an auto buy on audible (which is how I read/listened to Maplecroft too). I will say I was a little sad that the narrators changed. But as I listened I knew that the same narrators couldn’t be used. Chapelwood takes place thirty years after the events of Maplecroft (so make sure you read Maplecroft first, because what happens in Maplecroft is very important).
Chapelwood is the same but very different then Maplecroft, which made this story so awesome. I love the twists and turns that happened in Chapelwood. I really enjoyed how Lizzie gets sucked into the events at Chapelwood. I really enjoyed the new characters that we meet in this book. Ruth is a feisty character and I would like to know more about her.
I don’t want to give anything away because that is how I am. So if you are a fan of Maplecroft (which I would HIGHLY recommend you reading) then you will love Chapelwood.
I am not sure what is next for this series, but I do hope with the way that Chapelwood was left that Ms. Priest plans to revisit this world. There are questions that need to be answered.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Fangs for the Memories
