Review Sunday – Page 91 – Books-n-Kisses

September 9, 2015September 7, 2015

Kelly reviews About That Fling by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: About That Fling
SERIES #: N/A
CHARACTERS: Adam Thomas & Jenna McArthur
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the top PR person for the Belmont Health System, bright, beautiful Jenna McArthur knows how to spin bad news and make it sound good. But when her adorable Aunt Gertie—a secret romance writer—urges Jenna to embrace her wild side, Jenna tumbles into bed with Adam Thomas, a guy she’s just met, for a fun and fantastic one-night stand. Too bad Adam is the one guy who’s totally off-limits. There aren’t enough clever words in the world to spin the story in a way that won’t wreck Jenna’s closest friendship or destroy her job.
With the irresistible Adam always around her at work, wearing an aura of temptation like a fabulous cologne, Jenna has to hold tight to her senses to avoid falling for him. Will he take her to the heights of pleasure again—or will their attraction destroy everything she’s worked for?

REVIEW:
Jenna has been trying to find herself for the last two years, but never thought she would find her future in the green eyes of a man in a Wine bar. But after spending a few hours talking and much, much more Jenna realizes that there is a lot more to Adam then meets the eye. But boy-howdy does Fate have a nice little turn in the road of life in store for Jenna.
Adam is finally in a good place. After his failed marriage and a rough couple of years, he has worked hard on making himself a better person. He has a great job that happened to bring him to Portland, Oregon and face to face with his ex-wife and his most recent lover. Oh Fate is such a funny creature.
Awe this was such a sweet story. Tawna always does a great job of telling a sweet story that leaves you rooting for all the characters to have a Happily Ever After. I am always happy to read a book by Tawna!! 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 (Amazon Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 9, 2015September 6, 2015

Kelly reviews Stripped Down by Lorelei James

TITLE: Stripped Down (a 1001 Dark Nights Novella
SERIES #: BlackTop Cowboy #6.7
CHARACTERS: Wynton Grant & Melissa Lockhart
AUTHOR: Lorelei James
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorelei James, a new steamy story of the Blacktop Cowboys…
Never challenge a cowboy to a little naughty competition…
A flirty game of sexual truth or dare between best man, Wynton Grant, and maid of honor, Melissa Lockhart during their BFF’s wedding reception results in a steamy hookup.
But their plans for a one and done change when a family crisis leaves Wyn shorthanded at the Grant Ranch. Experienced horsewoman Mel volunteers to help out and gets way more than she bargained for living under the same roof as the sexy rancher. Playing house has never appealed to Wyn…until now.
But the feisty redhead is keeping secrets and Wyn’s not above stripping her bare—body and soul—to get to the bottom of it

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Wham, bam thank you ma’am!!!!
This was a quick read that started out dirty & naughty that turned into a sweet and loving story. Wyn and Melissa have wonderful little nicknames for each other that just cracked me up!!! These two are two peas in a pod and make a perfect couple. Ms. James packs a lot into a very short story all while making you feel like you are reading a full length novella.

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.

September 8, 2015September 6, 2015

Natasha & Kimberly review She’s Not There by PJ Parrish

TITLE: She’s Not There
CHARACTERS: Amelia, Alex and Buchanan
AUTHOR: P.J. Parrish
PUBLICATION DATE: September 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They say it’s better to battle the devil you know. But what if you don’t recognize him before it’s too late?
She knows her name is Amelia, but after waking up in a hospital battered and bruised with just the clothes on her back, it’s all she knows. Unable to piece together her shattered memory, she’s haunted by a vision: menacing faces and voices implying her nightmare is far from over.

Relying only on her wits and her will to live, Amelia becomes a fugitive from a mysterious man, and a life she can’t even remember. But the past she’s fleeing has no intention of letting her go.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts I really loved this book – I mean, who doesn’t love a good amnesia suspense thriller? Amelia had me hooked in her story from the first few pages. She wakes up in a hospital and has no idea who she is. We spend the book moving forward with Amelia in her quest to find herself in her past and figure out what that means for her future. All of the characters in the story are given adequate page time that really makes you care about them and get their true story. Not only was I interested in Amelia’s story, but also that of her troubled husband Alex and skip tracer, Buchanan. This story was stressful, fast paced and a real page-turner. Though I was getting multiple points of view, I still couldn’t accurately guess what had happened to Amelia and why. All-in-all this was a great suspense thriller and fun read. I’ll definitely read more from this author.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts What an interesting way to write a story. I really enjoyed the different perspectives of Amelia, her husband and the PI. Amelia’s was best if you ask me but I found them all interesting. I enjoyed the way Amelia follows her instincts so completely. It is almost like she trust her 6th sense more than any other and I found that really cool.

I really found myself liking Amelia. I was really impressed with some of her escapes.

I won’t say that the story doesn’t have a often used plot line. I mean “woman with amnesia” is pretty darn common but the story really is enjoyable so I highly recommend it if you enjoy the genre.

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

September 7, 2015September 6, 2015

Kelly reviews Pure Wicked by Shayla Black

TITLE: Pure Wicked (a 1001 Dark Nights Novella)
SERIES #: Wicked Lovers #6.5
CHARACTERS: Jesse McCall & Bristol Reese
AUTHOR: Shayla Black
PUBLICATION DATE: September 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
During his decade as an international pop star, Jesse McCall has lived every day in the fast lane. A committed hedonist reveling in amazing highs, globetrotting, and nameless encounters, he refuses to think about his loneliness or empty future. Then tragedy strikes.
Shocked and grieving, he sheds his identity and walks away, searching for peace. Instead, he finds Bristol Reese, a no-nonsense beauty scraping to keep her family’s business afloat while struggling with her own demons. He’s intent on seducing her, but other than a pleasure-filled night, she’s not interested in a player, especially after her boyfriend recently proposed to her sister. In order to claim Bristol, Jesse has to prove he’s not the kind of man he’s always been. But when she learns his identity and his past comes back to haunt him, how will he convince her that he’s a changed man who wants nothing more than to make her his forever?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
This was a very quick read. I liked Jesse & Bristol both. Jesse is world famous who is needing to lay low and get his head back in the game. Bristol is trying to recover from the betrayal of her boyfriend. Both are looking for something that they never thought they would find. But Fate works in mysterious ways and brings people together when they need it the most.

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.

September 3, 2015August 30, 2015

Kelly reviews Too Hard To Handle by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Too Hard To Handle
SERIES #: Black Knight Inc #8
CHARACTERS: Dan “The Man” Currington & Penelope DePaul
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru

“The Man” is back
Dan “The Man” Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He’s hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan’s number one priority.

And this time she’s ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she’s excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can’t forget. And a secret that’s going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

REVIEW:
I am so very glad that Dan got this story. Dan has been through a lot over the last few books. It was so good to see him be happy and himself again.
Penni is great too and I am so thankful that Dan found her. Now if he can only convince her that they have a chance for a future. But that is sometimes hard to do when you’re trying to catch a rat and people keep trying to beat you up and shoot you.
There was a lot of action that keep this story line going. It was good see a few of the original BKI teammates too. And I have to say Dagan and Chelsea are going to be super fun to watch. Ozzie put it best when he said “That woman is a tornado and you, my friend are a trailer park.” Can’t wait for the next installment of the Black Knight Inc. series!!!!

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

September 2, 2015August 30, 2015

Kimberly reviews Texas Thunder by Kimberly Raye

TITLE: Texas Thunder
SERIES #: Rebel Moonshine #1
CHARACTERS: Callie & Brett
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Set deep in the heart of Texas, bestselling author Kimberly Raye’s sizzling new series proves that men, women, and moonshine make one dangerous combination…

RECIPE FOR DISASTER
The most infamous moonshiners in Lone Star history, the Tuckers and the Sawyers have been feuding for over a hundred years. Sure, the days of buckshot and bloodshed are long gone, but it’s not over yet. To save the family business, Callie Tucker has to find the recipe for the legendary Texas Thunder moonshine. But first she’ll need to make a devil’s bargain—with a red-hot hellraiser named Brett Sawyer.

ROMANCE WITH A KICK
A Sawyer through and through, Brett was raised to never trust a Tucker—especially one as pretty as Callie. But desperate times call for desperate measures. With his ranch going bankrupt, Brett agrees to help Callie find the recipe, sell the rights, and split the profits. Of course, it won’t be easy for these two enemies to work together. But it’s even harder to ignore the sparks of attraction—when just one kiss delivers a kick stronger than any swig of moonshine…

REVIEW:
I had a hard time with this story. Yes it is cute and the premise is good. It is kind of a current version of Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. But the hard thing was the writing. So many repeats of the same things over and over. I was so tired of hearing about about how the grandfather of Callie didn’t care about anything but his moonshine. And Brett thinking his pappy would get better when the ranch was taken care of.

The chemistry is there for the couple and the background characters are interesting. It just seemed really slow to me. And a bit depressing to tell the truth. But again the romance part is good and of course works out in the end.

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

September 1, 2015August 30, 2015

Kelly reviews Bonded by Laura Wright

TITLE: Bonded
SERIES #: The Cavanaugh Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Blue Perez Cavanaugh & Emily Shivers
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of Brash returns to the Triple C Ranch in River Black, Texas, for more cowboys, romance, and danger…

Ranch hand Blue Perez’s once simple life is spinning out of control. He’s discovered he has three half-brothers, and they’re not ready to accept his claim on the ranch. Also, Blue’s girlfriend may have betrayed him in the worst way possible. And after one evening of drowning his sorrows at the bar, there’s someone he can’t get out of his mind, a woman who says she’s carrying his child.

Following a night of breathtaking passion in the arms of the man she’s longed for all her life, waitress Emily Shiver is contemplating her next step. With everything that’s going on in Blue’s life, she doesn’t want to force him into fatherhood. Yet as hard hearted as he may seem, Blue can’t turn his back on her, particularly when she becomes the target of someone’s dark obsession

REVIEW:
Bonded is the final book in the Cavanaugh Brother’s series. Bonded wrapped up the series nicely. We learn more about Blue and his mom. We finally get to see Blue come to grips with his past and future. We also finally get to know who is behind Cass’ kidnapping and murder.
I really liked Blue and Emily together. Their relationship was a bit of a whirlwind. But every relationship is different. I don’t mind the fast pact of the love story. My only issue is that I wish we would have gotten more about Cass’ killer. I know it is sick and twisted. But I felt that the story was lacking just a little in this aspect ( I think I have been reading too many straight suspense books of late. Not enough anxiety for me I guess).
But even with that this was a good series and happy that it was wrapped up nicely.

August 31, 2015August 23, 2015

Kimberly reviews Tear Drop by Joanne Clancy

TITLE: Tear Drop
SERIES #: Detective Elizabeth Ireland #1
CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Ireland
AUTHOR: Joanne Clancy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The crimes of the past echo in the present…

THE SERIAL KILLER
Ross Campbell vanished almost a decade ago, and since then nothing has been heard from the serial killer known as Teardrop…until now.
An Irish newspaper receives a chilling letter claiming to be from Campbell, which promises a new reign of terror.
As death stalks the dark streets of Cork City, it soon becomes clear to the police and the media that a serial killer is on the loose.
THE DETECTIVE
Elizabeth Ireland, a former detective with The Metropolitan Police, was the lead investigator on the original case when Campbell vanished.
THE SECRET
However, only she believes that Campbell didn’t send the letter. She embarks upon a frightening psychological journey to uncover the killer’s identity, where she’s pulled into a lethal game in which the killer sets the rules and waits for her next move.
With the crimes of the past echoing in the present, can she find the killer before he strikes again?

REVIEW:
This is the first in the series and WOW what a way to start. I enjoy a thriller where I can not figure out the killer and this was just like that. It held my attention until the very last page.

I enjoyed meeting Elizabeth but I also enjoyed that we were not bogged down in the beginning of the book with so many details that the mystery was a background story like some authors do in the first book of a series.

I have not read Clancy before but this was such an enjoyable read that I plan on some day going back and reading more from her. Any fan of thrillers will enjoy this story. And look forward to the next one too.

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

August 28, 2015August 23, 2015

Kimberly reviews Running Wild by Susan Andersen

TITLE: Running Wild
SERIES #: Sisterhood Diaries #4
CHARACTERS: Magdalene & Finn
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They can’t escape the heat…

Magdalene Deluca isn’t the damsel-in-distress type. But if she has to involve a stranger in a dangerous chase through South America, she’s glad Finn Kavanagh’s the guy she sucked into her problems. Very glad. The man oozes sex and magnetic confidence. And since their connection is steamier than the sultry rain forest, why waste time resisting him?

Finn’s peaceful vacation is blown to bits the second Mags strides into view. For years he’s ignored his family’s pleas to settle down. Now he’s falling hard for a blonde force of nature who’s allergic to commitment. First he has to keep Mags safe as they search for her missing parents. Then they can determine if it’s time to stop running—and take a chance on the wildest thrill he’s ever known…

REVIEW:
This is the 4th in a series but the first I have read. It can certainly be a stand alone.

I had a hard time with this story. It was cheesy for lack of a better word. I never felt a connection between Mags and Finn. There was too much of the same information repeated and it got old. I was so tired of hearing how Mags parents cared more about “other kids” than her own.

Just not my cup of tea. Sorry.

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

August 27, 2015August 23, 2015

Kelly reviews On The Hunt by Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall & & Hannah Jayne

TITLE: On The Hunt
SERIES #: The Sentinels #2.5, The Scorpion Syndrome #0.5, Immortal Guardians #5.5, Underworld Detection Agency #6.5
CHARACTERS: Multi
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall & & Hannah Jayne
PUBLICATION DATE: August 25. 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Four of today’s most intriguing paranormal authors entice readers deep into the shadows, where vampires, immortals, and other supernatural creatures heat up the night…
ON THE HUNT by Alexandra Ivy: Mika Tanner has loved Bailey Morrell, a beautiful Healer, since childhood. But his duty as a Sentinel, a supernatural guardian of an ancient race, clashed with her rebellious spirit. Now a dangerous new anarchist group not only threatens life as they know it—but any chance of their being together again…
SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti: While searching for a meteorite, Nora Mendina is arrested by her sheriff ex-husband—who’s only gotten hotter than the Nevada desert since she last saw him. When the meteorite breaks open, the few survivors gain extraordinary powers, unleashing a crazed super genius killer. Can Nora and her ex stop the murders…while igniting a new love affair?
PHANTOM EMBRACE by Dianne Duvall: Immortal Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, yet he’s never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.
STAKE OUT by Hannah Jayne: Vampire fashion designer Nina LaShay has a lot on her plate—just two days until fashion week and the model who was flirting with her photographer boyfriend is now a corpse in her studio. But when dead turns into undead and dangerous, Nina must find out who’s responsible…before the beautiful baby vamp takes too many bites out of the Big Apple.

REVIEW:
ON THE HUNT by Alexandra Ivy- This was a great story in Ms. Ivy’s Sentinels series. In “On the Hunt” we get to see in to the mind of Mika. One of the scariest Sentinels on staff. But in On the Hunt we not only get to see his softer side, but we get to meet the woman who has won and broke his heart.
I enjoyed this quick novella and hope that we will get to see these two again in future books.

SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti- Scorpius Rising is the start of Ms. Zanetti’s The Scorpius Syndrome series. The novella is not stop from the from paragraph one. We get to meet Deacan McDougall and Nora Mendina. Both are brought in to help fight a new enemy. An enemy that kills almost everyone one it comes into contact with. I am very much looking forward to this series. I can’t wait to see all the trials and tribulations that the world will go through in the fight against Scorpius.

PHANTOM EMBRACE by Dianne Duvall-Oh my gosh Yuri’s story. If you are a fan of Ms. Duvall’s series you have an insight to Yuri’s life already. If not, never fear this novella will not ruin the series. I don’t want to say too much, but it was so great to read Yuri’s story and learn more about the Russian Immortal and his best friend Stanislav.
STAKE OUT by Hannah Jayne- I had a hard time with this story. It just didn’t click for me.

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.

August 26, 2015August 23, 2015

Kimberly reviews Ever After by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: Ever After
SERIES #: Love To The Rescue #3
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Pete
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Olivia Bennett is not having a happy birthday. Instead of blowing out her twenty-nine candles, she’s stuck in jail, caught red-handed in a graffiti incident that (perhaps) involved one too many strawberry margaritas. Worst idea ever. The only bright side is that she ended up in the strong arms of the most gorgeous lawman she’s ever seen.

Pete Sampson (aka Deputy Hot Stuff) faces intense pressure from the sheriff to find out who’s behind a string of vandalisms. And after her spray-painting spree, Olivia is suspect number one. Still, Pete can’t stop thinking about her. Wanting her. Now he’s torn between his duty and his overpowering desire for the vivacious waitress. But he may have to bend the rules because true love is more important than the letter of the law …

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts All in all I enjoyed this story. The characters are well written. You get a true feel for who they are and their beliefs. Pete is a good guy but I wouldn’t say he is an alpha man. He is just a all around good guy. Olivia is a bit of a goody-two shoes to me. She is not one of my favorite characters but I liked her.

I am sure that the author didn’t plan for Olivia to be so hoity toity but she is. Yes she doesn’t have a fit when someone eats non-vegetarian in from of her but the rest of the time she is written kind of pompous.

This story is very preachy in some parts. Don’t get me wrong I understand that the farm factories are having the issues written in this story. I watch the news but I don’t read romance’s to be preached at. I want to be taken out of reality and this story certainly doesn’t allow that. Having the issue brought up a handful of times throughout the book would have done just fine but this book hits you with it every chance it gets.

Now that all being said again I enjoyed the book. The romance is fine. The characters are fine. It doesn’t really leave much question as to the “who-dun-it” but it is still ok.

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

August 25, 2015August 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Dragon King (A 1001 Dark Nights Novella) by Donna Grant

TITLE: Dragon King (A 1001 Dark Nights Novella)
SERIES #: Dark Kings #6.25
CHARACTERS: Arian & Grace Clark
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: August 25, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Woman on a Mission

Grace Clark has always done things safe. She’s never colored outside of the law, but she has a book due and has found the perfect spot to break through her writer’s block. Or so she thinks. Right up until Arian suddenly appears and tries to force her away from the mountain. Unaware of the war she just stumbled into, Grace doesn’t just discover the perfect place to write, she finds Arian—the most gorgeous, enticing, mysterious man she’s ever met.

A King with a Purpose

Arian is a Dragon King who has slept away centuries in his cave. Recently woken, he’s about to leave his mountain to join his brethren in a war when he’s alerted that someone has crossed onto Dreagan. He’s ready to fight . . . until he sees the woman. She’s innocent and mortal—and she sets his blood aflame. He recognizes the danger approaching her just as the dragon within him demands he claim her for his own.

REVIEW:
In Dragon King, a 1001 Dark Nights novella we get to meet a newly awoken King Arian. He is not so happy about being awake and even more unhappy about his unwelcome visitor. Grace on the other hand is looking for her muse by any means necessary. So what if she is afraid of storms and finds herself catch in one? She will be save in this nice cozy cave.

As always Ms. Grant sucks me into the world of her Dragon Kings. Every time I read one of these stories I never want the story to end. I want to know more about the Kings. I want to know more about Con (the dirt bag, yes he is on my hit list). I want to know more about what makes Ulrik tick and what will happen to him. I just want more!!!! I can’t wait to see what is next.

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