Review Sunday – Page 96 – Books-n-Kisses

June 12, 2015June 7, 2015

Kelly reviews Retribution by Katie Reus

TITLE: Retribution
SERIES #: Currently a stand alone
CHARACTERS: Delcan Gallagher & Nika Brennan
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: May 12, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She sees brief glimpses of the future…

Nika and Alena Brennan will do anything to kill a vicious Russian crime boss and they’re using his only son to get to him. Yet when the time comes to execute their plan, psychic Nika hesitates due to an unexpected entanglement with sexy security expert Declan Gallagher. When her sister is kidnapped and all their carefully laid plans go awry, Nika must depend on Declan and her mortal enemy’s son to get her sister back.

He invades her dreams and teases her with sensual pleasures…

As a dream walker, Declan is capable of seeing anyone’s innermost thoughts as they sleep. With Nika, however, he finds himself playing a deadly, seductive game. He knows she’s not who she says she is and he’s determined to find out the real reason she’s in Miami before she gets herself or someone else killed.

Time is running out…

Nika’s window of opportunity is closing to save her sister and find a way to protect their secrets without landing them both in jail. With innocent lives at stake, Nika must decide if the retribution she’s waited a lifetime for is worth losing the man who has won her heart.

Length: Novel (81,000 words)
Author note: This is a stand-alone novel.

REVIEW:
Declan is an awesome mix of total badass ex agent turned security expert and totally softy romantic dream boat. Declan always knows that the job comes first but when he meets Nika everything that he knows goes out the window.
Nika and her sister have been set on a path of revenge. With one more mark to go they are so close to the finish line. There is a reason this one is the last, for he is the hardest to get to. But when Declanan and his men get involved the ladies may have finally met their match. But the question is how far and how much are they willing to risk?

Retribution was a great read, Katie outdid herself again. I loved the world that Katie built in this story. There are so many different things happening, yet they all merge together perfectly. I want to tell you so much about the story. But I don’t want to spoil it. So, let’s go with if you have loved any of Katie’s romantic suspense books in the past and love a paranormal twist, with a villain who is a real asshat then I think you will enjoy this book. I do hope that this is not the last that we have seen of Delcan and he crew.

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

June 11, 2015June 7, 2015

Kelly reviews Protective Instinct by Katie Reus

TITLE: Protective Instinct
SERIES #: Moon Shifter #5.5
CHARACTERS: Ryan & Teresa
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: May 19, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman worth fighting for…

Wolf shifter Teresa is blown away by her packmate Ryan’s honesty about his past and his rare empathic powers. She wants him in her bed—and her life. The only problem: Ryan insists they wait, because the last thing he wants is to recreate the hellish family he grew up in. Frustrated, Teresa jumps at the chance to assist a packmate off the ranch—far away from Ryan.

On the way, their vehicle is run off the road—and it wasn’t an accident. Ryan rushes to Teresa’s side, determined to protect her. But there’s a dangerous enemy lurking in the shadows, and if Ryan doesn’t break out of his old thinking and put his faith in his and Teresa’s love—and their ability to overcome obstacles together—it will be too late.

Length: 27,000 words
Author note: This novella is part of the Moon Shifter Series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

REVIEW:
As with all of Ms. Reus’ Moon Shifter series we have pain in the butt males, being well pain in the butt, drama, attempted murder and very nice sexy time. I love this series. Love this world. And loved finally learning more about Teresa and Ryan. This was a novella so it was a really quick read. If you are a Moon Shifter series fan you will love this novella. I so can’t wait for the next book in this series. I am hoping that it Aldric!!

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

June 10, 2015June 7, 2015

Kelly reviews Adored by Lexi Blake

TITLE: Adored
SERIES #: Masters & Mercenaries #8.5
CHARACTERS: Mitch Bradford & Laurel Daley
AUTHOR: Lexi Blake
PUBLICATION DATE: May 12, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man who gave up on love

Mitch Bradford is an intimidating man. In his professional life, he has a reputation for demolishing his opponents in the courtroom. At the exclusive BDSM club Sanctum, he prefers disciplining pretty submissives with no strings attached. In his line of work, there’s no time for a healthy relationship. After a few failed attempts, he knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister.

A woman who always gets what she wants

Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. He’s smart and sexy, and it doesn’t matter that he’s a few years older and has a couple of bitter ex-wives. Watching him in action at work and at play, she knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.

A killer lurking in the shadows

When an unexpected turn of events throws the two together, Mitch and Laurel are confronted with the perfect opportunity to explore their mutual desire. Night after night of being close breaks down Mitch’s defenses. The more he sees of Laurel, the more he knows he wants her. Unfortunately, someone else has their eyes on Laurel and they have murder in mind.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Laurel Daley has her heart set on the one man she can never have. So she has decided it is time for her to move on. But that doesn’t go over very well with Mitch.
Mitch is shocked that Laurel would go to such extremes to get his attention. But she has definitely success. But neither of them are prepared for the reality of the relationship they are about to start.

One thing I love about the 1001 Dark Night series is that we are able to sample stories from authors that we have never read before. This was my first Lexi Blake story. I now know why so many people have great things to say about Ms. Blake. I am going to have to go back and start this series from book 1. I really enjoyed Mitch and Laurel’s story. It was fun and heartbreaking all at the same time, with a dash of suspense added in.

I am looking forward to my next 1001 Dark Night adventure.

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.

June 9, 2015June 7, 2015

Kimberly reviews Kiss The Bride by Rachael Johns

TITLE: Kiss The Bride
SERIES #: Montana Born Brides #5
CHARACTERS: Magdalena & Jake
AUTHOR: Rachael Johns
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It seems that wedding fever has hit the little town of Marietta…

And that suits single mom, Magdalena Davis, just fine. It means the local gossips will stop hounding her about returning to town and the secret she’s kept for fifteen years. Home to make peace with her sick mother, the last thing Mags wants is to get involved in Marietta’s big celebrity wedding. But when her teenage daughter cajoles her into auditioning to sing with a local heartthrob, all her plans for flying under the radar zoom out of the window.

Country music singer, Jake Kohl, has lost his muse. He’s jaded from years of life in the fast lane and wants to settle in Marietta and lead a normal life. He reluctantly agrees to sing at the celebrity wedding, but what he doesn’t expect is his co-singer to reignite his passion. But it’s not just the music she awakes in him. Magdalena makes Jake feel and want things he hasn’t for far too long, but there’s more to her than meets the eye.

Can Jake solve the mystery that is Magdalena and win her heart?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the fifth in the series but is easily a stand alone and since I haven’t read the other four I can guarantee that. This is a very sweet short story. It is only about 65 pages so it is quick and yet enjoyable.

Magdalena is a sweet single mom who has been through a lot in her life. She has raised her now 15 year old daughter alone and no one really knows why and who the dad is. Jake is the son of country music stars and has become a star in his own right but has lost his muse. That is until he meets Mags.

I don’t want to say too much about the story since it is so short and even the smallest detail can give some things away but I want to say it was a wonderful read. There were some grammatical errors that I hope will be fixed before it goes to ebook but even if they are not then it will still be great.

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

June 8, 2015June 8, 2015

Natasha reviews Spiraled by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Spiraled
SERIES #: Callahan & McLane #3
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Eva McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

But that’s only the beginning…

An epidemic of mass shootings has swept across Oregon. The young shooters terrify the public, committing random murders before taking their own lives. The task force assembled to solve the case—which includes Ava’s boyfriend, detective Mason Callahan—remains stumped. And on top of this chaos, Ava’s troubled twin sister reappears, throwing Ava’s already-tumultuous life into a tailspin.

An old-fashioned cop with a strong sense of duty, Mason struggles to find the cause of the shootings as workaholic Ava spins ever closer to breaking down. But can one detective save the lives of countless innocents—and prevent the woman he loves from going over the edge?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I love everything by Kendra Elliot and this book was no exception. I have followed Mason and Eva’s story from the beginning, and let me just say, it never disappoints. There are so many ups and downs in the lives of these two characters. They are so well written. I feel connected to them, they are very much realistic and strong personalities. I will say though, that Eva has to have to the worst luck in the world. She constantly is finding herself in terrible situations. I’m really not sure how much more she or my poor emotional state, can take! I think it’s time for Mason to have a little drama! Anywho, the premise for this book was super interesting. I had the basic plot twist figured out early on, but there were other aspects that I didn’t see coming that were very interesting! I couldn’t put the book down, which is typical of any Kendra book. Oh, and the last scene of the book (which I finished 5 minutes ago) yeah, totally balled my eyes out. I love these characters. I hope this author continues this series for a while; I love all of the stories and supporting characters. It is a refreshing series that I always look forward to.

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

June 5, 2015May 31, 2015

Kelly reviews Caress Of Pleasure by Julie Kenner

TITLE: Caress of Pleasure
SERIES #: A Dark Pleasure Novella (a 1001 Dark Nights Novella)
CHARACTERS: Dante Storm & Brenna Hart
AUTHOR: Julie Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: April 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’d thought that he was mine, the dark, arresting man who commanded not only my body but my heart. Dante had swept into my life, and I’d succumbed to the burn of passion in his arms.

I’d believed we had a love that would last forever, but he’d shattered my dreams and broken me into pieces when he’d walked away, taking a piece of my soul with him.

Now he has come back seeking my help, and though I try to keep my distance and protect my heart, I cannot deny that the fire between us burns hotter than ever. And I cannot help but fear that this time our passion will reduce us both to ashes.

REVIEW:
This is my second novella in this series that I have read. And much like the first novella I read. The world is very interesting. I am intrigued by all that is going on. Dante and Brenna are very likeable characters. Yet, most of their problems could have been solved so many years ago if they had just talked to each other. But, then we wouldn’t have had a story. I know I can’t have my cake and eat it too. Or can I?
So all and all I enjoyed this story and I am very interested to see what is next.

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.

June 4, 2015May 31, 2015

Kelly reviews Moon Thrall by Donna Grant

TITLE: Moon Thrall
SERIES #: LaRue #2
CHARACTERS: Court LaRue & Skye Parrish
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: March 22, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HER QUEST FOR THE TRUTH

Skye Parrish is living her dream. As a reporter, seeing her name in print is always a thrill, and being able to tell the world about the dangers of the supernatural is an added bonus. Unfortunately, her investigation into the mystical factions of New Orleans has landed her squarely in the sights of some of the city’s most dangerous creatures. In order to survive, she must place her trust in one of the groups she was looking to expose. But her unlikely alliance could lead to something far more perilous – the loss of her heart to the hunky and captivating Court LaRue.

HIS REASON FOR BEING

As the youngest member of a family of werewolves tasked with keeping the peace in New Orleans, Court doesn’t carry the weight of the past like his brothers. When the vampire faction begins breaking the rules the LaRues are sworn to uphold, Court takes the lead on the investigation and finds himself faced with a threat even bigger than the vamps – a feisty and fearless woman who holds him utterly in thrall and makes him look to the future. But there will be no forever for them if they can’t survive the present.

REVIEW:
As a news reporter Skye Parrish has found herself any many difficult situations, but her latest story may be the last one she tells.
Court LaRue’s job is to protect the innocent people of New Orleans, but protecting Skye will put everyone in danger.

Skye and Court make a very cute couple. There is a lot more that we learn about the LaRue’s world and why they are, who they are and just how important they are to the world…

I can’t wait to see what is next for the LaRue family.

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

June 3, 2015May 31, 2015

Kelly reviews Spiraled by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Spiraled
SERIES #: Mason Callahan #3
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ave McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane solves crimes; she doesn’t witness them. When she’s trapped in a mall without her weapon as a shooter picks off victims, she hides with a wounded teen and prays for her survival.
But that’s only the beginning…
An epidemic of mass shootings has swept across Oregon. The young shooters terrify the public, committing random murders before taking their own lives. The task force assembled to solve the case—which includes Ava’s boyfriend, detective Mason Callahan—remains stumped. And on top of this chaos, Ava’s troubled twin sister reappears, throwing Ava’s already-tumultuous life into a tailspin.
An old-fashioned cop with a strong sense of duty, Mason struggles to find the cause of the shootings as workaholic Ava spins ever closer to breaking down. But can one detective save the lives of countless innocents—and prevent the woman he loves from going over the edge?

REVIEW:
Sometime you read a book and think “I loved this book”. Other time you think “This was okay”. Then you think well dang now I have to write a review and express myself on this book. After reading SPIRALED all I can think is “DANG Ms. Elliot can write a story!!!!! Spiraled was amazing!!”
Mason and Ava are amazing characters. They have been through so much over the last three books. There have been so many ups and downs. I honestly hope that they both retire and live a quiet life in Oregon.
Man, I want to tell you so much about this book. But I know, I would spoil it for you. So let me tell you about one of the things I love most about Kendra’s writing is that it is so real. Scary real!!! Reading Spiraled put me back to the place I was when the Clackamas shootings happened in Oregon. As I said scary real, I had actually thought about driving north to go shopping.

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

June 2, 2015May 31, 2015

Kelly reviews A Sorceress Of His Own by Dianne Duvall

TITLE: A Sorceress of His Own
SERIES #: The Gifted Ones #1
CHARACTERS: Lord Dillon & Alyssa
AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Immortal Guardians series comes an enchanting new series full of romance, danger, and loyalty: The Gifted Ones

Since the day Lord Dillon earned his spurs, rumors of his savagery on the battlefield have preceded him into every room, stilling tongues and sparking fear. Weary of battle, he wishes only to find a woman he can wed who will approach him not with fear, but with the tenderness that has been absent from his life for so long. Yet only the wisewoman seems invariably at ease in his presence. Perhaps because she garners the same fear in others that he does himself.

For seven years, Alyssa has been by Lord Dillon’s side, counseling him from the shadows, healing him with her hands, and staving off the worst of his loneliness while his fearsome reputation keeps others at bay. Blessed–or cursed–with gifts that label her a sorceress, she is forced to conceal her youth and the love she harbors for him beneath umbral robes that lead Dillon and his people to believe she is the same aged wisewoman who served his father.

All is revealed, however, and passions flare when an enemy threatens Dillon’s life and Alyssa sacrifices everything to save him. When Dillon discovers that the wisewoman is far from elderly, he is instantly entranced. And, as he and Alyssa work together to defeat an enemy bent on destroying them both, Dillon will risk anything–even the wrath of his king–to be with her.

REVIEW:
Amazing!! I have fell in love with Ms. Duvall and her Immortal Guardian series (waiting not so patiently for the next books). So when Ms. Duvall said she was writing a book about ‘The Gifted Ones’ and how the whole Immortal Guardian world came about I was beyond excited to read. When I was given the chance to read an advance copy I was over the moon. Then I opened the book.
And fell in love this this book.
Alyssa is great!! I loved that she sacrifices so much for what she believes in and who she loves even if she knows she will never get her heart desire. Alyssa shows over and over in this book why she is such a great wisewoman and deserves all the respect. I was rooting for her on every page.
Lord Dillon starts out a bit stuffy and rough. But as the story goes on we get to see what lays below the surface. What is under there is an amazing guy who is willing to do anything for those he calls his own. No matter how many people he threatens with beheading.
Seriously loved this book!! I can’t wait for the next book in the series, because there has to be more!!!! Oh and Immortal Guardian fans hold on to your hat because we get a cameo from someone in chapter 5. Yes I had a little bit of an “Oh my goodness!!” moment when they walked in on the pages 🙂
Pick up a copy of this book and fall in love with ‘The Gifted Ones’

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

June 1, 2015May 31, 2015

Kimberly reviews Yield To Me by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Yield To Me
SERIES #: Club Excelsior #1
CHARACTERS: Marcy & Jax
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No-holds-barred attraction…

Amateur MMA fighter, Marcy Foster is determined to win the state championship. But dark secrets and a broken trust mean there’s one submission she just can’t master. Fortunately Club Excelsior has hired a coach who knows all the right moves.

Sexy, confident and commanding, fight consultant Jax demands control, both in and out of the ring. But once he has Marcy against the ropes, Jax knows he’s in too deep. He has the dominance to give her what she needs, but once he unleashes her hidden passions, there’s no going back.

Under Jax’s skilled hands, Marcy submits to her deepest desires. But when her personal and professional worlds collide, she is forced to face a brutal truth — yielding to her darkest needs may be the one thing that costs her the fight…and her heart.

*This novella was originally published in the New York Times bestselling anthology, Unraveled, and now contains 50% new content*

REVIEW:
OK so this book was just ok for me. I am not big on MMA but sometimes enjoy the stories and since I have liked this author I thought I would try it but now I realize not only am I not much into MMA but I really am not a fan when the fighter is the woman.

Apparently this was part of a anthology which was added to and released last year. Maybe it is having the next part come out so they re-released it with more content. The story is only about 90 pages and some seemed to go on way too long with the same lines about “we shouldn’t do this but I can’t help it” and then the ending rushed through the last chapter.

Just not my cup of tea.

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

May 29, 2015May 24, 2015

Kimberly reviews When Darkness Ends by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: When Darkness Ends
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #12
CHARACTERS: Cyn & Fallon
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/26/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Guardians of Eternity are facing a final battle to save their world—but battles of the heart may be the most difficult to fight…

Cyn, the vampire clan chief of Ireland, is an unabashed hedonist whose beauty is surpassed only by his insatiable appetite for pleasure. It’s no wonder he’s furious when he’s transported from the magical land of the pureblooded feys to his desolate private lair—only to have his very existence thrown into a chaos that even he cannot charm his way out of…

Most women may be all but powerless against Cyn, but Fallon, a sharp-witted fairy princess, is less than beguiled by the silver-tongued vampire. She’s a serious soul with no time for the sort of games he plays—especially when they learn that someone is trying to close the veil that separates the dimensions. But seduction may prove the most powerful force of all, as attraction ignites between the unlikely pair even as worlds are colliding around them…

REVIEW:
My understanding is this is the last in the Guardians of Eternity series and I am sorry to see the series end. And yet it is a nice ending to a great series. Cyn and Fallon have a connection that is enjoyable and fun to read. Every book has the world in jeopardy and this one is no different… that part I won’t miss. But the world that Ivy has created I will miss greatly.

Cyn and Fallon are just really enjoyable. I loved the connection they had right away. They are forced together but there is no a lot of bickering, clashing, etc. They just connect and work together really well.

If you enjoy paranormal they you will enjoy this book and the series. In all honesty if you enjoy paranormal you should have known this series for the last few years and like me couldn’t wait to see how the series ends. Now that being said if you are new to the series you can read this as a stand alone but I don’t know why you would want to. There is a lot of backstory from book one to this book so I suggest reading them all. You will not be disappointed.

Looking forward to the new series Ivy has planned.

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

May 28, 2015May 24, 2015

Kimberly reviews Just One Taste by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Just One Taste
SERIES #: Pine Mountain #4.5
CHARACTERS: Jesse & Kat
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A little home improvement can go a long way…

Jesse Oliver was a medic in Afghanistan, but back home in Pine Mountain he’s happy to switch gears as the Double Shot bar’s new sous chef. When his apartment floods and his old Army buddy offers the family’s dilapidated lake house as temporary quarters, Jesse thinks a little remodeling on the creaky duplex sounds like a fair return favor. That’s before he sets eyes on the gorgeous woman moving into the other side of the cabin—and discovers she’s his buddy’s kid sister, a.k.a totally off limits.

Kat McMarrin has fought hard for her space, and she’s not too interested in sharing it. Of course, her job as a physical therapist means she won’t see much of Jesse, even if he’s a few thin floorboards away—unless she seeks him out. And with his sculpted body and slow-burn gaze, she might be tempted. Maybe the fixer-upper projects she has planned for the cabin will keep her mind off him. Or maybe her instincts to strip the place down will get out of hand…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a sweet novella of about 100 pages. It is part of the Pine Mountain series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Kat is a loner. She has never had a real home being an Army brat so having her space is important to her. Jesse never felt worthy of anyone’s love and when he sees Kat as much as he wants her doesn’t feel he measures up.

They have a very sweet connection. Something draws them to each other and while it is a quick read the story is fully formed. We understand the connection as a reader and do not feel rushed into the romance. I enjoyed the story a lot. I am glad they did not have a full story. To be honest these pages were the perfect fit for them. Sometimes I wish novellas would have been longer and sometimes I wonder how a novella could have gone on so dang long. But this one was a perfect quick read. And I look forward to the next in the series.

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