Review Sunday – Page 97 – Books-n-Kisses

May 27, 2015May 24, 2015

Kelly reviews Hades by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Hades
SERIES #: Demonica Novella #11.5 (a 1001 Dark Nights novella)
CHARACTERS: Hades & Cataclsym
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: May 26, 20145
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A fallen angel with a mean streak and a mohawk, Hades has spent thousands of years serving as Jailor of the Underworld. The souls he guards are as evil as they come, but few dare to cross him. All of that changes when a sexy fallen angel infiltrates his prison and unintentionally starts a riot. It’s easy enough to quell an uprising, but for the first time, Hades is torn between delivering justice — bestowing or mercy — on the beautiful female who could be his salvation…or his undoing.

Thanks to her unwitting participation in another angel’s plot to start Armageddon, Cataclysm was kicked out of Heaven and is now a fallen angel in service of Hades’ boss, Azagoth. All she wants is to redeem herself and get back where she belongs. But when she gets trapped in Hades’s prison domain with only the cocky but irresistible Hades to help her, Cat finds that where she belongs might be in the place she least expected

REVIEW:
HOLY HADES!!!!!
Man I have missed being in the Demonica world. Reading Hades makes me want to do a re-read of the whole series..
We have seen Hades here and there in the Demonica world, but didn’t know a whole lot about him, but now we do. There is a lot more to him than meets the eye. Hades back story is very important to why he is where he is.
Man, I could tell you so much!!! But where is the fun in that. Just know that Hades is a classic Larissa Demonica story. We have everything in this story, ups, downs, drama, people almost dead and very nice sexy time.
If you are a Demonica fan, do not miss Hades books.
Until next time Demonica world….. Until next time……..

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.

May 26, 2015May 24, 2015

Kimberly reviews Sea Glass Sunrise by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Sea Glass Sunrise
SERIES #: The Brides Of Blueberry Cove #1
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Calder
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/26/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In seaside Blueberry Cove, Maine, friends are just another word for family, and big-city politics take a backseat to local pride. But the real treasure on these shores is always love…

When D.C. lawyer Hannah McCrae heads home for her brother’s wedding, she’s dragging a lot of baggage along with her—and she doesn’t mean suitcases. Betrayed personally, and humiliated professionally, the last thing she wants is a new man. That’s fine with square-jawed, rugged contractor Calder Blue. He and Hannah may be wildly attracted to one another, but all he wants is to build the town’s hotly contested new yacht club and mend a centuries-old family feud. Yet thanks to resentments old and new, day after day the pair wind up tangled in each other’s business—and maybe soon in each other’s arms.

Every bride needs something “blue”…

Includes a delicious wedding cake recipe!

REVIEW:
I loved reading the new trilogy of Blueberry Cove. We met the Bachelors in the last trilogy and now we meet the Brides. Hannah is from the cove and home for her brothers wedding who we met in the last series. And Calder comes for work and family. And together they light up the cove with fireworks.

I enjoyed Hannah a lot. She is funny and quick witted. She has a lot going on in her life or should I say is running from a lot in her life hoping to start fresh at home. But while she has a lot going on she still manages to have a smile on her face and be there for her sisters. Speaking of sisters… hers are a hoot that I can’t wait to read their stories. Hannah is tough though and you can tell she would be a fierce lawyer.

Calder is sweet. That is really the word for him. He doesn’t have that alpha feel. Yes he can take control of the situation and isn’t afraid to step where others fear to tread but he doesn’t have that alpha-ness about him that so many are writing about now. He is just a guy who wants to figure out what is going on and why he was brought to the cove.

There is some suspense in it but that is not what the story is about. And the love they find is fun and fast and yet feels like they have known each other forever. A very enjoyable beach read.

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

May 25, 2015May 20, 2015

Kimberly reviews The Forgotten Room by Lincoln Child

TITLE: The Forgotten Room
SERIES #: Jeremy Logan #3
CHARACTERS: Jeremy Logan
AUTHOR: Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/12/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestseller Lincoln Child returns with a riveting new thriller featuring the charismatic and quirky Professor Jeremy Logan (The Third Gate, Deep Storm), renowned investigator of the strange and the inexplicable, as he uncovers a long-lost secret experiment only rumored to have existed.
Jeremy Logan is an “enigmalogist”—an investigator who specializes in analyzing phenomena that have no obvious explanation. In this newest novel Logan finds himself on the storied coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, where he has been retained by Lux, one of the oldest and most respected think tanks in America. Just days earlier, a series of frightening events took place in the sprawling seaside mansion that houses the organization. One of its most distinguished doctors began acting erratically—violently attacking an assistant in the mansion’s opulent library and, moments later, killing himself in a truly shocking fashion. Terrified by the incident and the bizarre evidence left behind, the group hires Logan to investigate—discreetly—what drove this erudite man to madness.
His work leads him to an unexpected find. In a long-dormant wing of the estate, Logan uncovers an ingeniously hidden secret room, concealed and apparently untouched for decades. The room is a time capsule, filled with eerie and obscure scientific equipment that points to a top secret project long thought destroyed, known only as “Project S.” Ultimately, the truth of what Project S was . . . and what has happened in that room . . . will put Logan in the path of a completely unexpected danger.
One of his most thrilling novels to date, The Forgotten Room is replete with veiled, fascinating history, and all the exhilarating action and science that are the hallmarks of a Lincoln Child blockbuster.

REVIEW:
I am a big fan of Lincoln Child both his solo work and his collaborations with Douglas Preston so I looked really forward to reading this book in the Jeremy Logan series and I was not disappointed. This story has an old time feel. It is set in an old mansion with darkness and mystery surrounding it.

This book has a little bit of everything. Mystery, creepy old house, villians and the women they villainize and even a hurricane. You do not need to read the rest of the books in the series but I highly recommend Child’s books so why not start and the beginning and end with this great read.

This is a very fast read that has you wanting to turn the page all night long.

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

May 22, 2015May 20, 2015

Natasha reviews Lost In Magic by Elianne Adams

TITLE: Lost in Magic
SERIES #: Return to Avalore #4
CHARACTERS: Aiken, Mary, & Rogan
AUTHOR: Elianne Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: May 19, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the moment she set eyes on Aiken Mayfield, Mari was certain of one thing—he was her predestined mate. On a quest to find the answers to why the people of Avalore can no longer shift, Mari unwittingly unleashes powers within her she never knew she had. But without proper training, that very power drains her energy, threatening to kill her.

Willing to do anything to save Mari, Aiken embarks on a journey with her to find a lost the lost settlement of mages beyond their borders. They hold the answers to restore her to full health, but when the solution puts her in the arms of another man, can Aiken do what’s right and step aside?

A hunter for their people, Rogan, a jaguar shifter, never imagined finding his mate, much less have it be an Avalorian female, but mates are rare, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her.

REVIEW:

Elianne Adams does it again!! As always with her books, once I started reading this story I couldn’t put my Kindle down. I mean – even my kids were getting on my nerves with the interruptions! Don’t they understand mommy is reading important stuff! Sheesh – anyway, back to the book. First let me say, that in general I hate love triangle books. They give me anxiety, I get overly attached to all the characters, jealousy stresses me out and someone is always getting hurt or let down. I hate them, mostly because of how I don’t like to deal with stressful situations – and I try to avoid books with these scenarios because of that internal flaw.

Now, that said – of course Elianne would be the author who makes all of this ok for me. I’m not kidding, for a good chunk of this book I was having intense stress and heart burn, I didn’t know if I could handle the drama! However, because I know my author never lets me down I continued on. Thank goodness I did. Elianne made this story so amazingly beautiful and worth the stress and heartache. The characters are so real, so honest and intense. I loved them all – not all the time – but by the end they all had a place in my heart. There was one scene, toward the end of the book where I just started crying. The ugly cries too. If you’ve read the book, you’ll probably know what I’m referencing. It just touched all my feels, I couldn’t take it! Gosh I love this series, I love this author, and I will read everything she writes. I love these stories and characters – I highly recommend these books!

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

May 20, 2015May 18, 2015

Natasha and Kimberly review Witches Be Burned by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Witches Be Burned
SERIES #: Magic & Mayhem #2
CHARACTERS: Nexi & Kyden
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 19, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Stacey Kennedy’s steamy paranormal romance novel, a rookie guardian sworn to combat the undead risks life and love in a world of violence, witchcraft, and seduction.

Nexi Jones has lost her family, she’s been stripped of her guardian duties, and she’s still learning the ins and outs of white magic. At least she has Kyden, the smoldering hot elite guardian who’s been there for her every step of the way. But just as Nexi completes her training, tragedy strikes the Otherworld when a fellow guardian is murdered by a group of rogue vampires. Ready or not, she and Kyden trek into the Earthworld to hunt down a killer—and Nexi alone will be put to the ultimate test.

Although Kyden knows that Nexi must fight her own battles, his guardian instincts are raging as he struggles to keep her close. The ruthlessness of these vampires is like nothing he’s ever seen. And at their helm is the Black Witch Astoria, a demon with one burning desire: to shed Nexi’s blood in the name of vengeance. What troubles Kyden even more, though, is the warlock who covets Nexi’s heart. Let the devil do his worst . . . all Kyden can do is love and protect Nexi until his last breath.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I accidentally started reading this book before realizing it was book 2 in the series. However, the author planned for idiots like me and offered a GREAT prologue that gave you a nice understanding of how things went down in the first book Werewolves Be Damned. I gotta say, I fell in love with Nexi and Kyden right away. I was a huge fan of the Cat & Bones series that recently ended. I think Stacey Kennedy wrote this series at the perfect time for those of us who were desperately searching for another kick ass couple who constantly kept each other on their toes and had each other’s back. Not to mention, this series has an awesome cast of supporting characters that I’m hoping could turn into novellas or spin-off series. All in all this is a strong fantasy novel with so many different levels of complexity. This author has created a self-sustaining world that can hold whatever her mind imagines. I love the series and am looking forward to much more from Kennedy.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts OK I gave this 3 stars (right down the middle) because it was a DNF for me but by no fault of the book. I picked up the book because I like Stacey Kennedy and didn’t realize this was a second in the series. So I started to read it and realized I was missing a VERY big part of the story. This is an ongoing story and since I have not read book 1 I just couldn’t understand what was going on. Luckily I was not too far into it before I realized and went to GoodReads to look at the first in the series. When I saw that they were the same characters I just stopped right then and there. I intend to pick up the first and read it but I have no many books in my TBR pile that I just can’t pick it up right now. When I do read it I will add more about the story to this review.

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

May 18, 2015May 17, 2015

Kelly reviews Wild Flame by Donna Grant

TITLE: Wild Flame
SERIES #: Chiasson #4
CHARACTERS: Christina Chiasson & Ivy Pierce
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: May 18, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
EVIL’S GRAND SCHEME…

Ivy Pierce has had a harder life than most. She suffered tragedy at a young age then spent the next eleven years in and out of hospitals fighting an illness doctors couldn’t identify while watching her mother make sacrifices to take care of her. When Ivy finally gets better, she resigns herself to the fact that she can either have health or love, always afraid that the illness will return. Ivy never wants to burden anyone again, so she makes sure to keep everyone at arm’s length. That is until Fate intervenes and puts her on a collision course with a gorgeous, charismatic hunter who makes her blood burn and her heart skip a beat whenever he’s near. Her biggest battle, however, may be learning that she’s worth saving.

FATE’S BIGGER PLAN…

Christian Chiasson dreamed of finding his soul mate – until the night his parents died. His father’s bellow of grief that reverberated through the bayou has haunted Christian ever since. To keep his heart safe, Christian is content to let his brothers find romance and continue the family line. Although when Christian crosses paths with a beautiful and brave woman being hunted by minions of the Demon of Souls, he’s drawn to her in a way that cannot be explained. He suddenly finds that he would walk through the fires of Hell if it means she could live. Now that he’s found her, Christian can’t imagine life without her.

REVIEW:
Wild Flame is the fourth book in Ms. Grants Chiasson series. We finally get to see Christian at his best and weakest moments. This was a really fast story. I enjoyed learning more about Christian and why he is the way he is. I can’t really tell you too much because that would give it away. But, do know that we will see a side of him we didn’t know we would ever see.
Ivy is thrust into Christian’s world and she does a great job of accepting all the craziness that follows the Chiasson’s family. Ivy is very brave and fits in perfectly with the Chiasson family. I can’t wait to see what is next.
Bring on Reilly.

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.

May 11, 2015May 3, 2015

Kimberly reviews A Highlander’s Passion by Vonnie Davis

TITLE: A Highlander’s Passion
SERIES #: Highlander’s Beloved #2
CHARACTERS: Kenzie & Bryce
AUTHOR: Vonnie Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a bear-shifter in a pack roaming the Scottish countryside, Bryce Matheson embodies brute force and untamed abandon. As a widower, he’s running scared. When Bryce attempted to open his scarred heart to another, she grew tired of waiting for him to state his intentions, and the unearthly beauty spurned him for someone who wasn’t worthy. But now that fate has conspired to set Kenzie Denune free once again, Bryce vows to finally win her love.

Kenzie is a witch who summons her powers to protect those too weak to care for themselves. After surviving an abusive husband, she swears off men—even men like Bryce, whose iron muscles make her knees weak, and whose piercing eyes fill her with longing. Her life’s purpose is to help others. However, dark forces have different plans for her gifts. To save herself, Kenzie must team up with the shifter who has always stirred her soul—and trust in a passion powerful enough to set her blood aflame.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I so enjoyed this book and love this series. The first in the series was one of my favorite books so I didn’t expect this one to meet up and well it didn’t but it was dang close. There was a bit more humor in the first one but plenty in this one too. Bryce and Kenzie had a relationship in the first one that we knew would end up putting them together. There was really no denying the couple would be the focus of book 2 and rightfully so.

Again Effie is the best. She is a hoot as the saying goes. She makes me smile when I read the words written for her. Colleen is a sweetie too. Her language was a bit too grown up in this story but that was ok too. She is vivacious and adorable. Kenzie well she has been through so much and yet is a strong woman. She still has a sense of humor and still stands up for herself. My heart broke for her sometimes and yet was proud of her at other times. And finally Bryce. Well again he was not as great as Creighton from book 1 but still he has something about him that draws you in.

I can not wait until the next in the series. The only problem? I am not sure if I want the story to be about Ronan or Kendric. Kendric needs his own story even though he is only a cousin and while Ronan is next on the list of brothers for some reason I want his story so badly that I also hope I have to wait so I can enjoy the rest of the series. Nuts huh?

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

May 8, 2015May 3, 2015

Kelly reviews Way Of The Warrior by 8 Amazing Authors

TITLE: Way of the Warrior
SERIES #: Multiple
CHARACTERS: Many
AUTHOR: Suzanne Brockmann, Julie Ann Walker , Catherine Mann, Tina Wainscott, Anne Elizabeth, M.L. Buchman, Kate SeRine, Lea Griffith
PUBLICATION DATE: May 5, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
EIGHT PASSIONATE LOVE STORIES ABOUT AMAZING MILITARY HEROES BY BESTSELLING AUTHORS:
Suzanne Brockmann, Julie Ann Walker, Catherine Mann, Tina Wainscott, Anne Elizabeth, M.L. Buchman, Kate SeRine, Lea Griffith
To honor and empower those who’ve served, all author and publisher proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project.
The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2002 and provides a wide range of programs and services to veterans and service members who have survived physical or mental injury during their brave service to our nation. Get involved or register for programs and benefits for yourself and your family online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
“It is a proud privilege to be a soldier.” —George S. Patton Jr.
“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.” —Winston Churchill

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
8 amazing authors. 8 amazing stories of love. I will be giving you a very short review of each of the eight books.
Hot as Hell by Julie Ann Walker
Michael “Mad Dog” Wainwright & Harper Searcy find themselves in a life or death situation. But Michael is less worried about the threat and more worried about why Harper is not returning his calls. Love Michael & Harper!! I am so looking forward to Julie Ann’s upcoming new series.
In Plain Sight by Catherine Mann
Gavin Novak & Stacey Currie were high school sweethearts. But as with most high school romances they both moved on. But neither found the life they had with each other. Gavin & Stacey’s story brought tears to my eyes. These two are so awesome. Loved this story!!
Torn by Katie SeRine
Joseph Dawson & Sadie Keaton have been life long friends. But when Joe is almost killed and a stalker is after Sadie will both finally be willing to admit their feels to each other? This story was so fast moving that there was barely any time to breath. Great story.
War Games by Lea Griffith
Anthony “Rook” Granger & Olivia Bentwood find themselves and unlikely pair. One is keeping a promise to a dying brother, the other is try to clear their name. But who can they trust? Other than each other? I want more of this series!!!
Beauty and the Marine by Tina Wainscott
Griff Tate & Kristy Marsden are a very unlikely pair. But Griff can’t say no when a woman is in trouble. This was a twisted story of a relentless stalker who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, mixed with a very sweet love story. Loved it!
NSDQ by ML Buchman
Kendall Clark and Lois Lang. Okay I have to say it “Lois and Clark” “Clark and Lois” So Super!! Sometimes losing what you think matters most opens your eyes to where your true future lays. Loved Kendall & Lois’ story. I hope these two pop up in a future book.
SEALed with Passion by Anne Elizabeth
Jonah Melo & Alisha Winters met 5 years ago and a very short world wind romance then it was all over, Jonah left. But now he is back. But has the damage already been done or can they find their way back? This was a great story and I loved learning more about the Wounded Warrior housing program.
Fire Inferno by Suzanne Brockman
There was a lot that happened in this short story. I believe that this is part of a series, therefore I was a tad bit lost as to who was who and why.

This was a great set of novellas by some great authors. And a great way to bring to light the Wounded Warriors project.

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.

May 7, 2015May 3, 2015

Kimberly reviews Memory Man by David Baldacci

TITLE: Memory Man
SERIES #: Amos Decker #1
CHARACTERS: Amos Decker
AUTHOR: David Baldacci
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/21/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amos Decker’s life changed forever–twice.

The first time was on the gridiron. A big, towering athlete, he was the only person from his hometown of Burlington ever to go pro. But his career ended before it had a chance to begin. On his very first play, a violent helmet-to-helmet collision knocked him off the field for good, and left him with an improbable side effect–he can never forget anything.

The second time was at home nearly two decades later. Now a police detective, Decker returned from a stakeout one evening and entered a nightmare–his wife, young daughter, and brother-in-law had been murdered.

His family destroyed, their killer’s identity as mysterious as the motive behind the crime, and unable to forget a single detail from that horrible night, Decker finds his world collapsing around him. He leaves the police force, loses his home, and winds up on the street, taking piecemeal jobs as a private investigator when he can.

But over a year later, a man turns himself in to the police and confesses to the murders. At the same time a horrific event nearly brings Burlington to its knees, and Decker is called back in to help with this investigation. Decker also seizes his chance to learn what really happened to his family that night. To uncover the stunning truth, he must use his remarkable gifts and confront the burdens that go along with them. He must endure the memories he would much rather forget. And he may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

MEMORY MAN will stay with you long after the turn of the final page.

REVIEW:
In the last few years we have heard about the condition that Decker has a lot. I am sure you heard of the people like Marilu Henner who can remember everything that has ever happened to them. There was even a tv show called Unforgettable that wrapped around the same idea of a cop who can walk into a crime scene and remember every moment and every scene. Well this is on the same concept.

Decker is an interesting character. He is not perfect. Really actually far from it. His gift is really a hard thing for him to live with since his family and friend were murdered. But he is a likeable (sorta) guy. If nothing he is interesting and you want to know more about him.

Baldacci has always had an different way of writing. He pulls you in from page one and this story is no different. I have heard that this story is a stand alone but then I also heard it is the first in the series so to be honest I am not sure but I know that if Baldacci decides to bring Decker back I will be picking up the book.

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

May 6, 2015May 3, 2015

Kelly reviews The Last Town by Blake Crouch

TITLE: The Last Town
SERIES #: Wayward Pines #3
CHARACTERS: Ethan Burke and the town folk of Wayward Pines
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
NARRATOR: Paul Michael Garcia
RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 56 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N |Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Wayward Pines, the last town.

Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrived in Wayward Pines, Idaho, three weeks ago. In this town, people are told who to marry, where to live, where to work. Their children are taught that David Pilcher, the town’s creator, is god. No one is allowed to leave; even asking questions can get you killed.

But Ethan has discovered the astonishing secret of what lies beyond the electrified fence that surrounds Wayward Pines and protects it from the terrifying world beyond. It is a secret that has the entire population completely under the control of a madman and his army of followers, a secret that is about to come storming through the fence to wipe out this last, fragile remnant of humanity.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts At the end of book 2 there are so many questions that need to be answered. So many OMG no’s about to come. The Last Town may be the shortest book in the series. But it was great. So great I am a little peeved at Mr. Crouch. I want more. I want to know what happens next. Anything???? Goodness!!!
I really can’t tell you to much without giving away spoilers. But know if you enjoyed book 1 and 2 you will enjoy this last installment.
I will say that there were a few moments that I wish were a little more painful for a certain few people. I did have to grab the tissues a few times. And the very last sentence of this book left me with a big ole “WTF Mr. Crouch”. Loved this series and can’t wait for the TV series!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 5, 2015May 3, 2015

Jennifer reviews Day Shift by Charlaine Harris

TITLE: Day Shift
SERIES #: Midnight, Texas #2
CHARACTERS: Olivia Charity, Manfred Bernardo
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/05/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There is no such thing as bad publicity, except in Midnight, Texas, where the residents like to keep to themselves. Even in a town full of secretive people, Olivia Charity is an enigma. She lives with the vampire Lemuel, but no one knows what she does; they only know that she’s beautiful and dangerous.

Psychic Manfred Bernardo finds out just how dangerous when he goes on a working weekend to Dallas and sees Olivia there with a couple who are both found dead the next day. To make matters worse, one of Manfred’s regular—and very wealthy—clients dies during a reading.

Manfred returns from Dallas embroiled in scandal and hounded by the press. He turns to Olivia for help; somehow he knows that the mysterious Olivia can get things back to normal. As normal as things get in Midnight…

REVIEW:
I’m a huge Charlaine Harris fan and I was very excited to get my hands on the next book in the Midnight, Texas series. Manfred finds himself in a lot of trouble when a working weekend turns into murder when one of his clients dies during a reading. To make matters worse, Manfred is blamed for the death and the client’s jewels are missing. Now he has to turn to Olivia to help solve the mystery of what happened to the missing jewels and help clear his name. But there is more to Olivia than meets the eye and everyone in Midnight has secrets that soon may come to light.

I admit I had a hard time getting started with her first book, Midnight Crossroad but I’m happy to say that Day Shift grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let go. I enjoyed learning more about Manfred, Rev and the mysterious Olivia, who I definitely would want on my side if I ever had a problem. The story was very fast-paced and entertaining and I loved seeing a familiar face at the end of this story. Day Shift is a fascinating addition to the amazing talent of Charlaine Harris and I am continually impressed with her ability to weave a tale that will keep you mesmerized for hours. Can’t wait to read the next story from this great writer.

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

May 4, 2015May 3, 2015

Kelly reviews Wayward by Blake Crouch

TITLE: Wayward
SERIES #: Wayward Pines #2
CHARACTERS: Ethan Burke and the town folk of Wayward Pines
AUTHOR: Blake Crouch
NARRATOR: Paul Michael Garcia
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 43 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2013
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N |Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Wayward Pines, population 461. Nestled amidst picture-perfect mountains, the idyllic town is a modern-day Eden…except for the electrified fence and razor wire, snipers scoping everything 24/7, and the relentless surveillance tracking each word and gesture.
None of the residents know how they got here. They are told where to work, how to live, and who to marry. Some believe they are dead. Others think they’re trapped in an unfathomable experiment. Everyone secretly dreams of leaving, but those who dare face a terrifying surprise.

Ethan Burke has seen the world beyond. He’s sheriff, and one of the few who knows the truth—Wayward Pines isn’t just a town. And what lies on the other side of the fence is a nightmare beyond anyone’s imagining.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Wayward picks up right where Pines left off. If you have not read Pines yet you really really have to read it. This trilogy is not one that you can pick up book 2 or 3 and be okay. No way. To much happens in each book that leads into the next. So if you have not started Pines you may want to stop here. I always try to make my reviews as spoiler free as possible. But I warned you.
*
Now that Ethan is sheriff of Wayward Pines he is expected to walk the line. But Mr. Pilcher (and I use that word Mister, very loosely) thinks that he has Ethan right where he wants him. Unfortunately for Mr. Pilcher, Ethan is a much much stronger person than anyone expects or could predict.
There is a lot that happens in Wayward. There is a murder (not a fete, an actual murder). A Murder the Ethan is asked to investigate. The results of that investigation will turn Wayward Pines world upside down and lead to Ethan making choices that could get all of them killed.

As in Pines, Paul Michael Garcia does a great job of bring the story to life. I am looking forward to the last and final book in this trilogy. I am a little scared as to what is going to happen.

Wayward Pines, is being turned into a TV series on Fox this May. I have seen the previews and it looks great! And it doesn’t hurt that one of my childhood crushes Matt Dillon is playing Mr. Ethan Burke. If you have not read this series I would suggest picking it up, but be prepared as of the end of this book it does not look like there will ever be a HEA.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.