Kelly review Cop Town by Karin Slaughter

TITLE: Cop Town
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Karin Slaughter
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Karin Slaughter, author of the New York Times bestselling Will Trent novels, is widely acclaimed as “one of the best crime novelists in America” (The Washington Post). Now she delivers her first stand-alone novel: an epic story of a city in the midst of seismic upheaval, a serial killer targeting cops, and a divided police force tasked with bringing a madman to justice.

Atlanta, 1974: As a brutal murder and a furious manhunt rock the city’s police department, Kate Murphy wonders if her first day on the job will also be her last. She’s determined to defy her privileged background by making her own way—wearing a badge and carrying a gun. But for a beautiful young woman, life will be anything but easy in the macho world of the Atlanta PD, where even the female cops have little mercy for rookies. It’s also the worst day possible to start given that a beloved cop has been gunned down, his brothers in blue are out for blood, and the city is on the edge of war.

Kate isn’t the only woman on the force who’s feeling the heat. Maggie Lawson followed her uncle and brother into the ranks to prove her worth in their cynical eyes. When she and Kate, her new partner, are pushed out of the citywide search for a cop killer, their fury, pain, and pride finally reach the boiling point. With a killer poised to strike again, they will pursue their own line of investigation, risking everything as they venture into the city’s darkest heart.

Relentlessly paced, acutely observed, wickedly funny, and often heartbreaking, Cop Town is Karin Slaughter’s most powerful novel yet—a tour de force of storytelling from our foremost master of character, atmosphere, and suspense

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Is it wrong to want to start opening fire on a whole bunch of characters? Because that is exactly how I felt just a few chapters into Cop Town. I really struggled with the setting of this story (mid-70’s in the south) and the way the men believed that they could behave. I do realize that sadly in our very short history as a country this is how things were back then. But I can honestly say that I would not have been a good lady in the south in the 70’s. I would have gotten myself in a lot of trouble. But anyways back to the review.
But as I pressed on reading Cop Town it became clear that this was a book about more than just murder. It was about the characters finding out who they are, who they are to become and who they really don’t want to be. While the beginning was a little slow and hard to stomach. Karin did an amazing job wrapping up this story with a nice little bow. If you like mystery, suspense and not afraid of a bunch of sexist, racist royal pain in the ass characters you need to pick up a copy of Cop Town.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Bantam Dell, Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 8, 2014August 5, 2014

Kelly review Bound To Danger by Katie Reus

TITLE: Bound by Danger
SERIES #: Deadly Ops #2
CHARACTERS: Cade O’Reilly & Maria Cervantes
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.

Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.

REVIEW:
Eight years is a long time to stay away from the one you love. But that is what Cade O’Reilly did and he had his reasons. But when Maira’s name come acrossed the board as needing protection he know that he was the only one that could do it. He will do anything for Maira, except let her go this time. This time he plans to stay, but will Maira want him to after she learns of his secrets?

Bound by Danger is the second book in Katie Reus’ news Deadly Ops series. Bound by Danger is every bit as good as Targeted (bk 1). From page one there is not stop action. And even in the middle of a life and death situation Katie is able to let our hero & heroine have a great love story.

If you have not started this series and you love romance suspense I would suggest picking up a copy of Bound by Danger and Targeted.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the 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.

August 1, 2014July 28, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Hexed by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Hexed
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #13
CHARACTERS: Devin & Rocky
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A place of history, secrets…and witchcraft.
Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn’t be worse. Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina—her “crazy” great-aunt, who spoke to the dead—a woman was murdered nearby.
Craig Rockwell—known as Rocky—is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s team of paranormal investigators. He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods. Now another body’s been found in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle. And Devin’s been led to a third body—by…a ghost?
Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem’s rich and disturbing history. Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other, something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of. But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth—or Devin’s might be the next body in the woods…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts There is just something about Heather Graham’s books that draw you in. I read this book in one sitting staying up until 3am to finish it. Graham incorporates so much research that each book is a history lesson that you do not know you are attending or even wanted to know about. In this case the history is about Salem and the witch trials. And the story is really interesting and written well.
As with all of Graham’s books I never know who did it. I can never seem to figure it out. I am sure there are people out there that can but I am not one of them and I am pretty good usually with a mystery but not from Graham which is always exciting to not know even until the end. Rocky and Devin have an instant connection. Lately Graham’s books have started with the couple having an antagonistic relationship and I really did not enjoy that but this couple doesn’t. They have a chance meeting and they spark right away which was really enjoyable.

This is the best Graham has written in a while and that is saying something because all her books are really good.

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

July 24, 2014July 20, 2014

Natasha reviews Vanished by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Vanished
SERIES #: Mason Callahan #1
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ava McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

Now both he and Agent McLane are holed up in the Fairbanks’ home, along with Callahan’s ex-wife, Robin. Every second counts in a kidnapping case, and the stakes keep rising the longer Henley stays missing. As Ava and Mason struggle to hold the Fairbanks family together in their darkest hour, the two investigators find themselves more and more drawn to each other.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is my first book by Kendra Elliot, and I think I’ve found a new favorite author. Her writing is incredibly vivid and engrossing. I was sucked into this story from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down. Mason Callahan is a great lead character, and he really found a perfect partner with Ava. I adore them both. I love that they are able to separate out their professions and personal lives in a believable manner. I also really enjoyed all of the side characters in the story and I’m happy that we’ll get to likely see them again throughout this series. I didn’t know who the perpetrator was until Kendra deliberately revealed it, and that makes me happy. I like to pretend to know who the bad guys are, but I always prefer to be surprised. She gave us just enough information to keep us guessing until the climax. I’m very excited for Kendra’s work and cannot wait for book 2 in this series. I’m even going to have to go back and read all of her previous books now.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 8, 2014June 30, 2014

Release Day Blitz of Elisabeth Naughton’s Extreme Measures

*****

Extreme Measures

(Aegis Security #1)

Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.

When he caught her breaking the rules years ago, Zane let Eve walk away without an explanation. Now someone has not only sabotaged Aegis but also turned an American city into a war zone, and all signs point to Eve. Zane needs answers that can come only from Eve’s still-tempting lips, and he finally has the elusive operative right where he wants her—at his mercy.

Available for purchase at

Excerpt:

“I need to look at your shoulder again before you lay down,” she said
at his back.

He didn’t answer, just found the closest bedroom and pulled her
inside. Closing the door with his boot, he tugged off his jacket and tossed it
on a chair to his right, then did the same with his T-shirt and pulled her
toward the bed.

“Impatient, aren’t you?” she mumbled. He set the bag of supplies
they’d picked up on the bed beside him while she shrugged out of her
sweatshirt, dropped it on the ground, then began gently peeling away his
bandages.

Zane closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. “I’m a man,
darlin’. We’re always impatient.”

“I remember. This actually looks pretty good. I’m just going to change
the dressing.”

He didn’t want to think about what she remembered. He had enough
memories pinging around in his brains for both of them—and most were the
X-rated variety. He sat still while she removed the soaked bandages, added
antibiotic ointment and covered the wound again. But his stomach clenched every
time her soft fingers grazed his skin, and with every breath he drew, a whiff
of that sweet peach scent bombarded him, amping his awareness and sending blood
straight to his groin.

“There,” she said, placing the last piece of tape over the wound. “Now
you just need to take these before you pass out and you should be good.” She
handed him two pills from the bottle they’d picked up at the pet store and
stepped away.

He snagged her by the wrist. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To get you a glass of water.”

“No water.” He popped the pills in his mouth and dry swallowed them.

There was just enough light coming through the window to see her exasperated
expression. “Wow. What a stud you are.”

He ignored the sarcasm and patted the mattress beside him. “Get
comfortable, sweetheart.”

She sighed. “Look, Archer. I—”

He jerked her toward him. A yelp slipped from her lips just before she
fell into his body. Heat immediately enveloped him, but he quickly flipped her
to her back, then climbed over her.

“Archer—”

Her warning was laced with just a touch of fear. Just enough to tell
him he’d surprised her. And considering nothing seemed to surprise this woman,
he was using that to his advantage.

He grasped both of her arms at the wrists and pinned them above her
head. Pain ricocheted from his shoulder down his arm and back up again, but he
ignored it. Just like he tried to ignore her trim hips locked between his knees
and the way the light from the window spilled over her breasts and bare abdomen
in that revealing top. “Here’s how this is going to work, sweetheart. I’m going
to close my eyes for a few hours and you’re going to stay right here beside me
where I know you can’t get into any trouble. Then, when I wake, I’ll call
Carter and we can both be rid of each other for good.”

She pursed her lips and lifted her chin, a clear challenge glinting in
her eyes. “I’d like to be rid of you right now.”

“Too bad. You’re stuck with me.” He lowered his weight onto hers, let
go of one arm and cinched the zip tie hidden in his hand around her wrist.

“Archer… What the hell?”

Zane looped the second zip tie through hers, tightened it around his
own wrist, then rolled off her onto his back and drew in a deep breath.

“Oh, my God.” She sat upright. “You did not just do that. Where the fuck did you get more zip ties?”

He yanked on her arm until his lowered back to the bed. “I stole them.
You’re not the only one who can filch goods unnoticed, beautiful.” He relaxed
back into the pillows and closed his eyes. “Now lie down.”

“You are so gonna pay for this.”

He didn’t need to see the smoke pumping from her ears to know it was
there. He could hear it in her voice and feel it in the heat radiating from her
skin. A wry smile curled his lips. “I figure I’m already doing time in
purgatory, thanks to you. A few more years won’t kill me.”

“And to think,” Eve snapped as she flopped back onto the bed, “I was
actually worried about you.”

Zane’s humor faded. “We both know you weren’t worried. You were just
biding your time until you could run. I’m not a stupid southern hick,
sweetheart. Now shut up so I can get some sleep.”

“Don’t mind me,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and
dragging his hand with her. “I’ll just be sitting here plotting all the ways I
can murder you in your sleep.”

He chuckled. Now that was the feisty brunette he remembered. “Just do
it quietly. I’m beat.”

She let out a long, frustrated sigh, but the sound didn’t irritate
Zane like it should, instead it relaxed him. And man, either he was seriously
losing it or all those drugs had finally fried his gray matter. Because lying
next to his archenemy, feeling her heat and smelling her soft, arousing scent, he
suddenly wasn’t focused on revenge. Losing himself in all her softness sounded
a hell of a lot better. And more fun. And, holy hell, way more fucking erotic.

He just wasn’t sure what to do about it.

A little about Elisabeth:

Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned to a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

Learn more at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

You can find Elisabeth here:

Presented By

July 8, 2014July 5, 2014

Kelly reviews Extreme Measures by Elisabeth Naughton

TITLE: Extreme Measures
SERIES #: Aegis Security #1
CHARACTERS: Zane Archer & Eve Wolfe
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 8, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Zane has never forgotten or forgiving the person who almost killed him in an ambush. For over a year he has been tracking and plan what he would do when he finally caught up with this person. Only one problem. The person he is after is also the person he is in love with. And finding her out cold from an explosion is not what he had in mind.
What was suppose to be a simple give me the truth and walk away session with Eve has turned into a run for our life’s mission. Now the questions is who is setting them up? And what the heck does it have to do with Eve and Zane specifically?

Good first full length novel in Ms. Naughton’s Aegis Security series. Lots of action, lot of who do you trust and yes some romance. I really liked Zane & Eve. They are so well fitted together. I loved the side story of involving Eve’s sister Olivia. I am very much looking forward to what is next in this series. I am hoping for Miller and Olivia. Although I would love to see who is going to take down Ryder. 🙂

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

July 3, 2014June 28, 2014

Natasha reviews Cross & Crown by Abigail Roux

TITLE: Cross & Crown
SERIES #: Sidewinder #2
CHARACTERS: Nick & Kelly
AUTHOR: Abigail Roux
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/9/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Nick O’Flaherty arrives at the scene of a double homicide to find he has a witness to the crime, he thinks it’s his lucky day. But when he realizes his witness is suffering from amnesia and can’t even remember his own name, Nick wishes he’d gone with his gut and put in for vacation time.

Then Nick’s boyfriend and former Recon teammate, Kelly Abbott, joins him in Boston, and Nick finds his hands a little too full as the case and his personal life collide. The witness he’s dubbed “JD” is being tailed by Julian Cross, a retired CIA hitman. To complicate matters further, JD forms an attachment to Nick that Nick struggles not to respond to as they search for the key to JD’s identity.

Trying to determine whether JD is friend or foe as they investigate the crime puts them on the trail of a much older mystery. When multiple attempts are made on their lives, Nick is forced to turn to old enemies and new allies to solve a centuries-old crime before he and Kelly get added to the history books.

REVIEW:

This is another strong addition to the newly developed Sidewinder series – which is a spinoff of Abigail Roux’s Cut and Run series. I am a HUGE fan of the Cut and Run series and was really excited that Abi was allowing us to stay within this universe with the Sidewinder spinoff. Historically I have not been a huge fan of Nick’s character. I have actually begun to change my way of thinking when it comes to Nick due to this detailed insight into his personality and life. I absolute LOVE him and Kelly. They are so refreshing to me and work so absolutely perfectly together. The only reason this book doesn’t get a five star review is because I found the treasure hunt aspect of the story hard to follow and a little disinteresting. That in now way diminishes the incredible story telling and intriguing nature of Abi’s books and I will always follow any series she decides to write. I’m very optimistic about where this series will go, she has so many options and I hope it lasts for a long time! I highly recommend all of these books for anyone who loves action, intrigue, comedy and love!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 17, 2014June 3, 2014

Interview & Giveaway with Kendra Elliot

Books-n-Kisses is super exicted to have our pal Kendra Elliot back on the blog to talk about her newest release Vanished. This was a great read. If you have not picked up your copy and you love Romance Suspense you really need to.

So, Kendra can you tell my wonderful followers a little about yourself

I’ve lived in Oregon for 96% of my life. (Yes, I’m nerdy and got out a calculator to get the right percentage) I have three teenage daughters that keep my house very busy and spent sixteen years as a dental hygienist before quitting to write full time. My first novel came out almost two years ago. VANISHED will be my fifth novel.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I didn’t always want to write; I loved to read. From a very early age, I was a voracious reader, and I hated writing in high school and college. One day I set down a book after finishing it for the fourth or fifth time and wondered if I could make a reader feel as awesome this author always made me feel. I decided to give it a shot. My third try was published in 2012 as HIDDEN.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I often write with noise reducing headphones while listening to white noise from outer space. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcJ-o_fh1B4 (Again, nerd alert!) My husband works from home, and even though we work on different levels of the house, I can still hear his constant phone conferences. The headphones make all the difference.

Can you please tell us about your newest release Vanished?

This is the blurb from the book: When an eleven-year-old is abducted on her way to school, the FBI doesn’t waste a moment, sending agents to scour the area and embedding Special Agent Ava McLane with the distraught family. In the eye of the storm is local detective Mason Callahan, whose life is crumbling to pieces—he’s related to the victim, and his longtime confidential informant has just been murdered.

Both he and Agent McLane hole up in the victim’s family home. Every second counts in a kidnapping case, and the stakes keep rising the longer the girl is missing. As Ava and Mason struggle to hold the family together in their darkest hour, the two investigators find themselves drawn to each other.

Is Vanished is part of your ongoing Bone Secret series?

Officially VANISHED is not a Bone Secret book, even though regular readers will recognize my main character, Detective Mason Callahan, from the other Bone Secret Books. The Bone Secret books are more forensics oriented; VANISHED focuses on the FBI and police officers and their lives. Right now I plan to write 3 or 4 books with Mason Callahan and his love interest, Ava McLane. The second Callahan/McLane book is finished and should be released in January 2015. We’re still searching for a series title name for them. As I’m writing this, we haven’t finalized the name decision. But there will be more Bone Secrets books! After writing two FBI books, I’m ready to dive back into forensics.

How about we give the readers a little snippet from Vanished. Please open Vanished to a random page and give us a sentence or two.

In VANISHED, my detective’s personal and professional life is spinning out of control. This is part of a scene where his boss is telling him not to come in to work because they’ve discovered some evidence that doesn’t shine favorably on Mason.

Schefte cleared his throat. “We’d already pulled your hard drive.”

“What?” Mason’s vision tunneled.

“We’re checking your calendar, too.”

“You don’t take my whole computer to look at a calendar. What the hell is going on there?”

Schefte was quiet.

“Do I need a lawyer?” Mason asked. His brain spun like he was drunk. What was happening?

“It wouldn’t hurt to talk to your union rep,” Schefte answered. “I don’t know about a lawyer. I don’t think that will be necessary.”

A sharp pain shot through Mason’s temple.

“Denny, I don’t have time for this! I’m trying to help my family stay sane while their daughter is missing! My son is about to cave in on himself he’s so stressed.” And so am I.

“I know you’ve got a lot going on. This was a good time to take some time off. Come down and get your prints done again. Then we’ll talk.” Schefte sounded distant. All his usual good buddy-ness gone from his voice.

Do they think he killed Josie? Impossible.

Something was screwed up somewhere. Evidence lines were getting crossed.

“Fine,” answered Mason in the same even tone. “I’ll have my rep with me.” He ended the call and slipped the phone in his pocket, feeling as though his support system was being chiseled away. First his family struggled with the worst imaginable horror. Now his job was in jeopardy? He felt like he was being ripped in half. As slowly as possible.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’ve finished the follow-up to VANISHED which is currently titled BRIDGED and it will be out in January 2015. I also just finished a series of four small town romantic suspense novellas, The Rogue River Series, written with my author buddy Melinda Leigh that will be out next fall. I wrote two of the novellas books from the point-of-view of a woman who’s returned after five years as an LAPD officer to be a cop in her tiny home town of Solitude, Oregon. Melinda wrote two from my character’s sister’s point-of-view, a social worker who is reevaluating her marriage to her detective husband. Each novella is a complete suspense story, but there is also an over arcing mystery.

Next project? Thinking about this…it will most likely be a Bone Secret book. Any suggestions of who you’d like to read about from my previous books? I get a lot of requests for Chris’s story from BURIED.

Speaking of BURIED, it has been nominated for the International Thriller Award for Best Paperback Original. I was stunned and actually cried when I got the news. This competition is HUGE and I never dreamed I’d final. I’m still stunned at the names on this list: http://thrillerwriters.org/programs/thriller-awards/ My publisher is flying me to NYC in July for the conference and award ceremony. BURIED is also up for a Daphne award for Romantic Suspense at the Romance Writers of America national conference in July.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write, write, write, and read. Keep reading. Study the works of the authors you love and try to see what makes them stand out. Read how-to books, take online classes, join professional organizations, and listen to advice from other authors but don’t follow all of it. What works for some writers is not right for you, and there is a LOT of misleading information out there. Get to know other writers, don’t be pushy, pay your dues, and attend conferences. This isn’t a get-rich-quick business. Some people have, but 99% have not. Don’t get into the business for the money; do it because you love the writing.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’ve had Allison Brennan’s NOTORIOUS on my TBR pile since it came out. When I’m writing, I don’t read much. I’m about to take a much needed break between writing books and that one is on top!

Learn more about Kendra and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter: @KendraElliot | Goodreads

*****

Vanished

PUBLICATION DATE: June 17, 2014
Amazon| B&N

When eleven-year-old Henley Fairbanks is abducted on her way to school, the FBI doesn’t waste a moment, sending agents to scour the area and embedding Special Agent Ava McLane with the distraught family. In the eye of the storm is local detective Mason Callahan, who also happens to be related to Henley. To make matters worse for Mason, the kidnapping comes on the heels of the murder of his longtime confidential informant, and he’s been sidelined from the investigation. Now both he and Agent McLane are holed up in the Fairbanks’ home, along with Callahan’s ex-wife, Robin. Every second counts in a kidnapping case, and the stakes keep rising the longer Henley stays missing. As Ava and Mason struggle to hold the Fairbanks family together in their darkest hour, the two investigators find themselves more and more drawn to each other.

*****

GIVEAWAY TIME:

Kendra has given me permission to giveaway Kindle or print copy of reader’s choice of any of her books.
Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 17, 2014June 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Vanished by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Vanished
SERIES #:the beginning of a new series
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ava McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When eleven-year-old Henley Fairbanks is abducted on her way to school, the FBI doesn’t waste a moment, sending agents to scour the area and embedding Special Agent Ava McLane with the distraught family. In the eye of the storm is local detective Mason Callahan, who also happens to be related to Henley. To make matters worse for Mason, the kidnapping comes on the heels of the murder of his longtime confidential informant, and he’s been sidelined from the investigation. Now both he and Agent McLane are holed up in the Fairbanks’ home, along with Callahan’s ex-wife, Robin. Every second counts in a kidnapping case, and the stakes keep rising the longer Henley stays missing. As Ava and Mason struggle to hold the Fairbanks family together in their darkest hour, the two investigators find themselves more and more drawn to each other.

REVIEW:
Wow this story was pretty heartbreakingly good story. Ms. Elliott does an amazing job of bring her characters to life. If you are from Oregon there are a few references in this book that will make you cry just because you know the reality of Vanished storyline. But Vanished has so many different levels to this story and not all is as it seems.

I tried to think of a way to summarize this book, but I could not think of a good way to do it without giving something away so you get nothing :-). This just means that you need to read this book for yourself.

If you are a fan of Kendra’s you will enjoy Vanished. If you are new to The Bone Secret series never fear each book can be read as a stand alone with no problems. Make sure to add this one to your buy list.

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

June 4, 2014May 25, 2014

Kelly reviews Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Deeper Than Need
SERIES #: Secrets & Shadows #1
CHARACTERS: Noah Benningfield & Trinity Ewing
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: June 3, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trinity Ewing—she’s new in Madison, and her one goal is to put her old life behind her. She’s made mistakes. A lot of them. She’s done everything short of selling herself to stay alive and provide for her son. Now she’s just looking for a place to put down roots and call home. The old ramshackle house on the banks of the Ohio River seem to be the perfect place. It needs work—a lot of it.

A former minister, Noah Benningfield now works as a carpenter. He hasn’t entirely lost his faith, but he has lost himself. Which is exactly how he likes it. He doesn’t want to find himself, because then he’d have to look at the many ways he failed. Working with his hands is easier. Or so he thinks. He hasn’t ever had a job where he uncovers a skeleton, though. Not until now.

He can’t help but wonder…are these the remains of Lana, the girl he’d loved in high school? Losing her had all but destroyed his life back then, a life he has only now pieced together. Even as he deals with the turmoil of that, there’s a new turmoil, one caused by Trinity—she’s everything he won’t let himself have, and everything he realizes he wants.

Life becomes even more complicated when a ghost from the past blows back into town… Bethany Sutter—one of the last people to see Lana alive all those years ago.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Deeper Than Need is the first full length novel in Shiloh Walker’s new Secrets & Shadow’s series. Just like the pre-quel novella’s, Deeper Than Need is shrouded in mystery and a lot of unanswered questions. Most of those questions revolve around one night. A night that changed the lives of so many people. A night that left so many questions. But unlike the novella’s I didn’t find myself as drawn to these two characters.

Noah & Trinity are thrown together under terrible circumstances. Yet, they find a way to cope. They both have demons from their pasts that they are ashamed of. Yet, the have learned to live again. The biggest questions is will the ghosts of the past keep them apart or bring them closer together.

This was a good story and Shiloh does a great job of keeping you guessing as to the why’s, who’s, and how’s. I just didn’t feel the connection to Noah that I would have liked. I am not sure what it was, because Noah is a good guy. But other then that this was a good read. If you are suspense fan you will enjoy this book .

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

May 28, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Cursed by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Cursed
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #12
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Dallas
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A haunted house in Key West

Hannah O’Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she’s dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help.

FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim’s a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down….

Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O’Brien, a member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present.

REVIEW:
As with all books by Graham the history she pours into each story is unbelievable and intriguing. Having grown up in southern Florida I find it amazing how much I didn’t know about Key West when I read Graham’s stories. Her stories are worth reading for that alone.

But the stories are worth reading for other reasons too.. her ghosts. I always enjoy the connection the main characters have with the resident ghosts. And this was no exception. I am not sure the connection with Dallas and Hannah was as strong. I just didn’t feel the spark that her other characters have had. The other thing is Dallas didn’t seem to have a huge part in this story. It seemed to mostly be Hannah’s.

Now that being said it is a really good read and any fan of ghost filled romantic suspense will love it even if they have not read the series before and if you have read the series this next one fits in perfectly.

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

May 15, 2014May 15, 2014

Long for Me by Shiloh Walker Spotlight Tour

Long for Me

Secrets & Shadows #0.7

by Shiloh Walker

Release day May 13, 2014

Purchase here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Christina Bell remembers what it was like to be part of a loving family. The youngest of the Bell children, she simply cannot believe that her dad, or anyone else she loves, had a hand in her mother’s disappearance. She’s looking forward to moving on and spending more time with her sexy best friend, Guy Miller, who she is starting to see in a whole new light.

Their attraction sizzling and love deepening, Christina feels confident in her life and ability to handle what comes her way…But when Nichole’s body is found—and the mystery of her death slowly reveals itself—Christina is left not knowing who to trust. What if Guy, her one true desire, proves to be her biggest danger?

Read an excerpt HERE

Add to your Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19079884-long-for-me

Professional Bio

Shiloh Walker is an award-winning writer…yes, really! She’s also a mom, a wife, a reader and she pretends to be an amateur photographer. She published her first book in 2003 and since then, has tried her hand at digital publishing, traditional publishing and self-publishing. Her publishers include Hydra Publications, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain, Berkley, Random House and St. Martins. She writes romantic suspense, contemporary and paranormal romance, and urban fantasy under the name J.C. Daniels.

Learn more about Shiloh:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

A coach purse
Signed books from my back list
$20 Gift Card to Amazon or Barns & Noble
***Due to shipping & insurance, this contest will be limited to the US only***
Retail value $150

a Rafflecopter giveaway