Romance – Page 20 – Books-n-Kisses

July 26, 2019July 25, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Seekers by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Seekers
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #28
CHARACTERS: Kerri & Joe
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/23/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE TRUTH IS SCARIER THAN FICTION

Kerri Wolf has joined the crew of The Seekers, a show that searches for paranormal phenomena, as they explore a supposedly haunted old inn on the road between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. The place is famous for its warm welcome—and infamous for being the site of an ax murder rampage in the 1920s. They’ve barely begun when a very real dead body is discovered in the basement. As a nonfiction author, Kerri is supposed to be the rational one, but she can’t explain a terrifying apparition that seems to be both a threat and a warning.

Former detective Joe Dunhill knows what she’s going through—the strange gift of being able to see and talk to the dead is a struggle he shares. A new member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, he’s on the team investigating the disturbing death. The town is steeped in old-fashioned superstition, and the deeper Joe and Kerri plunge into the dark secrets of the inn, the closer they get to a devastating truth. Will a bloody history be repeated? Or can the spirits of the past reach out to stop a killer?

REVIEW:
This series is easily one of my favorites in the genre. What I like most is the setting. Graham always makes me want to jump on a plane and head to the newest setting of the series. Having spent some time is PA lately I wanted to head to the Philly side and see where she was talking about.

This is a series with a lot of books but all of them can be a stand alone. But as with any series reading from the beginning is best. But mostly the Krewe Of Hunters are detectives who use ghosts to help with their case.

I always have a hard time figuring out “who-dun-it” which I enjoy.

Any fan of suspense with a bit of paranormal will love this book and this series.

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

July 17, 2019July 6, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Wicked Viscount by Heather McCollum

TITLE: The Wicked Viscount
SERIES #: The Campbells #3
CHARACTERS: Cat & Nathaniel
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1685, Scottish Highlands

Cat Campbell knows all about Nathaniel Worthington, fifth Viscount of Lincolnshire. The determined Englishman is never far from Finlarig Castle, where his sisters train women to do more than read and write. And thanks to the fiery kiss they shared nearly a year ago he is never far from her thoughts. No one ever trained her how to forget an irresistible man.

Nathaniel knows he should keep his distance from the fierce Scottish lass, but when an urgent letter from Queen Catherine calls Cat to London, he can’t resist volunteering to escort her. The tension between the two has simmered for months, but the long journey in close quarters creates a raging wildfire that could burn them both.

Secrets of their past and the treachery lurking at court put both their future together and their very lives at risk.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This historical romance comes after a first kiss that should never have happened but once it did neither Cat nor Nathaniel can forget about it.

But he can not be interested in Cat since Nathaniel needs to marry someone from a nobel home or lose everything.

I can’t say that this book was out of the norm because it wasn’t. Very typical of the genre. But the writing was well done and the story was enjoyable.

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

July 8, 2019July 6, 2019

Kimberly reviews How To Forgive A Highlander by Michelle McLean

TITLE: How To Forgive A Highlander
SERIES #: The MacGregor Lairds #4
CHARACTERS: William & Rose
AUTHOR: Michelle McLean
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
William MacGregor will lie, spy, and happily die to protect his clan from their greatest enemy. But when he kidnaps the wrong woman, he triggers the very events he’d been working so hard to prevent. And puts everyone in danger.

Rose Thatcher will do anything to protect her lady and return them both safely to English soil. But the damn Highlander who snatched her off the docks has done nothing but get in her way. She’d love to ditch the bastard, but if they want to save their respective loved ones, they are going to have to stay together.

Somewhere along the grueling journey to Scotland, their constant bickering turns into something more. Something worth fighting for. But how can an English lady’s maid, who longs for the safe, comfortable life she had in London, find love with a Highlander who can’t wait to wipe England’s dust off his feet? If they can’t defeat the enemy they accidentally led home, they might not live long enough to find out.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts For me this was a quick read of only 200+ pages but I found it enjoyable.

What a calamity of errors. When William spies a woman standing at the dock as he saw Philip off he thinks she may be a spy so he decides he better find out. Of course she is not but now he has set her in peril so he must protect her no matter what.

A cute read of bumpy roads on the way to love.

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

July 5, 2019July 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summoning by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Summoning
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #27
CHARACTERS: Kristi & Dallas
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A CALL FROM BEYOND…

When Kristi Stewart inherits a property in the old part of Savannah, she knows it comes with stories of hauntings. But she doesn’t believe in ghosts, even while she runs seances for the guests of McLane House Bed-and-Breakfast. Until the inexplicable midnight appearance of one of her infamous ancestors. Terrified, she flees into the night—and right into the arms of Dallas Wicker.

Dallas is trying to uncover the truth about a colleague who died under suspicious circumstances. As strange happenings continue to plague Kristi’s home, it is soon clear that there’s a very living threat in the neighborhood—several people have disappeared without a trace. Dallas can’t find any connection between the victims, but someone wanted them gone, and it might be linked to the history of McLane House. And that means Kristi should be very afraid.

REVIEW:
I love the Krewe of Hunters and the writing for Heather Graham. This is the 27th in the series. That seems hard to believe since I think I have read every single one of them. But as with all of the books in the series they can be read as a stand alone.

The best thing about Heather Graham’s writings is how she draws you into the city she is talking about and this one is no different, making me want to jump in the car and head to Savannah, Georgia.

The characters are always enjoyable to read and the ghost that brings aide to the Krewe is wonderful but the city and the history Graham brings to the forefront is the key to the story if you ask me.

If you enjoy the genre of suspense with a bit of paranormal then this is the book and series for you.

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

June 24, 2019June 23, 2019

Kimberly reviews Wolf Instinct by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Instinct
SERIES #: SWAT #9
CHARACTERS: Alyssa & Zane
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s a wolf shifter.
She hunts monsters.
How can she be The One for him?

SWAT werewolf Zane Kendrick will do whatever it takes to take down the man who attacked his pack. His search takes him to Los Angeles, but when he meets Alyssa, the smart, sexy agent who comes to his aid, he’s immediately interested in pursuing more than just the next lead. All his wolf instincts tell him that she’s The One.

FBI agent Alyssa Carson has investigated some weird stuff lately, and finding missing people drained of their blood definitely falls into that category. When following a clue leads her to Zane, she agrees to work with him and his team. She’s attracted to the gorgeous Brit, but she doesn’t have time for anything but finding answers.

When Zane and Alyssa discover the sinister truth, it’ll take everything they have to make it out of this mission with their lives―and hearts―intact.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts While this can be a stand alone I suggest that you read the series so you understand what SWAT is all about. That being said you can read this on its own and enjoy it. This is Zane and Alyssa’s story. Alyssa is FBI who looks for exactly what Zane is. Zane is SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team).

I really enjoyed the storyline of them meeting. And the romance was sweet and sexy at the same time. Paige Tyler has written a lot of shapeshifter books and I have to say that sometimes they get routine but not this one. This one I have enjoyed more than I have in a while.

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

June 13, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot by Susan Mallery

TITLE: The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot
CHARACTERS: Margot & Sunshine
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Margot and Sunshine are siblings but are as different as their names indicate. Margot is all business and Sunshine is all play.

But this is a story about sisters and love and life more than about the difference in them it is about the life of hard knocks they have endured together.

If you have never read a Susan Mallery story, well first…. WTH?… but if you haven’t read her start NOW! Susan Mallery is honestly one of my favorite authors of all time. She is the first name I think of when someone asked me for the name of my fav author. Sure there are others but she is #1!

This is a keeper! Pick it up for a great summer, or anytime, read!

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

June 12, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Sister’s Of Summer’s End by Lori Foster

TITLE: Sister’s Of Summer’s End
SERIES #: Summer Resort #2
CHARACTERS: Joy & Maris
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the summer ends, friendship begins…When single mom Joy Lee abandoned her old life to take a job at a lakeside resort, she found something that her family’s wealth and influence could never buy: peace of mind. Not easy to come by for the once-burned divorce who keeps everyone at a distance. But when her new friend, Maris, dares her to take a chance with the drive-in’s charismatic new owner, everything changes for Joy and her young son.
A difficult childhood has left Maris Kennedy with definite priorities. Her job running Summer’s End, the camp store and cafe, comes first. Always. Nothing could ever make her risk that hard-won security–especially not her free-spirited colleague. But the more she encourages Joy to open herself up to new experiences, the more Maris begins to wonder what she, too, might be missing. Learning how to trust will bring Joy and Maris together.
And soon they form a friendship that leaves them as close as sisters–and open to love where they least expect it…in Summer’s End.

REVIEW:
Perfect beach read. While this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. But be sure to take it along to wherever you go this summer because it is a perfect book to take on vacation.

The characters are light hearted and sweet, there are so many emotions scenes in this book but I don’t always mean sad or heavy. A lot of fun, kindness, love and enjoyment are in this book.

And for any woman who has a unbiological sister this story will go straight to the heart… like it did mine.

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

June 10, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

TITLE: Storm And Fury
SERIES #: The Harbinger #1
CHARACTERS: Trinity & Zayne
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

REVIEW:
This is a spin off from the last trilogy. While you do not have to read the first one I suggest it. It being a spin off it will help you understand the world the book is set in.

Now that being said. I found the first part of the story a bit tedious but maybe that was because I already knew the world and it seemed to take a bit for those new to read the story.

But I did get into the story about a third of the way through and enjoyed it very much. Just give it a chance.

I really liked Zayne. He is a diamond in the rough. Trinity took me a bit to warm up to but I eventually liked her.

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

June 6, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The View From Alameda Island

TITLE: The View From Alameda Island
CHARACTERS: Lauren Delaney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers a poignant and powerful story about how one woman’s best intentions lead to the worst of situations and how the power of love helps her to heal and ultimately triumph.

From the outside looking in, Lauren Delaney has a life to envy—a successful career, a solid marriage to a prominent surgeon and two beautiful daughters who are off to good colleges. But on her twenty-fourth wedding anniversary Lauren makes a decision that will change everything.

Lauren won’t pretend things are perfect anymore. She defies the controlling husband who has privately mistreated her throughout their marriage and files for divorce. And as she starts her new life, she meets a kindred spirit—a man who is also struggling with the decision to end his unhappy marriage.

But Lauren’s husband wants his “perfect” life back and his actions are shocking. Facing an uncertain future, Lauren discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for the love and happiness she deserves.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoy the writing of Robyn Carr. She has a way of writing that does what a book should do. Relax you and leave you with a lightened heart.

I found myself really liking Lauren. She has dealt with a lot and has been through things that no woman should and has walked away and taken control of her life. But her husband wants his life with Lauren back and this is her story of survival and self love.

This a great beach read. There is some hard parts of the story but mostly this is a story of walking away with your head held high.

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

June 4, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Warrior
SERIES #: Shadow #4
CHARACTERS: Vittorio & Grace
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/04/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger inspires fierce passion when a serial killer threatens Chicago’s Ferraro crime family in this novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling series.

Vittorio Ferraro is a man whose family loyalty knows no bounds. He would die for his siblings and the people they love, but what he really wants is to start a family of his own. Deep down, Vittorio has always known finding a woman who could ride shadows would be nearly impossible—let alone one who could accept his particular needs—and he never expected to find her in the middle of a kidnapping.…

Grace Murphy has always been drawn to Vittorio Ferraro—or at least to the billionaire’s public bad-boy persona. Now that she’s under his protection and the sole focus of his intense caring, she can’t help wanting to get as close to him as possible. But Grace knows her presence is putting the entire Ferraro family in danger. Her monster of a brother will never let her go, but Vittorio has no intention of losing the woman whose shadow matches his own.

REVIEW:
One of the things I enjoy most about Feehan’s writing is no matter what her women have been through they are still strong and independent…. And Grace is no different. She has had a hard life because of her foster brother and his control over her. But when Vittorio comes into her life no one, not even her foster brother, can stop her from falling in love.

It took me a bit to enjoy Vittorio but I eventually did. Once I connected with Vittorio it was a much easier read.

I love reading anything that Feehan writes and this story and series is no different. Wonderful read, wonderful writing and wonderful author.

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

June 3, 2019June 2, 2019

Kimberly reviews Taken by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Taken
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1.5
CHARACTERS: Hunter & Faye
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Holt might be the most stubborn ex-soldier ever born, but when he’s called on to help find a lost foster kid, he jumps into action. Even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart five years ago—the woman who still haunts his dreams . . .

Faye Smith has spent five long years trying to get her life back on track. She knows she should’ve turned toward Hunter and not away from him. But they both had too many demons to destroy. Maybe now they’ll get another chance—and save someone else’s life too . . .

But first they’ll have to stop arguing long enough to trust the Deep Ops team. Hunter was a lost boy himself once. In fact, he ran away from the exact same man, their monster of a father. Now he and Faye will have to unite to find the brother he never knew—and maybe each other . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is #1.5 in the Deep Ops series that began with Hidden. This is a short novella that can be a stand alone and it was a quick read but since it is only after the first in the series I would suggest reading Hidden first because trust me there is never a Rebecca Zanetti book & series that is not worth reading.

This is a second chance at love story which I love (since I had a second chance at love) but there are so many cute moments especially with the animals that alone makes it worth the read.

Great story and romance. Never disappointed when Rebecca writes a book.

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

May 29, 2019May 28, 2019

Kelly reviews Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper

TITLE: Gimme Some Sugar
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #3
CHARACTERS: Duffy McCready & Lucy Brewer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: April 2, 2019
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 8 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A young widow returns to Lake Sackett, Georgia to face the ghosts of her past—and decide if she’s ready to take another chance on love—in the third sparkling Southern Eclectic novel that “goes down as easy as honey on a deep-fried Twinkie” (Library Journal, on Sweet Tea and Sympathy).

Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
Once again Molly Harper “writes characters you can’t help but fall in love with” (RT Book Reviews) in this charming and entertaining love story.

REVIEW:
Lucy has moves to her hometown to grieve the lost of her husband and to raise her son in a familiar place and to pursue her dream of opening a bakery. But like any good small town Lucy will have to learn to deal with the gossip and a nosey and bossy mother in law.
Duffy McCready has always loved Lucy. She was his best friend growing up. But time, distance and both of them marrying the wrong people put a kink in their friendship. But now that Lucy is back Duffy will not let anyone or anything wreck their friendship again. Well except maybe himself.

As always I had the talented Amanda Ronconi read this story to me. I truly love having Amanda narrator Molly’s books. She is able to bring these characters to life for me. So much so that when I read any of Molly’s books I can hear Amanda’s voices in my head. I

YAY!!!! Duffy McCready finally got his own book!! I am so glad that Duffy finally got his book. I adore his lady love, Lucy! Lucy is a spit fire that give Duffy a run for his money.
I really enjoyed this last book of the Southern Eclectic series. It has been a fun ride learning about the McCready family. I can’t wait for the next book written by Molly and narrated by Amanda.

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