Romance – Page 21 – Books-n-Kisses

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019

Kelly reviews No Country for Old Gnomes by Delilah Dawson & Kevin Hearne

TITLE: No Country for Old Gnomes
SERIES #: Tale of Pell #2
AUTHOR: Delilah Dawson & Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE: April 16, 2019
RUN TIME: 14 Hours & 7 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Go big or go gnome. The New York Times bestselling authors of Kill the Farm Boy return to the world of Pell, the irreverent fantasy universe that recalls Monty Python and Terry Pratchett.

The Skyr is a rich, verdant land claimed by both halflings and gnomes. For centuries, the halflings have worked to undermine gnomish power structures and seize total control–through legal means, certainly, but more insidiously through their extensive organized crime network. Now, threatened with being pushed out entirely, the gnomes are desperate and ready to fight back. Gustave the Goat King faces his first test as a leader: Can he bring peace to a fraught region or will a civil war consume the entire kingdom?

REVIEW:
Another excellent installment of the Tales of Pell. No Country for Old Gnomes takes us on a grand adventure that starts with the Gnomes of Pell are being attacked by a group of halflings. It will take a group of unlikely friends to set everything right.

The amazingly talented Luke Daniels narrates this book for us again. Luke does an amazing job of bringing the Tales of Pell characters to life.

This was a great book that introduces us to a group of new characters and we get to see some of our old friends. I really enjoyed the Gnomes, Halfings, Dwarfs and the Gryphon. There are a lot of wonderfully fun characters.

Very much looking forward to The Tales of Pell book 3, The Princess Beard { https://amzn.to/2Ek5Ual} (released October 8th)

Audio Sample:

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

May 8, 2019May 5, 2019

Kimberly reviews Tightrope by Amanda Quick

TITLE: Tightrope
SERIES #: Burning Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Amalie & Matthias
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/07/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the Author’s website: An unconventional woman and a man shrouded in mystery walk a tightrope of desire as they race against a killer to find a machine that could change the world.

Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn moved to Burning Cove to reinvent herself, but things are not going well. After spending her entire inheritance on a mansion with the intention of turning it into a bed-and-breakfast, she learns too late that the villa is said to be cursed. When the first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered by his robot invention during a sold-out demonstration, rumors circulate that the curse is real.

In the chaotic aftermath of the spectacle, Amalie watches as a stranger from the audience disappears behind the curtain. When Matthias Jones reappears, he is slipping a gun into a concealed holster. It looks like the gossip that is swirling around him is true—Matthias evidently does have connections to the criminal underworld.

Matthias is on the trail of a groundbreaking prototype cipher machine. He suspects that Pickwell stole the device and planned to sell it. But now Pickwell is dead and the machine has vanished. When Matthias’s investigation leads him to Amalie’s front door, the attraction between them is intense, but she knows it is also dangerous. Amalie and Matthias must decide if they can trust each other and the passion that binds them, because time is running out.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Love the setting of 1930’s Los Angeles/Hollywood era. Amalie worked as a trapeze artist until she almost died and then decided on getting a B&B in the area. Problem is it comes with a history of murder and when a new murder happens there is a lot of speculation.

Matthias comes into the picture but lets say it is not love at first sight. But as with all romantic suspense the romance does play a part.

I am a fan of Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick but this is not one of my favorites. It can be read as a stand alone but you might want to read the previous two just to understand the background characters a bit better. I never seemed to connect with Amalie and Matthias just wasn’t the alpha I go for. But that being said it is still a good read. Just not one of my favorites.

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

April 29, 2019April 28, 2019

Kimberly reviews Pirate’s Pleasure by Lisa Kessler

TITLE: Pirate’s Pleasure
SERIES #: Sentinels Of Savannah #3
CHARACTERS: John & Harmony
AUTHOR: Lisa Kessler
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No one steals from this pirate…

John Smyth has survived mutinous pirate crews, wars, and the passage of centuries by keeping his life as he did his ships, organized and well stocked. But when his crew is tasked with stealing Pandora’s Box for the government, it opens a door to destruction, and her name is Harmony Andrews.

Harmony is a risk-taking investment broker by day, and a thief by night. As a member of the underground Digi Robins crew, she steals relics to sell on the dark web and donates the money to people without insurance who need life-saving medical treatments. After taking a box from the docks in Savannah, she finds herself being hunted on multiple fronts, but she never expects the chaos trailing her to lead directly to her boss, the sexy, infuriating John Smyth.

The fearless thief has tangled with the wrong pirate, but he will be forced to choose: will he keep his heart safe at port, or follow it into the storm of pleasure.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the third in the series but I didn’t realize that when I requested it from NetGalley. While it can be read as a stand alone you can tell that you are missing some information from the previous books.

I have read this author off and on for years and to be honest have never been into the whole pirate thing but since I knew the author I thought I would give it a try. And I wasn’t disappointed.

I felt the story was a little slow in the beginning and it took me a bit to understand that the series is about immortal pirates and the women they fall for. Seems an odd combination. But once the romance relaly got started it was an enjoyable read.

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

April 24, 2019April 23, 2019

Kelly reviews A Few Pecans Short Of A Pie by Molly Harper

TITLE: A Few Pecans Short of a Pie
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #2.5
CHARACTERS: Kyle Archer & Margot Cary
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: February 10, 2019
RUN TIME: 2 Hours & 49 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy school principal Kyle faces the biggest challenge of his career: getting his (pregnant) event planner girlfriend Margot down the aisle before the baby arrives!
Readers first fell in love with big city event planner Margot in the first Southern Eclectic novel, Sweet Tea and Sympathy, as she discovered a long-lost branch of her family—the McCreadys, of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home. To Margot’s surprise, she’s taken a liking to life in small-town Georgia…helped along by a romance with the hot elementary school principal.
The two of them have been taking it slow—or they were until Margot gets pregnant! Kyle wants to make an honest woman of her, but Margot’s still trying to proceed with caution. After all, she was the best event planner in Chicago before she ever came to Lake Sackett—her wedding has to be perfect, and perfect includes not having the baby halfway down the aisle.
With her trademark witty prose and warm hearted storytelling, Molly Harper’s newest glimpse of the McCready family will be perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Amy E. Reichert.

REVIEW:
I love when we get to go back and revisit characters and see how they are doing. A Few Pecans Short of a Pie gives us a update on how Kyle, Margot (bk 1 Sweet Tea and Sympathy) and the girls are all doing.
How Margot is dealing with small town politics about small town weddings, being pregnant, a step mom to two little girls. Of course Kyle is there with her ever step of the way being the amazingly sweet soon to be husband and dad.
I really enjoyed this novella of Kyle and Margot. And super excited for the next installment of the McCready clan. Bring on Duffy!!!

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

April 16, 2019April 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews Darkness Returns by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Darkness Returns
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #13
CHARACTERS: Chiron & Lilah
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/16/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
More powerful than ever, the Guardians of Eternity are facing their greatest challenge yet: a war within their ranks. Their future is in the hands of one rebel vampire, who must choose between loyalty and love . . .

Blessed with an even more compelling allure than most vampires, Chiron has made a fortune in the human world, creating an empire of resorts and casinos. Since the betrayal and imprisonment of his master, he has existed outside the order of the Guardians, trusting no one. But now, the new vampire king has given him a peace offering: a scroll that could free his master. Following the relic’s magic leads him to a demon hotel deep in the Everglades, a lush paradise owned by a mysterious and
mesmerizing woman . . .

As far as Lilah knows, she’s lived her entire life within the confines of her enchanted estate. Memories of her own past are elusive and cloaked in shadows. Even Chiron can’t figure out exactly what she is, and if her intoxicating beauty is his destiny or an illusion drawing him ever closer to his demise—or perhaps to an even more tormenting choice, between his master and his mate . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Oh Alexandra how I love your writing! And your characters!

Chiron is a vampire who is looking for his master and Lilah has lived her entire life hidden away and which Chiron walks into her life she finds herself mesmerized. And aren’t we always mesmerized by Alexandra’s characters too?

Oh the romance (and sex) is delicious in this book, as with all of Alexandra’s stories. And which is my favorite character? Levet! But of course!

This is lucky #13 in the series and lucky for us we get to read it! But I suggest reading the series first… And why wouldn’t you want to since Alexandra is one of the best in the paranormal romance field.

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

April 8, 2019April 7, 2019

Kimberly reviews Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Sentinel
SERIES #: Dark #28
CHARACTERS: Lorraine & Andor
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/04/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an explosive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a human woman ignites the desire of her Carpathian lifemate–and of an ancient vampire with a score to settle.

After the devastating loss of her entire family, Lorraine Peters heads to the woods searching for peace of mind and anything to quell the anger in her soul. Instead, she stumbles upon a scene of horrific violence, as one man lies helpless in the face of three attackers.

Andor Katona’s existence has been a harsh one, living for centuries as a monk in the Carpathian Mountains. Unable to find his lifemate, he almost welcomes his release from a colorless and unfeeling world at the hands of the vampire hunters who have mistaken him for their prey. That is, until a whirling ball of fury bursts onto the scene, determined to save him.

In one glimpse, in one breath, Andor recognizes Lorraine as his lifemate, but it will take more than their telepathic connection to convince her of their immortal bond. Lorraine is a lethal combination of cunning and courage. So much so that she captures the attention of a master vampire, one who has already lost what was once irreplaceable to him. One who will strike with deadly precision at Andor and his ancient Carpathian comrades in a war to end all wars. . .

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts It is hard to believe that after 27 stories Feehan can come up with something new and different to write about and yet she does in this story. And then some!

Feehan is one of the queens of paranormal in my opinion. She easily draws you into each character and their story.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good vampire story? Well if it is not your genre of choice turn away now but if it is then pick up this series. I want to say these stories are not a stand alone. They really need to be read in order to understand exactly who and what is going on.

This is just another great story in this great series.

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

April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

Cover Release of Molly Harper’s upcoming release of Peace, Blood & Understanding

PEACE, BLOOD & UNDERSTANDING will be released in ebook and audio (narrated by Amanda Ronconi) in October 2019. Here’s the fantastic cover, a summary and pre-order links!

Summary
Ever since Jane Jameson took over running the Vampire Council for Half-Moon Hollow, things have been a little unorthodox and that doesn’t sit well with the head office. This includes Jane’s too-gentle management of her underlings, including Council assistant archivist Meadow Schwartz.

Enter Logan Weston, a consultant specializing in efficiency, who’s determined to unseat Jane (and Dick Cheney) and get the council back on track—which means no more of this Kentucky neighborliness and general namby-pambiness. Meadow’s dividing her time between her part-time Council job and her own herbal shop for vampires goes against Logan’s philosophies of focus and organization. Logan’s direct, emotionless approach to life and work grates on every one of Meadow’s nerves.

And yet, she’s willing to step in to distract Logan as a saboteur works to undermine Dick and Jane with ugly pranks. This pair may not agree on… almost every subject, but when past hurts and current danger throw them together, they can count on each other. Will they be able to get over their differences before the threat to Jane’s tenure ends Meadow’s career… and her life?

April 3, 2019April 2, 2019

Kimberly reviews Avoiding The Badge by Dorothy F Shaw

TITLE: Avoiding The Badge
SERIES #: Arizona K9 #1
CHARACTERS: Rayna & Derek
AUTHOR: Dorothy F Shaw
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/04/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

Rayna Michaels may be a veterinarian, but she knows a little something about the human heart—especially when it comes to worried pet owners. Law enforcement’s bonds with their K9 partners are legendary, and Derek Hansen is a perfect example—he’s had his dog Axle in more times than she can count in the last few months. And Derek’s sculpted muscles and heart-stopping smile would be truly irresistible, if only he wasn’t an officer of the law…

Derek can’t get Rayna’s stunning face and no-nonsense smarts out of his mind. Any excuse to see her will do, until he works up the nerve to ask her out. He’s not sure where her resistance to cops comes from, though he’s more than willing to prove he’s one of the good ones. But when casual dating turns into explosive lovemaking, Derek knows he has to come clean about his past before the woman he loves finds out what he’s been hiding and turns tail to run…

REVIEW:
This is a new series from a new to me author. Not knowing what to expect from this author I was hoping to find my new “go to” but I just didn’t. The story was fine if not a bit unoriginal. The problem was I never really connected with the characters. They never really seemed to bloom as characters.

I will try the next in the series just to see if the story improves as it goes.

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

March 29, 2019March 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews Waiting For You by Claudia Connor

TITLE: Waiting For You
SERIES #: The McKinney Brothers #5
CHARACTERS: Nora & Zach
AUTHOR: Claudia Connor
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/15/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When ER nurse Nora Sellers is hurt in a hospital scuffle, firefighter Zach Walker blames himself. Blaming himself is nothing new. He’s been blaming himself for years for the trauma his baby sister endured as a teenager. Though with his happy–go–lucky attitude no one would know it. He’s good at his job, he’s a good brother, and a good friend, but Zach decided long ago he wasn’t husband and father material.

Even so, when Zach learns Nora is a single mother with a house that needs his help, he can’t walk away. After a few days with Nora and her ten month old son, he knows he doesn’t want to.

But Nora’s wary. She learned at a young age that the only person she can count on is herself. Now with a baby, a job, and a fixer–upper house, the last thing Nora wants is a sexy firefighter, making her heart flutter. But Zach is more than what he seems, and the more she gets to know him the harder he is to resist.

She’s been brave all her life. Can she be brave one more time and take a chance of a lifetime with her heart?

REVIEW:
Oh Claudia does it again! Claudia is easily in my top dozen favorite authors and probably in my top three for contemporary romance. When she set her heart to a story you can read every drop of love she puts into it. Zach and Nora’s story is no different.

I love the way Claudia writes single parent stories mainly because of the love that the children bring to her books. And Will just is adorable. You can imagine this sweet 10 month old right in your living room.

Claudia never disappoints. When I fell in love with Matt in Worth The Fall I knew I would love every one of the men Claudia introduces us to and I haven’t been wrong yet.

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

March 26, 2019March 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Witch’s Kind by Louisa Morgan

TITLE: The Witch’s Kind
CHARACTERS: Barrie Anne & Charlotte
AUTHOR: Louisa Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/19/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the author of A Secret History of Witches comes an absorbing tale of love, sacrifice, family ties, and magic, set in the Pacific Northwest in the aftermath of World War II — perfect for fans of Practical Magic, The Witch’s Daughter, and A Discovery of Witches.

Barrie Anne Blythe and her aunt Charlotte have always known that the other residents of their small coastal community find them peculiar — two women living alone on the outskirts of town. It is the price of concealing their strange and dangerous family secret.

But two events threaten to upend their lives forever. The first is the arrival of a mysterious abandoned baby with a hint of power like their own. The second is the sudden reappearance of Barrie Anne’s long-lost husband — who is not quite the man she thought she married.

Together, Barrie Anne and Charlotte must decide how far they are willing to go to protect themselves — and the child they think of as their own — from suspicious neighbors, the government, and even their own family…

For more from Louisa Morgan, check out A Secret History of Witches.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This book has a bit of everything. If you can think it up in the paranormal (ok maybe more fantasy) world then it is in this book.

There is a time jump between present day and WWII era and I have to say while it worked in both times the present day was a bit more enjoyable to read about. Usually in time travel I enjoy the olden era better but this one seemed to have more enjoyable times in present day.

I enjoyed the writing and the characters mostly. Some were a bit overboard but still an enjoyable fantasy read.

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

March 25, 2019March 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Cliff House
CHARACTERS: Beatriz & Daisy
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three women—two sisters and their aunt—and the cliff house on the northern California coast that served as a beacon to them all…

After the death of their mother, sisters Daisy and Beatriz Davenport found a home with their aunt Stella in the beautiful and welcoming town of Cape Sanctuary. They never knew all the dreams that Stella sacrificed to ensure they had everything they’d ever need. Now, with Daisy and Bea grown, it’s time for Stella to reveal the secret she’s been keeping from them—a secret that will change their family forever.

Bea thought she’d sown all her wild oats when she got pregnant far too young. The marriage that followed was rocky and not destined to last, but it gave Bea her wonderful, mature, now eleven-year-old daughter, Marisol. But just as she’s beginning to pursue a new love with an old friend, Bea’s ex-husband resurfaces and turns their lives completely upside down.

Then there’s Daisy—sensible, rational, financially prudent Daisy. She’s never taken a risk in her life—until she meets a man who makes her question everything she thought she knew about life, love and the power of taking chances.

In this heartwarming story, Stella, Bea and Daisy will discover that the path to true happiness is filled with twists and turns, but love always leads them back home.

REVIEW:
WOW this is a heart wrenching story. Not because of anything happening but the emotions that each woman and their relationships with men and each other produces.

There is Bea and Daisy who lived with their aunt, Stella, after their mom died and then went into foster care for a bit. I really enjoyed the foster care aspect of this story. As someone who took my best friends son in when his dad died I felt so much of what Stella felt and know the feelings that Bea and Daisy feel. I also like that the story doesn’t put the foster care system in a horrible light.

But I also enjoy the relationship the women have together. There is so much in their hearts and in the past that they have to deal with and not get over but move on from. So when the men comes into the lives they begin to open their hearts up even more.

I enjoyed the background characters and found myself interested in all three women and their romance.

Yet another incredible story from Thayne!

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

March 21, 2019March 19, 2019

Kimberly reviews Toxic Game by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Toxic Game
SERIES #: Ghostwalkers #15
CHARACTERS: Draden & Shylah
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/12/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On a rescue mission in the heart of the Indonesian jungle, Dr. Draden Freeman and his GhostWalker team need to extract the wounded as quickly as possible—or risk spreading a deadly virus unleashed by a terrorist cell. When Draden gets infected, he forces his team to leave him behind. He won’t risk exposing anyone else. He intends to find the ones responsible and go out in a blaze of glory….

Shylah Cosmos’s mission is to track the virus and remain unseen. Her enhanced senses tell her that the gorgeous man eradicating the terrorists one by one is a GhostWalker—and his lethal precision takes her breath away. When he’s hit by a lucky shot, she can’t stop herself from stepping in, not knowing that by saving his life she’s exposed herself to the virus.

There’s no telling how much time Draden and Shylah have left. Racing to find a cure, they quickly realize that they’ve found their perfect partner just in time to lose everything. But even as the virus threatens to consume their bodies, they’ve never felt more alive.

REVIEW:
Feehan is certainly one that is at the top of my go to authors list. I have always found her books tantalizing and intriguing. The relationship between Shylah and Draden is almost perfect. There is not a lot of misunderstanding or games (no pun intended). They have angst but it is based on a true relationship.

This is the 15th in the series and should not really be read as a stand alone. Well I guess it can be but you will lose a lot of background without reading the entire series. But I can guarantee that once you read the first you will want to catch up on until current!

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