Romance – Page 33 – Books-n-Kisses

October 30, 2017October 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Totally His by Erin Nicholas

TITLE: Totally His
SERIES #: Opposites Attract #3
CHARACTERS: Sophie & Finn
AUTHOR: Erin Nicholas
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Actress Sophie Birch is used to having to look out for herself. So when her theater catches fire and a big guy scoops her up into his arms to save her, she’s going to fight every step of the way. Even if he’s a cop. And really sexy. And his arms feel oh-so-good.

Finn Kelly can’t help but appreciate how good the woman in his arms looks in her sexy pink lingerie. Even if she’s currently resisting arrest.

But as the two get to know each other, they’re both surprised by the things Finn is willing to do to get closer to her. And when Sophie’s estranged father arrives in town and starts causing trouble, the stage is set for disaster…unless Finn can convince her that, for once in her life, she has someone to lean on.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but each book can be read as a stand alone. Each story is so adorable.

Sophie is a complicated character. She has been through a lot and still has a sense of humor and a sweetness that while I had a bit of a hard time sometimes getting to know her but she is worth the hard work.

But oh how I adored Finn. There is just something so alpha and yet diamond in the rough for this character.

But together this couple is just too adorable for words. They are truly meant for each other and the author did a great job connecting them.

A story not to be missed!

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

October 25, 2017October 24, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas At Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin

TITLE: Christmas At Mistletoe Cove
CHARACTERS: Eden & Dougie
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/22/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea.

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

REVIEW:
What a sweet holiday story. I loved that even though Eden has loved Dougie for as long as she can remember when he comes back to the island she makes him work for it. The scene is set perfectly for a Christmas story and while it is not really a second chance at love story it is a friend to lovers story.

This will put you in the holiday mood so grab a hot tea, start a fire and wrap up in a warm blanket…. And enjoy.

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

October 24, 2017October 22, 2017

Kelly reviews Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Archangel’s Viper
SERIES #: Guild Hunter#10
CHARACTERS: Viper & Holly
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s breathtakingly passionate Guild Hunter world with the story of a woman who isn’t a vampire or an angel…or human…

Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…

No one is safe.

REVIEW:
Holly and Venom’s story is one of heartbreak and healing! I loved every minute of it. It was great to get to know Venom better and learn more about his history. It was heartbreaking to learn more about all the Holly had to survive from her attack. But these two together were great!! The banter between Holly & Venom had me cracking up. While Archangel’s Viper really focused on Holly’s journey to health. Her journey would not have gone smoothly without a certain viper by her side.

As always I let the amazingly talented Justine Eyre read this story to me. Ms. Eyre so talented with her ability to have so many voices she can lend to this series. I love being able to listen to an audiobook and just know who is talking even without the author telling me. I always look forward to listening to Ms. Eyre.

You know what the worst thing about a Nalini Singh book is? The end!! Where there are no more pages in my book for me to read!! **insert wailing sob** The end of every book breaks my heart because my current journey in this world is over, but then excitement bubbles up because I know that the next book is on the horizon! I can not wait to see who is next in the Guild Hunter Series (fingers crossed for Illium &/or Aodhan)

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media, Netgalley & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 20, 2017October 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews In Too Deep by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: In Too Deep
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #3
CHARACTERS: Luke & Quinn
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As Station Seventeen’s rookie, Luke Slater knows his fire and EMS training will be both rigorous and risky, but he never imagined having to partner up with the one woman he wants to keep at arm’s length most of all. Quinn Copeland is as wide-open as Luke is reserved. He has no interest in letting the sweet and sexy paramedic rock his hard-earned control. But the need for composure becomes the need to survive when they find themselves in the crosshairs of a brutal gang leader on their first shift together.

Paramedic Quinn Copeland’s station mates aren’t just her friends. They’re her family. She’d do anything to keep them safe—including reluctantly trusting her impossible-to-read, impossibly gorgeous new partner with the one thing she holds close. As the passion between Luke and Quinn goes from a slow burn to a sizzle, their steps grow more and more dangerous, both in the fire house and out. Can they outwit a cold-blooded killer and face the fears that could cost them everything? Or are they in too deep?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoy this series. I mean seriously who doesn’t love a hot firefighter? But Kincaid also throws in a bit of suspense.

Quinn and Luke have had a bit of a relationship but all platonic except they really do seem to like each other. And once they are on a call together more than sparks fly.

I like the story. The best part was the suspense but the romance was ok too. I never really connected with the characters but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

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

October 18, 2017October 15, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Ranchers Christmas Song by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Ranchers Christmas Song
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek
CHARACTERS: Ella & Beck
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Keep a song in your heart this holiday season…
Music teacher Ella Baker’s plate is already full. But when single dad Beckett McKinley’s wild twin boys need help preparing a Christmas song for their father, Ella agrees on one condition: they teach her to ride a horse. She’s hoping that’ll help mend her strained relationship with her rancher father; it certainly has nothing to do with the crush that’s lingered since her one and only date with Beck.
It isn’t disinterest spurring Beck to keep his distance—if anything, the spark is too strong, with Ella reminding him of his ex-wife. Soon what started as an innocent arrangement is beginning to feel a lot like family. But with the holidays approaching, Beck and Ella will have to overcome past hurts if they want to keep each other warm this Christmas…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Need a holiday story that will put you in the Christmas mood? Well this is the one for you!

RaeAnne Thayne is one of my go to authors but this might be one of her best yet. Certainly the best holiday romance I have read this year.

Ella is so real. I can imagine going through what she is going through I would act exactly the same. Beck just has his hands full and needs help. And I liked he could ask for it. But besides the romance the best part may have been the twin boys. Talk about trouble with a capital “T”. But yet adorable!

Big up this book today! You will not be disappointed.

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

October 17, 2017October 15, 2017

Kelly reviews Save A Truck, Ride A Redneck by Molly Harper

TITLE: Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic .5
CHARACTERS: Carl & Marianne McCready
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: October 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Molly Harper brings her signature “clever humor, snark, silliness, and endearing protagonists” (Booklist) to the charming small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia with the new Southern Eclectic series.
Carl and Marianne were highschool sweethearts, loving the way only teenagers can—with no thought to logic or pride, just a bone-headed, optimistic frenzy of unicorns and hormones. That was all they needed. Or so Carl thought.
Scared of being stuck in Lake Sackett, Georgia, like so many of her friends—without a real shot at a future or achieving her own dreams—Marianne panicked and bolted to college after stomping Carl’s heart into the high grass. But when she returns to Lake Sackett for the summer with her family after years away, she and Carl are drawn together like moths to a flame. As they rekindle their old romance and remember what it was like to be in love, they have to wonder: is this, finally, their real chance at happiness?
Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Amy E. Reichert, this warm hearted and witty love story introduces Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series set in the small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia. This story about second chances proves that “Molly Harper never lets the reader down with her delightfully entertaining stories. Humor, emotions, and romance are cleverly matched, and her likable characters are most appealing” (SingleTitles).

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is the pre-quel to Molly Harper’s new series and I couldn’t be more excited!! I mean a family that has a bait shop/funeral home (yes, you read that right!!!) has to be fun right?? The McCready family has been in the Bait/Funeral business (oh that sounds bad!! They don’t use the bodies as bait I promise) for generations!! I am super excited to see what is in store for this family.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is a second chance love story for Marianne & Carl. I won’t give to much away (because you need to read) but I will say that I enjoyed the journey that Marianne & Carl’s story! Carl is very sweet and forgiving (although I do hope that he gives Marianne a hard time every now and a gain 😉 ).
I am loving Marianne’s family and can’t wait to see who a story. I can’t wait for the next installment Sweet Tea & Sympathy (November 2017)!! Also can’t wait to get the audio version of this story! The amazingly talented Amanda Ronconi is lending her voice to this series also!!! Watch for audio review to come soon.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 16, 2017October 15, 2017

Kimberly reviews Closer To You by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Closer To You
CHARACTERS: Tyler & Kristen
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…

REVIEW:
Too dang adorable and yet it had so much content. The romance of Kristen and Tyler is slow and steady but has so adorable scenes. There is a bit of suspense to the book which fortunately I never figured out until I read it which to me is a sign of a good suspense.

This is the first book I have read from Jill Sanders but it will not be the worse by a long shot.

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

October 13, 2017October 11, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wicked Deeds by Heather Graham

TITLE: Wicked Deeds
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #23
CHARACTERS: Vickie & Griffin
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nevermore…

Eager to start their life together, historian Vickie Preston and Special Agent Griffin Pryce take a detour en route to their new home in Virginia and stop for a visit in Baltimore. But their romantic weekend is interrupted when a popular author is found dead in the basement of an Edgar Allan Poe-themed restaurant. Because of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the corpse, the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters paranormal team is invited to investigate. As more bizarre deaths occur, Vickie and Griffin are drawn into a case that has disturbing echoes of Poe’s great works, bringing the horrors of his fiction to life.

The restaurant is headquarters to scholars and fans, and any of them could be a merciless killer. Except there’s also something reaching out from beyond the grave. The late, great Edgar Allan Poe himself is appearing to Vickie in dreams and visions with cryptic information about the murders. Unless they can uncover whose twisted mind is orchestrating the dramatic re-creations, Vickie and Griffin’s future as a couple might never begin…

REVIEW:
I am not sure why Graham is staying with these two characters. I enjoyed them in the first book but this is #3 of their relationship/journey and Vickie and Griffin are just not that interesting to carry three books in my opinion.

I have also never been a fan of Edgar Allen Poe. Other than having to read The Raven in school (which I did not really enjoy) I have not read anything by him so the novelty of him being in the story is lost on me.

I have always enjoyed Graham’s Krewe of Hunters and would never miss one but I really hope she moves on from Vickie and Griffin because I am ready for the next couple and hope they are back to individual stories and no more mini-series inside the main series.

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

October 12, 2017October 11, 2017

Kimberly reviews Forsaken By Night by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Forsaken By Night
SERIES #: Moonbound Clan Vampires #2.5
CHARACTERS: Tehya & Lobo
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Desire collides with danger as a vampire and a shapeshifter cross paths in this searing MoonBound Clan story from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling paranormal romance author Larissa Ione.

After accidentally shifting into a wolf—and getting stuck—Tehya, herself a vampire, has spent the last twelve years as the pet of Lobo, another vampire who has the unique gift of communicating with wolves.

When Lobo found Tehya starving and nearly frozen to death, he took her in and nursed her back to health, all the while completely unaware that she was really a fellow vampire. But there was always something special about her, and he finds out exactly how special after she’s injured and returned to her true form. Desire collides with danger as he soon finds that he must protect not only Tehya but also himself…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very short story of less than 100 pages. It can be a stand alone even though that means you will not understand some of the dialogue of the story.

There is a lot that happens in a matter of these 100 pages. Tehya is vampire/werewolf mix but has been stuck as a wolf for over a decade. Lobo found the wolf almost dead and healed her. She became his world and saved him just as much as he saved her. Tehya then somehow manages to shift back and life changes for both Lobo and Tehya.

There is not much I can say that won’t give away some of the storyline since it is a such a short read. This series is a bit different than most vampire stories and well worth the read.

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

October 11, 2017October 10, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Chance This Christmas by Joanne Rock

TITLE: A Chance This Christmas
SERIES #: Road To Romance #3
CHARACTERS: Rachel & Gavin
AUTHOR: Joanne Rock
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Growing up in the Christmas-crazed theme town of Yuletide was fun for fashion designer Rachel Chambers until a family scandal made her unwelcome. Eight years later, she’s home for a friend’s wedding and trying to go incognito… until her old flame spots her.

Snowboarder Gavin Blake wants to make things right with Rachel, and smoothing her way back in Yuletide seems like the best way to do just that. Making Rachel his date for a week of pre-wedding parties is sure to bring them closer. Except he underestimated how long a small town can carry a grudge–or how much the memory of a long-ago kiss could tempt him all over again.

As the wedding approaches, Rachel remembers all she loved about her close-knit, Christmas-loving neighbors. But even if she can win over the town again, will she be able to convince her footloose, mogul-shredding wedding date that they can find happiness beyond the holidays?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute holiday second chance at love romance. Gavin and Rachel knew each other has teens but a town scandal sent the friends scurrying away. Now they are both back for a wedding and sparks fly.

I thought Gavin was a sweet character and Rachel was very real. Her reactions and her emotions seemed to be honest. The background characters were nice as well. I thought it needed a bit more on the scandal of Rachel’s father and less on the infamous kiss.

This is a short read of a bit over 100 pages so alot gets added quickly. But it certainly has a holiday feel. This isn’t just set in a time of Christmas, this town IS Christmas.

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

October 6, 2017September 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Promise
SERIES #: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #1
CHARACTERS: Caitlin & Darach
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five boys destined to become Highland lairds are fostered together as brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other, and for their own true loves.

When forced to choose between duty and honor…

Darach MacKenzie vowed never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can’t be distracted—not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help.

This Highland Laird will find a way to have both…

When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what’s rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin—even if it means losing his heart.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Oh how I loved this story! I picked up the book never having heard about this author. Maybe this is her first story or maybe I just hadn’t found her yet but she will be on my favorites list if she keeps writing like this. Not that the book is perfect. It isn’t. There are a couple of little things that brought it the hearts down to 4.75 but all in all this is a wonderful novel.

Caitlin is so naive and sheltered. She was brought up innocent and loved but when her parents died her cruel uncle took her in and she was sequestered away from the world so she is still young in what we would now call “street smarts”. She doesn’t get insinuations, she isn’t sure of people and how they will respond to her but she tries so very hard. She wants to please out of love and respect not fear but this poor thing manages to screw everything up by just thinking about it.

Darach is a hard highland Scot who doesn’t take s*** from anyone but when he sees Caitlin something in him changes and when he finally meets her Lord help him. He manages to bring his alpha Scot to a manageable attitude when Caitlin does things he can’t even imagine anyone would consider doing in their wildest dreams… like digging up his Abbey. But he is just so sweet to Caitlin. He quickly figures out that all she does comes from her heart. She is pure and sweet and doesn’t have a cruel bone in her body. And how he manages to soften for her is just so lovely.

I really loved this book. I picked it up every second I could. I fell for Lachlan and his humor. I can not wait for his story to come out. We didn’t read much of the other three “brothers” but I can only imagine that their stories will be just as wonderful.

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

October 5, 2017September 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Hot Pursuit by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Hot Pursuit
SERIES #: Black Knights Inc #11
CHARACTERS: Christian & Emily
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He puts the hot…
Christian Watson, a former SAS officer and current BKI operator, never thought he would return to England after a terrible turn of events forced him to abandon his homeland. But now he’s back on British soil where old enemies are determined to do him in. Fighting for his life is pretty much SOP for Christian. Doing it with the beautiful, bossy Emily Scott in tow is another matter entirely.

In hot pursuit.
Emily lost her coveted job at the CIA because of a colleague turned rogue, and now she has just one rule when it comes to men: they’re for recreational purposes only. But when she and Christian are thrust into very close quarters while evading two mysterious men who want Christian dead, she can’t help but question all her ideas about love and life lived on the edge. Battling the bad guys is hard enough, battling her feelings for Christian just might prove impossible.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the 11th in the series and really you need to read book 10 before reading this one as it starts right where #10 leaves off.

This story is action packed. After 10 other books it is hard to believe that Walker has more in that mind of her and yet she does. She takes us to the edge in this book and it seems like something is always happening.

The characters in this book have so much to their they really are not 1 dimensional. You can really feel the tension and the lust in this story. But be ready to enjoy the adventure because the action is really what keeps this story going.

Heads up: There is a M/M romance in this story. Some may find this is not to their liking but the story is well written.

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