Kelly reviews Best Man For Hire by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Best Man for Hire
SERIES #: Front and Center #3
CHARACTERS: Grant Patton & Anna Keebler
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s Lovestruck imprint…

So perfect he’s almost too good to be true…

Anna Keebler makes a living being unconventional. A wedding planner who specializes in more…unusual ceremonies, Anna’s client list includes everything from nudists to paintballers to Little Red Riding Hood enthusiasts. So when her photographer up and quits during a wedding blitz in Hawaii, Anna makes an unconventional decision. She hires a hot Marine to be her new photographer.

Little does she know, Grant Patton is the best man in one of her weddings. He’s so perfect he’s practically a Boy Scout—if Boy Scouts were big, ripped Marines with gorgeous gray eyes, and good at, oh, everything. Especiallysex. In fact, his only flaw seems to be that he hates marriage as much as she does. But Anna suspects the sexy Boy Scout routine is a cover, and if he wants this thing between them to be about more than sex, Grant must reveal the dark past he’s fought so hard to hide…

REVIEW:
Another great story from Ms. Fenske. So love Grant. He is so perfect and well perfect. But you can just tell when you are reading that there is a deeper reason for him trying so hard. 🙂 Anna is a lot like Kelli (I guess that is why they are such good friends) she is very blunt and outspoken and daring!!!! Oh boy is she daring. What do I mean by this? Well you need to read to find out. But I will let you know that there is a centipede, a paddleboard and things wildlife should never see.
If you are a fan of Ms. Fenske and her prior two Front and Center stories you will love Best Man for Hire. If you are new to this series, no worries you only have two stories to catch up. And it is very worth it.
I so can’t wait for the next story in this series and you will learn who it will be after you read this book.

Disclaimer:
I purchased the if book from Amazon and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

January 8, 2015December 28, 2014

Kimberly reviews A Little On The Wild Side by Robyn Kaye

TITLE: A Little On The Wild Side
SERIES #: Wild Thing #3
CHARACTERS: Bianca & Trapper
AUTHOR: Robyn Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/06/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman who gets what she wants…
Bianca Ferrari—ex-supermodel turned successful business woman—seems to have it all: beauty, brains and a career she loves. And she did it all by herself . . . through sheer force of will and ruthless determination. So when her life is suddenly turned upside down, it’s hard for her to admit that going it alone may not be an option…

A man who knows what she needs…
Sexy, rugged and down-to-earth, Trapper Kincaid has a knack for attracting all kinds of women—mostly the wrong kind. When he finds out that the exhaustingly independent and drop-dead gorgeous Bianca is in serious need of help, he knows he’s the man for the job. But Bianca isn’t going to make it easy…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is the third in the series and while I only read the 2nd in the series I have to say that I loved Call Me Wild so I had a high expectation for this story and it met it. I really didn’t expect to love this as much as I loved the other one but I hoped it would be close and it was. Trapper is a great character. He is so loving and has a great sense of humor. He is written so well that it is hard not to enjoy him. But did I fall for him? Not really. I just would want him to fall for one of my friends. Bianca is a little bit of a pain in the butt but still someone fun to read about. Would I want her to be my best friend? Actually no but again I would enjoy spending some time with her.

Now that probably sounds like I didn’t enjoy the characters but I really did. They mesh well. They are meant to be together that is for sure. I wish there had been a bit more of Gramps. Gramps is a hoot of a character but we really didn’t get enough of him in this story.

I read this book during the holidays (it is not a holiday romance) and I wish I had more time to read it in one sitting. It has a really nicely written flow and unfortunately I kept having to break that flow when life intruded (dang it!) but even so I enjoyed it very much. And I can’t wait for Karma’s story.

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

January 7, 2015December 28, 2014

Natasha reviews How To Plan A Wedding For A Royal Spy by Vanessa Kelly

TITLE: How to Plan a Wedding For a Royal Spy
SERIES #: Renegade Royals #3
CHARACTERS: Captain William Endicott & Evie Whitney
AUTHOR: Vanessa Kelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/6/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Whether as spies or lovers, the Renegade Royals—illegitimate sons of England’s Royal Princes—are bold, skillful, and a force to be reckoned with…

A war hero returned from Waterloo should be able to indulge in a bit of bad behavior. Instead, Captain William Endicott is summoned by his father, the Duke of York, to investigate an assassination plot. The unlikely suspect: William’s former sweetheart. Will can’t believe that innocent Evie Whitney could be mixed up in anything so nefarious. Then again, almost everything about Evie has changed—except for his body’s instinctive response to hers…

Just as Evie’s life is finally coming together, Will saunters back into it. Should she slap him—or seduce him? Even as she tries to decide, scandal pushes her toward marriage with a man she can neither trust nor resist—and into the heart of a deadly conspiracy…

REVIEW: I hate picking up books in the middle of the series, especially if I don’t know they’re a part of a series. This is book 3 in a series and I didn’t realize that until I was well into the book .That said, it didn’t matter. This author gives enough background and reference information that you do not feel like you’ve missed anything and are able to read this book as a stand alone. This is very important to me when inadvertently starting in the middle of a series. If nothing else, this book made me want to go back and read the first two books in this series so I could experience everything that came before; however if you don’t have the time it’s not necessary. This was a nice historical romance that was equal parts entertaining and intriguing. This is a great idea for a series, with great side characters that I cannot wait to see get their own books cough Alec cough. Anywho, I highly recommend this series, it’s truly a great read.

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.

January 5, 2015December 30, 2014

Kelly reviews The Trouble With Texas Cowboys by Carolyn Brown

TITLE: The Trouble with Texas Cowboys
SERIES #: Burnt Boot #2
CHARACTERS: Sawyer O’Donnell & Jill Clearly
AUTHOR: Carolyn Brown
PUBLICATION DATE: January 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Sawyer O’Donnell takes a ranch job on a whim, he lands smack dab in the middle of a Texas-sized feud! The Gallaghers and the Brennans are at each other’s throats to woo the red-headed spitfire, Jill Cleary, and stake a claim for the Fiddle Creek Ranch.

Jill makes Sawyer’s blood boil. They argue, they banter, but Sawyer soon goes from being driven crazy to crazy in love. Damned if he knows how that happened. But now that it has, how does he compete with two men that can give this cowgirl a lifestyle beyond her wildest dreams

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Let the great pig wars begin…..

Sawyer O’Donnell is just trying to make a living doing what he loves more then anything. Ranching. But finding himself at the wrong end of a shotgun could end his dream before it begins. Only problem is that the feisty red-headed angel on the business side of the shotgun make him want more.

Jill Cleary doesn’t share well. But then he finds a man living in her bunkhouse she freaks a little. That is until the knocking and offer of dates start coming to there door. Then she realizes that This man maybe the only thing that can save her.

Loved this book!!! Love Sawyer and Jill. Loved Miss Piggy and Miss Chickadee. So glad that I picked up this book and gave Burnt Boot Texas a wehrl. If you love a good cowboy love story filled with mischief, mayhem, roses and daisies you really need to add this to your list of must reads. Can’t wait to see what happens next in this series.

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

December 31, 2014December 7, 2014

Kimberly reviews Make Me Lose Control by Christie Ridgway

TITLE: Make Me Lose Control
SERIES #: Cabin Fever #2
CHARACTERS: Shay & Jace
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/30/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway returns to Blue Arrow Lake with the dazzling story of opposites attracting in the rustic mountains of California.

As live-in tutor to a headstrong teen, Shay Walker has her hands full—and the girl’s absentee father doesn’t help matters, either. All Shay wants is to let loose and indulge in a birthday fling with the hottest stranger who’s ever caught her eye. But her one-night stand turns out to be Jace Jennings, her student’s long-distance dad…and now he’s taking up residence—at his lakeside estate and in Shay’s most secret fantasies.

Jace isn’t exactly a family man, but he’s determined to do his best by his daughter—and the first step is forgetting how hot he is for her teacher. But close proximity and their heated connection keeps Shay at the forefront of his mind—even as it’s obvious she holds her heart in check. So does Jace. Until they both realize that losing control just might mean finding forever.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts So many romances have the broken hero/heroine who has dealt with so much in their past and they are working at moving beyond. Well this has the heroine doing the same but the difference is most of this is in her own mind. Shay sees herself as an outsider in her own family because her mom had an affair and she does not share the same father as the others but the family doesn’t see her this way at all but Shay can’t get past it. She also blames herself for her dad’s death but again no one else does. These are both in her own mind and heart. So how does she get past something that no one else can understand?

Jace had a bad childhood himself. Mostly his dad never taught him how to love. So when he spends 10 years away from his daughter and then needs to come back into her life he doesn’t know how. And really doesn’t know how to understand Shay and his feeling for her. And then there is London who is dealing with her own issues as a 15 year old girl and her first crush.

I enjoyed this story very much. I liked the way the characters were written. I enjoyed the family in the background. Seeing Ryan and Poppy from the first book in the series was great too. I really enjoyed the epilogue. You do not need to have read the first in the series but you will know you missed their story but it will not take away from this one. I have read all of Ridgway’s books and this one ranks really high for me. You will enjoy it if you give it a try.

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

December 30, 2014December 7, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Blood Assassin by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Blood Assassin
SERIES #: The Sentinels
CHARACTERS: Fane & Serra
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 30, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They are the outcasts of humanity. Blessed with power. Cursed by fate. Driven by passion. The Sentinels have returned. . .

Out Of The Shadows

At six-foot-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds, Fane is a natural born guardian. A flawless mix of muscled perfection and steely precision, he has devoted years of his life to protecting a beautiful necromancer. But after she found love in the arms of another, Fane has been a warrior adrift. He swears allegiance only to the Sentinels. And no woman will ever rule his heart again. . .

Into The Fire

Not only a powerful psychic, Serra is that rare telepath who can connect to minds through objects. When the daughter of a high-blood businessman is kidnapped, Serra agrees to help. But when she stumbles onto a conspiracy involving secrets sects and ancient relics, her life is in mortal danger–and Fane is her only hope. Is the warrior willing to risk his body, his soul, and his heart, for Serra? Or will one last betrayal destroy them both?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another good book in Ms. Ivy’s ‘The Sentinels’ series. Really like Fane & Serra relationship and I enjoyed the story for the most part. But it was a bite of a cat and mouse game for most of the book. It seems that Fane & Serra were never going to solve the mystery of who kidnapped Molly.

Not sure I like Bas at all, but was willing to do anything to keep Molly safe. So I guess you could like that about him. As the story went on I found myself liking him just a little bit more and in the epilogue I almost cried. Poor Bas.

Lana (The Mave) and Wolfe were a nice little side story. Really like Lana & Wolfe, I hope these two become an item.

Overall this book was a tad bit different then book one but it was still good. Blood Assassin added a new element to the Sentinel world. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ok so here is the thing. I enjoyed this story for the most part but some things about it just didn’t add up. First the good. I enjoyed the connection between Fane and Serra. Even from the last book we knew they were attracted to each other and Fane was holding off so it was great to see them come together. Bas… well Bas is an interesting character who at first seemed like a jerk and then we realize he is just a dad wanting his baby back (that is in the synopsis so it is not a spoiler) so you give him some slack because come on what dad wouldn’t go to any lengths they had available to get his baby back? And the Mave and Wolfe. Well lets just say they need their own story or at least a novella.

But now the other side of things. First Fane does a 180 so quickly that it makes his “no Serra rule” just seem crazy. I mean he is alone with her for 2 seconds and all of a sudden he realizes he can’t live without her? And here is Serra’s dream coming true after everything and she just says “ok sure no problem”? I mean wouldn’t she question his turn? Ok maybe she does for a moment but not too long. Then the baby kidnapping story goes on wayyyyyy too long. I mean sheesh we didn’t need a walk through of every house that Serra needed to look for Molly at. Then I can’t even tell you how many times this Sentinel and psychic screw up. How many times they let someone get the jump on them or the “psychic” doesn’t see what is going on. I mean sheesh it is like they left Valhalla and lost their strengths. And finally the cover is just terrible. Yeah I know that had nothing to do with the storyline but it has to be said. Who designed that cover? Neither one of the characters look good.

Ok so yes there is a bunch just not right with this story but all in all it is a good story. It leads us to the next book which is Bas’ story and that sounds like it might be interesting. Am I jumping up and down over this story? No but I am looking forward to continuing the series.

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

December 17, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly & Natasha review Masters Of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

TITLE: Masters of Pleasure
SERIES #: School of Gallantry #5
CHARACTERS: Malcolm Thayer & Leona Webster
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: November 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The greatest divide between a man and a woman is not the one society sets before them but the one they set before themselves…

After Miss Leona Olivia Webster had allowed herself to fall in love with a dashing childhood friend who had left her scorned and pregnant, she is done chasing her happily-ever-after. Shunned by society, she dedicates herself to raising her young son and putting money in their pockets. She doesn’t expect to be drawn to her latest master, a brooding man of hulking presence who carves random messages into walls with his Persian blade as a means of starting a flirtation.

Malcolm Gregory Thayer, the earl of Brayton, may have dedicated himself to a life of religious virtue after leaving the monastery due to dark tendencies, but after meeting Leona, he begins to yearn for the life that had never been his. When he meets a retired French courtesan who invites him to embrace what he has long feared, he seizes the opportunity to become the man he always wanted to be. His new mission is clear. He intends to finally serve the one thing he never had: his heart.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts Both Malcolm & Leona are in very different places in their life. Leona finds herself fighting for the life she has built for herself and her son. But when the debt collector comes calling Leona finds herself in much more of a pickle with the a group of men. Thankfully her knight in shiny armor happens to be walking down the street. Malcolm is only in town for a short time. But stepping in to help the lovely Leona is about to turn his world upside down.

I have to tell you this is my first School of Gallantry novel by Ms. Marvelle. I have read all of Ms. Marvelle’s other books. I do have the first 4 books in the School of Gallantry series and after reading Master of Pleasure I am looking forward reading them. If you are a Delilah Marvelle fan you will love this book. If you are new, never fear you can read this book as a stand alone easily.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Full disclosure – I absolutely love everything Delilah writes and think she is amazingly great at historical romance. This is the fifth story in her incredibly addictive, funny, seductive School of Gallantry series. In this installment we get the story of the delectably scarred and mysterious Lord Brayton and how his life is forever changed when he comes to the rescue of Miss Leona Webster and her son Jacob.

Leona is a single mother who has struggled through heartbreak and misery, all while trying to make a better life for her and her son. I immediately loved Leona when we first met her, and I was literally giddy during her and Brayton’s first exchanges. I was so intrigued and excited by them and their possible future. I loved how open and honest these two were with each other from the start. I was rooting from them from the beginning – even when Brayton was being so incredibly stubborn.

Since we’ve seen many of the classroom scenes from the School of Gallantry during this series, we don’t see a lot of them recreated in this story. We do however get much more of Prince Nasser from Persia – who I adore! I was so excited to see more about him and how he and Brayton became associated. I wouldn’t complain if he got his own novella – just saying! Anywho, this story really focuses on Brayton and Leona together more than we see them interacting with others in this world which I really appreciated. It gave them the time they needed to truly get to know each other and was so refreshing to see. All in all I loved this story so much and will always anxiously await anything Delilah chooses to write! If you haven’t read her work, please go out NOW and start reading some truly great historical romance from a gifted author.

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

December 16, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews The Last Cowboy In Texas by Katie Lane

TITLE: The Last Cowboy in Texas
SERIES #: Deep in the Heart of Texas #7
CHARACTERS: Beckett Cates & Starlet Brubaker
AUTHOR: Katie Lane
PUBLICATION DATE: December 16, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No Sad Songs Here, Darlin’

Country music princess Starlet Brubaker has a sweet tooth for moon pies and cowboys: both are yummy-and you can never have just one. Now Beckett Cates may not be a cowboy, but he certainly has the heart, soul-and body-to whet her appetite. He’s a sexy ex-Marine with a touch hotter than the scorching Texas sun and arms strong enough to catch her when she lands into trouble.

Playing bodyguard to America’s sweetheart isn’t easy for Beckett. But falling for her sure is. Unfortunately, Starlet has a reputation for keeping a guy or two wrapped around her finger and Beckett refuses to be anybody’s backup. So now it’s up to Starlet to prove that she’s put her cowboy-crazy days behind her. Otherwise, she’ll be singing solo instead of living in harmony with the man who’s loved her even before her fame and fortune.

REVIEW:
I liked this story but was not totally in love with the whole story. I thought Beckett and Starlet were fun, witty and perfect for each other. And while everything made since by the end of the book I felt some parts of the story were a little slow for me. Over all I did enjoy this book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 12, 2014November 29, 2014

Kimberly reviews Want It by Jennifer Chance

TITLE: Want It
SERIES #: Rule Breakers #3
CHARACTERS: Erin & Zander
AUTHOR: Jennifer Chance
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/09/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest tantalizing Rule Breakers novel from Jennifer Chance, an irresistible alpha male follows his ex into a deadly standoff—and reignites a heated affair.

For Erin Connelly, being a good girl isn’t such a bad thing. She’s working her dream job at a Boston art gallery and staying out of trouble, which is more than she can say for her deadbeat mom. Unfortunately, her mother’s latest misadventure lands her in the clutches of a Mexican drug lord. Now the only person who can save her is the one man Erin has no business asking for help: the sexy-as-sin army ranger who just so happens to be her former high school sweetheart.

Zander James is no gentleman—and no officer, either, thanks to Erin. Four years ago, she made a call that terminated his highest aspirations . . . and their relationship. He’s never forgiven her, but when he learns that Erin’s embarking on a half-baked rescue mission, he sure as hell can’t let her go alone. Now, with a treacherous enemy lying in wait, the electrifying tension between them may just be Zander’s undoing. Because while he may be able to keep Erin alive, he can’t promise to keep his hands off her.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the third in the Rule Breakers series and for the most part it is an enjoyable read and I wanted to read every word to find out what would happen. I even thought I figured a part out and it ended up not being true (might have been better if it was). But do I consider Zander a Rule Breaker? Not really. Maybe when he was young but not know. Which actually brings up something. The characters seem older than the 22 year olds they are supposed to be. There doesn’t seem to be any youth in them anymore.

They are both so mad at each other for what happened four years ago that they can’t see straight and yet so attracted to each other that they can’t think of anything else. But neither understands why they other did what they did four years ago. In all honestly I might be able to understand Zander being upset but holding a grudge for something that Erin really should have done? It doesn’t seem right. Her side I understand completely.

Like I said it was an interesting read and the story is a bit suspenseful but there are problems with the dialog. I can’t even count the number of times Erin drifts off from the conversation and then says “What?”. It seemed the author found enjoyable (to her) lines and then used them a handful a times then started with a new line. The love scenes were repetitive. There were a few other things but all in all it was a good read and I will read the next in the series which I am thinking is Dani and R-Four’s story (?).

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

December 10, 2014December 8, 2014

Kelly’s interesting interview with Zane from Marked by Rebecca Zanetti’s + a giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Zane from Rebecca Zanetti Marked on the blog today. MARKED is the last book in Ms. Zanetti Dark Protector’s series. While I am so very sad to see this series come to an end, but I am excited to finally learn more about Zane. There have been so many questions about what and who Zane is. And how he will help or hinder the Janie Kayrs. So let’s see if we can get some information from Zane so we can figure out what he is. But before we do that let’s take a quick look at MARKED.

Marked

Dark Protectors #7

Amazon| B&N

Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life…

Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he’s worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice.

*****

Now on to the interview.

Kelly: Hi Zane, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses

Zane: Ah, Hi, Kelly. I’m new to the interview scene, so go easy on me, will you? J

Kelly: Thank you for taking time away from your busy……. schedule to sit down with me to take to talk about…. well you.

Zane: Sure. Not much is going on right now besides war, world catastrophe, and my unsettled love life.

Kelly: Okay I have to ask because everyone wants to know. What are you?

Zane: Just a regular guy, I think. I mean, I’m a soldier and part vampire, but really, I’m just a normal soldier with maybe a couple of secrets thrown in. I like beer, football, inventing new weapons. You know. Normal guy stuff.

Kelly: Okay *thinks to self: so that didn’t work* How about a game of 20 questions?

Zane: I do love a good game. Usually when I win, I take over a continent, though.

Kelly: Sounds good.

Zane: All right – shoot them my way.

Kelly: Questions #1: What is your favorite color?

Zane: Blue – the exact color of Janie’s eyes.

Kelly: Questions #2: Do you have any magical powers?

Zane: Yes.

Kelly: Questions #3: Who is your favorite person in the whole world?

Zane: Janie Belle Kayrs would have to be number one. But I also like my brothers, usually. Their names are Sam and Logan.

Kelly: Questions #4: What are you?

Zane: Just a regular guy.

Kelly: Questions #5: Who is your least favorite person in the world?

Zane: I’d have to say Kalin, who’s a Kurjan, is probably my least favorite person. It’s hard to completely hate him, though. We’ve known each other since we were kids, and even when you don’t like somebody, there’s a type of bond you get with people you’ve known forever, you know? I hope I don’t have to kill him, but to save Janie, I may have to. I’m prepared.

Kelly: Questions #6: How tall are you?

Zane: Last time I checked, I was about 6’6.

Kelly: Questions #7: Do you drink blood?

Zane: I’m part vampire, so I do drink blood during battle or maybe during sex. We don’t need blood to survive and can make our own. I plan on biting Janie, just so you know.

Kelly: Questions #8: Do you dream walk with anyone except Janie?

Zane: No. Well, Kalin shows up sometimes, but Janie’s the draw for us both. Kalin and I have never met in the dream world without Janie.

Kelly: Questions #9: What are you?

Zane: A realist. I enjoy the romances throughout the Realm, but really? I don’t see myself having a happy ending. Of course, I hope I’m wrong about that.

Kelly: Questions #10: Tell me your favorite thing about Janie?

Zane: She’s smart as hell and a complete smartass. The smartass part is just a cover-up to keep everyone around her calm. She really has a huge heart, and she’s incredibly fragile but has no clue how true that is. Fate and destiny weigh heavily on her, and I have a feeling she’s about to meet both. She’ll win, though. She has to.

Kelly: Questions #11: Football or Basketball?

Zane: Football. I have two brothers, and we like to hit things.

Kelly: Questions #12: What do you do for a living?

Zane: I’m a soldier and a pretty damn good assassin. That weighs on me, to be honest.

Kelly: Questions #13: How much can you deadlift?

Zane: Two vampires and a Kurjan.

Kelly: Questions #14: What are you?

Zane: A guy about to make a move to get the woman I’ve loved for years. That makes me more dangerous than I’ve ever been, but I’m okay with that now.

Kelly: Questions #15: If you could go anywhere in the world for one night where would you go?

Zane: Well, okay. Don’t tell anybody, but I do have a retreat in the wilds of Alaska where I just get away from everybody and everything once in a while. I love that place.

Kelly: Questions #16: Whom would you take with you on the one night?

Zane: Janie Belle Kayrs, but she’d probably be mad if I kidnapped her. Not that I kidnap her or anything. Really. Trust me. J

Kelly: Questions #17: Whom do you work for?

Zane: If I told you who I worked for, I’d have to make sure you couldn’t tell anybody else, and I don’t know of any nice way to do that. So let’s just say I do have a job, and it’s bloody.

Kelly: Questions #18: Naughty or Nice?

Zane: Naughty. Life is too short for Nice.

Kelly: Questions #19: What are you?

Zane: Who are any of us? I guess it’d depend who you asked as to who I am. I’ve got friends, I’ve got enemies, and I’ve got Janie Belle Kayrs. Whether she considers herself friend or enemy, I don’t know yet. But I do know that she’s mine, so we’ll have to figure it all out, won’t we?

Kelly: Questions #20: Okay fine. Final question Boxers or Briefs?

Zane: Who has time for either?

Kelly: Okay seriously Zane, Off the record. What are you?

Zane: Okay, seriously. Off the record. Read MARKED. At the end of Chapter 1, both you and Janie will know exactly what I am. Let’s hope you’re not as pissed as Janie is. I do have a plan, you know.

For my first interview, this is been a lot of fun. To celebrate, I’d love to give away a print copy of FATED, the first book in the Dark Protector series, to a commenter here. Kelly will randomly draw a name. Just so you know, the book is about Talen Kayrs, who’s Janie’s father. The first time I met him, it, ah, didn’t go so well.

Here’s the blurb:

The damn earth ground to a stop. A weapon hit the pavement a yard away. Dage Kayrs’s eyes widened, and Moira Kayrs gasped.

Zane sighed and focused just as a locomotive the size of Talen Kayrs tackled him midsection, throwing him ten yards and landing hard on his chest. Zane’s head crashed onto the asphalt. Stars exploded behind his eyeballs, and unbearable pain cut into his brain. He tried to concentrate, to say something, when a fist plowed into his face.

Unconsciousness was a fucking blessing.

*****

To Enter: Please leave a question or comment for Ms. Zanetti.
Winner will be picked on Dec 15th.

December 9, 2014December 2, 2014

Kelly reviews Razed by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Razed
SERIES #: Barnes Brother’s #2
CHARACTERS: Zane Barnes & Keelie Jessup
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her

REVIEW:
After reading Wrecked I could not wait for the next book in this series. I didn’t like Keelie much in book 1 mostly because she caused a lot of trouble. But in Razed I learned to like her. Keelie has a lot of secrets and demons in her past that affect her future. It was great to see her work through them throughout the book. Zane, is a great guy who has been pining for Keelie for years. He is finally at a point it is all or nothing.
I did like Razed. But I didn’t like it as much as I loved Wrecked. I am not 100% sure what it was. I just didn’t connect with Keelie and Zane in the same way I did with Zach and Abby. But even with that I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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.

December 5, 2014December 4, 2014

Spotlight feature of Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Touch

*****

The Darkest Touch

Lord of the Underworld #11

Amazon| B&N

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.

She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.

*****

An excerpt from The Darkest Touch:

She appeared in front of him, displaying more tanned skin than she concealed, her hair falling around her face in lush, golden waves. Her eyes glittered with remnants of her anger. Her lips were slightly swollen and pinker than usual.

“Temper much?” she quipped.

His relief was palpable. She hadn’t forgotten him! But the relief was quickly replaced by concern. “Are you all right? Did someone hit you?”

She blinked with confusion. “No. Why?” “Your lips are swollen.”

She rubbed them, color heating her cheeks. “Someone didn’t hit me, but someone sure did hit on me.”

Hit on her. As in kissed her.

Already on edge, Torin. Utterly. Erupted.

He forgot everything he’d planned to do and say and got in Keeley’s face, snarling, “Who was it?”

Her eyes widened. “Hades. Why?”

“You dare ask why? You belong to me! We agreed. You do not kiss other men, Keeley. Ever. Have you for- gotten my rules?”

Her jaw dropped, and she gasped out a few unintelligible words as if she couldn’t quite figure out what to say to him.

He stood in place, breathing too quickly, too heavily, his throat and lungs burning. He reached for her, but as so many times before, fisted his hands and dropped them just before contact. This is crazy. I’m crazy. I have to leave.

“Are you…thinking about touching me?” she asked, her eyes widening again.

No, she had to leave. He could not be in public right now. “Go shopping. Buy yourself something pretty. My treat.” He basically tossed his credit card at her. He should be calm by the time she finished. “Come back in an hour. Maybe two. Actually, we’ll reconvene tomorrow.”

“You are,” she said. “You’re thinking… Even craving me. You don’t like the thought of another man’s hands on me, and you want to replace the memory with your hands.”

That. Yes. Hades would die, and Torin…Torin would touch this woman and never stop.

He gnashed his molars. “Last chance, Keeley. I suggest you take it and leave.” Soon. His control was almost completely shredded.

“No way. You’re the big bad warrior, yet I’ve had to come on to you time and time again. I’ve had to battle within myself—worth the price or not worth it. Well, it’s your turn.”

“There is no damn way you just suggested I haven’t done the same. I’ve battled.”

“When have you ever caved without prompting from me? You’ve resisted me so easily, always walking away. Sure, you’ve snarled while you’ve done the walking but still you left me behind. So, tell me. When did you ever—”

“So easily?” he roared. Had she just said so easily? She had no clue about the intensity of his need—but he would teach her better.

Torin cupped her by the nape, yanked her close and smashed his mouth against hers. The kiss was a brutal assault meant to silence her, to dominate and possess. He held her still, making her take it, take everything. But the moment she softened against him, welcomed him inside her mouth, the darkness churning inside him switched gears. From the need to punish and master to the need to seduce and please.

This was Keeley. His princess. She deserved his best. He gentled the pressure, rolling his tongue inside her mouth, learning her all over again, tasting her. Summer berries and melted honey. So sweet. And mine. All mine. He framed her cheeks, angled her head and rolled his tongue just a little deeper. This time, she met him with

a roll of her own.

That was his undoing.

*****

Check out Kelly’s review of The Darkest Touch HERE

*****

Make sure to check out Gena’s live virtual signing on 12/9 through Shindig and Katy Budget Books (let your followers and fans know that Gena is offering Signed print copies and a virtual chat!)

Details here: http://www.shindig.com/event/thedarkesttouch

And to order copies go here: http://www.katybooks.com/event/gena-showalter-virtual-signing-event

A little about Gena:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose books have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines, as well as Entertainment Weekly. Her novel Red Handed has been optioned by Sony Television. Critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories,” while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise.” Her mix of humor, danger and wickedly hot sex provides wildly sensual page-turners sure to enthrall.

Learn more about Gena and her books here: Website | Twitter @genashowalter | Facebook | Goodreads