Suspense – Page 32 – Books-n-Kisses

September 11, 2015September 7, 2015

Kimberly reviews A Debt To Be Paid by Patrick Lacey

TITLE: A Debt To Be Paid
CHARACTERS: Meg & Brian
AUTHOR: Patrick Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nowhere to run!

Gillian Foster is desperate. She received a very strange letter in the mail not long ago. Since then, she’s been seeing shadowy figures everywhere. Coming for her. Frantic to find a safe place, she leaves home with her daughter Meg, only to find there is no way to outrun her pursuers.

Twenty years later, Gillian has been admitted to Hawthorne Psychiatric Facility. Meg receives a similar letter and is hunted by an unseen force. Is Meg also mentally ill, or are these creatures real? And if so, was her mother right all those years ago? Is there no place to hide?

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
This is a short novella and a quick read. If you enjoy a good thriller then this is a good book to pick up. I have never read this author before so I wasn’t sure if this would be good but I was pleasantly surprised. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

This book has a creepy feel to it that really makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

This book needs to be made into a made-for-tv movie. It would be a ratings blockbuster!

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

September 8, 2015September 6, 2015

Natasha & Kimberly review She’s Not There by PJ Parrish

TITLE: She’s Not There
CHARACTERS: Amelia, Alex and Buchanan
AUTHOR: P.J. Parrish
PUBLICATION DATE: September 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They say it’s better to battle the devil you know. But what if you don’t recognize him before it’s too late?
She knows her name is Amelia, but after waking up in a hospital battered and bruised with just the clothes on her back, it’s all she knows. Unable to piece together her shattered memory, she’s haunted by a vision: menacing faces and voices implying her nightmare is far from over.

Relying only on her wits and her will to live, Amelia becomes a fugitive from a mysterious man, and a life she can’t even remember. But the past she’s fleeing has no intention of letting her go.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts I really loved this book – I mean, who doesn’t love a good amnesia suspense thriller? Amelia had me hooked in her story from the first few pages. She wakes up in a hospital and has no idea who she is. We spend the book moving forward with Amelia in her quest to find herself in her past and figure out what that means for her future. All of the characters in the story are given adequate page time that really makes you care about them and get their true story. Not only was I interested in Amelia’s story, but also that of her troubled husband Alex and skip tracer, Buchanan. This story was stressful, fast paced and a real page-turner. Though I was getting multiple points of view, I still couldn’t accurately guess what had happened to Amelia and why. All-in-all this was a great suspense thriller and fun read. I’ll definitely read more from this author.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts What an interesting way to write a story. I really enjoyed the different perspectives of Amelia, her husband and the PI. Amelia’s was best if you ask me but I found them all interesting. I enjoyed the way Amelia follows her instincts so completely. It is almost like she trust her 6th sense more than any other and I found that really cool.

I really found myself liking Amelia. I was really impressed with some of her escapes.

I won’t say that the story doesn’t have a often used plot line. I mean “woman with amnesia” is pretty darn common but the story really is enjoyable so I highly recommend it if you enjoy the genre.

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

August 31, 2015August 23, 2015

Kimberly reviews Tear Drop by Joanne Clancy

TITLE: Tear Drop
SERIES #: Detective Elizabeth Ireland #1
CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Ireland
AUTHOR: Joanne Clancy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The crimes of the past echo in the present…

THE SERIAL KILLER
Ross Campbell vanished almost a decade ago, and since then nothing has been heard from the serial killer known as Teardrop…until now.
An Irish newspaper receives a chilling letter claiming to be from Campbell, which promises a new reign of terror.
As death stalks the dark streets of Cork City, it soon becomes clear to the police and the media that a serial killer is on the loose.
THE DETECTIVE
Elizabeth Ireland, a former detective with The Metropolitan Police, was the lead investigator on the original case when Campbell vanished.
THE SECRET
However, only she believes that Campbell didn’t send the letter. She embarks upon a frightening psychological journey to uncover the killer’s identity, where she’s pulled into a lethal game in which the killer sets the rules and waits for her next move.
With the crimes of the past echoing in the present, can she find the killer before he strikes again?

REVIEW:
This is the first in the series and WOW what a way to start. I enjoy a thriller where I can not figure out the killer and this was just like that. It held my attention until the very last page.

I enjoyed meeting Elizabeth but I also enjoyed that we were not bogged down in the beginning of the book with so many details that the mystery was a background story like some authors do in the first book of a series.

I have not read Clancy before but this was such an enjoyable read that I plan on some day going back and reading more from her. Any fan of thrillers will enjoy this story. And look forward to the next one too.

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

August 20, 2015August 16, 2015

Kimberly reviews Solitude Creek by Jeffery Deaver

TITLE: Solitude Creek
SERIES #: Kathryn Dance #4
CHARACTERS: Kathryn Dance
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jeffery Deaver, “the master of manipulation” (Associated Press) and “the most creative, skilled and intriguing thriller writer in the world.” (Daily Telegraph, UK) returns with the new, long-awaited, Kathryn Dance thriller.

A tragedy occurs at a small concert venue on the Monterey Peninsula. Cries of “fire” are raised and, panicked, people run for the doors, only to find them blocked. A half dozen people die and others are seriously injured. But it’s the panic and the stampede that killed; there was no fire.

Kathryn Dance–a brilliant California Bureau of Investigation agent and body language expert–discovers that the stampede was caused intentionally and that the perpetrator, a man obsessed with turning people’s own fears and greed into weapons, has more attacks planned. She and her team must race against the clock to find where he will strike next before more innocents die.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the fourth in the Kathryn Dance series. Kathryn is a CBI agent with special talents. Well that is what it is supposed to be but to be truthful I really don’t see that she figures out anything that any Joe Shmoe would figure out.

There is a lot going on in this story. I almost feel like it should have been two different novels but it is wrapped into one so it is what it is. Deaver is an interesting storyteller but one that you either like or don’t like to be truthful.

There is a lot of action going on so it does keep your attention even if you don’t enjoy the characters. And I have to say while I figured out a lot of the book I didn’t figure out the who-dun-it.

I would say give it a try I doubt it would something you regret if you enjoy the genre.

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

July 29, 2015July 28, 2015

Natasha reviews Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica

TITLE: Pretty Baby
SERIES #: N/A
CHARACTERS: Heidi, Chris & Willow
AUTHOR: Mary Kubica
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A chance encounter sparks an unrelenting web of lies in this stunning new psychological thriller from national bestselling author Mary Kubica
She sees the teenage girl on the train platform, standing in the pouring rain, clutching an infant in her arms. She boards a train and is whisked away. But she can’t get the girl out of her head…
Heidi Wood has always been a charitable woman: she works for a nonprofit, takes in stray cats. Still, her husband and daughter are horrified when Heidi returns home one day with a young woman named Willow and her four-month-old baby in tow. Disheveled and apparently homeless, this girl could be a criminal—or worse. But despite her family’s objections, Heidi invites Willow and the baby to take refuge in their home.
Heidi spends the next few days helping Willow get back on her feet, but as clues into Willow’s past begin to surface, Heidi is forced to decide how far she’s willing to go to help a stranger. What starts as an act of kindness quickly spirals into a story far more twisted than anyone could have anticipated.

REVIEW: I loved Kubica’s first book, The Good Girl, so I was very excited when I saw her new release! This is definitely a dark story and not for the faint of heart. All of the characters are extremely flawed and their stories are told in pieces – from multiple points of view – throughout the entire book. Unfortunately for me, I felt the story was pretty slow moving. I kept reading because I knew Kubica would throw some type of crazy twist into the story that would throw off the reader. However, I ended up predicting what twists the story would take. Though the read was enjoyable, and Kubica is great at story telling, the story just wasn’t my favorite. That said, I still really like this author and her work so I will keep my eyes open for more stories from her.

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

July 27, 2015July 26, 2015

Kimberly reviews No One Needs To Know by Kevin O’Brien

TITLE: No One Needs To Know
CHARACTERS: Laurie
AUTHOR: Kevin O’Brien
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/28/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A SECRET WORTH KILLING FOR…
In July 1970, actress Elaina Styles was slain in her rented Seattle mansion along with her husband and their son’s nanny. When the baby’s remains were found buried in a shallow grave close to a hippie commune, police moved in—only to find all its members already dead in a grisly mass suicide.

AGAIN…
Now, decades later, a film about the murders is shooting at the mansion. On-set caterer Laurie Trotter ignores gossip that the production is cursed. But then people start dying…

AND AGAIN…
As Laurie digs deep into what happened all those years ago, the truth emerges more twisted than any whispered rumor, as a legacy of brutal vengeance reaches its terrifying climax…

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3.5 Hearts

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I really enjoyed this book. It was not a sit on the edge of your seat thriller but the story is engrossing and interesting. I have not read any of this previous books so I can not compare but I thought this was pretty good.

The story is about a Charles Manson type murder movie but soon the crew starts being murdered and Laurie is there to solve the crimes. I have always been interested in the Manson murders so I thought I would enjoy this but there wasn’t a lot of that to be honest.

If you enjoy a little suspense then give the book a try. Do not expect to be blown away but I think you will like the book anyway.

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

July 23, 2015July 19, 2015

Natasha reviews The Wrong Man by Kate White

TITLE: The Wrong Man
CHARACTERS: Kit & Matt
AUTHOR: Kate White
PUBLICATION DATE: June 16, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wanted to be more daring, but one small risk is about to cost her everything—maybe even her life.
Bold and adventurous in her work as owner of one of Manhattan’s boutique interior design firms, Kit Finn couldn’t be tamer in her personal life. While on vacation in the Florida Keys, Kit resolves to do something risky for once. When she literally bumps into a charming stranger at her hotel, she decides to make good on her promise and act on her attraction. But back in New York, when Kit arrives at his luxury apartment ready to pick up where they left off in the Keys, she doesn’t recognize the man standing on the other side of the door. Was this a cruel joke or part of something truly sinister? Kit soon realizes that she’s been thrown into a treacherous plot, which is both deeper and deadlier than she could have ever imagined. Now the only way to protect herself, her business, and the people she loves is to find out the true identity of the man who has turned her life upside down. Adrenaline-charged and filled with harrowing twists at every turn, The Wrong Man will keep readers riveted until the final page.

NATASHA’S REVIEW:

I enjoyed this book so much. It was such a page-turner, I couldn’t put it down. I love a good suspense thriller and this was definitely that! Kit is a strong female lead character who I enjoyed getting to know. She makes one decision that drastically changes the course of her life. At first is happens in small ways that seem embarrassing, but not too big a deal – then the danger sets in! I liked how this book kept me guessing until the end. One big twist was fairly predictable, but not all of the ending was, which was good. I kept second guessing myself and my predictions until the very end. Great characters, great suspense, great read.

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

July 17, 2015July 12, 2015

Kelly reviews Sworn To Protect by Katie Reus

TITLE: Sworn to Protect
SERIES #: Red Stone Security
CHARACTERS: Quinn Brody & Athena
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| BN

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
His worst mistake was walking away from her…
Quinn Brody ended things with sweet, sexy Athena when he learned she was a virgin. Their relationship was getting too serious and walking away seemed like the best plan. But Quinn has never been able to forget Athena. And when she gets a marketing job at Red Stone Security, it becomes impossible. Quinn wants a second chance, but Athena’s not interested—even if the chemistry between them is off the charts.
Now his past has come back to haunt him…
The man Quinn put behind bars has been released from prison and is out for blood. Quinn took years of the man’s life and helped his abused wife flee so now the ex-con is hellbent on using Athena to make Quinn pay.
He’ll do anything to protect her…
When Athena is sent to Vegas for a tradeshow Quinn volunteers to accompany her—to watch her back. But professional quickly turns personal when the threat to Athena escalates. Refusing to lose her again, Quinn will do anything to save her. Even if it means risking both his life and his heart.
Length: 43,000 words

REVIEW:
Sworn to Protect opens with Quinn doing the right thing. Helping someone who is in need. But that act of helping will soon turn into a life of death battle.

Sworn to Protect was a really quick read for me. Quinn and Athena’s story is full of suspense, action and of course smexy time. I really enjoyed watching Quinn right his wrongs. And boy howdy does he right the in an awesome way. Athena is strong willed and brave. She also is not willing to take crap from anyone even Quinn. These two make a great pair.

As always I really enjoyed this Red Stone Security story. Looking forward to the next story.

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

July 15, 2015July 12, 2015

Kelly reviews Swerve by Vicki Pettersson

TITLE: Swerve
CHARACTERS: Daniel Hawthorne & Kristine Rush
AUTHOR: Vicki Pettersson
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s high summer in the Mojave Desert, and Kristine Rush and her fiancé, Daniel, are en route from Las Vegas to Lake Arrowhead, California, for the July Fourth holiday weekend. But when Daniel is abducted from a desolate rest stop, Kristine is forced to choose: return home unharmed, but never to see her fiancé again, or plunge forward into the searing desert to find him…where a killer lies in wait

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts WOW!!! This was one messed up book. Messed up in the fact that the killer is one twisted freaking crazy person. Messed up that Kristine has to go through so much hell because of one sick and twisted person. Messed up that I don’t think I will ever stop at a freeway rest stop ever again. EVER!!!! Did I say ever? Because I mean NEVER EVER EVER again!!!!
This was a good book that keeping you on the edge of your seat. I did figure out what was happening early on but the why’s behind it gave me chills. I often wonder what goes on in the mind of a suspense novelist. Then I think “Might be better off not knowing”.
In short: I liked the book. Glad I read it. Would I recommend to everyone. No, not everyone. This book is twisted, gnarled and millions times messed up that will leave you with night terrors, but……… If you are into that then you would love Swerve. If you are into fun loving, unicorns and rainbows, you might want to skip this book. UNLESS you are willing to go out of your comfort zone. Because Swerve will take you out of your comfort zone take you into WTF zone and leave you in how will I ever recover from this zone.
Happy reading *insert evil laugh* Mwahahahaha.

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.

July 8, 2015July 5, 2015

Kimberly reviews Somebody I Used To Know by David Bell

TITLE: Somebody I Used To Know
CHARACTERS: Nick Hansen
AUTHOR: David Bell
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/07/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The breakout author of The Forgotten Girl and Cemetery Girl, “one of the brightest and best crime fiction writers of our time” (Suspense Magazine) delivers a new novel about a man who is haunted by a face from his past….

When Nick Hansen sees the young woman at the grocery store, his heart stops. She is the spitting image of his college girlfriend, Marissa Minor, who died in a campus house fire twenty years earlier. But when Nick tries to speak to her, she acts skittish and rushes off.

The next morning the police arrive at Nick’s house and show him a photo of the woman from the store. She’s been found dead, murdered in a local motel, with Nick’s name and address on a piece of paper in her pocket.

Convinced there’s a connection between the two women, Nick enlists the help of his college friend Laurel Davidson to investigate the events leading up to the night of Marissa’s death. But the young woman’s murder is only the beginning…and the truths Nick uncovers may make him wish he never doubted the lies.

REVIEW:
I have not read this author before but I will be reading him again. This story had a number of different twists which meant it was a quick read for me since I could not put it down.

So in general Nick is thrown back into his past to the life, love and death of Marissa when a woman who is the spitting image of her is seen on the street by him and as hard as that is to deal with alone the next day the cops show up because the woman has been found dead. So Nick is thrust into the death of this mystery woman as well as reliving the death of Marissa.

I really enjoyed Nick. The writing was concise and enjoyable. With all the twists I was unable to figure out pretty much anything. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out I was proven wrong and that to me is the ideal when reading a book like this.

If you are a fan of the genre than I think you will enjoy this. You will not be disappointed.

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

July 1, 2015June 28, 2015

Natasha reviews Minutes To Kill by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Minutes to Kill
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Hannah Barrett & Brody McNamara
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After corporate attorney Hannah Barrett tries—and fails—to stop a kidnapping in Vegas, she can’t shake the haunting image of the terrified young girl she couldn’t save. She tells herself that a visit to her hometown in Scarlet Falls could be a welcome distraction. But soon, Hannah realizes the kidnappers have all the info they need to track her every move. And when chilling e-mails about the victim appear in her inbox, it’s frighteningly clear what happened in Vegas has followed her home.
Eight months after a terrible family tragedy, Hannah turns to Detective Brody McNamara once again. Brody is eager to help, though he’s embroiled in the investigation of a brutal murder. But the closer they work together, the stronger their feelings grow…and the more they stand to lose when two seemingly unrelated, but equally deadly, cases collide.

REVIEW: This is the second book in Leigh’s Scarlett Falls series. They are great mystery romance novels with intriguing and well-written characters. I have to say, Hannah Barrett was a bit of fresh air for me as a heroine. I really liked her character in the first book Hour of Need and was very excited to see more of her in the follow-up. She is an incredibly strong and self-sufficient character who makes intelligent decisions in times of distress. There was one point in the story where I was so sure I was about to smack my head and say NOOOOO!!! – Thankfully Hannah did not make me do that and I respected the strength of the character even more. Brody and Hannah have great interaction and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the two of them together. This was another strong addition to this series. It has it all, characters we love and care about; great story telling and great plots. I’m excited for the next book in the series; I’m hoping we will finally see more of Mac!

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

June 3, 2015May 31, 2015

Kelly reviews Spiraled by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Spiraled
SERIES #: Mason Callahan #3
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ave McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Special Agent Ava McLane solves crimes; she doesn’t witness them. When she’s trapped in a mall without her weapon as a shooter picks off victims, she hides with a wounded teen and prays for her survival.
But that’s only the beginning…
An epidemic of mass shootings has swept across Oregon. The young shooters terrify the public, committing random murders before taking their own lives. The task force assembled to solve the case—which includes Ava’s boyfriend, detective Mason Callahan—remains stumped. And on top of this chaos, Ava’s troubled twin sister reappears, throwing Ava’s already-tumultuous life into a tailspin.
An old-fashioned cop with a strong sense of duty, Mason struggles to find the cause of the shootings as workaholic Ava spins ever closer to breaking down. But can one detective save the lives of countless innocents—and prevent the woman he loves from going over the edge?

REVIEW:
Sometime you read a book and think “I loved this book”. Other time you think “This was okay”. Then you think well dang now I have to write a review and express myself on this book. After reading SPIRALED all I can think is “DANG Ms. Elliot can write a story!!!!! Spiraled was amazing!!”
Mason and Ava are amazing characters. They have been through so much over the last three books. There have been so many ups and downs. I honestly hope that they both retire and live a quiet life in Oregon.
Man, I want to tell you so much about this book. But I know, I would spoil it for you. So let me tell you about one of the things I love most about Kendra’s writing is that it is so real. Scary real!!! Reading Spiraled put me back to the place I was when the Clackamas shootings happened in Oregon. As I said scary real, I had actually thought about driving north to go shopping.

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