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Kelly reviews Moon Called by Patricia Biggs

moon calledTITLE: Moon Called
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #1
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 14 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 31, 2006
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercedes “Mercy” Thompson is a talented Volkswagen mechanic living in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She also happens to be a walker, a magical being with the power to shift into a coyote at will. Mercy’s next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she’s fixing a bus for a vampire. This is the world of Mercy Thompson, one that looks a lot like ours but is populated by those things that go bump in the night. And Mercy’s connection to those things is about to get her into some serious hot water..

REVIEW:
Moon Called introduces us to the a world where the Paranormals real and humans just found about the Fae. They have yet to find out about the Were’s, the Vampires or what Mercy really is.
Where have I been? And how the heck did I miss out on this series until now? I guess the only good thing is that I am able to listen to the stories back to back to back. Which is making me a very happy girl! Ms. Briggs amazing story writing plus the gloriously talented narrating of Ms. Lorelei King equals WINNER!!!!!
I love Mercy! She is strong, determined and willing to always push the envelope. She knows when she needs to but in (which is always) and when to but out (which is never) and boy does she know how to get herself in a pickle.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this series. I can’t wait for more adventures with Mercy, Adams, Samuel, Stephen, Z , Uncle Mike and the rest of the unfriendly’s in the Tri-Cities.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick

girl who knew too muchTITLE: The Girl Who Knew Too Much
CHARACTERS: Irene & Oliver
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/09/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amanda Quick, the bestselling author of ’Til Death Do Us Part, transports readers to 1930s California, where glamour and seduction spawn a multitude of sins…

When Hollywood moguls and stars want privacy, they head to an idyllic small town on the coast, where the exclusive Burning Cove Hotel caters to their every need. It’s where reporter Irene Glasson finds herself staring down at a beautiful actress at the bottom of a pool.

Seeking the truth, Irene finds herself drawn to a master of deception. Oliver Ward was once a world-famous magician—until he was mysteriously injured during his last performance. Now the owner of the Burning Cove Hotel, he can’t let scandal threaten his livelihood, even if it means trusting Irene, a woman who seems to have appeared in Los Angeles out of nowhere four months ago.

With Oliver’s help, Irene soon learns that the glamorous paradise of Burning Cove hides dark and dangerous secrets. And that the past—always just out of sight—could drag them both under…

REVIEW:
I am a fan of Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick so I was looking forward to this story but it just didn’t meet my expectations. Most of the book Amanda Quick are historical romance but this was set in the 1930’s. The other problem is it just didn’t have the writing style I am used to with Quick/JAK.

I think it was supposed to be a form of Film Noir but it felt really cheesy. Gosh I really hate saying that since I love JAK so much and wouldn’t miss one of her books if at all possible.

I want to make one thing clear though. I have based the stars on the books I normally read by this author. If based on a standard book the stars might be higher but this book is just not up to JAK/Quick’s par.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Skitter by Ezekiel Boone

skitterTITLE: Skitter
SERIES #: The Hatching #2
CHARACTERS: The People of the world
AUTHOR: Ezekiel Boone
PUBLICATION DATE: May 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tens of millions of people around the world are dead. Half of China is a nuclear wasteland. Mysterious flesh-eating spiders are marching through Los Angeles, Oslo, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, and countless other cities. According to scientist Melanie Gruyer, however, the spider situation seems to be looking up. Yet in Japan, a giant, truck-sized, glowing egg sack gives a shocking preview of what is to come, even as survivors in Los Angeles panic and break the quarantine zone. Out in the desert, survivalists Gordo and Shotgun are trying to invent a spider super weapon, but it’s not clear if it’s too late, because President Stephanie Pilgrim has been forced to enact the plan of last resort: The Spanish Protocol. America, you are on your own.

REVIEW:
This book makes my skin crawl. I despise spiders so much and honestly this would be one of my greatest fears. I am planning on stocking up on duct tape and anything flammable.
Once again Mr. Boone has brought us back to a world that is in pure chaos. Where you are on your own to fight this enemy. As we read we learn some are more prepared than others. But will it be enough? There was a lot that happened in this book. So many people lost. So many people trying to save who and what is left of the world.
Is it ever too late for hope?

I can’t even imagine what will be next in this series. I can’t tell if we are in for a total annihilation of the human race or if they can be saved.

If you are looking for a read that will literally make your skin crawl you need to check out this series!!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Dating The Undead by Juliet Lyons

dating the undeadTITLE: Dating The Undead
SERIES #: V-Date.com #1
CHARACTERS: Silver & Logan
AUTHOR: Juliet Lyons
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/02/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s Bridget Jones with vampires in this fresh and funny paranormal romance from debut author Juliet Lyons

When Silver Harris kisses sexy Irish vampire Logan Byrne on New Year’s Eve, she knows other humans just won’t suffice. Convinced she’ll never see him again, she joins the uber-popular vampire dating site, V-Date.com.

What Silver doesn’t know is that the site is more dangerous than she could ever imagined, and soon she’s in over her head. When Logan returns, sparks fly and attraction sizzles, but they’ll have to escape some very real demons if they have any chance of lasting forever.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I read the synopsis of this book and was really excited about all the differences this book would have from other vampire stories but I have to say I was wrong. Not that this book is bad. It isn’t. It’s actually good but the parts I thought I would enjoy like people knowing vampires exist, vampires needing a dating site, etc just seemed to take away from the enthralling vampires I am used to.

The characters are well written and I enjoyed them I am just not sure that I thought the story flowed. And maybe I missed it but I am not sure why all of a sudden they are in a world where vampires are known about and the world doesn’t care. Well they care and want more information but it just doesn’t seem to be a big deal.

Maybe the others in the series will address this but I am not sure if I will be picking them up.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Love Me Again by Jaci Burton

love me againTITLE: Love Me Again
SERIES #: Hope #7
CHARACTERS: Deacon Fox & Loretta Simmons
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: May 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let Go, it’s never too late for a second chance at first love…

When Loretta Simmons returns to Hope, Oklahoma, after a disastrous marriage, she’s determined to remain independent for the sake of her daughter. The only thing standing in her way is Deacon Fox—the man she loved and walked away from years ago.

Since Loretta owns the bookstore right next to his current renovation project, Deacon can’t escape the woman who broke his heart. Throw in her adorable little girl and one ridiculously oversized dog, and they’re almost a family. Only he can’t be that guy—what they had was once in a lifetime.

But love has a funny way of re-opening a door you thought was firmly closed

REVIEW:
After Loretta’s divorce she found herself at a bit of a cross roads. Not really knowing what to do or where to go. But when she thought of were she wanted to raise her daughter the only place that would do would be Hope. But going home is not always the easiest thing to do. Going home means facing your past. A past that involves on Deacon Fox.
Another wonder story from Hope, Oklahoma. In Love Me Again we get to see high school sweethearts Deacon and Loretta reconnect after to many years apart. I really enjoyed watching Loretta grow as a person and a mom. For her to find her own footing but still being able to lean on Deacon.
I really enjoyed this story. Deacon is just so sweet and forgiving. He knows what he wants and is not afraid to go for it. Convincing Loretta might be another story. And of course Otis!! I mean who could love this silly, tomato plant stealing, shoe chewing guy?

But I do want to know about the two high school friends. It felt like the story line on that was never really resolved. Yes there was a confrontation but I wanted more out of it. Maybe in a future book there will be more? I don’t know. But until then. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

natchez burningTITLE: Natchez Burning
SERIES #: Penn Cage #4
CHARACTERS: Penn & Cailtlin
AUTHOR: Greg Iles
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles comes the first novel in his Natchez Burning trilogy—which also includes The Bone Tree and the upcoming Mississippi Blood—an epic trilogy that interweaves crimes, lies, and secrets past and present in a mesmerizing thriller featuring Southern lawyer and former prosecutor Penn Cage.
Raised in the southern splendor of Natchez, Mississippi, Penn Cage learned all he knows of duty from his father, Dr. Tom Cage. But now the beloved family doctor has been accused of murdering the African American nurse with whom he worked in the dark days of the 1960s. Once a crusading prosecutor, Penn is determined to save his father, but Tom, stubbornly invoking doctor-patient privilege, refuses even to speak in his own defense.
Penn’s quest for the truth sends him deep into his father’s past, where a sexually charged secret lies. More chilling, this long-buried sin is only one thread in a conspiracy of greed and murder involving the vicious Double Eagles, an offshoot of the KKK controlled by some of the most powerful men in the state. Aided by a dedicated reporter privy to Natchez’s oldest secrets and by his fiancée, Caitlin Masters, Penn uncovers a trail of corruption and brutality that places his family squarely in the Double Eagles’ crosshairs.
With every step costing blood and faith, Penn is forced to confront the most wrenching dilemma of his life: Does a man of honor choose his father or the truth?

REVIEW:
I requested this book seeing only the name of the author, who is a author I really enjoy, but after reading the description I realized I had already read this book when it came out. This is the fourth in the series of Penn Cage but a trilogy inside the series.

Penn is an interesting character. But since this is a trilogy inside the series you can pick this up and not be confused about the characters. What I enjoyed was how much Penn wants to protect his father but also he needs to prove the truth to everyone.

If you are a fan of suspense Greg Iles is a great author to turn to. Don’t miss this book.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews A Fire In The Blood by Amanda Ashley

a fire in the bloodTITLE: A Fire In The Blood
SERIES #: Series Name (if series)
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Andrei
AUTHOR: Amanda Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you. The gypsy’s hand gripped Tessa’s tighter. He will bring you death, she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. And life.

Ten years later, when Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious attacker, she has no idea that the handsome stranger the gypsy fortune teller predicted is not a hunter but a seven-hundred-year-old vampire. Darkly powerful, unbelievably compelling, he is obviously pursuing Tessa, but is it her love he’s after or her blood?

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts So this was a difficult story to read. First there are a number of “typical” vampire characteristics but there are a number that are not. But even that would have been ok if the story had been interesting. It took forever for me to even like Andrei and then I wouldn’t say he was great. Then Tessa is just an odd character. She is so accepting of things and then questions the littlest things. It didn’t make sense.

The background characters are irritating if you ask me. Jilly is a know it all and it gets to be too much. Bailey is great. I might have enjoyed the story of Bailey and Tristan more than this story.

I usually like Amanda Ashley’s stories but this one just didn’t do it for me.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Making Waves by Laura Moore

making wavesTITLE: Making Waves
SERIES #: Beach Lane #1
CHARACTERS: Max Carr & Dakota Hale
AUTHOR: Laura Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: April 25, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A self-made woman with a sweet, successful life discovers that even the best-laid plans are no match for unexpected passion in the beginning of a brand-new series for fans of Julie James and Tracy Brogan.

As the responsible daughter of an irresponsible socialite, Dakota Hale has plenty of practice catering to the whims of the rich and spoiled and she’s turned that experience into a thriving concierge business serving the needs of the Hamptons’ wealthy elite. But living and working among the upper crust has never tempted Dakota to follow in her mother’s jet-setting footsteps. Anytime the drama on land gets too outrageous, Dakota finds calm surfing the Atlantic waves. But when sexy mogul Max Carr hires her, it rocks her balance in a big way.

Max works hard, but he’s never had to put any effort into winning over a woman until now. With her stunning beauty and keen intelligence, Dakota is worth the effort. But it is plain she has no interest in a casual fling, and that’s all Max with his grief-stricken heart can offer. But one fraught night changes everything, with consequences neither Dakota nor Max anticipated. Now they must navigate the rough waters of society gossip and devastating secrets that threaten their fragile relationship. If they can trust in the strength of their growing feelings, they ll find that the dreams they’ve been chasing are close enough to embrace . . . together.”

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Dakota Hale has always known what it was like to be an outsider. From a birth she was an outcast in her family. But that didn’t stop her from becoming an wonderful person that has made her own success.
Max Carr is your Wall Street guy who only thinks about the next deal, the next dollar and the next adventure. He is pretty much a self absorbed rich guy. But buying Windhaven is about to change his life in ways he never could imagine.
Making Waves was a good read. I have enjoyed Ms. Moore’s books in the past so of course when I saw she was starting a new series I knew I needed to read. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. I would really like to see Piper and Mimi suffer more in future books.

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

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