What is your favorite Contemporary Romance theme?
Second chance at love? Sports? Cowboy? Military
Kimberly reviews Upon A Mystic Tide by Vicki Hinze
TITLE: Upon A Mystic Tide
SERIES #: Seascape Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Bess & John
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/08/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With their painful divorce looming on the horizon, radio psychologist Bess Cameron and her soon-to-be-ex-husband, John Mystic, meet at Maine’s Seascape Inn to finalize the terms of a property settlement. Bess believes John is in love with someone else, and she’s determined to move on without him. Their marriage appears doomed until the Inn’s matchmaking ghost, Tony, and its irrepressible owner, Miss Hattie, take matters in hand. Sometimes you have to leap upon a mystic tide and have faith the sand will shift and an island will appear . . .
The second book of bestselling author Vicki Hinze’s Seascape Trilogy brings readers back to the gentle magic of a place where love is always stronger than the fragile boundaries of life.
REVIEW:
This is one of my favorite series of all time. There is just something special about this story, this series and the Seascape Inn.
This trilogy is about love. Love that transcends time. I could talk about this book for pages and pages but it really just comes down to if you enjoy a romance book with everything you could ever ask for than this book is it.
Get these books and just know you will want to read them over and over.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Heartbreak Hotel by Jonathan Kellerman
TITLE: Heartbreak Hotel
SERIES #: Alex Delaware #32
CHARACTERS: Alex Delaware
AUTHOR: Jonathan Kellerman
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/14/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis investigate the death of Alex’s most mysterious patient to date in the sensational new thriller from the master of suspense, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Kellerman.
At nearly one hundred years old, Thalia Mars is a far cry from the patients that child psychologist Alex Delaware normally treats. But the charming, witty woman convinces Alex to meet with her in a suite at the Aventura, a luxury hotel with a checkered history.
What Thalia wants from Alex are answers to unsettling questions—about guilt, patterns of criminal behavior, victim selection. When Alex asks the reason for her morbid fascination, Thalia promises to tell all during their next session. But when he shows up the following morning, he is met with silence: Thalia is dead in her room.
When questions arise about how Thalia perished, Alex and homicide detective Milo Sturgis must peel back the layers of a fascinating but elusive woman’s life and embark on one of the most baffling investigations either of them has ever experienced. For Thalia Mars is a victim like no other, an enigma who harbored nearly a century of secrets and whose life and death draw those around her into a vortex of violence.
REVIEW:
I wish I could say that I have read all 32 books in this series but I haven’t. It has been very hit and miss for me. But I have come to realize that it is also hit and miss for me if I enjoy the story. But this one I enjoyed.
The feel of the book is pure film noir. So much is going on with a ton of characters that I found a bit hard to keep track of. There is a lot going on in this story but it does keep your interest. The downside is some things are a bit graphic. There is a rape scene that is really really hard to read.
If you are a fan of film noir or dark thrillers or suspense in general I think you will enjoy this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Dark Witch & Creamy by H.Y. Hanna
TITLE: Dark, Witch & Creamy
SERIES #: Bewitched by Chocolate #1
CHARACTERS: Caitlyn & James
AUTHOR: H.Y. Hanna
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A witch, a kitty and dark chocolate magic…
Caitlyn is used to being the ugly duckling in her glamorous showbiz family… until the day she learns that she was adopted as an abandoned baby. Now, her search for answers takes her to the tiny English village of Tillyhenge where a man has been murdered by witchcraft – and where a mysterious shop selling enchanted chocolates is home to the “local witch”…
Soon Caitlyn finds herself fending off a toothless old vampire, rescuing an adorable kitten and meeting handsome aristocrat Lord James Fitzroy… not to mention discovering that she herself might have magical blood in her veins!
When she’s dragged into the murder investigation and realises that dark magic is involved, Caitlyn is forced to choose. Can she embrace her witchy powers in time to solve the mystery and save those she loves?
WARNING: May contain traces of “Hahaha!”
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ok so this story is cute but a bit boring. I can honestly say that was no “Hahaha!” from this book for me. Again it is cute but just not what I expected.
While I did mostly like this story it is a bit slow and none of the characters have much of a connection. I enjoyed the Widow Mags. She is just such a witchy (pun intended) woman with such attitude but really is sweet in her heart of hearts. I like the cousin connection as well. Caitlyn is a bit odd but I liked her too but just didn’t think she has much connection with anyone except the widow and her cousin.
I find it hard to say what I liked about this story but I did. I would read another from this author and in this series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews The Hardest Hit by Jennifer Fusco
TITLE: The Hardest Hit
SERIES #: Ringside #3
CHARACTERS: Trevor Redding & Chelsea Fox
AUTHOR: Jennifer Fusco
PUBLICATION DATE: September 20, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Vegas. You’ve got ringside seats to the world’s hottest boxing match. Watch fearless champions. Meet the women that knock them off their feet. Fans of Katy Evans, Jamie McGuire and RJ Prescott – let’s get ready to ruuummble.
Trevor Redding has two families: the boxers at Stamina Gym and the dancers at The Gentlemen’s Club, where he works as a bouncer. So when one of the dancers is attacked, he rushes to the rescue, winding up in the hospital himself. Being his own boss, he’s not interested in what Dr Chelsea Fox has to say, no matter how stunningly beautiful she is. Concussion or not, he has the biggest fight of his career coming up. Everyone at Stamina is counting on him.
When Chelsea discovers that Trevor will do anything to fight, including hiding his diagnosis, she decides to show her roguishly handsome patient who’s boss – and just how rewarding it is to follow this doctor’s orders.
Ready for another round? Don’t miss Books One and Two in the series, Fighting For It and Going The Distance.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoyed Trevor and Chelsea’s story. Both characters are tough and determined. But there is something holding them each back. For Trevor it is recent activities and his ability to not fight. For Chelsea it is trying to live up to the standard that everyone else sets on her. I did enjoy the struggle between these two. I do wish that Trevor had been a tad bit more open minded and listened more. And Chelsea while doing the right thing should have just been honest.
I have enjoyed this whole series and hope that this is not the last that we see of this world.
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.
Kissin’ the week of Feb 6th-Feb 11th Goodbye
Audio Book Lovin’ 2017 Announcement!!!!!
We are so excited to share this announcement with you all! As you may know, June is Audio Book Month and we’ll be celebrating all month long with fabulous Authors and Narrators!!! This will be our 3rd annual event, which is hosted by both Viviana, Enchantress of Books and myself, Books-n-Kisses.
The main home will be hosted at the Audio Book Lovin’ 2017 page.
If you haven’t already, make sure to follow our social media platforms as we’ll be sharing lots of fun info and maybe even some extra goodies (hint hint… did you get the HINT)! We’ll be using the hash tag #AudioBookLovin. You can visit our websites to find us via all of our social media platforms, but I’ve linked our Facebook Pages to our buttons below!
Now, for the announcement!
We are so happy to share with you today, the
Audio Book Lovin’ 2017 Line-Up
Authors
Annabeth Albert
Aprilynne Pike
Dannika Dark
Donna Grant
Gabra Zackman
Heather Killough-Walden
Heidi Cullinan
Jill Myles/Jessica Clare
Joanna Wylde
Julie Ann Walker
Katie Reus
Kendra Elliot
Kevin Hearne
Kristen Ashley
Lara Adrian
Lauren Blakely
Lia Davis
Lori Foster
Molly Harper
Nina Bocci
Pamela Palmer
Rebecca Zanetti
Robyn Peterman
Santino Hassell
Sasha Summers
Sylvain Reynard
Tara Lain
Narrators
Alexander Cendese
Amanda Roconi
Andi Arndt
Angela Dawe
Antony Ferguson
Iggy Toma
Johanna Parker
Karen White
Lorelei King
Luke Daniels
Nelson Hobbs
Noah Michael Levine
Nicole Poole
Piper Goodeve
Roger Wayne
Sean Crisden
Sebastian York
Special Guest
Liz Berry
Taria A. Reed
Participating Audio Publishers
Audible
Brilliance Audio
Dreamspinner Press
Harlequin Audio
Macmillan Audio
Simon and Schuster
Tantor
We have LOTS of exciting things that we’re still finalizing and more authors and narrators to join, so more to come!!!
Friday Favorites! ~ Share Your Favorite with BnK ~
In honor of Valentines’ Day…
What is your favorite HISTORICAL ROMANCE?
That one book that you can’t help but suggest!
Kelly reviews My Sister’s Bones by Nuala Ellwood
TITLE: My Sister’s Bones
CHARACTERS: Kate Rafter
AUTHOR: Nuala Ellwood
PUBLICATION DATE: February 9, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘COMPELLING AND INTRIGUING, RIGHT FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE’ Sharon Bolton
ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO GO BACK?
Kate Rafter is a successful war reporter. She’s the strong one. The one who escaped Herne Bay and the memories it holds. Her sister Sally didn’t. Instead, she drinks.
But when their mother dies, Kate is forced to return to the old family home. And on her first night she is woken by a terrifying scream.
What secret has Kate stumbled upon?
And is she strong enough to uncover the truth . . . and make it out alive?
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is my first story by Nuala Ellwood and WOW!! This was an emotional rollercoaster of a story. From page one I was drawn into Kate’s story. Kate has lived through hell as a kid and as an adult she puts herself in hell all the time. Kate is a journalist that puts herself in the middle of war zones and places no one else wants to go. But there is one place that Kate never wants to go to again. That is home. But with the death of her mother Kate knows it is time to face her past. But the events that are about to unfold even the seasoned journalist like Kate will never be prepared for.
I have to say that Nuala Ellwood kept me guessing the whole time. I honestly could not figure out what was going to happen until Ms. Ellwood told me and even when all was revealed I was still shocked. Such a great story and for this to be Ms. Ellwood’s debut novel is amazing!! I will be looking forward to what she has in store for us next.
If you are a suspense lover you need to add My Sister’s Bones to your must read list!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Penguin Books (UK) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kelly reviews Justice Ascending by Rebecca Zanetti
TITLE: Justice Ascending
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #3
CHARACTERS: Tace Justice & Sami Steel
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Tace Justice was a good ole Texas cowboy who served his country and loved his mama. After Scorpius, the world became dark, dangerous, and deadly… and so did he. The Vanguard medic is stronger, faster, and smarter than before, but he’s lost the line between right and wrong. His passion is absolute, and when he focuses it on one woman, there’s no turning back for either of them.
Sami Steel has been fighting to survive right alongside Tace, convincing the Vanguard soldiers she’s one of them. In truth, Sami is a former hacker turned government agent who worked at The Bunker, where scientists stored both contaminants and cures. Only she knows the location, and she’s not telling. Yet when sexual fire explodes between her and Tace, she’ll face even that hell again to save him.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Justice Ascending takes us back into a world that has been destroyed by the Scorpius bacterium and things are not getting any better for the people of Vanguard. Tace Justice has been trying to come to terms with himself after he was affected by Scorpius. Is it bad that I enjoyed reading about Tace’s struggles? Maybe not, it was good to see a vulnerable side to him. I really liked that Sami is tough and wants to be treated the same as any other soldier. Her backstory and the secrets she has been keeping proved very helpful. I enjoyed these two together.
Really enjoyed this book and was happy that Tace and Sami finally got together. I can’t wait to see what happens next. There are so many directions that Ms. Zanetti can go after the events of Justice Ascending. I am very much looking forward to it!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kimberly reviews Crossing Hearts by Kimberly Kincaid
TITLE: Crossing Hearts
SERIES #: Cross Creek #1
CHARACTERS: Kimberly Kincaid
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.
Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.
But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this story. The reason I gave it 3.75 instead of 4 is there are just so many with the second chance at love storyline that it gets to be the same over and over. Now that being said this story was really good.
When Emerson comes home it is not because it is where she wants to be but because she is sick and even though she doesn’t tell her family she still needs to be home. Hunter is a good guy who, of course, never got over his first love. I have to say the sex scenes are worth reading.
The biggest problem was the illness. It just seemed to only be relevant when it was part of the plot and not other times. Meaning she can barely function at one point but can have the hot sex scenes I just talked about and let’s not even discuss the other physical activities she does without mention of hurting but having to push on, etc.
I think the story is good and worth the read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews The List by Tawna Fenske
TITLE: The List
SERIES #: The List #1
CHARACTERS: Simon Traxel & Cassie Michaels
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the millionaire owner of a chain of computer shops, Simon Traxel isn’t normally hands-on with mundane repairs. But when a fretful brunette shows up with her fried laptop and killer green eyes, he makes an exception. And as it turns out, she needs more hands-on help than Simon imagined.
Brainy soil scientist Cassie Michaels has spent her whole life feeling like a grungy tree trunk beside her delicate flower sisters. To make herself more interesting, Cassie invented stories about her wild sex life—stories she’s expected to retell in vivid detail at a bachelorette party. Cassie’s attempt to catalog her biggest whoppers goes awry when she spills wine on her laptop and lands in Simon’s shop with her sexy list frozen on the screen.
But Simon’s interest is piqued, and the two strike a deal to make Cassie’s make-believe sexploits a reality. From steamy public romps gone hilariously awry, to sexy antics with kitchen utensils, their quest to conquer The List is equal parts scorching hot and adorably awkward.
As they near the end of The List though, Cassie and Simon second guess their pledge to shake hands and say goodbye when they cross off the last item. But will Simon’s big secret make that the one fantasy that can never come true?
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a fun read. I really enjoyed the interaction between Simon and Cassie from the first met. It helped that their first meeting was hilarious. I mean who could have had worse luck than Cassie? Well at least at the moment that she had to walk into the Hot Swap Computer store. But from there on she should be thankful for that spilled wine.
And Simon, sweet, sweet Simon. He is very giving and kind and will pretty much perfect.
The two of them together are great and their journey through the List is hilarious, fun and beyond smexy!!
My only fault with this story was that it was a little predictable. But even with that I truly enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what is next for us in this series. I have a funny feeling that Cassie’s sister is in for a wild ride.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.