Books-n-Kisses

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.

September 7, 2015September 6, 2015

Kelly reviews Pure Wicked by Shayla Black

TITLE: Pure Wicked (a 1001 Dark Nights Novella)
SERIES #: Wicked Lovers #6.5
CHARACTERS: Jesse McCall & Bristol Reese
AUTHOR: Shayla Black
PUBLICATION DATE: September 8, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
During his decade as an international pop star, Jesse McCall has lived every day in the fast lane. A committed hedonist reveling in amazing highs, globetrotting, and nameless encounters, he refuses to think about his loneliness or empty future. Then tragedy strikes.
Shocked and grieving, he sheds his identity and walks away, searching for peace. Instead, he finds Bristol Reese, a no-nonsense beauty scraping to keep her family’s business afloat while struggling with her own demons. He’s intent on seducing her, but other than a pleasure-filled night, she’s not interested in a player, especially after her boyfriend recently proposed to her sister. In order to claim Bristol, Jesse has to prove he’s not the kind of man he’s always been. But when she learns his identity and his past comes back to haunt him, how will he convince her that he’s a changed man who wants nothing more than to make her his forever?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
This was a very quick read. I liked Jesse & Bristol both. Jesse is world famous who is needing to lay low and get his head back in the game. Bristol is trying to recover from the betrayal of her boyfriend. Both are looking for something that they never thought they would find. But Fate works in mysterious ways and brings people together when they need it the most.

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

September 6, 2015August 30, 2015

Kissin’ the week of August 31st-September 5th Goodbye

08.31.15

Kimberly reviews Tear Drop by Joanne Clancy

09.01.15

Kelly reviews Bonded by Laura Wright

09.02.15

Kimberly reviews Texas Thunder by Kimberly Raye

09.03.15

Kelly reviews Too Hard To Handle by Julie Ann Walker

09.04.15

Kimberly reviews Fire Me Up by Rachael Johns

09.05.15

SINsational Saturday Series

September 6, 2015August 19, 2015

Kissin’ the week of August 31st- September 5th Goodbye

08.31.15

09.01.15

09.02.15

Gifts of the Book Lovers #47

09.03.15

09.04.15

09.05.15

September 4, 2015September 4, 2015

Kelly’s review of Shadows Strike by Dianne Duvall

TITLE: Shadows Strike

SERIES #: Immortal Guardians #6

CHARACTERS: Ethan & Heather Lane

AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall

NARRATOR: Kirsten Potter

PUBLICATION DATE: August 25, 2015

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

The Immortal Guardians protect the innocent in secret. Sometimes the secret gets out…

U.S. law enforcement agent Heather Lane can read minds. But not the future. The dream of battle and blood that recurs every night must be a fluke, some obscure terror from her own mind. What its significance might be, she can’t guess: an attack from seven psychotic vampires at once, only separated from nightmare by an eighth very different immortal. A handsome, brave man fighting at her side, a man she misses when she wakes.

Then the dream comes true. Heather is flung into a war between predators and protectors of humanity, the man from her dreams beside her again. Except now that she’s awake, she isn’t sure she can trust Ethan, or the shadow organization he represents. The U.S. military doesn’t trust either of them. But against an onslaught of evil like the one that’s coming, it will take everything they have just to survive…

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2

Oh man, I am so sad to be done with this book. I just love love love the Immortal Guardians world. Ethan and Heather are so sweet together. There is so much that happens in Shadows Strike I am not sure where to begin. But here is goes.

The Immortal Guardians face an old foe that will test them like never before. A new ally comes into the picture, but is this person truly trustworthy? or just a distraction to harm the Immortals more? Ethan and Heather’s relationship will be tested at every turn. Seth, David and Zach all learn that they may not be enough to save the world. Zach will get a few revengeshots. Of course is his sweet totally loveable self in this book 🙂 (I love this Immortal). We get a glimpse at some of the other Immortals and their seconds and learn that they are all willing to do anything to save Seth, David and the world as a whole. And that is good because it might just come down to that.

As I said before I am really sad to be done with this book. I love this series and never want the story to end. I do hope that Aidan’s book is next this poor 3000+ year old Immortal is willing to do anything to find his lady love. Please let Aidan be next!!!!!

As always I let the wonderfully talented Kirsten Potter read this story to me. I am amazed and awed every time I pick up this series. The talent that Kirsten has blows my mind!! I don’t think I would need Dianne to tell me who is speaking because Kirsten is just that good and making each and every character stand out and be totally different than the others. And of course I am totally in love with Zach (sigh), Kirsten does an amazing job!!!! If you are not an audio lover yet, I would suggest listening to a sample of this series!! I think that you will love it!! For my audio lovers if you have not started this series I would HIGHLY suggest doing so on audio!!!

Until next time we meet my wonderful Immortals, keep calm, keep your ears open, your blade sharp and kiss the ones you love.

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

Here is a sample of Shadows Strike by Dianne Duvall, narrated by Kirsten Potter

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series and The Gifted Ones series. Her books have twice been nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews. Reviewers have called Dianne’s books “utterly addictive” (RT Book Reviews), “fast-paced and humorous” (Publishers Weekly), “extraordinary” (Long and Short Reviews), and “wonderfully imaginative” (The Romance Reviews).

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn’t writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she has created in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit www.DianneDuvall.com.

September 4, 2015September 4, 2015

Kimberly reviews Fire Me Up by Rachael Johns

TITLE: Fire Me Up
SERIES #: The Deacons of Bourbon Street #2
CHARACTERS: Billie & Travis
AUTHOR: Rachael Johns
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a scorching affair with a bohemian beauty tame a motorcycle man with a dark side? Rachael Johns takes the wheel in the sexy series co-written with Megan Crane, Jackie Ashenden, and Maisey Yates.

Travis “Cash” Sinclair values only two things from his days with the Deacons of Bourbon Street: his prized Harley Davidson and the man who gave it to him. But now Priest Lombard is gone, and Cash has inherited the Deacons’ clubhouse—not to mentions its unexpected tenant. She’s exactly the type of woman he tries to avoid: all incense and art, with a sharp tongue that promises trouble. So why does Cash want to push aside those flowing skirts and lose himself between her legs?

Billie Taylor fled a bad marriage to start a new life among the grit and glamour of the French Quarter. She refuses to let another man distract her from her dreams, especially an outlaw biker with nothing to offer except hot sex and an eviction notice. Cash is dangerous, with an untamed streak he tries desperately to conceal. He drives Billie wild, sending her too close to the edge for her own good. And she won’t fall under his spell—or into his bed—without a fight.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the second in the series of 4 by different authors. I have not read the first book and to be honest I don’t think I will read the next one. I ended up liking this book but it just wasn’t what I expected.

I am going to break this down into 3 parts. First the beginning. I hated this book! I wanted to stop reading but for some reason it kept me hooked enough to keep reading. Travis is an … jerk! He is brash and crass and the type of stereotypical bad biker. He talks down to Billie. He cares less about her feelings and yet for some reason she is attracted to him. Billie is a pushover. She supposedly thinks she is stronger now that she has left her ex-husband who was abusive and overbearing. But she is willing to take all Travis’ attitude and claim it is a different type of attitude than her ex. Sounds the same to me.

Now on to the middle of the book. Travis does start to calm down and he is less of a jerk but Billie stays a pushover. All she thinks about is Travis and her life practically comes to an end when he isn’t with her. It is pathetic. Weirdly enough at this point I liked Travis more than Billie. But what I had the hardest time with is the language. My goodness I am sure if you counted words a third of the book would be the F word. While I can imagine a biker uses foul language I don’t think it is in every sentence they utter. And now Billie starts cursing and dressing sleezy to attract him. So much for now wanting to change for any guy.

And now finally the end. The characters settled down a lot. Travis actually sweetens up. He has a soft spot for Billie and he shows it. Even the cursing settles down some except during hard times, which is understandable. Billie ends up standing up for herself a little bit so she doesn’t end being as much of a pushover as she was in the beginning. And the weird thing is the story doesn’t actually end. I know there are another two books in the series and I guess we would learn more about the background story that will continue but the story of Billie and Travis doesn’t really end. Does she end up keeping her gallery after all? Does Travis makeup with Lorna? And so much more.

So I end with saying the story ended up ok and if you can get past the beginning and the cursing you might end up enjoying it.

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

September 3, 2015August 30, 2015

Kelly reviews Too Hard To Handle by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Too Hard To Handle
SERIES #: Black Knight Inc #8
CHARACTERS: Dan “The Man” Currington & Penelope DePaul
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru

“The Man” is back
Dan “The Man” Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He’s hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan’s number one priority.

And this time she’s ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she’s excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can’t forget. And a secret that’s going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

REVIEW:
I am so very glad that Dan got this story. Dan has been through a lot over the last few books. It was so good to see him be happy and himself again.
Penni is great too and I am so thankful that Dan found her. Now if he can only convince her that they have a chance for a future. But that is sometimes hard to do when you’re trying to catch a rat and people keep trying to beat you up and shoot you.
There was a lot of action that keep this story line going. It was good see a few of the original BKI teammates too. And I have to say Dagan and Chelsea are going to be super fun to watch. Ozzie put it best when he said “That woman is a tornado and you, my friend are a trailer park.” Can’t wait for the next installment of the Black Knight Inc. 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.

September 2, 2015August 19, 2015

Gifts of the Book Lovers #47

Thank’s Viviana, Enchantress of Books for these awesome finds!

A little bit of everything in this week’s “Gift Idea For The Book Lover”! Check out this week’s items and let me know which is your favorite?

ON SALE, Book Jewelry Box, vintage, antique, recycled, upcycled, storage box, steampunk, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, twilight

By AnovelIdeaproduction

$35.00 (plus S&H)

~Book Jewelry Box~

Here we have a beautifully handcrafted jewelry box made from vintage books.

Our team is always on the hunt for beautiful vintage books to make sure that your jewelry box will always be unique and one of a kind. Each box will have a fabric lining with wooden knobs to keep a vintage look. These boxes take an average of 6 hours to make and are then inspected by our lead artist to ensure top quality. All boxes are made and ready to ship.

——

About this set:

2 book set, open top, multicolor fabric lining, beautiful etched design on cover, and wooden knobs.

Jewelry box measures (inches) 9 1/2 x 3

*****

Infinity Okay Book Lover Our Always Forever Y Lariat Style Necklace

By HeavenlyCharmed

$12.00 (plus S&H)

The charms are silver tone. Okay charms are approx. 17x14mm and infinity is 24x8mm. The chain is silver plated link chain and is 18″ long. Has lobster clasp closure on the chain. Gorgeous!!! Made of silver plated alloy.

*****

Book Lover Pill box, Book Lover pill case, Square Pill box, Pill box, Pill Case, 4 Sections, Gift for book lover, Librarian, Teacher (4260)

By KellysMagnets

$13.00 (plus S&H)

This fun case would be perfect for carrying pills or mints in.

Inside is a hard plastic liner divided into four sections.

The design is sealed behind clear scratch resistant epoxy. It comes with a black velvet bag for added protection.

Pill Case Specs:

– 4 sections

– 60mm x 62mm x 12mm

– Design area: 54mm x 55mm

The design is available in two color schemes, green and red. Please select your color from the drop down list.

*****

Sherlock Holmes Coffee Mug. Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Coffee Mug. Book Lover’s Mug. Unique Mug.

By legrislapin

$15.99 (plus S&H)

Hand pressed Sherlock Mug – one side has Benedict Cumberbatch, the other has “Just Deduce It” quote underneath a pipe.

Microwave and dishwasher safe.

—Processing Time—

All mugs are made to order.

Please check each item’s processing time in the “Shipping” tab as they change seasonally. Most items ship 3-5 business days after date of purchase. Some hand painted mugs may take additional time.

If items are no longer available, please contact the seller to request further information.

Click here to see more gift ideas!!

Visit us every Wednesdays for more awesome gift/present ideas for you or the

Book Lover in your life!!!

September 2, 2015August 30, 2015

Kimberly reviews Texas Thunder by Kimberly Raye

TITLE: Texas Thunder
SERIES #: Rebel Moonshine #1
CHARACTERS: Callie & Brett
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Set deep in the heart of Texas, bestselling author Kimberly Raye’s sizzling new series proves that men, women, and moonshine make one dangerous combination…

RECIPE FOR DISASTER
The most infamous moonshiners in Lone Star history, the Tuckers and the Sawyers have been feuding for over a hundred years. Sure, the days of buckshot and bloodshed are long gone, but it’s not over yet. To save the family business, Callie Tucker has to find the recipe for the legendary Texas Thunder moonshine. But first she’ll need to make a devil’s bargain—with a red-hot hellraiser named Brett Sawyer.

ROMANCE WITH A KICK
A Sawyer through and through, Brett was raised to never trust a Tucker—especially one as pretty as Callie. But desperate times call for desperate measures. With his ranch going bankrupt, Brett agrees to help Callie find the recipe, sell the rights, and split the profits. Of course, it won’t be easy for these two enemies to work together. But it’s even harder to ignore the sparks of attraction—when just one kiss delivers a kick stronger than any swig of moonshine…

REVIEW:
I had a hard time with this story. Yes it is cute and the premise is good. It is kind of a current version of Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. But the hard thing was the writing. So many repeats of the same things over and over. I was so tired of hearing about about how the grandfather of Callie didn’t care about anything but his moonshine. And Brett thinking his pappy would get better when the ranch was taken care of.

The chemistry is there for the couple and the background characters are interesting. It just seemed really slow to me. And a bit depressing to tell the truth. But again the romance part is good and of course works out in the end.

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

September 1, 2015August 30, 2015

Kelly reviews Bonded by Laura Wright

TITLE: Bonded
SERIES #: The Cavanaugh Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Blue Perez Cavanaugh & Emily Shivers
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of Brash returns to the Triple C Ranch in River Black, Texas, for more cowboys, romance, and danger…

Ranch hand Blue Perez’s once simple life is spinning out of control. He’s discovered he has three half-brothers, and they’re not ready to accept his claim on the ranch. Also, Blue’s girlfriend may have betrayed him in the worst way possible. And after one evening of drowning his sorrows at the bar, there’s someone he can’t get out of his mind, a woman who says she’s carrying his child.

Following a night of breathtaking passion in the arms of the man she’s longed for all her life, waitress Emily Shiver is contemplating her next step. With everything that’s going on in Blue’s life, she doesn’t want to force him into fatherhood. Yet as hard hearted as he may seem, Blue can’t turn his back on her, particularly when she becomes the target of someone’s dark obsession

REVIEW:
Bonded is the final book in the Cavanaugh Brother’s series. Bonded wrapped up the series nicely. We learn more about Blue and his mom. We finally get to see Blue come to grips with his past and future. We also finally get to know who is behind Cass’ kidnapping and murder.
I really liked Blue and Emily together. Their relationship was a bit of a whirlwind. But every relationship is different. I don’t mind the fast pact of the love story. My only issue is that I wish we would have gotten more about Cass’ killer. I know it is sick and twisted. But I felt that the story was lacking just a little in this aspect ( I think I have been reading too many straight suspense books of late. Not enough anxiety for me I guess).
But even with that this was a good series and happy that it was wrapped up nicely.

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 30, 2015August 23, 2015