Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews Highland Thief by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Thief
SERIES #: The Sons Of Gregor MacLeod #5
CHARACTERS: Kerr & Isobel
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/31/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a Highland laird makes a promise, nothing can stand in his way…

No one ever accused Kerr Macalister of being a nice man. Everyone would agree, however, that when he makes up his mind about something, no one will change it. Which is why everyone knows Isobel MacKinnon will end up his wife.

Isobel spent most of her childhood in love with the tall, dark, and deadly sexy Scot. It wasn’t until she was fifteen and failed to entice Kerr into kissing her, that things turned sour. Now, Kerr is the one trying to entice her.

But Isobel knows how to hold a grudge and won’t be swayed unless he proves his love. So she tricks him into believing she’s eloping with another man. Kerr responds by kidnapping her to a remote cabin in the Highlands where both love and danger lurk…

Will this Highlander’s fate be to finally have the woman of his dreams?

REVIEW:
This is the last in the series and I honestly wish there was more. I have loved the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series and men. What I wasn’t too fond of this time around was Isobel.

I have enjoyed Kerr from the beginning. I couldn’t wait to see who McLayne chose for Kerr but what a disappointment. Isobel was nothing but a selfish, childish brat who did things half the time I couldn’t even understand. Why pull the stuff she does on Kerr? And why does Kerr allow it and still want her?

I really wish the series had not ended this way. But I have enjoyed the series up to now. I wouldn’t say this was the worst book ever or anything but what it is would be the least favorite of the series.

With all that being said the series is worth reading and I look forward to the next series by McLayne.

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

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Kimberly reviews Whiplash by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Whiplash
SERIES #: The Champions #2
CHARACTERS: Val & Casey
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/31/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Janet Dailey comes the latest Champions novel, set on the Alamo Canyon Ranch, where a legacy bull rearing operation is run by three sisters–women who aren’t afraid to compete in a man’s world, or to take on something as wild as love–and win.

When Val Champion returns to the family ranch, she’s ready to put her past behind her. Her dreams of a Hollywood acting career have become a nightmare of fear. But once she sees rodeo man Casey Bozeman facing down a bull in the arena, she knows she’s no safer at home. Face to face with her first and only true love, Val can’t deny her still powerful feelings for Casey. Feelings she can never act on again…

Val’s the one who got away, the woman who broke his heart so hard he still feels the sting. But there’s no denying Casey’s still drawn to the fiery beauty. And there’s no way he can stand by when the high stakes Professional Bull Riding finals in Vegas bring out the danger Val’s been running from. Suddenly the rugged cowboy is willing to risk it all for her once more, even if it means facing down those secrets lurking in her unforgettable eyes…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Janet Dailey has more books than I can believe and yet her stories are still as loved as ever.

In this story we meet Val and Casey and enjoy their second chance at true love. Val returns with some difficult situations in her wake. Casey is a PBR and the sparks fly when Val and Casey see each other again. But when they go to Vegas the trouble Val hoped to leave behind follows her.

First let me say I am against rodeos so I hated that aspect of the book and not sure if that is why it took me a little bit to get into the story. But I finally started enjoying the book when the suspense really started to get heated.

Dailey is one of my favorites but I want to say I am not exactly sure if this book is Dailey herself or a ghostwriter. She sadly passed almost a decade ago and while I have heard she had a lot of books that she had never published I am not sure if we have moved pass those to a new writer using her name.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

TITLE: Bombshell
SERIES #: Hell’s Belles #1
CHARACTERS: Sesily & Caled
AUTHOR: Sarah MacLean
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/24/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with a blazingly sexy, unapologetically feminist new series, Hell’s Belles, beginning with a bold, bombshell of a heroine, able to dispose of a scoundrel—or seduce one—in a single night.

After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem.

No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.

Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk.

REVIEW:
Ok here is the deal with this story. You can not go in expecting a true historical romance. I will say having read the reviews I was ready for this. It has been a while since I read MacLean so when the new series began I thought “why not?” and picked up the book. Usually I do not read the reviews before reading a book. But I am glad I did in this one. Because I might have been upset as some others have been had I not realized this was more of a contemporary romance wrapped in a historical wrapper.

BUT… I enjoyed the book. It is written very differently than most HR because the women aren’t the typical Victorian ladies we expect. They are some bad-assed women who are out to save women who are in abusive situations. These are modern day vigilantes in long flowing gowns.

I enjoyed the women and I liked Caleb with Sesily. The romance between them is slow moving but worthy of the read.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Highlander’s Pirate Lass by Heather McCollum

TITLE: The Highlander’s Pirate Lass
SERIES #: The Brothers of Wolf Isle #2
CHARACTERS: Eliza & Beck
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/23/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eliza Wentworth is no lady. After the notorious pirate Jandeau murdered her family, she vowed to spend the rest of her life at sea, saving others. She’d rather be firing cannons than embroidering pillows—or worse, bowing to the demands of a husband. But when she’s stranded on an island off the coast of Scotland, now she is the one in need of help. And, annoyingly, that help comes not only from a man, but a man she struggles to resist.

Highlander Beck Macquarie has never met a woman like Eliza. He hasn’t met many women, period, thanks to the blasted curse set upon Wolf Isle decades ago. To save the clan, he needs a wife and bairns, and rough-around-the edges Eliza is anything but wife material. She has no intention of staying once she’s able to set sail again. He should let her go. But the desire between them is impossible to ignore.

When she asks Beck to teach her the ways of the bedroom while she bides her time on his island, he can’t say no. As they learn more about each other, though, past trauma and secrets resurface. Now, Eliza must choose between the freedom and comfort of the only life she’s ever known and sacrificing it all to save the people she loves…including Beck.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I read very few Highlander romance books but Heather McCollum is one I enjoy. McCollum never has a “damsel in distress” feel to her stories even if the heroine needs help (which we all do) sometimes. But, I have never enjoyed pirate romance. Something doesn’t appeal to me with that genre but since it was McCollum I picked up this story.

With all that being said, this was not one of my favorites by McCollum but for a pirate romance it wasn’t bad. I never really enjoyed Eliza. She is so harsh and self-centered. Beck is another thing altogether. I adored him. He was so sweet and cared so much for Eliza. Was willing to do anything she needed. While she treated him like a doormat.

A part of me kept hoping Beck would realize he deserved better and some sweet lass would steal him away from Eliza. But, of course, this is a romance so a HEA happens and while not my favorites by McCollum I enjoyed the story.

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

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Kimberly reviews Faceless by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Faceless
SERIES #: Oike, Wisconsin #2
CHARACTERS: Wynter & Noah
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/24/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
BE CAREFUL
A masked robber, a gunshot, an endless nightmare left in its wake. Wynter Moore was just four years-old when she witnessed the murder of her mother. For twenty-five years she’s tried to blunt the trauma with ambition. Yet each year, she shuts down her popular Iowa restaurant to return to her small hometown of Pike, Wisconsin, to grieve. Only this time, her visit will be marked by new danger and shocking discoveries about the past—and about her mother.

WHAT YOU DIG FOR
Why kill her? That’s what scrawled on the picture Pike’s recently deceased sheriff left behind for Wynter. Pulledfrom surveillance tape, it shows the fatal hold-up—and raises unnerving questions. Soon, Wynter is opening a Pandora’s box of dark revelations and suspects. When frightening incidents and threats start coming, it’s clear that Wynter is a target herself. Enemies seem to abound—except for one man . . .

YOU JUST MIGHT GET KILLED
Game warden Noah Hunter has tried to convince himself that Wynter is just a friend ever since they met in grief counseling as teenagers. But now that she’s in danger, that denial is over. Traveling to her side, he helps Wynter retrace the treacherous steps of her complex mother’s life—before she loses her own. Because someone wants—needs—Wynter gone, forever.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the second in the Pike, Wisconsin series but can easily be a stand alone. In this story we meet Noah and Wynter.

Decades ago Wynter’s mom was killed during an armed robbery, or at least that is what Wynter was told, but new evidence is coming to light that makes Wynter want to investigate what really happened. Noah is “just friends” with Wynter even though it is becoming harder and harder to convince himself of that but when Wynter needs help Noah is right there to give her the support she needs.

I found this story really interesting. Yes, it is a romance and Noah and Wynter find love during the chaos of the investigation but the twists and turns that Alexandra Ivy puts us through is what this story is really all about.

Alexandra Ivy became one of my faves with her paranormal romance and I have read every book she has written since. And this book is just another to put on your TBR shelf by Ivy that does not disappoint.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Dawn Unearthed by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Dawn Unearthed
SERIES #: Ravenwood Coven #1
CHARACTERS: Sage & Rome
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/19/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan begins a new witchy paranormal series where a magical town keeps its secrets, but those in it must find a way to keep themselves safe.

The moment Sage Reed makes her way to Ravenwood, she knows the small town lives up to its mystical lore—even if she doesn’t believe that she’s a witch. After losing her husband, she’s ready for change, and her aunt’s bookstore affords the perfect opportunity.

Rome Baker has secrets of his own—even some that he’s kept from the town he calls home. But when a striking and intriguing stranger saves his life the moment she steps into his path, his inner bear knows that she’s the one for him. However, with the town under fire, he worries he might run out of time before he can show her what they can have together.

A new enemy is on the horizon, one who hides in the shadows, whose history is steeped in lies. And if Sage and Rome aren’t careful, Sage’s new powers won’t be the only thing that spirals into flame.

REVIEW:
I agree with everyone who started out their reviews with “Finally! Carrie Ann has written a paranormal again” because it’s about time. I became a fan of Carrie Ann early in her writing and I have watched her grow into the writer that brought this story to life.

Sage is an incredible character. Sometimes I wanted to hug her, sometimes I wanted to talk to her and sometimes I wanted to be her. As she learned her history and became the witch she was meant to be I cheered for her. Rome is the perfect mate for her. But I felt every feeling she had as she discovered what fans of paranormal only wish they could actually experience.

I am so excited to read more of this series.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Complications by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Complications
CHARACTERS: Olivier & Yvonne
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/17/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Scandal and tragedy erupt against the backdrop of an exclusive Paris hotel in Danielle Steel’s riveting novel.

Known for its luxurious accommodations and bespoke service, the Hotel Louis XVI has been the most lauded boutique hotel in all of Paris for decades, attracting an international clientele of the rich and famous. Now, after four years of renovations and the death of its legendary and beloved manager, it is set to reopen its doors at last. An esteemed group of loyal returning guests is set to descend upon the hotel, joined by a number of new faces who have managed to secure coveted bookings in the wake of last-minute cancellations.

Awaiting them all is the Louis XVI’s new manager, Olivier Bateau, an anxious man whose lack of experience leaves him unprepared. He and his level-headed assistant manager, Yvonne Philippe, both strive to continue the hotel’s tradition of excellence. But they quickly realize that anything can happen at any moment, and on one cool September evening, everything does.

A successful art consultant arrives at the hotel for the first time since her brutal divorce, and is surprised to find new love—if she is willing to risk her heart again. A new guest contemplates ending his life, and saves a life instead. A couple finds their once-in-a-lifetime trip interrupted by a tragic medical emergency, leaving the idyllic future they’ve long waited for hanging in the balance. And one of the hotel’s most high-profile guests, a French politician and assumed presidential candidate, holds a mysterious meeting in his suite that will threaten his life and legacy. Rocked by the events of this one fateful night, guests and staff alike brace themselves for the aftershock, as it quickly becomes apparent that more dramas and misfortunes are still in store.

Danielle Steel tells an unforgettable story about a famed hotel, where a few complications quickly escalate into a matter of life and death, changing the lives of everyone who passes through its doors.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This story is perfectly titled. Why? Because well this story was a bit complicated to read for me. I have been a fan of Danielle Steel’s since I first read Jewels and then I moved back and read most if not all that I found of hers in garage sales and used book stores.

This story was her normal writing and yet not as familiar as her stories usually are. There were so many other stories going on that it was hard to keep up with the main characters. But that being said, the writing kept me interested and wanting to turn the page. But there were a number of times I actually had to go back and figure out who someone was.

The thing is I did give this a lower rating than I usually do for Danielle Steel but I am comparing this to her many many books (over 40) and we all know from any favorite author we have favorite reads and ones that do not fall into that category.

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

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Kimberly reviews Dangerous Ground by Rachel Grant

TITLE: Dangerous Ground
SERIES #: Fiona Carver #1
CHARACTERS: Fiona Carver & Dean Slater
AUTHOR: Rachel Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/17/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the remote and unpredictable Aleutians, danger comes without warning in an adrenaline rush of a novel by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant.

Archaeologist Fiona Carver has unfinished business in the Aleutian Islands. After an emergency evacuation cut her first expedition short, she’s finally back. But time is not on her side as she races to finish documenting the remnants of a prehistoric village, recover missing artifacts, and track down missing volcanologist Dylan Slater.

Having bluffed his way onto Fiona’s team with fake credentials, wildlife photographer Dean Slater is willing to risk more than federal prison to find his missing brother, but he needs Fiona’s help. She knows the inhospitable terrain better than anyone.

When the two set out together on a perilous journey, it becomes more than a recovery mission. In their fight for survival, nature isn’t the only threat. They aren’t the only ones on the hunt. Mile by dangerous mile, someone is hunting them.

REVIEW:
I will say I picked this book thinking it was a different author (same last name) but once I realized I figured it was the first in the series so let’s give it a try. There are a few things that made me give this book a low rating.

One: it is more suspense than romance. Two: there is no true ending to this story because it is ongoing into the series, which I did not realize. Three: I really did not like Dylan at all. He thinks he is God’s gift to women, he actually thinks Fiona is his brother’s girlfriend and still hits on her, and he just doesn’t appeal to me at all. And finally: I have no idea why Fiona was written the way she was. She is so busy stroking Dylan’s ego that she seems like a doormat to me.

This was just not my cup of tea.

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

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Kimberly reviews Bloodless by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

TITLE: Bloodless
SERIES #: Pendergast #20
CHARACTERS: Pendergast
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/17/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Agent Pendergast faces his most unexpected challenge yet when bloodless bodies begin to appear in Savannah, GA, in this installment of a #1 New York Times bestselling series.

A fabulous heist:
On the evening of November 24, 1971, D. B. Cooper hijacked Flight 305—Portland to Seattle—with a fake bomb, collected a ransom of $200,000, and then parachuted from the rear of the plane, disappearing into the night…and into history.

A brutal crime steeped in legend and malevolence:
Fifty years later, Agent Pendergast takes on a bizarre and gruesome case: in the ghost-haunted city of Savannah, Georgia, bodies are found with no blood left in their veins—sowing panic and reviving whispered tales of the infamous Savannah Vampire.

A case like no other:
As the mystery rises along with the body count, Pendergast and his partner, Agent Coldmoon, race to understand how—or if—these murders are connected to the only unsolved skyjacking in American history. Together, they uncover not just the answer…but an unearthly evil beyond all imagining.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Pendergast, D.B. Cooper and Vampires…. What more could a girl want? Whenever I am able to get a Pendergast book I rush through whatever I am reading so I can get to these books by Preston & Child. And I really couldn’t wait to get to this one.

I have read all of the Pendergast books. I have always loved vampires. I have always been interested in D.B. Cooper. I really couldn’t wait to get to this one. If you do not know who D.B. Cooper is….he is an interesting real life hijacker who parachuted out of an airplane on a stormy night with what today would be a bit over $1M dollars. And it is to this day the only unsolved aviation hijacking in American history.

Anyway…. This story was back to the way I fell in love with Pendergast. I felt like I was reading one of the original stories. This is the best one in the series in a number of years. And that is saying something because all of the books in the series are good.

It can be read as a stand alone but I don’t know why anyone would not want to read the entire Pendergast series.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Island House by Amanda Brittany

TITLE: The Island House
CHARACTERS: Alice
AUTHOR: Amanda Brittany
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/11/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once you’re on the island you’ll never want to leave… until you can’t

A DARK FAMILY SECRET

When Alice’s father dies after a tragic hit and run, his death stirs up unanswered questions about her childhood. Who was her mother, why did her father never speak of the past, and why can’t she remember anything before the age of seven?

AN ISLAND CUT OFF

But when she receives an anonymous letter containing a photograph of a refurbished gothic guesthouse surrounded by water, and an invitation to stay, old memories fight to resurface.

Alice has visited before. She is certain of it.

WHO WILL SURVIVE?

Convinced the clues to her past lie at the hotel, she checks in. But once on the island, a wild storm rages, waves crash violently into the rocks, and the house is cut off by the roaring sea.

Then two guests are found dead. And the hotel owner is missing. Will Alice ever uncover her secret past?

And will anyone leave the island alive?

An utterly gripping thriller that will leave you reading long into the night! Fans of The Guest List and The Sanatorium will love this nail-biting read.

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts Honestly this was not for me. I gave it 3 stars because the writing was well done but I am realizing that I do not like the locked down mysteries that seem to be a big thing right now.

I liked some of the characters and like I said the writing was good. I ended up skimming a number of pages reading the conversations to get the gist of the story.

This trend is not for me but the writing was well done if I had been interested in the storyline more.

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