Author: Kimberly

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#TBT Kimberly review Tiger Time by Marissa Dobson ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Tiger Time
SERIES #: Alaskan Tigers #1
CHARACTERS: Tabitha & Ty
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/23/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tabitha Leigh has no idea her life is about to change. Until now, she’s been living a quiet life, unaware danger stalks her.

Ty Reynolds has been watching Tabitha from a distance to see if she would go through “the change.” When she finally does, he sees more in her than just the future of their kind. Now that she is embracing her were-tiger, he must tell her she is the Queen of the Tiger . . . with a bounty on her head.

Tabitha must be protected at all cost. She has to embrace her future and her mate or it will be the end of everything she’s just come to know and hadn’t realized she needed.

REVIEW:
I have to say this book was engrossing. I could not put it down. There was some romance, some suspense, some shifting and some intrigue. I am pleasantly surprised at how much I really liked this story.

I do have to say that it is a continuing story so the story does not really end with this book. I have the second one already so I can not wait to read The Tiger’s Heart.

I enjoyed the character of Tabitha. She is strong and yet vulnerable at the same time. She really wants and needs to depend on herself but is not afraid to trust her mate’s feelings on things. I thought that Ty was written really well too. He is very Alpha and yet very loving to Tabby. I hope the second book continues some of this books storyline because some things were left unfinished.

If you enjoy a quick shifter read this one is a definite pickup.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas Under A Cranberry Sky by Holly Martin

christmas-under-a-cranberry-skyTITLE: Christmas Under A Cranberry Sky
SERIES #: A Town Called Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Piper & Gabe
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N-Coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This year spend a wonderful Christmas on Juniper Island, where love can melt even the iciest of hearts…

Piper Chesterfield lives a glamorous life traveling the world and reviewing the finest hotels. She calls nowhere home, she works alone and that’s how she likes it. For long ago Piper decided that to protect her heart she should lock it away.

So when Piper’s next assignment brings her to the newly opened Stardust Lake Hotel for the festive season, the last person she expects to face is Gabe Whitaker, the man who broke her heart so completely she could never love again.

But Piper isn’t the only one who has been frozen in time by heartbreak. Gabe hasn’t forgotten the golden-eyed girl who disappeared from his world without a trace.

Now fate has reunited them on Juniper island, can the magic of Christmas heal old wounds? And can this enchanting town be the one place Piper can finally call home?

Curl up with this gorgeously romantic tale and let the glistening snow and the roaring fires of Stardust Lake Hotel get you in the festive spirit this Christmas.

REVIEW:
This is a sweet story. Honestly though it does not have a lot to do with Christmas and doesn’t exactly put the reader into a holiday mood. It is a quick read set in the Scotland islands but it really doesn’t have a Scottish feel. Very few words are written with an accent.

The story is predictable but sweet. I never really connected with any of the characters but Wren is sweet even if Frozen is mentioned a number of times too many.

All in all this book is enjoyable.

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

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Kimberly reviews Skin Deep by Kimberly Kincaid

skin-deepTITLE: Skin Deep
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #1
CHARACTERS: Kellan & Isabella
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/20/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Where there’s smoke…

For firefighter Kellan Walker, checking his emotions at the door doesn’t just keep him on the level. It keeps him alive. A gut-wrenching find at the scene of a blaze threatens to blow his ironclad composure, but when the detective assigned to the case is the same woman who put his sister’s life at risk three months ago, all bets for Kellan being calm, cool, or collected are definitely off.

There’s bound to be fire…

Keeping people safe is Isabella Moreno’s number one priority, no matter how tough the case. Working without solid leads and with the gorgeous, broody firefighter who believes she’s responsible for endangering his sister on a previous case isn’t ideal. But someone is hurting women in the here-and-now. Isabella will do whatever it takes to find justice.

As Kellan and Isabella reluctantly team up to catch a criminal, they realize they have more in common than they’d ever imagined. With every move, the stakes grow higher and the passion sizzles hotter, but can they race against the clock and the odds to catch a killer? Or will they lose their hearts—and their lives?

REVIEW:
I don’t know what it was but I just never got into this story. I read all the reviews that are glowing with 5 stars and I figured I was missing something so I kept reading but I just never found the story caught me.

It was slow to start which caused me to get a bit bored and then when they repeated the fire scene, which was slow in the first place, I had a problem. Kincaid also was using a lot of slang/street terms which seemed forced like she was trying too hard to be young. Isabella is supposed to be a decade old cop but she speaks like she is just out of school and trying to be cool.

The characters were fine. I just didn’t connect with them. The story was different but a bit dark. I wish I had connected with the book because I enjoy Kincaid’s work usually. I wish I could explain I just can’t.

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

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Kelly reviews A Promise Of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

a-promise-of-fireTITLE: A Promise of Fire
SERIES #: Kingmaker Chronicles #1
CHARACTERS: Catalia “Cat” Fisa & Griffin Sinta
AUTHOR: Amanda Bouchet
NARRATOR: Mia Barron
RUN TIME: 14 hours & 45 minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 2, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Catalia “Cat” Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Wonderful!! This was an excellent start to Ms. Bouchet’s Kingmaker Trilogy. I am already excited for the next two books in this series. A Promise of Fire kept my attention from page one. I just loved Cat. She is a mystery that slowly unravels as the story goes on. But with each mystery solved another one takes it place. Griffin is the perfect match for the very feisty Cat. Griffin is a bit of a jerk in the beginning but like Cat he is full of surprises.
I also love a book where you not only fall in love with the main characters but the secondary characters too. I can’t wait to see what happens with Cat, Griffin and the whole Beta Team!!!

I also had the pleasure of listening to A Promise of Fire on audio. I love finding new narrators to listen too. Mia Barron does a pretty good job narrating this book. If there was one item I can say that took me a bit to get use to was Griffin’s voice. It was not what I originally had thought that Beta Sinta would sound like. But after a few chapters I got use to Ms. Barron’s interpretation of his voice. I will be picking up the second book on audio also (as long as they don’t change narrators. It is the quickest way to lose me as a listener)

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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#TBT Kelly reviews Storm Warrior by Dani Harper ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

storm warriorTITLE: Storm Warrior
SERIES #: Grim #1
CHARACTERS: Rhys & Morgan
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N  | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Enslaved for millennia by the masters of the Welsh faery realm, the fierce Celtic warrior Rhys is doomed to wander the earth forever. But when a brave beauty unwittingly breaks the enchantment, he is drawn into a strange new world…and an all-consuming desire.

Sensible Morgan doesn’t believe in magic—until a mysterious being saves her from a fate worse than death, and life as she knows it changes forever. Now the man of her dreams has become flesh and blood, igniting a spark in Morgan’s soul which science cannot explain. But even a love that transcends time may not be strong enough to withstand the power of an ancient curse.

From the best-selling author of Changeling Moon, this stirring novel of passion and magic launches an addictive new series for fans of paranormal romance.

REVIEW:
4.5 HEARTS Morgan doesn’t understand why only she can see the dog, but he is there none the less. There is something unearthly about him and the way he always is around. But after coming home from her holiday the last thing she ever expected was for the same dog to save her life.

Rhys made a choice and that choice is Morgan. Even in his Grim state he knows he is bound to Morgan and vows to protect her no matter what. Even by defying the very creatures that bound him. But in doing so Rhys has brought more trouble than expected to Morgan’s quiet little farm.

Dani wrote a great story and Justine Eyre brought the characters to life for me. I have to say that love Justine as a narrator and have yet found a book she has read that I didn’t like.
Okay back to Storm Warrior. I loved the world that Dani created in this book. Fae, Grims, humans. It was all very interesting and I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Witch Slapped by Dakota Cassidy

witch-slappedTITLE: Witch Slapped
SERIES #: Witchless in Seattle Mysteries #1
CHARACTERS: Stevie Cartwright, Belfry and Win
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Hollie Jackson
RUN TIME: 6 Hours & 36 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Oh, good. Not a problem. I’ll invoke the Gods of Pilates. I’m sure they’d be happy to help. Hang on just one sec while I dial them up. Oh, wait. I can’t. Know why I can’t? Because my hands are tied behind my back with zip ties, Win!”
A rib-tickling cozy mystery complete with an ex-witch, a dead British spy, a cotton ball bat and a cast of suspects that will keep you guessing right up to the end! Witch Slapped from USA Today bestselling author Dakota Cassidy is book one in her new cozy mystery series Witchless In Seattle. Join the hunt for a murderer with Stevie, Winterbottom, and Belfry in a race against time as the local police prepare an eight by ten cell for our intrepid ex-witch.
What’s a girl to do when she’s a broke, shunned ex-witch with a very tiny, very hungry bat familiar named Belfry to feed?
Hello. My name is Stevie Cartwright, and I’ve been witchless for thirty days.
If only there was a support group for down-on-their-luck ex-witches who’ve had their powers slapped right out of them (literally). Just as I was licking my wounds after returning to my hometown of Ebenezer Falls, WA, and navigating my suddenly non-magical existence with the help of my familiar, the only friend I have left in the world–things got sticky.
Enter an ex-spy and newly departed spirit named Winterbottom, who’s infiltrated my life with his sexy British accent and a couple of requests…
Thanks to Belfry’s successful attempt to use me as a human antenna to the afterlife, I can somehow hear Win. I should be ecstatic; helping departed souls used to be my witch specialty. It’s like I got the teensiest piece of my old life back. Except Win’s dropped me right at a dead woman’s feet.
Madam Zoltar, the town’s beloved fake medium, has been murdered, and Win wants me to catch the killer.
My old life won’t be worth much if it gets me whacked before my new life has barely begun–and that seems to be exactly what the killer has planned!
Content Notes: This cozy mysteries women sleuths series has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy’s popular A Paris, Texas Romance Series.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts A fun start to a new series for Ms. Cassidy. I really enjoyed listening to this story. Ms. Cassidy writes a fun, sarcastic and mystery filled story. I loved Stevie. Not only does she have to find her place in the this new world she has been through into, but she does it so well. Okay maybe there is a little kicking, screaming, crying and murder allegations. But you know just another day in the life, right? But Stevie is a fighter and she will not let a little thing like murder keep her down.
Belfry. Oh my goodness I want a cotton ball bat familiar!!! He is just awesome.
And Win.. Let’s talk about Stevie’s yummy sounding (he is british) ghostly spy!! I have really high hopes for Win. I can’t wait to see what and how Ms. Cassidy handles him in the future.
Hollie Jackson does a good job narrating this story. There were a few small things that bugged me in the audio version. There were a few really strangely long pauses. I am not sure if this was an editing issue or not. But at one point the pause was so long I looked at my phone to make sure the book was still playing. There was one time that the same line was repeated, again I am not sure if this was an editing issue or how Ms. Cassidy wrote the story.
All in all this was a great start to a great series and I can’t wait to see what to Stevie, Win and Belfry.

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

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Kimberly reviews Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

nobody-but-youTITLE: Nobody But You
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #3
CHARACTERS: Jacob & Sophie
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

REVIEW:
It is about dang time. Jacob “just up and left” the family but there is more than what can be seen that makes this story good. I was so happy to have Jacob home. Even though we hadn’t met Jacob he felt like he was missing from the last few stories. It was great to have him home.

Sophie is great. She is the type of woman I would love to hang out with on a Friday night and just relax with. She is funny and caring and just a great character.

I have never read a book by Shalvis that I would not recommend and this falls into the same category. I would say to read the rest in this series first though so you can understand what is going on with Jacob and why his character is worth waiting for.

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 Starfish Moon by Donna Kauffman

starfish moonTITLE: Starfish Moon
SERIES #: Brides Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Kerry & Cooper
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nestled on the Maine coast, Blueberry Cove is a peaceful retreat compared to the excitement of exotic cities and foreign lands. But it’s also the best place in the world for one woman to find her heart’s true home…

Kerry McCrae’s wanderlust has taken her to parts of the globe most people have only glimpsed in pictures. So why is tending bar at the family pub in Blueberry Cove after her Uncle Fergus’s stroke an easier adjustment than she expected? And why hasn’t she left once Fergus is back on his feet? When tall, tanned Cooper Jaxton walks through the door, she knows the answer in a heartbeat…

Born and raised deep in Australia’s outback, Cooper never planned to leave the wild country he loves. But after almost a year of having Kerry—with her sparkling eyes and outrageous stories—on his cattle station, Cooper was stunned when she left. Suddenly home wasn’t the same without her. Making his way to Blueberry Cove to find her is a risk, but Cooper is counting on the passionate connection between them to convince her that the only place either of them needs to be is together…

Let the honeymoon begin…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts As with most of Kauffman’s books the moment you start reading you feel like you are part of the story, sitting in the restaurants or walking down the beach. You also feel like you are watching a romance unfold in front of you. That is how I felt reading Kerry and Cooper’s story.

This is a light fun couple who laugh and just enjoy. Yes there are issues or the book would be no more than a chapter but the characters communicate in a way that most couples wish they could.

The story is heartfelt and sweet. I believe anyone that enjoys contemporary romance novels will enjoy this book. And you do not have to have read the series to enjoy it.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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#TBT Kimberly reviews Deep Autumn Heat by Elisabeth Barrett ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Deep Autumn HeatTITLE: Deep Autumn Heat
SERIES #: Star Harbor #1
CHARACTERS: Lexie & Sebastian
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

REVIEW:
I’ll be honest. I requested this book from NetGalley ages ago but because it had no deadline I just keep putting it off and now I wish I hadn’t. What a great book. The characters are really fun and entertaining. And the story is very exciting and well written.

There is a connection with Lexie and Seb right away. Honestly from the first moment they see each other. There is quite a bit of backstory that has a few twists and turns too. And the other Grayson boys aren’t too shabby either.

If you enjoy a good romance with a bit of suspense and a lot of emotion than this is a good book to pick up. I will say the book comes up as being over 400 pages but it is a fast read while being very enthralling so don’t let the amount of pages scare you off.

I can’t wait to read the next is the series… I’m thinking… Theo?

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Forbidden Fling by Skye Jordan

forbidden flingTITLE: Forbidden Fling
SERIES #: Wildwood #1
CHARACTERS: Ethan Hayes & Delaney Hart
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Delaney Hart has come a long way from her wild youth, dating tattooed bikers at her father’s bar, The Bad Seed. But when his death pulls her back to Wildwood, California, she must stay to renovate the dive he left her. And also face the lies and secrets that sent her running ten years before.

When Wildwood’s chief building inspector, Ethan Hayes, shows up on the property, Delaney doesn’t recognize him. The last thing he wants to do is save the bar where his cousin died in a brawl. But the good boy from her past is all too willing to remind her of the bad girl she used to be. And one night of passion leaves them both in a compromising position.

The last place Ethan should be is in Delaney’s bed. Guilt, family pressure, and plans for a brewpub of his own make shutting down The Bad Seed his top priority…until his feelings for Delaney interfere. Because her future depends on the success of the bar’s renovation and his dreams are rooted in its failure, their forbidden romance may be destined for heartbreak

REVIEW:
Forbidden Fling is kinda like Romeo and Juliet but without all the death.

We have Ethan Hayes whose family hates Delaney Hart. And Delaney Hart who escaped town as quickly as possible. All because of one night, one fight and one horrible mistake. A mistake that has haunted both Ethan and Delaney and shaped them both in ways they didn’t know about until now.

A wonderful start to a new series for Skye Jordan. I loved Ethan and Delaney. Ethan is the guy that we all want our man to be. He is sweet, hot and not afraid to say sorry (well kinda he is a guy). Delaney is determined and strong. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the next installment.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance 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 Her Rogue Alpha by Paige Tyler

her rogue alphaTITLE: Her Rogue Alpha
SERIES #: X-Ops #5
CHARACTERS: Jayson & Layla
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/06/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE’LL DO ANYTHING FOR HER
Former Special Forces Lieutenant Jayson Harmon can’t believe that his war scars don’t matter to beautiful feline shifter Layla Halliwell. Why would she saddle herself with a broken man?

But Layla knows that Jayson is a hero to the core, and that only she can heal his wounded soul. So when Jayson is deployed on another deadly mission, no way is Layla staying behind…

REVIEW:
I have to admit that I have not followed this series very well. I think I have read two so far and then I stopped. Reading this story I sort of remembered why. This story is fine it just some things were driving me nuts. I got so tired of Jayson not being able to have some faith in himself. I mean shouldn’t he be a bit more of an alpha to be able to hand Layla? But he just is so low on himself I wanted to slap him sometimes.

I just didn’t really enjoy it but I will say that it might be because I have no read all of the series and this one seems to bring up everyone ever written about. I really believe you need to read the series in order to get the full understanding of this series.

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

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