Kimberly

July 15, 2016July 10, 2016

Kelly reviews Awakened by Kate Douglas

TITLE: Awakened
SERIES #: Intimate Relations #3
CHARACTERS: Marc Reed & Mandy Monroe
AUTHOR: Kate Douglas
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
PASSION NEVER SLEEPS.

Small-town barista Mandy Monroe will never forget the first time she saw the man of her dreams. Every morning, this impossibly gorgeous hunk would ride his bike past her coffee shop, fueling her wildest romantic fantasies. But when she learns that her crush is none other than vineyard owner Marc Reed, one of America’s hottest young entrepreneurs, Mandy knows her fantasy will never become a reality. That is, until Marc’s home burns down and he moves in with her…

As a roommate, Marc is as warm, friendly, and down-to-earth as he is rich, famous, and heart stoppingly handsome. But beneath his laidback exterior beats the heart of a red-blooded man with an uncontrollable urge to take Mandy in his arms and make mad, passionate love to her. Mandy is everything he’s ever wanted; she’s sweet, smart, funny, and irresistibly sexy. But how he can tell her the truth about his past? How can he explain the nightmares that haunt him every night? And how can he tell Mandy he loves her…without putting her heart, and her life, in danger?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Awakened was the final installment in the Intimate Relations trilogy. This was a good ending to a good series. It has been fun to watch Marc and Mandy dance around each other over the last two books. It was good to finally see them act on their lust. It was also so great to see how strong Mandy is. Marc couldn’t have asked for a better partner.
If you haven’t read this series and you enjoy romance suspense. You will enjoy this series.
I really can’t wait to see what Kate has in store for us next.

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

July 14, 2016July 10, 2016

#TBT Kimberly’s review of Run The Risk by Lori Foster – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Run The Risk
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend’s unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious—and in far more danger—than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her.Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new “construction worker” who’s moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires—or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer’s crosshairs?

REVIEW:
I have never read a Lori Foster book before even though she has been around for awhile now. I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters which were written very well. There was a bit too much of the characters of Rowdy and Pepper trying to explain why the siblings were so close but even that was fine just a little tiresome. The suspense of the story was written well too, not knowing who the bad cop was. I really did like how the relationship between Rowdy and Logan progressed as well and the relationship with Logan and Reese. The mens relationships were just as important as the love relationship between Logan and Pepper. I was not too thrilled with the whole feel of Logan using Pepper to find Rowdy but then I was aggravated that Pepper held it against Logan for so long. This is a new series and I can not wait to read Reese’s story to find out what is going on with Alice, she seems like such an interesting character. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys the romantic suspense genre.

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

July 13, 2016July 10, 2016

Kelly reviews Luck, Love and Lemon Pie by Amy E Reichert

TITLE: Luck, Love & Lemon Pie
CHARACTERS: Chris & MJ
AUTHOR: Amy E. Reichert
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the author of the “clever, creative, and sweetly delicious” (Kirkus Reviews) The Coincidence of Coconut Cake comes a novel about a frustrated wife and mother who hatches a scheme to reignite her marriage—and risks everything in a gamble she hopes is a sure bet.

When Milwaukee-area wife and mother MJ Boudreaux notices her husband Chris seems more interested in the casino than her, she’s more bothered that she isn’t upset than by her husband’s absence. She picks up poker as a way for them to spend more time together—and reignite their marital flame.

Although the game doesn’t give her the quality time with Chris that she’d hoped, MJ finds she has a knack for it. Increasingly unhappy at home, she turns to the felt top of the poker table for comfort. Intoxicated with newfound freedom, MJ begins spending more time at the gambling tables and less with her family, finally carving out for herself a place outside her role of wife and mother.

After a string of great wins, MJ finds herself in Vegas, attracting the attention of a certain magnetic poker star. But when she’s forced to choose between her family and her new exciting lifestyle, the stakes may be higher than she thought and MJ will have to play her hand carefully…or risk losing it all.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed Lust, Love & Lemon Pie. Which is Amy E. Reichert second book. I really liked the her first books The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. In Luck, Love & Lemon Pie we follow Chris & MJ. A couple that has been married for 20 years who has found themselves in a bit of a funk of late. MJ tries to find a common thread with her husband in the form of Poker. But MJ finds herself getting more wrapped up in playing poker then fixing her marriage problems.
It was really nice to read a story about a couple that is going through something that almost every couple will go through at some point in time. I liked the MJ tired to find common ground with Chris (even if it backfired a bit). Chris kinda made me mad that he didn’t even try talking it out with MJ. But I loved the ending!!
I can’t wait to see what Amy has in store for us next!!!

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

July 12, 2016July 10, 2016

Kimberly reviews Daughters Of The Bride by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Daughters Of The Bride
CHARACTERS: Courtney, Sienna & Rachel
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/12/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With Joy, Love, and a Little Trepidation Courtney, Sienna and Rachel Invite You To the Most Emotional Wedding of the Year… Their Mother’s

Courtney ~ The Misfit ~

As the awkward one, Courtney Watson may not be as together as her sisters, but she excels at one thing—keeping secrets, including her white-hot affair with a sexy music producer. Planning Mom’s wedding exposes her startling hidden life, changing her family’s view of her—and how she views herself—forever.

Sienna ~ The Free Spirit ~

When Sienna’s boyfriend proposes—in front of her mom and sisters, for crying out loud—he takes her by surprise. She already has two broken engagements under her belt. Should she say “I do” even if she’s not sure she does?

Rachel ~ The Cynic ~

Rachel thought love would last forever…right up until her divorce. As Mom’s wedding day draws near and her ex begs for a second chance, she’s forced to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about why her marriage failed, and decide if she’ll let pride stand in the way of her own happily ever after.

A must-read for anyone who has survived the wedding of a sister, a mother, a daughter—as told by #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Susan Mallery!

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts As a HUGE fan of Susan Mallery I couldn’t wait to grab this book. I adore the Fool’s Gold series but this is not part of that series but I loved it just as much.

This is the story of well the bride’s three daughters. These girls each have their own way of dealing with love or the lack of it. One has been in love with her first love for forever but when he cheats on her her life falls apart but does she still love him? One of the daughters wants to be in love. She has been engaged three times but were any of them love? And finally the last daughter doesn’t believe love exists at all. So how do these three deal with seeing their mother fall in love again and get married.

I really found I liked Courtney the most. Maybe because she is the youngest and had the hardest time but I really found myself wanting to read her story the most. I enjoyed the sisters as well and I wish Sienna’s ending had come a little earlier so we could have see more of her HEA.

There is just something about the way that Mallery writes that draws you in from the very first sentence and you find yourself not wanting to stop reading. I don’t think there is a way to make this into a series but I know Mallery will be bringing us back to Fool’s Gold soon but in the meantime meeting these great sisters was wonderful!

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

July 11, 2016July 10, 2016

Kelly reviews Devil And The Deep by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Devil and the Deep
SERIES #: Deep Six #2
CHARACTERS: Bran Palladino & Maddy Powers
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: July 5, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events are Maddy Powers’ way of life. But the daring man who appropriated her father’s yacht a couple of months ago is still out there, somewhere, and she wants to pay him back for the scorching kiss they shared.

Behind his suave smile and ladykiller eyes, Bran Palladino carries a dark secret that keeps him from pursuing Maddy… even though he can’t get her out of his head. But when Maddy is kidnapped as part of a grand scheme, it’s time to put up or shut up… because Bran can’t live without Maddy now.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Devil and the Deep is book two in Ms. Walker’s Deep Six series. In Devil and the Deep we pick up a few months after the events from book one Hell or High Water. These books are connected but I think you will be okay if you have not read book one (but you should 🙂 ).
We get to catch up with Bran and Maddy in Devil in the Deep. These two have been keeping in touch via emails. But now Maddy is going to be in Bran’s neck of the woods and she has invited him to come visit her. Little did she know how important that invite would turn out to be.
Bran has been fighting his feelings for Maddy since the moment he met her. But when Bran lands on the island where Maddy is and sees a gun pointed at her he snaps just a little.
This was a fun book. I enjoyed watching Bran and Maddy finally realize just how good they are together. I also really enjoyed the interaction between Mason & Alex (can’t wait for this story).
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. But I do hope that there is not another kidnapping scheme.

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.

July 8, 2016July 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Riverbend Road by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Riverbend Road
SERIES #: Haven Point #4
CHARACTERS: Cade & Wyn
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/21/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love

Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.

Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

REVIEW:
Haven Point is one of my favorite fictional towns. This visit was about Wyn who is a police officer and Cade her Chief of Police. But even more important Wyn is Cade’s best friends little sister and we all know little sisters are off limits…. Well until they aren’t.

I really enjoyed this story. With all the twist and turns of should they or shouldn’t they it kept my attention through every page. I love catching up with the characters from the series.

You can not go wrong reading any book by RaeAnne Thayne and this series she is at the top of her game. If you enjoy a sweet and fun contemporary romance than this series is perfect and Riverbend Road is a great place to start.

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

July 7, 2016July 4, 2016

Kelly reviews Bewitching In Boots by Lila DiPasqua

TITLE: Bewitching in Boots
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #6
CHARACTERS: Tristan de Tiersonnier & Elisabeth de Roussel
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: June 21, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

**NOTE: Originally published in the AWAKENED BY A KISS anthology.

Inspired by the tale of Puss in Boots—an erotically charged historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series.

Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants–and she wants gorgeous Tristan de Tiersonnier, Count of Saint-Marcel, the ex-commander of the King’s private Guard.

A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he’s every bit the man he once was–and more than man enough for her.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. Di Pasqua writes an amazing story that draws you in and make you fall in love with her stories while giving you a history lesson all at the same time. If you have not read any of the other Fiery Tales don’t worry Bewitching in Boots (while connected to Little Red Writing) can easily be read as a stand alone.
Tristan the ex-commander of the Musketeers and has sequestered himself off in his home and is broody about all he has lost. Elisabeth is a woman determined to get what she wants no matter what she has to do. What does she want you ask? She wants Tristan to be reinstated as commander of the Musketeers. Oh and she wants him in her bed.
Tristan and Elisabeth were really fun to read. It was great fun to watch these two dance around each other and try to avoid what they both want. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

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

July 6, 2016July 4, 2016

Kimberly reviews Bound Beneath His Pain by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Bound Beneath His Pain
SERIES #: Dirty Little Secrets #1
CHARACTERS: Micah & Allie
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/05/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin novels kicks off a deeply sensual new series by introducing readers to Micah, a man who takes what he wants—until he meets the one woman he needs.

Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. He keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?

When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah’s her new boss. For another, he’s as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he’s got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she’s willing to go to light the way for love.

Bound Beneath His Pain is intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a new series from Kennedy. Having been a fan of the Club Sin series I was anxious to pick this up. As with all of Kennedy’s books this is meant for mature readers who enjoy erotica / BDSM.

While I enjoyed the story there was just some things off for me. First the writing is not what I am used to from Kennedy. It is not to say it is better or worse it just has a different feel. Hard to say exactly but it seems Kennedy was watching Mad Men while writing this story. Allie seems almost old fashion is her stereotypical secretary. And I really didn’t like that Micah has a stand by sub.

I am looking forward to this new series that was branched off from Club Sin.

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

July 5, 2016July 4, 2016

Kelly reviews The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone

TITLE: The Hatching
CHARACTERS: The World
AUTHOR: Ezekiel Boone
PUBLICATION DATE: July 5, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“An apocalyptic extravaganza of doom and heroism…addictive.” —Publishers Weekly

“It’s been too long since someone reminded us that spiders are not just to be feared, but also may well spell doom for mankind. Fortunately, Ezekiel Boone has upped the ante on arachnophobia. This is a fresh take on classic horror, thoroughly enjoyable and guaranteed to leave your skin crawling.” —Michael Koryta, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Wish Me Dead

An astonishingly inventive and terrifying debut novel about the emergence of an ancient species, dormant for over a thousand years, and now on the march.

Deep in the jungle of Peru, where so much remains unknown, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist whole. Thousands of miles away, an FBI agent investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery. Unusual seismic patterns register in a Kanpur, India earthquake lab, confounding the scientists there. During the same week, the Chinese government “accidentally” drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country. As these incidents begin to sweep the globe, a mysterious package from South America arrives at a Washington, D.C. laboratory. Something wants out.

The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster. An ancient species, long dormant, is now very much awake.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The Hatching is a totally different twist on of the end of the world. We don’t have to worry about Zombies, Werewolves or Vampires. Oh no… no, no, no…… The Hatching is an Arachnophobian worst nightmare!!!!
Seriously, you have been warned!!!
I am really on the fence about this story. I hate spiders I really do, but these spiders are something totally different. I found the history of the spiders interesting. I really liked a few of the characters. But at times the story was a little slow and jumped around the world a lot. I am not sure if I liked the story or not. All I know is that there were a lot of unanswered questions at the end of this book.

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

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July 4, 2016July 3, 2016

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July 1, 2016June 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Sunshine Beach by Wendy Wax

TITLE: Sunshine Beach
SERIES #: Ten Beach Road #4
CHARACTERS: Maddie, Avery & Nikki
AUTHOR: Wendy Wax
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/21/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this brand-new summer read by the USA Today bestselling author of The House on Mermaid Point, three women join forces to bring a historic seaside hotel back to life…

There’s nothing that a fresh coat of paint and a few glasses of wine can’t fix…

After losing their life savings in a Ponzi scheme, Maddie, Avery, and Nikki have banded together to make the most of what they have left, using their determination, ingenuity, guts, and a large dose of elbow grease. It’s Maddie’s daughter Kyra who stumbles across a once glorious beachfront hotel that has fallen into disrepair. The opportunity to renovate this seaside jewel is too good to pass up—especially when they come up with the idea of shooting their own independent television show about the restoration. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything. With the cameras rolling, Maddie’s second-chance romance with her all-too-famous new boyfriend gets complicated, Avery struggles with grief over the loss of her mother, and Nikki’s reluctance to commit to the man who loves her could leave her to face the biggest challenge of her life. Even the hotel seems to be against them, when their renovation uncovers a decades-old unsolved murder which just might bring their lives tumbling down all over again…

REVIEW:
This is my first novel by Wendy Wax but it is the fourth in the series. This book was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be a beach romance with the three women finding love in the sunshine. Nope.

There is a Nazi mystery at the heart of this story which in all honesty is the reason I sort of enjoyed it. I never seemed to connect with any of the three women. I really don’t know how three tv reality stars and a age old mystery fit together.

I am on the fence about this one so I gave it three stars.

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

June 30, 2016June 27, 2016

Kelly reviews Seconds To Live by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Seconds to Live
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #3
CHARACTERS: Mac Barrett & Stella Dane
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: June 28, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wildlife biologist Mac Barrett avoided his hometown of Scarlet Falls for years—too many bad memories. But when he receives the news that his father is dying, he rushes home only to discover he’s too late. Shaken, Mac retreats to his remote cabin seeking peace and solace. Instead, he crashes his jeep to narrowly avoid running over the naked body of a woman lying in the road. Even more disturbing, when he regains consciousness, the body is gone.

Police detective Stella Dane wants to believe Mac, even if his story about the vanishing body seems far-fetched. But when Mac’s description matches the missing woman she’s been searching for, it raises a disturbing question: How does a dead body disappear?

Mac and Stella will have to work together to find the answer and catch a psychotic kidnapper—and quickly. The killer has a deadly message to send, and the case is about to become personal

REVIEW:
I loved that we finally got Mac’s story. We have seen glimpse of him over the last two books and I am sure like everyone else fell in love with the youngest Barrett kid. In Seconds to Live we get to learn so much more about Mac. What makes him tick, what makes him constantly be on the run from his family and what happens when he sets his sights on the lady he can’t get out of his mind.
Stella is great! I love that she is tough, determined and relatable. Stella is someone that you would want on your side during a crisis. It was great to see her bounce back after the events of the last book.
As always Ms. Leigh brings us a story filled with the perfect level of suspense, keeping me guessing and romance. I enjoyed every page of this book. It was great to finally get Mac’s story. I love trying to figure out the who’s and why’s. Ms. Leigh does a great job of always shocking me (rarely am I right. haha). I can’t wait to see what Ms. Leigh has in story for us next.

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.