Author: Kimberly

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Kelly reviews Storm Bound by Dani Harper

Storm BoundTITLE: Storm Bound
SERIES #: Grim #2
CHARACTERS: Aidan & Brooke
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: March 18, 2014
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2014
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 25 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible | Brilliance Audio

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the bestselling author of Changeling Moon, this thrilling and sensual novel adds a new chapter to Dani Harper’s Celtic folklore–themed Grim Series.

Kidnapped on his wedding day in the twelfth century and forced into a thousand years of servitude by a cold-hearted faery princess, rugged blacksmith Aidan dreams of nothing but revenge on his captor. Then the spell of a beautiful witch awakens him to the present day—and a passionate desire. But to build a future, he must first confront his past…

Modern witch and magic-shop owner Brooke doesn’t think her life is missing anything, until a wayward enchantment lands a brooding medieval blacksmith in her spell room—and in her arms. Yet even after their passion proves to be truly magical, Aidan’s first commitment is to vengeance. Now Brooke must team up with friends and ancient warriors alike—and push her own powers to their limits—to save her love from the wrath of an evil fae.

REVIEW:
I had the pleasure reading this book and also getting to listen to on audio. I just could not pass up the chance to have Justine Eyre read to me. This was a good second book in Dani’s Grim series. I really enjoyed all the magic and Welsh mythology in the series. But there were parts that were a little slow for me. I felt that the book started off really good then it slowed down a bit. Right up until Brooke meets Aidan.
I really enjoyed Brooke and Aidan’s relationship and the connection that they have. Brooke’s cat’s really tried to steal the show with their demanding ways 🙂 .
All in all this was a good book and I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I wonder who it could be? Maybe a certain Lord of the Hunt?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Montlake & Brilliance Audio 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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Books-n-Kisses T-Shirts

                    Would you like a Books-n-Kisses T-Shirt? What would you like it to say?
                                        BnK is looking for a saying for their new line of T-shirts.
 Give us an idea of what it should say. Remember to include the wording “Books-n-Kisses” on it.

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Kimberly reviews Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper

better homesTITLE: Better Homes and Hauntings
CHARACTERS: Nina & Deacon
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

REVIEW:

3.25 Hearts I am a little on the fence about this story. It seemed like the characters connected at some points and didn’t at others. Sometimes the characters acted so cute you couldn’t help but smile then there was nothing. I gave it a little over 3 hearts/stars because for the most part I enjoyed it.

Having just been to the Baltimore I could picture the estate and loved having the Whitney’s compared to the Vanderbilts. I think this is the type of place (if it was real) that would have paranormal investigators there all the time and how fun that it was set on its own island. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough with the ghosts.

It is hard for me to say anything that was great or horrible because it just fit right in the middle the whole way.

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

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Natasha reviews Fuse by Julianna Baggott

FuseTITLE: Fuse
SERIES #: The Pure Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Pressia, Partridge, Bradwell, Lyda, El Capitan
AUTHOR: Julianna Baggott
PUBLICATION DATE: 2/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
We want our son returned. This girl is proof that we can save you all. If you ignore our plea, we will kill our hostages one at a time.

To be a Pure is to be perfect, untouched by Detonations that scarred the earth, and sheltered inside the paradise that is the Dome. But Partridge escaped to the outside world, where Wretches struggle to survive amid smoke and ash. Now, at the command of Partridge’s father, the Dome is unleashing nightmare after nightmare upon the Wretches in an effort to get him back.

At Partridge’s side is a small band of those united against the Dome: Lyda, the warrior; Bradwell, the revolutionary; El Capitan, the guard; and Pressia, the young woman whose mysterious past ties her to Partridge in ways she never could have imagined. Long ago a plan was hatched that could mean the earth’s ultimate doom. Now only Partridge and Pressia can set things right.

To save millions of innocent lives, Partridge must risk his own by returning to the Dome and facing his most terrifying challenge. And Pressia, armed only with a mysterious Black Box containing a set of cryptic clues, must travel to the very ends of the earth, to a place where no map can guide her. If they succeed, the world will be saved. But should they fail, humankind will pay a terrible price . .

REVIEW: The first book in this series – Pure – was so good that I had really high expectations for the next book in this series. Unfortunately it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped it would be. There was a lot going on in this installment, but it seemed to be drawn out for longer than necessary. The characters were harder to like in this book based on decisions and lack of decisions made throughout. I listened to this book on audio, and the narrator for Lyda makes her sound like a robot which is hard to ignore. It alters the way I think of Lyda and her demeanor. As with book one there is a lot of the story that is hard to believe if you think about the science involved with bombings and the world after, but once you give yourself over to the fiction aspect of it all you forget about believability and just enjoy this authors version of events. The ending was shocking and intense. I’ll continue on to book three to see how the story resolves. Hopefully it will offer a little more than this section of the story.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews The Tea Shop On Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

The Tea Shop on LLTITLE: The Tea Shop On Lavender Lane
SERIES #: Life In Icicle Falls #5
CHARACTERS: Bailey/Todd/Cecily/Luke
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a fake food poisoning incident in L.A., Bailey Sterling’s dreams of becoming a caterer to the stars collapse faster than a soufflé. Now Bailey’s face is in all the gossip rags and her business is in ruins. But the Sterling women close ranks and bring her back to Icicle Falls, where she’ll stay with her sister Cecily.

All goes well between the sisters until Bailey comes up with a new business idea—a tea shop on a charming street called Lavender Lane. She’s going into partnership with Todd Black, who—it turns out—is the man Cecily’s started dating. It looks to Cecily as if there’s more than tea brewing in that cute little shop. And she’s not pleased.

Wait! Isn’t Cecily seeing Luke Goodman? He’s a widower with an adorable little girl, and yes, Cecily does care about him. But Todd’s the one who sends her zing-o-meter off the charts. So now what? Should you have to choose between your sister and the man you love (or think you love)?

REVIEW:
I had a hard time with this story. Maybe because it was about 4 people and not just a couple or maybe because it actually had a harshness to it. I am really not sure but I just didn’t enjoy it too much. While most of it was about Cecily and Todd with a bit of Luke thrown in none of the characters seemed to have much chemistry. And then Bailey came in and while she does have chemistry with Todd it seemed wrong to have her interested in her sisters boyfriend.

There wasn’t enough about Cecily and Luke if you ask me. And I honestly wondered where Eric fit into the story. Just so many people thrown into this mix and it just never seemed to connect with any couple.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

Then Came YouTITLE: Then Came You
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #5
CHARACTERS: Wyatt Stone & Emily
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.
Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I just have to say that I am SO in love with Jill Shalvis and her books.

Then Came You is book 5 in her Animal Magnetism series and I am so in love with Wyatt.
Who doesn’t love a hottie in glasses that is good with animals and even better with people. That is until it comes to the people he wants in his life. Wyatt’s biggest weakness is his fear of not letting people have their own choices when in reality telling someone how you feel will make all the difference in the world about their decisions.

Emily is feisty almost to a fault. Emily lives by the rule of “I must always have a plan” but you know what they say about the best laid plans right??? I did truly enjoy watching her walls slowly crack and tumble down as she learns what real life is about.
I really enjoyed these two even if at times I wanted to slap them both. I think that a certain Parrot, a new puppy and turtle did try to steal the show at times. But both Wyatt & Emily stole the cake and my heart.

If you are a fan of Ms. Shalvis you will love this book. It is classic Jill Shalvis funny, heartbreaking, laugh out loud, sexy, horn honking, tension filled makes you want to keep turning the page reading story. So make sure you get your copy and find out why Sunshine Idaho is so nice.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW 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 Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

wild iris ridgeTITLE: Wild Iris Ridge
SERIES #: Hope’s Crossing #7
CHARACTERS: Lucy & Brendan
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucy Drake and Brendan Caine have only one thing in common…

And it’s likely to tear them apart. Because it was Brendan’s late wife, Jessie—and Lucy’s best friend—who’d brought them together in the first place. And since Jesse’s passing, Brendan’s been distracted by his two little ones…and the memory of an explosive kiss with Lucy years before his marriage. Still, he’ll steer clear of her. She’s always been trouble with a capital T.

Lucy couldn’t wait to shed her small-town roots for the big city. But now that she’s back in Hope’s Crossing to take care of the Queen Anne home her late aunt has left her, she figures seeing Brendan Caine again is no big deal. After all, she’d managed to resist the handsome fire chief once before, but clearly the embers of their attraction are still smoldering…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts A very sweet read. It took a little while for me to get interested in this book. Maybe because the two characters didn’t connect o a romantic level since they had been adversaries or maybe it was just written for them to need time but either way it took me awhile. But once the connection had been done I really enjoyed it. There was still a bit of uncertainty between them but it enhanced the story.

I really enjoyed the background characters especially the kids, Faith and Carter. They are so sweet and every time they come in contact with someone the sweetness just comes out. I even liked Crystal when she came into the picture.

While part of a series you can read this as a stand alone without any hesitation. Looking forward to the next in the series… Maybe Aidan’s story?

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly & Kimberly review Until We Touch by Susan Mallery

Until We TouchTITLE: Until We Touch
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #15
CHARACTERS: Jack McGarry & Larissa Owens
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a family tragedy, former football hero Jack McGarry keeps the world at arm’s length—a challenge now that his PR firm has moved to neighborly Fool’s Gold, California.

Larissa Owens knows where she stands—Jack sees her as just another one of the guys. No matter what her heart wishes, Jack’s her boss, not her boyfriend. But then Larissa’s big secret is revealed…by her mother!

When Jack discovers the truth about Larissa’s feelings, her touch suddenly becomes tantalizing, and he’s not sure he wants to resist. But if he gives in to desire, heartache is sure to follow. Friendship or true love—will Jack go for the ultimate play?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts In Until We Touch we get to learn a little more about Mr. Jack McGarry. Jack, well for a better word is a bit of an asshat once we get to know him better. I was so mad at him through this book. It is a good thing that you can’t reach into books and slap the characters around. The problem with Jack is that his past has form who he is today. And sadly I could not hold that against him. But I still think everyone should make him sweat it out more 🙂

Larissa is so sweet, shy and has such a big heart that she can’t see that the person that needs the most rescuing in her life is herself. But it is fun to watch her run around and save all of these animals. Sadly it is going to take some major heartbreak for Larissa to finally realize the errors of her ways.
As always Susan does a great job of sucking me back into the Fool’s Gold world. If you are a Fool’s Gold fan you will really enjoy Jack & Larissa’s story. If you are new to this series no worried you can read this as a stand alone, but be warned once you step foot into Fool’s Gold you my never want to leave.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I think I say this with every Fool’s Gold review but reading this series is like coming home to a town filled with family and friends. I love everything about Fool’s Gold from freaky Mayor Marsha to Jo’s odd bar to the latest couple to fall in love. There is something special about this place and about the author who writes it. Susan Mallery is the best in the contemporary romance genre and reading any one of her books will have you working your way through them all.

Now on to Jack and Larissa. We all knew from the beginning of the football heroes trilogy that they would end up together but we didn’t know how and I doubt any of us thought it would be a meddling mom who started it all but we are so glad she did. Once the seed is planted in the minds of Jack and Larissa that there is love between them there is no stopping the seed growing into a forest of trouble. Jack and Larissa are ying and yang to each other. They complement each other perfectly and are just meant to be. I also love the relationship that Jack has with Tayrn. There is something special between them that is separate from romance and it works. But the best relationship is the bro-mance between Jack, Sam and Kenny. With each summer trilogy there are three men but something about these three is a bond that is so everlasting it rivals all others. I can’t wait to watch Kenny and Bailey fall in love this Christmas and I know Chloe will be a delight to read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Harlequin 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 Up To Me by Christi Barth

Up To meTITLE: Up To Me
SERIES #: Shore Secrets #1
CHARACTERS: Ella & Graydon
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/23/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ella Mayhew’s always appreciated the beautiful view of Seneca Lake from the spa window of her family’s hotel.But the view improves dramatically when a hot stranger runs across the grounds—shirtless. He’s the first man to kickstart her hormones in the three years since she lost her parents, and she doesn’t even know his name.

Graydon Locke’s on his umpteenth undercover assignment. The routine’s always the same: assess a business, recommend it for closure, then roll out before anyone discovers his decisions impact hundreds of lives. He’s always believed nothing good comes out of small towns. Why would this one be different? Then he makes two classic rookie mistakes—falling for the sweet, sexy girl who owns the very business he’s on the verge of axing. And letting the town’s residents get involved in both his life, and his relationship with Ella.

Ella’s the best thing to ever happen to Gray, but he’s lied to her from the start. If he pulls the plug on Mayhew Manor, the entire town may crumble. Ella couldn’t save her parents, but it’s up to her to save their hotel. Even if that means turning her back on true love.

REVIEW:
This is a sweet story about finding love in unexpected places. Ella really comes into her own in this story. Seems she has had to grow up so fast and yet allows everyone else to make her decisions for her. But Gray opens up a part of Ella that she has been missing and she really grows into the woman she should be. Gray starts out lying about so much it is hard to imagine he will be forgiven but he does a bunch of sweet things so he redeems himself not only in the towns eyes but the readers as well.

The problem? The connection of Ella and Gray seems to go hot and cold. Gray seems sweet at some points and Ella seems taken and then they have almost a bickering feel to them. When they connected the story was sweet and really good but other times it seemed off and almost forced. But as with all (ok most) romances it has a happy ending the Gray does a little bit of groveling so the reader can enjoy them together.

I look forward to reading Ward and Piper’s story. There most certainly is one that and it will be a doozy.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews The Promise by Robyn Carr

the promiseTITLE: The Promise
SERIES #: Thunder Point #5
CHARACTERS: Peyton & Scott
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it’s time to move on from his loss. But as the town’s only doctor, the dating scene is awkward. That is, until a stunning physician’s assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She’s already been burned by a man with kids, and she’s come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she’s used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She’s willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn’t enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.

REVIEW:

Another lovely visit to Thunder Point and this time we get to spend time with Dr Scott. Scott is a great guy who is just too sweet for words and has adorable children and any woman would want to fall in love with him and I am thrilled that he got his happily ever after. Peyton is an interesting choice for Scott. They mesh so well but seem to be in such different worlds. And Peyton’s family is a hoot. I also enjoyed catching up with past couples from the series.

There was a little too much talk of Peyton’s ex and rehashing of the circumstances but the story is great. I would have liked a little less of the rehash and a bit more at the end. I would love to have known what the kids thought of Scott and Peyton together. But I am sure we will get more of their story as we visit Thunder Point with the next couple. I wonder who that will be? I can’t wait to read it and find out!

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