Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews Neighbors by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Neighbors
CHARACTERS: Meredith & Charles
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/05/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Danielle Steel’s gripping new novel, a reclusive woman opens up her home to her neighbors in the wake of a devastating earthquake, setting off events that reveal secrets, break relationships apart, and bring strangers together to forge powerful new bonds.

Meredith White was one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. But a personal tragedy cut her acting career short and alienated her from her family. For the last fifteen years, Meredith has been living alone in San Francisco with two trusted caretakers. Then, on a muggy late summer day, a massive earthquake strikes Northern California, plunging the Bay Area into chaos. Without a moment’s hesitation, Meredith invites her stunned and shaken neighbors into her mostly undamaged home as the recovery begins.

These people did not even realize that movie star Meredith White was living on their street. Now, they are sharing her mansion, as well as their most closely kept secrets. Without the walls and privacy of their own homes, one by one, new relationships are forged. For every neighbor there is a story, from the doctor whose wife and children fear him, to the beautiful young woman dating a dishonorable man, to the aspiring writer caring for a famous blind musician.

In the heart of the crisis, Meredith finds herself venturing back into the world. And thanks to the suspicions and the dogged detective work of a disaster relief volunteer, a former military officer named Charles, a shocking truth about her own world is exposed. Suddenly Meredith sees her isolation, her estranged family, and even her acting career in a whole new light.

Filled with powerful human dramas, Neighbors is a penetrating look at how our world can be upended in a moment. In a novel of unforgettable characters and stunning twists, acts of love and courage become the most powerful forces of all.

REVIEW:
There is just something about a Danielle Steel book. Especially in winter. Her books are perfect for a cold day in front of the fire with a warm drink and comfy blanket. And that is exactly what I did and read this book pretty much all day.

In Neighbors we meet Meredith. A woman in self isolation (perfect for 2020, right?) who’s life is passing her by while she misses her daughter, is robbed blind by her live-in help and she withers until tragedy strikes. An earthquake hits her neighborhood of San Francisco and while her luxurious mansion is intact her neighbors are not so lucky. So Meredith does the only logical thing and invites them to stay while they get their lives in order.

I found this story so compelling. The characters are so interesting and, well, real. I loved how with every new person Meredith meets she grows some herself. Especially one older gentleman that may bring something a bit more than friendship.

I have always loved Danielle Steel and it is hard to believe this woman still has so many stories in her back pocket.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold

TITLE: The Little Grave
SERIES #: Detective Amanda Steele #1
CHARACTERS: Amanda Steele
AUTHOR: Carolyn Arnold
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/11/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Detective Amanda Steele stops just inside the doorway, recognizing the victim’s face instantly. He seems so vulnerable in death; soft, human, even harmless. But she can never forget the evil he has inflicted. Her heart is hammering as she remembers her precious daughter, with her red curls and infectious laugh, and how she was lowered into that little grave…

It’s been five years since Detective Amanda Steele’s life was derailed in the path of an oncoming drunk driver. The small community of Dumfries, Virginia, may have moved on from the tragic deaths of her husband and daughter, but Amanda cannot. When the driver who killed her family is found murdered in a motel room, she can’t keep away from the case.

Fighting her sergeant to be allowed to work an investigation with such a personal connection to her, Amanda is in a race to prove that she can uncover the truth. But the more she digs into the past of the man who destroyed her future, the more shocking discoveries she makes. And when Amanda finds the link between a silver bracelet in his possession and the brutal unsolved murder of a young exotic dancer, she realizes she’s caught up in something darker than she ever imagined and suspects that more girls could be in danger.

But as Amanda edges toward the truth, she gets closer to a secret as personal as it is deadly. Amanda has stumbled upon a dangerous killer, and she must face some terrible truths in order to catch this killer – and save his next victim as she couldn’t save her own daughter…

A gripping, page-turning thriller full of mystery and suspense. Perfect for fans of Rachel Caine, Lisa Regan and Robert Dugoni.

REVIEW:
I have not read this author before so when I saw that this was the first book in a series I decided to give it a try. And mostly I enjoyed it.

Homicide detective Amanda Steele’s life fell apart when her family was killed by a drunk driver and pretty much she is just going through her daily routine to survive the pain. But when she is called to a motel where a dead body happens to be the drunk driver her senses tell her there is more to the story.

As I said I mostly enjoyed it. The suspense part of it was good. I enjoyed the “who-dun-it” part of the book and because this is book one of a new series I gave leeway to how many times the author introduced us to something new about Amanda but, honestly, I never found myself liking Amanda. There was so much grief in the book that I got tired of it. And the fact that she is even working the murder case, that in all truth, she could have done just doesn’t seem logical at all.

I will say that I will give the series another try when book two comes out, hoping that the author moves beyond the grief/pitifulness and lets us know who Amanda really is.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Scorpion’s Tail by Preston & Child

TITLE: The Scorpion’s Tail
SERIES #: Nora Kelly #2
CHARACTERS: Nora & Corrie
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/12/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Following OLD BONES, the second “happily anticipated” new thriller in Preston & Child’s new series will once again feature Nora Kelly, archaeologist at the Santa Fe Archeological Institute, and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson investigating a new case that requires both their skills (Booklist).

After a shoot-out Swanson is involved in, leaving a senior FBI agent gravely wounded, Corrie finds herself under investigation. Her supervisor assures her she’s not to blame and the black mark on her record will be cleared in short order. But Corrie finds herself shaking her overwhelming guilt.

As a distraction, she takes on a new case involving a fifty-year-old, mummified corpse discovered in a hidden enclave at High Lonesome, a long-abandoned New Mexico ghost town. Quickly out of her depth, she quickly realizes she needs the help of her foe-turned-ally, archaeologist Nora Kelly, who soon uncovers a startling truth: the deceased had been poisoned, and died clutching a priceless artifact from outside High Lonesome.

REVIEW:
This is the 2nd in a new series from Preston/Child. And Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson make excellent partners.

One of the best things about a Preston/Child book is the real life history that they add to their story. In this one we are brought to the desert of New Mexico. When Swanson finds a decades old dead body she asks Dr Kelly, archaeologist, to help.

The story takes some wonderful twists and turns leading the reader on a fact filled and fun ride.

Preston/Child have a magical way of writing together. Their stories, including this one, pull you in from the first couple of pages. And the suspense lasts until you turn the final page.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: The Forever Girl
SERIES #: Wildstone #6
CHARACTERS: Maze, Heather, Walker & Caitlyn
AUTHOR: Jill Shlavis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/12/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have been a fan of Jill Shalvis’ for years now and this book is a great example as to why.

This story is about the family you choose or more maybe the one handed to you when the biological family wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. Caitlin’s family takes in the others as foster kids. They become “siblings” and inseparable but then things change and everyone goes their own ways.But now Caitlin is getting married and she wants everyone back where they should be… by her side.

There is so much emotion in this story. I am not a crier but a number of times I wanted to. And more than once I laughed or shook my head. The dynamics of these characters is fantastic. I really love each of them.

The Forever Girl takes you on an emotional journey that shows you what is really important. It makes you want to call your best friend/sister and tell her how important she is to you.

A great story by Shalvis and any fan of women’s lit needs to have on your shelves to read again and again.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews All The Colors Of Night by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: All The Colors Of Night
SERIES #: Fogg Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Sierra & North
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/05/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Two psychics plunge into a dark world of deadly secrets in this second installment of the Fogg Lake trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.

North Chastain possesses a paranormal talent that gives him the ability to track down the most dangerous psychic criminals. When his father suddenly falls into a coma, North is convinced it was caused by a deadly artifact traced back to the days of a secret government laboratory known only as the Bluestone Project. North knows his only hope of saving his father is to find the artifact. He is good when it comes to tracking down killers but to locate the relic, he’s going to need help from a psychic who knows the shadowy world of obsessive collectors, deceptive dealers, and ruthless raiders…

With her reputation in ruins after a false accusation, antique expert Sierra Raines is looking for a fresh start. She turns to the murky backwaters of the paranormal artifacts trade, finding and transporting valuable objects with a psychic provenance. When North Chastain approaches her for help, Sierra takes him on as a client, though not without reservations. North represents the mysterious Foundation, the secretive organization established to police the underworld populated by psychic criminals and those, like Sierra, who make a living in the shadows of that world.

North and Sierra soon find themselves at the scene of The Incident that occurred decades ago in Fogg Lake. The town and its residents were forever changed by the disaster in the nearby Bluestone Project labs. The pair unearth shocking truths about what happened that fateful night, but they are playing with fire—someone in town knows what they’ve discovered and will do anything to make sure the secrets stay buried.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts As with all of JAK’s books I loved this book. I somehow managed to miss the first in the series but while I will be catching up and reading book one this can be a stand alone.

This book has a bit of paranormal and a good amount of romance. North’s father is dying. Sierra’s job is to find psychic relics and North needs Sierra to find the relic that may save his father.

I loved the main characters. Sierra and North are really interesting characters alone but put them together and they are terrific. As JAK normally does she writes Sierra as a strong independent woman who isn’t looking for a man but when North falls in her lap she is smart enough to know the connection means something. I love how JAK writes women!

North is a good guy too. Not that there isn’t conflict and it is all peaches and cream because it isn’t but the couple works perfectly.

I really enjoyed the story. It was one that I wanted to rush through to read every word but also didn’t want to read too fast because the story would end.

JAK is one of the best and this book is just proof.

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

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Kimberly reviews Chaos by Iris Johansen

TITLE: Chaos
CHARACTERS: Alisa Flynn
AUTHOR: Iris Johansen
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author introduces CIA agent Alisa Flynn, who is willing to go rogue if it means catching the most heartless band of criminals she’s ever encountered.

When CIA agent Alisa Flynn flaunts the rules by breaking into a mansion in the middle of the night, she skillfully circumvents alarms and outwits guards only to find herself standing in billionaire Gabe Korgan’s study . . . busted by Korgan himself. This could cost her her job unless, in a split second, she can turn the tables and try to convince him to join her on the most important mission of her life.

In a ripped-from-the-headlines plot, schoolgirls in Africa have been kidnapped, and Alisa knows that Korgan has the courage, financial means, and high-tech weaponry to help rescue them. With so many innocent lives hanging in the balance, what she doesn’t reveal is that one of those schoolgirls is like a little sister to her. But when the truth gets out, the stakes grow even higher.

Calling in additional assistance from renowned horse whisperer Margaret Douglas, Alisa and Gabe lay their plans, only to see them descend into chaos as the line between right and wrong wavers before them like a mirage. Every path is strewn with pitfalls, each likely to get them — or the hostages — killed. But with the help of a brave team and a horse with the heart of a warrior, they might just get out of this alive.

REVIEW:
As a fan of the Eve Duncan series I was excited about starting a new series from Johansen and I was not disappointed.

I found Alisa Flynn and Gabe Korgan to be great characters. They have a fun and intense blooming relationship. I enjoyed the background characters as well.

The suspense was typical of Johansen’s writing. It keeps you wondering the whole time and it is not a guarantee that who you think it is really is correct.

A great introduction to a new series that I can’t wait to read more of.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal by Heather MCollum

TITLE: The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal
SERIES #: The Brothers Of Wolf Isle #1
CHARACTERS: Adam & Lark
AUTHOR: Heather MCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/19/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A lass begging to marry him might top the list of “oddest things to happen,” but Chief Adam Macquarie is desperate. And no matter how much he hates to do it, he’s not above lying to get what he wants. Starting with the fact that he just omitted the truth about the situation back at his home—where there are no women and only a handful of other people. Because he has a secret need for a wife himself, one she won’t be too happy about when she finds out.

Lark Montgomerie is thrilled the brawny chief agrees to save her from her drunken father’s machinations of wedding her off to the first fool that agrees. He’s easy on the eyes and no one can be worse than her current options. Now a new life awaits her, on an exciting Scottish isle no less, and nothing will dampen her spirits. That is, until she arrives in her new homeland and realizes more than a few things are amiss…

REVIEW:
This is a new series from Heather McCollum. I love her Highlander novels so I was excited to begin a new series which I assume will be about the brothers.

In this one, Adam is desperate for a wife and since the Isle has no women any longer he leaves the Isle to find one. Lark is desperate to get away from her father who wants her out of his house so the situation seems perfect to marry the Chief and rule with him. But things are not what they seem.

I truly enjoy the way McCollum writes. I enjoy the romance, intimacy and humor that she puts into each novel. And this is no different. I really liked the brothers and can’t wait to read each of their stories.

Another great book by McCollum!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Haunting Of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb

TITLE: The Haunting Of Brynn Wilder
CHARACTERS: Brynn Wilder
AUTHOR: Wendy Webb
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a devastating loss, Brynn Wilder escapes to Wharton, a tourist town on Lake Superior, to reset. Checking into a quaint boardinghouse for the summer, she hopes to put her life into perspective. In her fellow lodgers, she finds a friendly company of strangers: the frail Alice, cared for by a married couple with a heartbreaking story of their own; LuAnn, the eccentric and lovable owner of the inn; and Dominic, an unsettlingly handsome man inked from head to toe in mesmerizing tattoos.

But in this inviting refuge, where a century of souls has passed, a mystery begins to swirl. Alice knows things about Brynn, about all of them, that she shouldn’t. Bad dreams and night whispers lure Brynn to a shuttered room at the end of the hall, a room still heavy with a recent death. And now she’s become irresistibly drawn to Dominic—even in the shadow of rumors that wherever he goes, suspicious death follows.

In this chilling season of love, transformation, and fear, something is calling for Brynn. To settle her past, she may have no choice but to answer.

REVIEW:
I am going straight down the middle for this review. I think this book had a lot of potential. The book has a bit of everything, romance, paranormal, suspense, and more but the writing is what didn’t have the umph that the book could have had.

The story was pretty easy to figure out but then a twist would be put into it with an understanding of why. A couple of the twists have me wondering what it was even about. Seems we got more questions than answers in this book but the biggest question was “Why add that at all?”.

The characters are an interesting bunch of people and again had so much potential.

I wish the author had taken a little more time and hadn’t felt like she needed to throw everything including the kitchen sink into one book.

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

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Kimberly reviews Dead Girl Walking by Roberta Gately

TITLE: Dead Girl Walking
CHARACTERS: Jessie & Sam
AUTHOR: Roberta Gately
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/24/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“911. What’s your emergency?”
“He came for her. She’s been shot,” says a desperate voice, as footsteps echo down an alley. “She’s dying.”
“Oh no, oh no, he’s coming back. Please, come quickly––” And then a click, and the drone of a dial tone.

The beautiful young woman on the stretcher could be on her honeymoon. Chestnut hair tumbles around a pretty face, rose petals tangled in the loose strands. But the bandage around her forehead tells a different tale, as Emergency Room Nurse Jessie Novak desperately battles to keep her alive. Jessie’s thoughts are racing—who shot this beautiful young woman and more importantly, why?

Ann Hart’s life hangs by a thread, and Jessie cannot bear to see this beautiful young woman die without justice being done. Being a nurse is like hunting for clues, and Jessie is sure she can find the person who hurt Ann. She also asks her friend Detective Sam Dallas for help digging into Ann’s past. But then Jessie receives a gift that sends shivers up her spine: a huge bouquet of blood-red roses, just like the ones in Ann’s hair…

As the first snowflakes start to fall, another body turns up. Jessie is sure that she’s in danger too—since the roses, someone has been watching her… Sam is reluctant to see the link but Jessie knows she must find the culprit before he strikes again. He is stalking her through the frozen streets and he doesn’t want his fun to stop. Can Jessie turn the tables on the killer, or is she just a dead girl walking?

A totally addictive mystery novel that will leave you gasping for breath and have your heart thumping! Fans of Lisa Regan, Gregg Olsen and Tess Gerritsen will be completely hooked.

REVIEW:
This book just didn’t do it for me. I never ended up like Jessie and while I appreciated her tenacity to get to the answers the way she goes about it is, well, unlikable. I hated the way she was with Sam. Apparently Sam needs to give her every minute detail about what he finds out but she claims Hippa every time anything is asked of her.

She gets involved with another cop even though she is attracted to Sam and I, honestly, have no idea why. This other officer and the love triangle bring nothing to this story.

The storyline was obvious to me and it was no surprise that I figured out everything pretty early in the book.

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

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Kimberly reviews Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre

TITLE: Every Last Secret
CHARACTERS: Cat & Neena
AUTHOR: A.R. Torre
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to the neighborhood. Watch your husband, watch your friends, and watch your back.

Cat Winthorpe has worked hard to get what she has: a gorgeous home; social standing; and William, her successful, handsome husband. Then a friendly new couple moves into the estate next door. While cautious, a good neighbor like Cat greets them with open arms and warm hospitality.

Neena Ryder isn’t a fellow lady of leisure. A life coach with off-the-rack dresses, personal issues, and a husband who hasn’t delivered, she’s anxious to move up in the world. This beautiful new town is a step in the right direction. It’s also making Neena aware of what she doesn’t have. Namely, William. When Neena’s infatuation escalates into obsession, it’s just a matter of eliminating a few obstacles to get the life she wants. The life next door.

As Neena’s secret fixation grows, so does her friendship with Cat. But beneath their cordial interactions is a wealth of temptations, secrets, and toxic jealousy. For both women, the desire for a perfect life can turn perfectly dangerous.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Here is the thing about this book. There is no good characters and yet they are all fun to read. Cat has it all and Neena wants it.

I found the characters well written and while I could see every last scene before it happened it was still a good read. As I said I really never cared about any of the characters so it made it easy to sit back and watch the train wreck happen.

I am not sure I have read this author before, I do not believe I have, so I was pleasantly surprised at the well written story.

Worth reading the next from this author.

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

4 Hearts