Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews Midnight Lies by Ella Grace

Midnight LiesTITLE: Midnight Lies
SERIES #: Wildefire #2
CHARACTERS: Samantha & Quinn
AUTHOR: Ella Grace
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Wilde sisters of Midnight return in this thrilling novel of romantic suspense, perfect for fans of Maya Banks, Allison Brennan, and Lori Foster.

IT’S ALWAYS HOTTER AT MIDNIGHT.
The winds of fate have blown cruelly on a family that once had it all: money, power, prestige. The lives of three beautiful daughters were forever changed when, on a sultry night in Midnight, Alabama, a murder-suicide shattered the Wilde family. The girls grew up to live separate lives but now have returned home, each to face a danger no one can see coming.

Former homecoming queen Samantha surprised everyone by going into law enforcement, but beneath her tough façade lies a wary heart. The tragedy that struck her family is an ever-present reminder that nothing is ever as it seems. When the man she loves, Quinn Braddock, a doctor and Iraq war veteran, is accused of murder, Samantha assumes the worst. Brokenhearted, her confidence shattered, she returns to Midnight. Though exonerated, Quinn still feels the sting of Samantha’s doubt, but he can’t forget his feelings for her and follows her. Soon after his arrival, a shocking murder terrifies the town, and once again, Quinn is under suspicion. This time, Samantha will not turn her back on the man she loves—even if it means walking into a killer’s trap.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series but it certainly can be read as a stand alone. There is a lot of suspense in the this story but I think most of it is “Will they stop breaking up long enough to stay together?”. There is some actual suspense too and I enjoyed the twist at the end.

Samantha and Quinn are interesting. I am not sure they are my favorite characters (I so enjoyed Zach and Savannah from book 1 must more) but there is something about them. It was just hard to see why they kept fighting to be together. But they did and it made for a great story.

I can’t wait to read Sabrina’s story and I hope it continues with Brody and Logan too. This is just a really enjoyable and engaging read.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap by Donna Kauffman

Sugar CookieTITLE: The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap
CHARACTERS: Varies By Story
AUTHOR: Kauffman, Angell & Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For friends Clara, Abby and Lily, only one thing is more delicious than the Pine Mountain holiday cookie exchange – finding the right man before they ring in the New Year!
Where There’s Smoke author Donna Kauffman
When flames from a recipe gone disastrously wrong send hunky firefighter Will Mason to pretty Clara Parker’s rescue, the sparks really begin to fly! And once Will gets a taste of Clara, he aches for more than just a little sugar from the famously single food columnist. .
The Gingerbread Man author Kate Angell
Folks have always told fun-loving Abby Denton that her anatomically correct Gingerbread cookies are. . .impressive. But those erotic cookies have nothing on the sexy stranger Abby saves from a snowy country road. Could Lander Reynolds be the Christmas treat she’s truly been longing for?
Sugar And Spice author Kimberly Kincaid
When caterer Lily Callahan goes up against hotshot pastry chef Pete Mancuso in the bake-off of the season, the stakes are high–and scandalously passionate. Will the gorgeous gourmand steal Lily’s heart–and the top prize in the Christmas cookie competition?

 

REVIEW:
This is a very cute anthology about 3 friends wrapped around cookies and great for the holidays. I was going to review each story separately but to be honest they all flow really well and fit together perfectly. The second story is probably the saddest of the three. And the first by Kauffman was my favorite but I really enjoyed all three stories equally.

The women of this story are strong and independent women and while none of them would mind a relationship it is nothing something they are focusing on which I was glad about. When you’re not looking is when love knocks I guess. The men if this story fall pretty quick but they are all sweet and loving and all very different.

This is a great holiday romance that is not overwhelming to try to read during this busy time of year.

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 She Can Scream by Melinda Leigh

She Can ScreamTITLE: She Can Scream
SERIES: She Can…#3
CHARACTERS: Luke Holloway & Brooke Davenport
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept 17, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Another good book from Melinda. While I was not completely surprised by who the bad guy was. I was surprised by the lengths the killer took to be the sick person that he was.
I am always in awe of suspense authors and how twisted, evil and sick their minds are. I am always amazed at how even when I know (or think I know) what is happening they always keep me on the edge of my seat. Always make me want to keep turning that page. Always give me anxiety while reading their books. Melinda does all of this.
If you love a good romance suspense novella I would highly suggest grabbing one of Melinda’s books. You will never look at a cold dark basement that same.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez

Dead sexy DragonTITLE: Dead Sexy Dragon
SERIES #: Dragon Heat #1
CHARACTERS: Cora & Stig
AUTHOR: Lolita Lopez
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last thing dragon shifter Stig Wyvern needs is his dead friend’s kid sister showing up on his doorstep. He’s just minutes away from entering a mating phase. Sharing his isolated house with the young woman he’s desperately lusted after for quite some time is a recipe for disaster.

But Cora Cardenas has nowhere else to go. She’s in deep trouble with some really nasty people and Stig is the only one who can protect her. That he’s deliciously sexy and makes her tingle with the simplest of smiles is just a bonus.

Cora quickly realizes Stig is hiding something from her. To make matters worse, she’s plagued with breathtakingly naughty dreams starring a shadowed lover who bears a startling resemblance to her host. And just what the hell is going on down in the basement at night?

Stig needs to get Cora out of his house but his inner beast has other ideas. He’s found his mate and she’s not going anywhere.

REVIEW:
This is a very short story of only about 70 pages but the story is interesting. I honestly have never read a shape shifter book about a dragon so this was a different kind of story for me and I found I enjoyed it.

The writing is well done and the story is complete. The sex scenes are written well too and not overwritten. I look forward to the next in the series.

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 Run To You by Rachel Gibson

Run To YouTITLE: Run To You
SERIES: Lovett Texas #4
CHARACTERS: Stella & Beau
AUTHOR: Rachel Gibson
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rachel Gibson, New York Times bestselling author of Rescue Me, returns to Texas with a tale of what happens when a tough guy meets his match—and falls harder than a ton of red-hot bricks .
There’s nothing like fleeing Miami to ruin a girl’s day.
Stella Leon’s bartending gig was going fine until gorgeous ex-Marine Beau Junger decked her mob-connected boss, spirited her out of the city, and claimed that Stella’s half-sister—the one with the perfect life—sent him. Now Stella has no choice but to go along for the ride . . . and seduce Beau’s military-issue socks off . . .
The Marine Corps was Beau’s escape from his old man’s legacy of naval heroism and serial philandering, but no amount of training could prepare him for the day he looked in the mirror and saw his father staring back. The answer: swear off meaningless sex. Oh, and find a way to make Stella Leon quit being so damn hot . . .

REVIEW:
Very cute short story. The chemistry between Stella and Beau is immediate and fun. While this is part of the Lovett Texas series it can certainly stand alone. There was a bit that didn’t seem finished but it still seemed to work out well. Beau is a great character and while Stella is a mess she is truly fun.

This is a adorable read to have available for one of those rainy days curled up with a cute book.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright

Sleigh BellesTITLE: Sleigh Belles
SERIES #: Sassy Belles #3
CHARACTERS: Dallas & Cal
AUTHOR: Beth Albright
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With her hair perfectly coiffed, nails freshly manicured and a heavy trail of perfume wafting behind her, local news reporter Dallas Dubois is sure she’s about to kick her career—and maybe her love life—into high gear. The director of the Tuscaloosa children’s Christmas play has fallen ill, and Dallas is ordered by her station manager to take the reins. Everyone is shocked—especially Cal Hollingsworth, who still remembers her as the Ice Queen from high school.

If nothing else, Dallas has never met a challenge that a little lip gloss and a Chanel knockoff couldn’t fix. But she has no idea how to relate to these kids, and their brutal honesty is giving her pause. Things are made even more complicated by the butterflies she gets whenever Cal is near….

But when long-lost family members re-enter her life, Dallas’s icy veneer begins to melt. And with Cal by her side, she soon realizes that it’s what’s under all the hair spray that counts.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I enjoyed this story all though it had many sad parts. I wondered if it really was a holiday story with home much sadness was going on. But in the end as with all holiday stories it has a happy ending.

Dallas is hard to like at first. She seemed so smug and stuck up but once the reader gets to know her and her story there is actually something that changes the way the reader sees her. Cal is a sweet guy and I enjoyed him but honestly this is not his story. It is Dallas’s.

I’ll be honest. There were a couple of things I did not like. I tried to figure out how to say it on here but it would be spoiler so I will not do that but lets say sometimes forgiveness doesn’t come with a bow. And I wish there had been a epilogue. I wanted to know what happened with Sara Grace. But maybe that will be told in the next book. But all that being said it ended up a heartwarming holiday story perfect for a winter day snuggled up in front of the fire that gets you into a holiday mood.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Tall Dark & Vampire by Sara Humphreys

Tall Dark & VampireTITLE: Tall, Dark and Vampire
SERIES #: Dead In The City #1
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Doug
AUTHOR: Sara Humpreys
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last person Olivia Hollingsworth expected to see at her Greenwich Village vampire club was her one true love, Doug Paxton—whom she believed to be dead for centuries. Olivia thought she had moved on, but when Doug reappears, her heart knows she’d rather die than lose him again.

Ever since Doug can remember, a red-haired siren has haunted his dreams. He never thought she could be real until he goes to investigate a murder at Olivia’s night club. However, as the bodies keep piling up at her feet, he must fight to prove her innocence—even if it costs him his life.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Well this was not one of my favorite vampire romance stories but it was good. The writing is good if not a little wordy. I enjoyed the suspense of the story and honestly had not considered the person who it ended up being. I did enjoy that this was not your typical vampire romance.

The problem I had was the characters had little chemistry and there were a bunch of liberties taken with what we know as vampire legend. Something was just of about this story but I can’t really say what it is.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Hunter’s Heart by JD Tyler

Hunters HeartTITLE: Hunter’s Heart
SERIES #: Alpha Pack #4
CHARACTERS: Ryon Hunter & Daria Bradford
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: September 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. And when the battle gets personal, their wild side is unleashed….

Ryon Hunter sees dead people—spirits that beg him for help in ways he can’t understand. He’d do anything to end the torment, until a beautiful spirit appears to him with a plea he can’t ignore: Help me…I’m alive. The woman is wildlife biologist Daria Bradford, mortally wounded after encountering a white wolf, calling to Ryon through a rare Psy gift.

When Ryon locates Daria in the Shoshone National Park, it is almost too late, but nursing her back to health at the Alpha Pack compound brings a new complication—Daria is his destined mate, and Ryon is afraid of what will happen when she discovers what he is, and what he had to do to save her life. But the biggest threat of all is still loose in the forest, leaving a merciless trail of death behind it. The Alpha Pack goes on the hunt for the mysterious white wolf, determined to stop the murderous rogue… only to find that the most lethal creature of all is the one they can’t see coming…

REVIEW:
3.75 Stars Ryon’s gift of seeing spirits has always been troublesome for him. But when Daria’s spirit calls out for help Ryon can not just sit there and do nothing. He has to save her. He is not totally sure why just yet, and of course Nick is not saying, but Ryon knows he has to reach her before it is too late and save her by any means necessary. Even if that means by taking this chance might mean he could lose everything.

Hunter’s Heart opens up more questions than it gives answers to what really happened to the Alpha Pack the night they were attacked. But they do learn that it was not random. That it was a carefully executed plan of attack. And Daria’s uncle was one of the top rink leaders.

I really enjoyed Ryon & Daria’s story. I always love a visit to the Alpha Pack and really can’t wait to see what JD has in store for the Pack next.

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

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Kelly reviews Rush by Joan Swan

RushTITLE: Rush
SERIES #: Phoenix Rising #3
CHARACTERS: Quiad Legend & Jessica Fury
AUTHOR: Joan Swan
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jessica Fury, Washington lobbyist, has money, connections, and her own firm. But five years ago she had something better: happiness. Her firefighter husband, Quaid, was handsome, courageous, and crazy about her. Then one day he walked into a chemical inferno—and never walked out. Jessica has been through hell to get back on her feet. And then a rumor surfaces that could bring a miracle or shatter her world – again.

Q has been a prisoner forever. He’s honed his mind and body into weapons. He’s developed abilities no one else understands. But he’s still at the mercy of a cabal of ruthless men, who blank his memory, test him like a lab rat, and tell him lies. Although his past has been erased and his future looks grim, instinct tells him he has a woman to live for. What his mind can’t remember, his body can’t forget…

The heat is on.

 

REVIEW:
OH!!! Quaid & Jessica’s story. So excited to read this one!!! This story was good, hard, emotional and amazing all at the same time.

Quaid & Jessica’s story is an emotional roller coaster ride. After five long years of mourning and living a life she should have never been living, Jessica just found out that her husband might be alive. But seeing is not always believing and it is going to take a lot to convince Jessica that this man is Quaid. While every member of their team can clearly see that it is indeed Quaid, Jessica can’t face the truth.

Quaid can’t remember the beautiful woman in front of him, but he knows her. He has dreamed about her for years. When she appears with a team of men to rescue him Quaid doesn’t know if this is another dream, the doctors messing with his head again, or if this is real. Soon Quaid learns that these people are very real and could possible cause him even more problems.

Quaid doesn’t know who to trust, what is real, or what his future holds. All he knows is that he needs Jessica by his side. But will he be able to handle the fact that she is not telling him the whole truth.

This was a great story. Made me cry! Made me scream in frustration!! Made me want more!!!! I really can’t wait to see what Joan has in store for us next in the Phoenix Rising Series but I really, really , really hope (and Joan you better be reading this) that we are going to get an update story on Quaid & Jessica. Not just cameo’s in the next books. But another story even if it is a novella. I need an update on them already.
I just really need to know are Quaid and Jessica good? Any memories back yet? Any babies??
My inquiring mind needs to know Joan!!!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts