Author: Kimberly

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Kelly & Kimberly review Hotshot by Julie Garwood

Hotshot

TITLE: Hotshot
SERIES #: Buchanan-Renard #11
CHARACTERS: Payton & Finn
AUTHOR: Julie Garwood
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hotshot-julie-garwood/1113599140?ean=9780525953012

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.

It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.

Julie’s previous two titles, The Ideal Man and Sweet Talk, both debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
After a narrow escape on a snow road from a madman trying to killer her, Peyton finds herself at a wedding. One of the MacBain boys is finally getting married and that means that Finn will be here. Peyton has followed Finn’s career and know his is an attorney and with the FBI and he just might be the only person that can help her. Finn was her hero once long time ago. Peyton is hoping that he might be that again.

Finn is a bit surprised when he sees young Peyton Lockhart all grown up. She is not the cute little girl that he saved all those years ago. Finn is a little surprised by his reaction to her but he blows it off. That is until he sees the bullet holes in her car and hears her story. Finn knows that he has to jump back in the role of Peyton’s hero no questions asked.

I loved these two. Finn & Peyton have known each other for years. Even if they didn’t really talk to one another as they got older. Finn fits the role of hero so well. But he is stubborn and it takes almost losing Peyton to finally make him realize she is it for him.
This was my first Julie Garwood book and I have to say that I really really enjoyed. This may have been book 11 in the series, but not once did I feel lost. Hotshot stands on it’s own very nicely. I am looking forward to what is next. I am hoping it is Beck & Ivy 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
The problem with Garwood’s books is they are few and far between so when one comes out I rush to read it and I have never been disappointed and this one does not disappoint either. While not my favorite of Garwood’s books I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the characters of Finn and Peyton. This book has probably more about Peyton than Finn but she is a character that is easy to like so reading her story is fun. Finn is an interesting character. I will admit that he is not one of my favorite Garwood men but I liked him none the less.

There is a lot happening in this story but not sure there is much suspense. I enjoyed the background characters as well. While part of a series this most certainly can be read alone.
Garwood is one of the best writers out there and while this might not be one of my favorite Garwood books the fact that I gave it 4.5 stars should say that it is still a great story and this story is close to the perfection that Garwood is known for.

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

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Kimberly reviews Some Like It Hot by Susan Andersen

Some Like It Hot

TITLE: Some Like It Hot
SERIES #: Razor Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Harper & Max
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘Wrong for each other’ never felt more right…

Even a lifelong traveller like Harper Summerville has to admire the scenery in Razor Bay, Washington. There’s the mountains. The evergreens. The water. And Max Bradshaw — the incredibly sexy deputy sheriff. Still, Harper’s here only for the summer, working covertly for her family’s foundation. Getting involved with this rugged, intense former marine would be a definite conflict of interest — professionally and personally.

Max’s scarred childhood left him determined to put down roots in Razor Bay, yet one look at Harper — a woman who happily lives out of a suitcase — leaves him speechless with desire for things he’s never had. He might not be big on talking, but Max’s toe-curling kisses are getting the message across loud and clear. Harper belongs here, with him, because things are only beginning to heat up…

REVIEW:
Ever since reading “That Thing Called Love” (Razor Bay #1) I have waited for Max’s story. He had such a gentle giant type feel to him and I was not disappointed with his story.

Max is not as soft spoken as he was in the first book. He opened up right away which I would have loved a bit more of a slow opening up but considering the things we really saw him be himself on where things like the boys club it seemed to work. And Harper… well honestly I liked her in the first book… didn’t much like her in the beginning of this book… then found myself rooting for her. I didn’t like the sneakiness (no spoilers here) around Harper but began to understand after a while.

The things in this book that are a little different than normal books really make the story. The nationality of Harper is something you don’t see much every day in romances. And honestly Max and Harper seemed to have a hard time not only staying together but staying apart. But they both are very quick to apologize. I liked that about the story.

This is a very good book and any fan of romance should give it a try. I can’t wait for Tasha and Luc’s story next!

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

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Kimberly reviews The Pleasures Of Summer by Evie Hunter

Pleasures Of Summer

TITLE: The Pleasures of Summer
SERIES #: Pleasure #3
CHARACTERS: Summer & Flynn
AUTHOR: Evie Hunter
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Summer O’Sullivan is rich, beautiful and in mortal danger. Her father has made powerful enemies who are targeting his precious daughter. Until the threat passes, Summer needs a bodyguard – someone to protect her and, she expects, to treat her with the reverence she’s used to.

Into Summer’s gilded cage comes former ranger, Flynn Grant. As far as Flynn is concerned, this is the assignment from hell, minding the spoilt daughter of a multi-millionaire. Summer and Flynn are poised to hate each other on sight. Even his devastating looks do not make up for how Flynn’s rules cramp Summer’s style. Unsurprisingly, the sparks fly between them. But when Summer breaks the rules one time too often, Flynn teaches her a lesson that leaves them shattered – and bound
together in a way that astonishes them both.

In their remote hideout, the two start a battle over who is the tamer, and who is the tamed. It’s a duel that stretches their minds and bodies beyond every limit. And in time their hearts begin to surrender too. But when the dark forces that
have been stalking Summer finally track them down, the battle is no longer a game, but a matter of life and death …

REVIEW:
I have to say I really enjoy this series. While this is another in the erotica BDSM D/s series this story is so much more. It honestly is engrossing. The sex scenes are good do not get me wrong but there is just so much more that makes this story so interesting.

The characters of Summer and Flynn have an immediate connection. She seems to be the spoiled rich girl but Flynn sees more in her. And while I can say there was a very good chance that the character of Summer could have been written to be obnoxious she really wasn’t. And Flynn is an interesting in his own right. He knows what he is doing by seducing his client is wrong but there is just something that he can not turn away from.

If you are a fan of the genre then this series is certainly for you. I would say to read the first in the series first but it does not matter as this book can most definitely stand alone. However I will say to read the first one because you do not want to miss it as a fan of the genre.

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

5hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews The Night Is Alive by Heather Graham

The Night Is Alive

TITLE: The Night Is Alive
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #10
CHARACTERS: Abby & Malachi
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-night-is-alive-heather-graham/1114146209?ean=9780778315070

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s a city of beauty, history…hauntings. And one of the most haunted places in Savannah is a tavern called The Dragonslayer, built in the 1750s. The current owner, Gus Anderson, is a descendant of the original innkeeper and his pirate brother, Blue.

Gus summons his granddaughter, Abigail, home from Virginia, where she’s studying at the FBI Academy. When she arrives, she’s devastated to find him dead. Murdered. But Abby soon learns that Gus isn’t the only one to meet a brutal and untimely end; there’ve been at least two other victims. Then Captain Blue Anderson starts making ghostly appearances, and the FBI’s paranormal investigation unit, the Krewe of Hunters, sends in Agent Malachi Gordon.

Abby and Malachi have a similar ability to connect with the dead…and a similar stubbornness. Sparks immediately begin to fly-sparks of attraction and discord. But as the death toll rises, they have to trust each other or they, too, might find themselves among the dead haunting old Savannah!

REVIEW:
I am always amazed at the history that Graham has to research to write her books. And this is more of the same. This history is about pirates and was very entertaining. I usually do not know who the killer is so I was surprised that I figured it out in this book but one out of 10 isn’t much of a record.

The characters are interesting but I didn’t care for the way that Abby was written. While having just gotten out of the FBI academy she was written as naive and inexperienced and yet Malachi was written very street smart and knowledgeable. They did have a good connection though. And it was nice to catch up with some of the background characters from previous stories.

If you enjoy a romantic suspense ghost story than Graham is the author to read.

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

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Kelly & Kimberly review Three Litte Words by Susan Mallery

Three Little Words

TITLE: Three Little Words
SERIES: Fools Gold #13
CHARACTERS: Ford Hendrix & Isabel Carlisle
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: July 30, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can first love turn into the real deal in a sizzling new Fool’s Gold story from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery? Isabel Carlisle thinks she’s cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another…man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she’ll pursue her real dreams. At least, that’s the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again….

Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can’t take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool’s Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Loved this story, even if at times I wanted to shake the tar out of Ford. That boy is so beyond stubborn. He can’t see that the best thing he will ever have in his life has been staring him in the face for years.

Isabel has loved Ford for years. She loved him even when he was engaged to her sister. Even when Ford left town and joined the military, that didn’t stop her love for him. No, Isabel wrote to Ford almost the whole time he was gone. Telling him all about the trials and tribulations going on in her life. But not once in all of those years did Ford ever write back. But Isabel could never have guessed the impact that those letter made on Ford.

Now both are back in Fool’s Gold. While Isabel is not planning to stick around for long, she is willing to spend time with Ford. Even if that means she is willing to risk another broken heart. But that is a risk she is willing to take.
Another wonderful Fool’s Gold story. I can’t wait to see what Susan has in store next for the inhabitants of Fool’s Gold. I did love the sub-storyline in the book too with Ford’s brother. I hope that we get to see more of his love story soon.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Stars I have waited a long time for Ford… ok for Ford’s story at least. And I was not disappointed.

Visiting Fool’s Gold is like coming home. We know so much about the town and its people that it is hard not to become a huge fan of the town. Ford was introduced so long ago that I wondered if we would ever get his story so when this year the bodyguards came to town I was thrilled. But then I had to wait until the last of the three story arc but it was worth the wait. And as a extra bonus we get Kent’s story too!!!

Navy SEALs are everywhere in the book world now a days but what was different was Mallery did not write Ford with injuries either physical or mental. Yes he has been through a lot but he is not suffering as so many SEALs are written today. And I appreciated that. I loved Ford’s sense of humor and how jovial he could be especially around Isabel. I could go on and on about what I loved about Ford but why spoil this story for others? Isabel is so sweet. I enjoyed her story. I loved that these two have a past that doesn’t involve an old affair or something like that. Isabel was a young girl with a crush and while she has been through a lot over the last decade she never really lost the feelings for Ford.

I was happy to see Kent’s story in this book too. It was enjoyable to watch the two brothers falling at the same time and how different the process is for both of them and yet it is enjoyable to see how similar they can be.

I am never disappointed when I visit Fool’s Gold but this might be my favorite book of the series (and that is saying something) in a while. Maybe I was just like Isabel and had a crush on Ford even before he came back to town but having spent time with him I fell in love! Bring on the football players!

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.

5hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Claiming Her Warriors by Savannah Stuart

Claiming Her Warriors

TITLE: Claiming Her Warriors
SERIES #: Novella 2
CHARACTERS: Aeron, Hauk & Brianna
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: July 29, 2013
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Two brothers want to possess her…
After her planet was destroyed, Brianna was rescued by two fierce and desperately gorgeous warrior brothers. Aeron and Hauk. They want to keep her, protect her, mate her. But what the brothers wanted from her was too much to handle. Settling into a new culture was hard enough without dealing with the custom that dictates she mate with two males. So she pushed them away.
They’ll do anything to protect her…
An attack sends Brianna back into the arms of the sexy brothers. Now they’ll do whatever it takes to win her over. But can Brianna go against the conventions of her human nature and accept both warriors as her mates? It might not matter because someone is out for blood and it’s up to Aeron and Hauk to defend her against a deadly enemy

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Brianna was saved from the death of her planet and is now trying to rebuild her life. But on her new plant it is customary for a female to mate with two men. While the idea excites her reality scares her. But in order to get the man she wants she is going to have to learn to share.
Aeron & Hauk have been mated before. There was no problems in the 1st mating. But this thing with Brianna has Aeron acting aggressive towards his brother. But after Brianna is attacked Aeron begins to see that Brianna is going to need both of them to keep her safe. And that means he has to share.
This was a quickie read. It is a novella after all. But it was a good read. I am interested to see what Savannah has in store for us 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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Kimberly reviews Complete Me by J. Kenner

Complete Me

TITLE: Complete Me
SERIES #: Stark Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Nikki & Damien
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says “yes” on her own terms.

Our desire runs deep. But our secrets cut close. Beautiful, strong, and commanding, Damien Stark fills a void in me that no other man can touch. His fierce cravings push me beyond the brink of bliss—and unleash a wild passion that utterly consumes us both.

Yet beneath his need for dominance, he carries the wounds of a painful past. Haunted by a legacy of dark secrets and broken trust, he seeks release in our shared ecstasy, the heat between us burning stronger each day.

Our attraction is undeniable, our obsession inevitable. Yet not even Damien can run from his ghosts, or shield us from the dangers yet to come.

Complete Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
The third and final (I assume) installment in the Stark Trilogy. And I am on the fence about this book and the series. The story is interesting but missing something. Damien doesn’t feel like an alpha/Dom he is needy and sexually motivated. Yes we learned in the last book that he loves Nikki but it is sex with her that fuels him. And her for that matter. The sex is a character all its own in the story. It has its own heartbeat and need. And it gets too be too much. Not the kind of sex but the fact that the characters need it with every breath they take.

I wanted to know how it ended. I wanted to find the final connection between them and I guess I did but it didn’t have the love connection I wanted. Sex was still involved in the three-some of their lives. The story is just not enough to compete with the sex that is in the story. I actually wonder if separated it would not have been a better story (or two).

If you enjoy the erotica genre with a BDSM flare than sure you will probably enjoy it but the rest of the story might just fall flat. But most certainly start with the first in the series because part 2 and 3 can NOT stand alone.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews Home to Whiskey Creek by Brenda Novak

home to whiskey creek

TITLE: Home to Whiskey Creek
SERIES #: Whiskey Creek #4
CHARACTERS: Noah Rackham & Adelaide Davies
AUTHOR: Brenda Novak
PUBLICATION DATE: July 30, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes home is the refuge you need-and sometimes it isn’t Adelaide Davies, who’s been living in Sacramento, returns to Whiskey Creek, the place she once called home. She’s there to take care of her aging grandmother and to help with Gran’s restaurant, Just Like Mom’s. But Adelaide isn’t happy to be back. There are too many people here she’d rather avoid, people who were involved in that terrible June night fifteen years ago.

Ever since the graduation party that changed her life, she’s wanted to go to the police and make sure the boys responsible-men now-are punished. But she can’t, not without revealing an even darker secret. So it’s better to pretend….

Noah Rackham, popular, attractive, successful, is shocked when Adelaide won’t have anything to do with him. He has no idea that his very presence reminds her of something she’d rather forget. He only knows that he’s finally met a woman he could love.

REVIEW:
This was an okay story for me. I didn’t love or hate it. I just have issues with some types of storylines. While I think that Brenda did a good job with it, I still don’t like to read about it. I do plan on visiting Whiskey Creek again.

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 Perfect Fling by Carly Phillips

Perfect Fling

TITLE: Perfect Fling
SERIES #: Serendipity #5/Finest #2
CHARACTERS: Erin & Cole
AUTHOR: Carly Phillips
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Erin … The Good Girl
Assistant District Attorney, Erin Marsden, is Serendipity’s quintessential good girl. The only daughter of the ex-police chief, she has never made a misstep, content with her quiet, predictable life … or so she thinks. Until Cole Sanders returns to town with heated interest in his eyes and shadows in his past.

Cole … The Bad Boy
After seven years of deep undercover work in New York City, Cole returns to Serendipity to help his aging father and to find his moral compass once more. Not to get involved with wholesome Erin Marsden. Even as a rebellious teen, he knew a girl like Erin was off limits and that hasn’t changed. But neither one of them can resist their off-the-charts chemistry and a one night stand brings complications neither Erin nor Cole expected.

The Attraction … Off the Charts!
Then Erin’s current case plunges her into a killer’s crosshairs. With more at stake than anyone knows, Erin succumbs to Cole’s take-charge attitude. As a bodyguard, he’s the best. As a lover, he’s even better. But there’s more than the matter of Erin’s safety at stake. And Cole must forgive the sins of his past and prove to himself – and to Erin – that he’s capable of the love and the forever she – and their baby – desperately need.

REVIEW:
What a great way to spend my 4th of July. Just reading this book from cover to cover (can you say that still with a ebook?). I received this early through NetGalley and couldn’t wait to read it.

I love the connection of Erin and Cole. Cole is the bad boy with a good heart. Erin is the good girl who went bad (for one night) and while so totally different they seem to fit perfectly together. I was looking forward to reading Erin’s story after spending time with her big brother Mike in the last book (and I can not wait for Sam’s story) and I was not disappointed.

There is a lot I can say about this book but in all honesty it gives some of the plot away that the synopsis doesn’t so I will keep it to myself but I really enjoyed the twist and turns of this story. This is the perfect fast read romance. Now bring on Sam!

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Sharpshooter by Cynthia Eden

sharpshooter

TITLE: Sharpshooter
SERIES #: Shadow Agents #3
CHARACTERS: Gunner Ortez & Sydney Sloan
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: July 23, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Heart-pounding action meets smoldering desire in USA TODAY bestselling author Cynthia Eden’s Shadow Agents miniseries! Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan’s life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he’s been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents’ lives apart once again.

Working side by side back in the jungles of Peru, the heat between Sydney and Gunner is hotter than ever-and so are the threats to their lives. With the danger escalating, Sydney knows Gunner is her only hope at successfully completing their assignment. But the ex-SEAL who arouses passion she’d only dreamed about also poses the greatest risk to the secret she carries in her heart…and in her belly.

REVIEW:
Gunner & Sydney have a past that they both wish they could forget, forgive and be able to move on. But ghost of the past keep coming back to remind them of their mistakes. But the question is love more powerful than hate? Gunner & Sydney will have to trust each other more than ever or they could lose everything in a blink of the eye.

I was not aware that this was part of a series when I started. There was so much tension, strain and emotional trauma happening with the main characters I didn’t really wonder about the past characters until I was almost done with the book. That was when I released that this was part of a series. I do plan on getting books 1 & 2 and reading soon.

This was another really good story by Cynthia Eden. This was a sit down and read in one sitting book. If you are looking for a good read I would suggest picking up a copy of Sharpshooter

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