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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts
TITLE: One Charmed Christmas
CHARACTERS: Catherine & Rudy
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An enchanting new Christmas novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts, brimming with hope, love and humor.
Catherine Pine is hoping her Christmas is a bit more jolly than last year’s. That one was her first without her husband, and with her kids and their families absent this year, she’s worried. But things change when her good friend invites her on a Christmas cruise to lift her spirits. Suddenly every day is an adventure and she’s making a bunch of new friends, including the lovable Sophie Miles.
It’s like a gift from Santa when Sophie and Catherine meet the charming Dr. Rudy Nichols, a perfect match for hypochondriac Sophie. But he comes with a two-legged lump of coal, his guard-dog daughter. And then there’s chocolatier Trevor March, who’s also interested in the scrumptious Sophie. Can he convince her that chocolate is the perfect cure for what ails her? Who knows what Santa has in store for these holiday travelers? Anything could happen this charmed Christmas!
REVIEW:
Another great holiday read by Roberts. The thing I enjoyed was all the different romances happening but not only a lot of romances but a lot of age ranges too. Young to old fall in love or fall in love again and this brings that to light.
I enjoyed the characters very much and enjoyed learning who and why each character was the way they were and why they deserved to fall in love during the holiday season.
A great story to put you into the Christmas spirit. Grab a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa and this book and your holiday season will have begun.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Wolf Untamed by Paige Tyler
TITLE: Wolf Untamed
SERIES #: SWAT #11
CHARACTERS: Diego & Bree
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/24/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Paige Tyler brings you the latest in her sexy, pulse-pounding SWAT series
SWAT werewolf Diego Martinez has always had a protective side, so when he meets a newly turned teenage werewolf, and the kid’s intriguing mother, he readily offers to help Brandon learn what it means to be a werewolf. He also readily falls for for Brandon’s mother, Bree, and the attraction is mutual.
But as SWAT’s biggest case starts to converge with Bree’s family, Diego and Bree find themselves in danger they could never have imagined. It’ll take everything they’ve got to discover the truth and keep each other safe.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The story is fine but it is so similar to the others in the series that I think I might just need to take a break from this series. This is #11 in the series and I feel that the author can only do so much with the same type of storyline eleven times (more so if you count the other series’).
There is a lot happening to Diego and Bree in this story. There were times I wished I had a commercial break so the characters could take a breath. The romance is just as jam-packed. Yes, we know they are meant to be together for they are soulmates and I liked that the relationship never seemed to falter in the belief they were meant to be together and they could accomplish anything as long as they are together.
If you are a first time reader of this series then it would probably be very enjoyable but for a reader who has read most if not all of the series it needs to be changed up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Daylight by David Baldacci
TITLE: Daylight
SERIES #: Atlee Pine #3
CHARACTERS: Atlee Pine
AUTHOR: David Baldacci
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Agent Atlee Pine’s search for her sister Mercy clashes with military investigator John Puller’s high-stakes case, leading them both deep into a global conspiracy — from which neither of them will escape unscathed.
For many long years, Atlee Pine was tormented by uncertainty after her twin sister, Mercy, was abducted at the age of six and never seen again. Now, just as Atlee is pressured to end her investigation into Mercy’s disappearance, she finally gets her most promising breakthrough yet: the identity of her sister’s kidnapper, Ito Vincenzo.
With time running out, Atlee and her assistant Carol Blum race to Vincenzo’s last known location in Trenton, New Jersey — and unknowingly stumble straight into John Puller’s case, blowing his arrest during a drug ring investigation involving a military installation.
Stunningly, Pine and Puller’s joint investigation uncovers a connection between Vincenzo’s family and a breathtaking scheme that strikes at the very heart of global democracy. Peeling back the layers of deceit, lies and cover-ups, Atlee finally discovers the truth about what happened to Mercy. And that truth will shock Pine to her very core.
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I love the writing style of Baldacci.
For years Atlee has wondered what happened to her sister, Mercy and finally she is going to get some answers. But finding answers also has her finding herself causing a problem in the arrest of a wanted man. And now she has to right the wrong she caused. Leading to a global search.
Any fan of suspense/crime thriller will LOVE this book. There is so much going on and it is non-stop. This could easily be turned into a movie with all the ins and outs that happen.
Baldacci has a way of writing that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more. At time I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen.
Great book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews All That Glitters by Danielle Steel
TITLE: All That Glitters
CHARACTERS: Nicole Martin
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Danielle Steel’s dazzling new novel, a young woman must overcome tremendous adversity in her quest to find herself and achieve real happiness.
Nicole “Coco” Martin is destined to have it all. As the only child of doting and successful parents, she has been given every opportunity in life. Having inherited her mother’s stunning beauty and creativity, along with her father’s work ethic and diligence, she has the world at her feet. Her graduation from Columbia is fast approaching, and with it the summer job of her dreams working at a magazine. Between work, leisurely weekends at her family’s home in Southampton, and spending as much time as possible with her best friend, Sam, life couldn’t be better—until tragedy strikes. Coco’s beloved parents are killed in a terrorist attack while on vacation in France.
Now devastated and alone, Coco must find a way to move forward and make her way in the world without the family she loved. Determined to forge her own path and make her parents proud, Coco pursues her dreams, dazzled by exciting opportunities that come her way. Her goals are to think outside the box—and always play by her own rules. As she finds herself drawn to charismatic, fascinating men, each relationship will teach Coco new lessons, some delightful, some painful. She will come to realize what matters, and how strong she truly is—and in the end, she will discover herself.
Richly exploring one woman’s poignant journey through life, All That Glitters is a compelling tale of challenges, heartbreak, discovery, and triumph, a powerful reminder that all that glitters is not the essence of life. And what is truly worth having was right there in our hands all along.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I love Danielle Steel. I have been reading her books off and on for decades. Sometimes she is exactly what I need to read and other times I have a bit of a hard time. This one was one of the latter.
I had a hard time liking Coco. While I realize she has had a lot to deal with but slutting around is not the way to handle it. And it seemed like she changed men with the snap of a finger but for no reason.
I liked the relationship between Coco and Sam but wish the ending was a bit different instead of so stereotypical (trying not to have a spoiler).
Let me just say that I am basing my review against other Steel books and what/how I know she can write and giving it less stars than I have for her in previous books. But that being said Steel is head and shoulders above many other authors.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Nothing Good Happens After Midnight by 12 different authors
TITLE: Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
SERIES #: A Suspense Magazine Anthology
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Jon Land, John Lescroart, Kevin O’Brien, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Joseph Badal, D. P. Lyle
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The sun sets. The moon takes its place, illuminating the most evil corners of the planet. What twisted fear dwells in that blackness? What legends attach to those of sound mind and make them go crazy in the bright light of day? Only Suspense Magazine knows…
Teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, Suspense Magazine offers up a nail-biting anthology titled: “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight.” This thrilling collection consists of thirteen original short stories representing the genres of suspense/thriller, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and more.
Readers’ favorites come together to explore the mystery of midnight. The ‘best of the best’ presenting these memorable tales, include: Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Jeffery Deaver, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D. P. Lyle, Kevin O’Brien, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Take their hands…walk into their worlds…but be prepared to leave the light on when you’re through. After all, this incredible gathering of authors, who will delight fans of all genres, not only utilized their award-winning imaginations to answer that age-old question of why “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight”—they also made sure to pen stories that will leave you…speechless.
REVIEW:
12 authors all with one rule… Write about “late night” or “midnight”… that is what Jeffrey Deaver put to 11 other authors and, of course, himself.
Some authors are my go-to authors already (Deaver, Graham) and some I do not recall I have ever read before so this was a great mix of authors to enjoy the ones I knew and find new-to-me authors.
Because these are short stories (what Deaver calls magazine stories) there was just not enough time to get to know each character from each story. There were a number of stories I wish had been a full length novel and some I was happy with just the way they are.
A great collaboration of authors and a lot of great quick reads to have on hand.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Joy To The Wolves by Terry Spear
TITLE: Joy To The Wolves
SERIES #: Red Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Brooke & Josh
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Meet the shifters of the Red Wolf pack…
Close quarters make for a cozy Christmas…
As Christmas approaches, red wolf shifter Brooke Cerise unexpectedly inherits an antique shop in Portland, Oregon. But when a missing reindeer calf turns up on her property, she becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case and the primary suspect of far-too-intriguing shifter Detective Josh Wilding.
Josh doesn’t intend to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, but Brooke gets under his skin from the moment they meet, and he can’t help his instinct to protect her. These red wolves are both on the hunt for love, but there’s a mystery to solve before they can enjoy their holiday happy-ever-after.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So the good first. This story is cute. Plain and simple. Brooke is a red wolf that comes to town because her aunt left her an antique store. She seems a young reindeer in front of her store and brings it in. The town can’t wait to see it and Brooke gets to know the wolves of the area in a light hearted way.
Josh comes off as a bit of an ass but finally I warmed up to him. But I will say it took a while. And I never really understood why he was being an ass to Brooke.
And the treasure hunt is worth the read in and of itself. BUT…
Now the bad… After all the books Terry Spear has written this seemed stiff. A lot of it just didn’t flow and the conversations were unrealistic, that may seem weird about a paranormal.
Still a good read and a nice add to the Holiday Paranormal Romance genre.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Swept Away by Skye Jordan
TITLE: Swept Away
SERIES #: Wildfire Lake #3
CHARACTERS: Chloe & Xavier
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/16/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The steamy conclusion to Skye Jordan’s Wildfire Lake series.
I knew the day we met, Chloe Hart wasn’t a woman you fuck and forget. She’s the kind of woman men dream about–hotter than sin and sweeter than sugar. Her last lover scarred her heart, and despite our wicked chemistry, she’s got me locked in the friend zone.
She can try to ignore the heat between us, but I’m not going away. I transferred here to support my goddaughter through her teens after her father–my partner–was killed in the line of duty. And this kid is as good at finding trouble as Chloe is at sidelining me.
When Chloe’s ex shows up for the lake resort’s first big retreat, things shift on a dime. Without a second thought, I step in, publicly claiming her as mine.
It seems like a harmless lie in the moment, but when one lie creates another, which creates another, the truth unravels, threatening everything I’ve come to love.
REVIEW:
I love Skye Jordan. There is something about the way she writes and her characters are always wonderful. This is Chloe’s story and she is not looking for love. I mean I felt she didn’t even want it if it was standing in front of her waving its arms. Xavier and Chloe have been friends but it’s a romance so come on your know there will be more!!!
Sure some of the scenario is the same… friends to lovers to soulmates… but that is ok. The way Skye writes it is worth the read.
I love the relationship between Xavier and his teenage God-daughter, Piper.
You can count on Skye Jordan having hot men, strong women, sweet romance and steamy sex scenes and all of that and more are part of this great story. A must read!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Cry For Mercy by Karen Long
TITLE: Cry For Mercy
SERIES #: DI Eleanor Raven #1
CHARACTERS: Eleanor Raven
AUTHOR: Karen Long
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/16/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eleanor closed her eyes tightly against the image in front of her. Another innocent life taken, another family left grieving.
Detective Inspector Eleanor Raven arrives at the derelict power station briefed on the murder scene inside. A beautiful young woman has been found, her body posed and a cherry-red lipstick painted across her mouth. But when she catches sight of the engagement ring crusted with blood on her delicate finger, Eleanor pushes back on the grief it provokes. Lydia Greystein had so much to live for. The only way Eleanor can help now is to find the killer responsible, and she and her team immediately set to work.
And when another woman is found, bound in the same ritualistic stance and wearing the same bright red lipstick, Eleanor’s case becomes more twisted and urgent than ever. But struggling to unpick the killer’s motivations, the team is at a loss until Eleanor finds a link between the victims and a cold case, an unsolved death with a connection to her own personal life. To follow the clues now risks bringing her secrets into the open.
But as Eleanor begins to understand the killer, he starts to understand her too.
Eleanor must solve this case before more women are taken. Could the secrets she keeps from those closest to her be the final clue in this case… or will they ultimately cost Eleanor her life?
A fast-paced, tense and completely gripping mystery thriller that will keep you hooked until the final page. Karen Long will be the newest favourite crime author for fans of Lisa Regan, Angela Marsons and Robert Dugoni.
Cry for Mercy was previously published as The Safe Word.
REVIEW:
I am on the fence with this one. I enjoyed the story but wasn’t thrilled with the writing. I found the suspense part a worthy read. I wanted to know what was going on and wanted the conclusion.
However, the writing was lacking. I never liked any of the characters. I mean some of them I down right disliked. The chapters were a bit confusing with all the jumping around. And I would suggest a different proofreader.
But again I liked the suspense part of it. A few times I changed my mind about the “who-dun-it” and was surprised when I found out who the killer was. Which is always good that the author can catch me off guard.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Whispering Hearts by V.C. Andrews
TITLE: Whispering Hearts
SERIES #: House Of Secrets #3
CHARACTERS: Emma Corey
AUTHOR: V.C. Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A desperate young woman’s bargain with a wealthy couple is not what it seems. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and literary phenomenon V.C. Andrews—whose books are now major Lifetime TV movies (Flowers in the Attic, Heaven, Ruby)—comes a gothic tale of big city dreams gone wrong.
The English countryside is beautiful, but for Emma Corey it cannot compare with the bright lights of New York City. Tired of performing only in pubs and at church, she announces she’s moving to America—and her conservative father disowns her on the spot.
Distraught but undeterred, Emma will become a Broadway star—or die trying. Leaving the comforts of her youth is a thrilling adventure. The largeness of the city, her new friends, the boundless opportunities make everything shine with promise. However, New York has a way of chipping away at a newcomer’s resolve. First a robbery. Then a low-wage job. Then the realization that such a city attracts the young and the talented—competitors all.
Just when it seems like Emma might have to admit defeat and return to the UK, she is introduced to a peculiar couple: a wife that cannot bear children of her own, and a husband who would pay Emma to solve that problem.
Emma’s father once told her, “Money is life.” But when Emma trades one for the other and moves into the couple’s remote estate to participate in an elaborate ruse, there’s no telling what kind of life she’ll have once she’s taken the money.
REVIEW:
2.75 Heart I really need to stop reading “V.C. Andrews” books. When she passed away we lost the real author and no one can duplicate her so why I continue to try I have no idea.
This is the third in the series and to be honest I did not read the first two and felt like I stepped into the middle of a story even though I think they are supposed to be a stand alone they are not (in my opinion). The story was well sorry to say it was boring for more than a third to half of the book. I never connected with the characters at all.
I guess I could say this is my error for even requesting it knowing that the great V.C. Andrews is not who is writing these stories.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Shades of Darkness by Alexandra Ivy
TITLE: Shades of Darkness
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #16
CHARACTERS: Chaaya & Basq
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Guardians of Eternity think they’ve averted the disaster that could destroy them. But in New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy’s world of temptation, lust, and secrets, one slip could change everything…
Chaaya endured centuries as a sacrifice, protecting her people from an evil that could destabilize all magic. At long last, her servitude is over—and she’s raring to have some fun. The baddest ghost-girl in Las Vegas has a talent for causing mayhem. And for getting under the skin of her solid, silent bodyguard, the vampire Basq . . .
Basq doesn’t let anyone close. He’s learned the costs of companionship. But reckless, disrespectful Chaaya, with her fiery temper and her fierce loneliness, isn’t like anyone else. Staying near her isn’t just a duty, it’s a hunger. When a prisoner of Chaaya’s last battle escapes, possibly seeking Chaaya’s nemesis, Basq isn’t letting her chase through a hellscape mirror London alone. But when the choice is between abandoning everything that’s kept them alive, or each other, survival will take not only desire—but trust . . .
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the 16th in the series and by now you would think the stories would be getting old… but nope! This is Alexandra Ivy and that woman can write a book that leaves you wanting more as soon as you close the book.
We now have Chaaya and Basq’s story. I loved the relationship they have. Chaaya is strong but sad. Basq is a diamond in the rough. And somehow they are perfect for each other.
Ivy is easily one of the best in the genre. I have enjoyed every single story Ivy has written and wait impatient for the next one. I would suggest reading the whole series but it can be read as a stand alone but you will not have the whole experience as you should.
Another great story!!!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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