Author: Kimberly

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Kelly’s review of Deliver Me From Temptation by Tes Hilaire

TITLE: Deliver Me From Temptation – Paladin Warriors #2

AUTHOR: Tes Hilaire
PUBLICATION DATE:12/4/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Logan Calhoun is the last full-blooded Paladin, the future leader of a race of immortal warrior angels. The heavy responsibility of continuing the Paladin line falls to him, and the last thing he should do is get involved with a human. Then fate throws Jessica Waters, a homicide detective who doesn’t believe in fate or divine intervention, into his path. Her devotion lies in her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. Like Logan, she’s a warrior for her people, and she awakens within him something he’d never thought he’d feel. But she’s also as human as they come

REVIEW:
Deliver Me From Temptation (DMFT) is Tes Hilaire’s second book in her Paladin Series. I liked this book, but didn’t love it. Really for me it was not until the very end that I really felt anything for Jessica (our heroine). Logan, I really liked him in book one (Deliver Me From Darkness) and thought that he lived up to who I thought he should be.

I did like the twist that Tes put on the end of the book. That being said I did like the book, didn’t love. But I am looking forward to seeing where the Paladin series goes next.

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

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Kimberly’s review of No Mistletoe Required by Jeanette Murray

TITLE: No Mistletoe Required
AUTHOR: Jeanette Murray
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dan Beckins isn’t sure how he let his best friend con him into volunteering to build Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the local hospital. He’s got no problems with charity work, but anything Christmas-related is off-limits ever since he lost his parents on Christmas Day years ago. The only bright spot is working with smoking-hot Anna Smith.

Anna Smith loves Christmas and volunteering at the hospital is one of her yearly highlights. She had leukemia as a teen and then a breast cancer scare in her mid-twenties, and is now operating under a self-imposed rule that she can’t have a relationship until the doctors give her a clean bill of health.

A little fling might be permissible, though, and sexy lawyer-turned-carpenter Dan seems like the perfect candidate. But when chemistry flares and the two start forming a real connection, will Anna run away before like turns to love?

REVIEW:
This is a cute short holiday story. It is only about 70 reading pages so it is perfect for that quick read snuggled up on the couch by the Christmas tree with the fireplace lit.

Because it is such a short story everything happens really quick… the whole “love at first sight” thing which is hard for me… but that being said it is such a cute story it is worth the read. I enjoyed the characters and even though it is short you do feel the connection as well as the resistance between this couple. It could have even enjoyed a few more chapters of us seeing Dan and Anna with the hospital kids.

If you enjoy a good holiday romance this is a great one.

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

4 Hearts
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Jennifer’s review of Sealed With A Curse by Cecy Robson

TITLE: Sealed With A Curse
AUTHOR: Cecy Robson
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls-with one exception: they’re products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region–until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows that vampires aren’t aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague?

Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But, Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha’s family to keep the regions safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy–or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, it’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

REVIEW:
Cecy Robson has created a wonderful paranormal world with her debut of Sealed With a Curse. This book is filled with non-stop action and romance with four amazing women that are involved in a battle of epic proportions that may cost them their lives. I loved this book because the Wird sisters are just phenomenal. They have supernatural powers that have never been seen before and they just want to live their life peacefully in Lake Tahoe taking care of others as nurses. I was impressed by the fact that these women are nurses, which holds a special place in my heart and there were scenes in this book that I could definitely relate to.

Celia, is the main character in this book and is the oldest of the four sisters. She has done everything to protect her family from witches, vampires and werebeasts while trying to deal with her own unusual power. She is a tough, smart and funny woman that you just can’t help caring for and wanting her to experience the normal things in life. Especially when there are hot, sexy, werewolves living in Lake Tahoe who seem to be enchanted with the Wird sisters. I thought that Aric was absolutely gorgeous and I was hoping that he would be a perfect match for Celia because he was so determined to protect her from all the vampire drama. I was definitely rooting for them by the end of this book to become a little more than just friends.

Sealed With a Curse is a well-written novel that shouldn’t be missed especially if you enjoy paranormal romance. I am desperately wanting the next book in the series, A Cursed Embrace, that is set to come out next year but I will try to be patient until I can get my fix of the Wird Sisters and the hot werewolf pack of Lake Tahoe.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly’s review of Baby Under The Christmas Tree by Teresa Carpenter

TITLE: Baby Under The Christmas Tree
AUTHOR: Teresa Carpenter
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/27/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
San Diego hockey team’s PR director Elle Austin goes beyond the call of duty to keep their rebel captain in check—even playing nanny to his son! Max Beasley knows nothing about looking after a baby, so he enlists Elle’s help after little Troy is left on his doorstep by his irresponsible ex.

Maybe it’s the spirit of Christmas, or seeing Max’s softer side, but Elle wishes he saw her as more than just an employee, and that they could give Troy the best gift of all—a family!

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars This is a very sweet story. I am not sure it is a holiday story though. The Christmas part only takes place in the last 20 or so pages and barely much at that so this story can be read anytime of year.

The connection between Max and Elle is perfect. Max is a great guy who has a past to overcome and Elle is looking for her Mr. Right but is her Mr. Right who she expects it to be?

This is a perfect lay around the house read. Grab a cup of coffee, curl up on the couch in front of the fire and enjoy.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Rescue My Heart
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars I am convinced that Jill Shalvis can do no wrong when it comes to writing a romantic story. Jill really knows how to suck us into a story and then never let us go until we are completely satisfied. Rescue My Heart does just that. Sucks you in and hangs on tight. Besides who doesn’t love a great second chance at love story?

Adam & Holly were in love one wonderful summer in their younger years, but fate and stubbornness drove them apart. So after so much time apart Holly fears that if she asks Adam for help he will say no. But what she doesn’t know is how much Adam still loves and misses her.

Adam as tough as he is thought that he was prepared for anything. That was until the love of his life walks back in and asks for help to find her missing father. Adam is powerless to tell her no, but does tell her he will find her father on his own. It is no surprise that Adam finds he has a stow-away in the back of his vehicle.

These two go on a journey not only looking for Holly’s dad, but to learn more about each other. Why things went so wrong in the past and to learn that sometimes being stubborn might just get you everything you want
As I said before, I think Jill can do no wrong with her books. I have yet to pick up one of her books and not fall completely in love with the characters. Rescue My Heart is such a good book. If you are a fan of Jill’s you really should pick up a copy of Rescue My Heart and fall in love with Adam & Holly. While this is part of the Animal Magnetism series it is easily read as a stand alone book

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

4 Hearts
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Ursula’s review of Haunted Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

TITLE: Haunted Sanctuary
AUTHOR: Moira Rogers
PUBLICATION DATE: 01-22-13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The shadows of her past could destroy their future.

Green Pines, Book 1

Eden Green can’t remember a time she didn’t believe in monsters—her cousin was born one. Her family’s dark past casts a long shadow, making it hard to make friends and harder to commit to a lover. She lives a quiet life in small-town Clover, Tennessee, but she’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Tired of the city packs’ corruption, yet too alpha to be a subordinate in a sanctuary town, Jay Ancheta satisfies his need to protect by serving as Clover’s Chief of Police. As much as he’s drawn to Eden, he can’t offer forever to a woman who doesn’t know what he is—or trust himself to let her go after one taste.

When Eden’s cousin and his battered pack stagger into town, their tormentors hard on their heels, Eden is bitten in the chaos. Now Jay not only has a traumatized pack to deal with, but a newly turned wolf with enough hungry alpha power to consume them both.

With their combined strength, they can create a new sanctuary—if their passion can survive the ghosts of the Green family’s legacy.

REVIEW:

OK, I have a confession. This was my first Moira Rogers book. I swear, I haven’t been hiding under a rock! I have heard of her, err them. I’ve just never had the occasion to read a book by Ms. Rogers. Wow, am I sorry I haven’t. This book was an intense introduction into Ms. Roger’s vision of werewolf shifters and witches. It was explosive from the very start and never stopped. I have found that I enjoy my paranormal books with a little (or a lot) of realistic violence. It started with a bang and I just devoured it. Not only was it a rollercoaster ride of suspense, but there was emotion and angst. I am seriously worried about Eden’s cousin. I just wanted to hold him and make everything ok. Zach is seriously damaged and I was so worried for him.

That aside, there was great action and this was a super beginning to a terrific new series. The relationship between Eden and Jay is combustible. The intense chemistry between them leapt off the page. Add to that the conflict of starting a Sanctuary and you have a fantastic book that I couldn’t put down. With werewolves and witches, the possibilities for the Green Pines series are endless. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. And I am definitely going back and getting her other books!

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

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Jennifer’s review of More Than A Stranger by Erin Knightley

TITLE: More Than a Stranger
AUTHOR: Erin Knightley
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/5/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

When his family abandoned him at Eton, Benedict Hastings found an unexpected ally in his best friend’s sister. Her letters kept him going–until the day he had to leave everything behind. Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for a safe haven…

After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams…and newfound desires.

Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover each other, the dangers of Benedict’s world find them, threatening their lives, their love and everything they thought they could never have.

REVIEW:
This is a fantastic debut from Erin Knightley that will capture your heart and have you believing in second chances. Evie is a spirited, intelligent woman that has spent her youth writing letters to her brother’s best friend, Benedict Hastings. What started as a simple correspondence turned into something more when Hastings abruptly ends their correspondence for no reason and ultimately breaks Evie’s heart. Seven years later, Hastings is troubled by the events that have occurred in his life and turns to his old friend, Richard, for help. His wish is to come to their family estate in the country for solitude to sort through the horrible predicament that he has found himself in. When they arrive at Richard’s country home, Hastings is shocked and delighted to find that Evie is there and that he may finally have a chance to make amends with this beautiful young woman. When he is initially introduced to Evie, he pretends to be someone other than Benedict Hastings for fear of Evie’s response to the real Hastings and Evie is unaware that the man that broke her heart is currently residing in her family’s home. The attraction between the two is instantaneous and Evie believes that she has finally met her match.

I liked Evie in this novel. She was fun, adventurous and very independent at a time when women were expected to be nothing more than a pretty face. She convinced her family that she needed to take time off from the Season to pursue her own hobbies and would save the husband-hunting for a later date. No man seemed to interest her or captured her attention until she laid eyes on Hastings. Even though he was a stranger to her, there was an instant connection between the two and I enjoyed their scenes together and her snarky comments to him. Hastings was a dashing hero that any woman would like to spend time with but I wish that he would have told her earlier who he really was. Evie deserved the truth and she would have understood the dangerous situation he was in. The letters between the two was a delight to read and added so much to this love story as well as meeting all the members of her family. This was a great story and I am excited to read Richard’s story, A Taste for Scandal, that will be released next month.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of A Cold Creek Noel by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: A Cold Creek Noel
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Caidy Bowman had been the apple of her family’s eye—until a devastating tragedy forced her to hide from the world. She was used to devoting her time to the animals on her family’s ranch. Then widower Ben Caldwell and his two adorable children arrived in Pine Gulch, and suddenly, Caidy wanted more than a life in the shadows….As the town’s new vet, Ben needed a place to stay for the holidays—and for his family to heal from their own loss. He absolutely wasn’t looking for love again! But Caidy Bowman’s sparkling green eyes and sweet smile touched Ben’s broken heart, giving him hope for a new future. Their future—if he could convince the beautiful cowgirl that Christmas was a time for new beginnings….

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read the other in the “Cowboys of Cold Creek” series but even though you can tell that there is background stories that were in other stories this one can certainly stand alone.

This has everything a holiday romance should have. Family, animals, snow and love. Honestly I think it would make a great movie for Hallmark or Lifetime. It even had me tearing up at one point.

Caidy is superwoman but yet is down to earth and really just a woman who is trying to make her life perfect after her world was torn apart years ago. Ben is trying to get his life together for himself and his kids. They really are a match made in Heaven.

This is a perfect holiday story and will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit!

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Heart Of A Soldier by Tamara Hoffa

TITLE: Heart of a Soldier
AUTHOR: Tamara Hoffa
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/21/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Soldier Jameson Hunter faces the battle of his life: winning the heart of Charlotte Mackenzie, widowed mother of a young recruit.

REVIEW:
Since this was a short novella I will keep my review short (mostly because I don’t like to give spoilers)and say. If you love a good quick read about a second chance for love I would recommend picking up a copy of  Heart of a Soldier. Only down side to being so short is that I was left wanting more, wanting to know how things are going with these two. But isn’t that what a good short story should do?

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

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Kimberly’s review of Acts of Honor by Vicki Hinze

TITLE: Acts Of Honor
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He survived a mysterious mission more horrible than the mind can imagine; only she can break through the trauma and get him to talk. But if she succeeds, they both may not survive.

Dr. Sara West knows only that her high-security military patient goes by the name “Joe,” that he’s in a catatonic state and can only repeat the code words, “I wept,” and that his post-traumatic stress disorder is a result of his last mission as a Shadow Watcher—a spy who spies on other spies. Her brother-in-law was also a Shadow Watcher. He committed suicide in the same sinister military facility where Joe, and other military men like him, are now in treatment. Sara wants to learn what caused her sister’s unshakable husband to kill himself and, in the process, to heal Joe, a compelling man who wins her love. But the secrets inside him reveal a shocking truth. One she isn’t sure they can overcome.

Vicki Hinze is the award-winning author of 30 novels, 4 nonfiction books and hundreds of articles, published in as many as sixty-three countries. She is recognized by Who’s Who in the World as an author and as an educator.

REVIEW:
What an interesting story. I am not sure I have read anything like it before. Yes there are stories of military men being used as lab rats and the woman who is a doctor that saves them but this has something just a bit more to it. And that bit more is what makes this book so intriguing.

The characters are written very well and the story really pulls you in from the first few pages. I spent a couple of nights falling asleep as I wondered why/who/how? I really had no idea why they were doing what they were doing and who was the one that was doing it and how in the world was anyone going to figure it out.

Hinze is a brilliant writer who I first enjoyed with her Seascape Trilogy, which I would recommend any lover of romance have in their collection, but this is a romantic suspense and the suspense just keeps piling on. If you enjoy a book that you will not be able to figure out the ending and has a touch (but only a touch) of romance than I recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Under The Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Under the Mistletoe – Lucky Harbor #6.5 (Novella)
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/4/12
ORDER LINKS: Under the Mistletoe| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
JUST ONE MORE KISS

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he’s overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia’s love for a lifetime.

REVIEW:
Another great story from Jill. Under the Mistletoe takes us back into the lovely little town of Lucky Harbor for a wedding.

We get to meet Mia & Nick. Who are both a little gun shy when it comes to family and love. Both have had to deal with the loss of family and love in the past. But Mia is ready to move on and is looking for her happily ever after. The question is: Is Nick ready? Or will he turn tail and run?

This was a very quick read and I loved every page. Nick & Mia are so sweet together. Because when you finally find your one true love you are willing to do anything for them. Even if that means facing your fears.

I always love to be back in Jill’s town of Lucky Harbor. If you are fan of Jill’s and love the Lucky Harbor series you will love this novella.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Silent Warrior by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Silent Warrior
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The note is simple but chilling: “I’m in trouble. Please help me. You’re the only one I trust.” Sensing the desperation in the plea for help, John McShane drops everything to find the person who wrote the note: Cali Ellis, a woman who’s been simmering in his heart for ten years. As a highly trained member of an elite tactical squad, McShane knows instantly that the people tracking Cali are well-connected . . . and cold-blooded. As he sets out to help Cali escape from these criminals, he begins to wonder if he can keep his feelings for her under control, at least long enough to save her.

Ten years ago, Cali Ellis lost too much: both her new husband and her unborn child. Now the suspicious men her late husband worked for have tracked her down, and apparently want her dead. Fearing for her life, Cali flees to the Caribbean island of Martinique and reaches out to the only person she knows will help her: John McShane. Despite all that they’ve been through in the past, Cali just might risk her heart again—if they both manage to stay alive.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Delgado’s Dirty Dozen series. As a recent fan of Donna Kauffman’s I am going back to find her older books which are being re-released and I had picked up this book not realizing it was part of the series. Luckily I had read Santerra’s Sin first but even if I hadn’t this book can stand alone and in my opinion is better than the first in the series. The characters have an instant connection and a past so I did not feel like they went from “hello” to “I love you” in a matter of moments. John is a wonderful alpha male who any fan of romance will fall for. And what I enjoyed most about Cali is she is a strong independent woman who understood herself and the situation enough to know she needs help and isn’t afraid to ask for it but after getting it didn’t turn into the helpless heroine. The romance is very strong in this book and while there is suspense I would not say there is a lot but there is enough to keep the readers attention. I didn’t want to put it down.

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

4 Hearts