Author: Kimberly

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Kelly’s review of Ice Cold by Cherry Adair

 

 

TITLE: Ice Cold
AUTHOR: Cherry Adair
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/11/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
T-FLAC operative Rafael Navarro will never allow another woman to suffer the consequences of his dangerous life. But in a world where a terrorist can do more damage with a keyboard than a bomb, he needs the expert help of a cyber-geek. And fast. Fellow operative, and cybercrimes specialist Honey Winston prefers computers to people. But when a serial bomber threatens the world’s financial infrastructure, she’s forced to work closely with Navarro, whose notorious skill in the bedroom is as legendary as his dexterity defusing bombs. Honey and Rafael must fight sparks hot enough to melt their resolve, and push beyond fear itself, as they join forces in a bid to race the clock before a sinister and lethal bomber proves just how much they both have to lose. T-FLAC is back, and the timer is counting down in the most pulse-pounding explosive op yet.

REVIEW:
Ice Cold is Cherry Adair’s 17th book in the T-Flac series. But can easily stand alone. As this was the first book in this series that I have read. So never fear if you are not catch up on this series

I enjoyed this book, glad that I read it and would suggest it to my fellow book readers. But I didn’t love this book. At times I found myself a little board and would skim parts. But I did like the relationship between Honey & Rafael. I did enjoy even if I was left with a few unanswered questions. At the end I felt like there were questions about Rafael’s past that were never answered. Questions that I think Honey would have wanted answered. But all and all it was a good story.

If you are a fan of Cherry Adair I believe you will like this story.

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.

 

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Cherry Adair’s innovative action-adventure novels have appeared on numerous bestsellers lists, won dozens of awards and garnered praise from reviewers and fans alike. With the creation of her kick butt counterterrorist group, T-FLAC, years before action adventure romances were popular, Cherry has carved a niche for herself with her sexy, sassy, fast-paced novels.  She loves to hear from readers.

Her latest book is the romantic suspense novel, Ice Cold.

Visit Cherry Adair’s website at www.cherryadair.com.

Book Trailer Html:

Learn more about Cherry’s tour at the tour page:
http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/09/28/pump-up-your-book-presents-ice-cold-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

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Kimberly’s review of Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett

TITLE: Sultry With A Twist
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Mae-June July Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs, Texas, with her heart in pieces, she swore she’d never return. But nine years later, one thing stands between June and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend. As lust turns to love, June must decide where she belongs: in the glorious anonymity of Austin or back in Sultry Springs with the man who intoxicates her like no other.

REVIEW:
I loved this book. What a delight it was to read it. There were so many scenes that brought a smile to my face that I might not have stopped smiling the whole story. The story is written so well that you feel that you know the characters from the first moment. June is just too adorable for words. She is such a mess but also such a down to earth woman that you just have to connect to her. Luke is just beyond lovable. He is a hard worker but when he plays he just melts your heart. I also enjoyed the background players including Trey (I hope the next story is his!). And Grammy Pru is just a hoot!

There was one area of the story that I wish was a little different but if I tell you then that gives the ending away and so I won’t do that but I will say that.. nope… I can’t say anything without giving it away and so I just won’t say anything at all. Just a little stereotypical but easy to overlook for a delightful story like this.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series and if it half as good as this book the author will have knocked it out of the park.

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 Santa’s Executive by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Santa’s Executive – Holiday, Montana #2
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/4/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Justin Cooper wasn’t always the straight-laced Holiday Elementary School principal. In his youth, he broke all the rules and enjoyed being the bad Cooper brother. One Christmas Eve night he got a little too rowdy and things changed forever. Now the consequences of that fateful night have come back in full force and the myths of Christmas might be more real than he thought.

Rina Brewer is one of Santa’s elves. Not the tiny cute little toy maker, but the sexy, petite, energy filled bombshell kind. She’s come to Holiday to aid Justin in his new role as Santa’s executive, but as soon as she sees the sexy ex-bad boy, she realizes the job may be more than she bargained for.

As they work together to make this Christmas one to remember, an old foe has come to town to make sure that this holiday is the coldest yet.

Warning: Contains a perky elf who dreams of something more, a Christmas myth who may be a baddie, and a sexy ex-bad boy who craves Christmas cookies…and a certain perky blonde.

REVIEW:
Santa’s Executive is book two in Carrie Ann Ryan’s Holiday, Montana series. In Santa’s Executive we get to meet Justin Cooper. The reformed bad-boy of the Cooper Clan turned elementary school principal. Justin finds himself at a bit of a crossroads with the upcoming holiday season. Justin is unsure why or what is happening to him and after the events that happened to his baby brother Matt, Justin is a little freaked out.

When the very cute and bubble Rina shows up at Justin’s door spinning tales of Santa and his new job, he is both taken aback and drawn to this woman. Justin agrees to sit down and listen to what Rina has to say even if he doesn’t want to believe.

I enjoyed this story. I really liked Justin & Rina as a couple. But there were a few holes in the story for me. I few things that while they were not huge or would likely change the story they still bugged me a little. Maybe it was just me. Maybe I was not in the Christmas spirit I am not sure. But I did enjoy the story and I am looking forward to the next installment in Carrie Ann’s Holiday, Montana series

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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Kelly’s review of Heart Of Atlantis by Alyssa Day

TITLE: Heart of Atlantis – Warriors of Poseidon #8
AUTHOR: Alyssa Day
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alaric, Poseidon’s High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there’s one danger-he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved…

REVIEW:
Finally!!!!! Alaric & Quinn’s story.
It has been so painful to watch these two dance around each other for so many books. But Heart of Atlantis finally gives us all what we really want, a Happily Ever After for our favorite high priest and the leader of the resistance.

But this final journey for Alaric & Quinn will be anything but easy for both of them. New enemies arise, old enemies are back, but most of all both Alaric & Quinn have to fight the demons and secrets that lie within themselves in order to come out the other side and grab their HEA.

If you are a fan of Alyssa Day and her Atlantic Warriors you will love Alaric & Quinn’s story. If you have not started the Warriors of Poseidon series I would strongly recommend that you start at the beginning with book 1 Atlantic Rising and read the series in order.

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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Kelly’s review of Charmed Spirits by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Charmed Spirits – Holiday Montana #1
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jordan Cross has returned to Holiday, Montana after eleven long years to clear out her late aunt’s house, put it on the market, and figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Soon, she finds herself facing the town that turned its back on her because she was different. Because being labeled a witch in a small town didn’t earn her many friends…especially when it wasn’t a lie.

Matt Cooper has lived in Holiday his whole life. He’s perfectly content being a bachelor alongside his four single brothers in a very small town. After all, the only woman he’d ever loved ran out on him without a goodbye. But now Jordan’s back and just as bewitching as ever. Can they rekindle their romance with a town set against them?

Warning: Contains an intelligent, sexy witch with an attitude and drop-dead gorgeous man who likes to work with his hands, holds a secret that might scare someone, and really, really, likes table tops for certain activities. Enough said

REVIEW:
You know how they say you can always go home? Well don’t ask Jordan Cross that. Home is the last place on earth that she wants to be. But she has no choice, she has to go home and take care of the family home after the death of her grandma. Jordan just hopes that this will be quick in and out of Holiday Montana with very little interaction with the locals. But as with every good plan you better have a backup escape route when the love of your life finds out your back in town.

Matt finally has another chance with Jordan and nothing or noone, not even Jordan is going to stand in his way. Will except maybe his little secret might be a problem, but what can he do about that right now. Right now he has to get Jordan to realize she can’t leave him again…Not ever.

Jordan & Matt are just too sweet together. And like any good love if they have faith in each other they will make it through anything. Even death can not keep them apart.

This was another great story from Carrie Ann Ryan and a great start to a new series. I am looking forward to book 2 in the Holiday Montana series. Justin’s book will be hitting the shelves in December 2012
.

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 The Golden Leopard by Lynn Kerstan

TITLE: The Golden Leopard
AUTHOR: Lynn Kerstan
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lady Jessica “Jessie” Carville gave up on up men six years ago, after being deserted by Lord Hugo Duran, the man she loved beyond all reason. She has carried on with her life and . . . shockingly . . . with her career. Although most of Society frowns upon a woman in business, Lady Jessica is a natural at collecting and selling antiques. She’s put the past behind her until one night at an auction, when Duran shows up. He’s back in England, and he has plans that involve her. Can she resist what he has in mind?

Duran, though willful and mysterious, is a gentleman—when it suits him. Yet he left his lover without so much a note saying why. Now he’s on a mission filled with danger. If he doesn’t succeed, he will die. Can he convince Jessica to help him without endangering her as well?

REVIEW:
I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this book. Actually I had a hard time connecting to the book in general. I just couldn’t seem to enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong… The writing is fine and the story has potential but I guess it is just not the kind of book that I enjoy. The treasure part was interesting.

Maybe it was just the fact that the characters while charismatic apart just did not seem to connect to each other so it was hard to be interested in their relationship.

Honestly if you enjoy historical romantic suspense (I guess that is the best way to describe it) then this might be the book for you but it just wasn’t for me.

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

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Kelly’s review of Black Moon by JD Tyler

TITLE: Black Moon – Alpha Pack #3
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12
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. But sometimes those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them—one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To protect his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to battle a terrible evil, unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all

REVIEW:
Oh my Kalen……I have been in love with Kalen since he stepped on the pages in Primal Law (book 1). And I feel more in love this him in his novella Black Magic. So I was so super excited when I got my ARC of Black Moon. We finally get to learn more about Kalen. What makes him tick, what his demons are and how far he is willing to go to protect the ones he loves.

Kalen goes through so much in Black Moon my poor heart almost didn’t survive the journey. There was so much that happens I am afraid if I start to tell you I will give away too much. So let me just say…..

Kalen is AWESOME!!!! He is so much stronger than he ever realized. Even if it will cost him everything in the end. Kalen does the only thing he can to save the Alpha pack. Some sacrifices are worth it.

If you have enjoyed the first two books and Kalen’s novella you will love Black Moon. But be warned you may need a tissue, because Kalen my just break your heart.

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 A Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels and Others

TITLE: A Winter Wonderland
AUTHOR: Fern Michaels +3
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Four special holiday offerings from today’s favorite authors remind us that when love is on your list, you never have to stop believing…
“A Winter Wonderland” by Fern Michaels
Angelica Shepard left New York for Christmas in Colorado to relax and unwind—but an out-of-control snowboarder almost had her laid to rest. When she wakes up in the hospital, all she remembers is the handsome angel who saved her…
“The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chamberlin
Not all happiness is good for you—or that’s what Iris Karr thinks when she decides to move away instead of marrying her sweetheart Ben. Even years later, living with that decision isn’t easy—until a familiar face comes to call her home for the holidays…
“The Christmas Thief” by Leslie Meier
Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker’s Cove, Maine—until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor’s jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth’s mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her. ‘Tis the season for a little investigating…
“The Christmas Collector” by Kristina McMorris
Estate liquidator Jenna Matthews isn’t one for Christmas nostalgia. But when one grandmother’s keepsakes suggest a secret life, unwrapping the mystery leads Jenna—and her client’s handsome grandson—to the true heart of the holiday spirit…

REVIEW:
I was going to review these books separately but honestly I can say the same things about all of them. The stories are just ok. The characters never really connect to each other. There is actually a sad element to these stories. This was not the feel good holiday novel I expected. I was disappointed in all of the stories. They might have been better if it was not set up as a holiday read but seeing as a fan of romance I want a feel good story not sadness.

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

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Kimberly’s review of A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: A Fool’s Gold Christmas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage the Fool’s Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister — off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….

REVIEW:
There is no place I would rather spend Christmas than Fool’s Gold. With the beautiful backdrop of the California mountains Christmas comes alive in the latest of the Fool’s Gold series from Susan Mallery. Fool’s Gold is the type of town we all wish we belong to with people willing to help and a place where a newcomer can feel at home. But when Evie is brought to the town by her family after breaking her leg she feels more like an outsider than part of the family. The only place she feels at home in on the dance floor so when asked to teacher the children the winter dance she agrees even as she plans her escape from the town after the holidays.

Dante has also been brought to Fool’s Gold against his will by his business partner Rafe (Summer Days #7). With the past that Dante has the best thing he can do with the ladies is love ‘em and leave ‘em and he has gotten good at just that. But when Evie and her troupe dance into Dante’s life will he recognize a good thing and will either of them be willing to overcome the past to believe in love and learn that Fool’s Gold really can be home? Both are unaware that the lure of Fool’s Gold is not only in the spirit of the season but the spirit and heart of the town.

I could not put this book down. This is the 10th in the series and I have loved everyone of them but there is just something extra special about Fool’s Gold at Christmas time. I wanted to walk the streets, see the decorations of the town and watch the performance on Christmas Eve. I wanted to drink peppermint martinis at Evie’s house with the girls and wanted to walk up to Dante and hug him after smacking him upside the head. Mallery has a way of transporting you to the town of Fool’s Gold and as a reader you can feel the love she has for her (unfortunately) imagined town which makes the reader love it to. Pick up “A Fool’s Gold Christmas”, make a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle up on the couch and I promise you in a few hours when you finally set the book down you will be ready to start decorating your house for the holidays.

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

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Kelly’s review of Angel Betrayed by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Angel Betrayed – The Fallen #2
AUTHOR: Cythina Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/26/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A LITTLE BIT OF ANGEL LUST.

Sammael – call him Sam – was an angel once. An angel of death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn’t working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days, he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what’s making his life difficult is a bad girl…

Seline O’Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she’s not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam’s virtue is questionable, but he’s smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she’s getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide

REVIEW:
AAAHHHH, Sam……
We got to meet him in Angel of Darkness (bk1). We know that Sam is not really one of the good guys. He is one of the Fallen and very proud of it. But Sam does seem to have a little bit of a heart. He did after all help Keenan & Nicole right? Well only because there was something Sam wanted. Something he wanted for a very, very long time….. Revenge.

Seline is on a mission to destroy, but her mission has changed. All she wants is to survive and be free from the one who controls her. So in order to do that she will have to turn the tables on Rogziel by turning her next victim into her hero. All she has to do is get Sam on her side. But the Fallen doesn’t trust that easily

I enjoyed Angel Betrayed book 2 in The Fallen Series a little more. I love Sam. He is a tough no nonsense kind of guy that finds his world turned upside down by one very small demon-hybrid. Sam learns that there is so much more in the world then hate. But the question is will it be too little too late? Or will fate finally give him what he needs?

Very much looking forward to book 3 Angel in Chains. If you have not started Cynthia’s The Fallen Series yet and you love angels you should go pick up a copy. I would suggest starting with book one!

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 Red by Kate Kinsey

TITLE: Red
AUTHOR: Kate Kinsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/06/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Truly, madly…deadly
A BDSM thriller
Detective Tom Hanson has a string of grotesquely mutilated bodies on his hands and no answers—aside from the fact that the victims were members of an underground sex club catering to singular erotic tastes. Tastes the long, lean detective has sampled himself in the arms of his former lover, a fiery redhead who offered the most erotic, irresistible sex he’d ever encountered. Until the night she’d begged for the one thing he couldn’t give, and he lost her forever.

Gina Larsen is the only one who can guide Hanson through the fringe world of dark fantasy and desire that lies hidden deep beneath the Bible Belt. Lured into her lair by a quest for justice, Hanson discovers his hunger for Gina has only grown stronger and deeper…beyond the edge of control. Soon he’s shedding his last inhibitions in the search for answers, but the more she draws him into her erotic web, the less he can distinguish between passion and duty, pleasure and pain…good and evil.

REVIEW:
I guess the best way to describe this book erotic suspense. It is a who-dun-it in the BDSM world. While I did want to know what happened and who the killer was there is just something off about this book.

There are too many characters introduced too quickly for the reader to remember who is who which is distracting. The language in the book is crude and I am not talking about the sexual words but the use of vulgarities like fag, etc which just takes away from the story. The feel of the book, at least to me, is the author does not live the BDSM lifestyle but has read a lot about it. It does not seem to be a familiar area for the author. However at the end of the book the author notes say she is a member of the community.

The characters of Hansen and Gina never seem to have any chemistry and Hansen seems to betray his own preferences in the book which does not seem to mesh. Gina seems stone cold and never seems to warm up. Hansen’s partner is rude and honestly written as not only a jerk but stupid too. His character is being used as an excuse for the author to answer questions about what things in the lifestyle mean which is fine but when a cop doesn’t know what “endorphins” are it makes him written as an idiot.

If you want to read a erotic suspense than I guess this is a good enough book but the erotica is not very erotic and while the suspense is suspenseful I am not sure it makes up for having to read the whole story.

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

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Jennifer’s review of Almost A Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

TITLE: Almost a Scandal
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Essex
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: A LADY IN DISGUISE…. For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place–at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizing aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues…

A MAN OVERBOARD….Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty–and distractingly gorgeous–Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board–and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of a battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test….

REVIEW:
I usually love reading historical romance and I was excited to read this novel about a woman that assumes the identity of her brother on a Naval ship. The problem that I had with this novel was that the love story was minimized for me by the endless technical descriptions in regards to running a ship. This made it difficult for me to get deeply invested in the characters because I was trying to figure out what these terms meant and how it related to the storyline. I thought that Sally was a very brave woman for taking her brother’s place and placing herself in harm’s way to prove that the Kent family didn’t turn away from their responsibilities. Other than that, I had a hard time relating to her character and the romance between her and Lieutenant David Colyear felt rushed at times. I couldn’t see the chemistry between these two characters and I was left feeling disappointed at the end of this book.

Even though I didn’t like “Almost a Scandal,” I still would like to read more from this author and read her next book called “A Breath of Scandal.” This book may not have been enjoyable for me but I don’t like giving up on historical romance authors without reading at least a few of their books first.

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