Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews The Other Family by Wendy Corsi Staub

TITLE: The Other Family
CHARACTERS: The Howell Family
AUTHOR: Wendy Corsi Staub
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/18/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Wendy Corsi Staub makes her trade paperback debut with a fast-paced thriller in the vein of Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs and Megan Collins’ The Winter Sister. Here, a family making a fresh start moves into a house which was the site of an unsolved triple homicide–and are watched by an unknown person…

The watcher sees who you are…and knows what you did.

It’s the perfect home for the perfect family: pretty Nora Howell, her handsome husband, their two teenage daughters, and lovable dog. As California transplants making a fresh start in Brooklyn, they expected to live in a shoebox, but the brownstone has a huge kitchen, lots of light, and a backyard. The catch: its previous residents were victims of a grisly triple homicide that remains unsolved.

Soon, peculiar things begin happening. The pug is nosing around like a bloodhound. Nora unearths a long-hidden rusty box in the flowerbed. Oldest daughter Stacey, obsessed with the family murdered in their house, pokes into the bloody past and becomes convinced that a stranger is watching the house. Watching them.

She’s right. But one of the Howells will recognize his face. Because one of them has a secret that will blindside the others with a truth that lies shockingly close to home–and to this one’s terrifying history.

REVIEW:
I had a hard time with this story. Mainly because I never really cared about any of the characters. Yeah I kind of wanted to know the secrets they were all hiding but then I was a bit disappointed in what they were.

I used to read Staub but hadn’t read one of her books for a while so I was interested to see if her writing appealed to me anymore. And I was sad that I was not wowed by the story.

There were parts of the story I found that caught my attention but mostly I was just rushing through the story.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Best Of Both Wolves by Terry Spear

TITLE: The Best Of Both Wolves
SERIES #: Red Wolf #2
CHARACTERS: Sierra & Adam
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear takes you on a thrilling ride into the world of red wolf shifters in an action-packed paranormal romance like no other!
Sierra Redding is eager to begin her new job as an art teacher for a red wolf pack in Portland, when her hotel room is broken into. She’s just in time to see her would-be thief and sketch him for detective Adam Holmes, earning her a job with the police department as a sketch artist, and bringing her closer to the handsome investigator.
Once Adam finds the culprit and puts him in jail, he hopes he’ll have more time to get to know the police department’s newest member. But thieves have friends in low places, and this one is determined to make Sierra’s life miserable. With Adam by her side, she knows she’s safe, and that she’d like to stay close to the intriguing cop as long as she can…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the second in the Red Wolves series. But it is far from the first in the stories that Terry Spear writes about wolves.

Sierra is part of the Red Wolf Pack and teaches the cubs. When her hotel room is broken into she becomes a sketch artist for the police department and a slow moving romance happens between Sierra and Adam the detective that helps her find the thief.

Honestly, it is hard to not read these books by Spear but she has written so many it seems some things are repeated and all too familiar. This was enjoyable and I really like the friendship turned romance between Sierra and Adam.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenhauf

TITLE: The Overnight Guest
CHARACTERS: Wylie Lark
AUTHOR: Heather Gudenhauf
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman receives an unexpected visitor during a deadly snowstorm in this chilling thriller from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf

She thought she was alone…

True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace.

As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I have never read this author before but I was pleasantly surprised with this story. Taking place in three different times it was interesting to see how the author brought all three incidents together.

I will say the mother and daughter dynamic in the third story is hard to deal with. The daughter is being abused and it is very emotional and sometimes palpable through the pages.

I did figure out a lot of the suspense but I enjoyed the way that the author got there so I was not disappointed even though I found myself correct on most things.

I will certainly look this author up again.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: You Can Run
CHARACTERS: Laurel & Huck
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Be prepared to stay up all night . . .”*

Suspense, danger, romance, and family drama converge as a rising star profiler strives to stay one step ahead of the criminal mind—and discovers that her own demons may be the hardest to outrun…

Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness . . .

A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement . Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…

Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti’s. I have never read a book I didn’t enjoy from her but some I like more than others and this is one of those.

Laurel is a FBI agent called to a scene in Washington and Huck is the local officer and her contact. I enjoyed Huck. He is a soldier and sniper. He is the ideal of the American Soldier. Laurel is a genius who started college before she was even a teenager and has multiple degrees but is not good with people (I kept picturing a female version of Sheldon Cooper).

Yes there is some romance to the story but mostly it is suspenseful with a lot of twists and turns and I love it when I don’t figure the “who-dun-it” out.

Zanetti really is one of the best in the business right now for almost every genre (romance, romantic suspense and paranormal). You can’t miss reading any of her stories.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Savage Road by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Savage Road
SERIES #: Torpedo Ink #7
CHARACTERS: Savage & Seychelle
AUTHOR: Chrstine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan explores uncharted territory in the new Torpedo Ink Motorcycle Club novel.

When Savin “Savage” Pajari and Seychelle Dubois first met, their connection was instant, their attraction undeniable. Their relationship has been full throttle since day one. Even though months have passed, the passion and love between them has only increased.

Savage completely owns what he is: a sadist in the bedroom who can only get off on his partner’s pain. He believes he’s not a good man, but he loves Seychelle with a fierceness that shocks him. He wants all of her, but only if she gives herself freely with eyes wide open.

Seychelle never imagined the lure of mixing pain with pleasure, or how much she’d crave Savage’s darkness. She’s been shaken to her core, but Seychelle is committed to Savage and their life together—even though he’s keeping a piece of himself back. And to truly make their relationship work, he has to give her everything that he is, just as she is doing for him.

Savage knows that what he really needs could break his woman if she isn’t ready. She agreed to come into his world, and he’s not about to give her up. He has to find a way to let her see the monster inside without pushing her away. But the real Savage might be more than Seychelle can bear…and he knows he wouldn’t survive losing her.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This story was just too intense for me. It is so dark that it is hard to read and for the first time I wish I had not read a Christine Feehan book. This is the second in the story of Savage and Seychelle. Savage is a broken soul and has lived through more than anyone should. And I thought the first book about him was difficult to read but this one is so much worse.

There were times I just had to skip over parts because it was difficult for my heart to take in.

The preface from Feehan explains why she wrote this story and even said it could be too much for her readers and she would be sure to continue with the series without the reader feeling like they missed something if the reader chose not to read this book. And I truly appreciate her honesty and I wish I had taken her up on it.

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

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Kimberly reviews High Stakes by Iris Johansen

TITLE: High Stakes
CHARACTERS: Logan & Lara
AUTHOR: Iris Johansen
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/07/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All bets are off as #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen introduces gambler Logan Tanner, a man with a secret past that’s about to come back to haunt him.

Logan Tanner lives the exhilarating life of a professional gambler, taking risks with nerves of steel. From casinos in Macau to Monte Carlo to Milan, he’s racked up a fortune and become a living legend. But all the glitz and glamor hide a dark and violent past as an extractor—a world that comes rushing back to him when the beautiful and innocent Lara Balkon enters his life.

Soon Logan is drawn into the conflict between two Russian mafia bosses over Lara, whose life now hangs in the balance. Logan has been offered something more valuable to him than money—information he desperately needs—in exchange for getting Lara out of Russia and to safety. Once together, Tanner discovers that Lara is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. Tanner’s search for the truth leads them to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Where the person who was hunting Lara now lies in wait for them.

With the stakes climbing with each deadly confrontation, Logan and Lara are soon catapulted into a game against pure evil. The odds are stacked against them, but it’s a game they know they must play…even if it may cost them their lives.

REVIEW:
It has been a long time since I read a Iris Johansen book. And for good or bad it seemed the same as if I haven’t missed a thing.

This is the first in a new series and I have to say I was a bit disappointed in it. I hoped that Johansen’s writing had grown some. I loved the Eve Duncan series until it became the same thing all the time. The suspense changed but the characters never grew.

I will give the next in the series a shot since it is a new series but I am not thinking I will run to this series.

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

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Kimberly reviews Immortal’s Honor by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Immortal’s Honor
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #14
CHARACTERS: Sam & Honor
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/07/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From award-winning author Rebecca Zanetti comes the newest wildly thrilling Dark Protectors novel with an immortal hero to die for.

First comes danger . . .

When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…

Then comes desire . . .

Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn’t understand them, she doesn’t want them, but for now, she’ll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she’s ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he’s also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts First, if you have not read Rebecca Zanetti.. WHAT? Get to it. She is quickly becoming the queen of PNR. Second, start with the first in the series because this is the 14th and there is just too much to this series to start in the middle. And third, the characters that Zanetti writes are hot, sexy and downright practically perfect.

Sam is a Demon Vampire who kidnaps Honor which slowly and hotly turns into more. They are meant for each other. And Zanetti makes her characters jump off the screen.

You will never regret starting this series and continuing right up to Immortal’s Honor.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Invisible by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Invisible
CHARACTERS: Antonia Adams
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/04/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this riveting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a gifted young woman must grapple with the legacy of a troubled childhood in order to pursue her dreams.

Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye–and even more so when they fall in love.

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion–and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Danielle Steel’s since I was a teenager. This story is typical of her writing and a wonderful read.

In this story we meet Antonia who has always been a wallflower. She has learned to be silent and invisible to protect herself. But when she meets Hamish Quist her life changes in so many ways. But then as the story continues life goes on and Antonia faces decisions.

Steel is one of the best in the romance/women’s lit genre. She drags you in from the meeting of her main character and keeps you interested the whole time. This is no different. The characters are intriguing and the emotion as always is palpable.

Another good story from Danielle Steel.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Under The Mistletoe by Sue Moorcroft

TITLE: Under The Mistletoe
CHARACTERS: Laurel & Grady
AUTHOR: Sue Moorcroft
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a very deep book. This is not a lighthearted holiday story that puts you into the Christmas spirit. This really makes you think and feel.

Laurel returns to her hometown because of her sister and niece but she has been avoiding this place because the past is still there. Laurel is great with her family. I loved the relationship they have.

I also enjoyed the relationship that was reestablished with Grady. What is that old saying “History has a way of repeating itself.”?

This is a well written story that has a lot of emotion.

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