Kimberly

December 19, 2017December 18, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Staircase by Deryn Lake

TITLE: The Staircase
CHARACTERS: Helena & Hal
AUTHOR: Deryn Lake
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/02/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Helena had always been haunted by the dream of the staircase.

It prevents her from forming any real relationship with a man, because who could live up to the haunting, handsome figure that awaits her at the top of the staircase?

When her on-off boyfriend and childhood sweetheart Hal takes Helena on a romantic trip to Paris, he offers her a final ultimatum, and she is suddenly forced to decide between dreams and reality.

But, as her two worlds begin to collide, Helena begins to realise that everything is not as it seems – and that some dreams are nightmares…

Another heart-warming spooky novella from the master of romance Deryn Lake, The Staircase will have you gripped until the very last word.

REVIEW:
I am truly on the fence with this book. The idea was great. Even a bit original. The characters were just well boring. They had no well…. Character.

Nothing seemed real with the characters. But the story was a bit intriguing.

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

December 18, 2017December 17, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Studmuffin Santa by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Studmuffin Santa
CHARACTERS: Brandon Brown & Jade King
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: November 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brandon Brown is the unlikeliest Santa ever to don a red velvet suit.
His abs are more cheese grater than bowl full of jelly, and deploying to Syria is the closest he’s come to the North Pole. But family drama sends the jaded Marine home for the holidays, and lands him an unexpected gig as a part-time Santa.
Jade King is hustling to get Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch off the ground, and she’s not thrilled her sister hired a Santa with sex-appeal. The last thing Jade wants is a beefcake circus, and guys like Brandon bring sleigh-loads of trouble. But Studmuffin Santa proves more popular than anyone dreamed, drawing hordes of happy kids, lusty moms, and a mystery foe hell-bent on wrecking it all.
The threat has Brandon playing protector for the reindeer and their sexy keeper, which is risky for a guy who’s sworn off happy endings and the whole Christmas mess. But as Jade and Brandon bond over Santa suit malfunctions and risqué Christmas cookies, they find they have more in common than a craving for gingerbread. Can they find a way to mesh their wish lists, or will ghosts of Christmas past bring things crashing down like a fat man in a cast iron sleigh?

REVIEW:
Hello Santa!!!
I really enjoyed Brandon and Jade’s story! Brandon is home to help his family but needs something else to do with some of his free time. Playing Santa and watching Jade’s back is right up his alley.
Jade is a tough cookie who wants to do everything on her own. So when her sister hires the new Santa for the season she is happy until she learns who will be playing Santa.
Brandon and Jade are so sweet together. It was fun to watch them both try and fail to fight their draw to each other.
Studmuffin Santa was a very cute story! With a lot of good information on Reindeer!! Yes, Reindeer!!! So much stuff I didn’t know. I hope that we get to visit Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch again soon.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tawna Fenske in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 15, 2017December 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Twisted Truths
SERIES #: Blood Brothers #3
CHARACTERS: Noni & Denver
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/14/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You can’t escape the past . . .

Noni is desperate. Her infant niece has been kidnapped, and the only person who can save her is a private detective with too many secrets to count–and more enemies than he can name. A man who walked away from Noni without any warning a year ago, a man who broke her heart. But with Talia’s life on the line, Noni needs his help now more than ever–and this time, she won’t take no for an answer . . .

The moment Denver Jones sees Noni, the memories come rushing back. The fire in her eyes. The determination in her voice. The danger of having her in his life. Denver had to push her away once, but now with vicious criminals threatening Noni and her niece, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. But enemies from his past are circling, and they’ll use anything–and anyone–to get to Denver.

With twists and turns that will blow you away, TWISTED TRUTHS is sexy, action-packed suspense at its very best from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Denver! Finally Denver’s story. Through the last two books we have known that Denver has only loved one woman and walked away from her. Even though he thought it was for the right reasons it broke his heart as much as hers.

But now Noni is back and Denver will do what he needs to do to protect her. Her life is in peril and he will do anything he can to protect her and maybe even win her back.

Man I loved this story. Zanetti has a way of bringing a character to life and since the beginning we have waited to hear Denver’s story. And now that it is finally here it is bittersweet. Why? Because we have heard all the stories of these Blood Brothers which means the end of the series.

You can never go wrong with reading Zanetti’s books but this is one of my favorite series by any author. Not to be missed.

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

December 14, 2017December 10, 2017

Kelly reviews The Girl That Lived by Christopher Greyson

TITLE: The Girl that Lived
CHARACTERS: Faith Winters
AUTHOR: Christopher Greyson
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago, four people were brutally murdered. One girl lived.

No one believes her story.
The police think she’s crazy.
Her therapist thinks she’s suicidal.
Everyone else thinks she’s a dangerous drunk.
They’re all right—but did she see the killer?

As the anniversary of the murders approaches, Faith Winters is released from the psychiatric hospital and yanked back to the last spot on earth she wants to be—her hometown where the slayings took place. Wracked by the lingering echoes of survivor’s guilt, Faith spirals into a black hole of alcoholism and wanton self-destruction. Finding no solace at the bottom of a bottle, Faith decides to track down her sister’s killer—and then discovers that she’s the one being hunted.

How can one woman uncover the truth when everyone’s a suspect—including herself?

From the mind of Wall Street Journal bestselling author Christopher Greyson comes a story with twists and turns that take the reader on a journey of light and dark, good and evil, to the edge of madness. The Girl Who Lived should come with a warning label: Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop. Not since Girl on the Train and Gone Girl has a psychological thriller kept readers so addicted—and guessing right until the last page.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was my first book by Christopher Greyson and I enjoyed it. At times the story dragged a little for me. There were times that I just wanted Faith to reach out for help in a different way. But by the end of the story I realized all the ways I wanted her to do something would have ended with her death.
I did enjoy the twists and turns in this story. Every time I though I know who done it I was given more evidence that it wasn’t that person and the focus shifted to another person.
I will be on the lookout for more stories from Mr. Greyson in the future.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Greyson Media Associates in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 13, 2017December 10, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Second Christmas Wish by Kathryn Freeman

TITLE: A Second Christmas Wish
CHARACTERS: Melissa & Daniel
AUTHOR: Kathryn Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Do you believe in Father Christmas?

For Melissa, Christmas has always been overrated. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth and contentment of the festive season with a big, happy family sitting around the table.
And Melissa has learned to live with it, but it breaks her heart that her seven-year-old son, William, has had to live with it too. Whilst most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists.
But then Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just be able to find their festive spirit, and finally have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true …

REVIEW:
I have not read a book by Freeman before but this will not be my last one. This is a sweet holiday story about finding the Christmas spirit and gaining faith in Santa.

When William, a 5 year old, is told by her own father at that Santa isn’t real the life of William and his mom, Melissa, is turned upside down. Jump two years later and William is starting to blossom after the devastation of his parents divorce.

Then Daniel comes onto the scene and not only falls for William but Melissa. When William writes to Santa asking for two things but will only discuss one the life of the three of them in again turned upside down… or is that right side up?

Great story with a great message. William breaks my heart but also makes me fall in love with Christmas all over again.

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

December 12, 2017December 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Devil Of Dunakin Castle by Heather McCollum

TITLE: The Devil of Dunakin Castle
SERIES #: Highland Isles #4
CHARACTERS: Grace & Keir
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Englishwoman, Grace Ellington, has made a home in Scotland, but to escape from the meddling people around her who seem to think she needs to wed right away—because women need saving, right? —she volunteers to journey north to aid a friend in childbirth.

Keir MacKinnon, the younger brother of the MacKinnon clan chief, has been raised to strike fear in people, on and off the battlefield. Trained to uphold MacKinnon law, he has hardened into a lethal warrior. Caught in a Highland blizzard with the feisty Grace, Keir realizes the beautiful woman who saved him can also save his nephew’s life.

Sparks fly when he takes her against her will to his home, and Grace’s courage is put to the ultimate test. Is Keir MacKinnon the passionate, kind man she saved in the Highland blizzard, or is he truly the cruel executioner who seeks to solve all issues by the sword?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is the 4th in the series but the first one that I have read. And it made me what to go back and read the first three in the series.

Grace may be one of my favorite female characters in a while. She is shy and reserved but wants to come into her own and have an adventure but of course it goes wrong. She is almost attacked by a wolf, is caught in a blizzard and then kidnapped by Keir to force Grace to help his dying nephew.

So much adventure and ups and downs and yet the story is one of love. Not just romance but love of family as well.

I loved this story. I can’t wait to go back and read the other three stories. Yes this was able to read as a stand alone but I know the other stories will be worth the read.

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

December 11, 2017December 10, 2017

Kelly reviews The Hunt by Chloe Neill

TITLE: The Hunt
SERIES #: Devil’s Isle #3
CHARACTERS: Liam Quinn & Claire Connolly
AUTHOR: Chloe Neill
NARRATOR: Amy Landon
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 26 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 27, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires Novels–the hunter becomes the hunted in a New Orleans devastated by a Paranormal war….
When bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered that Claire Connolly was a Sensitive and infected with magic, he should have turned her in to be locked up in the prison district known as Devil’s Isle. Instead, he helped her learn to control her power and introduced her to an underground group of Paranormals and humans who know the truth about the war and those who fought it.
Now the weight of Liam’s own secrets has forced him into hiding. When a government agent is killed and Claire discovers that Liam is the prime suspect, she races to find him before the government can. But she’ll discover proving his innocence is no simple matter. Their enemies are drawing closer, and time is running out.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I am enjoying this series and really happy that it looks like there will be another book. With that The Hunt started out a little slow for my liking. There was not a lot that happened until Claire, Malachi and Gavin go on the hunt for Liam to warn him about Containment. Once Liam is back with the group things start picking up in the story. And we finally get a little conclusion on the whole Claire and Liam issue (thankfully).
We also learn a lot more about Claire’s history, who her mother was. This throws a huge kink in the chain. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

As I have for the first two books I let the talented Amy Landon narrator this story for me. I have a deep love for audiobooks and love to find narrators that can bring an author’s words to life for me. Ms. Landon does a wonderful of bring Claire, Liam, Malachi, Gavin and the whole gain to life for me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group & Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 8, 2017December 6, 2017

Kelly reviews The Kidnapped Bride by Molly Harper

TITLE: The Kidnapped Bride
SERIES #: Desert Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Dora & Khalil
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Swept away by the passionate Prince Khalil Khan, Dora Nelson reveled in her new fairy-tale life as princess of El Bahar. But once she learned that the love and affection Khalil had showered her with were a sham, she refused to bend to his will. For he’d tricked her, and she couldn’t forgive him….
But she also couldn’t stop loving him. More than anything else, Dora wanted a happy home and an adoring husband. Still, when Dora’s feistiness met Khalil’s arrogance, sparks flew. And unless Dora and Khalil agreed to meet halfway, this fiery marriage threatened to consume them both!

REVIEW:
So this is a re-release from Susan Mallery and she has come a long way since this book. While it might have been better if I wasn’t comparing it to Mallery’s current reads this just didn’t add up to me.

I am not a fan of the whole sheik romance but since this was Mallery I picked it up. And to tell you the truth it was a bit cheesy and I believe unintentionally funny.

Not one of my favorite but still an ok read.

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

December 7, 2017December 6, 2017

Kelly reviews Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

TITLE: Sweet Tea & Sympathy
SERIES #: Southern Electric #1
CHARACTERS: Margot Cary & Kyle Archer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 27 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 21, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beloved author Molly Harper launches a brand-new contemporary romance series, Southern Eclectic, with this story of a big-city party planner who finds true love in a small Georgia town.

Nestled on the shore of Lake Sackett, Georgia is the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. (What, you have a problem with one-stop shopping?) Two McCready brothers started two separate businesses in the same building back in 1928, and now it’s become one big family affair. And true to form in small Southern towns, family business becomes everybody’s business.

Margot Cary has spent her life immersed in everything Lake Sackett is not. As an elite event planner, Margot’s rubbed elbows with the cream of Chicago society, and made elegance and glamour her business. She’s riding high until one event goes tragically, spectacularly wrong. Now she’s blackballed by the gala set and in dire need of a fresh start—and apparently the McCreadys are in need of an event planner with a tarnished reputation.

As Margot finds her footing in a town where everybody knows not only your name, but what you had for dinner last Saturday night and what you’ll wear to church on Sunday morning, she grudgingly has to admit that there are some things Lake Sackett does better than Chicago—including the dating prospects. Elementary school principal Kyle Archer is a fellow fish-out-of-water who volunteers to show Margot the picture-postcard side of Southern living. The two of them hit it off, but not everybody is happy to see an outsider snapping up one of the town’s most eligible gentleman. Will Margot reel in her handsome fish, or will she have to release her latest catch?

REVIEW:
Sweet Tea & Sympathy is the first book in Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series (check out Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck prequel novella). In Sweet Tea & Sympathy we get to meet the long lost McCready family member after an unfortunate event involving some flamingos, shrimps and they death of Margot’s career. Just when Margot thinks she is at her lowest point Aunt Tootie finds her and convinces her to move to Lake Sackett and work for the family.
Another wonderful story from Molly Harper.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 6, 2017December 5, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Merry And Bright by Debbie Macomber

TITLE: Merry and Bright
CHARACTERS: Merry & Jayson
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christmas is the season of the heart, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber is here to warm yours with a delightful holiday novel of first impressions and second chances.

Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her–minus her photo–and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.

Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects–or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a sweet yet unoriginal story. From the first paragraph the reader knows exactly what is going to happen. And while that doesn’t mean this story isn’t good it is obvious.

I was hoping for a little more when I saw that Debbie Macomber wrote this story. Her name is synonymous with Christmas romance novels but this one was short and unrealistic. And unfortunately I just didn’t get the enjoyment I hoped I would.

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

December 5, 2017December 4, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Wardrobe by Deryn Lake

TITLE: The Wardrobe
CHARACTERS: Rebecca & Greg
AUTHOR: Deryn Lake
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It was the flat Rebecca and Greg had dreamed of finding; a beautiful conversion in a big Victorian house. The huge mirrored wardrobe that the builders couldn’t shift only seemed to add to its charms…

But soon their dream turns into a terrifying nightmare. As Rebecca delves into the dark circumstances surrounding the mysterious murder of George Carthew in the same house a hundred years before, she finds herself surrounded by echoes of the crime. Carthew was victim to slow arsenic poisoning, and now Greg is struck with a horrible wasting illness. Carthew’s beautiful widow, Charlotte, was suspected of the gruesome crime but never convicted, and now Rebecca wakes in terror to find reflection of strange women in the wardrobe doors…

That old wardrobe, a relic of the Victorian days, seems to be the only remaining witness to the crime and Rebecca becomes convinced that all these years later, it could still hold the key to the murder.

Another classic of love, loss and the past manifesting in the present from master Deryn Lake, this story of murder unsolved will have you gripped from beginning to end.

REVIEW:
This is a very short story of about 50 pages. It is a quick read and yet very interesting. The wardrobe is a relic with much mystery surrounding it. When Rebecca starts looking into the history of it there is way more than she would expect and it begins affecting her and Greg.

For such a small story it really pulls a punch. Great book!

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

December 4, 2017December 3, 2017

Kelly reviews Vampire Fight Club by Larissa Ione

TITLE: Vampire Fight Club
SERIES #: Demonica #6.5
CHARACTERS: Nathan & Lena
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: November 28, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Previously published in Supernatural

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione tempts you into the darkly irresistible world of Demonica, populated by angels and demons, shifters and humans, all with a thirst that must be quenched . . .

When a wave of violence that hits too close to home forces shapeshifter and underworld nurse Vladlena Paskelkov to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice—with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge . . .

Legendary, jaded, Nathan Sabine is the manager of Thirst, a wildly popular vampire club—and secret underground blood arena. But Nathan, a rare daywalker, possesses other, even more explosive secrets, as does his beautiful new medic, Vladlena. The one thing they can’t conceal is the lust that simmers between them . . .

Now, in an underworld divided by revelry and violence, debauchery and vengeance, Nate and Lena will discover which risks are worth taking—and which desires demand surrender . . .

REVIEW:
I have read this story before when it was in the anthology Supernatural. Vampire Fight Club is a short read that takes place in the Demonica world. We follow Lean (Vladena) on a journey to find out who killed her Brother. Along the way Lean learns more about herself than she ever imagined.
Nathan has been buying his time until the end will finally greet him. So when Lena walks in to apply for the new medical assistant job Nathan pretty much loses his sh*t.

This was a good but short story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.