Author: Kimberly

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Kimberly reviews The Lost City Of The Monkey God: A True Story by Douglas Preston

lost-cityTITLE: The Lost City Of The Monkey God: A True Story
CHARACTERS: Douglas Preston
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A five-hundred-year-old legend. An ancient curse. A stunning medical mystery. And a pioneering journey into the unknown heart of the world’s densest jungle.

Since the days of conquistador Hernán Cortés, rumors have circulated about a lost city of immense wealth hidden somewhere in the Honduran interior, called the White City or the Lost City of the Monkey God. Indigenous tribes speak of ancestors who fled there to escape the Spanish invaders, and they warn that anyone who enters this sacred city will fall ill and die. In 1940, swashbuckling journalist Theodore Morde returned from the rainforest with hundreds of artifacts and an electrifying story of having found the Lost City of the Monkey God-but then committed suicide without revealing its location.

Three quarters of a century later, bestselling author Doug Preston joined a team of scientists on a groundbreaking new quest. In 2012 he climbed aboard a rickety, single-engine plane carrying the machine that would change everything: lidar, a highly advanced, classified technology that could map the terrain under the densest rainforest canopy. In an unexplored valley ringed by steep mountains, that flight revealed the unmistakable image of a sprawling metropolis, tantalizing evidence of not just an undiscovered city but an enigmatic, lost civilization.

Venturing into this raw, treacherous, but breathtakingly beautiful wilderness to confirm the discovery, Preston and the team battled torrential rains, quickmud, disease-carrying insects, jaguars, and deadly snakes. But it wasn’t until they returned that tragedy struck: Preston and others found they had contracted in the ruins a horrifying, sometimes lethal-and incurable-disease.

Suspenseful and shocking, filled with colorful history, hair-raising adventure, and dramatic twists of fortune, The Lost City of the Monkey God is the absolutely true, eyewitness account of one of the great discoveries of the twenty-first century.

REVIEW:
Well this is a big difference from the books Preston usually writes. It is a true story about his journey. I enjoyed it mostly. Some parts were a big winded for lack of a better word. There is a bit too much conversation about things like disease and it gets to be too much.

Now that being said it is interesting. Knowing it is true makes it even more so. But I look forward to Preston heading back to his regular genre.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews The Lovely Duckling by Lila DiPasqua

lovely-ducklingTITLE: The Lovely Duckling
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #8
CHARACTERS: Joseph d’Alumbert & Emilie de Sarron
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by the tale of The Ugly Duckling, a hot historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series.

Reputed for his carnal skills, notorious rake, Joseph d’Alumbert, prefers amorous encounters without any sort of emotional entanglement—until a most unique lady stirs tender feelings . . . and hot desire.

Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow, sensuous kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…

***Can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.

Originally published in THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED anthology.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. DiPasqua does a wonderful job of taking a fairytale that we all know & love and turning & twisting into a Fiery Tale!! I enjoyed this story of Joseph and Emilie. It was so sweet to see the lengths that Joseph went to for Emilie. I would have like to see Emilie make Joseph grovel just a tad bit more. But this was still a great story. And always I love the history lesson that Lila gives us with each book.

The Ugly Duckling can easily be read as a stand alone, but you should check out all of the other Fiery Tale stories.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Blood Vow by J.R. Ward

blood-vowTITLE: Blood Vow
SERIES #: Black Dagger Legacy #2
CHARACTERS: Rhage & Mary, Axe & Elise
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward returns as her thrilling, original spin-off series set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues! When a brooding vampire warrior-in-training teams up with a quick-witted aristocrat to solve a deadly mystery, the only thing more dangerous than their mission is their undeniable attraction.
Trainees at the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center continue to prepare for the war against the Lessening Society, but fighting is the last thing on Axe’s mind. Still plagued with the guilt of his father’s death, the brooding loner finds himself battling an unlikely attraction to Peyton’s enticing, aristocratic cousin, Elise. Elise feels it, too – especially when the two are thrown together in unusual circumstances, and she must decide whether she can trust Axe as she uncovers the mystery surrounding her sister’s death.
Meanwhile, Mary and Rhage are fostering Bitty, a young pretrans orphan, and hope to adopt her… until the appearance of a young male claiming to be Bitty’s blooded uncle threatens to tear the new family apart

REVIEW:
Let me start by tell you that if you have not read THE BEAST yet, you may want to hold off reading BLOOD VOW until after. There are some spoilery stuff that might ruin your journey with Rhage and Mary in THE BEAST.
But back to BLOOD VOW. I really enjoyed this story. I also am liking that Ms. Ward is getting back to basics in the BDB world. We meet Axe in book one (BLOOD KISS) but we didn’t know much about him. Axe has an extremely dark and self destructive side. It was really good to learn more about his backstory and understand him more. Even though he is pretty rough around the edges he needs love just like everyone else. But he doesn’t believe that he is worthy of anyone’s love.
Elsie is great. She knows what she wants out of life and willing to go to any lengths to get it. When she runs into roadblocks she finds a way around them. And she is perfect for a stubborn man like Axe. But while she might be able to teach him about the softer side of life. She is about to learn that trust is more important and that she can be just as judgmental as the rest of the Glymera.
And of course we get a lot of Rhage and Mary in this book. It was good to see them and how they are doing. And Lassiter!!! Seriously! This guy better get an epic book! I loved seeing him in a different light and the ending do dear lord I laughed my butt off!!!
If you are a fan of the BDB world this is a solid addition to the series! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Black Dagger Legacy Series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews The Sight by Chloe Neill

the-sightTITLE: The Sight
SERIES #: Devil’s Isle #2
CHARACTERS: Liam Quinn, Claire Connolly and crew
AUTHOR: Chloe Neill
NARRATOR: Amy Landon
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 39 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 16, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The paranormal war that engulfed New Orleans seven years ago is over. But the battle for the city is just beginning . . .

Claire Connolly is a Sensitive, infected with magic when the Veil that divides humanity from the world beyond fell. Magic can easily consume and destroy a Sensitive, and if Claire’s secret is discovered she’ll be locked into the walled district of Devil’s Isle along with every other Paranormal left in the city.

Bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered Claire’s secret, but refused to turn her in. Together they saved New Orleans from the resurgence of magic that nearly destroyed it. But now a dangerous cult is on the rise, and it will take both Claire and Liam—and magical allies within Devil’s Isle’s towering walls—to defeat the occult threat before magic corrupts them both.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts The Sight is the second book in Chloe Neill’s Devil’s Isle series (I would highly suggest reading book one before you open this book) and boy howdy is this a good book!!! There is so much that happens both good and bad in this book I am not sure where to start without giving anything away.
But war is coming to the Quarter and Devil’s Isle and not all will survive. And those who do may never see the world the same again.
There is so so so much I could tell you but I won’t. You need to pick up a copy of The Veil (bk 1 Devil’s Isle) and get started in this series.
I had the great pleasure of listening to this book on audible and Amy Landon does a wonderful job yet again!! But even if Ms. Neill took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and left me yell at my audiobook many times I have faith that she will make right any and all the wrongs that happened in The Sight. I am super excited and depressed at the same time. Excited for the next book and depressed I have to wait another year to find out what happens. It is going to be a very long year of waiting.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Rules Of Contact by Jaci Burton

rules-of-contactTITLE: Rules of Conduct
SERIES #: Play by Play #12
CHARACTERS: Flynn Cassidy & Amelia Lawrence
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: December , 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Unexpected Rush, a football player with all the right moves on the field needs a better game plan for his love life.

A defensive end for the San Francisco Sabers, Flynn Cassidy is used to being in the spotlight—he just doesn’t enjoy it. But if getting in front of the cameras will help his new restaurant succeed, he’s willing. Now if he could just meet a woman who loved him and not his fame…

After her divorce, Amelia Lawrence is thrilled to start over as head chef at Ninety-Two. It’s just the opportunity she needs to heat up her career—if only she wasn’t wildly attracted to her sexy new boss. Their chemistry might be sizzling hot, but Amelia has no intention of being burned again.

Amelia is genuine and fun and Flynn can’t get enough of her—and Amelia loves every second she spends with the tough but tender Flynn. But trust is a hard fought battle for both of them. Breaking the rules of contact and surrendering to their passion was easy, but are they willing to risk their hearts to win at the game of love?

REVIEW:
Another great Play by Play story from Ms. Burton. I really enjoyed reading Flynn’s story.
Being the oldest of the Cassidy kids he has got to witness both of his younger brothers find love and his little sister Mia, well she never gets to have a boyfriend so that is okay. Flynn wants to find the type of love that his brothers have found. He wants a relationship that mirrors the happiness that his parents have. But Flynn finds himself dating the same type of woman. The type that only cares about his fame and glory. Not Flynn the person, just Flynn the superstar football player. Enter a relationship shy head chef that doesn’t take crap from anyone.
Amelia is great. She is a whiz in the kitchen and loves her new job. She really likes her new boss too. But while she likes Flynn she is not willing to cross any lines no matter how attracted she is to him.
I liked these two a lot. They got along so well and both had to learn to trust each other on a level that they were both not use too. Just like any relationship they both have to learn the hard way that trust and communication are not easy. But that love is willing to fight for.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Southern Spirits by Angie Fox

southern-spiritsTITLE: Southern Spirits
SERIES #: Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries #!
CHARACTERS: Verity & Ellis
AUTHOR: Angie Fox
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/14/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When out of work graphic designer Verity Long accidentally traps a ghost on her property, she’s saddled with more than a supernatural sidekick—she gains the ability see spirits. It leads to an offer she can’t refuse from the town’s bad boy, the brother of her ex and the last man she should ever partner with.

Ellis Wyatt is in possession of a stunning historic property haunted by some of Sugarland Tennessee’s finest former citizens. Only some of them are growing restless—and destructive. He hires Verity put an end to the disturbances. But soon Verity learns there’s more to the mysterious estate than floating specters, secret passageways, and hidden rooms.

There’s a modern day mystery afoot, one that hinges on a decades-old murder. Verity isn’t above questioning the living, or the dead. But can she discover the truth before the killer finds her?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So this story was weird but good. So Verity (we should know it would be weird when the heroine is named Verity) is trying to get her life back together after it fell apart and then bam she can talk and see ghost. And then bam again she is caught in the middle of a murder mystery.

I liked the story mostly. I think it has a lot of potential and if it had been worked on a bit more could have been a great book but the characters just didn’t mesh real well. There were some lines that could have been great but were just ok.

This is a quick read that doesn’t take much thought and honestly sometimes that is exactly the kind of book a person needs.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Kill Without Shame by Alexandra Ivy

kill-without-shameTITLE: Kill Without Shame
SERIES #: ARES Security #2
CHARACTERS: Lucas & Mia
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/27/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five brave military heroes have survived the hell of a Taliban prison to return home—and take on civilian missions no one else can. They’re the men of ARES Security. Highly skilled, intimidating, invincible, and one by one, tested again and again…

Lucas St. Clair’s prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn’t include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he’s a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.

Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she’s convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it’s soon clear that isn’t true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim’s last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I want to start by saying I am a huge fan of Alexandra Ivy’s and have read almost everything she has written. Now that being said this was not one of my favorites. First issue was I had it figured out almost immediately and never got that “oh maybe it is someone else” feel.

Second Lucas is a good character but not one I really fell for. I just never warmed up to him. And Mia is nice but again I didn’t warm up to her either. I am not exactly sure why not. I could never put my finger on it but something was just off about them.

The story is good and if I was reading this same story from a new author I would probably go to 4 stars but knowing how Ivy usually writes I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped. But I am looking forward to the next ARES story.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews How The Witch Stole Christmas by Dakota Cassidy

how-the-witch-stole-christmasTITLE: How the Witch Stole Christmas
SERIES #: Witchless in Seattle #5
CHARACTERS: Steve Cartwright and crew
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 12, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The game is afoot in Ebenezer Falls, Washington, and this time someone is trying to ruin Christmas!

With twists, turns, and suspects aplenty, amateur sleuth Stevie Cartwright is determined to find a murderer and her missing familiar before the silver bells tarnish!

USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy serves up mayhem and murder in How the Witch Stole Christmas, Book 5 of her bestselling series, Witchless in Seattle Mysteries

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas–!

Er, not so much. . .

It’s Christmas, and I, ex-witch, Stevie Cartwright declare this my favorite time of year! I love the decorations! The food! The Hallmark Channel holiday specials! This year promises to be better than ever because for the first time in a very long time, I’m going to have more than just Cheez Whiz, Triscuits and the wish to be surrounded by family and friends.

My carefully planned holiday bonanza includes all the usual suspects. My bat familiar Belfry, my dog Whiskey, my ever-present ghostly spy friends–dashing Brit Winterbottom, stalwart Russian Arkady and my parents.

However, nothing comes easy for this amateur sleuth, not even a neighborhood decorating contest. You know, the one I’ve been painstakingly prepping for months? Something goes horribly awry with my Christmas display (think bikini-clad carolers, pink flamingos and real, live turkeys) to start.

But the worst? The dead body of the famous Chef Pascal Le June in my nativity scene!

It becomes clear someone’s trying to ruin my Christmas, and that someone must pay! But when Belfry goes missing, and the danger takes on a paranormal edge, I find I have more to lose than ever before. . .

This cozy mystery has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy’s bestselling paranormal romance series, A Paris, Texas Romance.

REVIEW:
Awe…. another grand adventure for Stevie, amateur sleuth and royal pain it the Eb Falls Police forces backside, Cartwright and crew. But this time around someone is trying to ruin Stevie’s perfect christmas. How could someone do such a thing? Well…. Stevie has a few people that are not quite her fans. But still dead bodies, Easter decorations, Mardi Gras bead and bikini clad carolers….. Someone is pulling out all the stops. But who and why. And where the heck is Belfry??
Another good story from Ms. Cassidy. I am loving all the adventures that Stevie, Win and Belfry go on. With each story I keep hoping that we are closer to a resolution for the Adam Westfield issue, the new Fakebottom issue and the Stevie and Win on different plans issue. At the same time that I am hoping for these to be solved I also don’t want this series to come to an end. Can’t wait to see what is up next.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne

holiday-giftTITLE: The Holiday Gift
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #15
CHARACTERS: Faith & Chase
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He’s always been “good ol’ Chase,” her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe…

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he’s loved since childhood. Now he’s determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won’t let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

REVIEW:
Thayne is becoming one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed her books and while I have not read this entire series I am slowly catching up. Thayne has a way of pulling the romance out of every character and the reader falls in love with this sweet and simple romance.

This is a story of second chances. Faith and Chase have known each other since they were teens. While they went off and had separate lives they now have a second chance. Faith is a widowed mom and just doesn’t think she can let her heart go again.

Give this book (or series) a chance. You will not regret it.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Christmas At Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

christmas-at-lilac-cottageTITLE: Christmas At Lilac Cottage
SERIES #: White Cliff Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Penny & Henry
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/20/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cozy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?

Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I think I read these stories out of order and while mostly that was not a problem I think it put me at a small disadvantage. However that being said the story is very sweet and certainly has the Christmas feel. I didn’t realize it was brit-lit which is not one of my favorites.

What I did enjoy was the humor of the story. The ice sculpting is just too funny in some scenes.

This is a great holiday book to curl under a warm blanket, by a fire with a warm beverage and it will put you into the Christmas spirit.

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

3hearts-68-77

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