Kimberly

December 19, 2016December 18, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson

TITLE: The Christmas Cake Cafe
CHARACTERS: Jen & Jon
AUTHOR: Sue Watson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Heart-warming and hilarious, a story that will make you laugh, cry and bring a smile to your face. Get ready for another deliciously amazing Christmas treat from Sue Watson….

As the Prosecco chills and Bing Crosby croons, Jen Barker just knows that her long-term boyfriend is about to propose. But instead of a diamond ring nestled in her champagne flute, Jen finds cold flat rejection. Her once perfect life and dreams of a husband and family seem even further from reach.

A working holiday to the Swiss Alps with her younger sister Jody might not be the Christmas Jen had it mind, but it offers her the chance to recharge her batteries and recover from heartbreak.

When Jen meets handsome ski instructor Jon Zutter her hopes for a happy-ever-after seem within her grasp again. Jon is kind and gorgeous and as they bond over Sachetorte at the picturesque Cake Café, Jen thinks he might just be her perfect man. But a relationship with him comes with a catch – and there are some things even cake can’t fix.

As the snow falls and Christmas approaches, could this be the place that restores Jen Barker’s faith in love?

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts So the good part. I enjoyed this was an older couple. Jen is in her 40’s and it gave hope for us old folks’.

Not the not so good. I just didn’t feel it with the characters. The sisters are drastically different and Jen is a bit whiney to me. I also thought the romance was too quick and in a snap they were head of heels. Jen also spent a lot of time obsessing over her ex which seemed like a jerk to me so when she finds the new love it almost seemed desperate.

Now with that being said the story is an ok holiday romance.

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

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December 16, 2016December 10, 2016

Kelly reviews Camp Alien by Gini Koch

TITLE: Camp Alien
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Katt #13
CHARACTERS: Kitty
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The President and First Lady, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, don’t get any downtime once the Mastermind has been revealed to the world. Not only do they have myriad high-level government positions to fill, but the scrutiny and pressure on this Administration has gone into overdrive.

The sudden reappearance of a long-forgotten adversary turns out to be the tip of the iceberg. New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq. It’s clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place – and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company.

Kidnappings, rescues, creepy hideouts, a hidden black site, and a domestic dispute that could end Jeff and Kitty’s marriage are nothing compared to find not one but two hidden labs where dangerous and deadly things are brewing.

But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, things are no better. Mossad rightly suspects something’s wrong with both their Prime Minister and the President of Iraq. A hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don’t make it, Earth won’t make it, either.

But no pressure.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. Koch does an excellent job of bring us a fun and wild story. I would tell you that if you have not started this series you really need to start from book 1. There is so much that happens over the course of each book that if you pick up book #13 you would more than likely be lost. Even with the recaps. I still at times forget things that happened in the past. That being said this is a wonderful series with a kicka$$ main character that shows us anything is possible. And while I love Kitty, Christopher will always be my favorite!!!! EVER!!!!! But enough about my love for Christopher.
Camp Alien was a lot of fun to read. So much going on. At times I wish I had an cliffs notes to help me remember everyone and everything that happens. Kitty is up to all things Kitty in this story and keeps us on our toes with her wit and perfect timing for songs! I can’t wait to see what is next for Kitty, Jeff, the whole crew and the world.

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

December 15, 2016December 10, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Dollmaker by Mary Burton

TITLE: The Dollmaker
SERIES #: The Forgotten Files #2
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Dakota
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/15/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.
Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own…
She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have recently discovered Mary Burton and have easily fallen for her way of writing. I find her books keep me interested and on the edge of my seat. This story falls more under the romantic suspense genre than just suspense.

The Dollmaker (the character not the title) is just creepy. He hunts down women to make them into his own dolls and then well let’s just say it gets worse from there. He is one sick character. Tessa and Dakota are married but separated. However like any romantic suspense there will be a HEA. But getting there is a great read.

If you like dark suspense with a bit of light romance you will really enjoy this story. Mary Burton may be coming one of my favorite suspense authors.

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

December 14, 2016December 10, 2016

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews The Trouble With Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: The Trouble with Mistletoe
SERIES #: Heartbreaker Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Keane Winters & Willa Davis
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: September 27, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If she has her way …
Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her …
He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.
Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him …
Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice …
Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish—and let the mistletoe do its work

REVIEW:
Ms. Shalvis is one of my favorite authors and I always love picking up one of her stories. The Trouble with Mistletoe, book two in her new Heartbreaker Bay series, is another really good read. I love that Ms. Shalvis is able to create a world that makes me want to move to that town and create characters that make me wish were my group of friends.
Willa and Keane’s story is so much fun. I really enjoyed reading their story. I also love Ms. Shalvis ability to make us fall in love with the secondary characters. I really can’t wait to see what is next in this series!

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

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December 13, 2016December 10, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Sound Of Rain by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: The Sound Of Rain
CHARACTERS: Nicole Foster
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/13/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former homicide detective Nicole Foster has hit rock bottom. Driven off the force by her treacherous partner and lover, she’s flat broke and struggling with a gambling addiction. All Nicole has left is the dream of a warm bed at a homeless shelter and the haunting memories of three-year-old Kelsey Chase—whose murder case ended her career.

As Nicole obsesses over the old facts, she realizes everything about that case felt off: a disinterested mom, a suicidal pedophile, and too many questions left unanswered. When the little girl’s grieving father begs Nicole for help, she’s drawn back into the investigation…and given one shot at redemption.

But the deeper Nicole digs, the more evil she uncovers, including betrayals that hit painfully close to home. Will a shocking discovery be the key to finally getting justice for Kelsey and resurrecting her own life?

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Ok so I enjoyed this book for the most part however some things really got on my nerves. First the mom of the missing girl. I mean really what mom brings her 3 year old child out to the car and leaves her in it because she is acting up in the car. And then she goes home and goes to bed? Come on. What kind of a mom is this? One that got on my nerves is what.

Danny is a bit of a pain as well. I swear I would have looked over my shoulder and said “I don’t know if it is possible but can you breathe on my neck a little hotter please?” because he is always right over Nicole’s shoulder when she works. He is also egotistical and takes a lot of Nicole’s credit. Something about him is just, well, irritating.

And finally there is Nicole. She is a doormat when it comes to other people. She is good at her job but lousy at standing up for herself. And while she can come up with retorts she never says them outloud. Why bother coming up with them then?

Now the thriller/suspense part of this is great. I had an idea of who did it but wasn’t sure with all the twist and turns in the story. As much as the people drove me nuts in this story they drove me just crazy enough that I kept wanting to read the story.

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

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December 12, 2016December 10, 2016

Kelly reviews Alien Nation by Gini Koch

TITLE: Alien Nation
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Katt #14
CHARACTERS: Kitty, Jeff, Christopher *yay*, the whole AC crew and a few unwanteds
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s a typical day of bureaucracy and stress for President and First Lady Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, made more stressful when alien spacecraft are spotted making a beeline for Earth, none of them from the Alpha Centauri system. Then a cryptic request from an old adversary pulls Kitty out of the White House and into an explosion—and an even more explosive situation. Not only is the Mastermind back in the game, influencing the Club 51 True Believers to find and destroy all Centaurion bases, but he’s also found a dangerous benefactor and created some frightening new cloning abilities.
And, just to make things a little more challenging, those alien spacecraft are coming to ask Kitty for protection, and asylum on Earth. Police stations being blown up and war helicopters in play aren’t enough to keep Kitty down, especially when she’s got some new alien friends helping out. But what these aliens share will rock the world—the other aliens on their way to Earth are fleeing an enemy so terrifying that even a Z’porrah ship is trying to get to Earth for safety and protection. And if Earth isn’t able to stop this threat, there may not be anything left of humanity. Now Kitty and Company have to figure out where the Mastermind is and stop him, before any new aliens land. And then they have to save the world from a deadly invasion. Or, as Kitty calls it, Thursday.

REVIEW:
Book 14!!! Crazy to think that we are 14 books into this series. Ms. Koch does an amazing job of keeping each story fresh and new even when/if the storyline carries over to another book. About the only bad thing I can say is that the cast of characters is so vast that I sometimes get confused on who and where we meet some of the side characters. But Ms. Koch does a pretty good job of reminding us as to when-ish we met said characters.
I really liked this book. I like that Kitty finally got someone to see that she is indeed “nuts” and the one in charge of everyone. My favorite part of this book was Kitty freaking out on Christopher (who is my favorite). I think I might have died laughing a little bit here. I also really liked the Chuck-a-Lowes!!! All in all another great story by Ms. Koch. I can’t wait to see what is next for Kitty, Jeff and crew.
And yes, this is book 14. While I think you should start from the beginning because, you will get to know Kitty, Jeff, Christopher and Chuckie so much better. But you could possible pick up one of the books and kinda know what is happening. But I say start at the beginning and experience all of Kitty and her awesomeness

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

December 9, 2016December 5, 2016

Kimberly reviews Size Matters by Alison Bliss

TITLE: Size Matters
SERIES #: A Perfect Fit #1
CHARACTERS: Leah & Sam
AUTHOR: Alison Bliss
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The rules of (fake) engagement . . .
Leah Martin has spent her life trying to avoid temptation. But she’s sick of low-fat snacks, counting calories, and her hyper-critical mom. Fortunately, her popular new bakery keeps her good and distracted. But there aren’t enough éclairs in the world to distract Leah from the hotness that is Sam Cooper – or the fact that he just told her mother that they’re engaged . . . which is a big, fat lie.

Sam sometime speaks before he thinks. So what started out as defending Leah’s date-ability to her judgmental mother soon turned into having a fiancee! Now the plan is to keep up the fake engagement, stay “just friends,” and make Leah’s family loathe him enough to just call the whole thing off . But Sam has an insatiable sweet tooth, not only for Leah’s decadent desserts but her decadent curves. Her full lips. Her bright green eyes. Yep, things aren’t going quite according to plan. Now Sam has to convince Leah that he’s for real . . . before their little lie turns into one big, sweet disaster.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a sweet story even if it has been written a million times. Leah and Sam are faking an engagement but of course end up with a happy ever after.

But even though it has been told before I did enjoy the fact that Leah is not some size two Barbie doll. She is a woman with curves and is an “everyday” woman. It was stereotypical that she runs a bakery and has a very critical mom who is always on her case. Sam is a great guy who just wants to try to help Leah but ends up falling for her.

This isn’t a story that any fan of the genre hasn’t already read but it is sweet and a quick read a fan will enjoy.

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

December 8, 2016December 5, 2016

Kimberly reviews When All The Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: When All The Girls Have Gone
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Max
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jayne Ann Krentz, the New York Times bestselling author of Secret Sisters, delivers a thrilling novel of the deceptions we hide behind, the passions we surrender to, and the lengths we’ll go to for the truth…

When Charlotte Sawyer is unable to contact her step-sister, Jocelyn, to tell her that one her closest friends was found dead, she discovers that Jocelyn has vanished.

Beautiful, brilliant—and reckless—Jocelyn has gone off the grid before, but never like this. In a desperate effort to find her, Charlotte joins forces with Max Cutler, a struggling PI who recently moved to Seattle after his previous career as a criminal profiler went down in flames—literally. Burned out, divorced and almost broke, Max needs the job.

After surviving a near-fatal attack, Charlotte and Max turn to Jocelyn’s closest friends, women in a Seattle-based online investment club, for answers. But what they find is chilling…

When her uneasy alliance with Max turns into a full-blown affair, Charlotte has no choice but to trust him with her life. For the shadows of Jocelyn’s past are threatening to consume her—and anyone else who gets in their way…

REVIEW:
So let me say that I am a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz and usually love her books. But this one just didn’t have the same feeling as her usual books do. Not that it was bad. It wasn’t. I just don’t think it was one of Krentz’s best.

Now that being said. The story was interesting. There is a bit of suspense but not a lot since we seem to get the information of “who-dun-it” pretty quickly but the suspense is there is how with Charlotte and Max find out and handle the situation.

I never really felt a full connection between the two leads. I did enjoy the secondary characters. Good or bad they seemed to steal the scenes they were in.

If you are already a fan of Krentz’s don’t miss this book but if you aren’t don’t judge all her books by this one.

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

December 7, 2016December 5, 2016

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Miracle On 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan

TITLE: Miracle On 5th Avenue
SERIES #: From Manhattan With Love #3
CHARACTERS: Eva & Lucas
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It will take a Christmas miracle for two very different souls to find each other in this perfectly festive fairytale of New York!

Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she’s given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn’t expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous—and mysterious—owner.

Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife’s death looming, he’s isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn’t appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings…This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story a lot. I believe a woman in a book can be 1) Someone you want to be 2) Someone you want to be friends with or 3) Someone you can’t stand. Eva is certainly one that falls into the second category. Eva would be a great friend. Always happy and there for her friends but she is sad on the inside. Always there for someone else but they do not see into her sad soul.

Lucas is a bit of a nightmare at first. I am not a fan of one of the main characters spending their time mourning for a lost love and then bam! they are in love with someone new. And that is a bit of what Lucas does. But once he has fallen the couple really do fit together.

I enjoyed the background characters as well. This is a sweet holiday romance that any fan will enjoy.

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

December 6, 2016December 5, 2016

Kelly reviews The Hero by Donna Grant

TITLE: The Hero
SERIES #: Sons of Texas #1
CHARACTERS: Owen Loughman & Natalie Dixon
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE HERO’S HOMECOMING

Owen Loughman is a highly-decorated Navy SEAL who has a thirst for action. But there’s one thing he hasn’t been able to forget – his high school sweetheart, Natalie. After over a decade away, Owen is returned home to the ranch in Texas for a dangerous new mission that puts him face-to-face with Natalie and an outside menace that threatens everything he holds dear. He’ll risk it all to keep Natalie safe – and win her heart. . . .

Natalie Dixon has had a lifetime of heartache since Owen was deployed. Fourteen years and one bad marriage later, she finds herself mixed up with the Loughman’s again. With her life on the line against an enemy she can’t fight alone, it’s Owen’s strong shoulders, smoldering eyes, and sensuous smile that she turns to. When danger closes in, she holds close to the only man she’s ever loved

REVIEW:
In The Hero the Loughman boys are called home when their father goes missing. When they get home they realize that this is much more than just a missing person case. The Russian’s are involved. And they want the weapon that Orrin stole. I enjoyed this story. I like the Loughman boys.

The Hero is a new series by Ms. Grant. This was a good start to this series. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with Wyatt and Cullen. I am also looking forward to seeing what happens with Orrin.

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

December 5, 2016December 4, 2016

Kelly reviews Defy The Dawn by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Defy the Dawn
SERIES #: Midnight Breed #14
CHARACTERS: Zael & Brynne Kirkland
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: August 31, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Daywalker Brynne Kirkland survived a hellish upbringing as a product of a madman’s lab. Tough, driven, and devoted to her work in law enforcement, Brynne has never dared to risk opening her heart to anyone–least of all a handsome immortal from a world on the verge of war against hers.
Atlantean warrior Zael left the intrigue of his realm several lifetimes ago, along with the battles he fought as one of the queen’s legion. As a free-spirited loner walking the fringe of two worlds–that of his secretive and powerful people, and the outside world belonging to mankind and the Breed–it was never his intention to return to combat and bloodshed. Nor had he imagined that he might ever be tempted into anything stronger than desire . . . until he meets Brynne.
Thrust together as allies of the Order in the fight against a diabolical enemy, Zael and Brynne embark on a mission that will ultimately force them to decide between duty to their people, and a passion that defies all bounds

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts It was good to be back in the Midnight Breed world. This has always been one of my favorite series and I am so happy that Ms. Adrian has continued this series. I was really happy to learn that Defy the Dawn was going to be Zael’s story. We have learned a lot about the Atlantean warrior over the last few books in the new world. But now we get an up close and personally experience with him. We also get to learn a lot more about the Atlantean’s world and what happened to them when the original Gen One’s showed up on earth.
We meet Brynne in the last book and learned about her also. But there were still a lot of questions about who and what she was. We do get to learn more about who she is and what she maybe. But I felt like there is more to Brynne then we know.
Defy the Dawn brings to light a whole new dimension to the battle that the Breeds are facing. Now they have two enemies gunning for them. Ms. Adrian has made the Breed’s future a scary one but I have faith that they will prevail and kick their enemies butts!! I can’t wait to see who and what is next in this series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 1, 2016November 27, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Burned by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Burned By Darkness
SERIES #: Dragons Of Eternity #1
CHARACTERS: Tayla & Baine
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dragons of Eternity were once creatures of myth and legend. Now they’ve returned to the world, prepared to claim what’s rightfully theirs…

Tayla is desperate for a place to call home. After years on the run, the young imp impulsively buys a teahouse and is determined to build a new life. Unfortunately, she’s barely opened the doors when she’s tracked down by the dragon who purchased her from troll slave-traders. He demands she pay off her debts…in his harem.

Baine has devoted a quarter of a century to tracking down his beautiful concubine. And now that he has her in his grasp, he’s not about to let her go. But it’s soon apparent that he isn’t the only demon hunting her. He must uncover her secrets or risk losing her forever.

REVIEW:
This is the first in the new Dragons Of Eternity series by Ivy. Having read her Guardians Of Eternity I was excited to read this story. It is short. Only about 130 pages but it keeps your interest the entire time.

Tayla is an imp who was kidnapped and sold to Synge but his son, Baine, bought her from his father. But before Bain can claim her she disappears and hides. After 25 years he locates her but so do a number of others and so the desire to keep Tayla safe is all Baine can think about… well that and the desire for Tayla herself.

Both are interesting characters. Tayla is a bit of a strong independent woman but yet can also need a lot of saving. Not sure I liked the mixed signals of the character but I liked Tayla in general. And Baine is sweet in all his Dragon-ish way. Possessive and protective but loving.

If you liked Ivy’s GOE series you will enjoy this as well. It has a bit of the feel from the previous series and yet is clearly the start of something new. But who doesn’t enjoy a visit from Levet.

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

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