Category: 2 Star

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Lion, The Leopard And The Wolf by Eliza March

TITLE: The Lion, The Leopard And The Wolf
SERIES #: Enchanted Mountain #1
CHARACTERS: Mac, Adam & Trent
AUTHOR: Eliza March
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/07/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Macalister Cameron’s fantasy comes to life when she’s snowbound in Fantasy Lodge with two incredible men vying for her attention.

“What if your romantic fantasy became possible? Two gorgeous hunks, one dark and surly, the other blond and bright, lived to please and fulfill you? What if you burned with passion and only these two alpha males could satisfy you? What if you found out they had a dangerous secret, and it included you?”

REVIEW:
When I requested this book I figured it was erotica but this is nothing but sex. There is no story behind it. It is like a modern day cheap porn. No story just get to the sex and in this case with it being three of them there is a lot of sex. M/F sex and M/M sex and of course M/M/F sex.

If you are looking for a quick read with not much more than sex this is the one for you.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Been There, Married That by Gigi Levangie

TITLE: Been There, Married That
CHARACTERS: Agnes Murphy Nash
AUTHOR: Gigi Levangie
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hilarious new novel full of Hollywood glitz, glamour, and scandal.

When he changes the locks, she changes the rules.

Agnes Murphy Nash is the perfect Hollywood wife – she has the right friends, the right clothes, and even a side career of her own as a writer. Her husband Trevor is a bigshot producer, and from the outside it looks like they’re living a picture-perfect celebrity life, complete with tennis tournaments and lavish parties.

But the job description of a Hollywood wife doesn’t cover divorce, which is the way Agnes’ life is headed after she comes home one day to find her credit cards cancelled and the security passwords to get into her enormous LA home changed. Oh, and there’s a guy there whose job it is to tase her if she tries to enter…which she does. Needless to say, Agnes’ husband is dead set on making sure she loses big time, but Agnes isn’t the type to just lie down and take it. In a world of fremenies and hot nannies, personal psychics and “skinny” jello shots, Agnes may be losing her husband, but could that mean getting her own life back?

Been There, Married That is a drop-dead hilarious battle of wills that will make you laugh out loud, cringe, and keep turning the pages to see what crazy disaster will happen to Agnes next…and how she’ll rise from the ashes.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This was a close DNF for me but decided I would skim the rest of it. I think the author was too set on throwing in snark that she forgot there should have been a story involved.

I have never read this author but the title caught my attention. And then the description seemed good so I requested it. I really just didn’t enjoy it.

The husband is such an asshat that I just wanted to stop reading anything about him. There was NOTHING good about this man. And why Agnes listens to anything he says is beyond me. I mean he sends her to rehab for almonds and she goes? I can’t even begin to tell you the words that would have come out of my mouth and the last one would have been divorce…. And been happy about it.

I just couldn’t stand these characters and like I said the writing was going more for snark than humor if you ask me.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews I Choose You by Gayle Curtis

TITLE: I Choose You
CHARACTERS: Elise & Nathaniel
AUTHOR: Gayle Curtis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a killer chooses you, what choice do you have?

Thirty years ago, Elise and Nathaniel shared a horrific trauma that united them in grief. Now, grown up and married with a young family, they feel their worst nightmares are behind them. Until the day their daughter is abducted and murdered.

Both Elise and Nathaniel lost their mothers to a notorious killer who manipulated innocent victims into taking their own lives. Could it be that ‘the Watcher’ has returned for another round of the same sadistic game? Why now? And why are Elise and Nathaniel being targeted again?

When Elise’s family falls under suspicion, her world crashes down around her. Is there anyone she can trust, or is her whole life built on lies?

Only one thing is clear: someone left their cruel game unfinished all those years ago. This time the Watcher intends to win – once and for all.

REVIEW:
1.75 Hearts Oh wow… I had a lot of thoughts about this story but let me tell you pretty much every other review on GoodReads has the same thoughts. Mainly it is… What the h___?

There is so much going on and so many characters that it is confusing but not like easter egg confusing but real confusion. Why so many people are there, I have no idea because they are certainly not needed or wanted.

I guess Elise is suffering from some issue or two but in layman’s term “she is nuts!” OK, not really. I think there are a number of issues going on and possibly postpartum depression and/or other issues but no matter what the story is just too much.

Sad to say…. I really do not recommend this story.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Fan Mail by Daryl Wood Gerber

TITLE: Fan Mail
SERIES #: Aspen Adams #2
CHARACTERS: Gloria Morning & Aspen Adams
AUTHOR: Daryl Wood Gerber
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/12/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Agatha Award–winning and national bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber returns with a dark new novel of suspense . . .

An adoring fan and a string of murders: a demented show of love that leaves no one safe . . .

Local celebrity news anchor Gloria Morning is used to receiving declarations of love and praise in her weekly fan letters, but when a Lake Tahoe doctor is murdered and she gets an anonymous note telling her it was done for her glory, her appreciation turns to panic. Unsure of where else to turn, she enlists the help of novice private investigator Aspen Adams. No sooner does Aspen begin digging into who sent the macabre note than another murder occurs, followed by another note, and she soon realizes she’s up against a ruthless and deranged killer.

Working with scant clues and a puzzling array of potential suspects, Aspen is determined to unearth the elusive connection between the victims and her client. But as the body count grows and the murderer remains a mystery to both her and the police, Aspen discovers she’s gotten closer to the killer than she ever imagined, and now she must risk everything she holds dear to stop the killings, including her own life . . .

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts I realized this was the second in the series as I got into it and realized there was some missing information. I highly suggest reading the 1st in the series first.

Because of not understanding the characters from book 1 I think I couldn’t connect with the characters. Aspen seems very, well honestly bitchy. I think the author was trying to give Aspen an independent attitude but it came across as rude to me. She figured because she wanted to do something she could. Including going through confidential case files of her boyfriends.

I think the idea of the story was good but it was hard for me to get through it because of the characters.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Shades Of Betrayal by Jill Ramsower

shades of betrayalTITLE: Shades Of Betrayal
SERIES #: The Fae Games #3
CHARACTERS: Ashley & Michael
AUTHOR: Jill Ramsower
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ashley

All my wildest fantasies have come true, but reality is never quite as simple as we imagine. I dreamed of living in a wondrous world of the supernatural and having magical powers of my own. Now, I have all of that, but it comes with a caveat—a six foot Fae brute who is supposed to train me on all things Fae. He’s a dauntless warrior of the Wild Hunt. A beautiful bigot. He’s my lover and my burden, my savior and my curse.

There’s a monster loose in the city leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. I want more than anything to help others with my new abilities—what better use of my power than to stop a killer? Too bad Michael doesn’t feel the same.

Michael

She’s a born fighter. Courageous and brash like the heroes she reads about. Two weeks ago I carried her lifeless body out of a dirty alley. Ever since, my carefully constructed world has been leveled, despite my endless efforts at damage control.

Ashley Moore is a force of nature. Her best friend is the Erlking’s woman, and together, Ashley and Rebecca have infiltrated our brotherhood. Everything about our lives is dangerous, so I’ve done what I can to protect her—even if she ends up hating me for it.

Author’s Note: This is NOT a Young Adult novel! It contains graphic violence and scenes with adult sexual content.

REVIEW:
This is the third is the series and to be honest while it can be a stand alone I think I would have had a better understanding if I had read the other books first. And this is the first I have read from this author.

This was just not for me. I enjoy romance and I enjoy adult content books but this was like watching a porn with no storyline. Seemed they barely said hello and bam they are sleeping together. There is no background story for the most part.

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

2hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews All’s Fair In Love And Wolf by Terry Spear

alls fairTITLE: All’s Fair In Love And Wolf
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #25
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Sarandon
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Silver Town wolf pack has your back

Wolf shifter Sarandon Silver’s in trouble with the law, and bounty hunter she-wolf Jenna St. James is determined to bring him in for trial.

Lucky for Sarandon, the entire Silver Town pack is ready to fight for his innocence. But until the case is solved, Jenna’s sticking to Sarandon like glue…

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Ok I think I am a bit done with this series. I will probably go back to reading it at some point but I think I need a break. After 25 it is time for a break.

This is a bit of hurry up and wait. Within moments Jenna (and the pack) believes Sarandon’s story. And then Jenna is going to protect Sarandon no matter what. I just never connected to these characters.

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

2hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Weight Of Silence by Gregg Olsen

The Weight Of SilenceTITLE: The Weight Of Silence
SERIES #: Nicole Foster #2
CHARACTERS: Nicole Foster
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/14/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A heart-pounding novel of unspeakable crimes and unforgivable sins from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sound of Rain.
Homicide detective Nicole Foster has finally balanced an unsteady life and is anxious for a second chance. There’s no better place to start over than at the beginning—back at her childhood home on the Washington coast, where’s she raising her niece and keeping an eye on her increasingly fragile father. But Nicole’s past is never truly behind her—not when a disturbing new case stirs dark memories of the haunting investigation that shattered her career.
In the middle of the hottest August in a century, a toddler is found dead inside a parked car. Her father says he forgot her. It’s an unthinkable crime. And for Nicole, it’s made all the more unbearable by her own suffocating secrets—those shared by an old rival who has reappeared from the shadows and is pushing Nicole to the edge once again.
Now, wherever the truth lies, solving this case and avenging an unforgivable death is the most important move in Nicole’s career. But to see it through to the end, how far is she willing to go? And what is she prepared to risk this time?

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Not high on my Olsen favorites even though I enjoy most of his books. I never really connected with any of the characters. I thought the story was very slow and well a bit boring.

I will pick up the next in the series but I just didn’t enjoy this story.

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

2hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Honorable Traitors by John Lutz

honorable traitorsTITLE: The Honorable Traitors
SERIES #: Laker #1
CHARACTERS: Thomas Laker
AUTHOR: John Lutz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE UNKNOWN SPY

Officially, Thomas Laker is an employee of the NSA. His real employer, known as the Gray Outfit, is not listed—anywhere. When a Washington, D.C., insider is killed in a bomb explosion, Laker teams up with cryptographer Ava North on a desperate search for clues. The only thing certain is that another act of terrorism is imminent. Delving into the dangerous past when America was drawn into global conflict, they discover one of history’s greatest—and deadliest—secrets. In the wrong hands it can unleash unimaginable destruction. Now, to keep his homeland from plunging into its darkest hour, Laker will have to defend everything he believes in…

REVIEW:
2.25 Hearts So what to say about this book? Not much. I really didn’t enjoy this book at all. The characters just didn’t connect with me. Something is just off. They seem so immature for what is supposed to be their ages.

The writing is not great either. I usually enjoy Lutz’s writing but not this time. I really had a hard time finishing this book and a number of times wondered if I should just put it down and start something I would enjoy. I didn’t but the feelings never changed.

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

2hearts

Posted on

#TBT Winter Romance Review! Kimberly reviews Kentucky Christmas by Sarah Title ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Kentucky ChristmasTITLE: Kentucky Christmas
CHARACTERS: Billie & Andrew
AUTHOR: Sarah Title
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome back to Hollow Bend, Kentucky, where love (and laughter) are just around the corner.
When Andrew Bateman rolls into town in the midst of a snow storm, his first thought is that the place is hardly big enough for a dog crate, let alone the vet practice he’s looking for. Next thing he knows, his life is flashing in front of him—a depressingly short flash—as he skids right into the side of the local bar.

Things start looking up when the vision he wakes to is not the Angel of Death, but a doctor. Well, actually a vet. Make that a vet tech, wearing red mittens. Who invites him home, where every inch is covered in holiday sparkles, cookies to be decorated, and an odd assortment of stray dogs, cats and puppies…

There’s nothing merrier than a white Christmas in Kentucky!

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This was a very short story. Only about 40 pages so I will keep this short. This is just an ok story. First there is way too many people named in this story and it gets confusing. Second the characters just really didn’t connect and finally it is written as if the characters are only teenagers and don’t have a mature bone in their body. Just not as good as I hoped.

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

2hearts

Save

Posted on

Kelly reviews Bound Beneath His Pain by Stacey Kennedy

bound beneathTITLE: Bound Beneath His Pain
SERIES #: (Dirty Little Secrets #1)
CHARACTERS: Micah Holt & Allie Bennett
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: July 5, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The USA Today bestselling author of the Club Sin novels kicks off a deeply sensual new series by introducing readers to Micah, a man who takes what he wants—until he meets the one woman he needs.

Real estate mogul Micah Holt exerts absolute control over all aspects of his life. He keeps his dark side hidden away from the press, who will chase down any hint of scandal. He’s always in command of his world, careful to expose his closely guarded secrets only to those he knows he can trust. Then Allie Bennett shakes his legendary discipline. She’s beautiful, pure, untainted. But is Micah willing to sacrifice her innocence for his own selfish obsessions?

When that sexy smile makes her body burn, Allie tries with all her might to ignore it. For one thing, Micah’s her new boss. For another, he’s as complicated as he is devastatingly handsome. Still, Allie can only fight so much before she gives in to his dangerous games. She knows he’s got dark secrets. But when she discovers the true depth of his pain, Allie must decide how far she’s willing to go to light the way for love.

Bound Beneath His Pain is intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts I enjoyed how Stacey wrote this story from both Micah and Allie’s points of view. It was really nice to get the story from both of them. Bound Beneath His Pain was a good story, but there was something missing for me. I didn’t really connect with the characters. I am not sure what it was maybe it was just my mood or time. But I struggled with this story.
I hope that the next book in this series will grab my attention more.

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

2hearts

Posted on

Kelly reviews Cake by Lauren Dane

cakeTITLE: Cake
CHARACTERS: Gergori Ivanov & Wren Davis
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: September 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Dane comes the latest release from Cosmo Red-Hot Reads from Harlequin.

She won’t be satisfied with just one bite…

Art student-slash-bike messenger Wren Davis pursues what she wants. And what she wants now is Gregori Ivanov, rock star of the Seattle art scene. With his tattoos, piercings and sensual sneer, Gregori is the ultimate bad boy. Wren’s gotten to know the man beneath the body art, too—and it only makes her crave him more.

But Gregori loves women like he loves cake and champagne—intensely, but only for the moment. And after Wren experiences just how scorching sex with Gregori is, she’s determined to show him that just one taste won’t be enough..

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This was just an okay story for me. I found myself not really liking Gregori. I liked Wren I thought that she was nice and determined. But I didn’t love her. Them together was okay. But I wanted more. There was also part of the story line that I felt was left unresolved.

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

2hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Suddenly Sorceress by Erica Lucke Dean

suddenly sorceressTITLE: Suddenly Sorceress
CHARACTERS: Ivie & Jack
AUTHOR: Erica Lucke Dean
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
PMS can be a real witch.

Ivie McKie isn’t your run-of-the-mill kindergarten teacher. After an encounter with a horny goat, followed by a confrontation with her lying, cheating fiancé, Ivie is shocked when the big jerk suddenly transforms into a skunk—the black and white furry variety.

Enlisting the help of her shopaholic friend Chloe and sexy club magician Jackson Blake, Ivie is forced to play a literal game of cat and mouse as she races against the clock to change her ex back before she’s arrested for his murder.

With every new spell comes a fresh wave of sexual desire, drawing Jack further into Ivie’s troubles—her panties, the car, the kitchen, and assorted seedy bathrooms along the way.

Ivie soon discovers what every witch worth her spell book knows: There’s nothing worse than a bad case of Post Magical Syndrome.

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

DNF Ok so here is the thing. I started reading this story and realized right away that it is dated in some parts so I went back and looked and while it was written only 2 years ago it seems a bit longer. But that was ok. The other thing is it is written in first person. Another weird thing to get used to but again it was ok. The problem was it just wasn’t funny to me.

This is a book of stupid comedy and I don’t like it when I watch movies so I am not sure why I would like it reading a book. I honestly couldn’t finish it. I read about 50 pages and decided I had a bunch of books I would rather read.

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

2hearts