Kimberly reviews Hunter by Rebecca York

TITLE: Hunter
SERIES #: Decorah Security Series #20
CHARACTERS: Kathryn Kelley
AUTHOR: Rebecca York
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/19/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kathryn is hired to socialize a criminal whose memory had been erased. But the better she gets to know him, the more she fights to strip away the lies she’d been told and get to the heart of the man. Even as the two of them grow to care deeply for each other, she knows that every move she makes only puts her in graver danger. Does the man who named himself Hunter have the skill and the cunning to save her life? And what if he has to sacrifice himself to do it?

EXCERPT:

Acting out of character, Hunter has defended himself by decking a man before going off to take a shower. The staff are all afraid of what he will do next. Kathryn volunteers to bring him out.

She wanted to bolt from the room. But she remembered the face of the man on the road. She’d seen a bleakness behind his eyes that had wrenched at her heart. No wonder, when you considered the implications of Emerson and Winslow’s callous conversation.

Instead of running away, she crossed the tile floor on unsteady legs and dropped quickly onto one of the benches.

There was no noise from inside the shower room besides the steady dripping of water. And she could see nothing beyond the billowing steam.

“Hello?” she called.

No answer.

“Hello. It’s Kathryn Kelley. Do you remember me? We met while you were on your run. I’m in the locker room.”

She sat staring into the mist, wondering if he had heard. Or if he even remembered her, for that matter, she thought with a jolt. If they’d been feeding him mind-altering drugs, there was no telling what they’d done to him.

After several seconds she saw a form moving indistinctly in the vapor. A tall, man-shaped form. Moving closer. Moving slowly on feet that were silent as a cat. Then he stepped through the doorway and into the locker room, and she couldn’t hold back a gasp. A towel was draped across his shoulders. Otherwise, he was as naked as the day he was born.

She saw her own feeling of shock mirrored on his face as he came to an abrupt halt, staring at her with a mixture of recognition and astonishment. Well, he remembered her, all right. Apparently, their meeting had been as unique for him as it had been for her.

The disbelief vanished as he continued to regard her, standing comfortably with his feet several inches apart. He was tall and intimidating, towering over her where she huddled on the bench. Droplets of water clung to his skin. His dark hair was wet, making it look almost black.

“You were with McCourt,” he said, his features filling with a roiling mixture of emotions before he got control of them.

She struggled to keep her posture relaxed as she looked up at him. He had been compelling in running shorts and a tee shirt. Naked he reminded her of Michelangelo’s David. And he stood with the same unconscious nobility, as if nudity were the norm and she was overdressed in her beige skirt and jade silk blouse. His shoulders were broad, his hips lean, his stomach flat. And his sex was proportioned to inspire some very erotic fantasies.

But this was no time for fantasies or recklessness. One wrong move and she could be in serious trouble. The two of them were alone, and he could hurt her if he wanted, she reminded herself. The thought of rape leaped into her mind, to be dismissed at once. He wasn’t looking at her like a would-be rapist. In fact, he didn’t look as if he were trying to embarrass her or make a point about a woman invading the guys’ locker room. There was no smirk on his face—only an expression that had become carefully neutral.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is #20 but the 1st that I am reading. But honestly it was fine. There wasn’t a lot about the company so I didn’t feel I missed too much not having read the first 19 in the series.

Hunter is a really interesting character. He is being trained for the government but something is really off about it. And Kathryn is hiding from a deranged psychopath. So of course they find romance… because why not?

There is something that makes Hunter and Kathryn perfect for each other and each want to protect the other from the rest of the world. I really enjoyed these two together.

I enjoyed the romance and the paranormal was a bit crazy but heck that is why we read paranormal.

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

Kimberly reviews Single by K.L. Slater

TITLE: Single
CHARACTERS: Darcy & George
AUTHOR: K.L. Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘I keep feeling like I’m being watched – dropping the boys off at school, choosing wine at the supermarket – but when I turn around there’s nobody there…’

When single mother Darcy’s son falls from a rope bridge at a local playground, life stands still. She clutches his small, limp body, frozen, until a pair of strong hands push her aside, and she watches as George, a local doctor, saves her son’s life.

George is a single parent too, and with his twinkling hazel eyes, easy charm, and lack of wedding band is almost too good to be true, but coffee becomes lunch, lunch becomes dinner, and soon they can’t go an evening without seeing each other. When he invites her to move into his beautiful home with its sprawling garden for her boys, Darcy doesn’t hesitate.

But as Darcy is settling in, she receives a bunch of flowers with a chilling message. George says they’re from an obsessed ex-girlfriend, Opal, and days later Opal turns up at Darcy’s son’s football match. She claims to have shocking information that could threaten George’s custody of his daughter.

Darcy doesn’t know who to trust, but she’s starting to suspect that, whatever the truth, she might have put her beloved boys into terrible danger…

From the million-copy-bestselling author K.L. Slater this utterly gripping psychological thriller will make you gasp out loud as you race towards the unforgettable twist. If you loved The Girl on the Train and The Wife Between Us this book is for you.

REVIEW:
It has been a while since I read K.L. Slater and now I kind of remember why. I had a hard time getting into this book. I never got into the characters and the thriller part just didn’t thrill.

I enjoyed the children the most. And I enjoyed the scenery of the area… And of course the house. Wow!

I didn’t find the ending surprising. There were parts that kept me involved which is why I put the rating as 3. I can imagine there are people who will enjoy it but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

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

Kimberly reviews Dark Illusion by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Illusion
SERIES #: Dark #29
CHARACTERS: Julija & Isai
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/03/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A mage and a warrior must see beyond their facades and embrace the bond that links their souls in this powerful Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

At any other time, Julija Brennan would find solace in the quiet of the Sierra Mountains, but now the mage is in the race of her life. Having broken free from her controlling family, Julija’s attempts to warn the Carpathians of the coming threat has failed and put a target on her back—and those who hunt her are close behind…

After centuries locked away in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, Isai Florea can’t believe he’s finally found his lifemate—the missing half of his soul. The second he sees Julija his world blazes with color. But despite their explosive connection Julija rebels against what she sees as Isai’s intent to control her and rejects the bond that would prevent him from becoming a monster.

As their unfulfilled bond continues to call to them both, Julija and Isai aim to complete the task that brought them together. They are used to facing danger alone, but now the mage and the ancient warrior must learn how to rely on each other in order to stop a plot that threatens all Carpathians…

REVIEW:
First I consider Christine Feehan as one of the best paranormal authors of our generation and most times I love her books. This one I am on the fence about.

I liked the story itself. But I had a problem with Isai. He was really an abusive jerk who after seeing him through the first few chapters I never was able to connect to him.

And Julija just never seemed to be anything more than a doormat. Yeah she has times of coming into her own but again maybe because of the first few chapters I couldn’t connect with her either.

Now that being said, the story itself was interesting. I enjoyed the danger that the characters went through and of course the writing is really good.

Just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy this couple.

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

Kelly reviews Don’t Breathe A Word by Christie Craig

TITLE: Don’t Breathe A Word
SERIES #: Texas Justice #2
CHARACTERS: Juan Acosta & Vicki Holloway
AUTHOR: Christie Craig
PUBLICATION DATE: November 5, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig returns with her next heart-stopping romantic suspense about a woman on the run and the man trying to uncover her secrets.

Police detective Juan Acosta doesn’t only carry scars on the outside. He’s filled with guilt and anger ever since his undercover job led to the murder of those he loved the most. Now he’s living for one thing: revenge. That is, until Juan meets his beautiful new neighbor.
Vicki Holloway prides herself on being capable and independent, but her life is turned upside down when her sister Sara is killed by an abusive ex. Fearing for the safety of her niece, Vicki and the little girl go into hiding…resurfacing in Texas with new identities.
Juan finds his once-frozen heart thawing around Vicki, but he knows she’s hiding something. Juan needs answers, but Vicki isn’t talking. She has to keep her secrets if she wants to keep Bell safe, which means resisting her growing feelings for the sexy, scarred man next door. But when Juan’s quest for justice brings danger to her door, divulging the truth might be the only thing that keeps her alive.

REVIEW:
I didn’t realize when I picked this book up that it was book two in the series. That being said Don’t Breathe A Word easily stands on its own. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading the first book. I do plan to go back and read book 1 Don’t Close Your Eyes. I enjoyed Don’t Breathe A Word, it started a little slow. It was interesting following Juan’s cold case along with Vicki’s case. I did find that it the story was a little predictable but the journey to the end was good.
I would recommend this book if you are looking for a suspense with a dash of romance.

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

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Santa In A Kilt by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Santa In A Kilt
CHARACTERS: Kira & Shay
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . .

The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the only woman in the world. Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Originally in Unwrapped

This is a cute Christmas novella that is a fast read of romance. Shay doesn’t believe in love and but Kira does and he knows to be with her he needs to figure out what love really is.

I enjoyed the story and wish it has been a bit longer. I will say that as a fan of Kauffman I can see that she has grown in her writings over the last decade (originally published in 2011).

That being said still a cute highlander Christmas novella by Kauffman.

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

Kimberly reviews Close To You by Kerry Wilkinson

TITLE: Close To You
CHARACTERS: Morgan & David
AUTHOR: Kerry Wilkinson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I pinch the screen to zoom until I’m staring at the face of a ghost. A man with very short hair, staring directly at the camera with piercing brown eyes.

He is as he was when I last saw him: wrinkles around the corners of the eyes and a knowing smirk. That’s the expression I see when I can’t sleep.

My body tenses. It can’t be him. It’s not my ex-husband. It’s not David.

I know that better than anyone because he didn’t walk out on me.

He didn’t disappear two years ago and he’s not a missing person.

I know that for a fact because I’m the one who killed him.

A brilliantly twisty thriller which will have fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl absolutely gripped.

REVIEW:
The concept of this book, according to the synopsis, sounded great. The widow believes she is seeing her dead husband come to life. Most times this happens in a story she is excited he might be back but not in this book. Morgan knows this can’t be her husband since she killed him years ago.

I am not sure what I expected but it wasn’t this. Maybe a woman tormented by her husband and accidentally killed him. Or was finding out he was an axe murderer and wanted to save others by killing him first. Heck I don’t know but what I found was a woman who I just didn’t care much about.

She seemed almost psycho at times. I just had a hard time understanding her.

Maybe some will enjoy this but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

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

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Matchmakers Mistletoe Mission by Jaci Burton

TITLE: The Matchmakers Mistletoe Mission
CHARACTERS: Alice & Clay
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton celebrates the gift of love and the holiday season with a snowy Christmas wedding at the Bellini family vineyard.

Stranded at the Red Moss Vineyard a week before her best friend’s wedding, LA native and professional matchmaker Alice Weatherford is not pleased with her first trip to Oklahoma, or the epic snowstorm forcing her to stay. So much for Christmas cheer. What she needs is a project, something to distract her…and, oh, has she found one in neighboring rancher Clay Henry. Gorgeous, charming, and unlike any other man she’s ever met, finding the right woman for Clay should be easy….

Having grown up with the Bellini sisters, it’s no hardship for Clay to ride out the storm at their cozy family vineyard, especially since that means spending time with their savvy and smart houseguest. But despite Alice’s best efforts, he’s not the least bit interested in her matchmaking….

Alice is the only woman Clay wants. Now he just has to convince the matchmaker herself to give love a chance.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Alice is a Los Angeles matchmaker but when her best friend’s wedding is in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is nothing like LA. It snows is Oklahoma and Alice is unexpectedly stuck for days. Clay is checking on the Bellini’s when the snowstorm hits and he is also stuck for days at the vineyard. So now we watch the season work…..

Alice connects with Clay but then she decides he needs to be matched up and she doesn’t date her clients. Clay doesn’t want to be matched. Right now the other one he is interested in is Alice. But both have pasts that they need to move beyond.

I thought this was a cute book. The characters are made for each other. I thought Clay was sweet and everything a girl wants. He actually listens!

Sweet book to curl up and read for the holidays!

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

Kimberly reviews Beneath The Attic by V.C. Andrews

TITLE: Beneath The Attic
SERIES #: Dollanganger
CHARACTERS: Corrine & Garland
AUTHOR: V.C.Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Forbidden passions have shaped and haunted the Dollanganger family since their first novel—Flowers in the Attic—debuted forty years ago. Now discover how twisted the family roots truly are, and witness the clan’s origins as a result of one wild and complicated relationship. In this evocative and thrilling tale from New York Times bestselling author V.C. Andrews, see Corrine Dixon as a young girl and discover the fascinating family history of the Dollanganger clan.

Two generations before Corinne Foxworth locked her children in an attic, her grandmother, a gorgeous young girl named Corrine Dixon, is swept away by the charms of rich, sophisticated, and handsome Garland Foxworth. After discovering that she’s pregnant, Garland does what appears to be the honorable thing and marries her in a huge ceremony on the luxurious Foxworth Hall grounds. Both families fervently overlook the pregnancy, happy for a suitable resolution.

Now the mistress of a labyrinthine estate, Corrine discovers that nothing is what is seems. Garland is not the man once captivated by her charms, and she’s increasingly troubled by his infatuation with memories of his departed mother.

Can Corrine survive this strange new life? Or is her fate already sealed?

Explore the origins of the legendary Dollanganger family in this page-turning, gripping gothic thriller.

REVIEW:
I am on the fence about this story. First it was interesting to take a trip into the family of the Dollanganger family. I grew up reading that series and was looking forward to understanding why the grandmother became who she was — nuts!

But hence comes the fence. This book didn’t seem to tell us anything about Corrine that we didn’t already know. There seemed to be very little insight into her life. I think there was more about the house than Corrine.

As a fan of the series it might be interesting to read but then again you can’t go in expecting too much.

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

Kimberly reviews The Forgotten Child by D.E. White

TITLE: The Forgotten Child
CHARACTERS: Holly Kendal
AUTHOR: D.E. White
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/27/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lights blinded her in an eerie white flash. She yanked the wheel as she felt the impact from the car behind her. There was a sharp pain, and then a bang in front of her, and after that nothing but darkness.

Holly Kendal is trying to put her painful past and broken marriage behind her and focus on her beloved son, Milo. But while driving him home on a dark February night, Holly loses control on the rain-slicked tarmac, and her car spirals off the road.

When Holly regains consciousness, everything is silent and in the dark, she can’t see Milo. Desperately, she claws her way out of the car and forces the back door open.

To her relief, Milo is where she left him, injured but breathing – but then she sees something that makes her heart stop.

Milo isn’t the only child in the car. Next to him is another little boy, unharmed but unconscious.

And Holly has absolutely no idea who he is.

For fans of Mel Sherratt and K.L Slater, The Forgotten Child will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page!

REVIEW:
So here I am on the fence for a recent book. I liked the story but it wasn’t what I expected. I had this idea of the book based on the synopsis but while this was a background story it was not the main one.

The story is more about the strained relationship of Holly and her husband, her family and her past. And of course let’s throw some organized crime into it.

I think the story could have been good if my mind wasn’t so set on what the book promised but did not deliver.

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

What’s New: Kimberly reviews American Witch by Thea Harrison

 

TITLE: American Witch
CHARACTERS: Molly & Josiah
AUTHOR: Thea Harrison
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Power can change a person…

For months Molly Sullivan endures the inexplicable: electrical surges, car breakdowns, visions. She even wonders if she might be the cause… and wonders if she might be crazy. Then she discovers her husband has cheated on her. Again. Now Molly realizes she is a newly awakening witch and a woman pushed over the edge.

Revenge can shape a person…

Josiah Mason is a Powerful witch and the leader of a secret coven with a shared goal: to destroy an ancient enemy who has ruined many lives. Josiah lost years to this man, and his sole focus is revenge. He’s prepared for every contingency—except encountering a beautiful new witch who understands nothing of the immense Power building within her or the attraction she wields over him.

Danger can bring them together…

When divorcing her husband, Molly uncovers a dangerous secret he’s willing to kill to protect. She turns to Josiah for help, and they discover a connection between Molly’s husband and Josiah’s enemy.

As they work together, a spark ignites between them that threatens to become an inferno. But Molly is done compromising herself for any man, and Josiah’s mission is his top priority. And the enemy is cunning, cruel, and drawing ever closer.

As the danger escalates, so does the tension between them. Is a lasting relationship possible? Will either of them live long enough to try?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a cute read. Molly is married but finds her husband is cheating on her and when she meets Josiah her true power within herself comes out.

There is a romance that blooms while she learns what her powers are about.

But there is more than just magic between them so the danger takes the two of them on a magical ride and of love and intrigue.

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

 

Kimberly reviews Jake’s Redemption by Jamie Schulz

jakes redemptionTITLE: Jake’s Redemption
SERIES #: Angel Eyes #.5
CHARACTERS: Jake & Monica
AUTHOR: Jamie Schulz
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An imprisoned cowboy. An empowered woman. When true love is forbidden, opening their hearts could destroy them both…

Chained and enslaved, Jake Nichols is convinced he’ll die alone. In this new order where men are stripped of all power, he endures brutal torture at the hands of his female captor. But when he’s hired out to build a ranch home for an outspoken beauty, his dreams of escape transform into visions of passion.

Monica Avery struggles to fill her heart in a loveless society. With marriage outlawed and romantic partners reduced to pawns, she’s given up hope of finding her soul mate. But the rugged rancher building her shelter awakens her deeply buried desires.

As the project comes together, Monica discovers a kindred spirit in the tenderhearted Jake. But despite their growing attraction, he still belongs to a cruel woman who’d rather see him dead than free.

Can Monica save Jake, or will their love lead to a tragic tomorrow?

Jake’s Redemption is a full-length book in the Angel Eyes cowboy dystopian romance series. If you like scorching-hot chemistry, clever post-apocalyptic worlds, and star-crossed love stories, then you’ll adore Jamie Schulz’s captivating tale.

Buy Jake’s Redemption today to see if love can brighten a dark world!

This prequel has an HFN ending and opens the door for the next book in the Angel Eyes Series, Masters’ Mistress, scheduled for release in 2020.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a hard time with this story. I am not a fan of dystopian stories. But I was asked by the author to read this story.

This is a bit of a change in the norm. The women are the ones with all the powers and the men are the ones in distress. Monica falls for Jake who is a slave.

This is a prequel to the series coming up.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews DaVinci In Love by Maysam Yabandeh

da vinci in loveTITLE: Da Vinci In Love
CHARACTERS: Leo & Mona
AUTHOR: Maysam Yabandeh
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The identity of the lady portrayed in Mona Lisa, the masterpiece of Leonardo Da Vinci, and the secret behind her mysterious smile, is one of the biggest unanswered questions in art history. This is the story of her, and her romance with her creator, the young Leonardo. The story takes us from the land of true lovers, India, to the far east, the heights of mysterious wisdom in China, and sheds some light on the puzzling love story of Mona Lisa and her painter, Leonardo Da Vinci.

REVIEW:
I received a request from the author to read this and since it was a short story I thought I would.

I am not exactly sure what in the world I read. This is not about the painting and Leo really at all.

Not that it wasn’t good but nothing like I expected.

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