Category: 3 Star

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Kimberly reviews To Love A Wolf by Paige Tyler

to love a wolfTITLE: To Love A Wolf
SERIES #: SWAT #4
CHARACTERS: Landry & Everly
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/07/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE’S FOUND THE ONE…
SWAT officer Landry Cooper is certain Everly Danu is The One. The problem is, she has no idea what Cooper really is. And as much as he wants to trust her, he’s not sure he can share his deepest secret…

When Everly’s family discovers Cooper’s a werewolf, her brothers will do anything to keep them apart-they’ll kill him if they have to. Everly is falling hard for the ridiculously handsome SWAT officer, and she’s not about to let her brothers tell her who she can love… Until Cooper’s secret is exposed and she discovers the man she thought she knew is a monster in disguise.

BUT CAN HE KEEP HER?

REVIEW:
Cooper wasn’t born a werewolf. That came from an incident in the Army and as we read about this incident we really start to care about Cooper. But after a while I just didn’t care about much in this story.

I have been having a hard time with this series but I keep giving it a shot. I usually enjoy shifter stories but this series just seemed over done and just not realistic. I know that sounds weird when we are talking a paranormal shape shifter story and I want “real” but we all know as a fan of paranormal romance we need to be able to believe the story.

I keep giving this series a try and probably will when the next one comes out but I can’t say it is high on my list of must read.

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

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Kelly reviews Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply by Terry Spears

alpha wolf needTITLE: Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #19
CHARACTERS: Eric Silver & Pepper Grayling
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wolf shifter and park ranger Eric Silver is committed to his job policing spectacular San Isabel National Forest, and he’s hot on the scent of some mysterious wolves who are up to no good. When Eric’s investigation leads him to cross paths with forester Pepper Grayling, he’s fascinated to learn this she-wolf is her pack’s leader — strong, independent, and definitely not looking for a mate.

With unknown dangers on the prowl, Pepper is tempted to give in to her attraction to Eric and align her pack with his. But Pepper’s been pursued by many alpha males–all out to take over her pack and gain her hard-won territory–and Eric is a born leader. How does Eric earn the trust of a she-wolf who’s been betrayed so often in the past?

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts I was really happy that Eric was getting his own story. I really liked Pepper too. She is perfect for Eric. But I found the story a little slow and dragging in places. It was still a good story and I am happy that I read it. But I was hoping for a little more. Maybe it was the slow start. I am not sure.
But I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Shark by Mary Burton

the sharkTITLE: The Shark
SERIES #: Forgotten Files #1
CHARACTERS: Riley & Clay
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/24/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At the grisly murder scene of a teen prostitute, Virginia state trooper Riley Tatum’s past roars back to haunt her. When she was a teenage runaway, she was kidnapped, drugged, and left unconscious on the streets. She has no memories of what happened, only strange recurring dreams of two men playing cards.

Former FBI agent Clay Bowman, Riley’s old flame, is Shield Security’s newest member. He’s plagued by the unsolved case of a serial killer nicknamed the Shark who murdered girls as part of a sadistic poker game. Only one girl survived. With the Shark now bent on evening that score, Clay has a chilling suspicion: Riley is the girl who escaped the Shark’s deadly amusement—and she is his next prey.

As the Shark gets ready to play his hand, can Riley and Clay stop him—or will this killer finally claim the one who got away?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So I have recently found Mary Burton and have mostly enjoyed her books. The problem is the MO of her stories. They are all pretty much the same. Yes the storyline is different and the characters and their backgrounds, etc but the outline is pretty much the same.

Now that being said the story was interesting. Riley is the main character and she wants to find the serial killer before he strikes again and her past is the key to the mystery. Her old flame is there to help out.

Will this end up being a favorite book? Probably not. But don’t let this book define all the books by Mary Burton.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Pages Of The Mind by Jeffe Kennedy

pages of the mindTITLE: The Pages Of The Mind
SERIES #: The Uncharted Realms #1 / The Twelve Kingdoms #4
CHARACTERS: Dafne Mailloux
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An Orphan’s Throne

Magic has broken free over the Twelve Kingdoms. The population is beset by shapeshifters and portents, landscapes that migrate, uncanny allies who are not quite human…and enemies eager to take advantage of the chaos.

Dafne Mailloux is no adventurer–she’s a librarian. But the High Queen trusts Dafne’s ability with languages, her way of winnowing the useful facts from a dusty scroll, and even more important, the subtlety and guile the arms of a barbarian king. He speaks no tongue she knows but that of power, yet he recognizes his captive as a valuable pawn. Dafne must submit to a wedding of alliance, becoming a prisoner-queen in a court she does not understand. If she is to save herself and her country, she will have to learn to read the that three decades under the thumb of a tyrant taught her.

Dafne never thought to need those skills again. But she accepts her duty. Until her journey drops her into heart of a wild stranger. And there are more secrets written there than even Dafne could suspect…

REVIEW:
There is so much going on in this story that to be honest I was confused more than half the time. Dafne has a chance to with with a king but feels her loyalty is to her queen so she rejects his advances.

There is a lot of back and forth with this story. Should I or shouldn’t I? It just got to be too much for me. You can NOT read this as a stand alone so don’t even try it.

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

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Kelly reviews Smoke And Fire by Donna Grant

smoke & fireTITLE: Smoke & Fire
SERIES #: Dark Kings #9
CHARACTERS: Kinsey & Ryder
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE:
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She wanted to touch him. There had always been something about being in his arms that made her feel as if she could tackle anything and the world wouldn’t dare get in her way…

SWORN TO PROTECT
A dragon shapeshifter and a computer mastermind, Ryder is sent to guard Glasgow after a devastating Dark attack. But when memories of an explosive affair come back to him-in the flesh-Ryder cannot help but want to protect the woman who haunts his dreams. Even if means shifting into the dragon he was never supposed to reveal…

DRIVEN TO DESIRE
Kinsey could never get enough of Ryder. His every touch only left her wanting more. But now that she’s seen him in his true form, Kinsey’s world is rocked to the core. She knows that to stay-and feel-alive, she must be with Ryder. But is Kinsey’s passion worth the risk of danger that comes with being a part of Ryder’s dark and fierce world?

REVIEW:
Smoke & Fire is a little different story than our normal Dark King book. This is a story of a second chance at love. Ryder, our jelly donut loving dragon, whom we all love is reunited with the love of his life after many years. But there is something strange about the time of Kinsey’s arrival. Can she be trusted? Is she who she really says she is? And how far is Ryder willing to go to protect her and when back her love?

As always Ms. Grant writes a story that makes us fall in love with the Dragon Kings all over again. But at times Ryder’s story seemed to drag on a little. I think that the events that happened in Smoke & Fire are going to lead to some huge changes in the Dragon Kings world. Rhi’s storyline is getting deeper and deeper. Balladyn is changing yet staying the same, which makes it really hard to like him, yet I don’t hate him as much.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series. What is next for the Kings, what is next for Balladyn, what is next for Rhi.

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.

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Kimberly reviews Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply by Terry Spear

alpha wolf needTITLE: Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #19
CHARACTERS: Eric & Pepper
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/03/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wolf shifter and park ranger Eric Silver is committed to his job policing spectacular San Isabel National Forest, and he’s hot on the scent of some mysterious wolves who are up to no good. When Eric’s investigation leads him to cross paths with forester Pepper Grayling, he’s fascinated to learn this she-wolf is her pack’s leader — strong, independent, and definitely not looking for a mate.

With unknown dangers on the prowl, Pepper is tempted to give in to her attraction to Eric and align her pack with his. But Pepper’s been pursued by many alpha males–all out to take over her pack and gain her hard-won territory–and Eric is a born leader. How does Eric earn the trust of a she-wolf who’s been betrayed so often in the past?

REVIEW:
This is the 19th in this series and I have to say that I have not even read half of them. This one was just ok to me.

They can be read as a stand alone and like I said sort of have been for me. The story had a bit of a slow start but then was fine. Pepper is a very strong female alpha and I just didn’t feel that Eric was alpha enough to be with her.

Don’t get me wrong. The romance is fine it is just not one of favorites from Terry Spear.

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

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Kelly reviews Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster

getting rowdyTITLE: Getting Rowdy
SERIES #: Love Undercover #3
CHARACTERS: Rowdy Yates & Avery Mullins
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: September 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An alpha hero’s attraction to the one woman he can’t have could draw him into a killer’s snare in the sizzling new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

Charismatic bar owner Rowdy Yates isn’t the kind of man women say no to. So when he approaches waitress Avery Mullins, he fully expects to get her number. However, the elusive beauty has her reasons for keeping her distance—including a past that might come back to haunt them both.

Avery spends her nights working for tips… and trying to forget the secret Rowdy is determined to unearth. But when history threatens to repeat itself, Avery grows to rely on Rowdy’s protective presence. As the sparks between them ignite, she will be forced to choose between the security she’s finally found… and the passion she’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Getting Rowdy was a great read. Rowdy Yates is just about everything you want in a hero. He is dark, dangerous, standoffish, and willing to do anything it takes to protect those who are in need of help.
Avery is a pretty tough cookie. After the last year of her life she is ready to be happy with her new life. But when Avery’s past comes back to haunt her she has a choice to make. Run or make a stand.
I really enjoyed Rowdy and Avery’s stories. Rowdy tries so hard to not let his inner nice guy show, but when you are a pretty nice guy it is going to be hard. I will say there were a few times (early) that I wanted to slap Rowdy upside the head. But all in all I really enjoyed reading this story. And I just realized that I have not read book 1 & 2… Adding those to my list.

Favorite line: “She’s just upset because I love her.”

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

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#TBW Kelly reviews Caress Of Darkness by Julie Kenner – Catch Up From The Beginning

caress of darknessTITLE: Caress of Darkness
SERIES #: 1001 Dark Nights #12
CHARACTERS: Rainer Engel & Callie
AUTHOR: Julie Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the first moment I saw him, I knew that Rainer Engel was like no other man. Dangerously sexy and darkly mysterious, he both enticed me and terrified me.

I wanted to run–to fight against the heat that was building between us–but there was nowhere to go. I needed his help as much as I needed his touch. And so help me, I knew that I would do anything he asked in order to have both.

But even as our passion burned hot, the secrets in Raine’s past reached out to destroy us … and we would both have to make the greatest sacrifice to find a love that would last forever.

REVIEW:
Where to start?
Are Raine & Callie combustible together? Without a doubt.
Was the story link interesting? Yes (kinda)
Was I in love with this story? Not really
Am I glad I read it? Sure.
I can’t put my finger on exactly why I didn’t love. Maybe it was the writing style? It was kinda hard for me when it jumps around from person to person. I am not overly sure. I just felt lost at time.

I think Julie Kenner fan’s will enjoy this short story.

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

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Kimberly reviews Vulnerable by Mary Burton

vulnerableTITLE: Vulnerable
SERIES #: Morgans of Nashville #4
CHARACTERS: Amber & Jake
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Smallest Mistake

Three went in; one came out. For five years, no trace has been found of two high-school friends who went hiking in the woods near Nashville. The third teen, Amber Ryder, was discovered at the bottom of a ravine with a broken arm, head trauma–and zero memory of the horror that put her there.

Will Put You

What started as a cold case has become a fresh hell for forensic technician Georgia Morgan. Another woman’s body is found in the woods, and it leads to the missing teens’ remains. But while Georgia works with Amber to try and reawaken her memories, her gut tells her the worst is yet to come.

At A Killer’s Mercy

Homicide Detective Jake Bishop can’t be sure whether Amber is an expert manipulator or the killer’s next target. Either way, he’s determined to protect Georgia. Because the deeper she digs into the past, the deadlier the secrets that emerge, and a nightmare years in the making is about to come to a bloody, terrifying end…

REVIEW:

I have not read the previous books in the series and maybe that would have made a difference but I doubt it. I really just didn’t enjoy this very much. I expected so much more from this story. It seemed it would be really interesting but I just didn’t click with this story.

It my opinion it seemed this book was thrown together. As if the first ones in the series were popular and the publisher was pushing for the book before the author was really ready.

Ok, that all being said, I can see why some people might enjoy it. There is some suspense and there is some romance. It just didn’t click with me.

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

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Kimberly reviews Sherlock Holmes And The Tangled Skein by David Stuart Davies

SH and Tangled SkeinTITLE: Sherlock Holmes And The Tangled Skein
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: David Stuart Davies
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the autumn of 1888, and following the successful conclusion of the investigation into the affair of the Hound of the Baskervilles, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson have returned safely from Dartmoor, convinced that their most recent nemesis has met a sticky ending.

But when a strange package arrives and turns out to be an attempt on Holmes’ life, the detective and Watson are faced with an even darker mystery.

A peculiar cat-and-mouse game involving a lethal murderer ensues and Miss Lydgate, a distressed young woman, arrives with a cryptic warning for Watson.

Things soon spiral rapidly out of control and Holmes calls on his local street urchins, The Baker Street Irregulars, to keep a keen eye out for information.

Professor Van Helsing is also in town, visiting the Royal Society to discuss the phenomenon of Vampires.

Holmes is disgusted and dismisses such talk as supernatural nonsense, insisting that ‘the cult of undead’ is outside the boundaries of rational science.

Inspector Lestrade, however, has bigger problems — there have been murders on Hampstead Heath and there is heightened talk of a strange phantom lady.

When the police force reach out to Holmes for help, both he and Watson decide to take matters into their own hands.

The chilling discovery that awaits them on the Heath leads them back to Devon and the bleak terrain of Dartmoor.

The nightmare that is the tangled skein is now in full force and time is running out.

Whilst investigating mysterious circumstances at a finishing school for aristocratic girls, they encounter the true embodiment of evil, Count Dracula, the Lord of the Undead …

The Tangled Skein is one of Sherlock Holmes’ most exciting and dangerous cases, peppered with elements of the supernatural.

REVIEW:
Sherlock Holmes vs Count Dracula. How could anyone pass this up? Well part of me wishes I had and yet I am glad I didn’t. Can you tell I am on the fence about this book?

Written originally in 1992 apparently this is a re-release. Any fan of SH should pick it up just to be sure they have read them all but don’t expect this SH to be what AC Doyle’s originally wrote.

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

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Kimberly reviews Far From True by Linwood Barclay

Far From TrueTITLE: Far From True
SERIES #: Promise Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Cal & Barry
AUTHOR: Linwood Barclay
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Linwood Barclay delivers the second spine-chilling thriller set in the troubled town of Promise Falls, following the electrifying cliffhanger ending of Broken Promise…

After the screen of a run-down drive-in movie theater collapses and kills four people, the daughter of one of the victims asks private investigator Cal Weaver to look into a recent break-in at her father’s house. Cal discovers a hidden basement room where it’s clear that salacious activities have taken place—as well as evidence of missing DVDs. But his investigation soon becomes more complicated when he realizes it may not be discs the thief was actually interested in….

Meanwhile, Detective Barry Duckworth is still trying to solve two murders—one of which is three years old—he believes are connected, since each featured a similar distinctive wound.

As the lies begin to unravel, Cal is headed straight into the heart of a dark secret as his search uncovers more startling truths about Promise Falls. And when yet another murder happens, Cal and Barry are both driven to pursue their investigations, no matter where they lead. Evil deeds long thought buried are about to haunt the residents of this town—as the sins of the past and present collide with terrifying results.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts This is the second in a new series from Barclay and I have to say it wasn’t one of my favorites. There just wasn’t a thrill that Barclay’s books usually have. The weird part is I can’t figure out what is off about this book. It was fast paced, there was a thrill to it (even if not as much as normal) and the story is different than every other thriller but something just doesn’t sit right.

There are a bunch of characters in this book and maybe that was it. Maybe taking the time to remember who was who took some away from the story, I’m not sure. Please don’t get me wrong. The story is good. It is just not up to what I expected from Barclay.

You will enjoy this book but don’t compare all Barclay’s books by this one.

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

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Kelly reviews The Shamrock Case by Linda Weaver Clarke

shamrock caseTITLE: The Shamrock Case
SERIES #: Amelia Moore Detective Series #2
CHARACTERS: Amelia Moore & Rick Bonito
AUTHOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PUBLICATION DATE: May 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A COZY MYSTERY: Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. With the help of Rick Bonito, her new partner, her business is flourishing. When Amelia is hired to search for her client’s grandparents, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Linda brings us another cute story about Amelia and her grand adventures. It was fun to go on this trip to Ireland with Rick and Amelia. It made me want to go to Ireland and see all the things that they saw.
I loved that Amelia is so willing to go to the ends of the earth to help someone. She really goes above and beyond what a typical detective would do.
Looking forward to the next adventure.

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

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