Category: 4 Star

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Kimberly reviews Second City Sinners by John Seidel

TITLE: Second City Sinners: True Crime from Historic Chicago’s Deadly Streets
CHARACTERS: Chicago Criminals
AUTHOR: John Seidel
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Countless criminals have made their mark on Chicago and the surrounding communities. Chicago Sun-Times journalist Jon Seidel takes readers back in time to the days when H. H. Holmes lurked in his “Murder Castle” and guys named Al Capone and John Dillinger ruled the underworld. Drawing upon years of reporting, and with special access to the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times archives, Jon Seidel explains how men like Nathan Leopold, Richard Loeb, and Richard Speck tried to get away with history’s most disturbing crimes. . .

REVIEW:
It might be bad but I have been fascinated by Al Capone for a long time. I really find him an interesting character.

This book emcompasses Capone and so many others. Chicago has been laden with crime that have fascinated the general public over the years and this book adds to the fascination.

I thought this book was really well written and kept my interest. Many I have heard of but some I have not. Being a fan of John Douglas (FBI Profiler) this one fits right in to the same caliber.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Peace, Blood And Understanding by Molly Harper

TITLE: Peace, Blood and Understanding
SERIES #: Half-Moon Hollow #7
CHARACTERS: Meadow Schwartz & Eric Weston
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/7/2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The “enchanting” Jane Jameson series returns with this fun and witty paranormal romance following a vampire consultant who has nefarious plans to oust Jane from her role as the head of Half-Moon Hollow’s vampire council.
Ever since Jane Jameson took over running the Vampire Council for Half-Moon Hollow, things have been a little unorthodox and that doesn’t sit well with the head office. Who would have thought vampires were so into bureaucracy and tradition?

Enter a vamp from corporate who’s determined to unseat Jane and get the council back on track—which means no more of this Kentucky neighborliness and mixing with humans, werewolves, witches, or anything else.

But Jane’s not interested in going back to the bad old days when the council was mired in corruption and tended to “accidentally” eat people now and again, but she might be in over her head this time. Good thing there’s a pretty new face in town who just might be the perfect distraction and help save Jane’s career.

REVIEW:
Meadow Schwartz just wants to live a quiet peaceful life filled with tea and her friends. But nothing can be that simple in Half-Moon Hollow. The Council has sent in an auditor to take a closer look at the way Jane and Dick are conducting business. Enter the stuffy uptight Eric Weston.

Another great installment from Molly Harper. I really enjoyed listening to Meadow’s story. As always Amanda Ronconi does an amazing job of bringing Molly’s characters to life. It was fun to see some of our past favorite characters pop up in Peace, Blood and Understanding. I love Dick’s nickname for Meadow “Hippy-Dippy”.

I can’t wait to see what is next in this series and what other secrets Half-Moon Hollow has in store for us.

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

4 Hearts
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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews It’s A Christmas Thing by Janet Dailey

TITLE: It’s A Christmas Thing
CHARACTERS: Rush & Claire
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The best gifts last a lifetime . . .

Veterinarian J.T. “Rush” Rushford isn’t looking forward to Christmas. It’ll be his first without his beloved four-year-old daughter, Claire. A year ago, Rush’s wife divorced him for another man–then broke his heart further by revealing that Claire was her lover’s child. The final blow was Rush losing all parental rights. Now he’s in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the season–until something like a Christmas miracle happens . . .

Turns out Claire’s parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It’s bittersweet, knowing that he and Claire will have to part again, maybe forever. . . . Until a smart, not to mention beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt takes a liking to the vet and his little girl and gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the most joyous of all . . .

REVIEW:
Oh how I loved this story. This is a great book to snuggle up with on the couch and fall into the Holiday season.

Rush was madly in love with his daughter just to find out that he is not Claire’s dad, breaking his heart. When Claire’s mom and her new boyfriend go on vacation they have to leave Claire with Rush. But there is still sadness for Rush and Claire knowing they have to part soon. And then Rush’s new girlfriend brings the fun back into the holidays.

What a delightful story. I loved Claire and her world of an old dog and a pregnant cat and of course Rush, her favorite cowboy. To me this was Claire’s story.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews A Madness Of Sunshine by Nalini Singh

TITLE: A Madness of Sunshine
CHARACTERS: Anahera Rawiri & Will Gallagher
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Penguin Random House

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh welcomes you to a remote town on the edge of the world where even the blinding brightness of the sun can’t mask the darkness that lies deep within a killer…

On the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, Golden Cove is more than just a town where people live. The adults are more than neighbors; the children, more than schoolmates.
That is until one fateful summer—and several vanished bodies—shatters the trust holding Golden Cove together. All that’s left are whispers behind closed doors, broken friendships, and a silent agreement not to look back. But they can’t run from the past forever.
Eight years later, a beautiful young woman disappears without a trace, and the residents of Golden Cove wonder if their home shelters something far more dangerous than an unforgiving landscape.
It’s not long before the dark past collides with the haunting present and deadly secrets come to light.

REVIEW:
They often say that you can never go home. But for Anahera that is exactly what must happen. After the death of her husband Anahera needs a safe place to regroup and process all that has happened over the last several years. Being home also means having to face the ghosts that drove her away from Golden Cove to begin with.

When one of the Golden Cove locals goes missing everyone is reminded of the events of eight years prior and the three missing hikers. The newest member of Golden Cove Detective William Gallahger is determined to find out what happened to Miriama and not make the same mistake he had in the past.

It was a great honor to get an early copy of Nalini Singh’s newest book A Madness of Sunshine. I really enjoyed this new world that Nalini has built for us. A Madness of Sunshine is different then her previous books, there is no paranormal aspect found in her Psy/Changeling Series and The Guild Hunter series or straight contemporary like her Rock Hard series. A Madness of Sunshine is a mystery thrill with a touch of romance. If you are a fan of Nalini’s I believe you will enjoy this book very much. I look forward to the next installment in this world *fingers crossed*.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Wolf Rebel by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Rebel
SERIES #: SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #10
CHARACTERS: Rachel & Knox
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She let him get away
SWAT werewolf Rachel Bennett is hounded by nightmares after a vicious attack left her with PTSD. Not knowing who or what she can trust anymore, she’s relieved to be assigned to a high-profile protective detail. Diving into work might be the distraction she needs, until she notices the mysterious hunk who seems to follow her wherever she goes—and recognizes him.
Now he needs her help…
After he’s badly injured, former Navy SEAL Knox Lawson seeks out Rachel when he realizes he’s turning into a werewolf. He’d once been part of the group hunting her kind, but he knew he had to quit when he found Rachel in his crosshairs. Now he desperately needs her help.
Rachel isn’t sure she trusts Knox, but having him around keeps the nightmares—and the monster creating them—away. Knox might not know much about being a werewolf, but there’s no doubt he’ll do everything in his power to win her trust and keep her safe.
SWAT Series:
Hungry Like the Wolf (Book 1)
Wolf Trouble (Book 2)
In the Company of Wolves (Book 3)
To Love a Wolf (Book 4)
Wolf Unleashed (Book 5)
Wolf Hunt (Book 6)
Wolf Hunger (Book 7)
Wolf Rising (Book 8)
Wolf Instinct (Book 9)
Wolf Rebel (Book 10)

REVIEW:
This is #10 in the series but it can be a stand alone. I really enjoyed this story in the series. It really takes us through the PTSD issues so many are facing right now. I thought Rachel was a great character letting us see that not only men are affected by PTSD. I also thought she was a strong independent woman who was just going through a lot in life.

Knox is a great character too. It took me a bit to get to understand him but then I found myself liking him.
Another great addition to the series.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas Past by Mary Burton

TITLE: Christmas Past
CHARACTERS: Nicole & David
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christmas Past is a seasonal, serial-killer-thriller from New York Times bestselling author, Mary Burton.
Photographer Nicole Piper just received a very unwelcome Christmas gift – a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. Uncovering the truth means enlisting homicide detective David Ayden’s help, and embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger and desire . . .
Christmas Past is a pacy, action-packed novella that’s guaranteed to send chills down your spine – the perfect Christmas scare-fest that will appeal to fans of Tess Gerritsen, Kathy Reichs and Karin Slaughter.

REVIEW:
This was originally part of the anthology Silver Bells.

This is a quick novella that really has nothing to do with Christmas but that being said it was a fast read that leaves you in suspense.

As with most novella’s you can’t say too much about the plot or you give things away and with this story going so quick (about 100 pages). But I will say it is a wonderful romantic suspense that is perfect between full novels.

As always Burton is on par with the best.

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

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Kimberly reviews Spy by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Spy
CHARACTERS: Alexandra Wickham
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A young woman is caught up in a dangerous double life on behalf of her country during World War II in Danielle Steel’s thrilling new novel.

At eighteen, Alexandra Wickham is presented to King George V and Queen Mary in an exquisite white lace and satin dress her mother has ordered from Paris. With her delicate blond looks, she is a stunning beauty who seems destined for a privileged life. But fate, a world war, and her own quietly rebellious personality lead her down a different path.

By 1939, Europe is on fire and England is at war. From her home in idyllic Hampshire, Alex makes her way to London as a volunteer in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. But she has skills that draw the attention of another branch of the service. Fluent in French and German, she would make the perfect secret agent.

Within a year, Alex is shocking her family in trousers and bright red lipstick. They must never know about the work she does–no one can know, not even the pilot she falls in love with. While her country and those dearest to her pay the terrible price of war, Alex learns the art of espionage, leading to life-and-death missions behind enemy lines and a long career as a spy in exotic places and historic times.

Spy follows Alex’s extraordinary adventures in World War II and afterward in India, Pakistan, Morocco, Hong Kong, Moscow, and Washington, D.C., when her husband, Richard, enters the foreign service and both become witnesses to a rapidly changing world from post-war to Cold War. She lives life on the edge, with a secret she must always keep hidden.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is Danielle Steel so really what do you expect other than greatness? Danielle Steel has been around for what seems like forever and I have read most of her books. Ms Steel has a way of not just pulling you into a story but walking you softly with sweet words until you are so entranced that you can’t remember anything but what is going on in her story. Well it is the same with this one.

In this one Alexandra is an aristocrat who comes from a good family and expects nothing more than to be a wife and mother. But then WWII begins and everything changes. She soon by chance becomes a spy for the country and her adventures really begin.

There are only a couple of authors that as I read make me wish I could jump through the pages and visit the area. And Danielle Steel is one of them. Her heroine’s are always someone women can relate to. And there is always a touch of romance. But more so is the scenery, the historical information, the ambience that make you want to jump on a plane and visit the sites.

Another incredible read from Danielle Steel.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: Snow Creek
SERIES #: Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes #1
CHARACTERS: Megan Carpenter
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: November 18, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the Number One New York Times and Amazon Charts bestselling author, comes an absolutely heart-stopping and completely unputdownable crime series, introducing Detective Megan Carpenter.

Footprints were scattered about like fallen leaves. She looked down into the ravine, and once more her lungs filled with fear. A body, blackened and motionless lay splayed out in the bushes.

Detective Megan Carpenter is no stranger to evil. Escaping the horrors of her old life, she’s vowed never to let anyone hurt her or those she loves ever again. Joining the small police force in Jefferson County’s Port Townsend, Megan is determined to get every victim of a crime the justice they deserve.

So when Ruth Turner walks into the Sheriff’s office claiming her sister Ida Watson has been missing for over a month, Megan’s instincts tell her that she needs to do more than just file a report.

Arriving at a secluded farmhouse in the hills above Snow Creek, she finds Ida’s teenage children alone and frightened.

Then a few days later, close to the Watsons’ home, the blackened body of a woman is discovered in an abandoned pickup truck.

Megan must unravel the disturbing secrets of the isolated Snow Creek community if she is to catch the killer.

But Megan has dark secrets of her own too…

Hidden in the back of her closet is a box of tapes containing every single recording of her therapy sessions with Doctor Albright over thirteen years ago. As Megan begins to play the tapes, she’s taken straight back to her terrifying childhood, back to the time she was a kid called Rylee, fighting to survive.

Can Megan finally confront the past she’s spent years trying to block out and will listen to her own painful story help her solve the complex case she is now entangled in?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Snow Creek is the first book in the Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes series and my first book by Gregg Olson. I enjoyed this book.

There are a lot of twists and turns that had me guessing until the end. Throughout the novel we learn snippets of Megan’s life before she became a Detective. But there are still so many questions unanswered. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series to find out more about Megan.

If you like a good suspense book you need to pick up a copy of Snow Creek.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday (sorta)! Kimberly reviews The Last Christmas by F. Paul Wilson

TITLE: The Last Christmas
SERIES #: Repairman Jack #16
CHARACTERS: Repairman Jack
AUTHOR: F. Paul Wilson
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack is back.
Wilson never said he was through with Repairman Jack. He said he was through turning in a new novel every year. He also said when a story came along that was right for Jack, he’d write it.
The Last Christmas is that story.
It’s late December between Ground Zero and Fatal Error, a winter of discontent for Jack who’s perhaps spending too much time hanging at Julio’s. An old contact, Edward Burkes, convinces him to take on a missing-person fix. As usual, nothing is as it seems, and the missing person isn’t exactly a person. In fact, it’s like nothing anyone has ever seen.
And in the middle of all this, the mysterious Madame de Medici hires him to safeguard a valuable object. Simple, right?
Not even close.
Yep, Jack is back and, as usual, weird trouble is on his heels.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.5 Hearts

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

Jack is back! Whoo hoo! It’s been so long and an added bonus to have some more time with Jack.

This is a different kind of Repairman Jack story and yet the same. The characters we have known and loved are all back. We get to see the quirkiness of Jack and the weirdness of his case just as we always have. And then there is a bit of supernatural (for lack of a better word) that happens with Jack.

Any fan of the series will be thrilled to have this last visit. It is like seeing a friend that we thought we would never see again.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews It’s A Christmas Thing by Janet Daily

TITLE: It’s A Christmas Thing
CHARACTERS: Rush & Claire
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon BN

The best gifts last a lifetime . . .
Veterinarian J.T. “Rush” Rushford isn’t looking be his first without his beloved
four-year-old daughter, Claire. A year ago, Rush’s wife divorced him for another man–then broke his
heart further by revealing that Claire was her lover’s child. The final blow was Rush losing all parental
rights. Now he’s in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the
season–until something like a Christmas miracle happens . . .
Turns out Claire’s parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It’s
bittersweet, knowing that he and Claire will have to part again, maybe forever. . . . Until a smart, not to
mention beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt takes a liking to the vet and his little
girl and gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the
most joyous of all . . .
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 Hearts
REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
Oh how I loved this story. This is a great book to snuggle up with on the couch and fall into the Holiday
season.
Rush was madly in love with his daughter just to find out that he is not Claire’s dad, breaking his heart.
When Claire’s mom and her new boyfriend go on vacation they have to leave Claire with Rush. But there
is still sadness for Rush and Claire knowing they have to part soon. And then Rush’s new girlfriend brings
the fun back into the holidays.
What a delightful story. I loved Claire and her world of an old dog and a pregnant cat and of course Rush,
her favorite cowboy. To me this was Claire’s story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Deadly Silence by OMJ Ryan

TITLE: Deadly Silence
SERIES #: Detective Jane Phillips #1
CHARACTERS: Jane Phillips
AUTHOR: OMJ Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some sins can never be forgiven.
DI Jane Phillips was a star detective driven by a relentless quest for justice. But then she stepped outside the law.
Now, demoted and suffering with PTSD, she finds herself facing the deadliest threat of her career — a serial killer who is preying on vulnerable women, murdering them in a shocking and bizarre ritual.
A master of deception, he selects his victims at random. Or so it seems. But as Phillips investigates, she begins to see a method in the killer’s madness. Perhaps these victims aren’t random at all…
As the pressure mounts, can Phillips find the link between these ritual murders before the killer strikes again — or will her dogged determination to solve the case bring his deadly silence to her door?

REVIEW:
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I found my mind trying to figure it out while trying to fall asleep which means that the book was getting to me. That says a lot if you ask me.

I thought the writing from this new author was great. And the characters had a lot of definition but also seemed human.

I highly recommend checking out this new author.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Poor And The Haunted by Dustin McKissen

TITLE: The Poor And The Haunted
CHARACTERS: Jimmy Lansford & Kelly
AUTHOR: Dustin McKissen
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“This thought-provoking tale makes a strong argument for letting go of past pain.” –Kirkus Reviews
As a child Jimmy Lansford and his sister Kelly suffered crushing poverty, their father’s unexplained and frightening suicide, and their mother’s constant abuse and cruelty. Having grown to be a successful adult, Jimmy must contend with the sudden re-emergence of memories from his childhood in Oklahoma and unexplainable events occurring inside his own home. Is it more than memories that haunt Jimmy? Did his parents suffer from mental illness and addiction, or were they possessed by something even worse—and has that presence arrived to take Jimmy?
The first horror novel from acclaimed author and journalist Dustin McKissen explores the nature of hauntings, the ghosts from our past that haunt our present, and the unbreakable bond between siblings who learn early on they can only rely on each other.

REVIEW:
I have to agree with the beginning of a number of other reviews. This story is not really a horror story unless you consider the horrors both Jimmy and his sister dealt with as children.

And now Jimmy has to deal with the demons that he wonders are part of his DNA makeup or if he is going crazy.

I found this book heartbreaking and interesting. I think this author has a bright future in the way he writes. The story is short (160 pages) but there is a lot said in these pages and a incredible story that pulls you in right away.

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

4 Hearts