Kimberly reviews Lightning In A Mirror by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: Lightning In A Mirror
SERIES #: Fogg Lake #3
CHARACTERS: Olivia & Harlan
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/18/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The final installment in the chilling Fogg Lake trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.

Olivia LeClair’s experiment with speed dating is not going well. First there was the nasty encounter with the date from hell who tried to murder her and now the mysterious Harlan Rancourt—long believed dead—sits down at her table and tells her she’s the only one who can help him locate the legendary Vortex lab.

This is not what Olivia had in mind when she signed up for the Four Event Success Guaranteed package offered by the dating agency. She doesn’t have much choice, though, because her psychic investigation firm works for the mysterious Foundation and Victor Arganbright, the director, is adamant that she assist Harlan. There’s just one problem—no one knows Harlan’s real agenda. His father once ran the Foundation like a mob organization, and Harlan was destined to be his heir. There’s a real possibility Harlan has returned to claim his inheritance.

For now, however, it’s a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend because others are after the secrets of the long-lost lab. Unfortunately for Olivia, the one thing friend and foe have in common is that everyone is convinced she is the key. Her unique psychic talent is required to defuse the ticking time bomb that is Vortex.

Neither trusts the other but Olivia and Harlan soon realize they must work together to survive and unlock the Bluestone Project’s most dangerous secrets before more innocent people die.

REVIEW:
Sadly, this is the last in the trilogy of Fogg Lake. I always hate when Krentz ends one of her series/trilogies. I could read anything Krentz (as well as her other aliases) writes and not be satisfied with where she leaves it. I want more!!!!

In this story Olivia has an offer to help her find who murdered her mother and she decides to take it. Both Olivia and Harlan have abilities that only Krentz could make sound realistic. And they are after the Vortex Lab. The bad guys are even written well.

As I said there is never enough when it comes to Krentz and her books always leave you wanting more even if everything has been answered.

Another great read! Can’t wait for the next series.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: The Family You Make
SERIES #: Sunrise Cove #1
CHARACTERS: Levi & Jane
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/11/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis begins a new series–Sunrise Cove–set near beautiful Lake Tahoe, with a heartwarming story of found family and love.

During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst…but can’t bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he’s happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend–right before his phone dies.

But Levi and Jane do not.

Now Levi’s family is desperate to meet “The One.” Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she’s nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn’t sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She’s terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.

As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can’t live without the man she’s fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is the first in a new series by Jill Shalvis and I was so excited. I love Shalvis and have enjoyed each of her books and this was no exception.

This book is just adorable. Every part of it. From strangers, Jane and Levi, becoming fake partners to the family and friends the “couple” have.

Shalvis is really one of the best and doesn’t get enough love for her books, characters and her writing skills. I would love to see her books come to life on a streaming service.

Any fan of the romance genre will love Shalvis and since this is a new series it is a perfect time to discover (or rediscover) such a wonderful author.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenhauf

TITLE: The Overnight Guest
CHARACTERS: Wylie Lark
AUTHOR: Heather Gudenhauf
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A woman receives an unexpected visitor during a deadly snowstorm in this chilling thriller from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf

She thought she was alone…

True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace.

As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I have never read this author before but I was pleasantly surprised with this story. Taking place in three different times it was interesting to see how the author brought all three incidents together.

I will say the mother and daughter dynamic in the third story is hard to deal with. The daughter is being abused and it is very emotional and sometimes palpable through the pages.

I did figure out a lot of the suspense but I enjoyed the way that the author got there so I was not disappointed even though I found myself correct on most things.

I will certainly look this author up again.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: You Can Run
CHARACTERS: Laurel & Huck
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Be prepared to stay up all night . . .”*

Suspense, danger, romance, and family drama converge as a rising star profiler strives to stay one step ahead of the criminal mind—and discovers that her own demons may be the hardest to outrun…

Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness . . .

A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement . Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…

Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti’s. I have never read a book I didn’t enjoy from her but some I like more than others and this is one of those.

Laurel is a FBI agent called to a scene in Washington and Huck is the local officer and her contact. I enjoyed Huck. He is a soldier and sniper. He is the ideal of the American Soldier. Laurel is a genius who started college before she was even a teenager and has multiple degrees but is not good with people (I kept picturing a female version of Sheldon Cooper).

Yes there is some romance to the story but mostly it is suspenseful with a lot of twists and turns and I love it when I don’t figure the “who-dun-it” out.

Zanetti really is one of the best in the business right now for almost every genre (romance, romantic suspense and paranormal). You can’t miss reading any of her stories.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Immortal’s Honor by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Immortal’s Honor
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #14
CHARACTERS: Sam & Honor
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/07/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From award-winning author Rebecca Zanetti comes the newest wildly thrilling Dark Protectors novel with an immortal hero to die for.

First comes danger . . .

When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…

Then comes desire . . .

Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn’t understand them, she doesn’t want them, but for now, she’ll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she’s ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he’s also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts First, if you have not read Rebecca Zanetti.. WHAT? Get to it. She is quickly becoming the queen of PNR. Second, start with the first in the series because this is the 14th and there is just too much to this series to start in the middle. And third, the characters that Zanetti writes are hot, sexy and downright practically perfect.

Sam is a Demon Vampire who kidnaps Honor which slowly and hotly turns into more. They are meant for each other. And Zanetti makes her characters jump off the screen.

You will never regret starting this series and continuing right up to Immortal’s Honor.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Invisible by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Invisible
CHARACTERS: Antonia Adams
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/04/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this riveting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a gifted young woman must grapple with the legacy of a troubled childhood in order to pursue her dreams.

Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye–and even more so when they fall in love.

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion–and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Danielle Steel’s since I was a teenager. This story is typical of her writing and a wonderful read.

In this story we meet Antonia who has always been a wallflower. She has learned to be silent and invisible to protect herself. But when she meets Hamish Quist her life changes in so many ways. But then as the story continues life goes on and Antonia faces decisions.

Steel is one of the best in the romance/women’s lit genre. She drags you in from the meeting of her main character and keeps you interested the whole time. This is no different. The characters are intriguing and the emotion as always is palpable.

Another good story from Danielle Steel.

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

4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Yuletide Kiss by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries & Mary Jo Putney

TITLE: A Yuletide Kiss
SERIES #: Duke Dynasty #4.5
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries & Mary Jo Putney
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/28/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The reigning queens of Regency Romance return with another delightful Christmas collection of three sparkling holiday romances, as stranded travelers find merriment, mistletoe, and holiday romance awaiting at a quaint country inn…

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Madeline Hunter
Jenna Waverly has closed her inn, anticipating a blissfully quiet Christmas, until a snowstorm brings the first of several strangers to her property. Lucas Avonwood, as charming as he is secretive, is on a mission to track down a scoundrel, but the inn’s lovely owner is giving him a more compelling reason to stay…

When We Finally Kiss Good-Night by Sabrina Jeffries
When Flora Younger first met Konrad Juncker, she thought she’d found her match, only to have her hopes dashed. Konrad is now a famous playwright whose plays Flora has secretly panned in reviews. But a chance meeting in a secluded inn may help them rewrite this star-crossed romance…

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney
Kate McLeod is shocked to find that a fellow guest in the snowbound inn is the dashing sea captain who may or may not be her husband. Captain Ramesh Langdon barely remembers that night in Bombay, but the desire they discover now will be impossible to forget, or to ignore…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts As a fan of all three of these authors I was excited to receive this book. I have been a fan of Sabrina Jeffries for a long time so When We Finally Kiss Good-Night was my favorite of the three stories.

Honestly, I can say these books are great. I enjoyed catching up with all of the series. Each author brings something of her own to this book and each character is written so well. The romances are perfect for the holidays.

These authors are some of the best in the romance genre. If you have not picked up one of these authors before you are missing out and this is a great way to get to know them.

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

4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: A Little Christmas Spirit
CHARACTERS: Lexie & Stanley
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/28/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Single mom Lexie Bell hopes to make this first Christmas in their new home special for her six-year-old son, Brock. Festive lights and homemade fudge, check. Friendly neighbors? Uh, no. The reclusive widower next door is more grinchy than nice. But maybe he just needs a reminder of what matters most. At least sharing some holiday cheer with him will distract her from her own lack of romance…

Stanley Mann lost his Christmas spirit when he lost his wife and he sees no point in looking for it. Until she shows up in his dreams and informs him it’s time to ditch his scroogey attitude. Stanley digs in his heels, but she’s determined to haunt him until he wakes up and rediscovers the joys of the season. He can start by being a little more neighborly to the single mom next door. In spite of his protests, he’s soon making snowmen and decorating Christmas trees. How will it all end?

Merrily, of course. A certain Christmas ghost is going to make sure of that!

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am not sure why but Sheila Roberts books should be watched by Lifetime or Hallmark and her books should be THE holiday movie of the year. And this book is no exception.

Stanley has become a recluse after the death of his wife, Carol. But after three years Carol feels it is time for Stanley to get back into the world. And she is going to haunt him until he does exactly that. And first thing Carol wants him to do is take care of the single mom next door.

Lexie just moved into her home with her son Brock and she is determined to make this Christmas one to remember. When Stanley starts to become part of the family she is appreciative and relieved but when things take a turn it is Brock who shows the true meaning of Christmas.

Another great book by Roberts who brings the Christmas spirit straight from her pages to your heart.

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

4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Holiday Ever After
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night
It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes
When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise
Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.

REVIEW:
As a huge fan of Jill Shalvis this felt like a holiday gift for me. Getting to read three novellas just in time for Christmas.

Shalvis has a way of drawing you in from the very start and all three novellas did just that. I loved all the characters.

In One Snowy Night, Rory and Max have a chance to finally fall in love like each of them wants to. They have a history, but each knows their love can make for a great future.

In Holiday Wishes Sean and Lotti were high school loves but when Lotti moved Sean broke her heart but now he gets a chance to make things right when they meet up a decade later and a snowstorm strands them at her family inn.

In Mistletoe in Paradise we get another second chance at romance story. James and Hannah were torn apart once but when their families decide to meet for Christmas in the Caribbean like they used to they get a chance to reconnect.

Each story is a great little Christmas package with a bright bow. You can not go wrong with Jill Shalvis and a Christmas story so the combination makes for a wonderful read.

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

4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

TITLE: The Santa Suit
CHARACTERS: Ivy & Ezra
AUTHOR: Mary Kay Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From May Kay Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author of Hello, Summer, comes a novella celebrating the magic of Christmas and second chances in The Santa Suit.

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love–but Ivy didn’t bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it’s a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit–beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it’s from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy’s quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Oh this is a great story. Absolutely needs to be made into a Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movie.

When Ivy buys a new farmhouse she finds an old Santa suit in the closet. Which, of course, leads her to an advantage to find out the ending to the story started by a letter in the suit. The best part for Ivy is actually becoming part of her new town.

I could perfectly see this as a TV movie. I could see every scene as it would play out on scene.

This is a great story to curl up under a comfy blanket with a glass of wine in front of the Christmas tree because there is no way you will not be in the holiday spirit after this book.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Bone Code by Kathy Reichs

TITLE: The Bone Code
SERIES #: Temperance Brennan #20
CHARACTERS: Temperance Brennan
AUTHOR: Kathy Reichs
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/06/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs returns with her twentieth gripping novel featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, whose examinations, fifteen years apart, of unidentified bodies washed up from the sea may be connected to a deadly new pestilence.

A storm has hit South Carolina, dredging up crimes of the past.

On the way to Isle of Palms, a barrier island off the South Carolina coast, forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan receives a call from the Charleston coroner. During the storm, a medical waste container has washed up on the beach. Inside are two decomposed bodies wrapped in plastic sheeting and bound with electrical wire. Chillingly, Tempe recognizes many details as identical to those of an unsolved case she handled in Quebec fifteen years earlier. With a growing sense of foreboding, she flies to Montreal to gather evidence and convince her boss Pierre LaManch to reopen the cold case. She also seeks the advice—and comfort—of her longtime beau Andrew Ryan.

Meanwhile, a storm of a different type gathers force in South Carolina. The citizens of Charleston are struck by a bacterium that, at its worst, can eat human flesh. Thousands panic and test themselves for a rare genetic mutation that may have rendered them vulnerable.

Shockingly, Tempe eventually discovers that not only are the victims in both grisly murder cases related, but that the murders and the disease outbreak also have a common cause…

REVIEW:
This is the 20th in the series and I have read a few of them but, honestly, have not read some in a while so it was nice to catch up with the characters and see what has been going on.

This story is right on point with today’s climate of vaccinations and such. But we also have a murder that brings Tempe right back to a case she worked years ago but never solved. The suspense of the book was great. Having had the break from the series it was great to see that Kathy Reichs hasn’t lost her amazing writing skills.

Can’t wait to stay in touch with these characters from now on since I am caught up.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Keepers by Jeffrey B Burton

TITLE: The Keepers
SERIES #: Mace Reid K-9 Mystery #2
CHARACTERS: Mace Reid
AUTHOR: Jeffrey B Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/29/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jeffrey B. Burton’s The Keepers is the next installment of the Mace Reid K9 series, featuring golden retriever cadaver dog Vira and her handler, Mason Reid.

Mason “Mace” Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection—that is, he trains dogs to hunt for dead bodies. He calls his pack of cadaver dogs The Finders, and his prize pupil is a golden retriever named Vira.

When Mace Reid and Vira are called in to search Washington Park at three o’clock in the morning, what they find has them running for their very lives. The trail of murder and mayhem Mace and CPD Officer Kippy Gimm have been following leads them to uncover treachery and corruption at the highest level, and their discoveries do not bode well for them . . . nor for the Windy City itself.

The Keepers is an exciting, fast-paced mystery filled with courageous dogs you’ll want to root for.

REVIEW:
This is the 2nd in the series. I have really enjoyed this series. I know it is only the second in the series but I am loving the main characters especially the dogs. In this one we meet a new dog. I love the connection between Mace and her dogs. Vera is a great dog too. OK enough about dogs.

The relationship between Mace and Kippy heats up some and the suspense of the book kept my attention and I wanted to know more. There were a LOT of characters in the book which was hard to keep up with a few times.

I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I really hope some station picks it up because how can you go wrong with a suspense series with dogs (oopps the dog thing again).

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

4 Hearts