Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kelly and Kimberly review It Had To Be You by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: It Had To Be You
SERIES: Lucky Harbor #7
CHARACTERS: Luke Hanover & Ali Winters
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: May 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Available for a limited time, this special bonus edition of IT HAD TO BE YOU includes Blue Flame, a free, full-length novel also by Jill Shalvis.

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she’s a thief, and now she’s about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who’s as sexy as he is stern….

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke’s own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars All Luke wants is a nice peaceful and quiet three weeks off. This is the only reason he is back in Lucky Harbor. But Luke finds himself drawn to his new feisty roommate. But when Ali is accused of stealing Luke’s detective skills will not let him walk away from her but only until the charges are dropped and she is safe.

Love, love, love being back in Lucky Harbor. Jill always does such a great job of sucking me into the world of Lucky Harbor. Honestly I have not read a book in this series that I didn’t love.

Who doesn’t love an extremely hot man in a uniform with a tortured soul? One who has no chance of saving his heart from the half naked woman screaming on the phone in his kitchen.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars While this is part of the Lucky Harbor series there is something special about this story. And that something is Ali. While Luke is a great character it is Ali that makes this story what it is. And the highest kudos to Jill Shalvis for writing this incredible, heartbreaking yet inspirational character.

Ok first the easy part. Luke is great if not the typical commitment phobic man but honestly this is a romance so don’t we know that by the end of the story he will become hooked on Ali. Sure we do. But Ali is something more than a normal female lead to an everyday romance. There were times that I was close to tears. Not for what the character said but for how palpable her feelings were. The sadness that Ali (and Shalvis) projects is just heartbreaking and yet the character has an underlying belief that things will work out. She has lived a life that most would be hard to come back from but she does and the reader is able to be sad and proud of Ali at the same time.

Did I like this book? You bet… It was great to visit Lucky Harbor again and I can’t wait for the next visit to read Jack’s story. Jack makes a number of appearances in It Had To Be You and I can not wait to read Always On My Mind because not only is he adorable and sweet but who doesn’t love a firefighter?

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly and Kimberly review Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Just One Kiss
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #11
CHARACTERS: Patience McGraw & Justice Garrett
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again-and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Justice & Patience are such a great couple. There was so much emotion happening in the this book. Childhood best friends, both loved each other even back then. But in the dead of night Justice just disappears. Now that he is back, will it before good? Or will he disappear again and break Patience’s heart all over again?

I have to admit this is my first Susan Mallery book. Yes I started with book 11(crazy i know!!!). But I loved this story and loved Susan’s writing. This was a great book. Easily read as a stand alone. I never felt lost at any time in Just One Kiss. But I do plan on going back and reading the first 10 books in the Fool’s Gold series. But until then I am really looking forward to Two of a Kind (#12) and Three Little Words (#13).
If you are a Susan Mallery fan you will love Justice & Patience’s story!! If you are new to Susan. Don’t be afraid to grab this book and start reading and find out why a trip to Fool’s Gold is so very nice.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Another great visit to Fool’s Gold. This time the mini vacation was spent with Patience, Justice and Lilly. But it does not matter who you are actually visiting with you are always sure to bump into others that you know and love.

This has to be my favorite series of all my favorite authors books. I feel like I am coming home when I read one of Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. Each time I read about a character from a previous book I actually feel like waving hello. There is just something about the characters that Mallery writes. They get into your heart and soul. I will admit that Patience and Justice was not one of my all time favorite characters from Mallery but they would still be heads above characters from other authors. And that says a lot.

I would compare Justice to a chocolate covered marshmallow. He looks real good, is hard on the outside but when it comes to his inside he is just soft and sweet. Now Patience is the exact opposite. She looks sweet on the outside but she can hold her own and can stand on her own two feet. I wish there had been more scenes with Justice and Lilly (Patience’s daughter) because those scenes were just too sweet for words.

As with all of Fool’s Gold stories this years mini series (the year of the bodyguards) can be read alone but I would say start with book one and you when you finish this book (#11) you will hold your breath for book #12.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book 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 Forbidden Desires by Jodie Griffin

TITLE: Forbidden Desires
SERIES #: Bondage & Breakfast #2
CHARACTERS: Bella & Marcus
AUTHOR: Jodie Griffin
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/19/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When it comes to sex, Bella Massey wants a man who’ll get down on his knees and beg. And although she’s got the hots for firefighter Marcus Aiello, she can’t believe an alpha male like him could have a submissive bone in his body.

Marcus isn’t looking for a relationship, but Bella is not like any woman he’s ever met. When he discovers what the sexy librarian is really looking for in a man, he’s even more intrigued. But giving up control is difficult for Marcus—no matter how much he desires it.

Despite their intense attraction, Marcus and Bella’s budding relationship is at an impasse. Until a weekend at a unique B&B offering all manner of naughty nightly activities teaches them both just how good it can feel to lose control…

REVIEW:
So much could have happened with this story that I was disappointed it didn’t and parts of it just didn’t work for me. I believe the author was trying to buck the stereotype of what we are used to. By writing Bella as a slightly bigger woman we expect her to be an introvert and the Italian fireman Marcus should be a born Dom and while the story had potential it just didn’t work as well as the I hoped.

The characters just didn’t connect which was a shame. Is it weird to say that the story was good and the characters were good but they were just not meant to be in the same story together? That is how this book felt to me.

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

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Kimberly reviews Red Hot Holiday by Calhoun/Mitchell/Braemel

TITLE: Red Hot Holiday
AUTHOR: Calhoun/Mitchell/Braemel
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’ll be home for Christmas…to fulfill all your dreams.

This holiday, a Mountie is determined to get her man. A widow finds a fireman who ignites her passions again. And two men unsure of their commitment discover a happily ever after—and a blindfold—under their tree. No matter your desires, this collection of three shorts is bound to treat you to all the joys of the season.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:
I Need You for Christmas by Leah Braemel
Breath on Embers by Annie Calhoun
Wish List by K.A. Mitchell

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a three part anthology with some steamy holiday romance. Each story is well written and while the third is the best of the three all are worth reading. While the love is in the air the sex is steamy too. I liked how the characters were already set in motion and didn’t just fall for the holidays. If you enjoy a holiday read with a bit of romance thrown in then I think you will enjoy these stories. Be warned though the first story is m/m

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

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Kimberly reviews The Marquess Who Loved Me By Sara Ramsey

TITLE: The Marquess Who Loved Me
SERIES #: Muses of Mayfair #3
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Nick
AUTHOR: Sara Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/13/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A not-so-merry widow…

The widowed Marchioness of Folkestone is notorious for her parties, her art collection, and her utter disregard for the rules. But Ellie Claiborne knows her destruction is near. The new marquess is her first lover – the man whose sculpted body and sardonic grin haunt her every time she picks up her paintbrush. If he ever returns to claim his inheritance, her heart won’t survive seeing him again.

A man determined to destroy her…

Nicholas Claiborne hasn’t stepped foot in England since watching Ellie marry his cousin. He has no use for the gorgeous, heartless girl who betrayed him, or the title she abandoned him for. But when his business in India turns deadly, Nick must return to London to uncover a murderer – and take revenge on the woman he couldn’t force himself to forget.

A love they can’t escape…

Nick hates Ellie’s transformation from sweet debutante to jaded seductress. Ellie despises him for leaving her behind. Still, the sparks between them reignite the passion that should have been their destiny. As their demands of each other turn darker and a potential killer closes in, they must decide whether to guard the fragile remnants of their hearts — or find a way to fall in love all over again.

REVIEW:
I had a hard time getting into this story. The characters never really clicked for me and Ellie was just not a likable character. There seems to be some anger in her towards Nick when she is the one who ditched him and he should be the one that is mad. It seems so weird the way this story is written. Everything is backwards. The people who are mad at Nick should be mad at Ellie. The storyline of the attempted murder was so hidden it was non-existent. While Nick is an adorable character he deserved someone better than Ellie. I could have read more of Nick if not for the fact that Ellie had to butt herself in all the time. So many muses that Nick could have gone with and he chooses Ellie? Why?

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

 

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Kimberly reviews Bonds Of Trust by Lynda Aicher

TITLE: Bonds Of Trust
SERIES #: Wicked Play #1
CHARACTERS: Cali & Jake
AUTHOR: Lynda Aicher
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members’ night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he’s intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she’s been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she’s not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn’t want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story. It was lighter on the BDSM that I expected based on the synopsis but it was still an enjoyable read. The characters have an instant attraction and while the story is good it has become mainstream with the influx of BDSM stories.

Was it a story that will make the headlines like other BDSM? Not a chance. This book feels as if a stay at home mom decided she could write a book and jump on the popular bandwagon. But at the same time. It is a fine story in general and what the heck if you like erotica then pick it up.

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

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Kimberly reviews Now You See It by Cait Donnelly

TITLE: Now you See It
SERIES #: Inner Edge #1
CHARACTERS: Brady & Gemma
AUTHOR: Cait Donnelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former Navy SEAL Brady McGrath has no trouble attracting female attention. But women never stick around long once they learn he can read feelings through touch. When an old Navy buddy hires him to protect his sister, he doesn’t need extra-sensory abilities to know someone wants something from Gemma Cavanagh —something worth killing for.

Gemma’s finally getting a handle on her own unique ability to make things disappear—even making them reappear on occasion. When someone breaks into her house and hacks into her computer, she’s certain her soon-to-be-ex husband is to blame—until the police show up on her doorstep with the news he’s been murdered. And she’s their number one suspect.

After barely escaping a firebombing, Gemma and Brady are forced into hiding—and forced to confront the chemistry between them. As they desperately search for the killer, can Brady help Gemma harness her abilities—and keep her from finding out about his own dark past?

REVIEW:
Another book with a Navy Seal (aren’t they all anymore?). But I thought why not it sounded a bit different but while it had a bunch of potential I just couldn’t get into the flow of this book. Gemma is a character that I could not enjoy at all. While the men of the story are interesting that alone can not carry this story.

I loved the idea that the characters had paranormal abilities but that was not the main premise of the book so that was interesting to me but Gemma just wasn’t enjoyable enough for me to enjoy the story. The suspense is there so do not pick this up thinking it is paranormal but pick it up to enjoy the suspense.

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

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Kimberly reviews Romancing The Holiday by Burton/Dimon/Barth

TITLE: Romancing The Holiday
SERIES #: Kent Brothers #3/Holloway #3
AUTHOR: Burton/Dimon/Barth
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
We wish you a merry Christmas…and a happily ever after!

A memorable three-night stand gets rekindled in a cabin in West Virginia. An office romance is sparked by an impulsive holiday kiss. And two best friends scout locations for a marriage proposal and discover that they make a perfect match. ‘Tis the season for laughter, love and a lifetime of happiness.

Edited by Angela James this anthology includes:
We’ll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
The Best Thing by Jaci Burton
Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

REVIEW:
Great holiday romances. These are novella’s from previous holiday stories. Enjoyable for the holidays. Not much I can say about them except if you enjoy a holiday romance then pick this one up.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly review Desperate Measures by Linda Cajio

TITLE: Desperate Measures
CHARACTERS: Ellen & Joe
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellen Kitteridge is doing her best to put a personal but very public tragedy behind her. Trusting any man—especially one who radiates power and sensuality like Joe Carlini— isn’t easy . . . but it sure is fun. She’s never felt more alive as she helps Joe track down whoever is stealing Carlini family secrets. Playing spy games, with lust heating every moment, has taken her way beyond her comfort zone—and now she’s wondering if she’s gone too far.

Carlini Foods is Joe’s life, but Ellen, with her perfect mix of vixen and vulnerability, makes him realize how hungry his heart has become. Fate has made her his co-conspirator as he ferrets out a traitor in the ranks. Now it’s up to Joe to make sure she stays close. Ellen may have been hurt in the past, but Joe’s not going to give up on the best thing that has ever happened to him.

REVIEW:
While this story is cute it is OH SO DATED! I mean the characters meet in a roller skating rink for heavens sake. Originally published in 1989 as a LoveSwept novel this story does not stand the test of time.

Now that being said if you know ahead of time how dated it is it is a very cute story. I enjoyed it and can understand why it has become a “LoveSwept Classic”. It is a simple quick read and enjoyable… but really? Frank Sinatra? Can we say d-a-t-e-d?

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

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Kimberly reviews He’s So Shy by Linda Cajio

TITLE: He’s So Shy
CHARACTERS: Penelope & Richard
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Penelope Marsh last laid eyes on the gorgeous man standing before her, Richard Creighton had been a skinny nerd with glasses. Now he’s one of the most popular actors in the world. The only reason he’s back in New Jersey is to play the lead in a period piece directed by Penelope’s cousin. But Penelope’s too old for a schoolgirl crush—especially when the crush in question is a sexy Hollywood hunk.

Still sometimes shocked to be the object of a pretty woman’s desire, Richard is most comfortable with the cameras rolling, hiding behind the mask of his carefully crafted characters. Penelope’s presence on the set brings back memories of his painfully shy childhood—and yet he’s powerfully drawn to the willowy schoolteacher with the long legs and vivid blue eyes. Most celebrity romances must weather promiscuous starlets and invasive paparazzi, but Richard faces a different challenge altogether: proving that he’s come into his own since he was a kid—not to Penelope, but to himself.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 1994 and even from the prologue of the book you can see that this book is very dated. While a cute read it is best to know that up front.

This story is very typical of the romance of the day. However the couple is cute and endearing in their own way. The story is short so if you enjoy a cute romance this will be one that will become a classic just like it is in the LoveSwept Classic collection.

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

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Kimberly reviews Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

TITLE: Midnight Secrets
SERIES #: Wildfire #1
CHARACTERS: Savannah & Zach
AUTHOR: Ella Grace
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE HEAT BEGINS

On a hot southern night, with a storm on the horizon, a family is shattered. Three beautiful daughters—Savannah, Samantha, and Sabrina Wilde—go on with their lives, each significantly changed, as they bear the memory of the murder-suicide that killed their parents. For years, they have stayed away from Midnight, Alabama. Until Midnight calls them home.

Savannah is the first one back, when a grueling case in Nashville leads the young prosecutor to seek shelter in the quiet of the once grand Wilde mansion. But when she finds letters casting doubt on her family’s dark, shameful past, she realizes that peace in Midnight is a shallow façade and sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface. Zach Tanner, once the town’s bad boy, is now the new police chief and still has a wild hold over her. Zach can feel it, too, but he hurt Savannah once. As teenagers, they broke every rule together. Now it’s his job to keep her safe, even though he isn’t sure who her enemies are—or which ones might be his own.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. I did not want to miss a word of it. Zach and Savannah have a connection from the first moment and the background stories are very interesting and it is nice that the background story is more than just one simple story. There are actually countless stories going on in this story and somehow they all wrap around Savannah and Zach. Yet it does not feel overwhelming with the same characters.

Zach is just so adorable. He has such a romantic side and yet is all male. Savannah while she seems so innocent in the beginning shows she grows into a capable woman and still keeps her innocence.

I didn’t like that it took so long for the story of the Grandfathers letters to start. It was well past half the story. And honestly I am not sure I buy the whole reason Savannah decides to stay in town (no spoilers) either. There are a couple things also that were brought up and then never discussed again which I wanted to know more about. But that being said it really is an interesting story. There is a bit of everything in this story that any fan of romantic suspense would enjoy.

I can not wait to read the next in the series and see what the other two of the triplets is up to… and with who!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Summer He Came Home by Julianna Stone

TITLE: Summer He Came Home
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Cain
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans.

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this romance but had some problems with it… First the good part… Maggie and Cain have a connection right away that flows through the entire story. I enjoyed the storyline (mostly) and enjoyed the other “Bad Boys” and can not wait to read their stories too. I adored Michael (Maggie’s son) even though having a 7 year old I can honestly say no child that age speaks and acts the way he does but he is endearing and I enjoyed the connection that Cain and Michael have as much as the one Cain has with Maggie.

Now the part I was not so sure of… Cain is a rocker who comes back for one of his best friends funerals (that was written so emotionally well) but the background of Cain is really off some. First the story claims the band is starting to make it and the concerts they are playing have a bunch of fans… but then they are the opening act and Cain is already “tired” of the lifestyle. He also claims to be tired of the lifestyle but then anytime he plays the guitar it is written that he feels like he is missing something. It just seems the characters background is not written very clearly.

But that being said I enjoyed the book and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the “coming home again” romance.

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

4 Hearts