Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kimberly reviews No Foolin’ by Lisa Scott

TITLE: No Foolin’
SERIES #: Willowdale Romance #1
CHARACTERS: Kate & Teague
AUTHOR: Lisa Scott
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Willowdale, North Carolina, a small town where the folks are friendly, the romances are as sweet as the tea, and the biddies at the diner gobble up gossip like it’s peach cobbler. This may be their biggest scoop ever.

When sexy Hollywood bad-boy Teague “T-Rex” Reynolds comes to this quiet Southern town, he needs a fake girlfriend to hide the secret that brought him there. School nurse Kate Riley takes the job, but she won’t fall for a movie star, no ma’am. That’s fine with Teague. He hung a closed sign on his heart years ago.

Convincing the press they’re in love is one thing. Fooling each other they’re not is getting harder each day. Despite scandal, heartache, and misunderstandings galore, they might just find the sweet thrill of true love. Book one of The Willowdale Romances.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars ~ This is a cute story. I enjoyed Teague and Kate a lot. The relationship they have it very sweet. I am not sure that I think this book is “upbeat” though for most of it. Kate (and her sister) have a very low self-esteem which you can understand given their history but it is a bit of a downer after a while. I actually started to feel sad for them both. I wanted Kate to have a least some confidence in herself but other than the fact that she knows she can “always make things work out one way to another” she has very little confidence in herself.

However, she also almost has a childlike quality when she learns new things. She is really a interesting character in some ways good and some ways bad but still interesting. Teague is sweet and loving but he also has a youthfulness about him that should not be there for his age. He knows he is not what the papers say he is but he is not sure he can be what he wants to be. I am not sure how he supposedly got all the money he has since he is not a big time actor yet but, hey, I don’t know how Hollywood works. But, anyway, I liked him.

I really didn’t care about the background story of Kate’s pregnant sister. She was so needy and scared of life that, again, it was a bit of a downer but I understand it needed to be there to enhance Kate’s story.

Do not get me wrong. I liked the book. I truly enjoyed the day reading it and think anyone who enjoys the romance genre will enjoy it too.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Love Shack by Christie Ridgway

TITLE: The Love Shack
SERIES #: Beach House No.9 #3
CHARACTERS: Skye & Gage
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Globe-trotting photojournalist Gage Lowell spent carefree childhood summers in Crescent Cove. Now that he desperately needs some R & R, he books a vacation at Beach House No. 9—ready to soak up some sun and surprise old friend and property manager Skye Alexander. Their long-distance letters got him through a dangerous time he can’t otherwise talk about. But when

he arrives, the tightly wound beauty isn’t exactly happy to see him.

Skye knows any red-blooded woman would be thrilled to spend time with gorgeous, sexy Gage. But she harbors secrets of her own, including that she might just be a little bit in love with him. And she’s convinced the restless wanderer won’t stay long enough for her to dare share her past—or dream of a future together. Luckily for them both, summer at Crescent Cove has a way of making the impossible happen…

REVIEW:
This is the last in the Beach House No. 9 trilogy and I think it might have been the best of the three. Beach House No. 9 is magical or so the summer visitors say and with this last book in the series they might be right.

Gage returns back for a harrowing experience overseas to the woman he believes to be a friend and pen-pal but there is something more. Something that each of them is dealing with internally and while they tell each other almost everything in their letters both don’t want to share the experiences even though doing so would help them both heal and that is where the beach and the house come in.

I have always enjoyed Ridgway’s book and this was no exception. There is something about Gage and Skye that pulls you in. Maybe it is because we have been a part of their correspondence every since book one in the series or maybe it is just that Ridgway writes a couple that are meant to be together.

While you can read this on its own I would suggest starting with book one. There is a number of things in this book that wrap up the stories from the first and second in the series and I think you will miss the feeling of completion without reading all of them. And trust me it is no burden to read Ridgway’s books.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Keeper Of The Night by Heather Graham

TITLE: Keeper Of The Night
SERIES #: The Keepers: LA #1
CHARACTERS: Rhiannon & Brodie
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In their new Keeper roles, these extraordinary women must balance the fate of the world with their desires…

New Keeper Rhiannon Gryffald has her peacekeeping duties cut out for her—because in Hollywood, it’s hard to tell the actors from the werewolves, bloodsuckers and shape-shifters. Then Rhiannon hears about a string of murders that bear all the hallmarks of a vampire serial killer, and she must confront her greatest challenge yet. Together with Elven detective Brodie McKay, they head to Laurel Canyon, epicenter of the danger, where they uncover a plot that may forever alter the face of human-paranormal relations.

REVIEW:
So the plot for this story is interesting. Rhiannon is a Keeper (babysitter/judge) for the vampires. She is new to the job with her 2 cousins. She barely gets to LA and vampire murders start happening. Brodie is a copy (and Elvan) who is working the case and they team up.

Sounds interesting right? And it sorta is except the writing of the story almost seems like it is written for YA (except the minor love scenes). This is the first in a new series but it felt like I should know the Fathers of the new Keepers because they refer to them over and over as if they were in an original series and I did go back to see if I could find the series but I couldn’t find anything but it made me feel like I was missing a little something.

Also the other problem was the female characters. They are so immature. And yes we are supposed to think that they are new and thrown into this Keeper position but it Rhiannon seems like she can not do anything alone and one cousin is too uptight and the other is a bit spoiled. I really didn’t like them much.

But I did enjoy Brodie and Rhiannon together. They worked well together. I love Heather Graham’s ghost stories so I thought I would love this too but I just liked it.

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

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Kimberly reviews Sweet As Sugar, Hot As Spice by Kimberly Raye

TITLE: Sweet As Sugar, Hot As Spice
SERIES #: Farrel Sisters #3
CHARACTERS: Eve & Linc
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/14/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SWEET AS SUGAR

As owner and operator of Sugar & Spice Sinema, Eve Farrel creates red-hot how-to videos that help couples go from mild to wild. But Eve herself is single-and her famous feminist mother is determined to keep her that way. The only way Eve can get her mom off her back is to do the unthinkable-like get married.

HOT AS SPICE

Linc Adams is a bad-boy NASCAR driver whose love life is even faster than his car. The last thing he wants is to follow in his father’s footsteps and run for mayor of his North Carolina town. Hoping to blow his electoral chances, he agrees to marry Eve. Surely, her knockout looks and steamy career will shock conservative voters! But Linc’s in for a shock himself on his wedding night. This fast-track ladies’ man is about to learn a trick or two about lovemaking…while Eve is about to learn something new about love.

REVIEW:
The thing I liked best about this story? Everything. Well, ok, the NASCAR information was no longer accurate since the book was originally published in 2005 but that is ok. I really liked that there were problems. Not problems that we normally see but real life problems. They get married first and have sex later and she fakes an orgasm and he knows it. Now how do they get through that? Her mom is a pain and his parents are set in their ways. She expects him to be ignorant and he expects her to be wild. And so now they are married and they have to deal with everything else.

I could have also used a bit of a different ending. Where was the dramatic scene with the parents? I missed that! But other than that it really is a great story. I read the first one in the series and somehow missed the second but I will be backtracking to read it.

If you enjoy a non-perfect romance then this is the story for you.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Protector by Nancy Northcott

TITLE: Protector
SERIES #: The Protectors #1.5
CHARACTERS: Edie & Josh
AUTHOR: Nancy Northcott
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When firefighter and paramedic Edie Lang arrives to battle a wildfire in southeast Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp, she’s dismayed to encounter the man who ruined her life in just one night. Their reunion doesn’t make helicopter pilot Josh Campbell any happier than Edie is. Despite their efforts to ignore each other, the sparks between them have not diminished, but neither intends to let them flare again.

When one of them is gravely injured, the two discover their passion runs deeper than either of them could have imagined and they have Dr. Stefan Harper to thank for that chance.

Dr. Harper is happy to have given the couple a second chance, but realizes through Josh and Edie, as well as his good friends Val and Griff, that what’s missing from his life is love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars ~ Ok first… Did you know this was a paranormal novella? Well I didn’t based on the synopsis and in the beginning I was confused. I had not read book one (actually I didn’t even know there was a book one until after I read this one). But once I read a bit I was able to understand what was going on. Apparently in short… There is a paranormal hospital for mages which is not a witch but has magical powers. Now something happens to Edie and Josh which is why they end up in the hospital.

Ok now that you have the correct synopsis…. I really enjoyed this short story. It was a well written story with a full story in a small amount of pages. I enjoyed the story of Edie and Josh. I have to say I am not sure about the story of the doctors but I will honestly say I think that it because I have not read the first in the series. You could tell a lot had been explained prior so I did feel that I was missing a bit of information but was able to enjoy the story besides that. I think anyone who likes romances with a magic twist will enjoy this one.

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

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Kimberly reviews Midnight Fantasy by Sandra Chastain

TITLE: Mac’s Angels: Midnight Fantasy
CHARACTERS: Annie & Joe
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a series of football injuries leave him broken in both body and spirit, former star quarterback Joe Armstrong decides that his life is over. Wanting nothing more than to sit alone with a strong drink, Joe is less than pleased when he receives an unexpected visit from nurse Annabelle Calloway. Finding the golden-haired angel impossible to ignore, Joe reluctantly lets Annabelle into his home.

Although she’s seen her fair share of tough cases, Annabelle isn’t sure how to reach the troubled Joe. But having almost succumbed to depression herself, Annabelle feels an instant connection to her charge. A connection that becomes undeniable. Enveloped by passion and filled with longing, Annabelle will stop at nothing to give Joe a reason to live—and a reason to love.

REVIEW:
This is a “Loveswept Classic” reprint so parts of the story seem a little dated but that does not take away from the story. The part that takes away is the story itself. I saw a review of GoodReads that says “cheesy” and yeah that fits it perfectly. While sweet and I can understand why in the 90’s it was just not up to todays reads. That being said though it is a cute story. If written today a lot would be written differently. This is a cute quick read. If you want to have a story ready for when a short read is needed this is great.

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

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Kimberly reviews A Dream To Cling To by Sally Goldenbaum

TITLE: A Dream To Cling To
CHARACTERS: Brittany & Sam
AUTHOR: Sally Goldenbaum
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an unforgettable tale of unlikely passion, cherished romance author Sally Goldenbaum shows that in the game of love, rules are meant to be broken.

Sam Lawrence is a wild Renaissance man who chases his dreams around the world in pursuit of lucrative business ventures. But after meeting the captivating Brittany Winters, he is determined to keep her in his arms forever. If only he can persuade the auburn-haired beauty that he’s a serious catch and not a fleeting mirage.

Brittany has always followed the rules. Close with family and friends, dedicated to her job at an animal shelter, Brittany is firmly planted in a satisfying life—that is, until Sam comes along. Sam’s touch makes her head spin, but can a man on the move ever have a real home? Longing to hold on to her own dream of happily ever after, Brittany must decide whether she can trust Sam—or risk a broken heart.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Reluctant Countess, Wild Rain, and Silk on the Skin.

REVIEW:
I was going back and forth about giving this book 2.5 or 3 stars and settled on 3 for one reason only. The concept is different than what we normally see in romance books. I never connected with the characters even though I enjoyed Sam. I felt like the author was trying too hard in the writing and gave the characters an uppity feeling that I just could not enjoy.

But on the other hand I have never heard of a male character getting to know the female character based on a game board. (Yep you read that right). So I decided it was different enough to give the author credit for that.

This is a LoveSwept classic originally from 1987. Maybe that makes the difference.

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

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Kimberly reviews Strictly Business by Linda Cajio

TITLE: Strictly Business
CHARACTERS: Jess & Nick
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jess Brannen adores practical jokes, which is why she and her friends plan a raucous bachelorette party at a male strip club in Atlantic City for an unsuspecting bride-to-be. But the next morning, the joke is on Jess: She wakes up next to Nick Mikaris, the renowned architect who she had hoped would hire her landscaping company. An intense night of passion is not the sort of pitch meeting she had in mind.

Nick Mikaris isn’t one to mix business with pleasure, but he’s willing to make an exception in Jess’s case. Nick is tempted by Jess’s work proposal—and by the captivating woman herself. Touching Jess is delicious and addictive, but she seems determined to ignore the undeniable attraction between them. Now Nick, ever the practical architect, must convince Jess that they have what it takes to design a long and lasting life together.

REVIEW:
What a cute story. Not only is the story interesting but it is just a little off the norm of what books always seem to be. This is a re-release from 1988 and mostly it is not dated. I liked that Jess was a landscaper and not some frilly thing. And I enjoyed Nick so very much. Talk about your dream guy!

I started this book late thinking I would read a little before bed and didn’t go to sleep until it was done. It is not long with only about 120 pages but it is well worth the read. This is one I am glad they are re-releasing!

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

4 Hearts

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#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Against The Wall by Rebecca Zanetti – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Against the Wall
SERIES: Mavrick Montana #1
CHARACTERS: Jake Lodge & Sophie Smith
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: March 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Never challenge a cowboy in the courtroom…

Surveying the proposed site for a high-end golf course should have been a breeze for spunky Landscape Architect Sophie Smith. But when this born-and-bred city girl is suddenly—and quite literally—swept off her feet by a sexy cowboy on horseback, she realizes that the country life has some serious (and seriously steamy!) possibilities. That is, until she finds out exactly who her smokin’-hot wrangler really is.

Cowboy and Tribal lawyer Jake Lodge is desperately trying to block the development. And if that means playing hardball—and being every inch the shark lawyer—so be it. But Sophie is a distraction he didn’t expect. A distraction that makes his blood burn.

Two different worlds. Two opposing sides. And when they finally give into the exquisite temptation, the consequences will shake the foundations of both of their lives

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Sophie Smith is a on a mission. She has to convince the local tribe and county that her company should put in a golf course. If she can do this she can save her Uncle’s company. The last thing Sophie ever expected was to be swept off her feet. And boy does Jake sweep Sophie off her feet. Even when she tries to fight him on this growing attraction Jake never gives up on her or what he wants.

I could go into so much more about this book. But I really try to keep my review spoiler free and I fear if I say much more I will tell you the whole book. You just really need to buy this book!!!

I think the Rebecca knocked out of the park with this first book in her new Contemporary romance series. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Heck I can’t wait for the next three. Each of the Lodge kids are spunky, loyal, total smart asses, and never give up when they set their sights on a goal.

If you are looking for a new love. You need to take a trip to Maverick Montana.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
I had to force myself to finish this book… why? Because I knew if I finished this book it would be over and I never wanted this book to end. I have a brand new fictional love in Jake.

I don’t want to tell much of the plotline because honestly I loved the surprise of it all. This is a different type of writing for Zanetti and I have to say that as much as I loved her paranormal books I just could not get enough of this book and its characters.

Sophie is an adorable character. She is the type of woman that you just know would be a great friend. She is comfortable with everyone and has a passion that she so desperately wants to follow. Jake is just.. wow. There is something about this man that every woman would find irresistible.

I can not wait until the next book (Under The Covers) comes out. I wonder who is will be about… Quinn? Oh yeah… Wait… Colton? That works… Dawn? Yeah I want her story too… No matter who it is about I will be picking it up as soon as I can!

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.

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Kimberly reviews Wild Child by Shelley Munro

TITLE: Wild Child
CHARACTERS: Zoe & Matt
AUTHOR: Shelley Munro
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Zoe Underwood is one sexy disruption.

From the moment her father married Matt’s mother, Zoe has tempted Matt Cantrell with her seductive curves and driven him crazy with her flirting and provocative manner. The thing is they have no future because Zoe is his stepsister. Determined to dodge trouble, Matt leaves Auckland to live and work in the Gold Coast of Australia. A sea between them should do the trick and let him move forward without the “Zoe” distraction in his life.

Matt Cantrell is one stubborn dude.

No one presses Zoe’s buttons like the tall, dark and gorgeous Matt. In fact, every other man pales in comparison. One last play. Zoe decides to invade Matt’s territory and make her move before some other clever woman snaps him up. She’ll bust through emotional walls and push boundaries. By the time she’s finished, Matt won’t know what hit him. Yes. Good or bad, she’ll stir things up and take a chance on love.

Note – this book was previously published by All Romance ebooks as part of the 28 Days of Heart series in 2010.

REVIEW:
This is a very short story so it will be a very short review. The subject matter is a little odd. Yes there is no blood between the characters and I do know that there are a number of these stories all over the internet but it was still a little off. The story is good and the writing is good. I just am not sure that most people would enjoy reading this type of relationship.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Send Me No Flowers by Trish Jensen

TITLE: Send Me No Flowers
CHARACTERS: Jenny & Rob
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When she was known as an overweight kid from a “loony” family, he often rescued her from bullies. Now she’s come back home all grownup and gorgeous, and he’s the one who will need rescuing. Sheriff Rob Townsend of Daredevil, South Carolina remembers Jenny Creighton as the girl mean kids called “Jumbo Jenny.” He was compelled to protect her on more than one occasion, a brand of heroic kindness Jenny never forgot. Jenny’s returned to the small town to claim an inheritance and open a flower shop. On the inside, however, she’s still the chubby girl who doesn’t want anyone to remember her humiliating past. Rob has turned into a hunk with a painful history of his own-one that makes him the biggest heartbreaker south of the Mason-Dixon line. When he becomes her best customer-buying flowers as goodbye gifts for a growing line-up of ex-girlfriends-the women in Daredevil begin to run from Jenny and her kiss-goodbye bouquets. How can she build a business when all the single gals in town are scared to see her on their doorsteps? And what are the secrets behind her childhood hero’s love-’em-and-leave-’em lifestyle?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a re-release from I believe 1999. This is a very cute book. As with all of the earlier books from Jensen as much as I enjoyed it I enjoy her current works better but this was a great story.
It was set in small town America so it seemed I was watching something out of Mayberry. Everyone speaks with a hick accent and says “yes ma’am” and calls everyone “Miz ___” but once I got used to that it was a enjoyable read.

Jenny is written very well. I liked how she was written as a normal woman. She wasn’t perfect but was an everyday woman who dealt with life. I enjoyed Rob as well. While he does play that small town playboy personality we really didn’t see a lot of that because the story starts off with Rob and Jenny having met 6 months ago (this time around). It is not a long book but it is worth the read.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

TITLE: Highlander Most Wanted
SERIES #: Montgomery/Armstrong #2
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Bowen
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

REVIEW:
What a wonderful and sad story. I have never read Banks before but now I have found a new author to enjoy. Genevieve breaks my heart. While she tried to be so brave her desperation is so palpable that I just wanted to cry for and with her. And what a wonderful man Bowen was written to be. This may just be my favorite Highlander novel.

I was worried that the sadness of Genevieve would go on for so long that it would become aggravating but it never did. And while it did continue throughout the entire story she was written with such a fighting spirit that just when you thought it might get tiresome something happens and you begin to understand her sadness yet again. Bowen is a strong man who is willing to do anything for Genevieve to be happy again.

This is the second in the series and I will say having not read the first I was a little lost with the characters and history at first but that was soon inconsequential to the rest of the story so it was fine. The other problem was there was a bit of the same information over and over but again it is written so well that it was still enjoyable.

If you enjoy Highlander novels this will most certainly need to be one you pick up and if you have not read one before this should be your first. You will fall in love with the Highlanders and Maya Banks.

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

4 Hearts