Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kimberly’s review of Leandros by Celia Jade

TITLE: Leandros
AUTHOR: Celia Jade
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (no link)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Vicky’s plan was a hiking expedition to Mount Olympus. Ending up in an unearthly villa with a Greek demigod was not on the agenda.

When the Greek demigod flashed his law enforcement badge and accused her of carrying STX, Vicky almost laughed. In reality, she all but swooned as she took in his powerful build and azure eyes. He looked a lot like the men in her erotic fantasies, but he was no ordinary man. He was a fearsome immortal with a dark sexuality. A dangerous man.

Her few relationships with conservative men hardly translated into the image of a sexual tigress, so why did this demigod invite her to a private villa on Mount Olympus? She was a rational woman, except for this moment, when her reaction to him frightened her in a way that was too tempting to ignore.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a very short read of only about 35 pages. It is an interesting story and I can imagine it being just the beginning of a even longer novella. She is mortal, he a demigod and it is a weekend they will never forget. It is an enjoyable short read. Pick it up just to have on your ereader for a quick grab.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Sarah’s Fate by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Sarah’s Fate
SERIES #: Fate Series #2
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Josh
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/07/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sarah McMillan’s life came crashing down when her parents died. Moving across country, she’s determined to pull the pieces together and get on with her life. But when a man steps into her path, all her plans may have been for not.

Josh Andrews spent years searching for his mate, only to find her when he least expects it. Fate brings him Sarah, someone who needs him more than he’d thought he’d needed her. But convincing her to be his mate and start a new life might be harder than the journey to find her.

Can Josh convince Sarah to let him in? Or will the fact he is a mountain lion destroy what they could have had?

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Fate Series but it certainly can be read as a stand alone. However, by reading this first you will want to go back and read the first one (Snowy Fate) so I recommend you just start with the first story.

I enjoyed Sarah very much and really liked Josh. I enjoyed it more than the first book. This was not as short as the first in the series so it gave more background and more detail and it could be because of that but I really think Josh is just the better brother.

Again this is a short read so it is a perfect shapeshifter story to have ready for those times when you just need a little down time. But since the first one is even shorter pick them both up for a cute series.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Misty by M. Garnett

TITLE: Misty
SERIES #: Blood Sisters #1
CHARACTERS: Misty & Rad
AUTHOR: M. Garnett
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (no link)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I don’t have a sister—I was an orphan. I don’t believe in Vampires. They are myths that make interesting movies.

Say this three times, and three women find out that what they have believed in all their lives is wrong. They do have sisters, and there are Vampires.

Among the Vampires are those who just want their blood, because it is better than normal mortal blood. But there is also a special connection for each sister with three male Vampires who want more than just blood.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Ummm… Well I think I liked this book. I am not really sure but since I want to read the second in the three book series I am thinking I did. It is an interesting story. A few things are different than the normal vampire book but then again so many authors put their own spin on the breed.

I really liked Rad. He is really the hot vampire we all enjoy reading about. And Misty is written as a very strong woman who doesn’t just crumple into her vampire to be protected. I was impressed with the independence of this character.

The running away/hunt pages went on too long. While I enjoyed the clever writing of how Misty stayed on the run I was bored with the chase after one chapter. Unfortunately it went on a lot longer than that.

The other problem was I expected the other two sisters to show up but they never did. As a matter of fact they were not even mentioned until the last page. Which is why I do want to know what happens to the sisters. And on a personal note I really dislike that the cover has triplets (the sisters are not) and that they look nothing like the character described but that is just my opinion.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Dream Keeper by Storm Savage

TITLE: Dream Keeper
SERIES #: Blood Bites #2
CHARACTERS: Savaant & Angel
AUTHOR: Storm Savage
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Angel’s arrival on Dunalino creates quite a stir. As Savaant’s chosen one, her blood is highly sought after for the high it delivers. Her scent has become irresistible to all men. The threat escalates when other males seek to steal a taste of her sensual blood. They long to experience the intense orgasm said to accompany a stolen blood-bite from the woman in the legend.

Let the games being. Can Angel wriggle her way out of a game of blood-bites? Will trust in her new found love be enough to save her? Or will a cunning male seal her fate before Savaant is able to find her?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is the second part and I would recommend you read the first book or you will most certainly not understand this book at all. It is a short read (at 80 pages it is even shorter than book1 Dream Seeker) so it will not take long to read. The connection of the characters are palpable and they make you want to read what is going to happen.

This book had more erotic sex than book 1. And more intrigue. This series is good even though I can not explain why. The writing is not very good but I really enjoyed the books. I don’t know why it is good but I really think for a short read it will be something a fan of the paranormal would enjoy.

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

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Kimberly’s review of A Passion For Him by Sylvia Day

TITLE: A Passion For Him
AUTHOR: Sylvia Day
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Miss Amelia Benbridge is ready to leave behind a past filled with heartbreak for a sensible marriage. Until temptation itself comes calling, with an invitation to seduction…

She Loved and Lost Him Once…

Amelia Benbridge and the Earl of Ware are the most anticipated match of the Season. Lord Ware is handsome, wealthy, and kind, and he understands that her love will always belong to her childhood sweetheart, Colin. When Colin died, Amelia believed she would never feel such passion again. But her primal reaction to the brooding stranger who approaches her at a masquerade, coaxing her into a moonlit minuet and a single, sensual kiss, proves otherwise…

Colin Mitchell knew a pairing between a peer’s daughter and a gypsy stable boy was impossible. Amelia’s mistaken belief in his demise afforded him the opportunity to return to her as a man of means. But time has slipped through his fingers. She is preparing to wed another, and danger prevents him from revealing the truth. Colin can only bid her a secret farewell, but he underestimates her determination to unmask her phantom admirer. A forbidden kiss leads to her ardent pursuit and a soul-scorching affair. Amelia is perfectly attuned to his every desire, every thought—and hungry for stability he can’t offer her. For deception lies at the heart of their love, waiting to drive them apart once again…

REVIEW:
I really did not enjoy this book. I couldn’t stand the fact that Colin doesn’t just tell Amelia who he is and plays the game of “come to me, I must let you go” and he sleeps with other women while he is supposedly so in love with Amelia. Colin did nothing for me and I really couldn’t care less if he had stayed away from Amelia. In fact I like Ware much better than Colin.

Amelia is just too much of a contradiction in how she is written. She is supposedly so chaste and innocent and protected but at times she is exactly opposite. She has mourned Colin for so many years and feels that she should marry Ware because they are such good friends and yet she goes and sleeps with Colin before she even knows who he really is.

I think people will either like or dislike this book. Unfortunately I am in the dislike category.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Countdown To First Night by Hart/Daley/Minton

TITLE: Countdown To First Night
AUTHOR: Hart/Daley/Minton
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten, nine, eight, seven…
Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
Shelby Craig comes to Snow Falls for a First Night job, but secretly hopes it will be a respite from her grief and a haven for her two young kids. A sympathetic cop becomes the determined widow’s staunchest ally—though helping her may break his heart.

Six, five, four…

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was supposed to be a done deal! Children’s book author Ellie Summers came to the festival to meet her new illustrator. She didn’t expect him to turn down her proposal. And then to find the obstinate man so charming… Is it wrong to hope his matchmaking twin daughters succeed?

Three, two, one…

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Pride is a hard thing to swallow, but Jolie Godwin does her best to ignore her grievances with Jake Wild this one time. The man is graciously letting her exhibit her artwork in his luxury resort for First Night. He seems like a good person and a devoted uncle. If only he’d always been so perfect. Because his kiss is something she can’t forget….

Cue the fireworks!

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars First let me say in general each story was sweet. I am not one who enjoys the whole “We meet, we aren’t meant to be together, we need to be together, we love each other” in a matter of a couple of chapters but these stories were sweet enough to keep me interested.

Winter’s Heart by Jillian Hart
This was a very cute story. I liked that the main couple already knew each other as children and had reconnected. I really enjoyed the main male character of Ronan when he interacted with the children. Very sweet story.

Snowbound at New Year by Margaret Daley
This was cute but not as cute as the first one. I was a little tired of the main male character Brody’s attitude. He should have been named Brooding because that is what it seemed he was doing the whole time. I enjoyed the children of the story too even though trust me no 6 year old speaks the way they do.

A Kiss at Midnight by Brenda Minton
Once again I enjoyed this story as much as the first story. I liked that the characters had a history and in this case a very long history. The characters are really interesting and I loved that little Anna spoke sign language. There is true romance in this story.

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

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Kimberly’s review of For A Good Time Call by Trish Jensen

TITLE: For A Good Time Call
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“I’m just a nosy little ad exec who’s dying to see who invited me to meet you.”“Listen, Sherry Whoever-You-Are, I’m very, very busy,” Kit Fleming answered. “If you could just speed this up, I’d be wildly grateful.”Sherry became uncomfortably aware that he had a very sexy phone voice. “Well, you see, I got a delivery tonight, and I didn’t have anything smaller than a fifty, so the kid had to give me change.”“Uh-huh,” he said, the grunt tinged with annoyance. “Fascinating.”“The twenty he gave me had some writing on it.”“Writing?”“‘For a good time, call Kit.’ And of course, your phone number.”

REVIEW:
This was a adorable short read. I am a fan of Trish Jensen but had not read this story. This is a reprint and I am glad I found it. I enjoyed the characters very much.

I will be honest… As a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey this had all the makings of a PG rated version… He is a big time CEO with control and love issues and she is a woman who is looking for love and yet is independent when it comes to work. But keep in mind the original of this story was out long before Fifty Shades was…. I just could not let the similarities go without notice.

This is a enjoy quick read for an afternoon curled up on the couch (or in a sick bed in my case) that will having you smiling and wishing for Mr. Right to come along.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Rev It Up
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He Never Misses a Target
Jake “the Snake” Sommers earned his SEAL codename by striking quickly and quietly – and with lethal force. That’s how he broke Michelle Carter’s heart. It was the only way to keep her safe – from himself. Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance. But to steal back into Michelle’s loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow. Real slow…

She Aims to Make Him Beg
Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to “love her and leave her.” But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake’s hands. No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded. And once he’s wrapped around her heart, he’ll never let her go…

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Black Knights, Inc series which I did not realize when I picked the book and coming in at this point I was lost with the background story. Yes I kind of caught up but it was a bit confusing. There is a lot about the background characters and not knowing their story and how the BKI got started made it hard to understand why someone was after them and like I said it does eventually explain but I wish I had read the other two books before this one.

The story of Jake and Shell is different. There past is explained pretty much right away and you understand why things were done the way they were. When I picked up the book I expected it to be about the guy who was in love with his best friends girl and now that the best friend is gone he wants to “take care” of her for the friends sake but that is not even close. Jake has loved Shell since they first met but he was so messed up as a SEAL he didn’t know good from bad and did what he thought was best for her but now he is ready to be the man she needs and she doesn’t believe he has changed.

The story is very interesting. I am not sure about the writing… Jake’s conversations are written very juvenile (“yo”, “dude”, etc) but the rest of the story is not so young. I think the author wanted us to see Jake’s softer fun side by making him the surfer who grew old but not up but I could be wrong. It would be interesting to read another one of Walker’s stories to see if it is the character or the writing.

I think any fan of the romantic suspense or a woman who loves a good old fashion SEAL story will enjoy this book but I suggest starting at book one.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes

TITLE: Anything He Wants
AUTHOR: Sara Fawkes
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/27/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
First published as a five-part e serial novel, Anything He Wants inflamed imaginations everywhere and became a national bestseller. Now available for the first time ever as a complete book, this edition contains never-before-released scenes and special bonus material. Don’t miss this erotic tale of a powerful billionaire who always gets what he wants and the young woman who’s about to enter his exclusive realm–a world of glittering opulence and all-consuming passion, where she’ll explore the darkest reaches of her own desire.

Lucy Delacourt’s temp position isn’t quite her dream job but it pays the bills. The highlight of her day is riding the elevator in the mornings with a handsome stranger. Tall, dark, and sexy as hell, Lucy knows he’s way out of her league, but a girl can look, right?

Everything changes the day the stranger seduces her. Completely out of character, she yields without a fight, but she has no idea her wanton acts with a man whose name she doesn’t know will change her life forever. Because the sexy stranger is none other than Jeremiah Hamilton, billionaire CEO of Hamilton Industries, and one taste isn’t nearly enough to satisfy his need. As the billionaire pulls Lucy deeper into his world of high stakes business deals and ruthless takeovers, he demands nothing less than her complete surrender. But even as enemies seek deadly revenge against him, she’ll discover that her greatest threat is falling for her fiercely guarded boss…and yielding to her own darkest needs.

REVIEW:
The first thing I want a reader to know is this book has a cliffhanger and does not end with this book so don’t expect it. I was surprised by this and wish I had known before reading it (not that I wouldn’t have read it but I would have liked the forewarning.

Now, I have not researched this book but, I am going to assume that it was written as fan fiction off of 50 Shades Of Grey. There is just too many similarities in the stories. Not enough to say it was a rip off of it but enough to make me wonder if it started out as fan fiction and has become popular. The story is good (if not familiar) but Jeremiah really is not into BDSM as you would think he just likes control. He allows too many things that a Dom would never allow the sub to take liberties with. That being said the erotica is good. This is more of what the average person who enjoys a little fun can connect with, it is not over the top like some scenes from Shades.

It is good. It is interesting. It has more than just sex. I think anyone who enjoys these genre will enjoy this story very much.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

TITLE: Wild About You
AUTHOR: Kerrelyn Sparks
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/27/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Handsome Howard…
Hunky Howard…
Hot Howard…

It’s not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he’d like to lick…

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he’s a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

REVIEW:
I received an ARC of this book and I did not know it was part of a series and honestly I was a bit confused for a good amount of the beginning of the book. Obviously these characters have been introduced before and situations are ongoing from the other books. I just never connected with the characters which I think has something to do with not being aware of the previous story.

I did not feel that Howard and Elsa had a connection either. The book seemed very juvenile to me. Howard is more of a lovesick puppy than a were-bear and Elsa is very feeble-minded. Nothing made me what to get to know these characters.

Maybe if I had read the series from the beginning I would have enjoyed this more. I just do not know.

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

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Kimberly’s review of Light My Fire by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Light My Fire
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/10/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wearing jeans, boots, and a reckless, knowing grin, T. J. Delahaye is six feet and seven inches of pure danger. As a covert agent, T. J. saves people for a living. But when he tumbles down a mountain to rescue a wayward hiker, it’s T.J. who needs a helping hand. He falls—hard—for a gorgeous goddess named Jenna whose strength and fierce determination matches his own.

Tormented by the demons of her past, Jenna King once called herself an elite firefighter. She’s nobody’s damsel in distress, but now survival means joining forces with T.J.—and soon sparks are flying between them. Though Jenna has known as many wild men as wildfires, this maverick just may be the one to heal her heart and teach her the dark, secret thrill of surrender.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the Delgado’s Dirty Dozen series. As a recent fan of Donna Kauffman’s I am going back to find her older books which are being re-released having read Santerra’s Sin (1st) and Silent Warrior (2nd) I wanted to read this book but even if I hadn’t read the other two this book can stand alone and in my opinion is better than the first in the series and just as good as the second. There is an immediate pull when you start reading it because of the intensity of the first chapter. Finding out Jenna’s backstory right away really draws the reader in. The book takes place in less than 24 hours so having a connection between characters that soon is pretty far fetched but they do have a very intense 24 hours for sure. T.J. is very alluring in the strength of his character but also his easy way about him. And Jenna is fighting some demons but is up for the fight and willing to fight alone until T.J. comes along. There is not much suspense since there is no aggressor in the book but there is a lot of tension in what they go through in these short hours together. The story is great and a quick read. I think any fan of romance will enjoy it. And Bob is not to be missed.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Born To Be Wild by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Born To Be Wild
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Of course, that’s nothing for musketeer Zach Brogan, who risks life and limb daily as the owner of an adventure vacation outfitter. Skydiving into active volcanoes, hang gliding off glaciers, diving in shark-infested waters—Zach lives and breathes heart-stopping scenarios. But nothing can prepare him for seeing his childhood friend Dara again—or for the visceral reaction their reunion incites.

Dara Colbourne is living her professional dream: granting elaborate wishes to ill children. Yet when her new project puts her face-to-face with the guy who teased her all through school, Dara is far from pleased. But she is unprepared for the handsome, flirty man that Zach Brogan has become. As the two spar over trip logistics, the heat rises to levels neither can ignore. Is the thrill of adventure all there is between them, or can Dara trust this magnetic bad boy with her heart?

REVIEW:
This is a reprint of an earlier work from Donna Kauffman. As with all her books I enjoyed this one. The characters are interesting. The women in Kauffman’s Loveswept novels always prove to be independent and capable, yet, willing to find love. The men are dangerous and a diamond in the rough. This book was no different. This is the second in the Three Musketeers series. It is a good short read. Perfect for cuddling up in front of the fire or on a beach.

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