Category: Kimberly’s Review

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of A Winter Wonderland by Fern Michaels and Others

TITLE: A Winter Wonderland
AUTHOR: Fern Michaels +3
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Four special holiday offerings from today’s favorite authors remind us that when love is on your list, you never have to stop believing…
“A Winter Wonderland” by Fern Michaels
Angelica Shepard left New York for Christmas in Colorado to relax and unwind—but an out-of-control snowboarder almost had her laid to rest. When she wakes up in the hospital, all she remembers is the handsome angel who saved her…
“The Joy of Christmas” by Holly Chamberlin
Not all happiness is good for you—or that’s what Iris Karr thinks when she decides to move away instead of marrying her sweetheart Ben. Even years later, living with that decision isn’t easy—until a familiar face comes to call her home for the holidays…
“The Christmas Thief” by Leslie Meier
Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker’s Cove, Maine—until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor’s jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth’s mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her. ‘Tis the season for a little investigating…
“The Christmas Collector” by Kristina McMorris
Estate liquidator Jenna Matthews isn’t one for Christmas nostalgia. But when one grandmother’s keepsakes suggest a secret life, unwrapping the mystery leads Jenna—and her client’s handsome grandson—to the true heart of the holiday spirit…

REVIEW:
I was going to review these books separately but honestly I can say the same things about all of them. The stories are just ok. The characters never really connect to each other. There is actually a sad element to these stories. This was not the feel good holiday novel I expected. I was disappointed in all of the stories. They might have been better if it was not set up as a holiday read but seeing as a fan of romance I want a feel good story not sadness.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of A Fool’s Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: A Fool’s Gold Christmas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The unrelenting cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. She learned early on that Christmas miracles don’t happen, at least not for her. And this year seems like no exception. An injury has forced her to return to the family fold, no matter that they’re estranged. She won’t add to the awkward scenario by being seduced by the bad-boy charms of her brother’s best friend, the last man she should ever want to date. Even when she’s recruited to stage the Fool’s Gold winter festival, she vows to do as promised, then move forward with her life anywhere but here.Jaded lawyer Dante Jefferson is getting used to the backwater town he now reluctantly calls home, but the pounding of little dancers’ feet above his temporary office is more than any man should have to take! When he confronts their gorgeous teacher, he’s unprepared for the attraction that sears him down to the soul. Evie is his best friend’s sister — off-limits unless he’s willing to risk his heart. Dante has always believed that love is the most dangerous force in the universe, but that was before he had to reckon with the magic of a certain small town, where miracles do seem to happen….

REVIEW:
There is no place I would rather spend Christmas than Fool’s Gold. With the beautiful backdrop of the California mountains Christmas comes alive in the latest of the Fool’s Gold series from Susan Mallery. Fool’s Gold is the type of town we all wish we belong to with people willing to help and a place where a newcomer can feel at home. But when Evie is brought to the town by her family after breaking her leg she feels more like an outsider than part of the family. The only place she feels at home in on the dance floor so when asked to teacher the children the winter dance she agrees even as she plans her escape from the town after the holidays.

Dante has also been brought to Fool’s Gold against his will by his business partner Rafe (Summer Days #7). With the past that Dante has the best thing he can do with the ladies is love ‘em and leave ‘em and he has gotten good at just that. But when Evie and her troupe dance into Dante’s life will he recognize a good thing and will either of them be willing to overcome the past to believe in love and learn that Fool’s Gold really can be home? Both are unaware that the lure of Fool’s Gold is not only in the spirit of the season but the spirit and heart of the town.

I could not put this book down. This is the 10th in the series and I have loved everyone of them but there is just something extra special about Fool’s Gold at Christmas time. I wanted to walk the streets, see the decorations of the town and watch the performance on Christmas Eve. I wanted to drink peppermint martinis at Evie’s house with the girls and wanted to walk up to Dante and hug him after smacking him upside the head. Mallery has a way of transporting you to the town of Fool’s Gold and as a reader you can feel the love she has for her (unfortunately) imagined town which makes the reader love it to. Pick up “A Fool’s Gold Christmas”, make a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle up on the couch and I promise you in a few hours when you finally set the book down you will be ready to start decorating your house for the holidays.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Red by Kate Kinsey

TITLE: Red
AUTHOR: Kate Kinsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/06/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Truly, madly…deadly
A BDSM thriller
Detective Tom Hanson has a string of grotesquely mutilated bodies on his hands and no answers—aside from the fact that the victims were members of an underground sex club catering to singular erotic tastes. Tastes the long, lean detective has sampled himself in the arms of his former lover, a fiery redhead who offered the most erotic, irresistible sex he’d ever encountered. Until the night she’d begged for the one thing he couldn’t give, and he lost her forever.

Gina Larsen is the only one who can guide Hanson through the fringe world of dark fantasy and desire that lies hidden deep beneath the Bible Belt. Lured into her lair by a quest for justice, Hanson discovers his hunger for Gina has only grown stronger and deeper…beyond the edge of control. Soon he’s shedding his last inhibitions in the search for answers, but the more she draws him into her erotic web, the less he can distinguish between passion and duty, pleasure and pain…good and evil.

REVIEW:
I guess the best way to describe this book erotic suspense. It is a who-dun-it in the BDSM world. While I did want to know what happened and who the killer was there is just something off about this book.

There are too many characters introduced too quickly for the reader to remember who is who which is distracting. The language in the book is crude and I am not talking about the sexual words but the use of vulgarities like fag, etc which just takes away from the story. The feel of the book, at least to me, is the author does not live the BDSM lifestyle but has read a lot about it. It does not seem to be a familiar area for the author. However at the end of the book the author notes say she is a member of the community.

The characters of Hansen and Gina never seem to have any chemistry and Hansen seems to betray his own preferences in the book which does not seem to mesh. Gina seems stone cold and never seems to warm up. Hansen’s partner is rude and honestly written as not only a jerk but stupid too. His character is being used as an excuse for the author to answer questions about what things in the lifestyle mean which is fine but when a cop doesn’t know what “endorphins” are it makes him written as an idiot.

If you want to read a erotic suspense than I guess this is a good enough book but the erotica is not very erotic and while the suspense is suspenseful I am not sure it makes up for having to read the whole story.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Need by Todd Gregory

TITLE: Need
AUTHOR: Todd Gregory
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the sultry streets of New Orleans, you can indulge every desire. Even when what you crave is blood.

As far as the mortal world knows, Cord Logan died two years ago. In reality, he stalks the French Quarter, searching for victims. Cord knew that coming back to New Orleans would be risky now that he’s broken with the fraternity of vampires who first claimed him. But a chance encounter with an old friend triggers unexpected desire, and reveals a lethal curse that endangers not just his kind, but all of humanity.

Cord’s quest to break the curse leads him on a journey of carnal self-discovery and deep into the bayous. Here, where magic reigns unchecked, Cord must tap into his dark, unpredictable abilities and all his seductive powers. And if he fails, he’ll have all eternity to regret it…

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I have to say that the synopsis did not explain everything this book is about. Honestly it is gay erotica with a touch of a vampire story. There is a lot of sexual scenes and while it is very well written and even though it is nothing that I expected it to be I really enjoyed the storyline but I was a bit surprised by all the gay erotica

As I said it is well written and a very interesting story but there is a bit too much of the same thoughts over and over. The story would have worked better as a short story. Not because there is not enough storyline, there is, it is just things are repeated too often and take up too many pages.

I liked Cord but there were so many sex partners that it was distracting. Cord just falls into bed with anyone and after thinks “maybe I shouldn’t have done this” which makes the reader feel that the book was really a chance to write a gay erotica and the author figured vampires were popular now.

That being said if you enjoy vampire stories AND gay erotica than this is the book for you. This is just a story that you need to know the details going in before reading.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz

TITLE: Seven Day Loan
AUTHOR: Tiffany Reisz
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Want more than Fifty Shades? Mills & Boon have the answer with 12 Shades of Surrender! All 12 stories promise unforgettable romances with a sinful edge – surrender to pure reading pleasure… A trained submissive, Eleanor will do
whatever her master commands – even spend a week with a stranger! But while she’ll let him have her body, she’s determined to keep a guard around her heart…

REVIEW:
This is a short story (33 pages). The story is Eleanor is a submissive and she is loaned to a Dom while her Master is gone for the week. The problem is that Daniel doesn’t really show any dominant qualities to me. Yes he asks her to do some over the top stuff but there is never a time she seems subservient to him. It is a erotic short read though.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of My Kind Of Christmas by Robyn Carr

TITLE: My Kind Of Christmas
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/23/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
PATRICK RIORDAN ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT NOTHING COULD MATCH THE ADRENALINE RUSH HE GETS FROM HIS JOB. BUT THIS CHRISTMAS, PATRICK’S PULSE IS REALLY RACING…

The Riordan brothers may have a reputation for being rough-and tumble, but Patrick has always been the gentle, sweet-natured one. These days, his easygoing manner is being tested by his high-octane career as a navy pilot. But for the Riordan brothers, when the going gets tough…the tough find the love of a good woman. Except the woman who has caught Patrick’s attention is Jack Sheridan’s very attractive niece. Angie LeCroix comes to Virgin River to spend Christmas relaxing, away from her well-intentioned but hovering mother. Yet instead of freedom, she gets Jack Sheridan. If her uncle had his way, she’d never go out again. And certainly not with rugged, handsome Patrick Riordan. But Angie has her own idea of the kind of Christmas she wants—and the kind of man! Patrick and Angie thought they wanted to be left alone this Christmas—until they meet each other. Then they want to be left alone together. But the Sheridan and Riordan families have different plans for Patrick and Angie—and for Christmas, Virgin River–style!

REVIEW:
4 1/2 Stars This is part of the Virgin River series however since I have not read any others and yet I loved this book I feel comfortable saying you can read this as a stand alone as well… but it will make you want to go back and read the others.

There is not much about Christmas in this story. In fact Christmas doesn’t even come in the story by the time it finishes so if you are looking for a book to get you in the holiday mood this is really not it but it is such an enjoyable read that you will forget you wanted to read a holiday story.

The characters of Patrick and Angie are just so wonderful. You can feel the connection between them from the first scene they have together. The background characters (which have had their own books) are great too. I really did love everything about this book. I have never read a Robyn Carr book before so I was not sure what to expect but her writing is very smooth and flows really well. She is able to bring you into the moment with each scene she writes. The ending of the book had me tearing up a little bit which is not something that happens very often so when it happens I know the book has brought me to a place that many others have not.

I would highly recommend you meeting Patrick and Angie and spending the holidays with them. It is a story you won’t want to miss.

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

4 Hearts
Posted on

Kimberly’s review of A Christmas Hope by Joseph Pittman

TITLE: A Christmas Hope
AUTHOR: Joseph Pittman
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/25/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE FINAL CHRISTMAS WISH COULD CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER…

Nora Connors Rainer has returned to her hometown, Linden Corners, to tend to her elderly but spunky pie-baking mother–and to nurse a broken heart.  To keep busy, Nora opens “A Doll’s Attic,” a consignment shop where locals can unload their unwanted heirlooms.  And the upcoming holidays are bringing a host of interesting objects–and people–through her doors.

Eighty-five year old Thomas Van Diver hands Nora her first challenge: track down a rare, vintage item that holds powerful childhood memories for him–memories of his father and their last Christmas together before he went off to the war and never returned.

Helping them both is Brian Duncan, whose farmhouse and windmill Thomas once called home.  Together with his irrepressible young charge, Janey Sullivan, Brian will uncover the mysteries of Christmas past–and create a Christmas present that just might restore their hope, and fulfill everyone’s deepest wishes.

REVIEW:
I cried! I honestly can not tell you the last story I read where I even got choked up neither less had to grab a tissue but this one I had a tissue in hand for the last third of the book. This is a very well written story that I can only hope Hallmark Channel or Lifetime is smart enough to buy the rights to. This story has a bit of romance to it but that is not what this story is about. This is the story of Thomas and the past he is trying to return to by finding the book his dad gave him as a child. There is a lot of loss in this book but also the underlying moral that family is what and who you make it to be.

Set in a typical “Norman Rockwell” small town the characters come alive as the holidays approach the town. The main character of Thomas is a old man now and the type of man that you want to sit down on a porch rocking chair with and hear his stories. The author has really written Thomas in an endearing and captivating way. You really just want to invite him to dinner. Nora and Brian are strangers who for their own reasons have come to town, Nora returning to live with her mom and Brian who was “just passing through” years ago but for reason beyond his control has stayed.

While Thomas is written really well, I am not sure that the other characters way of speaking was typical of the current time frame. Even the children sometimes spoke “too proper” for their age and some odd comments were made that just felt a little off (I mean really what 80+ year old man has not heard of strawberry pie?) but none of these oddities take away from the delightful and poignant story. As I said above I can see this book being made into a made for tv movie and I hope if it is one day turned into a movie they will do this book justice because it deserves to be enjoyed.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Eva’s Last Dance by Tracy Cooper-Posey

TITLE: Eva’s Last Dance
AUTHOR: Tracy Cooper-Posey
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nearly one hundred years after their last dance together Eva’s long lost love, Edward, makes contact again. Eva—lonely and a vampire now—can’t resist falling into his arm and under his erotic spell. She’ll do anything he asks of her now.

Then the spell is rudely interrupted by human demon hunter Ryan Jefferson, who is on the trail of an incubus. He sets out to seduce Eva properly in a searing night of dance and passion.

This dance counts in more ways than one…

REVIEW:
This is a short story of vampire erotica. It is a very short with only about 40 reading pages but a very interesting story. The characters are well defined and even though we are only given a few pages to get to know them enough is written to give us insight into why they are together. The ending has a twist which was unexpected but enjoyable. If you enjoy the genre of vampires or erotica you will enjoy this book. It is a short enough that you can read it in an hour and enjoy yourself.

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

4 Hearts
Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Freed by EL James

TITLE: Fifty Shades Freed
AUTHOR: EL James
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true.

REVIEW:
This is the last in the Fifty Shades trilogy. I can wrap up all the books in three words… 1) Lover 2) Loving 3) Loved.

The first book was about finding a lover, becoming a lover and about lovers of the past. The second was about loving. Realizing that loving was something that the characters could do and the third  (this book) is about realizing you are and have been loved. Christian learned to love in book two but is never really sure that he is lovable and could be loved. He doesn’t realized that he has loved in the past whether it be his previous subs, his family or even his biological mother.

Again I will say what I have about the other two books. While I can understand why it falls under erotica genre I do not believe it. Yes there are some intense sex scenes but this book/trilogy is about love and not sex. Actually it is about moving beyond sex. That being said I also understand why these books would either be loved or hated. I am not sure these books can be “only liked”. There are no shades of grey when it comes to these books (pun intended).

Christian is a haunting character who in this book lets go of some of the ghosts. He is obsessive and protective over Ana but the reader understands why. Ana really comes into her own in the book. She is strong and independent and willing to stand up for herself more in the book.

I loved this book as I did with the trilogy. There are so many misconceptions about these stories and it really is a shame. If you enjoy the romance genre this is such a wonderful set of books. I look forward to the time when I can pick up these books again and see what I might have missed with the first read.

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

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Night Falls Like Silk by Kathleen Eagle

TITLE: Night Falls Like Silk
AUTHOR: Kathleen Eagle
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A gripping sequel to the romantic suspense “The Night Remembers” from “USA Today” bestselling/Rita-Award-winning author Kathleen Eagle.

Thomas Little Warrior had grown up on the streets and barely escaped with his life and dignity intact. Now an adult, Thomas has beaten the odds and become a successful underground comic book artist. Tom meets beautiful Cassandra Westbrook at an auction and almost immediately they begin a love affair that rocks both their worlds. But when a series of valuable drawings is stolen, a new mystery begins to unravel Tom’s life. In the process of tracking down the drawings and the murky history behind them, Cassandra and Tom find out just how sinister Tom’s past can be. Danger lurks on each path, drawing them together and at the same time threatening to tear them apart.

REVIEW:
This is an interesting story but I was really confused for a lot of it. I was even more confused about the “elsewhere” sections (you have to read it to understand). The characters and the storyline keep your attention but something about it just didn’t work for me. I never felt the connection between Tom and Cassandra. This story was just so oddly written that it was hard to follow.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Posted on

Kimberly’s review of That Thing Called Love by Susan Andersen

TITLE: That Thing Called Love
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s the last man on earth she should want…

For a guy she’s fantasized about throttling, Jake Bradshaw sure is easy on the eyes. In fact, he seriously tempts inn manager Jenny Salazar to put her hands to better use. Except this is the guy who left Razor Bay—and his young son, Austin, who Jenny adores like her own—to become a globetrotting photojournalist. He can’t just waltz back and claim Austin now.

Jake was little more than a kid himself when he became a dad. Sure, he’d dreamed of escaping the resort town, but he’d also truly believed that Austin was better off with his grandparents. Now he wants—no, needs—to make up for his mistake. He intends to stay in Razor Bay only until he can convince Austin to return with him to New York. Trouble is, with sexy, protective, utterly irresistible Jenny in his life, and his bed, he may never want to leave…

REVIEW:
I have been enjoying the works of Susan Andersen for a while now and this one ranks right up there as one of my favorites from her. Something about this book seems different than her past writing and it really stands out as one of her best. The characters of this book are simple and everyday people. I loved the fact that Jenny was not some supermodel or something. She is on the petite side and while they can joke with her about her size she will not accept being called cute or sweet. Jake has that diamond in the rough persona. He does things because he thinks they are for the best but he is never really sure if it is the best for him or for the other person but he really does have the best of intentions. I enjoyed Austin as well. He is written as a typical teenager who is just an everyday kid (though I could have done without him cursing – even though most 13 year olds do). And I enjoyed the blooming relationship of Jake and Max as well and hope to see Max get his own story in the future.

This is a great romance novel. It is a chick-lit book that no woman who enjoys the genre will want to put down. My suggestion is to send the kids to bed (or even better to a sleepover), pick up the book, pour a glass of wine and start enjoying.

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

4 Hearts
Posted on

Kimberly’s review of Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye

TITLE: Call Me Wild
AUTHOR: Robin Kaye
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Unemployed New York Times sports reporter, Jessica James gives up her big city life and moves into a borrowed house in Boise, Idaho. She’s determined to become a great romance writer, and she only has one obstacle: she doesn’t believe in love. Writing quickly becomes a challenge, so Jessica decides to go out and find some inspiration. She soon meets sexy, outdoorsy doctor Fisher Kincaid, who’s more than happy to teach her all about love.

REVIEW:
I just loved this book. I just found everything about this book to be perfect. I have never read a Robin Kaye book before but you can bet I am going to backtrack and pick some up (especially the first in this series “Wild Thing”).

Kaye has written the perfect man in Fisher. He is a smart, sexy, strong, sympathetic, understanding man (and he cooks and cleans). I found myself falling for his character almost immediately. He feels a little out of sorts since his twin brother got married and no longer has the connection they had. I loved the back stories of the siblings, not only the twin brother but the older brother and baby sister. And Gramps just steals the scenes he is in.

Jessie is a complex character and so different than so many female characters in the genre which was refreshing. Most women want to fall in love in these stories and have to convince/trick the man into realizing he loves her but not Jessie. She does not believe in love, at least not romantic love. She loves her family, her best friend and her job but not men. She was brought up a tomboy and her body fits the mold being tall and fit so she doesn’t understand how any man could find her anything but one of the guys. She believes couples go from lust to complacency and she does not want that. However what she does want is to write a romance novel. How do you do that without knowing romance? Which is where Fisher comes in.

If you enjoy the contemporary romance genre then this book is a can’t miss. Honestly, I am shocked how much I enjoyed this book. I usually ended up thinking I would have changed something in the story here or there when I read a book but not this one. I wouldn’t change a word of it. And I can’t wait to read the story of Fisher’s twin, Hunter from book one, and hopefully the stories of Trapper and Karma (their siblings). Do I see a Karma/Andrew story coming? Hint Hint!!

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