Category: Kimberly’s Review

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Wendy, Darling by A.C. Wise

TITLE: Wendy, Darling
CHARACTERS: Wendy & Peter
AUTHOR: A.C. Wise
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/01/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A lush, feminist re-imagining on what happened to Wendy after Neverland, for fans of Circe and The Mere Wife.

For those that lived there, Neverland was a children’s paradise. No rules, no adults, only endless adventure and enchanted forests – all led by the charismatic boy who would never grow old.

But Wendy Darling grew up. She left Neverland and became a woman, a mother, a patient, and a survivor. Because Neverland isn’t as perfect as she remembers. There’s darkness at the heart of the island, and now Peter Pan has returned to claim a new Wendy for his lost boys…

REVIEW:
I am not sure what I expected but it wasn’t this. This is a darker story than the Disney version of what we know of Peter Pan and Neverland. Some parts are scary and downright depressing but that doesn’t mean it is not a good read. It really is one. Just don’t go thinking this is DIsney.

In this story there is talk of abuse, PTSD and Wendy and her brothers don’t get the HEA we imagined when we saw the movie. In this story Wendy is an adult and her past is catching up to her when Peter comes back and wants her children.

As Wendy has grown and is now a mom she will do anything she has to to save her daughter including returning to Neverland.

This is an incredible follow up to the original. We always wonder if the characters end up living as an incredible life as we imagined. This story lets us know that they don’t,

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Love For Beginners by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Love For Beginners
SERIES #: Wildstone #7
CHARACTERS: Emma & Simon
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/08/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Paperback Original—Also Available as a Hardcover Library Edition

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis continues her Wildstone series with the moving story of a young woman who has to start her life—and her love life—over again.

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma, she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive, she decides to start over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.

Desperate for a new start, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care because he can’t find senior care. On top of that, she and Ali bring the term “frenemies” to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for her Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to learn that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the 7th in the Wildstone series by Jill Shalvis and probably the most emotional. At least for me. This wrung me out. The emotions in this book are palpable and leave the reader breathing heavy and thinking about their own lives..

This has two love stories but the romance is second, at least to me. I think this story is more about what really makes a person happy and are you really happy if you aren’t fully happy and invested in your life.

There is so much that happens in this story. I, honestly, believe this is one of Shalvis’ greatest works. Yes, there were a couple of little things as with most books that the reader would change but I doubt there is anyone who could have made this emotional journey such a delight to read.

I can’t wait for the next in the series!

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Rebel’s Karma by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Rebel’s Karma
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #13
CHARACTERS: Karma & Benjamin
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/08/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There’s no denying destiny . . .

For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .

Or desire . . .

Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts As a fan of Rebecca Zannetti I look forward to every book that comes out but honestly I have waited for what seems like forever for Benny’s story. And I was not disappointed.

Benny and Karma are meant for each other but they do now know it… Well, maybe they do but Zanetti doesn’t make it easy on them.

I could tell you the synopsis and give you a short view but you can read that in other reviews. What I want to say is this series is on #13 with more planned but Zanetti has not let this series go stale. Each character is one that begins to live with you and the reader will automatically recall her characters when someone asks you your go to PNR series. Talon, who has a cameo in this book, is a favorite of many fans.

I will say you can read each story as a stand alone but I am not sure why you would. You need the background to really appreciate each story.

If you are a fan of PNR then you probably already know this author and series but if not you will not be disappointed.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Undercover Wolf by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Undercover Wolf
SERIES #: STAT #2
CHARACTERS: Harley & Sawyer
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An unexpected partnership leads two wolves to reconsider everything they know…

Alpha werewolf Harley Grant isn’t exactly comfortable with her inner wolf. Even though she’s on a STAT Team where she can use her abilities because her teammates know about her, she refuses to do so, putting herself and sometimes them at risk.

Alpha werewolf Sawyer Bishop would give anything for his M16 Team to know about his inner wolf, but his teammates are mistrustful of anyone or anything with inhuman abilities. When he meets Harley on an overlapping case and realizes she’s a fellow wolf, he’s more than a little intrigued.

Now that STAT and MI6 have to team up to stop a crew of supernatural bad guys intent on causing a nuclear meltdown, Harley can no longer deny her wolf and Sawyer can no longer hide his. As they grow closer to resolving the case and grow closer to each other, they discover things aren’t what they seem and revenge could cost them their lives.

STAT (Special Threat Assessment Team) Series:
Wolf Under Fire (Book 1)

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So here is the deal. I read so many books by Tyler in the SWAT series that two things happened… 1. I kind of got tired of her werewolf stories and 2. I decided to give the STAT series a try because, well, I had read so many of the SWAT series.

And this is the best she has written in a while. I really believed Tyler needed to change her writing completely. I mean the SWAT series was near 20 books. But she came back in this book. The action packed story kept me interested the whole time. The romance was well written and Sawyer is just yummy!

This book is why a reader should always give new series a chance to stand on its own.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Shadow Storm by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Storm
SERIES #: Shadow Riders #6
CHARACTERS: Emmanuelle & Valentino
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger inspires fierce passion when a new threat targets Chicago’s Ferraro crime family in this novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling series.

A long-simmering feud between two families comes to a head in this gripping novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling Shadow Riders series.

As the youngest member of the Ferraro family, Emmanuelle has watched each of her brothers find happiness in love while her own heart was shattered by a lover’s betrayal. For two years she’s stayed as far away from Valentino Saldi as possible—until she learns that he’s been shot during a hostile takeover of his family’s territory.

Emme’s first instinct is to call her brother Stefano for help, and soon the entire Ferraro clan arrives to bring Val back from the brink of death and protect the Saldis from further attack. With one choice Emme has re-exposed herself to Val’s intoxicating pull and dragged her family into the Saldis’ private war.

A deadly storm is brewing, and only time will tell who survives…

REVIEW:
Is it just me or has everyone been waiting for Val and Emme’s story? It seems like forever!

Val and Emma always had a spark between them but their families are at odds so it was not meant to be. And even though they had that pull the break up of their hidden romance broke Emme’s heart.

But now the families have to come together against a common enemy which brings Val and Emme together again and their hearts or bodies can stay apart any longer.

Sometimes when you wait for a story of characters you have met in other stories you can be disappointed when their story is finally read. But not when Feehan is writing the story. Feehan knows her characters but she also knows her readers and what they want. And she gave us just that in this fun, funny (thanks Dario) and sexy novel.

A paranormal Hatfield & McCoy story at it’s best!

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Darkness Betrayed by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Darkness Betrayed
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #17
CHARACTERS: Brigette & Xi
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a conspiracy threatens what’s most precious to The Guardians of Eternity, they must depend upon their one-time enemy to protect them in the latest from New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy . . .

Once, Brigette was the conduit through which the ultimate evil reached Earth. Now she’s just a lonely Were isolated in an Irish cottage, cut off from her animal and humanity alike. When a band of rebels approach her to take down the king of the vampires, she knows denying them means certain death—but even if she warns the king, he may not listen to the likes of her.

From the moment Xi slips into Brigette’s bedroom to escort her to his king, he sees the heartbreak that hides behind her guilt. The elusive vampire has fought for centuries to master his own regrets, and his word will convince the king to value hers. Neither can escape the attraction between them, even as partners on an undercover mission. But there’s no room for pleasure when their work might redeem her to the Guardians completely—or send them to the death they’ve evaded for so long . . .

REVIEW:
It’s about time! We are finally getting Brigette’s story. I was so glad and here is why. I knew there was more to Brigette than the evil we have seen in some of the previous books. Brigette is, well, hard to like. At least until this book.

Brigette really does things for what she thinks is the greater good. She is trying to protect the people she loves and, for that matter, the world as a whole. She might not do it in the right ways but it really is with good intentions. I knew she had it in her!!!

Xi is a cool character who I really enjoyed. How many times have you thought “If I could be a fly on the wall” and know what happened in another room. Well Xi can sorta do that. He can fade into other objects which is pretty cool. But it is also helpful to Brigette while she is undercover. They are perfect for each other.

Ivy is one of my favorite authors. I have liked every book she has written and this book is no exception. I can say that this book “can” be a stand alone but it is a better read when you have the history that Ivy has imagined as you read the entire series.

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Final Twist by Jeffrey Deaver

TITLE: The Final Twist
SERIES #: Colter Shaw #3
CHARACTERS: Colter Shaw
AUTHOR: Jeffrey Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“The master of ticking-bomb suspense” (People) returns with a devilishly good thriller, and reward seeker Colter Shaw’s most personal case to date.

Just hours after the harrowing events of The Goodbye Man, Colter Shaw is hot on the trail of a missing person whose disappearance he desperately hopes to explain: his own father.

Following the enigmatic clues his father left behind, Shaw explores one site after another, seeing clearly for the first time what strange business his father was up to–and what dangerous people he was working against. But when Shaw is caught by these same people, he’s rescued by an intruder: his own older brother Russell, from whom he’s been estranged for more than a decade. After saving Shaw, Russell stays on, and the brothers–both very different and oddly similar–join forces to identify the family.

This novel is a race against time to both find the family and to pursue leads to solve a decades-old mystery.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the third in the Colter Shaw series. In this one we follow Colter to San Francisco where he wants to take up where his dad left off on a whistleblower case. The evidence went missing years ago and Colter wants to do what his dad wasn’t able to do and find the evidence and bring BlackBridge Corporate Solutions to its end.

There are a lot of characters in this book and most of them are after Colter, hoping to stop him before he finds the evidence that will bring everyone down. But Colter knows not only is the company’s downfall at stake, now an entire family is slated to be murdered.

The story was very action packed and seemed to have a twist or turn every few pages. This is a good suspenseful thriller, well written and a page turner.

On a personal note, I lived in the Bay Area for over 2 decades and it was fun to know where Colter was while he traveled around the city.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Smoke And Mirrors by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Smoke & Mirrors
SERIES #: Forged In Fire #2
CHARACTERS: Isabel & Logan
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/31/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Another sizzling firefighter romance from New York Times bestselling author, Skye Jordan.

I’m taking a break from women. I’ve been lied to once too often, and I’m over it.
Then Isabel, my best friend’s little sister, blows into town without notice, bringing the past with her. Her secret past.
From the moment she crashes poker night and hustles the whole firehouse out of a couple hundred bucks, I know she’s not telling the truth about why she’s here.
Lies have influenced my entire life. They’ve also torn my world apart too many times already.
But by the time the truth comes out, she’s tangled around my heart like barbed wire, and there’s no way out unscathed.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Forged In Fire series by Skye Jordan. I have enjoyed Jordan’s work for a number of years and I enjoyed this story as well.

Logan and Tucker could be a bit much. Actually at times it was down right irritating. But Isabel is who really made this book for me. Logan and Isabel were childhood sweethearts so they are getting a second chance at love.

Isabel is great. She isn’t afraid to work or get her hands dirty. Yet she is all woman. She is sensitive and loving but also cautious and has been hurt before. I want to be friends with her.

Another great story from Skye Jordan. And it can be a stand alone but since it is only the second in the system I suggest getting book one, Flashpoint.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews My Remarkable Journey by Katherine Johnson, Joylette Hylick, Katherine G Moore

TITLE: My Remarkable Journey
CHARACTERS: Katherine Johnson
AUTHOR: Katherine Johnson, Joylette Hylick, Katherine G Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The remarkable woman at heart of the smash New York Times bestseller and Oscar-winning film Hidden Figures tells the full story of her life, including what it took to work at NASA, help land the first man on the moon, and live through a century of turmoil and change.

In 2015, at the age of 97, Katherine Johnson became a global celebrity. President Barack Obama awarded her the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom—the nation’s highest civilian honor—for her pioneering work as a mathematician on NASA’s first flights into space. Her contributions to America’s space program were celebrated in a blockbuster and Academy-award nominated movie.

In this memoir, Katherine shares her personal journey from child prodigy in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia to NASA human computer. In her life after retirement, she served as a beacon of light for her family and community alike. Her story is centered around the basic tenets of her life—no one is better than you, education is paramount, and asking questions can break barriers. The memoir captures the many facets of this unique woman: the curious “daddy’s girl,” pioneering professional, and sage elder.

This multidimensional portrait is also the record of a century of racial history that reveals the influential role educators at segregated schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities played in nurturing the dreams of trailblazers like Katherine. The author pays homage to her mentor—the African American professor who inspired her to become a research mathematician despite having his own dream crushed by racism.

Infused with the uplifting wisdom of a woman who handled great fame with genuine humility and great tragedy with enduring hope, My Remarkable Journey ultimately brings into focus a determined woman who navigated tough racial terrain with soft-spoken grace—and the unrelenting grit required to make history and inspire future generations.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I had not heard of the history of these incredible women until one day on a tv show called “Timeless” (episode Space Race which aired Nov 28, 2016). I actually went and Googled it after the episode and I think maybe a lot of people did because only a short time later the movie Hidden Figures came out. I ran to the theater to see it and was not disappointed. I then picked up the book the movie was based on and absolutely loved it.

But this book is right up there with it. I loved the things that Hidden Figures didn’t tell. First off Hidden Figures is about the three women even though a lot of it focuses on Katherine the book doesn’t really tell her life. It tells the amazing time she helped the astronauts of NASA make it to the moon and come home safe.

This book is more about Katherine Johnson herself. WOW. This woman is a force of nature. She is a brilliant mind that made a huge impact on Earth and in space.

Please go read this book! Not because of what this woman was (an African-American woman) but for WHO she is. An American Hero!

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Murders That Made Us by Bob Calhoun

TITLE: The Murders That Made Us
CHARACTERS: Various Murderers
AUTHOR: Bob Calhoun
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/04/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The 170-year history of the San Francisco Bay Area told through its crimes and how they intertwine with the city’s art, music, and politics

In The Murders That Made Us, the story of the San Francisco Bay Area unfolds through its most violent and depraved acts. From the city’s earliest days, where vigilantes hung perps from buildings and newspaper publishers shot it out on Market Street, to the kidnapping of Patty Hearst and the Zodiac Killer, crime has made the people of San Francisco who they are. Murder and mayhem are intertwined with the city’s art, music, and politics. The Great 1906 Earthquake that burned down the old Barbary Coast shook a city that was already teetering on the brink of a massive prostitution scandal. The Summer of Love ended with a pair of ghastly acid dealer slayings that made the Haight too violent for even Charles Manson. The ’70s ground to a halt with San Francisco pastor Jim Jones forcing his followers to drink cyanide-laced punch in Guyana, and the assassination of gay icon Harvey Milk. With each tale of true crime, The Murders That Made Us will take you from the violence that began in the original Gold Rush into the brutal displacement of today’s techie ruination.

REVIEW:
I lived in San Francisco and the surrounding area for 20 or so years. So when I saw this book on NetGalley I wanted to pick it up. And I am glad I did.

I have heard of some of these murders but not all of them. But even the ones I heard of I was happy to read about to get more details or even correct info. We all know how stories get blown out of proportion as years go by. Some information gets changed or some omitted, so I was thrilled to read this.

And I am so glad I did. We have all heard about “drinking the kool-aid”. And who hasn’t heard of Charles Manson? And the assassination of Harvey Milk was heartbreaking for the gay community when it happened. And each story I was fascinated with. I did learn things I didn’t know, which I had really hoped I would.

This is a great read for anyone from the area or any fan of true crime. Maybe Miami will be next… hint hint!

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Lady Has A Past by Amanda Quick

TITLE: The Lady Has A Past
SERIES #: Burning Cove #5
CHARACTERS: Lyra & Simon
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/04/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beauty and glamour meet deception and revenge in this electrifying novel by New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick.

Investigative apprentice Lyra Brazier, the newest resident of Burning Cove, is unsettled when her boss suddenly goes on a health retreat at an exclusive spa and disappears without another word. Lyra knows something has happened to Raina Kirk, and she is the only one who can track her down. The health spa is known for its luxurious offerings and prestigious clientele, and the wealthy, socialite background Lyra desperately wanted to leave behind is perfect for this undercover job. The agency brings in a partner and bodyguard for her, but she doesn’t get the suave, pistol-packing private eye she expected.

Simon Cage is a mild-mannered antiquarian book dealer with a quiet, academic air, and Lyra can’t figure out why he was chosen as her partner. But it soon becomes clear when they arrive at the spa and pose as a couple: Simon has a unique gift that allows him to detect secrets, a skill that is crucial in finding Raina.

The unlikely duo falls down a rabbit hole of twisted rumors and missing socialites, discovering that the health spa is a façade for something far darker than they imagined. With a murderer in their midst, Raina isn’t the only one in grave danger—Lyra is next.

REVIEW:
I am a huge fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, who writes as Amanda Quick, when she writes historical romance.

Lyra has had a pretty rough time so she does what we all would do… She becomes a PI. When her boss goes missing Lyra knows she needs to use her powers of investigation to find her. Raina’s friend asks/tells Lyra that she will be working with Simon. But Lyra can’t figure out why he is adamant that Simon work with her.

There is a lot going on in this story but Krantz/Quick has a way of writing so you are not overwhelmed but still stay involved in the story.

The characters are very well written and the background characters are well formed as well. Some have returned from previous books in the series.

Another great read from a wonderful author.

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Deadly Obsession by OMJ Ryan

TITLE: Deadly Obsession
SERIES #: Detective Jane Phillips #5
CHARACTERS: DCI Jane Phillips
AUTHOR: OMJ Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Murder is an art. And someone has been studying the great masters.
The body of a naked woman is discovered in a Manchester park. Her murder has all the hallmarks of a notorious killer known as the Suffolk Strangler. But there’s a problem – the Strangler is serving a life sentence in prison.
So is this just a coincidence? Or is there a copycat killer on the prowl?
As DCI Jane Phillips and her Major Crimes team begin to piece together the victim’s final hours, another body is discovered, and this time it’s a carbon copy of murders committed by the infamous Muswell Hill Murderer.
Now Phillips is in no doubt – she’s chasing a psychopath who has been inspired by Britain’s most horrifying serial killers. As the body count rises, psychological profiler Dr Siobhan Harris joins the team and little by little they begin to build a picture of a terrifying predator.
But their opponent is smart, careful, and always seems to be one step ahead.
Can Phillips stop the killer before another brutal murder is meticulously restaged? Or will even more victims be consumed by this deadly obsession?
Deadly Obsession – the fifth book in the gripping detective series featuring DCI Jane Phillips.

REVIEW:
This is the 5th in the series and I am not sure I have read all in the series but each one can be read as a stand alone without a problem.

In this installment Phillips is chasing a copycat killer who is using the MO of other well known murderers. But other than the copycat nothing seems to show why the victims are chosen. But soon Phillips is figuring things out little by little.

This is a very easy read. Great beach read as we are heading into that season. The reader stays interested and the suspense keeps you wanting to turn the page but the story is not one that requires the reader to use a lot of brain power to enjoy.

Looking forward to the next in the series.

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

4 Hearts