Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kimberly’s review of The Harder They Fall by Trish Jensen

 The Harder They Fall
AUTHOR: Trish Jensen
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Food fight, love match, or both? She’s a lovable klutz trying to save her family’s restaurant chain. He’s a stuffed shirt angling to buy it. Who will trip up and fall in love first?

Darcy Welham’s dad is ready to sell his five-star restaurants and retire, but she’s determined to prove she can be trusted to keep the family business going. Darcy’s sure it’s what her mother would have wanted. Only one problem: her life turns into a comedy show when she’s nervous. Pratfalls, spills, slips and fires—all in a day’s misadventures for Darcy. She can’t even wait on tables without dumping food into the customers’ laps. When supper lands on a sensitive area of businessman Michael Davidson’s finely creased trousers, he tries to have his gorgeous but careless waitress fired, only to discover that she’s the person he has to win over if he wants to buy the restaurant chain for his bosses. From that antagonistic start, Darcy and Michael soon find that there’s more to each other than first expected. She’s clumsy because she’s got low self-esteem. She may be a disaster as a waitress, but she’s a genius as a cook, with a talent for creating mouth-watering new dishes. Darcy begins to realize that Michael is not a stuffed shirt at heart—he’s patient, strong and brave, which any man who dates Darcy has to be, because she turns into a Danger Zone every time he makes her heart flutter.

REVIEW:
This is an adorable story about falling in love when you least expect it. This is the perfect romance to curl up on a couch with or to read at the beach. And it is not hard to fall quickly for these characters. These are the kind of characters you wish you had as friends.

The character of Darcy is just such a klutz that she is adorable. She is sweet, naive and innocent and even as a reader you worry for her and want to make sure she ends up all right. Michael is delightful. Even after meeting him in a bad situation you can see how calm and patient he is and when he begins to really interact with Darcy you know he is the perfect guy for her.

Trish Jensen is a great author. The humor she adds to her books is great and she is fun to read. This is the perfect book to have on hand for when you are not sure what you want to read but are looking for something light and entertaining. This books makes you smile and leaves you with a good feeling.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey

Heiress Without A Cause
AUTHOR: Sara Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/13/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One title to change his life… A disgraced son with a dark reputation, William “Ferguson” Avenel is content to live in exile – until his father dies in the scandal of the Season. With rumors of insanity swirling around them, his sisters desperately need a chaperone. Ferguson thinks he’s found the most proper woman in England – and he won’t ruin her, even if he secretly desires the passionate woman trapped beneath a spinster’s cap.

One chance to break the rules… Lady Madeleine Vaillant can’t face her blighted future without making one glorious memory for herself. In disguise, on a London stage, she finds all the adoration she never felt from the ton. But when she’s nearly recognized, she will do anything to hide her identity – even setting up her actress persona as Ferguson’s mistress. She’ll take the pleasure he offers, but Madeleine won’t lose her heart in the bargain.

One season to fall in love… Every stolen kiss could lead to discovery, and Ferguson’s old enemies are determined to ruin them both. But as their dangerous passion ignites their hearts and threatens their futures, how can an heiress who dreams of freedom deny the duke who demands her love?

REVIEW:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was not sure what to expect since I have never read this author before but this will not be the last time I read her books. The writing was great and the story was compelling and I wanted to read every word of it.

Madeleine is a fascinating character. She is not the normal heiress we read about. She has an obsession to act and decides that losing her reputation is worth the compulsion. And to know she is willing to play a man on stage just so she can do what she loves is great. She really is a woman who makes the reader feel empowered. I loved that she was willing to do what she wanted and was not ashamed of it and more so that she would fight for the right to do it. I also loved Ferguson. His strength and his desperation are palpable. The power of his love literally jumps off the pages. And the fact that while he is dealing with his own issues he puts Madeleine’s first was perfectly written.

I would highly recommend this book. I can not wait for the second in the series. If you enjoy historical romances you really must pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of A Night Away by Carrie Ann Ryan

A Night Away
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kade Jamenson has been mated to Melanie for almost two years. They’ve been through mating circles, battles, loss, misunderstandings, and finally, the birth of their son, Finn. The world is in turmoil around them as the Redwoods engage in war with the Centrals. But for Kade and Melanie, the turmoil is also happening at home. The responsibility of a restless baby and their Pack has taken a toll and they need a break.Not from each other. But from their Pack. Just for a night.

Kade takes Mel away for a romantic getaway and leaves Uncle Maddox alone with baby Finn. The Omega of the Redwood Pack may be adept at emotions but the idea of a baby may be beyond his immense capabilities.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 3 and 4 to give you a taste of Mel and Kade. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.

REVIEW:
This is a novella that takes place between book 3 and 4. It revisits the couple from the first book (An Alpha’s Path) Kade and Melanie. In the earlier books Kade and Melanie had a son, Finn, but now they are exhausted and want to reconnect as a couple.

If you have had a child you will connect with this book. The feeling that you need to do everything yourself and do not want to burden family to help. The feeling of needing time to sleep and reconnect with your significant other, yes with sex but also just with time and talking. While you can read this book on its own you will not get the full context of the story. The first three books are great and I would recommend picking them up before you read this story. But if you can not get all three books do not read this book at least until you read the first one to know the characters. You will not be disappointed in this series.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Just A Wish Away by Barbara Freethy

 Just A Wish Away
AUTHOR: Barbara Freethy
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/30/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alexa Parker and Braden Elliott fell in love when they were twelve years old. On a summer day, while searching for sea glass on the beaches of Washington State, they discovered an unusually shaped blue bottle. The ever-imaginative Alexa declared it a genie’s bottle. Popping the cork, they were surprised by a rogue wave that sprayed them with a fine, cool mist. Closing their eyes, they each made a wish …

Before their love had a chance to grow, life, family and tragedy separated the two best friends. Now fifteen years later, Alexa returns to Sand Harbor after her aunt is injured in a mysterious break-in at her antique store. Braden is also back, but he’s not the innocent boy Alexa remembers. His military service has left him with physical and emotional scars.

Can the sweet love of youth be recaptured by two now cynical souls? Can solving the mystery of the past bring them to a new future? Or will it take a wish, maybe two …

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Wish series however you do not need to read the first to read this one. It most certainly stands alone. In all honesty they have nothing to do with each other except both books have wishes made in them.

Alexa and Braden were summer time best friends when they were young. Alexa makes a wish to have Braden fall in love with her not knowing he already is. Then they are separated and years later Alexa returns to Sand Harbor and Braden is there now too. Can a wish come true 15 years later?

This book is the ultimate “you can never go home” book. Don’t we all wonder at some time what would have happened if we were still with our first love? Would we use the chance to reconnect if we had it? And if we did reconnect would it be the same now? That is what this book is all about.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Consent To Love by Abby Wood

Consent To Love
AUTHOR: Abby Wood
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/02/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Twenty-four-year-old small-town girl Ana Reynold serves beer at the local bar, tries to keep her beater car running, and dreams of a better life as a painter. If she can learn to make a decent steak, she might get promoted to cook—and earn enough for her real heart’s desire. Right now, that doesn’t include romance.

But when she meets a tall, dark and sexy Native American man named Kane, Ana can’t take her eyes off him—or stop thinking about him. But she’d better. Everyone knows the proud Lakota who raises horses wants nothing to do with a townie barmaid who’ll bring shame to his people.

Except Kane can’t get Ana off his mind. He proposes a red-hot weekend in bed, a no-strings affair to end Monday morning. Yet once Kane brings the outsider onto Lakota land, everything changes…

REVIEW:
This novella is a quick read with only about 135 pages. The story is very well written. There were a few times while reading the dialogue of the characters that I thought to myself “this is not how a normal person would speak” but once you get into the swing of the story it is not as obvious (either that or the conversations get better). Ana seems somewhat naive for a twenty-four year old even one raised in a small town but she is a sweet character. Kane is hard to describe. At some points he seems loving and others like he is only out for sex. I was confused by his character but I liked him. There was a lot of talk in the storyline about how the outside world views “injuns” and would give Ana a hard time for being involved with Kane so I was disappointed that there was not a more intense moment of something that happens when Ana is off of reservation land. I enjoyed this story and think if you enjoy cowboy romance then this is one you will want to pick up and enjoy yourself. *Note* This apparently is the second in the “consent” series because in this book Daphne and Will (Consent to the Cowboy) make an appearance and while “Consent to Love” stands alone you do get the feeling that Daphne and Will had their own story before.

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Kimberly’s Review of Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick

Crystal Gardens
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/24/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Evangeline Ames has rented a country cottage far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds pleasure in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety. Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There are rumors enough already, about treasure buried under his garden, and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle—who died of mysterious causes. With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they have a common enemy. And as the energy emanating from Crystal Gardens intensifies, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.

REVIEW:
Another great read from Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. This is the first in a new historical series titled Ladies of Lantern Street. While it is not part of the Arcane Society series it does have the same feel to it. So if you liked one you will like the other.

Both Lucas and Evangeline have psychical abilities. Lucas is the new owner of the Crystal Gardens which includes botanicals that are fed by paranormal activity and actually glow during the night. When Evie is attacked she runs into the gardens and Lucas comes to her rescue. He decides it is best of her to move into the house for protection. Together they want to find out who ordered the attack on Evie and who murdered Lucas’s uncle.

As I said above this is another wonderful book from Quick/Krentz. I have enjoyed the Arcane Society books for a while now and this would fit right in with it. Evie and Lucas are interesting characters. Evie is not what she seems at first and is a delightful character to read about. Lucas is quiet yet strong and is written as a born leader.

You can never go wrong with a book by Quick/Krentz. Her books are about the paranormal but not about vampires or shape-shifters but about the power of crystals and the mind. If you enjoy historicals then pick this one up and then once you find you do not want to put it down then go back and start the Arcane Society books because this is really where Krentz/Quick excels.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Getting Over Mr. Right by Chrissie Manby

Getting Over Mr. Right
AUTHOR: Chrissie Manby
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
BEEN DUMPED? GET MAD. BUT NOT THIS MAD.

Have you ever had your heart broken? How did you get over it?
If a pint of ice cream cheered you up and you were able to delete his number and start again then . . .
You’re a weirdo and this book is not for you.

But if you reacted with denial, begging, or a spot of casual witchcraft, then you’ve come to the right place. This is one woman’s journey from love to lunacy and back again. If you ever recall past heartbreaks with acute embarrassment and an urge to go into hiding, this will make you feel better. Sure, you may have sent his new girlfriend a bunch of dead roses, but did you spend a grand on psychic hot-lines and a voodoo curse?

Kimberly’s Review:
Remember being in love? Life is perfect with your guy and then he says “it’s over”? Then remember calling your best friend and crying? Having your best friend call to see if she could play middle-man and get you two back together? Getting into the car and driving down his street to see what he was doing? Maybe even making that one last call to say you loved him and please take you back? And when he didn’t you cried again on your best friends shoulder until finally you moved on?

Well now imagine not moving on… becoming a stalker and going mad!  Yep that is what happens to Ashleigh. This character has lost her ever loving mind but since it is not happening to you it can be enjoyed in this weirdly funny story. I, at one point. wondered if this was a “What not to do when dumped for dummies” book and thought maybe I should pick it up for my step-daughter now that she is dating but I worried she would find this hysterical and decide to try some of these things herself. This is most certainly a young woman’s story and not meant for a mature, past the point of obsessing over a guy, kind of woman.

I think you have to have a certain kind of personality to appreciate this book.  If you find humor is inappropriate circumstances then you will enjoy this book. Just remember this is not a handbook but a work of fiction. Do not try this at home!

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Kimberly’s review of Ruined By Rumor by Alyssa Everett

TITLE: Ruined by Rumor
AUTHOR: Alyssa Everett
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted! She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind…

Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana? Certainly not Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love. When he learns she’s been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on. Comfort soon turns into a passionate kiss—and scandal when they are caught in an embrace.

Only one thing will save Roxana from certain ruination: marriage to the earl. The match may save her reputation, but responsible, tongue-tied Ayersley is a far cry from her dashing former fiancé. She’s convinced Ayersley is merely doing his duty…while he’s sure Roxana is still in love with another man. Are they trading one disaster for another?

REVIEW:
So this book could go either way for me. It was nicely written and a good story. The problem is it is a lot like other historicals I have read. The difference is Ayersley is shy and intelligent and not the rogue or rake that is used in most historicals. Typical of historicals though Roxana is compromised by a kiss so she and Ayersley have to be married. And of course Roxana thinks Ayersley is marrying her to be proper and he thinks she is still in love with her ex-fiance’. There are so many mixed and missed signals that the reader easily becomes impatient with the couple. However, that being said this is not an uncommon storyline in historicals and if you are a fan of the genre then you are used to the storyline and probably enjoy it. The author did a good job with the feel of the book, I just wish there had been more to it then the normal historical that so many have already written. I also felt the ending was rushed. Once the feelings had finally come to the forefront the book seemed to end and we were given the epilogue.

If you are only a passing fan of the genre then this may not be your cup of tea. But if you like historicals then you will most likely enjoy this book and enjoy the differences that it does have like a man being a politician instead of a rake.

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Kimberly’s review of Supernaturally Kissed by Stacey Kennedy

Supernaturally Kissed
Book 1 Frostbite Series
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/05/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N


BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ghosts harass and annoy Tess to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice. Kipp, a former cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five-year-old cold case of Hannah Reid’s disappearance, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever, or find the killer.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly            
4 Stars

REVIEW:
If you liked the show “Ghost Whisperer” then you will love this book. Imagine if you watched the “Ghost Whisperer” and she fell for one of her ghosts and together they went out and solved crimes. Well if you can imagine that then pick up this book because you will really enjoy it.

Tess can see ghost and reluctantly helps them to cross over and has never let one of them become more than a project. That is until Kipp needs her help. This book had me laughing by page 15 and choked up towards the end. Kipp is written with a great sense of humor and Tess has a snide attitude you have to love. But when they think that if they solve the crime then it will be time for Kipp to cross-over the story takes an emotional turn. The book is written in the first person which is not common (at least not the books I read) so it takes some getting used to but it is worth it. There is a second book in the series and I hope the background characters from this book are present in the second because the “bro-mance” of Kipp and Zach is just so enjoyable.

If you like books where the ghost is part of the couple (and not a secondary character) then you should pick up this book and enjoy.

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Kimberly’s review of Demonically Tempted by Stacey Kennedy

Demonically Tempted
Frostbite #2
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/13/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon


BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tess Jennings, now a member of the Memphis Police Department, is on her first cold case. The suspected suicide of Lizbeth Knapp ten years ago isn’t a theory her family accepts—they believe she was murdered.

But the case is only one of Tess’s worries. Ghosts are talking, and word of her abilities rapidly spreads. A dark ghost is terrifying the spirits of Memphis, and she must force the entity to cross over.

Tess doesn’t have to do this alone. Not only does she have her ghost-lover, Kipp McGowen, but the department has brought in a medium. Dane Wolfe might answer all her questions, but he also brings a world of trouble. Will Tess finally have all she’s ever wanted, or will everything she’s vowed to protect be ripped away?
REVIEWED BY: Kimberly           

4 Stars

REVIEW:
“Ghost Whisperer” meets “Cold Case” meets “Supernatural” is the best way to describe this book.

We first met Tess and most of the others in Supernaturally Kissed (Frostbite #1). However Tess is now officially with the police department to work on cold case files, the department hopes that she can talk to the ghost to find out what happened to them. On this case her boss brought in Dane, who works with the FBI, to help her understand and master her gift. There is a demon hurting ghost in the area and the ghost are scared and they need Tess to help them.

Once again this is written in the first person which feels more like you are hearing a story but once you are into the book it becomes easier to read. This book has a bit of everything. Ghost, demons, mediums, witches, etc. The ending was unexpected and explains a lot with Kipp. I hope in the third book (due out in the fall of 2012) we will have a better idea of what is going on with Kipp and I can not wait to see how that is solved.

I think Kennedy has really become an author that fans of paranormal will enjoy.
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Kimberly’s review of Hadyn Heat by Betty Midnight

Hadyn Heat (One) – The Urge
AUTHOR: Betty Midnight
PUBLICATION DATE:   02/10/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon


BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a man and as a wolf, Hadyn has been trying to control his urges.
After catching the scent of a beautiful woman named Sarah, Hadyn finds her and loses all control of his urges.
The pleasure was great, but the mistake was greater, for an evil man has been lurking for a long time, hoping to take control of the world. After kidnapping Sarah, the destructive man named Valon now can finalize his own plan: to have Hadyn mate with his daughter.
He uses Sarah and her lust for Hadyn to draw him in.
The urges grow worse for Hadyn and it seems nobody can stop him, not even his roommate and secret lover, another male wolf named Taylor.

The fate of Hadyn, Sarah, his pack, and the world are in the balance… but can he control his desperate sexual urges long enough to save it all?
REVIEWED BY: Kimberly          
3 Stars

REVIEW:
If you like erotica then you will enjoy this book. I would say that almost every character in this book has sex in some form or another and sometimes more than once. The storyline is somewhat lacking until the end when it starts to pick up. The beginning half is really nothing more than sexual escapades. However that being said it is a good book. The last half begins to tell the story of why Valon wants to force Haydn to mate with his daughter and leaves you with a cliffhanger. This is the 1st in what will apparently be a 4 book series. It is only about 90 pages so it is a short read. If you do not erotica then bypass this book but if you  like erotica and paranormal this will be perfect for you!

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Kimberly’s review of Improper Relations by Juliana Ross

Improper Relations
AUTHOR: Juliana Ross
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/23/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N


BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Hannah’s caught watching her late husband’s cousin debauch the maid in the library, she’s mortified — but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she’s used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she’s witnessed, but there’s something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can’t bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking. As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she’s losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?
REVIEWED BY: Kimberly Wise            
NUMBER OF STARS: 3 Stars

REVIEW:
Hannah happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, or is it? When she sees her cousin-by-marriage having sex with one of the maids she finds herself curious. She never knew sex could be like what she is watching. As a widow she has had little experience, and those experiences were lacking to say the least, so when Leo offers to show her that sex is enjoyable for both people involved she can not do anything but offer her body to the experience.

This is a short story (about 70 pages) set in a historical time period when stations mattered and a proper gentleman should not consort with a ladies companion. Hannah is naive beyond belief. I am really not sure anyone could be so naive about their own body but Hannah is written to be. Leo is an enjoyable character. He is written as if he is showing Hannah how to paint, “now put that there and this here”, but somehow it works. It is an interesting story and well written for a first book. The ending was written more on the romance side than the erotica side, which the beginning of the book felt more like erotica. The book is a nice short story. It will only take an hour or so to read and it is well worth that time.