Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kimberly reviews Don’t Hex And Drive by Juliette Cross

TITLE: Don’t Hex And Drive
SERIES #: Stay A Spell #2
CHARACTERS: Isadora & Devraj
AUTHOR: Juliette Cross
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls. Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late.

Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn—a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows—has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in—literally—with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans. Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case.

Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

REVIEW:
Too funny! This is the second in the series and I did not read book one but that is ok. It most certainly can be a stand alone as this time it is about Isadora (I guess book one was about her sister) and Devraj.

Isadora is a healing witch, and she loves her plants and animals. People not so much. She is really just an introverted witch. Devraj is an old vampire who is asked to find out why there have been missing girls in the area and it’s being blamed on another vampire. But when the two meet and Isadora doesn’t fall for her vampy charm Devraj becomes obsessed with this shy witch.

An adorable paranormal romance. I just loved these characters.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Dark Song by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Song
SERIES #: Dark #30
CHARACTERS: Elisabeta & Ferro
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The 30th book in the Dark / Carpathian series is about Ferro and Elisabeta.

Stolen from her home at a young age and tormented for centuries, Elisabeta Trigovise is scared to show herself to anyone. Even though she has been rescued and is now safe within the Carpathian compound, she has lived in fear for so long she has no idea how to survive without it. She wants to answer the siren call of her lifemate–but the very thought terrifies her.

Before he found Elisabeta, Ferro Arany was an ancient warrior without emotion. Now that his senses have come alive, he knows it will take more than kind words and soft touches to convince the fractured woman that they are partners, not master and prisoner. For now, he will give her his strength until she finds hers, allowing the steady rhythm of his heart to soothe Elisabeta’s fragile soul.

But even as she learns to stand on her own, the vampire who kept her captive is desperate to claim her again, threatening the song Elisabeta and Ferro are writing together.

REVIEW:
This is the 30th (30th!!!) in this series. But the amazing part? I can’t wait for even more. As one of the Queens of Paranormal, in my opinion, I can’t get enough of her stories. And this time we read Elisabeta and Ferro. Elisabeth has been a captive for so longer once she is no longer a prisoner she doesn’t know how to live. Ferro is willing to take it slow and teach her that love is not another prison.

Another incredible read from Feehan. No matter how many times I travel into a world of Feehan I can’t wait to visit again.

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

4 Hearts

https://amzn.to/3gycMB7

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Snowball’s Christmas by Kristen McKanagh

TITLE: Snowball’s Christmas
CHARACTERS: Emily & Lukas
AUTHOR: Kristen McKanagh
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Snowball–an aptly named bundle of feline fluff–is thankful to be spending her first Christmas in the comfort of Weber Haus, the Victorian B&B run by Miss Tilly. Emily Diemer, who cooks for the guests, dotes on Snowball, but she’s not thrilled about another new arrival at the B&B: Miss Tilly’s nephew, Lukas. Which is odd, because Snowball’s animal instincts tell her that Lukas and Emily should definitely be friends.

Everything Emily needs is in this quaint community–including, she hopes, the chance to open her own bakery one day. She doesn’t think much of Lukas for leaving his aging aunt to struggle while he jets around the world taking photographs. But now that he’s here, helping to spruce up the property and getting mixed up in Snowball’s antics, she begins to soften a little. Until she learns what he has planned . . .

Lukas is going to sell Weber Haus so that Miss Tilly can retire. But Snowball is certain that this B&B, and these people, are supposed to be her forever home. Somehow she has to get these stubborn humans to see things through the wisdom of a cat’s eye and a kitten’s loyal, loving heart . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a quick read that had me read to start the holidays. I will admit it was the cover that dragged me in and then I read the synopsis and thought “Why not?” and I am glad I did. This is a sweet holiday romance set about by a kitten who’s animal instinct tells her Emily and Lukas are supposed to be together.

Having had kittens throughout my life I could imagine every scene of this little furball… I mean Snowball… as it happens.

The story is perfect to start off the season of holiday romances.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews What Not To Wear To Graveyard by Debra Sennefelder

TITLE: What Not To Wear To Graveyard
SERIES #: Resale Boutique Mystery #3
CHARACTERS: Kelly Quinn & Constance Lane
AUTHOR: Debra Sennefelder
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After trading her Manhattan digs for her upstate hometown, fashionista Kelly Quinn has big plans for her grandmother’s consignment shop. But this All Hallow’s Eve someone is already dressed to kill . .

A socialite’s missing dog has made front page news in Lucky Cove—complete with a hefty reward. But between renovating the consignment shop, planning her costume for a 1970s themed Halloween party, and scouting a location for a fashion shoot, Kelly doesn’t have time to search. Yet a visit to the local colonial-era cemetery—ideal for the moody atmosphere she’s after—soon turns up the precious pooch. Kelly’s looking forward to collecting the check—until she makes a gruesome discovery in an abandoned farmhouse: The dog’s owner, stabbed through the heart.

Kelly can’t help wondering why Constance Lane was traipsing around the farmhouse in stilettos. But as Kelly gets decked out in a vintage disco caftan, that isn’t the only fashion misstatement spooking her. Hidden in the dead woman’s past is a secret that could be the motive for the murder. And as the Halloween party gets started, even a menacing clown and a threatening bearded lady can’t keep Kelly from trick or treating for the truth—even if it means her last dance . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a quick read to a series I have not read, however, this can be read as a stand alone even though it was cute enough that I will go back and read the first two.

I thought this was a light hearted cute read. It is not a paranormal even if from the title you think it is. It is more of a who-dun-it. I enjoyed Kelly. She seems over her head at times but yet she prevails.

Enjoyable!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Sunrise On Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Sunrise On Half Moon Bay
CHARACTERS: Adele & Justine
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/14/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the happiness we’re looking for has been there all along…

Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other.

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women.

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

Set in the stunning coastal town of Half Moon Bay, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s new novel examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I would have picked up this book no matter what because it is Robyn Carr and I love her work, but when I read Half Moon Bay and it was set in the coastal town not far from where I grew up I knew I had to read it. I can picture every scene Carr writes. And I loved it!

This is a story of Addie and Justine. Sisters who love each other but, as I tell my son, don’t necessarily like each other. But life is changing for both of them so now they need to turn to each other.

I have always loved the way Robyn Carr writes but something about this story was special to me. Maybe it was the location, or the fact that I just found out I have a half-sister but this story just really hit home.

I loved Addie and Justine and all they have and all they want to have. Another great story worth every hour Robyn Carr put into it.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Legend Of The White Wolf by Terry Spear

TITLE: Legend Of The White Wolf
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #4
CHARACTERS: Cameron & Faith
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/31/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this fourth in Spear’s series, Private Eye Cameron MacPherson and Faith O’Mallery are both on quests that lead them into the world of magical wolves…
Cameron arrives in the Canadian Arctic to search for his partners in his P.I. business who are late returning from a hunting trip. Faith is there to discover what her father had seen in the same area years earlier that had made him lose touch with reality—man-wolves, he called them.
The two tumble into an icy world of enemies bent on destroying the lupus garou kind. As they turn into lupus garou themselves, and bond with the pack that only they can rescue from destruction, Cameron and Faith find their soul mates in each other.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts If I am not mistaken this is a re-release from 2010. Terry Spear has written a LOT of wolf shifter books since then. But I will say I enjoyed this because it was so long ago it had a bit of a change in writing while all of her current writings have the same feel.

I enjoyed the different take on the wolf-shifter that this book has and Cameron and Faith are a great couple.

I really liked the throw back to Spear’s earlier writings.

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


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Kimberly reviews The Lost Tomb by N. J. Croft

TITLE: The Lost Tomb
SERIES #: Lost #1
CHARACTERS: Noah Blakeley
AUTHOR: N.J. Croft
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/23/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“With Heaven’s aid I have conquered for you a huge empire. But my life was too short to achieve the conquest of the world. That task is left for you.” ~ Genghis Khan 1227

An archaeologist dies while searching for an 800 year-old secret hidden beneath the mountains of Mongolia.

A ruthless man is determined to fulfill a destiny foretold centuries ago. The world hovers on the brink of chaos…

When Major Noah Blakeley’s ex-wife is killed while on an archaeological expedition in Mongolia, he resigns as head of an elite anti-terrorist unit to make a home for his children. But when he receives an anonymous email that his wife’s death was no accident, swiftly followed by an attempt on his life, he has no choice but to find out why. With the help of Star, a space archaeologist, he must trace his wife’s final footsteps and beyond.

But nothing and no one are what they seem, and soon Noah is embroiled in an ancient feud that could change the world forever.

REVIEW:
I do not recall reading anything from NJ Croft before but this book was really good. This story is a bit about history and revenge. Noah finds out his ex-wife was killed while looking for relics. He goes after who might have killed her but in the adventure of finding the killer he comes across a lot more than just killers. He comes across an ancient feud.

I really found myself interested in the feud and how it could affect us. And then I started to wonder what, if any, of the history might be true.

A very interesting read.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Return To Magnolia Harbor by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: Return To Magnolia Harbor
SERIES #: Moonlight Bay #3
CHARACTERS: Jessica & Christopher
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/23/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Hope Ramsay delivers the next book in her Moonlight Bay series, an enemies-to-lovers story about a man who returns home to his small town and finds love in the most unlikely of places.

She never forgot him…but can she forgive him?

Jessica Blackwood is trying to make her architectural design firm a success, and she’s off to a great start, thanks to a recommendation that leads to the job of the century-designing a house for a wealthy but reclusive bachelor. The only problem? Jessica’s new client happens to be her old high school nemesis. The bigger problem? He’s no longer the cocky boy who once tormented her, and suddenly she finds herself intrigued by her new client.

Christopher Martin isn’t proud of his past behavior. He regrets nothing more than hurting Jessica all those years ago, and now that he’s back in Magnolia Harbor he finally has a chance to make amends. As the two work side by side, Topher begins to realize he wants more than a house. He wants forgiveness and a future with the woman he’s never forgotten. But can he prove to Jessica he’s truly changed?

REVIEW:
What if you ended up having to work with your childhood bully? Could you do it? Well that is what Jessica has to figure out. Christopher was terrible to Jessica as kids but now they are adults and he has returned to Magnolia Harbor and wants to build a perfect home there. Jessica is an architect and it is hard for her to trust anything he says. Old feelings of being teased and tricked come up to haunt her.

But as Christopher and Jessica work together their adult feelings start to override their childhood feelings. But there is so much more to their relationship than just working together they have to deal with the city and the people inside it.

I really liked Topher. He is just adorable when he deals with his nephew. And honestly he is who every childhood bully should be as an adult. Kids are mean but adults should be able to look back and realize their mistakes. Jess is a bit slow on the forgiveness but then he put her through a lot. So you can sorta see it.

Another great story from Hope Ramsay.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Sea Glass Cottage
CHARACTERS: Olivia, Juliet & Caitlin
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Emotional and deeply satisfying. I savoured every page Sarah Morgan
New York Times Bestselling Author
The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured in a car accident, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast.
It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan.
As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.

REVIEW:
Oh how I love the writings of RaeAnne Thayne. She makes you feel like you could crawl into the story and sit down and talk with the characters. And I know I would have been friends with Olivia. She comes home because her mom “falls and can’t get up” (sorry I had to)…. And so did Thayne (it’s in the book, I swear). Olivia has to take care of her mom and her now teenage niece and also has to deal with her own issues.

This story is about family and coming to terms with all the feelings and secrets each of them keep.

This is a great book to sit down to read and just fall into. As are all of Thayne’s books.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum

TITLE: Highland Conquest
SERIES #: Sons Of Sinclair #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/28/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cain Sinclair has a plan. In order to finally bring peace to his clan, he will wed the young female chief of their greatest enemy. Only problem: capturing her and forcing her back to Sinclair castle doesn’t exactly make her want to say yes. Ella Sutherland may be clever, passionate, and shockingly beautiful, but what she isn’t is willing.

Every attempt Cain makes to woo her seems to backfire on him. A gift? The kitten practically claws his eyes out. A competitive game of chess? Even when he wins, he loses. It seems the only time the two ever see eye to eye is when they’re heating up Cain’s bed. Still, the only thing Ella truly wants is the one thing he cannot offer her: freedom.

But when Cain discovers she’s been harboring a secret—one that could threaten both clans’ very existence—he’ll have to decide between peace for the Sinclairs or the woman who’s captured his heart.

REVIEW:
This is the first in a new series from Heather McCollum and I can not wait to read the rest of the series.

Ok imagine if the Hatfield and McCoy’s were Scottish, smart, funny and respectable. And Cain and Ella are the kids who fall in love but these two are actually in charge of their clan’s and by getting together they would join the Hatfield and McCoy’s… Ok that might be a bit hard to imagine but reading the story isn’t a hardship at all.

I loved Cain and Ella. They are too funny together. Yes she is his captive hoping if they wed the clan’s will combine and belong to Cain but Ella isn’t willing to have that happen even if she is willing to have a bit of fun with Cain.

This is just adorable. There are so many times that made me smile in this book and I just love how strong and independent Ella is. McCollum is easily one of my favorites in the Scottish Highland genre and this book just shows why. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Knock Knock by Chris Merritt

TITLE: Knock Knock
SERIES #: Detectives Lockhart & Green #1
CHARACTERS: Lockhart & Green
AUTHOR: Chris Merritt
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Natasha Mayston wasn’t expecting anyone to knock on her door so late at night. And she has no idea that the face staring back at her is the last one she’ll ever see…
As Detective Dan Lockhart is called to a wealthy London street to investigate Natasha’s death, he’s startled by the similarity to a previous case. Noticing the cable-tie restraints and the tiny scratches on Natasha’s wedding finger, Dan already knows what he will find if he looks in her mouth – the metal ball which choked her to death. He knows Natasha isn’t the killer’s first victim and is certain that he will strike again.
Months earlier, Kim Hardy was found in the same position in a run-down hotel across the city – an identical silver ball in her throat. But Kim’s murderer was caught and sent to prison – did they arrest the wrong man? And what connects the two victims? Fearing that he’s dealing with a psychopathic serial killer, Dan calls in psychologist Dr Lexi Green to help him to get into the perpetrator’s mind. Tough and smart, Lexi will stop at nothing to hunt down the man responsible for the deaths.
Then, another body is discovered, just as Lexi finds a clue online leading to the killer. Dan’s team aren’t convinced, but in pushing Lexi away from the investigation, they force her to dig further into the case on her own. Convinced that she’s on to something, she puts herself in unthinkable danger… but can Dan piece together the clues and identify the killer before it’s too late?
Fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Cara Hunter will love this thrilling new series from Chris Merritt. From an explosive start to a heart-stopping finale, you will not want to put this book down!

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the first in a new series. Because of that a good amount of time was spent getting to know the characters. Detective Lockhart and Dr Green are introduced in this series chasing down a murderer.

I am hoping this is a good series as I liked the characters and the suspense was very well written.

I do have to say one of the best parts to me was I couldn’t figure it out. I thought I knew who it was a couple of times but I was wrong and honestly that is good writing if it doesn’t give it away.

A good start to hopefully a good series.

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

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Kimberly reviews Summer At Lake Haven by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Summer At Lake Haven
SERIES #: Haven Point #11
CHARACTERS: Samantha & Ian
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/23/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to Haven Point for one last summer by the lake…

Samantha Fremont may still be grappling with her mother’s death, but this summer she’s determined to build a new life for herself. Starting with making her friend’s dream wedding dress and establishing herself as a boutique fashion designer in the process. What she does not need is a surprise litter of puppies, the voice in the back of her mind saying she can’t do any of this—or her friend’s gorgeous brother who’s visiting from England for the wedding.

Ian Somerhill knows a sabbatical in Haven Point is exactly what his children need to recover from their own mother’s death. And even if he and Sam got off on the wrong foot, she has a way with Miranda and Thomas. As Sam—and her adorable puppies—bond with his children, they fall into a friendship unlike any he’s had in a long time. But Ian has obligations in England he can’t ignore—and a complicated past that might just stop this summer romance from ever blooming into something more.

REVIEW:
Another great story from RaeAnne Thayne. She takes us back to Lake Haven (11th in the series).

Who could want more from life than to make wedding dresses and hang out with puppies? Well Samantha couldn’t. She has given up on men (at least for the time being) and is ready to focus on herself. But then Ian and his two adorable children. Sam thinks she can just help the kids get over the death of their mom with a bit of womanly love and puppy breath (who doesn’t love that?) and Ian is just in need of help and willing to do what he needs to for his kids.

I just love the writings of RaeAnne Thayne. She has grown so much as a writer and is high up on my list of authors. And this book is exactly why. Not one to be missed. The characters are great. The kids are great and you can practically smell the puppy breath through the pages.

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