Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kimberly reviews You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: You Can Run
CHARACTERS: Laurel & Huck
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Be prepared to stay up all night . . .”*

Suspense, danger, romance, and family drama converge as a rising star profiler strives to stay one step ahead of the criminal mind—and discovers that her own demons may be the hardest to outrun…

Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness . . .

A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement . Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…

Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am a huge fan of Rebecca Zanetti’s. I have never read a book I didn’t enjoy from her but some I like more than others and this is one of those.

Laurel is a FBI agent called to a scene in Washington and Huck is the local officer and her contact. I enjoyed Huck. He is a soldier and sniper. He is the ideal of the American Soldier. Laurel is a genius who started college before she was even a teenager and has multiple degrees but is not good with people (I kept picturing a female version of Sheldon Cooper).

Yes there is some romance to the story but mostly it is suspenseful with a lot of twists and turns and I love it when I don’t figure the “who-dun-it” out.

Zanetti really is one of the best in the business right now for almost every genre (romance, romantic suspense and paranormal). You can’t miss reading any of her stories.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Savage Road by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Savage Road
SERIES #: Torpedo Ink #7
CHARACTERS: Savage & Seychelle
AUTHOR: Chrstine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan explores uncharted territory in the new Torpedo Ink Motorcycle Club novel.

When Savin “Savage” Pajari and Seychelle Dubois first met, their connection was instant, their attraction undeniable. Their relationship has been full throttle since day one. Even though months have passed, the passion and love between them has only increased.

Savage completely owns what he is: a sadist in the bedroom who can only get off on his partner’s pain. He believes he’s not a good man, but he loves Seychelle with a fierceness that shocks him. He wants all of her, but only if she gives herself freely with eyes wide open.

Seychelle never imagined the lure of mixing pain with pleasure, or how much she’d crave Savage’s darkness. She’s been shaken to her core, but Seychelle is committed to Savage and their life together—even though he’s keeping a piece of himself back. And to truly make their relationship work, he has to give her everything that he is, just as she is doing for him.

Savage knows that what he really needs could break his woman if she isn’t ready. She agreed to come into his world, and he’s not about to give her up. He has to find a way to let her see the monster inside without pushing her away. But the real Savage might be more than Seychelle can bear…and he knows he wouldn’t survive losing her.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This story was just too intense for me. It is so dark that it is hard to read and for the first time I wish I had not read a Christine Feehan book. This is the second in the story of Savage and Seychelle. Savage is a broken soul and has lived through more than anyone should. And I thought the first book about him was difficult to read but this one is so much worse.

There were times I just had to skip over parts because it was difficult for my heart to take in.

The preface from Feehan explains why she wrote this story and even said it could be too much for her readers and she would be sure to continue with the series without the reader feeling like they missed something if the reader chose not to read this book. And I truly appreciate her honesty and I wish I had taken her up on it.

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

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Kimberly reviews High Stakes by Iris Johansen

TITLE: High Stakes
CHARACTERS: Logan & Lara
AUTHOR: Iris Johansen
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/07/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All bets are off as #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen introduces gambler Logan Tanner, a man with a secret past that’s about to come back to haunt him.

Logan Tanner lives the exhilarating life of a professional gambler, taking risks with nerves of steel. From casinos in Macau to Monte Carlo to Milan, he’s racked up a fortune and become a living legend. But all the glitz and glamor hide a dark and violent past as an extractor—a world that comes rushing back to him when the beautiful and innocent Lara Balkon enters his life.

Soon Logan is drawn into the conflict between two Russian mafia bosses over Lara, whose life now hangs in the balance. Logan has been offered something more valuable to him than money—information he desperately needs—in exchange for getting Lara out of Russia and to safety. Once together, Tanner discovers that Lara is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. Tanner’s search for the truth leads them to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Where the person who was hunting Lara now lies in wait for them.

With the stakes climbing with each deadly confrontation, Logan and Lara are soon catapulted into a game against pure evil. The odds are stacked against them, but it’s a game they know they must play…even if it may cost them their lives.

REVIEW:
It has been a long time since I read a Iris Johansen book. And for good or bad it seemed the same as if I haven’t missed a thing.

This is the first in a new series and I have to say I was a bit disappointed in it. I hoped that Johansen’s writing had grown some. I loved the Eve Duncan series until it became the same thing all the time. The suspense changed but the characters never grew.

I will give the next in the series a shot since it is a new series but I am not thinking I will run to this series.

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

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Kimberly reviews Immortal’s Honor by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Immortal’s Honor
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #14
CHARACTERS: Sam & Honor
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/07/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From award-winning author Rebecca Zanetti comes the newest wildly thrilling Dark Protectors novel with an immortal hero to die for.

First comes danger . . .

When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…

Then comes desire . . .

Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn’t understand them, she doesn’t want them, but for now, she’ll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she’s ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he’s also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts First, if you have not read Rebecca Zanetti.. WHAT? Get to it. She is quickly becoming the queen of PNR. Second, start with the first in the series because this is the 14th and there is just too much to this series to start in the middle. And third, the characters that Zanetti writes are hot, sexy and downright practically perfect.

Sam is a Demon Vampire who kidnaps Honor which slowly and hotly turns into more. They are meant for each other. And Zanetti makes her characters jump off the screen.

You will never regret starting this series and continuing right up to Immortal’s Honor.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Invisible by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Invisible
CHARACTERS: Antonia Adams
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/04/22
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this riveting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a gifted young woman must grapple with the legacy of a troubled childhood in order to pursue her dreams.

Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye–and even more so when they fall in love.

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion–and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Danielle Steel’s since I was a teenager. This story is typical of her writing and a wonderful read.

In this story we meet Antonia who has always been a wallflower. She has learned to be silent and invisible to protect herself. But when she meets Hamish Quist her life changes in so many ways. But then as the story continues life goes on and Antonia faces decisions.

Steel is one of the best in the romance/women’s lit genre. She drags you in from the meeting of her main character and keeps you interested the whole time. This is no different. The characters are intriguing and the emotion as always is palpable.

Another good story from Danielle Steel.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Under The Mistletoe by Sue Moorcroft

TITLE: Under The Mistletoe
CHARACTERS: Laurel & Grady
AUTHOR: Sue Moorcroft
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a very deep book. This is not a lighthearted holiday story that puts you into the Christmas spirit. This really makes you think and feel.

Laurel returns to her hometown because of her sister and niece but she has been avoiding this place because the past is still there. Laurel is great with her family. I loved the relationship they have.

I also enjoyed the relationship that was reestablished with Grady. What is that old saying “History has a way of repeating itself.”?

This is a well written story that has a lot of emotion.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews First Kiss At Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain

TITLE: First Kiss At Christmas
SERIES #: The Off Season #5
CHARACTERS: Kayla & Tony
AUTHOR: Lee Tobin McClain
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Lee Tobin McClain’s books make my heart sing.”—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Time bestselling author

Don’t miss this brand-new Christmas romance by New York Times bestselling author Lee Tobin McClain!

At 25 years old, preschool teacher Kayla Harris is embarrassed to admit she’s never been kissed. When Tony DiNunzio and his grieving nephew show up in her classroom, she can’t help being drawn to both of them. If only her insecurities-and his guilt over his sister’s death-would stop standing in their way.

As Christmas approaches, can these three come together to form a family… not just for the holidays, but forever?

The Off Season

Book 1: Cottage at the Beach
Book 2: Reunion at the Shore
Book 3: Christmas on the Coast
Book 4: Home to the Harbor

REVIEW:

This is the fifth in the series but I did not believe I have read any of the series but this can be read as a stand alone.

This is a sweet story that could easily fall under the made for tv movie for Lifetime or Hallmark. There is a lot to this book, not just romance. There are actually two storylines really so sometimes it was a bit hard to follow along.

This is an enjoyable read though I wouldn’t say it put me into the holiday spirit. The characters are well written and keep you invested in their story.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Jingle Bell Wolf by Terry Spear

TITLE: Jingle Bell Wolf
SERIES #: Wolff Brothers #2
CHARACTERS: Gabrielle & Landon
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear brings you the wolf shifters you’ve been wishing of for Christmas in this action-packed paranormal holiday romance!

It’s almost Christmas, and Florida gray wolf shifter and veterinarian Gabrielle Lowe has been talked into going with her friends to a ski resort in Silver Town, Colorado. But when her two jaguar girlfriends are held up on a mission, it not only leaves Gabrielle alone for the holidays, but also out of her element at the snowy resort. Determined to make the best of it, Gabrielle takes a dip in the lodge’s heated pool–after it’s closed, of course…

Gray wolf shifter Landon Wolff is part owner of the ski lodge and he’s got enough on his plate getting ready for the annual influx of Christmas visitors. The last thing he needs is a rebel, indulging in a midnight swim long after the pool is closed. Just as he’s about to throw the rule breaker out of the pool he realizes that Gabby is also a wolf. Suddenly, all the rules change… Maybe Landon will finally find the wolf he’s always wanted to share the holidays with.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts In this story we meet Gabrielle and Landon. Gabrielle comes to town for a vacation where she meets Landon who owns the lodge she is staying at.

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in this story. However, after all the books that Spear has written in the shapeshifter genre it is hard to come up with anything new.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Yuletide Kiss by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries & Mary Jo Putney

TITLE: A Yuletide Kiss
SERIES #: Duke Dynasty #4.5
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries & Mary Jo Putney
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/28/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The reigning queens of Regency Romance return with another delightful Christmas collection of three sparkling holiday romances, as stranded travelers find merriment, mistletoe, and holiday romance awaiting at a quaint country inn…

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Madeline Hunter
Jenna Waverly has closed her inn, anticipating a blissfully quiet Christmas, until a snowstorm brings the first of several strangers to her property. Lucas Avonwood, as charming as he is secretive, is on a mission to track down a scoundrel, but the inn’s lovely owner is giving him a more compelling reason to stay…

When We Finally Kiss Good-Night by Sabrina Jeffries
When Flora Younger first met Konrad Juncker, she thought she’d found her match, only to have her hopes dashed. Konrad is now a famous playwright whose plays Flora has secretly panned in reviews. But a chance meeting in a secluded inn may help them rewrite this star-crossed romance…

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney
Kate McLeod is shocked to find that a fellow guest in the snowbound inn is the dashing sea captain who may or may not be her husband. Captain Ramesh Langdon barely remembers that night in Bombay, but the desire they discover now will be impossible to forget, or to ignore…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts As a fan of all three of these authors I was excited to receive this book. I have been a fan of Sabrina Jeffries for a long time so When We Finally Kiss Good-Night was my favorite of the three stories.

Honestly, I can say these books are great. I enjoyed catching up with all of the series. Each author brings something of her own to this book and each character is written so well. The romances are perfect for the holidays.

These authors are some of the best in the romance genre. If you have not picked up one of these authors before you are missing out and this is a great way to get to know them.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: A Little Christmas Spirit
CHARACTERS: Lexie & Stanley
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/28/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Single mom Lexie Bell hopes to make this first Christmas in their new home special for her six-year-old son, Brock. Festive lights and homemade fudge, check. Friendly neighbors? Uh, no. The reclusive widower next door is more grinchy than nice. But maybe he just needs a reminder of what matters most. At least sharing some holiday cheer with him will distract her from her own lack of romance…

Stanley Mann lost his Christmas spirit when he lost his wife and he sees no point in looking for it. Until she shows up in his dreams and informs him it’s time to ditch his scroogey attitude. Stanley digs in his heels, but she’s determined to haunt him until he wakes up and rediscovers the joys of the season. He can start by being a little more neighborly to the single mom next door. In spite of his protests, he’s soon making snowmen and decorating Christmas trees. How will it all end?

Merrily, of course. A certain Christmas ghost is going to make sure of that!

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I am not sure why but Sheila Roberts books should be watched by Lifetime or Hallmark and her books should be THE holiday movie of the year. And this book is no exception.

Stanley has become a recluse after the death of his wife, Carol. But after three years Carol feels it is time for Stanley to get back into the world. And she is going to haunt him until he does exactly that. And first thing Carol wants him to do is take care of the single mom next door.

Lexie just moved into her home with her son Brock and she is determined to make this Christmas one to remember. When Stanley starts to become part of the family she is appreciative and relieved but when things take a turn it is Brock who shows the true meaning of Christmas.

Another great book by Roberts who brings the Christmas spirit straight from her pages to your heart.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Holiday Ever After
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night
It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes
When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise
Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.

REVIEW:
As a huge fan of Jill Shalvis this felt like a holiday gift for me. Getting to read three novellas just in time for Christmas.

Shalvis has a way of drawing you in from the very start and all three novellas did just that. I loved all the characters.

In One Snowy Night, Rory and Max have a chance to finally fall in love like each of them wants to. They have a history, but each knows their love can make for a great future.

In Holiday Wishes Sean and Lotti were high school loves but when Lotti moved Sean broke her heart but now he gets a chance to make things right when they meet up a decade later and a snowstorm strands them at her family inn.

In Mistletoe in Paradise we get another second chance at romance story. James and Hannah were torn apart once but when their families decide to meet for Christmas in the Caribbean like they used to they get a chance to reconnect.

Each story is a great little Christmas package with a bright bow. You can not go wrong with Jill Shalvis and a Christmas story so the combination makes for a wonderful read.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine

TITLE: The Christmas Killer
SERIES #: DI James Walker #1
CHARACTERS: James Walker
AUTHOR: Alex Pine
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/12/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the snow begins to fall, the body count begins to climb…

DI James Walker is ready for a quiet family Christmas in the sleepy village of Kirkby Abbey.

But when he opens an early Christmas present left on his doorstep, he soon realises it is no gift. Inside is a gruesome surprise, and a promise – twelve days, twelve murders. Not long after, the first body is found, half frozen in the snow.

As the blizzards descend, panic spreads through the remote Cumbrian village – there’s a killer amongst them, and with eleven more victims to go, anyone could be next….

Can James stop the killer before they strike again?

The first in a new series, Alex Pine has written a dark, atmospheric crime novel, set in a snowed-in Cumbrian village, for fans of Val McDermid, Ross Greenwood and LJ Ross.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Usually first books are slow but this one takes the cake. I had a hard time reading this story.

I was able to figure out the who-dun-it pretty easily and I will honestly say that I did a bit of skipping over parts because the writing was a bit boring.

I hope that the next in the series proves to be a bit more interesting since like I said sometimes the first can be slower as they introduce the character(s).

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