Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kimberly reviews Wolf Rebel by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Rebel
SERIES #: SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #10
CHARACTERS: Rachel & Knox
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She let him get away
SWAT werewolf Rachel Bennett is hounded by nightmares after a vicious attack left her with PTSD. Not knowing who or what she can trust anymore, she’s relieved to be assigned to a high-profile protective detail. Diving into work might be the distraction she needs, until she notices the mysterious hunk who seems to follow her wherever she goes—and recognizes him.
Now he needs her help…
After he’s badly injured, former Navy SEAL Knox Lawson seeks out Rachel when he realizes he’s turning into a werewolf. He’d once been part of the group hunting her kind, but he knew he had to quit when he found Rachel in his crosshairs. Now he desperately needs her help.
Rachel isn’t sure she trusts Knox, but having him around keeps the nightmares—and the monster creating them—away. Knox might not know much about being a werewolf, but there’s no doubt he’ll do everything in his power to win her trust and keep her safe.
SWAT Series:
Hungry Like the Wolf (Book 1)
Wolf Trouble (Book 2)
In the Company of Wolves (Book 3)
To Love a Wolf (Book 4)
Wolf Unleashed (Book 5)
Wolf Hunt (Book 6)
Wolf Hunger (Book 7)
Wolf Rising (Book 8)
Wolf Instinct (Book 9)
Wolf Rebel (Book 10)

REVIEW:
This is #10 in the series but it can be a stand alone. I really enjoyed this story in the series. It really takes us through the PTSD issues so many are facing right now. I thought Rachel was a great character letting us see that not only men are affected by PTSD. I also thought she was a strong independent woman who was just going through a lot in life.

Knox is a great character too. It took me a bit to get to understand him but then I found myself liking him.
Another great addition to the series.

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 Christmas Past by Mary Burton

TITLE: Christmas Past
CHARACTERS: Nicole & David
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christmas Past is a seasonal, serial-killer-thriller from New York Times bestselling author, Mary Burton.
Photographer Nicole Piper just received a very unwelcome Christmas gift – a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. Uncovering the truth means enlisting homicide detective David Ayden’s help, and embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger and desire . . .
Christmas Past is a pacy, action-packed novella that’s guaranteed to send chills down your spine – the perfect Christmas scare-fest that will appeal to fans of Tess Gerritsen, Kathy Reichs and Karin Slaughter.

REVIEW:
This was originally part of the anthology Silver Bells.

This is a quick novella that really has nothing to do with Christmas but that being said it was a fast read that leaves you in suspense.

As with most novella’s you can’t say too much about the plot or you give things away and with this story going so quick (about 100 pages). But I will say it is a wonderful romantic suspense that is perfect between full novels.

As always Burton is on par with the best.

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

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Kimberly reviews Spy by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Spy
CHARACTERS: Alexandra Wickham
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A young woman is caught up in a dangerous double life on behalf of her country during World War II in Danielle Steel’s thrilling new novel.

At eighteen, Alexandra Wickham is presented to King George V and Queen Mary in an exquisite white lace and satin dress her mother has ordered from Paris. With her delicate blond looks, she is a stunning beauty who seems destined for a privileged life. But fate, a world war, and her own quietly rebellious personality lead her down a different path.

By 1939, Europe is on fire and England is at war. From her home in idyllic Hampshire, Alex makes her way to London as a volunteer in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. But she has skills that draw the attention of another branch of the service. Fluent in French and German, she would make the perfect secret agent.

Within a year, Alex is shocking her family in trousers and bright red lipstick. They must never know about the work she does–no one can know, not even the pilot she falls in love with. While her country and those dearest to her pay the terrible price of war, Alex learns the art of espionage, leading to life-and-death missions behind enemy lines and a long career as a spy in exotic places and historic times.

Spy follows Alex’s extraordinary adventures in World War II and afterward in India, Pakistan, Morocco, Hong Kong, Moscow, and Washington, D.C., when her husband, Richard, enters the foreign service and both become witnesses to a rapidly changing world from post-war to Cold War. She lives life on the edge, with a secret she must always keep hidden.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is Danielle Steel so really what do you expect other than greatness? Danielle Steel has been around for what seems like forever and I have read most of her books. Ms Steel has a way of not just pulling you into a story but walking you softly with sweet words until you are so entranced that you can’t remember anything but what is going on in her story. Well it is the same with this one.

In this one Alexandra is an aristocrat who comes from a good family and expects nothing more than to be a wife and mother. But then WWII begins and everything changes. She soon by chance becomes a spy for the country and her adventures really begin.

There are only a couple of authors that as I read make me wish I could jump through the pages and visit the area. And Danielle Steel is one of them. Her heroine’s are always someone women can relate to. And there is always a touch of romance. But more so is the scenery, the historical information, the ambience that make you want to jump on a plane and visit the sites.

Another incredible read from Danielle Steel.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Single by K.L. Slater

TITLE: Single
CHARACTERS: Darcy & George
AUTHOR: K.L. Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘I keep feeling like I’m being watched – dropping the boys off at school, choosing wine at the supermarket – but when I turn around there’s nobody there…’

When single mother Darcy’s son falls from a rope bridge at a local playground, life stands still. She clutches his small, limp body, frozen, until a pair of strong hands push her aside, and she watches as George, a local doctor, saves her son’s life.

George is a single parent too, and with his twinkling hazel eyes, easy charm, and lack of wedding band is almost too good to be true, but coffee becomes lunch, lunch becomes dinner, and soon they can’t go an evening without seeing each other. When he invites her to move into his beautiful home with its sprawling garden for her boys, Darcy doesn’t hesitate.

But as Darcy is settling in, she receives a bunch of flowers with a chilling message. George says they’re from an obsessed ex-girlfriend, Opal, and days later Opal turns up at Darcy’s son’s football match. She claims to have shocking information that could threaten George’s custody of his daughter.

Darcy doesn’t know who to trust, but she’s starting to suspect that, whatever the truth, she might have put her beloved boys into terrible danger…

From the million-copy-bestselling author K.L. Slater this utterly gripping psychological thriller will make you gasp out loud as you race towards the unforgettable twist. If you loved The Girl on the Train and The Wife Between Us this book is for you.

REVIEW:
It has been a while since I read K.L. Slater and now I kind of remember why. I had a hard time getting into this book. I never got into the characters and the thriller part just didn’t thrill.

I enjoyed the children the most. And I enjoyed the scenery of the area… And of course the house. Wow!

I didn’t find the ending surprising. There were parts that kept me involved which is why I put the rating as 3. I can imagine there are people who will enjoy it but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday (sorta)! Kimberly reviews The Last Christmas by F. Paul Wilson

TITLE: The Last Christmas
SERIES #: Repairman Jack #16
CHARACTERS: Repairman Jack
AUTHOR: F. Paul Wilson
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack is back.
Wilson never said he was through with Repairman Jack. He said he was through turning in a new novel every year. He also said when a story came along that was right for Jack, he’d write it.
The Last Christmas is that story.
It’s late December between Ground Zero and Fatal Error, a winter of discontent for Jack who’s perhaps spending too much time hanging at Julio’s. An old contact, Edward Burkes, convinces him to take on a missing-person fix. As usual, nothing is as it seems, and the missing person isn’t exactly a person. In fact, it’s like nothing anyone has ever seen.
And in the middle of all this, the mysterious Madame de Medici hires him to safeguard a valuable object. Simple, right?
Not even close.
Yep, Jack is back and, as usual, weird trouble is on his heels.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.5 Hearts

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Jack is back! Whoo hoo! It’s been so long and an added bonus to have some more time with Jack.

This is a different kind of Repairman Jack story and yet the same. The characters we have known and loved are all back. We get to see the quirkiness of Jack and the weirdness of his case just as we always have. And then there is a bit of supernatural (for lack of a better word) that happens with Jack.

Any fan of the series will be thrilled to have this last visit. It is like seeing a friend that we thought we would never see again.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Dark Illusion by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Illusion
SERIES #: Dark #29
CHARACTERS: Julija & Isai
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/03/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A mage and a warrior must see beyond their facades and embrace the bond that links their souls in this powerful Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

At any other time, Julija Brennan would find solace in the quiet of the Sierra Mountains, but now the mage is in the race of her life. Having broken free from her controlling family, Julija’s attempts to warn the Carpathians of the coming threat has failed and put a target on her back—and those who hunt her are close behind…

After centuries locked away in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, Isai Florea can’t believe he’s finally found his lifemate—the missing half of his soul. The second he sees Julija his world blazes with color. But despite their explosive connection Julija rebels against what she sees as Isai’s intent to control her and rejects the bond that would prevent him from becoming a monster.

As their unfulfilled bond continues to call to them both, Julija and Isai aim to complete the task that brought them together. They are used to facing danger alone, but now the mage and the ancient warrior must learn how to rely on each other in order to stop a plot that threatens all Carpathians…

REVIEW:
First I consider Christine Feehan as one of the best paranormal authors of our generation and most times I love her books. This one I am on the fence about.

I liked the story itself. But I had a problem with Isai. He was really an abusive jerk who after seeing him through the first few chapters I never was able to connect to him.

And Julija just never seemed to be anything more than a doormat. Yeah she has times of coming into her own but again maybe because of the first few chapters I couldn’t connect with her either.

Now that being said, the story itself was interesting. I enjoyed the danger that the characters went through and of course the writing is really good.

Just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy this couple.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews It’s A Christmas Thing by Janet Daily

TITLE: It’s A Christmas Thing
CHARACTERS: Rush & Claire
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon BN

The best gifts last a lifetime . . .
Veterinarian J.T. “Rush” Rushford isn’t looking be his first without his beloved
four-year-old daughter, Claire. A year ago, Rush’s wife divorced him for another man–then broke his
heart further by revealing that Claire was her lover’s child. The final blow was Rush losing all parental
rights. Now he’s in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the
season–until something like a Christmas miracle happens . . .
Turns out Claire’s parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It’s
bittersweet, knowing that he and Claire will have to part again, maybe forever. . . . Until a smart, not to
mention beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt takes a liking to the vet and his little
girl and gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the
most joyous of all . . .
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 Hearts
REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
Oh how I loved this story. This is a great book to snuggle up with on the couch and fall into the Holiday
season.
Rush was madly in love with his daughter just to find out that he is not Claire’s dad, breaking his heart.
When Claire’s mom and her new boyfriend go on vacation they have to leave Claire with Rush. But there
is still sadness for Rush and Claire knowing they have to part soon. And then Rush’s new girlfriend brings
the fun back into the holidays.
What a delightful story. I loved Claire and her world of an old dog and a pregnant cat and of course Rush,
her favorite cowboy. To me this was Claire’s story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Deadly Silence by OMJ Ryan

TITLE: Deadly Silence
SERIES #: Detective Jane Phillips #1
CHARACTERS: Jane Phillips
AUTHOR: OMJ Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some sins can never be forgiven.
DI Jane Phillips was a star detective driven by a relentless quest for justice. But then she stepped outside the law.
Now, demoted and suffering with PTSD, she finds herself facing the deadliest threat of her career — a serial killer who is preying on vulnerable women, murdering them in a shocking and bizarre ritual.
A master of deception, he selects his victims at random. Or so it seems. But as Phillips investigates, she begins to see a method in the killer’s madness. Perhaps these victims aren’t random at all…
As the pressure mounts, can Phillips find the link between these ritual murders before the killer strikes again — or will her dogged determination to solve the case bring his deadly silence to her door?

REVIEW:
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I found my mind trying to figure it out while trying to fall asleep which means that the book was getting to me. That says a lot if you ask me.

I thought the writing from this new author was great. And the characters had a lot of definition but also seemed human.

I highly recommend checking out this new author.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Poor And The Haunted by Dustin McKissen

TITLE: The Poor And The Haunted
CHARACTERS: Jimmy Lansford & Kelly
AUTHOR: Dustin McKissen
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“This thought-provoking tale makes a strong argument for letting go of past pain.” –Kirkus Reviews
As a child Jimmy Lansford and his sister Kelly suffered crushing poverty, their father’s unexplained and frightening suicide, and their mother’s constant abuse and cruelty. Having grown to be a successful adult, Jimmy must contend with the sudden re-emergence of memories from his childhood in Oklahoma and unexplainable events occurring inside his own home. Is it more than memories that haunt Jimmy? Did his parents suffer from mental illness and addiction, or were they possessed by something even worse—and has that presence arrived to take Jimmy?
The first horror novel from acclaimed author and journalist Dustin McKissen explores the nature of hauntings, the ghosts from our past that haunt our present, and the unbreakable bond between siblings who learn early on they can only rely on each other.

REVIEW:
I have to agree with the beginning of a number of other reviews. This story is not really a horror story unless you consider the horrors both Jimmy and his sister dealt with as children.

And now Jimmy has to deal with the demons that he wonders are part of his DNA makeup or if he is going crazy.

I found this book heartbreaking and interesting. I think this author has a bright future in the way he writes. The story is short (160 pages) but there is a lot said in these pages and a incredible story that pulls you in right away.

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 Santa In A Kilt by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Santa In A Kilt
CHARACTERS: Kira & Shay
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On the wild dunes of a Scottish Isle, mistletoe and mischief are the best way to heat up a holiday best shared by two . . .

The wind-whipped December sea air of the isle of Kinloch invigorates Kira MacLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan. The Scottish bachelor may be as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun, but it’s no secret how he looks at her—as if she were the only woman in the world. Now, with the encouragement of the canny islanders, and watching two of their best friends tie the knot in a romantic winter wedding, Kira will ignite Shay’s heart—and weave the perfect Celtic Christmas to say aye do . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Originally in Unwrapped

This is a cute Christmas novella that is a fast read of romance. Shay doesn’t believe in love and but Kira does and he knows to be with her he needs to figure out what love really is.

I enjoyed the story and wish it has been a bit longer. I will say that as a fan of Kauffman I can see that she has grown in her writings over the last decade (originally published in 2011).

That being said still a cute highlander Christmas novella by Kauffman.

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

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Kimberly reviews Love, Chocolate and A Dog Named Al Capone by Abigail Drake

TITLE: Love, Chocolate and A Dog Named Al Capone
CHARACTERS: Josie St Clair
AUTHOR: Abigail Drake
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Capone, the newly acquired puppy of Miss Josephine St. Clair, owner of Bartleby’s Books, is a literature loving Labrador. Obsessed with Jane Austen, and cursed with a terrible name, Capone hopes to change his doggie karma and prove he’s just as much a gentleman as the heroes in his favorite books, by finding the perfect Mr. Darcy for the lonely and bookishly adorable Miss Josie.

Unfortunately, the only men Miss Josie seems to encounter aren’t Darcys at all. They’re Wickhams, Churchills, and Willoughbys. Even worse, there is trouble afoot. Someone has been sabotaging Miss Josie’s business, and all signs point to her evil ex. Can Capone find a way to save Bartleby’s Books, help Miss Josie find her true love, and earn, at long last, a name befitting a true gentleman?

REVIEW:
Oh my! This story is so adorable! It is written by the dog. Ok not really but it is written from a dog’s perception.

Capone is so adorable! He is obsessed with Jane Austin. Yes you read that right. And he wants his new owner to find her true love. And Capone is going to figure out how to do it.

I loved the concept of this story. Just so sweet. Yes the romance is kind of stereotypical but told this different way makes it so much fun to read.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Close To You by Kerry Wilkinson

TITLE: Close To You
CHARACTERS: Morgan & David
AUTHOR: Kerry Wilkinson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I pinch the screen to zoom until I’m staring at the face of a ghost. A man with very short hair, staring directly at the camera with piercing brown eyes.

He is as he was when I last saw him: wrinkles around the corners of the eyes and a knowing smirk. That’s the expression I see when I can’t sleep.

My body tenses. It can’t be him. It’s not my ex-husband. It’s not David.

I know that better than anyone because he didn’t walk out on me.

He didn’t disappear two years ago and he’s not a missing person.

I know that for a fact because I’m the one who killed him.

A brilliantly twisty thriller which will have fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl absolutely gripped.

REVIEW:
The concept of this book, according to the synopsis, sounded great. The widow believes she is seeing her dead husband come to life. Most times this happens in a story she is excited he might be back but not in this book. Morgan knows this can’t be her husband since she killed him years ago.

I am not sure what I expected but it wasn’t this. Maybe a woman tormented by her husband and accidentally killed him. Or was finding out he was an axe murderer and wanted to save others by killing him first. Heck I don’t know but what I found was a woman who I just didn’t care much about.

She seemed almost psycho at times. I just had a hard time understanding her.

Maybe some will enjoy this but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

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