Kimberly’s Review – Page 35

July 5, 2019July 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summoning by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Summoning
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #27
CHARACTERS: Kristi & Dallas
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A CALL FROM BEYOND…

When Kristi Stewart inherits a property in the old part of Savannah, she knows it comes with stories of hauntings. But she doesn’t believe in ghosts, even while she runs seances for the guests of McLane House Bed-and-Breakfast. Until the inexplicable midnight appearance of one of her infamous ancestors. Terrified, she flees into the night—and right into the arms of Dallas Wicker.

Dallas is trying to uncover the truth about a colleague who died under suspicious circumstances. As strange happenings continue to plague Kristi’s home, it is soon clear that there’s a very living threat in the neighborhood—several people have disappeared without a trace. Dallas can’t find any connection between the victims, but someone wanted them gone, and it might be linked to the history of McLane House. And that means Kristi should be very afraid.

REVIEW:
I love the Krewe of Hunters and the writing for Heather Graham. This is the 27th in the series. That seems hard to believe since I think I have read every single one of them. But as with all of the books in the series they can be read as a stand alone.

The best thing about Heather Graham’s writings is how she draws you into the city she is talking about and this one is no different, making me want to jump in the car and head to Savannah, Georgia.

The characters are always enjoyable to read and the ghost that brings aide to the Krewe is wonderful but the city and the history Graham brings to the forefront is the key to the story if you ask me.

If you enjoy the genre of suspense with a bit of paranormal then this is the book and series for you.

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

July 1, 2019June 30, 2019

Kimberly reviews Dynamic Dames by Sloan De Forest

TITLE: Dynamic Dames
SERIES #: Turner Classic Movies
CHARACTERS: 50 Leading Ladies Who Made History
AUTHOR: Sloan De Forest
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/02/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Celebrate 50 of the most empowering and unforgettable female characters ever to grace the screen, as well as the artists who brought them to vibrant life!

From Scarlett O’Hara to Thelma and Louise to Wonder Woman, strong women have not only lit up the screen, they’ve inspired and fired our imaginations. Some dynamic women are naughty and some are nice, but all of them buck the narrow confines of their expected gender role — whether by taking small steps or revolutionary strides.

Through engaging profiles and more than 100 photographs, Dynamic Dames looks at fifty of the most inspiring female roles in film from the 1920s to today. The characters are discussed along with the exciting off-screen personalities and achievements of the actresses and, on occasion, female writers and directors, who brought them to life.

Among the stars profiled in their most revolutionary roles are Bette Davis, Mae West, Barbara Stanwyck, Josephine Baker, Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, Barbra Streisand, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Joan Crawford, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Dorothy Dandridge, Katharine Hepburn, Pam Grier, Jane Fonda, Gal Gadot, Emma Watson, Zhang Ziyi, Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lawrence, and many more.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I don’t read a lot of these kinds of books but how could I not read this one? I mean 50 dynamic dames? And they truly are/were. I will be honest and say some of them I wasn’t even sure what I had seen them in or who they were (like directors or writers) but once I started reading their stories I was interested.

As a fan of the movies like Gone With The Wind, The Way We Were, Pretty Woman and so many more I loved reading the stories of the women of Hollywood.

This is a GREAT book for any fan of movies but also anyone who wants to be encouraged by the power of women!

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

June 28, 2019June 26, 2019

Kimberly reviews Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Alpha’s Promise
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #10
CHARACTERS: Ivar & Promise
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To hell and back . . .

Though he has vampire, demon, and Viking blood rushing through his veins, Ivar Kjeidsen’s soul-crushing trip to hell broke him in ways he can barely fathom. One vow keeps the deadly immortal standing: To rescue the vampire brother who had sacrificed freedom for him. To do that, Ivar needs the help of a brilliant physicist with wary brown eyes, fierce brilliance, and skin that’s way too soft.

Dr. Promise Williams understands the underpinnings of the universe but has never figured out the human beings inhabiting it. Her function is to think—and not feel—until she’s touched by a vampire who’s nowhere near human. The primal hunger in his eyes awakens feelings in her that defy calculation. As she shows him the way to step between worlds, he brands her with a pleasure that could last more than a lifetime . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts If the question is “Did you like the book?” The answer is “Of course, It was written by Rebecca Zanetti.”

This is the 10th in the series but can be read as a stand alone. But as I always say about Rebecca’s books I have no idea why you wouldn’t want to read every single one of them.

Ivar has been through hell… literally. And it changed him in so many ways. But then he set eyes on Promise. First he is mesmerized by her abilities but then he becomes enchanted by her in every way.

I always love the women in Rebecca’s books. They are strong and independent but are not afraid of love.

I have never found a book of Rebecca’s that I didn’t love.

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

June 27, 2019June 26, 2019

Kimberly reviews Lost And Found by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Lost and Found
CHARACTERS: Madison Allen
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What might have been? That tantalizing question propels a woman on a cross-country adventure to reunite with the men she loved and let go, in Danielle Steel’s exhilarating new novel.

It all starts with a fall from a ladder, in a firehouse in New York City. The firehouse has been converted into a unique Manhattan home and studio where renowned photographer Madison Allen works and lives after raising three children on her own. But the accident, which happens while Maddie is sorting through long-forgotten personal mementos and photos, results in more than a broken ankle. It changes her life.

Spurred by old memories, the forced pause in her demanding schedule, and an argument with her daughter that leads to a rare crisis of confidence, Maddie embarks on a road trip. She hopes to answer questions about the men she loved and might have married—but didn’t—in the years after she was left alone with three young children. Wearing a cast and driving a rented SUV, she sets off to reconnect with three very different men—one in Boston, one in Chicago, and another in Wyoming—to know once and for all if the decisions she made long ago were the right ones. Before moving forward into the future, she is compelled to confront the past.

As the miles and days pass, and with each new encounter, Maddie’s life comes into clearer focus and a new future takes shape. A deeply felt story about love, motherhood, family, and fate, Lost and Found is an irresistible new novel from America’s most dynamic storyteller.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a story about finding yourself not only in your choices you made in your past but where you are right now.

Maddie has a difficult life. Mainly she is a loner. And she has time to reflect on the choices she made, the same questions we would ask ourselves. Why did I marry __? Why did I divorce __? Did I raise my kids right? If so why are we not close? And so on and so on…. The questions are endless for Maddie… and for us!

This is certainly women’s lit. This is about looking at ourselves through Maddie’s eyes. I had a bit of a problem in the beginning because I really wasn’t invested in Maddie and to be honest I felt she was a doormat under her own daughter’s feet but as her journey goes on I could relate to her a bit more.

I have a feeling, anyone who reads this will take some time, even if just a moment, to reflect on something about themselves.

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

June 24, 2019June 23, 2019

Kimberly reviews Wolf Instinct by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Instinct
SERIES #: SWAT #9
CHARACTERS: Alyssa & Zane
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s a wolf shifter.
She hunts monsters.
How can she be The One for him?

SWAT werewolf Zane Kendrick will do whatever it takes to take down the man who attacked his pack. His search takes him to Los Angeles, but when he meets Alyssa, the smart, sexy agent who comes to his aid, he’s immediately interested in pursuing more than just the next lead. All his wolf instincts tell him that she’s The One.

FBI agent Alyssa Carson has investigated some weird stuff lately, and finding missing people drained of their blood definitely falls into that category. When following a clue leads her to Zane, she agrees to work with him and his team. She’s attracted to the gorgeous Brit, but she doesn’t have time for anything but finding answers.

When Zane and Alyssa discover the sinister truth, it’ll take everything they have to make it out of this mission with their lives―and hearts―intact.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts While this can be a stand alone I suggest that you read the series so you understand what SWAT is all about. That being said you can read this on its own and enjoy it. This is Zane and Alyssa’s story. Alyssa is FBI who looks for exactly what Zane is. Zane is SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team).

I really enjoyed the storyline of them meeting. And the romance was sweet and sexy at the same time. Paige Tyler has written a lot of shapeshifter books and I have to say that sometimes they get routine but not this one. This one I have enjoyed more than I have in a while.

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

June 13, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot by Susan Mallery

TITLE: The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot
CHARACTERS: Margot & Sunshine
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Margot and Sunshine are siblings but are as different as their names indicate. Margot is all business and Sunshine is all play.

But this is a story about sisters and love and life more than about the difference in them it is about the life of hard knocks they have endured together.

If you have never read a Susan Mallery story, well first…. WTH?… but if you haven’t read her start NOW! Susan Mallery is honestly one of my favorite authors of all time. She is the first name I think of when someone asked me for the name of my fav author. Sure there are others but she is #1!

This is a keeper! Pick it up for a great summer, or anytime, read!

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

June 12, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Sister’s Of Summer’s End by Lori Foster

TITLE: Sister’s Of Summer’s End
SERIES #: Summer Resort #2
CHARACTERS: Joy & Maris
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the summer ends, friendship begins…When single mom Joy Lee abandoned her old life to take a job at a lakeside resort, she found something that her family’s wealth and influence could never buy: peace of mind. Not easy to come by for the once-burned divorce who keeps everyone at a distance. But when her new friend, Maris, dares her to take a chance with the drive-in’s charismatic new owner, everything changes for Joy and her young son.
A difficult childhood has left Maris Kennedy with definite priorities. Her job running Summer’s End, the camp store and cafe, comes first. Always. Nothing could ever make her risk that hard-won security–especially not her free-spirited colleague. But the more she encourages Joy to open herself up to new experiences, the more Maris begins to wonder what she, too, might be missing. Learning how to trust will bring Joy and Maris together.
And soon they form a friendship that leaves them as close as sisters–and open to love where they least expect it…in Summer’s End.

REVIEW:
Perfect beach read. While this is the second in the series it can be read as a stand alone. But be sure to take it along to wherever you go this summer because it is a perfect book to take on vacation.

The characters are light hearted and sweet, there are so many emotions scenes in this book but I don’t always mean sad or heavy. A lot of fun, kindness, love and enjoyment are in this book.

And for any woman who has a unbiological sister this story will go straight to the heart… like it did mine.

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

June 10, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

TITLE: Storm And Fury
SERIES #: The Harbinger #1
CHARACTERS: Trinity & Zayne
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

REVIEW:
This is a spin off from the last trilogy. While you do not have to read the first one I suggest it. It being a spin off it will help you understand the world the book is set in.

Now that being said. I found the first part of the story a bit tedious but maybe that was because I already knew the world and it seemed to take a bit for those new to read the story.

But I did get into the story about a third of the way through and enjoyed it very much. Just give it a chance.

I really liked Zayne. He is a diamond in the rough. Trinity took me a bit to warm up to but I eventually liked her.

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

June 7, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews Lying Next To Me by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: Lying Next To Me
CHARACTERS: Warner’s and Moss’
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/21/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No matter what you see, no matter what you’ve heard, assume nothing.

Adam and Sophie Warner and their three-year-old daughter are vacationing in Washington State’s Hood Canal for Memorial Day weekend. It’s the perfect getaway to unplug—and to calm an uneasy marriage. But on Adam’s first day out on the water, he sees Sophie abducted by a stranger. A hundred yards from shore, Adam can’t save her. And Sophie disappears.

In a nearby cabin is another couple, Kristen and Connor Moss. Unfortunately, beyond what they’ve heard in the news, they’re in the dark when it comes to Sophie’s disappearance. For Adam, at least there’s comfort in knowing that Mason County detective Lee Husemann is an old friend of his. She’ll do everything she can to help. She must.

But as Adam’s paranoia about his missing wife escalates, Lee puts together the pieces of a puzzle. The lives of the two couples are converging in unpredictable ways, and the picture is unsettling. Lee suspects that not everyone is telling the truth about what they know—or they have yet to reveal all the lies they’ve hidden from the strangers they married.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Can you love and hate characters at the same time? Sure you can. Because I loved how much I hated these characters. Every single one of the suspects drove me crazy with their character.

This book was really good. I enjoyed how these characters seemed one thing and then turned into another. And I love when I am not sure if I am right on who-dun-it. And while I was pretty sure I wasn’t positive.

This book kept me interested and turning the page for the story. There were parts that were typical of the genre but if you are a fan of characters you love to hate you will love this story.

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

June 6, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews The View From Alameda Island

TITLE: The View From Alameda Island
CHARACTERS: Lauren Delaney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers a poignant and powerful story about how one woman’s best intentions lead to the worst of situations and how the power of love helps her to heal and ultimately triumph.

From the outside looking in, Lauren Delaney has a life to envy—a successful career, a solid marriage to a prominent surgeon and two beautiful daughters who are off to good colleges. But on her twenty-fourth wedding anniversary Lauren makes a decision that will change everything.

Lauren won’t pretend things are perfect anymore. She defies the controlling husband who has privately mistreated her throughout their marriage and files for divorce. And as she starts her new life, she meets a kindred spirit—a man who is also struggling with the decision to end his unhappy marriage.

But Lauren’s husband wants his “perfect” life back and his actions are shocking. Facing an uncertain future, Lauren discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for the love and happiness she deserves.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoy the writing of Robyn Carr. She has a way of writing that does what a book should do. Relax you and leave you with a lightened heart.

I found myself really liking Lauren. She has dealt with a lot and has been through things that no woman should and has walked away and taken control of her life. But her husband wants his life with Lauren back and this is her story of survival and self love.

This a great beach read. There is some hard parts of the story but mostly this is a story of walking away with your head held high.

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

June 4, 2019June 3, 2019

Kimberly reviews Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Shadow Warrior
SERIES #: Shadow #4
CHARACTERS: Vittorio & Grace
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/04/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

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

Vittorio Ferraro is a man whose family loyalty knows no bounds. He would die for his siblings and the people they love, but what he really wants is to start a family of his own. Deep down, Vittorio has always known finding a woman who could ride shadows would be nearly impossible—let alone one who could accept his particular needs—and he never expected to find her in the middle of a kidnapping.…

Grace Murphy has always been drawn to Vittorio Ferraro—or at least to the billionaire’s public bad-boy persona. Now that she’s under his protection and the sole focus of his intense caring, she can’t help wanting to get as close to him as possible. But Grace knows her presence is putting the entire Ferraro family in danger. Her monster of a brother will never let her go, but Vittorio has no intention of losing the woman whose shadow matches his own.

REVIEW:
One of the things I enjoy most about Feehan’s writing is no matter what her women have been through they are still strong and independent…. And Grace is no different. She has had a hard life because of her foster brother and his control over her. But when Vittorio comes into her life no one, not even her foster brother, can stop her from falling in love.

It took me a bit to enjoy Vittorio but I eventually did. Once I connected with Vittorio it was a much easier read.

I love reading anything that Feehan writes and this story and series is no different. Wonderful read, wonderful writing and wonderful author.

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

June 3, 2019June 2, 2019

Kimberly reviews Taken by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Taken
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1.5
CHARACTERS: Hunter & Faye
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunter Holt might be the most stubborn ex-soldier ever born, but when he’s called on to help find a lost foster kid, he jumps into action. Even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart five years ago—the woman who still haunts his dreams . . .

Faye Smith has spent five long years trying to get her life back on track. She knows she should’ve turned toward Hunter and not away from him. But they both had too many demons to destroy. Maybe now they’ll get another chance—and save someone else’s life too . . .

But first they’ll have to stop arguing long enough to trust the Deep Ops team. Hunter was a lost boy himself once. In fact, he ran away from the exact same man, their monster of a father. Now he and Faye will have to unite to find the brother he never knew—and maybe each other . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is #1.5 in the Deep Ops series that began with Hidden. This is a short novella that can be a stand alone and it was a quick read but since it is only after the first in the series I would suggest reading Hidden first because trust me there is never a Rebecca Zanetti book & series that is not worth reading.

This is a second chance at love story which I love (since I had a second chance at love) but there are so many cute moments especially with the animals that alone makes it worth the read.

Great story and romance. Never disappointed when Rebecca writes a book.

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