Kimberly’s Review – Page 42

December 13, 2018December 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Protector In The Highlands by Heather McCollum

TITLE: A Protector In The Highlands
SERIES #: Highland Roses School #2
CHARACTERS: Scarlet & Aiden
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With few other options, Scarlet Worthington flees from her home in England to the wild Highlands of Scotland to help her sister run a school for ladies. There, Scarlet begins to rebuild her own shattered confidence by recruiting a fierce Campbell warrior to teach her and the students how to protect themselves from villains and scoundrels. The intimidating Aiden Campbell both infuriates Scarlet and ignites a fire inside her as she works closely with him to hone her new skills.

Burned in a fierce fire, set by English soldiers, Highland warrior, Aiden Campbell, has finally healed enough to take temporary command of his clan. That’s where his focus should be instead of dealing with the feisty, beautiful Sassenach who asks him to teach her students.

When Scarlet’s past stalks her up into Scotland, her nightmares come alive, and Aiden’s lessons are put to the test. With his own ghosts from the past making him despise English women, Aiden fights the inferno of passion that’s grown between them, a different kind of wild fire that could prove just as deadly.

REVIEW:
I have McCollum to thank for showing me that the Highlander Romance genre is one that I truly enjoy.

I picked up her previous series and now I believe I am reading everything she writes.

This is the second in a new series by McCollum and I was so excited to read it since I enjoyed the first one. And I was not disappointed again. The characters are so real and likable… well except for the ones that shouldn’t be liked…. Then they are delightfully unlikable. Even the background characters are fun to read.

Another wonderful addition to the Highlander Romance genre! Grab it before the next one comes out. Where is #3???

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

December 12, 2018December 11, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain Cowboy #1
CHARACTERS: Steve & Camille
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the heart of the Rockies
In the arms of a cowboy
One white Christmas can change everything.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected danger to follow them to his childhood home…

Or that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget.

Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town’s resident eccentric, she’s used to being lonely–until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he’s always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn’t take long before she’s in danger of falling for him and his rambunctious kids. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Ok who doesn’t like a cowboy romance? And who doesn’t like a holiday romance? So lets put them together and it should be explosive right? Well not exactly. I liked this book but not as much as I hoped.

The characters were a bit all over the place. Or we get to know them and then they are gone. The kids are cute and the main characters really had a lot of potential. But I found the story a bit slow going.

It wasn’t that it is a bad story it just didn’t rock my jingle bells.

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

December 11, 2018December 10, 2018

Kimberly reviews Deep Down by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Deep Down
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #4
CHARACTERS: Ian & Kennedy
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/18
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ian Gamble has a past he’d rather forget—which is exactly what he’s doing at The Crooked Angel Bar
and Grill when the place catches fire. Between his active duty in the Marines and his experience as a
firefighter, his instincts get him and hot, headstrong bar manager, Kennedy Matthews, to safety. But those
same instincts kick into high gear when the fire is ruled an arson, and he discovers Kennedy’s got secrets
of her own.
The only thing that matters more to Kennedy than her bar is her brother. When she finds out he’s in over
his head with a dangerous arsonist, she’ll do anything to keep him safe—even if it means teaming up with
Gamble, who’s too sharp-eyed and hard-bodied for his own good. With every step, their attraction flares
hotter and the risks grow more dangerous. Can Gamble and Kennedy face their fears—and their
secrets—to catch a terrifying enemy? Or will they go down in flames?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Kennedy is an every woman. She has had a hard life. She is trying to get her life together.
She has a brother…. And a bar. Ian has been through a lot. As a Marine and firefighter he has lived a life
full or order and danger.
When a dumpster goes up in flames their relationship gets hot. They work to prove who the arsonist is
because many think it is Kennedy’s brother and Ian is going to keep her safe even if she doesn’t want him
to.
Really good read. Well written and light-hearted.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 7, 2018December 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Past Tense by Lee Child

TITLE: Past Tense
SERIES #: Jack Reacher #23
CHARACTERS: Jack Reacher
AUTHOR: Lee Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack Reacher hits the pavement and sticks out his thumb. He plans to follow the sun on an epic trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn’t get far. On a country road deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to a place he has never been: the town where his father was born. He thinks, What’s one extra day? He takes the detour.
At the same moment, in the same isolated area, a car breaks down. Two young Canadians had been on their way to New York City to sell a treasure. Now they’re stranded at a lonely motel in the middle of nowhere. The owners seem almost too friendly. It’s a strange place, but it’s all there is.

The next morning, in the city clerk’s office, Reacher asks about the old family home. He’s told no one named Reacher ever lived in town. He’s always known his father left and never returned, but now Reacher wonders, Was he ever there in the first place?

As Reacher explores his father’s life, and as the Canadians face lethal dangers, strands of different stories begin to merge. Then Reacher makes a shocking discovery: The present can be tough, but the past can be tense . . . and deadly.

REVIEW:
Jack Reacher is back! I really enjoy this series… but please do not base the series off the movie with Tom Cruise because he is nothing like Jack Reacher.

The intensity of these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. You do not need to have read the others to read this one. But the series is worth the read.

In this one we watch Reacher look into his father’s life so we get a bit of his history. Reacher is a character that you will never know everything about but it is great to get a bit of insight.

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

December 6, 2018December 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Exclusive / A Touch Of Heaven by Samantha Chase

TITLE: Exclusive / A Touch Of Heaven
CHARACTERS: Taylor & Mike / Regan & Sawyer
AUTHOR: Samantha Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Exclusive
When little-known writer Taylor Scott is granted two weeks to interview a famous reclusive author, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. So is the chance to rekindle her friendship with Mike Greene, who happens to be the author’s assistant. But as feelings deepen and time winds down, Taylor will have to choose between the story that could launch her career and an unexpected chance at love.

A Touch of Heaven
As Regan Amerson makes the emotional decision to sell their family home, her mother wins a home makeover from a reality TV show. Regan is furious, and jaded host Sawyer Bennett isn’t thrilled either. That is, until he meets Regan–and finds himself enamored by the fiercely independent beauty. She may want nothing to do with him, but Sawyer isn’t one to give up easily…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts These are about even in review. The romance is sweet and well written. They were both released before.

I enjoyed the second story more just because it was something a bit different than many other romance novels. But both are worth the read. And both are quick reads.

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

December 5, 2018December 4, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday!!! Kimberly reviews Bells, Spells and Murders by Carol J. Perry

TITLE: Bells, Spells and Murder
SERIES #: Witch City Mystery #7
CHARACTERS: Lee & Pete
AUTHOR: Carol J Perry
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Someone’s spreading deadly holiday cheer through Salem, Mass . . .

Lee Barrett has landed her dream job at Salem’s WICH-TV. As the new field reporter, she’ll be covering events live as they’re unfolding. Next on her holiday checklist is an interview with the beloved chairman of a popular walking tour through Salem’s historic districts. But it may be his ghost walking this snowy Noel season after Lee finds him murdered in his stately offices, bloody Santa hat askew.

With her police detective boyfriend working the case and a witch’s brew of suspects–including some bell-ringing Santas–Lee chases down leads aided and abetted by her wise cat O’Ryan and some unsettling psychic visions of her own. When a revealing clue leads to another dead body, not even a monster blizzard can stop Lee from inching closer to the truth . . . and a scoop that could spell her own demise this killer Christmas.

REVIEW:
This is the 7th in the series but I have not read any of the other books. But this book makes me want to go back and pick up all the others.

There was a bit of everything in this story. Some paranormal, murder, humor and so much more. I loved the characters and loved the writing.

This is a great book to start a fire, grab a warm drink and cuddle up and enjoy. It definitely puts you in a holiday mood.

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

December 4, 2018December 3, 2018

Kimberly reviews Vampire’s Faith by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Vampire’s Faith
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #8
CHARACTERS: Ronan & Faith
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/19/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dark Protectors are Back!

Vampire King Ronan Kayrs wasn’t supposed to survive the savage sacrifice he willingly endured to rid the world of the ultimate evil. He wasn’t supposed to emerge in this time and place, and he sure as hell wasn’t supposed to finally touch the woman who’s haunted his dreams for centuries. Yet here he is, in an era where vampires are hidden, the enemy has grown stronger, and his mate has no idea of the power she holds.

Dr. Faith Cooper is flummoxed by irrefutable proof that not only do vampires exist . . . they’re hot blooded, able to walk in sunlight, and shockingly sexy. Faith has always depended on science, but the restlessness she feels around this predatory male defies reason. Especially when it grows into a hunger only he can satisfy—that is if they can survive the evil hunting them both.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts WHOO HOO The Dark Protectors series is back! Zanetti is the Queen of Paranormal in my opinion. I have never read a book from Zanetti that I did not enjoy. Some more than others but always an enjoyable read.

Dr Faith has the same reaction that I think most would have finding out that Vampires exist but she is a scientist. Scientist can not possibly believe in something that science can not explain.

And then there is King Ronan… One word fits him… YUM! No more needs to be said.

If you love vampires and have not read any of Zanetti’s books.. WHY NOT? Pick them up but start at the beginning. You won’t be disappointed.

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

December 3, 2018December 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Pharaoh Key by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

TITLE: The Pharaoh Key
SERIES #: Gideon Crew #5
CHARACTERS: Gideon Crew
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/12/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Don’t miss the this exciting, New York Times bestselling adventure from Preston & Child, in which the secrets of a mysterious ancient tablet may point the way to untold treasure–or unspeakable danger.
“I just want to be crystal clear about this: if it has value, we’re gonna steal it. Are you with me?”
Effective Engineering Solutions has been inexplicably shut down and the head of the company, Eli Glinn, has all but vanished. Fresh off a diagnosis that gives him only months to live, Gideon Crew is contacted by one of his coworkers at EES, Manuel Garza, who tells him the two have mere hours to collect their belongings before the office closes forever. After years of dedicated service and several high-risk missions, theirs seems like the most ignoble of terminations-until Gideon and Garza happen upon an incredible discovery. After centuries of silence, a code-breaking machine at EES has cracked the long-awaited translation of a centuries-old stone tablet, the Phaistos Disc, that dates back to an otherwise completely unknown, ancient civilization. The mysteries of the message itself hint at incredible treasures, and perhaps even a world-altering secret. No one remains at EES to take on this most remarkable mission but Gideon and Garza. The two agree to solve the mystery of the disc’s message and split the spoils: the perfect parting gift their employer doesn’t know he has given. What lies at the end of the trail may save Gideon’s life-or bring it to a sudden, shocking close. As Gideon and Garza soon discover, some missions are more dangerous than others. But as Gideon has proved again and again, there’s no such thing as too great a risk when you’re living on borrowed time.

REVIEW:
Oh how I enjoy these authors. Any Preston/Child book is worth picking up. These books always keep me enraptured.

If you are a fan of movies like National Treasure or books by Brad Meltzer you will enjoy this series.

Gideon is a great character. Garza is really cool too.

You will be on the edge of your seat figuring out this secret.

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

November 30, 2018November 25, 2018

Kimberly reviews Legends: Murder, Lies and Cover-Ups by David Gardner

TITLE: Legends: Murder, Lies and Cover-Ups
CHARACTERS: Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Princess Diana & JFK
AUTHOR: David Gardner
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/15/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If people famously remember where they were when JFK was assassinated, many also recall where they were and what they were doing when Elvis, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson died. As for Marilyn Monroe, only now can the truth be told about how—and why—she died. After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files, interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts, and forensic experts, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information. His book reveals that Elvis Presley may have signed his death warrant going undercover for the FBI; that Marilyn Monroe’s secret affairs with JFK and his brother, Robert, left her in the crosshairs of a lethal conspiracy; why Princess Diana’s death was no accident; who ordered President John F. Kennedy’s assassination; and how on three occasions Michael Jackson “died” of painkiller drug overdoses in the months before his death.

REVIEW:
So here is the thing we have all heard about these deaths… and all the conspiracies that go along with it. So that part of each celebrity death was not surprising but the thing I enjoyed the most was the little extra information that I had never heard before.

I would share a few but then you wouldn’t be as interested because you already knew it. Catch 22.

But I enjoyed the writing of this author. No section was overly long winded. Easy to sit and read a section about a celebrity and then put the book down for a bit.

If you enjoy this genre then this book is for you.

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

November 28, 2018November 25, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Season Of Love by Jill Sanders

TITLE: Season Of Love
SERIES #: Pride Oregon #3
CHARACTERS: Lilly & Corey
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Head back to Pride Oregon to find out what some of your favorite Jill Sanders’ characters are up to.

Lilly Stevens didn’t have time to flirt anymore, and that was a real shame since the man of her dreams was right next door. Opening a boutique, Classy and Sassy, with her cousin has taken all of her free time, and her spending money. Still, it’s hard to say no to the sandy-blonde haired man with sexy green eyes and a killer smile. Not to mention, the man could make her laugh, which was one of the most important items on her list of potential loves of her life.

Corey and his twin, Carter have finally achieved their lifelong dreams of being on their own. Finally, they can have a normal life, even if their shared dark history has forced them to be leery of letting anyone in. But the little town of Pride has a way of shedding light in the darkest corners. Now, the sexy girl-next-door has caught his eye, but she’s too perfect for someone with his history, even if her crystal slate eyes and lush pouty lips demanded his attention.

REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this book. Lilly seems needy and desperate. And Corey is not very alpha. MInd you I don’t need a hero who is pure alpha but he just never seemed to have much of a backbone…especially when it came to Lilly.

Story is fine and interesting. I enjoyed the background characters.,

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

November 26, 2018November 25, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Other Lady Vanishes by Amanda Quick

TITLE: The Other Lady Vanishes
SERIES #: Burning Cove #2
CHARACTERS: Adelaide & Jake
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/08/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Knew Too Much sweeps readers back to 1930s California–where the most dazzling of illusions can’t hide the darkest secrets…

After escaping from a private sanitarium, Adelaide Blake arrives in Burning Cove, California, desperate to start over. Working at an herbal tea shop puts her on the radar of those who frequent the seaside resort town: Hollywood movers and shakers always in need of hangover cures and tonics. One such customer is Jake Truett, a recently widowed businessman in town for a therapeutic rest. But unbeknownst to Adelaide, his exhaustion is just a cover.

In Burning Cove, no one is who they seem. Behind facades of glamour and power hide drug dealers, gangsters, and grifters. Into this make-believe world comes psychic to the stars Madame Zolanda. Adelaide and Jake know better than to fall for her kind of con. But when the medium becomes a victim of her own dire prediction and is killed, they’ll be drawn into a murky world of duplicity and misdirection.

Neither Adelaide or Jake can predict that in the shadowy underground they’ll find connections to the woman Adelaide used to be–and uncover the specter of a killer who’s been real all along…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I just love the works of Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. Staying old school she keeps her alias’ when she writes her historical romance. I prefer her writing in current time to be honest.

This is the second in the series and I suggest you read the first one first. The asylum was interesting. The romance was just ok. I had a hard time with the background characters in this book and I think that took away from the story a bit.

I have to say being a fan of Krentz/Quick I rate her books based on her own writings and this was just not as high as most.

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

November 20, 2018November 18, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Crooked Staircase by Dean Koontz

TITLE: The Crooked Staircase
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #3
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/08/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“I could be dead tomorrow. Or something worse than dead.”

Jane Hawk knows she may be living on borrowed time. But as long as she’s breathing, she’ll never cease her one-woman war against the terrifying conspiracy that threatens the freedom–and free will–of millions. Battling the strange epidemic of murder-suicides that claimed Jane’s husband, and is escalating across the country, has made the rogue FBI agent a wanted fugitive, relentlessly hunted not only by the government but by the secret cabal behind the plot. Deploying every resource their malign nexus of power and technology commands, Jane’s enemies are determined to see her dead . . . or make her wish she was.

Jane’s ruthless pursuers can’t stop her from drawing a bead on her prey: a cunning man with connections in high places, a twisted soul of unspeakable depths with an army of professional killers on call. Propelled by her righteous fury and implacable insistence on justice, Jane will make her way from southern California to the snow-swept slopes of Lake Tahoe to confront head-on the lethal forces arrayed against her. But nothing can prepare her for the chilling truth that awaits when she descends the crooked staircase to the dark and dreadful place where her long nightmare was born.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series and I would suggest reading the other two books before reading this one.

I really enjoyed this character. Jane is capable and not a princess in need of rescue type. She can do it all herself.

The other thing is this is set in Lake Tahoe which I visited a number of times so I was really able to “see” the scenes as they played out.

A very enjoyable read.

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