Kimberly’s Review – Page 44

October 3, 2018September 30, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Season Of Wonder by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Season Of Wonder
SERIES #: Haven Point #9
CHARACTERS: Dani & Ruben
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s giving her children a season of wonder…

Dani Capelli seized a chance to start over in a small town with her daughters. Now, facing her first Christmas in Haven Point, she wonders if leaving New York was a mistake. Dani loves working alongside veterinarian Dr. Morales, but her two children aren’t adjusting to small-town life. And then there’s Dr. Morales’s son, Ruben—Dani’s next-door neighbor. Gorgeous, muscled and dependable, the deputy sheriff is everything she secretly craves and can’t bear to risk loving…and losing.

Ruben never pictured himself falling for a big-city woman like Dani. But beneath her prickly facade, she’s caring and softhearted and she needs all the love and protection he can give. When Dani’s teenage daughter starts acting out, Ruben draws on family traditions to show the girls just how magical a Haven Point Christmas can be. But can he convince Dani that she’s found a home for the holidays—and forever—in his arms?

REVIEW:
Thayne is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. I love the way she writes. Her stories are so sweet and heartfelt.

This is Dani and Ruben’s story. And they are really great together but the two daughters are my downfall. They are so sweet and real. I just wanted to bring Mia home with me. Silver took a bit but I finally enjoyed her too. But the older ones are always the harder ones to enjoy.

Great book to have ready on hand for your next read.

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

October 2, 2018September 30, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Dash Of Love by Jill Sanders

TITLE: A Dash Of Love
SERIES #: Pridem Oregon #1
CHARACTERS: Sara & Parker
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/18
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.

Sara Jordan has finally been given the chance to run The Golden Oar, a restaurant that’s been in her family for generations. But the sexy know-it-all carpenter that her uncle hired to make some changes, keeps getting in her way. She’ll have to use all her skills just to prove that she’s up to the task.

Parker was hired to bring new life to the old building, but he hadn’t expected sparks to fly from the owner’s niece. As a series of mysterious accidents start to plague the job site, he finds himself working one-on-one with the temptress to avoid losing everything.

REVIEW:
This is such a sweet story about love and family. Parker is hired to fix up an old family restaurant that Sara is finally running.

The love story is really a delight to read but the best part is the connections the characters have with the background characters like Parker’s grandmother.

A great story to pick up.

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

September 24, 2018September 23, 2018

Kimberly reviews Through The Fire by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Through The Fire
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #4
CHARACTERS: Kit & Wesley
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/28/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kit Jernigan despairs of ever fitting in with her new tight-knit K9 unit. They’ve been through too much to open their arms to a stranger―and as mysterious fires begin raging across Monroe, she can’t convince them to trust her long enough to catch the woman she knows is responsible.
Wesley March, local fire spotter, knows Kit is right, and he’s willing to help her prove it. But the more time they spend together, the closer they get…and the more danger they’re in. A member of the K9 unit’s inner circle is determined to get revenge―no matter who gets burned in the process.
This time, it’s personal.

REVIEW:
I have to say this was my least favorite of the series. Something was just off about it. Kit and Wes are a fine couple and the romance was ok but Wes kind of drove me nuts. He was so shy that I wanted to slug him sometimes. And Kit was fine but just never felt a connection with her.

I am not sure why I didn’t enjoy it. Looking at other reviews I feel like I was missing something but I never did find it. I was disappointed. But I will pick up the next in the series since I have enjoyed the other books and hope thi is just a bad fluke.

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

September 20, 2018September 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Secret by KL Slater

TITLE: The Secret
CHARACTERS: Louise, Alice and Archie
AUTHOR: KL Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You turn your back for a minute. And now your son is in terrible danger …

Louise is struggling to cope. As a busy working mum, she often has to leave her eight-year-old son Archie at her sister Alice’s flat.

Alice and Louise used to be close. But there’s a lot they don’t know about each other now – like the bottle of vodka Louise hides in her handbag, Alice’s handsome new friend and the odd behaviour of her next-door neighbour.

Archie is a curious little boy. He likes to play on his own at his auntie’s flat until one day when he sees something he shouldn’t. Now he has a secret of his own. One he can’t tell his mum. One that could put him and his family in terrible danger.

The most gripping psychological thriller you’ll read this year from the top five bestselling author K.L.Slater. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This story kept me on the edge of my seat. Because I so badly wanted to figure out the secret.

Archie is going through a hard time and has become withdrawn and secretive. When Louise leaves for a bit she leaves Archie with her sister, Alice. She is determined to find out the secret and help her beloved nephew.

This was so well written and engrossing. Can’t wait for another story from Slater.

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

August 29, 2018August 27, 2018

Kimberly reviews They Won’t Be Hurt by Kevin O’Brien

TITLE: They Won’t Be Hurt
CHARACTERS: Laura Gretchell
AUTHOR: Kevin O’Brien
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/31/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONCE YOU LET THEM IN
The lights are on at the Singleton vacation home on Lopez Island, Washington, illuminating the horror within. Scott Singleton, former NFL star turned television evangelist, lies dead. The bodies of his wife and four of their five children are found on the second floor, bound, gagged, and stabbed repeatedly. The oldest daughter was shot in her boyfriend’s car. And the police’s main suspect—the property caretaker—has disappeared.

THEY WILL NEVER
In her secluded vineyard home two hours away, Laura Gretchell is on edge. Her husband is out of town on business, and the children are understandably shaken. Laura tries to tell herself there’s no reason to fear. Then the door handle rattles, and the real terror begins.

LET YOU GO
They’re in her house, holding her children hostage, and Laura has only one option: do exactly what the intruders say. But as Laura races to find the information they seek, she realizes that the enemies within her own home are only part of the nightmare. Because someone wants to keep the truth hidden at any cost, no matter how many more must die . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I have read other books from O’Brien but this was not one of my favorites. The story is good and had some suspense but there were so much extra wording that the thrill left this thriller.

I am not sure why there are so many filler words but it really takes a lot from this story and the reader loses a lot of the suspense. But as I said the story itself is good. But I am not sure you won’t find yourself skipping lines.

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

August 28, 2018August 27, 2018

Kimberly reviews Keep Her Silent by Theresa Talbot

TITLE: Keep Her Silent
SERIES #: Oonagh O’Neil #2
CHARACTERS: Oonagh
AUTHOR: Theresa Talbot
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/21/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘Do that which is good and no evil shall touch you’
That was the note the so-called Raphael killer left on each of his victims. Everyone in Glasgow – investigative journalist Oonagh O’Neil included – remember the murder of three women in Glasgow which sent a wave of terror through the city. They also remember that he is still at large…
When the police investigation into the Raphael killings reopens, Oonagh is given a tip off that leads her straight to the heart of a complex and deadly cover-up. When history starts to repeat itself, it seems the killer is closer than she thinks. Could Oonagh be the next target…?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I didn’t realize that this was the second in the series when I requested it so I feel like I missed a little bit of understanding the lead character. Oonagh is an interesting character with an even more interesting name. I am sure my brain was not pronouncing it correctly as I read this story.

I thought the story was good and well written for the most part. There was a few times that I felt there was too much to take in. A lot of characters were thrown in for what seems like no reason. The story dragged a bit and the story jumped a bit. But with that being said it was interesting.

I am not sure but I think when my TBR pile dwindles I will pick up the first one and maybe understand a bit more.

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

August 27, 2018August 23, 2018

Kimberly reviews Every Deep Desire by Sharon Wray

TITLE: Every Deep Desire
SERIES #: Deadly Force #1
CHARACTERS: Rafe & Juliet
AUTHOR: Sharon Wray
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’s taking it all back
His honor, his freedom, and the woman he loves

Rafe Montfort was a decorated Green Beret, the best of the best, until a disastrous mission and an unforgivable betrayal destroyed his life. Now, this deadly soldier has returned to the sultry Georgia swamps to reunite with his brothers, and take back all he lost. But Juliet must never know the truth behind what he’s done…or the dangerous secret that threatens to take him from her forever.

It took Juliet Capel eight long years to put her life back together after her husband was taken from her. Now Rafe is back, determined to protect her at any cost, and it’s not just her heart that’s in danger. The swamps hold a secret long buried and far deadlier than either of them could have imagined…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts This is a second chance at love romance and also a bit of suspense. There was a lot going on with this story. In the beginning it was hard for me to keep track of the characters but once I figured them out it made it a bit easier.

There was just enough interest in the story that it kept me reading it but I can’t say that I cared about the romances much and the suspense was just ok as well.

I believe this is my first book by Wray and I have to say it seemed like she through everything including the kitchen sink into the story.

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

August 21, 2018August 20, 2018

Kimberly reviews When We Found Home by Susan Mallery

TITLE: When We Found Home
CHARACTERS: Callie, Keira and Malcolm
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/10/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister–Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old.

Callie doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love.

But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit… until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Wow. Just Wow! I know we live in a world where sex is about sex and not about love but to find out that your family has increased by 2 half sisters would blow your world apart but that is what has happened to Malcolm.

There is so much to this book. Romance, of course, because it is Susan Mallery but also family dynamics, love and understanding as well as misunderstanding. This is so real. As the reader meets each new character we feel like a little bit has been added to Malcolm’s (and our) life.

I am a huge fan of Mallery’s Fool’s Gold/Happily Inc series and usually don’t enjoy the “extra” (as I call them) stories as much as as the series but this one just pulls at your heartstrings.

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

August 20, 2018August 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews Strong Hold by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Strong Hold
SERIES #: Redemption #5
CHARACTERS: Zack & Shayla
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/03/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fight promoter Zack Grayson is on the prowl for a rising star. As the top recruiter of a prestigious MMA promotion company, he wants to take someone where he was never able to go: the top of the professional league. He didn’t expect that someone to be the woman he loved…and left.

Top-ranked MMA amateur fighter Shayla “Shilla the Killa” Tyler built walls around her heart when Zack left her seven years ago–and again when her husband turned violent. Now, seeing Zack is nearly enough to send those walls crumbling. But she can’t risk the exposure of the limelight, and she definitely can’t risk another heartbreak.

As Shayla and Zack grow closer, though, business turns personal. And once their passion unleashes, there’s no going back…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a second chance at love story. After seven years Zack and Shayla have a chance at love if she is willing to open her heart to him.

Here is the problem. Second chances stories all seem to be pretty much the same. And this is no different. They know each other, they loved years ago, one of them was hurt and will not open their hearts again and then they do and HEA.

That being said Castille does a good job with the writing. And of course, as always, there are some hot scenes in the book which makes it worth the read.

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

August 17, 2018August 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews Good Luck With That by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Good Luck With That
CHARACTERS: Emerson, Georgia, and Marley
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it’s coming to terms with the survivor’s guilt she’s carried around since her twin sister’s death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it’s about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother’s and brother’s ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson’s dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Oh goodness what a book. With all the conversation this has started I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seemed like so many thought the book was fat-shaming and others saw the truth of the situation.

As a bigger girl I see the truth of it. Yes did some lines hit too close to home? Oh Yes! Did I feel guilty in some parts? Oh Yes! Did it make me want to improve myself? Yep!

Any bigger girl has gone into a doctors office and no matter the ailment the answer is that we are fat. I mean a broken finger is because we are fat? Apparently. But at the same time we do know that a number of issues we have could very well be from the weight and as much as we want to try to kid ourselves we can not.

This book really brings the truth to light about weight and the struggles bigger people (not just women) face.

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

August 16, 2018August 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley

TITLE: Bellewether
CHARACTERS: Charley and Lydia
AUTHOR: Susanna Kearsley
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some houses seem to want to hold their secrets.

It’s 1759 and the world is at war, pulling the North American colonies of Britain and France into the conflict. The times are complicated, as are the loyalties of many New York merchants who have secretly been trading with the French for years, defying Britain’s colonial laws in a game growing ever more treacherous.

When captured French officers are brought to Long Island to be billeted in private homes on their parole of honour, it upends the lives of the Wilde family—deeply involved in the treasonous trade and already divided by war.

Lydia Wilde, struggling to keep the peace in her fracturing family following her mother’s death, has little time or kindness to spare for her unwanted guests. French-Canadian lieutenant Jean-Philippe de Sabran has little desire to be there. But by the war’s end they’ll both learn love, honour, and duty can form tangled bonds that are not broken easily.

Their doomed romance becomes a local legend, told and re-told through the years until the present day, when conflict of a different kind brings Charley Van Hoek to Long Island to be the new curator of the Wilde House Museum.

Charley doesn’t believe in ghosts. But as she starts to delve into the history of Lydia and her French officer, it becomes clear that the Wilde House holds more than just secrets, and Charley discovers the legend might not have been telling the whole story…or the whole truth.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a sweet ghost story mixing the past and the present. Charley moves to her family hometown and soon is absorbed in the story of Lydia and the love she had for her Civil War officer. But when She starts to learn the story first hand Charley discovers more than she expected.

I really enjoyed this story. I will say sometimes it was a bit long and I would look to see how much longer it was but then something would happen and bam I was right back into the story.

If you are a fan of Somewhere In Time or The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan you will love this story.

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

August 14, 2018August 13, 2018

Kimberly reviews Flight Of The White Wolf by Terry Spear

TITLE: Flight Of The White Wolf
SERIES #: White Wolf #3
CHARACTERS: Gavin & Amelia
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Stranded in the wilderness, these warring hearts will be forced to work together―or die together.

Gavin Summerfield―an arctic wolf shifter with a fear of flying―has to fly into the vast lakeland wilderness of northern Minnesota to track down his suspect―where his ability to shift will come in very handy. Imagine his chagrin when his pilot turns out to be the woman who tasered him last time they saw each other. Things are off to a rocky start…again.

Arctic wolf shifter Amelia White isn’t entirely displeased to see Gavin again, but priorities shift when their plane is sabotaged and goes down in the middle of nowhere. As their attraction grows, Amelia hopes Gavin doesn’t discover the secret she’s been keeping…she knows he could never forgive her…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts My goodness… this is #24! 24! Really!

It is hard to believe that Spear can even come up with anything new after so many books in the series and yet she does.

Amelia and Gavin have met before years earlier but it was a different time and now Gavin is a turned wolf and Amelia is excited to see him again, well sorta. They have a past that Gavin can’t seem to place but Amelia remembers it all. But now they have to work together or they may not survive the latest meeting.

If you enjoy shifter romance than this story and this series is for you. And just an FYI this can be read as a stand alone. Or out of order.

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