Kimberly’s Review – Page 46

February 8, 2018February 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Highland Conquest by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Conquest
SERIES #: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #2
CHARACTERS: Lachlan & Amber
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE WAS LOOKING FOR VENGEANCE

Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber.

INSTEAD HE FOUND HER

Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan’s treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she’s threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side.

REVIEW:
After reading the first in the series I knew I would want to read them all. The Highlanders are well in a word… yummy! There is something about a Scottish Highlander. If you haven’t been a fan of the genre you will be after reading the first two books of this series.

What I enjoy about this series is the fact that the guys are alpha but the women are strong as well. In this case Amber is a healer. She is confident and willing to do anything to be free of the her captor. The guys are worth reading about as well.

Something about this genre is exciting and makes me want to hop a plane to check out the Scottish hills (and men).

You will not want to miss this story/series if you love the genre. And if you want to try out the genre for the first time this is a great book to make you a fan.

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

February 6, 2018February 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Diaper Duty Vampire by R.E. Mullins

TITLE: Diaper Duty Vampire
SERIES #: Vampires Of Amber Heights #1
CHARACTERS: John & Joann
AUTHOR: R.E. Mullins
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/11/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
During the Civil War, Union soldier, John Alden took a musket ball to the gut. As he gasped his final breath, he was turned into a vampire and started life anew in Amber Heights, Missouri. For over one hundred and fifty years, he’s lived a rather solitary life as a vampire Enforcer.

Young single mother, Joann Clarkson, needs a job and fast. Hoping to be rehired, she returns to Dr. Michaela Blautsauger’s lab prepared to eat a hefty helping of humble pie. She comes to regret that decision when she’s taken hostage. Things look grim but she’ll never stop fighting to escape. Her son needs his mama.

As an Enforcer, John must hunt down the vampire who kidnapped Joann. In his search, John winds up babysitting her toddler Cody. Changing diapers might be worse than getting staked, but nothing compares to how he feels when both mother and child fall into danger again.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute story. It is a short read which has a bunch of humor and is a light fun read. It is not a book that you need to concentrate much on. But at the same time it is cuter than I expected.

Yes there are some scenes that make you roll your eyes but in a good way. Any parent would get a kick out of it.

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

February 1, 2018January 29, 2018

Kimberly reviews More To Love by Alison Bliss

TITLE: More To Love
SERIES #: A Perfect Fit #3
CHARACTERS: Jessa & Max
AUTHOR: Alison Bliss
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This laugh-out-loud romantic comedy proves that, when enemies become lovers, all bets are off!

Jessa Gibson may be new in the little town of Granite, Texas, but in no time at all her gourmet food truck business is booming. Soon she’ll have enough money to open the restaurant of her dreams. But first, she’ll have to appease the hot local health inspector, no matter how strange his “violations” sound to her. No pink plastic gloves? Really?

Max Hager isn’t exactly who he says he is. Pretending to be a health inspector is a (mostly) innocent mistake. A mistake made way worse by Max’s immediate, electrifying attraction to the curvy, sexy, redheaded chef. Throw in a whole lot of lust, and things in Jessa’s little kitchen are about to really start heating up. But can Max find a way to come clean with Jessa before his little deception turns into a recipe for disaster?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a quick read but very sweet. I enjoy the books where the characters are not perfect. Jessa is a bigger girl but Max seems to appreciate what she has. I thought the characters were good. They had depth to them. I wasn’t thrilled with Max at first but he ended up being ok in the end. I did like Jessa though.

Jessa and I would be the best of friends if she was real. She is adorable and would feed me yummy treats. I might have told her to dump Max but as I said he begins to grow on the reader.

A really cute read. Especially for the curvy girls in the world.

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

January 30, 2018January 29, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Honorable Traitors by John Lutz

TITLE: The Honorable Traitors
SERIES #: Laker #1
CHARACTERS: Thomas Laker
AUTHOR: John Lutz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE UNKNOWN SPY

Officially, Thomas Laker is an employee of the NSA. His real employer, known as the Gray Outfit, is not listed—anywhere. When a Washington, D.C., insider is killed in a bomb explosion, Laker teams up with cryptographer Ava North on a desperate search for clues. The only thing certain is that another act of terrorism is imminent. Delving into the dangerous past when America was drawn into global conflict, they discover one of history’s greatest—and deadliest—secrets. In the wrong hands it can unleash unimaginable destruction. Now, to keep his homeland from plunging into its darkest hour, Laker will have to defend everything he believes in…

REVIEW:
2.25 Hearts So what to say about this book? Not much. I really didn’t enjoy this book at all. The characters just didn’t connect with me. Something is just off. They seem so immature for what is supposed to be their ages.

The writing is not great either. I usually enjoy Lutz’s writing but not this time. I really had a hard time finishing this book and a number of times wondered if I should just put it down and start something I would enjoy. I didn’t but the feelings never changed.

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

January 25, 2018January 21, 2018

Kimberly reviews Judgment Road by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Judgment Road
SERIES #: Torpedo Ink #1
CHARACTERS: Reaper & Anya
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An outlaw motorcycle club sets up shop next door to Sea Haven in the dangerously sexy new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.
As the enforcer of the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club, Reaper lives for riding and fighting. He’s a stone-cold killer who turns his wrath on those who deserve it. Feelings are a weakness he can’t afford–until a gorgeous bartender gets under his skin…
Near Sea Haven, the small town of Caspar has given Anya Rafferty a new lease on life. And she’s desperate to hold on to her job at the biker bar, even if the scariest member of the club seems to have it out for her. But Reaper’s imposing presence and smoldering looks just ratchet up the heat.
Anya’s touch is everything Reaper doesn’t want–and it brands him to the bone. But when her secrets catch up to her, Reaper will have to choose between Anya and his club–his heart and his soul.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Whoo Hoo! A new series by Christine Feehan. I was so excited to pick up this book. And I was not disappointed at all.
This series is set in MC world. Reaper is the enforcer who has so many issues but seems like a teddy bear at heart. He has a side of him that most do not see and somehow Anya see’s it even if he doesn’t want her to. But when she is in danger he is the one that will make sure she comes out of this perfectly fine.
The book is a about Reaper. To be honest it felt like Anya was a bit of a secondary character. I didn’t mind that but it is something the reader should know. This is the MC world and it is Reaper’s world and Anya is just a player in it.
That being said it is a dangerous sexy world and one that I can’t wait to read more about. Bring on this new series because it will certainly get your engine reving!

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

January 23, 2018January 21, 2018

Kimberly reviews Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Sisters Like Us
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #4
CHARACTERS: Harper & Stacey
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…
Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgeling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.
Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.
Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts To me Susan Mallery is contemporary romance’s Mary Poppins. She is practically perfect in every way. What is not to love about her stories? Nothing!
This is a book about family and the dynamics that we all face when family is involved. I also thought that it helped me to remember everyone is going through something even if others do not know it,
The characters are funny, light hearted and complex. They deal with every emotion possible and still manage to stay together as a family in the end.
Mallery is one of the best but I would suggest reading the full series before this book. She has moved beyond just the 3 she planned on but it is helpful to have the back story.

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

January 18, 2018January 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews Promise Not To Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: Promise Not To Tell
SERIES #: Cutler, Sutter & Salinas #2
CHARACTERS: Virginia & Cabot
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A painter of fiery, nightmarish visions throws herself into the sea—but she leaves her secrets behind . . .
Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy has spent years battling the demons that stem from her childhood time in a cult and the night a fire burned through the compound, killing her mother. And now one of her artists has taken her own life, but not before sending Virginia a last picture: a painting that makes Virginia doubt everything about the so-called suicide—and her own past.
Like Virginia, private investigator Cabot Sutter was one of the children in the cult who survived that fire… and only he can help her now. As they struggle to unravel the clues in the painting, it becomes clear that someone thinks Virginia knows more than she does and that she must be stopped. Thrown into an inferno of desire and deception, Virginia and Cabot draw ever closer to the mystery of their shared memories—and the shocking fate of the one man who still wields the power to destroy everything they hold dear.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Let me say that Krentz is high on my list of favorite authors but this book just didn’t do it for me. It seemed very long and yet each chapter was very short.
Virginia and Cabot knew each other as kids living in a cult and dealing with horrendous conditions and almost being killed. Now they are adults and believe the cult leader is back.
The story just wasn’t suspensive enough and I never really connected to the characters. I suggest reading any of Krentz’s books but don’t start with this one as you will not really get the feel of Krentz’s work.

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

January 16, 2018January 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews City Of Endless Night by Preston & Child

TITLE: City Of Endless Night
SERIES #: Pendergast #17
CHARACTERS: Vincent D’Agosta & Pendergast
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What begins as a manhunt for the missing daughter of a wealthy tech billionaire becomes something altogether different when the young woman’s body is discovered in an abandoned warehouse in Kew Gardens, Queens, the head nowhere to be found. It appears there may be two killers on the loose–one responsible for the young woman’s death, another responsible for the mutilation. A pair of such dastardly killers requires a team of equally talented investigators. Luckily, both Vincent D’Agosta and Special Agent Pendergast are back in town.
D’Agosta hopes that working a case back on his home turf for the first time in years will reinvigorate the FBI Special Agent and give him an opportunity to flex his investigative might. But neither is prepared to face a killer–or killers–as diabolical as this. It will take all of Pendergast and D’Agosta’s intelligence and strength simply to match wits–let alone stay alive.

REVIEW:
Imagine a modern day Sherlock Holmes with issues galore. That is who Pendergast is to me. He can see things that others can’t and he is so intelligent but he has so many issues that it is a wonder he can put his shoes on the right feet.
This book is not on the top of the list of this series but it is a good one. Pendergast is vulnerable is this story which is refreshing. He is always the smartest one in the room so to see him at this stage is odd and yet interesting.
This series is a winner and it has stood the test since this is the 17th in the series. I will say after so many books you really shouldn’t start with this one because you need to understand Pendergast from the beginning. But you won’t regret starting this series.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 9, 2018January 7, 2018

Kimberly reviews Heart Of The Wolf by Terry Spear

TITLE: Heart Of The Wolf
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Bella & Devlyn
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Their forbidden love may get them both killed. Bella is a red werewolf, sole survivor of the fire that killed her entire pack. Devlyn is a beta male werewolf in a pack of grays. Forced to flee her adopted gray pack when the alpha male becomes a vicious threat, she struggles to live as a lone wolf, until Devlyn, the gray male who rescued her as a pup, comes to bring her home.

When a local red werewolf goes on a killing spree, Bella and Devlyn must flee the murderer, the police and their vengeful pack leader. With the full moon rising, and her heat upon her, Bella can’t resist the pull to her destined mate, even if means Devlyn will have to face the wicked alpha male in a fight to the death…

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts Well this story is hard to review. I really didn’t enjoy it. I have read others by Terry Spear but this is the first in a new series and I really am not sure if I will continue with the series. I may give it another chance once the next one comes out.

I really didn’t enjoy the characters. It might have been because they were young and Devlyn is just not alpha enough and to be honest I couldn’t ever feel him become alpha. And Bella is just not interesting either.

Just not for me.

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

January 5, 2018January 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews Every Dog Has His Day by Jenn McKinlay

TITLE: Every Dog Has His Day
SERIES #: Bluff Point #3
CHARACTERS: Zachary & Jessie
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A stray kitten and a rambunctious poodle bring together a small-town bachelor and a single mother in the latest romance set in Bluff Point, Maine.

Bluff Point brewery owner Zachary Caine wants nothing to do with commitment. His wild bachelor lifestyle suits him perfectly—until a foster kitten named Chaos makes him a reluctant hero. Now he’s BFFs with the kitten’s two little girls and finds himself falling for their gorgeous mother, who couldn’t think less of him.

Divorced mother Jessie Connelly wants nothing to do with men like Zach. He’s sexy and charismatic and bad news, just like her ex. But her girls adore him, and he’s doing a good job filling in for their deadbeat dad. Then a snowstorm brings out the best in both neighbors, who, it turns out, have more in common than their mutual attraction…

So when Jessie’s past threatens her and her girls, Zach is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them—and live happily ever after with this family he has made his own.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but the first one that I have read. This is an adorable story that has charm and charisma to spare. Jessie is a great character. She is “real” with issues that most women have. I loved her. Zach is a sweet guy who falls pretty quick for Jessie and her two little girls.

The story is very sweet and has a good lesson on the importance of family.

I will be heading back to read the first two in the series. Very enjoyable.

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

January 4, 2018January 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews Rocco by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Rocco
SERIES #: Ruin & Revenge #3
CHARACTERS: Rocco & Grace
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/02/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mafia enforcer, Rocco De Lucchi is the best in the business.

Cold, hard and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford—until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.

Grace Mantini has spent her whole life running from the mob. Daughter of the boss’s right hand man, she is both a prize and a target. When Rocco walks back into her life, she wants nothing to do with the man who betrayed her and broke her heart. But only Rocco can protect her from the dangerous forces that seek to destroy her family. Can they escape the hands of fate closing around them? Or will love be the kiss of death for them both?

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

This is the third in the series but the first one I read. I have never read a mafia romance that I can remember and while this was ok I am not sure the series would be for me.

The other thing I had a hard time with was the May/December romance. It just seemed icky since Rocco knew Grace as a child.

This story was just not at all what I expected and really not up my alley.

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

December 29, 2017December 26, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Pines Of Winder Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Pines Of Winder Ranch
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #5 & #10
CHARACTERS: Quinn & Tess / Taft & Laura
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Come home to Winder Ranch in these two beloved stories, where broken hearts can find exactly what they need to heal–and love again
A COLD CREEK HOMECOMING When Quinn Southerland returns home to Winder Ranch, Idaho, to find former high school queen bee Tess Claybourn serving as his dying mother’s hospice nurse, he’s far from pleased. But recently widowed Tess has done a lot of growing up since then. And as the two reconnect, she can’t help but wonder if there’s room in Quinn’s tortured heart for forgiveness–and maybe even love…
A COLD CREEK REUNION After Taft Bowman lost his parents ten years ago, he buried himself in a grief that shut fiancee Laura Pendleton out completely. But now she’s back, recently widowed with two kids in tow, and Taft refuses to let her slip away again. Laura just wants a fresh start, but that’s easier said than done when seeing Taft stirs up feelings she thought she’d left in the past…

REVIEW:
What a sweet second chance romance. RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors but I missed this release 5 years ago before I really got into this author.

What I enjoyed most I think is Laura being so determined to keep Taft away. She doesn’t say “not again” and then a day later is back in love. She really fights herself and her feelings for Taft. She even makes it a “rule” to stay away from him but we all know rules are made to be broken.

Another great read from Thayne and one anyone who enjoys a romance about second chances in a small town will love this story.

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