Kimberly’s Review – Page 50

October 6, 2017September 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Highland Promise by Alyson McLayne

TITLE: Highland Promise
SERIES #: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #1
CHARACTERS: Caitlin & Darach
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five boys destined to become Highland lairds are fostered together as brothers. Darach, Lachlan, Callum, Gavin and Kerr fight for their clans, for each other, and for their own true loves.

When forced to choose between duty and honor…

Darach MacKenzie vowed never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can’t be distracted—not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help.

This Highland Laird will find a way to have both…

When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what’s rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin—even if it means losing his heart.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Oh how I loved this story! I picked up the book never having heard about this author. Maybe this is her first story or maybe I just hadn’t found her yet but she will be on my favorites list if she keeps writing like this. Not that the book is perfect. It isn’t. There are a couple of little things that brought it the hearts down to 4.75 but all in all this is a wonderful novel.

Caitlin is so naive and sheltered. She was brought up innocent and loved but when her parents died her cruel uncle took her in and she was sequestered away from the world so she is still young in what we would now call “street smarts”. She doesn’t get insinuations, she isn’t sure of people and how they will respond to her but she tries so very hard. She wants to please out of love and respect not fear but this poor thing manages to screw everything up by just thinking about it.

Darach is a hard highland Scot who doesn’t take s*** from anyone but when he sees Caitlin something in him changes and when he finally meets her Lord help him. He manages to bring his alpha Scot to a manageable attitude when Caitlin does things he can’t even imagine anyone would consider doing in their wildest dreams… like digging up his Abbey. But he is just so sweet to Caitlin. He quickly figures out that all she does comes from her heart. She is pure and sweet and doesn’t have a cruel bone in her body. And how he manages to soften for her is just so lovely.

I really loved this book. I picked it up every second I could. I fell for Lachlan and his humor. I can not wait for his story to come out. We didn’t read much of the other three “brothers” but I can only imagine that their stories will be just as wonderful.

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

October 5, 2017September 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews Hot Pursuit by Julie Ann Walker

TITLE: Hot Pursuit
SERIES #: Black Knights Inc #11
CHARACTERS: Christian & Emily
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He puts the hot…
Christian Watson, a former SAS officer and current BKI operator, never thought he would return to England after a terrible turn of events forced him to abandon his homeland. But now he’s back on British soil where old enemies are determined to do him in. Fighting for his life is pretty much SOP for Christian. Doing it with the beautiful, bossy Emily Scott in tow is another matter entirely.

In hot pursuit.
Emily lost her coveted job at the CIA because of a colleague turned rogue, and now she has just one rule when it comes to men: they’re for recreational purposes only. But when she and Christian are thrust into very close quarters while evading two mysterious men who want Christian dead, she can’t help but question all her ideas about love and life lived on the edge. Battling the bad guys is hard enough, battling her feelings for Christian just might prove impossible.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the 11th in the series and really you need to read book 10 before reading this one as it starts right where #10 leaves off.

This story is action packed. After 10 other books it is hard to believe that Walker has more in that mind of her and yet she does. She takes us to the edge in this book and it seems like something is always happening.

The characters in this book have so much to their they really are not 1 dimensional. You can really feel the tension and the lust in this story. But be ready to enjoy the adventure because the action is really what keeps this story going.

Heads up: There is a M/M romance in this story. Some may find this is not to their liking but the story is well written.

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

October 4, 2017September 29, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Dreaming Of A White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear

TITLE: Dreaming Of A White Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: White Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Candice & Owen
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the first installment of Terry Spear’s bold, sexy White Wolf series, a romance writer’s life is changed forever when a white puppy bites her and turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter.

May all your Christmas wolves be bright…
Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life–until the playful bite of a werewolf puppy accidentally turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. Talk about a life-changing event! Candice is at the end of her rope with the unpredictable shifting, a strong desire to howl, and the need to vacuum constantly to keep the shedding fur under control.

Enter werewolf private investigator Owen Nottingham. Owen has a new mission: convince the pretty she-wolf she needs to join his pack in time for Christmas…and be his mate. It’s the only way he can think of to keep her safe…

REVIEW:
Candice and Owen are both newly turned arctic wolves. Owen is sent to find her under his PI business but he was already looking for her after seeing her the night she was turned.

The story is fine. The writing is a bit off to me but it is still a fine book. I never connected to the characters and the story didn’t have anything much that hasn’t been done before.

OK read if in the mood.

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

October 3, 2017September 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: At The Heart Of It
CHARACTERS: Kate & Jonah
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.

Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh my! How great was this book. It has everything you need to enjoy a fun romance. The humor in this story is worth the read even if the romance wasn’t there… but it is.

Jonah is a heart stealer. He stole mine for sure. And Kate and Jonah are perfect together and it is a fun adventure to get them together.

You can’t go wrong with Fenske’s books if you enjoy a light hearted funny romance.

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

September 29, 2017September 24, 2017

Kimberly reviews Second Chance Girl by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Second Chance Girl
SERIES #: Happily Inc #2
CHARACTERS: Mathias & Carol
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A touching modern fairy tale that won’t let go of your heart, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Welcome back to Happily Inc, California. A town only Susan Mallery could dream up and make you want to move there. As a fan of her Fool’s Gold series I grabbed this book and the first in the series and really enjoy learning the new town as well as the new characters.

We met Mathias in Fool’s Gold a while ago and now it is his turn to find is Happily Ever After. And to do that we meet Carol. Carol has lived in Happily Inc for a while now and this town is just not a normal town. It has an animal sanctuary near the recycle center/dump and Carol is the gamekeeper. Her latest addition is a giraffe named Millie. And the book wraps around Carol trying to get money to purchase more giraffes so Millie has a herd.

Mathias is love shy. After watching his parents relationship and then dealing with his un-twin brother pulling away he just can’t trust. But when he meets Carol he wants to.

There is also a background story of Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich her teenage crush and current Duke. This background story was just as enjoyable.

This is another great trip to Happily Inc. Having read every single Fool’s Gold book reading this series was a no brainer. But it did take book one and some of book two to get into the feel of the new town. It is quirky and friendship/family based like Fool’s Gold. But then how can you go wrong with anything Mallery writes?

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

September 27, 2017September 24, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Just A Little Christmas by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Just A Little Christmas
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Jubal
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Believe in second chances this Christmas . . .

Ellie Marsden couldn’t wait to shake the dust of Branding Iron, Texas, off her heels and chase after bright lights, big city, and a wealthy husband. Now she’s come home, divorced, a little disillusioned, and a whole lot pregnant. Leave it to her one-time high school sweetheart, cattle rancher Jubal McFarland, to point out that citified Ellie is as out of place in small-town Texas as her teacup poodle. So why is there something about being back—and being with Jubal—that feels surprisingly right?

Jubal’s eight-year-old daughter, Gracie, needs a mother, but he hasn’t found the perfect woman. Or maybe the problem is that he did find her, and had his heart broken when she left town. Gracie’s already falling hard for Ellie and that ball of fluff she calls a dog. And no matter how hard the rugged cowboy tries to resist, there’s no denying the appeal of first love and sweet new beginnings—especially when there’s a little Christmas magic in the air . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a sweet holiday story about second chances. Ellie and Jubal were serious in high school but she wanted more than being a farm wife. He wanted to improve on his family’s land. But now it is ten years later and things are different. Can they make a go of it this time?

I enjoyed most of this book. There were a few things I didn’t like but to be honest they are not huge deals but they just didn’t sit right. Like how often Jubal leaves his 8 year old daughter alone while he runs into town. I get that she is used to being alone if he has to take care of the cows but he is still on the property. And speaking of his daughter, no eight year old speaks like Gracie does. She is a cutie though so it is ok.

While set at Christmas time there is isn’t a lot of Christmas in the story. But there is a holiday feel. I liked Ellie a lot. She is the type of woman I like to be friends with. She has grown into a good person. Jubal is sweet but not one that I would fall head over heels for.

This is a relatively short read, about 185 pages, so a good book to enjoy one snowy weekend this winter.

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

September 25, 2017September 24, 2017

Kimberly reviews Storm Gathering by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Storm Gathering
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #4
CHARACTERS: Greyson & Maureen
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Even before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Greyson Storm was a lone wolf navigating minefields. As a kid, he learned to take a hit and find safety. As an adult, he joined the military and quickly learned how to protect and defend. When the world ended, he created a mercenary camp with military precision, no entanglements, and a promise to avenge a fallen friend. As part of that vow, he kidnapped Maureen Shadow, but now that he has let her go, her blue eyes and intriguing mind keep haunting him…

As possibly the only Biotechnology Engineer still living, Maureen Shadow might be humanity’s one hope to survive the aftermath of Scorpius, making her frighteningly valuable to both allies and enemies. Even after sexual tension explodes with Greyson, she’s not sure which camp he belongs to—friend or foe? Worse yet, survival may mean thwarting his prime mission, putting her in even more peril. When danger and seduction collide, there is no safety in this new world.

REVIEW:
Yet again I will start my review as I have started every one in the series… I am not a fan of apocalyptic/dystopian stories. However this is Rebecca Zanetti so I read it and enjoy it.

This story is filled with adventure and hot romance (read: sex) but I would expect nothing less from Zanetti. Her books make it hard to stop reading no matter the time of night. Greyson is hot. No doubt about that. Maureen is a great character that I enjoyed reading.

This is part of a series and I suggest reading them in order so you understand the world the characters are now living in. You will not be disappointed reading this series even if this is one a genre you would normally pick up.

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

September 22, 2017September 17, 2017

Kimberly reviews Her Dark Half by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Dark Half
SERIES #: X-Ops #7
CHARACTERS: Alina & Trevor
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trevor Maxwell
Coyote shifter with an attitude
Covert operator
Trusts no one, especially his devastatingly beautiful new partner

Alina Bosch
Former CIA, newest operative on the covert team
Hired to spy on her partner
Motto: “Never be deceived again.”

Coyote shifter Trevor Maxwell is teamed up with CIA agent Alina Bosch to catch a killer. But when the mission becomes much more dangerous than they expected, they’re going to have to ignore the attraction between them and learn how to trust one another to come out on the other side…

REVIEW:
As I read this book I wondered if this was the last in the series and I have just not heard about it. All the stories have combined to get us to this book. And it feels like this is the final showdown. I hope it isn’t the last though. While this series has been up and down for me it is still a great read if you enjoy the paranormal genre.

I enjoyed seeing all the characters again from past books. The story is fast paced and filled with adventure.

I would love to say more but also don’t want to give much away. I will say you can read this as a stand alone but I recommend that you do not. As I said it brings back storylines and characters from the six previous books and it really is best to read this in order.

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

September 20, 2017September 17, 2017

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: Sugar Pine Trail
SERIES #: Haven Point #7
CHARACTERS: Julia & Jamie
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and unforgettable romance this holiday season!

Librarian Julia Winston is ready to ditch the quiet existence she’s been living. She’s made a list of new things to experience, but falling for Jamie Caine, her sexy military pilot neighbor, isn’t one of them. Julia’s looking to conquer life, not become the heartbreaker’s latest conquest. But when two young brothers wind up in Julia’s care for the holidays, she’ll take any help she can get—even Jamie’s.

Happy to step in, Jamie reveals a side of himself that’s much harder to resist. Not only is he fantastic with kids, he provides the strength Julia needs to tackle her list. She knows their temporary family can’t last beyond the holidays, but the closer she gets to Jamie, the more she wonders if things could be this merry and bright forever…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts This might be one of the best stories I have read from this author and from a lot of other authors too. I say this for a couple of reasons but one in particular. Towards the end I was holding back tears. And that means a lot if you ask me. Other reasons are simple, I couldn’t stop reading it. I thought about the characters when I wasn’t reading it and I didn’t want the story to end. All in all I could leave the review like that because those are the things a reader wants in a good book. However….

Julia is such a sweet person. She gives with her whole heart and asks for nothing in return. She just wants to do what is right. Jamie has dealt with loss and guilt. Because of that he has learned it is better to stay a step away than get too close but this woman just keeps him tip-toeing closer and closer. And the two boys that come into their lives are sweet and loving and just pull at your heartstrings.

There are a couple of minor things that I wish had been different but this story is almost perfect.

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

September 19, 2017September 17, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Girl Who Came Back by Kerry Wilkinson

TITLE: The Girl Who Came Back
CHARACTERS: Olivia Adams
AUTHOR: Kerry Wilkinson
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thirteen years ago Olivia Adams went missing. Now she’s back… or is she?

When five-year-old Olivia Adams disappeared from her back garden, the small community of Stoneridge was thrown into turmoil. How could a child vanish in the middle of a cosy English village?

Thirteen years on and Olivia is back. Her mother is convinced it’s her but not everyone is sure. If this is the missing girl, then where has she been – and what happened to her on that sunny afternoon?

If she’s an imposter, then who would be bold enough to try to fool a child’s own mother – and why?

Then there are those who would rather Olivia stayed missing. The past is the past and some secrets must remain buried.

REVIEW:
This is my first read by Kerry Wilkinson and will not be my last. When you say psychological thriller you easily could use this book as a sample. There is a lot of twist and turns and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat a number of times.

One storyline follows Olivia and the other Lily and both are interesting and someone connected. There is a bit of un-realism in the story. But then if we wanted real life we wouldn’t be reading and we would be watching the news. This book is good and keeps your interest.

Definitely not my last read from Wilkinson.

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

September 18, 2017September 17, 2017

Kimberly reviews Going Dark by Monica McCarty

TITLE: Going Dark
SERIES #: Lost Platoon #1
CHARACTERS: Annie & Dan
AUTHOR: Monica McCarty
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The members of a top secret SEAL Team can’t keep their passion under wraps in this thrilling contemporary romantic suspense series from New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty.

Like Rome’s Lost Legion, a SEAL platoon goes on a mission and vanishes without a trace.

After walking into a trap on a covert op in Russia, the men from top secret SEAL Team Nine are presumed dead. Not knowing whom they can trust, and with war hanging in the balance, the survivors must go dark and scatter around the globe.

Marine ecologist Annie Henderson joins her new boyfriend on a trip to the Western Isles of Scotland to protest a hazardous offshore drilling venture. When she realizes that she may be swept up in something far more dangerous than she’d intended, there is only one man she can turn to. . . .

She and the mysterious but sexy dive boat captain haven’t exactly gotten off to the best start, but something about his quiet confidence makes her think that he’s the kind of man she can depend on. Because he’s gruff and guarded, she can tell Dan Warren has secrets. But she could never imagine how high the stakes are for him to keep his cover, even as he risks everything to protect her. . . .

REVIEW:
So I am on the fence about this one. First when I started reading I was so confused in who was who. We meet the whole team of SEALS and spend some time getting to know each and every one. Just to later read the team mission has gone bad and they need to go into hiding. I was really really confused…. Just too many people….

Oddly enough while we spent so much time learning about the characters they seemed a bit one dimensional. There didn’t seem to be much connection between the two. The conversations just seem so odd. Nothing seems to flow naturally.

I honestly think there was just too much going on that everything felt off. The concept of the story is good. We never really think of a SEAL team having to deal with a bad mission, betrayal and having to go into hiding so the concept is great. Problem was so much was in the author’s head that the reader really was lost.

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

September 15, 2017September 10, 2017

Kimberly reviews Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Legacy
SERIES #: Dark #27
CHARACTERS: Emeline Sanchez
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a thrilling Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a woman fights to free herself from the grip of the vampire trying to possess her…

In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.

Now, it’s his voice that haunts her…that calls to her in the dark…that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts You would think that after 26 books this series would be getting boring or have done all it could do but nope! The Carpathian series is one that could never get old.

Christine Feehan is right up there on the list of Queen of Paranormal novels. As with all of Feehan’s books the characters are delightful to read. The writing is superb and you never want to put it down. And yet are sad when you reach the end of the story.

Emeline is dealing with tainted blood from being forced to exchange blood with a master vampire. When Dragomir saves her the excitement really begins. I looked forward to reading about Dragonmir and didn’t disappoint.

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