Category: Kimberly’s Review

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Kimberly reviews On The Chase by Katie Ruggle

on the chaseTITLE: On The Chase
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #2
CHARACTERS: Kaylee/Grace & Hugh
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After witnessing a horrifying crime, Kaylee is forced to flee to a small Colorado mountain town and take on a new identity. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel worker trying to avoid the dangerously attractive K-9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.

When an accident leaves Hugh and his K-9 partner, Lexi, on desk duty, both are anxious for Hugh to heal. Until then, the highlight of his day is teasing the beautiful but mysterious new kennel employee. Their simmering attraction fuels a passionate kiss—interrupted by a sniper’s bullet. With targets on both of their backs, Grace and Hugh will do whatever it takes to stay alive…not realizing the most dangerous threat of all is hiding right in front of their noses.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Holy Crap! Boy this story never stopped. Kaylee/Grace goes through so much that I am not sure how the author could even think of so much. What in the world will be in the next book because this has every adventure you can think of. And yet I just know the next one will be great too.

Kaylee/Grace is a great character. I mean if all this stuff was happening to me I think I would do exactly as she does. She is not overly courageous or she’s not a damsel in distress (even though she really is). She is strong but at the same time scared out of her mind. She is just so real.

Hugh is just a nut job. He is quick witted and down to earth. I can imagine if he was real he would have been the class clown in school. But when he needs to he can be strong and protective of both Kaylee/Grace and Lexi, his K9 partner.

I would have liked a bit more of Lexi. She is a good dog and officer but I would have enjoyed her having a bit of sense of humor as well to match Hugh’s.

This is the second in the series but can be read as a stand alone.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Art Of Keeping Secrets by Rachael Johns

art of keeping secretsTITLE: The Art Of Keeping Secrets
CHARACTERS: Felicity, Emma & Neve
AUTHOR: Rachael Johns
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Little secrets grow up to be big lies…

They’ve been best friends since their sons started high school together, and Felicity, Emma and Neve share everything … or so they thought.

But Flick’s seemingly perfect marriage hides a shocking secret which, with one word, threatens to destroy her and her family’s happiness. Emma is in denial about a potential custody battle, her financial constraints, the exhaustion she can’t seem to shake off and the inappropriate feelings she has for her boss. And single mum Neve is harbouring a secret of her own; a secret that might forever damage her close-knit relationship with her son.

When the tight hold they have each kept on their secrets for years begins to slip, they must face the truth. Even if that truth has the power to hurt the ones they love, and each other.

Perhaps some secrets weren’t made to be kept.

REVIEW:
This story is about friendship and secrets. Have you ever had a friend that you believe you know every little detail about. If you were to take a quiz on their life you would get 100% and even have stories for extra credit. Well what if you found out that your friend was keeping a big secret you never expected AND you now come to realize you have a secret that she doesn’t know about and it’s time to confess.

Well that is what this story is about. Three friends who believe they know each other inside and out but are shocked to learn they don’t.

I enjoyed each story. Told by each of the friends the book jumps to each character and at first I wasn’t sure if I would like it having the writing this way really added to the characters. I enjoyed the writing and the characters both forefront and background.

This is women’s lit at its finest.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Here Comes The Bride by Hope Ramsey

here comes the brideTITLE: Here Comes The Bride
SERIES #: Chapel Of Love #3
CHARACTERS: Laurie & Andrew
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsay
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There goes the groom . . .
For Professor Laurie Wilson, planning her wedding to longtime boyfriend Brandon Kopp has been a whirlwind. But somehow, between all the cake tastings and dress fittings, she never imagined being left at the altar. In the aftermath, she does what any sensible woman would – she swigs champagne and considers keying his car. Until someone knocks on her door with a much better idea for revenge.

Best man Andrew Lyndon thinks Laurie’s better off without Brandon. But Laurie’s father – and Andrew’s boss – isn’t going to accept anything less than a reconciliation. And he’s made it Andrew’s problem to solve. So Andrew decides to make Brandon jealous by setting Laurie up on a string of “dates.” After a couple of weeks, Brandon will be begging Laurie to take him back. But Andrew’s plan works a little too well because suddenly he’s the one falling for Laurie — and planning a proposal of his own.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts For the most part I enjoyed this story. Hope Ramsey is on my list of authors I try not to miss. The story is pretty typical. She gets left at the altar, best man checks on her and sparks fly. Ok maybe not that simple but still the gist is the same.

The characters are good and the writing is mostly good. I thought the book had some really funny scenes and some sweet scenes. No real hot and heavy scenes. It is a love story and a second chance story.

The problem was the way Ramsey wrote about men in the story. I am not sure what happened in her (or someone she knows) life but she is pissed at all men… men in general in the book are scum and women are superior. I get that women rock thing but the men are horrible thing took away from the book a bit for me.

Again that being said the story is good and the characters and romance are sweet.

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

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Kimberly reviews Pretend You’re Safe by Alexandra Ivy

pretend youre safeTITLE: Pretend You’re Safe
CHARACTERS: Jaci & Rylan
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE SEES YOU
First came the floods. Then came the bodies. The victims—strangled, then buried along the shores of the Mississippi—have finally been unearthed, years after they disappeared. He remembers every satisfying kill . . . each woman’s terror and agony. But there’s only one he truly wanted. And fate has brought her within reach again . . .

HE KNOWS YOU
Jaci Patterson was sixteen when she found the first golden locket on her porch. Inside were a few strands of hair wrapped around a scrap of bloodstained ribbon. Though the “gifts” kept arriving, no one believed her hunch that a serial killer was at work. Now Jaci has returned home . . . and the nightmare is starting once more.

AND HE’LL NEVER LET YOU GO
Back then, Rylan Cooper was an arrogant deputy sheriff convinced that Jaci was just an attention—seeking teen. It was a fatal mistake. There’s a murderer in their midst, someone determined to settle old scores and keep playing a twisted game. And it won’t end until Jaci is his forever . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have been a fan of Alexandra Ivy’s since I found her paranormal romance novels and haven’t turned back.

In this story the suspense is intense. This is a story that keeps you on your toes and at the edge of your seat the entire book. I never did figure out who it was and to be honest that is the kind of book I like. If I figure it out in the beginning I might as well not read it. This is not one of those books.

Pick up this book, but don’t read it when you are alone in the house. You will notice every creak the house makes.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Hard Justice by April Hunt

hard justiceTITLE: Hard Justice
SERIES #: Alpha Security #3
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Vince
AUTHOR: April Hunt
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A DATE WITH DANGER

As the first female operative at Alpha Security, Charlotte “Charlie” Sparks has her work cut out for her. Sure, she can wrestle a man to the ground and hit a target at 200 yards with the best of them. But sometimes, being surrounded by all that testosterone can drive a woman to distraction-especially when that distraction is six-and-a-half feet of cocky, confident, Alpha-trained muscle.

Ex-SEAL commander Vince Franklin has been on some of the most dangerous missions in the world. But pretending to be Charlie’s fiancé on their latest assignment in Miami is his toughest challenge yet. Vince and Charlie are like oil and water; they just don’t mix. And when their fake romance generates some all-too-real heat, Vince learns that Charlie is more than just arm candy. She’s the real deal-and she’s ready for some serious action.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really really enjoyed this book. No it’s not perfect. There is a LOT that happens. I mean seriously what doesn’t happen in this book? I am not sure how the author will come up with more adventure for the next book.

Vince is all alpha and Charlie feels she needs to prove she deserves to be on the Alpha Team. But they have a connection from the start of the book. You just know it is going to be hot. But what I wasn’t expecting was the bit of fun and the emotional roller coaster and both were a lot of fun to read.

Charlie is a complex character. She has had so much happen in her life. And little by little she is finding out all the things that she didn’t really want to know even though she thought she did. Charlie is the type of woman I would want as my best friend. She is compassionate and yet can kick your butt or anyone that bothers you. Vince isn’t really that complicated. He has seen war and lost “brothers” on the battlefield and he is haunted by that. It isn’t a new angle but it is very well written.

I can’t imagine anyone who enjoys the genre not enjoying this book. Highly recommend!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews So I Married A Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks

so i married a sorcererTITLE: So I Married A Sorcerer
SERIES #: The Embraced #2
CHARACTERS: Brigitta & Rupert
AUTHOR: Kerrelyn Sparks
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Growing up on the Isle of Moon, Brigitta knows nothing of her past, except that she is Embraced: born with powers that forced her into hiding. Everything changes when she learns she’s a princess, hidden away from her villainous half-brother who now rules the kingdom. But he knows about Brigitta, and he’ll do anything to get her back. Unless a certain roguish pirate has anything to say about it…

Rupert is both an infamous pirate and a sorcerer with the power to harness the wind. He’s been waiting nineteen years for revenge—and he needs Brigitta to get it. What begins as a kidnapping of the fiery beauty turns into a fierce attraction. But can he win the captive princess’s heart?

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts As with the first in the series this story has a bit of everything. It has a historic romance feel and yet feels like a modern day story too. It has paranormal including a sorcerer and dragons. It has pirates and damsels in distress. If you want it this story probably has it.

I love the sisters in this series. It shows that sisters are more than blood. And each sister has their own special gift, in this story it is Brigitta who can find lost things by touching the owner and can also feel others emotions.

Rupert has secrets and needs to keep them hidden but that is hard to do with Brigitta around.

I could go on about this story/series but it is such a great read I suggest reading it yourself. But you do need to read the first before reading this one. It really is not a stand alone.

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

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Kimberly reviews Lie Down In Roses by Heather Graham

lie down in rosesTITLE: Lie Down In Roses
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Tristan
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The willful Lady Genevieve would do anything to save her beloved Edenby Castle–even if she had to share the name and the bed of her most treacherous foe, Lord Tristan. They were born to be enemies and destined to be lovers–players in a perilous game of intrigue and passion where the price was one woman’s innocence and the prize was one man’s heart.

REVIEW:
This a re-release from Shannon Drake, the name Heather Graham used for her historical romance. The original story is from 1988.

This was not one of my favorite books by Drake/Graham. It is a true “Bodice Ripper” as the saying goes. The Hero is cruel and heartless in my opinion. I never ended up liking him. The Heroine is just too weak.

The story kept me interested but I am not sure why. I really just didn’t find myself liking much of anyone in this story.

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

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Kimberly reviews Wolf’s Mate by Celia Kyle

wolfs mateTITLE: Wolf’s Mate
SERIES #: Shifter Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Abby & Declan
AUTHOR: Celia Kyle
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger shouldn’t be this sexy…

Cougar shifter Abby Carter always plays it safe. That’s why she’s an accountant–no excitement, no danger, and no cocky alpha males. She loves her quiet life, but fate has other plans. When Abby uncovers the shady dealings of an anti-shifter organization, she’ll have to trust the too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind werewolf Declan Reed… or end up six feet under.

Declan Reed is starting over. After two years with Shifter Operations Command, it’s time to put his past behind him. Now Declan is the only thing standing between the gorgeous Abby and an early grave, and if he’s going to have any chance of keeping her alive, he’ll have to embrace the darkness he’s fought to keep at bay. But first he has to convince Abby that there’s no safer place in the world than the arms of a big bad werewolf.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the first couple of pages. Why? Because of the bro-mance the book has with the guys on the team. The humor and sarcasm the guys have is so fun and entertaining. It had me smiling and chuckling from the start. And when the guys were together it didn’t stop.

And then there is the romance of Abby and Declan. Maybe romance is the wrong word. There is no romance with these two. There is full on danger and excitement but the two work so well together. Declan is total alpha. He is overly protective and dangerous but when he falls for Abby it is with everything in him. Especially his wolf.

I enjoyed the fact that the wolf, cougar and other animals have their own personalities in this story.

I can’t wait until the next story comes out. Cole’s story should be a doozie!!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews You Say It First by Susan Mallery

you say it firstTITLE: Title Of Book
SERIES #: Happily Inc #1
CHARACTERS: Nick & Pallas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/22/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks—mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won’t let love consume him, for ecstasy with an expiration date, he’s all in.

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but cave to her domineering mother and trade taffeta for trust funds working at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.

REVIEW:
If you enjoy visiting Fool’s Gold than Happily Inc will be your next favorite locale.

As a huge fan of Mallery and Fool’s Gold I was a bit apprehensive about starting this series mainly because it is in the same vein as Fool’s Gold. Mallery writes stories other than FG but they are a different, they fall more under Women’s Lit while FG would fall under Contemporary Romance. But I picked up the new story and I am so glad I did.

We met Nick in a previous FG story but he and his two brothers have moved to Happily Inc. Nick is good looking and talented. And he knows it. Pallas is the new owner of a local business learning how to be her own person professionally and personally.

As are all of Mallery’s characters this couple and the background characters are well formed and enjoyable. Knowing her writing we have a lot of new characters to befriend and this story is just the beginning.

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

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Kimberly reviews Wicked Bite by Rebecca Zanetti

33086092TITLE: Wicked Bite
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #5
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Bear
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

As she hunts for a drug lord killing her fellow witches, all Tessa Lansa’s instincts point to the Grizzly motorcycle club. That might be because their leader, Bear, is the strong, silent shifter type: warm brown eyes and more muscle and alpha male than any woman can ignore. Which makes Tessa’s plan to seduce and betray him all the more dangerous . . .

Bear doesn’t trust the curvy, blue-eyed witch. But Tessa can heal the injuries that sap his strength. And since he can’t stop thinking of her lush body and teasing smile, her plan to mate him to reclaim her own power is highly tempting. Just one problem. Once a desire this wild is loose, no one will ever control it . .

REVIEW:

BEAR! It’s been a long time coming and finally I was able to cuddle up with Bear! I believe this is the last in the Realm Enforcers series. And Zanetti saved the best for last.

This story brings us to the end where we are able to find answers to questions we have had since book one of this series. Which also means that this can not be a stand alone. But then since Zanetti is quickly becoming the Queen of Paranormal Romance I am not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to pick up every one of her books and read them all.

Which I enjoyed is the look back at some major characters from previous books. It was a bit of a family reunion of sorts.

Nessa is a great character but as you can see Bear steals this story. I have waited and waited for Bear to fall in love and the story was worth waiting for!

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

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Kimberly reviews SEAL Wolf Undercover by Terry Spear

32841621TITLE: SEAL Wolf Undercover
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #22
CHARACTERS: Jillian & Vaughn
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No wolf is safe in USA Today bestseller Terry Spear’s new installment of the SEAL Wolf series.

Never be so foolish as to fall for the enemy…
Special wolf agent Jillian Matthews has joined the jaguar-run United Shifter Force to track down a deadly criminal. She’s even willing to work with PI Vaughn Greystroke―until the hot, growly SEAL wolf makes the mistake of getting in her way. Naturally, she shoots him. Who could blame her?

Vaughn Greystroke has always worked alone. But when a string of attempted murders puts him in the crosshairs, teaming up with the Shifter Force begins to sound like a good idea. Even if he has to work with alluring―and potentially treacherous―Jillian Matthews. Vaughn is a trained SEAL, after all. He can surely keep his distance from Jillian…no matter how much she’s getting under his skin.

REVIEW:

Maybe it’s because this is the 22nd in a long line of books in the series but I just never connected with this story. It was a tough read. Mainly because I just didn’t seem interested. The story was fine but I think the series has done as much as they can possibly do already.

It wasn’t that it is a bad book. It’s not. I think someone reading this for the first time would find it quite interesting. And I enjoyed the wolf/jaguar romance. I will probably go back and re-read this story at some point just to see if my opinion changes.

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

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Kimberly reviews Safe In Your Arms by RaeAnne Thayne & Allison Leigh

34944699TITLE: Safe In Your Arms: A Quiet Storm & A Weaver Beginning
CHARACTERS: Beau & Elizabeth / Abby & Sloan
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne / Allison Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This book has been previously published and is being reissued.

Revisit these two classic romances from New York Times bestselling authors RaeAnne Thayne and Allison Leigh!
A Quiet Storm
Heart-stoppingly handsome detective Beau Riley might have left Elizabeth Quinn tongue-tied, but she needs the good detective to solve a murder that’s affected the beloved little boy in her care. So speak with him she must. If only she was sure her traitorous heart would leave it at that….
This book has been previously published and is being reissued.
A Weaver Beginning
There was no doubt in Abby Marcum’s mind that Sloan McCray is the guy for her. Though she’d moved to Weaver, Wyoming to make a better life for her little brother, she sees her future with the small town deputy. Now she has to convince the man who felt unworthy of love that she and her heart were his for the asking.

REVIEW:

3.75 Hearts This is two different stories by two different authors and both are a re-release.

I will talk about the second story first. I have never read anything from this author before. The story was good but the ending was a little bit of a let down. I won’t be jumping to pick up a book by Leigh but if another double book comes up I would be fine with reading her story.

Now about A Quiet Storm. I am a fan of Thayne’s and read any new releases that come out. You can tell this was an early writing from Thayne as she has grown so much in her writing but the story is well written and the characters are fun to read. I enjoyed their connection.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts