Kimberly’s Review – Page 53

July 20, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Blue Hollow Falls by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Blue Hollow Falls
SERIES #: Blue Hollow Falls #1
CHARACTERS: Sunny & Sawyer
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/27/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From her free-spirited mother, Sunny Goodwin learned the value of peace, love, and Jerry Garcia. The inheritance from the father she never knew? That’s a little more complicated…

Sunny never expected to find herself owning a centuries old silk mill in the shadow of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains . . . or becoming a half-sister to a ten-year-old named Bailey. Once the shock subsides, she plans to cash in and head back home. But the overgrown greenhouse she finds on the property calls out to the gardener in her, and she senses Bailey’s need for nurturing too…

And someone else is making it hard for Sunny to leave: Sawyer Hartwell, an Iraq War hero who wants to make the old mill a creative hub for the artisans of Blue Hollow Falls . . . and wants Sunny to share his vision, and his life. But sexy as this ex-soldier may be, she’s not sure she’s ready to give love a chance…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts It took me quite a few chapters to get into this story. Being it is the first in a new series there was a lot of description and a lot of characters. Because of that the story was slow in the beginning. But once that part is done the story started catching my attention.

But even while I started getting into the story I didn’t feel the connection between the characters. Sunny is an odd duck but seems nice but a bit confused about her life. Sawyer is a good guy but as dreams of grandeur and Bailey is just off.

This story just wasn’t up to Kauffman’s storytelling ability. However, that being said Kauffman is high above most authors. I will be picking up the next in the series, well because it is Kauffman!

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

July 18, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wolf Hunt by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Hunt
SERIES #: SWAT #6
CHARACTERS: Remy & Triana
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/06/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A STORM IS BREWING…
Remy Boudreaux is back in his hometown, New Orleans. He’s there with three of his fellow Dallas SWAT officers for a week of training with the NOLA PD. On the eve of a tropical storm, Remy and his buddies prowl the French Quarter. One tantalizing scent captures Remy’s senses, forcing him to follow until he is face to face with Triana Bellamy—his beautiful high school crush.

After reconnecting, Remy and Triana are close—very. Remy struggles to keep things casual. Ever since his partner—and first love—was killed on the job, he’s kept women at a distance.

But when a mysterious wolf pendant ropes them both into danger, Remy’s protective instincts kick in. He may have to reveal his true self…and hope Triana accepts him.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is part of the SWAT series and trust me you need to read the series before reading this story. Or at least most of the series. It really can’t be a stand alone. Even though if you do read it first you will want to go back and read the first five.

There are a few changes with this story from the series. First they are called out of Dallas to New Orleans. Second this falls more under the second chance at love since they knew each other in high school and third it is a bit lighter on the sex scenes but still a very sexy read.

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

July 17, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz

TITLE: The Silent Corner
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #1
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/061/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A dazzling new series debuts with a remarkable heroine certain to become a new icon of suspense, propelled by the singular narrative genius of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

I very much need to be dead.

These are the chilling words left behind by a man who had everything to live for but took his own life. In the aftermath, his widow, Jane Hawk, does what all her grief, fear, and fury demands: find the truth, no matter what.
People of talent and accomplishment, people admired and happy and sound of mind, have been committing suicide in surprising numbers. When Jane seeks to learn why, she becomes the most-wanted fugitive in America. Her powerful enemies are protecting a secret so important so terrifying that they will exterminate anyone in their way.
But all their power and viciousness may not be enough to stop a woman as clever as they are cold-blooded, as relentless as they are ruthless and who is driven by a righteous rage they can never comprehend. Because it is born of love.

REVIEW:
The best compliment I can give this story is it is typical Koontz. Koontz has a way of wanting you to read his books, at least most of them, in one sitting and this was one of those.

What is different is the concept. I can’t even imagine where Koontz came up with this story of people changing into robots which is just beyond odd and yet there is so much to the horror that you can’t put it down.

The characters are riveting and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. Koontz rarely disappoints and this one certainly doesn’t.

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

July 14, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Talen by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Talen
SERIES #: Dark Predators #7.9
CHARACTERS: Talen & Cara
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/06/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’ll love him forever . . . but he can’t make her obey . . .

The war is over. Danger has passed. Cara Kayrs is healed after decades of illness and ready for a break.

Too bad her brooding, alpha vampire husband can’t seem to change gears. In their twenty-five years together Talen Kayrs has learned to sense every shiver of her body, to ignite her desire with a word or a look. She would think he could learn she’s not some fragile damsel in distress.

But Talen is on edge, watching their backs, treating her like she’s made of glass. Like there’s something following them, a deadly threat that somehow none of their intelligence has uncovered. It’s enough to drive a woman crazy, and Talen has plenty of those tendencies already.

But what’s even more maddening is that he seems to be right . . .

Librarian Note: This novella is also included in ‘Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers, #3)’

REVIEW:
I was SOOOOOO excited to read this book. I mean seriously if you have been a fan of the series you want to read about Talen. But then I thought “Didn’t I read Talen’s story already?” And Yep! I have in Wicked Burn.

So that being said I kept reading. Yes I had already read this novella but did that stop me from reading about Talen again? Not on your life!

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

July 13, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Run To Ground by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Run To Ground
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #1
CHARACTERS: Theo & Jules
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/06/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He lost his mentor.
He lost his K9 partner.
He almost lost his will to live.
But when a ruthless killer targets a woman on the run, Theo and his new K9 companion will do whatever it takes to survive—and save the woman neither can live without.

Grieving the death of his partner, Theo Bosco has no room in his life for distractions. Though his instincts scream that he should avoid Juliet ‘Jules’ Jackson, he can’t seem to stay away. It doesn’t help that Theo’s new K9 companion has fallen head over paws with Jules’s rambunctious family.

Or that when he’s with her, Theo finally knows peace.

When Jules rescued her siblings, whisking them away to the safety of the beautifully rugged Colorado Rockies, she never expected to catch the eye—or the heart—of a cop. Yet as Jules struggles to fight her growing attraction to the brooding K9 officer, another threat lurks much closer to home…

And this time, there’s no escape.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Ok so I had a bit of a hard time with this story. First, Theo is a bit hard and stays that way for more than half of the book. While I can see that he has potential I have no idea why Jules becomes interested in him. Jules is on the run with her siblings and is on edge every moment of her life now. Even Viggy, the dog, is going through a hard time. Everyone is just so low.

The story is interesting and keeps the reader’s interest to see what is going on. I do have to say I figured out the “who-dun-it” shortly before it was revealed but that was fine. It is not like I had it from page 5 or something.

There is a lot of repetitive internal dialogue. I got to the point where I skipped over a number of paragraphs about how Jules knew it was the right thing to take her siblings and shouldn’t be involved with a cop but the story is still good. I also got aggravated at the end of the book. There was no definite ending. We never find out EXACTLY why Jules took her siblings, yes we get a general idea, but it doesn’t finish up. It gives us a setup for the next book though.

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

July 11, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Physical Forces by D.D. Ayers

TITLE: Physical Forces
SERIES #: K-9 Rescue #6
CHARACTERS: Macayla & Oliver
AUTHOR: D.D. Ayers
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/30/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LOVE TO THE RESCUE
Macayla Burkett is no ordinary private eye. She’s a pet detective, dedicated to tracking down missing dogs and cats. When two famous racing greyhounds disappear and turn up dead, Macayla finds herself in the midst of a much more serious case. And when the thieves target her and threaten her life, she realizes she’s in grave danger—until a ridiculously handsome stranger enters the picture …
Oliver Kelly may look like a male stripper, but his muscles aren’t just for show. The gorgeous Australian is co-owner of a K-9 Search and Rescue service dedicated to saving those in danger. When he and his K-9 partner, an Australian shepherd named Jackeroo, rescue the fiery detective from trouble, the sparks begin to fly. And when they join forces to stop a widespread case of animal theft, it unleashes a torrent of passion that’s impossible to tame…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts OH, How I enjoyed this book! But I have to say I am so mad at myself. I read the first 2 books in the series and then requested this story and realized it is #6!!! What?!?!?! How did I miss the last 3 books? Boy am I aggravated!

So here is what I enjoyed about Mac. Almost everything! She is a little spitfire when she needs to be but yet there is something soft about her. It is not that she is overly feminine or made to sound incapable, it is more that she seems to know when to fight the battle and when to fight the war. When it comes to animals she will fight the war with all she is worth but when it comes to herself, maybe the battle can wait.

And now there is Oliver. I enjoyed him very much. He is written with a great sense of humor and a great sense of self. He knows he is good looking and uses it to his benefit but he is not written to be an egotistical jerk. He is quick witted and made me smile a number of times with his lines. But like all of us he hides a secret and (no spoilers here) it is one that I am glad was addressed and in such a great way.

Now as I write this next paragraph keep in mind that I gave it almost 5 Hearts/Stars, but there were a few things that just didn’t mesh including the texting (this will make sense later) but if a line about using special apps had been added it would have meshed a bit more. And the last chapter…. Something was just off about it. I would have given it 5 Hearts/Stars except for this last chapter. It seemed too rushed and out of character for both of them. I wished I had stopped at the last word of the chapter twenty seven.

One last thing… I am glad the subject of dog racing was brought up and explained to the readers. I grew up in Florida and dog racing is still big (but not as big as it used to be) and can be a very hard life for dogs. This story brought up the problems without shoving it down your throat.

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

July 10, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Secrets Of The Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Secrets Of The Tulip Sisters
CHARACTERS: Kelly, Olivia, Griffith & Ryan
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/11/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A wonderful story full of romance, forgiveness and the unavoidable ties that bind, SECRETS OF THE TULIP SISTERS is Susan Mallery at her very best.

The relationship of sisters Kelly and Olivia Van Gilder has been, well… complicated ever since their mother left them as teens, though it’s the secrets they have been keeping from each other as adults that have unwittingly widened the chasm. But one thing they do share is the not-so-secret torch they carry for the Martin brothers.

In the small enclave of New Holland, Washington, Griffith and Ryan Martin were demigods. While Griffith was the object of Kelly’s high school crush and witness to her mortal teenage humiliation, Ryan was for Olivia the boy who got away-something she’s never forgiven Kelly for-and the only person since her mother who appreciated her wild streak.

Now, ten years later, both brothers are newly returned to town. Believing they’re destined to be together, Olivia’s determined to get Ryan back, until she discovers that she’s not the only one keeping secrets…and that perhaps he’s not the handsome prince she remembered. And even though Griffith has grown up to be more irresistible than ever, Kelly’s impulse is to avoid him and the painful memory he represents, despite his resolve to right the wrong he caused her long ago-and her desire to let him.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts When someone asks me my favorite author Susan Mallery is the first author that comes to mind. If someone asks me my favorite series Fool’s Gold is the answer. This was not a Fool’s Gold book that is for sure.

I never seemed to connect with any of the characters in this story. I thought the story was good and enjoyed the dynamics of the sisters and brothers being so different than they were in school but I just didn’t understand a lot of why’s in this story. I mean I get the concept of the “why” but the why’s in this story just didn’t work for me. Just because Griffith got a divorce he will never love again? Why? There are a lot of secrets in this story too which didn’t make sense. I could go on and on of things that I just didn’t get but I won’t.

But I will say that any Mallery book is worth the read. I based this review on what I know of her writing. If I was to compare it to all the authors I read the number would have been much high. Now on to Happily, Inc. (a spin off of Fool’s Gold).

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

July 7, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wicked Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Wicked Kiss
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #4
CHARACTERS: Victoria & Adam
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Working as an informant for the DEA, Victoria Monzelle is used to living on the edge. But she’s not a big fan of getting kidnapped. And definitely not by a bunch of bad boy witches with fancy-colored fire to shoot at people. So when Adam Dunne shows up and claims to be a witch enforcer, she’s not going to put her life in his hands based on his word, no matter how smooth and smart and beautifully Irish his words sound. But on the run from a tribunal of witches, she isn’t going to make it far . . .

Before she knows it, Adam’s word is all that stands between her and execution. Sophisticated, just-gotta-ruffle-him Adam has vowed to make her his one eternal mate, wild and unpredictable as she is—to save her from a sentence of certain death. But Tori isn’t interested in being anyone’s pity date. And if they think she’s unpredictable now, they should see what’s coming next . .

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Zanetti may be one of the best paranormal writers of this age. Every book makes me wish she would get a contract to turn her realm into a series on television.

If Adam and Tori were on Match.com they would NEVER be connected which just makes you realize that opposites do attract. There is a lot of action and as with all of Zanetti’s book HOT! I love how Zanetti brings these big strong protective guys to their knees with a woman they never thought they could be attracted to.

I would say that this is not a stand alone, even though I know some say it can be. You really need to read the series from the start but trust me once you start you will not mind catching up on these enforcers. Holding my breath for Bear’s story!

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

July 6, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Never Stop On The Motorway by Jeffrey Archer

TITLE: Never Stop On The Motorway
CHARACTERS: Diana
AUTHOR: Jeffrey Archer
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken from Jeffrey Archer’s third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes this irresistible, witty and ingenious short read. Diana, a busy single mother, looks forward to her regular retreat into the countryside to have dinner with friends. A horrible shock she receives as she is driving along the motorway unsettles her – and when she realizes that a black van is increasingly in her rear-view mirror, Diana begins to feel seriously scared. Soon terrified for her life, she does whatever it takes to stick to the stark warning given to motorists: never stop on the motorway . . . Praise for Jeffrey Archer ‘Probably the greatest storyteller of our age’ Mail on Sunday

REVIEW:
This story is very short, only about 25 pages, so it is a very quick read. Even though short it is complete. There is suspense and Diana is a fully developed character. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat but not for long.

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

July 5, 2017July 2, 2017

Kimberly reviews Wired by Julie Garwood

TITLE: Wired
SERIES #: Buchanan-Renard #13
CHARACTERS: Allison & Liam
AUTHOR: Julie Garwood
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A beautiful computer hacker and a bad-boy FBI agent must collaborate—in more ways than one—in the sizzling new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood.

Allison Trent doesn’t look like a hacker. In fact, when she’s not in college working on her degree, she models on the side. But behind her gorgeous face is a brilliant mind for computers and her real love is writing—and hacking—code. Her dream is to write a new security program that could revolutionize the tech industry.

Hotshot FBI agent Liam Scott has a problem: a leak deep within his own department. He needs the skills of a top-notch hacker to work on a highly sensitive project: to secretly break into the FBI servers and find out who the traitor is. But he can’t use one of his own. He finds the perfect candidate in Allison. Only, there’s one problem—she wants nothing to do with his job and turns him down flat.

What Liam doesn’t know is that Allison is hiding secrets that she doesn’t want the FBI to uncover. But Liam will do nearly anything to persuade her to join his team, even break a few rules if that’s what it takes. A temptation that could put his job—and both of their futures—on the line…
and longing for more . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Ok first let’s address the elephant in the room. This is not the same Julie Garwood that her fans are used to. Her writing has changed for some reason. The writing is different but that does not mean the story is bad. Garwood still brings an interesting story with characters worth getting to know.

The reason this writing is so different is there is no true POV. A lot of times the chapter is from one POV (his) and the next chapter from the other POV (hers). This story changes POV’s right in the middle of pages and even paragraph.

Now to the story itself. Allison is sweet and smart. Her brain is more like a computer. She can see paths that others can not especially when it comes to codes. Liam needs Allison to help him find a leak in the FBI. There is a connection right away but they work together so they shouldn’t but they will. After all how will they get the HEA if they didn’t?

While I liked Allison I wanted to cry for her sometimes. She seems to be a bit lost and sad. She allows herself to be a doormat by her aunt and uncle. And honestly a bit from Liam. She allows him to come and go way too much if you ask me. Liam seems to be a good guy but is a bit selfish if you ask me. Most times I find myself wishing I could crawl into the book and be with one of Garwood’s men but not with Liam. I just thought he was a nice guy but for someone else.

A good read but not the best of Garwood’s novels.

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

June 12, 2017June 11, 2017

Kimberly reviews Deep Burn by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Deep Burn
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #2
CHARACTERS: Shae & James
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/13/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Firefighter Shae McCullough is all-in, all the time. When her reckless response at a fire earns her a two-week penance filing paperwork for the arson investigation unit, the rules and routines are enough to bore her senseless. But the discovery of a possible arson at a murder scene has her instincts fired up, and when Shae is assigned to assist Remington’s elite intelligence unit with their investigation, she’s all too ready to jump in with both boots first.

To tech and surveillance expert James Capelli, logic isn’t just a job requirement, it’s a way of life. He’s less than thrilled to work with Shae, whose impulsiveness threatens his sanity and whose curves threaten his composure. Despite their differences, they uncover a case bigger than anyone could have expected—along with an attraction that burns deep.

But this killer is no stranger, and Capelli’s got a dark past. Can he and Shae outsmart a ruthless murderer, or will his secrets bury them both?

REVIEW:
4.5 Wowsa! What a story. Shae is a firefighter but can be a bit reckless and this time her recklessness got her into trouble and she needs to fill her punishment with the arson dept. But when the investigation leads to more she has to team up with James to get the answers. The problem is the investigation brings James’ past back to haunt him.

Kimberly Kincaid is in my top dozen favorite authors and this story is one of the reasons why. The characters are well written, the romance is high and the suspense is higher.

I would love to be friends with Shae. She seems the type that would have your back to others even if you are wrong, but she wouldn’t have a problem telling you that you are wrong either. James well dang that guy is wonderful. I enjoyed the background characters so much and can’t wait for the next in the series of Station Seventeen!!!

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

June 2, 2017May 29, 2017

Kimberly reviews New York, Actually by Sarah Morgan

TITLE: New York, Actually
SERIES #: From Manhattan With Love #4
CHARACTERS: Molly & Daniel
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/30/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Meet Molly
New York’s most famous agony aunt, she considers herself an expert at relationships…as long as they’re other people’s. The only love of her life is her Dalmatian, Valentine.
Meet Daniel
A cynical divorce lawyer, he’s hardwired to think relationships are a bad idea. If you don’t get involved, no-one can get hurt. But then he finds himself borrowing a dog to meet the gorgeous woman he sees running in Central Park every morning…
Molly and Daniel think they know everything there is to know about relationships…until they meet each other that is…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This book is adorable. I loved the dogs in this story and the “owners” that went with them. The story is simple and yet fun. Girl has been hurt and not looking for romance. Boy sees girl and wants to get to meet her and uses his sisters dog to meet her… ok maybe that isn’t one you read every day but it is really cute.

I could actually see this story being made into a made for tv movie. Great beach read as the summer approaches and you need a bit of lighthearted fun romance while on vacation.

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