Kimberly’s Review – Page 58

December 26, 2016December 25, 2016

Kimberly reviews Kill Without Shame by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Kill Without Shame
SERIES #: ARES Security #2
CHARACTERS: Lucas & Mia
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/27/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five brave military heroes have survived the hell of a Taliban prison to return home—and take on civilian missions no one else can. They’re the men of ARES Security. Highly skilled, intimidating, invincible, and one by one, tested again and again…

Lucas St. Clair’s prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn’t include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he’s a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.

Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she’s convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it’s soon clear that isn’t true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim’s last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I want to start by saying I am a huge fan of Alexandra Ivy’s and have read almost everything she has written. Now that being said this was not one of my favorites. First issue was I had it figured out almost immediately and never got that “oh maybe it is someone else” feel.

Second Lucas is a good character but not one I really fell for. I just never warmed up to him. And Mia is nice but again I didn’t warm up to her either. I am not exactly sure why not. I could never put my finger on it but something was just off about them.

The story is good and if I was reading this same story from a new author I would probably go to 4 stars but knowing how Ivy usually writes I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped. But I am looking forward to the next ARES story.

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

December 21, 2016December 18, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Holiday Gift
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #15
CHARACTERS: Faith & Chase
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He’s always been “good ol’ Chase,” her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe…

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he’s loved since childhood. Now he’s determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won’t let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

REVIEW:
Thayne is becoming one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed her books and while I have not read this entire series I am slowly catching up. Thayne has a way of pulling the romance out of every character and the reader falls in love with this sweet and simple romance.

This is a story of second chances. Faith and Chase have known each other since they were teens. While they went off and had separate lives they now have a second chance. Faith is a widowed mom and just doesn’t think she can let her heart go again.

Give this book (or series) a chance. You will not regret it.

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

December 20, 2016December 18, 2016

Kimberly reviews Christmas At Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

TITLE: Christmas At Lilac Cottage
SERIES #: White Cliff Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Penny & Henry
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/20/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cozy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?

Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I think I read these stories out of order and while mostly that was not a problem I think it put me at a small disadvantage. However that being said the story is very sweet and certainly has the Christmas feel. I didn’t realize it was brit-lit which is not one of my favorites.

What I did enjoy was the humor of the story. The ice sculpting is just too funny in some scenes.

This is a great holiday book to curl under a warm blanket, by a fire with a warm beverage and it will put you into the Christmas spirit.

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

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December 19, 2016December 18, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson

TITLE: The Christmas Cake Cafe
CHARACTERS: Jen & Jon
AUTHOR: Sue Watson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Heart-warming and hilarious, a story that will make you laugh, cry and bring a smile to your face. Get ready for another deliciously amazing Christmas treat from Sue Watson….

As the Prosecco chills and Bing Crosby croons, Jen Barker just knows that her long-term boyfriend is about to propose. But instead of a diamond ring nestled in her champagne flute, Jen finds cold flat rejection. Her once perfect life and dreams of a husband and family seem even further from reach.

A working holiday to the Swiss Alps with her younger sister Jody might not be the Christmas Jen had it mind, but it offers her the chance to recharge her batteries and recover from heartbreak.

When Jen meets handsome ski instructor Jon Zutter her hopes for a happy-ever-after seem within her grasp again. Jon is kind and gorgeous and as they bond over Sachetorte at the picturesque Cake Café, Jen thinks he might just be her perfect man. But a relationship with him comes with a catch – and there are some things even cake can’t fix.

As the snow falls and Christmas approaches, could this be the place that restores Jen Barker’s faith in love?

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts So the good part. I enjoyed this was an older couple. Jen is in her 40’s and it gave hope for us old folks’.

Not the not so good. I just didn’t feel it with the characters. The sisters are drastically different and Jen is a bit whiney to me. I also thought the romance was too quick and in a snap they were head of heels. Jen also spent a lot of time obsessing over her ex which seemed like a jerk to me so when she finds the new love it almost seemed desperate.

Now with that being said the story is an ok holiday romance.

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

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December 15, 2016December 10, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Dollmaker by Mary Burton

TITLE: The Dollmaker
SERIES #: The Forgotten Files #2
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Dakota
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/15/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.
Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own…
She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have recently discovered Mary Burton and have easily fallen for her way of writing. I find her books keep me interested and on the edge of my seat. This story falls more under the romantic suspense genre than just suspense.

The Dollmaker (the character not the title) is just creepy. He hunts down women to make them into his own dolls and then well let’s just say it gets worse from there. He is one sick character. Tessa and Dakota are married but separated. However like any romantic suspense there will be a HEA. But getting there is a great read.

If you like dark suspense with a bit of light romance you will really enjoy this story. Mary Burton may be coming one of my favorite suspense authors.

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

December 13, 2016December 10, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Sound Of Rain by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: The Sound Of Rain
CHARACTERS: Nicole Foster
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/13/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former homicide detective Nicole Foster has hit rock bottom. Driven off the force by her treacherous partner and lover, she’s flat broke and struggling with a gambling addiction. All Nicole has left is the dream of a warm bed at a homeless shelter and the haunting memories of three-year-old Kelsey Chase—whose murder case ended her career.

As Nicole obsesses over the old facts, she realizes everything about that case felt off: a disinterested mom, a suicidal pedophile, and too many questions left unanswered. When the little girl’s grieving father begs Nicole for help, she’s drawn back into the investigation…and given one shot at redemption.

But the deeper Nicole digs, the more evil she uncovers, including betrayals that hit painfully close to home. Will a shocking discovery be the key to finally getting justice for Kelsey and resurrecting her own life?

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Ok so I enjoyed this book for the most part however some things really got on my nerves. First the mom of the missing girl. I mean really what mom brings her 3 year old child out to the car and leaves her in it because she is acting up in the car. And then she goes home and goes to bed? Come on. What kind of a mom is this? One that got on my nerves is what.

Danny is a bit of a pain as well. I swear I would have looked over my shoulder and said “I don’t know if it is possible but can you breathe on my neck a little hotter please?” because he is always right over Nicole’s shoulder when she works. He is also egotistical and takes a lot of Nicole’s credit. Something about him is just, well, irritating.

And finally there is Nicole. She is a doormat when it comes to other people. She is good at her job but lousy at standing up for herself. And while she can come up with retorts she never says them outloud. Why bother coming up with them then?

Now the thriller/suspense part of this is great. I had an idea of who did it but wasn’t sure with all the twist and turns in the story. As much as the people drove me nuts in this story they drove me just crazy enough that I kept wanting to read the story.

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

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December 9, 2016December 5, 2016

Kimberly reviews Size Matters by Alison Bliss

TITLE: Size Matters
SERIES #: A Perfect Fit #1
CHARACTERS: Leah & Sam
AUTHOR: Alison Bliss
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The rules of (fake) engagement . . .
Leah Martin has spent her life trying to avoid temptation. But she’s sick of low-fat snacks, counting calories, and her hyper-critical mom. Fortunately, her popular new bakery keeps her good and distracted. But there aren’t enough éclairs in the world to distract Leah from the hotness that is Sam Cooper – or the fact that he just told her mother that they’re engaged . . . which is a big, fat lie.

Sam sometime speaks before he thinks. So what started out as defending Leah’s date-ability to her judgmental mother soon turned into having a fiancee! Now the plan is to keep up the fake engagement, stay “just friends,” and make Leah’s family loathe him enough to just call the whole thing off . But Sam has an insatiable sweet tooth, not only for Leah’s decadent desserts but her decadent curves. Her full lips. Her bright green eyes. Yep, things aren’t going quite according to plan. Now Sam has to convince Leah that he’s for real . . . before their little lie turns into one big, sweet disaster.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a sweet story even if it has been written a million times. Leah and Sam are faking an engagement but of course end up with a happy ever after.

But even though it has been told before I did enjoy the fact that Leah is not some size two Barbie doll. She is a woman with curves and is an “everyday” woman. It was stereotypical that she runs a bakery and has a very critical mom who is always on her case. Sam is a great guy who just wants to try to help Leah but ends up falling for her.

This isn’t a story that any fan of the genre hasn’t already read but it is sweet and a quick read a fan will enjoy.

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

December 8, 2016December 5, 2016

Kimberly reviews When All The Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz

TITLE: When All The Girls Have Gone
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Max
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jayne Ann Krentz, the New York Times bestselling author of Secret Sisters, delivers a thrilling novel of the deceptions we hide behind, the passions we surrender to, and the lengths we’ll go to for the truth…

When Charlotte Sawyer is unable to contact her step-sister, Jocelyn, to tell her that one her closest friends was found dead, she discovers that Jocelyn has vanished.

Beautiful, brilliant—and reckless—Jocelyn has gone off the grid before, but never like this. In a desperate effort to find her, Charlotte joins forces with Max Cutler, a struggling PI who recently moved to Seattle after his previous career as a criminal profiler went down in flames—literally. Burned out, divorced and almost broke, Max needs the job.

After surviving a near-fatal attack, Charlotte and Max turn to Jocelyn’s closest friends, women in a Seattle-based online investment club, for answers. But what they find is chilling…

When her uneasy alliance with Max turns into a full-blown affair, Charlotte has no choice but to trust him with her life. For the shadows of Jocelyn’s past are threatening to consume her—and anyone else who gets in their way…

REVIEW:
So let me say that I am a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz and usually love her books. But this one just didn’t have the same feeling as her usual books do. Not that it was bad. It wasn’t. I just don’t think it was one of Krentz’s best.

Now that being said. The story was interesting. There is a bit of suspense but not a lot since we seem to get the information of “who-dun-it” pretty quickly but the suspense is there is how with Charlotte and Max find out and handle the situation.

I never really felt a full connection between the two leads. I did enjoy the secondary characters. Good or bad they seemed to steal the scenes they were in.

If you are already a fan of Krentz’s don’t miss this book but if you aren’t don’t judge all her books by this one.

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

December 7, 2016December 5, 2016

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Miracle On 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan

TITLE: Miracle On 5th Avenue
SERIES #: From Manhattan With Love #3
CHARACTERS: Eva & Lucas
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It will take a Christmas miracle for two very different souls to find each other in this perfectly festive fairytale of New York!

Hopeless romantic Eva Jordan loves everything about Christmas. She might be spending the holidays alone this year, but when she’s given an opportunity to house-sit a spectacular penthouse on Fifth Avenue, she leaps at the chance. What better place to celebrate than in snow-kissed Manhattan? What she didn’t expect was to find the penthouse still occupied by its gorgeous—and mysterious—owner.

Bestselling crime writer Lucas Blade is having the nightmare before Christmas. With a deadline and the anniversary of his wife’s death looming, he’s isolated himself in his penthouse with only his grief for company. He wants no interruptions, no decorations and he certainly doesn’t appreciate being distracted by his beautiful, bubbly new housekeeper. But when the blizzard of the century leaves Eva snowbound in his apartment, Lucas starts to open up to the magic she brings…This Christmas, is Lucas finally ready to trust that happily-ever-afters do exist?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this story a lot. I believe a woman in a book can be 1) Someone you want to be 2) Someone you want to be friends with or 3) Someone you can’t stand. Eva is certainly one that falls into the second category. Eva would be a great friend. Always happy and there for her friends but she is sad on the inside. Always there for someone else but they do not see into her sad soul.

Lucas is a bit of a nightmare at first. I am not a fan of one of the main characters spending their time mourning for a lost love and then bam! they are in love with someone new. And that is a bit of what Lucas does. But once he has fallen the couple really do fit together.

I enjoyed the background characters as well. This is a sweet holiday romance that any fan will enjoy.

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

December 1, 2016November 27, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Burned by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Burned By Darkness
SERIES #: Dragons Of Eternity #1
CHARACTERS: Tayla & Baine
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dragons of Eternity were once creatures of myth and legend. Now they’ve returned to the world, prepared to claim what’s rightfully theirs…

Tayla is desperate for a place to call home. After years on the run, the young imp impulsively buys a teahouse and is determined to build a new life. Unfortunately, she’s barely opened the doors when she’s tracked down by the dragon who purchased her from troll slave-traders. He demands she pay off her debts…in his harem.

Baine has devoted a quarter of a century to tracking down his beautiful concubine. And now that he has her in his grasp, he’s not about to let her go. But it’s soon apparent that he isn’t the only demon hunting her. He must uncover her secrets or risk losing her forever.

REVIEW:
This is the first in the new Dragons Of Eternity series by Ivy. Having read her Guardians Of Eternity I was excited to read this story. It is short. Only about 130 pages but it keeps your interest the entire time.

Tayla is an imp who was kidnapped and sold to Synge but his son, Baine, bought her from his father. But before Bain can claim her she disappears and hides. After 25 years he locates her but so do a number of others and so the desire to keep Tayla safe is all Baine can think about… well that and the desire for Tayla herself.

Both are interesting characters. Tayla is a bit of a strong independent woman but yet can also need a lot of saving. Not sure I liked the mixed signals of the character but I liked Tayla in general. And Baine is sweet in all his Dragon-ish way. Possessive and protective but loving.

If you liked Ivy’s GOE series you will enjoy this as well. It has a bit of the feel from the previous series and yet is clearly the start of something new. But who doesn’t enjoy a visit from Levet.

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

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November 30, 2016November 27, 2016

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Three Christmas Wishes by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: Three Christmas Wishes
CHARACTERS: Riley, Jo & Noel
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/18/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three friends, three wishes—one Christmas!

Riley Erickson, her pregnant sister, Jo, and their friend Noel are all wishing for the same thing: the perfect man. Or at least men who are perfect for them. Riley’s hasn’t turned out to be too impressive, dumping her for her bridesmaid three weeks before the wedding. Jo’s husband is being perfectly stubborn. And Noel has given up completely.

When the three women visit a shopping-mall Santa on a lark, the guy is full of predictions. Riley’s going to meet her perfect man in a memorable way. Noel is going to get a good man to go with that house she’s trying desperately to buy. And Jo, well, a new man is about to come into her life. What on earth does that mean? She already has her hands full with the one she’s got. As for Riley and Noel, they have some holiday challenges to meet…

But Christmas wishes can come true, as these three women are about to discover. Because in spite of romantic setbacks and derailed dreams, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I can’t ever remember reading a Sheila Roberts book (but I read a lot) but this will not be my last. This story had a little of everything. Happiness, heartbreak, sisterly love (biological and nonbiological), angst and Christmas spirit.

This story pulls you in from the beginning and it was hard to put down. The sisters each have their own issues going on. Riley is heartbroken from her finance’ duping her, Jo has angst about her Navy man re-enlisting and Noel just wants to keep her home.

Can their wishes come true? Well of course…. It’s Christmas time after all. This is a perfect story to curl up in front of the fire with hot cocoa and a warm blanket and enjoy.

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

November 23, 2016November 20, 2016

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas Under A Starlit Sky by Holly Martin

TITLE: Christmas Under a Starlit Sky
SERIES #: A Town Called Christmas #2
CHARACTERS: Neve and Oakley
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 1019/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Step inside a beautiful winter wonderland where love, laughter and cosy nights by the fire will make this Christmas one to remember.

Neve Whitaker loves managing the Stardust Lake hotel. She gets to work alongside her wonderful family and she’s spending Christmas on the most enchanting, snow-covered island in Scotland. So why is her heart so heavy this festive season?

It might have something to do with the gorgeous actor Oakley Rey, the man she finished with before he left for California and the man she loves more than anything. With Oakley’s career in Hollywood soaring, Neve is convinced she’d only hold him back. She had to end it with him – at least that’s what she keeps telling herself.

But now she has a secret she’s struggling to keep, and when Oakley arrives on Juniper Island determined to win her back, Neve is thrown off balance. Will Neve’s fear of having her heart broken again push Oakley away for good, or is it time for her to take a leap of faith?

Get swept away by this deliciously sweet and heartwarming tale, and spend an unforgettable Christmas on Juniper Island.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the second in the Town Called Christmas series. I read the first one and enjoyed it so I requested this one as soon as it came to NetGalley. And again I enjoyed the story very much.

There is a lot of drama in this story and I am glad they didn’t do the love triangle with Neve, Oakley and Adam as I thought they might. Neve and Oakley needed to be together.

This is a nice holiday romance.

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

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