Kimberly reviews Skin Deep by Kimberly Kincaid

skin-deepTITLE: Skin Deep
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #1
CHARACTERS: Kellan & Isabella
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/20/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Where there’s smoke…

For firefighter Kellan Walker, checking his emotions at the door doesn’t just keep him on the level. It keeps him alive. A gut-wrenching find at the scene of a blaze threatens to blow his ironclad composure, but when the detective assigned to the case is the same woman who put his sister’s life at risk three months ago, all bets for Kellan being calm, cool, or collected are definitely off.

There’s bound to be fire…

Keeping people safe is Isabella Moreno’s number one priority, no matter how tough the case. Working without solid leads and with the gorgeous, broody firefighter who believes she’s responsible for endangering his sister on a previous case isn’t ideal. But someone is hurting women in the here-and-now. Isabella will do whatever it takes to find justice.

As Kellan and Isabella reluctantly team up to catch a criminal, they realize they have more in common than they’d ever imagined. With every move, the stakes grow higher and the passion sizzles hotter, but can they race against the clock and the odds to catch a killer? Or will they lose their hearts—and their lives?

REVIEW:
I don’t know what it was but I just never got into this story. I read all the reviews that are glowing with 5 stars and I figured I was missing something so I kept reading but I just never found the story caught me.

It was slow to start which caused me to get a bit bored and then when they repeated the fire scene, which was slow in the first place, I had a problem. Kincaid also was using a lot of slang/street terms which seemed forced like she was trying too hard to be young. Isabella is supposed to be a decade old cop but she speaks like she is just out of school and trying to be cool.

The characters were fine. I just didn’t connect with them. The story was different but a bit dark. I wish I had connected with the book because I enjoy Kincaid’s work usually. I wish I could explain I just can’t.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

nobody-but-youTITLE: Nobody But You
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #3
CHARACTERS: Jacob & Sophie
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

REVIEW:
It is about dang time. Jacob “just up and left” the family but there is more than what can be seen that makes this story good. I was so happy to have Jacob home. Even though we hadn’t met Jacob he felt like he was missing from the last few stories. It was great to have him home.

Sophie is great. She is the type of woman I would love to hang out with on a Friday night and just relax with. She is funny and caring and just a great character.

I have never read a book by Shalvis that I would not recommend and this falls into the same category. I would say to read the rest in this series first though so you can understand what is going on with Jacob and why his character is worth waiting for.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Starfish Moon by Donna Kauffman

starfish moonTITLE: Starfish Moon
SERIES #: Brides Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Kerry & Cooper
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nestled on the Maine coast, Blueberry Cove is a peaceful retreat compared to the excitement of exotic cities and foreign lands. But it’s also the best place in the world for one woman to find her heart’s true home…

Kerry McCrae’s wanderlust has taken her to parts of the globe most people have only glimpsed in pictures. So why is tending bar at the family pub in Blueberry Cove after her Uncle Fergus’s stroke an easier adjustment than she expected? And why hasn’t she left once Fergus is back on his feet? When tall, tanned Cooper Jaxton walks through the door, she knows the answer in a heartbeat…

Born and raised deep in Australia’s outback, Cooper never planned to leave the wild country he loves. But after almost a year of having Kerry—with her sparkling eyes and outrageous stories—on his cattle station, Cooper was stunned when she left. Suddenly home wasn’t the same without her. Making his way to Blueberry Cove to find her is a risk, but Cooper is counting on the passionate connection between them to convince her that the only place either of them needs to be is together…

Let the honeymoon begin…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts As with most of Kauffman’s books the moment you start reading you feel like you are part of the story, sitting in the restaurants or walking down the beach. You also feel like you are watching a romance unfold in front of you. That is how I felt reading Kerry and Cooper’s story.

This is a light fun couple who laugh and just enjoy. Yes there are issues or the book would be no more than a chapter but the characters communicate in a way that most couples wish they could.

The story is heartfelt and sweet. I believe anyone that enjoys contemporary romance novels will enjoy this book. And you do not have to have read the series to enjoy it.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

#TBT Kimberly reviews Deep Autumn Heat by Elisabeth Barrett ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Deep Autumn HeatTITLE: Deep Autumn Heat
SERIES #: Star Harbor #1
CHARACTERS: Lexie & Sebastian
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

REVIEW:
I’ll be honest. I requested this book from NetGalley ages ago but because it had no deadline I just keep putting it off and now I wish I hadn’t. What a great book. The characters are really fun and entertaining. And the story is very exciting and well written.

There is a connection with Lexie and Seb right away. Honestly from the first moment they see each other. There is quite a bit of backstory that has a few twists and turns too. And the other Grayson boys aren’t too shabby either.

If you enjoy a good romance with a bit of suspense and a lot of emotion than this is a good book to pick up. I will say the book comes up as being over 400 pages but it is a fast read while being very enthralling so don’t let the amount of pages scare you off.

I can’t wait to read the next is the series… I’m thinking… Theo?

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

Kimberly reviews Her Rogue Alpha by Paige Tyler

her rogue alphaTITLE: Her Rogue Alpha
SERIES #: X-Ops #5
CHARACTERS: Jayson & Layla
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/06/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE’LL DO ANYTHING FOR HER
Former Special Forces Lieutenant Jayson Harmon can’t believe that his war scars don’t matter to beautiful feline shifter Layla Halliwell. Why would she saddle herself with a broken man?

But Layla knows that Jayson is a hero to the core, and that only she can heal his wounded soul. So when Jayson is deployed on another deadly mission, no way is Layla staying behind…

REVIEW:
I have to admit that I have not followed this series very well. I think I have read two so far and then I stopped. Reading this story I sort of remembered why. This story is fine it just some things were driving me nuts. I got so tired of Jayson not being able to have some faith in himself. I mean shouldn’t he be a bit more of an alpha to be able to hand Layla? But he just is so low on himself I wanted to slap him sometimes.

I just didn’t really enjoy it but I will say that it might be because I have no read all of the series and this one seems to bring up everyone ever written about. I really believe you need to read the series in order to get the full understanding of this series.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews When We Touch by Heather Graham

when we touchTITLE: When We Touch
SERIES #: Graham Clan #6
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Jamie
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Queen Victoria’s London is a teeming metropolis of pageantry, forbidden desire, and danger—especially in the East End, a hotbed of vice, witchcraft, and murder. What widow Lady Maggie Graham does there more than greases the rumor mill. When she agrees to wed the Viscount Langdon, there are those who would act upon their suspicions . . .

Experience has taught Lord Jamie well. He has seen his fair share of women behave inappropriately — enjoying risqué amusements in secret theatres, running about disguised in the seediest parts of the city — and then they call you vile names for coming to their rescue. And no woman is more shameless, more cunning, more intoxicating than Lady Maggie . . .

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from under the name Shannon Drake, series name Graham #6 from 2004.

As a fan of Heather Graham I picked up this book from NetGalley. I don’t read historicals very often any more but I was interested to read Graham’s work before she started writing more contemporary/paranormal (Krewe Of Hunters) stories .

I have to say it was good. But I am glad she went into the other genres.

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

3hearts-68-77

Save

Kimberly reviews Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

shadow fallingTITLE: Shadow Falling
SERIES #: Scorpius Syndrome #2
CHARACTERS: Vivienne & Raze
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.

And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .

REVIEW:

I received this book from Rebecca for a review after requesting from NetGalley and I am happy to have a copy to hang on to.

I am not a fan of post-apocalyptic novels but I will read anything that Rebecca writes and enjoy it.

Vinnie is infected and as much as she wants Raze doesn’t want to infect him so she tries to keep her distance. Tries being the key word. One of the things I enjoy about Rebecca’s books is the women always are strong and while they may fall for a guy they do not let him walk all over them. Raze is great. Totally all man but when it comes to Vinnie his soft side shows.

The story is well written and enjoyable. I would suggest reading book one so you can understand the world the characters are now living in.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

Kimberly reviews Run To You by Rachel Lacey

Run to youTITLE: Run To You
SERIES #: Risking It All #1
CHARACTERS: Gabby & Ethan
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE LITTLE LIE. A WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE.

Moments after meeting the most gorgeous guy ever, Gabby Winters promptly gets stung by a zillion yellowjackets and falls-not gracefully-into a stream. Yup, Ethan Hunter is trouble with a capital “hot,” and Gabby definitely needs to keep her distance. Except in the small town of Haven, there’s nowhere to hide from Ethan’s sexy, infectious grin . . . and all the residents are conspiring against her.

At the center of the town’s matchmaking is Ethan’s grandmother, who’s convinced their relationship is a done deal. Rather than break her heart, Gabby and Ethan find themselves cornered into pretending to be falling in love. The problem: there’s serious sizzling attraction between them. And if this charade continues, they won’t fool just the entire town – they might fool themselves too . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute beach read. It is pretty predictable. Ethan and Gabby fake a romance to fool his grandmother before she passes away. However the pretend turns real.

The thing that makes this good are the characters. I really enjoyed Gabby. She is trying to come into her own after a bad relationship. She wants to learn to be on her own two feet about doesn’t realize that she already is. Ethan’s relationship with his grandmother is just so sweet. Dixie just steals your heart. She is the grandmother everyone want to have.

As I said it is a sweet story. A quick read that will keep your attention and yet is relaxing to just enjoy.

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

3hearts-68-77

#TBT Kimberly reviews Pelican Point by Donna Kauffman ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Pelican PointTITLE: Pelican Point
SERIES #: Bachelors of Blueberry Cove #1
CHARACTERS: Alex & Logan
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blueberry Cove, Maine, is as small-town as small towns get. More than a little quirky, it has sheltered generations of families. But there’s always room for a new face…

Fixing things has always been Alex McFarland’s greatest gift and keenest pleasure. But with her own life thoroughly broken, she’s signed on to renovate the dilapidated Pelican Point lighthouse, hoping to reconnect with herself. The last thing she expects is to find herself falling in love–with the glorious coastline, with age-old secrets and welcome-home smiles…with rugged Logan McCrae, the man she just might be able to build new hopes on.

DIY is so much better with two…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This story is so poignant. It is about loss and overcoming it. It is about love and being willing to find it and it is about home and realizing when you are in it.

I loved this story. The characters clicked immediately. There is something about Logan that makes the reader love him. He is the strong but silent type and yet he knows who he is and is not afraid to show it. Alex is someone who you would want to be friends with. Someone you would want to make be your friend because you know once she is you know you will have a friend for life.

I enjoy all of Kauffman’s work but something about this book is just plain special. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

#TBT Kimberly’s review of Nobody’s Angel by Stacy Gail ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Nobody’s Angel
SERIES #: Earth Angels #1
CHARACTERS: Kendall & Zeke
AUTHOR: Stacy Gail
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/21/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Investigative journalist Kendall Glynn is horrified when a friend and colleague signs off permanently during a live newscast, jabbing a pen into his jugular. Kendall’s no expert, but judging by the strange white veil in the anchorman’s eyes, she would swear he was a man possessed.

A descendant of the accursed Nephilim, Zeke Reece prowls San Francisco by night, keeping the city free from paranormal phenomena. But even he is no match for whatever malevolent force is behind a recent rash of murder-suicides. And when a beautiful tenacious reporter becomes the next target, Zeke has no choice but to stay close to her, until he can find the evil spirit and cross it over.

The closer Kendall gets to the truth, the more danger she’s in. Fortunately, a sexy and mysterious masked stranger keeps swooping in to the rescue. Kendall’s life depends on finding who or what is responsible for the killings, before it finds her.

REVIEW:
I was not sure what to expect from this book but I really enjoyed it. It is a short read of about 100 pages but worth every word. The book had a feel of Supernatural (the show) and Batman (or another masked hero). I enjoyed the relationship between the two characters and would have enjoyed even more about them. While it is a short story I would have loved a bit more.

I also enjoyed the fact that Zeke is something different but he is not comfortable with it. I liked how Kendall was not willing to back down either. In all honesty I just enjoyed the book in general. It is a great story and I can not wait to read the next one.

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

4 Hearts

Save

#TBT Kimberly’s review of The Best Man by Kristan Higgins ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: The Best Man
SERIES #: Blue Heron #1
CHARACTERS: Faith & Levi
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there….

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief-and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosÉ, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk…

REVIEW:
This was a great story. I enjoyed the story very much. The character of Faith is so funny. She is snide, sarcastic, quick witted and really just an enjoyable character. Levi is a little brooding for me but I still liked him.

I enjoyed the background characters probably as much as the main characters. I liked how the story was not started and finished in a matter of a couple months. Their story started back in elementary school in a way and has taken twenty years to progress. I also liked that even when Faith comes back to town it is not “love at second sight”.

As I said I liked Faith (mostly). I liked how she was strong willed and had such a great sense of humor. I didn’t like how naive she seemed to be. Seemed like she was so easily deceived or maybe it was just that she was oblivious to the obvious. And Levi, well again as I said he was a little too brooding for me. He is a diamond in the rough type of guy and while I liked him I would not put him as one of my favorites of all time.

It is actually hard to tell you about the story without telling you some of the surprises of the story so I won’t. But I do think if you enjoy romance novels this is certainly one to read. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

* The bathroom scene alone is worth reading this book for. I was laughing so hard!

4 Hearts

#TBT Kimberly’s review of The Wanderer by Robyn Carr ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: The Wanderer
SERIES #: Thunder Point #1
CHARACTERS: Sarah & Cooper
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land’s unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he’s been left an old friend’s entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community’s destiny in his hands.

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

REVIEW:
Another great read from Robyn Carr. A spin-off of her Virgin River novels Carr takes us to Thunder Point and what a wonderful trip it is. We meet Cooper who comes to find out the suspicious circumstances regarding an old military friends death and finds himself the heir to his friends land. Sarah is a single “mother”/sister to Landon a boy being bullied by his teammates.

Carr brings the reader right into the town and beaches of Thunder Point. Cooper is such a quiet yet interesting character that it is hard not to want to be his friend. And the sadness and loneliness that both Sarah and Cooper feel is something that jumps off the pages. I enjoyed these characters very much. It was a big odd to not have the main characters even meet until halfway through the story but as with all of Carr’s books there is always a reason behind her ideas.

I enjoyed the background people very much as well. Mac and Gina are sweet and Landon is just a doll. I can’t wait for the next in this new series (maybe about Dr. Scott?). If you love a sweet romance then this is one you will not want to miss.

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

4 Hearts