Kimberly’s Review – Page 66

April 7, 2016April 2, 2016

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Her Perfect Mate
SERIES #: X-Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Landon Donovan & Ivy Halliwell
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Special Forces Captain Landon Donovan is picked for an assignment with the Department of Covert Affairs, he’s stunned to find his new partner is a beautiful woman who looks like she couldn’t hurt a fly, much less take down a terrorist.

Ivy Halliwell isn’t your average covert op. Her feline DNA means she can literally bring out the claws when things get dicey. She isn’t thrilled to be paired with yet another military grunt, but Landon is different. He doesn’t think she’s a freak and he’s smokin’ hot.

Soon they find themselves facing a threat even greater than anyone imagines…and an animal magnetism impossible to ignore.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts To say Ivy is a little gun shy when it comes to her newest partner is an understatement. Ivy has not had the best track record with her partners. But there is something about Landon something that puts her at ease. But even that makes her a bit nervous.

Landon is not very happy to be pulled off of his mission and forced to come back stateside. That is until he learns who is new partner is and what she can do.

Landon & Ivy make such a great team. From the save on the rope cross I knew this was going to be a great story. The interaction between these two was so much fun.

This is my first Paige Tyler book and I am totally in love with the world that she created. These are not your ordinary shifters! Oh no this shifters. Should I tell you? I am not sure. You will just have to pick up a copy of Her Perfect Mate and find out for yourself.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts As different as this book was I really enjoyed it. Maybe I enjoyed it because of how different it is. First has much as it claims to be a shifter story the shift is different. Ivy never really becomes a cat. She can bring out her cat tendencies like claws, night vision, climbing, etc but she never actually turns into a cat. Landon is a cool character. He seems to just accept her unique qualities and while he jokes it is in fun and not to be mean. I enjoyed them together.

The one problem I have is Ivy is supposed to be one of the best but she seems to mess up a bit too much. But that is a minor problem. I really hope that the next story is Angelo’s. I love the friendship Landon and he have. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 5, 2016April 2, 2016

#TBT Kelly & Kimberly review Reckless by Skye Jordan – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Reckless
SERIES #: Renegades #1
CHARACTERS: Jax Chamberlin & Lexi LaCroix
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: August 23, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker makes Lexi realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success and one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life. When that touch fills far more than just Lexi’s physical needs, she finds herself torn between the career she needs and the bad-boy she craves.

Jax Chamberlin gave up the superficial life of acting for the thrill of running his own stunt company years ago. But a recent betrayal proves he’s still too close to the limelight to find a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping-stone to success. When the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle, and Jax isn’t willing to change his ways. Especially not when he discovers who she really is. Because if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the other gold-diggers. And this time, it’s not just his bad-boy reputation at risk, but his heart, too.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Lexi has always been wanted by people. Wanted for her looks, wanted for her designs, but never wanted for who she is deep down. After spotting a very attractive man, Lexi uses her best friends newest security app to find his phone number. Lexi uses this app to send him a couple flirty text. Just a little something to break her out of her shell. Just a little harmless fun.

Jax has been burned one too many times. Everyone always wants something from him. But when Jax gets an anonymous text joking with him about his spilled coffee he finds himself drawn to this stranger and truly enjoyed the flirting back with them. But when he asks to meet her he may have gone to far.

Can Jax & Lexi put the pain of past relationships behind them long enough to trust? Or is this rendezvous in the dark to Reckless?

Guess you will need to pick up a copy to find out.

You know you just read a good book when you finish the book, look over at the clock and realize that it is 2 am. Loved this first book in the Renegades series by Skye Jordan. This story was smoking hot and yet sweet all at the same time.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Stars I loved this story. I didn’t want to miss one word of it. I loved the connection the characters had right off the bat. I loved the whole first texting scene (oh so much). I loved the angst both characters have. And I love the morale of the story (yes it sorta has a morale). I really just loved this story!

I received this book from NetGalley and for probably the first time I am thinking I need to get this book in print so I can read it again sometime. The writing is very well done. There is such fun in so many of the scenes and even some sadness but it wraps up so well. The writing of the sex scenes was done so well. While sexy it was not over the top. This author is not trying to prove herself by the sex but by the words. Bring on the next Renegade! I am waiting breathlessly!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 1, 2016March 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Vulnerable by Mary Burton

TITLE: Vulnerable
SERIES #: Morgans of Nashville #4
CHARACTERS: Amber & Jake
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Smallest Mistake

Three went in; one came out. For five years, no trace has been found of two high-school friends who went hiking in the woods near Nashville. The third teen, Amber Ryder, was discovered at the bottom of a ravine with a broken arm, head trauma–and zero memory of the horror that put her there.

Will Put You

What started as a cold case has become a fresh hell for forensic technician Georgia Morgan. Another woman’s body is found in the woods, and it leads to the missing teens’ remains. But while Georgia works with Amber to try and reawaken her memories, her gut tells her the worst is yet to come.

At A Killer’s Mercy

Homicide Detective Jake Bishop can’t be sure whether Amber is an expert manipulator or the killer’s next target. Either way, he’s determined to protect Georgia. Because the deeper she digs into the past, the deadlier the secrets that emerge, and a nightmare years in the making is about to come to a bloody, terrifying end…

REVIEW:

I have not read the previous books in the series and maybe that would have made a difference but I doubt it. I really just didn’t enjoy this very much. I expected so much more from this story. It seemed it would be really interesting but I just didn’t click with this story.

It my opinion it seemed this book was thrown together. As if the first ones in the series were popular and the publisher was pushing for the book before the author was really ready.

Ok, that all being said, I can see why some people might enjoy it. There is some suspense and there is some romance. It just didn’t click with me.

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

March 31, 2016March 27, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews When Darkness Comes by Alexandra Ivy – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: When Darkness Comes
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #1
CHARACTERS: Abby & Dante
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/15/07
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she’s survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a vampire she both desires and fears.

For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago. Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death.

A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil – and a desperate race to save their love…

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This is the book that started my love affair with paranormal and Alexandra Ivy… The vampire Dante is sex personified… hot!!! There is so much to this story and so many characters that it will keep your turning the page and never wanting the story to end.

I could tell you everything about this story and not stop talking but then I would say too much and trust me you want to read this one for yourself.

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

March 29, 2016March 27, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Beyond The Misty Shore by Vicki Hinze – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Beyond The Misty Shore
SERIES #: Seascape Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Whimsy. Serenity. And a Touch of Magic. The Seascape Inn.

Marketing executive Maggie Wright and artist T.J. MacGregor are linked by a mysterious car accident that killed Maggie’s cousin, Carolyn, T.J.’s fiancée. When Maggie arrives on the Maine coast determined to get answers from T.J., she discovers a tortured man who is bound to the Seascape Inn by supernatural forces. Despite the tragedy that stands between them, Maggie and T.J. begin to fall in love, seeking answers and a healing spirit they may never achieve.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 2011.
I want so badly to tell you about this book and why you should read it but there are not enough words to tell you how wonderful this book is. It is rare I give a book 5 stars but this book is most deserving. There is something magical about this book. It feels like a romance novel from years gone by even though it is set in the present. It makes you believe you are there and watching the love unfold instead of turning pages. Seascape Inn is a place you want to visit.

This book reads like a movie. Have you seen the movies “Somewhere In Time” or “The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan”? OK this is dating myself but then if you have not seen them you should. Anyway, this book has the feel of these timeless movies. The softness of love as it grows between the characters and the mystical spirit that is there to guide not haunt make this book worth the read. More than worth the read it is worth owning the book and never letting it go. Luckily this is the 1st in a trilogy and I can not wait to enjoy the other two books.

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

March 28, 2016March 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Sherlock Holmes And The Tangled Skein by David Stuart Davies

TITLE: Sherlock Holmes And The Tangled Skein
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: David Stuart Davies
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the autumn of 1888, and following the successful conclusion of the investigation into the affair of the Hound of the Baskervilles, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson have returned safely from Dartmoor, convinced that their most recent nemesis has met a sticky ending.

But when a strange package arrives and turns out to be an attempt on Holmes’ life, the detective and Watson are faced with an even darker mystery.

A peculiar cat-and-mouse game involving a lethal murderer ensues and Miss Lydgate, a distressed young woman, arrives with a cryptic warning for Watson.

Things soon spiral rapidly out of control and Holmes calls on his local street urchins, The Baker Street Irregulars, to keep a keen eye out for information.

Professor Van Helsing is also in town, visiting the Royal Society to discuss the phenomenon of Vampires.

Holmes is disgusted and dismisses such talk as supernatural nonsense, insisting that ‘the cult of undead’ is outside the boundaries of rational science.

Inspector Lestrade, however, has bigger problems — there have been murders on Hampstead Heath and there is heightened talk of a strange phantom lady.

When the police force reach out to Holmes for help, both he and Watson decide to take matters into their own hands.

The chilling discovery that awaits them on the Heath leads them back to Devon and the bleak terrain of Dartmoor.

The nightmare that is the tangled skein is now in full force and time is running out.

Whilst investigating mysterious circumstances at a finishing school for aristocratic girls, they encounter the true embodiment of evil, Count Dracula, the Lord of the Undead …

The Tangled Skein is one of Sherlock Holmes’ most exciting and dangerous cases, peppered with elements of the supernatural.

REVIEW:
Sherlock Holmes vs Count Dracula. How could anyone pass this up? Well part of me wishes I had and yet I am glad I didn’t. Can you tell I am on the fence about this book?

Written originally in 1992 apparently this is a re-release. Any fan of SH should pick it up just to be sure they have read them all but don’t expect this SH to be what AC Doyle’s originally wrote.

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

March 25, 2016March 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews No One Knows by J.T. Ellison

TITLE: No One Knows
CHARACTERS: Aubrey Hamilton
AUTHOR: J.T. Ellison
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an obsessive mystery as thrilling as The Girl on the Train and The Husband’s Secret, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison will make you question every twist in her page-turning novel—and wonder which of her vividly drawn characters you should trust.

The day Aubrey Hamilton’s husband is declared dead by the state of Tennessee should bring closure so she can move on with her life. But Aubrey doesn’t want to move on; she wants Josh back. It’s been five years since he disappeared, since their blissfully happy marriage—they were happy, weren’t they?—screeched to a halt and Aubrey became the prime suspect in his disappearance. Five years of emptiness, solitude, loneliness, questions. Why didn’t Josh show up at his friend’s bachelor party? Was he murdered? Did he run away? And now, all this time later, who is the mysterious yet strangely familiar figure suddenly haunting her new life?

In No One Knows, the New York Times bestselling coauthor of the Nicholas Drummond series expertly peels back the layers of a complex woman who is hiding dark secrets beneath her unassuming exterior. This masterful thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn, Liane Moriarty, and Paula Hawkins will pull readers into a you’ll-never-guess merry-go-round of danger and deception. Round and round and round it goes, where it stops…no one knows.

REVIEW:
Everyone loves a good psychological thriller. Well if they don’t they should. And this would be a good one to pick up. Ellison takes us on a ride that thrilling and enjoying and yet has a bit of a twist.

I am a fan of books that I can’t figure out. While i spend my time trying to figure it out I love when it comes in and I got it wrong. But then again I like when I get it right too. The characters are really interesting and well formed. I enjoyed meeting them all.

This book will keep you thinking and those really are best kind.

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

March 22, 2016March 20, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Fated By Rebecca Zanetti – Catch up from the beginning!

TITLE: Fated
SERIES: Dark Predator
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
RELEASE DATE: 03/01/2011
Barnes and Noble |Amazon

SYNOPSIS:
Marry Me! Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she’s used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But “whatever it takes” has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem.

Or Else! Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he’s there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he’s a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he’s had that long to practice. . .

REVIEW:
I won this book from GoodReads.com and started it the day I got it. I enjoy some vampire books but I would not say they are my top choice(no I have never read Twilight) but I have read Larissa Ione and Alexandra Ivy and maybe another here or there but I have to say this book had me immediately. I would certainly say this book matched or came close to Ione and Ivy. At least to their beginning books. This is the 1st of a series by Zanetti.
Cara is a single mom. Both she and her daughter Janie have physic ability. Talen in a vampire who has been in a truce with the Kurjan’s and has known for centuries that Cara is his mate. These vampires are different then the ones we are used to they can do things others we read about can not. The Kurjan’s are hard to imagine for me. The are a species that has not been portrayed on tv/movies so I have a hard time imagining them. Talen is a dominate vamp (but what vamp isn’t?) but he has a heart of gold and I love the sweetness he feels about Cara even if he doesn’t realize it. If you are not into strong men Talen could get on your nerves but I found him wonderful and sexy and you can feel the love that radiates from Cara and Talen even though neither wants to admit it. Cara is a scientist that feels more comfortable around plants then people. I enjoyed Janie and the vamps interaction with her but there is not enough of her, there is too much time with Cara leaving Janie to be “protected”.
I can’t wait to get the next book that just came out. If you like vampires you will like this. It is one heck of a sexy book!

March 21, 2016March 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Far From True by Linwood Barclay

TITLE: Far From True
SERIES #: Promise Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Cal & Barry
AUTHOR: Linwood Barclay
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Linwood Barclay delivers the second spine-chilling thriller set in the troubled town of Promise Falls, following the electrifying cliffhanger ending of Broken Promise…

After the screen of a run-down drive-in movie theater collapses and kills four people, the daughter of one of the victims asks private investigator Cal Weaver to look into a recent break-in at her father’s house. Cal discovers a hidden basement room where it’s clear that salacious activities have taken place—as well as evidence of missing DVDs. But his investigation soon becomes more complicated when he realizes it may not be discs the thief was actually interested in….

Meanwhile, Detective Barry Duckworth is still trying to solve two murders—one of which is three years old—he believes are connected, since each featured a similar distinctive wound.

As the lies begin to unravel, Cal is headed straight into the heart of a dark secret as his search uncovers more startling truths about Promise Falls. And when yet another murder happens, Cal and Barry are both driven to pursue their investigations, no matter where they lead. Evil deeds long thought buried are about to haunt the residents of this town—as the sins of the past and present collide with terrifying results.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts This is the second in a new series from Barclay and I have to say it wasn’t one of my favorites. There just wasn’t a thrill that Barclay’s books usually have. The weird part is I can’t figure out what is off about this book. It was fast paced, there was a thrill to it (even if not as much as normal) and the story is different than every other thriller but something just doesn’t sit right.

There are a bunch of characters in this book and maybe that was it. Maybe taking the time to remember who was who took some away from the story, I’m not sure. Please don’t get me wrong. The story is good. It is just not up to what I expected from Barclay.

You will enjoy this book but don’t compare all Barclay’s books by this one.

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

March 14, 2016March 13, 2016

Kimberly reviews Red Hot Texas Nights by Kimberly Raye

TITLE: Red Hot Texas Nights
SERIES #: Rebel Moonshine #2
CHARACTERS: Brandy & Tyler
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bestselling author Kimberly Raye’s rousing new series continues. Get ready for squabbling kin, steamy nights, and mouth-watering romance…

LOVE IS ALWAYS INTOXICATING
When it comes to feuds, the Tuckers and the Sawyers do it Texas-style! The legendary moonshiners have been doing battle for more than a century, and they’re nowhere near ready to call a truce. Especially when Brandy Tucker, a self-taught chef, mixes up a brew that rivals the original-only to find the recipe’s gone missing. And the culprit seems to be Tyler McCall, a professional bull rider as hot as the Lone Star sun, despite the Sawyer blood running through his veins.

IN THE LONE-STAR STATE
Brandy is a sweet, sassy distraction Tyler doesn’t need-especially not when he’s preparing for a competition that will either make or break his career. The more Brandy and Tyler cross paths with one another, the less they can can ignore the heat that sizzles between them. Should they give in to their fiery passions-even if they both risk getting burned? All it takes is one kiss to find out…

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Hearts This is a story of reality versus dreams and which wins. Both Brandy and Tyler have dreams. He dreams of the rodeo circuit and she dreams of a booming business. This series is a modern version of the Hatfields and McCoys.

This is the second in the series and while it can be read alone you will know you are missing something. In the first book the grandfather was killed and the families want the recipe for moonshine. In this story that background story continues.

This story is sweet and enjoyable. Pick up this book and the first in the series as well. You will not regret it.

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

March 8, 2016March 6, 2016

Kimberly reviews The Steel Kiss by Jeffrey Deaver

TITLE: The Steel Kiss
SERIES #: Lincoln Rhymes #12
CHARACTERS: Amelia & Lincoln
AUTHOR: Jeffrey Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/08/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver returns with his next blockbuster thriller featuring forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme.

Amelia Sachs is hot on the trail of a killer. She’s chasing him through a department store in Brooklyn when an escalator malfunctions. The stairs give way, with one man horribly mangled by the gears. Sachs is forced to let her quarry escape as she jumps in to try to help save the victim. She and famed forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme soon learn, however, that the incident may not have been an accident at all, but the first in a series of intentional attacks. They find themselves up against one of their most formidable opponents ever: a brilliant killer who turns common products into murder weapons. As the body count threatens to grow, Sachs and Rhyme must race against the clock to unmask his identity–and discover his mission–before more people die.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

This book was creepy! Ok it was a good creepy but still. Lincoln Rhyme has been around for a while now but this might be one of my favorites so far. Everyone knows “The Bone Collector” but this should certainly be made into the net movie.

What is different is the new intern. Amelia is an interesting addition to the story. I have heard that Lincoln will be taking a back seat in some of the books and I figure that is why Amelia has been brought in but I am not sure. The suspense in the story is sitting on the edge of your seat worthy. Jeffery Deaver never fails to deliver a wonderful story but again I think this is one of my favorites out of the 12 on the market so far.

This book will stay with you a long time… in a very creepy way… and you will never look at your appliances the same again.

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

March 7, 2016March 6, 2016

Kimberly reviews Betting The Bad Boy by Sugar Jamison

TITLE: Betting The Bad Boy
SERIES #: Destiny #2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Duke
AUTHOR: Sugar Jamison
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/02/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago, Duke King knew that getting involved with Grace Truman would only bring trouble into his already hard life. After all, the son of the town drunk has no business falling for the judge’s daughter…a passion that led to disaster and ended with Duke serving a ten year prison sentence. Duke never wanted to return to Destiny, especially now that he’s built a multimillion dollar custom car empire with his brothers. But when his sick aunt calls him home, he must face his past and discover a secret that instantly changes his life.

Grace never thought she would see Duke again, especially after years of silence. But when Duke comes storming back into her life, looking hotter than ever, and determined to get to know the son he never knew he had, she realizes that maybe she’d been wrong about him so many years ago. So Grace decides to make Duke a bet. If he can stay in the house with them for the next thirty days and prove he’ll be a good father, she’ll agree to letting him be part of his son’s life. If not, he’d better be prepared for a fight.

Going from single guy to family man isn’t going to be easy for Duke, especially with the still sexy, now fiery, Grace clouding his every thought. Can Duke be the man he never thought he could be or will his old bad boy ways be too much to conquer?

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series about the King brothers. Duke is kind of a hard guy. He is brash and tough and it makes it hard to like him.. at first. Something changes in him as the book progresses and it is enjoyable to watch happen.

I liked Grace. She was written really well. Sugar and spice all in one woman. And Ryder is a pretty good and typical young boy.

This is an enjoyable read for anyone who likes the bad boy with a heart of gold romance. Sugar Jamison is one of my go to authors and you can never go wrong picking up one of her books.

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