Kimberly’s Review – Page 79

November 17, 2014November 16, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Rumor by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Rumor
SERIES #: Renegades #4
CHARACTERS: Grace & Josh
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/04/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Former Navy SEAL Josh Marx thinks he has it all figured out. He’s living the bachelor lifestyle in southern California, running risk assessment for the Renegades, but most importantly, he’s finally gotten over the unrequited love he’s harbored for his former teammate’s ex wife. Then his buddy calls from overseas, worried because he hasn’t heard from his ex, and asks Josh to check in on her. Josh doesn’t want to get involved, but the same code that urged him to walk away in the first place is suddenly pushing him to change his Christmas plans.

Grace Ashby doesn’t appreciate the sexy SEAL trying to step in and take over. He thinks she’s hit rock bottom by working at a strip club, but she knows differently. She could set him straight, but he’s already rejected her once, and she doesn’t need one more man judging her.

She tells him to butt out of her business and her life. But Josh’s conscience won’t let him walk away this time.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What a great short story from Ms. Jordan. I will say that I didn’t like Josh much in Ricochet. Mostly because of the hell that he gave Rachel and Nathan. But looking back Josh really was a good guy, but he was fixated on something that was never his. But that seems to be Josh’s MO. Falling for a girl he can or should never have.

I am so glad that Skye wrote this novella for him. Josh deserves happiness. And let me tell you all you Josh haters will fall head over heels in love with this ex-SEAL. Totally loved this story. I want more of Josh and Grace. I hope (hint, hint Skye) that we will get another novella for them.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is a Christmas novella about the Renegades… Ok well maybe not. This is about Josh. We have met him before and while in the beginning he seemed like a jerk the readers came to know him and think better of him. Well with his story you will fall in love with him. Josh has really only loved one woman who happened to be the wife, then ex-wife, of his SEAL buddy so she was off limits. And it that nearly broke them both. Now they meet up again and the sparks fly.

I enjoyed this short story of Josh. This is a perfect short story. Yes we wanted Josh’s story and wanted him to find his happily ever after but he isn’t a Renegade so having this novella is like a little extra Christmas gift from Skye Jordan and her Renegades.

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

November 12, 2014November 9, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Mistletoe Mansion by Samantha Tonge

TITLE: Mistletoe Mansion
CHARACTERS:Kimmy & Luke
AUTHOR: Samantha Tonge
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kimmy Jones has three loves: cupcakes, gossip magazines and dreaming of getting fit just by owning celeb workouts. When Kimmy’s Sensible Boyfriend told her he didn’t approve of her longing for the high life or her dream of starting a cupcake company Kimmy thought she could compromise – after all, she did return those five-inch Paris Hilton heels! But asking her to trade in cake-making for a job sorting potatoes is a step too far.

So, newly single – and newly homeless – Kimmy needs a dusting of Christmas luck. And, masquerading as a professional house sitter, her new temporary home is the stunning Mistletoe Mansion. Soon she’s best buds with glamorous next door golf WAG Melissa, and orders are pouring in for her fabulous Merry Berry cupcakes! The only thorn in her side is handsome handyman Luke, a distraction she definitely doesn’t need. And talking of distractions, something very odd is going on at night…

Kimmy is finally living the life she’s always wanted. But will her glimpse into the glittering lifestyle of the rich and famous be as glamorous as she’s always imagined…?

REVIEW:
I had the hardest time with this story and would have given it 2.5 but I am bumping it to mid-star because I think some of this was me. I have never been a fan of dumb-silly. I mean those kind of movies never even make me break a smirk while others can’t rave enough about it. So maybe it was just me.

First this story is set in England so the language is different but that is ok and just needs some understanding. The whole celebrity fascination didn’t sit with me either. I, again, am not the type that watch the reality shows or can’t wait for my People magazine to come in. I couldn’t care less about celebrities so Kimmy’s obsession is not something I can get behind.

I guess the story is ok. The characters got on my nerves more often than not. I didn’t get why Kimmy was so wrapped up in Adam when he was so hot and cold. Luke is ok but I really don’t get his fascination with Kimmy. This story was just not for me (can you tell?) but maybe someone who enjoys silly comedy would appreciate it.

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

November 11, 2014November 9, 2014

Kimberly reviews Blue Labyrinth by Preston and Child

TITLE: Blue Labyrinth
SERIES #: Pendergrast #14
CHARACTERS: Aloysius Pendergrast
AUTHOR: Preston & Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/11/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A long-buried family secret resurfaces when one of Aloysius Pendergast’s most implacable enemies shows up on his doorstep as a murdered corpse. The mystery has all the hallmarks of the perfect murder, save for an enigmatic clue: a piece of turquoise lodged in the stomach of the deceased. The gem leads Pendergast to an abandoned mine on the shore of California’s desolate Salton Sea, which in turn propels him on a journey of discovery deep into his family’s sinister past. But Pendergast learns there is more at work than a ghastly episode of family history: he is soon stalked by a subtle killer bent on vengeance over an ancient transgression. In short order, Pendergast is caught in a wickedly clever plot, which will leave him stricken in mind and body…and may well end with his death.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts If you have not read a Pendergast novel I have one question for you. Why not? The writing partnership of Preston and Child has been dynamite and this series just keeps getting better and better. Pendergast is like… oh heck I can’t even think of a way to describe him. He is an enigma and his history is so secretive but this book opens it up a little bit which was great to read.

This book took a little bit of a turn with the main character which made it even more interesting and probably one of my favorites in a long time and that is saying something. The places that Preston and Child takes Pendergast makes you want to jump in the car and hit the road. Pendergast is truly a man of mystery and one that I can’t get enough of.

You should really read the entire story before you read this one but if you chose to grab this book up first just know that you will be heading to the store or online to get the beginnings of this incredible series.

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

November 7, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Her Lone Wolf by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Lone Wolf
SERIES #: X-Ops #2
CHARACTERS: Clayne Buchanan & Danica Beckett
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Leaving him was Impossible…

It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse…

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back—and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to take no for an answer this time.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I think I can sum up this book in a few words: Tension, Anxiety, Deception and Relief.

Her Lone Wolf is book 2 in Paige Tyler’s X-Ops series. We pick up shortly after the events from book one (I would suggest reading in order, but you don’t have to). Ivy and Landon are still working on the issues from book one (no I am not going to tell you what they are). But Clayne is sent on a mission to help hunt a serial killer. But when Clayne gets to the west coast a very unpleasant surprise is waiting for him. The woman who broke his heart 2 years ago.
To say that the tension between Clayne & Danica was mild would be understated. These two love and hate each other for many reason all of which boils down to the fact that neither wants to live without the other.
There is a lot going on in this book. We jump from Clayne & Danica in the future, to them in the past, to Ivy & Landon back to Clayne & Danica’s current mission. It took me a while to figure out how Clayne & Danica’s mission factored in with Landon & Ivy’s but it all came clear the farther I got into the book. Unfortunately it left many questions unanswered and left me wondering just who can they trust.
I am looking forward to the next book in these series. The epilogue was a little disturbing……..

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts I am not sure why but I had a hard time reading this story. First Clayne is just mean. Yeah he lightens up some but he has anger management problems that make me just want to slap him and walk away and never look back. Danica seems strong but I think it says something about her that she is into Clayne.

This is the second in the series and the first was a bit different so I was looking forward to this one but it just didn’t interest me at all. I enjoy the background story and am looking forward to reading more in the series to see what happens but I could have done without this part of the story… Or maybe just done without Clayne because if he had been written different I might have been more inclined to enjoy the story.

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.

November 5, 2014November 2, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey

TITLE: Her Holiday Man
CHARACTERS: Christina & Will
AUTHOR: Shannon Stacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/03/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she’s left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she’s learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she’d be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail’s son comes home, Christina’s vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.

Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being “that poor man” who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it’s time to go home. Only his mother’s not alone. She’s taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.

As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.

REVIEW:
This is a short holiday novella of only about 75 pages. This is a very enjoyable read that really can get you into the Christmas spirit. Christina is starting over from a rich fancy life and is now without anything but her son and yet seems happier than ever. Will is coming back to hometown that he has run away from for years and finds more there than he bargained for.

I felt every bit of the Christmas feel that the author put in this story. I loved the connection that Christina, Nathaniel and Grammy Gail have even before Will comes into the picture. Most of us have had that “adopted gramma” in our lives and that is what Grammy Gail is to Nathaniel and the love they feel towards each other is so sweet. And the connection between Will and Christina is enjoyable to read as well.

This is a perfect novella to have ready to curl in front of the Christmas tree and enjoy when you have the house to yourself. It won’t take long to read and yet will make you feel ready to start the holidays.

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

November 4, 2014November 2, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Freed by Stacey Kennedy

TITLE: Freed
SERIES #: Club Sin #4
CHARACTERS: Elliott Foster & Mary Schmidt
AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans who can’t get enough of USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy will love this wicked, wild spinoff novel that explores how sexy life can be outside Club Sin.

Mary Schmidt knows only too well how thrilling a Master’s touch can be. Her husband, Charles, had been her ultimate fantasy, a seducer in the erotic dance of dominance and submission. She misses the sensual lifestyle they shared, but mourns him so deeply she cannot bear to embrace her submissive needs with another Dom—until a man who exudes temptation reawakens desires she can no longer deny.

Elliott Foster is dazzled by Mary. He instantly knows that she’s the woman he’s been waiting for—a woman who turns games into need. As her Master, he dares to unlock the deepest pleasures of her flesh, releasing her from pain and healing her mind. When Mary’s lithe body comes to life under his, he knows their connection goes beyond sex. Now that he has found the perfect woman, the perfect partner, the perfect submissive, he desires only to give her everything she craves.

NOTE: Freed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts This is the first Club Sin book that I am on the fence about. I liked the characters. I like the story. But I was not in love with it. I am not really sure why but I just didn’t connect with Elliot & Mary the way that I did with the past characters. This was a beautiful story of a second chance at love which was great. And Ms. Kennedy did Mary justice in finding new love while dealing with the hurt of her lost love. I am grateful that I read this story and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is an interesting addition to the Club Sin series. While so clearly part of the series of erotica with a touch of BDSM the difference is this is about an older couple finding love the second time around. Both Mary and Elliott are in their 50’s and Mary is still recovering from a broken heart after her beloved Charles passed away 4 years ago and Elliott is the first Dom to catch her attention in all that time. Elliott wants love and submission that he has never found before and he finds it with Mary.

I enjoyed that the couple was older and that Mary already knew the life of being a submissive. She didn’t need to “learn” that she has these tendencies she already knows it. But she does need to learn to trust her heart and Dom again which really made the story different.

While you do not need to have read the series if you like the genre you would enjoy it so you should. The story is less than 250 pages so it is a long read but enjoyable.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 30, 2014October 26, 2014

Kimberly reviews Tis The Season by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Tis The Season
SERIES #: Virgin River #8 & #12
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Together for the first time in one volume, two classic holiday stories—plus a bonus novella!—from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

‘Tis the season for family, friendship and the thrill of a holiday romance…

Under the Christmas Tree

With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions

Holiday kisses don’t end with Christmas—there’s still the New Year’s Eve party at Jack’s Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.

So join us in Virgin River this year, where Robyn Carr’s trademark humor, warmth and sincerity will have you celebrating the festive season in your favorite mountain town.the festive season in your favorite mountain town.

REVIEW:
This is two stories in one. Series #8 and 12. I have only read one other book from this series but have read other books by Carr. I just couldn’t get into these books. The writing seems off to me. While sweet holiday stories they just didn’t ring true to me. Maybe it is because they were parts of the series that I haven’t read or maybe it was because the time it is written if years ago and has a different feel then how to writes now.

I never really felt the connection between any of the characters. Like I said it is a sweet holiday romance just not my cup of tea.

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

October 29, 2014October 26, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review Yours For Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Yours for Christmas
SERIES #: Fools Gold #15.5
CHARACTERS: Kenny Scott & Bailey Voss
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: October 28, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts As with all novella’s my review will be short and sweet.
Another great trip to the wonderful town of Fool’s Gold, California. I was so excited to read Kenny’s book. The tension between Kenny and Bailey has been growing over the last two book, ever since the Boys of The Score PR firm moved to Fool’s Gold. I really enjoyed Kenny & Bailey’s book. While I am a little sad that Kenny only got a novella I think that Ms. Mallery did a wonderful job with the story. Yes I would have liked more. But I am not sure that there would have been enough for a full length novel.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is one of my favorite places to visit and Christmas time makes the visit even sweeter. This romance has been in the making for a long time. The moment Chloe walked up to Kenny he was a goner. It just took him all this time to realize it.

This is a short novella and therein lies the problem I wish this had been longer. I love Bailey and was so thrilled for her to be moving on with her life with Chloe. And Kenny is just a great guy and we have loved him through all the other books and it was sad that we didn’t get more of their romance.

No one should miss any of the books in the Fool’s Gold series but if you haven’t read any I suggest starting with this year’s trilogy of stories so you understand the connection of Bailey, Kenny and Chloe.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & e-book Harlequin HQN in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 28, 2014October 26, 2014

Kimberly reviews Flaming Hot by Lynn LaFleur

TITLE: Flaming Hot
SERIES #: Firefighters of Lanville TX #2
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Lynn LaFleur
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Big and bold, strong and sexy, the firefighters of the Lanville, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department know how to turn up the heat…

Fiery
Sparks fly the moment Eve and Quade meet. Fear of heartbreak makes them wary but neither can deny the scorching waves of desire that leave them wanting so much more…

Flare
Paige wonders about Cort’s past but she can’t ignore the heat she feels inside every time he touches her. And things only get hotter when this sexy firefighter takes her to the heights of extreme carnal pleasure…

Flash
For years Kirk has kept a secret that not even his twin knows. But the arrival in town of a sexy newcomer turns up the heat and keeps the flames of passion burning all night long…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was going to review the three stories separately but honestly they all seem to be about the same so I will lump them together. All three stories are about 50 pages of sweet and hot rolled into one. The romance of the stories is sweet and the characters great. The sex scenes are hot. LaFleur writes great short erotica. As a warning (for lack of a better word) the third story is M/M just in case that is not your thing.

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

October 27, 2014October 26, 2014

Kimberly reviews Unleashed by Rachel Lacey

TITLE: Unleashed
SERIES #: Love To The Rescue #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/28/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happens when you find the right one at the wrong time?

Cara Medlen has a serious case of animal attraction. And it’s not because of all the foster dogs she’s rescued. She’s got it bad for her incredibly sexy neighbor. Her one rule: Don’t get attached. It’s served her well with the dogs she’s given to good homes and the children she’s nannied. Yet the temptation of Matt’s sexy smile might just convince her that some rules are made to be broken.

Matt Dumont doesn’t need his skills as a private investigator to detect disaster on the horizon. Cara is everything he thought he’d never find-gorgeous, funny, and caring. But there’s no way he can start a relationship just as he’s about to move to another state. Talk about bad timing. As their attraction sizzles too hot to deny, they’ll have to make a decision: forget the consequences and let loose, or forget each other and let go..

REVIEW:
I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised at this story. I wasn’t sure how it would be since I have never read this author before but it is really sweet and a really good read. Cara is someone you want to be friends with, she loves animals and would give the shirt off her back for the people and animals she cares about but she also has a past that is stopping her from moving forward. She had cancer as a teenager and is waiting for the 10 year mark before beginning to have a life (This is not a spoiler… it is said pretty quickly in the story). But even when you are waiting to get one… life happens. Matt is a PI who is getting ready to uproot the life he has but Cara comes into it and changes everything for him. He is a sweet romantic type of guy. He doesn’t put off the alpha male feel but he is an all around good guy and someone you want to fall in love with.

I enjoyed the connection of the characters. I enjoyed the background characters as well. And I really enjoyed the dogs. While not given personalities like in some books they do have a major role in the story. If you are a fan of contemporary romance then you will enjoy this book. While it doesn’t shove it down the readers throat the book does remind you that you need to live your life. You never know what will happen and it is better to have lived and loved… and read.

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

October 24, 2014October 17, 2014

Kimberly reviews Personal by Lee Child

TITLE: Personal
SERIES #: Jack Reacher #19
CHARACTERS: Jack Reacher
AUTHOR: Lee Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack Reacher walks alone. Once a go-to hard man in the US military police, now he’s a drifter of no fixed abode. But the army tracks him down. Because someone has taken a long-range shot at the French president.

Only one man could have done it. And Reacher is the one man who can find him.

This new heartstopping, nailbiting book in Lee Child’s number-one bestselling series takes Reacher across the Atlantic to Paris – and then to London. The stakes have never been higher – because this time, it’s personal.

REVIEW:
Reacher is the modern day Sherlock Holmes. First let me say do NOT judge this series but the movie with Tom Cruise. The books are nothing like the movie was. Reacher is a man of thought. He sees things that others do not and finds the pieces to the puzzle and while looking for one piece he may find a few more and he will figure out how to make them fit. Yes there is some action but that is not what this book/series is about.

If you enjoy a suspenseful book and one that makes you think this is the book/series for you. But I would suggest starting from the beginning so you understand who Reacher is and why he does what he does.

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

October 22, 2014October 17, 2014

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Oh Naughty Night by Leslie Kelly

TITLE: Oh Naughty Night
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Leslie Kelly
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hot for the holidays!

Every Halloween party has its share of eye candy, and journalist Chaz Browning has just spotted a treat he can’t resist;a deliciously wicked witch with sparkly red hair and deep, dark eyes that promise all kinds of sexy tricks. She wants no names. No strings. Just a night of lust-filled magic.

The witch’s mask may hide her face, but Lulu Vandenberg knows exactly who Chaz is. They spent most of their childhoods tormenting each other. So the moment Chaz touches her and everything turns to lust, Lulu knows she can never reveal her identity. But desire has a memory of its own, and Chaz has vowed to find his fantasy woman before the holidays end.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute sort of holiday romance. There honestly isn’t much about the holiday but that is ok. It is a sweet story anyway. It can be a little wordy with the memories of Chaz and Lulu’s childhood together. It reminds us too many times that Lulu can’t tell Chaz who she is. But other than that it is cute. The bedroom scenes are done well and not overdone. It is only about 200 pages so it is a short story. The characters connect really well and share a great chemistry.

I will read the next in the series and look forward to it.

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