Kimberly’s Review – Page 86

May 30, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Up In Flames by Lori Foster

TITLE: Up In Flames
CHARACTERS: Melanie & Adam/Delilah & Mick
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Body Heat
The last person Melanie Tucker wants to find herself trapped with on a party boat is her nemesis, Adam Stone. As always, he’s too smooth…and a bit too sexy for comfort. But when they both fall overboard—and wind up stranded together—Melanie just can’t resist all the delicious body heat smoldering between them….

Caught in the Act
When a robbery goes bad, undercover cop Mick Dawson can’t believe Delilah Piper was just in the wrong place at the wrong time—and neither do the perps. The only way to protect her while he investigates what really happened is to stick with her 24/7—and try not to fall for the object of his investigation!

REVIEW:
BODY HEAT
This is a short story with the cliche’ deserted on an island scenario but it is an enjoyable read. The characters connect immediately. Since it is so short there is not much I can say without giving much away but it is a very good read.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT
I really enjoyed this story. The connection between Mick and Delilah is so instantaneous that it is hard not to imagine them together. I loved that Mick was practically stalking her to see when he could get a good time to meet her. Delilah is a very strange character but also fun. She is the ultimate Gemini (even though that is never mentioned) but she seems to have two distinct sides to her, one very open and outgoing and adventurous and the other shy and unsure and naive almost. This was the third in the series but I didn’t know it until after I read it. Yes you can tell that Dane and Alec have a story but it doesn’t affect this one. But I will go back and read them because I enjoyed the background characters as much as Mick and Delilah.

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

May 29, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Surrender by Tawny Taylor

TITLE: Surrender
CHARACTERS: Abby & Kameron
AUTHOR: Tawny Taylor
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I was his.
To touch.
Anywhere.
Any time he wanted.
Abby is ready to agree to anything to stop her brother from going to prison, but Kameron Maldondo, the owner of MalTech Corporation, is asking for the unexpected. Enthralled by his commanding brilliance, she agrees to be his assistant, at his beck and call for whatever he needs–whenever and however he wants. What that means is for him to decide and for her to submit to. Frightened yet fascinated by what he promises, Abby becomes a willing captive to his caress, undone by his peerless touch, a quivering submission to an aching need for complete carnal surrender. . .

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This book was just ok for me. I have more complaints with it than I do praise but the story had an underlying interesting story so I am letting the stars fall mostly in the middle.

First the good. The story like I said is a bit interesting and even though I was pretty sure I had the who-dun-it figured out I wasn’t sure (I was right by the way) but knowing I was sure kept me interested. Abby is kind of interesting too even though I would never say she is one of my favorite heroines. She does what she believes is right and stands by it which I can appreciate. Kam is just ok and falls more in the complaint side.

Now the bad. There is not much in the erotica side to this story and what is sexual is the same over and over and not something that is every other erotic novel out there. There was nothing interesting about it. Kam is so far from a Dom that it is laughable. He wouldn’t know what to do with half the items in the dungeon he has. I think the author fell into “a kiss is more intimate than anything else sexually” idea because if I had read the word kiss one more time I might have screamed.

Maybe if this story had been categorized as romantic suspense it would have been better but as it says it is erotica and the synopsis makes you think that this book comes up lacking.

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

May 28, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Cursed by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Cursed
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #12
CHARACTERS: Hannah & Dallas
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A haunted house in Key West

Hannah O’Brien, who grew up in the house and now runs it as a B and B, has always had a special ability to see a pair of resident ghosts. But when a man is murdered in the alley behind her place, she’s dismayed when his spirit appears, too, asking for help.

FBI agent Dallas Samson has a passionate interest in the murder, since the victim’s a colleague whose death is connected to the smuggling ring known as Los Lobos—the wolves. Now Dallas is even more committed to chasing them down….

Unaware that Dallas has certain abilities of his own, Hannah calls her cousin Kelsey O’Brien, a member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. The present-day case is linked to a historical mystery involving salvagers, a curse and a sunken ship. Danger and desire bring Hannah and Dallas together, but to survive, they have to solve the mysteries of the past—and stay alive long enough to solve the crimes of the present.

REVIEW:
As with all books by Graham the history she pours into each story is unbelievable and intriguing. Having grown up in southern Florida I find it amazing how much I didn’t know about Key West when I read Graham’s stories. Her stories are worth reading for that alone.

But the stories are worth reading for other reasons too.. her ghosts. I always enjoy the connection the main characters have with the resident ghosts. And this was no exception. I am not sure the connection with Dallas and Hannah was as strong. I just didn’t feel the spark that her other characters have had. The other thing is Dallas didn’t seem to have a huge part in this story. It seemed to mostly be Hannah’s.

Now that being said it is a really good read and any fan of ghost filled romantic suspense will love it even if they have not read the series before and if you have read the series this next one fits in perfectly.

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

May 27, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Before We Kiss by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Before We Kiss
SERIES #: Fool’s Gold #14
CHARACTERS: Sam Ridge & Dellina Hopkins
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: May 27, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling sensation Susan Mallery returns to Fool’s Gold, California, where it’s true that sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…

Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool’s Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend’s bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her “wild youth” to raise her sisters. She doesn’t want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would’ve been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam’s luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Poor Sam. He has had his share of bad luck when it comes to woman. A little gun shy now with who he trust the last thing he ever expected when moving to a sleepy little town of Fool’s Gold would be Dellina. But of course he had to go and screw that up too.
Dellina had to grow up fast when her parents were killed and she took over the raising of her little sisters. While she would like to have a man in her life the last thing she needs or wants to something permanent. But when Dellina is with Sam all those thoughts get thrown out the window. Now only if she can get him to trust her.

Oh I so love visiting Fool’s Gold. I love the people, I love the town and I love that there is always a happily ever after. I love the world that Susan has created. But let me tell you when it comes to Sam’s parents. WOWZA!! I am not sure where Susan got the idea for them or who were her role models but let me tell you Sam’s parents are…. Well for a better word interesting. I was seriously dying every time his mom opened her mouth. 😀
If you are a Fool’s Gold fan you will love this book. If you are new to the series. You need to take a trip to Fool’s Gold. But bewarned once you get here you will not want to leave. Can’t to jump into Jack’s story 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Visiting Fool’s Gold is like coming home, visiting family and seeing friends. This story is about Dellina and Sam. I have been waiting for Sam’s book. Something about him called to me when we first met the football players and I am sure that is true for anyone that has read the series. Dellina has been a background character so spending time with her was like meeting a new friend. As a fan of the series it was great to catch up with some of the past characters and meeting Kipling who will play a big part in the series next year was great.

I can’t even begin to explain how much I enjoy this series. It is the first series and the first author that I recommend when asked. There has never been a story I haven’t enjoyed from Mallery and true to form I enjoyed this one just as much as the others. Next up Jack and Larissa. A more “match made in heaven” couple than any before. And I can’t wait to read about Kenny and Bailey (I assume). Fool’s Gold might now be the “Destination for Romance” but Mallery is the Queen of Romance in my book.

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

May 27, 2014May 18, 2014

Kimberly review Don’t Call Me Baby by Gwendolyn Healsey

TITLE: Don’t Call Me Baby
CHARACTERS: Imogene
AUTHOR: Gwendolyn Heasley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/22/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All her life, Imogene has been known as the girl on THAT blog.

Imogene’s mother has been writing an incredibly embarrassing, and incredibly popular, blog about her since before she was born. Hundreds of thousands of perfect strangers knew when Imogene had her first period. Imogene’s crush saw her “before and after” orthodontia photos. But Imogene is fifteen now, and her mother is still blogging about her, in gruesome detail, against her will.

When a mandatory school project compels Imogene to start her own blog, Imogene is reluctant to expose even more of her life online…until she realizes that the project is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to tell the truth about her life under the virtual microscope and to define herself for the first time.

Don’t Call Me Baby is a sharply observed and irrepressibly charming story about mothers and daughters, best friends and first crushes, and the surface-level identities we show the world online and the truth you can see only in real life.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was asked to read this book from publishers and while I wasn’t sure I thought why not. First I will say this is for YA. This is not the contemporary romance it might seem from the cover. This is about Imogene’s life and how she deals with being a “celebrity” by her mom’s popular blog. When she has no other recourse she starts her own blog and insanity begins.

This is a light easy read and I can totally see teenage girls enjoying this book. As a matter of fact I intend to loan my copy to just such a teen and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks. As an adult who has been one for many many years it will be interesting to get a teenagers point of view on how she would have dealt with this.

This is a sweet coming of age story in a social media/blog happy world.

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

May 26, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Twelve Kingdoms: Mark of the Tala by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: The Twelve Kingdoms: Mark of the Tala
SERIES #: Twelve Kingdoms #1
CHARACTERS: Andi & Rayfe
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Queen Of The Unknown
The tales tell of three sisters, daughters of the high king. The eldest, a valiant warrior-woman, heir to the kingdom. The youngest, the sweet beauty with her Prince Charming. No one says much about the middle princess, Andromeda. Andi, the other one.
Andi doesn’t mind being invisible. She enjoys the company of her horse more than court, and she has a way of blending into the shadows. Until the day she meets a strange man riding, who keeps company with wolves and ravens, who rules a land of shapeshifters and demons. A country she’d thought was no more than legend–until he claims her as its queen.
In a moment everything changes: Her father, the wise king, becomes a warlord, suspicious and strategic. Whispers call her dead mother a traitor and a witch. Andi doesn’t know if her own instincts can be trusted, as visions appear to her and her body begins to rebel.
For Andi, the time to learn her true nature has come. . .

REVIEW:
This is a combination of Narnia, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings… sorta. This is nothing like what I have read from Kennedy before. It really has a mix of paranormal and also historical. And while it has romance this is not the erotica that Jeffe Kennedy is known for.

I really enjoyed it. So much happens that it is hard to put down. This is mainly Andi’s story but Rayfe is delightful. I wish we had seen more of him but since there is more coming in the series I hope we get a better feel for him.

If you enjoy the paranormal world of Narnia, etc then you will enjoy this story very much.

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

May 23, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews Explosive Passion by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Explosive Passion
SERIES #: SEALed For You #2
CHARACTERS: Wynn & Jared
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/12/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Navy SEAL Jared “Boom” Taylor is supposed to chaperone his best friend’s sister home, but with a car malfunction and an impending storm, the plan goes out the window. Finding shelter in an abandoned cabin, with the one woman he can’t get off his mind, is his chance to prove to her that military men are worth the added effort.

Boutique owner Wynn Diamond is on the verge of some exciting opportunities and with each new door opening things become more unnerving. Deciding to take refuge in a one-night stand to let off some steam, she never thought it would turn into more.

Could a one-night stand with a man in uniform actually be the forever she had been looking for?

REVIEW:
Another great read in the SEALed for You series. Marissa has written a SEAL that any woman would love. He has a great sense of humor and loves with his whole heart. Wynn feels like how most women must feel when they get involved with a military man.. scared but willing to love.

While a short story I still couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed catching up with Ace and Gwen as well from Ace In The Hole. Can’t wait for the next in the series. If you are looking for a short read with a hot SEAL and a strong woman this is the read for you.

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

May 20, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly review Naughty Bits: The Training Session by Joey W Hill

TITLE: Naughty Bits: The Training Session
SERIES #: Naughty Bits #2
CHARACTERS: Madison & Logan
AUTHOR: Joey W Hill
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/20/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Madison may have ditched her well-ordered Boston life to run Naughty Bits, her sister’s North Carolina lingerie shop, but she didn’t expect to throw herself into such chaos—or to become intimate with the sexiest man she’s ever had the pleasure of meeting. After spending a night observing a submissive’s training session, Madison is ready for Logan to teach her how to feed her own deep fantasies—and get rid of all her lingering fears…

Madison’s aching desire to submit is unlike anything Logan’s ever experienced before, and he’s determined to be the man to make her relinquish control. Still, Logan’s unsure if Madison is ready to take that first step to becoming his—until she shows up at his door ready to be commanded. Luckily for them both, Logan’s got more than a few surprises up his sleeve that he knows she’ll enjoy…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the second installment in the Naughty Bits series. This is certainly the one where we see Logan’s Dom side and Madison’s sub side. There is something about these two. They are so connected in this story. Madison is also coming into her own in the story but when she is with Logan she shows her vulnerability. Logan can sense it and is drawn to it. But there are so many feelings between them that they do not share.

I can not wait for the next installment. Joey W Hill is one of the best erotica writers in my opinion. If you are not into erotica/BDSM then this is not the story for you but if you do then do not miss this series.

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

May 16, 2014May 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Best Medicine by Tracy Brogan

TITLE: The Best Medicine
SERIES: Bell Harbor #2
CHARACTERS: Evelyn & Tyler
AUTHOR: Tracy Brogan
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn…sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn’t…most of the time), she’d never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she’s going to find someone to spend her life with, she’ll do it scientifically: with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site.
But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he’s sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn’s affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He’s too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he’s her patient.
But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

REVIEW:
I am on the fence about this book. It was very obvious what was going to happen but then again I would think most romance novels are. There was too much “he’s too young for me but I really like him” throughout the book. I never really felt like the characters connected either. There was some humor and some really good lines that made me smile and I liked Tyler but Evelyn was just “blah” for me. And it was a really long book for the subject.

The books is also written in the first person which didn’t translate well for me. Was it bad? No. Was it great? No. Was it ok? Yes. Just not sure I would recommend it.

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

May 15, 2014May 11, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Tamed by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Tamed
SERIES #: Dark Protectors #6.5
CHARACTERS: Caleb Donovan & Lily Sotheby
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: May 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he’s a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He’s not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that’s what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he’s in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she’s vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she’s determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering.
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What would you do if the woman of your dreams married someone else?
And then what would you do if you had a chance to finally get what you want?
Would you take it? Would you let anything stand in your way?

Well not if you are Caleb Donovan. When a chance with Lily presents itself he will do anything to grab on to her and never let her go. Nothing will stand in his way not an upcoming peace talk between the war factions of the world. Not very disturbing dreams and sure as heck not a kidnapping attempt.

This was a great addition to the Dark Protectors series. But I will say that it really did leaving dying for the next book in this series.

If you are a Dark Protectors fan you will love Caleb & Lily’s story.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Seriously is there anyone better than Rebecca Zanetti for paranormal romance? I think not. I have enjoyed every one of her books in this series (and all her books in other series too). Zanetti has a way of bringing you right into the story and you don’t want to let go.

If you haven’t been reading this series what are you waiting for? The characters are great, the writing is great and the background stories are great.. in other words it is great so pick up the first one and you won’t put the series down until you have read them all.

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

May 14, 2014May 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews Liam: Branded Brothers by Raen Smith

TITLE: Liam: Branded Brothers
SERIES #: Branded Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Charla & Liam
AUTHOR: Raen Smith
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/15/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One letter can change it all…

When caregiver Charla Tayor arrives at the isolated cottage of a man suffering with Alzheimer’s, she’s given one instruction to carry out upon his death: to deliver a letter to a man named Liam Murphy. Three years later, she’s face-to-face with the letter’s recipient, a tattooed Irish Bounty Hunter who’s exactly the type of man she’s trying to avoid.

But Charla can’t ignore their undeniable connection as Liam drags her deeper into her patient’s troubled past. Just as she’s opening her heart, her life teeters on a dangerous edge, and there’s only one man who can save her.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t all that long so I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. The connection between Liam and Charla is immediate. I will say some of it moved pretty fast romance-wise but it was still very interesting. It was not what I expected since I thought each brother would be discovered as the series progressed.

There is no real suspense to it but it is a very adventurous story. And a very enjoyable read.

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

May 13, 2014May 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews Part Of Me by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Part Of Me
SERIES #: Damaged Hearts #2
CHARACTERS: Lidia & Brayden
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts—a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females—human or otherwise—from the savage fury of his own nature… Lidia Morales has always felt out of place. The one stable presence in her childhood has always been Brayden. Every major moment, every growing pain, everything in her life has been shared with him since they were little, so it makes sense to her that they will stay friends at college together. Until one night, emotions are revealed in a heated kiss, and Lidia’s world is turned upside down. Brayden has always been just a friend and she knows she should look somewhere else for love. But the memory of the passion between them is undeniable—and Brayden isn’t about to let her forget it. As trouble brews, Lidia may need Brayden more than she realized and Brayden will do whatever it takes to convince her that they are soulmates…bonded for life.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and while sweet just like in the first book I felt it is more for the YA. That being said it is still a fine read even for an old person like me. There is very little paranormal in this story even though both are shifters. Being a short read it is nice to have between longer novels just be ready for the feeling that you are watching a couple of 20 year olds deal with life.

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