Kimberly’s Review – Page 90

March 24, 2014March 9, 2014

Kimberly reviews Fated Mates by Various Authors

TITLE: Fated Mates: The Alpha Shifter Boxed Set
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Varies
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All American Wolf by Adriana Hunter: If Serena’s not careful she may lose her heart to Brody Sullivan – the dangerously possessive stranger who is willing to break every one of her rules.
Charming the Alpha by Liliana Rhodes: Hannah Crane’s ordinary life changes after she meets Alpha wolf Caleb. As the center of a centuries old curse, is Hannah a wolf charmer or Caleb’s fated mate?
Change For Me by Lynn Red: Motorcycle riding, tattooed bad boy alpha werewolf fights to save his mate from his terrifying rival. Steamy, seductive, sensual werewolf romance.
Bear King’s Curves: A BBW Werebear Shifter Romance by A.T. Mitchell: Curvy Lyla’s bad attitude toward bears is about to change. Destiny blind Nick is the Alpha to do it, no matter how much passion, mystery, and danger it means…
Delicate Freakin Flower by Eve Langlais: Can a pair of hunky shapeshifting jocks convince a not-so delicate freakn’ flower that they can handle her thorns—and her passion?
The Alpha’s Mate by Michelle Fox: Chloe Weiss has finally met the mate of her dreams, but jealousy in the pack and a murderer on the loose make for a dangerous ‘happily ever after.’
Romancing the Wolf (BBW/Werewolf Romance) by Skye Eagleday: The romantic adventures of two curvy sisters and one hot pack: Can the werewolves survive Bree and her sassy sister?
Protecting the Pack by Tabitha Conall: In a world where werewolves mate in threes, the mating lust pulls one triad together while overwhelming obstacles pull them apart, possibly forever.
Witchy Wolf by Alexis Dare: A brutal attack alters Chloe’s life. As her world crumbles, biker Gabe steps in to pick up the pieces. Can he save her from the danger lurking in the shadows?
A Change To Bear (Last of the Shapeshifters) by A.E. Grace: Liam, shapeshifter, is on the run. Hunted by a man who will hurt anyone he cares for, it’s why he can’t fall in love. Until he meets a curvy Terry Spencer…
Curves for the Lone Alpha by Molly Prince: When Carrie is dumped before a weekend away, her decision to go alone puts her on a collision course with James. A packless alpha who hunts rogue shifters.
The Alpha Claims A Mate by Georgette St. Clair: Curvy Ginger Colby accidentally insulted the Alpha of the local pack when she rejected him at the local honky tonk-and now he’s seeking delicious, sexy revenge.

REVIEW:
I was going to review each story individually but I found myself writing the same things over and over so I decided I would write a general review. Some stories are better than others and some are worse. I guess that is to be expected. The problem is that even the best of the stories was great just good. If you enjoy short stories of shifters then certainly give this boxed set a chance but it just wasn’t my idea of great.

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

March 21, 2014March 13, 2014

Kimberly reviews Love & Other Cosmic Nonsense by A.D. Marrow

TITLE: Love and Other Cosmic Nonsense
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Evan
AUTHOR: A.D. Marrow
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Breaking it off with her long-time non-magical boyfriend, Evan, was for his own good. At least that’s what Maggie Owen tells herself. After all, a witch and a human can have no future together. Her vision told her so. But now it seems the universe is exacting revenge for upsetting the balance of what “should be” and her heart is telling her she was wrong.

Evan Jackson can’t believe his bad luck. It’s been a year since Maggie broke his heart, and now his business partner has hired her as their new receptionist. Fine, they need the help. But no way will he let her get close again. He can’t take another heartbreak from the woman he still dreams about, even if it feels like there’s still a magical pull between them.

Being in the same building with Evan is a start, but it’s going to take more than Maggie’s special talents and a wink to get the hard-hearted bad-boy to see that love is really more than just cosmic nonsense and set the universe back into balance.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a very cute short story about a witchy woman and the man she tries to protect by leaving him until they meet again. The characters are sweet and connect well. The background characters are great too. Great short story to have between reads for a light read with a touch of magic.

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

March 20, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Four Friends by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Four Friends
CHARACTERS: Andy, Sonja, Gerri & BJ
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Gerri can’t decide what’s more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair the damage. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it’s time to look carefully at herself. The journey for Gerri and her family is more than revealin—it’s transforming.

Andy doesn’t have a great track record with men, and she’s come to believe that for her a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth, ordinary contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja’s lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he’s through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There’s no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.

Miraculously, it’s BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a hard time with this book. I usually love Robyn Carr’s writing but this just made me feel sad in the beginning. I never connected with any of these women or their men. Honestly I really didn’t care if any of them made their relationship work or not. The best part of the story was Bob (and Beau). He is a sweet guy.

I hate that I can’t rave about this book mainly because I love reading Carr’s books and have never been disappointed before but this one just didn’t do anything for me. I can see what Carr was trying to do. I can see the way she wanted to show the different ways a broken trust can change a person and how a cheating man can change a womans life but I hated that the books make it sound like every man is a cheater in some way.

There are some good parts in this book so I don’t want anyone to think that I hated the book. I didn’t. It just didn’t work for me but I will most certainly pick up the next book by Carr because she is one of the best.

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

March 19, 2014March 13, 2014

Kimberly reviews Sex & The Single Vamp by Robin Covington

TITLE: Sex and The Single Vamp
CHARACTERS: Cici & Deacon
AUTHOR: Robin Covington
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cici Trent, vampire and media darling, spends her days finding true love for humans and supernaturals (the “Others”) at her dating agency. But someone is trying to sabotage her business and she needs help. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the one who broke her still-beating heart two hundred fifty-four years ago.

Deacon is a patient vampire. He’s only loved one woman in over three hundred years— CiCi— and she chose another. So when she shows up in his office asking for help, he finally has the chance to lay that demon to rest. He’ll help her, but for a price—a night in his bed.

Adrenaline, mischief, and a little late-night B&E light the passion that even a couple of lifetimes couldn’t put out. But Deacon has a secret and when Cici is suddenly mortal, his deception might be the only way restore her immortality. Can love bridge the gap between a heartbeat and forever?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a bit different of a vampire book. First both main characters are vampires already so there is none of the human/vampire interaction that makes up for most vampire romances. Second the world seems to know about vampires (and other paranormals) and they are almost a new segregated community.

There is suspense and romance. This is well written and interesting. It has only about 180 pages so it is a quick read good for between novels. If you are a fan of vampire romance and want a story that is a bit different then what is normally out there this is the one for you.

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

March 18, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Book Lovers by Various Authors

TITLE: Book Lovers: Sexy Stories from Under The Covers
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Varies
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Forget poorly written prose and clichéd love scenes: Book Lovers answers the call for sexy literature with substance. This collection of toe-curling tales written by and for word-worshippers offers well-crafted fiction and creative nonfiction that connects literature to libido. From a Vonnegut-inspired tryst to an imaginary ménage à trois with Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin, the book encompasses a veritable buffet of literary fantasies.

Whether they’re conjuring Junot Díaz between the sheets or dreaming of a modern-day enactment of Wuthering Heights—this time refusing Edgar in favor of lusty, bodice-ripping nights with Heathcliff—the stories in Book Lovers are designed for readers’ brains and bodies.

Includes contributions from Izabella St. James, Slash Coleman, Trina Calderón, Cara Bruce, and Stephanie Auteri.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Ok this book is just odd. Some stories are better than others and some are much worse. So it is as if pretty much a bunch of (mostly unknown) authors were ask to write a 10 page erotic story about their favorite book. In the style of Fan Fiction for lack of a better description. And I will be honest I have not read most of the “classics” these shorts are based on.

Maybe this is your style. It was not mine.

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

March 17, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Love Unleashed by Jackie Braun

TITLE: Love Unleashed
CHARACTERS: Mia & Gideon
AUTHOR: Jackie Braun
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?The last thing Mia wants is a relationship yet the headstrong florist can’t keep her hands off her sexy-as-sin ex-boyfriend. Will she open her heart before he leaves town for good?

REVIEW:
This is a very short story only about 60 pages. I would say it is part of a series of novella’s but each story is written by a different author so I guess they are not really considered a series and you really do not need to read any of the other stories to read this one. The characters are very sweet and while short the story felt complete. This is a good story to have ready between stories for that quick read.

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

March 13, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Sheriff’s Secret by Susan Meier

TITLE: The Sheriff’s Secret
CHARACTERS: Marney & Dell
AUTHOR: Susan Meier
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/14/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

Marney’s 9-1-1 emergency help arrives in the form of a rugged, blue-eyed cop. Now she has the perfect bodyguard to keep her safe during those dark, steamy nights…

REVIEW:
This is a very short story of only about 60 pages. I thought it was a cute story and I enjoyed the characters. I felt like the ending was a little quick. It went from one extreme to the other in a matter of a paragraph or two but it was a great story to have just hanging around between longer reads.

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

March 12, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Driving Mr Wrong Home by Shirley Jump

TITLE: Driving Mr. Wrong Home
CHARACTERS: Gabby & TJ
AUTHOR: Shirley Jump
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

When a handsome man from Gabby’s past agrees to a cross-country road trip, her master plan to re-launch her art career quickly morphs into an unexpected, romantic reunion.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the first in a four part “series” by different authors. The series is really about the little doggy matchmaker. It is a short story of only 60 or so pages. It is sweet and simple. Old love rekindled. Good little story to read between novels.

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

March 11, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Her Summer With The Marine by Susan Meier

TITLE: Her Summer With The Marine
SERIES #: Donovan Brothers #1
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Finn
AUTHOR: Susan Meier
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/10/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Their competition has never been so irresistible

The last person Ellie McDermott wanted to run into after returning to her hometown is Finn Donovan, her high school nemesis and the guy she crossed the line from enemies to lovers with one night years ago. Now ex-military, tattooed, and still sexy as hell, Finn is a complication Ellie doesn’t need—she needs to concentrate on saving her family business.

Finn’s entire life, Ellie was there, going head-to-head with him in every class, bee, and test. So it’s no surprise she’d show up just as he was about to take over her father’s struggling business. It is a surprise, though, that his attraction to her is even more explosive than it had been. Acting on their attraction is one thing, but Finn has to turn a profit to save his own family, and nothing—not even love—will get in his way.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This story was just ok for me. First it was so odd that it was set over the couple fighting for a funeral home. I mean it actually seemed at times like they were happy someone died so they got the business. Just weird.

I don’t really think the couple had much chemistry either. Something was just off about this book and the characters. The writing was good and the background characters were good but the main couple just didn’t seem to mesh. I liked some of the storyline and had a couple of good chuckles at some of the lines but most seemed like forced humor.

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

March 6, 2014March 2, 2014

Kimberly reviews Master Of The Opera Act 5: A Haunting Duet by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: Master Of The Opera Act 5: A Haunting Duet
SERIES #: Master Of The Opera #5
CHARACTERS: Christine & Master
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/06/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the fifth erotically charged installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s scorching Master of the Opera, a daring young woman follows her reckless desire for the perfect lover—to the point of no return.

He is more than just the man of her dreams. He is the master of her destiny. A mysterious masked stranger who haunts the darkened tunnels beneath the Sante Fe Opera House, the Master is like no other lover Christy has ever known. He has lured the beautiful intern to the very brink of ecstasy—and beyond. He has pushed the boundaries of her sensuality and tested the limits of her passion. But now the Master wants more. If Christy accepts his challenge, she must be willing to go further than she’s ever gone. She must surrender to his every desire. She must submit to his every command. She must expose herself body and soul—or bear the scars of a broken heart forever. . .

Tonight is the night she must make a choice: to free herself from one man’s obsession. . .or bind herself to him for life.

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This is the 5th of the installments in this series. And it just keeps getting weirder and weirder. While the erotica part of the story was actually there this time even it was weird. This story started out as a homage to Phantom Of The Opera and while there are still parts of that entwined in the story I just have a hard time with how odd this is. I really hope the next installment brings some understanding.

I think having the installments has actually hurt the storyline. The time between sections just doesn’t seem to flow. Maybe if it was one full story it would have had a better flow.

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

March 5, 2014March 2, 2014

Kimberly reviews Rock It by Jennifer Chance

TITLE: Rock It
SERIES #: Rule Breakers #1
CHARACTERS: Lacey & Dante
AUTHOR: Jennifer Chance
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Lacey Dawes is a total pro at the talent agency where she works, and it doesn’t hurt that IMO Worldwide Media represents Dante Falcone. The rock god has starred in her fantasies since she was sixteen—and remains her secret crush to this day. So when Dante picks her to be the interim manager on his Dream It tour, Lacey can’t believe her luck. Handling Dante is sure to be the most exquisite, spine-tingling, nerve-wracking mix of business and pleasure ever.

Although Dante is grateful for the adoring fans who scream for one more of his full-throttle, soul-searing songs, being surrounded by a cadre of corporate types backstage is wearing thin. Then Lacey shows up. Yeah, she’s organized, smart, quick to get him what he wants before he knows he wants it—but Dante senses there’s something else going on with sweet, sexy Lacey. One kiss tells him what that “something” might be . . . and makes him hungry for more.

REVIEW:
Haven’t we all had a crush on a singer at some point in our lives? Maybe it was Frank Sinatra, Elvis, David Cassidy, N’Sync, Jonas Brothers or anyone in between. You pulled the pictures from magazines and put them on your wall. You dreamed of being Mrs “?”. Well imagine it became real. That is what this story is about. It is about realizing you can live the dream.

The writing is done well maybe not up to par with more well known authors but it is well done.I enjoyed the story very much. It was a quick enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next from this author. If you enjoy a Cinderella romance then I think you will enjoy this story too.

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

March 4, 2014March 2, 2014

Kimberly reviews Falling For The Wingman by Christa McHugh

TITLE: Falling For The Wingman
SERIES #: Kelly Brothers #3
CHARACTERS: Alex & Caleb
AUTHOR: Christa McHugh
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/03/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Air Force pilot Caleb Kelly has come back home with one mission in mind—to propose to the woman whose letters and lucky charm helped him survive his deployment in Afghanistan. But when he finds their apartment empty with a note saying she’s left him, he arrives at her mother’s house in rural Alabama less than a week before Kourtney is about to marry another man. Now he’s out to win her heart again and gets some unexpected assistance from her younger sister, Alex.

Alex Leadbetter has always thought Caleb was too good for her manipulative, social-climbing sister. She had assumed Kourtney’s identity to write letters to him and keep his spirits up until he returned home to the hard truth, never expecting to fall in love with him along the way. After he shows up in town, she convinces him that the best way to get Kourtney back is to make her think he’s fallen for someone new — her. But when a fake romance becomes all too real, her deception may leave them both grounded

REVIEW:
I had not read this author before so I was unsure what the story would be like but it sounded interesting. I really enjoyed it. It is a sweet romance. At first I was unsure because the characters seemed so young and immature but some how they grow on you. The sweetness of Alex and her crush on Caleb and all she does to make him just see that she is in the world too. Caleb is the one I enjoyed reading about. He seemed to mature in the book not just fall in love.

This is a quick read but with all the emotions a romance needs to reel you in. The only problem? I read this one first and now I want to go back and find out what happened to the previously written about brothers. I can’t wait to read about the other 4 brothers too.

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