Review Sunday – Page 36 – Books-n-Kisses

December 27, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews Wolf Rising by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Rising
SERIES #: SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #8
CHARACTERS: Jayden & Selena
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Werewolf SWAT Officer Jayden Brooks has yet to meet The One—but when he rescues teacher Selena Rosa from a hostage situation at her high school, he knows he’s in trouble. Her scent is irresistible.

There’s a reason for that powerful scent—and it isn’t an expensive perfume. Thanks to the traumatizing events at the school, the werewolf gene flipped on and Selena’s going through the change. Even scarier, she’s on track to become an omega—an out-of-control and violent breed. It’s going to take everything Brooks has if he wants any chance to pull her back from the edge…and ultimately win her heart.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This has a little bit of everything… Is there a genre for Suspenseful Shapeshifting Romance? Well there is now.

Selena is going through the shift change and Jayden has his heart flip. Jayden is perfect alpha with a capital A. He has everything a new wolf would want in a mate but Selena is going through enough already… Can she really let her heart fall for such an alpha wolf?

Well worth the read if you enjoy the genre. It has everything and a bit more.

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

December 26, 2018December 16, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Lock, Stock & Jingle Bells
SERIES #: Hamilton Christmas #2
CHARACTERS: Holly & Sean
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The best holiday gifts aren’t always under the tree . . .

Holly hates the yuletide season more than ever since she received her very early inheritance: her mother’s Christmas novelty store. Now she has to put her life on hold to deal with the shop, while her parents settle into their busy sunny Florida retirement. But Holly’s childhood pal, Sean, is determined to warm her up—to Christmas and to him. When they uncover a diary concealing secrets involving both their families, this could be the Christmas that changes their lives forever . . .

Originally part of the Kissing Santa Claus anthology.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Christmas novellas that Kauffman has put out this year. And was originally part of an anthology.

Another cute holiday story that will certainly get you in the Christmas mood. I read the first one and had hoped it was a bit of a continuation but it was not but that does not mean it is any less interesting.

Kauffman is always one of my go to authors. I have never been disappointed by her stories and this one is no exception. This is a very quick read with just about 100 pages.

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

December 21, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Rose In The Highlands by Heather McCollum

TITLE: A Rose In The Highlands
SERIES #: Highland Roses School #1
CHARACTERS: Evelyn & Grey
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1684, Scottish Highlands

Englishwoman Evelyn Worthington is resolved to build a school for ladies in her brother’s newly purchased Scottish castle. But when she arrives, not only does she find the castle scorched by fire, but a brawny Highlander bars her entry.

Clan chief Grey Campbell would rather die than see his family home, Finlarig Castle, fall into English hands, so Grey must win the battle of wills with the beautiful Sassenach who flashes a bill of sale before him.

When the war between Evelyn and Grey escalates, passions flare. But outsiders have their own plans for Finlarig. After secrets are revealed, and muskets are lit, the fates of the Campbell Clan, the school, and a possible future for Grey and Evelyn are in as much jeopardy as their lives

REVIEW:
I have McCollum to thank for showing me that the Highlander Romance genre is one that I truly enjoy.

I picked up her previous series and now I believe I am reading everything she writes.

This is a new series by McCollum and I was so excited to read it. And I was not disappointed. The characters are so real and likable… well except for the ones that shouldn’t be liked…. Then they are delightfully unlikable. Even the background characters are fun to read.

Another wonderful addition to the Highlander Romance genre! Grab it before the next one comes out.

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

December 20, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Witch Of The Hills by JM Fraser

TITLE: The Witch Of The Hills
CHARACTERS: Rebecca & Brian
AUTHOR: JM Fraser
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/18/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ancient prophecy compels a young Salem witch to travel through the time-bending dimension we all visit when we sleep. Rebecca Church must recruit a modern-day boy to save this interactive fantasy world from imminent disaster, but her task won’t be easy. She may use no more than poetry, illusions, and dreams to convince the chosen one of his destiny, and she can visit him only nine brief times.

When Brian Danahey meets Rebecca at the side of a desolate road, he recognizes her from a recurring nightmare about a girl in great danger. Brian falls in love with her, she disappears, and he comes to believe she’s the legendary Witch of the Hills, a colonial maiden exiled to haunt the western prairies for centuries. The quest to free Rebecca takes him through mirrors and time from the sand hills of contemporary Nebraska to the seventeenth-century witch haven she once called home.

But Rebecca doesn’t need saving and certainly not three-hundred-plus years ago. The magical dimension that nourishes our souls is on the brink of apocalypse. Today.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had to request this book when I read the synopsis and saw the cover. It really called to me and i have always thought the Salem Witch era was so interesting. But this is a bit different. Rebecca travels through time and so much more. There is a catch to how she can communicate to the modern day.

This story is different than any others I have read in this genre but it seemed like there was a lot thrown into it. It was a witches brew of ideas. Let’s add a bit of time travel, plus a dash of dreamscape, a handful of magic and pinches of other stuff and brew up a story.

It was really interesting but nothing like what I expected.

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

December 19, 2018December 16, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Unleashed by Donna Kauffman

TITLE: Unleashed
SERIES #: Hamilton Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Emma & Trevor
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A raging winter storm and a holiday spent pet-sitting reveals there’s more than one kind of animal in the house . . .

When Emma Lafferty is hired by a billionaire CEO to watch his pets over the holidays, she expects to enjoy a quiet Christmas in opulent surroundings. What she doesn’t expect is to spend the week trapped in the mansion with Trevor Hamilton, the CEO’s sexy great-nephew—and heir—whose motives are as shady as his desire is crystal clear . . .

Originally in the To All a Good Night anthology

REVIEW:
This is a cute Christmas novella of a bit over 100 pages. And the beginning of a series of holiday novellas that she has released this season. Also it was originally in an anthology.

The story moves very fast especially since it is a short story. There are a couple of things that I hope are answered in the upcoming additional novellas because it seemed to leave some information out but maybe the other stories will fill the holes.

Kauffman is always a worthy read.

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

December 18, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer

TITLE: Heads You Win
CHARACTERS: Alexander Karpenko
AUTHOR: Jeffrey Archer
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With a final twist that will shock even his most ardent listeners, Heads You Win is #1 New York Times bestseller Jeffrey Archer’s most ambitious and creative work since Kane and Abel.

Leningrad, Russia, 1968. Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin . . .

In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander’s future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts It is a simple game a lot of us play to make a decision… Heads you Win – Tails you Lose… But do you ever wonder if the decision was the right one after all? Well in this story we find out….

This story walks you through what could happen with either side of the coin.

I found this story interesting but a bit confusing at time. I kept wanting to read it and every time I think I have the end figured out I come across another turn in the road.

I would have given it the other ½ star except I kept having to re-read lines to understand what was going on and like I said parts were a bit confusing. But certainly worth the read.

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

December 17, 2018December 16, 2018

Kimberly reviews Leopard’s Run by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Leopard’s Run
SERIES #: Leopard People #10
CHARACTERS: Timur & Ashe
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He keeps his emotions on a tight leash, but she can see the desire burning in his eyes…

Timur Amurov has one purpose in life: protect his family at all costs. With lethal skills honed from a violent upbringing, Timur is a leopard shifter who sees any newcomers as possible threats–and the petite blond barista who his sister-in-law, Evangeline, has hired to work in her bakery is definitely hiding something. While Timur still needs to determine if Ashe is an enemy, he does know that she is the only woman whose presence has ever truly calmed the beast roaring inside of him.

Ashe Bronte is well aware she has a type: sexy, gorgeous and dangerous as hell. Despite the fact that Timur is all those things and more, Ashe is in San Antonio for reasons that do not involve getting wild with a ruthless leopard–and she cannot afford to make any mistakes. But Timur has ignited something deep within her, and even though she knows she should keep her distance, every move he makes has her craving a taste…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Feehan has written 10 stories now in the Leopard series. A shape shifter animal you do not hear much about. Feehan can come up with some interesting storylines and characters and again in this series and this story she does it again!

Feehan is one of the queens of paranormal in my opinion. She easily draws you into each character and their story.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good shapeshifter story? Well if it is not your genre of choice turn away now but if it is then pick up this series. I want to say these stories are not a stand alone. They really need to be read in order to understand exactly who and what is going on.

This is just another great story in this great series.

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

December 14, 2018December 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews Driven To Distraction by Lori Foster

TITLE: Driven To Distraction
SERIES #: Road To Love #1
CHARACTERS: Mary & Brodie
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When desire gets this hot, you’d better buckle up…

Mary Daniels doesn’t let anything get in the way of her job acquiring rare artifacts for her wealthy boss. But this particular obstacle—huge, hard-muscled, unashamedly masculine—is impossible to ignore. Stuck in a cramped car with Brodie Crews for hours en route to their new assignment, Mary feels her carefully crafted persona—and her trademark self-control—is slipping, and she won’t allow it.

Brodie can’t imagine what secret in Mary’s past has left her so buttoned-up, though he’d dearly love to find out. Maybe then she’d trust him enough to explore their explosive chemistry. But he needs this job, so he’ll play by her rules and bide his time…until an enemy determined to outwit them strikes and he needs to get close—in every way—to protect her. Otherwise they could lose much more than a precious collectible. They could lose it all.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts A new series by Lori Foster. I really enjoyed Mary. She is woman but she is also written strong and independent. I found myself wanting to be friends with her. And of course the drop dead gorgeous Brodie and his brother are worth reading about…

But what made this story for me was the brother relationship and the relationship between the boys and their mom. It was so real family that I found myself smiling every time there was a family scene.

I loved this story and can not wait for the next one!

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

December 13, 2018December 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews A Protector In The Highlands by Heather McCollum

TITLE: A Protector In The Highlands
SERIES #: Highland Roses School #2
CHARACTERS: Scarlet & Aiden
AUTHOR: Heather McCollum
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With few other options, Scarlet Worthington flees from her home in England to the wild Highlands of Scotland to help her sister run a school for ladies. There, Scarlet begins to rebuild her own shattered confidence by recruiting a fierce Campbell warrior to teach her and the students how to protect themselves from villains and scoundrels. The intimidating Aiden Campbell both infuriates Scarlet and ignites a fire inside her as she works closely with him to hone her new skills.

Burned in a fierce fire, set by English soldiers, Highland warrior, Aiden Campbell, has finally healed enough to take temporary command of his clan. That’s where his focus should be instead of dealing with the feisty, beautiful Sassenach who asks him to teach her students.

When Scarlet’s past stalks her up into Scotland, her nightmares come alive, and Aiden’s lessons are put to the test. With his own ghosts from the past making him despise English women, Aiden fights the inferno of passion that’s grown between them, a different kind of wild fire that could prove just as deadly.

REVIEW:
I have McCollum to thank for showing me that the Highlander Romance genre is one that I truly enjoy.

I picked up her previous series and now I believe I am reading everything she writes.

This is the second in a new series by McCollum and I was so excited to read it since I enjoyed the first one. And I was not disappointed again. The characters are so real and likable… well except for the ones that shouldn’t be liked…. Then they are delightfully unlikable. Even the background characters are fun to read.

Another wonderful addition to the Highlander Romance genre! Grab it before the next one comes out. Where is #3???

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

December 12, 2018December 11, 2018

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle

TITLE: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas
SERIES #: Rocky Mountain Cowboy #1
CHARACTERS: Steve & Camille
AUTHOR: Katie Ruggle
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/25/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the heart of the Rockies
In the arms of a cowboy
One white Christmas can change everything.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected danger to follow them to his childhood home…

Or that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget.

Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town’s resident eccentric, she’s used to being lonely–until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he’s always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn’t take long before she’s in danger of falling for him and his rambunctious kids. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas…

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts Ok who doesn’t like a cowboy romance? And who doesn’t like a holiday romance? So lets put them together and it should be explosive right? Well not exactly. I liked this book but not as much as I hoped.

The characters were a bit all over the place. Or we get to know them and then they are gone. The kids are cute and the main characters really had a lot of potential. But I found the story a bit slow going.

It wasn’t that it is a bad story it just didn’t rock my jingle bells.

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

December 11, 2018December 10, 2018

Kimberly reviews Deep Down by Kimberly Kincaid

TITLE: Deep Down
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #4
CHARACTERS: Ian & Kennedy
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/18
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ian Gamble has a past he’d rather forget—which is exactly what he’s doing at The Crooked Angel Bar
and Grill when the place catches fire. Between his active duty in the Marines and his experience as a
firefighter, his instincts get him and hot, headstrong bar manager, Kennedy Matthews, to safety. But those
same instincts kick into high gear when the fire is ruled an arson, and he discovers Kennedy’s got secrets
of her own.
The only thing that matters more to Kennedy than her bar is her brother. When she finds out he’s in over
his head with a dangerous arsonist, she’ll do anything to keep him safe—even if it means teaming up with
Gamble, who’s too sharp-eyed and hard-bodied for his own good. With every step, their attraction flares
hotter and the risks grow more dangerous. Can Gamble and Kennedy face their fears—and their
secrets—to catch a terrifying enemy? Or will they go down in flames?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Kennedy is an every woman. She has had a hard life. She is trying to get her life together.
She has a brother…. And a bar. Ian has been through a lot. As a Marine and firefighter he has lived a life
full or order and danger.
When a dumpster goes up in flames their relationship gets hot. They work to prove who the arsonist is
because many think it is Kennedy’s brother and Ian is going to keep her safe even if she doesn’t want him
to.
Really good read. Well written and light-hearted.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

December 7, 2018December 5, 2018

Kimberly reviews Past Tense by Lee Child

TITLE: Past Tense
SERIES #: Jack Reacher #23
CHARACTERS: Jack Reacher
AUTHOR: Lee Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack Reacher hits the pavement and sticks out his thumb. He plans to follow the sun on an epic trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn’t get far. On a country road deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to a place he has never been: the town where his father was born. He thinks, What’s one extra day? He takes the detour.
At the same moment, in the same isolated area, a car breaks down. Two young Canadians had been on their way to New York City to sell a treasure. Now they’re stranded at a lonely motel in the middle of nowhere. The owners seem almost too friendly. It’s a strange place, but it’s all there is.

The next morning, in the city clerk’s office, Reacher asks about the old family home. He’s told no one named Reacher ever lived in town. He’s always known his father left and never returned, but now Reacher wonders, Was he ever there in the first place?

As Reacher explores his father’s life, and as the Canadians face lethal dangers, strands of different stories begin to merge. Then Reacher makes a shocking discovery: The present can be tough, but the past can be tense . . . and deadly.

REVIEW:
Jack Reacher is back! I really enjoy this series… but please do not base the series off the movie with Tom Cruise because he is nothing like Jack Reacher.

The intensity of these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. You do not need to have read the others to read this one. But the series is worth the read.

In this one we watch Reacher look into his father’s life so we get a bit of his history. Reacher is a character that you will never know everything about but it is great to get a bit of insight.

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