Happy New Year from B-n-K.com
Kimberly reviews The Pines Of Winder Ranch by RaeAnne Thayne
TITLE: The Pines Of Winder Ranch
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #5 & #10
CHARACTERS: Quinn & Tess / Taft & Laura
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Come home to Winder Ranch in these two beloved stories, where broken hearts can find exactly what they need to heal–and love again
A COLD CREEK HOMECOMING When Quinn Southerland returns home to Winder Ranch, Idaho, to find former high school queen bee Tess Claybourn serving as his dying mother’s hospice nurse, he’s far from pleased. But recently widowed Tess has done a lot of growing up since then. And as the two reconnect, she can’t help but wonder if there’s room in Quinn’s tortured heart for forgiveness–and maybe even love…
A COLD CREEK REUNION After Taft Bowman lost his parents ten years ago, he buried himself in a grief that shut fiancee Laura Pendleton out completely. But now she’s back, recently widowed with two kids in tow, and Taft refuses to let her slip away again. Laura just wants a fresh start, but that’s easier said than done when seeing Taft stirs up feelings she thought she’d left in the past…
REVIEW:
What a sweet second chance romance. RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors but I missed this release 5 years ago before I really got into this author.
What I enjoyed most I think is Laura being so determined to keep Taft away. She doesn’t say “not again” and then a day later is back in love. She really fights herself and her feelings for Taft. She even makes it a “rule” to stay away from him but we all know rules are made to be broken.
Another great read from Thayne and one anyone who enjoys a romance about second chances in a small town will love this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins
TITLE: Now That You Mention It
CHARACTERS: Nora Stuart
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One step forward. Two steps back. The Tufts scholarship that put Nora Stuart on the path to becoming a Boston medical specialist was a step forward. Being hit by a car and then overhearing her boyfriend hit on another doctor when she thought she was dying? Two major steps back.
Injured in more ways than one, Nora feels her carefully built life cracking at the edges. There’s only one place to land: home. But the tiny Maine community she left fifteen years ago doesn’t necessarily want her. At every turn, someone holds the prodigal daughter of Scupper Island responsible for small-town drama and big-time disappointments.
With a tough islander mother who’s always been distant and a wild-child sister in jail, unable to raise her daughter–a withdrawn teen as eager to ditch the island as Nora once was–Nora has her work cut out for her if she’s going to take what might be her last chance to mend the family.
But as some relationships crumble around her, others unexpectedly strengthen. Balancing loss and opportunity, a dark event from her past with hope for the future, Nora will discover that tackling old pain makes room for promise…and the chance to begin again.
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Higgins is one of my go-to authors. She never disappoints and she didn’t with this one either.
Nora is having the worst day. I know we have all had those kind of days but this goes above and beyond what anyone has ever been through. First a vehicle accident that puts her in the hospital, when she wakes up her boyfriend is flirting with someone else and more. So Nora heads “home”. But she is not welcome there either. Talk about life being hard.
The characters in this story are enough to keep the reader laughing for more than half of the story. What a great read. As I started out you can’t be disappointed with a Higgins novel and this is a great one to start with if you haven’t read her before and if you have add it to the collection.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Can’t Forget You by Rachel Lacey
TITLE: Can’t Forget You
SERIES #: Risking It All #3
CHARACTERS: Jessica & Mark
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE
Jessica Flynn can’t wait to buy up that patch of unspoiled North Carolina woodland next door and expand her spa. What could be more sensual than a hot-tub soak under the stars? Jessica would love to bask in the romantic view herself-but first she needs to find the right man to join her in this fantasy. Back in high school, she thought that was the dark and brooding Mark Dalton. But then he left to join the Special Forces, and when he returned to town, it felt like their teenage love affair had never even happened.
Mark Dalton has his eye on the same property for his own business. Yet there’s something he wants to have even more. Because Jessica is sweeter than he remembered, and he’s finding it hard to resist his attraction to the competition. When they finally find themselves alone, deep in the forest, nature can’t help but run a little wild. But if she ever finds out what he’s been hiding all these years, she may never forgive him…
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts OK this book hit really close to home. Why, you ask? Because I have recently reunited with my high-school sweetheart. Because of this I really found myself wanting to find out how things turned out.
It has been ten years since the young lovers were together and now they are back together after the same property. And yet Mark realizes there are more important things than property like getting an unexpected second chance.
The story felt real. That feeling of not knowing what to say the first time you see each other again. The emotional roller coaster of not knowing why you feel the attraction even after he hurt you. It was just so real and exactly what I needed to read right now.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews A Season Of Miracles by Heather Graham
TITLE: A Season Of Miracles
CHARACTERS: Jillian & Robert
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Revisit a thrilling tale of second chance love in this classic Christmas romance by New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham.
Centuries ago, in another lifetime, the man Jillian Llewellyn loved tried but failed to save her. Now, in this season of miracles, two lost souls are being given a second chance.
Since her husband’s death, jewelry designer Jillian Llewellyn has withdrawn, focusing only on her work. But something unimaginable is going to shatter her safe world, drawing her into a web of danger and desire. At the center of the storm is a handsome stranger, Robert Marston. The new silent partner at Llewellyn Enterprises, Marston is as formidable as he is intimidating…as mysterious as he is familiar. The connection she feels is bone deep–as if they’ve known each other before.
When several bizarre accidents strike Jillian, a chilling fear that someone wants to harm her begins to grow. But who would want her dead? A co-worker? A member of her own close-knit family? Against her will she is drawn to Robert, unsure whether he is her salvation…or her damnation. Now, as the ghosts of the past are resurrected, Jillian and Robert must forge a new destiny as they unlock the timeless secrets of passion and betrayal. At Christmas time, anything is possible…if you believe.
REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 2002 under Shannon Drake. I enjoyed this story but you can tell this was the earlier days of Drake/Graham.
I enjoyed the story for the most part. It is a bit different which is what kept me reading it but it was also a bit slow. The middle was what kept my interest. The beginning was slow but I gave it the time it needed. But the end was abrupt. It needed maybe one more chapter but it felt pushed together to hurry the end.
This will not be a story I recommend but it wasn’t a bad read either.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Wolf Hunger by Paige Tyler
TITLE: Wolf Hunger
SERIES #: SWAT #7
CHARACTERS: Max & Lana
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s all the wolf he’ll ever need
When SWAT Officer Max Lowry meets Lana Mason, he falls fast and hard. He’s positive she’s The One. And Max’s favorite part? Lana’s a wolf shifter too, so they can skip the awkward reveal and head straight to the happily ever after. There’s just one problem: Lana doesn’t know that she’s a werewolf.
To make matters worse, hunters with intent to kill have tracked Lana to Dallas. Max has to figure out how to keep Lana safe, show her who and what she really is—and just how much she means to him.
SWAT Series:
Hungry Like the Wolf (Book 1)
Wolf Trouble (Book 2)
In the Company of Wolves (Book 3)
To Love a Wolf (Book 4)
Wolf Unleashed (Book 5)
Wolf Hunt (Book 6)
Wolf Hunger (Book 7)
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the seventh in the series. And I really enjoyed it. Max and Lana are just perfect for each other. This story has some really really funny moments. And some really really sexy moments.
Being the 7th in the series I really suggest reading them all before this one but I guess you could read it as a stand alone but I really do not recommend it. The background story is on going and is best to understand from book one.
I think the characters are great. Lana and Max have some adorable moments that just made me want to melt for them. So sweet. And yet Max seems to be a big kid at heart. And the background characters are just as fun. The action is well action packed. There is a lot going on and the tension stays high during all of these moments.
A great paranormal romance.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews We’ll Always Have Christmas by Jenny Hale
TITLE: We’ll Always Have Christmas
CHARACTERS: Noelle & Alexander
AUTHOR: Jenny Hale
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An enchanting story about the magic of Christmas, the importance of family, and the joy of falling in love during the most romantic season of the year…
Christmas has always been a special time for Noelle Parker. Winter evenings spent with family and friends, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies at her family’s cozy bakery have shaped her love for all things festive. But this year everything is changing…
The beloved bakery is facing closure and Noelle needs a miracle to save Christmas.
Determined to raise funds for the family business, Noelle sets about revamping the bakery while juggling a surprise new job, caring for the elderly and cantankerous William Harrington in his luxurious, sprawling mansion.
As Noelle melts the frostiness of the house with cake baking, snowball fights and glittering decorations, she helps William to reconnect with a romance that has spanned decades and unexpectedly finds herself falling for his grandson – the gorgeous but mysterious Alexander Harrington…
In the countdown to Christmas, can Noelle save the bakery, reunite a family and create some magical memories of her own along the way?
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Ooooooh this story just gets to the heart. I just loved William. Yes he is a cranky old man but he is also sweet and I would love to sit with him listening to his stories. I can just see sitting in front of a Christmas tree and having his eyes glaze over with memories of the past.
Alexander is an interesting character who has his own issues but somehow worms his way into your heart and Noelle is just wonderful. I enjoyed all the parts of this story. It is perfect as a holiday tale. I can actually see it as a made for tv movie.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews The Staircase by Deryn Lake
TITLE: The Staircase
CHARACTERS: Helena & Hal
AUTHOR: Deryn Lake
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/02/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Helena had always been haunted by the dream of the staircase.
It prevents her from forming any real relationship with a man, because who could live up to the haunting, handsome figure that awaits her at the top of the staircase?
When her on-off boyfriend and childhood sweetheart Hal takes Helena on a romantic trip to Paris, he offers her a final ultimatum, and she is suddenly forced to decide between dreams and reality.
But, as her two worlds begin to collide, Helena begins to realise that everything is not as it seems – and that some dreams are nightmares…
Another heart-warming spooky novella from the master of romance Deryn Lake, The Staircase will have you gripped until the very last word.
REVIEW:
I am truly on the fence with this book. The idea was great. Even a bit original. The characters were just well boring. They had no well…. Character.
Nothing seemed real with the characters. But the story was a bit intriguing.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Studmuffin Santa by Tawna Fenske
TITLE: Studmuffin Santa
CHARACTERS: Brandon Brown & Jade King
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: November 2, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Brandon Brown is the unlikeliest Santa ever to don a red velvet suit.
His abs are more cheese grater than bowl full of jelly, and deploying to Syria is the closest he’s come to the North Pole. But family drama sends the jaded Marine home for the holidays, and lands him an unexpected gig as a part-time Santa.
Jade King is hustling to get Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch off the ground, and she’s not thrilled her sister hired a Santa with sex-appeal. The last thing Jade wants is a beefcake circus, and guys like Brandon bring sleigh-loads of trouble. But Studmuffin Santa proves more popular than anyone dreamed, drawing hordes of happy kids, lusty moms, and a mystery foe hell-bent on wrecking it all.
The threat has Brandon playing protector for the reindeer and their sexy keeper, which is risky for a guy who’s sworn off happy endings and the whole Christmas mess. But as Jade and Brandon bond over Santa suit malfunctions and risqué Christmas cookies, they find they have more in common than a craving for gingerbread. Can they find a way to mesh their wish lists, or will ghosts of Christmas past bring things crashing down like a fat man in a cast iron sleigh?
REVIEW:
Hello Santa!!!
I really enjoyed Brandon and Jade’s story! Brandon is home to help his family but needs something else to do with some of his free time. Playing Santa and watching Jade’s back is right up his alley.
Jade is a tough cookie who wants to do everything on her own. So when her sister hires the new Santa for the season she is happy until she learns who will be playing Santa.
Brandon and Jade are so sweet together. It was fun to watch them both try and fail to fight their draw to each other.
Studmuffin Santa was a very cute story! With a lot of good information on Reindeer!! Yes, Reindeer!!! So much stuff I didn’t know. I hope that we get to visit Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch again soon.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tawna Fenske in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kimberly reviews Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti
TITLE: Twisted Truths
SERIES #: Blood Brothers #3
CHARACTERS: Noni & Denver
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/14/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You can’t escape the past . . .
Noni is desperate. Her infant niece has been kidnapped, and the only person who can save her is a private detective with too many secrets to count–and more enemies than he can name. A man who walked away from Noni without any warning a year ago, a man who broke her heart. But with Talia’s life on the line, Noni needs his help now more than ever–and this time, she won’t take no for an answer . . .
The moment Denver Jones sees Noni, the memories come rushing back. The fire in her eyes. The determination in her voice. The danger of having her in his life. Denver had to push her away once, but now with vicious criminals threatening Noni and her niece, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. But enemies from his past are circling, and they’ll use anything–and anyone–to get to Denver.
With twists and turns that will blow you away, TWISTED TRUTHS is sexy, action-packed suspense at its very best from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti.
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Denver! Finally Denver’s story. Through the last two books we have known that Denver has only loved one woman and walked away from her. Even though he thought it was for the right reasons it broke his heart as much as hers.
But now Noni is back and Denver will do what he needs to do to protect her. Her life is in peril and he will do anything he can to protect her and maybe even win her back.
Man I loved this story. Zanetti has a way of bringing a character to life and since the beginning we have waited to hear Denver’s story. And now that it is finally here it is bittersweet. Why? Because we have heard all the stories of these Blood Brothers which means the end of the series.
You can never go wrong with reading Zanetti’s books but this is one of my favorite series by any author. Not to be missed.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews The Girl That Lived by Christopher Greyson
TITLE: The Girl that Lived
CHARACTERS: Faith Winters
AUTHOR: Christopher Greyson
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago, four people were brutally murdered. One girl lived.
No one believes her story.
The police think she’s crazy.
Her therapist thinks she’s suicidal.
Everyone else thinks she’s a dangerous drunk.
They’re all right—but did she see the killer?
As the anniversary of the murders approaches, Faith Winters is released from the psychiatric hospital and yanked back to the last spot on earth she wants to be—her hometown where the slayings took place. Wracked by the lingering echoes of survivor’s guilt, Faith spirals into a black hole of alcoholism and wanton self-destruction. Finding no solace at the bottom of a bottle, Faith decides to track down her sister’s killer—and then discovers that she’s the one being hunted.
How can one woman uncover the truth when everyone’s a suspect—including herself?
From the mind of Wall Street Journal bestselling author Christopher Greyson comes a story with twists and turns that take the reader on a journey of light and dark, good and evil, to the edge of madness. The Girl Who Lived should come with a warning label: Once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop. Not since Girl on the Train and Gone Girl has a psychological thriller kept readers so addicted—and guessing right until the last page.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was my first book by Christopher Greyson and I enjoyed it. At times the story dragged a little for me. There were times that I just wanted Faith to reach out for help in a different way. But by the end of the story I realized all the ways I wanted her to do something would have ended with her death.
I did enjoy the twists and turns in this story. Every time I though I know who done it I was given more evidence that it wasn’t that person and the focus shifted to another person.
I will be on the lookout for more stories from Mr. Greyson in the future.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Greyson Media Associates in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Second Christmas Wish by Kathryn Freeman
TITLE: A Second Christmas Wish
CHARACTERS: Melissa & Daniel
AUTHOR: Kathryn Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/07/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Do you believe in Father Christmas?
For Melissa, Christmas has always been overrated. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth and contentment of the festive season with a big, happy family sitting around the table.
And Melissa has learned to live with it, but it breaks her heart that her seven-year-old son, William, has had to live with it too. Whilst most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists.
But then Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just be able to find their festive spirit, and finally have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true …
REVIEW:
I have not read a book by Freeman before but this will not be my last one. This is a sweet holiday story about finding the Christmas spirit and gaining faith in Santa.
When William, a 5 year old, is told by her own father at that Santa isn’t real the life of William and his mom, Melissa, is turned upside down. Jump two years later and William is starting to blossom after the devastation of his parents divorce.
Then Daniel comes onto the scene and not only falls for William but Melissa. When William writes to Santa asking for two things but will only discuss one the life of the three of them in again turned upside down… or is that right side up?
Great story with a great message. William breaks my heart but also makes me fall in love with Christmas all over again.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.