Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly reviews Truth Be Told by Kendra Elliot

truth be toldTITLE: Truth Be Told
SERIES #: Rogue Justice #2
CHARACTERS: Zane & Stevie Duncan
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: November 7, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N-No link yet

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A torrential two-day storm has cut off the small town of Solitude, Oregon, from the outside world. But for police officers Stevie Duncan and her husband, Zane, the ravages of nature have nothing on the nature of man. In the last forty-eight hours, a child was a mute witness to a double homicide; an unidentified body has washed up on the riverbanks; and now, at the foot of a submerged bridge, two FBI agents have been found shot to death inside their SUV. What’s worse, the young charge they were enlisted to protect has gone missing.

With the only exit out of town washed away, Stevie and Zane know that the murderer is trapped. But whatever’s going on in Solitude is far from over—because as sure as the receding water, the killer is going to resurface.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Truth Be Told picks up right after the events of Twisted Truth (bk one) with the Taylor family still taking care of one small scared little boy. So when his uncle shows up to claim him they believe that all is good and they can finally relax. But that won’t be the case when they find two FBI agents died and the only sign on the boy and his uncle is a yellow jacket next to a raging river.

For Zane this brings back horrible memories of not getting there in time to save another young boy. Will history repeat itself again?

As I said in my review of Twisted Truth I always love to visit the sleepy little town of Solitude, Oregon. I really love this series that Melinda & Kendra have created!!, Oregon. I really love this series that Melinda & Kendra have created!! I believe the ladies have said that this will be the last visit in the Rogue River series and while I agree the Taylor family needs some down time I hope that the ladies will revisit this series in the future!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Christmas Room by Catherine Anderson

Christmas RoomTITLE: The Christmas Room
CHARACTERS: Maddie & Sam
AUTHOR: Catherine Anderson
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The beloved author of the Mystic Creek series gifts readers with a novel of homespun holiday cheer, as two families discover the joy of hope and redemption….

Widow Maddie McLendon has uprooted her life to move to Rustlers Gulch with her son and grandson. But as a brutal Montana winter looms on the horizon, contractors have yet to break ground on their new house, leaving them to live in a makeshift camp of trailers, tents, and sheds….

Since his wife died six years earlier, millionaire rancher Sam Conacher has been content to wallow in his grief alone, while keeping a tight rein on his twenty-six-year-old daughter. But now the girl has gone and fallen in love with his foolish new neighbor’s no-good son….

Maddie and Sam will never see eye to eye on anything, until a near-tragedy gives them a true glimpse into each other’s souls. And as the first snowflakes begin to fall, they’ll discover that an open heart is the biggest gift of all….

REVIEW:
If you are looking for a feel good holiday romance this is not the story for you. Not that the story is good but it is missing a lot of the holiday cheer that readers (or at least me) want to read in a holiday romance.

One of the things I did like was the romance of an older couple, once it began. I didn’t enjoy all the negative talk. So many mean spirited words are said that it takes the joy out of the noel.

Don’t get me wrong some of the story was humorous and enjoyable. The concept is really interesting and different and maybe if I wasn’t expecting a feel good holiday romance novel.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Totally His by Erin Nicholas

totally hisTITLE: Totally His
SERIES #: Opposites Attract #3
CHARACTERS: Sophie & Finn
AUTHOR: Erin Nicholas
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Actress Sophie Birch is used to having to look out for herself. So when her theater catches fire and a big guy scoops her up into his arms to save her, she’s going to fight every step of the way. Even if he’s a cop. And really sexy. And his arms feel oh-so-good.

Finn Kelly can’t help but appreciate how good the woman in his arms looks in her sexy pink lingerie. Even if she’s currently resisting arrest.

But as the two get to know each other, they’re both surprised by the things Finn is willing to do to get closer to her. And when Sophie’s estranged father arrives in town and starts causing trouble, the stage is set for disaster…unless Finn can convince her that, for once in her life, she has someone to lean on.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but each book can be read as a stand alone. Each story is so adorable.

Sophie is a complicated character. She has been through a lot and still has a sense of humor and a sweetness that while I had a bit of a hard time sometimes getting to know her but she is worth the hard work.

But oh how I adored Finn. There is just something so alpha and yet diamond in the rough for this character.

But together this couple is just too adorable for words. They are truly meant for each other and the author did a great job connecting them.

A story not to be missed!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Her Last Goodbye by Melinda Leigh

her last goodbyeTITLE: Her Last Goodbye
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #2
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s Morgan Dane series continues as the fearless attorney and her partner, investigator Lance Kruger, take on a disturbing disappearance…

Young mother Chelsea Clark leaves the house for a girls’ night out…and vanishes. Her family knows she would never voluntarily leave her two small children. Her desperate husband—also the prime suspect—hires Morgan to find his wife and prove his innocence.

As a single mother, Morgan sympathizes with Chelsea’s family and is determined to find her. She teams up with private investigator Lance Kruger. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier their investigation gets. When Morgan is stalked by a violent predator, everything—and everyone—she holds dear is in grave danger.

Now, Morgan must track down a deranged criminal to protect her own family…but she won’t need to leave home to find him. She’s his next target.

REVIEW :
Her Last Goodbye is the second book in the Morgan Dane series. This time Morgan find herself trying to solve a missing persons case. Morgan is hired to defined the missing woman’s husband. Morgan believes he is innocent but the local Sheriff has other thoughts. The twists and turns surrounding this case will keep you guessing until the very end.

But will this case be to close for comfort for Lance?

I loved how close Morgan & Lance get in this book. Lance is simply the best thing that could have ever happen to Morgan and her family. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in this series!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas At Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin

christmas at mistletoe coveTITLE: Christmas At Mistletoe Cove
CHARACTERS: Eden & Dougie
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/22/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea.

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

REVIEW:
What a sweet holiday story. I loved that even though Eden has loved Dougie for as long as she can remember when he comes back to the island she makes him work for it. The scene is set perfectly for a Christmas story and while it is not really a second chance at love story it is a friend to lovers story.

This will put you in the holiday mood so grab a hot tea, start a fire and wrap up in a warm blanket…. And enjoy.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh

archangels viperTITLE: Archangel’s Viper
SERIES #: Guild Hunter#10
CHARACTERS: Viper & Holly
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s breathtakingly passionate Guild Hunter world with the story of a woman who isn’t a vampire or an angel…or human…

Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…

No one is safe.

REVIEW:
Holly and Venom’s story is one of heartbreak and healing! I loved every minute of it. It was great to get to know Venom better and learn more about his history. It was heartbreaking to learn more about all the Holly had to survive from her attack. But these two together were great!! The banter between Holly & Venom had me cracking up. While Archangel’s Viper really focused on Holly’s journey to health. Her journey would not have gone smoothly without a certain viper by her side.

As always I let the amazingly talented Justine Eyre read this story to me. Ms. Eyre so talented with her ability to have so many voices she can lend to this series. I love being able to listen to an audiobook and just know who is talking even without the author telling me. I always look forward to listening to Ms. Eyre.

You know what the worst thing about a Nalini Singh book is? The end!! Where there are no more pages in my book for me to read!! **insert wailing sob** The end of every book breaks my heart because my current journey in this world is over, but then excitement bubbles up because I know that the next book is on the horizon! I can not wait to see who is next in the Guild Hunter Series (fingers crossed for Illium &/or Aodhan)

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media, Netgalley & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews The Last Move by Mary Burton

the last moveTITLE: The Last Move
CHARACTERS: Kate & Theo
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this gripping stand-alone from bestselling author Mary Burton, an FBI agent must catch a copycat killer. The only difference this time: she’s the final victim.

Catching monsters helps FBI agent Kate Hayden keep her nightmares at bay. Now an urgent call brings her back to San Antonio, the scene of her violent past. A brutal new murder shows hallmarks of a serial killer nicknamed the Samaritan. Tricky part is, Kate already caught him.

Either Kate made a deadly error, or she’s got a copycat on her hands. Paired with homicide detective Theo Mazur, she quickly realizes this murder is more twisted than it first appeared. Then a second body is found, the mode of death identical to a different case that Kate thought she’d put behind her.

Now Kate and Detective Mazur aren’t just working a homicide; the investigative pair is facing a formidable enemy who knows Kate intimately. While Mazur is personally trying to protect Kate, the closer they are drawn to the killer, the clearer it becomes that in this terrifying game, there is only one rule: don’t believe everything you see…

REVIEW:
This is a stand alone romantic suspense from Mary Burton that is most certainly worth reading.

The characters are really interesting in this story. Kate is being taunted by someone who is copying some of her earlier cases. And Theo is new to the local force. These characters are very real. They are in some interesting situations but are handling it the way I imagine most people would.

I am rarely disappointed by a Mary Burton book and this would be a great book to pick up if you have not read her before.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews In Too Deep by Kimberly Kincaid

in too deepTITLE: In Too Deep
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #3
CHARACTERS: Luke & Quinn
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As Station Seventeen’s rookie, Luke Slater knows his fire and EMS training will be both rigorous and risky, but he never imagined having to partner up with the one woman he wants to keep at arm’s length most of all. Quinn Copeland is as wide-open as Luke is reserved. He has no interest in letting the sweet and sexy paramedic rock his hard-earned control. But the need for composure becomes the need to survive when they find themselves in the crosshairs of a brutal gang leader on their first shift together.

Paramedic Quinn Copeland’s station mates aren’t just her friends. They’re her family. She’d do anything to keep them safe—including reluctantly trusting her impossible-to-read, impossibly gorgeous new partner with the one thing she holds close. As the passion between Luke and Quinn goes from a slow burn to a sizzle, their steps grow more and more dangerous, both in the fire house and out. Can they outwit a cold-blooded killer and face the fears that could cost them everything? Or are they in too deep?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoy this series. I mean seriously who doesn’t love a hot firefighter? But Kincaid also throws in a bit of suspense.

Quinn and Luke have had a bit of a relationship but all platonic except they really do seem to like each other. And once they are on a call together more than sparks fly.

I like the story. The best part was the suspense but the romance was ok too. I never really connected with the characters but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Deep Freeze by John Sandford

deep freezeTITLE: Deep Freeze
SERIES #: Virgil Flowers #10
CHARACTERS: Virgil Flowers
AUTHOR: John Sandford
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Class reunions: a time for memories–good, bad, and, as Virgil Flowers is about to find out, deadly–in the thrilling new novel in the #1 New York Times-bestselling series

Virgil knows the town of Trippton, Minnesota, a little too well. A few years back, with the help of a retired schoolteacher, he investigated the corrupt–and as it turned out, homicidal–local school board, and now the teacher’s back with even more alarming news: Somebody is killing “her girls.” Over the past year, three women from the same high school class of twenty years ago have been found dead in unusual circumstances, and now that there’s a mid-winter reunion coming up, she doesn’t know what might happen. Neither does Virgil, but as he wraps his coat a little tighter and begins to dig into twenty years’ worth of traumas, feuds, and bad blood, one thing becomes increasingly clear to him. It’s true what they say: High school is murder.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I am not exactly sure when these books became a “pleasure” to read but they are. There is something about them that while there is suspense (even though we know who-dun-it from the beginning) there is just something oddly endearing about Flowers even though he is a major pain in the butt.

This case involved some really weird things including Barbie dolls. What? But it does. While beach time is over this is a perfect beach read if the genre is one of your choosing.

You can’t go wrong with Flowers even though everything about Flowers is just well… wrong.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Ranchers Christmas Song by RaeAnne Thayne

ranchers christmas songTITLE: The Ranchers Christmas Song
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek
CHARACTERS: Ella & Beck
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Keep a song in your heart this holiday season…
Music teacher Ella Baker’s plate is already full. But when single dad Beckett McKinley’s wild twin boys need help preparing a Christmas song for their father, Ella agrees on one condition: they teach her to ride a horse. She’s hoping that’ll help mend her strained relationship with her rancher father; it certainly has nothing to do with the crush that’s lingered since her one and only date with Beck.
It isn’t disinterest spurring Beck to keep his distance—if anything, the spark is too strong, with Ella reminding him of his ex-wife. Soon what started as an innocent arrangement is beginning to feel a lot like family. But with the holidays approaching, Beck and Ella will have to overcome past hurts if they want to keep each other warm this Christmas…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Need a holiday story that will put you in the Christmas mood? Well this is the one for you!

RaeAnne Thayne is one of my go to authors but this might be one of her best yet. Certainly the best holiday romance I have read this year.

Ella is so real. I can imagine going through what she is going through I would act exactly the same. Beck just has his hands full and needs help. And I liked he could ask for it. But besides the romance the best part may have been the twin boys. Talk about trouble with a capital “T”. But yet adorable!

Big up this book today! You will not be disappointed.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Save A Truck, Ride A Redneck by Molly Harper

save a truckTITLE: Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic .5
CHARACTERS: Carl & Marianne McCready
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: October 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Molly Harper brings her signature “clever humor, snark, silliness, and endearing protagonists” (Booklist) to the charming small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia with the new Southern Eclectic series.
Carl and Marianne were highschool sweethearts, loving the way only teenagers can—with no thought to logic or pride, just a bone-headed, optimistic frenzy of unicorns and hormones. That was all they needed. Or so Carl thought.
Scared of being stuck in Lake Sackett, Georgia, like so many of her friends—without a real shot at a future or achieving her own dreams—Marianne panicked and bolted to college after stomping Carl’s heart into the high grass. But when she returns to Lake Sackett for the summer with her family after years away, she and Carl are drawn together like moths to a flame. As they rekindle their old romance and remember what it was like to be in love, they have to wonder: is this, finally, their real chance at happiness?
Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Amy E. Reichert, this warm hearted and witty love story introduces Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series set in the small town of Lake Sackett, Georgia. This story about second chances proves that “Molly Harper never lets the reader down with her delightfully entertaining stories. Humor, emotions, and romance are cleverly matched, and her likable characters are most appealing” (SingleTitles).

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is the pre-quel to Molly Harper’s new series and I couldn’t be more excited!! I mean a family that has a bait shop/funeral home (yes, you read that right!!!) has to be fun right?? The McCready family has been in the Bait/Funeral business (oh that sounds bad!! They don’t use the bodies as bait I promise) for generations!! I am super excited to see what is in store for this family.
Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck is a second chance love story for Marianne & Carl. I won’t give to much away (because you need to read) but I will say that I enjoyed the journey that Marianne & Carl’s story! Carl is very sweet and forgiving (although I do hope that he gives Marianne a hard time every now and a gain 😉 ).
I am loving Marianne’s family and can’t wait to see who a story. I can’t wait for the next installment Sweet Tea & Sympathy (November 2017)!! Also can’t wait to get the audio version of this story! The amazingly talented Amanda Ronconi is lending her voice to this series also!!! Watch for audio review to come soon.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Closer To You by Jill Sanders

closer to youTITLE: Closer To You
CHARACTERS: Tyler & Kristen
AUTHOR: Jill Sanders
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/10/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Sanders strikes gold with a sizzling series about oil-rich playboys whose hearts are up for grabs.

No one’s more surprised than Tyler McGowan when he discovers he has a knack for running the family’s oil business—a role he took on after his father’s sudden passing. Now, to keep the old man’s legacy afloat, Tyler’s giving up his playboy ways and settling into small-town life. But his newfound resolve is tested when trouble strides into his office in five-inch heels.

Kristen Howell has spent the last five years working her way up the corporate ladder. And somehow it’s landed her smack-dab in the middle of nowhere: Haven, Montana. It’s her job to convince the head of McGowan Enterprises to sell. But the tall and rangy hunk is proving to be exceedingly stubborn—and overwhelmingly hot. When someone attempts to derail her negotiations, Kristen is ready to get down and dirty. But the sparks she and Tyler are throwing near the oil field may be dangerously combustible…

REVIEW:
Too dang adorable and yet it had so much content. The romance of Kristen and Tyler is slow and steady but has so adorable scenes. There is a bit of suspense to the book which fortunately I never figured out until I read it which to me is a sign of a good suspense.

This is the first book I have read from Jill Sanders but it will not be the worse by a long shot.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts