Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly reviews Hard Justice by April Hunt

hard justiceTITLE: Hard Justice
SERIES #: Alpha Security #3
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Vince
AUTHOR: April Hunt
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A DATE WITH DANGER

As the first female operative at Alpha Security, Charlotte “Charlie” Sparks has her work cut out for her. Sure, she can wrestle a man to the ground and hit a target at 200 yards with the best of them. But sometimes, being surrounded by all that testosterone can drive a woman to distraction-especially when that distraction is six-and-a-half feet of cocky, confident, Alpha-trained muscle.

Ex-SEAL commander Vince Franklin has been on some of the most dangerous missions in the world. But pretending to be Charlie’s fiancé on their latest assignment in Miami is his toughest challenge yet. Vince and Charlie are like oil and water; they just don’t mix. And when their fake romance generates some all-too-real heat, Vince learns that Charlie is more than just arm candy. She’s the real deal-and she’s ready for some serious action.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really really enjoyed this book. No it’s not perfect. There is a LOT that happens. I mean seriously what doesn’t happen in this book? I am not sure how the author will come up with more adventure for the next book.

Vince is all alpha and Charlie feels she needs to prove she deserves to be on the Alpha Team. But they have a connection from the start of the book. You just know it is going to be hot. But what I wasn’t expecting was the bit of fun and the emotional roller coaster and both were a lot of fun to read.

Charlie is a complex character. She has had so much happen in her life. And little by little she is finding out all the things that she didn’t really want to know even though she thought she did. Charlie is the type of woman I would want as my best friend. She is compassionate and yet can kick your butt or anyone that bothers you. Vince isn’t really that complicated. He has seen war and lost “brothers” on the battlefield and he is haunted by that. It isn’t a new angle but it is very well written.

I can’t imagine anyone who enjoys the genre not enjoying this book. Highly recommend!

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 So I Married A Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks

so i married a sorcererTITLE: So I Married A Sorcerer
SERIES #: The Embraced #2
CHARACTERS: Brigitta & Rupert
AUTHOR: Kerrelyn Sparks
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Growing up on the Isle of Moon, Brigitta knows nothing of her past, except that she is Embraced: born with powers that forced her into hiding. Everything changes when she learns she’s a princess, hidden away from her villainous half-brother who now rules the kingdom. But he knows about Brigitta, and he’ll do anything to get her back. Unless a certain roguish pirate has anything to say about it…

Rupert is both an infamous pirate and a sorcerer with the power to harness the wind. He’s been waiting nineteen years for revenge—and he needs Brigitta to get it. What begins as a kidnapping of the fiery beauty turns into a fierce attraction. But can he win the captive princess’s heart?

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts As with the first in the series this story has a bit of everything. It has a historic romance feel and yet feels like a modern day story too. It has paranormal including a sorcerer and dragons. It has pirates and damsels in distress. If you want it this story probably has it.

I love the sisters in this series. It shows that sisters are more than blood. And each sister has their own special gift, in this story it is Brigitta who can find lost things by touching the owner and can also feel others emotions.

Rupert has secrets and needs to keep them hidden but that is hard to do with Brigitta around.

I could go on about this story/series but it is such a great read I suggest reading it yourself. But you do need to read the first before reading this one. It really is not a stand alone.

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

5hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Lie Down In Roses by Heather Graham

lie down in rosesTITLE: Lie Down In Roses
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Tristan
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The willful Lady Genevieve would do anything to save her beloved Edenby Castle–even if she had to share the name and the bed of her most treacherous foe, Lord Tristan. They were born to be enemies and destined to be lovers–players in a perilous game of intrigue and passion where the price was one woman’s innocence and the prize was one man’s heart.

REVIEW:
This a re-release from Shannon Drake, the name Heather Graham used for her historical romance. The original story is from 1988.

This was not one of my favorite books by Drake/Graham. It is a true “Bodice Ripper” as the saying goes. The Hero is cruel and heartless in my opinion. I never ended up liking him. The Heroine is just too weak.

The story kept me interested but I am not sure why. I really just didn’t find myself liking much of anyone in this story.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Wolf’s Mate by Celia Kyle

wolfs mateTITLE: Wolf’s Mate
SERIES #: Shifter Rogues #1
CHARACTERS: Abby & Declan
AUTHOR: Celia Kyle
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Danger shouldn’t be this sexy…

Cougar shifter Abby Carter always plays it safe. That’s why she’s an accountant–no excitement, no danger, and no cocky alpha males. She loves her quiet life, but fate has other plans. When Abby uncovers the shady dealings of an anti-shifter organization, she’ll have to trust the too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind werewolf Declan Reed… or end up six feet under.

Declan Reed is starting over. After two years with Shifter Operations Command, it’s time to put his past behind him. Now Declan is the only thing standing between the gorgeous Abby and an early grave, and if he’s going to have any chance of keeping her alive, he’ll have to embrace the darkness he’s fought to keep at bay. But first he has to convince Abby that there’s no safer place in the world than the arms of a big bad werewolf.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the first couple of pages. Why? Because of the bro-mance the book has with the guys on the team. The humor and sarcasm the guys have is so fun and entertaining. It had me smiling and chuckling from the start. And when the guys were together it didn’t stop.

And then there is the romance of Abby and Declan. Maybe romance is the wrong word. There is no romance with these two. There is full on danger and excitement but the two work so well together. Declan is total alpha. He is overly protective and dangerous but when he falls for Abby it is with everything in him. Especially his wolf.

I enjoyed the fact that the wolf, cougar and other animals have their own personalities in this story.

I can’t wait until the next story comes out. Cole’s story should be a doozie!!

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 You Say It First by Susan Mallery

you say it firstTITLE: Title Of Book
SERIES #: Happily Inc #1
CHARACTERS: Nick & Pallas
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/22/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale

Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks—mainly the venue’s captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won’t let love consume him, for ecstasy with an expiration date, he’s all in.

Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but cave to her domineering mother and trade taffeta for trust funds working at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn’t belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he’s right—where she really belongs is in his arms.

REVIEW:
If you enjoy visiting Fool’s Gold than Happily Inc will be your next favorite locale.

As a huge fan of Mallery and Fool’s Gold I was a bit apprehensive about starting this series mainly because it is in the same vein as Fool’s Gold. Mallery writes stories other than FG but they are a different, they fall more under Women’s Lit while FG would fall under Contemporary Romance. But I picked up the new story and I am so glad I did.

We met Nick in a previous FG story but he and his two brothers have moved to Happily Inc. Nick is good looking and talented. And he knows it. Pallas is the new owner of a local business learning how to be her own person professionally and personally.

As are all of Mallery’s characters this couple and the background characters are well formed and enjoyable. Knowing her writing we have a lot of new characters to befriend and this story is just the beginning.

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

5hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Wicked Bite by Rebecca Zanetti

33086092TITLE: Wicked Bite
SERIES #: Realm Enforcers #5
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Bear
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

As she hunts for a drug lord killing her fellow witches, all Tessa Lansa’s instincts point to the Grizzly motorcycle club. That might be because their leader, Bear, is the strong, silent shifter type: warm brown eyes and more muscle and alpha male than any woman can ignore. Which makes Tessa’s plan to seduce and betray him all the more dangerous . . .

Bear doesn’t trust the curvy, blue-eyed witch. But Tessa can heal the injuries that sap his strength. And since he can’t stop thinking of her lush body and teasing smile, her plan to mate him to reclaim her own power is highly tempting. Just one problem. Once a desire this wild is loose, no one will ever control it . .

REVIEW:

BEAR! It’s been a long time coming and finally I was able to cuddle up with Bear! I believe this is the last in the Realm Enforcers series. And Zanetti saved the best for last.

This story brings us to the end where we are able to find answers to questions we have had since book one of this series. Which also means that this can not be a stand alone. But then since Zanetti is quickly becoming the Queen of Paranormal Romance I am not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to pick up every one of her books and read them all.

Which I enjoyed is the look back at some major characters from previous books. It was a bit of a family reunion of sorts.

Nessa is a great character but as you can see Bear steals this story. I have waited and waited for Bear to fall in love and the story was worth waiting for!

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

5hearts-68-77

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Kelly reviews A Merciful Truth by Kendra Elliot

32885178TITLE: A Merciful Truth
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #2
CHARACTERS: Truman Daly & Mercy Kilpatrick
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Raised by a family of survivalists, FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick can take on any challenge—even the hostile reception to her homecoming. But she’s not the only one causing chaos in the rural community of Eagle’s Nest, Oregon. At first believed to be teenage pranks, a series of fires takes a deadly turn with the murder of two sheriff’s deputies. Now, along with Police Chief Truman Daly, Mercy is on the hunt for an arsonist turned killer.

Still shunned by her family and members of the community, Mercy must keep her ear close to the ground to pick up any leads. And it’s not long before she hears rumors of the area’s growing anti-government militia movement. If the arsonist is among their ranks, Mercy is determined to smoke the culprit out. But when her investigation uncovers a shocking secret, will this hunt for a madman turn into her own trial by fire?

REVIEW:

Another great book in Mercy’s series! I am in love with her so much!! Mercy is not your typical heroine! She is tough, determined and prepared. In A Merciful Truth we return to the small town of Eagle’s Nest Oregon where a string of fires sparks the police’s attention. But when two officers are murdered at one of the fires the FBI is called in and we get to see Mercy at her finest.
Again this was another great book from Ms. Elliot! I loved the twists and turns in this story. It kept me guess as to who was who and who the bad guys were. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in Mercy’s 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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Kimberly reviews SEAL Wolf Undercover by Terry Spear

32841621TITLE: SEAL Wolf Undercover
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #22
CHARACTERS: Jillian & Vaughn
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No wolf is safe in USA Today bestseller Terry Spear’s new installment of the SEAL Wolf series.

Never be so foolish as to fall for the enemy…
Special wolf agent Jillian Matthews has joined the jaguar-run United Shifter Force to track down a deadly criminal. She’s even willing to work with PI Vaughn Greystroke―until the hot, growly SEAL wolf makes the mistake of getting in her way. Naturally, she shoots him. Who could blame her?

Vaughn Greystroke has always worked alone. But when a string of attempted murders puts him in the crosshairs, teaming up with the Shifter Force begins to sound like a good idea. Even if he has to work with alluring―and potentially treacherous―Jillian Matthews. Vaughn is a trained SEAL, after all. He can surely keep his distance from Jillian…no matter how much she’s getting under his skin.

REVIEW:

Maybe it’s because this is the 22nd in a long line of books in the series but I just never connected with this story. It was a tough read. Mainly because I just didn’t seem interested. The story was fine but I think the series has done as much as they can possibly do already.

It wasn’t that it is a bad book. It’s not. I think someone reading this for the first time would find it quite interesting. And I enjoyed the wolf/jaguar romance. I will probably go back and re-read this story at some point just to see if my opinion changes.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Safe In Your Arms by RaeAnne Thayne & Allison Leigh

34944699TITLE: Safe In Your Arms: A Quiet Storm & A Weaver Beginning
CHARACTERS: Beau & Elizabeth / Abby & Sloan
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne / Allison Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This book has been previously published and is being reissued.

Revisit these two classic romances from New York Times bestselling authors RaeAnne Thayne and Allison Leigh!
A Quiet Storm
Heart-stoppingly handsome detective Beau Riley might have left Elizabeth Quinn tongue-tied, but she needs the good detective to solve a murder that’s affected the beloved little boy in her care. So speak with him she must. If only she was sure her traitorous heart would leave it at that….
This book has been previously published and is being reissued.
A Weaver Beginning
There was no doubt in Abby Marcum’s mind that Sloan McCray is the guy for her. Though she’d moved to Weaver, Wyoming to make a better life for her little brother, she sees her future with the small town deputy. Now she has to convince the man who felt unworthy of love that she and her heart were his for the asking.

REVIEW:

3.75 Hearts This is two different stories by two different authors and both are a re-release.

I will talk about the second story first. I have never read anything from this author before. The story was good but the ending was a little bit of a let down. I won’t be jumping to pick up a book by Leigh but if another double book comes up I would be fine with reading her story.

Now about A Quiet Storm. I am a fan of Thayne’s and read any new releases that come out. You can tell this was an early writing from Thayne as she has grown so much in her writing but the story is well written and the characters are fun to read. I enjoyed their connection.

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 River Marked by Patricia Briggs

8087906TITLE: River Marked
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #6
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 54 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: March 3, 2011
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mercy Thompson is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she’s never known any others of her kind. Until now. As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease.

REVIEW:
Another fun adventure of Mercy Thompson. In River Marked we learn a lot about Mercy’s history. Who her father was/is and how she became a coyote.
I enjoyed this story but it was not my favorite in the series to date. The story felt a little slow at times! But all in all it was still a good story and I think a very important step in Mercy’s future.
As always Mr. King does an amazing job of narrating and bring these character to life

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Hunger by Jacquelyn Frank

33447846TITLE: Hunger
SERIES #: The Energy Vampires #2
CHARACTERS: Felica & Halo
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/08/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Two strangers—one warm and human, the other deadly and craving—become pawns in an all-out vampire war as this series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Nightwalkers saga heats up.

As an energy vampire, Halo enjoys the chase for human blood—if it’s pure and consensual. But Halo goes from hunter to hunted when he is knocked unconscious and taken hostage by vicious sycophants. As he comes to, he realizes that he’s naked, starving, and trapped in a sealed room. With him is a deliciously human female, tempting him to feed—except her blood is heady with the scent of poisonous drugs. Never has nourishment been so near, yet so far . . . and it’s all part of the sycophants’ sick game.

The last thing Felice Mendoza remembers is everything going black. She awakens stripped, drugged, exposed, and alone—with a vampire. Halo is at once savage and tender, terrifying and alluring. Felice senses that her only chance to escape depends upon his survival. Given the choice between Halo and his enemies, Felice surrenders to his ravenous hunger. It’s a calculated risk—and a delirious pleasure. As Felice is ushered into a world as dangerous as it is desirable, their fight for deliverance is only the beginning.

REVIEW:
To be honest I am just not sure of this series. It is so different than what we are used to reading about vampires. Don’t get me wrong. It is well written and interesting but the story always has me thinking “that isn’t what I’m used to” and it takes away from the story for me.

Again the story is good. The writing is good. The characters are good. Just not my kind of story.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Crossing The Line by Kimberly Kincaid

34324389TITLE: Crossing The Line
SERIES #: Cross Creek #2
CHARACTERS: Scarlett & Eli
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/08/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cocky farmer Eli Cross plays twice as hard as he works. When his latest stunt drums up a heap of negative PR for the family farm, he grudgingly agrees to play host to an ambitious New York City photographer. Her feature on Cross Creek could be just the ticket to show the country what the Cross brothers do best…which is more problem than solution for Eli.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart has photographed everything from end zones to war zones. She’s confident she can ace this one little story to help her best friend’s failing magazine. At least, she would be if her super-sexy host wasn’t so tight lipped. But the more Scarlett works with Eli, the more she discovers that he’s not who he seems. Can his secret bring them closer together? Or will it be the very thing that tears them apart?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Another wonderful read from Kimberly Kincaid. We are back in Cross Creek for Eli’s story.

When Scarlett is sent to help a friend by taking pictures on the farm Eli is assigned to show her around. Their story starts off with animosity but there is still an underlying attraction. Soon they head to friendship and eventually lovers. But as with all good stories. There is more than meets the eye with Eli and Scarlett is going to discover his secret.

The book was a fast entertaining read. It kept me interested from the first few pages and never really let go. It can be a stand alone but is only the 2nd in the series so you might want to pick up the first one too.

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

4 Hearts
4 Heart