Category: Romance

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Kimberly reviews A Witchly Influence by Stephanie Grey

TITLE: A Witchly Influence
CHARACTERS: Carmen & Abby & Finn
AUTHOR: Stephanie Grey
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Get ready to have fun and be influenced!

Fate can show up as anything… As a freshly minted divorcee, witch Carmen Devereaux returns to her hometown in North Carolina. With this decision comes another change in her life: Fate has decided that she is to become an Influencer, someone who guides others onto the path that they were meant to take.

When she’s assigned to Abby Windsor, a young schoolteacher, as well as her own stepbrother, Finn Cleary, she soon encounters several obstacles, including getting stuck in her own past.

A quirky, fun, and lovable cast of characters, including Lenny the Snowman—a grumpy, old snowman who really loves trashy reality shows, especially ones about real housewives, Egbert the Lobbyist Pencil—a pompous pencil who lobbies on magic and loves tasty cuisine, and Muse Siobhan Waters, who is thoughtful and down to earth, help guide and inspire Carmen whenever she gets stuck working on her assignment. Along the way, Carmen learns to influence others…and herself.

Humorous and light-hearted, A Witchly Influence is the perfect feel-good book of the year.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts What if witches were really fairy godmothers? Carmen moves back to her hometown and becomes, for lack of a better title, a life coach. But then that is what the witches in this book seem to be. They help the people of the world make the word a better place. In this novel Carmen is set to help Abby and, of all people, her step-brother Owen.

I enjoyed the book. It was cute and had a nice amount of humor. The characters in Carmen’s world are so funny. I don’t see myself running out to tell the world about it but I will certainly pick up the next in the series.

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

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Kimberly reviews Going Under by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Going Under
SERIES #: Wildfire Lake #2
CHARACTERS: KT & Ben
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/14/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Another sweet & steamy read from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Skye Jordan!

Some women want roses and I love yous. I want hot guys and great sex.

Maybe I’ve absorbed too much testosterone employed in the male dominated world of mechanics, only, I’m no longer working on a cruise ship with sexy men around every corner. I’m building a business with my two best friends in a small town where reputation is everything.

But it’s only six months before I can take my money and run–straight back to the sea. Only this time I’ll have my own sailboat, choose my own destinations, and live by my own rules.

When I meet Dr. Delicious over stitches, we’ve got instant heat, but he comes with major drawbacks, starting with an affinity for dating and ending with his status as a single dad.

Before I know it, I’m putting together a frilly “dream bed” for Christmas and teaching his oldest to repair a carburetor.

Dr. Delicious is the very definition of commitment, and falling for him is a non-negotiable no way.

Too bad my heart hasn’t gotten that memo.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series and Skye Jordan never disappoints. Her men are strong and have a heart of gold. Her women are independent and confident. And this story is no different.

KT is a bit of a tomboy who works in a male driven world of engineering and is in town to work on a Marina for Wildfire Lake with her two best friends. When she gets hurt she goes to see Dr Ben who is a single dad and committed to his work.

But when they meet there is something more than a one night stand and while neither one of them want to admit it we as a fan of romance know they have no say in where their hearts take them.

Another great story from Skye Jordan. She is easily one of my favorite go-to authors because he never disappoints.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle

TITLE: A Heartfelt Christmas Promise
CHARACTERS: Vanessa & Mike
AUTHOR: Nancy Naigle
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A perfect gift that captures the spirit of the season, USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s A Heartfelt Christmas Promise celebrates the holidays, small-town traditions, and the generosity of love between two lost souls who find everything they ever wanted in each other.

Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA—to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.

Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence—and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.

Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love—and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I mean who wouldn’t pick up this book with that adorable puppy on the front? But I honestly can’t remember reading a book by Naigle before I am glad that puppy sucked me in. This is a Hallmark movie in the making!

Set about a fruitcake factory in Fraser Hills, NC (I live in NC and love my small town!). Vanessa comes back to help with her grandfather’s company not realizing she was going to fall in love not only with a man but with the small town.

This is a wonderfully written Christmas/Holiday romance. It has everything a person needs to get into the spirit. Hallmark…. Are you listening????

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Love Study by Kris Ripper

TITLE: The Love Study
CHARACTERS: Declan & Sidney
AUTHOR: Kris Ripper
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happens when the search for the perfect date goes perfectly wrong?

Don’t miss this charming romantic comedy from critically acclaimed author Kris Ripper.

Declan has commitment issues. He’s been an office temp for literally years now, and his friends delight in telling people that he left his last boyfriend at the altar.

And that’s all true. But he’s starting to think it’s time to start working on his issues. Maybe.

When Declan meets Sidney—a popular nonbinary YouTuber with an advice show—an opportunity presents itself: as part of The Love Study, Declan will go on a series of dates arranged by Sidney and report back on how the date went in the next episode.

The dates are…sort of blah. It’s not Sidney’s fault; the folks participating are (mostly) great people, but there’s no chemistry there. Maybe Declan’s just broken.

Or maybe the problem is that the only person he’s feeling chemistry with is Sidney.

REVIEW:
Ok let me say I am not exactly sure what caught my attention about this book because this is everything that is happening in the world today and while I have no problems with any of it I do not usually read the genre. But I requested it so I read it and it was a cute lighthearted read. But the part I loved best was the relationship of Declan’s circle. I can see the conversations happening just the way they are written.

Now the next thing I want to say, since I am not into this type of read and do not have friends/family who fall under the LGBTQ description I did live in San Francisco for awhile and was used to seeing same sex couples but I do not understand the “nonbinary” label and other things so that was hard for me to read about.

All of this being said it is still a funny book with a lot of good lines from the author. And I can imagine it would be a hit with fans of the genre.

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

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Kimberly reviews All The Missing Pieces by Julianna Keyes

TITLE: All The Missing Pieces
CHARACTERS: Reese Carlisle
AUTHOR: Julianna Keyes
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/21/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Reese Carlisle hates her life.

Three years after her father’s arrest for one of the largest embezzlement schemes in history, twenty million dollars is still missing, and the world believes she knows where it is.

Two years after her brother’s death, they still think she killed him.

One year later, she’s still hiding.

When the loneliness is too much, she seeks out strangers for one dark night, no questions asked. She makes up a name, puts on a disguise, and tries to forget.

One night she meets a new man. She tells him her name is Denise, she’s a dental assistant, and she loves dogs. He tells her she’s smart, she’s pretty, she’s funny. Things she hasn’t heard in too long.

Things that are too good to be true…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts A bit romance, a bit mystery and a whole lot of good read. After Reese’s dad goes to jail for stealing a butt-load of money Reese goes into hiding, sorta. She is still out in the world but under a bunch of pseudonyms and back stories. Then she meets Chris.

There are a lot of things to figure out while we enjoy the HOT romance between “Denise”/Reese and Chris. Does Reese have or know where the missing $20M went? If Reese isn’t who she says she is, how do we know Chris is?

Fun fast read that has a bit of everything.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews The Accidental Unicorn by Dakota Cassidy

TITLE: The Accidental Unicorn
SERIES #: Accidental #18
CHARACTERS: Oliver Baldwin & Vinnie
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: September 20, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Oliver Baldwin has a problem.
And it’s a big one.
He has a unicorn horn. A unicorn horn that’s pink and purple and shoots glitter everywhere.
Everywhere…
But that’s not all it does.
So what’s a guy who, out of nowhere, has a swirly horn sprout from his head to do?
He calls the ladies of OOPS and in the process gets a bird’s eye view of a world he never knew existed.
The good news?
Oliver meets a woman named Vinnie who just might change his mind about never falling in love again.
The bad news?
It’s really hard to find the time to get to know someone you think might be the woman of your dreams when you have crazy unicorn hunters hot on your tail, a handful of gods and goddesses who’d like nothing more than to hack your horn off for its special power…
Oh, and the threat of imminent death…

REVIEW:
You are in for a treat in this latest installment in the Accidental Series!!! The ladies of OOPS take on one of their more complicated cases ever.
Who’d have thunk that unicorns really existed. I mean Vampires sure. Werewolves of course. Zombies, duh!!! But Unicorns? Well buckle up because you are about to be taking on a grand adventure of a major “Oops did I do that?” with a large splash of glitter.
This was a great story! As with all of Dakota Cassidy’s Accidental stories we get to see how the OOPS family has grown. How they work together to solve and protect those they believe are their own. This is just a super fun series!! If you are looking for a good make you smile and laugh series you need to pick up one of these books (I would start at the beginning so you know all the history, but I guess you could pick up any book in the series and start there. That is if you don’t mind spoilers.)
Looking forward to what is next in this series. I think I saw something about Trolls.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Twelve Dogs Of Christmas by Lizzie Shane

TITLE: The Twelve Dogs Of Christmas
SERIES #: Pine Hollow #1
CHARACTERS: Ally & Ben
AUTHOR: Lizzie Shane
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A delightful holiday romance about a small-town single dad and an animal rescue owner as they try to find forever homes for a dozen lovable pups before Christmas.

Pine Hollow has everything Ally Gilmore could wish for in a holiday break: gently falling snow in a charming small town and time with her family. Then she learns some Grinch has pulled the funding for her family’s rescue shelter, and now she has only four weeks to find new homes for a dozen dogs! But when she confronts her Scroogey councilman nemesis, Ally finds he’s far more reasonable — and handsome — than she ever expected.

As the guardian of his dog-obsessed ten-year-old niece, Ben West doesn’t have time to build a cuddly reputation. But he does feel guilty about the shelter closing. So he proposes a truce with Ally, agreeing to help her adopt out the pups. As the two spend more time together, the town’s gossip is spreading faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. And soon Ben is hoping he can convince Ally that Pine Hollow is her home for the holidays. . . and the whole year through.

REVIEW:
Ally comes back to Pine Hollow to help her grandparents with their animal shelter but finds that the shelter is having funding taken away and given to the community center. Now she has to find homes for all the animals in a month.

And as always, there is a devil in the details and in this case it is Ben who was the deciding vote on being defunded and since he is already on her list she is not a happy camper. So off she goes to confront Ben.

But there is more to Ben then being the Grinch. He is raising his niece who happens to love dogs. So Ben says he will help Ally find homes for all of the dogs. And as expected romance begins to bloom.

Ally, Ben, Astrid and the pups make this story worth the read. Living in a very small town I could see this exact thing happening here.

By the end of this book I kept thinking how Hallmark HAS to make this book into a Christmas movie. Great way to start getting into the holiday spirit.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Whirlwind by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Whirlwind
SERIES #: The Champions #1
CHARACTERS: Shane & Lexie
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At the Alamo Canyon Ranch, set amid the desert foothills of Southern Arizona, the Champion women carry on the family legacy of breeding bucking bulls for the rodeo. In a world where bloodline is everything, love is the only risk worth taking . . .

Everyone’s talking about Whirlwind at this year’s Professional Bull Rider’s Competition. But the promising young bull is the last thing on Shane Tully’s mind once he lays eyes on the lady responsible for bringing Whirlwind to the arena. Beautiful, smart, and sexy as hell, Lexie Champion has this rodeo man hungry for more than the thrill of his next competition. But the daughter of bull rancher Bert Champion wants nothing to do with a daredevil, despite the powerful attraction between them . . .

After losing her beloved brother to a bull riding accident, Lexie is no stranger to the dangers of rodeo life. Which is why resisting Shane’s rugged allure should have been easy. But nothing is simple about her reaction to the handsome cowboy, from their first kiss, to the terrifying moment Lexie watches Shane go down in the ring. Faced with a devastating decision, will Lexie make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of love?

REVIEW:
This is a new series from Janet Dailey. Dailey was one of the best in women’s lit. The interesting thing is Dailey passed in 2013 but she did what she loved and wrote. Thankfully her family continues to share all the works she wrote before her passing.

I kept thinking as I read this book that somehow she wrote a (clean) version of Yellowstone before the tv show was released. There are cowboys, romance, drama, rodeo and mostly family.

Somehow Dailey catches you from the first moment and never lets go. I have been a fan for decades and I will keep reading her books until the family says there are no more. And even after as I reread her stories.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Don’t Hex And Drive by Juliette Cross

TITLE: Don’t Hex And Drive
SERIES #: Stay A Spell #2
CHARACTERS: Isadora & Devraj
AUTHOR: Juliette Cross
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls. Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late.

Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn—a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows—has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in—literally—with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans. Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case.

Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

REVIEW:
Too funny! This is the second in the series and I did not read book one but that is ok. It most certainly can be a stand alone as this time it is about Isadora (I guess book one was about her sister) and Devraj.

Isadora is a healing witch, and she loves her plants and animals. People not so much. She is really just an introverted witch. Devraj is an old vampire who is asked to find out why there have been missing girls in the area and it’s being blamed on another vampire. But when the two meet and Isadora doesn’t fall for her vampy charm Devraj becomes obsessed with this shy witch.

An adorable paranormal romance. I just loved these characters.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Dark Song by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Song
SERIES #: Dark #30
CHARACTERS: Elisabeta & Ferro
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The 30th book in the Dark / Carpathian series is about Ferro and Elisabeta.

Stolen from her home at a young age and tormented for centuries, Elisabeta Trigovise is scared to show herself to anyone. Even though she has been rescued and is now safe within the Carpathian compound, she has lived in fear for so long she has no idea how to survive without it. She wants to answer the siren call of her lifemate–but the very thought terrifies her.

Before he found Elisabeta, Ferro Arany was an ancient warrior without emotion. Now that his senses have come alive, he knows it will take more than kind words and soft touches to convince the fractured woman that they are partners, not master and prisoner. For now, he will give her his strength until she finds hers, allowing the steady rhythm of his heart to soothe Elisabeta’s fragile soul.

But even as she learns to stand on her own, the vampire who kept her captive is desperate to claim her again, threatening the song Elisabeta and Ferro are writing together.

REVIEW:
This is the 30th (30th!!!) in this series. But the amazing part? I can’t wait for even more. As one of the Queens of Paranormal, in my opinion, I can’t get enough of her stories. And this time we read Elisabeta and Ferro. Elisabeth has been a captive for so longer once she is no longer a prisoner she doesn’t know how to live. Ferro is willing to take it slow and teach her that love is not another prison.

Another incredible read from Feehan. No matter how many times I travel into a world of Feehan I can’t wait to visit again.

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

4 Hearts

https://amzn.to/3gycMB7

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Snowball’s Christmas by Kristen McKanagh

TITLE: Snowball’s Christmas
CHARACTERS: Emily & Lukas
AUTHOR: Kristen McKanagh
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Snowball–an aptly named bundle of feline fluff–is thankful to be spending her first Christmas in the comfort of Weber Haus, the Victorian B&B run by Miss Tilly. Emily Diemer, who cooks for the guests, dotes on Snowball, but she’s not thrilled about another new arrival at the B&B: Miss Tilly’s nephew, Lukas. Which is odd, because Snowball’s animal instincts tell her that Lukas and Emily should definitely be friends.

Everything Emily needs is in this quaint community–including, she hopes, the chance to open her own bakery one day. She doesn’t think much of Lukas for leaving his aging aunt to struggle while he jets around the world taking photographs. But now that he’s here, helping to spruce up the property and getting mixed up in Snowball’s antics, she begins to soften a little. Until she learns what he has planned . . .

Lukas is going to sell Weber Haus so that Miss Tilly can retire. But Snowball is certain that this B&B, and these people, are supposed to be her forever home. Somehow she has to get these stubborn humans to see things through the wisdom of a cat’s eye and a kitten’s loyal, loving heart . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a quick read that had me read to start the holidays. I will admit it was the cover that dragged me in and then I read the synopsis and thought “Why not?” and I am glad I did. This is a sweet holiday romance set about by a kitten who’s animal instinct tells her Emily and Lukas are supposed to be together.

Having had kittens throughout my life I could imagine every scene of this little furball… I mean Snowball… as it happens.

The story is perfect to start off the season of holiday romances.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews What Not To Wear To Graveyard by Debra Sennefelder

TITLE: What Not To Wear To Graveyard
SERIES #: Resale Boutique Mystery #3
CHARACTERS: Kelly Quinn & Constance Lane
AUTHOR: Debra Sennefelder
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After trading her Manhattan digs for her upstate hometown, fashionista Kelly Quinn has big plans for her grandmother’s consignment shop. But this All Hallow’s Eve someone is already dressed to kill . .

A socialite’s missing dog has made front page news in Lucky Cove—complete with a hefty reward. But between renovating the consignment shop, planning her costume for a 1970s themed Halloween party, and scouting a location for a fashion shoot, Kelly doesn’t have time to search. Yet a visit to the local colonial-era cemetery—ideal for the moody atmosphere she’s after—soon turns up the precious pooch. Kelly’s looking forward to collecting the check—until she makes a gruesome discovery in an abandoned farmhouse: The dog’s owner, stabbed through the heart.

Kelly can’t help wondering why Constance Lane was traipsing around the farmhouse in stilettos. But as Kelly gets decked out in a vintage disco caftan, that isn’t the only fashion misstatement spooking her. Hidden in the dead woman’s past is a secret that could be the motive for the murder. And as the Halloween party gets started, even a menacing clown and a threatening bearded lady can’t keep Kelly from trick or treating for the truth—even if it means her last dance . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a quick read to a series I have not read, however, this can be read as a stand alone even though it was cute enough that I will go back and read the first two.

I thought this was a light hearted cute read. It is not a paranormal even if from the title you think it is. It is more of a who-dun-it. I enjoyed Kelly. She seems over her head at times but yet she prevails.

Enjoyable!

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

4 Hearts