Category: Romance

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Kimberly reviews The Other Lady Vanishes by Amanda Quick

other lady vanishesTITLE: The Other Lady Vanishes
SERIES #: Burning Cove #2
CHARACTERS: Adelaide & Jake
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/08/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Knew Too Much sweeps readers back to 1930s California–where the most dazzling of illusions can’t hide the darkest secrets…

After escaping from a private sanitarium, Adelaide Blake arrives in Burning Cove, California, desperate to start over. Working at an herbal tea shop puts her on the radar of those who frequent the seaside resort town: Hollywood movers and shakers always in need of hangover cures and tonics. One such customer is Jake Truett, a recently widowed businessman in town for a therapeutic rest. But unbeknownst to Adelaide, his exhaustion is just a cover.

In Burning Cove, no one is who they seem. Behind facades of glamour and power hide drug dealers, gangsters, and grifters. Into this make-believe world comes psychic to the stars Madame Zolanda. Adelaide and Jake know better than to fall for her kind of con. But when the medium becomes a victim of her own dire prediction and is killed, they’ll be drawn into a murky world of duplicity and misdirection.

Neither Adelaide or Jake can predict that in the shadowy underground they’ll find connections to the woman Adelaide used to be–and uncover the specter of a killer who’s been real all along…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I just love the works of Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. Staying old school she keeps her alias’ when she writes her historical romance. I prefer her writing in current time to be honest.

This is the second in the series and I suggest you read the first one first. The asylum was interesting. The romance was just ok. I had a hard time with the background characters in this book and I think that took away from the story a bit.

I have to say being a fan of Krentz/Quick I rate her books based on her own writings and this was just not as high as most.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase

Until there was usTITLE: Until There Was Us
SERIES #: The Montgomery Brothers #7
CHARACTERS: Megan & Alex
AUTHOR: Samantha Chase
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Megan Montgomery has always been the careful type. Except…one time at her cousin’s wedding when she threw caution to the wind and had the steamiest hook-up of her life. But that was two years ago— why can’t she stop thinking about it? So when Megan accepts a job at her cousin’s company, she does everything she can to avoid Alex—knowing he’ll shake up her carefully crafted world.
Alex Rebat’s been living a good life. He loves his career and friends, but like Megan, hasn’t been able to stop thinking about their passionate encounter. And once Megan moves to town, Alex makes it his personal goal to show her that maybe it’s time to start taking a few more risks…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another book about second chances. But Chase does a pretty good job on this story.

Alex and Megan hooked up after a wedding but years later they have the chance to see if there is something real there. The relationship is good and the characters have a chemistry.

This is a really good book to take you out of your head for a while. Nothing that you need to use brain power on but interesting enough to keep you interested.

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 All’s Fair In Love And Wolf by Terry Spear

alls fairTITLE: All’s Fair In Love And Wolf
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #25
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Sarandon
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Silver Town wolf pack has your back

Wolf shifter Sarandon Silver’s in trouble with the law, and bounty hunter she-wolf Jenna St. James is determined to bring him in for trial.

Lucky for Sarandon, the entire Silver Town pack is ready to fight for his innocence. But until the case is solved, Jenna’s sticking to Sarandon like glue…

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Ok I think I am a bit done with this series. I will probably go back to reading it at some point but I think I need a break. After 25 it is time for a break.

This is a bit of hurry up and wait. Within moments Jenna (and the pack) believes Sarandon’s story. And then Jenna is going to protect Sarandon no matter what. I just never connected to these characters.

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

2hearts

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Kelly reviews Kill The Queen by Jennifer Estep

kill the queenTITLE: Kill the Queen
SERIES #: Crown of Shards #1
CHARACTERS: Everleigh Blair Winter
AUTHOR: Jennifer Estep
NARRATOR: Lauren Fortgang
RUN TIME: 13 Hours & 4 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 2, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.

REVIEW:
Long Live the Queen!!!

What a wonderful wonderful first book in a series. I was hooked from the very first page of this book. I love Everleigh (aka Evie)!! She is awesome, tough and not willing to give up even when the odds are 100% against her. I can’t wait to see how much she grows in this series. And Sully oh man I sure hope I know where Ms. Estep is taking him :D.

As with all first books there is a lot of world building but Ms. Estep is extremely talented at keeping the story from getting bogged down by all the information you are getting.

I had the great pleasure of listening to Lauren Fortgang bring Jennifer Estep characters to life. This was my first book narrated by Ms. Fortgang. I really enjoyed the way that she handled each character. I look forward to listening to more books narrated by Ms. Fortgang.

Just remember someone always wants to kill the Queen.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Voyager in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased an audio copy of this book to listen to. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Mutts And Mistletoe by Natalie Cox

mutts & mistletoeTITLE: Mutts And Mistletoe
CHARACTERS: Charlie & Cal
AUTHOR: Natalie Cox
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/09/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thirty-one-year-old Charlie isn’t in the mood for Christmas cheer.

Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and–adding insult to (literal) injury–her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there’s only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she’ll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez’s doggy day care center. And if she’s not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know…

But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin’s house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?

As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie’s life has never felt so out of control–but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love…

REVIEW:
What do you get when you put adorable dogs in to a holiday story? This book!

Give it time though. I wasn’t too thrilled with Charlie. She seemed a bit of a, well, you know. I just thought her too harsh. But then if you had everything happen to you that she had to her you may be a bit bitchy too. But then I warmed up to her and the romance ended up being really sweet and puts the reader into the holiday spirit.

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 The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

family gatheringTITLE: The Family Gathering
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #3
CHARACTERS: Dakota & Sidney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/17/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exceptional storyteller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr beautifully captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of any family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.

Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.

Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.

When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
Dakota is back from the military and this is her story. First let me say that you need to read the first two in the series to read this one.

Robyn Carr is one of my favorites. She can spin a story like few others. From chapter one you are drawn into her world and never want to leave it.

This book is a romance but it is also a woman’s lit wrapped up into one. It touches on everything that happens in everyday life. Love, divorce, family and so much more.

Worth the read. But then Robyn Carr always is.

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 Naughty But Nice by Donna Kauffman

naughty but niceTITLE: Naughty But Nice
SERIES #: A Hamilton Christmas Novella #3
CHARACTERS: Griffin & Melody
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ʼTis the season for sweet surprises . . .

Businessman Griffin’s never believed in luck . . . until sassy-sweet small-town baker Melody turns his world around. Except there’s a catch: There’s no way he’ll be able to build his empire and hold on to her. This new love could destroy all his dreams—or make this Christmas better than he ever imagined possible . . .

Originally in the The Naughty List anthology

REVIEW:
This is the third installment of the novella trilogy. This is a re-release. The story is a great way to start off the holiday season and put you in the holiday mood.

Donna Kauffman has been around for a while but the more you read of her the more you want to.

You do need to read Unleashed and Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells before reading this story.

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 Sergeant Sexypants by Tawna Fenske

sergeant sexypantsTITLE: Sergeant Sexypants
SERIES #: (Ponderosa Ranch Romantic Comedies #2)
CHARACTERS: Austin Dugan & Bree Bracelyn
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: October 26, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bree Bracelyn doesn’t date cops. It’s a personal rule that quavers when Austin Dugan flashes his baby blues—and his badge—at Ponderosa Resort’s grand opening. Bree’s the family fixer, running the resort’s PR and her siblings’ lives with cheerful efficiency. But one thing in Bree’s past can’t ever be fixed, which is why she’s staying the hell away from Officer Hottie.
Austin’s heart tacks up a wanted poster with Bree’s name the instant he lays eyes on her. Okay, the no-cops rule is an obstacle, but not impossible for a guy ambitious enough to be a shoe-in as the next police chief. Besides, he knows Bree’s into him, whether they’re flirting over weird flatware or getting frisky in the front seat of his vintage Volvo.
As Bree and Austin bond over cupcakes and hot springs hookups, Bree knows it’s a matter of time before the skeletons in her closet topple into a messy heap on Austin’s squeaky-clean life. Is there hope for a happy ending, or will their love end up DOA?

REVIEW:
Sargeant Sexypants is book two of the Ponderosa Ranch Romantic Comedies. We get to follow Bree Bracelyn and her brothers as they come together after the death of their father to run the Ponderosa Resort.

Bree Bracelyn just wants to live her life, run her resort, get to know here brothers and never ever date a cop. That is until she meets Austin Dugan the town cop.
Austin is very interested in Bree but she plays hard ball with her hard and fast rule to never date a cop and protect her secret.

This was a a great fun read. I loved the spark and steam between Bree and Austin. I loved that Austin didn’t give up on her no matter how hard Bree tried to push him away.

I always enjoy reading Tawna’s books she does and excellent job of mixing humor, romance, sexy time and bring a tear to my eye. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Shades Of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost

Shades of Wicked CR: Avon
Shades of Wicked CR: Avon

TITLE: Shades of Wicked
SERIES #: Night Rebel #1
CHARACTERS: Ian & Verita
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: October 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Kindle | Amazon | Audible | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this thrilling new Night Rebel series set in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress world, sexy and ruthless vampire Ian finally meets his match!
The Rule Breaker
Master vampire Ian is unrepentant, shameless…and every shade of wicked. He’s made one too many enemies in his two centuries of existence, including Dagon, a demon who now lays claim to his soul. Ian’s only chance to escape Dagon is to join forces with a Law Guardian, but he’s never been able to abide by the rules for long.
The Law Maker
Veritas’ normal role is police, judge and jury to reprobates like Ian. But she has her own ax to grind with Dagon, so if she can use Ian as bait…well, all’s fair in law and war. As they scour supernatural hotspots to perfect their trap, Veritas soon realizes Ian’s devil-may-care, roguish image hides something much more powerful. And Ian discovers that Veritas has shocking secrets of her own. As they’re drawn to each other with a passion as intense as their peril, either love or justice will prevail. But each will have devastating consequences

REVIEW:
FINALLY Ian’s story!!!

Shades of Wicked pick up where we left off in Into the Fire with Ian being branded by Dagon and only has a short period of time before he has to give his life as he knows it up. So what does Ian do? Well of course he goes and whores it up, pushes his friends and family away and wait for the end.

Veritas knows the key to ridding the world of Dagon involves Ian. But she knows that Ian is not going to be easy to convince to help her, he is not really the “here let me help you kind”. But she has to try!!!

We have waited years and years for this day!!! From the first time we were introduced to Ian I was in love!! I know there had to be so much more this bad boy vampire. And boy was I right!! I don’t want to write to much because I am afraid I will give away some spoilers and you all know that I try to be spoiler free!!

As I read the last sentence of this book I was tempted to write to Ms. Frost to find out how progress on book 2 is going. But I will be a good reader and try to patiently wait for more Ian & Verita!!! I think the waiting might kill me…..

Favorite line: “I saw the real you, and every time I did, I knew you were mine.”

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books & Harper Collins 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 Highland Betrayal by Alyson McLayne

highland BetrayalTITLE: Highland Betrayal
SERIES #: Sons Of Gregor MacLeod #3
CHARACTERS: Callum & Maggie
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Laird Callum MacLean vowed to marry Maggie MacDonnell. But when his father’s supposed suicide makes him Laird of a clan, he’s too busy unmasking his father’s killer to bring her into his dangerous new home.

Maggie’s home isn’t any safer, so she does what any resourceful Highland lass would do. She escapes―and finds herself toe-to-toe with Callum, who’s determined to fulfill his promise. Maggie can’t bring herself to trust him with her heart again. But with a traitor still at large, they must rely on each other in every way, or their clans―and their love―will be destroyed.

REVIEW:
I love this series. This series alone has turned me into a fan of Scottish romance. The men in the series are all brothers from different lands but they grew up together and consider themselves brothers. They would do anything for each other. And this time the story belongs to Callum.

Callum was not only betrothed but in love with Maggie. But he thinks he has to take care of family business before he can have Maggie has his own, that is until she is in trouble. Now Callum and his brothers are off to save Maggie. But Maggie is a strong woman who is independent and resourceful. And she knows she doesn’t need saving but she may need a little help out of her situation.

This is the third in the series and can really be read as a stand alone but I wouldn’t suggest it. You really should read them in order so you understand the connection of the “brothers”.

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 A Season To Celebrate by Fern Michaels; Kate Pearce; Donna Kauffman; Priscilla Oliveras

a season to celebrateTITLE: A Season To Celebrate
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Fern Michaels; Kate Pearce; Donna Kauffman; Priscilla Oliveras
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/30/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Make it a merry Christmas with four stories of the special way the holidays warm our hearts…

CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING * Fern Michaels
Former Air Force Pararescueman Kevin Matthews is back home in Texas, working at his family’s Christmas tree farm while deciding his next move. Or maybe he won’t move at all, if sparks keep flying with the town’s new surgeon, Kate Stafford . . .

AN UNEXPECTED GIFT * Kate Pearce
Widower Billy Morgan wishes his grown children still needed him. Good thing his longtime friend, Bella, does. She’s planning her son’s Christmas wedding and Billy is happy to help. Along the way they just might discover their own occasion to celebrate . . .

CHRISTMAS IN BLUE HOLLOW FALLS * Donna Kauffman
Attorney Moira Brogan expects her brother’s Christmas wedding to be a peaceful affair. She doesn’t expect to be cornered by an unwanted lothario, rescued by a gorgeous Aussie chef–or be swept off her feet by said chef. Nursing a broken heart, the last thing she wants is a new romance. But Hudson Walker has other ideas . . .

HOLIDAY HOMERUN * Priscilla Oliveras
Event planner Julia Louisa Fernandez dreams of a life in Chicago. But her family in Puerto Rico expects her to take over the catering business. Former pro baseball player Ben Thomas knows what that’s like–and when they meet, he might be the one to inspire a winning strategy, just in time for the holidays . .

REVIEW:
I was going to review each of these stories separately but to be honest they would all have the same review. They are 4 stars. The characters are all wonderful to read about. The romances are sweet.

The stories are short and quick reads. And are great to have around to pick up when you want to put yourself into the Christmas spirit or take a break from the Christmas craziness.

Donna Kauffman is one of my favorites and having read the other books set in Blue Hollow this one was of course my favorite of all.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts