Category: Romance

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Dreaming Of A White Wolf Christmas by Terry Spear

dreaming of white wolf christmasTITLE: Dreaming Of A White Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: White Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Candice & Owen
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the first installment of Terry Spear’s bold, sexy White Wolf series, a romance writer’s life is changed forever when a white puppy bites her and turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter.

May all your Christmas wolves be bright…
Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life–until the playful bite of a werewolf puppy accidentally turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. Talk about a life-changing event! Candice is at the end of her rope with the unpredictable shifting, a strong desire to howl, and the need to vacuum constantly to keep the shedding fur under control.

Enter werewolf private investigator Owen Nottingham. Owen has a new mission: convince the pretty she-wolf she needs to join his pack in time for Christmas…and be his mate. It’s the only way he can think of to keep her safe…

REVIEW:
Candice and Owen are both newly turned arctic wolves. Owen is sent to find her under his PI business but he was already looking for her after seeing her the night she was turned.

The story is fine. The writing is a bit off to me but it is still a fine book. I never connected to the characters and the story didn’t have anything much that hasn’t been done before.

OK read if in the mood.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske

at the heart of itTITLE: At The Heart Of It
CHARACTERS: Kate & Jonah
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.

Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Oh my! How great was this book. It has everything you need to enjoy a fun romance. The humor in this story is worth the read even if the romance wasn’t there… but it is.

Jonah is a heart stealer. He stole mine for sure. And Kate and Jonah are perfect together and it is a fun adventure to get them together.

You can’t go wrong with Fenske’s books if you enjoy a light hearted funny romance.

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 At The Heart Of It by Tawna Fenske

at the heart of itTITLE: At the Heart of It
CHARACTERS: Jonah Porter & Kate Geary
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: October 3, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love doesn’t stick to the script in this witty romance from USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske.

TV producer Kate Geary is in unscripted heaven. She’s piloting a reality series featuring her favorite self-help guru, Dr. Vivienne Brandt. The Dr. Viv—whose nuggets of wisdom helped Kate get through some of her toughest times. Thanks to Dr. Viv, Kate is almost on the verge of figuring everything out. That is, until Jonah Porter, the superhot book nerd Kate just spent an amazing date with, appears at the show’s first meeting.

Jonah did not want to get reeled into a world filled with invasive crews, pushy network execs, and over-the-top drama, but a connection to the story leaves him no choice. Fortunately, Kate—hot, smart, and funny—helps make it bearable. Now they’re both on the verge of violating their contracts as they find themselves sneaking around off set. But the cameras have a way of finding out everyone’s secrets…especially the ones that can break hearts.

REVIEW:
Loved it!!! I just adore authors who set their books in my home state (or a least part of the book!!) Kate and Jonah are so much fun right from the very start. It was hard not to root for these two. I alway enjoy reading Ms. Fenske’s books. She can take your typical boy meets girl story and turn it upside down and shake it up like a snowglobe. We know that there has to be a happy ending when just don’t know how all the pieces will fall together or how long it will take.
I do hope that there will be another book set in this world because Amy really needs to fall in love.

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.

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Kimberly reviews Second Chance Girl by Susan Mallery

second chance girlTITLE: Second Chance Girl
SERIES #: Happily Inc #2
CHARACTERS: Mathias & Carol
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A touching modern fairy tale that won’t let go of your heart, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances!

Mathias Mitchell’s easy smile hides a world of hurt. After the worst kind of family betrayal, he moves to Happily Inc., California—the wedding destination town supplies a steady stream of bridesmaids, perfect for his “no promises, no pain” lifestyle. Yet he can’t stop watching for his beautiful, elusive neighbor on the animal preserve behind their homes.

Gamekeeper Carol Lund knows she’s not special enough to attract an alpha male like Mathias, so his offer to help her adopt a herd for her lonely giraffe is surprising—and his determined seduction, even more so. But just as she finally welcomes him into her bed, his careless actions crush her heart. Will she give him a second chance to prove she’ll always come first in his heart?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Welcome back to Happily Inc, California. A town only Susan Mallery could dream up and make you want to move there. As a fan of her Fool’s Gold series I grabbed this book and the first in the series and really enjoy learning the new town as well as the new characters.

We met Mathias in Fool’s Gold a while ago and now it is his turn to find is Happily Ever After. And to do that we meet Carol. Carol has lived in Happily Inc for a while now and this town is just not a normal town. It has an animal sanctuary near the recycle center/dump and Carol is the gamekeeper. Her latest addition is a giraffe named Millie. And the book wraps around Carol trying to get money to purchase more giraffes so Millie has a herd.

Mathias is love shy. After watching his parents relationship and then dealing with his un-twin brother pulling away he just can’t trust. But when he meets Carol he wants to.

There is also a background story of Carol’s sister Violet and Ulrich her teenage crush and current Duke. This background story was just as enjoyable.

This is another great trip to Happily Inc. Having read every single Fool’s Gold book reading this series was a no brainer. But it did take book one and some of book two to get into the feel of the new town. It is quirky and friendship/family based like Fool’s Gold. But then how can you go wrong with anything Mallery writes?

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 Accidental Sire by Molly Harper

accidental sireTITLE: Accidental Sire
SERIES #: Half-Moon Hollow #6
CHARACTERS: Ben & Megan
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: July 24, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Molly Harper’s newest paranormal romantic comedy, Ben, Gigi’s old boyfriend, must find a way to save his new love after a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident. But will she want to live after she finds out how Ben had to save her?

In this exciting addition to Molly Harper’s beloved Half-Moon Hollow series, the focus is on Gigi’s ex-boyfriend Ben. When his new girlfriend is killed in a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident, he’s determined to save her, no matter the cost, even if it means bringing her into the darkness of vampire life!

REVIEW:
Take one part Molly Harper novel and one part Amanda Ronconi narration and you get perfection!!!

Accidental Sire picks up shortly after the big party on campus (from the Big Vamp on Campus novella). Sweet Ben who we gotten to know and love over the course of the series is falling for one of Ophelia’s human friend Megan (shocking I know!! Ophelia has friends). But a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident leaves Megan making a tough choice of either dying or becoming a vampire.
Fast forward 24 hours and we have Vampire Megan. But something is not quite right! Megan should not be awake yet which is why one very human Ben was visiting her when she woke up. Ben’s visit is going swell until Megan accidently bites Ben.
There is something very different about Megan & Ben. The adventure that these two are on is one filled with lots of ups and downs!! It was great to see all the gang again!!
Of course Ms. Ronconi’s narration is a thing of beauty!! I love that she can take Molly’s words and bring them to life! These two mesh together so well it makes me often wonder if Molly is in the recording studio with Amanda giving her thumbs up and eye rolls!!

Always love Molly’s stories and have had Amanda narrate each and every one them! I can’t wait for the next adventure!

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Just A Little Christmas by Janet Dailey

just a little christmasTITLE: Just A Little Christmas
CHARACTERS: Ellie & Jubal
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Believe in second chances this Christmas . . .

Ellie Marsden couldn’t wait to shake the dust of Branding Iron, Texas, off her heels and chase after bright lights, big city, and a wealthy husband. Now she’s come home, divorced, a little disillusioned, and a whole lot pregnant. Leave it to her one-time high school sweetheart, cattle rancher Jubal McFarland, to point out that citified Ellie is as out of place in small-town Texas as her teacup poodle. So why is there something about being back—and being with Jubal—that feels surprisingly right?

Jubal’s eight-year-old daughter, Gracie, needs a mother, but he hasn’t found the perfect woman. Or maybe the problem is that he did find her, and had his heart broken when she left town. Gracie’s already falling hard for Ellie and that ball of fluff she calls a dog. And no matter how hard the rugged cowboy tries to resist, there’s no denying the appeal of first love and sweet new beginnings—especially when there’s a little Christmas magic in the air . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a sweet holiday story about second chances. Ellie and Jubal were serious in high school but she wanted more than being a farm wife. He wanted to improve on his family’s land. But now it is ten years later and things are different. Can they make a go of it this time?

I enjoyed most of this book. There were a few things I didn’t like but to be honest they are not huge deals but they just didn’t sit right. Like how often Jubal leaves his 8 year old daughter alone while he runs into town. I get that she is used to being alone if he has to take care of the cows but he is still on the property. And speaking of his daughter, no eight year old speaks like Gracie does. She is a cutie though so it is ok.

While set at Christmas time there is isn’t a lot of Christmas in the story. But there is a holiday feel. I liked Ellie a lot. She is the type of woman I like to be friends with. She has grown into a good person. Jubal is sweet but not one that I would fall head over heels for.

This is a relatively short read, about 185 pages, so a good book to enjoy one snowy weekend this winter.

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 Lost & Found Sister by Jill Shalvis

lost found sisterTITLE: Lost & Found Sister
SERIES #: Wildstone #1
CHARACTERS: Quinn Weller & Mick
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women’s fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins.

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.’s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she’s looking for a missing piece she can’t find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t quite fit in right away, she can’t help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there’s another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn’t a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she’s searched so long for.

REVIEW:
A wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Shalvis!
Quinn Weller has it all the perfect family, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect job, the perfect everything. Up until her sister was killed in a car accident. From that point on Quinn’s life has been anything but perfect.
So when she learns she has just inherited something from her birth mom her world is turned upside down. But when she learns that she has a real sister Quinn drops everything and rushes to find her.
This was a really good story. I loved Quinn!! She is hilarious! The bee scene in the tree too funny (once we know she was okay). How Quinn and Mick meet is hilarious too!!

I can’t wait for the next visit to Wildstone!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book 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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Kimberly reviews Storm Gathering by Rebecca Zanetti

storm gatheringTITLE: Storm Gathering
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #4
CHARACTERS: Greyson & Maureen
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Even before surviving the Scorpius bacterium, Greyson Storm was a lone wolf navigating minefields. As a kid, he learned to take a hit and find safety. As an adult, he joined the military and quickly learned how to protect and defend. When the world ended, he created a mercenary camp with military precision, no entanglements, and a promise to avenge a fallen friend. As part of that vow, he kidnapped Maureen Shadow, but now that he has let her go, her blue eyes and intriguing mind keep haunting him…

As possibly the only Biotechnology Engineer still living, Maureen Shadow might be humanity’s one hope to survive the aftermath of Scorpius, making her frighteningly valuable to both allies and enemies. Even after sexual tension explodes with Greyson, she’s not sure which camp he belongs to—friend or foe? Worse yet, survival may mean thwarting his prime mission, putting her in even more peril. When danger and seduction collide, there is no safety in this new world.

REVIEW:
Yet again I will start my review as I have started every one in the series… I am not a fan of apocalyptic/dystopian stories. However this is Rebecca Zanetti so I read it and enjoy it.

This story is filled with adventure and hot romance (read: sex) but I would expect nothing less from Zanetti. Her books make it hard to stop reading no matter the time of night. Greyson is hot. No doubt about that. Maureen is a great character that I enjoyed reading.

This is part of a series and I suggest reading them in order so you understand the world the characters are now living in. You will not be disappointed reading this series even if this is one a genre you would normally pick up.

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 Her Dark Half by Paige Tyler

her dark halfTITLE: Her Dark Half
SERIES #: X-Ops #7
CHARACTERS: Alina & Trevor
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trevor Maxwell
Coyote shifter with an attitude
Covert operator
Trusts no one, especially his devastatingly beautiful new partner

Alina Bosch
Former CIA, newest operative on the covert team
Hired to spy on her partner
Motto: “Never be deceived again.”

Coyote shifter Trevor Maxwell is teamed up with CIA agent Alina Bosch to catch a killer. But when the mission becomes much more dangerous than they expected, they’re going to have to ignore the attraction between them and learn how to trust one another to come out on the other side…

REVIEW:
As I read this book I wondered if this was the last in the series and I have just not heard about it. All the stories have combined to get us to this book. And it feels like this is the final showdown. I hope it isn’t the last though. While this series has been up and down for me it is still a great read if you enjoy the paranormal genre.

I enjoyed seeing all the characters again from past books. The story is fast paced and filled with adventure.

I would love to say more but also don’t want to give much away. I will say you can read this as a stand alone but I recommend that you do not. As I said it brings back storylines and characters from the six previous books and it really is best to read this in order.

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 Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne

sugar pine trailTITLE: Sugar Pine Trail
SERIES #: Haven Point #7
CHARACTERS: Julia & Jamie
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/26/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and unforgettable romance this holiday season!

Librarian Julia Winston is ready to ditch the quiet existence she’s been living. She’s made a list of new things to experience, but falling for Jamie Caine, her sexy military pilot neighbor, isn’t one of them. Julia’s looking to conquer life, not become the heartbreaker’s latest conquest. But when two young brothers wind up in Julia’s care for the holidays, she’ll take any help she can get—even Jamie’s.

Happy to step in, Jamie reveals a side of himself that’s much harder to resist. Not only is he fantastic with kids, he provides the strength Julia needs to tackle her list. She knows their temporary family can’t last beyond the holidays, but the closer she gets to Jamie, the more she wonders if things could be this merry and bright forever…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts This might be one of the best stories I have read from this author and from a lot of other authors too. I say this for a couple of reasons but one in particular. Towards the end I was holding back tears. And that means a lot if you ask me. Other reasons are simple, I couldn’t stop reading it. I thought about the characters when I wasn’t reading it and I didn’t want the story to end. All in all I could leave the review like that because those are the things a reader wants in a good book. However….

Julia is such a sweet person. She gives with her whole heart and asks for nothing in return. She just wants to do what is right. Jamie has dealt with loss and guilt. Because of that he has learned it is better to stay a step away than get too close but this woman just keeps him tip-toeing closer and closer. And the two boys that come into their lives are sweet and loving and just pull at your heartstrings.

There are a couple of minor things that I wish had been different but this story is almost perfect.

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

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Kimberly reviews Going Dark by Monica McCarty

Going DarkTITLE: Going Dark
SERIES #: Lost Platoon #1
CHARACTERS: Annie & Dan
AUTHOR: Monica McCarty
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/05/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The members of a top secret SEAL Team can’t keep their passion under wraps in this thrilling contemporary romantic suspense series from New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty.

Like Rome’s Lost Legion, a SEAL platoon goes on a mission and vanishes without a trace.

After walking into a trap on a covert op in Russia, the men from top secret SEAL Team Nine are presumed dead. Not knowing whom they can trust, and with war hanging in the balance, the survivors must go dark and scatter around the globe.

Marine ecologist Annie Henderson joins her new boyfriend on a trip to the Western Isles of Scotland to protest a hazardous offshore drilling venture. When she realizes that she may be swept up in something far more dangerous than she’d intended, there is only one man she can turn to. . . .

She and the mysterious but sexy dive boat captain haven’t exactly gotten off to the best start, but something about his quiet confidence makes her think that he’s the kind of man she can depend on. Because he’s gruff and guarded, she can tell Dan Warren has secrets. But she could never imagine how high the stakes are for him to keep his cover, even as he risks everything to protect her. . . .

REVIEW:
So I am on the fence about this one. First when I started reading I was so confused in who was who. We meet the whole team of SEALS and spend some time getting to know each and every one. Just to later read the team mission has gone bad and they need to go into hiding. I was really really confused…. Just too many people….

Oddly enough while we spent so much time learning about the characters they seemed a bit one dimensional. There didn’t seem to be much connection between the two. The conversations just seem so odd. Nothing seems to flow naturally.

I honestly think there was just too much going on that everything felt off. The concept of the story is good. We never really think of a SEAL team having to deal with a bad mission, betrayal and having to go into hiding so the concept is great. Problem was so much was in the author’s head that the reader really was lost.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Winter Romance Wednesday returns….

Winter Romance Wednesday returns Wednesday, September 20th.
Do you enjoy snuggling up with a mug of hot cocoa, a log fire and a warm blanket on a chilly day?
What would make that even better? A great holiday romance to read.
Here is your chance to learn about new releases coming this holiday season.

Winter Romance Wednesday