Category: Romance

Posted on

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas Under A Cranberry Sky by Holly Martin

christmas-under-a-cranberry-skyTITLE: Christmas Under A Cranberry Sky
SERIES #: A Town Called Christmas #1
CHARACTERS: Piper & Gabe
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N-Coming soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This year spend a wonderful Christmas on Juniper Island, where love can melt even the iciest of hearts…

Piper Chesterfield lives a glamorous life traveling the world and reviewing the finest hotels. She calls nowhere home, she works alone and that’s how she likes it. For long ago Piper decided that to protect her heart she should lock it away.

So when Piper’s next assignment brings her to the newly opened Stardust Lake Hotel for the festive season, the last person she expects to face is Gabe Whitaker, the man who broke her heart so completely she could never love again.

But Piper isn’t the only one who has been frozen in time by heartbreak. Gabe hasn’t forgotten the golden-eyed girl who disappeared from his world without a trace.

Now fate has reunited them on Juniper island, can the magic of Christmas heal old wounds? And can this enchanting town be the one place Piper can finally call home?

Curl up with this gorgeously romantic tale and let the glistening snow and the roaring fires of Stardust Lake Hotel get you in the festive spirit this Christmas.

REVIEW:
This is a sweet story. Honestly though it does not have a lot to do with Christmas and doesn’t exactly put the reader into a holiday mood. It is a quick read set in the Scotland islands but it really doesn’t have a Scottish feel. Very few words are written with an accent.

The story is predictable but sweet. I never really connected with any of the characters but Wren is sweet even if Frozen is mentioned a number of times too many.

All in all this book is enjoyable.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

#TBT Review of Wait for Me by Elisabeth Naughton ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Title: Wait For Me
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Characters Kate & Ryan
A woman without a past…
After a tragic accident left her with no memory, Kate Alexander struggled to fit in with a husband and world that didn’t feel right. She’s had no reason to question what friends and family have told her, not until her husband is suddenly killed and she finds a photo of a young girl in his office. A girl who can’t be anyone but a daughter Kate didn’t know she had.
A man desperate for a reason to live…
Ryan Harrison lost his wife in a plane crash five years ago. To cope with the pain of her loss, he dedicated himself to his job and to raising their daughter. Now a successful pharmaceutical executive, Ryan has everything a man could want—money, fame and power—but he’d give it all up in a heartbeat for just one more day with the woman he still loves.
Two lives about to converge.
As Kate begins to dig into a past she doesn’t remember, evidence leads her to San Francisco and puts her on the path toward Ryan, a man who sees in her the woman he loved and lost. Kate feels a draw to Ryan, one she can’t explain, but is that feeling enough to convince her this is where she’s supposed to be? As Ryan and Kate search for answers, they uncover lies long buried, a passion hotter than either expected and a danger that threatens…even now…when the second chance they’ve both been searching for is finally within reach.
My Thoughts:
I LOVED this book!!!!!!!!  I have to say a special thank you to the wonderful lady who bought me this book.  You know who you are and I love you dearly.   Elisabeth, thank you for writing this book, I loved every minute of reading it.
 
Elisabeth does a great job with this story.  I was crying before the end of the first chapter.  This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.  The suspense was killing me, whether it was the tension between Ryan and Kate or the looming danger all around them.  I didn’t want to put this book down.  
 
As I said before I loved this book and I really hope that Elisabeth will write more books like Wait for Me.
 
If you love a good romantic suspense you really need to pick up a copy of Wait for Me by Elisabeth Naughton.  

Save

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Skin Deep by Kimberly Kincaid

skin-deepTITLE: Skin Deep
SERIES #: Station Seventeen #1
CHARACTERS: Kellan & Isabella
AUTHOR: Kimberly Kincaid
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/20/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Where there’s smoke…

For firefighter Kellan Walker, checking his emotions at the door doesn’t just keep him on the level. It keeps him alive. A gut-wrenching find at the scene of a blaze threatens to blow his ironclad composure, but when the detective assigned to the case is the same woman who put his sister’s life at risk three months ago, all bets for Kellan being calm, cool, or collected are definitely off.

There’s bound to be fire…

Keeping people safe is Isabella Moreno’s number one priority, no matter how tough the case. Working without solid leads and with the gorgeous, broody firefighter who believes she’s responsible for endangering his sister on a previous case isn’t ideal. But someone is hurting women in the here-and-now. Isabella will do whatever it takes to find justice.

As Kellan and Isabella reluctantly team up to catch a criminal, they realize they have more in common than they’d ever imagined. With every move, the stakes grow higher and the passion sizzles hotter, but can they race against the clock and the odds to catch a killer? Or will they lose their hearts—and their lives?

REVIEW:
I don’t know what it was but I just never got into this story. I read all the reviews that are glowing with 5 stars and I figured I was missing something so I kept reading but I just never found the story caught me.

It was slow to start which caused me to get a bit bored and then when they repeated the fire scene, which was slow in the first place, I had a problem. Kincaid also was using a lot of slang/street terms which seemed forced like she was trying too hard to be young. Isabella is supposed to be a decade old cop but she speaks like she is just out of school and trying to be cool.

The characters were fine. I just didn’t connect with them. The story was different but a bit dark. I wish I had connected with the book because I enjoy Kincaid’s work usually. I wish I could explain I just can’t.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis

nobody-but-youTITLE: Nobody But You
SERIES #: Cedar Ridge #3
CHARACTERS: Jacob & Sophie
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/29/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.

REVIEW:
It is about dang time. Jacob “just up and left” the family but there is more than what can be seen that makes this story good. I was so happy to have Jacob home. Even though we hadn’t met Jacob he felt like he was missing from the last few stories. It was great to have him home.

Sophie is great. She is the type of woman I would love to hang out with on a Friday night and just relax with. She is funny and caring and just a great character.

I have never read a book by Shalvis that I would not recommend and this falls into the same category. I would say to read the rest in this series first though so you can understand what is going on with Jacob and why his character is worth waiting for.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Starfish Moon by Donna Kauffman

starfish moonTITLE: Starfish Moon
SERIES #: Brides Of Blueberry Cove #3
CHARACTERS: Kerry & Cooper
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/26/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Nestled on the Maine coast, Blueberry Cove is a peaceful retreat compared to the excitement of exotic cities and foreign lands. But it’s also the best place in the world for one woman to find her heart’s true home…

Kerry McCrae’s wanderlust has taken her to parts of the globe most people have only glimpsed in pictures. So why is tending bar at the family pub in Blueberry Cove after her Uncle Fergus’s stroke an easier adjustment than she expected? And why hasn’t she left once Fergus is back on his feet? When tall, tanned Cooper Jaxton walks through the door, she knows the answer in a heartbeat…

Born and raised deep in Australia’s outback, Cooper never planned to leave the wild country he loves. But after almost a year of having Kerry—with her sparkling eyes and outrageous stories—on his cattle station, Cooper was stunned when she left. Suddenly home wasn’t the same without her. Making his way to Blueberry Cove to find her is a risk, but Cooper is counting on the passionate connection between them to convince her that the only place either of them needs to be is together…

Let the honeymoon begin…

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts As with most of Kauffman’s books the moment you start reading you feel like you are part of the story, sitting in the restaurants or walking down the beach. You also feel like you are watching a romance unfold in front of you. That is how I felt reading Kerry and Cooper’s story.

This is a light fun couple who laugh and just enjoy. Yes there are issues or the book would be no more than a chapter but the characters communicate in a way that most couples wish they could.

The story is heartfelt and sweet. I believe anyone that enjoys contemporary romance novels will enjoy this book. And you do not have to have read the series to enjoy it.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

Posted on

#TBT Kimberly reviews Deep Autumn Heat by Elisabeth Barrett ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Deep Autumn HeatTITLE: Deep Autumn Heat
SERIES #: Star Harbor #1
CHARACTERS: Lexie & Sebastian
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.

REVIEW:
I’ll be honest. I requested this book from NetGalley ages ago but because it had no deadline I just keep putting it off and now I wish I hadn’t. What a great book. The characters are really fun and entertaining. And the story is very exciting and well written.

There is a connection with Lexie and Seb right away. Honestly from the first moment they see each other. There is quite a bit of backstory that has a few twists and turns too. And the other Grayson boys aren’t too shabby either.

If you enjoy a good romance with a bit of suspense and a lot of emotion than this is a good book to pick up. I will say the book comes up as being over 400 pages but it is a fast read while being very enthralling so don’t let the amount of pages scare you off.

I can’t wait to read the next is the series… I’m thinking… Theo?

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

Posted on

Kelly reviews Forbidden Fling by Skye Jordan

forbidden flingTITLE: Forbidden Fling
SERIES #: Wildwood #1
CHARACTERS: Ethan Hayes & Delaney Hart
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Delaney Hart has come a long way from her wild youth, dating tattooed bikers at her father’s bar, The Bad Seed. But when his death pulls her back to Wildwood, California, she must stay to renovate the dive he left her. And also face the lies and secrets that sent her running ten years before.

When Wildwood’s chief building inspector, Ethan Hayes, shows up on the property, Delaney doesn’t recognize him. The last thing he wants to do is save the bar where his cousin died in a brawl. But the good boy from her past is all too willing to remind her of the bad girl she used to be. And one night of passion leaves them both in a compromising position.

The last place Ethan should be is in Delaney’s bed. Guilt, family pressure, and plans for a brewpub of his own make shutting down The Bad Seed his top priority…until his feelings for Delaney interfere. Because her future depends on the success of the bar’s renovation and his dreams are rooted in its failure, their forbidden romance may be destined for heartbreak

REVIEW:
Forbidden Fling is kinda like Romeo and Juliet but without all the death.

We have Ethan Hayes whose family hates Delaney Hart. And Delaney Hart who escaped town as quickly as possible. All because of one night, one fight and one horrible mistake. A mistake that has haunted both Ethan and Delaney and shaped them both in ways they didn’t know about until now.

A wonderful start to a new series for Skye Jordan. I loved Ethan and Delaney. Ethan is the guy that we all want our man to be. He is sweet, hot and not afraid to say sorry (well kinda he is a guy). Delaney is determined and strong. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the next installment.

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews When We Touch by Heather Graham

when we touchTITLE: When We Touch
SERIES #: Graham Clan #6
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Jamie
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Queen Victoria’s London is a teeming metropolis of pageantry, forbidden desire, and danger—especially in the East End, a hotbed of vice, witchcraft, and murder. What widow Lady Maggie Graham does there more than greases the rumor mill. When she agrees to wed the Viscount Langdon, there are those who would act upon their suspicions . . .

Experience has taught Lord Jamie well. He has seen his fair share of women behave inappropriately — enjoying risqué amusements in secret theatres, running about disguised in the seediest parts of the city — and then they call you vile names for coming to their rescue. And no woman is more shameless, more cunning, more intoxicating than Lady Maggie . . .

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from under the name Shannon Drake, series name Graham #6 from 2004.

As a fan of Heather Graham I picked up this book from NetGalley. I don’t read historicals very often any more but I was interested to read Graham’s work before she started writing more contemporary/paranormal (Krewe Of Hunters) stories .

I have to say it was good. But I am glad she went into the other genres.

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

3hearts-68-77

Save

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

shadow fallingTITLE: Shadow Falling
SERIES #: Scorpius Syndrome #2
CHARACTERS: Vivienne & Raze
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.

And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . . .

REVIEW:

I received this book from Rebecca for a review after requesting from NetGalley and I am happy to have a copy to hang on to.

I am not a fan of post-apocalyptic novels but I will read anything that Rebecca writes and enjoy it.

Vinnie is infected and as much as she wants Raze doesn’t want to infect him so she tries to keep her distance. Tries being the key word. One of the things I enjoy about Rebecca’s books is the women always are strong and while they may fall for a guy they do not let him walk all over them. Raze is great. Totally all man but when it comes to Vinnie his soft side shows.

The story is well written and enjoyable. I would suggest reading book one so you can understand the world the characters are now living in.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

Posted on

Kelly reviews Shadow Falling by Rebecca Zanetti

shadow fallingTITLE: Shadow Falling
SERIES #: The Scorpius Syndrome #2
CHARACTERS: Raze Shadow & Vivienne “Vinnie” Wellington
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: August 30, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon  | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.
If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.
And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire .

REVIEW:
Shadow Falling is the second book in Mrs. Zanetti’s Scorpius Syndrome series. I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment. In SF we pick up shortly after the events of Mercury Striking (bk 1 *you need to read book 1 before this book) with Vinnie trying to find her place in this new world. Not an easy thing to do when you are not right in the head anymore. And you have a hulking babysitter that follows you around like a shadow.
Raze has been on a mission since the moment he stepped in to Vanguard’s territory. A mission that involves one Dr. Wellington. But the more that Raze spends with Vinnie the harder it gets for him to complete his mission.
As I said earlier I really enjoyed this book. I liked the twists and turns the book too. There were a few questions answered, a few problems solved but many many more just surfaced. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series and how everything will work out.
If you have not given this series a try and like post-apocalyptic stories you need to pick up a copy of Mercury Striking (and Shadow Falling. Oh and the novella found in On the Hunt) and get to reading. Until next time Vanguard!!!!

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save

Save

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Run To You by Rachel Lacey

Run to youTITLE: Run To You
SERIES #: Risking It All #1
CHARACTERS: Gabby & Ethan
AUTHOR: Rachel Lacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/30/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ONE LITTLE LIE. A WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE.

Moments after meeting the most gorgeous guy ever, Gabby Winters promptly gets stung by a zillion yellowjackets and falls-not gracefully-into a stream. Yup, Ethan Hunter is trouble with a capital “hot,” and Gabby definitely needs to keep her distance. Except in the small town of Haven, there’s nowhere to hide from Ethan’s sexy, infectious grin . . . and all the residents are conspiring against her.

At the center of the town’s matchmaking is Ethan’s grandmother, who’s convinced their relationship is a done deal. Rather than break her heart, Gabby and Ethan find themselves cornered into pretending to be falling in love. The problem: there’s serious sizzling attraction between them. And if this charade continues, they won’t fool just the entire town – they might fool themselves too . . .

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a cute beach read. It is pretty predictable. Ethan and Gabby fake a romance to fool his grandmother before she passes away. However the pretend turns real.

The thing that makes this good are the characters. I really enjoyed Gabby. She is trying to come into her own after a bad relationship. She wants to learn to be on her own two feet about doesn’t realize that she already is. Ethan’s relationship with his grandmother is just so sweet. Dixie just steals your heart. She is the grandmother everyone want to have.

As I said it is a sweet story. A quick read that will keep your attention and yet is relaxing to just enjoy.

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

3hearts-68-77

Posted on

#TBT Kimberly reviews Pelican Point by Donna Kauffman ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

Pelican PointTITLE: Pelican Point
SERIES #: Bachelors of Blueberry Cove #1
CHARACTERS: Alex & Logan
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Blueberry Cove, Maine, is as small-town as small towns get. More than a little quirky, it has sheltered generations of families. But there’s always room for a new face…

Fixing things has always been Alex McFarland’s greatest gift and keenest pleasure. But with her own life thoroughly broken, she’s signed on to renovate the dilapidated Pelican Point lighthouse, hoping to reconnect with herself. The last thing she expects is to find herself falling in love–with the glorious coastline, with age-old secrets and welcome-home smiles…with rugged Logan McCrae, the man she just might be able to build new hopes on.

DIY is so much better with two…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This story is so poignant. It is about loss and overcoming it. It is about love and being willing to find it and it is about home and realizing when you are in it.

I loved this story. The characters clicked immediately. There is something about Logan that makes the reader love him. He is the strong but silent type and yet he knows who he is and is not afraid to show it. Alex is someone who you would want to be friends with. Someone you would want to make be your friend because you know once she is you know you will have a friend for life.

I enjoy all of Kauffman’s work but something about this book is just plain special. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Save