Category: Romance

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews All I Want For Christmas by Wendy Loggia

TITLE: All I Want For Christmas
CHARACTERS: Bailey & Charlie
AUTHOR: Wendy Loggia
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/03/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This sweet and magical romance about a girl who has just one wish–someone to kiss under the mistletoe–is the perfect holiday escape!

Bailey Briggs is counting down the days to Christmas: she lives for holiday music, baking cookies, going on snowy sleigh rides, and wearing her light-up reindeer ears to work at Winslow’s bookstore. But all she really wants this year is the one thing she doesn’t have: someone special to kiss under the mistletoe. And she’s 100 percent certain that that someone isn’t Jacob Marley–athlete, player, and of questionable taste in girlfriends–and that Charlie, the mysterious stranger with the British accent, is the romantic lead of her dreams. Is she right? This will be a December to remember, filled with real-life Christmas magic . . . and, if she stays on Santa’s nice list, a wish that just might come true.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts First things first… If you are a 50 year old woman this is not the book for you! This should fall under the young adult read and it is reeeeally young.

But that being said I did read it and gave it an extra half star because I tried to put myself into the young category and how a teen would enjoy it. And I think they would like it and relate to it.

The characters were very stereotypical of high school/college kids so I am not sure that is exactly how the world is but I think they would find the (obnoxious) behavior familiar.

A young adult would probably enjoy this story very much.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Jingle All The Way by Debbie Macomber

TITLE: Jingle All The Way
CHARACTERS: Everly & Asher
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love can transform even the best-laid plans in this heartfelt Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Trapped in the middle of five siblings, Everly Lancaster always had big dreams. Now a top real-estate executive, Everly finds her work is her life, leaving no space for anything (or anyone) else. Sensing her stress, Everly’s boss insists she take December off. At first, a month away seems crazy–how will the company survive without her? But Everly’s mother convinces her otherwise. She deserves a vacation–plus, when she returns, she’ll have no excuse to skip family Christmas like she did last year.

But after her vengeful assistant books a guided cruise in the Amazon instead of the luxury beach vacation she expected, Everly is horrified to realize that she’s about to spend the next two weeks trapped–with no Wi-Fi!–in the rain forest. Not even Asher Adams, the ship’s charming naturalist, can convince Everly that the trip will be unforgettable. Slowly but surely, she realizes he is right: the sights are spectacular. And with each passing day, Everly’s relationship with Asher deepens, forcing her to take a long, hard look at her priorities.

Everly and Asher begin to see magic in the possibility of a life together. But as the cruise nears its end, and Everly’s family Christmas approaches, both must decide if love is worth the risk. A merry surprise may be in store in Debbie Macomber’s newest holiday delight.

REVIEW:
Would it even be the holidays without a Christmas book from Debbie Macomber? Not to me….

Everly is “accidentally” booked on an Amazon cruise by her assistant but sometimes we are put into a place because that is exactly where we are supposed to be.

Everly meets Asher on the cruise and they both feel that falling feeling quickly but aren’t sure what they feel is “love”. But the sweet romance is exactly what these two deserve. I loved the Christmas scenes and the fudge recipe made me think of when my Granny made fudge for the holidays and that memory alone was worth the read to me.

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 In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren

TITLE: In A Holidaze
CHARACTERS: Mae & Andrew
AUTHOR: Christina Lauren
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is Groundhog day meets Christmas. Every year Mae and her family head to Utah but this year with her parents divorced and her mom remarried they do not attend but Theo and Andrew do. After leaving the cabin for what she believes is the last time she wakes up after an accident heading TO Utah not home.

And with this weird timeloop continuing she Mae has a chance to get what she has always wanted and with who she always wanted it.

Great story to get you into the holiday/Christmas spirit. Grab your fuzzy slippers, your cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy this wonderful story.

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 Look by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Don’t Look
SERIES #: Pike, Wisconsin #1
CHARACTERS: Lynne & Kir
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
IF YOU’RE ON HIS LIST
A woman’s naked body is discovered, cold and pale as the surrounding snow–except for the crimson scarf around her neck. The weeks that follow bring more victims and evidence of a terrifying pattern. The killer has a list. And every woman on it will get what she deserves . . .

YOU’RE AS GOOD
Dr. Lynne Gale followed in her father’s footsteps to become a vet in Pike, Wisconsin. For years, she’s had little contact with Kir Jansen, son of the town’s late sheriff. Suddenly he’s back, insisting that Lynne’s in danger. She can’t believe anyone would target her, but someone is hunting the women of Pike, savoring every last moment.

AS DEAD
Kir hoped that his father’s frantic calls about a serial killer were just an old man’s delusions. But the body count doesn’t lie. In this quiet town, a monster stalks and kills. And soon, Lynne’s will be the last name on his list . . .
REVIEW:
Yay! A New series from Alexandra Ivy!!!

I love Ivy’s writing. I have loved her writing back to her paranormal and into the suspense genre. She, honestly, never disappoints me. And she didn’t this time either.

Ok, lets state the obvious and move from there… Yes, Kir and Lynne become amatuer detectives and somehow figure out what the cops can not. This is not new in the genre. So yes, that is obvious and unrealistic but we do not pick up these books to read realism.

Now Kir returns to town to bury his father. His dad knows there is a serial killer out there and he was getting letters from the killer. But Kir comes back and realizes that his dad was right. And Kir also meets Dr Lynne, a vet, and a romance blossoms.

Alexandra Ivy always writes great characters. I would want to be friends with Kir and Lynne. And I would certainly want them on my side if my death seemed suspicious. And their romance that comes from their time together is expected and wonderful.

I am happy to see Ivy with a new series. I never miss her books and can’t wait to meet more of the people from Pike.

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 Candy Cane Crime by Amanda Flower

TITLE: Candy Cane Crime
SERIES #: Amish Candy Shop Mystery #5.5
CHARACTERS: Charlotte & Luke
AUTHOR: Amanda Flower
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A candy-striped caper . . .

Christmas is coming all too quickly for Harvest, Ohio’s famous chocolatier, Bailey King. Thanks to her new cable TV show, her shop has more candy orders than she can handle this holiday season. Fortunately, her beloved Cousin Charlotte is happy to take the Candy Cane Exchange off Bailey’s to-do list. After all, Charlotte has come to Harvest from her conservative home district to find her future outside of her family’s influence. What better way than by taking on the English task of pairing the sweet notes everyone is exchanging with a peppermint treat, just in time for Christmas Eve delivery? But when Charlotte discovers some of those delicious missives are for her, suddenly she’s staking out the festive postbox, hoping to catch her secret admirer in his intriguing tracks . . .

When Charlotte sees something underhanded going on beneath the merrymaking, she enlists the help of Sheriff Deputy Luke Little to find out if her unknown correspondent is none other than the town’s biggest suspect. And the surprising truth about her suitor’s identity has her contemplating leaving her Amish roots behind forever . . .

REVIEW:
Ok I will be honest, I grabbed this book because of the adorable pig on the cover. I mean it’s a piglet!! But I am really glad I did.

The story is very sweet. The “mystery” isn’t a who-dun-it type mystery. This is part of the Amish Candy Shop series so there is a sweet romance but nothing that goes too far beyond the sweetness of the candy shop.

Sweet story wrapped around the holiday.

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

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Kelly reviews The Bright And Breaking Sea by Chloe Neill

TITLE: The Bright and Breaking Sea
SERIES: Captain Kit Brightling #1
CHARACTERS: Kit Brightling & Rian Grant
AUTHORS: Chloe Neill
NARRATOR: Danielle Cohen
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 55 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 17, 2020
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Chloe Neill brings her trademark wit and wild sense of adventure to a stunning seafaring fantasy starring a dauntless heroine in a world of magic and treachery.
Kit Brightling, rescued as a foundling and raised in a home for talented girls, has worked hard to rise through the ranks of the Isles’ Crown Command and become one of the few female captains in Queen Charlotte’s fleet. Her ship is small, but she’s fast–in part because of Kit’s magical affinity to the sea. But the waters become perilous when the queen sends Kit on a special mission with a partner she never asked for.
Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, may be a veteran of the Continental war, but Kit doesn’t know him or his motives–and she’s dealt with one too many members of the Beau Monde. But Kit has her orders, and the queen has commanded they journey to a dangerous pirate quay and rescue a spy who’s been gathering intelligence on the exiled emperor of Gallia.
Kit can lead her ship and clever crew on her own, but with the fate of queen and country at stake, Kit and Rian must learn to trust each other, or else the Isles will fall.

REVIEW:
Pirates, magic and mayhem..
Such a wonderful start to a new series for Chloe Neill. The Bright and Breaking Sea follow Captain Kit Brightling and her crew. Captain Brightling is tasked with saving a member of the Crown. The task includes sharing the leader role with Viscount Rian Grant. The success of the mission will depend on how well these two can and will work together.
I listened to The Bright and Breaking Sea on Audio. Danielle Cohen is a new narrator to me. I thought she did a wonderful job narrating this book. I will say that there was a time or two when she said a word that caught me off guard. But only because that is not how I pronounce them. But I had to remind myself that this story takes place in New London.
I am very much looking forward to the next adventure in the Kit Brightling series! If you are looking for an adventure romance who’s main character is awesome I would suggest picking up this book.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts

TITLE: One Charmed Christmas
CHARACTERS: Catherine & Rudy
AUTHOR: Sheila Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An enchanting new Christmas novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts, brimming with hope, love and humor.

Catherine Pine is hoping her Christmas is a bit more jolly than last year’s. That one was her first without her husband, and with her kids and their families absent this year, she’s worried. But things change when her good friend invites her on a Christmas cruise to lift her spirits. Suddenly every day is an adventure and she’s making a bunch of new friends, including the lovable Sophie Miles.

It’s like a gift from Santa when Sophie and Catherine meet the charming Dr. Rudy Nichols, a perfect match for hypochondriac Sophie. But he comes with a two-legged lump of coal, his guard-dog daughter. And then there’s chocolatier Trevor March, who’s also interested in the scrumptious Sophie. Can he convince her that chocolate is the perfect cure for what ails her? Who knows what Santa has in store for these holiday travelers? Anything could happen this charmed Christmas!

REVIEW:
Another great holiday read by Roberts. The thing I enjoyed was all the different romances happening but not only a lot of romances but a lot of age ranges too. Young to old fall in love or fall in love again and this brings that to light.

I enjoyed the characters very much and enjoyed learning who and why each character was the way they were and why they deserved to fall in love during the holiday season.

A great story to put you into the Christmas spirit. Grab a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa and this book and your holiday season will have begun.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Wolf Untamed by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Untamed
SERIES #: SWAT #11
CHARACTERS: Diego & Bree
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/24/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Paige Tyler brings you the latest in her sexy, pulse-pounding SWAT series

SWAT werewolf Diego Martinez has always had a protective side, so when he meets a newly turned teenage werewolf, and the kid’s intriguing mother, he readily offers to help Brandon learn what it means to be a werewolf. He also readily falls for for Brandon’s mother, Bree, and the attraction is mutual.

But as SWAT’s biggest case starts to converge with Bree’s family, Diego and Bree find themselves in danger they could never have imagined. It’ll take everything they’ve got to discover the truth and keep each other safe.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The story is fine but it is so similar to the others in the series that I think I might just need to take a break from this series. This is #11 in the series and I feel that the author can only do so much with the same type of storyline eleven times (more so if you count the other series’).

There is a lot happening to Diego and Bree in this story. There were times I wished I had a commercial break so the characters could take a breath. The romance is just as jam-packed. Yes, we know they are meant to be together for they are soulmates and I liked that the relationship never seemed to falter in the belief they were meant to be together and they could accomplish anything as long as they are together.

If you are a first time reader of this series then it would probably be very enjoyable but for a reader who has read most if not all of the series it needs to be changed up.

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

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Kimberly reviews All That Glitters by Danielle Steel

TITLE: All That Glitters
CHARACTERS: Nicole Martin
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Danielle Steel’s dazzling new novel, a young woman must overcome tremendous adversity in her quest to find herself and achieve real happiness.

Nicole “Coco” Martin is destined to have it all. As the only child of doting and successful parents, she has been given every opportunity in life. Having inherited her mother’s stunning beauty and creativity, along with her father’s work ethic and diligence, she has the world at her feet. Her graduation from Columbia is fast approaching, and with it the summer job of her dreams working at a magazine. Between work, leisurely weekends at her family’s home in Southampton, and spending as much time as possible with her best friend, Sam, life couldn’t be better—until tragedy strikes. Coco’s beloved parents are killed in a terrorist attack while on vacation in France.

Now devastated and alone, Coco must find a way to move forward and make her way in the world without the family she loved. Determined to forge her own path and make her parents proud, Coco pursues her dreams, dazzled by exciting opportunities that come her way. Her goals are to think outside the box—and always play by her own rules. As she finds herself drawn to charismatic, fascinating men, each relationship will teach Coco new lessons, some delightful, some painful. She will come to realize what matters, and how strong she truly is—and in the end, she will discover herself.

Richly exploring one woman’s poignant journey through life, All That Glitters is a compelling tale of challenges, heartbreak, discovery, and triumph, a powerful reminder that all that glitters is not the essence of life. And what is truly worth having was right there in our hands all along.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I love Danielle Steel. I have been reading her books off and on for decades. Sometimes she is exactly what I need to read and other times I have a bit of a hard time. This one was one of the latter.

I had a hard time liking Coco. While I realize she has had a lot to deal with but slutting around is not the way to handle it. And it seemed like she changed men with the snap of a finger but for no reason.

I liked the relationship between Coco and Sam but wish the ending was a bit different instead of so stereotypical (trying not to have a spoiler).

Let me just say that I am basing my review against other Steel books and what/how I know she can write and giving it less stars than I have for her in previous books. But that being said Steel is head and shoulders above many other authors.

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 Joy To The Wolves by Terry Spear

TITLE: Joy To The Wolves
SERIES #: Red Wolf #1
CHARACTERS: Brooke & Josh
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Meet the shifters of the Red Wolf pack…

Close quarters make for a cozy Christmas…

As Christmas approaches, red wolf shifter Brooke Cerise unexpectedly inherits an antique shop in Portland, Oregon. But when a missing reindeer calf turns up on her property, she becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case and the primary suspect of far-too-intriguing shifter Detective Josh Wilding.

Josh doesn’t intend to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, but Brooke gets under his skin from the moment they meet, and he can’t help his instinct to protect her. These red wolves are both on the hunt for love, but there’s a mystery to solve before they can enjoy their holiday happy-ever-after.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So the good first. This story is cute. Plain and simple. Brooke is a red wolf that comes to town because her aunt left her an antique store. She seems a young reindeer in front of her store and brings it in. The town can’t wait to see it and Brooke gets to know the wolves of the area in a light hearted way.

Josh comes off as a bit of an ass but finally I warmed up to him. But I will say it took a while. And I never really understood why he was being an ass to Brooke.

And the treasure hunt is worth the read in and of itself. BUT…

Now the bad… After all the books Terry Spear has written this seemed stiff. A lot of it just didn’t flow and the conversations were unrealistic, that may seem weird about a paranormal.

Still a good read and a nice add to the Holiday Paranormal Romance genre.

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

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Kimberly reviews Swept Away by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Swept Away
SERIES #: Wildfire Lake #3
CHARACTERS: Chloe & Xavier
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/16/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The steamy conclusion to Skye Jordan’s Wildfire Lake series.

I knew the day we met, Chloe Hart wasn’t a woman you fuck and forget. She’s the kind of woman men dream about–hotter than sin and sweeter than sugar. Her last lover scarred her heart, and despite our wicked chemistry, she’s got me locked in the friend zone.

She can try to ignore the heat between us, but I’m not going away. I transferred here to support my goddaughter through her teens after her father–my partner–was killed in the line of duty. And this kid is as good at finding trouble as Chloe is at sidelining me.

When Chloe’s ex shows up for the lake resort’s first big retreat, things shift on a dime. Without a second thought, I step in, publicly claiming her as mine.

It seems like a harmless lie in the moment, but when one lie creates another, which creates another, the truth unravels, threatening everything I’ve come to love.

REVIEW:
I love Skye Jordan. There is something about the way she writes and her characters are always wonderful. This is Chloe’s story and she is not looking for love. I mean I felt she didn’t even want it if it was standing in front of her waving its arms. Xavier and Chloe have been friends but it’s a romance so come on your know there will be more!!!

Sure some of the scenario is the same… friends to lovers to soulmates… but that is ok. The way Skye writes it is worth the read.

I love the relationship between Xavier and his teenage God-daughter, Piper.

You can count on Skye Jordan having hot men, strong women, sweet romance and steamy sex scenes and all of that and more are part of this great story. A must read!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Shades of Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Shades of Darkness
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #16
CHARACTERS: Chaaya & Basq
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Guardians of Eternity think they’ve averted the disaster that could destroy them. But in New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy’s world of temptation, lust, and secrets, one slip could change everything…

Chaaya endured centuries as a sacrifice, protecting her people from an evil that could destabilize all magic. At long last, her servitude is over—and she’s raring to have some fun. The baddest ghost-girl in Las Vegas has a talent for causing mayhem. And for getting under the skin of her solid, silent bodyguard, the vampire Basq . . .

Basq doesn’t let anyone close. He’s learned the costs of companionship. But reckless, disrespectful Chaaya, with her fiery temper and her fierce loneliness, isn’t like anyone else. Staying near her isn’t just a duty, it’s a hunger. When a prisoner of Chaaya’s last battle escapes, possibly seeking Chaaya’s nemesis, Basq isn’t letting her chase through a hellscape mirror London alone. But when the choice is between abandoning everything that’s kept them alive, or each other, survival will take not only desire—but trust . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is the 16th in the series and by now you would think the stories would be getting old… but nope! This is Alexandra Ivy and that woman can write a book that leaves you wanting more as soon as you close the book.

We now have Chaaya and Basq’s story. I loved the relationship they have. Chaaya is strong but sad. Basq is a diamond in the rough. And somehow they are perfect for each other.

Ivy is easily one of the best in the genre. I have enjoyed every single story Ivy has written and wait impatient for the next one. I would suggest reading the whole series but it can be read as a stand alone but you will not have the whole experience as you should.

Another great story!!!

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

4 Hearts