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Kelly reviews Rules Of Contact by Jaci Burton

rules-of-contactTITLE: Rules of Conduct
SERIES #: Play by Play #12
CHARACTERS: Flynn Cassidy & Amelia Lawrence
AUTHOR: Jaci Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: December , 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Unexpected Rush, a football player with all the right moves on the field needs a better game plan for his love life.

A defensive end for the San Francisco Sabers, Flynn Cassidy is used to being in the spotlight—he just doesn’t enjoy it. But if getting in front of the cameras will help his new restaurant succeed, he’s willing. Now if he could just meet a woman who loved him and not his fame…

After her divorce, Amelia Lawrence is thrilled to start over as head chef at Ninety-Two. It’s just the opportunity she needs to heat up her career—if only she wasn’t wildly attracted to her sexy new boss. Their chemistry might be sizzling hot, but Amelia has no intention of being burned again.

Amelia is genuine and fun and Flynn can’t get enough of her—and Amelia loves every second she spends with the tough but tender Flynn. But trust is a hard fought battle for both of them. Breaking the rules of contact and surrendering to their passion was easy, but are they willing to risk their hearts to win at the game of love?

REVIEW:
Another great Play by Play story from Ms. Burton. I really enjoyed reading Flynn’s story.
Being the oldest of the Cassidy kids he has got to witness both of his younger brothers find love and his little sister Mia, well she never gets to have a boyfriend so that is okay. Flynn wants to find the type of love that his brothers have found. He wants a relationship that mirrors the happiness that his parents have. But Flynn finds himself dating the same type of woman. The type that only cares about his fame and glory. Not Flynn the person, just Flynn the superstar football player. Enter a relationship shy head chef that doesn’t take crap from anyone.
Amelia is great. She is a whiz in the kitchen and loves her new job. She really likes her new boss too. But while she likes Flynn she is not willing to cross any lines no matter how attracted she is to him.
I liked these two a lot. They got along so well and both had to learn to trust each other on a level that they were both not use too. Just like any relationship they both have to learn the hard way that trust and communication are not easy. But that love is willing to fight for.
I can’t wait to see what is next in this series!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group 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 Southern Spirits by Angie Fox

southern-spiritsTITLE: Southern Spirits
SERIES #: Southern Ghost Hunters Mysteries #!
CHARACTERS: Verity & Ellis
AUTHOR: Angie Fox
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/14/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When out of work graphic designer Verity Long accidentally traps a ghost on her property, she’s saddled with more than a supernatural sidekick—she gains the ability see spirits. It leads to an offer she can’t refuse from the town’s bad boy, the brother of her ex and the last man she should ever partner with.

Ellis Wyatt is in possession of a stunning historic property haunted by some of Sugarland Tennessee’s finest former citizens. Only some of them are growing restless—and destructive. He hires Verity put an end to the disturbances. But soon Verity learns there’s more to the mysterious estate than floating specters, secret passageways, and hidden rooms.

There’s a modern day mystery afoot, one that hinges on a decades-old murder. Verity isn’t above questioning the living, or the dead. But can she discover the truth before the killer finds her?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So this story was weird but good. So Verity (we should know it would be weird when the heroine is named Verity) is trying to get her life back together after it fell apart and then bam she can talk and see ghost. And then bam again she is caught in the middle of a murder mystery.

I liked the story mostly. I think it has a lot of potential and if it had been worked on a bit more could have been a great book but the characters just didn’t mesh real well. There were some lines that could have been great but were just ok.

This is a quick read that doesn’t take much thought and honestly sometimes that is exactly the kind of book a person needs.

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

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Kimberly reviews Kill Without Shame by Alexandra Ivy

kill-without-shameTITLE: Kill Without Shame
SERIES #: ARES Security #2
CHARACTERS: Lucas & Mia
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/27/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Five brave military heroes have survived the hell of a Taliban prison to return home—and take on civilian missions no one else can. They’re the men of ARES Security. Highly skilled, intimidating, invincible, and one by one, tested again and again…

Lucas St. Clair’s prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn’t include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he’s a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.

Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she’s convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it’s soon clear that isn’t true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim’s last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I want to start by saying I am a huge fan of Alexandra Ivy’s and have read almost everything she has written. Now that being said this was not one of my favorites. First issue was I had it figured out almost immediately and never got that “oh maybe it is someone else” feel.

Second Lucas is a good character but not one I really fell for. I just never warmed up to him. And Mia is nice but again I didn’t warm up to her either. I am not exactly sure why not. I could never put my finger on it but something was just off about them.

The story is good and if I was reading this same story from a new author I would probably go to 4 stars but knowing how Ivy usually writes I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped. But I am looking forward to the next ARES 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 How The Witch Stole Christmas by Dakota Cassidy

how-the-witch-stole-christmasTITLE: How the Witch Stole Christmas
SERIES #: Witchless in Seattle #5
CHARACTERS: Steve Cartwright and crew
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: December 12, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible (coming soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The game is afoot in Ebenezer Falls, Washington, and this time someone is trying to ruin Christmas!

With twists, turns, and suspects aplenty, amateur sleuth Stevie Cartwright is determined to find a murderer and her missing familiar before the silver bells tarnish!

USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author Dakota Cassidy serves up mayhem and murder in How the Witch Stole Christmas, Book 5 of her bestselling series, Witchless in Seattle Mysteries

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas–!

Er, not so much. . .

It’s Christmas, and I, ex-witch, Stevie Cartwright declare this my favorite time of year! I love the decorations! The food! The Hallmark Channel holiday specials! This year promises to be better than ever because for the first time in a very long time, I’m going to have more than just Cheez Whiz, Triscuits and the wish to be surrounded by family and friends.

My carefully planned holiday bonanza includes all the usual suspects. My bat familiar Belfry, my dog Whiskey, my ever-present ghostly spy friends–dashing Brit Winterbottom, stalwart Russian Arkady and my parents.

However, nothing comes easy for this amateur sleuth, not even a neighborhood decorating contest. You know, the one I’ve been painstakingly prepping for months? Something goes horribly awry with my Christmas display (think bikini-clad carolers, pink flamingos and real, live turkeys) to start.

But the worst? The dead body of the famous Chef Pascal Le June in my nativity scene!

It becomes clear someone’s trying to ruin my Christmas, and that someone must pay! But when Belfry goes missing, and the danger takes on a paranormal edge, I find I have more to lose than ever before. . .

This cozy mystery has a complete cast of oddball characters from witches to ghosts and bats to psychics. Witchless In Seattle Mysteries is a spin-off of Dakota Cassidy’s bestselling paranormal romance series, A Paris, Texas Romance.

REVIEW:
Awe…. another grand adventure for Stevie, amateur sleuth and royal pain it the Eb Falls Police forces backside, Cartwright and crew. But this time around someone is trying to ruin Stevie’s perfect christmas. How could someone do such a thing? Well…. Stevie has a few people that are not quite her fans. But still dead bodies, Easter decorations, Mardi Gras bead and bikini clad carolers….. Someone is pulling out all the stops. But who and why. And where the heck is Belfry??
Another good story from Ms. Cassidy. I am loving all the adventures that Stevie, Win and Belfry go on. With each story I keep hoping that we are closer to a resolution for the Adam Westfield issue, the new Fakebottom issue and the Stevie and Win on different plans issue. At the same time that I am hoping for these to be solved I also don’t want this series to come to an end. Can’t wait to see what is up next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dakota Cassidy 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 The Holiday Gift by RaeAnne Thayne

holiday-giftTITLE: The Holiday Gift
SERIES #: Cowboys Of Cold Creek #15
CHARACTERS: Faith & Chase
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With two kids and an active life, widow Faith Dustin only wants peace and quiet for Christmas. But her snowy Pine Gulch ranch is nothing but chaotic. All that keeps Faith going is her helpful neighbor, cowboy Chase Brannon. He’s always been “good ol’ Chase,” her faithful friend. Until he kisses her under the mistletoe…

Years ago Chase blew his chance with the woman he’s loved since childhood. Now he’s determined to step out of the friend zone…and into the role of husband. But the scared and stubborn Faith won’t let herself fall. With Christmas just days away, Chase will need all the magic of the season—and the help of her two matchmaking children—to unwrap a second chance at love.

REVIEW:
Thayne is becoming one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed her books and while I have not read this entire series I am slowly catching up. Thayne has a way of pulling the romance out of every character and the reader falls in love with this sweet and simple romance.

This is a story of second chances. Faith and Chase have known each other since they were teens. While they went off and had separate lives they now have a second chance. Faith is a widowed mom and just doesn’t think she can let her heart go again.

Give this book (or series) a chance. You will not regret it.

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 Christmas At Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

christmas-at-lilac-cottageTITLE: Christmas At Lilac Cottage
SERIES #: White Cliff Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Penny & Henry
AUTHOR: Holly Martin
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/20/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cozy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?

Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I think I read these stories out of order and while mostly that was not a problem I think it put me at a small disadvantage. However that being said the story is very sweet and certainly has the Christmas feel. I didn’t realize it was brit-lit which is not one of my favorites.

What I did enjoy was the humor of the story. The ice sculpting is just too funny in some scenes.

This is a great holiday book to curl under a warm blanket, by a fire with a warm beverage and it will put you into the Christmas spirit.

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

3hearts-68-77

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Kimberly reviews The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson

christmas-cake-cafeTITLE: The Christmas Cake Cafe
CHARACTERS: Jen & Jon
AUTHOR: Sue Watson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Heart-warming and hilarious, a story that will make you laugh, cry and bring a smile to your face. Get ready for another deliciously amazing Christmas treat from Sue Watson….

As the Prosecco chills and Bing Crosby croons, Jen Barker just knows that her long-term boyfriend is about to propose. But instead of a diamond ring nestled in her champagne flute, Jen finds cold flat rejection. Her once perfect life and dreams of a husband and family seem even further from reach.

A working holiday to the Swiss Alps with her younger sister Jody might not be the Christmas Jen had it mind, but it offers her the chance to recharge her batteries and recover from heartbreak.

When Jen meets handsome ski instructor Jon Zutter her hopes for a happy-ever-after seem within her grasp again. Jon is kind and gorgeous and as they bond over Sachetorte at the picturesque Cake Café, Jen thinks he might just be her perfect man. But a relationship with him comes with a catch – and there are some things even cake can’t fix.

As the snow falls and Christmas approaches, could this be the place that restores Jen Barker’s faith in love?

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts So the good part. I enjoyed this was an older couple. Jen is in her 40’s and it gave hope for us old folks’.

Not the not so good. I just didn’t feel it with the characters. The sisters are drastically different and Jen is a bit whiney to me. I also thought the romance was too quick and in a snap they were head of heels. Jen also spent a lot of time obsessing over her ex which seemed like a jerk to me so when she finds the new love it almost seemed desperate.

Now with that being said the story is an ok holiday romance.

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

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Kelly reviews Camp Alien by Gini Koch

camp-alienTITLE: Camp Alien
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Katt #13
CHARACTERS: Kitty
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The President and First Lady, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, don’t get any downtime once the Mastermind has been revealed to the world. Not only do they have myriad high-level government positions to fill, but the scrutiny and pressure on this Administration has gone into overdrive.

The sudden reappearance of a long-forgotten adversary turns out to be the tip of the iceberg. New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq. It’s clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place – and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company.

Kidnappings, rescues, creepy hideouts, a hidden black site, and a domestic dispute that could end Jeff and Kitty’s marriage are nothing compared to find not one but two hidden labs where dangerous and deadly things are brewing.

But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, things are no better. Mossad rightly suspects something’s wrong with both their Prime Minister and the President of Iraq. A hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don’t make it, Earth won’t make it, either.

But no pressure.

REVIEW:
As always Ms. Koch does an excellent job of bring us a fun and wild story. I would tell you that if you have not started this series you really need to start from book 1. There is so much that happens over the course of each book that if you pick up book #13 you would more than likely be lost. Even with the recaps. I still at times forget things that happened in the past. That being said this is a wonderful series with a kicka$$ main character that shows us anything is possible. And while I love Kitty, Christopher will always be my favorite!!!! EVER!!!!! But enough about my love for Christopher.
Camp Alien was a lot of fun to read. So much going on. At times I wish I had an cliffs notes to help me remember everyone and everything that happens. Kitty is up to all things Kitty in this story and keeps us on our toes with her wit and perfect timing for songs! I can’t wait to see what is next for Kitty, Jeff, the whole crew and the world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group DAW 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 The Dollmaker by Mary Burton

dollmakerTITLE: The Dollmaker
SERIES #: The Forgotten Files #2
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Dakota
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/15/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.
Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own…
She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have recently discovered Mary Burton and have easily fallen for her way of writing. I find her books keep me interested and on the edge of my seat. This story falls more under the romantic suspense genre than just suspense.

The Dollmaker (the character not the title) is just creepy. He hunts down women to make them into his own dolls and then well let’s just say it gets worse from there. He is one sick character. Tessa and Dakota are married but separated. However like any romantic suspense there will be a HEA. But getting there is a great read.

If you like dark suspense with a bit of light romance you will really enjoy this story. Mary Burton may be coming one of my favorite suspense authors.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts