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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 Cry For Mercy by Karen Long

TITLE: Cry For Mercy
SERIES #: DI Eleanor Raven #1
CHARACTERS: Eleanor Raven
AUTHOR: Karen Long
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/16/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eleanor closed her eyes tightly against the image in front of her. Another innocent life taken, another family left grieving.

Detective Inspector Eleanor Raven arrives at the derelict power station briefed on the murder scene inside. A beautiful young woman has been found, her body posed and a cherry-red lipstick painted across her mouth. But when she catches sight of the engagement ring crusted with blood on her delicate finger, Eleanor pushes back on the grief it provokes. Lydia Greystein had so much to live for. The only way Eleanor can help now is to find the killer responsible, and she and her team immediately set to work.

And when another woman is found, bound in the same ritualistic stance and wearing the same bright red lipstick, Eleanor’s case becomes more twisted and urgent than ever. But struggling to unpick the killer’s motivations, the team is at a loss until Eleanor finds a link between the victims and a cold case, an unsolved death with a connection to her own personal life. To follow the clues now risks bringing her secrets into the open.

But as Eleanor begins to understand the killer, he starts to understand her too.

Eleanor must solve this case before more women are taken. Could the secrets she keeps from those closest to her be the final clue in this case… or will they ultimately cost Eleanor her life?

A fast-paced, tense and completely gripping mystery thriller that will keep you hooked until the final page. Karen Long will be the newest favourite crime author for fans of Lisa Regan, Angela Marsons and Robert Dugoni.

Cry for Mercy was previously published as The Safe Word.

REVIEW:
I am on the fence with this one. I enjoyed the story but wasn’t thrilled with the writing. I found the suspense part a worthy read. I wanted to know what was going on and wanted the conclusion.

However, the writing was lacking. I never liked any of the characters. I mean some of them I down right disliked. The chapters were a bit confusing with all the jumping around. And I would suggest a different proofreader.

But again I liked the suspense part of it. A few times I changed my mind about the “who-dun-it” and was surprised when I found out who the killer was. Which is always good that the author can catch me off guard.

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

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Kimberly reviews Whispering Hearts by V.C. Andrews

TITLE: Whispering Hearts
SERIES #: House Of Secrets #3
CHARACTERS: Emma Corey
AUTHOR: V.C. Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A desperate young woman’s bargain with a wealthy couple is not what it seems. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and literary phenomenon V.C. Andrews—whose books are now major Lifetime TV movies (Flowers in the Attic, Heaven, Ruby)—comes a gothic tale of big city dreams gone wrong.

The English countryside is beautiful, but for Emma Corey it cannot compare with the bright lights of New York City. Tired of performing only in pubs and at church, she announces she’s moving to America—and her conservative father disowns her on the spot.

Distraught but undeterred, Emma will become a Broadway star—or die trying. Leaving the comforts of her youth is a thrilling adventure. The largeness of the city, her new friends, the boundless opportunities make everything shine with promise. However, New York has a way of chipping away at a newcomer’s resolve. First a robbery. Then a low-wage job. Then the realization that such a city attracts the young and the talented—competitors all.

Just when it seems like Emma might have to admit defeat and return to the UK, she is introduced to a peculiar couple: a wife that cannot bear children of her own, and a husband who would pay Emma to solve that problem.

Emma’s father once told her, “Money is life.” But when Emma trades one for the other and moves into the couple’s remote estate to participate in an elaborate ruse, there’s no telling what kind of life she’ll have once she’s taken the money.

REVIEW:
2.75 Heart I really need to stop reading “V.C. Andrews” books. When she passed away we lost the real author and no one can duplicate her so why I continue to try I have no idea.

This is the third in the series and to be honest I did not read the first two and felt like I stepped into the middle of a story even though I think they are supposed to be a stand alone they are not (in my opinion). The story was well sorry to say it was boring for more than a third to half of the book. I never connected with the characters at all.

I guess I could say this is my error for even requesting it knowing that the great V.C. Andrews is not who is writing these stories.

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

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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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Holding Out For Christmas by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Holding Out For Christmas
CHARACTERS: Conner & Megan
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Janet Dailey combines the beloved holiday traditions of small-town Branding Iron, Texas, with sparkling romance . . .

She’s all he wants for Christmas. Maybe even forever . . .

Conner Branch still hasn’t stopped thinking about the sultry singer he spotted on stage during last year’s Cowboy Christmas Ball. So imagine his surprise when he discovers the demure kindergarten teacher who comes home for the holidays to Branding Iron, Texas, is the very same woman. And once he’s up close and personal with the mesmerizing Megan, he’s downright determined to keep her by his side for good . . .

If only Conner Branch were simply the star struck cowboy she once believed him to be, Megan wouldn’t have to worry about losing everything to the rugged–and wildly romantic–rancher. With Christmas in the air, it’s a little too easy to imagine spending the holidays, not to mention her whole life, wrapped in Conner’s loving arms. But this songstress has hopes for a big career back in Nashville. And no little holiday romance will ever get in the way of that. So what’s a woman to do when she finds herself facing down a love as bold and exciting as Texas itself?

REVIEW:
Ok so the bad first… Where are the puppies from the cover? Ok I got that off my chest….

Janet Dailey is one of the best for romance but when you add the Christmas/Holiday season she becomes a Queen.

In this story we meet Conner and Megan. Last year Conner saw a woman sing and knew she was supposed to be his. So he is off to find her. But when he finds Megan is a “humble” school teacher and not the sultry singer he has to think about it.

But I liked that Conner liked both sides of Megan. He wanted all of her, not just the sultry singer he saw last year.

This is another great holiday story by Dailey. Dailey has a way of writing that draws you into the story from the first page. Grab a hot cocoa, a comfy blanket and enjoy because the season has begun.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The 10 Greatest Conspiracies Of All Time by Brad Meltzer & Keith Ferrell

TITLE: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies Of All Time
CHARACTERS: Various
AUTHOR: Brad Meltzer & Keith Ferrell
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Master storyteller Brad Meltzer counts down and decodes the world’s top 10 most intriguing conspiracies stories.

Wanted: the truth. In a riveting collection, Brad Meltzer guides us through the 10 greatest conspiracies of all time, from Leonardo da Vinci’s stolen prophecy to the Kennedy assassination. This richly illustrated book serves up those fascinating, unexplained questions that nag at history buffs and conspiracy lovers: Why was Hitler so intent on capturing the Roman “Spear of Destiny?” Where did all the Confederacy’s gold go? What is the government hiding in Area 51? And did Lee Harvey Oswald really act alone?

Meltzer sifts through the evidence, weighs competing theories, separates what we know to be true and what’s still––and perhaps forever––unproved or unprovable, and in the end, decodes the mystery and arrives at the most likely explanation.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I am a big fan of Brad Meltzer. I enjoy the way he writes and puts whatever he is saying into terms we can understand. And never do I feel that he doesn’t believe what he is saying. In this one he is talking about the conspiracies of 10 times in history including Kennedy, Area 51 and more.

In this set of stories he is letting us know what others say may have happened and what he believes himself. But never once does he say “This is the truth” he says what he believes and what the conspiracies are.

I love the history the way Meltzer explains it and I enjoyed this book very much.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Leopard’s Rage by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Leopard’s Rage
SERIES #: Leopard People #12
CHARACTERS: Sevastyan & Flambe
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/10/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It will take more than desire to tame the animal within in this Leopard novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Leopard shifter Sevastyan Amurov has an anger inside of him that burns so hot it’s almost impossible to control. His barely leashed rage relentlessly threatens to break free, until he meets a woman who soothes his restless soul.

Sevastyan wants Flambe Carver with every breath. He’s determined that the fiery-haired woman will want to be his completely. But his would-be mate comes with strings attached—a relentless stalker who intends to claim her for his own.

They barely know each other, but with a very real threat looming just out of reach, Sevastyan takes Flambe under his protection. And as their connection grows, the embers of desire sparking between them soon burst into an inferno that will consume them both.

REVIEW:
This is one of the most erotic stories I have read from Feehan I believe but it is very well written. Sevastyan needs to keep his anger at bay and going to erotica clubs helps that. Flambe is wanted by many but something about Sevastyan’s leopard and Flambe’s leopard connects and that is it. Flambe spends her time helping female leopards out of abusive relationships so how will she deal with the way Sevastyan deals. And then add a stalker to the mix and you have another great story from Feehan.

Feehan always writes strong independent females and diamond in the rough, alpha males and this is no different. I liked that Flambe was willing to try to understand what Sevastyan wants and needs.

Feehan has a way of writing that brings you right in and leaves you wanting more. Feehan is simply one of the queens of paranormal shifter romance.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Buried Deep by Susan Wilkins

TITLE: Buried Deep
SERIES #: Detective Megan Thomas #1
CHARACTERS: Megan Thomas
AUTHOR: Susan Wilkins
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/06/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Megan has to climb round and step across the body to get a proper view. What’s left is like a chalk white mask in the rough shape of a face. The innocence is still there, and a hint of the cheekiness. But perhaps she is imagining that.

Detective Megan Thomas moved to Devon for a fresh start, after years spent undercover. She’s staying with her sister and swimming in the sea daily, battling the tides and letting the waves wash her past away. But she can’t outrun everything.

On her first day back, she’s called to a murder. The body lies deep in an underground bunker, and when Megan forces herself to look, it triggers a panic attack. As her heart races and her breathing stalls, she realises she’s not sure if she can go back to life in a regular crime unit. Her memories are too powerful to be buried – maybe too powerful to let her do her job.

But when another body is found on the stretch of beach where she swims every day, Megan remembers why she joined the force, and what she’s fighting for. The victim came to the police for help, and Megan knows they failed her. She won’t rest until she gets answers. But how can she find justice for others, when she’s no longer sure of herself?

A completely gripping new series from bestselling author Susan Wilkins, introducing the tough and determined Detective Megan Thomas. For fans of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross and Mari Hannah, this will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. With it being a first in a new series I expected a lot of getting to know the characters but I was totally wrong. We dive right in to Detective Megan Thomas and learn of her history as the story progresses. She was undercover but moved to Devon and is now a detective. Feeling like it is a step down but her first day doesn’t go slowly.

She is set on to two cases, which I loved since usually books and tv shows act like officers only work one thing at a time, one of murder and one of rape of a teenager. And with her PTSD it is a heck of a 1st week.

I really enjoyed each of the characters in this story. The reader knows exactly who each of them is and didn’t need chapter after chapter of how they got to this place in life. And I liked that I couldn’t figure everything out.

I can’t wait for the next in the series. And more interesting characters.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine

TITLE: The Christmas Killer
SERIES #: DI James Walker #1
CHARACTERS: DI James Walker
AUTHOR: Alex Pine
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the snow begins to fall, the body count begins to climb…

DI James Walker is ready for a quiet family Christmas in the sleepy village of Kirkby Abbey.

But when he opens an early Christmas present left on his doorstep, he soon realises it is no gift. Inside is a gruesome surprise, and a promise – twelve days, twelve murders. Not long after, the first body is found, half frozen in the snow.

As the blizzards descend, panic spreads through the remote Cumbrian village – there’s a killer amongst them, and with eleven more victims to go, anyone could be next….

Can James stop the killer before they strike again?

The first in a new series, Alex Pine has written a dark, atmospheric crime novel, set in a snowed-in Cumbrian village, for fans of Val McDermid, Ross Greenwood and LJ Ross.

REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts This book just dragged and dragged for me. There was so much alliteration that the paragraphs seemed to last forever. And it took a quarter of the book for the murder to even happen.

I just couldn’t get into this book. I ended up skipping a lot of the time, skipping over paragraphs going to dialogue to understand what was going on but could miss so many extra words.

I think a fan of suspense would be disappointed in a story like this but that is just my opinion.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas On Reindeer Road by Debbie Mason

TITLE: Christmas On Reindeer Road
SERIES #: Highland Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Mallory & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Debbie Mason
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Debbie Macomber will love this USA Today bestselling author’s latest holiday romance about two single parents whose holiday wishes come true in the small town of Highland Falls.

Can the magic of mistletoe bring together two busy single parents?
Mallory Maitland knows all too well what it’s like to feel abandoned, which is why she’s sworn never to give up on her two stepsons – her late husband’s children. But when the teens land in hot water, she’s got a whole new problem: how to resist the caring and incredibly hot Chief of Police Gabriel Buchanan. All Mallory wants is to give the boys a magical holiday. She doesn’t need the distraction of wondering what it would be like to kiss Gabriel under the mistletoe.

After his wife died, Gabriel left his job as an adrenaline-chasing New York City homicide detective to focus on raising his three sons. But back in Highland Falls, he doesn’t have to go looking for trouble. It finds him – in the form of a beautiful neighbor and her troublemaking stepchildren. With Gabriel’s mother-in-law looking for any excuse to gain custody of his sons, Gabriel can’t risk getting involved with Mallory, even though she’s the only woman capable of making this Christmas – and all the rest to come – his best ever.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts What a sweet story. This is a complicated family drama set in a small town ready for Christmas.

Mallory has a lot in her past like the death of her mom, foster care, married an older man, and more. But now she is responsible for her two step-sons and decides to move them to her hometown but they are not happy with it.

Gabriel is a single dad of three boys, twins and a younger boy who wants Santa to bring him a mom.

This is a great romance to get you into the Christmas/Holiday spirit. Teddy is too adorable for words and makes me long for my teenager to be a little one again and see Christmas through his eyes.

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

4 Hearts