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Kimberly reviews Girls Of Brackenhill by Kate Moretti
TITLE: Girls Of Brackenhill
CHARACTERS: Hannah
AUTHOR: Kate Moretti
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Author of The Vanishing Year, The Blackbird Season and In Her Bones Kate Moretti’s THE GIRLS OF BRACKENHILL. A newly engaged woman is summoned to her aunt’s storybook mansion in the Catskill mountains – her beloved aunt has been killed in a tragic car accident and her uncle is gravely ill and at the end of his life, to the scene of her sister’s mysterious and traumatic disappearance sixteen years earlier. She discovers that some family secrets will not stay buried and sometimes old ghosts haunt forever.
REVIEW:
Another typical story. One sister dies at a young age, years later as an adult another sister wants answers and in the process digs up family secrets.
The story was fine even though a bit worn out. I really didn’t like Hannah, I found her really whiny even in the now sections of the book. Yeah at 15 maybe but not at 30ish. No matter how much I tried I couldn’t find a way to like Hannah.
I liked the suspense part well enough but the rest just didn’t sit well with me.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Happy Halloween from Books-n-Kisses!!!
Kimberly reviews You Betrayed Me by Lisa Jackson
TITLE: You Betrayed Me
SERIES #: The Cahills #3
CHARACTERS: James & Megan
AUTHOR: Lisa Jackson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a twisting, unpredictable new novel of suspense by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson, an heir to the Cahill fortune discovers just how dangerous, and duplicitous, family can be . . .
The Cahills of San Francisco are famous for two things: their vast wealth, and the scandals that surround them. Murder, greed, deadly ambition . . . some people will do anything to get, and keep, the Cahills’ kind of money. Not that James Cahill wants any of it. He’s tried to make his own way, less interested in a future inheritance than in his construction company–and in enjoying the many women taken in by the easy charms of a handsome, soon-to-be-rich bad boy.
Perhaps there’ve been too many women. Waking up in a small hospital in Washington State, bandaged and bruised, James barely recognizes the gorgeous blonde who comes to visit. Through the haze of pain and medication, he recalls that she is Sophia, the woman he’s been cheating with. Gradually memories return–his girlfriend, Megan, had found out about Sophia. Now Megan is missing, her sister, Rebecca, is hounding him–and police and reporters are asking questions too. James insists he has no idea what happened. Yet he can’t escape a feeling of dread . . .
Meanwhile, in a locked room, a woman waits, trapped, petrified, and desperate. She thought she knew who to trust. But the betrayal you can’t imagine–or can’t remember–may be the most terrifying weapon of all . . .
REVIEW:
This felt like it should have been turned into a soap opera like Dallas or Dynasty… Maybe more like another 80’s soap opera like Knots Landing. Ok enough about my tv history.
I thought the writing was good but I never seemed to care about these rich spoiled characters and even after James suffers the trauma and has amnesia I still didn’t care about how much he was dealing with.
The suspense was well written but for some reason even after having read some of Jackson’s books I just couldn’t get into.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews The Runaway by Lisa Childs
TITLE: The Runaway
SERIES #: Bane Island #1
CHARACTERS: Rosemary & Genevieve
AUTHOR: Lisa Childs
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’m in trouble. Come get me.
On a remote island off the coast of Maine lies a secluded estate. There, behind wrought iron gates and rock walls, sits Halcyon Hall. Today, it is an exclusive spa catering to wealthy elites and pampered celebrities. But once, it had another name–and a terrifying reputation . . .
Rosemary Tulle has come to Halcyon Hall desperate to find her younger sister. Seventeen-year-old Genevieve left a brief, troubling message on Rosemary’s phone, begging to be picked up. But Rosemary is not on the visitor list, and no one will let her in . . .
Halcyon Hall was once Bainesworth Manor, an asylum for the insane. Such places often draw whispers about gruesome treatments and tortured inmates. In the case of Bainesworth, the reality may have been far worse. Now, staff insist that Genevieve ran away, but Rosemary’s instincts say otherwise. Rosemary and Genevieve share an unsual bond, and she knows Genevieve wouldn’t have just left. Compelled to turn for help to a man she hoped never to see again, judge Whit Lawrence, she tries to learn the truth about Genevieve. But it will mean uncovering secrets about Bainsworth Manor, and about Rosemary’s own dark past–secrets with the power to kill . . .
REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts I had a hard time with this book. The dark storyline was more than I wanted to read. I mean the synopsis had me thinking this would be a suspense thriller but it was very dark with violence and rape.
I think the writing itself was fine but the characters were hard to connect to and again the dark storyline made me have to force myself to read it.
I really think the writer could have done so much more to this story and made it a winner, the potential was there it just didn’t come through in this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Very Merry Match by Melinda Curtis
TITLE: A Very Merry Match
SERIES #: Sunshine Valley #2
CHARACTERS: Mary Margaret Kevin
AUTHOR: Melinda Curtis
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Melinda Curtis brings the spice for the holidays with this small-town romance featuring a woman who must maintain a secret identity and the man who begins falling for her.
This holiday season, kindergarten teacher Mary Margaret Sneed never imagined she’d be unwrapping…herself. But a burlesque side gig is the young widow’s only hope of paying off her late husband’s substantial debt. With her reputation and career on the line, she performs in disguise, under the stage name Foxy Roxy. But her secret identity is threatened when Roxy’s biggest fan turns out to be Mary Margaret’s biggest crush — the handsome-as-sin mayor of Preston!
Newly divorced single dad Kevin Hadley is prepping to make the jump from mayor to state assemblyman. He knows he should be settling down with someone quiet and practical, someone like Mary Margaret Sneed. The last thing Kevin needs right now is a steamy scandal. But he just can’t stop thinking about Foxy Roxy…and if Preston’s matchmaking Widows Club has their way this Christmas, Kevin won’t have to…
Includes a bonus novella by Hope Ramsay!
REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts Ok so this was not really for me. First there was not a lot of Christmas/Holiday so it didn’t set me into the spirit of the holidays. And honestly, I never really liked the characters. I mean seriously, how did Kevin not know Mary Margaret and Roxy were the same person? And how could MM/Roxy be willing to date a guy she knows is two-timing (yes both with her but still HE doesn’t know that).
This was just not for me!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
TITLE: Crazy Stupid Bromance
SERIES #: Bromance Book Club #3
CHARACTERS: Alexis & Noah
AUTHOR: Lyssa Kay Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance.
Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.
Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.
Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Alexis has become a voice in the #metoo movement and now has brought other women together to join safe places. When a woman comes up to say “their” father is dying and needs a kidney. She didn’t know about him or her siblings. Noah has been smitten with Alexis for years but is in the friendzone but now he is willing to try…. Talk about crazy timing!
But the guys in the bromance book club are there for Noah to help him out.
I thought this was a cute book. The guys in the book are funny. Some people in the book were a bit irritating but mostly the characters were fun to read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews Looking For A Cowboy by Donna Grant
TITLE: Looking For A Cowboy
SERIES #: Heart Of Texas #5
CHARACTERS: Cooper & Marlee
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A cowboy finds love in the most unlikely place in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant’s newest Heart of Texas novel, Looking for a Cowboy
A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. . .
P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered―and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister…and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth―and keep her safe in his arms.
REVIEW:
This is the 5th in the series but the first I have read. While it is a stand alone I did feel like there were other background characters that I should have known from previous stories but it did not take away from the story of Marlee and Cooper.
Marlee always seems to see the bad side of life and now she is in Texas investigating when Cooper walks into her life. He knows right off that Marlee is the one for him so he will do what he needs to so that Marlee becomes his.
I really enjoyed the story of these two but I am sure I am missing a bit from the previous books. But I think it would be a good series to catch up on especially since the way the story ended left a few unanswered questions.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly reviews I Loved You First: Anthology by Suzanne Enoch, Molly Harper & Karen Hawkins
TITLE: I Loved You First: Anthology
AUTHORS: Suzanne Enoch, Molly Harper & Karen Hawkins
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 19 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: August 25, 2020
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Escape with three warm-hearted romantic comedy novellas about women’s second chance at first love from beloved romance authors, Suzanne Enoch, Molly Harper, and Karen Hawkins.
Take Two by Suzanne Enoch
Eleanor Ross has it all: fame, fortune—and Brian MacCafferty, the perfect combo of bodyguard and assistant who makes every day a breeze. MacCafferty anticipates her needs, puts out her fires, and—once upon a time—nearly put a ring on her finger.
And when a scandal erupts that could ruin El, it’s Brian who rushes to the rescue and joins her in hiding. Will El discover there’s no hiding from true love? And is she finally ready to take a second chance for her own, real life Happily Ever After?
Pasties and Poor Decisions by Molly Harper
Anastasia Villiers has hit rock bottom. And that rock is named Espoir Island.
Abandoned by her disgraced investment banker husband who liquidated all of their assets and fled the country, Anastasia is left with nothing—except for Fishscale House, a broken-down Queen Anne in the Michigan hometown she swore she’d left for good.
If Ana quickly renovates and flips the dilapidated building, she can get back to Manhattan and salvage her life. The problem? The only person on the island with historical renovation cred is Ned Fitzroy—Ana’s first love—who insists she help him with the labor herself. As Ana gets reacquainted with Ned, and her hometown, she realizes home may be just what she’s always wanted.
The Last Chance Motel by Karen Hawkins
Every big romance deserves a second chance. But Evan and Jessica Cho Graham are looking at the last chance: more specifically, The Last Chance Motel in Dove Pond, NC where Jessica has escaped to start a happily independent life, separate from her smart, sexy, but driven husband.
Evan has been wildly successful in every endeavor, except keeping the heart of the one woman he loves more than anything. If he’s going to repair this mess, he’s going to need all the help he can get—even if it’s from the crankiest handyman in B&B history—to turn his second chance with Jess into a perfect storybook happy ending.
REVIEW:
All three of these stories were great! Each was a second chance/redemption romance. So if you like those kinds of stories then you need to pick up a copy of I Loved You First!!
Take Two by Suzanne Enoch: This was a super sweet story. Eleanor Ross and Brian MacCafferty are both fun characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. I do truly enjoy the lengths that Brian has to go through to get what he ultimately wants 🙂
Pasties and Poor Decisions by Molly Harper: Once again Molly writes a story that makes me want more. I loved Ana & Neds story. I do truly hope that we will get a future peek at these two.
The Last Chance Motel by Karen Hawkins: Awe Jessica and Evan. It was fun to see how much Evan was willing to do to get back the love of his life. I really liked the twist in this story.
As always Amanda Ronconi does a phenomenal job narrating these stories!!
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Kimberly reviews One Left Alive by Helen Phifer
TITLE: One Left Alive
SERIES #: Detective Morgan Brookes #1
CHARACTERS: Morgan Brookes
AUTHOR: Helen Phifer
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She knelt down by the side of the first girl. She had to force herself to breathe as she lifted the soft white cloth covering the girl’s beautiful face…
When the body of a woman is found hanging from a tree in her front garden, rookie Detective Morgan Brookes is first on the scene. But Olivia Potter is past saving. And when her husband and daughters cannot be traced, Morgan knows there is more to this tragedy. And then she finds them. Lying huddled together in the dark basement, each of their faces covered with a small cotton cloth, their bodies cold to the touch.
But as Morgan kneels beside the family, she realises that one of the girls is still breathing. As she holds Bronte’s fragile hand in hers, begging her to hold on, she vows to find out who has done this.
Every day Morgan wakes at 4:25 AM, her old insomnia now mixed with a new fixation on the case. But every clue about the murdered family leads to a dead end. Until, trawling through old files, she discovers a link to a cold case from years ago. Another family was murdered in this house, and the killer was never caught.
When Morgan returns to the scene of the crime to discover more about this forgotten case, she finds another body. With Bronte still unconscious in hospital, Morgan must act fast to solve this case and lay two families to rest, before the killer returns for the girl left alive…
REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a new series from an author I have not read before so I thought I would try it. And I really enjoyed it.
A woman’s body is hanging from a tree and her family has been brutally murdered except one daughter miraculously left alive. And then another body is found. What is going on?
I found the suspense of this book really well written. I was trying to figure it out and kept thinking about it even when I would put the book down for a bit.
I would change a couple of things. One, I think the couple (Morgan and Ben) is being a bit rushed. And speaking of rushed the ending felt a bit rushed too. I would like a little bit of time before the two come together. Yes, we know they will but let it build. And the ending needed some time as well. I was happy with the ending but it seemed once we knew what happened it was “let’s wrap this up”.
There are a couple of things I would change but all in all this is a really good read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Little Country Christmas
TITLE: A Little Country Christmas
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Carolyn Brown, Rochelle Alers, AJ Pine, Hope Ramsay
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From matchmaking carolers to a festive lights competition, four bestselling authors explore the magic of the holidays in these heartwarming small towns.
The Perfect Christmas by Carolyn Brown
Rugged cowboy Landon Griffin can’t help being smitten by single mom Dixie Boudreaux and her baby girl. To help win their hearts, he wants to give them both the perfect holiday at Longhorn Ranch — baking cookies, trimming the tree, building snowmen, and the whole works. But when nothing seems to go right, he might need a Christmas miracle to help him out of the mess.
Joy to the World by Hope Ramsay
Retired music teacher Brenda McMillan has lost her holiday spirit, but reluctantly agrees to fill in for the director of the Magnolia Harbor Christmas Chorale — even though Dr. James Killough, the town’s biggest Christmas enthusiast, is the group’s accompanist. Will he have enough Christmas magic to mend her broken heart?
Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers
Pastry chef Iris Nelson is looking forward to spending Christmas on Cavanaugh Island with her best friend’s family. But she wasn’t expecting to celebrate with their very handsome visitor on leave from Afghanistan. Is their attraction just the glow of the season or a gift to enjoy forever?
Cowboy Christmas at Heart by A.J. Pine
For Deputy Sheriff Daniela Garcia, no hometown tradition makes her happier than the Meadow Valley Holiday Light Parade. This year she’s planning for the sheriff’s office to have the most dazzling lights. But when the new mayor — and certified grinch — threatens to cancel the event, Dani will have to show him the true meaning of Christmas.
REVIEW:
I was going to review these separately but they all fell under the same number of hearts so I figured I would combine them.
These are sweet holiday romances that perfectly put you in a holiday mood. Since they are short novellas they are great for a quick read.
I picked this up because of the novella by Hope Ramsay but enjoyed all four of the stories equally.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberly reviews The Wife by Shalini Boland
TITLE: The Wife
CHARACTERS: Zoe & Toby
AUTHOR: Shalini Boland
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/09/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Zoe fainted on her wedding day, and she never knew why. She’s always felt sure something bad happened. Ten years later, she’s going to find out what…
It was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. Zoe was sitting in her hotel room, in her perfect white dress, looking forward to the moment when she would make kind, handsome Toby her husband.
Then, there was a blank.
They said she must have fainted, overcome with emotion. But nothing felt quite right afterward. Did something happen in that missing time?
Now, Toby and Zoe have two beautiful children and a perfect life. They’re planning their ten-year anniversary party for their family and friends. The invitations have been sent, the food ordered. They’re going back to the grand hotel where they got married.
But as the anniversary gets closer, it becomes clear not everyone is looking forward to celebrating. She catches Toby lying about where he’s been. One of her best friends seems to be ignoring her. And someone is spreading stories that might stop the party from happening at all.
Zoe is increasingly sure that she doesn’t have the full story. But does she want to know the truth, if it will destroy everything?
From the million-copy bestselling author, this totally gripping psychological thriller will have you hooked from the first page to the last jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a new to me author that I was unsure about and while I enjoyed the story for the most part the main character, Zoe, drove me nuts. She was just so simple. Nice enough and all but so naive that I could picture her as a doormat.
There is a lot of suspense like why she fainted on her wedding day 10 years ago and why has her husband’s family started ignoring her and what he is up to.
This is a very fast read. There are a number of great parts about it and some not so great parts about it. I just never connected to Zoe and her naivete.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.