Posts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Shadows Of Foxworth by V.C. Andrews

TITLE: The Shadows Of Foxworth
SERIES #: Dollanganger #11
CHARACTERS: Corrine & Garland Foxworth
AUTHOR: V.C. Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/30/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Continuing the events from Beneath the Attic and Out of the Attic, the prequel trilogy to the Dollanganger series comes to a riveting end with The Shadows of Foxworth, a passionate novel about Corrine Foxworth’s intense desire to flee her overbearing life trapped in the Foxworth estate.

Two generations before Corinne Foxworth locked her children in an attic, the life of her grandmother, a gorgeous young girl named Corrine Dixon changed forever. At age sixteen, she discovered she was pregnant by the wealthy and handsome Garland Foxworth. Now, trapped in the labyrinthine Foxworth estate, young Corrine is overwhelmed with her stifled life and domineering husband. When an artist is hired to paint her portrait, she immediately falls in love and is convinced to abandon this dark world forever, unaware that her decision could have far-reaching consequences that linger for generations…

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts I read Flowers In The Attic decades ago. We all know that story. Besides the fact it was THE book of the time, they made movies and everyone discussed it. But over 3 decades ago V.C. Andrews actually passed away. But they brought in ghost writers and continued the stories and even went back and told the stories BEFORE the original book. Problem is the writing is just not our V.C. Andrews. I put off reading anything that was not from the original author until this book came up on NetGalley, now I remember why.

The writing is terrible. It doesn’t flow the way the original books were. It is almost like “How many shocking things can we put into one book? Oh let’s add one more.” The original books felt like we were reading a documentary not smut. As if it had really happened. Like you can imagine the rich could do something so off the wall. This book? Nope!

Honestly, this is not worth the read if you are a fan of the original author.

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

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Whirlwind by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Whirlwind
SERIES #: The Champions #1
CHARACTERS: Shane & Lexie
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
At the Alamo Canyon Ranch, set amid the desert foothills of Southern Arizona, the Champion women carry on the family legacy of breeding bucking bulls for the rodeo. In a world where bloodline is everything, love is the only risk worth taking . . .

Everyone’s talking about Whirlwind at this year’s Professional Bull Rider’s Competition. But the promising young bull is the last thing on Shane Tully’s mind once he lays eyes on the lady responsible for bringing Whirlwind to the arena. Beautiful, smart, and sexy as hell, Lexie Champion has this rodeo man hungry for more than the thrill of his next competition. But the daughter of bull rancher Bert Champion wants nothing to do with a daredevil, despite the powerful attraction between them . . .

After losing her beloved brother to a bull riding accident, Lexie is no stranger to the dangers of rodeo life. Which is why resisting Shane’s rugged allure should have been easy. But nothing is simple about her reaction to the handsome cowboy, from their first kiss, to the terrifying moment Lexie watches Shane go down in the ring. Faced with a devastating decision, will Lexie make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of love?

REVIEW:
This is a new series from Janet Dailey. Dailey was one of the best in women’s lit. The interesting thing is Dailey passed in 2013 but she did what she loved and wrote. Thankfully her family continues to share all the works she wrote before her passing.

I kept thinking as I read this book that somehow she wrote a (clean) version of Yellowstone before the tv show was released. There are cowboys, romance, drama, rodeo and mostly family.

Somehow Dailey catches you from the first moment and never lets go. I have been a fan for decades and I will keep reading her books until the family says there are no more. And even after as I reread her stories.

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kelly reviews The Silence by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: The Silence
SERIES #: Columbia River #2
CHARACTERS: Mason Callahan & Ave McLane
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: August 25, 2020
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A dead conspiracy theorist. A mass murderer. Two cases collide for Callahan and McLane in a pulse-pounding thriller by Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author Kendra Elliot.
A man is savagely murdered outside Portland, and Detective Mason Callahan finds blood-spatter evidence that tells a troubling story. Files reveal the murder victim, Reuben Braswell, was a radical conspiracist. In his home, investigators find pages of diatribes against law enforcement as well as ties to Mason’s fiancée, FBI special agent Ava McLane. The victim was her informant—and had strong reasons to be paranoid.
To Ava, Braswell’s rants were those of a wearying and harmless man…until they collide with her investigation into the murders of police officers and finding the connection becomes urgent. Meanwhile, Braswell’s brother and Ava’s twin sister both disappear, and disturbing acts of sabotage target Ava’s personal life.
For Mason and Ava, the brutal crimes and escalating mysteries create a perfect storm for a terrorist conspiracy that becomes dangerously personal—one that has yet to claim its last victim.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Like all good suspense stories starts with a murder and a who done it.
But The Silence adds in so many twists, turns and surprises that I was on the edge of my seat wondering if I was on the right path and like always Ms. Elliot surprises me!!! I love when a suspense book keeps me guessing!!
Another excellent book from Ms. Elliot. It was great to see how Mason and Ava were doing. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
If you are looking for a great suspense series I would highly suggest picking up one of Kendra’s books!!

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Don’t Hex And Drive by Juliette Cross

TITLE: Don’t Hex And Drive
SERIES #: Stay A Spell #2
CHARACTERS: Isadora & Devraj
AUTHOR: Juliette Cross
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls. Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late.

Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn—a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows—has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in—literally—with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans. Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case.

Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

REVIEW:
Too funny! This is the second in the series and I did not read book one but that is ok. It most certainly can be a stand alone as this time it is about Isadora (I guess book one was about her sister) and Devraj.

Isadora is a healing witch, and she loves her plants and animals. People not so much. She is really just an introverted witch. Devraj is an old vampire who is asked to find out why there have been missing girls in the area and it’s being blamed on another vampire. But when the two meet and Isadora doesn’t fall for her vampy charm Devraj becomes obsessed with this shy witch.

An adorable paranormal romance. I just loved these characters.

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Dark Song by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Song
SERIES #: Dark #30
CHARACTERS: Elisabeta & Ferro
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The 30th book in the Dark / Carpathian series is about Ferro and Elisabeta.

Stolen from her home at a young age and tormented for centuries, Elisabeta Trigovise is scared to show herself to anyone. Even though she has been rescued and is now safe within the Carpathian compound, she has lived in fear for so long she has no idea how to survive without it. She wants to answer the siren call of her lifemate–but the very thought terrifies her.

Before he found Elisabeta, Ferro Arany was an ancient warrior without emotion. Now that his senses have come alive, he knows it will take more than kind words and soft touches to convince the fractured woman that they are partners, not master and prisoner. For now, he will give her his strength until she finds hers, allowing the steady rhythm of his heart to soothe Elisabeta’s fragile soul.

But even as she learns to stand on her own, the vampire who kept her captive is desperate to claim her again, threatening the song Elisabeta and Ferro are writing together.

REVIEW:
This is the 30th (30th!!!) in this series. But the amazing part? I can’t wait for even more. As one of the Queens of Paranormal, in my opinion, I can’t get enough of her stories. And this time we read Elisabeta and Ferro. Elisabeth has been a captive for so longer once she is no longer a prisoner she doesn’t know how to live. Ferro is willing to take it slow and teach her that love is not another prison.

Another incredible read from Feehan. No matter how many times I travel into a world of Feehan I can’t wait to visit again.

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

4 Hearts

https://amzn.to/3gycMB7

Posted on

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Snowball’s Christmas by Kristen McKanagh

TITLE: Snowball’s Christmas
CHARACTERS: Emily & Lukas
AUTHOR: Kristen McKanagh
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Snowball–an aptly named bundle of feline fluff–is thankful to be spending her first Christmas in the comfort of Weber Haus, the Victorian B&B run by Miss Tilly. Emily Diemer, who cooks for the guests, dotes on Snowball, but she’s not thrilled about another new arrival at the B&B: Miss Tilly’s nephew, Lukas. Which is odd, because Snowball’s animal instincts tell her that Lukas and Emily should definitely be friends.

Everything Emily needs is in this quaint community–including, she hopes, the chance to open her own bakery one day. She doesn’t think much of Lukas for leaving his aging aunt to struggle while he jets around the world taking photographs. But now that he’s here, helping to spruce up the property and getting mixed up in Snowball’s antics, she begins to soften a little. Until she learns what he has planned . . .

Lukas is going to sell Weber Haus so that Miss Tilly can retire. But Snowball is certain that this B&B, and these people, are supposed to be her forever home. Somehow she has to get these stubborn humans to see things through the wisdom of a cat’s eye and a kitten’s loyal, loving heart . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This was a quick read that had me read to start the holidays. I will admit it was the cover that dragged me in and then I read the synopsis and thought “Why not?” and I am glad I did. This is a sweet holiday romance set about by a kitten who’s animal instinct tells her Emily and Lukas are supposed to be together.

Having had kittens throughout my life I could imagine every scene of this little furball… I mean Snowball… as it happens.

The story is perfect to start off the season of holiday romances.

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews What Not To Wear To Graveyard by Debra Sennefelder

TITLE: What Not To Wear To Graveyard
SERIES #: Resale Boutique Mystery #3
CHARACTERS: Kelly Quinn & Constance Lane
AUTHOR: Debra Sennefelder
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After trading her Manhattan digs for her upstate hometown, fashionista Kelly Quinn has big plans for her grandmother’s consignment shop. But this All Hallow’s Eve someone is already dressed to kill . .

A socialite’s missing dog has made front page news in Lucky Cove—complete with a hefty reward. But between renovating the consignment shop, planning her costume for a 1970s themed Halloween party, and scouting a location for a fashion shoot, Kelly doesn’t have time to search. Yet a visit to the local colonial-era cemetery—ideal for the moody atmosphere she’s after—soon turns up the precious pooch. Kelly’s looking forward to collecting the check—until she makes a gruesome discovery in an abandoned farmhouse: The dog’s owner, stabbed through the heart.

Kelly can’t help wondering why Constance Lane was traipsing around the farmhouse in stilettos. But as Kelly gets decked out in a vintage disco caftan, that isn’t the only fashion misstatement spooking her. Hidden in the dead woman’s past is a secret that could be the motive for the murder. And as the Halloween party gets started, even a menacing clown and a threatening bearded lady can’t keep Kelly from trick or treating for the truth—even if it means her last dance . . .

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a quick read to a series I have not read, however, this can be read as a stand alone even though it was cute enough that I will go back and read the first two.

I thought this was a light hearted cute read. It is not a paranormal even if from the title you think it is. It is more of a who-dun-it. I enjoyed Kelly. She seems over her head at times but yet she prevails.

Enjoyable!

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Sunrise On Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Sunrise On Half Moon Bay
CHARACTERS: Adele & Justine
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/14/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the happiness we’re looking for has been there all along…

Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other.

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women.

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

Set in the stunning coastal town of Half Moon Bay, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s new novel examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I would have picked up this book no matter what because it is Robyn Carr and I love her work, but when I read Half Moon Bay and it was set in the coastal town not far from where I grew up I knew I had to read it. I can picture every scene Carr writes. And I loved it!

This is a story of Addie and Justine. Sisters who love each other but, as I tell my son, don’t necessarily like each other. But life is changing for both of them so now they need to turn to each other.

I have always loved the way Robyn Carr writes but something about this story was special to me. Maybe it was the location, or the fact that I just found out I have a half-sister but this story just really hit home.

I loved Addie and Justine and all they have and all they want to have. Another great story worth every hour Robyn Carr put into it.

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

4 Hearts

Posted on

Kelly reviews Alpha Night by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Alpha Night
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling Trinity #4
CHARACTERS: Ethan Night & Selenka Durev’
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 9, 2020
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her breathtaking Psy-Changeling Trinity series with a mating that shouldn’t exist…
Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.
Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.
Mating at first sight is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death…

REVIEW:
Oh man, Ethan Night tried hard to knock Judd Lauren (Caressed by Ice) out of my #1 place for favorite character. But never fear Judd you are still my favorite, but it was so close.
Alpha Night tells us the story of Russian Wolf Alpha Selenka Durev and Arrow Ethan Night. I loved Selenka and Ethan together (and for those who complain about instant love….. TOUGH!!!). Both Selenka and Ethan could have never imagined what the future would hold for them from just one meeting. From that one meeting they both learn to trust and rely on each other.
We also get a more insight to the ongoing threats that have been plaguing the world since the end of Silence.
This was a great story and I loved listening to this audiobook. Angela Dawe is amazing!! I am in total awe of her talent for being a narrator. Her ability for so many voices is just WOW!! If you are looking to try an audiobook this series is a perfect one to start on. Nalini writes epic stories and Angela brings those characters to life!! I am excited about the next installment 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.

Posted on

Kimberly reviews Legend Of The White Wolf by Terry Spear

TITLE: Legend Of The White Wolf
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #4
CHARACTERS: Cameron & Faith
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/31/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this fourth in Spear’s series, Private Eye Cameron MacPherson and Faith O’Mallery are both on quests that lead them into the world of magical wolves…
Cameron arrives in the Canadian Arctic to search for his partners in his P.I. business who are late returning from a hunting trip. Faith is there to discover what her father had seen in the same area years earlier that had made him lose touch with reality—man-wolves, he called them.
The two tumble into an icy world of enemies bent on destroying the lupus garou kind. As they turn into lupus garou themselves, and bond with the pack that only they can rescue from destruction, Cameron and Faith find their soul mates in each other.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts If I am not mistaken this is a re-release from 2010. Terry Spear has written a LOT of wolf shifter books since then. But I will say I enjoyed this because it was so long ago it had a bit of a change in writing while all of her current writings have the same feel.

I enjoyed the different take on the wolf-shifter that this book has and Cameron and Faith are a great couple.

I really liked the throw back to Spear’s earlier writings.

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


Posted on

Kimberly reviews The Lost Tomb by N. J. Croft

TITLE: The Lost Tomb
SERIES #: Lost #1
CHARACTERS: Noah Blakeley
AUTHOR: N.J. Croft
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/23/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“With Heaven’s aid I have conquered for you a huge empire. But my life was too short to achieve the conquest of the world. That task is left for you.” ~ Genghis Khan 1227

An archaeologist dies while searching for an 800 year-old secret hidden beneath the mountains of Mongolia.

A ruthless man is determined to fulfill a destiny foretold centuries ago. The world hovers on the brink of chaos…

When Major Noah Blakeley’s ex-wife is killed while on an archaeological expedition in Mongolia, he resigns as head of an elite anti-terrorist unit to make a home for his children. But when he receives an anonymous email that his wife’s death was no accident, swiftly followed by an attempt on his life, he has no choice but to find out why. With the help of Star, a space archaeologist, he must trace his wife’s final footsteps and beyond.

But nothing and no one are what they seem, and soon Noah is embroiled in an ancient feud that could change the world forever.

REVIEW:
I do not recall reading anything from NJ Croft before but this book was really good. This story is a bit about history and revenge. Noah finds out his ex-wife was killed while looking for relics. He goes after who might have killed her but in the adventure of finding the killer he comes across a lot more than just killers. He comes across an ancient feud.

I really found myself interested in the feud and how it could affect us. And then I started to wonder what, if any, of the history might be true.

A very interesting read.

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

4 Hearts