Kimberly's Romantic Reviews

3 In One

2010-04-25T18:45:00.001-07:00

There have been three reviews that I have published talking about multiple authors getting together to write one series. But through Harlequin I found three authors writing one book. Rebecca York, Ann Voss Peterson, and Patricia Rosemoor published two (that I’m aware of) Gypsy Magic and Desert Sons. These books are broke off in three different sections allowing you to experience each of the authors own signature of writing style. Personally I loved this approach to telling a story. Little sections delivered by different authors I find to be quite captivating.

Gypsy Magic~

This book starts with a curse on three men who’s fathers wrongly accused a gypsy’s son. They have to find the real killer before he returns to take the women each man loves. Pretty creepy, huh?

Wyatt, who is written by Rebecca York, is cursed by the loss of sight. He is in love with Alessandra who left him after she found out his father was the one who sent her innocent cousin to death.

Garner, who is written by Ann Voss Peterson, is cursed by losing everyone close to him. He agrees to help Sabina save her cousin from death row but nearly gets her killed by the feelings he has.

Andrei, who is written by Patricia Rosemoor, has the worst curse out of all three of them. Well for any man really…impotency. Ouch. But will the love he finds in Elizabeth be enough to change the curse? It’s Harlequin so we know he does but this story ends the book with a bang that you really didn’t see coming.

Desert Sons~

I loved this one! Starting with the murder of a respected artist the three prodigal sons have to work together to find out if the killer is human or supernatural. Going into the Native American culture this book takes you deep into the dark side of witches transforming themselves into animals to kill their enemies.

Luke, who is written by Rebecca York, was wrongly accused and thrown in jail when he was a teenager. Now, that he has been cleared on the charges he is left trying to find his uncle’s killer and the only one he can turn to is the woman he thinks he can’t have.

Tom, who is written by Ann Voss Peterson, has become a fierce lawyer in order to protect his people from becoming victims like his friend Luke. But now that his clients are dying and the only suspect he has is an evil witch he has to work with a FBI agent that takes him further into his heritage then he expects.

Rico, who is written by Patricia Rosemoor, abandoned his heritage in hopes to better himself. Well until a proud local artist opens his mind through her own mystical powers. Not only is he thrown back into the life he walked away from, he is forced to open his mind and heart to keep the artist from the evil that hunts all of them. Awesome. The whole book was simply awesome!

Lover Mine~

2010-04-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Thirteen days left until Lover Mine comes out!!! This is driving me crazy people!! I should re-read the series. Maybe then I won' t drive myself or my poor husband up the wall!

The Boss’s Christmas Seduction~ by Yvonne Lindsay

2010-04-08T10:19:00.001-07:00

Published in 2006, this was a very good rags to riches story. I stumbled across this book in a little book store by my house and almost didn’t get it. I’m glad I did. Raised by nuns Holly tried everything she could to have a normal life and make something of herself. She didn’t have time for a sexy-as-hell millionaire…but he found time for her. Nine months later he would have to make time for a little one as well.

Very heart felt, wonderful read!

Billionaire’s Marriage Bargain~ by Leanne Banks

2010-04-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Silhouette’s Desire brings a wonderful story but a Greek billionaire making a bargain to marry a woman to get out of scandal seemed like the right thing to do, until he realizes what he got himself into. Love was not in the cards. Buying her nice things and keeping her appeased was what he signed in for, but that’s not what she wanted. It was awesome how she turns the game around. When you read this story you actually find yourself wishing this fantasy was yours. You know sitting on a beach somewhere and a gorgeous Billionaire falls in your lap (literally) then your seen all over the word on magazine covers! Then he shows up at your door with a ring…Now a part of me says “I would never! Marriage is about love and with him I’ll be divorced in a year!” and the rest of me says “Shut up other side!! This is one hell of a ride!!!” but then he falls in love and carries me away…then my husband comes in asks what’s for dinner. That’s when I re-read the book; in the bathroom, door locked and fan running!

Good read…a very good read!

Cross My Heart~ by Carly Phillips

2010-04-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

This book was actually a present I received I the mail from Harlequin. I was amazed by this novel. The first thing that blew me a way was that I put this book on my self and never read it until the other day! This book was released in July of 2007, yes people, three years a go I got this book and shoved it on the self and forgot about it! And this lead me to my next shock; this wonderful story sat unnoticed for years and is now one of my favorites!

This story is captivating from chapter one. A poor little rich girl entitled to a huge inheritance, and an uncle willing to take it from her. Faking her own death with the help of her first love, she moves to New York leaving everything behind. She leaves the money, her name, and more importantly the only man she ever trusted, her first and only love. When she is forced to come home and reclaim everything she left, she wasn’t really expecting her childhood sweetheart to reclaim her.

This was a really sweet story that left you feeling good about the overall outcome. You even feel bad for the bad guy. Good read, pick it up if you find it.

Texas Confidential

2009-11-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well as I promised these ladies did it again! Well honestly this four part series was published before Moriah’s Landing. Actually this series was published two years before, and is the sole reason why I got so addicted to Harlequin. Or as my husband would say obsessed…
Cowboy lovers out there get ready, because this series will have the fantasy wheels rolling! Something about a man working with big, beautiful animals just does something to me! Like I mentioned in Moriah’s Landing this is an older series, though if you are on Amazon, or at a mom and pop book store grab it!

The Bodyguard’s Assignment~ by Amanda Stevens
This book starts this series with the ground story. The main plot is pretty intense with a major drug-lord raising havoc in all four books. Starting with Grace and Brady, ex-lovers still fighting out old feelings for each other while fighting to stay alive. I know typical Harlequin Intrigue. Although this kept me on edge throughout the entire book.

The Agent’s Secret Child~ by B.J. Daniels
Daniels really laid out the suspense in this one. From the moment you starting reading your at the edge of your seat waiting for the next little piece. Although you are pretty sure where this story is headed, you find yourself itching to read more. Agent Jake Cantrell is on the search to find a missing woman and her child. A child that could possibly be his. Cleverly wonderful!

The Specialist~ by Dani Sinclair
Sinclair has never really failed at keeping me interested. And this book did just that. It was cute and corky with still enough suspense to keep up with the others. The whole transforming a mousy quiet little thing into a Femme Fatale was quite humorous.

The Outsider’s Redemption~ by Joanna Wayne
Although very well written, this one was a little awkward for me. I had a hard time feeling for the characters. It was almost as if Wayne wasn’t really sure where she wanted to go with it. The initial shock within the first few pages had me hooked, the story line between Cody and Sarah was almost uncomfortable at times. Wrapping up the story was smooth and answered all the questions from the first. Overall I enjoyed it.

Twilight saga~ by Stephenie Meyer

2009-11-12T18:15:00.000-08:00

I’ve been asked if I will ever do a book review on Twilight and honestly I didn’t want to. Mainly because almost everyone knows this romantic story of the two teenaged lovers and all those who did read this story loved it (obviously they’re making the movies and I can’t go anywhere without seeing something about it).

Twilight
“When Bella Swan moves from sunny Phoenix to Forks, Washington, a damp and dreary town known for the most rainfall in the United States, to live with her dad, she isnt expecting to like it. But the level of hostility displayed by her standoffish high school biology lab partner, Edward Cullen, surprises her. After several strange interactions, his preternatural beauty, strength, and speed have her intrigued. Edward is just as fascinated with Bella, and their attraction to one another grows. As Bella discovers more about Edwards nature and his family, she is thrown headlong into a dangerous adventure that has her making a desperate sacrifice to save her one true love.”
–I read this book in about 6 hours start to finish I didn’t stop reading from the time I opened the book until I finished the last page. I am an avid Twilight fan, which is the primary reason why I disliked the movie so much. It comfortably crosses that barrier that separates teen and adult books without crossing any of the lines that separate them. I was able to really relate to Bella and because of that relation I became engrossed in the story.

New Moon
“To protect her, Edward decides to end his relationship with Bella, and the Cullen’s move away from Forks. This leaves Bella heart-broken and depressed. She seeks comfort in her deepening friendship with Jacob Black, a cheerful companion who eases her pain over losing Edward. There is something different about Jacob, is it just his overwhelming devotion to Bella, or could it be something more . . .”
– I enjoyed New moon even more than twilight. The story moved much faster and there was a much stronger element of ‘what’s going on’. With Twilight the secret was written on the back cover, I knew Edward was a Vampire so there was no surprise there. I read New moon back before all the hype so I was completely unaware of what Jacobs’s secret might be and because of that I was pleasantly surprised and enthralled.

Eclipse
“As Edward and Bella apply to colleges, Bella explains to Edward her desire to see her friend, Jacob Black, again. As mounting forces begin to threaten, not only Bella but the entire town of Forks, Edward and Jacob along with their respective friends and family, must put aside their differences and band together to fight this menacing foe.”
- My favorite book in the series. The plot moves faster, the angst’s is thicker and I found my self able to teeter with Bella between the two major loves of her life. In the end I even sided with her decision. I laughed more in this book then the rest and was more excited for the sequel to this one than I was with the other two.

Breaking Dawn
“Bella is finally faced with the ultimate decision, to become a vampire or to stay human. Her decision results in unexpected complications with unforeseen ramifications.”
Sadly all my anticipation for this novel was a waste. I was rather disappointed. First and foremost I would like to point out that I do NOT feel that this was in any way a teen novel. Several things happen in this book that (in my opinion) push that line I appreciated so much in the first three. We have crossed over into adult fiction, and I don’t mean sleazy romance, I mean themes, violence and situations that should not be explained in such graphic detail to a tween. I am not saying I hated the book, I’m just expressing that any parent should consider reading this before allowing their 11 year old (who LOVED the first 3) to read it. Stand alone I probably would have LOVED this book it fits nicely into the genera I normally enjoy. I think it was the sudden change of pace and drastic changed to the tempo of the books I already loved that left me scratching my head at the end of this one.
– Still a must read for anyone who liked the series.

Moriah’s Landing

2009-11-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

This four part series is cleverly pieced together by four different authors. Which I found delightful and fascinating. How all four of them brought this story together so gracefully, I will never know. Although, these four have worked together before. In which I’ll Review Texas Confidential later in this blog.

Secret Sanctuary~ by Amanda Stevens
Is the first in this series. It introduces each character giving you a feel of where the main story is headed through this particular story. This is an older book in the Harlequin collection published in 2002, but if you come across it or want a good creepy story grab it.

Howling in the Darkness~ by B. J. Daniels
I haven’t picked this book up since 2002, just like Secret Sanctuary and just like before I couldn’t put it down. With a whole new twist Daniels gives you another look to the main story line without wondering too far from it. I liked how this book gave you a more overall look at the city the story was based in. She easily did this by bringing in a new character, but smoothly enough you didn’t get to jaded. It left me intrigued and waiting for the next one.

Scarlet Vows~ by Dani Sinclair
Honestly, this one took a little different turn, although it did stay with the same story line and tapped back into Secret Sanctuary. It also allows you a peek into the last book in the series, which made the story well rounded. Bringing back some of the creepy vibe you find yourself wondering what happens next.

Behind the Veil~ by Joanna Wayne
Hee-hee, okay I’ll be honest, when reading this one my cat jumped up onto our bed and scared the living daylights out of me! My husband got a good kick out of it. And when I was telling him to shut-up I remembered the first time I read it in 2002, I was startled by a thunder storm then too. So to say that this was a perfect end to a creepy story of witches is significant. Although, I kind of saw the end coming, I still really enjoyed it. There was still enough surprises to keep you guessing. Like I mentioned, this series is older, but if you happen across it on Amazon, or a mom and pop book store grab it!

Right now they are selling the bundle for $13 on selected sites! Awesome.

Rita Herron’s Romantic Suspense

2009-11-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

This is actually not a series these are just three of my favorite Rita Herron books. These three were released one right after each other and had that suspenseful grab that had running to the book store to get the next one.

A Breath Away~
As mentioned in the intro this book is very suspenseful. I love the way Rita Herron twisted the characters so you really didn’t know who the killer was until the end. Just when you think you have it she throws another twist that makes you rethink who it might be. I so enjoyed all the little shocking details that you just don’t see coming. I actually haven’t read this book in a few years, and just recently re-read it. I still found myself interested and surprised by parts of the book that I had forgot about. It was a very good read. Definitely one to pick up!

In A Heartbeat~
From the minute this book starts your heart is in your throat and you just can not stop turning the pages to find out what happens next. This is a 378 paged book and I finished it in less than three days. Like A Breath Away I had not read this book in a few years. Though again when I re-opened it for a seconded time I was captivated and just couldn’t stop reading. If you’re a Harlequin fan, this is one I strongly suggest looking up!

Last Kiss Goodbye~
This book is a emotionally hard read for me. From page one you are stuck between putting it down—because it is so hard to read what is happening—and rushing to find out what happens next. It is like that throughout the entire book. The brilliant way this book kept me captivated, is a rare and appreciated value. Many books try, though don’t quite succeed. Very well done Ms. Herron. These three books are older and maybe a little hard to find, but well worth the effort!

~Nancy Madore’s Enchanted~

2009-11-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is a combination of Erotic Short Stories are cleverly written and allows you to be drawn into fantasy. Featured by Harlequin’s Spice I was blown away by it’s new take on the old fairy tale classics.
Even if you’re not sure about the Erotic side of this book, the witty twist of each story is enough for you to take a look at. Thirteen different stories total, each with it’s own unique take.

Beauty and the Beast~Her take on what really happen between the Beauty and the Beast, really leaves you thinking about the original!
Bluebeard~
I didn’t care for this one, although the story was intriguing.
Cat and Mouse~I loved this one! This one is worth a peek!
Cinderella~I really enjoyed her twist to this classic. Her idea to what happened to Cinderella after the slipper was intoxicating!
East of the Sun and West of the Moon~Brilliant! She actually re-published this one on it’s own through Harlequin’s Spice Briefs. Which sold so well it went out of stock almost instantly!
Goldilocks and the Three Barons~Okay this one was a little out there and made Goldilocks a tramp…But I essentially enjoyed it.
Mirror on the Wall~This gives you a whole new look at the Snow White’s evil stepmother. It was very enjoyable. I loved the twist to this particular story. Nicely done!
Mrs. Fox~
I really liked this one. It was naughty, but delightful! Hee-hee…
Snow White in the Woods~Snow White was my favorite of the fairy tales, though after reading this new look on the classic I was a little shocked and I will admit traumatized at first. Though, after reading it a second time I ended up loving it.
The Empress’ New Clothes~I didn’t like this one as much as the others. Again, the overall writing was remarkable and creative.
The Goose Girl~
Different story line, good script, interesting intake. That’s all I can say about this one.
The Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing~Very original. Most married women try to find ways to spice up their marriages and honestly this is a clever inspiration to that dilemma. Of course not all of us enjoy this certain proposition, though it does pave the way for your own romantic rendezvous!
The Ugly Duckling~This was a wonderful way to end a book. I don’t want to boost the authors ego…but damn! I can’t even put into words how clever she put the whole book together, then ended it the way she did…Brilliant, simply brilliant!

~Night Huntress~ by Jeaniene Frost

2009-11-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

This another wonderful vampire novel that was completely fascinating!

Halfway to the Grave~
If you want something old but with a good twist this might be your series. It was a very refreshing look at the way vampire meets vampire hunter. A half-breed out for vengeance by killing her own kind—well half her kind—was a new way of redirecting us vampire lovers.
It was cleverly written, with a nice base of humor. The steady stream of action and nail-biting suspense I say it was unquestionably one of my more better reads. In fact I finished this book in two days (which is amazing seeing I have two kids and a husband who all think the house will burn down without me!) I think the best part of this in particular novel was how you didn’t really see how it was going to end. Right when you think you got it she throws something else at you.

One Foot in the Gave~
I really didn’t know how to take this one at first. It was one of those love-hate relationships. When I was finished I hated it, but when I thought about it later I ended up enjoying it. Crazy? You read it and tell me.
I don’t want to give to much away here, but bringing Cat’s father was very unexpected. And how the whole thing came together seemed to throw me a little. Though as I mentioned I didn’t like it at first.
If you have this same problem when reading take a breath and walk away. If you ended up like me, you’ll read the next one.

At Grave’s End~
Jeaniene Frost picked up the game again from the moment you open this book. I love stories that really get me going. An inspirational ticket to get me writing is something I’m always seeking out.
Some parts were a little predictable but the story line kept you going on just to make sure you were right. It was extremely enjoyable. I like little guessing games.
Although the ending kind of made me a little apprehensive about the next book. I made me rethink the whole love story between Cat and Bones. But I was definitely curious enough to run out and get the next book!!

Destined for an Early Grave~
Should have waited for this one! Now I’m not saying it was a complete waist of time. It just felt a little drawn out as if she was making this whole story up just to set up another serious altogether. Maybe I misinterpreted it, but that was the overall feeling I had.Again it was a very good read. Cleverly written with a good base of humor. You get a nice feel for the characters and gets you hyped for the next. Just your next isn’t Night Huntress. Fine by me…bring it Jeaniene!

~Black Dagger Brotherhood~ by J. R. Ward

2009-11-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

This series is one of my favorites! Vampires that are viewed differently from the norm, was simply brilliant!

Dark Lover~
This is the first of the eight in the series, and one of my personal favorites. Okay I’ll be honest, the whole series is pretty damn good. In fact it is by far one of the best series I have ever read. It all started with book one.
I love the whole concept of Vampires being more humanized then monsterized (I know it’s not a word, but I went with it anyway). It gives you an entirely different feel for the vision of vampire. Yet it still keeps the sex appeal of the creature.
I also loved the idea of running the books together, though keeping the main story rolling. It really helped seeing the characters from all angles, and gets you prepared and excited for the next book.
Starting with the Blind King, and Elizabeth. The last purebred vampire making a promise to protect his friend’s last living child. This book like all good stories start with you getting to know this world through a character who is experiencing it for the first time. Although, you see the book through the vampire’s eyes as well it made it feel kind of evenhanded.

Lover Eternal~
Now this book, the second in the series, was by far my favorite! I was captivated from the moment I opened the book to the very end! It took on a whole new twist but kept you up with the rest of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Which was refreshing to find a book that can do this so smoothly. Rhage a cursed vampire willing to keep his demon in order to save a human…seriously people you won’t be able to put it down until you find out what happens!!

Lover Awakened~
Holly crap my fellow book lovers!! Book three will be one you talk about for many years to come! Though I will admit it is a very hard read. Emotionally gripping, to the point of fall on tears down your cheeks. If you’re to proud to cry, you’ll still find it powerful and gut wrenching.
Even though she somewhat prepares you in the last two books, you’re not completely ready for what Zsadist and Bella’s story fully dishes out. (“The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide” gives you a more in depth look at the life they have together. And trust me after the way this book ends you’ll want to read it!!)

Lover Revealed~
This was actually not one of the better ones, in my personal opinion. Don’t get me wrong it was still a good read, kept me interested until the end, and got me pumped for the next one. But…I really expected more from it! From book one I was really excited to see Butch and Marissa’s story! Though by the end I honestly could have cared less if they were together or not. Stories of lovers who just can’t seem to get their stuff in gear bore me. It screams “Future break-up!!”, and when you set it up for something great don’t drag it through the mud first!
There is a difference between playful and daunting. This was daunting from the beginning! Though it does introduce Rehvenge more into the story, (who is my personal favorite; next to John Matthew of course!)
Take this book for your own ride, though don’t expect playful. Expect depressing, and a lot of cat and mouse! Which, like I said isn’t bad when done right.

Lover Unbound~
Oh, the story of Vishous! Again no amount of preparing will help aid you through this one. Though another hard read, it helps lift the mystery of the more shall we say talented brother. This really took me on a ride. From the history of his past to the love he finds in Doc Jane! I really can’t tell too much with out giving too much away. By this point if you haven’t read the series too much info demolishes huge surprises, that will floor you!! One surprise I didn’t even see coming that actually had me jumping off of the couch and calling my sister who had also been reading it at the time! It was down right crazy!!
I loved it, my readers!! Absolutely loved it!!!

Lover Enshrined~
Okay, I know I ripped Lover Revealed apart, but this one…guys I actually hated! You heard me HATED it! Once again you find yourself eager to read and instead find yourself disappointed. I did not like anything about Phury’s story. I don’t want to give to much away to those who haven’t read it, but come on J. R. Ward there really wasn’t any other way to take this? It really wasn’t the problems he faced it was the—random change in direction. Yeah, that is the best way to describe it. Change is good, but not random changes. It really confuses the story line and makes it seem thrown together.
On a good note, this books side stories are awesome. It had me itching to get my hands on the next book. And I wouldn’t suggest skipping this book because of those side stories. Although I won’t be surprised if you skip over the parts that holds Phury’s tale. Again I’m not being insensitive of his hardships (trust me I understand it completely) I just thought it could have been told better.

Lover Avenged~
I already admitted how I feel about Rehvenge, so you kind of know where I’m headed with this. I won’t keep you in suspense, this book ruled! Xhex another one of the favorites, is more introduced which was awesome. Starts to give you a better feel for her and her reaction to John. It also opens up the story in a whole new perspective, which is refreshing and gives you as a reader a chance to see a whole another side of this world Ward has created.
I also like how she reintroduces Wrath and Beth back in. It kind of gives you a full circle without rehashing the already read.
But I will say it pissed me off at the end only because I thought this was the end. But noooooo, there is a whole another one!! And I don’t get it until January!
If you know how I’m feeling then we can whine about it together, because I really wanted to know about Xhex and John!! Errrrrrr! That’s all I have to say about that!

Lover Mine~
I think that’s what this one is called. I don’t know for sure. But I do know I’m anxious for it to come out! I just hope she breaks the cycle of disappointing me!