Archives for February 17, 2024

* Review * NEVER TOO LATE by Danielle Steel

February 17, 2024 1 Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NEVER TOO LATE by Danielle Steel

Never Too Late by Danielle Steel
Published by Dell on March 5, 2024
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Kezia Cooper Hobson, recently widowed, arrives in New York from San Francisco. Determined to make a fresh start, she has just completed the sale of her Pacific Heights home, not to mention her husband’s venture capital firm, and in doing so, is also freed from her responsibility as a board member of the company. Bringing with her only a few personal treasures, she is excited to move into the blank slate of a beautiful midtown penthouse, in the city that she has always loved. It is also where her two adult daughters now live.

As Kezia settles into her new apartment, she meets her movie-star next-door neighbor, Sam Stewart, whose terrace borders hers. Just a couple of weeks after she arrives, however, a devastating crisis strikes New York City. Kezia and Sam find themselves connecting over their strong impulse to help those in need. As they share a life-changing experience of volunteering, a bond is sparked and a friendship is formed.

Kezia’s daughters, Kate and Felicity, are taken aback by their mother’s new friendship, both more focused on their own love lives than hers. But Kezia is learning that the changes she’s making are just what she needs to open new horizons.

Dramatic and emotionally gripping from start to finish! Danielle Steel is showing her voice complexity as she details angst and terror in the blink of an eye but builds from it a camaraderie and spirit that lifts the reader’s perspective into one of hope after devastation. There is a core family from the start of the book that changes and turns as each member rides their own ups and downs of life while coming together to celebrate and mourn the tides that pass. Romance is a succinct part of this storyline, but takes a back seat to strength and redefining as life twists and turns with surprises and angst. I know this book may trigger some, but hope the majority will go on to find the comfort of spirit and togetherness that Steel displays so well in the aftermath. Strong storyline, complex and admirable characters and a satisfying rediscovery. Loved it!

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* Review * SIZZLE by Kimberly Kincaid

February 17, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Sizzle by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Remington Rescue Squad #1
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on February 23, 2024
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Sam Faurier is in deep trouble.

Which normally wouldn’t be a problem for an elite firefighter with razor-sharp instincts and cocky bravado to spare. Except this time, his impulsive decision on a call got fellow firefighter, Lucy de Costa, into hot water, too.

Did he mention that he’s had an unrequited crush on her for years? Or that she’s the battalion chief’s by-the-book daughter?

Or that the call that got them both benched was actually arson, only Sam can’t prove it without help?

Lucy de Costa doesn’t break the rules, and she sure as hell doesn’t catch feelings for other firefighters. She’s worked way too hard to make her way up the ranks for that, no matter how sexy Sam Faurier’s smile is—or how hot his determination.

He’s convinced there’s an arsonist on the loose. Trouble is, she’s the only one who believes him. And she’s going to have to throw protocol and caution out the window in order to help him prove it.

Even if she finds herself unable to resist him—and how much he wants her—in the process.

But the more they uncover, the deeper the danger becomes. To catch the arsonist, Sam and Lucy will have to rely on their wits, their training, and each other.

Before it’s too late.

Fast paced, addictive and oh so yummy! Kimberly Kincaid is delighting fans of her Station 17 world with a brand new Remington Rescue Squad spinoff series where we get to see familiar faces every step of the way as new suspense hits the pages and passion ignites between the latest couple. The suspense aspect of this story was spot on and nabbed my focus immediately and held it throughout. I did want a smidge more development of Sam and Lucy’s relationship once the romance was in the works, and seeing more interaction with her Dad would have been adorable too to see Sam squirm, but overall a very solid read that I loved!

I highly recommend this book to fans of a close knit firehouse with gossip and romance flaring up all over the place. A solid mystery is always stirring in the background as the spotlight couple fights their attraction until it’s undeniable and then lets it ignite.

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* Review * K-9 DETECTION by Nichole Severn

February 17, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * K-9 DETECTION by Nichole Severn

K-9 Detection by Nichole Severn
Series: New Mexico Guard Dogs #2
Published by Harlequin Intrigue on February 20, 2024
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They survived an explosion.

Can they make it through the aftermath?

After her bomb-detecting K-9 helps Jocelyn Carville save Captain Baker Halsey’s life, she doesn’t expect them to be working together on the investigation. The policeman clearly doesn’t trust widowed Jocelyn’s “mercenary” background but he does need her company’s expertise. Infiltrating a powerful cartel to discover who wants him dead is intensely dangerous. Perhaps just as risky as getting close to a woman like Jocelyn…

Non-stop excitement from start to finish! The second book in Nichole Severn’s New Mexico Guard Dogs series with Harlequin Intrigue picks up shortly after the timeframe of the first in the series and takes us back into the heart of a turf war in a small New Mexico town. I liked the general storyline but there is a lot to follow and keep track of, and you probably will get a better feel for this book if you read the first in the series first just because it gave a bit of a deeper background story than this one did. Lots of plot to keep track of, but endearing characters and satisfying suspense.

I recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced suspense with a guaranteed happily ever after.

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* Review * POWER PLAY by Kat Mizera

February 17, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Power Play by Kat Mizera
Series: L.A. Phantoms #1
on February 20, 2024
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The Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same.

I never asked for the spotlight, but inheriting a pro hockey team pulls me into a world of chaos.

All eyes are on me now.

I’m no stranger to the world of hockey but watching from the sidelines and calling the shots are two very different things. Especially when you’re not wanted.

It’s time for me to take charge and clean house.

When I need people I can trust, one man comes to mind… my ex. He’s one of the best goalies in the league, and despite what went down between us, he’s still in my corner.

It’s our little arrangement off the ice that complicates things.

If I’m going to make my power play, I need him by my side, but that means keeping our heads in the game, and our hearts out of the equation.

A heartwarming and sexy rekindling of first loves! Kat Mizera is bringing several familiar faces along for the ride as her new L.A. Phantoms hockey series kicks off and I adored every minute of Gabe and Harper’s story. Fans of Mizera’s Lauderdale Knights series will recognize Harper as Sloane’s boss, friend and former in-law. We are quickly swept up in the current drama going on in her life as well as gaining a perspective of her first marriage that is new to us as she reconnects with her first love. The characters are really easy to like, the drama and angst are spot on and the development of characters and storyline felt complete other than a little weakness in family. I’m looking forward to more in the series!

I recommend this book to fans of Mizera’s previous hockey books since there are cameos from some key characters and also to anyone who enjoys a dramatic love story with a hockey backdrop.

Filed Under: Book Reviews