Category Archives: Kensington

Review: The Bones of You by Debbie Howells

bones youTitle: The Bones of You by Debbie Howells
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A stunning, wonderfully assured psychological thriller that evokes Gillian Flynn and Alice Sebold, The Bones of You revolves around a young girl’s murder and one woman’s obsession with uncovering the secrets in an idyllic English village.

I have a gardener’s inherent belief in the natural order of things.  Soft‑petalled flowers that go to seed.  The resolute passage of the seasons.  Swallows that fly thousands of miles to follow the eternal summer.

Children who don’t die before their parents.

When Kate receives a phone call with news that Rosie Anderson is missing, she’s stunned and disturbed. Rosie is eighteen, the same age as Kate’s daughter, and a beautiful, quiet, and kind young woman. Though the locals are optimistic—girls like Rosie don’t get into real trouble—Kate’s sense of foreboding is confirmed when Rosie is found fatally beaten and stabbed.

Who would kill the perfect daughter, from the perfect family? Yet the more Kate entwines herself with the Andersons—graceful mother Jo, renowned journalist father Neal, watchful younger sister Delphine—the more she is convinced that not everything is as it seems. Anonymous notes arrive, urging Kate to unravel the tangled threads of Rosie’s life and death, though she has no idea where they will lead.

Weaving flashbacks from Rosie’s perspective into a tautly plotted narrative, The Bones of You is a gripping, haunting novel of sacrifices and lies, desperation and love.

Review:

The Bones of You by Debbie Howells is an utterly heart wrenching mystery. Although not a typical police procedural, this suspenseful psychological thriller is an enthralling story about the murder of eighteen year old Rosie Anderson. Told from dual points of view, the Anderson family’s secrets, lies and betrayals are revealed and the truth about this perfect family is as shocking as it is heartbreaking.

From the second she learns her friend Joanna’s daughter is missing, Kate McKay is obsessed with learning the truth about Rosie’s disappearance. Although they are not particularly close, Rosie is the same age as Kate’s daughter, Grace and Kate immediately reaches out to Jo. Rosie and Grace were complete opposites with a different circle of friends, but Rosie spent time on the family farm helping Kate care for their horses. When Rosie’s body is discovered a few weeks after she vanished, Kate is compelled to continue supporting her grieving friend while at the same time searching for answers about Rosie’s murder.

Rumor and speculation about Rosie run rampant for several weeks, then life returns to normal for most residents of the small town. The same is true for Kate but she continues to check in on Jo and she grows increasingly alarmed at Jo’s deteriorating condition. Although understandable given her horrific loss, Kate is nonetheless shocked when her behavior becomes even more erratic. Once Jo confides the truth about her marriage, Kate does not know what to believe since Neal is a charismatic journalist who also volunteers at an orphanage in war torn Afghanistan. Even after Jo presents irrefutable proof that Neal is not the man everyone believes him to be, Kate still has doubts that he is capable of killing his daughter especially since the police cannot completely rule out Rosie’s secret boyfriend as a suspect.

While Kate remains unconvinced about Jo’s claims, readers are presented with an up close look into the Anderson family through Rosie’s eyes. Rosie’s spirit lingers after her death and she relives her life right up until the moment of her horrific murder. She sees her life as a movie and the truth about her short life is unbearably sad and unreservedly tragic. Rosie’s chapters are incredibly poignant and rather chilling but they provide valuable insight about her family and ultimately, her murder.

The Bones of You by Debbie Howells is a clever yet haunting novel. This shrewdly written mystery has plenty of unexpected twists and turns that cast reasonable doubt on the killer’s identity until the story’s stunning conclusion. An incredibly riveting psychological thriller that I highly recommend to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Debbie Howells, Kensington, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, The Bones of You, Thriller

Review: Wicked Exposure by Katana Collins

wicked exposureTitle: Wicked Exposure by Katana Collins
Wicked Exposure Series Book Two
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, BDSM elements, Mystery/Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Nothing left to hide. . .

A forensic photographer with the NYPD, Jessica is devastated to receive word of her sister’s death in a robbery gone awry. But when she arrives home in Portland and the local PD asks her to take pictures, she finds more than she bargained for. With each new photo she exposes more of her sister’s secret erotic life. And when she shares her discoveries with Sam, the super sexy local detective, she experiences passion she never knew possible. But Jessica soon learns she’s merely a pawn in a deadly game of betrayal and revenge and begins to wonder if her next picture could be her last. . .

Review:

Wicked Exposure by Katana Collins is an intriguing mystery that also has a BDSM element. This second installment in the Wicked Exposure series picks up with Jessica Walters discovering there is much more to her sister Cassandra’s life and death than she could possibly have imagined.

Jessica is a forensic photographer who returns to her hometown of Portland, ME after Cass’s murder. Told her sister’s death was a robbery gone wrong, Jessica quickly uncovers startling evidence that Cass was most likely mixed up in something illegal. Even more shocking is the realization that her straight-laced sister was actively involved in the BDSM lifestyle as well. In order to learn the truth about Cass’s death, Jessica takes a job with the local police department where she becomes reacquainted with old childhood friend, Sam McCloskey, the lead detective on her sister’s case. It quickly becomes obvious there is a connection between Cass’s illicit activities and her involvement in the BDSM community and Jess is willing to do whatever it takes to solve her sister’s murder.

Jess is a likable, but somewhat clueless, heroine. She and her sister have not been close for years so it really is not too surprising that she knows little about Cass’s personal or professional life. Jess immediately stumbles across incriminating evidence and since she does not know who to trust, she keeps this information to herself. Despite the unresolved history between her and Sam, Jess is still intensely attracted to him, but she does not completely trust him, so she keeps quiet about what she has learned about Cass.

Jess is equally distrusting of Cass’s close friend Dane. However, once she discovers he is directly linked to Cass’s involvement in BDSM, she overlooks her mistrust in hopes of uncovering a lead that will shed light on Cass’s death. But it soon becomes clear that the different areas of Cass’s life are connected but each new clue provides more questions than answers.

Interspersed with the investigation is some sexy (and edgy) hotness between Jess and Sam. Although they have not seen each other since their high school graduation, Jess and Sam share a scorching hot attraction to another. Sam is also involved in BDSM and Jess is only too happy to explore her submissive side with him. But how far is she willing to go with a man she does not completely trust?

Wicked Exposure is a fast paced and exciting mystery that is full of unexpected twists and turns. Katana Collins brings the story to a shocking conclusion that will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in the Wicked Exposure series.

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Filed under BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic, Kensington, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Romance, Suspense, Wicked Exposure, Wicked Exposure Series

Review: The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick

second sisterTitle: The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 353 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick comes an emotionally rich, inspiring new novel about family, second chances–and the connections that bring women together in hope and healing. . .

Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey’s boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson’s Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown.

An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson’s Bay. Lucy, meanwhile, got out and never looked back. But now, to meet the terms of Alice’s eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister’s cottage–and begins to see the town, and Alice’s life, anew. Alice’s diverse group of friends appears to have little in common besides an interest in quilting. Yet deep affection for Alice united them and soon Lucy, too, is brought into the fold as they share problems and stories. And as she finds warmth and support in this new circle, Lucy begins to understand this will be her sister’s enduring gift–a chance to move beyond her difficult past, and find what she has long been missing. . .

Review:

A truly unforgettable journey of grace and healing, The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick is a very emotional novel of family, forgiveness and friendship. It is also a heartfelt and engaging story about making peace with the past and letting go of mistakes in order to move on and embrace the future.

Lucy Toomey has spent her entire adult life avoiding her small hometown in Wisconsin. Despite her older sister Alice’s numerous pleas to visit, she has not returned home in the eight years since her parents’ deaths. When she learns that Alice been hospitalized and is in serious condition, she drops everything to rush to her sister’s side, but unfortunately Alice passes away while Lucy is still en route. Planning to leave as soon she settles her sister’s estate, Lucy is stunned to discover that the terms of Alice’s will stipulate she live in the family home for eight weeks in order to inherit or the house will go to a local animal rescue.  She reluctantly remains in town where she eventually discovers startling truths about herself, her sister and their somewhat complicated relationship. Lucy also unexpectedly finds friendship and, quite possibly, love but will this be enough to change her mind about leaving the small close-knit community for good?

Lucy lives life at a frantic pace and she allows herself very little time to think about anything other than her demanding career. Her childhood was spent in the shadow of her older, more accomplished and outgoing sister and she could never live up to her father’s expectations. In the aftermath of the tragic accident that left Alice mentally impaired, Lucy was overcome with guilt at the events of the day and she could not wait to leave her unhappy memories behind. Although she has achieved a measure of professional success, her personal life is devoid of friendship or love. Lucy and Alice talk daily, but Lucy only pays superficial attention to her sister’s rambling middle of the night phone calls and after Alice’s death, she comes to realize how little she knew about her sister or her life.

While at first Lucy resents taking time away from her career, she slowly begins to appreciate the slower pace of life. Of course, she still plans to leave as soon as possible, but in the meantime, she enjoys getting reconnecting with old school friend Peter Swenson, his extended family and other people from her past. When she decides to make a quilt in her sister’s memory, Alice’s close friends, Rinda, Daphne and Celia, reluctantly offer their assistance, and Lucy is pleasantly surprised to discover how much she likes spending time with the three women. Despite her new found contentment, her departure date is fast approaching and Lucy clings tightly to her decision to leave. But will a shocking revelation change her plans?

The Second Sister is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that is also quite uplifting. The storyline is complex but easy to relate to and the characters are appealing and sympathetic. The setting is charming and Marie Bostwick brings the small Wisconsin town vibrantly to life. It is a very heartwarming story of reconciliation and grace that is sure to resonate with readers of who enjoy novels that are not afraid to delve into the complexities of real life relationships.

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Filed under Contemporary, Fiction, Kensington, Marie Bostwick, Rated A, Review, The Second Sister

Review: Served Hot by Annabeth Albert

served hotTitle: Served Hot by Annabeth Albert
Portland Heat Series Book One
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Romance
Length: Novella/112 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In Portland, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hard-working men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hook-up—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?

First in the new Portland Heat series!

Review:

Served Hot is the first installment in Annabeth Albert’s Portland Heat series. This wonderful novella is a super sweet and steamy romance between two men who are a little hesitant to take a chance on love. This fast-paced and engaging read is delightfully heartwarming and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre.

Robert “Robby” Edwards owns a successful coffee cart business and the high point of his day is seeing one of his regular customers, David Gregory. There is something about the handsome, preppy businessman that Robby is drawn to, but since their interactions are strictly business, he is not sure if David is gay.  When the two run into one another at the Portland Pride Festival, Robby finally works up the nerve to take their relationship in a more personal direction. The two begin dating, but the baggage from their respective pasts threatens to destroy their chance at happiness.

Both Robby and David’s previous relationships were with closeted men, so their romance is new territory for both of them. Robby is not usually the aggressor in a relationship and it was a big move on his part to take the first step with David. Robby is a little shy and timid and while he has a definite idea of what he does and does not want in a relationship, he is mostly content to follow where the rock solid and dependable David leads.

While Robby becomes a little discouraged with the slow pace of their romance, he does overlook some of his frustration with David’s inability to fully let him into his life. Robby is sometimes reluctant to voice his dissatisfaction and this leads to misunderstandings that could have been avoided if the two men were better at communicating their needs and desires. Thankfully Robby does finally stand up for himself, but will this be the nudge that David needs to leave the dysfunction of his previous relationship behind him once and for all?

Served Hot by Annabeth Albert is an entertaining and heartfelt love story between two realistic and appealing protagonists. The romance is slow growing but believable and the sex scenes are delectably steamy. All in all, it is an excellent beginning to the Portland Heat series!

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Filed under Annabeth Albert, Contemporary, Kensington, M/M, Portland Heat Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Served Hot

Review: The Forever Bridge by T. Greenwood

forever bridgeTitle: The Forever Bridge by T. Greenwood
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 369 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With eloquent prose and lush imagery, T. Greenwood creates a heartfelt story of reconciliation and forgiveness, and of the deep, often unexpected connections that can bring you home.

Sylvie can hardly bear to remember how normal her family was two years ago. All of that changed on the night an oncoming vehicle forced their car over the edge of a covered bridge into the river. With horrible swiftness, Sylvie’s young son was gone, her husband lost his legs, and she was left with shattering blame and grief.

Eleven-year-old Ruby misses her little brother, too. But she also misses the mother who has become a recluse in their old home while Ruby and her dad try to piece themselves back together. Amid all the uncertainty in her life, Ruby becomes obsessed with bridges, drawing inspiration from the strength and purpose that underlies their grace. During one momentous week, as Hurricane Irene bears down on their small Vermont town and a pregnant teenager with a devastating secret gradually draws Sylvie back into the world, Ruby and her mother will have a chance to span the gap between them again.

The Review:

The Forever Bridge by T. Greenwood is an utterly heartbreaking and poignant novel that is also uplifting and hopeful. It is a beautifully written story of forgiveness, redemption and healing that is incredibly moving and full of deep emotions.

Two years after the accident that took the life of her seven year old son, Jess and left her husband Robert in a wheelchair, Sylvie Dupont is emotionally fragile and struggling to put the pieces of her life back together. Suffering from PTDS, agoraphobia and depression, she has isolated herself from friends and family and lives by herself in the family home on the outskirts of town. Barely capable of taking care of herself, Robert and their eleven year old daughter Ruby have moved in with Robert’s brother, but when the men need to take an out of town trip, Sylvie has little choice but to care for her daughter. Their reunion is uneasy and full of tension as they tiptoe around the memories that haunt both mother and daughter.

Sylvie is crippled with anxiety and it is very frustrating watching her refuse to get the help she needs to cope with her fears.   While at first it is incomprehensible that she has so completely checked out from her life and her loved ones, once some of her history is revealed, some of her actions become a little more understandable. But what Sylvie does not realize is her control and safety are only an illusion. It it is impossible to protect herself from further pain and that despite her best efforts, disaster can still strike despite all the safeguards she has tried to put into place.

Ruby is very mature for her age but no matter how wise she is, she still longs for the mother Sylvie used to be. Ruby closely monitors her mother’s erratic behavior and she takes every opportunity to escape the tense and unhappy household. Unfortunately her best friend seems to be replacing her with another girl their age so Ruby spends a lot of her time exploring the woods surrounding her home. When she discovers a pregnant teenager hiding in an abandoned shack, Ruby keeps her presence a secret and helps her as much as she possibly can. But when the young girl needs more help than Ruby can provide, will Sylvie step out of her self-imposed prison and overcome her fears long enough to give them the assistance they need?

Pregnant teenager Nessa is a runaway who has not spoken a word for two years. Disappointed but not really surprised to discover her mom has moved on, she takes shelter in the rundown shack and forages in Sylvie’s garden for food. Nessa has experienced little kindness in her young life and she is profoundly grateful for Ruby’s generosity.

The Forever Bridge slowly winds its way to a dramatic but immensely satisfying conclusion. The characters are three-dimensional and although flawed, they are sympathetic and likable. T. Greenwood’s writing style is quite captivating and she brings the setting vibrantly to life. The storyline is complex, and while some of the plot is a little predictable, there are quite a few unanticipated twists that make it impossible to guess how all of the various storylines will come together. Overall, it is a heartfelt novel of healing that I highly recommend.

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Filed under Contemporary, Fiction, Kensington, Rated B+, Review, T Greenwood, The Forever Bridge

Review: Hearth Stone by Lois Greiman

hearthTitle: Hearth Stone by Lois Greiman
Home in the Hills Books One
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With her chance at the US equestrian team shattered by an injury, Sydney Wellesley arrives at the Lazy Windmill ranch angry and heartbroken. But the rugged red bluffs and wild high plains of the Black Hills inspire her to purchase land where she can train her own Olympic hopefuls. Everything’s going according to Sydney’s new life plan–until her funding suddenly dries up. . .

Alone in the ramshackle house she had planned to raze, Sydney is ready to admit defeat and slink back to civilization–until she discovers an injured mustang. Seeing herself in the desperate wild mare, she feels compelled to save the animal at all costs, little knowing that the horse just might return the favor. For as Sydney’s circle grows to include an autistic child, an earthy array of local characters, and hired help in the form of Hunter Redhawk, a man as indomitable as the land itself, she realizes that heroes are everywhere–and healing is the first step on the road to true happiness.

The Review:

Hearth Stone is the first heartwarming installment in Lois Greiman’s Home in the Hills series. This charming novel is a lovely story of new beginnings for Sydney Wellesley when she impulsively purchases a dilapidated ranch nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Leaving behind a life of privilege is only the first of many changes for Sydney as she finds love and friendship while forging a new life for herself in the wake of a devastating accident.

Sydney is the only daughter of a wealthy but cold and controlling businessman. Following the accident that ends her promising career as equestrienne, she breaks off her engagement to her cheating fiancé and escapes to the Lazy Windmill Ranch. She falls in the love with surrounding area and purchases a neighboring property which she plans to turn into a training facility for other equestrians. When her father demands she return home, Sydney stubbornly defies him, but she quickly discovers she might have bitten off more than she can chew when he cuts off her access to her credit cards and checking account. Luckily for her, Hunter Redhawk is the type of person who cannot in good conscience leave her to fend her for herself, so against his better judgment, he agrees to help her make some much needed repairs on the ranch.

Sydney has spent her life trying to live up to her family’s impossibly high standards and she is somewhat distant and cold when she first arrives in SD. She is also rather helpless since she has never had to take care of anything on her own. Lacking even the most rudimentary skills, Sydney is out of her depth, but she refuses to give up her dream. Working side by side with Hunter, she begins to warm up to him and she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Vura Lambert and her young daughter, Lily. But most surprising is the kinship Sydney feels for an injured Mustang she rescues. Her vision for her ranch transforms during the horse’s recovery but will she let her need for father’s approval alter her plans?

Hunter is a somewhat mysterious man who reveals little about his past. There is no doubt he is a decent, kindhearted person, but he is the epitome of the strong, silent type. He is not easily ruffled and he has a quiet, reassuring presence. He also expects Sydney to pull her share of the weight and he is willing to teach her what she needs to do to help him. While Hunter shares affectionate anecdotes about his family and his childhood on the Rosebud Reservation, it soon becomes clear that there is a tragedy that haunts him.

The relationship between Hunter and Sydney develops slowly over the course of the novel. Sydney is sometimes unintentionally offensive but Hunter takes her prickly attitude in stride and with good humor. It is easy for him to see how sheltered and out of depth she is, but he cannot help but admire her plucky approach to achieving her dream despite the odds not being in her favor. At first reluctant co-workers, their friendship grows as they let down their guard with one another and begin to exchange confidences. There is also a growing attraction that smolders under the surface of their comfortable friendship but in the aftermath of a fiery kiss, an unexpected distance springs up between them.

Hearth Stone is a very touching beginning to the Home in the Hills series. The characters are richly developed and although flawed, they are sympathetic and likable with believable issues to overcome. The novel’s setting is distinctive and adds to the story’s overall appeal. Lois Greiman does a wonderful job keeping the storyline fresh and unique.

Although a spin-off from the Hope Springs series, Hearth Stone easily stands on its own.

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Filed under Contemporary, Hearth Stone, Home in the Hills Series, Kensington, Lois Greiman, Rated B+, Review, Romance