Carousel (Book 2 in Fire Ballad Series) by Kimberly Stedronsky

 

Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan

I have always believed that angels live among us. It could be the person who stops you from accidentally walking into traffic. Or is it the person who offers comfort, sympathy and compassion to someone in grief? Or maybe it's the person who performs acts of kindness anonymously? But are there other kinds? Ones who don't show those good tendencies? What would or could they do? While reading Kimberly Stedronsky's newest book, I definitely gave them a lot of thought.

Sweet, kind and generous, Wynn Rush, daughter of Logan and Violet, tried to help others in any way she could, putting herself last. Painfully shy, she never felt like she fit in with the rest of her peers, even though she had tried in her younger years. Maybe it just wasn't in the cards for her to be part of all the activities other teenagers experienced. Besides since their return from Icepond, a lot of new responsibilities had been placed on her young shoulders and there was no extra time for anything else. As always, her first love and loyalty would always be to her family. Then potential tragedy struck. A photo showing her future death by the Carousel Killer was delivered to her home. She couldn't ask her family for help because that would put them in danger. Only one person could be her ally in ferreting out the killer before the photo came true, Cole Mathison.

Locating facts, spinning theories, and researching legends, they would peel back every layer to find the killer, but assistance to her endeavor was not the only thing Wynn finds with Cole. Love comes barreling in during the investigation to take her completely off guard. Can she convince Cole she loves him while saving herself from a horrendous death, even if she is immortal and will live again? And after it's all over, will she be able to keep her true love or will past grievances and misconceptions tear them apart?

Handsome, muscular, and immortal, Cole Mathison has fought his share of ghosts, demons and the supernatural, but Wynn's request for his help and protection to help find the Carousel Killer was the hardest gig he had ever had. With each new discovery they are pulled closed together and he finds himself drawn to her. Despite every reason he knows he shouldn't, he finds himself falling in love, but he doesn't feel like he deserves her. Only when they are together he finds peace from his own demons for the first time. Can he let her go when the crisis is over or will he ignore his logical brain and hang on to her forever?

With so many twists and turns intertwined with the excellent character development and intriguing plot, this story was a joy to read. Turning the pages quickly because I was so enthralled in the action of the story, I felt as if I was there helping them figure out the reasons for the murders and encouraging their fledgling love. Mystery, suspense, intrigue, action and roller coaster emotions made this a very entertaining story. Intense interaction with the secondary characters, including some from the Roam series, provided an excellent addition to this story.

I would recommend this book for all readers of romance and paranormal.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

5/5 stars                       Could they solve the mystery and find love before she died?

Eighth Note by Kimberly Stedronsky

Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan

Although it has been some time since a novel has made me want to look in dark corners, be wary about pulling back a shower curtain or second guess a visit to a remote cabin in the woods, this new novel by Kimberly Stedronsky was that kind of read. Beginning the book fairly late at night, I couldn't put it down until I read the spectacular ending. A spinoff from the popular Roam series written by the same author, characters from the series were introduced and explained enough that you never felt lost or confused.

Smart, beautiful and feisty, Eva Reed has just about everything that she wants: the love of her life, her husband, Will, a beautiful young child, Perry, and a rewarding passion, her blog, Fire Ballad, but she is restless and bored. For someone who has saved not one, but two worlds, this everyday ordinary life leaves a lot to be desired. Cole Mathison, a friend from the past, suddenly appears presenting her with a problem that he thinks she is the perfect person to solve...a murder, a supernatural murder. With her love of music, magic and immortality, Cole believes she will be able to delve through the evidence and find the murderer. After all, everyone else dies after hearing the evidence, but being immortal, she can't die, but would only feel the pain. Believing she can withstand the trials and tribulations that will come, she accompanies Cole to a remote cabin in the Catskills to find the killer. Only things aren't what they seem. Solving this murder will test her love, her sanity and her resolve. Will she place everything on the line or is the price too hard to pay?

Can Will's love save her when she is pulled too far to the dark side?

Or will the supernatural murderer claim her as his prize?

A wonderful and excellent book of paranormal, mystery and intrigue with intense scenes enacted by well written characters. Enthralled from the first to last page, this book was a real page turner. I don't think there was an emotion that I didn't engage. The vivid descriptions, spicy dialogue and emotional content made you feel as if you were present and part of the action. Another fabulous read. Well done Kimberly! I can't wait for your next book.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

Recommended to paranormal and romance readers.

5/5 stars Can true love defy the odds and save her?