Project: Parenthood - Trish Wylie

Title: Project Parenthood

Author: Trish Wylie

Line: Romance

Release month: November 2006

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back-Blurb:

She hid from love, but it found her anyway...

Teagan Delaney has made sure that she's too busy for love...too busy to get hurt! But when she has to become stand-in mom to her sister's tiny kids and enlists the help of her gorgeous neighbor, Brendan McNamara, the rules Teagan has lived by begin to crumble...

Brendan has already proved with ease that he's perfect father material, and, as his newfound family quickly nestles its way into his heart, he has to show Teagan that they can be the perfect family, too.

Review:

This story is full of emotion and both Teagan and Brendan become real people to the reader. This book took me rather a long time to read (even for me!) and I've now realised why - it's one of those stories you don't want to end!

Teagan is a delightful heroine and I loved everything about her character.. Brendan was gorgeous and I loved his loyalty and the way he looked out for the children especially when Teagan was under pressure. It was wonderful to watch Teagan growing warmer to both the children and, eventually, Brendan.

Reviewed by: Sue

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Humour Factor = ♥♥♥♥

Did you know that Trish Wylie used to do local level One Day Eventing for fun? To find out more why not visit her Website or her Blog...

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Married Under the Mistletoe - Linda Goodnight

Title: Married Under the Mistletoe

Author: Linda Goodnight

Line: Romance

Release month: November 2006

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back Blurb:

Needed: a man to trust

When Daniel Stephens finds out who his real father is, he also learns that he's part of the famous Valentine dynasty. He's not convinced that he fits into their world... until he meets beautiful Bella Lucia manager Stephanie Ellison and is captivated by her feisty yet vulnerable spirit...

Stephanie has surround herself with barriers to protect her from her devastating past. Now she's slowly warming to Daniel's gentle charm. This really could be a Christmas to remember - but first Daniel must show Stephanie that she can't hide behind her fears for ever...

Review:

Married Under the Mistletoe is the fifth in The Brides of Bella Lucia series and in many ways is the most emotional yet.

Stephanie has every reason to be an ice-maiden yet I found myself warming to her from the beginning. Daniel is a roguish barbarian, who becomes sexier by the second as he falls in love with not just Stephanie but his new-found family.

Linda Goodnight's prose is vibrant throughout and she makes each and every setting come alive. My particular favourite were the scenes Stephanie and Daniel shared along the bank of the river Thames. Linda Goodnight captures the essence of this city in a way I didn't know was possible.

There is a serious note to this book, yet as horrific as the scars are that Stephanie has, they never overshadow the romance even though they are powerful enough. This book is both a delight and a weepy, culminating in a read I will never forget.

Reviewed by: Sue

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Humour Factor = ♥

Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Did you know that Linda Goodnight once lost her home and all her posessions to a twister when she was a child? Yes it's true! To find out more why not visit her Website ...

Have you read this book or others by the same author? Leave a comment, we'd love to hear from you!!!

Chosen As The Frenchman's Bride - Abby Green

Title: Chosen As The Frenchman's Bride

Author: Abby Green

Line: Modern/Presents

Release month: USA: April 1, 2007/ UK January 2007

The S-Factor: Sizzling!

Back-Blurb:
Being swept off her feet by a tall, bronzed Frenchman isn't on Jane Vaughan's holiday list of things to do. But Xavier Salgado-Lezille isn't a man a girl can say no to easily. Especially when he comes complete with a chateau on his own island!Jane tries to play it cool, but she's inexperienced, out of the depth, and a virgin. Falling in love isn't part of the plan...neither is discovering she's pregnant once she's home and the affair is over.Now Xavier knows she's carrying his child, and he wants an heir. Jane has been chosen as his bride!

Review:
CHOSEN AS THE FRENCHMAN’S BRIDE is a fabulous debut novel by author Abby Green. It’s a prime example of passion like no other……and from the moment Jane and Xavier literally bump into each other the air around them sizzles. Abby’s strong alpha Xavier is everything a Presents novel should portray…… power, wealth, strength, good looks, passion, tenderness all of it.

Jane Vaughan is alone on holiday and by mistake boards a boat heading towards an exclusive island. Once she arrives she is forced to stay and make arrangements for a room. Then he appears and she’s captivated, in fact they are both captivated. With just a simple dance and then a picnic the next day, it’s evident to both of them their journey is just beginning.

When Xavier realizes he must pursue Jane and see where this sensual pull will lead, he asks her to stay at his estate for the three week duration of her holiday and she agrees and falls in love. When it’s time to leave he asks her to stay as his mistress. Of course Abby knows he has the power to destroy her and so with dignity in tack she leaves and returns home. In later weeks, she realizes she is carrying his child and must tell him the news. Upon learning he is about to become a father he insists they marry in order to give him his heir and satisfy his need for her.

Abby Green’s characters simply reach out and grab you. If your reading experience is anything like mine you won’t be able to put this book down. Throughout this entire story, I felt Jane’s pain. She was so overcome with lust, joy and completely swept away…. I wept! Theirs is such a stormy journey in finding love and trust; at times it will break your heart. And so to Abby Green, congratulations for such a beautiful debut, CHOSEN AS THE FRENCHMAN’S BRIDE is one I will long remember!

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥

Did you know that Irish Author Abby Green dances the Tango?

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The Ultimate Millionaire - Susan Mallery

Title: The Ultimate Millionaire

Author: Susan Mallery

Line: Silhouette Desire

Release month: USA and UK: January 2007

The S-Factor: Sizzling!

Back-Blurb:
Todd Aston III's reputation as a playboy preceded him; he wore power as seamlessly as he wore his custom-cut suits. But Marina Nelson had promised her sister—who was marrying Todd's cousin—that she'd help him plan the perfect wedding. And somehow, between tasting cakes and modeling wedding dresses, Marina discovered that she wanted Todd—and that Todd wanted her. She was powerless to prevent the inevitable. Yet the harder she fell for Todd, the more she realized that he didn't trust marriage-minded women.
Which made her grandmother's offer of a million dollars to whichever Nelson sister married him a big problem….

Review:
This final book in the Million Dollar Catch series was the perfect ending to the Nelson sisters and the three strong, handsome and sexy men they fell in love with. Their long lost grandmother Ruth, wealthy in her own right decided she wanted her nephew Todd Ashton III to be married to one of her granddaughter’s. With only one being left, Marina, since her other sisters had found their own fabulous husbands, would there be the possibility for Marina and Todd to become attracted to each other?

In the first book you meet Ryan and Julie. They are about to be married but have a business planned trip in China so that leaves them asking Julie’s sister Marina and Ryan’s cousin Todd to help them plan the wedding in their absence. Marina has already told her Grandmother she will have one date with Ryan and so they meet to discuss the wedding and agree their first date will actually take place on the wedding day. In the meantime they have a wedding to plan, so what’s so difficult about that? Well, for one, they are both immediately attracted to each other not only sexually but by each other’s intelligence, wit, charm, and agree to enjoy planning this wedding for the family members they both love.

Marina found Todd charming, sexy and definitely a challenge and thought he probably had no depth. She usually dated “safe” men and was afraid to risk her heart and terrified she’d end up like her mother. Her mother had only loved one man and had risked loosing her own parents when ran off and married him. Throughout their growing up years and three Nelson sisters had watched their father come and go and Marina was especially afraid if she fell in love he would break her heart.

Todd on the other hand, grew up wealthy and found at an early age women only wanted him for his money, lied to him and tried to trick him. So he had been burned enough times not to trust. However, upon meeting Marina he took a step back and asked himself when was the last time he had enjoyed a woman’s company?

What neither of them counted on was enjoying each other’s company and finally they shared a week of passion like no other with some humour thrown in for good measure…….food poisoning. Leave it to Susan Mallery to throw in this bit of humour as she’s so well know for in her books…….and passion on top of it all? The chemistry and passion between this couple will just plain blow you away.

In the end, Marina falls hard for Todd. She realizes that in order to find perfect happiness she must risk the pain. For Todd, there is still the trust issue and when he believes that Marina has betrayed him instead of trust he’s angry and cruel. Fear not, Todd Ashton III wakes up and is brought to his knees when he realizes how important this woman has become to him.

In closing, this made me weep……..it’s the wedding toast written by this man who never trusted…….and the lesson he learned…….”The Bible tells us that love is kind. Scholars tell us that love can change the course of history. Scientists tell us that love is chemical. Poets tell us that love is eternal. But true love is so much more than that, it’s about believing and risking. It’s about believing in that one person and that one person believing in you. Love is about hanging on the roller-coaster ride of life. Love is about having faith in yourself and the person you love.” Again, Susan’s gives her readers another valuable lesson and this time about believing in your self and taking a chance…..a chance on love.

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥

Did you know that Susan Mallery took astronomy in college? Sooooo didn't want to do the "hard" science thing. Per Susan, she didn't even know what half the classes were. To find out more you can visit her website

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The Nanny and the Sheikh - Barbara McMahon

Title: The Nanny and the Sheikh

Author: Barbara McMahon

Line: Romance

Release month: UK & USA - January 2007

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back-Blurb:

Needed: a mother for the Sheikh’s children

Melissa Fox’s trip to the kingdom of Qu’Arim is a perk of her job with the Valentine family. When she arrives she’s working for Bella Lucia, yet when she expertly calms Sheikh Surim Al-Thani’s three little children, the handsome Sheikh is determined she will stay on as his nanny…

When she realizes how much the children need her, Melissa agrees to stay – she will teach the gorgeous but guarded Sheikh how to love and care for them. Only she finds herself in love with a man she could only ever dream of marrying…

Review:

This book is the seventh in The Brides of Bella Lucia series.

I confess that it took me a little while to warm to the heroine, Melissa, but her genuine loyalty and love for the children soon shone through and had me rooting for her future happiness. Surim is a gorgeous hero, but there was a time when I wondered whether he was deserving of Melissa! He refused to acknowledge how special she was, and failed to see the shallowness of the other prospective brides-to-be. I loved the setting of Qu’Arim and learning about the different customs.

The children were wonderful secondary characters, adding to, rather than detracting from the overall romance. Barbara McMahon has successfully created a believable story, showing that Western and Eastern cultures can blend and have a happy-ever-after future.

Reviewed by: Sue

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) = ♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥

Did you know that Barbara McMahon has over 42 titles in print with Harlequin Romance alone??? Why not visit her website to learn more?

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The Unexpected Millionaire - Susan Mallery

Title: The Unexpected Millionaire

Author: Susan Mallery

Line: Silhouette Desire

Release month : USA and UK: December 2006

The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sweet

Back-Blurb:
Millionaire Kane Dennison's first mistake had been carrying an injured Willow Nelson inside his home, which, as a rule, was off-limits. Of course, she'd needed his help, but his one kind gesture had her believing he was a nice man. He wasn't.
His second mistake had been surrendering to passion after warning Willow to run away. Because a woman like her deserved better than a one-night stand. She believed in soul mates. He trusted no one—needed no one. And not even Willow was going to change him!

Review:
THE UNEXPECTED MILLIONAIRE is the second book in Susan Mallery’s “The Million Dollar Catch”. It’s not only a passionate love story, it’s full of family dynamics and captivating…..due to Willow and powerful, strong and untouchable Kane.

Kane Dennison was handsome, strong and hard. But most important he didn’t do relationships nor did he ever want to become involved with a woman! All he has ever wanted was solitude and to someday retire to a secluded island. Kane felt to care about someone meant risking his heart…..that a woman might destroy him.

This sexy man is in charge of security for Todd Ashton III and his cousin Ryan, who are both millionaires many times over. What these three men share in common is a meddling woman by the name of Ruth (Todd and Ryan’s aunt and Ryan’s finance’s Julie’s grandmother)…..very complicated! Ruth’s mission in life is to marry off Todd and she offers her granddaughter’s one million dollars.

In the first book in the series, Ryan substitutes himself for Todd and Julie and Ryan fall in love. Now in the second book, there is no chance for Todd……because Willow tries to confront Todd but that doesn’t happen and the result…….Willow and Kane meet and what a mess. So what’s left? The last sister Marina and the Mr. $$$ Todd III; that will be addressed in the last book of the series. So where does this leave us? Willow and Kane’s story.

Enter Willow….caring, sweet, soft, and loveable. She arrives at Todd Ashton’s mansion to tell him off because he has tried to meddle in her sister’s relationship with Ryan. Instead of meeting Todd, she meets his security guard Kane. They argue, tussle and she ends up at his home with the result…..a sprained ankle. Poor Kane, he doesn’t know what’s hit him. During the passing weeks, he mellows and softens and adjusts to having Willow around, when had he ever needed anyone? And then he starts to wonder!

This is a very good read, but also emotional and sweet at the same time. It makes you believe in love and happy every after. Again Susan Mallery has delivered a very powerful romantic read full of love and family dynamics and emotion!

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥

Did you know that The Million Dollar Catch series came about because Susan was addicted to the television show The Bachelor? Loved it. Loved it and watched it again when it replayed on The Family channel because once wasn't enough. She kept thinking about the premise--would you get involved with a stranger? Marry a stranger? And she kept thinking, well, for a million dollars, maybe! So Susan decided to create her own version of The Bachelor, with her own characters and hey, a million dollars on the line! To learn more why not visit Susan's website

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A Noble Captive - Michelle Styles

Title: A Noble Captive

Author: Michelle Styles

Line: Mills & Boon Historical Romance

Release month: UK - January 2007

The S-Factor: Simmering

Back-Blurb:
Roman soldier

Strong, proud, honourable - Marcus Livius Tullio embodied the values of Rome. Captured on the high seas and brought to the Temple of Kybele, he was drawn towards the woman who gave him refuge.

Pagan priestess

Fierce, beautiful, determined - Helena despised all that Rome stood for. In sheltering Tullio, she had to subdue her awareness of him --- or she might confess all! The soldier’s strength and nobility tempted her to lean on him, but she knew that to succumb would be to betray her people…

Review:

A Noble Captive chronicles the romance between Helena, the priestess’ assistant at a pagan temple, and the prisoner who has just been transported to the same temple – a strong-willed Roman suffering anguish after his capture by pirates. The two are thrown together in a story that is centred around a single location – the island temple – but manages to pack plenty of plot and incident in along the way.

In Helena, Michelle Styles has created a pleasingly complex heroine, one who is both sympathetic and at the same time self-willed, somebody the reader can feel for while at the same time respect. In her hero, Marcus Livius Tullio, Michelle has captured an essentially Roman ‘character’, focusing on all that is admirable about that race, while giving equal weight to Tullio’s own personality and focusing on his own inner turmoils.

An engaging cast of supporting characters flesh out the rest of the book and there are many well-drawn figures to equal the hero and heroine. A sub-plot concerning the romance between Quintus and Galla is particularly engaging and one feels that their own story could fill a book. Meanwhile, corrupt officials and bloodthirsty pirates are always present in the backdrop, adding a palpable sense of mystery and tension to the proceedings.

There is plenty of reference to period detail which helps add to the overall authenticity of the book and the author gives a good idea of what life was like during the Roman period, from the day-to-day chores carried out by servants to the bartering and merchanting that was carried out on the high seas.

A Noble Captive is an engaging and well-researched Historical romance that should entertain any fan of the genre. Michelle Styles deserves kudos for ably bringing to life the ancient past.

Reviewed by: Gray

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) = ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥


Did you know that: Julius Caesar's capture by pirates in 73 BC provided the inspirational spark for this book? To find out more about Michelle why not visit her website or her Blog...

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White-Hot! - Trish Wylie

Title: White-Hot!

Author: Trish Wylie

Line: Modern Extra UK/Sexy Sensation Aus.

Release month: UK: Sept 2006/AUS: December 2006

The S-Factor: Simmering

Back-Blurb:
It takes just one sexy fireman to set her ablaze…
Circumstance has left Finn McNeill without a place to stay. Which means her only option is the spare room of friend and firefighter Shane Dwyer. Soon Finn’s burning question is: what’s worse – living with a rugged fireman who’s off limits, or having no home and no rugged fireman at all?

Memories from Finn’s past refuse to let her act on her present desire. And Shane has promises to keep that mean Finn is forbidden to him. But how long can they resist temptation when the tension’s sizzling, the attraction’s simmering, and the flames of passion are licking at their heels? Perhaps one secret, white-hot night will be enough to put out the fire?

Review:
Popular M&B romance author Trish Wylie makes her Modern Extra debut with White-Hot! Sexy, sassy and feel-good, White-Hot! is a fantastic tale which will grab your attention from the very first page and keep you fervently turning the pages late into the night!

When Finn McNeill’s house burns down, she finds herself desperately needing a roof over her head and with no other option available to her, she finds herself sleeping in Shane Dwyer’s spare room. Shane is Finn’s brother’s best friend – and one of the sexiest men Finn’s ever clapped eyes on! But memories from Finn’s past prevent her from acting on her present feelings.

However, Finn and Shane soon give in to temptation and they spend a passionate night together where they hope to douse the passion that sizzles between them. However, they soon realise that one night in each other’s arms just isn’t enough...

White-Hot! is a spellbinding romance which you will not be able to put down! Trish Wylie has created two wonderful characters which you will immediately take to your heart and their fiery passion, witty repartee and powerful emotional intensity will make you laugh, cry and fall in love!

Reviewed by: Julie

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Did you know that Trish Wylie, like Finn in her debut Modern Extra, White-Hot!, used to work in the music biz? To find out more about Trish visit her Website or her Blog

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Pregnancy Of Passion - Lucy Monroe

Title: Pregnancy Of Passion

Author: Lucy Monroe

Line: Presents - USA & Canada

Release month: USA & Canada - December 06

The S-Factor: Simmering & Sizzling!

Back-Blurb:
It was a year since their tempestuous affair had ended. So why was he back? Elisa trusted Salvatore di Vitale as far as she could throw him. And, as the wealthy Sicilian was over six feet tall, that wasn't very far.

Salvatore told Elisa he had come to protect her. And if their close proximity led to passion…and if passion should lead to pregnancy…all the better! Because then Elisa would have to marry him, which was Salvatore's plan all along….

Review:
This is Elisa and Salvatore’s story…..one full of passion, pain and will, in the end, warm your heart.

All of Elisa’s life she just wanted to belong and she felt she belonged to no one, not her lover nor her parents. She craved acceptance from her American mother who chose not to marry her Italian father. Throughout her life she spent time in Sicily with her father and his wife and their sweet, traditional Sicilian daughter. However, Elisa always felt somewhat like an outsider. Her lover, Salvatore had shown her such passion but when she told him she was pregnant, he didn’t believe the baby was his and in the end left her after their child perished. She felt such pain and became a truly lost and broken woman.
Now a year later, Elisa is faced with seeing Salvatore and this is where the story takes off on a roller coaster ride, and seductive journey, one the reader will long remember. Lucy Monroe is a master at depicting strong passion between her two main characters, and again in Pregnancy of Passion she has delivered a powerful punch. Be prepared for sorrow and pain but also a passion not to be denied.

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = (will live happily ever after) ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥♥

Did you know that Lucy Monroe loves luxury hotels, body wraps and will take a bath over a shower any day of the week! Yes indeed! To find out more, why not visit her website

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A Mistress For The Taking - Annie West

Title: A Mistress For The Taking

Author: Annie West

Line: Modern - UK/Ireland - Sexy - Australia/NZ - Presents - USA & Canada

Release month: UK/Ireland/Aus/NZ - November 06 -USA & Canada - January 07

The S-Factor: Sizzling!

Back-Blurb:
Marina Lucchesi: tall, awkward and unschooled in the lessons of seduction, she has a score to settle to save her brother from ruin.

Ronan Carlisle: rich, handsome and a legendary lover of women, he wants revenge. As Ronan presents it, the strategy is simple: if Marina poses as his mistress, he’ll ensure that the man who has brought both of them misery gets his just deserts. But as Marina sees it, it’s a crazy plan. Why would Ronan, one of Australia’s wealthiest and most eligible tycoons, want her?

However, she’s not in a position to refuse Ronan’s offer…or able to resist the overwhelming physical attraction that pulses between them…

Review:
All I can say is that author, Annie West has a brilliant career ahead of her if A Mistress for the Taking is any indication. This is Marina and Ronan's story set in beautiful Australia and full of passion, I guarantee!

Marina has taken care of her family for most of her life. Over the past year she and her father were in an accident, one in which she injures her leg and her father dies. This leaves Marina and her brother to run the family business in which her brother makes very bad choices and they stand to loose it because he gambled it away. Marina confronts the ruthless Mr. Wakefield, the man who has stolen it only to be embarrassed at a cocktail party attended by the rich and famous.

However, she is rescued by the tall, dark and very mysterious Ronan. Ronan has a plan, a plan to help Marina and gain revenge on the man who has brought pain to one of his family. He is also very drawn and attracted to Marina and talks her into portraying his mistress. However, the tables are turned on both Marina and Ronan as neither of them counts on their own attraction for each other.

Their journey in finding each other and love will absolutely take your breath away. Congratulations to Ms. Annie west on her first Modern Romance, it was a fabulous read!

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = (will live happily ever after) ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥

Did you know that Annie West got the idea for this story while attending a writers’ seminar with a number of local authors, including Emma Darcy and Miranda Lee. Yes, they're locals, or close enough! How inspiring is that? To find out more, why not visit her website

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Cooking Up A Storm - Jenna Bayley-Burke

Title: Cooking Up A Storm

Author: Jenna Bayley-Burke

Line: Modern Extra - UK/Ireland

Release month: UK/Ireland - December 06

The S-Factor: Simmering and Sizzling!

Back-Blurb:
When it comes to relationships, sexy venture capitalist Cameron Price sticks firmly to casual flings. But when relocation takes him to Seattle, his boss insists finding a girlfriend will be a smart career move.

Still content with snacks rather than a full banquet, Cameron makes a deal with caterer Lauren Brody - she will pretend to be his girlfriend, and in return he'll hire her to cook at all his corporate events!

But their first kiss is incredibly tasty! Soon, the chemistry between Cameron and Lauren is electric, and their shared passion is threatening to boil over - which isn't part of Cameron's plan!

Review:
Jenna Bayley-Burke has written a real winner with her Cooking Up A Storm. It's absolutely delicious and delectable, full of passion, romance and humour. I felt like I was in the middle of catering chaos. It's a wonderful story and I sincerely enjoyed every moment of Lauren and Cameron's journey in finding each other.

Cameron an investment executive is being transferred from his firm in New York to head up the Seattle office and if he proves himself, he’ll run both offices. His boss is stepping down but he and his wife have definite ideas of how Cam should handle his personal life………a serious girlfriend then marriage! They firmly believe because Cam must entertain both at home and the office a wife and social hostess is the key to his success and happiness.

Lauren was just building up her career and business “Come for Dinner” Catering. Her company was well known for catering fabulous dinner parties. For the past few years, Lauren had emerged herself in her business to forget her pain, that of loosing her father and brother in a car accident and being hurt by a past fiancé. She is now just recovering from the hurt and looking forward to catering Cam’s business dinner and seeing him again as they met a year ago at a similar function she had catered for his boss. Over the past year Lauren had thought of Cam several times.

As this story begins, you feel the chemistry between Cam and Lauren immediately as they see each other again…..sparks fly but life has a way of playing tricks on people. Cam’s boss’s wife keeps after him from the moment she arrives at his dinner party and Cam feels trapped. He talks Lauren into playing his “secret” girlfriend and in exchange he’ll give her his catering business for dinner parties and office lunches and functions. Their journey begins and what a ride!

I loved Lauren’s spunk and drive…..and Cam’s drive to succeed but what gave me pleasure as a reader was how they both overcame their trust issues and in the end found love and happiness. Sincere thanks to Jenna for this incredible sizzling and entertaining story!

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = (will live happily ever after) ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor = ♥

Did you know that Jenna Bayley-Burke reads cookbooks like most people read novels? Also, Jenna hates to wear shoes, but always wears socks! To find out more, why not visit her website or her Blog...

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Falling For the Frenchman by Claire Baxter

Title: Falling for the Frenchman

Author: Claire Baxter

Line: Silhouette Romance/Romance/Sweet

Release month: North America/UK January 2007, Australia/NZ March 2007

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back-Blurb:

Under summer skies...with the Frenchman of her dreams!

It's taken Beth a long time to get over Pierre Laroche, and now - just as she starts the fight of her life to stay in control of her beloved Barossa Valley winery - he's back. But this time it's business - the takeover business!

Beth knows she should hate Pierre - he has come, after all, to take away her winery - but glimpses of the man she loved ten years ago can still be seen under the cynical businessman...

As the sun sets on the beautiful Barossa Valley they begin a journey of discovery into the past...and as the sun rises they glimpse the future they could share...


Review:

The cover of Claire’s book says it all: this is a book about romance, about losing love and finding it again. It is about the dreamy, hazy feeling of love that can overwhelm, and the realities that suddenly bring the challenges of real life into sharp focus. Beth is a talented and intelligent woman, whose home and community are threatened by a takeover bid for her winery. Like her father before her she is a staunch supporter of the community and chooses ethics over profit. It is a shock to find that the man sent to review her management, and then recommend changes, is Pierre, a love she thought she had left behind in France a decade ago.

Their connection, their love for each other, is still strong despite their years apart and Pierre soon sees that Claire has the vision and skill needed to grow the vineyard. Claire fights against her attraction to Pierre, he’s been married and is engaged a custody battle for his son with his ex-wife, but he’s still the only man who makes her feel passion and desire. Amongst the vines they begin to fall in love again, but can their love overcome the barriers between them?

I loved this book, what a fabulous story. Beth is gentle but determined, and she never forgets, or let’s those around her forget , her caring side.

Pierre’s return brings back all those feelings from 10 years ago, and there is no going back. Pierre is not only gorgeous, he’s perceptive too. He soon realises that Beth is no figurehead, she’s the real heart of the business. Slowly but surely, their love grows and they can’t deny the passion they still feel for each other. This book is a slow burn, the heat between them grows until it flames brightly, but Beth and Pierre could deny themselves everything for the sake of others.

This is Claire’s first book, and I am certainly looking forward to reading her next!! Read this book and you’ll find yourself Falling for the Frenchman too!!

Reviewed by: Cindy


Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥

Did you know that Claire Baxter learned about Frenchmen while driving trucks (not the really big ones) in

France for a vehicle hire company? Visit her website to find out more...

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Her Miracle Baby - Fiona Lowe

Title: Her Miracle Baby

Author: Fiona Lowe

Line: Harlequin/Mills and Boon Medical Romance

Release month: USA/Canada– December 06, UK/Ireland - November 06, Australia – December 06

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back-Blurb:

All she wanted was to give him a child…

Surviving a plane crash in the alpine forests of Australia sparks the beginning of a real connection between Dr Will Cameron and Nurse Meg Watson. A connection they delight in strengthening when Will finds himself helping Meg in her understaffed Outback nursing centre.

But Meg knows that she has no chance of a future with Will. He wants what she is unable to give him – children. Then, after one passionate night together…a miracle happens…

Review:
Nurse Meg Watson does not want to run the risk of falling in love again. She’s done it once and had her heart broken into tiny pieces so she vows to focus all of her energies on her job as nurse and on caring for her mother, Eleanor, and helping her run the family guesthouse. However, when she meets Dr Will Cameron, she certainly cannot deny the frisson of attraction that sizzles between them.

But when they give in to their feelings, Meg has to face facts for she knows that a future with Will is not within reach as he wants the one thing that she can’t have – children. But after one passionate night, Meg falls pregnant with the baby she never thought she would have, however, will Meg and Will let past fears and insecurities get in the way of their future as a family?

Her Miracle Baby is a wonderful Medical Romance which will tug at your heartstrings and keep you turning the pages late into the night. Wonderfully romantic, highly moving and impossible to put down, Fiona Lowe has written another fantastic novel which will fly straight onto your keeper shelf!

Reviewed by: Julie

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) = ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor = ♥♥
Weepy Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Did you know that Fiona Lowe has lived in two different countries and three different cities? To learn more about Fiona why not visit her Website or her Blog?

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Blind-Date Marriage - Fiona Harper

Title: Blind-Date Marriage

Author: Fiona Harper

Line: Silhouette Romance/ M&B Romance

Release month: US - November 06 / UK - December 06

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back-Blurb:

Can this blind date lead to an appointment at the altar…?

Serena—loves everything in life, except for blind dates! She’s turned her back on her unconventional upbringing, and her deepest wish is to marry Mr. Right….

Jake—is a highly successful and focused businessman. He’s worked hard to escape his roots, and now lives by one rule: never get married!

A romantic candlelit restaurant, a dozen red roses, champagne on ice…the scene is set for the perfect blind date!

Review:

Serena wants a rose-covered cottage, kids, two dogs and Mr Perfect to complete the fantasy. Jake ticks all the right boxes for the role — except the most important one – the ready for commitment box. A pity Serena doesn’t realise that before she falls in love with him.

Jake is strongly attracted to her, but can’t believe he can make her happy. When he realises Serena wants more than he can give he walks away.
Despite a strong feeling of regret, he is so determined not to get emotionally involved with Serena that the reader spends much of the book wondering how these two immensely likeable characters will ever get together.

Blind date marriage is a humorous and touching story with a rivetting plot, plenty of action and a loveable, quirky heroine. It’s written in a young, contemporary style and I absolutely loved it.
A book you should not miss!

Reviewed by: Janet

Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor ♥♥♥♥♥

Did you know that Fiona Harper won the RNA's Joan Hessyan New Writers' Award 2006 with this book before it even went to print, beating off competition from mainstream publishers? To find out more why not visit her website or her blog

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