THE ROYAL DOCTOR'S BRIDE - Jessica Matthews

Title: THE ROYAL DOCTOR’S BRIDE

Author: Jessica Matthews

Line: Mills and Boon Medical
Harlequin Presents Extra

Release Month: UK: now
NA: May ‘09

The S-Factor: Sweet and Sensual

Back-Blurb:

Royal duty or real love?

As an ER doctor, Gina Sutton is ready for anything—until Dr. Ruark Thomas enters her organized world and turns it upside down! He’s the most handsome man she’s ever met, and working with Dr. Thomas is going to be hard. But he has another surprise for Gina. . .he wants to marry her!

Ruark is actually Prince of Marestonia, the neighbouring island to Gina’s own birthplace, Avelogne. With tensions escalating on the islands, Gina and Ruark must unite to create peace. But this will be no marriage of convenience—Ruark wants to make Gina his royal bride for real!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Is this the stuff that dreams are made of? Or nightmares?. . .

As an ER doctor, Gina Sutton is satisfied with her life. She’s busy all the time, well liked by the staff she works with, successful—at least on the outside. Inside? Well, that’s another story. She’s trying very hard to pretend she doesn’t know her family history. She’s trying very hard to forget she has a. . .(I’ll leave that for you to figure out)

Enter Dr. Ruark Thomas, taking over the position of her boss, within sight every time she looks up, and finally, offering her a proposition—er, proposal—she can’t refuse.

Jessica Matthews invented what seems to me the perfect Alpha-male. Ruark is strong, confident, knows exactly when to be forceful, yet he can be gently persuasive in the right situation. Gina is the perfect partner for him. She is stubborn and independent, not backing down from whatever stand she takes until she is convinced that changing her decision will be for the benefit of the masses.

So what was this proposal Ruark had for Gina? Did his title of Prince of Marestonia have anything to do with it?

Jessica has a way with words. This story flowed along beautifully. There was always a crisis at the right time to influence the hero and heroine’s decisions. The love scenes were realistic and well done. The tension between the two main characters was just enough to keep you reading on. Though dreams of royalty might be out of reach for most of us, this author made it believable.

This was an enjoyable read. I will definitely be on the look-out for more from this author.

Hero Hotness Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥

Heroine Lovability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥

Awww Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥

Stickability Factor (will it last?) ♥♥♥♥♥

Humour Factor: ♥♥

Weepy Factor:

Reviewed by: Donna B

CODERO'S FORCED BRIDE - Kate Walker

Title: CORDERO’S FORCED BRIDE

Author: KATE WALKER

Line: Harlequin Presents
Mills and Boon Modern Romance

Release month North America: February 2009 UK: March 2009

The S-Factor: Simmering and Sensual

Back-Blurb:

Alexa Montague is mortified! She's had to call off her sister's wedding, and now the ruthless, arrogant groom, Santos Cordero, is demanding shy ugly duckling Alexa take her sister's place!

The Montagues have stolen his money and his convenient bride, so Santos will enjoy taking Alexa instead. For Santos does not—cannot—love. But his body burns for Alexa as it has for no other woman before. He'll keep her captive in his bed until she's begging to be his….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Codero’s Force Bride by Kate Walker is intense, explosive and the passion leaps off the pages. It’s one of those books that once you begin you’ll literally stay up all night reading. From the moment I began reading, I absolutely knew I was going to fall in love with Santos Codero. He’s a man of many layers and he’s determined to have what he wants and will go to any lengths to get it. So on his wedding day when his future bride’s sister appears on the scene to announce her sister has run off with the man she loves, what does he do? He invites all of the guests back to his home for the reception, including the bride’s parents who have stolen a fortune from him.

Alexa Montague is one determined young woman. The first time she met Santos there was an electric charge between them and now she is facing him head on and determined that her sister and her family will survive Santos. What she doesn’t count on is that Santos now has a plan, that very plan to still gain the respectability by marrying a Montague, giving that respectability not only to his business but also to his heirs. So the revised plan leaves it to Alexa to wed Santos and he’s not going to take no for an answer.

There’s no denying the attraction and desire they both feel for each other. Immediately Santos recognizes it, and is drawn like a moth to Alexa. He wants her and he’s going to have her no matter what. He even lets his guard down and shares his horrible childhood with her, something he’s never shared with another woman and reading about it will have you shedding tears. For Santos, she is like no other woman he has ever known but he keeps fighting it and chalks it up to the passion they share.


As their story unfolds, you will learn that Alexa feels deeply for this proud Spaniard and that he literally rips her heart out. She has such a low opinion of herself and she sincerely believes herself to be the unattractive sister while it’s obvious Santos feels differently. Her realization that he will never love her, her struggle to walk away from him, just prepare yourself for the emotion the author delivers.

Cordero’s Force Bride is part of the Bedded by Blackmail series and a wonderful addition especially with this year being Harlequin’s Diamond Anniversary, celebrating sixty years. It’s a beautiful sensual and passionate love story and one you definitely won’t want to miss.


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Reviewed by: Marilyn

MILLIONAIRE'S SECRET SEDUCTION - Jennifer Lewis

Title: MILLIONAIRE’S SECRET SEDUCTION

Author: JENNIFER LEWIS

Line: SILHOUETTE DESIRE

Release month USA/UK: February 2009

The S-Factor: Sensual and Sexy



Back-Blurb:

A multimillion-dollar family dynasty was hard to walk away from. And that's what Dominic Hardcastle intended to do. Until he met his father's employee Bella Andrews. She was intriguing and sexy beyond reason… and out to ruin his estranged, ruthless father. So Dominic offered to keep her secret if she'd keep him company…after hours.

Everything about Dominic set off alarms in Bella's head. For he had the power to destroy her plans. Maybe some intense overtime with Mr. Tall, Dark and Dangerous was needed. Suddenly her scheme didn't seem so simple…or her heart so safe.…

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Millionaire’s Secret Seduction is the first book in author Jennifer Lewis’s The Hardcastle Progeny. One learns that the ruthless millionaire Tarrant Hardcastle is dying and has found one of his illegitimate children, Dominic DiBari. The same son he denied he fathered and now recognizes and wants to head up his corporation. Tarrant has a reputation being a womanizer and for only hiring “beautiful people”. Now he’s determined that his long lost son will take over the helm.

Dominic is an incredibly handsome and self made millionaire coming up the hard way, with hard work and shear determination and owns a chain of food stores very similar to Trader Joes (more than a grocery store with its shelves stocked also with exotic foods and items). He is also more than just a handsome man; he’s a man of honour but struggles with his feelings for his newfound father.

Bella Andrews is the head chemist at Hardcastle Enterprises and she’s on a mission to prove that Tarrant Hardcastle stole her father’s formulas and she’s going to expose and sue him. She is also an honour bound woman with a deep feeling for her mother who has been destroyed not only by the loss of her husband but also agonizes over loosing her home and feels Hardcastle is responsible. Bella’s mother wants to get back what she feels is rightfully theirs and is counting on Bella to prove they were cheated.

When Dominic explores his father’s company he bumps into the natural beauty, Bella and appreciates her looks, intelligence and sass. So much so, he’s determined to get to know her professionally and physically. However, he also realizes she has something to hide when he catches her going through Hardcastle files.

As the story unfolds, Bella tells Dominic about her father and her plans and he promises to give her sometime but he wants to make a deal. What will the deal cost each of them? He follows her and keeps an eye on her at every turn and in the end reveals to his father Bella’s plan. However, keeping his hands off of her is a problem and there is a scene in a copy room you won’t want to miss.

This is not just another sizzling love story, it’s about honour, family, values, trust and forgiveness. The story takes place in the cosmetic and fashion industry and is set in New York. Dominic and Bella’s journey is full of passion, is explosive, very powerful and was beautiful to read. This three book series is going to be wonderful and The Millionaire’s Secret Seduction just wet my appetite. In March, the second book will be released, In the Argentine’s Bed and in April The Heir’s Scandalous Affair.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

THE FIORENZA FORCED MARRIAGE

Author: Melanie Milburne

Line: Mills and Boon/Presents

Release: January 2009

The S Factor: Sexy

Front Blurb:

His eyes came back to hers, his inherent cynicism glittering like black diamonds.

‘I can only assume my father thought by forcing me to marry his little nursemaid it might have some sort of reforming effect on me,’ he said. ‘What do you think, Miss March? Do your skills extend to taming decadent playboys?’


One thing you have to understand about Rafael, he has no time for emotionally needy women. They’re too much hard work.
But for once in his life, he found himself not in command. His life had always been simple, no ties, no false promises and no love. But Emma had pierced his firewall.
Poor Rafael, suddenly realised that Emma’s innocence, her integrity, had completely turned his life upside down. His utter certainty that Emma was far too sweet for him and his realisation that he did want to be loved and for that love to last.
You will love this book, Melanie has written a beautiful, thought provoking, passionate love story of 2 people striving to be happy and to fulfil a dream of the happy ever after.

Their journey to find that ultimate love won’t disappoint. It’s lovely.
Thanks Melanie.


Back Blurb:

Rafael Fiorenza is furious. To get his inheritance he has to marry… his estranged father’s mistress!

Emma March was only doing her job, caring for the late Valentino Fiorenza. She expected no mention in his will, let alone a stipulation to marry his son! But, financially, she’s desperate…

Rafael will treat Emma like the money-grabbing harlot he thinks she is. He’ll wed her, bed her and destroy her. But then he discovers his new wife is a virgin! He’s forced an innocent woman up the aisle…

Location: Lake Como, Italy

Hero Hotness Factor: XXXX

Heroine Lovability Factor: XXX

Aww Factor: XXX

Stickability Factor: XXXX

Humour Factor: XXX

Weepy Factor: X

Reviewed by: Karen

CINDERELLA AND THE SHEIKH - NATASHA OAKLEY

Title: CINDERELLA AND THE SHEIKH

Author: NATASHA OAKLEY

Line: HARLEQUIN ROMANCE


Release month North America/UK: January 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy and Sweet

Back-Blurb:

Life has been tough on Pollyanna, who has constantly been at someone's beck and call. So when she journeys to the desert with magnificent sheikh Rashid, it feels like a dream! Charisma. Power. Danger. In just days, Rashid has taken Polly's world and changed it. He can't ever be hers, but what she is feeling is as old as time itself.

Pollyanna came to Amrah to relive her great-grandmother's adventure. But as the fairy-tale trip draws to an end, her adventure—with Rashid—has only just begun


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

This was an extremely entertaining and romantic love story taking place in England at a castle and also in the Amrah Desert Kingdom.

One’s first impression of Sheikh Rashid is he has it all, wealth, power, looks and can any woman he wants. But as one gets to know his character, he is so much more; he’s devoted to his kingdom, his brother and sister and aches to see his father before he dies. He’s also out for revenge as an English Duke has sold him a stud which can not produce and has taken his money and Rashid vows to get even.

Polly you will adore. She’s sweet, caring, devoted to her mother and Shelton Castle. She’s determined to take care of her wheelchair bound mother, the castle her stepbrother is about to ruin and live up to the expectations her stepfather had for his heirs. Now she’s been offered the opportunity to travel to Amrah and film a documentary about her great grand mother and have the adventure of her life.

It’s immediate attraction for Polly when she sees Rashid; he absolutely takes her breath away. She is overwhelmed by him so when he takes an interest in her she believes it to be sincere. However, for Rashid he needs to make sure Polly is not involved in her step brother’s deception so he is wary but he cannot deny his physical attraction for her. On top of everything else, his father is dying and does not want to see him plus there are security issues in his country because a new sheikh will be declared upon the death of his father. For Rashid his country means everything to him and he knows once Polly finds out he is going to ruin her stepbrother and possibly loose the castle, there can be no relationship.

Cinderella and the Sheikh is truly a Cinderella story set in the romantic desert full of mystery with the hope for the future for both Polly and Rashid.


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Humour Factor♥♥♥
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Reviewed by: Marilyn

TAKEN FOR REVENGE, BEDDED FOR PLEASURE- India Grey

Title: TAKEN FOR REVENGE, BEDDED FOR PLEASURE
Author: INDIA GREY
Line: Harlequin Presents
Mills and Boon Modern Romance
Release month North America: MAY 2009UK: JANUARY 2009The S-Factor: Simmering and Sensual
Back-Blurb:

The ruthless tycoon and the virgin heiress

Dangerously handsome Olivier Moreau has everything: power, money, and endless women warming his bed. But there is one thing Olivier is still hungry for: revenge on the Lawrence family!

What better vengeance than to seduce innocent Bella Lawrence…and cast her aside when he’s had his fill? An eye for an eye, a heart for a heart. But when cold, calculating revenge turns to red-hot passion, Olivier has no intention of letting her go… She’ll stay right where he wants her – in his bed!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Again, author India Grey has charmed me with Taken for Revenge, Bedded for Pleasure. It’s a very intense love story, full of passion, secrets, pain and intrigue. On top of that, both Olivier Moreau and Bella Lawrence carry a lot of baggage from their past.

Set in London and the French countryside I felt drawn to the hustle and bustle of the City but India’s description of the French countryside, and the Moreau farm house made me want to plan a trip to France. This couple’s journey begins in an unconventional way and almost ends in an explosive and violent manner.

They both are fighting demons from their past….Bella has issues with her family plus suffered at the hands of a man who used her and then publicly shamed her. Oliver has definite issues from his childhood and has not seen his father in years. Now returns to France and is shocked at seeing Bella again. He has to decide what type of revenge he is going to take against the Lawrence family for their past transgressions against his father and fights his attraction for Bella every step of the way.

Olivier and Bella’s story is a interesting one, full of obstacles, lust, mistrust that will have you cheering them on to find the happiness they so deserve. It’s a beautifully crafted story as only India Grey can pen.

Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
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Reviewed by: Marilyn


Behind the book: As a reader I’ve always been fascinated by the Dedication Page and this one is no exception: “This one’s for Daisy, who makes the hard times easier and the good times better. With love and thanks”. Isn’t that lovely? M

BOOK REVIEW : HIGH SEAS STOWAWAY

Title : High Seas Stowaway

Author : Amanda McCabe

Line : Harlequin Historicals

Release date : January 2009

S-Factor : Simmering

 

Back burb 

Balthazar Grattiano, captain of the infamous ship Calypso and renowned seducer of women, has just walked into the one tavern in all of Hispanialo he should have avoided. For Bianca Simonetti, his sworn enemy, is the owner—and she has vengeance on her mind.

But before she can take her revenge she is captured by this rogue's kiss. Her only chance for retribution is to stow away on his ship for a passionate adventure that will either kill them—or bring them together once and for all!

 

Review 

Once upon a time, a young girl of fifteen, Bianca Simonetti, lived in Venice with her fortune-teller and tarot-card reader mother.

Balthazar Grattiano, the son of the powerful and fearsome Ermano Grattino, often waited for his father while Bianca’s mother would tell him who will be his fourth wife.

After a few visits from Ermano and in a single moment, Bianca’s life is changed forever when her mother is murdered and she blames Balthazar for it.

Seven years later in Santo Domingo, Bianca is now older and wiser and she has a new life on the island as a tavern owner. Her life without surprises is under control and she has no plans to change it.

Until.

Until the Captain of the Calypso, a man said to be able to navigate his way out of hell itself, appears in her tavern. She recognized him as Balthazar, the man who made her heart beat faster when she was a young girl and she remembers how she had vowed to take revenge her mother.

The more I was drawn in the story, the more I fell in love with Ms. McCabe’s writing. I was with Bianca when she decided to go on with her plans for revenge against Balthazar and I was still with her when she realized that her hate in him might be something else.

Because of her extensive researches on the time period, Ms McCabe was able to grab not only all of my attention, but also all of my senses. She was able to make me see the colors of the sea and of the islands and make me smell the scents of the tavern and of the flowers.

She also beautifully incorpored the sex scenes and the passion in the story, making it a seamsless one.

A tale of revenge, love and passion, High Seas Stowaway is the ultimate love story for pirates lovers.

Hero Hotness Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor: ♥
Weepy Factor: ♥♥

NOTE : Although HSS is the conclusion of Ms. McCabe Renaissance  trilogy (see A Notorious Woman and A Sinful Alliance), HSS can be read as a standalone.