HAVING THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABY -- SANDRA HYATT

Title: HAVING THE BILLIONAIRE’S BABY
Author: SANDRA HYATT
Line: SILHOUETTE DESIRE
Release month ( North America/ UK / Australia): North America - JULY
The S-Factor: ( Sizzling! / Simmering / Sweet) SIMMERING
Back-Blurb:
That business card couldn't be right. Callie Jamieson had just spent one impulsive, passionate night in the arms of the hottest, most irresistible stranger she'd ever met. And morning's light revealed her lover to be new PR client, billionaire Nick Brunicadi….

One sizzling night of passion, then she was gone. Undaunted, Nick was determined to find and have his fill of his mysterious seductress…a seductress, he discovered, who was carrying his heir!
Review: (average of hearts overall out of 35 – so total hearts divided by five?) ♥♥♥♥♥

Calypso "Callie" Jamieson finds herself embracing her freedom the night of her ex-boyfriend’s wedding with another one of the wedding guests, only to discover the next morning he isn’t just simply a member of the wedding party—he’s the bride’s brother, and client of her PR firm. Mortified, Callie slips out without another word.

Nick Brunicadi hasn’t been able to get the beautiful woman he spent the night with out of his head. A rarity for a man who can usually have his pick of beautiful women. But when his sister asks him to check out her new husband’s business partner and ex-girlfriend, he’s amazed to find out the woman is none other than Callie. Was there an ulterior motive to their night together?
I so loved this book. The chemistry between Callie and Nick is instantaneous and continues on every page. The strong willed, independent and feisty Callie finds herself undeniably attracted to Nick, but she fights the attraction, even as memories of their night together flood her thoughts. Nick is unrelenting in his pursuit of Callie, now that he knows who she is and once his thoughts of her having ulterior motives are dismissed, he finds himself unable to deny the strong attraction between them that existed from the moment they met. And when he finds out she’s having his baby, every feeling he has for her just ramps up in its intensity. I have to say I also loved Rosa, Nick’s grandmother who appears in one of my favorite scenes in the book.

A great read, this is one book that has you strongly hoping Callie and Nick will see the light and Callie accepts his marriage proposal and these two get the happily ever after they so deserve.

Reviewed by: Lis


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

Fun gossipy tidbit about author: Sandra was once an extra on the TV show Hercules

SAMANTHA'S COWBOY - Marin Thomas

Book Review

Title: SAMANTHA’S COWBOY

Author: MARIN THOMAS

Line: Harlequin American Romance

Release Month: August

The S-Factor: Satisfying and Sincere

Back-Blurb:

Some Cowboys Are Made, Not Born

There should be millions in Samantha Cartwright’s trust fund…but it’s empty. Luckily for Wade Dawson, her financial adviser, Samantha doesn’t know that yet. So Wade’s buying time to solve the mystery of the missing money by playing cowboy on her ranch. But he’s in way over his head!

Wade is so different from the men Samantha is used to. He wears a tie to work instead of dusty jeans and a Stetson. And while she’s intrigued by him, she’s frustrated by the delay. After all, starting her new horse ranch will finally prove to her overprotective father that she’s capable of running her own life.

But Samantha’s memory lapses from an old injury once brought harm to a child she loved, and she cannot risk being a danger to Wade or his young son. Even if the businessman does look irresistible in a cowboy hat…

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

This is book three in the Cartwright family saga, and Marin Thomas has done just as good a job on this one as she did on the other two. (A little birdie tells me there just might be a forth book sometime next year) I’m looking forward to it.

Samantha has decided it is time to get out from under her father’s overprotective wing. After all, she is thirty-two years old. Just because she sometimes has trouble remembering things is no reason to live at home all her life. Both her brothers have made lives of their own, and she wants her dreams to come true, too.

Is Wade her dream-come-true? Or is he her worst nightmare?

A financial advisor digging a well – by hand, no less. What was Wade’s reasoning behind that? How did Samantha manage to hurry things along, no matter how hard Wade dragged his feet?

Marin did an excellent job of getting the tension right up there between Wade and Samantha. Yet as hot as they were for each other, it seemed as if every time they thought they were getting somewhere something would happen to interrupt. I got a good laugh at some of Wade’s attempts at physical activity. I was frustrated right along with Samantha when she wanted him to kiss her and he didn’t.

So how did Samantha finally get her dream come true rescued-horse ranch? What did they do for money? And where did hers disappear to?

What I loved most about this book is that Marin has a knack for getting people out of trouble. In each of the Cartwright books someone needed rescuing, and it was done with dignity and tact. Her books are believable, and very read-able. She tackles problems like brain injuries, homeless children, and a widow left with a huge debt, in such a way that no one is left feeling inferior. She makes you believe the world isn’t such a bad place after all.

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

Reviewed by Donna B

NO HERO LIKE HIM - Elaine Grant

Book Review

Title: NO HERO LIKE HIM

Author: ELAINE GRANT

Line: Harlequin Super Romance
Release month: July

The S-Factor: Sensual and Satisfactory

Back-blurb:

Claire Ford has no choice but to hire Seth Morgan. There’s no one else but this bull rider on the mend to work at her therapeutic riding camp. So in exchange for his expertise with animals, she unwillingly agrees to help ease him back into the saddle.

Equally unwillingly, Claire begins to fall for this proud, quiet man. A man who’s determined to climb back onto the bull that almost killed him. And that’s the trouble. How can Claire commit to a guy who’d risk his life for something she doesn’t believe in? And what will happen if she forces him to choose between love and his livelihood?

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

What do you do when the person you were counting on to be a strong male presence for two at-risk boys suddenly backs out of the agreement? That’s where Claire found herself. Then her best friend came through with an offer of her brother’s help. Or would it be help? He could barely walk after a very nasty accident riding a bull left him severely injured. So how does she overcome her intense dislike of his bull-riding career, and his desire to return to it?

Seth is not about to accept help from someone who operates a therapeutic riding camp. He’d sooner (almost) not ride again. But then Claire appeals to his manly pride, and he finds himself agreeing to help with her camp in exchange for her (very secret) help getting back on a bull.

Where does Micah come into the mix? And why is he so important to Claire? What is the story behind all Claire’s insecurities?

Elaine Grant writes a heart-wrenching story about at-risk boys and girls – kids who have fallen through the cracks, and have no one on their side. She shows us that even the ones everyone has given up on can be helped with the right mix of caring and stubbornness – tough love. Her book tells it like it is. You can, indeed, do anything you set your mind to.

A great book, "No Hero Like Him" is fascinating to read. Ms Grant mixed sex and stubbornness and came up with a hot, page-turning, heart-wrenching story.

Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor (will it last?) ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor ♥♥
Weepy Factor ♥♥

Reviewed by Donna B

MAID IN MONTANA - Susan Meier

Book Review

Title: MAID IN MONTANA

Author: SUSAN MEIER

Line: Harlequin Romance
Release date: June

The S-Factor: Silly and Sparky

Back-Blurb:

At Silver Saddle Ranch. . .

For single mom Sophie Penazzi, accepting a housekeeping job at handsome Jeb Worthington’s ranch is a fresh start for her and six-month-old Brady.

Will she swap her feather duster. . .

More comfortable with a baby on her hip, dough on her apron and flour in her hair, Sophie knows she is nothing like the glamorous women who inhabit Jeb’s world.

For a diamond ring?

Her welcome from the taciturn rancher is far from warm. . .but that doesn’t stop Sophie wishing she could be more than a maid in Montana!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

You might wonder how a book could appear to be silly and sparky at the same time, but Susan Meier did it. I laughed out loud at Jeb’s reaction to Brady, and at the way Sophie stood up to him. I and loved the way the sparks flew between Jeb and Sophie at every opportunity.

Sophie found herself accepting a housekeeping job on Jeb’s ranch. He had not expected someone so young, and especially not someone with a baby in tow. Sophie had been burned before and she was not about to let anyone take advantage of her again. She stood up to him like few women ever did. But why did he seem to dislike Brady so much? What was behind his aversion to even being in the same room as the baby?

What desperate measures did Sophie have to take to make Jeb realize that he needed her?

This book is part of the mini-line In Her Shoes – modern-day Cinderellas get their grooms!

Susan Meier is an expert at taking a tense situation and making it into something you can laugh at. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The current flowing between hero and heroine in this book was presented in such an enjoyable way that it made putting the book down very hard to do.

Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor (will it last?) ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor

Reviewed by Donna B

LAST RESORT: MARRIAGE - Pamela Stone

Book Review

Title: LAST RESORT: MARRIAGE

Author: Pamela Stone

Line: Harlequin American Romance
Release month: July

The S-Factor: Sensual and Secretive

Back-Blurb:

Desperate times call for. . .A Quickie Wedding?

And desperation is the only reason Charlotte Harrington would even consider marrying local playboy Aaron Brody. Even if he is the most irresistible man she’s ever laid eyes on.

Charlie’s proposition could be a win-win for both of them. Aaron keeps his charter business afloat and the gorgeous, cool-as-ice hotel heiress keeps her grandfather from selling her hotel out from under her. Besides, it’s temporary.

Isn’t it?

It was supposed to be strictly a business arrangement. Falling in love with her husband wasn’t part of the deal. So when the time comes, will Charlie be able to just shake hands with Aaron and part ways forever?

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Charlotte’s grandfather was determined she was going to marry Perry Thurman. After all, she was twenty-nine. So he was shocked almost out of his socks when she announced she was engaged to Aaron Brody, a struggling charter fishing captain. And when Aaron suggested his friend, and fellow sea captain, marry them tomorrow. . .

So why was Perry sticking around? And why were there so many problems suddenly cropping up? Problems that it seemed only Perry could fix. Charlotte was determined that Perry was not going to get her hotel. She did not work for more than five years so that he could reap the benefits. Why did she dislike Perry so much? Where did he finally end up? Did Charlotte and Aaron finally figure out that they loved each other?

Pamela Stone is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the writing industry. Her characters are interesting, believable, and realistic. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a quick summer read. I could be wrong, but I believe this is the first book Pamela has written for Harlequin. I will definitely be looking for more from this author. Her command of the English language is outstanding. It takes you to beaches in the Florida Keys where you can actually feel the warm sun on your skin, and the spray from the ocean waves.

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

Reviewed by Donna B

BOARDROOM BABY SURPRISE - Jackie Braun

Book Review

Title: BOARDROOM BABY SURPRISE

Author: JACKIE BRAUN

Line: Harlequin Romance
Release month: August

The S-Factor: Surprising, and Sweet, and Sad (sort of)

Back-Blurb:

A baby in the office. . .

When pregnant Morgan Stevens arrives at wealthy businessman Bryan Caliborn’s office looking for her baby’s father, two things become apparent: she’s mistaken him for his late brother and she’s in labor – in the boardroom!

. . .means a whole new agenda!

Now Morgan’s a single mom, and she’s bowled over by the take-charge tycoon’s support. But surely the once-burned bachelor is just doing it out of duty. . .

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Chapter one of “Boardroom Baby Surprise” opens with Morgan Stevens panting through a contraction in the waiting room of what she thinks is her baby’s father’s office. And then her water broke in the conference room. If you think I was going to put the book down after that. . . This book caught me in right from page one, sentence one. I was hooked.

What do you do when something you’ve believed turns out to be false? The man she thought was Bryan Caliborn was actually his late brother. This on top of everything else that was happening to her made Morgan very wary about getting involved with another man. But Bryan wouldn’t take no for an answer. And his logic irritated her beyond belief – or was that hormones speaking?

This story is filled with events that take the reader by surprise. It is sweet in that Bryan can’t seem to help himself when it comes to helping, and being with Morgan, even though he wonders if she is a liar and a gold-digger. It is sad because Dillon, Bryan’s brother, died without even knowing that he was going to be a father.

Jackie Braun did an excellent job of taking the reader from one emotion to another. Each page was better than the page before. Each chapter more interesting than the last. Even though I hooted with laughter when Morgan’s water broke in the middle of a boardroom filled with stuffy old men, the book was still down-to-earth, and very believable. Ms Braun’s wonderful command of the English language makes reading her books a delightful experience that carries you from laughter to tears and back again.

Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor (will it last?) ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor ♥♥♥
Weepy Factor ♥♥♥

Reviewed by Donna B

SPANISH MAGNATE, RED-HOT REVENGE - Lynn Raye Harris

Author: Lynn Raye Harris

Line: Mills and Boon Modern/Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: July 2009 / North America: August 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling & Spectacular

Back-Blurb:

The Spaniard’s scorching seduction

Nobody messes with Alejandro de Ramirez. He doesn’t suffer fools, and certainly has no time for manipulative wantons. Rebecca Layton was both. Five years on, the turmoil she brought to his life hasn’t ended – and Alejandro is more merciless than ever. The Spanish magnate wants retribution…

Unusually, and frustratingly for Alejandro, his plan doesn’t go smoothly. Surely Rebecca wasn’t this alluring before? And did his body always respond in this way – with such passionate fury? This is no longer just revenge…this is red-hot and dangerous!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge was a magnificent debut book and if I hadn’t already known it was Lynn Raye Harris first I would have thought I was reading a romance by a long published author, that’s how incredibly marvellous it was…..just breathtaking!

Alejandro de Ramirez once a bull fighter and now a ruthless billionaire is out for revenge from his past lover Rebecca Layton. Ruthless doesn’t even begin to describe him and he’s now going to make Rebecca pay for what he believes she and her father took from him years earlier, a business deal which would have earned him not only millions but he would have been seen by his peers as a respected businessman. He’s determined to learn the truth and insists she return to Spain and stay in his home so he can keep an eye on her.

Now out of the blue Rebecca is being summoned to Spain and not knowing the outcome or plans Alejandro has for her company, she doesn’t know if she can withstand seeing her past lover again. She remembers all too well how he hurt her, how she found out while being his lover that he was to marry someone else. Now all she has is her company and he’s going to take that as well? On top of everything else the past hurts, the secrets, the accusations he hurls at her, how dare he accuse her of cheating him? When she doesn’t think she can stand anymore, she finds out he had a child that died?

Their time spent together was painful for them both. Each of them kept blaming the other. The attraction is so powerful and all they seem to do is continue to hurt each other. It’s obvious that Rebecca hasn’t forgotten at all and each day tears at her heart. But one realization becomes clear to her when she finds out he had her investigated, he didn’t respect, trust or find her honourable but it’s also obvious he still wanted her physically. It’s very clear they still have feelings for each other and when they act on their passion its apparent emotions run deep. One also wonders what will happen next, what other obstacles will they face? The answer, a baby and a demanded marriage by Alejandro.

Author Lynn Raye Harris certainly delivered a very intense and well crafted debut book with many lessons to be learned by both Rebecca and Alejandro. Choices, for them both they realized they made the wrong ones and they should have trusted each other more no matter what the circumstances. One lesson Alejandro learned from Rebecca was that he didn’t like what he saw in himself. However, the most important lesson for them both……forgiveness so they could have a life full of love and laughter.

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

Reviewed by: Marilyn

From Lynn’s website:

If you visit Lynn’s website you’ll see that she entered the Harlequin Mills and Boon Writing Contest and won! Here’s what she says about her debut book:

“When I sat down at my computer and a man appeared. A gorgeous, arrogant Spaniard named Alejandro. And he wasn’t very happy. When Rebecca Layton arrived, she realized what was wrong. Rebecca and Alejandro had a very emotional past — and their futures were about to collide as Alejandro set into motion a plan for revenge.

I emailed my entry only hours before the deadline. A month later, I got the call that I’d won the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest. I was stunned — and ecstatic. Now, during Harlequin’s 60th Anniversary year, I am so happy to be a new author and to share Alejandro and Rebecca’s story with you. I hope it makes your heart pound, and I hope you race to the end of the book to find out what happens.”

THE PLAYBOY SHEIKH’S VIRGIN STABLE-GIRL - Sharon Kendrick

Author: Sharon Kendrick

Line: Mills and Boon/Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: June 2009/North America: August 2009 (The Royal House of Karedes)

The S-Factor: Sensual

Back-Blurb:

Polo-playing sheikh Prince Kaliq Al'Farisi loves his women as much as his horses. They're wild, willing, and he's their master!

Stable girl Eleni is a local Calistan. Raised by her brutal father on the horse-racing circuit, she feels unlovable. When her precious horses are given to Sheikh Kaliq, she refuses to be parted from them.

The playboy sheikh is determined to bed Eleni—and when Kaliq realizes she's a virgin, the challenge only becomes more interesting….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

If you want an intense and a dominating sheikh who demands, commands and expects respect and obedience then The Playboy Sheikh’s Virgin Stable-Girls is for you. In all of my years of reading the sheikh genre, never have I read such a book with a sheikh as bold as Kaliq.

One learns that Kaliq and Eleni met when he arrived at her father’s to play cards. Eleni’s father has her posing as his servant girl and looses his prize race horse to the sheikh which actually is Eleni’s horse whom she adores. When he looks into her beautiful green eyes and sees that she has a special way of dealing with horses, he takes her from her childhood home and brings her back to his palace as his stable girl. She fascinates him, especially her eyes and her innocence and he nicknames her “lizard”.

Sheik Kaliq is a very proud man and one who has a secret which torments him. His sweet stable girl for some reason brings out feelings in him and one day she notices his physical scars and questions how they came to be. Kaliq reveals that he and his brother years ago were held captive while watching their brother and he was swept out to sea and never found again, a secret he had never told to another woman. He then realizes he’s attracted to her and starts the seduction.

For Eleni, her life since her mother died has been a dismal one, waiting on her father and taking care of her horse have been her life. Now she’s living in the palace, working with horses, has a new wardrobe and a sheikh who tells her it’s her duty to be available for her sheikh. Starting with a slow seduction, she’s afraid yet intrigued. When he tells her he’s taking her to England, she’s overwhelmed. However, being the master seducer that he is, he tutors Eleni in the art of love. He also makes it very clear that he doesn’t “do permanent” and she’s determined to please him so much that should he leave her he’ll be hurt remembering their time together.

At times this was hard for me to read as I felt she was being taken advantage of yet sometimes her character surprised me with her strength and insight into her lover. In the end after this demanding sheikh realizes he’s blocked out emotion and he understands why. Somewhere along the way Eleni forced him to confront his deepest fears and when he realized that, the reader will forget how demanding and at times how cruel his remarks were to Eleni. All in all, I enjoyed The Playboy Sheikh’s Virgin Stable-Girl especially when I read about him coming to terms with his past and what Eleni had brought to their relationship.

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

Reviewed by: Marilyn

PIRATE TYCOON, FORBIDDEN BABY - Janette Kenny

Author: Janette Kenny

Line: Mills and Boon Modern/Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: May 2009/ North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back-Blurb:

The pirate tycoon: Brooding, dangerous hotel tycoon André Gauthier has whisked Kira across the Caribbean Sea to his stunning island hideaway. He doesn't just want to bed her with a ruthless passion…he wants revenge!

The kidnapped mistress: One hot touch has Kira desperate to slip back between André's sheets! But first she must tell him that she's having his baby….André is convinced Kira betrayed him with his enemy.

He has to uncover the secret she's hiding—if he's to claim his child!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Janette Kenny has written a sensual, powerful and real winner with Pirate Tycoon, Forbidden Baby. It has everything Presents fans will want in a romance, revenge, attraction, lust and secrets, lots of them.

The reader learns that Andre Gauthier and Kira Montgomery have a short past as she was sent to negotiate a deal with Andre, and everything was turned upside down when they acted on their attraction one evening and then the press arrived and Andre felt betrayed.

Now Andre has the upper hand and is threatening to take away the only place Kira calls home, a five star hotel Chateau Mystique. There’s been enough scandal and she just wants what’s hers, what was promised to her by her deceased boss (secretly know father) Edouard Bellamy, the majority of his shares. One also learns that she’s never to reveal per parentage nor that Edouard paid for most everything in her life as her mother gave her up. For Kira, she’s led very lonely life and now she has an even bigger secret, she’s pregnant.

Andre is one handsome and successful millionaire and is out for revenge.
A revenge that isn’t revealed until much later. His focus is on a take-over and getting revenge from not only Kira but also Edouard’s son he believes was in on the plans and she was his mistress.

Revenge, secrets, sadness and accusations every step of the way. Not to mention the powerful attraction they both feel for each other as well as the passion they share. Just when I thought they wold have a chance, they would take a step back. However, when he learns she’s expecting, then an accident, everything goes spiraling out of control.

For Kira, the men in her life had used her, Andre, her father, her stepbrother and her attorney. However, in her child she would always have Andre, the man she loved but her could never love her because of who her family was and what they had also caused his family. He had his revenge but she had no closure. You will love how Kira decides to get her closure and when Andre realizes how much he truly wants her the the baby in his life forever. As they say, love heals all!

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

Reviewed by: Marilyn

STRAIGHT FROM THE HIP - Susam Mallery

Author: Susan Mallery

Line: HQN

Release month UK/North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Izzy has always been the fearless Titan sister. But when an oil rig blows up, leaving her barely able to see, her sisters find themselves as concerned by her emotional withdrawal as by the possibility that the explosion was no accident. Are the mind games their long-lost brother Garth has been playing turning physical? Or is someone else out to get them?

When her sisters enroll her in a survivor training camp, Izzy is not happy. Nick, her instructor, is determined that she won't be left in the dark. In more ways than one. But if he tells her the terrible truth behind why he's helping her, he'll never see her again. Unless they're both willing to take the biggest risk of all.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

An amazing cast of characters and an extremely powerful and potent love story as only Susan Mallery can write! This is the youngest sister's Izzy's story where in Lip Service we learn Izzy has been involved in an explosion which has caused her severe vision problems. On top of that, her new found step brother is thought to be the cause as he wants not only to take down her father but the three Titan sisters as well.

I can't say enough positive things about this series, The Lone Star Sisters. Once you begin to read them you'll certainly understand and each book keeps one wanting more which surely is a sign of how talented Susan Mallery is and what's made her loved by this particular reader and reviewer and put her on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Izzy of all the Titan sisters seems the most spirited so when she's kidnapped by the strong, sexy Nick and taken to his ranch, she feels "like she's been tossed out in the trash". How could her sisters do this to her? She can't see, has no home or inheritance like her sisters and now a stranger is taking her, trying to talk her into having surgery which could leave her blind and on top of everything else wants her to work on his ranch taking care of his horses.

The cast of characters from Nick, to his gay PA Aaron, his cook and Rita who is in charge of the stables, are quite the group. Then add to the mix her horrible father Jed Titan, her out for revenge brother Garth who has a friendship with Nick, her beautiful sisters, Lexi and Skye and friend Dana, its fabulous is all I can say.

Life has dealt Izzy lemons in the form of a father who only wants to use her, a dead mother whom when alive never gave her the time of day and now she could possibly live in darkness for the rest of her life even if she has the surgery. However, she turns everything into lemonade and on top of it all falls in love with Nick who has secrets and is tormented by his past.

It's more than a love story; it's a story about why love is important. As Mallery says "love is the only thing that makes us strong. It's all that matters in the end. Who we love and who loves us."

When Nick and Garth's past are revealed it makes one understand why it's hard for Nick to love but only casts more mystery on Garth and why he's out to hurt his sisters even though it's not hard to understand why he wants to take Jed Titan down. However, in the end one gets a glimpse of what the fourth book in the series, Hot on Her Heels is going to be about and I can't wait!

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

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh

Author: Kate Hardy


line: Presents (Modern Heat)


Release month: July 2009


The S Factor: Sensual

Red-hot nights with a desert prince!

Karim al-Hassan can have any woman he wants, and sexy little waitress lily Finch is in his sights. One glance leads to a searing kiss - and a hunger that Karim plans to satisfy with a temporary fling.

But lily is more than just a waitress. Successful and career-focused, she is determined never to mix business with pleasure again - until playboy Karim's slow seduction breaks her resistance! Soon Karim is breaking his own rules: he wants lily in his bed - for ever!

Kate Hardy has penned another winner with this book. Karim was easy to love while remaining alpha not only as the future ruler of his nation but as a man. He saw what he wanted and pursued it with a single minded relentlessness that can only be admired - lily.

lily has been let down very badly in the past and is wary of Karim. If she tells herself they will have a sexy fling until Karim has to go back home, she thinks it will work. She does not anticipate losing her heart and is faced with a heartbreaking choice - to marry the man she loves but give up everything she has worked towards for years.

Karim knows lily is everything the wife of a Sheikh should not be. If he marries the woman he loves, he will let down his family. I truly could not see how I was going to get my Happy Ever After with this book. However, with masterful writing and skillful insight, Kate Hardy managed to pull this off. And then some. The end had me crying - which, to me, is aways the sign of a fantastic read.

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SINGLE FATHER: WIFE AND MOTHER WANTED

Author: Sharon Archer

Line: Medical Romance

Release Date: July 2009

The S- Factor Sweet

Back Blurb:

Needed: a mother for his son Caring vet Caitlin Butler-Brown has come to this small Australian town to find the family she’s never known – but she’ll never admit that her eagerness to stay has anything to do with gorgeous GP Matt Gardiner!

Whether she’s delivering foals or mothering abandoned puppies, Caitlin has well and truly captured the dedicated single dad’s heart – and has certainly put the smile back on his young son’s face. Caitlin longs to fulfil all their dreams and become part of their family permanently – but first she has a secret to reveal. A secret that could change everything…

Review:

Sharon Archer's debut romance for Medical is absolutely stunning! Warm-hearted, poignant and simply fantastic, Single Father: Wife and Mother Wanted heralds the start of an exciting career for an author many are sure to love!

Irish vet Caitlin Butler-Browne had come to the Australian village of Garringay to find the extended family she's never known. She's nervous, apprehensive and scared of rejection when she sets foot in the tiny Australian town, and falling in love is certainly not on the agenda. However, when she claps eyes on GP Matt Gardiner, she finds herself falling in love.

Matt doesn't believe in romance anymore. His wife had irrevocably shattered his heart when she had walked out on her marriage, and with a young son to look after and a demanding job, Matt's priorities do not include falling love - despite his foster mother's unwanted matchmaking attempts. Yet, there's something about Caitlin which draws him like a moth to a flame. He cannot stop thinking about her nor can he stop wanting to make her his...

But just when Matt thinks that he's finally found the woman who can heal his heart, he realizes that Caitlin has a secret which could threaten their new found happiness...

Single Father: Wife and Mother Wanted might only be Sharon Archer's first book, but she writes like a pro! Reading Single Father: Wife and Mother Wanted is like diving into happiness and this engaging story of love, hope, passion, second chances and family will keep you riveted from the first page till the last. Don't miss it!

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RUTHLESSLY BEDDED, FORCIBLY WEDDED - Abby Green

Author: ABBY GREEN

Line: Mills & Boon Modern

Release month: July 2009



Back-Blurb:

He took her virginity for revenge!

Multi-millionaire Vincenzo Valentini believed Cara Brosnan played a role in his sister's downfall. He sought her out to make her pay. He seduced her, revealed his identity - and cruelly discarded her.

Now he'll take her to the altar!

But Cara has done no wrong. She's shocked and mortified that she gave her virginity so willingly to the ruthless Vincenzo. To make matters worse, she's just discovered she's expecting - and now the dark-hearted Italian is claiming her once more, this time as his bride!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

There is absolutely no doubt when one reads Ruthlessly Bedded, Forcibly Wedded that revenge is at the top of the list. Plus the title clearly states the outcome when the ruthless, proud, handsome, and arrogant Vincenzo Valentini enters the upscale bar where Cara Brosnan works, charms her and whisks her away to his room where he takes her virginity and gives her a night like no other. Then the ruthless billionaire announces who he is, shocking her and walks away! As only Abby Green can deliver, this chaotic romance is such a roller coaster and rocky one. As a reader prepare yourself. Just when you think Enzo can’t hurt Cara anymore, well think again!

Vincenzo is on a mission, a mission to make Cara pay for the death of his sister. It’s of no matter to him that she lost her brother as well. He’s going to bed her as pay back, let her know who he is and walk away. What he doesn’t count on is her Irish beauty, but walk away he does to seek revenge. Now he’s back in Ireland and is faced with seeing her again because she has a secret, she’s carrying his child.

Since Cara’s parents passed, she was forced to live with her brother, a brother who treated her horribly. He was so horrible to her, she even stayed in his home and schooled herself, was his chauffer and servant. Now he’s dead and has taken the life of a beautiful young girl he hoped to use and gain money from her family. With him gone, she can leave London and return to Ireland to begin a new life, until she meets a handsome Italian, spends the night with him and months later finds herself pregnant. She reads he’ll be in Ireland and decides to tell him her news.

As one might guess, Vincenzo doesn’t believe the child is his, but when the press get wind of the news, he forces her to return with him to Italy and get married with no options for her other than to stay at his villa. The chemistry between them leaps off the page and as one can imagine it’s very hard on them both. Both Enzo and Cara carry a lot of baggage and when one learns the secrets of Enzo’s childhood, they realize why the loss of his sister was so hard on him and one can imagine how he feels when he yet again, faces another tragedy, the loss of his child.

From all of this grief, I think Enzo learned the most especially when he realizes the baby was his, that Cara is not the woman he believed her to be and that because he cares, he must let her go. Be prepared to grieve right along with them and cheer when they find their happiness. Ruthlessly Bedded, Forcibly Wedded is an extremely emotional and powerful read, one you won’t want to miss!

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Behind the book as quoted by the author:

"The story sprang out of an idea I had in my head of what might happen if a girl went on a package holiday to a gorgeous Italian island, Sardinia, and fell instantly in lust and love with a dark handsome stranger. I wondered what might happen if she acted completely out of character and allowed this man to seduce her and become her first lover, without even knowing his full name!

My book has changed a little from that first idea, but essentially it's the same.

Vincenzo and Cara have both come through traumatic times. Vincenzo believes Cara to be largely responsible for his beautiful younger sister's tragic death. In fact Cara is entirely innocent. When Cara finds out that the devastatingly handsome stranger, who seduced her, did so for his own revenge, she is heart-broken.


There are drastic consequences to their actions and Cara finds herself having to confront Vincenzo, when she'd hoped to never see him again..."

SURRENDER TO THE PLAYBOY SHEIKH - KATE HARDY

Title: Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh

Author: Kate Hardy

Line: Harlequin Presents

Release Date: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Karim al-Hassan can have any woman he wants, and sexy little waitress Lily Finch has caught his eye. One glance leads to a searing kiss—and a hunger that Karim plans to satisfy with a temporary fling.

But Lily is actually more than just a waitress. Successful and career-focused, she is determined never to mix business with pleasure—until playboy Karim's slow seduction breaks down her resistance! Soon Karim is breaking his own rules: he wants Lily in his bed—forever!

Review:

From the talented pen of Kate Hardy comes an exciting new novel for Harlequin Presents that will just leave you breathless! Written with her trademark warmth and assurance, Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh is one book you just have to read in a single sitting!

Lily Finch stopped believing in happy-ever-after after her husband betrayed her and shattered her heart into tiny little pieces. She doesn't want a relationship and she certainly has got no plans to put her heart on the line and let another man walk all over her. Instead, she has chosen to put all of her energies and time into making her culinary business, Amazing Tastes, a huge success. But little does Lily know that Sheikh Karim al-Hassan wants more from Lily than just her food - he's determined to get her into bed and what the desert king wants, he always gets!

Karim's reputation has always been that of a vacuous playboy who enjoys dating a wide selection of leggy blondes and partying hard. Yet Karim's priorities changed drastically after the death of his brother Tariq. Karim knows that he should stay away from Lily and instead pay court to an Arab princess and not a divorced English woman. But how can he resist Lily when he's fallen head over heels in love with her?

You can never go wrong with a Kate Hardy novel and Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh is certainly one of her best! Realistic characters, heartwarming drama, passionate emotion, tender love scenes and wonderful romance combine to make Kate Hardy's first Sheikh novel a book that will fly straight to your keeper shelves!

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SHEIKH BOSS, HOT DESERT NIGHTS - Susan Stephens

Author: Susan Stephens

Line: Mills & Boon Modern Heat / Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: April 2009 North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Casey Michaels has come prepared for her new job in the desert—complete with a safari outfit! But, faced with her gorgeous boss's potent sexuality, she suddenly feels out of her depth….

Sheikh Rafik al Rafar knows an inexperienced woman when he sees one, and in the sultry heat of the desert he begins her sensual awakening. To his surprise, Casey teaches him about the simple pleasures in life. But royal duty is never far from their door….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Again Susan Stephens charms her readers with a very steamy and sexy Sheikh Boss, Hotel Desert Nights.

Sheikh Rafik (Raffa as he’s fondly called by Casey) is immediately drawn to the woman he’s sent for from England to help market his country. Casey Michaels he realizes almost immediately is innocent however she amazes him with her business sense. Life has taught him many lessons and duty to his country is the most important thing in his life. However, she charms him and he’s drawn to her and fights it every step of the way.

Casey Michaels is determined to prove herself and win not only the marketing job but earn the respect of her employer, the sheikh. However, she as well doesn’t count on the intense attraction she feels towards him. She’s there to impress and impress she does when she takes on a charity auction, the proceeds to benefit the desert inhabitants. As she finally spends time in the desert, every thing heats up and not only the weather. Seeing Raffa in his own element with his people makes him more human, and not the playboy sheikh the press makes him out to be but a man of “simple tastes”.

Their love story was for the most part set in the desert, full of sensual tension until they make love and then everything becomes complicated for them both. Sadness like every journey takes place in the form of Casey realizing she must walk away only to have Raffa realize how important she was to him. Sheikh Boss, Hot Desert Nights was just a sweet and beautiful journey in finding happiness.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the book from authors website:

"I couldn’t resist another visit into the desert to unravel the secrets that lie behind the silken veil. I took a younger sheikh for this romantic adventure- a ruthless bad boy on the cusp of greatness, and gave him a determined young woman to go head to head with- in business, and in bed.

It was great to see Casey Michaels growing in confidence and in understanding of a very different culture- not to mention learning how to handle this dark and dangerous alpha male.

I had the best time writing the book and hope you enjoy your journey behind the silken veil…" S. Stephens

BILLIONAIRE PRINCE, PREGNANT MISTRESS (Book 1 The Royal House of Karedes series) - Sandra Marton

Author: Sandra Marton

Line: Mills and Boon / Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: April 2009 North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling & Sultry

Back-Blurb:

Aspiring jewelry designer Maria Santos, proud but poor, has come to Aristo to win a royal commission. Cold, calculating Prince Alexandros Karedes masterfully beds Maria, thinking she's only sleeping with him to save her business.

So when Alexandros discovers Maria is pregnant, he assumes it's on purpose. She'll never be a suitable wife—but she's perfect mistress material. What will it take for this billionaire prince to realize he's falling for his pregnant mistress?

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Again the very talented author Sandra Marton dazzles her readers with the first book in The Royal House of Karedes series, Billionaire Prince, Pregnant Mistress. Dazzle doesn’t even come close to describing this book as her alpha Alexandros is not only royal, handsome and sexy I would name him the Prince of Darkness. As for Maria, she’s beautiful, soulful and a very talented jewellery designer. And now this unforgiving man has been assigned a task by the King (his father) to bring back to their island Aristo, Maria Santos the very woman he sent packing because he believed her a fraud . He believed she had an agenda months ago by bumping into him and he felt it was a set-up to gain a commission to produce a necklace for his mother’s birthday. He still can’t get her out of his mind and remembers clearly the passion they shared but can’t help but feel it was all a scam. Now Alexandros is going to face her again and have to convince her to return to Aristo.

Maria is shocked to see him again, her cold past lover. Since her return to the US she’s been trying to make a name for her self but even though she’s sold to a few well known houses, it’s going to take a commission to put her on the map. Seeing him again is hard for her as she remembers their last time together and the names he called her. However, she needs this commission so she agrees against her better judgement to return with him. The tension between them leaps off the page and one gets the impression for them both it’s not over. Alex is sure he can have her again and demands she stay at his villa, feeling he now has the upper hand.

No love story would be complete without the passion, secrets, misunderstandings and this story has it and more. Alexandros is ruthless in his pursuit and aches to possess and she can’t say no. So as one can well imagine, this is a roller coaster love story and in the end, of course, more tension…….she leaves because of a promise.

So many family dynamics, her bitter mother, his lion hearted father the King, his mother the peace maker and dynamic .siblings made for an incredible story. Then the mystery introduced concerning the crown jewels , their history, what it meant to their country and the knowledge revealed by Maria ,the pink diamond and 9the star piece in the crown was a fake! Add to the mix the King on his death bed makes a request to Maria which will change her life.

So many feelings and emotions…..anger, revenge, hurtful accusations, lust, attraction, and the best of all forgiveness, love and understanding and a love story so very powerful as only Sandra Marton can pen. Billionaire Prince, Pregnant Mistress is an amazing “kick off” book with a promise of more to come by exceptional Presents authors!

Sandra also has an online read at EHarlequin, The Princess Mistress here


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Reviewed by: Marilyn

About the author:

As Sandra states in her introduction to The Royal House of Karedes “

"There’s a different truth in Presents novels. It is that love endures. No matter the obstacles, the love between a Presents hero and the woman who tames him overcomes all odds. We share their conflicts, their passion, and in the end, we share their happiness and know their love will flourish forever."

THE SHEIKHS LOVE-CHILD - Kate Hewitt

Author: Kate Hewitt

Line: Mills and Boon Modern and Harlequin Preseents

Release month UK: July 2009 and North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back-Blurb:

With butterflies fluttering in her stomach, Lucy Banks has arrived in the desert kingdom of Biryal—with a secret!

Seeing Sheikh Khaled—the man who once loved and left her—in his sumptuous royal palace, Lucy is blown away by his barbaric magnificence: he's king of the desert and his eyes are blacker and harder than before. He's not the man she once knew. She wants to run away from his overwhelming masculinity, but they're inextricably bound forever…for he is the father of her son.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Kate Hewitt has yet again written a very intense and beautiful love wtory in The Sheikh’s Love-Child. It’s a wild as the desert and so intense at times one will find themselves holding their breath and want to pound some sense into both Sheikh Khaled and Lucy Banks.

Four years earlier the final blow was given to Sheikh Khaled, his knee was in shattered and at some time in his life he might be wheelchair bound so he leaves his beloved rugby team and his lover behind without a word to return to his country and the desert. It’s obvious reading about their past that their relationship was fast and furious and very intense and it’s also left behind a woman with a broken heart, one that never had a chance to tell him they had a son, not matter how hard she tried to reach him.

Now, Lucy Banks finds herself on a plane with the English rugby team as their physiotherapist flying to Khaled’s country Biryal for a rugby match. She not only has a responsibility to the team but to tell her ex-lover they have a son and is scarred to death to see and tell him about Sam.

He has changed…..he’s intense, brooding, angry and dark but he’s still has the power to hurt her. Their first initial meeting is horrible as he doesn’t give her the time of day. I promise anyone who reads this, prepare yourself because time after time one will definitely feel the pain they both inflict on each other. The only time they seem to agree is concerning their son and it was so sweet to read about their first meeting and watch this dark sheikh soften while around his son.

Like all love stories and especially this particular one, there are so many secrets and issues to get past, it becomes overwhelming at times. Sometimes the only way is to forge ahead and forgive and let the past go. Their attempt is to have a marriage of convenience for the sake of their son. But at what cost?

I can only say when they both finally come to terms with their past and I also mean abandonment issues, trust, they way they were raised and the way they can move forward, have a box of Kleenex on standby as it’s quite a spectacular ending as only Kate Hewitt can pen!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

THE SANTORINI MARRIAGE BARGAIN

Author: Margaret Mayo

Line: Modern

Release month: July 2009

The S Factor: Sensual

From the Greek's secretary ...

When fresh-faced Rhianne Pickering agrees to work for masterful Greek Zarek Diakos she knows it's a mistake -no man has ever made her heart quicken and her body quiver like this! But with her life in tatters she needs a job.

To his convenient wife!

Zarek thinks Rhianne makes the perfect secretary. But on a business trip to thebeautiful island of Santorini he decides her skills are undervalued. He's in need of a bride: under the warm Mediterranean sun he'll show Rhianne it's a position she can't refuse!

Review: ♥♥♥♥

I was delighted when asked to review Margaret Mayo's 75th book for Harlequin Mills & Boon. What a truly wonderful achievement.

By the first chapter I had fallen madly in love with the hero, Zarek who was both courteous and chivalrous whilst remaining an utterly gorgeous alpha male. Rhianne had experienced a terrible personal setback but Zarek helped her to take control of her life back - first by employing her and secondly by helping her to regain her confidence.

Although Rhianne had experienced a heartbreaking incident prior to the book beginning, she was in no way sorry for herself or overly emotional. Rather, she took the chances life and Zarek offered her with both hands.

The book begins in london but we are soon whisked away to the island of Santorini to meet Zarek's family. Although Zarek's father was seriously ill, I was impressed with the way this delicate subject was handled - just the right amount of sentimentality without becoming maudlin.

Zarek finds out he needs to be married in order to inherit his father's estate when he passes. Rhianne is the perfect candidate, yet she does not easily give in to Zarek's wishes. This story shows a strong hero with a heroine that matches him every step of the way despite her vulnerability. It is beautifully written by a prolific author who is a true inspiration to aspiring authors and a delight to her many readers.

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THE DESERT KING'S BEJEWELLED BRIDE - Sabrina Philips

Author: Sabrina Philips

Line: Mills and Boon Modern and Harlequin Presents


Release Month: UK: July 2009 / North America: August 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Kaliq Al-Zahir A'zam cannot believe the audacity of Tamara Weston! This teasing little virgin, who once rejected his proposal of marriage, is now a top model, displaying her body on advertising billboards for all to see.

Kaliq still wants Tamara, so he sees to it that she returns to his kingdom for the assignment of her career—she will model the royal jewels she should have worn as his bride, and deliver to him the wedding night he was previously denied….


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sabrina Philips has created an amazing and spectacular love story with The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride. It is also her first sheikh book and I’m certainly hoping it’s not her last as it’s exceptional!

Seven years earlier Kaliq and Tamara met when she visited her father in Qwisar. Even though they were chaperoned by the King’s aide, they were attracted to each other. And Kaliq being duty bound even asked her to marry him and she refused. Though Tamara was attracted to him, one gets the impression she instantly fell in love and also realized he didn’t love her so she refused him and returned home to England.

Now seven years later Kaliq has discovered Tamara is a model and doesn’t think to highly of her occupation nor her but he still finds he’s attracted to her and hires her to take his people’s mind of his ailing father, the King. He brings her home to the desert to model the family jewels which were worn by his mother on her wedding day. However, what she doesn’t count on is her feelings of love for him all over again, for that very same honour and duty bound prince.

So when she puts herself and the jewels in danger and her fearless sheikh rescues her she realizes that theirs is a dangerous game and that she wants him very much. However, Kaliq doesn’t believe she is an innocent until the night they make love and he is shocked to the core. It’s obvious he’s not willing to let Tamara return home to England so he asks her to become his “fake” fiancé and travel with him to visit his friend.

Tamara and Kaliq’s love story is breathtaking but like all love stories it’s not just the passion, it’s the secrets they are both keeping from each other because to tell them would make them both vulnerable, revealing too much of themselves. It’s also Kaliq’s problem with her being so independent and a model on top of secrets which cause him to mistrust her. What I loved the most was their few days spent together as a couple on Montez, just being together and getting to know each other.

When the King dies of a heart attack, and Kaliq literally cuts himself out of her life, she makes the decision to follow him because she loves him and gives him the gift of offering to marry him for the sake of his country which would also allow him to become the ruler of Qwisar. I adored Tamara’s courage, her strength, and when she finally realized just the sort of man her sheikh was she was determined to spend her life with him for the wrong reasons than not at all! If you love the sheikh genre, a hot and roller coaster and sexy romance, then The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride is for you!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the Book from Sabrina’s website:

“This book features a sexy scene in which Kaliq and Tamara play a game of
tennis. It was inspired by the film Wimbledon starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten
Dunst which I adore (though I’m afraid I have no aptitude for tennis myself!)
Furthermore, the 2008 Wimbledon championships themselves were taking place
whilst I was writing the book, and appropriately, it will be the Wimbledon 2009
finals the week that The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride hits the shelves in the
UK!

One of the first scenes that I envisioned when I was planning this
story is one in which Kaliq feeds Tamara an exotic fruit – part of the reason
why I love Sheikh stories is that it’s not just the experience of falling in
love that’s so thrilling and unfamiliar but the sights, sounds and tastes too.
But the question was, what fruit? I sampled various options (from a section of
the supermarket I’d never explored before!) but after a decidedly un-erotic
attempt at eating a pomegranate, I used my imagination and opted for a fictional
guava fruit instead!” SP