Title: The Viking's Captive Princess
Author: Michelle Styles
Line: Harlequin Historicals
Release Date: December 2009
The S-Factor: Sensual and Satisfying
Back-Blurb:
Dangerous warrior Ivar Gunnarson is a man of deeds, not words. With little time for the ideals of love, Ivar seizes what he wants—and Princess Thyre will not become the exception to his rule!
Mysterious and enchanting, Thyre rouses Ivar's desire the moment he lays eyes on her. With Viking factions engaged in a bloody feud, Thyre is yet another captive this hardened warrior conquers—but to be king of Thyre's heart will entail a battle he has never engaged in before….
Review:
After writing a string of enchanting Regency/Victorian romances, talented storyteller Michelle Styles sweeps us back again to the Viking era with The Viking's Captive Princess, an enthralling historical which will hold readers in thrall once more!
As the stepdaughter of Ragnfast the Steadfast, Thyre is responsible for the well-being of her family and of her people, as well as looking after the family estate. Capable, resilient and tenacious, her qualities are admired by many, yet Thrye cannot help but wish that someday a man might come into her life and recognize her worth as a woman. However, Thrye knows that romance is simply not an option for her. Juggling the demands of her responsibilities with her family, Thyre knows that spinsterhood beckons. But when a Viken ship comes to shore, little does she realize that her life is about to change forever...
The Viken and the Rankirens have been always been at war and Thyre cannot help but be apprehensive...especially when she claps eyes on the jaarl, Ivar Gunnarson. Powerful, commanding and as handsome as sin, the Viking warrior takes one look at Thyre and vows to bed her, but Thyre will not demean herself by sleeping with the enemy. However, when her stepfather informs her that he has agreed to marry her off to an old friend of his who is old enough to be her parent, Thyre finds herself desperate and in need of salvation...which comes in the form of Ivar who proposes that she leave her family behind and become his concubine!
With her back against the wall, Thyre accepts and she leaves everything behind and sets sail for her new life with Ivar. Ivar might be attracted to her, but he will not allow her to breach his defences. However, when grudging respect gives way to admiration and love, Ivar finds himself falling for his concubine. But is a future together a possibility...or a futile dream?
Clear a space on your keeper shelf because Michelle Styles has penned another winner! The Viking's Captive Princess is another captivating tale from this wonderful storyteller featuring a heroine to admire, a gorgeous Alpha male to adore, a fantastic cast of fully-fleshed supporting characters, searing emotional intensity, dramatic action, powerful romance and wonderfully rendered historical detail which never interferes or overwhelms the story.
Michelle Styles continues to pen riveting historical romantic fiction that never fails to satisfy her ever-growing legion of readers. Well-written, well-plotted and thoroughly mesmerizing, The Viking's Captive Princess is the latest in a line of spellbinding romances which readers will want to read again and again.
Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor ♥♥♥
Thursday, December 31, 2009
ONE DANCE WITH THE COWBOY - Donna Alward
Title: ONE DANCE WITH THE COWBOY
Author: DONNA ALWARD
Line: Harlequin Romance
Release month: January, 2010
The S-Factor: Sensual and Satisfying
Back-Blurb:
“Care to take those boots for a spin, Miss O’Keefe?”
Jen O’Keefe will agree to just one dance with coolheaded cowboy Drew Laramie. But only for old times’ sake. She can’t risk losing her heart to him again.
Drew left Larch Valley, promising Jen he’d return. When he didn’t, she moved on… Now the childhood sweetheart Jen had stopped waiting for is back!
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Jen has just finished signing her life away for a bank loan – or that’s what it feels like – when who does she bump into? Literally. Someone it took her many, many years to get over. But he says he’s home to stay. He wants to bring the ranch he inherited from his dad to life again, and he needs help. Her help.
Jen needs to spend time working on her bakery expansion. She doesn’t have time to chase around doing all the things that Drew needs her to do. So why does she constantly find herself doing these things, and neglecting her own? How many times does she need to get caught kissing him in public before she learns it’s best not to kiss him at all?
How does she feel when she – finally – discovers the real reason why Drew left and never came back until after his dad was dead? What has to happen before she forgives him for deserting her? How do Lucy and Brody fit into this picture?
Another book I read written by Donna Alward was “The Rancher’s Runaway Princess”, featuring Lucy and Brody. I loved it! So when I was asked to review this book, I was not about to say no. It did not disappoint. The characters in Donna’s books are real. They act the way real people act, they speak like real people, they are so real you can almost feel them breathing. Her love scenes are so real you get hot flushes, yet they are very tastefully done. Her descriptions are so vibrant you can almost see the scenery around you. She has a superb command of the English language.
This book is the first in a duet of books called Cowboys & Confetti. The second one, “Her Lone Cowboy” will be out in March. I can hardly wait. The way Donna writes is so realistic and refreshing that to read her books brings pure joy.
Hero Hotness Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor: ♥♥♥
Weepy Factor: ♥♥
Reviewed by Donna B
Author: DONNA ALWARD
Line: Harlequin Romance
Release month: January, 2010
The S-Factor: Sensual and Satisfying
Back-Blurb:
“Care to take those boots for a spin, Miss O’Keefe?”
Jen O’Keefe will agree to just one dance with coolheaded cowboy Drew Laramie. But only for old times’ sake. She can’t risk losing her heart to him again.
Drew left Larch Valley, promising Jen he’d return. When he didn’t, she moved on… Now the childhood sweetheart Jen had stopped waiting for is back!
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Jen has just finished signing her life away for a bank loan – or that’s what it feels like – when who does she bump into? Literally. Someone it took her many, many years to get over. But he says he’s home to stay. He wants to bring the ranch he inherited from his dad to life again, and he needs help. Her help.
Jen needs to spend time working on her bakery expansion. She doesn’t have time to chase around doing all the things that Drew needs her to do. So why does she constantly find herself doing these things, and neglecting her own? How many times does she need to get caught kissing him in public before she learns it’s best not to kiss him at all?
How does she feel when she – finally – discovers the real reason why Drew left and never came back until after his dad was dead? What has to happen before she forgives him for deserting her? How do Lucy and Brody fit into this picture?
Another book I read written by Donna Alward was “The Rancher’s Runaway Princess”, featuring Lucy and Brody. I loved it! So when I was asked to review this book, I was not about to say no. It did not disappoint. The characters in Donna’s books are real. They act the way real people act, they speak like real people, they are so real you can almost feel them breathing. Her love scenes are so real you get hot flushes, yet they are very tastefully done. Her descriptions are so vibrant you can almost see the scenery around you. She has a superb command of the English language.
This book is the first in a duet of books called Cowboys & Confetti. The second one, “Her Lone Cowboy” will be out in March. I can hardly wait. The way Donna writes is so realistic and refreshing that to read her books brings pure joy.
Hero Hotness Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor: ♥♥♥
Weepy Factor: ♥♥
Reviewed by Donna B
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
BOUGHT: Damsel In Distress – Lucy King
Line: Mills and Boon Modern / Harlequin Presents
Release month UK: Oct 2009 / North America: Jan 2010
The S-Factor: Sizzling and Steamy
Back-Blurb:
Billionaire’s bid…
Luke Harrison is always in control. But ever since he bid for the chance to save a green-bikinied beauty he’s felt his self-possession slipping away…
Blind date…
Independent Emily does not want rescuing – until Luke, a smouldering knight in shining armour, swoops in on his private jet and starts to change her mind!
Secret baby?
Neither is prepared for the heat between them as Emily unbuttons her steely-eyed billionaire, or for when their no-strings fling leads to pleasure beyond their imagining…
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Bought: Damsel in Distress by debut author Lucy King is full of gripping emotions with an incredible blend of passion. It was hard for me to believe that this was her first book. Once I began reading Luke and Emily’s story I could not put it down nor get their story out of my head.
Lucy’s development of her heroine Emily was brilliant. Emily is not only beautiful, she’s a talented potter and when she’s not enjoying potting, she temps for a professional agency. She is also very close to her sister Anna who raised her upon their father’s death. They are more than sisters and share everything with each other. They are a family unit who have suffered loss but definitely know the meaning of love.
Anna feels Emily needs closure from her ex-fiancé she was with for five years and who is soon to be married in France. However, there’s a French baggage strike, so Anna takes things into her own hands. She puts Emily’s picture and details on an internet online auction with the heading “a once in a lifetime chance to be a knight in shining amour”. Anna also made arrangements for the winner to personally fly Emily to France, booked a five star hotel and packed her bags before telling her what she’d done.
Then there’s the author’s alpha, Luke Harrison who is a futures trader, beyond handsome, rich, and determined to never fall in love again. One learns that three years earlier he lost his wife in a car accident. He dates but his main focus is on his business. However, when his friend Jack emails him details of an online auction which features the lovely Emily along with her picture, he’s intrigued. He not only bids against his friend, he wins. And now he’s not sure if he’s made a mistake; he can’t seem to take his eyes off of her. To further complicate matters, when they arrive in France, Emily asks him to attend the wedding; he agrees and thinks he’s lost his mind. And then the magic begins when Emily gives him a thank you kiss which becomes an x-rated scorching kiss in the five star hotel lobby.
Luke and Emily’s love story is a most believable romance which will literally take your breath away. From the very moment in the hotel lobby, to the wedding reception, and their time spent in the French hotel. It’s mind blowing. Then Emily returns home to London on her own not knowing why Luke left in the middle of the night. Weeks later they meet up again and it’s the beginning of the most glorious roller coaster ride of a romance you’ll ever experience.
This romance experiences every emotion…..sadness, disappointment, heart break, strong physical attraction and the inability to commit. At times it’s painful to read especially Luke’s story. The most meaningful moment in the book for me was Luke’s realization that Emily meant more to him and their relationship was not a game nor lust but something very special. Bought: Damsel in Distress had all of the components which make up an intriguing romance. It’s full of scorching sensuality and definitely one not to be missed, thanks to Lucy King.
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
From Lucy’s Website:
"I'm a newly signed Mills & Boon Modern Heat author. In September 2008 my entry A Bid for Love won the Harlequin Mills & Boon 'Feel the Heat' Competition. It's out in the US in Jan 2010 as Bought: Damsel in istress."
Website: www.lucyking.net
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
DUTY, DESIRE AND THE DESERT KING – Jane Porter (The Desert Kings)
Harlequin Presents
Release month UK: November 2009
North America: Dec 2009
The S-Factor: Sizzling
Back-Blurb:
Playboy sheikh, unwilling wife…
As the black sheep of the Fehrs, a powerful desert family, middle son Zayed has sworn off love and marriage. This playboy prince is happiest when cruising the casinos of Monte Carlo. But then family tragedy leaves him as heir to his kingdom’s throne. Custom dictates that a wife must be seated beside him, and he’s got just the bride in mind…
Rou Tournell is a feisty, independent woman – and if she won’t marry Zayed for duty, maybe desire will help persuade her…
Review: ♥♥♥♥
Duty, Desire and the Desert King authored by Jane porter is an excellently executed story that pulls one into its magic from the beginning to end. It a wonderful holiday romance with a theme of love and the joy; it brings to those who believe. It also emphasises that love can actually heal all.
Sheikh Jayed is one handsome and charismatic man who also carries guilt and believes he is the black sheep of his royal family. He believes himself to be cursed because of his past, and holds himself responsible for his love, his sisters, his father and now his missing brother. Now he must return home to the desert, marry and assume the responsibility of King.
Dr. Rou Tournell is a scientist who matches compatible people to marry. She is indebted to King Sharif Fehr who was her mentor and responsible for her successful career. She years earlier also met his handsome playboy brother Zayed, was attracted to him until she found out quite by accident that he found her dull and boring. And now, years later, he needs to her, he is demanding her help to immediately find him a wife because his brother’s plane has crashed in the desert and he is missing. Now Zayed must return home to take over as ruler, bring with him a wife.
Because of her love and respect for Sharif, Rou accompanies Zayed back to Saraq and agrees to find him a wife. When Zayed realizes that Rou is a challenge, beautiful, smart, intelligent and the perfect woman to become his wife, he’s relentless until she agrees. Brilliantly written, their love story is a dance of attraction, battle of wills and a sensual journey one won’t want to miss. It’s magical in the sense that their insecurities seem to diminish when they are together, at their engagement party, on their wedding night and on their honeymoon. However, the fact the King is still missing, royal duties and Rou’s insecurities due to her past as a child take it’s toll on their marriage and in the end, Rou returns back to North America and her career.
Fate brings them together again and a warm and beautiful healing in the form of a pregnancy neither expected, facing the reality of their love for each other and like the magic of Christmas a beautiful ending full of peace, love and joy.
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor♥
Weepy Factor♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
Series Description from Author's Website:
Jane's Sheikh Books are not necessarily connected by storyline, though a few are, these books all feature sheikhs in their exciting settings.
The Desert Kings
"The series features the three royal Fehr brothers of Sarq, a desert kingdom neighboring Egypt. The eldest brother, Sharif Fehr, is featured in the The Sheikh's Chosen Queen and is king of their country. We meet the youngest brother, Khalid Fehr, a darkly brooding nomadic sheik, in the second book, King of the Desert, Captive Bride, and the third book, Duty, Desire and the Desert King, features the middle brother, Zayad, a playboy tycoon sheikh that can't be tamed.'
Monday, December 21, 2009
Review: Falling For the Playboy Millionaire - Kate Hardy
Title: Falling for the Playboy Millionaire
Author: Kate Hardy
Line: Mills and Boon Medical Romance
Release Date: December 2009
The S-Factor: Sweet
Back-Blurb:
Playboy heart surgeon takes a bride! Hot-shot cardiac surgeon James Alexander has come to Penhally Bay for a fresh start, leaving his jet-set London lifestyle – and his playboy reputation – behind. Along with the fresh sea air and a sprinkling of small-town community magic, this gorgeous doctor finds beautiful but wary and fragile registrar Charlotte Walker…
Charlotte knows first-hand that a handsome face doesn’t guarantee an honourable soul, so she fights her attraction to James every step of the way. Until James’s twinkling eyes and incorrigible smile give Charlotte the courage to put her past behind her and believe that James really is a man she can trust with her life – and her heart!
Review:
Falling for the Playboy Millionaire is a spellbinding romance set in the beautiful picturesque town of Penhally Bay from outstanding award-winning author Kate Hardy!
Registrar Charlotte Walker had vowed never to let another man get close to her again. After her ex-boyfriend had cruelly her broken heart, shattered her confidence and made her feel worthless, Charlotte left the city behind for the tranquil seaside town of Penhally in Cornwall where she hopes to put the past behind her and bury her demons amidst the surrounding beauty of the Cornish coast.
Surgeon James Alexander had come to Penhally Bay for a fresh start. Fed up of his jet-set lifestyle in London, James decides that Penhally is just the place for him to regroup and decide what he wants out of life - and when he lays eyes on Charlotte, James realizes that he's finally found the woman he's been searching for for most of his life.
Charlotte is as attracted to James as he is, but dare she take the risk of putting her heart on the line once more? Or will her past keep holding her back?
Kate Hardy never fails to deliver poignant, dramatic, realistic and heartwarming romantic fiction and Falling for the Playboy Millionaire certainly does not disappoint. With its cast of wonderfully believable and fantastic characters and plenty of powerful emotion and dramatic intensity, Falling for the Playboy Millionaire is another dazzling keeper from one of the finest writers of high quality romantic fiction: Kate Hardy!
Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Author: Kate Hardy
Line: Mills and Boon Medical Romance
Release Date: December 2009
The S-Factor: Sweet
Back-Blurb:
Playboy heart surgeon takes a bride! Hot-shot cardiac surgeon James Alexander has come to Penhally Bay for a fresh start, leaving his jet-set London lifestyle – and his playboy reputation – behind. Along with the fresh sea air and a sprinkling of small-town community magic, this gorgeous doctor finds beautiful but wary and fragile registrar Charlotte Walker…
Charlotte knows first-hand that a handsome face doesn’t guarantee an honourable soul, so she fights her attraction to James every step of the way. Until James’s twinkling eyes and incorrigible smile give Charlotte the courage to put her past behind her and believe that James really is a man she can trust with her life – and her heart!
Review:
Falling for the Playboy Millionaire is a spellbinding romance set in the beautiful picturesque town of Penhally Bay from outstanding award-winning author Kate Hardy!
Registrar Charlotte Walker had vowed never to let another man get close to her again. After her ex-boyfriend had cruelly her broken heart, shattered her confidence and made her feel worthless, Charlotte left the city behind for the tranquil seaside town of Penhally in Cornwall where she hopes to put the past behind her and bury her demons amidst the surrounding beauty of the Cornish coast.
Surgeon James Alexander had come to Penhally Bay for a fresh start. Fed up of his jet-set lifestyle in London, James decides that Penhally is just the place for him to regroup and decide what he wants out of life - and when he lays eyes on Charlotte, James realizes that he's finally found the woman he's been searching for for most of his life.
Charlotte is as attracted to James as he is, but dare she take the risk of putting her heart on the line once more? Or will her past keep holding her back?
Kate Hardy never fails to deliver poignant, dramatic, realistic and heartwarming romantic fiction and Falling for the Playboy Millionaire certainly does not disappoint. With its cast of wonderfully believable and fantastic characters and plenty of powerful emotion and dramatic intensity, Falling for the Playboy Millionaire is another dazzling keeper from one of the finest writers of high quality romantic fiction: Kate Hardy!
Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Thursday, December 17, 2009
SANTA UNDER COVER - Sharron McClellan
Title: SANTA UNDER COVER
Author: SHARRON McCLELLAN
Line: Silhouette Romantic Suspense
Three stories in One
Release Month: November
The S-Factor: Scary but Sweet
Back-Blurb:
On a trip to see Santa at the mall, the lights go out and a child goes missing. To stay alive, this couple must outsmart the Christmas bandits holding them hostage.
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Gwyneth Colton and her sister, Glory, had taken several children from a local shelter out for an afternoon of fun and a chance to sit on Santa’s knee. When the lights went out at the mall and one of the children disappeared, that fun turned a little more serious.
Nick was a police officer – in a Santa suit. Okay, so how come every Santa and elf looked like a cop in disguise? What – or who – were they looking for? I have to hand it to Gwyn, when she found Connor and realized he had been taken hostage, she didn’t run screaming, but stepped right in to get him out of that situation, even if it meant being taken hostage herself. Of course, Nick was right behind her.
Sharron McClellan writes with such knowledge of her topic that you can see, hear, and even smell each scene in your mind as you read it. Her stories are realistic and believable. When you finish reading you are ready to swear that the story actually happened. “Santa Under Cover” took place over the course of a few hours. At the end of that time Nick and Gwyn did not fall into bed together, nor did they pledge forever and undying love to each other. Rather, they decided that the spark between them needed exploring, much like a couple in real life would. I enjoyed this story, with this believable ending very much.
“Santa Under Cover” is the middle story in the Silhouette Romantic Suspense book “Blackout at Christmas”, with the first story in the book being “Stranded with the Bridesmaid” by Beth Cornelison, and the last story being “Kiss Me on Christmas” by Jennifer Morey.
Author: SHARRON McCLELLAN
Line: Silhouette Romantic Suspense
Three stories in One
Release Month: November
The S-Factor: Scary but Sweet
Back-Blurb:
On a trip to see Santa at the mall, the lights go out and a child goes missing. To stay alive, this couple must outsmart the Christmas bandits holding them hostage.
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Gwyneth Colton and her sister, Glory, had taken several children from a local shelter out for an afternoon of fun and a chance to sit on Santa’s knee. When the lights went out at the mall and one of the children disappeared, that fun turned a little more serious.
Nick was a police officer – in a Santa suit. Okay, so how come every Santa and elf looked like a cop in disguise? What – or who – were they looking for? I have to hand it to Gwyn, when she found Connor and realized he had been taken hostage, she didn’t run screaming, but stepped right in to get him out of that situation, even if it meant being taken hostage herself. Of course, Nick was right behind her.
Sharron McClellan writes with such knowledge of her topic that you can see, hear, and even smell each scene in your mind as you read it. Her stories are realistic and believable. When you finish reading you are ready to swear that the story actually happened. “Santa Under Cover” took place over the course of a few hours. At the end of that time Nick and Gwyn did not fall into bed together, nor did they pledge forever and undying love to each other. Rather, they decided that the spark between them needed exploring, much like a couple in real life would. I enjoyed this story, with this believable ending very much.
“Santa Under Cover” is the middle story in the Silhouette Romantic Suspense book “Blackout at Christmas”, with the first story in the book being “Stranded with the Bridesmaid” by Beth Cornelison, and the last story being “Kiss Me on Christmas” by Jennifer Morey.
Hero Hotness Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor: ♥♥
Weepy Factor: ♥♥
Reviewed by: Donna B
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
RUTHLESS GREEK BOSS, SECRETARY MISTRESS – Abby Green
Line: Mills and Boon Modern /Harlequin Presents
Release month UK: December 2009
North America: To be announced
The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sensual
Back-Blurb:
Three Weeks in the Boss’s Bed!
Lucy Proctor watches the women who come and go in Aristotle Levakis’ life. She has no desire to join them, despite Ari’s devastating good-looks, and is perfectly content as his assistant – or so she tries to convince herself!
Ari shouldn’t find his prim and plump secretary attractive, but something about her calls to him. He knows there is only one way to overcome this desire – and that is to sate it...
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Ruthless Greek Boss, Secretary Mistress by the very talented Abby Green takes one on a very ruthless journey with a high degree of sensuality and explodes with passion! It was so incredibly dangerous and intense and I couldn’t put it down nor at times stop crying. It was that extreme and emotional.
Rich, ruthless, handsome, and determined doesn’t even begin to describe Aristotle Levakis. He goes through women like sands through an hour glass. One day he slams into his secretary in the elevator and notices all of her lucious curves. When he takes a closer look at her and realizes he’s beyond attracted to her curves, he desparately wants her not only in his boardroom but also in his bedroom. He’s working on a secret deal and has the perfect plan because she’s signed a confidentially agreement. He’ll take her with him to Athens making sure she’s not only working with him on the merger, he’ll also make sure she shares his bed. He is absolutely relentless in persuing her, coming on to her, telling her it’s only a matter of time, touching her, kissing her senseless and poor Lucy Proctor is so overwhelmed as she too is attracted to him. However, her childhood is holding her back and memories of her mother’s men.
Lucy Proctor doesn’t even have a clue just how lovely she is both inside and out and tries to camoflage her looks by wearing glasses, tying her hair up and wearing baggy clothes. She’s been working a few years for the striking and brilliant Greek boss and he definitely unsettles her. On top of eveything else, whenever Ari breaks up with his georgeous lovers, he has Lucy buy gifts and sending thank yous notes to his latest flavor of the month and she doesn’t approve. When he suddenly comes on to her she’s taken back and can’t believe he could be attracted to someone like her.
The weeks spent together working, playing, making love were fantastic to read. Ari was relentless in persuing her and couldn’t seem to get enough of her. It was a very confusing time for him. And for Lucy, she realizes she’s in trouble because she’s aware that she loves him and knows it will not be returned and their affair will soon have to end.
During the final chapters of this wonderful and brilliantly written romance by master storyteller Ms. Green, be prepared for tears and up and down emotions. In the end, the message was very clear for both Ari and Lucy…..they had both been alone and lonely. However, Lucy did have a mother who loved her but Ari had no one to neither love him nor stand up for him. What I took away from Ruthless Greek Boss, Secretary Mistress was for both Lucy and Ari was their realizing what’s important in life. For them it was security, acceptance for who they each were and most importantly, being loved.
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
HIGH POWERED, HOT BLOODED - Susan Mallery
Line: SILHOUETTE DESIRE
Release month UK:/ North America: December 2009
The S-Factor: Sexy
Back-Blurb:
Mr. December: Duncan Patrick, CEO Scrooge
His Objective: Lose the "bah humbug" attitude
His Plan: Find the right (temporary) mistress
A powerful businessman, Duncan didn't like ultimatums, unless he was making them. But the board demanded his public image change. When he encountered sweet kindergarten teacher Annie McCoy, he knew she'd make him look like a perfect angel, though it would take some devilish manipulation.
Once he had Annie playing his pretend mistress, Duncan needed to make her his real-life lover. Could a grouchy CEO cultivate the charm necessary to win the woman he'd almost destroyed?
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
High Powered, Hot Blooded written by the New York Times best selling author, the enchanting Susan Mallery is a perfect holiday romance. It’s the type of book you’ll need to read in one seating because it’s Mary Poppins meets Scrooge and it’s so about love, family, trust and happy endings.
Duncan Patrick is a high powered, successful and ruthless millionaire and he’s furious because one of his employees has embezzled $250,000. He goes looking for Tim McCoy and instead of finding Tim he meets his sister, Annie. He finds her sweet and the perfect woman to help him change his image as suggested by his uncle and the board of directors. The very same ruthless image the press has been reporting lately. So, he offers the sweet kindergarten teacher an offer she can’t refuse, be his date and act like his girlfriend by attending holiday functions and he’ll apply the money to repay half of her brother’s debt. Part of the deal is to keep Tim out of jail so Duncan pays and sends him to rehab for his gambling problem. What Duncan doesn’t count on is how much of an impact she’ll have on his life.
Annie McCoy was one of the most charming characters I think I’ve read all year. Her sense of taking care of her family will warm your heart, especially at this time of year. Since her mother passed away, she’s basically raised her brother, and cousins and also has an exchange student and the girls living with her. Plus she helps to pay for their college and food and provides a home for them. So now she has this dilemma, she’s agreed to be Duncan Patrick’s Holiday date and finds him to be more than a boss. What neither counts on is their attraction for each other and then they take it a step further to becoming lovers. Annie realizes she has no future with Duncan because he’s already had one bad marriage and she sees through his toughness and finds him a caring, sweet and very handsome man, the very same man she loves.
Duncan definitely doesn’t want to hurt Annie and really appreciates her efforts in changing his image. He also believes her to be a woman with a big heart and from time to time his soft side is shown when he does special things for her family but one definitely knows that for him because of his past with his mother and ex-wife leaving him, he’s not going to take another chance at love. However, as one might expect, Christmas wishes due come true and to reveal them would ruin the book so I highly suggest you read this beautiful love story or purchase it for a friend because is truly a lovely holiday romance.
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
Behind the Book from Dear Reader:
“For my hero Duncan Patrick the holidays aren’t the least bit special. He doesn’t believe in tradition or family or even being nice to anyone. He doesn’t see the point. For him, life is all about the bottom line. He’s been so successful, he’s completely lost what really matters.
Now Annie isn’t looking for a powerful, determined, stubborn guy to warm her nights. But that’s exactly who she’s going to get. I think she’ll thank me later.” Susan Mallery
Monday, December 14, 2009
Review: Christmas with the Boss - Carole Mortimer, Alison Roberts and Natalie Anderson
Line: M&B Special Releases
Release Month: October 2009
The S-Factor: Sweet/Sizzling
Back-Blurb:
Spend the holidays with a sexy, successful, commanding man! This title features three stories that include Snowbound with the Billionaire, Twins for Christmas, and The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress.
Snowbound with the Billionaire by Carole Mortimer - The last person Caro Montgomery expects to see at Christmas is her estranged sexy, super-wealthy husband, Jake. But this is no accidental meeting - Jake is back for good, to claim his wife and baby! Caro's determined to refuse Jake, but then she's trapped with him on Christmas Eve...
Twins for Christmas by Alison Roberts - Dr Rory McCulloch has returned and discovered a Christmas gift he wasn't expecting - twins! Heavily pregnant, Kate had been prepared for single motherhood. But now she and Rory are snowbound together, on one of their toughest cases ever...
The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress by Natalie Anderson - Imogen's new boss is demanding, infuriating - and utterly gorgeous. But she's been burnt by a colleague before, and she's not about to make the same mistake again. However, making Imogen his mistletoe mistress by Christmas is at the top of Ryan's agenda!
Review:
Spend Christmas with a devilishly handsome billionaire, a gorgeous surgeon and a seductive boss this Yuletide with this spellbinding collection featuring three romances by three of your favourite authors!
Snowbound with the Billionaire - Carole Mortimer
Much-loved international best-selling author Carole Mortimer has penned a seductive tale of intense passion and torrid emotion which will enthrall Modern Romance readers everywhere!
Caro had fallen head over heels in love with billionaire Jake Montgomery - and nobody had been more stunned than Caro when he had asked her to marry her! Caro thought that she had stepped into the middle of a wonderful fairy tale - until she realized that her Prince Charming was a liar!
Humiliated and betrayed, Caro had decided to leave Jake's luxurious mansion to start afresh in Spain...with the baby she was carrying! Nothing and nobody would tempt her back to England, until her brother's pleas to spend Christmas with him tugged at her heartstrings. But no sooner had she stepped off the plane that she realized that she had made a huge mistake - for waiting for her was none other than her husband!
Jake had been furious when Caro had run out on him - but nothing compares to the anger he feels sweeping over him when he finds out that Caro had kept his child from him! Jake is determined to make Caro pay for her betrayal - by subjecting her to punishing kisses and breathtaking seduction!
Sexy, compelling and mesmerizing, Snowbound with the Billionaire is Carole Mortimer at her unputdownable best!
Twins for Christmas - Alison Roberts
A touching, tender and heartwarming Christmas tale, Medical romance author Alison Roberts will delight and enchant readers with her novella, Twins for Christmas!
Everybody had adored Dr. Rory McCulloch. He was not only smart, funny and great company - but he was also drop dead gorgeous! Like every single woman in the hospital, Kate had also been attracted to Rory, but how could a guy like him possibly find a shy and plain girl like her attractive?
But one magical night, Rory and Kate had come together and their passion had bound them closer and left them breathless. Kate had thought that she had finally found the person she had been searching for for most of her life - but the following day, Rory had disappeared!
Finding out that she was pregnant with his child was the ultimate shock for Kate. But she was determined to raise her twin babies on her own - until Rory returned out of the blue and made it clear that he wasn't going to let her - or their babies - out of his sight ever again!
A heart-meltingly gorgeous tale of second chances, new beginnings and the power of true love, Twins for Christmas is a must-read this holiday season!
The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress - Natalie Anderson
Sexy, sweet and sassy, The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress will heat up the cold winter nights!
Imogen had vowed never to have anything more to do with men after she been used and discarded by a rich playboy who had completely humiliated her. Having left New Zealand to start afresh in Edinburgh, Imogen had been adamant that she would put all her energies into her work and to forget all about men - until her new boss Ryan entered her life!
Like her previous lover, Ryan is rich and devastatingly handsome and although Imogen knows that she must give him as wide a berth as possible, she finds herself unable to resist his brand of lethal seduction!
Ryan cannot stop thinking about Imogen - nor can he keep his hands off her curves! But will he manage to convince his mistletoe mistress to become his Yuletide bride?
You can always rely on Natalie Anderson to deliver a fun and feel-good read and The Millionaire's Mistletoe's Mistress is no exception! With a sexy hero, a loveable heroine and lashings of heart, sparkle and seduction, The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress is another fabulous read by this amazing rising star of M&B Modern Heat!
Give yourself a break this Christmas and indulge in this fantastic collection of emotional festive romances - you certainly will not regret it!
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Release Month: October 2009
The S-Factor: Sweet/Sizzling
Back-Blurb:
Spend the holidays with a sexy, successful, commanding man! This title features three stories that include Snowbound with the Billionaire, Twins for Christmas, and The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress.
Snowbound with the Billionaire by Carole Mortimer - The last person Caro Montgomery expects to see at Christmas is her estranged sexy, super-wealthy husband, Jake. But this is no accidental meeting - Jake is back for good, to claim his wife and baby! Caro's determined to refuse Jake, but then she's trapped with him on Christmas Eve...
Twins for Christmas by Alison Roberts - Dr Rory McCulloch has returned and discovered a Christmas gift he wasn't expecting - twins! Heavily pregnant, Kate had been prepared for single motherhood. But now she and Rory are snowbound together, on one of their toughest cases ever...
The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress by Natalie Anderson - Imogen's new boss is demanding, infuriating - and utterly gorgeous. But she's been burnt by a colleague before, and she's not about to make the same mistake again. However, making Imogen his mistletoe mistress by Christmas is at the top of Ryan's agenda!
Review:
Spend Christmas with a devilishly handsome billionaire, a gorgeous surgeon and a seductive boss this Yuletide with this spellbinding collection featuring three romances by three of your favourite authors!
Snowbound with the Billionaire - Carole Mortimer
Much-loved international best-selling author Carole Mortimer has penned a seductive tale of intense passion and torrid emotion which will enthrall Modern Romance readers everywhere!
Caro had fallen head over heels in love with billionaire Jake Montgomery - and nobody had been more stunned than Caro when he had asked her to marry her! Caro thought that she had stepped into the middle of a wonderful fairy tale - until she realized that her Prince Charming was a liar!
Humiliated and betrayed, Caro had decided to leave Jake's luxurious mansion to start afresh in Spain...with the baby she was carrying! Nothing and nobody would tempt her back to England, until her brother's pleas to spend Christmas with him tugged at her heartstrings. But no sooner had she stepped off the plane that she realized that she had made a huge mistake - for waiting for her was none other than her husband!
Jake had been furious when Caro had run out on him - but nothing compares to the anger he feels sweeping over him when he finds out that Caro had kept his child from him! Jake is determined to make Caro pay for her betrayal - by subjecting her to punishing kisses and breathtaking seduction!
Sexy, compelling and mesmerizing, Snowbound with the Billionaire is Carole Mortimer at her unputdownable best!
Twins for Christmas - Alison Roberts
A touching, tender and heartwarming Christmas tale, Medical romance author Alison Roberts will delight and enchant readers with her novella, Twins for Christmas!
Everybody had adored Dr. Rory McCulloch. He was not only smart, funny and great company - but he was also drop dead gorgeous! Like every single woman in the hospital, Kate had also been attracted to Rory, but how could a guy like him possibly find a shy and plain girl like her attractive?
But one magical night, Rory and Kate had come together and their passion had bound them closer and left them breathless. Kate had thought that she had finally found the person she had been searching for for most of her life - but the following day, Rory had disappeared!
Finding out that she was pregnant with his child was the ultimate shock for Kate. But she was determined to raise her twin babies on her own - until Rory returned out of the blue and made it clear that he wasn't going to let her - or their babies - out of his sight ever again!
A heart-meltingly gorgeous tale of second chances, new beginnings and the power of true love, Twins for Christmas is a must-read this holiday season!
The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress - Natalie Anderson
Sexy, sweet and sassy, The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress will heat up the cold winter nights!
Imogen had vowed never to have anything more to do with men after she been used and discarded by a rich playboy who had completely humiliated her. Having left New Zealand to start afresh in Edinburgh, Imogen had been adamant that she would put all her energies into her work and to forget all about men - until her new boss Ryan entered her life!
Like her previous lover, Ryan is rich and devastatingly handsome and although Imogen knows that she must give him as wide a berth as possible, she finds herself unable to resist his brand of lethal seduction!
Ryan cannot stop thinking about Imogen - nor can he keep his hands off her curves! But will he manage to convince his mistletoe mistress to become his Yuletide bride?
You can always rely on Natalie Anderson to deliver a fun and feel-good read and The Millionaire's Mistletoe's Mistress is no exception! With a sexy hero, a loveable heroine and lashings of heart, sparkle and seduction, The Millionaire's Mistletoe Mistress is another fabulous read by this amazing rising star of M&B Modern Heat!
Give yourself a break this Christmas and indulge in this fantastic collection of emotional festive romances - you certainly will not regret it!
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Review: Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord - Carol Townend
Line: Mills and Boon Historical Romance
Release Date: November 2009 (US) and December 2009 (UK)
The S-Factor: Sensuous
Back-Blurb:
Taming his runaway lady!
Raised a lady, Emma of Fulford is a fallen woman with a young son as proof. He is all she has in the world, and now the boy’s brutal father has returned… Desperate and afraid, she needs to escape, and fast, so approaches Sir Richard of Asculf. She begs this honourable Norman knight for help – and offers the only thing she has left…herself.
Honourable he may be, but Sir Richard is only human, and Lady Emma tempts his resolve. Can this conquering knight tame his runaway lady and stop her running for good?
Wessex Weddings Normans and Saxons, conflict and desire!
Review:
A sweeping Medieval romance that will take your breath away, Carol Townend's latest novel, Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord is not to be missed!
Emma of Fulford had been raised a lady, but when she had fallen in love with the wrong man and ended up shamed, pregnant and alone, Emma had to bid goodbye to her life of luxury and prepare herself for a life of toil, bad-breaking work and fear. Although she has tried her hardest to keep a roof over her head and that of her beloved son, the sceptre of fear haunts her every move and she is always looking over her shoulder, afraid that the man who had once ruined her life might return to destroy her. Emma had spent the past three years in relative safety, but when the past catches up with her the only man who can help her is Sir Richard of Asculf.
Richard had been a family friend of the Fulford for years, so he is shocked when he finds the once noble Emma reduced to living like a pauper. When he hears of her plight, Richard vows to protect her, however, he is shocked when he finds out that the poor and destitute fallen woman tells him that the only she will accept his help is if she can be his mistress.
Richard's initial instinct is to refuse, but every bone in his body is screaming out for Emma. When a passionate kiss turns into a night of love which neither can forget, Richard finds himself wishing that Emma was not just his mistress, but also his wife. However, will his noble duty forbid him from listening to his heart?
Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord is a dazzling Medieval romance written by a writer who never fails to make the past come gloriously to life! Romantic, atmospheric and thrilling from start to finish, Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord's captivating blend of history, passion, danger and adventure will keep readers riveted and eagerly anticipating the next fabulous novel by this master storyteller!
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Release Date: November 2009 (US) and December 2009 (UK)
The S-Factor: Sensuous
Back-Blurb:
Taming his runaway lady!
Raised a lady, Emma of Fulford is a fallen woman with a young son as proof. He is all she has in the world, and now the boy’s brutal father has returned… Desperate and afraid, she needs to escape, and fast, so approaches Sir Richard of Asculf. She begs this honourable Norman knight for help – and offers the only thing she has left…herself.
Honourable he may be, but Sir Richard is only human, and Lady Emma tempts his resolve. Can this conquering knight tame his runaway lady and stop her running for good?
Wessex Weddings Normans and Saxons, conflict and desire!
Review:
A sweeping Medieval romance that will take your breath away, Carol Townend's latest novel, Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord is not to be missed!
Emma of Fulford had been raised a lady, but when she had fallen in love with the wrong man and ended up shamed, pregnant and alone, Emma had to bid goodbye to her life of luxury and prepare herself for a life of toil, bad-breaking work and fear. Although she has tried her hardest to keep a roof over her head and that of her beloved son, the sceptre of fear haunts her every move and she is always looking over her shoulder, afraid that the man who had once ruined her life might return to destroy her. Emma had spent the past three years in relative safety, but when the past catches up with her the only man who can help her is Sir Richard of Asculf.
Richard had been a family friend of the Fulford for years, so he is shocked when he finds the once noble Emma reduced to living like a pauper. When he hears of her plight, Richard vows to protect her, however, he is shocked when he finds out that the poor and destitute fallen woman tells him that the only she will accept his help is if she can be his mistress.
Richard's initial instinct is to refuse, but every bone in his body is screaming out for Emma. When a passionate kiss turns into a night of love which neither can forget, Richard finds himself wishing that Emma was not just his mistress, but also his wife. However, will his noble duty forbid him from listening to his heart?
Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord is a dazzling Medieval romance written by a writer who never fails to make the past come gloriously to life! Romantic, atmospheric and thrilling from start to finish, Runaway Lady, Conquering Lord's captivating blend of history, passion, danger and adventure will keep readers riveted and eagerly anticipating the next fabulous novel by this master storyteller!
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Thursday, December 10, 2009
BEDDED FOR PASSION, PURCHASED FOR PREGNANCY – Carol Marinelli
Line: Mills and Boon Modern/
Harlequin Presents
Release month UK: June 2009
North America: December 2009
The S-Factor: Sizzling
Back-Blurb:
When Zarios D'Amilo meets Emma Hayes again, she is no longer the awkward teenager who tried to kiss him, but a beautiful, confident woman. Now he wants her!
To claim his inheritance, this untamed tycoon must curb his wild ways. He needs a convenient fiancée, and Emma needs a million dollars. So Zarios seizes his opportunity—he will have her! But passion soon leads to pregnancy, and suddenly, the stakes are higher….
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
If you enjoy romances with alpha- heroes who'll sweep you off your feet and set your pulse pounding, you'll definitely want to read Carol Marinelli’s Bedded for Passion, Purchased for Pregnancy. This book is an excellent indication of Carol’s wonderful talent for writing captivating stories and vibrant characters.
Eric Hayes and Rocco D’Amilo have been friends for over fifty years and now its Eric’s 60th birthday and Rocco and his playboy son Zarios have arrived at the family’s home in Melbourne to celebrate. Zarios has been warned not to mess with Eric’s daughter Emma and he reminds his son he needs to settle down because when he retires, he wants his son to take over. However, the board of directors do not look kindly upon Zarios because of his playboy reputation even though he is for the most part solely responsible for the firms success.
Emma is nervous about seeing Zarios as she remembers years ago how attracted she was to him. But as fate would have it, they are immediately drawn to each other and then the next day when Emma goes for an ocean swim and almost drowns, Zarios saves her in more ways than one. He saves her life and then they make love. For them both it’s something they both realize was special and they agree to see each other soon. Fate steps in again in the form of an ex-girlfriend who claims to be pregnant and if that’s not enough Emma is again faced to deal with her brother’s gambling debts plus her parent’s parish in a fatal car accident the very next day after her father’s birthday.
Now months later Emma approaches Zarios to ask for a loan to pay off her brother’s debts. She uses the fact that she will pay him back when she receives her inheritance. In a way, Zarios blackmails Emma into faking an engagement to him until the board convenes so that he appears respectable and focused on the future. She agrees for the sake of her brother.
Their time together will have you holding your breath because it’s obvious they still desire each other and fight it every step of the way. Of course, throw into the mix that Zarios suspects it’s Emma who has a gambling problem as he’s not aware of her brother’s situation. They just keep hurting each other. Emma is aware she loves Zarios and then to add more stress to their marriage, she is told she’s pregnant with Zarios child.
Trust in the end is what’s important, trust and forgiveness especially for this man that was raised motherless, used by women for his wealth and status, and owning up to realizing that things are not always what they seem. Their realization they love each other, Zarios confessions, and Emma’s forgiveness, were spectacular to read. For those who love romances with vibrant characters and a plot full of surprises, Carol Marinelli’s Bedded for Passion, Purchased for Pregnancy is a story that's got to be read!
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
THE BILLIONAIRE’S BRIDE OF INNOCENCE – Miranda Lee (Three Rich Husbands)
Release month UK/North America: Nov 2009
The S-Factor: Simmering & Sexy
Back-Blurb:
James Logan knew it was time to take a wife and produce an heir. Megan was perfect for his plans: shy, unworldly and quickly seduced by the Sydney advertising tycoon's devilish charm. She was pregnant on their wedding day.
The honeymoon was barely over when Megan had a miscarriage and the scales fell from her eyes: she was trapped in a convenient marriage, and James expected her to conceive again soon. She should have demanded a divorce, but Megan was facing the uncomfortable truth: she'd fallen in love with her ruthless husband….
Emotional tension and vivid characterization, Miranda Lee invokes the full range of human emotions with her storytelling talent to make The Billionaire’s Bride of Innocence a thoroughly satisfying read and concluding the mini-series Three Rich Husbands.
As we learned in earlier stories Russell, Hugh and James were roommates in boarding school and at university in Australia. They are three very rich men who work and play hard. This is the last book in the Three Rich Husbands series and its James and Megan Logan’s story. In the first book, James is marrying the very sweet and innocent Megan who is expecting their child. The friends discuss with James openly his reason for the loveless marriage because this is his second marriage. His first was to a beautiful super-model who deceived him into thinking she loved him and wanted his child, both were not true. Now James is marrying Megan because he finds here sweet, she she’s carrying his child. She’s also not after his money because she comes from a wealthy family.
The story opens with Megan having a miscarriage and overhearing Russell and Hugh discussing her marriage. Both men believe her to be asleep and she hears that James only married her because she was carrying his child, certainly not because he loved her. For three months she uses every excuse in the book not to sleep or make love to her husband and she is also secretly on the pill so as not to become pregnant. She’s is sort of a depression and spends her time with her painting to while away her time. And then, James has just about had enough and decides to take her away to a very secluded and high end private island to try and get the magic of their love making back into their marriage, teach his innocent wife new and marvelous ways of sharing his bed and hopefully making her pregnant again, because it’s what he feels they both need. Megan is such a shy and sweet woman and her only friend Nicole, Russell’s wife takes her on a week shopping and spa spree giving her a whole new and sexy look which stuns James.
So away they go to this magical island and it’s a very magical time for them both their time in and out of bed, their time getting to know each other and then James discovers Megan has been lying to him and is taking the birth control pill. He explodes, sends her home and tells her the marriage is over. Can she survive? Just when I thought I couldn’t dislike a character anymore than I did James, let’s just say his transformation is miraculous and the series certainly ends with a bang as only Miranda Lee can pen.
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
GETTING RED-HOT WITH THE ROGUE – Ally Blake
Harlequin Presents
Release month UK: August 2009
AUS/NZ: October 2009
North America: November 2009
The S-Factor: Sexy
Back-Blurb:
Dylan Kelly: a wicked rogue and hotshot businessman who makes men stand to attention and women weak in the knees….
Wynnie Devereaux: a clever, beautiful, but slightly ditzy girl, whom Dylan leaves feeling flustered and frustrated—in more ways than one….
The fierce tycoon and the erstwhile protester shouldn't get along—yet sparks of desire fly between them. But will Wynnie get burnt when she gets red-hot with this untamable rogue?
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Again Ally Blake delivers a beautiful romance to readers and fans. Beautifully portrayed emotions between two strong characters help to make Getting Red-Hot With the Rogue a story that delights the reader with a sensuality that cannot be forgotten.
Dylan Kelly, like the rest of his family, is dedicated and protective of his father and the family business and that’s about the extent of his trust. Very early in his life he learned one thing that women only wanted one thing from him, his money, his connections and his name. Now his family have banned together to protect their father who is ill while Dylan’s older brother is running the company and Dylan is the media exec. They don’t want the fact their father is ill to get out to the press. As one gets to know the family you understand just how “tight” they are and hopefully the very talented Ally Blake will continue this family saga in her future books.
Like Dylan, Wynnie Devereau is devoted to her brother and misses him like crazy. She actually doesn’t know where he is and hasn’t seen him because he’s on the run. He was accused of blowing up a building in the name of a cause and Wynnie at one time was also blamed by the press for the deed, until she was cleared. And now Wynnie has cuffed herself to a huge sculpture outside of the Kelly’s high rise office building in the name of conservation because she’s a lobbyist and wants to make a statement to the city by using the Kelly firm as an example. She wants to talk them into going “green” by turning off lights, not using so much paper, using coffee cups instead of paper ones.
It’s the way Wynnie and Dylan meet that will have you smiling and you’ll immediately see this couple have chemestry. While reading I chuckled quite a lot, loving Wynnie’s determination to make Dylan realize that KinG Corporation could make an impact and difference and possibly show the world how conserving could make a difference. It’s the way she approaches everything that had me smiling, her determination, her intelligence, her wit and her immediate attraction to this sexy man. However, what made it even better was the authors description of what Dylan felt when he first saw her face, her brown eyes, her physical beauty, setting the stage with what proved to be a beautifully charged and romantic love story.
They were so well matched in intellect, physically, passion and in their determination, so much so that is scared them both, especially Dylan because he once was hurt by a scheming woman. However, first and foremost he felt the need to protect his family and the family business. Their passion, their tenderness to each other will melt your heart. So will Wynnie, because when she realizes she’s not lusting after Dylan that she actually loves him and he’s definitely aware of the fact, well just prepare your self for a good cry. This very persistent, beautiful woman saw Dylan for who he was as a man NOT because he was a rich and powerful Kelly.
Trust me, you’ll love reading Getting Red-Hot with the Rogue and reading about how this beautiful young woman grabs and changes the sexy, stubborn Dylan Kelly and how he makes things right and perfect for them both.
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
From Authors Website:
Get to know the Kelly family, Brisbane's most famous banking dynasty.
They're rich, they're powerful, they've always had everything they've ever wanted.
Is there hope for them yet?
“And now that I’ve started writing about the fabulous and formidable Kelly family and their place in the beautiful Brisbane landscape, I’m not sure where I’m going to stop! Dylan’s brothers and sisters, and their friends, have all clamoured to the surface of my sub conscious, begging for stories of their own. Now my only concern is who will be the next to fall in love” AB
Ally’s Post on I(Heart) Presents:
“But by far my favourite is the meet-cute in my latest Harlequin Presents, GETTING RED-HOT WITH THE ROGUE.
When I sat down to start writing GETTING RED-HOT WITH THE ROGUE, as always the story was completely up for grabs. Imagine me sitting in my ugh boots and trakky daks (Aussie for tracksuits pants – I prefer velour if that helps the imagery). In front of me sat a bowl of M&Ms and a cup of decaf coffee (nursing mum here, so no caffeine – heaven help me). Breathless anticipation ensued. In what fabulous way were my hero and heroine going to meet???”
CHRISTMAS AT BRAVO RIDGE - Christine Rimmer
Title: CHRISTMAS AT BRAVO RIDGE
Author: CHRISTINE RIMMER
Line: Silhouette Special Edition
Release month: December
The S-Factor: Sensual and Simmering
Back-Blurb:
OOPS, SHE DID IT AGAIN!
Well, if lightning didn’t strike twice, then how could a night of passion with her former lover, Matt Bravo, leave Corrine Lonnigan pregnant with his child. . . for the second time? They already had a beautiful little girl, and they’d finally come to terms with their can’t-live-with-can’t-live-without-each-other relationship. And now this!
Texas tycoon Matt Bravo had let Corrie slip through his fingers five years ago, and he was not about to make the same mistake again. He had to convince her that he was the man for her, now and forever. To make this a Christmas to remember – for all four of them. . .
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Right at the start the sexual tension between this couple is evident. It may have been five years, but the air hums with electricity when the two of them even just think about each other – never mind being in the same room together.
Matt brings Kira home after a week-end visit. When he arrives, Corrie is sitting there with half-empty wine bottles in front of her. Of course, you know right then and there what’s going to happen. Christine Rimmer does it up right. They tease each other, they poke at each other, until one of them finally breaks. The tension rises higher and higher until they both explode.
Then. . . along comes – Matt’s mom. Oh no, she didn’t find them in bed together. She had left her husband and needed somewhere to stay. Where else would she go?
This is part of an ongoing series by this author, but it stands alone beautifully. I have read a few of the other books in the series. It’s not at all necessary to read any of the other books to be able to follow this one, though it does bring a niceness to it when you recognize some of the secondary characters.
If your mom living with the mother of your child isn’t bad enough, Christine brings in more twists. A hard, domineering father, a fiancé who’s a pastor, several siblings, dancing on the bar. Whoa, back up a sec there – did you say a fiancé who’s a pastor? I'll leave you to figure that one out.
Once I got started on this book, I found it very difficult to put down. Christine’s imagination is only outdone by her way with words. I was laughing and crying at the same time. I struggled right along with Corrine over the decisions she must make, yet laughed at the irony of the situations that came up even as these decisions were being made.
Though Ms Rimmer’s list of published books is long, she still writes with a freshness that warms the heart, even as it keeps you smiling, and turning the pages to see what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor
Reviewed by: Donna B
Author: CHRISTINE RIMMER
Line: Silhouette Special Edition
Release month: December
The S-Factor: Sensual and Simmering
Back-Blurb:
OOPS, SHE DID IT AGAIN!
Well, if lightning didn’t strike twice, then how could a night of passion with her former lover, Matt Bravo, leave Corrine Lonnigan pregnant with his child. . . for the second time? They already had a beautiful little girl, and they’d finally come to terms with their can’t-live-with-can’t-live-without-each-other relationship. And now this!
Texas tycoon Matt Bravo had let Corrie slip through his fingers five years ago, and he was not about to make the same mistake again. He had to convince her that he was the man for her, now and forever. To make this a Christmas to remember – for all four of them. . .
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Right at the start the sexual tension between this couple is evident. It may have been five years, but the air hums with electricity when the two of them even just think about each other – never mind being in the same room together.
Matt brings Kira home after a week-end visit. When he arrives, Corrie is sitting there with half-empty wine bottles in front of her. Of course, you know right then and there what’s going to happen. Christine Rimmer does it up right. They tease each other, they poke at each other, until one of them finally breaks. The tension rises higher and higher until they both explode.
Then. . . along comes – Matt’s mom. Oh no, she didn’t find them in bed together. She had left her husband and needed somewhere to stay. Where else would she go?
This is part of an ongoing series by this author, but it stands alone beautifully. I have read a few of the other books in the series. It’s not at all necessary to read any of the other books to be able to follow this one, though it does bring a niceness to it when you recognize some of the secondary characters.
If your mom living with the mother of your child isn’t bad enough, Christine brings in more twists. A hard, domineering father, a fiancé who’s a pastor, several siblings, dancing on the bar. Whoa, back up a sec there – did you say a fiancé who’s a pastor? I'll leave you to figure that one out.
Once I got started on this book, I found it very difficult to put down. Christine’s imagination is only outdone by her way with words. I was laughing and crying at the same time. I struggled right along with Corrine over the decisions she must make, yet laughed at the irony of the situations that came up even as these decisions were being made.
Though Ms Rimmer’s list of published books is long, she still writes with a freshness that warms the heart, even as it keeps you smiling, and turning the pages to see what happens next. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Hero Hotness Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Humor Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor
Reviewed by: Donna B
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
DEVIL IN A DARK BLUE SUIT - Robyn Grady
Line: Mills and Boon Modern/
Harlequin Presents
Release month UK::August 2009
AUS/NZ: November 2009
North America: December 2009
The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sensual
Back-Blurb:
When Eden Foley walked out of millionaire bad boy Devlin Stone's life, she vowed it would be forever. He knew just how to make her tremble with desire, but he was dangerous! Now, forced to contact Devlin, Eden is stunned—he wants to pick up from where they left off. Even worse, her traitorous body seems to agree!
Will one night with Devlin mean she can finally move on with her life…? Or has this devil in a dark blue suit got other, more pleasurable plans in mind?
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Robyn Grady has penned a truly beautiful love story with Devil In A Dark Blue Suit. Devlin and Eden are facinating characters and their passion simply sizzles. Exquisitely told and a definite page-turner, it is a must read!
Eden and Devlin’s story is one of those that once you pick up the book you will absolutely need to read it from cover to cover. I love romances about second chances and this certainly is one of those and as I started to get to know the characters I honestly couldn’t understand why they ended their relationship three years earlier because it’s very obvious that they cared deeply about each other.
Now three years after their break up Eden has asked to meet Devlin because her sister is seeing his playboy brother and it’s serious. She feels the need to discuss and vent her concerns and end up in Dev’s brother’s hotel room in let’s say a compromising situation. It’s one that definitely will have the reader giggling! It’s only then that Devlin realizes that he must ask Eden to go away with him because it’s very obvious to both of them that the passion still exists between them after three years of being separated. Dev plans an oh so romantic getaway at a private and secluded island.
As you experience their romantic journey you learn a couple of things…..Eden definitely is the caretaker in her family…..she adores her younger sister, is skeptical of her relationship with Nate, Dev’s brother and has always watched out for her sibling. You also learn that the four months she spent with Devlin were glorious and that when she ended it it was because he would never commit and she was hurt badly. So now, why take the chance? Honestly I don’t think they ever had closure nor did they ever stop caring about each other.
Devlin Stone is one sexy and charismatic man and due to the behaviour of his father he has commitment issues. He’s very close to his brother Nate and it’s very obvious he misses Eden and he would like to continue the relationship but definitely not marriage as Eden would like. Talk about a romantic getaway, their days spent on the private island will absolutely take your breath away but in the end, Eden realizes she must cut Devlin out of her life and then she finds that she’s expecting his baby.
While being a beautiful loe story, at times it was painful to read because it’s obvious that the more Dev is with Eden, he definitely doesn’t want to let her go. He never wanted to hurt her like his father hurt his mother and he defintely didn’t want to persue the relationship if he couldn’t commit. As for Eden, she defintely wants the dream, she wants it all, marriage and family and Dev.
You’ll love the ending……let’s just say the siblings intervene and when Dev see’s his baby’s sonagram and the beautiful woman he adores, just prepare yourself for a ton of tears. Devil In A Dark Blue Shirt is definitely a romance I’ll read over and over again.
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥♥
Humour Factor♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
THE FUTURE KING’S LOVE-CHILD – Melanie Milburne (The Royal House of Karedes)
- Author: Melanie Milburne
Release month UK: September 2009/North America: December 2009
The S-Factor: SIZZLING
Back-Blurb:
Cassie Kyriakis was wrongly accused of murdering her father and jailed, leaving her wild-child roots and Seb, her one true love, behind her….
Now, the throne awaits Prince Sebastian Karedes!
Seb once loved Cassie so passionately he would have chosen her over his kingdom. But she rejected him. Now that she's been released from prison, he discovers that she may be innocent and that she gave birth to his baby in her cell! Sebastian must choose between honor and duty. He will claim his love-child—but what about Cassie?
Review: ♥♥♥♥♥
Author Melanie Milburne has captured and written an emotionally charged romance in The Future King’s Love-Child, the 6th book in The Royal House of Karedes series. This is Sebastian and Cassie story, Seb being the soon to be crowned king of Aristo when they find the missing coronation diamond.
Honestly, emotionally charged doesn’t even describe this book because it’s very intense, full of secrets and the biggest one of all that 6 years earlier Seb and Cassie conceived a child, a child that was born in a women’s prison. It’s such a wonderfully crafted story which had me sitting on the edge of my seat at times.
Seb has been groomed to be king and the woman he can’t seem to get out of his mind after six long years has been released from prison and is at the palace. The very same woman who was found guilty of killing her father, a respected mayor of their city. He runs into her, the very same woman who rejected him years ago, the same woman with an extremely bad reputation for being spoilt and a party girl who had many lovers. However, even though he knows nothing can come of being with her again, he can’t seem to help himself and makes excuses and then demands to see her because he can, because he’s the King. And being the powerful man that he is plus his desires for her he’s insistent they resume where they left off years ago, because he feels she owes him.
Cassie is working at an orphanage and finally has her beautiful son with her. She’s working until her parole is up so that she can take herself and Sam off the island of Aristo, getting away from her past and starting over again. She has two secrets, the obvious she’s had Seb’s son and what really happened on the night her father died. She know no matter what that she’s never gotten over Sebastian but there can be no future for them because he will need to marry someone respectable once he’s crowned King. She also knows she must keep Sam’s secret from Seb and that she’ll never been seen as anything other than the girl who murdered her father. All of those years ago, her father had influential friends, friends that believed what he told them about his daughter.
As I kept reading The Future King’s Love-Child I couldn’t help but admire Cassie’s character. Her love for her child, her secret love of this man who kept demanding her time, taking both she and her son away, somewhat keeping them captive so he could get to know his son, mistrusting her every step of the way but also wanting to see some good in her. And then when her secret is finally revealed as to the evening of her father’s death, it tore my heart out. And thinking back about Seb, I also realized how hard it was for him when he finally realized that Cassie’s son was also his and how that must have hurt as well for all he missed in his son’s life.
But like all love stories, this one had it’s happy ending and a second chance at love But to get there they both had to accept and trust and when the press gets wind of Sam’s existence and prints a story of the Prince’s love child, everything falls apart. That’s actually when I fell in love with Sebastian’s character, when he finally realized all that Cassie had been through with her father, her giving birth to their son in a prison call and that he had to let her go, it was heartbreaking. Melanie Milburne captured this future kings story in such away that she made this man groomed to rule his country human, caring, sensitive and a man who could understand, forgive, a King that could love!
Hero Hotness Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Heroine Lovability Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Awww Factor♥♥♥♥♥
Stickability Factor ♥♥♥♥
Weepy Factor♥♥♥
Reviewed by: Marilyn
Author Post on I(heart)Presents:
“Lucky for me Sebastian Karedes and Cassie Kyriakis were perfect characters for me. They were both strong and protective of those they loved and they both had secrets they wished to keep.
Cassie’s secret was the most heart-wrenching of all. Not just of little Sam, her love-child by the royally born Sebastian, but the cruel details of her past that she had kept to herself for most of her life. While this was great material for me to work with, it was also challenging as I didn’t want to trivialize the painful and life altering experience so many people go through during childhood.” M Milburne
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