THE PRINCE OF MIDTOWN - Jennifer Lewis

Title: THE PRINCE OF MIDTOWN (Park Avenue Scandals Series)

Author: Jennifer Lewis

Line: Silhouette Desire

Release month: North America/CA/UK: September 2008

The S-Factor: Sexy & Sensual

721 PARK AVENUE: Apt. 12B
TENANT: Sebastian Stone, Prince of Caspia
SCANDAL: Seducing a commoner!

Crown Prince, billionaire businessman and globetrotting bachelor Sebastian Stone needs assistant Tessa Banks to hold his life together. From his Manhattan office she organizes his public and private life with ease. So when Tessa gives notice, Sebastian resorts to what he does best: seduction. Ermine and jewels in his sun-drenched palace…sensual pleasures beyond her wildest fantasies. But when the two weeks' notice is up, the prince discovers his plan has backfired. He's fallen for a woman he can never marry.…

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Jennifer Lewis’s writing style and the way she describes her characters and their places of travel absolutely makes one believe they are there and living and experiencing it along with them.

I personally loved Tessa Banks the personal assistant to Prince Sebastian Stone of Caspia. She was efficient, lovely, and talented plus she adored her boss for years. She cared for him so much so that she realizes she must leave his employ and move on because she can no longer watch him dating models and starlets. She wants a future with someone who will love her for who she is, not taking advantage of her organizational skills. So upon the Prince’s return to New York she hands in her resignation notice.

Tessa leaving him? No way will he allow nor stand for it! This rugged and handsome Prince is used to having his way and his business is in financial trouble. He needs his efficient PA to help him overturn and make it a success. Prince Sebastian comes up with a plan, he entices Tessa to accompany him to Caspia and dangles a few suggestions……travel to a beautiful seaside city to rest, relax and help him to set up meetings with the principals of the luxury designers who make up Caspian Designs.

Sebastian charms her with sightseeing trips, horseback riding, balls and lovemaking taking Tessa’s breathe away and melting heart. It’s a Cinderella story with its own very handsome Prince Charming, Sebastian Stone. Yachts, ball gowns, and the rich and famous. There’s a love scene involving “crown jewels” you absolutely will not want to miss!

Time and time again, I was drawn in and so appreciated Jennifer’s descriptive writing, the humour she interjected and the way the tables were turned on this worldly Prince. It’s an extremely entertaining, sensitive and seductive love story.


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About the Book:

From Jennifer’s website:

”I enjoyed creating the Mediterranean nation of Caspia which is now so vivid in my mind. I could book a flight there. I think first I’ll go for a gondola ride along the quays lined with designer shops, and then take a dip in the warm waters of the ancient harbor. Or should I ride up into the mountains that look down to the ocean glittering in the late afternoon sun? Decisions, decisions, I do enjoy having an active imagination.”


Reviewed by: Marilyn

TAKEN BY THE MAVERICK MILLIONAIRE - ANNA CLEARY

Title: TAKEN BY THE MAVERICK MILLIONAIRE

Author: ANNA CLEARY

Line: HARLEQUIN PRESENTS

Release month North America: August 2008/UK: July 2008

The S-Factor: Sensual and Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Overheard…

Cate Summerfield never meant to eavesdrop. Now powerful Tom Russell must stop her from exposing details of an important deal.

Overpowered…He'll keep Cate very close—seducing the beautiful blonde will be no hardship at all! And in way over her head!

Cate knows Tom's not just a ruthless billionaire—but can the girl from the wrong side of the tracks ever be more than his convenient mistress?

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Anna Cleary has written an extremely, sensual and emotional-packed book which will make one forget whatever it was they were doing before they began reading Taken by the Maverick Millionaire.

This is Anna’s second book set in beautiful Sydney which features the newspaper industry. It’s about secrets, corporate takeovers, a fake relationship which results in a rocky romantic journey for Cate Summerfield and Tom Russell. Tom Russell, the proud and handsome son of the Russell Newspaper dynasty finds himself with three problems……his father has passed away leaving his fortune to charity, if a secret merger doesn’t happen he’ll loose his business and on top of that, the day of the funeral a rival newspaper woman overhears the secret details of that merger. What’s he going to do? He promises to give Cate Summerfield the scoop of the year if she’ll stay with him, pretend to be his mistress until the merger is complete.

Cate Summerfield comes from a middle class family, she’s has two loves, her ailing Grandmother and the desire to make her proud by becoming a successful newspaper woman. She’s recently had one bad relationship and it caused her Gran to suffer a heart attack when they were arguing beside her hospital bed. When Cate is given the chance to cover the Russell funeral and write the story, she’s over the moon. What she doesn’t count on is overhearing a discussion between Olivia West (publicist) and Tom who were making plans for a secret merger and if Cate scoops the story, it would take the Russell dynasty down! What she also doesn’t count on is her attraction for Tom and when she agrees to stay with him, her life if thrown into turmoil.

Both Tom and Cate have secrets and Taken by the Maverick Millionaire allows the reader to take their journey in a beautiful country, see the bond they form, see how they heal each other in the process, and in the end see how they learn to trust and declare their love for each other. It’s quite an emotional and spirited love story and one that would light up any alpha's soul!

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From Anna’s website: “So try on the persona of Cate Summerfield for an hour or two. See how it feels for her when she meets The Man. True heroines like her deserve the very best in the hero line. Someone strong, attractive, sexy, honorable, intelligent, sensitive, humorous and HOT. Someone like Tom Russell? AC
Reviewed by: Marilyn

MISTRESS: HIRED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE'S PLEASURE

Title: MISTRESS: HIRED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE’S PLEASURE

Author: India Grey

Line: Mills and Boon Modern

Release month UK: August 2008

The S-Factor: Sensual and Soulful

Back-Blurb:

Fast cars and glamorous socialites are everyday components of devastatingly handsome billionaire Orlando Winterton’s thrilling, decadent lifestyle…

…then something changes, and Orlando closes himself off from the world. Until Rachel Campion arrives at Orlando’s remote country estate, desperately in need of shelter. Orlando cannot deny the pull of her fragile beauty, and takes her with passionate fury. The next morning his demons return to haunt him, and he knows he must ask Rachel to leave… But then a baby is found abandoned on his doorstep – allegedly his son!

To Orlando, the solution is simple: he’ll hire Rachel to take care of the child – and as long as she’s under his roof he’ll keep on making love to her… Until he’s got her out of his system!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

India Grey has written a spectacular and moving love story in Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire’s Pleasure. Bravo and magnifco would be the way to describe this story as it’s about courage, strength, bravery and determination.

India’s English alpha is a competitive, proud and determined man who is tortured because he has a degenerative eye disease which has forced him to leave the RAF something he loves more than life. He’s recently lost his brother when his RAF plane crashed. All through their lives growing up they had been competitive and now he has been left alone, and blames himself for his brother’s death. He closes himself off from everyone and retreats to his estate, to live in darkness behind the walls of his palatial mansion.

Rachael Campion is a world class concert pianist has been raised as an only child by a controlling mother who insists she marry her conductor/manager. The man is a brute and Rachel is overwrought with fright at marrying the man who has physically hurt her. On the eve of her wedding she escapes to a cemetery where she meets Orlando. They speak and he talks to her about courage, courage to make a choice for herself.

Rachael decides just before she is to walk down the isle she will find that courage, so she takes her car, to run and hide from this monster and to leave her life behind. Along the way, she gets lost and where should she end up but at Orlando’s grand estate, Easton Hall. A winter storm is not only brewing outside. Inside the walls of Easton Hall another is storm brewing. Orlando offers Rachel shelter and comfort and things become very heated and they act upon those feelings. Rachel is immediately drawn to this man, so much so she becomes intimate with him. She’s not aware of his sight problem and mistakes his gruffness for other things.

That’s not all that’s brewing or brooding…….Orlando has closed himself in darkness and the reader wonders how would you feel if you lost your sight, something as precious as that should not be taken for granted. Would you close yourself off, not accepting the warmth of love or friendship?

On top of everything else, his old mistress arrives on the scene with a baby, claiming that Orlando is the father. To further add to the mix, he distances himself from the child and leaves his son’s care in Rachel’s hands. Talk about the lack of courage from a heroic alpha…..trust me, he’ll learn many lessons at Rachel’s hand, bravery being one of them and that he didn’t need his sight to see clearly, he just needed Rachel’s love.

You will absolutely learn to adore Rachel because she finds the courage she needs to stand up to this man, to show him what courage he needs to heal himself and step up to the plate for his son. She truly shows him her selfless love and in the end, heals him, bringing sunshine into his life.

Reading Hired for the Billionaire’s Pleasure, I felt I could look into the souls of each characters; cried right along with both of them. Reading about how they found courage, made me take a look at my own personal life; thanks India!

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“Behind the book the heroine from India Grey’s blog:

Because of Orlando's sight problems it was important to me that Rachel should have vivid red hair, but beyond that I didn't really focus too much on what she looked like-- in the book much more emphasis is placed on her voice and her evocative rose scent. I chose the name Rachel simply because I liked it and it suited her, so it seemed rather spookily satisfying when during my endless hours of research/ cyber-stalking in the early stages of writing the book I came across pictures and clips of James D'Arcy in An American Haunting. Opposite gorgeous redhead Rachel Hurd-Wood. The film was dire, but although she's a good few years younger than my heroine, I'd found a face that seemed to fit the girl in my head.”

CLAIMED BY THE BILLIONAIRE BAD BOY - TRISH WYLIE

Title: CLAIMED BY THE BILLIONAIRE BAD BOY

Author: TRISH WYLIE

Line: Mills and Boon Modern Heat

Release month UK: May 2008 Australia/NZ: July 2008

The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sensual

Back-Blurb:

Revenge is best served red-hot, passionate and delicious!

Heiress Ashling Fitzgerald has come home, determined to prove that she’s changed. Secretly she wants to make amends – with the tall, dark housekeeper’s son she left behind. But he’s not the boy she once knew – Gabriel Burke is now an infamous billionaire playboy!

Gabe thinks Ashling is spoilt and selfish – but still oh-so-sexy. He doesn’t want her apologies. Instead he wants her in his bed; he wants revenge…

But, once he gets it, Gabe can’t believe he is still so hungry for more…

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Trish Wylie has written one dynamic, remarkable and extremely romantic love story in Claimed by the Billionaire Bad Boy. Bad boy doesn’t even begin to describe Gabe, the one time Fitzgerald family housekeeper’s son now self made billionaire. Since Gabe can remember he’s always looked out for the Fitzgerald’s daughter and she drove him nuts with her shenanigans, her loveliness and then she went away. Now Ash is returning home and will probably mess up his life.

The Fitzgerald family are one of the wealthiest and respected families in Dublin. In His Mistress, His Terms you met Alex Fitzgerald (Ash’s brother) and Merrow. They appear in this story as well. Alex has designed an art studio for his sister and has hired his accomplished and wealthy long time friend Gabe to build it, knowing there will be complications when Ash and Gabe see each other. There was agitation and tension between the two when Ash left for France; a tension no one understood or what had caused the riff between the two. The reader will learn what just one kiss and oh what a kiss and the passion that resulted from it rocked both of their worlds. It’s revealed how Ash hurt Gabe publically by announcing he “was the housekeeper’s son”, how it stung and how that kiss was something Ash didn’t know how to deal with……all a major problem. When she returns will revenge be on Gabe’s mind? Will they be able to work together? Will they tell each other what’s gone on over the years they’ve been separated?

Ashling Fitzgerald is one lovely, talented and spirited woman and deep down wants people to know she’s changed and grown. When she sees Gabe she secretly knows she’s in trouble because the attraction and pull are still there and when she finally comes to act on that attraction I promise your heart will dissolve as did this reader’s. Their chemistry absolutely sizzles off the page. But it’s more than that; it’s how they keep their relationship a secret, how they hide their true feelings and emotions; it was hard to read.

Their story, seeing how the exchange of “cruel” words can hurt and wound just reminds one of a very important lesson “think before speaking”. However, for Ash and Gabe, working through it all and finally admitting it to themselves and each other was amazing and simply wonderful to read. More important was for Ashling finally feeling she belonged. It was the ultimate gift Gabe gave her and thanks to Trish Wylie, for the lessons to be reminded the reader of…….not to keep secrets, judging others by position or economic status, and how verbal cruelty can wound the heart and soul. It’s a story of trust, acceptance and of coming home!

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Tidbit about Trish’s alpha, Gabe:

“Gabe is quite simply Gabe. There will never be another hero like him for me. He's stubborn, pig headed, irritating, single minded... I could go on and on and on... But oh-my-is-he-sexy!!!” TW

HOT CITY NIGHTS - ANTHOLOGY

Title: HOT CITY NIGHTS

Authors: Sandra Marton, Sarah Mayberry and Emilie Rose

Line: Harlequin Romance

Release month North America/UK: July 2008

The S-Factor: Sizzling, Sensual, Sexy

Back-Blurb:

SUMMER IN THE CITY - Sandra Marton In New York a billionaire remembers the beautiful stranger with whom he'd shared a kiss—a kiss that burned them both to the soul. Now he's a desperate new father, and she's suddenly the only woman who can help him!

BACK TO YOU – Sarah Mayberry
In Sydney a woman comes face-to-face with the man she swore would never hurt her again. But when they agree to an intense, no-strings fling, she wonders if she's gotten in way over her head…and her heart!

FORGOTTEN LOVER - Emilie Rose In Atlanta a woman lies in a hospital bed after a serious accident. But when the hospital calls her emergency contact—her ex-lover—she's horrified. Why doesn't she remember him? Worse still, she might be falling for him…again!


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

SUMMER IN THE CITY - I was reminded that as a reader sometimes we limit ourselves in not venturing out to read others who write for the genre. An analogy is the perfect way to read and hear the voice of a new found author. For me it was authors Sarah Mayberry and Emilie Rose who along with Sandra Marton contributed to Hot City Nights. I'm a sincere fan of Sandra Marton's. I've actually read everything she's written. A few years ago, I had time on my hands, and I began reading Sandra's books. After ten or so, I went on a search to obtain everything she'd written and I'm so glad I did. Sandra Marton's contribution is SUMMER IN THE CITY and it's a very intense sensual journey. From the moment Linc and Ana meet in a bizarre way, just one kiss it registers off the charts! Linc is actually shaken up due to the kiss and the fact that this woman has breached his newly installed security system.

Linc is finalizing the security system of his wealthy South American client. The client makes an earnest request; he wants Linc to marry his sheltered and only child. What a mess....Linc just wants to return home. But as fate would have it the intruder turns out to be the very woman he's been asked to marry; a very curvy and sexy woman. Their shared kiss knocks them both sideways. When Linc receives a call that his sister and her husband have died in a plane crash he immediately he returns home. Months later, Linc is still dealing with the loss of his sister and her secret, a small infant. On top of that, after going through several nannies, and a Grandmother who has suddenly appears from no where to claim the child, Linc has to face the possibility of custody problems. Ana appears at his office in an untimely manner requesting he find her a position in his corporation. Linc's stunned but when he thinks about it Ana can probably help him with his niece.

Linc after seeing Ana with his niece offers her a job as his nanny. This works for both of them and allows Ana to remain in the States and be independent from her family, the bonus, someone to care for his niece and a beautiful woman who would drive him nuts with her beauty and her softness. What neither of them counts on is their attraction to each other, and their mutual love for the child. Linc tries not to act on his feelings for Ana but the attraction is too strong. When he comes home and sees her only wearing a towel he acts upon that need and then the worst happens, a surprise visit from the social worker. The only solution, an immediate marriage must be arranged to keep custody of his niece and Ana in his bed.

The months following for Ana are wonderful and then the rug is pulled out from her when she realizes she's in love with Linc.

It's an emotional and healing story ....moving, sensual and just plain sizzles with tension and emotion as only Sandra can pen. It takes courage to love someone and have them love you back; an invaluable lesson for both Linc and Ana.

BACK TO YOU - Sarah Mayberry sets her book in beautiful Australia with ten year reunion theme. Becky Taylor is hoping Cal McKenzie will not be in attendance. They have a shared past as co-workers and "hot" lovers. Becky has recently left a relationship and Cal is newly divorced. It's obvious to them both that they feel the attraction and bond of passed years. So they both agree to a no strings affair. Cal doesn't do commitment but he's thrilled by their resuming arrangement; not so Becky. Becky loved him years ago and now her heart is in danger of getting broken again.

Becky realizes this relationship can go nowhere so what should she do? On top of loving Cal, Becky finds out she's expecting a baby and because she knows Cal doesn't do "commitment" she doesn't know how to handle the situation nor tell him. Of course he's stunned by the announcement and it takes some getting used to the idea of being a father. However, Becky stands firm on her decision to have the baby on her own.

Cal's realization that he was still not only attracted to Becky but had fallen in love with her as well was extremely enjoyable to read. When he realizes there is more to the relationship than the sex, it will melt your heart!

FORGOTTEN LOVER - Jake's motto, no involvement! He's a man with issues and his past has made him the man he is today. The reader will learn that years ago he was left to care for his siblings and something went terribly wrong and they were taken away and put in foster homes. Because of this, he doesn't let anyone in and Talia knew it then and when her memory returns, she knows it now!

What I loved about Emilie's writing style was her focus on the man and the small boy. While Talia was lovely and a devoted mother, it was the relationship between man and boy that was remarkable to read.

Marton, Mayberry and Rose's contribution to this book clearly live up to a quote on the back cover "Love rules the night but what will the daylight bring....?"


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His Captive Lady by Carol Townend

Title: His Captive Lady
Author: Carol Townend
Line: Harlequin Historials
Release month: July 2008
The S-Factor: Simmering
Back-Blurb:

Lady Erica had tried to bring peace to her people, so that they could join forces against the Normans. Instead she became captive to the Saxon warrior, Saewulf Brader!

Wulf was, in truth, a Norman captain spying on the enemy. Chaste yet fearless Lady Erica wasn't part of his plan. Her beauty was as disarming as it was captivating, but Wulf knew that once she discovered his deception, their fragile bond of trust would be destroyed….

Review:

If you love Roberta Gellis and Elizabeth Chadwick, you will absolutely adore Carol Townend and her outstanding Medieval romances!

In her latest release, His Captive Lady, Carol Townend tells the story of Lady Erica, who is determined to bring peace to her people, in order for them to join forces against the Normans. Boldly stepping into the stronghold of an overlord, Erica is determined to get what she wants. However, what she wasn’t prepared for was a Saxon warrior who would steal her heart and leave her breathless!

But Wulf Brader has a secret: he’s not really a Saxon warrior, but a Norman captain spying on the enemy. As he finds himself getting closer to Erica, his attraction soon turns to love. But how will Erica react when she finds out that he’s been lying to her? Will it spell the end for their relationship? Or will Erica realize that she cannot live without him?

If you like your historical romances passionate, meticulously researched, highly readable and enthralling, then rush to the nearest bookstore and get yourself a copy of His Captive Lady! Carol Townend’s knowledge of the Medieval period is simply extraordinary and she brings the past so vividly to the life that you feel as if you are part of the story.

Marvellously told, engrossing and poignant, His Captive Lady is a historical romance that is simply a cut above the rest!


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Virgin Midwife, Playboy Doctor by Margaret McDonagh

Title: Virgin Midwife, Playboy Doctor
Author: Margaret McDonagh
Line: M&B Medical
Release month: July 2008
The S-Factor: Simmering
Back-Blurb:

Penhally’s most eligible bachelor finds a wife!

Oliver Fawkner is new to Penhally Bay. This seriously sexy doctor, with a playboy reputation, has caused quite a stir with the female population! But Oliver is only interested in getting to know beautiful midwife Chloe MacKinnon…

Chloe loves her job, and dotes on her tiny patients. She has always put work before her social life, hiding from a traumatic past that has left her very inexperienced with men. But this gorgeous new doctor has won her trust and awakened something inside her… Chloe knows that Oliver is only passing through Penhally – dare she risk her heart with this playboy doctor?

BRIDES OF PENHALLY BAY Bachelor doctors become husbands and fathers – in a place where hearts are made whole.

Review:

The Brides of Penhally Bay series continues with Margaret McDonagh’s wonderfully moving tale, Virgin Midwife, Playboy Doctor.

Midwife Chloe MacKinnon is not much impressed by new doctor Oliver Fawkner. Oliver’s medical skills are exemplary and the patients adore him, but it’s his dashing good looks, playboy reputation and obvious interest in her that Chloe just cannot cope with. Having vowed never to get involved with a man, Chloe is determined to give Oliver a wide berth. But Chloe hadn’t counted on Oliver’s persistence, perseverance and determination to make Chloe his!

Oliver had come to Penhally for a fresh start; he wanted to get away from his family’s disappointment that he’d chosen to become a doctor instead of joining the family firm and he’d wanted to settle down – and he thinks that Chloe is just the woman to settle down with. But before he can make her his, Oliver realizes that he must break down some of her defenses and show her that he will spend the rest of her life loving her with every fiber of his being.

This is such a beautiful, wonderfully told and poignant story that I truly didn’t want to end. Margaret McDonagh is an exceptional writer of romantic fiction and with Virgin Midwife, Playboy Doctor, she will tug at your heartstrings, make you cry, and leave you breathless!

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Her Ruthless Italian Boss by Christina Hollis

Title: Her Ruthless Italian Boss
Author: Christina Hollis
Line: Mills and Boon Modern Romance
Release month: July 2008
The S-Factor: Simmering
Back-Blurb:

Expecting the boss’s baby…

Beth Woodbury thinks she’s put the past behind her. Until she discovers her new boss is ruthless Italian Luca Francesco! Beth has to beg his forgiveness for the past. She needs this job! Luca lets her stay on one condition: she’ll assist him in the day – and warm his bed at night! And this time there’ll be no talk of marriage…or babies…

But soon Beth is pregnant – with her formidable boss’s heir!

Review:

Christina Hollis has outdone herself with her fourth mesmerizing novel for Mills and Boon Modern Romance, Her Ruthless Italian Boss. Passionate, dramatic and romantic, you will not want to miss this spellbinding tale!

Beth Woodbury was a typical socialite until she realized that she had no skills and no aptitude to survive in the real world. However, she was determined to prove her doubters wrong, so she packed her bags and left to work in a war torn country. Falling in love had not been on her agenda, but she couldn’t resist falling for the handsome Italian solider Luca Francesco. But Beth had been desperate for marriage, and when Luca had not been prepared to make such a big step, she decided to go back home to nurse her broken heart.

Beth had never managed to forget Luca, so she decided to put all her energy into working as hard as she could. When she gets a job offer to work in Italy, Beth is over the moon. But her delight turns to shock when she realizes that her new boss is the man she has never managed to stop loving…Luca!

Beth’s first instinct is to flee, but when she decides to stay, she is adamant that she will not let Luca get to her. But under the Venetian sky, sparks begin to fly, and Beth finds herself falling in love with her charismatic Italian boss all over again!

I adored this wonderful story of heartbreak, second chances and unexpected romance. Christina Hollis is a talented storyteller who will tug at your heartstrings and leave you turning the pages late into the night. Sensitively written, wonderfully moving and captivating, Her Ruthless Italian Boss is romantic fiction at its best!


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The Desert Prince's Proposal by Nicola Marsh

Title: The Desert Prince’s Proposal
Author: Nicola Marsh
Line: Harlequin Romance
Release month: July 2008
The S-Factor: Sweet
Back-Blurb:

Time is running out for Prince Samman! In order to be crowned king, he must marry, but he has rejected all his advisors' suggestions. Then he is captivated by a unique pair of honey-colored eyes, and chooses Bria as his bride!

Bria Green is an intelligent, independent, modern woman. When Samman tells her she'll agree to his proposal within a week, Bria's sure the powerful prince won't get his way!

But in the scorching heat of the Adhara desert, Samman's heady kisses may change Bria's mind….

Review:

Nicola Marsh whisks her readers off to the desert with her latest Harlequin Romance, The Desert Prince’s Proposal!

Bria Green has worked hard in order to cement her position as one of Australia’s most talented architects. Rather than relying on daddy’s money and spending her whole life socializing, partying and shopping, Bria’s decided to study hard and work every hour God sends in order for the world to see her as a woman in her own right. But whilst her career may be growing in leaps and bounds, her love life has been going from bad to worse.

But when she encounters a gorgeous man at the airport, Bria’s romantic luck seems about to change. But just when it seems that their relationship is developing into something deeper, Bria gets a job in the Middle East and thus has to leave her new man behind.

In the desert kingdom of Adhara, Bria is left breathless by the beauty of her surroundings. But her awe turns to shock when she realizes that the man she left behind in Australia, is none other than Adhara’s desert prince, Samman!

And the shocks just keep on coming when Samman announces that he’s looking for a convenient wife – and Bria is the perfect candidate.

Tender, romantic, warm-hearted, sassy and feel-good, The Desert Prince’s Proposal is a classic Sheikh romance that sparkles with plenty of wit, humour and charm! Don’t miss the latest page-turner by talented romance writer Nicola Marsh!

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RUTHLESS BOSS, HIRED WIFE - Kate Hewitt

Title: RUTHLESS BOSS, HIRED WIFE

Author: KATE HEWITT

Line: HARLEQUIN PRESENTS
MILLS AND BOON MODERN EXTRA

Release month North America July 2008/UK: June 2008

The S-Factor: Sizzling & Sensual


Cormac Douglas doesn't let emotion get in the way of business. Now he needs a weekend wife to secure a prestigious contract, and biddable secretary Lizzie Chandler is the perfect candidate.

Lizzie is outraged, but Cormac's ruthless persuasion leaves her wanting more. When he asks for her services again, she finds herself agreeing to be his hired wife…in the bedroom as well as the boardroom.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Kate Hewitt has written such a powerful love story in Ruthless Boss, Hired Wife. It’s so intense and almost desperate and will have the reader on the edge of their seat.

The first half of the book was difficult to read because Cormac Douglas was so intense. He was one self-assured, ruthless, harsh, uncaring man and he had a plan; he was going to fake a marriage to his secretary Lizzie in order to win a prestigious bid to build a resort. The key was the family building the resort wanted a “family man” to design it and Cormac always wins! So he tells his secretary Lizzie that she needs to accompany him on a business trip and while in the air tells her she needs to pretend that they have been married for months.

Lizzie Chandler is an innocent! She’s a sweet woman who at an early age had to take responsibility for her sister Dani as their parents died in a car accident. She has worked at Cormac’s firm for a few years only seeing him once a month. She’s fully aware that he only dates beautiful women, is an extremely hard man and when he drops the bomb on her that she needs to play like they are married, she’s angry, frightened and wants no part of it. In the end, she agrees and while they’re play acting she realizes she desires him. However, in the end and through different arguments with Cormac she realizes she was only a prop to be used. It was all about power for him and as she got to know him better it was like he was tortured.

Their Charade turned dangerous for both of them. His was lust and for Lizzie she wanted it to be real, wanted him to have feelings for her……she wanted it all! Some of the chapters were difficult to read with his anger and the things he said in anger to Lizzie. However, you could read between the lines and come to some conclusions; Cormac’s past and his trust issues.

I encourage you to read Ruthless Boss, Hired Wife, it's Kate Hewitt at the top of her game and this very intense and emotional love story will pull at your heart.


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Reviewed by Marilyn

MARRIAGE AT THE MILLIONAIRE'S COMMAND - Anne Oliver

Title: MARRIAGE AT THE MILLIONAIRE’S COMMAND

Author: ANNE OLIVER

Line: Harlequin Presents & Mills and Boon Modern Extra

Release month North America/: June 2008
UK: December 2006 Australia/NZ: April 07 (One Night before Marriage)

The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sweet

The tall, slim blonde seems the perfect diversion for ruggedly handsome hotel magnate Ben Jamieson. He'll bed Carissa Grace on a strictly no-strings basis.

Carissa and Ben soon embark on an all-consuming affair. But for Ben, that's all this can ever be—passionate, but temporary. However, when Carissa finds she's pregnant, Ben demands that she marry him! Even if it is just for their baby's sake….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Carissa Grace is a lovely and talented classical pianist, she’s dedicated to keeping the family home left to her by her grandmother, and she’s loyal to her sister and can’t wait for her fiancé to return from France. Then she receives the news, he not returning; he’s found someone else. So she takes a look at her situation and makes a decision, she’s going to meet some one, have a one night of passion and then move on. Enter Ben Jamieson, tall, rugged, handsome, and wealthy with his sights on the beautiful blonde piano player; he’s got the same idea, a one night stand! They have a drink; go upstairs to Ben’s penthouse and the earth moves for Carissa

Carissa realizes she’s in trouble, she’s working two jobs and still not enough money to make all of the repairs on the house so she advertises for a border and as fate would have it, Ben applies for a room; with a push from her sister, she agrees to allow Ben to stay in her home. Can they both fight their attraction for each other; try to forget their night of passion? It’s an absolutely lovely journey they embark on, getting to know each other, becoming lovers and then everything comes to a full stop when Carissa finds out she’s pregnant.

Ben Jamison is one sexy and troubled man…..he’s recovering from loosing his dear friend Rave who in earlier years he rescued and who was like his brother. Rave made some bad choices and ended up dying and leaving behind a wife and child. In a way, Ben blames himself; Ben is a composer and has lost the desire due to the accident plus his past family life. However, when he learns that he’s going to be a father, he insists he and Carissa marry. Carissa realizes after spending time with Ben she loves him but believes without him loving her back, can their marriage last?

You will relish in their joy of becoming parents, watch their respect for each other grow, feel their sadness and pain and rejoice in their found love! Anne Oliver is a very talented author, she will have you smiling and crying in her Marriage at the Millionaire’s Command but the most favourite part of this book for this reader was their healing and the warmth Ben and Carissa experienced.


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About the Book from Anne Oliver: “I loved the idea of a one-night stand that culminates in marriage. I wrote One Night before Marriage over an eighteen month period of upheaval in my life, including the death of my father. During Dad’s time in hospital and subsequent nursing home after breaking his hip and the onset of dementia following surgery, I wrote the scene in the book where the hero Ben, visits his mother. It was a personally challenging scene to write. At times I felt I couldn’t go on writing. Without the help and encouragement of my critique group I don’t know when I would have finished it."

HIS MISTRESS BY ARRANGEMENT - Natalie Anderson

Title: HIS MISTRESS BY ARRANGEMENT

Author: NATALIE ANDERSON

Line: HARLEQUIN PRESENTS

Release month North America/UK: June 2008

The S-Factor: Sensual and Sexy

Jake Rendel is a successful millionaire who works and plays hard—unlike Emma Delaney, who's stifled by her uninspiring job. So Jake makes Emma a proposition to shake off her prim-and-proper image: for a month, they'll pretend to have a steamy affair!Emma's out of her depth—and things quickly get passionate in private as well as in public. Soon the girl-next-door is wishing the month of mistress make-believe will never end….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

All of her life Emma Delaney had to live up to her father’s expectations, work…..achieve…..be the best and she’s not only become a workaholic, she has no social life and her co-workers look at her as a “buttoned-up” and uptight person.

Jake Rendel is someone from her past, a neighbour and his sister is Emma Delaney’s sister’s best friend. As a young girl she adored him and now he’s here at the hotel where she works and he’s going to be in charge of the renovation! He’s handsome, sexy, and full of charm and every woman on the property is drooling over this self made man and millionaire. Emma also remembers how Jake took care of his mother and family and also remembers the “crush” she had on Jake.

Upon seeing Emma and watching how her co-workers treat her Jake’s heart aches for her. He can still remember how harsh her father was with Emma and her sister, always pushing them to be the best and Jake felt her father never appreciated Emma and her achievements. In fact, he remembered back to one day when as a young girl he found her crying because her report card did not have perfect marks. And now, he finds he’s going to be working with her and observes how her female co-workers look at her so he decides he’s going to help her by pretending to be her lover. Can Jake provide a little fun in her life, get rid of her bad rep with her co-workers and help transform her, make her believe in herself?

His Mistress by Arrangement was a beautiful love story, it’ was the chase, their attraction for each other and how everything backfired for both of them. It touched me deeply as the book is actually a journey in self discovery for Emma and the realization of how she had put her dreams and hidden them from everyone especially those who meant the most to her, her family and all because they wanted her to be successful so they could brag. As for Jake, this incredible man wanted only the best for Emma, he wanted her to have those dreams, trying to teach her to take a risk and if she wasn’t the best, he would still love and support her. As for Emma, could she fight that fear and ask for what she wanted? You are going to want to read this wonderfully written love story by Natalie Anderson as it is so moving, emotional and the happy ending spectacular!


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Reviewed by: Marilyn Shoemaker

The Tycoon's Very Personal Assistant

Title: The Tycoon’s Very Personal Assistant
Author: Heidi Rice
Line: Mills and Boon Modern Heat
Release month: July 2008
The S-Factor:Simmering
Back-Blurb:

From a compromising position…

Kate Denton was stranded in a Nevada hotel with nothing but her underwear and her passport! She desperately needed some money to pay for a flight home, so she threw herself on the mercy of the hotel owner: dark, brooding, incredibly sexy Zack Boudreaux… …to a position in the boss’s office…

The feisty English girl was so full of outraged indignation Zack was certain she was no hooker, despite first appearances. He’d given her a bathrobe, but she was also insisting he gave her a job… And after seeing those tantalising knickers he struck a deal: for two weeks she would be at his beck and call as his very personal assistant.
Preferably without the knickers…

Review:

If it’s sassy, sexy, contemporary and fun romantic fiction you’re after, then Heidi Rice’s books should be at the very top of your list!

Feisty English girl Kate Denton doesn’t make a habit out of hanging round hotels in her knickers. But when her boss leaves her stranded in a Nevada hotel with no money and no clothes, Kate finds herself in the embarrassing position of having to do the one thing which is loathe to do: ask for help.

Help comes in the shape of rich, seductive and drop dead gorgeous hotelier Zack Boudreaux, who makes it quite clear that he’s dangerously attracted to Kate and that he can’t wait to get up close and personal to her – and preferably when she isn’t wearing any knickers!

A no-strings affair ensues, but when love rears its head, Zack and Kate realize that they’ve first got to confront their demons before they can move forward…

The Tycoon’s Very Personal Assistant is a terrific Modern Heat from one of the imprint’s most-talented writers. Witty, sexy, funny and absolutely unputdownable, The Tycoon’s Very Personal Assistant is another fabulous read from a wonderful writer whose star is rising fast: Heidi Rice!

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HIRED: THE SHEIKH'S SECRETARY MISTRESS - Lucy Monroe

Title: HIRED: THE SHEIKH’S SECRETARY MISTRESS (Royal Bride series)

Author: Lucy Monroe

Line: Harlequin Presents & Mills and Boon Modern Romance - August 2008


The S-Factor: Simmering & Sweet


Claimed by the Sheikh — for marriage!

Sheikh Amir bin Faruq al Zorha lives in New York City, but the desert is where his heart lies. Now the time has come for him to marry...

Grace Brown is Amir's plain but indispensable assistant. She's in love with him, but knows she's not what the Sheikh is looking for when it comes to a wife...

Grace is the only woman Amir trusts. But no matter how tempted he is to take her innocence — she's strictly off limits... Until he returns to his homeland of Zorha...where the barbarian prince replaces the businessman— and resolves that Grace will be his!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Only one way to describe it……an exceptionally sweet romance featuring an innocent woman who doesn’t see herself as being worthy of a handsome prince’s love. He’s her boss, her very best friend and she loves and adores him and for Grace Brown the past five years working for him, travelling with him, getting to know his family has been heaven. He’s changed her world and “filled it with light, warmth and sound”.

In Lucy’s July release Forbidden: The Billionaire’s Virgin Princess the reader was introduced to Princess Lina and the handsome, rich, playboy…… Sheik Amir. Both of their parents arranged a marriage between them but Lina fooled them all by falling in love and marrying her bodyguard Hawk. So now Sheikh Amir is not going to let his family arrange another marriage. He adores his personal assistant, he trusts her and he’s going to break her heart by asking her to find him a wife!

Amir decides he needs to return home to Zorha to see his family and also set his “marriage” plans in motion. He can’t deny he has inner feelings for Grace, he certainly considers her more than a PA and close friend and for reasons he can’t put his finger on, he’s sexually attracted to her and fights his urge to act upon it. He knows if he does, he’ll loose not only his PA but friend. He seeks the counsel of his eldest brother and admits his feelings and attraction, but what to do?

As for Grace, she loves Amir deeply and in the end agrees to find some candidates based on his requirements……beauty, intelligence, social standing and most important a marriage of convenience not love. Years ago, Amir loved deeply and his beloved was taken by him in death. He vows never again! Because Grace is devoted and wants him happy she agrees but with a price, she’s going to give her resignation.

What transpires you are not going to want to miss as Grace decides to go for broke…….transform herself, put herself on the list……..it’s final chapters, well let’s just say, amazing as only Lucy Monroe can pen.


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Reviewed by: Marilyn Shoemaker

FORBIDDEN: THE BILLIONAIRE'S VIRGIN PRINCESS - Lucy Monroe

Title: FORBIDDEN: THE BILLIONAIRE’S VIRGIN PRINCESS

Author: Lucy Monroe

Line: Harlequin Presents
Mills and Boon Modern Romance

Release month North America & UK: July 2008

The S-Factor: Sensual


Sebastian Hawk is a master in business and in the bedroom. There is no place for emotion in his world.
Lina is a headstrong and reckless princess in need of protection and Sebastian is called in to provide round-the-clock security. Her provocative innocence is too enticing, and Sebastian loses his legendary self—control and beds her…only to discover she's still a virgin….
Royal Brides - An innocent princess — claimed by a hot-blooded billionaire!


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

I’ve read every book in Lucy Monroe’s Royal Bride series and they only get better and better and more interesting. In Forbidden: The Billionaire’s Virgin Princess Sebastian Hawk and Lina Marwan are equally matched in sensuality, spirit and in their attraction for each other. In each chapter I couldn’t wait to see if Lina was going to out-smart Hawk as he was hired to be her bodyguard to watch over her and to also watch over her security team her family had hired.

As a small child, Lina was sent away from her home to live in the US with her aunt and uncle. She’s never felt a part of her family; she’s felt neglected, unwanted with the exception of the care her US relatives have given her and from time to time, her brother who infrequently. She’s been sheltered, watched over like a hawk and now she wants to spread her wings. However, the only way she can do that is to outsmart her security team and her new bodyguard Hawk has figured her out!
Hawk is one hot man! He’s exceptional at his job, owns his own security company, is well respected in the industry and wants no part of a relationship. He’s learned from the women in his life not to trust and to keep his relationships short and sweet. Now he’s been hired by the Sheik to watch over his daughter who’s attending college so he makes sure he literally bumps into her, sparks fly between them…..it’s immediate attraction for both of them, Lina so innocent and Hawk so “experienced” and it’s a battle of wills, lust and a love story you’re not going to want to miss!

Throughout the entire book I was rooting for them and you will as well because their attraction is so immediate and powerful. Hawk is torn every step of the way; he fights his attraction for Lina and in the end it’s an emotional breakup and farewell. What was incredible to read was Lina’s journey in self discovery, how she grew emotionally and outsmarted them all! This author has a gift for drawing her readers into the story and this book is no exception. In the end, let’s just say, their reunion years later is emotional and tender as only Lucy Monroe can portray and this book is a love story at it’s best! Cheers to Lucy and her Royal Brides!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn Shoemaker

Link to the trailer: http://www.veoh.com/videos/v12063278KPpTqYKG

THE AUSTRALIAN MILLIONAIRE'S LOVE-CHILD - Robyn Grady

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN MILLIONAIRE’S LOVE-CHILD

Author: Robyn Grady

Line: Harlequin Presents US & Mills and Boon Modern Romance UK– July 2008

The S-Factor: Sexy & Sensual


Sophie Gruebella is happy with her single life— until she overhears her friends discussing why she's still single! Could this be why she falls into bed with a man who's her complete opposite?
Cooper Smith is as driven as he's drop-dead gorgeous! Cooper has life all planned out and his night with Sophie was amazing, but—on mutual agreement—not to be repeated.
Three months later: the stick has turned pink. Sophie's expecting…and Cooper has just proposed a shotgun marriage….


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Robyn Grady continues to deliver an emotional and entertaining story in The Australian Millionaire’s Love-Child. The reader is introduced to Sophie who is attending a friend’s wedding shortly after a break-up with her boyfriend; on top of that, she’s feeling insecure about herself and the extra weight she’s gained; not to mention old friends comments about her situation. However, in the end it makes her realize she needs to make some changes and take charge of her life!

We’ve all been there at one time in our lives, single….attending a lovely wedding…..no date and that “horrible” bouquet toss for those single! Talk about embarrassing! Yes, you guessed it, Sophie’s was feeling the same way so she tried to be inconspicuous and didn’t join the group. However, little did she know the bouquet was not caught but would land in her lap and on top of everything else, Sophie didn’t realize that the most gorgeous man she’d ever set eyes on would overhear her friends discussing her lack of a boyfriend or the pounds she had put on!

Enter Cooper Smith to the rescue. Cooper is not only tall, dark and handsome, he’s a man who decides to take action and rescue Sophie, by physically swooping her up in his arms, and kissing her in front of the wedding guests. They both decide to have a nightcap in Cooper’s penthouse, learn a little about each other and that’s when Sophie learns that Cooper is a driven and successful attorney, one with a plan……he’s looking for a wife, wants a family and has made a list of requirements, none of which appeal to Sophie; just the man himself and oh what a man! One thing leads to another and they end up making love all night. From the beginning they both realize they want different things and as they say, they are both opposites and disagree about what’s important in a marriage……for Sophie its love and for Cooper compatibility, an agreeable and stay at home wife and at least children. So at the end of their evening, they agree to go their separate ways.

So, that’s the beginning of this enchanting and dazzling love story. What I felt made this book so remarkable was the way Robyn Grady gave the reader a deep emotional connection to the story and the characters. The way she developed the relationship between Cooper and Sophie and the new found knowledge they would soon be parents will have you reading this story from cover to the end. What’s even better is how they deal with their differences in opinion, and Cooper’s manipulation and dominance. For Sophie she wonders is she "the pre-wrapped package” or is she his destiny? Can they make this relationship work? Can they find love? Hopefully you’ll read and find out the answers and enjoy The Australian Millionaire’s Love-Child as much as I did…..you’ll laugh, cry, get exasperated with Cooper and love Sophie!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn Shoemaker

SPANISH BILLIONAIRE, INNOCENT WIFE - Kate Walker

Title: SPANISH BILLIONAIRE, INNOCENT WIFE

Author: KATE WALKER

Line: Harlequin Presents: USA June 2008
Mills and Boon Modern Romance: UK March 2008-06-26

The S-Factor: Simmering & Sensual

Raul Esteban has always wanted Alannah.

She is purity and passion combined! But she rejected him, and now the proud Spanish aristocrat is determined that she will pay for her mistake—with her body!

Raul mistakenly believes Alannah is no longer a naive girl—until one night of passion proves he has taken her virginity! Now Raul will do whatever it takes to keep her at his mercy….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

The Spanish Billionaire, Innocent Wife was not only full of passion as only Kate Walker can write it also was moving, full of tension with extremely believable characters. What touched me the most was Raul, he was so vulnerable with his feelings for Alannah yet intensely angry. Even though he displayed his Alpha characteristics he touched me because his feelings for her were hidden inside from the moment she lied and left him he never really got over the pain or loss. Raul’s love for his sister, his lost brother and his desire to produce an heir for his father will move anyone reading this incredibly beautiful love story.

From the moment one begins reading this story set in a hospital where Alannah mourns her dead brother and friend, Lorena who turns out to be Raul’s sister who has also passed, you just know that when Raul arrives on the scene the tension is going to explode……and it does with seismic force.

As their story unfolds before the reader’s eyes, the sexual tension, the emotion, the pain of their love for each other will rip out your heart especially when Alannah’s feelings about her love for Raul, her wanting to give him an heir and her uncertainly of his feelings for her, well trust me you won’t want to miss reading this wonderful and moving story.

The Spanish Billionaire, Innocent Wife is just another example of the amazing Kate Walker and her sensual and entertaining love stories.

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About the Book:

As Kate states in her blog post dated 6/19/09 “Sometimes there is a personal element to a book. A piece of the story that relates to something in my own life, something close to my heart that I've woven into it. And it does seem that when this happens, it creates a book that resonates with readers particularly strongly.” KW 6/08

In this case it relates to an accident of someone very close to Kate and I encourage you to stop by Kate’s blog and read the post…..it’s amazing. http://kate-walker.blogspot.com/

Reviewed by Marilyn Shoemaker

VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE by MICHELLE STYLES

Title: Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife
Author: Michelle Styles
Line: Mills and Boon Historical Romance
Release month: June 2008

The S-Factor: Simmering

Back-Blurb:

The warrior’s conquest

With the war drums echoing in her ears, and the sharp northern light glinting off the sharpened swords, Sela stood with trepidation on the shoreline. The dragon ships full of warriors had come, ready for battle and glory.

But it wasn’t the threat of conquest that shook Sela to the core. It was the way her heart responded to the proud face and chiselled body of Vikar Hrutson, jaarl, leader of the invading force – and Sela’s ex-husband!

Review:

From Michelle Styles’ terrific pen comes a passionate, romantic, exciting and fast-paced historical romance which will leave you breathless: Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife.

Four years ago, Sela had walked out on her husband, even though she was carrying his child – a child he knows nothing about till this very day. Having returned home to her father, Bose the Dark, Sela had hoped to start afresh and to put her husband behind her. But every time she looks into her son’s eyes, she finds herself reliving the passion which she had found in her husband’s arms.

But Sela has got more on her mind than her former husband. Her father is at death’s door and dragon ships full of enemy warriors are approaching her home – and leading them is her former husband Vikar!

Vikar is still as handsome as ever and when he spots his former wife, he has only one thing on his mind – seduction!

Whether she’s writing about Vikings, Gladiators or Victorians, Michelle Styles has an uncanny ability of making each and every historical period her own! In her latest historical, she has once again delivered a full-bodied engrossing tale readers will just not be able to put down.

Pleasured by the Secret Millionaire by Natalie Anderson

Title: Pleasured by the Secret Millionaire
Author: Natalie Anderson
Line: Mills and Boon Modern Heat
Release month: June 2008
The S-Factor:Simmering

Back-Blurb:

One night of hot loving…

Gorgeous millionaire Rhys Maitland is tired of women throwing themselves at him just because his name equates to success, power and wealth… When he meets beauty Sienna Rendel, Rhys decides to hide the truth, and insists on being with her for one night only…

…will have them both coming back for more! But Sienna’s got her own secrets…

Dressing carefully to conceal the scar that plagues her life, she’s quite happy with Rhys’s offer of fast, furious and amazing lovemaking! She doesn’t know she’s being pleasured by a secret millionaire, but when she and Rhys realise one night isn’t enough, they’ll have to strip themselves bare – in every sense!

Review:

Natalie Anderson’s sizzling Modern Heat novels just keep getting better and better. In her latest romance, Pleasured by the Secret Millionaire, she blends sizzling sexual chemistry, scintillating sex scenes, intense romance and poignant emotional development which will keep readers everywhere glued to their seats!

Sienna Rendel has had enough of her mother and brother treating her like a fragile little flower, so she leaves New Zealand behind, waves goodbye to her old life, and heads off to Australia where she hopes to have some fun and not be treated like an invalid. Top of the list on her priorities is finding a hot guy with whom to have a no-strings affair with – and as luck would have it, she meets just the guy!

Rhys Monroe is sexy, charismatic and drop dead gorgeous, but little does Sienna know that, just like her, he’s got a devastating secret of his own: he’s not a brickie, but a millionaire doctor whose family is one of Australia’s richest dynasties!

How’s Sienna going to react when she finds out that he’s lied to her? And will Rhys ever learn to trust anyone with his heart?

Pleasured by the Secret Millionaire is a truly terrific read! Hot, steamy, romantic and poignant, readers looking for a sexy read to heat up their summer nights will not be disappointed with the latest outstanding contemporary romance by New Zealand’s hottest romance writer: Natalie Anderson!


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Hot Nights with a Playboy by Nicola Marsh

Title: Hot Nights with the Playboy
Author: Nicola Marsh
Line: Mills and Boon Modern Heat
Release month: June 2008
The S-Factor:Simmering
Back-Blurb:

Working by day…

Abby Weiss could make her name as a stylist to the stars on a two-week photo shoot in a tropical island paradise. Even better, Judd Calloway, her best friend, will be the photographer. Nothing could be more fun than working with him…

Naughty by night!
…except spending hot, sexy, passionate nights with him! In the years since they last met Judd’s become a charming, muscled, gorgeous hunk! Abby can’t keep her hands off him – and the attraction’s mutual. And now Judd’s got a proposal that he hopes will keep her right where he wants her: in his bed!

Review: If you’re looking for a romance that’s hot, sexy, modern and utterly delicious, then you’ll love Nicola Marsh’s latest Modern Heat: Hot Nights with a Playboy!

As children, Abby Weiss and Judd Calloway had been the best of friends who had bonded over their screwed up parents, miserable childhoods and their desire to get as far away from small town Australia as possible. As teenagers, their friendship almost developed into something more, but Abby and Judd had pulled back at the very last minute, and although they’re still the very best of friends that spark of dangerous attraction still sizzles between the two of them!

Now, Abby and Judd have been thrown in close proximity together on a tropical island for a two-week photo shoot. Seeing her best friend in a tight pair of swimming trunks and his toned torso glistening under the sizzling sun only increase Abby’s desire for Judd. But while Judd makes it clear that he’s more than willing to have her in his bed, he is adamant that theirs will be a no-strings sexual affair.

But, the more time Judd spends with Abby, the more he realizes that commitment is beginning to like a whole lot of fun!

I adore Nicola Marsh’s stories because even though they are fresh, feel-good, flirty and modern, they still have that deep, emotional core that will ensure that readers of all ages will enjoy reading her stories. Featuring a sexy hero, a lovely heroine and plenty of drama, laughs and humour, Hot Nights with a Playboy is the perfect book to pack in your beach bag this summer!


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CARETTI'S FORCED BRIDE - Jennie Lucas

Title: CARETTI’S FORCED BRIDE

Author: JENNIE LUCAS

Line: Mills and Boon Modern and Harlequin Presents

Release month North America: August 2008; UK/Australia: May 2008

The S-Factor: Simmering & Very Sensual



He'll take his revenge. He'll be ruthless. He'll make her ready for the taking!
Dark, devilish, rich and ruthless, Paolo Caretti isn’t ashamed of his roots. But he’s ashamed that he once loved a woman who thought she was better than him. Now Isabelle needs him, and Paolo has a thirst for revenge…
She’ll be his bride. She’ll do his bidding. She’ll be happy in his bed!Princess Isabelle de Luceran – she knows she hurt Paolo and it broke her heart. She also knows his help has a price. And when he discovers the true depth of her deceit she’ll be destroyed by his vengeance…
They’ll make vows. They’ll make love. They’ll find love springs from hate!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Yet again, Jennie Lucas delivers a wonderful story full of passion, anger, secrets, pride…..just a very enjoyable and moving love story set in the Mediterranean and surrounded by castles, villas, lush country side and the sea.

Princess Isabelle de Luceran is bound by duty and honor to her Country and her family. Even though her heart was ripped apart years ago when she left the only man she’d ever loved. Isabelle had refused his proposal and in the end let her sister talk her into giving up the baby she had conceived with Paolo, making him heir to the throne. It’s not bad enough that her sister and her husband recently died in an acccident……now their 9 year old son has been kidnapped. She can only trust one man to do the job and that’s her past and only lover Paola Caretti. So she returns to the US and begs him to come home with her to save her nephew, which of course he does but with a price.

Paulo Caretti is ruthless, handsome, and rich and wants Isabelle. Years ago he loved her and proposed marriage and in the end, she refused and returned to her country. Now Paolo can seek revenge and his plan is for Isabelle to become his mistress, get her pregnant and marry her at all costs. Paolo accepts his passion for her but vows never to be caught up in love again. Love hurts and Paolo knows this first hand……from his ruthless father, from the mother who abandoned him and from the only woman he ever love who walked out on him!

What neither of them counts on is their powerful attraction, lust and the passion which goes up in flames when they are together. What they also don’t count on is that they can’t leave each other alone so the affair continues and they are splashed all over media which doesn’t sit well with Isabelle’s family and country.

There is so much anguish, hurt and at times it broke my heart. Their passion will take your breath away and in the end when they resolve their past, secrets and the issues facing them are resolved, you’ll stand up and cheer! Caretti’s Forced Bride is one book you won’t want to miss and I’m hopeful that Jennie will continue on with a series as all of the characters were wonderful, each with a story of their own, I’m sure!

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About the Book - From Jennie’s Website:

Like most girls, I dreamed of being a princess. I was seven years old when my mother woke me up to see Princess Diana’s fairy-tale wedding televised from half the world away. Now I see my own young daughter prancing around the house in fancy dresses and tiaras.

But being a princess isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be, is it? A life can feel so different on the inside than it might look on the outside. You only have to look at Grace Kelly or Princess Diana to realize that.

In Caretti’s Forced Bride, Isabelle is beloved and worshipped as the most beautiful princess in the whole world. She is fashionable, beautiful, adored. Surrounded by paparazzi. But in spite of that, she’s very lonely. She’s lost nearly everyone she loves. And she carries the heavy weight of a secret.

Is it possible to be a princess trapped in a castle—but still be happy? Maybe if you have the right prince…

Reviewed by: Marilyn

KING OF THE DESERT, CAPTIVE BRIDE - Jane Porter

Title: KING OF THE DESERT, CAPTIVE BRIDE

Author: JANE PORTER

Line: Harlequin Presents – Desert Kings
(book 2) Mills & Boon Modern Romance

Release month North America: May 2008; UK / Australia: March 2008

The S-Factor: Simmering & Sweet



When Sheikh Khalid Fehr rescues innocent Olivia Morse from the hands of his country's enemies, he guarantees her freedom by announcing she is his betrothed….
Khalid has vouched for Liv with his honor… and this desert king is determined that his new wife will fulfill her marital duties, by his side as his regal queen…and as his captive virgin bride!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

In Jane's the Sheikh's Chosen Queen (book 1) you were introduced to King Sharif Fehr and his wife Jesslyn. Jesslyn was friends with Sharif's two sisters who were killed when they were all three on a trip. The family was devastated, especially his brother Khalid Fehr, who now resides in the Great Sarq Desert.

Khalid has never gotten over the loss so when he reads a post on the Internet from a brother who lives in the US, looking for his sister, Khalid's heart twists. After some research and investigation, he finds out she's been arrested and is now in a prison. Determined to free her, he stakes his honor, his familes as well to obtain her pardon. However, from the moment of Olivia Morse's release, everything goes wrong and so in order not to have Olivia returned to prison, Khalid states that she is his fiancé and they are to be married. All sorts of questions arise with the government and his family.....is she a thief, a drug smuggler, and why would he want to marry when he's always told his family never!

Their journey actually begins in Cairo and then a wonderful river trip on the Nile, sights one dreams of seeing; history, color, artifacts, temples, bazaars, foods.....a dream come true for Olivia who is a travel agent from a small southern town. It's a journey of exploration for them both.....trust, yearning, fear, the unknown factor if Olivia will be able to marry or go back to prison.

For Olivia is not just the adventure, it's finding out about herself, it's about falling for a man she doesn't understand, it's about honor, family and in the end love. It's a romantic adventure as only Jane Porter can write to exotic ports and places with an incredible honor bound sheikh, Khalid Fehr you'll adore!


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Reviewed by: Marilyn

THE SPANIARD'S DEFIANT VIRGIN - Jennie Lucas

Title: THE SPANIARD'S DEFIANT VIRGIN

Author: JENNIE LUCAS

Line: HARLEQUIN PRESENTS – Innocent Mistress, Virgin Bride series

Modern Romance – Mills and Boon

Release month: North America: June 2008; UK / Australia: November 2007

The S-Factor: Simmering & Sensual


In his Spanish castillo Marcos Ramirez has been planning his retribution for the Winters family…. And now it's time.

Marcos will take Tamsin and destroy her family. But Tamsin isn't the hedonistic society girl he expected. She's beautiful and courageous—bedding her will be sweet. And it's then that Marcos realizes Tamsin's a virgin, and innocent of all she's been accused of!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Marcos Ramirez is truly a “dark angel”! This Spanish alpha is to die for, he’s angry, he’s seeking revenge and yet he has a protective and extremely sexy side, he’ll melt your heart.

Tasmin is misunderstood by the press and all of London. She’s been deemed a wild heiress, a flirt and a spoiled beauty and actually she’s none of these…..she’s got a secret and she’ll do anything that has to be done to protect a family member. When Tasmin is kidnapped by the “dark angel” she realizes she is indeed in trouble because if she doesn’t follow her step brother’s instructions to marry the nephew of the sheikh to save the family business, she’ll not only be on the receiving end of his wrath she’ll not be able to protect her ten year old sister from her families abuse.

Marcos is seeking revenge, revenge for the loss of his family due to the Winters family greed and that of Aziz the nephew of the sheikh. He kidnaps Tasmin and is seeking revenge and plans to ruin Aziz and Tasmin’s brother’s business. What neither of them counts on is their strong attraction for each other and in the end they act upon it and can’t seem to stay away from each other.

When the time comes to set the revenge plan in motion, everything is turned upside down. You will be holding your breath during the last few chapters, trying to figure out the outcome. Trust me, it’s thrilling, full of suspense and passion, pleasure and you’ll be shedding some tears as well. It’s a lesson for all to learn……leave the past behind and look towards the future and thanks to Jennie Lucas and The Spaniard’s Defiant Virgin one will see how Marcos gives up revenge for love.

A quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Wanted: White Wedding by Natasha Oakley

Title: Wanted: White Wedding
Author: Natasha Oakley
Line: Harlequin Romance
Release month: May/June 2008
The S-Factor: Sweet
Back-Blurb:

Seeing Daniel Ramsey struggle with fatherhood makes memories of Freya's past come flooding back. Freya was a wild child, but on the inside she always dreamed of happy ever afters and white weddings. It was a way to escape the troubles of home. Now she's grown up, stunning and successful, and she knows she can help Daniel and his daughter.

But Freya's afraid of getting too close.… She still has her secrets, locked up tight. Could it be that after all these years, she's met the man who has the ability to see straight into her heart?

Review:

The wonderful Natasha Oakley is back with a brand new Harlequin Romance that will tug at your heartstrings and hold you spellbound until the final sentence: Wanted: White Wedding.

Freya Anthony knows that the people of Fellingham haven’t forgotten her wild child past. She’s well aware of the gossip and sniggers which surround her return, but her beloved grandmother Margaret needs her, and she isn’t going to let a bunch of nosy parkers with nothing better to do with their lives, prevent her from helping the one woman who’s always cared and been there for her.

On her arrival, Freya learns that Margaret wants to sell some of her antiques to local auctioneer Daniel Ramsay, and when Freya visits his auction house, she’s less than impressed! How can Daniel runs a serious business from a ramshackle building?
But Freya’s got other things to worry about: her attraction to the gorgeous Daniel!
Charismatic, charming and drop dead gorgeous, Freya begins to fall for the handsome auctioneer. However, will Freya and Daniel let their pasts and responsibilities push them away? Or will they realize that theirs is a love that will last a lifetime?

Wanted: White Wedding is an absolutely terrific contemporary romance by one of my favourite romance writers! Moving, tender, sweet, poignant and totally absorbing, Wanted: White Wedding is a captivating tale of renewal, new beginnings and happy endings from a writer who never fails to deliver enthralling romance!

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THE GREEK TYCOON'S CONVENIENT BRIDE - Kate Hewitt

Title: THE GREEK TYCOON'S CONVENIENT BRIDE

Author: Kate Hewitt

Line: Harlequin Presents and Mills and Boon Modern Romance

Release month North America: April 2008; UK / Australia: March 2007

The S-Factor: Simmering & Sensual

Back-Blurb:

Rhiannon Davies's plan was to reunite her late friend's baby with the infant's Greek father, then return home…alone. Instead Lukas whisks them away to his private island! Soon Rhiannon falls under the spell of the sun, sea—and the ruthless tycoon himself. Caught up in a wave of desire for the devastatingly handsome Lukas, she finds herself agreeing to marriage—with a man who has made it clear he'll never love her….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Kate is another new author for me and an exceptional one at that with this almost "Greek Tragedy"! At times, this was painful to read as Lukas struggled with his emotions and refused to love! He is a magnificent Greek alpha, shoulders his entire family's problems and always rises to the cause and takes responsibility for their misconduct.

The first few chapters are intense due to the fact that both characters, Lukas and Rhiannon are immediately drawn to each other. The air sizzles and crackles between them from the very beginning. When Rhiannon contacts Lukas it's for an urgent reason.....she is the ward of an old friend’s infant daughter, Annabel, who recently passed away. Her friend told her Lukas is the father and because of her past upbringing she feels it's important for the infant to be with family. She knows what it's like not to belong as she was adopted and never felt loved. Love is the most important thing to Rhiannon and she hopes someday to find it.

Lukas figures out that the Annabel's father is his nephew Christos, an uncaring, spoiled playboy. No matter at what cost, Lukas is going to take responsibility for this child and claims her as family. However, he demands until matters are settled that Rhiannon accompany them to Greece.

Sparks, sensual tension, all of it and more flare up between this couple. As the days go on, Rhiannon realizes that she loves this baby girl, she fights her attraction for Lukas and worries what the outcome will be.....should she allow this dysfunctional family to be involved in raising Annabelle? Should she stay in Greece to be close to this child she has grown to love and how will she deal with her feelings that are growing for Lukas?

The passion, the heat, the tension and the heartache that encompass this couple will have you in tears. Kate Hewitt sincerely has a "winner" with The Greek Tycoons Convenient Bride; it's an exceptional story and will make you believe in love and happy endings!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

IN BED WITH HER ITALIAN BOSS - KATE HARDY

Title: IN BED WITH HER ITALIAN BOSS

Author: Kate Hardy

Line: Harlequin Presents
Mills and Boon Modern Romance

Release month North America: April 08 UK: July 07 as Breakfast at Giovanni’s

The S-Factor: Sweet & Sensual

Back-Blurb:

Having just been fired, Francesca has three immediate requirements: a coffee, an extremely calorific pastry and a new job. Stopping off at her favorite café, Giovanni's, she manages to pick up all three!

Working for darkly handsome Giovanni Mazetti is fantastic—except Fran discovers the job comes with a tantalizing caveat: pretending to be his adoring girlfriend! Soon their kisses start happening in private as well as in public, and although Fran knows it's all a game to Giovanni, she can't help wishing his feelings were for real….


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

This is the first Kate Hardy book I’ve ever read and I’m so glad I did! It’s a little like Prince Charming meets Sleeping Beauty. Gio is one handsome, sexy and talented Italian. He believes in commitment and family and is a man who made sacrifices for that family. At one time he dreamed of being a musician. However when his father became ill, he rose to the cause and took over the family coffee business giving up his dream.

Fran, is the oldest in her family and was adopted when her parents thought they couldn’t have any children which was inaccurate as they eventually had twins boys and a girl. Fran always felt awkward, a sense of not belonging as her siblings excelled at everything they attempted; where Fran definitely was not an academic as the rest of her family. Fran frequents the Mazetti coffee shop and one particular day stops in feeling a little off as she’s just been told her job is being eliminated. She feels comfortable talking with Gio and in the end, Gio offers Fran a job as his office manager as he needs someone to organize his business because he wants to expand.

What both Fran and Gio don’t count as their working relationship and friendship progress is their attraction for each other. Gio’s family adore him and want him happy so when they learn of Fran they believe her to be more than his office manager. This situation works well for Gio as his Nonna is soon to visit so he asks Fran to pose as his girlfriend for the entire family. What they both don’t count on is how their relationship develops from friendship to lovers. What Fran doesn’t count on is for the very first time, she actually feels she belongs!

This is one sweet and tender love story……an awakening of sorts for both Gio and Fran and one you definitely will not want to miss thanks to Kate Hardy’s storytelling ability!

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Reviewed by Marilyn