THE SHEIKH'S DEFIANT BRIDE - Sandra Marton

Title: THE SHEIKH’S DEFIANT BRIDE

Author: SANDRA MARTON

Line: Harlequin Presents

Release month North America/UK: October 2008

The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sexy


Tariq, Crown Prince of Dubaac, had to produce an heir and duty demanded he choose a wife who would obey him—day and night.Then, by an extraordinary twist of fate, Madison Whitney became pregnant with Tariq's child. But outspoken career girl Madison certainly wasn't obedient! Tariq had to claim his defiant bride and their baby—through seduction and even kidnapping….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Defiant bride doesn’t even describe Madison Whitney. She is the professional Vice President of Marketing for MicroTech, she’s a stunning beauty and she has it all, the job, the New York apartment, the degrees…..well she doesn’t have it all, she wants a child with no husband. At a very young age, Madison learned from her mother’s mistakes not to trust a man so she’s determined never to marry. She’s also planned on having a baby through artificial insemination at New Born who specializes in sperm storage.

As for the handsome and powerful sheikh, I believe Tariq would be at the top of my list. He’s incredibly handsome and his loyalty to his father, his brother’s memory and his country definitely puts him at the top. Tariq is aware that he must rise to the cause of someday being the ruler of his country due to the recent death of his beloved brother. He’s committed to finding a wife so he searches in his own country and neighbouring regions with no luck. He’s determined to return to the US, continuing the search of finding a wife.

One evening he watches a television broadcast featuring Future Born and Madison Whitney is speaking about sperm storage and its use for the future. Just watching her stirs a need in him, and as fate would have it, they meet at his lawyer’s cocktail party. Madison seeks him out in an effort to get rid of an unwanted guest. Immediately Tariq realizes who she is, and he acts on his attraction later that night in the garden. Things get out of control and when they are interrupted, he believes himself to be a fool; she’s as consumed by lust as he is but in the end she resists and denies all. Tariq realizes he is no closer in finding a wife or producing an heir. And the woman, who spent some time in his arms, can’t be trusted. He contacts his lawyer to arrange to have his sperm stored for future use.

Fate steps in again. Madison has arranged to be inseminated and becomes pregnant with the donor she chose? Did she really? No! For some reason which is not known to Madison, she receives the wrong sperm. Tariq has been informed of the mistake and that he’s going to be a father and Madison is the mother. There is only one thing to do, marry this feisty woman for the sake of their unborn child and he realizes is will be hard to convince her! When the news is dropped like a bomb, Madison bristles, no way will she marry this proud sheikh. However, Tariq has other ideas. Their journey is an incredible one; from their getting to know each other, to their marriage and what fate delivers them. The Sheikh’s Defiant Bride is just another wonderful Sandra Marton love story.

Sincerely, there is so much I want to share but that would be unfair to the reader. You’re just going to have to trust that this first book in The Sheikh's Tycoon series is so worth reading. Sometimes when you least expect it an incredible story unfolds with so many lessons and this is no exception. Their journey and the love they both realize, just wonderful!

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

The Boss's Bedroom Agenda by Nicola Marsh

Title: The Boss’s Bedroom Agenda
Author: Nicola Marsh
Line: M&B Modern Heat
Release month: October 2008
The S-Factor: Simmering
Back-Blurb:

Hired for the boss’s pleasure!

The instant Beth Walker comes face to face with her new boss, tall, tanned and incredibly toned Aidan Voss, they can’t take their eyes off one another…
Beth is well aware that CEO Aidan has one rule of business: to keep his personal life out of the boardroom! But he has decided that Beth is the exception that proves the rule… He may not be able to offer her any more than a hot and steamy fling, but he’s a master of seduction – and he’s moved Beth to the top of his ‘To Do’ list…



Review:

Sexy, funny and oh so engrossing, Nicola Marsh has truly outdone herself with The Boss’s Bedroom Agenda! Featuring a gorgeous Alpha hero, a fun and feisty heroine, scorching sex scenes and plenty of laugh out loud moments, The Boss’s Bedroom Agenda is a must-read for glam city girls everywhere!

Beth Walker is a talented metal sculptor who would dearly love to have her own space to exhibit her creations – her only problem lies in the fact that she’s got no money, no job and a fetish for very expensive shoes! When her cousin Lara tells her that there’s a job going at the museum where she works, laid back Beth realizes that she must start swotting up on her Australian history, find a pair of sensible flats and get this job, or kiss goodbye to her dreams.

When she gets the job at the museum, Beth vows to be the past tour guide she could possibly be; it’s just a shame that she got on the wrong side of her new boss, Aidan Voss, on her very first day!

As an archaeologist who would much rather get his hands dirty than wear a stuffy suit, the museum is that last place Aidan wants to be in, but with his father out of action, he realizes that he must put his father’s needs before his own for a little while. A confirmed bachelor married to his work, Aidan would rather die than be saddled with a mortgage, a wife and a couple of children, but when he claps eyes on Beth, he finds himself unable to stop thinking about the flirty city girl!

Beth may always be up for a laugh, but beneath her fun-loving exterior lies the broken heart of a little girl who has never recovered from her mother’s death and her father’s constant search for happiness. Beth had vowed that she’d only marry a man who was sensible, compassionate and who put her before his own career - and Aidan might be drop dead gorgeous, but a home bird he certainly isn’t.

When a stolen kiss leads to a night of sizzling passion, Aidan and Beth begin to wonder whether there might be a future for them on the cards. Will they ever manage to reconcile their differences and realize that happiness is staring at them in the face?

Nicola Marsh is simply superb! Her books are witty, funny, feel-good, escapist, but tender, moving and emotional. Satisfying, intense and passionate, The Boss’s Bedroom Agenda is the latest must-read romance from one of Modern Heat’s most talented writers!


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

Review: An Impulsive Debutante by Michelle Styles

Title: An Impulsive Debutante
Author: Michelle Styles
Line: M&B Historical Romance
Release month : September 2008
The S-Factor: Simmering
Back-Blurb:

A kiss, a carriage ride, a hasty wedding!

Carlotta Charlton can’t wait for her first season – until her impulsive behaviour lands her right in the lap of notorious rake Tristan, Lord Thorngrafton!

Tristan is cynically convinced that she’s a fortune-hunter. But he can’t keep away from her. Several heated kisses lead to scandal and, one outraged mama later, they’re on their way to Gretna Green.

Catching his breath on the carriage ride to the border, Tristan decides it’s time that Lottie learns her lesson. If she wants to play with fire, he’ll notch up his seduction and set her ablaze!


Review:

Michelle Styles latest romance, An Impulsive Debutante, is a terrific Regency featuring an irrepressible heroine, a dashing hero and plenty of charm, humour, drama and passion to keep you engrossed late into the night!

Carlotta Charlton’s dreams of being launched into society and marrying a rich, titled gentleman grind to a halt when her wayward mouth gets her into trouble. To punish her, her pompous brother, Henry, sends her off to her cousin Frances’ house in the country- much to Lottie’s chagrin, who soon grows to detest her daffy cousin. But life in the countryside soon brightens up for Lottie when she comes across a strikingly attractive gentleman in an abandoned churchyard.

Tristan, Lord Thorngrafton, has returned to England from the Continent after being banished for a dalliance with a much older woman. Tristan hopes to bring order back to his estate and to confront his errant cousin for impersonating him and for spending all his money on booze, women and gambling. Tristan hasn’t had much luck with women, but there is something about Lottie Charlton which thoroughly intrigues him!

When a passionate kiss leads the two in trouble, Tristan realizes that the only option open to him is marriage. Falling in love with his bride wasn’t on the agenda, but Tristan soon finds himself wanting to spend every hour of the day with Lottie – in and out of the bedroom!

Michelle Styles has outdone herself with this delightful Regency romance! An Impulsive Debutante is an enthralling and evocative novel that is packed with all the atmosphere, romance, intrigue and drama which we’ve come to expect from the wonderful pen of Michelle Styles!

Sensual, spellbinding and wonderfully written, An Impulsive Debutante is another keeper from this wonderful writer of historical romantic fiction!

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

The Millionaire's Proposal by Trish Wylie

Title: The Millionaire’s Proposal
Author: Trish Wylie
Line: Harlequin Romance/ M&B Romance
Release month: September 2008
The S-Factor:Sweet
Back-Blurb:

Of all the cities in all the world, he chose Paris to propose

Ronan O’Keefe has everything money can buy. He’d give it all up in an instant to keep the one thing he’s losing. The jet-setting playboy is slowly being robbed of his sight.

Kerry Doyle is alone in New York and not feeling quite so brave about her trip of a lifetime. Luckily, a handsome millionaire has come to her rescue…

What is he doing? Escorting beautiful, bubbly Kerry round the world wasn’t part of Ronan’s plan. Yet by the time they get to Paris he doesn’t want to let her go.
His secret is casting its shadow, but Kerry has lit up his life…

A Bride for All Seasons

Swept off her feet…by an autumn proposal!

Review:

If you’re looking for a fun, feel-good and sparkling romance laced with a large dollop of emotion, then pick up Trish Wylie’s latest, The Millionaire’s Proposal! You won’t be disappointed.

Kerry Doyle is looking forward to leaving her responsibilities behind and going on the trip of a lifetime. She cannot wait to see just what the world has to offer, without having to worry about her family or her business. Romance is certainly not on the agenda, but she’s rather intrigued by the gorgeous passenger who has set next to her on the plane!

For Ronan O’Keefe, this trip is just as special. He’s been struck by a degenerative disease that will leave him blind in a couple of years and he wants to make this trip one final time, in order to say goodbye to the people and places he loves.
He’s immediately drawn by Kerry’s charm, beauty and vitality, and as he decides to accompany her on her journey, Ronan finds himself falling in love with his beautiful Irish angel. But he will not incur her pity or force her into a relationship which she may live to regret. However, now that he’s finally found love, will he be able to turn his back on the woman who has changed his life?

The Millionaire’s Proposal is another fabulous story of love, hope, romance, sacrifice and emotion from one of Romance’s most talented and most popular authors. Romance supremo Trish Wylie will touch your heart, make you laugh out loud and leave you breathless with this wonderful romantic story that perfectly illustrates the power of true love.

Emotional, romantic and unforgettable, if you want to read the very best in romance, then pick up Trish Wylie’s The Millionaire’s Proposal: you won’t regret it!


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

Bought: One Night, One Marriage by Natalie Anderson

Title: Bought: One Night, One Marriage
Author: Natalie Anderson
Line: M&B Modern Heat
Release month: September 2008
The S-Factor: Simmering
Back-Blurb:

Sold! To the bad-boy billionaire…

When Cally wins the services of sexy tycoon Blake McKay, she’s mortified! Aware of her non-model looks, she steers clear of good-looking men – and this guy is way off the handsome scale…

Blake can see there’s a fiery, passionate woman beneath Cally’s perfectly poised exterior, so he buys another date with her. This time he’s going to be calling the shots, and will give her a night she’ll never forget! But neither has bargained on one night becoming one marriage…

Review:

Natalie Anderson’s latest Modern Heat, Bought: One Night, One Marriage, is a sparkling contemporary romance you will not want to miss!

Cally would much rather spend her time building up her business then dating. Her last boyfriend broke her heart and destroyed what little self esteem she had and she is not prepared to go through all that pain ever again. Her best friend Mel though has other ideas for her and decides to buy her a bachelor at a charity auction – the gorgeous former model turned billionaire tycoon Blake McKay!

Blake is intrigued by Cally and he is determined to find out what secrets she’s hiding. But when one kiss leads to a night of unforgettable passion, Blake realizes that he might be falling in love with Cally – even though he has as many hang ups about relationships as Cally has.

Can they ever make their relationship work? Or will theirs be an arrangement strictly between the sheets?

I thoroughly enjoyed Natalie Anderson’s latest! Sexy, sassy and intense, this contemporary romance is full of so much emotion and drama that it will have you chuckling and weeping in equal measures!

Fast-paced, sexy and absolutely divine, Bought: One Night, One Marriage is another triumph for the brilliant Natalie Anderson!


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

THE ITALIAN BOSS'S MISTRESS OF REVENGE - Trish Morey

Title: THE ITALIAN BOSS’S MISTRESS OF REVENGE

Author: TRISH MOREY

Line: Harlequin Presents
Mills and Boon Modern Romance

Release month North America: August
UK: September AU: October

The S-Factor: Simmering & Sensual



All that stands in the way of Dante Carrazzo and revenge is Mackenzi Keogh. Mackenzi will do anything to save her hotel—something Dante uses to his advantage: he'll reconsider if she becomes his mistress!

Mackenzi knows she shouldn't trust Dante, but the pleasure he gives is too intense to resist. However, their bargain is compromised when Dante learns she is pregnant….


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

I can’t ever remember reading a book with such an interesting opening of the first few chapters. Both the beginning and end of the Italian’s Boss’s Mistress of Revenge will have the reader on edge, wondering what’s next; it’s that intense and explosive. Again, Trish Morey has woven an intriguing love story.


It’s obvious that handsome, rich and ruthless Dante Carrazzo is out for revenge and wants to take establishment down to rubble, The Aston House, Upon his arrival he gets the impression that there is a surprise in his room and oh what a surprise and none other than the beautiful manager Mackenzi Keogh and she’s not only beautiful, she’s asleep. Dante decides to act upon his “gift” so he makes an attempt to wake her through seduction and to her horror in the morning, Mackenzi realizes that it’s Dante, the very man who can destroy Aston House.

Aston House holds sentiment and memories for all who have stayed there or celebrated weddings, anniversaries and the like and for Mackenzi, her family, friends and co-workers they don’t want to see it sold or destroyed by Dante Carrazo. The evening before his arrival, Megan is dead tired and ends up sleeping in Dante’s room; only he arrives early and surprises her during her sleep with sensual caresses.

It’s obvious to the reader that immediately there is a physical attraction, that Dante is ruthless and takes revenge to a new level as he proposes that Mackenzi become his mistress and he’ll think about the future of Aston House if she agrees to his proposal.

It’s a rollercoaster ride, one you will not want to miss with all sorts of twists and turns every step of the way. To say anymore would spoil this beautiful and painful love story but in the end, there is one big surprise and when the true reason for revenge is revealed you will be in tears, I promise.

"Therein lies the defect of revenge: it's all in the anticipation; the thing itself is a pain, not a pleasure; at least the pain is the biggest end of it." Mark Twain


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



Reviewed by: Marilyn

The Playboy Doctor's Marriage Proposal

Title: The Playboy Doctor’s Marriage Proposal
Author: Fiona Lowe
Line: Mills and Boon Medical Romance
Release month: September 2008
The S-Factor:Sweet
Back-Blurb:

Her boss, his bride

Emily Tippett is a fabulous nurse – all the residents of Warragurra love her. Yet rarely does anyone see the real woman hiding behind the uniform – that is until her gorgeous new boss Linton Gregory arrives.

On the face of it, Linton is not what Emily needs. An expert at protecting his own heart, this charming doctor prefers to date and move on…

But Linton has seen the beauty that Emily is trying to hide – and she has captured his heart. He’s ready to go from playboy doctor to husband-to-be!

Join Fiona Lowe for a visit to the small Outback town of Warragurra, where there’s always a warm welcome!

Review:

Fiona Lowe takes us back to the beautiful Outback town of Warragurra in her latest Medical Romance, The Playboy Doctor’s Marriage Proposal.

After getting her heart broken by her controlling ex-boyfriend, Emily Tippett vowed never to get involved with another man ever again! Hiding her past scars under baggy clothing and bright coloured hair, Emily is determined to enjoy life as a single woman without all the complications of a relationship. But being single certainly does not prevent her from fancying the gorgeous Dr Linton Gregory, whose charm, charisma and gorgeous body make her go weak at the knees.

As a playboy with commitment issues, Linton enjoys his life bedding every eligible woman in Warragurra. But when Emily comes into his life, he finds himself unable to get her out of his mind – even though she’s worlds apart from the glamorous and sophisticated socialites he usually dates!

Falling in love with Linton in not an option for Emily, but when he surprises her with a passionate kiss, Emily realizes that she’s in danger of losing her heart to the sexy doctor. But can the playboy doctor ever be tamed? Or will he let his past ruin his last chance of happiness?

The Playboy Doctor’s Marriage Proposal is another terrific read from the pen of one of Medical Romance’s finest writers. Full of heart and laden with plenty of charm, emotion and romance, The Playboy Doctor’s Marriage Proposal will tug at your heartstrings and make you dream of the Australian Outback.

Romantic, fast-paced and irresistible, The Playboy Doctor’s Marriage Proposal is another triumph for the hugely talented Fiona Lowe!


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

An Honourable Rogue by Carol Townend

Title: The Novice Bride
Author: Carol Townend
Line: Historical
Release month: September 2008
The S-Factor: Sensual
Back-Blurb:

CHARMED AND SEDUCED!


Benedict Silvester is a rogue and a flirt! His skill as a musician means he is always travelling...and he charms women wherever he goes. Yet he is on a special mission: to accompany Rozenn Kerber to England.


Rose is frustrated with Ben’s frivolous behaviour and annoyed that his wicked smile continually occupies her thoughts, for he can never offer the stability she craves. But on their travels, Rose begins to suspect that he may have a serious side, that Ben is more than he appears...


Review:

An Honorable Rogue is another winner from historical romance author Carol Townend and is another engaging exploration of life at the time of the Norman Conquest! The story begins in France and follows Benedict as he accompanies Rose on an adventurous passage to England. However, alongside the physical journey, Rose is also taken on a personal, sexual awakening, journey-of-discovery. Ben is a longstanding family friend, and although Rose finds him attractive, she has never allowed herself to dream that he could offer her the security and stability she craves. Ben is a lovable hero, full of warmth and charm. Unbeknown to Rose he has a secret undercover mission which adds mystery and excitement to the plot. Rose is an ambitious and strong woman who modern readers will find easy to identify with. She struggles to fit into society and her endeavours give her character an admirable inner strength. The relationship between the hero and heroine is frequently heartbreaking for the reader because Ben is obviously in love with Rose, yet she refuses to focus on his positive side, only seeing the negatives which he wraps up with his easy going, happy-go-lucky nature.


The author gives a fantastic attention to detail which enables the reader to feel like they are accompanying Ben & Rose on their voyage. The additional emotional journey that both the characters undertake has the story brimming with sensuality, tension and suspense making for real page-turning qualities. Carol Townend is adept at writing historical novels and An Honorable Rogue is one of her finest. Rich in historical detail it vividly brings a long-gone era to life, and is an utterly romantic read and a real winner. Highly recommended.


Reviewed by: Gray

Hero Hotness Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Heroine Lovability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Awww Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Stickability Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

Humour Factor = ♥♥♥♥♥

THE SHEIKH'S BLACKMAILED MISTRESS - Penny Jordan

Title: THE SHEIKH’S BLACKMAILED MISTRESS

Author: Penny Jordan

Line: Harlequin Presents


Release month North America/UK/CA: July 2008

The S-Factor: Sexy & Sensual



Life has taught Prince Vereham al a'Karim bin Hakar to control his emotions. Duty to his kingdom drives the enigmatic sheikh.

But one unexpected, intensely sexy encounter with inexperienced Samantha McLellan shakes Vere's steely control. And when he discovers that Sam could be betraying his country, he decides to blackmail her--into being his mistress!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

From the moment they collide in a hotel hallway, share a kiss they are both affected so strongly......was it fate?

The man, a sheikh and a proud and honourable ruler. Prince Vere has vowed he will never love again as to love only brings pain. As a young man he lost both of his parents and that pain has long stayed with him. Just one brief encounter with Samantha McLennan has reminded him he must never give in. However, desire and that one encounter never leave him. He sees Sam in his dreams and then on a trip to the desert he encounters her again.

Sam is shaken by the man and the kiss. She too cannot erase the memories out of her mind. It's painful, keeps her awake and when she takes an assignment to map the boundaries of a few Arab countries she believes she can shake those memories until she meets him again face to face.

Vere immediately puts up a wall and then one of her "jealous" co-workers puts it into his mind that Sam cannot be trusted. Vere seeks his brother's counsel and they decide to investigate her. He proposes a trip to the desert and then everything goes down hill from there. They act on their feelings and everything spirals out of control.

A wonderful love story with so much passion and pain and in the end Vere learns the lessons of love, trust and healing. A great sheikh book, excellently penned by Penny Jordan!

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



Reviewed by: Marilyn

ONE NIGHT, ONE BABY - Kate Hardy

Title: ONE NIGHT, ONE BABY

Author: Kate Hardy

Line: Harlequin Presents
Mills and Boon Modern Heat

Release month North America: August 2008, UK: December 2007 AZ: February 2008

The S-Factor: Sexy



Everyone seems to have forgotten Jane's birthday—but meeting handsome, brooding millionaire Mitch Holland gives her good reason to celebrate. The attraction between them is intense, but Mitch puts a strict limit on their time together: he can offer her one night only.

A few weeks later, Jane is still struggling to forget gorgeous Mitch—and their unforgettably sexy night together. Then she discovers she's pregnant….


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

From the moment they meet it’s immediate attraction and Jane has a goal to experience everything on her list because today is her birthday and family, friends and co-workers seem to have forgotten. On her list is to photograph a handsome man which she does drawing attention immediately to herself. Mitch is intrigued and invites her for coffee, then as they spend the day together and check off everything on her list, the attraction continues and leads into a night of passion.

Mitch is one attractive and vibrant man but he’s vowed never to commit because of a past experience in loosing a woman and baby he loved. Now he finds out that his one night with Jane has left her expecting his child. I promise the reader you are in for one moving and tearful read with One Night, One Baby as only Kate Hardy can deliver!

This is a story of so many dimensions, Jane’s “interesting” upbringing, her warm, loving and caring friends and housemates, Mitch’s occupation of being a “storm chaser”, just the whole dynamics makes for a truly enjoyable read.


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



Reviewed by: Marilyn

IN THE TYCOON'S BED - Kathryn Ross

Title: IN THE TYCOON’S BED

Author: Kathryn Ross

Line: Harlequin Presents


Release month North America/CA/UK: July 2008

The S-Factor: Sexy & Sensual



Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

This fierce and proud millionaire from the moment he set eyes on Nicole Connell thought only of having her as his mistress. And now she’s working as an executive at RJ Records during the day and in the evening occupies his bed.

Nicole left England behind when she was offered a position with RJ Records. She’s left behind an ex-husband who hurt her badly. For years she believed herself happily married and struggled to conceive a baby with no success. Then she learns her husband has been having an affair and they are expecting a baby. Will she ever trust again and give her heart?

Luke has commitment issues but he knows that he must continue to see Nicole but she has other ideas. When she realizes she’s fallen in love with her boss she decides to end the relationship before she’s hurt any further. Luke has other ideas and he’s not going to budge. RJ records are working on a very important business deal to purchase another company. The owner is insistent that whoever purchases his company must be married. Therefore, Luke comes up with a plan that will seal the deal and allow him to continue his relationship. He tells owner that he and Nicole are engaged to be married and that they will both fly to his exclusive island to seal the deal. The meeting goes well and so does their time alone together. In fact so well, that Nicole finds out she’s expecting.

Luke is shocked! He’s going to be a father. Nicole has other ideas…..she wants to return to England and raise the baby herself. She’s aware that Luke will never commit and she’s fine with being a single parent. Luke has other ideas.

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to wake a stubborn alpha and make him see the light and that’s in the end what happened to Luke Santana. This book was an amazing love story. I loved the way author Kathryn Ross used their lust, attraction and the pregnancy to bring them together. Luke’s realization that he loves Nicole will have you in tears.

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


Reviewed by: Marilyn

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.


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


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!

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

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!

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

“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!

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

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....?"


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

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!


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

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!

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

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!


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

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!

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

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.


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

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.


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

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!


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

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!

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

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.


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



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!

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



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!

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



Reviewed by: Marilyn Shoemaker