HIRED: THE ITALIAN'S BRIDE - Donna Alward

Title: HIRED: THE ITALIAN’S BRIDE

Author: DONNA ALWARD

Line: Harlequin Romance

Release month: June

The S-Factor: Sensual and Stirring

Back-Blurb:

Dream Job – enter hot new Italian boss!

Mariella Ross has built a new life for herself at the Fiori Cascade hotel, and she isn’t going to allow the new owner’s devil-may-care attitude to disrupt her hard work! Even if Luca Fiori’s laid-back charm and infectious smile are giving her butterflies. . .

Luca’s showing Mari a side of life she’s almost forgotten. Overcoming her dark past won’t be easy, but with Luca by her side, Mari’s beginning to feel that anything might be possible. . .

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Mariella (please call me Mari) Ross almost disliked Luca before she even met him. She frowned on his way of life. She was worried he was going to disrupt hers. But most of all, she was afraid. Afraid? Afraid of what?

Luca Fiori had it all – good looks, charming personality, good work ethics, money. . . But he didn’t seem to have what it took to break down the walls Mari had built around herself. Luca was a “toucher”. He got quite a start, though, when he touched Mari and she nearly jumped out of her skin, and very quickly told him to never touch her again. Being the smart person he was, it didn’t take him long to realize that Mari was afraid of personal contact.

Luca didn’t get where he was by giving up, so he devised ways to show Mari that she was safe with him. One by one he broke down her barriers, until finally, she trusted him.

Donna Alward once again shows her command of the written word. She draws you right into this wonderful love story. What I loved most about this book is the way Donna gave her hero such insight in handling a very volatile situation. Donna wrote about a subject that a lot of seasoned writers stay away from. Abuse is a topic that we’ve all heard about, that way too many have lived with, but Donna wrote about it with understanding and deep feeling. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.

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

Reviewed by: Donna B

LOVE COMES HOME and A SHELTERING LOVE - Terri Reed

Title: Love Comes Home, and A Sheltering Love

Author: Terri Reed

Line: Love Inspired Classics

Release month: March 2009

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back-Blurb:

Love Comes Home

Twelve years ago, Dr. Rachel Maguire followed her faith into medicine, choosing her career over love. But time never diminished her feelings for Josh Taylor, and now God is giving Rachel another chance – if she can overcome the pain of the past.

A Sheltering Love

With her faith as strong as her shoulders, Claire Wilcox opens a shelter for runaways. But it’s her mysterious handyman who causes her sleepless nights. As their attraction grows, Nick Andrews must decide if he can trust in God’s power to heal.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Love Comes Home
Doctor Rachel Maguire was home. It had been a long time, but now she was home. She had taken a leave of absence from her job in order to care for her dying foster mom. Not the happiest of circumstances, made even more stressful by the appearance of Josh. Josh Taylor was the man she had left behind in order to become a doctor. Quite the sticky situation -- especially when Mom G asks her and Josh to look after each other after she’s gone.

Josh Taylor had wanted to marry Rachel as soon as they graduated from high school. He was determined she was never going to work, but would be his wife and the mother of his children, and her life would be full enough doing that. But Rachel had other ideas. She saw no reason why she couldn’t be a mother and a doctor. So they had parted ways. But now their paths had crossed again.

What would they do with the promise they had made to mom G? What did Rachel think of the young boy that appeared, calling Josh “dad”? Why did she have such a struggle to force herself to go into the emergency room?

A Sheltering Love

Claire Wilcox was opening a shelter for runaway teens. She didn’t need anyone around who was antagonistic toward the teens whose trust she was trying to win. So why did Nick Andrews decide he needed to be her handyman? What was in it for him? Why did he seem to have such hatred for the young strays Claire was determined to bring home? And why did it seem that time after time, Nick was the one who “came to the rescue”?

In both these books, Terri Reed shows her talent with words by pulling you into the story right from the start. She uses her experience to make many twists and turns in each story, heightening the tension between hero and heroine until you can hardly wait to read one page before going on to the next.

Two powerful stories, each showing the love of God, and bringing a happy ending to two wonderful couples.

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

Reviewed By: Donna B

THE BABY DOCTOR'S BRIDE - Jessica Matthews

Title: THE BABY DOCTOR’S BRIDE

Author: JESSICA MATTHEWS

Line: MILLS AND BOON MEDICAL


Release month: May

The S-Factor: Secretive and Sensual

Back-Blurb:

A bride to come home to

Pediatrician Ivy Harris needs help with her new medical practice – and fast. Discovering that a retired pediatrician has moved into Danton, she beats a path to his door – to find a mesmerizing man who is very much in his prime!

Ethan Locke is quick to refuse his help. Blaming himself for the loss of his son and the break-up of his relationship, he’s given up on treating children and dealing with women. But there’s something about Ivy that soon has Ethan ensconced at the practice and in Ivy’s life. He’s starting to feel whole again, but there is something he needs to do. Ivy can only let him go, and pray that he’ll come back and make her his bride. . .

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

This book opens with immediate tension between Ivy Harris and Ethan Locke as Ivy confronts him with her need for help in her pediatric practice. I have to hand it to her – she refused to back down no matter how many times he said “no”. Her parting shot, though, was a low blow in the dark. “You don’t have any children, do you? I wonder how you’d feel if you had a sick son or daughter and the doctor who could treat him refused. . .”

Imagine her surprise when he showed up at her practice not long after that, ready and willing to help her (with stipulations, of course). But any help was better than none, so she gladly accepted his stipulations.
Thus began an exciting and stimulating relationship. At least she thought so. Then things happened that made her wonder just what kind of pediatrician he was, and how experienced he was. Why had he not told her more about his training and experience? Why keep it a secret that he was a specialist in the NICU? What had happened to him that he felt he could no longer practice as a doctor?

Jessica Matthews has a knack for writing realistic, down-to-earth romance. Her heroes are believable, and her heroines are strong and self-sufficient.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to the next one from Ms Matthews.

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

Reviewed by: Donna B

VALENTINO'S LOVE-CHILD - Lucy Monroe

Title: VALENTINO’S LOVE-CHILD

Author: Lucy Monroe

Line: Harlequin Presents/Mills and Boon Modern

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

The S-Factor: Sensual and Sizzling

Back-Blurb:

Under the Sicilian sun, Valentino’s mistress tempts him like no other!

Their relationship is scorching, its intensity unmatched, the desire indescribable. Only, love can never be mentioned....
But Faith, his stunning, intriguing American lover, is testing his resolve. He said he’d never marry again, that his principles won’t allow it.

The one person to tame the untamable Valentino is Faith—the woman who’s carrying his child....

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Valentino’s Love-Child is explosive, passionate, intense and just plain wonderful and it’s no surprise because the author of this fabulous book is Lucy Monroe.

Tino as he’s affectionately called by his family and lover Faith is one sexy Sicilian, a successful business man, and is one extremely stubborn Italian. From the very beginning one can tell that Tino’s appetite for Faith is one that at times he doesn't understand and for the time being he’s happy being in the relationship. Why one might ask? Because everything is going his way….no strings, no promises and she is always available and never asks for more. He absolutely adores her but one will learn Tino really doesn't know much about her plus the fact that he hasn't admitted to her that when his wife died he made a grave side promise.

Faith is a talented artist and teacher and a very brave woman. She has secrets about her past. She also has another secret which she’s kept from Tino. Before she met him, Faith met his mother and she’s become a dear friend. Due to the friendship, it was suggested Faith teach art at his son’s school. She’s kept her relationship with his mother and son to herself. As Faith’s story unfolds one will learn she’s just not talented, she’s also very brave.

Faith’s struggle in the end when it’s revealed she’s carrying his child and her absolute and unconditional love for the baby she’s carrying plus her relationship turmoil will have you crying. However, Faith is not the only one who struggles, Tino does as well because he can't let go of past memories.

Lucy Monroe couldn't have chosen her heroine’s name any better because Faith, most definitely has faith as well as hope and in the end for this couple their love shines through in this magnificent romance one you definitely won't want to miss.

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

Reviewed by: Marilyn

Fun news about the Author:

Valentino's Love-Child is Lucy's 20th full length Presents! And Watch Over Me will be her 45th original release!!! Stop by Lucy’s blog here and give her suggestions on how to celebrate these two important events!

IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE - MICHELLE STYLES

Title: Impoverished Miss, Convenient Wife

Author: Michelle Styles

Line: Mills and Boon Historical Romance

Release Date: April 2009

The S-Factor: Simmering

Back Blurb:

His unexpected bride…

Wealthy landowner Simon Clare shuns Northumbrian society. With his son gravely ill, the last thing Simon needs is an interfering woman assuming command of his household and nursing young Robert – no matter how sensuous her figure, or how tempting her luscious lips.

Phoebe Benedict knows what it is to struggle, and finds herself drawn to the badly scarred recluse. Despite his tough exterior, she knows that Simon is a father who yearns for his son to recover – and a man who misses the tender embrace of a woman…

Review:

Michelle Styles' latest, Impoverished Miss, Convenient Wife is a superb Regency re-telling of Beauty and the Beast which will just leave you breathless. A sensational tale of second chances, triumphing against adversary and everlasting love, this emotional historical is not to be missed.

Wealthy landowner Simon Clare had become a recluse after an accident left him scarred and unable to walk properly. Locking himself away in his manor, Simon had refused to see anyone and instead chooses to spend his time unleashing all of his temper on his ever-changing staff, whilst willing his son Robert to get better. Simon, however, is useless as a nurse and he needs his sister, Diana, to return to Northumberland in order for her to look after Robert. But Diana is unable to come and sends in her stead her husband's second cousin, Phoebe Benedict.

Simon is aghast that his sister has sent a harpy to look after his son. Simon cannot believe that a mere slip of a girl like Phoebe could possibly know the first thing about nursing children. But Simon is soon surprised by this strong, feisty and enigmatic young woman. Although he'd first dismissed her capabilities, Simon soon finds himself seeing his son's nurse in a new light. But with his limp and scarred face, would a woman like Phoebe ever consent to being his wife?

Michelle Styles' latest is a beautifully-told, wonderfully written and utterly absorbing historical Regency that I defy anyone to put down once they've read the first page. Imbued with so much style, emotion, humour, charm and intense romance, Impoverished Miss, Convenient Wife is outstanding historical romantic fiction at its best!

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

A COWBOY'S PROMISE - Marin Thomas

Title: A Cowboy’s Promise
Author: Marin Thomas
Line: Harlequin American Romance
Release month: April 2009

The S-Factor: Sensual and Sweet

Back-Blurb:

She had a weakness for Cowboys

Her horse-boarding business may have gone belly-up, but Amy Olsen isn’t a quitter. Even when handsome former rodeo rider Matt Cartwright shows up with three mares in tow, claiming he’s owed a lot of money. Then he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. . .

Matt has come to Amy’s Idaho farm to collect a debt and be on his way. But his horse-breeding plans are taking a backseat to helping out the widow and her two young daughters. Matt’s never been able to resist a woman in distress, especially one who’s suddenly making him yearn for hearth and home.

All he came with was a promise and a dream. And when he starts falling for the trio of spirited females, darned if this roving cowboy doesn’t plan to make good on both!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Amy’s husband, Ben, had been dead for only a little over three months, yet she was in dire financial straits. He had been a gambler, and had literally taken every cent they had to their names and gambled it away. She had been left with the land that had been in her mother’s family for generations, mortgaged to the hilt, and very little else. So when Matt shows up to collect on a debt owed him by Ben, he’s out of luck. Or is he?

It was rather foolish of Matt to load his three mares into his trailer and trek half-way across the continent, but he was determined to breed his mares to Son of Sunshine, a stallion owned by Ben Olsen. But what a surprise he gets when he arrives. Ben is dead. And Ben’s widow doesn’t even want to give him the time of day. Is it him? Or would it be any cowboy who happened to come along?

This is book two in the Men Made in America miniseries by Marin Thomas. It is every bit as good as book one. The brothers may be thousands of miles away from each other, but they both still react to a woman in distress the same way.

Marin comes up with some really great twists in this book to liven things up and keep you on your reading toes. It’s not a comedy, but I still had a good laugh when Matt punches. . . well, I’ll leave that for you to find out.

Marin’s way with words is surpassed only by her imagination. She can think of amazing things to make happen in a story, and her use of the language makes them all very believable, and fit right in to the story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

Reviewed by: Donna B

NAUGHTY NIGHTS IN THE MILLIONAIRE'S MANSION - Robyn Grady

Author: Robyn Grady

Line: Mills and Boon Modern Heat
Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: May 2009/ Aus/NZ: July 2009
North America: August 2009

The S-Factor: Sweet & Sexy


Back-Blurb:

Hot-shot in the boardroom – blazing in the bedroom! Dynamic and drop-dead gorgeous, in two weeks’ time Sydney millionaire Mitch Stuart will be president of his family’s empire – and he won’t allow himself any distractions… Enter Vanessa Craig!
Vanessa’s working hard to keep her little business afloat, although she can’t help but care more about the pets in her store than pennies in the bank.
Mitch steps in to help her in the only way he knows: financially. But Vanessa’s bewitching kisses threaten his hard-and-fast corporate rule: not to mix business with pleasure…

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Mitch Stewart learned well from his father, about honour, respect and taking care of his family. He’s extremely successful in business as the President of an investment firm which leaves little time for relaxation so he decides to get a pet fish which he names Kamikaze. For Mitch, meeting the owner of the pet shop is quite an experience and the attraction between is immediate. He soon learns that being a pet owner has it challenges as the fish won’t stay in his bowl, so he finds the business card and calls the owner Vanessa requesting a house call.

Vanessa Craig is sweet, lovely and has two problems. The day that Mitch Stuart entered her pet shop she had never seen a man quite like him and even though she’s attracted to him, she immediately knows that he is out of her league. She has a lot on her mind, she is in desperate need of a business loan or she’ll loose her shop. When Mitch calls her to make a house call because his fish keeps leaping out of its bowl, she obliges him and then things change for several reasons. Vanessa shares her personal financial information and a kiss which should have not happened. Their attraction for each other is breathtaking and even though they both fight it life becomes very complicated. It becomes complicated for several reasons as Mitch steps in with a personal loan & it hurts Vanessa in the end when she learns the truth. On top of everything, she meets his mother who definitely does not approve of her and she falls head over heels for Mitch. As far as his feelings everything he does, it’s for Vanessa….the loan and he also faces the possibility of loosing a promised promotion.

Robyn Grady has written one of the sweetest and romantic love story in Naughty Nights in the Millionaire’s Mansion. Both characters had so much depth and so much love to give each other you won’t want to miss out on reading Vanessa and Mitch’s story. Their journey is not only sweet due to Mitch’s constant attention and belief in Vanessa; it’s basically prince charming coming to the rescue. Vanessa’s determination to walk away because she knew she wouldn’t fit in with his lifestyle, pure sacrifice for the man she adored.

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

Reviewed by: Marilyn

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:

Captured by the warrior! 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…

Wessex Weddings

Normans and Saxons, conflict and desire

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♥♥♥♥♥
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FORCED WIFE, ROYAL LOVE-CHILD - Trish Morey

Author: Trish Morey

Line: UK: Mills & Boon Modern Romance - April 2009
AUS: Harlequin Mills & Boon Sexy - May 2009
North America: Harlequin Presents - April 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Sienna Wainwright has one passionate night with international financier Rafe Lombardi before he unceremoniously casts her out of his bed. Sienna hopes never to see his seductively arrogant face again, but six weeks later their world changes—forever….

Rafe is no longer just a billionaire, but is revealed as the prince of Montvelatte. What's more, Sienna is pregnant—with his twins! What choice does she have now? Rafe is determined to claim his heirs and take Sienna as his royal wife!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Rafe is one handsome and rich prince who was determined to have the lovely Sienna at any cost. After one night of passion he is called home and doesn’t explain the situation to Sienna which hurts her deeply. Now months later she arrives on his island in her company’s helicopter bringing a prospective bride. Rafe recognizes Sienna immediately and insists she stay literally holding her captive.

Sienna is doomed; she is so attracted to Rafe it’s not funny and on top of everything she carrying his twin babies. He is now making sure she doesn’t leave his island and insists they will marry as she is carrying the heirs he and his country so desire. Can she endure being held captive on this island and marry him when he doesn’t love her?

What I loved about Forced Wife, Royal Love-Child were many things; 1) they both came up the hard way he the illegitimate son of the crown prince and she was raised by a single mother; now she has her dream job as a helicopter pilot. 2) the legend of the Island of Monvelatte and it’s beauty 3) her strength to stand up to him 4) his arrogance and when she was faced with danger how he came to realize there were more important things than avoiding love 5) their shared passion, it was just plain spectacular

Again Trish Morey has written a beautiful and powerful love story and I’m hoping one of her future books will feature Rafe’s friend Sebastino or his sister Marietta.


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

Reviewed by: Marilyn Shoemaker

Tidbit about author:

It’s been on Borders Group/WaldenBook list now for two weeks. http://www.trishmorey.com/

SAVAS' DEFIANT MISTRESS - ANNE MCALLISTER

Author: Anne McAllister
Line: Harlequin Presents/Mills and Boon Modern Romance
Release Months: NA (April 09)/UK (May 09)
The S Factor: Sizzling

Back Blurb:

The friction between Sebastian Savas and his new employee is instant. But unfortunately, the lusciously curvy Neely Robson is also the tenant in the property he just added to his portfolio.

Neely cannot share her home with iceman Savas: the tension is palpable! On the surface she can take it, but underneath, Sebastian is making her quiver!

Living and working with Neely, Seb realizes he's made an error. But the benefits of discovering Neely's inexperience in the bedroom far outweigh the annoyance of being wrong!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Anne McAllister's latest Harlequin Presents, Savas' Defiant Mistress is pure romantic brilliance! Moving, witty, fast-paced and simply fantastic, this is one book you will not be able to put down!

Sebastian Savas needs a bolt hole to retire to in order to escape from his family's incessant chatter when they all swoop in on him for their sister's Vangie's wedding. Sebastian is desperate for some silence and some time to relax and when one of his colleagues informs him that he's thinking of selling his houseboat, he buys the property sight unseen and sets off towards his refuge, unaware that his sanctuary is already occupied by a woman whom he absolutely cannot stand: Neely Robson.

Neely is less than pleased when she finds out that her dream home has been bought by the one man whom she just cannot stand the sight of. Neely had worked with Sebastian before and the arrogant Greek had dismissed her designs as being too girly and pink! Sebastian might be the new owner of the houseboat, but Neely is not about to let him bully her out of her home. But will the fiery designer be able to cope with living with the man she purports to despise?

Thrown together by fate, Neely and Sebastian soon find themselves getting used to one another. As their mutual dislike gives way to a sizzling attraction which they cannot deny, Neely and Sebastian find themselves giving in to temptation.

But both Neely and Sebastian had sworn off relationships. However, when they realize that sexual attraction has developed into love, will they be strong enough to let go of their insecurities and just leap headlong into everlasting romance?

Refreshingly original, wonderfully moving and fabulously absorbing, Savas' Defiant Mistress is another Anne McAllister classic! Fall in love with feisty and independent Neely and gorgeous but guarded Seb in this amusing, enthralling and thoroughly captivating romance by this RITA award-winning author!

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