FALCO: THE DARK GUARDIAN (Orsini Brothers) – Sandra Marton

Author: Sandra Marton


Line: Mills and Boon Modern /Harlequin Presents

Release month: UK: AUG 2010 USA: NOV 2010

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back Blurb:

Revered businessman Falco Orsini has left life in the Special Forces behind—though he uses his powerful skills occasionally, when duty calls.

But duty is always on Falco's terms! When his estranged father asks him to protect a young model that is being stalked, he begrudgingly agrees…only because of the vulnerability he can see in her eyes.

Elle Bissette won't be a victim—she can take care of herself! And surely big, dark, devilish Falco is dangerous. Because one kiss from a man like him will leave her breathless….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

I’m never disappointed while reading a Sandra Marton romance and this series, the Orsini brothers has been exceptional. Falco: The Dark Guardian was tense, dangerous and full of sweet and tender romance. Like his brother’s, Falco Orsini was proud, arrogant and extremely handsome and a knight in shining armour.

Casare Orsini was the head of the mob and his sons absolutely did not approve. However, he had used the excuse he was dying and had asked his sons to help him and now he was enlisting the help of his son Falco. He owed a favor to an old friend who was a film director in Hollywood. One of his actresses was being stalked and threatened and she did not want the police involved. As Falco had served in the Army in Special Forces, his father requested that he fly out to California and be Elle Bissette’s bodyguard. His father had photos of her, she was beautiful and there was something in her eyes that drew him to her and made him want to protect her.

Elle Bissette had a secret past, even though she knew the threats were serious she didn’t want people to know about her past life. She had once been a model and then came the chance to star in a film. However, it wasn’t just the pictures of her she received in the mail with the threats, her stalker was now calling her at home. She didn’t want the world to know about where she came from and what had happened all of those years ago. Now she was faced with a darkly handsome man sent to protect her and she wasn’t going to have any of it! They argued and in the end, Falco won. However, not before yelling at each other and Elle was not going to let him take charge of her life.

What was it about Elle that attracted Falco? Was it her beauty, spirit or her fear? They fought, yet he followed her and then a series of things happened, from a break-in at her cabin, to her home where it was very clear to them both that the stalker was extremely dangerous. From time to time, there was some kissing, touching and barbs, it lead to a very fascinating story. I wondered who would kill who because they constantly fought and the barbs were given freely. Upon returning to her Hollywood home and seeing the mess, Falco took matters into his hands, hired a jet and took Elle to Maui where they lived in a secluded home.

Their relationship changed immediately. As shy and inexperienced as Elle was she knew she was attracted to him. When Falco kissed her, her fear of being intimate changed to desire and passion thanks to this Italian’s understanding and patience. Their days were romantic and incredible until Elle finally trusted Falco enough to tell him her story. Oh boy, what a story! And then he sent her away first with tears and then anger to keep her safe back to California with his friend. He said it was over! With the stalker dead he went home to New York in a bad temper!

I wondered how their story would end and Sandra Marton didn’t disappoint me. A beautifully written romance…..sweet and tender yet there was also anger and danger which had me sitting on the edge of my seat. In the end, they both were willing to make sacrifices to get their happy ending.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

BLACKWOLF’S REDEMPTION – Sandra Marton (Men Without Mercy)

Author: Sandra Marton
Line: Harlequin Presents / Mills and Boon Modern
Release month: North America/UK May 2010
The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back Blurb:

Jesse Blackwolf—uncompromising, determined and an undeniable success. He has no desire to deal with the outspoken bundle of femininity he's found trespassing on his land!

When Sienna Cummings awakes to find herself pressed against a muscled chest, she's shocked and stunned! Where is she? Who is this man who holds her so possessively with passion glinting in his eyes? It's more than confusion that makes Sienna's heart beat faster—she suspects his untamed wildness hides something that maybe only she can set free….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sandra Marton never disappoints and Blackwolf’s Redemption was an interesting and quite amazing romance one that took me from the year 2010 to the year of 1975 through time travel. This book is part of Men Without Mercy series and is described as “arrogant and proud, unashamedly male” and that certainly describes Jesse Blackwolf. He was an amazing alpha hero, one that willing to give up everything for the woman he loved.

Jesse and Sienna Cummings love story all began with summer solstice June 21, 2010 when Sienna an anthropologist and her team were in Blackwolf canyon and then Sienna is transported back in time through a series of events and she is found injured on a ledge by the dashing Jesse Blackwolf. However, the year is 1975. Jesse himself also experienced something that day in the canyon. He had ridden out into the canyon to say goodbye as he had some decisions to make about the possibility of selling his land and relocating to San Francisco. However, now he has this beautiful woman on his hands, a woman that attracts him beyond anything he’s ever experienced, a very mysterious and sexy woman who tempts him every step of the way.

Sandra Marton takes her reader on such an incredible and sensual journey plus it personally made me think about everything as a country we’ve overcome…..the Vietnam war, technology, women’s rights……all of it. Even though I don’t believe in time travel, thinking about it in the eyes of the heroine, I could well imagine how frightening and confusing it must have been for Sienna. And then the frustration to fall head over heals in love with a part Native American, a very rich and sexy one I might add and then to be thrust once again back into the year 2010, leaving the only man she loved behind?

Trust me, it’s a beautiful love story with two strong characters whose love is “timeless” with an incredible ending tying everything together by this very talented Presents author. As the inside cover states, it’s a Presents “with a retro twist….Step back in time to when men were men and women knew just how to tame them!”

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the book from Iheartpresents
A USA Today best seller
About the series from a Border’s post

DANTE: CLAIMING HIS SECRET LOVE CHILD – Sandra Marton (The Orsini Brothers)

Author:       Sandra Marton

Line:           Mills and Boon /
                  Harlequin Presents

Release month        UK:/ North America:  December 2009

The S-Factor:         SIZZLING AND SENSUAL

Back-Blurb:

Gabriella Ramos-Viera fell for Dante's raw masculinity and ended up pregnant and alone—with no choice but to return home in shame.

Tough corporate raider Dante Orsini has set his sights on a huge Brazilian ranch. However, he discovers it's to be inherited by Gabriella, the one woman he's never been able to forget…. But where's the New York career woman he once knew? And who's the dark-haired little boy who calls her Mommy?

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Dante Orsini like his other brothers is tall, dark, handsome, determined and rich. There is absolutely one word not allowed in his vocabulary and that’s “relationship”. He had everything a bachelor could possibly want, he was in the financial business with his brothers, he lived in a New York penthouse, had a red Ferrari and a private jet. And now his father the NYC crime boss has asked him to go to Brazil to purchase a ranch with a gleam in his eye and his parting remark ‘who knows, you might even find out something new.’

When Dante arrives at the broken down ranch he realizes two things that he wants to purchase it and return home immediately and secondly Brazil reminds of a woman he once dated Gabriella who was also from Brazil and honestly the only woman who had lately been creeping into his thoughts and he wanted to forget. They had dated several months and in the end, he had sent her away because he didn’t want any complications. Now he has an uneasy feeling when he walks into the ranch and finds out it’s actually being auctioned off. To his surprise, he’s sure he hears her voice and then the voice appears and they are both shocked because it is indeed “his” Gabriella. Call it fate? I don’t think so but they do and then everything spirals out of control and in the end Dante finds out he has an infant son, Daniel. The sale falls through so there is only one decent thing to due because Gabriella has no money and just looking at the baby who is the spitting image of Dante, he takes them back to his New York penthouse until they can sort out the mess.

Dante like his brother Rafe did in the first Orsini brothers book, takes time off from work, first to take care of Gabriella due to an illness and the baby. From then on their attraction is so strong, and in the end they can’t fight it. They live together, play and sleep together and it all comes rushing back to them both, all of the feelings, everything.

Gabriella Viera is not only a beautiful woman, she’s an honest one and has suffered many losses. First and foremost, Dante when he asked her to a restaurant, tried to give her diamond earrings and send her on her way. That very same evening when she was going to tell him she was expecting his baby. She had only once choice to go back home to Brazil because her father was dying and needed her care and then her brother became ill as well and also passed away. And now she’s back in New York with the same man who broke her heart unable to fight the attraction anymore and her heart aches when she sees him with his son yet she’s also aware this time if he sends her away she’ll never recover.

This was such a beautiful and romantic love story because you can just tell that even though Dante months earlier told her goodbye that he really never got over this incredible woman and now the passion is blazing between them and he’s getting to know their child, well it was just incredibly romantic and sweet. As far as Gabriella, it’s obvious she’s always loved him and sees also a new side of Dante one of being caring and tender with both of them. However, she’s also vulnerable but she’s also proud and determined to take care of her son and she’ll walk away if she has to.

Again, Sandra Marton charms her readers with Dante: Claiming His Secret Love-Child with this particular romantic tale using family, especially the brothers again, to help their brother Dante in need to see the light of something that was already in his heart, love. The first two books of this Orsini Brothers series have been a joy to read and I’m looking forward to reading Falco and Nick’s stories and see what the “don” has in store for them. Hopefully Sandra will also write about the Orsini sisters.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Author Post on I(heart)Presents:

"Cesare asks a favor of his second son.  This request seems simple. Will Dante fly to Brazil and help Cesare’s sick old friend by buying his ranch? Dante reluctantly agrees. It is, after all, a straightforward bit of business… so he thinks. But when Dante arrives in Brazil, he finds that his father’s friend has died and left the bankrupt ranch to his daughter, who turns out to be Dante’s former mistress, the one woman he’s never been able to forget. Gabriella Ramos-Viera wants no part of Dante. That’s fine. He wants no part of her, either, until long-simmering desire surfaces along with troubling news. Gaby has an infant son. Is the baby Dante’s? If so, what’s he going to do about it? Maybe the real question is, what will Gaby permit him to do? Nothing, she says… which means that arrogant Dante must take matters into his own hands."

RAFFAELLE: TAMING HIS TEMPESTUOUS VIRGIN – Sandra Marton (The Orsini Brothers)

Author:               Sandra Marton

Line:                   Mills and Boon Modern /
                           Harlequin Presents

Release month    UK: October 2009/
                          North America: November 2009

The S Factor:     Sensual and Sizzling

Back-Blurb:

Raffaele Orsini doesn't want a wife…

But when he meets his arranged bride Raffaele feels honor bound to marry her. She's not what he was expecting…but her dowdy clothes can't hide her lusciously feminine figure or her wildcat temperament!

Chiara Cordiano will not love her husband!

She's tried everything to avoid her fate, but in the blink of an eye Chiara is swept away from her quaint Sicilian town to New York! She wants to hate Rafe, but seduction is in his blood. With his dark, brooding looks and tempting masculinity, she'll be purring like a kitten!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

I defy people who are critical of romance novels especially the contemporary romance to not adore, love, cry and yes, laugh while reading Taming His Tempestuous Virgin, Raffaele’s story. The initial first chapters I absolutely died laughing. Sandra Marton is an extremely talented author and she’s written such an exceptional and emotional love story with the first book in the Orsini Brothers series.

I knew this would be a wonderful love story because I’m such a fan of Sandra Marton but I was knocked side ways with the fun and sexy humour plus the element the author always delivers the love, emotion and the passion. I can absolutely say I would rate this as one of my top ten picks for 2009.

The book begins with Raffaele and his brother being summoned to their father’s home. Their father who is the don, head of a crime family. Rafe agrees to return to his father’s birthplace Sicily to make amends but when he finds out what he father has in mind, he immediately refuses to wed the daughter of a Sicilian mobster. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun their meeting was, how everything falls apart and in the end he does marry her and they return to his New York home.

From reading the series description you realize just how incredible these Italian men are, as they’ve put their talents into honest and lawful business and they are extremely close. Rafe’s character description describes him as tall, dark and handsome and a savvy millionaire with absolutely no plans to marry. He’s devoted to his family with the exception of his father and is determined to get this mess over. However, when everything backfires and they return back to New York, that’s when things get messy, crazy and very very heated!

Chiara Cordiano is a sheltered virgin mistreated by her father and determined to run away when he tells her she is to marry her father’s old rival. She meets Rafe in the most amusing way, then things become somewhat crazy and she finds herself married and in New York city when all she knows is her small town in Sicily and the convent where she went to school. This sheltered spitfire is a marvellous heroine. She appears to be dowdy in her appearance but it’s misleading especially when she gets angry, she has a tainted view of marriage based on what her mother’s told her about men. She’s determined to buy her way out of her marriage.

Chiara also believes her new husband is just like both of their fathers and is involved in organized crime. With just a simple touch from Rafe, she goes berserk and he realizes he has a lot on his hands. She’s perfect for Rafe as he sees through her attempt to hide her beauty. He realizes something else a few brief kisses, that he desires her.

Rafe takes time off from work, they sightsee, dine out, things we would take for granted but for this sheltered virgin, she’s overwhelmed. A few stolen kisses which drive him crazy yet he wonders if she’s playing a game and then bam, they make love! Just when you think their marriage can become real, a series of things happen and Chiara flees. The forced marriage, the heat, the passion, tempers, plus confused feelings all make for an incredible romance. A true example of finding that perfect someone when least expected!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The Patriarch of a powerful Sicilian dynasty Cesare Orsini has fallen ill and he wants atonement before he dies.

One by one he sends for his sons – has a mission for each to help him clear his conscience.

His sons are proud and determined but they will do their duty – the tasks they undertake will change their lives forever!

They are the Orsini brothers who are darkly handsome – proud and arrogant. The perfect Sicilian husbands!

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

Author: Sandra Marton

Line: Mills and Boon / Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: April 2009 North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling & Sultry

Back-Blurb:

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

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

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Reviewed by: Marilyn

About the author:

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

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

THE SHEIKH'S REBELLIOUS MISTRESS - SANDRA MARTON

Title: THE SHEIKH’S REBELLIOUS MISTRESS

Author: SANDRA MARTON

Line:
Harlequin Presents: US: December 2008
Mills & Boon Modern Romance: UK: February 2009

The S-Factor: Simmering and Sensual

Back-Blurb:

For Sheikh Salim al Taj, it's strictly business. But one night with his employee Grace Hunter and his focus is changed— now he wants her exclusively!

When Salim ends their passionate affair, he can't believe it when Grace walks out on her job, apparently taking company secrets with her. He resolves to bring his runaway rebellious mistress to heel—slowly, pleasurably and mercilessly….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

The Sheikh's Rebellious Mistress was the last book in Sandra Marton's The Sheikh Tycoons series and was based on revenge due to embezzlement and getting even for walking away from a relationship. It's extremely entertaining, full of passion with a few twists and turns.

For sometime the handsome, powerful and wealthy sheikh Salim al Taj had stewed and vowed to find Grace Hudson and make her pay in more ways than one. She would pay dearly for ending the relationship, disappearing without a word and from lying and stealing from him. He would punish her himself and when he was through with her he would turn her over to the authorities.

Like all of the sheikhs in this series they were of modern thinking, were educated at Harvard, close friends, fierce, proud, loyal to their country and to each other. They felt royal marriages were based on duty, not emotion and relationships outside of marriage on fulfilment. In the end, they were wrong and each of them falls hard. Salim was no exception and you'll ache for him because he almost didn't get his second chance.

Grace Hudson was beautiful, smart, a hard worker, well spoken, had opinions and never hesitated to state them. She never mixed business with pleasure but when she met and worked for Salim, she fell hard and he broke her heart. As their relationship continued she felt he was distancing himself so she left before her could hurt her more and she could salvage what was left of her life.

Grace finds herself in a horrible situation. She's attending a conference with her boss in Bali and he forces himself on her. On top of that, Salim has tracked her down in Bali, witnesses the assault and intervenes. The only way Grace can get away from her horrible boss is to accept Salim's assistance by agreeing to return to the States. On the return trip to New York, Salim announces he's going to have her prosecuted and then their plane goes down. Salim being the desert warrior he is saves them both by swimming and finding a private island. Is Grace safe from Salim? You'll just have to read this beautiful love story to find out!

The Sheikh's Rebellious Mistress took my breath away. When Salim realizes two things........he's in love with Grace and she did not embezzle from him, your heart will break and you'll want to shake him and cheer him on at winning back her heart. Salim finally realizes "a man determined to be blind to love was capable of great stupidity". Be prepared for ups and downs and a lot of emotion as only Sandra Marton can pen.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

THE SHEIKH'S WAYWARD WIFE - Sandra Marton

Title: THE SHEIKH’S WAYWARD WIFE (The Sheikh Tycoons Series – Book 2)

Author: SANDRA MARTON

Line: Harlequin Presents
Mills and Boon Modern Romance

Release month North America: November 2008; UK: December 2008

The S-Factor: Simmering and Sensual



Sheikh Khalil al Hasim is more than happy to escort feisty Layla Addison back to his desert kingdom and hand her over to her betrothed. But he's almost as horrified as she is by the lecherous man she's being forced to marry!

With steely determination, Khalil demands she become his bride instead! Layla's powerless to resist his wicked good looks, but he's arrogant and overbearing. Has this rebellious bride just jumped from the frying pan into the fire?


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Now that her mother has passed away, it’s become important to Layla Addison to get to know her father who resides in a desert kingdom and find out the truth as to why her mother left him and raised her alone. She is led to believe by her father that he would like to get to know her. However, in the end, he’s a brut and a horrible man and uses her to gain profit by selling her to a despicable man to become his wife.

Sheikh Kahlil al Hasim like all desert princes is proud, extremely handsome, arrogant and not too pleased that he has been summoned home to Al Ankhara to meet with his father and the council. He’s had to put a multi-millionaire business deal and a new mistress on hold to return to his father and the desert. Kahlil has always known he was a part of Al Ankhara and someday he will need to lead his people. He’s spent a good part of his life pretending he wasn’t part of it

On the night of his return he observes someone dressed in the native dress walking directly into the ocean. He investigates and learns that this person is non-other than the beautiful Layla. What he eventually learns is of her betrothal to the “pig” of a man and like all warriors Kahlil feels he must save her from her fate, so he comes up with a plan. Kahlil also realizes that he must keep his father from being a part of a disastrous plan that would bring grief to his country. Duty and honour are part of him but at times, he wishes things were different!


Layla is an extremely lovely woman with such a spirit and fire it will warm your heart and she’s has walked into a mess in more ways than one. How can she escape this marriage and now she is under the protection of this sexy sheikh, at times it is more than she can emotionally endure. Will Kahlil’s plan work or will it backfire? This spitfire is constantly challenging this desert prince and he resorts to always kissing her into silence or submission.

Like all East meets West love stories, there are misunderstandings, frustrations and a sexual tension that heats up the pages as only Sandra Marton can pen in the Sheikhs Wayward Wife. Their desire and passion are immediately felt by the reader and Kahlil’s confusion as to what he is feeling and experiencing were a joy to read, especially his strong feelings in wanting to protect Layla and the means with which he did protect her.

This second book in the Sheikh Tycoon’s series was a sincere pleasure to read. Its passion and fire were so evident and had me wanting more and more and not wanting their beautiful love story to end.

Reviewed by Marilyn

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!

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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!


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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The Greek Prince's Chosen Wife by Sandra Marton

Title: The Greek Prince's Chosen Wife

Author: Sandra Marton

Line: Harlequin Presents/ M&B Modern

Release month USA/Canada: Sept UK / Aus: Aug

The S-Factor: Simmering

Back-Blurb:

Ivy Madison claims she's pregnant with Prince Damian Aristedes' baby, but he's never even met her! Is she just another gold digger, exploiting his wish for a son and heir?

But Ivy is expecting Damian's child—as a surrogate mother! The arrogant Greek is furious, but he's not about to let Ivy go. After all, he missed the pleasure of bedding her to conceive his baby….

Review:

The Greek Prince’s Chosen wife is the second book in Sandra Marton’s Billionaires’ Brides series and it is magnificent! It begins in such a “fierce” manner, with all kinds of interesting twists and turns.

Damian has been in a perpetual bad mood for months because his past mistress had lied and cheated. She went so far as to tell him she was pregnant not once but twice with his baby and now, she is dead. Therefore, when he sees a stunning woman emerge from a taxi he is taken back. It’s been months since he’s been with a woman and this beauty catches his eye.

Later on one learns this stunning woman is Ivy Madison and she is expecting his child and is the stepsister of his conniving past lover Kay. However, how can this be? He has never slept with Ivy so how can she be carrying his child and future heir? Damian sees Ivy as another conniving woman out to get him and his money but he turns the tables when he demands she return to Greece with him so he can watch over her pregnancy and make sure she doesn’t pull a fast one.

This proud Greek is just that…..proud, handsome, rich and stubborn and is determined he will win the battle and have his son. What he doesn’t count on is Ivy, this sweet, haunted and beautiful woman will reach something deep inside him and touch his heart.

This is such a lovely story especially in the final chapters. For starting out so forcefully, it’s ending is beautiful. Again, Sandra Marton has penned another emotional and passionate story in The Greek Prince’s Chosen Wife

Reviewed By: Marilyn

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From Sandra’s Blog: “I'm always heavily invested, emotionally, in my stories and my characters. They come alive for me and become part of my world. No, I'm not crazy; lots of writers describe this same kind of thing.” To find out more visit her Website or her Blog

Have you read this book or others but the same author? Add a comment - we'd love to hear from you!!!

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The Italian Prince's Pregnant Bride by Sandra Marton

Title: The Italian Prince's Pregnant Bride

Author: Sandra Marton

Line: Harlequin Presents

Release month; North America: April 2007 UK: June 2007

The S-Factor: Sizzling, Simmering and very Sexy!

Back-Blurb:

He had to have her, from the moment he saw her. No names, no strings, no seeing her ever again…….

It was payday for Prince Nicolo Barbieri. The Italian aristocrat's negotiations to take over Manhattan's SCB bank were about to bear fruit. But he wasn't expecting Aimee Black, granddaughter of the bank's current owner—who was pregnant with Nicolo's baby!

Nicolo felt duty bound to marry Aimee and give his child his name. But Aimee had other ideas about surrendering herself to this arrogant foreigner, who surely didn't love her!

Review:
Amazing is the only way to describe The Italian’s Pregnant Bride. From the very moment, I began reading Nicolo and Aimee’s story I knew I was in for an exceptional read. The emotion, passion and attraction these two people feel for each other will have you burning the midnight hours away as I promise you will not be able to put this book down.

This is the first book in Sandra’s Billionaire Brides trilogy and if every male character is as charismatic as Nicolo, then the reader is in for sensational entertainment. You get a glance of each of this European princes’ and find they are old school friends, all wealthy, talented, sinfully handsome and have no interest in marriage.

Both of these characters so very dynamic, especially Aimee Black, who one learns later is the granddaughter to James Black the very man Nicolo is to meet later that week.


Nicolo is on a mission to add a New York bank to his empire, which he felt, would be his crown jewel. Therefore, he has travelled to Manhattan to meet with James Black. On his way his hotel, he literally bumps into a stunning woman who is so “prickly” and bad tempered that he kisses her in order to silence her…..had he gone mad? Later, he runs into her at a “private club” owned by a friend and shares an evening of passion with this mystery woman. She flees in the morning and he has absolutely no idea of her identity. Aimee has haunted him because of her insults and not accepting his apology. As he gets to know her he admires her defiance, her passion, her determination, fire and courage.

As luck would have it, he sees her again at the bank meeting and a bomb is dropped on both of them……James Black wants a union, a marriage if the sale is to go though. On top of everything else, Aimee learns she is carrying Nicolo’s child, a result of their night of passion. Of course being the strong alpha male he demands that they marry to give his heir the

Aimee lost her parents at a young age, had never felt loved by her grandfather who raised her upon her parents death. She had always tried to prove herself and was in hopes of someday being promoted to the top to replace her grandfather at the helm of the privately owned and prestigious bank Stafford-Coleridge-Black. Aimee appears to be a strong person but underneath she was lonely and my heart ached for her especially when she realized she had left herself behind and began to ponder what she might have been……

This is where their journey begins….it’s such an unbelievable rollercoaster ride it will have you crying, your heart thumping and anxious to learn more about these two wonderful people. Sandra Marton has yet again, written a beautiful and entertaining story and for me, it will go on my top ten list for 2007.

Reviewed By: Marilyn

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From Sandra’s Blog: “I'm always heavily invested, emotionally, in my stories and my characters. They come alive for me and become part of my world. No, I'm not crazy; lots of writers describe this same kind of thing.” To find out more visit her Website or her Blog

Have you read this book or others but the same author? Add a comment - we'd love to hear from you!!!

Get 2 FREE books and a FREE gift from Harlequin Presents. Click here now!

The Italian Prince's Pregnant Bride by Sandra Marton

Title: The Italian Prince’s Pregnant Bride

Author: Sandra Marton

Line: Harlequin Presents

Release month:August 2007

The S-Factor:Simmering

Back-Blurb:

It was payday for Prince Nicolo Barbieri. The Italian aristocrat's negotiations to take over Manhattan's SCB bank were about to bear fruit. But he wasn't expecting Aimee Black, granddaughter of the bank's current owner—who was pregnant with Nicolo's baby! Nicolo felt duty bound to marry Aimee and give his child his name. But Aimee had other ideas about surrendering herself to this arrogant foreigner, who surely didn't love her!

Review:
The inimitable Sandra Marton is back with a fabulous new trilogy featuring three gorgeous European princes who find themselves doing the unthinkable – falling in love. The first title in the new Billionaire’s Brides mini-series, The Italian Prince’s Pregnant Bride, is an intense romantic tale that will keep you riveted until the final page.

Aimee Black is absolutely furious when her grandfather refuses to hand over the reins of his beloved Stafford Coleridge Bank for the simple reason that she’s a female. She’s so angry that on leaving his office, she can’t see for her rage and walks straight into the arms of a gorgeous Italian prince who cannot get the feisty American out of his mind.

When Prince Nicolo Barbieri tracks her down, their attraction is so intense that they end up making love – and before long, Aimee is pregnant with the Italian prince’s baby.

Nicolo proposes a marriage of convenience for the sake of their baby – even though Aimee cannot help wishing that their marriage was the real thing.

The always fabulous Sandra Marton will enchant and captivate her readers with The Italian Prince’s Pregnant Bride. Her two characters leap off the pages and the novel’s intoxicating blend of passion, drama and emotion make this book another classic read by this hugely talented author.

Reviewed: Julie

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Did you know that Sandra's favorite days are either sunny ones when she can sit on her deck and watch the birds at their feeders., or cloudy ones when she can curl up by the fireplace with a book.? To find out more, why not visit her website or her Blog

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