THE PLAYBOY SHEIKH’S VIRGIN STABLE-GIRL - Sharon Kendrick

Author: Sharon Kendrick

Line: Mills and Boon/Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: June 2009/North America: August 2009 (The Royal House of Karedes)

The S-Factor: Sensual

Back-Blurb:

Polo-playing sheikh Prince Kaliq Al'Farisi loves his women as much as his horses. They're wild, willing, and he's their master!

Stable girl Eleni is a local Calistan. Raised by her brutal father on the horse-racing circuit, she feels unlovable. When her precious horses are given to Sheikh Kaliq, she refuses to be parted from them.

The playboy sheikh is determined to bed Eleni—and when Kaliq realizes she's a virgin, the challenge only becomes more interesting….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

If you want an intense and a dominating sheikh who demands, commands and expects respect and obedience then The Playboy Sheikh’s Virgin Stable-Girls is for you. In all of my years of reading the sheikh genre, never have I read such a book with a sheikh as bold as Kaliq.

One learns that Kaliq and Eleni met when he arrived at her father’s to play cards. Eleni’s father has her posing as his servant girl and looses his prize race horse to the sheikh which actually is Eleni’s horse whom she adores. When he looks into her beautiful green eyes and sees that she has a special way of dealing with horses, he takes her from her childhood home and brings her back to his palace as his stable girl. She fascinates him, especially her eyes and her innocence and he nicknames her “lizard”.

Sheik Kaliq is a very proud man and one who has a secret which torments him. His sweet stable girl for some reason brings out feelings in him and one day she notices his physical scars and questions how they came to be. Kaliq reveals that he and his brother years ago were held captive while watching their brother and he was swept out to sea and never found again, a secret he had never told to another woman. He then realizes he’s attracted to her and starts the seduction.

For Eleni, her life since her mother died has been a dismal one, waiting on her father and taking care of her horse have been her life. Now she’s living in the palace, working with horses, has a new wardrobe and a sheikh who tells her it’s her duty to be available for her sheikh. Starting with a slow seduction, she’s afraid yet intrigued. When he tells her he’s taking her to England, she’s overwhelmed. However, being the master seducer that he is, he tutors Eleni in the art of love. He also makes it very clear that he doesn’t “do permanent” and she’s determined to please him so much that should he leave her he’ll be hurt remembering their time together.

At times this was hard for me to read as I felt she was being taken advantage of yet sometimes her character surprised me with her strength and insight into her lover. In the end after this demanding sheikh realizes he’s blocked out emotion and he understands why. Somewhere along the way Eleni forced him to confront his deepest fears and when he realized that, the reader will forget how demanding and at times how cruel his remarks were to Eleni. All in all, I enjoyed The Playboy Sheikh’s Virgin Stable-Girl especially when I read about him coming to terms with his past and what Eleni had brought to their relationship.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

PIRATE TYCOON, FORBIDDEN BABY - Janette Kenny

Author: Janette Kenny

Line: Mills and Boon Modern/Harlequin Presents

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

The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back-Blurb:

The pirate tycoon: Brooding, dangerous hotel tycoon André Gauthier has whisked Kira across the Caribbean Sea to his stunning island hideaway. He doesn't just want to bed her with a ruthless passion…he wants revenge!

The kidnapped mistress: One hot touch has Kira desperate to slip back between André's sheets! But first she must tell him that she's having his baby….André is convinced Kira betrayed him with his enemy.

He has to uncover the secret she's hiding—if he's to claim his child!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Janette Kenny has written a sensual, powerful and real winner with Pirate Tycoon, Forbidden Baby. It has everything Presents fans will want in a romance, revenge, attraction, lust and secrets, lots of them.

The reader learns that Andre Gauthier and Kira Montgomery have a short past as she was sent to negotiate a deal with Andre, and everything was turned upside down when they acted on their attraction one evening and then the press arrived and Andre felt betrayed.

Now Andre has the upper hand and is threatening to take away the only place Kira calls home, a five star hotel Chateau Mystique. There’s been enough scandal and she just wants what’s hers, what was promised to her by her deceased boss (secretly know father) Edouard Bellamy, the majority of his shares. One also learns that she’s never to reveal per parentage nor that Edouard paid for most everything in her life as her mother gave her up. For Kira, she’s led very lonely life and now she has an even bigger secret, she’s pregnant.

Andre is one handsome and successful millionaire and is out for revenge.
A revenge that isn’t revealed until much later. His focus is on a take-over and getting revenge from not only Kira but also Edouard’s son he believes was in on the plans and she was his mistress.

Revenge, secrets, sadness and accusations every step of the way. Not to mention the powerful attraction they both feel for each other as well as the passion they share. Just when I thought they wold have a chance, they would take a step back. However, when he learns she’s expecting, then an accident, everything goes spiraling out of control.

For Kira, the men in her life had used her, Andre, her father, her stepbrother and her attorney. However, in her child she would always have Andre, the man she loved but her could never love her because of who her family was and what they had also caused his family. He had his revenge but she had no closure. You will love how Kira decides to get her closure and when Andre realizes how much he truly wants her the the baby in his life forever. As they say, love heals all!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

STRAIGHT FROM THE HIP - Susam Mallery

Author: Susan Mallery

Line: HQN

Release month UK/North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Izzy has always been the fearless Titan sister. But when an oil rig blows up, leaving her barely able to see, her sisters find themselves as concerned by her emotional withdrawal as by the possibility that the explosion was no accident. Are the mind games their long-lost brother Garth has been playing turning physical? Or is someone else out to get them?

When her sisters enroll her in a survivor training camp, Izzy is not happy. Nick, her instructor, is determined that she won't be left in the dark. In more ways than one. But if he tells her the terrible truth behind why he's helping her, he'll never see her again. Unless they're both willing to take the biggest risk of all.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

An amazing cast of characters and an extremely powerful and potent love story as only Susan Mallery can write! This is the youngest sister's Izzy's story where in Lip Service we learn Izzy has been involved in an explosion which has caused her severe vision problems. On top of that, her new found step brother is thought to be the cause as he wants not only to take down her father but the three Titan sisters as well.

I can't say enough positive things about this series, The Lone Star Sisters. Once you begin to read them you'll certainly understand and each book keeps one wanting more which surely is a sign of how talented Susan Mallery is and what's made her loved by this particular reader and reviewer and put her on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Izzy of all the Titan sisters seems the most spirited so when she's kidnapped by the strong, sexy Nick and taken to his ranch, she feels "like she's been tossed out in the trash". How could her sisters do this to her? She can't see, has no home or inheritance like her sisters and now a stranger is taking her, trying to talk her into having surgery which could leave her blind and on top of everything else wants her to work on his ranch taking care of his horses.

The cast of characters from Nick, to his gay PA Aaron, his cook and Rita who is in charge of the stables, are quite the group. Then add to the mix her horrible father Jed Titan, her out for revenge brother Garth who has a friendship with Nick, her beautiful sisters, Lexi and Skye and friend Dana, its fabulous is all I can say.

Life has dealt Izzy lemons in the form of a father who only wants to use her, a dead mother whom when alive never gave her the time of day and now she could possibly live in darkness for the rest of her life even if she has the surgery. However, she turns everything into lemonade and on top of it all falls in love with Nick who has secrets and is tormented by his past.

It's more than a love story; it's a story about why love is important. As Mallery says "love is the only thing that makes us strong. It's all that matters in the end. Who we love and who loves us."

When Nick and Garth's past are revealed it makes one understand why it's hard for Nick to love but only casts more mystery on Garth and why he's out to hurt his sisters even though it's not hard to understand why he wants to take Jed Titan down. However, in the end one gets a glimpse of what the fourth book in the series, Hot on Her Heels is going to be about and I can't wait!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh

Author: Kate Hardy


line: Presents (Modern Heat)


Release month: July 2009


The S Factor: Sensual

Red-hot nights with a desert prince!

Karim al-Hassan can have any woman he wants, and sexy little waitress lily Finch is in his sights. One glance leads to a searing kiss - and a hunger that Karim plans to satisfy with a temporary fling.

But lily is more than just a waitress. Successful and career-focused, she is determined never to mix business with pleasure again - until playboy Karim's slow seduction breaks her resistance! Soon Karim is breaking his own rules: he wants lily in his bed - for ever!

Kate Hardy has penned another winner with this book. Karim was easy to love while remaining alpha not only as the future ruler of his nation but as a man. He saw what he wanted and pursued it with a single minded relentlessness that can only be admired - lily.

lily has been let down very badly in the past and is wary of Karim. If she tells herself they will have a sexy fling until Karim has to go back home, she thinks it will work. She does not anticipate losing her heart and is faced with a heartbreaking choice - to marry the man she loves but give up everything she has worked towards for years.

Karim knows lily is everything the wife of a Sheikh should not be. If he marries the woman he loves, he will let down his family. I truly could not see how I was going to get my Happy Ever After with this book. However, with masterful writing and skillful insight, Kate Hardy managed to pull this off. And then some. The end had me crying - which, to me, is aways the sign of a fantastic read.

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SINGLE FATHER: WIFE AND MOTHER WANTED

Author: Sharon Archer

Line: Medical Romance

Release Date: July 2009

The S- Factor Sweet

Back Blurb:

Needed: a mother for his son Caring vet Caitlin Butler-Brown has come to this small Australian town to find the family she’s never known – but she’ll never admit that her eagerness to stay has anything to do with gorgeous GP Matt Gardiner!

Whether she’s delivering foals or mothering abandoned puppies, Caitlin has well and truly captured the dedicated single dad’s heart – and has certainly put the smile back on his young son’s face. Caitlin longs to fulfil all their dreams and become part of their family permanently – but first she has a secret to reveal. A secret that could change everything…

Review:

Sharon Archer's debut romance for Medical is absolutely stunning! Warm-hearted, poignant and simply fantastic, Single Father: Wife and Mother Wanted heralds the start of an exciting career for an author many are sure to love!

Irish vet Caitlin Butler-Browne had come to the Australian village of Garringay to find the extended family she's never known. She's nervous, apprehensive and scared of rejection when she sets foot in the tiny Australian town, and falling in love is certainly not on the agenda. However, when she claps eyes on GP Matt Gardiner, she finds herself falling in love.

Matt doesn't believe in romance anymore. His wife had irrevocably shattered his heart when she had walked out on her marriage, and with a young son to look after and a demanding job, Matt's priorities do not include falling love - despite his foster mother's unwanted matchmaking attempts. Yet, there's something about Caitlin which draws him like a moth to a flame. He cannot stop thinking about her nor can he stop wanting to make her his...

But just when Matt thinks that he's finally found the woman who can heal his heart, he realizes that Caitlin has a secret which could threaten their new found happiness...

Single Father: Wife and Mother Wanted might only be Sharon Archer's first book, but she writes like a pro! Reading Single Father: Wife and Mother Wanted is like diving into happiness and this engaging story of love, hope, passion, second chances and family will keep you riveted from the first page till the last. Don't miss it!

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RUTHLESSLY BEDDED, FORCIBLY WEDDED - Abby Green

Author: ABBY GREEN

Line: Mills & Boon Modern

Release month: July 2009



Back-Blurb:

He took her virginity for revenge!

Multi-millionaire Vincenzo Valentini believed Cara Brosnan played a role in his sister's downfall. He sought her out to make her pay. He seduced her, revealed his identity - and cruelly discarded her.

Now he'll take her to the altar!

But Cara has done no wrong. She's shocked and mortified that she gave her virginity so willingly to the ruthless Vincenzo. To make matters worse, she's just discovered she's expecting - and now the dark-hearted Italian is claiming her once more, this time as his bride!

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

There is absolutely no doubt when one reads Ruthlessly Bedded, Forcibly Wedded that revenge is at the top of the list. Plus the title clearly states the outcome when the ruthless, proud, handsome, and arrogant Vincenzo Valentini enters the upscale bar where Cara Brosnan works, charms her and whisks her away to his room where he takes her virginity and gives her a night like no other. Then the ruthless billionaire announces who he is, shocking her and walks away! As only Abby Green can deliver, this chaotic romance is such a roller coaster and rocky one. As a reader prepare yourself. Just when you think Enzo can’t hurt Cara anymore, well think again!

Vincenzo is on a mission, a mission to make Cara pay for the death of his sister. It’s of no matter to him that she lost her brother as well. He’s going to bed her as pay back, let her know who he is and walk away. What he doesn’t count on is her Irish beauty, but walk away he does to seek revenge. Now he’s back in Ireland and is faced with seeing her again because she has a secret, she’s carrying his child.

Since Cara’s parents passed, she was forced to live with her brother, a brother who treated her horribly. He was so horrible to her, she even stayed in his home and schooled herself, was his chauffer and servant. Now he’s dead and has taken the life of a beautiful young girl he hoped to use and gain money from her family. With him gone, she can leave London and return to Ireland to begin a new life, until she meets a handsome Italian, spends the night with him and months later finds herself pregnant. She reads he’ll be in Ireland and decides to tell him her news.

As one might guess, Vincenzo doesn’t believe the child is his, but when the press get wind of the news, he forces her to return with him to Italy and get married with no options for her other than to stay at his villa. The chemistry between them leaps off the page and as one can imagine it’s very hard on them both. Both Enzo and Cara carry a lot of baggage and when one learns the secrets of Enzo’s childhood, they realize why the loss of his sister was so hard on him and one can imagine how he feels when he yet again, faces another tragedy, the loss of his child.

From all of this grief, I think Enzo learned the most especially when he realizes the baby was his, that Cara is not the woman he believed her to be and that because he cares, he must let her go. Be prepared to grieve right along with them and cheer when they find their happiness. Ruthlessly Bedded, Forcibly Wedded is an extremely emotional and powerful read, one you won’t want to miss!

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Behind the book as quoted by the author:

"The story sprang out of an idea I had in my head of what might happen if a girl went on a package holiday to a gorgeous Italian island, Sardinia, and fell instantly in lust and love with a dark handsome stranger. I wondered what might happen if she acted completely out of character and allowed this man to seduce her and become her first lover, without even knowing his full name!

My book has changed a little from that first idea, but essentially it's the same.

Vincenzo and Cara have both come through traumatic times. Vincenzo believes Cara to be largely responsible for his beautiful younger sister's tragic death. In fact Cara is entirely innocent. When Cara finds out that the devastatingly handsome stranger, who seduced her, did so for his own revenge, she is heart-broken.


There are drastic consequences to their actions and Cara finds herself having to confront Vincenzo, when she'd hoped to never see him again..."

SURRENDER TO THE PLAYBOY SHEIKH - KATE HARDY

Title: Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh

Author: Kate Hardy

Line: Harlequin Presents

Release Date: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Karim al-Hassan can have any woman he wants, and sexy little waitress Lily Finch has caught his eye. One glance leads to a searing kiss—and a hunger that Karim plans to satisfy with a temporary fling.

But Lily is actually more than just a waitress. Successful and career-focused, she is determined never to mix business with pleasure—until playboy Karim's slow seduction breaks down her resistance! Soon Karim is breaking his own rules: he wants Lily in his bed—forever!

Review:

From the talented pen of Kate Hardy comes an exciting new novel for Harlequin Presents that will just leave you breathless! Written with her trademark warmth and assurance, Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh is one book you just have to read in a single sitting!

Lily Finch stopped believing in happy-ever-after after her husband betrayed her and shattered her heart into tiny little pieces. She doesn't want a relationship and she certainly has got no plans to put her heart on the line and let another man walk all over her. Instead, she has chosen to put all of her energies and time into making her culinary business, Amazing Tastes, a huge success. But little does Lily know that Sheikh Karim al-Hassan wants more from Lily than just her food - he's determined to get her into bed and what the desert king wants, he always gets!

Karim's reputation has always been that of a vacuous playboy who enjoys dating a wide selection of leggy blondes and partying hard. Yet Karim's priorities changed drastically after the death of his brother Tariq. Karim knows that he should stay away from Lily and instead pay court to an Arab princess and not a divorced English woman. But how can he resist Lily when he's fallen head over heels in love with her?

You can never go wrong with a Kate Hardy novel and Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh is certainly one of her best! Realistic characters, heartwarming drama, passionate emotion, tender love scenes and wonderful romance combine to make Kate Hardy's first Sheikh novel a book that will fly straight to your keeper shelves!

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SHEIKH BOSS, HOT DESERT NIGHTS - Susan Stephens

Author: Susan Stephens

Line: Mills & Boon Modern Heat / Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: April 2009 North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Casey Michaels has come prepared for her new job in the desert—complete with a safari outfit! But, faced with her gorgeous boss's potent sexuality, she suddenly feels out of her depth….

Sheikh Rafik al Rafar knows an inexperienced woman when he sees one, and in the sultry heat of the desert he begins her sensual awakening. To his surprise, Casey teaches him about the simple pleasures in life. But royal duty is never far from their door….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Again Susan Stephens charms her readers with a very steamy and sexy Sheikh Boss, Hotel Desert Nights.

Sheikh Rafik (Raffa as he’s fondly called by Casey) is immediately drawn to the woman he’s sent for from England to help market his country. Casey Michaels he realizes almost immediately is innocent however she amazes him with her business sense. Life has taught him many lessons and duty to his country is the most important thing in his life. However, she charms him and he’s drawn to her and fights it every step of the way.

Casey Michaels is determined to prove herself and win not only the marketing job but earn the respect of her employer, the sheikh. However, she as well doesn’t count on the intense attraction she feels towards him. She’s there to impress and impress she does when she takes on a charity auction, the proceeds to benefit the desert inhabitants. As she finally spends time in the desert, every thing heats up and not only the weather. Seeing Raffa in his own element with his people makes him more human, and not the playboy sheikh the press makes him out to be but a man of “simple tastes”.

Their love story was for the most part set in the desert, full of sensual tension until they make love and then everything becomes complicated for them both. Sadness like every journey takes place in the form of Casey realizing she must walk away only to have Raffa realize how important she was to him. Sheikh Boss, Hot Desert Nights was just a sweet and beautiful journey in finding happiness.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the book from authors website:

"I couldn’t resist another visit into the desert to unravel the secrets that lie behind the silken veil. I took a younger sheikh for this romantic adventure- a ruthless bad boy on the cusp of greatness, and gave him a determined young woman to go head to head with- in business, and in bed.

It was great to see Casey Michaels growing in confidence and in understanding of a very different culture- not to mention learning how to handle this dark and dangerous alpha male.

I had the best time writing the book and hope you enjoy your journey behind the silken veil…" S. Stephens

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 SHEIKHS LOVE-CHILD - Kate Hewitt

Author: Kate Hewitt

Line: Mills and Boon Modern and Harlequin Preseents

Release month UK: July 2009 and North America: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back-Blurb:

With butterflies fluttering in her stomach, Lucy Banks has arrived in the desert kingdom of Biryal—with a secret!

Seeing Sheikh Khaled—the man who once loved and left her—in his sumptuous royal palace, Lucy is blown away by his barbaric magnificence: he's king of the desert and his eyes are blacker and harder than before. He's not the man she once knew. She wants to run away from his overwhelming masculinity, but they're inextricably bound forever…for he is the father of her son.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Kate Hewitt has yet again written a very intense and beautiful love wtory in The Sheikh’s Love-Child. It’s a wild as the desert and so intense at times one will find themselves holding their breath and want to pound some sense into both Sheikh Khaled and Lucy Banks.

Four years earlier the final blow was given to Sheikh Khaled, his knee was in shattered and at some time in his life he might be wheelchair bound so he leaves his beloved rugby team and his lover behind without a word to return to his country and the desert. It’s obvious reading about their past that their relationship was fast and furious and very intense and it’s also left behind a woman with a broken heart, one that never had a chance to tell him they had a son, not matter how hard she tried to reach him.

Now, Lucy Banks finds herself on a plane with the English rugby team as their physiotherapist flying to Khaled’s country Biryal for a rugby match. She not only has a responsibility to the team but to tell her ex-lover they have a son and is scarred to death to see and tell him about Sam.

He has changed…..he’s intense, brooding, angry and dark but he’s still has the power to hurt her. Their first initial meeting is horrible as he doesn’t give her the time of day. I promise anyone who reads this, prepare yourself because time after time one will definitely feel the pain they both inflict on each other. The only time they seem to agree is concerning their son and it was so sweet to read about their first meeting and watch this dark sheikh soften while around his son.

Like all love stories and especially this particular one, there are so many secrets and issues to get past, it becomes overwhelming at times. Sometimes the only way is to forge ahead and forgive and let the past go. Their attempt is to have a marriage of convenience for the sake of their son. But at what cost?

I can only say when they both finally come to terms with their past and I also mean abandonment issues, trust, they way they were raised and the way they can move forward, have a box of Kleenex on standby as it’s quite a spectacular ending as only Kate Hewitt can pen!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

THE SANTORINI MARRIAGE BARGAIN

Author: Margaret Mayo

Line: Modern

Release month: July 2009

The S Factor: Sensual

From the Greek's secretary ...

When fresh-faced Rhianne Pickering agrees to work for masterful Greek Zarek Diakos she knows it's a mistake -no man has ever made her heart quicken and her body quiver like this! But with her life in tatters she needs a job.

To his convenient wife!

Zarek thinks Rhianne makes the perfect secretary. But on a business trip to thebeautiful island of Santorini he decides her skills are undervalued. He's in need of a bride: under the warm Mediterranean sun he'll show Rhianne it's a position she can't refuse!

Review: ♥♥♥♥

I was delighted when asked to review Margaret Mayo's 75th book for Harlequin Mills & Boon. What a truly wonderful achievement.

By the first chapter I had fallen madly in love with the hero, Zarek who was both courteous and chivalrous whilst remaining an utterly gorgeous alpha male. Rhianne had experienced a terrible personal setback but Zarek helped her to take control of her life back - first by employing her and secondly by helping her to regain her confidence.

Although Rhianne had experienced a heartbreaking incident prior to the book beginning, she was in no way sorry for herself or overly emotional. Rather, she took the chances life and Zarek offered her with both hands.

The book begins in london but we are soon whisked away to the island of Santorini to meet Zarek's family. Although Zarek's father was seriously ill, I was impressed with the way this delicate subject was handled - just the right amount of sentimentality without becoming maudlin.

Zarek finds out he needs to be married in order to inherit his father's estate when he passes. Rhianne is the perfect candidate, yet she does not easily give in to Zarek's wishes. This story shows a strong hero with a heroine that matches him every step of the way despite her vulnerability. It is beautifully written by a prolific author who is a true inspiration to aspiring authors and a delight to her many readers.

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THE DESERT KING'S BEJEWELLED BRIDE - Sabrina Philips

Author: Sabrina Philips

Line: Mills and Boon Modern and Harlequin Presents


Release Month: UK: July 2009 / North America: August 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Kaliq Al-Zahir A'zam cannot believe the audacity of Tamara Weston! This teasing little virgin, who once rejected his proposal of marriage, is now a top model, displaying her body on advertising billboards for all to see.

Kaliq still wants Tamara, so he sees to it that she returns to his kingdom for the assignment of her career—she will model the royal jewels she should have worn as his bride, and deliver to him the wedding night he was previously denied….


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sabrina Philips has created an amazing and spectacular love story with The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride. It is also her first sheikh book and I’m certainly hoping it’s not her last as it’s exceptional!

Seven years earlier Kaliq and Tamara met when she visited her father in Qwisar. Even though they were chaperoned by the King’s aide, they were attracted to each other. And Kaliq being duty bound even asked her to marry him and she refused. Though Tamara was attracted to him, one gets the impression she instantly fell in love and also realized he didn’t love her so she refused him and returned home to England.

Now seven years later Kaliq has discovered Tamara is a model and doesn’t think to highly of her occupation nor her but he still finds he’s attracted to her and hires her to take his people’s mind of his ailing father, the King. He brings her home to the desert to model the family jewels which were worn by his mother on her wedding day. However, what she doesn’t count on is her feelings of love for him all over again, for that very same honour and duty bound prince.

So when she puts herself and the jewels in danger and her fearless sheikh rescues her she realizes that theirs is a dangerous game and that she wants him very much. However, Kaliq doesn’t believe she is an innocent until the night they make love and he is shocked to the core. It’s obvious he’s not willing to let Tamara return home to England so he asks her to become his “fake” fiancé and travel with him to visit his friend.

Tamara and Kaliq’s love story is breathtaking but like all love stories it’s not just the passion, it’s the secrets they are both keeping from each other because to tell them would make them both vulnerable, revealing too much of themselves. It’s also Kaliq’s problem with her being so independent and a model on top of secrets which cause him to mistrust her. What I loved the most was their few days spent together as a couple on Montez, just being together and getting to know each other.

When the King dies of a heart attack, and Kaliq literally cuts himself out of her life, she makes the decision to follow him because she loves him and gives him the gift of offering to marry him for the sake of his country which would also allow him to become the ruler of Qwisar. I adored Tamara’s courage, her strength, and when she finally realized just the sort of man her sheikh was she was determined to spend her life with him for the wrong reasons than not at all! If you love the sheikh genre, a hot and roller coaster and sexy romance, then The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride is for you!

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

Behind the Book from Sabrina’s website:

“This book features a sexy scene in which Kaliq and Tamara play a game of
tennis. It was inspired by the film Wimbledon starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten
Dunst which I adore (though I’m afraid I have no aptitude for tennis myself!)
Furthermore, the 2008 Wimbledon championships themselves were taking place
whilst I was writing the book, and appropriately, it will be the Wimbledon 2009
finals the week that The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride hits the shelves in the
UK!

One of the first scenes that I envisioned when I was planning this
story is one in which Kaliq feeds Tamara an exotic fruit – part of the reason
why I love Sheikh stories is that it’s not just the experience of falling in
love that’s so thrilling and unfamiliar but the sights, sounds and tastes too.
But the question was, what fruit? I sampled various options (from a section of
the supermarket I’d never explored before!) but after a decidedly un-erotic
attempt at eating a pomegranate, I used my imagination and opted for a fictional
guava fruit instead!” SP

HOT-SHOT TYCOON, INDECENT PROPOSAL - HEIDI RICE

Title: Hot-Shot Tycoon, Indecent Proposal

Author: Heidi Rice

Line: Mills and Boon Modern Heat

Release Date: June 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back Blurb:

Caught, claimed… Contracted for marriage?

Tycoon Connor Brodie has just apprehended an intruder! One clad in lacy satin underwear…and not a trespasser at all, but his feisty neighbour Daisy Dean.

The red-hot encounter leaves him aching for more – could the luscious Ms Dean be the answer to his prayers in more ways than one? Connor needs to safeguard a business deal, and he fully intends to finish what they’ve started. Unable to resist his lethal charm, Daisy finds herself agreeing to two hedonistic weeks in New York – as Connor’s fake fiancée!

Review:

Hot-Shot Tycoon, Indecent Proposal is the wickedly romantic and utterly brilliant new Modern Heat by the fabulous Heidi Rice!

Daisy Dean is determined to find her landlady's missing cat. Yet, in her quest to find the missing pet, little did Daisy know that she would find herself in the arms of gorgeous Irish billionaire Connor Brody! Sexy, charismatic and drop dead gorgeous, Connor looks like every woman's fantasy, and although Daisy had sworn never to have another relationship ever again, she finds herself drawn to the handsome Irishman.

When Connor asks her to travel with him to New York and to pose as his fake fiancee, Daisy's initial reaction is to refuse, but one sexy kiss - which leads t0 a night of passionate love-making - soon changes her mind!

Daisy is determined to enjoy her two-week luxurious trip to New York - but she never counted on losing her heart and on falling in love with a man she can never have - Connor!

Connor knows that he is not marriage material. His inner demons prevent him from getting attached to anyone, but Daisy seems to have shattered down all of his defences and captured his heart. But is he prepared to take the rest and let someone in? Or will his fears and pride push Daisy away for good?

Heidi Rice's books are always fantastic reads which sparkle with humour, pathos, drama and intensity and Hot Shot Tycoon, Indecent Proposal is no exception! I adored the heroine, Daisy, and fell in love with flawed but gorgeous Connor. Wonderfully moving, wickedly funny and captivating from the very first page, Hot Shot Tycoon, Indecent Proposal is another Heidi Rice book that has keeper stamped all over it!

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BEDDED BY BLACKMAIL - Robyn Grady

Author: Robyn Grady

Line: Silhouette Desire

Release month North America/UK: June 2009
AUS/NZ: July 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Burned by a greedy heiress, Tristan Barkley had sworn off romance. Until a sizzling night with Ella Jacobs, his secretive housekeeper turned blonde bombshell, made the millionaire rethink his decision. He'd find a way to guarantee she remained by his side…and in his bed.

Yet when he learned she was carrying his child, he proposed the only solution: marriage. As their no-strings-attached connection turned all too real, Tristan couldn't shake the feeling that Ella was hiding something. And soon he began to doubt her true motives for the match—for love, for money…or forever?

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Robyn Grady has written a fantastic and wonderful love story in Bedded by Blackmail.

Tristan is quite a catch and is constantly pursued by women who for the most part want him for his wealth. He has left the family business and has become quite successful himself so he's learned to be cautious of women's motives.

When he returns home one day he finds a woman swimming in a pink bikini and long and tanned legs only to discover it's his "mousy" housekeeper Ella Jacobs. He's alarmed because there have been break-ins in his neighbourhood and sees her over turned purse. Now Ella has inherited some money from her mother's estate and is giving her notice to Tristan but he talks her into staying on as he has a business deal to close and needs her to cook and help entertain.

Ella is a lovely woman but she has secrets and she's keeping them that way. Just before her mother passed away, she found out her father had an illegitimate son and the only way to describe him is he's evil and he's blackmailing Ella. He's also gone to the police accusing her of killing her mother. The entire situation is a mess. Her brother Drago calls and hangs up, shows up without warning asking for money and has violent tendencies. In the end, an additional secret is revealed to Tristan and everything turns upside down.

Ella's not the only one with secrets, Tristan has one of his own; a fiancé who was killed when driving drunk. He also believes she was having an affair with his oldest brother. Reading this story one will definitely feel the family tension. At times you will see his jealous and mistrusting tendencies.

Bedded by Blackmail is a lovely romance with some lessons to be learned, like trust, forgiveness and belief in finding happiness. Just another example of an incredible romantic story as only author Robyn Grady can pen.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

THE REBEL SURGEON'S PROPOSAL - MARGARET MCDONAGH

Title: The Rebel Surgeon’s Proposal

Author: Margaret McDonagh

Line: Mills and Boon Medical Romance

Release month: June 2009

The S-Factor: Sweet

Back-Blurb:

From rebel…to surgeon… to perfect husband!

Nicknamed ‘the ice maiden’, Francesca Scott has kept men at arm’s length – ever since bad-boy Luke Devlin walked out of her life.

Tarnished by the reputation of his family, Luke left Strathlocan. Now a surgeon, he’s back – and determined to put his rebellious reputation behind him.

Realising that beautiful Francesca is the best thing that ever happened to him, Luke has returned to Strathlochan to face his past and claim Francesca as his bride once and for all!

Margaret McDonagh welcomes you back to Strathlochan Hospital

Review:

Margaret McDonagh continues to dazzle and astound her readers with her wonderfully poignant Scottish Medical Romances!

In her latest novel for Mills and Boon Medical Romance, we meet Francesca Scott, a woman whose life has been blighted by a domineering mother and merciless bullies who’d made her childhood a misery. The only bright spot in her childhood was a passionate kiss which she had shared with bad boy Luke Devlin as a shy sixteen year old.

The Devlin family had been notorious in Strathlochan for their criminal exploits and Luke had been tarred with the same brush even though he’d always distanced himself from his brothers and father and had always vowed to make something out of his life. Now a successful surgeon, Luke finds himself returning to his home town in order to reclaim Francesca, the woman he’s never managed to forget…

Francesca is stunned when she claps eyes on Luke after all this time and her old feelings for the former bad boy soon come flooding back. But Luke had broken her heart once before when he had walked out of Strathlochan without a backward glance and she is not sure whether she will want to run the risk of getting her heart broken all over again.

However what Francesca does not realize is that Luke is determined never to let her go ever again…

Nobody writes realistic and emotional romances better than Margaret McDonagh! The Rebel Surgeon’s Proposal is a poignant, heartwarming and enthralling Medical Romance from this wonderful writer whose books just keep on getting better and better!

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HIS FOREVER LOVE - Missy Tippens

Title: HIS FOREVER LOVE

Author: MISSY TIPPENS

Line: Love Inspired

Release month: June

The S-Factor: Sweet and Satisfying

Back-Blurb:

In Magnolia, Georgia, local legend says that a couple who holds hands around the “forever” tree will have an unending love. Even so, Bill Wellington held Lindsay Jones’s hands around that tree years ago…and then left her behind. He chose the big city, and now he wants to bring his grandmother there. But to his amazement, he finds that Granny has a boyfriend—and a vibrant life. A life that includes Lindsay, Granny’s caregiver. Bill never thought he’d want to come home, yet Magnolia clearly has its charms. As does Lindsay, who makes him long for a second chance at forever love.

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Lindsay and Bill had been best friends in school, doing science projects together, studying for exams, all the things “best friends” do together. So when he left town right after high school and didn’t answer her letter, she was heartbroken. That didn’t stop her from caring for his aging Granny, though.

Bill loved Lindsay, but she was beautiful, graceful, and all the other things he was not. How could someone so wonderful as her love a klutz like him? So when she came to him just before high school graduation to show him the engagement ring someone else had given her, he couldn’t get out of town fast enough. Who could blame him?

She did, evidently, for ten long years. Then his Granny fell and broke her wrist, making it necessary for Lindsay to call Bill. Of course he came running—er, flying, as fast as he could, from across the country.

Immediately upon his arrival in Magnolia, he took charge, informing one and all that he was moving Granny to Boston to live with him whether they, or she, liked it or not. His alpha-male character really irked me. His “I’m going to make you do what I think is best for you” attitude really made me grind my back teeth. As the story progressed, I began to see that Bill’s tough attitude was actually hiding insecurity and feelings of incompetence. He was a very lonely person looking for love.

Missy Tippens is a comparatively new author, however, I can see her going far in this, her chosen field. Her command of the written word is excellent. She had me feeling happy, sad, angry, and all the other emotions of the story’s characters right along with them. She had me anxiously turning the pages to see if Bill changed his mind about moving his Granny, or if Lindsay stepped out in faith and went to Boston to see him. I will definitely be looking forward to more work from this author.

Hero Hotness Factor: ♥♥♥♥♥
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Stickability Factor: (will it last?) ♥♥♥♥♥
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Reviewed by: Donna B

CAPELLI'S CAPTIVE VIRGIN - Sarah Morgan

Author: Sarah Morgan

Line: Mills and Boon Modern/Harlequin Presents

Release month UK: May 2009 US: June 09

The S-Factor: Sizzling




Back-Blurb:


Lindsay has turned down ruthless Sicilian Alessio Capelli once before, but he's determined she won't do it again—he will use her and discard her! Circumstance has provided him with the ideal opportunity: Lindsay has been forced to step into her missing sister's shoes and work for him.
This time Alessio will be the one in control. He relishes the thought of having a virgin in his bed, and he'll do everything to keep her captive—until he's ready to dismiss her….

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Captivating is how I would describe Sarah Morgan’s Capelli’s Captive Virgin as it’s one of those love stories you’ll want to read from beginning to end in one sitting. Their chemistry leaps off of the pages.

Lindsay is a relationship counselor who’s had first hand experience because she witnessed her parents fail and blame everything on her young sister who also made some bad decisions when it came to men. And she has a problem; she hasn’t heard from her sister Ruby and has flown to Rome where Ruby is working for the billionaire Alessio Capelli. She dreads seeing him because they somewhat have a past. While the sisters were in Rome they were approached by a gang and it was Alessio and his brother Dino who saved them. Now Ruby is with Dino, is missing and Lindsay is frantic. She also dreads seeing Alessio again because of the sensual tension which vibrates between them and she is the only woman who ever walked away from him.

Alessio is a divorce attorney and very good and rich one with a reputation going from one woman to another and making it clear he doesn’t do marriage. He also only represents men. Now he is faced at seeing the only woman who has ever walked away from him and on top of everything she’s a pain because of her being so opininated on relationships, love, commitment etc. He tricks her into taking her sisters place as his personal assistant and going with him to the Caribbean to work a high profile divorce case. Then tension simmers between them and they act on the passion between them. Their bantering was amusing and their passion amazing.

There were many ups and down to this wonderful love story like Lindsay coming to terms with how’s she’s dealt with her sister, acting on the passion with Alessio knowing nothing will come of it and leaving him when she realized she loved him and that love would not be returned. For Alessio the realization he actually liked this woman, shared more with her than any other woman he’s been involved with and actually shared past family secrets with her. It’s sensual, fun at times especially their arguments, romantic and just an incredible love story.


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Reviewed by: Marilyn

THE TUSCAN TYCOON'S PREGNANT HOUSEKEEPER- Christina Hollis

Author: CHRISTINA HOLLIS

Line: Mills and Boon Modern

Release month: UK: June 2009

The S-Factor: Sexy

Back-Blurb:

Virgin housekeeper, convenient wife

Plain, shy housekeeper Michelle Spicer keeps her head down and gets on with the job. She knows her place.

Bored and restless in the South of France, Alessandro Castiglione has found himself a plaything. Stripped of her uniform and naked in his bed, mousy Michelle blossoms before him.

But she knows she’s only the housekeeper – not a rich man’s wife. Discarded, disgraced, and left with nothing but the child inside her, Michelle is back in rainy England. Until the Tuscan tycoon decides to taste her charms again…


Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

Intense doesn’t begin to describe The Tuscan Tycoon’s Pregnant Housekeeper written by Christina Hollis with both of her characters Michelle and the handsome Alessandro having past issues to be dealt with regarding their past.

The very shy and somewhat plain Michelle was ruled by her very stern mother and has sincere self esteem issues. However, when the rich and proud Italian arrives at the mansion she’s taking care of as housekeeper she doesn’t stand a chance. Her gentleness and innocence immediately charm him; she’s like no other woman he’s met and he decides to have a vacation affair. However he abandons her and returns to Italy. He also makes arrangements with one of his foundations to set Michelle up in business and buys her a cottage.

Returning back to England, Michelle finds herself pregnant and meanwhile Alessandro can’t seem to get her out of his mind so he returns to England to rekindle the affair and finds out her secret. Being always in control of his life, business and affairs, he demands she return to Italy with him and marry for the sake of his heir.

Alassandro literally has overturned the family business and whatever he touches he’s a success. There is no way he’ll ever allow House of Castiglione to be tainted. He’ll marry her, get his heir but she won’t affect him in any way. Both of his own parents strayed so love for him isn’t ever going to be an option.

As for Michelle does she love him? What would she know of love, no one had ever shown her, including her parents. Reading about her upbringing and how she was willing to settle for anything he gave her was very hard to read. I wanted to strangle him for his incensitivity. Michelle’s stay at the villa was sad to read as well, not speaking the language and being shut out but when Alassandro’s secrets are uncovered and everything is revealed about his past, the reader begins to understand his actions.

Alassandro and Michelle’s love story even though at times was sad to read, their coming to understand each other was lovely to read.

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Reviewed by: Marilyn

ONE NIGHT WITH THE REBEL BILLIONAIRE - Trish Wylie

Author: Trish Wylie

Line: Mills and Boon Modern Heat
Harlequin Presents

Release month North America: Jun 09/UK: Jan 09

The S-Factor: Sizzling and Sensual



Back-Blurb:
When Roane Elliott meets a naked stranger on the beach, her second thought is to challenge his trespassing. Her first thought makes her innocent heart beat quite erratically!

Then she discovers the stranger is Adam Bryant, the wickedly smoldering son of the Bryant dynasty. After a decade away, he's back to claim what's rightfully his...however willful the prize.

Roane is determined to resist him, but the temptation is overwhelming. His bedroom door is open and she's walking toward surrender....

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

From the moment Roane spotted him naked and swimming on the beach she was transfixed or should I say mesmerized and then she realized eventually that he had returned back to Martha’s Vineyard, had returned home but what were his motives and what has he been doing for those years?

One Night with the Rebel Billionaire was sexy, hot and a fast sensual read as only Trish Wylie can pen and her billionaire alpha Adam Bryant is one sexy, handsome and beautiful man, one with secrets and twelve years to answer for to his father and brother. What he doesn’t count on is his attraction to Roane a young woman who’s working for his brother and also taking care of his father. The sexual tension between Roane and Adam leap and sizzle off the pages. And then after sexual taunting Roane is swept away and is given passion that’s she’s never known and tries to guard to heart in the process.

As they get to know each other she realizes that he is guarded about his past and why he’s returned home. Other things are also revealed to her like his high IQ, his past feelings about his father and how he grew up and then everything blows up in their face when his brother Jake reveals what he’s found out about Adam. Will Adam leave her and return to his billionaire life?

Roane and Adams love story was strong and fabulous to read and the ending a little surprising but so worth it thanks to this wonderful author Trish Wylie.


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Reviewed by: Marilyn

LIP SERVICE (Lone Star Sisters) - Susan Mallery

Author: Susan Mallery

Line: HQN (Harlequin)

Release month North America/UK: June 2009

The S-Factor: Sizzling

Back-Blurb:

Skye Titan's wealthy father thinks he can still dictate his daughter's choice in men. Now widowed and a single mother, Skye isn't the yes-girl she once was. Especially since the love of her life is back in Texas after eight long years. He won't like the answers to the questions he's asking. About why she left him at the altar. And about her eight-year-old daughter.

Former navy SEAL Mitch Cassidy comes home to find nearly everything different. His wounds from battle have changed the way people treat him. His cattle ranch is suddenly organic. But time hasn't touched his desire for Skye—or the sting of her betrayal. Forget lip service. He's asking that luscious mouth of hers to reveal the truth. But will Mitch be able to put the past aside to help Skye get out from under her father's thumb…and help himself recover from a broken heart?

Review: ♥♥♥♥♥

New York Times best selling author Susan Mallery continues to amaze with her second in the Long Star Sisters series, Lip Service which is Skye’s story, the middle Titan sister. The reader was introduced in May to all three sisters who share a father in Under Her Skin. One also learned they had an illegitimate brother Garth who has only revenge on his mind and has vowed to take the entire family down. To use adjectives like amazing or brilliant don’t even describe how wonderful the second book is and waiting until July for Straight from the Hip is going to be torture.

Skye is the dutiful daughter of Jed Titan and she hopes one day to inherit the family home and have her father finally tell her he loves her. Nine years earlier instead of marrying the boy next door, who she loved deeply, she married a much older man her father arranged for his own selfish reasons and a sweet daughter Erin came from that marriage. Now she’s a widow, hosting her father’s business parties and again, Jed wants to marry and threatens her because he’s aware that her exlover is back in town and he’ll destroy Mitch and his ranch if need be; trust me you’ll want to strangle Jed Titan and take him down yourself.

Skye’s and Mitch’s story was lovely to read because in the end as only Susan Mallery can pen it’s about what’s important in life and that’s family, love and a real home, not one like Jed Titan is dangling and manipulating his daughters to believe they want. The reader literally watches Skye become stronger and realize that she and Erin can have a happy life with Mitch and their love story was incredibly beautiful.

Susan Mallery has written wonderful family stories which I’ve read throughout the years and some of them have sincere patriotisms as she relates tales of honour and valour for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and who give up their lives or come home injured fighting for our Country. That was the case with Mitch Cassidy who has returned nine years later missing part of his leg and with a real chip on his shoulder. It’s the people who assisted raising him and maintaining the ranch and Skye’s daughter Erin who help him to heal. It was sad to read about his ordeal and his final acceptance through therapy, group sessions and finally forgiving Skye and realizing he still loved her and her daughter. In the end, I was cheering for both Mitch and Skye because they stood up to Jed Titan.

The Titan sisters Lexi, Skye and Izzy have one common thread they love and are devoted to each other and the fact they all want their father’s affection. Love is the common theme in both books, how it can heal and how much stronger the three sisters are because of it!


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Reviewed by: Marilyn