Saturday, March 31, 2012

Having Adam's Baby - Christyne Butler (HSE #2182 - Apr 2012)

Series: Welcome to Destiny (Book 3) 

There was absolutely nothing wrong with widowed florist Fay Coggen seeking a new lease on life. Just not in Adam Murphy's arms. But the night her late husband's best friend returned from his tour of duty overseas, Fay went from recrimination to tenderness in a heartbeat. When their mutual solace morphed into passion, it was destiny. As was the fact that she was now pregnant with Adam's child.

The walls Adam had built around his heart as a soldier came tumbling down when he went calling on Fay. Comforting her was one thing; but it hadn't stopped there. Now he was going to be a father. He'd crossed the line. So why did it feel so right?
 


Very good book.  It was easy to see how hard things had been since Fay's husband's death and finding out what a mess he'd left behind.  When she took out her pain on Adam, then gave in to the feelings she'd had for him a long time ago, she wasn't expecting to become pregnant.  When Adam arrived home after his last tour of duty and saw her again, he knew he wanted her again.  He had to overcome her issues, plus deal with the surprise of the baby and some PTSD.  I loved seeing that they were able to communicate with each other.  It was also great seeing Adam as him got used to the idea of being a father.  I love the Murphy family and look forward to seeing more stories about them.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Honorable Intentions - Catherine Mann (HD #2151 - Apr 2012)

Series: Billionaires and Babies 

Major Hank Renshaw knows almost everything there is to know about Gabrielle Ballard. Except for what it's like to touch her. Because Gabrielle is his best friend's fiancee. Or she was. Until his buddy died in battle -- right after making Hank promise to find her...

So now Hank's in New Orleans. In Gabrielle's apartment. Watching her nurse her infant son. It's not honor that draws him to her. It's not duty that makes him stay. It's need he's feeling, plain and simple -- the desire to take the woman he's always wanted and finally make her his own.
 


I really liked this book.  When Hank returned from his deployment, he immediately went to find Gabrielle.  It wasn't just to check up on her for his late friend's sake, but also for himself.  Gabrielle was living in New Orleans, taking care of her seriously ill son on her own.  When Hank arrived, he immediately stepped in to help.  Gaby wasn't happy about it, not wanting to be dependent on anyone - and also feeling guilty over the feelings she had for Hank.  Hank had also been in love with Gaby from the time he met her, but his friend had loved her first.  Hank felt guilty that he was alive and Kevin was dead, but was happy to be able to help Gaby.  Hank also had issues with his family, and tended to keep himself very private.  I loved seeing the whole Renshaw/Landis family together, and see how Hank and his father finally started to relate better to each other. I also thought it was great that the parents both Gaby and Hank had issues with were the ones that helped them confront their problems.

The Doctor's Not-So-Little Secret - Cindy Kirk (HSE #2184 - Apr 2012)

Series: Rx for Love (Book 6) 

Pediatrician Kate McNeal thought she had it all. But the one thing she longed for -- the child she'd given up for adoption nine years earlier -- remained just out of reach. So when she learned the girl was living with her adoptive father in Jackson Hole, Kate moved her practice lock, stock and stethoscope, to be close to the daughter she'd never forgotten.

Joel Dennes used to think he had it all -- until tragedy tore his family apart. Now the single dad needs help with his little girl, and the new doctor in town seems like the perfect woman for the job -- and soon he thinks she may be the perfect woman for him! But when Kate's secret comes out, will the betrayal be the end of their fairy-tale ending?
 


Good book.  Kate came to Jackson Hole to find out what had happened to her daughter.  She didn't expect to end up with her as a patient.  She also didn't expect to be thrown into almost constant contact with Chloe's father Joel.   Joel was finally starting to recover from the death of his wife.  As he did, he began to notice Kate more as a woman than as Chloe's doctor.  He still didn't feel right about the possibility of loving another woman, and Kate couldn't see having a relationship with Joel with her secret hanging over her head.  But they also couldn't resist spending time with each other.  I loved the way they told Chloe about Kate, and how good Kate was with her.  The way that both Kate and Joel were reminded about the reason for the adoption was very well done.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

A Dad for Her Twins - Tanya Michaels (HAR #1225 - Sept 2008)

Series: State of Parenthood (GA) 

New Job. New Home. New Dad?

When Kenzie Green relocates to Atlanta, she isn't looking for a man to complete her family. Then she meets her enigmatic new neighbor across the hall. Jonathan Trelauney seems to know just how to handle Kenzie's domestic handful. And her kids are already falling in love with the widowed artist.


Kenzie's twin son and daughter are shattering his peace...and JT loves every minute of it! They're slowly but surely bringing him out of his reclusive shell. Now he'd like to do the same for their independent single mom. Can JT make Kenzie see that he's a man she can count on? That he can be the husband and father her family needs?
 


Good book.  Kenzie has moved to Atlanta to make a new and better life for herself and her kids.  Her ex-husband was a musician who had not been reliable at all, and she had been the one who had to do everything.  When she first met JT she thought he was just another flaky artistic type.  When JT first met Kenzie and her kids, they scared him to death.  He was still trying to recover from the deaths of his wife and baby, and being around them made him start to feel.  I loved the way that JT began spending time with the family and slowly started to get back to his painting.  It was painful at times to watch both Kenzie and JT as they would advance and retreat, but it was a great healing process.




Part of the Bestselling Author Collection

One in a Million - Susan Mallery (SSE #1543 - Jun 2003)

Series: Hometown Heartbreakers (Book 9) 

YOUR BED...OR MINE?

Single mom and B & B owner Stephanie Wynne lived without stopping, until FBI Agent Nash Harmon showed up as her guest...and the star of her passionate fantasies. When he kissed her for real, Stephanie set some ground rules to avoid the messy complications of relationships with men. Sexy pillow talk was fine, but love...?

 Nothing surprised Nash, until Stephanie's lively and quirky attitude brought out the beast in him and made his hormones rage out of control -- not to mention his steely emotions. Nash experienced an intimacy with Stephanie that stunned him. Of course, he agreed to a no-strings relationship with her, but his mission soon changed into a burning desire for matrimony! 

Fantastic book.  Nash had come to town to meet some half brothers he hadn't known he had. When he finally met them, as a group they were overwhelming with all the spouse and kids. While staying at Stephanie's B&B, he began to experience feelings he didn't know he could have.  He had always been one to keep a lid on his emotions.  Stephanie was an open, fun loving single mom who was very independent.  She'd had a bad marriage with a man who was irresponsible and wasn't interested in any more relationships.  She had three sons to raise and that was enough for her.  Almost immediately she felt an attraction to him that she'd never felt for anyone before.  He felt the same for her, and was also drawn to her sons - something he'd never experienced, not knowing anything about kids.  He was only going to be in town for a couple weeks, and they decided to indulge in a no-strings affair.  It wasn't long before they both wanted more!  I loved the way that he automatically helped with things like dishes, cleanup, and even offering to help her paint.  She wasn't used to that and wasn't sure how to cope.  I also liked the way she and the kids went to family get-togethers with him to help him cope with the chaos.  I thought the final scene at the pool was fantastic.
 



This was in the Bestselling Author Collection anthology

 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lady Drusilla's Road to Ruin - Christine Merrill (HH #1082 - Apr 2012)

Series: Ladies in Disgrace (Book 2) 

Considered a spinster, Lady Drusilla Rudney has only one role in life: to chaperone her sister. So when her flighty sibling elopes, Dru knows she has to stop her! She employs the help of a traveling companion, who looks harmless enough....

Former army captain John Hendricks is intrigued by this damsel in distress. Once embroiled with her in a mad dash across England, he discovers that Dru is no simpering woman. Her unconventional ways make him want to forget his gentlemanly conduct...and create a scandal all their own!
 


Good book.  I really liked both John and Dru.  Dru had taken off after her sister, to stop her from a scandalous elopement.  She didn't realize how difficult and potentially dangerous it could be.  After John left the employ of the Earl of Folbroke, he got on a coach headed for Scotland - not the one he intended to take.  When Dru ran into some problems with another passenger, he came to her rescue.  He then agreed to help her stop her sister.  Dru was the older sister who was basically ignored for everything except watching over her sister, and had a very low opinion of her own attractiveness.   John found her attractive from the beginning, but knowing of the difference in their stations, tried to fight it.  He found her wit and willingness to endure hardship on their quest even more appealing.  Dru found him attractive too.  I loved what happened when they caught up with Priscilla.  I also loved the reactions of the Folbrokes when John went to see them.

A Cowboy Worth Claiming - Charlene Sands (HH #1083 - Apr 2012)

Series: Worths of Red Ridge (Book 1) 

Cowboy Chance Worth gets more than he bargains for when he saves damsel in distress Lizzie Mitchell. He has come to Red Ridge, Arizona, to rescue her family's failing ranch and find Lizzie a suitable husband. Too bad it wouldn't be honorable to keep the little spitfire for himself!

Lizzie may be innocent, but she's not naive. Fully determined to find her own way in life, she doesn't welcome Chance's intrusion. But when he plans to leave she realizes she may not be ready to see the back of him just yet!
 


Very good book.  This is a prequel to the other Worth books, and shows how the family got its start.   Lizzie's grandfather saved Chance's life when he was a kid, so when Edward asked for Chance's help, he came as quickly as he could.  The first person he encountered was Lizzie, who he saved from drowning though she wouldn't admit it.  Lizzie is young and innocent, but not stupid.  She has a plan to help save the ranch, and taking Chance's help isn't part of it.  But her grandfather has asked Chance to help Lizzie get their cattle to market, and she has no choice but to agree.  On the trail, Lizzie is outspoken and has no trouble telling Chance what she thinks.  He really likes her, but knows that he is no good for her and does his best to keep his distance.  Lizzie has gotten a taste of what passion feels like and gets very good at pushing his buttons.  I really enjoyed it when they finally got together.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Unfinished Business - Cat Schield (HD #2153 - Apr 2012)

When it comes to Rachel Lansing, C.O.O. Maxwell Case makes an exception to his take-no-prisoners approach. He'll hold this beauty hostage as his assistant and settle old scores from their brief affair five years ago. The pleasure will be all his.

Rachel smells blackmail. But with her ex-husband extorting big money from her, she needs Max as a client to keep her employment agency alive. So she hunkers down as his secretary. Soon their reignited passion burns away the clouds of mystery surrounding her past. Will their intimacy survive her secrets this time?
 


Good book.  This story dealt with Max, who held on to feelings of betrayal without delving into those betrayals and the reasons behind them.  It also dealt with Rachel, who took her independence and protectiveness to a level that kept her from asking for or accepting help from anyone.  When Rachel went to Max's company to set up a temporary employee to replace Max's assistant, he decided only she would do.  This would give him a chance to get her out of his system from their brief affair five years earlier.  Rachel had no choice but to take the job, as she was being threatened by her ex-husband.  She refused to tell Max about it, even though they gave in to their passions once again.  Max found himself thinking about a future with her, even though he still didn't think he could trust her.  Rachel refused to think of a future while she still had the problems with her ex hanging over her.  I was glad to see how they finally worked things out.

The Way Back - Stephanie Doyle (HS #1773 - Apr 2012)

Starting over sounds good...in theory!

The reality? Well, Gabriella Haines isn't enjoying that so much. Once a top-rated TV host, suddenly becoming the junior editor at a publishing house isn't playing to her strengths. She does have one chance to fast-forward a few career steps, however. If she can manage the impossible -- convincing former American hero Jamison Hunter to finish the autobiography he owes them.

Too bad he's resistant to all her tactics. Worse, that little star crush Gabby had on him before his downfall? She isn't quite as over it as she thought. In fact, the more she knows the real him, the more she wants to uncover the truth about what happened. Because restoring him in the public eye may be the best chance they have at a future together.
 


This was a different kind of book.  Gabby needed to convince Jamison to finish the autobiography he had committed to before the scandal that destroyed his reputation.  When she went to Hawk Island to confront him, he wanted nothing to do with her, refused to talk to her about it.  She tried running with him (couldn't keep up).  When she finally bargained him into giving her two weeks to try to convince him, she thought she'd have a shot at it.  She learned how to run with him, and watched him with the people of the island, and was convinced that he was not guilty of the accusations.  She also came to like, and then love him, but still had trust issues with him. Jamie didn't want to tell the story.  He did want to get Gabby in bed with him.  While spending time together, he found that he actually liked her.  He still had no intention of ever writing the book.  There were lots of things that had contributed to the man Jamie had become now.  Gabby also decided to go after the truth of what had happened.  What she found out was very different than what I expected, and the conclusion to the story was very emotional.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Daring to Date the Boss - Barbara Wallace (HR #4295 - Feb 2012)

She's ruled out romance...

Liz Strauss is the queen of control. As a single mom she's got to be. But her attraction to new boss Charles "Ice King" Bishop throws oh-so-careful Liz into a complete tailspin. Suddenly her nightmares over her son's future have been replaced by dreams of romantic dates!


But her boss has other ideas!


It's been years since Liz has trusted anyone not to hurt her. Sharing sizzling kisses with Charles is one thing, but believing that his frosty exterior conceals a heart that will beat for her -- for always -- is quite another....
 


I really liked this book.  Both Liz and Charles were control freaks.  Liz felt the need to control her life and emotions in order to give her teenage son the best life she can.  She doesn't trust anyone or anything to last.  Charles inherited the company from a father he hadn't seen in years.  His intention was to come in and prepare the company for sale as quickly as possible and get out.  When Charles found himself being drawn into Liz's personal life and the life of the small town, he started to change and feel things he hadn't felt before.  Liz also began to develop feelings for Charles that scared her because trust in the future came hard for her.  I really liked some of the realism in this book.  Liz's son Andrew acted like a typical teenager, and the attitudes of the coworkers to Charles seemed pretty accurate too.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Cop, the Puppy and Me - Cara Colter (HR #4293 - Feb 2012)

Jaded cop Oliver Sullivan moved to picturesque Kettle Bend to leave behind bad memories. Locals leave him alone -- until a video of him rescuing a drowning puppy goes viral, making him a celebrity!

Sarah McDougall sees it as a perfect opportunity to promote the struggling town. But when she interviews the gruff cop, he's not the warm, caring hero she expects. Instead he claims to dislike dogs and distrust love. He's wrong on both counts -- and she plans to prove it to him!
 


Very good book.  Oliver had isolated himself from everyone except his sister's family.  He hated being a celebrity because of rescuing the dog.  When Sarah tried to get him to help out with the town festival because of it, he did his best to chase her away, but she wouldn't go.   She just kept going back, using everything she could to get him to cooperate.  To his surprise, pretty soon he liked it, and found himself falling for her.  This scared him because he didn't want the darkness he felt inside him to bring her down, so he withdrew from her.  Sarah fell for him and knew that he was not as bad as he thought he was.  I loved seeing Oliver relax and start to have fun. I really enjoyed this story because Sarah and Oliver were ordinary people with ordinary jobs, which made the story seem so real.  The dog was fantastic!

Master of the Outback - Margaret Way (HR #4285 - Jan 2012)

Tall, brooding, powerful...and standing in her way!

Writer Genevieve Grenville is trembling with excitement as she heads out to Djangala cattle station to finally uncover the mystery that haunts her family. But standing in her way is brooding cattle baron Bret Trevelyan....


Bret might look at her with temptation in his eyes, but he'll do everything possible to stop her digging up the past. Even at a distance, Bret radiates a powerful charisma, but up close, in the cattle baron's Outback world, he is the master. If she's caught snooping, Genevieve will have to answer to him!
 


Good book.  Genevieve went to Djangala to be the ghostwriter on a history of the Trevelyan family.  This suited her very well, as one of her relatives had died there under mysterious circumstances and she wanted to find out more about it.  When she arrived she felt an immediate attraction to, and connection with, Bret Trevelyan.  Neither of them welcomed it, as both had been betrayed in the past.  She also knew that if her connection to Catherine came out, he would be furious.  I really enjoyed the storyline, with the search into the past for the book, and the psychic connections Genevieve felt there on the station.  My favorites parts of the book were the marvelous descriptions of the land.


Inherited: Expectant Cinderella - Myrna MacKenzie (HR #4300 - Mar 2012)

Parker Sutcliffe is allergic to marriage, so he thinks he's the subject of a practical joke when he inherits a Vegas wedding chapel!

Daisy Lockett thinks the joke's on her -- how dare this stranger, who obviously doesn't have a romantic bone in his (irritatingly sexy) body, threaten to close down her business? She can deal with morning sickness and swollen ankles -- so she'll take this pain-in-the-backside billionaire in her stride!


Parker's encountered some tough cookies, but in this pregnant firecracker, he's met his match....
 


Very good book.  I liked both Parker and Daisy.  Parker was obviously uncomfortable at first, since he didn't believe in love.  He also wanted to find out about this aunt he knew nothing about, in case there were bad things about her that could hurt his company.  Daisy was very good at what she did, and felt responsible also for the other three people with her.  She didn't purposely set out to change Parker's attitude, but just by being herself he learned to relax and have fun.  I loved the way she helped him with the spa, and how he helped her at a couple of the weddings.  His commercials for the spa, after he left Las Vegas, showed just how much of an influence she had on him.  I loved her arrival in Boston and the effect she had on his board members/family.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Runaway Bride - Barbara Hannay (HR #4280 - Dec 2011)

Series: Changing Grooms (Book 2) 

Your gorgeous ex roars up in a red sports car and offers to sweep you away from the mess you've made of your life.... What would you do?

With her wedding dreams in tatters and the local grapevine ablaze, Bella Shaw is getting out of town and speeding across the country with delicious, dangerous Damon Cavello. Bella's been playing it safe for so long -- but not anymore. It's high time she faced up to her past -- and with Damon by her side, that time is now!
 


Fun book.  I really liked both Bella and Damon, though both had their issues.  Bella finally realized that she didn't love Kent and they called off their engagement.  When Damon appeared and told her that her grandfather and his grandmother had disappeared together, she made the decision to go with him to find them.  This got her out of town and away from gossip, but put her in close contact with her first love.  Bella had been playing things safe for a long time, and this was her chance to break out for a bit.  Damon couldn't believe he had suggested she come along.  He had left her all those years ago to protect her from himself.  Now he was seeing glimpses of the girl she used to be, and knew he had never stopped loving her.  Both of them were trying to protect themselves and nearly gave up their chances for their happily ever after.  I loved the epilogue!


Pregnant with the Prince's Child - Raye Morgan (HR #4298 - Mar 2012)

Series: Lost Princes of Ambria (Book 5) 

Janis and Mykal married on a wing and a prayer, and were blissfully happy. But the cold, hard truth tore them apart -- descended from two warring families, how could their love survive?

Now they're further apart than ever but Mykal's discovered he's a prince! Janis yearns to tell him that she's carrying his baby. In the fairy tale, Cinderella gets her man, but in the real world can a girl from the roughest end of town become a princess? Janis knows she owes it to her unborn baby to try....
 


Good book.  Mykal is suffering from amnesia and doesn't remember Janis.  She has come to him to find out why he didn't try to get her out of the prison camp.  There are a lot of things going on.  Mykal's brother is trying to keep him sedated all the time.  Mykal has been identified as one of the lost princes.  Janis feels like there is no hope for the two of them now because of who her family is.  I liked the way that Mykal was so sure that Janis is a good person and not the one drugging him, and that her family doesn't matter to their future.  I also liked the way that Janis was determined to keep him safe, even though she knew there was no future for them.  I'm looking forward to the final book.


Outside the Law - Kara Lennox (HS #1767 - Mar 2012)

Series: Project Justice (Book 4) 

Mitch Delacroix is everything Beth McClelland likes in a man. Smart, good-looking and so very safe. She's this close to making her intentions known.

Then Mitch is accused of murdering his best friend years ago. Suddenly his rebel past -- including the criminal record -- is revealed to everyone.


But something doesn't fit -- the Mitch she knows couldn't possibly kill anyone. She's determined to find the truth. As a forensics expert, she's used to uncovering people's secrets. Yet she never expected Mitch could be hiding so many. Despite rising doubts, she'll help clear his name. Even if what she discovers could threaten their relationship...and their lives.
 


Very good book.  I liked Mitch in the previous books.  He seemed like such a sweet, nerdy kind of guy.  And he is -- but he's also much more.  When he's accused of murdering his best friend years ago, Beth knows there's no way he could have done it.  She and the rest of the team start investigating to clear his name.  But as more things from his past come to light, she begins to think she doesn't know him at all.  Beth irritated me just a bit.  I know she had issues with violence because of her abusive ex-boyfriend, but it bugged me that she couldn't see the differences between him and Mitch's MMA activities.  I think Mitch could have avoided some of his problems if he hadn't kept that part of his life secret.  I loved the conclusion, and the epilogue was fantastic.


Friday, March 23, 2012

The Wedding Journey - Cheryl St. John (LIH #131 - Apr 2012)

Series: Irish Brides (Book 1) 

The mysterious inheritance is the answer to a prayer. Now Irish lass Maeve Murphy and her sisters can come to America! She's sure happiness awaits her, even if it won't -- can't -- come from widowed ship doctor Flynn Gallagher. Yes, he made her his assistant, but she's not foolish enough to fall for the man all the eligible, wealthy female passengers admire.

Flynn Gallagher may have his pick of ladies, but only one cares as he does for the sick and poor. Flynn vowed never to marry another woman who could break his heart. With Maeve, has his heart found safe harbor at last?
 


This was a very good book.  Maeve and her sisters are headed to America, escaping the poverty and disease in Ireland.  Thanks to her quick thinking during a dockside emergency, Maeve ends up as the doctor's assistant.  He helps her sisters secure other positions on the ship.  Maeve is a sweet, optimistic young woman who has a gift for healing.  Flynn has spent the last several years working as a ship's doctor and running away from the memories of his wife and son.   Working with Maeve, she opens his eyes to what he has been doing, and he starts to feel again.  I really enjoyed seeing the various people on the ship - the sisters, the captain and his wife, their friends and even the mean girl.  All of the characters were very real as I read the book.  I'm looking forward to the next one.


The Nanny and the Boss's Twins - Barbara McMahon (HR #4299 - Mar 2012)

Series: Nanny Handbook (Book 1) 

Stacey Williams loves children and travel -- so accepting gorgeous Luis Aldivista's offer to look after his adorable twin boys on the Spanish Riviera is a no-brainer.

All widower Luis wants is to see his boys smile again, but Stacey's zest for life is catching! Stacey knows she can get the boys to giggle, but it will be much harder to get the darkly brooding Luis to open up. She's just the temporary nanny, but now Luis wants her to stay...as permanent nanny...or wife?
 


Good book.  I liked the concept of the vacation nanny, and Stacy fit it very well.  Her love of travel and children made her perfect for this assignment.  I loved the way that she and the boys took to each other right away.  She was able to get them to behave and be happy on their visit to their great-grandmother.  When the trip first started, Luis was very aloof and focused on his business, intending to leave the boys to Stacy's care and work most of the time there.  Shortly after arriving in Spain, he began to realize that he was attracted to her.  He did his best to ignore it, as he never intended to put himself at risk of the pain of losing someone he loved again.  His grandmother refused to allow him to work through the vacation, and Stacy also made sure he spent time with his sons.  He came to realize that he was doing to them what his father had done to him, and made a vow to change.  Stacy fell in love with him as she saw how good he was with the boys, and as the two of them spent time together.  But she could tell that he would not plan a future with her, and resigned herself to never seeing them again. I also enjoyed the way that Stacy fit in so well with his family. I really liked the way that things were resolved at the end.


Thursday, March 22, 2012

A Cold Creek Reunion - RaeAnne Thayne (HSE #2179 - Apr 2012)

Series: Cowboys of Cold Creek (Book 10) 

He was the one you called when you needed rescuing...

But who was Taft Bowman going to call when he needed help? Because ten years ago Laura Pendleton, the love of his life, had left town without a word, then or since. Now she was back, with a new last name -- and two adorable, high-needs little ones in tow. Well, Taft had been stupid enough to let her go once before...he wasn't about to make the same mistake again. He'd never stopped loving her -- and one look at those adorable little faces and he knew that he was meant to be with Laura and her kids forever. All he had to do was convince her that this time he was a man she could count on!
 


Very good book.  I liked both Taft and Laura.  Their breakup ten years ago had been contributed to by both.  Taft was playing the stoic male, not allowing anyone to help him through the murders of his parents.  The shutdown of his emotions pushed Laura away.  At twenty-one, Laura couldn't handle that and gave him an ultimatum - to postpone their wedding or she would leave.  Now she is back, and Taft has realized what an idiot he had been, and that he still loves her.  Laura has brought her children and come home to recover from the death of her husband.  He had not been a good husband, and she had no intention of opening herself up to another relationship.  She did her best to keep herself apart from Taft, but found herself drawing closer to the man he had become.  I loved the way she finally realized that she was still in love with him too. He was terrific with her kids, and a fantastic fire chief, all showing that he had changed from when she knew him before.


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

A Scottish Love - Karen Ranney (Avon - Nov 2011)

Shona Imrie should have agreed to Gordon MacDermond's proposal of marriage seven years ago -- before he went off to war and returned a national hero -- but the proud Scottish lass would accept no man's charity. The dashing soldier would never truly share her love and the passion that left her weak and breathless -- or so she believed -- so instead she gave herself to another. Now she faces disgrace, poverty, and a life spent alone for her steadfast refusal to follow her heart.

Honored with a baronetcy for his courage under fire, Gordon has everything he could ever want -- except for the one thing he most fervently desires: the headstrong beauty he foolishly let slip through his fingers. Conquering Shona's stubborn pride, however, will prove his most difficult battle -- though it is the one for which he is most willing to risk his life, his heart, and his soul.
 


Good book about two people with too much pride.  Shona was doing her best with what she had, but refused to ask anyone for help.  She had decided it would be best to sell the castle she and her brother grew up in to a rich American.  When she went to Gairloch to prepare it for the visiting Americans, Gordon was there.   He wants her still, but doesn't want to compete with her pride.  Meanwhile, she is biting her tongue constantly so as not to alienate Mr. Loftus and his daughter.  At the same time, Shona's brother Fergus is reunited with the woman he loved, who is serving as nurse to Mr. Loftus.  He has too much pride to ask her to marry him when he is poor and crippled from a war wound.  Elizabeth feels she is no good for him due to her past.  Overall, I enjoyed this book.  There were a couple really fun parts, like when Shona played the part of a ghost.  I did want to smack her quite often for being so stubborn.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

My Wicked Little Lies - Victoria Alexander (Zebra - Feb 2012)

Series: Sinful Family Secrets (Book 2) 

Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all -- a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. No one, including the man she married, suspects that she was once "Eve," a spy for England's most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss "Sir" prove too tempting...

Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentleman. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love...
 


Very good book.  There aren't very many romances where the book starts out with them married.  I really liked both characters.  Their love for each other was strong and obvious.  Their biggest difficulty was in their past lives as operatives.  Adrian knew about hers, though she didn't know that.  She didn't know about his.  When she got sucked back into her former life, it caused a strain on their relationship.  Adrian didn't know what she was doing, and his insecurity caused him to jump to unwarranted conclusions.  The book was full of misunderstandings, paybacks, and some truly humorous moments.


Monday, March 19, 2012

Tangling With Ty - Jill Shalvis (HT #914 - Feb 2003)

Series: South Village Singles (Book 2) 

Dr. Nicole Mann is simply too busy for romance. Her work as a surgeon consumes her entire world and she prefers it that way. That is, until she meets too-charming-for-his-own-good Ty O'Grady. This sexy architect with his enticing Irish accent has her thinking of something other than medicine. So she'll prescribe herself an intense -- but temporary -- round of seduction to cure this Ty fever once and for all.

Stubborn, strong and entirely too desirable, Nicole is Ty's match. When one hot touch leads to another, and another, this footloose drifter suddenly is thinking of a relationship with a design to forever. So he's pulling out all the sensual stops and will do anything to show her a temptation that's irresistible!
 


What a fun book.  Nicole is a single minded doctor who doesn't do relationships.  She finished high school at 12 and immediately went on to college and medical school.  She never learned how to act in social situations and is therefore more comfortable working - which she does a lot.  When she meets Ty, her world is thrown off-kilter.  Ty is a footloose kind of guy that moves around a lot.  He grew up in Dublin, mostly on the streets, and never lets anyone get close to him.  But Nicole gets under his skin, and that scares him to death.  He sees things in her that he recognizes, and she sees past his facade.  I loved the part where she was caring for him after he fell through her ceiling - such a stubborn man!
 



Part of the "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" anthology.

The Sins of His Past - Roxanne St. Claire (SD #1702 - Jan 2006)

Series: The Lockes (Book 1)

HE HAD SOME ATONING TO DO

For one incredible night, Kendra Locke gave Deuce Monroe everything she had. Then he walked away without a backward glance to chase his big-league dreams as far as they would take him. Years later, after one daredevil stunt too many, Deuce was back in his hometown, ready to pick up where he left off.


Kendra had no intention of letting him. The consequences of that one night had shattered her dreams. Now what Deuce wanted threatened her future...especially when he tempted her with the sensual promise of more time in his bed. Could she be the one to walk away?
 


Very good book, with lots of emotion.  When Deuce came home, he expected to walk in and take over running his dad's bar.  He had lots of good ideas about turning it into a fantastic sports bar.  He got a rude shock when he discovered it had been turned into a cyber-cafe, and Kendra was running it.  She had big plans also, and when Deuce's dad gave them six weeks to work out a compromise, she wasn't sure what to do.  She didn't want to give up her dreams again, but spending time with him hurt too much.  Deuce knew he had messed up, and he wanted a chance to make things right.  Could he get her to give them a second chance, or would he be able to give up his dream this time?  I loved watching them as they danced around each other and their attraction.  I also thought they did a great job of compromising and making Monroe's work for both of them.





 
This was included in the "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" anthology.