Cupcakes and Killer Heels by Heidi Rice

Cupcakes and Killer Heels by Heidi Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Fabulous! Heidi Rice never fails to deliver an entertaining story with a great plot and multifaceted characters.

This book was fast paced and Hot! Hot! Hot! The writing was sharp and witty, just what I have come to expect from Heidi Rice.

Heidi had me reeled in from the first lines of the book “Take a Chill pill Pal, This is a makeup emergency”. I love a confident, feisty & spunky heroine and Ruby was all that and more. The chemistry between Cal and Ruby was off the charts and their sparring was entertaining to say the least.

What I love most about reading Heidi Rice’s books apart from the witty writing is a chance to catch up on characters from prior books; it’s like reading an extended epilogue. To make a connection here – Cal is Maddy’s brother (Surf, Sea And A Sexy Stranger). I have to point out that both books are stand alone reads.

I would highly recommend reading this book. Come now, with a name like “Cupcakes and Killer Heels” how can you not.

Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet by Kimberly Lang

Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet by Kimberly Lang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back cover:
The Marshalls…

A rich, powerful family that mixes business, politics… and pleasure.

If the US had a royal family — this would be it!

The tabloids just couldn’t get enough of A-List couple hotshot Producer Finn Marshall and Hollywood wild-child Caitlyn Reese. Then Caitlyn fled the glaring lights of Tinseltown, leaving an indelible mark on the Walk of Fame – and an empty seat on the back of his motorbike.

Now Cait is back! She’s still got the X-factor, and Finn is struggling to banish his X-rated thoughts! Because one thing is for sure…he isn’t just interested in a quick Hollywood retake…To interest him, it’ll have to be a full-budget epic remake

My Review
‘Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet’ is a fast paced, enjoyable read; author Kimberly Lang did a fantastic job in keeping me engrossed throughout this book.

Cait and Finn are ex-flames with bad blood between them. Cait left for London 3 yrs ago on the heels of their disastrous affair. They meet again on the Set of “The Folly of the Fury” being produced by Finn when Cait is brought in as a replacement to the supporting actress.

Finn Marshall Hollywood producer is one handsome devil with a bad boy edge, just the kind of guy Cait doesn’t want to be associated with while she is trying to make a come back and rebuild her acting career.
The chemistry between ex- flames Finn and Cait sizzled off the pages. I really liked Caitlyn’s character she was no doormat, she was feisty, spunky and gave as good as she got; Cait was my idea of a great heroine.

All the characters in this series were very well developed and memorable. I loved the Marshall family, the whole American royalty setup and the “Grands”. There was great camaraderie and bickering between the brothers: Brady, Ethan and Finn; throw Lily and Aspyn into the mix and it made for one entertaining read.

I’ve really enjoyed reading the Marshall series and the last book in the series “Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet” was no exception.

If you haven’t read the Marshall series, I would highly recommend reading them.
Introducing the Marshall's...
A rich, powerful family that mixes business, politics... and pleasure.
If the US had a royal family -- this would be it!

Book 1: The Privileged and the Damned
Book 2: The Power and the Glory
Book 3: Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet

The Life She Left Behind (The Santina Crown) by Maisey Yates

Mar 23, 12

Reviewed & Contributed by: Fiona Marsden 

http://apleasantbook.blogspot.com.au/

Sometimes it can be quite illuminating when you read the reviews for a book you've already finished reading. Especially the ones who give poor reviews. I can't help but wonder what they were expecting. Too short...yes it's a novella. Not enough character development...did I mention it was a novella? Too many tropes. Tropes...I thought that was to do with you know, a play on words, but now I find it is a sort of upmarket cliche. So there were cliche's in the story. Can you say series romance really really slowly. (Ok I'm giggling here. This is so much fun.) But seriously guys what were you expecting. This is a prequel for a gaggle of series romance stories. Cliche's will inevitably abound. But I happen to like cliche's when they are attached to a rather cute love story with a hot guy and a quirky heroine with a bit of personality. In fact I read this stuff because I like to know what I'm getting. Sure I'll give points for originality of plot lines or a nice varigation on the theme but a short story or novella doesn't leave a lot of room for playing. I want my men hot and my heroine's lovable and I like to know that whatever twists and turns I'm guaranteed a Happily Ever After. Now that's the biggest cliche of them all. And in case you are wondering, yes I love this story, every darned cliche/trope just made it the ideal comfort read. Almost as good as chocolate, but not quite, which is why it only got four stars.

Once a Ferrara Wife... by Sarah Morgan

Once a Ferrara Wife... by Sarah Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

‘Once a Ferrara wife’ is an incredibly wonderful reunion story, Laurel Ferrara and Cristiano Ferrara marriage fell apart when Cristiano let Laurel down badly and she ended up walking away from their Marriage. Now 2 years later she ruturns briefly to Sicily to stand as Maid of Honor for Cristiano’s sister’s wedding and settle their divorce, this is where the story picks up.

Once a Ferrara wife is compelling read; full of tension, drama, conflict and angst. There was great chemistry between Cristiano and Laurel. I liked the fact they both respected their marriage vows while they were apart and that they both were willing to work towards a reconciliation. Cristiano was my idea of a perfect hero, he was handsome, successful, protective – an overall great guy who was not afraid to show his feelings and put his heart on the line. Once Cristiano realized his part in the breakdown of their marriage, he was committed to making amends and showing Laurel that he truly loved her, by his words and deeds.

This is Sarah Morgan at her best and this book here is exactly why Sarah Morgan is one of my Favorite authors. If there is a book Sarah will write, I will read. Another Winner!

The Notorious Wolfes Series

"The Notorious Wolfes" is the BEST multi author Harlequin Presents series I have read. Period!

Sarah Morgan hooked me in from book one “A Night of Sandal” and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series. The stories were spellbounding and flowed seamlessly from one book to another; all the characters in this series had a lot of depth and were very well written.

I applaud Sarah Morgan, Caitlin Crews, Abby Green, Robyn Grady, Lynn Raye Harris, Janette Kenny, Jennie Lucas for writing such a brilliant series and especially Kate Hewitt for tying everything together brilliantly at the end.

 If you are looking to read a series that has all the elements of a Presents novel - Scandal, flawed characters, drama, tension, angst, redemption, great romances then look no further than the “The Natorious Wolfes” series.

A POWERFUL DYNASTY, WHERE SECRETS AND SCANDAL NEVER SLEEP!

Eight siblings, blessed with wealth, but denied the one thing they wanted – a father’s love. Haunted by their past and driven to succeed, the Wolfes scattered to the far corners of the globe. It’s said that even the blackest of souls can be healed by the purest of love…

The list of books in this series and my Ratings: 

1. A Night of Scandal by Sarah Morgan (Nathaniel) – Sarah Morgan never disappoints and this was another brilliantly written winner “6 stars”
2. The Disgraced Playboy by Catlin Crews (Lucas) – Lucas was irresistible, overly conceited and beautifully flawed; great banter between H & H, great book overall. “5.5 stars”
3. The Stolen Bride by Abby Green (Sebastain) – An enjoyable read with a Bollywood Link. – “5 stars”
4. The Fearless Maverick by Robyn Brady (Alex) – A story about loss and hope, A good read. “4.5 stars”
5. The Man with the Money by Lynn Raye Harris (Jack) – An exciting fast paced read, Sexy Sauvé Jack made my toes Curl – “5.5 stars”
6. The trophy Wife by Janette Kenny (Raffaello) – A good addition to The Wolfe Series “4 stars”
7. The Girl that love Forgot by Jennie Lucas (Annabelle) – A good read, their declaration of love and the ending was very well done. Loved it.
   “5 stars”
8. The Lone Wolfe by Kate Hewitt  (Jacob) - one word ‘WOW’ It was everything I hoped for in the last book of the series and more – “6 stars”

A Fiona Harper Addiction

I recently went through a Fiona Harper addiction Phase...It all started with the purchase of one book:"Housekeeper's Happy-ever-after"

I was hooked - line and sinker. Not only did I  browse B & N to find every Fiona Harper eBook available  ofcos I couldn't stop there I had to buy every ebook out there (credit card *cringe). My only Complaint - Why isn't "English Lord, Ordinary Lady" available on B & N as a eBook?

Fiona Harper writes for Harlequin Romance Series and if you haven't read one of her books yet, you are definitly in for a treat.


If you are looking to read something light, Fun, Flirty and Heartwarming, here are some of her books you might want to look into

Harlequin Romance Series:




Housekeeper's Happy-ever-after
The Balerina Bride
Saying Yes to the Milionaire
Blind Date Baby
English Lord, Ordinary Lady
Invitation to the Boss's Ball.

HJRR has lined up some awsome Giveaways....Stay Connected.

05/03/12: 2 ebook (smashbook coupons) and a signed copy of On the Island by Tracey Graves - Gravis

05/11/12: Ebook - An Indiscretion by Lynne Marshall (1)

05/17/12: The Nurses Not so Secret Scandal by Wendy S Marcus (1)

05/2312: One Month to become a Mum by Louisa George (1)

05/28/12: Set Marshall series by Kimberly Lang and and Jewelry. (1)

06/15/12: The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst (1)

06/27/12: Affinity by LaVerne (1)

07/02/12: The Bad and the Wild and Cupcakes and Killer Heels by Heidi Rice (1 ea)

07/29/12: The CEO's Unexpected Proposal by Karen Rose Smith (5)

Nanny And The Professor by Donna Fasano

Nanny And The Professor by Donna Fasano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Professor Joshua Kingston thought he'd found the perfect nanny for his son. But once Cassie Simmons stepped into his life, she turned it upside down! His son no longer played by the rules – and Cassie kept making up new ones. He would fire her – if he didn't find her so utterly enticing.

Cassie had a huge secret to hide, and she couldn't afford to lose her new job. But her handsome employer wasn't making things easy. All those silly rules. How was an eight-year-old boy supposed to have any fun? The professor definitely needed a lesson in laughter – and love!

Nanny and the professor was a delightful read, just the kind of book you would want to curl up with at the end of a busy day. The writing was flawless and the characters in the book were well developed, people one could relate too.
Cassie and Joshua romance was endearing to read, they didn’t always see eye to eye and that made for some witty sparring between the two of them.
Cassie was resilient in the face of adversity, brings to mind that saying “ making lemonade off the lemons life throws at you”.

If you are looking for an entertaining feel good romance look no further than the Nanny and the Professor.

What is your Favorite Harlequin Theme?

• Marriage of Convenience
• Re-union
• Revenge
• Sexy Sheikh's
• Plain Jane / Cinderalla
• Any Other?

Post a comment....Let us Know

Waking Up With Dr Off Limits by Amy Andrews

Waking Up With Dr. Off-Limits by Amy Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Great Read! Waking Up With Dr. Off-Limits is the 4th book in the Single, Free & Fabulous in Sydney series. I have enjoyed reading this series and this book was a great wrap to the series.

Waking Up With Dr. Off-Limits is a story of two people finally finding each other. I liked the characters in this book very much. Jess “homey girl next door” personality was a good contrast to Adam’s Hotshot Jet setting Surgeon’s. Jess had spunk, she was not afraid to stand up for or go after what she really wanted in life, I liked that Jess & Adam both had dreams and goals and in the end were willing to compromise and work together to achieve them. Love conquers All!

It's their last summer of being single!

Jess's Diary

At least catching my housemate, Dr. Adam Carmichael—bachelor and my secret 

crush extraordinaire—in my bed(!) means he finally knows my name! For years, Adam's been one hundred percent off-limits (if ever a man needed a revolving door on his bedroom…) but there's no harm in dreaming of more…is there?


Series: Single, Free & Fabulous in Sydney
1.Survival Guide to Dating Your Boss by Fiona Mcarthur
2.Cort Mason - Dr. Delectable by Carol Marinelli
3.Breaking Her No-Dates Rule by Emily Forbes
4. Waking Up With Dr. Off-Limits by Amy Andrews

BLOG VISIT!!

Tracey Garvis-Graves: Author of ‘On the Island’ will be here May 3^rd and May 4th bearing Gifts.

Mark Your Calendars!!

The Way they Were by Mary Campisi

The Way They Were by Mary Campisi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rourke Flannigan and Kate Redmond were young and very much in love, then one night tragedy tore them apart and changed their lives for ever. He hasn’t spoken her name in fourteen years. She keeps a journal hidden in the back of her closet and permits herself to write about him once a year—on the anniversary of the first and only time they made love.

‘The way there were’ was an emotionally packed reunion story full of drama, intrigue and passion. It was a story of second chances and love that transcends time.

I thought the characters were well rounded and plot well thought out with surprise twist and turns thrown in. The interaction between Rouke, Julia and Abigail was adorable to read.
This story kept me hooked, I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out if Kate and Rouke would get their HEA.

Having read this book by author Mary Campisi, I will definitely be on the lookout for more. If you were looking for a book to engage all your emotions, I would definitely give this book a read.

The Nurse's Not -So -Secret Scandal by Wendy S. Marcus

The Nurse's Not -So -Secret Scandal (U.S. Edition. Madrin Memorial Hospital #3) by Wendy S. Marcus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A Bold & Beautiful romance from Wendy S Marcus, I’m so hooked on the Madrin Memorial series and hoping this is not the last of the books in this Series. We want more Wendy!!!!

We were first introduced to Roxie and “Fig” in “Once A Good Girl”. The author’s segue into the third book was unique and delightful, a teaser that leaves you wanting for more.

The Nurse's Not-So-Secret Scandal is Ryan ‘Fig’ Figelstein and nurse Roxie Morano’s story; this book was a fast paced read with all the makings of a great book Wendy S Marcus style. It had wit, it had humor, it had great chemistry between the characters, it was BOLD and tackled some serious disability issues in a relatable manner.

I would highly recommend reading this book and the Madrin Memorial Hospital Series by Wendy S Marcus, these books are not your average straight laced medical romances, the author definitely knows how to turn up the heat!!!

Quote from the book:

"Fig leaned in close, his chest pressed to her back, his palm flat on her belly. “Time to muster up some moxie, Roxie,” he whispered. “Every woman in this bar is wishing she had a body as gorgeous as yours, and every man is wishing he had your long, beautiful legs clamped around his butt.”
Roxie relaxed. Smiled even. “Does that include you?” [...]
“Nah.” [...] “My wish involves them wrapped around my head."

Madrin Memorial Hospital Series:
1. When One Night Isn’t Enough - Nurse Ali Forshay Story
2. Once a Good Girl - Victoria’s story
3. The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal - Roxie’s story.

The Man She Loves To Hate by Kelly Hunter

The Man She Loves To Hate by Kelly Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

The Man She Loves to Hate is among my top 10 releases of 2011. The romance between Jolie and Cole though complex was completely believable and well written. This book had it all drama, conflict, passion and a great romance.

The characters in this book were well rounded, I liked that the author gave Jolie an unusual profession that also provided her a creative outlet when she needed one.

Cole is just gorgeous without being overbearing, he was not afraid to show his feelings and he was willing to risk it all in the name of love.

I liked the way the synopsis of the book was done - Unique.

"Three reasons to keep away from Cole Rees...
1. My mom had a scorching affair with his dad--just think how awkward that "meet the family" would be...
2. His arrogance drives me mad--he might be a gorgeous billionaire, but I hate how he knows it!
3. Every time he touches me I go up in flames...and it's utterly terrifying.
Come on, a fling with the man I love to hate? Like that would ever work out.."

I would give this book more than fire stars if I could, I highly recommend reading this book. It was engaging from start to finish.

Authors in the Spotlight!!

Mark your Calendars for the following Virtual Book Tours:


May 17th, 2012:


Wendy S Marcus: Author of When 'One Night Isn’t Enough' and 'Once a Good Girl' will be stopping by to blog about her new book 'The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal'. She will also be giving away a copy of her new release to one lucky winner.

May 24, 2012:

Louisa George: Author of  'One Month to Become a Mum' will be stopping by to blog about her new book 'Waking Up with His Runaway Bride' and life as a romance author. She will also be doing a Book giveaway to one lucky winner. 
June 8th to 16th, 2012:


Mary Campisi: Author of 'The Way They Were' and 'Not Your Everyday Housewife’ will be stopping by to blog about her new books. She will also be participating in a eBook Giveaway.




July 29th to August 4th, 2012:


Karen Rose Smith: Author of 'Reunion Bride series' will be stopping by to blog about her new releases. She will also be participating in an eBook Giveaway!

Visiting Author - DONNA FASANO

Welcome DONNA FASANO!!! I'm excited to host harlequin author Donna Fasano on HarlequinJunkie.


 Look for Donna's blog on the  Donna Fasano - Book Tour  Page.  She will be here for all of April to talk about her book Nanny and the Professor (on sale on Amazon). Donna will be happy to answer any questions or comments you may have.

Donna will be also be giving away a copy of her recent release "Nanny and the Professor" Click here to enter to win this eBook.

(Contest closes 04/30/12)"

On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves

On the Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job tutoring T.J. Callahan at his family's summer rental in the Maldives, she accepts without hesitation; a working vacation on a tropical island trumps the library any day.

T.J. Callahan has no desire to leave town, not that anyone asked him. He's almost seventeen and if having cancer wasn't bad enough, now he has to spend his first summer in remission with his family - and a stack of overdue assignments - instead of his friends.

Anna and T.J. are en route to join T.J.'s family in the Maldives when the pilot of their seaplane suffers a fatal heart attack and crash-lands in the Indian Ocean. Adrift in shark-infested waters, their life jackets keep them afloat until they make it to the shore of an uninhabited island. Now Anna and T.J. just want to survive and they must work together to obtain water, food, fire, and shelter. Their basic needs might be met but as the days turn to weeks, and then months, the castaways encounter plenty of other obstacles, including violent tropical storms, the many dangers lurking in the sea, and the possibility that T.J.'s cancer could return. As T.J. celebrates yet another birthday on the island, Anna begins to wonder if the biggest challenge of all might be living with a boy who is gradually becoming a man.

My Review:
An absolutely great book! ‘On the Island’ was author Tracey Garvis-Graves debut novel and it was just phenomenal. This is the story about two individuals marooned on a deserted island surviving to stay alive over a period of over 3 years.

Do not be put off based on the premise of this book, ‘On the Island’ is much more than just an older women / younger man romance; it is about survival, friendship, perseverance, courage, trust, faith, hope, dreams, companionship, support and deep abiding love that breaks through barriers.

I’m so glad to have come across this book browsing through Amazon. The writing was flawless; the descriptions were vivid. I liked reading the book through both Anna and T.J’s point of view.

Anna and TJ’s story was heartbreaking at times and heartwarming at others; I laughed, I cried and cheered for them. I was sorry to see this book end and that’s saying something.

If you could read only one book this year – I would highly recommend ‘On the Island’

On the Island Quote:

“[T.J.] If she had gotten sick, the only thing I could have done was watch her suffer. Bury her next to Mick when she died. I didn’t know if I could make it without her. The sound of her voice, her smile, her– those were the things that made living on the island bearable. I held her a little tighter and thought if she woke up I might tell her that. She didn’t though. She sighed in her sleep, and eventually I drifted off.” 

― Tracey Garvis-Graves, On the Island 

“I don't fit in your world."
"Neither do I," he said, his expression tender yet resolute. "So let's make our own. We've done it before.”
― Tracey Garvis-Graves, On the Island

“[T.J.] I kissed her as soon as we were inside her apartment, and I wasn’t gentle about it, holding her face firmly in my hands and pressing my lips hard against hers. She wasn’t anyone’s to own – I knew that – but right then she was mine.” 
― Tracey Garvis-Graves, On the Island

The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst

The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Loved it! “The Marriage Bargain” had all the ingredients for the making of an amazing story: Childhood friends reunited, Marriage of convenience, Love spell gone astray, opposites attract and great chemistry. This was my first book by Jennifer Probst, I came across it by chance on the goodreads website and was I ever glad to have found it. The story was funny and charming, a fresh take on the old “Marriage of convenience” story line, there were no boring moments and the story kept me engaged to the end. I really enjoyed the part where Alexa quizzes Nick about kissing his Ex.

Story Line: Nick needed to get married in a hurry to retain full control of his business and Alexa needed a 150,000 to pay off the mortgage on her parents’ home, so they strike a deal. Alexa and Nick both had a working list of attributes they were looking for in a spouse and boy did they get what they were looking for not.

Alexa’s List: 1) A Mets fan. 6) loves animals. 10) has $150,000 cash available.

Nick’s List: 1) a woman who does not love me. 4) A woman who does not have any animals. 8) A woman who is not overly emotional or impulsive.

MELT

Melt by Natalie Anderson
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars



Being a huge fan of Natalie's work, I’m not sure which side of the fence I stand with this book and that’s pretty unusual for someone as opinionated as me. Perhaps it was a little too short of a read for me. I would have liked to have read more about Emma's and Hunter's life together; maybe an Epilogue would have helped.
Back Cover

When two frozen hearts collide… 
Emma Reed closed her heart to love years ago after a lifetime spent getting kicked around foster homes and bad relationships. Now she’s on a mission to prove she deserves her recent award to paint a mural for a research base in Antarctica. Nothing and no one is going to get in her way. 
After months working in recovery zones around the world, Hunter Wilson planned to escape everything this holiday season by rebuilding a lab at the Kiwi Research Base. Alone. No to family, no to fun. It’s isolation not intimacy he’s aching for. But when he sees the determined artist, that ache becomes an urge – after all, shouldn’t someone show her what two people can do with twenty-four hours of brilliant sunlight? 
In the coldest place on earth, even the most frozen hearts can melt. 

View all my reviews

Innocent in the Ivory Tower by Lucy Ellis

Innocent in the Ivory Tower by Lucy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



‘Innocent in the Ivory’ was great fast paced read by Harlequin Presents debut author Lucy Ellis’s this book was engaging from get go. Alexei Ranaevsky and Maisy Edmonds meet when Alexei’s godson Kostya is orphaned following the death of his parents and being cared for by his nanny Maisy.

Alexei Ranaevsky the infamous Russian billionaire playboy unlike true to form Presents hero’s, was larger than life, an endearing Alpha hero you will fall in love with. Nanny Maisy Edmonds was shy and sassy a great combination of character traits. The chemistry between Alexei and Maisy sizzled of the pages; the dialogues between the characters and the narration was fresh, witty and very well written.

A couple of extracts from the book:

“It’s safe to look, dushka. Although I’ve got no idea what’s spooked you, Maisy. It’s not as if you haven’t been introduced.”

“Maisy, I’m a bit toxic at the moment. You need to give me a wide berth. Can you do that?”

“You are an amazing man Alexei Ranaevsky. I don’t think I’ve stopped long enough to smell the coffee on that one.” 

I would have liked to read an epilogue, the ending kind of felt rushed to me and for that I have to give this book a 4 star. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Lucy Ellis.


View all my reviews

Working Girl by Jessica Hart

Working Girl by Jessica Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sparks flew when Phyllida Grant literally crashed into Jake Tregowan at the airport. Phyllida’s life had just hit rock bottom losing her job and her Fiancée, she decides to visit her cousin in Australia and take a break. Jake owned the Marina where Phyllida’s cousin worked; when Chris’ husband is involved in an accident and she has to leave in a hurry, Phyllida promises to fill in for Chris at the marina to save Chris’s job. Jake was prejudiced against career women and had some pre-conceived notions of them being selfish and obsessed. As the story progressed it was wonderful to see Phyllida break through Jake’s defenses and fall in love.

The synopsis really did not do this book justice. If you are a fan of Jessica Hart and are familiar with her writing style you will not be disappointed with this book. The Heroines in her book are spunky, Sassy and Smart. This book was first published in 1995, and recently released as a eBook (Harlequin Treasury collection) if you are looking to read a classic Harlequin and a throw back to the 90’s I would recommend this one.




View all my reviews

Once a Good Girl by Wendy S Marcus

Once a Good Girl... U.S. edition by Wendy S. Marcus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

‘Once A Good Girl' is another winner from Wendy S Marcus from her Madrin Memorial Hospital series. This is the story Prim and proper Victoria Foley and town rebel and bad boy Kyle Karlinsky who were teenage sweethearts. Victoria’s one act of rebellion changed her life forever leaving her pregnant and alone at sixteen when Kyle skipped town. Now 8 years later Dr. Kyle Karlinsky returns to Madrin Memorial and the town that shunned him as a teenager, While at Madrin Memorial hospital he runs into head nurse and old flame Victoria Foley; this is where the story takes off.

This is not your average re-union story; it was fresh, heartwarming and totally captivating. I absolutely loved Kyle; he was kind, caring and a real darling. There was a lot of depth to the characters in this story, which tackled some serious issues. We were also introduced to Roxie in this book (The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal)
The writing was humorous, compelling and kept me engrossed to the end. The Epilogue was awesome. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I would highly recommend this book and author (Wendy S Marcus) to anyone looking to read a good Harlequin Medical romance.


Madrin Memorial Hospital Series:
1. When One Night Isn’t Enough - Nurse Ali Forshay Story
2. Once a Good Girl - Victoria’s story
3. The Nurse’s Not-So-Secret Scandal - Roxie’s story. Read an excerpt here.




View all my reviews

When One Night Isn't Enough by Wendy S Marcus

When One Night Isn't Enough U.S. edition by Wendy S. Marcus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“When One Night Isn't Enough” was Wendy’s debut novel and WOW was I impressed. This book sucked me in from the first page. The author did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. I loved Allison with her stubborn quirky personality and Jared who was just dreamy. The chemistry between these two characters sizzled off the pages. I loved the witty dialogue and narration of this story. The author did a great job giving this book a modern feel; the heroine was not some shy virgin like in so many harlequin books we are used to reading.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.

http://harlequinjunkie.blogspot.com


View all my reviews

We'll Always Have Paris by Jessica Hart

We'll Always Have Paris by Jessica Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book, another winner from Jessica Hart, one of my favorite authors. Clara and Simon's romance was fun to read, two people with personalities that were poles apart, a case where opposite attract for HEA. The characters in this book were life like and I enjoyed the references to the Sound of Music.
If you are looking for a feel good book to relax with I would definitely recommend this book.

harlequinjunkie.blogspot.com/

View all my reviews

His Housekeeper Bride by Melissa James

His Housekeeper Bride by Melissa James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful story about two teenagers Sylvie Browning and Mark Hannaford who meet at a hospice, develop a friendship and help support each other through a very difficult period in their lives. Fifteen years later they reconnect when Sylvie applies for a job as Mark's housekeeper. This was a sweet tender romance, the author took me on emotional journey of Mark and Sylvie finding each other again, renewing their friendship, helping each other get over their past demons and falling in love.

I almost didn't buy this book and that would have been a major miss. If you are looking for a feel good romance to unwind with I definitely suggest reading this one.
This was my first Melissa James book and I will definitely look for more books from this author.


View all my reviews

The Man Who Risked it All by Michelle Reid

The Man Who Risked It All by Michelle Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Loved this story!!! I have always been a big Fan of Michelle Reid and I think she has out done herself again! The man who risked it all is a beautiful reunion love story of Lexi Hamilton and Franco Tolle. The story starts with Franco and Marco his childhood friend taking part in a powerboat race where they are involved in a serious accident that leaves Franco injured and Marco dead. Franco is in the hospital and refuses to see anyone but his wife. When her father in law contacts Lexi and informs her of Franco condition and his request to see her she rushes to his bedside.

When Franco and Lexi first met they were young and easily influenced by the people around them. Franco and Lexi got married when they realized that she was pregnant but their marriage fell apart within six months when Lexi lost the baby and Franco was not around to support her. Lexi moved back to London and started to rebuild her life there.

This is a fast paced read and captivates you right from the start. I loved the interaction and the chemistry between the Franco and Lexi, you could tell throughout the story that they still loved each other. Michelle Reid has done a fantastic job in bringing this story to life, reading this book took me on an emotional filled journey filled with angst and hope, I was routing for Lexi and Franco all the way.

Sydney Harbor Hospital: Lily's Scandal by Marion Lennox

Sydney Harbor Hospital: Lily's Scandal by Marion Lennox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in an eight book series called Sydney Harbor Hospital, this is Lily and Luke’ story. Lily has recently moved to Sydney on the heels of a scandal involving her mother in her hometown. Lily has decided to lie low at her new job but on her very first day on the job she is caught in a compromising position with brooding plastic surgeon Luke Williams in the on call room. Luke is a widow and battling demons from his past relationship, to stop the rumor mill going and to protect Lily’s reputation he lets on that he and Lily have been having a long term relationship. We are introduced to Theo, Finn and Evie characters in this book This is a sweet tender romance, just what you expect from Marion Lennox.



Sydney Harbor Hospital Series:
1. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Lily’s Scandal by Marion Lennox
2. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Zoe’s Baby by Alison Roberts
3. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Luca’s Bad Girl by Amy Andrews
4. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Tom’s Redemption by Fiona Lowe
5. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Lexi’s Secret by Melanie Milburne
6. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Bella’s Wishlist by Emily Forbes
7. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Marco’s Temptation by Fiona McArthur
8. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Ava’s Reawakening by Carol Marinelli
9. Sydney Harbor Hospital: Flinn and Eve's Story by Amy Andrews

Roccanti's Marriage Revenge by Lynne Graham

Roccanti's Marriage Revenge by Lynne Graham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Roccanti's Marriage Revenge by Lynne Graham book,  is the first book in the new series Marriage by Command. I couldn't quite get into this book, It was quite a drag and I was glad when I was done with it. There was no real chemistry between Vitale and Zara.

I am a big fan of Lynne Graham and auto buy all her books, so this one kida threw me for a loop...having said that I look forward to what this series brings.  

Book Blurb
Engaged heiress risks all with mystery man!

Vitale Roccanti's plan was simple - sleep with the daughter to get to the father. What could go wrong? But staring at the black and white headline that announces the success of his plan doesn't feel half as satisfying as Zara did beneath his touch.

Zara Blake is shattered by the public expose of the night she risked it all - and lost. She betrayed her father, and his plans for her marriage, for one chance at passion. But that's nothing compared to the headline that will come in nine month's time!

My Favorite Authors

My Top 10 All time Favorite Harlequin Authors:

1. Michelle Reid
2. Jessica Hart
3. Sarah Morgan
4. Lynne Graham
5. Kate Walker
6. Emma Darcy
7. Kim Lawrence
8. Anne Mcallister
9. Sandra Marton
10. Marion Lennox

Fav. New Harlequin Authors

1. Wendy S Marcus
2. Ally Blake
3. Heidi Rice
4. Trish Morey
5. Catlin Crews
6. Kate Hardy
7. Natalie Anderson