A Marriage Worth Fighting For by Lilian Darcy

A Marriage Worth Fighting For by Lilian Darcy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
I DO...AGAIN? When Alicia McKinley agreed to a whirlwind Las Vegas wedding, she'd been swept away by the sheer romance of it all. How could she not say "I do" to Michael James McKinley, the gorgeous doctor who offered her everything she'd ever dreamed of? Still, after years of coming in second to MJ's career, it was time to say "I don't" to the workaholic husband who took her totally for granted. But MJ is not a man who gives up without a fight. He and Alicia might not have a perfect marriage, but now that he knows what is on the line, he is determined to risk everything-including his heart-for a second chance with his wife!

Review:
I totally loved this book ! It was really a fabulous read that had me glued to my seat and I read this one in one sitting ! The story of MJ and Alicia and their two beautiful children had me inspired and entranced. MJ recons he has it all a beautiful wife,two gorgeous kids,a great job and that life could not be better.

That is until his world comes crashing down with such a force that it knocks the wind in his sails. He and Alica had a love that is pure and passionate which you will agree is everything every woman dreams of. So what could possibly tear them apart,you might ask?

The author took a couple each set as good,strong characters and mixed in the perfect amount of drama to bring forth a good old fashioned story of love conquers all if that love is strong enough. The emotion packed into the plot by the author had me really emotionally connected to all characters involved,I felt the pain they experienced and felt the joy when the author very talently takes the reader back to the past,so vividly that I felt like I was on a emotional roller coaster.

The book had depth,passion and reminded me that out there are couples that each have their own set of problems to deal with.

Whether your a first time Lilian Darcy fan or a returning reader you will be pleasantly surprised at just how powerful her writing can be.

Her Kind of Man by Elaine Cantrell

Her Kind of Man by Elaine Cantrell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Is it possible she’s finally found Her Kind of Man?

Ross Williams has been in love with Kara Cochrane since they were kids so when Kara's fiancé Brandon Miles cheats on her and calls off their wedding—Ross steps in to rescue the damsel in distress.

A heartbroken Kara just wants to get on with her life and hunky Ross provides her with a definite distraction—that is until she starts falling for him. Big time.

But a devastating family secret threatens to destroy everything that Kara holds dear—including her relationship with Ross

Review
This was the first Elaine Cantrell book that I read and I was from the word get go very quickly interested. It tells the tale of Cara , a average woman who is about to embark on the life of her dreams,however life deals her more than one crucial blow that turns her life upside down ,and in steps Ross the sexy hero !

I really enjoyed this book,it had a life lesson to teach me that it is not to say the world will turn against you when you "fall". The characters were well placed and the scenes were very informative. The author had a very unique manner of laying out the facts and bringing it all together for the reader.

I particularly loved the character of Ross so funny and tongue tied at times and so sweet and passionate at other times. Cara was also a very interesting character so interesting in fact that I got completely hooked on seeing what she would do next !

The balance upheld by the author between the very thin line of dragging the scene out too far and giving the reader just enough to want to continue the read was perfectly upheld.

I look forward to the next offering from Elaine Cantrell.

 

The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar by Susanna Carr

The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar by Susanna Carr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Jeweled veil weighing heavily on her head, Zoe Martin waits for her sheikh husband-to-be. The shame of her adoptive family, orphan Zoe has endured six years of being kept as a slave—now she's been sold into marriage…to a man known as The Beast!

Being discarded to the sheikh has one bonus—this could mean freedom! Zoe must play along with the three-day—and three-night—ceremony, but she isn't expecting the blazing attraction from just one stolen glance at playboy sheikh Nadir


My Review:
The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar will put you through an emotional ringer as it leads you on a beautiful journey of perseverance, hope, trust and true love.

American teen Zeo is forced to move to Jazaar to live with her relatives when she is orphaned. At 15 Zoe is suddenly thrust in an oppressive male dominated society where her family considers her tarnished as she is not Jazaari born. Her rights and ambitions are stifled and her only escape from the cruelty she suffers on a daily basis is an arranged marriage to Sheikh Nadir.

Both Nadir and Zoe have ulterior motives for agreeing to the arranged Marriage, but what starts out as a means to an end for both of them blossoms into a wonderful romance much too both their surprise. I love the ending and the epilogue; both are very heartfelt and beautifully written.

Zoe is constantly plotting her escape throughout the book. I totally adored Zoe’s feisty personality; her defiance, her resilience, her courage and her supreme determination to achieve her goals.

What makes this book stand out are the two beautifully written characters in Zoe and Nadir,they are constantly conflicted between using the other to achieve their goals and doing right by the other.

Congrats Susanna on your debut Presents release, you sure have a Winner on your hands with ‘The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar. This book had me captivated from start to finish and I would highly recommend this book.

Infamous by Irene Preston

Infamous by Irene Preston
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Sensuality Level: Hot

Back Cover:
Four years ago it was pure Hollywood—the windswept beach, the whirlwind romance, the runaway marriage. Unfortunately, the ride into the sunset didn't survive the publication of the bride's tell-all book two months after she said “I do.”

Reclusive venture capitalist Morgan Riley isn't interested in fame. He prefers a quiet life in the suburbs. For his daughter’s sake, he agrees to give his notorious wife another chance to be part of their family. Even though she's back at home and fulfilling all his late-night fantasies, he can't help wonder if she misses her high-profile lifestyle and famous friends.

Everyone knows Jessica Sinclair. She’s that girl on the cover of all the tabloids. As a Hollywood insider, Jessica has spent her life partying with A-list celebrities, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and living through scandal after scandal. When her estranged husband offers her a second chance at an “All-American” lifestyle, she can’t pass up her shot at real happiness. Back in suburbia, Jessica spends her nights in sexy role-play hoping Morgan will overlook her deficiencies as a homemaker. She spends her days attending P.T.A. meetings, burning cookies, and asking herself, “What would June Cleaver do?” More to the point, what will Morgan do when Jessica winds up back in the tabloids—with his teenage daughter right next to her?
My Review:

Infamous is one hot sensual read that grabs your attention right from the very beginning and keeps you turning those pages.

The Plot:
Hollywood glamour girl and infamous celebrity Jessica Sinclair and Reclusive venture capitalist Morgan Riley were secretly married after a whirlwind romance for a brief period of time, but when reality intruded their marriage fell apart. Morgan and Jessica are poles apart in personality and their choice of lifestyles but four years on nothing’s changed they still have feelings for each other and quite literally combust when they are in the same room together.

In order to have a chance at HEA both Jessica and Morgan need to find some middle ground but will becoming a Stepford suburban wife be the answer for Jessica? You are gonna have to read this book to find out.

Writing Style:
The writing is light and fun and the characters in the story are very well developed, though I was tempted to thump Morgan over his head a few times.

With INFAMOUS Irene Preston immerses us into the Hollywood world of Glitz, Glamour and Scandal with well-developed characters, sizzling hot sex scenes and engaging storyline.

Infamous is Irene Preston debut novel and I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading future releases.

One Day to Find a Husband by Shirley Jump

One Day to Find a Husband by Shirley Jump
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Back Cover
Ellie Winston is adopting her late friend's baby... But she hits a husband-sized hump: to adopt Jiao, Ellie has to be married Where can a commitment-phobic female find a husband in a day? Then cutthroat billionaire Finn McKenna comes to Ellie with a business proposition, only he isn't prepared for Ellie's merger-with-a-twist...marriage Finn never lets anyone close, even someone as feisty and intriguing as Ellie. But saying "I do," even when you don't really, has a way of making even the most stubborn people wake up and realize what they've been missing.


My Review:
Ellie and Finn get married as a purely business arrangement; Ellie gets a husband to help with her adoption proceedings and Finn get a chance to jump-start his failing business. So far so good…

I’m really on the fence with this book; there are parts that I like and parts that has me scratching my head saying ‘Seriously’?

I think my problem is not the story or the writing but Finn himself and that's a first! For a creative guy who is an architect he is rather somber and dull. I usually like uptight heroes but I just did not warm up to Finn and there in lies my dilemma….

Finn and Ellie spend barely anytime together as a couple, there is no real build up to their romance… this book is missing the “Spark and sizzle” I normally associate with Shirley’s books and Finn is to blame!

Santina's Scandalous Princess by Kate Hewitt

Santina's Scandalous Princess by Kate Hewitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Stop the press: Pampered Princess Tamed?  Santina's Princess Natalia has been spotted on the arm of billionaire Ben Jackson, famous for his ruthless work ethic, devastating good looks and disdain for the spotlight. But Ben has no chance of avoiding the cameras with notorious party girl Natalia in tow! Most surprising of all, Natalia has been seen putting in a full day's work in Ben's office! Has the legendary socialite swapped couture and cocktails for photocopying? One thing's for sure-if we could all have a brooding, dynamic boss like the devilishly attractive Ben, work would be a whole lot more exciting....

My Review:
Breaking News: Pampered Princess Tamed? Think not!

Natalia’s notoriety is fodder for the tabloids who love a good scandal and she is more than happy to provide the gossip and rumors with her many antics. Having lived through a Scandal growing up, Ben abhors any kind off scandal and tries to keep himself out of the press…..a more perfect pair you wont find – a match made in romance heaven!

Princess Natalia reputation precedes her so when she meets Ben Johnson at her brother’s engagement party sparks fly and the gloves come off, these two can sure turn dishing dirt on each other into an artform.

When Natalia is forced to volunteer at Ben’s Charity she is livid but never one to turn down a challenge she take it in her stride and marches on. Ben and Natalia hate each other’s guts but can’t ignore the simmering attraction between them either. As Ben spends more time with Natalia and gets to know the woman behind the façade he realizes her attention grabbing persona is really a front to her hidden insecurities. Ben is exactly what Natalia wants and needs; question is “Is Ben ready to fight for her?”

Santina's Scandalous Princess is a well written entertaining read; you will love Natalia and all snarky comebacks…this book is a great addition to the Santina Crown series.

His Majesty's Mistake by Jane Porter

 

His Majesty's Mistake by Jane Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
She's everything this desert king shouldn't want...  
 Spurned and publicly humiliated by the father of her child, Princess Emmeline d'Arcy has no ring, no wedding date and no legitimacy for her unborn baby. And the last straw? Having to trade in her gilded lifestyle and pretend to be her twin sister, otherwise known as Sheikh Makin Al-Koury's personal assistant. Accustomed to being waited on hand and foot, Emmeline finds herself having to jump to the click of her boss's skillful fingers-day and night! But once the sheikh uncovers her shameful past, will his touch be nothing but a scorching memory.


 My Review:
Super Alpha Sexy Compassionate Sheikh + Sassy Pregnant Emotionally Strung Princess = WINNER!!

You will instantly fall in love with Princess Emmeline d'Arcy and Sheikh Makin Al-Koury and will be emotionally vested from the get go. I love how protective Makin is of Emmeline even though he is drawn to her against his will.

Jane has a style that is uniquely her own. What really takes this book from good to truly amazing is the storytelling; not only is it vivid and descriptive but it is mainly told from Makin’s POV; you immediately get an insight into Makin’s emotions and his conflicting feelings towards Emmeline.

His Majesty’s mistake is truly an amazing story; funny at times yet intensely emotional at others; a story about second chances and looking beyond the surface.

His Majesty's Mistake definitely stands out as one of the best ‘Sheikh’ books I have read recently. Highly recommended and HJ Top Pick!

The Boy who Made Them Love Again by Scarlet Wilson

The Boy who Made Them Love Again by Scarlet Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
From Dr Storm to devoted dadWhen Luke Storm ended his relationship with Abby Tyler, he thought that he was doing the right thing.
Abby so wanted children and Luke knew he could never give them to her. Now, five years later, when he meets Abby again, and with a little boy of her own, Luke is rocked.
She’s as gorgeous and adorable as ever, but he realises that if he wants Abby back in his life, he has to let her special little son into his heart and become the father he never expected to be…

My Review
I really enjoyed reading "The Boy who Made Them Love Again "

The story starts out as a fun, light read; Two lovers Luke and Abby re-uniting by chance after 5 years but half way through the book it gets deeply emotional.

The characters in this book are wonderfully written; Reuben will make your heart melt what a sweetie.

"The Boy who Made Them Love Again " is an exceptionally well written medical novel, with lot’s of emotion, heartache and drama to keep you roped in to the end.

More Than He Expected by Andrea Laurence

More Than He Expected by Andrea Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
The Exception to the Rule  Playboy Alex Stanton likes his relationships short and without strings. But his fiery fling with Gwen Wright left him craving more. So when a holiday weekend getaway provides an opportunity for another taste of the tantalizing woman, he grabs it. Only, things have changed since their last encounter.... Besides being noticeably pregnant, Gwen insists she's sworn off men. As if the challenge weren't tempting enough, Gwen's enticing new curves have made the sexy spitfire even more appealing. But how can the footloose bachelor hang on to his heart when he can't stop longing for the soon-to-be mama?

My Review:
'More Than He Expected' is an endearing love story!

This book picks up at Will and Adrienne’s wedding reception, right about where “What lies beneath’ by Andrea Laurence left off. Though this is a stand-alone book I will recommend reading WLB to better understand the secondary characters that are an essential part of this book.

Alex and Gwen met at Will and Adrienne’s wedding and embarked on a two week long mutually satisfying fling before they parted and went their separate ways. Now 8 months later they are both invited to spend the July 4th holiday at their friends retreat in the Hamptons; Alex hasn’t been able to forget about Gwen and is excited to pursue fling 2.0 so imagine his surprise when he finds Gwen is 5 months pregnant.

Alex and Gwen’s characters are beautifully written, Alex is not interested in marriage and relationship, never has been but he can’t seem to stay away from Gwen constantly worrying and caring about her health and safety.

You can sense Alex’s totally frazzled and confused feelings and emotions where Gwen is concerned. You will fall in love with Alex’s character. Not only does Alex surprise Gwen with a day at the spa but he actually hangs around at the Spa while she gets pampered, in my books that makes him a definite keeper.

‘More Than He expected’ is a beautifully written love story, without too much angst and melodrama between the main characters. This book exceeded my expectations and is definitely worth a read. 

What Lies Beneath by Andrea Laurence

What Lies Beneath by Andrea Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
They say she's Cynthia Dempsey, fiancée of media mogul Will Taylor. But try as she might, she can't recall their high-society life or the man sitting by her hospital bed. Though her body certainly remembers him. Even as she senses the distance between them, the electricity when they touch is undeniable.

Will can hardly believe Cynthia's transformation. Gone is the ice queen who betrayed him, and in her place is a woman who seems genuine and warm. But can he risk his heart again, not knowing what might happen when her memory returns?

My Review
'What lies Beneath' is a fast paced emotionally satisfying read. This book had a unique spin on the “Amnesia trope” with the added dimension of “mistaken identity”.

Heroine wakes up in the hospital with no memory following a deadly plane crash and a series of facial reconstructive surgery to be greeted by her family and aloof fiancé Will all of whom are strangers to her.

Will takes Cynthia home to recuperate, where she discovers that Will had actually broken off the engagement before her trip and that he is no longer in love with her and hasn’t been for a while,  however Will decides to support her during her on going recovery.

Cynthia is no longer the cold hard hearted bitch she used to be, she is warm and loving; Will realizes he actually likes spending time with this new Cynthia but is also afraid that her memory will return and she will revert back to being her old hurtful selfish self. He has been hurt before and wants to stir clear from all the resulting heartache.

There’s more heartache and drama that follows and tares Will and Cynthia apart and threatens their HEA. All of which you will need to read the book to find out more about :)

What I liked about this story is that when Will and Cynthia decide to give their relationship another chance they don't fall into bed right away, they decide to start over, date and get to know each other all over again taking it a day at a time; As the story progresses you can see Will work through his feelings for Cynthia and start to fall in love again.

What Lies Beneath is an emotional read, with great characters and an engaging storyline. This was Andrea Laurence’s first book and I have to say it was pretty impressive.

Letting Go With Dr Rodriguez by Fiona Lowe

Letting Go With Dr Rodriguez by Fiona Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
An affair hotter than the Outback sun…

Dr. Lucy Patterson might be back in Bulla Creek on a strictly temporary basis, but she can't refuse chocolate-eyed Dr. Marco Rodriguez's request for help running his clinic! A recent double betrayal has Lucy running scared from relationships, so acting on her feelings for sexy Marco and his adorable disabled son shouldn't be an option. But this gorgeous Argentinean is about to tempt Lucy to walk on the wild side….


My Review:
‘Letting Go With Dr. Rodriguez’ is a beautifully crafted romance that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Fiona Lowe is a genius at writing multilayered storylines that mesh seamlessly with each other to create a beautifully emotional read.

There is more than one story to be told here and each one is addressed beautifully – Marco’s fierce love for his disabled son, Lucy’s strained relationship with her dad, Lucy’s soul-searching and at the heart of it all Marco’s and Lucy’s romance.

‘Letting Go With Dr. Rodriguez’ has so much emotion and depth attached to it, this book is about love and family bonds, of small towns with big hearts and even bigger relationships.

I loved reading this book, you are probably gonna shed a tear but you are also gonna smile and cheer when it all comes together at the end. A book I would highly recommend.

The Bride Wore Chocolate by Shirley Jump

The Bride Wore Chocolate by Shirley Jump
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Candace Woodrow knows it's a recipe for disaster. She has no business even looking at another man--no matter how sinfully sexy he is--much less waking up in Michael Vogler's bed three weeks before she marries Mr. Right. She's determined the wedding will go off without a hitch--as long as she can keep her meddling grandmother, her flighty mother, and her well-meaning friends from interfering with her plans--and pointing out her doubts every time she turns around. And it won't be easy--since Michael's just become Candace's biggest client, with an order for thousands of the Gift Baskets to Die For she creates with her friends. Worse, he wants to work closely with Candace...every step of the way. It's enough to drive a girl to intravenous chocolate consumption, 24/7. And the way Candace's heart flip-flops whenever Michael is around is an industrial-sized clue that keeping a tight rein on her future and her heart might not be such a good idea. But risking it all for a man she barely knows is even crazier, right?

My Review:
'Bride wore Chocolate'is an absolutely delightful ‘Rom Com' you do not want to miss out on.

Take one cautious bride in Candace Woodrow + one boring fiancé add a dollop of delicious temptation in Michael Volgler and you got yourself an absolute treat on your hands.

The writing was fantastic and the secondary characters were a smile a minute from Candace’s Quirky Grandma to her interfering Mother-in-law to be.

This book is full of humor, witty dialogues, chocolate and delicious recipes with very entertaining baking instructions.

I also happened to find an useful recipe that I absolutely have to share..

 Maria's Favorite Hangover Remedy 
1 banana, chopped 
1/2 container chocolate syrup 
3 ounces milk 
3 ounces rum 
2 Tylenol, crushed 

Dim the lights and for God's sake, don't open the blinds. 
Muffle the blender motor with a towel, then blend all ingredients until as frothy as a virgin's prom gown. 
Don't bother with a glass; drink straight from the damned pitcher.
Repeat as necessary. 
Then get to a mall and a Krispy Kreme store for further remedial help

‘Bride wore Chocolate’ is sure to satisfy your cravings for Chocolate and romance....just about every woman’s fantasy or close to it ;-)

Highly Recommended!


A Glimpse into the book:

The gnomes inside Candace's head were having a fiesta worthy of Cinco de Mayo, complete with the flashing red jalapeno lights and a band of hammers pounding out the rhythm to "Celebration" in double-time. The sound waved and rolled with her stomach, increasing in volume every time she moved a fraction of an inch in the bed.
A snippet of advice from Grandma Woodrow floated through her mind. Candace latched onto it with every bit of consciousness she could muster. Put one foot on the floor and you'll get off the hangover Tilt-A-Whirl.
Candace wasn't sure she could feel her foot, never mind move it.
She pressed her palms against her throbbing temples. Willing the headache away didn't work. Shutting her eyes tighter only made the pounding intensify. She moaned and rolled over, clutching the pillow beside her.
The sheet came loose when she moved and cool air tickled against her skin. Down her spine. Along her belly. Past her legs.
Not against pajamas of any kind.
Candace froze and did a mental inventory. Exquisitely soft bed linens. No gurgle of the fish tank she had in her bedroom. No Trifecta snoring at the end of the bed. No traffic sounds outside the window.
Without opening her eyes, she ran a tentative hand down her body. She felt a bra. Panties.
Nothing else.
She bolted from the bed, tripping over some shoes and landing in a heap on the floor. Scrambling to a sitting position, she glanced wildly around the room. A room she didn't recognize. Her heart thudded in her throat, threatening to suffocate her.
The gnomes kept up their steady hammering. Maybe they were building a condominium in there. Candace closed her eyes again, but that only intensified her vertigo. She hoped, no prayed, that she was at a friend's apartment. Yes, that was it. She was at Maria's. Who had...
Candace scrambled for an explanation...
...gone on a major redecorating spree in the last twelve hours.
Yeah. That works. Doesn't it?
A pair of Levi 505s lay in a crumpled heap beside her. Jeans she'd never seen before. Jeans that definitely didn't belong to her. Or a woman, for that matter.
Okay. Take a breath. Try to remember.
Maria. Rebecca. The can't-find-a-dress pity party at the restaurant. A few drinks. Okay, a lot of drinks. And a man.
Oh God, a man. She was pretty damned sure his name wasn't Barry, either.
Candace bit her lip to keep from screaming. Nothing else existed in her memory-no name, no conclusion to the night and especially no memory of how she'd ended up in someone else's bed wearing nothing more than her underwear.
She clung to the sheet, the one sane thing she had in Wonderland. She cradled her head with her other hand, praying for the throbbing to stop so the fog could clear. "Oh Lord, why can't I remember?"
"Because you had too much to drink," a deep voice called from nearby.
Unless Maria had gotten a sex-change operation last night, that was definitely not her best friend's voice.
Candace ducked down beside the bed like a SEAL commando and peered over the edge for a glimpse of who had spoken.
The blinds were still drawn, but a tiny sliver of sunlight peeked through the slits. Most of the bedroom remained in shadow. Beside the massive four-poster sat a polished mahogany nightstand holding an empty bottle of German beer and a half-dozen books. Plenty of expensive furniture, but no body to match the voice.
She'd imagined this. A total tequila hallucination.
Behind her, a door creaked open. Candace spun around. Light spilled into the room from a bathroom ten feet away.
A man stood in front of a pedestal sink, shaving.
That was so not Maria.
Candace patted the hardwood floor. No luck. No magic rabbit hole to swallow her up so she wouldn't have to deal with this man and anything that might have happened between them last night.
Oh God anything that might have happened?
An ocean of nausea rolled through her stomach, threatening to deposit whatever was left in her stomach on the Oriental rug.
Who was he? And why was she in his bedroom, doing a private Victoria's Secret runway event? The obvious answer was too horrifying for Candace to consider.
He was definitely not the man she had promised to marry in twenty-one days. No, if today was Sunday, twenty days.
Her mouth went dry as she considered the possibilities of who he might be. Serial rapist. Psychotic killer. Deranged kidnapper. Right-wing Republican.
Using the bed as a crutch, she pulled herself to a standing position, ignoring the sudden blast of pain in her head and fighting with the sheet that had tangled around her feet. With a solid yank, she tugged it out from under her and promptly lost her balance. She tumbled to the floor again, losing her grip on the cloth.
She staggered to her feet and prayed the light-colored sheet covered her. It didn't. A quick glance down confirmed the outline of black lace and a Wonder Bra.
She didn't even want to think about how-or with whose hands-she had gotten undressed.
Her navy sundress was only a few feet away, draped over the arm of a wingback chair. Candace bent to grab it. But she didn't move fast enough.
"Nice view," said a voice from behind her.
She spun around, at the same time wrapping the sheet tighter.
He held nearly a foot's height advantage over her. His hair, still wet from the shower, was slicked back in a dark wave. Deep blue eyes that appeared almost black in the half-light of the room studied her with clear amusement.
Her gaze traveled down, past his bare muscular chest, following the V of dark hairs to the waistband of a pair of checkered silk boxer shorts. The satiny material stopped mid-thigh along his lean, defined and-okay, she had to admit it-inordinately interesting legs. She jerked her attention back to his face.
He's gorgeous.
He grinned.
And he knows it.
In her experience, which admittedly could fit on the head of a pin and still have room left over, men with that self-satisfied grin used their looks like shark hunters used chum. Bait, hook, use up the good parts, then toss the useless carcass to the seagulls.
"I take it you don't remember anything that happened last night?" He wiped his chin with a hand towel, then sent it sailing into a corner hamper.
She shook her head, wishing she were anywhere but here, standing in front of a short-haired Adrian Paul doppelganger wearing little more than 200 count cotton.
He took a step closer, fingering the tip of the sheet. Even his eyes were rich, flecked with tiny bits of gold among the sapphire. He grinned again, either as a tease or a suggestion, Candace didn't know. Didn't want to know. "You had a wonderful time, I can assure you."
The room swayed. Her stomach lurched. Candace smacked his hand away. "That's a matter of opinion."
"Perhaps." He sat on the bed and began to pull on the jeans. "In my opinion, we enjoyed ourselves fully."
She ignored the implications, hoping that's all they were. "But...where...I mean, how..."
"How did you get here?" he finished for her.
She nodded, her cheeks warming.
"In my car, of course."
"And who are you?"
He grinned. "Think of me as your knight in shining armor."
Candace let out a few curses even Grandma had never heard. "I mean, what is your name?"
"Last night, you were content to call me Romeo." A smirk played at his lips, displaying a crescent indent on the right side of his smile. He had a dimple. That caused a whole 'nother kind of lurch in her stomach. "I kind of liked it."
"I'm not kidding. Who are you?"
He rubbed his chin, ignoring her question. "Of course, you also called me Loverboy. Oh, and-"
Candace held up her hand. "Stop! Just stop. I get the idea. Forget I even asked."

Waking Up in the Wrong Bed by Natalie Anderson

Waking Up in the Wrong Bed by Natalie Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:

When film location scout Ellie Summers sneaks into a colleague's hotel room with seduction in mind, she's thrilled by her own daring!



But the smug morning-after glow morphs into red-faced mortification when she wakes in the arms of a total stranger! Ruben Theroux might be fine with the situation, but a flustered Ellie most definitely is not.



Ellie's only defence against this very attractive guy is to insist they're friends only—strictly no benefits! But Ruben isn't a successful businessman for nothing—they'll be good together, and he's happy to play dirty to get what he wants.…

My Review:
Walking Up In the Wrong bed is fun, flirty, sensual, and wickedly HOT!!!

Ruben Theroux is a sexy incorrigible flirt and Ellie is one lucky girl to be on the receiving end of all that sexy hotness…just saying!

Natalie Anderson has outdone herself, I totally digg this book! There’s one scene in this book in front of the window at the cabin.... I’m not gonna give it away, suffice to say it’s stick your head in the freezer HOT!!!

Walking Up In the Wrong bed is a fact paced modern romance, with great characters and witty dialogue…irresistible delicious!!! highly recommended!


A Teaser:

[Ellie Summers has just made a *massive* mistake. Huge. So big even she can't believe it. And oh boy has  she been backpedalling her way out of there. Trouble is, the guy she might have accidentally jumped thinks the whole thing is a lark--and he wants to play some more. Ellie is far too mortified for that... except the guy? He's just that bit too gorgeous!!! And despite everything that's happened between them already, they've yet to actually kiss...]

She paused by her open driver door and met the look in his delicious eyes. “Right now I don’t have any regrets. I stay and I might get them. I don’t want to have any.”

       “What about what I want? What about my regrets?”

       “I can only apologise. Again.”

       He walked closer, taking hold of the door. “Never feel you have to apologise to me. Never ever.”

       Unable to answer that, she got in the car. She’d not been honest about her lack of regrets. She regretted nothing of what had happened, but for what else could have happened had they been different people with desires that converged.

       He closed the door for her but remained right by the car, expectantly. She hit the button to wind the window all the way down. He bent and leaned in so his face was right near hers.

       “You don’t get away that easy,” he murmured, sliding his hand to her jaw.

       She couldn’t accelerate away or she’d take his arm – and head – with her. But there was no mistaking his intention.

       The smile said it all and those gorgeously curved lips arrowed in on hers. The touch was firm – but not totally dominant as she’d expected. No, he held back for all of a second or two. But then his hand cupped her head, angling her slightly better to meet his as his lips plundered hers. And in another instant she plundered right back – seeking more of that strong touch, that deliciousness – the full impact of his utter masculinity. The shivers skittered down her spine, the knots coiled tighter and tighter in her belly already. His tongue swept – playful, insistent, driving. How could so much could be said with a kiss?

       She had no idea why she was gripping the steering wheel so tightly, or why she had her foot pushed so hard on the brake. The car engine wasn’t even running. But she just knew she was in danger.

       He stepped back. Her gaze was glued to him – to the fit, taut body and the smile that held as much rue as it did tease now. His big eyes burned right through hers.

       “My regret...” he nodded slowly. “...was not kissing you. Of course now I regret not kissing you sooner.”

       Breathless, she put her hand on his wrist, seeking one last touch of skin. “Thank you for being so nice to me.”

       His gaze narrowed. “I’m not as nice as all that Ellie.” His voice dropped so she leaned forward in her seat, nearer to hear him. “You need to know something about me.”

       She waited, lungs not breathing, heart not beating.

       “I’m man enough to take no for an answer,” he said. “But I’m also man enough to fight for what I want.”

       Eyes not blinking, she had to ask. “What do you want?”

       “You again. Every way. Any way.”

       Oh.

            He broke the drilling intensity with one of those shattering smiles that gave him such an unfair advantage. “So if you want to go, you’d better go now.”

A Man of Privilege by Sarah M. Anderson

A Man of Privilege by Sarah M. Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
She Isn't What He Expected Blue-blooded lawyer James Carlson is working on the case of his life. After winning this trial, his career will be set. He won't let anything...or anyone...alter his course. Then he meets his witness. Maggie Eagle Heart makes him question everything-his family, his goals, his future. Because she's the one woman he wants, and she's the one woman who is completely off-limits. Yet even as he struggles to keep their relationship all about business, he can't deny the attraction is mutual-and irresistible.  James has always done what is expected of him...until now.


My Review:

Two words! Read it!

James, a blue blooded lawyer has had his life all mapped out for as long as he can remember; His plan: Win this Case; get married to a woman hand-picked by his mother and run for President.

James is currently working on the case of his life and meets Maggie when she summoned to his office as a potential witness on the case.

I did a double take when Maggie a native American heroine is introduced in this book; Maggie had a hard life and a hell of a rap sheet, an ex-drug addict and a prostitute. I had to flip the cover to make sure I was reading a Harlequin series….to say I was a little bit surprised is putting it mildly. I was definitely intrigued by the characters and the storyline and interested to read how James and Maggie would get to their HEA.

I loved the flow of this story; the book has a fresh voice and is beautifully written. The conflicts the characters face are real and the romance heartwarming. I am so impressed with the author Sarah M Anderson for pushing the boundaries with this book and for taking the road less travelled.

Safe to say - Sarah 1st book 'A Man of His Word' is now added to my TBR list

‘A Man of Privilege’ is an excellent contemporary romance, with multidimensional characters, sexual tension and a bit of mystery to wrap things up nicely.

What a Texas Girl Wants by Kristina Knight

What a Texas Girl Wants by Kristina Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Kathleen Witte is a down-to-earth girl. She has to be, with the family ranch on the verge of success. After seven months of keeping it all together by swearing off men, however, Kathleen needs a bit of fun in the sun. Waking up with a husband she can’t remember isn’t how she planned to blow off steam.

The last thing Jackson Taylor wants in his life is a down-to-earth girl. He has four weeks of freedom in which to find his birth mother. He’s done well avoiding commitment until now, so when he wakes up on a Mexican beach with Kathleen his first reaction is curiosity. When he spies the matching wedding rings on their left hands curiosity turns to concern.

Neither Jackson nor Kathleen want to stay married, but when her family shows up, they have no choice. Once back in Texas, however, can they keep this all-business marriage from turning into an all-consuming love?


My Review:
What Happens in Mexico, doesn’t always stay in Mexico sometimes it follows you back to Texas and turns your life over.

Kathleen Witte decides to take a long over due vacation to Mexico to unwind and relax, next thing she is waking up buck naked on a beach after a night of debauchery married to her college crush Jackson Taylor. 'What's a Texas Girl to do'? Well.. hold on to him and take him home to meet the family...

Jackson has always been a loner, he doesn’t do family or relationships, for Kathleen it’s all about family, she has been the glue holding her family together; their journey to HEA is anything but easy.

I liked how Jackson and Kathleen characters developed within the book, their struggles and insecurities felt real and the Witte family drama was woven in nicely through the book

‘What a Texas Girl Wants’ was a fun read. Kristina Knight did a fabulous job with this story, it had the right amount of Sexy & emotional to keep me engaged to the end.

A glimpse into the book: 

Jackson Taylor's toes clenched as he came abruptly awake, the left side of his

body shivering. The right, however, was delectably warm. A soft weight held his

shoulder down, the feel of a woman's curves pressed hard against his chest. Cold

water tickled his feet and wet sand dug into his butt. The tangy, salty smell of the ocean

filled his nostrils. Another tickle of water. A slight shiver came from the curvaceous

woman beside him before she settled back into sleep.

A flash of red hair, spinning lanterns and Latin dance music raced through his

mind before it went blank. The infernal pounding started again behind his right temple.

Must have been a great night. The naked body lying next to his on the beach

said as much.

Jackson levered his eyes open as the first fingers of yellow touched the white

sand beach. He winced as intense sunlight hit his eyes. Another postcard perfect day

in Puerto Vallarta. He would be perfectly happy spending it with the drapes closed and

a couple gallons of hair of the dog. If he could just get back to his hotel room.

Damn. Thirty was years too old to be waking up, hung-over, not knowing where

he was or how he had gotten there.

Pretty chestnut hair hid the woman's face. At least the woman he almost

remembered seemed to be the woman he was with, but for the life of him Jackson

couldn't draw a mental picture of her. Just what the hell had he done last night?

Well, the what was fairly simple to answer if the sand digging into his butt was

any indication. No clothes tempered the feel of her soft skin against him. It had been a

long time since Jackson had woken up beside a woman unable to recall who she was or

how they had met. He had never liked the feeling, and liked it even less this morning.

Chilly water washed over his feet to his ankles. As the water returned to the sea,

his heels dug deeper into the sand creating tiny tide pools.

He had to move. But if he moved he would disturb the woman sleeping softly on

his right shoulder. Somehow he didn't think she would appreciate his jumping up and

running for the nearest rock to answer the call of nature, leaving her alone in the chilly

morning tide.