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.

Spotlight & Giveaway: Hajar's Hidden Legacy by Maisey Yates

I'm absolutely thrilled to have Harlequin Presents and USA today best selling author Maisey Yates here today to share with us her inspiration behind the book 'Hajar's Hidden Legacy'

Maisey Yates Welcome to HarlequinJunkie!

Over to Maisey....

What happens when you combine my love of tortured heroes, strong heroines and Disney movies? Hajar's Hidden Legacy is what happens.

Beauty and the Beast has been my favorite cartoon ever since my dad took me to see it when I was six. What's not to love? A strong woman who loves books sacrifices for her father, teaches the beast to love and ultimately breaks the spell!

I knew I wanted to write my own version.

The Beauty is Princess Katharine Rauch, princess of Austrich. She was promised to the future ruler of Hajar five years earlier. Until, a tragic accident took the lives of the royal family. The only remaining survivor was the second son. And he is...

The Beast. Sheikh Zahir S'ad al din is known as the Beast of Hajar. After losing his family in an attack on his country, the reclusive ruler has concealed himself in his palace, only making appearances when they can't possible be avoided.

 He's horribly scarred, both inside and out, and the last thing he wants is a wife.

But Katharine needs a husband to protect her country, and Zahir's honor won't allow him to go back on the bargain drawn up between their families years earlier.

I so enjoyed writing this intensely scarred man. Physically, he's damaged past the point of being called handsome. He's limited now, with a mostly blind eye and a badly wounded leg. But it's his internal scars, flashbacks of the attack that take over even while he's awake, that truly cripple him.

Zahir and Katharine have a lot to overcome. Katharine is living for honor, while Zahir is just living each day as a matter of survival.

I loved bringing this strong woman into Zahir's life to push him our of his cave, to help him overcome the issues in his life to become the best ruler, and the best man that he can be. And not only does Zahir find healing, he finds love.

And even though there's no transforming his outside, those scars will remain, he gets his healing inside. And that's what counts!

I have an excerpt I'd like to share with you. 
And one commenter will win a copy of Hajar's Hidden Legacy! (this is an international contest! Open to all!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Excerpt
They called him the Beast of Hajar for a reason. Katharine could see that now. Zahir S’ad al Din was every bit as frightening as they said. He was an entirely different man from the one she’d met so many years ago. Cold, completely forbidding.
But Katharine didn’t have the luxury of being frightened by him. Anyway, she was used to cold, forbidding men.
“Sheikh Zahir,” she began, taking a step toward his expansive desk. He wasn’t looking at her, his dark head inclined, his focus on a paper in front of him. “I have been waiting for you to contact me. You haven’t.”
“No, I have not. Which makes me wonder why you are here.”
Katharine swallowed. “To marry you.”
“Is that right, Princess Katharine? I had heard a rumor about that, but I didn’t believe it.” He lifted his head and for the first time, Katharine saw his face.
Yes, he was every bit as frightening as they said. The skin on the left side of his face ravaged, his eye not as focused or sharp on that side. Yet she still felt like he was seeing all the way into her, as if the accident that had served to cloud his physical vision had made him able to see more than a mere mortal man.
That he was a ghost, or a god of some kind was part of his legend, and looking at him now, she understood why.
“I did call.” She hadn’t exactly talked to Zahir, but she’d talked to his advisor. And she hadn’t really been invited, either.
“I didn’t think you would travel all the way from the comfort of your palace to have your marriage proposal turned down, as I was certain I had relayed my thoughts on the matter.”
She straightened her shoulders. “I thought you owed me a conversation. A personal one, not your relayed response. And I didn’t come to be turned down. I came to make sure the contract was honored. The deal was struck six years ago…”
“For you to marry Malik. Not me.”
Thinking of Malik always made her feel sad. But her sadness was for a young life cut short, nothing deeper. He had been her destiny, her duty, for all of her adult life, and while she had liked him, cared for him in some ways, she had not loved him.
At first it seemed like losing him had changed everything, that her horizons had opened, that she might have a different future before her. It was clear now that nothing had changed.
Instead of Malik, it would be Zahir. But she was still destined to be sold into marriage for the sake of her country. She’d accepted it. Ultimately she hadn’t felt that the change in groom had mattered all that much.
Although, looking at him now it became a whole different matter than it had been in theory. He was…he was something much more than she’d counted on.
This was never about you. Never about your feelings. You have to be prepared to see this through.
“That’s what I thought. But when I examined the documents a little bit closer…” Her father had handled most of the legal portion of the marriage agreement that had been drawn up between her and Malik.
It hadn’t really been of personal interest to her. Her relationship with him had been nothing more than political maneuvering by their parents. She’d only met him on a few occasions. She’d simply accepted that it was what she could do for her country, that the marriage was what she could contribute. She had never personally studied the agreement. Until recently.
“Well, yes. But really, if you look at the wording, I am promised to Malik. Unless he is not able to assume the throne of Hajar. In that case, it is his successor that I’m meant to marry. That’s…

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!

Secret History of a Good Girl by Aimee Carson

Secret History of a Good Girl by Aimee Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Miami hotel tycoon Paulo Domingues knows that beneath her Southern priss, his event planner Alyssa Hunt is all sass. Little Miss Prim has Paulo's inner rebel roaring to life—he's determined to seduce the fire out from behind it!Tough cookie Alyssa hasn't fought tooth and nail to shake off her past to be blindsided by one smooth-talking boss. Until, punch-drunk with desire, she succumbs to temptation and realizes what she's been missing out on! But will Miami's most wanted bachelor run when he discovers the real reason behind her good-girl facade?

My Review:
Secret History of a Good Girl is a sizzling hot debut by author Aimee Carson; a page turner from start to finish that only keeps getting hotter by the minute.

Resort owner Paulo is smoking hot and Alyssa is my kinda girl feisty and sassy together these two set of a blaze.

‘Secret History of a Good Girl’ is wonderfully written book with great characters, witty dialogue and rich in emotional drama; the sex scenes are hotter than hot….oh yea!

Aimee is definitely an author I want to read more from and would highly recommend reading this book.

Savas's Wildcat by Anne McAllister

Savas's Wildcat by Anne McAllister
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Yiannis Savas, the irresistible playboy of the Savas dynasty, was every girl's dream. But he quickly turned into Cat's nightmare when his promises led no further than a fiery affair.

Now Cat MacLean has grown up and out of her girlish fantasies. Determined not to fall prey to smooth talk and fast charm again, she's engaged to someone sensible.

Then she's forced to spend a week with the one man she's never forgotten. Yiannis's heated gaze pierces her defences, and suddenly sensible doesn't seem quite so good….

My Review:
Savas’s Wildcat is a delightful read set in southern California

Yiannis Savas gets roped into caring for baby Harry when his 85 yr. old tenant Maggy falls and breaks her hip; Cat MacLean Yiannis ex-flame and Maggy’s granddaughter rushes back to into town to aid and care for her injured grandmother.

Cat lives in San Francisco and is engaged to a dependable guy who wants the same things in life she does. When Cat learns she has to share care of her nephew with Yiannis she is not happy, Yiannis broke her heart a couple of years ago when he was not ready to commit to a relationship. It is fun to see Yiannis and Cat butt heads as they fight their attraction and feelings for each other and baby Harry is just adorable.

This book has a strong sense of family and connection, the characters are down to earth and the writing is full of humor, wit and sexual tension.

If you are familiar with Anne McAllister’s books by now you are pretty familiar with the Savas family, the extended family is quite large and I have honestly lost count on who is whose cousin, sister or brother but suffice to say if you haven’t read any of Anne’s books you are sure missing out on a good thing.

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.”

Hajar's Hidden Legacy by Maisey Yates

Hajar's Hidden Legacy by Maisey Yates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Beauty…

Princess Katharine has always been destined for a political marriage. Her heart heavy, she prepares to meet her future husband-the man whisperers in his royal kingdom call The Beast of Hajar…

…and the Scarred Sheikh…
Concealing his disfigurement from public scrutiny, Sheikh Zahir rules his country from within the castle walls, allowing no one in. Until duty demands he carry on the Hajar family dynasty and allow his new bride to cross the threshold.
Zahir expects Katharine to flee at first sight. Yet her unflinching gaze fires Zahir’s blood, and their attraction burns hotter than the scorching desert sands


My Review:
Beauty and the Beast with a Maisey Yates Spin, and boy is she ever good at spinning us a wonderfully engaging romance.

Sheikh Zahir once a playboy is now a shell of his former self having dodged death following a bomb blast that killed his family and left him badly disfigured. He suffers for PTSD and relates to himself as being a beast of Hajar. Enter Princess Katherine a strong woman bound by duty and protocol; she approaches Zahir with an offer of an arranged marriage to protect her brother's right to succession.

Tormented Zahir and resolute Katherine are perfect for each other, what starts out as a political match up turns in to so much more for both of them. Katherine challenges Zahir at every turn; she helps him face his demons and believe in himself again.

Hajar’s Hidden Legacy had all the hallmarks of Maisey Yates writing that we have come to love and expect - great characters, vivid storytelling and a deeply emotional and compelling romance.

With a scarred Hero and loyal heroine this story reminds us to “Look not with the eyes but with the heart”. A recommended read.


View all my reviews

Innocent 'til Proven Otherwise by Amy Andrews

Innocent 'til Proven Otherwise by Amy Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Rules are made to be broken…aren’t they? Ali doesn’t do reckless, and she certainly doesn’t do one-night stands – until one intoxicating night with the most lethally attractive man she’s ever laid eyes on… More shocking still, when Ali meets the lawyer holding her career in his hands a few days later – it’s the same hot guy! The legendary Max Sherrington knows even his vivid memories of Ali could be defined as inappropriate conduct! Protocol may forbid him from touching her – but just because they can’t break the rules it surely doesn’t mean they can’t bend them a little

My Review

Naughty and Nice with lots of Spice!
OMG! I loved Innocent 'til Proven Otherwise…this book was sensational.

Amy Andrews has written a beautifully sexy angst free romance with two great characters; I love Ali she is feisty & adorable, Max with his die hard focus is too die for sexy.

The sexual tension and attraction between Ali and Max burn up the pages of this book. The dialogues are witty and funny with tons of laugh out moments - I don’t want to say much, the only way to enjoy this book is to read it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Innocent 'til Proven Otherwise' this is now my new favorite Amy Andrews book…Bold and Sexy, a perfect summer read and highly recommended!

Some great quotes from the book:

‘How far to your place?’ she asked
Max gaze dropped to her still unbuttoned blouse ‘fifteen minutes’
Ali looked him square in the eye. ‘How fast if I don’t do this up?’
He feasted his eyes on the white lacy bra cups. ‘Ten’
She nodded. ‘I’ll let you do whatever you want with them if you can get us there faster’
Max made it home in eight minutes flat.

‘Did you know’ she murmured, ‘that you burn off the same amount of calories during sex as you do during a five-k-run?’
…
He dug his fingers into his hips. ‘I do ten’
Ali smiled and she peeled the sheet back. ‘Okay, then. I’ll let you do me twice.’ 

The Sheikh's Jewel by Melissa James

The Sheikh's Jewel by Melissa James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
When Amber's betrothed was killed and the future of two desert nations hung in the balance, she had no choice—she had to marry her fiancé's brother and heir, brooding Sheikh Harun El-Kanar.

For three years, Amber has struggled to make her marriage work. Harun may be devastatingly sexy, but he's closed-off—burdened with grief and the responsibilities of ruling a troubled nation.
Now they've both been kidnapped. Is this Amber's last chance to show Harun that she could be more than just his paper wife—perhaps even the jewel in his crown

My Review:
I'm not sure where to begin...there were so many different layers to this book - a troubled marriage, loss of family, kidnapping, war, family re-unions, wedding and babies!

Harun and Amber's story was uniquely different, Amber was betrothed to marry Harun's older brother Fadi; when he was killed in an accident, she had no choice but to marry her fiancé’s younger brother Harun when the middle brother Alim up and took off. Complicated much? :)

Amber's character was well written, considering everything she put up with she had spunk, courage and a kind heart. Harun is no alpha hero, he is emotionally tortured and constantly second guessing his worth..... Harun and Amber spent more time apart than together in this book, I truly wanted to smack Harun a couple of times as I read along, seriously who ignores his wife for 3 years while living in the same palace???!!!

About fifty pages into this book, I realized that this book was a sequel to 'The Sheikh's Destiny' and that was when It all fell into place and started making sense to me.

Melissa James writes beautifully, this story is complex, if you stick with it - It is worth the read.

Quotes from the book

'You will not be marrying Alim,' her father interrupted her bluntly.

Amber's head shot up. 'What?'

'I'm sorry, my dear,' her father said quietly. 'Alim disappeared from the hospital last night, unequivocally refusing both Fadi's position and Fadi's bride. I doubt he'll return for a long time, if ever.'

Amber almost snarled—almost. Women of her station didn't snarl, not even when the man she—she liked had just run out on her; but she managed to hang onto her self-control. 'Where did he go? How did he manage it?'

'Within hours of waking, Alim used his private jet and his medical team from the racing circuit to help him transfer to a private facility—we think he went somewhere in Switzerland. He still needs a lot of graft work on his burns, but he made it obvious that he won't return here when it's done.'

'He must have been desperate to escape from me, leaving hospital when he's at death's door,' she muttered, fighting off a sudden jolt of queasiness in her stomach. ........
...... "Of Course he has!" Amber didn't know she spoke aloud, the fury of rejection boiling over. "So having been rejected by brothers one and two, I'm expected to - to wed and bed brother number three with a smile? There are limitsto the amount of humiliation I must accept, surely, Father?"

The Good, the Bad and the Wild by Heidi Rice

The Good, the Bad and the Wild by Heidi Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
One of the Good Guys?

Nick Delisantro is famous – for scripts, for his looks, and above all for his ruthless bad-boy charm. Eva, on the other hand, has spent her life being an overlooked wallflower! Now she’s got to meet with Mr Tall, Dark and Brooding or her only chance of promotion is over…

Nick can’t stop staring at the mysterious blushing girl who’s dressed like a vixen but frozen under his gaze like a rabbit in the headlights… He can’t wait to see what’s behind the innocent front! But Nick’s about to get far more than he’d bargained for – not only does Eva have the key to his secret past, but there’s nothing more dangerously addictive than a good girl going wild


Review:
Brilliant!!! I’m not just saying this because I’m a huge fan of Heidi’s writing.“The Good, the Bad and the Wild” was truly sensational! Passionate and Steamy!

With a flawed Bad boy Hero and a goody two shoes heroine the spark were bound to fly, and boy did these two ever start a blaze…. Nick Delisantro was just De-licious with his abrasive yet caring bad boy personality and Eva was just adorable.

Eva and Nick’s journey of self discovery was poignant to read, the depth of emotion conveyed throughout this book kept me hooked and took me on a emotional roller coaster; I laughed, I teared up and fell in love with Nick and Eva. This book is now my new Favorite Heidi Rice book.

In my opinion Heidi Rice has turned epilogues it into an art form. I always look forward to reading the epilogues for a chance to catch up with old characters; In TGTBATW we get a glimpse into Ruby and Callum’s HEA. I can’t wait to read Tess’s story next.

I so thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Good, the Bad and the Wild” this book had Heart, It had passion and a wonderfully touching storyline.

A definite must read!

Captive but Forbidden by Lynn Raye Harris

Captive but Forbidden by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Public duty  
The news that wild socialite Veronica St. Germaine has cleaned up her act and stepped into her father's shoes as ruler of a Mediterranean principality creates a tabloid frenzy! But it's not just the paparazzi that are out for blood.... 
Private scandal 
Duty demands that bodyguard Rajesh Vala must protect Veronica-whatever the cost.... But Veronica has always rebelled against commands, and she isn't making Raj's job easy! He calls it safeguarding. She calls it being held captive at his beach house. Both realize that the attraction between them is inconvenient.... Veronica is forbidden, not for bedding!


Review:
Wow! This book was one hot thrilling read! Emphasis on 'Thrilling & Hot'.
This book is so different for the regular ‘Presents line’ and for that I say “hooray”. Thank You Lynn for stepping outside the box; for giving us a Women President, a Hero of Indian ethnicity and beautiful and exotic locale of Goa.

Lynne has created two multidimensional characters in Rajesh Vala and Veronica St. Germaine; these two were far from perfect individuals, a bit damaged even due to their life experiences but strong well-rounded characters.

The chemistry and the sexual tension between Veronica and Raj was off the charts hot; the dialogues were snappy and fresh. I liked the fact that Raj and Veronica communicated their issues to each other and worked through them.

Captive but forbidden had it all: Romance, espionage, mystery and passion, the story held me captive from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book

Forbidden to His Touch by Natasha Tate

Forbidden to His Touch by Natasha Tate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Rafael Cheves is a man tortured by his gut-wrenching past and tempted by a future he dare not even dream about. Knowing he'll never deserve the only woman he ever wanted, Raf will make sure she stays as far away from him as possible.But when Sophia Turino, the daughter of the man who raised Rafael from the gutter, stands before him seven years later, she's even harder to resist—confident, successful and as intoxicatingly beautiful as ever. It's time for Raf to obliterate his darkly powerful infatuation….

Review:
An emotional story of forbidden love for the hero and a case of unrequited love for the heroine.
Rafael had a horrible childhood that scarred him emotionally and physically for life, Sophia was his saving grace, a ray of hope and sunshine in his otherwise bleak existence.
Rafael knows that Sophua is in love with him, but he does not think he is worthy of her love....eventually Rafael realizes that he needs sophia in his life.
Overall a good read.

SPOTLIGHT & Giveaway: Girl Behind the Scandalous Reputation by Michelle Conder

It is my pleasure today to welcome Harlequin Presents Debut Author Michelle Conder to HarlequinJunkie... Michelle is here bearing gifts and will be giving away 3 copies of her book. Yay!

Hi Sara, thank you for inviting me to blog at HarlequinJunkie. It’s great to be here to talk about my debut novel, Girl Behind the Scandalous Reputation.

Michelle Conder

I am a mother of three kids and live in Melbourne, Australia. When I’m not writing I am usually reading and when I’m not reading I can be found wandering around a messy house and wondering if it will ever be clean again! After that I love spending time with family and friends, eating and drinking fine wine, watching great movies, and attempting to make it to as many yoga classes a week as I can fit in. Currently, that would be one!

I have a couple of University degrees but never followed one true career path as the only thing I ever really wanted to do was be a writer; a dream I had shelved when I was 18 years old because I believed it could never come true. Thankfully, I was wrong!

US Cover

If I had to sum up my first novel I would say it is a story of misconceptions, misunderstandings, unrequited teenage love (on the part of the heroine) and finding your place in life.

It is predominantly the story of Lily Wild, an actress who has grown up in the shadow of two famous parents who died of a drug overdose when she was young.  When she finds herself in legal strife that could see her jailed her best friend’s brother, the serious and conservative Lord Tristan Garrett, comes to her rescue and years of simmering attraction between the two flairs to life.

Michelle I have a few Q's for you..

     Sara: What were the challenges you faced in bringing Girl Behind the Scandalous Reputation to life?

Michelle: The biggest challenge in bringing this book to life was actually writing it! When I conceived of the idea I had just learned that Harlequin accepted unsolicited manuscripts and I was at a crossroads in my life. So I wrote three chapters and emailed them off. Then I continued on with life and didn’t actually write the book. When a lovely editor wrote back and asked for the manuscript I had a major panic attack and resurrected the characters in my head and set to work!

Probably most of my challenges were technical in nature: how to structure scenes, how to layer in the emotional content, when to include the backstory, pacing… I could go on, but I won’t!

     Sara:  What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us? Is this book part of a series?

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Michelle: My current work in progress is about an international racing car driver, Valentino di Rossi who is challenged into posing as the boyfriend of a woman he has only just met. Miller Jacobs, our heroine, needs a fake boyfriend to keep an egotistical client at bay on a business weekend and finds herself facing all sorts of life questions thanks to her sexy fake boyfriend whose view of life that is very different from her own.

This will be book three. Book two, titled His Last Chance at Redemption, is about a Russian oligarch, Leo Aleksandrov, who wants to stay firmly on the outskirts of his small son’s life and a feisty childcare worker, Lexi Somers, who is intent on reuniting them. It is due out in the UK in August this year. 

      Sara: Do you have a fun "call story" to share with us?

Michelle: My call story starts when I took the plunge to send three chapters into the Harlequin slush pile and ended 14 gruelling months later when I received a call from my editor during my mother’s birthday celebration at my house. It was such perfect timing as the wine was already flowing and all my favourite people were in the room and able to celebrate the momentous occasion with me. I can barely remember what my editor said beyond “we want to buy your book” but I’ll never forget those six, magical words and the rush of blood that came with them!

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From woe to go GBSR took 12 months to write, which included four sets of revision notes from my very patient editor who is just brilliant.

      Sara: If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money?

Michelle: Great question and my instinct is to go all Miss World on you… but I do like to give money to charities so with that kind of money I would definitely set up an organisation to both invest and distribute money to causes close to my heart.

Then I would most likely buy a home in the south of France because I love it so much and other than that I don’t know! Oh, yes I do. I’d hire an Alice like the one in the Brady Bunch while the kids are still little. To never have to fold washing or think about what is for dinner for a couple of years would be pure bliss!

     Sara: If you were written about in the newspaper, on the front page, what would the headline say?

Michelle: Hmmm, I asked my husband to answer this for me and he said: ‘Wife Tortures Husband’. LOL. Probably true with the amount of times he has had to entertain the kids while I write! But other than that it would have to be ‘Dreams Can Come True!’

Michelle Thanks for blogging with us today!

Two lucky commenter will be chosen at random to win a copy of Girl Behind the Scandalous Reputation

Please enter your email in the Rafflecopter below and Post a comment telling us   "How do you like your heroine - shy, sexy, sassy....?"

Michelle will be giving away 1 additional copy of her book through her website  www.michelleconder.com (email Michelle - RE: HJ Giveaway)

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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.

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.


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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.


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