Review: A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens

A Family for Faith
by Missy Tippens

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Cost: $5.50

What I Liked:
Well, it's easy to figure out where I should start with this review: what I liked the best. Gabe. Wow. I've read several of Missy Tippens' books (I think everything she has out, now), and I know she writes good heroes. But none of them have been quite like Gabe. ::sigh:: This is the kind of man I think we all long to meet, if we're single and Christian.

Of course, the book itself was excellent, as well. Faith is a great heroine, and her journey as a character is fulfilling and engaing. But the highlight of this book is Gabe. Ahhh, Gabe. ::sigh:: If you're a Harlequin fan, a series romance fan, a Missy Tippens fan, an inspirational romance fan... or just a fan of really amazing heroes, you have to go read this guy. You will absolutely fall in love with him from the first page, with his protective care of his daughter and his hurting heart that wants to open to love. I love it when authors break the rules (starting off in the hero's pov, no meet-cute on the first page) and it works. This one works. Phenomenally.

Go forth, do likewise. Or just buy the book and read it. :) This man is worth knowing. Excellent work, Missy Tippens. As usual, another home run!

Book Blurb:
When Faith Hagin sees widower cop Gabe Reynolds every day in her coffee shop, she can't help but feel for the struggling single dad. She's raised a teenager of her own—and sadly, knows what not to do. But thanks to his matchmaking preteen daughter, Chelsea, the whole town's praying for Gabe to find a wife! Even though Faith thinks she's content being just friends, spending time with him and Chelsea starts to feel like a fresh start at having a family. And their love may be the answer to everyone's prayers.

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge by Lynn Raye Harris

Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge
by Lynn Raye Harris

Genre: Contemporary Series Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Cost: $3.40

What I Liked:
Well, I adored Lynn Raye Harris's first book I read (The Prince's Royal Concubine), so I naturally had high expectations for this book when I picked it up. And while I did like TPRC better (but seriously, it's like a gold medal in Harlequin romance for me) I really loved this book. This one will also be a keeper.

It helped that the heroine shared my name. Oh, and also that the hero would often say her name. That was a nice fantasy. The hero was hot, the plot was fast-moving and engaging. The characters made me want to keep reading the story. And I liked the heroine. I felt for her, I wanted her to end up with him.

Lynn Raye Harris has a great voice. I have a feeling I'm always going to enjoy her books. I'm looking forward to reading the one that's out that I still haven't read. But I'm MORE excited for her to have a new release, because based on what I've seen so far, her writing just keeps getting better and better!!

Book Blurb:
Nobody messes with Alejandro de Ramirez. He doesn't suffer fools, and certainly has no time for manipulative wantons. Rebecca Layton was both. Five years later, Alejandro's life is still in turmoil--and he's more merciless than ever. The Spanish magnate wants retribution....

Unusually, and frustratingly for Alejandro, his plan doesn't go smoothly. Surely Rebecca wasn't this alluring before. And did his body always respond in this way--with such passionate fury? This is no longer just revenge...this is red-hot and dangerous!

Review: The Keepers by Heather Graham

The Keepers by Heather Graham

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Cost: $3.89 on Kindle!

What I Liked:
Well, I'd been a Heather Graham since I was a kid. But her most recent stuff left me a little cold. In fact, I haven't read a book of hers that I've liked in years. Until now! I don't know if it's the fact that I read books 2 and 3 in the series and already loved them, or if it's just that this was a great book and happened to be part of a great series as well. But this was really a great book.

Book one (Keepers) was a vampire romance, book two (Shifters) a shifter romance, book three (Wolven) a werewolf romance. Book two was my favorite, and this one (book one) was my least favorite. But still, I loved them all! So to be my least favorite in one of my favorite paranormal trilogies in a long time is a very good thing.

The hero in this book, Jagger, is the kind of vampire I like. Stoic, realistic, kinda edgy. Not too broody, not too dark. In other words, not a caraciture. He was real to me, which is unique. But I liked him a lot. And Fiona, the heroine in this book, was my favorite of the three sisters. The scene where her sisters burst in on her after she's just slept with Jagger is priceless. Loved it.

Aaah, Heather Graham, I am back to being a fan. Looking forward to more books like this.

Book Blurb:
At the core of New Orleans lie the otherworldly vampires and shape-shifters that hide in plain sight among mankind. As one of the Keepers, an elite group possessing superior skill and strength, Fiona MacDonald's duty is to maintain peace in a place where one vampire's bite could ignite war. When Detective Jagger DeFarge, a vampire, is called in at the discovery of a body drained of blood, both the detective and Fiona must join uneasy forces.

Jagger will stop at nothing to find the murderer— including working with the sensual and suspicious Fiona. As more die, it becomes clear that this isn't the work of an ordinary vampire. No one is safe. So when the killer's attention turns to Fiona, will Jagger risk destroying his own species to protect the woman he so passionately desires?

The Keepers: Three extraordinary sisters, balancing the duties of their birthrights and the yearnings of their hearts…

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: The Shifters by Alexandra Sokoloff

The Shifters
by Alexandra Sokoloff

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Cost: $3.89 on Kindle!

What I Liked:
First, I have to say, you can totally tell that Alexandra Sokoloff started off writing scripts. She is a master plotter and has fantastic, poppy dialogue. Fantastic.

Then, I had no idea this was part of a trilogy, except that I'd just read the third book, and recognized the characters! Then, I got way more excited about the book. I'd also never read a true shifter romance before, so this was a new experience for me. But it turned out very well. Loved it.

I know this was Alexandra Sokoloff's first Harlequin Nocturne, but I hope she writes more. It was the best of that trilogy. Fantastic characters, snappy plot, great dialogue, excellent sexual tension and sexiness. The hero was hot, and I didn't want to plant the heroine under a ton of concrete, which is a vast improvement for my reading experience lately.

After The Shifters, I will be looking for many more of Alexandra Sokoloff's books. You have to pick this up now. Really. Especially given that you can get a full-length novel for $4 on your Kindle. This one is worth every penny and then some. Fantastic book. Looking forward to more.

Book Blurb:
Caitlin MacDonald is Keeper of the New Orleans shapeshifters, a race of beings whose power lets them take on the form and voice of anyone they choose. Even their fellow paranormals are distrustful of their abilities, and Caitlin knows better than to take any shifter at face value. Then shapeshifting bounty hunter Ryder Malloy comes to town, claiming to be on the trail of a group of malevolent entities called walk-ins, and suddenly a city already reeling in the wake of a string of serial murders is under siege once again. Caitlin finds herself right in the middle of the danger—but with Ryder fighting by her side, the biggest threat to her wellbeing may be the threat he poses to her heart.

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: The Wolven by Deborah LeBlanc

The Wolven
by Deborah LeBlanc

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Cost: $3.99 for Kindle!

What I Liked:
As an admitted werewolf romance lover, I have to say, my favorite part was the wolven! :-) Okay, after I've settled down enough to talk about the book, I will say that there were some slow parts for me, and I wasn't crazy about the setting of the book. But other than that, I really enjoyed this book. The heroine was interesting, the hero hot, the plot thoroughly engaging.

There is something unparalleled about the way an alpha wolf cares for his pack. And something SO hot about the way he enfolds an outsider heroine into his life. It's just incredible. Every time I read a werewolf romance, I think I'm not going to enjoy this, because I've read it all before. So not true! This one had a unique twist on the dynamic of the pack which I really enjoyed. And seriously, people, this hero. Just mouthwatering.

In short, if you like werewolf romance, you have got to check out this book. It's going to stay on my Kindle for a long time! Please, people, write more books like this.

Book Blurb:
Someone—or something—is systematically murdering the members of Danyon Stone's werewolf pack. As Alpha, he knows that finding and punishing the murderous entity is his responsibility, and he's not about to rest until he sees justice done. But to stop the slayings he has to accept help from the most unlikely source—a wickedly sensual mortal woman.


Mystic-shop owner Shauna MacDonald has a special interest in the recent string of otherworldly deaths. As the Keeper of the werewolves, it's her duty to guard and protect the packs. Working by Danyon's side to stop an unknown killer—and trying to deny the potency of their illicit attraction—poses a threat to her heart unlike any she's ever known, ;and if she becomes the killer's next target, it could be the death of her….

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods

A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
by Sherryl Woods

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Mira (Harlequin)
Cost: $8.68

What I Liked:
I hadn't ever read a Sherryl Woods book or a Chesapeake Shores romance before, but I'm quickly becoming a fan of both. From the first moment that Mick O'Brien stepped onto the pages of this book, I was hooked. I love the whole sophisticate concept--a couple of older adults working through a mid-life romance together. Beautiful. Plus, the reunited part, loved it.

This is one of those great family saga kinds of books where everyone has a part to play and everyone has a little piece of the romance. Hopefully, it also means that there will be more books in the O'Brien series. There are little promises about the characters, whom I enjoyed, having some kind of romance in their future. I look forward to reading more about Mick and Megan's family in the future. (Although, frankly, I do hope that they don't split up again and get back together... that might just be too much.) Megan wasn't my favorite heroine of all time, but Mick is definitely a fantastic hero. Sherryl Woods wrote him to be the kind of man we all hope we're married to someday. He's got his issues, but he's well worth spending an entire book with, especially if you're looking for something outside the run-of-the-mill romance novel hero.

Book Blurb:
After years apart, Mick and Megan O'Brien are finally ready to make it official…again. Most of their grown children couldn't be happier about their rekindled love and impending marriage this holiday season. Only Connor is a holdout. Driven to become a divorce attorney after what he views as his mother's abandonment of their family, Connor's not about to give his blessing to this reunion romance.

The last thing Megan wants to do is hurt her family again. After all, is she really sure she and Mick can make it this time around? And when an unexpected delivery causes chaos, it seems only a miracle can reunite this family.

Of course, it is Christmas—the season of miracles.

Read an excerpt here.

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: His Forever Love

His Forever Love
by Missy Tippens

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Series Romance
Publisher: Harlequin (Steeple Hill)
Cost: $4.12

What I Liked:
I really enjoy Missy Tippens' voice. It's very conversational and accessible. Her storytelling drew me in to this story right away. Of course, I've read a lot of Steeple Hill Love Inspired books, now, and this is definitely one of my favorites. I love the Southern small town setting, and the two main characters. Especially the hero. Love the whole sexy, brainy guy angle. That's definitely something new for me in a romance novel.

I really like the second-chances stories, and this is definitely a great one. The hero and heroine don't seem perfectly matched from the start, which I also like. They sort of evolve into each other--even though you know, of course, because it's a romance novel, that they'll end up together. But the things that keep them apart feel real, and when they do get together (I hope I'm not ruining the surprise), it's satisfying.

I've never read a book by Missy Tippins before, but this definitely won't be my last. She's definitely got the best of what is great about Love Inspired books. Her voice has an ease to it, her characters are engaging, and the story is satisfying. If you like Love Inspired books, I recommend this great love story.

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

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: The Heat is On by Jill Shalvis

The Heat is On
by Jill Shalvis

Genre: Sensual Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Blaze
Cost: $5.12

What I Liked:
First, I have to say that my friends have been telling me to read Jill Shalvis ever since I sat next to her at the RWA PRO luncheon that I won with HelenKay Dimon (who is also amazing!). I picked up her book at the Harlequin booksigning, and am just now getting to it in my TBR pile. But I wish I would have taken the time to read it at Nationals, because I so would have liked to have had the chance to tell her to her face what an amazing writer she is, and how much I liked her book.

I have been enjoying my trek through Harlequin Blaze land quite a bit, but I must say that this is by far my favorite of them all. Jill Shalvis writes with a quick wit that is so natural to her characters, it feels like they are real people. Her heroine is one of the few (in any romance novel) that I can say I would honestly like to get to know as a friend. Of course, being that I also write foodie romance, the whole pastry chef angle was right up my alley, and I found myself more than once wanting to go down to my local bakery to pick up a fresh croissant.

But where Jill Shalvis really sparkles is in writing romantic tension. She is truly a master. Her characters ooze, and talk about, and experience, and laugh at (and did I mention OOZE) sexual tension. From the absolute first line until the last. And what's amazing is that even though they've already had sex, they still manage to keep that tension alive. It was truly a pleasure to read.

I am now officially a Jill Shalvis fan, because if (as my friends insist) the rest of her books are as good as this one, I need to read them right now. Additionally, I hope she keeps up this American Heroes line and continues to write about some of Jacob's friends... of course, I have my preferences, but I'm sure whatever she comes up with will be infinitely better than anything I could imagine. Jill Shalvis, my hat goes off to you. You are a warm, kind person, and you write hot, smexy books! There isn't more crackerjack combo!

~Rebecca Lynn

Book Blurb:
Oh, dear. Bella Manchelli is so not having a good day. First, she's deliciously exhausted from last night's sizzling one-night stand. Second, there's a (gulp) dead body at her back door. Third...um, that scrumptious one-nighter is at her front door... and he's wearing a badge!
Police Officer Jacob Madden is all about duty. Until he shows up looking for a homicide...and runs right into last night's slice of sexy heaven! Damn, he just can't think straight when he's around Bella. All he wants to do is lick her up one side and down the other....

Can duty and smoking-hot sex blend for a while? Definitely! Until Jacob discovers that several of the guys Bella's dated have turned up dead. Jacob loves being around Bella. But is he ready to be used as target practice?

Review: Star of His Heart by Brenda Jackson

Star of His Heart
by Brenda Jackson

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin (Kimani)
Cost: $6.25

What I Liked:
Holy moly, this woman can write a love scene! Not even just a pretty but mechanical sex scene (as the pros say, "insert tab A in slot B"). No. A *love* scene. You read the chemistry between Ethan and Rachel, and you can feel it for yourself. Wow.

I tend to like my prose to move pretty quickly, and it took me a little bit to get into this book, but man-o-man, once I did, it was very well worth it.

I have to say, this has happened to me several times over the last few months. I've started reading a book with a slower beginning than I prefer, and thought seriously about putting it down after about two chapters. Instead, I stuck through it and WOW, was it worth it. It's starting to make me question my own taste. These books that I "reluctantly" keep reading end up eventually blowing me away. Like this one did. The characters, I just fall in love with and I'm so interested in. I think I'm learning to give authors a little more grace than I used to. Because I've had some great experiences when I "stuck with it" after not being wowed by the opening.

I had heard, of Brenda Jackson, that she had a reputation for writing HAWT heroes, and this time "they" weren't kidding. Ethan was a super hot hero with a heart of gold. I was so in love with him by the end of the book, I kept thinking Accio Ethan. He did not come. :-) But it would have been great if he had, because he was an intriguing, complex, interesting, compassionate hero. Loved it.

Book Blurb:

Drop-dead-gorgeous Ethan Chambers loves his life as Hollywood's most eligible - and elusive - bachelor. Plus, the talented actor has just gotten an offer he can't refuse: a starring role on TV's hit medical drama. But it's the show's sultry makeup and wardrobe director who's got his pulse racing - and making him think twice about staying single.

Getting the gig on Paging the Doctor has thrust Rachel Wellesley into the unwelcome glare of the spotlight. She wants to paint the story, not be the story. But when Rachel starts falling for the show's sinfully sexy star, she knows it's time to get her own heart checked. But how can she give up these passionate nights in Ethan's arms? Now, as the cameras roll and her creative vision comes to life, is Rachel finally ready for her close-up - with the man of her dreams?

Review: Summer Brides Anthology

Summer Brides Anthology
by Susan Mallery, Sherryl Woods, and Susan Wiggs

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin
Cost: $4.79

What I Liked:
I loved every one of these stories. It's obvious that these women are fantastic writers. This was another one of my intended-to-read-a-few-pages experiences, only worse, becuase I would start one novella intending to read a few pages, then start the next intending to just see what the story was like, then start the third thinking I would just check it out. Yeah, that worked out into me spending the afternoon reading about brides, weddings, and love stories. But it was a great afternoon.

As I said, all three were really well-written, well-plotted, tight, and interesting. And satisfying, of course. But I definitely had a favorite.

The last of the stories, Sister of the Bride by Susan Mallery was, in my opinion, the best. And it's saying something to be the best of three greats. But I really connected with this heroine. Loved the hero, of course, but I almost always love the hero. It's when I really love the heroine that I stand up and take notice in a book. Susan Mallery's voice is intoxicating. I could actually feel myself getting sucked in to her storytelling. I was actually disappointed when the story ended, because it was too quick. I could easily have followed this story for an entire novel. Fantastic.

All-in-all, I would rec any of these books. Great summer (or fall... or anytime) reads.

Book Blurb:
Three happily-ever-afters from three of your favorite authors
The Borrowed Bride by Susan Wiggs
During her own bridal shower, Isabel Wharton is whisked away by past love Dan Black Horse to his retreat in the Cascade range. But returning to her Native roots, and Dan's loving arms, is harder than she ever imagined.

A Bridge to Dreams by Sherryl Woods
With her vacation plans foiled, Karyn Chambers realizes that her long-awaited escape must give way to staying at home in San Francisco. Little does she know her Prince Charming is right in her own backyard.
Sister of the Bride by Susan Mallery
When Katie McCormick finds out that her sister is marrying her ex, she finally agrees to a setup for the big day. To her surprise, Jackson is a catch. But when wedding catastrophe ensues, will their sparks fizzle or ignite into flames?

~Review by Rebecca Lynn

Review: Vampire Vendetta by Alexis Morgan

Vampire Vendetta
by Alexis Morgan

Genre: Paranormal Romance (Vampires)
Publisher: Silhouette Nocturnes (Harlequin)
Cost: $5.25

What I Liked:
Well, it's easy to talk about what I liked in this book, because I liked most of it. In fact, there was little that I didn't like, and what little there was, I don't really feel the need to talk about because it was the typical Harlequin stuff, which I've learned to love all in all. But this was my first real foray into the Sillhouette Nocturne line, and I think I will be staying.

I'm a huge fan of vampire books. As a Buffy and Angel fan, I've been into vampires since before it was all the rage. And I get that feeling from Alexis Morgan as well. I like the way she creates her world, and even more than that, I like that she doesn't make a big show about it. I'm left with a lot of questions about the world when the book is done which is great!! A lot of authors misunderstand that half the interest of world-building is discovering the world. I don't want someone to tell me everything about a world, I want to find it myself. And when the book is over, especially if it's a series, I want to have more questions than answers. This makes me want to come back for more.

I will definitely be going back and reading the first in this vampire series. And I hope she continues to write about vampires and chancellors for a long time, so I can have the benefit of seeing that world through her eyes as a reader. It's quite a lot of fun.

The hero, of course, is almost always my favorite part of a book that I like, and th is book was no exception. I thought that he was a bit one-dimensional at times, but I really loved the fact that he could still surprise me. There were parts of his relationship with his sister that didn't quite compute for me through the entirety of the book, and that relationship felt very under-developed. (I know she's dead, but still... it was his motivation, and it just sort of went away... it was strange.) Still, I was interested in him as a character, and there were some very hot scenes involving fangs that I'll just let you read about yourself.

I appreciated her worldbuilding, and I thought her heroine was interesting. The villain, as was appropriate, was sadistic and horrifying. It really set up the heroine's motivation nicely, and made her needs very present to the story once the villain came on the scene. Overall, I thought this was a good book and it definitely made me want to read more of this author. Thankfully, she has a lot of books out for me to peruse. :-) I will be doing so in short order. 

Book Blurb:
"Hell hath no fury like a passion-hungry vampire bent on justice in Alexis Morgan’s sexy new saga

"As the lone survivor of his vampire clan, Seamus Fitzhugh lives only for revenge. And now that he’s infiltrated the compound of his enemy his chance has come…until he rescues a stunning hybrid from certain death. Megan Perez is a woman on the run from her own demons, and she’s a distraction that could cost them both their lives. But the passion that burns between them is too hot to ignore, and not even the threat of danger can keep them apart.

"Now their fates are intertwined--for better or worse--as they risk everything to experience the ultimate sensual release as evil closes in all around them. Seamus must weigh how far he will go in the pursuit of vengeance…or love." (from the author's website)

Excerpt here.

Review: Love Thine Enemy by Louise M. Gouge

Love Thine Enemy
by Louise M. Gouge

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Cost: $4.12

What I Liked:
I liked this book much better than its sequel (which I read first). It was a little slow-going for me in the beginning, but once it picked up, it was really excellent. The love story between Rachel and Frederick was inspiring and beautifully written. The conflict between them was real, and well-done. And of course, it introduced Jamie, who is the hero that I loved so much from the second book in the series.

But Frederick was a different kind of hero. I still enjoyed him, but he was different. Where most are dashing, Frederick is steadfast. Where most are flamboyant in their alpha-ness, Frederick is cautious and true. His character is without reproach, and even when he betrays Rachel's ideals, he thinks he is doing the right thing. And who is to say that he wasn't? Just because we won the war doesn't mean America was "right" and England was "wrong", although I do think the author might disagree. But he followed what he believed to be his moral compass, and so did she.

That's what made this book so interesting. Two highly devout characters in love, with two completely opposite interpretations of morality. Very interesting to me. Of course, he comes around to her way of thinking in the end, but it's an American book, what do we expect? I think I would have been more interested if they would have been able to maintain their differences and still be together. Any relationship where you cannot maintain difference is not a real relationship. Still, the way he turned his mind to agree with her was beautiful, in the end, and although I still felt like it was a betrayal of his character, I can see how he loved her more than he loved his ideals. And there's something to that.

All in all, Rachel Folger was a solid heroine, but it was Frederick who really made this book. He was a hero unlike any other I've read, and I mean that in the best of ways. He didn't have to rely on his physical superiority or his extreme handsomeness (although I believe he had both) to win out in the end. It was his moral fiber, his devotion, and his devoutness that made you love him. He was really fantastic.

Would I rather read Jamie's book again? Probably. Even though I didn't like the book itself as much, I highly preferred Jamie as a hero. But Frederick was a little like Edward Ferrars in S&S. You just can't help but be drawn in by the depth of his character. Fantastic.

Book Blurb:
The tropics of colonial Florida are far removed from America's Revolution. Still, Rachel Folger's loyalties remain with Boston's patriots. Handsome plantation owner Frederick Moberly's faithfulness to the Crown is as certain as his admiration for Rachel—but for the sake of harmony, he'll keep his sympathies hidden. After all, the war is too far distant to truly touch them...isn't it?

A betrayal of Rachel's trust divides the pair, leaving Frederick to question the true meaning of faith in God and in country. Inspired by Rachel to see life, liberty, and love through His eyes, Frederick must harness his faith and courage to claim the woman he loves before war tears them apart. (from the author's website)

Review: The Prince's Royal Concubine by Lynn Raye Harris

The Prince's Royal Concubine
by Lynn Raye Harris

Genre: Series Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Price: $4.12

What I Liked:
Okay, somehow, I've been on a Harlequin kick lately. But I don't really mean to review this many HQs in a row. It's just that I've read two really great ones lately. The Jillian Hart book that I reviewed last week. And this one.

This book was... fantastic is the only word I can come up with. I've read enough marginal books from Harlequin that I'm always skeptical. I've never read a really bad book from Harlequin, so I know it'll always be at least a decent experience, but a lot of them are sort of forgettable--in my opinion, anyway. I will never, ever forget this book. I know that it was melodramatic. I always expect this, even when I write romance myself. (Haha! Real, though.) I knew it was probably not a story that really happened. Or would ever happen.

But it was smokin. Sm-ok-in. The girl was a very interesting character. The hero was hot and deep. And, my favorite, the wounded hero. Fantastic. I would give it five stars, but I didn't like the ending very much. It sort of fizzled after a fantastic 85% of the narrative. Still, it's going in my keeper pile. The ending wasn't bad. Just not very fulfilling. Still. The hero made it all worthwhile. And the love story was very engaging. A very good book. I'm gonna have to read more of these Presents books now. I had a bad taste in my mouth after the last two, but this one renewed my interest in this line. Would also like to read more of Lynn Raye Harris's writing. Very good.

Book Blurb:
Two glittering royal houses…

Prince Cristiano di Savaré hunts his prey by ruthless means. Tonight’s pickings…Antonella Romanelli, crown princess of a rival country and part of a dynasty he has every reason to despise…

…one majestic seduction

Antonella is rocked by Cristiano’s unexpected magnetism. But there’s ice in his wolfish smile… She’s far from the promiscuous, spoiled socialite he believes her to be, but Cristiano is here to persuade her into compliance. If bedding her is what it takes, then it will make his mission all the more pleasurable…

Review: Hitched by BJ Daniels

Hitched
by BJ Daniels

Genre: Contemporary Series Romantic Suspense (Western)
Publisher: Harlequin (Intrigue)
Cost: $4.12 (although I bought mine for $3.67 at WalMart)

What I Liked:
I had never read a BJ Daniels book before, and I think I might be the only person on the planet. With 50 books to her credit and several USA Today Bestsellers under her belt, BJ Daniels is a well-known and successful author. She even lives near me. And for some reason, I've never read a book.

I was in Wal-Mart picking up a different Harlequin book and I spied BJ's Hitched on the shelf and I thought, why not. It's only three and a half dollars.

Well, let me tell you, I wish I'd listened to the hype earlier. This book was fantastic. She has a new Winchester Ranch book out and I'm definitely going to pick that up as well. It was a real page-turner, and I haven't read one of those for a long time. Too long.

Generally, I try to steer clear of the romance novels that take place in Montana. After reading Nora Roberts' Montana romances and a few others, I just got sick of people writing about Montana like it's some kind of fairytale covered-wagon-y place where everyone still rides horses to work. Somehow, people get it in their heads that the whole state wears Stetsons, Wranglers, and Carhart. No, we do not. And I was even more skeptical of reading something that takes place in the North of MT, because that's where I grew up. And that's probably the place it bugs me the most when people get wrong.

And while there were plenty of cowboy hats and horses in this book, somehow, it didn't bother me. Could be because I know she's from Montana, and I know she knows what she's talking about. Could be her good writing. Could be a lot of stuff. I couldn't quite figure it out. But I loved it.

Her hero was just perfect, and I even didn't hate the heroine. If you've read any of my reviews, you know that I almost always hate the heroine. But this time, she was at least tolerable. It could have helped that this was a suspense book, so there was more going on than just the romance. And it was a very interesting story. Perhaps a little soap-opera-y. But let's face it. That's part of why we read romance novels, eh? I know it's part of why I do. I just can't help it.

Anyway, a well-crafted story, interesting characters, good setting, and lots of suspenseful moments. All-in-all, a pleasure to read. And this book definitely turned me into a BJ Daniels fan. I hope her backlist is available... :-)

(Oh, and by the way... this book was one of her USA Today bestsellers.)

Book Blurb:
Following a trail of secrets back to his family ranch, Jack Winchester needed a cover to solve a decades-old mystery. And Josey Smith offered him the perfect one—if she would agree to pose as his wife for a week. The gorgeous redhead was up to her neck in trouble, and Jack protected what was his, pretend marriage or not.
On the run from a killer, Josey had no choice but to accept Jack's proposal. She no longer trusted herself to tell the good guys from the bad, but the handsome, blue-eyed cowboy made her feel safe. Yet it soon became apparent that the sparks that flew between them were anything but fake, and the danger they faced was all too real…

Review: The Rancher's Promise by Jillian Hart

The Rancher's Promise
by Jillian Hart

Genre: Inspirational Romance (Contemporary)
Publisher: Harlequin
Cost: $4.40

What I Liked:
I've been on a Love Inspired kick recently and have pretty much enjoyed everything I've read. Or I thought I had, until I read The Rancher's Promise. Because if that's what it is to enjoy a book, then everything else has just been time wasters.

Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic. But this was just such a fantastic book.

I'm always a little skeptical when I see "Recommended Read" stickered on the cover of a book. To me, that means "please buy this", and I'm very uninterested in marketing. But I loved the picture. It reminded me of home. And I've been on an LI kick, so I figured, "why not?"

So thankful I bought this book in the end. By the time I got to the "please subscribe" postcard in the middle, I was in can't-put-this-down mode. And I finished it all right there (but not before stopping to fill out the please-subscribe card, haha). I thought, "if this is the indication of the quality of Love Inspired books now, I need to subscribe immediately." And I did.

The story. Aaah, the story. Well, first of all, Jillian Hart created a superb story here. The characters felt real, they had real things at stake. Their relationship made sense to me, but also the reasons they couldn't be together made a lot of sense. It was very interesting to see two strong Christians in a story together for once, and in a way that wasn't annoying or preachy. I really enjoyed it.

But the best part, by far, was the hero. He was fantastic. He's the kind of guy we all hope is really out there somewhere. A guy with standards, a strong constitution, (a great body, hello, but that's not even really important when the rest of it is there with this guy), a soft heart, and a little bit of woundedness. Oh, boy. This one is a keeper. No library shelf for this one. I'm gonna read this again someday, and I want to have it around to inspire me later.

Book Blurb:
Rancher Justin Granger hasn't seen his high school sweetheart since she rode out of town with his heart. Now, "too good for this small town" Rori Cornell stands on his doorstep, seeking a job as his cook and housekeeper. He can't turn her away, not with the sadness and worry in her cornflower-blue eyes. He'll just have to avoid her between meals. But when Justin discovers that Rori's big dream has always been him, he finds his heart softening. And an old promise yearning to be kept.

Review: Dangerous by Diana Palmer

Dangerous
by Diana Palmer

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Western)
Release Date: May 25, 2010
Publisher: HQN Books
Price: $14.58

What I Liked:
I just adored this hero. I am a sucker for the wounded, tragic hero. So I loved this guy. He's sarcastic (and very funny), protective, dark and (surprise) dangerous. But not as dangerous as what is about to happen to them.

And that is a great adventure.

I've never been a big fan of western romances. In fact, I generally steer clear of anything with a cowboy hat/boot or a cactus on the front. But I just read BJ Daniels' recent release. And I read this Diana Palmer book, and I might just be a cowboy convert.

I thought the plot was interesting, the characters were engaing, the writing was good, there was plenty of humor, and the ending was satisfying. All in all, I'd say a great read. If you're interested in Western romances (not historical, but alive in today's world), I'd definitely check this out. Also, if you like contemporary romances (but not Westerns), it's not so cowboy-focused that you won't still enjoy it. I'll be interested to hear, if you've read this or if you buy it and read it, what you think of it.

Book Blurb:
Tall, lean and headstrong, FBI agent Kilraven lives by his own rules. And one of those rules includes keeping his hands off Jacobsville's resident sweetheart, Winnie Sinclair, no matter the temptation. Shy and innocent, Winnie couldn't handle a man like him--a merciless man with a haunted past. And this small town may hold not only the woman he fights to resist, but the answers to a cold case that is very personal to Kilraven.

Winnie has had her own share of sorrow and senses Kilraven's pain. Even though she tries to deny it, the gentle 911 operator feels a connection with the darkly handsome agent. When he makes the disturbing discovery that her family's unsavory past might have a bearing in his case, Winnie is determined to help him crack it... and the ice around his heart.

As they combine forces in a dangerous investigation, the stakes rise ever higher. WInnie's life is on the line, and she'll need Kilraven more than ever. But if they are to have a future together, her ruthless Texan will need to confront his past and risk it all for their love.