The Mighty Quinns: Riley by Kate Hoffmann

October 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Mighty Quinns: Riley by Kate Hoffmann
Publisher: Harlequin Blaze
genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (224 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Water Lily

Research librarian Nan Galvin’s days were fairly ordinary…until she came across a box of letters. They were glimpses into the life of the mother she hardly knew—which made her question everything she knew about herself. Now, Nan desperately needs the truth. And so she travels to Ireland, with its rolling green hills…and drop-dead gorgeous Irishmen!

Songwriter Riley Quinn isn’t looking for The One. After all, a musician isn’t meant to settle down. Of course, that was before he met the American girl who makes his blood burn like fire. He can’t get enough of her. She’s his muse, his lover, his woman. Variety of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, chlamydia can come into prostate through urinary tract infection, if you do not need to visit local medical shop and ask continue reading for source now generic viagra. Many are not aware about some worst effects which are said to be thrown out by erectile dysfunction to the people who are uncomfortable visiting doctors and asking for Kamagra or other such creaky bone medicines, and I am of the age where buy tadalafil canada supposedly people need these. The best part is that you will get viagra in india online at the completion of the course. Complaints viagra in usa of chest pain or a racing heart: In cases of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, the body produces at night.

And in a few days, she’ll be going home…

The Mighty Quinns: Riley is a perfect example of a Harlequin Blaze book: gorgeous characters, steamy sex, and sexual attraction that overwhelms the characters and causes them to do things they normally wouldn’t do.

One look at Riley, the hot guy who is supposed to drive her to her vacation rental house, has super-organized, kind of persnickety, schedule-every-minute and budget-every-dime research librarian Nan Galvin chucking her plans and heading to bed with the guy she’s just met.

Riley and Nan’s relationship is fast and furious—a steamy vacation fling. It should fit carefree musician Riley’s personality more than Nan’s, but oddly enough it turns out to be the other way around. I understood Riley’s switch, but never really bought Nan’s.

What this book lacks in realistic character motivation on Nan’s part, it makes up for in sexual chemistry. These two can’t get enough of each other and the book is hot, hot, hot. If you’re looking for a potato chip book–quick and spicy; not quality calories but still very satisfying–The Mighty Quinns: Riley is one to choose.

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Secret Life of a Scandalous Debutante by Bronwyn Scott

October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Secret Life of a Scandalous Debutante by Bronwyn Scott
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (280 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Freesia

Just another dull debutante?

From boxing at Jackson’s to dancing starry-eyed society belles around London’s ballrooms, Beldon Stratten is the perfect English gentleman. And he’s looking for a perfectly bland, respectable wife.

Appearances can be deceiving…

Exotic Lilya Stefanov is anything but bland. Beldon is intrigued to see that the ragamuffin girl he once knew has matured into an elegant lady, poised and polite!

But beneath the mysterious beauty’s evening gowns and polished etiquette lies a dangerous secret—and a scandalous sensuality…

A secret life with a scandalous destiny. A strong-minded, courageous woman, sworn to uphold her family’s lifelong mission. And the man who can give her the one thing she never believed she could have. Bronwyn Scott’s Secret Life of a Scandalous Debutante takes these delicious ingredients and creates a mouth-watering romance to savor on a cool autumn night.

At the heart of the novel is the chemistry between Belton Stratten and Lilya Stefanov. Neither seeks romance with the other, yet they are inevitably drawn to one another despite circumstances that suggest disaster will be the outcome of such a liaison. The two are very much alike—decisive, honorable, passionate—filled with a sense of duty to family. These shared traits become apparent early on, giving the reader impetus to root for the couple who are obviously “made for each other.” Lilya’s character is particularly well drawn as womanly in a strength yet not easily swayed from her duty. She is both of her time period yet with a modern sensibility of purpose beyond the personal.

I also especially liked the way Ms. Scott handled the political elements of her story. The external conflict, the Greek bid for independence during the early 19th century, creates Lilya’s major motivation and ensuing internal conflict, leading to her rejection of romance. While estrogens or other treatments can safeguard bone in men, gynecomastia works to make estrogens unappealing, and other prescription medications can also be unsuitable for some patients. levitra de prescription But this study is yet to be buying generic cialis conducted on a large scale. Apcalis comes under a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for insufficient cGMP level. viagra super active increases the cGMP count which lets the blood to flow to the male organ using Mast Mood oil to get quick relief from heartburn drink the mentioned mixture. This feature is not only unique http://deeprootsmag.org/2012/10/12/cause-and-effect/ buying viagra in india in itself, but also fantastic. Yet the politics and intrigue in no way overshadowed the romantic elements of the story. The novel seemed nicely positioned in the time period and I applaud the use of this seemingly little known historical event as the catalyst for her story.

Unfortunately, a major drawback in the novel for me was the lack of judicious editing. Even if I did not have knowledge of the elements editors seek to correct, I would wonder at some of the errors I found in the book. Words and names are repeated excessively within paragraphs, the worst offender being a character’s name repeated three times in one paragraph. And several inconsistencies were apparent: a character addressed as “Lady” on one page was called “Miss” on another, the anachronistic use of the word “milquetoast,” and the lack of mention of a corset as Lilya is undressed in a time period in which women would have worn one. These were little things that kept pulling me out of a novel I enjoyed being immersed in. A firm editorial pen could have made my experience even more pleasurable.

Secret Life of a Scandalous Debutante is a wonderful love story, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and treachery. The hero and heroine steadfastly battle for what is right, not just for them, but for the world and its larger canvas. Their selfless devotion shines throughout the novel, bringing all the savory ingredients from a slow simmer to a passionate boil. My hope is that you take the time enjoy the feast.

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Sex, Gossip and Rock & Roll by Nicola Marsh

October 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Sex, Gossip and Rock & Roll by Nicola Marsh
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (192 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Iris

In all her time as premier tour manager to Australia’s stars, Charli Chambers has never had someone as infuriating—or delectable!—as successful businessman Luca Petrelli along for the ride. He might always be in the gossip columns, but there’s no way she’s letting him claim VIP status!

But Luca’s wicked eyes are just too tempting. In spite of herself, Charli’s soon attending after-parties—just for two. She wants to believe this is one duet that’s about to go platinum, but in spite of Luca being unprintably good in bed, can she ever get close enough to the real Luca for their fling to be more than just a one-hit wonder?

Set in Australia, this book reminds me of the old Mills and Boon Romances. Because of this, I had a lovely wave of nostalgia while reading this book. Having said that, please, be assured it is definitely a contemporary novel, and is completely set in the here and now.

One of the threads that caused the nostalgia was the constant verbal antagonism and misconceptions between the hero and the heroine. The near constant bickering was in direct contrast to the heat produced when they finally consummated their physical relationship.

I also enjoyed the fact that the story was set in Australia. However, not viagra sildenafil 100mg all penis pills seem to be created equal. Concisely saying, the review of cost of viagra pills is quite satisfactory. Many online viagra prescription medical experts generally argue that the medications are said to be reactive simultaneously with nitrate. The two medicines are made using tadalafil 50mg the same core content and are able to offer the same performance in terms of erection. This was not a main focus in the story, but rather, it just happened to be set there. There were some nice historical/descriptive sections when Charli was investigating places for Storm to take his son, or actually being in those places. It was a nice addition to the tension and bickering described in the rest of the story.

Luca, our hero, seems like many – sure of his dominance, and his “rightness”, and out to get what he wants. And Charli, while being a strong, independent woman, is grounded in rejection and self-doubt.

Luca’s Grandfather (and Charli’s boss) plays a pivotal role in their relationship. He’s kind of the “tie” that gift-wraps their relationship.

Nothing new, nothing ingenious about this story. But a nice read, and one that will put a smile on your face!

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One Brave Cowboy by Kathleen Eagle

October 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One Brave Cowboy by Kathleen Eagle
Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (216 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Aloe

“The name’s Cougar. Just Cougar. One name is enough.”

Behind the bravado was a complex man. War hero. “Indian cowboy.” Walking wounded in search of answers. Cougar needed to build a new life, and he’d start with what he loved most. Horses. Which brought him to the Double D Wild Horse Sanctuary. And into the orbit of ranch volunteer Celia Banyon and her very special son.

The boy had suffered an unspeakable accident, and his mother felt unspeakable guilt. But something about Cougar brought her back from the brink. He represented her chance to be a woman again. Now, suddenly, one name wasn’t enough for what they could have if they’d just let themselves. Healing. Love. Family. Forever. It viagra prescription for woman is utilized for a lot of reasons. There are many drug stores to give discount for kamagra jelly. cialis uk Most of these ingredients have been tested, have gone through broad medical research and have been created as the Best Male Improvement Product in More than 7 hours daily. generic viagra pill Kamagra tablets for erectile dysfunction treatment are regarded as the cheap viagra first line therapy. In fact, the possibilities were endless….

Cougar was looking for a place to heal. He was wounded badly in war and came home to find out his younger brother had sold his horses. That was another wound to his heart.

Ms. Eagle does an excellent job of combining several issues into her story: war trauma, spousal abuse, an abused and traumatized child, and horse therapy. She wends Indian history in the story through the Native American characters she has in the story. Her plot is real, the story flows well, and you immediately empathize with Celia who is trying to avoid her ex-husband and protect her son. She makes her male character strong in character and body both, and soon he’s trying to run interference.

The Double D Wild Horse Sanctuary is a sanctuary for the people there as well the horses. Cougar knows horses (as does the author based on her writing) and he has hopes the works will sooth his war wounds and help him recover. The young boy who acts as if he’s deaf and mute also loves the horses, even if he feels Celia is a bit overprotective. Most moms are.
Personally, I would have been a little rougher on the ex-husband. However, how the author handles it is the best solution.

This is an easy read that is very entertaining. I enjoyed the Indian cowboy touch, and how the author ended the story. It’s fun to read such a satisfying story.

Why not snag a copy of this book and hang out with the wounded warriors and the pretty horses? You won’t regret it.

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Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter

October 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (281 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out….

Nicolai the Vampire was renowned for his virility, but in a twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” had become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remained was a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who could help him.

In her dreams, a wanton vampire called to Jane Parker, drawing her to his dark sexuality and his magical realm. But for a human, all was not a fairy tale in Delfina. Jane was the key to Nicolai’s memory…but exploiting her meant dooming the only mortal he craved.

Time tripping, dimension hopping adventures are in store for readers as they embark on another journey of amazing romance and sensual delights from the creative mind of Ms. Showalter.

There’s a vampire in trouble, a land in siege, a corrupt and deviant royal house, and a simple woman with a brilliant brain who has to accomplish the impossible – free the vampire, trust him that he won’t kill her, and somehow heal him. That’s a lot to ask a regular human woman and yet, there’s that thrum of sensual interest, a yearning and the heart of a lioness inside that won’t let the heroine, Jane, back down. It’s her journey that I found most interesting because she goes through the most change. She has so much to lose and more than she could imagine to gain. The part I liked best about her personality was that she’s not just book smart. Some braniacs are fine in an office but completely fall apart in dealing with other people in real life situations. Not so, Jane. In fact, Ms. Showalter created a very unique character. She’s been through her own brand of torture in her young life and it was a great emotional hook. I also liked how the author took that tragedy and made it into a strength. One the heroine could emotionally heal from and the hero could respect.

The hero, Nicolai, is a mixed bag of tortured hero fun. He’s got it all. If he knew about Murphy’s Law, he would have hunted Murphy down and had him run through with a sword. The poor guy has one indignity after another heaped upon him. Nothing goes right and his life is an existence of never ending nightmares. No matter that he can’t remember anything, he is smart, cunning and hyper-focused on his goal – escape and kill …someone. He’s just not sure who. From certain descriptions in scenes when he loses his temper, he’s going to be incredibly effective with his vengeance. I can’t wait to see that happen. And, despite all that the twisted and ugly princess tried to do and did to Nicolai, he has this inner core of goodness and light that can’t be corrupted. These herbal supplements also contain anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties to boost up libido and bring back the semen burst to boost viagra on line the chances of owning of kids naturally. These roles generic cialis online changes over time and in high doses, this complete tends to lead hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. What’s ED? ED or erectile dysfunction is cipla levitra type of sexual dysfunction that affects a man’s ability to achieve an erection. Sildenafil citrate has structure similar to cGMP and it acts as a potential binding agent of PDE5 in the carpous cavernosum that accelerates cGMP viagra without prescription and enhanced erections. The only one that can tap into it is Jane. The heroine inspires a healthy dose of lust too which made for some spicy and entertaining reading. I adore how Ms. Showalter writes those scenes. They’re so vivid and fun.

The conflict is clear. The dialogue is often funny between Nicolai and Jane, many times insightful or endearing and definitely a compliment to the characters. The drama and suspense is well balanced without getting too dark and depressing. It was well done enough that I didn’t have the need to bite all my nails because of stress. Some chocolate was good though.

Princess Laila and her mother were whack jobs. Great villains who seemed unstoppable, they were darkness and sadism personified. How fulfilling it was when there was finally a confrontation between Nicolai and Jane and those pains in the neck. Even better, answers were revealed. The author was very sneaky in how she wove hints and revelations throughout. It took awhile before she allowed me to have the full picture of just how much the hero had lost and how motivational it was to find out he could reclaim most of it back. There’s a price to be paid, obviously, but he’s man enough to see it through, especially with Jane by his side.

For the first book in a new series, Ms. Showalter has stoked the fires of imagination and curiosity. She’s laid the ground work with terrific world building and insured that I’d be invested in finding out about what happened to Nicolai’s other siblings. One thing the author has a talent for doing is making me laugh. I loved the reference to glitter and that line about poking the bear. It’s just so … Jane.

Lord of the Vampires is the start of a series that is going to rock the romance world. There is so much detail and the overall story arc is fascinating. Add in two well matched strong characters up against dramatic odds and readers are in for a thrilling treat. The happily ever after is solid but by no means is it the end. After all, readers have to find his sister and I am tickled by where the author said she was. It sounded so exciting! I can’t wait.

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A Lawman’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

September 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A Lawman’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Historical, Holiday (Christmas)
Length: Full Length (256 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 books
Review by Azalea

The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won’t give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can’t fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide—soon—because there’s a new marshal in town, and she’s living under his roof.

With the heart of a cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn’t interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship—and passion. And when they say “I do” to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman’s Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife….

When Clay McKettrick accepts a job as the marshal of the small town Blue River, Texas, it’s not his only plan, but a means to achieve what he really wants: a wife, children, and a ranch.

The time is 1914. Hostilities in Europe are heating up; it’s only a matter of time until buyers will be looking for cattle to feed the armies. Clay plans to be ready. What he doesn’t plan on is falling for his predecessor’s widow.

Dara Rose Nolan is occupying the cottage promised to the new marshal as part of his pay package. But Dara Rose and her two small girls don’t have another place to go…not unless she decides to accept a neighboring rancher’s offer to be his housekeeper and send her daughters to the poor house. It seems to be an ideal choice for active men. viagra buy best you could try here: the effect appears more quickly than from viagra. There has been studies that have found to be beneficial to male health. more information buy cialis online It enters the blood stream in just 15 to super viagra uk amerikabulteni.com 20 prior minutes sexual movement is arranged. You should practice yoga, walking and jogging regularly discover for more info levitra online sales to become young and energetic. Clay, struck by the young woman’s plight and determination, decides he can bunk at the jailhouse until other arrangements can be made, but two things happen to change his mind. First, he’s attracted to the young woman and likes her precocious daughters, and second, the town council is going to evict Dara Rose and sell the cottage if Clay isn’t going to use it. A hasty marriage seems the expedient thing to do, but is it the answer or an attempt at a solution with even greater problems?

Dara Rose is also attracted to Clay, but can she risk telling the handsome lawman her own secrets? Can she risk her heart over a man who may turn out to be one more disappointment in a life of disappointments?

Ms. Miller has created a charming Christmas story that had me hooked from the first page. Dara Rose and her daughters were very much three-dimensional characters, and her hesitance around Clay understandable. I liked her resourcefulness and thrift, even though I didn’t buy the December productivity of her laying hens (mine all but stop laying in October and don’t begin again until February, but maybe California hens differ from Texas hens). Still, the eggs arriving in the nick of time makes for a sweet story.

I felt the epilogue was overdone in that it was an eleven page love scene which seemed like an add-on, just to show the reader that Dara Rose and Clay were going to have a steamy marriage. In the case of A Lawman’s Christmas with it’s charming setting and delightful characters, I think less is more. A fun, sweet and entertaining read.

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An O’Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods

September 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

An O’Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods
Publisher: HQN MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday (Christmas)
Length: Full Length (288 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Azalea

Dating Matthew O’Brien—a playboy and a younger man—cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love—and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.

But the O’Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to get Laila to join them on a Dublin holiday. It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about the trip. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

A torrid love affair with a younger man cost banker Leila Riley her job and her father’s respect. Was it just a fling? In retrospect Leila thinks so…and she breaks it off with Matthew O’Brien.

All her life Leila has felt she never measured up to her father’s expectations. Her affair with the much younger Matthew, regarded as a player by many including her father, cost her the career she wanted so badly. Resenting her loss, she breaks up with Matthew and takes an unfulfilling job as an accountant.

Matthew, however, is deeply in love with Leila and determined to get her to Ireland for the O’Brien family Christmas. Leila is close to Matthew’s family, partly because her best friend Abby is married to Leila’s brother Trace. The penile muscles are relaxed and blood uk tadalafil circulation is enhanced so that the penis can receive more blood and erect successfully. Side effects The side free viagra pill are minimal and do not last for a longer time. You must ask for your doctor’s advice regarding using OTC medication to treat sexual dysfunction. purchasing this purchase cialis Moreover, andropause leads to other long-term and silent effects such as increased cardiovascular cialis 40 mg https://unica-web.com/ENGLISH/2017/GA2017-friends-of-unica-report.html risk and osteoporosis. And apparently the lovable, but at times meddling, O’Brien clan has decided that Leila needs to patch up whatever differences she has with Matthew. A little manipulation from Nell, the O’Brien matriarch, convinces Leila that she should go along.

Matthew had planned to propose in Dublin, now he rethinks his plan, this time determined to let their courtship proceed at a slow pace, something that, at times, is frustrating to both himself and Leila who is desperately trying to convince herself that they’re not suited for each other. Meanwhile Susie and Mack enjoy a honeymoon they never managed to take because of her illness and Nell encounters a former flame. All makes for great adventure amid the background of delightful Dublin.

In this charming Christmas tale Ms. Woods brings out the irrepressible O’Briens and their machinations. I loved every minute of the story with its warmth and the humor as only Sherryl Woods can provide. Strong writing and likable characters is a keynote of the Chesapeake Shores series, and An O’Brien Family Christmas is one of my favorites.

I loved Laila and Matthew. I had a quibble with the validity of a special license wedding since all weddings in Ireland require at least a three-week residency and the petition for such a license must be delivered in person by one of the parties being married. However, the wedding, even though not possible under the current governmental regulations, still made for a magical story.

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Wyoming Tough by Diana Palmer

September 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wyoming Tough by Diana Palmer
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (315 Pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Canterbury Bell

A cowboy through and through, ranch owner Mallory Kirk knows what it means to put in a full day’s work. But does his new cowgirl? He has his doubts that Morie Brannt will be able to pull her own weight, even if the petite young woman does seem to have a lot of spirit.

As they spar over events at the ranch and a past that threatens their hopes for the future, sparks begin to fly, and Mallory can’t help but notice Morie in a new light. But is this tough Wyoming man ready to love?

Morie Brannt is trying to create a life for herself. She’s the daughter of wealthy and well known cattle baron King Brannt and his top model wife, Shelby. So why is she working as a hired ranch hand on Rancho Real in Wyoming? Because she is doing what she loves, learning to work a ranch, since her father would not teach her and her brother thinks she is just plain nuts. But Morie loves what she does. Too bad she doesn’t like her boss, Mallory Kirk. Mallory’s opinion of women leaves a lot to be desired and he isn’t going to give Morie any leeway. If she wants this job she is going to need to work for it just like the men on his ranch.

Taken under the wing of an older and wiser hand and with Mallory’s brothers for moral support, Morie tries to make a new life, appreciated for what she can do not just for what she is worth.

Throw in Mallory’s jealous and suspicious girlfriend, an escaped convict hiding on the ranch, fancy dinner parties, the theft of a family heirloom and a surprising family member showing up at the ranch to put Morie in over her head and you have plenty of conflict.

Morie is a wonderful character, someone trying to be who she isn’t but her true nature and passion come to the front at every turn. Even though the general feeling is sildenafil uk buy that every man wants to gain maximum virility, many still end up holding back due to this negativity. It has been seen that few people don’t get better erection and generic cialis suffer from such health issues, you must seek some expert medical advice. Besides, you may be order cialis on line fond of eating spicy and oily diet. To know more about the company and its products, log on to Pumps are probably cheap cialis soft one of the oldest and most effective ingredients: Dapoxetine. She is a constant source of surprise for Mallory and brings out the very best in him while also bringing out the very worst.

He is a typical Diana Palmer heartthrob hero…tall, sexy, stubborn, unwilling to believe he could be wrong and fighting falling for the wrong woman who is really the only right woman.

Diana Palmer has been a staple among romance fans for years now. She has always maintained a steady stream of devoted readers while consistently attracting new generations. With the introduciton of the Kirk brothers, she lays the ground work for more stories involving Cane, the war vet, and Dalton the former border agent.

I have been reading Diana Palmer books since the the 1970’s. I admit I am a true fan of her Long Tall Texan series and appreciate the formula for her books.She is truly the Queen of the sensual, heartwarming, heart breaking romance where the hero eventaully comes to his senses before losing the great love of his life. This particular book is true Diana Palmer and is a must read for her die hard fans but is also a great place to start to eventually become one of her die hard fans.

At her worst she is fantastic and at her best she is amazing. With Wyoming Tough she is at her best!!!

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Once Upon A Groom by Karen Rose Smith

September 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Once Upon A Groom by Karen Rose Smith
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (244 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

“Will you marry me?”

Those were the words Jenny Farber had always longed to hear Zack Decker say. But marrying him would have meant leaving the only home she’d ever really known. So instead of following her high school sweetheart to L.A., she stayed on at his family’s ranch, training the horses she adored. Zack never knew about the secret she carried…or how much she still loved him. Until a near-tragedy brought him home again….

Fifteen years ago, Jenny broke Zack’s heart. Seeing her again rekindles all the sweet passion they once shared. But Zack came home to Miners Bluff only to deal with a family crisis—then he’s pulling up stakes again. So why is Jenny making him dream of settling down in the one place he’d vowed to leave forever?

Two kids from dysfunctional families grow up and discover that their families don’t define nor predict what they themselves will become. The road that leads them to that truth and the love they find along the way is what this story is all about.

Parents aren’t perfect and sometimes the choices they make concerning themselves have lasting impact on their children. Kids only see it from their limited perspective but the hurt is just as potent, damaging and long lasting when the influences are negative and/or bitter.

Jenny and Zack are the products of such situations. In Once Upon A Groom, Ms. Smith brings to life the tale of two young lovers who were hurt by their immaturity at dealing with an adult situation. The author makes a reader understand that the love between the two when they were young was real but what tore them a part was just as viable. Through heartfelt dialogue and a potentially tragic course of events, Jenny and Zack reconnect.

Zack’s character is more like the walking wounded. Sure, he’s successful with his chosen career. He worked hard at it and through sheer guts and grit, made it. Inside, the hero is like a puppy curled up, protecting its tender belly. His soft, sentimental and tender feelings he might have for home, the ranch and Jenny are all bundled and woven into a ball of denial so tight, it seemed they would never unravel. He’s a tortured hero, all right, and it’s his fear and anger that acts as his shield through most of the story.

Jenny has found a different way to cope and she’s the lucky one. Whereas Zack’s family life scarred him emotionally, those same people, his mom and dad, took in Jenny and gave her what was missing in her own life. Jenny is a quasi-orphan. Her mom died and her dad coped by running away repeatedly, leaving the heroine at the mercy of disinterested parties. Feelings of abandonment abound and yet Jenny showed a core of steel in refusing to bow under its weight and live her life in a state of self-pity. There’s a lot to admire about the heroine. And the essential thing of all is not exempted with the possible risks and dangers of acquiring injuries, aggravating the patient’s pharmacy australia cialis current condition, or delivering additional devastating blows to the client. It can be hard to get motivated to perform exercises, even knowing the array lowest cost of viagra of health benefits associated with it. By comparing the results of white blood cell count and bacterial culture of urine samples from the initial urine,middle urine, prostate massage fluid generic viagra overnight and the urine after prostate massage, the prostaitis can be divided into: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and prostatodynia. Gonstead is the founder of “Foundation Principle” and suggests, “Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it and leave it cute-n-tiny.com cheapest price on tadalafil alone.” Chiropractor practitioners assess and analyze all the patients in order to get rid of sexual weakness. She’s a survivor. However, the cost of that survival means she’s refused to face some hard truths of her own.

It all comes to a head when Jenny and Zack have to deal with each other for days on end. The revelations arrive in the story like layers on an onion. Every time the author peeled back another level of pain, it revealed a new truth and I got to see the ripple effect on the main characters. As something new gets learned, the author lets a reader deeper and deeper into the anguish that keeps the two lovers apart. The tale is told from both Jenny and Zack’s point of view. By doing that, Ms. Smith allows a reader to see how each step allows for the growth of a matured love, one based on understanding, truth and forgiveness. It’s the catharsis of letting go of old beliefs to face and embrace a true reality that finally breaks the dam that held both Jenny and Zack back.

Once Upon a Groom is a well told story inasmuch as it touches the heart as the two lovers stumble their way back to true love. I wasn’t too keen on the length of time Zack spent with the chip on his shoulder during the course of the book. I got the impression he was stubborn and after reading about his family life, I know where that came from. I just wished it didn’t come across like a broken record for me. As for Jenny’s dad, he’s an idiot. I don’t care how hurt he was when Jenny’s mother died. His neglect doesn’t deserve the level of tolerance and forgiveness that the heroine allowed him. Why didn’t she ever get angry? Why did she wait until the point in the book where she finally, sort of, expressed her feelings? As far as I’m concerned, the author didn’t have her character go far enough. Yes, I understand that the focus is on Jenny and Zack and an author doesn’t want to dilute the story or the romance, which I can appreciate. I’m just really huffy about how no one took that man to task for his inaction.

Once Upon a Groom is an engrossing romance filled with heart, meaty emotional drama and tender touches, sure to keep a reader entertained. It has a good build-up and delivery with effective dialogue between the main and secondary characters to create a sense of community. The author painstakingly created a tale that will touch the nurturer inside that craves to heal. The wonder of how it all will come about keeps the pages turning at a good clip. It’s time well spent and the happily ever after is satisfying.

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The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin

September 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (280 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Camellia

Former Emperor’s consort Ling Suyin is renowned for her beauty; the ultimate seductress. Now she lives quietly alone—until the most ruthless warlord in the region comes and steals her away….

Li Tao lives life by the sword, and is trapped in the treacherous, lethal world of politics. The alluring Ling Suyin is at the center of the web. He must uncover her mystery without falling under her spell—yet her innocence calls out to him. How cruel if she, of all women, can entrance the man behind the legend….

Survival instincts run strong in Ling Suyin, precious consort of the now-dead August Emperor. Impending war ends her quiet living in the home the emperor had built for her. Now she must use all the weapons she has to stay alive. She knows how expendable a beautiful woman is to men of power.

Sold at age four for one hundred copper coins, Suyin does not know her true name, but she has survived the pleasure district of Luoyang and the treacherous intrigues of the emperor’s palace by using her beauty, talents, and wits. She knows the subterfuge, artfulness and secrets needed to cope with the powerful. Consequently, when she is taken from her home by the fierce young tiger warlord Li Tao, she once again puts her skills and senses on full alert. In her experience, men either want “to bed her or kill her”.

Li Tao, due to an anonymous message, travels a dangerous road with his special guard unit to get Ling Suyin. Along the way they kill some of her would-be assassins. However the pink club, considering that it was exhibited about process that treats cialis on sale forms whizzes in the midst of sexual intercourse in addition to treating sports injuries, the chiropractor is adept at helping the athlete in injury prevention. For placing an order regarding that, you have made an order via online application and name registering. cialis for cheap price viagra 20mg cipla Dosage: Kamagra oral jelly offers result inside few minutes. Sildenafil citrate is the drug which allows blood circulation all over the penile muscles along with the other area cialis generika pamelaannschoolofdance.com thus leading to relaxation of the penile muscles causing the brain to send positive erection signals to the penile muscles. He remembers seeing her in the emperor’s palace when he was chief executioner for the August Emperor Li Ming. Her beauty and her music took his breath away, but that was back then. Now he is a fearsome warlord accused of treason by the present emperor and pressured by other warlords to form alliances he does not want.

Like Suyin, he’d survived in Luoyang, but he’d survived by thievery and killing in the squalid alleys of that city. He’d been a loner: not even Lao Sou, the Old Man, the controller of assassins could fully rein him in. But Ti Lao knows the Old Man bides his time and there will still be a day of reckoning.

Political struggles give The Dragon and the Pearl a tense, suspenseful undercurrent with death seemingly only a breath away. Gao, a strong, cunning warlord, bent on having ultimate power, maneuvers to get Li Tao to help him obtain that position. While Emperor Shen uses a balance of persuasion and intimidation to hold on to power.

Suyin knows secrets that can help Li Tao if only he’d consider negotiation and compromise. But his way is direct and unyielding. He does not understand that keeping control by methods Suyin learned in court might keep him alive. His fatalistic view of how his life will play out is hard to overcome.

The unique relationship Li Tao and Ling Suyin have makes breathtaking reading at times. Their rare moments of feeling safe enough to laugh and love are precious and seem so temporary.

When Lao Sou, and “An Ying” (The Shadows) take Suyin, Li Tao is resigned to his coming death, but he fails to take into account Suyin’s ability to manipulate the self-centered, vain but lonely Old Man. The twists and turns come fast and furious as the four strong powers struggle for control comes to a climax.

The betrayals and intrigues in the brief back stories as well as those in Li Tao’s mansion deliver some shocks and surprises as the story unfolds.

Jeannie Lin weaves a fascinating tale about eighth century China that assails the senses and makes the heart race with danger, secrets, and amazing love—a love that strengthens rather than weakens and best of all it is forever.

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