The Sheikh Doc’s Marriage Bargain by Susan Carlisle

April 25, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Sheikh Doc’s Marriage Bargain by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (254 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From shy Cinderella…

To convenient princess!

For sensible Dr. Laurel Martin, heading up a new lab for royal doc Sheikh Tariq Al Marktum is the chance to conduct the study of a lifetime. But to protect Laurel from the scandal her presence in his palace will cause, Tariq has his own condition—a paper marriage! Swept into his desert kingdom, passion overtakes the convenient couple, but can Laurel find her place in Tariq’s world—and his heart?

A marriage made in heaven? Only if they both work hard and realize they’re in love!

I love the work of Susan Carlisle. If I see one of her books is available, I jump. The writing sparkles and I’m always captivated by the story. I couldn’t put this one down.

Tariq wants to solve problems. He also wants to save Laurel from scandal. How? By making her his bride! Doesn’t that sound exciting? I can’t say I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes. He has his heart in the right place because he wants to keep her from scandal and wants her to work on her research.

I enjoyed the interplay between Tariq and Laurel. They aren’t totally made for each other to begin with and have to work through not only medical issues she’s researching, but the idea of being together before they can have a happy ending.

One thing I love about Carlisle’s stories is the emotion involved. I knew exactly how each character felt and what they were going through. Another thing I love is that there will be a happy ending. It’s wonderful. It’s like reading a hug.

If you’re interested in a book that tugs at the heartstrings and will brighten your afternoon, then this is the book for you.

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Shipwrecked with the Captain by Diane Gaston

April 24, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Shipwrecked with the Captain by Diane Gaston
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (281 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

All she remembers…

…is feeling safe in his arms!

Part of The Governess Swap: Shipwrecked governess Claire Tilson wakes in Captain Lucien Roper’s arms—with amnesia! Her handsome rescuer believes she’s a member of the aristocracy he detests, yet he risks all to see her “home,” where she learns she’s betrothed to a wealthy stranger. Claire is convinced she doesn’t belong here…and Lucien is the only man she trusts to uncover her past and claim her future!

Neither of them are who they seem to be and finding out the truth is their biggest adventure.

I’m new to the writing of Diane Gaston and I’m glad I picked up this book.  This was a great book. It’s the second historical I’ve read lately and I couldn’t put it down. The writing flowed well and I needed to know what would happen to the characters.

Claire wakes with amnesia and no idea how she ended up on Lucien’s ship. I have to admit her having amnesia kept the story lively. She had so much to deal with and figure out.

Lucien wants to help her, even if she both turns him on and drives him crazy. He thinks she’s something she’s not and watching them both work out their differences is fun.

If you’re looking for a book that will stick with you long after the last page, then this might be the one you’re looking for.

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Nurse to Forever Mom by Susan Carlisle

March 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Nurse to Forever Mom by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (254 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Could a temporary arrival…

Lead to a forever mommy?

In this Single Dad Docs story, Maple Island Clinic founder Dr. Cody Brennan is committed to protecting himself and his two little girls from any more heartbreak. But vibrant temp nurse Stacey Ryder challenges him and their emotional connection slips past his defenses. As Stacey’s time at the clinic draws to an end, can Cody and his daughters convince her she’s the one they’ve been waiting for?

The girls need a mom and he needs a partner. Seems easy? Find someone to fill the roles. But it’s not that easy when heartbreak is involved.

I know when I pick up a Susan Carlisle book, I’m in for a good time. I’ll laugh, I’ll cry and I’ll root for these characters to get together. This book was no exception.

Dr. Cody wasn’t looking for a wife. He wasn’t. He’d been through enough. But working so close to Nurse Stacey is almost more than he can handle. I liked the tension and sparks between them. The partnership while at the clinic is palpable. I wanted them to get together from the start. Stacey is original and energetic–just what the girls need, too.

I raced through this book needing to know what would happen next and hoping the characters would get their happy ending.

If you’re looking for a feel good book that’s guaranteed to warm your heart, then this is the book for you.

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A Daddy Sent by Santa by Susan Carlisle

January 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment


A Daddy Sent by Santa by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Full Length (254 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Falls for a big-city doc…

Nurse Lauren Wilson is used to doctors coming and going in her Oklahoma town—and she doesn’t expect prestigious Boston doc Paxton Samuels to be any different. Until they’re snowed in together and their sensual tension reaches the boiling point! But knowing Paxton is due to leave after the festive season, can Lauren risk giving him her heart and her little boy a daddy for Christmas?

Two people who seem to fit together find a way to make things work, but will it last?

I’m a sucker for an opposites attract story. Susan Carlisle is a go-to author for me. The writing is always sparkling and keeps me right in my seat until the last page. This book was no different.

Paxton and Lauren are great characters. Fully-fleshed and fun, they show the magic of the holiday throughout the story. I loved the doctor in the country storyline. Susan Carlisle writes the plotline, which could be trite, in a fresh perspective.

Paxton is out of his element. He’s in a small town, with no traffic lights, is snowed in and has to help care for a child. I liked how he dealt with each hurdle. He was very real to me. Then there’s Lauren. She’s no-nonsense. She knows what she wants and isn’t always ready to grab it (him) because she’s got to concentrate on her son. I liked how they were both realistic. I fell for both characters and wanted to see them not only have a great Christmas, but a happy ending, too.

If you’re looking for a sweet read that’s sure to heat up the holidays or the chilly winter nights, then this might be the one you’re looking for. Recommended.

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Unbridled by Diana Palmer

October 15, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Unbridled by Diana Palmer
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (301 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A lone wolf takes on the threat endangering everything he loves in an unforgettable story in the sensational Long, Tall Texans series

Widowed Texas Ranger and single dad John Ruiz hardened his heart years ago. Day after day, he tracks the roughest criminals in the Lone Star State, leaving little room for love. So when John butts heads with the beautiful nurse who’s helping his young son, he’s floored by how quickly the sparks fly.

Ever since her mother’s and brother’s brutal murders, Sunny Wesley has devoted her life to helping save others. Adorable Tonio Ruiz is just another youngster she’s trying to help—or so she tells herself. Little does she know he’s John’s son. When her life comes under fire, can one mysterious rancher rescue her?

Unbridled might show a cowboy and horses on the cover, but the plot conflict is pure city all the way. The issues, the clash, the threat and the battle all converge from a city’s violent problem and young Tonio is in its crosshairs.

I realize that the story is about a romance between a Texas Ranger and a nurse but it’s John’s son, Tonio, that is the glue that brings and holds this story together. The author touched upon current events in a vague enough way to make the plot relevant without giving the impression of making personal opinions part of the story.

Unbridled is a tale about a boy caught in the middle, a woman who notices, cares and does what she can, and a father so caught up in reality that, although he intrinsically recognizes his own child has been exposed to the dark side of his job, he neglects, through circumstances beyond his control, to see the writing on the wall. John is so driven and preoccupied with the demands of his job that he can’t seem to slow down to really hear what his son is saying. That is where the heroine, Sunny, picks up the ball.

The fascinating part about this novel was the author’s choice to have all three characters interact with each other but no one realizes the other is involved. Have you ever put coins in one of those charity fundraising devices that spiral down a funnel, going faster and faster, closer and closer until they all reach the same goal, the bottom? That’s kind of how I felt while reading this novel. John, Sunny and Tonio were the coins zooming and spiraling around until all three come to the same place together; where a reader watches them reach that crucial ‘Aha!’ moment. All the puzzle pieces fit and good things like justice, vindication, forgiveness, love and a brighter future are brought to light.

My frustration with this novel stems from the level of obtuseness that John suffered from. The author made a point to let me see that the hero KNOWS but dang it all if he totally misses the boat – Every. Single. Time. That drove me nuts. I was yelling at the book,’Seriously? Dude! It’s right there! Listen to him. It’s right there!!! ARGH!!” Yes, I experienced quite a few *head-desk* moments.

Overall, the story, romance and conflict worked well enough to keep me engaged, curious, concerned, worried, excited and determined. I had to see how it was all going to work out. I had to know justice would be served. I wanted to see both John and Sunny happy. I wanted Tonio to be confident he was loved and be part of a whole family unit. It was a tough road but the happily ever after was worth every moment spent with this novel. Ms. Palmer is a gifted storyteller and Unbridled certainly proved it once again. This novel is worth reading.

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Wedding at the Rocking S Ranch by Kathryn Albright

August 3, 2018 By 1 Comment


Wedding at the Rocking S Ranch by Kathryn Albright
Oak Grove Series
Publisher: Harlequin Mills & Boon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (288 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Can a widow in the Wild West…

…find wedded bliss again?

When Cassandra Stewart fulfills her husband’s dying wish by visiting the ranch he loved, she plans to sell it. But then she meets his best friend. As aloof, ruggedly handsome Wolf shows Cassandra the value of life in the prairies, tenderness begins to grow from their shared pain into something more… Maybe there’s a future for her at the Rocking S Ranch after all…

I will not lie, I am a huge fan of the Oak Grove Series. Wedding at the Rocking S Ranch was a winner. It secured the Oak Grove Series in first place in my mind. This book can be read as a standalone, however, it is worth looking up its predecessors and reading them. The author’s note says “The town and its inhabitants have become so real to me that I wish I could go there and visit them in real life!” I also want to go to Oak Grove, Kansas to meet all the characters that I’ve grown to love. I have yet to ever binge-watch on Netflix but I would if the Oak Grove series was made into a T.V. show. Someone needs to start a petition for that to happen.

Wedding at the Rocking S Ranch was a heartwarming love story. The heroine, Cassandra, was once an outgoing, fun-spirited girl who lost herself after a set of unfortunate circumstances. Watching her journey to regain her self-confidence was cheer worthy.

Watching the hero, Wolf, be a part of Cassandra’s healing was rewarding. Wolf was patient, strong and kind. Wolf was treated unfairly by people because of his heritage which resulted in him being cautious and skeptical of other’s intentions. Wolf and Cassandra were brought together by a mutual loss. It was humbling to see that common thread between them blossom into something special. They each deserved love and joy in their life.

The plot was riveting. I couldn’t put it down even when it was well past my bed time. There was a hint of suspense intertwined among three shady characters. Even now I’m left feeling a bit of trepidation since they didn’t get the typical punishment handed to them. Usually I’d complain about that but given the set of sequences it all made perfect sense and was justified.

It goes without saying that the characters were well developed and relatable. The writing style was flawless. The pace was a steady quick momentum. I enjoyed every minute reading this story even when I finished it at 3:15 AM. Good thing I’m on vacation this week otherwise I’d be a walking zombie, though it’d be worth it.

I’m thankful that I got to read and review this book. It will go on my keeper shelf. Kathryn Albright is definitely on my favorite author list. I encourage others to give this book a chance and to check out the other books in the Oak Grove series.

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The Doctor’s Secret Baby by Judy Campbell

July 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment


The Doctor’s Secret Baby by Judy Campbell
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (187 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Forced to live and work together, they find passion quickly rises, and the charming, sexy doctor sends Lucy’s emotional barriers tumbling down. Then a baby is left on her doorstep, with a note claiming that Dr Callum Tate is the father.

She’s got trust issues and there’s a baby…seems like a real conundrum, doesn’t it?

I liked this book. This was a great beach read. The writing flowed well and while the characters were complicated, they weren’t overly complicated and brooding. I read this in one sitting and am glad I did.

Dr. Lucy isn’t sure who she’s going to get when she hires Dr. Callum, but she needs the help. I liked how she was so layered. She has trust issues and fears, like most everyone else. Her relatableness was nice. I loved how she warmed to little Joe, too. Her mothering qualities really showed through.

Then there’s Callum. Oh boy. I wanted to listen to him talk and watch him operate. I could see this man and he was handsome. I liked his tendency to get super serious, then sweet.

There’s a baddie that’s worthy of the name baddie and a few minor complications to add to the flavor of the story. If you want a beach read, then this is the book for you.

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The Brooding Surgeon’s Baby Bombshell by Susan Carlisle

July 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment


The Brooding Surgeon’s Baby Bombshell by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (255 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

One night, unexpected consequences…!

But can they be a family?

After sparks fly with Dr. Gabriel Marks at a conference, nurse Zoe Avery’s left with a permanent reminder of their night together. Knowing Gabe doesn’t want kids, Zoe decides she’ll have the baby alone. Then Gabe moves to the same city just as pregnant Zoe needs a temporary home. Gabe comes to her rescue, but can they overcome their hurdles and become a family?

The Brooding Surgeon’s Baby Bombshell was appealing to me from the beginning to the end. I was consistently entertained as the unraveling plot revealed the hero, Gabe, and the heroine, Zoe’s complicated love story and that led me to a feel good book glow.

They both suffered from similar past hurts from their youth which was a bonding element for them but also what divided them. They both had to let go of their fears and not let the past define who they were as adults. I found myself cheering for them to take that leap of faith and trust their hearts to one another.

It was refreshing as well as heartwarming to read the love and compassion Zoe and Gabe had for each other as well as their patients – especially so for the empathy that was given in regards to Zoe’s mother. I only wish life’s problems could be as easily solved by falling in love with a rich doctor.

I have to mention how much I was relieved that this wasn’t a total clichéd story of woman and a man having a one night stand and she gets pregnant. The Brooding Surgeon’s Baby Bombshell had a quality plot with depth and well-developed characters. There were a couple of surprise plot twists that I didn’t anticipate.

I was especially pleased there was a prologue and an epilogue. I will definitely recommend this well written romance story to my friends and family.

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Redeeming the Rebel Doc by Susan Carlisle

July 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Redeeming the Rebel Doc by Susan Carlisle
Publisher: Harlequin/Mills and Boon
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (184 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

She was hired to rebuild his reputation…

But will this doc be too hot to handle?

After successfully fighting a year-long lawsuit, handsome, rebellious surgeon Rex Maxwell is ready to get back on top of his game! So when buttoned-up but beautiful PR exec Tiffani Romano insists on making him the center of his hospital’s campaign, he reluctantly agrees. And though she tries hard not to let him, Rex is determined to get under her skin…

He’s a rebel and she’s not. How can they find common ground?

I love the books of Susan Carlisle. She writes beautifully and I get swept away with each story. This one was no different. The characters are intriguing and the issues relatable. I read this book in one sitting and I’m glad. I’d love to read more about these two.

Rex is a doctor on a mission–a mission to keep to himself, while doing what he wants. He’s the typical dashing hero expected in Harlequin books. He’s scarred and has overcome his past. I liked him. Plus, he’s darn good looking. I loved his interactions with Tiffani. He he he. They are so opposite, but it works so well.

I liked how Tiffani insists on making him face his past, while also being the face of the hospital. He needs good PR and she can help him. She wants the heck out of town after a nasty breakup. Can he help her with that? Sure, if he can help her get the promotion. The chemistry between them is fun and sexy. The fact they care about each other shines through on every page.

If you want a book that’s a sweetly hot read and will engage you, then this might be the one for you.

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Spell of the Island by Anne Hampson

July 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Spell of the Island by Anne Hampson
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (182 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When Emma’s sister travels to the exotic island of Mauritius in pursuit of a man who’s clearly toying with her heart, Emma is determined to rescue her. But when she arrives on the island, she meets the man herself–handsome, arrogant Paul Fanchotte–and is immediately smitten.

Paul is gorgeous, sensual, and infuriating–and soon Emma completely understands her sister’s dilemma. It’s not long before she is caught in a web of desire–and falls desperately in love. But Paul has made a vow never to fall for a woman. Can Emma make him break that vow–or will it be her heart that’s broken?

A guy with an attitude and a girl who wants to be touched. Seems cliche, but it’s not.

This book, for being over thirty years old, is certainly timely. The book read smoothly and engaged me, even if I wanted to wring the neck of the hero at least once. The author showcases the island of Mauritius quite well and while I haven’t been there, I could see it.

Paul is a real piece of work. No two ways about it. He’s almost, note I said almost, the Christian Grey of his day. He wants things his way and is so arrogant it’s not funny. ​He takes no prisoners and demands what he needs. That said, he has some true issues, too. He has problems in his past and while some might overlook them, it was almost too much for me.

Then there’s Emma. Her sister already met up with Paul. Now Emma’s on the island to break them up. She does as she falls for him. I get the appeal. He’s arrogant in a James Bond kind of way. She wants nothing of him. Falling for him? Not gonna happen…until it does. I liked the dance these two did around each other. It was fun to watch them realize they liked each other. I liked watching her melt him, too. I still wasn’t a fan of Paul’s by the end of the book, but that happens.

If you want a book that’s a breeze beachy kind of read, then this might be the one for you.

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