The Legendary Playboy Surgeon by Alison Roberts

Story: 8
Presentation: 7.5
Total: 15.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
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Blurb: Connor Matthews has to be the only surgeon ever to ride his motorbike into the E.R.! And Dr. Kate Graham is determined to disapprove, even if it made a sick little boy's dream come true. Connor's love-'em-and-leave-'em reputation is hospital legend, so Kate's steering well clear. Although, Connor's sinful sexiness is coming critically close to cracking the shield around Kate's fragile heart….

Review: While the cover did little to tempt me the blurb was a different matter all together. Once I got started I was able to look past my original thoughts about the cover and really get into the story. Interesting, touching, and sexy as hell. It was definitely a nice surprise and one that while I was hoping for...I didn't expect :)

Within Reach by Sarah Mayberry

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Something more than friendship

Being a single dad was never on Michael Young’s agenda. Yet with the sudden loss of his wife, that’s exactly the role he has. On his best days, he thinks he can handle it. On his worst… Luckily, family friend Angie Bartlett has his back, easily stepping in to help out.

Lately, though, something has changed.

Michael is noticing exactly how gorgeous Angie is, and how single she is. She’s constantly in his thoughts and he feels an attraction he never expected. Does he dare disrupt the very good thing they have going? If they have a fling that goes nowhere, he stands to lose everything—including her. But if they make it work, he stands to gain everything!

Review: AMAZING!!! While I am not normally one drawn to stories with a spouse who has passed, there was something about this one that just pulled at me. And let me just say that once I cracked the spine (virtually) i was hooked :) I am super glad I took the time to read this one :) Well worth it :)

Guilded Secrets by Maureen Child

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
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Blurb: Defending His Legacy…At Any Cost

When scandal threatens the luxury auction house that bears his family’s name, Vance Waverly suspects the media feeding frenzy is an inside job. Could his gorgeous assistant, Charlotte Potter, be plotting Waverly’s downfall? There’s one way to fi nd out: seduce the truth out of her!

Charlie is between a rock and a hard place. She can reveal Waverly’s secrets to her unidentifi ed blackmailer or lose custody of her child. Whatever she does, she’ll lose the career she loves. But losing the man she’s come to love—her big, bad boss—could put her over the edge…

Review: WOW! I couldn't put it down! With a classic storyline and captivating characters, this is one that I can honestly say I was super glad I got to review. Not a dull moment to be found and passion abounds :) Thumbs up all the way around :)

Where There's a Will by Karen Kelley

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Contemporary Paranormal Romance
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Blurb: Her Fantasies Were Wild But Buried Deep...

Haley Tillman words hard at being a good girl, hiding her rich fantasy life in the pages of her diary. But being good doesnt' seem to get her anywhere with men, and her confidence is on a downward spiral. She's ready to try something altogether different, but hasn't a clue where to start. In a moment of desperation, she prays for a miracle...

He Might Take Her Beyond Them...

Ryder is the perfect combination of powerful angel plus normal hot–blooded man. Crossing into the mortal world could cost him his existence. But mortals are like a potent drug to Ryder, and Hayley is quickly becoming his drug of choice...

Review: Sigh* Something about Haley just really struck a cord with me. Maybe it's because her low self esteem resonated but Oh baby let me just say that Ryder gives her the...boost..she desperately needs :)

Cute and imaginative, this one is one of those that you will either like or hate...and I loved it :) Couldn't put it down! Ms Kelley has wormed her way into my MUST READ list and I have to say that I cannot wait to see what she gives us next. If it's half as good ad WTAW it will certainly be another winner :) Rock it gal :)

Cowboy Crazy by Joanne Kennedy

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Contemporary Cowboy
To Purchase

Blurb: From stable to boardroom…

Sarah Landon's Ivy League scholarship transforms her from a wide–eyed country girl into a poised professional. Until she's assigned to do damage control with the boss's rebellious brother Lane, who's the burr in everybody's saddle. He's determined to save his community from oil drilling, and she's not going back to the ranch she left forever. Spurs will shine in this saucy romp about ranchers and roots, redemption and second chances.

Review: I'm not going to say that I didn't like this one...because I did...most of the time anyway :)

At times I really wanted to throttle Sarah. She came across as selfish and irksome...but then I thought...what would I do if I had worked that hard to distance myself from an upbringing that I didn't like? From people who didn't care? From a life I didn't want...or thought I didn't? Yeah I might have fought hard to keep that distance but it doesn't change the fact that there were still times I didn't care for her. At the same time I found myself really relating to her as well :)

And Lane? What can I say about him but hubba hubba :) Who DOESN'T like a super sexy rodeo cowboy?

Yummy all the way around :)

Unspoken Promises (Western Escapes) by Becca Dale

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Decadent
Sweet Contemporary Romance
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Blurb: Billie Jensen hates liars and cheats. She’s spent her entire life watching her mother forgive the unforgivable with just a few words from a smooth-talking man. So different from her father, Officer Treynor Pandoah seems like everything Bille has ever wanted—quiet, solid, and truthful—until he snuggles up to another woman on Valentine’s Day. He says her eyes lied, but how can she trust a man who won’t share what’s in his heart?

Treynor’s done waiting for Billie to forgive him for something he didn’t do. A man shouldn’t have to explain himself to the woman he loves, but if he can’t find the words to take the tears from her eyes, he could lose her to Unspoken Promises.

Review: A very short story by Becca Dale.Treynor tries to make amends with his girlfriend Billie, which is short for Willamina. Billie thinks she saw Treynor cheating on her. Treynor has spent the last two months attempting to explain too her that it was not at all what she thought. Treynor finally gets Billie away from her friend Jenna and makes her listen. It does have a happy ever after ending, despite it's ultra short length. You will enjoy the story, I know I did!

The Last Real Cowboy by Donna Alward

Story: 9
Presentation: 10
Total: 19
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
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Blurb: From the moment he turned up late to her charity's meeting, placating everyone with a tip of his Stetson and a lazy smile, Angela Beck knew that Sam Diamond was going to be Trouble with a capital T.

Angela is the prickliest woman Sam's ever met—let alone had to work with! He'd love to still her sharp tongue with a kiss, but first he has to get close enough to awaken the complex woman beneath the deliberately cool exterior. And that's something only a real cowboy can do.…

Review: Sassy with a capitol S :) A racy ride that was totally worth it. Funny and quirky, complete with just enough underling passion to really sizzle. As a lover of cowboys and everything about them, this one was a big thumbs up for me.

Shades of Desire by Virna DePaul

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Natalie Jones is the lucky survivor of an elusive killer who preys on young women and then disappears from view. And since her harrowing ordeal, the once gutsy photojournalist has remained isolated in her home, paralyzed by fear and her failing vision.

Special Agent Liam "Mac" McKenzie has scars of his own. But despite his efforts to ignore the attraction that simmers between him and Natalie, he needs her help to catch a predator. Soon, they will forge a tentative alliance—charged with desire. Through a soft-focus lens, Natalie dares to envision a future with Mac beyond the investigation…never guessing that the clues hidden within her photographs are drawing them into an explosive confrontation with a madman.

Review: Holy Moly!!!

Sexy and suspensfull, this was a great read that flew by way too fast :) Ms DePaul did a wonderful job in crafting a tale that really flowed and vibrated with realism. A winner to be sure :)

Summer Days by Susan Mallery

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to—the Castle Ranch in Fool's Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could've prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he's finding Heidi—and life as a cowboy—much more compelling than he wants to admit.

For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she's always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won't give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome.

As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they'll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

Review: WOO HOO!!! A FANTASTIC way to spend a lazy summer afternoon :) Spunky, sassy, quick wit filled. This is one of those books that just sucks you in and leaves you aching for the rest in the series :)

A great read from start to finish with lots to keep you hopping :)

Aidan: Loyal Cowboy by Cathy McDavid

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
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Blurb: Aidan "Ace" Hart left Flynn McKinley heartbroken when he put family duty above her feelings. Then one night, the old passions were reignited and now Flynn is about to get something she's always wanted—a child to love.

Ace takes his responsibilities very seriously. Running Thunder Ranch and his busy veterinary practice leaves little time for a personal life. That'll only get worse now that he's spending every spare minute with Midnight, the champion rodeo stallion he hopes will save the ranch from financial disaster.

Flynn refuses to marry Ace and be yet one more "responsibility" to him. She wants Ace to want to marry her! And until he admits he loves her, she's determined to raise her baby alone….

Review: DAMN!!!! I have really hit a roll here lately :I really like second chance love stories :) *sigh* And when you throw a cute baby in the mix....you've got a winner in my book :) BUT when you throw in a stubborn cowboy? A sexy cowboy at that? Well, honey, that just takes the cake :)

Well done. A shining example of why I am a hard core Harlequin reader. Have been for 20 years and will be until I die :) They have great stories that work :) EVERY TIME!!! Loved it :)

Undone By Her Tender Touch by Maya Banks

Story: 8.8
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Just one night? Yeah, right. Pippa Laingley should have known better. When an unplanned evening of passion with Cameron Hollingsworth results in unplanned pregnancy, she's at a crossroads. She knew going in that the enigmatic entrepreneur had built a fortress around his feelings. What she's just discovered is that he's loved and lost before—wife and child. Tragically.

Now Cam stands to lose it all again. If he lets Pippa get too close. If he pushes her away with loveless arrangements of financial support. Either way, he's doomed…unless he can let himself love again.

Review: Heartfelt and touching, another shining example of why Ms Banks is on my keeper shelf and why I read almost everything that she writes.While many will say that the pregnancy thing has been done to death....and ask....haven't they all? How many times ha friends to lovers theme? As for me....I could care less, I just want the story to keep me entertained and interested. I find that I actually enjoy the stories about a relationship blooming because of an unplanned pregnancy :)

Good Job Ms Banks. I got it...I loved it...YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!

A Callahan Wedding by Tina Leonard

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Sabrina McKinley broke Jonas's heart when she left him for another man. Then the eldest Callahan brother gets the surprise of his life when he sees her again…holding his son. Even at six months, his bouncing baby boy was wearing the legendary Callahan smile!

Which means Sabrina has got to marry him, even if Jonas has to drag her to the altar.

Sabrina's been head over heels for the hunky cowboy doctor since the day she first came to Rancho Diablo; it's always been Jonas keeping her at arm's length. She won't settle for anything less than the real deal—the love and happiness that Jonas's five brothers have found.

But when a revelation about a family secret comes out, Sabrina can see Jonas is ready to look toward the future. He won't be the last bachelor on the ranch. After all, he's a Callahan!

Review: Second chance romances are a personal favorite of mine. Like I would have expected, this one had everything....INCLUDING an adorable baby that just melted me from the start :) A wonderful read that sucked me in and kept me shushing my family until I read the very last word :)

The Last Good Man by Kathleen Eagle

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Gorgeous, famous Savannah Stephens is back, and no one in her hometown, Sunbonnet, Wyoming, really knows why. Especially not Clay Keogh, the good-hearted rancher who has loved her from afar since they were kids. Savannah's young daughter looks just like Savannah's first love: local bad boy Kole Kills Crow, Clay's half-brother. Has Savannah come home to start a new relationship with Kole?

Whatever her secrets, it's clear that she's deeply troubled and needs a shoulder to lean on. Clay is there for her, and she soon realizes that he's a very special man. But until she can bring herself to share the painful truth about her fall from stardom, the emotional distance between her and Clay may separate them forever.

Review: Touching, emotional, passionate and amazing. This is one of those stories where the characters may have some baggage, it is done in such a way that it only makes you connect with them even more. Well done and rounded with a plot and story line that pop :) A winner for me that will be in my keeper pile for years to come :)

The Wrangler by Lindsay McKenna

Story: 9.5
Presentation: 10
Total: 19.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Western
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Blurb: After Wall Street collapses, investment banker Griff McPherson trades in his suits and ties for Stetsons and cowboy boots. He returns to the Wyoming ranch he co-owns with his brother, but it's not exactly a happy homecoming. So to prove to everyone, including himself, that that he belongs back in Jackson Hole, he takes a post as a wrangler on another ranch.

Air force lieutenant Val Hunter has just returned to the Bar H ranch to help her ailing grandmother run the property. While it is full of unhappy memories, Val is determined to do right by her home. Her new hire is easy on the eyes and a tough wrangler to boot, yet her instincts make it hard for her to trust him. When a nefarious neighbor endangers her land, Val is forced to accept Griff's help—but will she finally be able to open her heart?

Review: Stud muffin cowboy, a story that sizzles and enough mystery to give it just that extra umph that sent it over the edge. This one had everything that it needed to make a really good read. The characters were easy to connect with and the plot was a joy to follow. While both t=of the main characters have some "issues" they are not too over the top and the bit of mystery and suspense brought everything together.

We'll Always Have Paris by Jessica Hart

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 10
Total: 18.5
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: I've done it! Thanks to my awesome powers of persuasion, elusive-but-dreamy TV star Simon Valentine is starring in our new romance documentary!
It wasn't easy, though—Simon thinks his status as prime-time financial guru turned celebrity is ridiculous! He says he now steers well clear of affairs of the heart, but surely he must have one romantic bone left in his body?

Much as I'd like to find out firsthand, I've sworn off men after a disastrous ending with my last boyfriend. Must remain professional—though it won't be easy…we're filming in the most romantic city of all….

Clara x

Review: Filled with funny, quirky characters and enough laughs to really tickle my fancy :) I LOVE LOVE LOVE a book that can not only keep my entertained but has characters that draw me in and a plot that just rolls right all with this one :) Ms Hart  did a fantastic job and I was thrilled with every aspect of this book.

Jesse by C.H. Admirand

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Loneliness Will Take a Man Places...

Jesse Garahan has plenty of Irish charm, but having had his heart demolished twice, he's sworn off women forever. Until the fateful day he meets Danielle Brockway and her tiny daughter on their way to their new home in Pleasure, Texas.

But There May Be Places He Doesn't Want To Go...

Fiercely protective of her little girl, Danielle isn't about to let Jesse get anywhere close enough to hurt either of them, no matter how much longing she sees in his eyes...

Review: AMAZING!!!  There are just no two ways about it :) Hot, sexy, sassy, passionate, gripping, thrilling, Big-O inspiring :) While a fan of the series I have to say that the depth and emotion in Jesse just blew me away :) CH Admirand is a pro when it comes to writing super sexy cowboys, no doubt, but THIS installment in the Cowboys series has hooked me good :)

Just Say Yes by Phillipa Ashley

Story: 8.5
Presentation: 9
Total: 17.5
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Contemporary
To Purchase

Blurb: There's one question a girl should always say yes to..

But Lucy Gibson said no. On national TV. Now she's hated by nearly everyone.

Fleeing the spotlight's glare, Lucy holes up in a cottage in the country, where she just might find the right reasons to say yes after all...

From beloved novelist Philipa Ashley, Just Say Yes is a sharp and exuberant tale of the rocky road to love that'll leave you saying "Yes!"

Review: Phillipa Ashley has a very unique style and flavor to her writing...one that I really get a kick out of. Humor, romance...chick-lit mixed with passion. I KNOW that when I pick a Phillipa Ashley title to read that I am going to get a work of art that will leave me smiling at the end and a hundred points along the way. An emotional tale that keeps me glued to my reader. A plot that zips and dips and characters that I just can't get enough of. Yep, she is a must read author for me.

Sunrise Point by Robyn Carr

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Former marine Tom Cavanaugh has come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family's apple orchard and settle down. He knows just what the perfect woman will be like: sweet, decent, maybe a little naive. The marrying kind.

Nothing like Nora Crane. So why can't he keep his eyes off the striking single mother?

Nora may not have finished college, but she graduated with honors from the school of hard knocks. She's been through tough times and she'll do whatever it takes to support her family, including helping with harvest time at the Cavanaughs' orchard. She's always kept a single-minded focus on staying afloat…but suddenly her thoughts keep drifting back to rugged, opinionated Tom Cavanaugh.

Both Nora and Tom have their own ideas of what family means. But they're about to prove each other completely wrong.…

Review: *sigh* What a great book. From start to finish it was a love story and then some :) I fell in love, got my heart bruised, gasped and sighed.

A knock out for sure and one that you don't want to miss.

Baby's First Homecoming by Cathy McDavid

Story: 8
Presentation: 8
Total: 16
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Giving away her baby for adoption was the second biggest mistake of Sierra Powell's life. But after a miraculous turn of events, she is reunited with her toddler son and they return to Arizona. Too bad Sierra's first mistake is waiting for her there—Clay Duvall, a much too charming cowboy. And onetime love of her life.

Clay is not about to let go of the opportunity to raise his flesh and blood. He proposes co-parenting—meaning Sierra and Jamie have to move close to him. Real close, as in onto his property. As far as Sierra's concerned, he has no say in her son's life; Clay was the one who walked out on their relationship.

Will the sparks between Clay and Sierra set off the formerly feuding Powell and Duvall clans…or will they rekindle an old passion?

Review: A good, well rounded story with emotion, struggle and passion....and a baby in the mix. While at time I found BOTH parents a bit on the overly selfish and dominating side...I also understand their deep desire to be in their son's life. A second chance romance and a ready made family :) Ms McDavid did a good job bringing everything full circle, keeping me invested in the characters and interested enough to finish the journey :)

Sava's Wildcat by Anne McAllister

Story: 9
Presentation: 10
Total: 19
Publisher: Harlequin
Contemporary Romance
To Purchase

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

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

Then she's forced to spend a week with the one man she's never forgotten. Yiannis's heated gaze pierces her defences, and suddenly sensible doesn't seem quite so good….
Review: A little exotic and a whole lot of fun :)

Past loves getting a second chance can really make for great reads...and this is one that made a good read :) With enough twists and turns and some really cute, funny parts made the journey that much better :)