Romance

*Most of the synopsis are from the back cover of the novels or shortened versions of those. There are a few with my own summaries.

Authors Reviewed-Click on an author to jump to their books

Beard, Julie
Copland, Lori
Coulter, Catherine
Garwood, Julie
Howard, Linda
Johnston, Joan
Kay, Karen
Kingsley, Katherine
Krahn, Betina
Lindsey, Johanna
Martin, Kat
Maxwell, Cathy
Medeiros, Teresa

The Gift by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: A child bride, Sara Winchester had grown into a winsome beauty, joyfully anticipating the day when her husband Nathan, Marquess of St. James, would return to claim her at last. Charmingly innocent, she dismissed the ancient feud that divided her and Nathan's families...and she was totally unaware of his past exploits as the notorious pirate, Pagan. The man who now stood before her was perplexing, arrogant and powerfully handsome...a warrior-gentleman whose gentle touch aroused her to the wildest, deepest pleasures of love. Nathan had never bared his soul to any woman, but he was soon utterly beguiled and exasperated by Sara's sweet, defiant ways.

Review: This book just made me laugh. Sara is charming and amusing. I enjoyed reading how Nathan was confused how to deal with her and couldn't help but come to love her. The added romance between Sara's aunt and a member of Nathan's crew was also an added bonus. This wasn't my favorite Garwood book but it was fun to read.
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Castles by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: Orphaned and besieged, Princess Alexandra knew that only hasty marriage to an Englishman could protect her from the turmoil in her own land. To the amusement of her makeshift guardian, Colin, younger brother of the Marquess of Cainewood, the bold raven-haired beauty instantly captivated London society. But when Alexandra was nearly abducted by her unscrupulous countrymen, the fighting instincts that won Colin a knighthood for valor were kindled.

Review: This book brings back many of the characters that the readers saw in The Gift. Colin is Nathan's partner in a shipping business that they had started. Colin was my favorite character in this book. It was so obvious that he wanted Alexandra yet didn't want to admit to himself that he loved her. Again Garwood added little snippets here and there that made me want to laugh out loud while reading this book.
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The Prize by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: In the resplendence of William the Conqueror's London court, the lovely Saxon captive Nicholaa was forced to choose a husband from the assembled Norman nobles. She chose Royce, a baron warrior whose fierce demeanor could not conceal his chivalrous and tender heart. Resourceful, rebellious, and utterly naive, Nicholaa vowed to bend Royce to her will, despite the whirlwind of feelings he aroused in her. Ferocious in battle, seasoned in passion, Royce was surprised by the depth of his emotions whenever he caressed his charming bride.

Review: This book kept me switching between feeling how could anyone love Royce and how could you not love him. His character is what I typically think of men during this time period. He's rather chauvinistic and has set ideas on how his wife is supposed to behave. I love how Nicholaa kept throwing him by not following any of his dictates and yet still intrigues Royce. It was refreshing to have a man admit when he is wrong. Ha ha.
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Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed never to remarry. However, King John has reasons to want the lovely widow remarried to a man she despised. Her foster brother, Baron Nicholas, offers her a way out. She could wed Gabriel MacBain, the mighty warrior who was overseer of her Scottish property. Seeing no other choice, Lady Johanna marries the great, handsome laird, and moved to the Highlands to live amongst his clan. A desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side-and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed.

Review: I couldn't help but admire Lady Johanna in this book. She lived through such a harsh marriage and yet was still strong-spirited and gentle-hearted. I had to keep reading until the very end to see how she would settle into the harsh highland culture and bring two divided clans together.
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Rebellious Desire by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: Of all the dukes in England, Jered Marcus Benton, the Duke of Bradford, was the wealthiest, most handsome-and most arrogant. And of all London's ladies, he wanted the tender obedience of only one-Caroline Richmond. She was a ravishing beauty from Boston, with a mysterious past and a fiery spirit. Drawn to the powerful duke by his bold passion, Caroline vowed to tame his presumptuous airs and win his lasting love. But Bradford would bend to no woman-until a deadly intrigue drew them slowly together.

Review: When I first started reading this book Jered seemed to be everything you could despise in a guy, he was arrogant, cynical, and had the most insulting views about women. I was glad when he and Caroline got together and she proved him wrong in many of his views. I thought the family relationship problems were a great addition to this story. An enjoyable book to read although Garwood has better ones out.
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The Bride by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: By edict of the King, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice was Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison...a feisty, violet-eyed beauty. Alec ached to touch her, to tame her, to possess her...forever. But Jamie vowed never to surrender to this high land barbarian.

Rating: This is probably one of my most read books. I've enjoyed it so much that I keep reading it over and over. I loved that Jamie is portrayed as being extremely capable for a woman during this time period. Jamie's sister also adds a touch of humor that I've come to associate Garwood with.
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The Wedding by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: Lady Brenna is traveling from England to marry a highlander she has never met. En route she finds herself caught by a group of warriors and their leader, seeking revenge against her fiancee, demands that she marries him. To save her escort of guards she agrees and sets off for a new life with this intimidating warrior. The leader, Connor, reminds Brenna that she had proposed to him several times when she was just a child. Was this match meant to be?

Rating: This book was fun to read. Brenna and Connor make a great couple. I loved reading how Brenna and Connor came to know one another and fell in love. The opening scene involving Brenna as a little girl, Connor and a piglet was hilarious. You also get to see Alec and Jaime Kincaid from The Bride again in this book.
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The Secret by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud, as purposeful as she was loyal. The dear Scottish friend of her childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land...Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

Review: This book was one of my favorites from Garwood. The friendship between Judith and her highlander friend provided one laugh after another. I also loved the chemistry between Judith and Iain and also between Judith and the elders of the clan. This is a definite must read. I was actually laughing out loud to myself at certain parts of the book.
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Ransom by Julie Garwood

Synopsis: In the dark days after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, lives and lands would fall into upheaval at the hands of a power-hungry British ruler and his violent minions. One victim of the scourge is innocent Gillian, who is a mere child when the cruel and ambitious Baron Alford slaughters her father and tears her family apart. Alford, determined to recover a jeweled box for the despotic King John, is furious when the precious treasure slips through his fingers-only to be lost for more than a decade. Now a beautiful young woman, Gillian finds the key to resolving her past in handsome Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan. With the cunning and courage of the daring Scotsmen, and with the friendship of a new ally, Bridgid KirkConnell, Gillian at last fights the unscrupulous Baron Alford, laying claim to her home, her family, and her father's reputation.

Review: I think right now this is my favorite of Garwood's books. We see many of the characters from The Secret again. In fact, the handsome Ramsey Sinclair finally settles down with one woman and the courtship between Brodick and Gillian was hilarious. This is one of her longer books but I would definitely recommend it.
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Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton is abducted by Nicholas Eden-an arrogant seducer hardened by a painful secret from his past. Reggie has vowed to marry the golden-haired rogue who has besmirched her good name-and who arouses her womanly desires to an unendurable level. But her beauty only stirs Nicholas's passion-giving rise to dangerous misunderstandings...and a love that can live only once in a lifetime.

Review: I believe this is the first book in the Malory series. I think Reggie's character is great and a welcome addition to all of the Malory stories. The obstacles between Reggie and Nicholas were amazing and how they were resolved were even more amazing and amusing. I'd read this book just to see what mischief Reggie gets herself into.
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Tender Rebel by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: Scottish heiress Roslynn Chadwick needs the safety of marriage to protect her from an unscrupulous cousin-and from the army of fortune-hunting scoundrels who covet her wealth and beauty. And Anthony Malory is everything she has been warned against. A ruthless, irresistibly handsome English rogue, Malory's sensual blue eyes speak of limitless pleasures. How Roslynn wishes she dared love such a man, but believing his passionate promises will only lead her into uncertain realms-and to unimagined heights of love.

Review: You just can't help laughing over the reprehensible behavior of Anthony Malory. It was fun to see him finally meet his match in Roslynn. Their clashes truly made this book and it was nice to see Anthony finally settle down. Definite must read.
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Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: Heartsick and desperate to return home to America, Georgina Anderson boards the Maiden Anne disguised as a cabin boy-never dreaming she'll be forced into intimate servitude at the whim of the ship's irrepressible captain, James Malory. The black sheep of a proud and tempestuous family, the handsome ex-pirate once swore no woman alive could entice him into matrimony. But on the high seas his resolve will be weakened by an unrestrained passion-and by the high-spirited beauty whose love of freedom and adventure rivals his own.

Review: I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I did the other Malory books. Maybe just because James's character was just so sarcastic that it began to get on my nerves. And how he tries to deal with Georgina and his feelings towards her made me so mad. I couldn't believe that she could actually love him. I did like meeting Georgina's family though and hopefully Lindsey will have more books forthcoming about the Anderson brothers.
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The Magic of You by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: Beautiful, mischievous and shamelessly daring, young Amy is a Malory through and through-as wild and reckless as the most incorrigible of her male cousins. And now that she has reached a marriageable age, Amy has set her amorous sight son a most unsuitable mate-the straight-laced American ship captain who once nearly had her Uncle James hung for piracy. Still tormented by the past treachery of an unfaithful lover, handsome Warren Anderson is shocked by the brazen advances of his despised enemy's high-spirited niece. But his firm resolve to resist is weakened by an irresistible yearning for the enchanting British minx-and an impassioned heart begs him to surrender to a love that threatens to stoke the smoldering fires of a perilous family feud.

Review: Well, part of my wish came true to have a book focusing on the Anderson brothers. This book wasn't bad but definitely didn't make my favorites list. I can't really put my finger on why but I'd read this if you're a fan of the Malory stories.
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Say You Love Me by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: Left penniless after her parents' deaths, Kelsey Langton must now take responsibility for the well-being of her younger sister, Jean. But when circumstance and human frailty conspire to leave them homeless as well, Kelsey is forced to resort to drastic measures. Only by allowing herself to be sold at auction can she rescue her sister's future-and so Kelsey enters the infamous House of Eros, resigned to becoming the plaything of some well-heeled gentleman. Lord Derek Malory is the highest bidder for Kelsey's charms-a dashing rakehell from a family of charming London rogues who draws the sensuous dark-haired maiden into a world of unparalleled pleasures and dangerous rivalries. But Kelsey must scrupulously guard the secret of her highborn past-even as her grace, wit, and beauty entice her new "master" to renounce his scandalous ways...and take a chance on true love, the most perilous and rewarding gamble of all.

Review: Of all the Malory stories, this one is my favorite. Both characters really got into my heart and their relationship was truly touching. It is a sorry state that two people can't get married if they belong to different social classes and I'm glad Derek and Kelsey were able to work things out. I would definitely recommend this book.
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The Present by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: As the entire Malory family gathers at Haverston to celebrate the season, all is not well. Underlying tensions threaten to dampen the holiday spirit-until a mysterious present that arrives anonymously is opened and shared by all. The gift is an old journal-a tender and tempestuous account of the love affair between the second Marquis, Christopher Malory, and a dark gypsy beauty named Anastasia, who seeks a love match with a non-gypsy in order to save herself from a prearranged marriage to a brute. Though the dashing English lord Anastasia sets her sights upon burns fort he exquisite, exotic miss, Christopher could never consent to wed such a lowborn lady. But miracles have been known to happen in this season of peace and giving and love, as two extraordinary people separated by circumstance of birth begin a passionate dance of will and wiles. And in the miraculous blossoming of a resplendent romance at a long ago Christmastime, there are wise and well-learned lessons that will enrich the hearts of the Malory descendants-and, indeed, of everyone who has ever dreamed.

Review: By this time most of the Malory clan is happily married. But how did all of this begin? In this book we find out where Anthony, Reggie and the other black haired, blue-eyed Malorys got their looks from. We also see how Haverston was once a very different place in its early years. I still read this book every once in awhile. Recommended.
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The Heir by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: A stranger in a strange land, Highlander Duncan MacTavish finds himself summoned to the bedside of his dying grandfather, Lord Neville Thackeray, whom he has never met. This is only the first in a series of unwelcome surprises for the brawny Scot, who was perfectly content to take over as laird of the clan MacTavish. Saddled with a fiancée he doesn't like, Ophelia, whose beauty is surpassed only by her waspish nature; far from the home and life he loves; and being pressured by the autocratic Marquis of Birmingdale to toe the line of English respectability, Duncan meets the Honorable Sabrina Lambert and finds her a breath of fresh air in the stifling atmosphere of the English house party.

Unfortunately, scandalous rumors taint Sabrina's family name, practically ensuring that she will never be able to secure an advantageous match. Duncan's only friend to help him endure the machinations of Ophelia and a seemingly endless parade of other eligible young women, Sabrina is adept at making him laugh. After all, she spent most of her life diffusing the tension between her battling maiden aunts, who reared her after her parents' tragic deaths. But Duncan slowly begins to realize that his feelings for Sabrina are more than "friendly." Duncan and Sabrina's complicated courtship is classic Lindsey!

Review: I loved this book. It was so funny and the characters were great. I loved hating Ophelia, she was your typical b*!@# and Sabrina's personality was great. I loved that the heroine was finally a woman who wasn't your typical romance novel beauty. As for Duncan, he fit the part perfectly although for male characters I have to say I much preferred Rafe. I'm hoping Rafe will be the focus of Lindsey's next book although I'm keeping my fingers crossed that his interest doesn't lay with Ophelia. He was great in putting Ophelia in her place and it would have been nice if he and Sabrina had ended up together. We'll just have to wait and see. This is a definite must read.
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Man of my Dreams by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: Wildly unpredictable, the most desirable beauty in the land, Megan Penworthy has set her amorous sights on Ambrose St. James, a man she has never met but has every intention of marrying. And no other suitor will satisfy her especially not the common, if uncommonly handsome, horse breeder, Devlin Jefferys.

Posing as lowborn Jefferys to escape a potentially fatal confrontation, Sir Ambrose is enthralled by the brazen, duke-hunting redhead. Without revealing his true identity, he vows to seduce and tame her, thereby foiling Megan's plans to marry the man of her dreams. But the notorious rogue never imagined the enchanting schemer would turn out to be the only woman he would ever dream of marrying.

Review: I loved this book. Both Megan and Devlin were wonderful characters. Although I have to admit if I were Megan I would definitely have had Devlin dismissed despite the fact that they would have lost the magnificent stallion too. I found their relationship fascinating because it was so unusual to actually hear the man openly discuss his desire for the woman and yet "dislike" her so much. Their entire courtship was enchanting and I would definitely recommend this book.
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Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey

Synopsis: Still mourning her mother's death. Kimberly Richards is incensed by the determination of her father, the Earl of Amburough, to marry her off as quickly as possible-just to please the jealous lover he plans to wed. And since Kimberly harbors a deep-seated dislike of gold-diggers and the whole distasteful state of affairs, the feisty young heiress already despises the "worth suitor" she encounters at Sherring Cross Estate: Lachlan MacGregor, the dashing newly impoverished Laird of Clan MacGregor.

A tryst with the handsome, haughty Lachlan seems dubious at best-especially since the rogue has designs on the married Duchess of Wrothston. But strange turns and outrageous circumstances promise to lead a woefully mismatched pair to a wildly unexpected destination-where a hard, resisting heart can open to the true glories of love.

Review: This book was great. Kimberly's character is amusing and although she's not your typical beauty I'm glad she does draw a lot of attention from the men. Lachlan isn't bad but you just want to slap him sometimes for his infatuation with the Duchess. It was nice to see Megan and Devlin again. All in all I really enjoyed this book.
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Once Upon a Dream by Katherine Kingsley

Synopsis: Lucy Kincaid endures a life of loneliness and drudgery in her stepmother's house on Ireland's windswept coast. All she has to sustain her are her dreams, until the day the golden stranger appears on a cliff-a stranger who gazes at her with love in his eyes and poetry on his lips. Lucy's heart is lost until she realizes that he is the enemy: a despised Englishman, the man whose family stole her birthright. Raphael Montagu, eighth Duke of Southwell, searches futilely for the mysteriously Irish beauty he'd loved at first sight, certain that only she can heal his wounded heart.

Review: This book was your typical cutesy romance book. If you've ever seen the move Ever After with Drew Barrymore that's practically what this book is like. If you're into those Cinderella stories than this is the book for you. I personally like slightly more original story lines. But Lucy's sisters do at a touch of humor to the story. (back to top)

The Sound of Snow by Katherine Kingsley

Synopsis: After years of exile on the Continent, Joanna was returning to the aristocratic English society she left in disgrace. Nothing-not even the gossip mongers-could keep her from Wakefield Abbey, where she intended to rescue her cousin Lydia's beloved son from his own father, the man Joanna suspected of Lydia's untimely death. Cool, dashing, and devilishly handsome, Guy de Salis, Marquess of Greaves, seemed capable of anything-except giving and receiving love. She bore a startling resemblance to his dead wife. Clearly, Joanna was a woman to beware. Reluctantly, Guy asked her to be his son's governess and was astonished when the troubled child bloomed under her care. Before he knew it, the beautiful, exasperating woman was upsetting his well-ordered life, challenging his well-guarded secrets, making him imagine what joy there could be in loving the right woman-if only he could express the silent passions that raged in his torn and broken heart.

Review: I thought this book was much better than Once Upon a Dream. The story was touching and I loved all the characters. I felt so bad for Joanna's hard past and was so glad that she finally found love. Kingsley through a real curve towards the end of the book when you think the two will finally live happily ever after. A definite must read. (back to top)

Velvet Angel by Jude Devereaux

Synopsis: She came to him as a precious gift, a naked angel rolled in a rug. Once he gazed into her green eyes, saw her tangle of honey blonde hair, he was undone with passion. Elizabeth would never surrender. He was a hated Montgomery-she was a Chatworth-and the blood war between her families raged on, a wildfire of rape, murder, and betrayal. Elizabeth vowed to fight the handsome lord, to resist the burning desire in his eyes-no matter how great the temptation.

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The Conquest by Jude Devereaux

Synopsis: Lovely Zared Peregrine was the pride of her family, a treasure her roughhewn brothers would strive at any cost to protect from their ancient enemies, the Howards. The Peregrines had suffered loss enough. Thus Zared's brothers trained her in the arts of war, and dressed her in boy's clothing. Beyond their castle walls, none knew that the youngest Peregrine was a girl...Yet when the magnificent Knight Tearle Howard returned from a lengthy sojourn in France, it took him but one glance to discover that Zared was most definitely female, and beautiful. Tearle would mount a bold campaign to win the ravishing spitfire's heart-and save her from his brother's dark and deadly obsession.

Review: I enjoyed this book a lot more than any other Devereaux books. The characters were great and I enjoyed the story. The ending was different and something unexpected. (back to top)

Wishes by Jude Devereaux

Synopsis: Jace Montgomery was a stranger in Chandler. Tall, proud, and ruggedly handsome. He would make any woman's heart beat faster. Even shy, sweet Nellie Grayson-Nellie, who thought only of her beautiful younger sister's happiness. With Nellie's tireless aid, Terel Grayson easily became the belle of Chandler, Colorado. Yet Jace, homesick for his closeknit family in Maine, took immediately to Nellie. For the first time, Nellie was the center of attention. It was a heady, delightful feeling...almost as wonderful as the moment when Jace gave her her very first kiss. Nellie was sure her romantic idyll would end-how long could Jace resist the lovely Terel's charms? But with the help of an enchanting new friend, Nellie would discover that her flirtatious sister might not be the woman to win the gallant Jace Montgomery.

Review: This is by far my favorite of Devereaux's books. It's one of the few romance or books in general where the heroine isn't this stick thin, beautiful woman who can crook her finger and men come running. Jace is almost a dream man who loves a woman for what she is inside and knows how to treat a woman. I was slightly disappointed that in the end they gave in to fit her into that model thin role but over all the story was great. Definitely recommend this book. (back to top)

The Heiress by Jude Devereaux

Synopsis: Jamie Montgomery, an impoverished Elizabethan knight, is elated when he is assigned to escort Axia, the Lancaster heiress, to the castle of her betrothed. If only she will fall in love with Jamie-as Jamie's devoted older sister predicts-the family's financial woes will be solved. But Axia, who has spent her life closely guarded by her father's servants, is not the shy, cosseted flower Jamie expects. She's a hoyden, hell-bent on enjoying her precious moments of liberty before her marriage to a man chosen by her remote, eccentric father. After curtly informing Jamie not to bother declaring his love for her-as all poor, handsome men seem wont to do-Axia makes his life a misery, sneaking off to the marketplace, nearly breaking her neck on a runaway horse, and doing everything possible to delay the trip. Though she dare not admit it, even to herself, Axia dreads being wed to a stranger. Suddenly Jamie realizes that he is falling desperately in love with this bold, maddening maiden. Now he must find a plan to win her freedom and her proud defiant heart for his own.

Review: I wouldn't call this one of Devereaux's better books. Axia's character is amusing and I had to like Jamie. However, I've never really wanted to read this book over and over. Though I really liked the ending. If anything I'd read this book for that. (back to top)

More Than She Bargained For by Lori Copeland

Synopsis: She'd lied to her best friend, bragging that she's married a famous surgeon. Now Jilliane Simms has to produce a husband, and Slater Holbrook was the best she could come up with. In desperation she made a deal. He'd play the part in exchange for housekeeping services. But Jilliane's troubles have only begun. She knew Slater was surly, gorgeous, and generally unavailable. She didn't know he was guardian of six children...or that after fleeing a household of six children she'd find herself playing mother hen to his brood-and liking it! But who was lying now? When they married, they called it convenience. When they separated, they called it common sense. But how could Jilliane simply leave after giving Slater her heart and getting so much more than she bargained for.

Review: I loved this book. I enjoyed the story and I could relate to Jilliane wanting to impress old high school friends. You have to love Slater's large and diverse family. I would highly recommend this book. (back to top)

The Offer by Catherine Coulter

Synopsis: Sabrina Eversleigh runs away from home after her new brother-in-law attempts to rape her. She would surely have died in a blizzard if Phillip Mercerault had not rescued her. He nurses her back to health only to find that he is not a hero. Instead, he's a gentleman who has compromised a lady. Now there's only one thing left for him to do-marry her. But Sabrina turns him down, leaving him completely baffled. However, things don't turn out quite the way Sabrina planned.

Review: This book wasn't bad. Thus far I am not a big Coulter fan and this book hasn't impressed me. The story wasn't very original and the ending wasn't that great. (back to top)

Passion's Ransom by Betina Krahn

Synopsis: Blythe Woolrich had flaming hair and a fiery temper, but she was nothing if not responsible. Single-handedly, she ran Woolrich Mercantile, and watched over her eccentric father, her crotchety grandmother and her virtue in a Revolutionary Philadelphia teeming with unsavory characters. There were some days when she dreamed of escaping it all...but not as the helpless hostage of a hashing rogue! Virile pirate captain Raider Prescott had sailed into port to sell his booty and make a killing...and didn't discover that Blythe's family couldn't pay her ransom until after he abducted and pirated her aboard his ship. He didn't expect her to charm his crew and bewitch his senses, either.

Review: I would highly recommend this book. Blythe was amazing and I loved how she charmed the crew. Her father was so much like a little kid that you couldn't help feeling for him. This book was great because Blythe wasn't one of those helpless females waiting for the guy to pamper her. (back to top)

Shades of Twilight by Linda Howard

Synopsis:Roanna Davenport was raised a wealthy orphan on her grandmother's magnificent Alabama estate, Davencourt, where she had a passion for horses, a genius for trouble and a deep love for her cousin Webb. But everyone expected Webb to marry their ravishing cousin, Jessie. When he did, Roanna's desire became no more than the stuff of dreams-until the night Jessie was found bludgeoned to death. After the shocking murder of his wife, Webb left for Arizona, abandoning the legacy that he had once believed was all he wanted. But then an all-grown-up Roanna walked into a dingy bar in Nogales to bring him home; the mischievous sprite he had known ten years earlier was no more. Gone, too, was her fire. In its place was ice that melted at his touch. Webb is drawn back to Davencourt, to Roanna, and to the killer that once destroyed his life and waits only for the chance to finish the job.

Review: This was one of my favorite books. I loved Roanna's character both when she was a teenager and then when she had matured. Her strength amazed me and I was rooting for her all the way to find happiness in her life. The end was a big surprise and totally unexpected. Highly recommend this book. (back to top)

After the Kiss by Joan Johnston

Synopsis: Miss Eliza Sheringham grew up thumbing her nose at polite English society. So when the dashing Captain Lord Marcus Wharton set his rakish sights on her, Eliza thought nothing of rejecting his advances. Then a stolen kiss changed everything. Suddenly called to battle, Marcus had to leave behind teh woman who had captured his heart-and the scandal ignited by their kiss. And when he came home, he discovered that his brother's disappearance had made him Duke of Blackthorne, guardian of twin nieces. Badly scarred in the war, he was destined to spend his life hiding in Blackthorne Abbey -until Eliza Sheringham showed up on his doorstep prospering herself as governess for the twins. Marcus demanded marriage as the price of the job. He knew she could never love him. Surely his look sowuld drive her away-now that he hungered for her more than life itself...

Review: I enjoyed this book although more for the role the twin nieces played more than the actual interplay between Eliza and Marcus. The twins are enchanting and I think steal the limelight in this book, Eliza's blind aunt was also a very interesting character who helped make the book. As for the two main characters they were mediocore. I don't think the author developed well enough Marcus' reason for not wanting to get involved seriously with a woman. I did find Eliza's infatuation with her cousin Julian to work in the story but the author could have developed more the reason why Julian wouldn't marry Eliza. I'm hoping that somehow the author will bring Julian back and focus on a story about him and his lost fiance. (back to top)

White Eagle's Touch by Karen Kay

Synopsis: They come from different worlds-she, the wealthy English socialite traveling deep into Indian territory; he the proud and powerful Blackfoot warrior who once saved her life. White Eagle is captivated by Katrina Wellington's shimmering loveliness, but the little girl he once called "Shines Like Moonlight" is now a grown woman, betrothed to another. And although she moves his soul like no other, he knows he can never have her. Raised in civilized society, Katrina never wanted to return to the west. The hard, dangerous life had killed her parents and, if it weren't for White Eagle's bravery, she might have died too. But her learned disdain for White Eagle's people soon gives way as they discover that the spark of love from their childhood had blazed into an all-consuming passion. But is it enough to sustain a love that both their worlds call...forbidden?

Review: This book was okay but not great. It was total easy reading and the story was not bad. There were times when Katrina really did piss me off though. I know a lot of author's like to give there heroine's a streak of independence but Katrina's was just irritating. Overall I would say unless you really have nothing else to read you could skip this one.
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The Marriage Contract by Cathy Maxwell

Synopsis: He was a man exiled form society-handsome, unpredictable, and proud. Dark rumors surrounded his name. But Anne Burnett had signed a marriage contract binding her to Aidan Black, the Earl of Tiebauld. And although she'd never met him, she's determined to keep her word and make theirs a marriage in truth. Because a well-bred lady with little fortune to recommend her has no choice. From the moment she arrived, Anne fell in love with Kelwin Castle and its roguishly handsome laird. By day, he instills a fierce loyalty in his people with his masterful ways...and by night, he tempts Anne to surrender her innocence to him. But while he is willing to offer his body, Aidan refuses to give Anne his heart...making her wonder what prevents him from truly claiming her as his wife.

Review: This book was somewhat amusing. I did like Anne's character and Aidan wasn't a bad guy but their romance just didn't catch me. The whole conflict between Lambert seemed pretty ridiculous. There was no real basis that ever came up as to why they hated each other except that Aidan had a title and Lambert didn't. I'd give this a so so review.
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The Bride and the Beast by Teresa Medeiros

Synopsis: from the back of the book: "Dear Reader, I'd been prowling the crumbling ruins of Castle Weyrcraig for so long that I could no longer remember if I was man or beast. Then one stormy night the superstitious Highlanders of Ballybliss decided to leave a helpless virgin bound to a stake in the castle courtyard to satisfy my insatiable appetites. My demands might strike terror in the hearts of men, but this bold beauty dared to defy me. After she informed me that she didn't believe in dragons, I had no choice but to make her my prisoner-or risk being exposed to those I had sought to deceive with my dangerous masquerade. Soon I found myself stealing into the moonlit tower just to watch her sleep. Little does she know that beneath this beast's gruff exterior beats the passionate heart of a man. Gwendolyn Wilder may not believe in dragons, but I intend to use all my sensual wiles to teach her to believe in something even more magical-true love. Eternally yours, The Dragon of Weyrcraig"

Review: This book was very enjoyable to read. It was nice to see the heavier and supposedly not so pretty sister winning the enigmatic dragon. The dragon was totally what I wasn't expecting. Instead of making him a mean and surly "beast" he was pretty much what any girl would wish for. I would definitely recommend this one for reading.
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Very Truly Yours by Julie Beard

Synopsis: from the back of the book: "Gentle Reader, I know I've committed an unpardonable act. I should never have read Miss Liza's Cranshaw's letters. I assure you I never intended to wrong her. But now that I've learned of her desperate straits, how could I ignore her plight? Miss Cranshaw is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She is being blackmailed into marriage by a wretched nobleman greedy for her dowry. Naturally, I cannot ignore a damsel in distress-especially one so lovely and so charming-and am determined to prevent this disastrous union for her sake, though I must admit she has stirred my soul in ways I had not thought possible. I am aware of my reputation as a rake and one who has never had more than a passing acquaintance with constancy. And I admit I am a stone's throw away from debtor's prison-through no fault of my own, I hasten to add. Misfortune, however, is no impediment to heroism. I vow, Gentle Reader, that I will restore my fortune and rescue Miss Cranshaw-before I land in prison. Just I beg of you, do not tell her about the letters! Very truly yours, Jack Fairchild, Esq."

Review: I have to admit that it started off slow and I was tempted to put it down for something else. But I persevered and it was well worth it. Liza was a refreshing character and Jack was great. The end was a surprise but worked very well. You should definitely read this book.
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Heartless by Kat Martin

Synopsis: To escape her life of poverty as a tenant farmer's daughter, Ariel Summers made a bargain with the devil-she would become the Earl of Greville's mistress in exchange for the schooling and refinements of a lady. But she couldn't foresee the earl's untimely death, or her own disturbing attraction to his bastard son and heir, Justin Ross.

Justin never meant to demand payment from the tempting young woman his father had so callously planned to ruin. But her innocent allure provoked his ruthless nature and he vowed he would have her in his bed. Seduction was his plan, but Justin never suspected Ariel's innocent passion would awaken emotions he had long believed dead. Now mistrust and betrayal threaten the fragile happiness the two of them have found and Justin must convince Ariel he isn't the heartless man she believes.

Review: This book was great! Ariel and Justin were both wonderful characters. The one thing I liked about Ariel was that she was smart, she knew her numbers and was well educated. There was one scene that was particularly touching with Justin's grandmother. I actually had tears in my eyes as I read it. I would definitely recommend this book.
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Silk and Steel by Kat Martin

Synopsis: Lady Kathryn Grayson is a gently bred noblewoman with a privileged future ahead of her...until her greedy uncle decides to steal her fortune by committing her to an insane asylum. Her only escape is to stow away in the carriage of Lucien Montaine, Marquess of Litchfield, who hears her story with disbelief and suspicion. Yet Kathyrn's instincts tell her Lord Litchfield is a man of honor-and her only salvation. Desperate to save herself, she attempts to seduce him and forces him into marriage.

But she couldn't take his heart. The moment Lucien encounters the ragged, hungry waif with the dignity of a queen, he fights against wanting her. Though captivated by her intellect, strong will, and beauty, he will never love the woman who has deceived him. Or so he thought...Though their battle of wills grows stronger every day, desire threatens to overpower his fury. Can this maddening woman who is now his bride melt his heart of steel? Or will her silken touch only strengthen his vow never to fall prey to the dangers of love?

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