What I've read... Inherited by her Enemy - Sara Craven

Inherited by Her Enemy - Sara Craven

Mills & Boon Modern

Harlequin UK, 2015

ISBN: 9781472098337

Format - ebook (kindle)

4.5 stars

There's a certain something I find in Sara Craven's books that I not only struggle to find in a lot of others but also that I find totally enthralling. Her storytelling is wonderfully crafted.

This story is weaved beautifully and takes you on a journey. You don't get many romance novels these days written soley from the heroines point of view, and it's risky thing to do in my opinion. But it works. 

I adore the besotted, almost gentle hero and the heroine was annoyingly prim, which made her even more endearing.

This book is a rich soup of other characters, which cause misunderstandings and miscommunication but all play out well and I found I believed in the romance too. Kind of sad and heart rendering in places, a bit melodramatic in others... But I loved it!

Review... Changing Constantinou's Game - Jennifer Hayward

Changing Constantinou's Game - Jennifer Hayward
Harlequin Presents
Harlequin, 2014
ISBN: 9870373132775












My rating

From the back cover:

"One kiss couldn't hurt, could it?
Alexios Constantinou is notorious for his lethal charm, so when the exquisite Isabel Peters is—literally—dropped into his lap during a hellish elevator ride, he doesn't waste the opportunity! With tensions sky-high after their near-death experience, an insatiable desire ignites between them, and all bets are off.
But when Alex discovers that reporter Isabel's next story is him, he's furious…yet determined to use it to his advantage. He's calling the shots, but the closer Isabel gets, the closer she comes to discovering his carefully concealed secret. Now, with everything at stake, he'll need a whole new game plan…"

This is only Jennifer Hayward's fourth book, but is crafted so beautifully you would think it's her fortieth! I really enjoy books that start with a bang, and this one certainly does. Hero and heroine stuck together in a broken elevator (or 'lift' to us brits!)... what else would you want but some sizzle.

I liked that Jen immediately showed her character's flaws, I felt I could understand them and their motivations straight away. Izzie, as a heroine, is rather insecure and a bit lost as to where her life is going. I think that in today's world this is something we can all relate to. And Alex is the typical distrustful, closed book of a hero. The two are a perfect combination.

The actual plot is really interesting too. I loved reading all the inner conflict the hero and heroine had over whether to do what they think is right, or do what their hearts tell them to do. Neither of them would budge and inch over control, which makes for some great push/pull tension.

The hero and heroine feel very real and that is what I love. I enjoyed the rather rash jumping to conclusions by the the hero and the almost constant second guessing from the heroine. When they are together there is plenty of passion, as well as some lovely tenderness.

Finding out that life doesn't always go the way you planned is the theme here, and it is really quite special to read, and very emotional too. Reading romance is all about fantasy and escapism, but that doesn't mean it can't have a splash of reality involved. Jen, in my opinion, has managed this perfectly.

Highly recommended. 

Thanks to Jen for kindly providing me with a copy of this fantastic book.

Xx

#ModernTempted... Sex, Lies & Her Impossible Boss - Jennifer Rae

Sex, Lies & Her Impossible Boss - Jennifer Rae
Mills & Boon Modern Tempted
Harlequin UK, 2014
ISBN: 9781472017642

My rating

From the back cover:


"‘There’s no such thing as “just sex”, Cash.’
When the new boss of Faith Harris’s TV station, the famously ruthless and annoyingly gorgeous Cash Anderson, tells her he’ll be cancelling her sex and relationships show she knows she’s in for a fight. She’s worked her silk-clad butt off to get her high ratings, and no man’s going to take them away from her – however hot under the collar he secretly gets her…

But sugar’s better than vinegar any day, so Faith decides to prove to Cash just how meaningful her show really is. The only trouble is, it’s also rather…risqué. And there was enough chemistry between them even before Faith set about proving just how riveting sex can be…!"

I really enjoyed this book, my first from Jennifer Rae. And let me tell you, I was really happy throughout reading this book as it is everything I want and hope to get from the Modern Tempted/KISS line.

The book is capital H hot - I could actually feel my cheeks heating up at certain moments, and my eyebrows wrinkle-inducing-high at others! The story has a lot of fun and quirk included and it is all wrapped up in quite a lovely little love story.

The heroine hosts her own sex and relationships show - great idea although on a few occasions I couldn't quite get the image of the show being a bit like Eurotrash (remember that show?!) out of my head. What I liked most about Faith was that she was so determined to stick up fro herself and prove that she had created something worthwhile whilst showing the narrow minded hero that he was wrong, wrong, wrong about her!

Loved reading the slow build up to their eventual relationship... you know what was really great about this story? The hero and heroine actually spent a lot of time together! A romance novel revelation.

Both Faith and Cash have been hurt by relationships in the past, and Jennifer Rae uses these hurts well. OK, a little more time could have been spent delving a little deeper and exploring this, and had this been a straight up Modern/Presents book then I would have expected that but for the story as it was, I think the balance was just right.

There is an awesome amount of push/pull between Faith and Cash and plenty of sexual tension to keep you interested, trust me. Plus the weird, wacky, and wonderful world of sexual exploration is fabulous to read!

Great job!

Xx



With thanks to Flo and the Modern Tempted team at Romance HQ. Sorry I'm so late at posting this review ;-).

#ModernTempted The Reunion Lie by Lucy King

The Reunion Lie - Lucy King
Mills & Boon Modern Tempted
Harlequin UK, 2014
ISBN: 9780263910742

My Rating

From the back cover:

"It was only meant to be a little white lie...

Inventing a fake fiance was an act of desperation for Zoe Montgomery - a knee-jerk response to her horrifying high school reunion! But now that she's convinced London's most unattainable bachelor to play the part, her little white lie is spiralling out of control. 

Because everyone wants a piece of tycoon Dan Forrester. Including Zoe! Especially once she's seen the view from his bedroom...

This might be a fake engagement, but she's certainly not faking anything else! Now the reunion is over, and Zoe and Dan have convinced the world they're meant to be! But convincing each other? That's a whole different challenge..."

There was something about the back cover blurb that made me think I wouldn't enjoy this book all that much... But I must have been reading something different as I ended up loving this book!

The opening of this book is fantastic, I was utterly absorbed from the word go. Lucy King managed to draw me right into the heroine's feelings, I was feeling as uncomfortable, unconfident, and inadequate as the heroine was at that moment in her private hell of a reunion. I loved the touch that the heroine had only gone to prove a point only to have that point backfire on her!

Then with the heroine's ridiculous attempt at saving face by not only inventing a fantastical fiancé but also pretending the next guy who walked in was him, and quite literally jumping on him, the story became a bit of a farce, in a really good way. Good job that the man took it well, and actually helped with the pretence, oh that was fun to read! I wanted to roll my eyes, but I couldn't.

Lucy had me totally hooked already and the hero and heroine's story was only beginning. There is instant, recognisable chemistry between this pair and I loved that both characters, individually, were so strongly written. The relationship develops slowly and I was really invested in it. What I particularly liked about this story is that the author didn't really on that one big "black moment" (there is one but its not the total focus of the conflict) instead the conflict is clear throughout and the hero and heroine's insecurities slowly chip away at their supposed happiness... Very poignant.

A really enjoyable read. Fun, flirty, sad, and romantic!

Xx

The Santina Crown... Playing the Royal Game - Carol Marinelli

Playing the Royal Game - Carol Marinelli
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897708












My rating

From the back cover:

"The Santina-Jackson Royal Fairytale: Fact or Fiction? 

Falling in love with a prince might be every girl’s dream, but is Allegra Jackson’s royal fairy-tale really all it seems? Allegra’s headline-grabbing family have hardly prepared her for a life of public duty and sinfully delicious Prince Alessandro of Santina has always seemed virtually allergic to the idea of settling down – changing women so fast the paparazzi can barely keep up! 

So why, out of all the beautiful socialites his name’s been linked with, did the heir to the throne pick ordinary Allegra? The royal rumour-mill is in overdrive, asking if this shock engagement really is a love-match…or a desperate arrangement with scandalous consequences."


A couple of the previous books in this continuity series hinted at something that is not as it seems about the engagement between the Allegra and Alex (the event that started it all!) and that really whetted my appetite, I was very much looking forward to reading their story.

But, I also have a nagging feeling that this might be an accidental pregnancy story, there is nothing wrong with that of course but I knew that the series deserved something 'more'. I'm so glad I was wrong, in fact the plot of this book completely surprised me. 

Carol Marinelli has written such a deep and provoking story that had me hooked all the way through. The emotion and almost desperation that saturates the pages when the hero and heroine first meet really set the tone of the whole story. The hero and heroine got themselves into something rather misguided only realising what a mistake it had been once they had become deeper and deeper involved. The story had a snowballing effect that is rather compelling to read. 

The relationship that grows out of this comedy of errors is fraught with pain and restraint and is very moving. These characters belong together, you can see this right from the start, but everything is so difficult for them. The execution is flawless. My only complaint is that I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of POV from other characters, it felt almost jarring when it switched away from what was a deeply absorbing love-story and the inclusion of this didn't further the story at all, if anything it actually ruined the pace in my opinion.

When focused on the hero and heroine the writing is evocative and emotional with prose that feels as though it is floating.

Wonderful, and an enjoyable end to this continuity that if I'm honest had a rather shaky start!

Xx

The Santina Crown... Princess From The Shadows - Maisey Yates

Princess From The Shadows - Maisey Yates
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897692












My rating

From the back cover:

"Santina Secret Baby Scandal! 

Santina’s royal palace officials were tight-lipped about claims that Prince Rodriguez Anguiano was jilted by his fiancée. But it seems the prince did not leave Santina empty-handed after all – he’s taking with him one reluctant bride! 

Princess Carlotta Santina has been living out of the spotlight and under a cloud ever since a certain event. Now, finally fulfilling her role of dutiful royal, she’s arriving at Rodriguez’s Spanish palace in preparation for their forthcoming nuptials… Perhaps the prince should get some new advisors because he’s about to discover that his blushing bride comes with an unexpected bonus"


The hero of this book is an out and out rogue/playboy right to the core. I didn't think I would like him- I didn't want to like him in fact -but I couldn't help it, I did! And that is mainly down to the strength of the writing, in particular the characterisation.

This is a story that is wholly centred around it's characters and really gives us, the reader, a chance to feel everything they are feeling and experience their journey with them. Both the hero and heroine have "issues" but through the course of the story they actually deal with them together and that is very satisfying to read. 

Maisey Yates's voice is modern and forward-thinking and that shines through in this book. Stripped down this is a marriage of convenience trope, but Maisey doesn't stick too rigidly to her theme and therefore the story didn't feel weighed down by lots of unnecessary external conflict and clichés,. 

The relationship and love between the hero and heroine develops beautifully and the characters are able to grow and move on in a believable way. There is plenty of passion involved too! 

Really enjoyable.

Xx

The Santina Crown... Defying the Prince - Sarah Morgan

Defying the Prince - Sarah Morgan
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897654









My rating

From the back cover:

"Santina Princess-To-Be's Sister Serenades High-Society 

It was a night filled with scandal, but pop princess Izzy Jackson really took the crown! Royal and VIP guests were reportedly horrified at the singer and reality TV star’s impromptu performance at her sister’s royal engagement party. 

It was left to Prince Matteo, second in line to the throne, to whisk tipsy starlet Izzy off stage, into his limo and straight to his luxury palazzo, from which the pair are yet to emerge… Rumour has it the proud prince and the footballer’s daughter are working on a charity concert. Will they make sweet music together or split citing irreconcilable artistic differences?"

I don't know what she does but Sarah Morgan's books always have an added something special about them that makes them shine, and this one is no exception.

I could not get enough of the heroine Izzy she's quirky , a little silly even, but also soft and determined. I loved her! And as for the hero, well, he's judgemental, a bit of a snob but oh-so-sexy! What a pair these two characters make, and they bounce off each other perfectly. The banter between them is phenomenal - not many romance authors would be able to do it this good - and the attraction between them is real.

What I liked most about this book is that I could actually 'feel' the feelings between the hero and heroine grow and develop as the story progressed, and the characters were able to grow alongside.

This is a wonderful story that will leave you feeling like you have gone on the journey with the characters. Another plus is that this gives insight into the overall continuity story and adds a bit of progression which some of the previous books haven't done so well in my opinion.

Throughout enjoyable. Recommended.

Xx

Book Review... Revelations of the Night Before - Lynn Raye Harris

Revelations of the Night Before - Lynn Raye Harris
Mills & Boon Modern
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263891225











My rating

From the back cover:

"Unmasking the enemy 

Valentina D’Angeli is pregnant. And the father…? The man she shared one sensational night with after a masquerade ball. It wasn't until she stole a peek under his mask while he was sleeping that she discovered he was her brother’s sworn enemy – Niccolo Gavretti! 

For this ruthless Italian there’s only one solution to Valentina’s bombshell – put a ring on her finger…no matter how much she refuses. And if he has to take her to bed to make it happen he’ll enjoy every single minute of it!"


As always from this author, this is a book that is full of emotion and tension that will keep you guessing.

The set up is interesting and unique, and the shared past between the hero and heroine only added to the overall enthral of the story.

The heroine is really identifiable and truly the star of the show; she is mature, intelligent, kind and sensible, fits the mould the author created for her perfectly.

I enjoyed the touch of mystery in the story with the fact that you never really knew the full extent of the hero's past actions. It kept me interested and adds an extra layer to an already captivating romance.

This is a wonderful story and I enjoyed going on the journey with the two characters as they got to know one another. The storytelling is flawless with just the right amount of sizzle and sentiments to really get your teeth into.

Loved it.

Xx

Book Review... A Tainted Beauty - Sharon Kendrick

A Tainted Beauty - Sharon Kendrick
Mills & Boon Modern
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263891003












My rating

From the back cover:

"All that glitters...

Merciless businessman Ciro D'Angelo knows an opportunity when he sees it - and Lily Scott's vulnerable sweetness and old-fashioned values are exactly what he needs in a wife. She's the complete opposite to the red-taloned gold-diggers who relentlessly pursue him. 

Isn't gold...

But on their wedding night Ciro realises that Lily isn't quite the pure bride he expected. Does her virtuous facade hide a fortune-hunter as shameless as the rest? It seems their marriage is over before it's begun - yet once you're a D'Angelo wife there's no turning back..."

What a story!

The subject if the book is a little old fashioned but I think it is made the most of and a spectacular romance is told. The start of this book is compelling and really quite beautiful, I was hooked instantly.

Lily is a really well crafted heroine with the perfect mix of sweetness and independence. She and the hero bounce off each other perfectly; lots of sizzling tension, fun dialogue and some genuinely tender moments that made me want to sigh out loud!

I did find it a little difficult to really believe the hero’s reaction to the heroine’s lack of virginity. Too many double standards and judgement in his behaviour for my liking. It’s too much of an outdated idea for today’s world.

However, the author managed to make it work and keeps you intrigued all the way through. I liked it a lot.

Xx

Book Review... Painted the Other Woman - Julia James

Painted the Other Woman - Julia James
Mills & Boon Modern
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263891195










My rating

From the back cover:

" Stripped of her glittering façade… 

Athan Teodarkis knows her type well: women for whom designer dresses and priceless jewellery are paid for only in kind. But he’s never been distracted by one – until now. Suspecting his sister’s husband of having an affair with the dangerously beautiful Marisa Milburne, Athan determines to put a stop to it! 

Confident the Teodarkis millions will easily divert this gold-digger’s attentions, Athan has a simple plan: seduce, then discard. But, contrary to what the cynical Athan believes, shy Marisa is no home-wrecker, and her innocence is powerless to resist his vengeful seduction… "

If you want deep, emotional, and dramatic stories then Julia James is the author to look for.

Aside from the too-often inner monologues from the hero and heroine, this is a wonderfully crafted story about revenge and mistakes. It’s classic Julia James with it’s one great big misunderstanding that would only take a couple of words to rectify, yet the fact that it is dragged out and the full truth never coming out until near the end makes this a really tense read.

You never really know how far this author is going to take her theme and I, for one, love this style of romance novels.

The hero and heroine battle against their growing feelings for one another every step of the way and it is very emotional throughout. I really felt like I was there with the characters, feeling what they were feeling, and being drawn totally into the story.

The passion that explodes from all the confusion, misunderstanding and withheld feeling is powerful and intense, and as a result the love between the hero and heroine feels genuine.

The hero grovels for forgiveness for his actions and I liked that the heroine found her strength and stood up to him, great stuff to read!

Intense, powerful and absorbing. A great Modern/Presents.

Xx

Review... To Love, Honour, and Betray - Jennie Lucas

To Love, Honour and Betray - Jennie Lucas
Mills & Boon Modern
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263890877












My rating

From the back cover:

"Callie Woodville had imagined her wedding day since she was a little girl...
She thought she'd found the perfect man in her boss Eduardo Cruz - but,'Get out!' wasn't exactly the morning-after treatment she'd hoped for.
She'd never dreamed it would be like this!
Holding her writing bouquet, Callie waits for her groom - her best friend; a man she's never kissed - or has even wanted to kiss.
But once Eduardo knows about the bump concealed under Callie's oversized secondhand wedding dress, there's no way he's going to let her walk up the aisle with someone else..."

When it comes to dark, dramatic stories Jennie Lucas is one of the best, and this book is no exception.

This book has such a frantic pace, right from the word go, and is very exciting to read.

The hero is complex, very complex. He is damaged and confused, and his actions towards the heroine are a result of his background. No excuses are made for his, at times, appalling behaviour, it's not a case of 'he's an alpha-male so it's ok' Jennie Lucas makes it clear he has some serious issues and needs help, which is brilliant to read. Very gripping.

The heroine is the perfect match to the hero, she's so kind and caring but also tough. The sparks that fly between these two are immense!

This book has everything I like in a good Modern/Presents, plenty of drama and emotion plus an added layer of brutal reality that really kept me hooked all the way through.

Loved the ending! A very good read.

Xx

Book Review... All That Mullarkey - Sue Moorcroft

All That Mullarkey - Sue Moorcroft
Choc Lit, 2010
ISBN: 9781906931247













My rating

From the back cover:

"Revenge and love: it 's a thin line The writing 's on the wall for Cleo and Gav. The bedroom wall, to be precise. And it says This marriage is over. Wounded and furious, Cleo embarks on a night out with the girls, which turns into a glorious one night stand with Justin, centrefold material and irrepressibly irresponsible. He loves a little wildness in a woman and he 's in the right place at the right time to enjoy Cleo s.But it 's Cleo who has to pick up the pieces of a marriage based on a lie and the lasting repercussions of that night. Torn between laid-back Justin and control freak Gav, she 's a free spirit that life is trying to tie down. But the rewards are worth it"


I picked this one up on the strength that I really enjoyed the last book by Sue Moorcroft I read (Starting Over), and out of the three books I have read from Choc Lit publishing I haven't met one I didn't like!

The story starts with a bang - with the heroine being left by her unpredictable husband after a silly argument, she then goes out a meets a really nice guy and ends up having a one night stand with him.

A really unexpected, and brave, opening and it is played out wonderfully. The author neither condones nor makes light of her character's actions, and excuses aren't made either. Instead the journey the characters go on include coming to terms with the consequences, and there are many, of their actions.

The book is full of highs and lows, ups and downs, reconciliation and break-ups, and everything all over again! It really keeps you on your toes whilst reading.

This is almost, to me, like an 'anti-romance' and it feels raw and real. The characters just couldn't get it together, in the relationship sense and other, and, you know, that's life!

When the HEA does finally happen you really feel like it's deserved, that the hero and heroine have worked for it, and it isn't twee or contrived in any way.

Lovely. Highly entertaining.

Xx

Book Review... Behind the Castello Doors - Chantelle Shaw

Behind the Castello Doors - Chantelle Shaw
Mills & Boon Modern
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263890730











My rating

From the back cover:

"Torment on his doorstep 
Cesario Piras, brooding master of the Castello del Falco, wasn’t prepared for the visitor who turned up on his doorstep during a raging storm – or for the little bundle bearing the Piras name she had in tow. Cesario’s head screamed Run, but his damaged heart began to betray him. 
Beth Granger knew the moment she knocked on the castle door that there was no going back. She had a job to do. But the moment Cesario looked deep into her pleading eyes her faultless plan crumbled around her…"

Chantelle Shaw is one of those authors who I can't decide if I like or not. I have read a lot of her books and they are a little hit and miss, but this one was a hit! I really enjoyed it.

When I started reading this book I was almost groaning out loud thinking that I knew exactly what was going to happen. But I'm pleased to say that the author surprised me and didn't take the easy cliché route.

I adored everything about the hero and heroine, their backgrounds were equally painful and these were two damaged and flawed characters. As a result, there is plenty of angst in this story as well as some explosive passion.

The plot is absorbing and keeps you guessing. There is an almost tense atmosphere to this book that really helps set the mood, and draws you in.

Worth a read, definitely!

Xx

Book Review... The Price of a Bride - Michelle Reid

The Price of a Bride - Michelle Reid
Harlequin Presents
Harlequin, 1999
ISBN: 9780373120338
Reissue - Harlequin Treasury, 2011
eISBN: 9781459251854










My rating

From the back cover:

"Forced to marry! 
When Mia Frazier agreed to her father's demand to marry Greek millionaire Alexander Doumas, she knew both men stood to gain from the deal—Alex would win back his family's island, and Mia's father would get the grandson and heir he so desperately longed for. But what about Mia? 
 She had her own reason for agreeing to be Alex's wife—which was not financial gain, as Alex cynically believed. But how could the truth stay hidden, when she shared such intense passion with her new husband…and was now carrying his child?"


This is another one of those talked about 'classic' Harlequin Presents, so I knew I had to read it. And... A Classic it most certainly is!

The angst levels in this book are seriously sky high, I didn't have a clue where Michelle Reid was going to take me next, it kept me reading that's for sure.

Yes, this book is a little, well OK a lot, over dramatic but somehow it works. It keeps you guessing and feeling like you are holding your breath as you turn the page.

The hero acts appallingly at times, and I actually had a difficult time getting into this book at the beginning, but Michelle Reid is a master at somehow pulling this back from the brink. The heroine also acts badly, so the two characters kind of level each other out.

They certainly don't make Presents like this anymore! You couldn't ask for more to be crammed into this book - it has blackmail, betrayal, abuse, secrets, passion, pregnancies, etc.

It should be a headache of a read, at it is! But it is also unputdownable!

Like I said, a Classic.

Xx

365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #365!!!!

Gold Ring of Betrayal - Michelle Reid
Harlequin Presents
Harlequin, 1997
ISBN: 9780373119172
Reissue - Harlequin Treasury, 2011
eISBN: 9781459269408










My rating

From the back cover:

"They've never stopped being married... 
Nicolas Santino doesn't accept that Lia is his daughter. He believes Sara, his wife, cheated on him with another man, and Lia is the result of that betrayal. 
So Sara and Nicolas are separated - until the silence between them is forcibly broken: Lia has been kidnapped! Nicolas knows he is the only one who can secure the little girl's safe return, but it means he must go back to Sara - and find that, even after three long years, she still wears his ring ..."


So, this is it... the 365th book. Which I read bang on the 365th day... I made it!

The heroine Sara and the hero Nicolas see each other for the first time in three years when he arrives to help Sara through the kidnapping of her daughter. Sara knows that Nicolas hates her as he believes that she cheated on him, although she desperately wants him to believe that she is innocent right now all she cares about is getting her precious baby back in her arms. Once Sara was a shy and nervous girl whose spirit and confidence was crushed under the dominance of the Sicilian life she married into, but Nicolas's cruel betrayal of not believing in her has changed her. Now she is hard and determined to fight for herself and especially for her daughter. But one thing that is still the same is the desire between Sara and Nicolas, and after Sara's daughter is found they go back to Sicily where Nicolas asks her to try again with their marriage and put all the betrayals behind them. Sara tries her best, but eventually realises that she can't live her life with Nicolas still believing that she could ever betray him.

This is a true classic when it comes to both Michelle Reid's books and Harlequin Presents. There is so much to this book - angst, hate, betrayal, passion, fear, love, forgiveness, sadness, etc - and it is all woven together perfectly. The hero and heroine's story is intense and it plays out wonderfully, at times this book is impossible to put down. So often in books where there is a supposed betrayal I find the reluctance of a certain character to believe in the other very frustrating, but in this book I could understand exactly why the hero felt this way. Even though the POV from the hero is rather sporadic I was still able to sympathise with him, as well as rooting for the heroine. That is all down to Michelle Reid's powerful writing.

This book is drama with a capital D, and totally absorbing. Highly recommended.


I really hope you have enjoyed reading my reviews of all these 365 books, it has certainly been and interesting challenge. I will be posting a summary blog post all about this later on.
Thank you to everyone who has followed/read my blog over the last 365 days!


Xx

365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #349

Mistress of the Groom - Susan Napier
Harlequin Presents
Harlequin, 1997
ISBN: 9780373119189
Reissue - Harlequin Treasury, 2011
eISBN: 9781459269415










My rating

From the back cover:

"Have you heard the latest? 
Don't tell anyone but... 
The groom was having an affair - with his bride's best friend Jane had been desperate to stop the wedding. She'd had to prevent her best friend from making the biggest mistake of her life.... Marrying Ryan Blair would have been disastrous. He was too rich, too powerful, too hot to handle.
There was only one solution: to stand up in church and declare that she, Jane Sherwood, respectable businesswoman, was having a secret torrid affair with Ryan. It had worked. The wedding was finished. But now Ryan was determined to make Jane pay for his wrecked marriage - by making her his mistress for real"


I bought this book a while back after the fabulous Abby Green recommend it on twitter as one of her favourite Presents.

The story begins with the heroine Jane confronting the hero Ryan at a business event, which, after his mocking, leads to her punching him in the face. Jane is desperately trying to make ends meet and keep her life together after Ryan's two-year long campaign of hate against her that has stripped her of her business, her possessions, her home, and her reputation. Jane knows that, in a way, she deserves his revenge after stopping his wedding to her best friend three years ago by lying that they had been having an affair. But she had done it to protect her best friend, although she can't tell Ryan that. Even though she appears to have lost everything, Ryan still continues to push his revenge against her, which results in one very passionate night in each others arms after a night of sparing. Jane begins to realise that her feelings for Ryan are dangerously closer to love than hate, and this scares her so she attempts to run away. But Ryan tracks her down forcing her to confront what is going on between them as well as forcing Jane to rely on him when she injured.

Wow, what a book! The story has so much going, so many elements you would want from a Presents that it should be a bit of a convoluted mess, but Susan Napier's superb writing makes it work brilliantly. The heroine is a fantastically crafted character - she has every reason to just give up and wail at her total misfortune but she doesn't, she keeps fighting and I loved her for that. This is exactly the kind of heroine I love reading. And the hero... I don't really know what to say about him, other than he is ALPHA (yes, capital letter worthy) to the last, but also caring and gentle and tremendously appealing.
What is so spectacular about this book is that the author keeps you guessing throughout the whole story, and weaves everything together in such a way that I could not stop reading.
There isn't a lot of love-scenes in this book, but, boy, does one of them make up for it! The passion between the characters literally saturates every page, so you don't miss out on chemistry just because there is not much actual sex.

If you like revenge themed Presents - this is not to be missed.

Xx

365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #334

The Secret She Can't Hide - India Grey
Harlequin Presents
Harlequin, 2011
ISBN: 9780373129973

N.B. The UK title of this book is 'Her Last Night of Innocence'.









My rating

From the back cover:

"World-famous racing driver Cristiano Maresca "always" spent the night before a race in the arms of a beautiful woman... 
One night three years ago that woman was Kate Edwards, and her time with Cristiano awakened her to unimaginable pleasure. But the following day the untamable Cristiano had a near-fatal crash...and then Kate discovered she was expecting his baby.... 
Now Monte Carlo is set to celebrate Cristiano's return to the track. Shivering with nerves, Kate braves the paparazzi to find the man who set her body aflame--and tell him her scandalous secret.... Italy's most notorious playboy has a love child"


For some random reason the last two books I have read both have heroes called Cristiano. Odd!

The heroine Kate hears that racing driver Cristiano, the hero, is about to return after a long recuperation following a very bad crash a few years back, and she knows that now is the time to tell him that their glorious night together resulted in their son. However when she finally gets the courage to approach him Cristiano doesn't know who she is, so she decides not to bother. Cristiano has no memory of Kate but senses something between them so, desperate to regain parts of his lost memory, he goes to her and asks her to spend some time away with him. When they are together, Kate is reminded of just how close they became in that one night they had together and tries to help Cristiano remember, but she can't quite work up the nerve to tell him about their son. However, when she has to leave after an emergency back home Cristiano finds out the truth quite by accident. Following her back to England, Cristiano wants to get to know his son, as well as work out if the passion between Kate and he can give them a future together.

Wow, this is a gorgeous book, I loved it. There really is something special about India Grey that makes her books so wonderful. They dazzle. And dazzle, this book does.
My heart broke at times for the hero and heroine - they so desperately wanted to be together but so many things conspired against them. The passion and emotion in their relationship is intense and written with such heart. I literally couldn't put this book down, it has everything; sorrow, joy, passion, anger etc. And, it is brilliant.

I can't recommend it (and India Grey's other books) enough.

Xx

365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #329

Marriage on the Rebound - Michelle Reid
Harlequin Presents
Harlequin, 1998
ISBN: 9780373119738
Reissue - Harlequin Treasury, 2011
eISBN: 9781459262300









My rating

From the back cover:

"Instant bridegroom...
Shaan had been jilted! She'd been left at the altar by Piers Danvers...but Rafe Danvers was waiting to step right into his half brother's shoes. Older, darker, stronger and the head of the Danvers business empire, it was Rafe who had persuaded Piers to abandon Shaan. Now, with the same ruthless determination, Rafe insisted that she become his bride instead. 
 Dazed, Shaan accepted his proposal, but she was also confused: until this moment, Rafe had acted as if he despised her. Suddenly he wanted to proclaim her to the world as his wife and, behind closed doors, to have her in his bed!"


Another one from the Treasury line.

It is the heroine Shaan's wedding day, but instead of being newly married she is in emotional termoil after he would-be- brother-in-law Rafe, the hero, tells her that her fiance has left with other woman. Not really knowing what to do, Shaan let's Rafe take her away from all the confusion, but she is shocked out of her reverie when Rafe asks her to marry him instead. Shaan has always thought that Rafe disapproved of her, but he makes a good case for them both marrying in order to save face and for companionship. After they marry, Rafe takes Shaan to Hong Kong, their getting to know one another is tumultuous at best with neither of them knowing what the other one feels. However, there is an undeniable attraction between them and they act on it. Even though it seems like they are both in love with other people, Shaan and Rafe grow closer and closer, but Shaan fears that their fragile relationship won't survive once they are back to their real lives.

I expected to like this book, but not as much as I actually did! This is a brilliant book - one of the best of Michelle Reid's books that I have read. Every thing in this book is very subtle, and it totally works. I adored the hero, I knew straight away that there was something else behind his alpha male veneer - the little glimpses of his POV that Michelle Reid adds in really whet your appetite and leave you wanting to read on to find out more.
Even though elements of this story are a little over the top and clichéd, I think that the love story between the hero and heroine is believable. There is so much emotion and intensity to this story, and it is perfectly executed.

Very, very good.

Xx

365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #237

Forbidden to His Touch - Natasha Tate
Mills & Boon Modern
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263890419












My rating

From the back cover:

"Trapped by desire for the one woman he can't touch... 
Rafael Chaves is a man tortured by his gut-wrenching past and tempted by a future he dares not even dream about. Knowing he'll never deserve the only woman he's ever wanted, Rafael will make sure she stays as far away from him as possible. 
But when Sophia Turino, daughter of the man who raised him from the gutter, stands before him seven years later she's even harder to resist... confident, successful, and as intoxicatingly beautiful as ever. It's time for Rafael to obliterate his darkly powerful infatuation..."


This is Natasha Tate's third book, I really liked both of her previous books so I was looking forward to reading this one.

The heroine Sophia and the hero Rafael haven't seen one another in seven years, ever since Sophia left her father's vineyard in order to live her own life. Rafael has never really forgiven Sophia for leaving, it hurt both her father - the man whom had taken Raf in as a child - and it hurt him. He had always wanted Sophia but never allowed himself to give in to his need for her. Sophia is nervous about returning, not only does she have to bury her father but also see Raf again. Their initial meeting is fraught with tension and Sophia quickly returns to her seemingly safe life only for Raf to come see her not long after, telling her that she must come back to help him run the vineyard. Sophia refuses to let Raf bully her into anything and manages to assert herself back at the vineyard. But Raf stays away from her, afraid that she will make him lose his precious control, and this only ends up hurting Sophia. Especially when after a night of blistering passion between them Raf retreats even further away from her.

Wow, what a roller coaster of a book! This is a wonderful story of forbidden love and all the emotions that go with it, and it is very intense to read. There is so much tension - sexual, animosity, misunderstanding, etc - between the hero and heroine, I really couldn't see how they would ever get their happy ending, which in my opinion makes it even more special when it does happen. Natasha Tate has written such a beautifully dark story, and it is absolutely flawless. The hero is tortured, extremely tortured, and this is done brilliant. I felt this was very much his story, and I couldn't help but fall for him.
The Californian wine country setting is beautifully described, the author paints a vivid picture that really sets the tone of the whole story.

The book is fast paced, and draws you in from the start as well as being jam-packed with emotion and passion. Thoroughly recommended.

Xx

365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #270

Pregnancy of Passion - Lucy Monroe
Harlequin Presents
Harlequin, 2006
ISBN: 9780373125906

N.B The above details refer to the North American release of this book.









My rating

From the back cover:

"It was a year since their tempestuous affair had ended. So why was he back? Elisa trusted Salvatore di Vitale as far as she could throw him. And, as the wealthy Sicilian was over six feet tall, that wasn't very far. 
 Salvatore told Elisa he had come to protect her. And if their close proximity led to passion...and if passion should lead to pregnancy...all the better! Because then Elisa would have to marry him, which was Salvatore's plan all along."

Another from the Kindle pile!

The heroine Elisa is not pleased when the hero Salvatore turns up at the jewellery store she works for. It reminds her too much of the pain she experienced a year ago when Salvatore had cruelly left her and she had later suffered a traumatic miscarriage. Salvatore has never forgiven himself for the cruel way he treated Elisa when he didn't believe her about the pregnancy, and he searched high and low for her when Elisa seemingly disappeared after her ordeal. Now she has come back, and with a threat against the store he spots his chance to try and win her back while also providing her with security. When they end up being locked in the store's safe overnight, it is pretty clear that the passion that was always between them is still alive and well. In the days following their night together he does everything he can to show her how sorry he is as well as his love for her, but Elisa doesn't know if she can ever trust Salvatore with her heart again.

Wow, this is a wonderful book. I could hardly put it down. The passion between the hero and heroine is intense yet also incredibly romantic. Elisa and Salvatore's story is full of such deep love that my heart wanted to melt, yet it also has so much pain that my heart was also breaking. Both characters are fantastic; the hero is the ultimate alpha-male, he has moments of being a little cruel or too dominant but this is balanced with such a gorgeous tenderness. The heroine is strong despite all her sadness, I couldn't help but like her.

I adored the mix of pain and joy in this book, it is captivating to read. Recommended.

Xx