Only Love by Elizabeth Lowell

Challenge: A title with love, kiss or heart for Valentines day.
Rating: 4

Pages:408

Back cover: Cast adrift during the War Between the States, Shannon Conner grew to womanhood in a lonely cabin high in the Colorado Rockies. Though stubborn and courageous, Shannon is ill-prepared to deal with the predatory Culpepper brothers—and the intoxicating ardour of the man who defends her honour, Rafael 'Whip' Moran.

A loner and a wanderer, a man tied to no place or promise, Whip aids the wary young 'widow' who has a walk like honey and a determined grip on her shotgun. But neither the Culpeppers nor grizzlies are as dangerous to Whip as the passion Shannon offers him—a passion that could cost Whip the freedom that is as much a part of him as his soul.

Review: I really loved this story. It started out really well with Whip saving Shannon from a pack of disgusting degenerates, and then his unconventional and sweet "courting", to get her to trust him. While I did enjoy it very much, it did get a little old with Whip first trying to sleep with her, then trying NOT to sleep with her, and then trying not to get her pregnant when he finally DID sleep with her (which took entirely too long in my opinion), and then his insistence that he couldn't stay with her because he values the sunrise he hasn't seen more than he values her. Of course he finally realizes that she is indeed more important than "yondering" (a phrase that was used often enough to hurt my head). I think this book could have earned a 5 if the author didn't over use phrases and themes constantly, but I was able to over look it for the most part. I look forward to reading Case's story!! side note: I wish Shannon had used his real name (Rafe) rather than his "west" name (Whip). It would have felt more personal.

Her Only Desire by Gaelen Foley

Challenge: A title with a 'D' word in it.
Rating: 3.5
Pages: 453

Back cover: Born into the wealthy British ruling class of India, Georgiana Knight is as unconventional as she is beautiful. She has sworn not to marry till she meets a man who will treat her as an equal–but that vow doesn’t appease her sensual curiosity. When Ian Prescott, the Marquess of Griffith, arrives on a mission to defuse the threat of war, she is immediately drawn to the mysterious and darkly handsome diplomat, and cannot resist provoking the hidden lust that smolders beneath his cool surface.

Ian is mesmerized by Georgie’s alluring mystique but burdened by a dark secret. And she is a temptation he cannot afford. But when she becomes entangled in his mission, she must be secreted away to England for her own safety. Georgie finds herself in the unfamiliar world of aristocratic London, where Ian becomes her guide, her confidant . . . her seducer. His incendiary kiss sets her soul on fire, and Georgie knows she will never be satisfied until she has made this magnificent man her own.

Review: This story starts out in India, which I wasn't that crazy about. Frankly, I just don't think it's a very romantic local.... but that's just me. This is the first in the Spice trilogy, and having read them out of order, I already read the second one and loved it so much more than this one. This one wasn't bad, but it just didn't live up to the sensuality I am used to in Foley's novels, and again, the location kind of put me off. It was an interesting read and I did enjoy it -- there was plenty of action and adventure to hold my attention, I just didn't find it terribly romantic. With exception of a couple of scenes, it was a little forgettable. Since I DID enjoy the second one very much, I am still looking forward to the third in the trilogy!

Come Back to Me by Josie Litton

Challenge: read a book that has an arranged marriage.
Rating: 4.5
pages: 371
Back Cover:
The most feared Viking to come out of the Northlands in a generation or more, Dragon Hakonson, brother to Lord Wolf and friend to Lord Hawk, hopes to steal a few days away by himself before entering into an arranged marriage with a Saxon bride. But instead of tranquillity, Dragon finds intrigue and passion when he has a chance encounter with a beguiling beauty disguised in boy’s garb. It is clear that the fiery-haired, fiercely willed Rycca is running away from something ... or someone.

Dragon is determined to uncover Rycca’s reasons for escape and see her safely to her destination. Yet rather than surrender herself to Dragon’s care, Rycca dares to defy him, disarm him, and even enchant him. For Rycca has a secret gift that Dragon cannot see. Stalked by the tragic past, struggling to fulfill the promise of peace, only when it is too late does Dragon discover the truth: that the temptress who has stolen his heart is none other than the woman destined to become his reluctant bride....

Review: This was a fantastic ending to this Viking trilogy! I enjoyed all three stories immensely, though I think the first book still remains my favorite. This one comes a close second though. This story had plenty going on and lots of emotion to keep me hooked through out. I would very highly recommend this trilogy!!

Morgan by Lori Foster

Challenge: read a book with a civil servant. (hero is a police officer)
Rating: 4
Pages: 218

Back cover:
Morgan Hudson commanded a lot of respect as Buckhorn's biggest, baddest sheriff. How one petite city woman could turn him on his head was a mystery, not to mention being downright aggravating. But Misty Malone did just that, and Morgan couldn't wait till she went back where she belonged. But then he discovered why she'd come in the first place.

Misty Malone had hoped to take refuge with her sister, who'd just married into a family of sinfully attractive brothers. They all treated her like gold— all but one. Morgan seemed to think she was some sort of femme fatale, out to seduce his brothers. But seduction was the last thing on her mind. Foremost was the baby she was secretly carrying. And then, how to avoid the sexual sparks flying between her and Morgan.

Review: This is a cute little story. It didn't wow me, but it was enjoyable quick reading All the the frank "I'm hot for you" talk from Morgan got a little old and boring after a while though. This is one of those books I have to read when not distracted because it doesn't draw me in very far, so I got easily pulled out of it.

Romance novels: smart reading

FACT: 50% of romance readers are married.
FACT: 42% of romance readers hold a bachelor degree OR HIGHER.
FACT: The VAST majority of romance authors were previously lawyers, investigative newspaper reporters, college professors, marine biologists, or some other occupation that required a higher (sometimes very high) education. So they are not ignorant idiots. Huh! Go figure!
FACT: Many romance authors have made the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists multiple times. Not bad for "drivel", huh?

A few years back, I read that when Martha Stewart was serving time in jail she was appalled that many of the inmates were reading romance novels. How dare they??? How could they read something like that in such a charming and happy environment? Um, Martha, did it occur to you to be happy to see them READING? Reading anything at all? Did it occur to her that maybe they needed to read about someone's happy ending when their own lives clearly missed that happily ever after mark? Frankly, I'm a little sick of romance novels getting the turned up nose. I don't turn my nose up at anyone's reading taste. I enjoy a good classic every so often. I don't scorn people who read sports bios, science theory, history, mystery, westerns, or Christian fiction. Ok, to be honest the only type of book I scorn are those grisly true crime books, but seriously, I question the mental health of those people. But I digress.

Why do people scorn the idea of reading about love? Who doesn't want to be loved and cherished and protected and cared for? Why is it not ok to read a story with a happily ever after? Is happily ever after only for children's fairy tails? Contrary to popular belief, all romance novels are not filled from cover to cover with heaving bosoms, creative names for anatomy and stupid characters. Are some? Sure. But every genre has it's dud authors. Many are filled with adventure, fantasy, life, and love. Many include actual history -- yes, it's true, romance authors do actual research and teach the reader a thing or two about big and small historic events. Many even travel to the destination (often out of the country) to get a feel for their location in the novel. I believe that even I would be surprised to find how much I learned about frontier, Regency, and medieval life from one of those "trashy novels".

Over the years I have read so very many books. Shakespeare, Mya Angelou, Austen, Bronte, Christian fiction of all kinds. I've read The Scarlet Letter, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Death of a Salesman, Wuthering Heights, Dickens (didn't care for any of his stuff though). I took English classes that I didn't need in college just for FUN. In other words, I didn't choose romance as my main source of reading for lack of experience reading anything else.

Turn on the news. Pick up a paper. How often do you read or hear a charming, funny, endearing, happy story in one of those places? For many people reading is an escape. A way to relax and take your mind off of things that might be worrying you. So tell me why I would want to read something that might make me feel worse, all in the name of being 'literary'? Not that only romances have happy endings, but in a romance it's generally a given! Is there sex in a romance novel? Usually. It's not always graphic though, and it's not all about that, though I enjoy a touch of spice in my novel..... A romance is a story about the journey towards the destination of love and happily ever after. And often reading about romance helps ME remember that before there were diapers to change, errands to run and laundry to do, I had a romance too. And I still do.

So next time you hear someone put down a romance writer or reader, please keep these facts in mind. There is nothing wrong with choosing to read something enjoyable and happy where good prevails and bad people get what's coming to them. I am not embarrassed to admit I read them, and I'm tired to being smirked at when I admit that I do. Romance readers and writers are more intelligent than they are often given credit for, and it's never a good idea to underestimate someone.

Cullen's Bride by Fiona Brand

Challenge: read a series book. (Silhouette)
Rating: 5 ++++

When Rachel Sinclair is rescued from an attacker by the small town returned bad boy, Cullen Logan, he knows that he is in trouble. Right away the sparks fly and the attraction sizzles. Cullen's father was a drunk and an abuser, and Cullen believes he won't be able to break the cycle, so he avoids any permanent commitments, and Rachel is a commitment kind of woman. When temptation proves too much for the both of them and a night of passion winds up with Rachel getting pregnant, Cullen knows he needs to marry her, but he makes it clear that he won't be keeping her or the baby -- he doesn't trust himself to be a good father and husband. Rachel knows that she needs to convince him that he has already broken the cycle or she will lose the love of her life.

Now HERE is a story I can get enthusiastic and excited about. Cullen is a man. He is a modern day warrior with a sensuality that will make you melt. Rachel is sweet, stubborn, and very lonely. She needs Cullen and he needs her. I absolutely adored this story from beginning to end. Deeply satisfying, emotional, and charming. The connection between Cullen and Rachel is so strong and nothing is going to keep them apart. The whole "I'm not good enough for you" story line doesn't always work, but it really did in this book. This is my second book by Fiona Brand, and I am very excited to read the rest of the books in this fantastic series.

The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

Challenge: book reviewed in the Fall Challenge (by Cindy)
Rating: 4
pages: 366

Wealthy Lady Georgina Maitland doesn't want a husband, though she could use a good steward to run her estates. One look at Harry Pye, and Georgina knows she's not just dealing with a servant, but a man. Harry has known many aristocrats-including one particular nobleman who is his sworn enemy. But Harry has never met a beautiful lady so independent, uninhibited, and eager to be in his arms. Still, it's impossible to conduct a discreet liaison when poisoned sheep, murdered villagers, and an enraged magistrate have the county in an uproar.

Review: This book was very good, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed it very much, but it totally lacked the wow factor that The Raven Prince had. I wasn't completely obsessed with getting back to the story every time I had to put it down. That said, I enjoyed the charming way the author wrote this story with humor and wonderful sensuality. I wasn't so crazy about the forbidden love due to class differences story line though. Also, I like the hero to be larger than life and I didn't feel Harry was quite there. I felt like the class difference held him back from the best hero he could be. This book was definitely worth the read though!

A Rose in Winter by Shana Abe

Challenge: Read a book with a W word for Winter

Rating: 4.5
pages:389

At sixteen, Lady Solange had pledged her love to Damon Wolf, had dreamed they would be together forever. But when her ruthless father threatened Damon's life unless she agreed to marry another, Solange did the only thing she could: she scorned her true love and sent him away. . . never imagining the fate that awaited her, never knowing that one day her destiny would be entwined with Damon's once more.

For nine long years, Solange has lived a nightmare, wed to a wealthy lord whose handsome face hides a soul of darkest evil. Yet now, just as she is poised to finally make good her escape, Damon suddenly appears at the castle gate. Gone is the gentle hero of her childhood, replaced by a fiercely attractive, thunderously angry knight, who makes it clear he has never forgiven her betrayal. Convincing Damon to escort her to safety will take all Solange's ingenuity--but the real challenge lies in breaching the walls that Damon has built between them, to win back his trust. . . and his hardened heart.

Review: First of all, I have to get on a mini soap box and make a statement: Heroine's should be protected from Very Bad Things. It may not be "real" life, but it's the way a romance should be. It's what I expect. I have to deduct that half point because Solange was not protected. Also for the fact that Solange, her father, and Damon were total idiots for not guessing that her husband, who was CLEARLY evil incarnate, was keeping them all apart. Duh. (I think I might be PMSing. LOL!) ANYway, aside from that annoyance, Shana Abe has crafted yet another highly unusual, lyrical romance that draws you in by slow degrees until you find yourself crying for what the characters have gone through to finally be together. I did appreciate that the Very Bad Things were not graphically detailed. Overall a worthwhile and satisfying story.

Dream Of Me / Believe In Me by Josie Litton

Challenge: Read a book with Vikings or Pirates. (chose Vikings)

Rating: Book one: 5 ++++
Book two: 4

Book one: In Dream of Me we meet Viking leader Wolf Hakonson as he embarks on a mission to kidnap lady Cymbra, a legendary beauty Wolf mistakenly believes is the cause of war. Instead he discovers that she is a gifted healer who will challenge him to confront his deepest yearnings -- and together they will become soul mates who forge a future blessed by peace.

Review: I LOOOOOOOOOVED this book. I cannot rave about it enough. I am a sucker for the Viking kidnapping plot, and Josie Litton does it superbly. Cymbra is the kind of heroine I love to read about. She's beautiful but she is also real and I admired (and was also slightly bewildered by) her willingness and conviction to accept her fate, them embrace it, and work towards making her marriage and life the best it can be. I was riveted by this story even at it's slowest parts, which is quite the accomplishment, I think. Wolf was wonderful -- larger than life, strong, very very sexy... sigh!!! The ending was wonderful -- Heartbreaking, then deeply satisfying.

Book Two: The Drama continues in Believe In Me, when saxon Lord Hawk, brother of Cymbra, seeks to strengthen the alliance by wedding a Norse noblewoman. But Lady Krysta arrives bearing many secrets-- including her gift for seeing what others cannot. And as an unexpected love ignites, only Krysta can sense the looming danger that threatens the peace--and Hawk as well.

Review: Lady Krysta arrives at Lord Hawk's holding disguised as a servant to see what kind of man she is getting for her husband, but all goes awry when Hawk is drawn to the 'servant' of the woman he is pledged to marry and her plan for going unnoticed is shot. When Hawk discovers the plan he is angry, but he allows Krysta her "getting to know each other" plan to move forward. I enjoyed this story very much, but the whole mermaid question mark on her parentage was a little odd. If it was going to be part of the story I would prefer it was explored more than it was. It just left more questions than it answered. That is the only reason I had to deduct a point, other than that I was delighted with the story, though it was not as gripping and emotional as book one. I have the third book in this trilogy and I cannot WAIT to read Dragon's story!!