Say No To Joe? by Lori Foster

Rating: 5 hearts
Back cover:

Joe Winston has a routine with women: he exists; they swoon; roll credits. With his smoldering looks, macho style, and irrepressible charm, Joe can have any woman -- except the one he really wants. Secretly, Luna Clark may lust after Joe, but she's made it clear that she's too smart to fall for him. He can just keep holding his breath, thank you very much. But now, Luna's inherited two kids who need more than she alone can give in a small town that seems hell-bent on driving them away. She needs someone to help out...someone who can't be intimidated...someone just like Joe. Becoming an instant family wasn't exactly what Joe had in mind, but hey, it's a start, and you can't blame a guy for trying every angle.

After all, where there's a Joe, there's a way...straight into a woman's heart.

Review:
When I first 'met' Joe in "Wild" I loved him. Couldn't wait for his story. When I realized Luna (also in "Wild") would be the heroine, I was a little less enthusiastic. I liked her as a colorful kooky secondary character, but wasn't so sure about her as a heroine. Well, I have to say this paring absolutely worked! From the first I was caught up in the action, sexual tension, and fascinating story. Joe's protection of Luna and the kids is endearing and funny. This was just a charming story that was easy and fun to read. I am looking forward to reading about Jamie... he's quite the puzzle!

Highlander Unchained by Monica McCarty

Challenge: Readers choice!
Rating: 4
pages: 367

Back cover: Lachlan Maclean will do whatever it takes to protect his clan–even if it means abducting the most willful woman in the Highlands with the secret intention of wooing her for marriage. A born searing sensual leader possessing brute strength, and an imposing command, Lachlan is unprepared for the beautiful spitfire Flora MacLeod, who jeopardizes his plans to save his clan, and digs beneath his hard, chiseled exterior to expose a tenderness that may be his undoing.
The greatest marriage prize in the Highlands, Flora is determined at all costs to avoid her mother’s fate of being bartered away as a political pawn. Vowing to make her captor pay for his ruthlessness, she boldly engages him in a battle of wills, sweetening the challenge with dangerous passion–even as the lingering curse and deadly ghosts of a past tragedy reach out to thwart a tender love that has yet to be spoken.

Review: This was the third installment of this fabulous authors first trilogy. The writing was great, the story line good, the heroine totally annoying. As I was reading it I had trouble feeling the connection and romance between Lachlan and Flora, but I didn't put my finger on the problem until close to the end when Lachlan accused Flora of having no sense of responsibility or duty. That's what was bugging me! She's a spoiled brat! If you tell her to go left, she'll go right, just to be annoying and contrary! Someone needed to paddle her bratty behind. Besides Flora's brattiness, it was a very enjoyable and engrossing book. I had to give it a 4 just because of Flora. If she had been more of an adult it could have earned a 5 easily. Book one was definitely the best of the series. I am really looking forward to the authors next trilogy that is coming out as we speak!

Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas

Challenge: read a book by Lisa Kleypas
Rating: 5 +++
pages: 386

Back Cover: What is the price of love?

Nick Gentry is reputed to be the most skillful lover in all England. Known for solving delicate situations, he is hired to seek out Miss Charlotte Howard. He believes his mission will be easily accomplished -- but that was before he met the lady in question.

For instead of a willful female, he discovers one in desperate circumstances, hiding from a man who would destroy her very soul. So Nick shockingly offers her a very different kind of proposition -- one he has never offered before.

He asks her to be his bride.

And he knows that this will be much more than a union in name only. For he senses what Charlotte does not yet know -- that her appetite for sensuality matches his own. But what Nick learns surprises him. For while London's most notorious lover might claim Charlotte's body, he quickly discovers it will take much more than passion to win her love.

Review: I checked the archives, and it appears I have the honor of being the first to review this particular book on the blog. I almost read a different Kleypas book, and I am so glad I stuck with my original plan, because this book was just too fantastic to put off reading another day. I adored it from beginning to end. It was engrossing, romantic, and touching. If you like a tortured hero, you'll love this book. I wanted to give Nick a great big hug. His loneliness is endearing. Charlotte is a bit damaged herself, but she has emerged from her difficult past and become a very caring person when she could have turned bitter. The two characters together were superb -- and the love scenes are HOT. I didn't want the book to end and this book reminded me how very much I enjoy Kleypas's books and makes me wonder what the heck is wrong with me that I don't have more of her books on my shelf!! This was the final installment in her Bow Street trilogy, and I think it was my favorite. This is a fantastic series that ends on a very satisfying note and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.