Never Surrender-Lindsay McKenna

Never Surrender

Lindsay McKenna

Harlequin HQN, Jun 24 2014, $7.99

ISBN: 9780373778829



Navy SEAL Team 3 Chief Gabe Griffin is proud of his fiancée Navy Petty Officer First Class Baylee-Ann Thorn as she was one of the first female Shadow Warriors and became the first military female 18 Medic. They have missed each other, but immediately make up for lost time now that she returned to California after serving in Afghanistan providing medical support.



Bay has six months left in the service but is assigned to Special Forces instead of the SEALs. Deployed in Afghanistan again, the Taliban capture her. Gabe goes crazy as he risks his life to save his beloved. When Bay is rescued, she is not the same having suffered a brain injury, rape and unrelenting torture. He refuses to walk away from his Bay even if she is not his same confident lover.



The sequel to Breaking Point is a terrific military romantic thriller starring two wonderful protagonists. Readers will marvel at Gabe’s impatience when it comes to finding his woman and patience when it comes to being there for her. However, Bay makes the storyline military strong as her struggles with PTSD grips the audience with harrowing realism.



Harriet Klausner

First Comes Love-Karen Wiesner

First Comes Love

Karen Wiesner

Lulu, Jul 1 2014

www.lulu.com

ISBN: 9781304898197



In Peaceful, Wisconsin, young teens Chad Feldmann and Winnie McBride have sex. She becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl. To avoid the errors that most kids having kids do, Chad insists they remain celibate until they graduate and marry. Three years later, after the couple completes high school, they wed and raise their child Kally.



Winnie feels resentment towards her husband and daughter as she sacrificed much for them to become a family. As she works two jobs and takes care of little Kally, her disappointment is further fueled when Chad uses his college fund that his family banked for him to pursue his dreams. Chad knows he made foolish mistakes out of love and his constant fear his soulmate would leave him; but his recent actions to insure he can care for his two beloved females instead may fulfill his nightmarish prophecy.



The fourth fabulous Friendship Heirlooms series (see Forever And All That Jazz) star two wonderful protagonists as Chad and Winnie have love, a baby and marriage in that order, but apparently also a dying relationship. With a strong support cast (a trademark of Ms. Weisner as for instance this lead couple were in the Family Heirlooms Series drama Glass Angels), fans will relish the return to Peaceful although what appears to be the end of a marriage.



Harriet Klausner

Abandon The Dark-Marta Perry

Abandon The Dark

Marta Perry

Harlequin HQN, Jun 24 2014, $7.99

ISBN: 9780373778843



Two decades ago when she stayed with her great-Aunt Rebecca in Deer Run, Pennsylvania, Lainey Colton spent the most wonderful summer of her life becoming BFFs with Rachel (see Home by Dark) and Meredith (see Search The Dark); that is until Aaron Mast died. When Rebecca becomes very ill, the graphic designer returns to Deer Run to care of her beloved relative.



Lawyer Jake Evans left the rat race to settle in the serene Amish town. He is unhappy with Lainey’s arrival as he fears the outsider will inadvertently misuse her power of attorney re Rachel since this great-niece knows nothing about the Amish. As Lainey and her two BFFs look into deaths past and recent, the attorney and the client’s relative fall in love; but someone wants her and her buddies to end their investigation or else.



The third sensational Watcher in the Dark romantic suspense continues to use family and romance as support to the tense twisting overarching plot; ergo newcomers should begin with the earlier entries. Fast-paced, series readers will enjoy the three brave amigas perilous search for the truth.



Harriet Klausner

Until We Touch-Susan Mallery

Until We Touch

Susan Mallery

Harlequin HQN, Jun 24 2014, $8.99

ISBN: 9780373778935



Retired NFL player Jack McGarry co-owns Score public relations firm. He and his partners left Los Angeles to set up shop in Fool’s Gold, California. His assistant Larissa Owens loves her job, which also enables her to work on her passion of rescuing animals. Though attracted to Jack, Larissa has no time or interest in pursuing any relationship with him except work as she accepts her feelings for him are one sided.



Larissa’s mother Nancy arrives in Fool’s Gold to demand Jack fire his assistant so that her daughter can return to L.A. to find a man. However, she also proclaims to Jack that Larissa loves him; but is too stupid to act on it. Finally Nancy also insists Jack must have taken one too many blows to the head as a football player to realize how he feels about Larissa; though he knows otherwise as a tragedy closed his heart from emotional pain. Both Jack and Larissa remain in denial, but their relationship subtly begins to change.



The third Score Fool’s Gold romance (see Before We Kiss and When We Met) is an amusing contemporary as two people sing the refrain from I’m Not In Love (10 Cc). Outrageous Nancy steals the storyline from the protagonists to the delight of fans who will enjoy the latest ex-gridiron performer sacked by love.



Harriet Klausner

Riding Hard-Vicki Lewis Thompson

Riding Hard

Vicki Lewis Thompson

Harlequin Blaze, Jun 17 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373798070



Six months ago in Virginia, veterinarian Drake Brewster betrayed his best friend Regan O’Conelli when he slept with his buddy’s fiancée. Regan ended their partnership and friendship, and his engagement before moving to Shoshone, Wyoming (see Riding High).



Knowing he did wrong, Drake follows Regan to Wyoming to apologize. Thanks to Regan’s new fiancée, Drake is forgiven by his former veterinary partner, but not by the townsfolk who adore the O’Conelli brood (see Ambushed). At Spirits and Spur, bartender Tracy Gibbons overtly displays her scorn of Drake as she possesses a strong moral fiber. However, when she needs his help at a horse sanctuary especially with a pregnant mare, Tracy asks Drake. As she works with him, Tracy observes how gentle yet firm and diligent he is with the horses. Soon afterward, they begin a heated relationship that turns to love.



The latest engaging Sons of Chance Wyoming ranch romance (see Riding Home) is an entertaining contemporary starring two intriguing protagonists as he wonders if his terrible transgression will destroy his chance for happiness while she acts capable of tossing that biblical first stone at him. Although the Chance saga feels overly stretched to include these outsiders; series fans still will enjoy the changing relationship between the contrite and the moralist.



Harriet Klausner

Double Exposure-Erin McCarthy

Double Exposure

Erin McCarthy

Harlequin Blaze, Jun 17 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373798087



To obtain an interview of renowned photographer Ian Bainbridge, Daily Journal reporters Emma Gideon and Kyle Hadley agree to pose nude except for green paint on their bodies. Whereas Kyle enjoys the event; Emma feels self-conscious and wonders if journalism is worth the cost of debasing herself though she appreciates watching the Jolly Green Giant grow. Things turn worse when some nut steals bags of clothing that the models including the journalists took off before posing.



Naked, the reporters make it to his home where they end up showering together. As they begin a tryst, Emma and Kyle fall in love. Holding them back from a total commitment is each fears their relationship must end soonest; not because of the paper’s “no hanky-panky” rule but due to them being rivals at work.



The first From Every Angle contemporary romance is a wonderful lighthearted tale that effortlessly combines humor and heat. The lead couple seems like opposites, but that proves skin deep to the delight of engaged readers.



Harriet Klausner

Sanctuary In Chef Voleur-Mallory Kane

Sanctuary In Chef Voleur

Mallory Kane

Harlequin Intrigue, Jun 17 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373697755

 

In Dowdie, Texas Stephanie Clemens needs a liver transplant or very soon she will die from cirrhosis.  Her daughter Hannah Martin overhears her mom’s boyfriend Billy Joe Campbell arranging an illegal deal.  Hannah confronts Billy Joe who kidnaps her mom placing her in peril as she must have dialysis.  Not long afterward, gang chieftain Sal Ficone’s enforcer with the red tattoo demands Billy Joe give him the missing money and drugs or else.  When Billy Joe blames Hannah and admits abducting Stephanie, the man kills him.  Frightened, Hannah drives until she reaches Chef Voleur off of Lake Pontchartrain where her mom’s friend Kathleen lives.

 

Instead of her BFF, Mackellis Griffin answers her knock.  She asks for Kathleen who died twenty years ago.  D&D Security P.I. Mack thinks the visitor is trouble and lets her leave, but feels guilty so does some research into her and her mom.  Meanwhile Hannah realizes that Billy Joe’s car she drove to escape is where he hid the drugs; so the man with the red tattoo will come for her.  Instead Metairie PD arrests Hannah for possession of a stolen vehicle and illegal narcotics.  Mack arrives as her attorney and asks the judge to release her into his recognizance.  While the pair dodges the red tattoo killer breaking the conditions of her bail, D&D Security search for her mom.

 

The latest Delancey Dynasty romantic suspense (see Gone and Dirty Little Secrets) is a terrific woman in peril from both sides of the law thriller that never slows down until the epilogue.  Mack is a born protector mostly because of what happened to his mom years ago that still haunts him, and Hannah needs his protection.

 

Harriet Klausner

Undercover Warrior-Aimée Thurlo

Undercover Warrior

Aimée Thurlo

Harlequin Intrigue, Jun 17 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373697724

 

In Hartley, New Mexico, NCIS undercover operative Kyle Goodluck poses as an IRS agent while he conducts surveillance on Lieutenant Henry Leland who just came back from a naval base in Spain.  When Leland calls NCIS claiming terrorists are blackmailing him; Kyle heads to Secure Construction to talk with him.  The agent arrives as thugs grab Leland and office manager Erin Barrett.  A shootout occurs leaving Hank critically wounded, Erin rescued and the kidnappers escaping.  After HPD Detective Preston Bowman and his foster brother Kyle discuss how to handle the case, Goodluck is assigned to keep the witness safe.

 

On the way to the hospital, the thugs attack the EMT vehicle; Hank dies while Kyle shoots one of the attackers; he commits suicide rather than be captured.  As Kyle and Preston work the case to learn what the alleged terrorists wanted and keep their witness safe, the NCIS Undercover Warrior and the courageous office manager fall in love.  However, first they must take down the cold hardened killers before considering their future as anyone associated with the late Hank is walking dead.

 

This Copper Canyon romantic suspense (see Power of the Raven, Winter Hawk’s Legend, Falcon’s Run and Secrets of the Lynx) is an action-packed entry starring two intrepid protagonists and a solid support cast in an enchanting location.  Fans will appreciate the late great Aimée Thurlo’s usual superb storytelling as she showcases her talent by providing her readers with another strong thriller.

 

Harriet Klausner

A Bride By Summer-Sandra Steffen

A Bride By Summer

Sandra Steffen

Harlequin Special Edition, Jun 17 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373658275

 

In Orchard Hill, Michigan someone abandoned Joey; leaving the baby with the Sullivan brothers; Reed, Marsh and Noah (see A Bride Before Dawn).  The three bachelors struggle with caring for the infant while they wonder who the mom is and which one of them she believes is the dad.

 

Reed and tavern owner Ruby O’Toole (see The Wedding Gift) meet when both were almost hurt by a maniac in a Corvette.  They are attracted to each other, but he feels Joey and bodily excretions come before a firebrand female; and she recently vowed no more men even a nice keeper.  As Reed and Ruby forge a friendship, platonic seems impossible.

 

The latest Round-the-Clock Brides (see A Bride Until Midnight) is an amusing contemporary as love proves bothersome when two people can’t agree on what flavor ice cream to share.  Readers will adore Ruby for her outlook (just ask Nanny McPhee), and appreciate Reed for his persistence with her but especially with his little pal Joey.

 

Harriet Klausner

Lone Star Redemption-Colleen Thompson

Lone Star Redemption

Colleen Thompson

Harlequin Romantic Suspense, Jun 3 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373278763

 

In Rusted Spur, Texas sexagenarian widow Nancy Rayford nears total collapse as she tries to keep the family ranch afloat until her son Zach returns from his marine tour in Afghanistan.  When he comes home, Zach is shocked to find his Mama in ill health caring for the spread and for his four year old niece Eden that his late brother never mentioned.

 

Dallas TV reporter Jessie Layton reluctantly arrives at the Rayford ranch searching for her twin sister Haley who she hopes to persuade to visit their dying mom.  Nancy lies to her son re Jessie’s visit, but he intercedes when the stranger and a cameraman Henry upset his Mama.  The older woman explains she allowed Frank McFarland and his girlfriend Haley to live in a bunkhouse, but they vanished six months ago.  In town, Danny’s brother Hellfire makes it clear he hates Haley and Jessie due to her DNA, and Sheriff Canter wants to lock up Jessie though he knows she is the sister.  As the obstinate journalist refuses to leave town, she and Zach realize they share in common fixing estranged families and an attraction.  However, when someone murders Henry and injures Jessie, Zach vows to find the killer before he permanently harms the woman he loves. 

 

This super romantic suspense is anchored by a strong family drama.  The support cast is solid even the missing sister while the lead couple goes from a gender war to a loving partnership.  Readers will relish this thriller with it deep characterization and a terrific mystery.

 

Harriet Klausner

Knight Of Love-Catherine LaRoche

Knight Of Love

Catherine LaRoche

Pocket eBook, Jun 9 2014, $1.99

ISBN: 9781476710136

 

In 1848 in the German Confederation, ruthless Prince Kurt von Rotenburg brutalizes his English fiancée Lady Lenora Trevelayan.  He smacks her whenever he believes she behaved inappropriately.  Unwilling to accept his abuse, Lenora becomes determined to go home, but no one will help her out of fear of violent retribution to themselves and their family.  The vicious prince flogs his intended over twenty times in a public square, but Lenora refuses to scream though she cannot walk once the torture ends. 

 

No one dare assist her except the gentle giant Wolfram von Wolfsbach und Ravensworth the half-English aristocratic blacksmith who realizes the brave English lady is his soul mate.  When Lenora escapes from her prison, she fails to get very far as rebels catch her.  She vows to use her knife to flee or die, but instead their leader Wolfram welcomes his beloved to their camp.

 

Knight of Love is an entertaining mid nineteenth historical romance made fresh by the location of two English in Germany during the revolution.  Ironically she rejects his love at first sight while testing his gentleness.  Although her second escape engages the audience, it also feels unnecessary as she could just say no to her kind second suitor.  Still subgenre fans will enjoy this exciting drama.

 

Harriet Klausner

Protecting Her Royal Baby-Protecting Her Royal Baby

Protecting Her Royal Baby

Beth Cornelison

Harlequin Romantic Suspense, Jun 3 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373278756

 

Bud explains to his pregnant lover who he is and warns her to flee as assassins have arrived to kill him, her and their unborn.  Brianna Coleman runs for her life and that of her child.  While jogging Hunter Mansfield avoids an out of control car that ends in a ditch.  He helps the pregnant driver, who is in labor and suffers from amnesia.  

 

Her vehicle has bullet holes so he believes her contention that an unknown adversary stalks her and her child.  Hunter takes her to safety.  As she slowly recalls events, Brianna and Hunter fall in love, but he fears for her life and that of her baby when she insists she needs to go to Cape Cod where the truth and danger await.

 

The second Mansfield Brothers romantic suspense (see The Return of Connor Mansfield) is a thrilling drama as the beleaguered heroine does not know who to trust except her Good Samaritan rescuer to help her in Protecting Her Royal Baby.  Although the amnesia segue is an overused technique, readers will root for the brave couple (Hunter’s only fear is losing Brianna to her lover and her only fear is losing baby Ben) as they struggle to stay alive and keep her child safe.

 

Harriet Klausner

The Search For Sunlei-H.L. Grandin

The Search For Sunlei

H.L. Grandin

Acorn Book Services, Apr 22 2014, $14.99

www.acornbookservices.com

ISBN: 9780991583003

 

Five years ago, understanding the Promise of two potential outcomes, Tyoga Weathersby sent his beloved Sunlei away to keep her safe from the South Fork Shawnee.  While Sunlei lived in the Iroquois village of Kanaitaro, Ty became respected in English and Cherokee circles, and with Trinity Jane has two young kids residing at Twin Oaks in Virginia. 

 

The Promise whispers to Ty that his Sunlei needs rescuing from vicious Iroquois Chief Quisquis, who with French support reigns supreme in Ohio.  Over the objection of his pregnant mate, Ty, his brother Tes Qua and his planation overseer Brister head to Tuskareegee to drop off supplies.  Afterward, Brister returns to the planation.  Ty and Tes Qua meet dying Standing Bird who tells them that the French and Iroquois are aware of the British army coming to attack them.  Ty continues with the rescue while Tes Qua goes to Albany to warn the British.  As he heads towards Kanaitaro, Ty visits his mother for the first time in five years.  She berates him for not coming home with his family of whom she never met, and tells him he misused the Promise when he slaughtered several Indians.  Sad Ty knows she is right as he struggles to contain his demons, but treks on with his quest.

 

The second The Legend of Tyoga Weathersby is an exciting Pre Revolutionary War drama.  The leisurely-pace vivid storyline provides a deeper look at the Promise and enables the reader to feel they are on the journey; while his mate and mother rip skin from the hero that keeps him humanly grounded.  The Search For Sunlei is a strong mid eighteenth century Colonial America historical.

 

Harriet Klausner

 

Small-Town Redemption-Beth Andrews

Small-Town Redemption

Beth Andrews

Harlequin SuperRomance, Jun 3 2014, $6.75

ISBN: 9780373608508

 

In Shady Grove, ER nurse Charlotte Ellison still feels foolish though several weeks have passed since she inanely kissed the man she loves and considered to be the future father of her children O’Riley’s bar owner Kane Bartasavich.  He reacted by patting her on the head and rejected her out of character advance. 

 

Kane suffers a bad motorcycle accident.  Although Charlotte knows she should keep her distance, she helps Kane recover.  As they spend time together, Charlotte realizes her Kane is attracted to her and she believes he hid his feelings in order not to hurt her when he leaves town as the rolling stone he is always goes away.  When his teenage daughter Estelle comes to town, Charlotte concludes her Kane is nothing like her fantasy image of him; the real man is much better but how to persuade him they belong together remains elusive.

 

This Shady Grove enjoyable contemporary romance (see Caught Up In You and Talk Of The Town) will remind readers of the Gigi and Alex segue from the movie He's Just Not That Into You.  The cast is solid and the arrival of Estelle radically changes readers’ first impressions of the bad dude from his secondary role in What Happens Between Friends and the opening scenes in this story.  The course of love is fun to follow even if it goes as expected; summed up by Estelle: “Daddy, I Love You, but sometimes you’re a real idiot.”

 

Harriet Klausner

A Perfect Homecoming-Lisa Dyson

A Perfect Homecoming

Lisa Dyson

Harlequin SuperRomance, Jun 3 2014, $6.75

ISBN: 9780373608553

 

Aunt Viv calls her niece Dr. Ashleigh Wilson with news that the latter’s sister Paula is having a rough pregnancy with no family member including her husband Scott available to help her for various legitimate reasons.  Paula’s pediatrician wants her to remain in bed, but that is impossible with two young sons running wild.  Only Ashleigh’s ex, ER Dr. Kyle Jennings is there as much as he can for his former sister-in-law. 

 

Though she has not spoken to her sibling in two years, Ashleigh returns home to Grand Oaks, Virginia to help Paula and face her ex-husband who she fled from after several miscarriages made her feel he deserved a better complete wife.  Even before they meet, Ashleigh knows she never stopped loving him.  As the sisters reconcile, Kyle remains in love with his ex-wife.

 

This is an entertaining second chance at love between Ashleigh and people she still cherishes even after she ran away from them.  The support cast enhances the family drama but it is Ashleigh’s awakening that makes this a fine contemporary.

 

Harriet Klausner

 

Wicked Temptation-Zoë Archer

Wicked Temptation

Zoë Archer

St. Martin's, Jun 3 2014, $7.99

ISBN: 9781250015617

 

In 1887, Bronwyn and Hugh Parrish were the toast of London high society until his death eight months ago.  However, Bronwyn remains stunned not so much from her grief for her husband; but from learning that that her late spouse’s business manager Devere stole their funds, leaving her a penniless widow paying off their debts and no longer acceptable amongst the Ton’s in-crowd.

 

Former Crown espionage agent Marco Black of Nemesis, Unlimited arrives at Bronwyn’s home to obtain information on Devere.  Instead, though he cannot explain to himself why, Marco asks the aristocrat for her help in finding the scoundrel; she readily agrees to assist him in bringing Devere to justice.  Clues lead them to France and the ruthless Les Grillons crime syndicate.  Surviving the French danger while also falling in love, the lead pair heads to Italy seeking the thief.

 

The latest Nemesis, Unlimited Victorian romantic suspense (see Sweet Revenge) is a terrific thriller with the protagonists facing lethal enemies in England and especially on the continent.  Although the relationship between the lead couple seems too similar to the stars of Dangerous Seduction, fans will root for this courageous pair as each struggles to survive their class taboo attraction almost as much as their deadly foes. 

 

Harriet Klausner

 

Fire Rising-Donna Grant

Fire Rising

Donna Grant

St. Martin's, Jun 3 2014, $7.99

ISBN: 9781250041371

 

In Oban, Scotland, Daniel arrives at the Rose and Crown Pub to warn his partner and former lover Sammi they must leave immediately.  He explains to her shock that he laundered mob money through the pub while skimming some of it.  Before they escape, angry enforcers enter the pub accosting Daniel while demanding to know how much he took and where Sammi is.  Stunned and scared Sammi escapes but not before she takes a bullet to the shoulder while watching her pub as it explodes.

 

With little cash at hand, a need to stay off the grid and very limited options, Sammi travels to Dreagan, home of her half-sister Jane (see Dawn's Desire in Dark Heat anthology).  Jane and her mate King Banon welcome her.  Sammi and newest Dragon King Tristan meet and are attracted to each other.  However, she believes she must leave before her adversaries blow up Dreagan as they always seem to have found her over the last month on the lam.  Vowing to keep her safe, Tristan and Banon know her wound comes from a dragon bullet, which means an exiled king, probably Ulrich is involved.  As Tristan begins to recover lost memories, he and the woman in distress fall in love.

 

The latest Dark Kings romantic urban fantasy (see Darkest Flame) is an exciting thriller with another cliffhanger climax even as the lead relationship takes a needed back seat to the threat.  Although not including Sammi’s plight (except for her comments) for that month she runs alone detracts from an overall fine entry as readers never obtain the full taste of her damsel in distress peril.

 

Harriet Klausner

A Rancher’s Honor-Ann Roth

A Rancher’s Honor

Ann Roth

Harlequin American Romance, Jun 3 2014, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373755257

 

In Prosperity, Montana, thirty-something day care provider Lana Carpenter reels from the news that her ex Brent and his second wife Julia are expecting.  Her BFF Kate commiserates with Lana by taking her to Bitter & Sweet Bar and Grill where she has too much to drink and leaves with a cowboy.  The next morning Lana awakens with a hangover as her only company at the Prosperity Inn.  In the bathroom the cowboy left her aspirins, bottled water and a thank you note for a great time.

 

Rancher Sly Pettit and neighbor Tim Carpenter of the Lazy C Ranch are enemies ever since someone poisoned several of the former’s cattle.  Sly tried to get information from Tim, but only received a rifle pointed at his chest; so now he is suing.  Sly and Lana begin a no-strings tryst after that wonderful night; only the main  problem is she is Tim’s cousin.  However, a new complication surfaces when Lana becomes pregnant and he does not want children after a painful childhood filled with what he regards as personal failure.

 

This Prosperity, Montana ranch romance is an engaging contemporary with fully developed flawed lead characters and a solid cast consisting of mostly family members.  Sly’s traumas affirm the adult is the child.  While Lana’s belief in family divides her between a need to begin a new one and her loyalty to kin; as ironically she handles his family issues with courage and her family issues with cowardice. 

 

Harriet Klausner

Love With A Perfect Cowboy-Lori Wilde

Love With A Perfect Cowboy

Lori Wilde

Avon, May 27 2014, $7.99

ISBN: 9780062219008

 

Twelve years ago, Melody Spencer left Cupid, Texas on a full scholarship to NYU and has stayed in Queens until recently ever since.  She also left behind the love of her life Luke Spencer and the feud between their families.  She anticipates a promotion to creative director at the ad agency where she works, but instead Melody’s Tribalgate boss fires her due to her inability to ignore her ethics; as he insists the customer is always right regardless.  After a respite at St. Pat’s, Melody returns to her lover Jean Claude Laurent’s apartment only the doorman Parker refuses her access and tells her to remove her things or face the cops.

 

In Manhattan, Luke as the mayor of their small-town needs Melody’s skills to save drought-ridden Cupid.  She agrees to go home to mount a campaign to save Cupid, but makes it clear no sex.  Back in Texas, as their families still feud, Melody and Luke make love not war.

 

The latest Cupid romance (see All Out Of Love, Love at First Sight and Somebody To Love) is an amusing lighthearted second chance at love contemporary.  Although the jocular storyline goes as expected; the lead couple and their lunatic family make for a fun time “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

 

Harriet Klausner

Becoming The Prince’s Wife-Rebecca Winters

Becoming The Prince’s Wife

Rebecca Winters

Harlequin Romance, Jun 3 2014, $5.99

ISBN: 9780373742929

 

Attorney Carolena Baretti joins her friend Abby formerly Loretto (see Expecting the Prince’s Baby) on the latter’s royal jet as they fly to the Riviera Principality of Gemelli.  Also on board with them is Abby’s eight month old son Prince Maximiliano.  Waiting for them is Abby’s husband Crown Prince Vincenzo Di Laurentis of the Principality of Arancia, his mother Queen Bianca and his grieving brother-in-law Prince Valentino Cavelli.

 

Carolena and Valentino are attracted to each other.  However, he still mourns the death of his sister who was Vincenzo’s first wife, has a pledge to marry a royal and besides refuses to emulate his ex-brother-in-law by carousing with a taboo commoner.  Still in spite of his efforts, they fall in love.

 

The second Princes of Europe contemporary is an entertaining romance starring two individuals not seeking love, but that certain feeling pairs them anyway.  Although the overarching premise is similar to Expecting The Prince’s Baby sans the pregnancy, fans will enjoy the Riviera while appreciating the changing relationship between the royal and the commoner.

 

Harriet Klausner

Baby For Keeps-Janice Maynard

Baby For Keeps

Janice Maynard

Harlequin Desire, Jun 3 2014, $5.25

ISBN: 9780373733200

 

Single mother Mia Larin returns to her hometown of Silver Glen, North Carolina after years away.  She comes back with no money, family, home or prospects; and a newborn baby Cora.  Silver Dollar owner Dylan Kavanagh fails to initially recognize his brilliant misfit high school tutor Mia when she entered his bar until she mentions her name.

 

His gut warns him to stay away from these in trouble females, but his heart tells him to help these damsels in distress.  He hires Mia, and gives mother and daughter a room above the bar though he also resides upstairs.  As he falls in love with his female guests, they fall in love with him; but both adults hesitate to act on their reciprocal feelings.

 

The latest Billionaires and Babies romance (see His Lover's Little Secret by Andrea Laurence) is an enjoyable contemporary starring two nice characters whose relationship lacks fire.  Still fans will enjoy the bonding of the billionaire, the baby and the brain.

 

Harriet Klausner

Demon Wolf-Bonnie Vanak

Demon Wolf

Bonnie Vanak

Harlequin Nocturne, Jun 1 2014, $5.75

ISBN: 9780263913965

 

Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Dale Curtis and his subordinates know he still suffers from PTSD as well as physical injuries that have impacted his Primary Elemental Mage skills after being tortured by demons.  The worst tormenter was a female though he cannot remember who she is.

 

Shapeshifter Keira Solomon prays that the SEAL she met when demons captured him will be able to free her from these evil essences and that he never realizes she was the one who, though forced by their mutual adversarial malevolence, hurt him.  When they meet, Dale feels déjà vu but cannot explain why he believes he knows her.  As she helps him recuperate and they fall in love, Keira needs a healthy Dale to defeat the demons, but either way she accepts she loses him.

 

The latest Phoenix Force romantic urban fantasy (see The Covert Wolf and Phantom Wolf) is a fabulous thriller due the strong pairing of the lead couple who have an ugly history though the hero remains ignorant as to what she did to him while his lower head and heart recognize her.  Readers will relish this exciting suspense as the Elemental SEAL and the beleaguered Shapeshifter must overcome the enemy and their shared past.

 

Harriet Klausner