A Wedding For Baby
Laura Marie Altom
Harlequin American, Sep 2009, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373752805
Six months pregnant Gabby Craig is shocked when Ben Bocelli, the father of her unborn, decamps. Ironically his family remains warm and loving towards her as if she were their offspring instead of the deserting wastrel.
Gabby is having health issues with her pregnancy and heart issues with falling in love with Ben’s brother Judge Dane Bocelli. He is attracted to her, but avoids her until her health issues surface. He is there for her in her hour of need, but Ben is back begging for a second chance arguing he is a changed responsible adult.
This is a terific romantic triangle starring two brothers and the woman they love. Ironically, Dane is there for Gabby but without candy and flowers while Ben is not but with candy and flowers; Ben is confident his impish smile will win the competition while Dane is “Running Scared” (nod to Roy Orbison) he cannot compete especially since he is only the child’s uncle. Although the ending is too easy, fans will enjoy attending A WEDDING FOR BABY as the audience don’t know Jack as to whom Gabby will select.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, August 10, 2009
Doctor Daddy-Jacqueline Diamond
Doctor Daddy
Jacqueline Diamond
Harlequin American, Sep 2009, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373752775
Luke Van Dam and Jane McKay attended medical school together as OB students, but though they knew each other, they only had one night. Following ecstasy, he dumped her. Years late, both are doctors who have not stayed in touch.
However, in Brea, California when Luke’s cousin Sean asks him to cover for him at the medical practice as he has inherited money and plans to practice in impoverish areas. Luke takes an extended leave from his research and is taken aback that thirty something Jane is the partner of his cousin who he knows he did her wrong. Jane knows she is still attracted to the rat. He is in the middle of a custody war when he suddenly finds himself with a daughter and an infant; Jane, who wants a child, helps him adjust to the nuking of his lifestyle by the kids and his heart is now sure he wants the three females permanently in his life.
This is a terrific Harmony Circle (see THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR, BABY IN WAITING and MILLION-DOLLAR NANNY) medical romance. The lead couple is a solid paring; while the support cast is strong as they turn the second chance at love into a special family drama. DOCTOR DADDY is an engaging contemporary as the lead male and the two kids wants doctor mommy too.
Harriet Klausner
Jacqueline Diamond
Harlequin American, Sep 2009, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373752775
Luke Van Dam and Jane McKay attended medical school together as OB students, but though they knew each other, they only had one night. Following ecstasy, he dumped her. Years late, both are doctors who have not stayed in touch.
However, in Brea, California when Luke’s cousin Sean asks him to cover for him at the medical practice as he has inherited money and plans to practice in impoverish areas. Luke takes an extended leave from his research and is taken aback that thirty something Jane is the partner of his cousin who he knows he did her wrong. Jane knows she is still attracted to the rat. He is in the middle of a custody war when he suddenly finds himself with a daughter and an infant; Jane, who wants a child, helps him adjust to the nuking of his lifestyle by the kids and his heart is now sure he wants the three females permanently in his life.
This is a terrific Harmony Circle (see THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR, BABY IN WAITING and MILLION-DOLLAR NANNY) medical romance. The lead couple is a solid paring; while the support cast is strong as they turn the second chance at love into a special family drama. DOCTOR DADDY is an engaging contemporary as the lead male and the two kids wants doctor mommy too.
Harriet Klausner
Never Marry a Stranger-Gayle Callen
Never Marry a Stranger
Gayle Callen
Avon, Sep 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780061235078
In 1845 Captain Matthew Leland returns home to England to inform his family he did not die in India as reported. When he left for overseas duty, his parents were estranged, but they seem reconciled as they enthusiastically greet him. He is stunned when they introduce him to his wife Emily as he knows his spouse died in India. He pretends he has amnesia and does not recognize her as he wants to avoid scandal and learn what her scam is. Matthew admires her reactions to his probing as she brazenly responds without tipping her hand.
Arthur Stanwood knows he is in trouble with his debtors. He seeks Emily who escaped from his control. The next day Matthew’s two sisters are excited to see him. Matthew also notices how his family and the servants love Emily and she seems to cherish each one of them. They take a walk and she promises to help him remember. Having learned of the miraculous return in the paper, Stanwood sends a note to Emily informing her he knows the truth. She fears him knowing he murdered the Vicar Tillman for helping her. Matthew sees her toss the letter in the fire and removes it. He has proof of her duplicity, but not why. As they fall in love, each knows the other lies to protect his family, but neither knows why while Stanwood demands payment or else.
The spinning relationship between the lead couple is excellent starting with his coming home from the “dead” to a “wife”. His family is fully developed and Emily has changed them from estranged to loving; however she is too perfect as everyone loves her. Still fans will appreciate this fine Victorian romance as those who dare to trust in love triumph every time.
Harriet Klausner
Gayle Callen
Avon, Sep 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780061235078
In 1845 Captain Matthew Leland returns home to England to inform his family he did not die in India as reported. When he left for overseas duty, his parents were estranged, but they seem reconciled as they enthusiastically greet him. He is stunned when they introduce him to his wife Emily as he knows his spouse died in India. He pretends he has amnesia and does not recognize her as he wants to avoid scandal and learn what her scam is. Matthew admires her reactions to his probing as she brazenly responds without tipping her hand.
Arthur Stanwood knows he is in trouble with his debtors. He seeks Emily who escaped from his control. The next day Matthew’s two sisters are excited to see him. Matthew also notices how his family and the servants love Emily and she seems to cherish each one of them. They take a walk and she promises to help him remember. Having learned of the miraculous return in the paper, Stanwood sends a note to Emily informing her he knows the truth. She fears him knowing he murdered the Vicar Tillman for helping her. Matthew sees her toss the letter in the fire and removes it. He has proof of her duplicity, but not why. As they fall in love, each knows the other lies to protect his family, but neither knows why while Stanwood demands payment or else.
The spinning relationship between the lead couple is excellent starting with his coming home from the “dead” to a “wife”. His family is fully developed and Emily has changed them from estranged to loving; however she is too perfect as everyone loves her. Still fans will appreciate this fine Victorian romance as those who dare to trust in love triumph every time.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Baby by Surprise-Karen Rose Smith
Baby by Surprise
Karen Rose Smith
Silhouette Special Edition, Sep 2009, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373654796
Six months pregnant neonatologist Dr. Francesca Talbot drives from Sagebrush to the hospital in Lubbock because she did not feel well. On the drive she becomes dizzy, has an accident, and breaks her arm. At the hospital she learns she is having a son and needs to watch her diet as she suffers from gestational diabetes so she especially has to avoid the take-out that she lives on. Francesca also knows she owes her child’s father a call.
Thus she phones Sagebrush Saddles, whose owner Grady picks up the phone. He already told her he wants in on his child’s life, but is worried about her and their unborn. He persuades Francesca to move in with him at least until the birth so he can help her. She agrees. As they fall in love, her work and his being burned by his ex fiancé keeps both reluctantly from pursuing the next step in their relationship.
The latest Baby Experts contemporary romance is a terrific tale starring two strong lead characters whose doubts about marriage even with a baby coming make for an engaging story line. Francesca and Grady are fully developed players so that their strengths, desires, and flaws seem real as they make a for a fabulous Special Edition.
Harriet Klausner
Karen Rose Smith
Silhouette Special Edition, Sep 2009, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373654796
Six months pregnant neonatologist Dr. Francesca Talbot drives from Sagebrush to the hospital in Lubbock because she did not feel well. On the drive she becomes dizzy, has an accident, and breaks her arm. At the hospital she learns she is having a son and needs to watch her diet as she suffers from gestational diabetes so she especially has to avoid the take-out that she lives on. Francesca also knows she owes her child’s father a call.
Thus she phones Sagebrush Saddles, whose owner Grady picks up the phone. He already told her he wants in on his child’s life, but is worried about her and their unborn. He persuades Francesca to move in with him at least until the birth so he can help her. She agrees. As they fall in love, her work and his being burned by his ex fiancé keeps both reluctantly from pursuing the next step in their relationship.
The latest Baby Experts contemporary romance is a terrific tale starring two strong lead characters whose doubts about marriage even with a baby coming make for an engaging story line. Francesca and Grady are fully developed players so that their strengths, desires, and flaws seem real as they make a for a fabulous Special Edition.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Getting Physical-Jade Lee
Getting Physical
Jade Lee
Harlequin Blaze, Sep 2099, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373794935
Stephen Chu travels from Hong Kong to Illinois toe meet his sexual Tao partner Tantric Sex Goddess Miss Tracy Williams. However, at the O’Hare customs line he learns the shocking news that his Tracy is engaged to Nathan Gao (see TAO OF SEX). He is stunned as Tracey as his Tantric partner would have taken both to incredible heights while Nathan is not a dragon master like him. Adding to his confusion that he insists to himself is caused by jet lag is his desire for the woman who has met him at the Chicago airport, Zoe Lewis even as she keeps saying Tracey and Nathan are in love and engaged.
Both are attracted to each other, but Zoe who had some training under another master must return to China to save her family’s troubled business and besides had one bad marriage with a former spouse still a louse causing her problems. Still Stephen begins teaching her sex while Zoe teaches him sensitivity that spans two continents. Although their sexual sensuality leads to love; he is a master so she can only be his mistress unless he opens his mind and heart to how high they can soar.
This is an entreating Tantric sex romance starring two likable lead characters and a ton of positions that should excite the audience; just remember Stephen is a master, which means practice makes perfect. The relationship between Zoe and Stephen feels right when it is somewhat distant though heated by the three steps; when love enters the equation GETTING PHYSICAL loses some of its edge as that feels abrupt especially on Stephen’s part. Still this is a hot contemporary romance.
Harriet Klausner
Jade Lee
Harlequin Blaze, Sep 2099, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373794935
Stephen Chu travels from Hong Kong to Illinois toe meet his sexual Tao partner Tantric Sex Goddess Miss Tracy Williams. However, at the O’Hare customs line he learns the shocking news that his Tracy is engaged to Nathan Gao (see TAO OF SEX). He is stunned as Tracey as his Tantric partner would have taken both to incredible heights while Nathan is not a dragon master like him. Adding to his confusion that he insists to himself is caused by jet lag is his desire for the woman who has met him at the Chicago airport, Zoe Lewis even as she keeps saying Tracey and Nathan are in love and engaged.
Both are attracted to each other, but Zoe who had some training under another master must return to China to save her family’s troubled business and besides had one bad marriage with a former spouse still a louse causing her problems. Still Stephen begins teaching her sex while Zoe teaches him sensitivity that spans two continents. Although their sexual sensuality leads to love; he is a master so she can only be his mistress unless he opens his mind and heart to how high they can soar.
This is an entreating Tantric sex romance starring two likable lead characters and a ton of positions that should excite the audience; just remember Stephen is a master, which means practice makes perfect. The relationship between Zoe and Stephen feels right when it is somewhat distant though heated by the three steps; when love enters the equation GETTING PHYSICAL loses some of its edge as that feels abrupt especially on Stephen’s part. Still this is a hot contemporary romance.
Harriet Klausner
One Good Man-Alison Kent
One Good Man
Alison Kent
Harlequin Blaze, Sep 2099, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373794980
Ten years ago, Jamie Danby worked in a diner under a different name when a robbery included a killing spree; she was the lone survivor besides the killer, but has no memory of that horrific night. Her mom feared for her safety from a cold blooded murderer who would not blink to eliminate the only witness so they moved her across Texas to Weldon.
Her mom Dr. Kate opened up Danby Veterinary Clinic six years ago with Jamie as the office manager. However, the nightmare resurfaces when another of the bodies from that horror is found; the media including the blogs goes crazy. Texas Ranger Kell Harding believes Jamie will remember what happened and who the killer is under hypnosis; her mom opposes this because the nightmares her daughter suffered was debilitating.
This is an interesting romantic suspense that contains three strong characters (her mom being the third) and a solid support cast to include the townsfolk, the killer, family members of the victims and the media. The story line is intense and fast-paced when the focus is on to hypnotize or to not hypnotize for that is the only question; when the center is the romance, ONE GOOD MAN loses steam though gains heat as the L word feels intrusive. Still this is a solid contemporary as the killer remains vigilant waiting for the last victim to surface.
Harriet Klausner
Alison Kent
Harlequin Blaze, Sep 2099, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373794980
Ten years ago, Jamie Danby worked in a diner under a different name when a robbery included a killing spree; she was the lone survivor besides the killer, but has no memory of that horrific night. Her mom feared for her safety from a cold blooded murderer who would not blink to eliminate the only witness so they moved her across Texas to Weldon.
Her mom Dr. Kate opened up Danby Veterinary Clinic six years ago with Jamie as the office manager. However, the nightmare resurfaces when another of the bodies from that horror is found; the media including the blogs goes crazy. Texas Ranger Kell Harding believes Jamie will remember what happened and who the killer is under hypnosis; her mom opposes this because the nightmares her daughter suffered was debilitating.
This is an interesting romantic suspense that contains three strong characters (her mom being the third) and a solid support cast to include the townsfolk, the killer, family members of the victims and the media. The story line is intense and fast-paced when the focus is on to hypnotize or to not hypnotize for that is the only question; when the center is the romance, ONE GOOD MAN loses steam though gains heat as the L word feels intrusive. Still this is a solid contemporary as the killer remains vigilant waiting for the last victim to surface.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Summer of Two Wishes-Julia London
Summer of Two Wishes
Julia London.
Pocket, Sep 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9781416547082
Deep in love with one another, Macy and Finn Lockhart believe their life together is perfect as they work their horse ranch in Cedar Springs, Texas. When 9/11 occurs Finn enlists as he believes that is the patriotic right thing to do. However, a roadside bomb in Afghanistan kills him. In many ways back in Texas a devastated Macy feels dead inside.
Three years later, Macy finally is moving on. She is selling the ranch and marries Wyatt Clark who helped pull her out of the crippling fog of grief. However, soon after they exchange their marital vows, word arrives that Finn is alive and coming home expecting a joyful reunion with his wife.
This is an intriguing tale of choices to be made as Macy loves Finn but deeply admires Wyatt. Although the premise has been done mostly in comedic terms (see Move Over darling and My Favorite Wife), Julia London freshens it up by using a serious undertone. Ironically, that somber approach also leaves no Cary Grant or Doris Day like warmth to any of the triangle lead characters, even the returning from the grave hero. Still SUMMER OF TWO WISHES is an entertaining contemporary as the woman with two husbands must decide on one or none; as she cares about both of them.
Harriet Klausner
Julia London.
Pocket, Sep 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9781416547082
Deep in love with one another, Macy and Finn Lockhart believe their life together is perfect as they work their horse ranch in Cedar Springs, Texas. When 9/11 occurs Finn enlists as he believes that is the patriotic right thing to do. However, a roadside bomb in Afghanistan kills him. In many ways back in Texas a devastated Macy feels dead inside.
Three years later, Macy finally is moving on. She is selling the ranch and marries Wyatt Clark who helped pull her out of the crippling fog of grief. However, soon after they exchange their marital vows, word arrives that Finn is alive and coming home expecting a joyful reunion with his wife.
This is an intriguing tale of choices to be made as Macy loves Finn but deeply admires Wyatt. Although the premise has been done mostly in comedic terms (see Move Over darling and My Favorite Wife), Julia London freshens it up by using a serious undertone. Ironically, that somber approach also leaves no Cary Grant or Doris Day like warmth to any of the triangle lead characters, even the returning from the grave hero. Still SUMMER OF TWO WISHES is an entertaining contemporary as the woman with two husbands must decide on one or none; as she cares about both of them.
Harriet Klausner
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