Just in case you are interested to see what I've been reading lately I've included them here. As I explain on the Goodreads site, my ratings are specific to the genre I'm reading. If I think a book is amazing within the genre I will rate it five stars. This is not to state that I believe the particular book is necessarily of equal stature to some some piece of literature that is destined to change mankind. What I do claim is that if I give a book five stars in the romance genre it means I got to the end of the book feeling really good about the HEA and that there was something a little extra about it that put a smile on my face and a deep sense of satisfaction with the ending.
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037312807X
9780373128075
2.75
32
Jan 01, 2009
Mar 01, 2009
Ah yes, the classic sleazy guy with the broken heart. Gets me every time. Isn't it amazing what we'll forgive in a guy when we know his poor little he...moreAh yes, the classic sleazy guy with the broken heart. Gets me every time. Isn't it amazing what we'll forgive in a guy when we know his poor little heart was broken and traumatised in the past? There is nothing new in this story but Melanie Milburne delivers it very well. Rafaele is so annoying and nasty to start with it's going to take something really special to break him down and turn him into someone worthwhile and lovable. Enter Emma, a feisty little nurse with a heart of gold and a background that should have ground her to the dust. Heaven help us but this gem of a girl manages to fall in love with Rafaele in spite of everything. One glimpse of his tragic childhood and soft hearted Emma is opening up her heart to him. Unfortunately the hero is one stubborn cuss of a man and it's going to take some doing for Emma to melt him. How her tender heart is going to cope is just one of the problems that this couple are going to face on the way to the HEA. Ms Milburne paints a wonderful picture of a developing relationship with two people who intend right from the start to fight their attraction to the bitter end. How she resolves it makes for a seriously enjoyable story and a satisfactory ending. The sex sizzles at a fairly high octane level which made me raise my brows a little now and then but then what can you expect when the heroes only claim to fame in relationships is how good he is in bed.(less)[edit]
Author preference
1
Apr 13, 2012 [edit]
Apr 13, 2012 [edit]
Apr 13, 2012
Paperback [edit]
0373109431
9780373109432
4.17
6
unknown
Dec 01, 1986
A story of young love tragically torn apart by the machinations of a jealous step sibling. Beth had loved her best friends brother from the time she f...moreA story of young love tragically torn apart by the machinations of a jealous step sibling. Beth had loved her best friends brother from the time she first met him at thirteen. Fraser was already a grown man and by the time she was 18 Beth was starting to hope that he would see her as a woman. On the very night it seemed that her dream might come true a combination of circumstances helped along by the selfish and vindictive actions of her stepbrother Mark sent Beth away. Rejected and humiliated by Fraser, abandoned by her family and friends because of a dreadful deed done in a moment of blind foolishness, Beth spends the next ten years attempting to atone. When disaster strikes and she has to return to England and recuperate cruel fate throws her back into the path of Fraser, nephew of her employer and newly engaged to a lovely heiress. As the events of the night of Ishbel's party ten years ago are gradually revealed it seems like it could change everything. For Beth nothing has changed about her feelings for Fraser but even if she could be forgiven for her sins he is still committed elsewhere. Stacy Absalom has done a wonderful job in bringing everything together and once the truth is revealed it is only a matter of time to bring us our HEA.(less)[edit]
Blurb
1
Apr 12, 2012 [edit]
Apr 12, 2012 [edit]
Apr 12, 2012
Paperback [edit]
0263744477
9780263744477
3.50
2
unknown
1983
This book dates from 1983 so it was almost like reading a vintage in terms of technology in the business world. The story follows the heroine Erin as...moreThis book dates from 1983 so it was almost like reading a vintage in terms of technology in the business world. The story follows the heroine Erin as she tracks down her husband who went missing three years ago after an air crash. Now she's found him, CEO of an engineering company, married to an heiress, a different name, and absolutely no memory of his former life. Or has he. Right from the start he is drawn to Erin even believing her to be trying to con him. How his wife responds to her appearance is also cause for serious thought. Valerie Parv takes us through the twists and turns with panache and skill and grips the emotions nicely right until the end. The ending was supremely satisfying and quite justified the five stars. AFter spending the whole book thinking I wasn't going to like it the ending and the revelations therein made me very happy. The criteria is "amazing" and in this case it was. I didn't expect everything to pan out to my personal wishes but they did so well done Valerie.(less)[edit]
Author known
1
Apr 12, 2012 [edit]
Apr 12, 2012 [edit]
Apr 12, 2012
April 12, 2011 [edit]
eBay [edit]
0373005938
9780373005932
3.50
14
Nov 02, 1973
unknown
Violet Winspear is a romance author I can read and reread. This is one of the most painful to read as the Hollywood director hero is consistently crue...moreViolet Winspear is a romance author I can read and reread. This is one of the most painful to read as the Hollywood director hero is consistently cruel and uncaring to the sweet nurse heroine who loves him devotedly. Violet is often criticised for how hard and cruel her heros can be but she is an author who can take those heroes and redeem them bit by bit through the love of the heroine. They are the ultimate alpha male, usually with a dark past that makes their behaviour logical if not PC. The journey Lew and Fay have to go through to reach the obligatory happy ending is gut wrenching and tragic which somehow makes the ending sweeter. Even though not shown, Winspears books have plenty of implicit sizzle and passion. I've read this book a number of times and it seems like good timing now that HM&B are releasing new stories based on Hollywood and the lifestyle therein. I suspect not much will have changed in the people though the sizzle factor will be much more explicit in the modern. (less)[edit]
None[edit]
Always read this author
4
Apr 11, 2012 [edit]
Apr 11, 2012 [edit]
Apr 10, 2012
April 11, 2011 [edit]
eBay [edit]
B004V5G1DA
unknown
3.81
26
Feb 1997
unknown
This is the second book in the Beaumont Brides series and I thoroughly enjoyed the first. If anything I enjoyed this book a little more. This was to d...moreThis is the second book in the Beaumont Brides series and I thoroughly enjoyed the first. If anything I enjoyed this book a little more. This was to do with the hero and heroine who particularly engaged me. Claudia, who we met in the first book as a rather worldly, callous, even a bit bitchy actress, turns out to be so much more complex. Like the rest of us Mac, Gabriel MacIntyre saw her as shallow and self absorbed. Their journey to understanding takes place in the contect of threats to Claudia's peace of mind and even her life. Gabriel was a former soldier and security expert plunged into Claudia's life when his business partner and BIL made a fool of himself over Claudia upsetting Gabe's sister. Not a good start for the relationship especially when she crashed into his car and his hangar on the first meeting. Their relationship grows as they must spend time together meeting the threats that pile on dating from that first meeting. Both are reluctant to succumb to a relationship because of their separate history and Liz Fielding does a great job showing the development of the relationship and the impact of misunderstandings and the scars of the past on both of them. The attraction between the two sizzle even as they both fight against it and is very enjoyable to watch. Liz likes to chuck in some great humour and the odd literary reference. Yes I did get the Lady Bracknell quote near the end thanks Liz. I love it when an author makes me feel clever.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Author giveaway
1
Apr 06, 2012 [edit]
Apr 08, 2012 [edit]
Apr 08, 2012
April 2, 2012 [edit]
Amazon [edit]
Kindle Edition [edit]
0263891550
9780263891553
unknown
4.50
6
Feb 01, 2012
Feb 02, 2012
On her blog Connie Cox told us why Romance Heroines are about women's rights. So I read her book against the list she gives.
The Baby Who Saved Dr Cyni...moreOn her blog Connie Cox told us why Romance Heroines are about women's rights. So I read her book against the list she gives.<br>The Baby Who Saved Dr Cynical<br>1.Romance heroines never settle for second-best when choosing who they love. <br>TICK. Hero Jason is gorgeous and adorable and smart and....<br> 2.Romance heroines are strong in heart and in mind and in soul—or they end up that way after growing through the conflicts in the story. TICK STephanie is a strong accomplished woman<br> 3.Romance heroines, like all strong women, are good role models for our daughters. TICK see above<br> 4.Romance heroines don’t obsess over their weight or if their hair looks good. They focus their energy on what is important to them. TICK (well mostly)<br> 5.Romance heroines believe in the sanctity of a strong and faithful relationship and will accept nothing less. TICK You betcha baby.<br> 6.Romance heroines choose mates who bring out the best in them. TICK Purrfect!<br> 7.Romance heroines understand and embrace the power in being a woman. TICK<br> 8.Romance heroines are brave enough to be vulnerable and fall in love. TICK (eventually)<br> 9.Romance heroines believe in hope for a happy, healthy future. TICK (slow start but got there)<br> 10.Romance heroines gives readers hope that they can be the heroines of their own lives. TICK<br>A lovely book that ticks all the right boxes, engages emotionally and leaves you satisfied.<br>(less)[edit]
The Baby Who Saved Dr Cyni...moreOn her blog Connie Cox told us why Romance Heroines are about women's rights. So I read her book against the list she gives.<br>The Baby Who Saved Dr Cynical<br>1.Romance heroines never settle for second-best when choosing who they love. <br>TICK. Hero Jason is gorgeous and adorable and smart and....<br> 2.Romance heroines are strong in heart and in mind and in soul—or they end up that way after growing through the conflicts in the story. TICK STephanie is a strong accomplished woman<br> 3.Romance heroines, like all strong women, are good role models for our daughters. TICK see above<br> 4.Romance heroines don’t obsess over their weight or if their hair looks good. They focus their energy on what is important to them. TICK (well mostly)<br> 5.Romance heroines believe in the sanctity of a strong and faithful relationship and will accept nothing less. TICK You betcha baby.<br> 6.Romance heroines choose mates who bring out the best in them. TICK Purrfect!<br> 7.Romance heroines understand and embrace the power in being a woman. TICK<br> 8.Romance heroines are brave enough to be vulnerable and fall in love. TICK (eventually)<br> 9.Romance heroines believe in hope for a happy, healthy future. TICK (slow start but got there)<br> 10.Romance heroines gives readers hope that they can be the heroines of their own lives. TICK<br>A lovely book that ticks all the right boxes, engages emotionally and leaves you satisfied.<br>(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Research
1
Apr 07, 2012 [edit]
Apr 07, 2012 [edit]
Apr 07, 2012
April 4, 2012 [edit]
Kmart [edit]
Paperback [edit]
0263723119
9780263723113
4.00
4
1938
Sep 02, 1976
This is a very early Mary Burchell first published as Other Lips Have Loved You. I first read this in the seventies as a paperback issue and loved it...moreThis is a very early Mary Burchell first published as Other Lips Have Loved You. I first read this in the seventies as a paperback issue and loved it and have reread it several times. As the titles tell you this is a story about a girl who has two love affairs. Very innocent ones though one had the appearance of scandal which becomes a problem when she meets her second love. Mary Burchell is one of my favourite long time authors. Her heroes are at times sullen, childish and need a lot of work. This is what the heroine who is often flawed in her own way but usually innocent and loving has to do to meet her happy ending. For Mary Burchell a loving heart is often the key to a recalcitrant hero and in this book, who ends up appreciating that loving heart is not apparent at the outset.<br><br>I was initially going to give it only four stars but the more I thought about it as I wrote the review the more I realised that for me this book was amazing. Sure I know it isn't 'literature' but in the context of the type of book it is I found it an extremely satisfying read, so in terms of my expectations it met every one.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Read before
6
Apr 04, 2012 [edit]
Apr 04, 2012 [edit]
Apr 03, 2012
April 4, 2011 [edit]
eBay [edit]
B004T5WH6C
unknown
3.39
168
1996
Mar 20, 2011
This book is an enjoyable read with just enough twists and turns to make it interesting. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling without bei...moreThis book is an enjoyable read with just enough twists and turns to make it interesting. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling without being over the top. Fizz made for an fascinating heroine with her tendency to explode out of her carefully restrained persona. Luke as an aggressive alpha male out for revenge is pretty nasty at times but luckily we get to see inside his head early enough in the piece to realise his ambivalence. The story is light weight in the nicest way. Good holiday reading and a feel good ending. Lucky we know Fizz has another sister about to embark on her own romantic journey so there is more of the same to look forward too.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Author giveaway
1
Apr 04, 2012 [edit]
Apr 04, 2012 [edit]
Apr 06, 2012
April 2, 2012 [edit]
Amazon [edit]
Kindle Edition [edit]
0373805462
9780373805464
3.00
7
unknown
Sep 01, 2003
When Autumn takes the chance of seeing Saul Cresswell one more time she hopes he wont recognise her. Because it's her fault he had the accident that l...moreWhen Autumn takes the chance of seeing Saul Cresswell one more time she hopes he wont recognise her. Because it's her fault he had the accident that left him blind and ended his career as an artist. Somehow she finds herself working for him as his secretary on a new book he's writing. A book about revenge. Somehow it all starts to come too close to home. How these two former friends who were torn apart by the tragedy of one night of mistakes could overcome their history of anger and bitterness and tremendous guilt makes for an intrigueing tale. Saul is gorgeous and Autumn is feisty when not overcome by repentance at her mistake. I like a bit of angst and a dark hero so enjoyed this very much.<br>Saul is the type for a faithful hero.(less)[edit]
Author preference
1
Apr 02, 2012 [edit]
Apr 02, 2012 [edit]
Apr 01, 2012
Mass Market Paperback [edit]
0263710378
9780263710373
unknown
4.07
30
Jul 1937
unknown
Another early Mary Burchell this is a heart breaker. A marriage of convenience between the hero Oliver and his secretary who has loved him all along....moreAnother early Mary Burchell this is a heart breaker. A marriage of convenience between the hero Oliver and his secretary who has loved him all along. Oliver was on the rebound from a beautiful actress and turns to his secretary. It all looks like a possible happy ending until Oliver learns his wife kept a letter from the actress from him just before the wedding. Like many of Burchells heroes, Oliver has a little of the spoiled but lovable little boy in him. Unfortunately that spoiled little boy does all the wrong things when he learns of her deception and drives her away. The whole book is gut wrenchingly sad but the ending is extremely satisfying. This is another of Burchells I am happy to reread.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Author preference
3
Apr 2012 [edit]
Apr 2012 [edit]
Apr 03, 2012
April 4, 2011 [edit]
unknown[edit]
037312872X
9780373128723
2.94
17
2009
Nov 01, 2009
I usually love reunion stories and this one was of the type I like. Kerry made the mistake of interfering in a family matter while the mistress of The...moreI usually love reunion stories and this one was of the type I like. Kerry made the mistake of interfering in a family matter while the mistress of Theo Diakos. Big mistake. Theo doesn't take kindly to other people getting involved in his family or his business, least of all his usually undemanding mistress. So Kerry is out on her ear just as she was about to tell him she was pregnant. Bad timing because the matter she interfered with showed her that Theo just might try taking her baby away and leave her out in the cold. Now with the baby six months old Theo comes back into Kerry's life and there is hell to pay. How these two people can sort out the maze of misunderstandings and misconceptions and find the happy ending takes the reader on a bit of an up and down journey but the ending, the melting of the alpha male, is very satisfactory.<br>Call me obsessed but I was pleased that both heroine and hero remained faithful during what was quite a long separation.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Read blurb on internet
1
Mar 31, 2012 [edit]
Mar 31, 2012 [edit]
Mar 31, 2012
Paperback [edit]
0373125208
9780373125203
unknown
3.51
49
unknown
unknown
There was an aspect to this book that normally would make me run a mile but it was handled so well and the Hero Maximos, suffered so much for his mist...moreThere was an aspect to this book that normally would make me run a mile but it was handled so well and the Hero Maximos, suffered so much for his mistakes that it just made me love him more. This was a heart breaker from the very first page. The heroine was shattered by the breakup with Maximos and her reasons for coming and confronting Maximos were as confused as her emotions. It was obvious that both of them harboured strong feelings for each other even after six months apart. How they were ever to have their happy ending though with so many problems, secrets and lies to keep them apart was enough to have nail bitingly high emotions in the reader. The resolution, a requirement and the only thing that gets us through the emotional angst, was very satisfying.<br>I don't think it is spoiling anything to say that what pushed this into five star territory for me was the heroes faithfulness to the heroine while they were apart. And vice versa of course.(less)[edit]
Author name
1
Mar 31, 2012 [edit]
Mar 31, 2012 [edit]
Mar 31, 2012
March 2, 2012 [edit]
Internet [edit]
Mass Market Paperback [edit]
unknown
4.65
108
Jan 2012
Jan 2012
Olivia, Olivia. How do you do it? Another divine and Faithful male hero to die for. No wonder so many other heroes are falling short. You've snabbled...moreOlivia, Olivia. How do you do it? Another divine and Faithful male hero to die for. No wonder so many other heroes are falling short. You've snabbled the lot and dole them out to us one by one. Fareed, another surgeon sheikh with so many good points he should be an echidna, and Gwen, a smart medical researcher who's just as intelligent and gorgeous in her own sweet way with her own prickles. What a combination and then throw in an adorable baby and we are in for a wonderful trip. Ms Gates puts in quite a bit of medical detail where appropriate but it isn't so obvious as in Billionaire MD in which I felt I needed to be a doctor to get it. With both protagonists medical professionals it was logical and appropriate. Sex scenes sizzled again but still tasteful. All in all a very enjoyable read and no nasty surprises. Thanks.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Author backlist
1
Mar 20, 2012 [edit]
Mar 20, 2012 [edit]
Mar 18, 2012
March 11, 2012 [edit]
eBay [edit]
0373730187
9780373730186
4.22
134
Apr 2010
Apr 2010
Where do I begin with this one. What is it with Olivia Gates and these guys she writes about? Alpha males with heart? Who would have thought? Rodrigo...moreWhere do I begin with this one. What is it with Olivia Gates and these guys she writes about? Alpha males with heart? Who would have thought? Rodrigo is a Billionaire genius neurosurgeon. Surely that was enough without the hotness, the kindness, the big family values. Hell, whereever she spawns these guys I want directions. The story was well thought out with the revelations being paced nicely, keeping up the emotional tension. Lost a star because I really did not want to know what he did in his fantasy bedroom but thats just my squeamishness ;-]. Olivia delivers beautifully with her Heroes and Heroines and intrigueing and engaging story lines. Loved the book and looking forward to more.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Author page
1
Mar 19, 2012 [edit]
Mar 19, 2012 [edit]
Mar 19, 2012
Paperback [edit]
0373175663
9780373175666
2.97
34
Dec 05, 2008
Feb 10, 2009
This was a thoroughly nice story. The relationship between the gorgeous but emotionally distant hero Max and the sweet but emotionally scarred heroine...moreThis was a thoroughly nice story. The relationship between the gorgeous but emotionally distant hero Max and the sweet but emotionally scarred heroine Cari was good right from the start. The conflict was not between the protagonists but came externally through Max's desire to help his grieving mother through the acquisition of his dead brothers child and his mothers childhood home. How far he was prepared to go to do this becomes the lever that might rip apart the growing relationship between Max and Cari. HOw it is all resolved is nicely put together by Raye Morgan to end on a happy note without too deep a trauma to the reader.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Liked the blurb
1
Mar 18, 2012 [edit]
Mar 18, 2012 [edit]
Mar 18, 2012
Mass Market Paperback [edit]
0745190855
9780745190853
unknown
4.50
2
Dec 12, 1973
Dec 12, 1973
None[edit]
none
1
not set[edit]
Mar 17, 2012 [edit]
Mar 17, 2012
Paperback [edit]
0263226611
9780263226614
unknown
4.18
11
Jan 20, 2011
2012
What do you get when you put together a needy young woman who never learned her own value and a rich powerful Sheikh who happens to be divinely good l...moreWhat do you get when you put together a needy young woman who never learned her own value and a rich powerful Sheikh who happens to be divinely good looking but emotionally frozen? When Lynn Raye Harris gets hold of them you get a great story about real relationships and people who need to grow. In this case this seemingly disparate couple could just be what the doctor ordered to bring about what's needed to help the two estranged spouses meet their potential. We all know there has to be a happy ending at the end because its the nature of the beast. But how Lynn gets us there is brilliant. The writing is almost poetic in places and the portrayal of intimacy between the two lovers is sizzling and deeply emotional at the same time. One of the things I really appreciated what that they were both faithful to their vows during the separation. Looking forward to the linked book, Strangers in the Desert, after meeting the characters in this book.(less)[edit]
Author page
1
Mar 17, 2012 [edit]
Mar 17, 2012 [edit]
Mar 17, 2012
February 20, 2012 [edit]
Big W [edit]
Hardcover [edit]
9792207082
3.16
51
Dec 2001
2004
There seems to be a general concensus that an alpha male can't be a virgin. That somehow being successfully sexually active is a given to be an alpha...moreThere seems to be a general concensus that an alpha male can't be a virgin. That somehow being successfully sexually active is a given to be an alpha male. Well this book turns that on its head. Dimitrios Pandakis made a vow as a child never to be trapped into marriage and he stuck to it. How alpha is that may I ask? Dimitrios is rich, powerful, sexy and all those things that make a true alpha male. When he finally meets his mate, super efficient virginal PA Alexandra Hamilton who has worshipped him from afar for years he has the very best gift to give her. NO Competition. She'll never have to wonder when she meets the various women in his life if they were his lovers. Gotta like that in a man considering how many books I've read recently where former lovers have just about destroyed any hope of a happy ending for the heroine. When will these alpha males learn?(less)[edit]
None[edit]
I liked the blurb.
1
Mar 17, 2012 [edit]
Mar 17, 2012 [edit]
Mar 17, 2012
November 11, 2011 [edit]
eBay [edit]
Paperback [edit]
0373730632
9780373730636
4.42
155
1980
Nov 09, 2010
What can you say about a book where the hero loves and believes in his true love almost from the first moment? Olivia Gates takes her lovers, Shaheen...moreWhat can you say about a book where the hero loves and believes in his true love almost from the first moment? Olivia Gates takes her lovers, Shaheen and Johara, and places their romance in a situation where things like a sense of duty and external influences threaten to tear them apart. In a genre where misunderstanding and angst between the protagonists is the usual way to drive the conflict this book came as a pleasant surprise. There was plenty of tension and anxiety but the relationship between Hero and Heroine remained a shining light throughout. Olivia writes great prose and brings out emotions that engage and sex scenes that sizzle. I listened to this book on audio on my kindle while driving and became so involved I continued to listen once I arrived home against my usual practice.(less)[edit]
None[edit]
Facebook contact with Author
1
Mar 14, 2012 [edit]
Mar 14, 2012 [edit]
Mar 14, 2012
February 23, 2012 [edit]
Audible.com [edit]
Mass Market Paperback [edit]
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