Muster in the Dust

 Muster in the Dust

Elsie Creek #5

Mel A. Rowe

Reviewed by Helen

This is another fantastic visit to Elsie Creek, Rigsy has been a favourite character of mine since I first met him and to see this fabulous, generous hero get his HEA was awesome, I loved meeting Mandy, she is just beautiful on the inside and out and their journey to the best HEA was a page turning fabulous story, Mel A. Rowe you rock with your stories, I always look forward to my visits to the Top End.

Mandy is a true country girl, dust and hard work is part of her life and she thrives on it, she is quiet and shy and has been helping run the family’s huge cattle station for years. The annual muster is about to start and everyone is in town for the start and the stockman’s games. Mandy is hoping to get a new position at the station but when her father gives it to someone else Mandy is not impressed and for the first time ever stands up to her Dad.

Rigsy, local all-round good guy is in town to get a date for his very special friend, Flo but before he knows what is happening he is standing up for one of the Muster Sisters, Mandy and is now fake dating her so as both of them can achieve some goals, but as they spend more time together they are becoming good friends and Rigsy’s heart is beating that little bit faster for this beautiful strong woman.

Both Rigsy and Mandy have secret goals that they are working on and they end up helping each other with these goals but their hearts are opening up to each other along the way in the most beautiful romance journey, there are lots are ups and downs for them both, but to see Mandy come alive and grow in strength with Rigsy’s encouragement and help had me cheering her on and Rigsy what can I say, man this guy is the best, I love him so much and Mandy and Rigsy are meant for each in so many ways, a perfect match.

This is such an awesome series I have loved every one of them, catching up with old friends and being in Elsie Creek is like a visit home and I am always looking for a new book. I do highly recommend this one it truly is a beautiful story with a beautiful romance, so many happy tears for me in this one, Mel A. Rowe knows how to write such down to earth fabulous characters and bring them to life on the pages as well as some wonderful animal characters, I love Cecil and Karma, this is a must read, I loved it.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review

5 stars

Published September 2021 by R&R Ramblings House

Stargazer

 Stargazer

Speakeasy Taproom #8

Wendy S Marcus

Reviewed by Helen

This is a great story I loved getting to know RD and Lily, two people who really need love and happiness, they say opposites attract and in this case they do although it takes them a few ups and downs till they both accept it and find the joy and love.

Randell Dickson (RD) is a marine but a bad accident has left him not feeling like he is normally, pain is hard to cope with and some bad decisions brings him to Vermont and a good friend Griff who insists he come for a visit and work some hours in his Speakeasy Taproom, here he meets bartender Lily, beautiful, filled with happiness and smiles and RD’s life is about to change in many ways.

Lily Reynolds is the most popular bartender here, she is also a very good artist, she works hard and is always positive but when she meets her new workmate she finds him surly and unhappy but he is one hell of a guy to look at. But Lily does not let that worry her, but when things go bad with her roommate and boyfriend, Lily is now looking for someone to share her house, she talks RD into moving in but she sets some rules that need to be adhered to although it is not long before Lily would like very much to change one of them.

Their journey to a HEA is a beautifully told story that has them both opening up eventually about their pasts and the hot sensual pull between them both is hard to ignore but willpower wins through for a while before they both find the sizzle that has them flying. This story is witty and heart-warming with some fabulous characters, I loved Tulip, Lily’s French Bulldog she has a special personality. RD is protective, caring and loving and Lily is beautiful on the inside and outside, they are made for each other. This is a story that I would highly recommend.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review

5 stars

Published September 2nd 2021 by Heart Eyes Press

The Prince's Royal Love-Child

 The Prince's Royal Love-Child

Trish Morey

Reviewed by Helen

Trish Morey knows how to write an alpha hero so well, they are die-hard bachelors and love a one night stand, oh they know how to make a woman feel good in bed but they don’t want anything permanent, come along for the journey as we get to know international financier Rafe Lombardi and pilot Sienna Wainwright.

Rafe and Sienna spend a night together, a seriously sensual steamy night this is the first time Rafe has had to really convince someone to come to bed with him, you see Sienna is not only gorgeous but she is strong and knows what she wants and he has never wanted someone as much as Sienna.

Sienna is not one to fall into bed with anyone but when she finally gives herself to Rafe the night is so hot and passionate and she feels a pull towards him like never before but morning comes and things change very quickly, Rafe pushes her away he is not just Rafe anymore he is Prince Raffael of Montvelatte and she is not a part of that world.

Six weeks later Sienna arrives on the Island of Montvelatte and Rafe wants her again only this time there is more at stake with Sienna pregnant and Rafe in no uncertain terms is going to marry her for his heir. This is one feisty Sienna who is determined to not marry unless it is love and Rafe is determined that he will never love anyone, hence a journey to a most beautiful HEA is filled with lots of ups and downs, the sensual pull between them is so strong and when Rafe realizes he loves her it is just so beautiful. I loved this one and I do highly recommend it Rafe and Sienna are so good together I do love seeing an alpha hero fall in love with his special lady.

5 stars

Published August 19th 2021

The Family She Didn't Expect by Helen Lacey

 Reviewed by Nas Dean

THE FAMILY SHE DIDN’T EXPECT by Helen Lacey is an August 2021 release by Harlequin Special Edition.

Marnie Jackson just wanted to know her past. But what she did not expect was a family. But would widower Joss Culhane open his heart once again to love and hurt?

THE FAMILY SHE DIDN’T EXPECT is a touching story full of humor and compassion. Author Helen Lacey continues in this series and this story is an emotionally compelling, beautifully executed story about love, family and relationships.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

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Helen's Review

I really enjoyed my visit back to Cedar River the Culhane’s are a lovely family and seeing Joss and his two beautiful daughters find happiness and joy was wonderful, although part of a series it can be read and enjoyed as a stand -alone.

Marnie Jackson, school teacher is on a mission to find her grandmother and Cedar River is her destination but what she find there will change her life for the better, when she has a minor accident and meets Joss Culhane, who turns out to be her landlord and his adorable daughters Marnie finds out what love really is.

Joss lost his wife years ago and is a fabulous father to his daughters, he is content and of course has his wonderful family always with him, but when he meets Marnie the new school teacher Joss is starting to think that life might just be a little better with Marnie in it and his daughters love her as well.

This is another beautiful story in this series, Helen Lacey really knows how to put emotion and joy in her stories and I do love the setting what could better than a small town, a ranch and some snow. Joss is a hero to die for and Marnie is strong and knows what she wants. This one had me turning the pages and smiling throughout and it is one that I highly recommend.

My thanks to the Author for my copy to read and review

 5 stars

Wild at Heart

 Wild at Heart

Ulara #2

Leesa Bow

Reviewed by Helen

I have been looking forward to this book since finishing the first one and continuing the adventure with Eden and Samuel as they learn more about each other and enjoy togetherness in a life so very different from what most people would call normal. Living in the Amazon jungle with the Ulara people can be tricky and wonderful for Eden at the same time, for Samuel it is in his soul.

Eden is back in the camp and pregnant and so determined to stay with Samuel, she would love for him to come home with her to have their baby but she knows that is hard for him so she is staying for as long as she can. When danger arrives and Eden is put in grave danger Samuel steps up his push to get her to go home and that he will follow as soon as possible, she and the baby mean everything to him and he must keep her safe.

The beautiful Ularan people are coming under threat by dangerous men determined to mine for gold without any thought of the eco-system and Samuel is doing what he can to protect them at all costs when Eden goes into labour and their baby is born early and in the jungle, she has so much support from the woman, but Samuel is beside himself and gets her out and quickly.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to finish Eden and Samuel struggle but their love shines and finally Samuel is opening up about his past, they need to be a family but safety comes first as far as Samuel is concerned. The emotions that flow from the pages are strong and real, Samuel loves the Ularan people and will do everything to save them and Eden has such a bond with them now as well, emotions are put to the test for them both in this fabulous journey to love and happiness., I do highly recommend this book and series, it is beautifully written with thought and love and so different I am loving my trips to the jungle and getting closer to the Ularan people, and look forward to the next one as Eden and Samuel become a family but where?

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

4 stars

Published August 30th 2021

Taming the Hot-Shot Doc by Susan Carlisle

 Taming the Hot-Shot Doc

Susan Carlisle

Reviewed by Helen

I do enjoy a great medical romance and this one ticks all of the boxes, a beautiful story with emotion, a great setting a small town in the South of America and two wonderful people who deserve love and find it in a lovely way, Matt and Shay make a gorgeous couple.

Dr. Matt Chapman is a well-known orthopedic surgeon who stood up to another surgeon and now finds himself moving states to start a fresh, but he has six weeks to get there and agrees to help out a friend’s niece at a small but busy clinic in Jackson life as Matt knows it is about to change when he meets the loving and caring Dr. Shay Lunsford.

Shay is widowed and very popular in the town she has lived in all of her life, she keeps herself busy but does not always put herself first, when Matt arrives to help at the busy clinic she soon finds herself changing her thoughts as she gets closer to Matt, and for the better.

This is a beautiful romance, I loved seeing both Matt and Shay put their pasts behind them and look to the future and find the love and happiness that should be theirs. This is a feel good romance that I highly recommend it is sure to leave the reader feeling very happy.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

5 stars

Published July 27th 2021 by Harlequin Medical Romances

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Reviewed by Nas Dean

TAMING THE HOT-SHOT DOC by author Susan Carlisle is an August 2021 release by Harlequin Medical Romance series.

Dr Shay Lunsford is overworked in her clinic and the arrival of Dr Matt Chapman is very welcome. But the attraction flaring up between them is unwelcome. Could Shay ignore the chemistry burning between them?

And would Matt allow his feelings for Shay to turn into passion and more?

TAMING THE HOT-SHOT DOC is a sweet romance amid all the medical drama. Author Susan Carlisle has once again gifted us with a beautiful tale. Despite the circumstances, Matt is a deeply emotional man, and dedicated to those around him. Shay is delightful, graceful, and a determined woman who brings out the best in everyone around her. Readers would be hooked to the pages till the end and root for these two characters to get to their happy ever after.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

One Night with her Italian Boss

 One Night with her Italian Boss

Trish Morey

Reviewed by Helen

If you love an alpha hero and a strong heroine then this is a story that you should pick up, come along for the sensual journey that sizzles with passion as business man Dante Carrazzo and hotel manager Mackenzi Keogh find love with a few ups and downs.

Dante is after revenge and the final piece is falling into place he is finally the owner of Ashton House a boutique hotel in the Adelaide Hills with his sights set on destroying it, but when he arrives late on a cold stormy night to find a beautiful gift in his bed he is impressed that the staff would go to such lengths to save the hotel but she is gone in the morning, but he wants more.

Mackenzi is desperate to save this hotel it means so much to so many people a misunderstanding gives her a night of passion like she has never had before and when the new owner Dante discovers that she was his gift she is offered a bargain, become his mistress to save her hotel, she accepts never knowing how it will change her life.

Dante and Mackenzi have a passionate and sensual journey that is filled with stormy revelations as well as a pregnancy before they get to their much deserved HEA, Mackenzi is strong and stands up to the ever alpha Dante, I love how she made him see what love and caring can bring to a relationship. This is a story that I would highly recommend, I read and loved it years ago and still loved it.

5 stars

Published August 5th 2021

From One Night to Desert Queen by Pippa Roscoe

 Reviewed by Nas Dean

FROM ONE NIGHT TO DESERT QUEEN by author Pippa Roscoe is a August 2021 release by Harlequin Presents series.

This is book two in “The Diamond Inheritance”. Book one was Terms of their Costa Rican Temptation.

Star Soames was in the palace of Duratra in search of a unique necklace. While busy viewing the exhibition, she forgets the time and lingers later than she expected. And then comes in contact with a stranger. She trusts him and follows him. And they have a passion-filled night.

But what she didn’t expect was that he was the Crown Prince of Duratra. And now he couldn’t let her go just yet as they don’t know the consequences of their night. What would happen? Would she get her necklace? And when she does get her necklace, what would happen? Would she just walk away?   

FROM ONE NIGHT TO DESERT QUEEN is a touching story with diverse characters. Author Pippa Roscoe wrote this story which would keep readers hooked to the pages till the end. Star is a strong character who believes in love and romance. And happy ever after.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

Manhattan's Most Scandalous Reunion by Dani Collins

 Reviewed by Nas Dean

MANHATTAN’S MOST SCANDALOUS REUNION by Dani Collins is an August 2021 release by Harlequin Presents.

This is book two of a two-book mini-series. Book one is Married for One Reason Only.

Nina Menendez was hounded by paparazzi and she had no option but to enter the building where her ex lived. But would facing him again bring back their scorching-hot chemistry? And what was Reve thinking? Would he help her?

Or would he let her go, yet once again?

MANHATTAN’S MOST SCANDALOUS REUNION is a sensational romance. Author Dani Collins brought this story with diverse characters and it is a pure joy to read. Despite its moments of pain and grief, the overall message is love and hope.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

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Reviewed by Helen

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and was not disappointed with the second one, I loved getting to know Nina Menendez and sharing her journey, a very up and down one to her fabulous HEA with billionaire businessman Reve Weston, and add in the discovery of a twin sister and this is a really good story.

Clothing designer Nina is having a hard time at the moment especially after breaking up with the man she thought would be her forever man add in the fact that she is being constantly being mixed up with beautiful French model Oriel and when the paparazzi chase her she ends up in the apartment of Reve Weston the man she has never stopped loving and the pull is still there.

Reve has been through a tough life but has worked hard to get to where he is today and loving and marrying is not what he wants but his affair with the beautiful Nina ends and leaves him feeling lonely so when she literally falls back into his life his heart start beating more and he is there to help her uncover her past and fall in love.

This is a fast paced story with a beautiful sensual romance as well as a bit of a mystery to uncover being Nina’s birth and the revelation that she has a twin sister. I really enjoyed this one and I do highly recommend it, lots of emotion, it is moving and it sizzles with love and romance and it has such a wonderful HEA one that left me smiling.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review

4 stars

Cinderella and the Brooding Billionaire

 Cinderella and the Brooding Billionaire

Michelle Douglas

Reviewed by Helen

I love Michelle Douglas’s stories they are written with love, emotions and lots of romance and the Cinderella troupe is my favourite troupe so when I saw the title, I knew I was in for a gorgeous story and I was not disappointed, this story is so very beautiful a must read for any romance reader, this one is sure to leave you sighing with delight.

Monique Thomas has not had the best of lives and considering what her family is like she has turned out wonderful, she is thoughtful, kind and caring and when her godson is left without his mother Monique is there to love and help him until his father arrives from Italy, her first thoughts of his father, Luca are good he is a caring man and gorgeous to boot and when he asks her to come to Italy and be is Nanny for a year, she is more than happy too but there is a problem that needs to be sorted first and Luca jumps in sees that Monique is settled to go.

Luca Viera is running a huge family business that has seen a few problems over the years and to fix this he must marry someone suitable and discovering he has a child puts a spanner in the works for that, he arrives in the small seaside town of Mirror Glass Bay to meet his son Benito and loves him instantly and when he meets his godmother, Monique he is struck by her beauty and caring nature and is thrilled when she agrees to spend a year in Italy as Benito’s Nanny.

Monique and Luca come from two very different worlds but their friendship grows from the start and it is not long before they need more than just friendship and denying each other is not going to happen, Luca is still needing a suitable bride and Monique is losing her heart to this beautiful Italian she wants so much for Luca to be happy and when he realises that Monique is the one that will make him happy, he will do anything for her oh the joy, the smiles. This is a gorgeous story filled with emotion and so much love, beautifully written, another keeper for my shelf, I do highly recommend this one, Luca and Monique are a must to get to know I loved them.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review

5 stars

Expected publication: September 28th 2021 by Harlequin Romance