Colton and the Single Mom by Jane Godman (The Coltons of Red Ridge #4)

Reviewed by Nas Dean | 5 Stars

COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM by author Jane Godman is April 2018 release by Harlequin Romantic Suspense series.

Esmee da Costa is trying to find out the truth about the serial killer who is dubbed as the ‘Bridegroom Killer’ as he is on a killing spree of all the grooms in this small town. And the only suspect is the half-sister of cop Brayden Colton.

Brayden wants to keep Esmee away from prying but he can’t help the chemistry he feels when she is near. And then he had to invite Esmee and her young son to move into his home. Now, how will he keep Esmee away from prying into his family? And would Esmee be able to uncover the secrets?

COLTON AND THE SINGLE MOM is an intriguing romance with off the charts chemistry between Esmee and Brayden. Author Jane Godman has her unique way of spellbinding her readers and keeping them engrossed in the story till the very last page. I loved the mystery and intrigue aspect of this story. 

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review by TashNz | 5 Stars

Colton and the Single Mom is book 4 of an exciting Harlequin Romantic Suspense series called The Coltons of Red Ridge.  Over 6 books we get to know the Colton's as they are faced with a variety of challenges which test them and also lead them to love.

Esmee is a true-crime film maker and trying to nail a story and the case of serial killer called the Bridegroom Killer.  The bad guy (or is it a "guy" in the true sense) has other thoughts and things don't go well.  Brayden Colton wants to stop Esmee interfering, worrying she'll uncover things best left alone.  He's also the only suspect's half brother - eeek!

What a wonderful adventure I was taken on, I need to read more Romantic Suspense stories and the more I read of the Colton's stories the more I want to read the rest.  I loved the interaction between Esmee and Brayden.  Esmee's son added to the story and I loved the well thought out plot along with more intrigue about the Colton's and their history which has been touched on previously.  I love the cover and I think Jane Godman did a fantastic job of holding my attention until the very last page.

A throughly enjoyable story with characters you want to know more and revisit. Loved it!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reviewed by Helen

5/5 stars for a fabulous story

WOW what a story this one is, so much happening so much action and of course a beautiful romance throughout, I loved the setting and the characters so many people good and bad to heighten the danger as K-9 cop Brayden Colton and true crime filmmaker Esme Da Costa embark on a journey to a beautiful HEA in which there is lots of danger and threats along the way as well as a sensual romance.

Single mum Esme has arrived in Red Ridge to do a story on the Groom Killer who has taken to murdering grooms before their wedding days, trying to get a story and interviewing people especially one cop Brayden is very difficult seeing as how his half-sister is the main suspect, but when she does meet him the sparks fly instant attraction and Esme and her son Rhys are both hooked, her heart melts with the way the Brayden and Rhys become close.

Brayden and his K-9 partner Echo are a solitary team Brayden has been hurt before and with everything that is going on in Red Ridge at the moment getting close to someone is not in his plans, but meeting Esme and her son cause sparks and emotions to run high and when they are in a dangerous situation nothing will stop him from protecting them, as they move in with him the heat gets higher as does the danger.

I loved this story from start to finish, it is edge of your seat suspense and the romance between Brayden and Esme is just beautiful, not to mention Echo and Rhys. MS Godman has bought to life these people making them friends I could feel their pain and worry throughout the story and cannot highly recommend this one enough thank you so much MS Godman for another fabulous story that had me turning the pages I didn’t want to put this one down.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before the Dawn by Cynthia Eden (Killer Instinct #2)

Before the Dawn
by Cynthia Eden

Review by TashNz | 5 Stars

Wow! Loved the suspense, intrigue and the drama of this story which was by an author I have not read before and a series I'm now 200% interested in!

I liked how the story jumped right in. I was fully invested. I made the mistake of reading the first page at a time it was impossible to sit down and keep going... I couldn't wait to get back to it and find out who the killer was. 

I was questioning if Tucker was involved, although deep down I thought unlikely but i liked how it could have been possible. I liked the flashbacks - or sidebacks - not sure what you call them when the main story is occurring and then there's a snippet of what the bad guy is doing. I liked how all the characters were established and the preview of the next book at the end of the story - OMIGOSH! 

A suspenseful and drama filled tale of a killer on the loose, trying to establish who he is while time runs out and watching long lost love get a second chance. 

Loved loved loved it!

Engaged to Her Ravensdale Enemy by Melanie Milburne

Engaged to Her Ravensdale Enemy
by Melanie Milburne

Reviewed by Nas

ENGAGED TO HER RAVENSDALE ENEMY by author Melanie Milburne is April 2016 release by Harlequin Presents series.

This is Book 3 of the mini Ravensdale series.

Book 1: Ravensdale’s Defiant Captive.

Book 2: Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress

Getting away from a teenage stalker, Jake Ravensdale arrives on his family estate to party big and post pictures on social media to thwart the teenage girl. Then he finds her at his doorstep.

Jasmine Conolly, his family estate gardener’s daughter steps in and announces to the girl and to the world that Jake is her fiancé. The girl goes away but what would happen to the fake engagement now? Jaz had just been dumped from a third engagement and she needed this fake engagement to reel in her wayward fiancé. If she had such deep feelings for her fiancé, why was Jake’s touch making her body to fizz and crackle? After all Jake was her sworn enemy, wasn’t he? And Jake was not one to fall in love and do happy ever after. Why was he so concerned about Jaz’s feelings?

ENGAGED TO HER RAVENSDALE ENEMY is a swoon-worthy romance. Author Melanie Milburne brought this sensational tale full of shimmering sensuality. Readers already hooked on the Ravensdale series would love to read how Jaz brings Jake to his knees!

Highly recommended for all readers of romance. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Engaged to Her Ravensdale Enemy by Melanie Milburne


Reviewed by Helen

What a fabulous story this one is this is the third book in the Ravensdale series and you will be turning the pages very quickly as Jasmine Connolly and Jake Ravensdale have a journey that is filled with ups and downs and makes them open up and realize that love is what matters.

Jake Ravensdale is one of the twins and is so sure he is like his actor father that he spends his life going from one one night stand to the next love is not for Jake he does not want to end up like his parents so he concentrates on enjoying life as best as he can but when a young girl believes she is in love with him his old friend Jasmine steps in and saves the day could this change his way of life and his thinking when Jasmine pronounces them engaged.

Jasmine Connolly has grown up on the Ravensdale estate she is the gardeners daughter but has been taken in by the Ravensdale's and is more like family but she has always felt a bond and love for Jake but that is shot down when she is 16, Jaz becomes a wedding gown designer she needs love and the feeling of being loved after all her parents never wanted her so she tries to find love and with three failed engagements and when an opportunity to get Jake to help her with a false engagement pops up this is going to change her life in such a good way.

This journey is filled with a sensual affair that melts their hearts but builds tension but it also makes them open up and realize that love together is the best thing for them and the marriage proposal will have you smiling and shedding a few tears of joy. I loved this one from the first page and I highly recommend it thank you MS Milburne you never disappoint me with one of your stories and this one gave me hours of reading pleasure.

5/5 stars for a great story

Expected publication: March 22nd 2016 by Harlequin
_____________________________________________________

REVIEWED BY TASHNZ      | 4 Stars

A delightful read which carries on with the Ravensdale family which we have been meeting during the first two books of the engaging series.

Jasmine is the gardener's daughter but grew up close to the sides of the Ravensdales and lived with them during her turmoiled childhood. She's always had a thing for Jake, twin of Julius from book one, and is still mortified about her experience with him when she was a naive love sick puppy. Now, many years later and two weddings to make dresses for the time has come when she can't avoid Jake any longer.

Many failed engagements behind her with the latest looking to fail too, an opportunity arises that will suit both Jasmine and Jake's complicated single status and an fake engagement is announced. Much to Jasmines delight and Jake's horror. As the story rolls along we discover why everyone thinks they're enemies when really what happened behind the scenes was quite the opposite and Jasmine's way of coping.

A great read, two frenemies who are growing together and realising that maybe their opposites really do attract and just maybe instead of working so hard to avoid each other that they should stop fighting the magnetic forces that are bringing them together. I really quite liked Jake.

With family and friends and ex partners and scandalous teenagers all in the background this makes for a delightful read, it's kind of Presents mixed with a bit of light-hearted humor along the ride.

Loved it and looking forward to number 4 xxx    

REVIEW BY ALEXIA | 5 Stars

"Engaged to Her Ravensdale Enemy" by Melanie Milburne is part of her series 'The Ravensdale Scandals.' Even though it is a read alone book, because the author does a great job introducing the characters in the book, I highly recommend reading this series.

Playboy Jake Ravensdale is somewhat in a bind when a young stalker shows up on his doorstep. Good thing Jasmine Connolly is at the house trying to get some of her work done for a bride to be. She steps up and introduces herself as Jake's fiance. Once Jasmine makes sure the teenager makes it home safe she lets Jake know that she is not pleased that he is hosting an orgy weekend. Jasmine and Jake know each other because her father worked on the estate that the Ravensdale family owned. The family took her in and she became a part of their family. 

There are some twists in this story about what happened in their past that brings them to this event in their lives. They try to fight their chemistry, but it's a lost battle

REVIEW BY HINA | 5 Stars

This book has one of my favourite tropes in Romance going for it. Enmity turning to forever kind of love. The sparks flying getting all the more intense because the feelings involved are on the extreme sides of the spectrum; be it hate or love.

Due to an incident tat happened a long time ago, Jasmine and Jake can't even bring themselves to be civil to each other and prefer their family to be around so that they are not left to each other's company.

Jasmine is the daughter of the gardener at Jake's parents' house but has always considered the Ravensdales her default / adopted family as neither her mother nor her father had any affection or time for her.

Jumping back to the present, with yet another broken engagement Jasmine does not want to face the world and Jake wants the teenaged girl who has developed a crush on him to leave him alone; these two are at the Ravensdale estate together and in a moment of revengeful inspiration, Jasmine announces their engagement.

Following the announcement, everything snowballs itself to perfection but there are still glitches here and there.

Definitely serious and complicated but nothing that a heart to heart cannot resolve.

The banter they had going between them gives one the fits

REVIEW BY AMANDA | 4 Stars

Melanie Milburne has done a fantastic job using the enemies-to-lover trope in bringing out the best in her writing. In Engaged to Her Ravensdale Enemy Ms. Milburne builds the drama from page one and keeps the conflict exploding with each new chapter in the scintillating new installation in her Ravensdale miniseries for Harlequin Presents. Hot, sexy and full of intense scenes right out of some popular television soap, this book hits all the right buttons! Jake Ravensdale has fled to his family estate to get away from a teenage stalker. What he hasn’t bargained for is to find his young stalker at his doorstep. He is however surprised and shocked when Jasmine Connolly declares to the stalker and the world that she is Jake’s fiancée. Of course she’s already engaged to someone else! From here things heat up and intense drama burns up the pages. Fans of the previous two books in the Ravensdale miniseries are sure to find this installation all the more entertaining! Overall, great dialogue, cutting-edge drama, sizzling chemistry and descriptive writing make this a worthwhile read.

REVIEW BY LYNN | 5 Stars

My favorite Ravensdale sibling! There's just something about the chemistry between these two that made it my favorite yet in the series.

Jasmine Connolly is having horrible luck with men. Now her 3rd fiance in just about as many years is telling her he wants a "break". She's convinced he'll come running back if only he has the right motivation. She comes up with a plan to make him jealous.

Jake Ravensdale is a notorious playboy, and Jaz's enemy for years now. She grew up with his little sister and ever since she had a crush on him when she was a teen that he didn't return, they have gone at it like cats and dogs whenever in the same room with each other. She can't believe she's asking him for a favor, but surely if Myles sees her spending time with him, he'll hurry back to claim his woman!

When Jake agrees to accompany Jaz to a weekend work function, there are sure to be fireworks ... but neither of them expect the attraction that flares up between them!

REVIEW BY DOTTIE | 5 Stars

Wow book 3 of the Ravensdale Scandals and what a wow book it is. Jasmine Connolly is a wedding gown designer and Jake Ravensdale is her nemesis. She has loved him forever but has managed to get engaged to three different men and broken it three times. Lets consider why, its because no one will fill the place for Jake in her heart sounds like there is a simple solution. Get Jake, stop there he isn't interested in forever and he isn't interested in Jaz. At least that is what they both believe until a few events make it imperative they make like they are engaged and so begins a wonderful story of having that saying "you don't know what you've got until you lose it". A marvelous story by a phenomenal author and you will be waiting anxiously for the next in the series. Loved it so much and it made me smile laugh and cry. Wow is all I can say

REVIEW BY CHERYL | 5 Stars

Jasmine Connolly's mother did not want her, dropped her with her dad and he left her with the Ravensdale's to bring up. Engaged three different times and each time engagement broke off. She can't help thinking that it must be something wrong with her. 

Started with her crush on Jake Ravensdale! She was young, at a party and she was in Jake's bed and he opens the door bringing in his 3 young gals and Jasmine runs out humiliated. Rejection by Jake was a hard lesson for her and she would never talk about what else went on that night.

Jasmine decides that she will make her last man jealous and use Jake to do it. Her way of getting back at him for the past rejection and hurt she suffered. Especially when Jake has an encounter with a young teenage gal with a huge crush on him even comes to his house even and Jasmine helps the girl back home and tells the girl that Jake and Jasmine are engaged. WHAT? Well Jasmine had decided he will help her and she will help him. When a few weeks are over the engagement will be broken and they can go back to their lives. She talks Jake into it and little do they know what might happen when you put the two together and the press has a field day with them and so does social media. She does tell a couple of her closest friends what is the truth.

Jake does purchase an engagement ring even for her and purchases a beautiful necklace for her. They attend a weekend bridal show where Jasmine has a wedding gown from her designs and bridal shop in and well you need to read to find out how it goes.

Melanie Milburne does not disappoint me in this love story. She does a wonderful job on The Ravensdale Scandals!

Unlocking Her Boss's Heart by Christy McKellen

Reviewed by Nas

UNLOCKING HER BOSS’S HEART by author Christy McKellen is a January 2015 release by Harlequin Romance series.

Cara Winstone goes out for a new job interview. But her arrogant boss, though hires her, yet doesn’t seem to want her there.

Max Firebrace, after losing his wife, wants to be left alone. He doesn’t want anyone around him yet he hires Cara because he gave his word. Cara’s optimistic look and happiness grates on his nerves, yet he doesn’t really know what Cara is hiding under her too-bright smile.

UNLOCKING HER BOSS’S HEART is a sweet romance about past grief and second chance at love and happy ever after. Author Christy McKellen did a wonderful job of bringing Cara and Max together with all the obstacles they had in their way.

Recommended for all readers of romance. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review by Amanda

Max Firebrace lives a reclusive life ever since his wife passed away one and a half years ago. But when his friend’s cousin shows up at his front door seeking to work as his PA, Max never expected his life would change drastically. Cara Winstone is a determined and vibrant woman. When she sells her skills to Max on his front door she is lucky the broody businessman gives in and allows her for a ‘try out’ at the job. She passes. However, just as Cara starts to earn enough money to pay her rent, the landlord informs her she must move out of her London apartment. She crashes for a while at a friend’s house but insomnia takes a toll on her and Max notices. At first Max is cold and standoffish towards Cara and he makes Cara to know he will not tolerate her sudden lack of efficiency at work. When he finds out the real reason behind Cara’s inadequacy at work, he offers her to stay at his house. From here on, a few simple revelations clears the air between Max and Cara but just when they seem to get their bearings straight Cara out of an act of kindness thought she was doing Max good when she cleans his house. Cleaning one particular room blew Max’s fuse. Eventually Cara learns about Max’s wife and once they lay their hearts out, they draw closer to each other…

Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart by Christy McKellen is the author’s debut Harlequin Romance. Ms. McKellen’s writing is fresh and simple. The story in itself is clean and well-written. Overall, Unlocking Her Boss’s Heart is a fun and flirty romantic read sure to keep readers turning the pages until the end.

Recommended
4 Stars

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unlocking Her Boss's Heart

Christy McKellen



Reviewed by Helen

This is such a beautiful story I loved the setting and the emotions were so real as I read this one it is beautifully written and will have you turning the pages to get to the finish and such a moving HEA.

Cara Winstone has been hurt badly at her last job bullied and put down this has left her emotionally down but she needs a job and is determined to bounce back to her normal positive and caring self and when her friend Poppy tells her about a position that a friend of hers Max needs filled Cara lands on his doorstep and pushes the arrogant Max into giving her a chance that will change everything for Cara.

Max Firebrace has been through tragedy losing his wife and has not gotten over it he works hard and that is about all he does he is bossy and arrogant and is convinced he does not need a PA but with his friend Poppy sending Cara to him he decides to give her a go but he is sure she is hiding something and when she turns his life upside down with her caring and cheerfulness Max feels the need to protect and care back will he give in and go with the emotions running through his body and how will he cope.

I loved this story so emotional heart-warming and moving these are two people that were meant for each other and it had me smiling. This was the first one of MS McKellen's that I have read but it won't be the last I love they way she brings the characters to life on the pages I highly recommend sitting back with a beverage of your choice and falling into this one.

5/5 stars for a fabulous story

Published January 1st 2016 by Harlequin

The Marriage He Must Keep (The Wrong Heirs) by Dani Collins

The Marriage He Must Keep
by Dani Collins

Reviewed by TashNz

You know when you have a million chores to do but you've got a new book so you sit down with your morning coffee and have a quick squiz? Then the day goes by and you're glaring at anyone who dares to interrupt what could be the most amazing story ever? Yeah that! That is what I felt when I sat down for a quick squiz at Dani Collins's The Marriage He Must Keep!

The opening chapters had me on the edge of my seat! The emotion I was feeling probably came from being a Mum myself but that doesnt matter, I was so emotionally moved and gripped by what was taking place that I had to tweet the author and tell her! 

Octavia's newborn baby is swapped at the hospital and it's a brilliant set up for Book 2 of the Wrong Heirs Series. Just enough info is shared to know that Book 2 is going to be just as exceptional! With her husband, Alessandro on the other side of the world Octavia's feeling like she's battling a lost cause! No one is listening to her, she KNOWS this baby is not hers! 

Alessandro arrives like a whirlwind demanding answers and it's not long before it's revealed his horrible cousin is behind the baby swap. Alessandro not believing her is pretty much the last straw for Octavia, she's had enough of her marriage of convenience, she's had enough of his family and she's had enough of not being herself and tells Alessandro it's over. 

Alessandro loves his wife though and spends the book trying to put out fires his family has caused as well as try and keep the marriage he wants so badly. As family secrets are unveiled, loyalties tested and the whole world against them, The Marriage He Must Keep is a thoroughly entertaining, emotional, gripping and edge of seat read. Among all this is Alessandro and Octavia's little bundle of joy Lorenzo who was quite the addition to the story. He adds to the story line as does the other swapped baby Enrique. 

The ending of the story was just as entertaining, gripping and emotional as the beginning of the story and I'm actually really sad to reach a close on Alessandro and Octavia's story. I'm very much looking forward to seeing them again Book 2, Enrique's parents story.

Thank you Dani Collins for writing such a fantastic, original and throughly rewarding story. I loved it! 

Harlequin Presents Published January 2016

The Wrong Heirs Series

Reviewed by Nas

THE MARRIAGE HE MUST KEEP by author Dani Collins is a December 2015 release by Harlequin Presents series.

Alessandro Ferrante married Octavia not expecting much. He was surprised when he felt himself falling in love with her. Then he sent her away to London for her delivery. But the baby they put in her hands were not hers after delivery. She knew it. But couldn’t convince anyone of this truth. Even her husband didn’t seem to believe her.

But upon checks, they did find that she was right and someone did a baby swap. Could she ever trust Alessandro’s family ever again now?

THE MARRIAGE HE MUST KEEP is a sensational story full of unexpected twists and turns. . It is a romance filled with red-hot passion yet sweet and tender moments too. Author Dani Collins did a great job of bringing Octavia and Alessandro together when it seemed it was impossible for them to ever reach a compromise.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review by Amanda

The first book in Dani Collins brand new duet – The Wrong Heirs- is steamy, intense and passionate. In, The Marriage He Must Keep, we meet Alessandro, Octavia and some other very interesting characters who all add drama and tension between the pages.

Octavia never saw herself marrying the head of the Ferrante clan. In fact it was Sandro’s cousin, Primo who her father had chosen as her groom. But the moment Octavia laid eyes on Alessandro she knew she would never want another man as much as she wants him. When she and Sandro dance for the first time the chemistry sizzles and when he suggest she marry him she says yes. After their marriage, they share passionate nights in each other’s arms and Octavia gets pregnant. But for some reason Octavia and Sandro are exiled from each other. They live miles apart, she in the London mansion and he in Italy. At the mansion also lives Sandro’s mother and Primo, the evil conniving Primo. When Octavia goes into labor, she begs Primo to call an ambulance but Primo stalls because he has his own intentions. But as the pain grips her, Octavia calls the emergency number. She is rushed to the hospital where she gives birth to a son. However, when Octavia goes to the nursery to feed her baby she realizes something…the baby she’s holding isn’t hers. Even as she insists to the nurses the baby isn’t hers they assure her otherwise. From here on, the plot thickens and events, revelations and truths start to spiral out of control. This brings Octavia and Sandro closer. With their newborn son keeping them rooted, the story moves along with a good steady pace. Overall, The Marriage He Must Keep by Dani Collins will hook you from page one. It is intricately woven in such a way that tension, drama and angst rolls off the pages!

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Marriage He Must Keep

Dani Collins



Reviewed by Helen

This is a fabulous story the first in a duet by an author who knows how to bring the characters to life and brings out the sensuality that sparks between the hero and heroine Alessandro Ferrante and his wife Octavia theirs was an arranged marriage because there is no way Alessandro wants to be in love and live the way his parents did, and Octavia an only child who always did what made her parents happy they thought they were content until the birth of their baby shows what a strong person Octavia can be and what lengths both will go to, too love.

This story will have you pulled in from page one as Octavia goes into labour and with her husband's cousin Primo is being his nasty self and then when babies are swapped at the hospital Octavia really stands her ground it is a side that Alessandro has not seen before oh she has always been sensual in bed but this really makes him take notice and when their marriage looks to be heading in the wrong direction with the help of Primo, Alessandro knows that he must do all that he can to keep this marriage for all of their sakes seeing Alessandro finally lose control and admit love is so good you will be smiling.

I loved this one from start to finish it truly is a fabulous read one that you should not miss and seeing as it is the first in a duet I am really looking forward to Sorcha's story the mother of the other baby. My recommendation don't miss this one sit back and enjoy.

5/5 stars for a fabulous read

Published December 15th 2015 by Harlequin

Destined for the Desert King by Kate Walker

Reviewed by TashNz

Destined by the Desert King
by Kate Walker

Kate has written a fantastic story called A Question of Honor.  It was released in 2014.  The moving story of Clemmie and Karim.  Clemmie has run away.  She is promised to Nabil, the Sheikh of Rhastaan.  Destined for the Desert King opens 10 years later, to Nabil toasting his best and closest friends Clemmie and Karim a happy tenth anniversary.  

Now of course, if you're reading Destined for the Desert King you'll be wondering whaaat? They are friends? How did that happen?  And of course you'll be expecting Nabil  to be happily married to Sharmila, the girl he married in A Question of Honor but we learn very quickly she was assassinated, while pregnant with Nabil's heir.

Feeling suffocated Nabil wanders out onto the palace balcony and encounters the beautiful Zia who introduces herself as a prospective wife's maid.  For the first time since the death of his wife Nabil is woken.  He feels an instant connection and fights against tooth and nail to act on it.  Deciding it's time he marries he choses his prospective wife's little sister and is shocked to the core Zia turns out to be she!

What follows is a beautiful story of two people who have been bought into the world unloved and treated unloved and unwanted by those who should matter the most.  They have their base connection which Nabil finally acts upon but Aziza feels like she's living in the shadow of a ghost and will never earn the love and respect of Nabil.   However, not all is as it seems and while Aziza feels at her lowest when she's having trouble conceiving, Nabil takes a risks and bares heart and soul!

Strong and powerful descriptive writing had me sitting in the afternoon sun, sipping  on a cider, and enjoying every single word written.  If you have read Kate Walker in the past you will know exactly what I mean!   Not a word is wasted, not a page goes by without beautiful words and emotional moments with hearts on the line.

I absolutely adored Clemmie and Karims story and Aziza and Nabil's story helped answer many questions, I do note however my book says this is "Rhastaan Royals Book 1", so I'm very curious as to who is in Book 2 :)

5 Stars

Harlequin Presents Published December 2015

Rhastaan Royals Book 1

Reviewed by Nas

DESTINED FOR THE DESERT KING by author Kate Walker is a December 2015 release by Harlequin Presents series. This is Book 2 of the mini-series Rhastaan Royals. Book 1 is A Question of Honor. 

Aziza El Afarim had a childhood crush on her new husband Sheikh Nabil Al Sharifa. But she knew the tragedy which had befallen Nabil’s life. How could she expect him to be the same boy as he was? But she realized she had lost her heart to him many years ago and he still had it in his possession. Could she ever hope Nabil would return her feelings?

Nabil had been betrayed in the worst possible way. Could he ever trust another woman now? Everything was political maneuvering for him. And getting married to Aziza was a strategical move. And she was a good person to be a mother to his future heirs. Would there ever be anything more for him? Did he want more?

DESTINED FOR THE DESERT KING is a romance full of emotional intensity and shimmering with sexual chemistry and sensuality. Author Kate Walker has her own unique way to captivate and fascinate her readers. This story would enthrall a reader and keep her hooked until the very last page. I finished this story in one sitting, as I was eager to discover what happened next.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Destined for the Desert King

Kate Walker




Reviewed by Helen

MS Walker writes stories that are magical you will fall for the heroes and cheer on the heroines as they journey a path that can have its ups downs to such wonderful HEA's and this one has it all.

This starts of as a marriage of convenience Aziza El Afarim is chosen to be the King's bride for a number of reasons but Sheikh Nabil Al Sharifa has seen tragedy and knows that he must marry and produce an heir for the good of the country but there is such a spark between these two and many memories from their childhood can he overcome the emotions he has that convince him he cannot love can Aziza help him see that love is there or will it be a loveless marriage.

I fell into this book from page one and didn't want to put it down I loved the sensuality and passion they had and the heartache and honesty that had to be overcome so they could be loved and feel loved I loved the setting truly this is a story not to be missed I highly recommend it thank you MS Walker for hours of reading pleasure I have been looking forward to Nabil's story and I was not disappointed.

5/5 stars for an awesome story

Published November 17th 2015 by Harlequin

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reviewed by Amanda

Steamy, intense and engrossing… Kate Walker delivers a drama packed story in her latest book Destined for the Desert King. The story is captivating so much it would have you turning the pages in need to know what will happen next between the characters. You'd be surprised how quickly you reach the end. Sheikh Nabil is the king of Rhastaan and so he needs a queen. Years ago, when he was young, he lost his wife, Sharmila, to a bullet meant for him. Ever since then he has become a changed man. It is during a function held at the palace that his life would change forever. On the palace balcony he meets a woman, Zia. She introduces herself as a maid. But the way Zia makes his body awaken under her quiet gaze, her soft lips…Nabil swoops down and claims Zia's mouth. The powerful reaction he experiences makes him want her but he is swift to walk away so sure he would never have to cross the maid's path ever again. But the shock of his life comes when Nabil chooses a queen. On his wedding night when he removes the veil from his new wife, his outburst is funny… (You'll have to find out for yourself)

Aziza has always been the spare wheel, the other daughter, the ugly one… She was more of a burden to her parents than a daughter. In her parents' eyes, her father especially, she could never reach the standards of her beautiful sister Jamalia. This makes her hold herself in low-esteem. It is during chaperoning her sister at an event held by Sheikh Nabil that Aziza crosses path with the dark, imposing king…someone she once knew as a boy. The little boy has grown up to become dark and irresistible… Aziza introduces herself to Nabil as Jamalia's maid. But seeing her childhood crush as a grown man awakens her body in a way it has never been awakened before. And when Nabil kisses her on the dark palace balcony the physical intensity has been instantaneous! Now you might think the story has been predictable so far, but what happens from here on is unpredictable. Ms. Walker shocked me good and well with Nabil's story. But I am disappointed there was no epilogue to tie up two unanswered questions at the end. You'll need to read the book to know what I am talking about. But overall the story captures your attention. You'll be hooked even though there were minor flaws in the storyline.

Recommended
4 Stars

Ravensdale's Defiant Captive by Melanie Milburne

Reviewed by Nas

RAVENSDALE’S DEFIANT CAPTIVE by author Melanie Milburne is a Harlequin Presents series release for December 2015.

On the say so of his housekeeper, Julius Ravensdale agrees to do community service and host a Holly Perez in his house. He was supposed to be her guardian for one month and be responsible for her. Yet he increasingly finds himself at odds with her.

Holly was used to men using her all the time for their own needs so she couldn’t think any different about Julius. So she went in with guns blazing to let him know what she thought of him. Yet, she finds he was different to men she was used to…could she trust him? Could she open her heart to him or would it lead to more heart ache for her?

RAVENSDALE’S DEFIANT CAPTIVE is an explosive romance with witty dialogue and full of tension. The love scenes have shimmering sensuality. Author Melanie Milburne brought this sensual romance and once again astounds and hooks her readers in the story.

Highly recommended to all readers of romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review by Amanda

Author Melanie Milburne delivers a full on entertaining story in Ravensdale’s Defiant Captive. Reading this brand-new novel has been a wonderful experience! The first book in Ms. Milburne’s new series: Ravensdale Scandals will grip from page one. This engrossing tale will take you out for a drama filled spin. You will be breathlessly satisfied throughout the novel. High-octane drama, lots of feisty attitude, spot-on dialogue and well developed characters will get under your skin. The heroine, Holly Perez, is a breath of fresh air. Her entire life has been jarred and broken. I loved her attitude, her personality. She is wicked in a naughty, fun-loving way. The hero, Julius Ravensdale, is gorgeous and the perfect alpha as much as he is kind, considerate and hot. I must say that the chemistry between him and Holly explodes between the pages. I think this novel might be my favorite MM Harlequin Presents!

Highly Recommended

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ravensdale's Defiant Captive

Melanie Milburne

Reviewed by Helen

I have never been disappointed with any of MS Milburne's stories and this one delivers a fast paced sensual story of two people from opposite sides of the track who have a rocky road to such a beautiful HEA.

Julius Ravensdale leads a quiet life working in astrophysics his parents are famous actors but he prefers to stay out of the limelight he likes his life organized and calm so when his housekeeper convinces him to take in a young woman who has one last chance to sort her life out before she may end up in prison he reluctantly says yes never realizing that this young woman will turn his life upside down and change his life forever.

Holly Perez has had a rotten childhood but she covers it well she is feisty and arrives at the Villa full of bravado she is determined not be used and to show Julius who has the stronger will power and puts on a brave front but she is rather taken with the gorgeous man who is to be her guardian for one month.

Julius is hard pressed to keep control of himself around the beautiful Holly he sees through her wall of bravado and she sees a lot in Julius as well and when they are left alone for a few days they cannot help but fall into each others arms but Holly finds it hard to believe that anyone can love her and when they are thrown into the spotlight Julius is determined to protect Holly and this will make you smile.

This is a beautifully written story the characters are rich and come to life on the pages and I am very much looking forward to more of The Ravensdale family do yourself a favour and don't miss this one.

5/5 stars for a fabulous story

Published November 17th 2015 by Harlequin

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Father This Christmas by Louisa Heaton

Reviewed by Nas

A FATHER THIS CHRISTMAS by author Louisa Heaton is a Harlequin Medical Romance series release for November 2015.

Dr. Eva Corday had one passion-filled night on Christmas Eve four years ago. She had not forgotten that night and had a lovely reminder of Jacob Dolan in the form of her son, Seb.

Now four years later Dolan was standing in her ER department as the new doctor. He was back from Africa and was on a mission to find Eva, but what would happen when he finds that Eva had kept Seb a secret from him? He had missed the first three years of his son’s life. Could that fact override the feelings they had for each other? Eva wanted to be loved and cherished for herself. Could Dolan forgive her and forget his own past while moving forward with Eva and Seb?

A FATHER THIS CHRISTMAS is a sweet romance filled with emotions to tug your heart. Dolan had his own demons to fight with before he could commit. And Eva, though a strong person, had her own insecurities which she had to overcome. Author Louisa Heaton has her own unique style with words and hooks a reader in charmingly with her story telling.

Highly recommended for all readers of medical romance.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A Father this Christmas ?

Louisa Heaton



Reviewed by Helen

This is a beautifully written moving and emotional story that will have you grabbing for the tissues and smiling as well as Dr Eva Corday finds love and family and Dr Jacob Dolan comes to terms with things that have driven him from his past and little Seb has a mother and father.

Eva has never had a family she grew up through the foster care system but always dreamed of family and when one night of passion with Jacob leaves her pregnant and alone, although she searches for him she is unsuccessful so she carries on life to the fullest with her son never thinking that she would see Jacob again.

That one last night in England for Jacob was never forgotten Eva the gorgeous red head was always in his mind and when years later he finally comes to terms with his past he returns to England from Africa and finds Eva but what he discovers also will shock him but make him more determined to open up to Eva and his son Seb although with it being Christmas many memories are brought back.

This is such a gorgeous story I have been lucky enough to always have family but Eva hadn't and to feel her joy as Jacob, Seb and her get closer is amazing and to see Jacob come to terms with what had happened to him and re-uniting with his family will have you smiling, Seb is such a beautiful little boy and of course I do love Christmas stories especially set in the cooler climates my recommendation is don't miss this one I loved it.

5/5 stars for a beautiful story

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Review by Amanda

Dr. Eva Corday spent one hot Christmas Eve night in the arms of Dr. Jacob Dolan four years. But when Jacob leaves her bed the next day without her knowing, he leaves a part of himself with her unknowingly. Eva gets pregnant and delivers a beautiful baby boy named Seb. And when Eva thinks she’d never see Jacob again, now years later he is back and standing in her ER department looking as handsome as ever. As the story unfolds we see the characters grow, we see them overcome the issues that crops up between them, we see Seb, that beautiful little boy play a vital role in bringing his parents together. We see love blossom and memories made and we see Eva and Jacob attain their happy ending by working out their problems together… A Father This Christmas by Louisa Heaton is a warm cozy read filled with emotional intensity amid the backdrop of medical drama. Ms. Heaton’s unique writing style garners the readers full attention from page one.

Recommended
5 Stars

Puffin Island Series Book One : First Time In Forever by Sarah Morgan

Reviewed by Desere

This is the first book in the new Sarah Morgan series , and I personally have been waiting for it for what has felt like forever. This time we set off to Puffin Island and the secrets it's residence, permanent and temporary hold.

Windswept, isolated, ruggedly beautiful are just some of the words to describe Puffin Island. It's the isolation that Emily Donavan needs to hide out from her new life, however the close knit community of Puffin Island has a way of rather bringing everyone out of hiding and into the world they call their own, and that is the last thing Emily needs. Nor does she need sexy Ryan Cooper kissing her senseless and letting her truly feel emotion for the first time since a day at the beach changed her life forever.

But Ryan knows all about secrets, she's hiding far more than herself and the child she calls Lizzie. He makes it his personal mission to extract her secrets one kiss at a time, but what happens when she discovers who he really is?

From page one this book promised to me amazing , and it was in more ways than one. The characters main and secondary were all magical. From the somewhat crazy old ladies attending nude art classes to heartbroken ice cream shop owners and of course the hero and heroine who both stole my heart.

I simply adored the character of Lizzie, she is after all the key that brings Emily and Ryan to their journey of love. I could not get enough of the community and how they protect their own against all costs , the author placed me front and center for the show of the year!  Ryan is this laid back, go with the flow and very handsome, guy, but under his laid back nature there is also the hard hitting always push for answers persona that grabbed my attention and my readers brain refused to let go. It is his quest to push for answers that made me adore him more and more with each question he asked to get to the truth.

The character of Emily was understandably hiding as much of her life as she could, and let me tell you when the author revealed the truth about Emily's past and current predicament my heart broke, and I felt various emotions, ranging from first anger then utter disbelieve. And then I started fighting just as hard as Ryan to bring back out the person I knew Emily is meant to be.

Through both characters the author showed that secrets can destroy us, the longer we hold on to them the worse the fear of exposure gets and the worse the outcome will be. Secrets fester in our souls, and letting go is the only way you can be freed. Most importantly this book and the journey of Ryan and Emily showed that that past shapes us , but it does not determine the person we ultimately need to be, anything can be overcome with a helping hand, all you need to do is accept that helping hand when it is thrust towards you.

I highly recommend this book for all fans of romance that sizzles with red hot passion, beautiful romance, heartfelt emotion and a journey that will live in your heart for many years to come.  Mrs Morgan has once again shown she is more than capable of knocking any reader's socks off, she writes with the type of enthusiasm we all need to live our lives with.  First time in forever is uplifting, sensual, a real page turner and the very essence of island romance perfection!

I  very much look forward to the second book in this series, where the truth about Britney and Zack will be revealed!

5/5 star review
" Sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest challenge to face" 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Reviewed by Nas

FIRST TIME IN FOREVER by author Sarah Morgan is a Harlequin release for March 2015.

This is the first book in her mini-series Puffin Island.

Sudden death of Emily Donovan’s estranged half-sister and Emily became guardian to a six-year old girl, her niece Lizzy, whom she me for the first time. Emily has no idea how to bring up or look after a small girl. And she needed to keep her niece hidden away from paparazzi.  

Ryan Cooper enjoyed life on Puffin Island. He had gone out in the world and saw all he needed to see. Now he was back for good. The appearance of Emily and Lizzy on the island was a distraction he didn’t want or need. But he couldn’t keep away from them. Sudden attraction flared between Emily and Ryan.

Bu Ryan was not ready for commitment or family, was he? 

FIRST TIME IN FOREVER is a mesmerizing romance set in an exotic locale. I loved the island people. Sarah Morgan gave all the islanders their own personality and character. I feel as if I became friends with everyone. Of course I would like to see that the Summer Scoop survive and prosper. And the book club ladies are such fun. I wish they would dissect one of the famous books of now…I would love to read what they come up with! 

I’m eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. Will Brittany come back and reunite with handsome pilot Zach?

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~