Beach Bar Baby by Heidi Rice

Reviewed by Desere 

Going on a solo vacation to fun filled Bermuda sounds like a dream come true. However once there every one will tell you that the more you see of the couples holding hands, making out on the beach and get into the wet and wild side of things whilst playing in the ocean waves, the more you get the message that you're there all alone and none of the action will be coming your way.

That is unless you are the heroine in a Heidi Rice book. Beach Bar Baby tells the very long awaited story of Ella. I first met Ella in the super hot Cupcakes and Killer Heals many moons ago, and back then she was just a glimmer of "I wonder what her story is?" fading into the background.

I was delighted to hear the author had finally penned down all the details of Ella's story. Now as I mentioned Ella is pretty much feeling very sorry for herself as she sits and watches couples get smooch up to each other and she is getting none of the action.

That is until the very sexy, very tanned, very ripped and more than willing to make all her sexual fantasies come true Cooper shows up. After a couple of drinks and getting to know all you can to know about the person you're about to sleep with  they spend one sinful night together and the next morning Ella 's gone.

Cooper and his go get 'em attitude does not let this stop him from finding her again only when he does he notices a difference. She's still pretty and still very much tuns him one faster than a potent mix of rum and cocktails goes to you head, but she is also a heck of a lot more curvier than he remembers and once she drops the reason why Cooper is for darn sure that this is the one and only time in his life he has ever regretted taking a beautiful woman to bed.

I loved this read from start to finish. It was so much crazy fun to read I had bouts of laughter and people close by staring at me like I was some kind of crazy loon, it is not every day you find me bursting out in uncontrollable fits of laughter when reading solo in a corner, not the mention me snorting my coffee all over!

The character of Cooper was a bit of a ass at first, and all I wanted to do was bash his head in to see if that would snap him out of his utter blindness at Ella's feelings.

Ella's character was really nice to read, I liked that she was so very scared of everything happening yet she still pushed forward to try and make any valid point that she knew was needed.

The author did a brilliant job at taking a everyday occurrence, and yes also commonly found in romance books, and letting it play out with wild crazy humor and sweet sexy passion. Usually reads of this nature have a lot more of the emotional happening and none of the fun stuff in between such as jokes and laughing together. It was if I was reading about a couple expecting first child after the fairy-tale wedding ,yet I knew better because the relationship of Ella and Cooper is everything but the happy couple playing house.

I recommend this read for all fans of fun romantic reads. It is the perfect afternoon pick me up read!

5/5 star review
" It happened one night at the beach bar and now they're both screwed" 

The Wedding Season by Various Authors : Series Overview

                                                                The Wedding Season 

                                                                  Overview by Desere
                                                             

The Wedding Season is a series about four woman finding love, learning about friendship and finding the true people they are meant to be along the way. These is causing havoc, taking off with ex's, falling into the arms of off limit men and even faking the big 'O' just to satisfy the man.

Yes this series had it all along with so much more than you would expect to come from a read about four friends each finding love. The series was brilliantly crafted by four of today's best selling authors.

The first read of the series The Unexpected Wedding Guest by Aimee Carson told the story of Reese and Mason, and how finding love the second time around with the love of your life is always so much sweeter the second time around. A fun and sensual afternoon read.

The second read Girl Least Likely To Marry by Amy Andrews tells the story of always taking the scientific approach  to everything in life Cassie, even when it comes to sex, and how Tuck is the one man she simply cannot analyse and how she finds the courage to let go and listen to her heart instead of her head. A fun,flirty, unusual and thrilling read. 

Read number three in the series Maid of Dishonor by Heidi Rice  brings the life of Gina and Carter and how one passionate dream come true night can lead to a lifetime of heartache and secrets that once revealed might break a relationship or set it on the course of happy ever after. A sizzling hot, passionate and just plain awesome read.

The final book from the series Last Groom Standing by Kimberly Lang was the one that brought it all together for these four friends but also told the story of Marnie and Dylan and how grabbing a once in lifetime chance instead of going for the wine could lead to a romance so unexpected it will leave you feeling more than just a little drunk with love. A sensual, romantic, passionate and completely amazing read.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance. These four reads will take you on a journey of true friendship, heartaches, love lost and found and most importantly a word of pure romance brilliance as these four authors offer up reads that touch base with so many various kinds of emotions you will find yourself crying, laughing, rooting for the characters and yes even wanting to knock some sense into some of them.

These reads are available at Harlequin KISS titles :  http://www.harlequin.com/, as Mills and Boon Tempted titles at : http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/ and also at Amazon : http://www.amazon.com

Please take note each site as it's own release date for each title. 


                             

Maid of Dishonor by Heidi Rice

 

Reviewed by Desere

Every woman has a "I am bad" side, for some it is rather mild but for others it can get pretty much very out of control. And in the end they are left with a huge mess that does not seem is ever going to go away. So the key of course might be to stay good and far away from bad, but we all know there is NO fun in that, as the song goes Girls just wanna have FUN!

In the new Heidi Rice read we meet Gina, she can be bad and I do mean very bad, so bad in fact that she will sleep with about to get married sex on legs Carter! To make it worse Carter is her best friend's brother, talk about awkward!

So we have the almost destruction of a marriage before it ever even really starts and the putting of enormous strain on a friendship, thus leaving things more than just a tad unresolved and uncomfortable.

Fast forward into the future and we are right back where Gina and Carter started, all hot for each other and so ready to jump into bed and pick up where they left off. With Carter being divorced and Gina so ready to jump him, there should be no problem, right?

Wrong, reunions are never easy, there is always a hangup hiding somewhere and in this case the hangup is a secret, the real question is will their love for each other withstand the secret or will the secret tear them apart this time to never reunite, for we all know some-things can never be forgiven.

The character of Gina was awesome! I loved that she goes after what she wants but not the manner she does it in, sleeping with a already engaged man is kind of slutty, but yes in this read it fit with her personality of when being bad go big or go home.

If she sounds like the kind of heroine that you would rather not read, you would be wrong, for as bad as she is, she is also that good. The author lets her character grow up and the message of learn from your past mistakes is very clear. Gina was captivating, fun and I found myself totally loving her.

The character of Carter, was such a typical man, easily seduced by Gina, afterall she is very tempting and his bride to be was a real prude, but yes still very typical male behaviour,  so was not overly nuts about it, but as I have learned from this author's previous books, there is always a reason and something better to come from a not-so-much-loving-this-hero.

And the author totally blew me away when she let him crawl out and pull out all the stops, and he quickly turned into one of those "sweet talk me all you want darling am all your's" hero's and he quickly turned into my favourite character ever written by this author!

The dialogue was sweet, emotional, funny, sexy and full of life, yes truly my dear reading friends I could feel every emotion as they flowed through the characters words, very powerful writing Heidi!

The entire read was exceptionally well written and at no stage did it the author ever bore me, it all was so very yummy and deliciously good that I could not put this read down, simply had to, no needed to go on, to get to the end and the fireworks I knew for sure were coming.

I am taking away a message of making rash decisions in the heat of the moment is not always bad, however if you take the time to stop and truly think about what you are about to act on and the repercussions it can cause you would see that your future might not be the one you dreamed of.

And of course when love rolls your way a second time around, think twice before you hang onto a secret that could destroy a love so kind, so strong and so powerful that when the secret is left unspoken you will never know just how forgiving that love can be.

I highly recommend this read, it was fun, flirty, sexy with a capital S, sizzling, passionate and just plain awesome!

This is book three from The Wedding Dress Diaries the next and final one is The Last Groom Standing by Kimberly Lang.

5/5 star review

" Dishonor and passion leads to a once in a lifetime chance" 

Look out for the fourth and final book in The Wedding Season quartet, Last Groom Standing by Kimberly Lang

Too Close For Comfort by Heidi Rice

Reviewed by Desere


Not knowing who your father or mother is just plain sucks, if you know who they are and what they are, but not liking what you seeing, it sucks more.

Vowing to never become like him or her is a completely natural reaction, but one that can hinder you from actually living your life to the fullest and grabbing hold of the person who can be the one to heal you and your demons.

In the new Heidi Rice read the author tells the story of Zane and Iona. Iona is a damsel in distress and if there is one thing Zane does best, it's rescuing and protecting woman who are in a heap of trouble.

Only Iona reckons she does not need rescuing, especially not from some hot shot detective. But getting away from this man is darn near impossible, not only is he able to erase any and all sexual encounters from her past making her addicted and not wanting to ever get out of bed, no the man is far worse for her well being, he creeps into her heart and she has no idea how to get into his.

The character of Iona was terrific, fun and feisty a real go getter who does not back down in the face of danger rather she goes after it. Of course having I'll- make-you-come-till-you-pass-out Zane to come after her at the drop of a hat makes it so much more fun!

I loved that the author made her strong and she faces up to a challenge,telling it like it is. What I truly adored was how the author used her little insecurities to get on Zane's nerves. It made for some truly awesome conflict moments.

The character of Zane was a real sweetheart ladies, the man is sweet and kind enough to make your heart melt but also forceful and passionate enough to make your knees turn into jelly, the absolute perfect amount of sexiness.

The author making him this tough guy hero with a softer side, somehow made him more realistic for me as reader. It is not often we find a hero that is both throughout the read, no rather we get an arrogant hero that eventually comes around showing his sweeter and more considerate side and that usually happens in the end of the read, so that Heidi was a brilliant touch!

The backdrop settings were all very neatly incorporated into the read, from the recklessness of the kitchen sex scene that showed the restlessness of Zane's soul to the more softer side of his life when he is sitting down with his mother and finally having "the talk", and no it is not that kind of talk, you will need to read the book to find out, all I will say is it is a whopper of a talk.

The sexual level of this read was the kind of spicy I have learned to expect from this author but with more heat and emotion, that kind that right from the first time leaves you thinking "Okay that was so much more than casual", so often it takes a few rounds for this to pop up in a read so being able to pick it up from the start go was a nice refreshing touch.

The dialogue was oh so classic Heidi Rice, very sexy laced with terrific sensual and sweet undertones. As reader am taking away a message that is a very powerful one, never assume rather ask for you might never know, the answer could be your salvation.

5/5 star review
"There's no better comfort than love" 

Baby It's Cold Outside ~Various Authors

Reviewed by Desere



It what is surely the anthology of the year I was swept away to two delicious Christmas nights and two very sinful New Year's night.

The book contains four short stories by Kate Hardy,Heidi Rice,Amy Andrews and Aimee Carson.  It took me through the journey of self discovery,new found love, a little holiday pick me up and unexpected locations.

In the first story 'Tis the Season to Kiss Santa by Kate Hardy we meet two very different people, one who loves Christmas and one who never celebrates the holiday because of a rough childhood.  The author brings the two together and one Christmas eve and sparks fly !  With the emotion the author packed into this one I could not help but cry and the true meaning of Christmas and new hope was brought home beautifully .~ Trapped with Ebenezer Scrooge and bringing the Christmas spirit out in him !

The second book 'Tis the Season to Love Shopping by Heidi Rice we see two people come together in the most unexpected on locations and more than just mere sparks fly as Mrs Rice has always been able to burn up the pages !  The author not only brings the two together in spectacular fashion but also brings home the message of do not judge those whom you do not really know, take a good look at what you see inside instead of what the world is telling you.  And that fear can be controlled if with the right person by your side.The passion laced into this one was scorching !  Trapped with a sexy as sin photographer and learning that there is more behind his looks !

The next one 'Tis the Season to be Kissed by Amy Andrews I was taken on the journey of two people one freshly home from the warzone and in need of a woman and one who has sworn of men and incorporated the rule of ten dates before sex in a effort to find the one.  The author let's the two play all kinds of word games that made for some really fun and laughable moments that I really liked.  I loved the ten various and very creative dates , and the message of no age difference and other circumstances can keep true love apart was stunning. Long John's and Scrabble have never been sexier !

The last one 'Tis the Season to be Tempted by Aimee Carson was a very fun and delightful read.  I met two very different people with the only thing in common being that they cannot keep their hands of each other. They are worlds apart personality and emotionally wise but the author certainly used that to her advantage and what follows was a message of those whom we think will never match are the ones that are truly meant to be.  The straight and narrow guys are sometimes the hottest of them all !

This is was the perfect book to get you in the mood for Christmas and New Year ~ a powerful and passionate holiday read !

5/5 star review

One Night, So Pregnant by Heidi Rice

Reviewed by Desere ~

Mrs Rice sizzling hot stories has for long been a favourite of mine. Her stories are always loaded with passion,intrigue and wonderful characters,not to mention exotic locations.

In One night,so pregnant her characters Nate and Tess are both strong and independent and each have their own unique manner in proving nothing stands in their way.For Nate he wants to be their for his unborn child and for the one woman that has left him feeling just a little more than hot under the collar.

For Tess she would prefer to just be left alone and be far away from Mr."makes my knees go weak with a mere look"  Graystone,and rather focus on her and the baby. That is if she can resist her irresistible sexual urges.

Now Mrs Rice has always been famous for taking characters such as Nate and Tess and bringing them together in spectacular fashion. And this time she has certainly more than outdone herself,the book had the fun and feisty dialogue that I have come to expect from Mrs Rice's books,rather very temping and delicious "drool" moments but also a strong underlining message for unexpected parents to be.And even a family secret !

Mrs Rice is also one of the writers than can write a sex scene so hot it will leave you more than just a little frazzled. Yes, ladies believe me burning up the pages does not quite cover just how hot,passionate and mind blowingly sensual this author can get when she brings her characters to life within the pages of her magical world of romance.

The backdrop was descriptive,the characters remarkably fun to get to know,and the little bit of sweetness shining through from behind the eyes of a once lost little boy,the perfect touch. In the end I was left with only one thought....

Mrs Rice has proved just why she is one of the number one best selling authors of our time.

Well done Mrs Rice,keep them coming !

5/5 star review

P. S. I'm Pregnant by Heidi Rice

Reviewed by Maria

Two great reads in one.  The stories of two couples, Conner and Daisy and Mac and Juno.  The Brody brothers, Conner and Mac are the creation of Heidi Rice and they are two memorable Irish heroes.  What is more, Heidi has succeeded in putting the Irish hero right up there with the Greeks and the Sheikhs - they are every bit as fanciable.  The wonderful thing about both Conner and Liam is that although they come from a background of abuse, they have not become abusive themselves - simply reserved and guarded about giving their hearts away.  As Conner very movingly tells Daisy in the first volume, "I don't hurt women."  That got to me.  These two brothers don't buy into the myth of happy families and it takes two very special women to make them think otherwise.

Daisy Dean is a memorable heroine.  A feisty redhead who can run up a designer ballgown on a secondhand sewing machine and fiercely protective of those she loves, she is the moving force behind 'The Funky Fashionista", a successful clothing business.  The daughter of a mother who spent her life looking for love in all the wrong places, Daisy knows just what she wants.  A simple man with whom she can raise a loving family.  So what the heck is she doing with the playboy Conner Brody?  The contstruction magnate who is also a babe magnet?  Why is she heading to the Waldorf to pose as Conner's fiancee for a brief fortnight?  Will she be able to walk away with her heart intact when it's all over?

Juno, who in Daisy's story, comes across as an unromantic cynic in the extreme, turns out to be, in fact,  another  damaged and abused soul.   When she meets Mac, as a natural consequence of being Daisy's friend, the two of them find themselves drawn together and the inevitable happens.  As Mac is a movie star, no sooner do their photos appear in the tabloids when the paparazzi zone in on Juno.  Can her relationship with Mac survive the pressure?  You'll have to read the book to find out.  You will enjoy it, I promise.  There is also a lovely vein of humour running through both stories in spite of the somewhat grim and tragic background.

One word of warning - the love scenes are sizzling hot.  So don't say you weren't warned.  And, BTW, Heidi Rice is British, but these two men were Irish to the core, as an Irish woman I can definitely vouch for that.  I just had to contact Heidi Rice to find out how she did it and I wasn't at all surprised to learn that she's half Irish.  You can always tell!

4.5 stars