The Secret Heir of Alazar by Kate Hewitt

Review by TashNz - 5 Stars

Malik and Gracies story is one of reunited love and it's filled with rich descriptions of beautiful desert lands and palaces and the heartfelt emotion shines thru every page. 

Ten years ago Malik and Gracie meet in Rome and share a memorable night. Destined not to be together Malik doesn't discover the consequences until recently after receiving terrible news.  The Sultan-to-be needs Gracie and Sam to save his kingdom and he goes about convincing them to stay.

Three lives and hearts are on the line, battle for peace in Malik's world and the life changing moments for him create a story that is spellbinding and had me glued in one sitting.  A man of integrity and a man determined to do the right thing by his family makes Malik a wonderful and throughly interesting Hero. Loved Gracie and her happy nature despite what life had thrown her way.  I was racing thru the wonderfully woven tale because I couldn't contain my curiosity to how everything would be resolved and I was throughly entertained with the conclusion.

I am excited for book 2, I think it will be as incredibly detailed and perhaps even more emotive than The Secret Heir of Alazar.

Thank you Kate Hewitt for another wonderful, wonderful tale told!

A Di Sione for the Greek's Pleasure by Kate Hewitt - The Billionaire's Legacy #6

Review by TashNz
4.5

Natalia is sent off to look for a book of poems. Having not left her grandfather's estate for a very long time, Natalia is very nervous about tracking the book down and leaving the safety of the estate. When she finds herself in Angelos's office being mistaken as an applicant for the nanny of Angelos's daughter, she grabs the unique opportunity with both hands and agrees to be his daughters nanny.

From the first page till the last I was plunged into an exciting story filled with love, laughter, sadness, tears, adventure, firsts, beautiful locations, wonderful dialogue and every character facing fears.

A Di Sione For the Greek's Pleasure is very far from your average nanny falls in love with boss story. Kate Hewitt merges tradition with modern twists and untangles a beautiful love story which reminded me a lot of Beauty and the Beast. Picture Belle teaching The Beast how to be gentle and loving and the Beast humphing all frustrated. This is the imagery in my mind when reading Natalia's and Angelos's scenes when they start spending more time together. So great is Kate's storytelling I completely forgot the original reason she was at Angelos house and she nicely brings it back to remind me why Natalia is on Angelos Island and what she's looking for.

I award five stars because Kate Hewitt skillfully merges together a story which expertly explains Natalia's back story and weaves a character you can't help but adore. She introduces a beautiful and loving little girl called Sofia (Angelos daughter) who in my opinion is as important as the two main characters and finally Kate does a fabulous job of explaining Angelos back story and what has made him the person he is today. Inbetween it all Natalia's personality shines though, mixed with her Grandad and the book of poems. It's like a story tapestry that you can't help but admire.

A beautiful story with characters I'll be remembering for a long time. A welcome addition to the superb Di Sione series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and provide my honest opinion.

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A Di Sione for the Greek's Pleasure

Kate Hewitt



Reviewed by Helen

I have a real thing for a Greek hero and especially one who is scared and Talia is just what he needs to bring him back and back to his daughter after a fire that caused physical as well as emotional damage and of course bring the feisty Talia out of her comfort zone as well.

You see portrait artist Talia Di Sione is on a mission for her beloved grandfather to find another of his mistresses a book of poems and Talia has tracked it to Greek billionaire Angelos Menas, Talia has not left her grandfather's estate for many years and this is going to be hard but Talia is nothing if not determined to get this book little does she realise that her life is about to change in such a good way when they first meet the sparks fly and Talia ends up being Nanny to Angelos's daughter Sofia.

Angelos Menas is a self made billionaire he comes from the streets and works hard after the fire that took is wife away and scared his beautiful daughter Angelos keeps to himself setting Sofia up on his island of Kallos not wanting to get too close to her, so when he is trying to find a new nanny and Talia turns up he is compelled to hire her there is a feeling that he has not had in a long time.

I loved this story Talia is so knowledgeable for someone so innocent who has been through so much herself but she is like a spitfire when she meets Sofia and realizes that they have so much in common and is like a dog with a bone getting Angelos to connect with his daughter again and falling more in love with him as she comes out of her comfort zone. I am loving this series and Talia and Angelos have such a sensual and angsty journey to a beautiful HEA.

5/5 stars for a fabulous story
Expected publication: November 17th 2016 by Mills & Boon

       

The Marrakaios Baby by Kate Hewitt

Reviewed by Nas

THE MARAKAIOS BABY by author Kate Hewitt is a August 2015 release by Harlequin Presents series.

Margo Gerras said no to Leo Marakaios marriage proposal after a two-year fling. And to top it, she informed Leo that she had another man she was interested in. So what would Leo do when she came to him with the news that she was pregnant?

Would he marry her now? Could he trust her? And what secret is Margo hiding? Could she trust Leo and let him in her heart? 

THE MARAKAIOS BABY is a wonderfully fulfilling romance written by author Kate Hewitt. I was hooked from the first page till the end. It’s a very fast paced story and filled with sensuality and emotional intensity. 

Highly recommended for all readers of romance. 

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Reviewed by Helen

This is an emotional journey to such a joyous HEA this is a story that will have you needing tissues and smiling.

Margo has made something of her life from a childhood that really was pretty bad tragedy has made Margo become a loner but she is now living in Paris with a good job and she has been having a "fling" with a Greek CEO for around two years they see each other every other weekend and very much enjoy their time together nothing serious though Margo does not want to love and lose.

Leo has finally become CEO of the family company after feeling shunned for many years and he feels that it is now time to get married and start a family and him and Margo have been enjoying their affair she is a fun beautiful woman to be with and she would make the perfect wife but Leo is very shocked with her answer and one last night together leaves repercussions.

This really is a beautiful story that had me falling into it from the first page both Leo and Margo had a lot that they had to overcome from their pasts and it was wonderful seeing them open up to each other and the joy that their future brings to them, this is a story that I highly recommend and is one not to be missed a beautiful setting and a storyline that is fabulous and one that will stay with you for a long time.

5/5 stars for a great story

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Reviewed by Desere

We have all heard the deal of marriage for convenience , there is always a catch , but when it's set inside the wonderful world of romance delivered by Kate Hewitt it's always more than just a convenience story , it' a romance of epic proportions!

In this read we have Margo who knows Leo is no good for her, except when it comes to the bedroom, other than that the man is no good for her soul. So she decides to give up his sensual kisses and start  new life. Only she chooses the wrong time to do it.

Because it comes at a time that no woman wants to be alone, she's pregnant ! So now she finds herself in the plush offices of Marakaios Enterprises about to tell Leo he's going to be a father and he has to marry her.

With the tables now turned things get really interesting , and it turns into a beautiful story of learning a new curve of life and dealing with reality. I shed many tears and as Leo and  Margo opened up to each other ,shared their hopes and dreams , and as the author delivered an emotionally packed romance that will live in my heart forever.

Highly recommended for all fans of romance and reads that leave you breathless and quite frankly an emotional wreck but in a really good way!

5/5 star review
" A deal is a deal, but when you walk away from it, will you be able to renegotiate when the time comes?  

 

Commanded By The Sheikh by Kate Hewitt

Reviewed by TashNz
5 stars

Commanded by the Sheikh
Kate Hewitt

If Aziz doesn't marry with the 6 weeks deadline the next Sheikh who will wear the Crown of Kadar is going to be voted in by a referendum.  Aziz's rival for the crown is Sheikh Khalil from Captured by the Sheikh.

A few days out from his marriage Aziz's intended is kidnapped.  With Queen Elena missing Aziz desperately needs a stand-in to impersonate Elena to his people, to keep them calm and to protect his throne while his people desperately search for Elena.  Aziz flies his housekeeper from his Paris residence and begs for her assistance.

Olivia is content with her solitary life in Paris.  She rarely sees Aziz and when she does it's usually after she's fed his latest conquest coffee the morning after and gently sent them on their way.  Wanting to support Aziz's bid for the throne, Olivia tentatively agrees to make an appearance on the balcony which unfortunately evolves into public appearances and then most shockingly - marriage.

Commanded by the Sheikh is almost the opposite of Captured by the Sheikh.  Captured by the Sheikh is fast and furious and passionate set mainly in the wilds of the desert that is Khalil's home while Commanded by the Sheikh is a beautiful and loving story set in the luxurious palace and surrounds that is Aziz's home.

Misunderstandings are rife yet they're magically mixed in with the emotion Kate Hewitt is famous for evoking in her readers. Beautiful descriptions flow with emotional moments that make your heart beat and the tears well.  After reading Captured by the Sheikh I thought Aziz would be a right ass and was looking forward to see how he could be redeemed.  I was wrong, Kate Hewitt has written Aziz as a proud man and has provided him a level headed, caring and genuine woman in Oliva.

Commanded by the Sheikh flows beautifully, it's full of emotion and steadily builds to the eventual meeting between Aziz and Khalil.  Aziz quickly realises the beauty that makes Olivia, both inside and out. He knows she's keeping secrets and gently coaxes her worries out of her. He knows he has feelings but like any proud man, he's wary about putting his heart on his shoulder.  Olivia fights her feelings.  She doesn't want to be another notch on Aziz's belt.  Olivia doesn't want to give her heart when she still feels crushed from the loss she's suffered and only a fool thinks a housekeeper can replace the beautiful Queen Elena, she'll only be cast aside when Elena is found... right???

Kate Hewitt's Commanded by the Sheikh is book two in the miniseries Rivals to the Crown of Kadar.  It can be read as a standalone however I highly recommend reading Book 1 first because then you can understand Aziz's drive and need to get married, a direct order from his father's will.

I am so honored to receive an ARC from Kate for my honest opinion. And I can honestly say I loved Commanded by the Sheikh and would recommend it for anyone who loves Sheikhs, beautifully written love stories in true Harlequin Presents style and anyone who loves connected books.

Captured by the Sheikh review here
Purchase here

Reviewed by Nas

COMMANDED BY THE SHEIKH by USA Today Bestselling author, Kate Hewitt is October 2014 release by Harlequin Presents.

Sheik Aziz al Bakhir asked his housekeeper Olivia Ellis to masquerade as his fiancée since she had been kidnapped by the rebels.

Though with misgivings, Olivia agreed. She had agreed to appear on the balcony for a few minutes in front of the whole kingdom, not kissing him though, did she? So why did she feel all tingly with a rush of passion when Aziz’s lips touched hers?

Did Aziz feel the same chemistry? But what would happen when the real fiancée would be found? Would Olivia still be needed as a stand-in?

COMMANDED BY THE SHEIKH is a fast-paced thrilling romance. It is full of intrigue and sparkles with sensuality and mesmerizing emotion. Author Kate Hewitt keeps her readers enthralled and glued to the story till the last page with her master storytelling.

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Captured by the Sheikh by Kate Hewitt

Reviewed by Desere


" I took your bride. I 'll take your throne. Because both are mine by right."

Those are the words spoken by Sheikh Khalil al Bakir, the banishment and shame has turned him into  man determined to reclaim the crown of Kadar from his rival. He starts by kidnapping his enemy's bride-to-be. She's a means to an end, so why he get's all inflamed at the thought of her in anyone else's bed but his own is a mystery he simply does not know how to solve, nor does have the time, he has a thrown to take over.

Queen Elena Karras of Thallia is prepared for a cold, mutually convenient marriage but instead she's carried off into the desert sand, where the virgin queen soon discovers an unexpected desire for her sinfully delicious captor, and leaves her craving for more and she get's it but when the game ends will Khalil walk away and leave her broken hearted or will he see himself through her eyes?

This was a truly beautiful read of how two people learn to fight the battles of life together. I loved the fiery passion that Khalil has, but sadly his passion for the throne is overshadowed with the thoughts of revenge and of course this made him the type of hero you can only have luke warm feelings for, but it is only for a certain period on the book , because as all fans of Harlequin Presents books know, there is always something or someone that will turn the person around.

And that person was Elena, beautiful, smart and always seeing the side of a person they attempt to hide from the world. I loved Elena to bits! The author took me on a truly remarkable journey of how one man finds himself willing to fight for what he believes is his, and the one woman who let's him finally see the truth shine out from the revenge-darkness that his mind has become.

I am taking away a message of life has it's way of guiding us on the wrong path, but it's in order to find the right one. The trick of course is to not miss the right turnoff to take whilst on that wrong path, because the road up ahead might not bring along another turnoff to the road where the your calling is waiting for you.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of a excellent, deeply emotional Sheikh romance. Kate Hewitt is simply one of the most remarkable author 's of all time and with each book her writing just get's better and better!

5/5 star review
" To win the game all he has to do is see himself through her eyes" 







REVIEW BY TASHNZ
5 STARS
I love dramatic and exciting beginnings and with an opening such as "Something's Wrong" I was
captured - just like Elena!  Queen of Thallia! Expecting to meet her fiancee, Elena is instead
whisked away by Sheikh Khalil al Bakir, not before a dramatic attempt at escape which ends with
both rolling around on the desert runway.

Khalil intends to hold Elena captive for four days - long enough to stop her from marrying her fiancee
which will also stop Elena's fiancee being crowned ruling Sheikh. Khalil believes heart and soul he
is the rightful ruler and kidnapping Elena is part of his plan to become the ruling Sheikh. Khalil
doesnt realise Elena has her reasons for marrying Aziz, and desperate to remain queen of her people
Elena attempts to be rescued.  It's impossible though and although she's young, Elena has a wise
head on her shoulders.  Proving to Elena Khalil is not some barbaric warlord is a mission in
itself.  It also surprises Elena, she's been kidnapped and held in the neverending desert but has
all the comforts of home.  During their time together the last thing Khalil expects is to have
feelings for Elena... he doesnt have the time or inclination to trust, the last 25 years have been
leading him up to the day he retains the crown, the day is almost here but being in confined
living space in the beautiful desert Elena and Khalil grow closer and closer with Elena questioning
herself.

Khalil was one of the best Sheikhs I'd read.  He was dark and dangerous, strong and fearless,
dashingly sexy, full of pride and very passionate about his people and his reasons for being
ruling Sheikh.  Although raised American, he's at home in the desert and had grown into a
respected leader of his mothers people.  Elena brings out a charming and witty side of himself
and Khalil is worried about these feelings he's developing.


Elena was every inch the queen, a young queen but with a wise head.  She thought before she acted,
she showed grace of a queen and the tenacity of a warrior.  Her plan was always to escape
but she tried to plan well given she was in the desert and death was around every corner. Expecting
barbaric treatment Elena was surprised when she was treated as a queen and with respect.  Elena is at
odds with her heart when she realises Khalil is almost the first friend she has ever had in her
sheltered life.  Her giving heart and compassionate soul recognises Khalil as a man of pride.

Elena and Khalil hadfantastic conversations which I well enjoyed. They were witty and throughly
enjoyable.  I loved their banter and their serious moments and their indepth discussions on war.


Captured by the Sheikh is an exceptionally exciting and gripping story.  Khalil's race to the crown had me on the
edge of my seat. I had breathless moments, for example, when Elena looking up to find Khalil pointing a gun at her and
shooting... My heart litterally stopped while I turned the page!  Beautiful writing with magical
descriptive words flowed from the pen of Kate Hewitt.  Khalil and Elena's back-stories were told with
heart and compassion.  The emotions evoked were heartfelt and I didnt want to reach the end. Kate
masterfully played with Khalil and Elena, attraction was early on in the peace but she made them
wait in such a way that as a reader you almost held your breath wondering if this was it? Is this
the moment they stop wondering what if...

I find it hard to elaborate on certain things because it will give the story away, but since I've
had the book, I have read it twice and it will be read many times in the future.
A Kate Hewitt masterpiece!  I can not wait for Aziz's story, I'm very interested in reading his
point of view and discovering why he does what he does in Khalil's story.

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Reviewed by Nas

CAPTURED BY THE SHEIKH by author Kate Hewitt is a Harlequin Presents release for September 2014.

Sheikh Khalil al Bakir was determined to get back his rightful place as the king of Kadar. He plotted and kidnapped Elena Karas, Queen of Thallia, who was the bride-to-be of his enemy. But Elena brought out feelings in Khalil and they forged a friendship which soon turned to passion as the chemistry between them sizzled.

Could Elena now marry her groom-to-be and go into a staid passionless marriage? After all she was prepared for the marriage of convenience but she was a different person now. Could she go back to the person she was before the kidnapping? And was Khalil ready to make her his Queen?

CAPTURED BY THE SHEIKH is a sizzling tale of unexpected passions. I loved the action packed, fast-paced story with all the shimmering emotions. Author Kate Hewitt will once again hook her readers with her mesmerizing story telling. I’m looking forward to the jilted grooms story now in COMMANDED BY THE SHEIKH.

Recommended for all lovers of romance.

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Fifth Avenue Series Book 3 : Expose Me by Kate Hewitt Fifth Avenue Series Book Three (Final)

Reviewed by Desere

Hold on to your hats ladies the third and final part of the brilliant beyond words Fifth Avenue series is here and it's a humdinger!

This time we meet Alex Diaz, ruthlessly determined on each and ever level of life. He has risen up from his deprived roots to become the head of a global medial empire. He has one last piece to achieve , he needs to avenge his friend by destroying the man responsible for her death and it 's no one other than our bad guy from the previous two books Mr I destroy lives Jason Treffen.

And he has the perfect plan to bring Jason down, talk show host Chelsea Maxwell is about to interview Jason on life TV! He''s use the chance to extract a very public revenge and seducing Chelsea , if it 's needed, would be no hardship, the woman is after all sending his hormones into orbit like no other before.

But Alex soon learns that he has underestimated the attraction between them, and as their relationship deepens Alex starts to realize that to annihilate Jason could also shatter the life Chelsea has worked so hard to build in order to protect herself. Will Alex choose revenge over the woman he's come to love or will he stand by and watch he life crumble when Jason meets his end?

I am huge, huge HUGE Kate Hewitt fan and I have always loved her books, so of course I was totally over the moon when I first heard about this series and saw that her name was under the authors contributing.

She has a unique special way of taking two characters and bringing them to life so vidvly it completley blows me away each and every time, and afterwards I have to find a way to come back down to earth.

In this the final part of the Fifth Avenue series she did so once again and unlike the first two books in this series , which I will tell you were both brilliant, Kate Hewitt brought me to tears. I felt sad for some of the other characters in the impervious two books but with the character of Alex and Chelsea I was so sad about their past I bawled my eyes out, which is always a sign that a book is super awesome!

Alex is just like Hunter and Austin from book one and two , wants revenge but unlike Austin and Hunter's who's  part in the revenge against Jason Treffen went more smoothly, Alex has it so much harder and because his past was a terrible one it makes him the hero from this series I most wanted to  just hold and tell him it will all be okay.

Chelsea was also a character that had me wanting to say " Hang on girlfriend, let me try to help you" because once you know her secrets you will understand that even if you had never met this woman you would want to help her within only a few minutes of knowing her past. And I will add the author had me on a rollercoaster of emotions because our darling heroine keeps her secrets to herself right up till almost the very end.

The ending of this book was WOW just WOW! It slotted in perfectly with the previous two books with such perfection it had me gasping for air. The sexual heat level was a little less than that of the previous two books but this was not a bad thing at all, Alex and Chelsea 's level of attraction is in a whole other realm , almost softer and more about understanding each other.

I would have expected Alex to be more aggressive than Hunter and more of a erotic master than Austin because his life has been so much harder yet Kate Hewitt created a harsh sounding man with depths of softness I did not see coming, and it could not have been more perfect!

I highly recommend this book for everyone who as myself is simply addicted to Kate Hewitt's books. She has once again shown just why she is one of the world's best selling authors.

An added note, the book is not to be read before you have read the first two, not because the story of Alex and Chelsea is not remarkable as a stand alone on it's own for it truly is, but if you really want to understand the entire mystery and secrets that bring these people together to fight for justice then do so from the very start, you'll thank me for it!

5/5 star review
" Exposing the truth get's more complicated then ever before" 

Kholodev's Last Mistress by Kate Hewitt

Kate Hewitt has the knack of creating memorable heroines which stay with the reader long after they close the book.  And heroes who are vulnerable and yet alpha.  What a skill!  It's enviable.

A former street kid and a self-made millionaire, Sergei Kholodov is intrigued by Hannah Pearl, a sunny side up American girl from a Podunk town. Her optimistic outlook attracts him.  Their chance meeting on the streets of Moscow changes the morose man forever and leads him to believe that things could, in fact, be different.

Hannah herself is endearingly vulnerable.  She’s so sweet, though.  Exactly the kind of woman you’d love to have as a friend.  If you’re a woman yourself, of course.  And the hero?  Well in spite of having gone through some horrendous, abusive experiences, you don’t so much find yourself pitying Sergei as admiring him.  Will Hannah be Kholodov’s mistress?  Or something much, much more?

I read this on the run and made time for it.  Because the story literally demanded it.  As Kate Hewitt romances go, this is my all-time favourite.

As this review appears, the book is probably out of print.  But the ebook will, of course, be available.  

I received a print copy of this book in return for an honest review.

5/5

The Prince She Never Knew by Kate Hewitt

Reviewed by Desere 

We have all at some stage read a book about marriage arranged to ensure some or another something or someone goes the way it is meant to be and in the end it always comes together by the couple truly falling for each other.

In my lifetime I have read over a dozen of them and I have found that if the story behind the arrangement is not cleverly crafted, the read falls flat, no matter how hot the passion is or how nice the ending happens to be, if the reasoning is no good, the book is a no go.

In the new read from author Kate Hewitt I was slightly concerned after reading the blurb that I might end up walking away with the feeling of being let down as it sounded very familiar, but what I found was a simply magical, skillfully crafted world of passion, romance, stunning brilliance and one amazing cracker of a plot!

The read is about Prince Leo and Alyse, their romance to the outside world seems perfect, a royal couple to be proud of, but behind all the happy smiles, waves of excitement and pretend happiness there lies a much deeper connection between Prince and woman, the problem for this couple is that even though love is blossoming on the surface, there are headlines that can rip them apart and none of the damage will ever be repaired.

The character of Leo was awesome, I loved that the author showed him as being able to hide behind a different world, but losing a little bit of himself each time he is with Alyse. I think a lot of us today have a tenancy to use which ever 'world' we have around us to hide what truly is going on in our lives, this connection to reality made me love the character of Leo even more!

The character of Alyse was well written and I found her to be very interesting with the link between her and the past and the life of Leo, it made her one of those characters that you know is going to pop out from a concealed little bubble and burst onto the pages when the perfect moment hits, and it did hit believe me.This woman truly dug to get to know the real Leo, that she could only see the glimpses of, and I loved every minute of it.

The backdrop settings were exquisite, enchanting and simply magical! It felt as if I was truly surrounded by the glamour of royalty. The dialogue was Kate Hewitt at her best, emotional punch packing, romantic, heart wrenching and so good it left me reading the words out loud, which I can tell you only happens when I get so entranced by a book I forget that not everyone around me wants to hear what I am reading!

I am taking away a message of when you love someone you need to speak up and tell them, the worse that can happen is them rejecting you, and even that as hard as it seems, can be overcome, but more importantly when the chance for love comes around again, suck it up and don't let the fear from the past hold you back from saying the three words that might change your life forever.

I highly recommend this book for all fans of Kate Hewitt books, as always the author does not disappoint, and leaves you with that perfect feeling of romance is the breath of life !

5/5 star review
" To truly know the person you love, you need to break down the barriers" 

** This read also contains another brilliant read from Kate Hewitt titled Kholodv's Last Mistress 
ARC received from the author in exchange for a honest review


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Review by TashNz

Fantastic read during a
sunny Auckland afternoon

The Prince She Never Knew is the wonderfully encapturing and engaging story of Alyse and Prince Leo growing together, learning about each other together and slowly falling in love while pretending to the world they already are madly in love.

I love stories that get straight into it! We meet Alyse while she’s nervously waiting for the call to walk down the aisle to marry Prince Leo. An arranged marriage for the good of the nation. Although they’ve been engaged for six years they’re essentially strangers. Alyse is used to being unimportant to Leo but realises to keep the charade alive they need to establish some sort of relationship with her husband. During their honeymoon Alyse slowly chips away at a distant Leo which really isn’t such a hardship when she realises just how easy on the eye he is.  Try as she might it's always one step forward, two steps back. 

One drama after another, ranging from an awful mother in law, the Queen, to Alyse's history coming back to haunt her to Prince Leo's long lost brother coming home to claim his righful place in the palace all make for a wonderful and thrilling read, all the while in the background Leo and Alyse battle on... can they become a team, can they love each other, will Leo honour his marriage when his brother comes back into the picture or will Alyse even want to stay married to him?

Alyse is the day and Leo is the night, they're both super likable and one of the best things about this story is they're mutual acquaintances and there's no dramas, no game playing, it's all new and exciting for Alyse and duty for Leo but once he too takes a second look there's no going back. 

The Prince She Never Knew was another fantastic read from Kate Hewitt, I love the far away places she takes me and the rollercoaster rides I go on.  A December release which I'd highly recommend to anyone who loves a change from the usual angst and just want to read a jolly good love story!

Stay tuned for a review of Kholodov's Last Mistress, the second original novel by Kate Hewitt which is accompanied with The Prince She Never Knew.

4 Stars

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Reviewed By Nas

THE PRINCE SHE NEVER KNEW by USA Today Bestselling author Kate Hewitt is a December 2013 release by Harlequin Presents.

Scandal behind the royal wedding? Alyse agreed to a business arrangement type of wedding to Prince Leo to save their monarchy from scandal. Yet, her own past came back to haunt her!

Would Prince Leo now end their fairytale romance because of her past? Would her Cinderella type existence end?

THE PRINCE SHE NEVER KNEW is a fast paced, fun story. Get it, you will not regret it for the entertainment value alone! Packed with witty dialogue, emotion and sizzling love scenes. 

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Reviewed by Shirley Buchanan

An innocent photograph. A runaway media story. A real life Cinderella. A handsome, available Prince Charming. These were all the things that had started a long six year engagement. Finally today is their wedding day. But did they really know each other? Were her dreams for the future a castle in the sky? Did he consider this a dream match or another duty quietly performed? Or was this just a situation that got out of hand? They will have a lifetime to find out.

Believing in love at first sight, Alyse Barras took one look at Prince Leo and fell in love. An innocent photograph taken at her birthday showed the world how she felt and the paparazzi went into a frenzy. When the royal family approached her with their proposal for their marriage, she was overjoyed. She would get her prince and live happily ever after. But the revelations on her wedding night she learned from her new husband crushed her hopes and dreams. She loved him, but he didn't love her. How can she salvage this dreadful mistake? Could she pick up the picks of her broken dreams and build a new life? Or would she have a long loveless marriage with no hope of reprieve?

Spending his life in the spotlight, Prince Leo Diomedi of Maldinia had always known how to fake his reactions and play a part on the world stage. He knew he had a duty to perform to repair the monarchy badly damaged by the antics of his parents and increase tourist revenue to his small country. Duty...duty...duty. Those were the things he knew and there was no room for emotions. He didn't tolerate them, do relationships, or have intimacies. After all, he had never had any shown to him and the only time he had tried, he was betrayed. Now he was married and his new wife wanted to change the rules. She wanted a loving marriage with closeness and intimacy. Didn't she know love was a sham, a lie, a mist in someone's mind? How could she change the rules now? On their wedding day??? Couldn't she see they could have a sensible, emotionless, and loveless marriage and still accomplish everything they had planned ?

The emotional roller coaster that these characters travel to find their happily ever after is an intense, wild ride from the beginning to the end of the book. Well written characters were interwoven with a well thought out plot to produce an enjoyable read. I enjoyed this book very much. Watching these people come from a long engagement without any knowledge of the person's dreams and expectations makes you realize that conversation about the things that you want in life are necessary for a fruitful and happy union.

I would recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received a signed copy from the author for an honest review.

5/5 stars Was their marriage doomed from the start?

Reviewed by Maria

Kate Hewitt’s women’s fiction is a real treat, whether it’s a racy romance with a playboy prince or a family saga historical of heartache and emigration.  Certain things are guaranteed with Kate Hewitt’s stories.  A well written story, engaging dialogue and an intriguing storyline.  Always.  And most important of all?  A smart, sassy heroine.

This royal romance is a modern fairy tale.  Well, Princess Alyse is more poised than sassy, but she’s substantial.  She dares to break the ‘princess’ rules and gets away with it too, more strength to her.  Alyse is all about love and romance while her prince is all about cold, convenient arrangements.  She wants the fairy tale, the love of her prince and Prince Leo wants the worldly arrangement?  Which one will get their wish?  And will they live happily ever after?

You won’t want to stop reading this until you find out.  Even if the book’s out of print, the ebook is available so go grab it.  You won’t be sorry.

His Brand of Passion by Kate Hewitt

Review by TashNz

His Brand of Passion is an emotional and heart wrenching book which explores the consequences of Aaron and Zoe letting everything go in a moment of lust.

His Brand of Passion - Kate Hewitt
I knew this would brighten up a cold winters day 

Their worlds come clashing together and then tips over on its axis, throwing everything they both know completely off kilter.  When I picked it up today I knew it'd brighten my otherwise wet day and I was left 100% satisfied.

Billionaire Aaron Bryant lives and breathes his work. He's the head of Bryant Enterprises and trying to deflect a take-over so when care-free coffee shop worker Zoe Parker spys him texting during the wedding of their respective siblings she deftly whips the phone out of his possession.  This leads them down a path of the most incredible one night stand resulting in a life-long consequence.

I was emotionally caught up in this book because of my own life experiences and I think that Kate has done a fantastic job with the trauma Zoe eventually faces.  No, I haven't been lucky enough to have catch my own billionaire but I have gone through a similar experience to Zoe and I felt my heart strings really pulling for her which I credit to Kate for exceptional writing.  My emotions and feelings made me quite teary. I'm glad counselling was suggested, I know these books aren't real but when dealing with a real issue people need to know they're not alone and counselling for loss can be very beneficial.

I loved how a few of the story lines in His Brand of Passion were unconventional for a Presents line.  It's not often the father of the baby tries to coerce the mother with lashings of money... to terminate.  I think it worked well, I liked how it was handled by Zoe and I liked that Aaron spent the rest of his time regretting his stupid and highly offending offer.  There are two other un-conventions, or rather one un-conventional twist with the business side of things and a rare story line in terms of the baby.  I don't want to elaborate for fear of spoilers but I loved this book all the more for them, it changed it up in terms of the norm and delivers something different for the fans of this genre.  I applaud any author who can do that.

I give a book 5 stars if I'm invested in the characters, if I couldn't bare to put it down, if I enjoyed the interaction of characters, and the path the author takes me on and if I close it at the end thinking that was one hell of a read.  All of these things happened so I give Kate Hewitt's His Brand of Passion a resounding solid 5 stars.

Book Three of The Bryants - three powerful New York Brothers

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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker



In His Brand of Passion by Kate Hewitt, she has me hooked from the first page. Then I finished the first chapter and knew I wasn't going to put this one down until I finished it. And what an emotional roller coaster it was. I laughed, I cried, I want to scream and yes I wanted to hit the Hero for being an idiot at times.

Zoe Parker falls in love a little to easily. As proven by past relations. She realizes when she decides to go back to Aaron Bryant's penthouse that this is just a one night stand. He doesn't do serious and she has been hurt in the past. But three weeks later she has a big surprise. I truly felt for this character. It seems she always finds Mister Wrong, and this is proven when she tries to contact Aaron. I felt so bad for her I wanted to just give her a major hug. But Zoe is a fighter if nothing else. 

Aaron Bryant has many facets, some most readers will hate at first "trust me when I say you will know when this takes place" Please don't let this stop you from reading. He does wake up along the way. Yes he made me very angry, but that shows a great author in my opinion. He says some harsh things, makes outrageous suggestions that he regrets. But I believe the author does a good job of explaining why his character is this way.

While I took issue with Aaron's character at times ... yes I was rooting for these two. I felt they needed each other so desperately. I could tell they were exactly what the other needed. She was needed to bring him out of his workaholic , emotionless shell. And she needed someone, to be there for her. And while there were issues, what relationship doesn't have issues. You can't deny the attraction and chemistry that was between them.

Hats off to Kate Hewitt for writing a novel that talks about a couple of issues you don't see covered or handled that often. They were very emotional and heart stopping at times

5/5 stars

Footnote:
This was the third book by Kate Hewitt about the Bryant Brother the first two are.
Beneath the Veil of Paradise - Chase Bryant and Millie Lang " Zoe's sister"
In The Heat of the Spotlight - Luke Bryant and Aurelie Schmidt

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Reviewed by Desere

Attending a wedding as guest or as part of the bridal party is either way very much a happy event. But for some it can be very sad if when in your case you have not found Mr Right and instead you find ourself still single and very much going nowhere towards a happy ever after.

This is the case for Zoe, she has been bitten by the love bug four times in the past and on all four occasions she thought she had found 'the one' but it turned out these were more like little reminders that she always pushes the other person too hard to reveal their feelings, to be open and honest, basically she gets what most men hate, clingy!

These upsets in the romance department have however made her stronger and she has a zest for life. She works hard and she is truly good at her job. She has a okay place to live and gets by from day to day just fine.

But when at her sisters wedding she becomes more than just a little irritated with the best man who has no focus on the wedding and instead is texting away like a love struck teenager, she finds herself pushing yet again. This time to get I'll-kiss-you-right-out-of-your-pretty-pink-dress Aaron to learn that it is simply not appropriate behaviour for best man to be glued to a phone during the happy couple saying their vows.

So she steals his phone and hides it in the front of her bridesmaid dress! But Aaron is not the kind of man to simply back down and let it be, even for a gorgeous woman and sets out to get his phone back. This leads to one passionate night and leads to a few weeks later, with Aaron receiving a text from Zoe simply saying " I am pregnant you ass". Not the words any man wants to hear after a one night stand and so not the words a hard-working barely making ends meet single woman needs, but it is what it is, and the real question is what are they going to do about it?

The character of Zoe was one I truly felt sorry for. Finding Mr Right is never easy and for some it never even happens , but for poor Zoe she was always ending up with Mr Wrong! Even when getting involved with Aaron when there is no other choice, it seemed that nothing right was ever going to happen for her. But the author made her a strong woman, a fighter and she fights back with everything she has to pull herself back up.

But as everyone knows at some point you do lose your energy to always fight and you need that little hint of tender loving care from another person to help you get back up again. And for Zoe that is Aaron, I cried when he gave it his best shot to try and comfort Zoe. Apart from loving the the fact that the author made Zoe strong she also made Zoe feisty, I laughed out loud at some of the changes Zoe brings to Aaron' s live. I kept thinking " Oh my but this one has got gust!"

The character of Aaron was at first a true bastard in every sense of the word. He wants revenge and gets it by taking the little phone stealing Zoe to bed. Only when the blow of pregnancy hits him he reacts not in the manner most of the Harlequin Presents reads of today gives us. He does not go the route of marriage or even the "I will provide for you both" route, and if your thinking he goes "Go away I never want to see you again" you would be wrong again.

No ladies this hero does a complete 160 degree reverse of the normal average Harlequin Presents hero, and he keeps this despicable attitude going throughout the read, this man's brand of passion is only hot between the sheets for in real life he is all ice. But to find out what he does and does not do you will need to read the book, all I will say is that as myself you will find yourself hating this man and ready to put your arms around poor Zoe and tell her it will all be okay.

Yet the more I read about him and his bastard responses and despicable manners towards Zoe the more I found myself intrigued and liking him just a little bit more, I knew the author had a reason for it and I was overjoyed when it came spilling out it made perfect sense and I congratulate the author for the unique twisted hero!

The backdrop settings were filled with passion and a sense of wonder, it all blended in so very well. From the art centre where suppressed pain is brought to life which matched with the pain and suffering of the read to the cold as ice apartment which matched with the icy attitude of Aaron. The dialogue was funny but passionate in the start which immediately captured my attention letting me know that this will be no slow read, it just as quickly moved to emotional and dramatic when it all goes wrong.

I enjoyed every single minute of this fabulous read. The author kept me on the edge of my seat in anticipation as to what will happen next for for this gorgeous couple. I found myself smiling everytime along with Zoe when Aaron loses his composure as the ice man and reveals a smile, it had me wanting to shout" That's it Zoe! Another piece of the wall just came down, keep pushing!"

I am taking away a message of , never let your past influence your future, the person you have become has nothing to do with the way you were raised or even by whom, it has to do with what you do with the set of cards life dealt you and how you chose to play the game.

This read was passionate, fun, exciting,sensual and a truly compelling read.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romances with ice cold hero's meeting their match when coming face to face with a ray of sunshine ready to melt all their defences.

5/5 star review
"A phone,a dress and a night of passion leads to a lifetime of change"

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

HIS BRAND OF PASSION by USA Today Bestselling author Kate Hewitt is a Harlequin Presents release for July 2013.

Zoe Parker couldn’t hold her irritation any longer as she saw the groom’s brother and best man texting in his phone yet again during her sister’s wedding ceremony. So she hides his phone. When Aaron Bryant couldn’t find the phone, he just assumed that it had been stolen.

But later he took the phone from Zoe’s dress where she had hidden it. Yet touching her, he felt the fire and sizzle in his blood stream. Zoe felt it too and when Aaron asked her to, she went with him.

Could their one night together turn into something more? Is there a future for this commitment phobic billionaire and Zoe?

HIS BRAND OF PASSION is a romance packed with sizzle and sexual tension amid the deep emotional drama, adding to the page turning quality of the book. I don’t believe I had come across such an emotionally charged story in recent times. Author Kate Hewitt did a great job showing how people lie to themselves to save their feelings and soothe their egos. Highly recommended for all lovers of romance. 

5/5 star review

Reviewed by Maria

From the opening scene, Zoe and Aaron’s story had me hooked.  I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.  Another good title for this one could be THE BRIDESMAID AND THE BEST MAN, because that’s the actual story.  Texting on his mobile during her sister’s marriage ceremony, Aaron (Aaron the Ass) infuriates Zoe so much that she sets out to teach him a lesson and he sets out to teach her one back.  And there you have it.  A story which will have you laughing out loud in some parts and actually reaching for the handkerchief in others.  You will never forget this book, I promise you.  How the feisty and spirited Zoe turns this cold hearted businessman around and has him literally gasping in surprise will have you riveted.  It’s not every day you come across a book this interesting or this attention grabbing.  Fair dues to Kate Hewitt, for her imagination and versatility.  The ability to write hot, contemporary romances as well as sweet, historical romances is pretty much amazing, you could hardly believe it’s the same writer, but yes, it is!

There was a steamy scene or two, but seriously, I don’t think that anyone would be offended by it, even if they are the most diehard  sweet romance fan.   It was extremely discreetly and tastefully written.   This is a book that could catch sweet romance fans as well as fans of romance of the hotter, more steamy variety.   Just thought I’d mention that, because I do think that’s important.  It’s definitely the measure of a romance writer’s skill and credibility, I might as well tell you.

I read a fair number of books, including romance novels, but I just know that Zoe and Aaron will stay in my mind for a long time.  There was an unexpected twist which took me completely by surprise along the way too, but it all worked into the story in a perfect way.

So whether you’re a Kate Hewitt fan or just a contemporary romance fan, make sure you get your hands on this one – it’s a good one!

The Correttis by Various Authors ~ Overview of Series

                                                          Reviewed by Desere

                                                 THE CORRETI DYNASTY 
                                           Sins, revenge, secrets and scandals!

The Correttis Series is about a family with more deep dark secrets than any family you may ever have heard about before! Scandal, betrayal, love, secrets, illicit affairs, sins of the inhumane kind, unwanted wives and husbands, babies bringing happiness, hearts being broken, business being mixed with pleasure the list goes on and on.

Truly in this series you will find it all and so much more than you think, even men being so bad it will shatter your notions of love and happiness, but the authors of this series also show that there is more than what meets the eye and running from love is never an option. Each and every read will leave the readers with a powerful message each message unique and life altering.

In the first book  A Legacy of Secrets by Carol Marinelli we are shown the story of Santo and Ella and how trust is one of the most vital parts in a relationship, just as vital as knowing when you fall for your man him being the boss is never as bad as it seems.

In the second book An Invitation to Sin by Sarah Morgan we are told the story of Luca and Taylor, and that when the world turns their back on you, there is always someone out there that will love you for better or worse.

In the third book A Shadow of Guilt by Abby Green I got to meet Gio and Valentina, I was shown that sometimes we blame the wrong person for tragedy instead of looking deep into our own hearts to see the truth.

The fourth book An Inheritance of Shame by Kate Hewitt, the story of Angelo and Lucia showed that love is stronger than revenge and the right person can crack through the layers of hurt and anger.

In book five A Whisper of Disgrace by Sharon Kendrick the story of Rosa and Kalul shows that controlling those around you simply because you crave it, is never a justifiable act.

In book six A Façade to Shatter by Lynn Raye Harris the story of Zach and Lia showed me that true beauty when seen through the eyes of others is all that counts and that after tragedy you being alive is always for a reason.

In book seven A Scandal in the Headlines by Caitlin Crews the story of Allessandro and Elena shows that carrying the weight of your family and the well being of others on your shoulders can be your fall from grace, but letting go can be your rise to greatness.

Book eight A Hunger for the Forbidden by Maisey Yates told me the story of Matteo and Alessia and proved that there is good in even the worst of people in the world.

I highly recommend this series to all lovers of heart stopping, sensual, sexy, racing hot, passionate, fire meets ice, good vs evil, mind blowing reads.

This is one purchase you will not regret, and the secrets revealed in each fantastic read will blow you away and shatter your defences, showing that the love of a good man or woman can change your life and family is the one thing we can never turn our back on, as together we can change the world for the better, but divided we will surely fall.

Available at Mills and Boon UK : http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/