Conquering His Virgin Queen by Pippa Roscoe

Pippa Roscoe
Conquering His Virgin Queen

~Reviewed by Nas Dean

CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN by author Pippa Roscoe is a Harlequin Presents release for April 2018.

Odir Farouk wanted his estranged wife, Eloise, by his side. But he had to blackmail, bribe or try any other means available to get her by his side.

Once by his side, Eloise couldn’t deny the attraction she felt for him. And they gave in to their passion. Now she found that he had never not wanted her. But he was denying his hunger for her.

CONQUERING HIS VIRGIN QUEEN is a sensual and sizzling romance with a hot hero and sensitive, courageous heroine. Author Pippa Roscoe’s story-telling would keep a reader engrossed in the story. Eloise and Odir seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.

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Review by TashNZ | 4.5 Stars

A fantastic debut which I really enjoyed. 

It was different in a good way and i really liked the build up, plot and back-story. The cover is devine and I adore second chance stories and I think Pippa did a fab job in this element. 

I wish Pippa the bestest of luck with her release and a wonderful and long career. Looking forward to the next story.


Review by Janie | 5 Stars

In "Conquering His Virgin Queen" by Pippa Roscoe we meet Odir Farouk, who is about to become King, and his estranged wife, Eloise, that he wants back. Their relationship is rocky but their romantic interest is Hot. They must overcome the past and maybe then they can move on with their future. Enjoyed their story.


Review by Dottie | 5 Stars

Odir Faouk is about to become king and has a problem, he needs a wife by his side. No problem he has a wife but she left him and he needs to get her back. This is a debut book by Pippa Roscoe and after reading you will put her on your follow list. She has put these two people together again and written a story that takes place over 2 days and what an amazing two days they are . Eloise is feisty and Odir is determined and together you get an amazing story that you won't want to end, but end it does with a super lovely Epilogue. Loved this story and can't wait for her next.

Review by Lynn | 4.5 Stars

A royal reunion! With her debut Harlequin Presents novel, Pippa Roscoe takes us deep into the heart of a potential royal disaster ... and the drama does NOT disappoint! Her characters have a richness to them that even though they are attempting to hold themselves aloof from their feelings, have the ability to show their tender side with each other, even when they may not want to. The plot is fast paced and attention grabbing from the start. I deem it a big success and look forward to watching her voice shine in future books!

Odir Farouk is hours away from being crowned King but needs his estranged wife by his side. Though their marriage was arranged, it had potential to become something special until he decided to guard his heart and treat her indifferently.

Eloise gave their marriage her best shot, but she couldn't stand being shoved to the wayside and forgotten day after day after day. He couldn't have made it more clear that he didn't even want to spend time with her, much less share his life. When he needs her by his side for the good of his country, she'll make a few demands of her own this time!



Review by Helen | 5 Stars

This is a fabulous debut, fast paced, sensual, a marriage that ended before it started, a marriage where the heroine was pushed into it by a domineering father and the hero who wanted what was best for his country get yourself comfortable because you are not going to want to put this one down.

Odir Farouk Al Arkrim is prince of Farrehed and his brother had had a great childhood that is until they lost their mother and their father lost his senses he was so in love with his wife that when she was gone he caused a lot of problems with his country. Odir is never going to do that he has seen what love can do, so when he marries beautiful British Eloise although they met and have been friends before the engagement, he cannot afford to be distracted by her in anyway and when he abandons her on their wedding night and then finds her in a compromising situation and sends her away he keeps doing what he must. But now he needs her back after six months apart.

Eloise has grown up as an ambassador’s daughter travelling the world with her parents you would think that her life would have been fantastic but think again she never got the love that children need her father is overbearing and when he wants something he is happy to blackmail his daughter to get her to marry Odir. Eloise agrees and she likes Odir he is easy to get along with at the beginning but things change very quickly when they marry.

After spending six months apart Eloise has learnt a lot and is a much stronger person so when she is invited to attend an event by Odir she goes but to ask for a divorce, things have changed in her life but they have also changed for Odir he is about to become King and to do that properly he needs his Queen beside him. The sensual spark the push and pull between these two could light up London there are a lot of secrets that have been kept and until both open up their lives cannot go forward. I really felt for both Odir and Eloise and what they had been through Eloise is so strong and caring as is Odir in his own way it took him a bit of time to learn that he could love and when he did, together they became one and love flourished. Congrats on a fabulous debut MS Roscoe I look forward to many more from you and this is one that I highly recommend.

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. 

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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
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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!

One Night...With Her Boss by Annie O'Neil

Reviewed by Helen

Fabulous story that you will not want to put down once you pick it up this is one that will make you smile throughout rugged rugby players emotions sensual and heart-warming truly fab story.

Dr Ali Lockhart has decided that her life needs a change she has thrown herself into her work since her life was turned upside down by a couple of major heartbreaks but is happy with her single life and working with dancers and gymnasts and their injuries but is going to move on and work with rugby players she has been hired by one of the best in the business and she plans to learn all she can but a snow storm of all things closes the airport and Ali does something that she has never done before and that is has a one night stand and WOW.

Dr Aiden Tate has been through heartache and is determined to stay single love is not for him anymore he is good at his job looking after the rugby players but he has a couple of weeks off every year and has hired a locum who has such great credentials and he is looking forward to working with her when he returns, but when a snow storm closes the airport and he spends one of the most sensual nights he has ever had with a beautiful woman he is still determined to stay single and there are no names just one very passionate night he then moves on but never forgets.

Of course when Aiden returns to the team who would be the locum none other than his one night stand and here starts an incredibly wonderful and heart-warming journey to a great HEA, the characters are so real and come to life on the pages you will be laughing smiling and yes tearing up and isn't that just the best with a romance I highly recommend this story sit back and enjoy.

5/5 stars for a fabulous story

Published December 15th 2015 by Harlequin

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Reviewed by Nas

ONE NIGHT…WITH HER BOSS by author Annie O’Neil is a January 2016 release by Harlequin Medical Romance series.

Dr. Ali Lockhart decided to have a last fling before starting a new job. But her one unforgettable night with a stranger turned to shock because the stranger was none other than her new boss, Dr. Aiden Tate.

Aiden couldn’t believe that the girl he had a fling with is right in front of his eyes. Could he start again where he left off?

ONE NIGHT…WITH HER BOSS is a story about meeting the stranger you never thought you will meet again ever. Author Annie O’Neil brought this story with emotions and medical drama. A reader would stay glued to the book till the last page to find what happens next in Aiden and Ali’s life.

Highly recommended for all readers of medical romance. 

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Reviewed by TashNz

5 Stars

What a cracking good story. Hooked from page one.

Ali has an insanely amazing one night stand with Mr Suit - no names! Imagine her surprise when it turns out to be her boss!

What I loved about this story is the two characters, Ali and Aidan who are both career driven surgeons and experts in their own fields, they are fabulous characters and the story builds them as each page goes by. I love the environment the two are put together in, which is Rugby (which is a religion, not a sport here in NZ) so something I can totally relate to. The story itself which has two unlikely yet totally matched characters learning to be who they are and accept the past as the past and to be both brave enough to let go and try life as a couple. I loved the humor sprinkled through out and I loved the drama of the sports field and the injuries.

I couldn't put it down and finished it while ill in bed. Fabulous read, made me smile and forget for a while how unwell I was feeling.

The reason I elect to give this 5 stars is because it was perfect to me, made me smile, loved the characters and the story and I couldn't put it down and I'll definitely read again.

REVIEW BY ALEXIA
5 STARS

"One Night...With Her Boss" by Annie O'Neil is listed as a Medical Romance but it is much more. The story was well written and I didn't want to put it down. Dr. Ali Lockhart is starting her life over again and her night of romance on Valentine's Day with a stranger turns into something else. Thinking that she would never see this man again she really puts herself out there and is much more expressive when having sex with her stranger. Turns out that the stranger is someone that she will be working with Dr. Aiden Tate.

REVIEW BY HINA
5 STARS

Dr Ali Lockhart had had her dreams shattered and now does not want to have roots anywhere but forever be on the run. Dr Aidan Tate on the other hand has loved and lost and deems himself undeserving of having a family of his own.

Now, doesn't that make them a made for each other material? Both of them not ready for the family that they need and want so badly.

Though their night together happened before they ever found out their working relationship, it happened cementing a bond between them. A bond that was in plain sight for all to see but them.

It takes a baby and some very heart wrenching moments of loneliness to make them reach out for what is meant for them and what they surely deserve.

Emotion runs high in this one

REVIEW BY AMANDA
4 STARS

Dr. Ali Lockhart has made a decision to start her life over. So she picks herself up, brushes her past behind her and decisively takes her future all in one big stride. But when she shares one passionate night in the arms of a stranger, Ali never thought she’d see her sexy one night stand partner ever again. However, Ali is in for the shock of her life when she meets her new boss. Dr. Aidan Tate is shocked to see Ali too. Working together and being in close proximity to each other does things to them. It is how they straighten out the kinks in their relationship that gives the story depth and keeps you hooked. Overall, One Night…With Her Boss is a steamy medical romantic story that brings out the best in the flawed characters and Annie O’Neil does a wonderful job in tying up the issues blocking Aidan and Ali in reaching their happily ever after. A wonderful story portraying that complete strangers can find love and become best friends in the end too!

Recommended
4 Stars

REVIEW BY DOTTIE
5 Stars

Dr. Ali Lockhart is the Doctor for a rugby team and has been hired by the Chief officer Dr. Aiden Tate and as such she spends a lot of time watching their games and practices. Dr. Aiden Tate hasn't shown up yet but he had hired Dr. A. Lockhart feeling she would be good for the team. What neither are aware of is that they have already met. A few years prior they had a one night stand, neither took names knowing it was for one night, so when Dr. Tate shows up and Ali realizes that he is that man that she nicknamed "the suit", be prepared for a lovely story. They both have pain from their past and are fighting to keep the attraction on the back burner, but Ms. O'Neill brings these two wounded people together on the rugby field and their feeling run like the game Aiden does not want serious and refuses to allow himself to fall in love, all he wants is an affair with Ali. When the affair gives them the consequence of a baby he still won't commit. Its an interesting road they both travel to their HEA but an enjoyable trip for all romance readers. A lovely compelling story of how Mr. Suit becomes the love of Ali's life. Don't miss this one.

REVIEW BY CHERYL
5 STARS

Dr. Ali Lockhart is starting fresh. She is leaving behind the memories of the accident that changed her life and her dreams forever. Her mother always wanted Ali to be a ballerina. But that was not to be any longer. She changed careers and became a physician for dancers and then she got the challenge to fill in for Dr. Aidan Tate as a sports physician. 

Ali and Aidan who did not know each other prior to this were both stuck at an airport with bad weather. One thing led to another and they found themselves in a very steamy night, something neither of them had ever done. No names were even exchanged and they just wanted to remain strangers. It was Valentine’s Day and cupid was plotting something special. It was powerful attraction between the two and could they really go on to forget that night happened? 

Well nothing works out that way. Ali was watching the North Stars Rugby team and she knew that the Chief Medical Officer was due back that day. Maybe even during the game.

As Ali watched she heard these horrible sounds of pain come from the field. There lay Chris Trace the team’s best player. She was warned that they hope she had a good stomach and Chris was a mess. His goggles were somewhere, and he had caught the full blow of the Southern Cross player. As she is asking about the goggles a male voice asked Chris if he can’t remember or can’t think straight. Ali does not even have to turn around to KNOW that voice.

He is THE SUIT as she called him. Hearing his voice, being close enough to touch him. Now what between the two? Enjoy!

Carrying the King's Pride by Jennifer Hayward - Kingdoms & Crowns Book 1

Reviewed by TashNz

Was totally hooked by the page one where we meet Sofia, being brave enough to know she needs to leave her current lover Nik, she’s getting attached and she knows that breaks all the rules.  And break up they do which is all well and good until Nik’s security detail reveals to him she’s pregnant!

Nik isn’t any ordinary person, he’s Prince Nikandros Constantinides of Akathinia.  A tragic accident claims the life of his brother and he’s forced to go back home where he’s then made King because of his father’s poor health.  Nik struggles with this, this wasn’t in the plan, he wasn’t raised to be king… he belongs in New York where he shines at what he does.  Finding out about Sofia he knows what he has to do – bring her back and make Sofia Queen and have his country’s heir grow up as one of his own.

And they all lived happy ever after!  Ha hah, no no no, Nik’s country is upset by neighboring war which is threatening and Nik’s also upset the family and the countess the family said he had to marry.  No way, not now that Sofia is pregnant.  And Sofia, well the last thing she wants to be is Queen of anything except her emerging fashion line.  

A wonderfully told tale of two strong and likeable characters and a true testimony of Jennifer Hayward's wonderful tale telling which I absolutely adore.  I love how the story takes me away to a wonderful world and I like how the beginning was so unique.  You never read stories where the heroine marches in and insists on breaking up.  I absolutely loved the concept.


Well loved and I'm looking forward to the future installments.

5 Stars
March 2016 Release

Reviewed by Nas

CARRYING THE KING’S PRIDE by author Jennifer Hayward is Harlequin Presents release for March 2016.

King Nikandros found out his brother had perished in an accident and all of a sudden he was the king now. Then he got informed that his lover, Sofia Ramirez was pregnant. There was no doubt that the baby was his. But could he get Sofia to agree to be his Queen?

Sofia, scared that her feelings for Nik was getting deeper, broke off her relationship with him. But now she was pregnant and alone. Dare she let the king know that she was carrying his heir?

Could she be what Nik wanted? And marry him for the sake of her baby? Would Nik ever love her for herself?

CARRYING THE KING’S PRIDE is an intriguing romance with off the charts chemistry between Nik and Sofia. Author Jennifer Hayward has her unique way of spellbinding her readers and keeping them engrossed in the story till the very last page.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance. 

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Reviewed by Helen

I really enjoy MS Hayward's stories and this one was no exception a fabulous story with a beautiful setting and royalty and a future heir to the Kingdom of Akathina a small island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Nikandros Constantinides is a royal Prince but he lives and works in New York his older brother is heir and Nik is brilliant with numbers he loves his playboy lifestyle he has had lots of woman in his life but nothing permanent and that is the way he wants it his new woman is designer and boutique owner Sofia Ramirez a beautiful woman strong and gorgeous and so far they have managed to keep their affair secret, but in time Nik will end it like he normally does and move on.

Sofia is enjoying her affair with Nik but she feels that the time has come to end it before she gets too close to this man they sizzle together sensually they get on well but both know that nothing can be permanent but when Sofia decides that this will be their last night the passion flares as they become one but there are consequences a baby and with Nik then getting news of his brother's death life changes very quickly for both.

This is a story that will have you turning the pages as Nik and Sofia journey to a HEA that is filled with emotional ups and downs and Sofia coaxes Nik to open up about his past and his relationship with his father the turmoil that comes with becoming King and running a country convincing Sofia to marry him and a baby on the way. They know they are sensually drawn to each other but Sofia wants more she wants emotional commitment and time and love from Nik for herself and their baby is she strong enough to bring Nik around?

I loved this story and highly recommend it you will be smiling throughout and there will be more in this story line Kingdoms and Crowns that I look forward to.

5/5 stars for a fabulous story

Expected publication: February 23rd 2016 by Harlequin

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5 Star review by Alexia

"Carrying The King's Pride" by Jennifer Hayward is classic Harlequin at it's best. Prince Nikandros Constantinides and Sofia Ramirez are having a discrete affair. Feeling that Nik is getting tired of their trysts Sofia decides to break things off with him, but on the same night they have one last fling which results in her becoming pregnant. The only problem is that Nik is engaged to someone from a neighboring city that would help Akathinia become a more productive city. Beautifully written and has us rooting for this relationship. 

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5 Star Review by Hina

Nik and Sofia's affair does not have a long life. at least that is what they know. Fate, however decrees something else altogether.

With a baby on the way all plans rush out the window with the future of the Kingdom changed drastically.

Though, for the baby, both Nik and Sofia re ready to settle down but at the cost of their own happiness.

Bought up a certain way, Nik can't let his heart rule over his head and had to keep Sofia at a distance as he sees her as a distraction when he has a kingdom to run. While Sofia is dying a little inside everyday from the coldness she senses emanating from her betrothed and the father of her baby.

Filled with angst and killing the desires of the heart for the most part, this is a story of to people who finally learn of what really is important in life and once someone has that settled, all else follows

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5 Star Review by Amanda

If you’re looking for a steamy romance novel that is laden with sizzling sexual chemistry, power, high-octane drama, bold yet flawed characters and defying rivalries between royal families then pick up the first book in Jennifer Hayward’s Kingdoms and Crowns trilogy for Harlequin Presents! 

After Prince Nikandros Constantinides is dumped by his lover Sofia Ramirez, they share one last night, one hot, hot night in each other’s arms and then they part ways for good or so they both think. After his break up, however, Nik is shocked with the ill-fate befallen on his family with the life-changing news his personal aide, Abram delivers to him. The crown prince, his brother was dead and his father had taken to bed after a heart attack due to his brother’s death. Now thrust into the role as king after his brother’s funeral, it is now up to Nik to take the reign of his tiny country and move it forward…eschewing the threat of war from neighboring Carnelia. Nik would even marry the Countess of Agiero to secure his country’s stability except destiny had its own plans for him. When Nik discovers Sofia carries the heir to his throne, his plans change and he only sees it fit to make Sofia his queen. It is from here on which makes this story interesting. It is the emotional battle between Sofia and Nik to do what’s right for their child and Nik’s struggle to protect his country, which unravels the plot and keeps you turning the pages... Overall, this is a fabulous new book by a talented author whose intricate storytelling brings out the best in her characters. So if you haven’t read a Jennifer Hayward novel yet then pick up this book, curl up in a comfy chair and prepare to be mesmerized!

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

Review by Cheryl - 5 Stars
Sophia Ramirez was seeing Prince Nikandros Constantinides from Akathinia. Sophia and Nik both held jobs in New York. Sophia knew she had to make this the last night with Nik as she could sense he was about to and she wanted to have the upper hand. 

It was later that he discovered his brother had died and he needed to take over the responsibility of taking over the crown that his brother had held and also Nik's father had collapsed after the accident of Nik's brother.

She was on the pill and so for this last night she asked Nik not to use protection. Later she went to the doctor and discovered she was pregnant. Nik had found out even though he was not in New York. Nik went to New York to discuss this with Sophia and he rushed her off to Akathinia. 
It was there that he called off what was to be his engagement and became engaged to Sophia. Since the baby would be the heir to the throne and she was given the choice of either marry him or go back to New York alone without her baby. 

There was troubled times between Nik and his father and also troubled time in the area around Akathinia and the nearby land. Nik fears that Sophia had gotten pregnant on purpose and since he was not a trusting person it made for a very difficult time. 
Jennifer Hayward writes a very awesome love story and one about trust and how to trust and taking responsibility.

Review by Dottie - 5 Stars

This is the first book of a three part series called Kingdoms and crowns and what fantastic start. Sofia Ramirez is having an affair with Prince Nikandros Constantinides, but she knows his relationships have an end by date. She is falling in love with him, so decides to protect herself from the hurt of him leaving her so makes the decision to end it herself. Sounds like a good idea until they end up in bed together for one last time. Sofia doesn't know that soon after their last night, Nikandros is called home to Akathinia to rule as his brother, who was to be the next in line for the throne, is killed in an accident and his father the King has collapsed from the news . So you figure he goes home and becomes King and Sofia goes her way. However if you have never read Jennifer Hayward you should because she writes fantastic stories and if you think this is one of those that have them having one last night, she gets pregnant and they are forced to marry for the child and so that's the end. That is not happening and you are wrong because, she writes a heartfelt story about a man who is emotionally destroyed by his brothers death a country in crisis, that he must secure as well as take care of a women who is pregnant and carrying a future heir and at the same time , deal with all the road blocks that can make or break a future king . Ms. Hayward always has such a way with words that one will always stand out and make the reader smile. When Sofia wants to feel she is a part of Nik's life she takes you on a journey with the future King who fears that she deliberately got pregnant to capture him, and a headstrong woman who he wants to come to his country , marry and raise their child and continue as they were. Sofia wants to feel she is a part of his life and will not continue as they were until they truly understand each other and what each wants. Nik's question "Define understand" is just the beginning a fantastic journey, with this book. Loved it and can hardly wait to read the next two. Would give it more than 5 stars if I could.

Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress by Melanie Milburne

Reviewed by Nas

AWAKENINGTHE RAVENSDALE HEIRESS by author Melanie Milburne is a January 2016 release by Harlequin Presents series. This is Book 2 of The Ravensdale Scandals, a miniseries by Melanie Milburne. Book 1 is Ravensdale’s Defiant Captive.

Miranda Ravensdale lost her teenage sweetheart and closed off her heart for love but would Leandro be able to coax her now very adult feelings and sensuality to accept herself as a woman?

Leandro Allegretti was the only man to ever tempt her from her vow of celibacy that she took on her teen boyfriend’s deathbed five years ago. Could she let the temptation run her passion and life? Or would it leave her heartbroken? Dare she take the step?

AWAKENINGTHE RAVENSDALE HEIRESS is a sensational romance with shimmering emotions and sensuality. Author Melanie Milburne once again astounds her readers with the emotions in this romance. Miranda and Leandro seemed unable to ever reach their happy ever after with all the emotional baggage both carried. Yet moving past the grief and sadness they discover new joy and love in their lives. This inspiring romance gives a reader the message and imparts the lesson that no matter what tragedy befalls you, there is always hope.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance. 

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Awakening the Ravensdale Heiress

Melanie Milburne



Reviewed by Helen

This is the second story in Melanie Milburne's new mini series The Ravensdale Scandals and I was not disappointed I loved the first one and this is Miranda's story the sister who made a promise seven years before to her dying boyfriend that he would be the only one in her life and she has stuck to it but when scandal hits the family again and Miranda wants to stay out of it she accepts a position from a very close family friend Leandro Allegretti to help with paintings and antiques from his father's estate but there are very sensual sparks between this pair that will change their lives for the better.

This is a very sensual and heart-warming story both Miranda and Leandro have been through so much in their lives that have kept them from really opening up both have done well and are well respected and when they arrive at the villa in France to sort through Leandro's fathers things the sparks are flying and both are so good at opening up to one another and neither can deny the pull and passion that is arcing between them for long.

This is a story that I highly recommend MS Milburne writes such beautiful stories, stories that are filled with passion and emotion they are sensual and a joy to read don't miss this one you will be smiling at the beautiful HEA.

5/5 stars for a fabulous read

Published December 15th 2015 by Harlequin

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New Year at the Boss's Bidding by Rachael Thomas

New Year at the Boss's Bidding
by Rachael Thomas

Reviewed by TashNz

A romantic winter read with a beautiful setting at New Years Eve.

Tilly has landed a fantastic opportunity to cater for a New Years Eve party. Xavier Moretti hates Christmas and Tilly is a jilted bride so both aren't the happiest of campers at such a time of year where most are happy and full of joy. Both Tilly and Xavier note the sparks flying and not just from the log fire. Crazy snow storm blocks the road and neither the party Tilly is catering for can get through and she can't leave.

Snowbound! 

Brilliant set up for two people who need to face their demons and the distraction of each other proves to start the New Year off with a bang. Once the snow settles and they have to face the real world, will the warmth in the manor continue outside in reality to melt their past away and heal broken wounds??? 

Tilly and Xavier are two fab characters to read about and I enjoyed their story from the start. I found it hard to put down and I enjoyed the set up of the beautiful manor which was described with perfect detail, the believable back stories and really warmed to the characters of Tilly and Xavier. They deserved their happy ever after together.

Imagine sitting in front of a warm log fire all tucked up with a nice glass of red! This is how I felt reading New Year at the Boss's Bidding.

Reviewed by Nas

NEWYEAR AT THE BOSS’S BIDDING by author Rachael Thomas is a January 2016 release by Harlequin Presents series.

Natalie Rogers is snowbound with Xavier Moretti and passions run high. But she wouldn’t sleep with her boss. Yet by midnight, her contract is up and Xavier is no longer her boss. Would she give in to their fiery passion and raging chemistry?

After an accident, Xavier is scarred both physically and mentally. He doesn’t see himself a fit suitor for Tilly. Yet he couldn’t ignore the longing he has for her love. Could they have a happy ever after?

NEW YEAR AT THE BOSS’S BIDDING is a mesmerizing romance filled with emotional intensity and sensuality. Author Rachael Thomas once again astounds her readers with her heart-warming story telling style.

Highly recommended for all readers of romance.  

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Reviewed by Alexia

"New Year at the Boss's Bidding" by Rachael Thomas is a quick, classic romance. Xavier Moretti hires Tilley Rogers to cater his family New Year's Eve party but a snowstorm cancels the party and strands them together. Even though it's cold outside it is HOT inside. I'd love to tell you more but it gives too much of the story away, and the relationship between these two are worth reading.

5 Stars

Reviewed by Hina

New Year's Eve being not far away from Christmas, every New Year's Eve has the added warmth of Christmas. The same is true for this sexy story.

Snowbound in a manor that oozes of times gone by, Natalie and Xavier come together emotionally and physically. Both of them have a past that they must learn to move on from. Wounds of a past that need healing and the way to that is for them to be there for each other. The salve for their wounds is the love they have now developed for themselves.

Even though it is a Presents story, I find it a very sweet Romance. A book that when I once began, I could not keep it down until I read the last word.

5 Stars

Reviewed by Cheryl

New Year at the Boss's Bidding by Rachael Thomas

Xavier Moretti’s New Year’s Eve party is a good way to build the verily recent business for Tilly Rogers’s new catering company, Tilly’s Table. Landing it was a much needed boost to her new business and he wants an Italian theme which is perfect for Tilly. She used to cook alongside her grandma. 
As Tilly drives out to the Wimble Manor which is set on the edge of Exmoor it is snowing. She finally finds the Manor and finds also that the snow is accumulated a bit more. As she gets out unloading her business van she encounters none other than Xavier. 

Xavier is a billionaire business owner and has the motorcycle track. He is a former motorcycle racing and now mentors the young riders. He for sure is the most high-profile client to date for her catering company.

Tilly was very pleased to be out of London for New Year’s Eve considering that last year on the morning of what was to be her wedding day when her fiancé, Jason called off the wedding. 
Tilly felt Xavier’s eyes on her as she unloaded the van. He offered to help her and touched her as he grabbed boxes out of her arms. This sent sparks flying between them. She had never been affected by a man like this before, not even her ex-fiancé. 

As she set to prepare for the party she was not really looking out the windows and when she did she could not believe how the flakes were so large and coming down at a fast pace. She began to worry would her 2 assistance make it out there to help her. 

After her broken engagement she started a bucket list of things she wanted to accomplish. Her catering business was on the list and so was a romantic fling. There was something between her and Xavier and yet she told herself and later him that she could not do anything since Xavier was her boss for this party. 

Do the 2 assistants make it to the Manor? Does Xavier’s family make it there? Will Xavier and Tilly be alone in the Manor for New Year’s Eve and after due to a major snow storm? To find these answers and more you will have to read the book. It will show how Tilly had been hurt and how Xavier’s cycle accident that left his best friend dead and Xavier with major scars and what the future now holds for them. 

Enjoy!

5 Stars

Review by Dottie

Tilly Rogers is given the opportunity to cater a New Years eve party for billionaire Xavier Moretti. New Years is not a good time for either Tilly or Xavier, last New years Tilly was to marry and her fiancé called it off just before the ceremony. Xavier hates the holidays as he feels responsible for the death of a friend near the holidays. New Year is as it says a new year and these two people are suddenly stranded and have to cancel the party and spend the time together. Take Tilly , Xavier and an author like Rachael Thomas and you have a lovely story of discovery , healing and finding love when its least expected. These two people find what all romance readers want HEA but on their way to that you have a lovely story that will make you warm for the new Year

5 Stars

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Review by Amanda
Tilly Rogers is thrilled to cater for Xavier Moretti’s New Year’s Eve party. What she hadn’t catered for was getting holed up with her boss for a few days. However, being in close proximity to each other ignites a fire between them and it is not before long that Tilly and Xavier act upon their sizzling attraction. But with their broken past hanging over their heads, Tilly and Xavier give each other comfort in trying times by helping each other recuperate. Overall, New Year at the Boss’s Bidding by Rachael Thomas is a good solid book that keeps you reading until the end. Ms. Thomas creates a convincing story where her unique writing style and her well-developed characters take readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Recommended
4 Stars

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New Year at the Boss's Bidding Rachael Thomas

Reviewed by Helen

This is a story that will have you turning the pages as two people that have issues to get over come together in a sizzling sensual story in such a beautiful setting with lots of snow.

Tilly Rogers was jilted a year ago and has thrown herself into a new business and hid behind that but she has made a list of things that she is determined to get done she is quiet and determined and a little afraid of loving which stems from her parents but when she takes on a job for New Years Eve and then gets snowed in her life will change for the better.

Xavier Moretti had a great life as a motor bike racer but when that part of his life ends in tragedy he continues to punish himself he works hard to promote safety in the industry but shuns Christmas, but when he meets Tilly things will change.

I loved this story truly the instant sizzling attraction when Tilly and Xavier meet could set the pages on fire the sensuality is amazing and to see a tortured hero meet a heroin who has issues to overcome and then Xavier to be so determined to get the girl he loves, this one will have you smiling throughout I highly recommend this story grab a beverage curl up and enjoy I did very much. 

5/5 stars for a great story