Safe In The Tycoon's Arms by Jennifer Faye

Reviewed by Desere

Life as a single mother is really tough. You need to make all decisions on your own, there is never really someone to properly support you. You can talk to friends and family but it never really takes any of the stress or hurt away.

And thus you become as independent as you can be, and making sure that you never stop to think of anything else other than getting beyond the current situation that you're facing. Get up, get going and move on the the next child-raising step.

In the new Jennifer Faye read this is exactly what heroine Kate Whitley does, however her life as a single parent hits the point of nightmare and a situation no parent ever wants to face. Her daughter is ill, very ill and needs a lifesaving operation. but Kate does not have the funds.

Now of course like any other parent out there who love their children above and beyond, Kate will do anything she can to safe her child, but she does not bargain on ending up in the home of billionaire Lucas Carrington, nor that the man will agree to help her raise the funds she needs and at the same time drive her mad with his bleak outlook on life.

This read was so sweet, kind and tender and hit each and every sweet romance read spot there is. The characters were well written and both found their way into my heart at an early stage in the read. Kate because she is such a dedicated mother to her child and Lucas because he is so very lost after being hurt beyond reason.

I loved that the author let's the attraction between the characters say confrontational, it kept me interested in wanting to see what happens, but also let me more than once think this read was going to end with me in tears of non happiness.

I need not have worried, as the author crafted a beautiful read about two people who through each other find the kind of happiness one can only dream of.

I am taking away a message of being independent is great, it is one of the hardest things to be, but there really is no way you can do it all alone. Having that someone to talk to or simply be held by is what makes you stronger, not taking on everything by yourself, eventually you will burn out and then the ones that need you the most will be without you, leaving them missing a vital piece of their existence. And thinking your actions are what's best for someone else never really is, try to look at the picture from the outside in, instead of telling yourself that what you are seeing is all there is and the only route of action to take is your own.

I recommend this read for any reader looking for a perfect little escape into a afternoon of sweet romance.

4.5 star review
" Together they find their way to happiness" 

The Cattleman's Proposal by Helen Lacey

Reviewed by Desere

Every woman dreams of a rich successful good looking man to sweep her off her feet. But what if the proposal is merely to satisfy his own needs, and all you are to be is his bed-mate and mother of his children.

Sounds completely unacceptable, yet this is the situation Joley faces in the new Helen Lacey read. Mr-I-don't-believe-in-happy-ever-after- Nate knows what he wants and what he wants is Joley.

She is the perfect candidate to be the mother of his children, wife when needed and all without any romantic nonsense.

So to gain her over this his idea of thinking he uses a little blackmail, only when Joley starts to make his heart beat faster and he realizes love is something one cannot live without, it seems the game is up and he is to be the loser because Joley is on her way out the back door.

I loved this read, it was sweet, sensual and really heartwarming. I loved seeing how Nate changes from being a heartbroken man to a man that will do anything for the woman he simply cannot live without.

Through this character the author showed that everyone no matter how badly broken can be mended, all they need is the right person to drag them back from the depths of anger and pain.

Joley was a real treat to read, she knows what she wants and will do anything to get it, a true fighting spirit heroine!  But the author also let her hit a few turning point that changed her from always on the defense to rather letting her heart believe in trust.

A stunning read about two broken people healing each other through love. I recommend this read for romance fans looking for sweet and sexy heartfelt emotional characters, that will crawl deep into your hearts and remind you of just how short life is and when getting the chance to live it, grab hold with both hands.

Perfect read for an escape to romance on a lazy afternoon!

4.5 star review
" To appreciate her, he needs to lose her" 

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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

Nate Garrigan had what he thought was the love of his life. But just a few months into his happy ever after, his wife walked away from the marriage. Nate is still looking for a woman to be a wife, and to have children with. If there is chemistry between them, then that will be a bonus. But when it comes to love … forget that. Been–there–done–that-not–gonna–happen-again. He believes Joley would be the perfect woman for his future.

Joley McBride has one great love in life … flying. Like father like daughter.  After seeing her best friend get married she can’t help but think she is missing out on life. But now she has just learned that her best friend and business partner has mismanaged the business Joley’s father started. And the only way out of the nightmare is to agree to Nate’s offer. If she will stay a month on his ranch, he will return his share of the business back to her. I loved the character of Joley, she spoke her mind and was really feisty and called it like it was.

I loved the interaction between Nate and Joley. The attraction was believable. The passion was good.  I also enjoyed the setting of the Outback. Of course when you throw in some humor into a romance novel, it always makes this reader happy. So basically this book touched on all the things I love in a romance novel.

I recommend this book for romance readers who love a western theme set in the Outback.

Favorite lines:

You were running as fast as you could – and all I could think was – who is she running to? I didn’t know. I hoped … but I …” Nate inhaled and looked her directly in the eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so afraid in my whole life. And then … then all of a sudden you were in my arms.”

4.5/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
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Review by TashNz

5 Stars

I love a story where you're drawn in from page one and Helen Lacey's The Cattlemans Proposal did just that for me.  Joley McBride has just watched her best friend marry his wife and as bridesmaid she cant wait to leave.  To fill in her time she gets drunk and makes the biggest pass at Nate Garrigan by telling him he can have her... litterally!  During the second chapter boy did I giggle, I loved the refreshing honesty of Helen's writing.  How many times do you get to read about the heroine in the garden bed being sick from far too much wine? It made her real and I loved it.  Despite the damaged shoes, Nate rescues from both the garden bed, making an life size fool of her self AND financially  by buying out her best friends share in her barely solvent flying school. 

 Nate is clear from the start he really likes Joley.  He's almost the perfect man.  Handsome, strong, honest, hardworking, knows what he wants.  He's passionate about what he believes in and runs his cattlefarm with precision.  He knows what he wants and sets out to get it.  I loved him. Oh and dont even get me started about how he plays pool! 

A throughly captivating story.  It has everything.  Romance, drama, tension, laughter and lots of love and I have to say, my first 5 star in a while.  Absolutely loved it!

ANYBODY BUT HIM by Claire Baxter

Reviewed by Desere

We all have that one person female or male from school that we hated, just could not stand them for whatever reason, yes most of the time for us girls it is a boy that either broke our heart or a girl that stole our man!

No matter none of us can wait to let payback be sweet or to just get the heck out and as far away as possible.

This is exactly what Nicola does, after the hero of her heart Blair becomes the piece of ice in her heart, she takes off and never looks back, only circumstances bring her back and instead of Blair being the cool as ice, heartless idiot he use to be, he is the complete opposite, and she finds herself falling for him yet again, but this time she will not forget the past, after all a leopard cannot change his spots.

The main characters were both well written and very likeable. I found them both cute and understanding when needed but also could understand for example when Nicola holds back her forgiveness.

I liked that the author kept it light yet at the same time gave enough insight into the past and future for this couple to keep me entertained and not bored with too much detail or too much this and that and what if and don't.

The author kept it real with realistic explanations and outlooks.

The read is the perfect length to allow a reader to escape from it all and go to the magical world of romance blossoming when forgiveness finally comes into play, at no stage did it feel like the road to happiness was being dragged out, as is the case in many reads and you simply want it to end just so you can be able to say "Oh okay so that is how it ends".

I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for something fun and exciting, that delivers a nice message of letting of of the past. A very pleasant afternoon read, however the ending was a little too predictable, I would have liked to see the author pull a rabbit from the hat, just to give it that bit of flare at the ending.

4.5 star review
"Forgiveness is never easy, and neither is love" 

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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker



In Anybody But Him by Claire Baxter: You have sisters Nicola & Una trading places for a couple of months. Una is a writer and is in desperate need of a break from their parents. Even though she lives in a separate house from them, they are quite a handful, especially their forgetful father.

Nicola Doyle has come home to Redgum Valley. She is staying to keep an eye on her eccentric parents. But the first person she comes into contact with besides her parents, is the one person she would rather never have seen again EVER. The one and only Blair Morrissey her first and only true love. He wasted no time embarrassing her repeatedly in high school once he learned of her crush. He teases her so often it had left emotional scars. Years later he has changed, now helpful, thoughtful and still so very good looking.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the two sisters working together to help each other. I also enjoyed "Dammit" and for some reason the name just fit. I also liked that Nicole matured enough through the help of Blair to realize her parents were special, even if a little quirky. You also learn to admire Blair for all he suffered as a young kid. While he apologizes to Nicola it doesn't excuse the way he teased her in school. I also did not feel this great love connection between these two, attraction yes, but not the love. Still a very enjoyable read!

4/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Reviewed by Nas

Anybody But Him (Random Romance)

ANYBODY BUT HIM by author Claire Baxter is a Random Romance release for July 2013.

Nicola Doyle couldn't leave her small town home fast enough after the way she was treated and bullied during her school years. But going to the big city, she reinvented herself. Now she worked in a corporate world and had made a name for herself.

Then she had to come back to her hometown for her parents. And guess who she runs into?

Blair Morrissey, her teenage crush later turned into hatred. But Blair is no longer the same school boy he was. He was a charming and attractive man now. Would Nicola let her attraction to Blair lead to it's natural conclusion? What about her corporate job in the big city?

ANYBODY BUT HIM is a delightfully sweet romance. I loved the quirky characters of Nicola's parents. Author Claire Baxter brought this exceptionally realistic romance that will touch your heart and make you shed tears.

Recommended for all lovers of romance.


Reviewed by Maria

I thoroughly enjoyed this romance novella by Claire Baxter for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which was the Irish connection.  The heroine, Nicola Doyle, might have grown up next door to me.  The fact that she had an elder sister named Una and that her parents were an elderly, mildly eccentric Irish couple who were also loving parents - just let's say I related.

The experience is so common.  Was there ever a boy you had a crush on at school, or maybe when you were still on the naive side, at work?  And did someone ever betray you and let him know how you felt?  And how did he react?  Was he honoured to be your choice, or did he laugh you to scorn?  And when his reaction was the latter, didn't you hate him forever and ever? Of course you did.  I know I did.

But just suppose there was a heart rending reason behind that dismissal of your heart's true feelings?  Suppose he really, really hearted you but had a very pressing reason why he couldn't follow up on that attraction?  Well, wouldn't it be just great if, a few years on, when you're both mature and responsible adults, you got a second chance at a relationship?  Wouldn't it be,  fabulous, fantastic and superlative, to say the least?  'Course it would.

Mind you, Miss Nicola Doyle will have to get past a few things first.  Like having the man who humiliated her as a teen as her next door neighbour.  Ever ready with a helpful cup of sugar, not to mention a maddening little dog called Dammit.  Yes, indeed.  Irish ladies are not to be trifled with even if they are first generation Australian. Until Nicola sees the light, she'll continue to date losers and wonder what is the matter.

Another thing I love about this book is, it's a sweet romance, which means I can share it with my teenage daughters. Provided they've done all their homework, of course.

And a note to the author, Claire Baxter.  I particularly enjoyed that conversation the heroine had with Opal on the relevance of designer labels and whether it's really sensible to just cut them off and have done with it.  I hope my girls will read that and take note. They'll probably relate to the eccentric Irish mother, though.  

Because this ticks all the boxes where a romance is concerned and a few more besides, I'm giving it a hi five (or is that a high five?  And does it matter?).

The Cattleman's Ready Made Family by Michelle Douglas

Reviewed by Desere

The loss of a loved one can be very painful and life altering to the point where nothing seems real any more and your faith is so low that it will take a truly special event to restore your strength.

In the case of Tess that special event does not come in the form of something but rather someone.

That someone is I'll-knock-your-boots-off  Cam. He is immediately intrigued by Tess and falls in love with her niece and nephew on the spot, not to mention the woman herself.

But both Tess and Cam have a past that can shatter their future. Betrayal, hopes, dreams, love and the hope of a family all come into play in this fabulous read!

The characters of both Tess and Cam were nicely written, and I liked that they are both tortured souls and that all their insecurities and heartache ties into their past, but also has a definite impact on their immediate future if not fully and completely addressed.

I have seen it happen in some reads were the past is tied in with the future but the characters do not actually square up with their past in order to take control of their future, but instead their love blossoms and little bits of the past are resolved at the end of the read but it still lingers in a big way thus the future is still kind of bleak, and I walk away from the read feeling empty or like I missed out on some vital piece of the puzzle. So very nicely done Michelle!

I loved, loved, loved the idea of kids being part of the deal in this read. It gave the book a very homey feel and certainly gave me moments of heartwarming family tied happenings. It was also a very unique touch to bring the main characters together, yes it has been done in other reads but usually it is their children before the romance gets set back into motion. In this case the kids are already there and they are more like the rope between Cam and Tess, pulling them towards each other.

The backdrop setting was terrific! I loved the town of Bellaroo Creek, it matched the theme of this read to a perfect tee, all family and stand together till the end no matter what or who comes our way.

The dialogue was heartfelt, sensual and caring. The perfect romance read for any fan of romance. I am taking away a message of loss can bring you down and betrayal can make your heart a dark place, but you need to pick yourself up, fight back and learn to trust again in order to gain happiness.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of Michelle Douglas books, her unique manner of story telling will leave you with feelings of joy, happiness, love and all things sweet.

4.5 star review
" No matter where she goes he will follow" 

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Reviewed by Nancy Crocker

In The Cattleman's Ready-Made Family: Tess Laing has moved to Bellaroo Creek with her little niece Krissie and her nephew Ty after they were orphaned. She is hoping Bellaroo Creek is just what the three of them will need to start a new life. They are all three suffering the lost of Sarah "Tess's sister and Krissie and Ty's Mother". But Tess also feels guilty over her sister's accident. So grief stricken she could have prevented the accident had she returned home, she has given up the love and passion in her life because of that guilt. 

Cameron Manning has come to deliver the keys to the cottage and get the new tenant to sign the rights to the land back to him so he can plant the canola crops he has been committed to. Once he gets Tess's signature on the papers he is off to Africa for two years to help the Feed the World organization. He is instantly attracted to Tess, but refuses to even give into the attraction after being betrayed by his finance and brother.
Estranged from his family, there is nothing keeping him in Bellaroo Creek. Soon Cam is drawn not only to Tess, but too Krissie and Ty. This is what he has always wanted. The family he feels he was cheated out of.

This is a heart warming story of people stepping up and putting their lives on hold, to help two young orphans overcome the loss of their parents. There is more to this story regarding the children that will just break your heart. You can't help but feel for these two little ones. It is also a story of forgiveness and moving on with life. It also shows a great community coming together and supporting each other, weather a welcoming luncheon or taking time out to clean the local cemetery. At times it is a very emotional book for a couple of reasons. And the last chapter was a real tear jerker.

I thought the author did a really good job of describing the scenery throughout the book. I felt at times that I was at the cottage in Bellaroo Creek. She even had me looking up a sultana cake recipe. And if their is a place like Bellaroo Creek, that has amazing rate for renting a cottage, then sign me up.

I must thank Michelle Douglas for sending me an ARC of this book. My review was optional. 

4.5/5 stars

Reviewed by Maria

The cattleman of the title, Cameron Manning, is an unsociable character, something very unusual in the close knit community of Bellaroo Creek.  His dreams of a family were shattered when his fiancee left him for his younger brother.  In fact, he's made plans to wind up his affairs and leave town.  But now the new neighbour Tess Laing, a young lone parent, has turned his head.  She has two cute little wards, Tyler and Krissie and before long Cameron, or 'Cam' as he's better known, is helping the little family find suitable pets and start a vegetable garden.

Cam is intrigued by Tess, especially when he discovers that she gave up a successful international career to raise her orphaned niece and nephew.  What sort of person does that?  A woman, who instead of buying a chicken that lays plenty of eggs, buys a showy, fluffy bird just to make little Krissie smile.  A woman who allows her little niece and nephew to plant marigolds in the vegetable patch because it was their late mum's favourite flower.  A woman who will put on the radio and dance like crazy with the kids, just because it's fun....  Soon, Cam's thinking that leaving town isn't such a good idea after all......

This is the type of book I dream of reading.  This is about a relationship where two people with different needs and different experiences come together and help each other to grow and move on in life......absolutely perfect.  One thing is sure...Cameron is all man.  But he's not afraid to drop his guard and show his vulnerable side to the woman he loves.  And while Tess knows very well that she can raise these kids on her own, she knows that with the man she loves by her side, she can do it so much better.

Congrats to Michelle Douglas for writing this beautiful, family story which nonetheless sizzles with excitement.  And do you know what?  If I'd had the opportunity, I'd love to rename this story.  As:  Marigolds in the Vegetable Patch!

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Reviewed by Nas

The Cattleman's Ready-Made Family (Bellaroo Creek!)
Mills & Boon : The Cattleman's Ready-Made Family (Bellaroo Creek!)
The Cattleman's Ready-Made Family (Bellaroo Creek!)

THE CATTLEMAN'S READY-MADE FAMILY by author Michelle Douglas is a Harlequin Romance release for July 2013.

Tess Laing leaves her musical career and her city life to move to a small town. She wants to give the perfect life to her orphaned niece and nephew.

She and her charges begin to depend more on their neighbor, Cameron Manning.
Cameron was on the verge of leaving the small town and go to Africa. He couldn't wait to get away yet he postponed his trip for a month to help his neighbor settle in. He was getting attracted to Tess and her family. But would it be enough to stop him from leaving? And would Tess take a chance to bring a man who may not stay for long, into her family?

Author Michelle Douglas has written a fun, engrossing and fast paced story in THE CATTLEMAN'S READY-MADE FAMILY. There are hidden depths to Cameron and Tess's characters. The emotional and sensory details are exquisitely done. THE CATTLEMAN'S READY-MADE FAMILY has strong characters, snappy dialogue, and tender, sweet and exciting moments which will keep a reader riveted from the first page.
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Review by TashNz

Michelle Douglas's Bellaroo Creek:
The Cattleman's Ready-Made Family

Can I go and live in Bellaroo Creek please? 

My first taste came with Michelle Douglas's The Cattlemans Ready-Made Family.  What a magical tale, heartwarming and just a fantastic good old fashioned love story based on two people gradually getting 
to know each other and slowly letting their guards down.

Tess has taken over the care of her neice and nephew because her sister has died in a car accident.  We learn later that she's turns away from her prestigious career to live in the Australian country town of Bellaroo Creek, where everyone knows their neighbors and say good morning in the street.  Tess has won a contract to rent a farmhouse for $1 a week.  She thinks of it as a fresh beginning for her new family and a chance to settle the kids down and provide them what we all really want for our kids, a happy, stable and enriched environment to grow and nurture our little ones.  When she arrives she meets Cam, the co-owner of the land who needs to talk her into signing back some of the land that has inadvertently ended up in the contract.

A friendship forms and grows and Cam and Tess reluctantly start to let their guards down.  The kids become accustomed to Cam and a strong bond forms there too but when Tess learns Cam is about to leave town for an adventure in Africa.  

One of the best aspects of this wonderful romance is the characters.  Tess, Cam, the kids Tyler and Krissie.  Tess just wants to do right by her sister.  She's strong in so many ways, she just doesn't realise it.  Cam is hardworking, salt of the earth kinda guy who's had personal loss too with his family.  His good nature naturally causes him to help out around the place with the building of the chicken coups, the vege patch, mowing the lawns and the fact that he's hot is a total bonus!  Tyler and Krissie are so well written they add to the story instead of detracting from it.  

When I look at the cover of The Cattleman's Ready-Made Family, I feel warm inside.  That's exactly how this story made me feel.  If you need a break from the angst filled romances and feel like reading a great, no - a fantastically great, warm-hearted, soulful romance, you cant go past the Cattleman's Ready Made Family.

Bellaroo Creek: Three brave women, three strong men ... and one town on the brink - I can.not.wait for the other two books by Barbara Hannay and the amazing Soraya Lane.

4 Warm Stars

Rancher to the Rescue by Jennifer Faye

Reviewed by Nancy Crocker


In Rancher to The Rescue: Meghan Finnegan is a bride on the run. Jilted by the Groom when she approached the Altar she can’t make her escape fast enough. It was bad enough he did not want her, but he did not want the baby she was carrying either. Going so far as suggesting she end her pregnancy. Running straight to Cash she asks for his help in making her escape. A local celebrity chef she just wants to hide away for a little while and make some decisions on how to move on. 

Cash Sullivan knows a thing or two about being under a microscope when it comes to the press. Growing up his abusive father involved him in the robbery of a liquor store at the age of nine. He is sent to live with his Grandparents after a tragic accident ended the life of both parents. But he soon learned his grandfather was not much better than his own father. Verbally abusive he decided that marriage and children would never be a part of his life. He feared he would be abusive also. But Cash is a strong, sweet man who watches over his grandmother. And sexier than any cowboy, should ever be. His focus is the ranch he owns. 

Seeing Meghan sick and upset Cash offers to take her to his ranch to relax and lay low for a little while. But soon he is looking forward to shared meals and wants to spend more time with her. But what does all this mean to the confirmed bachelor and what will happen when he finds out she is carrying a baby. I liked that Cash was really there for her as a friend and she was just what this cowboy needed after being burned himself in the romance department. 

I really enjoyed Rancher to the Rescue. It showed two people overcoming the terrible obstacles that life can sometimes throw our way. And it brings hope! Hope that you are able to pick yourself back up, dust yourself off and move on. Hopefully it will be to a better place. This is Jennifer’s debut Novel and I have said a number of times in other reviews I have written. So I am going to say it this time with her. I love when and author writes with zero or no errors to their writing. To me it shows an author who knows her talent and is well versed. Well done Jennifer, I look forward to reading more from you in the future. 


4.5/5 stars

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Reviewed by Desere

Being left at the altar by your darling husband has to be is bad enough for any woman, you have to face the stares, the whispers,finger pointing and the nasty remarks, all whilst the hero of your dreams is off doing who knows what.  But if he also goes as far as suggesting you get rid of the baby your caring I say push the idiot off a cliff and run as far as you can, for he will never be worth it.

In this very sweet and sensual read from Jennifer Faye this is the situation our heroine Meghan faces, but to make it a whole lot worse she is a celebrity chef so the focus on her non marriage is far worse than for the ordinary woman out there.

She thankfully uses her good sense and takes off running. She lands up in the arms of I'll-make-you-hot-with -just-a-smile Cash. 

Their relationship develops very nicely on a friendship and romantic level, but if he will let her stick around when she drops the pregnancy bombshell is a bit of a hit and miss as anything can happen. Will it be her ex all over again, is she bound for a lifetime of heartache of will the rancher come to her rescue?

The character of Meghan was great and I felt sorry for her being pregnant and alone, I felt worse for her than I would a non famous character, as it seems so much worse when you not only have a few eyes starting your way but the whole world.  I adored that the author gave her courage to face it, not as much as I would have liked, but yes she was still strong and that counted. 

The character of Cash was simply dreamy! He is so kind and considerate that it melted my heart and I would instantly grab the opportunity to snag this man's heart if given the chance. I totally loved that he picks up on what Meghan needs and goes for the win to help her get there. 

The fact that the author gave Cash a background of a celebrity status going too far in the public eye was truly great, it brought him down to Meghan's level and left a entire world of possibilities for this couple.

The backdrop settings were sweet and sensual, giving the read the perfect where love blossoms feel. I am taking away a message of "When life seems bleak, the grass on the other side is truly greener, for as hopeless as it might seem, take a moment,  step back and you will find the answer is already there waiting for you"

I recommend this read for readers looking for a sweet, sensual and kind hearted read filled with new beginnings arising from old hurt and past failures.

4.5 star review 
"Roped in by love, far sweeter than any public victory" 
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Reviewed by TashNz

Rancher to the Rescue
Jennifer Faye

I adored Rancher to the Rescue and came away thinking to myself why on earth don't I read more books with Cowboys as the Heroes?!?

Where do I begin with what I really loved about this book?  I think the start would be a fantastic place.   If the first chapter can draw me in i'm hooked, I cant put a book down if the opening is great.  Rancher to the Rescue had the best opening! We meet celebrity-chef Meghan Finnegan fleeing from the church... on her wedding day! And while that's made me sit up, what's fantastic is we're watching it play out from the point of view of Cash (LOVE the name), former rodeo champ, who has a very cynical view on the whole idea of marriage.  Is Cash in the right place at the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time?

Meghan flee's the scene with the help of a startled Cash, a gentleman at heart who kindly offers Meghan a place to stay at his homestead while she sorts her self out.  I really admire authors who take the standard story and add a spin on it to change things up and that's what Jennifer Faye has done with Rancher to the Rescue.  Meghan is pregnant to her ex-fiancee, not that Cash knows that to begin with.

There's so many little things about this story that I loved that all added up to equal one great book for me.  Cash Sullivan is just devine and the way he's written has me seriously wondering why I don't read the cowboy books more.  He's hot, which is a given but it's the way he rises to the challenges in his way and the way he faces each situation as they come along.  He adores his grandma and he opens his home to a lady in need but not because he wants to get with her but because he genuinely wants to help Meghan.

A special mention goes out to Cash's Grandma... she's adorable in every way and added value to the story.

This is Jennifer's first book for Harlequin and I'll be putting her on my list of new authors to keep an eye on because Rancher to the Rescue was a real winner in my eyes!  It was funny, heart-warming, exciting and full of gorgeous settings with wonderful characters and I was completely lost within the story while I read it in the weekend.

Loved it!
5 Stars

8  Amazon  8  AmazonUK  or  here 8  Harlequin  8   Mills & Boon Au  8


Reviewed by Maria

She was the perfect bride, the TV celebrity chef who was  about to have the perfect wedding, to be broadcasted on television.  As she reached the altar, the groom informed her that he neither wanted her nor their unborn child.  She bolted from the Church in shock and horror and encounters....no, not exactly a knight in shining armor on a white horse, more like a cowboy with a pickup truck.  But it was enough to get her away from the humiliating scene while her 'jilted' bridegroom confessed ignorance to the assembled paparazzi as to to the reason why she'd run away.  Rancher Cash Sullivan offers Meghan Finnegan a way out of an embarrassing scene and a quiet place to recuperate while she gets her life together.  And oh, so slowly, the two start to care for each other.  But deep down, Cash knows they have no future.  The ghosts from his past, ghosts of violence and alcoholism, make him unfit to be a husband and a father.  The best he can do for his beloved is help her get a new job, far away from him so she can start a new life.  Meghan, however, takes this all a little differently than he'd have thought.

It makes you wonder who's doing the rescuing around here!

RANCHER TO THE RESCUE is the debut novel from Jennifer Faye, a Harlequin Mills and Boon Romance release  and it's a worthy debut.  She's served us up a love story which fairly sizzles with sexual tension while keeping intimate details off the page. A love story which reiterates the message that the healing power of love can help people to throw off the shadows of the past and look forward to a bright future full of love and hope.  Sure, isn't that what everyone wants?  I'll take that message no problem.  I recommend this book to readers of romance fiction everywhere and to those who just like a good, old fashioned love story.

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

Reviewed by Nas

Rancher to the Rescue (Harlequin Romance)

RANCHER TO THE RESCUE by debut author Jennifer Faye is a July 2013 release by Harlequin Romance.

Meghan Finnegan gets dumped right when she is standing next to her groom at the altar. And the groom knew she was carrying his baby. So he in effect rejected her as well as their child.
Running out from the church, she meets Cash Sullivan, who is later accused of stealing the bride. He provides sanctuary to a pregnant Meg. And Meg realizes that she is attracted to him. But would Cash accept her with her baby? What would happen when he finds out that she is pregnant?

RANCHER TO THE RESCUE is an astounding romance from a debut author. It is a well-written tale that sparkles with emotion. Jennifer Faye introduced us to this alluring but tortured hot cowboy, whom we fell in love with and a strong heroine, who wouldn't take less than her due. A must for all lovers of romance.

Highly recommended and well worth reading.
 

Scorsolini Baby Scandal by Lucy Monroe - Royal Baby Collection

Reviewed by Desere 


Being loved for who you are is something we all crave. You want your other half to accept you with flaws, faults, good and bad. As the line goes, for better of worse!

But when you have a title to add to the front of your name it is never easy, people tend to think they need to love you because of the power you have, or thinking if they can win you over they will be able to walk away with your fortune.

So understandably if it were me in such a position I would also not be too keen to reveal the true me with the title attached. I would much rather just be me as the person instead of the titleholder so to speak.

In the new Lucy Monroe read this is the case for Kiki and Mich, they both come from powerful, strong families. They meet and instantly fall in love, but neither one reveals their titles. They are wrapped in a bubble of love and even when Kiki drops the pregnancy bombshell it does not blow the whirlwind love out of the works. No they marry and are instantly happier than ever. That is until reality comes knocking on the door. And the truth is revealed, will it shatter their love or make it stronger than before ?

The character of Kiki was great, however I would have liked her to be a little older. She seemed so very young to fall head over heals. I would have said that the author needed her to be just a few years older , it would have given me as reader a more " I have been there done that" character, more grown up. But at the same time I understood that the author was trying to show that Kiki has not truly experienced life due to always being guarded and her every move watched. But I do feel the author could still have pulled it off without letting the Kiki be so young. That aside the character was fun to read and I liked that she is towards the end of the read more determined to stand up and speak her peace than she was before having it all within her grasp.

The character of Mich was one I loved from the start. The man is sex on legs and simply oozes charm and sophistication. I loved that the author lets him have a take it all in stride handle what ever comes along attitude in life even though he knows he has much more to face in the upcoming years of his life. I simply adored the manner in which he protects Kiki against anyone and everything that even so much as dares to speak any unkind words about her, it showed the perfect "I love you and you are my life " hero.

The backdrop setting was romantic, carefree and fun. But the author also very nicely linked in the possible emotional trauma of what could or might go wrong when she brings the characters to the palace, where it is all about authority.

The dialogue was sweet and sensual, pure romance from page one! This read is part of the Royal Baby Short reads collection and therefore only contained six chapters.

But you might be thinking that the characters going from meeting, falling into bed and then getting married during the first four chapters that this is not true romance as the in between getting to really move around the problems that arise when the truth is revealed is not fully explored.

But the author's intensity and passion between her characters more than make up for it all, she shows love at first sight as truly being able to happen and last a lifetime!

I am taking away a message of when someone loves you for you and not for a title you carry with you, it is the best kind of love anyone can ask for. For that person sees the true you beneath all the royal-ness of it all, and your title is simply that, only a title.

I recommend this read for all fans of whirlwind romances that leads to unexpected paths.
4 star review
" Love starts with the first look at your future in the eyes of the one that holds your heart" 

All Bets Are On by Charlotte Philips

Reviewed by Desere


Every office has a ice queen and every office has a player. The ice queen is the one that is always focused on her work and everything is always in place, no file untouched. And the player is the one that every female in the office has had in bed, been there done him and gotten the dumped t-shirt to prove it.

So when office ice queen Alice finds half a list of men involved in placing a bet on who gets her into bed, she is furious and goes into a crying fit. Gets over it and moves on, but when the biggest of office players Harry asks her out saying he can help her go from ice queen to loose and fancy free, she reckons why not it could be good but immediately she draws up a little list of her own. She will show that this player is just that and if he is in on the bet she will be the one to walk away with a win!

The characters of Harry and Alice were both well written and each had their own unique reason for being the way they are. Harry 's enjoying the love them and leave them attitude stems from his childhood, no attachment just fun and his heart will remain guarded. For Alice it stems from a relationship involving social media that had given her ex the advantage and her the shame.

I liked that the author lets both characters past mesh into their relationship, it made for some very interesting moments of clarity. I loved that Harry does not know about her list and she does not know for sure if he is involved in the bet. It was kind of like I was reading a the rules of men vs the rules of woman book, only this one involved a lot more emotion and left a punch at the end that one would certainly not get from any rule book. And it also gave me as reader laughable moments of he knows but she doesn't and the other way around.

The backdrop settings were great, the author captured the loose and fancy free attitude of Harry when taking me as reader to his home. She also showed the perfectly boring down to the last t crossed and i dotted life of Alice when in the boardroom.

The dialogue was mostly fun, sexy and kept light but does at some stage get emotional and serious. Over all this was a great afternoon read, but it was missing passion. I feel if the author gave a little more heat to the attraction between her characters it would have intensified the read and left a more memorable impression.

I recommend this read for anyone looking to read a light not so much involved read.
4 star review
"The player is about to get played" 

The Karmic Connection by Libby Mercer

Reviewed by Desere


Karma! Yes ladies karma is a word we often hear and all though not everyone believes in it, it still has all the magical elements to make a good romance in any setting.

This read is about Lorraine, she lost her way in life and ended up working as yoga instructor at Luna, an escape for people when life gets too much to handle. She reckons she has her life all planned out, she does not deserve happiness and instead just focuses on helping others find their way again.

Enter Mr I'll-knock-your-yoga-pose-right-out-of-you Adam ! Adam is there for a retreat but not by choice! But seeing Lorraine he reckons this could get fun, and so starts a journey of two people bound by karma and the universe to find their happy ever after.

The main characters of Adam and Lorraine were both somewhat similar to what I as reader am use to seeing in romance books yet at the same time very different.

Lorraine is weak but does not show it to the outside world and only a very close secondary character is able to pick up on it, but she is also a rather strange woman in the sense that she believes she does not deserve happiness.

Surly we all do and reading about a character that believes she does not was very different, yet enlightening  I was rooting for this woman to find her way!

Adam was your average modern day man, he works hard, too hard but when forced to hit the road of recovery he turns into a very kind soul, with a very good heart, but he also has a very and I mean very quirky side and this made him different from your normal romance hero, but certainly in a good way.

The backdrop setting was delightful and so very calm , it was as if the author let me get rid of my own stress just as her characters are meant to do. I loved how the author let the calm and peace of Luna shine from the residents there to help others, by using it's tranquillity to transform the characters.

Dialogue wise this read was a hoot at some stages as the author incorporated some words that are certainly not heard everyday and it had me laughing out loud.

The book is one of self discovery and finding courage to go after your dreams and therefore also had deep emotional moments of friends talking and I mean really talking to get to the heart of matters.

The author did a wonderful job of showing that listening to someone can really make a difference and letting go of your doubts and fears can be the best decision of your life. I recommend this read for lovers of modern day romance with a different outlook at how people find their true love.

5/5 star review
"Finding love along a road of recovery" 



Reviewed by Maria

Nowadays, we are so immune to the high voltage sex in romance novels that we feel something's missing if it's not there.  Author Libby Mercer is one of those talented writers who can  write a romance without writing 'hot' and still keep the story charged with sexual tension and excitement.

THE KARMA CONNECTION is a novel set initially in the business world of Manhattan and ultimately in the quiet hills of Vermont.  Libby's writing brings these two completely contrasting worlds vividly alive.  I literally found myself enjoying the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of Luna Wellness Centre, a new age retreat house,  as well as the excitement of the business world.  In fairness, most of the story unfolds at the new age retreat centre, but that was quite okay.

Workaholic Adam is literally kidnapped at his desk and despatched to the Luna Wellness Centre with almost military precision by his employers.  Once there, he bides his time until he can return to the business world.  Frankly, he's unimpressed with the 'hippy dippy' types he encounters here.  However, he's stopped in his tracks by the beautiful Lorraine, one of the Wellness Guides at Luna Wellness.  The attraction between the pair is strong.  But soon Adam will return to the cutthroat business world when his retreat is over and Lorraine never wants to go back there again.  Does this couple have a future?  The characters, Adam and Lorraine literally leapt off the page.

I found this novel fascinating as an exploration of the New Age culture and enjoyed reading about the contrast with the frantic pace of the modern world.  I've learnt a lot about the new developments of the modern world from Libby Mercer's writing.  I recommend this book and look forward to many more books from her in the future.  THE KARMIC CONNECTION is a romance with a strong message - that it is possible to bring two worlds together.  Which, of course, is exactly as it should be!

5/5

Hidden Heartache by Suzanna Ross

Reviewed by Maria

Competent and professional, Dr. Emma Bradshaw is well respected in the rural community of Tullibaird where she serves as a doctor and where she was born and brought up. The locals all know about the trauma she faced as a teen - dealing with the fall out of a teenage romance gone wrong and her father's premature death of cancer.  Yet they've nothing but admiration for the way she clawed herself back from the brink of despair by sheer hard work, becoming a doctor and serving her local community with skill and dedication. She lives a quiet life in Tullibaird now, with ne'er a breath of scandal attached to her name.  But the arrival of the leather clad biker, Dr. Nick Rudd, to join the clinic where Emma works,  threatens to crumble her confident facade.  Dr. Rudd is none other than Nick Malone, the town's erstwhile bad boy who left Emma to face a traumatic situation all alone at the time when she needed him most.  Nick is adamant that he's come back for Emma as he always said he would.  She on the other hand, having built a life for herself after her world fell apart, doesn't want to revisit the past and her hidden heartache.

So can this couple ever heal the wounds of the past and move on into the future of which they'd once dreamed  enthusiastically?  Or is it really all over?

This is a small town romance with the feel of community involvement and mostly endearing if flawed characters.  Just normal human beings, with all their faults and failings.  It's also a medical romance, which, I believe, was originally intended for Harlequin.  Well, it's very much their loss.  This book tackles the issue of how teenage affairs can take a a tragic turn, leaving scars on the psyche.

An emotional read which will leave you with both a tear in your eye and a smile on your face and maybe even a couple of sighs along the way.  Suzanna Ross presents Emma's agony in a beautiful and sensitive manner.  Although it tackles a sad subject, it also shows, as all good romance fiction does, how the healing power of love can work its magic.

Senorita Rani by Aditi Chopra

SENORITA RANI by Aditi Chopra is a short romance about a relationship between a girl, Rani,  born in the USA of Indian origin (Maharashtrian, actually) and a Latin American man, Carlos.  When Panamanian Carlos meets Rani, he is attracted by her honest, simple nature and her self respect.  It's hard to say what attracts her to Carlos.  He seems like a very unfeeling type of man initially, but as Rani gets to know him, she comes to understand his caring nature and also finds him attractive in the way that Latin men usually are.

Rani is an optometrist based in Miami and helps her parents in their Asian cuisine restaurant at weekends.  He is an entertainment manager on a cruise ship.  Carlos and Rani start meeting regularly and before long they realize that they have deep feelings for each other.  However, as in any good romance, there are obstacles.  Rani's parents are very certain that they wish to get her married only to an Indian.  Carlos has no such problem, although he is very understanding of the feelings of Rani's parents, who want the best for their only child.  Carlos has family problems too - he has a young son who pines for his late mother and the boy has difficulty accepting Rani into his family.  However, time and patience will invariably work it's magic - or will it?  Then Rani discovers that she has an unusual medical problem.....

This story is very much a sweet romance - the sexual content is quite limited.  Which is fine by me.  I'm far more interested in the progress of the story and feel that sexual matters are much better kept private between the characters in a story.  Rani's story is very much the story of the modern Indian girl, be she NRI (non-resident Indian) or Indian born, living in urban India today.  There is the maturity of knowing your own mind and knowing what you want as well as the conflict of living up to parents' expectations and trying to have that love for your culture and respect for tradition while at the same time realizing that some traditions are no longer appropriate and have to be put aside.  I think that this book would be enjoyed by readers in India as well as abroad.  Indian fiction in English is growing and I feel that Aditi Chopra who lives abroad, writes a very good sub-genre of that fiction, which may very well be called NRI fiction.  It is good that writers are chronicling the problems of various aspects of modern life.  Within the non-resident Indian community, there is a sub-community of youngsters known as ABCDs  (American Born, Confused Desi - Desi meaning Indian).  These ABCDs have a problem in that they are breaking new ground generation wise and have to find their way to living with their culture and simultaneously moving on from it, in a sense.  It's not an easy generation to be a part of.

This simple yet enjoyable love story is a good example of that kind of confusion.  Aditi, you have done a creditable job.  Well done..

Anything but Vanilla by Liz Fielding

Reviewed by Desere


Since the world of 50 shades hit the books I have come across the "vanilla" phrase more and more. But it still amazes me that each time it has a different meaning. In Anything but Vanilla the author showed that life is about colour, flavour, everything sweet and spiced so not plain old vanilla.

The book tells the story of Sorrel, she has a business to run and nothing is going to stop her even if she has to buy the store that supplies her the deliciously sinful tasting ices. But she does not count on falling for the landlord or his delectably sweet as strawberry ice cream kisses.

Only Alex is your free spirit kind of man and goes from country to jungle hunting for plants that will save lives and staying in one place will never happen. Falling for Sorrel and her spicier than Cheyenne pepper touches will never do and soon he will have to let go and never look back, as they say when there is heat the ice cream melts, and he needs to get out before he melts to a puddle at Sorrel's feet.

The main characters of Sorrel and Alex were both kind of fun to read, I loved how Sorrel was the independent type willing to work hard towards her goals in life, I however did not like the fact that she struggled to stand up to her fiancée, but it did add spice to the read with him lurking in the background ready to stop the back and forth pop rocks fireworks between Sorrel and Alex.

Alex on the other hand I had a problem with as his inner turmoil almost made him too much of a emotional wreck to want to deal with and he just screamed "hands off baby", yet as the story progressed I could pick up the authors trail of thought and sense that he was indeed going to turn into a hero to love.

The backdrop setting was calm and serene, and I felt totally at peace whilst reading about the gardens and small town shops depicted by the author, but I could also picture the wild and bug infested jungles that the author described with vivid detail.

The dialogue was very sweet, sensual and laced with loads of references to ice cream making it a really sweet read. The sexual tension in this read was of the good and slow progressing kind building to the point of no return and sensual heat.

I recommend this read for all lovers of romances filled with words meeting the world of food of the iced and heated kind.

4/5 star review
"Melting his heart lick by delicious lick" 


Reviewed by Maria

Yes, after FIFTY SHADES OF GREY,  the word vanilla has taken on a whole new meaning, like 'boring' and 'predictable'.  I know that Liz Fielding is a mistress of the craft of romance writing and yes, I know she can do hot, but I was wondering what was in store when I read this title.  Well, I needn't have worried, Liz is a writer who knows how to make a relationship sizzle on the page, but she's still writes the kind of books you can give your teenage daughter (or your mother in law for that matter) without raising a blush. She's that reliable.  And if in any doubt, remember, with the Harlequin KISS line you can be sure you won't be taken by surprise.

It's just that Sorrell Amery, the heroine of this novel, is an empress of ice cream.  Cucumber ice cream, chocolate and chilli ice cream.  In short, anything but vanilla....

There's not much I can say about Liz that hasn't already been said by hundreds of book critics more experienced and articulate than I am.  She knows how to give a reader a good time.  She can charm you and  intrigue you and keep you glued to your e reader (or your book).  I adore Liz's heroes, whom I visualize as tall, muscular English men with an innate sense of decency and fair play and while they may be dismissive of their heroine's often flighty appearance, once they get to know her, they are hooked forever.  Alexander West will capture your heart, readers, as will Sorrell and her adorable family 'The Herbs'.  Anyone remember the herbs?  I do......

There's lots of lovely wisdom in there too, from 'Rosie's Little Book of Ice Cream'.  It fairly made me want to rush out and buy a cornetto.  Because as we all know, there's only one thing as nice as a good romance novel and a big bar of chocolate and that's a nice serving of ice cream.  And yes, it can be vanilla.  I'm not that particular, you know.  Ice cream is ice cream, one of the nicest things in life....

Verdict?  Yes, absolutely!

Trust in Me by Suzanna Ross

Reviewed by Desere


Imagine being thrown out of your own home by a arrogant as hell, but also sexy as sin man just because he has the ownership papers clasped in his very sinful looking hands.

This is the plot of a book that took me by surprise! I was intrigued, delighted, addicted to the characters and the raging inferno of emotions the author brought forth.

I loved both the characters of Rosie and Theo, both strong minded and determined and willing to fight for what they want. This caused a lovely clash of wills and the simply stunning dialogue that follows was fresh and fun!

The author gave in depth emotion to such a powerful extent it left me with a sense of awe and wonder. I loved the backdrop setting it gave perfect illusion of romance.

This was the first book I read by this author and I will certainly be looking for more. She combines romance with a fresh and new creativity of writing.

Really well done Suzanna!

5/5 star review

Reviewed by Maria

Rosie Farnham has what could be described as a few problems.  After her fading rock star dad went off to play in the Great Gig in the Sky, she was left to take care of the manor house and estate which provided her and her two siblings with a living - not that her elder brother ever contributed much, just drained the estate of whatever assets it had.  But when big brother hits forty and cashes in  his inheritance chips, he sells the estate and leaves his two sisters without a roof over their heads.  Rosie is in a dilemma.  Where will she and her sister live?  What will happen to their tenants and very importantly, what about the inhabitants of the estate's donkey sanctuary?  She has one plan - apart from wringing her brother's neck when he sees him again - and that is to persuade the handsome business magnate Theo Bradley to keep her on as the estate manager.And of course their relationship will be strictly business - Rosie's not the least attracted to him - or is she?

As for Theo Bradley, he usually turns his acquisitions into hotels or makes them over and sells them off.  Does he see himself in the role of a country gentleman with an estate to run?  Not really - but this fiery redhead Rosie is rapidly making him think again.  A clash of wills ensues, with plenty of sizzle and emotional drama.

A word of warning - although the fashion in romance fiction is for highly sensual romances with a touch of erotica (sometimes more than a touch) this is a sweet romance.  It is written especially for those readers who enjoy a good old fashioned romance with plenty of tension - but who prefer to keep the love scenes private.  I'm not saying there isn't any snogging in the stables, dallying in the drawing room or groping in the gallery. but there will certainly not be shenanigans in the bedroom.  Well, not for the readers' eyes at least.   If you need a good read, pick this one up but if you're looking for a vicarious bedroom experience, you can give it the go by and choose from the wide range of erotic and sensual romance stories available on Amazon.  Or anywhere else.

As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle love story which really hit the spot and happily give it a 5/5 rating.

Monsoon Wedding Fever by Shoma Narayanan

Reviewed by Maria

As a reader of romance fiction who lives in India, I had to read this.  Shoma Narayanan was one of the winners of Mills and Boon India's contest to find new Indian writers in 2010.  Her novel, Monsoon Wedding Fever got an international release and is now nominated for a major romance fiction award.

Harlequin Mills and Boon are known for their 'formula' romance novels.  Feelgood romantic fiction which has a happy ending.  There's usually the main characters meeting in the first chapter, the conflict, the misunderstandings, the black moment and finally, the moment of commitment.  Romance fiction is read by women the world over for its tranquillizing effect.  A good romance novelist knows how to give her reader a good time, how to make her laugh, cry and sigh in one book. Contrary to popular illusion, you can't just whip up a romance novel.  The challenge for the author is how to make the positive ending credible.  A whole generation of bad romance novels put the genre into the area of ridicule.  But some of the very best authors I have ever enjoyed reading are writers of romance fiction.  Many romance novelists write other genres too, often under different names.  In today's world, romance fiction is as popular as ever. HM&B have a range of novels of various 'heat' levels, to please the most fastidious of readers who don't want to see what happens in the bedroom to the most voyeuristic who want blow by blow descriptions every thrill and tremor. 

Well, Shomaji's novel fits into the former category rather than the latter.  It's a 'sweet' romance.  Yes, the protagonists make love before they're even committed, but the readers are spared the details.  Dhruv and Riya, the couple, are modern Indians, working in Mumbai, both from traditional families and deal with everyday issues, as young professionals do everywhere in the world.  Riya struggles to help her parents financially and keep her head above water in the working world.  The Mumbai floods don't help and leave Riya stranded in her office, unable to find a way out.  But Dhruv, the hero comes to her rescue driving a mean motorcycle.  The story certainly gladdens the heart.

It's a reunion story - the pair fell in love at college, but Dhruv walked away, feeling cynical about love and romance.  His parents' unhappy love marriage had jaundiced his views.  Riya and Dhruv are reunited when they meet at his cousin's wedding.  The sparks fly again and Dhruv is ready to admit that he made a mistake by leaving Riya before.  But will Riya take him back?  A simple, down to earth girl, she is not going to let Dhruv charm her back with his money.  He's going to have to prove himself now.  Which is only right and proper.

I found the novel hugely enjoyable.  I don't know Mumbai life, but I loved the Indian atmosphere, the believable characters, especially the fact that the hero was a modern young professional man rather than some fantasy prince or a playboy.  The story felt very real, not a fantasy type story.  I loved the fact that Hindi words appeared every so often.  Over all, a very creditable romance novel, as good as any I've read.