A must read for romance novel enthusiasts!
352134
One of my absolute favorite books! My mom and I read it every year at Christmas. She's the one who introduced me to the book years ago. I don't normally go for romance novels but this is a beautifully written book that has romance, heartbreak, and a wonderful main character in Catharine.
2476046
I will admit it, I enjoy a good romance novel from time to time and Love in Cala by Carla Prince definitely falls into this category.  Tessa and Luke have both had their hearts broken and have both given up on love.  Or so they think.  Tessa is a strong woman who doesnt put up with players.  Luke is a heart broken Rock Star who has decided that all he can ever be again is a player.  When they meet on Lukes secluded Cala they find themselves instantly drawn to one another, despite their efforts not to be.  I really enjoyed both the romantic and the platonic relationships in this book.  I also loved the plot.  I found myself drawn in and not able to put it down.  I look forward to reading more from Carla Prince.
1827858
I truly love reading romance novels that have that little extra, whether it be action, adventure or intrigue. It shows the versatility of an author's skills as a writer that I believe Ms Kramer achieved in this short but quite a jam-packed storyline. It was a sweet romance of a man, who originally appeared as a cad, was part of an organization called the brotherhood thriving to achieve the best and do good, who falls in love with someone he is meant to be protecting, having already saved her 5 years previously, and having to do it again before they can truly be as one.

For a short outtake of the storyline if interested continue to read the remainder of my review otherwise enjoy the book!

The story begins with James Dawbry the Earl of Tumbridge getting caught by Eleanor kissing her stepsister even though she is engaged. She is devastated, I think more for her own fantasies of the last five years as she notices a tattoo on his shoulder, exactly like the one she saw on the masked man who saved Clare and me and the Sherwood siblings 5 years ago from a pack of robbers. Her dreams have been filled with this stranger/hero since

Finding out who he is and protesting that little bit too loudly is due to her unwanted attraction to him and being drawn to him even believing he is the Scoundrel Earl not her hero. He on the other hand admits his love, to himself and to his Brotherhood comrades as they guess when he constantly turns off her possible suitors for more reasons than he was instructed too.

She is warned by Lord T not to tell anyone about his hero identity as her life could be in immediate danger. Being as feisty as Eleanor is she ignores Lord T and sets out to investigate. When Eleanor starts to ask questions about the fateful day 5 years ago, and the talisman, which she comes across, a man comes to her room that night threatening her. Her fear leads her to Lord T as by now her wanting of him, her dreaming of him, and yearning of him leads to a stronger trust and gut instinct that he is a good man

He confides in her how her father died, who sent the lynch mob that attacked them that day and how he promised her father to not only bring the traitor amongst them down, but to protect Eleanor with whatever it takes. He achieves it all

For all readers looking for a sweet, short romance with a little mystery thrown in this is a very good choice
4579156
Before reading this book, I was more than a little skeptical about how good this novel would be.  I mean, the hero of the story is a country preacher.  However, to my utter amazement, this was another romance novel I  couldn't put down.  This book was excellent!!! I could relate to a lot of  the story, since I grew up in a Black church.  I know all too well how many  parishners can treat one another.  This novel was so down to earth and  filled with interesting characters and a wonderful plot.  I thoroughly  enjoyed this novel and highly recommend others read it.  Don't be  judgmental like I was before I read this novel.  Manees will most  definitely entertain you and keep you interested throughout the novel.  Manees is definitely blessed with a wonderful gift.  She is a fantastic  writer.  I have already read "Fantasy" and "All for  Love," and I am anticipating the release of her next novel!
2294714
What a passionate romantic novel this novel is! I had a hard time putting it down to do anything else. The love story of Tatiana, one of the Russian royal Romanov daughters, and Dimitri, a soldier she met in a hospital, spans many decades . The plots settings and  time periods go back and forth between 1917 in Russia and then switch to 2016 with Dimitri's great granddaughter inheriting his cabin in the U.S. The author developed the characters and the plot so well that I wanted more even though I knew the story was over. I highly recommend this book and plan to read more by this author.
1038207
I really loved this romantic novel, because it's not your typically love story! The author has mastered the art of dialogue and left me thinking this should be made into a movie! The book can be enjoyed by people of all ages (I'm 23) and would be a great addition to any book club.
2479100
This has to be one of the best romance novels I've read.  Love the characters, love the story.  I was drawn in from the first and didn't go to bed until I finished the book.  I love finding books that I can't put down, even though I'm annoyed with myself the next day, trying to operate on too little sleep!
2045239
I am very hard to please when it comes to romance and this book was fabulous.  It was superbly written and had captured my attention from start to finish.  I absolutely loved how much detail and accuracy the author put into sailing, life on a frigate, and battle on the high seas.  The author was incredibly knowledgeable about life on a ship in the 1800s and that was part of the draw of this novel for me.
The other draw was, of course, the romance.  And it was so well done!  There was so much tension that when the hero and heroine merely talked I was enthralled.  Their conversations are witty and both characters are immensely likable, especially the heroine.  And when the author wrote a sex scene, it was believable and not overly rushed.  I very much recommend this book!
2575756
Admittedly, I'm not much of a romance novel reader, what with being a guy and all. That said, the book was rather interesting. The characters were not what you would typically find in a romance novel at all. My wife reads those books a lot, and one thing I know about romance novels is that the hero always has to rescue the damsel in distress. What this book does is take an emerging trend of strong female leads and places one in the middle of a historical romance novel. It's an interesting mix. Kristen, the main character, is both vulnerable and tough. She stands up for others and for what is right, even as she fights her own insecurities. I think she makes a fine role model in that sense. And the book touches on themes of love, pride, family, and betrayal, which when combined create an interesting cast of people who populate this book. Also, I felt like Destiny of the Heart did a remarkable job of keeping me guessing. Romance novels tend to be very formulaic: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back. However, Ms. Young has done a wonderful job of taking the story in a completely different direction than one would expect. While at its heart, this is a romance novel, with all the sensual and descriptive acts that define the genre, it is also an action-adventure with characters who grab you from beginning to end. Most definitely worth a read!
563904
I'm not typically a romance reader but decided to give this book a try.  Wow!  I'm so glad that I did.

I loved so much about this story of 5 unique women who shared a flat in Chicago.  Even though they didn't usually see much of each other due to their schedules, they do end up spending a Saturday together which leads to "the dress".

Getting to know these characters was easy with the author's fluent writing style that clearly shapes their personalities.  They are so well developed that I could almost hear their different accents and the sounds of their voices.

It was truly impossible for me to choose a favorite character between these very likeable ladies.  They all contributed so much to form this bond of friendship.  On the other hand, some of the guys were not so easy to care for.  I will say that I was pleased with how things turned out, for the most part, and I came to feel a closeness to these women and could relate to each of them in different ways.

If you enjoy a story of romance that goes so much deeper than most, you are in for a treat.  I highly recommend this wonderfully written novel.
3803238
I absolutely LOVE this book along with D'Alessandro's other book Red Roses Mean Love. It has the three things that I find crucial in a romance book 1) likeable -if not lovable characters 2) an interesting plot mixed with tension and humor 3)IMPORTANT!- a romantic ending (no - I love you's and thats the end).

I won't regurgitate what others have so well articulated here and I won't give any spoilers, but this is the type of book that you won't be able to put down. The way D'Alessandro writes makes you feel the love lifting off the page. The tension and passion -no its not sleazly in the least- between these too is unbelievable. You will NOT be tempted to skim this book! All the characters are interesting and the subplots too. But Eric and Sammie? Their just beautiful together! ~sigh~

Jump in your car and get The Bride Thief and Red Roses Mean Love right now! Oh and your family shouldn't expect to see you for the next several hours.;)
4382930
I am really enjoying this book. The authors writing kept me so interested I already ordered her second book! I recommend to anyone who loves romance novels. I like the backstories too! Very well written.
2869634
Not your average romance novel. I loved all the feisty Italian talk and lingo, she had it down.  So many little details of what she wrote were so true as well. Too many to list, but I could just so relate to a lot of what she wrote - it was so much fun to read! Ms. Kaye is a born storyteller with a knack for writing dialogue, sexy love scenes and all topped off with a sentimental touch that leaves you with tears in your eyes.  A welcome addition to the romance world!
3765650
I really loved this book. I used to be an avid historical romance reader, but after making the decision to stay away from books that contain pornographic sex scenes, I wondered if I'd ever read well-developed romance novels again. I read so many that  fell flat, and then I read this book! It was so enjoyable and you honestly don't miss the sex scenes! I also loved being introduced to some new authors. I particularly enjoyed the middle story by Donna Hatch. Worth the read.... and re-read!
3982382
What a breath of fresh air! This fun spirited book features a delightful and fully realized central cast. If you're looking for an engaging romance novel, then look no further!  The author displays a careful and artistic flare for story telling, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
2803460
I can't remember the last time I read a romance novel that gave me butterflies in my stomach as I cheered the main characters right along! Ryan is so dreamy. Andi is so sweet. Highly recommended for those of you looking for a great book.
1933448
What a fun read! A well-written romance novel with intrigue; I had a hard time putting the book down. I loved the cadence and all the fun twists and turns...all to find out what happens to Jane, Michael and their cohorts. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.