An amazing romance about looking below the surface.
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Lord Robert Dennington, the Marquess of Westfield is done with women. They are all conniving and not worth his time. Especially those who make his heart race. So now he will be alone, until the time he decides to take a wife who only wants him for his title. Robert will never again be cowed by the fickle emotion that he believed to be true love. That is of course until he became so foxed on the spirits that he ended up in a random women's room and has no clue how he ended up there. Besides the fact that he saw her the night before and he wasn't all that, how do you say, put off by how she presented herself to him.

Helena Banbury has been protected by her "brothers" for close to two decades. Ever since her torturous childhood they have kept her in a gilded prison in their gambling hall. So for the last 20 or so years she has been held up in her small rooms, and her small office meant for her bookkeeping. While living by the millions of rules that her brothers have told her over and over again. And then of course the one time she breaks the rules her whole life is turned upside down and she is forced to spend four months with the people of the ton, the people she, and her brothers, absolutely despise.

This was a great read, that although you have to read carefully especially at the beginning, is truly worth the time. I have read some other Caldwell books and each time I read a piece of literature by her I becoming increasingly enamored with her writing style as well as the historical romance genre in its entirety. The characters in this book developed so well throughout this book that they felt real to me. The pain of betrayal, the pain of heartbreak, as well as the pain of being abused by those who should protect you. All of these characters go through so much that it makes many realize just how much those around us go through and yet we never think about it. This book did a great job at depicting how life may impact us but we decide who and what life turns us into.

I definitely recommend this book to all historical romance lovers, and to all Caldwell lovers.

~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection
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I believe I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the most beautifully written stories I have ever read. A.J. Llewellyn paints a portrait of Hawaii in a time just prior to the Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese. His setting is so lush and filled with details that you can't help but feel you were there.

Tinder has given up a career with an architectural firm in California to return to Hawaii upon his mother's death, only to find that he cannot find work. In desperation he works as the only male prostitute servicing the thousands of sailors who pass through Honolulu.

Things are not easy for Tinder but he finds joy when he meets Jason. Time spent with his lover turns into a passionate affair. But Jason is determined to fulfill his duty to marry and raise a family.

This was a tender and lovely romance with a great deal of heart. Combine that with the obvious research that went into the story and you have a five star read that is sure to be among your favorites.
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Aria is broken, she recently lost her father and not knowing how to deal with the loss she goes to a beach cabin to regroup and heal. Daily walks on the beach and the gentle sounds of the ocean soon have Aria feeling more at peace. One morning she looks up and finds that a very attractive gentleman is sitting on his porch drinking a cup of coffee and observing her. Instead of feeling alarmed like most would when discovering such a thing she feels things she hasn't in a long time and knows for sure that she is on the road to recovery. Declan is a model and has just recently started thinking about slowing down and doing something else with his life. The first step in his plan is to get a beach house and finally settle down in one place. Once he is in his new home he notices that a very attractive young woman walks the beach daily and she is breath taking. Declan watches for weeks trying to come up with a plan to finally meet this stunning woman. Once Aria and Declan finally get started there is no stopping the unbelievable and breath taking love that they come to gain with one another. Yet as in every fairytale you have to have a malicious, hideous, delusional and depraved force that will try to tear their happiness apart. Marisol is known as the most beautiful woman in the world. She is sought after by all and used to getting who and what she wants whenever she wants. SO when her advances on Declan seem to fail she is NOT happy. The lengths that this woman goes to will leave you wanting to beat her like a red headed step child then lock her up for good. The different POVs on this novel make it well rounded, the emotions drawn you in and won't let go even after you turn the last page. Eagerly anticipating the next novel!
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Melissa Molyneux lives in St. Lucia and works as a paralegal assistant.  She loves her job except for her boss who is constantly trying to touch her in inappropriate ways.  One day while she is tired after a hard day at work she decides to run for the bus in order to ensure she gets a seat.  This rush for the bus will be the thing that will change her life forever.  Impatient to get to the bus and not paying attention to what is around her she crashes into a man who she immediately refers to as a wonderful piece of dark mahogany.  He is tall and handsome and she is immediately tongue tied.  She can't understand the sudden attraction she has for the stranger.  He on the other hand is feeling very much the same.

From the moment Craig Holland sees Mel he is obsessed with her and from then on he meets her everyday at the bus.  Over a month of meeting at the bus and talking their connection gets stronger and stronger.  She knows that she loves him but does he feel the same.  She is afraid to let go for fear of being hurt but Craig is not a man to just give up when it is something he wants.

At almost twenty-three Mel still lives at home with her parents and although she had convinced herself that she didn't need a man that feeling changed after she met Craig.  Craig is thirty and after graduating from the University in Cuba he has returned home to run his parent's banana plantation.  He lives with his parents and two brothers.  Craig was not looking for a woman until Mel came along now he can't get enough of her.  It doesn't take long before Mel and Craig meet each others parents and things are moving along beautifully.

This is a beautiful love story that takes place on a beautiful Caribbean island.  Mel and Craig are wonderful characters who fate has placed in the right place at the right time.  I especially loved Craig's gift for Mel on her twenty-third birthday it was both sexy and packaged, well let me just say the packaging was quite unique.

If you love a good romance then this is definitely the book to read.

Reviewed by:  Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
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I have been searching for a swoon worthy romance to read for MONTHS. One that would make my heart beat faster and make me hold my breath in anticipation. Who would have thought that I would find it in a story about two desperately sad and lonely people about to commit suicide?

For a novella that is just under 100 pages, The Bridge has a depth of emotion and development that some full length novels never attain.

Henry and Christa both decide that life just isn't worth living anymore and stumble upon each other on the Brooklyn Bridge the morning they decide to jump. It's a complication neither anticipated and for some reason they can't seem to let the other go through with the act even though they just met.

They agree to give each other 24 hours, exploring New York City, to see if they can convince the other to change their mind.

What was interesting to me is that both Henry and Christa understand the bone deep despair that would drive a person to want to kill themselves. Henry suffers from depression & Christa has a recurring case of breast cancer, but they aren't very understanding of each others reasons.

Christa sees a good looking, wealthy man, with access to help and a future of endless possibilities while Henry sees Christa as a vibrant woman who has the strength to overcome any obstacle in her path.

As they spend the day doing mundane things like eating ice cream, walking around Chinatown and the museum for the last time (they both still plan to kill themselves the next day) they tear down the walls that have held in years of emotions. But letting in all those feelings doesn't necessarily make life easier. With the new emotions comes an even bigger chance of being hurt by a world that has already dealt them blow after blow. The decision to choose life is even more frightening than choosing death to them.

Maher does an incredible job addressing both cancer and depression in an honest way. Again - I'm stunned at what she was able to convey in 79 pages.

Final thoughts: The Bridge is a breathtaking story that's a love letter to NYC, a heartbreaking romance and journey of self discovery and bravery. There are no easy answers here and you'll be biting your nails until the very end. I actually slowed my reading down so it would last longer. Do I wish it was longer? As with almost all novellas - yes but this was damn near perfection for me and will make it as one of my top reads for 2013.
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Readers will find themselves whisked away to the Emerald Isle in this well written romance.  Author Josie Riviera's vivid descriptions made me feel as if I had indeed been transported across the Atlantic to Ireland.

The people portrayed are very real and I felt as if I knew them.  Ms. Riviera knows how to keep her readers emotionally involved in the story and moves us seamlessly between the high and low points in her main characters lives.  The book focuses on Clara and Danny, who on the surface appear to have little on which to base a relationship, but upon digging deeper have more in common than not. I not only became interested in Clara and Danny, but also in the supporting characters who have their own sub-stories that impact their relationship.

Josie Riviera is a fairly new to me author, but Im quickly becoming one of her biggest fans.

I received an e-copy of this book from the author.  The opinions here, however, are strictly my own.
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What a journey. The beauty on the unknown, stepping outside your comfort zone can bring untold joy into your life. And so it is for Luki, a man who wears his scars outside and in. His chance meeting with Sonny, a quiet, artistic and at times fearless man, may be just what Luki needs. Conversely Luki may be just what Sonny needs.

Complicate this burgeoning romance with threats, vandalism and kidnapping and you have the ingredients for a wonderful reading adventure.

Sylvre has produced a lovely story with strong and yet broken men. This is the first in a series and I will return for the rest! Great afternoon read.
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I just finished this book  really gripping. Esme, a young reporter in eastern Washington state, becomes entangled with a devilishly handsome stranger, and a haunting love from her past. She's drawn into mysterious events that lead her to discover her true self. The story is interwoven with tales Mexican mythology  which ultimately provide clues to the mystery.

The characters are all drawn clearly  you feel as though you know them and want to spend time with them. There's wit and beauty in the writing  true sensuality and romance  which feels realistic and yet poetic at the same time. The author brings the landscape to life very evocatively  the details of small town life, the apple orchards, the feeling of winter. You really feel like you've been there. I'd recommend it for readers of romance, fantasy, mystery. I also bought a copy for a friend.
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In Too Deep by Tracey Alvarez is the first book in her Due South series. Set in New Zealand and featuring the hottest Kiwi men ever, this is a romance that will wrap itself around you and have you feeling right along with the characters. Their pain, their joy, their doubt is laid out in every word just ready for you to own as you read.

I know I'm reading a good book when I get the tight bands of emotion in my chest at pivotal points in the tale and this book delivered emotion by the literal boat-load.

Piper is a highly skilled member of the New Zealand Police National Dive Squad and is part of the team that searches for missing people at sea. She chose this career as penance for a tragedy in her past. Now she has to go back to her hometown and face the past head on. It just so happens that the past is a hot, two-legged heartbreaker, ex-best friend and future slave-driver.

Ryan Westlake (AKA West) is over Piper. She crushed him nine years ago when she left town and he won't EVER let that happen again. Never mind that he now has to deal with her on a daily basis while they all pull together to pull her brother (his best friend) out of financial ruin so he doesn't lose his home or family business. He is done with her.

Oh my. The hostility between these two (Piper and West) is intense and we slowly find out exactly what it was that happened nine years ago that caused them to go from best-friends and lovers to two near-strangers barely able to stay in the same room without antoginizing each other to explosive result.

A wonderful book that I had a hard time putting down. I'm excited to read more books about this small oceanside town in New Zealand and it's inhabitants.
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Submerged brings the Alaskan terrain to life in such detail you feel like you were there in person, admiring the wonders and history as they unfold. The McKenna family, although not perfect, is a strong family unit that welcomes anyone into their hearts and home, even Bailey Craig, the girl with the scarred reputation. Their faith in each other and their unfailing devotion to serving God is a refreshing read and an inspiration to those who fall in love with this clan.

 Pettrey's characters allow the reader to dive right into their world of adventure, suspense and romance. I look forward to reading all the books in this series!
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"Sometimes fine wine needs to breathe.  You've breathed enough.  Now it's time to savor you."

This is unlike any romance I have read before and I loved it.  Edie and Tommy are both in their early forties and this is their love story.  It is not young love, but jade and experienced with wrinkles and sagging skin.
This story should appeal to readers of all ages and serves as a reminder that there is no age limit or expiration date on romance.  Women don't have to settle for less than what they are worth.
The two main characters are surrounded by their family throughout the story.  These characters add moments of levity, sweetness, and frustration that enhance and add depth to the story.  L.B. Dunbar throws in just enough twists, turns, and unexpected moments to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
My favorite thing about reading is when I feel like I am part of the story.  L.B. Dunbar, I was poolside.
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I fell in love the other night. Really I did. Unfortunately I don't have my visa in order to go visit my new passion, but I hope to do so soon. Really I do. Yes, someday I'll pay a visit to Stewart Island in New Zealand, as portrayed by Tracey Alvarez in her new book IN TOO DEEP.

The first in a new series entitled Due South, IN TOO DEEP is a wonderful love story, not just between the two protagonists, but also a love song for this very special island. I wouldn't be surprised that tourism might double after the publication of Alvarez's book!

Once again an author gave me insomnia, but it was well worth it. The story of a strong, intelligent, and seemingly fearless heroine who made her way to the "big city" to follow her dreams and the boy who stayed behind is a trope that has been told many times, perhaps more often with the roles reversed. However, there is nothing tired about Alvarez's interpretation and, in fact, she has so many fabulous plot twists in this romance that at times I felt like I was reading a thriller. But no, it's simply that she knows how to engage and interest the reader from cover to cover.

We meet the heroine Piper Harland as she is rescue diving, but instead of saving someone's life, her mission is to find and return the body of the drowning victim to the family. I envisioned this scene in my mind and could only begin to imagine the daily stress a job like this would entail. We see that Piper has reached the end of her rope as a police diver with one of the country's elite squads as she has an almost melt-down underwater. She's given time-off for personal reasons and returns to the island she once called home, but hasn't returned to in years.

On her way to the island, Alvarez adds the the detail of Piper's seasickness on the ferry. These small and intimate details add up to quite a rich understanding of the characters that Alvarez portrays and provide us, the readers, with an almost three-dimensional picture to populate the stories in our mind as we read the book.

When Piper encounters her former best friend and former lover, Ryan "West" Westlake, who now runs the family bar/restaurant - as his father oversees the kitchen, she acts cold. Neither of them realize that they each harbor a continuing passion for one another as it seems Ryan deserted her at a critical time, just before her father died. However as a reader, the tension and heat between them is evident from their first meeting - and throughout the story.

I don't want to reveal too much more of the plot except to say that the secondary characters, whom Alvarez populates the story with, are incredibly interesting and enjoyable. Just as the must-read series of Donna Kauffman (The Bachelors of Blueberry Cove), Jill Shalvis (Lucky Harbor), Terri Osburn (Anchor Island), Marie Force (The McCarthys of Gansett Island), Sherryl Woods (Chesapeake Shores) have entranced me with their seaside settings and caring communities - so has Tracey Alvarez - and I'm adding her series to my must-read shelf too.

In conclusion, I'm awarding five stars for Tracey Alvarez's HOT, humorous, and highly enjoyable romance, IN TOO DEEP.

Fab Fantasy Fiction
[...]

I received an eARC from the author for use in this review.
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Traveling to that legendary romantic spot on the globe, the author has woven a love story around the steamy,lush background of turquiose waters and sparkling beaches of French Polynesia. Here Angie touches the realities of her life revealed by feelings for the handsome solo sailor who crosses her path. These feelings, delicately and hauntingly brushed on the canvas of this manuscript portray to the reader a sensuous journey easy to identify with. A great read.
3398627
The Only Woman to Defy Him has a wonderful heroine, one who is sentimental, compassionate and at heart an artist who finds beauty in simple things around her.  Her hero is her opposite and his pessimism is no match for his heroines beautiful spirit.

Deyman is a cool, unaffected, contained millionaire who had a terrible childhood in his native Russia.  Make no mistake his past has shaped him and this man keeps people at a distance, he has been very hurt and he is above all a survivor.  He is in Sydney to sell his properties and spend time with his teenaged son.  His ex-wife is threatening to take him to Russia and Deyman and she have a volatile relationship.

To assist him with his sales, a temp agent has sent Alina to be his PA.  Alina has little experience with being a PA but she needs the money.  Alina is an artist but she waits tables to make ends meet. She is in awe of Deyman and she is over her head in so many ways when it comes to dealing with him.

Deyman and Alina have an unpredictable romance.  She is emotional and kind and she shares her feelings.  She keeps Deyman on his toes because she sees the good buried deep in his soul.  To be sure these two have a passionate romance but also there are tender moments too.  Deyman can be demanding but Alina can see beyond the cold shell into the man who needs a kind heart.
2834280
Oh Lydia, you're my girl from the get go. She's an amazing woman, a great single mother to Bryson, and is still incredibly vibrant. She's so hard on herself. Ken (Kenji) is a really great guy, and so much more than a simply hot neighbor. These two are filled with such self doubt, although it's understandable given their romantic history. The fallen fence may be the catalyst but it's a facinating read as we root for this great pair to realize that age really is just a number sometimes. A wonderful romance with a unique perspective. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
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Luca is on the run, hiding in his Uncles Florida holiday home he has many secrets none of which he has any intention of sharing with anybody. When a plane crashes on the beach outside the house and he finds himself saving somebodys life he doesnt realise just how complicated things are going to get when local reporter Skylar starts digging trying to find out who the good samaritan was.

This is a straight up girl meets boy, and attraction flares and builds novel, saying that it is deeply enjoyable. Lucas backstory is riveting and adds a lot of tension that means you know something bad is going to happen but you don't know which of the characters it is going to happen to or when.

Luca and Skylar are both extremely likeable characters, they are both deeply strong and passionate characters but are also very vulnerable and have things in their past which make them both wary of relationships of any kind let alone romantically.

There are times I find the lack of trust between them frustrating, I feel like people always reach a point where they start being honest and that got lost in here with these two dancing around that, whenever a truth comes out it gets lost in hypocrisy and I found it hard to stomach knowing if I was one of these characters I couldn't stand the double standards.

Overall though this is a wonderfully enjoyable book and I went off and downloaded some of Tamara Lushs earlier novels as soon as I finished this as I loved her writing style, the balance between the romance, erotica, and story was brilliant.

Sending a huge thanks to Tamara Lush and Neverland Blog Tours for the eARC so that I could read and honestly review this novel.
1102781
I really enjoy this story. My emotion was on a roller coaster ride, with the Tee in understand how she felt about the brothers. This is an awesome romance story, filled with so much passion, and compassion. I don't want to let to much slipped, but this is a much read. Great job author.