Last Chance by Sarita Leone

Last Chance by Sarita Leone. Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press, September 2009

Young widow Laura Perkins learned the hard way that life in the rugged frontier isn’t all sunshine and roses. She never planned to find herself alone in a land where gunshots and hangings are commonplace. But planned or not, that’s exactly what happens to her and, short of turning tail and fleeing, she’ll have to learn to live with her circumstances—one way or another.

When a handsome stranger saunters into Granite Creek, life takes a drastic turn. Laura and Chance are as different as night from day, but she still finds herself intrigued by the man.

And Chance? He’s as drawn to Laura as a moth to a flame. Too bad that moth has a trail of mystery—and murder—hot on his trail.

I’m not a fan of historical fiction, but once I put that aside, I really enjoyed this story. Laura remained in Granite Creek instead of going back to Boston after her husband died. With her sister joining her, she lived her life grieving her loss until the day she meets Chance. The pull is so strong for both of them, it was inevitable that a relationship would soon develop. This was a very heartwarming story with snippets of a murder mystery and a secondary romance. This is a quick read that you’ll find enjoyable. My rating: 4.5 stars

Memo: The Billionaire’s Proposal by Melissa McClone

Memo: The Billionaire’s Proposal by Melissa McClone.  Publisher: Harlequin, September 2009

Note to self: when stepping back into your billionaire boss’s world:

• Remember why you turned him down all those years ago: because infamous playboys like Drake Llewelyn are trouble with a capital T!
• He plays to win. You can’t afford to take a gamble on love and lose, no matter how much he says he’s changed.
• So arm yourself against his movie-star looks, devastating charm, intoxicating smile… Oh, no! This is going to be so much harder than I thought!

This was a cute and enjoyable romantic read. My rating: 3.5 stars

How to Score by Robin Wells

How to Score by Robin Wells.  Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (Forever), June 2009

HER LIFE COACH

Museum curator Sammi Matthews isn’t just in a dating slump, she’s putting men on the injured list. After giving one date a black eye and cracking another’s rib, Sammi decides she needs professional help. Enter life coach Luke Jones, who advises Sammi on how to overcome her klutziness. And their phone sessions work! Sammi soon meets a sexy FBI agent who seems to know just what she needs.

IS CHANGING HER LIFE

When his brother Luke goes into federal protection, FBI Special Agent Chase Jones agrees to cover for him. Then Sammi’s hot voice sizzles down the line, and the usual “phone only” rule is out. With “Luke” coaching her by day, and Chase dating her by night, Sammi’s confidence soars, along with her appeal. Chase falls hard, but how will Sammi feel if and when he comes clean? Chase would rather she break all his bones than risk breaking her heart.

IN WAYS SHE’S NEVER IMAGINED!

This was a laugh-out-loud story. The comedy between Sammi and Chase was hilarious and made the romance more sweet. This was a fun read that you’ll enjoy. My rating: 4 stars

*new-to-me author

Double Play by Jill Shalvis

Double Play by Jill Shalvis features Pace Martin and Holly Hutchins in this contemporary romance story.  Publisher: Berkley Sensation (Penguin), July 2009

Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He’s got the arm, the experience and the wins. He’s also got the pain, the pressure and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.

Holly Hutchins knows a good story when she sees one, and the tall, dark and slightly attitude-challenged Pace Martin fits the bill.  But when she realizes there’s more at stake than just a win, she starts to see the handsome, broad-shouldered jock in a different light.

Pace and Holly begin a seductive game, but in the face of unexpected betrayal and challenges, they’ll have to find the courage to swing for the fences.

This was very enjoyable.  My rating: 3.5 stars

Instant Gratification by Jill Shalvis

Instant Gratification by Jill Shalvis is the second book in the trilogy “Wilder Adventures” romance series.  Publisher: Brava, July 2009

Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book.

When Stones tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here – in this town, in his life. It is convincing that this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist.

This was enjoyable summer read filled with humor and romance.  My rating: 4 stars

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas is the third book in the “Travis Family” romance series. Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, March 2009

He answers to no one…

No one has ever truly touched Jack Travis’s heart or soul…until Ella Varner comes along. She appears one day on his doorstep with fury in her eyes and a baby in her arms. Her troubled sister is the mother and according to Ella, Jack Travis is the father.  But when Ella demands that Jack take responsibility for the first time in his life, he ends up taking much more than that…

She trusts no one…

Ella Varner is responsible and controlled.  Her childhood taught her that love is fleeting and best avoided.  That is, until baby Luck appears on her doorstep after her reckless sister, Tara, abandons him.  What Luke needs now is stability and Ella’s determined to do what is best for him.  As her bond with the helpless child grows stronger each day, Ella goes to Houston in search of the father. What she finds there will change her life forever…

And when things heat up between these two, the time for talking is long gone…

Lisa Kleypas lets the sparks fly once again in a novel featuring the larger-than-life Travis family.  Full of sizzling sensuality and undeniable heart, her storytelling will grab hold of you from the very first page to the last.

This was an enjoyable romance story that covered all emotions from laughter, romance and tears.  Once I started reading this, every page had me turning for the next one.  My rating: 4 stars

Dream Date with the Millionaire by Melissa McClone

Dream Date with the Millionaire by Melissa McClone is the third book in the “Blind Date Brides” romance trilogy. Publisher: Harlequin, June 2009

I’ll go on this one date and, if nothing comes of it, that’s good, isn’t it?

Dani Bennett is not looking for a man, but her new job requires her to sign up for blinddatebrides.com. The last thing Dani expects is to be paired with a devastatingly attractive millionaire! Her poor background and blonde bombshell looks mean she expects Bryce Delaney to take one look and judge her – like all other men.

But Bryce isn’t just any man…!

I enjoyed this short romance story.  My rating: 3.5 stars

Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz

Smart Girls Think Twiceby Cathie Linz is the third book in the “Rock Creek” romance series.  Publisher: Berkley Sensation (Penguin), January 2009

Sociologist Emma Riley’s new research project depends on a sexy bartender who wants nothing to do with her project—and certainly nothing to do with Emma. Too bad she’s way too smart to ever take no for an answer.

Emma Riley comes home to Rock Creek, PA for the weddings of her two older sisters and to conduct a sociological research on the re-emergence of small town.  While trying to set up an interview with Jake Slayter, a recent transplant to the town, for her research, she is accosted by one of the locals and successfully defends herself against him.  Jake has his own secret as to why he’s in Rock Creek, but along the way he’s invited to wedding, falls in love with Emma, finds a dog and discovers that love triumphs over all.  I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful dynamics of the sisters and their mother and the people that are involved with them.  This was a delightful romance story.  [4 stars – really liked it]

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis is the first book in the new “Wilder” romance series.  Publisher: Brava, February 2009

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl – working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that – and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed – that part defies explanation…After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he’ll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie’s killer smile triggers something deep in his gut…among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a check book is the biggest rush he’s ever felt – and an adventure Katie’s wishing would never end…

Katie Kramer works hard and trying to overcome the accident that causes her to have panic attacks.  She decides to take life by the balls and temps at Wilder Adventures and Expeditions.  Cameron Wilder has just return to the family fold when he finds Katie asleep in his bed.  Immediately they feel an attraction to one another and as they fight to assuage their past hurts they begin their own adventure of a lifetime.  I really enjoyed this romance and as I expect there is a happily ever after. I also liked the subplot between Cameron’s Aunt Annie and Nick.  [4 stars – really liked it]

Kiss The Bride by Amy Danicic

Kiss The Bride by Amy Danicic. Publisher: Zebra Book, 2002

This book features Victoria Scott, a daycare provider, who thinks she is jinxed.  Can a young woman who has been left at the altar not once, not twice but three times ever find happiness?  Victoria can’t believe it happened again and this time she going to have fun.  Instead of running home on her supposed New Year Eve’s nuptial, she is having her third wedding reception without the groom and maid of dishonor.  Across the room, Victoria spots a gorgeous man in a gray suit, Alex Morrow, who captures her attention.  She decides to do what her sister suggests, have a one night fling and Alex will do ever so nicely.  They meet, they share a glass of champagne; they dance; they embrace; they feel a mutual attraction and bring in the New Year together.  He takes her home and there begins the most wonderful night that they both enjoy.  He gives her the passion that she has never felt before; it has to end the next morning because she doesn’t trust that any future relationship will be jinxed.  Will true love prevail?  I really enjoyed this romance story that had a bit of intrigue concerning Victoria’s missing ex-fiancé and the missing computer discs stolen from Alex’s company.  It was fun to see Victoria let loose and be love as she should be.  [4 stars – really liked it]

*new-to-me author

Note: book is out of print