Kayla’s Daddy by Laura Bradford

Kayla’s Daddy by Laura Bradford. Publisher: Harlequin American Romance, January 2010

It’s Never Too Late For Love!

It came to her by mistake. Now Phoebe Jennings is driving clear across town to deliver it to its proper owner. Only, someone please tell her how on earth tall, blond and gorgeous bachelor Tate Williams could possibly be the recipient of a forty-year-old love letter?

It isn’t every day a beautiful woman shows up on Tate’s doorstep with a baby in tow. His Ohio hometown is already captivated by the generous-hearted artist and single mother. And Phoebe’s also full of ideas about reuniting the successful architect with his estranged father, who never forgot his first love.

A letter that never reached its destination. A man who wants to heal the past. A woman ready to renew her faith in love. Plus an irresistible baby girl who just might help bring a decades-old love full circle…

All Phoebe wanted to do was deliver a long-lost letter to its rightful owner. What Phoebe received in return was more than she could have imagined. This was a very enjoyable romance where our heroine and hero was learning how to open up their hearts to love again. I liked how we saw their instant attraction to one another grow to something much stronger, love.  I felt so good when I turned the last page and it put a smile on my face. If you want to read a nice and feel-good romance, take a chance with Kayla’s Daddy. My rating: 4 stars

Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway

Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway is the third and final book in the “Knitters” romantic trilogy series. Publisher: Berkley, June 2009

The beachside knitting shop Malibu & Ewe is SoCal’s newest hot-spot—where strangers become friends and friends become family over good yarn and better gossip…

Malibu & Ewe’s owner, Cassandra Riley, is about to turn thirty and wants to celebrate with her knitting club and newfound half sisters, Nikki and Juliet, in a big birthday extravaganza. But with Juliet on her honeymoon and Nikki with a fiancé of hew own, it seems everyone’s paired up—except Cassandra.

But a series of near-death accidents cause Cassandra to run straight into the arms of the man she’s tried hard to avoid. Gabe Kincaid, her landlord and neighbor, is a loose cannon with too many strings attached to commit to her fully—or can he? When a mud slide entraps the couple and puts their lives at risk, Gabe is forced to make a decision that will change his life–and the status of their relationship—forever…

This was an enjoyable romance story that concluded the “Knitters” trilogy. My rating: 3.5 stars

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]