Mona Ingram

Claire had no interest in hockey after having lived with all her life. Now that her twin brother is in the minor leagues, the game is still important to her family. Other than going to all her brother's games, she doesn't follow the sport. But when her brother is seriously injured during a game, she agreed to write an anonymous blog against the violence in hockey. When the blog is a success, the paper gets someone to write opposing views on the topic.

After just ending a relationship with a show more married man, Claire was determined to not get involved with anyone. So when John helped her up after being knocked over by a bicyclist, she wanted to refuse his offer of going for a snack and a ride home, but she knew she couldn't walk so she accepted. Besides, he was nice and really attractive. John was amazed that Claire didn't recognize him as a star enforcer for the Canucks, but he liked that she didn't want to be with him for his fame and money. As they talk, John realized that the reason she doesn't know him is that she doesn't follow hockey. That is unusual for a Canadian.

As they got more involved with each other, John knew he had to tell Claire who he really was but was afraid to because of her strong feelings about how violent hockey was and he was one of the ones causing the violence. And he was the blogger opposing her.

You really didn't need to know anything about hockey to enjoy this book because it could have been about any physically aggressive sport. It was more about Claire's aversion to the violence and not recognizing John. I really liked this sweet romance and the characters. I admired Claire. She was a strong, opinionated woman who fought for what she believed in. I actually felt sorry for John. Yes, he was famous and wealthy with his pick of women. But he never knew if they liked HIM or his fame.

I enjoyed this quick read and highly recommend it. show less

Olivia is a successful journalist, but she's missing a personal life. Forget about her non-existent love life. While attending her best friend's engagement party, she meets a charming American special ops soldier named Josh who has an unusual proposition. He wants her to pretend to be his fiancee and accompany him on a Mediterranean vacation. Her ties to the overseas casinos (on which she has previously reported) will help him gain access to the high-stakes poker rooms. After a little show more persuasion, Olivia agrees. (Her life is desperately missing action and adventure, and this "vacation" has the potential to make a good story.)

Josh takes Olivia to a charming seaside villa, a luxurious yacht, and in the midst of a dangerous illegal weapons operation. As romantic feelings bloom between the two, Olivia uncovers deep secrets regarding Josh's true motives. Olivia wonders who is the "real" Josh: the high-rolling gambler, the all-American cowboy, or the ruthless military agent?

This book was an exciting read. It hooked me from the beginning, and I could not put it down until I'd finished it. Olivia and Josh are well-rounded characters who experience an instant attraction and a deeper connection that develops over time. The sexual tension is palpable, and the sex scenes are minimal so as not to detract from the story. There is much more to the story than just the romance between Olivia and Josh, however. The connection between Olivia and a school friend comes full-circle in a delightful way, as do her connections with other characters (particularly a charming little girl). I only wish there was an epilogue. The ending is a bit uncertain; I'd like to know what Olivia's career plans are. Overall, it's a delightful read that does not follow the over-done conventions of a typical romance novel. show less

This is an incredible story.

Imagine coming home from a short vacation to find your fiance has left you financially destitute. That happened to Jenna. The rat took all her money and possessions (including her photography studio equipment), leaving unpaid bills. All she had left was her car, which she slept in. If things weren't hard enough for her, one day she found a little boy in her car when she returned from a park restroom. He was running away to find a new family. After hearing a lot show more about the youngster's life, Jenna took him back home, ready to have it out with the boy's father. She quickly realized that Danny's dad wasn't the uncaring man she had envisioned but was lost in his own world and had no idea how the child had been feeling. He was devastated to learn Danny had not had a housekeeper/caretaker all day, enabling him to 'run away'. After lots of talk and negotiation, Jenna accepted the job as the housekeeper. Though she had no experience as a housekeeper or in childcare, she made it work. She had a tremendous amount of incentive considering she didn't have a business/income or apartment anymore and the job was temporary, so she would be able to go back to photography, and it also came with a room.

I quickly got lost in this emotional story and easily connected with the characters. Poor Jenna was suddenly broke and homeless after running a successful photography business. Brett was very good at his job as a surgeon but lacking in social skills (at least with his son). Then there was little Danny who was 7- almost 8. He was so cute but very lonely after his mother died. He was always telling his father that it was alright if he had to work late, even though it wasn't OK.

Seriously, this was a great book and I can't wait to try more from this author! show less

Restless Waters by Mona Ingram
Book starts out with Sarah and it's May 1849 and she's on a ship heading to CA. She's leaving the Boston area because she knows she will never advance with her medical degree nor with a spouse. Disturbing events have caused her to make up her mind.
She meets many on her voyage and I enjoyed the trip along with the stops. She trusts others to help her once they arrive and some have unforeseen things happen.
Love how she is just so caring to everybody, especially show more when they need medical attention. She was brought up right with her father the doctor in the city she left behind.
Story also follows a man that is on his way out west to help the bank he works in but he knows he wants something different and he has opportunities to change his life as a relative has left him a lot of land.
Love how she is able to once again have her brother there with her and surprised at the ways they were able to make a living-priceless! Loved hearing about bowling-of all things out in the wilderness.
Sounds like a good series to be reading. So very detailed I can picture myself there with her. show less