This book was a disappointment. The premise of having an unconsummated marriage after seven years was interesting and I was really hoping the author would be able to develop this story. The characters are interesting but the writing was weak.

I still laugh out loud at Stephanie Plum and can't wait to read the next one. She seems to be more comfortable then ever in her role as bounty hunter but still hasn't decided who is the man for her... Morelli or Ranger. Her mother is still trying to get her married and has decided on a completely different guy. Throughout this book she's avoiding plenty of people she knows that want to kill her and one deranged serial killer who keeps leaving her dead bodies. I love how the author keeps bringing back characters into the stories. Mooner is now hosting the bail bonds office in his RV. I can't wait for the movie version of the first book!

I received this as a freebie for my Nook. Based on the description it was right up my alley. Set in 1473 Scotland, this book has all the typical historical romance plot elements. Kidnapped bride, strong male character, and fighting clans. The other added element was religion. It was a bit too much for my tastes. I tend to read historical romance as an escape/getaway from daily life but his had none of the romantic action that other books in this genre have.

A fantasy novel where mice and rats who have been experimented on in a lab escape to create their own society. They are able to read, write and learn. Not only to the rats set up a home that includes electricity, lights, elevators, etc. they develop a conscience about stealing food from the local farmer. Their plan is create a world for themselves where they no longer are dependent on stealing and therefore setting them apart from other rats. In the process, they agree to help Mrs. Frisby with the problem of her home and her sick son.

I've had this on my "to read" list for the longest time. When I finally got a copy of it I was very excited to read it. The book started out strong. The main character, Miss Mary Marsh, is a woman of good breeding but is not of the titled class. She works as a seamstress creating garments for brides to be. The young lady she is working with suddenly dies at a very young age. The deceased's brother travels home from Egypt to solve the mystery of what has happened to his little sister. He is intrigued by this woman who was a friend to his sister, an employee in his house and feels a strong attraction to her. He is an Earl and she is convinced nothing will ever come of it.

As the mystery unravels, the two become more and more involved. I felt that by the end of this book the author let things drag out for too long. You could see the secrets long before the author reveals them and it just took too long to get there.

I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the others in the trilogy. The story line is definitely typical of the historical romance genre but I found the development of characters to be detailed and exciting. It reminded me of past Julie Garwood romance books. Mairin is abducted from an abbey by Duncan Cameron who is only after her for the dowry she will bring to a marriage through her first born child. She is able to escape Duncan and his cruelty but finds herself needing protection. Ewan is Laird of his own tribe that is in dire straits. He suggests that they marry knowing that he can protect her and her dowry lands as well as their future children. Definitely looking forward to the next two books.

This book was very cute and a great read aloud for a classroom. The inside cover pages offer factual information about a famous individual and their dog. The storybook pages are written in verse. The illustrations are eye catching and wonderfully done.

Miranda is a young girl caught in a kiss with an infamous rake who mistakes her for his mistress. She is only 16 and already ruined. We meet up with her ten years later as a decorum teacher in a girl's finishing school. She has been shunned by society, cut off by her family and has changed names. So, when she meets up with the rake that ruined her he doesn't recognize her underneath her plain clothes and dowdy chignon. The author weaves a good spy plot throughout this romance. The story is a bit slow at the beginning but towards the end you are caught up in whether or not Jack will ever realize that the woman he is dealing with is the young girl he ruined so long ago.

I normally enjoy Carly Phillips but I did have a hard time staying on track with this book. The story didn't have enough interest. The author tries to build up the suspense/mystery with a blackmailing storyline as well as a threats and break ins to a different character. Too much going on without any serious story line.

I enjoyed all three books in this series but was not head over heels for Rafe. Danielle finds herself married to Rafe after living in seclusion for five years following a scandal. Danielle was originally engaged to Rafe and she finds herself in a compromising situation with another man. She is innocent but Rafe doesn't believe her and he breaks the engagement. Five years later he finds out the truth of the situation and tries to rectify it but Danielle is engaged to another man. Rafe looks into her new fiance and is convinced that Danielle won't be happy with him. He blackmails her into a marriage with him. Much of the story has the two main characters (Rafe and Danielle) hiding their feelings from each other. Neither one knows whether or not they can ever trust each other again.

Stillwater the Panda is a great Uncle to his nephew, Koo and to others as well. He helps to care for the elderly Ms. Whitaker and encourages the local kids to befriend her as well. Stillwater's compassionate and patient attitude help the students realize that Ms. Whitaker is not to be feared and that goals can be reached with help.

Fleur is a Baron's daughter accused of murder and theft. She runs away and tries to obtain a position as a governess or companion but she has no references. She ends up selling her herself in order to keep herself alive. The Duke of Ridgeway is her one and only customer. After he realizes she is a virgin he can't quite get her out of his mind. He has his assistant track her down and hire her as a governess for his daughter. He swears that it is because of the guilt he feels and not his affections for her that he has done this.

Fleur is beginning to relax and fall into her new life as governess when she is faced with her accuser. The Duke of Ridgeway frightens her because he represents the lowest point in her life. She's not sure if she can ever trust him and his promise to keep her safe.

This story had many twists and turns that were not typical to historical romance. The obstacles that the couple faced were realistic. Well written.

Victoria lives in America with her sister and parents until her parents are killed in an accident. Her dreams of wedding her childhood sweetheart are put on hold as he is touring Europe and won't be back for six months. She must leave America for England to join the elderly cousin who will be her guardian. Her guardian has plans of his own. He wants her wed to his illegitimate son, Jason.

Jason has had an awful first marriage to a woman who wanted him only for his money and his title. The first wife has her own affairs that he is willing to put up with as long as he has his son. The first wife leaves him and takes their son on a ship's voyage to America but never make it because the ship is lost during a storm.

Jason will never willingly wed again or trust a female for that matter. He slowly melts and falls for Victoria.

Throughout their relationship there are many misunderstandings that are heartbreaking for the reader. They are much more "off" then "on." A very tumultuous relationship that overcomes all obstacles.

A quick, light read. This story follows four suburban moms over the course a year. They meet once a month for dinner and talk. The month we meet them they all decide that life has gotten a bit boring and needs a bit of a change. One wants another baby, another wants to resurrect her singing career, one wants to start a restaurant and the last one thinks about writing a book. Throughout the year all work on their goals but some decide it is no longer what they want.

Two teenagers find themselves forced into marriage due to a compromising situation. The young man gives a false name, enlists in the army and hopes all will be forgotten. Ten years later he is forced to track down the young lady he wed in order to learn if everything was legal, is she still alive, etc. In order to satisfy his curiosity without giving himself away he uses a false name to find his wife. When he comes calling to her residence she thinks he is a relative of her husband and doesn't want to give herself away. She uses a false name while finding out her own information. Although it sounds a bit preposterous, the plot works and the characters eventually discover each other and their mutual attraction/love.

A light, guilty-pleasure story.

I found this book to be funny, entertaining and true to the profession of teaching. The stories are short and well put together.

Johanna is a young girl in an arranged marriage to a brutal Baron. He beats her because he feels it is his right (as taught by the local Bishop). She endures this for three years before the Baron is killed. She is grateful for his death and tries with all her might to avoid any future marriages thinking they will all be like this one. Her brother (Nicholas) feels it is safer for her if she is wed. Johanna has a secret that affects the King of England and needs a protector. Nicholas marries her to Gabriel, a laird in the highlands of Scotland.

Johanna begins to feel safe, protected and eventually gains her courage and confidence back. A great medieval romance with some very comical moments. Another great one from Garwood.

I really enjoyed the story. The author showed this "new" society to us while allowing the main character to compare it to her previous life in multiple flashbacks. It involves religion, gender roles, freedoms, education and so much more.

Ian Thornton is a handsome man and can be dangerous to a young lady's reputation. Elizabeth is dared to get closer to him by some friends but is unaware that she is the target of their malicious jealousy. As she is scorned by society she ends up in debt and her brother goes missing. Ultimately she is forced to marry in order to save the home she loves. There are MANY ups and downs during their relationship. Some I felt were insurmountable and I felt would definitely be deal breakers in a real relationship. However, Judith McNaught definitely pulls it off and it was another great romance!

A Rose in Winter is a version of Beauty and the Beast. Erienne is forced into marriage due to her father's gambling debts. The man he owes the money to is Christopher Seton who has fallen for Erienne. Erienne's father will not allow the courtship and ends up "selling" her to the highest bidder. Christopher is banned from the bidding but places bids under his titled name of Lord Saxton. Lord Saxton is said to have been burned in a fire that destroyed his family home. Whenever he appears in public it is with a leather mask, cloak, a limp and leather gloves. Erienne eventually falls for him but still has feelings for Christopher.

Very funny. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that this book is written by a comedian and not take everything he says too seriously. As a writer, Denis does not like to use commas (or many other forms of punctuation) so I had to re-read some paragraphs in order to read them correctly.

Loved it!

A short story with a sense of humor. Linda is killed by her boyfriend and comes back to haunt him in order to find out what he did with her body.

This book is about three different women who are connected to each other, but are not necessarily friends. Gemma's father has left her mother and she has to be the one to pick up the pieces. She keeps her friend in Seattle updated via emails that are part venting and part escapism. Her friend sends them to a literary agent because she thinks they are good enough to be a book. Jojo is the literary agent who is tough and dedicated to her career. While working hard to further her career she falls in love with one of the partners of the firm. Problem is he is married. The last woman in the story is Lily. She WAS a friend of Gemma's but ended up falling for Gemma's old boyfriend. This causes a rift between her and Gemma. She writes a book which has a huge following but has difficulty coming up with a follow up that is successful. As she enjoys the relationship she has with Anton she can't help feeling all the bad things that occur to her are because of her stealing Gemma's boyfriend.

By telling the story through the three women, the author is able to create sympathy for one at the same time she is telling us a lighthearted scene in the life of one of the other women. Marian Keyes never disappoints.

This book starts out as the traditional historical romance. It sets up a set of girls (cousins) who are dedicated to each other and swear they will be there for each other no matter what. As they get older one of the girls is a mother who decides that her infant son needs protection. She states this as she passes away and gives the infant to her cousin. This cousin will do anything to protect the baby.

Sir Boden Blackblade is sent to retrieve the child and is unaware that the woman is protecting the infant he seeks. An attraction begins.

What I didn't buy or care for about this book was the paranormal aspect. The young girls swear their promise over a dragon pendant. When Lady Sara and Sir Boden finally connect they also begin to share the same dreams. This just wasn't my style and therefore gave it up.

Sir Nicholas needs to wed a rich bride in order to maintain the keep which he won as a Norman mercenary. He sends out a message to all available ladies in the land to come to his keep and he will pick his new bride. This is definitely an original idea in historical romance and I didn't have a problem with it at first.

Upon entering the keep, Riona begins to observe what is going on around her and cannot guess as to what this Sir Nicholas must be like. She picks him out in the courtyard and is the only one to recognize him. Other women who showed up for this event treat him as a servant and show their true nature to him as they demand he help with trunks, etc.

This was the best scene in the whole book and it occurred at the beginning. I felt the author would return to that type of interaction between Sir Nicholas and Riona but she never quite gets there. I also felt Riona was far too willing to see him married to another knowing she could never have him to herself.

I just couldn't get into this one. The "beastie" which is a statue of legend seems a bit ridiculous. Also, I couldn't identify with the characters. Liam did not come across as the usual dashing romantic lead. Instead he seemed to be part of a family that was in desperate times and he was the best they could do. Unfortunately it wasn't good enough for me.

Anne is married to Aidan by proxy in London. Aidan hasn't been to London in years. He left as a young man to search out his Scottish roots. Not only is he a titled gentleman in London but also a Laird of a Scottish clan. Living as a Scotsman for so many years he has no desire to ever go back. He becomes mixed up in the rebellion against England and is unsure of how to handle that. In the meantime Anne shows up and proclaims to be his wife. She shows him the marriage contract signed by his sister in London. Aidan not only does not want a wife but her presence is dangerous for his clan's rebellious plot. He decides to make life so miserable for Anne that she will want to leave on her own. Anne is stubborn and fights to stay.

I liked the character of Anne and understood her development well. Aidan's character had some gaps. It was never fully explained why he left London and why he would never return. As much as he is enjoying his life as a Laird he seems to have doubts as to the rebellion and seems to suddenly switch gears towards the end.

Judge Atlee is dying and has summoned both of his sons to his side. When Ray Atlee gets to the house his father is already dead. He had been dying of cancer and was in a great deal of pain. He wouldn't have lasted much longer and Ray seemed grateful that his father was no longer in pain. He becomes the executor of the estate and needs to deal with his brother who is constantly in and out of rehabs.

In preparing the estate he finds three million in cash in the house and isn't sure where it came from. His father was a stickler for the law and didn't earn much money. Was it a bribe? In his search to find out where the money came from he realizes that someone is following him and knows about the money. He becomes increasingly more and more worried about the money and he knows it is ruining him. He finally gives into the threats... In the end Ray does find out who was chasing him for the money and no one is more surprised then him.

This book was a pretty typical John Grisham novel that involves the law. The author doesn't go into too much legal jargon which allows the readers who are not lawyers enough information to follow the story line without it becoming overburdened with technical information. A good summer read but not as gripping as some of Grisham's previous novels.

Pretty steamy read right from the start.

Rowena is a lady who is forced into a marriage to better the army and monies of her stepbrother. She would refuse to marry this ancient relic except for the fact that her step-brother is holding her mother hostage and has beaten her in order to get what he wants from Rowena. Unfortunately for the step-brother (and Rowena), the old man who she is to marry dies right before coming to his bed on his wedding night. The step-brother decides to hide this fact from everyone and found someone who is similar in coloring to the old man. He decides that he will have Rowena "rape" this man in order to produce an heir that they can claim is the old (dead) man's heir and therefore still inherit his estates.

They find a man at a local inn who resembles the coloring but are unaware that he is their enemy (seeing as how they gag him so he couldn't speak). Rowena completes the deed she is forced to do but the man they held captive is Warrick deChaville who will eventually exact his revenge on Rowena and her step-brother.

I couldn't put this book down. I love medieval romance and this did not disappoint.

This book had some of the stereotypical elements of historical romance books. The main premise is an arranged marriage of a young girl with a large dowry to a member of the ton whose family has had financial hardship. The girl is young enough that it is an engagement for 13 years until she turns 26 and her father is pushing for the actual marriage. At this point the young girl has become jaded towards her fiance and wishes to dissolve the engagement. The groom is in agreement.

Due to circumstances set by her father the engagement cannot be undone and does indeed occur. Eventually they figure out that they love each other. That's about it. During the last 20 pages or so the author tries to throw in a conflict in order to make the whole story more interesting. I found this conflict not to be plausible and was a complete distraction at best. I ended up skimming through it in order to get to the end.