The Prince's Forbidden Bride - Rebecca Winters (HR #4667 - June 2019)

Series: Princess Brides (Book 2)

Can a convenient marriage…

…reignite a long-lost love?

Princess Donetta will never forget her first and only love -- Crown Prince Enrico. Forbidden to marry by their feuding families, Enrico left, letting Donetta believe he never loved her. Years later he's back, offering Donetta his hand in marriage to unite their countries. Donetta feels it's her duty to accept, but on one condition -- he give her his heart, too!

Good friends to lovers story with a bit of family feud thrown in. Donetta and Enrico first met when they were both ten years old. Both were outstanding equestrian competitors and recognized that quality in each other. Over the next eight years, they met secretly at each competition, growing closer with each passing year. By the time they were eighteen, both knew they wanted to be together, but there were obstacles. Both were promised to others. There was a two-hundred-year-old feud between the families. Though they continued to meet whenever possible after Enrico left for college, and they planned to go away together after he graduated, it was not to be. Devastating news about his father sent Enrico home, where he was immediately engulfed in learning to run his country. Communication between them dwindled to nothing, leading Donetta to believe that he had never really cared. Devastated, she moved on with her life but avoided all talk of marriage to another.

I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of Donetta and Enrico's relationship. Five years after their last encounter, Enrico realizes that he can't picture his life without her in it, but how to tell her? I ached for him after he went to see her, and she accepted his apology but indicated that what had been between them was a childhood love. I wanted to kick him for being so willing to give up and loved that Giovanni gave him the kick he needed to fight for her. I thought his idea to use a competition to bring her to his country was brilliant. I did think he was somewhat naïve to believe that he could show Donetta so much attention and not anger his mother. I felt that Donetta was more realistic in her belief that the queen would never accept her after seeing her reaction to Donetta's presence. I thought Enrico understood Donetta well with his plan for their interlude together and ached for him when she told him she was going to marry another anyway. Only her sister's straight talk kept Donetta from making a huge mistake and sent her back to Enrico.

It was interesting to see the lengths to which Enrico's determination led him to convince Donetta to marry him. Again, I thought he was blind to the trouble his promises would create. Of course, I also thought his mother's reaction was excessive. The problems that resulted from those two stubborn people butting heads was enough to throw the government into chaos. In the meantime, all Donetta wanted was for Enrico to have the opportunity to be the king his country needed, even if that meant setting him free. It took another intervention by Enrico's cousin Giovanni to bring them back together. I liked seeing them actually talk about dreams and expectations and the true depth of their feelings for each other. The epilogue was good and shows promise for their future.

 

Soldier Prince's Secret Baby Gift - Kate Hardy (HR #4687 - Nov 2019)

Series: A Crown by Christmas (Book 2)

One magical night…

…could ignite a royal scandal!

In this A Crown by Christmas story, six months ago Tia Phillips and Prince Antonio of Casavalle shared one passionate night. Now she's on the palace doorstep -- pregnant with his baby! Another royal scandal is all Casavalle needs, so Antonio whisks Tia away to a secret hideaway. Soon Antonio's falling for her, but will Tia accept his hand in marriage when she thinks he's asking only out of duty?

Good book. Tia and Antonio first met when he brought her and her mother word of her brother Nathan's death in action. Tia was not impressed, as Antonio was brusque and cold in his delivery, and barely stayed long enough to deliver the news. He claimed that Nathan was his friend, but didn't show up for his funeral. So when Tia saw him again at a charity gala where she was working, she was not inclined to be friendly.

When Antonio saw Tia, he was wracked with guilt. Nathan's death had devastated him, but as a member of the royal family, he had been taught to keep his emotions under control at all times, so he knew he hadn't handled the visit to the family well. To make things worse, he was immediately sent on another mission, so he hadn't been able to attend Nathan's funeral. He knew how much Nathan loved his mother and sister and felt terrible that he hadn't checked up on them.

I liked seeing Antonio try to get Tia to talk with him. I liked that he understood her attitude, yet persisted in requesting her presence. Tia tried to resist, but when Antonio invoked Nathan's name, she gave in. I loved that encounter in his rooms, as he didn't behave at all like she expected a prince to behave. I was glad that she finally listened to his reasons and forgave him. Her own grief and empathy made it easy for her to give him a comforting hug. What was unexpected was the passion that flared between them, and the form that their comforting of each other took.

Six months later, Tia shows up in Casavalle, after trying for months to reach Antonio. She has been stonewalled all along the way, mostly because she won't tell anyone WHY she needs to talk to him. After all, that kind of news should be delivered in person, not through a third party. I liked that Tia stood her ground until she finally got to see him. To say he was shocked would put it mildly, and not too happy that she had so much trouble reaching him. Unfortunately, the timing of her news isn't the greatest, as the royal family has already been rocked by several scandals. While Antonio tries to figure out how best to handle it, he and Tia head for his private hideaway.

I loved the time that Antonio and Tia spent at his chalet. It was mostly just the two of them, giving them a chance to get to know each other. I loved the effect that Tia had on Antonio, helping him open up to his emotions, learning how to show them. There were some sweet scenes of the two of them together, being almost like ordinary people. I loved how the people of the village, although aware of his royalty, treated him (mostly) as just another man. That said, I enjoyed their surprise when he filled in as Santa at the village holiday party. Even better was Antonio's surprise at how much he enjoyed it. It didn't take long for Tia to realize that she had fallen hard for Antonio, but she was determined to stand on her own two feet. The last thing she wanted was to feel like yet another duty to him. I ached for Antonio because it took him so long to realize that what he felt for Tia was love. Then he had to figure out how to convince her of his feelings. I liked the advice he got from both his brother and his mom. The ending was sweet and romantic. I can't wait for the third book and the story of the surprise sister.       

        

Falling Again for Her Island Fling - Ellie Darkins (HR #4686 - Oct 2019)

Her head doesn't remember him…

…but her heart does!

Marine biologist Meena isn't prepared for the jolt of recognition when she meets tycoon Guy Williams while working on development plans for his luxury island resort. Years ago they had a whirlwind fling, but afterward an accident stole Meena's memories -- and much more. She's been searching for answers ever since. Could Guy be the missing piece to her past and her future -- if she's willing to risk her heart again?

Good book. The story opens as Meena lays on the beach, contemplating the environmental impact study she has to do for the man who wants to build a resort on her beloved Le Bijou island. She's also thinking about her frustration over her memory loss. Seven years earlier she was in a devastating car accident that wiped her memories and took her years to recover from. Something that haunts her is the knowledge that she had a serious boyfriend, but she remembers nothing about him. When she meets Guy Williams, new owner of the island and real estate developer, something about him feels familiar, even though he claims they've never met.

Guy can't believe that it's Meena lying on the beach, just like the last time he saw her. He was devastated when she didn't follow through on their plans and come to Australia. He spent years thinking about her and wondering what went wrong. With the success of his business, he hardened his heart, bought the island, and planned to change its character so drastically that it would be impossible to remember the way it was.

I ached for both Meena and Guy. Meena's frustration over her memory loss and her inability to move on with her life made her day to day life sometimes hard to face. I liked her determination to protect the island however she had to do it. She knew that the resort would irrevocably change it, and she didn't like the idea at all. She was looking for any reason to deny Guy his permits. Guy's life has not been a happy one. I hurt for him when he remembered how his parents thought he was worthless, and how his summer with Meena was the happiest he could remember being. Now when he thinks back to the old Meena, he knows she would detest the man he turned into.

I enjoyed the development of Guy and Meena's relationship. Even though he knew he should stay away from her, Guy was as drawn to her now as he was in the past. I liked seeing Meena show Guy the changes that have already happened to the island and the surrounding waters. Meena can feel the connection between them, even though she doesn't understand it at first. Spending time with Meena reminds Guy of the way things used to be. I liked that Guy eventually confessed the truth of their past to Meena because their feelings for each other had never died. I liked that Guy told her everything he'd been through, and the effects on him. He felt that she had to know the truth of who and what he'd become. It took a while, but Meena had to learn to accept Guy for the man he is because she has no memory of the man he was. There were some sweet scenes between them as they got to know each other again. But would the welfare of the island come between them, or was there a way to satisfy both of them? The ending was especially emotional, with both Meena and Guy exposing their vulnerabilities. I loved seeing how it all worked out.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the look at the environmental aspects. I was fascinated by the idea of rejuvenating the coral reef and intrigued by the descriptions of how it was done.

 

His Convenient Royal Bride - Cara Colter (HR #4663 - May 2019)

From small-town waitress…

To royal bride!

Since leaving her cheating fiancé, sensible Maddie Nelson is back waiting tables in her hometown. When a gorgeous stranger needs a guide for a few days, she decides to throw caution to the wind, never expecting him to be Prince Edward Alexander of Havenhurst. And he's in need of a convenient wife! Now Maddie must decide if their powerful connection is enough for her to swap her café…for a crown!

Good Cinderella story. Maddie left New York and her cheating fiancé behind and returned home to Mountain Bend to help a friend. Now she spends her days waiting tables, baking, and trying to find a way to keep her small town from dying. The café owner, Kettle, and the other waitress, Sophie, have become her family. The arrival of two handsome but mysterious men at the café throws her life into turmoil.

Edward is the prince of a small island country with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Besides the challenges of reviving the island's economy, he is caught in a marriage dilemma. Contracted to a neighboring princess since they were children, he has learned that she is in love with another man but will honor the contract if necessary. Edward came to the US to escape for a while, for a chance to feel normal, and perhaps find a way out of the marriage so that someone can be happy.

I enjoyed the scene in the café when Edward and Maddie met. Sophie was funny, yet frustrating, in her bubbly forwardness, as Maddie tried to rein her in. I loved seeing Lancaster have to eat his words about Maddie's scones. But mostly I loved the instant connection between Maddie and Ward. He wants Maddie to spend time with him and is a bit flustered when she resists, not used to being told no. I liked seeing the way that both of them loosened up as they enjoyed the hot springs. Maddie is feisty and doesn't hold back her opinions and thoughts. His invitation to attend the concert with him unsettled Maddie, but she wanted to break out of the box she'd put herself in. The first part of the concert was great, and both of them lost themselves in their enjoyment of the music. Matters became complicated when Ward was recognized, and Lancaster had to get them out of there. I ached for Maddie and her feelings of betrayal as she learned the truth about Ward, and laughed out loud at her reaction as she melted away into the crowd to escape him. Ward earned points from me when he insisted on checking to be sure she made it home. I loved seeing him gather his courage and determination to see her and explain. He stunned himself and Maddie when he proposed a marriage of convenience to help him with his dilemma in exchange for his help with the town's problems.

I loved the development of Maddie and Ward's relationship. Though they went into it as a business contract, it was clear that there were already feelings between them. Ward is firmly convinced that love is not in his future as he has no idea what it is. Maddie believes that she can keep from falling for Ward. But the more she gets to know him, the more she sees the lonely man under the princely façade and wants to change it. Ward is fascinated and intrigued by Maddie's feistiness and down to earth attitude. The more that he wants to be with her, the harder he works to maintain his distance, knowing that she will leave. He also believes that he is no good for her and that keeping her with him would hurt her in the long run. Maddie refuses to give up on him, and slowly works her way past his walls. But an unexpected complication causes her to question her future with him. Can she stay with a man she loves with all her heart when there's only a business contract in return? I hurt for Maddie and her heartache over her belief that Ward didn't care. Ward's misery when Maddie disappeared was intense, as was his desperation to find her. His big moment at the end was deeply emotional as he bared his fears and feelings. Maddie's response was perfect and a life-changing realization for both of them. The epilogue was terrific. I would love to see if something develops between Sophie and Lancaster.

 

A Royal Temptation - Charlene Sands (HD #2404 - Oct 2015)

Series: Dynasties: The Montoros (Book 6)

Juan Carlos Salazar II never thought he'd become King of Alma. But when an explosive family secret leaves him next in line for the throne, he's ready.

Until he catches a glimpse of Princess Portia Lindstrom at the coronation. Because it's love at first sight with this mysterious woman. But Portia's secrets test the power of his devotion and Juan Carlos is tempted to throw duty out the window. Sorely tempted.

Soon he must choose between commitment to country and family…or his own heart.

Terrific conclusion to the series. After all the twists and turns of the previous books, the role of King of Alma has come to rest on Juan Carlos's shoulders. Determined to bring peace and prosperity back to his country, at his coronation Juan Carlos promised to put his people and his country first. Then a glimpse of a beautiful woman at his coronation turned his heart upside down.

I loved Juan Carlos and Portia. I had my doubts about him in previous books, as he seemed uptight and sometimes unsympathetic to his cousins' difficulties. However, he won me over quickly in this book. His love for Alma and its people was evident in his thoughts during the coronation. His immediate fascination with Portia was a surprise to him, as was the way she took over his thoughts. Portia was as drawn to Juan Carlos as he was to her. But she was burned in a previous relationship with a high profile man and had no intention of getting involved with another one.

I loved the development of the relationship between Juan Carlos and Portia. He was adorable in his "love at first sight" determination to win Portia over. The rumors of the missing art treasures gave him the perfect opportunity to spend more time with her. Portia was wary of the attraction between them. Her attempts to fight it were a losing battle, though she tried hard. One of my favorite things about Juan Carlos was how down-to-earth he was. The time they spent together during the search was almost like any regular couple as they got to know each other. The connection that grew between them was more than a physical one, and it wasn't long before they admitted their love.

But as Portia prepared for their wedding, she discovered a family secret that changed everything she thought she knew about herself. Devastated, she broke things off with Juan Carlos, unwilling to bring scandal to his fledgling monarchy. Hurt by her inexplicable actions, he tried to change her mind, until she was forced to confess the real reasons she left. I wanted to shake Juan Carlos at this point because his reaction was to lash out with anger and distrust. I loved the enlightening conversation he had with a friend, and how it gave him a new perspective. His big moment at the end was fantastic and perfect for who and what he was.

I loved the search for the missing art treasures. Juan Carlos's determination to find them and make them part of the new Alma was wonderful. I could feel their frustration as their searches turned up empty time after time. I was very impressed with the cleverness of how they were hidden when they were finally discovered. It was a very emotional scene.

Maid for a Magnate - Jules Bennett (HD #2397 - Sept 2015)

Series: Dynasties: The Montoros (Book 5)

Now that he's shunned the princess, will he marry the maid?

After narrowly escaping a royal marriage of convenience orchestrated by his meddling father, businessman Will Rowling is going after what he wants. And make no mistake, he wants Cat Iberra -- his father's maid, and the woman who got away when they were young. All it takes is a stolen kiss to get the seduction started.

But Cat's reluctant about the reunion. Fool her once, shame on Will, but fool her twice…well, maybe she's in the mood to be fooled. But will a family secret scuttle her second chance with the man who won't let go of her heart?

Good second chance story. Will and Cat have quite a history. Four years earlier they dated, in spite of the differences between their stations. Will was the son of a billionaire businessman, on the fast track as his father's heir. Cat was a maid in his brother's house. They enjoyed their friendship and found it easy to share their dreams and goals. Then his father forced Will to choose between Cat and his career. Will's cruel breakup with her broke her heart. Four years later, Will wanted Cat back and will stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

I'll admit that I really didn't like Will much at the beginning of this book. He wanted Cat in his bed, and he wasn't interested in her objections. He had just escaped being trapped in a marriage of convenience orchestrated by his father (The Princess and the Player), and he is tired of being manipulated. But as the book went on, I realized that there was more to the breakup than was initially known. I liked seeing Will take back his life, and thwarting his father was very satisfying to see.

Cat was devastated by the breakup with Will but refused to let it ruin her life. Instead, she followed her dream of fashion design and worked hard on her designs. She continued to work as a maid to earn the money to leave Alma and her memories behind. She wasn't happy when Will began to pursue her once again.

I liked the development of the relationship between Cat and Will. Will was determined to get her back in his life, but Cat doesn't trust him. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her push back against his advances - the scene with the flowers was marvelous. Unfortunately for Cat, the sparks between them were still as strong as ever, and she found it harder and harder to resist him. Will was determined to show Cat that he had changed, but she fought him at every turn. It was fun to see the changes that Will went through as he realized that he wanted more than just Cat in his bed. The strength of those feelings scared him, and he tried to convince himself he imagined things. I liked the protectiveness he felt toward Cat when he saw the way his father treated her and loved his plan to give her a day of relaxation. Cat tried very hard to protect her heart from being broken again. She wanted to believe that she could be with him without getting her emotions involved. Their time on the island gave them a chance to be together without outside interference. But it couldn't last, and as soon as they got back to Alma Will managed to stick his foot in his mouth and drive Cat away. I loved that Will realized his true feelings and that he had to find a way to make it right. I loved his big moment at the end and how he showed Cat how important she was to him. Cat's wariness was understandable. I loved that she refused to give up her dreams and cheered for the way it worked out.

I liked seeing the changes that Will went through during the book. As the truth came out about his father's manipulations, Will's determination to seize control of his life grew stronger. I detested Patrick and loved seeing all of Will's plans come together. Patrick got exactly what he deserved, especially when Will discovered the truth behind his mother's death. I also liked seeing the continued growth in the bond between Will and James. The support of each other, which began in the previous book, took on greater importance in this one. I especially liked James and Bella's arrival at the island, and then the way they helped Will at the end.

 

Seduced by the Spare Heir - Andrea Laurence (HD #2384 - July 2015)

Series: Dynasties: The Montoros (Book 3)

Going from black sheep to king, with the help of one very special woman…

Gabriel Montoro's worst nightmares are realized when his older brother abdicates the throne of Alma, leaving fun-loving playboy Gabe next in line. Now he needs to shape up -- fast. That's where Serafia Espina fits in.

The exquisite ex-supermodel can school him in the social niceties. But as they get into the royal routine, Gabe begins to see this old family friend in a very different light. Soon the protocols are out the window, and Serafia is sharing his bed. But is this angel hiding something that could threaten what they've begun?

Good book. Gabriel was the younger of the two Montoros sons, and the one with the reputation as a fun-loving, carefree playboy. When the family's homeland asked them to return to lead the country, Gabriel was happy that it was Rafe who would be stuck being the king, leaving him to continue his preferred lifestyle. That all came to a screeching halt when Rafe abdicated the throne to marry the woman he loved and the mother of his baby (Carrying a King's Child). Gabe had a very short time to learn what he needs to know, so he hired childhood friend and former crush Serafia to bring him up to speed. The former supermodel left the catwalk behind for a calmer, simpler life. She was happy with her consulting job and staying out of the spotlight. The last thing she expected was to find herself playing Pygmalion to a prince.

I really liked both Gabe and Serafia. In spite of the royalty/supermodel personas, both characters felt like real people with relatable issues. Gabe is one of those guys who seems to be the life of the party, and who everyone wants to be friends with. Though he gave a good impression of being carefree, Gabe suffered from some well-hidden fears. Years earlier he was kidnapped and held for ransom for a week before finding a way to escape. He now suffers from claustrophobia and panic attacks, something he doesn't talk about to anyone. Serafia was at the top of her profession when stress-induced health issues forced her to quit. The only way to avoid a relapse is to maintain rigid control over her feelings and actions.

I liked the development of their relationship. Gabe's reluctance to become king was glaringly obvious, and Serafia had no trouble calling him out for what she saw as his selfishness. The sparks flew between them as Serafia attempted to turn Gabe into the king that his people needed, while Gabe resisted at every turn. It wasn't until they arrived in Alma that Gabe seemed to finally accept what was happening. As they worked together on Gabe's transformation friendship and trust grew between them as well as passion. It wasn't long before Gabe realized that he wanted more, but Serafia feared what the spotlight would do to her. Challenges arose that played on their fears, and Gabe lashed out at Serafia with hurtful accusations. I wanted to shake him for the things he said and felt that he deserved every minute of the misery he felt. I liked his big moment at the end as he did a pretty good job of groveling. There was an interesting twist involving Serafia's father that put a new light on the rumors that had caused part of the blowup.

 

Island Doctor to Royal Bride? - Scarlet Wilson (HMED #1009 - Feb 2019)

Working side by side…

With a secret prince!

In desperate need of staff for her small clinic on a beautiful Malaysian island, Dr. Arissa Cotter accepts the help of tourist Dr. Philippe Aronaz, little knowing her knight in shining armor is also a prince! But when he sweeps her away to his Mediterranean kingdom, she discovers Philippe faces battles of his own. Arissa has always hidden herself away -- dare she step into the spotlight and stand by her prince’s side?

Very good book that sucked me in from the very first pages. Philippe was on a plane, headed to a small island resort where he could rest and relax and try to regroup after his last patient in the ER. But a tragic event on the journey led him to Arissa Cotter, a doctor at the island's small clinic. Suddenly rest and relaxation were far less appealing.

I loved both Arissa and Philippe. She is strong and determined, and above all compassionate. She is also a very private person. The one time she shared her past with someone it didn't go well, and she has been wary ever since then. I loved her passion for her work, especially the Safe Haven project. Philippe was terrific. He is kind and caring and determined to improve healthcare for the people of his country. He has big ideas for what he wants to accomplish.

I loved the development of the relationship between Arissa and Philippe. From the moment they met there were chemistry and an unexpected connection. I loved the way that Philippe dove right in to help at the clinic. Arissa was impressed by how hard he worked and his rapport with the patients. She was also intrigued by him, as she felt that there was something more driving him than he has talked about. Philippe was equally intrigued by Arissa and her dedication and passion for her work. They quickly became friends as they worked together, though under that friendship was a simmering attraction. That attraction bubbled to the surface a couple of times, which caused some tension between them. Neither was quite sure what to do about it as they would soon go their separate ways. Philippe frequently found himself thinking of bringing her back home with him. When a paperwork snafu caused her to lose the job she had lined up, Philippe jumped in with an unexpected offer.

With the deepening of their friendship, Philippe felt increasingly guilty about not telling Arissa the whole truth of who he was. He had to come clean when he invited her to go home with him and help him set up a Safe Haven program there. Arissa was stunned by the revelation and torn about what to do. She wanted to help, but she was extremely wary of being with someone who was constantly in the limelight. Philippe promised to protect her privacy, and she reluctantly agreed to go with him. Seeing Philippe in his "natural habitat" brought home to Arissa what his life was like. Philippe tried very hard to show her that he was the same man he'd been on the island but eventually came to realize that there was no way to separate his two personas. This was especially clear when they toured the hospital together. Philippe's feelings for Arissa grew deeper, and he dreamed of her staying. The scenes at the ball, from the warmth of his family's welcome and how right it felt to be together to the despair Philippe felt after asking Arissa to stay, were vividly portrayed. Even sharper were the events of the next day when unwanted pictures of Philippe and Arissa made the papers. I ached for Arissa because this her fear of people digging into her past to the surface, and her reaction was to run. Philippe was furious at what happened, protective of Arissa, and desperate to keep her with him. I loved the advice and encouragement he got from his mother, which gave him the courage to go after what he wanted.  The scene at the fire station was incredibly emotional. I loved how Philippe showed Arissa that she was the only one for him. The effect his words had on Arissa had me in tears, and I loved her response. The epilogue was a great wrap-up to the story, showing how their love spilled over into the work they've done for both their countries.