Behind Closed Doors by Anne Oliver

Behind Closed Doors by Anne Oliver follows Cleo Honeywell and Jack Devlin who share an unusual past. There past colors how they see life and relationships. Both Cleo and Jack would love their friendship to go beyond.

There are secrets that Jack is keeping that give the book its name. It was a bit of a surprise after reading the back cover. While the blurb talks about getting Cleo "behind closed doors," the secrets play a much bigger role. The heavy issue of child abuse is touched upon when looking at Jack's childhood.

I enjoyed Jack and Cleo's story and the nod at Scotty's future with his significant other.

4 out of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 20 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 2 HP(M&B Sexy), 5 M&B Sexy Sensation, 2 M&B Sweet, 1 M&B Medical, 3 S, 1 SD)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 21

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -34

The Spanish Aristocrat's Woman by Katherine Garbera

The Spanish Aristocrat's Woman by Katherine Garbera is Count Guillermo de la Cruz aka Gui and Kara deMontaine story. Gui tells his former love that Kara is his fiancee during the wedding reception of another "Son of Privilege." By the end of the reception this rumor has rimpled through many there.

Kara and Gui are pushed into making the rumor a reality. Along the way these can these to find love in their farce? Gabera gives a glimpse of the jet set life a from the United States to Spain. A fun read.

3 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 19 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 2 HP(M&B Sexy), 4 M&B Sexy Sensation, 2 M&B Sweet, 1 M&B Medical, 3 S, 1 SD)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 20

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -33

A Mistress for the Taking by Annie West

A Mistress for the Taking by Annie West (published in the States as a Harlequin Presents and in Australia as Sexy) is about Marina Lucchesi who finds out that Ronan Carlisle can help settle a score with Charlie Wakefield and get control of her family business back. Marina isn't sure if she's over her head in pretending to be Ronan's mistress.

This story of revenge takes on more as Marina falls in love with Ronan. We see both points of view although we delve further into Marina's feelings. We don't learn all of his secrets until we are almost done with the book.

I enjoyed watching Marina go from ugly duckling to gorgeous swan and that isn't what attracts Ronan to her. He saw the inner strength.

As with Harlequin Presents we get a "glimpse" of life of the rich and famous. This book is part of the "Mistress to a Millionaire" series.

3 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 18 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 2 HP(M&B Sexy), 4 M&B Sexy Sensation, 2 M&B Sweet, 1 M&B Medical, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 19

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -32

Seeing Stars by Kate Hardy

Seeing Stars by Kate Hardy follows Kerry Francis who is a pyrotechnics specialist and her sexy neighbor Adam Mc Rae, a ER doctor. Adam asks Kerry for a very big favor pretend to be his fiancee to lessen the stress on Adam's dad.

Both Kerry and Adam are don't want their "engagement" to interfer with their easy going friendship. Kerry gets a glimpse of a close knit family and Adam sees his friend in a new light. Can friendship grow into love? What happens when the rules change.

While Kerry thinks Adam is a shallow playboy, we see the caring that he has for his family come through with his fake engagement. Both characters want more but don't want to be the one to change the rules.

Fun read. I liked both characters with their flaws and insecurities. Hardy delivers another satisfying read.

4 out of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 17 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 4 M&B Sexy Sensation, 2 M&B Sweet, 1 M&B Medical, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 18

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -31

The French Doctor's Midwife Bride

The French Doctor's Midwife Bride by Fiona Lowe takes place in the coastal town of Amaroo where Charlotte runs the community midwife program through the local hospital. Xavier has come to the hospital and given the task of getting the hospital in fiscal shape. Unfortunately this means looking very closely at Charlie's baby - the community midwife program.

Both Xavier and Charlie agree that there can be no relationship between the two of them. Charlie works hard to show Xavier how important her program is to the community. Their work together brings out the chemistry but can Xavier and Charlie overcome their individual past histories with love.

We see a lovely slice of small community life along the coast. Can Xavier and Charlie work beyond their past? Another new author added to my list this month.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 17 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 3 M&B Sexy Sensation, 2 M&B Sweet, 1 M&B Medical, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 17

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -30

Falling for the Frenchman by Claire Baxter

Falling for the Frenchman by Claire Baxter is a contemporary that takes place in Barossa Valley in Australia. Beth needs to fight for her position in Lowland Wines when Pierre Laroche comes to look at her management for the winery's new owners, L'Alliance.

Pierre and Beth met when Beth was visiting Pierre's family vineyard in France years ago. They separated under hurt feelings on both sides. Now Pierre is trying to make Beth see that the new ideas would not be that bad while Beth doesn't want to compromise her father's ideals in how Lowland Wines is run.

This gentle romance is wonderfully told. We get a glimpse at the hardships in running a family own winery with a second chance romance in the making.

This is another new author for me who I will be keeping an eye out for her books and may look up some of her backlist.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 15 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 3 M&B Sexy Sensation, 2 M&B Sweet, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 16

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -29

Reunited: Marriage In A Million by Liz Fielding

Reunited: Marriage in a Million by Liz Fielding is part of a trilogy focusing on an unlikely trio of women brought together through their bike ride through the Himalayas for charity. We meet Belle who feels she if a trophy wife to Ivo. Belle returns from her adventure determined to take charge of her life and make some changes including ending her marriage.

Through Ivo's POV we see that he see Belle as changed from her experience and that he feels he must win her back. Both holding secrets on how they really feel, we watch them reconnect. It was enjoyable watching Belle find herself as she comes to terms about her past. This second chance romance has the twist that the two didn't realize that there was love at the beginning of their marriage.

This is my first book by Liz Fielding but it won't be my last.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 14 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 3 M&B Sexy Sensation, 1 M&B Sweet, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 15

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -28

Strictly Legal by Kate Hardy

Strictly Legal by Kate Hardy is a wonderful contemporary about a very unlikely couple. Leo Ballantyne is a lawyer (barrister) who wants to be QC (Queen's Counsel) and has no time to be involved with Rose with her bohemian lifestyle.

Both Rose and Leo agree there can be no future between the two of them because they are too different. While they may not see a future together, they have chemistry that neither of them can ignore. Still living under the stain of accusation of dealing with stolen property, Rose likes her life as a market stall seller of period clothing and part museum work. She doesn't want to become involved with a workaholic who is serious and stait-laced. Leo can't see Rose fitting in with his plans to move up the ladder but what Rose and Leo have together grows into love. The question is can love overcome their differences?

This was renamed Mistress on Trial when released as in the States. I'm not sure why the need to rename the book. I think the title Strictly Legal is better. Hardy has become an author who I now look for within the Harlequin lines.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 13 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 3 M&B Sexy Sensation, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 14

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -27

Cold Case Cop by Mary Burton

Cold Case Cop by Mary Burton is an interesting romantic suspense opening a cold case. Tara, a reporter, works with Alex who is one of the lead detectives to open the case of a socialite who disappeared on her wedding day.

Tara wants to look in the the disappearance of Kit on the day of her wedding. Lots of blood but no body or jewelry was found. Tara finds her reporter skills won't get her into Boston's elite places but Alex can. Unfortunately this fact puts Alex on the do not get involved list.

Alex and Tara were wonderful characters. I found myself very taken with Tara and her quest to find out what really happened. I enjoyed the mystery as well as the romance.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 12 (1 SE, 4 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 2 M&B Sexy Sensation, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 13

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -26

Purchased for Pleasure by Nicola Marsh

Purchased for Pleasure by Nicola Marsh is a wonderful contemporary that is about Kate Hayden who purchases Tyler James, a very sexy SEAL, for a week.

Tyler has a week to convince Kate that they can have a future together despite their past. While Kate's week with Tyler would ensure her promotion it could put her heart at risk. Tyler wants a week that will convince Kate they can have a forever.

This book as marketed as a Harlequin Presents in the States. Nicola is one of the Australian authors I've added to my list of authors to follow.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 11 (1 SE, 3 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 2 M&B Sexy Sensation, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 12

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -25

Top-Secret Bride by Nina Bruhns

Top-Secret Bride by Nina Bruhns continues the mystery haunting the Lazlo Group in the Mission: Impassioned continuity series. Lazlo Group agent DeWitt has immediate chemistry with Marina Bond.

Marina and DeWitt work inside the diamond trade to find more clues to who is killing Lazlo Group agents. I enjoyed Witt's determination to get close to Marina and find out how far their chemistry ran. Marina's assertion that she can handle the work by herself makes it very interesting as someone is aiming for one of them.

We learn that deception runs deep and the Lazlo Group continues to be the target. Bruhns writes a great romantic suspense and I continue to look forward to her next books. (Please note this book goes before Bulletproof Marriage - I blogged them backwards.)

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 10 (1 SE, 3 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 1M&B Sexy Sensation, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 11

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -24

Bulletproof Marriage by Karen Whiddon

Bulletproof Marriage by Karen Whiddon continues the series of the Lazlo Group. What happens when you husband returns to save you from danger and you thought he had died two years ago. Natalie has a problem does she work with her husband Sean who has been sent to save her or does she protect her heart and send him away.

Sean has secrets to keep and tried to protect Natalie but pulled out of seclusion it may be for naught when Natalie is entangled with the killer of Sean's family. The Lazlo Group takes yet another twist in their story to find out who is trying to take them down.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 9 (1 SE, 2 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 1M&B Sexy Sensation, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 10

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -23

The Stolen Princess by Anne Gracie

The Stolen Princess by Anne Gracie which is the start of her Devil Riders' series is a wonderful romance following Gabriel Renfrew, a younger son of an earl and former soldier, and Callie, a runaway princess.

Callie has run away from her deceased husband's country with their son Nicky. Someone in their court is out to kill Nicky and Callie flees to England. She is left on the coast to fend for them when Gabe finds her. Callie wants the freedom to make her own choices and does not want to fall in love. Gabe doesn't think he'll find love but is blindsided by Callie.

Anne has written a wonderful novel. Callie is a strong heroine who wants what is best for herself and Nicky. Historicals are not my normal fare but this book was picked out by my romance reading group. I tend to overlook this time period but Anne's writing has me rethinking my reading habits. I definitely want to follow Gabe's fellow Devil Riders in their stories.

4 out of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 8 (1 SE, 1 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 1M&B Sexy Sensation, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin - 1
Sub - Total - 9

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -22

Steam Bath by Suzanne Carey

Steam Bath by Suzanne Carey is the third story in the Summer Sizzlers and involves Mel and Joe dealing with the blackout in a very steamy office.

This blackout story has a tad more story before we get to the blackout. We follow Mel with her misadventure to go on a date with Joe that her friend won in an auction.

Fun story but no one I would have picked out if it wasn't included with the Linda Howard story. As I wrote when I blogged about Overload by Linda Howard, I debated if I should blog the three stories as one or as individual books.

3 out of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 8 (1 SE, 1 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 1M&B Sexy Sensation, 3 S)
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 8

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -21

Hot Copy by Carole Buck

Hot Copy by Carole Buck is the second story in the Summer Sizzlers. I loved the two major characters - Mitch Nelson, a news director, and Christy Kavanaugh, one of the news anchors. The pair have a past relationship that started with a blackout which makes for an interesting story.

We follow them through the blackout of the summer with their past history woven into the events. Christy needing her space and Mitch ready to commit to a future together. Was Christy ready to commit almost 20 years later or did she still have doubts?

This was the strongest of the three stories in the Summer Sizzler.

4 out of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 7 (1 SE, 1 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 1M&B Sexy Sensation, 2 S)
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 7

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total -20

Overload by Linda Howard

Overload by Linda Howard is part of a three book compilation, Summer Sizzles '93 (also published several other ways and separately.) The background is a widespread blackout that leaves Elizabeth Majors and Tom Quinlan alone in a locked office building. This gives Tom time to find out way Elizabeth ran from their relationship 6 months earlier.

Ninety-five percent of the book the focus is on Elizabeth and Tom with no other characters in the scene. Howard does a great job of following their story with POVs from both characters. While there is a hint of what Elizabeth is hiding in not wanting a relationship with Tom, when she tells her story you are sympathetic to her reasons for needing space.

I loved the bio that is included at the end of the story. That was as much fun to read as the book.

(I debated about blogging this as a book or part of a novella but I noticed that it has been sold as a solo book.)

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 6 (1 SE, 1 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 1M&B Sexy Sensation, 1 S)
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 6

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total - 19

One Night, One Baby by Kate Hardy

One Night, One Baby by Kate Hardy follows Jane who on a whim snaps a picture of a tall dark stranger, Mitch Holland. Jane spends the day and night with Mitch with no strings attached to make up for everyone forgetting her twenty-fifth birthday. While attraction sizzles between Jane and Mitch, they realize that they are very different. Jane wants stability while Mitch thrives on the chase.

Several weeks later Jane realizes that her day of fun has turned her life upside down with a baby. Now Jane and Mitch must see if their divergent lifestyles can mesh to become one. Mitch is hunted by echoes of a past pregnancy and regrets.

Jane's support group of her flatmates hadn't forgotten Jane's day but had a surprise party planned but the birthday girl never showed up. Following Mitch's struggle to deal with Jane's pregnancy was heart wrenching at times. Hardy did a fantastic job of letting us see both Jane's and Mitch's struggle to find happiness.

This was a delightful find. I picked this book up because of the backcover blurb and wasn't disappointed.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 5 (1 SE, 1 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy), 1M&B Sexy Sensation)
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 5

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total - 18

Expecting His Love-Child by Carol Marinelli

Expecting His Love-Child takes place in Melbourne and involves Millie who had a wonderful last night fling with Levander Kolovsky. There evening had the unexpected result of a baby and Millie returns to Melbourne to find herself the center of attention.

I picked up the book because it takes place in Melbourne and backcover blurb despite the title. Levander is an interesting complex character with a rough background growing up in Russia. He is now part of the elite in Melbourne when confronted with the headlines that Millie is expecting his child. Millie is a struggling artist who is very much out of her league dealing with the rich and famous.

While the plot held my attention, the descriptions were a tad too flowery for me. I felt Millie while an likable heroine a tad naive and way out her element to deal with such a powerful hero. I enjoyed the places that Marinelli had her characters visit.

2 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 4 (1 SE, 1 RS, 1 Blaze, 1 HP(M&B Sexy))
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 4

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total - 17

Just One Look by Joanne Rock

Just One Look follows Tabitha Everhart who works as a body double for commercials and television shows. Her calm days take a violent turn as she is staked by someone from her past. Enter Warren Vitalis, a ballistic expert for the police, who happened to be passing by Tabitha's apartment the night of her first attack.

It has been a few years since I last read a Blaze. I picked this up for a challenge on my JD Robb group to read a book with either a musical title or something dealing with music in the title. I purchased this book last year because the backcover blurb caught my eye.

I enjoyed the storyline and loved the depth of the book. Both Warren and Tabitha had secrets in their background that made their romance a twisted road to find happiness. As with the Blaze label there is a touch more "sizzle" than with plain Harlequin Romance. I will definitely look for other books by Joanne Rock in the future.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 3 (1 SE, 1 RS, 1 Blaze)
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 3

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total - 16

My Spy by Marie Ferrarella

My Spy by Marie Ferrarella is the continuing story of the Lazlo Group which was introduced with the miniseries Capturing the Crown and continues with Mission:Impassioned. This chapter focuses on Joshua Lazlo and his rescue of the Prime Minister's daughter, Prudence Hill who was kidnapped. Joshua.

Prudence is no shrinking violet and is in the process of free herself when Joshua arrives to rescue her. Their exploits back to London show Josh that the press is very wrong about Pru and Pru learns what makes her "Secret Agent Man" tick. I enjoyed their journey.

I accidentally read the second book in the series and did not realize it was a miniseries. Subsequently I've purchased the entire series. My Spy is the first book in the miniseries. Who is sabotaging the Lazlo Group and why will be uncovered in the miniseries.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 2 (1 SE, 1 RS)
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 2

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total - 15

Falling for the M.D. by Marie Ferrarella

Falling for the M.D. is the first book in the Wilder Family Continuity series. We meet Dr. Peter Wilder who must now fill the shoes that his father had at the Walnut River General Hospital and with his brother and sisters. Peter is convinced that a conglomerate taking over the hospital is not in its best interest while Bethany Holloway is determined that the take over is the right choice. Peter learns of his father's secret and hasn't decided if and how to tell his siblings the news.

While we learn about Bethany and her history, the focus is on Peter. The secondary story of the hospital takeover allows for an interesting look at healthcare while not having it overshadow the romance between Peter and Bethany.

Ferrarella does an excellent job in drawing the reader into the series and sets up the story focusing on Peter's sister, Ella.

4 of 5

February tally
Harlequins - 1 (1 SE)
Non- Harlequin -
Sub - Total - 1

January tally
Harlequins - 11
Non- Harlequin -2
Sub-Total - 13

Total - 14