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

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

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

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