Rebel on the Run by Jayne Rylon

Rebel on the Run by Jayne Rylon

Hot Rods, Book 4

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.(April 2014)

165 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.44)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Bryce "Rebel" has hidden his past from his Hot Rods family, afraid that they'd reject him if they found out the truth, but with the arrival of Kaelyn it becomes clear that the secret is out . . . he'd walked away from a life of privilege to save the girl he loved, but now that he has a second chance with Kae he doesn't plan to squander it. Great story of two people separated since their teens, getting back together and making up for lost time. I liked Kae's nonjudgemental, adventurous spirit and it was interesting to see Rebel struggle with reconciling his ideas about who he thought the girl he'd known was and who the woman in front of him was today. Great story and I'm really looking forward to Meep and Barracuda's story, I wish it was next, but I'm sure Swinger's will be good too (Swinger Style, due out June 2014)!

Nomad Kind of Love by Nicole Snow

Nomad Kind of Love by Nicole Snow

Prairie Devils MC, Book 2

Publisher: Ice Lips Press (April 2014)

180 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

June's entire life has been ruined by the Grizzlies MC, and unfortunately it isn't over yet because she is still under their thumb, the reluctant star of their strip club . . . that is until she's taken one night by another MC as collateral for a truce, and begins to realize that she has been rescued from the dark life she'd known. Maverick and his MC brothers are ferocious, gritty men that mean business, but his romance with June was both passionate and sweet, revealing a soft side to the man in charge of the small Nomads chapter. The men in this story aren't shy about being violent, and there are some graphic depictions of it, especially the unapologetic realization of vengeance (as was true in the first book in the series), but I think the optimistic and inevitable nature of the romance layered on top of it is a good offset and a really engaging contrast. I like how there are very few real problems between Maverick and June as they are starting their relationship, most of the conflict and drama come from outside forces, and I thought that was a refreshing setup for the story. Great Read!

A Southern Master by Powerone

A Southern Master by Powerone

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (April 2014)

169 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Baily and Savannah have been away attending college in Europe, but when they return home both sisters find many eager suitors vying for their attention . . . too bad Garrett, the man Savannah's always had a crush on, has his eye on Baily. I'm not sure why (maybe because of the title or perhaps the cover art), but for some reason I was expecting a historical novel. However, this is a contemporary story about southern blue blood socialites from Charleston. Both women are extremely sought after upon their return from school, but Savannah still feels she's living in her sister's shadow at times, while Garrett is struggling to find a woman from among his social peers that can accommodate his unique sexual tastes. This story includes dicey home intruder role-playing and dubious consent scenarios that may be off-putting for some readers.  An interesting combination of wining and dining, sexual sampling and a search for a compatible life partner.

Halcyon Rising by Diana Bold

Halcyon Rising by Diana Bold

Publisher: Diana Bold (November 2011)

350 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Rhoswen and Trevelan have been sent to the surface from their underwater city to assess the old caves in case they are needed in future as a refuge, but before they can complete their mission Rhoswen is captured by surface dwellers and thrown in the castle dungeon of Hawkesmere . . . luckily her strange gadgets intrigue the Lord of the castle's recluse brother, Sebastian, his time in captivity during the crusades making him a much more gentle captor and interrogator. I loved this story! The combination of the myth of Altantis with the myth of Selkies and Fey was awesome, everything combined in just the right way so that it seemed completely logical, given the medieval time period. The differences in culture, the threat of Sebastian's brother Simon, Sebastian's dark past, and the time spent in the isolated refuge of Sebastian's tower combined for a very potent love story that was riveting to say the least. Great Read!

One Last Chance by Emma Connor

One Last Chance by Emma Connor

Last Chance Brides Series, Book 1

Publisher: Eve Paludan Books (March 2014)

106 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Charlotte had been devastated when her fiancé, Logan, left her without explanation just before their planned wedding, and it had taken many years to muster up the will to rally again, but the advertisement seeking 22 brides for a town in Washington caught her eye giving her hope . . . that is until she saw that the man conducting the interviews was Logan. Nothing like a long sea voyage to give people plenty of time to make up for a big mistake. Sweet romance, as Logan and Charlotte rehash the past, then attempt to get to know each other once again after their long separation. I can't wait for the next book, Chance of a Lifetime, with Josh and Hannah's story!

Forget Me Not by Diana Bold

Forget Me Not by Diana Bold

Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC (March 2012)

55 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Susannah is heavily pregnant and abandoned by her husband who was subsequently killed, so finding the handsome man with amnesia on her land, she nurses his head wound and out of desperation doesn't correct his assumption that he is her husband, especially after he helps to deliver what he thinks is his child. Sweet story of a strange situation developing into something beautiful, even if was unintended. Even the best intentions can wilt under pressure and with too much delay in the telling, so I found Susannah a very engaging character, even though some of her actions were questionable. Josh was a sweet man, trying to make the best of the situation given him. Great short read!

Briony's Soldiers by Diana Bold

Briony's Soldiers by Diana Bold

Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC (March 2012)

51 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Heath and Morgan had both been in love with Briony since they were children, and she'd never really been able to choose between them, then they went off to war and became lovers themselves, so what would that mean for the three of them when they returned home to Briony? Despite its short length, this civil war era romance story really delves into the potential problems of a menage relationship in that time period, and the difficulty of finding a solution to satisfy everyone's feelings without short-changing someone. The characters were great and I liked that there were varying degrees of affection between the three of them, something that I thought made the story feel more real. Great read!

Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills

Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills

Nebraska Legacy Series, Book 4

Publisher: Barbour Books (March 2013)

176 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Upon learning of his son's wish to marry, the local pastor follows his urging to find a bride for him and asks Audra to consider the proposition of heading west to marry his son, Chris, who is also a pastor. But once she arrives she finds the situation between Chris and his twin brother, Caleb, is muddy and troubling, one of them an outlaw and she's not sure which it is. As the good brother, Caleb, was a wonderful hero and there wasn't really anything not to like about him, so of course he deserved to get the girl, but more than once I wished the few encouraging glimpses of Chris could have transformed into him being the hero in the story who got the girl (not that I'd want Caleb to suffer or not get his girl, for he truly deserved happiness), and I just wish the conclusion had been a little less black and white. But, as it was set up, I was glad of the bit of hope for Chris in the end and I enjoyed the investigating and adventure as everyone scrambled about trying to figure out what to do in the impossible situation. Engaging Read!

Temporary Husband by DiAnn Mills

Temporary Husband by DiAnn Mills

Nebraska Legacy Series, Book 2

Publisher: Barbour Books (January 2013)

176 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Following a couple secondary characters from the first book in this series, Nettie has been put in jail for making a fuss in the saloon preaching about temperance and Riley's been put in jail for returning to town after being kicked out for fighting and drunkenness even though he's changed his ways, and the only way they can get out is to marry each other. Maybe it was just me, but the thought processes and the dialogue shared between the characters in this story were so fervently religious that it was comical. I don't have any problem with people being devout, but speaking and/or thinking about it so profusely, grates on me a bit, because it seems pretentious and preachy. After a while I thought of it as, perhaps, the way people of that historical time period might have spoken, and (wishful thinking, or not) that helped me to refocus on the story in general. I liked the idea of unlikely events bringing people together, the idea of feeling drawn to do something even though it doesn't make any logical sense, and the idea that one person or one conversation can make a big impact on someone's life. Good read!

Mail-Order Husband by DiAnn Mills

Mail-Order Husband by DiAnn Mills

Nebraska Legacy Series, Book 1

Publisher: Barbour Books (August 2013)

176 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

With no good prospects in town and work piling up on the farm, the death of her husband leads Lena to advertise for a mail-order husband, and Gabe responds looking forward to a chance to have a family he wouldn't get a chance to have otherwise and a chance to take on a new adventure and make a new life. Lena quickly finds out Gabe is woefully unqualified to be a farmer, but he was such a sweet man and wanted so badly to learn and work hard, that I really liked him from the start. Lena had her boisterous moments, but she made things interesting. The only things I didn't care for was Lena getting on Gabe about his excellent vocabulary (a virtue, not a fault), and some of the dialogue was overly religious for my taste. If you are uncomfortable with unapologetic religious zeal, the way this story is written may bother you, but aside from that, the way in which the characters work through jealousy, anger, and insecurity was really great, and I liked the focus on trying not to worry about things. Good Read!

The Cowgirl's Husband by Christy Chapel

The Cowgirl's Husband by Christy Chapel

Publisher: Christy Chapel (March 2014)

84 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Samantha had always been treated as a second son, doing the ranch work alongside her father and brother, but now they are dead, she is having problems with the foreman and hopes a mail-order husband will be good for the ranch and give her an opportunity to experience some of the feminine things she had missed out on growing up. Sweet novella about a ranch hand fulfilling a dream of having his own ranch and a tomboy getting a taste of the girlie things she'd never had. Samantha and Rhett were great together and it was a nice story about the ups and downs in their relationship as they got to know one another.

Mail Order Bride: Rescued by the Sheriff by Christy Chapel

Mail Order Bride: Rescued by the Sheriff by Christy Chapel

Publisher: Christy Chapel (January 2014)

50 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Leila is regretting her decision to be a mail order bride when she is arrested by the sheriff along with her new husband, just minutes after they are married, but it turns out the marriage wasn't legal, so she has a chance for a fresh start in a new place. Blake, the sheriff, is sweet on Leila, but will he get up the courage to tell her before some other man walks off with her. Sweet story of a man interested in a woman, but scared to make a move. Blake's mother's meddling was entertaining along the way, and it was a good, short read.

The Widow's First Love by Christy Chapel

The Widow's First Love by Christy Chapel

Publisher: Christy Chapel (January 2014)

34 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Tabitha's first marriage was merely a partnership, so now that she is widowed and needing another helpmate to tend the farm, she decides getting a mail-order husband is the answer, not expecting a love match, but once she meets Caleb, she finds herself hoping for more. Loved this story! There isn't much conflict or turmoil, and this short novella is like a nice daydream about a wonderful man coming to commit to share his life with the woman he's just met. Loved it! I'm looking forward to the Courage and Cowboys series coming out in May 2014!

Mary Beth's Mail Order Cowboy by Christy Chapel

Mary Beth's Mail Order Cowboy by Christy Chapel

Publisher: Christy Chapel (February 2014)

73 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Mary Beth is desperate to get away from her abusive step-father, so she places an ad for a mail-order husband, and one day, just in the nick of time, Wes shows up to rescue her and take her away to a better life. Once Mary Beth is away from her ugly past, this story is fairy tale happy for the most part, with very little conflict, and I really liked that. It is a feel good, sweet romance that lets you just dream about how good it could be, without taking you down along the way. Great novella!

A Husband for Hannah by Cia Leah

A Husband for Hannah by Cia Leah

Publisher: Cia Leah (April 2013)

56 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Born without her pinkie fingers, Hannah, didn't think she'd ever marry, but her uncles wanted to make sure she wasn't left alone when they passed, so they sent for a mail-order husband for her, a man with a son that had a limp. Justin was a great protective hero, more than willing to step right in and shelter Hannah when she needed it, but content to back off and let her spunk shine as well. Justin's son Joey was so sweet and I loved the bits about him and the little puppy. The evil neighbor provides some conflict in the story, but for the most part it is an easy-going, sweet short read.

Mail-Order Husband: The Millionaire's Debt by Rebecca Tilley

Mail-Order Husband: The Millionaire's Debt by Rebecca Tilley

Publisher: Rebecca Tilley (December 2013)

37 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Daphne is in a hole dug by her deceased husband, and thinks the only way out is taking a mail-order husband who can pay off her debt. Micah was a knight in shining armor come to rescue her, but the bankers' tricks derailed her plans. Micah was a sweet man and I liked the way he took charge from the start, making sure things were done right. I'm not sure I would have stayed after Daphne's childish and misdirected tantrum, Micah's first morning in town, but it was good to see his determination and that he wouldn't be put off so easily. The surprise ending was a bit predictable and unrealistic. Fun, short read!

Mail Order Husband by Sarah Cahill

Mail Order Husband by Sarah Cahill

Publisher: Cahill & Bates Publishing (November 2013)

35 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Fulfilling a promise to her grandmother made before her death, Amanda placed an ad for a mail order husband, and John answered, looking to move on after the death of his wife. Cute short story about a couple getting more than the marriage of convenience they expected. Pleasant read!

Growing in Love with Her Mail-Order Husband by Mandy Wilson

Growing in Love with Her Mail-Order Husband by Mandy Wilson

Publisher: Mandy Wilson (July 2013)

26 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

After losing her husband to a tragic accident, Maggie stands to lose the farm as well, unless she gets some help with the workload, so she decides to get a mail-order husband, offering a marriage of convenience and companionship which is exactly what widower, Matthew, is looking for, but both may just get more than they ever dreamed. Very sweet, innocent romance couched in a devoutly Christian way, with each new part of the relationship prefaced by a bible quotation. Some of the dialogue was overly religious for me, but I liked the focus and commitment on both sides to developing a partnership and the way in which Maggie and Matthew's relationship grew. Nice short read!

Kiowa Husband by DiAnn Mills

Kiowa Husband by DiAnn Mills

Nebraska Legacy Series, Book 3

Publisher: Barbour Books (June 2012)

176 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Sarah Jane is on her way to Oregon when her parents fall ill and aren't allowed to continue with the wagon train, the Native American raised white scout, Painted Hands, is the only one willing to stay behind with her, but they are forced to marry before being left on their own. This novella is heavily laced with Christianity and includes things like speaking in tongues and other miracles. The discussion of religion, faith and God is pervasive throughout the story, so be forewarned if that isn't to your liking. This is a sweet romance about a couple thrown together to suffer the hardships of the trail west, but more than that it is a story about strength, courage and faith, the different ways people deal with hardship, and the mindset it takes to see things through. The characters struggles with self-improvement and keeping hope in the face of hardship were inspiring.

Mail Order Husband by Lauri Robinson

Mail Order Husband by Lauri Robinson

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (July 2007)

248 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

Since her father's death, Penny's been plagued by troubles on the ranch and sinister characters have been lurking about, and though she doesn't like the idea much, she feels she has no choice but to send for a mail order husband, dreaming of a knight in shining armor coming to right all her problems, despite her professed pessimism regarding the scheme. Penny and Jace were such engaging characters, making great equal partners when it was called for, but also falling easily into the more traditional roles of meek woman and strong, protective man at other times, and it was fascinating to see the movement back and forth between the two. The mistaken assumptions on both sides throughout the story became frustrating and by the end it was heartbreaking to see the characters following through with noble actions that neither of them wanted. I'm glad it all worked out in the end, but I wish things could have been resolved a bit sooner. The humorous bits sprinkled throughout the story were great!

A Wife for Big John by Lauri Robinson

A Wife for Big John by Lauri Robinson

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (February 2008)

240 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Big John isn't overly pleased to find the cook he'd hired, through correspondence before leaving for a big river lumber drive, is in fact a woman, but he can't bring himself to let her go either; meanwhile Dani is struggling with her feelings about her absentee fiancé and her unsettling new boss. I really liked this story! John's never considered marrying, but he can't help noticing the intriguing ways in which Dani is unlike any woman he's ever known, and it's fun to watch it slowly dawn on him how much she means to him. Dani is stuck between an idea she's held so long it is hard to change, and a new awareness that is awakening within her. This story contains period appropriate Christian overtones, but I wouldn't describe it as preachy, and it also contains some very limited swearing, which I also thought was in keeping with the tone. This is such a sweet, innocent romance, despite John and Dani sharing a house for most of the book, and I really appreciated the slow pace of the development of their relationship. Great Read!

Adversaries’ Love by Ann Grech

Adversaries’ Love by Ann Grech

The Adversaries Series, Book 3

Publisher: Ann Grech (March 2014)

295 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

With all that Nick and Emma have been through together in their whirlwind relationship in the first two books in this series, they aren't quite through with the hard stuff as they plan their wedding and hit a few more bumps in the road along the way. There is enough background given in this, that I think you could read this book as a standalone, but it would definitely be more enjoyable if you had read the two previous books (Adversaries' Lust and Adversaries' Pain) and had all that background information. Nick's romantic schemes are brought to a whole new level in this book . . . the creative things he comes up with over the course of the series could almost be a guidebook to spicing up your love life. Emma's drama got a little out of control at one point and I was frustrated that she was blowing things so out of proportion, but luckily she came around. Great ending to a great love story! I look forward to reading Katy, Levi & Connor's story in Delectable, and Mike & Robyn's story in Delicious! I hope to see them out soon! Great Series!

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble

Love Across the Sea Series, Book 1

Companion Novella to Butterfly Palace

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 2014)

58 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Escaping a threat back home, Elli flees Finland hoping to find safety and a new life as a mail-order bride with her new husband, Nathan, but the trouble follows her, and she and Nathan most work as a team to sort it all out. Nice short story that continues with the characters from the Butterfly Palace. If you enjoyed that book, you'll like this story. This was originally intended to be the first book in the Love Across the Sea series about four mail-order brides . . . Is it still? Not sure, now that it has been modified to accompany the Butterfly Palace. More brides of The Baltic to come? We'll have to wait and see. Lovely novella!

Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble

Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 2014)

332 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Lily had been blessed in life, until the night her father was killed in a fire and her fiancé abandoned her, and now with her mother deceased, Lily is forced to support herself by taking a position as a maid in a large house in Austin, surprised to see her ex-fiancé as a dinner guest her first night there. Mysteries abound in this story. I would categorize this as Christian "Lite"—there is some mention of God and Christian values, but not in a heavy-handed sort of way, and the characters are seen to struggle with desire and holding to strict values (a quality I thought more realistic than some books that seem to gloss over such things or hope to impress that such struggles do not impact good Christian people). There were three mystery storylines intertwined throughout the book, and I liked how Lily and Drew's work together in trying to solve the mysteries brought them together, while giving them something to distract them from their romance and uncertain future. I found the relationship between Lily and her mistress, Miss Belle, interesting. Belle grew so much in the course of this story, from a spoiled rich girl to so much more and I wish we could have found out what happened to her in the end. This book is followed by a Companion Novella, Bluebonnet Bride, about Nathan White (Jane's brother).

“‘As long as we’re living, we’ll face adversity. God is never finished refining us. But at least we can face what comes together. Our wings may get a little tattered, but I won’t leave you if you won’t leave me.’” -Colleen Coble, Butterfly Palace