The Luna Moth by Melissa Harlow

The Luna Moth by Melissa Harlow

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (October 2010)

114 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.79)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

This is such a beautiful story! Cole had spent a life being pigeon-holed and looked down upon and Regina was down on her luck and going through a rough time. This story shows that just because everyone else says it or believes it doesn’t make it true and sometimes it just takes the right person to make a big difference in someone’s life.

Prairie Bride by Julianne MacLean

Prairie Bride by Julianne MacLean

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (June 2011)

298 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 2 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

Sarah is a mail-order bride looking to escape a scandalous past in the east and hoping for a fresh start. Briggs is a jilted farmer with a huge chip on his shoulder hoping to avoid further emotional entanglement by marrying a woman he doesn’t know. All of the secrets, deceptions and a general failure to communicate between these two characters made this a hard story to enjoy. This story was full of heartache, most of which could have been avoided by simple honesty much earlier in the story than it occurred. Living on the prairie in a sod house, produces trials enough, and watching them work together to get through those hardships, was by far the best part of this story. The ending was nice, but I felt like you had to wade through quite a bit to get there.

The Marshal and Mrs. O'Malley by Julianne MacLean

The Marshal and Mrs. O'Malley by Julianne MacLean

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (June 2011)

304 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

After her husband’s murder Jo O’Malley sees no other way to get justice then to take the law into her own hands and, as it happens, Marshal Fletcher Collins shows up just in time to stop her and suggest a different course. I was frustrated by both these characters throughout most of the book. Jo is determinedly secretive for longer than she needed to be, in my opinion, and Fletcher is rigidly idealistic, in a ludicrous attempt to ignore his grief about his father. Things were so much more complicated than they needed to be, but I cannot deny that the characters were very complex and their complexities, though frustrating, were not unrealistic. I did enjoy watching them as they unravelled the mystery of Edwyn O’Malley’s death together, and there were more than a few funny moments that I also enjoyed.

Seduced by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Seduced by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Highlander Trilogy, Book 3

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks (October 2011)

348 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Lachlan is determined to find Raonaid, the woman who cursed him, and do anything in his power to get her to remove the curse. When he finally tracks her down, not only does she claim to be someone else named Catherine, but she also claims to be suffering from amnesia. The chemistry between Lachlan and Catherine is great and their relationship is interesting to see unfold, especially in light of his strong dislike for Raonaid. I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Catherine and her lost years. Lachlan’s growth as a character was great. Wonderful story!

Claimed by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Claimed by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Highlander Trilogy, Book 2

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks (March 2011)

348 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Upon finding out that his father has been killed and his childhood home, Kinloch Castle, has been seized, Angus “The Lion” MacDonald returns to take back his home from the MacEwens and claims Gwendolen MacEwen, daughter of the former laird, for his bride in the process. A seemingly harsh, unfeeling warrior, The Lion is slow to trust, quick to doubt and displays warmth or affection only sparingly. Gwendolen is determined to do what is right for her clan and slowly comes to the realization that it is pointless to continue to fight him, because Angus also has the clan’s best interests at heart. I felt bad for Gwendolen, who was trying so hard and at every turn was met with doubt, suspicion and emotional distance, but I do feel it was an understandable reaction, given Angus’s harsh, tragic past. I look forward to reading the last book in this series, Seduced by the Highlander.

Captured by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Captured by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean

Highlander Trilogy, Book 1

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks (March 2011)

333 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

The infamous Butcher of the Highlands sets out to exact his vengeance by killing the man who was responsible for the rape and murder of his intended, only to find Amelia under his axe by mistake. Unsure of how to proceed, The Butcher kidnaps her buying himself some time to mull over his change in plans. Amelia comes to know her captor as Duncan MacLean, a complicated man who is much more than just a cold-blooded killer. Duncan helps her to let go of her naive beliefs and show her that the world cannot be so neatly divided into black and white. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Claimed by the Highlander.

The Rebel by Julianne MacLean

The Rebel by Julianne MacLean

Highlander Trilogy, Prequel

Publisher: Julianne MacLean (January 2011)

43 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

As the battle winds down Alex MacLean finds himself facing a redcoat, who he finds out too late is in fact a woman. Alex helps Elizabeth off the battlefield and to sort out her misdirected grief and pledges to escort her to her only living relative, an uncle who owns a bookshop in Edinburgh. Though this is a short story, I felt the connection between Alex and Elizabeth, even after so short an acquaintance, was mesmerizing. I look forward to reading the series.

Laiden’s Daughter by Suzan Tisdale

Laiden’s Daughter by Suzan Tisdale

The Clan MacDougall Series, Book 1

Publisher: Suzan Tisdale (December 2011)

227 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Aishlinn was wonderfully strong and courageous and after settling into the safety of her new home with Duncan’s help, the timid young lady unleashed the passionate lady warrior within as the mystery of her birth slowly unraveled. Though her lapse in judgment near the end was a bit frustrating, I did feel, considering her overall naiveté, that it was in character and therefore could not find fault with it. The battle scene was great! I enjoyed the interaction between Duncan and his men and Aishlinn throughout the book. Groups of close-knit men are always good for comedic relief. I look forward to the next book in this series, Findley’s Lass, and hope that more will follow. I’d be especially interested to read more about Black Richard and Wee William, perhaps even Bree or Caelen McDunnah.

Come the Spring by Julie Garwood

Come the Spring by Julie Garwood

Claybornes of Rosehill Series, Book 3

Publisher: Atria Books (August 2010)

388 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Cole’s finally caught up to Marshal Daniel Ryan and gotten his golden compass back, only to be made a Marshal himself against his will and drawn into Ryan’s search for a band of bank robbers known as the Blackwater Gang. The confusion over which of the three women was the real witness to the robbery was comical at times. I thought the mystery was a bit predictable, but enjoyable all the same, and the story reminded me a bit of the Buchanan-Renard Series, which features Cole’s descendant, Noah Clayborne. The two couples, Cole and Jessica as well as Daniel and Grace, had great chemistry and it was fun to watch them get to know each other. Definitely my favorite book of the series!

The Clayborne Brides by Julie Garwood

The Clayborne Brides by Julie Garwood

Claybornes of Rosehill Series, Book 2

Publisher: Pocket Star (August 2010)

468 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

One Pink Rose

As a favor to Mama Rose,Travis is to escort mail-order bride, Emily, to her unknown groom. I love traveling romances. They can’t get away from each other, no matter what they do and the time together invariably forces a fast intimacy. The chemistry between Travis and Emily was great, and though we didn’t get to see much of the rest of the family in this one, we did meet some new characters that were just as good.

One White Rose

Douglas goes to pick up a horse he bought and finds widow Isabel alone, ready to give birth and in dire need of help. Isabel and Douglas were great together and I especially enjoyed the interaction between Douglas and Isabel’s newborn son, Parker. Douglas’s internal dialogue regarding his feelings toward Isabel’s departed husband was also interesting and comical at times. By the end of the story my patience with Douglas was wearing thin, but the ending was great and I felt he redeemed himself.

One Red Rose

There was mention at the end of For the Roses of Mama Rose bringing a bride home for Adam, but there was a delay and it took Genevieve all this while to finally show up, and even then she brought trouble with her. Genevieve took quiet, reserved Adam and led him on an adventure from the very beginning, though he was unwilling to participate at first, and she didn’t much care for him coming along.  It was interesting to see more of Adam, who is normally so quiet and kept more in the background. The mystery with Marshal Ryan and the golden compass continues, and hopefully it will be put to rest in the following book, as part of Cole’s story.

I look forward to reading the last book in this series, Come the Spring, about the last and my most favorite Clayborne brother, Cole.

For the Roses by Julie Garwood

For the Roses by Julie Garwood

Claybornes of Rosehill Series, Book 1

Publisher: Dutton Adult (May 2011)

580 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

With a bit of England, a bit of the West and a bit of the harsh big city, this story brings together a lot of Garwood’s best settings, and throws in the topics of slavery and prejudice as well. The four wonderful young men who became Mary Rose’s brothers (Adam, Douglas, Cole and Travis) were courageous, honorable and each uniquely individual. Their interaction with Harrison was great and at times comedic. I loved Mary Rose. Even in the face of pressure, she never forgot who she really was and what was important to her. I loved that Harrison’s devotion to her never wavered, he was truly a rock. I must say there were a lot of editorial errors in this edition. I look forward to reading about three of Mary Rose’s four brothers in the next book in this series, The Clayborne Brides (a collection of three short stories).

Nailed to the Wall by Jayne Rylon

Nailed to the Wall by Jayne Rylon

Powertools, Book 5

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (May 2012)

119 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $3.60)

Book Rating: 2 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

I really like this series, but I didn't care for this story much. It had lots of sex, but not much plot. The few story lines that were incorporated didn't really feel congruent. It bounced back and forth between couples' intimacy to group sex, without enough to tie it together. There were some potentially serious issues introduced here, but they seemed to be glossed over for the most part with more sex. The sex was so pervasive, I even found myself becoming bored with it. I hope the next story is better and I'm looking forward to reading, Hammer it Home.

Devon’s Pair by Jayne Rylon

Devon’s Pair by Jayne Rylon

Powertools, Book 4

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (January 2012)

85 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.62)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

James is by far my favorite character in this series. I wish he hadn't had to suffer through so much in this one. This book has changes beginning throughout the group, happening simultaneously with the changes between Neil and James. I loved Devon from the start and felt she had wonderful chemistry with both Neil and James. I look forward to the next book in this series, Nailed to the Wall.

Kayla's Gift by Jayne Rylon

Kayla's Gift by Jayne Rylon

Powertools, Book 3

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (May 2011)

72 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.10)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

After their truck stalls, Kayla offers Dave, Neil and James a place to stay while the blizzard blows over. It gives Dave an excuse to be with the woman he has developed more than a passing interest in. I think I would have liked Kayla and Dave together a lot more if Kayla hadn’t had such a huge chip on her shoulder. I was glad the difficulties were smoothed out without stringing it out too long. I look forward to reading  Neil and James’s story in Devon’s Pair.

Morgan's Surprise by Jayne Rylon

Morgan's Surprise by Jayne Rylon

Powertools, Book 2

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (January 2011)

63 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.10)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

With Mike and Kate removed from action, Kate’s friend Morgan expresses interest in Joe and the remaining crew members. After learning a painful lesson in a previous relationship, Joe is just the person to heal Morgan’s insecurities and give her back her playfulness. Once again the guys were all great, and it was good to get to know Joe a little better. I look forward to reading  Dave’s story in Kayla’s Gift.

Kate's Crew by Jayne Rylon

Kate's Crew by Jayne Rylon

Powertools, Book 1

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (February 2010)

51 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.10)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

A slight accident propels Kate into admitting her feelings for Mike, as well as his four crew members. This story more than any other forced me to see the varying degrees of attraction and possibility. All five guys were such warm, open-minded people, you can't help but love them. I look forward to reading about the rest of the crew in this series!

Tempted by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Tempted by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

MacKinloch Clan Series, Book 3

Publisher: Harlequin Historical (July 2012)

282 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.61)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Callum is an intriguing, mysterious character, due to his inability to talk as a result of his troubled past. Marguerite is the only one who can get through to him. It is beautiful to watch all the conversations between these two wonderful characters where touch is the main mode of communication. I wish Marguerite would have gotten a backbone a little earlier in the book, but the story was enjoyable nonetheless. I hope this series continues with Dougal's story!