Breakaway
Author: Deirdre Martin
Publisher: Penguin Group/Berkley
Pub. Date: February 7, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0425243688
Pages: 432
Digital Price: $7.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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They had it all planned out: college, marriage, happily ever after. But it didn’t quite work out that way…

Erin O’Brien was everyone’s favorite in Ballycraig, while Rory Brady was the town’s golden boy: the local lad who moved to America and because a professional hockey player. Rory promised to return to sweep Erin away to the life of her dreams in New York. But the bright lights and late nights turned his head and he never came back.

Two years later, Rory realizes he’s made the worst mistake of his life. Heading back to Ballycraig, he’s confident that all he needs to do is flash his winning smile and Erin will fall back into his arms. But Erin’s moved on.

Racing the clock, Rory needs to prove to her that the man she fell in love with is still there. But can happy-go-lucky Erik risk it all and give another chance to the man who broke her heart?

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REVIEW

Breakaway is a romance about second chances. Erin and Rory were once the “it” couple and had their future all planned. Then everything fell apart and Rory broke Erin’s heart. She has moved on and has found her own path in life. Now Rory is back and Erin’s world is once again turned upside down by the sexy Irish hockey star.

This story worked for me on some levels and didn’t on others.

The things that worked:

I loved Erin. She has been hurt and she let it get her down for a while, but now she is back and better than ever. She is moving forward no matter what anyone says. I love how she doesn’t cave to Rory like everyone expects her to. She makes him work to get back into her good graces.

I loved the community that surrounds Erin. The people in her town are there for her 100%. They don’t want her to be hurt by Rory again and aren’t going to give him a chance.

I loved Erin’s best friend, Sandra. She knows what Erin needs and wants almost more than Erin does. She makes sure that Rory gets the opportunity to be around Erin and work toward patching things up with her.

The writing is fantastic. Deidre Martin is one of my top ten contemporary writers and I love the way she tells a story.

What didn’t work for me:

The story seemed to go on and on. After the HEA is achieved there are several “misunderstandings” that felt as if they were just for the sake of prolonging the book and adding words. I would have liked the story more if it had ended without the silliness.

I also didn’t like Rory much. He dumps Erin because of his ego. He doesn’t need his hometown girlfriend now that he is a big shot hockey player in New York. I didn’t feel that he had really changed enough to realistically be back in Erin’s life. He still thinks he’s God’s gift when he comes back to Ireland. I didn’t see any growth in the character.

As an addition to the NY Blades series I found this book lacking. There wasn’t the interaction with the hockey team until the end of the story and it just felt as if the vibe from the first books in the series wasn’t there.

Rating: 2.5 (Fair)

Heat-Level: 3 (Sensual)

Reviewed by Carrie

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A SECRET IN HER KISS by Anna Randol

JCP

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MY WICKED LITTLE LIES by Victoria Alexander

CANDICE ROYER

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SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS by Jennifer Haymore

MOLLY

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Secrets of an Accidental Duchess
Author: Jennifer Haymore
Publisher: Grand Central/Forever
Pub. Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0446573153
Pages: 432
Digital Price: $7.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess…

It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn’t resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he’d fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.

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REVIEW

Secrets of an Accidental Duchess is a sweet and romantic story.

I loved the couple in this book. Their romance is sweet and one of the best I’ve read in a while.

Max is instantly mesmerized by the beautiful Olivia when he spies her at a ball. He will do whatever necessary to meet her. In a moment of distraction he makes a wager with his rival that he can seduce the elusive beauty.

Olivia longs to be treated like a normal woman, but due to a childhood illness that left her prone to fevers, she is treated like a fragile flower. She has sworn never to marry, but when she meets Max everything changes.

Their relationship progresses at a slow pace. They spend actual time together – playing tennis, going for walks, etc. – which is actually kind of rare in historical romances. The attraction builds and there is a lot of sexual tension between the couple.

Max gains his title and all hell breaks loose. His enemy comes after him and Olivia, setting out to destroy the relationship that has developed between them. The test will be if Max and Olivia are willing to fight for their love.

The writing is what you would expect from a Jennifer Haymore novel. It flows seamlessly and keeps the reader enthralled in the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series – Pleasures of a Tempted Lady out in July 2012.

Rating: 4.5 (Excellent)

Heat-Level: 3.5 (Sensual/Hot)

Reviewed by Carrie

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My Wicked Little Lies
Author: Victoria Alexander
Publisher: Kensington
Pub. Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1420117066
Pages: 352
Digital Price: $4.96
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all—a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. No one, including the man she married, suspects that she was once “Eve,” a spy for England’s most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss “Sir” prove too tempting…

Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentleman. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love…

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REVIEW

“…but at the length truth will out.” – William Shakespeare

Evelyn Turner Hadley-Attwater, Countess of Waterson, has the perfect life. She is in love with her husband Adrian, his family and her responsibilities as a Countess. Since Evelyn’s parents died when she was young, leaving her to the care of a distant relative, Evelyn finds herself content in her settled and “normal” life. Normal life is appealing to Evelyn, who has a past full of secrets that threaten her marriage and life as she knows it, should her husband ever uncover the truth. Little does she know, he knows more than she knows, he knows.

Adrian Hadley-Attwater, Earl of Waterson has become slightly anxious since leaving his rogue lifestyle and assuming the position of Earl after his brother’s death. Adrian, who married the love of his life, has noticed Evelyn’s recent change in manner and is determined to find out what is causing her distraction and inattentiveness. Convinced his wife is having an affair; Adrian continues to search for the truth, only to uncover hidden secrets of the past that could ruin life as he knows it.

My Wicked Little Lies is a deliciously original story that kept me turning the pages in order to discover the truth of the past. The novel focuses on Adrian and Evelyn’s marriage and the lies of omission that are festering beneath the surface of their relationship. Both characters are extremely likeable, well developed and interesting, to say the least. The heat between these characters is evident without the in depth love scenes or spicy content. In fact, the first sexual scene is not revealed until the last half of the book. This enables the reader to feel the sexual tension and desire between the two characters before actually reading about their steamy interactions.

While I had this book figured out for the most part, I was still sitting on the “edge of my seat” waiting for the climax and, surprisingly, discovering it more than once. The author threw in a nice surprise near the end that I enjoyed and didn’t expect. Victoria Alexander has written an exciting and original historical romance that holds mystery, suspense and secrets that are sure to entice most every reader. I highly suggest reading this book. When you finish, come back and comment on this post. I’m itching to discuss the book!

Rating: 4.5 (Excellent)

Heat-Level: 3 (Sensual)

Reviewed by Tiffany

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A Secret in Her Kiss
Author: Anna Randol
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: January 31, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0062025807
Pages: 384
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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SHE WOULD GLADLY RELINQUISH HER LIFE OF INTRIGUE…

A rare beauty, raised in the exotic heart of the mysterious East, Mari Sinclair knows it’s time to end her career as a British spy when she narrowly avoids a brush with death. Unfortunately, there are those who think otherwise – and they are not above using blackmail to keep Mari in the game.

Saddled with a handsome, duty-obsessed “minder” to ensure that she completes – and survives – one last mission, Mari is incensed…for her guardian, Major Bennett Prestwood is simply too dedicated, too unbending, and too disarmingly attractive. But in the face of dark secrets and deadly treacheries, as the true peril to Mari is slowly revealed, loyal soldier Bennett realizes that to save and win this extraordinary woman, he will have to do the unthinkable and break the rules – rules that passion and desire have suddenly, irrevocably changed.

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REVIEW

A Secret in Her Kiss is a unique and wonderful debut historical romance.

A Secret in Her Kiss takes place during the regency period, but instead of the glittering ballrooms of London the hero and heroine find themselves risking their lives and falling in love in Constantinople.

I’m always a little leery about regency romances that aren’t typical. I’ve read some fantastic ones. (It’s a personal preference that there are drawing rooms and balls.) I was wonderfully surprised by A Secret in Her Kiss. The setting plays such an important roll in the story and it is wonderfully written. There is a touch of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the couple.

Mari Sinclair’s only real goal in life is to help the Greek people. Her mother, once a slave, had taught her the importance of helping her people. Mari is willing to do whatever it takes, including spying, to accomplish her task. She doesn’t want to put up with a stodgy English soldier. She knows that he will only get in her way.

Major Bennett Prestwood wants nothing more than to get home to his family. His sister is in an untenable marriage and he knows that he must get home soon to rescue her. Bennett wants nothing to do with the beautiful spy. These two go through so much together and find themselves falling in love around the way.

I love the relationship between Mari and Bennett. It evolves from them merely tolerating each other (and not well) to them being unable to live without the other. Ms. Randol does an excellent job of making their relationship progress naturally and in a realistic manner.

A Secret in Her Kiss is a fantastic debut novel and I can’t wait to see where Ms. Randol takes us next.

Rating: 4 (Very Good)

Heat-Level: 4 (Hot)

Reviewed by Carrie

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The $10 eGift Certificate

KATHY ALLISON

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Kaki Warner’s COLORADO DAWN

JULIE

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Julie Anne Long’s HOW THE MARQUESS WAS WON

JEANETTE JUAN

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Lorraine Heath’s SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE

CANDY GORCSI

Congratulations, ladies! Please email your snail mail address to me at contests at theseasonforromance dot com and don’t forget to include the title you won. You have one week to collect your prize.

I love Lorraine Heath. I’ve only recently started reading her and I can definitely say her last series was fabulous. With SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE, she’s starting a new trilogy–The Lost Lords of Pembroke (review is coming soon). I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I’m expecting another gripping emotional read from the talented Ms. Heath. Today, I’m giving away an advance copy of SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE to one random commenter. Good luck!

She Tempts the Duke

Author: Lorraine Heath
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: January 31, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0062022462
Pages: 384
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick—returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man—cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

Cynthia Eden’s ANGEL OF DARKNESS

MISSY

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Elizabeth Essex’s THE DANGER OF DESIRE

BEEBS

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Stephanie Laurens’  VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE,

IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER & $10 eGift Certificate 

JEANETTE JUAN

Congratulations, ladies! Please email your snail mail address to me at contests at theseasonforromance dot com and don’t forget to include the title you won. You have one week to collect your prize.

Today, we have a brief Q&A from Stephanie Laurens as we anticipate the release of her final book in her Holding Out For a Hero trilogy, THE CAPTURE OF THE EARL OF GLENCARE, which goes on sale January 31^st.

Comment and enter to win a copy of VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE, IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER, and a $10 Gift Certificate to Amazon or BN (to purchase Ms. Laurens’ upcoming release).

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You’ve described this book as: Elizabeth Bennet rescues Errol Flynn in the wilds of Scotland. Why?

Ah…I have to be careful here to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say that, speaking literally as well as figuratively, that is indeed what happens. I wanted a twist to the customary, expected plot line wherein the hero always rescues the heroine – why couldn’t a heroine rescue a hero? And when it came to the story itself, Angelica was clearly the sort of young lady to carry off such a challenge.

The hero of this book is the head of a highland clan – how does his role differ from the head of a large family?

After writing about the Cynster family for so long, this was an area of research that fascinated me specifically because of the parallels that emerged between, for instance, the role of Devil Cynster, Duke of St. Ives, the head of the Cynster family (whose members have often enough in multiple books referred to themselves as the Cynster clan) and the role filled by Angelica’s hero, the head of a Scottish highland clan. At one point, after examining her hero’s status and responsibilities, Angelica considers the comparison, and, indeed, the highland clans still surviving at that time may well  have been very similar to her conclusion, which was that a highland clan operated on the same familial relationship lines as her extended Cynster family, but that the members of the clan were even more directly interdependent for their welfare and overall survival. Angelica concludes that clan is the equivalent of family taken to the extreme, and that seemed a valid description for a clan tucked away in an isolated glen, one that had managed to survive the earlier highland clearances intact.

You refer to a story involving Sir Walter Scott and George, the Prince Regent. Was that story true?

This was one of those serendipitious quirks. I sometimes wonder who it is who whispers in my head when I’m spinning a story! I needed a, for want of a better word, maguffin – an object of worth, a treasure of great meaning, something of the sort that could mean a great deal to my hero, and be important and valuable or powerful enough for others to want to possess it. I was typing away on the outline, and paused – then simply typed on because to me it was obvious, for reasons I had no clue about, that the object was XXX. (Again, I’m trying to avoid spoilers!)  I finished the outline, then went back to research and check that there really had been, or at least might have been, an XXX. And lo and behold, I all but immediately stumbled across the story of Sir Walter Scott, novelist and patriotic Scotsman, and his great obsession, and how that tied in with the Prince Regent, a close friend of Scott’s, and…I  swear I had never heard even a whisper of the story before, but there it was, with all the history, pomp, ceremony, and mystery I could possibly want, the perfect, true life basis for my maguffin! I am still seriously tickled that I could use such a fantastic yet true story – and yes, the story of Sir Walter Scott’s obsession is told, albeit in condensed fashion, in the book – to underpin my entirely fictitious tale. For a novelist, this was a dream find.

The Danger of Desire
Author: Elizabeth Essex
Publisher: Kensington / Brava
Pub. Date: December 1, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0758251589
Pages: 320
Digital Price: $8.96
Print Retail Price: $14.00
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AN UNLIKELY PARTNERSHIP

Naval Captain Hugh McAlden is accustomed to taking on deadly, high-stakes assignments – and being rewarded handsomely for his success. But to accomplish his latest mission, he’ll need someone more inconspicuous among his own ranks. Someone like the larcenous beauty who just relieved him of his pocket watch under his very nose…

Meggs is one of London’s stealthiest thieves and her livelihood depends on remaining untethered and unnoticed. But when she is caught by the icy-eyed Scottish captain, she sees a chance to escape her life of crime forever. Ever weary, she accepts his unusual proposition, even as she plots to cut and run at a moment’s notice.

AND AN UNCONTROLLABLE DESIRE

But as Meggs and Hugh come nearer to the danger at the heart of their mission, thoughts of betrayal and distrust begin to dissolve … overshadowed by a passion worth every risk…

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Angel of Darkness
Author: Cynthia Eden
Publisher: Kensington / Brava
Pub. Date: December 1, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0758242174
Pages: 352
Digital Price: $8.96
Print Retail Price: $14.00
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As an angel of death, Keenan’s job is to collect the souls on his list. He’s carried out his duty for two thousand years and never faltered once. Until he meets Nicole St. James. When the moment of death comes, Keenan hesitates, and instead of taking Nicole, Keenan touches the vampire who’s attacking her.

Cast out of heaven for disobedience, Keenan plummets to earth. Six months later, he finally manages to track Nicole to a bar in Mexico. He’s stunned to discover that the woman he remembers has undergone a dramatic change–she’s become a vampire. And when he realizes that she’s the target of all manner of enemies–other vampires, demons, even shifters–he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if all hell breaks loose…

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