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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It looks like I’m getting very very close to giving away that Kindle Fire. This morning I added up all the free downloads for ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE & SEDUCTION and as of today, they are currently at 232, 260. I said I would give away a Kindle Fire once they reached 250,000 so I’m only 17,740 downloads away. At the current pace, that’s approximately 2 to 3 weeks away.  For anyone who posted my ad on the sidebar on their site or blog back when I was giving away the iPad 2 in December, you will automatically be entered to win with 10 entries (as it was through your help I’ve gotten this far). All you have to do is comment on the post when it goes up and mention you had the ad up in December to win the iPad 2 (I have all the emails from the people who posted, so I’ll be able to match you up).

I honestly didn’t think I would reach this goal until mid year so I’m pleased as punch that I’m this close to not only my goal, but giving away the Kindle Fire. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that I have the best fans, most loyal visitors as well as the most supportive. Thanks so much, everyone!!!

Having moved to a new country just a couple of months ago, one of the biggest things I miss about my life in London is my friends. I miss talking about men and relationships with them. I miss venting about life’s challenges. I miss confessing all the ways I think I’m a bit messed up and discovering to my relief that they feel the same about themselves.

Missing my friends has made me all the more eager to seek out contemporary romance novels where the heroine seems like a woman I’d happily share a jug of sangria with. I love a heroine with a quirky voice, a funny outlook on life, and quite a few flaws.

This weekend I “met” one of those heroines. Her name is Jazz Shepherd, and she’s in author Amie Denman’s upcoming novel Her Lucky Catch.

Jazz is funny, uncoordinated and can laugh at herself. She’s not above gossiping about her romantic rival, and she stabbed her ex-husband in the butt with safety scissors when she caught him cheating.

Jazz is my kinda gal. She tells her story in first person, so as I was reading I felt more like I was sitting at a café (okay, maybe a cocktail bar) next to the marina where she works, listening as she told me all about her love life. Reading Her Lucky Catch is like getting tipsy with a woman who’s a lot like me.

But with a slight inclination toward violence.

This weekend I also read a novel where the heroine was perfect. It was a military romantic suspense, and the heroine was the best at everything she tried—the best helicopter pilot, a gourmet cook, and so incredibly skilled at self-defense that she wiped out a group of hulking secret servicemen at a gym.

This woman is nothing like me. She had not a single flaw, and I began resenting the time I had to spend with her. I couldn’t connect, couldn’t relate.

There are plenty of incredible romance heroines who are talented in ways I’ll never achieve, but I need to feel they’re similar to me in at least one way—even if it’s that we’re both imperfect.

The delightfully imperfect Jazz Shepherd made my weekend. I only wish I could buy her a drink.

Although Her Lucky Catch isn’t out until the end of February (mark your calendars), I’m shouting about it now because it’s one my picks for February’s contemporaries to covet. Stop by my blog this week and tell me what contemporary romance novel you’re coveting this month and you could win a gift certificate for yourself AND for the author you mention.

Do you like heroines to be people you can relate to? Or do you prefer them to be someone you wish you could be?

Kat Latham has been reading romance for a couple of decades. With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the depth, humor and emotion of real life. When she’s not writing contemporary romance novels, she can usually be found blogging or tweeting overly personal information. She loves meeting other readers and writers online, so follow her on Twitter or check out her blog and say hello!

I had the pleasure last weekend, thanks to the lovely Janet Webb and the power of Twitter.

A few months ago, I tweeted a picture of a statue in the gardens of a stately home in the middle of the Dutch countryside, near where I now live. It’s close to the sea, and the fog was so thick I lost sight of my husband when he was a few feet away. This statue shows how eerily atmospheric the gardens were.

Historical romance novelist Miranda Neville remarked that it looked very Betty Neels, and I said I’d never read any of Betty’s books. Janet and Miranda both told me more about Betty’s work (English nurses move to Holland and marry doctors who end up being filthy rich), and Janet actually sent me one.

How cool is that??

So last weekend I read Betty Neels’ The Little Dragon, published in 1978 – the year before I was born – and it was revelatory. Not only could I see how much romance as a genre has changed, but how women’s hopes, dreams and prospects have changed in real life, too.

Take this description of the heroine, Constantia, walking around an outdoor market with the hero, Jeroen.

They strolled round, the doctor’s hand on her arm, for there was a good deal of good-natured pushing and shoving and as he pointed out, her small slim person would have stood very little chance of staying upright. Constantia, who was remarkably tough despite her fairy-like appearance, didn’t argue the point; it was pleasant to be looked after so carefully.

Small. Slim. Fairy-like. Remarkably tough yet loving having a man look after her. Is this the ideal woman of the 1970s?

Has that changed?

And I loved this bit of praise from the hero when he gets an emergency phone call from work, and Constantia shows she understands he has to go: “What a splendid girl you are—not so much as a pout or frown.”

She’s a nurse! Of course she understands! But no, she’s a girl first and a nurse second.

In fact, her career is clearly just something to do until she finds a husband, which reminded me of my mom’s hopes for her own future. Mom wasn’t a nurse, but she certainly wasn’t encouraged to have a career. I wrote about her dream to be June Cleaver on my blog last week.

In The Little Dragon, Constantia’s career is never once mentioned again once she gets engaged. She doesn’t think about it, refer to it, or use the skills she developed through it. Instead, she essentially becomes Jeroen’s housekeeper and babysitter of his niece and nephews.

Contemporary romance often reflects women’s fantasies for their own lives. Did women who read Constantia’s story when it was first published in 1978 dream of being independent only until a rich man came along?

I really enjoyed the book, mostly because it felt like a historical romance since life has changed so much. But even more, it made me wonder about the contemporary romance published today. What does it say about attributes we value in women (slim? fairy-like?)? And what does it show that women today want from life and relationships?

Do you like reading contemporary romance published decades ago? What do you think today’s contemporary romance says about what women want from life and relationships? Thirty years from now, what will people think is strange about our contemporary romance novels

Kat Latham has been reading romance for a couple of decades. With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the depth, humor and emotion of real life. When she’s not writing contemporary romance novels, she can usually be found blogging or tweeting overly personal information. She loves meeting other readers and writers online, so follow her on Twitter or check out her blog and say hello!

Gift of Magic
Author: Lynn Kurland
Publisher: Penguin Group / Berkley Trade
Pub. Date: January 3, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0425245200
Pages: 320
Digital Price: $9.99
Print Retail Price: $15.00
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Sarah of Doìre knows the pattern of spells is no accident. With each page, each powerful rune, she and Ruith are being led somewhere, to someone-but by whom, she cannot tell. Sarah’s gift of sight only allows her to see the spells themselves, not the person behind them.

A reluctant sorcerer still learning to trust his own magic, Ruithneadh of Ceangail knows he’s woefully unprepared for the adversaries they’ll face. But he and Sarah must collect and destroy his father Gair’s spells soon. Many mages seek their power, and in the wrong hands, Gair’s magic would plunge the Nine Kingdoms into an eternity of darkness.

But as they pursue the final spells-acquiring strange companions, welcome allies, and unexpected foes along the way-Sarah and Ruith realize that their true quest has only just begun. The real enemy is closer, darker, and more power hungry than they ever imagined; and until he is defeated, the fate of the Nine Kingdoms hangs in dire peril.

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REVIEW

Fantasy is delicious in this final novel of Kurland’s Spellweaver series.

Ruith and Sarah are on the last steps of their mission to gather the spells created by Ruith’s father. The course of their journey has been incredibly long, and this last leg has Ruith and Sarah wondering who is truly a foe or a friend. Of course spell weaving is a devious art, and secrets are about to be shed that will finally shine some light on this incredible tale.

Upfront and honest, this is my first Lynn Kurland novel. Coming in on the last leg is an absolute, horrible thing. The story is interesting, but I felt completely disconnected because I didn’t have the inner details from the other books. Kurland does a decent job of keeping readers informed about previous events that are important to the current plot points, and the characters are fully visualized. I was easily absorbed into the dialogue and personalities.

Unfortunately lengthy, hard to pronounce names and a large cast made it difficult for me to keep up at times. I continually had to reverse track and see if a character was mentioned in a previous chapter or was related to someone, etc. The book was challenge from that angle. Yet, the developed relationship between Ruith and Sarah is extremely enjoyable. Their romance is not a key part to the story, with more efforts focused on the plot to save the world from impending doom at the hands of a ruthless man.

Regretfully, I have to say that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I probably would have if I’d read the previous novels. It’s still a good story and has a satisfying conclusion. Kurland doesn’t leave anyone hanging and readers of the series can rest easy knowing that the author wraps up each character’s place. Overall, if you’re thinking of jumping into this book I recommend getting a hold of the previous ones.

Rating: 3 (Satisfactory)

Heat-Level: 1 (Inspy)

Reviewed by Landra

The Mind Readers
Author: Lori Brighton
Publisher: Lori Brighton
Pub. Date: December 7, 2010
Pages: 214
Digital Price: Free
Amazon

Cameron Winters is a freak. Fortunately, no one but her family knows the truth …that Cameron can read minds. For years Cameron has hidden behind a facade of normalcy, warned that there are those who would do her harm. When gorgeous and mysterious Lewis Douglas arrives he destroys everything Cameron has ever believed and tempts her with possibilities of freedom. Determined to embrace her hidden talents, Cameron heads to a secret haven with Lewis; a place where she meets others like her, Mind Readers.

But as Cameron soon finds out some things are too good to be true. When the Mind Readers realize the extent of Cameron’s abilities, they want to use her powers for their own needs. Cameron suddenly finds herself involved in a war in which her idea of what is right and wrong is greatly tested. In the end she’ll be forced to make a choice that will not only threaten her relationship with Lewis, but her very life.

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The Way They Were
Author: Mary Campisi
Publisher: Mary Campisi
Pub. Date: October 29, 2011
Pages: 293
Digital Price: Free
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He hasn’t spoken her name in fourteen years. She keeps a journal hidden in the back of her closet and permits herself to write about him once a year—on the anniversary of the first and only time they made love. They promised to love one another forever, but tragedy tore them apart. Now, destiny may just bring them back together.

At eighteen, Rourke Flannigan and Kate Redmond thought they’d spend the rest of their lives together—until a family tragedy tore them apart. Fourteen years have passed and they’ve both carved out separate lives hundreds of miles apart—hers as a wife and mother, his as a successful, driven businessman. But once a year, on the anniversary of her daughter’s birth, Kate pulls out a red velvet journal and writes a letter, which she’ll never send, to the man who still owns her heart. Once a year, on the anniversary of the first and only time they made love, Rourke permits himself to read the annual investigative report detailing an ordinary day in Kate’s life.

When a subcontractor at one of Rourke’s holding companies is killed, Rourke decides to pay the widow a visit and offer condolences, never dreaming the widow will be Kate. As they embark on a cautious journey of rediscovery, one far greater than they could have imagined, secrets and lies threaten to destroy their newfound closeness—forever.

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.

Any Given Christmas
Author: Candis Terry
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Pub. Date: November 22, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0062133298
Pages: 368
Digital Price: $3.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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Dean Silverthorne’s mother may be dead, but she still has matchmaking to do.

When an injury dashes NFL Quarterback Dean Silverthorne’s Super Bowl dreams, he heads back to Deer Lick, Montana, with a chip on his wounded shoulder, more determined than ever to get back in the game. He loves his kooky family, but this trip home is going to be a very brief Christmas visit.

His game plan doesn’t include an instant attraction to Emma Hart, a feisty kindergarten teacher who seems to be the only person in Deer Lick not interested in the hometown hero. Or his dearly departed mom popping up with mistletoe in hand and meddling on the mind. Now Dean can’t help but wonder if there’s more to love than life between the goal posts.

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REVIEW

Any Given Christmas is a contemporary romance set in a small town with interesting characters.

Emma is a small town teacher who dreams of settling down and starting a family. The only problem is that she can’t seem to find the right man. The only man that she has found herself attracted to in a long time is the one man that she knows wouldn’t be in a committed relationship with her.

Dean is dealing with the recent death of his mother and a career ending injury. His whole life has revolved around football and now he has to find some other way to fill the hours of his day. He returns to his hometown for the wedding of his little sister and finds that there may be something and someone for him there.

I loved Dean as much as I disliked Emma. Emma couldn’t get over something from her past and held it against Dean even through it really had nothing to do with him. Plus, she gets upset when he doesn’t focus on how something terrible that happens to him would affect her. Dean does things for her that matter and she just pushes him aside. He even buys her a cat, although he is allergic to them. In the end I couldn’t help but think that there was someone better out in the world for Dean and that their relationship wouldn’t last. The happily ever after just wasn’t very believable.

Rating: 2 (Fatally Flawed)

Heat Level: 3 (Sensual)

Reviewed by Carrie