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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Best Romance Novel Reviews

The newest romance novels rated 5 stars (or hearts, books, etc.) from The Wild Rose Press are listed here.

Click title to find the book, or stars to read the review. For a description of ratings, please click here.

Reviewer Top Pick
The Daddy Issue, by Melissa Beck ☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary, sensual

The last souvenir small-town girl Gretchen expected from her Chicago vacation was getting pregnant from one night of delight. The sexy, successful CEO she hooked up with told her he wasn't interested in a family, so she never revealed what had happened. Five years later, Daniel is at the top of his game in both business and womanizing, but he's shaken off his pedestal when a friend hints that he might have a daughter.
More…

“Ms. Beck penned a wonderful story within these pages. Her mastery of her characters’ emotions were penned with such intensity I felt as if I was one of the characters feeling everything that was going on firsthand.” – Diana Coyle, Night Owl Romance
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Finding Their Way Back (Anthology),
by Stacy Dawn, Cindy Spencer Pape, Roni Adams
☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary (Cowboy), spicy

When Elizabeth O'Leary meets up with the cowboy she's been avoiding for over two years, she doesn't know whether to trust her heart or her head. One tells her Grey Wulfsen just might be The One, the other tells her it doesn’t matter because he'll never forgive her when he finds out what she took away with her on that one starlit night.
More…

“Overall these three books made an incredible series about the Wulfsen family. Though three authors wrote their stories, the storylines intertwined in such a way that it was impossible to put the book down.” – Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Reviewer Top Pick
A Love Most Haunted, by Helen Pilz ☆☆☆☆☆
Paranormal, spicy

Follow the ghost hunting crew of TV’s Haunt and Seek, through the night as they investigate an English country manor and its infamous lover’s curse…. Show host, Valerie Eccelston, and historian, Dr. Ryan Hawkins, are mutually attracted, but their time to explore romantic possibilities is hindered as the resident ghosts keep the team busy. One ghost seeks redemption for killing his family, a lonely one waits for love, and the other three form a deadly triangle involving love, jealousy, and revenge….
More…

“I absolutely adored this paranormal story. I’m a huge paranormal fan and I loved the riveting storyline Ms. Pilz created here. ” – Diana Coyle, Night Owl Romance
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


More than Great Riches, by Jan Washburn ☆☆☆☆☆
Inspirational, sweet

Tracy Dixon is an unwitting suspect in a high-profile jewelry theft. The NYPD warns her not to leave town. But Tracy gets word that her beloved brother, Jeff, is barely clinging to life, seriously burned in an automobile accident. Although she had vowed never again to set foot in her hometown, Tracy throws caution to the wind and rushes back to Allerton.
More…

“Jan Washburn pens an intense tale of a woman holding on while the world seems to be crashing around her head.” – Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


My Heart Will Find Yours, by Linda LaRoque ☆☆☆☆☆
Historical (Western), spicy

Fated lovers suffer the agony of loss only to be reunited to fulfill a greater plan…. TEXANNA KEITH doesn’t believe an antique locket is the key to time travel, but plays along, and to her horror, is zapped back to 1880 Waco, Texas. Her mission is to prevent Royce Dyson’s death in a shootout. Wounded, she loses what she longs for most — a life with Royce.
More…

“Linda LaRoque’s characters are extremely likeable, multilayered, and faith-filled. The way she plays the past and the present off each other, using one to change the other, makes this story truly unique. ” – Water Lily, Long and Short Reviews
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Preacher Man, by Laurie Larsen ☆☆☆☆☆
Inspirational, sweet

Regan Samuels is newly single and doing her best to raise her teenaged son in the city. She gives the adult dating world a go, but finds she'd rather trade in her stiletto heels for fuzzy slippers. Will she ever find love again, and if so, after the disaster of her first marriage, would she know what to do with true love if it ever found her?
More…

“This book is a faith journey as well as an excellent love story. The author give us a relationship that isn't easily built. She also shows subtly how God works in mysterious ways to have things happen at the right time and right place for the best results.” – Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Yes, Professor, by Tori Anne ☆☆☆☆☆
Historical, hot

Patience Winters’ world is about to turn upside down. After two years as personal assistant to the stern and striking Professor Richmond at the Women’s Academy, her term is about to end. Achingly in love with him, Patience longs for the professor to give her a reason to stay. Desperate for some hint he might feel the same way, Patience steals a peek at her mentor’s secret journal and discovers his scandalous fantasies.
More…

“Wow! This story was well-crafted, well-thought out and the characters seemed so real to me. The scenes were so vivid and so hot that they steamed off the pages.” – Wild Plum, Long and Short Reviews
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Twitter Chat Day & Contest!

Welcome, Twitter Chat friends! :)

Today one lucky person will win an ebook copy of my historical romance, The Commander's Desire. It has received a "Top Pick" rating from Romance Reader at Heart, as well as a number of rave reviews from both readers and reviewers alike. To win a pdf copy of this book, read the excerpt, and answer the following question:

What does Elwytha want to cinch around the Commander's neck?

I will choose the winner tomorrow. Good luck!



Travel on a journey of romance into medieval Scotland...

The Commander’s Desire takes place in 715 A.D. in Galwyddel, which is modern day southern Scotland. The 6th to 8th centuries were a time when many small Briton kingdoms warred for preeminence in this area, although Northumbria, a giant power to the east, ruled them from afar. In this book, Elwytha's kingdom and the Commander's land have been at war for almost a century, and distrust of the enemy has been bred deep into her soul. Against this backdrop of war and intrigue, I've written The Commander's Desire.

Back Cover Blurb

Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince's battle-scarred Commander -- the man who ended King Thor's life with one filthy sword thrust through the back. To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride. Worse, the wedding date will be sooner than expected. Not all is lost, however. Now she has more opportunity to be alone with him--and exact justice.

But the deed is not so easy now. Fighting her innate sense of honor, she begins to see the ironclad integrity of the man behind the scars. And with this knowledge comes doubt. Did he slay her brother? What exactly is the new king's plan? Whom can she trust? Elwytha must decide well, for more than her life is at stake. Soon she must betray either allegiance to her kingdom--or the man who is quickly claiming her heart.

Excerpt

“Give me your blades,” The Commander growled down at her.

Fear pounded in Elwytha's chest, and she licked her dry lips. “You found no blades when you pawed through my clothes. The maid found none on my person. Perhaps that is because I have none.”

"I don’t trust you.”

She smiled. As well you shouldn’t. However, she said, “How can we have a marriage with no trust?”

“Come with me.” He forced her toward the door. “You will not return to this room.”

“But my clothes!”

“You will have new clothes. Clothes with no holes for pockets. Clothes that provide no access to the blade at your thigh.”

“Nonsense.” Unthinking, she struggled and then, to her consternation, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She cried out in fear and horrified humiliation. “Put me down!” She pounded on his broad back. “Put me down, you monstrous serf!”

He strode, silent, through the halls. She squeezed her eyes shut, unwilling to see the others witnessing her humiliation. “Put me down. Put me down at once!” she gasped. She bit her lip, trying to stop the weak tears of a woman, not a warrior. She sniffed and finally stopped struggling, and hung down his back. His belt about his jerkin was within reach. If only she could loose it, she could cinch it around his massive neck!

“Where are you taking me?” she demanded, voice muffled. Perhaps if she pretended submission he would return her to her feet. And if she found a dagger, she’d gladly plunge it through his heart.

“To my chambers.”

“Nay!” she gasped out, and struggled in earnest then. “I have decided you are unacceptable to me. You have none of the finer qualities I require in a husband!”

Reviews:

Top Pick
Romance Reader at Heart

“Ms. Green’s portrayal of the Commander was refreshing. He was kind and caring without being wimpy, and it takes a talented author to bring that out in a character without losing the effect of being a strong alpha warrior while keeping the reader's interest at the same time....THE COMMANDER'S DESIRE is definitely a keeper.” – Sheila Smith, Romance Reader at Heart …full review

Five Cupids
Cupid's Library Reviews

“A very nice play on my favorite Beauty And The Beast theme, THE COMMANDER'S DESIRE pairs a beautiful warrior-princess with an ugly giant who is a gentle dear underneath all that muscle. It is a touching and wonderful tale.” – Stephie, Cupid’s Library Reviews …full review

Five Stars
WRDF Reviews

“The Commander’s Desire is a historical novel that reaches you deep down to your soul….Simply stated, I loved this book. No matter what genre you read or what heat level you enjoy, you will be enthralled with The Commander’s Desire.” – Cindy K. Green, WRDF Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Buy from Amazon

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Best Romance Novel Reviews

The newest romance novels rated 5 stars (or hearts, books, etc.) from The Wild Rose Press are listed here.

Click title to find the book, or stars to read the review. For a description of ratings, please click here.

Best Book
Children of the Mist, by Hywela Lyn ☆☆☆☆☆
Paranormal, sensual

Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own. More…

“This book is wonderful! There are few books that hold my interest to the point where I can't bear to put it down, but Children of the Mist is most certainly at the top of this list.” – Orchid, Long and Short Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


All for Love, by Lora Darling ☆☆☆☆☆
Historical, sensual

French émigré, Olivier Davignon, is determined to prove himself worthy of Maisie Tindall at any cost. With Maisie's brother by his side, he becomes a highwayman in an effort to acquire enough wealth to offer for her hand. When things go awry and Olivier ends up wounded, he confesses to Maisie he has done it all for her. More…

“This was a thoroughly delightful story….I would read this again and recommend it for all romantics and especially for people who enjoy stories from bygone days.” – Azalea, Long and Short Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Amazon Connection, by Carol Henry ☆☆☆☆☆
Suspense, sensual

Holly Newman has been sent to monitor GlennCorp’s pipeline project to ensure it doesn’t endanger the rainforest. Working with GlennCorp’s two field engineers, Holly approves the proposed route. But trouble-shooter Jake Daniels arrives in Manaus and postpones signing contracts. Jake has been sent to investigate a money-laundering scheme involving GlennCorp’s two engineers. Jake’s boss suspects Holly is an accomplice and orders Jake to get ‘close’ to her. The last thing Jake needs is to ‘get close’ to a tree-hugging female. More…

“The lush setting of the Amazonian Rainforest and the tension between Jake and Holly, pulls you into the suspense of this book. Ms. Henry is a imagery wizard, creating scenes and characters who make you believe the danger.” – Brynna Curry, WRDF Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


A Daughter’s Promise, by Christine Clemetson ☆☆☆☆☆
Vintage, sensual

Embroiled in a bitter fight to liberate Rome during WWII, American soldier Miles Coulson is stranded on the cold beaches of Italy, alone, bleeding out, and not knowing the lay of the land. This leaves him with one choice: Live or die. Until Serene Moneto risks her family and her freedom to give him shelter. But as he recuperates, Miles finds himself fighting to liberate Serene from a life worse than any death. More…

“Clemetson’s A Daughter’s Promise easily vaults the ‘best in the book-stack’ of historical romances I have read thus far this year.” – Snapdragon, Long and Short Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Enemy of the King, by Beth Trissel ☆☆☆☆☆
Historical, spicy

1780, South Carolina: While Loyalist Meriwether Steele recovers from illness in the stately home of her beloved guardian, Jeremiah Jordan, she senses the haunting presence of his late wife. When she learns that Jeremiah is a Patriot spy and shoots Captain Vaughan, the British officer sent to arrest him, she is caught up on a wild ride into Carolina back country, pursued both by the impassioned captain and the vindictive ghost. More…

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading Enemy of the King. Not only are the characters memorable and the setting beautifully described, but the action is riveting and the romance between Meri and Jeremiah is tender.” – Poinsettia, Long and Short Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Hostage to Love, by Maya Blake ☆☆☆☆☆
Suspense, spicy

Crushed by betrayal, Belle Winkworth-Jones flees the shambles of her short-lived marriage, only to be kidnapped by a vicious rebel solider determined to keep her for himself. Nick Andreakos mounts a ruthless rescue to save the wife who walked away from him, even though he's resentful Belle could dismiss their marriage so easily.

“Author, Maya Blake knows how to write a story. This author’s writing style is easy to follow and flows effortlessly from one scene to the next.” – Riley James, WRDF Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Reflections, by Rynne Raines ☆☆☆☆☆
Paranormal, hot

…As a silent observer in a world he is no longer part of, Rykel Deveau has entertained himself by becoming engrossed in the lives of the living. Society has changed in two hundred years—more importantly, women have changed. Now, over two centuries later, Rykel finds himself forced to share his living quarters with the most unusual female he has ever come across, sensual artist, Danica Lovel. Between the woman's hideous tattered bathrobe and unsightly pink slippers, he should be appalled, yet bizarrely, he finds himself strongly drawn to her. He wants her. The problem is, she has no idea he exists. More…

“Action, romantic tension, fear, pain and the inevitable passion made this book a delicious read. I found it compelling, unable to tear my eyes off the page until I reached the very end. ” – Cinnamon, Enchanting Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Roses for Rachel, by Dianne Miley ☆☆☆☆☆
Inspirational, sweet

Young widow Rachel Santos raises her daughters alone and tries to get past the pain of losing her cheating husband. Attracted to pretty boys, she goes from one bad relationship to another. When she dumps her cheating boyfriend, someone vandalizes her home and sabotages her job. Faithful Elliot Truman catches this demented stalker... and convinces her some men are worth loving.

“The players in this wonderful story are well crafted. So many people could be the stalker that the author keeps us guessing.” – Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Wildcard, by Robin Shope ☆☆☆☆☆
Suspense, sweet

What would happen if someone secured a microchip that could be manipulated to give his or her candidate the edge to win the next presidential election? Not enough votes for a landslide, but just enough to put their candidate over the top in a decisive win. The Wildcards are a group of maverick agents who want to take over the outcome of the next election for President of the United States.

During Ivy Dillon’s last week as a Washington Intern, she and Ms. Geneen Waters, the secretary to the President of the United States, overhear a conversation about voting machines and missing software. Months later Ms. Waters body is found floating in the Potomac River. More…

“I enjoyed Ms. Shope's style and voice as a fresh new change of pace in the romantic suspense genre. Full of suspense and complicated plot twists, Wildcard is one you're sure to enjoy and it will be going permanently on my shelf.” – Brynna Curry, WRDF Reviews …full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Best Romance Novel Reviews

The newest romance novels rated 5 stars (or hearts, books, etc.) from The Wild Rose Press are listed here.

Click title to find the book, or stars to read the review. For a description of ratings, please click here.

Top Read
A Different Drum, by Cindy Causey ☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary, spicy

Out-of-work reporter Mallory Aikins dreams of a Prince Charming who will whisk her away from her family’s poverty to his mansion on the hill. Instead, she’s stranded in the tiny town of Sagebrush, watching her chance at a new start in Palm Springs evaporate in the New Mexico heat. But her reporter’s curiosity is piqued by sexy, mysterious, motorcycle-riding sheriff Drummond Wolfe.
More…

“I liked this book enough to research the author, to purchase any other books she may have written.” – Jade Ryan, WRDF Reviews
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Recommended Read
Where the Rain is Made, by K. Celeste Bryan ☆☆☆☆☆
Paranormal, spicy

A Dangerous Warrior Held captive by a decadent-looking savage, Francesca DuVall spends every waking moment planning an escape for her brother, Marsh. But she never counted on falling in love with the man whose smoldering sapphire eyes cause her to tremble with unbridled passion. Ethan Gray, the man, is a curator at a famous museum . . . most of the time, that is. At other times, he’s Meko, a savage warrior hurtled into the past to help his beloved people, the Cheyenne.
More…

“This is a historical romance sure to magically sweep you back in time. A must read!” – Karen Michelle Nutt, PNR Reviews
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


A Convenient Cowboy, by Shari Thayn ☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary, spicy

Nina Randall needs a change. Her career as an ad exec is in a shambles and she has no personal life to speak of. She has one last chance to prove herself—a soda pop commercial in a Western setting. The thought of rough, rugged cowboys positively beckons.
More…

“Ms. Shari Thayn has written a great story with dynamic characters.” – Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


The Daddy Issue, by Melissa Beck ☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary, sensual

The last souvenir small-town girl Gretchen expected from her Chicago vacation was getting pregnant from one night of delight. The sexy, successful CEO she hooked up with told her he wasn't interested in a family, so she never revealed what had happened. Five years later, Daniel is at the top of his game in both business and womanizing, but he's shaken off his pedestal when a friend hints that he might have a daughter.
More…

“Ms. Melissa Beck has written a great book about a couple who faced a gigantic, seemingly insurmountable problem….I highly recommend this book as one which will grab your attention and hold it until the very last page.” – Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Dog Nanny, by Ann Whitaker ☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary, sensual

Doggy do-gooder Julie Shields has one month to save two delinquent poodles from becoming doggies of divorce. A self-proclaimed born-again virgin with a biological clock running out of juice, she also needs to find a husband. When hunky pilot Nick Worthington arrives at the Abilene airport to fly her to Waco, he sends Julie into a tailspin. But he also may be a drug trafficker and smuggler of illegal aliens. Not only that, he’s involved with another woman.
More…

“How refreshing it is to read a book that took me away from the present moment and transported me into a small town in Texas where Old World meets New World. This is a magnificent book that is witty in all the right places.” – Shannon, Coffee Time Romance
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Forever from Paris, by Nicola Beaumont ☆☆☆☆☆
Inspirational (Contemporary), sweet

The Desire of her heart... Finally, a man who doesn't think Marie is a bumbling fool for not being able to articulate her thoughts. Kind, thoughtful, attentive...handsome: He's definitely the answer to her prayer for a devoted husband. A promise of forever... Observant, funny, shy...gorgeous: Martin is tempted by the thought of a lifetime with Marie, but he must put aside his desire, for his heart is not free to love another woman.
More…

“Nicola Beaumont pens a unique tale of the kind of love that is powerful and unselfish.” – Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


It’s About Time, by Andee S. Davis ☆☆☆☆☆
Historical, sweet

A summer in England was meant to help Meg Sutherland grieve her father’s early passing. The last thing she expects is to be thrown back in time to an era where her everyday knowledge of health and medicine may save two lives threatened by old-fashioned ignorance. How can she convince handsome Mr. Ellingsworth that her meddling will save his children’s lives when her twenty-first century confidence only increases his resistance?
More…

“Getting the reader to believe a person can go to another time is essential to the story and Ms Davis accomplished this in It's About Time with talent and cleverness.” – Sal, Two Lips Reviews
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Marrying Minda, by Tanya Hanson ☆☆☆☆☆
Historical (Western), spicy

Mail-order bride Minda Becker arrives in Paradise, Nebraska and eagerly marries the handsome man who meets her stagecoach. His wedding kiss melts her toes. Too bad he's the wrong bridegroom. Having honored his brother's deathbed request to marry Minda, Cowboy Brixton Haynes can't deny he'd like a wedding night with the eastern beauty. But the last thing he needs is to be saddled with a wife and the three children his brother left behind.
More…

“Ms. Tanya Hanson has written a book about the things I love reading the most—historical, western, mail order bride—with great characters and fast-paced action and conflict which makes the good times even better.” – Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Meant to Be, by Donna Marie Rogers ☆☆☆☆☆
Contemporary, spicy

She's running from her past, he's unsure about his future. Maybe together they can figure out what was MEANT TO BE.… Officer Garrett Jamison is at the lowest point in his life. He’s lost faith in his ability as a police officer after unwittingly setting his sister up with a dirty cop. Garrett ended up getting shot, and his sister's son kidnapped right out of his own bed. He takes a leave from the force, in need of some time to make a decision about his future. Too bad he can't get a decent night's sleep thanks to his sexy new neighbor and her howling cat.
More…

“Do you love characters that are stubborn, honorable, sassy, and just plain lovable? Well, look no further. Jessica and Garrett will keep you on your toes and turning those pages.” – Roberta, You Gotta Read Reviews
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


The Prisoner, by Sharon Lanergan ☆☆☆☆☆
Historical, spicy

When Brian Fitzroy is unable to save the woman he loved from her murderous husband, he is imprisoned with no hope of rescue since his family believes him dead. Years pass until the day a beautiful woman enters his cell. Constance Portnoy, the treasured and protected ward of the Fitzroys, is seduced by Loutrant, the man who imprisoned Brian. Realizing too late, she becomes his latest prisoner.
More…

“This is the kind of book I love to read: a historical romance, even though it’s not the kind I write. The Prisoner kept me glued to my seat, staying up until the wee hours of the morning simply becauseI wanted to finish it.” – Marianne Gibson, WRDF Reviews
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press


Shilo, by Kathie Harrington ☆☆☆☆☆
Inspirational, sweet

Holly Holder is 27 years old and has never dated; not because she hasn't wanted to but because Holly's social skills are awkward and communication is difficult. Holly is a young adult with autism. She has been autistic all of her life but she is experiencing independence in her living arrangements and a new freedom in her emotions. Those emotions center on Hal, whom she has discovered at church every Sunday from Easter through the beautiful Iowa fall.
More…

“Kathie Harrington does a wonderful job sharing the lives of two autistic people. It's refreshing to see a tale that's not filled with double entendres and the kind of communication games people often play.” – Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio
…full review
Buy from The Wild Rose Press

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