HIS NOBLE PROMISE, Adrienne Basso The author weaves two independent story lines in this tale of mystery and romance. The mystery begins when a surprised Earl of Mulgrave, Richard Cameron, finds a pale, sweat-drenched woman in his bed, writhing during the agony of escalating labor pains. He recalls their brief illicit liaison and promises her he will care for her newborn child. When the new mother dies moments after the birth of her daughter, Richard bribes a priest into falsifying marriage records in order to support his parental claim. Through the passing years, Richard loves and cares for the child and is unaware that someone else lurks in the shadows waiting to claim the child as his. References to the "who's the father" mystery are sprinkled throughout the novel and aren't resolved until the book closes.

The romance begins when Richard meets intelligent, witty, free-spirited Anne Paget. He believes she's a scheming wench attempting to trap his young brother into a quick marriage. In this case of mistaken identity, Richard makes every effort to seduce bluestocking Anne and finds her responsive to his advances. When their indiscretions threaten Anne's reputation, Richard proposes marriage, but Anne stubbornly refuses him. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Anne's antics as she struggles to maintain her independence. The author weaves a delightful tale of classic romance as Richard flames Anne's passion, secures her hand in marriage, and wins her heart. The elegant hero is sensitive, patient, and determined, the perfect mate for an endearing heroine who sparks electricity and sensuality. The characters are well drawn and spring to life with each turn of the page. Lively secondary characters keep you guessing about a variety of loose ends, until finally all the pieces fit together. It's a multi-textured must read, filled with realistic experiences, which will make you laugh and cry.

THE PRIZE, Martine Berne

After spending twelve years in an English convent, Adrianna is summoned home. Her father died leaving his title and estate in gross financial difficulty. Her brother Giles arranges a marriage between Adrianna and an elderly, obese, lecherous neighbor. Giles expects ample compensation from the marriage, but his plans are thwarted when Adrianna is kidnapped. Scottish Laird Leith Campbell is out to reclaim articles belonging to his brother who was murdered by Adrianna's father. When the lovely young women stumbles upon him, prowling in her brother's study, Leith whisks her to his homeland. While the Scots treat Adrianna with disdain and keep their distance, Leith is drawn to her beauty, charm, and pleasing manner. His lust for her grows until he attempts to take her in a moment of unguarded passion. Although she responds to his advances, Leith withdraws, yielding to his sense of honor. The couple is caught in a cat and mouse game until they recognize their love for one another. Enduring attempted murder, kidnapping and near rape causes these Leith and Adrianna, two lovable characters, to join together against the evil forces which threaten them. I enjoyed this memorable, heartfelt novel. The sparks of electricity between the main characters manage to tease you until you just can't get enough. I'll bet you won't want to put it down until you reach the very end.
TEMPTRESS, Victoria Malvey Lucien St. Cyr enjoyed a carefree privileged life amid the splendor of England's elite. He meets lovely, lively Rosaleen while attending yet another weekend party and is immediately drawn to her beauty, intelligence and wit. Unfortunately, Rose is beset by heated gossip surrounding her and her family. She faces the slings and arrows tossed at her because of her parents scandalous past. Her mother, a former courtesan, was her father's mistress before they married. Each time Lucien and Rose meet they are drawn closer together. Meanwhile, Lucien learns he is the bastard son of a notorious rake and a village maid. Disgusted by deception and long-standing lies, Lucien divorces himself from the loving couple that raised him. The pace escalates when a courtesan is murdered, Lucien becomes a suspect and Rose's mother is warned that she is the next victim. Lucien and Rose trace leads and confront suspects, racing against time to prevent the killer from striking again. A captivating read from start to finish.

LADY SARAH'S SON, Gayle Wilson After an absence of several months, Lady Sarah Spencer brought a baby home to her father's house. The infant looked enough like her to be her son. Adding to the gossip swirling around her, Sarah broke her engagement to Justin Tolbert and broke his heart. Four years later, war hero Justin returns to claim his title as Earl of Wynfield and the massive debt his deceased brother left him. When Lady Sarah proposes a marriage of convenience, Justin is persuaded to accept her as his wife and the child, Drew, as his son. Living together has the unlikely couple struggling to control the fiery passion that sizzles beneath the surface. A sinister blackmail attempt threatens their happiness and draws them closer together. It's an extraordinary tale of love lost and love regained, with a sprinkling of turbulent emotion, betrayal and personal triumphs. A delightful read that tugs at the heartstrings.

WHISPER HIS NAME, Elizabeth Thornton Independent and stubbornly unmarried, Abbie Vayle starts her own rare-book business. When she acquires an antique book in Paris, Abbie discovers someone is willing to kill to get it. She reluctantly confides in her friend Hugh Templar, a forimidable scholar. Hugh seems to turn up unexpectantly and handle Abbie's pursuers with ease. Handsome Hugh also set her blood on fire and teaches her what it means to love with all her heart and soul.

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