Trusting Again (Book 4) - Peggy Bird

Walking into a restaurant with friends to catch up and bumping into the man who set her heart racing, was the last thing Cynthia Blaine expected.

He's a walking cliche - tall, dark and handsome. Marius Hernandez had it all and Cynthia was caught up in his appeal. Unfortunately, he had a girlfriend. After all that's how they met, he bought the handmade glass Cleopatra necklace for this lucky woman. Imagining she was some tall, lithe, stunning beautiful woman, how could Cynthia compete?

Marius hasn't forgotten the first time he met Cynthia. He dropped huge hints that the necklace he was buying was for a friend. Did she take the hint? Keen to meet her again he was unsure how to, especially as his work took him away much of the time - being in the coffee business was hard work. He can't believe his luck when he sees her approaching the table.

Convincing her over a cup of java, Marius takes Cynthia on a date. It soon blossoms into a hot, passionate liaison but try as he might, Marius can't break down a barrier that Cynthia is intent on keeping up. Why does she seem to embrace their relationship one minute and then pull away the next?

Cynthia is convinced that Marius is out of her league. But the more time she spends with him, she sees that they have more in common than she first believed. Yet, she dated someone like him before - wealthy, handsome - and it didn't turn out so well. Can she trust her heart to this Adonis? Or will she end up taking that walk down heartache lane again?

The fourth in the series, Bird's 'Second Chances' set of books continue with another absorbing, romance filled story. With the original characters from the series popping up, it set an immediate comfortable background scene. Cynthia and Marius' burgeoning relationship starts off sizzling with passion and just intensifies. The author has captured the essence of budding love and has created another engrossing story.

Another brilliant chance to meet the people from the Portland, Oregon area. This time around the focus is purely on a couple whose strong attraction leaps off the pages. An utterly romantic, sensual story with little interference from the outside world. The fears faced by Cynthia are genuine and as 'cliched' as Marius is, he has an appealing charm that endeared me to him. A highly recommended read for anyone after an 'old-fashioned' romance with the volume turned up.

Read the other reviews: Beginning Again, Loving Again and Together Again

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Crimson & Clover - Juli Page Morgan

Katie, a young free spirit, lands in swinging sixties London to start over. Apparently her ideals of having a white picket fence home and a family (which she didn't have growing up) is not appreciated in the flower-power headiness of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury. It turns out it's not as radical a place as she thought. Katie feels that perhaps Ladbrook Grove is the place to re-group.

There she meets Adam; and in the essence of 'free love', they get together. Unfortunately, Adam now thinks Katie is the one. And when she asks about a rock group's lead guitarist, Jay Carey (whom Adam is friends with), the enamored man is more than reluctant to make introductions.

Eventually, Jay and Katie happen. But their relationship - passionate, loving and consuming - is threatened by both their past histories. The lifestyle of a rock star takes some getting used to - it really is sex, drugs and rock and roll. And, although Katie is the only one for Jay, his adrenaline sees him carrying out acts that betray his commitment and their relationship.

Despite looking the other way, can Katie accept Jay and his ways? More importantly will he want to be with her once he learns the truth of her past?

An inviting romance, Morgan's novel of the heady sixties in vibrant London is packed with emotion, intense love and passion. Katie and Jay are almost the perfect couple but throw in past lives and things are bound to go a bit askew...and then some. The glamour of being in love with a member of the band is not all i'ts cracked up to be. The characters met along the way have a wonderful depth and are believable. There are touches of humor and the author has used British colloquial language to reinforce the "difference" in American and English speak - a nice touch.  If you're looking for a romance that has all consuming love with lots of drama, this is the story for you. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Together Again (Second Chances series Book #3) - Peggy Bird

When Deputy District Attorney, Margo Keyes is conned into going back to Philadelphia for a school reunion, she thinks of all the reasons why she shouldn't go back. Going back to Philly means dealing with the awful summer heat, echoes of who she used to be and a high school crush - Tony Alessandro.

The journey doesn't start well - an obnoxious passenger in the airport followed by him sitting right behind her on the plane, leads to a final encounter at baggage claim but all is forgotten by the time she arrives at her mother's home. As she makes her way to the front door - there stands Tony. Still as handsome as ever and still able to do things to her heart that she'd tried to forget since their passionate kiss at his sisters wedding.

The week long stay in Philly is a mixture of business - she's filling in for her boss at a conference - and building pleasure. To her surprise, Tony is to be her co-host at the conference. But will working in close quarters be too much for them? The school reunion works out to be a good evening even more so when she's dancing so closely with her high school crush. But Tony has a reputation of being somewhat of a ladies man - does Margo want to be another notch on his bed post?

But the drama is only just beginning. Unbeknownst to Margo she has something that a criminal is after. Suddenly thrown into a dangerous situation, will the headstrong deputy DA allow Tony to look out for her? Will she stop running away from her past and finally accept love into her life?

As the third installment in the series, Bird's romantic drama unfolds in an easy going way with copious amounts of love and lust. Margo, briefly met before in previous stories, is given her own strong voice and coupled with the charismatic Tony, together they make a formidable couple.  Filled with passion, longing and a healthy dose of romance, this series is turning out to be a delight in which to lose a couple of hours in the day to.

Another great outing with the Second Chances series. I love the romance that is so subtle in this story - Margo refusing to let Tony in, Tony wanting to give so much but doesn't want to be refused. A classic will they won't they (get together) with an exciting crime subplot that makes this an extremely easy to read romance. A recommended read for all those romantics out there.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Loving Again - Peggy Bird

When glass artist Amanda St. Claire and Detective Sam Richardson meet, it's under dire circumstances. Her boyfriend, Tom Webster has been murdered and Amanda is apparently his killer. Throughout the investigation, Sam can't deny the growing attraction as they endeavor to clear her name. 

One year later, the attraction has grown but neither have acted upon it. To escape the backlash of the murder trial she heads off to Seattle. They spend a passionate night together but make a deal - for her to come back to Portland and take a chance on developing a relationship. Months later after the usual exchanges of emails, text and phone calls Sam makes a surprise visit to Seattle to convince Amanda to come back and make good on the deal. 

Moving back to Portland things have returned to normal, but odd situations start to crop up around her leading to the death of two people. Thrust back into a world of being accused of murder, Amanda has to again prove her innocence, only this time she can't include Sam in her quest. Her plan has to protect him especially as she's fallen in love with him, even if she hasn't quite said it out loud. 

Who's behind these killings? Can Amanda save the only man she's ever loved? Will he understand her motives and what will the future hold for them?

In book two of her 'Second Chances' series (see book one review), Bird's romance is still set in the art world, however this time from an artists point of view. Amanda and Sam are strong, determined people and their budding relationship blossoms into a gentle yet steamy affair. The story line is more involved and the author includes past events with enough detail so as not to lose the building main plot. The author has created great tension and drama but never losing sight of the importance of the growing partnership. With the descriptions of creating art from glass as well as police work, this book has great depth for a fairly short read. 

Being able to explore the artsy world of Portland again was great. I really felt the chemistry between Sam and Amanda and liked the fact the story included a character from her previous book. Having said that, it can still be read as a stand alone novel. I liked Bird's use of language and simple descriptions and her love scenes are steamy but not crude. It's an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. Another recommended read for the hopeless romantics out there. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Taken By Storm - M J Schiller

With rumors abound of Lord Boltar's plans to overthrow the King of Avistad, the King's son Prince Tahj returns from his travels to hear of the possible coup and to discover a 'gift' from the evil Lord. Bound and gagged on his bedroom floor is Bashea. Kidnapped from the mountains of Tamook she was subjected to brutal attacks and is now deemed a worthy prize for royalty.

As Prince Tahj tries to untie as well as reassure her, fighting breaks out in the palace. In the frenzied moments that follow, the prince, Bashea and his best friend Radeem make their escape from the palace through a forest. Prince Tahj cannot deny the spark of attraction between him and Bashea. Unaware of her brutal past, he's consumed by jealousy when he believes that she is attracted to Radeem. 

As they travel to Tamook, she is scared as she doesn't think that they will accept her back into the tribe. Unsure of the growing passion between them, they face peril after peril - a panther, soldiers and a fierce desert storm. Arriving at the camp of Bashea's family, Tahj is treated with contempt by her protective brothers. He knows that he has fallen in love with the sheep-herder despite her keeping him at arms length. In order to prove his worth to everyone including a promise made to his dying mother, Tahj returns home to face Boltar. Will Prince Tahj return to Bashea victorious? And more importantly will she accept the burning love she feels for the handsome prince?

A dramatic story woven into a backdrop of an Arabian night, Schiller's characters are rich, spirited people who add a real depth to the plot. The descriptions of the castle, the desert and the mountain where Bashea's people live are vivid and captures the imagination. The burgeoning love story is filled with zeal, heat and genuine affection and the relationships between family members are heartwarming. Schiller has written a beautiful love story against a background of mistrust and betrayal, showing how apt the old adage of 'love conquers all' is. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. It has everything that makes a romance - bubbling passion, intrigue and a likable couple. Tahj is shy and not quite a pushy man he's expected to be (when it comes to women) whilst Bashea is headstrong and knows what she wants; yet this unlikely pairing have such a dynamic start that it could go either way. With his quiet and deep love, Tahj is certainly a match for his wily sheep-herder. As for Bashea, despite her troubled beginning, learning to trust a man as well as her heart is an effort but she knows deep down that Tahj respects her. A highly recommended read. Novel will be released October 2012.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.

A Place to Rest My Heart - Galen Rose

Dealing with a traumatic past, Laney Murphy has learnt to keep her emotions in check and not rely on anyone but herself. So, when she arrives on the doorstep of the Muldoon Pub one rainy night in San Francisco, little does she know that the owners will welcome her into their home, help her find a job and deal with her past.

Determined not to be a burden and prove her worth, she's immediately annoyed when Sean, one of the sons, takes it upon himself to run a check on Laney's background. Their antagonistic attitude towards each other is a mask for their true feelings - will they stop the constant spats long enough to acknowledge their growing attraction?

Joining the Woo security company, Laney meets the extended family of the Muldoon's. Trained in martial arts as well as alarm schematics she takes on a role with relish. Until her past comes back to haunt her; a past that is rife with abuse - both physical and mental. Anger bubbles to the surface over her aunt, who did little to protect her and cousin James, her tormentor. Can Laney ever move on from her turbulent beginnings, recover from a lost love and finally accept that Sean has her best intentions at heart?

From the fraught beginning, the story continues down a dramatic and thrilling road right to it's tense ending. Rose's characters are all strong and full of vigor and at times complete opposites. You'll find Molly and Tommy, the owners of the Muldoon Pub, who are kind, patient and caring people; and then Laney a headstrong woman and determined to look after herself which is commendable only to a point as it brings her to brink of death. The author is expressive and builds the drama well creating an exciting thriller.

I found this an engrossing novel, but my enjoyment was marred by the lack of romance. Yes there was brewing passion between Sean and Laney even between other characters, but I expected more especially as it's a romance novel. The action depicted was thrilling and the characters are likable, although at times I found Laney's narrative a little too much. Overall though its well written and enjoyable. If you're after a dramatic story with a bit of romance, this is a recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Beginning Again (A Crimson Romance) - Peggy Bird

Who would expect to be a widow in their twenties and twenty odd years later divorced? Not Liz Fairchild but that's exactly what's happened to her. The divorce was amicable enough - how could it not be when your husband left you for another man? Now alone, the only person she needs to focus on is herself.

Intent on seeing her happy, Mason (Liz's ex) helps her set up an art gallery. Wealthy after the divorce, she's going to have to downsize but for Liz she's able to decorate with vibrant colors and not the white, beige and cream that Mason so adored. As Liz starts the arduous task of redecorating her new work/live space, she also has to find suitable artists. Thinking she has everyone she needs, in walks 'Collins'.

The attraction is instant. Resolute to steer clear of a May to December romance, Liz finds herself drawn in by Collin's determination of starting a sizzling romance. The handsome, 6ft sculptor is certainly enigmatic and before long he's not only exhibiting in her gallery but opening her up to new experiences in the bedroom.

Liz is still hesitant at the developing relationship especially when he disappears to return looking downbeat and being withdrawn. Asking questions results in Collins either clamming up or changing the subject. What is he hiding? Each scenario Liz runs through her mind equates to being hurt...again and that's the last thing she wants. What is it that he's keeping from her?

A short story romance, Bird's novel is well written and quick to read. Liz is a strong, almost self-assured woman whose insecurities are quashed by the bold and daring Collins. Initially he comes across as quite arrogant but the reader will soon warm up to his ways. With passionate love scenes and  moments of tenderness, it's a love story that will appeal. Overall, I enjoyed this engaging romance. It's not in-depth and the drama is low-key so if you're after complete escapism, I doubt you could go wrong with this affable novella. A recommended read for all those hopeless romantics out there (which includes me!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

You Can't Plan Love - Synithia Williams

Kenyatta Copeland has just got engaged to Brad. He's the stability she needed after a couple of disastrous relationships; he's everything that she should find attractive - a successful lawyer, patient, kind and he's completely in love with her. Yet her boss, Malcolm Patterson stirs so much desire and passion within her should she risk the forthcoming marriage for an office fling?

Having worked with Kenyatta for the last three years, Malcolm has resisted the temptation of an affair. But his attraction and growing feelings for his subordinate creates inner turmoil that he has to do something, even if it means stopping Kenyatta from marrying Brad.

Will they give in to their need to see if it's more than just lust? Is Brad going to let Kenyatta walk away from him without a fight? And, just how perfect is Brad?

Williams' debut novel is dramatic, passionate and certainly not your typical romance. Yes it has steamy love scenes but the core of the story is the complexity of relationships - a need for romance, being in control of emotions, giving into desire - it's all here. The author has created a story that's gripping and spirited yet it has touches of humor. Her characters are vibrant and real each with their own important role but doesn't detract from Kenyatta and Malcolm's developing relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. From the get-go I just turned page after page - it was that absorbing. Williams has an easy style of writing which made the chapters flow effortlessly and her language suited the South Carolina setting but certainly didn't detract from the plot. Overall, if you're looking for a romance with excitement, love and a few final dramatic chapters, this is for you. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.