Hot Spot by Debbi Rawlins

Emotionally charged and sexy read

4 stars

Madison Tate is a struggling photographer who finally has a shot of the big time - a sexy photo shoot at the divine Hush Hotel with Jack Logan - one of the hottest reporters on the planet! If all goes to plan then Madison will score a lucrative magazine cover and she will finally make the big time.

Jack Logan is only doing this photo shoot because his arm was twisted and he has no problems letting Madison know it. But then she suggests they do a shot - shirts optional - and suddenly Jack realises that maybe the photo shoot in one of the sexiest hotels isn't such a bad thing after all.

Another in Blaze's Do Not Disturb series - this book focuses less on the hotel than some of the others despite the time the characters spend there. But that's not necessarily a bad thing as the romance is key to this story.

The story itself is more emotional then many other Blaze novels and both Jack and Madison have quite a lot of discussion and inner dialogue about their respective situations. Again, this is not a bad thing but it did make it seem somehow different than the other novels of the series - not so light.

Both Jack and Madison are very interesting, well-written characters. I liked that Madison was not classically beautiful but it neither affected or bothered her. Jack was a wonderful hero and did just enough brooding to make him irresistible to me! Together the pair worked well and the story was nicely sexy if maybe not scorching hot.

Each book in the Do Not Disturb series stands entirely on its own with only the hotel linking the stories however this still makes a very good addition to the series. If you're looking for a short, sexy, page-turning read with a good pinch of happily ever after then you should give this book a try. Enjoyable.

Jinxed!

Enjoyable romantic anthology

4 stars

Madame Karma has a stall at the Valentine's Day Fair at the upscale Fairfax building complex. And she decides to impart some wisdom on those at the fair: if you run away from love, you'll be cursed!

Blame It On Karma - Jacquie D'Alessandro

Coffe shop owner Lacey Perkins is sceptical when a fortune teller tells her that she is going to fall in love with Evan Sawyer, her annoying, but very hot, property manager. She would rather face the wrath of karma - until she finds herself cursed with a rather large dose of lust.

This story is fun, sexy and very enjoyable and I will be looking out for more of her work in the future.

Together Again? - Jill Shalvis

Accountant Chloe Cooper doesn't believe in predictions - especially when she is told that the man of her dreams is about to walk into her life. But then she bumps into Ian McCall - her former, and first, lover. But this Ian is more dangerous, secretive and seductive than the one she remembers. But just as she starts to think the prediction could be true - she is cursed with a blackout, a case of fraud and some handcuffs!

Jill Shalvis manages to incorporate some of her well-known excitement and danger into her enjoyable (but too short) story of lost loves. It was also refreshing to find a story of past lovers who didn't part on bad terms.

Tall, Dark & Temporary - Crystal Green

Erin Holland isn't convinced when she's told that Wes Ryan, the infamous playboy, is "the one". In fact, she only wants him as a quick fling on their weekend cruise. But she soon finds that if you mess with karma it will mess with you until you are forced to admit the truth.

Crystal Green's story while being generally okay - didn't seem to fit with the other two stories in that it took place outside the complex and 2 weeks after Valentine's Day. Although a pleasant read - I felt it didn't have the sparkle of the first two stories.

This is an enjoyable set of stories which are linked by the mysterious Madame Karma and the predictions she makes about the character's love lives. Although set around Valentine's Day - the holiday doesn't dominate any of the storylines to any great depth.

All in all this is a very enjoyable anthology and one that I would recommend if you're a fan of any of these authors or if you're looking for some quick, sexy reads. 4 stars.

Mills and Boon Annual 2007

Festive fun and romance

5 stars

As far as I'm aware - this is the first time that Mills and Boon have ever done an annual and I hope they make it a yearly occurrence, as this really is a fun book for the Christmas period.

Being Mills and Boon - there are plenty of festive romance stories to get you in the Christmas spirit. There are contemporary stories from Carol Marinelli, Betty Neels and Barbara Hannay; a historical story by Deborah Hale and a red-hot read from Sharon Kendrick. Some are very quick reads and others are longer so there's something for everyone. Although not all Christmas stories - they are all still enjoyable, fun reads.

As well as the stories there are a few recipes, numerous puzzles and games, horoscopes, Christmas craft ideas and plenty of festive features and tips throughout.

And don't be put off if you're imagining an annual to be a large, cumbersome book - this is small and lightweight and although hardback, still compact enough to fit in your bag.

If you enjoy Mills and Boon romances of any sort and love Christmas then this is an ideal purchase for you. It will leave you with a lovely, fuzzy festive feeling. Recommended.

Two Weeks with a Stranger by Debra Mullins

Wonderful historical romance

5 stars

Lucy is distraught when her new husband weds her, beds her and then leaves her the very next day.

Even though a marriage of convenience, Lucy was sure that their shared passion on their one night together could turn into something more. And when word reaches her of her husband's exploits, she decides to follow him to London where she vows to fight for her marriage.

Unbeknownst to his new wife, Simon, the Earl of Devingham, is an agent of the crown and must do what he can to protect England even if that means abandoning his new bride. But now she has followed him to London, seducing him with her kisses and Simon realises that both his heart and his life are in danger.

This is the first book I've read by Debra Mullins but it won't be my last as I really loved this story. Lucy is an absolutely charming heroine and it was so refreshing to see someone who was intelligent and didn't jump to conclusions just to create tension in the novel. Simon too was a great character - not written as an alpha male but still coming across as someone strong and also intelligent. The story was interesting, intriguing and captivating enough to keep the pages turning. While not focusing on the mystery, it is an important part of the plot but I was glad it never overshadowed the romance.

As I said I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to those who enjoy sophisticated, exciting historical novels similar in style to those by Sabrina Jeffries. Highly recommended.