Heidi Betts

Back Cover:

Creed Fortune had hungered for Maya Blackstone for nearly a decade, but he'd held back to protect his family's reputation. After all, the press would have a field day if they uncovered a clandestine affair between a Fortune heir and his very own stepsister! Then a heated argument between Creed and Maya turned into a feverish night of lovemaking. Even though the raven-haired schoolteacher melted his heart in ways he'd never dreamed possible, Creed had to find a way to douse their dangerous attraction. Otherwise, the sordid truth could topple the Fortune empire!
  

Gwen wakes up on her 31st birthday and decides to change her life: starting with her image and losing her virginity.  She's been a quiet reserved librarian sitting at home for years… she decides to go out clubbing.  She meets the bar owner, Ethan, when he pulls her away from a sketchy man.  He takes her home, and she asks for a birthday present: him.  Then she leaves in the middle of the night.  He's incredibly frustrated to find her gone and be unable to go after her, because he knew so little about who she was.  When he eventually finds her, he wants to wrangle her back into his bed, he's become obsessed with her and he's starting to wonder if it might be love.  She's afraid if he gets to know the real her he'll be bored with her, so she tries to be the bed-hopper he expects. 

Lucy has been working as an assistant to Peter (a computer troubleshooter/programmer) for 2 years, and been lusting after him for the same period.  At a business function they go to, they get trapped in an elevator.  The hero has claustrophia, and after an impulsive kiss from the heroine, they end up having sex in the elevator.  They didn't use a condom, and they are both secretly hoping in their own ways that Lucy will end up pregnant.  Peter's feelings about this (and the prospect of Lucy dating other men) scare him.  He wants more than a night, but she can't emotionally deal with an affair.  With a little encouragement from Peter's friend Ethan, they talk about their feelings. 

This is one of "The Elliotts" series.  Cullen is 27 and made Misty (a 32 year old ex-showgirl) his mistress four years ago.  They were casual, but intense about each other for all those years together.  Cullen forgets protection, and she ends up pregnant.  She hides it at first from him, avoiding changing their relationship, but once he finds out the first thing he does is ask her to marry him.  She turns him down about a dozen times in the book, because she's afraid she'll only bring pain and humiliation to Cullen because of her former career.  She's a pretty demure woman by nature, not a showy showgirl, and she's capable of being hurt by what people think of her.  Cullen is so loving towards the heroine, so tender!  He always wants her with him and can't stop himself from cuddling and touching her.  This was a really enjoyable book. 

Rating: 4.5/5 stars, the hero was adorable when in love.  NFM 

Gwen Thomas is tried of her boring life.  She is determined not to end her 31st birthday a virgin.  She heads out on makeover and goes to "Hot Spot" the hottest nightclub in town.  Playboy owner Ethan Banks takes one look at the redhead at the bar and he breaks his rule and intervenes to keep her from leaving.  Can a one-night stand turn into more?

She was his kept woman...a secret lover living in Las Vegas luxury.  It had been an ideal situation.  Until Misty Vale discovered she was carrying Cullen Elliott's child.

Misty was not the type a millionaire like Cullen could ever take as his wife.  Her past was scandalous...his family above reproach.  How could she ever tell him the truth?

In the pitch blackness, trapped between floors, Peter Reynolds had almost convinced himself that the woman in the suddenly too-cramped-for-comfort elevator car was not off-limits...and that the deserate passion they shared would not change everything.

But then the lights came on, and Peter knew that he'd crossed more than one line.

3 ½ Stars! ~~~ This book is a refreshing fast and fun read!

When the Lights Go Down by Heidi Betts

Silhouette Desire #1686 – October 2005

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MILLIONAIRE BACHELOR SEEKS HEIR Chicago’s Most Eligible Bachelor, Burke Bishop, wanted a child—but didn’t want to be shackled by marriage. Surrogacy seemed the only solution, and when he met gorgeous Shannon Moriarity, he knew he’d found the perfect mother for his baby.

3 ½ Stars! ~~~ I was eager to see how Ms. Betts brought these two together!

Blame it on the Blackout by Heidi Betts

Silhouette Desire # 1662 – June 2005

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