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A Handful of Gold

A love story from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh

Not only is Julian Dare dashing and wealthy, but he's the heir to an earldom. So what do you get a man who has everything? Innocent and comely Verity Ewing plans on giving Julian her heart—the most precious gift of all.

The Season for Suitors

An original romance from Nicola Cornick

After some close encounters with rakes in which she was nearly compromised, heiress Clara Davenport realizes that she needs some expert advice. And who better for the job than Sebastian Fleet, the most notorious rake in town? But the tutelage doesn't go quite as planned, as both Sebastian and Clara find it difficult to remain objective when it comes to lessons of the heart!

This Wicked Gift

An original romance from Courtney Milan

Lavinia Spencer has been saving her hard-earned pennies to provide her family with Christmas dinner. Days before the holiday, her brother is swindled, leaving them owing more than they can ever repay. Until a mysterious benefactor offers to settle the debt. Innocent Lavinia is stunned by what the dashing William White wants in return. Will she exchange a wicked gift for her family's fortune?

I enjoyed all three stories, but my favorite was the first one.

Series: Featherton (Book 4)

Fiddlesticks! I am sure the ladies Letitia and Viola Featherton are wrong when it comes to matchmaking. They insist that it has all to do with love. I, Miss Hannah Chillton, believe one has only to bring a couple together and let nature take its true course. To prove my point, I secretly plan to match the ladies themselves. Lud, what a challenge! They are practically in their dotage.

And love certainly does not signify in the match the Featherton sisters are making for me. True, when Lord St. Albans and I first met, he fair took my breath away. But after we accidentally ran him down with our carriage, I became convinced he belongs to that most despicable class of men: rakes. His arrogance is insufferable...except when he appears so shy and considerate that I almost think St. Albans is two different men. But that cannot be possible. Or can it?

I enjoyed this one the most of the four books. Besides the romance between Griffin and Hannah, there were also side stories with the two Featherton ladies.

Series: NASCAR: Garrison Family (Book 3)

When a highway accident destroyed his dreams of defending his championship title, NASCAR driver Bryan "Steel" Garrison had to give up racing. Now he is president of Garrison Racing, and winning is still everything. He doesn't have time for the physical therapist his concerned family is foisting on him. Darcy Butler is too beautiful, too much a reminder of what he lost -- and won't let himself have.

Darcy Butler grew up in the NASCAR world, so she knows the famed Bryan Garrison won't readily admit to needing her help. That's fine with her -- as a widow, she isn't ready to get too close to another man. Until she helps Bryan realize that the only way to win it all is to heal his body...and his heart.

Outstanding conclusion to the trilogy. I loved Darcy and her way of getting Bryan to do what he needed to do.

Series: Featherton (Book 3)

ONCE A RAKE, ALWAYS A RAKE!

Gentle Reader, always remember that-and pray that I, Meredith Merriweather, heed my own warning. For I find myself caught in a scheme to prove that the notorious "former" scoundrel Lord Lansing, Alexander Lamont, is just as wicked as he always has been. To complete my cautionary guidebook, which will save young ladies from suffering at the hands of cads, I am dangling my very self as bait!

Now the insufferable rogue believes that I am the woman for him. Even more scandalous, my great-aunts-the matchmaking Featherton sisters-are aiding his outrageous pursuit instead of encouraging the respectable gentleman I am determined to marry. I admit that Alexander's charming smile and laughing eyes are most intriguing. But good heavens, must I always be tempted to give my heart to the type of man no proper woman should trust, let alone love?

Enjoyable read.

Series: Featherton (Book 2)

Good heavens-I've gotten myself into a scrape! Mere weeks ago, I was simply Jenny Penny, a lady's maid, a lord's illegitimate daughter, and a lover of fine frocks. But my credit at the shops of Bath has been cut off, and I am forced to sell my homemade facial cream at night, without my employers' knowledge. Who knew it would become the sensation of the ton? That society ladies would apply it to a most intimate part of their body? Or that rumor would spread that "tingle cream" was created by a highborn woman named Lady Eros?

If that were not enough, my mistresses-the matchmaking Featherton sisters-have made me their new project. By passing me off as Lady Genevieve, they mean to see me wed to Callum Campbell, Lord Argyll. I cannot fault their taste. His sable-dark eyes and his devastatingly wicked smile thrill me.

Now I am Lady Genevieve by day and Lady Eros by night. And I blush to think of what will happen when Callum and society discover that, in truth, I am neither.

All in all, I enjoyed the story. That being said, I had a hard time connecting with Jenny. Her shopaholic tendencies, and inability to control them simply irritated me. It all came right in the end, but it made for a somewhat less enjoyable read.

Series: McClouds of Montana (Book 5)

"Call me Quinn."

The moment the suntanned stranger showed up in town, Abigail Foster knew she was in trouble. Big-time. Wolf Creek's stand-in sheriff -- and secret member of a legendary ranching clan -- was gorgeous, charming and irresistible. Abby was too smart to trust her heart to a man like that...especially one who wasn't planning to stick around.

But Quinn McCloud wouldn't take no for an answer....

The widowed librarian had to be the most stubborn woman he'd ever met -- and the most desirable. Quinn lived by the loner's law, but Abby was tempting him to put down roots. Could he convince her to believe in the love he was offering and make this a Christmas to remember?

Good book. I liked visiting with the McClouds again. I sure hope there will be more from Wolf Creek...

Series: The Bride Quartet (Book 2)

Since she was a little girl, Emma Grant has always loved romance. So it's really no surprise that she has found her calling as a wedding florist. She gets to play with flowers every day and work with her three best friends in the process. She couldn't ask for a better job.

And on the surface, Emma's love life seems to be thriving. Slim and sultry, she brings color into every room she enters, just like the arrangements she creates. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr. Right. And the last place she's looking is right under her nose.

But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's been best friends with Parker's brother for years, which makes him practically family. But the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. And when Emma returns his passion - kiss for blistering kiss - things start to get complicated at Vows.

Jack has never been big on commitment. Emma yearns for a lifelong love affair. And if the two are to find common ground, they must trust in their history - and in their hearts.

Another fantastic book in the series. I love the background of these stories - the wedding planning, the stories of monster brides, crazy families and all. I loved Emma and her flowers, and Jack, even when he was being an idiot. Can't recommend this enough. Now I have to wait until May for the next one ....

Series: Kings of California (Book 6)

Everyone did Jefferson King's bidding. Except the folks in a certain Irish village he'd "bought" for his latest production. And when the movie mogul arrived in town, he discovered why everyone had turned against him. He'd gotten one of their own pregnant.

True, it looked as though he'd been avoiding Maura Donohue's phone calls; he was a busy billionaire. It didn't have anything to do with their night of passion...one he couldn't erase from his memory. Naturally he'd give the expectant mother a wedding worthy of a King's bride. But Maura wouldn't enter a marriage without love...and Jefferson wouldn't bend to that demand.

Loved this book. The story was terrific, but I liked the setting even more. I spent a week in that same area of Ireland two years ago, and reading this story made me feel as though I were back there.

Series: Featherton (Book 1)

We, the undersigned, confined to spinsterhood through no fault of our own, hereby declare to guide our beloved niece Eliza Merriweather through the upcoming season and secure for her one, if not several, offers of marriage. We vow to consult the magnificent handbook Rules Of Engagement and follow its advice to the letter.

Our mission will be difficult, for Eliza is a very independent-minded young woman and a worthy adversary. Already she has hatched a scheme of her own and persuaded Magnus MacKinnon, possessor of mesmerizing silver eyes and a shockingly sexy brogue, to play the role of attentive suitor. But with our help, it is only a matter of time before their "pretend" affections blossom into the real thing.

And so we pledge to remain steadfast and to accept nothing less than complete victory: our dearest Eliza walking hand in hand down the aisle with Magnus MacKinnon.

With true hearts and strong purpose,
The Ladies Letitia and Viola Featherton

I hadn't realized that this book was on my TBR for this long - 5 years is a long time to get around to reading a book ... I did enjoy the story though - Eliza and Magnus were terrific, and the aunts were so funny. The only character I had a problem with was the sister, Grace. For most of the book I found her completely obnoxious, though she did finally redeem herself in the end.

Series: NASCAR: Hidden Legacies (Book 9)

When an accident lands Trey Sanford in the care of Dr. Nicole Foster, everything he's worked for is suddenly at risk. The injured racing star will do whatever it takes to protect his family legacy -- and his own carefully guarded secret -- even if it threatens his budding relationship with the vivacious doctor.

Looking out for her kid brother is Nicole's number one priority. Trey could help him by going public with his medical condition. She knows it's a tough choice, especially with the NASCAR competition heating up...and things heating up between them. Unless she can convince this man who's already a hero to her brother that he's also a champion in her eyes....

Excellent book. I like the NASCAR background, but I especially like the issues this series has been dealing with.