very good

4 Hearts! ~~~ Diana Palmer knows how to draw out the intense emotions!  Though this was originally published in 1980, this story works very well today.  King is a man with a quick temper and Shelby has always gotten under his skin, sparks inevitably fly when they get near each other.   Shelby's been in love with King for years, but she doesn't know that his outbursts are meant to push her away, she thinks King honestly despises her and so she shrinks away.  You'll need some tissues handy, there are a few scenes where your heart with ache!

To Love and Cherish by Diana Palmer ~ Harlequin Special Release ~ originally published 1980

4 Hearts! ~~~ In the hopes of saving his brother's life from the raiding Normans, Kieran agrees to sell himself as a slave for his brother's release.  But the raiders slit Egan's throat.   Iseult is intrigued by the new slave her betrothed has purchased.  The new slave has a talent as a wood carver and is commisioned to finish a chest but first he must create a carving of Iseult's likeness.  Spending time together is torturous for Kieran as he's not fit to love any woman and Iseult is confused by her burning desire for this warrior slave.   Their's is a forbidden love and a hard earned HEA!   I loved how this lovestory ties in with the MacEgan clan!

Her Warrior Slave by Michelle Willingham ~ Harlequin Historical #992 ~ November 2008

4 ½ Hearts! ~~~ Though published later, "Her Warrior King" is actually the first in the MacEgan series.  This is Patrick's story and his struggle to protect his people at any cost to himself, even having to marry his enemy's daughter.  Isobel is very much the right woman for Patrick, but she has her work cut out for her as she tries to prove that to her reluctant husband.   Awesome read!  You'll be riveted from the first page and watch your fingertips as some of the pages are scorching! 

Her Warrior King by Michelle Willingham ~  Harlequin Historical #882 ~ January 2008

4 Hearts! ~~~ When Kate's fiance brutally drops her because she's not wealthy like he thought, she takes a job as secretary for a romance author.   Garet made it to the top in aeronautics because of his talent as a pilot and an engineer and his ruthless approach to business.   Kate sees her boss' neighbour as arrogant with his nose in the air, and Garet see the wisp of a girl as a spoiled brat determined to have her way.  A tragic accident leaves Garet blind and bitter, and throws Kate into his world.  Only Kate knows the truth of the accident and she's living on the edge until the day Garet remembers her and what she did.  Awesome!   Another treat from Ms. Palmer!

Bound by a Promise by Diana Palmer ~ Silhouette Special Release ~ originally published in 1980

4 ½ Hearts! ~~ I just adore Diana Palmer's heroes, they're strong and full of purpose, but when they fall they fall completely and with a thud.  Hawke has watched his partner's daughter grow up into a smart, saucy beauty and knows she's the sort of trouble he needs to stay away from.  Siri is delightful in her confusion over the mixed messages Hawke sends, and she's not very good at hiding that she truly does adore him.  Being forced to work together, she as the reporter to break the explosive news and he as the trial lawyer that's going to shake things up, the two are finally forced to deal with their blazing attraction.  Though the tension in this story isn't quite as taunt as in other Diana Palmer's lovestories, I found the dialogues masterly written -- I felt like a fly on the wall!   This one will be reread often!

Love on Trial by Diana Palmer ~ Silhouette Special Releases ~ originaly published 1980

4 Hearts! ~~~ I found this recently in our eBoutique as a recent reissue.  Originally published in 1979, some of the content is dated, however in classic Diana Palmer style this is a page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it!   If you love classic Diana, you'll find recent reissues from her oldest backlist in the eBoutique.

Now and Forever by Diana Palmer ~ Silhouette Special Releases ~ originally published 1979

4 Hearts! ~~~ This is the fourth book in Lora Leigh's Breed series.  This time it's the heroine that is the Breed, and Sheera is quite the woman!  This book is filled with emotions of betrayal and loss.  Not a book for the fient of heart.  A very good read!

Kiss of Heat by Lora Leigh ~ Ellora's Cave ~ August 2005

4 Hearts! ~~ In this sequel, Sam has graduated from college and he and Robert have moved to a small town where Sam teaches elementary school and Robert has taken the position of Fire Chief.  Robert's easily accepting by the community, but Sam isn't seen as someone permanent.   When Robert learns that Sam has had some trouble with intolerance, it brings up other problems he hadn't really seen in their relationship.  This is a wonderful followup to On Fire.  I love readying about the great couple!

4 Hearts! ~~ This is my first book by Drew Zachary, and as you will see from the following review, it has not been my last.  From the opening pages, I was quickly drawn in to the growing relationship between Sam and Robert.  Both are well drawn characters with real insecurities.  Though this is a gay romance, I think most will find that it is definitely a romance.  This is a very good read! 

4 Hearts! ~~ Another exciting read from Ms. Langley.  We were introduced to the hero Grayson in The Tin Star.  In this story, again the intolerance of some of the town towards a gay lifestyle, is a major theme.  Though the sex is explicit, the love story is always forefront.  A very good read!

The Broken H by J. L. Langley ~ Loose Id ~ December 2008