TEMPTING by Susan Mallery

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TEMPTING (The Buchanans : Book 4)
Source: Contest Win
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books; Reissue edition (February 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373775210
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373775217
SYNOPSIS:
After three romantic flame-outs in a year and a restaurant career going nowhere, Dani Buchanan needs a fresh start. She goes looking for her biological father, but never expects to find a senator running for president. As his long-lost ‘love child, ‘ Dani could seriously derail the election– something his handsome campaign manager Alex Canfield isn’t going to let happen. Dani isn’t about to let Alex run her life, no matter how tempting she finds him–and Alex isn’t going to allow Dani to melt his cynicism, no matter how close he has to get. The last thing either of them wants is love, especially with scandals brewing and family trouble on the way. But Dani and Alex are forced to trust each other, and when trust turns to passion, the potential for disaster is only a tabloid scandal away.
MY THOUGHTS:
First of all, Dani rocks! She has been through so much in the last three books! She deserved some much needed happiness.  She finally found it in Alex.  They are both strong and independent but both of them have a soft and touching side to them. I was even more surprised by the turnaround with Gloria in this book.  All of the characters came together in this final book and made a loud bang!  This book gave the readers that final climatic story we wanted. The author has truly out done herself with this series.  You will find yourself crying, laughing, and cheering for each character page after page. 
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

SIZZLING by Susan Mallery

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SIZZLING (The Buchanans : Book 3)
Source: Contest Win
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books; Reprint edition (February 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373775199
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373775194
SYNOPSIS:
Reid Buchanan was always a fan favorite on the baseball diamond. But between the sheets? 
A spiteful article about the former pitcher and current playboy questions his talent in the bedroom. And the newspaper’s just the first bad news. Reid’s grandmother Gloria’s broken hip means she needs constant care-but Reid hired Nurses 1 and 2 for their bedside manner with him. So for Number 3 he chooses Lori Johnson, the first candidate who seems immune to his brand of charm.
Lori’s never wasted her time with amoebas like Reid Buchanan. So why are her well-fortified defenses starting to crumble under the force of his sexy smile-and the kindness he shows her at every turn? There’s only one explanation for the feelings flaring between them-chemistry. Chemistry so hot, it’s sizzling!
MY THOUGHTS:
The author did a wonderful job with giving this book the title Sizzling.  The between the sheet action with Reid and Lori is not only hot and sexy, but it is touching and romantic.  
At first, the impression I got of Lori was cold and stiff. Reid came across as egotistical and selfish.  I quickly changed my mind about both of them though when they came together as a couple. They both had a knack of getting on each others nerves and not backing down from the witty remarks.  I also loved Gloria in this book.  She is one of those characters you love to hate.  As the story progresses though, Gloria changes and starts to grow on you.  
We still get to see the rest of the family in the book and I loved that! I love how Ms. Mallery made sure to include them in it.  I will say though to have some tissues handy for the last half of this book. It has a tear-jerker snuck in there and will leave you with tears in your eyes.  A great book that could be read as a stand alone book, but it is better to read the others first to get a feel for the family. 

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

IRRESISTIBLE by Susan Mallery

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IRRESISTIBLE (The Buchanans: Book 2)
Author: Susan Mallery
Source: Contest Win
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books; Reissue edition (February 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373775105
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373775101
SYNOPSIS:
When ex-Marine Walker Buchanan stops to help Elissa Towers change a tire, he tells himself it’s just the neighborly thing to do. And when Elissa finds herself baking him a thank-you pie, she’s just returning the favor…right?
Both of them have sworn off dating—Elissa’s determined to protect her little girl, and that means ditching her taste for dangerous men…especially former Marines with dark secrets. Walker knows that he’s not cut out for hearth and home…his own crazy family made sure of that. But the sparks won’t stop flying between them.
Now the two are struggling to keep their relationship “just friends,” but with every kiss, their rules fly out the window… 
MY THOUGHTS:
I loved this book even more than the first book in the series.  I was so glad that Walker’s book was the next in the series.  This had more of the relationship progression that I like instead of the on again/off again that most romance books have. The relationship between Walker and Elissa slowly builds until the end.  I will say that near the end I found myself with a little bit of tears in my eyes, and that was mainly because of what Elissa’s daughter Zoe says to Walker.  It is such a sweet and tender scene in the book.  Another great book by a talented author that never disappoints. I am so happy I found this authors books.  The author knows how to capture your interest in the book and will keep you hanging on until the last chapter.  This could easily be read as a stand alone book, but I do recommend reading the first book, Delicious, first so you can understand the other characters involved better.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

DELICIOUS by Susan Mallery

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DELICIOUS (The Buchanan’s: Book 1)
Author: Susan Mallery
Source: Contest Win
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books (February 1, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373770561
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373770564
SYNOPSIS:

Cal Buchanan needs a top-flight chef to take over his failing Seattle restaurant, The Waterfront. He can afford to hire the best in town-the only problem is that the best happens to be his ex-wife, Penny Jackson.Penny really needs this opportunity, but she doesn’t need the distraction of working with her ex. She’s sworn off romance-she’s even having a baby on her own. But before she knows it, the heat is on and the attraction between her and Cal moves from a low simmer to a full boil!The rest should be easy as pie, but a secret from Cal’s past could spoil everything. Maybe it’s true that too many cooks spoil the broth-or maybe two is enough to make it irresistible.
MY THOUGHTS:
I can’t help it. I am so in love with this authors writing style and her true romantic plots. To me, this author has perfected the art of writing romance novels. The characters are smart, wonderful and interesting. The plot always flows nicely and at the right pace.  
In this book, the main characters get a second chance at making love work. Even with Penny being pregnant, Cal still loves her.  They start out working together and it blossoms into love all over again.  Each one has some things to work through individually, but they find working together makes it easier.  I also love how the author introduced the rest of the family that will be in future books of this series.  After reading this one, you will be anxious to read what will happen with each Buchanan involved. Even though you will hate their Grandmother Gloria, you will still want to see what the old bat will do in the following books. Maybe she will get what is coming to her in those as well. 
Overall a wonderful and romantic book with witty humor and brilliant characters that will keep you warm at night and hungry for even more of this food family business!
MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE by Sarah MacLean

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NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING  A RAKE
Author: Sarah MacLean
Source: Publisher
* I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*
  • Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Avon; Original edition (March 30, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061852058
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061852053
SYNOPSIS:

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen’s club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried – and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she’s vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she’s been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss – to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston – charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she’s not careful, she’ll break the most important rule of all – the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love . . .

MY THOUGHTS:

First of all, I am very picky about my historical romance.  I am not a big fan of that genre of romance because I don’t usually like the writing of that time.  So I was hesitant on reading this book.  I am so glad I did!
The author weaves a wonderful tale in this book that features great characters and passionate scenes that can leave you breathless! At the beginning of the book, Callie comes up with a list of things to do if she finds her inner courage.  The first item on the list is KISS SOMEONE–PASSIONATELY. Well, when she meets Gabriel he makes a deal with her. Even though Callie is satisfied with a peck on the cheek, Gabriel has other plans:

“His lips curved at her ear as he spoke, his harsh breathing making the words more a caress than a sound, “Kisses should not leave you satisfied.”

He returned his lips to her, claiming her mouth again, robbing her of all thought with a rich, heady caress. All she wanted was to be closer to him, to be held more firmly. And, as though he could read her thoughts, he gathered her closer, deepening the kiss. His heat consumed her; his soft, teasing lips seemed to know all of her secrets.

When he lifted his mouth from hers, she had lost all strength. His next words pierced through her sensual haze.

“They should leave you wanting.”


YUM! Now I know why the women always carried those fans with them back then! 

Overall, this was a magical romance that I loved from the historical romance genre. A book that will not disappoint.

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!