Title: Reunited by the Greek’s Baby
Author: Annie West
Published: February 2023
Genre: Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern, Unexpected Pregnancy, Second-Chance at Love

Blurb:

Torn apart...until they’re bound together by their baby! Drama and emotion collide in this pregnancy romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Annie West.

He pushed her away to protect her

Now he’ll finally claim her!

When Theo Karalis was wrongly imprisoned, ending his affair with Isla Jacobs was vital for her safety. Proven innocent at last, he discovers she’s pregnant!

Nothing will stop Theo from giving his child everything his own father denied him.

Isla tried to move on after Theo refused all contact. Yet, seeing his commitment to their baby, his offer of a Greek getaway is tempting...and so is rekindling their simmering chemistry! But will that be enough to convince Isla he wants her, not just his heir?

My Review:

I have always loved Annie West’s books and this one has been added to my most favourite book list. Not only did the cover mesmerize me but also the story held me until the last page!

Isla had a fling with Theo before he was arrested for the crime he didn’t commit. When he was imprisoned, he asked his lawyer to make her go and never visit him again in quite devastating way. However after being released from the prison, he couldn’t forget Isla, the woman whom had captivated him during the archaeological dig in Greece therefore despite his mistreatment, he has the audacity to turn up on her workplace in England. Discovering Isla’s pregnancy, he is resolutely determined to care and claim the baby and Isla.

I couldn’t tell how much I adored this couple; Isla and Theo. Isla is innocent, naive, smart, honest and compassionate yet after what she has been through, she carefully guards herself from Theo. Meanwhile Theo is the typical Greek hero I always adore. He is charismatic, patient, protective and caring. Both experienced difficult childhoods but Theo never knows that Isla is all alone. I felt lured into some emotional and dramatic plots. The connection between Isla and Theo is so intense and romantic. I loved every step of it.

Annie West’s incredible talented writing kept me glued between the pages, especially when she outlined Theo’s rolled sleeves, it etched within my imagination. I loved and totally savoured every page of this story. The epilogue utterly warmed my heart. Additionally, the cover represents how I pictured Theo and Isla. I highly recommend it. Thank you, Annie West, for the ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Annie West loves writing passionate, intense love stories. She has devoted her life to and in depth study of tall, dark charismatic heroes who cause the best kind of trouble in the lives of their heroines who are a perfect match for those strong stubborn men is one of her all time favorite things. As a sideline she’s also researched dreamy locations for romance, from vibrant cities to desert encampments and fairytale castles.

Annie won the Romantic Rimes Reviewers’ Choice Award for ‘Protected by the Prince’ and the Australian Romance Writers’ Romantic Book of the Year Award for ‘Damaso Claims His Hair’. Romantic Times said in its review of The Sheikh’s Ransomed Bride ‘This is what a love story could be’.

As well as writing for Harlequin/Mills and Boon, Annie also publishes shorter contemporary romances like her Hot Italian Nights e-novella series.

She lives with her family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east coast of Australia, situated neatly between spectacular sandy beaches and gorgeous wine country. She loves reading, good company, good food, long walks and travel.

You can catch Annie’s news at her website www.annie-west.com or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.author . She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com. To sign up for her email newsletter with behind the scenes information and updates, go to https://madmimi.com/signups/109660/join

 

 

Title: The Boss’s Stolen Bride
Author: Natalie Anderson
Published: February 2023
Genre: Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern, Marriage of Convenience, Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

She needs a groom now and there’s only one choice: her boss! Step into the drama of this marriage of convenience romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Natalie Anderson.

“You need to get married today?

Then you can marry me...”

Today is not only Darcie Milne’s last day working for her insufferable yet infuriatingly handsome boss, billionaire Elias Greyson...it’s also her wedding day! She must marry to take custody of her orphaned goddaughter but, after arriving at the registry office, Darcie finds herself without her convenient groom.

Renowned businessman Elias’s solution: he’ll wed his irreplaceable assistant – immediately! After all, taking a bride will help him secure an important contract. But then their first eye-opening kiss as man and wife suggests this marriage arrangement may not stay strictly professional...

My Review:

I must admit that Natalie Anderson has never disappointed me with her books, including this. Furthermore I have always been fond of her writing and tropes. This marriage of convenience with a boss and a secretary brought me into wonderful and powerful drama.

Darcie Milne works for Elias Grayson as his practical, efficient and multitalented secretary but when Darcie doesn’t turn up for important business deal, Elias, who could control his emotion in perfect ways, is mad at his secretary. Therefore when Darcie appears in his office not wearing her usual attire, he is stunned and even more shocked when she informs him that she quits. Darcie has tried to be professional when she works with Elias, she never puts any emotional attachment, and neither does Elias. Yet when possessive and jealous Elias hears that Darcie is going to marry, he is provoked then he marries her.

Their past has made who they are now. Darcie has always been alone thus when she has the slightest chance of adopting her goddaughter, she would do anything including marry the demanding ex-boss. Meanwhile Elias, he is afraid of becoming controlling and demanding. Through their marriage journey, I absorbed very different characters compared to what Darcie and Elias claimed. I loved when Elias couldn’t control his desire towards Darcie and he demands her to let him kiss her, it was so romantically compelling.

If you are in need of marriage of convenient trope, it is absolutely for you. It is filled with truly compelling characters, fiery moments, sexual tension and intense drama. Thank you, Natalie Anderson for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Natalie Anderson writes emotional contemporary romance full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings – perfect for readers who love to escape with empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Natalie wrangling her four children, three cats, two goldfish and one dog ... and snuggled in heap on the sofa with her husband at the end of the day. Follow her at https://natalie-anderson.com/ or her Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/authornatalieanderson/

 

Title: His Maddening Matchmaker
(The Very Village Scandal Book 2)
Author: Virginia Heath
Published: February 2023
Genre: Historical Romance, Harlequin Historical, Regency Romance, Mills & Boon Historical, Friends-to-Lovers

Blurb:

Sparks fly in this witty Regency romance

They say opposites attract...

But do they wed?

Ned Parker has spent years restoring his family’s fortunes, leaving no time for courting. Now childhood friend and self-appointed matchmaker Isobel has decided to transform this “scruffy brute” into an eligible gentleman. Though he has no interest in rejoining society, Ned senses Izzy needs the distraction and reluctantly goes along with her plan. Despite their differing views, a surprising new attraction grows...but Ned’s doing his best to avoid it!

My Review:

Finally the second book of The Very Village Scandal is here. The Whittleston-on-the-Water is incredibly interesting village and its residents are the best!

Isobel or Izzy is resolutely determined to become a matchmaker for Ned Parker after she partially succeeded in pairing off her friend, Sophie, with Rafe. However Ned, the gruff, surly, unapproachable and scruffy hero, is enraged by the idea, because he has secluded himself after the flood attack on his father farm and preferred to work. Despite her cheery characters, Isobel feels the void within her that she thinks no one knows. Her father is a bully whom always throws accusations and makes her life miserable. She is so inclined to set up a new life far from the village and buries her horrid past behind yet no man has taken interest in her therefore she is determined to preoccupy herself by making her childhood friend happy through reforming him.

Ah I immensely enjoyed the life in Whittleston-on-the-Water. Despite its location, the village is far from the fancy life and ball of London even though the gossip is still there. I loved how technically enlightening it is about the farming and the beauty of the sunset and sunrise near the River Thames. The scene when Isobel tries to avoid her father and runs to see sunrise, tilting her face and immersing herself in the yellow shining sun captivated me a lot.

Virginia Heath’s wonderful writing is always entertaining and full of wonderful characters. Ned, the gruff and scruffy farmer who works hard in the farmer but has soft heart for animals and Isobel, an optimist who has shining and pleasant, albeit irritating character, both Ned and Isobel are stubborn but I loved them. At times I just wanted to put some sense to make them realize that they deserve one another and thanks to the kind neighbours for their considerate action. The story is so splendidly immersive and entertaining. The ending is so twisted and dramatic but I even loved it more. Thank you, Virginia Heath, for the ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl, it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated – sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. One day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep. Follow her at https://www.virginiaheathromance.com/ or her facebook page Virginia Heath.

Title: Pregnant in the Italian’s Palazzo
(The Greek’s Race to the Altar #3)
Author: Amanda Cinelli
Published: January 2023
Genre: Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern, Accidental-Pregnancy

Blurb:

Flying first – class had nine-month consequences! Get swept away by Amanda Cinelli’s passionate pregnancy romance.

The consequence of their sky-high encounter:

“I’m pregnant!”

Fashion designer Aria Dane needs to get from New York to London. The simple solution? Nysio Bacchetti’s private jet. Yet there’s nothing simple about the collision between free-spirited Aria and guarded Nysio. And for one flight, they yield to explosive desire...

Weeks later, the Italian billionaire can’t get Aria out of his head. To stop his perfectly ordered world from descending into chaos, Nysio’s sole option is to finish what they started... only, once Aria arrives at his grand palazzo, they discover something truly life-changing – her unexpected pregnancy!

My Review:

Wow, it’s been a while since I last enjoyed accidental-pregnancy trope from Harlequin presents and Amanda Cinelli has truly completed The Greek’s Race to the Altar series with the promise within and this book made me read and savour it thoroughly! And the cover is so captivating!

On his step-brother’s failed wedding day, Nysio doesn’t plan to fulfil his ruthless father’s stipulation but when he spots Aria, he can’t help but following her until he impulsively offers his private jet for her after what she has done. Wow, I couldn’t tell how steamy and how perfectly set it was on their way in his private jet! I was utterly blown away by their one-hot-night! Nysio and Aria do have strong electric sexual tension from the beginning. Well, as I assumed, one night was never enough thus Nysio does what he has to do to bring Aria back. Interestingly Florence and a Palazzo are the perfect place for guarded Nysio to invite her. I loved his palazzo to be frank, despite being remotely placed in Florence, it’s beautifully portrayed.

What I loved from this book was its characters. Amanda Cinelli has always outlined autistic and remarkable characters which actually are relevant to our surroundings. Aria is curvy and she wants to design lingerie for curvy women (it’s was the most wonderful idea I had ever read from a book), she also has ADHD meanwhile Nysio is socially awkward and bossy but it seemed to me that they ideally complete one another.

It’s a charming and wonderful read. I enjoyed Amanda Cinelli’s writing immensely. Thank you, Amanda Cinelli for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

Amanda Cinelli was born into a large Irish Italian family and raised in the leafy-green suburbs of County Dublin, Ireland. After dabbling in a few different career paths, she finally found her calling as an author upon winning an online writing competition with her first finished novel. With three small daughters at home, she usually spends her days doing school runs, changing diapers and writing romance. She still considers herself unbelievably lucky to be able to call this her day job. Follow her at https://amanda-cinelli.com/ or her Twitter https://twitter.com/AcinelliAuthor
 

 

Title: Beguiling Her Enemy Warrior
(Shieldmaiden Sisters Book 3)
Author: Lucy Morris
Published: January 2023
Genre: Historical Romance, Harlequin Historical, Mills & Boon Historical, Enemies-to-Lovers

Blurb:

A dramatic, enemies to lovers Viking romance

Kidnapped by the warrior

Tempted by the man...

Captures by the infamous Lord Rhys, a Welsh prince intent on revenge against her family, Viking healer Helga must keep her wits about her if she’s to be freed. Easier said than done when she desires him rather than fears him! Helga senses there’s good inside Rhys and feels compelled to reach his heart. But first, she must make him see there’s more to her than just his enemy...

My Review:

Bravo ... Bravo ...  Lucy Morris! This last instalment for Shieldmaiden Sisters has captivated me all along and I hadn’t been able to move on!

As I had read the prior series I thought that I was rather familiar with Helga, the unique sister whom possesses healing skill yet I was wrong. Lucy Morris brought a very strong, too kind, remarkable, wise, and friendly shieldmaiden. She is everything I wanted in a heroine!

I knew from the beginning that I would love Helga and Rhys’s story. Rhys presumes that Helga is the weakest among her sisters but when he kidnaps her, he doesn’t expect that she will fight with fierce resistance. Succeeded in kidnapping her, Rhys takes her as his hostage in return for his missing sister. Rhys is a typical prince who carries onerous burden, the burden to protect his Welsh terrain from the Norse, especially the infuriating Ulf (Argh, this old man had made me mad from the first book) who wants to attack his land and people. On their journey, despite being a hostage, Helga is kindly treated and she isn’t afraid of Rhys, she even has an audacity to tease him over and over even though he is her enemy.

Oh my! I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages over and over and letting me be taken into their journey. I loved its rich detailed historical settings and superstitions. They kept me glued until the end. I felt like I was under Lucy Morris’s spell especially the tender scene when Helga accidentally knocked her toe and Rhys is so warmly and increasingly concerned of her. It’s smartly framed especially the strategy used to attack Ulf. I was so fascinated by the Shieldmaidens. The epilogue! Loved it so much! For me, this is truly a compelling Viking story. This book might be a standalone but I would recommend reading the prior series as they are as captivating as this. Thank you, Lucy Morris, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

Lucy Morris lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two young children and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves gin, bubbly and Irn-Bru. She is a member of the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association and is delighted to begin her publishing journey with Harlequin Historical in 2021 with her first release ‘The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance’.

She adores writing strong, passionate women and the brave honourable men who fall in love with them. Weaving her fascination with the dark age of medieval Europe with her compulsion to give her characters a happily ever after. But only after they’ve had an adventure along the way. Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/LMorris_Author