Temptation

Kathryn Barrett
Entangled Publishing
February 2013

From the  publisher: 

Laura moves to Pennsylvania’s Amish country to film her next movie, once she gets there she is so taken with the simplistic way of life that she decides to put down roots and buys herself a house.

The house also comes with a very attractive neighbor and it isn’t long before Jacob and Laura strike a friendship, they are both intrigued and attracted to each other. Jacob talks Laura into taking up gardening and before you know it Laura is gardening and baking plum pies and loving it.

Though Laura and Jacob are attracted to each other and have feelings for each other they face major obstacles. In order for Laura and Jacob to have any kind of relationship Laura would either have to become Amish – and that would mean giving up her career and her whole way of life or for Jacob to leave his church, his family and become “English”.

IMO: 

The premise of this story was intriguing so it wasn't a hardship to pick up and read. I like that both main characters question themselves and their motivations.  There are many stories in which characters are sure of themselves in all ways, it was good to see one in which they weren't. 
It was also refreshing to observe the Amish life from someone who was intrigued by the things that happen and the way things are done.  It didn't hurt to see a little jealousy and such characteristics from the minor characters.  Its good to be reminded that Christian (whatever your beliefs) doesn't equal perfect!
The struggle the characters undergo is was a definite plus in keeping me hooked on the story. 
I would for sure recommend this to others to add to their library!

The Star Harbor Series

The Star Harbor series
Elisabeth Barrett
Loveswept

Deep Autumn Heat - From the Publisher:  

In this sexy new Star Harbor romance series, featuring the too-tempting Grayson brothers, a celebrity chef turns up the heat for a local café owner—and things start to sizzle.

Lexie Meyers decides there’s nothing sweeter than watching Sebastian Grayson’s perfect, wicked mouth devour her coconut cake. He’s hot, he’s hungry, and he’s sizing her up like she’s the best thing on the menu. But she’s been burned in the past and flings just aren’t her thing. Too bad Sebastian can’t resist a challenge.

Worldly, famous, and notorious with the ladies, Seb had planned a weekend of fishing and relaxation with his brothers. Until Lexie, with her kissable lips and frosty “get lost” attitude, makes him want to forget his culinary empire and create some magic with her. After he fires up his charm—including challenging her to a televised cook-off to break through her resistance—it’s now hotter in the bedroom than it is in the kitchen and Lexie isn’t sure whether she’s lost her mind . . . or just her heart.


Blaze of Winter - From the Publisher:

Winter heats up in this hot new Star Harbor romance, as another sexy Grayson brother, a wickedly handsome writer, plots his happily ever after with a sweet stranger.

Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.

Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.


IMO:
I am a sucker for a series, especially a well-written one, and  Barrett sets an excellent foundation with the handsome Grayson boys all grown up and in town to remember the anniversary of their father's death.
The background story interwoven into both tales is intriguing-a set of secret keys-so far two have been found-one by Lexie in a time of need and the other by Avery after a serious criminal event at her aunt's hotel.  I am looking forward to learning what the keys belong to in addition to seeing the remaining Grayson brothers finding the loves of their lives.
I am looking forward to the last two books in the series: Long Simmering Spring (Cole) and Slow Summer Burn (Val)

The Trouble with Cowboys

A Big Sky Romance
Denise Hunter
Thomas Nelson

From the Publisher:

Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.
Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.
Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.
Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.
The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.
When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.

IMO:
I had been waiting awhile for Dylan and Annie's story and Ms. Hunter didn't disappoint. Watching both of them learn to trust not only each other but to trust in the plan that God had for them was very touching.
Knowing that Annie had to learn to let her little sister go and flourish was sort of like watching my students go across the stage to graduate a feeling of accomplishment and success.


I am definitely recommending this title and Ms. Hunter's A Cowboy's Touch as books to be included in your TBR pile!
 

Edge of Dawn

Midnight Breed Novel
Lara Adrian
Delacorte Press
Release Date: February 26, 2013

From the Publisher: In this pulse-pounding and thrillingly sensual novel, New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the mesmerizing world of the Midnight Breed, following new characters into a dark future where an uneasy peace can unravel into war—and a great betrayal can mask an all-consuming love.

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.

IMO:
OMG!!!!!

I just finished the galley and the twists and turns that bring Adrian's Breeds series to the new generation is amazing. For those of you who may be wondering what happens to Mouse/Mira. I don't think you will be disappointed with her phenomenal tale.
I don't want to drop any spoilers, but just think-new technology and a new enemy!! 
I think this new turn in the series will bring some fascinating events and I can't wait to see how it plays out in future novels.
Adrian has for sure cemented herself on my "favorite" authors list!!

North of Need

Book One: Hearts of the Anemoi
Laura Kaye
Entangled Publishing

From the publisher:
Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves...

Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she's recreated the very thing she'll never have.

Called to life by Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.

Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration--before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.

IMO:
I loved this story. My heart broke for Megan.  She was an endearing character devastated by the loss of her husband. Then by love and magic Owen arrived.  He was a sweet man, who  had experienced a devastating blow from his last love.  The two were a perfect foil for each other. There story just made more enchanting by the fact that it was her husband's wish for her happiness that brought the two of them together.  I liked the them of love as forever and redeeming that flowed with the story. John's love for Megan, Owen's love for Megan and Megan's love for both of them.
I can't wait for the next three stories on the series to be released.

Margot's Lawman

Debra Kayn
Sisters of McDougal Ranch
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: February 13, 2012

From the publisher:

It's hard to keep a secret in the small town of Pike, Montana, but veterinarian Margot McDougal and sheriff Roy Lee Hanson managed to keep their relationship on the sly for months. Margot cares for Roy Lee, but the last thing she needs is to worry about local gossip while she's busy running her clinic and dealing with the loss of her beloved father.

Roy Lee can't wait to tell the world that he loves Margot. He respected her decision to keep their affair quiet—until now. It's time for everyone to know Margot is his gal...especially Ryan Martin, her new assistant. He's formed an attachment to Margot and Roy Lee is sure the city boy's unexplained appearance in Pike means he's up to no good.

Margot just wants to help Ryan fit in, and Roy Lee's jealousy soon drives a wedge between them. A wedge that only increases when Margot is roped into Ryan's secret, too...

IMO:

What happens when you mix two stubborn people, as passel of sisters, the new man in town and a hog named Harley?

A great romp through life in a small town!

Veterinarian Margot McDougal is the oldest of the McDougal grils in Pike, Montana and Sheriff Roy Lee Hanson is the love of her life.  But not everything on the path of love is smooth.  Margot has a secret, and though it's not hers to tell, it could tear their relationship apart.  Roy Lee and Margot grew up together, but it's a piece of his family's past that Margot holds the key to.

I liked the story by the time I got a couple of chapters in-it seemed a little stilted at first and the characters were more people on the page who hadn't formed in my imagination.  By the time Margot's sisters join the story the whole family was tumbling around in my head.  And the fire hose revenge had me falling over with laughter!

All in all I would recommend the story to others.  It makes a great winter evening or summer beach read...

Redwood Bend: A Virgin River Novel

Robyn Carr

Publisher:Mira Books

Anticipated release date: March 2012

From the Publisher:

CAN CHANGING
A TIRE CHANGE YOUR LIFE? Katie Malone and her twin boys’ trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie doesn’t have the first clue about putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.
Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the site of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.
In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

IMO:
The last person that Katie expects to run into when she gets a flat tire on her SUV is Dylan Childress - former child star.

The last thing Dylan expects to find on his motorcycle trip through California with his friends is an amazing single-mom with 5 year old twin boys that knocks his world off it's access.
And then the real adventure begins.  What starts out as a short term fling becomes so much more for both of them.  Katie reminds Dylan that her twins come first, Dylan reminds her he doesn't do long term...or does he!?

I really like the characters in this story, they are, well likable.  Katie and her boys rely on her older-sometimes overprotective-brother. Dylan on the other hand needs to come to terms with who he is, not who he thinks he is.

I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books in the series!