Wedding Survivor by Julia London (Berkley) is up first. Marnie Banks isn't the first choice of wedding planners, but Eli McCain and his partners at Thrillseekers Anonymous haven't had much luck in finding someone capable of planning a celebrity wedding in the wilds, and she may be their last hope. I liked Eli far more than I liked Marnie--she annoyed me immensely in the beginning of the book, making me wonder why I was bothering to read on. I didn't like her much better by the end, unfortunately, nor many of the secondary characters involved in the story, and there's quite the extensive cast of secondary characters here. Definitely not a keeper for me, it's earned only two and a half of Cupid's five arrows.
Just Perfect: A Perfect Trilogy (Signet Eclipse) by Julie Ortolon is next, with Dr. Christine Ashton's turn at changing her life after discovering that a college friend has used her as an example of how not to live your life. Alec Hunter is not part of the big-picture plans, however sexy the ski instructor may be. Remember that old saying about being smart doesn't always come with common sense? This one seems to fit Christine well. For such a brilliant doctor, she sure hasn't any sense about her personal and family life. This one has its cute moments, but again, not a keeper for me. It's earned two and a half arrows as well.
Good Doctor (Silhouette Signature Select) by Karen Rose Smith rounds things out for us this time, with her contribution to the Fortunes of Texas series. Dr. Peter Clark hasn't time for frivolous things like bachelor auctions, but for a good cause, he can have his arm twisted. Dr. Violet Fortune has other reasons for seeking Peter, but the auction provides another opportunity for them to discuss her ailing family member, certainly not because she needs or wants a man in her life. This one is sweet and complex, with one of Peter's young patients playing a prominent role in both their lives. I will warn, though, that if you haven't read the other books in the series, you may want to check them out so you understand the over-arcing plot through the series. For a touching story that takes real-life issues and winds them believably into the characters' lives, pick this one up. It's earned three and a half arrows.
Until next time, happy reading!
