The Handmaiden's Necklace (Mira) by Kat Martin rounds out her necklace trilogy, this time with Rafael Saunders, Duke of Sheffield coming face to face with the woman who betrayed him five years ago, Danielle Duval, his former fiancee. After all these years, that she still claims innocence in the scandal that ended their betrothal makes him begin to wonder, despite his engagement to another woman. When he learns the truth, he knows he has to make things right, no matter what--even though Danielle's gone to Philadelphia to marry another man. These two have a lot to overcome--their past, Danielle's lack of trust in Rafael, and someone still out to keep them apart--and just when you think they might be all right, another tragedy crops up to destroy their future happiness. This one is fun, not too complicated, and with just the right amount of steam between the leading pair, so it should just fit the bill for those of you looking for something to fill a few winter hours. It's earned three and a half of Cupid's five arrows.
The Lawman Said I Do, Vol. 2 (Pocket Star) by Ana Leigh is next, with Cassie Braden and Colt Fraser battling it out in a fight for her heart. Once Colt realizes he wants to stick around in her town for longer than a short visit, that is. This one is very cute and mostly sweet. It wasn't what I was hoping for, though, so it's not a keeper for me. I'm giving it only three arrows.
Summer Breeze (Signet) by Catherine Anderson is one fans of her Keegan's Lady have been waiting for for years. Rachel Hollister's refusal to step outside her house requires that someone take care of her, and when her normal caretaker is shot, Joseph Paxton is roped into taking his place for a while. Joseph's inital assumption about Rachel is proven wrong before long, but the longer he spends with Rachel, the more he wonders about what happened to her, about the things she doesn't yet remember from the day her world changed. As readers have come to expect in an Anderson romance, this story is filled with emotion that will draw you right into the characters' lives, make you laugh and cry with them. In short, it's wonderful. I'm giving it four and a half arrows, and am now waiting impatiently for her next tale.
Until next time, happy reading!
