Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood.

Hero: Noah Clayborne
Heroine: Jordan Buchanan
Category: Contemporary
Page Count: 400+
Grade: C

The eagerly anticipated novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author who sets the standards for romance. For years fans have clamored for a book starring beloved recurring characters Jordan Buchanan and Noah Clayborne who have been featured in past Garwood novels. Here they are in a very sexy and highly entertaining tale.

At last, we have Noah Clayborne's book, in which he falls madly in love with his best friend and partner's sister, Jordan Buchanan.

They're at her best friend's wedding, where Kate (the best friend) is marrying Jordan's yummy brother, Dylan. Kate's younger sister, Isabel gets a visitor, who says he's a relative of theirs on their MacKenna side. He tells Jordan that it was a disgrace that a MacKenna would willingly marry a Buchanan and because she got annoyed with the weird guy, she tells him that maybe she'll do her own research to see if there's any truth to the tales that the nutty professor was spoutin' at the wedding. While on the dance floor, Noah informs Jordan that she needs to get laid and loosen up because she's pretty much...boring. So because she doesn't need money right now after the selling of her computer chip and company which made her stinking rich, she tells him that she's going on a treasure hunt to find some lost treasure.

And she goes to Texas to find the guy and copy his research for Isabel and start her own research, to try to make sense of the stories that the crackhead professor was talking about. Nothing has been going right since she got to Serenity but that doesn't deterr her from her mission, well until she found the nutty professor dead in her trunk.

Ewww...

Because it's aparent that someone is trying to frame her, she calls her brother Nick, who's an FBI Agent and instead of getting Nick, she gets his partner, Noah Clayborne. The odious man who got her in this mess anyway, if he hadn't told her that she was boring and needed to be spontaneous, she wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. But she tells him what happens and he tells her to call the cops, report the body and then wait for him and Nick to get there, they're on their way.

So she hangs up with Noah, calls 911 and while she's on the phone with 911, she hears sirens which she thinks is the patrol unit sent to check things out, but while she's on the phone with the 911 peeps, the sheriff's car comes to a screeching halt and the two Dickey brothers jump out and one of them, hot head JD socks her in the face and stomps on her phone, ruining it.

Guilty much?

A bunch of crap happens, Nick and Noah finally show up and Noah sticks to her side like glue and more bodies show up in her trunk and it makes for a pretty good story but I was still a bit disappointed.

Not in the story so much but in the fact that I didn't get to know Noah like I thought I would have. There wasn't much character development where he was concerned and I was looking forward to that. At the end of the story, I still felt like Noah was a secondary character, sort of how I felt for Noah Maitland in Judith McNaught's Night Whispers.

Also, the love match between Noah and Jordan felt kind of rushed and forced. It was like, one minute they were just friends and then the sleep together and BAM, they're in love. It happened too quick for me which rendered it a bit unbelievable, but that's just me. I didn't see it coming and because of that I didn't really care for it.

Aside from all of that, the book was just okay. It wasn't her best, it wasn't my favorite, I was disappointed that this was how Noah's book turned out...I was just hoping for more and it fell short of that mark.

But one things' for sure...I'm looking forward to reading the next one, does anyone know if JG is going to write Walker or Aiden/Cordie's book? Gosh I hope so.

Slow Burn by Julie Garwood.

Hero: Dylan Buchanan
Heroine: Kate Mackenna
Category: Contemporary
Page Count: 424 pgs.
Grade: B

An unpretentious beauty who rediates kindness, kate MacKenna doesn't have a bad bone in her body--or an enemy in the world. So why are bombs igniting everywhere she goes? The first explosion brings her face-to-face with a handsome Charleston police detective. The second one sends her into the arms of her best friend's brother--a Boston cop who's a little too reckless and way too charming for cmofort. But Dylan Buchanan won't let emotion prevent from doing his job: Someone is trying to kill Kate, and Dylan is the only one standing between her and the monster who wants her dead.

I finished this book in one sitting. So I guess it was good. LOL.

I'm still kind of unsure how I feel about this book because I read it so fast but I do love some Dylan Buchanan...man that man is frickin' sexy as all get out but I think his brother, Alec still has him beat as my favorite Buchanan, which surprises me since I love heroes who are big time flirts and trust me when I say, Dylan knows how to flirt.

So Kate, who doesn't have any enemies that she knows of can't seem to go anywhere without someone trying to blow her up, the first one could have been a fluke but not the second one. The second one, she was the only person around so it was more than a little evident that whoever is blowing things up is trying to blow HER up. That's when her best friend, Jordan Buchanan sends her brother, Dylan who just got shot in the line of duty (he's a cop) and is recuperating to Charleston to find out what's going on. Dylan is sweet on Kate so with little persuasion, he goes...even though he's miffed with her after the way she leaves Boston without a word to him.

I thought as a couple, Kate and Dylan were great. The chemistry between these two leaped right off the pages and I laughed whenever Dylan would back Kate into a corner or a counter and fluster her. I love reading about things like that and Dylan did a great job landing Kate because she was so lost without him. It was great crap!

This book is pretty fast paced, the flow was on point and Julie Garwood does a great job writing these two's story. You could tell a great deal of love was between these two, the end was a bit rushed but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. I enjoyed the entire book and am already anxious to start the next book, Shadow Dance.

If you read the rest of the series, I don't think you'd be disappointed in this book, it wasn't spectacular but it was still nice. It's no Killjoy that's for sure, but on the flipside, it's no Ransom either.

But still it's good.

Oh wait, what I loved most about this book is Dylan's nickname for Kate. How cute was that? And how unique...when he tells her that he loves pickles, Awwwww....I love it and I love him!

Murder List by Julie Garwood

Hero: Alec Buchanan
Heroine: Regan Hamilton Madison
Category: Contemporary
Page Count: 425 pgs.
Grade: B+

Hotel heiress regan Hamilton Madison is flirting with danger. She agrees to help a journalist friend expose Dr. Lawrence Shields, a shady self-help guru who may have been responsible for the death of one of his vulnerable devotees. Hoping to find some damning evidence, Regan attends a Shields seminar, where the doctor his guests make a list of people who have hurt or angered them over the years and asks: Would your world be a better place if these people ceased to exist? Treating the exercise as a game, Regan plays along.

The experience is all but forgotten--until the first person on Regan's list turns up dead. Shock turns to horror when another name from her list surfaces as a corpse. While brutal murders seem to stalk regan's every m ove, her atteaction to the detective assigned to protect her grows. As the menace intensifies had a serial killer circles, regan must discover who has turned her private revenge fantasies into grisly reality.

I liked this book far more than I thought I was going to like it considering how much I didn't really care for the previous book which I read years ago, Killjoy. It's not that I hated Killjoy it was just that compared to Julie Garwood's historical/highlander books, her contemporaries weren't as good.

But I really got into this book, Alec was a fantabulous hero, I think he's my favorite Buchanan brother so far. You see, Regan Madison is in the hotel business. She's in the part of the business of giving money away. She's really good at what she does too, everyone loves her.

Everyone but the guy that's trying to kill her.

Alec Buchanan, who is brother to the hotties, Nick (JG's Heartbreaker) and Theo (JG's Mercy) Buchanan is a cop who is being recruited by the FBI, he finally takes the job as an FBI and his boss gets so pissed off at him that he tacks him with Bodyguard duty for the hotel heiress.

My favorite part of reading these books is watching the journey the couple go through while they fall a little bit in love with each other...bit by bit. The whole story that revolves around them forming feelings for each other, to me is just about the greatest thing. The romance in these books is just about one of the greatest things I can think of. It's why I read romance novels, to read about the journey to the happy ending.

Julie Garwood does a great job of setting up Alec and Regan's story, the way she brought these two together and the way she tells their story really had me so engrossed in the book that I zipped right through it.

I enjoyed this book a whole lot. I enjoyed Alec's sloppy sexiness, I loved his flirty confidence where Regan was concerned, I loved their first meeting, with him stinking to high heaven and her laughing at him. I loved how protective he was where she was concerned and I loved loved loved...him. He was the bomb, seriously.

Regan was a great heroine too, I really enjoyed Laurent from Heartbreaker and Michelle as well, but my favorite couple so far, is Alec and Regan...their story and them two as a couple really fit and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the entire b ook.

I loved how Regan, Sophie and Cordie met, how they became friends and stayed friends throughout each other's lives. It was really sweet.

Now, what I didn't like...I didn't like how we were left hanging about Aiden and Cordie, do they get together or not? Are we going to get their story soon or no? JG can't leave me hanging like this...seriously. Another thing I didn't like was not being able to meet Walker. After all the talk about him throughout the book, I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to meet him at all. I hope that means that Walker will soon be getting his book, gosh I really hope so.

Aside from those two things, I really liked this book and totally recommend it. It's better than Killjoy and just as great as Heartbreaker and Mercy. The mystery surrounding the story kept me guessing throughout most of the book and the story fell neatly into place which I loved. The ending was great and Alec is a sexy hero...what more could you want?

Read it, you'll like it.

The Lyons Lady by Julie Garwood

Hero: Lyon, Marquis of Lyonwood
Heroine: Christina Bennett
Category: Historical Romance
Grade: C

Christina Bennett had taken London society by storm. The ravishing beauty guarded the secret of her mysterious past until the night Lyon, Marquis of Lyonwood, stole a searching, sensuous kiss. An arrogant nobleman with a pirate's passions, he tasted the wild fire smoldering beneath Christina's cool charm and swore to posess her...

But the fiesty and defiant Christina would not be so easily conquered. Mistress of her heart and of her fortune, she resisted Lyon's sensuous caresses. She dared not surrender to his love...for then, she must also forsake her precious secret...and her promised destiny!

This book was just okay for me.

I thought it was funny in parts and I really dug Christina's quirky personality. I loved how the story begins with Christina as the only white child in the whole Indian community. I loved how loyal Christina's Mom and her brother were in keeping her and giving her the family that she needed when she lost her real family. I also loved seeing Christina's father slowly coming to love the little white girl and then when she's shipped to England and she meets Lyon and he's trying to keep her from eating the shrubs and all that, I think it's cute.

I think I really liked Christina more than I did Lyon though, because Christina was one tough ass heroine. The way she cornered Sybil in the library with Lyon ready to defend her, oh gosh, I was rollin'...Julie Garwood does a good job of finding the humor that goes with a romance to make it enjoyable as well as endearing.

I don't know what it was about Lyon that just didn't grab me the way that the other JG heroes have. He was fine, really he was...he was strong, hot and great in the sack and yet, I couldn't like him the same way I love, Connor, Alec, Gabriel, Royce and all of those others, but he was just okay to me.

Meh, sorry...

This book was really good, but it's not my favorite Julie Garwood, as good as it is, it just wasn't enough to sneak into my Top 5, or my Top 10...oh well, it's still a good read though.

Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

Hero: Gabriel McBain
Heroine: Johanna
Grade: A+

When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, already she possessed a strength of will that impressed all who looked past her golden-haired beauty. Yet when King John demanded that she remarry—and selected a bridegroom for her—it seemed she must acquiesce, until her beloved foster brother suggested she wed his friend, the handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain.

At first Johanna was shy, but as Gabriel tenderly revealed the splendid pleasures they would share, she came to suspect that she was falling in love with her gruff new husband. And it was soon apparent to the entire Highlands clan that their brusque, gallant laird had surrendered his heart completely. But now a desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side—and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed!

This was one of the books by Julie Garwood that I read twice before moving on to the next book on my TBR pile. Yes, this book was that good.

You see, Lady Johanna is one smart cookie. You can see why she's such a smart cookie when you read the book (trust me, you won't be sorry you read it, it's a GREAT book), but above her smartness, she's also very strong. What I liked most about this book (besides the to die for hero and brother) is we see Johanna's growth in character as the story progresses, you see her as the weakling she seemed to be at the very beginning and with the help of Gabriel McBain, she comes out of her shell and transforms into this beautiful woman who knows her own mind and is no longer afraid to show it.

The turn around in Johanna is a most enjoyable feature in this story, because you can see why Gabriel couldn't help but fall in love with Johanna, because buried deep inside of her was a spirit so strong and so true that anyone would have wanted to help bring it out, I'm so very glad that it was Gabriel who came to her rescue, when Nicholas practically gave Johanna to him, it was such a great blessing to the both of them, because they both needed each other, quite desperately.

This entire story is one of the best love stories I've read to date. I may say that a lot, but this one is one that will stay with you long after you've finished the book. It's that good.

Gabriel is a strong hero who needs Johanna just as much as she needs him. I loved the ending, when Gabriel is standing behind Johanna the entire she says her speech to Raulf? Loved it. I loved what Gabriel helps her do at the end too, that scene was so sweet and so poignant, I love it to pieces.

Some memorable scenes from this book:

• When Johanna tells Alex that Gabriel gave her a son as a wedding gift, Awww.
• The teaching of manners at the dining table.
• Johanna sewing the plaids together.
• The Punishment Stick.
• Johanna's nickname for Glynis.
• Johanna saving Claire's life with her arrow.
• Johanna fainting when they're trying to find a way to get a noser.

My list can go on, seriously...that's how much I love this book. Another thing I loved about this book was Baron Nicholas, I was mad at Gabriel for a little bit on Nicholas' behalf and I thought it was extremely nice of Nicholas to stand up for Claire the way he did, even though I did start out a bit standoffish where Nicholas was concerned because of you know what (well those of you who have read this book, knows that I'm talking about, if you haven't, read it so you can know too!), he was her brother and what not...

Okay seriously, I can go on and on about why I love this book so much, but I'll stop here, just suffice it to say that this book is the bomb dot com and you're missing out on some serious good reading if you haven't read this book, so get on it right this minute!

...what are you still doing on this blog? Get thee hence to the bookstore and get this book and read it, dag nabbit! =)

A+ that's what this book gets!

Rene Lyons (humble guest reviewer) says:

Well, first let me thank the ladies of SF for allowing to add my two cents to this review. See, SG is a book dear to my heart. This was the book I read that inspired me to write.

What drew me to this book was the tortured heroine. JG did it in a way that women who suffered such abuse in 'real life' could relate and have a heroine with enough strength to inspire courage in themselves. I think that's what drew to me to this book and had me instantly falling in love with Johanna. Her reaction to her husband being dead hit my heart like an arrow and had me staying up for almost twenty-four hours straight to finish the book.

Johanna's dignity and strength truly made her, a herione worth admiring.

Now, Gabriel...ah...he is all things wonderful to me and to this day still stands as my favorite hero.

Johanna's journey from 'cautious' to learning how to enjoy life was heartwarming. The love between her and Gabriel lept off the page. So much so, that when her 'dead' husband returns (I hate him too much to even write his name here. lol) and she stands proud before him, you can just feel her love for not only Gabriel, but her newfound family as well.

I think it goes without saying that I give this book an A+

Grace says:

This is without a doubt yet another winner by JG. Once again JG has been able to successfully throw elements of witty humor, sass and poignant moments to tug at your heart, and make you want to read and re-read this one over and over.

The JG trademark - ending one chapter and beginning the next in direct contradiction - is also evident in this book right from the very beginning. It made me laugh, as it always does, to see one chapter end with Gabriel predicting that Johanna won't deny him, and will marry him...and then to see Johanna flat out denying him on the very next page. I do so love these contradictions!

It was a true joy to see how this book progressed. At first we got a little glimpse of the horror Johanna had been living in, married to Raulf, causing her to tame her spirit in fear of being wrongfully punished. But while she was very cautious and even somewhat afraid - and rightly so - her first marriage was never able to break her.

It is through Gabriels gruff but surprisingly gentle ways that Johanna begins to feel a certain ease that she had not been given the freedom to feel, being married to Raulf. Gabriel reassured her countless times and ways that he would more likely lay his life on the line to protect her, than harm any part of her. A promise he made to her, right from the beginning.

As the book continued on, we saw Johanna slowly start to build up her sense of esteem and belonging to the clan, and even unleashing her fiesty sass on her husband whenever the mood struck. It was so wonderful to see Johanna finally feel safe enough to let her true colours show and be at ease. Reading about scenes where Johanna was no longer afraid to sass Gabriel back when he was roaring at her for something or other was another great treat, because it just demonstrated exactly how far she had come during her time in the Highlands. I think Johanna is probably one of my most favoured JG heroines, because she showed so much strength and courage, even when it was very difficult for her to do so.

Now Gabriel..Oh how I love Gabriel MacBain. He's a fierce warrior through and through but surprisingly, or perhaps not, he was just as capable of being very gentle and considerate to his petite little wife. Not to mention, quite protective. It was so cute to see him chasing Johanna down to make her rest all the time so she didn't get sick and die on him. And it was also cute to read about Gabriel realising he was a warrior who loved his wife..and who was hell bent on making his wife love him too.

"She'd snared him all right, blindsided him she had...."

"There was only one course of action left to him. Johanna was going to have to love him. By God, he wasn't about to let himself become this vulnerable without gaining equal measure."

All in all, this one is definitely a keeper. Just the storyline between Gabriel and Johanna makes this well worth the read, but the addition of secondary characters and even love interests make it even better. If you haven't read this one yet, I'd highly recommend it. You wouldn't want to miss out, now would you? *grin*

5/5

The Prize by Julie Garwood

Hero: Royce
Heroine: Nicholaa
Grade: B+

In the resplendence of William the Conqueror's London court, the lovely Saxon captive, Nicholaa was forced to choose a husband from the assembled Norman nobles. She chose Royce, a baron warrior whose fierce demeanor could not conceal his chivalrous and tender heart. Resourceful, rebellious and utterly naive, Nicholaa vowed to bend Royce to her will, despite the whirlwind of feelings he aroused in her. Ferocious in battle, seasoned in passion, Royce was surprised by the depth of his emotion whenever he caressed his charming bride.

In a climate of utmost treachery, where Saxons still intrigued against their Norman invaders, Royce and Nicholaa revelled in their precious new love...a fervent bond soon to be disrupted by the call of blood, kin and country!

This has got to be one of my most favorite Julie Garwood novels. There are so many reasons to love this book, from the beginning to the end, there are nothing but great things happening, Julie Garwood has a gift with pulling you into a novel that is rife with drama, but aside from the tug your heart takes for the characters in the book, JG always makes room for laughter and humor.

There's a healthy dose of drama and humor in The Prize.

Nicholaa is determined to keep her home and people safe from the invading Normans and she plots and deceives her way through so many situations which land her deeper and deeper in trouble from her Norman Captors, making her a legend among her people.

Baron Royce, who is a hard warrior is determined to get Nicholaa back to his King as she is going to be the Kings, prize...to be auctioned off basically to one of his knights, to unite the two kingdoms and what not.

The book is filled to the brim with laughter and plot twists that have you guessing what's going to happen next. The sweet moments between Royce and Nicholaa just keep on coming too. You would think that after they get married, their lives would slow down and what not, but that was so not the case with these two. Oh no, there was so much going on for it to be smooth sailing between these guys.

Nicholaa, a good and strong heroine. She doesn't qualify as one of those annoying heroines that always try to save the day, she uses her brain more than she used her brawn to help her people out. When her older brother Thurston left the castle to her so that he could go off and fight in the wars going on, she did her very best to keep her people safe from the many groups of people that tried to come and overtake them. She fought tooth and nail to keep her home and she did a marvelous job of it, I think. She didn't go down without a fight and that was very admirable. She didnt' shy away from lying or commiting whatever sins she needed to keep everyone safe, her safety came last. When she was down and out though, she didn't let that stop her from keeping her dignity, oh no, once she had someone to blame (Royce), oh she made him pay, dearly too....

She made him marry her.

And the story continued on...

Royce, the hero was a truly great Hero. He was all that every girl could ever want in a man, a good strong, honorable man. One that would protect what was his with everything that he was, he was a fair man, one who went to great lengths to help those that needed help. He gave tough love when it was warranted and even though he was a nice guy at heart, he turned into the Devil himself when he was crossed. You don't ever cross Baron Royce. Some of my favorite scenes in this book, Royce played a big part in all of them. Royce was a caring and loyal man, one that was more than worthy of Nicholaa's love.

My favorite character of the story was a secondary character though, it was Nicholaa's brother, Justin. We see the transformation from a scared kitten (for a lack of better description) to a good, upstanding strong man at the end of the book. You see, he goes to war with his brother, Thurston and comes back because he's fatally injured, his hand was actually cut off and so he's only got one hand and because of that, he acts as if his life has ended. With the help of Nicholaa and Royce, his family, he comes out of his self loathing and he turns into this hardened warrior with a golden heart that actually belongs in the world that his sister brought him too. You see, after Nicholaa was taken and married to Royce, she moved in with HIM, her home turned into his home and his people came with it and so because Justin was there, he was pretty much thought of as an Outsider, not fitting in with anyone because he was now staying with them. You see the change in him slowly but the man he turns into is just remarkable.

His transition to life with Royce and Nicholaa, is really what made me love Royce all the more. Royce was determined and persistent where Justin was concerned. He stayed on top of him and made sure that he realized that he no longer had to feel as if he belonged because he did. They were not enemies and even though it took Justin a while to see it, he finally started opening up to Royce and it was only then that Royce started training him on how to be the best fighter, because Justin couldn't be just a good fighter anymore, he had to be the BEST fighter and with the Royce's help, Justin became the best fighter.

A scene toward the end of the book had me tearing up because up until then, you only thought and saw that Justin accepted Royce as a Leader, but in this scene, you realized and knew that Justin not only accepted Royce as a Leader, but as a Brother too. It's my absolute favorite scene in this book.

"Thank you"

Royce did smile then. "You insult me by giving me your gratitude. As your baron I was only doing my duty."

Justin didn't look at Royce but kept his gaze on the center of the field. "I wasn't thanking my baron," he said his voice gruff with emotion, "I was thanking my brother."

That little scene made me love the whole book so much. After everything Justin went through with the amputation of his arm, then the betrayal he must have felt when Thurston left him to die on the battlefield, then being uprooted and thrown into the midst of a bunch of soldiers, Norman soldiers to boot, I thought that scene was utterly endearly and poignant. I'm such a family oriented person having grown up in a big family and this book dealed a lot with family. So much of the book was left open and a lot of the problems were left unsolved, so I'm really hoping that JG will one day go back and write Justin's story (read that as a plea to JG), because I think his story would be such a great story to read. I mean, I'd give my left foot to read the scene where Justin confronts Thurston about leaving him on the field and then I'd really love to read about how everything turns out, I've actually emailed her about just this thing and she has informed me what she's informed everyone else that she's under contract to write contemporaries for the time being but that she hopes to sometime soon go back to writing historicals. I personally think she should have stuck with it since her historicals are so much better than her contemporaries. But that's just me.

There are so many instances in the book where Royce proves just how worthy he is of all things good. When you realize that he's fallen in love with Nicholaa? So sweet. The Black Queen? Too frickin' cute. His taking care of Nicholaa's family? The best. Then the Nicholaa moments are just numerous to count, this book really is a good one. a JG classic. So what are you waiting for? Go out and get it, read it, love it...you know you will.

So yeah, I loved this book. More than any of the books I've read in the past couple of weeks, this book is just all that and then some and I recommend it to those of you guys who want a good book to read on the beach, you'll be thrown into a world of Intrigue and love, you can't go wrong with that.

Please join me in my plea to Julie Garwood, PLEASE WRITE JUSTIN'S STORY. If anyone deserves a happy ending, I think it's Justin.

Ransom by Julie Garwood

Overflowing with all of the majesty and intrigue of medieval glory days, this magnificent New York Times bestseller is a page-turner of passion and loyalty, justice and honor. Beloved storyteller Julie Garwood steps back to the silver-shrouded Highlands of her classic tale The Secret -- and hails the return of two unforgettable warriors: Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan.

In the dark days after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, lives and lands would fall into upheaval at the hands of a power-hungry British ruler and his violent minions. One victim of the scourge is innocent Gillian, who is a mere child when the cruel and ambitious Baron Alford slaughters her father and tears her family apart. Alford, determined to recover a jeweled box for the despotic King John, is furious when the precious treasure slips through his fingers -- only to be lost for more than a decade.

Now a beautiful young woman, Gillian finds the key to resolving her past in handsome Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan. With the cunning and courage of the daring Scotsmen, and with the friendship of a new ally, Bridgid KirkConnell, Gillian at last fights the unscrupulous Baron Alford, laying claim to her home, her family, and her father's reputation. But in the presence of the mighty warrors, Gillian and Bridgid discover that desire can be a weapon of conquest...betrayal can slay trust in a heartbeat...and the greatest risk of all is surrender -- to the deep emotions of unexpected love.

This book follows on from The Secret and gives Brodick Buchanan and Ramsey Sinclair their moment to shine.

Brodick Buchanan is a fierce highlander, feared by both men and women from clans all over the highlands. His name is whispered throughout the land and is seen as a leader without mercy or compassion, with a ruthlessness to make a grown warrior shake in his boots, in fear of his wrath. His elite guard are likened to the Spartan warriors, for they are invisible, which is nothing less of what Brodick demands.

When Lady Gillian is forced into his life, with an important mission to accomplish, Brodick cannot help but be mesmerised by the depth of her courage and strength or her sassy and stubborn ways. Even I was impressed by her courage, for not many women would have been able to do as she did in holding her chin up high and smiling, after suffering a sound beating from the enemy. Oh no siree.

Much like in The Secret, Brodick becomes protective of Gillian almost right from the beginning, refusing to let any harm come to her..or let her go, for that matter. He's as possessive as Iain Maitland and it's cute to see his reaction to the idea that Gillian might be attracted to pretty boy Ramsey Sinclair. Gillian was a good match for Brodick, because Brodick probably would have walked all over any other heroine who didn't stand her ground, like Gillian. And both of them would have been miserable. But Brodick and Gillian together, that was great. I also love the fact that by the end of the book, Brodick was willing to do anything..and I mean, anything, to keep Gillian in his life and atone for his screw up. That was verra nice indeed. :)

As for Ramsey, it was great to see how put out he was by his "pretty boy" looks. We see how he finds it more of a nuisance than an advantage in most instances. And it was verra nice to see his reaction to Bridget and the numerous requests for her hand in marriage. I loved the scenes where he requested for Bridgets presence to try to sway her mind in marrying one of his soliders, but then becoming quietly pleased when she declined. The secondary romance between Bridget and Ramsey was a lovely addition to this book, making it far more enjoyable and lively. The immediate friendship and loyalty between Bridget and Gillian was great as well. The only minor complaint I have for this one, is that I wish that Ramsey and Bridget were given their own novel - giving us more pages to explore their romance. I think Bridget would have driven Ramsey mad, but in a great way. LOL. And not to mention, the fact that for once Ramsey would have had some competition since Bridget had about a dozen and one marriage proposals. Oh, to see him struggle or feel slightly unsure of himself when it came to his pursuit..that which would have been absolutely perrrrrfect!

If you've read The Secret, then I recommend reading this one also. If not for Brodick and Ramsey, then definitely for the chance to re-visit Judith and Iain. It's quite nice to see how their HEA continues on, even after their epilogue.

Any historical readers would appreciate this one too, so go on..give it a go. :)

4.75 / 5

This is apart of a two book series
The Secret
Ransom

The Secret by Julie Garwood

Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land...Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain's searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan...not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

No matter how many times I re-read this one, it never fails to make me smile, laugh out loud or sigh in contentment as though it were the very first time I read it. Iain Maitlands' arrogance and Judith's innocence as well as the deep friendship demonstrated between Judith and Frances Catherine, provide just the right combination to pull off a fabulous story.

We first meet Judith when she's about 4 years old, while she's attending the annual border fair. It is at this fair that she befriends Frances Catherine, when Judith tries to impress Frances Catherine by protecting her from a bothersome bee. The two automatically hit it off and it's outright funny to see how the two complement each other and begin to pick up each others habits, much to Frances Catherine's father's chagrin. Over the years, the two become inseparable and form the sort of friendship that would make anyone envious. Their loyalty to one another is absolute and unwavering - even when they realise that they shouldn't be friends at all. It is because of this loyalty that Frances Catherine requests that Judith make the long journey from England, to the highlands to be there for the birth of her first child. And it is here that Iain and Judith are thrown into each other's lives.

Iain Maitland was a mean son-of-a-b*tch when he was riled....that is the very first line we get about our hero, and boy, was I hooked on him from there. (Yeah, I know I'm a sucker for the alpha male) Iain is a man of authority and conviction, moreover, he knows he could get any fit solider to do his bidding with a mere nod. Not because he's a bad ass, but because he's worked his ass off and his clan members respect him and perhaps, even fear him.

He's used to shouldering on alot of responsibility, having singlehandedly raised his younger brother Patrick (who is married to Frances Catherine) at a young age, and trained to be of the fittest warriors to grace the Highlands. In fact, he's the youngest highlander to ever be appointed as the clan Laird. So it's only expected for Iain to be an arrogant son of a gun, and boy..is he. But not in an irritating, get-over-yourself way..I think I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud at his apparent arrogance, not to mention sigh a dreamy sigh. LOL.

As per usual with the Garwood heroes, Iain never fell short of being the possesive-ut-not -overly-so-protective warrior of his woman. I loved how he felt a fierce protectiveness towards Judith right from the beginning. And while he's as fierce as warriors come, Judith soon realises much of it is all bluster and underneath it all, he's still a man. A man of brilliance, a man of consideration and kindness and a man with a clear vulnerability when it came to the woman he loved.

Judith was a great heroine for Iain, and more importantly, she didn't make me want to rip my hair out or throw the book across the room, which is definitely a plus! While she's led a very sheltered life, she is still realistic about many things and I applaud the way she handled specific situations, such as the birthing of the babies. Many women during that time period would have swooned, but not Judith. Oh, she stalled and fought against the idea but when it came down to the crunch, she presented a confident front - shoulders back and chin up - even though she was terrified as hell, and did her best to handle the situation. Brava Judith!

Overall, this one was definitely a GREAT read, even as a 15th or 16th re-read, which is where I believe I'm at. Iain is without a question a swoonworthy hero (one of my all time favs) and even if he's not the hero for you, seeing the strong ties between Judith and Frances Catherine still makes it worth the read. A keeper for sure!

4.75/5

This is apart of a two book series:
The Secret
Ransom

Honor's Splendor by Julie Garwood

In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton-the Wolf-unleashed his warriors against Louddon's main.

Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he catured...but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast...as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for...Honor's Splendour.

The first time I read this book was years ago, while I was at a friends birthday. I saw the book, picked it up and read the first line.

They meant to kill him.

These words left me both curious and somewhat uncertain as to whether I'd ever read the book. But my friend Jayne assured me that it was well worth the read and to take it home. And so I did. It wasn't until weeks later when I found it sitting on my desk, that I gave the book a fighting chance to prove itself. And it did. My goodness, it did. Each time I re-read it, I love it even more.

The novel begins with Madelyne rushing out to save Duncan Wexton from the cold, where her evil step brothers men were holding him, wanting him to freeze to death and no one be the wiser. What Louddon's loyal men didn't count on, was Madelyne coming to Duncan's rescue to recitify the injustice. Terrified to the bone but determined to assist Duncan, Madelyne makes quick work of releasing him and then bringing him to a temporary sanctuary in the chapel. From there much to her chagrin, she continues to hold up a one sided conversation, as well as scolding Duncan for believing her brother would stick to their truce and act honorably. Madelyne then realises that being left out in the cold for so long had affected him and she needed to find a way to bring feeling back to his body. And fast. So she did the first thing she can think of, to help him.

She carefully lifted her clothing, still remaining decent, and pulled Duncan's feet towards her stomach and warmed them.

It was the most unselfish act Duncan had ever witnessed. And he was completely undone by it.

And it was the one move that Duncan, the ever strategic planner, had not planned on. What had started out as an act of revenge on Duncan's part, had dramatically changed and altered the future for them both. The revenge he sought could not hold a candle to the innocence Duncan saw in Madelyne, nor the fierce desire and possessiveness he felt towards her. As the book progressed, Duncan began to see Madelyne as more than a pawn in his quest for vengence, but the only woman to please and infuriate him at the same time. He could not fault her for her brothers misdeeds. Instead, his protective nature kicked in and he was a man intent on protecting what was his. And Madelyne, was his.

Both Duncan and Madelyne come across several issues which demonstrated a life together would be near to impossible, but as the romantic formula goes..they work it out. Along the way, we get to know the Wexton clan - who at first refuse to welcome Madelyne for she is the enemies sister, but eventually Madelyne is able to win them all over and acts very much like the glue to hold the family together. In addition, we get to see both Duncan and Madelyne kick ass in the end and boot Louddon's sorry ass to the kerb to get what he deserves. Jerk ass prick.

I will always have a soft spot for this one. Not only because it was the book that reeled me into the romance reading world, but because it had everything I could ever want to read about. Duncan was oh so swoonworthy, making me sigh with contentment so many times over the way he felt towards Madelyne. I simply adored the way he felt his life was built around her and how he roared in absolute grief when he thought she was lost to him. Oh my, I do love his protective nature. And even better, he was the first to put his heart out there and tell Madelyne how he truly felt. *sigh* Thats a GREAT hero right there.

He's the type of hero that makes reading romance novels worth it, the type of Real Man that Mailyn was discussing just the other day. He's a fierce and strong warrior, a devoted and loyal brother, and a man who loves his woman unconditionally. What's more, once he has his mind set on a goal, there was no going back. To hell with the dramatic consequences. Once he realised that Madelyne meant more to him than he could ever have thought, he fought tooth and nail to make sure she stayed where she belonged. With him. And nothing was going to rip her away from him. And I loved him even more for that.

As for Madelyne, I didn't get annoyed be her at all. I thought she was courageous and came a long way from the character we met at the beginning. I liked how she was honest even though she didn't want to be; I liked how she protected Gilard, Duncan's youngest brother even though she didn't have to; I liked how she helped Adela, Duncan's sister, deal with what had happened to her in the past, and the way she brought the Wexton family closer together -- even though that could not have been easy. I loved the way she sassed Duncan and drove him nuts trying to figure out how else she'd complicate his life. But most of all, I loved her unwavering trust and faith in Duncan especially in the end when she defied convention and spoke with her heart to prove her loyalty to her Duncan, at the expense of her reputation.

This book definitely belongs on my keeper shelf. It's just, amazing. And if you haven't read it, I suggest you run not walk to grab this one from the bookstore/library..and read it. :)

5/5

The Bride by Julie Garwood.

Hero: Alec Kincaid
Heroine:: Jamie Jamison
Grade: B+

By edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice was Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison...a feisty, violet-eyed beauty. Alec ached to touch her, to tame her, to possess her...forever. But Jamie vowed never to surrender to this highland barbarian.

He was everything her heart warned against—an arrogant scoundrel whose rough good looks spoke of savage pleasures. And thought Kincaid's scorching kisses fired her blood, she brazenly resisted him...until one rapturous moment quelled their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatened to conquer her senses...

The JG battle has always been between Alec Kincaid and Connor MacAllister, which is the sexiest Highlander? Here at Sanctuary's Finest, for some reason, Connor wins out ahead of Alec, it's like we all have the same taste in men, because the score for this battle was once again, 4-1, with our Aussie sister, championing Alec Kincaid. Me thinks that Grace likes to go against the group just to be ornery.

We still love her.

So I picked this book up last night after I had read about 200 pages of my Outlander book and was flipping through it, laughing at some scenes and sighing over others.

And I've got to tell you, if I dont' reread The Wedding soon, Alec may win my favors....not really, but I forgot all the reasons why I love Connor so much as I was reading Alec's book.

You see, The Bride is about Alec Kincaid and Jamie Jamison, the poor girl and her name. Alec is forced to choose an English bride to bring unity and peace to England and Scotland and Jamie's father has pissed off the English King so it's from his daughters that Alec and his friend Daniel Ferguson will choose their wives.

Jamie is the youngest daughter and instead of being taken care of because she's the youngest, she is the one that takes care of all of sisters as well as her Father. She practically runs the entire household by her lonesome.

Where's the fairness in that? And because she takes care of the household, Baron Jamison thinks to keep her out of the Scots line of vision and not tell them about her so that he can hold on to his precious Jamie, not because he loves her or anything, oh hell no, the stupid bastard wants to keep Jamie home to take care of his lazy arse.

..and that really grates on my hot damn nerves.

So had it not been for the horse master, Alec and Daniel wouldn't have known about Jamie and her father would have robbed her of ever having her own happiness. What kind of father does a thing like that to his daughter?

Not a very good one.

And the things we find out about Jamie's family throughout the book really irritate the snot out of me, like when Jamie is chosen by Alec and her older sister Mary is chosen by Daniel, they set out to travel to their new homes, in Scotland....way north, in the Highlands. Somewhere along their travels, they run into a band of thieves who try to rob them, you would think that Mary because she's the oldest would try to protect her younger sister, but that wasn't the case at all, she flew behind Jamie and demanded that Jamie protect her.

What the bleeding flip?

Now I know that I probably wouldn't be the bravest person should I come into contact with people that want to rob me, but I know for a fact that I would protect the younger ones, cause there was this one time my nephew and I almost got ran over by a speeding car at Knotts Berry Farm and I totally pushed Seth out of the way so that he wouldn't get hit, nearly colliding with the car myself, so I can honestly tell you, my fellow readers that I am NO Mary Jamison...LOL.

But anyway, I digress...sorry. Aside from the issues I had with Jamie's family, this book was a really good book, it had laughter and it had a happy ending which is just the recipe in my book for a good book. There was a spot of drama in the book, which helps the storyline along with a bit of mystery giving the book a really good review in my opinion.

I had no idea who was behind all of the fires and the mishaps that happened to Jamie, I mean I figured it was someone who was in love with Alec, but I had no idea it was who it was...that one threw me for a loop, but in my defense I was wrapped up in Alec and Jamie's relationship, so that part of the mystery didn't really catch my attention.

I loved Alec and Jamie as a couple, they were truly the perfect match in this book and I think anyone who wants to read a good Highland historical should pick this one up because it's good stuff, so kudos to Julie Garwood on this gem, I loved it.

Now go and read it so you can love it too.

The Wedding by Julie Garwood

The Wedding is quite possibly my all time favorite historical romance novel. It's witty, sweet, touching and very well written.


Journeying from England to Scotland to wed a higlander, Lady Brenna was resigned to the arranged match. But when a band of fierce, painted warriors captured her en route, she fearlessly met their demand to marry their leader - the quick-tempered laird Connor MacAlister. She couldn't know that her capture was merely the first act of vengeance against her betrothed, Connor's sworn enemy....Nor could she deny that she had once proposed to MacAlister, as a child charmed by his dazzling, unexpected smile. Now, chosen to bear the laird a son, Brenna is caught in the crossfire of a furious clan war - with the gallant hero she has come to love at its firey center.

Connor is one of my top 3 all time favorite heroes. He's just perfect. And I think Brenna compliments him very well.

An absolute must read!

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Oh, God."
"Nay, lass. Connor."

She grabbed hold of Rachel's hand and started tugging. Her sister took a long time to look down.
"What is it?" she whipsered.
"He isn't God, is he?" she asked, pointing to the dark-haired guest.
Rachel rolled her eyes heavenward. "No, he most certainly isn't God."
"Did Papa lie to me? he told me only God is bigger than he is, Rachel."
"No, Papa didn't lie. He was just teasing you. That's all. You don't need to be afraid."

Didn't he understand she needed praise and comfort to give her the reassurance she ached for?
No of course he didn't know. The insensitive bear didn't even know what comfort was.

She stopped protesting as soon as he bagan reciting, flinched when he repeated certain words, such as "pig" and "goat" and "Horse's backside," and by the time he finsihed, she'd lowered her head in shame and embarrassment.

And then he pulled her up against him, tilted her head back, and kissed her long and hard and thoroughly. It was a kiss he wanted her to remember, and one he nwould never forget. he made love to her with his mouth, telling her with his passion that he had forgive her, and letting her know with ihs gentle touch that he meant to have her forgivness as well.

I could go on and on, but I'll let you read it for yourself and see how good it is.