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BRIDE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY A Runaway Brides Novel Kaki Warner Berkley Sensation ISBN: 978-0-425-24750-1 June 2012 Historical Romance In this latest book by the talented Kaki Warner, we meet Margaret Hamilton, now an adult, who escaped a brothel as a young child and became a ward of a wealthy Manhattan widow. Now her name is different and she is slated to marry well, to Doyle Kerrigan. Doyle, an Irish man who has clawed his way to notoriety as a businessman, needs a respectable wife. He has no idea the woman he plans to marry has such a sordid history. When Margaret learns that Doyle was a runner in his early years she is shocked since it was runners who contributed to the death of her impoverished parents. She leaves Doyle at the altar and cunningly escapes to the west. What she doesn’t count on is being followed by Doyle’s business partner, the Pinkerton men, and even a man from her childhood. She gives a harrowing chase right into Heartbreak Creek. Perhaps the best part of this book is that we get to catch up with characters from past books who have built lives in Colorado. Honestly, this is a terrific western romance with just as much passion, description, and depth as this author’s previous novels. I loved this book and I predicted that Ms. Warner would be an author to watch. I love it when I’m right! Reviewed by Jeri Neal Rating: 4 1/2

CHARMED BY HIS LOVE Janet Chapman Jove ISBN: 978-0-515-15090-2 Contemporary Romance June 2012 Chapman delivers an excellent addition to her lengthy series about Maine. We meet Duncan MacKeage, a construction company owner who is building roads and bridges to a fancy resort overlooking Spellbound Fall’s new inland sea. Duncan looks like a dour, bad-tempered Highlander. Deliciously, he has a heart of gold and is enamored with the widow, Peg Thompson. Peg is equally drawn to Duncan but her baggage is considerable. The mother of four lively children, she is trying hard to keep her home together on limited resources. She is also convinced that the family curse would cause any man she fell in love with to die young, just like her husband and other male family members. Duncan is having none of this and his romantic pursuit is lots of fun. This is a terrific novel, filled with interesting characters, some people from past books, and a slight paranormal bent that involves time travel and magic. Not to be missed by fans of this series, readers are in store for a fun reading treat! The kids are delightful and the romance sizzles through these pages. Reviewed by Jeri Neal Rating: 4

WILD TEXAS ROSE Whispering Mountain Jodi Thomas Berkley ISBN: 978-0425250372 Historical Romance This is the story of Rose McMurray and Texas Ranger Duncan McMurray, known in previous books as "Duck". At its center it is a story about cowboys and their sweethearts and we follow several storylines involving relationships and romance. In the beginning, Rose is summoned by her old school friend to stand up with her at her wedding. From the beginning Rose knows something is not right about the wedding plans and the relationship. Early on, Duncan is introduced as her adopted brother, who shows up at unexpected times. This novel has a number of secondary romances and themes. All entertaining and woven expertly into the plot, the predominant focus is on Rose and Duncan and their "dance" with each other. Excellent character development, a fine Western setting, this novel's only flaw involves trying to focus on too many secondary stories, to the detriment of the main romance. Still, fans of this author will love this book. Reviewed by Jeri Neal Rating: 3

ALL SUMMER LONG Fool's Gold Susan Mallery Harlequin HQN ISBN: 978-0373776948 August 2012 Contemporary Romance This latest offering in the Fool's Gold series is a delight to read and enjoy. We meet Former underwear model turned businessman, Clay Stryker, who has vowed never to love anyone again, after enduring a loss. He is drawn to Charlie Dixon, a local firefighter, who is large-boned, blunt, and outspoken. She is also overwhelmed by Clay's physical beauty but quickly learns that he is more than a pretty face. Clay wants to make a successful business in Fool's Gold and in the process of him settling there, we get involved with various family members including his brothers, his mother, and Charlie's retired ballerina mother, Dominique. This is a complex romance with excellent character development and hot scenes between these two different and interesting personalities. At its heart this is a book about the losses people experience and how it can make them strong and ultimately open to finding love and romance in an unexpected place. Should not be missed and probably one of the best in the series! I want to write like Susan Mallery when I grow up! Reviewed by Jeri Neal Rating: 4 1/2