More re-reads

THE GUARDIAN by Nicholas Sparks

Newly widowed, Julie Barenson receives a present from her late husband on Christmas Eve- a Great Dane puppy he arranged for her to receive after he died from a brain tumor.Julie's new dog, Singer, is a great judge of character and together they find a companionship that helps to heal Julie's grief. Four years after her husband's death, Julie is dating again. The new man in her life is Richard Franklin, but Singer growls at him continuously. Her late husband's best friend, Mike gets along great with Singer, and he has fallen in love with Julie. The story is told from multiple points of view in a very reflective manner. Singer is one of the strongest characters in the story. Mike and Julie have wonderful chemistry while Richard is a truly twisted and disturbed individual. A brilliant writer, Nicholas Sparks blends suspense and romance in The Guardian B+
__________________________________________________
SCANDALOUS by Jenna Petersen

Katherine Fleming was devastated when the man she was about to marry informs her that his wife is still alive! The Scandal! AIn a private meeting with his estranged, bastard brother, Dominic, Cole divulges the fact that he has squandered the family fortune as well as spent Katherine's inheritance in advance. He strikes a bargain with Dominic that gives his brother Lansing Square, a property he is obsessed with, if he will marry Katherine and turn over her fortune to Cole. Katherine has no choice but to marry Dominic to avoid a scandal, believing he will leave her immediately anyway. Dominic and Katherine are both carrying some heavy emotional baggage, though neither will reveal anything about their pasts. For a time they exist with a physical relationship, but when the secrets surrounding their marriage finally start to come out, all hell will break loose! It will test the tentative bonds formed between Dominic and Katherine. Sexual chemistry abounds between Dominic and Katherine, and steamy love scenes are direct result. Falling in love is a natural progression between these two. The friction between Cole, his wife Sarah, Dominic, and their mother is palpable. The tension radiates off the page, with Sarah and Cole being truly vile individuals. By contrast, Dominic's friend Adrain and Dominic's sister, Julia are a lovely and personable couple. Wonderful character-driven book. Emotionally charged! Two wounded souls finding love and trust from extraordinary circumstances. A keeper for me! Bravo Ms Petersen! A
______________________________________________________
THE NAKED DUKE by Sally Mackenzie

Proper Philadelphian, Mis Sarah Hamilton, promised to travel to England and her uncle when her father died. She has grown up sheltered and scorning London society and their shocking ways.When she wakes up in bed with a naked and gorgeous man, with the doorway full of onlookers, she is shocked and dismayed. The handsome man is a Duke! He says she must marry him even though they have done nothing wrong! Well, she has something to say about that! James, the Duke of Alvord, is charmed by Sarah and persuades her to allow him to try to convince her to marry him, thus moving her into his house with a vivacious sprite of a sister, a meddling but endearing Aunt, and an opinionated and gossipy companion. With his loathsome cousin trying to kill him at every step along the way, James must marry soon and start begetting an heir. Though this book covered some dark subjects, overall it was a joy to read. Brilliant characterization, witty dialogue, and fast paced suspense. The secondary characters added a richness to the story. The chemistry between James and Sarah snapped and sizzled throughout the book. The evil that radiated from Richard was palpable. A new author to keep your eyes on! A fresh voice in Regency Romance. I loved it, and am looking forward to The Naked Marquis out this month. A+
___________________________________________________
Blackmailed Into Marriage (Wedlocked) by Lucy Monroe, HP #2484

When Lia eloped at 18 with her American boy friend, her aristocratic Spanish grandfather disinherited her. Now her daughter, Kaylee, needs a serious heart surgery, so she swallows her pride and returns to Spain to ask her grandfather for the much-needed money.
His response is to arrange a marriage with Damien Marquez behind Lia's back. Damien is an illegitimate self-made billionaire who craves a family and the legitimacy he was denied by his own family.
This is one of the finest ways to deal with a very real problem for many women. What a lovely story!
Though Damien was quite the alpha;male, he was patient, and compassionate and kind in a way many heroes are not. Very romantic as well!
Bravo, Lucy Monroe! A+