Because You're Mine - Lisa Kleypas

Publication
1997, Avon, Capitol Theater #2

In short
Lady Madeline Matthews would rather shame herself than sacrifice her freedom - which is why, to avoid a marriage to an aging, lecherous lord, she seeks out the company of Logan Scott. A torrid affair with the notorious womanizer would surely condemn her in the eyes of good society.
Though a legend in the bedchamber, Logan is in truth an intensely private man tormented by past betrayals. Now a forward little minx is disrupting his life with her vibrant charm and unspoiled beauty, a high-spirited enchantress completely at sea in London’s sophisticated whirl. But when what begins with a kiss threatens to blossom into something more rapturous and real, will Logan and Madeline have the courage to drop the masks they hide behind in the name of love?

In words
After reading the first one in this series, I hoped I would like this one better and fortunately I did, although it still wasn't up to LK's usual standard, IMO. I was intrigued by Logan in the 1st book, but he didn't entirely live up to it in this book. Nice read, but nothing special.

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 8
B = 7.5/10 = 3.5 stars

Somewhere I'll Find You - Lisa Kleypas

Publication
1996, Avon, Capitol Theatre #1

In short
All London is at Julia Wentworth's feet. The beautiful, enchanting actress is the toast of the theatre world - and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But the incomparable leading lady guards a devastating secret: a mystery husband whom she does not know, dares not mention... and cannot love.
For years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his unscrupulous parents wed him to without his consent. Wanting no more than to be legally rid of the foolish chit, Damon is shocked to discover his ‘bride’ is the exquisite stage performer whom he intended to make his mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be Damon's - until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals... and the stellar lady's proud, independent heart.

In words
I'm in shock: I did not like it! That is to say, not as much as all the other LK books I've read. The plot was okay and the style was just as good as always. I think it's mainly because of Damon - I just couldn't like him and had no idea why he - suddenly it seems - decided he loved Julia. I don't believe in a HEA for them at all. I'm almost waiting for him to leave her or ask her to give up the theater after all..

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 1 (max 3)
Romance - 0 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 6
C = 6.5/10 = 3 stars

Indulge - Nancy Warren

Publication
2006, Harlequin Blaze

In short

"Great in bed... A suit..." spa owner Mercedes Estevez wrote on J.D. McClary's business card after they broke up. Now the lawyer's card rested with many other men's in the glass "booty," all up for grabs by the female dating pool in Mercedes's building. It was a fun way to meet new men!

Except Mercedes drew J.D.'s card herself at the weekly booty call—and couldn't resist contacting him.

Fabulous in bed...summed up John Dennis's thoughts about his fling with Hurricane Mercedes. Which was the problem. Too often they indulged in dessert...instead of dinner. Instead of getting to know each other. Now he'd heeded her call, but had a whole new set of rules. Dates only, no sex. Nada. But with their explosive chemistry, how long could they last?

In words
I like it that the couple already had a sexual relationship in the past and that they get to know each other this time. Mercedes is someone I cannot relate to somehow, but she didn't get on my nerves. Not a spectacular plot or book, but well-written, a fast read and a believable relationship and HEA. Again, Nancy Warren delivered for me. Just one note: the cover (a cake) has nothing to do with the story.

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

Mysterious Millionaire - Cassie Miles

Publication
2008, Harlequin Intrigue

In short
Liz Norton's part - time P.I. gigs were run-of-the-mill custody disputes - until she went undercover on the wealthy Crawford estate. Posing as an unobtrusive housekeeper in what was supposed to be a routine case, she soon found herself in serious danger. But with a dead body on her hands and feuding relatives pointing fingers, the only one she could turn to was Ben Crawford - an enigmatic, single father fighting to keep his young daughter. Except joining forces with the ruggedly handsome businessman only made her yearn to drop the charade, which could prove fatal, with a killer prowling the darkest corners of the mansion...

In words
At first it was okay. Then some things became a bit illogical, e.g. people drawing weird conclusions. When the hero started behaving strangely and stupid at 2/3rds of the book, followed by the heroine, I tried the last two chapters and decided not to bother with the rest.

In numbers
Voice - 0 (max 3)
Characters - 0 (max 3)
Romance - 0 (max 2)
Plot - 0 (max 2)
Total - 0
DNF = 0/10 = 0 stars

The Missing Millionaire - Dani Sinclair

Publication
2008, Harlequin Intrigue

In short
Sexy, enigmatic entrepreneur Harrison Trent had secrets. And Jamie Bellman knew the biggest one - his current whereabouts. Because she'd kidnapped him.
Ordinarily the multimillionaire wouldn't object to being held captive by a beautiful woman, but the mysterious Jamie had another thing coming if she thought he would submit to her demands.
Going missing was the perfect ploy since Harrison's many secrets - and enemies - were coming back to threaten his life. But when a determined killer targeted them both, Harrison knew he had to make Jamie reveal her motives and who she really was.even if he had to kiss her senseless to find the truth.

In words
The plot is pretty fast moving, with lots of things happening. Maybe too many things even. In most romantic suspense novels the emphasis is on the romance, but in this case the scales tip the other way and I would have like to see a bit more romance, or even interaction between the main characters. They did not get to know each other, and therefore I didn't get to know them either, which IMO makes them and the whole book forgettable. I also think the hero was made a millionaire to lure readers as it doesn't add anything to the story. He could have been anyone.

In numbers
Voice - 1 (max 3)
Characters - 0 (max 3)
Romance - 0 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
No minus points
Total - 2
D- = 4.5/10 = 2 stars

Born in Shame - Nora Roberts

Publication
1996, Jove, Born In Trilogy #3

In short
Shannon Bodine is a talented graphic artist whose life revolves around her job at a prestigious New York advertising agency. Her world is turned upside down when she learns the identity of her real father: Thomas Concannon. Respecting her late mother’s wish, Shannon travels, however reluctantly, to County Clare. There, her loneliness and shame melt away in the embrace of the family she never kew existed. And amid the lush Irish landscape, steeped in mysticism and legend, she discovers the possibility of a love that is meant to be.

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. Unfortunately this is the weakest book of the three, even though it's still a nice book to read. It's just that the first two have such strong and distinct characters and Shannon and Murphy seem very nice, and very ordinary. The mystery element is there, but not strongly present. Still... a very nice book. Personally I think that's the problem with Nora Roberts: she has written so many books that you start comparing her with herself instead of other people...

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 1 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars

Born in Ice - Nora Roberts

Publication
1995, Jove, Born In Trilogy #2

In short
When the harsh storms of winter descend upon western Ireland, the locals stay indoors - and visitors stay away. Brianna Concannon’s bed-and-breakfast becomes a cold and empty place. And that is fine with Brianna. She enjoys the peace and quiet, even when icy winds howl at her window. This year, though, she’s expecting an unusual guest - mystery writer Grayson Thane, from America. A restless wanderer with a dark past, he plans to spend the cold winter alone. Yet sometimes fate ha s a plan of its own. Sometimes a fire can be born in ice...

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. Brianna is an artist in her own right, even though she doesn't see it that way. She is the perfect partner for Gray, who never had a home and keeps convincing himself he doesn't need one. Brianna also grows after she meets Gray, especially where her mother is concerned.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Setting - 1
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 12
A = 9,5/10 = 5 stars

Born in Fire - Nora Roberts

Publication
1994, Jove, Born In Trilogy #1

In short
Maggie Concannon is a glassmaker whose exquisite works are more than mere objects of beauty; they are the reflections of her own true nature. One man has seen the soul in her art, and vows to help this complex woman build a lucrative career. When American gallery owner Rogan Sweeney comes to Maggie’s isolated studio, her heart is enflamed by their fierce attraction - and her scarred past is slowly healed by a gentle and forgiving love.

In words
It feels as if you're visiting Ireland in this trilogy and I reread it every 2 years or so. Regarding the titles, I can hardly think of another trilogy with such apt titles regarding contents. The attraction and connection between Rogan and Maggie is powerful and believable. They're one of my favorite romance couples. Her profession - glass artist - is fairly unique and interesting and makes Maggie what she is without overpowering the story. The same goes for the loving relation with her sister and the strained relation with their mother.

In numbers
Voice - 3 (max 3)
Characters - 3 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Setting - 1
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 12
A = 9,5/10 = 5 stars

So Still the Night - Kim Lenox

Publication
2009, Signet

In short
Marcus Helios was a member of the Shadow Guard until one reckless act changed it all, bringing him to the edge of madness. His hope for salvation lies in a cryptic message contained within two cryptic scrolls he believes to be in the possession of an enigmatic beauty named Mina. And Mina is not about to hand over the scrolls' secrets to a total stranger.
But someone else has designs on the mysterious relics, and on Mark: Jack the Ripper's jilted bride. Her malevolent embrace will trap everyone within reach, and her dark plans will challenge the powers of all she is destined to destroy.

In words
I like this world, especially in combination with the historical setting. I like the first book in the series better (grade A), but this is still a very nice book, with an interesting plot, and I will certainly keep reading this series.

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Sensuality - 1
World-building - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars