Can't Stand the Heat - Louisa Edwards

Publication
2009, St. Martin's Paperbacks, Recipe for Love #1

In short
She’s hungry for experience
For sharp-tongued Miranda Wake, the chance to spend a month in Adam Temple’s kitchen to write an exposé is a journalistic dream come true. Surely Miranda can find a way to cut the hotshot chef down to size once she learns what really goes on at his trendy Manhattan restaurant. The trouble is, she never expected Adam to find out her most embarrassing secret: this critic has no idea how to cook.
And he knows just how to satisfy her cravings...
As for Adam, well, he’s not about to have his reputation burned by a critic who doesn’t even know the difference between poaching and paring. He’ll just have to give the tempting redhead a few private lessons of his own - teaching Miranda what it means to cook with passion.

In words
I found the main couple interesting, but was equally interested in the secondary romance and all the other characters in and around the kitchen. The only thing I did not like as much was the public grovel by the heroine and the quick acceptance of the hero. Personally I thought she was forgiven too easily for what she had done. Overall a great debut and I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Louisa Edwards.

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

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

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

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

With Seduction in Mind - Laura Lee Guhrke

I wasn't gone, but my router was, thanks to a thunderstorm... Almost a week without telephone and internet, I couldn't believe how hard that was. Now several reviews straight after one another.

Publication
2009, Avon Historical Romance, Girl-Bachelors # 4

In short
HER PROPOSITION . . .
London Society is harsh for a young woman with no family connections who has to work for a living. But when Daisy Merrick is sacked from yet another job, the feisty and outspoken miss comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There's only one problem. Her success depends on a man, the most infuriating, impossible, immovable man she's ever met.
HIS RESOLUTION . . .
Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, is England's most infamous author. Known for his notorious reputation, he is more interested in play than work, and has no intention of cooperating when Daisy shows up on his doorstep with a mad plan. The provoking, fire-haired beauty stirs his senses beyond belief, and Sebastian knows he has only one way to stop her. Seduction.

In words
Nothing very special about it, but also nothing wrong with it. It is just a very enjoyable read.

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

Power Play - Nancy Warren

Publication
November 2009, Harlequin

In short
Keep her hands to herself? Not easy for Emily Saunders, who's in Elk Crossing, Idaho, for a family wedding. She's double booked in the same hotel room with a sexy cop attending - of all things! - a hockey tournament. As a massage therapist, Emily's soon itching to soothe Jonah Betts's gorgeous muscles - both on and off the ice. Jonah can't believe his luck - a sexy single woman sharing his cozy room, albeit temporarily. Okay, her orange bridesmaid dress is a disaster and her family is convinced he's actually her boyfriend. He's ready to go along with it even as he makes his play…. Until Emily is suddenly calling for a TIME-OUT! Will Jonah's fantasies be permanently iced?

In words
Even though the events take place in six days, I believed in the romance. I had finished the book before I knew it and just wanted more!

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

Tribute - Nora Roberts

Publication
August 2008, Putnam/Jove

In short
Cilla McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes. So she comes to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse that once belonged to her grandmother - a legendary actress who died of an overdose more than thirty years ago.
Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilla's almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer. Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford's quirky charm, though she can't help indulging in a little fantasy.
But it's reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilla. A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother's life - and may be the catalyst for a frightening, violent assault. And if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, like her world-famous grandmother, be cut down in the prime of her life.

In words
Nice read, but NR has so many great books that I found this one average. Especially Cilla's character seemed to be a bit flat - I couldn't warm up to her. For my taste, there could have been a few more sex scenes. As always, the hero is memorable. NR writes her hero's so well, especially the beta-types like Sawyer. His dog is equally adorable and not at all too fantastic - if you have ever been the proud owner of an equally weird dog.

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

Nothing But Trouble - Rachel Gibson

Publication
May 2010, Harper Collins, 9780061579097
Chinooks Hockey Team #5

In short

TROUBLE...
Chelsea Ross's acting career has been a total bust. The closest she ever came to stardom was her brilliant performance as "Pretty Dead Girl #1." But leaving Hollywood to become the personal assistant to a famous hockey player could be her stupidest career move ever.

MORE TROUBLE...
Injured superstar Mark Bressler's glory days are over. The one time bad boy jock could at least be civil to the pint-sized, pink-haired bombshell who the Seattle Chinooks hired to be his P.A. If Chelsea didn't need the money, she'd be skating away from the world's biggest jerk-on-ice as fast as her feet could carry her.

BIG TROUBLE!
Chelsea can deal with Mark's rotten attitude and dark moods. The problem is those biceps and that red-hot hockey-toned bod! And when the bad boy starts to put the moves on her, Chelsea knows it's time she banished him to the penalty box...if only she could resist the kind of trouble he has in mind!

In words
Enjoyable and fast read, but not that special. This was my first book by Rachel Gibson. I don't know anything about ice hockey and had expected a lot more about it, but hardly any mention was made. I felt for Mark, having the bottom knocked out of his world. I couldn't warm up to Chelsea. Oh, and I almost substracted 1 point for the large amount of typos and missing words!

In numbers
Voice - 2 (max 3)
Characters - 2 (max 3)
Romance - 2 (max 2)
Plot - 1 (max 2)
Conversations - 0
Special setting - 0
Humor - 1
Sensuality - 1
No minus points
Total - 9
B = 8/10 = 4 stars