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

The Wedding Wager - Deborah Hale

Publication
2001, Harlequin

In short
School For Love...Or School For Scandal?
What had she agreed to? Leonora Freemantle had wagered high stakes that book learning, not birthright produced a gentleman, but now with the roguish Sergeant Morse Archer under her tutelage, she was no longer sure of the outcome. Would it be polish, passion...or public outrage?
If Leonora Freemantle couldn't spruce him up enough to pass muster with the Society swells at Bath, she'd be hastily married off. But not if he could help it, Rifleman Morse Archer vowed, for this beautiful bluestocking with her highbrow ideals and innocent charm was effortlessly teaching him the true language of love...!

In words
I know a lot of books are not entirely correct in a historical context, but this time I could not let it go. The whole plot and therefore all characters are utterly unbelievable. Furthermore, the characters are cardboard and do not develop. I don't get the romance either.

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