TGTBTU Harlequin Insider: Harlequin’s RITA Finalists
March 27, 2008
Here is the next TGTBTU Harlequin Insider entry from the fantabulous author Michelle Styles. Read on and learn more about how Harlequin authors fared in the latest RITA nominations...
DUCK FLASH: Bonnie Edwards Blazes!
March 14, 2008
This just in from Bonnie Edwards
After a long and winding journey, Bonnie has announced she has accepted an offer from Harlequin Blaze to write a book for the line to be released sometime in 2009:
Tags: 2008, Bonnie Edwards, Duck Flash, Harlequin Blaze, March 2008, Thigh HighReview: Primal Instincts by Jill Monroe
February 26, 2008
Laura J's review of Primal Instincts by Jill Monroe
Contemporary romance released by Blush (Harlequin Blaze) 1 Feb 08
Since I'm a huge fan of romantic comedies, I was very excited about this new line of books from Harlequin books . This first book didn't disappoint me at all.
Tags: 2008, Blush, Contemporary, February 2008, Grade B, Harlequin Blaze, Laura J, ReviewReview: She Did a Bad, Bad Thing by Stephanie Bond
February 16, 2008
Nikki's review of She Did a Bad, Bad Thing by Stephanie Bond
Contemporary romance published 1 Jul 07 by Harlequin Blaze
Jane is a professional in the area of make-up and dress but she doesn't use her skills on herself. She considers herself plain and feels like she's making a fool of herself if she tries to pretend otherwise. She dresses so as to not draw attention to herself and focuses on making others beautiful.
Then the condo next door is bought by the very handsome Perry. His ultra-sexy self is hard enough to deal with. Add in his ultra-sexy "friend", obviously "with benefits"... benefits she has to listen to twice through the wall... who parked in her spot and Jane has had enough. Even a Plain Jane should be able to go home after work and watch her favorite TV show. But after confronting this pair of beautiful people she overhears some nasty comments they make and is devastated. Read more
Tags: 2008, Grade B, Harlequin Blaze, Harlequin February Spotlight, July 2007, Nikki, Review, She Did a Bad Bad Thing, Stephanie BondReview: Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
February 13, 2008
Alicia's review of Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
Contemporary romantic suspense released 1 Sep 07 by Harlequin Blaze
I enjoy Jo Leigh's writing. Let me say, first, that I've only read her Blaze titles. The plots move and the dialogue is enjoyable. I can count on her books when I need to unwind. They don't ask too much from me.
Tags: 2008, Alicia Thomas, Contemporary, Grade C, Harlequin Blaze, Jo Leigh, Kidnapped!, Review, September 2007, SuspenseSPOTLIGHT: Devon Does Blaze
February 11, 2008
Don't think less of me for this addiction, but I’ve enjoyed reading Harlequins and Silhouettes for years now. My mom was an avid reader of Harlequin Temptations and Silhouette Desires and Special Editions. Once or twice a month, we’d hit the used bookstore, where she’d drop off an armload, and pick up another armload. Read more
Review: Ghosts and Roses (The Sexth Sense, Book 2) by Kelley St. John
January 21, 2008
Sandy M's review of Ghosts and Roses (The Sexth Sense, Book 2) by Kelley St. John
Contemporary paranormal romance released 1 Jul 07 by Harlequin Blaze
It's been a long since I've read a Blaze, mostly because the ones I read didn't do much for me, but I actually liked this book. The characters were all very likeable, the plot was good with some mystery mixed in along with the paranormal aspect of it all, and the hero is one of those really sensitive, sexy guys we'd all love to have in our lives. Read more
Tags: 2008, Contemporary, Ghosts and Roses, Grade B, Harlequin Blaze, July 2007, Kelley St. John, Paranormal, Review, Sandy M, The Sexth SenseReview: Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
November 20, 2007
Devon's review of Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
Contemporary romance published 1 Sep 07 by Harlequin Blaze
Tate Baxter is beautiful, young and the only daughter of one of the richest men in the U.S. However, her privileged existence brings her no joy. As the victim of two kidnapping attempts, fear, anxiety and her father's overprotectiveness have made Tate a virtual prisoner in her Carnegie Hill penthouse. She is surrounded by a cadre of servants and aides, most of whom carry concealed weapons.
One of the bright spots of her day is chatting with Michael Caulfield, her chauffeur/bodyguard, who accompanies throughout her day. She's even got a little crush, but is too afraid to make a move. Michael enjoys Tate's company, and is attracted to her as well, but in addition to her panic disorder, the status difference seems an insurmountable goal.
But Tate is fed up with living in fear, and agrees to a fake "kidnapping", suggested by her therapist, in order to help her overcome her phobias. When the "kidnapping" goes horribly awry, Michael is close at Tate's heels. He swoops in for the rescue, only to find that he is more involved than he had thought. Trapped on a yacht to the Cayman Islands, Tate and Michael are free to explore their attraction, as well as help Tate discover a strength she never knew she had. Their future looks bright, if they can survive that is.
I am often persuaded to pick up Blazes. They have a more 'contemporary' feel than many harlequins, and catchy plot descriptions. However, in the effort to amp up the sex level, the reader is treated to absolutely ridiculous plot devices (love potions, sex-themed hotels). Kidnapped! was quite different. On a certain level, it was quite a dark book. Tate had lived through two kidnapping attempts, one with particularly tragic consequences, and so lives like a recluse at 24. This ain't no silly neurosis, it's debilitating anxiety. It was interesting to watch her take control back, and to recognize her own strength.
Mike was a great hero: strong, intelligent and likable, and able to see Tate for who she was. I liked that their previous relationship was based on conversations in a limo, a meeting of the minds. Having them stuck together in a room provided a good setup for them to get to know each other even more. Their romance was sweet and sexy.
Kidnapped! was a real page turner. I read it very fast, wanting to see what happened with the kidnapping and with the relationship. I found the subplots interesting. Mike's dysfunctional relationship with his brother Charlie was an interesting mirror to Tate's relationship with her father. I wasn't entirely convinced that Mike would be attracted to Tate at the beginning. Think she's a great girl, yes, but she was such a timid mouse! But by the end, I believed in them. My big quibble was the ending, which was abrupt. Mike angsted and angsted over whether they could be together, then it's just, "Okay. Swell. The End."
Jo Leigh's name often comes up as one of the best Blaze authors. I know I will definitely be reading her again. Kidnapped! packed a lot into its brief length--emotional depth, interesting characters, and a lot of action. I hope best friend Sara gets the next book, and I look forward to reading it.
Grade: B
Read excerpt here.
Tags: 2008, Contemporary, Devon, Grade C, Harlequin Blaze, Jo Leigh, Kidnapped!, Review, September 2007, Suspense
