Limecello’s review of CEO’s Expectant Secretary by Leanne Banks
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire 8 Jun 10

This book is the last of the Kings of the Boardroom series. I enjoyed the series very much, and have said time and again that Leanna Banks is one of my favorite category authors. It was a great finish and I liked the book even more than I expected to. Why? Because I really dislike the revenge type plots, or trying to sabotage someone, but here, it worked. Nobody was truly a villain, and I liked all the characters.

Elle Linton is a likable character, but confusing. I’d “met” her in a previous book (as the Kings of the Boardroom books are all loosely connected), and liked her a lot. I felt the same way about Elle in her own story, but her motives for doing what she did … well gave me pause. She basically lets her estranged grandfather pressure or blackmail her into an untenable situation, to pay for her mother’s necessary medical care. It seems like it should be more dramatic and more of a focus, but it wasn’t. At least not to me. Elle is likable and actually a strong woman, aside from “allowing” her grandfather to control her. It’s clear she hates what she’s doing, but is stuck. What I really appreciated is that Elle refuses to be a victim, or make excuses. She doesn’t protest uselessly, or try to convince Brock either. This also helps make Elle sympathetic.

Brock Maddox is someone I want to say is an asshole… but he isn’t. He’s rather cold to Elle, but unfortunately he has good reason. (Not to say I think he should have been mean to her without a reason, but it’s just sad how closed off he becomes.) Brock has been burned before, and Elle does it to him again. He’s definitely in love with her, but has difficulty trusting her as she’s been revealed to be a corporate spy. What is nice about Brock – and he actually points this out as well – is that he required irrefutable proof before he was willing to believe Elle was the spy. He didn’t want to suspect or accuse her of something so reprehensible. Brock cares a lot, but has difficulty showing it.

I suppose now the question is why it’s ok for Elle to do what she did, but she does feel miserable. Basically, all the characters are put in an untenable position, and it even makes sense (at least to and for Brock) for them to get married once he finds out Elle is pregnant. That and you know, he’s in love with her and wants her around even though he can’t admit that to himself at the time. (Can you tell I just eat this stuff up? I can’t quit categories. They seem ridiculous in summary, I suppose, but the stories can be absolutely wonderful and brilliantly written.)

I will have to say I love that Ms. Banks stayed true to the characters and situations. I almost expected Elle to be some wronged person because there was a ridiculous twist. But no, everything made sense and worked out naturally and in a believable manner. And that’s why I absolutely love reading categories and books by Ms. Banks. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has been following the series, likes Silhouette Desire books, or is a fan of Leanne Banks.

Grade: B

Maddox Communications was his life—until he allowed a woman to come between him and his business. CEO Brock Maddox had been betrayed by his lover…his own secretary. And when he finally confronted Elle Linton, he discovered she’d been keeping an even bigger secret. Elle was carrying his baby.

Vowing to let nothing else out of his control, Brock declared Elle would marry him. Their union solidified his claim on their child…and allowed him to keep a close eye on his ex-assistant. Yet Brock knew he might succumb to the lure of his lovely wife…if he dared let his heart rule his head.

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Shocking the Senator by Leanne Banks
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire 1 Dec 04

While the story line isn’t something new, Leanne Banks manages to make Shocking the Senator fresh. It’s an incredibly well written book-  in fact, it’s one of my all time favorites. I’ve read it a number of times. Shocking the Senator may in fact be what got me hooked on the Desire line – and the other stories I’ve found have cemented such feelings, with Ms. Banks providing a number of excellent reads.

Nicola Granville is a great romance heroine. She’s smart, capable, a successful career woman, human, and refreshingly realistic. Nicola goes through the same emotional turmoil any one of us might – but Ms. Banks makes it enjoyable and entertaining, rather than tiresome and common. What also helps is that Nicola has a sexy senator hot in pursuit of her affections. Nicola is generally practical and sensible, yet still interesting. She’s a likeable character that has something special about her. In fact, I didn’t even have a problem with the “secret baby” storyline. (Which even in 2004 was old, admit it.)

Abe Danforth is an atypical romance hero. He’s in his 50s, a politician who has faced and weathered a number of scandals, but he’s still believable as a hero. Yes, he’s a senator, but he’s more “normal” than a number of the current Desire heroes (not they aren’t amazing in their own way). Abe is flawed, but in an oh so wonderfully wicked way. He’s take charge and upstanding – someone who seems to have it all, but is vulnerable at the same time. For all that Abe is a terrific person, he’s made and makes mistakes, which doesn’t detract from his person – rather they give him depth and warmth. In short, Ms. Banks crafts him skillfully.

What doesn’t hurt (at least for me) is the characters and their vocations. Nicola has a dream job – campaign manager of a senator who just won the election, while Abe is of course, the senator- elect. Although Ms. Banks writes about their vocations, she doesn’t get hung up on the positions. The majority of scenes are commonplace, and very sweet. I loved the interaction between Abe and Nicola, and felt the strength of their affection was tangible. At no point did I feel any scene was overdone or extreme – the plot flows admirably.

It’s a simple story, but I love it. The emotions are strong, and the nuances of what the characters are feeling really grip you as you’re reading it. I actually got Shocking the Senator from the library in ’06, and after I read it had to go and buy it. I’ve read a few more from this series (Dynasties: The Danforths) – and this one is most definitely my favorite of those books. I highly recommend it to any reader who likes a sweet contemporary romance, and especially to those who enjoys categories. And of course fans of Ms. Banks.

Grade: A

SECRET LOVE CHILD

Nicola Granville was an independent woman. But it was as Abe Danforth’s campaign manager that she achieved ultimate success — and ultimate pleasure. For months her affair with the aspiring senator was conducted in secret, their professional courtesy by day giving way to intimate embraces by night. Until she took a home pregnancy test…

Abe Danforth always got what he wanted — and he wanted Nicola. Except he couldn’t understand why she was pushing him away. Abe was ready to go public with his feelings, but Nicola’s sudden mood swings were mystifying. Was it another man? Or was it something that only nine months and a proposal would solve?

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Billionaire’s Marriage Bargain by Leanne Banks
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette Desire on 12 Aug 08

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but Leanne Banks is one of my favorite Desire authors. She may be the one who first got me hooked on the line. I tend to enjoy both her category books as well as her novels. Billionaire’s Marriage Bargain is the second of her The Billionaire’s Club books. (I could have sworn I also reviewed the first, Bedded By the Billionaire, but I guess not. It was good, however.)

Mallory James is a fun heroine, who is smart, strong, and pragmatic. She’s had a crush on hero Alex Megalos, but got over it, and is very realistic as to where their relationship or lack thereof, is going (or not). Mallory has had to deal with overprotective parents, who love her, but stifle her. I didn’t quite like how easily she gave into Alex, but looking at it objectively, I understand her actions. I mean, he’s a rock star. (Not literally, but he’s one of the wealthiest, handsomest and most eligible bachelors in Vegas. That’s saying something.) Mallory has a great sense of humor, and personality. She’s bright, bubbly, fun, and really cares about people.

Alex Megalos is your typical Desire hero, but at the same time he’s so very likeable. He sees Mallory as someone different than his usual flavor of the month, and while he’s not so good at sharing his emotions, Alex definitely has them. I really enjoyed how Ms. Banks manages to tie in all aspects of her characters. Alex is Greek-American, and while he’s completely modern and lives all in today, there are certain cultural values that he’s carried over, such as being protective, and the provider of “his woman.” He can be old fashioned, and knows that about himself. It simply wasn’t something that interested him until now.

I enjoyed the story, though I felt the initial romance was a bit rushed. Additionally, the reason (excuse) that led to Mallory and Alex marrying was a bit weak. However, it could happen, and was enough to carry the story. I liked how Mallory reacted to the major conflict of the book – finding out or feeling that Alex had betrayed her. Being sadistic, I would have preferred her making him suffer a tiny bit more, but I suppose that’s not good for a healthy relationship. Having the perspective from both characters is another thing I really enjoyed about this book. It was nice to see how each aspect came together, and what each character was feeling. The explanation for how they acted and reacted forwarded the plot nicely.

The banter between Alex and Mallory is entertaining and engaging. Well written secondary characters also make the story that much more enjoyable. Although this book is the second in the series it’s definitely stand alone. Seeing the characters from previous books is just a nice little perk.

Another enjoyable book by Ms. Banks, I’m definitely looking forward to reading the third (and any subsequent) books in the Billionaire’s Club. My only wish is that she wrote write faster. I especially like her Desire books because they’re well written, offer a great story, but are also a fast and entertaining read. When you’re short on time but want something with substance, Ms. Banks is definitely an author to look into.

Grade: B

Beware of Billionaires

Marry Alex Megalos? Though tempted by the Greek billionaire, Mallory James knew his exploits were legendary. Involving herself with a man like Megalos could only lead to heartbreak. But she hadn’t counted on Alex’s determination to bed—and wed—the one woman he couldn’t have.

Forced to the altar by scandal, Mallory found herself almost believing that her new husband was committed to their vows. Until she discovered their marriage was the result of a bargain…with her as the ultimate prize.

Read an excerpt here.