Harlequin Blaze is one of my favorite category lines (no surprise the other is Silhouette Desire), and I’ve also enjoyed Rhonda Nelson and Lori Borril’s previous books, so buying these three books made perfect sense. For Ms. Nelson, I love her military heroes, and was very intrigued by the premise of each book. For Ms. Borril, I have to say I was skeptical, but was willing to give her characters a chance, based on previous books.

Limecello’s review of Letters from Home by Rhonda Nelson
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Jun 2009

Admittedly, I love military heroes. And I love a friends to lovers story. I also happen to really like Rhonda Nelson’s Blaze books, so it logically follows that I enjoyed Letters from Home.

Natalie is a unique heroine, and I liked her, despite the fact that… she does something that made me cringe in a major way. I generally identify with the heroine, so I really hate it when she puts herself in a sticky spot. (I imagine most anyone hates feeling trapped and potentially foolish.) Nevertheless, I admire the fact that Natalie is willing to put it out there. She is in love with Levi, and is going to go after him – no matter what. In the end, however, it all works out because retains her sense of self, so I really enjoyed and appreciated that.

Levi is a great hero, although a little clueless. I was impressed by his character, and his dedication. It was actually somewhat cute, how confused yet enthralled he was by the letters, and then Natalie. Their interaction was what one would expect and want to find in a Blaze book. Levi and Natalie’s personalities mesh, and I think that a nice compromise is worked out between the couple. I’m glad I read this book.

Grade: B+

Subject: Levi McPherson, Army Ranger.

Current status: Active duty.

Mission: Locate a sexy, unidentified correspondent. Conduct very private negotiations!

Obstacle: Natalie Rowland, longtime star of his X-rated dreams…

Levi McPherson’s tour of duty has an unexpected benefit: anonymous red-hot love letters! Someone he knows is mailing the rugged soldier her very explicit fantasies. And he’s loving every word.

On an unexpected leave home, he discovers his sexy secret admirer—Natalie Rowland, the longtime star of his own X-rated dreams!

But he’s not letting Natalie know her cover’s blown…yet. That way, the exquisite pleasure of fulfilling each and every one of her naughty ideas is all his—and hers….

Limecello’s review of The Soldier by Rhonda Nelson
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Jul 2009

After I read Letters from Home, I knew I had to read The Soldier, and I’m glad I did. It’s not often you read about a hero who is an amputee, and especially not a military hero. I felt that Ms. Nelson wrote about a difficult subject respectfully, and in a really nice way and realistic way. It was nice that Adam was able to overcome his issues about losing his leg, and relationships throughout the course of the book.

Winnie was a great heroine. She has been in love with Adam forever, but I liked that she still saw Adam for who he was, and that she wasn’t blind to his flaws. She also knows enough of her own worth to stand up for herself, which was very nice. Winnie also doesn’t let Adam get away with brooding or feeling sorry for himself. There’s a lot of heat, humor, and a good balance between plot and character development.

While I don’t really understand either Natalie or Winnie’s need to stay in the same town, it fits the story nicely. I also liked how Adam and Winnie were able to adapt their situations, and forge a relationship. I believed that the romance was real and Winnie and Adam would work. This was one of the best Blaze books I’ve read in a while, and I definitely recommend reading this duet.

Grade: A-

(Subject: Adam McPherson, Special Forces.

Current Status: Out of commission…for now!

Mission: Return to battle.

Obstacle: Winnie Templeman. She won’t take no for an answer!

Adam is Uncle Sam’s man. Yet even his strict military discipline is no match for Winnie’s charms!

A horrific roadside bomb sent Adam home injured—and haunted. Feisty Winnie, however, has her own plan of attack. Her nonregulation method of sexual healing is guaranteed to get him back on his feet.

But being flat on his back in Winnie’s bed might be the best remedy of all…

Overall Grade: B+

Limecello’s review of The Personal Touch by Lori Borrill
contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Aug 2009

I’ve read a few of Lori Borrill’s stories before, so I thought I’d give this one a try even though the premise didn’t really interest me. I’m afraid I have little sympathy for “playboy millionaires” – but Ms. Borrill makes it work. I’m also not big on the matchmaker heroine. There’s something that… always seems a bit cheesy or sordid, but the role Margot plays here works quite well.

I really liked that Clint and Margot had to work through a number of issues, and that Margot was so determined to resist Clint. It was also nice that Clint had to work more than he was used to for a woman, which left him befuddled and rather cute.

I have to say, I really like the ending. Right before it, there’s a slight twist and I thought something else had happened. Something that made me want to slap both Margot and Clint upside the head, but Ms. Borrill tricked me nicely, and I was left feeling quite pleased at the close. This is a cute contemporary romance that I enjoyed reading.

Grade: B-

When matchmaker Margot Roth is hired to find a date for the mother of a playboy millionaire, an erotic fling is the last thing on her mind. Well, maybe not the last thing. Clint Hilton is the sexiest man she’s ever met, and she has to admit naughty things go through her mind when he looks at her with his sultry eyes.

But now that Clint is there to turn her fantasies into reality, Margot isn’t sure if giving in to temptation is the best idea—even if he’s determined to share his bed with her…or something more.

Overall Grade: B+

Harlequin Blaze books are one of my go-to lines from Harlequin, and I enjoy both Ms. Nelson and Ms. Borrill’s books. This trio of stories was great fun, and a nice pick me up for bright summer days, or for a break for the busy fall rush. I’m glad I read them, and expect to re-read these stories at some point. If you like quick contemporary romances, or these authors, I recommend these books.

Gwen’s review of Unleashed by Lori Borrill
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Nov 08

I wish I could remember who’s review I read that made me go immediately to Amazon.com and buy this book.  I could have sworn it was someone on this site, but I searched and didn’t see where any of us had reviewed it yet. Yeah. Surprised me too.  I didn’t think there was a Blaze that slipped past Limecello’s notice. 

This quick read is about a woman who is starting over and a man who helps her do it (heh).  Ignore for a moment that her chosen career is designing purses – gah! I hate chick-lit devices – as it has no real affect on the story.  She could be a lawyer, painter, or candlestick maker and the outcome would be the same.  It’s full of action, hot sensuality, and some good, honest confusion in the characters’ minds about what motivates people to do what they do.

I can so totally identify with the heroine – she feels she has really crappy taste in men and has no trust left in her own judgment.  In fact, she leaves her lovelife in the hands of her more level-headed roommate.  It doesn’t do her any good, though.  Her ultra-hot, purposefully planned one-night stand ends up really complicating her life.  It throws her together with a cop who then has to complicate his own life by chasing her down to find his (stolen) car and some evidence in the trunk.

This was a very fun road-trip book with a good romance and really hot sensuality.  It was also a fun “coming home” book – the heroine gets to go back to her home town where everything goes wrong before it goes right.  I loved the bad guys and how totally the hero and heroine overcome the dickwads in the end (not to put too fine a point on it  ).

If you’re looking for a quick, hot read, I highly recommend this book.  And to whomever reviewed it before me, thanks.  Great reco!

Grade: B+

Summary:

Purse designer Jessie Beane has some bad habits when it comes to men. So she’s going to boost her sexual karma- by indulging in an extra-naughty, one-night stand?

Detective Rick Marshall is the perfect candidate-a hot cop with a creative and insatiable libido. Unfortunately, Jessie’s poor excuse of an ex uses the opportunity to rob Jessie’s apartment and steal Rick’s car…with key evidence in the trunk!

Jessie and Rick don’t have time to waste…. They need to find that car now. And if spending time together gives them the chance to unleash their voracious appetite for each other, then they’ll be certain to enjoy every salacious minute….

Read an excerpt (I’m a little amazed that this excerpt is on Amazon’s site – it’s rather explicit).

Even though they didn’t get their February Spotlight, we’ve definitely been reading Blazes! Here are some of the Blaze titles we’ve read and reviewed this year.

	Ghosts and Roses by Kelley St. John–reviewed by Sandy
	Stripped by Julie Leto–reviewed by Devon
	Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh–reviewed by Alicia Thomas
	Primal Instincts by Jill Monroe–reviewed by LauraJ
	Putting It to the Test by Lori Borrill–reviewed by limecello
	Burning Up by Sarah Mayberry–reviewed by limecello
	French Kissing by Nancy Warren–reviewed by limecello
	The Loner by Rhonda Nelson–reviewed by limecello, reviewed by Sandy

Limecello’s review of Putting it to the Test by Lori Borrill
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Apr 08

I read Lori Borrill’s first Blaze when it came out in 2007, and pleasantly surprised to see that she had written more books. As the friend of more than my fair share of programmers, I knew I had to read this book. Office sex surveys? Programmers, and clashing personalities? What’s not to love?

In fact, very little. Carly Abrams cheats on a sex survey. Well, it’s not just a sex survey (and actually that’s a part the programmers are allowed to leave blank) – but the personality test result lead to her being labeled “most compatible” with coworker cum super-programmer, Matt Jacobs.

I’d almost say this is Dilbert, made into a story and sexed up, but that’s not entirely true. There’s a boss that likes to mess with people, and frustrated co-workers, but the focus is definitely the romance between Carly and Matt. She knows he’s up for a job that she should be a contender for as well, and Carly’s determined to get her chance. A little harmless hacking gets her what she wants, and Carly and Matt are forced to work on a project together.

From day one, Carly and Matt did not get along. Carly doesn’t like Matt because he took away her project, and shut her out of future ones. Also, he’s the boss’s chosen one and golden boy. Matt has never been a team player, and acts stupid (like a jerk) around Carly because he’s attracted to her. He also hasn’t bothered to develop relationships with is coworkers, and is rather arrogant.

Their antagonism and simmering attraction to each other leads to a flaming affair – but when the work world intrudes on their little interlude, real conflict arises. Luckily, Carly loosens up a little, and Matt gains some empathy, and their relationship truly blossoms. Time spent together allows them to get to know each other, and for some rather humorous scenes, including one which involves too much wine and a very low tolerance.

A very cute read – definitely not something you normally find in a romance. After all, programmers are notoriously geeky and lacking in social skills. I will say that these programmers are extremely adept at human interaction, which was nice. The premise of the story is very interesting, and the interaction between the characters extremely enjoyable. I also found the personalities and events in this book realistic and fun.

Grade: B-

Blurb: 

    Office Sex Survey

     All staff must anonymously participate… and no cheating!

     She did it! Sweetly shy Carly Abrams, programmer extraordinaire, cheated on the sex survey. This way, she’s guaranteed to be paired up with infuriating (but no less delectable man-thing) coworker Matt Jacobs on a new account. If she’s caught, she’ll be neck-deep in pink slips. Unfortunately, working closely with Matt could land her in deeper-and much, much hotter-water….

     Turns out Matt and Carly couldn’t be more suited for each other…sexually. And when Matt discovers that Carly’s cute exterior conceals thoughts lusty enough to make a porn star blush, he can barely keep himself from pulling her into an empty office, locking the door and putting the sex survey’s results to the test…but good!

     Read an excerpt here.