Dinca’s review of Her Best Friend by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin SuperRomance 13 Apr 10

My friend Sandy sent me this book. She must know me very well because I simply loved it. I have read Sarah Mayberry books before and she has never let me down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the unrequited love of Amy Parker.

The story is about Amy Parker’s passion for an old theater called the Grand that her great grandfather built. She is trying to buy it before it gets torn down and replaced by cheap apartments built by a sleazy developer and the villain of the story. Amy is so close to achieving her dream of owning the Grand, when a city councilman, in cahoots with the sleazy developer, tries to outbid her on the Grand and overlook the ordinances that protect the structural architecture.

In desperation Amy tries to contact her old friend Lisa, an attorney who also married her best friend Quinn and childhood neighbor and the love of her life, also an attorney. When she calls, Quinn answers and eventually, through phone calls and emails, talks her into letting him help her with her problem. She’s very surprised when he shows up at a city meeting to present her case.

Quinn has two best friends in his life. He married one, Lisa, and is now in the tail end of a divorce.  There is no way he wants to do anything that will mess up his friendship with Amy, even if lusting after her kills him. They are so busy trying to make sure they stay friends they almost combust from any physical contact.

Unbeknownst to Amy, Quinn has been in love with her since and lusted after her during his teen years. He married Lisa when there was no sign of Amy wanting him as anything other than a friend. Quinn is still having a problem wrapping his mind around the fact that Lisa has cheated and wants a divorce. He submerges himself into the Grand project, protecting Amy from herself and the sleazy developer.

We know they are going to get together, but the journey through the eyes of these delightful characters is a trip worth taking. Ms. Mayberry has created once again characters so believable, right down to the truly sleazy developer.

The story could have taken place in my home town.  And since I am married to my best friend, I was rooting for them all the way. I think it’s time I find myself another Sarah Mayberry book and settle down to another good read.

Grade: A

Summary:

What’s a girl to do when she’s secretly in love with a friend and he’s married to someone else? She gets over it. That’s what Amy Parker has done. Rather than lose her best bud Quinn Whitfield with an ill-timed, crazy confession of affection, she’s taken the smart route. She’s eased away from him. Just enough to get past the unrequited bits.  And you know, it’s working.

Until the day Quinn announces he’s now single. That’s right. He’s single. And he wants to hang out. With her. Get reconnected the way they used to be.

Oh, this is so not good for Amy’s equilibrium. Daily doses of Quinn remind her of everything she loves about him. But if he’s free…and she’s free…well, maybe the time has come for one of those crazy confessions.

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Her Secret Fling by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jan 10

Sarah Mayberry has to stop it. She’s getting readers – one by one. (Not in the acquiring sense, but in the “I’m gonna getchu” sense.) Making us laugh, and cry, and … well really there aren’t words for it. I don’t actually want Ms. Mayberry to stop. I want her to write more books. More, more, more Blaze books especially. I’ve been in something of a reading slump, but I knew Ms. Mayberry wouldn’t let me down… and she didn’t. This is a terrific story. The characters are unique and unexpected, but so brilliantly normal. She also manages to make a ruined relationship work.

Poppy Birmingham is a great character. I believe she’s an Olympic gold medalist… but aside from being an amazing athlete, she’s rather a novice at all other aspects of life. And that’s what was necessary for her to get where she was in her sport. Unfortunately, this leaves her uncertain and without much confidence in anything but the water. I truly enjoyed reading Poppy’s experiences with a new career, and growth in general.

I have to admit, I got a little annoyed with how stupid Poppy was being or acting… but she knew it too. Which made it more ok. (Though no less self deceptive and annoying.) I still felt for her, however. You can’t dictate your emotions, no matter how logical you’re trying to be – and that’s exactly what happened with Poppy.

Jake Stevens… he’s an ass. A lovable one, yes… but an ass. He’s your “super hero,” – he’s hot, charming, affable, and generally perfect, other than how he treats the heroine. And, women in general, when romantically involved with them. Jake makes up for it with his “grand gesture” – and it was understandable why he acted as he did, and forgivable. He need a major wake up call, and luckily his family is there to give it.

I liked the dynamics between Jake and Poppy. Both were uncertain about things, yet experts in the others. Poppy is a national hero. She’s a world class athlete, but only knows life in competitive swimming. Jake is an excellent journalist, and an acclaimed author. But she’s injured, and he’s stuck. Neither knows how to act in a romantic relationship with feelings involved, and both don’t want to get hurt. They’re both so flawed and refreshingly human.

The secondary characters are fun, and really help move the story along. They don’t distract from Poppy or Jake, rather their colleagues and families give them layers. The family dynamics are extremely different. Poppy’s makes her feel like an outsider, while Jake’s is much warmer and natural. The fact that Poppy is grieving and vulnerable is an important aspect of the story, and both she, and Jake are cognizant of the fact. Ms. Mayberry did a wonderful job.

This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me squee, and forgo all the other tasks I had to complete. (Which were many.) Sarah Mayberry is hands down one of my favorite authors, and if you haven’t read any of her books, get one. Especially this one.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Talk about office politics!

Jake Stevens—star reporter and celebrated literary genius—is a snake. How else to explain the way he turns Poppy Birmingham’s hero worship into loathing with a single conversation? So what if she’s got a lot to learn about journalism? Aren’t they coworkers now? On the same team? Jake can take his attitude and…

Then during a job-related road trip, their relationship goes from antagonistic to hedonistic in no time flat. And suddenly Poppy can’t think of anything more delicious than having a secret fling with Jake. But with all this intensity, can she really keep it no-strings-attached?

Read an excerpt here.

Holly‘s review of She’s Got It Bad by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Apr 09

I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about Sarah Mayberry, so I decided to check her out. I was really impressed with how unconventional the heroine is, even for a contemporary romance.

When the blurb says, “Zoe is as tough and wild as they come” that’s absolutely the truth. Though she was a quiet good-girl twelve years ago, she grew up hard and fast. Now she’s a tattoo artist and the lead singer of a punk rock band. She’s taken her share of hard knocks, but she’s doing the best she can. Although she wishes she could go back into the past and change some things, she’s accepted her lot in life and is determined to do things her own way.

When Liam sees a naked painting of Zoe at an art gallery he knows he has to find her and help her out. The Zoe he knew twelve years ago never would have done something like that. But twelve years is a long time and Liam is surprised at the changes in Zoe. Not only is she tough and wild, but she’s completely comfortable with her sexuality. Not that he’s interested..well, ok, so he’s really interested, but he doesn’t want to take advantage of her. He only wants to help get her back on her feet. Walking away from her twelve years ago was one of the hardest things he’s ever done..so there’s pretty much no chance in hell he’ll be able to walk away again.

The attraction between these two was sizzling hot. Their sexual chemistry crackled. Not only that, they truly did have an emotional connection. I thought it was it was a wonderful that Liam wanted to help Zoe just to help her. He wasn’t looking for anything in return, and he wasn’t smug or condescending or trying to make himself look/feel better, he just wanted to help out the girl he once loved.

As I mentioned above, Zoe was a very unconventional heroine. She drank hard liquor, danced dirty and worked in a tattoo parlor. She also had a lot of emotional scarring. With Liam’s help she was able to work past many of her issues, but I like that she’d never completely be able to let everything from her past go. That was totally realistic. Though we often move on from things in our past, they shape who we are in the future. Mayberry really nailed that with Zoe.

I did have a few issues with both characters, however. Mostly because neither wanted to set their pride aside for the other. Not only that, but each swore they knew what was best for the other. Liam walked away from Zoe twelve years ago because he knew she’d be better off without him and even after all that time he still thinks it’s true. Because of things that happened to Zoe in her past, she’s convinced Liam would be better off without her. Plus, either are really willing to put themselves out there.

Despite that I really did enjoy the story. The characters were well developed and was emotionally engaging. I’ll definitely be looking for more by Sarah Mayberry in the future.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Twelve years ago Zoe Ford let Liam Masters break her heart. But now? There’s not a chance. Zoe is as tough and wild as they come. So when Liam shows up at her tattoo parlor, she’s more than ready to take him on again. That’s not going to be a hardship, since he’s hotter than he ever was.

This time she’s staying in charge. And she’s not going to consider their score settled until he’s hot, bothered and begging for more! Then she’ll move on as callously as he left her. Unless all that deliciously bad sex is just too good to give up…

Read an excerpt

Limecello’s review of She’s Got It Bad by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Apr 09

Sarah Mayberry is one of my favorite authors, and definitely one of my top five favorite Harlequin/Silhouette authors. I was very excited to learn she has this new book out – and I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the basic premise of it that Ms. Mayberry describes in her “Letter to the Reader” where a hero walks into an art gallery and sees a nude portrait of the one woman who “got away.” It’s perfect, and Ms. Mayberry wrote the story beautifully.

It may just be me, but I feel like Ms. Mayberry’s newer Blaze books have been getting a bit darker in tone. However, I still really enjoyed the book.  I normally adore friends to lovers stories, but this didn’t really feel like one. Maybe because there were twelve years in which the hero and heroine had no interaction. Or (and) the fact that teen sex squicks me out. Either way, the original relationship was a great foundation for Zoe and Liam.

Zoe Ford is a very real heroine. She’s incredibly sexy, warm, talented… and self-destructive. There was one (well, a few) bad incident in her past, and unfortunately Zoe has let that color her life. However, I was sympathetic to her situation, and understand the reason for Zoe to act as she did. I also felt that Ms. Mayberry did a wonderful job in making it believable, yet not mopey or annoying. I felt bad for Zoe, sometimes wanted to shake her so she would start caring for herself, but never did I think she was being stupid. I liked that Zoe was so complicated. She’s the sex kitten, artist, brass-balled woman, but also vulnerable, uncertain, and sexless.

Liam Masters is a fantastic hero. He’s old enough to have outgrown the chip on his shoulder, and has done incredibly well for himself. He’s a big softy, really, which is impressive considering all the hard knocks that life has dealt him. Normally I hate the “I’ll save you from me/yourself” hero – but here it works because he was so young, which made it more noble, albeit still misguided. I like that he bumbles around, yet is determined to help Zoe. While Liam has a few stupid moments when he won’t admit how emotionally invested he is, or accept that he wants a real relationship with Zoe, all other aspects indicate otherwise. I liked and appreciated the fact that Liam was over all self-actualized by the time he meets Zoe again.

I enjoyed how realistic this story was – it was believable, although a bit fantastic that Liam would have “found” Zoe in the manner that he did. Nevertheless, I love the interaction between all the characters. Liam goes after Zoe full throttle, and their relationship is well balanced by all the secondary characters. It was nice to see how the subtleties of the interconnected relationships played out. I also appreciated how honest the characters were with each other. Yes, they had conflict, but it was natural, and their reasons for keeping secrets was understandable.

In terms of the story line, I liked how Liam got closure by actually visiting his abusive father. That, and how the guy who “ruined” Zoe also makes a cameo appearance in the book and is dealt with. There was a lot of tying up of loose ends and general closure in She’s Got It Bad that I really liked. One thing I’m less enamored with, however, is the “I’m not a woman because I don’t have a uterus” angle. Don’t get me wrong – I’m sympathetic, and I know it’s a huge issue. I don’t know if this is a new trend, but I read a number of books all written by different authors, and even different publishers/times that featured a heroine with a hysterectomy. However, that doesn’t detract from the book itself.

The interaction between Zoe and Liam is hot, entertaining, and endearing. I liked how Zoe was sassy (and annoying!) and acted to provoke Liam. It was sweet, and humorous to see how each annoyed the other, but everything was underlined by the care and concern each had for the other. I liked that Zoe was able to take the final steps and regain her life.

This is a well-written, very enjoyable story, and I recommend it to everyone – especially the readers looking for a good, yet quick read.

Grade: A

Summary:

Twelve years ago Zoe Ford let Liam Masters break her heart. But now? There’s not a chance. Zoe is as tough and wild as they come. So when Liam shows up at her tattoo parlor, she’s more than ready to take him on again. That’s not going to be a hardship, since he’s hotter than he ever was.

This time she’s staying in charge. And she’s not going to consider their score settled until he’s hot, bothered and begging for more! Then she’ll move on as callously as he left her. Unless all that deliciously bad sex is just too good to give up….

Read an excerpt here. Also new and exciting, read Liam’s “blog” here! (Warning, the blog contains spoilers, of a sort.)

Limecello’s review of Amorous Liaisons by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Oct 08

Amorous Liaisons is the newest book in the Lust in Translation series. Blaze is one of my favorite lines, and Ms Mayberry is one of my favorite Blaze authors. Win, win. I’ve been in a funk with books, but I read this one in a day. I’m impressed with the Lust in Translation books I’ve been reading. I can’t wait for the next one, and will likely look for others in the back list as well.

Maddy Green is an extremely complex, developed heroine. She seems flighty, not exactly shallow, but completely consumed in her own world as a prima ballerina. Understandable, considering the demands of what was her life, but as a result Maddy isn’t very good at being a normal person. Dance has consumed her past twenty plus years, and she hasn’t looked to the future, going by the philosophy of “out of sight, out of mind.” Maddy is a caring person, she simply has a lot to deal with. Once she gets it sorted out, Maddy shows surprising depth and warmth.

Max Laurent is pretty much the perfect hero. He’s charming, talented, multifaceted, and sacrificed his entire career for family. And that’s all before the novel started – Max welcomes Maddy into his home even though they haven’t much interacted in eight years. It’s mentioned a few times that Max has a Sir Galahad complex, and that is definitely true. What doesn’t hurt is that Max is French, was an amazing dancer, and kept his dancer’s body. What’s not to love?

Ms Mayberry writes she did a lot of research on retired ballet dancers, and I believe it. Although the plot almost crossed the line of “too much information” a few times, the reader really sympathizes with what Maddy is going through. The sequence is entirely natural and realistic. Maddy’s irrational and in denial, but such behavior is expected, and generally normal. The characterization and reactions that Maddy and Max display are eminently believable.

I loved that the novel was set in Paris, as it is part of the Lust in Translation series. It was nice that Ms Mayberry included some of Maddy’s frustration with the language barrier. On the topic of language and terms, in a way I had mixed feelings about it. I loved when Max used French to talk dirty to Maddy during sex – very hot. However, much of the random French, and especially all the ballet terms, I found frustrating. I ended up looking up every dance step or sequence on YouTube, which was helpful.

Amorous Liaisons read differently from Ms Mayberry’s other writings, at least in my mind. No better or worse, just unlike the other stories – possibly because the book dealt with serious issues, and didn’t quite have the lighter tone of her other books. One similar theme, however, was the obtuseness Maddy and Max displayed in not realizing how the other person felt about them. Neither character revealed their feelings to the other until the very end.

It was so nice to tour Paris with Max and Maddy. Ms Mayberry’s attention to detail in regards to dance, personality, psychological and a number of other issues is impressive. Maddy and Max are well written and likable, the story is emotional and involving, and I feel that Ms Mayberry has written another terrific book. I definitely recommend this book to any of Ms Mayberry’s fans, as well as anyone looking for a great contemporary read packed with emotion.

Grade: B

Friends with benefits

Max Laurent has always wanted Maddy Green. But he let her go once before rather than stand between her and her dreams. Now she’s on his Paris doorstep, needing a place to stay. She’s just as hot and he wants her just as much. How can he resist seducing her?

When Maddy’s world falls apart, it’s only natural that she turns to Max for support. But fall into his bed? Never…until one steamy night, that is. And having had a taste of him, she’s hungry for more. Then she has the chance to resume her career, although it means leaving him. Can she throw away the best sex – and the best friend – she’s ever had?

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Below the Belt by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Jun 08

I’m glad I read this book – because it was one I wasn’t sure about. I really like Sarah Mayberry’s writing, but… boxing? A female boxer? (No, I didn’t watch Million Dollar Baby.) Still, I did pick it up, and the reward was another good Blaze story. (Incidentally Harlequin is having a sale on Blaze books this month.)

Jamie Sawyer is one of the guys for a myriad of reasons. She was hurt a few times in relationships – first her father, then her boyfriend, so she’s adopted a love ‘em and leave ‘em mentality. She’ll hook up with a guy for a purely physical relationship, but once emotions are involved, she drops him. Jamie is also driven to follow in the family business – boxing. She’s on a mission to become the best to right some wrongs, and you have to respect that, despite her bullheadedness and which sometimes prevents her from seeing the big picture, or how potentially harmful her actions are.

Cooper Fitzgerald really makes the book. He’s a former heavyweight champion boxer, forced to retire to prevent further injuries. (Mostly the threat of blindness if he takes another hit to the head.) Cooper is so likable and well, sensible. He knows his career is over, and moves on. He’s opened a gym and has picked up the role of trainer. While he would love to continue fighting, Cooper knows he can’t, and doesn’t waste time with regrets, moping or being sullen. Cooper is extremely positive, and a guy every woman wants. Capable, smart, and sensitive, Cooper actually comes to terms with his emotions well before Jamie does. In fact, I might say that he’s a bit too forgiving.

Below the Belt was interesting, and it was clear that Ms. Mayberry knew what she was talking about. I’ve had some friends who were very engaged with boxing – male and female – but I was never as into boxing as I was while reading this book. The characters, plot, title, everything works together in an extremely clever manner. At no point does the reader feel that Ms. Mayberry is beating you over the head with facts, it’s just all there, and intertwined.

One thing I didn’t like was how closed off Jamie was at points. She was forcing those that loved her to take a difficult position – and causing more harm than good to herself and others. However, she didn’t care. For once, I felt that the heroine didn’t “suffer” enough as it were, in a book. I’m glad that she got her reality check, and things turned around.

There were a number of great parts throughout the book, but I think the ending was my favorite. Below the Belt didn’t end like I thought it would, which was a pleasant surprise. Next, it was nice how Jamie was able to get closure on a number of issues haunting her – and that Cooper was with her every step of the way. Ms. Mayberry has written yet another book that I recommend to all her fans, as well as those who like Blaze books. I’m looking forward to reading her next one, Amorous Liaisons.

Grade: B-

He’s not going down without a fight

To outfit his new gym, trainer Cooper Fitzgerald is looking for fresh boxing talent. Male boxing talent, that is. So what on earth is he thinking by taking on Jamie Sawyer? She’s stubborn, difficult, aggressive – and far too hot for the kind of close contact training requires. But her skill in the ring is turning his professional head.

Too bad his isn’t the only head that’s turning. Jamie and her skimpy little shorts have all the guys forgetting the power she packs in a punch. And when Jamie offers Cooper her irresistible body – no strings attached – he’s down for the count. But can Cooper keep the line between trainer and sex buddy…or is he setting himself up for another knockout?

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Hot City Nights by Sandra Marton, Sarah Mayberry, and Emilie Rose
Contemporary romance anthology published by Harlequin 8 Jul 08

I was excited to read this book because it features two of my favorite Harlequin authors – Sarah Mayberry and Emilie Rose. Overall I’d say I’ve had a positive experience with the romance anthologies, and Hot City Nights didn’t disappoint.

Summer in the City by Sandra Marton

While this was the featured story in the anthology, it was also unfortunately my least favorite. Lincoln Aldridge and Ana Maria Marques make a good couple, but it takes them a while to get there.

I didn’t find their initial interaction realistic or believable. Nor the “if I assault you, but then kiss you, we won’t fight” theme that ran through a portion of the book. Especially as this was at a point where Linc and Ana didn’t really like each other. Certain practical matters in the plot such as the guardianship cum adoption, marriage (of convenience), and the stereotypical villain didn’t wow me either.

However, once the Ana and Linc begin interacting, the story was sweet. The ending made up for a lot of the book, and I was involved by the time they said their vows. What came afterwards was well written and heartwarming. I haven’t read any other books by Ms. Marton before, and I’ll likely watch for her other ones in the future.

Grade: D+

Summary:

In New York a billionaire remembers the beautiful stranger with whom he’d shared a kiss—a kiss that burned them both to the soul. Now he’s a desperate new father, and she’s suddenly the only woman who can help him!

Read an excerpt here.

Back to You by Sarah Mayberry

Ms. Mayberry writes another great “friends to lovers” story with characters Becky Taylor and Cal MacKenzie. I really liked the interaction between the two. Back to You is emotional, well thought out, and realistic. It was nice that the characters clung to their pride – thus creating the genuineness of the story. Misunderstanding on the part of Becky and Cal created drama, but not an excess of it. The heat between Becky and Cal is palpable, and this is simply a fun novella. Nothing too heavy, just quick entertainment. Back to You is striking in the simplicity of the storyline, which adds to its readability. (Oh – and how exciting is it that Ms. Mayberry’s website is finally updated?!)

Grade: B+

Summary:

In Sydney a woman comes face-to-face with the man she swore would never hurt her again. But when they agree to an intense, no-strings fling, she wonders if she’s gotten in way over her head…and her heart!

Read an excerpt here.

Forgotten Lover by Emilie Rose

Talia Rivera and Jake Larson are something of an anti-couple, as they ended their affair a number of years ago. However, an unfortunate accident puts them in each other’s company, and they’re forced to confront the past, and decide whether or not they should pick up the pieces and rebuild.

Jake is something of a jerk, but you get the sense that he’s a genuinely nice guy. He’s simply dealing with a tough situation poorly, and trying to avoid getting hurt. While the asshole routine gets a little old, Jake doesn’t stick with it too long. Talia is a sympathetic character, but not pathetic, and it was fun to see her regain her memory piece by piece. Her amnesia forces the reader to focus only on the here and now, due to the lack of background. We mostly only know what she knows.

I enjoyed all the emotion in this story – not just Talia and Jake getting back together, but seeing how Jake interacted with the Talia’s child, Adam. It was so adorable, and all together made for an engaging story.

Grade: B

Summary:

In Atlanta a woman lies in a hospital bed after a serious accident. But when the hospital calls her emergency contact—her ex-lover—she’s horrified. Why doesn’t she remember him? Worse still, she might be falling for him…again!

No excerpt found.

Overall Grade: B–

Book summary:

Love rules the night, but what will the daylight bring…?

Limecello’s review of Island Heat by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin 11 Mar 08

I happened to get my hands on another Sarah Mayberry book, and it’s the first in Harlequin’s (relatively) new Mediterranean Nights series that I’ve read. I enjoyed the book, and while I’m contemplating reading more in the Mediterranean Nights series, I know I’ll be buying more of Ms. Mayberry’s books.

Island Heat is yet another book that involves chefs – which personally I think is interesting, because from what I know, Ms. Mayberry’s books generally involve characters in the entertainment industry. However, I was happy because I’m a foodie. Island Heat is a great balance of romance, setting, plot, and food.

Ms. Mayberry’s books generally involve characters that have history, and it’s a trend carried through in this book as well. Victoria Sanderson and Ben Cooper were classmates at the Culinary Institute of America. They parted on bad terms upon graduation, but being stuck together on a cruise ship results in them resolving their issues. After all, not only are they stuck together on a ship, they have to work together.

Ben and Tory are both interesting, have great personalities and are well developed characters. I really enjoyed was the fact that they communicated. Of course, they lie and indulge in minor pettiness – which simply makes them human. Actually, the antics they engage in are quite entertaining and devious. Ben and Tory are also perfect foils for each other. Tory is type A, and a micro-manager. Ben, however, is the quintessential island boy – relaxed, and more big picture, bad boy willing to indulge and put play before work. Food is what brings them together initially, but once each sees the other for the person they truly are, they find out they have more in common. A lot more.

There were a few secondary stories. One, that developed more in the end, I truly enjoyed, and it was heart warming. I won’t talk about it more, because it’s a secret- no spoilers! The other, involving a dancer on the ship, didn’t get me, and I found her story distracting, and rather irritating.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and found it interesting to read one of Ms. Mayberry’s stories with a different setting. Once again, Ms. Mayberry delivers a story with terrific characters, an emotional and rewarding story, with sun, fun, and mystery thrown in. Island Heat made me want to book a cruise, and eat some jerk chicken.

Grade: C+

They say that revenge is a dish best served cold… but what do you do with the leftovers?

It’s been eight years since Tory Sanderson has seen Ben Cooper—eight years since she found out he seduced her to win a bet with some classmates at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and eight years since she got her revenge.…

After fulfilling her dream of publishing a cookbook of island recipes, Tory is thrilled when she’s invited on a Caribbean cruise as a guest lecturer. But excitement turns to anxiety when she finds out that Ben, who is now a celebrated restaurateur, will join her as the guest chef.

Ben accepted the guest chef gig in order to enjoy a week of Tory sweating it out in the kitchen. But once the heat starts to climb, getting even turns out to be the last thing on his mind. In fact, picturing a future with Tory in his kitchen might add just the right amount of spice to his life….

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Burning Up by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary Romance by Harlequin Blaze released 1 Feb 08

I discovered Sarah Mayberry about a year ago, and have yet to be disappointed. I’m not quite sure why, but the blurb and excerpts for this book didn’t grab me. However, as you can see, I really liked this book. I’ve read a few other books by Sarah Mayberry, and really liked all of them, so I decided to take a chance on this one, and I’m glad.

The beginning of this book is really an ending for both the main characters. Sophie Gallagher’s boyfriend of fourteen years dumps her. Lucas Grant’s play boy lifestyle is ending -although he doesn’t know it. While Sophie is in a really bad position, she quickly gets over her mad, and moves on. Who better to use as a rebound guy than a Hollywood A-lister and one of the sexiest men alive? For his part, Lucas initially is shallow, but he quickly begins to see Sophie as a person, not just breasts and a butt. It helps that they’re each other’s only company.

I had so much fun following Sophie and Lucas’s interaction and banter. While reading, I wasn’t a passive observer, I was right there with the characters, feeling their emotions. Sophie is incredibly real, and someone you want to be friends with. She’s human, has flaws, but isn’t a door mat. Sophie’s smart and sassy, but never excessive. She’s a developed person that you root for. Not once does Sophie get on your nerves. Lucas has such depth that you feel sympathy for him too, which should be hard because he’s a 35 year old man who acts like a frat boy cum quarter back of a AAA team. The reason he’s holed up in the mountains is because he slipped on a thong by a hot tub. Believe it or not, you’re still in his corner 100%.

My only complaint or issue would be that certain parts of the book didn’t seem very original – but we all know there are similar/overused plot and story lines. Otherwise, I liked everything about Burning Up.

It’s a bit short, but all the harlequin categories are. It’s a matter of taste, really. I personally prefer a longer read, but I do love that I can finish one of these books in two hours. I’ve come to expect terrific characters and a story that grabs me emotionally from Ms. Mayberry, and she delivered.

Grade: B+

Somebody get some ice… it’s steamy in here!

Spending a month as personal chef for an overindulged-and mouthwatering-man? Sophie Gallagher is so up for the challenge. She’s immune to charm…or so she thinks. Because when big-screen star Lucas Grant turns up the temptation, she discovers-up close and personal-he’s earned the name hottest man alive.

Sophie is fun, vivacious and couldn’t be further from Lucas’s bimbo bombshell type. Much to his surprise, she’s captivated him. But as sizzling as they are between the sheets, once his hiatus is over, the credits will roll on this fling. Saying goodbye, however, isn’t as easy as he’d thought. Will this production be The End of the Affair…or Love Actually?

Read an excerpt here.