Limecello’s Duckies Do Series reviews of the Holidays Abroad Series by Merline Lovelace
Contemporary romances released by Harlequin Nov 2008 – Jan 2009

I quite fancy the idea of Christmas in summer (especially during a sweltering heat wave), so when I read the Duke’s New Year’s Resolution, I realized I was in the middle of a series, and read the other books in the trilogy – The CEO’s Christmas Proposition (Book 1) and The Executive’s Valentine Seduction (Book 3). This is a really cute trilogy that follows a natural progression, and takes place realistically chronologically. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for Ms. Lovelace’s books in the future. [And yes, I realize for some places at least, summer has disappeared and we’re facing bitter cold. So… this is good to prepare for the upcoming holiday season!]

The CEO’s Christmas Proposition (Book 1)
Released by Silhouette Desire 11 Nov 08

While I didn’t find the premise of this story very believable, I nevertheless liked it. The whole winter wonderland aspect really appealed to me, and I also appreciate the “we’re stranded together so our relationship will develop much more quickly” trope. I think that Devon and Cal were characterized nicely, and that each stayed true to him and herself.

Although generally I’m not a fan of this, I really liked how Sabrina and Caroline had parts in this book. Normally I’d say the focus should have been on Devon and Cal, and that Sabrina and Caroline had their own books to be released soon enough. However, Ms. Lovelace writes the characters in so that they fit naturally, and really bolster the story. After all, the entire premise of this series is that Devon, Sabrina, and Caro are abroad because they’ve just started a new business. And they’ve started a new business because they’re best friends, all looking for something different.

I also enjoyed the fact that Ms. Lovelace incorporated the holiday into her story, and the way Cal and Devon treated Christmas really showed a lot about their personalities as well. And yes, led to their relationship as well.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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A case of mistaken identity landed Devon McShay on the receiving end of a mind-blowing kiss—from her new client! CEO Cal Logan was an undeniably handsome man, and despite their business relationship, Devon couldn’t help thinking about kissing him again.
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When a crippling ice storm traps them in Salzburg for Christmas, sharing a room is their only option. And sharing a bed becomes their pleasure. Could this passionate encounter evolve into anything more than a holiday affair?

Read an excerpt here.

The Duke’s New Year’s Resolution (Book 2)
Released by Silhouette Desire 9 Dec 08

I think this is my favorite story of the bunch. First of all, I’m a sucker for a sexy Italian hero. And he’s a surgeon. And he’s a duke. Be still my beating heart.

However, I also like The Duke’s New Year’s Resolution so much, because I liked it — even though the premise of the book has so many things I don’t like. (That makes sense, right?) First, the heroine is/was a heiress, and I cannot stand the “poor little rich girl” character. However, Sabrina isn’t like that. She knows she was wild and bratty when she was younger, and that rebelling openly and publicly in the tabloids against her father probably wasn’t the best thing to do. She also doesn’t particularly feel sorry for herself, but it’s clear her emotional relationship with her father was lacking. That will elicit my sympathy. And it did.

Then there’s the creepy factor wherein Sabrina supposedly looks just like Marco’s deceased wife. (I don’t think this was entirely necessary, but it definitely adds a lot of drama.) It does force the characters, and especially Marco to profess the depth and sincerity of his feelings for Sabrina, which is always nice.  I really like how Sabrina’s past comes to haunt her – I felt that Ms. Lovelace tied all aspects of the story together nicely, and made it believable. It wasn’t all cotton candy and fluff, and the characters had to take responsibility for their actions and pasts.

And you know, the romance and heat and super hot Italian duke/surgeon.

Grade: B

Summary:

The setting was picture-postcard perfect; the hero, bonafide royalty. Sabrina’s worst fear was that she would wake up and discover it was all a dream. Duke—and doctor—Marco Calvetti had almost run her off the road. Now Sabrina was playing houseguest in his Amalfi-coast villa. Marco’s romantic words and skilled hands gave new meaning to the term “bedside manner,” but his brooding eyes hid secret wounds…or was it a secret agenda? Either way, the duke promised her a New Year’s she would never forget.…

Read an excerpt here.

The Executive’s Valentine Seduction (Book 3)
Released by Silhouette Desire 13 Jan 09

I enjoyed this book because the hero grovels. I have this slightly sadistic streak, which makes me revel in the heroes’ suffering. (I think it was because I read too many old school romances starting out, so I always felt that the heroine gave more than the hero.) In The Executive’s Valentine Seduction, Rory has to work for it. But with good reason. I really like who Caro is as a person, although she is off balance for much of the story.

I also love the trope of friends to lovers – and the story here is a loose interpretation of it. Anyway, Caro and Rory definitely have history, and a lot to work through, but it gives them a foundation, and makes the fact that their “forever and totally in love” relationship is established in the course of a few days believable.

Another thing I really appreciated is that Ms. Lovelace featured Rory. We get to see him in action, and it really brings everything together – what Rory does, who he is, the entire purpose of the conference, which is why Rory and Caro meet again. (With some orchestrations on Rory’s part.)

Lastly, I thought there was a sense of finality to this book, and the series, as Ms. Lovelace had Cal and Devon, as well as Sabrina and Marco all go to Rory and Caro in Spain. It was nice the three women get together, and all have their happy ending.

Grade: B

Summary:

Amor was on the menu…

And Rory Burke was intent on having Caroline Walters as the main course.

This meeting he’d arranged in beautiful Tossa de Mar was no mere business transaction. Having learned the truth about his long-ago lover, Rory had gone to great lengths to orchestrate this Valentine reunion in sunny Spain. His plan? To lure Caro back into his bed—as his bride. With his powers of persuasion, the high-powered executive was certain he would get his way—until the power of pasión turned the tables on him….

Read an excerpt here.

I felt that the relationships Ms. Lovelace wrote were incredibly believable, and I liked the focus she had on it. I don’t think I’ve read anything by Merline Lovelace before now, but I know I’m definitely going to look for her new books, as well as her back list. All three couples work individually, and together, and I think it was a very well written series. I like that Ms. Lovelace had such well developed heroines, and that they were satisfyingly showcased. Each story played to the heroine’s strengths, which made for a great romance.

I definitely recommend this if you like reading from the Silhouette Desire line, or if you’d like to try the line out.

Overall Grade: B