Her Singapore Fling (Kelly Hunter)

Title: Her Singapore Fling
UK Title: Red-Hot Renegade
Author: Kelly Hunter
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-87743-4
UK Publisher: Mills & Boon
UK Series: Modern Heat
N. A. ISBN: 978-0-373-52807-3
N. A. Publisher: Harlequin
Series: Harlequin Presents Extra #143; Bennett Family #5
Copyright: 2011; 184 pgs
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Summary: Jacob “Jake” Bennett and Jianne Xang married young. He was already raising four younger siblings and pursuing his dreams of winning a world title in martial arts. Though she tried to adapt, Jianne was ill-prepared for life in the Bennett household. Their personalities, their ways, and her own history played a part in her decision to leave. Twelve years later, Jianne finds herself back in Jake’s life. A rather insistent, and unwanted, suitor is trying to court her. He’s been sending her gifts and invitations, and has even followed her to Singapore. She believes that if it looks like she’s reuniting with her husband, then her suitor will give up and go back to Shanghai.

Comments: I’ve put off reading this because I know it is the last Bennett family book and I’m sad to see it end. I’ve enjoyed the series and I’ve become a fan of the author.

Red-Hot Renegade

Jake and his failed marriage have been in the background throughout the series, so it was good to finally learn more about him and the woman he loved, and what drove her to leave him. Having read the other books featuring Luke, Pete and Tris, I can well imagine how overwhelmed Jianne must have felt.

Sometimes, I have a hard time articulating what I loved about a book and end up spending a lot of time trying to write it down, only to have wasted hours getting nowhere.  So, I’ve decided to pick two quotes from the book.  The first is Jianne, talking to Jake:

“I’m sorry I brought my problems down on you.  I’m so sorry for what this fight has cost you, body and soul.  But I’m thankful for everything that makes you what you are.  For your integrity, and your honour, and your strength that you so often put at other people’s disposal.  If Zhi Fu needs a reason as to why I could never love him, he need only to look at you.”

The second is Jake talking to Jianne.  It’s actually part of longer speech.

“I was their rock, you said, and maybe I was, but you were my rock, and things got a lot worse after you left.  For all of us.”  He took a deep breath.  “I’m sorry I neglected you.  I wish things had worked out differently.  Jianne, if there is one thing about your memory of our past that I would change it’d be your belief that you were a burden to me.  That you weren’t of any help to the family you were burdened with.  You did help.  More than you’ll ever know.”

Like the other books in this mini series, there are the light, funny moments and snappy dialogue, much of which involves Jianne’s new-found desire to shop for household items.

“We’re not talking about buying the man an island, Jianne.  We’re talking about buying him a couch.  And possibly a lamp.”

“A sideboard would work in that space too,” said Jianne.

All in all, a satisfying end to a fun series.

Start: 1 January 2012
Finished: 1 January 2012

Rating:

Loved It!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Note: Due to the excessive amount of spam, I’ve added a password plugin. Please don’t let that discourage you from commenting.

Untameable Rogue by Kelly Hunter

Title:  Untameable Rogue
Author:  Kelly Hunter
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-87735-9
UK Publisher:  Mills & Boon
UK Series:  Modern Heat
N. A. ISBN: 978-0-373-52792-2
N. A. Publisher: Harlequin
Series:   Harlequin Presents Extra #128
Copyright: 2010; 185 pgs
Sensuality:  Warm
Genre:  Contemporary Romance:

Him: Luke Bennett is the middle Bennett child — younger than Jake and Pete, older than Tristan and Hallie.  Like his immediate older and younger brothers, Luke is in a dangerous profession — explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).  Unlike Pete and Tristan, he isn’t coming off a job-gone-bad.  He freelances, so he only works when he gets a call.  However, he is feeling restless and world-wary.  Initially, Luke had planned on being in Singapore for only a week, visiting his brother.  Once he gets involved with Madeline Delacourte, he extends his stay longer and longer — in fact, a lot of time passes in this story, which sets it apart for the others.

Her:  Madeline Delacourte is a business woman.  He late husband taught her how to run a business and she’s been very successful keeping his empire up and running.  She hasn’t had any real desire to get involved with another man.  Though she has known Jacob “Jake” Bennett for ten years, she considers him a friend.  When the book opens, Madeline is visiting Jake’s dojo to ask him to take one of her homeless boys — Po — under his wing, as an apprentice.  It’s during this visit that she first meets Luke.  Right off, she can tell he is a bit wild and she’d be better off not getting involved with such a man, even for an exciting fling.

An important digression:  You really can’t talk about this book without mentioning the eldest Bennett brother, Jake.  Unlike the previous books in this mini-series, a character other than the main couple gets a lot of page time.  Luke lives with him, initially, and they have more than than one conversation.  Madeline placed one of her foundlings in his care, so she has a reason to see him and talk with him.  Another factor that makes this book different is that it sets up the next — Jake’s — book.  Both Luke and Madeline get roped into a situation that involves Jake’s estranged wife.

Untameable Rogue (HP)

The Relationship: Luke is attracted to Madeline on sight.  She’s beautiful, kind, compassionate, funny, smart.  As long as she’s not involved with Jake (Luke doesn’t poach), he wouldn’t mind getting to know her better.  The attraction is mutual.  Madeline is drawn in by his golden eyes and lazy, reckless smile.  She knows up front that he’s only supposed to be in Singapore for a week and that he’s not looking for long-term.  Neither is she.  In this way, they are very much like Pete and Serena.

The Conflict:  Luke has a knee-jerk initial reaction to learning that Madeline married a wealthy, and much older, man that she did not love.  It bothers him to know that she married for security.  He works through that issue, as he gets to know her better, but it turns into insecurity on his part.  How can he compete with a generous, good man who was able to give her all the comforts of life?  Luke makes good money, but he’s not in the same league financially as either Madeline or her late husband.  He has a simple life and he’s not sure how he can fit into her world.

For all her self-confidence, Madeline can still be hurt by the spiteful, nasty things that polite, upper-crust society says about her.  Usually, she can brush it off.  But, knowing Luke’s initial feelings in regards to her marriage, she has doubts as to his reaction to those same comments.  Would he believe them?  Would he think less of her?  Plus, there’s his job.  This passage sums up Madeline’s doubts:

“You need a woman whose honour can equal your own.  A woman with strength enough to let you go when you have to go and do what you need to do.  I can’t even manage honour, let alone the strength I’d need to love you.”

(kept the British spelling of “honor”)

What I liked:  I loved this book!  I’ll admit that Luke’s attitude in the beginning had me worried, but his obvious effort to come to terms with Madeline’s first marriage won me over.  Madeline takes him to task, early on, about judging her without knowing a thing about her, which helped.

Ms. Hunter’s books are usually a fun read, and this one is no exception.  Snappy dialog. Humorous characters and/or situations. Tristan had a love-struck cockatoo, Pete had a village of busy-body chaperons, and Luke has Yun.  Yun is Madeline’s housekeeper.  She’s an expert in fen shui and the Chinese zodiac, she’s a superb cook, and she’s very protective of Madeline.  Naturally, she’s going to be leery of Luke.

As I mentioned above, a lot of time passes in this book.  Luke does get called out on a mission and is gone for quiet a bit of time, which means Madeline gets to experience what life can be like with him, and that the couple gets their HEA after knowing each other for a few months instead of a week or two.

I wonder why there’s a Christmas bow on the Presents cover, since as far as I can tell, it doesn’t take place around Christmas at all.  I hope nobody reads this book expecting a Christmas theme.

What I didn’t like:  Uh, nothing to add.  Really.

Started: 9 October 2010
Finished: 9 October 2010

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Maverick's Greek Island Mistress

Author: Kelly Hunter
UK Title: Taken by the Bad Boy
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-86373-4
UK Publisher: Harlequin Mills & Boon (Modern Heat)
Copyright: 2008

N. A. Title: The Maverick’s Greek Island Mistress
N. A. ISBN: 978-0-373-12825-9
Published in N. A.: 2009 (Harlequin); 185 pgs.
Series: Harlequin Presents #2825
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Her:  Serena Comino.  Serena is on the island to fulfill her obligation to her grandparents by taken her turn at running the family-owned vespa rental stand. Her Greek relations also own a fishing boat, which is being run by her cousin Nico. Serena would rather be pursuing a career in photojournalism. She passes the time, and satisfies her inner shutter-bug, by taking photos to be used in postcards. Her family, even the Australian side, doesn’t understand her desire and considers her photography as a hobby. When she first sees Pete, she views him as someone who would be fun to pass the time with while on the island.

Him: Pete Bennett.  Pete was an air-sea search and rescue pilot. One too many “failures” — in situations he had no power to control — have taken a toll. He’s walked away from that life, but he hasn’t made any long-term plans either. He’s in perfect position to sub for a friend, with a broken leg, flying day-trippers to and from the little island. Pete’s attracted to Serena and is willing to be her distraction, but any sort of intimate relationship is hampered by the over-protective friends of Serena’s family. That doesn’t bother Pete too much. He knows a thing or two about over-protective families. After their mother died, Pete and his brothers behave similarly in regards to their baby sister, Hallie.

Taken by the Bad Boy

The relationship progress: Neither of them are looking for a long term relationship when they first meet. Serena is looking for a career and Pete isn’t looking to settle down anytime soon. But, no matter how determined Pete is to keep things casual, he ends up falling for her. He helps her with her search for photojournalism jobs and she helps him deal with his ghosts. Serena also encourages him to return to Australia, and air-sea search and rescue.

The conflict: Just as he’s made the decision to return to his old job, hopefully with Serena at his side, Serena is offered a job in Athens.

What I liked: Pete. He’s a great guy. Good-natured, as he puts up with the crazy locals sabotaging his attempts to be alone with Serena. He supportive of Serena and understands and appreciates her dreams of being a photographer.

What I didn’t like: As it is sometimes the case, the Presents title is a little misleading. It gives the wrong impression about Pete and Serena’s relationship. A more accurate title would have been “The Maverick’s Greek Island Fling”. Pete is not married or in some other serious relationship, and Serena’s is in no way his mistress.

Miscellaneous:

• This is the 3rd book featuring one of the Bennett siblings. Previously, we met Hallie (Wife for a Week) and Tristan (Bedded for Diamonds).
• There will be two more books, featuring Luke Bennett and Jake Bennett, in 2010 (UK release).
• I know I’ve said this before, but Kelly Hunter is still my favorite Presents author. Her books are fun to read.
• There is a secondary romance between Nico and Chloe, the woman who runs the little hotel. Her young nephew Sam, befriends Pete.
• Jake, Luke, and Tristan make an appearance in this book.

Recommended to: Those who wish to try a Presents book, but are leery of over-the-top alpha men, billionaires, etc. Pete’s almost an ordinary guy. And Serena is a strong heroine: she not afraid go after the things she wants.

Favorite Quotes:
“Wedding photographer in Vegas?”
“Only if I’d be working for Elvis.”
“It’s possible.”
– Pete, Serena (looking at jobs for her)

“A British rock god needs a helicopter pilot to keep on retainer.”
“Just shoot me now.”
– Serena, Pete (looking at jobs for him)

Started: 31 August 2009
Finished: 6 September 2009

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Magnate's Indecent Proposal

Title: The Magnate’s Indecent Proposal
Author: Ally Blake
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); 185 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-12762-7
Series: Harlequin Presents #2762
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Chelsea London and Damien Halliburton
Where: Australia

From the back: When Chelsea realized she’d accidentally swapped cell phones with someone, she knew how it would play out: she’d trek back into town, swap phones with some middle-aged man with a paunch and be on her way. Only, seriously sexy Damien ‘Rich-list’ Halliburton was way out of her league. She’d sworn off men long ago, but with a guy this gorgeous, how could she refuse his wicked, seductive and very indecent proposal?

Comments: First off, the book is not really as, er, debauched as the title makes it sound. Yes, Damien is wealthy — though, I’m no expert on what level of wealth makes him a ‘magnate’ — but his interest in Chelsea, at first, is ‘I would like to continue seeing you, but I can’t promise you a long-term, committed relationship.’ It’s not like he sets her up to be his mistress and she schmoozes his rich friends for backing of her pet grooming business. Or something.

Chelsea London, if fact, does own a pet grooming salon. It’s been doing well enough for her to plan on opening a second salon. She has an appointment with a loan officer, and to celebrate the occasion, she meets her sister Kensington at a trendy restaurant for breakfast. The restaurant has a policy: no cell phones in the dining area. Chelsea, who is very attached to hers, has no choice to surrender it at the door. She literally bumps into Damien, which results in the mix up of their claim tickets, though neither realize this. The fact that they have the same type of phone prevents either of them from figuring it out when they go to claim their phones.

Later, after both have realized that there’s been a mix up, they make plans to meet for dinner. Damien is stunned when he learns that the beauty who fell into his arms at breakfast is the same person who now has his phone. It’s only been a month since his break up with his previous girlfriend, and during that time, it’s been easy for him to swear off woman. Until Chelsea. He hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her all day.

Though they are both attracted to each other, both also have issues to overcome. Chelsea has a hard time trusting the ‘new school uniform’ set: the wealthy ‘haves’. Slick looking men in business suits, even loan officers — which hampers her decision to open the second shop — fall into this group. Her father was a con artist and her mother left them after Chelsea was born, so she and Kensington had a rough childhood. Added to this is Chelsea’s terrible track record with men. Right from the start, Damien should have been all wrong for her. But how can you resist a guy who nurses you through a stomach bug, playing hooky from work in order to stay home with you?

Damien broke it off with his last girlfriend because she issued an ultimatum: marry her or leave. Damien doesn’t think he’s capable of making a long-term commitment. His parents divorced when he was eleven, yet they still spend much time together. Damien’s best friend, Caleb, remarks that they are still madly in love with each other. So what sort of statement does that make to him and his younger sister about marriage if their parents are happy to “date” each other, but not remain married?

Damien is up front and honest with Chelsea about not wanting a permanent or long-term relationship. Chelsea’s like no other woman he’s known and he still wants to see her — so he proposes a no strings attached, causal relationship. At first, Chelsea seems to agree. But she’s falling in love with him, and it would be best to break it off sooner, rather than later, when it likely to hurt all the more.

I really liked Chelsea and Damien. Chelsea isn’t naive or timid. She knows how to stand on her own two feet. And though Damien is rich and used to getting things his way, he’s not extremely arrogant or haughty. He doesn’t look down at Chelsea and he really does care about her. The book also has its funny moments, since both characters have a sense of humor.

I really loved this book and I’ve added the author to my list of Harlequin Present writers that I will read again. Ms. Blake has written a book about Caleb and Damien’s sister, Ava.

Started: 28 April 2009
Finished: 30 April 2009

Favorite Quote:
“I can’t! What if he’s some kind of crazy? Or if he’s eighteen years old? Or married? Or brings his imaginary friend to the table? Or smells like fish? Or hates dogs?”
– Chelsea, to her sister

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

What Others Have Said:
Marilyn’s Romance Reviews

Bedded for Diamonds

Author: Kelly Hunter
UK Title: Priceless (Modern Romance Series Extra)
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-85001-7
UK Publisher: Harlequin Mills & Boon
Copyright: 2006

N. A. Title: Bedded for Diamonds
N. A. ISBN: 978-0-373-82068-9
Published in N. A.: 2008 (Harlequin); 185 pgs.
Series: Harlequin Presents Nights of Passion
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Erin Sinclair and Tristan Bennett
Where: Australia

Bedded for Diamonds (AKA Priceless) is about Tristan Bennett, the youngest of Hallie Bennett’s (Wife For a Week) four older brothers. Tristan had a couple brief appearances in Wife For a Week, but it is not necessary to read that book first.

Tristan is an undercover operative with Interpol. After his last assignment in Prague — which ended badly — Tristan is in need of some serious down time. He returns home to Australia, on his sister’s advice, to find some peace and think about his future. Tristan is a wounded soul, and he’s not sure if he has it in him to go back to undercover work.

Priceless

As for finding peace at home instead of London, he’s not as convinced as Hallie about that possibility. Home has it’s own bad memories of a mother who died and a father who was never the same after. On plus side, his siblings are in far flung lands and dad’s on sabbatical in the Greek Islands. Tristan will have plenty of uninterrupted free time to come to a decision.

Erin Sinclair drives luxury taxis in Sydney, but she is also an aspiring jewelry designer. There is a design competition coming up and Erin plans to make a gem buying trip the following week. After picking up a gorgeous if somewhat broody passenger at the airport, her brother calls to inform her that he cannot accompany her as her co-driver/bodyguard. She doesn’t think she can get a replacement at such short notice and canceling is not an option. She rather get the stones in person than rely on on-line auctions. Desperate, she asks her passenger — who heard her side of the phone call — if he’d like the job.

Tristan points out the obvious, reminding her that they just met and she doesn’t know anything about him. Not that she didn’t try to get him to talk about himself during the car trip. He stubbornly avoided her attempts to draw him out. Erin knows she was being overly impulsive and tells him to forget she asked. But Tristan is now curious and intrigued by the sunny, friendly woman. She explains her predicament, and Tristan offers to help her — if she truly cannot find someone else. Naturally, Erin doesn’t find anyone who can make the trip and subjects Tristan to a brunch date with her mother — her idea of a screening process.

Though they are attracted to one another, once Erin learns he’s a cop, she has second thoughts about allowing him to accompany her. Not that she hates cops, it’s the fact she doesn’t want to get involved, as she tells her mother, with a “passionate crusader.” One who is so committed to his job, that he has nothing left for family and loved ones. One that can’t, or won’t, talk about his job even if he’s suffering.

Tristan is exactly that: he cares deeply, but he’s closed off and doesn’t let people get close to him. Yet Erin, with her generous heart and optimistic outlook, is just what he needs in his life. She understands the pressure and the difficult choices in his line of work. She knows how to reach through his walls and bring balance to his life. The question is, will he let her into his life.

This is the second book I’ve read by Kelly Hunter, and I really loved it. Funny at times and sweet. Pat the cockatoo is priceless. If you’re looking for a Harlequin Presents that doesn’t feature an extremely rich, arrogant CEO or royal, this is the perfect book. Tristan may be overprotective and stubborn, but he’s also a sweetheart of a guy who knows how to be supportive. Erin isn’t shy nor is she weak.

One final note: the North American title is very misleading, to say the least. Erin’s gem buying trip doesn’t involve diamonds at all — she buys opals and sapphires. Diamonds don’t enter the story until near the end.

Favorite Quotes:
“You do realize that bird is in love with you?”
– Erin, to Tristan, regarding Pat

Started: 11 February 2009
Finished: 11 February 2009

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

The Tycoon's Princess Bride

Author: Natasha Oakley
Copyright: 2007 (Harlequin); pgs. 186
Series: Harlequin Presents #2667; The Royal House of Niroli
Sensuality: Subtle

Who: Princess Isabella and Domenic Vincini

Last year, I read Natasha’s book, Crowned: An Ordinary Girl and enjoyed it very much. I picked up The Tycoon’s Princess Bride, but I was worried that I would have problems following a story that was part of a multi-authored series. I needn’t have worried. The only thing that puzzled me concerned Isabella’s brother, Alex — which wasn’t important to Isabella’s story. Reading the blurb for his book answered my question. The book has a family tree and a list of rules of the Royal House of Niroli.

Princess Isabella of Niroli is determined to close a deal with hotelier Domenic Vincini of Mount Avellana. Isabella’s goal is to create the most fabulous resort in the Mediterranean. But years of animosity between the two islands — Mount Avellana broke away to become a republic — hinders the project. Domenic may not agree to the plan, even with the possibility of making millions off the deal.

Isabella may be a princess, but she’s so well-trained to be diplomatic at all times that she is afraid to give offense even when she has the opportunity to have something her way. At the moment, even her self-worth is suffering. Denied the opportunity to make her own life off-island by her grandfather, she devoted herself to the promotion of all things Niroli — being the perfect, well-behaved princess and ambassador, adored across Europe. Thanks to the rules and her old-fashioned grandfather, there is no possibility of her becoming queen. This is a slap in the face, as several of her male relatives have made lives for themselves off-island and have — one by one — given up their claim to the throne to marry the women they love. Score points for true love, but I hated them for putting Isabella in such an awkward situation. Irrational, I know, but I really felt for her. Isabella is sure one of her cousins will accept the role of crown prince and marry to please the king. Once this happens, Isabella is certain she’ll be out of a job. The hotel project and her plans for Mount Avellana, she feels, will give her life some purpose. Isabella would also like a family, but all anyone ever sees is the wealthy princess, not the person.

Domenic is a reclusive man. He’s lost family in a fire and was left physically and emotionally scarred. At first, he sees Isabella as nothing more than a fashion plate and can’t understand why the deal was left in her hands after her cousin Luca — who was originally handling the project — suddenly turned his attentions to other off-island interests. Domenic’s intrigued with her plans to make the resort mutually beneficial to both Niroli and Mount Avellana, and agrees to sign the deal — if she agrees to a good-will tour of Mount Avellana first. As he spend time with her, he begins to appreciate her more as a person — reassessing his original opinion — and he begins to fall in love.

Domenic understands her loneliness, and he even regrets insisting on a high-profile, event-filled tour. Even as he’s falling in love, he is rebelling against it. His scars have made him reluctant to appear in public, and he’s convinced that someone like Isabella — beautiful and always in the limelight — couldn’t possibly love, or desire, him. And even if she did, initially, the whispers and the constant reminders of his injuries would eventually become wearisome to her and she’d leave him. Domenic, heart shattered once before, doesn’t want to go through it again.

I thought that this book was very romantic. If you’ve never read a Harlequin Presents before, I would recommend this one especially if you liked tortured heroes. Domenic’s a nice guy, really — just a wounded soul. Isabella is lonely, but surprisingly well-adjusted for a princess in the spotlight.

Started: 21 July 2008
Finished: 23 July 2008

LOVED IT !!

Rating:

Wife For a Week

Author: Kelly Hunter
Copyright: 2006 (Harlequin); pgs. 186
Series: Harlequin Presents: The Eligible Bachelors
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Nicholas Cooper and Hallie Bennett

During Nicholas Cooper’s last trip to Hong Kong, the daughter of his potential business partner made a pass at him. To fend her off, Nick invented a wife. Now, he’s about to close the deal, which means he’s got to go back to Hong Kong — with a wife.

Hallie Bennett works at a high-end shoe store. She meets Nick when his mother, who is shoe-shopping, comes into the store with him in tow. Hallie and Clea, the mother, hit it off right away and Clea thinks she’s be the perfect “wife” for Nick (Clea’s not-so-secret agenda is to have grandchildren — the right pretend wife could become the real deal, thus leading to babies). Initially, Hallie thinks the pair is crazy, but eventually agrees to meet up with Nick later to give her final answer. They talk about themselves and their families, getting to know each other. Ultimately, Hallie agrees and some ground rules are established.

I was charmed by the book and there were several laugh-out-loud moments for me. I liked Nick, Clea, and Hallie. Nick’s a nice guy, really. He talks to Hallie and listens to her. And he’s not happy about misleading John Tey regarding his martial status. But exactly how do you tell a widower that his eighteen-year-old only child made a pass at you? What if John thought that they should marry? An issue comes up that puts Hallie in potential danger. Though Nick rather handle the situation, Hallie convinces him to let her handle the problem herself — and he sits on the sidelines. Hallie, having lived in the over-protective shadow of four brothers, needs to know she can take care of the mess she made without interference from them or Nick.

This is my first Presents. I was drawn in by the excerpt: Hallie, in the shoe store, talking to the pricey shoe just before Nick and his mother walk in. I will definitely read more from this author.

Favorite Quotes:
“He’s loaded.”
“Well, yes. But is he creative?”
“You should see his tax returns.”
– Clea, Hallie (re: Nick)

“What does Tristan do?”
“He works for Interpol.”
“Paper pusher?”
“Black ops. But he’s a pussycat really.”
Sure he was. All black ops specialists were pussycats. It was such a caring, non-confrontational profession.
– Nick, Hallie (re: Tristan, her brother)

Started: 30 June 2008
Finished: 30 June 2008

Rating:

LOVED IT !!