Romance Summer Reading

Hi Friends!
I don't usually post much about what romance novel I'm curently reading, but I thought some of you would be interested in what my summer "reading" list includes. 

1) Summer Days- Susan Mallery (available here)

Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to—the Castle Ranch in Fool's Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could've prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he's finding Heidi—and life as a cowboy—much more compelling than he wants to admit.


For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she's always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won't give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome.As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they'll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.


***I recently finished this book and am happy to say that it is just as good as the past novels in the Fool's Gold series.  Mallery does a good job giving the reader light material with enough depth to keep you interested. I am always impressed with writers who find the balance between humor, romance, and seriousness. It's a good read to have with you on vacation.  Also, Mallery often has contests and giveaways on her website. I recommend joining the Members Only section (www.susanmallery.com) if you like her books. 

2) A Night Like This- Julia Quinn (available here)

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is . . .But she's managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge—in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy—no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.


Daniel Smythe-Smith Might be in mortal danger . . .But that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril,he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending.


***Another of my favorite authors!  I finished this book today and just loved it.  I was particularly fond of the conversations that took place between Daniel's cousins/ Anne's charges.  Unlike Susan Mallery, Julia doens't publish all that often, so when she does it is a real treat.  I think any reader of historical romance novels will enjoy this book.  (Mom, you'd love it).

3) The Proposal- Mary Balogh (available here)

Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat.



 He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman’s heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo’s devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.


***I haven't had a chance to read this book yet, but I do love Mary Balogh and have heard great things about The Proposal. 

4) Along Came A Duke: Rhymes with Love- Elizabeth Boyle (available here)

“A young lady with a fortune is subject to all sorts of untoward attentions by the worst sort of vagrants.” Aunt Allegra


A lesson Tabitha Timmons, a penniless spinster, has never needed to heed. That is, until she is left a vast fortune payable only upon her marriage to the very respectable Mr. Barkworth—a match that offers little chance of discovering exactly what her aunt means by "untoward attentions."


But the same can't be said when the Duke of Preston happens along Tabitha's path. He spies a rebellious streak in her that matches his own and he makes it his mission to save her from such a passionless match, interfering in her life at every turn. All too soon, Preston—whose very name spells ruin—has Tabitha caught between the good fortune that guarantees her security, and his kiss, which promises an entirely different kind of happily-ever-after.


***I've yet to read any Elizabeth Boyle novels, but one of my favorite authors (Julia Quinn) recommended her recently.  Sooo...she's on the list and I'll see how it goes! 

5) The Longing (Grayson Brothers series #2)- Wendy Lindstrom
 (available here)

Amelia Drake became a bride because she was tired of being played for a fool. As a naive teen, she'd been seduced, abandoned, and doomed to life as a spinster. Her father's sudden death left her facing financial ruin. And when his business rival-sawmill owner Kyle Grayson-unwittingly puts her in a compromising position, she is determined to save her honor the only way she can: marriage to a man she barely knows...


When Kyle Grayson accused his competitor Tom Drake of treachery, he never imagined the man would die in his arms. Wracked with guilt, he marries Amelia and vows to resurrect her father's lumberyard. Though hard and cynical when it comes to love, he is all too aware of his desire for his beautiful wife-sensing her secret longing for his touch, her fear of his passion...and the unspoken secrets weighing down on their marriage. But will the searing truth deep in their heart hold the power of forgiveness-and a chance for everlasting love?


***I recently read Book One of the Grayson Brothers (Shades of Honor) series and really enjoyed it.  I like historical books that take place in America and this one takes place in upstate New York shortly after the Civil War.  The first book was well written and an interesting plot like. There is not a lot of sex, but a lot of sweet romance.