Marrying Cade, Sally Clements (4 stars)

From Amazon: Capable financial advisor Melo Bellucci always knew when it came to organizing her sister’s wedding she’d be in charge. After all, her sister Rosa is notoriously scatterbrained. But there’s a silver lining in the form of the Best Man, Melo’s childhood crush, Cade West.

When Cade returns to the Tuscan island, Isola dei Fiori, he’s prepared to mix business with pleasure, especially when he meets Melo again. The confident, sexy woman is a world away from the lanky tomboy he remembers, and attraction burns between them instantly.

But when he discovers that the perfect site for his hotel, idyllic Paradise Beach, belongs to Melo rather than her father, can their relationship survive, when there are two plans for Paradise?

 

Sweet and satisfying, Marrying Cade is an enjoyable romance between childhood friends. Often, romance novels pair two characters who bump into each other and immediately fall in love. Not true for Cade and Melo. They grew up together and know each other intimately.

Brought back together by Melo’s sister’s wedding, Cade is drawn to “the siren Melo had become.” He doesn’t realize she’s been carrying a torch for him for years. The heat between them escalates only to be sidelined by wedding activities and business deals. Unfortunately, Melo is dealing with an ailing father who has made poor business decisions. Little does she know that Cade’s involved as well.

The story moves at an easy pace, gradually building Melo and Cade into a believable couple with rooting value. Melo is no damsel in distress, ultimately working out her family’s business issues without Cade having to swoop in to save her. He’s willing to, but she stands on her own. It made me appreciate the characters individually, which only added to their dynamic as a couple.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic heat mixed with a believable relationship. Cade manages to be both the White Knight and a man who respects a confident, strong woman like Melo. It’s sexy, and what’s a romance novel without a good amount of sexy?

Rating: 4 solid stars

For more information on the author and her books, please visit her blog or follow her on Twitter.

Note: I received a complimentary copy as a World Literary Cafe reviewer. A positive review was not guaranteed or asked for; my opinions are my own.

The Royal Sheikh, Katheryn Lane (3.5 stars)

From Amazon: Clare McKay is a dedicated architect with no time for womanising men. That is, until she accidentally meets Sheikh Rafiq Al Kahil, an Arabian prince, known in the international press as the Playboy Prince. Clare is intent on not falling for his seductive charm, but when he asks her to design a mansion, he presents her with an offer that she can’t refuse. Once she finds herself alone with him in the Arabian desert, how long will she be able to hold out against his advances? And will he be able to cast aside his womanising past for her, as well as a secret engagement to an Arabian Princess?

Beautiful scenery and an enjoyable romance are the basis for The Royal Sheikh. Clare McKay is focused on her career as an architect, working long hours and ignoring her personal life. A chance meeting brings Sheikh Rafiq Al Kahil into her life, and neither one of them can ignore the sparks.

Rafiq is used to getting what he wants and thinks Clare will be no exception. He lures her in but is surprised by her commitment to her career and her initial refusal to give into him. He’s intrigued, but it’s more than that.

Both Clare’s boss and best friend, Louise, caution her against falling hard and fast for the Playboy Prince, but she’s too far gone. The beautiful setting of Rafiq’s home country and his charm further cement her budding feelings.

Rafiq and Clare dig in their heels when a series of misunderstandings occur. The reader sees two strong-willed people fighting the overwhelming feelings taking over. Rafiq isn’t just a playboy, he’s a son with lots of responsibility who has been burned one too many times by people looking out for their own needs.

At times, I wanted Clare to be stronger, play hard to get a little more. But I appreciated Clare’s stand in the end; it proved the Sheikh’s worth and commitment while also strengthening her character.

The Royal Sheikh doesn’t really stray from the romance novel formula, but it’s a quick read and engaging story. For those who love a romantic tale with interesting lead characters, pick up The Royal Sheikh and prepare to be swept away.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Note: I’m being a bit nit-picky with my 3.5 versus 4, but there were some sections with awkward dialogue and prose that kept me from committing to a full 4 (although it will show as a 4 on Amazon, thanks to rounding up).

Find out more about Katheryn Lane on Twitter, Facebook, and her blog.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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2011 Readers Favorite Book Awards, Silver Realistic Fiction and Finalist Chick Lit
2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Finalist Chick Lit
Two distinct voices, two stories interwoven within the walls of family and love.

Abby needs some magic in her life, along with a white knight, respectful children, and an exciting career plan. Instead she is drowning in unfulfilled expectations, disappointments, and unmet needs. What she doesn't expect is to find the true essence of magic in the strength, friendship, power, and energy of the female spirit found in her mother and her mother's zany group of friends. Krista cannot believe it's happening again. Her father waltzes in and announces another move. And what does her mother do? Nothing. Don't they realize she's almost thirteen, and this could mean the end of her life? In the midst of teenage melodrama, she is determined to survive a new school, defeat the annoyances of two scene-stealing sisters, and deal with out-of-touch parents. Yet she quickly realizes the double-edged sword of growing up.