Comanche Moon

by Catherine Anderson

rated 4.5 stars

read this book for #9 "Captive" book in the Readers of Romance Summer 10 reading challenge.

Synopsis:

Orphaned after her parents were killed by Comanches, Loretta Simpson still lives in fear the warriors will return, her fear so powerful, that she is no longer able to speak a word.

Hunter of the Wolf believes that Loretta is the woman of ancient prophecy whom he must honor. But Loretta can only see him as the enemy who has kidnapped her, and she refuses to submit to his control or his touch.

Despite the hatred between their peoples, Hunter and Loretta gradually find their enmity changing to respect and care. In the midst of such conflict, it will take all the force of their love to find a safe haven.

My Thoughts:

It was a very emotionally compelling. Hunter and Loretta must both heal from the atrocities they've been victim to. They must both learn to see each other as a human being and not the enemy. There is some really heavy subject matter and though there is multiple references to rape we are never present for it. I'm not sure there would be a way for any author to relate this sort of conflict without it being somewhat heavy. She takes her time progressing their relationship from that of enemy to mutual respect/trust to friendship to more. Now, I'm not usually a fan of the "heavy" stuff but this story was so bittersweet and so compelling that I just loved it. They finally come to love and still there must be sacrifice. It was very very good. I can't wait to get the rest in the series.

Sweet Nothing

by Catherine Anderson

rated 4 stars

Read this for #13 of the REaders of Romance Summer 10 reading challenge

Synopsis:

Molly Wells is out of work, on the run and almost broke--but that won't stop her from doing what is right, even when that means stealing Sonora Sunset, the valuable racehorse her ex-husband is about to destroy. Fortunately, Jake Coulter, the Horse Whisperer Molly brought Sunset to after brutal beatings made him wild and dangerous, also believes that right and wrong are more important than the bottom line--or the letter of the law. He knows Molly isn't telling him everything, but there's no way he'll return a terrified horse to the man who brutilized it. He even offers desperate Molly a job to cover expenses for the stallion and herself. He figures any woman who was once married to the monster who hurt Sunset has every right to be wary around men. But, as the unexpected passion between Jake and Molly escalates, so does the risk to them both--and to everything they treasure.

My Thoughts:

Jake has saved his money and bought back the family ranch. He is known as the Horse Whisperer. Molly has stolen Sonora Sunset to save him from probable execution. Her ex-husband is a downright bad dude and has beaten Sunset and plans to come back and finish the job. So she takes the horse to the Coulter ranch to be healed by the Horse Whisperer. Upon meeting, Jake senses that Molly is in a desperate situation and offers her the job of ranch cook. She quickly wins over the rag-tag group of ranch hands (including dog) even though she is feeding them "city portions".

Jake finds out the harsh treatment that Molly has received from her ex-husband and decides that she needs as much healing as the horse. He becomes the "Molly Whisperer" and applies his healing touch to Sunset and to Molly's heart. When her ex comes to the ranch and tries to hurt her, Jake and Molly's relationship takes on even more importance.

This is definately a story where the hero falls first and has to pursue the heroine. It is also a story about one persons personal journey. There were times when I felt like she was creeping at a snails pace, but as the events unfold, it made more sense for her process to be slow and easy.

Baby Love

by Catherine Anderson

rated 4.5 stars

I read this for #8 of the Readers of Romance Summer 10 Reading Challenge

Synopsis:

Desperate and determined, Maggie Stanley grabs her small baby and runs into the snowy Idaho night. In her loneliest, blackest hour, she unexpectedly finds a warmth and comfort she has never known in the tender compassion of a handsome, down-and-out stranger. In Rafe Kendrick, Maggie recognizes a soul wounded like her own-though she knows she must never trust any man ever again. Rafe is more than he seems-an enigmatic man of secrets who could give Maggie the moon, had he not vowed to spend his life alone. But sometime's loves flame can transform a cold world into paradise-and a man who's lost nearly everything, a woman who's forgotten how to dream, and the helpless child who needs them both can become that most wondrous creation: a family

My Thoughts:

This is a great story where Rafe basically falls in love with Maggie at first sight, or very close to it. He then has to win her over. He lost his family (wife and 2 kids) in a horrible accident and never thought he'd love again. Maggie has suffered great abuse and is running for her life with her newborn baby. Maggie has reason to be timid, but needs help. Rafe falls completely for her baby and decides to get sober and start life over with Maggie.

Catherine Anderson writes a great heartwarming story.

To Scotland with Love

by Karen Hawkins

rated 4 stars

I read this for #10 Step-back cover in the Readers of Romance Summer 10 Challenge

Synopsis:

When Lord Gregor MacLean learns his childhood friend, Venetia Oglivie, has beenabducted by a fortune hunter, he rides off to Scotland in hot -- and very annoyed -- pursuit. Venetia's soft heart has gotten her in major trouble this time: if hedoesn't rescue her swiftly, the scandal will ostracize the provocative wench!

The only sensible member of her family, Venetia is sure she can fix any problem,even this one. So when an irate Gregor catches up with her, arrogantly expectinga hero's welcome, the sparks between them begin to fly. Then an unexpected snowstorm traps them at an inn, and Gregor discovers his feelings for the lovelyVenetia are far warmer than he realized -- fiery enough to burn down the inn! Nowif he can only convince Venetia that his motive for marriage isn't duty...but desire.

My Thoughts:

I thought it was a really cute story. I love a best friends to lovers book. Gregor Maclean and Venetia Ogilvie have been best friends since they were 8 and 5. Now, it seems that Venetia has been absconded by a lovesick pup. Gregor to the rescue. Then they get snowed in at an inn where they are masquerading as guardian(Gregor) and siblings (Venetia and Pup) Also stranded at the inn are a cast of silly characters.

Suddenly Gregor sees Venetia as a woman fully grown, and not just the girl he grew up with. He feels jealous and possesive and doesn't know why.

They kiss a few times and What?? Passion?! Yearning?!

It's not until the very end that they finally "get together" and even then it has it's twists and turns.

Over all a very cute story.