Michaila Callan - Gayle Callen - June Calvin
Callan, Michaila - LOVE ME TENDER (Zebra Bouquet - 1999) (4)
Eden Karr had a glamorous career as a fashion writer in New York and a relationship with a wonderful man, but everything changed when she discovered she was pregnant with twins and the father revealed he was already married. Determined to rely on no one, Eden left New York and decided to build a new life for herself in a small Texas town, opening a boutique and readying herself for motherhood.
When her growing business calls for some carpentry work to be done, a friend recommends Jace Morgan, a handsome, sexy, enigmatic loner with superb carpentry skills. Jace had been a hugely successful architect until he dropped out of the rat race, hating the ambitious, greedy back-stabber he had become. Although he doesn't mind working for a pregnant woman, he doesn't want to care about Eden or another man's children. But as their relationship evolves from business to friendship and then to desire, Jace realizes he must face what he's running from before he can be what Eden needs.
Michaila Callan is also known as Alison Kent, and those who've come to expect humor, tenderness, and wonderful attention to detail in her writing, will not be disappointed by LOVE ME TENDER. Despite the heroine's pregnancy, which advances throughout the relationship, there is sensuality aplenty between Jace and Eden. The publisher should be commended for allowing the author to explore this aspect of a pregnant woman's life, although some readers may find the details of the pregnancy a little too intrusive at times. Michaila Callan tells a good story, however, and the heartfelt, honest emotion of LOVE ME TENDER will touch you. ~Anne Kirby for Bookbug on the Web
Callen, Gayle - DARKEST KNIGHT, THE (Avon - 1999) (4)
After causing the death of his younger brother, Reynold Welles leaves the knighthood and enters a monastery to take his brother's place. One dark night he hears muffled moans and sees a stranger struggling with a bound and gagged woman. A monk
soon appears and leads the stranger and his prisoner away. What follows is a few moments of soul searching, but Reynold decides to help the woman rather than worry about his own redemption.
Lady Katherine Berkeley, kidnapped two days prior while riding near her father's hunting lodge, is certain that her abductor doesn't want her dead, only silenced. At her father's hunting party she had overheard conversation about a plot against King Richard III's life by nobles, whom the King thinks are loyal friends. Now, after being locked in a storage room for hours, the door opens and a tall, dark monk (Reynold) unties her and silently leads her to freedom. Katherine is frightened of him because of a traumatic childhood experience involving a monk, yet she needs his help. Without giving details, she convinces Reynold that she must travel to Nottingham, to see the King, rather than return home. Her courage and spirit win him over and he agrees to accompany her.
During the journey they encounter many dangers, including the pursuing kidnapper, and Reynold soon finds himself in danger of losing his heart, as well. He discovers that Katherine is betrothed, yet the passion between them grows stronger each day. They both realize they have no future together because of his promise to the church and her betrothal; however, that situation is about to change...and their hearts will surely be tested. Will Reynold be honorable enough to let Katherine go, or will he claim her as his own?
Gayle Callen's debut novel, THE DARKEST KNIGHT, is a fast-paced, sensual tale that readers will enjoy. The historical detail surrounding the end of Richard III's reign adds greatly to the story, yet doesn't overshadow the romance. Reynold and Katherine both have troubled and violent pasts that significantly influence their lives, and they know it is important to be loyal and honorable, but they must also learn that their own happiness is important, too. The many adventures and adversities that they experience will have the reader sitting on the edge of their chair and wishing to be rescued by such a gallant Dark Knight. ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
Calvin, June - SIEGE OF HEARTS (Signet Regency - 1999) (4)
Miss Amanda Garfield is immune to the comparisons society draws between herself and her exquisite twin sister, Penelope. Disdaining the dandies who pay court to her in order to impress Penelope, Amanda decides early in her first season that she will
not consider marriage until her twin is safely wed. Although
she is no match for her sister's golden beauty, she dreams of marrying a man who would prefer her to any woman in the world—a highly unlikely state of affairs, she realizes.
Haunted by memories of Waterloo, Lord Jack Maitland, gaunt and recuperating from battle wounds, is plagued by misses who find both his reputation as a wounded hero and his future fortune irresistible. He flees London to avoid the schemes of his father, who is intent upon Jack producing an heir, and he accepts an invitation to Caspian Garfield's home...with the understanding that he will be free of women. Unfortunately, a riding accident along the way renders him housebound; and a combination of pain and pique finds him unwittingly insulting Caspian's sister, Amanda, and endangering his status as a welcome guest at Garfield Manor.
In order to redeem himself, Jack makes a herculean effort to be amiable, and discovers that although he is attracted to Penelope's beauty, his heart goes out to the overlooked sister instead. Reluctantly, Amanda finds herself falling in love with the charming but disillusioned lord; but when another of Penelope's suitors causes Jack and Amanda to be stranded overnight together on an island, she feels bound by pride and honor to refuse Jack's offer of marriage...despite her inevitable ruined reputation. And Jack, connoisseur of women—although wary in that regard—finds himself irresistibly drawn to this independent and overshadowed girl.
Set in Regency England, SIEGE OF HEARTS is the story of two reluctant lovers: a woman who considers herself unworthy of love and an embittered man who cannot trust his heart to anyone. These two proud and wounded people travel a winding path, confronted by misunderstandings, blunders, and thoughtless acts on both sides; but the journey that leads to love is worth every step. Amanda discovers her own innate beauty and self-worth; and in turn, the irascible and doubting Jack begins to learn about trust and the true power of unconditional love. As Ms. Calvin brings these lovers to life, she illuminates many colorful secondary characters with realistic traits and actions, and her delightful use of the idioms and speech patterns of the period add sparkle and authenticity to incisive dialogue and deft use of alternating points of view. This tale is charming and witty, and above all, touching and real. Discriminating romance readers who appreciate believable and wholly human characters will enjoy SIEGE OF HEARTS immensely. ~Deborah Roy for Bookbug on the Web
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