Private Lessons by Julie Elizabeth Leto

Harley’s lost her mind. She can’t remember anything about her past, not even her last name. All she knows is that she was the entertainment for a bachelor party. The host of the bachelor party, Grant Riordan fell in love with the young lady from the moment he saw her and wondered why someone with such innocent eyes was earning a living by taking her close for horny men. While Harley thought Grant was hot, his actions were much more of a stuffed shirt than the kind of man a stripper would like. When Grant’s boss reminds him that his predecessor was fired for living a loose lifestyle, he’s forced to choose between his job which he so desperately needed or helping the sexy young thing recover her memory.

Unlike the other three books of this set, this is Julie’s second book. But from the quality of the writing, it could have been her tenth . I really liked the way Julie blended the elements of suspense with Harley’s amnesia to create a tale that you just can’t put down. If you haven’t read this story and you love Temptations, here’s another chance to relive the line that Harlequin shouldn’t have killed.

Details: Temptation, February 1999

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Yummy

Constant Craving by Tori Carrington

Eva Burgess’s dying father’s last wish was to meet her husband. Unfortunately, Eva’s ex-husband was no longer a part of her life, leaving her no other option than to find a substitute. Adam Grayson, a forensic accountant for the FBI was undercover trying to uncover a money laundering scheme when Eva, his boss approached with an intriguing proposition. Posing as her husband might give Adam the information he needs to break the case wide open. Despite her promise to keep her distance from Adam, the last thing Eva expected was to fall in love. Now will Adam find the evidence he needs to put Eva away or will he find a way to make his temporary role as a her husband permanent?

Tori Carrington’s first novel shows how much talent the husband and wife team possess. Their story is definitely a lighthearted read with just enough twists and turns to make you wonder if they’ll find their happily ever after. If you’re a Temptation fan, you absolutely must have this book on your shelf.

Details: Temptation, January 1999

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Yummy

Night Whispers by Leslie Kelly

When Kelsey Logan moved to Baltimore to work in radio, she needed a place to stay; fortunately Mitch Wymore, had a spare room in his townhouse. Mitch grew up with Kelsey and even though they were neighbors, he thought of Kelsey as the younger sister he never had. That is until she moved into his house. Now Mitch can’t keep his eyes off the lovely young woman he’s afraid that making a move would break their brother sister relationship. Now will they remain brother and sister or will Kelsey find the strength to make the first move.

This is Leslie Kelly’s first novel and it’s easy to see why she sold the very first book she wrote. I loved the subplot where Kelsey hosted a late night radio called Night Whispers, whose primary topic was sex which she tried to hide from Mitch. Add that a stalker created enough mystery to keep me turning pages quickly. I especially liked the fact that Leslie set this story in Baltimore where I spent the first 30 odd years of my life. though for some reason I don’t remember this particular radio show My only problem was the book was over way too quickly and now I have to wait 'till summer for Leslie's next book

Details: Temptation, September 1999

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Yummy

Nobody Does It Better by Julie Kenner

In order to hide her writing, Paris Sommers adopted the pseudonym of Montgomery Alexander because his name fit the edgy, action novels she created. Then she became Montgomery’s front person and allowed absolutely no one to meet her alter ego. But when her publisher started talking book tours and multi-book deals, knew her days were numbered. Then Devin O’Malley stepped into her life and become Montgomery Alexander for the tour. Devon O’Malley learned how to run a con from this father and while he had retired from the game, he needed some fast money and picking up a gig as the famous author was pure luck. But the number one rule of running a con is not getting emotionally attached and Devon is falling for Paris big time. Now it’s up to Paris to decide if she wants to spend the rest of her life with her fantasy man, Montgomery or with Devon despite his flaws?

This is the first of four Harlequin re-releases featuring some of my favorite Temptation and Blaze authors. I disappointed at first when I realized this wasn’t a spy novel (The Spy Who Loved Me is my all-time-favorite James Bond movie {except for possibly the original Casino Royale, but that’s a whole ‘nuther story }). I loved the way this book puts a reverse spin on my attempts at writing romance novels. Maybe I should adopt the name of a sexy chick, who hopelessly attracts men of all shapes and sizes. And then when that magnificent creature walks into my life, I’ll be spell bound and unable to function. But wait, it already happened (right Jill ). Anyway, this story reminds me of an old television show, Remington Steele, where the heroine is a private detective but can’t get any work because no one believes she can do the job, so she creates a boss shrouded in secrecy, Remington Steele who’s reputation is incredible. (hmmm…Wonder if they re-released this series on DVD yet?) Anyway, if you can’t tell I really loved this book. So if you hadn’t read it the first time around, you’d better get this edition before it’s too late.

Details: Temptation, February 2000

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Yummy