WANTED: ROYAL PRINCESS MIRACLE BRIDE by Anna Dynowski

Jana Landowski is a freelance photojournalist and single mom.  She’s been hired by a magazine to travel to Mondoverde and do a story on Prince Lorenzo, also known as the brooding prince.  She’s supposed to show the world, through pictures, who the Prince really is.  Prince Lorenzo pours himself into his prize horses and avoids anything ‘royal’ and hates being in the limelight.  He has a lot of female admirers but Prince Lorenzo isn’t interested in his royal responsibility to marry.  When Jana shows up at Mondoverde both Lorenzo and Jana are surprised to see each other.  They have a bit of a history together but it’s that history that causes sparks to fly between them.  Lorenzo vows this woman, though he’s very attracted to her,  will not get under his skin, again.  Jana can’t believe how handsome Lorenzo is and is drawn to him but he knows all about her one big mistake and can’t forget it.  Being with him would definitely be a fairytale come true but he isn’t looking for marriage and she isn’t princess material.  

I have fallen in love with Mondoverde and it’s royal family.  Each book has been a royal treasure to read and that includes this latest installment.  I love the family and most especially the the parents, so wise yet down-to-earth.  It was fun getting to know Prince Lorenzo better.  He’s really a great guy who was dealing with hurt he had been harboring.  Jana experienced some big hurts growing up that caused her to make bad choices that changed her life forever.  Watching these two deal with all their feelings and emotions was encouraging.  I appreciated that although they had faith, they still questioned what the Lord might be doing. Don’t we do that too?  To me, that made these characters very realistic.  Also the fact that just because you’re royal and have everything you want, doesn’t mean you’re happy.  This is a fun story but it also dealt with some very serious and relatable subjects like self-doubt, drinking, forgiveness and trusting the Lord, just to name a few.  I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good adult fairytale with a few life lessons thrown in.  Each of the stories in this series can be read as a stand alone but I think it’s best enjoyed if you read them in the order they were written.  So…are you looking for a summer get-away?  Why not visit Mondoverde and check out what the royal family is up to?

*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes:

She genuinely didn’t think she had it in her to love anyone.  Just look at her parents.  What a fiasco their marriage turned out to be.  Just look at her own past.  One mistake carry long-term consequences.  Some things, like, maybe, screwing up one’s life, though completely forgiven by God, would not be so easily overlooked by…others.

He [Lorenzo] made a commitment, there and then, to pray for God to raise His right hand of healing toward her [Jana] and pour down upon her pain His healing and restoring balm.  And heal her memories.  All of the ugly, hateful memories.  God did not design their physical bodies to live with anger or bitterness or resentment.

“We sizzle when we are together.  We always have.”  “Sizzle.”  Jana snorted the word.  “Sizzle means nothing.”  “Tell that to God.”  Incredulity crossed her countenance.  “Excuse me?”  “Cara mia,” Lorenzo began, trying to tamp down his growing alarm.  Would she be snatched from him again?  Never!  “Allow me to explain.”  “Please do,”  Jana invited him, a dry note to her tone.  “The Almighty, He created sizzle.”

For information on this book or other book by Anna Dynowski please visit her website at http://www.annadynowski.com.

HER RANCER BODYGUARD by Brenda Minton

Kayla Stanford needed protection so her father hired Boone Wilder.  Boone is not real excited about looking after the politician’s flashy daughter who seems to have a penchant toward trouble.  When a threat occurs on her life, Boone takes Kayla back to the Wilder Ranch where he, his partner, Daron McKay, and his family can keep a close watch on her.  Kayla is a city girl and doesn’t want to be at the ranch but she soon finds herself enjoying Boone’s family and even the ranch activities.  As she helps out, Boone begins to see another side of her.  Although they are very drawn to each other, past experience causes each of them to guard their heart.  Will they learn that sometimes there is something more important than guarding ones heart?

This was a great addition to the Martin’s Crossing Series.  I enjoyed returning to the familiar place and seeing, again, folks I’ve come to know.  The Wilder family was fun and very protective of one another.  Boone has known the Martin’s all his life and you see his interaction with Brody Martin, Kayla’s half brother.  That was fun. Boone deals with guilt as well as a wound left behind from his Military service.  I thought that was well done.  Kayla also deals with hurt from the past that makes her bitter. It was interesting watching these two deal with each other.  Boone’s mom is a sweet, wise woman and it was sweet to see how she handled and influenced both Boone and Kayla.  There was a bit of a danger which I thought was a good addition to the story.  The verse listed in the beginning fit very well.  Romans 8:35 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  This could be read as a standalone and you wouldn’t feel lost but reading them in order gives great continuity to the series.  I enjoyed my time in Martin’s Crossing and think you will too!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some Favorite Quotes:

“You have a dog.” He laughed.  “Yeah, I have a dog.  And I have Daron McKay.  Both of them shed, smell and leave messes.”

“She stepped into the circle of his embrace and he pulled her close.  It was a brotherly, comforting hug, but it included his strength, his scent, his warmth.  Before he let her go he kissed her near her temple.  She drew in a breath at the gesture, so sweet.  “You’re dangerous, Wilder.”  “No, ma’am, I’m about as dangerous as a newborn puppy.”  She laughed at that.  “Yes, exactly.  Everyone wants a puppy.”