The Wild Rose Press Category:  Romance Publisher: Hearts On Fire Books Type: Fiction Pages: 437 Copyright: April 10, 2009 Jake Tyrell had promised his dying brother that he would always take care of his family. Now that his brother’s wife is dead also, the children have traveled to California to live with him. Amanda Collingsworth has run away from her brother’s fanatical control of her life, but during her flight she stumbles across three children who have been abandoned by their nursemaid. She rescues them and poses as their mother to avoid capture by the detectives her brother has hired. Jake has smoldering good looks, and at times he can be caring and thoughtful, but the only thing he wants from a woman is lust, for to him love only exists in the fairy tales that Amanda reads to the children. He also believes a woman’s place is in the home--but not his home, for he never intends to marry. The only reason Amanda is there is to care for his brother’s children. Amanda believes in love, but she finds herself on the verge of giving herself to Jake--a man she barely knows, a man she barely likes, simply because her body craves his touch. She tries to persuade Jake to open his heart, and not just his home, to his brother’s children. But she doubts that there will ever be room in his heart for her even though her own feelings for Jake burn far deeper than lust. Excerpt Jake leaned closer and Amanda knew, even in the dark, that he intended to kiss her. At the last moment, she turned her head and his cheek brushed against hers. His mouth pressed against her neck and he placed nibbling little kisses over her skin until he reached her ear. "I didn't plan for this to happen," he said in a throaty whisper. "But as long as we're here, I can't think of any reason why we shouldn't find pleasure in each other's arms." Neither could Amanda. It felt marvelous being close to him. Just the sound of his voice next to her ear caused exquisite shivers to snake through her body. The wash of his warm breath and the trail of kisses he placed on her neck set her on fire. He moved his body and Amanda was immediately aware of how they were touching. Her legs were apart and he lay cradled between her thighs. The only thing between her and Jake were the trousers that he wore. Amanda knew exactly were this was leading, but for some reason she couldn't bring herself to stop him. He was igniting her body and she thought for sure that she would burst into flames at any moment. In an attempt to clear her senses, Amanda took a deep breath, but when she did, she breathed in his scent. It was an intoxicating blend that was uniquely his. There was a hint of freshly sawed pine, as well as the smell of strong soap he had used in an attempt to wash it away. It mingled with the male essences of his skin and enhanced the masculinity of his being. "Tell me that you want me," he said in a raspy voice. "I already know that you do, I just want to hear you say it so there won't be any mistake." "I..., I want...." Amanda knew what she was about to consent to: Lust. She was on the verge of giving herself to a man she barely knew, a man she barely liked, simply because her body craved his touch. "Yes," he urged. He slipped his hand beneath her hips and pulled her tighter against his body. "Say yes." "No, Jake." She pushed against his chest. "I want more than just this moment." "This won't be the only time, Blondie. I can promise you that." "That's not what I mean. Get off me. Get off," she said with more conviction. A faint ray of moonlight filtered through the lace curtains. Jake pushed himself up onto his arms in an attempt to see her expression despite the darkness. "What's wrong?" "Let me up and I'll tell you." Slowly, he crawled off her. When he was on his feet, he held his hand out to her. "Do you need help?" She ignored his offer and stood on her own. If he touched her again, she might surrender to the desire that still burned within her body. After she straightened her robe, she felt that she could speak without her voice quivering too much. "I suppose you want an explanation." "There's no need, I already know. You want something that doesn't exist. You want love." "Call it whatever you choose, but I want a man who still wants me long after the moment is over and the passion has cooled." "Sounds pretty, but I told you once before, that only exists in fairytales." "You're wrong." "I'm not going to argue about it. I'm tired and I'm going to bed." He rubbed the muscles in the back of his neck. "I guess the moment has passed and the passion has cooled because I don't seem to want you anymore." Amanda studied him for a brief moment in the faint moonlight. "You keep telling yourself that, Mr. Tyrell, and we'll get along just fine."

Coffee Time Romance
Coffee Time Romance

I really enjoyed this story. Amanda has a big heart and is very intelligent as her success as an accountant shows. Jake is bitter about just about everything but that changes as he learns more about Amanda and his family. His inability to read or accept help due to stubborn pride leads to some interesting situations. The shopkeeper’s daughter and her designs on Jake makes an amusing subplot. This story is a nice combination of a romance and a young woman’s struggle to make her own way in the world. The setting of post Civil War California lends itself well to the story.
Maura Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
4 cups


Night Owl Romance
This is a nice historical novel set shortly after the Civil War in California....While you are pretty sure that some how there will be a happily ever after ending, there were plenty of places in this story that had you wondering how. Jake was stubborn in his belief that there is no love. Mandy’s half-brother is not letting go. The town isn’t sure what to believe and the local girl is even getting Jake’s friends to help her out. As Jake and Mandy stumble along, I could only smile as they try to figure out what they are doing.

If you like historical novels set in the era, you will probably enjoy this one. It kept my attention and I really enjoyed it. It’s a prefect summer novel.
by Terri of Night Owl Romance

Rose Petal Reviews
Marilyn Yarbrough gives us a touching historical romance story. I truly enjoyed getting to know the characters and as the story continued I actually felt the emotions that the characters were going through. The story is well written and not rushed. It is also written with accuracy to the time which only adds to the drama that unfolds. This is definitely a book I would reccommend for anyone who wants a good romance without being rushed through it.
Reviewed by Nicole of Rose Petal Reviews
4 1/2 Roses