The Redemption of Darius Sterne by Carole Mortimer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Andy Tames Darius

“Dark, cold and scary.”

THE STORY: Miranda “Andy” Jacobs was a promising ballerina when she was in a serious accident four years ago which left her scarred and destroyed her career in dance. Andy has managed to recover and has opened a dance studio where she teaches young children. On her birthday, Andy gets the chance to dine at an exclusive restaurant where she sees Darius Sterne. Darius and his twin brother are the billionaire owners of Midas Enterprises. From the moment he enters the restaurant, Andy and Darius cannot take their eyes from one another. Neither is inclined to believe that a relationship between them is possible or even advisable. Darius has dark secrets from his past that have made him close himself off from everyone except for his twin brother. Both those secrets and a danger from Andy’s past threaten any relationship between Andy and Darius.

OPINION: Andy is incredibly strong for such a young woman. She has endured much and yet she has been able to make more of her life than she might have expected. When she and Darius begin their “courtship” neither believes that it will go anywhere. Darius is closed off, cold and tries to avoid emotional entanglements. From the start, however, Darius cannot avoid his compulsion to get to know Andy. The story is short but it moves at a quick pace and the characters keep the story interesting. Enjoyable one time read except that I really liked the characters being introduced and it makes me want to read the next book about Xander.

WORTH MENTIONING: It is intriguing that Xander the twin that appears lighter and more open is apparently the twin with the darker side. Can’t wait for his book.

FINAL DECISION: The relationship between Andy and Darius makes this book interesting. Andy is incredibly strong and Darius is completely unable to resist her despite his intentions. The book is short and uncomplicated, but the main characters make the story interesting.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE REDEMPTION OF DARIUS STERNE is the first book of the Twin Tycoons series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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Dark Alpha by Carole Mortimer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Much Better Than the First Book

THE STORY: Nicky McKenzie is a business student and immediately notices a sexy man who enters the college cafe. While she is staring at him, her friend suggests that Nicky solve her money problems by becoming mistress to a rich man. Nicky is mortified when she realizes sexy man overheard and even more so when she realizes that the sexy man is Lucian Wynter who is speaking as a guest lecturer in one of her classes. A very sexy encounter in a restaurant ends their association until Nicky comes looking for a job eight months later. While Lucian is interested in acquiring Nicky as a mistress, she has deep secrets she is hiding that are dangerous to herself and anyone around her.

OPINION: I really enjoyed this book. Lucian was enough of a jerk to keep me interested, but not too much to annoy me. There was a definite Fifty Shades of Grey vibe with the reclusive rich guy and the younger, less experienced woman thing, but there was no kinky sex and Nicky is not the total innocent and has secrets of her own. I liked how Nicky stood up to this man who is used to people doing exactly what he wants and how Lucian knows he should resist her but is unable to do so. There is also a variety of secondary characters that might have interesting stories themselves. After the first book in the series, I wasn’t sure how exciting the series would be, but this one makes me anxious for the next book in the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: I’m really interested in Lucian’s cousin Dair who is the hero of book three of the series.

FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this book, it has a little bit of a Fifty Shades feel without the kinky sex.

CONNECTED BOOKS: This is the second book in the ALPHA series. This book can be read completely independent of the first book without missing anything.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.

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