SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION By Lynnette Kent

SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION
Lynnette Kent
http://www.lynnette-kent.com/
Harlequin American Romance # 1217
The STATE of Parenthood book two
ISBN: 978-0-373-75221-8
July 2008
Rating 4
Setting: North Carolina, Hawkridge School
Read: July 6, 2008

Nola Shannon was once a resident of the Hawkridge School. A school that offers a last chance for trouble girls to turn their lives around before the legal system or they find themselves in jail. Nola was there and the school and namely it's newest teacher her last year of school, Mason Reed helped her find her place in the world. Now Nola is returning as a substitue teacher, filling in for a teacher out on leave. Nola has never forgotten Mason nor the feelings he brought to life within her.

Mason is considering a change in his life. Since the loss of his wife, raising their son Garret, is about all the keeps Mason going. He knows he's not giving the girls at Hawkridge the support and attention they require. Then in walks Nola, the one girl that could have ruined his life and career 12yrs ago. If he'd have allowed his growing feelings for Nola to show he knew he'd have ruined both of their lives. But now they are no longer student and teacher, but on equal ground. However Mason has no desire to reconnect with Nola. His plan is to keep far away from the tempation she inspires.

Nola only wants to put her feelings for Mason to rest. She has to let go of these left over feelings in order to embrace her future. What she finds is feelings that are not only still there but stronger with Mason around and his son, Garret. Will their Smoky Mountain Reunion, lead to a life of happiness or only more heartache?

SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION is book two in the series STATE OF PARENTHOOD from American Romance, but does fine if you only want to read this story. The stories do not appear to be related. Ms. Kent has written a wonderful story of second chances at love set with the beautiful backdrop North Carolina's mountain's offer. There is a bit of a mystery added to the story as well as a few secondary characters that will leave readers longing for more stories set at the Hawkridge School. The romance between Nola and Mason and their past is at times sweet, hot, and at times heartbreaking. This is a great romance to take with you to the beach or just to read while relaxing at home. I would highly recommend readers who enjoy a great setting, a touch of mystery, second chances at love, and wonderful characters read SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION.

TURN TWO by Nancy Warren

TURN TWO
Nancy Warren
Harlequin NASCAR Library
November 2007
ISBN: 0-373-21783-8
Read: October 27, 2007
Rating 4 ½ (on a scale of 1-5)

This is the story of Mike Lundquist, a reporter, and his ex-wife, Taylor Robinson, the new PR manager for Hank Mission. They never expected to see each other again after their 3years of marriage fell apart. But now both are in North Carolina and working in NASCAR. Upon first seeing each other, they pretend to have just met, but soon old feelings as well as new are causing sparks to fly. When they are put in a situation that gives them more time together will they find that sometimes Love is worth a second chance?

TURN TWO is part of Harlequin’s NASCAR series and while it is connected to SPEED DATING it works fine as a stand alone title. Set in the world of NASCAR racing, we once more enter the excitement and thrill racing can offer. The characters in TURN TWO are realistic, believable, charming, and entertaining. You laugh, and tear up at moments. There is a cameo appearance from True-Life NASCAR hero, Carl Edwards. That certainly adds to the feeling these are friends you are visiting rather than characters from a book. This is a great story for fans of racing, second-chances at love, and great characters and settings. TURN TWO takes readers from North Carolina out to other tracks and home again. I highly recommend this one. Can’t wait for more. For a fun little story be sure to check out eharlequin.com for a free online read from Nancy Warren, HOOKED UP (http://www.eharlequin.com/article.html?articleId=1303). A great time is sure to be had once you enter the world of romance NASCAR has to offer.