His Marriage Ultimatum

I've read several of Ms. Brooks' books now, including this one, and it's easy to see she uses a formula: very successful, very stable, impossibly handsome and sexy businessman has a chance meeting with an average-looking, very insecure woman, and falls for her almost immediately (for no apparent reason). He spends the rest of the book helping her get past her insecurities, which are based in her past. There is strong sexual tension throughout the book, expressed in kisses and some caresses. Consummation of the relationship happens after marriage, and may not be described in the book. Ms. Brooks is a very good writer, and the books are very readable and enjoyable, but they could be so much better if she would just show us more reasons why the heroine is of interest to the hero, especially when he has to go to such lengths to get her. However, these are great books for anyone who likes their romance novels to focus primarily on the relationship. They are not for people who are picky about plot or who like a higher degree of sensuality.

His Marriage Ultimatum by Helen Brooks Harlequin Presents # 2570 - September 2006 For Carter Blake it was love at first sight when Liberty Fox had driven her car into the path of his. Though this self-made Millionaire had never thought of relationships in a permanent way before; he knew that what he felt for Libby was not going to fizzle out ever. Libby hadn't wanted anything to do with Carter, except to pay for the damages to his car. Yet she finds herself giving in to his charm and they begin dating. She makes it perfectly clear that she doesn't want commitments, and sensing her inexperience Carter know she's not ready for a physical affair either. Carter is used to getting what he wants, and he'll wait for Libby to come to her senses. And while he's waiting he'll do everything he knows how to help her along the way. This is my first book by Helen Brooks, and I'm sure it will most certainly not be my last! What a truly moving love story. Carter, though strong willed, is not your typical Presents' alpha hero. He quickly recognizes Libby as his other half, and knows that in order to win her; he has to tread very carefully. Libby wants more than anything to be able to have a lovely relationship with someone, but she's afraid that she'll become like her mother, using love and sex as tools to get a wealthy lifestyle. Ms. Brooks makes Libby's insecurities very real, and gives Carter the insights on how to help Libby overcome them. Great writing! Great love story! One for the keeper shelf. :D Congratulations are in order for Ms. Brooks! .... this book was nominated for a Romantic Times Readers Choice award