A2: All the (BEST, IMO) HARLEQUIN (&ish) I've read (R&R 1 of 3)

One-shot (4*)- When a divorce lawyer’s sister hires a wedding consultant to plan her wedding, the two professionals butt heads over the value of live and marriage. First it is a bet to see who can prove their side, then it becomes a mutually beneficial contract marriage with a deadline. Which point of view will prevail?

One-shot (5*)- When reminded by her brother that her life and money is under his control until she marries, our bookworm heroine sets out to find an instant husband who will share her money and let her read, and gets more that she bargained on when the handsome, well dressed drunk she cajoles into taking vows with her turns out to be a Duke! Great story made even better by the absence of BBV.

One-shot (5*)- She is common born but her family has served as landlord of the land for generations. No w that her father has gone missing, she has not only assumed her father's position as landlord, but as the head of the local smuggling ring as well. This puts her in a bad place when she falls in love with the nobleborn Navy captain and war hero who has recently purchased the land and mansion under her care.

[REGENCY BACHELORS #6] Books 1&2 (4*)- He was her best friend and first love but when he left for the military he had her sent to a boarding school to learn to be a proper, timid and obedient lady. Now he's back and she is still mad, at least until she realizes someone is trying to kill him. Meanwhile, as she is realizing her feelings, his old flame, his brother's late wife, is set upon rekindling their romance and reclaiming the title of countess.

One-shot (4*)- After graduating college, she returned to her late aunt's mansion with the intent of keeping her promise to turn it into a B & B, but the building has deteriorated. And while she was left the deed to the property, the amount - the exact amount - required to buy the supplies to fix itwas left to the town delinquent. He might be her first love, but even after seven years he's holding a grudge because her father slandered him as a boy to 'protect' her. Can she keep her promise?

One-Shot (5*)- When a 'cold' prevents her from attending the Christmas ball where the new earl will be introduced (and pursued by potential brides) she expects to have a relaxing holiday with the remaining staff. That wish is circumvented by the arrival of a blizzard and then stranded soldiers with children in tow. Her uncle may not be pleased to have additional mouths consuming his larder, but she can't help but admire the Captain.

One-shot (3.5*)- A rich, seeminly arrogant, CEO lost his sight in a car accident and he isn't taking it very well. Having gone through all the specialist, his doctor take a new tact and brings in someone to teach him how to cope with his blindness instead. But this woman has a past with him few know of. Can she help him adjust to this world of darkness before her past catches up to her and leaves her unable to finish repaying the debt she owes.

One shot (5*)- After coming to the rescue of a English nobleman, a French seamstress must play his distant cousin, and then takes on the role of his fiancée in an ploy to draw out the assassins. Love this story in spite of the BBV. Artwork was a big part of that.

One-shot (4*)- For a royal tale that includes BBV, it wasn’t a bad story. Destined to be married from her birth, the lost princess had been raised as a commoner. Now found, her betrothed king was intent on changing her inside and out, but he wanted a marriage without love because he couldn’t afford to be emotionally controlled. That was an attitude, that she had no intention of accepting.

(6*)- Rather than summarize the plot, I'll just say I really enjoyed this story. There was no BBV, had strong leads, there was a wonderful blend of romance, drama, comedy and even a bit of mystery, and it didn't have extraneous backstory drama, manipulative others/family, or unnecessary complications. In short, it was just a really good story!