The Once Upon a Valentine’s Day Sampler contains works from several of today’s best authors, giving readers snippets of some of their work.

I am very familiar with some of these authors and this Sampler made me want more! It also introduced me to several authors I hadn’t read before. I recommend for those that want an introduction to some great authors.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Awkward...and uncomfortable...and forced.

Also dated in ways that it didn't need to be.

The book was published in 93. The heroine appears to be well off, yet has no cell phone. *I* had a cell phone at that point.

So a newborn is found abandoned on the hero's porch. The hero had just moved in, and it's New Year's...in Arkansas apparently (to be honest, this could have been set *anywhere* as there's only vague reference to location, and it's dubious at best). He runs next door and..

Well let's see...

There's the sexist thought that she was a woman; surely she knew how to take care of a baby.

There's the awkward attraction that wasn't really allowed to reach maturity because everyone seems to think that if you wanna jump his/her bones, you should get married right away.

There's the whole "I thought she was gonna grieve forever" bit her brother spouted - her husband had been dead just over a year. Hardly forever, and with the circumstances being what they were...

There's the SILs all "you don't know what you want, so stop avoiding him"

The h getting all upset about the baby going into the state system.

Her refusal to marry him so she could adopt. His taking it personally (they'd only known each other 36 hours!).

Yeah...this book needed to cover several months, not have a newborn confusing the issue, and let our H/h come together without all the interference. As it was, I'm sure there was a HEA in there somewhere but I have a feeling that a huge amount of awkwardness had to be addressed, probably on the honeymoon, when they realized they didn't know jack shit about each other.

Also, I really hate it when family members run interference - just because you want him for a brother-in-law doesn't mean your sister wants him for a husband.

Series: Men of the West (Book 32)

TAMING THE WILD COWBOY

Nothing shocks horse trainer Finn Calhoun more than learning he's the father of a four-month-old boy! And when the tall, dark, spur-jangling cowboy arrives in Stallion Canyon to meet his baby, Mariah Montgomery has her doubts about his motives. Until a DNA test is done, she insists Finn stay at her ranch -- where she can keep an eye on him.

Contrary to his image, Finn is only too happy to oblige Mariah -- and help to revitalize her own failing ranch and work with her wild mustangs. As his love for her nephew grows, their mutual passions reach new heights, too. But when Finn finally proposes, is he just looking to secure the ranch -- for himself? Or can Mariah trust that he truly wants to build a family with her and baby Harry?

Very good book. Finn is shocked to receive a phone call from the sister of a woman he had briefly known, telling him that he is the father of a baby boy. He immediately heads to California from the family ranch in Nevada to meet his baby. Mariah is baby Harry's aunt, and she's not willing to just hand the baby over to this unknown man. She insists on waiting for a DNA test for proof, and in the meantime she'll keep an eye on him.

I loved Finn. All it took was one look and, not only was he convinced Harry was his, he fell totally in love with the little boy. It was so sweet to see the way that they bonded so quickly. The same couldn't be said for Mariah. She was cautious about him, and not sure why her sister had refused to contact him about the baby. She wants to be sure that he'll be a good father before she can bring herself to give him up. I liked that they were able to talk to each other about what was happening, though there were some sparks that were putting them both on edge. 

There's a definite attraction between the two of them and both try to fight it. Finn sees nothing but complications with Mariah. He belongs on the family ranch back in Nevada, and she has her life in California. Mariah was burned once before by a man who also was with her sister. In addition to that, she always felt that she took second place in her father's and sister's lives, behind their work with horses and the ranch. She sees that same kind of attitude in Finn.

Finn and Mariah get closer as they wait for the results of the test. Finn is used to being busy and takes the time to help out on Mariah's ranch. It wasn't doing well because of neglect since her father's and Aimee's deaths, and she's planning to sell it. There are a few horses left, and Finn takes the time to work with them. He's the horse division manager on his family's ranch, and in previous books he's been arguing with his father and grandfather to get mustangs like Mariah's involved in their program, but without success. Working with her horses just reinforces his dreams. With Finn's involvement in the ranch, Mariah is reminded of all the good memories of living there. Their feelings start to grow, and they started to feel like a family, but both are wary of expressing their feelings.

I ached for Mariah when Finn finally confessed his feelings and his dreams for them. She just couldn't believe that he really wanted her for herself and that the ranch didn't play a part in it. Her fears caused her to say some horrible things to Finn. I also hurt for him because he really didn't deserve the treatment he got from her, even though his proposal hadn't been worded very well. The ending was very satisfying, as both Mariah and Finn had to look at their own hearts and decide if they were willing to fight for their futures. I especially loved seeing the kick in the pants that Mariah got that finally got her seeing the truth. I loved the epilogue and seeing Finn finally realizing his dreams.

My only complaint is with the cover. That man most definitely does not have the red hair described in the book!

Being a Judge is a pretty badass profession and makes for a great Romantic lead. 

Here are some wonderful books to prove my point! My list are never in any particular order. 

1. Heart Thief by Robin D. Owens

Ruis Elder never asked for his unusual trait—the ability to neutralize others’ psychic talent. Because of it, he has always been hated in his own homeland, destined to roam the harsh planet alone. But trouble finds him in front of the ruling Council—and face-to-face with the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. There’s only one problem: Ailim is on the opposite side of the bench…

Ailim has never before felt such passion coursing through her as she feels in Ruis’s presence. And she never thought she would—at least not with a man so far beneath her station, a man who does not even have psychic powers. But even on the planet Celta, love is blind to such details. Separately, Ailim and Ruis must forgo their old lives. But together, they can take on the world…

2. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas

Lady Sophia Sydney would do anything to ensnare the unattainable Sir Ross Cannon. Her goal—to ruin his reputation and cause a scandal that would be the talk of all London. So she insinuates herself into his life by gaining his trust and living in his house.

Every morning, her lush presence tempts him beyond all reason...the way she bends over the table to serve him the meals she has prepared...the way her hands oh, so gently—yet sensuously—brush against him. Every night, she promises with her eyes—and her body— that the hours before dawn could be spent in unbridled passion instead of restless sleep—if only he'd let her share his bed.

She knows he is falling more in love with her each day. But she never counted on falling in love with him. And she never dreamed he might very respectably ask for her hand in marriage...

3. A Little on the Wild Side by Robin Kaye

A woman who gets what she wants...

Bianca Ferrari-ex-supermodel turned successful business woman-seems to have it all: beauty, brains and a career she loves. And she did it all by herself...through sheer force of will and ruthless determination. So when her life is suddenly turned upside down, it's hard for her to admit that going it alone may not be an option...

A man who knows what she needs...
Sexy, rugged and down-to-earth, Trapper Kincaid has a knack for attracting all kinds of women-mostly the wrong kind. When he finds out that the exhaustingly independent and drop-dead gorgeous Bianca is in serious need of help, he knows he's the man for the job. But Bianca isn't going to make it easy...

4. Penny Parker's Pregnant! by Stella Bagwell

Hardly a soul in Lincoln County believed any man could get near enough to kiss Judge Penelope Parker—let alone get intimate! But someone had gotten a heck of a lot closer—because Penny Parker was pregnant!

Yep, Penny was in the family way—and Sheriff Ethan Hamilton was the proud papa-to-be. The long, lean lawman and the straitlaced judge had come together one desperate, dangerous night…and made a baby.

Honorably, Ethan proposed. But no one expected what happened after Penny Parker said "I do!"

5. Jaded by Viola Grace

Jayd has been a judge since the moment she entered the imperium. After her training, she was assigned to travel from world to world, hearing capital cases and watching over the sentences from fines to executions. Her companions include a sentient ship named Harry and whatever executioner is assigned to her. The executioners never last long.

Truanic is her newest executioner and not only is he the man for the job, he is also the man for her. She just has to make the first move.

6. Unraveled by Courtney Milan

Smite Turner is renowned for his single-minded devotion to his duty as a magistrate. But behind his relentless focus lies not only a determination to do what is right, but the haunting secrets of his past--secrets that he is determined to hide, even if it means keeping everyone else at arm's length. Until the day an irresistible woman shows up as a witness in his courtroom...

Miranda Darling isn't in trouble...yet. But she's close enough that when Turner threatens her with imprisonment if she puts one foot wrong, she knows she should run in the other direction. Yet no matter how forbidding the man seems on the outside, she can't bring herself to leave. Instead, when he tries to push her away, she pushes right back--straight through his famous self-control and into the heart of the passion that he has long hidden away...

7. Heartache Falls by Emily March

Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She's looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that's missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Cafe in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalised as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge - and a man who isn't going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight. When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs - sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back - he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him?

8. At Close Range by Tara Taylor Quinn

Criminal court judge Hannah Montgomery is presiding over a murder trial in Phoenix, Arizona. When the jury finds the defendant, Bobby Donahue, not guilty, Hannah is convinced they've reached the wrong verdict. Especially when strange things start happening around her...

For one thing, a judge she's always trusted is making decisions she doesn't understand. For another, her pediatrician is being questioned in the deaths of several young patients--including Hannah's adopted son. The police say it was murder. Dr. Brian Hampton says he's been framed.

Still reeling from grief at the loss of her child, Hannah no longer knows who to believe, who's lying and who's not. Despite her faith in Brian, she begins to wonder if he's betrayed her. Is he connected with Donahue? Is he responsible for her son's death?

9. Sweet Deception by Heather Snow

Lady criminologist, Miss Emma Wallingford, unknowingly finds herself tangled in the dangerous final mission of Lord Derick Aveline, a spy who also happens to be her long lost first love. But when deception, however sweet, is the name of the game, no one can be trusted. And every love--and every life--is at risk.

10. The Midnight Hour by Karen Robards

A time to fear....

Grace Hart seemed to have it all: a bright, beautiful daughter, a successful career as a judge, and a lovely home in an Ohio suburb. But beneath the placid veneer, darker truths lie waiting. Her fifteen-year-old, Jessica, is teetering on the cusp of drugs and delinquency. And someone is stalking the troubled teenager. Someone who has already violated their home and stolen their peace of mind.

A time to love....

Now the police are involved. Grace is relieved--and worried. Is Jessica in danger from a drug dealer who wants to silence her? Detective Tony Marino is on the case. He's too close for comfort, asking disturbing questions, probing into her long-buried past, igniting feelings Grace has tried to suppress. In Tony's strong arms, Grace finds comfort, protection--passion--as he tries to shield them from the evil lurking just beyond their door....

Do you have a favorite? Let me know! 

To vote for the best of the best, go to my Goodreads list: Judicial: Judges in Romance Novels.