My DIK's

Hello, fellow islanders. If you don't know me, my name is Barbara and like most of you, I'm an avid romance junkie. Shamelessly so. Over the last twelve years I've read more than my share of wonderful stories. After I got past the initial fit of excitement that followed Tracy's invitation email, I began to wonder how in heaven's name I was ever going to narrow that list down to six books. Six? She can't possibly be serious!

It was a daunting task to say the least, but below you will find what I came up with as the top six DIK's I just could not imagine surviving on the island without...

1.) Madeline Hunter's, By Possession...

A Common Lady

For years she had thought he was dead. Yet when Addis de Valence strode into Moira Falkner's cottage, there was no mistaking the sharp planes of his face, and the scar she herself had helped to heal. The young squire who had once been her hero was now her lord, a hardened man who returned to claim the son she had raised as her own. But Moira couldn't deny that Addis roused a passion she never thought to feel--and a perilous hope for a future that could never be....

An Uncommon Love

Addis returned from the Crusades to find his lands usurped by his stepbrother, and his country on the brink of rebellion. Determined to reclaim his birthright, Addis could not afford to be distracted by a woman--even one as tempting as Moira. Yet the only living part of his contented past lay in Moira--and his desire for her was more dangerous than his deadly battles with the king's men. By law, Moira belonged to him...but possessing her heart might be far more difficult.

First of all I'm a sucker for forbidden romance so absolutely LOVED this story. I immediately sympathized with the heroine, Moira. Her silent love and admiration for a man she knew she could never have broke my heart. Initially, Addis was not someone I would consider to be the perfect hero. But, as time passes and we are given a more in depth view of what this man had suffered through, and what he suffers still, I couldn't help but fall in love with him. This was a romance of two people whose love broke the barriers of propriety of that time. It was truly a passionate love story and also happens to be the very first that had ever brought me to tears.

2.) Lisa Kleypas', Scandal In Spring...

After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses—the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift. Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone . . . anyone . . . other than Matthew.

But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm . . . or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams. But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered . . . one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.

Yes, yes, I know it's not Devil In Winter. What is it about Sebastian that has everyone all crazy? I mean, yeah, he was devilishly wicked and all that good stuff but, Matthew...now, he was by far my favorite Wallflower hero! Sigh...I fell in love with the hero of this book the moment he revealed his handsome face by the wishing well. The love story that transpires between these two characters was just perfect. Matthew is not your typical hero in the sense that he is simply--normal, lol. He's not the lord of the manor or the dark and brooding sort. No, Matthew Swift was simply a man, and one who just so happened to be madly in love with a woman he never in a million years believed he could have. This was the ultimate tale of the underdog getting the girl and I LOVED IT!

3.) Toni Blake's, Tempt Me Tonight...

Trish Henderson has returned home to Eden to take care of some family business…and some personal business, as well. Though she’s achieved remarkable success as a high-powered Indianapolis attorney, Trish has never forgotten her small-town high school sweetheart, Joe Ramsey, or the devastation of heartbreak.

Now she’s come face-to-face with the gorgeous sex god Joe has grown into, and she’s determined to get him out of her system once and for all – and maybe take a little revenge, too. And this time, she has all the power. After all, where is it written that only men can explore and enjoy a physical relationship without commitment? Her plan: seduce him for just one night, then walk away…But there’s just one problem. Trish is about to find out that one night with Joe may never be enough…

This story is without a doubt my all time favorite contemporary romance. I wanted so desperately to root Trish on when she plotted her revenge against Joe. But once you get to know Joe, really get to know him, suddenly the tables are turned and you want nothing more than for these two to finally have their happy ever after. The love scenes in this book stole my breath. The intensity of emotions was brilliantly written. I have yet to read another contemporary that can be compared to this one.

4.) Lisa Kleypas', Because Your Mine...

Because the Dream...Young, high-spirited Lady Madeline Matthews is expected to wed an aging, lecherous lord. But she would rather shame herself in the eyes of society than sacrifice her freedom, and resolves to render herself unmarriageable by indulging in a torrid affair with Britain's most acclaimed actor and notorious womanizer, Logan Scott.

Because the Heart...He is legend in the footlights and in the bedchamber. But when the curtain falls, Logan is an intensely private, guarded man still tormented by past betrayals that cut deep into his pride and his heart. Now a forward little minx who seems completely out of place in the bright, sophisticated world of the London stage is disrupting his orderly existence with her constant presence, her unspoiled beauty and vibrant charm. And what begins with an onstage kiss threatens to blossom into something more rapturous and real. But first Logan and Madeline both must drop the masks they hide behind...and reveal their true selves in the golden glorious light of love...Because You're Mine

This wasn't easy it was a toss up between this one and Again the Magic. To tell you the honest truth, I don't know exactly what it was that I loved so much about Logan Scott. I think perhaps it was the fact that hidden beneath that seemingly impenetrable façade, lay a man who really wanted nothing more than to love and be loved in return.

Although reputed to be a master in the bedroom, Logan treats Madeline attentions with cold indifference. But that doesn't stop our heroine from getting what it is she has set out to have. Mr. Scott in her bed. Logan may appear to have a heart of stone, but ever so slowly, Madeline chisels her way into this man's heart. And when she finally achieves her goal, the passion and need to love that lay beneath captured my heart.

5.) Julia Quinn's, Everything & the Moon...

STARCROSSED

It was indisputably love at first sight. But Victoria Lyndon was merely the teenaged daughter of a vicar. . .while Robert Kemble was the dashing young earl of Macclesfield. Surely what their meddlesome fathers insisted must have been true-that he was a reckless seducer determined to destroy her innocence. . . and she was a shameless fortune hunter. So it most certainly was for the best when their plans to elope went hopelessly awry.

MOONSTRUCK

Even after a seven-year separation, Victoria-now a governess-still leaves Robert breathless. But how could he ever again trust the raven-haired deceiver who had shattered his soul? And Victoria could never give her heart a second time to the cad who so callously trampled on it the first. But a passion fated will not be denied, and vows of love yearn to be kept. . . even when one promises the moon.

Sigh...I know I've seen it on someone else's list and I do apologize, but I couldn't possibly leave this one behind. Julia Quinn in my opinion is the queen of sweet, make you giddy as you read romance. Everything and the Moon had me laughing and sighing all the way through.
The hero of this tale, Robert, had to be one of Julia's funniest yet. The things he says and does to get the woman he loves is hysterical. And Victoria, well, she's just as funny with the things she does in order to dissuade his interests. If you are looking for a sweet, heart warming romance this is the book for you.

And last but not least...

6.) Samantha Kane's, At Love's Command...

A child when they were betrothed, Sophia Middleton has been waiting twelve years for Ian Witherspoon to return and marry her. Preyed upon by her vicious father and older brother, Sophie longs for Ian to rescue her.

Ian Witherspoon and Derek Knightly became best friends during the Peninsular War, and returned as lovers. Two more years pass before the desire for a wife and children prompts Ian to recall his little fiancée. Ian is determined to make a marriage work between the three of them. Derek opposes the marriage despite Ian's determination, but how long will he be able to resist love's command?

Sophie's vulnerability hides a core of strength and the combination enthralls and seduces both men. An apt pupil, Sophie learns trust and passion from Ian, and Derek tutors her in the ecstasy of surrender. Love will conquer their fears as they fight those who would tear them apart.

Well, come on people! Who knows how long I could be stranded here! I need something to keep my mouth salivating in the dry desert heat. Not only is Sam Kane a wonderful author, but I can't even begin to express how much I enjoyed Ian, Derek and Sophie's story. Ms. Kane managed to take a situation that normally I would believe to be impossible and turn it into a jaw dropping, tongue waggin', smokin' hot romance.

So there you have it, my keepers! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I do :)

~Barbara