I have let quite a number of romance novels pile up without writing a review. I'll mention a few of them here, although not necessarily in a lot of detail.

"Where the Heart Leads," by Stephanie Laurens (William Morrow, 2008, $24.95) is not a typical "romance" novel in that it focuses not only on wealthy Regency families, but also on one from the working classes.

There is a nice mystery involved as Penelope Ashford, who is the director of a London orphanage institution, calls upon Barnaby Adair to help her discover what has happened to several young boys who have disappeared. He in turn asks for the help of Inspector Basil Stokes of Scotland Yard, who in turn enlists the assistance of Griselda Martin, a milliner who grew up in the East End, and has worked hard to get out.

The two couples band together to solve the mystery, never dreaming that love will blossom for all of them.

"Magic in His Kiss," by Shari Anton (Forever, 2008, $6.99) is another historical romance. The final book in her medieval trilogy, it focuses on Nicole de Leon, an orphaned noblewoman who has been confined to an abbey since her father's death. King Stephen has been waiting to find just the right prince for her to marry, preferably someone who will strengthen his political power.

Nicole's uncle decides he's going to get his niece out of the abbey and enlists the aid of Rhodri ap Dafydd, a bard and warrior who is up to the task of bringing her back to Wales.

Anton's books are always well-written and fun to read.

Elizabeth Jennings is the author of "Pursuit" (Forever, 2008, $6.99), a romantic suspense novel.

Robert Haine, CEO of Court Industries, figures on marrying Charlotte Court in order to acquire the company. Charlotte made it clear that she was not the least bit interested in such a union.

Robert arranged for a hit man to murder Charlotte's father, who was in the hospital, and set her up as the fall guy.

Charlotte flees to Mexico where she meets Matt Sanders, a Navy SEAL who is recovering from wounds received during an operation.

When Matt meets Charlotte, he can't help but want to protect her. But can she share her secret with him?

"The Captive Heart," by Bertrice Small (NAL, 2008, $15), is a historical romance that is third in her "Border Chronicles."

Alix Givet, who is but 15, is given in marriage to the son of a Northumbrian baron, who badly wants a grandchild. The son really wants to marry his mistress, who is of low birth, but the baron won't hear of it.

Alix's life is miserable -- until the death of her husband. Now she flees from England to Scotland in order to avoid the advances of her father-in-law. She's hoping to find Queen Margaret and enlist her aid, but a storm puts an end to her journey. She ends up being rescued by Malcolm Scott, the laird of Dunglais.

She promises him that if he'll allow her to stay there she will assist in the household in any way she can.

Malcolm, who has no intention of marrying again, finds himself attracted to this young woman, and Alix discovers she's becoming fond of him as well.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.