The Baby Arrangement - Tara Taylor Quinn (HSE #2679 - Mar 2019)

Series: Daycare Chronicles (Book 3)

A baby drove them apart.

Can a baby bring them together?

Divorced after a heartbreaking tragedy, Mallory Harris is determined to have a family. Even as a single mother by choice with a baby conceived through artificial insemination. When her ex-husband, Braden, learns of her plan, he offers to be the donor. Mallory is touched…and reluctant. She needs to move on from Braden. But how can she say no to the only man she has ever loved?

Good second chance story. Mallory and Braden divorced after their infant son died unexpectedly. Mallory still wanted to have a family but had no plans to remarry. Instead, she planned to conceive through artificial insemination and raise the baby on her own.

This was a very unusual story. Braden and Mallory were divorced, but they remained friends. Their divorce came about because Mallory's grief was all-consuming. She felt guilty because the baby had died while she and Braden were out on their first overnight since the baby was born. She blamed Braden for them being away and felt guilty because she had been enjoying herself. The guilt made it impossible for her to be intimate with him. Braden was a man who was always in control of his feelings, and he had no idea how to handle Mallory's grief. Time with a therapist was no help because he didn't understand the advice he was given.

Three years after their divorce, Braden, and Mallory were still a big part of each other's lives. They couldn't seem to let go of some part of their relationship. However much they still cared about each other, each of them realized that they needed to take steps to move on. Mallory was determined to have a baby and wanted Baden's support of the idea. Braden was ready to break the news to Mallory that he was going to move from San Diego to LA, putting some physical distance between them. I loved how they were able to talk openly with each other about their plans, but there was also that part that was always held back. Braden has always kept a tight rein on his emotions, thanks to the drama he endured growing up. It wasn't a problem until after the baby died when he was unable to handle Mallory's grief. His need to distance himself drove her to hide her own emotions when he was around. There was no way that their marriage could sustain that.

Braden was shocked by Mallory's plan but listened to everything she had to say. But after their dinner was over, he couldn't forget about any of it. It was interesting to see that he had trouble dealing with the idea of her having a baby with an unknown man, even though he tried to convince himself it was out of concern for her. Mallory was stunned by his suggestion that he provide the sperm. She saw all the drawbacks, in spite of his assertion that he would be hands-off. But as the months went on and her pregnancy advanced, Braden couldn't stop himself from becoming more and more involved. There were many sweet scenes of him doing things for Mallory, and it was easy to see that his love was growing stronger. But he still had trouble dealing with intense emotions. Mallory fought hard against allowing herself to depend on Braden. The thought of going through the same issues of him pulling away when she needed him made her reluctant to put her heart at risk again. Both Braden and Mallory spent a great deal of time and energy second-guessing every decision they made, with each one bringing another issue to the surface.

The further along in the pregnancy, the more intense their feelings became. I liked how this pregnancy caused both Mallory and Braden to recognize the mistakes made during their marriage and resolve to change things in their current situation. It was occasionally frustrating to see how much in love Mallory and Braden were, and how afraid they were to take a chance on it. The final straw came when Braden's logical mind dictated one action, and Mallory's fears and memories made her certain that it wouldn't work. I ached for Braden as she laid out the issues as she saw them, and he couldn't understand what the problem was. It looked like it would be the end of their friendship also. Mallory was determined to ride out the pain of the loss and do what was right for the future. Braden's "aha" moment came at the hands (paws?) of an unexpected source. I loved seeing how that broke through his long-established barriers, and he finally understood what Mallory and the therapist had tried to tell him. His big moment at the end had all of the intensity of emotion that Mallory could hope for. I must admit, I would have liked an epilogue that included the birth.

 

Rancher's Covert Christmas - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2020 - Dec 2018)

Series: McCall Adventure Ranch (Book 3)

Sabotage, secrets, and desire…

Undercover private investigator Erin Palmer is tantalizingly close to discovering who wants to destroy the McCall family. And as she creeps closer to the truth -- and straight into danger -- she’s burrowing deep into Zane McCall’s heart. For Zane, though, trust is everything. So when he discovers Erin isn’t who she seems, can he forgive her…before it’s too late for them both?

Good conclusion to the series. In the previous two books, someone showed that they have a serious grudge against the McCall family. Their efforts to destroy what has taken the McCalls four generations to build have grown in intensity, putting lives as well as livelihood at risk. Unbeknownst to the rest of his family, Michael McCall has hired a private investigator to discover the truth. Because he didn't want them to know about it, Michael insisted that Erin pose as a magazine reporter, putting her in a difficult situation. Erin was intrigued by the case, but not very happy about the deception.

Zane was wound up pretty tight about everything that happened in the last few months. He was frustrated by the lack of progress in identifying who was behind the vandalism. The last thing he wanted was to have a reporter nosing around and making matters worse.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Erin and Zane. There were sparks between them from the start. They started out spending time together as Erin did her "research" for her writing and Zane showed her around. There were some interesting exchanges when Zane took exception to some of the questions she asked, as he was afraid she would focus her article on their troubles rather than what the business was about. There was also a pretty amusing interview with some locals, as Erin used it to get information about Zane himself before he walked off in a huff and she got to the questions she wanted to ask. I did find it a little odd that she wasn't more subtle in her questioning since she was supposed to hide her true purpose. Zane's attraction to Erin made him want to spend time with her, and Erin felt the same. But that togetherness also had its downside, as Erin felt more and more guilty about deceiving him. Zane sensed that there was something off, but he couldn't figure out what it was. When he stumbled on the truth, his feelings of betrayal cut deep. I hurt for Erin, too, because she had begun to care about him, too. Once the secret was out, though, it was easier for them to work together on the investigation. Erin's tenaciousness put her in danger, and Zane's protectiveness soon overpowered his hurt. When Erin's life was in danger, Zane realized how important she was to him, if only it wasn't too late. A little well-delivered advice helped him see his mistakes, and I loved seeing him put his heart and pride at risk. The ending was great, with the danger over and everyone with their promising futures.

The suspense of this book was very good. The prologue laid the groundwork for the increasing intensity and danger. We know from the start that the adventure business is struggling a little bit thanks to the actions of a man who has long held a grudge against the three McCall siblings. The man is obnoxious and as the loan manager for their business loan also holds a great deal of power over them. We get glimpses of the person behind the attacks, as he ramps up his efforts against the McCalls. He has an unwilling accomplice whom he blackmails into helping him, and we see the struggles this person has with what is asked of him. A couple of twists put Erin right in the middle of the next attempt on the McCalls, and I was on the edge of my seat as she tried to prevent a tragedy. I ached for the family as part of the truth was revealed, but more was left in question. The final confrontation was intense as desperation caused an unexpected revelation and the bad guy lost it all.

 

Rancher's High-Stakes Rescue - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2016 - Nov 2018)

Series: McCall Adventure Ranch (Book 2)

Stranded with the cowboy

While out on the range, cowboy Josh McCall finds himself the victim of vicious sabotage. Now he’s stuck in the wilderness with no one but city slicker Kate Carrington. The rough-and-tumble rancher must use all his skills to survive, his willpower to protect Kate and his determination to resist their mutual attraction. Until Josh makes one fateful decision that could jeopardize their bliss…and their lives.

This was a good continuation of the mystery of why the McCall ranch is being targeted as well as the romance between Josh and Kate. This book picks up a few months after Rancher's Deadly Reunion. The McCalls and Brady have been working hard to get their high adventure business ready to go. They invited reporters from various travel and adventure magazines to participate in an adventure weekend. The participants included Kate, a photographer for a travel magazine. Kate was there reluctantly, as a childhood trauma caused her to be afraid to take risks.

There were sparks between Josh and Kate from the moment they met, but both tried to ignore them. Josh wanted to concentrate on the business, plus siblings Zane and Piper reminded him that getting involved with guests was a bad idea. Kate just wants to get through the weekend and being distracted by a good-looking cowboy was not part of her plan. She did not take into account her friend's determination to see Kate get over her fears. Behind her back, Dawn told Josh that Kate needed his help to move past her fears. This gave Josh an additional reason to ignore that part of him that told him to keep his distance.

The adventure trip started with high hopes and enthusiasm from everyone (except Kate). I liked how Josh paid extra attention to Kate on the trail ride. Things took a turn for the worse when the group reached their first adventure point, the zip line. When Josh went first, he discovered that the line had been sabotaged, making it unsafe for the group to use. Unfortunately, thanks to a garbled transmission on the radio, warning Zane not to send anyone down, Kate was on the way before the danger was known. I ached for Kate and her very real fears as she rode the zip line down, unaware of what waited for her at the end. The intensity of this part had me on the edge of my seat as I wondered how it would turn out. I loved how calm and cool-headed Josh was, and also how well Kate handled the emergency.

This is where it got a bit tricky for Josh. Zane wanted to end the trip then and there, but Josh was determined to carry on. First, because he refused to give up on the dream, and wanted to show that it was possible. Second, he was afraid that if they stopped, Kate's fears would still have control of her life. He wanted to show her that she could have the adventures she wanted. He wasn't exactly honest with her about their options, but he was confident that he was doing the right thing. Kate was reluctant at first, but the longer she was with Josh, the more her confidence grew. I loved the scene with her and the bear! I liked how their growing closeness enabled them to share their fears and troubles. Josh's understanding about the root of her fears went a long way toward helping Kate face them. The attraction between them also continued to grow. The scene at the river was pretty intense and also created a bigger problem for them. I liked seeing the feelings between them intensify, though each of them still held back a little. Josh's focus on the business still kept him from believing that a relationship was possible, and Kate wasn't sure she wanted to give up her city life. When she overheard something that made her believe that Josh had played her, she was hurt, angry, and determined to leave. It took some blunt advice for him to see that if he wanted the girl, he was going to have to take some risks of his own. I liked his big moment and seeing him expose his vulnerability.

The suspense of the story was good. The ranch was still in trouble financially, and the family has accepted that their problems are not bad luck after all. Unfortunately, there has been no progress in figuring out who has it in for them. When the zip line was sabotaged, it was clear that whoever it is has grown more desperate and is willing to take more risks to get what they want. I understood both Zane's and Josh's points of view on the right actions to take. Zane worried about liability and Josh about the death of their dream. I liked seeing Kate get invested in proving Josh right, and how she wanted to help. The damage to the river equipment was another blow, and I ached for Josh and his frustration. There was more trouble unrelated to the sabotage that put Kate and Josh into extreme danger, and I was glued to the pages until they were safe. The frustration of the family was evident as there were no clear suspects. It didn't help that local law enforcement was suspicious and uncooperative. I can't wait for the conclusion in the next book.

Flare Up - Shannon Stacey (Carina Press - Jan 2019)

Series: Boston Fire (Book 6)

Nursing a broken heart while everybody around him seems to be drowning in happiness has Grant Cutter wondering whether staying with Engine 59 -- or even Boston Fire -- is in his future. It’s tempting as hell to pack up what fits in his Jeep and hit the road. But then a 911 call brings the woman who shattered his heart back into his life, and he knows he won’t ever be able to fully leave her in his rearview mirror.

For a few months, Wren Everett had thought the nightmare of her past was behind her and she might live happily ever after with Grant. Until she got the phone call letting her know the time her ex had spent in jail for assault hadn’t cooled his temper or determination that she belonged with him. Cutting ties with Grant was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do, but it was also the only way to keep him safe.

Now that Grant is back, he’s not letting Wren push him away again. And even with the trust issues between them, Wren dares to hope she and Grant might have a future together after all…if they’re willing to fight for it.

Good second chance story with a little bit of suspense thrown in. Five months after his girlfriend broke up with him, Grant was still nursing his broken heart, contemplating leaving Boston and his memories of Wren behind. But that came to an end when the response to an apartment fire brought her back into his life.

I ached for Grant and the pain of his broken heart at the beginning of the book. His hurt over the way she left was clear, as was the way he still worried about where she was. His shock at finding her in the burning apartment building was obvious. Even though he was still hurt and confused, he still cared enough that he wanted to take care of her.

Wren was shocked to be rescued by Grant, whom she never expected to see again. Having lost everything, she had no choice but to accept the help offered by Grant and her former friends. Her feelings for Grant were as strong as ever, but did she dare allow herself back in his life?

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Grant and Wren. One of the best things about this book was that Wren and Grant actually talked to one another. Wren ran because she was afraid that her ex-boyfriend would hurt Grant the way he had hurt her brother. She allowed her fear to dictate her actions rather than tell Grant and trust him to know what to do. I ached for Grant and his hurt at her lack of belief in him. But the feelings between them were still strong. Both Grant and Wren wanted to move forward with their relationship, but they were also wary. I loved seeing them spend time together, doing normal get-to-know-each-other things, but also acknowledging the history that is still there between them. There were some fun scenes, such as the guys' crashing the girls' night out, as well as some moving ones, like Wren, finally sharing what had happened with her brother. Through it all there was the specter of Wren's ex and if she would run again or trust in the love she and Grant shared. I loved the support that Grant provided for Wren and how it gave her the strength she needed. I liked the ending and seeing them both get their happy ever after.

The suspense of dealing with Wren's ex was a big part of the book. Her fear of him was the motivation for her disappearance, and that fear is still present. Once she told Grant about him, it also brought in the extended Boston Fire family. I liked how their support and Grant's love helped her face up to her fear. The final resolution had a few intense moments, though the end of it was somewhat anti-climactic.

I loved seeing the various members of the fire department and catching up on their lives and relationships. The girls' night out scene was hilarious, and I loved how Wren was easily brought back into the group. I also enjoyed how the men teased each other, but were also able to talk about their feelings. The way they backed each other up, both on and off the job, was awesome.

Rancher's Deadly Reunion - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2012 - Oct 2018)

Series: McCall Adventure Ranch (Book 1)

The prodigal cowgirl returns home…and straight into danger

When Piper McCall heads home, she runs smack into ranch hand Brady Summers, the man she left behind. Years later, the sparks between them burn as brightly as ever, but dark secrets -- like the identity of his orphaned nephew -- linger. And when Piper’s life is threatened, neither she nor Brady will ever be the same again.

Good second chance romance combined with multi-layered suspense. Piper and Brady were a couple in high school, but Piper had dreams outside their small Colorado town. When Piper ended up pregnant, she hid it from her family, turned down Brady's marriage proposal, and left for her freshman year in Boston, intending to put her baby up for adoption. In the prologue, we see Brady's despair at losing Piper, and his brother and sister-in-law's plan to secretly adopt Piper and Brady's child.

Years later, Piper returned to McCall Ranch for her parents' anniversary party, after making rare visits back home. Things are different this time. Brady's brother and his wife are dead, and Brady is the guardian of his nephew Connor. The McCall Ranch is in financial trouble after some bad luck. Piper's brothers have an idea of how to bring in some money, but they want Piper's help. She's reluctant to give up her life in Boston.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Piper and Brady. It wasn't an easy one. Though the sparks between them were as strong as ever, the obstacles were significant. Brady was reluctant to trust her with his heart again after being devastated by her departure all those years ago. He never got over the loss and didn't want to go through it again. He also had to deal with the stunning discovery that the child he thought was his nephew was actually his and Piper's son (not a spoiler - this is revealed within the first couple chapters). His anger and feelings of betrayal went deep. Piper thought she put her relationship with Brady behind her long ago and wasn't happy to realize that she was still drawn to him. She also carried a load of guilt over giving up their child for adoption without letting Brady know. The shocking revelation that Connor was their son left her reeling. I liked the fact that after they got past the initial anger, Brady and Piper were able to talk things over like adults. Both of them wanted to do what was right for Connor, even if they weren't as sure about what that was. I ached for both of them, especially Piper, who had thought she would never see her baby again. The sparks between them grew stronger, and they slowly began to explore their new feelings. I loved their big moment at the end as they put the past behind them and looked toward the future.

There was another obstacle that neither one was aware of. From the beginning of the book, the reader was given glimpses into the mind and activities of a man who wanted Piper for himself. It was creepy and scary to see how obsessed he was and the lengths he was willing to take to get what he wanted. He was determined that Piper would return to Boston and did things he thought would drive her that way. His jealousy of Brady also caused an escalation in his activities. The final confrontation was intense, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was over.

The other part of the story dealt with the trouble at the McCall ranch and the efforts to save it. Some apparent bad luck has put them at risk of losing the ranch. Piper's brothers, Josh and Zane, have come up with an idea to start an adventure company to raise extra money to help bail them out. I loved their enthusiasm and the thought they have put into it. It quickly became apparent, however, that their "bad luck" may not have been luck at all. The fire was scary, and what happened makes them realize that someone is out to do real damage to them. The question became who would do such a thing? I ached for the entire family, as the ranch has been in the family for a long time. It didn't help that the sheriff's office didn't appear to be trying too hard to get to the truth, seemingly more interested in accusing the McCalls of doing it themselves. Though there are no official suspects, there is one guy who seems to be an obvious choice, but there is no proof. The question isn't resolved in this book, but the family's determination to succeed is clear.

Owen - Melody Anne (Amazon Publishing - Dec 2018)

Series: Undercover Billionaires (Book 3)

There was a time when Eden’s entire world revolved around Owen Forbes. They were inseparable childhood sweethearts. They planned a life together. Then, without so much as a goodbye, Owen vanished. Now, after ten years, he’s returned to town as the hottest new firefighter on the force. Whatever secrets pulled them apart, Eden can’t fight the sparks reignited by the man who broke her heart.

Owen knows he did Eden wrong. If only he could tell her why. As body meets body, he’s whispering for a second chance -- wanting her back so bad it hurts. It can also be dangerous. An arsonist is targeting the small town of Edmonds, and Eden with it. And it’s Owen himself who’s become engulfed in suspicion.

Eden knows that with a past as hot and mysterious as Owen’s, their future together could go up in flames. Because the one man she’s afraid to trust is the only man she desires -- and the only one who can save her.

Good combination of second chance romance and suspense. The story opened with the teenage Owen and Eden happy with their relationship and plans for the future. That happiness came crashing down when Owen received a phone call and left town without so much as a goodbye to Eden, much less an explanation as to why he left. Ten years later he returned to town, older, wiser, and determined to win Eden back. Eden was crushed when he left and never really got over it. Determined to protect her heart, she tried to avoid him during the time since he came back. Finally, determined to get him out of her system once and for all, she showed up at his house, where their inflammatory chemistry took over. But her life was turned upside down once again, as her father died while she was with Owen, leaving her with wracking guilt that she could have saved him if she hadn't been with Owen.

Six months later Eden was still trying to get her life back on an even keel. She had lost her mother as a child, then Owen left, then her father died. But Owen's return stirred up so many feelings that she didn't want to deal with. She tried hard to convince herself that she was over him, but lying to herself was never her way. Now things were going from bad to worse. There was an arsonist setting fires around town and in the hills, threatening the very existence of the town. Eden has been tagged to do some interviews of some possible suspects (not sure why someone from a lawyer's office is doing arson investigation work). Investigators believe that the fires may be an inside job, and Owen's recent return puts him on the list. She found it hard to believe, but she also didn't know him well any longer.

Owen refused to give up on his feelings for Eden. He took every opportunity to put himself in her path, but the fires weren't helping. Being a firefighter was a huge part of who he was. When it was him versus the fire, it didn't matter how much money he had in the bank, or if people like him, just defeat the fire. I ached for him as he lost friends and coworkers, and loved his determination to see it stopped.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Eden and Owen. The chemistry between them was always there, with Owen all for it and Eden trying to resist. I felt bad for Owen when he was suspected of being the arsonist, especially with Eden being the one to investigate. I liked that Eden's common sense made her realize that there was no way that Owen would be involved. Working together to find the truth gave them the chance to get to know each other again. The biggest obstacle was Eden's reluctance to trust Owen again. I loved how Owen's protectiveness kicked in as the arsonist focused on them. There were some beautiful moments between the two of them as Owen took care of Eden, and Eden supported Owen against the suspicions of his involvement. I also loved how she was there for him when the losses got to him. The rebuilding of their relationship had some ups and downs. I loved seeing them open up about their pasts, their mistakes, and what the future might hold. But Eden especially had difficulty believing that happiness was within her reach. Her fears caused her to pull back several times, and I wanted to shake her each time. Owen had amazing patience with her. I loved how he was able to wait until she worked through her feelings and realized that they belonged together. The ending was both fun and emotional. His gift to his fiancée was amazing, and I loved how it showed how well he understood her. The scene at the wedding reception was sweet, moving, and heart-wrenching at the same time.

The suspense of the story was great. Even though I haven't (yet) read the first two books, there was enough background given that I didn't feel lost. There was the feeling that the fires were part of something bigger, and the ending confirmed it. The suspense began early as some events were shown through the eyes of the bad guy, whose issues with Owen and Eden put them in extreme danger. The escalation of the attacks against them had me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I loved Eden's strength of will and presence of mind during the confrontation at the end, along with Owen's understandable reactions. I liked the lead-in to the next book and can't wait for Declan's story.

The Magnolia Inn - Carolyn Brown (Amazon Publishing - Jan 2019)

Inheriting the Magnolia Inn, a Victorian home nestled in the East Texas pines, is a fantasy come true for Jolene Broussard. After living with the guilt of failing to rescue her self-destructive mother, Jolene knows her aunt and uncle’s B&B is the perfect jump start for a new life and a comforting place to call home. There’s just one hitch: stubborn and moody carpenter Tucker Malone. He’s got a half interest in the Magnolia Inn, and he’s planting his dusty cowboy boots squarely in the middle of her dream.

Ever since his wife’s death, Tucker’s own guilt and demons have left him as guarded as Jolene. The last thing he expects is for his new partner to stir something inside him he thought was gone forever. And as wary as Jolene is, she may have found a kindred spirit -- someone she can help, and someone she can hold on to.

Restoring the Magnolia Inn is the first step toward restoring their hearts. Will they be able to let go of the past and trust each other to do it together?

Good slow-building romance between two hurting people who can't seem to let go of their painful pasts. Jolene was raised by a mother who was an alcoholic and a drug addict, making Jolene the "adult" in the family. After Jolene grew up and moved out, her mom died of an overdose, leaving Jolene feeling guilty for deserting her. Then Jolene's boyfriend also turned out to be an alcoholic who cleaned out her bank accounts. She needed a chance for a fresh start.

Jolene's Aunt Sugar has given her a half-interest in the Magnolia Inn, the bed and breakfast that Sugar and her husband run together. He has given his half to his nephew Reuben, who Jolene detests (with good reason). Reuben has no interest in doing anything with his half and immediately sells it to Tucker. Jolene has some great ideas for the inn, but no capital to carry them out.

Tucker is the local handyman. He used to be a cop until his wife died in a car accident. Unable to handle his grief, Tucker turned to alcohol and eventually lost his job. Now he works as a handyman during the week and drinks his way through the weekends to dull the pain of her loss. When he heard about the inn, he thought it would be a good opportunity for him. He has the cash to invest and the skills to do the renovations.

Jolene wasn't too sure about having Tucker as a partner. She was all too familiar with living with a drunk, and she didn't want to do it again. I liked the way that she and Tucker sat down and laid out their expectations so that there would be no misunderstandings. I enjoyed the development of their relationship. They started as partners, working together to renovate the inn. I loved the easy exchange of ideas, and their willingness to compromise when necessary. As they worked together, their partnership became friendship. There were some terrific scenes of their more lighthearted moments, as well as some emotional scenes as they shared the more painful parts of their pasts. All that time together also gave a simmering attraction time to grow. But both were wary of risking their hearts again. Jolene feared getting involved with another alcoholic and did her best to keep Tucker at arm's length. But she also has a good influence on him after he heard her story. Tucker was buried in guilt over his wife's death, which made getting past it that much harder. He also fought his growing feelings for Jolene because they made him feel disloyal to his wife. It was very interesting to see the mental conversations he had with Melanie as she tried to get him to let her go. There were some heartbreaking moments as Tucker worked his way through that grief. The slow buildup of the feelings between Jolene and Tucker was believable and right for them. I loved seeing them realize that their pasts don't have to define their futures and that they can build that future together.

The secondary characters are a huge part of the story. First, there are Aunt Sugar and Uncle Jasper, who were ready to retire and live their dream of traveling. It was fun to follow their travels and see the effects it had on them. I loved Sugar's phone calls back to Jolene and "the girls." Her ability to sense when Jolene needed her was great, and I enjoyed the kernels of wisdom she dropped along the way. I wasn't at all surprised by her feelings as the trip went on. The surprise she had for everyone at the end was terrific. Her three friends, Dottie, Flossie, and Lucy, were a riot. Each of them was very different, but their friendship was bone deep. It was fun to see them rag on Lucy about her actions after romantic breakups. I loved how they supported Jolene with the inn and kept a wary eye on Tucker until they were sure he was okay to be around her. Their Sunday lunches were a hoot and added a bit of lightness when emotions got a little heavy.

 

The Girl with the Sweetest Secret - Betina Krahn (Kensington - Nov 2018)

Series: Sin and Sensibility (Book 2)

When Frances Bumgarten encounters a handsome stranger in her kitchen in the middle of the night, her first impulse is to wallop the scoundrel on the head with a bread paddle. And when Frankie discovers he is “The Fox,” a disarmingly arrogant purveyor of gossip among England’s aristocracy, she’s tempted to take a second swing...

Never mind that Reynard Boulton, nephew of the Viscount Tannehill, is returning her inebriated uncle safely home. This chiseled intruder has sparked an infuriating physical sensation unlike anything the feisty Nevada silver heiress has experienced. In fact, the noblemen of London are so dull, Frankie’s sworn off marriage entirely. She will, however, help her younger sister win her own love match -- even if it means secretly enlisting Reynard’s enquiring mind...

But secrets, as Reynard knows too well, can be costly. For Frankie is yet unaware that a villainous duke is scheming to claim her -- and ruin him. Soon they’re racing to uncover the truth -- and fueling a passion that won’t stay hidden...

A fun book full of twists and turns that are sometimes hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking. Frankie is in London with her uncle, mother, and sisters. The family made a fortune in silver mining in Nevada, and mom has brought the girls to England looking for improved marital opportunities. In other words, mom wants to snag titled men for her girls. Frankie is the independent sort and has no interest in falling in with her mother's plans. She has no intention of marrying at all. The fun started one night when Frankie caught a man sneaking into her house and whacked him on the head. It turned out that it was Reynard trying to sneak her Uncle Red into the house after finding him drunk. As Reynard had promised his friend, who is also Frankie's brother-in-law, that he would watch over the family, Reynard felt he had no choice. Though horrified by the realization that she was dealing with the notorious gossip, it didn't stop Frankie from demanding his help with her uncle. Previous meetings had been somewhat less than cordial, but both Frankie and Reynard suddenly find themselves taking a deeper notice of each other. That connection increased when Frankie saved Reynard from an attempt to trick him into marriage.

I really liked both Frankie and Reynard. Frankie is plain-spoken, loyal to her family, and a little bit naïve. While she had an enjoyable time in London, she thought the men were boring, until she got to know Reynard. She is a bit impulsive, especially when it comes to taking care of her family, and that gets her into some interesting predicaments. Reynard is terrific. He hasn't had an easy life, in spite of being the heir to a viscount. His parents died when he was young, leaving him to be raised by his uncle, the viscount. That uncle treated Reynard terribly, insinuating that his parents hadn't been married, that Reynard wasn't truly the heir and other things along those lines. There was no love in Reynard's life. As an adult, Reynard was treated like dirt by his uncle. He isn't even allowed to live in the house but has quarters above the carriage house. I ached for him and his feelings of not knowing who he really was.

I loved the development of the relationship between Frankie and Reynard. There was a simmering chemistry between them that took them both by surprise. I liked the way that Frankie couldn't stand by and let Reynard be railroaded into marriage even though she didn't like him at that point. Things became a little more heated between them when she disguised herself as a boy so she could observe his duel and he caught her at it. Even though they had their differences, Frankie knew she could depend on Reynard when she needed help. He was the one she went to for help finding out about the man her sister Claire was interested in, and again when Claire snuck away to follow the man to France. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between them, as Reynard would get frustrated by Frankie's headstrong stubbornness and her by his unexpected cautiousness. Despite the frustration, they also grew closer, developing a friendship that allowed them to share some of the bad times in their lives. Each of them also realized that their feelings for each other were changing, but there were obstacles to doing anything about it. Reynard knows that he is in no position to marry and he refused to do anything that would harm Frankie. Frankie was frustrated by her inability to get past Reynard's scruples, but she also respected him for them. I loved seeing them work together to track Claire. There were some terrific twists to their time in Paris that added to both the fun and the heartbreak.

The group's return to England brought more trouble to both Reynard and Frankie. Her mother pushed hard for Frankie to find a titled gentleman to marry and was ecstatic when the Prussian Duke Ottenberg showed a marked interest in Frankie. Though initially flattered by the attention, Frankie quickly realized that there was something about the duke that made her very uncomfortable. The scenes with him definitely pegged my creep-o-meter, and each encounter made it worse. Besides the duke's attitude toward Frankie, he also knew that Reynard was a threat to him and took steps to neutralize the threat. No one realized just how big a problem the duke was until it was almost too late. I was on the edge of my seat until that problem was resolved by a truly exciting confrontation between the duke and Reynard. Through it all, I wanted to shake Frankie's mother, and I loved seeing Frankie tell her mother exactly what was what in an eye-opening conversation.

I liked how Frankie's love for Reynard gave him the courage to finally confront his uncle, though things did not go quite as he expected. I loved that Frankie was by his side, giving him the support he needed. While I wasn't completely surprised by the truth Reynard uncovered, there were a couple of unexpected twists. I ached for Reynard and didn't blame him for his initial reaction. It was interesting to see what happened once he calmed down and had a chance to learn all the details. I loved how he was completely upfront with Frankie about all of it. The scene in the parlor at her house was sweet, funny, and emotional, and showed just how perfect they were for each other.

There were two other romances going on at the same time. The first was the romance between Frankie's sister, Claire, and the orchestra conductor, Julian. Both Claire and Julian were incredible musicians, which is what brought them together. But Julian came nowhere near what Claire's mother wanted for her. Though there were times I thought that Claire was naïve in her belief that she would be able to marry him, she turned out to be more determined than expected. She was also incredibly lucky during her trip to Paris. It was great to see how, once again, it was Reynard and his connections that brought a satisfactory conclusion to that romance.

There was also a sweet second-chance romance between Uncle Red and family friend Countess Evelyn. Uncle Red was in a whole heap of trouble because of his drinking and gambling. The countess was asked by the girls' mother to take them in hand because of their bad attitudes toward her plans. But when the girls didn't show up at Evelyn's country home, she and Red teamed up to find them. This gave them the chance to get to know each other again and deal with the mistakes of the past. I loved seeing all three stories converge in Paris and how their teamwork brought about so many happy endings.

I really need to go back and read the first book in the series,  A Good Day to Marry a Duke, before the next book comes out.

An Amish Match on Ice Mountain - Kelly Long (Kensington - Nov 2018)

Series: Ice Mountain (Book 5)

An Amish homecoming...

Disgrace drove Stephen Lambert from Ice Mountain, but honor drives him back to his Amish home. After rescuing a pregnant young woman from a burning house, the rugged firefighter knows the remote Amish mountain community is the only place Ella Nichols will be safe. Abandoned by the father of her child, the brave Englischer beauty needs him like no one before. Determined to protect her, Stephen claims the unborn babe as his own -- and prepares to return to the town, and the family, that once falsely accused him...

From the moment she is caught from peril by Stephen’s strong arms, Ella feels sheltered, nurtured. How else could she agree to sequester herself on Ice Mountain, among the Plain folk there, but for the promise of Stephen’s loving protection? But as she steps deeper into his world and discovers his haunting secrets, Ella longs to heal the heart of the man who has captured hers forever...

Good, multi-layered story of love, faith, and overcoming the past. Stephen left his home on Ice Mountain after he was accused of murder and shunned. Even though he was proved innocent, he no longer felt at home there. Instead, he moved to an Englisch town and worked as a firefighter. His life took a dramatic change when he rescued a young woman from a burning building. Ella was pregnant, abandoned by the father of her baby, and in danger from a greedy aunt and uncle.

I really liked Stephen and Ella. He is kind, honorable, and protective. He is well-liked by his fellow firefighters and has a strong friendship with his doctor roommate. Though he no longer lived in the Amish community, his faith was still strong and guided his behavior. Ella is sweet, determined, and feisty. She was determined to give her baby the best life possible, even under the most difficult of circumstances.

Stephen and Ella met when he saved her from a burning building. There was a connection between them from the very start, both physical and emotional. Stephen was drawn to Ella in a way that he'd never experienced before. He wanted to take care of her and her baby, at the same time he found it almost impossible to keep his hands off of her. Stephen's kindness to her is something that Ella hasn't felt in a very long time. She's attracted to him but doesn't feel she deserves the compassion of such a good man. I loved the protectiveness Stephen experienced when she went back to her old job, and the actions he took to show it. When they found out that the fire was deliberately set in an attempt to kill Ella, Stephen was determined to save her, even if that meant returning to Ice Mountain.

I liked the development of the relationship between Stephen and Ella. Stephen fell fast and hard for Ella and wanted nothing more than to make her part of his life forever. I loved how he already thought of her baby as his own. Ella felt the same about him but worried that their differing lives would make it impossible. I loved how easily she fit into the community and the hope that it gave her for the future. There were many sweet scenes between them as they got to know each other. I especially loved the way Ella took care of Stephen after the bear attack. There were also some fun scenes of his friends giving him a hard time over his feelings for her. Both were a little wary of expressing their feelings, but when a crisis threatened their lives, they realized that life was too short not to take the risk.

There was an element of mystery/suspense that ran through the book. We found out early on that Ella's life was in danger. There were several twists and turns that kept me guessing as to what would happen. I was intrigued by the first man sent to kill her. His actions were not what I expected, and I found my opinion of him changing rapidly. He redeemed himself quite nicely by the end of the book. The second killer was creepy and evil, made even worse by the connection he already shared with Ella. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.

Part of the story dealt with Stephen and his relationship with his mother and aunt. After meeting them, I completely understood the strain he'd been under as a kid and teenager. I thought it said a lot about his need to protect Ella that he even considered going back to that toxic atmosphere. It was interesting to see how the time away, plus his feelings for Ella, helped Stephen move past the resentment toward forgiveness. I also liked seeing the changes that Stephen's mother went through and how she faced up to her mistakes. There was a neat little twist involving her at the end of the book.

The Little Maverick Matchmaker - Stella Bagwell (HSE #2641 - Sept 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 3)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 117)

The courtship of Dillon's father

Rust Creek Ramblings

The town’s new doctor, widower Drew Strickland, is dedicated to his job and to his seven-year-old son, Dillon. Young Dillon has set his sights on making pretty school librarian Josselyn Weaver a part of their family. But Drew is afraid to love again, and Josselyn fears rejection. Buckle up your backpacks, dear readers, and see if a bighearted little boy can lead his grieving dad and our favorite librarian down the path to true love!

Good book. Drew came to Rust Creek Falls from Thunder Canyon to fill in as a doctor at the clinic. With him is his seven-year-old son, Dillon. Ever since the death of his wife, Drew has buried himself in his work, leaving most of his son's care to his parents. Now he is trying to bond with Dillon and having a rough go of it. As the story opened, Drew and Dillon were at a back-to-school picnic, where Drew was counting the minutes until they could leave. Dillon, on the other hand, was determined to introduce his dad to all of his friends and be on the lookout for a girlfriend for his dad. I had to laugh as Dillon zeroed in on Josselyn and immediately made his pitch. Josselyn was amused, but poor Drew was so embarrassed he couldn't get out of there fast enough. But not before both he and Josselyn had gotten a good look at each other. Josselyn was immediately intrigued by Drew and couldn't stop thinking about him.

I loved watching Drew fight the inevitable at the beginning. Dillon had made up his mind that Josselyn was perfect and he was determined to get them together. Once Drew decided that he wanted to get to know Josselyn better, he was off and running. There were some terrific scenes of the three of them together, such as when they all went fishing. Drew also realized that he wanted to spend time alone with her. The biggest problem was that he was still fighting the guilt he felt over his wife's death, blaming himself for what had happened. He was also afraid to love again because that meant he risked losing also. Meanwhile, Josselyn fell fast and hard for Drew and Dillon. She, too, was fighting against telling Drew how she felt. She was afraid that he was still in love with his late wife and would reject her love. Just when it looked like Dillon was going to get his wish, something happened that brought all of Drew's fears rushing back. I ached for Josselyn as Drew ran from his feelings, leaving her heartbroken. I also hurt for Dillon, who saw his dad revert to the grumpy, withdrawn man he used to be. It took a scare caused by a heartfelt note from Dillon for Drew to realize what he was throwing away. I loved his big moment at the end as he finally let go of his fears. The location and witnesses to his declaration were a nice touch.

 

The Marshal's Wyoming Bride - Tatiana March (HHSS #489 - Dec 2018)

Married in haste…

…to a complete stranger!

When Rowena McKenzie is accused of murder, she’s relieved to find an unlikely ally in Deputy US Marshal Dale Hunter. Having proved her innocence, she only has one thing of value with which to repay this handsome yet scarred and enigmatic man -- the Wyoming ranch she inherited from her father two years ago. But Dale will only accept it if Rowena agrees to be his wife!

Good story. I've been looking forward to this one since I read The Outlaw and the Runaway, where Dale was a good friend to Roy. I wanted to know what happened after he received his pardon. This book takes place three years later. Dale has spent that time as a Deputy US Marshal and is burned out. All he wants is to take his savings and buy a ranch where he can live in peace. Before his boss will accept his resignation, he is given one more task. Go to a small town in Arizona and find out the truth about a young woman accused of murder. Rowena has been living in Pinares for two years, ever since she walked away from an unwelcome marriage proposal. She was accused of killing a conman who swindled money from some of the townspeople. But there is more to the story than anyone knows and she was simply waiting for the right time to speak up.

I enjoyed the first meeting between Dale and Rowena. After hearing the details of what had happened, Dale had a pretty good idea of the truth of the matter, but Rowena was nothing like he expected. He was frustrated by her lack of cooperation when he questioned her, but also drawn to her in a way that disturbed him. The way she reminded him of his murdered sister made him want to help her. Rowena was also drawn to Dale, his air of power and danger reminding her of the help she would need if she ever wanted to reclaim her home. It was interesting to see the give-and-take between them over the next few days, as they waited for the judge's arrival. Dale continued his attempts to question her, and Rowena continued to hold out for her expected proof. The information that she waited for arrived just in the nick of time, but did not have the effect she expected. I ached for her as the reality of her situation sank in, and she had to face the consequences of her actions. She did not expect the way that Dale came to her rescue. The only way she had to repay him was to give him the ranch she inherited from her father.

The pragmatic agreement between Dale and Rowena was realistic for the time. As a woman alone, Rowena needed Dale for safety and security. In order to cement his claim to Rowena's ranch, Dale needed her as his wife. Underneath the practicality, there were also sparks of attraction between them. There were also some deep-seated insecurities that made each of them wary of risking their hearts. Rowena had been engaged before, to a man who rejected her when he discovered that her father's ranch wasn't what he expected. He did it in a cruel and public manner that has damaged her belief in herself. Dale has not told Rowena about his outlaw past and feared her reaction once he does. He is also badly scarred and doesn't want to see pity in her eyes. I liked how they were able to talk about their expectations for living and working together on the ranch. During their journey from Arizona to Wyoming, I liked seeing Dale's growing protectiveness toward Rowena, as well as his appreciation for her strength and courage. I loved the scene in the hotel where he found a way to deal with the women who were disrespectful to Rowena. I also liked how Rowena helped Dale deal with his nightmares, and how their growing closeness helped relieve some of the darkness he felt inside.

I enjoyed seeing Dale and Rowena settle into married life. It wasn't all smooth-sailing as both were strong-willed personalities. There was one instance where Rowena's stubbornness collided with Dale's sense of justice, creating a rift between them. I liked the way that Dale found a way to deal with it, and that it ultimately brought them closer together. That closeness was threatened when part of Rowena's past made an appearance. It started out well, as Dale found a perfect way to support her. Unfortunately, Dale still hadn't found the courage to tell Rowena all about his past, and that decision came back to haunt him. I ached for Dale as his fears about her reaction seemed to come true and drove a wedge between them. It took an unexpected threat to Rowena's life to open her eyes to the truth. There was an unexpected twist to that threat that also had a huge impact on Rowena. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

There was also a theme of family running through the book. Different views on family are what began the feud between neighboring ranchers and ultimately caused the death of Rowena's father. The death of Rowena's mother had a profound effect on her that lasted into adulthood. The circumstances of Dale's sister's death haunted him for many years, setting him on the path that ultimately made him an outlaw. It also strained the relationship between Dale and his mother. The scene of their reconciliation was both amusing and heartwarming. I also loved the scene where Rowena and Dale's mother met. There were a couple of fun twists in the epilogue, one involving Dale's mom, and the other giving her a sweet surprise.

His Mistletoe Marchioness - Georgie Lee (HH #1404 - Dec 2018)

The marquess is back!

Will she give him a second chance?

When widowed Lady Clara Kingston discovers that Lord Delamare is a guest at the same Christmas house party, her instinct is to run! Six years ago, Hugh broke her foolish heart. Dare she believe he’s truly a reformed rake? She’s secretly thrilled every time he looks her way, but she’ll have to trust him if she’s to reclaim his kiss underneath the ever-present mistletoe…

Very good second chance romance. Clara has been widowed for two years and was finally ready to venture back into society. She was nervous about this house party, however, because six years earlier it had been the scene of her greatest heartbreak and humiliation. All she could do was hope that it had been forgotten by others attending, only to have those hopes dashed when the cause of that humiliation was also there.

Six years after breaking the heart of the woman he loved, Hugh was back at the scene of the crime. This time he hoped to have a chance to explain his previous actions and beg for Clara's forgiveness. He had made many mistakes over the past few years but was determined to turn over a new leaf.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Clara and Hugh. In spite of the way things had ended between them six years earlier, it was clear that their feelings were still there. Clara has grown a lot in self-confidence, but the thought of being the center of gossip again stings her pride. Though she struggled through that first dinner, I loved how she took the initiative the next day to address the tension between them. Hugh came to the house party with the intent of mending things with Clara. Unfortunately for him, he realized that his reputation would make it more difficult. I liked his surprise and appreciation of the changes he saw in her. As the house party activities constantly threw them together, they discovered that it was still easy to talk to each other about anything. I loved how they were able to share their grief and the understanding that came with it. It was easy to see that Hugh was still head over heels for Clara. Clara felt the same, but she was also wary of trusting Hugh again, especially when "well-meaning" advice aggravated those fears. I liked how Hugh faced that hurdle honestly.

But there was a much larger problem looming. A new arrival to the house party also had his eye on Clara and made no secret of it. While she is flattered by his attention, there is also something about him that doesn't sit quite right either. Hugh was a bit more blatant in his distrust and displayed a pretty big dose of jealousy. Things go from bad to worse when someone from Hugh's past makes an appearance with a devastating claim. I ached for Clara, whose heart was shattered once again. I also hurt for Hugh, who once again found honor taking precedence over what he wanted most in his life. It was clear that there was something suspicious going on, and help came from a very unexpected source. The confrontation was very well done with a very satisfying resolution. I loved Hugh's big moment as he laid his feelings out there in front of everyone. The epilogue was a nice look at their lives a year later.

I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters. Clara's brother and sister-in-law provided excellent moral support for Clara. I loved the way that Anne seemed to know just when Clara needed an extra little push. I also liked that their friendship with Hugh had continued during the previous six years and that they believed in him. The gossips, Lord Westbrook and Lady Fulton, were easy to dislike at the beginning, with their snide comments and innuendo. Each also gained a little sympathy from me as I learned more about them. My favorite, however, was Lady Pariston. She was a feisty old lady with a very kind heart. I loved her support of Clara. She also had a couple of funny scenes with the very young Lord Wortley.

The Firefighter's Christmas Reunion - Christy Jeffries (HSE #2662 - Dec 2018)

Series: Sugar Falls Idaho (Book 8)
            American Heroes (Book 12)

Can a chance reunion spark a Yuletide proposal?

Anything can happen in Sugar Falls!

Home for the holidays with her adopted son from Ghana, Hannah Gregson runs straight into her former flame -- fire chief Isaac Jones. Though the pair are determined to keep their distance, the local matchmakers throw them together at every holiday event, and Hannah’s son worships the brave ex-soldier. If Isaac isn’t careful, he just may go from hero to family man by Christmas!

Good second chance romance. Hannah and Isaac had been high school sweethearts until gossip-fueled misunderstandings drove them apart. Ten years later, both of them are back in Sugar Falls. Isaac has been the Sugar Falls fire chief for about six months. Hannah has come home with her adopted son to be closer to her sick mother and take up a new teaching job. Neither was aware of the other's presence until they encountered each other at a local fundraiser.

The tension and sparks flew between Hannah and Isaac from the moment they saw each other. Each of them believes themselves to be the wronged person in their breakup and they are determined to avoid each other. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, it seems that most of the town is determined to throw them together, aided by Hannah's son Sammy and his fascination with the fire chief. I loved seeing Isaac and Sammy together. There was an immediate connection between Isaac and Sammy. I loved their first scene together at the pancake fundraiser, as Isaac showed an innate understanding of Sammy's feelings.

I liked the development of the relationship between Hannah and Isaac. It was clear from the start that the feelings between them had never died, but both were wary of risking their hearts again. There were times when it looked promising for them to overcome the past, but then something would happen to bring the old memories flooding back. Both Isaac and Hannah had insecurities that were aggravated by their inability to talk about the past. Isaac always felt that he had to live down his teen reputation of a spoiled rich kid, and spends a lot of time doing charity work. He also has a pretty strong competitive streak. Hannah was something of a do-gooder/activist as a teen, which has carried over into her adult life. She also struggles to adjust to her new role as a mother, while dealing with her mother's illness. I rather enjoyed the various attempts to throw Isaac and Hannah together. The bachelor auction was pretty funny, especially with the who and why of the person who bid on Isaac. The heat between Isaac and Hannah continued to grow, as did the feelings neither were willing to address. I enjoyed Isaac's conversation with Hannah's mom, who was pretty blunt in her advice to him. Hannah's "aha" moment came from an unexpected source. Their big moment at the end was especially emotional thanks to Sammy.

Prince of Danger - Amanda Scott (Forever - Nov 2005)

Series: Isles/Templar (Book 3)

When a dashing Scottish nobleman meets an impetuous beauty under treacherous circumstances, they discover something more irresistible than the fabled Templar treasure that they seek...

To Lady Isobel Macleod, marriage is a prison and husbands irritating encumbrances. Her domineering father and ferocious brother-in-law have proven as much to her. But when she comes upon Sir Michael St. Clair, master of Rosslyn Castle, being beaten by vicious strangers, she flies to the knight's defense, helps him escape, and flees with him into the rugged Highlands and beyond to the misty Isles. Alone under the stars with the man whose gaze holds her spellbound, Isobel ponders her long-held prejudices. But as their relentless enemy pursues them, she faces a new danger -- surrendering her freedom to this fearless yet tender man... and linking her fate forever to the treasure that stirs mankind's greed and imagination to this very day.

This was a fun, adventurous story with the added bonus of a good romance. Isobel is nineteen-years-old, willful, independent, feisty, stubborn, and perhaps a little bit naïve. Chafing under the rules that govern a "lady's" behavior, Isobel escapes whenever she can. On this occasion, she rode out alone and stumbled upon a man being beaten by strangers. Rather than go for help, she rushed in to try to help. Instead, she was also captured. Her naivety showed in her belief that just telling them who she was would make them stop. Her stubbornness also showed in her refusal to sit back and accept whatever would happen. I enjoyed her take-charge attitude as she engineered their escape, and wondered a little at the rather docile attitude of the man she rescued.

Michael is a knight from a powerful family. He is strong, brave, intelligent, and determined. While visiting a friend, Michael indulged in one of his passions - exploring caves. He went out early one morning and was attacked by men who believed that he knew something about a long lost treasure. His prospects for survival don't look good. He was stunned by the arrival of and attempted interference by a beautiful woman. It was fun to see his surprise as Isobel found a way to free them both and managed their escape. I found it interesting that he seemed content to let her do so, making only a few mild suggestions.

I enjoyed how the development of Michael and Isobel's relationship was intertwined with the adventure of Templar treasure. There were sparks between them from the start. Isobel tried to ignore them, as she was determined that she would never marry. Her observations of marriage led her to believe it was more prison than pleasure, something that did not suit her independent nature. Michael was intrigued by Isobel and her independence, and also frequently frustrated by her actions. He also found himself increasingly protective of her. When they reached the safety of her brother-in-law's home, matters became more complicated. To protect her reputation, Michael proposed marriage but had to overcome several obstacles before she would agree. There were several instances when I really wanted to shake Isobel because she was only thinking of herself. She had almost succeeded in keeping her freedom until a stupid decision on her part sealed her fate, and she discovered a different side to the previously mild-mannered Michael. I liked seeing them get to know each other. Both had some issues with trust, and I loved seeing how they handled those problems. There were some terrific scenes that showed the growing depth of their feelings and the way they showed them. The conclusion was quite intense, and I loved how they expressed their feelings at the end.

The adventure part of the story was very good. I enjoyed the concept of the missing Templar's treasure and the conflict between those who wanted it. It was clear from the start that Waldron would do anything to get his hands on it, and Michael was equally determined to keep it safe. The problem was that no one knew where it was, and the race was on to see who would find it first. Adding further complications was the impending installation of Michael's brother Henry as the ruler of the Orkneys. I loved the involvement of Isobel's family and connections in protecting both Isobel and Michael. There were some fantastic scenes with Hector and Lachlan as plans were made and carried out. The sea battle was exciting and gave a hint of what was to come. I loved the group's arrival at Henry's and the conversation among him, Michael, and Isobel regarding the treasure. I especially enjoyed that it was Isobel who discovered something that neither of the men had noticed about the letter that Henry had. Waldron's deviousness was evident in his actions here, and there were some tense moments before it was all over. I was on the edge of my seat as Michael and Isobel arrived at Rosslyn and continued their search for the treasure. Waldron's reappearance was not unexpected, and this confrontation reminded me of the one at the beginning of the book. I loved Isobel's method of self-defense and her presence of mind as she dealt with each threat. There was assistance from an unexpected source and a very satisfying ending. 

Honor Reclaimed - Tonya Burrows (Entangled - June 2014)

Series: HORNET (Book 2)

Former Marine sniper Seth Harlan is determined to prove that he can still do his job despite his ongoing battle with PTSD. When an old friend contacts HORNET to rescue a black ops soldier, Seth's stability is strained. He knows all too well what it's like to rot inside an enemy camp, praying for rescue and waiting for death. And he's not about to leave a man behind.

Photojournalist Phoebe Leighton just stumbled into the middle of an arms deal. Teaming up with a ragtag team of mercenaries is the last thing she wants to do--especially when she realizes Seth Harlan is assigned to the mission. He may ignite a passion in her she thought long dead, but Phoebe's hiding a secret that could destroy him.

With a bomb in the mix, HORNET's mission is suddenly about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of the team struggle to stop a ruthless warlord bent on power, revenge...and death.

Fantastic story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Seth, a former Marine, made a brief appearance in the first book, SEAL of Honor, as a potential member of the team. They were skeptical because of his severe PTSD, something that seemed to be confirmed during several training missions. I ached for him and what he had been through, as revealed by his flashbacks. Seth was determined to overcome his issues and make a place for himself with HORNET, in spite of his occasional doubts. When the team was asked to rescue a black ops agent in Afghanistan, Seth knew it was his chance to prove himself. However, returning to Afghanistan could also strain his stability, bringing back memories of his capture and torture.

Phoebe was a photojournalist working on a story about child brides in Afghanistan. Several years earlier she was a tabloid reporter who trashed a Marine's name and reputation to improve her ratings and name recognition. When she realized the damage she had done, she quit what she was doing, changed her name, and focused on stories that brought attention to injustices around the world. She had no idea that her current project would collide with that same man's mission.

I loved the development of the relationship between Seth and Phoebe. Once they got past the misunderstandings around their initial encounter, it was clear that the chemistry between them was intense. I ached for them both, because Seth believed that he was too broken to be good for any woman, and Phoebe was hiding the truth about who she was. As Phoebe worked with the HORNET team to match her information with theirs, she saw the emotional turmoil that Seth went through every day and was blown away by his honor and his strength. After being trapped in his memories and nightmares for so long, Seth was shocked by the resurgence of feelings and desires that she brought out in him. Her empathy and compassion also had a way of calming him and cutting through the mental noise that still plagued him. The growing feelings and intense chemistry leaped off the page, as did Phoebe's worry about what would happen when Seth found out the truth. All I could do was hope that they would be able to come through it, and so they did. I loved the realism of how they did it, instead of the often "I love you so of course, I'll forgive anything immediately" resolution of so many others.

The action of the story had me in its grip from the first page. The horror of what Tehani would be forced to do if it hadn't been for Zak breaking his cover was bone chilling. His acceptance of his probable death or torture was heartbreaking. When the HORNET team was called in to rescue him, my heart hurt for Seth, who knew what Zak experienced if he was still alive. Then there were Phoebe and Zina, who ended up with a far bigger challenge than they expected when they were called on to get Tehani to safety at Zina's shelter in Kabul. When Seth and Jean-Luc's meeting with a weapons supplier went south at the same time Phoebe appeared to be following them, the tension was incredible. When Seth and Phoebe made it to the shelter, and Tehani was finally able to fulfill her promise to Zak, the intensity went up even more. I loved seeing the team work together to set up the rescue, though I was with Phoebe in her disgust of the way they treated Seth. I just about stood up and cheered to see Seth take matters into his own hands, and the events he precipitated had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over. I ached for him and his fear for Phoebe. It was interesting to see who came to his aid and how. But Zak's rescue turned out to be only the tip of the iceberg, with something much worse waiting in the wings. That issue was far too believable, and the realism had me glued to the pages to see how it would be resolved. The three women were caught in the middle of it, with a psychopathic killer just waiting for his chance. I was completely stunned by the unexpected twist in the resolution.

As the second book in the series, the HORNET team is slowly coming together. They are more of a team than they were in the first book, but there are still adjustments going on. It bugged me that they were all so down on Seth. Most of them are prior military and should have been empathetic to what he had gone through. Instead, they constantly put him down, at least at the beginning. Ian was the absolute worst, and I really wanted someone to knock some sense into him. I did like getting a little more background on each of the others, and can't wait to read their stories. I would also like to know more about the money man, Tucker Quentin. In reading this book, I also learned about the Wilde brothers and their books, so those have also been added to my "want to read" list.

 

Fortune's Christmas Baby - Tara Taylor Quinn (HSE #2664 - Dec 2018)

Series: Fortunes of Texas

His holiday surprise…

Is a bundle of joy!

When Nolan Forte returns to Austin a year after a yuletide romance, he is shocked to learn he is a father. He wants to do right by his beautiful baby girl -- and her sweet mama, Lizzie Sullivan. But when he reveals his real name is Nolan Fortune, all bets are off. Lizzie doesn’t trust men with money. Maybe some Christmas magic can convince her that she, Nolan and Stella are already rich in what matters!

Sweet, emotional holiday romance. Musician Nolan Forte had a secret that was about to create a huge complication in his life. For a few weekends during the year, plus two weeks over Christmas, Nolan was a member of a jazz band, hiding behind a stage name. The rest of the year he was Nolan Fortune, a member of the millionaire banking family in New Orleans. He cherished his time away and the chance to be a normal man. During the previous Christmas's Austin gig, Nolan met Lizzie, and they had a magical time together. When their time was over, he vanished from her life completely, knowing that their lives were too different. He never forgot her but doesn't plan to see her again.

Lizzie is a music teacher in Austin. Her romance with Nolan the year before had been one of the best things that ever happened to her. But when she discovered she was pregnant, all of her attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. The cell phone number he gave her was disconnected, and the emails she sent to the band website were never answered. Dismayed and hurt that someone she had cared for hadn't felt the same way, she was determined to give little Stella the best possible life she could.

Lizzie received quite a shock when her roommate told her that Nolan's band was back in town. She knew she should tell him about the baby, but he obviously hadn't ever wanted to see her again. Nolan was intrigued when Lizzie's roommate tracked him down and insisted he had to see Lizzie. He was stunned to discover that he was a father. I loved the fact that he immediately accepted the truth and was determined to be a part of the baby's life.

I loved the development of the relationship between Nolan and Lizzie. Though I was disappointed in his initial decision not to get in contact with a woman he obviously had feelings for, I could somewhat understand his reasons. His time as Nolan Forte was kept separate from his life as a Fortune. He'd been burned by a woman more interested in his money than in him, as had his brother Austin. He also knew how Lizzie felt about people with money. Her middle-class parents had gotten involved with a wealthy couple, to the point of ignoring Lizzie and her needs. When her parents were killed on a trip with that couple, all Lizzie could think of was how that influence had destroyed her family. As soon as Nolan confessed the truth, all of Lizzie's fears rushed to the surface. She was terrified that Nolan and/or his family would take Stella away from her. I loved Nolan's efforts to allay her fears. Meanwhile, Nolan had to fight some fears of his own. He had his life as a Fortune and his life as Nolan Forte, and they had always been separate. Now those two worlds had collided and he didn't know how to deal with it.

I loved seeing Nolan and Lizzie spend time together as they tried to work out their new dynamic. Both of them wanted what was best for Stella. I loved seeing Nolan fall deeper in love with baby Stella. There were some awesome scenes of him as he learned to be a daddy. Nolan wanted to do anything he could to make Lizzie's life easier, which for him was spending money to do so. Lizzie struggled with accepting his help, her fear of his wealth getting in the way. I thought that they did a fantastic job of listening to each other and finding acceptable compromises. All the while, Nolan and Lizzie's feelings for each other continued to grow until both had to face the truth of what they wanted. I ached for them because neither could figure out how to make it happen. I loved Christmas Eve with Nolan and his family. It was an emotional scene with some unexpected twists on top of Nolan's revelations. I loved their support of him. Nolan's big moment at the end had me in tears as he showed Lizzie the depth of his feelings, including his last ditch effort to get past her fears.