The Many Sins of Cris de Feaux - Louise Allen (HH #1286 - June 2016)

Series: Lords of Disgrace (Book 3)

Secrets, sins and a scandalous affair

Crispin de Feaux, Marquess of Avenmore, has always done his duty and knows the time has come to find a suitable wife. But when the intrepid Tamsyn Perowne saves his life off the Devonshire coast, Cris is unable to tear himself away…

The widow of a notorious smuggler, Tamsyn would never make an appropriate bride. And Cris has secrets that could tear them apart before they've even begun! Yet, for the first time, Cris is tempted to ignore his duty and claim Tamsyn as his own!

Terrific book that snagged my attention from the beginning and didn't let go until I was done. Cris was back in England after completing a diplomatic mission in Denmark. Unfortunately, he lost his heart to a Danish beauty while he was there. Too honorable to cause a scandal with a married woman or create an international incident, he arrived home frustrated, restless, and reckless. A moment of inattention while swimming off the Devonshire coast found Cris fighting for his life before barely making it to shore. There he was rescued by Tamsyn, a smuggler's widow, and taken in by her and her aunts.

I loved that first encounter between Cris and Tamsyn. He saw her as a mermaid coming to his rescue, and she saw him as a sea god. They shared a hot kiss of relief in being alive before Cris slid into unconsciousness. Tamsyn is no pampered society woman, and I loved her take charge attitude. The scene in the bathing room was great - it was fun to see the always-in-control Cris at Tamsyn's mercy. In spite of his discomfort, Cris was quite intrigued by Tamsyn, especially when he overheard her confrontation with the local magistrate. Though he originally intended to leave as soon as possible, when he heard of the troubles they had his protective instincts stirred. I laughed out loud at his scheme to remain there and investigate the troubles. I laughed even harder when Tamsyn called him on his attempt.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Tamsyn and Cris. The banter between them was terrific, as they were well matched in intelligence and humor. I liked their developing friendship. Neither one denied the attraction between them, though each dealt with it differently. Cris initially tried to ignore it, feeling that it was a betrayal of the woman he left in Denmark. Plus, as an honorable man, he did not want to cause a scandal that would affect Tamsyn's reputation. Tamsyn, on the other hand, was determined to take advantage of the sparks that flew between them. Neither one had any illusions of permanence between them. Cris reminded himself often that he has to look for an eligible bride on his return to London, and Tamsyn has her own reasons to believe it impossible. It was also clear that the feelings between them were growing in spite of it. The troubles facing the ladies took a more serious turn, ramping up Cris's protectiveness, and causing him to take a surprising action. The crisis was averted, but reality tore Cris and Tamsyn apart. I admit to wanting to strangle Cris's friend Gabriel for his obnoxious interference in their lives and its effect on them. An unexpected trip to London brought Tamsyn into Cris's world, and also into danger. I loved the encounters between Tamsyn and Cris's friends, and how they all came together to end the threat against her. I loved Cris's realization of his feelings and seeing him open his heart. I ached for both of them as Tamsyn ran from what she wanted most. Help came from an unexpected source and made for a perfect reconciliation between Cris and Tamsyn. There was an unexpected twist in their reunion that I thought was a lovely touch.

I liked the touch of suspense in the book. The accidents were a good reason for Cris to stick around and gave him and Tamsyn the time to get to know each other. The escalation of the attacks made Cris all the more determined to take care of Tamsyn. There was no doubt about who was behind them; it was only a question of figuring out how to stop him. I thoroughly enjoyed the scene at the inquest, especially Cris and Gabe's parts. The final confrontation was well done with some nail-biting moments until it was all over.

Wyoming Christmas Ransom - Nicole Helm (HI #1826 - Dec 2018)

Series: Carsons and Delaneys (Book 3)

A killer has been hiding for two years.

This Christmas, he’s ready to finish what he started.

He didn’t need her to care, so why did Wyoming loner Will Cooper’s world implode when Gracie Delaney quit helping him solve his estranged wife’s murder? Despite her ties to a rival family, the beautiful coroner had been the stubborn recluse’s one link to humanity -- and his last chance to clear the cloud hanging over him. But when Will and Gracie become the killer’s next target, reviving their platonic partnership is the only option. If only Gracie’s lips weren’t so tempting…

Good book that sucked me in quickly and kept me hooked. Since his wife's death two years earlier, Will was obsessed with proving that her death was murder. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to convince anyone in the sheriff's department that he was right, or even listen to his theories. His only hope was Grace, the county coroner, who has stayed in touch with him and occasionally fed his need for information.

Grace ached for Will. From the moment of Paula's death, he cut himself off from everyone who cared for him. She couldn't explain why she was so drawn to him and continued to check on him. She knew that for his sake, and her own, she had to stop feeding his obsession and hope that he would finally let it go. Instead, he just looked at her in confusion and shock and watched her drive away.

But Will finally found something to support his theories, and after a week of waiting for Grace to come back, he finally came down off his mountain looking for her. I ached for him as Grace confronted him about his obsession and the way it had taken over his life, asking him hard questions. Questions that brought emotions that he'd buried roiling to the surface, things that he didn't want to face, so he buried his hurt and pushed her away. Something else had also changed, and on his way home from that confrontation, Will was badly injured in an accident that was no accident.

From here to the end of the book I was glued to the pages as the tension continued to build. It quickly became clear that both Will and Grace were in danger as they pursued the leads that Will uncovered. At the same time, the chemistry between them also intensified and drew them closer together. I especially liked how having Grace in his life enabled Will to finally allow himself to feel again. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and perfect for Grace.

The suspense of the story was very good. I loved that Will's instincts were right all along and that he didn't give up. I understood his and Grace's need to get to the truth, and their frustration with Laurel's strictures after the attacks on them. Their escape from the hospital was exciting, but I was most impressed by their decision after the motel incident. It was satisfying to see the cooperation among the various Carsons and Delaneys as they tried to piece together what they knew. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as I waited to see how it would turn out. The resolution was very satisfying as Will's suspicions were vindicated. One of the things I liked best was the realism of the fight scenes. Neither Will nor Cam were made out to be supermen but were honestly shown as handicapped by their injuries.

 

The Spitfire Girls - Soraya Lane (Lake Union Pub - Feb 2019)

Three skilled aviators determined to help win the war. Three brave women who know their place is not at home.

At the height of World War II, the British Air Transport Auxiliary need help. A group of young women volunteer for action, but the perils of their new job don’t end on the tarmac. Things are tough in the air, but on the ground their abilities as pilots are constantly questioned.

There is friction from the start between the new recruits. Spirited American Lizzie turns heads with her audacity, but few can deny her flying skills. She couldn’t be more different from shy, petite Ruby, who is far from diminutive in the sky. It falls to pragmatic pilot May to bring the women together and create a formidable team capable of bringing the aircraft home.

As these very different women fight to prove themselves up to the task at hand, they are faced with challenges and tragedies at every turn. They must fight for equal pay and respect while handling aircraft that are dangerously ill-equipped; meanwhile, lives continue to be lost in the tumult of war.

Determined to assist the war effort doing what they love, can May, Lizzie and Ruby put aside their differences to overcome adversity, and will they find love in the skies?

This is a fantastic book that hooked me from the first pages and kept me enthralled to the very end. Based on historical events and people, this is the story of a group of women and their critical contribution to the war effort. With every male pilot needed to fly combat missions, the Air Transport Auxiliary desperately needed pilots to ferry new planes to the front and damaged ones back to be repaired. A group of very determined young women fought the odds and made a place for themselves as those pilots. This story is told from the point of view of three of those pilots.

May is the pilot who has been with the ATA the longest and is the commander of the women's unit. Flying was something that she and her brother Johnny did together. She was furious when he went off to war, leaving her behind. His death left her reeling with grief and guilt and an increased need to do something for the war effort. She is practical and clear-headed and excels at bringing out the best in the women she works with. There were some terrific scenes that demonstrated those abilities and highlighted the diversity of the personalities she had to deal with. She keeps her emotions in check and focuses on her work. I loved her care for her "girls" as she called them and her determination that they get the respect they deserve.

Ruby is a pretty and petite young woman whose love of flying is right up there with her love for her pilot fiancé. They flew together until he left to fly for the RAF. She was stuck at home, growing more frustrated by her desire to do something more important than keeping the home fires burning. The ATA was just what she needed, but she had an uphill battle to achieve that goal. Her future mother-in-law was vociferous in her disapproval, and even her fiancé was not supportive. I wanted to shake Tom because of the letters he wrote to Ruby, letters that did terrible things to her self-confidence. I loved May's confidence in Ruby and her efforts to show Ruby what she was capable of. Ruby's journey was an inspiration to read.

Lizzie was the American sent to Britain to learn about the ATA and bring that information home to America. She was a no-holds-barred woman when it came to going after what she wanted. She was raised on her father's tales of his efforts during World War One and a belief that she could do anything she put her mind to. I liked her determination at the beginning as she worked to make her dream of the American equivalent of the ATA come true. But she lost some of my admiration after she arrived in Britain and became the model for the Ugly American. Her extreme competitiveness, disregard for the rules, and general rudeness made it very difficult to like her. It took the efforts of multiple people before Lizzie was able to see that the ATA's strength was in their teamwork, not in the hands of individuals. Once she saw the light, the change in her was amazing, and there were few limits to what she could do. She had quite the challenge when she took what she learned back to America.

The book takes place between 1940 and 1946 and chronicles the joys and challenges of the work the "Spitfire Girls" accomplished. I felt their frustration at the lack of respect they received from their male counterparts, and how they had to work so much harder to prove themselves. I loved learning about the training they received, and how they excelled under incredible handicaps, such as being forced to fly without the use of instruments and radios, putting them in unthinkable danger. I loved seeing them shock the male pilots and ground crews regularly. I especially loved the scene where Ruby delivered the four-engine bomber, the men's disbelief that one tiny woman flew a plane (perfectly) that took a flight crew of four men to fly. I really liked how the women developed into a sisterhood that always had each other's backs. I ached for their losses and cheered their victories.

There was also a touch of romance in the book. Ruby had her relationship with her fiancé challenged by her work with the ATA. I loved her determination to follow her dream and ached for the pain he caused her. I cheered at the surprise waiting for her at the end of one flight. It was so much fun seeing the change in Tom's attitude when he realized the truth. Their challenges continued thanks to the war, but their faith in each other and their love pulled them through. Neither May nor Lizzie had been looking for love, but it found them anyway. May had closed herself off to the thought of love, wanting to protect herself from more loss. I loved how friendship and support from an unexpected source slowly grew into deeper feelings. Then there was Lizzie. The sparks flew between her and a certain Captain, but it took her a long time to realize there was more than antagonism there. I enjoyed seeing that relationship develop, especially with Lizzie's frequently volatile reactions to him on the job.

I loved the ending of the book. There was a wonderful surprise that Ben and Tom had cooked up for May and Ruby about a year after the war ended. I loved their teasing and how pleased they were with themselves. This was followed by a grand epilogue that took place at the sixty-fourth anniversary of V-J day. I loved seeing May, Lizzie, and Ruby together at the place that had been such a big part of their lives. I loved the part with Ruby, her grandson, and the Spitfire. I enjoyed her surprise, and loved the twist she added to it.

 

Love of the Game - Lori Wilde (Avon - May 2016)

Series: Stardust, Texas (Book 3)

A sexy sports superstar discovers his body isn’t the only thing that needs healing in this newest Stardust, Texas novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde

With major league good looks and talent, Dallas Gunslingers relief pitcher Axel Richmond was living the good life. Even if the roar of the crowd could never distract him from the loss of his young son. But now with an injured shoulder and his career on the line, Axel is stuck recuperating at a ranch in Stardust, Texas . . . striking out only with his gorgeous physical therapist.

Kasha Carlyle has one week to get Axel back in action or she can kiss her much-needed job with the Gunslingers goodbye. And any chance to seek custody of the orphaned half-sister she never knew existed. She quickly learns that Axel’s guarded heart also needs healing . . . requiring all kinds of sneaky plays and sexy moves in extra innings.

Good story about two people whose pasts affect their desire for relationships. Axel was focused on his baseball career, not only because it was his dream but also because it was his connection to his dead son. But a shoulder injury put his career in jeopardy and physical therapist Kasha Carlyle was his best chance to save that career. Kasha desperately needed the salary and benefits of her new job if she was going to have what she needed to get custody of her younger sister. Giving in to the attraction could be the death of that dream.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Axel and Kasha. The chemistry was there from the moment they met. Kasha fought it hard for two reasons. First, Axel was her patient, and she refused to cross that line. Second, Axel stirred up feelings in her that she didn't want. Keeping her emotions under control was very important to her. The things that she experienced as a child watching the interactions of her volatile parents left her with a distrust of passion. Also, her focus has been on gaining custody of Emma. Axel's main focus remained on his healing and return to baseball and his goals. But he couldn't deny how drawn he was to Kasha. I enjoyed their early interactions as Kasha used every trick at her disposal to get Axel to cooperate with her treatment. It was great fun to see him realize that she knew what she was doing. The attraction between them continued to build. I admired how Kasha remained true to her ethics, even as it became harder to do so. I liked how Axel seemed to know just how hard he could push Kasha without scaring her away.

I loved how both Axel and Kasha learned to grow and compromise as their relationship progressed. Their time together deepened their feelings, but neither could see how being together was possible. Axel saw his future with baseball creating a conflict between his traveling with the team and Kasha being rooted in Stardust. Kasha's focus on being what her sister needed left her feeling that there was no room for a relationship. I ached for both while they fought their battles with dreams, goals, and expectations. I loved the realism of their solution, as both of them found a way to make it work.

I also liked Kasha's realistic struggle over custody of her sister. Her shock at discovering Emma's existence and challenges were believable. I admired her determination to be part of Emma's life and her love for Emma was clear. There were some very sweet scenes of the two sisters together. I also felt Kasha's frustration at the party as her dreams ran up against reality. I liked Axel's support and his intervention at one point was brilliantly handled. I ached for Kasha as she struggled with the right thing to do.

Throughout the series, there has also been the presence of a magical hope chest. Kasha claimed that she didn't believe in the magic, but couldn't deny how two of her sisters found love. I enjoyed seeing her fight the truth of the special wine, especially once she discovered that Axel could taste it too. Now the only one left is Suki - where is her story?

New Year's Resolution: Romance - Christie Ridgway, Leslie Kelly, Tanya Michaels (HQN - Jan 2015)

Say Yes by Christie Ridgway

Cabin Fever (Book 1.5)

Cautious florist Ashley Walker is excited to embark on her "Year of Yes" no matter what happens. But accepting a surprise job offer leads to an awkward discovery: she's hot for her millionaire boss, Chase Bradley!

After four years of grieving the death of her husband and being overly cautious about her life choices, Ashley was ready to start living again. Her New Year's resolution was to start saying "yes" to more opportunities. The first chance came on New Year's Eve when she was offered a job playing hostess at a week-long house party. The money was too good to resist, but the difficulty was her boss. Chase Bradley intimidates the heck out of her, with his good looks, charm, and wealth, to the point where she can barely talk around him.

The development of Chase and Ashley's relationship was very fast. Chase was intrigued and attracted from the moment he met her, and when he found himself in need of a hostess, he jumped on the idea of asking Ashley. His focus was on pursuing the attraction and getting her into bed. However, it wasn't long before he was equally interested in getting to know her. Ashley was attracted to Chase, but she was cautious about risking her heart. I liked seeing them work together to entertain their guests, while at the same time getting to know each other. Once Ashley got past her shyness they had some pretty great interactions. It was fun to see Chase fight his feelings for a while, especially after his conversation with his friend. Ashley fought hers even harder, especially when some of the things she learned about him triggered her fears. I ached for Chase, who wanted to see where a relationship might go when Ashley freaked out over the idea. It took an eye-opening experience for Ashley to realize that there are no guarantees in life and that she should seize her chance to live and love again. I loved their big moment at the end and the "theme" for that day.

No More Bad Girls by Leslie Kelly

Scorched by a string of nightmare ex-girlfriends, Lex Rollins resolves to date only nice women...then is lured by siren Lia before midnight. But Lia is really Amelia, a good girl playing naughty for a night. Can a blind date as their real selves uncover their true desires?

I really liked this story. Lex is a good looking man who was quite the player. The women he dated tended to be on the bad girl side of the scale, especially the last one, who cleaned out his apartment of anything not nailed down. Out with his buddies on New Year's Eve, he took their accusations of having really bad taste in women to heart and made giving up bad girls his New Year's resolution. Too bad he stumbled into an especially intriguing one on his way out of the bar. Amelia is a nice girl who is sick of being every guy's friend and nobody's girlfriend. She was ready to push the limits of her comfort zone and let the woman she wished she was out to play.

I loved the chemistry between Lex and Amelia that was evident from the start. The banter between them on NYE was fantastic. I felt bad for both of them when midnight came because the end of that steamy kiss meant the beginning of Lex's resolution. Lex wanted to stay but stuck to his guns, and Amelia was left bewildered by his exit. Neither one could forget the other. Lex didn't expect to run into "Lia" a couple of weeks later and found himself just as intrigued. The circumstances of that encounter were pretty ironically hilarious, with Lex having just had to cancel the blind date set up by his friend with his future sister-in-law, and (unknown to him) Amelia being that blind date. This is followed by a pretty wild text conversation between Amelia and "Alexander." I loved the snappy humor and comebacks between them then and over the next couple of weeks before their date happens. I loved their reactions when they "met."

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lex and Amelia. I loved seeing Lex embrace the good side of himself. His planning of their first date was amazing, and he was off and running from there. He was always aware of the fact that Amelia wasn't like his former girlfriends, and treated her with tenderness and respect. I loved seeing him fall deeper under her spell and his surprise at the thoughts he had. At the same time, Amelia grew more and more frustrated. Her feelings for him also grew stronger, and her attraction even more so, but she couldn't get Lex to take that final step. Then a blast from the past reminded Lex of everything that screams that he isn't good enough for a nice girl like Amelia. I ached for the pain he felt and for Amelia when he pushed her away. Help came from an unexpected source, and I loved watching Amelia bring out her bad girl as she fought for her man. The ending was perfect for them.

Just a Fling by Tanya Michaels 

Shy, insecure Erin Cross makes two bold resolutions: (A) get on a plane, and (B) have a fling. In pursuit of Option A, she's mistaken for a key witness in a mob trial and whisked away by a sexy FBI agent Which just leaves Option B...

This was a quick, fast-paced romantic suspense. Erin has had some trouble getting back into the dating game, thanks to the hit her self-confidence took at the hands of her ex. She carried on a safe, long-distance phone flirtation with a coworker, until she was challenged by her best friend to do something about it. Erin made arrangements to meet him at a company convention in Mexico, requiring another resolution - getting on an airplane. She's been afraid of flying since a bad experience as a child, but took courage in hand and did it. All she had to do was meet the man at the pool bar and take it from there.

But not so fast. The man she thought was her date turned out to be an FBI agent there to meet up with a witness. Agent Foster thought that Erin was his witness - and so did the two thugs at the end of the bar. Thus began a somewhat madcap adventure as Foster and Erin do their best to escape and evade the men who want them both dead.

I liked the development of the relationship between Erin and Foster. This was his last case before leaving the FBI because of what he perceived as his failures. He was determined to keep her safe, and allowing himself to be distracted by his attraction wasn't in his game plan. She was just as attracted to him and quite willing to indulge in that attraction. I loved the scene at the gym when Foster was giving her self-defense lessons, and she couldn't remember why she was supposed to try to get away from him. I enjoyed how his admiration of her personally and in the way she handled herself gave her self-confidence such a boost. Foster also became more and more protective of Erin. It was great to see how her renewed confidence gave her the desire to help catch the bad guy. I was very impressed with her quick thinking when things didn't go according to plan, and her belief that Foster wouldn't let her down. But in the end, Foster's fears made him push Erin away in a heartwrenching scene. It was fun to watch him suffer for his stupidity, and I loved seeing his friend Morgan call him on it. I loved Foster's big moment at the end and the hint of vulnerability the peeked through his groveling speech to Erin.

 

Marriage Confidential - Debra Webb, Regan Black (HI #1720 - June 2017)

A sexy hero vows to love, honor…and stop the hacker!

Marriage to Madison Goode -- his secret high-school crush -- is news to billionaire techno whiz Sam Bellemere! The gorgeous State Department liaison has summoned him to fix a cybersecurity breach at an art museum reception. But why is he guest-listed as her husband?

Madison has her reasons…as does a nefarious hacker now threatening her life and career. But once they've gone public, introvert Sam and career-focused Madison must play their roles perfectly, trusting and protecting each other as they race to thwart disaster. Surprisingly, being close is easy. A real relationship might be possible…if a worldwide cyber attack doesn't cost them their lives!

This was a very good, mentally intense suspense story, capped by a dangerous confrontation. Madison is a respected and well-liked State Department liaison who has worked hard to make an international art exhibit proceed smoothly. But the night of the opening there was a cybersecurity breach that threatened to become an international incident. There's only one person that Madison trusts to fix the problem - high school friend and techno-wiz Sam Bellemere. But why does everyone believe that he is her husband?

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. The tension leapt off the pages as Madison and her team discovered the breach and tried to shut it down. I was amazed at how calm and cool she appeared as she desperately tried to reach Sam to ask for his help. I loved how he put his confusion over the "husband" designation aside while he dealt with the crisis, but didn't let Madison put off the explanation once it was over.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sam and Madison. They had been friends since high school when Sam was assigned to be her tutor as his community service after spending time in juvie for hacking. What neither one had been aware of was the intense crush that each had on the other. Madison was the popular girl, and Sam the super-shy, awkward geek that had no idea how to talk to her. But they became friends and maintained that friendship over the years. When Madison needed a way to fend off the unwelcome advances of male coworkers, she invented a husband and based him on Sam. She never expected to make that "relationship" public.

I loved how Sam slid right into the role without missing a beat. His protectiveness was stirred when he found out the reason for the deception and ramped up even further when he realized the danger that Madison was in. I loved his unyielding and logical method of demolishing her objections to staying at his place until the danger was over. Poor Madison was left trying to hide her feelings when all she wanted to do was throw herself at him, not knowing that he wanted the same thing. Working and living together gave those feelings a chance to grow, if only they could let go of their insecurities long enough to take the chance. I liked how their long-standing friendship made it easy for them to talk to each other. They also had a great deal of respect for each other and their abilities, which made their teamwork even stronger. Each of them dreamed about the possibility of making their "marriage" permanent. Madison doesn't realize that Sam loves her and thinks that they are destined to be friends only. Sam doesn't know how to tell her how he feels leading to that so awkward "contract" proposition. Neither can deny the physical attraction, and the scene where they gave in was both steamy and sweet. "She poured all she had into those kisses, everything she wanted to share with him and didn't dare speak the words."  I ached for them both and wanted to shake them when neither could find a way to speak the words in their hearts. The ending had a fun twist as they finally got past their fears.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. It was mostly a mental game of cat and mouse until the end. I was intrigued by the whole hacker/cybersecurity theme given its relevance to the issues of today. Sam quickly realized that there was more going on than just someone messing with the security at the museum. He became even more protective of Madison when it was obvious that the hacker had a very personal vendetta against her. The teamwork between Sam and Madison was amazing as they combined his tech brilliance with her knowledge of people. The intensity increased when Sam became the focus of two attacks. I was glued to the pages as they got closer and closer to identifying the culprit. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as things didn't go quite according to plan. The resolution was both satisfying and heartbreaking.

Home at Last - Shirlee McCoy (Zebra - Feb 2019)

Series: Bradshaws (Book 3)

Returning to their hometown isn’t something the Bradshaw brothers ever thought they’d do. But a family tragedy has reunited them in Benevolence, Washington -- where second chances, reignited dreams, and real love are never far away...

Texas rancher Flynn Bradshaw has his work cut out for him. His sister-in-law, Sunday, is finally home after the car crash that killed her husband and left her critically injured. But Flynn still has to get her failing ancestral farm up and running while looking after his six nieces and nephews. He prefers wide open spaces and working solo. Yet as he tries to get the grieving Sunday to care about her life again, he’s finding a chance for love that’s closer than he ever expected...

Even before the accident, Sunday struggled to keep the farm afloat as her once-happy marriage crumbled. Now with her body still recovering, she can't seem to get back the hope she once had. But as she reconnects with her children, Flynn’s dedication, love for the land, and caring slowly inspire her to dream again. Is their growing affection enough to help them through unresolved pain -- and risk trying for a future together?

Good story about family and overcoming challenges. Months earlier, Sunday was in an automobile accident that killed her husband and left her fighting for her life. She's now home, but her life was irrevocably changed. While she was in the hospital and rehab, her husband's brothers stepped in to care for the farm and her six children.

I liked Sunday, and I hurt for her. In addition to the physical injuries that she is still recovering from, the traumatic brain injury has destroyed her memories. She can't remember how to do the simplest things, and even new happenings get lost in her brain fog. Most of the time she'd rather sit in her chair and let the world go on around her. But she also wants to reconnect with her children and begin to feel like a mother again. It hurt to see her struggle and how those struggles affected the way she saw herself.

Flynn is the oldest of the brothers and left his Texas ranch to do his part to help the family. He hadn't realized how bad things were until he spent more than a day or two there. It didn't take him very long to uncover the reasons why.

The development of the relationship between Sunday and Flynn was a slow burning one. They were both surprised by the feelings of attraction between them. Flynn tried to ignore them, certain that having feelings for his late brother's wife was wrong. But he couldn't deny the need to help Sunday get back to a normal life. I liked his way of supporting her in her quest, by letting her work through the struggles rather than jumping in to do things for her. The breakfast scene was an excellent example of this. I also liked seeing that he knew when to push her, such as the riding scene. Sunday had a lot of emotional baggage to work through. At the top of the list was her anger at her late husband for the way he neglected the farm, plus his constant cheating on her. She also had to deal with her guilt over her inability to do the things she used to do. The last thing she wanted was to be attracted to that same husband's brother, even though Flynn was everything she could hope for. I didn't see any big "aha" moment for either of them, only the slow realization that they belonged together.

Some of my favorite parts of the book had nothing to do with the romance. I loved Sunday's children and their love and support of their mother. Each of them had their own way of helping. I loved Twila's organizational skills and her use of calendars and spreadsheets to keep Sunday on track. My favorite was Heavenly. Though she had her occasional teenage moments of obnoxiousness, her love for Sunday was never in doubt. I enjoyed the bits of her story and her relationship with Sunday. I laughed out loud at her comment about how, in the Bible, it was a man's duty to marry the widow of his brother and how it freaked out both Flynn and Sunday. There were other little pushes throughout the book, as it appeared that Heavenly clearly saw what was happening. I loved that she had the last word at the end "See, Mom? It's not weird at all."

The Army Doc's Christmas Angel - Annie O'Neil (HMED #997 - Dec 2018)

Series: Hope Children's Hospital (Book 3)

Letting go of his past…

…to embrace their future!

In this Hope Children’s Hospital story, pediatrician Dr. Finn Morgan keeps himself fiercely private -- after losing his leg in Afghanistan, he pushed everyone away. So his unexpected attraction to his colleague, physiotherapist Naomi Collins, infuriates him! Something in her stunning eyes tells him she’s a survivor, too. Christmas is a time for healing. Maybe they’ll both find what they’ve been looking for -- in each other’s arms…

Good story about two people, hurting from traumatic pasts, who are brought together by their desire to help a little boy. Finn is a surgeon who lost his leg in Afghanistan.  While recovering, he was so determined to do it himself that he pushed away everyone who cared about him. He didn't want sympathy or pity, just to be left alone. That attitude has continued, as his reputation around the hospital is respect for his work but that he doesn't get close to anyone. Naomi is a physiotherapist who is known for her cheerful attitude and excellent results with her patients. But she is haunted by her past which makes it difficult for her to get close to anyone.

Finn and Naomi were tagged to work together to help a young boy who was the victim of violence in his home country in Africa. As the boy's surgeon and an amputee himself, Finn felt that he was in an excellent place to help Adao face the changes in his life. Naomi was the physical therapist who would help him adjust, but having come from a similar situation, she also connects with him on a deeper level. I loved the first encounter between Finn and Naomi. Sparks flew as they clashed over Adao's needs. Those sparks also revealed an underlying attraction that surprised both of them. Finn isn't happy about his attraction to Naomi. He has spent a long time burying his emotions and being around her stirs them up. Naomi doesn't believe that she deserves to be happy.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. It got off to a rocky start with Finn behaving like a jerk to Naomi. Something about her throws him off balance and he lashes out in response. When Naomi stumbled across Finn outside of the hospital, she saw a very different side of him. I loved the scene of him with the kids and how relaxed he was around them. Finn was also further drawn to Naomi, intrigued by the pain he saw in her eyes. I loved how being around her made him realize that he was ready to start living again. The more he got to know her, the deeper his feelings for her grew. Naomi also felt her feelings for Finn growing and changing, but she was afraid to give in to them. The trauma of her past left her believing that she didn't deserve to be loved by anyone. I liked seeing Finn slowly break down her walls so that she would trust him with her story. His support of her gave her hope, but she was still wary. I liked how Finn also realized that he had to face his past before he could move on. His conversation with his ex-wife was eye-opening for him. I loved that he didn't give up on Naomi and showed her what she meant to him. Naomi's realization that he understood her and her fears gave her the courage to look forward instead of backward.

I loved the story of Adao and seeing his progress through the book. It was through him that bits and pieces of Finn and Naomi's stories were revealed, as each of them related to what he experienced. I ached for the little boy being so far from home and missing his family. It was heartwarming to see how many people rallied around him and the effect it had. I especially loved seeing him with Doodle, the therapy dog.

The epilogue was a fantastic ending to the story. We got to see how Finn and Naomi's relationship is progressing, with a very nice surprise for Naomi at the end of it. There was also a fantastic scene with Adao. I loved seeing him with his family and the difference in him from the beginning of the book. This was the first book of this series that I read, and I definitely want to go back a read the first two, as well as the next book (Theo's story).

 

The Mighty Quinns: Jamie - Kate Hoffmann (HB #927 - Feb 2017)

Series: Mighty Quinns (Book 35)

This wolf is seeing red…

At first, Regan Macintosh was certain that the hot -- and shirtless -- stranger in the woods was harmless. That is, until he sweet-talks his way into her grandmother's lodge and gets her to sell him cherished family land. Yes, now Regan sees past Jamie Quinn's roguish charm to the wicked wolf she knows he really is.

Jamie has no idea what he's done to earn Regan's suspicion, or her efforts to block his project. His motives are purely altruistic -- well, aside from wanting to kiss her until she's breathless with want. But Jamie never expected to experience the intensity of desire he feels for Regan. And if they're not careful, their hungry passion could make them both lose control…

Good book and the last of this trio of Quinn brothers. Jamie is the youngest of the brothers and the last to find love. In the prologue, we see how Jamie's childhood influenced his desire to help the homeless. I liked the way that his brothers were impressed with his plan and how their approval made him feel good.

Years later, Jamie was searching for a place to build one of his model "tiny" homes so that he would have something concrete to show his prospective investors. He happened on an elderly lady who was intrigued by his plans and offered him a lease on part of her property. A few weeks later, as he had the paperwork ready to sign, he was introduced to Ceci's granddaughter, Regan - a young lady he'd met the first day he was in town. There were sparks between them then, though they didn't exchange names. This most recent encounter put them on opposite sides, as Jamie needed Ceci's land, and Regan suspected that Jamie was some kind of con man, preying on gullible older women.

Regan was somewhat cynical about men since her fiancé left her standing at the altar. She was suspicious of Jamie and his plans and was determined to stop him. Jamie didn't have time to look for different property and was determined to convince Regan that he was an honest man. Meanwhile, Ceci seems intent on throwing the two together at every opportunity.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jamie and Regan. There was no doubt about the attraction that flared between them from the beginning, but there was also a deeper connection that both were wary of. I loved the push and pull between Jamie and Regan as they faced off over the land, and seeing Jamie slowly win Regan over to his side. The more time they spent together, the deeper the connection grew, but each dealt with it differently. Though he has no real experience of romantic love, he found himself wanting more. Regan, on the other hand, refused to consider their time together as anything other than a fling. She was convinced that love doesn't last, and every time that Jamie tried to bring up feelings or the future, she would shut him down. I ached for him because he was more and more certain of how he felt, but he couldn't get Regan to even talk about it. I loved that Jamie cared enough to give her the space she needed, and wanted to shake Regan until her teeth rattled. She let the fear win and continued to push him away, fighting her feelings all the way. I loved that Jamie didn't give up on her and that he laid his feelings out there for her. I also liked that he made sure she had the time to consider everything he told her. I loved their big moment at the end, as Regan finally let go of those fears and embraced the future with Jamie.

I loved the premise of Jamie's project. The idea of having tiny house kits that were fast and easy to assemble is a subject that is important in real life. I loved how passionate Jamie was about it and how he drew in the people around him. There was one point where I became a bit frustrated with him because he let his own ideas of how things should work overpower the end goal. I liked how it was Regan who showed him where he went wrong. I enjoyed the way that Ceci took both Jamie and the project to heart and became so deeply involved in helping. There was an unexpected twist at the end that was the icing on the cake that was the project.

Ceci was a fantastic secondary character. I loved the close relationship she had with Regan and how they supported each other. I loved how Jamie's presence helped Ceci move past her grief and start living again. There were some sweet scenes with her and both Regan and Jamie. I enjoyed seeing the playful side of her emerge and laughed out loud at some of the scenes that had to do with Cal.

The epilogue, with the meeting between Thom, Tristan, and Jamie on Valentine's Day, was great. I loved seeing them all happy with their lives, and how they explained the relationships they had with their ladies. 

The Mighty Quinns: Tristan - Kate Hoffmann (HB #913 - Oct 2016)

Series: Mighty Quinns (Book 34)

Exposing the Enemy

Lawyer Tristan Quinn has never met a woman he couldn't charm, so he's confident he can convince three elderly women to sell their artists' colony to a developer. He poses as a writer to gain their trust. But then he meets Lily Harrison -- the ladies' sexy, quirky niece -- and Tris realizes he's in for way more than he bargained for…

Lily can smell a lawyer a mile away. Expose him -- that's what she needs to do. One piece of clothing at a time -- until he's naked and they're at each other's hungry mercy. She can't trust him. She definitely can't fall for him. She just needs to keep her friends close…and her enemy much, much closer!

Good book. It opened with a flashback to Tristan's childhood and their hand-to-mouth existence. I ached to see the three young boys worrying about their next meal, stealing snacks from convenience stores and firewood from neighbors' sheds. This was when Tristan promised himself that when he was grown, he would find a way to help people who were in trouble. Fast forward a number of years and Tristan is an ambitious young lawyer ready to take his shot at resolving a long-running real estate dispute. All he needs to do is convince three little old ladies to take the money offered for their land. He planned to pose as a writer to get to know them. His plans got upended when he met their niece Lily.

Lily is an artist who spends the summers at the artists' colony with her aunts. She is a beautiful free spirit who says what she thinks and goes after what she wants. She's the black sheep of her wealthy family. She has no interest in their socialite lifestyle and pursuit of the almighty dollar. Instead, she was her aunts' protector, always on the alert for those who would try to take advantage of them. She was suspicious of Tristan from the moment she met him.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lily and Tristan. The sparks between them were immediate and strong. In an interesting twist, it was Lily who was interested in a no-strings fling, while Tristan was the one who held back. Neither one is a big believer in love and marriage, but something keeps pulling them together. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other, and how Lily's relaxed attitude rubbed off on Tristan. I liked the fact that he didn't feel right about taking things too far while he hid the truth of who he was.

Tristan also got to know the aunts and the other residents of the artists' colony. The closer he got to them, the more sympathetic he became to their position. I loved seeing the shift in his goals as being at the colony reminded him of the reason he became a lawyer. It was fantastic to see him step up and rally the residents to help with the attempt to save the colony. However, while he revealed part of the truth of who he was, the full truth only came out by accident. Lily was understandably hurt and angry.

I ached for both Lily and Tristan because they both cared, but a future seemed impossible. Tristan was a bit freaked out by the strength of his feelings but wanted to see where it could go. Lily, on the other hand, didn't believe that love lasted and pulled back to protect her heart. Both of them needed the time apart to get their lives in order and decide what they wanted. I loved the new Lily, with the confidence of success giving her the confidence to see Tristan again. I loved the scene at the art show (Tristan's brothers were great!) and seeing Lily finally believe in the power of love.

The storyline of the artists' colony was great. I loved the variety of people that were there and the influence they had on both Lily and Tristan. I understood Tristan's shock and dismay when he discovered that the aunts and Lily had dealt with the property issue by ignoring it. There were some terrific twists and turns as Tristan and the others stood up to those trying to take their land. I liked Tristan's assistant, Melanie, and the part she played. I especially enjoyed the discovery of the final piece of the puzzle and how it came about.

 

Angel - Janie Crouch (Calamity Jane Pub - Feb 2019)

Series: Linear Tactical (Book 4)

Even angels have their demons

Jordan Reiss is well aware that if she was on fire the entire town of Oak Creek would probably go inside and make a sandwich. She can't blame them. Her father scammed half the town out of their retirement funds, and then she...

She did so much worse.

She doesn't expect forgiveness. But she's back in town with no other options and just wants to be left alone to live on the fierce Wyoming land she's missed so much during her six years in prison.

Former Navy SEAL Gabriel Collingwood's callsign may have been Angel, but he'll be anything but to protect his sister. Especially from a pretty ex-con who has somehow weaseled her way into a job at his sister's new bakery.

He doesn't trust Jordan, even with her big gray eyes and quiet smile.

But when someone decides it's time for Jordan to leave Oak Creek--preferably in a body bag--Gabe will have to put his distrust aside. Jordan needs her own guardian angel. And he happens to be one.

Janie Crouch, you will be the death of me yet! I downloaded this book a little before midnight on Monday and told myself I could read a couple of chapters, then go to sleep. Yeah, right. Next thing I knew it was 4 am, and I was on Chapter Seventeen and face-planted on my e-reader. Up again a few hours later and champing at the bit to start reading again, I could not put this book down. I've been intrigued by Jordan since her first appearance and hoped that she would get her own story. When she and Gabe (brother to Violet in Shamrock) met in the previous book the sparks flew, and I couldn't wait to see what happened.

The beginning of this book overlapped with the end of Shamrock, but this time from Gabe and Jordan's points of view. Gabe is protective of his sister and suspicious of ex-con Jordan and her motives for working at Violet's bakery. He was pretty obnoxious in his attempts to bribe Jordan to leave. I loved seeing her stand up to Gabe and do what was right for her. Underneath all that antagonism was attraction, and it burst into flame with an explosive kiss that neither knew how to deal with. Nor could either one forget it. Though he tried, Gabe couldn't stay away, intrigued and curious to find out more about her. There was a sweet, romantic scene involving a sunset and good conversation that exploded into unexpected passion. But when Gabe's desire to treat Jordan the way she should be treated ran into the demons of her past and present, his frustration caused some very boneheaded actions on his part. I ached for Jordan and the hurt she experienced, and even for Gabe because he knew he'd been a jerk.

Jordan is amazing. She has been through so much, but she is determined to have the life she wants. A tragic mistake, when she was seventeen, sent her to prison for six years. Added to the fact that her father stole the retirement funds of most of the people in town, she wasn't surprised by the way she was treated when she came back. All she wanted was the chance to live in peace on her little patch of Wyoming paradise. I ached for her over all the acts of bullying, large and small, that she endured, believing that she doesn't deserve to be treated kindly. I loved how the men and women of Linear Tactical slowly worked past her defenses and gave her the love and friendship she craved.

I loved the development of the relationship between Gabe and Jordan. Though he was suspicious and antagonistic at first, it didn't take long for Gabe to admire Jordan's strength, intelligence, and humor. Jordan was wary. It took a little while for her to trust him, especially when he made some stupid mistakes. He came through brilliantly after the fire at the bakery. I loved seeing him in all his protective glory at the hospital, from the alpha avenger after he saw how she was treated, to the sensitive, observant man who was there when she needed him most. I loved seeing Gabe take care of her, showing her through his actions that she deserved everything he could do for her. The depth of thought and feeling that went into the date he took her on showed just how much he was starting to care about her. I loved watching Jordan blossom under his attention and support.

Just when it looked like life couldn't get any better, Jordan's past comes back to haunt her. With her friends' lives threatened, Jordan found herself in a position that would test Gabe's trust in her. I was on the edge of my seat as I watched Jordan forced to betray him. Intensified by the memory of another recent betrayal, Gabe's reaction was extreme, and I wanted to clobber him with a baseball bat. It was so satisfying to see him realize how big of an ass he had been when he found out what had actually happened. I was glued to the pages as Gabe, Jordan, and the Linear Tactical guys teamed up to bring an end to the threat. The final confrontation was a complex dance that had the potential for either disaster or success. Of course, you know it will be a success, but the process was intense. All that was left was for Gabe to regain Jordan's trust and get her to believe in a future together. I loved his "go big" moment at the end. That hint of vulnerability made it so much sweeter as he found a way to make all of Jordan's dreams come true.

 

It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch (St. Martin's - Mar 2019)

Series: Wild Wicked Highlanders (Book 1)

HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER

London socialite Amelia-Rose Baxter is nobody’s fool. Her parents may want her to catch a title, but she will never change who she is for the promise of marriage. Her husband will be a man who can appreciate her sharp mind as well as her body. A sophisticated man who loves life in London. A man who considers her his equal―and won’t try to tame her wild heart...

IN THE HIGHLANDS

Rough, rugged Highlander Niall MacTaggert and his brothers know the rules: the eldest must marry or lose the ancestral estate, period. But Niall’s eldest brother just isn’t interested in the lady his mother selected. Is it because Amelia-Rose is just too ... Free-spirited? Yes. Brazen? Aye. Surely Niall can find a way to soften up the whip-smart lass and make her the perfect match for his brother for the sake of the family.

JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT HOTTER.

Instead it’s Niall who tempts Amelia-Rose, despite her reservations about barbarian Highlanders. Niall finds the lass nigh irresistible as well, but he won’t make the mistake his father did in marrying an Englishwoman who doesn’t like the Highlands. Does he have what it takes to win her heart? There is only one way to find out...

Overall this was a very fun book to read. There were a few spots where it dragged a little, but the rest more than made up for it. The three MacTaggert brothers have grown up in Scotland without the benefit of their mother's presence. Seventeen years earlier, Francesca had had enough of the isolation and left her husband and three sons behind, taking only her infant daughter with her to London. There had been no contact in all that time, until a letter arrived, informing them of their sister's upcoming wedding. At that point, an agreement made between their parents came to light. The three sons must marry before their sister, and they must marry English brides, or lose the funds that Francesca provides to keep the estate running.

I enjoyed the introduction to the boys. Coll is the oldest, heir to the earldom, and the most taciturn of the trio. Aden is the one in the middle, the free-spirited one. Niall is the youngest and the family peacemaker. He is the one who watches out for everyone and tries to find a solution for any problems. To say that they are not happy about the agreement would be putting it mildly, but they know that they have no choice if they want to protect their people. They decided that they would find their meek, empty-headed English brides, marry them, and leave them in England while they returned to their lives in Scotland. After all, it had worked for their parents, hadn't it? Their arrival in London was pretty amusing, especially the inclusion of their "friend" Rory. Their meeting with Francesca made it clear that they were there under protest.

Amelia-Rose is the girl that their mother has picked for Coll. She is smart and sassy and knows what she wants. Unfortunately for her, her mother is fixated on Amelia-Rose marrying a title, and nothing else matters. Victoria made it clear that Amelia-Rose was to tone down her attitude and not create trouble. Amelia-Rose wants to marry and get away from her overbearing mother, but she also wants a husband that will appreciate who she is and give her the life she wants in London.

The first meeting between Coll and Amelia-Rose did not go well. He was surly and resentful and managed to tick off Amelia-Rose in the first five minutes he was there. Then he got offended by her response and walked out of the theater, leaving her there to face Society gossips on her own. I liked how Niall stepped in to try to smooth things over. He is determined to show Coll in the best light possible and keep the agreement viable. What he didn't expect was to be drawn to her himself.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Niall and Amelia-Rose. It started as more of a friendship, as Niall attempted to cover for his brother, and Amelia-Rose just wanted away from her mother. Because Niall wasn't the one that she needed to impress, Amelia- Rose found it easy to be herself when she was with him. It didn't take long for Niall to discover that he wanted her for himself, and picturing her with Coll was painful. Meanwhile, Amelia-Rose began to realize that bowing to her mother's wishes was becoming more difficult. I loved the interactions between Niall and Amelia-Rose. They were fun and honest. When Coll made a particularly obnoxious scene at a ball, it was Niall who stepped in to prevent a scandal. I loved watching him stand up to both mothers and insist that Amelia-Rose is given a choice and that he would win her on his own actions. Things got a bit complicated when her mother made her own plans for Amelia-Rose's future. Amelia-Rose had to take a good look at what she really wanted and make some decisions. I loved Niall's solution to the whole issue and laughed and cheered as he and his brothers put it in motion. I was on the edge of my seat until Niall and Amelia-Rose were successful in their endeavor. There was an unexpected twist at the end that made for an even happier ending.

There were plenty of secondary characters to liven up the action. Niall's brother Coll, as Amelia-Rose's supposed intended, was a royal pain. He was surly to the point of rudeness and treated Amelia-Rose very badly. His motivation was made clear later in the book, but he could have handled things much better. He is also a bit on the arrogant side, and I am looking forward to seeing him meet his match. He did redeem himself somewhat at the end of the book. I didn't get much of an impression of Aden, other than his willingness to support his brothers. Their mother Francesca was something of a force of nature. I didn't like her much at the beginning, because of the way she abandoned her sons, with no contact in the intervening years. Her method of getting them to London was manipulative and seemed to show a lack of caring about their happiness. However, she grew on me a little bit as the book progressed. While I don't consider her redeemed, she did make progress toward it with her actions at the end of the book. Amelia-Rose's mother was a straight-out stinker. I hated the way she treated Amelia-Rose, never satisfied with her no matter what she did. Her fixation on gaining a titled husband for her daughter had nothing to do with Amelia-Rose's happiness, only with her own ambitions. I did like Amelia-Rose's cousin/chaperone, Jane. She was uptight and critical at the beginning, but she really did look out for Amelia-Rose's best interests. She was plain-spoken and gave Amelia-Rose some good points to think about. I loved her part at the end and suspect that we haven't seen the last of her.

Strawberry Hill - Catherine Anderson (Penguin - Dec 2018)

Series: Mystic Creek (Book 5)

Newcomer to the sheriff's department Erin De Laney knows next to nothing about wilderness patrols, but she's also never been one to back down from a challenge. So when a rude and stubborn cowboy takes her by surprise on her first day patrolling the mountain trails as a part-time ranger, she lets him have it.

Wyatt Fitzgerald doesn't consider his deafness a disability and he doesn't want special consideration from anyone--least of all, a spoiled city girl like Erin. He prides himself on his ability to read lips and when she confronts him, Wyatt sees no reason to volunteer to her that he's deaf.

But there's no escaping each other in the small Oregon town, especially once Erin seeks him out to make amends. Wyatt gave up on dating long ago, but the written correspondence he and Erin begin to share speak to him like nothing else ever has. Out of their tentative truce blossoms a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime love if he's willing to give her his heart and make her his.

Good book, but I found the blurb to be a bit misleading. Erin and Wyatt are part of this story, but not, in my opinion, the main story. Much more time is spent with Erin's Uncle Slade and Vickie Brown, the woman who broke his heart forty-one years earlier. I thought both stories were well done, with believable and relatable characters.

The story opened with a prologue about Slade and a bear cub. It was a good illustration of the type of men both Slade and Wyatt are. I loved their obvious concern for the bear cub and his future. There was also a brief mention of Slade's past relationship with Vickie, where he remembered a similar situation with her and a bear cub. Wyatt's disability is also explained. The prologue finished with the feeling that the bear cub, Four Toes, will be heard from again.

The next one we meet is Erin De Laney, Slade's niece and relative newcomer to the sheriff's department. She was a city cop, following in her father's footsteps until she burned out on the misery she had to deal with. She took the job with the sheriff's department as a way of staying in law enforcement but with a slower lifestyle. She also hoped to get to know her uncle better, but as the newbie in the department, she had little free time. She was frequently called in to deal with after-hours emergencies. She was currently assigned to a wilderness patrol, something she felt unprepared for but stepped up to the challenge. Her first encounter didn't go well, as she confronted a cowboy who appeared to blow off her attempts to stop him. It was a prime example of two stubborn people butting heads and not wanting to back down. Erin wanted to look like she knew what she was doing, and Wyatt didn't like to use his disability as an excuse. There were sharp words between them, especially when Wyatt found out who she was. But underneath the antagonism, there were also sparks of attraction.

Next up was the introduction to Vickie, Slade's former fiancée. After forty-one years, she never forgot Slade and her feelings for him. Her life hasn't been an easy one since she broke their engagement and left Mystic Creek. She discovered she was pregnant, tried multiple times to contact Slade and was ignored, and ended up marrying another man who promised to raise her child as his own. She had two more children with him, but he turned out to be an abusive drunk who she eventually left. She has continued to resent Slade's refusal to acknowledge their son all these years, especially now when Brody could really use the help a father could give. When she comes across the opportunity to be the camp cook for Slade's wilderness trips, she grabs it, planning to use the chance to confront him. There were things I liked about Vickie, but there were also things that irritated me. I loved the way that she had pulled herself up and found a way to provide for her son, and then her other children. She had the strength and courage to stand up to her husband, and then to make a new life without him when she had to. She was a hard worker, and I loved watching her at the camp as she brought order out of chaos. However, for a woman who had claimed to be so in love with Slade, and knows him so well, I could not understand how she could take the word of a jealous rival over Slade's. I also felt that the pranks she pulled on him at the camp were more suited to a ten-year-old boy than a sixty+-year-old woman.

That being said, I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Vickie and Slade. It was clear from the start that their feelings for each other had never died. The biggest obstacle to their love was their unresolved past. Slade's shock at seeing Vickie as his new camp cook was real and he had mixed emotions. Initially, he was happy to see her, but her attitude toward him still hurt and angered him. I wasn't surprised that he wanted to protect himself by sending her away, but he was also realistic in that he needed her as a cook. Vickie also questioned herself but was determined to confront Slade about Brody. It was interesting to see the two of them dance around each other, reconnecting in some ways, yet just as far apart in others. Vickie persisted in holding onto her belief of Slade's wrongdoing all those years ago, which made me madder the longer it went on. I liked Slade's determination to find out exactly what happened. What he did with that information was terrific. I liked how he knew Vickie well enough that he understood how she needed to hear that information. I liked that they finally got past all of their issues and moved ahead together. The only disappointment I had was that, after all the buildup of Brody being Slade's son, we didn't get to see them meet.

In spite of the blurb giving the impression that this was Erin and Wyatt's story, there wasn't a whole lot about their relationship. After the antagonism of their first meeting, I liked seeing them move past it. Watching Wyatt in action gave Erin a better idea of the challenges he'd overcome. Wyatt began to see that Erin wasn't as uncaring of her uncle as he had thought. Both of them also have a bit of trouble with pride getting in the way of a relationship. Wyatt hates being pitied because of his deafness and has worked hard to make himself seem as "normal" as possible. Erin has had trouble with some previous relationships and is wary of risking herself again. She also has some pretty deep daddy issues, having spent her life trying to be the son that her father had wanted. I liked seeing Erin and Wyatt spend time together and get to know each other. But other than a brief mention in the epilogue, their relationship is left hanging. Hopefully, it will be continued in a later book.

The storyline about the bear, Four Toes, was both funny and heartbreaking. I ached for the poor little cub, injured and alone at the beginning. I also hurt for the soft-hearted ranchers who knew what they should do. Three years later, Four Toes' appearance at the camp was a disaster waiting to happen. His antics were amusing to me as a reader, but I would not have wanted to be there myself. I could fully understand the fear that both Vickie and Erin felt the first time they encountered him. Slade also knew that the sword hanging over his head was about to come down, and I ached for him because of it. I wondered what solution would be found, and liked its inclusion in the epilogue.

Doctoring the Single Dad - Marie Ferrarella (SSE #2031 - Mar 2010)

Series: Matchmaking Mamas (Book 1)

WAS SHE THE CURE HE WAS LOOKING FOR?

When she spied Lucas Wingate in the exam room, Nikki Connors was only too happy to take charge of his irresistible seven-month-old daughter. But it was the sexy widower who seemed more in need of Nikki's special brand of healing magic...and made her wonder whether she was in need of some romantic therapy herself....

Lucas wasn't planning to fall in love again. But the beautiful, caring pediatrician was suddenly making the single father realize what he'd been missing. All Lucas wanted was for Nikki to take a chance on him...on their future together. And now, thanks to one well-meaning matchmaker, the single dad just might get his wish!

I have read most of the books in the Matchmaking Mamas series, but somehow I missed reading the book that started it all, so I was very happy to track down a copy. The story opened with Nikki's mother Maizie complaining to her two best friends, Cecilia and Theresa, that her daughter resists all of Maizie's attempts to find her a husband. Maizie wants to be a grandmother in the worst way, and Nikki isn't cooperating. So Maizie came up with a plan to circumvent Nikki's refusal for "setups."

I loved the first meeting between Lucas and Nikki. It was great to see how comfortable he was in his role as a single father, and how focused he was on Heather's well-being. He was a bit flustered to find out the doctor was a young, beautiful woman. Nikki noticed Lucas immediately, and as more than just her patient's father. I loved her sympathy for him and his circumstances as she discovered how overwhelmed he was. I ached for him as he filled her in and liked how she tried to help him. Giving him direct access to her was a highly unusual step for her. The emergency call she got from him a few days later wasn't unexpected at all.

I loved the development of the relationship between Nikki and Lucas. There was a connection between them from the start, but both were a little wary of it. Nikki has had several bad relationships and isn't so sure that she wants to chance it again. Lucas thought he'd had his chance at love. But from the night of Nikki's house call on, neither could deny that there was something special growing between them. I loved seeing the two of them together. Both had a terrific sense of humor, and I frequently laughed out loud at the way they teased each other. There were also a couple of fun scenes involving dinners gone wrong and the great way that they handled the issues. However, there was the question of how long it would be before Nikki discovered her mom's part in bringing her and Lucas together. When it happened, Nikki's and Lucas's reactions were exactly what I expected from them. I liked seeing them take their time in developing their relationship, but that also created a conflict. For someone who was so wary of getting involved, Nikki fell hard early on but worried that Lucas wasn't over his wife's death. As their relationship went on, Nikki felt that Lucas wasn't really committed because he never talked about moving their relationship forward. Her fear that she was falling for someone who didn't return her feelings kept growing until she thought she had no choice but to break things off before she got hurt. I ached for Lucas and his shock and just wanted to shake Nikki for not talking to him. I loved the ending, though I did think that Lucas took an awfully long time to go after her. But his heartfelt words and explanation were sweet and believable and showed how much he cared. All Nikki had to do was let go of her fears and believe in what they had.

 

The Cowboy's Orphan Bride - Lauri Robinson (HH #1323 - Apr 2017)

Reunited with the cowboy

Long ago, orphans Bridgette Banks and Garth McCain made a promise to stay together. But it's been years since they were parted, and Bridgette's almost given up hope So when Garth's cattle trail passes her town, she won't let him leave her behind again

Sparks fly as they're reunited, especially when the cowboy catches Bridgette telling everyone she's his bride Faced with a past he thought he'd lost forever, Garth realizes this impulsive beauty might be the future he never thought he deserved.

Good book. Bridgette and Garth were friends as children at a New York orphanage and planned to stay together. But they were separated during their trip west on an orphan train and hadn't seen each other in the nine years since then. Garth was adopted by a cruel man and quickly struck out on his own, hooking up with a cattle drive. Nine years later he has become a respected cattleman in his own right. He has reached the point where he is driving his own herd to market, ready to begin the next stage of his life. While he has never forgotten Bridgette, he has pushed her memory deep into his past. Meanwhile, Bridgette was adopted by a doctor and his wife. She spent the last nine years as an assistant to the doctor and was frequently sent to stay with various families when they needed help. She never forgot Garth and the promises they made to each other and wondered if she would ever see him again.

I liked both Garth and Bridgette. Both of them had strong personalities. Garth is a man who is a hard worker, who thinks things through and makes his plans accordingly. He is honest and fair and respected by those who know him. He also has a sensitive side that he keeps pretty well hidden. Bridgette is feisty and independent and is frequently impulsive. She has a kind heart and often dreams of a home and family of her own.

I enjoyed the development of Bridgette and Garth's relationship. Their first meeting did not go the way that Bridgette had often imagined, with sweet words and promises fulfilled. Instead, there was a confrontation over a cow and its calf, harsh words, and a lack of recognition. I ached a bit for Bridgette when that recognition did come, as Garth's attitude was not at all what she expected and put an end to the dreams she'd had about him. Seeing Bridgette again brought his memories of her back to the surface, and though he tried, he couldn't bury them again. Garth's appearance stirred up Bridgette's desire to pursue the future that she wanted, and she impulsively took off for Dodge, hoping to use that as a starting point for a trip west and a new life. However, things did not go quite as she expected, and she found herself in a situation where she claimed to be a married woman - Mrs. Garth McCain. When Garth arrived in Dodge, he hit a delay in processing his cattle. Not the patient sort, he went in search of the person he needed to see and ended up in another confrontation with Bridgette.

The sparks flew between Garth and Bridgette, and they only got stronger when Garth discovered the deception. Bridgette is apologetic, and Garth is ready to set the record straight, except a part of him doesn't want to create problems for her. Things became more complicated when an issue with the cattle auction made it expedient for them to continue the masquerade. It was great fun to see the interactions between them, as Garth's methodical planning of every little thing ran up against Bridgette's impulsive, make-it-up-as-you-go attitude. Garth seemed to be in a constant state of confusion around Bridgette, attracted, amused, and frustrated but also certain that she would be better off back with the doctor. It didn't take long for Bridgette to realize that she was in love with Garth and experience a rollercoaster of emotions because of it. I ached for her as she wanted that dreamed of a life with him, but he kept pushing her away. That love also drove her to want to help him, creating another hilarious yet heartwarming scene. I was on the edge of my seat as a near tragedy made Garth realize just how much he loved Bridgette.

There was a little bit of suspense as Garth encountered problems when he arrived in Dodge to sell his cattle. It was very interesting to get a behind the scenes look at the process and the machinations that ensued. I loved the way the issue was resolved. It was great to see the women save the day.

The secondary characters were terrific. I think JoJo and Bat were my favorites. It was pretty clear that JoJo knew Garth very well. I liked how he appeared to smooth the way between Garth and Bridgette at times, and how he helped Bridgette see past the gruff and grouchy cattleman to the man inside. The young boy Bat showed Garth's softer side, as Garth's kindness and protectiveness toward the boy demonstrated. Cecil was obnoxious and embodied everything that Bridgette didn't want in her own life, but even he showed that it is possible for people to change. I enjoyed the various townspeople, from Nathaniel and his wife to the owner of the Crystal Palace. I loved the "recipe club" and expect that they will play a big part in Bridgette's future. An epilogue showing Garth and Bridgette a few years later would have been nice. Maybe they'll show up in a later book.