Highland Crown - May McGoldrick (St. Martin's - Apr 2019)

Series: Royal Highlander (Book 1)

Scottish pride, persuasion, and passion―this is Highland romance at its breathtaking best.

Inverness, 1820

Perched on the North Sea, this port town―by turns legendary and mythological―is a place where Highland rebels and English authorities clash in a mortal struggle for survival and dominance. Among the fray is a lovely young widow who possesses rare and special gifts.

WANTED: Isabella Drummond

A true beauty and trained physician, Isabella has inspired longing and mystery―and fury―in a great many men. Hunted by both the British government and Scottish rebels, she came to the Highlands in search of survival. But a dying ship’s captain will steer her fate into even stormier waters...and her heart into flames.

FOUND: Cinaed Mackintosh

Cast from his home as a child, Cinaed is a fierce soul whose allegiance is only to himself...until Isabella saved his life―and added more risk to her own. Now, the only way Cinaed can keep her safe to seek refuge at Dalmigavie Castle, the Mackintosh family seat. But when the scandalous truth of his past comes out, any chance of Cinaed having a bright future with Isabella is thrown into complete darkness. What will these two ill-fated lovers have to sacrifice to be together…for eternity?

Excellent blend of history and fiction along with a fantastic romance. It is unusual to find a Regency-era novel that doesn't deal mainly with the English nobility and their high society lives. In this book, we have a female Scottish physician and surgeon with a price on her head and the independent Scottish sea captain who came to her rescue. I was sucked into this book from the first pages and didn't put it down until I read the last page.

It opened with some musings supposedly by Sir Walter Scott, who felt guilty over what he saw as his unintended influence on what has happened to the Scottish people. It was a time of social unrest throughout Great Britain. Life is especially hard in Scotland which still suffered from the consequences of the Jacobite Rebellion. In Edinburgh, Isabella Drummond is a trained doctor and surgeon who is called to treat everyone, no matter their status. Her husband, who is also a doctor, is an activist with those pushing for reform. When protests turned deadly, her husband was killed, her younger sister and stepdaughter were spirited to safety, while Isabella was taken to a small fishing village to hide. Both the British and the Scottish rebels have put a price on her head, the first wanting to find out what she knows and the second to prevent her from talking.

I liked Isabella from the beginning. She was smart, stubborn, and driven. She had no trouble speaking her mind and standing up for what she believed was right. Jean, her "hostess" is something of a curmudgeon. When they witness a shipwreck on the reef, Isabella was horrified to see the villagers shoot a man on one of the lifeboats, angry that the ship exploded before they could recover any of the cargo. The argument between Isabella and Jean over Isabella's determination to save the man was intense, and I loved seeing Isabella out-stubborn Jean. The description of Isabella's efforts was so vivid I felt as though I was there.

Cinead was a self-made man. He was cast from his family and sent to sea at the age of twelve, and has created a life where his only loyalty is to himself - or so he likes to believe. However, it was clear from his first appearance that he is protective of his crew, and of those he sees as needing help. Even as severely injured as he was, he found the strength to protect Isabella and Jean when they were threatened. He was drawn to Isabella, though he also sensed that she had secrets that were dangerous to her and any who tried to help her.

The intrigue and drama that followed Cinead, Isabella, and Jean from the seaside village to Inverness to his former home at Dalmigavie Castle had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. The price on Isabella's head brought the attention of a British soldier that would give Outlander's Black Jack Randall a run for his money. The only way that Cinead could think of to keep her safe was to take her to his Uncle Searc, a man of questionable values and morals. And the best way to protect her from Searc was to pretend that they were married. I loved seeing Cinead and Isabella grow closer. It was clear that Cinead was quite happy to have Isabella as his wife, and he would like nothing more than to make it real. Isabella was a bit warier. Because of the price on her head, she was determined to retrieve her sister and stepdaughter and emigrate to Canada, but she also could not deny her growing feelings for Cinead.

To complicate matters, the Scottish protests against British tyranny were spreading from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness. Cinead found his love for his homeland growing and was caught up in the intensifying unrest. Meanwhile, Isabella's concern for the people of the town had her taking risks in her efforts to treat their illnesses and injuries. When the peoples' peaceful protests ran up against the British army's determination to maintain their iron-fisted control, the results were predictably inflammatory. I was on the edge of my seat as Isabella came face-to-face with her nemesis. The encounter was a nail-biter, and I loved how it turned out.

Once peace was restored, it was time for Cinead and Isabella to go to Dalmigavie Castle. Cinead had to face his past, starting with a confrontation with the uncle who threw him out. There were some unexpected revelations that came out of this conversation. Cinead discovered that not everything was as black-and-white as he remembered it. He was shocked by the things he learned, which put a whole new spin on his plans. All he needed to do was convince Isabella of his love. Isabella had some eye-opening conversations herself. The sister and stepdaughter that she thought were anxious to leave Scotland had undergone some changes while they were apart. I loved seeing these two young women stand up for their futures, which in turn freed Isabella to go after what she wanted. I can't wait to read the next book to see what is in store for Cinead and Isabella, as well as Maisie and Morrigan.

 

Snowbound Suspicion - Cindi Myers (HI #1853 - May 2019)

Series: Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery: Winter Storm Wedding (Book 2)

It’s the wedding of the year.

But a serial killer is on the guest list.

Bette Fuller has come to Eagle Mountain, Colorado, looking for a fresh start. So when she becomes the target of a serial killer terrorizing the small town, the wedding caterer refuses to be anyone’s victim. Turning to groomsman and US Marshal Cody Rankin for help becomes personal for Bette. Cody is attractive, protective—and more trustworthy than she wants to admit. But can they stay one step ahead of the Ice Cold Killer…?

Very good book with gripping suspense as the search for the Ice Cold Killer continued. Lacy (Saved by the Sheriff) asked her good friend Bette to come to Eagle Mountain and cater her wedding, giving Bette the chance for the new start she was looking for. But from the moment she arrived, Bette became someone's target. Was it the Ice Cold Killer or was someone from Bette's past determined to make trouble for her? Cody was one of Travis's groomsmen, currently on leave from the Marshal's Service, and appointed himself Bette's protector.

The intensity of the suspense remained high throughout the book. Though the problems began with petty annoyances, things quickly escalated. Bette's situation became more serious when someone tried to use her past against her and set her up as a thief. The deaths of two more women put everyone on edge, as the lack of clues frustrated Travis and the others working the case. An ice fishing expedition for Cory and Bette turned into a fight for their lives and questions piled up about who and why Bette was a target. Though I began to have my suspicions about the who, the why remained elusive. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as everything became clear and Bette struggled to escape. The resolution was quite satisfying, though the Ice Cold Killer was still wreaking havoc on the town. I can't wait for the next book.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Bette and Cody. There were sparks between them from the start. Bette was wary though. First, she had trust issues with men, thanks to the man whose influence ended up with her in prison. Second, Bette was understandably skittish around law enforcement officers. Cody was flat-out attracted and wanted to see where it might go. I was a bit irate at his reaction when he found out about her past, how he was so quick to judge and believe the worst. I ached for Bette because she hoped for a more trusting attitude from him. Cody frustrated me several times through the book, as he would draw closer to Bette, then pull back as something else would raise his suspicions. I liked Bette's attitude of admitting the mistakes of her past but not letting them define her future. She remained true to herself, and I liked seeing her stand up to Cody when he was a jerk. There were some good scenes between them that showed their growing feelings, such as the sleigh ride and even the ice fishing. It took nearly losing her for Cody to realize the depth of his feelings and he redeemed himself very nicely at the end.

 

Ice Cold Killer - Cindi Myers (HI #1847 - Apr 2019)

Series: Eagle Mountain Murder Mystery: Winter Storm Wedding (Book 1)

A killer is on the loose…

and he leaves a calling card at every murder scene

Though a blizzard has isolated Eagle Mountain, Trooper Ryder Stewart is attempting to track a murderer who’s claimed two victims. Then he’s tasked with ensuring veterinarian Darcy Marsh is not the third. The gorgeous lawman must earn Darcy’s trust despite her traumatic past…and resist his romantic feelings for her. But can he find the elusive killer before the killer finds Darcy?

Fantastic start to the new series. The tension started quickly as Ryder discovered a murdered woman inside an avalanche-buried car. This murder was rapidly followed by another one as Eagle Mountain law enforcement struggled to identify the killer. A winter storm and an avalanche have blocked access to or from Eagle Mountain, trapping the killer as well as his potential victims.

I was sucked into the story from the start. Between the intensity of the suspense and romance between Ryder and Darcy, I had a hard time putting the book down when I had to sleep. The first meeting between Ryder and Darcy was emotional as he was the one to tell her about Kelly's murder. I liked his kindness and gentleness as he broke the news. There was a connection between them from the moment they met. Ryder was intrigued by Darcy and sensed that there was more to her than showed on the surface. Darcy was drawn to Ryder's quiet strength, but also a little wary of him at first. That wariness disappeared quickly when he responded to her call for help at her house; she felt unexpectedly safe around him. I loved seeing them spend time together, with Ryder's sensitivity and protectiveness boosting Darcy's returning belief and confidence in herself. There were some pretty adorable scenes between them, as well as some very intense ones. The feelings that grew between them were intensified by the danger they experienced and made them determined to explore every one of them.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. There was so much going on that I was glued to the pages, anxious to see what would happen next. The tension was high in the law enforcement community as they worked to find clues behind the murders. There was definitely a feeling that the killer was taunting them, especially with the most recent attack. Eagle Mountain is a small town, so there weren't too many choices for suspects from the locals, but there were also some visitors who were trapped by the storm. I could feel the frustration of Ryder and the others as suspicions were raised, but proof was hard to come by. There was also a rash of other criminal activity, including several attacks on Darcy. Those attacks escalated with an intensity that brought out the protectiveness in Ryder, especially after the snowmobile incident. Those attacks took a terrifying turn when Darcy was kidnapped. In spite of her fear, Darcy kept an amazingly cool head and played a big part in her own rescue. I wasn't overly surprised by who it was, but his reasons were twisted indeed. Some questions remain unanswered, leaving me eager to read the next book.

 

Frozen Memories - Cassie Miles (HI #1736 - Sept 2017)

Amnesia made her forget him. His love will bring her back.

Their mission is compromised. Their cover is blown. And FBI Special Agent Spence Malone has found his partner -- and love of his life -- disoriented and suffering from drug-induced amnesia. NSA cybercrimes expert Angelica Thorne has forgotten her name, her mission and, worst of all, Spence and their nights of passion. And now they're in a race against an unseen enemy bent on nuclear destruction. Spence vows to protect her and help her remember…everything. All Angelica knows for sure is that when Spence holds her in his arms, she feels so right. Why, then, does everything else seem so wrong?

Though the premise might be a little farfetched, there was enough realism to the scenario that this was a very exciting read. Spence and Angelica were investigating rumors of a planned nuclear strike against a US city by hackers who were attempting to get control of US missiles. The story opened as Angelica found herself kidnapped by unknown assailants. Left unattended in the back of the kidnap vehicle, she made a break for it, finding shelter with a preacher and his wife. Unfortunately for her, she couldn't remember who she was or anything else. In the meantime, Spence wasn't far behind, tracking her by the chip he'd placed on her body (without her consent - oops). The tension was high as he and the SWAT team discovered that she was missing. I loved Spence's determination to find her, beating himself up because he blamed himself for her capture. Their reunion was intense, especially because she doesn't remember him at first, and isn't sure she can trust him. Things were complicated by the escape of one of the kidnappers, creating unexpected surprises.

Fortunately, Angelica's amnesia was drug-induced, so her memories began to return as the drugs wore off. Some of the first memories to return were those of the steamy relationship between herself and Spence. They had dated for six months, not expecting to be assigned to work together. The dynamics between them were pretty intense; their attraction so strong that they had trouble keeping their hands off each other. Spence was understandably a little overprotective, because of his feelings for her. On the other hand, he had a great deal of respect for her abilities and had no trouble deferring to her when necessary. I loved Angelica's kickass attitude and her strength of will. There were some great scenes of her getting the better of those who underestimated her. She did have a few instances of insecurity/jealousy when it came to the female agent as well as some trust issues, but she handled them pretty well. I liked the ending as Spence had his big moment before anything else could go wrong.

The suspense of the story was very good and kept me hooked all the to the end. The idea that someone could find a way to tap into deactivated nuclear missiles and launch them is pretty scary stuff. Once Angelica began to get her memories back, it was fascinating to watch her work her computer magic. It was interesting to follow along with her mental processes and the connections that she made. I especially enjoyed the bits that involved the Santa Tracker. There was only a short time to solve the problem, and figuring out who could be trusted was not easy. There were several twists and turns that caused me to question who was involved. The final confrontation was intense as Angelica raced against time to disable the launch computers, while Spence faced off with the unexpected mastermind. 

Mountain Blizzard - Cassie Miles (HI #1706 - Apr 2017)

After his ex-wife witnesses a murder, FBI agent turned security specialist Sean Timmons steps in to be her bodyguard. One look at investigative reporter Emily Peterson and Sean is reminded why he fell in love with her years ago. But his beautiful, headstrong ex is being targeted by a crime lord -- who Sean is determined to take down. Trapped in the Colorado mountains by a blizzard, the former Mr. and Mrs. Timmons rediscover each other with red-hot passion. But a cold-blooded killer is waiting to stop them from uncovering evidence -- and ever saying "I do" again.

Overall, this was a good book, but the book blurb isn't exactly accurate. Though the book started in the Colorado mountains near Aspen, and there was a blizzard at the time, the blurb implies that they were trapped. In reality, the storm kept them housebound for a few days; then they promptly left for San Francisco, where they spent the remaining ninety percent of the book. In the years since their divorce, Emily turned from writing poetry and became an investigative reporter. In her latest investigation, she went undercover investigating human trafficking and ended up witnessing a murder. She left San Francisco to hide out at her aunt's ranch in Colorado until she figures out what to do. Her aunt decided Emily needed a bodyguard and called TST Security and hired Sean - who just so happened to be Emily's ex-husband. Neither was particularly happy with the idea. But once Sean knew what was going on, there was no way he could leave her unprotected.

Though Sean and Emily have been divorced for a long time, it's obvious from the beginning that there is still something between them. Their divorce happened because both were too wrapped up in their own jobs to understand the other one's point of view. Emily hated Sean's work as an undercover FBI agent. She didn't like that it took him away from what she saw as his rightful place at her side, being there for her (selfish much?). When he was there, he wouldn't talk about it. Meanwhile, Sean saw Emily as a unicorns and rainbows, everything in the world is beautiful kind of person who refused to understand what he had to do. Other than chemistry, I'm not sure what they had in common back then.

The rekindling of their relationship did not go smoothly. Neither one wanted to revisit the pain of their marriage, but the chemistry was hard to ignore. They agreed on giving in to the physical but keeping emotion out of it. Emily came up with some "ground rules" that went out the window almost immediately. As they spent time together continuing Emily's investigation, both of them realized that they had changed over the years. I liked seeing how each of them noticed the differences in the other, and also acknowledged their own parts in their marriage troubles. Over the next few days, they fought a good fight against falling again, but it was a losing battle. Sean accepted his feelings first but wasn't sure he could get Emily to give them a chance. Emily's self-revelation came at a moment of danger, and I laughed a little at her slightly loopy confession. Their decision about their future was made without any fanfare.

The suspense of the story was pretty good up until the end. It started with a bang as Emily witnessed the murder of one of the people she was investigating. After reporting what she'd seen to a contact at the FBI, she had to decide if she would step back or continue her investigation. I thought she was a bit naïve about the danger she was in until Sean laid it out clearly for her. I liked following along with the steps they took to get to the truth. Emily stirred up a hornet's nest with her inquiries, and the attacks on her escalated. There were some interesting twists and turns as they got closer to the truth. The action ramped up as they witnessed a transfer and followed the bad guys. It looked like things were going to get interesting when the car Sean and Emily drove exploded, but all that lovely intensity sort of fizzled at the end. The bad guys got what was coming to them, but the takedown was anticlimactic. 

Hometown Detective - Jennifer Morey (HRS #1997 - June 2018)

Series: Cold Case Detectives (Book 6)

Sparks fly between a detective and the woman he’s driven to protect

Nomadic detective Roman Cooper struggled to carve out a life for himself. But when a suspicious death calls him home, he lets instinct lead him to Kendra Scott. Irresistibly confident, Kendra is certain that someone murdered her sister and insists on working the case with him. Tracking a killer puts them both in jeopardy, and Roman must confront a different threat: the temptation to stay.

Good conclusion to the series. We learned a little bit about this case during Runaway Heiress, as the hero in that book had a connection to the dead woman. However, that information was recapped here, so the reader is quickly brought up to speed. Kendra went to Dark Alley Investigations because she believed that her sister did not commit suicide, that she was murdered. The problem was that no one else agreed with her. DAI agreed to send a detective, though it hadn't happened fast enough for her. She wasn't impressed when he did finally show up.

Roman arrived in town already convinced that the investigation was a waste of time. All of the reports indicated that it was a suicide. It didn't help his mindset that this case took place in his hometown, a place that he avoided as much as possible. He just wanted to deliver his report and move on to a "real" case.

The first meeting between Kendra and Roman didn't go well. He had been watching her, which creeped her out. Then he had the nerve to tell her that she was wrong and that her sister's death was suicide, without bothering to find out why she believed it was murder. Once Kendra finally got him to listen to her, he agreed to do some digging. Kendra also refused to be left out and insisted on helping. It soon became clear that someone was not happy about their activities. The search for the truth was full of twists and turns. I also had some real concerns about the competence of some of the people involved. For example, I didn't think much of a coroner who missed signs that what appeared to be a suicide, wasn't, but an outside PI spotted them right away. I was intrigued throughout as clues pointed this way or that, keeping me guessing until nearly the end, with some unexpected revelations. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. I especially enjoyed Kendra's part in it.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Roman and Kendra, though I was also frequently frustrated by them. Both of them had significant issues that kept them from believing in the feelings that grew between them. Roman judged Kendra from the moment he saw her, looking at her as far too cheerful and positive to have ever had anything bad happen to her while she grew up. He was dead wrong, and I enjoyed seeing her shoot him down over it. But she had chosen to have a positive outlook on life in spite of it. On the other hand, Roman had a terrific childhood, with parents who loved him, though he had a serious inferiority complex when it came to comparing himself to them. He was also an unrepentant pessimist, though he called it living in the "real world." Roman and Kendra thought that they were complete opposites, but as they spent time together discovered that they did have some things in common. I liked the effect that they had on each other. Kendra lightened some of Roman's pessimism, opening his eyes to his backward way of looking at his life. Roman's confidence in his feelings for Kendra started to work on her inability to trust that he would stick around. I liked the final scene in the book as it showed great promise for their future.

Runaway Heiress - Jennifer Morey (HRS #1961 - Sept 2017)

Series: Cold Case Detectives (Book 5)

When someone is shot right in front of him, elite investigator Jasper Roesch is on the case. He can't rest until he solves the case of who tried to kill this victim. What he knows: heiress Sadie Moreno witnessed the murder of a homeless man she was helping, and now someone wants her silenced forever. Jasper whisks Sadie away to a remote Wyoming hideaway to protect her, but not even the former SWAT agent's crime-fighting skills can keep assassins at bay. The woman he's reluctantly falling for isn't telling him everything…and that secret is something that may get them both killed.

Good book that started with a bang and kept me hooked to the end. When a homeless man that Sadie was helping was murdered, the police were unable to find out who did it. Sadie went to Dark Alley Investigations for help but was shot on her way into the building. Jasper was the investigator assigned to her case. He was determined to solve both mysteries: who killed the homeless man, and who tried to kill Sadie?

This was a story that kept me guessing throughout, both about the attacks and about the mystery surrounding Sadie herself. The first thing Jasper did was to get Sadie back to her Wyoming hideaway to recover. In spite of her excellent security, he wasn't willing to leave her there alone, so he began his murder investigation remotely. His gut also told him that there was a connection between the two attacks, even if Sadie refused to believe it. The other problem was that he was certain that Sadie was withholding vital information.

Neither Jasper nor Sadie expected the attraction that flared between them. Constant proximity drew them closer together, and the chemistry between them burned hotter. There were several scenes where the heat leapt off the pages. But both Jasper and Sadie had baggage from their pasts that wouldn't let them consider a future together. Sadie's issues stemmed from events that have destroyed her trust in men. Jasper was fighting guilty feelings over a relationship that ended badly. These feelings made him resistant to any kind of commitment. There was a lot of hot and cold between them as one or the other pulled back after getting too close. Unexpected complications threw their feelings into further turmoil creating tension between them. It wasn't until the danger was over that each of them was able to do some soul searching and face their fears. I liked Jasper's big moment at the end; it was sweet and romantic.

The suspense of the story was good and kept me hooked to the end. The attack that brought Jasper and Sadie together threw his protective instincts into high gear. I could feel his frustration over Sadie's refusal to tell him what she was hiding. I was very frustrated with her also because holding back put them both in danger. The escalating attacks finally convinced Sadie; unfortunately, she still resisted revealing the whole truth. I was glad to see that once he had a little to go on, Jasper was able to figure out most of the rest. Things got very interesting when Jasper "poked the tiger" in an attempt to make him careless. I was a bit disappointed in Jasper in the hospital scene, as I thought he was careless about Sadie's safety there. That attack provided an unexpected twist that revealed more about the bad guy's motivations. The final confrontation was intense, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was finished. I really enjoyed Sadie's part in it, as she stood up to him.

I liked seeing the part that family played in Jasper and Sadie's personalities. Jasper's problems with his uncle were what ultimately brought Jasper to work for DAI. They also drove Jasper's fear of commitment. It was interesting to see who and what released him from those fears. Sadie's experience of growing up with a cold, callous drove her in the opposite direction. She was a caring, compassionate woman who found satisfaction in helping the homeless. I loved the scenes when she was with those she helped. I could easily see how much she cared for them.

Justice Hunter - Jennifer Morey (HRS #1881 - Jan 2016)

Series: Cold Case Detectives (Book 2)

A tough ex-SEAL turned private investigator, Lucas Curran vows that solving his sister's murder must come first. Even before his raging attraction to Rachel Delany, who might be a fresh lead in the four-year-old case. It's just that he can't trust the down-on-her-luck beauty. He's already been devastated once by a deceitful ex. Then there's Rachel's rap sheet…and her infuriating tendency to withhold the truth.

But when Rachel's life goes up in flames, they're forced to rely on each other. Because Rachel is more than just Lucas's ticket to outsmarting a killer and serving up justice -- she's his second chance at a burning love he never thought possible.

Good book with a nice balance of romance and suspense. Lucas joined Dark Alley Investigations for the freedom to investigate his sister's murder the way he wanted. He believed that the woman who had an affair with his brother-in-law knew more than she revealed. He was determined to find out what it was. Meanwhile, Rachel was trying to move on with her life. It wasn't easy, especially when she was constantly looking over her shoulder at the past that wouldn't go away.

The relationship between Lucas and Rachel got off to a rocky start. Lucas charmed his way into her life with lies and manipulation. He had already judged her as a person and saw nothing wrong with his actions. Rachel was wary of this man who suddenly appeared in her life, but gave him the benefit of the doubt. When she discovered the truth, she was justifiably hurt and angry.  The good thing was that now that the truth was out there, Lucas could ask his questions directly. Unfortunately, both he and Rachel have deep trust issues. His ex burned Lucas, and at the beginning, Rachel reminds him of her. With Rachel's history, Lucas has a difficult time believing her when she tells him anything. It doesn't help that she has been keeping something secret for four years. Because of how her affair with Jared turned out, Rachel is leery of trusting any man. Lucas's deception added fuel to that fire, making her reluctant to confide in him.  Neither one can deny the attraction that burns between them, but giving in to it is not an option.

To make matters worse, Lucas's arrival stirred up a hornet's nest. Rachel received threats telling her to stay away from Lucas. Those threats quickly turned to attacks. It seemed that they could not catch a break, with one attack following another. My heart was in my throat when Lucas's house was set on fire with them inside, and then what happened as they tried to escape. Each time that they turned up a new lead, someone else was added to the list of possible suspects. There were some unexpected twists that created even more questions. I wanted to shake Rachel at the end when she went off on her own to follow up on an idea she had as she ended up falling right into the bad guy's hands. However, I was impressed with her strength and ingenuity as she refused to give in to him. I also liked that she had been smart enough to leave a bit of a trail for Lucas to follow when he realized she was gone. The final confrontation was very intense, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

With all the time that Lucas and Rachel spent together, eventually, they began to break down each other's walls. I liked seeing them exchange the stories of the events that made them who they were. I was clear that they were much more alike than either wanted to admit. The chemistry between them continued to build, but on those few occasions when they gave in, their trust issues would rear up and push them apart again. Lucas received some advice from a very unexpected source which helped him see the truth of his feelings. I loved his big moment at the end as he let go of the past and embraced his future.

 

Island Doctor to Royal Bride? - Scarlet Wilson (HMED #1009 - Feb 2019)

Working side by side…

With a secret prince!

In desperate need of staff for her small clinic on a beautiful Malaysian island, Dr. Arissa Cotter accepts the help of tourist Dr. Philippe Aronaz, little knowing her knight in shining armor is also a prince! But when he sweeps her away to his Mediterranean kingdom, she discovers Philippe faces battles of his own. Arissa has always hidden herself away -- dare she step into the spotlight and stand by her prince’s side?

Very good book that sucked me in from the very first pages. Philippe was on a plane, headed to a small island resort where he could rest and relax and try to regroup after his last patient in the ER. But a tragic event on the journey led him to Arissa Cotter, a doctor at the island's small clinic. Suddenly rest and relaxation were far less appealing.

I loved both Arissa and Philippe. She is strong and determined, and above all compassionate. She is also a very private person. The one time she shared her past with someone it didn't go well, and she has been wary ever since then. I loved her passion for her work, especially the Safe Haven project. Philippe was terrific. He is kind and caring and determined to improve healthcare for the people of his country. He has big ideas for what he wants to accomplish.

I loved the development of the relationship between Arissa and Philippe. From the moment they met there were chemistry and an unexpected connection. I loved the way that Philippe dove right in to help at the clinic. Arissa was impressed by how hard he worked and his rapport with the patients. She was also intrigued by him, as she felt that there was something more driving him than he has talked about. Philippe was equally intrigued by Arissa and her dedication and passion for her work. They quickly became friends as they worked together, though under that friendship was a simmering attraction. That attraction bubbled to the surface a couple of times, which caused some tension between them. Neither was quite sure what to do about it as they would soon go their separate ways. Philippe frequently found himself thinking of bringing her back home with him. When a paperwork snafu caused her to lose the job she had lined up, Philippe jumped in with an unexpected offer.

With the deepening of their friendship, Philippe felt increasingly guilty about not telling Arissa the whole truth of who he was. He had to come clean when he invited her to go home with him and help him set up a Safe Haven program there. Arissa was stunned by the revelation and torn about what to do. She wanted to help, but she was extremely wary of being with someone who was constantly in the limelight. Philippe promised to protect her privacy, and she reluctantly agreed to go with him. Seeing Philippe in his "natural habitat" brought home to Arissa what his life was like. Philippe tried very hard to show her that he was the same man he'd been on the island but eventually came to realize that there was no way to separate his two personas. This was especially clear when they toured the hospital together. Philippe's feelings for Arissa grew deeper, and he dreamed of her staying. The scenes at the ball, from the warmth of his family's welcome and how right it felt to be together to the despair Philippe felt after asking Arissa to stay, were vividly portrayed. Even sharper were the events of the next day when unwanted pictures of Philippe and Arissa made the papers. I ached for Arissa because this her fear of people digging into her past to the surface, and her reaction was to run. Philippe was furious at what happened, protective of Arissa, and desperate to keep her with him. I loved the advice and encouragement he got from his mother, which gave him the courage to go after what he wanted.  The scene at the fire station was incredibly emotional. I loved how Philippe showed Arissa that she was the only one for him. The effect his words had on Arissa had me in tears, and I loved her response. The epilogue was a great wrap-up to the story, showing how their love spilled over into the work they've done for both their countries.

 

An Irish Doctor in Love and at Sea - Patrick Taylor (Forge - Oct 2015)

Series: Irish Country Books (Book 10)

Long before Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly came to the colourful Irish village of Ballybucklebo, young Surgeon-lieutenant O'Reilly answered the call of duty to serve in World War II. Fingal just wants to marry his beloved Deirdre and live happily ever after. First he must hone his skills at a British naval hospital before reporting back to the HMS Warspite, where, as a ship's doctor, he faces danger upon the high seas. With German bombers a constant threat, the future has never been more uncertain, but Fingal and Deirdre are determined to make a life together . . . no matter what may lie ahead.

Decades later, the war is long over, and O'Reilly is content to mend the bodies and souls of his patients in Ballybucklebo, but there are still changes and challenges aplenty. A difficult pregnancy, as well as an old colleague badly in denial concerning his own serious medical condition, tests O'Reilly and his young partner, Barry Laverty. But even with all that occupies him in the present, can O'Reilly ever truly let go of the ghosts from his past?

Another excellent installment in the series. This book picked up where An Irish Doctor inPeace and at War left off. As in the previous book, this one alternated between Fingal's past and his present. The "past" part of the book began with Fingal reporting to the naval hospital at Haslap for additional training in anesthesia and trauma surgery. He was looking forward to the next three months, as he and Dierdre planned to marry during this time. But there were unexpected obstacles to their plans.

I loved following Fingal through his time at Haslap. He learned a great deal medically, and also had the opportunity to experience different ways to deal with problems. The Fingal of the present has always been known as the Wily O'Reilly, but in this book, we got a glimpse of how he learned some of that wiliness. I love that Fingal considered all aspects of the patient important, not just their medical issues. There were several instances of him doing what was right for the whole patient, even when it got him in trouble with his superiors. I loved the Scottish doctor who was such a tremendous help and example to Fingal. I also appreciated the realistic look at wartime medicine and the challenges it created. The descriptions of Fingal's experiences both on shore and at sea were vivid, especially the feelings of witnessing the effects of the battles.

A big part of this section was the furthering of the relationship between Fingal and Deirdre. I loved seeing them snatch what time together they could, rejoicing in the simple things when they were together. I ached for them both when Fingal discovered that he had to have permission to marry even after attaining the next rank. It was fun to see that a case of "who you know" came to their rescue. It was sweet to see them settle into married life, all the time knowing that their separation loomed ever nearer. The poignancy of their letters to each other, once he returned to HMS Warspite, was incredible. How I cried when I finally found out what ended their marriage.

Back in the present day, life went on for Fingal and the village of Ballybucklebo. I loved seeing Fingal and his medical school classmates together for their class reunion. Their concern for one of those classmates was clear, especially when he resisted their attempts to help him. This was a man who was always standoffish, but Fingal and the others refused to give up on him. There were also a couple of problem pregnancies to deal with. One of the things I love best about Fingal is that he was never too proud to admit when he needed help. I loved seeing his determination to catch up on advances in medicine so that he could better serve his patients. Outside of medicine, Fingal still seems to be the glue that holds the village together. From bird counting with his brother to helping his friend John with a tricky problem, I loved seeing how various threads were connected. On a personal front, I loved seeing Fingal and Kitty deal with the ghosts of their pasts and move forward in their new lives together. Meanwhile, Barry missed his fiancée Sue, who was in France on a special educational trip. I ached for him as he worried about the effects of their separation on their relationship. Fingal's recent problem with similar feelings gave him the ability to provide some much-needed advice. Some lighter moments were provided by yet another of Donal Donnelly's schemes, this one involving a canine mésalliance and its results.

 

The Captain Claims His Lady - Annie Burrows (HHS #482 - Aug 2018)

Series: Brides for Bachelors (Book 3)

A mysterious stranger…

Can she trust in their attraction?

In this Brides for Bachelors story, shy Lizzie Hutton knows her height and clumsiness alone make her a debutante to avoid. Until she meets tall, strong and striking Captain Harry Bretherton, who takes a surprising interest in her! Their intense chemistry makes him hard to resist -- if only it weren’t for the secrecy around his past…

Good conclusion to the series. In the previous two books, The Major Meets His Match and The Marquess Tames His Bride, the group of men stumbled onto a jewelry theft ring. At the beginning of the previous book, they learned that one of the men had died under suspicious circumstances while investigating a lead, leaving the remaining friends determined to avenge his death. They had a suspect, but no proof, only a plan to get the proof - a plan that used an innocent young woman.

Lizzie was unusually tall for a woman, which made her very self-conscious and shy. She also has terrible eyesight, which contributed to her reputation for clumsiness. She spent most of her time caring for her grumpy grandfather and reading to an invalid old woman. Her forays into society were disastrous, and she all but gave up on the idea of marriage. That was until she (literally) ran into Captain Harry Bretherton.

Harry had recently returned to England after being held as a prisoner of the French. His body was well on the way to recovering, but he was still haunted by what happened to him. Archie's death hit him hard and finding those responsible gave him the kick he needed to start living again. He was willing to do whatever necessary, including fake an interest in a woman.

I was predisposed to like this book anyway because I was intrigued by the ongoing mystery and wanted to know how it turned out. Be that as it may, I was sucked into the story from the first page, as Harry confronted his friend about their plan. His innate honorableness was clear as he realized that the other candidates were not the type to be trusted with the virtue of a young woman. Though he had a few misgivings, he was determined to follow through. He did not expect to be thoroughly enchanted by the lady in question. I loved their first meeting and how quickly they connected over a silly bit of wordplay. They connected further that evening while dancing, as each admitted to the problems related to their sizes. Harry felt an unexpected rush of protectiveness toward Lizzie, which was doubly disturbing because he was the one she needed protecting from. I ached a bit for Lizzie, who couldn't believe that she had drawn the attention of someone like Harry, especially with the way she was continually laughed at and mocked.

I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Lizzie and Harry. When her grandfather moved them back home early to get her away from "that jackanapes," Harry was right behind them. Yes, that's where he needed to be for his investigation, but he increasingly wanted to spend time with Lizzie. I ached for Harry because of the growing amount of guilt he felt for his deception. This caused him to blow a bit hot and cold in his treatment of Lizzie, which in turn confused her. She was always sure that it was something she did that made him pull back. Meanwhile, she was certain of her feelings for him, and couldn't understand why he was holding back.

When circumstances, and Lizzie's poor eyesight, landed them in the middle of a dangerous situation, the truth finally came out. Lizzie was hurt and angry, but there was no time to give in to it. She and Harry were in grave danger, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. The final confrontation was intense, and Lizzie played a huge part in its successful resolution. Her quick thinking was amazing, and I loved that Harry respected her intelligence the way he did. But their troubles weren't over. How could Lizzie believe that Harry's attentions were real when she now knew why he was there? Did he really want to marry her, or was it because of what had happened? I loved the arrival of the other two couples and the unexpected twist provided by Harriet and Clare. I loved the ending and the unique way that Harry proved his love to Lizzie.

I liked the successful resolution to the mystery of the jewel thefts. The bad guy was even worse than suspected, and he certainly received his just desserts. The revelation of how the scheme worked showed how horrible he was. I understood the frustration at the final decision on how it would be handled, but the reasons were logical.

 

The House on Main Street - Shirlee McCoy (Zebra - Nov 2013)

Series: Apple Valley (Book 1)

In Apple Valley, Washington, friends are always near, neighbors have no secrets even if they'd like to and long-held wishes have a way of coming true

Interior designer Tessa McKenzie has built a good life far from her hometown. She intends to get back to it as soon as she sells the cluttered Victorian house and antiques shop she inherited from her sister, Emily. But leaving Apple Valley a second time won't be so easy. There's her grieving nephew, Alex, to consider. And there's Cade Cunningham, the adolescent crush who could easily break her heart again if she let him.

To Cade, Tessa was simply his high school sweetheart's kid sister. But now there's no denying she's a beautiful and caring woman, one he'd like to get to know. Except that Tessa is determined to leave again. If Cade wants to change her mind, he'll have to show her that small-town life has its lovable side and that he does too.

This was a good, small-town, friends to lovers story. Ten years earlier, Tessa left her small town to escape the memories of her childhood, and to stop cleaning up the messes her older sister created. She built a good life and a successful career as an interior designer on the east coast. When her sister and brother in law died in a car accident, Tessa found herself the guardian of her autistic nephew and owner of their Victorian house and antique shop. She was determined to dispose of the house as quickly as possible and move Alex and Aunt Gertrude back to Maryland with her. But that proved to be easier said than done.

I admit that I had a little trouble liking Tessa at the very beginning. She seemed very focused on the inconvenience of being there and her own desire to get back east. There didn't seem to be much sympathy in her for the effect of the changes on her aunt and nephew. That changed pretty quickly as her grief and regrets over her estrangement with her sister were revealed. I ached for her, too, because she was at a loss on how to connect with Alex. That was complicated by the way that Aunt Gertrude always made her feel that whatever she did was wrong. Add to that the stress of cleaning up the last of the messes Emily left behind, and my sympathy for Tessa overcame my dislike.  She completely won me over when she realized that she couldn't take Alex away from the only home he'd ever known. Then there was Cade - her childhood friend, her sister's high school sweetheart, and the guy she had loved with all of her teenage heart.

I liked Cade. After time away for college and the military, he was glad to be back home in the town he loved. In his job as sheriff, he gets to show that love in everything from giving troublesome teens something to do to dealing with quirky older residents. Cade was happy to see his friend Tessa back in Apple Valley, despite the circumstances. He had great memories of the time he spent with his sweetheart's little sister. What he didn't expect was his reaction to the beautiful and caring woman she had become.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Cade and Tessa. First came the renewal of their friendship. They had known each other so well and for so long that talking to each other was as easy as it had ever been. What threw them both for a loop were the sparks of attraction that popped up. Cade was wary at first because he knew that Tessa planned to leave. He was married for a short time to a woman who hated the small town life, and he didn't want to go through that again. Tessa was recently burned in a relationship and trusting any man with her heart was a risk she didn't want to take. I loved that it was Cade who recognized his feelings first and made it his mission to show Tessa the benefits of living in a small town. I loved his steady, gentle pursuit of Tessa, combined with his determination to support her, however she needed him. There were some sweet scenes between them as he worked to break down her walls. Tessa resisted her feelings for as long as she could, but it was a losing battle. The strength of her feelings scared her, and those fears made her lash out at him a few times. It took a near tragedy for her to finally accept that it was okay to lean on Cade and accept his love.

The secondary characters were terrific. Aunt Gertrude was a real piece of work. She was feisty and stubborn and contrary, but she also loved her family with all her heart. I loved the description of her as looking "like an ancient Christmas elf with an attitude." She and Tessa butted heads almost constantly through the book, as Gertrude tried to push Tessa the way she wanted her to go. I enjoyed Gertrude's feud with the neighbor and the unexpected twist at the end. Alex was the character that my heart broke for. He seemed so lost at the beginning, only happy when he played his music. His fascination with the angel caused some of the most emotional moments of the book. Zim started out as the man I loved to hate because of the way he tried to cause trouble for Tessa and the others. He did redeem himself quite nicely at the end. The deputy, Max, was quite flirt and I wasn't sure if he was going to cause trouble for Cade and Tessa or not. I ended up enjoying the way he poked at Cade a little bit without being mean about it. I'm looking forward to reading his story because I suspect that he's going to fall hard.

 

How to Train a Cowboy - Caro Carson (HSE #2566 - Aug 2017)

Series: Texas Rescue (Book 6)

LESSONS IN LASSOING

Though Marine hero Benjamin Graham doesn't know the first thing about ranching, his new job is the lifeline he desperately needs. Without the help of feisty cowgirl Emily Davis, though, he's lost -- in more ways than one. But as their attraction turns combustible, the hardened battle vet turns away from the gorgeous college coed. She might know every inch of her family's homestead, but Graham doesn't want her to know his pain.

Even if the world is Emily's oyster, all she's ever wanted is the family ranch. And though rugged new ranch hand Graham seems like an unlikely trainee, he is taking her dreams of running the ranch more seriously than anyone else. As they grow closer during hot days -- and nights -- working the range, Emily starts to think that maybe the ranch is only a piece of her dream…

Good book. Graham left the Marines after eight years, burned out on the things he'd seen and done. But coming home wasn't the answer either. He spent time putting his business degree to use but still felt unsettled and lost. Then his uncle offered him a job as a ranch hand, something he knew nothing about. The night before reporting into work, Graham stopped at a local bar, but still felt out of place among the college kids and young soldiers who were there. On his way out he came to the rescue of a young woman having trouble with her ex.

Emily stopped at the bar to meet friends before going back to her last semester of college. She was already bummed because the last thing she wanted was to go back to school. Being accosted by her ex was the icing on the cake. Things looked up when she met Graham, who backed her up without being obnoxious about it.

I loved this first encounter between Graham and Emily. Graham noticed Emily right away and was bowled over by her. He was watchful during her conversation with her ex and thoroughly enjoyed seeing her deal with him. I loved Graham's understated intervention. Emily's reaction to Graham was just as strong as she made her attempt to thank him for his help. When a fight broke out in the bar, Graham's protective instincts kicked in and he got Emily and others to a safe spot. Unable to leave, Graham and Emily spent the time talking.

It was unusual to have more than half of the book take place in the first few hours of when Emily and Graham met. There was a connection between them from the moment they met, in spite of the eight years age difference. I loved how easy they found it to talk to each other about anything and everything. Graham told her about his upcoming job as a ranch hand, his lack of experience and his determination to make a go of it. Emily told Graham all about her frustration with her family's refusal to accept what she wants from her life. I loved how Graham was able to help Emily see that she could stand up for herself and go after her dreams. As they talked, the attraction between them grew and added to the connection they felt. By the time the night was over, they had plans to meet again. They did not expect it to be so soon.

I ached for both Graham and Emily when they did. Graham had just finished getting settled, dealing with the obnoxious young cowboy who was "training" him. This scene made me laugh, to see this young punk try to pull stupid tricks on a man like Graham. Graham was also dealing with the sneaking suspicion that the ranch he was on was the one owned by Emily's family and that he had just taken the job she wanted. Emily's shock at seeing Graham was real, as was her anger when she realized what had happened. I hurt for her as all the plans she made were shot down one by one, leaving her stuck with her family's expectations after all. There was a good scene where she intervened with Sid's hazing of Graham, which also led to another instance of her standing up for herself and her goals. I loved seeing Graham help her see that she could still make her dreams work; she simply had to make some adjustments. It was so sweet to see Graham show her what she couldn't see for herself.

The end of the book came in kind of a rush. I liked the scene at the roundup, where it was clear that Graham was settling in well. He was obviously accepted by her cousins, Luke and Trey. The progression of the relationship between Graham and Emily was alluded to in his thoughts about their calls and video chats, but not elaborated on. I loved the final scene with Emily's graduation and the twist that she and Graham added to it.

 

Amish Haven - Dana R. Lynn (LIS #735 - Mar 2019)

Series: Amish Witness Protection (Book 3)

A Refuge for His Family

When criminal lawyer Tyler Everson witnesses his boss’s murder, he becomes the killer’s next target -- along with his estranged wife, Annabelle, and their daughter. Now they must enter witness protection in Amish country. But reuniting with his family isn’t easy when Annabelle doesn’t trust him. Will going into hiding keep them safe…and bring the family back together for good?

Excellent second chance story combined with intense suspense. The book started with a bang as Tyler witnessed his boss's murder, and the intensity remained high throughout. When Tyler realized that he would be the killer's next target, he also feared that his daughter and estranged wife would also become targets. Convincing Annie to leave everything behind to enter witness protection with him would not be easy.

It was clear from the start that Tyler still loved Annie, and missed her and Bethany desperately. His decision to pull away from them had been meant to protect them, and now they were in even more danger. I ached for Tyler and his fears for their safety, especially when he had to try to explain it to Annie. Annie was furious when she heard about the trouble Tyler was in, blaming it all on his job. She refused to believe that it would spill over onto her since they had been separated for several years. She was quickly proved wrong and reluctantly agreed to go along. Annie was still hurt and angry at the way Tyler had abandoned her and Bethany. It was hard enough on her, but the way he ignored their daughter made her livid.

But something unexpected happened as Tyler and Annie ran for their lives. The loving father and protective husband was very different from the one Annie thought she knew. I loved seeing them get to know each other again. Both of them also had the chance to look at their pasts and realize the mistakes they made. Tyler realized that he hadn't given Annie enough credit for being strong enough to deal with the truth behind his withdrawal. He had allowed his guilty feelings over what had happened to drive his actions. Annie came to believe that she had been harshly judgmental, rather than looking beneath the surface for why Tyler had changed. But it still took nearly losing each other for them to see that they belonged together, no matter what obstacles they needed to overcome. I loved the ending and seeing Annie demolish all of Tyler's fears. The epilogue was sweet, and a nice wrapup of the storyline.

The suspense and action in the book were outstanding. From the very first pages, the action was nearly nonstop. It seemed that no matter what they did, Tyler and Annie could not catch a break, with the bad guys either right on their heels or occasionally one step ahead of them. Once Annie accepted that they were in danger, I was very impressed by the way that she held it together, especially when it came to her fear of heights. There were multiple times when I wondered how they were going to get out of the current situation. There were a couple of times when each of them made boneheaded moves that put them in greater danger. The intensity of the final confrontation had me glued to the pages until it was all over.

 

Between the Sheets - Molly O'Keefe (Bantam - Aug 2014)

Series: Boys of Bishop (Book 3)

After years of running, Wyatt Svenson has now parked himself in Bishop, Arkansas, trying to do the right thing and parent a son he didn’t even know he had until recently. Over six feet tall and packed with muscles and power, Ty likes to get his hands dirty, fixing his motorcycle at night and keeping his mind away from the mistakes he’s made. Then his pretty neighbor shows up on his driveway, doesn’t bother to introduce herself, and complains about the noise. First impression? She should loosen up. Funny that she turns out to be his son’s elementary school art teacher -- and the only one willing to help his troubled boy. Ty needs her. In more ways than one.

Though Shelby Monroe is safe in her structured life, she is drawn to Ty’s bad-boy edge and rugged sexuality. What if she just lets it all go: her worries about her mother, her fear of heartbreak, and her tight self-control? What if she grabs Ty and takes a ride on the wild side? “What if” becomes reality -- intense, exhilarating . . . and addictive. But Ty wants more than a secret affair. He wants it all with Shelby. But will she take a chance and open her heart? Ty is determined to convince Shelby to take the biggest risk of her life: on him.

Good book about two people who found healing in each other's arms. Ty was new to Bishop, looking for a place to settle and raise the son he just found out about. Ty had a rough childhood and youth and spent years trying to outrun the memories of the mistakes he'd made. He felt completely inadequate as a father and struggled to connect with Casey, but was determined to do the best he could. His way of relaxing and de-stressing was to work on the motorcycle he was refurbishing, and he frequently lost track of time working late into the night. That came to a screeching end when his neighbor showed up to chew him out about the noise.

Shelby has lived in Bishop all her life. She spent her childhood under the thumb of her abusive, narcissistic father, who hid his abuse behind his role as a spiritual leader. He did his best to destroy her self-worth and that of her mother. Shelby survived by closing herself off to all emotion and keeping people at a distance. Since her father's death, Shelby's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Unwilling or unable to ask for help, Shelby hid behind a cool and unruffled façade while feeling overwhelmed by her life. Ty's arrival turned that safe life on its head.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ty and Shelby, even though I frequently wanted to shake her. Their first meeting was very antagonistic, as Shelby's uptight attitude rubbed Ty the wrong way. He was surprised to discover that she was Casey's art teacher at school, and the only one willing to help his troubled son. While meeting to discuss Casey's needs, there was no denying the attraction that flared between them. While Ty wanted to date and get to know her, Shelby was only interested in a physical relationship, and a secret one at that. The more time Ty spent with her, the more he realized that he wanted more. I ached for Ty as every attempt he made to get closer to her was shut down. There were times I wanted to shake Shelby for not opening her eyes to what Ty offered her, but I also hurt for her belief that she was incapable of loving anyone. She very nearly succeeded in pushing Ty so far away that they couldn't recover. It took a crisis with her mother for Shelby to realize that she wanted to change and that Ty was the one who could help her do it.

Another vital part of the story was the relationship between Ty and Casey. They struggled so much in the beginning. Casey went through so much during his early years, with a drug-addicted and negligent mother. His desperation was obvious in the way that he searched for Ty. Though Ty was shocked and overwhelmed, I loved his determination to be the best father he could. I hurt for Casey, who found it difficult to believe that happiness could last and self-sabotaged when things went well. I loved how Ty's consistent presence in his life helped Casey realize that he could trust Ty. Ty's support of Casey over the fight at school was a turning point in their relationship, and I loved how they began to connect better during Casey's suspension. The part involving the bike auction was heartbreaking for Ty as he got a good look at what Casey's early life was like. I loved how he immediately took steps to change things because of it.

I loved the epilogue and seeing the progress that all three made toward giving and accepting love in their lives. Ty's surprise for Shelby was pretty sweet, as was the help of all their friends.

The Marquess Tames His Bride - Annie Burrows (HH #1363 - Feb 2018)

Series: Brides for Bachelors (Book 2)

“I have just announced our betrothal.”

The Marquess of Rawcliffe has always found his feisty childhood friend Clare Cottam enthralling. Forbidden by her strict father to pursue a relationship, he’s kept his distance. But the couple is embroiled in a heated argument that puts Clare’s reputation in danger, and Rawcliffe is forced to declare her his fiancée! It will be his pleasure to tame his independent, innocent bride…

Good book. The story opened with Clare on her way to take up a position as a companion after the death of her father left her homeless and penniless. The last person she expected to encounter at the coaching inn was her nemesis, the Marquess of Rawcliffe. They had been childhood friends, but a misunderstanding over a proposal drove them apart, leaving each feeling humiliated. In the years since then, Rawcliffe has delighted in provoking Clare's temper. This time was no different, except that Clare's temper erupted into the physical when she punched him in the nose. Unfortunately for her, it was witnessed by many people. To save her from scandal, Rawcliffe announced that they were engaged.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rawcliffe and Clare. The scene at the inn was amusing. Rawcliffe had developed his snarky teasing as a way of protecting his heart because he had never stopped loving her. Clare always reacted strongly as a way to hide the fact that she was in love with him for years. The possibility of scandal gave Rawcliffe the perfect opportunity to get what he has always wanted - Clare as his wife - not that he was ready to tell her that. Clare didn't want him to feel forced to marry her and tried to talk him out of it. But it didn't take too much convincing for her to decide that she could get her wish to be his wife, and hope that he would come to care for her.

When Rawcliffe took Clare to London to stay with Lady Harriet (The Major Meets His Match), he was devastated by the news of the death of a close friend. Rawcliffe and his friends were investigating the theft of some jewels and Rawcliffe was certain that Thomas's death was no accident. He was pretty sure that Clare's brother Clement was involved, and realized that his marriage to Clare gave him an unexpected chance to investigate further. The downside was that he feared Clare would think that was why he married her. The guilt he felt over this had him blowing hot and cold whenever he was with Clare. Sometimes he would be kind and considerate, reminding Clare of the boy she knew and loved, and then he would turn around and be cold and disdainful. The physical passion between them was intense, but then Rawcliffe would coolly and calmly walk away afterward. This behavior frustrated and confused Clare, who tried her best to be the wife that Rawcliffe said he wanted. There were times that her temper got the best of her, and I loved seeing her let go, making it clear to Rawcliffe that she was ticked.

I ached for both Clare and Rawcliffe as he carried out his plan to use Clare to investigate Clement. Clare was moved by Rawcliffe's taking her to see her brother, even though she knew he didn't like Clement. But Clement's words and actions made Clare suspicious of her husband's motives. As Rawcliffe's investigation progressed, he realized that he was caught between a rock and a hard place. If he pursued his suspicions, he took a chance on alienating the woman he loved, but if he didn't, Clement would get away with murder. I was truly impressed with Clare, who except for one brief moment, handled the discovery of the truth very well. I loved how she took the little bits she learned and put them together into an accurate picture of what was going on. Their big moment on the cliff, as truths were revealed and feelings shared, was fantastic.

 

Locked in Temptation - Brenda Jackson (HQN - July 2017)

Series: Protectors (Book 3)

His job is to protect her…no matter the cost

Police detective Joy Ingram's connection to elite security expert Stonewall Courson is instant. Undeniable. Electric. But her commitment to protect and serve has always come first. Everything else is secondary -- especially when she uncovers an underground surrogate baby-making ring. Joy can't risk a distraction during the most important case of her career, not even one as sexy as reformed ex-con Stonewall.

There are few things Stonewall values more than a strong woman. But when Joy's investigation draws her into a deadly conspiracy that goes deeper than she ever imagined, he must convince her that he's the best man to protect her. And while he puts his life on the line to save hers, the insatiable attraction between them becomes the one danger neither of them can escape.

Good conclusion to The Protectors series. There has been a connection between Joy and Stonewall since they met in Forged in Desire, but their work schedules have prevented them from even having a date. Stonewall was determined, however, and his chance finally came when he and Joy attended Margo and Striker's wedding. I loved how he went all out to impress her with an incredibly thoughtful and romantic event. It was no surprise that the attraction between them lit up like the Fourth of July.

As deep as their connection went, both Stonewall and Joy are wary of any kind of commitment. Stonewall doesn't believe in forever. He lost his parents and his grandfather in a short space of time when he was a youth. The pain of those losses has made him determined to keep his encounters emotion-free. Joy was engaged to a man who resented her career and the time she spent on it. Convinced that relationships are impossible for her, Joy only agreed to the occasional "diversion." I loved the development of their relationship. Though both believed it was simply physical at first, it was clear that the connection between them went much deeper. I loved how Stonewall's way of taking care of her made Joy feel cherished, without diminishing her independence and strength. At the same time, Stonewall's growing feelings for Joy made him reconsider his beliefs about forever. But it took nearly losing each other for them to realize the depth of their feelings. I loved the ending and seeing them open up to each other about their love.

I really liked both Stonewall and Joy. Stonewall turned his life around while in prison. I loved his commitment to helping others the same way that Seth Granger helped him. He is also a man with a kind and loving heart, which is easy to see in his relationships with his grandmother and sister. One of the things I liked best about him was his vocal support of Joy and her career. I loved the scene in the restaurant after her promotion and how he shut those men down. Joy was amazing. I loved her commitment to her work and the protectiveness she felt for the people. I loved how she didn't let the naysayers in the department get to her; she simply did what she did best and proved her worth. I loved how tenacious she was when it came to solving her cases.

The suspense of the story was very good. I loved how one new piece of information gave Joy the key to unlocking the mystery of the unidentified dead woman. Following Joy's investigation was fascinating as she put all the pieces together, trusting in her instincts as well as the clues. Getting the point of view of the various bad guys gave excellent insight into how convoluted the whole thing was. It was also interesting to see the connection between the surrogate scheme and the events of the first two books. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until everyone was safe.

I loved seeing more of Striker and Margot, and Randi and Quasar. The strength of the friendship among the three men was fantastic. It was wonderful to see how they were always ready to back one another up if needed, but that they could also cut loose with some hilarious teasing. I also enjoyed seeing more of the Grangers and how they are doing since Seth's acquittal. The hospital scenes at the end were great.