Look Alive Twenty-Five - Janet Evanovich (Penguin - Nov 2018)

Series: Stephanie Plum (Book 25)

There's nothing like a good deli, and the Red River Deli in Trenton is one of the best. World-famous for its pastrami, cole slaw, and for its disappearing managers. Over the last month, three have vanished from the face of the earth, and the only clue in each case is one shoe that's been left behind. The police are baffled. Lula is convinced that it's a case of alien abduction. Whatever it is, they'd better figure out what's going on before they lose their new manager, Ms. Stephanie Plum.

Another fun bumbling bounty hunters book, but this one has a twist. One of the many bondees from Vinnie's bail bond business has skipped, forfeiting the business he used as collateral for his bond. So Vinnie and his boss, Harry the Hammer, are stuck with a deli that they need to keep running. The problem is, the managers keep disappearing. So Vinnie put Stephanie in as manager, telling her not to mess it up while keeping up with tracking her FTAs. Neither Morelli nor Ranger is thrilled with the idea of Stephanie being in the line of fire.

Of course, Stephanie has no experience in managing a deli. She has three employees - a waitress who seems pretty normal, a fry guy who has questionable immigration status, and a line cook with a constant buzz. The ever-present Lula made herself assistant manager. There are times when the deli gets busy, and Stephanie and Lula have to pitch in, creating even more chaos. Lula is a riot with her mad sandwich making skills, where she gets creative, and the customer gets what she made whether they ordered it or not. Ranger shows unexpected talents when even he gets sucked into helping while keeping an eye on Stephanie.

When Stephanie hires an ex-skip to take her place as manager, the man disappears in the same manner as the previous managers, leaving Stephanie feeling guilty, and Lula convinced that aliens are abducting the managers. Ranger and Morelli share the task of protecting Stephanie, with Rangeman guards shadowing Stephanie's every move. When one of the guards goes missing, the intensity of the search ramps up. Following the clues gets Stephanie and Lula into a few sticky situations until Ranger himself joins the hunt. There are a few interesting and inevitable twists in the search, and the final takedown goes relatively smoothly, but there are a couple of unexpected revelations. The book ended with a shocking cliffhanger and Stephanie in a panic.

Though they took a minor position, Stephanie still has a few skips to track down. Most were relatively easy though with some unusual steps to make them happen. I especially enjoyed the one with the cat. For the most challenging one, she was lucky enough to have Ranger with her - it is a joy to watch that man work. Strangely enough, no cars were destroyed, and Stephanie didn't get covered in any disgusting substances.

Stephanie's romantic relationships continue to be complicated. I loved the scene with Morelli and Ranger setting up Stephanie's protection. They may be rivals, but there's no doubt both care for her. She and Morelli are still together, which makes his share of the protective detail easy. They are easy and comfortable together. Stephanie's relationship with Ranger is something else. There are sparks there, as illustrated by Stephanie's frequent musings on knees melting and breathing issues. Ranger is a master of innuendo and is on top of his game in this book. He can say a lot with a simple "Babe." He is also protective of her, and I liked seeing him care for her. Meanwhile, Stephanie fights the good fight against temptation.

There were some things missing from this book that are regulars in the previous books. There is very little family drama, with only one Plum family dinner to attend. There were no funerals for Grandma Mazur to attend and disrupt. As mentioned before, no cars were destroyed. So while this wasn't as over-the-top crazy as some of the books, it was still a fun read. I'm looking forward to the next one and seeing how the cliffhanger turns out.

 

Sweet Tea and Sympathy - Molly Harper (Pocket - Nov 2017)

Series: Southern Eclectic (Book 1)

Nestled on the shore of Lake Sackett, Georgia is the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. (What, you have a problem with one-stop shopping?) Two McCready brothers started two separate businesses in the same building back in 1928, and now it's become one big family affair. And true to form in small Southern towns, family business becomes everybody's business.

Margot Cary has spent her life immersed in everything Lake Sackett is not. As an elite event planner, Margot's rubbed elbows with the cream of Chicago society, and made elegance and glamour her business. She's riding high until one event goes tragically, spectacularly wrong. Now she's blackballed by the gala set and in dire need of a fresh start -- and apparently the McCreadys are in need of an event planner with a tarnished reputation.

As Margot finds her footing in a town where everybody knows not only your name, but what you had for dinner last Saturday night and what you'll wear to church on Sunday morning, she grudgingly has to admit that there are some things Lake Sackett does better than Chicago -- including the dating prospects. Elementary school principal Kyle Archer is a fellow fish-out-of-water who volunteers to show Margot the picture-postcard side of Southern living. The two of them hit it off, but not everybody is happy to see an outsider snapping up one of the town's most eligible gentleman. Will Margot reel in her handsome fish, or will she have to release her latest catch?

This was such a fun book to read! Margot was an event planner at the top of her game in Chicago. She was ready to nail the latest event and cement her chances at a partnership in the company. Unfortunately, thanks to a rogue chef, some shrimp, and some flamingos, her crowning event went spectacularly off the rails. To top it all off, a number of the cellphone videos of the incident went viral, causing an immediate loss of her job. Unemployed and blackballed in her chosen field, Margot was getting close to being broke and homeless when she received a call from a woman who claimed to be her great-aunt Tootie. Skeptical, because really, who has the name "Tootie," Margot discovered that she had an entire family unknown to her in Lake Sackett, Georgia. She was invited to come to Georgia and work for the family business, McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop (aka the Bait and Bury). Out of options, Margot accepted.

Talk about culture shock! Margot's mother took her and left Georgia when Margot was a small child, remarrying and moving to Chicago. Mom and stepdad were not exactly the demonstrative type, and appearances were important to them. Margot was a bit uptight, entirely out of her element, and counting the days until she can get another job in a city. She was welcomed with open arms and (gasp!) hugs. I loved the enthusiastic welcomes, from Aunt Tootie and her motley collection of dogs to her aunt and uncle to the cousins who are determined to be friends whether she wanted it or not. I loved the scene where they took her to the local bar and introduced her to moonshine. It was great fun to see Margot attempt to adjust to a place where food is pork-based and/or deep-fried, and fruits and vegetables are nearly impossible to find.

I loved the small town atmosphere and quirky characters. The town itself has fallen on hard times because the drought has further lowered the level of the lake, leaving many tourist-based businesses struggling. Small town politics, especially in the PTA, are alive and well. When Margot was guilted into helping to straighten out the plans for the PTA-sponsored town festival, those politics created some hilariously funny moments. The current PTA president and the former principal do not want to relinquish one bit of control, and their passive-aggressive actions get on Margot's last nerve. But Margot is used to much tougher opponents, and I loved watching her work her magic. I loved her final confrontation with Sara Lee, as the Chicago event planner merged with the newly minted Southern woman. It was a grand thing to witness.

Neither Margot nor Kyle expected the romance that grew between them. Their first meeting was unusual. The night that her cousins introduced Margot to moonshine, she encountered a big, bearded "lumberjack" with the saddest eyes she'd ever seen. An impromptu hug of sympathy turned into a hot makeout session in Kyle's truck before Margot panicked and ran. Imagine her dismay when she discovered that her "lumberjack" was actually the elementary school principal and a single dad. Margot was determined to keep her distance, but it was a small town, and frequent encounters were inevitable. Kyle was a widower who still grieved for his late wife and had no plans to enter any new relationships. His occasional dates were kept far away from his family. Kyle was very good at keeping each part of his life separate - family, work, and social each had its place, and they didn't overlap. I loved seeing the relationship between them grow. Though both claim they don't want a relationship, they can't stay away from each other. Margot is especially wary because she has no experience with kids and doesn't want to do something wrong. In spite of her fears, she is actually very good with them, and I enjoyed seeing them together. Then an unexpected offer meant that Margot had to make some decisions. I ached for her and for Kyle as she struggled with those decisions. Margot's big moment at the end was fantastic. The epilogue was great.

One of the things I liked best about the book was the family theme. I loved how the McCready side was so ready to embrace Margot, in spite of the events that had kept them apart for so long. It took a while for Margot to loosen up enough to appreciate each person's unique traits. That was especially true of her father, Stan. Margot only had her mother's side of the story when it came to their relationship, so her attitude seemed especially harsh. I ached for Stan, who was honest about his mistakes and regrets. There were times I was a bit irritated with Margot and her unwillingness to bend a little. However, time and exposure helped. I loved Margot's reaction to Sara Lee's comments about Stan, and the progress it showed in their relationship.

I can't wait to read more in this series.

The Pursuits Of Lord Kit Cavanaugh - Stephanie Laurens (Mira - Apr 2019)

Series: Cavanaughs (Book 2)

A Gentleman of Means

One of the most eligible bachelors in London, Lord Christopher “Kit” Cavanaugh has discovered his true path and it doesn't include the expected society marriage. Kit is all business and has chosen the bustling port of Bristol to launch his passion -- Cavanaugh Yachts.

A Woman of Character

Miss Sylvia Buckleberry's passion is her school for impoverished children. When a new business venture forces the school out of its building, she must act quickly. But confronting Kit Cavanaugh is a daunting task made even more difficult by their first and only previous meeting, when, believing she'd never see him again, she'd treated him dismissively. Still, Sylvia is determined to be persuasive.

An Unstoppable Duo

But it quickly becomes clear there are others who want the school -- and Cavanaugh Yachts -- closed. Working side by side, Kit and Sylvia fight to secure her school and to expose the blackguard trying to sabotage his business. Yet an even more dastardly villain lurks, one who threatens the future both discover they now hold dear.

Terrific book. Now that his brother's wedding was over, Kit was ready to head for Bristol and get his dream of Cavanaugh Yachts launched. All he needed was the right location and the craftsmen with the right skills, and he would be set. The site was quickly found; all he needed to do was wait for the charity using it to vacate the premises.

Daughter of a vicar, Sylvia found her calling in providing education for the sons of Bristol dockworkers. She and her team worked hard for the last two years and had just started seeing real progress in their efforts when she found out that they were losing their building.

I loved both Kit and Sylvia, both of whom made brief appearances in the previous book, The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh. Kit had quite the reputation around London as a rake. What no one knew was that it was a carefully cultivated reputation, designed to discourage his manipulative mother's matchmaking aspirations. Having been a witness to his parents' marriage, Kit had no desire to marry. In reality, Kit was an honorable, kind, and hardworking man. Sylvia gave up on the idea of marriage for herself long ago, after she endured one season of the glitz and glamour. She is intelligent, determined, and kind. Both of them have dreams that they are passionate about.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Kit and Sylvia. Their first encounter was at Rand's wedding, where they were partnered during the wedding celebration. Kit was intrigued by Sylvia, but she treated him coldly, so he tried to put her out of his mind. Sylvia struggled to maintain her distance from the rake she was inexplicably drawn to and had crushed on two years earlier. She never expected to see him again and was dismayed to find he had leased the building that housed her school. I loved their next meeting, as Sylvia burst into Kit's office and harangued him about dislocating her school. Kit was stunned by the difference in Sylvia and intrigued all over again. I loved how he took the wind out of her sails by merely agreeing to help her find a new spot for her school. As they spent time together looking for a new location, both Kit and Sylvia discovered that their previous beliefs about each other were all wrong. I enjoyed seeing them get to know and respect who the other is, and the realization of how much alike they are. I liked Kit's move into courting Sylvia, though it took a bit for her to realize what he was doing. As the trouble that stalked them heated up, I loved Kit's protectiveness of Sylvia, which added to his growing feelings for her. Sylvia was also protective of Kit, and I enjoyed how she did things that would help him. But it took the danger at the end for them to realize just how deep their feelings for each other were.

The suspense in the story was good. There were attacks on the business, attacks on the school, and Sylvia's persistent feelings of being watched. Were these incidents related, or were they separate issues? There were multiple twists and turns as each event was dealt with, revealing some interesting motivations and solutions. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

The secondary characters gave added depth to the story, helping both Kit and Sylvia shine. The boys that Sylvia teaches, and their families, showed another side of Victorian England. The advances in the technology of boat building changed the economy of Bristol, and this book showed the effects on the ordinary people. The struggles to take care of their families was vividly portrayed. I liked Sylvia's compassion and practical ways of helping and dealing with problems. Her connection with her students and their families also played a big part in helping Kit get his business started. I loved Kit's practical methods of running his business, and his hands-on approach. It was especially fun to see the variety of reactions. I loved the assorted boys and their parts in the book. Each one has a unique personality and history. There were some pretty funny situations that they got involved in, but they also played a huge part in the final confrontation. I liked the appearances of the previous couples in the series and their roles in moving the relationship along.

The Baby Gift - Bethany Campbell (HS #1052 - Apr 2002)

Series: 9 Months Later (Book 31)

Josh Morris travels the world in search of its stories. Briana Morris's whole world is a single small farm. They met and married and divorced in little more than the wink of an eye. But together they managed to create one perfect thing -- their daughter, Nealie.

Now Nealie has been diagnosed with a rare and dangerous form of anemia. Her best hope for survival is a transfusion from a sibling. But Nealie has no siblings. To save her daughter's life, Briana must do the unthinkable -- contact Josh and convince him to father another child.

Good second chance story. Josh and Briana had married in a whirlwind of love and passion. But Josh's globetrotting lifestyle as a photographer didn't mesh well with Briana's deep-seated roots on her family's farm, and they divorced nearly as quickly. But one blessing came from their marriage - their daughter, Nealie. In spite of their divorce, Josh and Briana maintained close ties. When Nealie was diagnosed with a dangerous illness, her only chance of survival was a controversial treatment. The only thing Briana can do is reach Josh and ask him to come home and help her conceive the sibling needed to save Nealie's life.

I love that this is a story where the parents have maintained a good relationship, rather than the antagonistic one portrayed in so many other books. Both Josh and Briana refrain from badmouthing each other and support each other instead. Josh was shocked by Briana's request and the method by which it would happen. He had some serious reservations, but he would do anything to save Nealie's life. This also put Josh and Briana in each other's company for an extended time.

I liked Josh. Nealie means the world to him, and he didn't hesitate to drop everything and come when Briana called. He was a terrific dad, and it showed in the love that Nealie had for him. I think that Josh matured a lot from when he and Briana first married, but it was still difficult to deal with her family's attitude toward him. He had a few less than stellar moments, but most of the time it was understandable. I had a harder time with Briana. She is a good mother to Nealie, and pure mama bear when it came to doing whatever necessary to save her. But her inability to see her father for the controlling and selfish SOB that he was drove me nuts. She did redeem herself by the end, thank goodness.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Josh and Briana. It was evident from the start that they still had feelings for each other. Unfortunately, they also still had the same challenges that tore them apart. They are also older and more mature, and possibly better equipped to handle those challenges. Once Josh committed to helping Briana, he was all in. I liked his support of Briana as they went through all the necessary medical procedures. The time spent together increased the sparks between them and gave a boost to the feelings that had never died. I loved seeing them grow closer, but that same closeness also created problems. Briana's father did everything he could to keep them apart and was aided and abetted by the aunt of a rival for Briana's love. I ached for Josh, who couldn't seem to catch a break. Fortunately, Briana finally began to see her father for what he was and grew enough backbone to stand up to him. I ached for Briana too, because she was afraid to risk her heart again. She knew the kinds of danger Josh faced and was terrified of loving and losing him. I liked Josh's persistence and patience in getting past her walls. But it took a photography assignment gone bad to open both their eyes to the mistakes of the past and the hopes of the future. I really liked the ending.

 

And Baby Makes Six - Linda Markowiak (HS #920 - June 2000)

Series: 9 Months Later (Book 24)

MITCH OLIVER IS A MAN's MAN

Which is probably a good thing since he's raising four rowdy teenage boys on his own. His schedule is filled with guy stuff such as hockey, baseball, football. Then he gets custody of his very feminine little niece. HER schedule includes Barbie dolls and ballet.

Fortunately, Jenny Litton -- his sister's best friend -- is willing to help. Suddenly Mitch finds himself struggling to understand two females -- one charming little girl and one equally charming woman.

One very PREGNANT woman....

Good book, full of genuine feelings and challenges. Mitch was a widower raising four sons, ranging in age from eleven to nineteen. His world was turned upside down when he got custody of his eight-year-old niece after his sister died. Though determined to do his best for the little girl, Mitch was clueless when it comes to dealing with her.

Jenny was Crystal's mother's best friend. She would gladly take Crystal into her own home and heart, but she has no choice in the matter. In addition, her personal life has taken an unexpected turn. The company she works for has suddenly closed down, so she's out of a job, and her fiancé left her when she found out she was pregnant. But nothing will stop Jenny from showing up at Mitch's door when she believes that Crystal needs her.

I ached for Mitch at the beginning of this story, though I also wanted to shake him. I know he tried his best to connect with Crystal, but she was like an alien life form to him. It didn't help anything that his home was so chaotic, with four rowdy, mostly undisciplined boys. The event that brought Jenny running to Ohio could have been prevented if he had merely talked to Crystal enough that she was comfortable going to him with what happened. Instead, he was blindsided by Jenny's arrival and put on the defensive by her attitude. Jenny didn't help matters with her obvious judgment of what she saw.

The development of Mitch and Jenny's relationship was a rocky one. I liked that he invited her to stay at the house and help Crystal adjust to her new home. He didn't expect to be attracted to her. Jenny was also drawn to Mitch, but thanks to her past she has some huge trust issues. She also beat herself up about her lack of judgment and was hesitant to tell Mitch about her pregnancy. Mitch also has some trust issues from his days as a professional hockey player. One of the most significant issues between Jenny and Mitch was his reluctance to discipline his boys. They were pretty obnoxious, and all that Mitch ever did was "talk to them" rather than have them face real consequences for their actions. I thought that Jenny did far more adapting than any of the males did. Amazingly enough, Jenny and Mitch did grow closer, and the attraction between them grew. But when Jenny finally got the courage to tell Mitch about the baby, he didn't handle the news well. I actually thought he came across as very selfish. He did step up to take care of her when there was a problem, and it looked like they might be able to repair their relationship. Unfortunately, one of the young hockey players came to Mitch for some advice for a problem that pushed all of Mitch's trust buttons. When Jenny heard about that advice, she was furious. When she confronted Mitch about it, he said some truly horrible things to her and about her. Though she wasn't entirely blameless, I didn't blame her for moving back out. Mitch's misery was well-earned, and it took advice from an unexpected source to make him see the light. I laughed out loud at how he followed that advice, but it was also really sweet. It took a little while for Jenny to catch on to what it represented, but it certainly did the trick. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was a nice wrap-up.

 

Operation Hero's Watch - Justine Davis (HRS #2036 - Apr 2019)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 10)

Reunited in peril…and united in love?

When a stalker haunts Cassidy Grant's every move, she turns to Jace Cahill to keep her safe. Pretty soon Jace realizes that his best friend's little sister is all grown up. But with danger menacing, can the brilliant guard dog Cutter keep Cassidy safe…and nudge her and Jace toward the scariest proposition of all -- a future together?

Finally another Cutter's Code book! I have been anxiously awaiting this book for more than a year, as Justine Davis has me hooked on this part detective/part matchmaker dog. Ten years earlier Jace promised his then best friend, Cory,  that he would help his little sister if she ever needed it. When Cassie suspected she had a stalker, but not enough evidence for the police to help, Cory told her to call Jace. Jace immediately set out, hitchhiking from Southern California to Washington state, where he was picked up by Foxworth Foundation operatives Rafe and Cutter.

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. We see Jace trudging through the rain on his way to Cassie's, as he was passed by a car with a barking dog. Suddenly the car stopped and backed up, and we have Rafe nearly begging Jace to get in the car so that Cutter would stop barking. I had to laugh because this behavior is typical Cutter, who has an uncanny ability to find people who need help. Rafe's desperation was apparent, as was his willingness to let Cutter dictate what happened. It was also Cutter's unique abilities that had Jace telling Rafe about why he was there. In typical Foxworth fashion, Jace suddenly had unexpected help. I loved their arrival at Cassie's and the process of deciding what to do. Rafe was fantastic at pulling out the details of what was happening, and Cutter was funny with his "nudges." I especially liked how Rafe and Jace believed what Cassie had to tell them.

I loved the development of the relationship between Cassie and Jace. They had known each other since they were children and Jace was her brother's best friend. Jace had a terrible home life with a verbally abusive father and the time he spent with Cassie's family gave him a desperately needed respite from the abuse. The Grants always treated Jace as part of the family. When his father deserted them, Jace and his mother were left with nothing but crippling debt, and disappeared from Cassie's life, until he returned to help Cassie. There were sparks between Jace and Cassie from the beginning. Cassie wasn't surprised to see that her feelings for him were just as strong as they'd been before. Jace was taken aback by his attraction to his best friend's little sister and resisted the pull he felt toward her. He was determined to keep her safe but did not feel worthy of anything more, thanks to continually hearing his father's voice in his head always putting him down. I loved Cassie's sensitivity as she learned more about his childhood. She had no trouble seeing how wonderful Jace was. Her determination to break him free of his father's abuse was fantastic. I especially enjoyed her way of breaking him out of his downward spirals whenever his "memory bombs" would go off. She worked very hard to break through his walls because of how she felt about him.

Another thing that helped with the furthering of their relationship was Cutter. He had quite the reputation within Foxworth for his matchmaking abilities. I laughed out loud when I read the part where Rafe realized that Cutter had plans for Jace and Cassie, and he tried to explain it to Jace. It was so much fun to see Cutter aid in their "courtship" by pushing, tripping, and nudging them where he wanted them to go. The descriptions of his facial expressions and attitudes were vivid, and I could actually picture them in my head. When the mystery was solved, it was Cutter who gave the final push that showed Jace he could have it all.

The suspense of the story was excellent. I was drawn into the mystery from the very beginning. It is always fascinating to watch the people from Foxworth work, and this was no exception. Rafe is impressive in his abilities, and I loved how he was always there when he was needed. I wasn't at all surprised by the direction the investigation took. The intensity built with each encounter, and as they came closer to the truth. Several twists and turns kept me guessing about what would happen next. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

 

The Lone Star Lawman - Justine Davis (Tule - Apr 2019)

Series: Texas Justice (Book 1)

He never lets anything get to him. Except her.

Police Chief Shane Highwater has the respect of the entire town of Last Stand, Texas, and they all believe he was blameless when an accident several months ago ended one life and tore apart another. All except reporter Liliana Jones, who blames him for her fiancé’s death.

There's more to the story than she knows, secrets that might change her mind. Secrets Shane can't tell her. But oh, does he want to, because Lily Jones is the first woman he's been undeniably drawn to in a very long time.

When a tragedy in town throws them together, Lily is forced to admit Shane is everything everyone said he was and ignoring the growing attraction is near impossible, and she’s no longer sure she wants to. Has her change of heart come too late?

Excellent start to the new series. Shane is Chief of Police in Last Stand, Texas, continuing a long family tradition of service. He was well-suited to the job, as he always maintained a calm attitude, and was well-known for his courage, integrity, and self-sacrifice. The only one who didn't agree with the rest of the town was Lily Jones. She believed that Shane was responsible for her fiancé's death and was determined to prove it.

I loved the development of the relationship between Shane and Lily, though it certainly got off to a rocky start. The story opened as Shane tried his best to avoid encountering Lily. She has made his life miserable for the last several months, continually cornering him and haranguing him about the circumstances of her fiancé's death. There were things about her late fiancé that she didn't know, and he couldn't tell her because of the investigation. Shane understood her feelings, which was why he tried to keep his cool around her. But it was very wearing on him, especially since he'd been drawn to her since the first time he met her. Lily was a reporter for the town paper and was very good at her job. Unfortunately, she had a blind spot where it came to her late fiancé, and her anger at Shane affected her objectivity when it came to him. Though she kept her antipathy out of her stories, she was determined to find some kind of dirt on Shane that would show that he wasn't the paragon everyone thought he was.

The confrontations between Lily and Shane happened regularly and always went the same way. She sniped at him, making snarky comments about his perfection before launching into another diatribe about how wrong he was about Chad. Shane would stand there and take it, even though he knew the truth because he knew she was hurting. Even Lily's friends couldn't convince her to give up her quest. I ached for Shane, who was innocent of her accusations and was attracted to a woman who detested him. Or did she? Lily was certainly voluble with her opinions, but she also couldn't deny that he had an effect on her, one that she did her best to ignore.

Then a town tragedy opened Lily's eyes and showed her that he was precisely the man everyone said he was. I have to admit that I was impressed by Lily's ability to accept the truth, apologize sincerely, and apply her words to her actions. It was fun to see Shane's reaction, first of disbelief, then wariness as he waited for her to resume her old ways. But the change was real, and as they worked together the attraction between them continued to grow. However, the issue of Chad's innocence stayed between them and made it difficult for Lily to move on. Lily's life was turned upside down when Shane arranged for her to see the full report. I loved Shane's protectiveness as he dealt with the consequences of her shock, and had to laugh as he fought with himself. I ached for Lily as everything she learned made her question who she was, and sent her running.

Both Shane and Lily have issues caused by events in their childhoods that have affected who they are as adults. Shane's have made him the ultra-responsible man that he is, while Lily's affected the way she handled what she saw as her failures. She had an eye-opening conversation with her mom, who gave her new insight into the things that Lily saw but hadn't understood while growing up. I loved the way that Shane went looking for Lily. His encounter with her dad and stepmother explained a lot about her. But my favorite was when he showed up at the diner where Lily was having breakfast with her mom. I laughed out loud through most of that encounter and loved the promise that Shane extracted from Elizabeth. I ached for Lily and the way that she still beat herself up over what happened, and loved how Shane was patient enough to give her the time she needed. Lily's "aha" moment came at the hands of her mother, who also stunned Lily by taking Shane's advice (which was another giggle-producing moment). Lily's big moment at the end was excellent. I loved how her arrival surprised Shane and how they (eventually) talked through everything in some very emotional moments.

I look forward to reading more in this series. The Highwater family is fascinating. Shane's brother Sean is intense in his work as a detective on the force but seems to be pretty laid back otherwise. I like the good relationship he has with Shane, both as a boss and family. I liked the support he gives Shane in everything having to do with Lily, especially the advice he provided about the investigation. Their other brother, Slater, is very different. From the time they were kids, he and Shane butted heads, and it has continued into adulthood, though I feel like it mostly comes from Slater. I suspect that he has a very interesting backstory. He did come through with one positive action the night that Lily got drunk at his bar. I liked their sister, Sage, a lot. She is very protective of Shane and had a couple of interesting clashes with Lily because of it. There is another brother, Kane, who disappeared in suspicious circumstances when he was sixteen. Shane and Sean haven't given up looking for him. I fully expect that he will have his own story and I'm sure it will be an interesting one.

There are also other books that take place in Last Stand that were written by other authors that I want to investigate.

 

A Royal Temptation - Charlene Sands (HD #2404 - Oct 2015)

Series: Dynasties: The Montoros (Book 6)

Juan Carlos Salazar II never thought he'd become King of Alma. But when an explosive family secret leaves him next in line for the throne, he's ready.

Until he catches a glimpse of Princess Portia Lindstrom at the coronation. Because it's love at first sight with this mysterious woman. But Portia's secrets test the power of his devotion and Juan Carlos is tempted to throw duty out the window. Sorely tempted.

Soon he must choose between commitment to country and family…or his own heart.

Terrific conclusion to the series. After all the twists and turns of the previous books, the role of King of Alma has come to rest on Juan Carlos's shoulders. Determined to bring peace and prosperity back to his country, at his coronation Juan Carlos promised to put his people and his country first. Then a glimpse of a beautiful woman at his coronation turned his heart upside down.

I loved Juan Carlos and Portia. I had my doubts about him in previous books, as he seemed uptight and sometimes unsympathetic to his cousins' difficulties. However, he won me over quickly in this book. His love for Alma and its people was evident in his thoughts during the coronation. His immediate fascination with Portia was a surprise to him, as was the way she took over his thoughts. Portia was as drawn to Juan Carlos as he was to her. But she was burned in a previous relationship with a high profile man and had no intention of getting involved with another one.

I loved the development of the relationship between Juan Carlos and Portia. He was adorable in his "love at first sight" determination to win Portia over. The rumors of the missing art treasures gave him the perfect opportunity to spend more time with her. Portia was wary of the attraction between them. Her attempts to fight it were a losing battle, though she tried hard. One of my favorite things about Juan Carlos was how down-to-earth he was. The time they spent together during the search was almost like any regular couple as they got to know each other. The connection that grew between them was more than a physical one, and it wasn't long before they admitted their love.

But as Portia prepared for their wedding, she discovered a family secret that changed everything she thought she knew about herself. Devastated, she broke things off with Juan Carlos, unwilling to bring scandal to his fledgling monarchy. Hurt by her inexplicable actions, he tried to change her mind, until she was forced to confess the real reasons she left. I wanted to shake Juan Carlos at this point because his reaction was to lash out with anger and distrust. I loved the enlightening conversation he had with a friend, and how it gave him a new perspective. His big moment at the end was fantastic and perfect for who and what he was.

I loved the search for the missing art treasures. Juan Carlos's determination to find them and make them part of the new Alma was wonderful. I could feel their frustration as their searches turned up empty time after time. I was very impressed with the cleverness of how they were hidden when they were finally discovered. It was a very emotional scene.

Maid for a Magnate - Jules Bennett (HD #2397 - Sept 2015)

Series: Dynasties: The Montoros (Book 5)

Now that he's shunned the princess, will he marry the maid?

After narrowly escaping a royal marriage of convenience orchestrated by his meddling father, businessman Will Rowling is going after what he wants. And make no mistake, he wants Cat Iberra -- his father's maid, and the woman who got away when they were young. All it takes is a stolen kiss to get the seduction started.

But Cat's reluctant about the reunion. Fool her once, shame on Will, but fool her twice…well, maybe she's in the mood to be fooled. But will a family secret scuttle her second chance with the man who won't let go of her heart?

Good second chance story. Will and Cat have quite a history. Four years earlier they dated, in spite of the differences between their stations. Will was the son of a billionaire businessman, on the fast track as his father's heir. Cat was a maid in his brother's house. They enjoyed their friendship and found it easy to share their dreams and goals. Then his father forced Will to choose between Cat and his career. Will's cruel breakup with her broke her heart. Four years later, Will wanted Cat back and will stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

I'll admit that I really didn't like Will much at the beginning of this book. He wanted Cat in his bed, and he wasn't interested in her objections. He had just escaped being trapped in a marriage of convenience orchestrated by his father (The Princess and the Player), and he is tired of being manipulated. But as the book went on, I realized that there was more to the breakup than was initially known. I liked seeing Will take back his life, and thwarting his father was very satisfying to see.

Cat was devastated by the breakup with Will but refused to let it ruin her life. Instead, she followed her dream of fashion design and worked hard on her designs. She continued to work as a maid to earn the money to leave Alma and her memories behind. She wasn't happy when Will began to pursue her once again.

I liked the development of the relationship between Cat and Will. Will was determined to get her back in his life, but Cat doesn't trust him. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her push back against his advances - the scene with the flowers was marvelous. Unfortunately for Cat, the sparks between them were still as strong as ever, and she found it harder and harder to resist him. Will was determined to show Cat that he had changed, but she fought him at every turn. It was fun to see the changes that Will went through as he realized that he wanted more than just Cat in his bed. The strength of those feelings scared him, and he tried to convince himself he imagined things. I liked the protectiveness he felt toward Cat when he saw the way his father treated her and loved his plan to give her a day of relaxation. Cat tried very hard to protect her heart from being broken again. She wanted to believe that she could be with him without getting her emotions involved. Their time on the island gave them a chance to be together without outside interference. But it couldn't last, and as soon as they got back to Alma Will managed to stick his foot in his mouth and drive Cat away. I loved that Will realized his true feelings and that he had to find a way to make it right. I loved his big moment at the end and how he showed Cat how important she was to him. Cat's wariness was understandable. I loved that she refused to give up her dreams and cheered for the way it worked out.

I liked seeing the changes that Will went through during the book. As the truth came out about his father's manipulations, Will's determination to seize control of his life grew stronger. I detested Patrick and loved seeing all of Will's plans come together. Patrick got exactly what he deserved, especially when Will discovered the truth behind his mother's death. I also liked seeing the continued growth in the bond between Will and James. The support of each other, which began in the previous book, took on greater importance in this one. I especially liked James and Bella's arrival at the island, and then the way they helped Will at the end.

 

Seduced by the Spare Heir - Andrea Laurence (HD #2384 - July 2015)

Series: Dynasties: The Montoros (Book 3)

Going from black sheep to king, with the help of one very special woman…

Gabriel Montoro's worst nightmares are realized when his older brother abdicates the throne of Alma, leaving fun-loving playboy Gabe next in line. Now he needs to shape up -- fast. That's where Serafia Espina fits in.

The exquisite ex-supermodel can school him in the social niceties. But as they get into the royal routine, Gabe begins to see this old family friend in a very different light. Soon the protocols are out the window, and Serafia is sharing his bed. But is this angel hiding something that could threaten what they've begun?

Good book. Gabriel was the younger of the two Montoros sons, and the one with the reputation as a fun-loving, carefree playboy. When the family's homeland asked them to return to lead the country, Gabriel was happy that it was Rafe who would be stuck being the king, leaving him to continue his preferred lifestyle. That all came to a screeching halt when Rafe abdicated the throne to marry the woman he loved and the mother of his baby (Carrying a King's Child). Gabe had a very short time to learn what he needs to know, so he hired childhood friend and former crush Serafia to bring him up to speed. The former supermodel left the catwalk behind for a calmer, simpler life. She was happy with her consulting job and staying out of the spotlight. The last thing she expected was to find herself playing Pygmalion to a prince.

I really liked both Gabe and Serafia. In spite of the royalty/supermodel personas, both characters felt like real people with relatable issues. Gabe is one of those guys who seems to be the life of the party, and who everyone wants to be friends with. Though he gave a good impression of being carefree, Gabe suffered from some well-hidden fears. Years earlier he was kidnapped and held for ransom for a week before finding a way to escape. He now suffers from claustrophobia and panic attacks, something he doesn't talk about to anyone. Serafia was at the top of her profession when stress-induced health issues forced her to quit. The only way to avoid a relapse is to maintain rigid control over her feelings and actions.

I liked the development of their relationship. Gabe's reluctance to become king was glaringly obvious, and Serafia had no trouble calling him out for what she saw as his selfishness. The sparks flew between them as Serafia attempted to turn Gabe into the king that his people needed, while Gabe resisted at every turn. It wasn't until they arrived in Alma that Gabe seemed to finally accept what was happening. As they worked together on Gabe's transformation friendship and trust grew between them as well as passion. It wasn't long before Gabe realized that he wanted more, but Serafia feared what the spotlight would do to her. Challenges arose that played on their fears, and Gabe lashed out at Serafia with hurtful accusations. I wanted to shake him for the things he said and felt that he deserved every minute of the misery he felt. I liked his big moment at the end as he did a pretty good job of groveling. There was an interesting twist involving Serafia's father that put a new light on the rumors that had caused part of the blowup.

 

His Convenient Highland Wedding - Janice Preston (HH #1427 - Apr 2019)

Series: Lochmore Legacy (Book 1)

Bought by her husband…

Bound by secrets of their past!

The start of The Lochmore Legacy -- a Scottish castle through the ages! Earl's daughter Flora McCrieff brought shame on her family once, now she discovers she must wed impossibly rich but lowborn Lachlan McNeill. He's undeniably handsome, but a man of few words. Despite the attraction that burns between them, can she reach beyond his impeccable clothing to find the emotions he's locked away for so long?

Terrific start to the new series. I was hooked from the beginning and read the book in one sitting. It opened with a young Flora, frustrated by her father's attitude toward her, dealing with her frustration by exploring an area of her home that was expressly forbidden. She paid for that disobedience with the horrifying discovery of a skeleton hidden in the tower and was unable to talk about it for fear of the repercussions. Two things she brought away from the experience was a silver brooch found on the skeleton's clothing, and the need to find out more about it. There was a touch of the eerie in the emotions that Flora felt upon the discovery of the skeleton and again when contemplating the brooch.

Fast forward seven years. Flora was on the way to her wedding to a man she had never met, her father's attempt to repair the family fortunes. After the scandal she caused the previous year when she publicly refused to marry a duke, Flora was given no choice in this marriage. The guilt she felt overpowered her objections, and she desperately hoped that going through with the wedding would repair her relationship with her family.

Waiting for her at the altar was Lachlan O'Neill. Born in poverty, with tragedy and secrets in his past, Lachlan was now a very wealthy man. He had plans for his new whisky distillery and felt that marriage to the daughter of an earl would open doors to the upper echelons of society. Stunned by Flora's beauty and delicacy, he was suddenly filled with self-doubt.

The path to a happy future was not an easy one for Flora and Lachlan. While there was no doubt about the sparks of attraction that flew between them, both Flora and Lachlan suffered from crippling bouts of insecurity. Lachlan often felt like a bumbling, uncultured oaf around her, which caused him to withdraw into himself and hide behind his business. This caused Flora to believe that she was lacking in any number of ways, which fed her feelings of worthlessness. I ached for them on their wedding night, as what could have been the beginning of true intimacy was made awkward by the horrible advice Flora received from her mother and Lachlan's feelings of inadequacy. Away from the strictures of her father, Flora slowly began to assert herself. I loved seeing her face up to Lachlan and let him know what she needed. Afraid of doing the wrong things, Lachlan erred on the side of caution. I enjoyed his surprise and relief when Flora showed interest in his work.

Their first foray into society after their marriage did not go well. Flora's past transgressions were neither forgiven nor forgotten. Her inability to hold up her part of the bargain with Lachlan devastated her. I loved Lachlan's understanding and support when she confessed to the problem. This also gave Flora hope for the future of their marriage. The sparks of attraction continued to grow, but it seemed that every time they made progress, something would interrupt them. I ached for Flora as, time after time, Lachlan would leave her hurt and frustrated. I wanted to shake Lachlan for not telling her the truth behind those interruptions. An unexpected visit and some timely advice gave Flora the confidence to make some changes. I loved seeing Flora come into her own as her confidence grew. The dinner with her aunt and uncle was a prime example of what was possible with confidence and thinking outside the box. I especially enjoyed Flora's dedication to Lachlan's plans, and determination to be an asset. I enjoyed Lachlan's hint of jealousy, then his astonishment and approval of Flora's initiative.  

I was so frustrated with Lachlan's refusal to come clean with Flora about his past. His constant retreats added to Flora's unhappiness and fears until she finally stood up for herself and what she wanted from her marriage. That strength and confidence and persistence finally broke through Lachlan's walls. His confessions of all that he'd been through were heartbreaking and emotional, as was his fear of Flora's reaction. Her compassion and understanding were not what he expected, and I loved seeing the difference it made. He wasn't completely clear of his demons, however, and family-induced stubbornness nearly derailed his progress. Flora also made progress with her own family, her newfound strength giving her the confidence to face them all. The scene with her father was awesome. I loved the surprise she arranged for Lachlan for Hogmanay, and the follow-on epilogue was excellent.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the look at the lifestyles of the period. Instead of just seeing the upper classes, a lot of time was spent on the social problems of the day. I especially liked how Lachlan's experiences influenced his actions as a business owner. Flora had been quite sheltered and the things she learned after her marriage were eye-opening. The change from typical earl's daughter to a supporter of social justice was a moving one. I liked the support and encouragement she received from both Lachlan and her aunt at the dinner in Glasgow.

The story of the silver brooch and skeleton that Flora found was an intriguing one. The brooch itself was important to Flora and she wore it often. It was interesting that it looked familiar to the Duchess of Lochmore, though she couldn't recall why. It was quite spooky to see Flora's reaction when she stumbled into one of the crypts at the Lochmore chapel. I am anxious to read the rest of the books in the series to get the rest of the story. This one is done a little differently. Instead of moving forward in time, this series will trace the Lochmore and McCrieff families into the past, going from the current Victorian age to the Regency, then the Tudor, and finally to the Medieval period.

 

Small-Town Face-Off - Tyler Anne Snell (HI #1748 - Nov 2017)

Series: Protectors of Riker County (Book 1)

For this lawman, it's do or die in Riker County

Bound to protect and serve, sheriff Billy Reed has tried to let his career be enough. But he could never forget Mara Copeland, the woman who left without a goodbye and hurt him without warning. Now she's back with criminals on her trail and a child in her arms. His child.

Mara didn't trust the future she and Billy could've had. He's a lawman and she was born into a world of ruthless criminals. Still, he's the man she can turn to. He'll do anything to protect their daughter, but will love be reason enough to forgive Mara and bring their family back together?

Terrific second chance story with enough action and suspense to keep me turning the pages. Billy is a tough but fair sheriff who has the respect of his deputies and the people of the county. Two years earlier he was responsible for bringing down a local drug lord thanks to the help of the man's daughter. While working together, Billy and Mara grew close, in spite of their vastly different lives. Then Mara left him, with no warning and no explanation. Though he tried to move on with his life, he has never forgotten her. The last thing he expected was for her to show up on his doorstep, asking for his help to protect the daughter he didn't know about.

Mara had left Billy and Riker County behind in an attempt to separate her world from those she loved. She couldn't bear for her past to cause them trouble. But now trouble has found her. Someone believes that she knows where her father hid a stash of drugs and money and will do anything to get his hands on them. Billy is the only one she can trust to help her, but will he forgive her for the secret she kept?

I liked both Billy and Mara. Billy is a good man, a little rough around the edges, but with a kind heart. I liked the way that he is protective of his people, putting them before his own needs and comfort. Mara is a strong and independent woman, but she also carries a lot of guilt over the things that her father did. She gave up her own chance of happiness to do what she thought was right.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Billy and Mara. His shock at her reappearance was real. Finding out he was a father left him stunned. I loved that he accepted it without any big blowup of anger or accusations, but he also expected an explanation when they finally had a chance to talk. One thing was evident from the moment Mara came back - the sparks between them were as strong as ever. Both Billy and Mara fought against their feelings for as long as they could. Billy didn't need the distraction while he tried to put an end to the resurging drug problem. He was also reluctant to trust that she wouldn't leave again. Mara needed to find a way to separate herself from her father's actions if she wanted to believe she was worthy of being loved by Billy. Billy's big moment at the end was sweet.

The suspense of the story was terrific and kept me hooked all the way through. The drug problem that Billy thought had ended with Mara's father's arrest was making a comeback. Then Mara arrived with trouble right behind her. Though she had nothing to do with his drug deals and was partly responsible for his arrest, someone out there believed that Mara knew where her father had stashed money and drugs. Billy was determined to keep Mara and their daughter safe, but whoever was after her was just as determined. It seemed that no matter what Mara and Billy did, the bad guys were right on their heels. I was glued to the pages with each attack, as they escalated in danger. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Billy raced to rescue Mara.

 

Dangerous Minds - Janet Evanovich, Phoef Sutton (Bantam - June 2017)

Series: Knight and Moon (Book 2)

Buddhist monk Wayan Bagus lost his island of solitude and wants to get it back. The island was about two hundred miles northeast of Samoa. It had a mountain, beaches, a rain forest, and a volcano. And now it’s gone. Poof! Vanished without a trace.

Brilliant and boyishly charming Emerson Knight likes nothing better than solving an unsolvable, improbable mystery. And finding a missing island is better than Christmas morning in the Knight household. When clues lead to a dark and sinister secret that is being guarded by the National Park Service, Emerson will need to assemble a crack team for help. Since a crack team isn’t available, he enlists Riley Moon and his cousin Vernon. Riley Moon has a Harvard business degree and can shoot the eyes out of a grasshopper at fifty feet, but she can’t figure out how to escape the vortex of Emerson Knight’s odd life. Vernon has been Emerson’s loyal and enthusiastic partner in crime since childhood. He now lives in an RV behind Emerson’s house.

Together, this ragtag, mismatched trio will embark on a worldwide investigation that will expose a conspiracy one hundred years in the making.

This was a fun book. Totally out there on the believability scale, but it was a riot to read. Emerson is a super-eccentric bazillionaire, who is charming, brilliant, and loves solving mysteries. The arrival of his Buddhist monk friend, Wayan Bagus, with the news that his tiny Pacific island has disappeared, was just what he needed to spice up his life. It will also get him out of helping Riley Moon bring order to his financial paperwork. Riley became his personal assistant after he got her fired in the first book, Curious Minds. Riley is practical and resourceful. She has multiple degrees from Harvard, but thanks to her small-town Texas sheriff father, she can also shoot, drive, and rope, abilities that come in handy when dealing with Emerson.

Starting with NOAA, Emerson, Riley, Wayan, and Emerson's cousin Vernon, investigate why an island that was on all the maps suddenly isn't there any longer. A bit of runaround from the officials there sent them to the National Park Service, who had jurisdiction over that area of the American Samoas. When Vernon made an unexpected connection between a multitude of missing hikers, volcanic activity, and several national parks, there's no choice but to investigate. Threats from a Park Service secret society only served to increase the group's determination to solve the mystery.

The action was nonstop as our team lurched from DC to Yellowstone to Hawaii. Emerson's brilliance was exhibited in some pretty off-the-wall plans that somehow always worked out in their favor. I couldn't help but laugh at their camping exploits in Yellowstone, especially Emerson's negotiations with a bear. I was utterly caught up in the tension as they bluffed and finagled their way into the hidden laboratory deep in the woods of Yellowstone. They barely escaped with their lives after a run-in with an ax-wielding thug with the nickname "Tin Man" and had to high-tail it to Hawaii to stop a plan for Armageddon.

They arrived in Hawaii one step ahead of the bad guys. I was on the edge of my seat as Emerson's make-it-up-as-he-went-along methods were put to the test. Riley's capture by the bad guys made her hostage to the return of that which Emerson had stolen. Emerson and the others launched a rescue attempt utilizing lava tubes while avoiding wild pigs and the patrols of bad guys, while Riley put her mind toward her own rescue. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Emerson faced off against a man who was ready to destroy the planet.  Emerson was impressive and Riley was right there to back him up.

I loved each member of our intrepid team. Wayan was an intriguing mix of Buddhist philosophy and wicked sense of humor, and the nuggets of peace and wisdom were an interesting contrast to his martial arts abilities. Vernon is Emerson's redneck cousin who lives in an RV on the grounds of Emerson's mansion and writes a conspiracy blog. Vernon believes that he is God's gift to women and his conversation is innuendo-filled. He's always ready to join in on Emerson's adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship between Vernon and Wayan and the contrasts between them. I loved the pairing of Emerson and Riley. Emerson's version of flirting is both awkward and adorable, and Riley is certainly receptive. There is also the contrast between her practicality and his "anything goes, anything is possible" philosophy. Seeing her try to keep Emerson grounded is pretty funny.

 

Switched at Birth - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2690 - May 2019)

Series: Bravos of Valentine Bay (Book 4)

            Bravo Family Ties (Book 55)

A NEW IDENTITY, A NEW LOVE

Ever since Madison Delaney learned she was switched at birth, her life has been in a tailspin. The Hollywood actress arrives in Valentine Bay hesitant to reveal herself to her new family, but she quickly encounters Sten Larson living next door. The down-to-earth shipbuilder makes Madison question everything she thought she wanted. Can a movie star find happiness in small-town Oregon?

Wonderful entry in the Bravos of Valentine Bay series. I have been looking forward to Madison's story ever since the switch was revealed in Almost a Bravo. Unlike Aislinn, who had her whole family there to support her and help her through the crisis, Madison was alone. The family had been trying for months to get in touch with Madison, but have been stonewalled by her agent and assistant. They finally reached out to their cousin Jonas (The Bravo Billionaire) who was able to gain access to Madison's home.

Madison woke up on her birthday, ready for her tradition of setting her goals for the next year. Though she thought she had no idea what to put down, she was stunned by the goals her subconscious revealed. Her contemplation of those goals was interrupted by Jonas's arrival. Her world was completely upended by the news of the baby switch and what it could mean for her. Within a week she found a beach cottage to rent in Valentine Bay, where she could lie low, think about her plans for the future, and work up the nerve to meet her unknown family.

Madison's next door neighbor and owner of the cottage was Sten Larson. Sten shares his home with his father, widowed sister, and her son and daughter. I loved his close relationship with them all. His sister's teasing and "guidance" are spot on, and received with the expected appreciation <grin>. I especially loved seeing him with his niece and nephew. They were adorable, and it's obvious that he'd make a great father.

I loved the development of the relationship between Madison and Sten. It was cute to see how Madison watched him from a distance at first, believing that he was married and a dad. She was drawn to him but thought he was off limits. Once she discovered he was available, however, she was determined to get to know him better. She was a bit creative in her method, but it did get him to her house. It was fun to see how amused he was, but he was also intrigued. Once he found out about her connection to the Bravos, he tried to encourage her to take that final step and get to know them. I ached for Madison because she was so nervous and stressed over the idea. It created a little strain between her and Sten because he would sometimes push a little too hard. I loved the time that she and Sten spent together doing ordinary things, and how it reinforced her decisions about the changes she wanted to make in her life. The more time they spent together, the more the attraction and connection deepened also. Madison fell hard and fast for Sten, but he fought his feelings all the way. He had been badly hurt in a past relationship, and it affected the way he looked at what he and Madison shared. I wanted to shake Sten at times because he refused to see that Madison was nothing like Ella. I hurt for Madison and loved how she didn't give up on him. The ending was sweet and emotional as Sten finally broke free of his fears. I adored the epilogue with the look at their future.

I loved seeing the other side of the switched babies story. Aislinn had such a hard time dealing with the news that I wasn't sure how it would go for Madison. Her initial shock was understandable. I liked that it didn't take her long to accept the truth. The hard part for her was taking that final step to get to know the family. Though Sten pushed a bit hard, he also believed that it was something she needed to face sooner rather than later. He offered her all the support she could want. I loved the first meeting between Madison and her siblings. It was especially neat to see the closeness between herself and Aislinn. There was an interesting twist involving one of her brothers that makes me very anxious to read his story.

Marine Force Recon - Elle James (HI #1845 - Apr 2019)

Series: Declan's Defenders (Book 1)

Wrong place, wrong time.

Right man for the job.

Declan O'Neill's US Marines career is over, but nothing can stop him from saving lives. When he starts an organization that aims to help people who can't defend themselves, his first client is a woman desperate for answers. Grace Lawrence knows something happened to her roommate, and she's certain she can trust Declan to uncover the truth…though she wonders if she can trust herself with a soldier like Declan.

Fantastic start to the new series. Declan is a Marine who was dishonorably discharged for disobeying orders, losing the career he loved. He was wandering around DC with all his worldly possessions in his backpack and less than one hundred dollars to his name. He was a little bit depressed over his lack of prospects and too ashamed to go home under those conditions. While waiting to cross the street, Declan witnessed an attempted kidnapping, and being the type of man he is, immediately jumped into action. Declan may have been dishonorably discharged, but a lack of honor was not his problem. I was on the edge of my seat as he took on the kidnappers single-handed, then had to endure unpleasant attention from the police. Fortunately, the woman he rescued stepped in and cleared him of blame before offering him a job. Charlie was a very wealthy woman who wanted to form a group that would help those who can't be helped through regular channels. I liked the way that Charlie could see the good man at Declan's core.

Grace was a young woman trying to get her life back together after divorcing an abusive husband. She did not expect to get caught up in a kidnapping attempt and end up with the hero's backpack and no way to find him. To make matters worse, she arrived home from an aborted job interview to discover that her roommate was missing. After searching all night, Grace was stunned to see her rescuer at her rescheduled interview. Her future employer immediately assigned Declan to help Grace find out what happened to Riley.

The action is nearly nonstop, as the events of the book take place over only two or three days. Declan and Grace pull out all the stops to find Riley, but they aren't the only ones looking. There were several nerve-wracking situations as Declan and Grace searched for clues to Riley's disappearance. Declan had to call on all of his skills to keep Grace safe. The more that they uncovered, the more apparent it became that Riley was involved in something very dangerous. That involvement put Grace in the middle of a deadly hostage situation. The timely arrival of Declan's recon team and another player helped Declan even the odds. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved seeing Grace take an active role in her own rescue. While the initial mystery of Riley's disappearance was solved, there are still unanswered questions. Who was behind the attempts to steal the information that Riley was working on? What happened to the man who broke into Grace's apartment? Is there a link between the attack on Charlie and Riley's project. I also have the feeling that there was more to Declan's failed mission and discharge than he knows.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Declan and Grace. The chemistry between them was evident though both tried to ignore it at first. Declan felt unworthy of Grace because of his situation, and Grace was wary of risking her heart again. I liked Declan's protectiveness and how Grace's strength and determination drew him to her. I also liked Grace's belief in Declan's goodness, and that he'd had a good reason for what he did. The sparks between them flared hot in reaction to the danger they were in, deepening the connection they felt. I loved the way that they acknowledged the potential of what was growing between them rather than experiencing "insta-love."

I liked the introduction to the other members of Declan's team. From the small bit of the story of their failed mission, it was easy to see that they all have a great deal of respect for Declan. I loved seeing their teamwork both then and during the final confrontation. Each of them is unique and I'm looking forward to reading their stories, starting with Mac and Riley.

 

The Perfect Dress - Carolyn Brown (Montlake Romance - Apr 2019)

In the small town of Celeste, Texas, Mitzi Taylor has never quite fit inside the lines. Nearly six feet tall, flame-haired, and with a plus-size spirit to match every curve, she’s found her niche: a custom wedding-dress boutique catering to big brides-to-be with big dreams. Taking the plunge alongside her two best friends, she’s proud they’ve turned The Perfect Dress into a perfect success.

Just when Mitzi has it all pulled together, Graham Harrison walks back into her life, looking for bridesmaid dresses for his twin daughters. A still-strapping jock whose every gorgeous, towering inch smells like aftershave, the star of all Mitzi’s high school dreams is causing quite a flush.

For Mitzi, all it takes is a touch to feel sparks flitting around her like fireflies. She can just imagine what a kiss could do. Graham’s feeling it, too. And he’s about to make that imagination of Mitzi’s run wild. Is it just a hot summer fling, or are Mitzi’s next designs for herself and seeing her own dreams come true?

Fantastic story of friendship, love, and being yourself. Mitzi, Jody, and Paula were three women who have been friends since they were in school. Though they went their separate ways for a while, they always stayed in touch. When each of them needed a change in her life, they opened a custom bridal shop for women like themselves - plus-sized women with dreams to match. The shop is the backdrop as all three women experienced unexpected changes, both good and bad, in their lives.

Mitzi is a tall, red-haired, curvy woman. She's had a few bad relationships and is a bit on the cautious side when it comes to men. She is fairly comfortable with who she is thanks to the support of her friends and family. Some of her happiest moments have been seeing the joy her designs bring to the women who wear them. Her life took an unexpected turn when her high school crush, Graham Harrison, showed up in her shop, wanting bridesmaid dresses for his daughters.

I loved the development of Mitzi and Graham's relationship. Neither one was looking for love, but there were sparks between them from the start. The progression was slow, but steady and sweet, with some hilarious encouragement from Graham's daughters, Mitzi's friends, and her outspoken grandmother along the way. Things became complicated when Graham's ex-wife showed up, determined to reclaim Graham. I loved that he didn't even nibble at the bait she threw out there, and he earned major points from me when he told Mitzi about each of the encounters. Mitzi had some doubts about the relationship, first, that the connection between them was more about his daughters than about them, and second that Graham could want her when he could have the petite and skinny Rita. I liked that she and Graham spoke honestly about her doubts and that he gave her the space she wanted while she worked through them. I loved the kick in the pants they each got that finally brought them back together.

Mitzi's friends Paula and Jody also had some significant changes going on in their lives. Jody's fifteen-year relationship with her man came to an abrupt and unexpected end. I ached for Jody but also wanted to shake her for the way she had buried her true self under his expectations of who she should be. I loved the support she received from her friends, old and new. I laughed out loud at the encounter at the bridal show, especially Tabby's brilliantly over-the-top method of revenge. The last thing Jody was looking for was a new relationship, but one found her anyway. I loved Quincy's complete acceptance of her just as she is, and his good-humored reactions to her sass. He did have a couple of moments of foot-in-mouth disease, but his persistence paid off, even though Jody fought hard against her feelings.

Paula's breakup with the man she had been seeing turned out to be the catalyst that brought The Perfect Dress bridal boutique into existence. I ached for her but wasn't too surprised at the cause of the breakup. I liked the way that she took charge of her life, especially after she shared her secret with her friends. Their love and support were crucial, especially given the lack of support from her family. There were a couple of scenes with her ex that I thought were fantastic and showed how strong Paula was.

I loved Graham's daughters, Dixie and Tabby. They had a terrific relationship with their dad, who loved and supported them. Their self-confidence is a direct result of that love. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I loved how they connected with Mitzi. It was so much fun to see their excitement over working at the shop. I enjoyed their conversations with Graham, as they tried to encourage his relationship with Mitzi. I ached for them in their dealings with their mother, who was a real piece of work.

The humor in this book was fantastic and typical of Carolyn Brown's books. The Southern/Texas attitudes had me laughing out loud frequently, with everything from the response "ain't that nice?" instead of "Screw you" to Mitzi's protectiveness of Dixie and Tabby when it came to their mother. None of the women could be accused of being shrinking violets when it came to standing up for themselves or their friends. I also love the small town atmosphere and the challenges of everyone knowing your business. The epilogue was terrific with its updates on the characters' lives. Loved the twist at the fireworks show.