A Debutante in Disguise - Eleanor Webster (HH #1442 - June 2019)

A society lady

…with a secret!

Determined to help people, Letty Barton has a double life -- she's a trained doctor! No one must know “Dr. Hatfield” is actually a woman. Called to an emergency, she comes face-to-face with her patient's brother, Lord Anthony Ashcroft… They'd once shared a spark-filled flirtation -- now he's a brooding, scarred war hero. But how long will it be before he recognizes her beneath her disguise and the sparks begin to fly once more?

Good book with an unusual theme. Letty Barton was fascinated by the world of medicine from the time she was a child, but as a woman becoming a doctor was impossible. Not one to back down from a challenge, Letty found a way. Now she leads a double life - society miss, with a secret identity as Dr. Hatfield, and lives in constant fear of discovery.  While helping a pregnant woman, Letty encounters her brother, a man she had met briefly several years earlier.

I liked both Letty and Tony. Letty is a misfit. She has no social skills and really doesn't care, which irritates her matchmaking mother to no end. Letty would much rather be reading a medical journal than attending a society event. She is methodical and scientific in her thoughts and actions, reluctant to believe in anything that doesn't fit. I loved her determination and how she found a way to get her medical training. Her satisfaction at helping people far outweighs any thought of marriage. Though ill at ease in social situations, Letty is confident in her abilities as a doctor and willing to stand up for those abilities. Tony is no longer the cheerful and charming man he used to be. He is scarred and haunted by his losses and the things he saw on the battlefield and suffers from nightmares and flashbacks. He feels numb to everything around him.

I liked the development of the relationship between Letty and Tony. I liked their first meeting at a ball before the war. Letty pulled her usual disappearing act, hiding out in the library and reading. Tony, the object of several determined young women's pursuit, also ended up in the library. He was intrigued by the young woman who didn't try to flirt and was more interested in the article about cowpox than in him. She was surprised to find a man who honestly seemed interested in what she had to say. But this was only a brief encounter and their lives took different paths, though each remembered the other.

Letty encounters Tony several times, both as Dr. Hatfield and as herself. Tony is still intrigued by Letty, who reacts to his scars far differently than anyone else. Her forthright attitude stirs feelings in him that have been missing for a long time. Letty is wary around Tony, and fears that he will discover her secret. In an emotional scene, Letty intervenes during one of his nightmares. The sparks between them flared into an unexpected passion, which then sent them both running for cover. Neither feels that being together is a good idea. A man in her life would end her work as a doctor, and he feels too broken to be good for anyone. Things become more complicated when Tony discovers Letty's deception in a painful confrontation. I ached for Letty as she faced the loss of the work she loves and the man she has come to love. I hurt, too, for Tony whose battlefield memories got tangled up with Letty's work, causing his over-the-top reaction. The ending was complex, with Letty's passion for her calling helping Tony come to terms with his past and his future, and his honest interest in her work giving her a feeling of validation she'd never had before. But there was still the issue of feeling that they couldn't be together to overcome. I loved their big moment at the end when they realized that their love for each other was more important than society's opinions.

Cavanaugh Encounter - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #1956 - Aug 2017)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 36)

Playboy detective Luke Cavanaugh O'Bannon isn't excited to be paired with his polar opposite, introverted Francesca "Frankie" DeMarco, on a case. But when Frankie's cousin is found dead of a suspicious drug overdose, she and Luke must work together to pursue a serial killer who's struck again. And though they try to fight it, the two opposites attract…passionately!

After several false leads, their investigation points them to an online dating site where Frankie, despite Luke's objections, offers herself up as virtual bait. Will the killer reply with dinner and a deadly proposition? Will Luke realize he's met his match -- offline?

Good book with a mystery and an opposites attract romance that had me hooked from the start. It started with workaholic detective Frankie losing her only family member in a suspicious death. Certain that the drug overdose was a setup, she took it to Luke who was working a serial killer case with a similar MO. He's not exactly thrilled to have her added to his team, but he'll take whatever help she can give.

I liked both Luke and Frankie. Luke has a reputation in the department as a guy who works hard, but plays hard too, whereas Frankie just works hard. Her cousin was her only family, and Frankie is determined to do whatever she must to bring the killer to justice - even hide her connection to the victim. Luke senses that she's hiding something and it doesn't take him long to figure out what it is. I liked that he understood what it meant to her and kept her involved.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Luke and Frankie. The sparks were there right from the start. Luke gives her a bit of a hard time at first, and Frankie pushes right back. One of the things I liked about Luke was that he had a good work/play/family balance in his life, and it didn't take him long to see that Frankie didn't. The push and pull between them were great as the attraction heated up. I especially enjoyed seeing Luke "encourage" her to get away from work, from dragging her to Malone's to getting her to one of Andrew's get-togethers. It's always an eye-opening occasion for the non-family loners to experience one of those, and Frankie was no exception. Her guard was down a bit by the time it was over, enabling the attraction between her and Luke to flare up. I loved watching them grow closer as the attraction continued to build. There were also some pretty sweet moments as Luke worked his way past Frankie's walls. I especially loved the scene with the cupcakes. Frankie still has some trouble believing in forever when it applies to her, and she runs from her feelings for Luke. I liked his big moment at the end as he finally broke through all her barriers.

The mystery was an intriguing one as they looked for the serial killer. There was frustration at the beginning because of the lack of leads in the case. I liked how the fresh eyes that Frankie brought helped come up with some links between the victims. There was also good realism in the inclusion of the more mundane tasks of pursuing leads that are the less glamorous side of police work. Their frustration at the slowness of progress was evident, especially whenever there was a new victim. When Frankie proposed that she set herself up as bait, it was a desperate attempt to jumpstart their progress. I ached for Luke, who wanted to protect Frankie, while he also recognized the benefit of the plan. I was glued to the pages as it worked all too well, putting Frankie in extreme danger. The final confrontation was intense and scary, though I had to laugh a little at the way Frankie yelled at Luke at the end of it. There was also a pretty funny scene at the hospital, as evidenced by the head nurse's comment, "Oh, dear Lord, they've brought us another one."

I liked the secondary characters, especially Luke's partner White Hawk. Sometimes I wasn't sure if he was referee or instigator when he was with Luke and Frankie, but he was always fun. Various Cavanaughs make guest appearances, and I always like seeing them. Valri plays an important role with her computer skills as does Sean as CSI. I also had a great deal of fun seeing Luke with his mother and their whole conversation about her dating.

 

Mad for the Plaid - Karen Hawkins (Pocket - Sept 2016)

Series: Oxenburg Princes (Book 3)

Nikolai Romanovin, a royal prince of Oxenburg, has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his grandmother the Grand Duchess, who was abducted while visiting an old friend in the Highlands. Wanting to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom at Castle Cromartie. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird's daughter.

Pragmatic and clever, Ailsa Mackenzie has been left in charge of the family estate and her unruly grandmother in her father's absence. Something about the new groom catches her eyes, and makes her think he's not who he pretends to be -- and even more shockingly, stirs her senses. Is it his obviously educated manners? His arrogant, non-servant-like presence? It's certainly not his towering, powerful form, or slumberous, inviting green eyes!

After confronting the imposter and learning the truth, Ailsa agrees to help Nik -- for she, too, understands difficult relatives and would do anything for family. Soon their secret partnership leads to growing respect, searing kisses, and then something far more perilous. And when their quest turns dangerous, Ailsa and Nik must discover this unknown enemy while facing the dangerous demands of their own unruly hearts.

This was a good conclusion to the series. In the previous books, Prince Nikolai has the reputation of a womanizer and someone more interested in pleasure than duty. Here we discover that there is more to the party prince than meets the eye.

The story opens as his grandmother, the irrepressible Tata Natasha, Grand Duchess of Oxenburg, has gone off to visit an old friend in Scotland. Unfortunately, she left behind a black "case" of her lotions and potions and has tasked the daughter of the house with writing to the prince to have him send it. The exchange of letters between Ailsa and Nikolai sets the stage of their preconceived ideas of each other. When the Duchess is kidnapped during her visit, Ailsa feels compelled to inform the prince, but also lets him know she has the matter in hand. She doesn't want him showing up and getting in her way.

The prince has no intention of leaving his beloved grandmother's rescue up to an unknown woman. He has other reasons for wanting to get away from London without anyone knowing he's gone, so he goes undercover as a groom. His arrival in Scotland arouses Ailsa's suspicions because it is obvious that he is not a servant. Their confrontation was hilarious as she played with him before calling him on his deception. After some more push and pull, and Ailsa's attempt to leave him behind, she and the prince eventually agree to work together to rescue the captives.

The sparks fly between Nik and Ailsa from the very start. He is equally intrigued and frustrated by Ailsa's independence and stubbornness. He is also wary, as his experiences with women have made him very cynical and unwilling to trust. Ailsa is irritated by Nik's arrogance, but can't deny her attraction to him, though she is determined not to give in to his seductive ways. After all, there's no chance of anything permanent between them. It was fun to watch these two together as their preconceived ideas were disproved as they learned more about each other. I especially enjoyed Nik's growing respect for Ailsa and her leadership style. He took a bit of a hit when she accused him of being spoiled, but earned some respect when he took her words to heart. And though their heads fought the feelings that grew between them, their hearts knew what they wanted. Unfortunately, there were a couple of obstacles in their way. Nik refused even to consider exposing Ailsa to life at court, believing that it would destroy who she is. Ailsa considers herself bound to her land, besides believing that she isn't good enough for him. Their relationship is further complicated by a boneheaded move on Nik's part when he makes some pretty terrible accusations against her. It takes some deviousness by Tata Natasha to bring them back together. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up.

The underlying mystery of the book is the kidnapping and rescue of Nik's grandmother and her companion. Ailsa and Nik butt heads over the proper way to deal with it, both of them stubbornly sticking to their own plans. Each of them had good points to make, and I wondered for a while if they were going to end up working against their best interests because they couldn't compromise. Matters were complicated by several attacks on their party, one of which seriously injured Nik and separated him and Ailsa from the rest of the group for a few days. The tension mounted as they came closer to where the captives were held. There were some interesting twists to the rescue, one of which I had begun to suspect but was still a shock. Nik and Ailsa's rescue came from an unexpected source, making for a very satisfactory resolution.

 

Marriage Made in Rebellion - Sophia James (HH #1268 - Feb 2016)

Series: Penniless Lords (Book 3)

He prayed this might never stop.

This now, here in Spain with Alejandra in his arms. Severely wounded Captain Lucien Howard, Earl of Ross, had a boat waiting to take him home. If she remained in his company, the beautiful woman who had saved his life would be compromised. The harsh light of dawn would send each of them their different ways.

Lucien thought of his family and his ancient crumbling estate. He couldn't stay in war-torn Spain. Yet neither could he stop his arms from tightening about Alejandra as he breathed her in…

Good book, though it dragged a little in a few places. I did like the different perspective of the Napoleonic wars. Lucien was critically injured in a battle between the French and English during the war in Spain. Found by Alejandra, she took him back to her home to recover. It wasn't a comfortable situation, as her father was the local guerilla leader and wasn't especially pleased to have an English officer on his premises. There was a good bit of tension in this part as Alejandra worked on healing Lucien before her father decided what to do with him.

There was a connection between Alejandra and Lucien from the very beginning. Something about him called to her. She didn't understand it, and she didn't like it, but she couldn't resist the pull. Years of war scarred her and made her cynical, but Lucien sparked a desire in her for something better. Lucien was fascinated by Alejandra's strength and spirit.

I liked the development of their relationship. Alejandra was protective of Lucien as he healed, watchful and wary of getting too close. As Lucien healed, he became more intrigued by Alejandra and what made her the way she was. Lucien's pride pushed him to regain his strength as quickly as possible, as he didn't want to look weak to her. They grew closer over his healing time as they shared some of their painful pasts. The tension picked up when it was time for Lucien to return to England. There were some nail-biting moments on the journey to the coast as the danger was never far away. There was also an increase in the attraction between Lucien and Alejandra. I ached for them both as they realized that nothing could come of it, even as they gave in to the heat between them.

Four years later, Lucien hasn't forgotten Alejandra. Though he had told her to contact him if she needed him, there had been nothing. Determined to find out what happened to her, Lucien used his connections only to discover that her home had been attacked with no survivors. It wasn't until his signet ring showed up in an unexpected place that he began to suspect she might have survived, and he returned to Spain to look for her. Alejandra's life after Lucien's departure hadn't been easy. Attempts to reach him failed, leaving her questioning her faith in anything. Her new life in Madrid was complicated by the continuing war and had some intriguing twists to it.

This section of the book was far more intense and maintained my interest more than the first half. From the moment that Lucien found her again, I was invested in seeing how they would achieve their happy ending. The intensity of their escape from Madrid had me on the edge of my seat. Lucien's need to make sure she was safe was clear, as were his feelings for her. Alejandra was warier, especially of being a foreigner in Lucien's world. I liked the scene where she was introduced to his friends, their wives, and Lucien's sister. Their acceptance went a long way to easing her fears. The ending was good, with an unexpected twist that threatened their happy ever after. I loved Alejandra's part in ending the threat, and Lucien's support of how she did it.

 

Brazen and the Beast - Sarah MacLean (Avon - Aug 2019)

Series: Bareknuckle Bastards (Book 2)

The Lady's Plan

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father's business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she'll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly…until she discovers the most beautiful man she's ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it's even begun.

The Bastard's Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie's feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can't help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him -- especially when he discovers she's headed for a night of pleasure . . . on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires…for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won't give up her plans; he won't give up his power . . . and neither of them sees that if they're not careful, they'll have no choice but to give up everything . . . including their hearts.

This was a terrific addition to the series. I love the fact that, like the first book, this takes place mainly outside the usual setting of ballrooms and house parties. Instead, we see the world of the London docks and the poor of Covent Garden.

Hattie is the daughter of a man who, through his successful shipping business, earned the title of Earl. Intelligent and feisty, Hattie has turned her back on society and wants to run her father's shipping business. Unfortunately for her, her father doesn't agree and wants her married. She plans to take control of her life by first making herself unmarriageable, then actively pursuing her dreams. Her plans hit a snag when she finds a breathtaking man unconscious and tied up in her carriage.

Whit, also known as Beast, is one of the Bareknuckle Bastards who run the underworld of Covent Garden. He's convinced that Hattie knows something about how he came to be in her carriage and is determined to discover what it is. He is also intrigued by Hattie herself, especially when he discovers her plans for the night.

The first encounter between Whit and Hattie sucked me right into the book. Whit is not accustomed to being at a disadvantage, and he does not take it well. Hattie, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoys having the upper hand. The back and forth between these two was awesome, right up to when he kisses her - right before she shoves him out of the moving carriage. Undeterred, Whit manages to escape his bonds and follow Hattie to her destination. He intrudes on her plans, determined to get the answers he seeks, and ends up striking a bargain with the unintimidated Hattie.

I loved both Hattie and Whit. Hattie is bold and determined, brazen in her actions, though her outward confidence covers up some deep-seated insecurities. She has reached the ripe age of twenty-nine with no suitors because she does not match up with Society's requirements. She is tall, outspoken, and a bit on the plump side, and is completely convinced that no man will find her attractive. Whit is gorgeous to the extreme, powerful and intimidating. He is also protective of those he cares for, and that includes the denizens of Covent Garden. Some sweet scenes show just how much he cares. I especially loved the ones with the children. He also has some baggage of his own, thanks to the events of the past, baggage that makes him believe that he isn't good enough for her.

The development of the relationship between Hattie and Whit was great. They are well-matched from the beginning, and the sparks between them are intense. It was fun to watch Hattie stand up to Whit and blow all of his expectations out of the water. There's nothing like rushing to the defense of a woman only to discover that she has her attacker well in hand. Their "business" arrangement of him helping her with her plans while she arranges for the return of what was stolen quickly falls by the wayside as the attraction between them burns hotter. I enjoyed seeing Whit's growing respect for Hattie and her abilities and how his attitude helps her overcome her doubts about herself. There are some obstacles, not the least of which are threats against Hattie from a ducal nemesis of the Bastards, which leads Whit into actions that he thinks will protect Hattie. I laughed out loud at her reaction to this, as she shows herself to be Whit's equal in deviousness. There's an emotional and heart-wrenching scene as Hattie makes it clear that she will accept nothing less than what she deserves from Whit. It takes a near tragedy for Whit to realize the truth about his feelings for her, and I ached for him as he feared for her life. His big moment at the end was awesome, and the epilogue was a perfect ending.

The continuing storyline of the feud with brother Ewan provided some interesting moments. His encounter with Whit was intense and showed a man who was on the edge of desperation. But his scene with Hattie had a twist I didn't expect. I can't wait for the next book to see how the author redeems him.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Devil and Felicity make several appearances. I especially enjoyed Devil's advice to Whit regarding his revenge plans. Hattie's friend Nora was terrific. I loved her "take no prisoners" support of Hattie. It was also interesting to see her attitude toward Society. There's a story there, and I'd like to see more of it. Once again, the brothers' coworker, Nik, has some interesting input into events.

 

Cavanaugh Standoff - Marie Ferrarella (HI #1714 - May 2017)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 35)

For homicide detective Ronan Cavanaugh O'Bannon, this time it's personal…and totally baffling! The body of a police friend is found executed in the same manner as rival gang members. There's no progress in finding Aurora's serial killer…until Sierra Carlyle joins the team.

The perky young newbie is as chatty and extroverted as Ronan is taciturn and closed off. Frankly, she irritates him, but she's a brilliant, relentless investigator. Working together, facing danger, Sierra's warmth begins to thaw Ronan's iciness. But acting on their undeniable attraction proves unwise now. There's a killer to find and stop…before he sets his sights on a Cavanaugh!

Good addition to the series as another O'Bannon Cavanaugh bites the romantic dust. Ronan is the lead detective on a serial murder case that is going nowhere. The lack of leads has the entire team frustrated, which is when their captain adds another member to their team. Sierra is new to the homicide department and as different from Ronan as night and day. She also brings fresh eyes and a different viewpoint to the team.

I loved Ronan and Sierra, who reminded me of Kane and Kelly in How to Seduce a Cavanaugh. Both men are gruff and closed off, and both women are chatty and full of life. Ronan isn't happy about having Sierra assigned to the team, but he has no choice in the matter. Her constant talking irritates him, and he does his best to ignore it and her, but she isn't having it. Sierra grew up with three older brothers, as well as her dad, and is used to dealing with male stubbornness. I loved the way that she kept chipping away at his surliness.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ronan and Sierra. There are sparks between them from the beginning, but both try to ignore them. Ronan is haunted by his last relationship and has no intention of putting anyone else in danger. Sierra is focused on her career and proving herself to her firefighter family. (I loved the instances of the firefighter vs. police rivalry.) But as they spend time together on the case, Sierra succeeds in breaking through Ronan's walls. I loved how protective they were of each other. Ronan reacts instinctively when Sierra is in danger, even though he knows she is capable of handling herself. I laughed a bit at the scene in Malone's bar when Sierra has to deal with a more than tipsy Ronan and loved how she couldn't leave him to fend for himself. I ached for Ronan and the reason he was drinking that day. I liked watching him loosen up around her and start to live again. The ending was terrific.

The suspense of the story was very good. I could feel the cops' frustration at their lack of progress. Sierra's arrival provided a new perspective, and it wasn't long before she proved herself to Ronan. With each new murder, the intensity increased, especially when two of the dead were policemen. I loved seeing the way Sierra's mind worked and that she didn't back down from her position. I began to suspect the motivation behind the murders early on, but I didn't figure out the twist until just before it was revealed. The final confrontation was a bit of a nail-biter, and I loved how it went down.

  

Gimme Some Sugar - Molly Harper (Gallery Books - Apr 2019)

Series: Southern Eclectic (Book 3)

A young widow returns to Lake Sackett, Georgia to face the ghosts of her past -- and decide if she's ready to take another chance on love.

Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready's Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.

Even as her family and friends invade Lucy's life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she's hiding something.

In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town's meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he's always hoped for?

Fun, sweet, and sassy book. I'm delighted to see Duffy get his own story. He has been there throughout the other books, the quintessential southern guy. Polite, helpful, supportive of his family, but also caught in a vicious cycle with his ex-wife. That cycle begins to change when Lucy moves back to town. Duffy and Lucy had been best friends all through school. He developed romantic feelings for her but was too afraid of messing up their friendship to do anything about it. Instead, he watched as she married his friend and moved away; then he made the mistake of marrying Lana. Even though they are divorced, Lana has kept Duffy on a string, reeling him in whenever she wants. I was as frustrated as his family was with the way he let it happen. But as soon as Lucy came back, Duffy began to pull away from Lana, creating all kinds of interesting situations.

Lucy knew early in her marriage that she had made a mistake, but pride wouldn't allow her to admit it. With the death of her husband, Lucy moved back home to Lake Sackett. She has plans to open her own bakery as a fresh start for herself and her son if only her in-laws leave her in peace. Running into Duffy again stirs up feelings she thought she'd buried long ago.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of Duffy and Lucy's relationship. Their first meeting after her return was hilarious, as he catches her in the middle of an x-rated cake delivery. The sparks between them are still there. Duffy realizes quickly that he never stopped loving Lucy and is determined to win her back. Lucy is wary. She doesn't want to risk losing Duffy's friendship if something goes wrong, plus she already has so much on her plate that adding a romance feels like a bad idea. But as hard as she tries, Duffy's sweet, persistent attentions work their way past her walls. I loved the scenes of the two of them together as they get to know each other all over again. I especially liked their ability to be honest with each other and talk things out. There was a hilarious scene involving Lucy and Lana, as Lana gets up to her old tricks and Lucy calls her on it. It was also fun to see Duffy's family get in the act of pushing the two together. The boat scene was fantastic and typically Frankie. I ached for Duffy and Lucy when her insecurities caused her to pull away. Some advice from unexpected sources put both Duffy and Lucy back on the road to their happy ever after.

The secondary characters were great. Lucy's son Sam was adorable, not too sweet and not bratty. I loved the way he took to Duffy, and his scenes with the dog nearly stole the show. Lucy's mother- and sister-in-law were well done as the banes of her current life. Evie's attitude toward Lucy and her attempts to manipulate Lucy's life frustrated her to no end. It took a while, but Lucy finally reached her breaking point in a scene that made me cheer for her. Sister-in-law Melody was a self-righteous prig, and I liked seeing her get her comeuppance. I adored Lucy's assistant, Specs. His interview for the job was excellent and Lucy earned my respect with the way she handled it. As always, the McCready family was wonderful. They are always there for each other, even though their methods are sometimes questionable. There was a terrific scene near the end where nice-guy Duffy finally has enough from his female relations.

 

Love Bears All Things - Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Oct 2016)

Series: Amish Secrets (Book 2)

Could God be o­ffering Charlotte a second chance at true love?

Charlotte Dolinsky needs time to recover after breaking up with her boyfriend, Ryan. But when a surprise visitor shows up on her doorstep in Texas, she's forced to put aside her own worries to help her Amish friends in Lancaster County. Soon she is entangled in a web of deception -- and this time, she isn't the only one keeping secrets.

Daniel Byler struggles each day in his Amish community to heal from his fiancée's betrayal. When he discovers that a member of his family is in danger of being shunned, his pain turns to fear. His only way to help is by partnering with Charlotte, a woman he barely knows who has already deceived them all before.

Charlotte begins building a friendship with Daniel that she'll need to lean on when more surprises surface from her past and she once again finds herself torn between two worlds. Will Charlotte's friends in the Amish community be able to show her the power of redemption and lead her home? And can she help young Jacob realize that God offers second chances at happiness when she isn't even sure herself?

Good book. Though it is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I have not read the first book, but the references to it were well done, and I did not feel lost. I was immediately drawn into the story and quickly became interested in the characters' lives.

After the events in the first book, Charlotte returned home to Texas, but her life is still in turmoil. A breakup with her boyfriend leaves her feeling adrift, and financial difficulties compound the problem. She needs time to get her head and heart back in order and decides to return to Lancaster County and the friends she made there. But when one of her Amish friends shows up in Texas, Charlotte does her best to help him before leaving,  even though it leaves her in an awkward position. When she makes it back to Paradise, she is amazed at the warm welcome she received after the deceptions she carried out before. Now she is determined to make amends and in doing so finds herself drawn into the unexpected drama.

Jacob, who showed up in Texas, feels trapped by the restrictions of his Amish life. He longs to experience the wider world and left family and fiancée without a word. I liked how Charlotte helped him, but also tried to make him see the perils of the Englischer world. Meanwhile, things are going on back in Pennsylvania that could have a profound effect on his plans for the future. His fiancée, Annie, has a secret that could see her shunned if Jacob doesn't return soon. Charlotte soon finds herself playing go-between among the various factions. She is helped in her efforts by Annie's brother, Daniel.

Daniel is wary about trusting Charlotte after the way she deceived everyone during her previous stay in Paradise. It doesn't take too long for him to see that she has changed. As they spend time together trying to help Jacob and Annie, they develop a strong friendship. I liked how Daniel began to understand the demons that drove Charlotte to her previous actions and supports her in the changes she attempts to make in her life. That friendship deepens into something more, though both try to resist it. Charlotte is not Amish, and Daniel is.

When someone from Charlotte's past shows up in Paradise, the faith that she gained from her time, there plays a big part in the way she faces it. I loved her strength, her determination, and her newfound ability to forgive. She also gets an unexpected show of support from one of the people she had wronged before. It was an emotional and heartwarming scene.

There is a lot going on in this book. Forgiveness, redemption, secrets, love, and fear all have their moments. I liked seeing the growth that Charlotte experienced and how she took control of her life. I liked how Daniel learned to look past the surface of Charlotte's deception to the vulnerable woman behind it. Annie and Jacob are young and have the insecurities and youthful mistakes common to that age, with the added complications of their Amish world. By the end, I felt that Annie had matured, while Jacob had not. Both Annie and Charlotte have understandable misgivings about Jacob's actions and what they will mean to him.

 

Security Risk - Janie Crouch (HI #1871 - Aug 2019)

Series: Bree and Tanner (Book 2)

Risking it all—again.

Now his past is threatening both of them.

Deputy Tanner Dempsey paid a high price for an undercover op gone wrong. Nobody understands a dangerous past better than Bree Daniels. Together they have to take on those real-life demons in order to stay alive. Keeping one step ahead of ruthless killers is their only option and risk is their constant companion.

Continuing the adventures of Bree Daniels and Tanner Dempsey. This book begins about three months after the previous book ends. Bree continues her work at the diner and has made progress in acquiring social skills. She is still insecure about those skills and worries a lot about saying or doing the wrong thing. Fortunately, everyone around her is very understanding of her occasional gaffe and give her plenty of encouragement. Tanner is still her number one cheerleader. He is head-over-heels in love with her, but also has the patience to let things develop at a pace that is comfortable for her. What he hasn't shared with her, as yet, is the PTSD from an undercover op gone wrong. His attempts to protect her from his issues exacerbate her fears that she is doing something wrong in their relationship.

The peace that they've enjoyed since The Organization was brought down comes to an end when Bree discovers a dead body in her yard. The man was a criminal that Tanner had helped put away and was recently released from prison. There are no clues as to who killed him or dumped the body in Bree's yard. Things get a little more complicated when a second man is killed who also has ties to Tanner. He is put on administrative leave while the two murders are investigated. It quickly becomes evident to Tanner and Bree that someone is setting him up. The question is who and why?

The suspense is intense and fast-paced from the first scene to the last. The story opened with Tanner reliving an incident from the past that continues to haunt him. As the evidence piled up against him, those issues are one more mark against him. The best chance for Tanner to clear his name is to evade arrest, and he and Bree go on the run. With Bree working her computer magic and Tanner applying good old logic, they work to find the truth. There are any number of possible suspects, and the twists and turns kept me guessing. Just when I thought I knew who it was, someone else would move to the head of the line. The final confrontation was unexpected and intense, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was the continuing progression of the relationship between Bree and Tanner. Each is protective of the other, which becomes more evident as the danger increases. In the first book, we saw Tanner's sensitivity to Bree's trauma. In this one, Bree gets her chance to be there for Tanner as he finally opens up about the devastating events of three years earlier. I loved the way that Bree stood up to him, reminding him that she is not fragile and kept herself out of danger for many years. It was heartwarming to see Tanner realize his mistake and promise to do better. I loved the end of the book and seeing Tanner's mom help Bree know the truth of his feelings. I can't wait to see what is up next for them.

The Mysterious Lord Millcroft - Virginia Heath (HH #1394 - Sept 2018)

Series: King's Elite (Book 1)

Life as a duchess…

Or something much more dangerous?

Constantly told her beauty and charm are all she has to offer, Lady Clarissa is intent on marrying a duke. And intriguing spy Sebastian Leatham will help her! Only, first she'll assist him with his new assignment -- playing the part of confident aristocrat Lord Millcroft. Sebastian awakens a burning desire within Clarissa that leaves her questioning whether becoming a duchess is what she truly longs for…

This is the first book in the King's Elite series and it captured my attention from the beginning. I loved both main characters, and the setting of stopping a ring of smugglers with ties to Napoleon.

Clarissa is a reigning beauty in Society, well known for her charm and perfect appearance. This perfection hides a profoundly insecure woman who hides a secret that would topple her from the pedestal she is on. She feels that the only way to protect herself is to marry a duke (because who would question a duchess?) and has pursued the Duke of Westridge for two years. His courtship has been lackadaisical at best, and his attention has recently begun to wander. Needing some peace to regroup, Clarissa left London to visit her sister. Her fixation on marrying a duke was irritating at first but became understandable as her issues were revealed.

Seb is a member of an elite spy ring working for the British government. Recently wounded, he is recovering at the home of Dr. Joe Warriner, brother of one of his colleagues, and anxious to return to his mission. Seb is a man who can blend in anywhere, but would rather face a deadly enemy than have to converse with a woman. Confronted with Clarissa and her stunning beauty, Seb became a tongue-tied mess. It's unusual to find a hero who doesn't reek of self-confidence, and Seb's shyness and moments of blushing were sweet.

Seb and Clarissa intrigued each other from the very start. Though overwhelmed by her beauty, it didn't take long for Seb to see that she used that beauty as a façade to hide the real her. Clarissa sensed his attention and used her own observational skills on him. She couldn't help but notice his physique and how different he was from the other men she knew. Though gruff on the outside, she saw the kindness in his eyes. Both had their pride, however, and maintained their outward appearances. But the sparks that were there between them created an unexpected encounter that night, as each one's inability to sleep sent them to the kitchens for a late-night snack. Seb ended up more than a little tipsy and became very talkative, something that didn't usually happen with him. I ached for him as he talked about his past and sighed at his admission of his shyness and difficulty talking to women. I also loved his observations of Clarissa and his advice to her about the duke. He finished off his ramblings with an unexpected kiss that shook them both.

Six weeks later, Seb was back at work, with a new assignment in their search for the leaders of the smugglers. A task that he isn't happy about. Instead of his usual background position, he will be front and center as Lord Millcroft, trying to work his way into a suspect's circle. It was his bad luck that on his first night being introduced to Society he ran into Clarissa, who could blow his cover with one word. Clarissa's intelligence shines through in this part as she listens to his explanation and steps in to help. Her acceptance of "Lord Millcroft" and presence at his side cement his place. In addition, she helps smooth over any of his rough spots. As a benefit to her, Seb's attentions to her waken a bit of jealousy in her duke.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Seb and Clarissa. Their work together to uncover the smugglers frequently put them in each other's company. As they work together, their feelings for each other grow and change. Seb falls hard for Clarissa but knows her eyes are set on the Duke of Westbridge. His background also holds him back as he is well below her in standing. For Clarissa, the more time she spends with Seb, the less enthralled she is with the duke. Seb's appreciation of her intelligence begins to change the way she sees herself. Her increase in confidence gives her the boost she needs to go after what she wants. I loved Clarissa's big moment at the end.

The mystery of the smugglers was great. It was an essential part of the story but didn't detract from the romance. I was on the edge of my seat as the book progressed, waiting to see what would happen. I loved how Seb and Clarissa's efforts complemented each other, and the way they made a perfect team. I laughed out loud at the scene with Clarissa in men's clothes, determined to help and refusing to be left behind. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, as well as an example of Clarissa's ingenuity. I loved the twist at the end and look forward to seeing more of them in future books.

I liked the secondary characters of Seb's fellow spies, Flint, Gray, and Hadleigh. All of them seemed to enjoy giving Seb a hard time, especially Gray. He really stirred the pot the night that Seb went out with the other "gentlemen."  

 

Mrs. Sommersby's Second Chance - Laurie Benson (HH #1450 - Aug 2019)

Series: Sommersby Brides (Book 4)

She’s played Cupid for others

Now she’s met her own unlikely match!

Widowed society matchmaker Mrs. Clara Sommersby thinks handsome, self-made businessman Mr. William Lane is just the man for her neighbor’s overlooked daughter. He’s successful and confident, if somewhat emotionally distant, until suddenly—shockingly—his attention turns to Clara herself! She thought her days of romance were over, but is this younger man intent on giving her a second chance?

Good book that is a bit different than the usual Regency romance. We have two people that are older, Clara, who is 45, and Lane, who is 37. Neither of them are in the upper echelons of society, though both have friends who are. It also takes place in Bath instead of London, which was a nice change of pace. Bath is frequently mentioned, but I rarely get a good feel for the area in those books. Here most of the action takes place away from the Pump Room setting.

I liked both Clara and Lane. Clara is a widow who has a bit of a reputation as a matchmaker. She is also independent, personable, and an astute businesswoman. Because of the financial problems encountered during her marriage, she is determined never to give another man that kind of power over her livelihood again. Due to the stigma against women in business and the need to maintain appearances, Clara's ownership of her hotel is secret. She has employed a male cousin to manage it for her, but she retains control over it.

William Lane, who prefers to be called Lane, is a self-made man. Raised in a London Foundling Hospital, he was determined from an early age to make something of himself. He is reasonably wealthy, with investments in many businesses. He is in Bath to start another one. Having discovered a hot spring under the coffeehouse he just purchased, he wants to expand from a coffeehouse into a spa featuring the waters from that spring. To do so, he needs to buy the hotel next door.

I loved the meeting between Clara and Lane. He is at the Pump Room investigating the waters as research when Clara teases him about the intensity of his gaze. He is immediately intrigued by her, with his thoughts being on the somewhat racy side. Clara is intrigued by him also but recognizes that she is older than he and instead plots to match him with the daughter of a neighbor. William is far more interested in Clara and is determined to pursue her for himself. He is helped along the way by Clara's little dog Humphrey, her friend the Dowager Duchess, and even the girl that Clara tried to match him with. Clara fights her attraction and growing feelings for Lane, feeling that her age makes her unsuitable for a man who is young enough to want children.

Both Lane and Clara have insecurities that make it difficult for them to see any permanence to a relationship between them. Clara has her age and her reluctance to trust any man to respect her need for independence. Lane's background has him believing that he isn't good enough for her and feeling that is reinforced when he has to deal with aristocrats who look down on him. There was a heartbreaking scene at a dinner one night that made me tear up for Lane's hurt. I loved Clara's reaction and what it meant to him.

Clara and Lane's relationship goes along quite nicely as they grow closer. I liked that they could share their pasts without fear of judgment. There was a good amount of respect between them, and I loved that their maturity made it possible for them to talk through any problems that came up. But there was one issue that was left hanging until near the end, and that was the attempt to purchase the hotel. Clara's secret was so well kept that it took most of the book for it to come out. When it did, there was shock and dismay on both sides. It was interesting to see how it all played out, with doubts, fears, and emotions all tangled up. There were times I wanted to shake Clara because of how she would push him away. The ending was fantastic. I loved the extraordinary thing that she did for him and how it brought him back to her side. It warmed my heart to see him finally break through her fears.

The secondary characters were great. Humphrey, the dog, was adorable, not too sweet with just the right of puppy mischief in his actions. I liked how the Dowager Duchess encouraged Clara, along with that hint of matchmaker competitiveness. Clara's nieces made me laugh when her hotel ownership came out, and their support of her no longer hiding it. I also liked Juliet's efforts to make Clara see that there was nothing wrong with loving Lane. I liked Lane's friend and partner, Hart, especially the way he would give Lane a hard time about his people skills.

 

Falling for the Pregnant Heiress - Susan Meier (HR #4675 - Aug 2019)

Series: Manhattan Babies (Book 3)

A pregnant heiress, a bachelor billionaire…

…an unlikely family?

In this Manhattan Babies story, Trent Sigmund’s discovered Sabrina McCallan’s shocking secret: she’s pregnant! As she is his best friend’s sister, Trent’s compelled to help her. But offering Sabrina his private jet to track down her errant ex wasn’t supposed to become a whirlwind trip of Europe… And it certainly wasn’t supposed to awaken an attraction that makes him long to take this unexpected chance and build it into the perfect family!

Sweet story. It opens at the wedding of Sabrina's brother, Seth. Sabrina is a bridesmaid and Seth's best friend, Trent, is the groomsman who is partnered with her. Trent has known Sabrina for years and is accustomed to seeing her as a cool, well-put-together woman. This day, Trent sees a different side of her. She looks fine on the surface, but Trent notices a somewhat frazzled air about her.

I really liked Trent's keen observational skills. Although he swears that he is not attracted to her, that she isn't his type, he can't deny his need to take care of her. He claims it is because she is his best friend's little sister. When he discovers what the issue is, he offers to help her track down her ex so she can tell him about the baby. Rather than merely giving her use of his jet, Trent decides to accompany her. I loved watching Trent do his best to take care of her as well as try to pry her out of her ice maiden exterior and learn to have fun. I especially enjoyed the scene in Spain with the personal shopper. Trent never expected to develop feelings for her.

Sabrina is the youngest and only girl in her family. Because she was a girl, she avoided the bullying and abuse that her brothers suffered at the hands of their father. However, she did bury her own inclinations under the prim and proper façade that was expected of her. Getting pregnant was not in her plans, but she embraced the prospect with determination and happiness. She is confident the father won't want to be involved, which is fine with her, but she does feel compelled to inform him. Discovering the pregnancy the morning of her brother's wedding complicated matters, as she doesn't want to tell her family until she tells Pierre. She is surprised when Trent figures out her secret, and more so when he offers to help.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Sabrina and Trent are so different from each other that neither expected the attraction that flared between them. Sabrina is determined to raise the baby on her own, though it didn't take long for her to realize that she could see Trent playing the part of father. Trent tries to deny his feelings for Sabrina, afraid that he isn't capable of loving another man's child. I ached for him because those feelings were caused by the way he was treated by his stepfather. His fears cause him to push Sabrina away when all he really wants is to pull her closer. I liked seeing him finally face his feelings and confront his past, determined to be the kind of man Sabrina needs. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic and perfect for them.

 

The One Who Stays - Toni Blake (HQN - Aug 2019)

Series: Summer Island (Book 1)

Lose your heart to Summer Island, where summers are easy, winters are cozy and friends welcome you with open arms

Summer Island has always been home to Meg Sloan. She runs the Summerbrook Inn, like her grandmother did, and she loves the laid-back pace of life and the close-knit community the island offers. Meg also loves Zack Sheppard, but what she doesn't love is Zack's refusal to commit to an exclusive relationship.

Seth Darden arrives on Summer Island in search of summer work, but also in search of something else -- his past. There are secrets buried at the Summerbrook Inn, secrets that forged the path of Seth's life. But he wasn't counting on falling for the lovely innkeeper, Meg.

When Meg meets Seth, she can't ignore the sparks that fly between them, even though she feels like her heart has been torn in half. But if Zack won't commit, should she take the leap with Seth? And can she even have a future with him if he can't reckon with his past?

Good book, though it read more like women's fiction than the romance I thought it was. It was enjoyable, but I frequently found my attention wandering to scrolling through facebook rather than reading the book. The only thing that kept me on task was that I was reading on a transatlantic flight, so distractions were limited.

Meg is an innkeeper on Summer Island, running the inn that she inherited from her grandmother. She retreated to the inn several years earlier, recovering from both a serious illness and the desertion of her fiancé when he found out about that illness. She likes the quieter lifestyle and the closeness of the resident community but also enjoys the bustle of the summer tourist season. For the past five years, she has been in a relationship of sorts with Zack, but she finds herself wanting more than he is willing to give.

Zack is a fisherman who spends long periods on his boat. He is content to leave his relationship with Meg as it is. He likes that she is there for him when he returns to port on Summer Island and doesn't complain when he leaves again.

Seth came to the island in search of work but also looking for something from his past. He visited once as a child, along with his grandparents, and a memory from that time has brought him back. Seth's past haunts him, and he is looking to make some significant changes.

The book opens as Zack leaves Meg once again. It is their fifth anniversary and Meg had made plans, but Zack behaves as if it is just another day. Meg finally faces the fact that Zack is unlikely ever to give her the commitment that she needs. With the idea that Zack may no longer be in her life, Meg contemplates the idea of selling the inn and moving away, starting a new life somewhere that she can find what she needs. Fate intervenes with the arrival of Seth, a handsome, younger man who is looking for work as a handyman. He is light-hearted and charming, and Meg hires him to do some needed repairs on the inn. She doesn't expect the attraction that flares between them.

I had fun watching the friendship that developed between Seth and Meg. He is an outrageous flirt and makes no secret of his attraction to Meg, but leaves it up to her whether to pursue it. In the meantime, they work together on projects around the inn, and Seth's attention to Meg gives her a taste of what could be. I loved all the little things that he did to show her how special she is. Meg is torn between her loyalty to Zack and the feelings she develops for Seth. Things become more complicated when Seth's presence makes Zack realize that he could lose the woman who is such a big part of his life. Can he let go of his past enough to give Meg what she needs? At the same time, Seth gets closer to solving the issue that brought him to Summer Island. His feelings for Meg grow deeper, but so do his fears of her reaction if he should confess his reasons for coming to the island. An unexpected part of Seth's past arrives on the island, forcing him to face those fears, and providing some much-needed healing. But will it be enough for him to believe that he deserves a chance at happiness?

As Meg and Seth work on the inn's renovations, they discover an old diary of her grandmother's, hidden long before. As Meg reads the diary, she finds some unexpected parallels with her own life. I loved Meg's surprise at the things she learned and how she used them to deal with her own problems. There was a surprising twist at the end of the diary that I didn't see coming and made me smile when all was revealed. I liked how it helped Meg face her fears and insecurities and embrace life on her own terms. The ending was terrific.

I liked the secondary characters, such as Meg's friend Suzanne and the other residents of the island. Suzanne was a good friend to Meg. I enjoyed how she was both a sounding board for Meg when she needed to talk, and also a kick-in-the-pants when Meg needed a little extra push to step outside her comfort zone. I liked how the residents looked out for each other, even though there was sometimes a little too much attention for Meg's comfort.

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa - Nancy Naigle (Hallmark - July 2019)

Return to Evergreen,

the town where Christmas wishes come true…

When Lisa takes a last-minute Christmas trip to her hometown of Evergreen, she finds that the historic general store has been closed. Using her skills as a professional retail designer, Lisa decides to keep local tradition alive and help the good people of Evergreen bring the store back to life.

Lisa charms a local contractor named Kevin into working with her, and the pair find themselves facing one surprise after another as they restore the store to its former glory. When the staff at the Kringle Kitchen temporarily accept the store’s beloved ‘Mailbox to Santa’ for safekeeping, the townspeople find and rally around a mysterious 25-year-old letter that never made it to the North Pole.

As old traditions are made new again, Lisa finds herself falling for Kevin, the traditions, and the town of Evergreen.

This was a sweet, small-town Christmas story. Lisa is a busy retail designer who is constantly on the go. She and her partner travel frequently to stage stores for openings or special events. Her most recent project brought to mind Evergreen, Vermont, a town she lived in as a young child. Her family moved frequently, but Evergreen has always remained in her heart and mind. With her parents away for the holidays, Lisa decides to visit Evergreen and see if it lives up to her memories.

Her arrival in town brings even more memories flooding back, including the day she and her parents moved away. I ached for Lisa and the sadness of that memory. Her memory of Daisy's General Store and the comfort that Daisy gave her that day still holds a special place in her heart. Lisa is sad to see that the store has closed and that Daisy has passed away. The town's mayor inherited the store and needs to sell it before the bank repossesses it, but the store is in pretty sad shape. Excited by the idea of helping, Lisa offers to fix the place up to make it more appealing to a buyer. To do so, she will need the help of a local contractor, who turns out to be the same man she met on the way into town.

Kevin has lived in Evergreen for most of his life, but it was never the same after his mother died. His relationship with his father is strained, and Kevin is contemplating taking a job in another state.

I loved the first meeting between Kevin and Lisa. It's always fun when a guy is surprised by something a woman can do. I loved how they connected right away, and the teasing banter as they worked on the truck together. Underneath the banter, there were some sparks. Small towns being what they are, it was fun to see them run into each other several times over the next few hours, and how the sparks continued to flare. I loved seeing Lisa use her enthusiasm to overcome Kevin's qualms about working on the store. For his part, Kevin was reluctant since he couldn't see it getting done right in the short time they had, but he found himself unable to resist Lisa's entreaties. Over the next few days, as they worked on the store, they found they had a lot in common. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and see the attraction that simmered underneath it. Both resisted that attraction, though, as both claimed to be uninterested in a relationship. I liked how their friendship deepened into something more and wanted to shake them both as they continued to fight it. Just when things looked most promising, misunderstandings pushed them apart, until a Christmas miracle helped them see what was important.

I loved the underlying project of fixing up Daisy's store. The project itself brought Kevin and Lisa together. However, they weren't the only ones whose lives were affected by it. I loved the teamwork of the townspeople as it seemed that everyone found a way to help in some fashion. When Lisa discovered an old letter in the Santa Mailbox from Daisy's store, everyone got involved in reviving some of the older traditions of the town's Christmas celebration. The secondary characters brought added life and romance, making the story even richer.

Iron Will - B.J. Daniels (HI #1869 - Aug 2019)

Series: Cardwell Ranch: Montana Legacy (Book 2)

Are a dead woman’s secrets

enough to kill for…?

Hank Savage has always believed his old girlfriend was murdered. Now he’s come home to Cardwell Ranch and, with the help of PI Frankie Brewster, is determined to find the killer. Trying to keep their feelings at bay, Hank and Frankie quickly learn that every lead reveals a life steeped in secrets—and danger. And that someone from Hank’s past will do anything to keep the truth from being revealed.

Very good book. Hank Savage left his home in Big Sky after the death of his girlfriend and a blowup with his father. Hank was certain that his girlfriend was murdered, but his father, Marshal Hud Savage, agreed with the coroner that Naomi committed suicide. Haunted by the certainty that he was right, Hank enlists the help of PI Frankie Brewster to help him discover the truth. To disguise their intentions, Hank and Frankie pretend to be a couple.

I liked both Hank and Frankie. Hank is a good man, honorable and loyal. It was his love for and loyalty to Naomi that made him stand up to his father regarding her death. He is also stubborn, which is what kept him away from Big Sky for so long. He misses his home and his family and his life as a rancher. Frankie is an excellent PI with a talent for reading people and asking the right questions. She feels a bit guilty for deceiving Hank's parents about their relationship, but it is part of the job.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hank and Frankie. There are sparks between them from the start that grow hotter with each passing day. The show that they put on for his parents becomes all too real as those sparks burst into flame. But Frankie isn't too sure that Hank has moved past his grief for Naomi enough to start living again. She is also a bit wary of the speed of their feelings, as her previous relationship also happened fast and did not end well. Hank is surprised by his feelings for Frankie, but he can't deny the strength of them. I liked his sensitivity to her fears, and his willingness to be patient as she works through them. I also liked his protectiveness when someone from her past made an unwelcome appearance.

The suspense of the story was excellent. For every question that they asked and got an answer to, more questions appeared. It quickly became evident that Naomi was not the girl that Hank thought she was. The closer they came to uncovering the truth, the more determined someone was to stop them. There was the added complication of someone from Frankie's past ending up in the middle of the investigation. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as Frankie had to use every trick in her book to save herself and Hank. I loved the resolution and seeing Hud have to eat a little crow. I like him, but he should have had more trust in Hank's knowledge of Naomi.

Bonus book included:

Justice at Cardwell Ranch

Series: Cardwell Ranch (Book 2)

             Montana Mystique (Book 4)

CARDWELL CHARM WAS ALL HE'D EVER NEEDED...UNTIL NOW

Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch...and trouble isn't too far behind. As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be.

Very good book.  Jordan has come back to Big Sky to investigate the truth behind his best friend's suicide while they were in high school.  The day he arrived one of his high school friends who might have known something was murdered.  Liza Turner is tagged to investigate and soon finds that there are troublesome secrets coming to light.  Even though he's a suspect, Liza is attracted to Jordan.  Her instincts tell her that he is not the murderer but that he can be dangerous to her heart. 

I really liked both Liza and Jordan.  Liza is doing a great job as deputy.  She remembers Jordan from the whole will problem six years earlier and not in a good way.  Though she doesn't trust him at first, she quickly realizes that he has changed for the better.  When he explains why he is in Big Sky and how it might impact her murder investigation they start working together to investigate.  Liza also discovers that she is very attracted to Jordan, but doesn't expect him to stay around.  I liked Liza's intelligence and the way she was able to put things together. 

Jordan was great too.  I loved the way that he had changed for the better.  He had been devastated by his friend's suicide, and when he found out it may have been murder he had to come back and check into it.  He was attracted to Liza right away and found himself looking for any excuse to be with her.  Investigating how the suicide and then murder were connected gave them a lot of time together.  I loved the way he accepted the fact that he was going to have to earn people's trust and how hard he worked to do so.  I liked the way that he respected Liza's job as deputy but still wanted to protect her.  The mystery of the suicide and murder was well done and had a tense ending. 

Wind River Protector - Lindsay McKenna (Zebra - Aug 2019)

Series: Wind River (Book 8)

Real love is worth every risk . . .

Ex-Air Force pilot Andy Whitcomb loves nothing more than the wide blue skies, but when a helicopter crash fighting forest fires in California leaves her injured and shaken, she’s ready to return home to the peace of Wind River Ranch. The good news is, there’s a chance for her to fly helos for the county sheriff’s department. The bad news? The person in charge is none other than Dev Mitchell, an ex-Army Black Hawk pilot—and the rugged, sharp-eyed man Andy has never forgotten after five days together running from the Taliban after a nerve-wracking near-miss in Afghanistan.

Dev can’t believe his eyes when Andy walks into the interview. She’s as strong and sexy as he remembers, and every bit qualified for the job, which she clearly wants. Unfortunately, if he’s going to be her boss, their relationship has to remain strictly professional—a regret Dev fights to keep hidden as they begin to work together. But when a chance encounter with violent drug traffickers forces them into survival mode, both of them will fight to hold on to the connection they can’t ignore—and the chance of a future together.

Good book that started with heart-stopping intensity, moved to a fantastic, slow-burn romance, and finished with another bout of gripping intensity. The book opened four years earlier as Air Force pilot Andy is providing close air support for a Black Hawk helicopter in Afghanistan. The firefight is fierce and Andy watched as the helicopter ended up getting shot down just as she also took aircraft crippling fire. I was on the edge of my seat as Andy ejected into the middle of enemy territory. Fortunately for her, the Black Hawk pilot also survived and came looking for her. She and Dev teamed up and spent five days on the run before they were rescued. She never forgot the time she spent with him.

Fast forward four years. Andy left the Air Force and went to work for the LA Police Department as a pilot. A crash there left her shaken and longing to return home to Wind River. Word of a new air unit for the sheriff's department makes the move even more appealing. What she doesn't expect is to find that one of her bosses is Dev. Meanwhile, Dev is just as stunned to find Andy as one of the applicants for the pilots jobs. He thought of her often in the intervening years.

I loved the part describing their time in Afghanistan. Though he was surprised to find a woman pilot, Dev never looked down on Andy or treated her as less than capable. Having dealt with more than a few Neanderthal-like pilots, Andy was pleasantly surprised by Dev's attitude. Neither expected to feel drawn to the other, but their circumstances prevented anything personal from being explored. When Dev returned to his unit immediately after their rescue, they never had a chance to really talk.

Dev and Andy's surprise and pleasure at seeing each other again could not be denied. It was also clear that the connection they felt before was still there, but with the added obstacle of being boss and employee. I loved their decision to be friends, taking the time to get to know each other over a period of months. The connection that they forged during their five days in Afghanistan made it easier for them to share some of their deeper issues, such as Dev's grief over the loss of his young wife years earlier, and Andy's problems with trusting people after being abandoned as an infant by her mother. I enjoyed their mutual respect for each other's abilities and strengths as they worked together. I especially liked the scene at the truck accident, as Dev worried about Andy on a personal level, but was also proud of what she accomplished. I laughed out loud at the truck driver and his amazement at how such a "Squirt" was able to move him.

One of the things I liked most about Dev was his sensitivity. He is truly a 21st-century man, willing to express his emotions, including tears. I also liked how well he was tuned in to Andy. The way he was able to help her through the adrenaline crash and emotional firestorm after their near encounter with the drug smugglers was fantastic. There was also a sweet scene early on in the book as he surprised Andy with the arrival of two interviewees for the other pilots' positions. Dev fits in well with her family, too, I especially enjoyed his long talk with Gabe, and how much alike they seemed to me.

I loved Andy for her kick-ass abilities, but also ached for the vulnerability caused by her start in life. I really enjoyed the acknowledgement that women and men think differently, each bringing something different to a problem. I especially enjoyed how it was Andy who sensed approaching danger both in Afghanistan and in the mountains. I loved her close relationship with her family and the sisterhood with her fellow pilots.

The development of the relationship  between Dev and Andy was fantastic. Because of the added complication of their work relationship, they had to make the extra effort to keep their working hours relationship professional, and save anything else for their off hours. I liked that they both felt that a solid friendship was a prerequisite to anything deeper. I loved the time they spent together doing things as simple as ranch work and hiking gave them the time to talk and really learn about each other. Not rushing into physical intimacy made the relationship feel much more realistic.

There was a nice bit of suspense included as the county's issues with drug smugglers continue to plague them. There was a little foreshadowing as Andy's first flight with Dev included visiting areas where drug drops were known to take place. Andy's brother Gabe, an undercover DEA agent, makes an appearance in this book. His conversation with Dev adds to the building feeling that something is going to happen. I was on the edge of my seat at the end when Andy and Dev had their close encounter with the smugglers, wondering if they would make it out safely. The resolution was very satisfying and felt realistic in the way it happened.