The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away - Hannah Howell (Zebra - Sept 2019)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen (Book 3)

Off the New England coast, courageous Mehitabel Ampleford wields a rifle to protect her home from a brutish band of men who are after her land. She will not be intimidated, but their attacks are growing fiercer, and just as their latest confrontation threatens violence, a bold stranger appears out of the ocean mists to send the raiders packing.

Geordie MacEnroy has seen the ravages of war in his mountain town—and in the injuries suffered by his youngest brother; now, his restless soul is calling him to find sanctuary by the sea. His long journey to the beautiful coastline of his adopted homeland feels like a new beginning as lovely Mehitabel, so wise and self-sufficient, offers blessed hope for healing his brother’s wounds. Geordie envisions a beautiful life with her as his bride, but a woman who has fought so fearlessly for her home may not willingly surrender all for his love . . .

This is the third book in the series, and though it can be read as a stand-alone, the experience will be richer if the first two books are read first. It opens as Geordie debates with himself about whether to give in to his urge to see the Atlantic Ocean again. It has been years since the family emigrated from Scotland, but Geordie remembers the peace he felt watching the waves. However, he hesitates about leaving his family behind. When a family friend stops by on his way home to Maine, Geordie decides to tag along with James since there is safety in numbers. Youngest brother Robbie also wants to come, looking for a way to test himself after the horrific injuries he received in the previous book.

One of the things I like best about the MacEnroy family is their support of each other. Oldest brother Iain is protective of them all but also understands that each must find their own path. I love the honest conversations about dreams and expectations, and the knowledge that home will always be there. As Geordie, Robbie, and James head off on their journey, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the sights along the way. The effects of the Civil War are still evident in the people and places, something that makes an impression on Geordie. I liked the way that Geordie and James watched out for Robbie without babying him, respecting that he knows what he's capable of. There was a bit of excitement on one leg of the journey as the men came to the rescue of a woman and her child. I liked Geordie's calm handling of the matter, and especially enjoyed the "awkward stumble" gambit. Their good deed plays a part later in the book. When they reach the end of the train journey, they ride in the direction of James's home, and along the way discover a woman being threatened by an obnoxious neighbor.

Mehitabel, or Belle, faces off with a neighbor who wants her land and becomes increasingly threatening in his attempts to get it. She has no intention of giving in, as the property is part of a long-standing family trust. When three strangers arrive in time to assist her in sending the bullies packing, she is more than happy to rent them rooms. Belle is a woman of many talents - healer, baker, clam-digger, innkeeper. She is feisty and independent, but also warm, loving, and loyal to her family.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Belle and Geordie. When Robbie is injured, Belle's healing skills are needed. Taking care of him brings Geordie and Belle closer together. I liked the time they spent together talking about their lives and their families. The sparks between them built into a passion they were quick to give in to. It also left each of them wondering where it would lead. Belle's life and family are there by the ocean, and Geordie's is rooted in the Ozarks. An added complication arrives in the form an orphaned little girl. I loved how Geordie and Belle are able to talk about their options and possibilities. The visit to his family was an eye-opener for Belle, and I enjoyed seeing her reactions. I had to laugh a little at the way she and Geordie were ganged up on, but it was all with good intentions. Geordie was especially adorable in the way that he would get flustered when he tried to explain his feelings to Belle. There was a fun bit at the end as he tried to figure out a way to make her see an essential bit of information. The epilogue was a terrific look at the immediate future and the added chaos of visitors.

I also enjoyed following the trials of dealing with her obnoxious neighbor. Bennet was bound and determined to get her land and willing to do anything to succeed. I liked the ways that she stood up to him and countered his moves. It was interesting to see the way that the land was protected. There were some unexpected twists, such as when her aunt was booted from her home by a greedy brother and sister-in-law. Assistance came from an unexpected source and came with an added benefit. The problem with Bennet came to a satisfactory end thanks to the sheriff and his loss of patience with Bennet's antics.

Of the secondary characters, my favorites were Aunt Mary and the two children, Abel and Morgan. Mary is a mature woman with a practical attitude and a dry sense of humor. She also doesn't suffer fools gladly, and the issue with her brother and the house frustrates her. Abel and Morgan were both adorable and mischievous. I liked the way that Morgan and Geordie connected on the train journey and the impression that he made on the little girl. I ached for what she went through and cheered at her resilience. Her reactions to Abel were funny. Abel was a piece of work himself. I loved his energy and his obvious love for his sister. It was fun to see his interactions with Geordie and Robbie, but the real winner was when he was faced with Morgan. The scene with the frog was a riot.

 

Hold on to Me - Jules Bennett (Zebra - Sept 2019)

Series: Return to Haven (Book 3)

When three best friends decide to stretch their wings and revamp the local airport in small-town Haven, Georgia, the destination is laughter and love …

Jade Mackenzie left her high-society family’s expectations behind when she came back to cozy Haven, and she’s never been happier. But what’s supposed to be a quick trip to Nashville for a cousin’s wedding turns into a disaster when one of the airport’s pilots offers to fly her there. One crash landing and a shared room later, and tattooed, bearded Cash Miller is standing in as her gorgeously unsuitable plus-one—and turning her on in ways she can’t deny. But a relationship? A real one? That’s definitely in the no-fly zone. 

Vincent “Cash” Miller doesn’t have much in the world, but he does have pride—and a strict policy not to let anyone trash-talk his friends, not even their mothers. Standing up for sexy, headstrong Jade comes naturally—but so does the bone-deep itch for her he’s always wanted to scratch. Giving in to attraction is one thing, but commitment is another. So why does it feel like together, love might take them to breathtaking heights?

Terrific conclusion to the series. Jade was happy to leave her snooty family behind and return to her hometown with her two best friends. She's much happier in Haven than she was in Atlanta. In Haven, Jade teaches yoga and does public relations for the airport that she and the others are renovating. If she butts heads with Cash now and then, well, that keeps life interesting. Cash is one of the pilots and cousin to Jade's best friends' husbands. He is quite the flirt and has a reputation with women. Jade isn't too happy when he's the only pilot available to get her to a family wedding, but she'll put up with him if she must.

Engine trouble and a crash landing have Jade seeing a different side of Cash. And when he offers to stand in as her "plus one" for the wedding, she takes him up on it. Cash may not fit in with the rest of the crowd at the wedding, but he has his own set of standards. One thing he doesn't put up with is anyone putting down his friends. When Jade's mother starts in on her, Cash can't stop himself from standing up for her.

I loved the development of the relationship between Jade and Cash. The sparks have been flying between them since the beginning of the series, and in this book they burn out of control. The weekend in Nashville brings those sparks to a head, and the fire between them is nearly out of control. Both of them are shocked by the strength of their passion and agree that what happened in Nashville, stays in Nashville. That doesn't last more than a couple of days after they return to Haven and can't stop thinking about each other. However, neither wants a relationship, nor do they want their friends thinking that something is going on between them, so they agree to keep their time together secret.

There were times I wanted to shake them both. Both have issues that make them hesitant to open their hearts to another person. Jade's recent breakup with a cheating boyfriend has her reluctant to trust another man. Her upbringing has made her wary of strong emotions. Cash was lied to and cheated on by his ex-wife affecting his willingness to trust. Besides Jax and Tanner, the only family Cash has is his alcoholic father, with whom has a difficult relationship. Both of them keep their emotions buttoned-up, reluctant to share those things that show their vulnerabilities. When they feel the other person getting too close, each finds a way to push the other away emotionally though their physical closeness continues to grow. Jade also has trouble believing that anything between them will last, and Cash believes that the gap between them is too wide.

Nothing can stop the feelings that continue to grow between them. I loved Jade's worry over Cash when he got sick, and Cash's appearance at Jade's hot yoga class was a riot. Things move along quite well for them, and Cash is ready to take the next step when trouble appears in the shape of Jade's mother. I ached for Jade, as in her panic, she says things that hurt Cash deeply. Cash's pain was evident as all the dreams he'd been spinning came crashing down. I loved how their friends helped them work through their troubles and see that they belonged together. The ending was sweet and romantic and perfect for both of them.

I liked seeing more of the couples from the previous books, and also from the Monroe brothers series. The relationship between Cash and his cousins is a good one, and their support of each other is terrific. Jade's relationship with her two friends is as close as sisters, and I loved the scenes they had together. There are some funny times as Jade and Cash try to keep their activities secret and their friends stumble on things that make them suspicious.

 

One Fine Cowboy - Joanne Kennedy (Sourcebooks - Sept 2010/Sept 2019)

Series: Cowboy (Book 2)

HIS HEART IS AS WILD AS THE HORSES HE TRAINED...

Nate Shawcross is perfectly content to spend his days training wild horses. So when a beautiful greenhorn unexpectedly shows up for a seminar from the famous "Horse Whisperer" of Wyoming, all Nate wants to do is send her packing...

THE LAST THING SHE EXPECTS IS A LESSON IN ROMANCE...

Graduate student Charlie Banks came to the ranch to learn about horse communication, but when she meets the ruggedly handsome cowboy, she starts to fantasize about another connection entirely...

Nate needs to stay focused if he's going to save his ranch from foreclosure, but he can't help being distracted by the brainy and breathtakingly sexy Charlie. Could it be that after all this time Nate has finally found the one woman who can tame his wild heart?

Good city girl/country boy romance. Charlie is a psychology grad student from New Jersey. She has a Plan for her life - finish school, get a good job, then look at the possibility of a relationship. She's not especially happy to be sent to the wilds of Wyoming to do a research project on “assessing the parallels between the training techniques of Western livestock managers and the nonverbal cues with which humans communicate their wants and needs.” That means dealing with <gasp> cowboys, whom she considers the lowest of the low. As a card-carrying member of PETA, she believes them animal abusers of the worst kind. But she has no choice, and off she goes, only to have her car break down miles from the ranch house. Lucky for her, she's rescued by the "horse whisperer" himself. But there's quite a shock waiting for her.

Nate is surprised to have this city girl show up for a seminar that he has no idea he's giving. It's all he can do these days to stay focused on making ends meet so that he doesn't lose the ranch he loves. It turns out that his ex-girlfriend sent out flyers advertising the seminar, took deposits, and then took off with the money, plus everything in their checking and savings accounts. Nate is flat broke and isn't sure he can come up with the money to feed the incoming "students," much less refund their deposits.

The first meeting between Charlie and Nate was interesting. She's got a pretty big chip on her shoulder about men in general and cowboys in particular, and she is free with her opinions on both. Nate was blindsided by the whole seminar thing and isn't particularly welcoming. The sparks fly between them when she jumps to conclusions about his training methods. She'd like nothing more than to leave, but with her car out of commission and no chance of a refund on the seminar, she's stuck there. Charlie's rough edges soften a bit when she meets some of the horses, and her love of animals comes to the fore. I loved the scene with Junior and how quickly she connected with him, and Nate's surprise that it happened at all.

I liked the development of their relationship. It is very much an opposites attract at first. Charlie is outgoing and blunt, and about as independent as could be. Nate is quiet, shy, and more than a bit grumpy thanks to circumstances. The attraction between them is strong, but both try to fight it. Charlie has her plans and doesn't intend to let anything distract her. Nate is just trying to keep it all together. Charlie feels bad for Nate, especially when the other three students arrive, and finds herself wanting to help him. The more time they spend together, the more they find they have in common. The attraction also burns hotter each day. I felt a little sorry for Nate as he frequently found himself tongue-tied around Charlie, though his looks were far more eloquent. He ultimately won me over when his daughter Sam arrived, and his evident love for her showed a different side to him. I also liked seeing him in his element with the horses, and his ability to make his students understand. It was obvious that Nate was falling hard for Charlie. Though he dreams of something bigger between them, he doesn't believe it could happen. Charlie falls just as hard but pushes him away even harder. She has her plans and fights her desire to change them.

Things get complicated when Nate's ex arrives back on the ranch. Sandi is a piece of work and knows exactly how to manipulate Nate to get what she wants. I got very frustrated with Nate and the way he let her bully him into doing what she wanted. Charlie saw Sandi for what she was. I ached for Nate when Sandi started in on her demands and threats and wanted him to push back. It took an intervention from Charlie and fellow student Doris for Nate to see what was happening and find his backbone. I did like the final solution, and the epilogue was great.

The secondary characters of the other three students were great. Doris was an older lady, a rancher who was still interested in learning more about horses. She is practical, a bit blunt, and ends up almost like a mother figure to Charlie and Nate. She had very definite matchmaking tendencies, and it was fun to see her try to nudge the two together. Phaedra is the goth teenager with some serious daddy issues. She isn't all that happy to be there at first, and there are some pretty difficult scenes as she settles in. I liked how she and Charlie connected and the difference that Charlie made in her outlook. The last arrival was Phaedra's dad, a movie star who hasn't seen her in ten years. Taylor turned out to be a nicer guy than I expected, with more behind his issues than first suspected. He was more down-to-earth than I expected and I liked his growing friendship with Nate.

 

The Lady Travelers Guide to Happily Ever After - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Sept 2019)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 4)

Before there was a Lady Travelers Society, there was just one lady traveler…

Some marry for love. Some marry for money. But Violet Hagen's quick wedding to irresponsible James Branham, heir to the Earl of Ellsworth, was to avoid scandal.

Though her heart was broken when she learned James never wanted marriage or her, Violet found consolation in traveling the world, at his expense -- finding adventure and enjoying an unconventional, independent life. And strenuously avoiding her husband.

But when James inherits the earldom it comes with a catch -- Violet. To receive his legacy he and Violet must live together as husband and wife, convincing society that they are reconciled. It's a preposterous notion, complicated by the fact that Violet is no longer the quiet, meek woman he married. But then he's not the same man either.

Chasing Violet across Europe to earn her trust and prove his worth, James realizes with each passing day that a marriage begun in haste may be enjoyed at leisure. And that nothing may be as scandalous -- or as perfect -- as falling hopelessly in love. Especially with your wife.

This was a fun book and probably my favorite of the series. Although it is the fourth and final book, chronologically it is the first as it takes place before the others and before the Lady Travelers Society was founded. The founding members do have a part in this story, but not as much as in the others.

In this book, we have Violet and James. It opens with their attendance at the ball where James's engagement is to be announced. Instead, he is caught kissing Violet, ending his engagement and forcing him to marry Violet to avoid scandal. The morning after their wedding, Violet overhears James tell his uncle that he's not ready for marriage and he only married her to save her from ruin. Heartbroken because she was in love with him when he suggests that they live separately and live their lives as before, she agrees - with two stipulations. She wants the money to be able to travel, and she never wants to see him again.

Six years later, they are brought back together by Uncle Richard's death. James inherits the title, but Richard had a stipulation in his will. James and Violet were to live together for three years, be seen together in public, appear happy, create no scandals, and not spend any more than two weeks apart during any year. If they do not, both will lose everything.

I loved watching Violet and James get to know each other again. Both have changed a lot in the six years they've been apart. James grew up, leaving his irresponsible ways behind him. He learned the things he needed to know as Ellsworth's heir, and discovered that he enjoyed what he was doing. Violet is no longer the quiet girl who blends into the background. Her travels gave her new confidence in herself, and she likes standing on her own two feet. Before Richard's death, James understood the mistakes he made and realized that he wanted Violet back in his life. Now he needs to convince her of that fact. Standing in the way are the rumors that have followed each of them in the years they've been apart.

Violet isn't in any hurry to forgive James for breaking her heart. She will live by the rules, but keep her heart protected. In the meantime, she is determined to make him atone for his mistakes. In the beginning, they stay in England and take their place in society. Violet is nervous, fearing that she will return to the mouse she used to be. It is pretty clear she has nothing to worry about, especially during an especially satisfying confrontation with her mother and sister. Violet holds her own quite well, and though she didn't appreciate it at the time, James also weighs in with unexpected zeal. James uses all his charm to show Violet that he's changed, and she realizes that she's in danger of falling for him all over again.

Determined to get back to the life where she is comfortable, Violet gives James an ultimatum. He comes with her on her travels or forfeits his inheritance. I felt a little bit bad for James as he had a good reason for not liking to travel, but it was also crucial for him to see Violet in her element. An eye-opening conversation with his friend Marcus made James realize that before he could win Violet's heart he had to regain her trust. I had so much fun watching their travels from France to Italy to Greece. In each place, James gained new insight into the woman he married. It was fun to see his misconceptions overcome one by one, and see the truth behind each of them. Violet also began to understand that James underwent his own transformation and slowly began to trust him again. Their conversations were great, with a good combination of fun and seriousness. But just as things are looking up for them, someone from Violet's past shows up with a revelation that rocks Violet's growing feelings for James. A heartbreaking confrontation is followed by some soul-searching on Violet's part. James also goes through some self-examination but has a little more trouble getting to where he can fix his mistakes. The ending was great, and I loved the epilogue.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters of Marcus, James's friend and lawyer, and Chloe, Violet's companion/secretary and friend. Marcus does a good job as the voice of reason, keeping James on track and trying to keep him from trouble. Chloe is firmly on Violet's side, and her dislike of James is apparent. The interactions between Marcus and Chloe were terrific and made a nice contrast with James and Violet. Also, Effie, Poppy, and Gwen had their important role as arbiters of whether James and Violet fulfilled the conditions of Richard's will.

Another thing I enjoyed was the author's descriptions of the places Violet and James visited. They were detailed and vivid enough that I felt as though I was there. I liked that it wasn't just the well-known locations; there was also a feeling of everyday reality.

 

The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Nov 2018)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 3)

Harry Armstrong has spent years in Egypt, recovering relics and disregarding rules. Now he's back in England with a new title and a new purpose: penning his exploits. But his efforts are overshadowed by London's favorite writer about Egypt -- a woman they call The Queen of the Desert, of all things. Worse, her stories -- serialized in newspapers and reprinted in books -- are complete rubbish.

Miss Sidney Honeywell didn't set out to deceive anyone. It's not her fault readers assumed her Tales of a Lady Adventurer in Egypt were real! Admitting her inadvertent deception now would destroy her reputation and her livelihood. But when the Earl of Brenton challenges her to travel to Egypt to prove her expertise, accompanied by his dashing, arrogant nephew, what choice does she have but to pack her bags?

With the matchmaking founders of the Lady Travelers Society in tow, Harry is determined to expose Sidney's secret. But the truth might not be as great a revelation as discovering that love can strike even the most stubborn of hearts.

Another fun journey with the Lady Travelers Society, and like the previous book, our intrepid travelers are not quite what they seem. Sidney has been writing her adventure stories about Egypt for some time, using her grandmother's journals for inspiration. They are wildly popular, and she discovered too late that people believe that they are her adventures. To confess the truth would destroy her reputation and her only source of income. When the Earl of Brenton accuses her of writing rubbish and maligns her knowledge, she accepts his challenge to prove it with a trip to Egypt, accompanied by his nephew.

Harry Armstrong, the "nephew" in question, is actually the earl himself. After twenty years in Egypt, making like Indiana Jones, he returned to take up his new responsibilities as earl. Part of his plan is to write about his time in Egypt, but no one is interested in his writing when they can read "Mrs. Gordon's." He's confident he can gather enough evidence to prove her a fraud.

I felt a bit badly for Sidney at the beginning. Her deceptions were not her choice but forced on her by her publisher and the times. Also, the public war of words with the earl wasn't hers, but the well-meaning interference of her Aunt Effie and her friends, Poppy and Gwen. Sidney was furious when she found out about it, but she also wasn't about to roll over and play dead. Though it took a little prodding from the old ladies, she was determined to prove him wrong.

Harry did not make a good first impression. It was clear that his motivating factor was jealousy that Sidney's writings were popular and his were rejected time and again for being dull and dry. He redeemed himself slightly with his worry that he was potentially ruining an old lady supplementing her pension, but his refusal to back down didn't help his case.

The journey is sponsored by Sidney's publisher, who has a lot riding on the outcome. If she is proved a fraud, it won't look good for him. He will also be stuck publishing Harry's book, which isn't nearly as good as Sidney's. There's an amusing scene where Effie manages to get the publisher to include the three ladies in the trip as Sidney's chaperones. Mr. Cadwallender also sends along a reporter as an impartial witness and to write about whatever the results are.

From the moment the journey began, the sparks flew between Harry and Sidney. He makes it clear that he doesn't believe she has ever been to Egypt, based mainly on her "rosy" depiction of the places and events. For him, if you don't include the bad, you don't know what you're talking about - which explains his dreadful writing. Of course, he's right, she has never set foot in the country, but she has studied extensively and has her grandmother's journals. And she never intended people to believe they were completely factual. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Sidney confound Harry with her knowledge and confuse him with her unbridled enthusiasm. It was fun to see him attempt to trip her up, and her stay just on the right side of giving herself away. In this she was helped along by the three ladies.

I liked the development of the relationship between Harry and Sidney. It didn't take long for him to become thoroughly intrigued by her contradictions and drawn into her enthusiasm. It begins to bring back the memories of his early days when life was more adventurous and considerably more fun. One of my favorite things is that Harry and Sidney are equal in intelligence and quickly develop respect for each other's abilities. Harry also becomes unexpectedly protective of Sidney, adding a bit of stress to his daily life. Sidney is wholly independent and tends to go off on her own, unconscious of the dangers. The harem scene was especially fun.

The feelings between Harry and Sidney have a better chance to grow when they put their animosity aside to investigate an intriguing antiquity. Harry's somewhat disreputable past comes back to bite him when he is "encouraged" to retrieve an ancient medallion from an unscrupulous American. I laughed out loud at the way Sidney inserted herself in the process and then took it over. Their teamwork is impressive, with each bringing something vital to the table. The resolution of the mystery was exciting with a couple of unexpected twists. One added an extra layer of danger, and the other a solution to a mystery and a problem. There were a couple of minor obstacles to overcome before they could get their happy ending - not the least of which was finally admitting the truth to each other. There was a nice little O. Henry twist to that event. The epilogue was lovely.

Once again, Poppy, Effie, and Gwen are vital parts of the story. They frequently give the impression of being ditzy, but they are very cunning when they want to be. I loved seeing them try to show Sidney the importance of knowing the details of her fictional past, especially when those details can trip her up. There's also a hilarious scene as they attempt sex education so that the "widow" won't be taken unawares. Harry's problems with "the old ladies" were myriad as they frequently got on his nerves, but also entertained him. The morning after scene in Sidney's room was hysterical. One of the things I loved best was that the founders of the Lady Travelers Society finally got to do some traveling of their own and that they embraced it with such fervor.

 

The Dance Before Christmas - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Oct 2018)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 2.5)

Miss Anabel Snelling needs a fiancé, and fast. If her father, Sir Archibald, has his way, she’ll be married in time for Christmas—to a man she doesn’t love. That’s why she and her aunt have concocted a brilliant plan to hire an American actor to play the role of her suitor. But the charming Wesley Grant is playing the part a little too well, and Anabel is in danger of falling for him. What Anabel doesn’t know is Wesley is not the actor her aunt hired. Still, what kind of a gentleman would he be if he didn’t come to her rescue? He has a new plan of his own—win Anabel’s heart…for real.

This was a short, fun story about a mistaken identity that leads to love. Anabel is in a pickle. She will soon be twenty-one, and her father has decided it's time she was married, and who better than a childhood friend of hers and son of his friend. The problem is, Anabel thinks of Douglas as a friend and a brother, and she wants to marry for love. So she and her aunt have hired an actor to play the part of her suitor.

Wesley came to England to meet with the leaders of the Explorers Club, hoping to interest them in his new chronometer. Instead, he found himself helping out a damsel in distress. He is intrigued by her story and charmed by Anabel herself, and quite willing to pretend to be the actor in question.

Anabel and Wesley's first encounter was fun. He has sort of crashed the ball, using his uncle's invitation, to meet the chairman of the Explorers Club. As he is pondering his next move, he is accosted by Anabel, who mistakes him for her actor. She goes on and on about the job, barely letting Wesley get in a word. He is quickly intrigued by Anabel and noting her connection to the man he wants to talk to, figures that helping her would also help him. He did not expect to fall hard and fast for her. Anabel is also taken aback by her reaction to him, not expecting to be attracted to an actor of all people.

I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Wesley and Anabel have more in common than either suspected, and it wasn't long before their connection started to grow. It was aided and abetted by Poppy, Gwen, and Effie, who served as chaperones on the couple's outings. Those who have read The Riseand Fall of Reginald Everheart will recognize the name that Wesley's alter ego uses. The ladies get involved because of it, and their assistance provides some laugh-out-loud moments. It isn't long before Wesley feels guilty about the deception and fears Anabel's reaction to the truth. He wants Anabel for himself, as himself, and isn't quite sure how to make it happen. Anabel has fallen just as hard for Wesley, who she believes is a penniless actor. I liked her confidence in her feelings and her belief that Wesley's actor profession is not an insurmountable obstacle. The ending was terrific. The ladies' creativity is called into service once again as they find a way to resolve all the issues. I was also quite impressed with Anabel's reaction to all of the revelations.

The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everheart - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Nov 2017)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 1.5)

Unmarried and dedicated to illustrating the Explorers Club’s artifacts, Dulcie Middleworth is running out of prospects. Spinsterhood’s a tragedy for the daughter of a viscount, but London’s most eligible maiden has a secret: she’s already in love. But to confess an attraction to charming explorer Michael Shepard? Not when the man has no wish to marry and his heart’s desire lies in adventure abroad.

Surely such a predicament calls for a matchmaker of Poppy Fitzhew-Wellmore’s caliber! And calls as well for a romantic rival—the legendary figment of Poppy’s imagination Reginald Everheart—to nudge Michael’s affections in Dulcie’s direction. But what to do when everyone demands to meet the famously infamous suitor who doesn’t really exist?

Short, sweet story of love in the library. Dulcie is on the shelf according to society's leaders. Instead of hunting for a husband, she spends her time in the library at the Explorers Club illustrating their artifacts. What they don't know is that she is already in love with the man who sits on the other side of the library, wannabe explorer Michael Shepard. It's a hopeless love as he has made it clear that he does not intend to marry.

I enjoyed the progress of the relationship between Dulcie and Michael. They spent months in the same space, intrigued by each other but never exchanging more than polite pleasantries. That doesn't stop them from watching each other, noting the little things that tug on their hearts. Dulcie's mother is determined to marry her off and constantly pushes one particular suitor forward. But Dulcie wants to marry for love, and Preston Drummond doesn't appeal in the slightest. Michael is intrigued and attracted to Dulcie, but long ago decided that a man who disappears for months or years at a time has no business subjecting a wife to that lifestyle. When Preston's attentions become more pointed, Michael can't let Dulcie be fooled into accepting the man. However, his attempt to help is not well received, and the resulting scene causes sparks to fly.

Poppy and her friends believe it is evident that Dulcie and Michael belong together and that they just need a little help to see it. Poppy resurrects an intrepid explorer from her past, one Reginald Everheart. He is very nearly perfect - and wholly a product of her imagination. With the help of Gwen and Effie, Poppy uses Reginald's "attentions" to Dulcie to provoke Michael's jealousy and motivate him toward accepting his feelings. The sparks continue to fly as Michael keeps saying things that rile Dulcie's independent nature. It takes advice from the experienced older ladies to get both Dulcie and Michael to realize that with love, anything is possible.

There were quite a few scenes that had me laughing out loud. Dulcie's rejections of Preston's proposals were great, as he had so much trouble believing anyone would turn him down. The scene with the arrival of the artifact from Reginald that Dulcie was to draw was hysterical, thanks to Michael's reaction to the baboon's "attributes." It was also fun to see Poppy and friends stumble over their invention in a case of "too many cooks."

 

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Dec 2017)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 2)

She must secure her future

A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe's carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure -- a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.

He must reclaim his heritage

Dante Augustus Montague's one passion has long been his family's art collection. He's finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright -- including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?

Now they're rivals for a prize that will change everything

Willie and Dante know they're playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.

This is a fun book to read, with an abundance of interesting characters. The most interesting were Willie and Dante. Willie is a young widow in financial difficulties. She and her husband had been part of a fast set, and before his death, he ran up quite a lot of debt. By selling everything possible, Willie paid off George's debts, but there is little left for her. If she can get to Venice and pay off the last loan, she can retrieve a family heirloom, sell it, and have enough to live on for a reasonable amount of time. Her godmother offers Willie the job of hosting a tour for the Lady Travelers Society which will get her to Venice. Willie has never set foot outside England, but how hard can it be to lead two American women and their daughters, an Englishwoman and her daughter, and the Englishwoman's brother.

There is more to Dane Montague than Willie knows. From a long line of art-loving men, Dante recently became the director of his grandfather's little known art gallery. He spent years in the study of art and business and is determined to make a success of his grandfather's legacy. His best option is to locate and retrieve a missing painting from a famous trio of artwork that he believes was stolen, which he has traced to Willie. He will do anything to get it back, including inveigle himself into the tour group.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dante and Willie. Their first meeting set the tone, with amusing banter and obvious sparks between them. Dante finds himself unexpectedly intrigued by Willie, who is not at all what he expected. He's a bit wary as he was burned by another woman who turned out to be not what she seemed either. Willie is equally drawn to Dante but is also cautious. She has learned from the mistakes of the past and doesn't intend to repeat them. Dante plans to use the time to befriend Willie and therefore keep track of her and ultimately the painting. He doesn't expect to actually like her, and it throws him entirely out of kilter. I loved watching their friendship develop as they discover how much they enjoy being together.

Dante is caught in a dilemma. The stronger his feelings grow for Willie, the guiltier he feels about his deception. He knows he needs to tell her the truth, but he keeps putting it off. His sister regularly scolds him about it, warning him of what will happen if he doesn't tell her. When the truth finally comes out, it's even worse than he expected. I ached for both of them. Willie feels used and betrayed, and the loss of her trust in the man she came to love was heartbreaking. I hurt for Dante too. He loves her deeply and regrets his mistakes. Unfortunately, both of them are incredibly stubborn, and the painting becomes an insurmountable obstacle. There's a brief truce involving the actual retrieval of the painting, but it continues to come between them. There are some exciting twists in the resolution of the problem before Willie and Dante find their way back together. I loved Dante's grand romantic gesture. It was sweet and over the top, as well as showing his vulnerable side. The epilogue was great, though it did contain a bit of mystery I'd love to have the answer to.

The secondary characters were fantastic and a huge part of the story itself. The friendship that developed between Willie and Roz, Jane, and Marian was fantastic. I loved how it showed the changes that Willie experienced as she embraced her new life. Their support of her when she had her troubles with Dante was fun to watch. They also looked out for her and provided some much-needed advice to Dante. They were instrumental in retrieving the painting in an unexpected way. I enjoyed their relationships with their daughters, which weren't all that different than similar relationships today. The daughters were great, each with their quirks and issues. The story of the unsuitable suitor was an excellent addition, and I liked the method Dante used to deal with it. The brief appearance of the Marquess of Brookings was hilarious, and I laughed out loud at the scenes where he "helped" move Willie's relationship with Dante along.

Another important "character" in the book is the travel itself. I loved the details of the Paris Exhibition and the Eiffel Tower and the shopping at Worth. The scene at Notre Dame was especially poignant considering the recent fire there. I enjoyed the trivia from Genoa and Verona, and the descriptions of Venice were vivid. I loved the changes in Willie as she coped with all the challenges that arose during the traveling, and the difference it made in the way she saw herself.

The Empty Nesters - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Aug 2019)

The worst of times calls for the best of friends in this sassy novel about starting over, from New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.

Dear friends and army wives Diana, Carmen, and Joanie have been through war, rumors of war, marital problems, motherhood, fears, joy, and heartache. But none of the women are prepared when their daughters decide to enlist in the army together. Facing an empty nest won't be easy. Especially for Carmen. With emotions already high, she suffers an even greater blow: divorce papers. Diana understands the fury and tears. She's been there.

With nothing to lose and no one at home, the girlfriends impulsively accept an unexpected offer from their elderly neighbor. The recently widowed Tootsie has an RV, a handsome nephew at the wheel, and an aim for tiny Scrap, Texas, to embrace memories of her late husband. Still grieving, she can use the company as a balm for her broken heart. So can the empty nesters.

Embarking on a journey of hope, romance, and healing, Diana, Carmen, and Joanie are at a turning point in their lives. And with the open road ahead of them, it's just the beginning.

Terrific story of friendship, healing, and love. The story opens in the past as Tootsie and her husband Smokey watch three young families move into houses on their block. All three are military families, each with one young daughter. Tootsie immediately senses that these people will become good friends. The prologue spends some time introducing each of the characters and their personalities. It also shows the depth of friendship that already exists between Diana, Carmen, and Joanie, as they finish the prologue by sending their men off, hiding their heartbreak behind cheerful faces. The story picks up thirteen years later, as all three women watch their daughters depart for Army basic training, leaving them with empty nests. That's not the only life-altering event either. Tootsie's husband Smokey recently passed away, leaving all of them feeling his loss. To make matters worse, Carmen unexpectedly receives divorce papers from her husband. As the women come together to support Carmen, Tootsie invites them all on her road trip as a way to get away from it all.

Tootsie: Tootsie is a warm-hearted woman who was deeply in love with her husband. She is devastated by his loss, but the other women's presence in her life helps her deal with her grief. Helping them through their problems provides a needed distraction. I loved her down-home country wisdom and her straightforward way of delivering it. There are some hilarious times ahead for them, as well as some profoundly emotional ones. Smokey's loss isn't all Tootsie has to deal with on this journey, and the other women repay Tootsie's support with some of their own. I loved Tootsie's conversations with Smokey. They gave a good look at the type of man he was and the relationship he had with her.

Carmen: I loved Carmen and ached so much for her. The unexpected arrival of divorce papers on the day her daughter left for boot camp made it especially devastating. She's always been a little bit insecure thanks to her feelings of being not good enough for Eli (reinforced by her witch of a mother-in-law) and immediately starts thinking about what she must have done wrong. I loved seeing her journey through denial, grief, and anger, and seeing her come out stronger on the other side. I  detested her husband, Eli, whose true colors were revealed in his phone calls to her. There was a funny scene in which Carmen contemplated emulating a book character's revenge on a cheating spouse. I laughed because I recognized that revenge from an earlier book by the author.

Joanie: After witnessing Diana's divorce years earlier, and seeing what Carmen goes through now, Joanie experiences some guilt about the solidity of her marriage. But recent phone calls from Brett have been disturbing, and she wonders if the bonds are as strong as she thought. I ached for her and her fears. Brett turned out to be the best of the husbands, and I liked how he came clean about the issue. I especially liked his understanding of her bond with the other women. Joanie impressed me with her realistic look at the proposition and consideration of all the ramifications.

Diana: Diana's life has revolved around raising her daughter. Mostly by herself, as first her husband was gone so much, then later as a single mother. She showed little interest in dating, not ready to trust another man with her heart. Having already been through it, she is in an excellent position to help Carmen. What Diana did not expect was to feel a connection to Tootsie's nephew Luke, who is their driver on this road trip. She is a bit freaked out about their age difference since he's a few years younger. I loved the friendship that grew between them as they discovered things they had in common and how that friendship grew and changed. There were some sweet moments between them, and some very steamy ones. Diana has some issues she has to deal with before she lets herself even consider a future with Luke in it. I liked the fact that they kept the lines of communication open, even when they were at odds.

Luke: The lone man on this road trip. Luke is a self-professed geek who claims limited social skills. He spent most of his adult life immersed in the software company that he built. Luke recently sold it and now must decide what he wants to do. He loves his Aunt Tootsie and looks forward to the memories of his Uncle Smokey on this trip. He is taken by surprise by his connection to Diana, especially as he usually is shy and awkward around women. I liked how the age difference meant so little to him and loved how he explained it to Diana. I liked his patience as he didn't try to push Diana past where she was comfortable but still left her in no doubt about his interest. Luke also helps each of the other women through some of their problems with some practical advice and/or viewpoints from the male perspective.

I loved the journey these five made together, with the love, friendship, and respect that helped each of them through some rough times. I loved the end of the journey as they attended their daughters' graduation and saw the changes that they, too, had experienced. I enjoyed the glimpses of each mother/daughter relationship, as well as the friendships between the three girls. I got a kick out of Rebecca's comments to Luke. There was also some insight into the three women's husband and how the men's relationships with each other compared to their wives' relationships.

The epilogue was great. I liked seeing them all a few months down the road and how things have worked out for them. I loved seeing Luke and Diana together, and the unexpected twist that capped off the book.

Wanted by the Marshal - Ryshia Kennie (HI #1880 - Sept 2019)

Series: American Armor (Book 1)

Can he keep the key witness from harm…

before it's too late?

After escaping a terrifying encounter with a serial killer, RN Kiera Connell lands in the protection of US Marshal Travis Johnson. In order to make sure she stays alive to testify, Travis has to thwart whatever danger comes her way. Normally, for a pro like Travis, that's not an issue. But focusing on the mission becomes his greatest challenge as Kiera's exposure threatens to unravel all his best-laid plans.

Good mix of romance and intense suspense. The intensity starts immediately as Kiera is abducted while walking home from work late one night. The precariousness of her situation is clear from the outset as she wakes bound and gagged only to hear what her captor has planned for her. She is terrified, but she also refuses to go down without a fight. I was incredibly impressed by Kiera right from the start because of her determination to escape, and I was glued to the pages as I rooted for her success.

As the only survivor of this serial killer, Kiera's testimony is vital to the conviction of the suspect. She is understandably on edge, which makes her introduction to the lead marshal on her protection detail unexpectedly intense. I had to laugh at Travis's chagrin at being caught unaware and liked that he kept calm and understood Kiera's wariness. There is tension between them as Travis, who believes that this is more of a babysitting detail than protection, gets an earful of Kiera's disgust over law enforcement's refusal to believe her when she tells them there was more than one abductor.

I liked both Kiera and Travis. Kiera is strong, determined, and more than a little stubborn. She also has a kind and loving heart, as shown by the way she cares for her patients and how selflessly she gives of herself in various volunteer pursuits. Travis is dedicated to his work, quick-witted, and honorable. He is close to his family and protective of those he cares about.

I liked the development of the relationship between Travis and Kiera. There were sparks between them from the start, but both tried to ignore the attraction and keep to a professional relationship. That became more difficult as the danger increased, and Travis found himself emotionally invested in keeping her safe. I laughed a little at his realization that he followed in the footsteps of other family members who fell fast and hard for their mates. For Kiera it was the kindness and comfort Travis offered that worked its way into her heart, filling a hole she hadn't realized was there. The ending was terrific, especially Travis's acceptance and enjoyment of Kiera's quirks.

The suspense of the story was gripping all the way through. As readers, we know that there was a second person involved in Kiera's abduction, which makes it doubly frustrating that law enforcement blows off Kiera's story. I liked that she never gave up on making them see the truth. Though skeptical at first, it didn't take too long for Travis to realize that she was telling the truth. The escalating attempts on Kiera's life kept the story moving along, with very little let-up in the tension. I was a little surprised at the mistakes Travis made, something I didn't expect from an experienced marshal like him. The same with two of his fellow marshals. James especially bugged me with his refusal to believe that Kiera was telling the truth. The final confrontation was a nail-biter to the very end.

Unlaced by the Highland Duke - Lara Temple (HH #1432 - May 2019)

Series: Lochmore Legacy (Book 2)

A plain Regency governess

In bed with the duke!

A Scottish castle through the ages! Unceremoniously packed off to Scotland to care for the Duke of Lochmore's young son, practical widow Joane Langdale fears she will be ignored as always. But the deep connection and heated passion that develops between her and Benneit is far more dangerous! When Benneit is expected to propose to another, how dare Jo dream of becoming his duchess?

This is the second book in the Lochmore Legacy series, and like the first one, I read this in one sitting. The heroine of this book is Joane, who was a secondary character in the first book, His Convenient HighlandWedding. I liked her a lot in that book and was excited to see her front and center in this one. Here Jo is the poor widowed relation of Benneit's late wife. She has spent the last two years in servitude to various members of her family, mostly ignored unless they wanted something. Here we find her packed off to Scotland to care for Benneit's little boy, Jamie.

Benneit is the widowed duke who is fighting battles on several fronts. Most important to him is securing his legacy for his son Jamie, who he adores. To do so, he plans to build a whisky distillery on his land. That requires the cooperation of the neighboring McCrieff laird, a family the Lochmore's have been feuding with for generations. Benneit feels that the best way to solve all his problems is to marry McCrieff's daughter Tessa. This will end the feud, secure the distillery, and give Jamie a mother and eventually, some siblings.

I loved both Benneit and Jo. Though she seems a bit mouse-like and doormatty at first, it doesn't take long to see that there is much more to her. First of all, I loved how she and Jamie took to each other so quickly. Once in Scotland and away from her family, the real Jo emerges. She is intelligent, loving, and can have a wickedly sharp tongue when she wants to. She is grateful for the time in Scotland, away from her family, where she can make her own plans for her future. Benneit comes across as cold and aloof at the beginning as he faces off against his late wife's family. He is not about to submit to their desires to keep young Jamie in England. But it is his love for his son and determination to do what is right for him that shines through. Benneit also feels a profound responsibility for his people, which factors into his decisions.

I loved the development of the relationship between Benneit and Jo. They knew each other from when Benneit courted Bella. Benneit thought of her as a mouse, and Jo just knew that he made her uncomfortable. Six years later they are different people, but with their losses in common. I loved seeing how being away from her family gave Jo the chance to be herself, which manifested in a tendency to be a bit prickly. Benneit was surprised by this unexpected side of her and occasionally found it uncomfortable. Their care for Jamie brought them closer together, though they sometimes clashed over what they thought was best. Unexpected attraction built between them as Jo saw past Benneit's crusty exterior to the caring and vulnerable man inside. He didn't expect how right it felt to be with Jo and the feeling of family it engendered. As the attraction between them grew, dreams and desires butted up against honor and intentions. I loved Benneit's scene with Tessa at the end as he makes the only decision possible for him. His big moment at the end was fantastic.

Besides the irrepressible Jamie, I also liked many of the other secondary characters. I loved the staff at the castle and their outspoken attitudes. Angus was fantastic with his often unsolicited advice and tendency to say, "I told you so." I laughed at Jo's maid Beth and her comments about Jo's ball gown. McCrieff came across as pretty unbending when it came to the various negotiations but surprised me at the end in the confrontation with Benneit and Tessa. I loved Tessa. She was sweet and loving and would have been perfect for Benneit if it hadn't been for Jo. I liked how she and Jo got along rather than having the whole "other woman" vibe going on. I had to laugh at her "banishment" because her appearance in the first book showed how that turned out.

There is only a brief mention of the mystery that began in the first book. There are more hints about the ongoing feud, including comments about Ewan and Marguerite, who are the subjects of the next book in the series. The empty crypt and a mention of the missing brooch also have a place and left me wanting to know more about what happened.

 

Shelter From the Storm - Patricia Davids (LI #1231 - Sept 2019)

Series: North Country Amish (Book 2)

An Amish marriage of convenience

Secretly pregnant and unwed, Gemma Lapp has a difficult choice -- face her Amish community or raise her baby alone. But when a storm strands Gemma in the wilderness with her former crush, Jesse Crump, she knows her secret won't be safe for long. Gemma can't imagine trusting a man again…until Jesse proposes a marriage of convenience. Could their arrangement lead to love?

Good combination of a second chance romance with an enemies-to-lovers story. Gemma and Jesse have an awkward history. Eighteen months earlier Gemma had made a pest of herself, flirting with Jesse and following him everywhere. Envious of her married friends, she chose Jesse as the most likely candidate for her husband. Jesse wasn't interested. Eight years older than Gemma, with a difficult past, Jesse saw her as spoiled. When Gemma took the untraditional route of suggesting marriage to him, Jesse's response wasn't kind, and Gemma retaliated with harsh words of her own. She then left for Florida, looking for something different than her life in Maine. Now Gemma has returned to Maine with her tail between her legs. The man she thought she loved deserted her when he found out she was pregnant. She heads for home, hoping for understanding and acceptance from her parents, but fearing the worst.

I liked both Jesse and Gemma. Jesse hasn't had an easy life and has a chip on his shoulder because of it. Son of a single mother and a big man, he was bullied through most of his childhood. He tends to be something of a recluse, doesn't talk much, and is insecure about his intelligence. Jesse is also a good man with a kind heart. When he encounters Gemma, stranded and broke, he gets her a motel room and offers her a ride home. He hasn't forgotten the things she said, but he has other things on his mind - namely an auction for some land he wants. Gemma is a changed woman. The spoiled girl who left for Florida has been replaced by one who has learned some hard lessons. Jesse's help makes her remember how horrible she was to him and adds to the stress she feels. Her mind is consumed by thoughts of the future and decisions she has to make.

The trip home doesn't go as expected. A blizzard and a wrecked truck strand them in an isolated area as their driver goes for help. Things are awkward at first as the mistakes of the past come between them. I liked that Gemma made the first overtures by apologizing, though Jesse was a little slow to believe. As the danger of their situation increased, I loved how Jesse stayed cool and calm, eventually taking action to keep them safe. I liked how the forced togetherness gave them the opportunity to clear the air and begin to really get to know each other. I loved how Jesse appreciated Gemma's outspokenness and she his somewhat dry sense of humor. Their teasing was fun to see, especially the parts about tree bark and cattails. Rescue, when it came, brought surprise revelations and changes.

I ached for Gemma and her fears for her future. Her arrival home was painful as she confessed what had happened. Reactions were mixed and left her wondering about the right thing to do. Jesse had decisions to make, as well. He was surprised by his continuing concern for Gemma and confused about what to do. He surprised me with his reaction to her father's offer, and then his offer to Gemma. Both of them struggled with their feelings and their reluctance to tell the other about them. A medical emergency forced them each to face those feelings. Jesse melted my heart with his actions and his overwhelming feelings of love and protectiveness. Gemma's strength and determination were fantastic. I loved seeing how Hope brought them together and ached at how their insecurities preyed on their fears. It took the advice from good friends to help them past those final obstacles. I loved Jesse's big moment at the end. I would have liked an epilogue, but hopefully, they will make appearances in later books.

Sand Dollar Cove - Nancy Naigle (Crossroads Publishing - May 2015)

Escape to the shores of Sand Dollar Cove, a quaint beach town on the North Carolina coast. When Elli Eversol returns to Sand Dollar Cove to rebuild her grandparents shops on the old fishing pier following last fall’s hurricane, she’s faced with bigger problems. For one, the pier has taken a much more serious hit by a recent Nor’easter. Secondly, the boy who broke her heart, Holden Moore, is back in town too and tempting her, only her heart is telling her he’s still not one to be trusted. So she keeps her focus on her family and the Buy-A-Board campaign project so she can put those funds to good use and spare her heart.

When Brody Rankin answered the online request to help router names into boards purchased in a campaign to save the shops on the pier in Sand Dollar Cove, he’d really just been trying to do a good deed and get a closer look at the sleepy little town where his mega-company is planning to build an east coast warehouse. Will this well-known playboy be able to resist a woman who loves the ocean as much as he does, or will he leave Sand Dollar Cove behind?

Terrific small-town story full of friends, family, and love. Elli spent her growing-up summers in Sand Dollar Cove with her grandparents and always saw herself eventually living there. But life intervened, and she has spent the last several years inland, building her real estate business. She returns to the cove to rebuild the shops and pier that were damaged in the latest hurricane, only to find that things have changed more than she expected. Her grandmother is feeling her age, the damage to the pier is worse than she realized, and an old boyfriend is back in town.

I liked the interplay of the various relationships. Elli and her grandmother were great. They have such a wonderful relationship. Nana may have slowed down some, but she is still full of life and enjoys taking care of people. I loved her practical outlook on life and how she uses it to help Elli over some rough patches. Elli's friendship with Pam is longstanding, and it was fun to see their "girl times" together. Elli also knows she can count on Pam when she needs her, such as the prep for the town council meeting.

Holden's appearance took Elli by surprise. She hadn't seen him since the summer before college when he broke her heart. He makes it plain that he'd like to get together with her again, but she's wary. There's still some attraction, but she's not sure about trusting him with her heart again. I admit that he bugged me, at times seeming almost stalkerish. But it was his actions at the town council meeting that showed his true colors.

I loved Brody. Elli found him when she looked for someone to help with the Buy-a-Board inscriptions. I really liked the way that he connected so quickly with Nana. They were so cute together, especially when he cooked for her. Brody is very laid-back and easy to get along with. He and Elli connect over their love of the beach and the woodworking he does for her. When things at the pier don't go well, Brody is the one who talks her back from the edge of despair and helps her look at things a different way. Unfortunately, there was a crucial bit of information that he didn't share with her that nearly ruined everything. I loved seeing him show a little bit of a vulnerable side as he made it right. His big moment at the end was great.

I liked the small-town setting. The hurricane's damage affected everyone in some way, and all hoped for something that would fix things before tourist season started. The way that the town council tried to put one over on the townspeople was maddening, and I laughed at the looks on their faces when so many people showed up for it. Even better was the plan that Brody helped Elli develop. It was so heartwarming to see the community pull together to make it happen. I also loved how welcoming they are to newcomers like Brody and Ed. Ed turned out to be an unexpected surprise who provided an interesting twist. I'd love to see him get a story of his own.

 

Tangled Threat - Heather Graham (HI #1875 - Sept 2019)

Some things you can't forget.

A body hanging from the infamous History Tree unraveled their teenage love. Now Maura Antrim is again tangled up with Brock McGovern. Twelve years later, they're back where that murder occurred -- where Brock had been arrested and then released, where Maura had run, too scared to stand by his side. But with two women missing, and Brock now an FBI agent, Maura is determined to help. Together, they'll have to confront a threat that never died and see if their passion has withstood the test of time.

Terrific book that sucked me in right from the start. It began with a prologue when Maura and Brock were eighteen-year-olds working at a local resort. They were in love and had plans for the future. But the horrific sight of a body hanging from the notorious History Tree, and Brock's subsequent arrest as a person of interest, derailed their plans. Even though he was released almost immediately, Maura's parents had taken her away. Now Maura is back at the resort filming videos and fighting the memories. Brock, who followed through with his plans and became an FBI agent, is sent to the resort to investigate the disappearance of several women and the remains of another.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the romance between Maura and Brock. They were stunned to see each other again after so many years. Their initial interactions were awkward. Brock remembered his heartbreak as Maura disappeared from his life, and she spent years hurt and angry that he never contacted her. But underneath the awkwardness and anger burned the feelings that never went away. I liked seeing them reconnect and get to know the people they have become since the events twelve years earlier. As they spent time together working on the disappearances, the chemistry and feelings between them continued to grow. Brock was protective of Maura and worried about her as the investigation heated up. Meanwhile, Maura worried just as much about him. I felt Brock's fear over Maura's safety at the end, and Maura's confidence that he would find her. I liked how they came together at the end, with their young love maturing to match who they are today.

The suspense of the story was very good. I was drawn in immediately by Maura's recounting of the story of the history tree and the ghost Gyselle. The descriptions were vivid, and I felt as though I was there. The terror at the sight of the hanging body leapt off the page. Twelve years later, FBI agent Brock was specifically requested to come to Florida to help with the investigations. That the person doing the requesting was the same detective who had arrested Brock was a nice touch, and gave an extra layer of déjà vu to the story. Maura arrived at the same time to do a video about the History Tree with her client. The presence of so many of the people from that previous summer gave Brock a wide variety of possible suspects for his investigation as it began to look like the resort was at the center of the disappearances. Every time I thought I had the villain figured out, someone else would make me question my decision. The tension increased as Brock moved closer to solving the crime, and he became especially concerned for Maura's safety. I was on the edge of my seat as his fears came to pass. I loved Maura's presence of mind and determination as she refused to become a victim. The final confrontation had an unexpected twist to it, as my suspicions about one character proved true, but I was blindsided by the involvement of another.

I liked catching up with the characters from that first summer. Besides the changes that Brock and Maura went through, it was interesting to see what transpired for the others. Some truly surprised me while others hadn't changed at all. I also liked the bit at the end about Brock's life in New York and his connection with Finnegan's.

One Summer Weekend - Shannon Stacey (Carina Press - Aug 2019)

Series: Cedar Street (Book 1)

Best friends. A fake relationship. And only one bed.

Noah Stafford loves his life—his happy, single life. So what if he made up a fake girlfriend to stop his boss’s matchmaking? He kept things close to the truth—Carly really does have long, sexy legs and a killer sense of humor. She just happens to be his best friend. His wicked awesome and completely platonic best friend.

But now his boss is having a destination wedding, and Noah is expected to attend…with Carly, his girlfriend.

Carly Randall has no interest in living out a rom-com plot. But Noah is her best friend, so she agrees to help. Still, once they arrive on Cape Cod, she can’t explain the sudden butterflies she feels when he looks at her that way. Or why she doesn’t mind when Noah’s hands stray a little south of her back.

What happens on the Cape stays on the Cape.

Except not really, not at all, and once their sexy faux-cation is over, Noah and Carly return to a reality where everything’s changed. Going for it would mean risking their friendship…but forgetting how good they were together just isn’t an option.

This was a short, sweet, friends-to-lovers novella. Noah and Carly have been best friends all their lives. They share just about everything, from a love of the outdoors to movie nights. So when Noah's boss starts talking about setting Noah up with his soon-to-be sister-in-law, Noah claims he has a girlfriend - Carly. That's all well and good until Jim expects Noah to bring her to his wedding. Now Noah has to confess what he's done and ask Carly to help him out. Carly can't believe Noah has done such a boneheaded thing, but she can't refuse to help him. She has her conditions that she sets forth, and Noah is only too happy to meet them.

But once Noah and Carly arrive on the Cape, things don't go the way they expect them to. Noah is shocked when he notices how sexy Carly is. He'd never looked at her that way before, but suddenly he can't stop. When their faked show of affection gets out of hand, they face an unexpected change in their friendship. Carly worries that it will ruin it, but Noah believes that what happens on the Cape can stay on the Cape.  When they get back home, they have to face the fact that things have changed and decide what to do about it. Noah's and Carly's reactions were not what I expected from each of them, and I loved seeing how each handled their change in circumstances. Noah's big moment at the end was sweet, and the epilogue was the perfect ending.

Cavanaugh's Missing Person - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2053 - Aug 2019)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 40)

Does she have the key to solving a murder?

A Cavanaugh is on the (cold) case!

Kenzie Cavanaugh strives to prove herself to her legendary law enforcement family. But when her missing persons case grabs the attention of infuriating -- gorgeous -- Detective Hunter Brannigan, she grudgingly collaborates with her work rival to catch a killer. As the partners uncover a lethal conspiracy, they must learn to trust their instincts, and one another, to stay alive.

Good book with an intriguing mystery and an enemies to lovers romance. The story opened with a chilling look into the mind of a killer, foreshadowing what our hero and heroine will be up against. It then moved on to Kenzie Cavanaugh, the newest member of the missing persons division. A childhood friend comes to her, looking for help finding her missing father. Kenzie's compassion is evident, along with her determination to find her friend's father. Our introduction to Hunter is when a fellow detective clues him into a new arrival in the ME's office. Hoping that it might be what he needs to close a cold case, Hunter is both dismayed and concerned when the parts don't match, but the MO is the same. When the new victim turns out to be part of Kenzie's case, logic says they should combine forces, but Kenzie resists.

This is the first Cavanaugh book that I can recall that I didn't like the Cavanaugh for a good part of the book. Kenzie has a huge chip on her shoulder thanks to being burned by a cheating fiancé. Because Hunter has a playboy reputation, she tars him with the same brush. Her constant nasty attitude toward him grated on me, and I wondered how Hunter could put up with it for as long as he did, though he did get some enjoyment out of egging her on. The part that bothered me the most is that she let her animosity bleed over into the job too many times. I was impressed with his patience but cheered when he finally called her on her attitude. Hunter has his own pain that he hides behind the cheerful façade, pain that makes him more understanding of those around him.

I liked the development of the relationship between Hunter and Kenzie. Part of the reason that she reacts so strongly to Hunter is that she is attracted to him and isn't happy about it, so she works to keep him at a distance. Hunter finds himself liking the woman under the prickly surface, and I enjoyed watching him work to bring that woman out from behind her walls. I especially liked the role reversal as this time it was the non-Cavanaugh partner who dragged the Cavanaugh to one of Andrew's get-togethers. I liked seeing Kenzie lower her guard and realize that he's not such a bad guy after all, with the predictable post-party results. With the cessation of hostilities, their feelings have the opportunity to grow. I loved that while Hunter had great respect for Kenzie's abilities, he was also protective of her. That protectiveness created an emotion-charged scene at the end, lightened slightly by a conversation between Andrew Cavanaugh and the head nurse at the hospital. Loved the epilogue.

The suspense of the story was good. That first chilling scene with the killer set the tone. I liked Hunter's instincts when Hunter saw the most recent victim and saw the similarities to his seven-year-old cold case. The realism of the drudge work of investigation was great, as the team dealt with the mountain of information they had to go through. I liked how each little thing that they found added to the big picture. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.

As always, I love it when various members of the family make their appearances. In this one, I loved how well Brian Cavanaugh, the Chief of Detectives, knew both Hunter and Kenzie and paired them up in the best way possible. The scenes with poor, overworked Valri were great. I liked the little I saw of Kenzie's brothers and look forward to their stories.