Christmas in Winter Valley - Jodi Thomas (HQN - Sept 2019)

Series: Ransom Canyon (Book 8)

Cooper Holloway would take nature over people any day -- especially visiting relatives. That's why he's headed for a rustic cabin in remote Winter Valley, where he'll care for a herd of wild mustangs. But Cooper's plans are quickly thwarted by the arrival of two unexpected guests: one, a stranger in desperate need of his help, and the other, a very attractive young veterinarian.

Elliott is busy trying to keep Maverick Ranch running smoothly with Cooper gone, which is no easy task with family visiting. And when a long-lost love suddenly reappears in his life, Elliott knows he'll have more than just books to balance this season.

With a big, chaotic family Christmas around the corner and love blooming in surprising ways, the Holloway men will have to make big choices about the future -- just in time for the holidays.

A three-for-one book, with mature love, new love, and second chance love. Oldest brother Griffin and his wife are away from the ranch, visiting her sick father. He's left his two brothers, Elliott and Cooper in charge.

The book opens as Cooper is preparing to leave in a hurry, killing two birds with one stone. He needs to head into the hills and check on the wild mustangs before winter sets in. The local vet is supposed to meet him up there. He is also desperate to get away before his sister-in-law's cousins arrive. He's encountered them before and doesn't want to deal with the giggly, party animals again. Cooper gets quite a surprise when he arrives at the cabin and finds a nine-year-old runaway boy named Tatum. Cooper is too soft-hearted to immediately turn the boy into social services, which turns out to be a good thing when Cooper is badly injured in a fall. It's Tatum who finds help in the form of Hayley, veterinarian, and granddaughter of the vet Cooper was expecting.

We also meet Elliott, the middle brother, and ranch business manager. For the most part, Elliott would prefer to work with the books than the cows, but he can do both. Elliott had left college early when his father died, returning to the ranch to help run it. He left behind his fiancée, Jessica, who refused to come with him, telling him he was a fool to give up his education. He's never forgotten her and hasn't gotten involved with anyone since then. He has a lot on his plate with both Cooper and Griffin away, the cousins visiting, and the end-of-year paperwork for the ranch. Griffin hired an accountant to come to the ranch and help with the books. To say that Elliott was surprised to find Jessica sitting at the desk in the study would be putting it mildly.

Then there's the new ranch hand, Tye. He's older, a former rodeo rider and a magician with horses. At his previous job, he was contacted by a Texas Ranger who delivered Tye's "inheritance" from his grandfather, who died in prison. Tye was puzzled by his grandfather's old journal and sketchbook, which talked about a "gift" for Tye, but never comes right out and says where or what it is. He eventually figures out that it's somewhere around Crossroads, Texas, and takes a job at the ranch while he tries to decipher the journal. There he meets the ranch cook, Danielle, a plain-speaking, big-hearted woman that he's immediately drawn to.

I loved the way that the three stories were intertwined throughout the book. Each chapter alternated among the various couples, giving a chance to see the relationship develop as the days progressed. I think Cooper changed the most, from the charming, commitment-free cowboy to a man who was looking for something more. I loved his relationship with Tatum, taking the boy home with him and giving him the kind of attention he needed. I also enjoyed watching his relationship with Hayley grow. Both of them are independent, neither one taking well to being bossed. It was fun to see a little bit of protectiveness come out, though Cooper was smart enough not to push it. There's a great scene at the end between Cooper and the ex-boyfriend who doesn't realize he's an ex. I enjoyed their interactions, as Hayley has just as fun a sense of humor as Cooper does.

Elliott had spent years remembering the way that he and Jess split, still hurt and angry over the way she refused to give even a little when he had to leave school. He remembers her as the one with all the plans, each step of the future all mapped out. When she shows up at the ranch, it's clear that she stuck to those plans and is precisely where she wanted to be. I have to say that Jessica irritated me a bit at first with the way she went on and on about her place in her father's firm and her coworker fiancé. She was cold to Elliott and barely polite to anyone else. But the longer she stayed, the more she loosened up, especially once she and Elliott cleared the air over their breakup. It also became evident that the sparks between Jessica and Elliott were still there. The question was, would Jessica see that sticking to her plan wasn't making her happy? I liked her "aha" moment and seeing her go after the future she wanted.

Tye and Danielle's story was the sweetest. Tye's life has been a transient one with no desire to settle down. He won't even commit to staying long at the ranch, never sure when the urge to leave will hit. But the moment he met Dani, something changed. Dani is the single mother of two adult sons. Her marriage hadn't been a good one and she has no desire ever to marry again. Her boys are not the brightest bulbs in the box, and she took the job as a cook at the ranch to get away from enabling their dependency on her. Dani is surprised to discover that when Tye looks at her, he actually sees her and who she is. She has been used to blending into the background most of her life. I loved watching her bloom under his attention and see herself as a desirable woman. I also liked the way that Dani's attention gave Tye the feeling he could put down roots. Some interesting moments between Tye and Dani's sons created some problems, but peace was restored thanks to a little unexpected interference. I liked the way that Dani helped Tye with his search and loved the surprise that was waiting for him at the end of it.

I loved the wrap-up of the story at Christmas. The family meeting among the three brothers produced a surprise for Tatum and an especially heartwarming moment for Cooper. I loved seeing each couple face the future in their unique styles. None of the women are slackers in making their desires known, and their men are smart enough to follow through.

 

A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad - Traci Douglass (HMED #1062 - Oct 2019)

Second chance…

…under the mistletoe!

GP Nick Marlowe returned to his hometown to focus on raising his young son. The last person he expects to see in Bayside is high-flying Beverly Hills surgeon Belle! The childhood sweetheart he'd let go so she could pursue her dream of attending medical school. Only, now they're working side by side to reopen her late aunt's free Christmas Eve clinic, their magical connection returns… Could a mistletoe kiss spark another chance -- just in time for Christmas?

Good second chance romance. Nick and Belle were childhood friends and then high school sweethearts. Belle, who orphaned young and raised by her aunt, wanted to become a doctor like her parents and aunt. Nick also planned to be a doctor. Nick was afraid that being in a relationship with him would distract Belle from her goals, so he broke up with her, breaking both of their hearts. Belle went on to become a plastic surgeon in California, while Nick became a pediatric surgeon in Atlanta.

Moving ahead eighteen years, Belle is back in town for her aunt's funeral. She and Nick have not stayed in touch and are stunned to discover that they share an inheritance from Belle's aunt - equal ownership in her medical clinic. Marlene's last wish is that they run her annual Christmas Eve free clinic one more time. Nick is all for it, but Belle is resistant. She only has three days before she's supposed to return to Beverly Hills, her patients, and her upcoming partnership. She finally agrees but doesn't plan to spend any more time than necessary with Nick.

Belle irritated me at the beginning. I thought her big-time success had gone to her head. But as I got to know her, I realized that she was trying to protect herself from the feelings that being around Nick again stirred up. There was actually a kind, warm-hearted woman under that polished exterior. Nick was a terrific guy, but he had his own burdens. After his wife's death, he moved back to Michigan, looking for a better place to raise his son. He's carrying a load of guilty feelings, which are exhibited in his overprotectiveness around Connor.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Nick and Belle. As they work together to prepare the clinic, they discover that the sparks between them are still there. Talking about the past helped them move forward and see each other for who they are now. Besides the time they spend together at the clinic, Belle and Nick also spend free time together, alone and with Connor. I liked seeing the changes that both Nick and Belle experienced. Belle began to realize that there was more to life than she had allowed herself to experience. Nick also accepts that he's been lonely and wonders if he can keep his vow as a father and still have a life of his own. I ached for Belle and Nick as he panicked over an accident and pulled away. Both he and Belle have life-changing decisions to make, decisions that don't come easily. I especially liked Belle's self-examination and her attitude about her decision. I liked the conversation that Nick and Connor had and the effect it had on Nick. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic.

 

Cornered at Christmas - Barb Han (HI #1882 - Oct 2019)

Series: Rushing Creek Crime Spree (Book 1)

He'll do whatever it takes

To keep his family safe.

Mitch Kent is shocked when he sees his wife, Kimberly, just before the anniversary of her supposed death. He learns she faked her own death to protect her family from an ominous threat and came back to see her husband and her young twins one last time. But she was followed, and now she's desperate for her husband's help. Mitch will need a miracle to reunite his broken family…if Kimberly's dark past doesn't kill him first.

Good start to a new series. This is a second chance love story. It's been almost a year since Mitch's wife's death left him to raise their twins alone. Because her body was never found, Mitch never lost that little bit of hope that she was still alive, but he's still shocked when she shows up at his house. After hearing her story, he's also angry and hurt that she didn't trust him enough to tell him the truth from the start. He's not sure he believes her tale, but he's not willing to risk the lives of his children if he's wrong.

I liked both Mitch and Kimberly. I loved how Mitch is devoted to his children. I ached for him and his worry over Andrea's health issues. He also still grieves over his wife's death and how the twins will grow up without a mother's love. I also hurt for Kimberly. She didn't want to abandon her babies, but their safety and Mitch's was more important than her feelings. I loved the strength of her determination to keep them safe.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Mitch and Kimberly. Mitch's anger at Kimberly at the beginning was believable and understandable. He could also see her love for the babies and that she believed she did the right thing, which softened his anger a little. He was surprised to discover that his feelings for her hadn't died, but he was also wary of trusting her with his heart again. Kimberly regrets her deception and the way she left, but she was still convinced she did the right thing. She never stopped loving Mitch, but leaving was the only way she could protect him and the babies. As she and Mitch went on the run, the intensity of their situation amplified the attraction they felt for each other. But could Mitch forgive her enough to let her back into his life, and can Kimberly believe that his love is enough to overcome her past?

The suspense of the story was terrific. Kimberly's fear for Mitch and the babies leaped off the pages. I could see how desperate she was to convince Mitch that she was telling the truth. The rapid escalation of the danger that they were in kept me glued to the pages. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and I couldn't wait to see how it would be resolved. Also, there was an incident involving a mutilated cow at the beginning of the book that I suspect is a hint of something that will come up in the following books.

I liked how the rest of the Kent family rallied around them and joined forces to find the truth. I especially enjoyed how they welcomed Kimberly back and didn't judge her over the things she revealed. There was a sweet scene at the end where the Kents showed how important family is to them.

Ho, Humbug, Ho - Kate Angell (Smashwords - Sept 2012)

Series: Richmond Rogues (Book 5)

Big city ballplayer meets small town sweetheart. Richmond Rogues baseball star Alex Boxer speeds through a school zone on a Sunday in Holiday, Florida. He gets a ticket and faces forty hours of community service. That service includes playing Santa Claus at a local mall. He's one unhappy man, until he realizes local Holly McIntyre could be the best Christmas present ever. She's sugar and spice and all things nice.

Fun story, but too short. Alex got caught speeding through a school zone in a small town. It was Sunday, but the judge didn't care. Even if it weren't a school zone, it would have been speeding. The judge gave Alex a fine, plus forty hours of community service.

Alex did not make a good first impression on me. He is full of himself, just shy of creepy with his innuendo-laden remarks, and unwilling to put any effort into being Santa. I spent a fair amount of time wanting to kick him in the butt.

Holly is the local resident assigned to ride herd over Alex and keep him in line. She loves Christmas and is involved in many events around town. She also owns the local ice cream shop. She is one of Santa's helpers and dresses as a nutcracker.

The development of the relationship between Alex and Holly is fast. It starts confrontational, as Holly is the court-appointed monitor of his community service. Alex makes no secret of the fact he doesn't want to be there and his unwillingness to perform his role. He looks at Holly as a potential bedmate who can make his stay there bearable. Holly is not impressed with his attitude, nor his attempts to hit on her. Neither can deny the sparks that fly between them. I liked watching the effect that Holly had on Alex as he learns the spirit of Christmas. There were some sweet scenes where Alex demonstrates that spirit, including fun cookie decorating with some senior citizens. When Alex earns an early release, he's a bit freaked out to realize that he's going to miss Holly, and is determined to force his life back on track. Holly is sad to see him go and realizes that she fell in love with him. I liked Alex's big moment at the end. Admitting his feelings wasn't an easy thing for him to do, and his condition showed what he'd been through on his journey of self-discovery.

Originally published in Santa, Honey (Oct 2009)

 

Snowed in With the Cowboy - Maisey Yates (HQN - Sept 2018)

Series: Gold Valley (Book 3.5)

Christmastime in Gold Valley, Oregon, means hot chocolate, snowy nights and one very sexy cowboy holiday surprise…

There's only one thing Chloe Nolan wants for Christmas this year -- and he wears a cowboy hat and is completely off-limits. When her mom married into the Reid family, Chloe found her calling, working with horses on the ranch. How could she risk that newfound stability by revealing her crush on her stepbrother, Tanner? But when Chloe and Tanner get snowed in on their way to a family gathering, it's just the chance to extinguish the flame that's been burning for too long. One night. One wish. One bed…

She's the woman Tanner's always wanted -- and vowed he'd never touch. Yet when Chloe reveals her secret wish, all those years of pent-up longing erupt with life-changing force. Now it's Tanner's turn to take a risk, and turn one magical Christmas night into the beginning of forever…

Short and steamy story. Years ago, Chloe's mom married Tanner's father, giving Chloe three new brothers. The problem is, the oldest brother, Tanner, never felt like a brother to her. She's always had feelings for him, and they've gotten stronger the older she is. She has a great job working with the ranch horses and terrific relationships with Calder and Jackson and their wives. She doesn't want to risk those relationships by revealing her feelings for Tanner.

Tanner is caught between a rock and a hard place. The family is gathering at a cabin in the mountains, and he and Chloe are the only ones who haven't left yet. Bad weather has made it inadvisable for Chloe to drive her car, which means riding with him. Tanner is not looking forward to being cooped up in his truck with the woman who has driven him crazy since she turned eighteen. Lusting after his stepsister is all kinds of wrong...

I liked the relationship between Chloe and Tanner. They know each other well and have had a good influence on each other. Tanner taught Chloe everything she knows about horses and gave her the confidence to work with them. Chloe's arrival at the ranch and her wide-eyed wonder and appreciation for it opened Tanner's eyes to everything he took for granted about it. This made him appreciate it more. Neither has let on to the other about their "inappropriate" feelings, unwilling to rock the family boat.

Then Chloe and Tanner get trapped by bad weather on their way to the family get-together. They get the last room at the hotel - a room with only one bed. Chloe can't take it anymore and confesses to Tanner about how badly she wants him. Tanner is stunned, but there's no way that he can resist her. Both agree that it's just one night because neither wants to deal with family reaction. The problem is that once just isn't enough. Tanner realizes that Chloe is it for him and is willing to take a chance. But Chloe is afraid to trust that Tanner's feelings will last. I loved Tanner's determination and laughed when he sought advice from his younger brothers. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, as he systematically countered all of her fears. I also loved the epilogue - especially Chloe's Christmas present for Tanner.

 

A Tall, Dark Cowboy Christmas - Maisey Yates (HQN - Oct 2018)

Series: Gold Valley (Book 4)

It's Christmas in Gold Valley, and this wounded widower is about to get another shot at love…

Grant Dodge didn't expect to find a woman sleeping in an abandoned cabin on his family ranch. Or to find her so intriguing. Unlike every other woman in town, McKenna Tate doesn't know Grant's a widower. There's no pity in the looks she gives him. McKenna wants him, and Grant has forgotten what it's like to feel like a man. A no-strings fling for Christmas might be the kind of holiday cheer Grant needs…

With only a suitcase to her name, McKenna came to Gold Valley to confront her birth father. She didn't plan to work at the Dodge ranch or fall for the gorgeous cowboy who keeps his heart roped off. But there's no denying the way their broken pieces fit together. Hope brought her to Gold Valley -- but will it be the gift that could finally heal Grant, and McKenna's own wounded heart?

Good story about two emotionally wounded people. Grant finds McKenna sleeping in an abandoned cabin on the family property. Both he and McKenna have had rough pasts that have affected the way they deal with other people.

Grant is a bit of a loner, even in his own family. He lost his mother when he was young and dealt with the pain by taking it out on other people. He was an obnoxious bully until he met Lindsay, who was assigned to tutor him. Her belief in him helped him change. They fell in love and married right out of high school, even though Lindsay's cancer had returned. For years, Grant was a caregiver rather than a husband. Eight years after her death, he is still grieving, but also frustrated. Everyone in town, including the women, always treats him as "that poor widower," and Grant is sick of the pitying looks, but he doesn't know how to move on either. When he meets McKenna, something about her gets to him, but he isn't sure what to do about it.

McKenna has had a rough life. Her mother gave her up when she was two, and she ended up in the foster system. She moved from home to home, never connecting with anyone. All she wants is a family of her own. When she left the system at the age of eighteen, one of the things she received was her birth certificate. Several years later, she tracked down her birth father and has arrived in Gold Valley to see him. Thanks to a run of bad luck, McKenna ends up homeless and finds herself sleeping in an abandoned cabin on a local ranch.

The first meeting between Grant and McKenna isn't very pleasant. He's not happy to find a squatter on the property, but he's not going to kick her out either. There's something about her that draws him, so he takes her to his brother and sister-in-law, who give her a job and a place to live. Grant is assigned to show her the ropes around the ranch. There are sparks of attraction between them from the start. Because she doesn't know about his past, McKenna treats Grant like the hot cowboy he is, and he isn't quite sure how to deal with that. Grant has a surprising secret that affects how he handles his attraction to McKenna. Eventually, those sparks that fly between them burst into flame. Neither Grant nor McKenna claims to be interested in a relationship, so no-strings sex is their agreed-upon solution.

Of course, that doesn't last. I liked seeing the way that they were able to share their pasts, hard though it was. Grant held out the longest because he liked that McKenna didn't know. She didn't give him those pitying looks, just the ones that said she wanted him. However, he can't deny that she reaches him in a way that no one else does. I liked how he supported her when it came to her desire to connect with her family. McKenna is upfront about her life and what she wants from it. Even though she has no confidence that it will happen, she still allows herself to hope. I liked watching her with Grant. She constantly reminds him that life isn't fair and that you do the best you can. I liked that she finally dared to tell him her feelings, and ached at the way he pulled away. One of my favorite things about McKenna is that she stands up for her own needs and wants. She lets him know that she deserves more and won't settle for less. It took a while for what she told him to sink in, plus additional input from his brother, Wyatt, but eventually, Grant saw the light. I like their big moment at the end, especially Grant's exposure of his vulnerability. I loved McKenna's reaction and seeing them come together as they are. The epilogue was terrific.

I also ached for McKenna in her search for family. All she wanted was someone that would love her. I liked her conversation with her brother, Gabe, and the hope that it gave her. Her first visit with her father was emotional. Both McKenna and I had high hopes, and I felt her pain at the way the visit ended. I loved how she stood up to him. Fortunately, he did redeem himself in the end.

 

Meows and Mistletoe - Sue-Ellen Welfonder, Kristal Hollis, Sharon Buchbinder, Candace Colt, Debra Jess, Kerry Evelyn, Mia Ellas, Darcy Devlon (CPC Publishing - Nov 2019)

Series: Cat's Paw Cove (Book 4)

Eight holiday tales in the magical town of Cat’s Paw Cove 

COLLYWOBBLES FOR CHRISTMAS by Sue-Ellen Welfonder - The fate of star-crossed lovers falls into the magical paws of a time-traveling kitten determined to right an ancient wrong and claim the greatest Christmas gift of all - love.

Terrific story of a love that spanned the centuries. It opened as a captured knight is aided in his escape by the daughter of the house, who is also the woman he loves. Treachery and tragedy prevent their reunion and the fulfillment of their love. Centuries later, an adorable kitten brings a modern-day couple together for a much happier ending. I loved both Gaby and James. His nickname of "Sir Galahad" is well-earned, as he is known for his protectiveness - which comes out in a terrific scene with Gaby's ex. I loved the connection they experienced from the beginning, and that it didn't surprise them or freak them out. The continuing revelations of secrets and histories brought them even closer. The ending was fantastic as their story came full circle.

CHARLOTTE REDBIRD, GHOST COACH by Sharon Buchbinder - With the help of hunky real estate agent, Dylan Graham, life coach Charly Redbird and her new kitten have found the perfect home next to a cemetery. Charly gets a new client right away, who happens to be her neighbor—and a ghost. What could possibly go wrong?

Fun story. When Charly and her code of ethics runs up against a rich woman who will stop at nothing to get her daughter into Harvard, Charly's dream career goes down in flames. Determined to get her life back on track, she heads for Cat's Paw Cove and her grandmother. Local real estate agent "Big D" helps her find the perfect home, albeit one that has a few more quirks than she expected.

I loved both Charly and Dylan. Charly has a magical talent that she is unaware of until she gets to the Cove - she doesn't just see ghosts, she can also talk to them. This comes as quite a shock to her when she makes the acquaintance of the former residents of her new home. Once she recovered from that shock, I loved the way that she put her talents as a life coach into helping Marjorie and Cecil find their way back to each other. I ached a little bit for Dylan, who believed that his magical contributions were quite minor. Personally, I think a man with the gift of empathy is pretty darn special. Add in his ability to sense magic in other people, and I thought he was pretty talented. I did feel bad for him when Charly overreacted to his empathy, but fortunately, she moved past that pretty quickly. I liked how he supported her through all of the revelations about her life and family. The sparks between them were intense and amplified by Dylan's talents. I liked how they came together at the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the assorted residents of the retirement home and their interactions. The scene with the loud music and the hearing aids was hilarious, as was the "courtroom" scene with Charly's father. I also loved the cats, from Charly's kittens to the ones that served as enforcers.

GNOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Kristal Hollis - When an empath who’s failed at every relationship impulsively kisses an enchanted garden gnome, he magically turns into a real man. Together they must find his one true love and end the curse by Christmas or he’ll be forever alone and trapped within his stone prison.

A misfit in her own magical family, Lily frequently found herself at Coquina Castle, pouring out her troubles to the garden gnome figure there. When she discovered the figure for sale at the local antique shop, she bought it and brought it home. She's shocked when the figure turned into a very human, very attractive man. Several centuries earlier, Nick was cursed by a woman he rejected and turned into a stone figure. Now he needs to find the one true love who can break the curse.

There were so many times I wanted to shake Lily. She was so convinced that she was wrong for him that she wouldn't see the truth. After listening to Lily for so many years, Nick is already mostly in love with her, but Lily truly believes that she is not the woman he needs. However, she cares for him and is determined to help him find the right woman. There are some great scenes as she introduces him to various single women, but none of them appeal to Nick.

Things get complicated when they visit the estate where he worked and the scene of his cursing. Evil forces are determined that Lily won't succeed in her mission, and the effect on her is chilling. Nick is determined to show Lily that she is the one for him, but first, he has to save her. The ending was quite exciting as Nick enlisted help from unexpected sources. I was on the edge of my seat until the evil one was defeated and Nick showed Lily that she was his and always had been.

RING MA BELL by Debra Jess - In 1979, Michael Bell fell in love with high seas radio technician Dvorah Levi's voice as she guided him to safety, but their marriage was cut short by a bullet. Forty years later, Dvorah still mourns him. Can a special holiday and a magical Sherwood cat bring him back?

Good second chance story. Dvorah and Michael met during an exciting adventure. Michael, a PI, was kidnapped by drug dealers. Partially rescued by his magical cat, it was Dvorah's voice on the ship's radio that brought him the rest of the way home. Something about her voice touched him deeply and he proposed marriage on the spot. But they'd only been married a week when he was murdered. Dvorah spent the next forty years mourning him, never willing to move on with her life. Over his many incarnations over the years, Michael's cat watched her grieve and worried about her loneliness. Finally, he made a decision to try to change history, knowing it could have unintended consequences.

I loved Goliath and his love for both Michael and Dvorah. His decision was not an easy one. I was glued to the pages as I followed the events leading up to the situation that had resulted in Michael's death. I liked seeing Michael and Dvorah grow closer, their love deepens. I was on the edge of my seat, knowing what was coming and wondering how Goliath would prevent it. The final confrontation was exciting and not what I expected. I ached for Goliath but cheered for the results of his actions. The move back to the present day was heartwarming and showed the results of Goliath's actions.

FAMILIAR BLESSINGS by Candace Colt - A gifted medium, Theo Blessing renounced her magic, tired of being hounded by the greedy dead. Former Army Ranger Ethan Cooper promised to repay a debt to a man whose wise counsel brought him out of war's dark shadow. Ethan appears on Theo's doorstep with a puzzling letter. If what it says is true, the reluctant medium and skeptical Ranger must travel back to 1720 to save a young boy from the gallows.

Good story where the past meets the present. Ethan is a former soldier on a mission to deliver a letter. An elderly neighbor back home helped Ethan deal with the traumas he experienced during the war. In return, Ethan will deliver this letter to the man's granddaughter. Theo has run away from her gift as a medium, tired of being hounded day and night by those who want more than she can give. Ethan's arrival forces her to make some decisions about her future.

Ethan was pretty closed off when he arrived, determined to drop the letter and leave. Once Theo read the letter, she knew she had to keep Ethan with her. The challenge was getting Ethan to believe the truth, and then to agree to help. It was especially interesting when Theo's cat, Wishes, got involved. I enjoyed seeing the resolution of the problem and the steps they had to take to accomplish it. The ending was adorable.

PURRFECTLY CHRISTMAS by Mia Ellas - Faerie Sormey Johnson moved to Cat's Paw Cove to live a quiet life as a human until a sexy werewolf deputy needs her help tracking down a murderous monster. When Sormey offers herself as bait, the cost may be more than she bargained for.

A faerie and a werewolf make an unusual team. Sormey has been hiding out in Cat's Paw Cove for five years, desperate to remain out of the hands of her uncle Oberon. To do that, she has disguised herself as an old woman. That disguise starts to fall apart when she is adopted by one of the town's magical cats. Then her best friend's grandson comes to town, looking for a monster that killed his sister.

There was a connection between Sormey and Max right away, with Max stirring up feelings that she hasn't had for quite a while. It's obvious that Max feels the same about her. With the need to stop the monster becoming more urgent. Sormey offers to act as bait and draw him out. Things get intense when events move faster than expected, and Sormey is in more danger than they had planned for. Help came from an unexpected source, arriving just in time. When it was all over, it was time for Sormey to make some decisions about her future. Would Max be part of that future or would he move on to the next case?

One of the secondary characters was Sormey's brother. I didn't like him at all, especially the way he talked to his sister.

CHRISTMAS AT MOON MIST MANOR by Kerry Evelyn - Lanie and Matt Saunders return to Cat's Paw Cove two years after their first disastrous Christmas there. When a mysterious kitten leads Matt back in time, can he right the wrongs of the past and give his expectant wife the perfect Christmas?

Matt and Lainie have spent more time apart than together during their marriage, thanks to his job as a rescue worker. They have big plans for this Christmas - a few days in Cat's Paw Cove, then up to Maine to spend the holidays with his family. Lainie is very pregnant, and her emotions are all over the place - mostly feelings of guilt over the way she acted during their last trip to the Cove. She is also suffering from some hormone-driven insecurity.

Matt is happy to be home with Lainie. He's nervous about becoming a father and senses that something is bothering Lainie. Matt irritated me a bit because he seemed totally wrapped up in his need to be active in the rescues and oblivious to the idea that Lainie needed him, too.

I liked their arrival at the Cove this time. Lainie is less judgmental about the unique Southern traditions and lack of cold and snow. Though the baby isn't due for a while yet, she is more and more uncomfortable. The help she received did more than relieve her discomfort; it opened her eyes to the uniqueness of the island. There were some interesting situations that brought out new revelations to both Matt and Lainie, and I liked seeing how they dealt with them. The kitten, Pippi was the catalyst to several of them. I liked how both Matt and Lainie learned something new about themselves and each other, things that made their relationship stronger. There was some excitement at the end that had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.

NEW YEAR’S KISS by Darcy Devlon - In order to overcome a family curse, Griffin Brooks, the town's hotshot assistant fire chief, must earn his true love's trust. Trina Lancaster knows she can release Griffin's curse, but will her magical family baggage be a deal-breaker?

True love rescued by a trip through time. Griffin and Trina have a history. They'd been a couple for a short time, but then Griffin broke it off for no apparent reason. He hasn't moved on to another relationship, and Trina is still in love with him. Even the Cove's cats know that they belong together, but until Griffin wishes for something to change, they can't help him.

I ached for Griffin, who still loves Trina but is convinced that the family curse will only cause him to hurt her. Five years after their breakup, Trina has asked for advice from her mother and has a plan. She's nervous about it because it means she'll have to face her biggest fear, but she'll do anything to win her man.

I liked the guidance that Trina and Griffin received before they left - learn what you can but don't do anything that will change history. Neither realized how hard that would be. Finding out the origin of the family curse gave Griffin the courage to fight it. Trina, too, realized that she had a tendency to psych herself out of actions by overthinking them. I loved the surprise message that Griffin found in an old photo album and the effect it had on him. The ending was sweet and showed that love can conquer all.

Anyone But a Duke - Betina Krahn (Zebra - Nov 2019)

Series: Sin and Sensibility (Book 3)

The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother's attempts to find her a titled husband among London's aristocracy. Now, after an earl's very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount . . .

Thankfully, there are no noblemen in sight at Betancourt, the country estate where Sarah takes refuge. Its rightful owner, the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah's brother-in-law, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence . . .

Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack. Nothing about "Art," the roguish interloper - now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber - smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke? If so, Sarah soon realizes this homecoming promises to be filled with unexpected challenges and passionate possibilities . . .

Very good conclusion to the trilogy. The youngest of the sisters, Sarah, is the last one unmarried. Her mother has tried hard to find a titled husband for Sarah, and just when it looks like she has succeeded, disaster strikes. The earl that Sarah had believed was her future mate returned to London after a trip with a fiancée. After such public humiliation, Sarah retreated to Betancourt, one of her brother-in-law's family properties. There she cheers herself up by setting the neglected property to rights and spending time with her assortment of critters. But trouble is brewing as a group of ruffians cause problems for town and estate.  A handsome stranger steps in when Sarah and one of her dogs are attacked, and later shows up wounded for Sarah to nurse back to health.

Arthur showed up in town with little except the clothes on his back. He had left home heartbroken, determined to spend some time learning about himself and seeing some of the world. He got more than he bargained for, and it has changed him from the heedless young lord he used to be. After years away, he is wary of his welcome and chooses to conceal his identity until he gets the lay of the land.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sarah and Arthur. It is a wary one at first, with Sarah unsure if he can be trusted and Arthur questioning what Sarah is up to. It was fun to see his reactions to her activities, from riding to shooting. It also didn't take him long to appreciate what she has done for his home and his people. I also enjoyed seeing the sparks that flew between them, as attraction flared. Arthur also suffers a little jealousy when his cousin shows up, claiming to be worried about Sarah being alone and unprotected. It's this reaction that ultimately motivates Arthur to reveal his identity and take his place as the duke.

One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing the influence that Sarah had on Arthur. It was watching her interact with his tenants and neighbors that showed him how to regain his place. I loved watching them work together, and in the process, get to know each other. It wasn't all smooth sailing, as Arthur isn't exactly smooth in communicating his feelings, leaving room for misinterpretation. Sarah also suffers from a bit of insecurity, knowing that Arthur had initially been engaged to her sister and believing that he still cares for her. As various people from Arthur's past show up, Sarah learns more about what Arthur has been through, and falls more deeply for him. I laughed out loud when Arthur's brother, Ashton, shows up and they go from tears of joy at being reunited to pounding on each other because of other things. Once the air is cleared, they can move on to other things.

Matters are further complicated by the continuing attacks that the estate suffers. The reader is well aware of who is behind the attacks and why, but the residents have their work cut out for them. The attacks escalate in intensity, and Arthur and the others are hard-pressed to protect the people and the land. Matters come to a head when the culprit goes after Sarah and loses control of his ruffians. There were definitely some nail-biting moments in the barn. I liked how the bad guy got his comeuppance - it was a very satisfying case of karma. I also had to laugh out loud as the men arrived back at the house, only to discover that the ruffians were already vanquished.

The ending was fun as Arthur received a whole bunch of unsolicited advice on how to proceed with Sarah. I have to admit that I felt a little sorry for the poor guy, but he did manage to come through it successfully. The epilogue was especially grand, and I loved the unexpected encounter at Ascot. It was another well-deserved example of reaping what you sow.

Though I haven't read the first book in the series (yet), where the trouble with Arthur and Ashton began, there was enough background provided that I never felt lost. However, I will go back and read that book soon. I'm looking forward to the author's next book, though I believe it will be a while before it comes out.

A Highlander Walks Into a Bar - Laura Trentham (St. Martin - Aug 2019)

Series: Highland Georgia (Book 1)

The timeless romance, soaring passion - and gorgeous men - of Scotland come to modern-day America. And the rules of love will never be the same...

Isabel Buchanan is fiery, funny, and never at a loss for words. But she is struck speechless when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a six-foot-tall, very handsome souvenir. Izzy's mother is so infatuated by the fellow that Izzy has to plan their annual Highland Games all by herself. Well, not completely by herself. The Highlander's strapping young nephew has come looking for his uncle...

Alasdair Blackmoor has never seen a place as friendly as this small Georgia town - or a girl as brilliant and beguiling as Izzy. Instead of saving his uncle, who seems to be having a lovely time, Alasdair decides he'd rather help Izzy with the Highland Games. Show her how to dance like a Highlander. Drink like a Highlander. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love with a Highlander. But when the games are over, where do they go from here?

This was an entertaining book to read. It opens as Izzy arrives at the airport to pick up her mother, who was on vacation in Scotland. She is happy that Rose is back, as the town's Highland Games are coming soon, and it takes both of them to get it all done. She is stunned, and not in a good way, to discover that her mother brought home a tall, handsome souvenir. Izzy is wary of Gareth and his influence on her mother for two reasons. First, Rose hasn't looked at another man since her husband's death, and Izzy isn't sure she likes that her father seems to have been forgotten. Second, who's to say that this estate caretaker isn't looking for a way to improve his lifestyle by latching on to her mother? Her suspicions increase when Gareth's younger friend Alasdair shows up for a visit.

Alasdair, who was in New York on business for the London company that he works for, received a disturbing call from his mother. It seems that his uncle has abandoned his responsibilities to his name and his property and followed some "American tart" to the States. Fiona insists that Alasdair drop everything and go check up on Gareth, dragging him back to Scotland if necessary. Alasdair's suspicions are somewhat reduced when he discovers that his uncle has concealed who he really is. Intrigued by Izzy and what he sees of Highland, Alasdair decides to stick around for a few days.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Alasdair. Both are initially suspicious of each other, but can't deny the sparks that fly between them. Alasdair is unexpectedly drawn to Izzy, who is smart and practical, but who also has the heart of a dreamer. I loved watching him fall further under her spell, especially the way whatever she's thinking pops right out of her mouth. Alasdair isn't used to that much candor, and he finds it refreshing. It isn't much of a hardship when Rose and Gareth talk him into staying longer and helping with the planning of the Highland Games. It takes a little longer from Izzy to let go of her suspicions, but the attraction is hot and heavy from the get-go. She is inclined to ignore it at first since he'll be leaving soon, but then again, why turn down a chance at a fling with a hot Scot? I liked watching them spend time together and get to know each other. I enjoyed seeing Alasdair give Izzy a boost in her confidence, whether it was dealing with a stubborn vendor or encouraging her to let her imagination go in the stories she writes.

The strength of the sparks between them surprised both of them. The scene in the closet at the church freaked both out a little bit, and they tried to ignore it. But that was followed by another flare-up during their picnic at the river, and they realized they couldn't ignore it. I also had to laugh at the scene that gave the book its title. Izzy is having a drink with a childhood friend who wants to be more than friends, while Alasdair is being fitted with a kilt. When he hears what she is doing, he stalks into the bar - kilt, tight t-shirt, and boots - and suddenly, she is oblivious to anyone or anything else. Whew! The more time the two spend together, the closer they get.

However, the two men's secrets are about to come back to bite them. When Alasdair first arrived, he called in a favor at work to look into the ladies' financials. That opened up a can of worms that has Alasdair's boss trying to get their land. Thanks to this, Alasdair faces a personal and professional crisis and has to make some decisions. When Izzy gets wind of the problem, she is furious and hurt, and confronts Alasdair. In the process, Gareth's secret also comes to light, which creates trouble between him and Rose. While Gareth's deception was understandable, Alasdair has a harder job to win his lady's forgiveness. I loved seeing how he did it, the unexpected support he received, and Izzy's reaction.

Both couples still need to face the obstacle of being tied to different countries. It was great to finally see some real communication between them as they worked to find solutions. The resolution wasn't too much of a surprise as it was hinted at earlier. The epilogue was excellent, with a nice peek at them a few months down the road. It also set up the next book quite well, and I can't wait to read it.

 

Dearly Beloved - Mary Jo Putney (Zebra - June 2019)

LOVE MUST FIND A WAY . . .

A sheltered life in the countryside has left Diana Lindsay restless to see the wider world, for both herself and the son she is raising alone. She cannot marry, but perhaps as a courtesan she will find love and protection despite her painful past. Gathering her courage, she moves to London—and finds herself the city’s most desired woman, as admired for her charm as for her beauty. But it is one man who captivates her—handsome, haunted, and harboring a secret as deep as her own . . .

Bound by the sins of his youth, Gervase Brandelin, the Viscount St. Aubyn, has spent his adulthood seeking redemption through service to England. Now a spymaster, he can allow nothing to distract him from his duty. But when he meets Diana, his burdens seem to lift. Though she can never truly be his alone, their genuine love fills him with hope, until a treacherous deceit—and a deadly enemy—threatens to tear them apart forever . . .

Good book about two emotionally wounded people. It opens with a young Gervase who, in a moment of drunken idiocy, compromises a young woman. He retains enough of his gentleman's code to marry the girl but also takes revenge for what he sees as entrapment. Devastated when he realizes the truth, he takes steps to care for the girl, yet also to avoid ever having to see her again.

I will say that Gervase did not endear himself to me in these opening pages. He was selfish, thoughtless, and cruel. I wasn't sure that he was at all redeemable. He is rightfully haunted by what he did, which drives him to find ways to ease his conscience. When the story resumes eight years later, Gervase is back in England after inheriting the title and continuing his service to England. He is emotionally closed off, allowing no one past the walls around his heart. So he is surprised and dismayed by the strength of his attraction to London's newest courtesan.

When we first meet Diana, she and her son and a friend live in a cottage in Yorkshire. It is the middle of winter, and during a vicious snowstorm, she rescues a woman who was a former courtesan. After nursing Maddy back to health, they become friends. Diana discovers that the stories Maddy tells appeal to the restlessness she feels. Something tells her that if she takes up that life, maybe she will find the love that she craves. But the man she is most drawn to is the least likely to give her what she needs.

The development of the relationship between Diana and Gervase is a rollercoaster of emotions. Both are wary of the strength of their attraction and the depth of the connection they feel. Gervase is a man whose trust in women was destroyed long ago in a most devastating way. He is determined to protect himself and uses that distrust like a shield. Though part of him wants to believe in Diana's goodness and the happiness he feels when he is with her, his skepticism is never far away. Diana is frequently overwhelmed by the strength of her feelings for Gervase, but also fears that giving in to those feelings without an equal return will cause her to lose sight of her own needs.

This is not a fast-paced romance. Instead, Gervase and Diana spend time together over many months, both in bed and out of it. I liked seeing Gervase slowly begin to exhibit his emotions. I especially enjoyed his connection with Diana's son. There were some pretty sweet scenes between them. However, Gervase's demons still made frequent appearances, most notably in his outbursts of jealousy. Diana is not free of her own issues. There are parts of her past that she needs to share with him, but she's afraid that it will drive him away. The longer she puts it off, the harder it becomes. When matters come to the points where both reveal their pasts, it is just as bad as she feared. Both of them frustrated me because of their attitudes. Diana made some excellent points about Gervase's actions, and I liked that he accepted the truth of them and sought to make changes. But she wasn't free of guilt herself, and the way she revealed her past only made things worse. Everything she said ran up against Gervase's fears and beliefs, causing him to believe the worst of her. I wondered how they could ever get past the things that were said and done.

Gervase did his usual shove everything he didn't want to think of behind a locked door in his mind and tried to lose himself in work. On the other hand, Diana still didn't give up hope that they could overcome it all and have that future she dreamed of. I enjoyed her arrival at the house party, and the after-dinner scene was marvelous. I loved how she handled herself and turned things her way. I still wanted to shake Gervase for his blindness and loved seeing his cousin tear into him. But it took nearly losing her for Gervase to finally let down his walls and allow Diana into his heart.

Running through the book was also an element of suspense. As a spymaster, Gervase actively works to help Britain in its efforts to bring down Napoleon. There is one particular French spy that he is determined to stop if he could only get the proof needed. This particular spy also has an unhealthy interest in Diana. The depth of his depravity and his determination to have Diana are another element of tension throughout the book. The final confrontation with him was a nail-biter and I genuinely feared for the safety of both Diana and Gervase. The way the spy was brought down was poetic justice and extremely satisfying.

 

A Christmas Kiss with Her Ex-Army Doc - Tina Beckett (HMED #1065 - Nov 2019)

Can a Christmas kiss…

…lead to their happy-ever-after?

Nurse Hollee Cantrell is stunned when ex-army doc Clancy deOliveira begins working at her hospital. Years ago, they shared a passionate kiss -- but then Clancy left and Hollee married his best friend. Now widowed, it's time for Hollee to admit that her marriage was a sham and she's never stopped thinking about Clancy. And as their desire reignites, it seems Clancy hasn't forgotten her either…

Good second chance story. Hollee, Clancy, Jacob, and Clancy's sister Ava were all friends as teenagers. One day, Clancy shared a passionate kiss with Hollee, called it a mistake, and soon after left town. Hollee ended up marrying Jacob. She never knew that Jacob had told Clancy that he was in love with Hollee and that Clancy wasn't good enough for her. The story opens at Jacob's funeral after he was killed in action. Clancy is there but doesn't speak to her, as he's keeping a secret that could only hurt her.

The book then picks up five years later. Clancy has left the military and taken a job as a pediatric plastic surgeon at a civilian hospital. He is stunned to see Hollee there, working as a nurse. The last he heard, she had moved away and was studying to become a vet tech. He's not sure he can handle working so close to the woman he never forgot. Hollee is just as surprised to see Clancy. Being near him stirs up the old memories and makes her think about what might have been.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Hollee and Clancy. There is no doubt that the sparks between them are still there, though both try to resist at first. Hollee is not interested in falling in love again. Her marriage to Jacob left her doubting her judgment, and low in confidence in her appeal. Clancy still has doubts about his own worth, even though he turned his life around long ago. However, there's no doubt that the attraction between them is still strong. They give in to it once, then panic and pull away. But fate isn't done with them yet.

Both Hollee and Clancy volunteer as part of a group headed to the mountains to help a town devastated by a flood and a tornado. I loved seeing them work together and that their friendship began to grow again. Each of them gained an appreciation for the other's strengths and abilities. There were some beautiful scenes of their teamwork and the depth of their empathy for the people they helped. Just as things looked truly promising for them, Hollee discovered the secret Clancy was keeping from her. Devastated by what she thought of as a betrayal, she said some harsh things and refused to listen to him. I ached for both of them, but especially for Clancy. Hollee had a visitor that gave her something to think about if she could just get past her insecurities. But it was Clancy's big moment at the end that won my heart. He exposed his vulnerabilities as he opened his heart to her, and she didn't let him down. The epilogue was great and showed how much their love had grown.

The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission - Jaci Burton (Penguin - Oct 2019)

Series: Boots and Bouquets (Book .5)

Stranded at the Red Moss Vineyard a week before her best friend's wedding, LA native and professional matchmaker Alice Weatherford is not pleased with her first trip to Oklahoma, or the epic snowstorm forcing her to stay. So much for Christmas cheer. What she needs is a project, something to distract her...and, oh, has she found one in neighboring rancher Clay Henry. Gorgeous, charming, and unlike any other man she's ever met, finding the right woman for Clay should be easy....

Having grown up with the Bellini sisters, it's no hardship for Clay to ride out the storm at their cozy family vineyard, especially since that means spending time with their savvy and smart houseguest. But despite Alice’s best efforts, he's not the least bit interested in her matchmaking....

Alice is the only woman Clay wants. Now he just has to convince the matchmaker herself to give love a chance.

Short and fun holiday story. Alice is a city girl from LA, but when her best friend decides to get married at a winery in Oklahoma, Alice arrives a week early to make sure everything goes smoothly. She doesn't expect to get stranded by a freak snowstorm. Desperate for a project, she decides neighboring rancher and fellow strandee Clay needs her services as a matchmaker. Clay isn't really interested in her matchmaking efforts, but if it gives him a chance to spend more time with her, he'll take it.

The sparks flew between Alice and Clay from the minute they met. Alice tries to resist - Clay is all wrong for her. She's LA, he's Oklahoma, and she'll only be there for a week. She knows long-distance relationships don't work. Then there are their opposite opinions on love. Alice believes that a successful match depends on shared interests and that chemistry doesn't last. Clay is of the firm belief that if there's no chemistry, there's no chance of anything else developing. I liked his chemistry challenge to her (which he won, of course) and how he uses it to spend more time with her. It doesn't take long for the sparks to burst into flame, and the heat between them is pretty intense. But it's more than just physical, and I enjoyed the time they spent together outside of the bedroom. The decorating scene was sweet, and I loved how easy it was for them to talk to each other.

The short fling turns into something deeper pretty quickly, and Clay can easily picture Alice in his life. The same pictures show up in Alice's head, but she has a bit of tunnel vision over her life in LA, so she continues to insist that anything further is impossible. I wanted to shake her when she walked away and felt that she earned every bit of her unhappiness. Clay was pretty miserable, too, until a kick in the pants talk from his friends made him see that he gave up too quickly. I loved Clay's big moment at the end, though his solution wasn't much of a surprise.

This was a nice setup for the new series. I look forward to reading more.

Reunited in the Snow - Amalie Berlin (HMED #1060 - Oct 2019)

Series: Doctors Under the Stars (Book 2)

Left at the altar…

…reunited under the stars!

Lia Monterrosa arrives at the Antarctic science station as resident staff doctor…and comes face-to-face with her ex-fiancé! Working in close confines means brooding Dr. Weston MacIntyre can't hide the painful reason he left Lia at the altar much longer. Lia knows she must guard her heart -- especially since desire as bright as the southern lights still blazes between them!

Good second chance story. In the previous book in the series, His Surgeon Under the Stars, Lia's best friend Jordan called her with the unexpected news that Lia's missing fiancé was working as a doctor at the same Antarctic science station. Determined to find out why Wes disappeared without a word right before their wedding, Lia signs on for a stint as a station doctor. To say that Wes was shocked to see her would be an understatement, and he's not quite sure how to handle her presence.

I liked both Lia and Wes and hurt for them both. Wes fled from England, and Lia, wracked with guilt over the death of his younger brother. He blames himself and is sure that if he were to marry Lia, he would only hurt her too. Lia is determined to confront Wes over his desertion since she had believed they were deeply in love. Now she questions whether he loved her at all, a feeling exacerbated by issues with her family back in Portugal.

It's evident from the start that the sparks between Lia and Wes are as strong as they've ever been. Working closely together gives Lia a chance to chip away at the walls, Wes has put up around his heart. There are some terrific scenes of their teamwork, which emphasize how well they understand each other. There's also a sweet scene at the beginning as Wes's protectiveness finds him helping Lia adjust to the bone-chilling cold and perpetual night. As Lia works to help Wes overcome his guilt, Wes is determined to earn her forgiveness, even if he isn't sure he deserves it. Their road back to each other isn't a smooth one, and both make some mistakes along the way, but ultimately, love overcomes all obstacles. I loved the romantic wedding with the incredible backdrop of the southern lights.

Deadly Texas Reunion - Beth Cornelison (HRS #2060 - Oct 2019)

Series: Colton 911 (Book 4)
            Coltons (Book 97)

Two friends track a lethal murderer

As a childhood bond is put on the line

Disgraced FBI agent Nolan Colton returns home to lick his wounds…only to find death on his doorstep. After a woman's body is dug up in a parking lot, his longtime friend PI Summer Davies enlists his crime-solving expertise. Nolan can't help but admire all-grown-up Summer's tenacity, but new leads take their case in a killer direction -- one that threatens the future of their entire case…and their own lives.

Good book. The tension in Whisperwood continues to grow as the investigation into the death of a local woman goes on. PI Summer has recently opened her investigations business in town and is surprised when the woman's father and brother hire her to find the killer. They are not satisfied with the lack of progress made by the police department.

Meanwhile, Nolan is on administrative leave from the FBI while he is investigated for sexual misconduct. A fellow agent with whom he had a brief encounter made the allegations against him, complete with pictures. Angry, hurt, and disgusted, Nolan heads to Whisperwood to spend time with family and wait for the decision that will affect his future. There he is surprised to run into a childhood friend he lost contact with years ago.

I loved Summer's joy at seeing Nolan again. Her enthusiastic greeting took Nolan by surprise, at least until he recognized her. I ached for him because he first noticed her as a woman, then realized who she was, and pulled back because of the investigation against him. He wonders if he'll always second-guess himself now, even with friends. I enjoyed seeing them catch up with each other at the diner, learning about what they've been up to. Summer was surprised, yet cautious, when Nolan offered to help with her investigation. She's more than a little protective of her job, having suffered from sexist attitudes in the past. I liked how she laid out her conditions, making her expectations clear. Nolan did the same, determined to protect himself. Neither counted on the sparks of attraction that flew between them. Summer was more accepting of the feelings that grew between them. She worried about it changing their friendship, but she was willing to see where it would go. Nolan was far more resistant, both because of the accusations against him and because of his plans to go back to Chicago if his name was cleared. I ached for Summer when Nolan left without a word and wanted to shake him for treating her that way. Nolan's return to Chicago included some interesting events, not the least of which were the changes he saw in himself. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic.

The suspense of the story was good. The tension has built through the three previous books as Patrice's murder has gone unsolved. There were questions about whether it was related to a series of murders that had taken place years before. Each book has come closer to proving or disproving the connection. I liked seeing Nolan and Summer work together, balancing each other's strengths and weaknesses. As they assembled various pieces of the puzzle, a clearer picture began to emerge. I was glued to the pages as Summer and Nolan found themselves in dire straits, caught by the killer as they searched for evidence. The final confrontation was intense, and hearing the killer talk so casually about what he had done was chilling. I loved seeing him get what was coming to him and how it came about.

 

The Prince's Forbidden Bride - Rebecca Winters (HR #4667 - June 2019)

Series: Princess Brides (Book 2)

Can a convenient marriage…

…reignite a long-lost love?

Princess Donetta will never forget her first and only love -- Crown Prince Enrico. Forbidden to marry by their feuding families, Enrico left, letting Donetta believe he never loved her. Years later he's back, offering Donetta his hand in marriage to unite their countries. Donetta feels it's her duty to accept, but on one condition -- he give her his heart, too!

Good friends to lovers story with a bit of family feud thrown in. Donetta and Enrico first met when they were both ten years old. Both were outstanding equestrian competitors and recognized that quality in each other. Over the next eight years, they met secretly at each competition, growing closer with each passing year. By the time they were eighteen, both knew they wanted to be together, but there were obstacles. Both were promised to others. There was a two-hundred-year-old feud between the families. Though they continued to meet whenever possible after Enrico left for college, and they planned to go away together after he graduated, it was not to be. Devastating news about his father sent Enrico home, where he was immediately engulfed in learning to run his country. Communication between them dwindled to nothing, leading Donetta to believe that he had never really cared. Devastated, she moved on with her life but avoided all talk of marriage to another.

I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of Donetta and Enrico's relationship. Five years after their last encounter, Enrico realizes that he can't picture his life without her in it, but how to tell her? I ached for him after he went to see her, and she accepted his apology but indicated that what had been between them was a childhood love. I wanted to kick him for being so willing to give up and loved that Giovanni gave him the kick he needed to fight for her. I thought his idea to use a competition to bring her to his country was brilliant. I did think he was somewhat naïve to believe that he could show Donetta so much attention and not anger his mother. I felt that Donetta was more realistic in her belief that the queen would never accept her after seeing her reaction to Donetta's presence. I thought Enrico understood Donetta well with his plan for their interlude together and ached for him when she told him she was going to marry another anyway. Only her sister's straight talk kept Donetta from making a huge mistake and sent her back to Enrico.

It was interesting to see the lengths to which Enrico's determination led him to convince Donetta to marry him. Again, I thought he was blind to the trouble his promises would create. Of course, I also thought his mother's reaction was excessive. The problems that resulted from those two stubborn people butting heads was enough to throw the government into chaos. In the meantime, all Donetta wanted was for Enrico to have the opportunity to be the king his country needed, even if that meant setting him free. It took another intervention by Enrico's cousin Giovanni to bring them back together. I liked seeing them actually talk about dreams and expectations and the true depth of their feelings for each other. The epilogue was good and shows promise for their future.

 

Full Force - Elle James (HI #1876 - Sept 2019)

Series: Declan's Defenders (Book 3)

She saw something she shouldn't have…

Now they want her dead.

Ever since she left the foreign embassy where she was working, translator Emily Chastain has been targeted by someone who wants to silence her permanently. Fearing for her life, Emily contacts Declan's Defenders and is placed under former marine Mustang Ford's protection. If only she could figure out why someone is trying to kill her -- and how to contain her unlikely attraction to Mustang…

Fantastic book that sucked me in from the very beginning. Emily is a professor of Russian language at a local university. She also works as an interpreter. As the story opens, she is just finishing a translating job at the Russian embassy. It doesn't go well, with the ambassador storming out. Emily is escorted out of the embassy in a hurry, while the man she translated for is detained. On her way out, she sees another man who looks familiar being escorted in. Confused and uneasy, she rushes to her car. Her uneasiness is justified when she is nearly run off the road twice in a short time and spots a car following her. When that car also tries to run her off the road, she calls her friend Grace to tell her what is happening. Grace immediately asks Declan to help her friend.

Former Marine Mustang is one of the men of Declan's Defenders. He is the closest to Emily's location when Declan calls on him for help. He arrives on the scene just in time to keep Emily from being kidnapped or killed and whisks her off to the Defenders' headquarters on Charlie Halvorsen's estate. As the team tries to figure out why Emily is being targeted, Mustang plans to stick close to Emily to keep her safe.

I was glued to the pages of this book as it's nearly nonstop action to keep Emily alive. Emily initially has no idea why someone is out to kill her, while the team believes that she saw something she doesn't realize the importance of. Things become both a little clearer and more complicated when Emily receives a visit from the ambassador's daughter, Sachi. The tension increases when the PI that Emily interpreted for is a victim of a hit-and-run attack, and the attacker then goes after Emily and Mustang, who are saved by the timely arrival of the other team members. A suspicious photograph provided by the PI before his accident gives a hint of the issue, which is confirmed by information from an unexpected source. When Emily and Sachi are taken, it's a race against time to save them. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat (and up WAY past my bedtime) as Mustang and the rest of the team raced to the rescue. I loved that Emily didn't just wait around for Mustang to show up but took an active role in her own rescue. What she uncovered along the way was horrifying, and she didn't back down from doing what she thought was right. The ending was a nail-biter and a close call for all of them. There's an interesting twist in the epilogue that connects this story to the earlier two in the series. It will be interesting to follow it to the end and see what it all means.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Emily and Mustang. Mustang was impressed and intrigued by Emily from the first time he met her. The sparks flew between them immediately. Mustang doesn't want anything to distract him from protecting Emily, and he's afraid that giving in will do so. Emily has been so focused on her career that she doesn't have much in the way of experience but is ready to explore what is happening in spite of the danger. Mustang can't deny the need to make sure she is safe, and "sticking like glue" to her side increases the intensity of his attraction and makes it harder to resist. I liked the back-and-forth between them as Mustang has to balance her safety with her stubbornness in certain situations.  Though the word "love" comes up quickly, I got the feeling they will still take the time to develop their relationship. I look forward to seeing them in future books.