Meant to be Yours - Susan Mallery (HQN - Oct 2019)

Series: Happily Inc. (Book 5)

In Happily Inc, love means never having to say “I do”…

Wedding coordinator Renee Grothen isn't meant for marriage. Those who can, do. Those who can't, plan. But she never could have planned on gorgeous, talented thriller writer Jasper Dembenski proposing -- a fling, that is. Fun without a future. And the attraction between them is too strong for Renee to resist. Now she can have her no-wedding cake…and eat it, too.

After years in the military, Jasper is convinced he's too damaged for relationships. So a flirtation -- and more -- with fiery, determined Renee is way too good to pass up…until his flame becomes his muse.

Renee is an expert at averting every crisis. But is she finally ready to leap into the one thing that can never be controlled: love?

Terrific book. This story is about Renee, a wedding planner at Weddings Out of the Box, and Jasper, the local author who writes mystery novels. Happily is a small town, so they've seen each other around but don't really know each other. That changes one games night at The Boardroom when their partnership in a game strikes unexpected sparks. Neither is interested in anything permanent, but what could go wrong with some commitment-free fun?

Renee loves her job as a wedding planner. There is nothing she enjoys more than helping a couple plan that day they will remember forever. I loved seeing the various weddings and Renee's ability to create calm out of chaos. But as much happiness as she gets out of her work, she is convinced that there is no wedding in her future. She's been burned in the past and believes that love is not for her. She also has a rocky relationship with her mother, thanks to a very unusual situation that has left her reluctant to have anything to do with animals.

Jasper is a very successful mystery writer who has made a home for himself in Happily Inc. He is a former soldier who had very bad PTSD when he left the service and considered himself broken to the point of being unable to have any kind of relationship. He is on the way home from his latest book tour (in an RV because he hates to fly) when he is adopted by an abandoned dog. Though a reluctant dog owner at first, it doesn't take long for Koda to wiggle his way into Jasper's life and heart. It quickly becomes apparent that these two are meant for each other, and I loved their scenes together.

I loved the development of the relationship between Jasper and Renee. It starts as sex-only, as neither wants anything permanent. But in a strange turn of events, they spend more time together out of bed than in it and find themselves becoming friends. Jasper asks for Renee's help with the book he is currently writing. He's about to end the successful series, and Jasper and his editor believe that the hero needs to fall in love. Unfortunately for Jasper, his attempts at writing a woman for Vidar have been spectacularly unsuccessful. Things get a little tense when Jasper decides that his best option is to follow Renee in her work. She is not up for that idea at all and makes her opinion quite clear. Jasper, who has a bit of tunnel vision when working, goes above Renee's head which forces her to let him tag along. Renee is rightfully furious, and I liked the way that she told him so, explained why to the point where he saw the error of his ways and apologized. It wasn't the only time he pulls a boneheaded move, and Renee is very good at making him face his mistakes.

Once they get past the anger, they end up spending a lot of time together. I loved watching their friendship grow and turn into something more. I loved Jasper's fascination with Renee's ability to help her couples find the perfect expression of their love. His enthusiasm for getting involved in the whole process, from setting up to serving drinks, was heartwarming. I also enjoyed seeing Renee's reaction to and acceptance of Jasper's tendency to get lost in his creative process. There were several times when they were together that he would totally lose track of when and where he was, but she never made a stink about it. Both of them realize that their feelings are changing, but neither believes that they are in a place to do anything about it.

In the midst of all of this angst, Renee's mother, Verity, arrives for an unexpected visit. Renee has worked hard to keep her mother separate from her life in Happily Inc. because of issues that have arisen in the past. Verity has a unique talent that created problems for Renee, both when she was younger and with her most recent relationship. Renee is afraid of what will happen if her new friends find out about her mom, and she dreads the reactions. I liked Verity a lot, though I also understood Renee's feelings. I had to laugh at the reason that brought Verity to Happily Inc., and the event that came out of it was hilarious. But in the end, it's Verity, Jasper's dog Koda, and Renee's cats Fred and Lucille who help Jasper and Renee understand that they aren't nearly as broken as they think they are. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in future books.

 

Wrapped Up in You - Jill Shalvis (HarperCollins - Sept 2019)

Series: Heartbreaker Bay (Book 8)

It’s love. Trust me.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-term plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.

Terrific story of two people who find it hard to trust. Ivy has been on the move her entire life. Raised by a flaky mother, and with a troublemaker brother, Ivy set out on her own when she was sixteen. After years of moving from place to place, she's ready to put down some roots. She has made some friends, owns a successful taco truck, and is saving up for a place of her own. I loved her determination to succeed, her independence, and her kind heart. I ached for her and the vulnerability that made her reluctant to open herself up completely. She's been burned multiple times and trusting people is hard to do.

Kel is a sheriff in Sunshine Idaho (Animal Magnetism series). He is in San Francisco visiting his cousin Caleb (Playing for Keeps) and helping Caleb with his business. Kel was recently injured in the line of duty at the same time he was betrayed by someone close to him. Added to family issues, Kel also has trouble trusting. Keeping his emotions closed off protects him from being hurt.

Ivy and Kel meet through mutual friends when they come to Ivy's Taco Truck. I loved their initial meeting and the banter that they exchanged. Ivy was still on his mind that night when he found her at her vandalized taco truck. I loved their back-and-forth as he insisted on helping her, her "prickly as a porcupine" attitude drawing him in rather than turning him off. I loved Kel's determination to get closer to Ivy, and the charm and patience he used to do so. I loved watching Kel chip away at Ivy's walls, not realizing that she did the same to his. Both Kel and Ivy resisted the idea that there was more than chemistry between them, even though everyone around them could see it. They had just started admitting that there might be something special growing between them when Ivy's brother made an unwelcome appearance. I ached for Ivy, who could see her beautiful new life disintegrating in front of her. I wanted to smack Kel for his boneheaded actions and words. Though I hurt for Ivy and the pain he caused her, I loved how she stood up to him. I enjoyed the way that Ivy's friends rallied around her and the effect it had on Ivy's entire outlook. A lecture from Caleb made Kel realize that he had to face his past before he could pursue the future. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic. The epilogue was a nice touch. I loved seeing the changes in their lives and the surprise that Kel had for Ivy.

I love how earlier characters wander in and out of the story. As Kel's cousin, Caleb has a significant role, but he's also a good friend to Ivy. I loved the morning kickboxing classes and the comradeship it built. Tina made me laugh with her "inspirational" statements and her ability to motivate her students. I loved the closeness of the friendships and how they are there for each other when needed.

 

His First Choice - Tara Taylor Quinn (HS #2034 - May 2016)

Series: Where Secrets are Safe (Book 8)

The best decision they'll ever make

Lacey Hamilton is used to living in the background. Overshadowed her entire life, she stepped out of the Hollywood limelight and into the role she's meant to play: a counselor, part of the High Risk Team started by The Lemonade Stand women's shelter in Santa Raquel.

Her caseload leads her to the doorstep of Jeremiah "Jem" Bridges to rescue a little boy. She's not supposed to fall in love with the rugged construction worker and his adorable son. Love and duty, though, don't always agree. Especially when a truth is uncovered that neither she nor Jem is prepared to face.

Excellent story with an unusual storyline. The book opens with Lacey, a social worker, getting a call from a concerned daycare worker. A little boy she has cared for since he was a few months old shows worrisome signs - unusual injuries and a change in personality among them. She's afraid that he's being abused. Lacey takes down the information and pays a visit to father and son that very night. I will say that I was somewhat disappointed in Lacey at the very beginning. It seemed to me that she immediately jumped to the conclusion that it was Levi's father doing the abusing before she even met the man. Fortunately, it didn't take her long to realize that if there was any abuse, it wasn't Jem doing it. There are, however, enough signs that she can't completely walk away.

I really liked both Lacey and Jem. Lacey is a strong and compassionate woman who also has some self-image problems. She and her identical twin sister, Kacey, were models when they were younger, and Kacey went on to work as an actress, too. Lacey was the quiet one who frequently got overlooked around her more outgoing sister. It wasn't until Lacey moved away and became involved with a women's shelter, The Lemonade Stand, that she found her niche in life. However, she does tend to compare herself to her sister, always believing that she doesn't measure up. I loved how she connected with little Levi and how he found his way into her heart. Jem is a great guy and a wonderful father. I loved seeing him with Levi and what an excellent relationship they have. Jem has full custody, with his ex-wife, Tressa, getting weekend visitations. I often got frustrated by the way Jem consistently made excuses for Tressa's actions and attitude. The more I got to know him the more I liked him, but I also wanted to find a way to open his eyes.

I loved the development of the relationship between Lacey and Jem. There were sparks between them right from the start, but Lacey tried to resist them. Because of her work connection to Levi and Jem, having a personal relationship was not possible. But as fate kept throwing them together, the attraction between them could not be denied. I loved that Lacey accepted the connection and made the move that would remove that obstacle from their relationship. I loved watching them grow closer, slowly getting to know each other. Jem won my heart with the way that he focused on Lacey even when Kacey was around. I loved how he showed her that she was wonderful the way she was and didn't need to keep comparing herself to Kacey. I especially liked his explanation of how he knew the difference between the two women. Lacey's feelings for Jem grew quickly, but her insecurity worked against her for a long time. I loved seeing her finally start to believe in their relationship. However, she also had a big reservation, and that was the relationship between Jem and Tressa. There were things about it that raised red flags for her, but Jem blew off her concerns. It wasn't until a combination of something that Levi said and a confrontation with Tressa that Lacey's suspicions proved correct. I ached for both her and Jem as she confronted him with her observations and conclusion and made her stand. I loved Jem's big moment at the end and everything he went through to get there.

Another thing I loved about this book was the relationship between Lacey and Kacey. Their love for each other was unquestionable. I also loved how they were there for each other, even during those times when their relationship was strained. It was interesting to see the similarities and the differences and how those affected their relationship. I loved that Lacey saw what she needed to do for her own happiness and did it. I also liked that with time and distance she was able to change the dynamics between herself and her sister. I also liked how her love and concern for Kacey helped her sister get a better handle on her own life and issues. It was a great start to Kacey finding who she is inside. I've already read Kacey's story (Her SecretLife) and found it just as moving as Lacey's.

 

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.

Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2000 - July 2018)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 38)
            Top Secret Deliveries (Book 8)

This Cavanaugh detective guards his ready-made family

Delivering a stranded woman's baby? All in a day's work for Detective Dugan Cavanaugh. But the new mother is investigative reporter Toni O'Keefe, who's hot on the trail of the drug cartel Dugan is tracking. Now with infant Heather and Toni in the cartel's lethal sights, Toni's fragile trust in Dugan is their only shot to get Cavanaugh justice!

Good book though not as intense as previous books until the end. The book opened with some excitement as Dugan discovered a woman in labor as he was leaving Malone's. The woman is wary but accepts his help when he produces his police credentials. But Dugan doesn't get to stick around as he's called away to a murder scene just as the ambulance arrives. Later, he's dismayed to find out that she gave him a fake name, so he has no way to follow up on her and the baby. Two months later, Dugan is stunned to find the woman in the Chief of D's office. It turns out that Toni is an investigative reporter who is doing a story on the same drug cartel that Dugan is working to shut down. Toni has information that is useful to Dugan's investigation, and Dugan is ordered to make Toni part of his team.

Sparks flew between Dugan and Toni from the beginning. There is no doubt about the attraction, but Dugan also has to reconcile his protectiveness toward Toni with her work as an investigative reporter. Toni is fiercely independent and doesn't take well to Dugan's restrictions. He's furious when she puts herself into danger to draw out a cartel member, but she is determined. I liked seeing how their relationship developed as they worked together. Dugan is a nice guy with a good heart and love of family. I loved watching him fall just as hard for baby Heather as he did for Toni. There are some really sweet scenes with him and the baby. Toni is a bit wary, as Dugan is nothing like any man she has ever known. It was fun to see her surprise at how comfortable he is with Heather. There is the usual invitation to one of Andrew's family parties. It was a nice change to have one where the non-Cavanaugh person doesn't have to be dragged kicking and screaming, though Toni was a bit cautious at the beginning. I liked that their growing attraction and feelings took place over a realistic amount of time. Both were hesitant to vocalize their feelings, and it took a little outside encouragement to get them past that hurdle. I loved Dugan's big moment at the end. There is just enough awkwardness and vulnerability to emphasize how important she is to him.

The suspense of the story was good. Going after the drug cartel isn't a quick process, and we get a good look at the day-to-day slog of following leads. The investigation is somewhat personal for Toni and is the motivating factor for some of the risks she takes. The intensity starts to pick up when Toni uses herself to draw out a cartel member and gets caught in the middle of a shootout. This puts a target on her back. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Toni found herself at the mercy of a killer. I loved her "mama bear" reaction and Dugan's timely arrival.

Cavanaugh Vanguard - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #1988 - Apr 2018)

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 37)

Is a killer back for more?

A series of gruesome murders brings together an unlikely pair of homicide detectives: outgoing Brianna Cavanaugh and lone wolf Jackson Muldare. These utter opposites work around the clock together to solve these crimes. In the process, Jackson and Brianna must trust each other with their lives and secrets as they become closer than they ever imagined.

Good book. I enjoyed the pairing of Brianna and Jackson. Brianna is cheerful, friendly, and generally has a positive attitude. She is a Cavanaugh to the bone, law enforcement and family being the most important things in her life. Jackson is very much a loner, doing his work and keeping to himself. He is cynical about life and people. When they are assigned to work together on an unusual murder case, the sparks between them fly.

I had fun following the development of the relationship between Brianna and Jackson. From the moment they met, Brianna was intrigued by Jackson and challenged by his taciturn manner. Naturally outgoing, she was determined to get past his walls and get to know him. Jackson is dealing with family issues that leave him with no time or interest in getting close to anyone else. The banter between them was fun as Brianna pushed and Jackson tried to resist. It was amusing to see her chip away at his resistance, and his surprise when he realized that it was impossible to resist. I loved the scene where he thought he was going to avoid going to Andrew's get-together only to find that Brianna had anticipated his actions. The attraction between them continued to grow, and I loved seeing them finally give in to it and the closeness that came along with it. Jackson summed up their relationship quite well in the epilogue as he told her, "You brought light back into my world."

The mystery of the bodies entombed in the foundations of the hotel was fascinating and well done. From the discovery of the first body during the demolition of the hotel to the final confrontation, I was intrigued by the search for the killer. The complication of the disparity in the dates of death added another layer of complexity to the problem. I loved the teamwork between Brianna and Jackson and how they respected each other's instincts. I liked their determination, supported by the family, not to be intimidated by the Aurora family. It's always great to see the Cavanaugh family back each other up, even as they complain about it. I loved the Sunday morning scene with Valri - "this is the sound of people NOT working because it's Sunday" - as Brianna and Jackson pulled her into their search. The final confrontation was intense, with a surprising twist to it.

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

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 36)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Series: Cavanaugh Justice (Book 35)

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

Call to Redemption - Tawny Weber (HQN - Nov 2017)

Series: Team Poseidon/SEAL Brotherhood (Book 3)

The Poseidon team are hard-bodied, fiercely competitive Navy SEALs. But when a sensitive mission goes disastrously wrong, three of the team's finest will have to trust their hearts and instincts to uncover the truth…

No strings. No questions. Just pleasure. For a few blissful days, Lieutenant Commander Nic Savino is enjoying a wild fling with the sexiest stranger he's ever laid eyes -- or any other body part -- on. It's almost enough to make the stalwart SEAL let down his guard for once. Until he learns that assistant US attorney Darby Raye -- his Darby -- is heading an investigation designed to destroy him…and Poseidon.

The gorgeous eyes that Darby spent her nights gazing into are now glaring at her across a courtroom. This case could build her career, but if Nic's not a traitor, then he's being framed by forces powerful enough to eliminate every obstacle in their way. And the tentative trust she and Nic are rebuilding -- as well as their very lives -- could become collateral damage…

Fantastic conclusion to the series. In the first two books, Call to Honor and Call to Engage, we saw the team deal with a mission gone wrong and the fallout as they began to suspect someone in their midst committed treason. As they searched for the truth, they quickly realized that they could only trust their own team members. Though they caught the immediate offender, it was also clear that there was someone else pulling the strings, and they want that person. This becomes even more critical as the book's prologue opens with their team leader, Nic Savino, about to be charged with treason.

From there, the book goes back two months, to a resort in Hawaii. Darby Raye, an attorney for the government, is on the first vacation she's had in years. It isn't her idea. Darby is a workaholic, perfectly content with the idea that her work is her life. But her boss made it clear that if she wants that next promotion, he needs to see that she has balance in her life. Darby is antsy and has no idea what to do with herself if she isn't working. I loved her phone conversation with her secretary, who encourages her to let loose for a bit. There's a man at the bar who catches her eye, but she's reluctant to do anything about it. She's just ended a relationship with a fellow attorney, a Navy lawyer who wasn't at all pleased when she broke things off. The man she is staring at is Nic, who is also on a forced vacation, while the rest of his team looks into who is behind the pending charges against him. He's equally antsy, unhappy at being apart from his team and unable to work on clearing his name. When he sees Darby sitting by herself, he is immediately attracted and not shy about letting her know it.

Their attraction sets Darby and Nic on the path of a mutually agreeable fling. The only condition they have is for complete anonymity. They will stick to first names only, with no discussion of families, friends, pasts, work, etc. I loved seeing these two workaholic people relax and escape from their stresses. Though both agreed that this was a short-term affair with no emotions involved, just intense physical intimacy, neither can prevent the feelings that worm their way past their barriers. I loved how their connection deepened and their sensitivity to the other's moods. In spite of their intentions, there were a couple of emotionally charged moments when the past intruded on the present. It wasn't long before each admitted to themselves that they'd like to see where it would go if they were to continue to see each other. But fate intervenes before either can pursue the thought, and Nic is called back to duty. When Darby finds out who and what he is, she is devastated, and returns home to drown her sorrows in work. Fate isn't done with Nic and Darby though. Once she is back, Darby is assigned to a new case. She is to look at the evidence provided and decided if one Dominic Savino is guilty of treason. She is stunned to discover that it is "her" Nic, and reluctant to believe that the man she knew in Hawaii is capable of such heinous crimes.

The suspense of the story is outstanding as we see events from both Nic's and Darby's points of view. Nic and his team race against time to trace Ramsey's traitorous actions to their source before Nic is convicted of a crime he didn't commit. I loved seeing each team member use their unique talents to help the man they respect and admire the most. On the other side of the aisle, we have Darby, who is under a great deal of pressure to bring charges of treason against Nic. Much of that pressure comes from her ex, who is the Navy lawyer who is pushing hard for the charges, something that doesn't sit well with Darby. I loved her independence and determination to do what was right, in spite of that pressure. There was a fantastic scene with Darby and the members of Poseidon. I loved seeing her hold her own with these men as they discovered that they all wanted the same thing - to find the truth. The intensity built as the day of reckoning approached. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat as the tangled web of treachery unraveled. Desperation on the part of the bad guy put Darby in extreme danger, leaving it up to Nic and the men of Poseidon to come to the rescue in heart-pounding action. Darby is no damsel in distress, though, and gets her own satisfying part in the proceedings. I loved the ending, from a funny yet sweet scene with Darby and the men of Poseidon to Nic and Darby finally opening up about their feelings and fears.

The entire series has been excellent, with fantastic intrigue, suspense, action, and believable romantic relationships that came out of desperate circumstances. Though this story arc is finished, I would love to see stories for the rest of the men of Poseidon.

 

Want Ad Wife - Katy Madison (HH #1267 - Feb 2016)

Series: Wild West Weddings (Book 3)

"Owner of general store looking for a wife to start a family."

Abandoned as a child, John Bench has always craved a family of his own. Even if it means advertising for a wife from back East.

Selina Montgomery must keep her new husband at a distance. Because if John discovers the truth about the secret she once carried, their mail-order marriage could crumble before it's even begun! They've promised to love, honor and obey, but can the spark that flares between them transform Selina and John's wedding vows into a passion that will last forever?

Good conclusion to the series. Selina was in dire straits when she answered John's ad for a wife. Now, several months later, she has arrived and found herself immediately in front of the preacher getting married. Though they corresponded for several months, she and John don't know each other very well, so Selina is a bit wary. That wariness seems justified when her inquiries about his family and past set off an angry tirade.

John couldn't believe his luck. Selina is even more beautiful than her photograph, and he hurried to marry her before another man could snatch her away. He's so happy that she's there that he's nervous and stumbling over his words. He also hasn't thought much about what it means to have a wife, so he was pretty awkward when they arrived at his store and home.

The development of the relationship between John and Selina was a rocky one. Selina had become a mail-order bride for security. She gave birth to an illegitimate child after she was essentially raped and the father declined to marry her. Desperate to give her son a better life, she gave him to a childless couple to raise. Fearful of what John's reaction would be if he knew, her attempt to find out more about him reinforced those fears. John desperately wanted a family of his own. He had been abandoned as a baby, adopted by a man who treated him cruelly and has harsh words about the mother who left him to such a life. Because of this, Selina went to great lengths to hide the fact that she'd had a child.

It was both heartwarming and painful to see John and Selina adjust to married life. John wasn't quite sure how to deal with Selina's desire to help him in his store when he was expecting that she'd want to do "wife stuff" in their apartment above the store. Selina just wants to do whatever she can to make him happy that he chose her. Neither expected the strength of the attraction that flared between them. Because of her previous experience, Selina was extremely nervous about the intimate side of their marriage, plus she had her fears about revealing her past. I liked John's patience with her, and his desire to show her the possibilities. While this part of their marriage progressed quite well, there were other challenges to overcome.

Trust was another issue that they had to overcome. Besides John's harsh attitude about his mother, he also had trouble trusting anyone else with the store. The last time he had done so, the man nearly ruined him. Selina's had secrets that she believed could destroy her marriage, but her attempts to protect those secrets put her on a collision course with John. There were times when I wanted to shake her and tell her to come clean about it all, but for those times her fears were understandable. When everything finally came out, I also had ambivalent feelings about John. I understood his feelings of betrayal because of Selina's actions and lies, but I also thought that some of his behavior was callous and cruel. I hurt for Selina as she had to make some difficult decisions, and I ached for John when he believed he had lost her. I loved Selina's big moment at the end as she showed John that her love for him would always be there. There was also a heartwarming twist at the end, and an epilogue that reunited all three women and their husbands. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Series: Cold Case Detectives (Book 5)

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Year's Resolution: Romance - Christie Ridgway, Leslie Kelly, Tanya Michaels (HQN - Jan 2015)

Say Yes by Christie Ridgway

Cabin Fever (Book 1.5)

Cautious florist Ashley Walker is excited to embark on her "Year of Yes" no matter what happens. But accepting a surprise job offer leads to an awkward discovery: she's hot for her millionaire boss, Chase Bradley!

After four years of grieving the death of her husband and being overly cautious about her life choices, Ashley was ready to start living again. Her New Year's resolution was to start saying "yes" to more opportunities. The first chance came on New Year's Eve when she was offered a job playing hostess at a week-long house party. The money was too good to resist, but the difficulty was her boss. Chase Bradley intimidates the heck out of her, with his good looks, charm, and wealth, to the point where she can barely talk around him.

The development of Chase and Ashley's relationship was very fast. Chase was intrigued and attracted from the moment he met her, and when he found himself in need of a hostess, he jumped on the idea of asking Ashley. His focus was on pursuing the attraction and getting her into bed. However, it wasn't long before he was equally interested in getting to know her. Ashley was attracted to Chase, but she was cautious about risking her heart. I liked seeing them work together to entertain their guests, while at the same time getting to know each other. Once Ashley got past her shyness they had some pretty great interactions. It was fun to see Chase fight his feelings for a while, especially after his conversation with his friend. Ashley fought hers even harder, especially when some of the things she learned about him triggered her fears. I ached for Chase, who wanted to see where a relationship might go when Ashley freaked out over the idea. It took an eye-opening experience for Ashley to realize that there are no guarantees in life and that she should seize her chance to live and love again. I loved their big moment at the end and the "theme" for that day.

No More Bad Girls by Leslie Kelly

Scorched by a string of nightmare ex-girlfriends, Lex Rollins resolves to date only nice women...then is lured by siren Lia before midnight. But Lia is really Amelia, a good girl playing naughty for a night. Can a blind date as their real selves uncover their true desires?

I really liked this story. Lex is a good looking man who was quite the player. The women he dated tended to be on the bad girl side of the scale, especially the last one, who cleaned out his apartment of anything not nailed down. Out with his buddies on New Year's Eve, he took their accusations of having really bad taste in women to heart and made giving up bad girls his New Year's resolution. Too bad he stumbled into an especially intriguing one on his way out of the bar. Amelia is a nice girl who is sick of being every guy's friend and nobody's girlfriend. She was ready to push the limits of her comfort zone and let the woman she wished she was out to play.

I loved the chemistry between Lex and Amelia that was evident from the start. The banter between them on NYE was fantastic. I felt bad for both of them when midnight came because the end of that steamy kiss meant the beginning of Lex's resolution. Lex wanted to stay but stuck to his guns, and Amelia was left bewildered by his exit. Neither one could forget the other. Lex didn't expect to run into "Lia" a couple of weeks later and found himself just as intrigued. The circumstances of that encounter were pretty ironically hilarious, with Lex having just had to cancel the blind date set up by his friend with his future sister-in-law, and (unknown to him) Amelia being that blind date. This is followed by a pretty wild text conversation between Amelia and "Alexander." I loved the snappy humor and comebacks between them then and over the next couple of weeks before their date happens. I loved their reactions when they "met."

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lex and Amelia. I loved seeing Lex embrace the good side of himself. His planning of their first date was amazing, and he was off and running from there. He was always aware of the fact that Amelia wasn't like his former girlfriends, and treated her with tenderness and respect. I loved seeing him fall deeper under her spell and his surprise at the thoughts he had. At the same time, Amelia grew more and more frustrated. Her feelings for him also grew stronger, and her attraction even more so, but she couldn't get Lex to take that final step. Then a blast from the past reminded Lex of everything that screams that he isn't good enough for a nice girl like Amelia. I ached for the pain he felt and for Amelia when he pushed her away. Help came from an unexpected source, and I loved watching Amelia bring out her bad girl as she fought for her man. The ending was perfect for them.

Just a Fling by Tanya Michaels 

Shy, insecure Erin Cross makes two bold resolutions: (A) get on a plane, and (B) have a fling. In pursuit of Option A, she's mistaken for a key witness in a mob trial and whisked away by a sexy FBI agent Which just leaves Option B...

This was a quick, fast-paced romantic suspense. Erin has had some trouble getting back into the dating game, thanks to the hit her self-confidence took at the hands of her ex. She carried on a safe, long-distance phone flirtation with a coworker, until she was challenged by her best friend to do something about it. Erin made arrangements to meet him at a company convention in Mexico, requiring another resolution - getting on an airplane. She's been afraid of flying since a bad experience as a child, but took courage in hand and did it. All she had to do was meet the man at the pool bar and take it from there.

But not so fast. The man she thought was her date turned out to be an FBI agent there to meet up with a witness. Agent Foster thought that Erin was his witness - and so did the two thugs at the end of the bar. Thus began a somewhat madcap adventure as Foster and Erin do their best to escape and evade the men who want them both dead.

I liked the development of the relationship between Erin and Foster. This was his last case before leaving the FBI because of what he perceived as his failures. He was determined to keep her safe, and allowing himself to be distracted by his attraction wasn't in his game plan. She was just as attracted to him and quite willing to indulge in that attraction. I loved the scene at the gym when Foster was giving her self-defense lessons, and she couldn't remember why she was supposed to try to get away from him. I enjoyed how his admiration of her personally and in the way she handled herself gave her self-confidence such a boost. Foster also became more and more protective of Erin. It was great to see how her renewed confidence gave her the desire to help catch the bad guy. I was very impressed with her quick thinking when things didn't go according to plan, and her belief that Foster wouldn't let her down. But in the end, Foster's fears made him push Erin away in a heartwrenching scene. It was fun to watch him suffer for his stupidity, and I loved seeing his friend Morgan call him on it. I loved Foster's big moment at the end and the hint of vulnerability the peeked through his groveling speech to Erin.

 

Marriage Confidential - Debra Webb, Regan Black (HI #1720 - June 2017)

A sexy hero vows to love, honor…and stop the hacker!

Marriage to Madison Goode -- his secret high-school crush -- is news to billionaire techno whiz Sam Bellemere! The gorgeous State Department liaison has summoned him to fix a cybersecurity breach at an art museum reception. But why is he guest-listed as her husband?

Madison has her reasons…as does a nefarious hacker now threatening her life and career. But once they've gone public, introvert Sam and career-focused Madison must play their roles perfectly, trusting and protecting each other as they race to thwart disaster. Surprisingly, being close is easy. A real relationship might be possible…if a worldwide cyber attack doesn't cost them their lives!

This was a very good, mentally intense suspense story, capped by a dangerous confrontation. Madison is a respected and well-liked State Department liaison who has worked hard to make an international art exhibit proceed smoothly. But the night of the opening there was a cybersecurity breach that threatened to become an international incident. There's only one person that Madison trusts to fix the problem - high school friend and techno-wiz Sam Bellemere. But why does everyone believe that he is her husband?

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning. The tension leapt off the pages as Madison and her team discovered the breach and tried to shut it down. I was amazed at how calm and cool she appeared as she desperately tried to reach Sam to ask for his help. I loved how he put his confusion over the "husband" designation aside while he dealt with the crisis, but didn't let Madison put off the explanation once it was over.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sam and Madison. They had been friends since high school when Sam was assigned to be her tutor as his community service after spending time in juvie for hacking. What neither one had been aware of was the intense crush that each had on the other. Madison was the popular girl, and Sam the super-shy, awkward geek that had no idea how to talk to her. But they became friends and maintained that friendship over the years. When Madison needed a way to fend off the unwelcome advances of male coworkers, she invented a husband and based him on Sam. She never expected to make that "relationship" public.

I loved how Sam slid right into the role without missing a beat. His protectiveness was stirred when he found out the reason for the deception and ramped up even further when he realized the danger that Madison was in. I loved his unyielding and logical method of demolishing her objections to staying at his place until the danger was over. Poor Madison was left trying to hide her feelings when all she wanted to do was throw herself at him, not knowing that he wanted the same thing. Working and living together gave those feelings a chance to grow, if only they could let go of their insecurities long enough to take the chance. I liked how their long-standing friendship made it easy for them to talk to each other. They also had a great deal of respect for each other and their abilities, which made their teamwork even stronger. Each of them dreamed about the possibility of making their "marriage" permanent. Madison doesn't realize that Sam loves her and thinks that they are destined to be friends only. Sam doesn't know how to tell her how he feels leading to that so awkward "contract" proposition. Neither can deny the physical attraction, and the scene where they gave in was both steamy and sweet. "She poured all she had into those kisses, everything she wanted to share with him and didn't dare speak the words."  I ached for them both and wanted to shake them when neither could find a way to speak the words in their hearts. The ending had a fun twist as they finally got past their fears.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. It was mostly a mental game of cat and mouse until the end. I was intrigued by the whole hacker/cybersecurity theme given its relevance to the issues of today. Sam quickly realized that there was more going on than just someone messing with the security at the museum. He became even more protective of Madison when it was obvious that the hacker had a very personal vendetta against her. The teamwork between Sam and Madison was amazing as they combined his tech brilliance with her knowledge of people. The intensity increased when Sam became the focus of two attacks. I was glued to the pages as they got closer and closer to identifying the culprit. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as things didn't go quite according to plan. The resolution was both satisfying and heartbreaking.

Doctoring the Single Dad - Marie Ferrarella (SSE #2031 - Mar 2010)

Series: Matchmaking Mamas (Book 1)

WAS SHE THE CURE HE WAS LOOKING FOR?

When she spied Lucas Wingate in the exam room, Nikki Connors was only too happy to take charge of his irresistible seven-month-old daughter. But it was the sexy widower who seemed more in need of Nikki's special brand of healing magic...and made her wonder whether she was in need of some romantic therapy herself....

Lucas wasn't planning to fall in love again. But the beautiful, caring pediatrician was suddenly making the single father realize what he'd been missing. All Lucas wanted was for Nikki to take a chance on him...on their future together. And now, thanks to one well-meaning matchmaker, the single dad just might get his wish!

I have read most of the books in the Matchmaking Mamas series, but somehow I missed reading the book that started it all, so I was very happy to track down a copy. The story opened with Nikki's mother Maizie complaining to her two best friends, Cecilia and Theresa, that her daughter resists all of Maizie's attempts to find her a husband. Maizie wants to be a grandmother in the worst way, and Nikki isn't cooperating. So Maizie came up with a plan to circumvent Nikki's refusal for "setups."

I loved the first meeting between Lucas and Nikki. It was great to see how comfortable he was in his role as a single father, and how focused he was on Heather's well-being. He was a bit flustered to find out the doctor was a young, beautiful woman. Nikki noticed Lucas immediately, and as more than just her patient's father. I loved her sympathy for him and his circumstances as she discovered how overwhelmed he was. I ached for him as he filled her in and liked how she tried to help him. Giving him direct access to her was a highly unusual step for her. The emergency call she got from him a few days later wasn't unexpected at all.

I loved the development of the relationship between Nikki and Lucas. There was a connection between them from the start, but both were a little wary of it. Nikki has had several bad relationships and isn't so sure that she wants to chance it again. Lucas thought he'd had his chance at love. But from the night of Nikki's house call on, neither could deny that there was something special growing between them. I loved seeing the two of them together. Both had a terrific sense of humor, and I frequently laughed out loud at the way they teased each other. There were also a couple of fun scenes involving dinners gone wrong and the great way that they handled the issues. However, there was the question of how long it would be before Nikki discovered her mom's part in bringing her and Lucas together. When it happened, Nikki's and Lucas's reactions were exactly what I expected from them. I liked seeing them take their time in developing their relationship, but that also created a conflict. For someone who was so wary of getting involved, Nikki fell hard early on but worried that Lucas wasn't over his wife's death. As their relationship went on, Nikki felt that Lucas wasn't really committed because he never talked about moving their relationship forward. Her fear that she was falling for someone who didn't return her feelings kept growing until she thought she had no choice but to break things off before she got hurt. I ached for Lucas and his shock and just wanted to shake Nikki for not talking to him. I loved the ending, though I did think that Lucas took an awfully long time to go after her. But his heartfelt words and explanation were sweet and believable and showed how much he cared. All Nikki had to do was let go of her fears and believe in what they had.

 

The Baby Arrangement - Tara Taylor Quinn (HSE #2679 - Mar 2019)

Series: Daycare Chronicles (Book 3)

A baby drove them apart.

Can a baby bring them together?

Divorced after a heartbreaking tragedy, Mallory Harris is determined to have a family. Even as a single mother by choice with a baby conceived through artificial insemination. When her ex-husband, Braden, learns of her plan, he offers to be the donor. Mallory is touched…and reluctant. She needs to move on from Braden. But how can she say no to the only man she has ever loved?

Good second chance story. Mallory and Braden divorced after their infant son died unexpectedly. Mallory still wanted to have a family but had no plans to remarry. Instead, she planned to conceive through artificial insemination and raise the baby on her own.

This was a very unusual story. Braden and Mallory were divorced, but they remained friends. Their divorce came about because Mallory's grief was all-consuming. She felt guilty because the baby had died while she and Braden were out on their first overnight since the baby was born. She blamed Braden for them being away and felt guilty because she had been enjoying herself. The guilt made it impossible for her to be intimate with him. Braden was a man who was always in control of his feelings, and he had no idea how to handle Mallory's grief. Time with a therapist was no help because he didn't understand the advice he was given.

Three years after their divorce, Braden, and Mallory were still a big part of each other's lives. They couldn't seem to let go of some part of their relationship. However much they still cared about each other, each of them realized that they needed to take steps to move on. Mallory was determined to have a baby and wanted Baden's support of the idea. Braden was ready to break the news to Mallory that he was going to move from San Diego to LA, putting some physical distance between them. I loved how they were able to talk openly with each other about their plans, but there was also that part that was always held back. Braden has always kept a tight rein on his emotions, thanks to the drama he endured growing up. It wasn't a problem until after the baby died when he was unable to handle Mallory's grief. His need to distance himself drove her to hide her own emotions when he was around. There was no way that their marriage could sustain that.

Braden was shocked by Mallory's plan but listened to everything she had to say. But after their dinner was over, he couldn't forget about any of it. It was interesting to see that he had trouble dealing with the idea of her having a baby with an unknown man, even though he tried to convince himself it was out of concern for her. Mallory was stunned by his suggestion that he provide the sperm. She saw all the drawbacks, in spite of his assertion that he would be hands-off. But as the months went on and her pregnancy advanced, Braden couldn't stop himself from becoming more and more involved. There were many sweet scenes of him doing things for Mallory, and it was easy to see that his love was growing stronger. But he still had trouble dealing with intense emotions. Mallory fought hard against allowing herself to depend on Braden. The thought of going through the same issues of him pulling away when she needed him made her reluctant to put her heart at risk again. Both Braden and Mallory spent a great deal of time and energy second-guessing every decision they made, with each one bringing another issue to the surface.

The further along in the pregnancy, the more intense their feelings became. I liked how this pregnancy caused both Mallory and Braden to recognize the mistakes made during their marriage and resolve to change things in their current situation. It was occasionally frustrating to see how much in love Mallory and Braden were, and how afraid they were to take a chance on it. The final straw came when Braden's logical mind dictated one action, and Mallory's fears and memories made her certain that it wouldn't work. I ached for Braden as she laid out the issues as she saw them, and he couldn't understand what the problem was. It looked like it would be the end of their friendship also. Mallory was determined to ride out the pain of the loss and do what was right for the future. Braden's "aha" moment came at the hands (paws?) of an unexpected source. I loved seeing how that broke through his long-established barriers, and he finally understood what Mallory and the therapist had tried to tell him. His big moment at the end had all of the intensity of emotion that Mallory could hope for. I must admit, I would have liked an epilogue that included the birth.