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Please join me on my 2021 blog

Magical Blessings - Candace Colt (CPC Publishing - Feb 2020)

Series: Cat's Paw Cove (Book 8)

Can love overpower her lonely curse?

Abby Blessing is cursed. Every time she says the word "love", there's an unexpected power failure. She's tried everything—hypnosis, Reiki, meditation, crystals, vitamins, a Keto diet. Nothing works. Back in Cat's Paw Cove for a short visit, she's resigned to live a secluded life.

Beau Grayson, the sexiest and best electrician in town, is a technical genius with a magical gift to talk to cats. But around beautiful women, he's as tongue-tied as King George VI and has zero ability to manage his office. When an out-of-town chain threatens to force him out, Beau has to step up his game.

With her uncanny organizational skills, Abby agrees to help Beau. But her curse and his inability to solder three words together around her doom any chance for romance.

The only one who believes they are a perfect match is Scarlett, a tortoiseshell cat with a real "Tortitude". Does she have enough kitty magic to bring these two humans together for the happy ever after they deserve?

Fun story. Abby is a non-magical member of the Blessing family. She came to Cat's Paw Cove to attend her cousin's wedding, then watch over the pottery shop while Theo is on her honeymoon. Unfortunately for her, she is the victim of a witch's curse that causes electrical issues whenever Abby says the word "love." A slip of the tongue ends up with local electrician Beau called to fix the shop's sudden power outage.

Beau is the Cove's best electrician and comes to Abby's rescue. He's a friendly guy and popular with all of the residents. But as soon as he's close to a woman he thinks is beautiful and that he is interested in, Beau becomes totally tongue-tied. Abby throws him off his game entirely, just when he wants to make a good impression.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Abby and Beau. The sparks between them are obvious from the start. Neither one is looking for a relationship. Abby is only in town for a couple of weeks, and Beau focuses on keeping his business from going under. Scarlet, the tiny tortoiseshell kitten, is a determined matchmaker and finds any number of ways to bring Abby and Beau together. I loved watching Scarlet's antics and how she made a deal with Beau to get him to take Abby to the Valentine's Ball.

Both Beau and Abby try to resist the pull between them, but it's no use. I ached for Abby, who has given up on love because of the curse. It doesn't help that it seems that the effects are getting worse - she can't even think the word, and something happens. Meanwhile, Beau has given in to the need to get to know her better and attempts to convince Abby that the curse is all in her head. I loved Abby's trip to Luna, the local witch and dispenser of advice on how to get rid of a curse. Luna had some eye-opening words for Abby that gave her a new way of looking at things.

Meanwhile, Beau stresses over whether he will be able to stay in business. An out-of-town competitor is undercutting his prices. While Beau is a terrific electrician, the paperwork side of the business is not his strong point. He's been through every accountant in town, and they all refuse to deal with his chaotic non-system. When Abby gets a look at his box full of miscellaneous papers, she can't resist the challenge. I loved watching her bring order to Beau's chaos and his stunned reaction to what she discovered.

At the same time, Scarlet enlisted one of the pottery shop's matchmaking dolls to seal the deal between Beau and Abby. I enjoyed watching their efforts to bring the two together, with the culmination being the Valentine's Ball. I loved the scene in the maze and how Beau figured out a way to make it happen.

Out of the Storm - BJ Daniels (HQN - Jan 2021)

Series: Buckhorn Montana (Book 1)

She can't lose him again…

One look at his warm brown eyes and Kate Jackson knows she's found her husband. It's been twenty years since Daniel was declared dead in a refinery explosion, but Kate never gave up hope, convinced he was somewhere out there, suffering from amnesia. Then, on a trip to Buckhorn, Montana, she sees him—working as a carpenter, scarred, but still her Danny. Yet Jon Harper, as he calls himself, insists he's a stranger.

Jon is certain he's not the man Kate's looking for. Though some of his memories are lost in shadow, how could he ever forget a woman like that? One thing Jon's instinct does tell him is that she's in danger from the very person she should trust most. Helping loyal, lovely Kate will mean exposing his own perilous past…but it's the only way to protect her and this new chance at forever…

Good start to the new series. It opens as Kate receives a proposal of marriage from the man she dated for the past six months. Although she accepts Collin's ring, she can't help having reservations. Twenty years earlier, Kate lost the love of her life, Danny, in a refinery explosion. His body was never identified, and she always believed that he was still alive, possibly suffering from amnesia. She still looks for his face wherever she goes, hoping that he's alive. Despite those reservations, she accepts Collin's proposal, prepared to finally move on with her life. When Collin springs a surprise engagement trip on her, she quickly loses her enthusiasm for the journey when they break down in the middle of a blizzard. Stranded in the tiny town of Buckhorn while they wait for parts, Kate is stunned when she spots Danny, even though he insists his name is Jon and he doesn't know her.

Kate's life suddenly becomes very complicated. On the one hand, she's sure that Jon is Danny; she just needs to convince him of the fact. On the other hand, she has a fiancé who is not at all happy about this blast from Kate's past. Kate doesn't know that Collin has ulterior motives, both for their engagement and this trip. He won't allow anything to interfere with his plans.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Kate and Jon develop. She is dead sure that Jon is Danny and spends every possible minute she can with him, telling him stories of their life together, of their two daughters, and their lives since his disappearance. Jon enjoys hearing the stories, and though he wishes otherwise, he is sure that he isn't Danny. He can't tell her the truth about why but he can't deny that he is drawn to her. After a couple of run-ins with Collin, Jon's instincts tell him that the man is dangerous.

This is where the suspense of the story picks up the pace. Kate wants to stay in Buckhorn and spend more time with Jon, but Collin's situation grows more perilous with each day. Desperate to get Kate away from Jon, Collin takes steps that could put a bulls-eye on Jon's back. Meanwhile, Kate's youngest daughter is taken hostage to ensure Kate's cooperation. I liked how Kate kept her head and managed to warn Jon about his danger. Jon gets some unexpected help from his friend, Earl Ray, as he prepares to go after Kate and Collin. I was glued to the pages through the multiple twists until it was all over. The only thing to figure out was how Kate and Jon could be together. I wasn't too surprised by the how, but the process was very complicated. I loved the ending.

I enjoyed the time spent in Buckhorn and look forward to future books in the series. I loved how the entire town got into the relationship between Jon and Kate. The scenes in the café with everyone crowded around the window were fun. My favorite character is Earl Ray, who initially appears to be just your run-of-the-mill mountain town resident. It doesn't take long to discover that there is much more to him, and I can't wait to learn more.

A Love for All Time - Sandra Davidson (Zebra - Jan 1993)

PRISONER OF HIS PASSION

From the moment she first stood beside the ancient tombstone, Summer Winslow was haunted by tantalizing visions of Colonel John Hawke--a man who had lived more than two centuries ago. Then, Summer suddenly found herself swept back in time to witch-burning Massachusetts... and the darkened bedroom of a magnificent estate. She turned... and walked straight into John Hawke's virile embrace. Trapped in another era, a prisoner of his endless desires, Summer knew his fevered kisses were her destiny, his ardent caresses her fate. Even if she had to change the course of history, she would find a way to lie in his arms... for always.

CAPTIVE OF HER LOVE

The instant she stumbled into his waiting arms, John Hawke knew that at last he'd found the bewitching, silken-skinned beauty who'd consumed his dreams for many a night. A wanton enchantress, she tempted him with her sensuous smile and satiny flesh, enticed him with the promise of endless nights of rapture. Neither a world on the brink of war nor even history itself would ever come between him and the woman who had enflamed his passions... and stolen his heart. She would be his, he vowed... until the end of time!

Good book. Pulled from the depths of my TBR shelves, this 1993 story held up pretty well. Colonial America isn't an era often visited in romances, so this made a nice change in my reading. The story opens as Summer stands over the grave of Elizabeth Hawke and feels an unnerving connection. Over the next months, she researches everything she can find on Elizabeth and the woman's husband, John Hawke. Even more than to Elizabeth, Summer is drawn to John. When she discovers that her local museum owns John's sword, she convinces a friend and fellow museum employee to help her gain access to and hold the sword. She never expected what happened next. Later that night, Summer found herself facing John himself. Rather than the romanticized figure she'd built in her mind, John was a flesh-and-blood man who was stunned to have the woman who'd haunted his dreams for a year show up in his room. He didn't care where she came from; he was ready to make those fantasies real.

John did not make the best impression on me at the beginning. He wanted Summer, and it didn't seem to matter to him that she disagreed. The fact that he was married made no difference to him, though it was a showstopper for Summer. Even convincing John that she was from the future made no difference - he used her desire to return home as a bargaining chip. Summer's problem is that she wants him just as much, but she doesn't want to chance changing anything with her knowledge of the future.

With Summer stuck in the 18th century, she finds herself needing to make the best of her situation. I enjoyed seeing her settle into the lifestyle with very few problems. However, complications continue to pile up. Summer learns some surprising information about John and Elizabeth's marriage, making it harder to resist his advances. Then John's half-brother, Caleb, returns home from time spent with his Indian family members. I loved the first tempestuous meeting between Summer and Caleb, including the follow-up. It made quite the impression on Caleb, who makes his interest in her obvious. The party isn't complete until John's wife Elizabeth returns home also.

Love triangles are not uncommon in romances, but this was something else entirely. John wants Summer, who wants him too, but he is married to Elizabeth for reasons revealed in the book. Elizabeth has been in love with Caleb all her life but married John to protect her reputation when Caleb returned to his people after his father's death. Caleb had loved Elizabeth but felt he had nothing to offer her at that time and left to try to forget her. He is attracted to Summer, and with Elizabeth out of reach, ready to marry her.

There are plenty of emotional moments throughout the book as secrets are revealed, jealousies create drama, and hearts look for answers. I ached for each of these characters whose hearts found true love but fate seemed determined to keep them apart. Added into the mix is a creepy preacher who wants Summer for himself and trouble with a marauding Frenchman with a grudge against the Hawkes. Things get very intense when he kidnaps Summer, Elizabeth, and her daughter. I loved Summer's strength of will and determination to survive, while John and Caleb are hot on their heels. The pursuit is full of twists and turns and kept me glued to the pages until it was all over. In the midst of it all, Caleb figured out the solution to the relationships problem, and I loved how it all worked out.

Boone - Emily March (St. Martins - Jan 2021)

Series: The McBrides of Texas (Book 3)
            Eternity Springs (Book 18)

With his smooth talk, rugged good looks, and deep pockets, native Texan Boone McBride appears to be a man who has it all. Few people know about the heartbreak behind his decision to leave home, family, and career for the isolation of a small town in the Colorado Rockies. Luckily, time and life in Eternity Springs has worked its healing magic upon his wounded soul, so when he meets obviously troubled Hannah Dupree, Boone sees a chance to pay his good fortune forward. The last thing he anticipates is tumbling into love.

Tragedy has taken everything Hannah loves, and her will to keep going is failing. So when Boone strides into her life determined to save her, it's easier to go along with him than to resist. Soon she is drawn into the fabric of life in Eternity Springs, and as her spirit begins to heal, her strength returns, and she's able to go toe-to-toe with this hardheaded, big-hearted Texan. But just when love blooms and happiness is within their grasp, shadows from the past threaten. Hannah and Boone must stand strong and united in order to defeat old ghosts―if they are to create a brand-new life together.

This was a terrific conclusion to the McBrides of Texas subset of the Eternity Springs series. It is a story of love, loss, and healing. Boone is one of the three McBride cousins who inherited the land called Enchanted Canyon back in Texas. Boone doesn't spend much time there, having moved to Eternity Springs, Colorado, after a devastating loss sent him looking for peace and escape. After five years, he's gained the reputation of a smooth-talking, charming ladies' man, but also a man with a big heart. He's ready to move past the pain of his past and is advised that the best way to do so is to "be a light" for someone else.

Hannah has been on the run from her past for three years. After a tragedy took everything that mattered from her, she feels no hope of happiness in her future. She has reached the end of her rope and contemplates her options as she stares at Eternity Springs from the overlook at Lover's Leap.

When Boone sees Hannah standing there, he's compelled to stop. As soon as he gets close to her, he recognizes the pain in her eyes. I loved how Boone stepped into her circle and began talking to her, distracting her from her thoughts. Some of his conversation was pretty ridiculous, but he was desperate to pull her back to the land of the living. I loved how he talked to her about Eternity Springs and encouraged her to explore the town. He even goes as far as to offer to rent her the guest cabin on his property. Boone is quite the steamroller, and he soon has her settled in and ready to explore.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hannah and Boone. The connection is there from the start, thanks to their similar pasts. Boone is further along the road to healing and quickly realizes that Hannah is someone very special. I loved seeing how his kindness and empathy helped Hannah begin to live again. There is a little bump in the road when someone from Boone's past throws a life-changing curveball into his world. It is something that Hannah feels that she isn't equipped to handle. I appreciated how Boone tries so hard not to push her too quickly out of her comfort zone. As a result, she adjusts faster than she expects.

I especially enjoyed Boone's determination to romance Hannah. When Boone makes a decision, he goes all-in, and this was no exception. There were some sweet scenes of them together, from stargazing to glamping. Hannah helps Boone out of several crises that also serve to bring them closer together. I loved seeing the effects of Boone's attention as Hannah's formerly dark existence began to add color and light. Like Boone, when Hannah makes a decision, she commits fully. Their big moment at the end is fantastic, with a fun twist that I didn't see coming. I laughed out loud at Boone's reaction, especially his comment about his cousins. There's one last crisis they have to deal with, but by doing so together, they banish the last of their ghosts and move ahead in a life full of love.

I've never read any of the Eternity Springs books but will have to do so. I'd like to know more about Celeste, who plays an integral part in all three McBride books. I liked what I read about the town and its people and look forward to getting to know more about them. I especially enjoyed the way the women of the town rallied to help Boone with an emergency.

There wasn't much time spent in Enchanted Canyon, but that doesn't mean Tucker and Jackson were left out of the book. Both of them have their moments to shine. I loved how Boone called them for advice when he panicked a little about his feelings for Hannah. They provided an excellent combination of teasing, which he deserved, and truth, which he needed.

Unexpectedly Wed to the Officer - Jenni Fletcher (HH #1551 - Jan 2021)

Series: Regency Belles of Bath (Book 2)

From shopkeeper…

To officer's wife

With a scandal in her past, shopkeeper Henrietta Gardiner has become wary of men, including her friend's brother, dashing officer Sebastian Fortini. When Henrietta is called upon to take in her three young nephews, Sebastian is on hand to help her, even offering a convenient marriage as a solution! Henrietta starts to realize her new husband's carefree exterior hides a more intriguing interior…but where will that leave their hasty marriage?

Good book. We met Henrietta in the first book of the series, An Unconventional Countess, as the heroine's assistant. Henrietta is a beautiful young woman who is also somewhat naïve when it comes to men, which gets her into trouble. At the beginning of this book, she has taken over running the biscuit shop now that Anna is married. After too many encounters with men who see her pretty face and shop girl status as a license to seduce, Henrietta has grown up quite a bit. Now she's wary of anyone who tries to flatter or sweet-talk her and shuts them down hard. She's become very good at protecting herself, which is a good thing when she hears a strange man in the bakery late one night.

Sebastian has been away with the navy for several years. Now that the war is over, there is no need for so many officers, and he finds himself adrift. After more than a year of no communication with his mother and sister, Sebastian decides to visit them at the bakery. Since he arrives late at night, he lets himself in with his key, planning to sleep in a chair until they awaken. Sebastian doesn't understand what happened when a beautiful stranger attacks him with a door and a pair of fireplace tongs.

I loved that first meeting between Henrietta and Sebastian. The whole confrontation was amusing, especially once they figured out what was going on. I ached a bit for Sebastian, who was blindsided by all the changes in his family's lives. I liked Henrietta's sympathy for him and her willingness to help him, though that backfired a little the next morning. However, Sebastian is intrigued by Henrietta, and since he has friends he can visit, he decides to stick around a few days and see if he can get to know her better.

I liked the development of the relationship between Henrietta and Sebastian. She has a good head on her shoulders and manages the bakery very well. However, she also has a brother who recently lost his wife and drowned his grief in alcohol. This leaves Henrietta to pick up the slack with her three young nephews, leaving her feeling somewhat overwhelmed. I loved how Sebastian stepped in and helped her take care of the boys. There are some great scenes with them and Sebastian, who connects with the boys very quickly. I loved watching all five spend time together. Sebastian finds a purpose for his days, Henrietta gets much-needed help, and both get to know each other.

I liked seeing Sebastian's kindness and honorable nature ease Henrietta's distrust. The more time they spend together, the more feelings grow between them. When Henrietta's brother disappears, Sebastian invites her and the boys to go with him to visit his family. Both of them are a little unsure of what to expect, and I liked how they supported each other. I enjoyed following the steps leading up to their marriage, as it was easy to see how they felt about each other, even though neither realized it themselves. I loved their time at Gretna Green, where Sebastian once again showed his finest qualities.

Sebastian and Henrietta just start to recognize their feelings when an unexpected arrival throws their lives into turmoil. I wanted to shake Sebastian for being such a bone-headed idiot and hoped that he would quickly get over it. Meanwhile, Henrietta finds her old fears coming back and thinks that he regrets their marriage. I loved that it was a conversation with Henrietta's oldest nephew that helped both Sebastian and young Peter get past their problems. I liked how the reunion between Sebastian and Henrietta gave them the chance to share their feelings and see their way to a future together. There was also an unexpected twist that affects that future. I hope to see more of them in the next book.

The Viscount's Yuletide Bride - Carol Arens (HH #1541 - Nov 2020)

A Christmas wedding…

A forever vow?

Faced with losing his ward if he remains unmarried, Isaiah Maxwell must find a bride! With spinsterhood beckoning, Felicia Pennyjons is the perfect candidate for a marriage in name only. Which is all it can ever be, after Isaiah renounced love the Christmas Day his mother left him. But Felicia is getting under his skin and, as Christmas approaches, Isaiah's usually painful memories give way to uncharted desire -- for his convenient wife!

Good story. Isaiah will have the worst Christmas of his life since his mother walked out on him when he was a child. For the last eight years, he's raised his orphaned half-sister, but now her paternal uncle and aunt, the Penfields, want to take her away from him. He is sure he has a better chance of keeping Abigail if he is married. When he found an old letter of his mother's to her best friend, talking about a match between him and one of her daughters, it seemed the perfect solution. A marriage of convenience is all he can offer, but hopefully, it will be enough.

Felicia is very close to being on the shelf. She is tall and red-haired as well as forthright in speech. When the viscount's letter arrives, asking for one of the three sisters' hands, Felicia volunteers. One sister is engaged, and the other is very shy, so Felicia feels she is the logical one. As an added benefit, she will have a home and husband of her own.

I liked both Isaiah and Felicia, though he was a bit of a stick to begin with. Since his mother deserted him, Isaiah has disliked everything to do with Christmas. He puts out minimal holiday effort for his sister because of it. Isaiah also tends to be overprotective because of a close call when Abigail was younger. That said, he and Abigail have a close and loving relationship. Losing her would devastate him. Felicia is a young woman with a cheerful personality. She is very close to her brother and two sisters and would do anything for them. She also loves all things Christmas and looks forward to living where there is likely to be snow.

I enjoyed the unexpected first meeting between Isaiah and Felicia. Felicia and her brother had stopped to stay the night in the village, and Felicia visited a dress shop. On the way out, she heard a young girl fussing at her cat, who was up a tree. Felicia offered to climb the tree and get the cat but ran into some difficulty. The girl's brother arrived just in time to catch Felicia, making quite an impression on them both. Of course, the brother was Isaiah, who was stunned to discover that the young woman he'd just rescued was his bride-to-be. I liked the honest conversation between Isaiah and Felicia, as he filled her in on the reasons for the hasty marriage. I loved that he gave her the option of bowing out if she wanted to. Felicia appreciated his honesty, and I liked that she felt comfortable with going through with it.

Neither one expected to be drawn to each other. There were sparks that Isaiah was determined to resist. He closed himself off to love after his mother left and made it clear that love is not on the table. Felicia is willing to settle for friendship, and she and Isaiah quickly discover a comfortable companionship. That ease runs into a big bump in the road when, not knowing his aversion to Christmas decorating, Felicia takes Abigail to cut down a tree. I ached for Isaiah when he first saw that tree and its decorations. The painful flashbacks were heartwrenching. Then came his demand that Felicia remove and destroy it and her refusal. I felt her dismay, especially for Abigail when it was gone the next morning. Her actions were priceless, and I loved the help she had. And oh, the face-off between her and Isaiah when he returned! But Felicia was no pushover, and I loved watching her help Isaiah fight past his demons. He still has a way to go, but things are better. There follow some great scenes with him, Felicia, and Abigail, but the upcoming visit of the Penfields weighs on him.

I was very prepared to dislike the Penfields when they arrived. They showed up early, at a somewhat awkward moment, and the earl was especially unlikeable. I loved that it was Felicia who smoothed things over. That first scene with Felicia and Diana was terrific and gave me hope that things would work out. It took a bit longer for Isaiah and the earl, and I had to laugh at what brought them together. As the days before Christmas progressed, I liked seeing Felicia and Isaiah grow closer and the sparks between them grow stronger. I also liked seeing his heart open, though it took a while for him to realize what he felt.

I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out how the tug-of-war over Abigail was going to turn out. The Penfields weren't the ogres I thought they were initially, so it could go either way. I ached for Abigail when she discovered the truth and felt the others' fears when she turned up missing. The subsequent search and all of its results had me glued to the pages until it was all over. I had no idea how it would end until it got there, though I had my hopes. The tension remained high until the last moment, with some unexpected twists. The conclusion was great, and I liked the epilogue.