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.

Forbidden to the Highland Laird - Sarah Mallory (HH #1544 - Dec 2020)

Series: Lairds of Ardvarrick (Book 1)

A Scottish beauty

Lures the Laird to sin!

Exchanging elegant society balls for clan wars, Logan Rathmore has returned to Scotland as the new Laird of Ardvarrick. Peace is within grasp when he meets musician Ailsa McInnis from a rival clan. Her stubborn pride and innocence fascinate him -- but with her now under his protection, he must do nothing to abuse her trust. The fragile peace is dependent on his being able to resist the forbidden temptation she presents…

Good book. The story begins a few years after the first Jacobite Rebellion, and interactions between the English and the Scots remain a bit tense. Logan Rathmore arrives at Ardvarrick to take up his duties as Laird after his father's unexpected death. Until he was sixteen, Logan lived in Scotland but was then sent off to England to his mother's family to finish his education. He hasn't been back in the ten years since then. Now he must refamiliarize himself with his homeland. Two weeks later, Logan's off to visit his nearest neighbor, Fingal Contullach, the rival clan's laird. On the way, he encounters Ailsa, the castle harpist, who instantly fascinates him.

Ailsa is Fingal's niece and follows in her mother's footsteps as the castle harpist. Though a family member, Ailsa is frequently ignored unless playing, and even then feels more like part of the background. She is wary when she meets Logan, having been warned against men, but she's also intrigued.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Logan and Ailsa. It is a slow burn, as they see each other rarely over the first few months. Logan received a stern warning from Fingal that Ailsa was off-limits, but that didn't stop his fascination with her. There is a beautiful scene at Contullach where, sensing her loneliness, Logan shares his love of poetry with her. But the feelings he stirs in her frighten Ailsa, as she's been told all her life that letting a man into her life would end her ability to make music. However, when she overhears a plot that would break the tentative peace between their clans, she is determined to warn him. Once again, a short time together allows them to get to know each other a little more, but it isn't enough. Logan fights hard against his attraction, well aware of what is at stake, but there's no doubt that she's taken hold of his heart.

There are obstacles ahead before Logan and Ailsa can reach their happy ending. A selfish, vindictive man has them both in his sights. I loved Ailsa's fight and initiative and Logan's pride in her when he found her. But even when Logan claims her for his own, Ailsa has issues that keep her from believing that Logan truly wants her. She worries about being up to the task of Lady of Ardvarrick even though Logan shows her how she's valued and appreciated. The one thing he can't do is get past her assertion that her music is gone forever. Her family spent years grooming her to believe in a curse, and nothing he says will convince her otherwise. I ached for Ailsa and her unhappiness and hoped that eventually, his words would have some effect. Nearly losing Logan in another attack forces Ailsa to face those demons in a last-ditch effort to save him. I loved the culmination of that confrontation and the emotion that spilled from the pages as she finally believed. The epilogue was terrific, and I can't wait for the next book.

I loved how Scotland and its history was almost another character in the book. I liked the peeks into their daily lives, from the weeks spent at the shirling cottage to the looks at the differences between life at Contullach and Ardvarrick. Watching Logan return to his Scottish roots was terrific. The landscape was not forgotten either. The descriptions of Ailsa's practice glen, the land over which they traveled, and even the homes themselves made me feel as if I was there.

A Cowboy's Christmas Carol - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2803 - Dec 2020)

Series: Montana Mavericks: What Happened to Beatrix? (Book 6)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 133)

This holiday... He'll come face-to-face with his past.

Bah, humbug!

It's the holiday season in Bronco, but for tour operator Evan Cruise, 'tis only the season for making money. Haunted by his past, he refuses to celebrate the festivities around him -- until he meets Daphne Taylor. As the owner of the local animal sanctuary challenges Evan's resistance to yuletide spirit, their attraction grows into something deeper. But when Daphne uncovers Evan's shocking family secret, it threatens to tear them apart. Will a little Christmas magic change everything?

Terrific conclusion to this year's Montana Mavericks series. In addition to the ongoing search for Beatrix, there is also a touch of the paranormal. The title is indicative, too, as there are some definite parallels to A Christmas Carol.

Evan is the owner/operator of Bronco Ghost Tours. He is very business-focused, working long hours to make it more successful. He has a reputation as a difficult boss and, combined with his lack of Christmas spirit, frequently leads to Scrooge-like comparisons. His newest idea for during the slow winter season is Yuletide Ghost Tours, a potential money-maker. When he hears that the local animal sanctuary is haunted, he is determined to add it to the tour.

Daphne is the out-of-step daughter of the area's most prominent rancher. She runs an animal sanctuary and is a vegetarian, both of which irritate her father to no end. Daphne and her animals are popular with the townspeople, and she has plenty of volunteers to help her. She's surprised when Evan contacts her about a "business proposition."

I loved the first meeting between Evan and Daphne. Evan is very focused, with a "time is money" attitude, where Daphne is more laid back - and sometimes a little forgetful. She forgot about her meeting with Evan and was mucking out stalls when he arrived. Evan was not impressed and thought that he could easily charm Daphne into doing what he wanted. He couldn't have been more wrong. I loved watching her bring up her concerns, make sure he addressed them, and then negotiate for a portion of the proceeds. I loved seeing him leave confused about how it happened.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Evan and Daphne. Neither one expected the attraction that arced between them. While Evan did his best to ignore it, Daphne was firmly convinced that she'd met "The One." Though Evan doesn't believe in romantic love, he can't deny that he's drawn to Daphne. I loved watching them spend time together over the next few weeks, slowly getting to know each other. Their connection was a little surprising because of their differences. Daphne believes in love at first sight; Evan doesn't. Evan is all about making money, while Daphne is happy having enough to keep the sanctuary going. Daphne loves everything to do with Christmas and is horrified by Evan's lack of Christmas spirit. I loved watching Daphne slowly chip away at that attitude. I also loved the scene where Evan discovered Daphne is a vegetarian. His reaction was great and very unexpected.

Things look very promising between them until Evan and Daphne face off about a secret he keeps from his grandmother. Evan believes he is protecting her, while Daphne thinks he denies her a possible connection she was unaware of. Some harsh words are exchanged. Fortunately, he quickly realized that he went too far (reinforced by comments by both his sister and his grandmother). But on his way to apologize, he wrecked his car in the snow. While unconscious, his experiences gave the book its title in a very amusing interlude. It did serve to bring Evan and Daphne back together, though their story was not finished.

One of the themes running through the book is the haunting of Happy Hearts Sanctuary. Though Evan claims he doesn't believe in ghosts, that wasn't always so. Though a traumatic event as a child caused him to deny his feelings, Evan is very sensitive to the spirit world. On his first visit to Happy Hearts, he heard Alice's ghost crying and was sure that Daphne heard it. Though she didn't admit it to him, Daphne has been conversing with Alice for six months. I loved the scenes between Daphne and Alice, who was full of all kinds of advice. Evan, too, began to experience some strange dreams that were tied to the sanctuary. I loved following this thread and how Daphne and Evan worked together to help Alice. The end of her story was sweet.

Then there was the story of the missing Beatrix, which was a thread throughout the entire series. In the previous book, Melanie (In Search of the Long-Lost Maverick) put a notice on social media with the information she's learned so far. I loved seeing that post bear fruit. The scene as the missing Beatrix was told of the past was fantastic. Her reunion with her mother was incredibly emotional, and I loved seeing the effects on them all.

How to Avoid the Marriage Mart - Eva Shepherd (HH #1548 - Dec 2020)

Series: Breaking the Marriage Rules (Book 4)

A notorious rake

Meets a spirited spinster…

At a weekend shooting party, where the guests are as determined to bag a marriage partner as they are a pheasant, two attendees are under siege. The Duke of Kingsford from a clutch of desperate debutantes, and Charlotte FitzRoy from her matchmaking mother! A pretend courtship between them should keep the others at bay, but an unexpected, impassioned kiss may just bring about the marriage they both sought to avoid!

Good book. Charlotte is one of the "new breed" of women who are independent, intelligent, and not interested in subjugating themselves to the selfish men they are exposed to. She has her interests, such as supporting a hospital in a poor section of London, that don't include trying to catch a husband. Unfortunately, her mother wants her married ASAP, and she doesn't care who the groom is. The shooting party they attend is rife with eager young women and far too many sketchy bachelors. While her mother searches for a target, Charlotte merely wants to ask her host to donate to the hospital.

Another attendee, Nicholas, is on the other end of the problem. Since his recent elevation to Duke, he is the target of every debutante and matchmaking mama he encounters. He has no interest in marriage. He attends the house party to play cards with the host and counts the hours until the card games begin. The only bright spot in the evening is the presence of Charlotte.

Nicholas and Charlotte have a history together. Years earlier, in her first Season, Charlotte approached Nicholas with an unusual and shocking request. He turned her down rather than ruin her prospects, but she saw it as a rejection. She never knew how he felt about her and carried a grudge ever since. Meanwhile, Nicholas left England for a wild time in Europe, hoping to erase her from his mind. It didn't work, and seeing her again brings it all back.

I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. Nicholas and Charlotte encounter each other while trying to escape from their pursuers. Nicholas comes up with the idea of pretending to court as a way of fending off the others. Charlotte is somewhat reluctant at first but quickly realizes the benefits. Though she spent the last years still angry over his rejection, it becomes apparent that the attraction she felt toward Nicholas then is even stronger now. For his part, Nicholas discovers that he tempts fate whenever he is near her. One of the things I loved about Nicholas is that he likes Charlotte just the way she is. He appreciates her sense of justice and honor and enjoys seeing her stand up for herself. There's an amusing scene where Charlotte decides to seduce him and attempts to employ the standard female wiles. It doesn't go well, as Nicholas is completely confused by her actions. A confrontation turns into a heated encounter that gets more than a little out of hand. They narrowly escape a forced marriage, leading to an end of their pretend courtship. Though neither is sure why both are upset at the parting.

The house party also served another purpose. The host, the Marquess of Boswick, demanded a rematch of cards between himself and Nicholas. Boswick believes he is a better cardplayer than he is but consistently loses to Nicholas. This time, Nicholas promises Charlotte that he will donate his winnings to her hospital. Of course, the card game goes his way, angering Boswick again. Even worse, it happens again the next night. Nicholas believes that honor is satisfied and departs the house party early after his argument with Charlotte.

Matters become complicated when Boswick shows up to blackmail Nicholas. Given a choice, Nicholas would rather destroy his own reputation than see anything happen to Charlotte. She is devastated, but I wanted to shake her because she believed what she read in the paper. Then a conversation with Boswick made her reconsider. Once she figured out what really happened, she took steps to right the wrong. I loved what she did - it was so much a Charlotte thing to do. Nicholas's reaction wasn't much of a surprise, nor was Charlotte's response. It took a conversation with her sister-in-law for Charlotte to admit the truth. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing them finally admit to their feelings. The epilogue was terrific.

The Princess's Christmas Baby - Louisa George (HMED #1142 - Dec 2020)

Series: Royal Christmas at Seattle General (Book 4)

A pregnant princess…

…and her knight in shining scrubs?

When a forbidden and oh so passionate weekend together leads to a very unexpected consequence, Dr. Lucas Beaufort and Princess Gigi Baresi find their lives turned upside down. So when a car crash leaves Gigi's father -- the king! -- with his life hanging in the balance, she'll have to decide: duty to the crown, or claim the family, and love, she's always wanted…

Like the other books in the series, this one takes place during the time between the automobile accident that injured the king and Christmas, plus a prologue that sets the scene for Gigi and Lucas's relationship. Lucas is Gigi's brother's best friend, and Dom asked Lucas to watch over her during a visit to Seattle during the summer. Gigi has the reputation of being trouble-prone, though she is trying to change that. That troublesome side of her comes out when attraction flares between her and Lucas.

Lucas is a buttoned-up kind of guy who Gigi calls "Captain Serious." Events in his past have caused him to lock away his emotions. He isn't happy when sparks of attraction flare between himself and his best friend's little sister. Resisting her determined advances is impossible, and they spend an intense weekend together before parting ways.

The next time Lucas sees Gigi is when she and her father arrive in his ER at Seattle General. Before she consents to have her injuries treated, Gigi insists on seeing Lucas. He is stunned when she drops the bomb that she is pregnant, and he is the father. Lucas never intended to have a family, so this news isn't very well received at the beginning. Fortunately, after adjusting to the idea, he wants to be sure that his child never suffers from the same miserable family relationship that he did. I liked how he wanted to have a serious conversation with Gigi about how they would handle it. I was not very happy with how Gigi kept putting it off.

Matters are complicated by the fact that with her father in a coma and her brother incognito as a doctor at the hospital, Gigi is the one who must provide leadership for their small country. While I applauded her conscientious devotion to duty, I also felt that she frequently used it as an excuse not to have the necessary discussions with Lucas. I did approve of her invitation for him to return to Isola Verde with her so that they could spend time together.

I ached for both Lucas and Gigi during this visit. They grow closer physically and emotionally, but their differences also become more apparent. Lucas is uncomfortable with the whole palace/royalty life where he feels useless. Things improve somewhat when Gigi takes him to the new hospital, and an unexpected turn of events gives him a purpose while he's there. Gigi spends a lot of time tempting Lucas and pushing for more than he's ready to give. When they return to Seattle, her future and his seem to be set on different paths. I hurt for Lucas when Gigi walked away because of duty and for Gigi because she needed him in her life. I loved the ending when Captain Spontaneous replaced Captain Serious, and Lucas went after the family he never knew he wanted.

I enjoyed the epilogue as it brought together all four couples from the series a year later. I liked catching up on their lives, though I was a little confused. The resolution of the country's leadership was not the same as I thought it was at the end of the first book, Falling for the Secret Prince. I'm not sure if it is a continuity issue or an evolution of the plan. Either way, I did like it.

The Bodyguard's Christmas Proposal - Charlotte Hawkes (HMED #1141 - Dec 2020)

Series: Royal Christmas at Seattle General (Book 3)

The top of her Christmas list?

A family!

Nurse Kat Steel always wanted a big family, but a childhood accident and her ex's departure ended that dream -- she's not about to lay her heart on the line again. Until Logan Connors -- ex-bodyguard and new trauma surgeon -- and his adorable son arrive! Logan's complicated past means he's not looking for happily-ever-after, either. Could a little mistletoe magic change that for them all?

Good book. Like the previous two books in the series, it takes place over the days between the auto accident that brought the Isola Verde royal family into the hospital and Christmas. This book centers on Logan Connors, the king's bodyguard, and Kat Steel, one of the ER nurses.

When Logan arrives in the ER, he makes an immediate impression on everyone around him. Thanks to his past as an army doctor, his actions saved the life of the VIP patient (most are not aware of his identity). His presence and looks earn him the nickname "Comic Book God" from many of the nurses. Kat is assigned to treat Logan's injuries, a task made more difficult by Logan's focus on his charge rather than his own well-being. I loved Kat's determination and how she finally got through to him. Underneath the practicalities, sparks of attraction flew between them.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Logan and Kat. The connection they felt in the ER grew stronger when Kat encountered Logan and his son Jamie the next day. Both are determined to resist it. Logan was burned in his marriage to Jamie's mother and preferred to keep his focus on Jamie. Kat was deeply hurt by her ex-fiancé and the reason he broke off their engagement. A second blow brought the end to another dream, leaving Kat determined to protect her heart. But when Logan starts his new job as one of the ER's doctors, they find it impossible to avoid each other. Add in one determined little boy who has fallen in love with Kat, and the connection between them continues to grow.

To protect their hearts, both Logan and Kat believe that they can have a holiday fling and keep their emotions out of it. The chemistry between them is intense, and there is no doubt about their physical connection. Neither expected the more profound attachment as they spent time as a family unit. I ached for Kat as Jamie wiggled his way into her heart, reminding her of the things she couldn't have. As her feelings for Logan grew, Kat dreamed of a life together but also believed that it was an impossible dream. Logan also found himself letting go of the past and thinking of a future with Kat. I loved his reaction when she told him about her ex. I hurt for them both when Kat pushed Logan away because of her fears. The ending was perfectly done, with Jamie playing a big part in showing Kat that they all belong together.

Something that got my attention throughout the book was some of the language. The book takes place in the US, with American characters, yet British terminology crept in. Kat wore a jumper, not a sweater; it was a doctor's shout in the ER, not his turn; and things were sorted rather than organized. It's not a detriment to the book, just something that would briefly draw my attention from the story itself.

Operation Mountain Recovery - Justine Davis (HRS #2117 - Dec 2020)

Series: Cutter's Code (Book 12)

He's sworn to protect

...until it gets complicated.

After Deputy Brady Crenshaw rescues a confused woman from a near-fatal mountain accident, he's shocked at her confession. Even more bewildered when a determined dog urges him to shield her. Ashley admits she's afraid of powerful forces pursuing her. She may need more than protection. So as the lawman jeopardizes his career to hide her, Ashley starts to trust him and bond with the sly canine pushing them together. But exactly who is Ashley Jordan, really? And who wants to silence her?

I always look forward to a new Cutter book, and this was no exception. Quinn and Haley Foxworth are on an anniversary trip when their dog Cutter lets them know there is trouble ahead. Sure enough, they come upon Brady, a deputy preparing to rescue the victim of a traffic accident. They all work to pull Ashley from the wreck, only to discover something very strange going on.

Ashley believes that she is slowly going insane, just as her father did. She has nightmares of monsters, episodes of forgetfulness, and has been found wandering with no idea how she got there. Her mother, the town mayor, moved Ashley back home to keep her safe and set her up with the local psychiatrist. During the times when she's clear-headed, Ashley is terrified of what the future holds for her. The latest accident is one more nail in her mental coffin. The only bright side is the handsome deputy who shows concern for her well-being and the dog who exudes comforting vibes.

I loved seeing Cutter do his "fix it" stare at the accident scene. Quinn and Haley are quite used to his intuitive actions now and are ready to help if asked. After reading past reports of Ashley's problems, Brady is warier, but he can't deny that something feels off to him. When he finds Ashley at a very low point, he knows he needs to get involved and takes Ashley to Quinn and Haley.

I enjoyed the intertwining of the suspense and the romance. Brady felt protective of Ashley from the beginning, even when he wasn't sure of her story. As Brady becomes more convinced that there is nothing wrong with Ashley's mind, his confidence gives her the strength to believe in herself. Sparks of attraction flare between them. Brady tries to resist, careful not to take advantage of Ashley's turmoil, while Ashley doesn't want to do anything to drive him away. Neither of them stands a chance against Cutter and his belief that they belong together.

While I suspected the truth early in the book, it was even worse than I knew. I loved seeing Quinn, Haley, and the Foxworth Foundation do what they do best - fight for those that need it. Brady is a "by the book" lawman but quickly appreciates the resources the others bring to the table. There are some interesting moments between Brady and Quinn as Brady reconciles what needs to be done with the rules he works under. I ached for Ashley as they came closer to the truth and an unexpected twist brought the last piece of the puzzle. I loved Brady's anger on Ashley's behalf and how having that support gave Ashley added confidence. I loved her anger and determination to see justice done. The final confrontation was fantastic, and seeing Ashley face down her tormentor was incredibly satisfying. I loved the ending and seeing Brady and Ashley look toward the future together.

As always in a Cutter's Code book, the dog is an integral part of the story. After sixteen months together, Quinn and Haley have accepted Cutter's unique abilities and have learned not to ignore him. It is always fun to see new people's responses to his actions, and Brady and Ashley were no exception. It was amusing to see them go from disbelief to amazement after hearing about his successes. And that was before learning about his secondary talent for matchmaking. The descriptions of Cutter's antics and his uncaninelike facial expressions were such that I could easily picture them. I especially enjoyed the "smug" looks and his depiction at the end as "utterly relaxed" because "obviously the dog considered his work done."

I liked seeing characters from previous books make appearances. They weren't tossed in willy-nilly but had specific roles to play. References to previous cases enhanced Foxworth's standing in Brady's eyes as he grew to understand precisely what they do. I especially enjoyed seeing Gavin and his reputation play a big part in the end. I can't wait for the next book - still waiting for a story for Rafe.

Scarred Santa - Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy (Clean Reads - Nov 2016)

His Persian Gulf service as a Marine left Rafe Sullivan wounded and scarred. His return to civilian life has proved difficult at best. He's quit more jobs than most people ever hold in a lifetime and he's become a near recluse. Although he interacts with his widowed mother and his brother's family, Rafe lives lonely.

A chance glance at a beautiful woman at a church dinner leads to another encounter. Sheena Dunmore comforts him during a PTSD moment and because of her, he accepts a job playing Santa Claus at the mall for the holiday season. Being Santa offers many challenges but as Rafe grows closer to Sheena, he finds it easier and easier to overcome them. Rafe falls in love but he soon decides it's best if he backs away so Sheena can meet someone better. He realizes his mistake but must face his greatest fear of all – fire – or there may not be a chance for a new beginning with Sheena.

Terrific Christmas story. Rafe tugged at my heart from the very first pages. He has been through so much with multiple deployments and ending with being badly injured. Though he has recovered physically, the scars he has are emotional as well as physical. The reactions that some people have to his scars eat away at his self-confidence. Every job he's had since returning ends when something runs up against those insecurities. Though he spends time with his family, he even keeps them at a distance. I loved how they kept trying to involve him in family life. I liked his brother's end-run around Rafe's reluctance to go out and got him to help their mother with a doctor appointment.

I ached for Rafe when he experienced a PTSD event at the mall. He was stunned when a woman he noticed at church sat beside him and helped him through the episode. He is amazed that she doesn't react to his scars. Shortly after that, Rafe's brother Mike informs him that he's gotten Rafe a job working as the mall Santa for the holidays. Rafe is reluctant at first but discovers that he can be a little bit more of the old Rafe behind Santa's beard. One of the benefits of being Santa is the chance to get to know Sheena better.

I loved watching the relationship develop between Rafe and Sheena. She can sense when he is having difficulty, and her calm, sweet manner has a soothing effect on him. I liked seeing them get to know each other over shared lunches. Sheena's belief in him helped Rafe shore up his confidence as he handled the trials and tribulations of being a mall Santa. I loved how she looked out for him on the rough days and her rescue on a horrible one. One incident could have gone very badly for Rafe, but thanks to Sheena's support and that of a pint-sized wingman, Rafe came through it beautifully.

It didn't take long for Rafe to believe that he could have the family he yearned for after all. I loved watching him slowly open his heart to love and hope. It was also easy to see that Sheena felt the same. But a resurgence of Rafe's insecurities caused him to push her away. I ached for them both and liked seeing Sheena push back. Fortunately, Rafe didn't take long to realize he was wrong. However, he had to face one of his greatest fears before he could fix his mistake. I loved the Christmas morning scene and the surprise he had for Sheena.

The Wife He Needs - Brenda Jackson (HD #2773 - Dec 2020)

Series: Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws (Book 1)

Will this billionaire bachelor say "I do" to love?

He desires her more than any other woman. But falling in love isn't part of the plan. The arrangement is simple: a two-week getaway, then a marriage of convenience. Until Garth Outlaw's potential bride is a no-show. Now family pilot Regan Fairchild is sharing his bed -- and he can't get enough…even though he's vowed never to love again. Can Regan convince him the wife he needs and the woman he desires are one and the same?

Good start to the new series about the recently discovered Outlaw branch of the Westmoreland family. The various members are introduced in Breaking Bailey's Rules, including the fact that family patriarch Bartram Outlaw wants nothing to do with the Westmorelands. His kids, however, are happy to meet their cousins, some of whom make brief appearances in this book.

Garth is the oldest of the Outlaws and in charge of running the company. He decided it is time to get married, but there's a catch. Years earlier, while in the Marines, Garth fell in love with a woman who was killed in action. He believes he can't (or is it won't) fall in love again, so he plans a marriage of convenience. He has a two-week getaway scheduled with a woman he met through a dating service to see if they would suit. But when he arrives at his destination, the woman is a no-show, leaving him at loose ends. So he asks Regan, his pilot and longtime friend, to stick around.

Regan has known Garth all of her life. Her father was the Outlaws' pilot before her, and she grew up with the Outlaw kids as friends. However, her feelings for Garth are decidedly not friendly. She had a crush on him from the time she was sixteen, and in recent years that crush turned to love. Regan knows he only sees her as a friend. Even though she's been a fill-in date a few times, she longs for more. When he invites her to stay with him for those two weeks, she sees her chance to show him she can be what he needs.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Regan and Garth. We know Regan's feelings from the beginning, but Garth's are more complicated. He's sure he will never love another and plans to enter a loveless but convenient marriage. One motivating factor for the marriage is the inconvenient attraction Garth feels for Regan. He thinks that marriage will solve that problem. For the first couple of days Regan and Garth spend together both struggle to hide their attraction though some of it leaks through their erected shields. Garth gets the bright idea that they can indulge themselves for the two weeks, as long as she realizes that love and marriage are not in the cards. Though Regan is stunned and angry at first, she decides that the best way to show Garth what he needs is to give him what he thinks he wants.

I loved watching Garth and Regan spend time together. While their physical connection was intense, the time they spent otherwise occupied deepened their emotional connection. Many scenes of shared interests, from performances to hikes to cooking, brought them closer together. They also shared some more painful memories, such as Regan's loss of her mother and Garth's loss of his fiancée. But Garth is a hard nut to crack, and their return to Alaska ends their affair.

I ached for Regan, who had such high hopes, only to have them dashed by Garth's actions. Meanwhile, Garth is deservedly miserable without Regan. By the time he sees the truth of his feelings, matters become complicated by an unexpected visitor. I ached for Regan and how, devastated, she makes a hard decision about her future. I loved the scene with Garth's siblings and the kick in the pants they provided. Garth did an excellent job of not quite groveling but finally opening up his heart to her. I loved the ending and Garth's over-the-top demonstration of his love.

I enjoyed getting to know a little bit about each of the Outlaw Westmorelands. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would also like to find out the story behind Bartram Outlaw's attitude about his Westmoreland family.

Deck the Halls - Donna Alward (St. Martin's - Oct 2017)

Series: Darling, Vermont (Book 3.5)

With shades of It's a Wonderful Life, one man must face his past to find his future this Christmas.

In the last year, George's life has drastically changed. The formerly homeless veteran now has a job he likes, a family in the residents of Darling, VT, and for the first time in years, a home. But while his present is good, he's still haunted by the past, a past that appears shortly before Christmas when the older sister of his brother-in-arms hunts him down and finds him in Darling, working at the Ladybug Garden Center.

Amy's looking for closure for her family after her brother's death in the Middle East, but the serious man she finds working in Vermont doesn't resemble the soldier she remembers from years before. This man is hardened and yet somehow fragile, too, and in her desire to find out what really happened to her brother, she learns more about George than she ever expected.

With a little Christmas magic and the whole town supporting them, can these two bruised hearts make a future together?

Terrific novella. George was a secondary character in the earlier Darling, Vermont, books. He is a veteran who lost his best friend in combat and blamed himself. After returning from his last deployment, George spiraled into PTSD induced depression, ending up homeless. When he landed in Darling, he drew the Gallaghers' attention, who, with kindness and patience, helped George get the help he needed. Now he has a job he likes, a family of sorts, and a place of his own. His somewhat fragile peace of mind takes a hit when that friend's twin sister shows up in Darling, looking for answers about her brother's death.

Amy has searched for George for fifteen years. The last time she saw him when the guys visited before they deployed, she and George connected. When Ian died, and George disappeared, she was left with lots of questions. Now that she found him, the changes in him shock her.

The development of George and Amy's relationship is full of ups and downs and incredibly emotional exchanges. When Amy first shows up, George feels blindsided by the memories she stirs up. He's quite blunt when he tells her that he doesn't want to talk about it and she needs to leave him alone. Amy isn't one to give up easily, and something in his eyes told her that he needed to tell her as much as she needed to hear. She also realized she needed to soften her approach. I loved seeing her show up the next day with lunch and a willingness to be there and not push for answers. Over the next few days, they rekindled their earlier friendship and began to exchange stories.

I liked how Amy shared her past and problems and the way it opened George's eyes. He wasn't the only one who felt broken, which made it a little easier for him to open up. My heart broke for him as George finally shared what happened and his feelings about it. The depth of his pain leaped off the page as he broke down in Amy's arms. I loved her statement, "I wish it hadn't taken fifteen years for me to tell you that it's okay and that…I don't forgive you because there's nothing to forgive."

I loved seeing the changes in George as he began to move forward. He and Amy spend a lot of time together, and the old attraction between them begins to simmer and grow. But both of them are exceedingly wary. Amy still suffers from her marriage's hurts and disappointments and is reluctant to risk her heart again. George has quite a few insecurities of his own, especially seeing a significant gap between his circumstances and Amy's. When George realizes how much his feelings for Amy have grown, he reacts by pushing her away. Some harsh words fly between them, and both retreat into their pain. While both kick themselves for over-reacting, neither is quite sure how to fix it. I loved the talk that Amy had with Willow, which gave her a starting point. My heart cheered for George as he learned what he meant to the people of Darling. The book ended on a huge emotional high as George and Amy found their way back to each other and took an honest and heartfelt look at the possibilities for their future. I loved the finale of Christmas Day with Amy's parents and what it meant to George.

I loved that this story didn't hesitate to show the reality of George's struggles upon his return home. Guilt, shame, and fear were his daily struggles, and successes sometimes seemed to be few and far between. I loved how his friends were so proud of him and wanted him to be happy. I especially loved Laurel's confidence in George and how she showed it. 

Neurosurgeon's Christmas to Remember - Traci Douglass (HMED #1136 - Nov 2020)

Series: Royal Christmas at Seattle General (Book 2)

Christmastime with a stranger --

A lifetime together?

Neurosurgeon Maxwell is determined to atone for the one life he couldn't save…his late wife's. Set to perform delicate surgery on a king, Max finds himself shadowed by PR director Ayanna. They must work together to keep the king's case a secret. But when Ayanna temporarily moves in to Max's apartment, they face a very different type of tension -- their undeniable attraction!

Very good book. This book takes place simultaneously with the first book in the series, Falling for the Secret Prince, but concentrating on the king's neurosurgeon and the hospital's PR director. It can be read as a standalone, but the first book provides additional background and context.

Ayanna is the new PR director for the hospital and her first day is chaotic. The hospital's upcoming fundraiser ball is way behind in its planning, a VIP patient arrived three weeks early for his surgery thanks to a car accident and his presence must be kept quiet, and she needs to pick up the patient's neurosurgeon at the airport. She's not happy to arrive at the airport and find he's already gone.

Max has no time to wait around. Max must act fast with his patient badly injured to ensure that his future surgery isn't jeopardized. He neither wants nor needs the hospital's PR person's constant attention, but he can't get rid of her.

The sparks flew at the first meeting between Ayanna and Max, and they weren't all antagonistic. Once they got past that earlier unpleasantness, they discovered they got along pretty well. Perhaps too well. Both were aware of each other in ways that they preferred to avoid. Max had locked down his emotions after his wife's death - a death he blamed himself for. He deals with his loneliness by burying himself in his work. Ayanna swore off men and love after her fiancé ran off with her best friend. Now she's concentrating on her career.

When Ayanna needs a place to stay while her apartment undergoes repairs, Max offers her the second bedroom in his hotel suite. As they spend time together, the attraction between them blossoms. I enjoyed seeing Max use his love of cooking to take care of Ayanna. It was fun to see Ayanna pull Max into her family's circle by inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner with them. I loved the slow lowering of the walls around their hearts and seeing the trust build. But when each of them realizes that their feelings go deeper than expected, old fears resurface. I ached for them both when a careless comment set off an argument that ended in harsh words and hurt feelings. Though both realized their mistakes quickly, each believed that it was too late to fix it. I loved the support that Ayanna got from her family, including the advice not to give up. Max had to provide his own kick in the pants, and I loved the nod to Clarence and It's a Wonderful Life. I adored the scene at Ayanna's parents' house, from her and Max's reunion to her family's antics. 

Impact Zone - Julie Anne Lindsey (HI #1971 - Jan 2021)

Series: Tactical Crime Division: Traverse City (Book 3)

When Grand Rapids falls victim to a serial bomber,

the Tactical Crime Division launches into action.

Veteran TCD special agent Max McRay is the definition of unflappable. But when a serial bomber wreaks havoc in the town where his ex-wife, Allie, and infant son live, suddenly a high-profile case becomes personal. The bomber is ruthless…and now Max's family is in his sights. Can the TCD stop this killer's deadly rampage before Max and Allie pay with their lives?

Excellent blend of suspense and a second chance romance. Max is the explosives expert on the Tactical Crime Division team. When he hears about the bombs in Grand Rapids, he suggests to his boss that the team get involved. Max has an ulterior motive in that his ex-wife and infant son live in that city. They may be divorced, but Max still loves Allie and wants to protect her. Allie divorced Max a few months earlier because she couldn't handle how work always came before the family with Max. She moved to Grand Rapids to put some space between them and try to move forward with her life.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Max and Allie. It is evident from the start that they still love each other. Max is super-protective thanks to the things he has seen, and even though divorced, he calls Allie to warn her of the bombings. Allie tends to be a bit more relaxed and trusting, which was one of their marriage issues. Be that as it may, they still have an amicable relationship. Allie welcomes Max to her home when he arrives in town. I loved Max's sweet scenes with his son and the evidence of how much love he has to share. The time he spent away from Allie made him realize how many things he did wrong during their marriage. He yearns for a way to fix it but doesn't know if he can.

Spending time with Max reinforces that Allie still loves him and reminds her of why they parted. She had a hard time with the way he put other peoples' families ahead of theirs. But when Allie gets an up-close and personal view of what Max does, she begins to understand him and what drives him. The ending had me on the edge of my seat as Max was in the fight of his life to save Allie. Both of them realized life was too short to throw away what they had together. I loved the epilogue and the changes it showed in their relationship.

The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me turning the pages far into the night. The team's pursuit of the serial bomber was well portrayed in its successes and frustrations. An early look into the mind of the serial bomber showed his determination. The intensity ramped up as Max and the others closed in on the bomber. The apartment scene had me glued to the pages as I felt like I was right there with Max. When the final confrontation came, the bomber's methods and intentions were terrifying. Max's coolness under pressure was terrific, and I loved how Allie kept her head and found a way to help.

His Last-Chance Christmas Family - Michelle Major (HSE #2805 - Dec 2020)

Series; Welcome to Starlight (Book 3)

A perfect Starlight Christmas

Is this Christmas the perfect time for their last chance?

Widowed after an unhappy marriage, single mom Brynn Hale has finally returned home to Starlight. She's ready for a fresh start for her son, and what better time for it than Christmas? Still, Nick Dunlap is the one connection to her past she can't let go of. Nick let his status-conscious parents talk him out of pursuing Brynn in high school and he's not sure he deserves a chance with her now. But the magic of the season might make forgiveness -- and love -- a little bit easier for them both…

Terrific friends-to-lovers/second chance story. Brynn recently lost her husband when he died in a crash - along with his latest mistress. After ten years of an unhappy marriage and putting a brave face on for the town, she is ready to take back her life. One part of her past is Nick, her best friend growing up, and her high school crush. Their friendship hasn't been the same since then, and she misses it. Nick is now the police chief in Starlight but still feels like he hasn't lived down his high school reputation. At that time, he was the town bad boy with a revolving door of girlfriends.

I was sucked into this story from the beginning. I liked Brynn. Her life hasn't been an easy one, but she made it work. Getting pregnant just before high school graduation and marrying the baby's father hadn't been her preferred plan. I was impressed by her determination to be a good mother and how she kept working to improve her life. I loved that she kept her head up even when she was the subject of the town's gossips. I liked Nick too. Yes, he'd been a selfish jerk in high school and not a very good friend to Brynn. But losing both his brother and his father in a short period of time changed him.

I liked the development of the relationship between Brynn and Nick. Brynn had never lost her old crush on him, and her encounters with him since Daniel's death have added to the attraction she still feels for him. Nick regretted his high school idiocy for years. He stayed friends with Brynn and Daniel during their marriage but kept his feelings under wraps. Nick feels guilty over being the one who set Brynn up with Daniel and is now determined to do everything he can to help her, however she needs it. But he also refuses to do anything about those feelings for fear of hurting her again.

Their lives take an unexpected twist when one of Daniel's girlfriends shows up with his baby, then disappears, leaving the baby with Brynn. Brynn falls in love with little Remi and wants to keep her, but circumstances place Remi with Nick as her foster parent. A fire at Brynn's house sends her and Tyler to stay with Nick while their home is repaired. As the four of them settle into a pseudo-family, the sparks between Nick and Brynn continue to grow. I loved Nick's connection with young Tyler, his unexpected bond with little Remi, and his yearning to make this temporary life permanent. I loved watching him overcome his fears and his sweet attempts to "court" Brynn. His biggest problem was his protectiveness and wanting to shield her from things that could hurt her.

Meanwhile, Brynn had been working hard at taking charge of her life. Her feelings for Nick continue to grow, fed by his care and belief in her. She's just beginning to believe that they have a future together when an unexpected visitor blows a hole in that dream. I ached for Brynn and her feelings of betrayal and hurt. Her anger was believable, and I liked how she confronted Nick over it. I felt a little sorry for Nick because he hadn't realized what he was doing and is devastated by what she said. Their misery oozed off the page, and I could feel their pain. I liked how their friends supported them while also pointing out some things neither Nick nor Brynn had considered before. I liked Nick's big moment in the end and his heartfelt declaration of his feelings.

I liked the secondary characters. Brynn's son Tyler was terrific. He's a good kid with a big heart who is portrayed as a relatively normal ten-year-old boy. I loved his fascination with the baby, and he was adorable with her. He also had a few instances where he wasn't quite so sweet, adding to the story's realism. I also liked Brynn and Nick's friends and both the support and the tough love they need.

After reading the book, I was a little confused by the back-of-the-book blurb. Brynn wasn't returning to Starlight; she's lived there her whole life. This is part of her self-confidence issue as she felt judged by others her entire life. As for Nick, I recall nothing about his parents discouraging him about Brynn. He blames it all on his selfishness and stupidity.