The Country Guesthouse - Robyn Carr (Mira - Jan 2020)

Series: Sullivan's Crossing (Book 5)

A summer rental, a new beginning…

Hannah Russell's carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she's terrified she's not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.

When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can't help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.

But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan's Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.

Sweet story of love, healing, and family. Hannah is a busy sales exec for a medical equipment company. Her life is going as planned, with her wedding approaching rapidly, and her career on track for a promotion. Then she returns early from a less than satisfactory team-building exercise to find her fiancé in bed with her assistant. This is followed by the unexpected death of her best friend, leaving Hannah as the guardian of Erin's five-year-old son Noah. Determined to do the motherhood thing right, Hannah rents a house near Sullivan's Crossing, takes family leave from her job, and gives herself and Noah a chance to grieve their loss and get to know each other.

The house is owned by Owen, a brilliant photographer who rents his home while he travels. His most recent trip was canceled, leaving Owen at loose ends. Rather than cancel the rental, Owen stays in his studio, leaving the house to Hannah and Noah. He promises to keep out of their way, but his dog Romeo and Noah have other plans. Owen quickly finds himself drawn into Hannah and Noah's lives.

I loved the development of the relationship between Owen and Hannah. They are attracted to each other from the moment they met, but with only a two-week stay planned, neither is prepared to do anything about it. They attempt to bury the attraction and quickly form a satisfying friendship. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other, from quiet morning coffee on the porch to outings with Noah. By the time the two weeks are up, both Owen and Hannah acknowledge that there is something special between them. Owen convinces Hannah that she and Noah should stay for the summer and see where it goes. Owen also shares the tragedy he experienced twelve years earlier that changed his life.

The romance between Owen and Hannah is a slow-burning one. I liked that they took their time to get to know each other. Owen is a sensitive man who excels at understanding other people's feelings. Both he and Hannah keep their lines of communication open, talking about issues before they become problems. I loved that Owen was there for Hannah, supporting her without taking over. I liked the way that he made his feelings clear, and his hopes for the future, without putting any pressure on Hannah. This enabled Hannah to regain trust in her feelings and her judgment.

Things aren't all rainbows and flowers though. Hannah became Noah's guardian because Erin was estranged from her family. Her mother was emotionally abusive and showed an undeniable preference for Erin's brother. Roger was physically and emotionally abusive, as well as an addict and criminal. Erin's will made it clear that her family was to have no contact with Noah. Hannah was shocked when Erin's mother, Victoria, challenged her for custody and was suspicious of her motives. Hannah's protective instincts were fierce and I liked seeing her inner strength revealed. Hannah's new friends rallied around her to help however they could. I especially liked Helen's methods, which were unconventional but effective. There was a twist to the resolution that I didn't see coming but really enjoyed.

Noah was adorable. I liked watching him bond with both Hannah and Owen. It was terrific to see that he and Hannah were able to talk about their grief at the same time they built their own relationship. He wasn't a perfect child, which was refreshing. His actions were realistic for his age, with the occasional meltdown and bits of stubbornness. I loved the way that he and Romeo bonded. It was so much fun to see the two of them together. Noah's explanations of Romeo's clumsiness to others were always amusing. I ached a bit for him when he talked about being different from other kids, and loved seeing the changes he experienced while at the lake.

I enjoyed seeing various characters from earlier books. Even though I have only read the first book and this one, I never felt lost. There was enough information given to enlighten without bogging things down in recaps. It did whet my appetite to go back and read the others.

Hot Magic - Catherine Kean (CPC Publishing - Dec 2019)

Series: Cat's Paw Cove (Book 5)

While clearing out her late mother’s home in Cat’s Paw Cove, Florida, Molly Hendrickson finds an unusual antique necklace. Wearing it makes her feel confident and sexy—things she hasn’t felt since her ex broke off their engagement or, really, ever. She decides to keep the jewel but takes other items to Black Cat Antiquities, the local antique store, to have them appraised.

Lucian Lord, a reincarnated 12th century knight, moved to Cat’s Paw Cove after a scandal in which he revealed his magical abilities to his former girlfriend. Demoted by his superiors, he’s running the antiques shop while his grandfather is on vacation. But, when Molly brings in artifacts tainted by dark magic, Lucian is duty-bound to find and contain the dangerous energy before it wreaks havoc not only on the town, but the world.

Living by the knightly code of honor, Lucian vows to help Molly, especially when he realizes the necklace is the source of the ancient magic he’s hunting. He’s determined to save his headstrong damsel and redeem his tarnished reputation—but first, things will get very, very hot.

Fun book with romance and a battle between good and evil. The book opens with a prologue telling how Lucian and his cat, Galahad, ended up in the position they are in. Lucian is a reincarnated knight whose mission is to track down objects with dark magic and contain them. He is in Cat's Paw Cove helping his grandfather with his antique shop after getting in trouble with his bosses for revealing his magical abilities to his non-magical girlfriend. The revelation did not save the relationship, so he's off relationships for the time being.

Molly is a third-grade teacher who is in Cat's Paw Cove to clear out her late mother's home before selling it. Her self-esteem took a hit when her fiancé broke off their engagement, and her mother's death added to her unhappiness. When she finds an unusual necklace and tries it on, it changes the way she sees herself.

I liked the first meeting between Molly and Lucian. He and Galahad first notice her as she stood in front of the shop. Lucian is attracted to her from the moment he sees her, a fact that isn't lost on Galahad. Galahad, who was formerly Lucian's squire, is a fourteen-year-old boy in a cat's body. It was fun to see Galahad stir up Lucian during Molly's first visit. Molly is just as attracted as Lucian and has a hard time concentrating around him.

Things start to get crazy when Molly takes some jewelry to Lucian but keeps the necklace for herself. On the professional side, Lucian's dark magic alarms go crazy every time Molly takes the necklace out of its special box, but because Molly puts it away quickly, Lucian has a hard time locating the source of the magic. Every time that Molly puts the necklace on, she feels sexier and more confident, and more determined to have Lucian. It quickly becomes clear that the dark magic has a personal connection to Lucian after a hair-raising confrontation at his shop. I ached for Lucian when instructions from his bosses made it look like his relationship with Molly would be over before it began. The final confrontation was intense and terrifying as Lucian battled to save Molly from the evil that followed him through the ages.

This was the darkest of the Cat's Paw Cove stories so far. The intensity of the danger Molly was in kept me glued to the pages until it was done. The evil was balanced by the depth of the love that Lucian and Molly felt for each other. That love played a huge part in the resolution of the final conflict. There was also an unexpected twist in the aftermath of the confrontation that had a big impact on Lucian and Molly's future.

On the lighter side, the cats were an essential part of the story. I loved Galahad and his relationship with Lucian. It was fun to see him rile Lucian up, especially when it came to Molly. He was also Lucian's biggest supporter and backup when danger came calling. The four Sherwood cats that belonged to Molly's mother turned out to be more than just pets. Their protectiveness of Molly was fun to see when Lucian came calling, and I loved the interactions between them and Lucian.

Huckleberry Lake - Catherine Anderson (Berkley - Dec 2019)

Series: Mystic Creek (Book 6)

Erin De Laney came to Mystic Creek hoping that the slower pace might rekindle her enthusiasm for law enforcement. Instead she feels as frustrated as she did in the city and when her disillusionment with the job increases, she takes a position on her uncle's ranch.

Her life has enough complications without her attraction to handsome, deaf cowboy, Wyatt Fitzgerald, the foreman on the ranch. Wyatt has sworn off dating, and Erin fears that nothing she does will ever change his mind. Yet while working with an abused horse under Wyatt's guidance, Erin comes to better understand herself. She also learns that love can heal almost anything.

Wyatt yearns to take Erin into his arms, but he's hesitant to pursue a romantic relationship. When their work sends them out alone together into a wilderness area, Wyatt is even more determined to hold Erin at arm's length.

But out of their time alone together on the mountain blossoms a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime love if only he's willing to give her his heart and make her his.

Good book. This continues the story of Wyatt and Erin that began in Strawberry Hill. It is full of deep emotions, self-discovery, and facing some hard decisions. Some lighter moments show the good side of living in a small town.

Erin is an attractive but intense deputy who seems to look at life as a competition that she has to win. There were many times in the first part of the book when I wanted to shake her and tell her to lighten up. But the more I learned of her past, the more I understood where she was coming from, and rooted for her to let go of her past. Erin moved from the city to the small town because her experiences there made her question her role as a cop. Unfortunately, though the pace is slower and the crime rate lower, she still questions her future. She also is attracted to her uncle's ranch foreman, Wyatt. However, nothing she does gets a similar response from him.

Wyatt is the ranch foreman. He has been deaf his whole life, but reads lips and has taught himself to speak almost as well as a hearing person. He's great with horses and has been known to gentle the most stubborn animals. He also watches out for his younger brother Kennedy, who works on the ranch part-time while he goes to college. Wyatt is attracted to Erin, but a life-altering event seven years earlier made him swear off women and relationships. Resisting Erin becomes more difficult the more often he is around her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Wyatt and Erin. After a major misunderstanding brought on by well-meaning, but erroneous information from Kennedy, Erin and Wyatt agree to be friends. I liked seeing their friendship blossom once Erin gave up the constant come-ons. Wyatt's deafness allowed him to develop in other ways, and his empathy ratings are off the charts. I loved the way he saw Erin so clearly and tried to help her understand how her past still affects her life. When Erin hit a wall in her law enforcement career, causing her to reevaluate her life, Wyatt was there for her. At first, he wasn't too happy about her working for him on the ranch, as her proximity was a greater temptation. He also had to deal with her competitive nature, and find a way to get her past it. I loved the method he found, and how well it worked.

I ached for Erin almost as much as I wanted to smack her at times. Her entire life was spent trying to please her father. She went into law enforcement because of him. She has bottled up her emotions because of him. Her need to be better than everyone else is because of him. She is miserably unhappy as a cop but sticks it out because she doesn't want to disappoint him by quitting. That is until one heart-breaking event turns out to be the last straw and she turns in her badge. Her Uncle Slade gives her a job as a ranch hand and turns her over to Wyatt. Erin still can't let go of her need to be the fastest, smartest, best, and puts herself and others in danger because of it. Her stubbornness makes her ignore all attempts to help her, as she sees them as slurs on her capability. It takes nearly being fired for her to realize that she needs to change. I loved how Wyatt used an abused horse to get through to her.

Both Wyatt and Erin have let their pasts define their lives. I loved seeing the changes in Erin as she realizes how badly her parents' actions have affected her. Once that barrier is broken down, Erin finds it much easier to let go of her intense need to be the best. I loved her patience with the horse and how she sees parallels between them. The event in Wyatt's past that affected him so profoundly is heartbreaking. His reason for avoiding relationships is understandable and I ached for his belief that happiness is not in the cards for him. He has gone seven years successfully avoiding temptation, but Erin puts an end to that. She stirs him up, and resisting her becomes more difficult. A little matchmaking interference from Slade and Vicki throws Erin and Wyatt together in the wilderness, where there's no way to get away from each other. I loved seeing the sparks build between them. There's a slight hiccup when Erin confesses something to Wyatt, but Wyatt's anger is short-lived when Erin ends up in danger. It's an intense time but helps break down the final barriers between them.

There is a secondary romance going on between Erin's friend Julie and the pawnshop owner, Blackie. Julie has been interested in him for a long time, but he seems oblivious to it. She is surprised to discover that he is also interested, but is resistant because there is a twenty-year age difference between them. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. Blackie is young for his age, and a really sweet guy. He also becomes very protective of Julie. There is a fantastic section as he takes care of her when she goes down with a virus. There are some rough patches as they work their way through what each is looking for in a relationship, but it's easy to see that they belong together. Though they see their lives going down a particular path, it's always fun to see when Fate throws a bump in the road. This specific bump was a complete surprise and forced some self-examination on both their parts. The conclusion was not unexpected, and I look forward to seeing them in future books.

Wyatt's brother, Kennedy, has some page time of his own. He is a terrific young man, responsible, kind, and with a good head on his shoulders. I liked his dedication to his studies, and to the work he does on the ranch. On a rare trip into town, he rescued a young woman who was being threatened by her ex-boyfriend. Though she's only a senior in high school, Jen is just as focused as Kennedy, and they develop a friendship. Kennedy is a bit wary because he's older than she is. I liked their interactions as Kennedy frequents the hamburger drive-in where Jen works. It's Kennedy's friendship with her and knowing the type of person she is that makes him realize that something is very wrong when he arrives one evening and she isn't there. I ached for them both because of what happened. Kennedy's kindness and maturity are showcased in the following days and weeks, as he is there for Jen when she needs him. I hope that there will be more about them in future books.

There are also some fun moments with the ranch's rescue bear, Four-Toes. His story began in the previous book when he was rescued as a cub. His encounter with Jen is pretty funny and unexpectedly leads to a change for him, too.

 

A Threat to His Family - Delores Fossen (HI #1899 - Jan 2020)

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 2)

He'll protect his child at any cost.

After discovering an intruder in his home, Deputy Owen Slater is terrified when he can't find his infant daughter. He soon discovers his ranch manager is keeping her safe, leading him to realize Laney Martin is more than she seems. For the usually professional investigator, this case is extremely personal, and it leads right to Owen's family. To get to the truth, they'll need to work as a team, relying on every weapon in their arsenal -- and sharing secrets they buried long ago.

Good combination of suspense and romance. The action began immediately as Owen arrived home to find an intruder in his home and his daughter missing. I could feel his fear for his daughter and his relief when he found her with his ranch manager, Laney. The relief doesn't last long as the intruder begins shooting, and things get very tense before help arrives. In the aftermath, Owen has a lot of questions for Laney, who turns out to be much more than a ranch manager.

Laney Martin is a private investigator who is looking for the truth behind her half-sister's murder. She is convinced that Emerson Keaton had an affair with Hadley and then killed her to cover it up. Laney took the job as Owen's ranch manager to get closer to Emerson, who is Owen's brother-in-law.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Laney and Owen. It had a rough start, with Laney's concealment of who she was and why she was there, and her suspicion that Owen was involved in covering up Emerson's crime. Owen was reluctant to trust Laney because of those reasons. Complicating matters was the attraction that flared between them. I liked seeing the trust between them build as they worked together to find the truth. One of the things that brought them together was the protectiveness that both felt toward Owen's daughter Addie. There were some sweet scenes with the three of them. However, it took the thought of losing Laney for Owen to realize his feelings for her. I did like their big moment at the end.

The suspense of the story was intense all the way through the book. Laney and Owen's search for the truth behind Hadley's murder and the attacks on them were complicated by the appearance of a man who had gone to jail because of his assaults on Laney. There were several twists and turns as the investigation into Hadley's death progressed and the attacks on Owen and Laney intensified. There were several suspects in those attacks, and all of them had ample opportunity and motive. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with all three suspects present and bullets flying. I was glad to see that my instincts were right about the identity of the murderer.

The murder of the elder Sheriff Slater was briefly mentioned, though no further information was revealed about who was responsible. I hope the next book includes some progress there.

Safety Breach - Delores Fossen (HI #1893 - Dec 2019)

Series: Longview Ridge Ranch (Book 1)

Can a Texas lawman capture an escaped serial killer

after a witness's location is breached?

The serial killer Gemma Hanson narrowly escaped just discovered her WITSEC location, and he's coming after her to finish what he started. That's the message Sheriff Kellan Slater personally delivers. Although Gemma and Kellan share an intense past, escaping the violence surrounding them is all that matters. Especially once Gemma realizes there is no safe place -- not even protective custody…

Good start to the new series, with a good combination of suspense and second chance romance. Gemma is in Witness Protection after surviving a serial killer's attack. That protection disappears when the killer discovers Gemma's location. The book opens with a bang as Gemma arrives home to find that her house was broken into. Just as she's ready to call for help, Sheriff Kellan Slater comes to deliver the news of her compromised location. Gemma and Kellan have a troubled past, but she knows she can trust him to keep her safe.

A year earlier, Gemma was a profiler working to identify a serial killer. A confrontation with the killer resulted in the deaths of a sheriff and deputy, and Gemma's wounding. She blames herself for the deaths, as the serial killer turned out to be an intern working with her, and she never connected him with the killer. To make matters worse, the sheriff who died was Kellan's father. Gemma and Kellan were involved at the time, and Kellan is torn between blaming her and blaming himself for not arriving in time to protect his father or her.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Gemma and Kellan. They are wary around each other at first, as the past isn't far from their minds, but it's also clear that the feelings between them are as strong as ever. Kellan is determined to keep things professional since getting distracted by Gemma could get them both killed. However, good intentions didn't last long in the face of intense chemistry. The attraction between them built even in the midst of the danger, with a few pretty steamy moments in the rare downtimes. Both of them needed to overcome the events of the past before they could look to a future, and facing down those who wished them harm gave them the chance to do so. The ending was great as both admitted their feelings and put the past behind them.

The suspense and action were intense and almost nonstop. The opening pages had Gemma discovering her safe house was compromised, Kellan arriving to tell her that the serial killer knew where she was, and the two of them surviving being shot at and her house being blown up behind them. The serial killer, Eric, spent a good part of the book taunting them with his nearness and ability to attack them at will. There were also hints that the deaths of Kellan's father and the deputy were not all that they seemed. Add in a couple of Federal Marshals whose ethics were in doubt, and Kellan had trouble knowing who he could trust. There were several situations when Kellan and Gemma were in danger that could have been avoided if Kellan had listened to the instincts that told him that he shouldn't do what he did. The resolution came at the end of several twists and turns that kept them guessing. While most questions were resolved, there is one thread that was left hanging. Presumably, it will be answered either in the next book or will carry through the series and be resolved at the end of it.

His Convenient Marchioness - Elizabeth Rolls (HHSS #468 - Jan 2018)

Series: Lords at the Altar (Book 2)

With this ring…I thee claim!

After the loss of his wife and children, the Marquess of Huntercombe closed his heart to love. But now that he must marry to secure an heir, he's determined that the beautiful, impoverished widow Lady Emma Lacy should be his…

Emma has vowed never to marry for money so must refuse him. But when her children's grandfather sets to steal them away from her, she has no other option: she must become the marquess's convenient bride!

Terrific book with the unusual plot point of having older main characters, a very nice change of pace. Hunt has just turned fifty and finds himself in the position of needing an heir. He lost his wife and children to smallpox eleven years earlier and recently lost his younger half-brother. His sisters are happy to assist him, but he vehemently rejects their list of simpering young debutants (one of whom was his goddaughter - shudder). He'd much prefer to marry a widow of mature years, who understands that it won't be a love match.

Emma is thirty-two with two young children. She had loved her husband very much. Theirs was a love match, though opposed by their feuding families. As a result, Emma was disowned by her parents, and they were ignored by his. When Peter died, Emma was left in financial straits, and making ends meet is a challenge. She adores her children and is very much a hands-on parent with their care. Her life is complicated by men who believe a widow is fair game and who take it badly when Emma rejects their advances.

I loved the first meeting between Hunt and Emma. Both were visiting Hatchard's bookstore and library, where Hunt was drawn into a conversation with Emma and her children. Hunt was intrigued and attracted and took the chance to walk with Emma, Harry, and Georgie when the children begged to play with his dog. Hunt was puzzled by Emma's coolness until later when it occurred to him that she mistook his intentions. I appreciated the fact that he called on her to apologize for the misunderstanding. He hadn't been able to forget her and broached the subject of his search for a wife, and his belief that they would suit. Emma, being a practical woman, did not reject him immediately and agreed to them spending time together to pursue the idea. She never planned to marry for money, but taking care of her children is a priority.

I loved seeing them spend time together, and could see the feelings and attraction growing. There were some marvelous scenes of them together and with the children. At one point, Emma pulls back, believing that her (undeserved) reputation would do him no good. She quickly changes her mind when an unexpected visit from her father-in-law results in a threat to take her children away from her. Her visit to Hunt, begging for his help, was immensely moving. I loved Hunt's protectiveness and care for Emma and his speedy solution to the problem. The scene at the wedding was priceless, as Hunt threw a wrench into Keswick's plans.

Though Hunt and Emma are now married, there are still challenges to overcome before they get their happy ending. Hunt closed himself off emotionally after the deaths of his family and believes that he is too empty to offer his heart to Emma. Though Emma accepted the conditions of Hunt's proposal, she isn't so sure she can abide by them. I loved watching the development of this marriage. On the plus side from the beginning is the attraction between Emma and Hunt. The heat between them is intense, and both are enthusiastic about their physical connection. Hunt is a bit wary, as he feels himself wanting more than the emotionless bargain, and tries desperately to keep that distance between them. Though she had agreed to the "no love" stipulation, Emma quickly realizes that she is falling hard for Hunt. I ached for both of them as they worked through the things that were keeping them apart. I loved Emma's courage as she took charge of her feelings. It took a near-tragedy for Hunt to be able to let go of the past and embrace the future that was waiting for him. He came through with flying colors, and his big moment with Emma was intensely emotional. I loved the epilogue, too, showing how different his life became.

There was a bit of suspense running through the book also. It began with Emma noticing someone following/watching her. Then there were the threats made by her father-in-law and his attitude toward her children. There were a couple of suspicious events, including a fire at their old house. But it was an attack by a supposed highwayman that put young Harry in the bullseye that exposed a deeper problem. There were some interesting twists and turns to the resolution of that issue.

The secondary characters were interesting. The two sets of parents were particularly horrible in their treatment of Emma. I liked seeing Hunt shut them down when needed, but would have liked something a little more drastic to make the point. Hunt's sisters were something else too. I liked that Hunt was firm but kind when he dealt with them - they could be pretty obnoxious with their attitudes. I liked Hunt's friends, the Cambournes, and have put their story on my want to read list. I loved Emma's children, Harry and Georgie. They are realistically portrayed, and I enjoyed seeing their antics. Harry especially won my heart with his determination to take care of his sister and mother. I also loved seeing their effect on Hunt and how they helped him find the ability to love again.

Her Rags-to-Riches Christmas - Laura Martin (HH #1475 - Dec 2019)

Series: Scandalous Australian Bachelors (Book 3)

A Christmas miracle rescue!

But dare she wish for more?

Wrongfully convicted and transported to Australia, Alice Fillips is saved from public flogging by wealthy landowner George Fitzgerald. Working as a domestic servant at his farm feels worlds away from her old life. But as the connection between her and George boils over, she's torn between her fear of trusting anyone…and the tantalizing glimpse of the fresh start this man could offer…

Good story. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance aspect, which was enhanced by the setting. I have seen very few historical romance stories set in Australia during the early years, and this one was very well done.

George has just arrived back in Sydney after being away for three years. Although he enjoyed his time in England and the countries he visited during his return trip, he missed his home. As he's walking away from the ship, he hears the terrified screams of a woman and doesn’t hesitate. What he found was a young female convict being ruthlessly whipped, a sight he couldn't stomach. He purchased her indenture on the spot and took her home to his farm to work there.

Alice was convicted of a crime she didn't commit and transported to Australia. The journey was wretched, and her time since arrival was not much better. Between the man in England who lured her away from home and into trouble, and the men on the ship and land, Alice has lost all inclination to trust a man ever again. She was extremely wary of George's offer to work out her sentence on his farm.

I liked both Alice and George. Alice is a survivor and has far more inner strength than she realizes. Her wariness around George was understandable. I loved that she dared to make her position clear when her suspicions made her think George had nefarious intentions. Her first few days are a bit rough as she adjusts to the change in her circumstances. George is a wonderful man. Born and raised in Australia, he loves his land and his country. He is also a man with a kind, nurturing, and protective heart, as shown by his collection of stray and rescued animals.

I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between George and Alice. There are sparks between them from the start that both try to resist. Alice, because of her distrust of men in general, and George, because Alice is an employee. I loved how George understood why Alice was so prickly and was amused by her more often than not. Because of his acceptance of the difference in their positions, George goes for the friendship option with Alice. I loved seeing him show her the beauties of his homeland and work on building her trust. There were some funny moments involving George, Alice, and unexpected encounters with animals. There were also some very moving moments as Alice regains some of her ability to trust. It was also easy to see that the feelings between them grew stronger. I ached for Alice, who believed that she was nowhere near good enough for him. As she began to realize the depth of her feelings for him and suspect his, she was also haunted by a secret from her past. I hurt for both of them when she finally confessed that secret, though I also wanted to smack George for his reaction. The ending was quite nerve-wracking until they found their way back to each other. The epilogue was terrific. I liked seeing where they were a few years down the road, especially the changes in Alice.

I also liked seeing George's two friends, Sam and Ben, again, along with their wives. The close friendship among the three men is fantastic. I loved the way that they teased each other, and also supported each other. I loved that each of them had excellent advice for George, even though he wasn't always willing to listen to it. I also liked their kindness and support for Alice and her relationship with George. I also loved their wives, Georgina and Francesca. They were so down-to-earth in spite of their society backgrounds. It was great to see the way they took to Alice and their parts in bringing Alice and George together.

 

Coming Home for Christmas - RaeAnne Thayne (HQN - Sept 2019)

Series: Haven Point (Book 10)

Hearts are lighter and wishes burn a little brighter at Christmas…

Elizabeth Hamilton has been lost. Trapped in a tangle of postpartum depression and grief after the death of her beloved parents, she couldn't quite see the way back to her husband and their two beautiful kids…until a car accident stole away her memories and changed her life. And when she finally remembered the sound of little Cassie's laugh, the baby powder smell of Bridger and the feel of her husband's hand in hers, Elizabeth worried that they'd moved on without her. That she'd missed too much. That perhaps she wasn't the right mother for her kids or wife for Luke, no matter how much she loved them.

But now, seven years later, Luke finds her in a nearby town and brings Elizabeth back home to the family she loves, just in time for Christmas. And being reunited with Luke and her children is better than anything Elizabeth could have imagined. As they all trim the tree and bake cookies, making new holiday memories, Elizabeth and Luke are drawn ever closer. Can the hurt of the past seven years be healed over the course of one Christmas season and bring the Hamiltons the gift of a new beginning?

Very good second chance story that deals with some hard subjects. Seven years earlier, Elizabeth walked out into the night and disappeared, leaving her husband and children behind. Luke has dealt with being a single father as best he could, but it hasn't been easy. The whispers around town of why Elizabeth left and what happened to her have only gotten worse. To complicate matters, Luke is about to be arrested and charged with her murder, even though there is no proof that she is dead. On the contrary, Luke has recently discovered that Elizabeth is alive and well, living in a town several hours away, so he goes to get her to clear his name.

I ached for both Luke and Elizabeth. At the time of her disappearance, Elizabeth was struggling with a double dose of depression. First was the pain she felt after the deaths of her parents. Added to that was the severe postpartum depression that Elizabeth experienced after the birth of her second child. Terrified that she would physically harm the baby, and convinced that they would all be better off without her, she left home. Though it didn't take her long to realize she'd made a mistake and turn around to go back, fate intervened. Elizabeth was involved in an accident that left her in a coma with extensive physical and mental injuries, including a loss of memory. It was several years before her memory began to return, and each memory added to the guilt she felt. She wants to go back, but worries about if it's the right thing for her family.

Luke has never forgotten Elizabeth and grieved for her every day. He does his best with his kids, though he occasionally exhibits moments of frustration and guilt, such as when it comes to doing his daughter Cassie's hair. He frequently blames himself for not seeing the depth of Elizabeth's problems thanks to his preoccupation with getting his business up and running. He faces the rumors and innuendos stoically and keeps on living his life. When a friend with the FBI tracks down Elizabeth, Luke is furious that she's been so close without letting anyone know. Now all he wants is to clear his name, get divorce papers signed, and try to move on with his life.

The first encounter between Luke and Elizabeth is an emotional roller coaster. She is stunned to find him at her door, demanding her immediate return to Haven Point. Even though she had planned to return soon, she feels unprepared to face everything now. Luke is so furious that he refuses to listen to Elizabeth's attempts to explain, wanting only to get it over with. He does all he can to keep her at an emotional distance. Though Luke's anger is understandable, I ached for Elizabeth when he refused to let her see the children.

It was satisfying to see Luke present Elizabeth to the DA and clear his name of her murder. I also liked seeing Luke's shock as he listened to everything Elizabeth had been through. I loved how he lost his anger and became willing to let her back in their lives. It wasn't all unicorns and rainbows, though. While Luke is ready to allow her to see and spend time with the kids, he is determined not to let her back into his heart. He was devastated when she left the first time and didn't want to go through it again if he allows himself to love her again. Elizabeth never stopped loving Luke and the children, but she is still convinced that they are better off without her.

Because the people of the town need to know that Elizabeth is alive, she and Luke must make public appearances together. There are some very emotional (and sometimes funny) scenes as Elizabeth reconnects with her friends and neighbors. There are also some painful scenes when Elizabeth spends time with Cassie and Bridger. Though Bridger comes around pretty quickly, Elizabeth's attempts to rebuild trust with Cassie do not go as smoothly. There are also some fantastic family scenes. I especially enjoyed the snowball fight and the promise it showed.

As Luke and Elizabeth spend time together, it becomes clear that their feelings for each other are still there. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other as they are now. Elizabeth has trouble believing that Luke could forgive her enough to allow her back in their lives. It wasn't easy, but with honesty and love, both Luke and Elizabeth were able to see that they belonged together. I loved their big moment at the end as they were finally able to open their hearts fully again. The epilogue was terrific and honestly portrayed their progress and the challenges they still face.

 

Cowboy Christmas Redemption - Maisey Yates (HQN - Sept 2019)

Series: Gold Valley (Book 8)

As snowflakes fall in Gold Valley, Oregon, will this rugged cowboy finally win the woman of his dreams?

Cowboy Caleb Dalton has loved single mom Ellie Bell, and her little daughter, Amelia, for years. But since Ellie is his best friend's widow, Caleb's head knows Ellie will always be strictly off-limits. If only his heart got the memo. So when Caleb discovers that Ellie has a Christmas wish list -- and hopes for a kiss under the mistletoe -- he's throwing his cowboy hat into the ring. If anyone's going to be kissing Ellie and sharing this magical time with her and her daughter, it's him.

Ellie has dreaded the holidays since losing her husband. But this year, she's finally ready to make some changes. She never expects the biggest change to be the heart-stopping kiss she shares with Caleb. For almost five years, Caleb has been her best friend, her rock, her salvation. This Christmas, can Caleb prove he's also the missing puzzle piece of Ellie's and Amelia's hearts?

This was an intense and emotional book. Caleb has been in love with Ellie since he first saw her, but she was already with his best friend, Clint, so he buried his feelings deep. When Clint died, Caleb stepped in to be the support he knew Clint would want him to be, and still kept his feelings to himself. As a result, he and Ellie became best friends themselves. So when he found out that Ellie had a very unusual Christmas list, he was ready to help fulfill it.

Ellie loved her husband and grieved for him for four years. But she's tired of being that pitiful widow that everyone feels sorry for, so she's ready to make some changes. Her Christmas list for herself is short, but powerful, starting with buying herself a new dress and getting kissed under the mistletoe, and moving on to making out by the fire and more.

I loved both Caleb and Ellie. Caleb is a good man with a kind heart, who doesn't see himself as worthy of good things. Caleb had a rough childhood with his father constantly comparing him to Clint, leaving him convinced that Clint was always the better person. I loved how he stepped up to be the support that Ellie needed, from holding her through her grief to being there when Amelia was born. There were also times when he frustrated me because of his inability to see his own worth. Ellie is sweet and a lot stronger than she thinks she is. She also has some deep-seated fear of intense emotion thanks to her mother's wild emotional swings in her own love life.

I loved the development of the relationship between Ellie and Caleb. It has an excellent start with the depth of their friendship and that they have an undeniable trust in each other. While their bond is strong, Ellie has no idea that Caleb has stronger feelings. When he shows up the first night she puts her plan into motion, she is shocked by the feelings he stirs up in her. She is further stunned by his reaction to her Christmas list. The chemistry between them is explosive and starts crumbling the walls both of them have around their hearts. I did get a bit frustrated with Ellie at times because she was so oblivious to Caleb's feelings for her. He would say something that made it evident that he felt more than friendship, and she would completely miss it, or misunderstand what he said.

Just when I had high hopes that they were both finally going to "get it," everything fell apart. Caleb was ready to propose but was so afraid of being compared to Clint/not measuring up to Clint that he left out an essential point. Ellie knew that there was something that didn't feel right, but she couldn't admit what it was. And when she finally faced the truth of her feelings, she allowed her fears to send her running, devastating Caleb and reinforcing his fears. Thank goodness for family members who helped each of them see the truth and find the courage to go after what they wanted. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing both of them finally let go of the past and embrace the potential of the future. I loved the epilogue and seeing that they both gave themselves time to get to know who they are now.

I loved the secondary characters. The most adorable one was Amelia, Ellie's little girl. She was such a sweetheart. I loved how big a part of Caleb's life she was, and the depth of her love for him. She just about broke my heart when she told him her Christmas wish. Caleb's parents were interesting people, and the storyline about Hank's past coming home to roost is intriguing. I must admit that the more I heard about how he treated Caleb as a kid, the harder it was to like him, but he did redeem himself somewhat at the end. Caleb's mom was more forgiving than I expected, though she had made some egregious mistakes too. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series and finding out more. I also hope that West gets his own story because he needs to find someone to give him the love he deserves.

 

Their Christmas Royal Wedding - Nina Milne (HR #4691 - Dec 2019)

Series: A Crown by Christmas (Book 3)

Cinderella takes the throne…

…and the hand of her Prince Charming?

Since discovering she's heir to the throne of Casavalle, ordinary girl Gabriella is adjusting to her new royal life. On an impulsive nighttime horse ride she meets a handsome stranger and has no idea he's Prince Cesar of Aguilarez. A convenient marriage would unite their countries, but their attraction is anything but convenient! Can duty and desire unite for a fairy-tale happy-ever-after?

Terrific Cinderella story. Gabi first made her appearance in the first book of the series, Cinderella's Prince Under the Mistletoe, as the heroine's best friend. At that time, Gabi was struggling, but no one knew why. When Gabi's aunt and uncle died, she discovered that her mother had been married to a king, making Gabi the heir to the throne of Casavalle. At the beginning of this book, Gabi is still adjusting to her new role and feeling woefully out of her depth. Seeking comfort in the stables, she runs into a handsome and kind stranger who stirs something in her.

Cesar, Prince of Aguilarez, is the third son of his family and the diplomat in the family "business." Even as a child he knew that there was no love or passion between his parents; that duty ruled over everything they did. He believes that love has no place in his life, and is content with brief affairs. He has no plans to marry until his parents call him home from his latest ambassador post and inform him that he is to woo and wed Princess Gabriella. Cesar isn't happy but knows his duty. He arrives at the palace with plans to meet her unofficially but doesn't expect to find her in the stables in the middle of the night. When she mistakes him for staff, he uses the error to spend some anonymous time with her.

I liked the first meeting between Gabi and Cesar. The sparks are immediate, and neither one knows quite how to handle them. Gabi is aware of her position but enjoys talking to someone who seems so understanding. Cesar is taken aback by the fire she stirs in him, and by the protectiveness he feels toward her. I liked the way that he showed such confidence in her abilities. I appreciated that he felt guilty over the deception and tried to make it right before their official meeting the next night. Gabi's hurt and anger were understandable, but she also took Cesar's advice to heart.

I enjoyed the development of Gabi and Cesar's relationship. Both are aware of their duty, though Gabi has a harder time with it. I liked Cesar's honesty as he told her that marriage between them would be beneficial for their countries, that he would be a good and faithful husband, but that love was not in the cards. I ached for Gabi, who still had the hope of love living in a corner of her heart. I liked seeing the two of them get to know each other. There were some emotional scenes as they shared events of their pasts that had influenced who they were now. There were also some delightful scenes as Cesar found activities that would make Gabi happy. It was fun to see Gabi work her way into his heart without him realizing it. Though neither one spoke of love, it was easy to see the caring that was between them, so when Cesar proposed, she said yes. Things looked so promising until their wedding reception when part of Cesar's past came calling. I hurt for Gabi because what she heard reinforced all of her fears. Cesar's big moment at the end was sweet and powerful as he opened himself up to all the emotions he had denied for so long. The epilogue was great. I especially loved seeing the gifts they picked out for their family members.

 

The Christmas Dare - Lori Wilde (HarperCollins - Oct 2019)

Series: Twilight, Texas (Book 13)

A jilted-at-the-altar bride reunites with her high school sweetheart in Lori Wilde's sensational new Twilight, Texas Christmas novel.

Kelsey James always played by the rules and look where it got her -- dumped and half-drunk in a poofy white dress, her Christmas wedding ruined. Then her best friend talks her into going on her “honeymoon” anyway, daring her to a “Christmas of Yes.” It's about time she lets loose a little, so Kelsey agrees to say “yes” to fun, to romance, and to adventure! And adventure leads her right smack into the arms of sexy Noah MacGregor.

Noah's never one to say no to a risk -- from leading his NBA team to victory to making Christmas cookies in Twilight, he's up to the challenge! But a lot has gone on since they were teenagers, and he knows he has to take his time to make Kelsey dare to believe that what they feel is more than just the holiday magic that's in the air . . .

Good book that started with an emotional low and proceeded through a roller-coaster of feelings. A stunned Kelsey is left at the altar when her fiancé runs off with the best man. To top off the embarrassment, her mother, the newly elected mayor, harangues Kelsey, blaming it all on her. All Filomena can talk about is how it affects her, with no sympathy for Kelsey. The only one who is there for Kelsey is her best friend, Tasha, who talks Kelsey into taking off, daring her to say yes to cutting loose a little, challenging her to accept five dares from Tasha. To that end, Tasha takes Kelsey to Twilight, home of Kelsey's teenage crush.

Kelsey and Noah have a history. They met at camp when they were children, and their friendship grew each summer when they reunited. When they were seventeen and junior counselors at the camp, their friendship grew into something more. But they were torn apart by Kelsey's mother, who didn't approve of Noah or anything that took Kelsey's attention away from her. And for the next ten years, Filomena used every manipulative trick in the book to keep Kelsey at her side. As a result, Kelsey was browbeaten into being at mom's beck and call.

I loved Kelsey and Noah's reunion. Kelsey's friend Tasha got her to agree to do five Christmas dares while they were on their trip. Tasha is determined to break Kelsey free of her mother's shackles and push Kelsey out of the comfort zone of pleasing Filomena at all times. Kelsey's first sight of Noah is of him in a Christmas apron, standing under a mistletoe arch, brings back memories of their old attraction. Noah is hit just as hard. A push from Tasha (the first dare) has Kelsey laying a lip-lock on Noah that blows them both away.

I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Noah and Kelsey. With Tasha's help, Kelsey is slowly breaking free of her mother's chains, opening her up to the possibilities with Noah. I loved Noah's determination to help her along by showing her how special she is. There are some delightful scenes between the two of them, as well as some very steamy ones. With both having been burned in relationships, each insists that they are not looking for love, but the more time they spend together, the more each one finds their mind leading in that direction. I loved watching Kelsey's transformation as time, distance, and positive reinforcement worked its magic on her. But Filomena wasn't done with her yet, and I was worried for Kelsey when her mom pulled her latest stunt. It didn't help that Noah had a boneheaded reaction, hurting her badly as a result. The ending was terrific, with Kelsey finally getting some real help from her father that gave her the tools she needed to confront her mother. That was such a satisfying scene. Then Noah had his big moment that was the icing on the cake. The epilogue was fantastic.

Kelsey's mother was a real piece of work. She was definitely a character I loved to hate because the way she treated Kelsey was terrible. I found Kelsey's conversation with her father regarding Filomena to be very interesting, with some intriguing parallels to current times. The character I loved almost as much as Noah and Kelsey delightful Tasha. She was so comfortable with who she was that she was a great role model for Kelsey. She was also the best friend Kelsey could have. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her push and pull Kelsey out of her Comfort Kitty persona and show her what she was capable of. It was also fun to see her growing relationship with Sean.

Family Under Fire - Jan Godman (HRS #2068 - Dec 2019)

Series: Colton 911 (Book 6)
            Coltons (Book 100)

An unexpected family

A once-in-a-lifetime reunion in danger…

After a bitter breakup, FBI agent Everett Colton never expected to see his ex-girlfriend, Alyssa Bartholomew, again. Suddenly, tragedy reunites them -- and makes them guardians of an orphaned baby girl. Everett suspects that her parents' deaths were anything but innocent. When his instinct for danger proves correct, it's his job to protect the child he's grown to love…and the woman he never forgot.

A good mix of suspense and second chance romance. Four years after breaking up, Everett and Alyssa were brought together when they became co-guardians of a baby girl. Everett believes that her parents' deaths were suspicious, and threats against baby Kennedy soon prove him right.

I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Everett and Alyssa. As it turned out, neither got over their breakup, with subsequent attempts at relationships never measuring up to the memories of what they had. Neither was blameless in the breakup, with events from the past affecting their relationship. Alyssa lost her father when he was stabbed to death. Her fear of Everett getting hurt in his job as an FBI agent exacerbated her fear of losing someone she loved. At the same time, Everett is wracked with guilt over something that happened in his previous job, and he keeps tight control over his emotions because of it. Thrown together to raise baby Kennedy, I loved seeing them adjust to being instant parents while at the same time trying to figure out their own relationship.

I liked both Everett and Alyssa. Alyssa won my heart when she immediately accepted the responsibility of raising Kennedy. She's understandably nervous about being with Everett but will do whatever necessary for the baby. Everett also got points when he stepped up in spite of his doubts. I loved seeing how their care for Kennedy brought them together. An added four years of experience and maturity helped move their relationship along. I especially liked seeing Alyssa's attitude toward Everett's job change as she experienced his protectiveness toward her and Kennedy. Everett was a slightly harder nut to crack, but it wasn't long before his control over his emotions began to slip. I ached for him when he finally opened up to Alyssa about what had caused his withdrawal and loved her support of him. I liked the sparks that flew between them, the feeling of family that both felt immediately, and how they combined to show them that they belonged together.

The suspense of the story was terrific. We first met Sean and Delilah Dodd, and his sister Claudia, in Caught in the Crossfire, where they were caught and arrested for cattle rustling and murder. This book begins with the deaths of Sean and Delilah and Everett's suspicions about it. While Sean and Delilah earned their arrest in the previous book, this book showed that there were at least a few redeeming qualities about them. These traits added to Everett's questions and motivated his investigation. Things became more complicated when he and Alyssa began receiving threats against Kennedy's life and attempts on theirs. There was a steady increase in the tension with each threat or attack and Everett's determination to put an end to them. Suspicion as to who was behind them came quickly, but the problem was finding the evidence. The final confrontation was intense. Everett and Alyssa's cool heads kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how they were going to handle it. I loved Everett's quick thinking and how it all turned out.

Caught in the Crossfire - Linda O. Johnston (HRS #2016 - Nov 2019)

Series: Colton 911 (Book 5)
            Coltons (Book 99)

From hunting cattle rustlers

To being hunted by a killer

Investigating cattle rustlers seems like a typical day on the job for Deputy Sheriff Casey Colton. But when ranch hand Melody Hayworth insists on working the case with him, he's reluctant to involve a civilian. Fighting their growing bond while tracking lawbreakers proves no easy task. And as Casey and Melody stumble across a corpse, they're caught in a criminal's crosshairs. The deputy's new mission? Protect Melody and find the killer before it's too late.

Good book with a nice blend of suspense and romance, leaning a little more on the romance side. Having recently solved one cattle rustling case, Casey is picked for another one. A local rancher and bigwig is missing some of his very valuable Angus cattle and wants it investigated immediately. He assigns one of his ranch hands to stick with Casey and provide any needed assistance. Casey isn't thrilled to involve a civilian, especially a female one.

There are sparks between Casey and Melody from the start, and neither one is happy about it. Casey was left at the altar by his fiancée and is not interested in pursuing any new relationships. Melody is recently divorced from a man who constantly put her down, causing her to doubt her judgment. She isn't interested in letting a man into her life, but she also won't be sidelined. Though Casey is initially reluctant to take Melody along on his investigation, she makes a good case that her knowledge of the ranch would be an asset. With it being just the two of them, they had plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. Neither planned to talk about their pasts, but their growing closeness made it happen anyway. It was interesting to see how they reacted to each other at times, their responses influenced by their pasts. Though the sparks flared hot enough at one point for them to give in, both still resist the thought of anything more. While I appreciated that there was no quick declaration of feelings, there were moments of frustration that Casey, especially, was going to let his fears come between them. I liked the realistic ending as both of them faced their fears and sought to move forward.

The suspense of the story was good. The value of the cattle was a good incentive for their theft, and for the desire of their owner to get them back. I found the electronic tagging of the animals interesting and how that enabled them to be tracked. I was a bit skeptical of the length of time it took Casey and Melody to catch up, as two people on horseback should have been able to move faster than people who also had to herd cows, but it worked for the story. Things got complicated when Casey and Melody found one of the cattle dead, and the body of a ranch hand nearby, making them realize that the danger is a bit greater than they had previously thought. One clue that they found gave Casey one suspect, but he wasn't sure about it. The final confrontation was intense, with both Casey and Melody in extreme danger. Both kept their heads as they faced the rustlers, though Casey's shock and anger were obvious. The resolution was terrific with help coming from an unexpected source.

My Favorite Things - Lynsay Sands (Avon - Oct 2019)

Three classic tales of Christmas and love, together for the first time

All I Want

With Lady Prudence’s father gambling away the family’s savings, all she wants for Christmas is to haul him away from London’s most notorious gaming hell. Yet the wickedly handsome proprietor, Lord Stockton, refuses to let a lady enter his establishment. Now Pru needs a Christmas miracle to make her wish come true—and to resist succumbing to Stockton’s charms.

Good story. Pru's father is drowning his grief over his son's death in alcohol and gambling, to the point where the bill collectors are beating at the door. Desperate to stop him before he lands the family in the poorhouse or debtor's prison, Pru decides to take matters into her own hands by invading the gaming hell. Unfortunately for her, not only are her efforts unsuccessful, they bring her to the attention of the hell's owner. Stephen started his business after his own father beggared the family with his gambling. He's not about to let Pru ruin his business.

I liked both Pru and Stephen. She is determined to protect her family by any method necessary, and her schemes become increasingly wild. There are some hilarious moments as she creates chaos with her attempts. Stephen's charms are an unwanted distraction. Stephen is equally distracted by Pru, who quickly worms her way into his heart. I loved seeing how Pru's determination and her eloquence about the effects on her family eventually make an impression. Stephen is a good man at heart. He tries to protect Pru from the consequences of her action. Their mutual attraction develops rapidly, and the time they spend together deepens their feelings for each other. But Pru makes it clear that she can't give her heart to someone who can cause so much pain for others.

I loved the ending. I loved Stephen's big moment as he finally understands Pru's pain. What he did next wasn't much of a surprise, but solidified his nice guy status. I loved the scene with Pru's father in the kitchen at Pru's house. It was truly satisfying to see her mother blast her husband and watch as the truth of the situation finally makes an impression.

Three French Hens

Brinna’s life as a scullery maid changes with the arrival of the castle’s newest guest, Lady Joan. Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Joan suggests that look-alike Brinna take her place at the Christmas festivities. Suddenly, Brinna finds herself being wooed by a true gentleman, and getting the best Christmas present of all: a new life.

Good story. Brinna is a scullery maid who is coerced by a castle guest into taking her place. Joan, who is nearly identical to Brinna, is betrothed to Royce, a Scot. Joan has no intention of marrying a heathenish Scot and prevails upon Brinna to take her place while Joan figures out how to get out of it. Brinna is reluctant but consents when offered enough money to take care of her aging foster mother. There was some question as to whether Brinna could learn enough to pass for a noblewoman, but ends up being a quick study.

Royce isn't thrilled to be marrying Joan, who he has heard is a spoiled brat (she was). But she comes with a large dowry, which he needs to restore his estate, beggared by his father. Royce is determined to spend time with Joan and get to know her before the marriage takes place.

The first few days were a mess, as Joan's best friend Sabrina does her best to keep Brinna and Royce apart, preserving the deception. She was quite obnoxious in the process, and Royce's frustration was evident. But when she takes ill, Royce finally has his chance. I loved seeing Brinna and Royce together. She was sympathetic to his dilemma and did her best to convince Joan that Royce was not the barbarian she thought he was. Royce was drawn to Brinna's kindness and humor. The more time they spent together, the closer they became, and the greater Brinna's guilt grew. The arrival of Joan's father precipitated a great many events as things began to unravel. I enjoyed the resolution, though I had already suspected part of the backstory.

The Fairy Godmother

Odel is told by her godmother that she must marry by Christmas, and even gives her fairy dust to separate the mice from the men. But Odel has sworn off love…until kind and generous Michel catches her eye. He shows Odel how good it can feel to fall in love, but will it be enough to convince Odel to trust her heart?

Good story. Odel spent her life under the thumb of her controlling father. The story opens just after his death when Odel realizes that she is now free to do as she wishes. She barely has a chance to think about what she wants when her fairy godmother shows up. In her earthly life, Tildy was Odel's mother's best friend and has now made it her mission to find Odel a husband. However, a husband is the last thing Odel wants. Tildy is determined to have Odel married by Christmas and throws herself and her fairy magic into the process. Odel soon finds herself inundated with handsome, wealthy suitors vying for her hand.

Into this chaos comes Michel, a neighboring knight who is on the way home with his squire. Caught in a snowstorm with tiring horses and an ill squire, Michel stops at Roswald for shelter. Odel is rather rude at first, believing him to be another unwanted suitor, but once she understands the truth, she is very helpful.

I liked Michel. He is not exceptionally handsome nor wealthy, but he is nice. He treats Odel well and doesn't try to tell her what to do. This is an eye-opener for Odel, who believed that all men were like her father. It was sweet to see the friendship that grew between them over shared conversations at dinner and chess games between evenly matched opponents. I liked seeing their friendship grow into something more and enjoyed seeing the attraction between them explode. Things became complicated when Odel's suspicions ran into Tildy's machinations and Odel pushed Michel away. I liked how Tildy set Odel straight on the difference between magic and true love. I loved Odel's big moment at the end as she made everything right.

Twisted Twenty-Six - Janet Evanovich (Penguin - Nov 2019)

Series: Stephanie Plum (Book 26)

Stephanie Plum's career has taken more wrong turns than a student driver on the Jersey Turnpike, and her love life is a hopeless tangle. In order to save someone dear to her, she'll have to straighten things out.

Grandma Mazur is a widow...again. This time her marriage lasted a whole 45 minutes. The unlucky groom was one Jimmy Rosolli, local gangster, Lothario (senior division) and heart attack waiting to happen...well, the waiting's over.

It's a sad day, but if she can't have Jimmy at least Grandma can have all the attention she wants as the dutiful widow. But some kinds of attention are not welcomed, particularly when Jimmy's former "business partners" are convinced that his widow is keeping the keys to their financial success for herself.

As someone who has spent an entire career finding bad guys, a set of missing keys should be no challenge for Stephanie Plum. Problem is, the facts are as twisted as a boardwalk pretzel with mustard.

Good book, though these later books don't have the intensity, in either danger or humor, that the earlier books had. Be that as it may, it was still a fun read. At the end of the previous book, Grandma Mazur eloped with one of her senior citizen boyfriends. Unfortunately for her, the marriage lasted all of 45 minutes before her groom, Jimmy Rosolli, a local gangster, dropped dead of a heart attack.

Grandma finds herself the target of some unwanted attention. Jimmy's former business partners, an aging gang known as The La-Z-Boys, believe that Jimmy entrusted her with the secret of The Keys, and they want them back. Jimmy's sisters are convinced that Grandma is a gold-digger, and make their displeasure known in various ways. And one of Jimmy's ex-wives believes that she has more right to Jimmy's estate than Grandma does. How far are any of them willing to go to get what they want?

Now, on top of her bounty hunter duties, Stephanie has become Grandma's bodyguard. The best thing she can do is find the keys and end the threat. But this is Stephanie Plum, and nothing ever goes smoothly for her. There is plenty of fun with the usual zaniness that surrounds her. She has a relatively successful run of catching bail-jumpers, though not without challenges. Lula is always ready to aid and abet, and her antics contribute to some laugh-out-loud moments. She loses a car to a self-inflicted car bombing. Her love life is still complicated, though Morelli seems to have the inside track in this book. Ranger has his moments, and his simple "Babe" can convey so many different things. It was interesting to see Morelli and Ranger work together to keep Stephanie and Grandma safe - a somewhat uneasy partnership, but an effective one.

The central theme of Grandma and The Keys was pretty well done. It was fun to see more of Grandma in this book as she always livens things up. Stephanie's attempts to find out more about the keys led her down some twisted paths. The La-Z-Boys were occasionally amusing, more frequently creepy, and at the end, downright scary. The final confrontation was intense. I liked that both Stephanie and Grandma had no intention of giving in to panic. Stephanie's actions were great and reminded me somewhat of the first book. The story of the keys isn't entirely resolved, as a final twist in the story looks like a lead-in for the next book.

One thing I found unusual about this book is the depth of Stephanie's dissatisfaction with her life and work. She's had moments in previous stories, but she seems more serious about it here. It will be interesting to see if she takes it further in the future.