Project Duchess - Sabrina Jeffries (Zebra - June 2019)

Series: Duke Dynasty (Book 1)

A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey's focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather's funeral, he's shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn't interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .

Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn't exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey's charms to his wounded heart, she's having trouble keeping him at arm's length. But once Grey starts digging into her family's secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .

Good opening to the new series. These are the stories of the children of Lydia, a duchess who has been married three times, each one a duke. She has five grown children, four sons, and one daughter. The oldest son, Grey, was with her first husband, twins Thorn and Gwyn, with her second husband, and Sheridan and Heywood with her third husband. Three of those sons are now dukes, themselves. This is the story of Fletcher Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt.

Grey had a relatively normal life until he was ten years old. His father died when Grey was young, and his first stepfather not long after that. His second stepfather was a kind and loving man for them all. When Grey was ten, his uncle, who was named guardian by Grey's father, came to claim him. This set in motion a chain of events that left Grey alienated from his family and determined to always be in control of his emotions. The book opens as Grey receives word of his stepfather's (the Fourth Duke of Armitage) death and his mother's plea for him to come for the funeral. He doesn't want to, but despite everything, he still loves his mother, so he goes, but plans only a short stay. Those plans get derailed when he arrives and meets Miss Beatrice Wolfe, his half-brother's cousin.

Beatrice is the granddaughter of a duke, but the poor relation in this family. She and her brother, Joshua, were the wards of the Third Duke of Armitage and occupy the dower house. Joshua is a veteran of the Peninsular War, where he was badly wounded before coming home to become the estate gamekeeper. He is a grouchy loner who avoids people whenever he can. Beatrice loves her family and helped Lydia and her family learn the ropes when Maurice became the fourth duke. She stepped in to help with the funeral arrangements and is engaged in that process when Grey arrives. He does NOT make a good impression.

I loved the first meeting between Grey and Beatrice. He is very much the top-lofty, arrogant duke, and Beatrice doesn't put up with that attitude. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her stand up to him. Grey is taken aback at first, but then intrigued and captivated. It's evident that there are sparks between them, but neither one wants to admit it. Beatrice knows that there is too big a gap between them for anything to become of it. Grey wants nothing to do with anything that threatens his control over his emotions.

I enjoyed the development of Grey and Beatrice's relationship. Their plans to avoid each other are complicated by Lydia's plans to take both Gwyn and Beatrice to London for the Season. Lydia recruits Grey to assist in teaching both women what they need to know to survive a London Season. It doesn't take long for Grey and Beatrice to discover that they have much in common, from unpleasant events in their pasts to their preference for straight talk. I loved their pledge to each other that they don't hold back when speaking to each other. Both of them are very quick-witted, and I liked the banter and teasing between them. The more time they spent together, the greater the sparks between them grew, providing both sweet and steamy encounters.

However, the possibility of a future between them has complications and obstacles. Sheridan believes that his father was murdered and that Joshua is the most likely suspect. He recruits Grey to help him investigate, which puts Grey in an awkward position as his feelings for Beatrice grow. Can he discover the truth without endangering his relationship with her? There are some heart-wrenching and amusing moments as Grey, Beatrice, and Joshua work their way through this dilemma. Grey also ends up the attempted victim of his selfish and greedy aunt as she tries to manipulate him into an engagement with his cousin. The timing was especially bad, but Grey comes through with the perfect solution. In both cases, Grey and Beatrice had to decide whether they were able to trust each other. I liked that they overcame by talking to each other - once the initial hurt and anger faded. The ending was great, and I loved their big moment at the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire family. It is obvious that there is a great deal of love between all the members, even though some have a harder time showing it. The teasing indicates that they don't take themselves too seriously. When there are problems, there is always someone available to help with support or advice. That's not to say there are no problems. Joshua's attitude is a prime example and makes it easier for him to be suspected of murder. At the same time, Sheridan's focus on Joshua was a bit irritating as his suspicions had no evidence to support them. The sniping and arguing between Thorn and Gwyn appears to be caused by something in their past, which I hope will be addressed in a later book. It looks like the question of the murder may be a continuing theme through the series. I am intrigued to see how that develops.

 

Disruptive Force - Elle James (HI #1906 - Feb 2020)

Series: Declan's Defenders (Book 6)

They'll have to trust each other in order to survive this mission.

After escaping Trinity, a terrorist organization, trained assassin CJ Grainger has insider knowledge about the group's plans, but she needs resources that Cole McCastlain, a member of Declan's Defenders, can provide. Yet they face a dilemma: they must either facilitate the deaths of government officials or become Trinity's next targets. CJ and Cole will make it out alive only if they can place their lives in each other's hands.

This was a fantastic conclusion to the series. While each book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading them all, in order, to get the full effect of the overarching storyline. Each book is a complete story involving one couple and solves their immediate problem, but there is also the continuing story of bringing down a domestic terror group. I was fully invested in the whole thing from the very beginning, as Elle James writes truly gripping tales.

CJ Grainger played a large part in the previous book, Tactical Force, as the unknown informant who warned the Defenders about sleeper agents in the White House and an impending attack. In this book, we learn more about her as she joins forces with the group to bring down Trinity. CJ was kidnapped as a child and trained as an assassin by Trinity. When she refused to carry out her last mission, she became the target. CJ has been on the run for a year, trying to stay alive while looking for Trinity's leader. Having concluded that she can't do it alone, she has joined forces with Declan's Defenders.

Cole is the team's computer guy. Charlie tasks him with protecting CJ after she revealed herself in the previous book. Cole is a bit frustrated because CJ resists his help, believing that she is better off on her own. I liked his patience, as he understood that CJ had to think he could be trusted before she would accept his help.

It didn't take too long for Trinity's hunters to close in on CJ, forcing her to accept Cole's help. Now that they are constantly in each other's company, the attraction that flared between them from the moment they met grows stronger. I loved the interactions between them, as Cole's protectiveness grows, and CJ hangs on to her independence. I enjoyed seeing that, though Cole is protective, he also respects CJ's capabilities and doesn't try to hold her back. CJ is just as protective of Cole, especially knowing what Trinity is capable of. When everything was all over, I loved Cole's support of CJ and what she wanted for her future. I ached for her as she had trouble believing that he could love someone who was a trained assassin. I loved it when he told her, "Your past doesn't dictate your future. But it helps to shape you into the woman you want to become."

The suspense of the story was fantastic as the team continued its quest to stop Trinity. The intensity increased as the team uncovered pieces of the puzzle and raced to put them together before Trinity could strike again. The scene in the woods was heart-wrenching and showed the depth of CJ's caring, to the point of risking her life. I was glued to the pages as the extent of Trinity's plan was revealed. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was on the edge of my seat until it was over. There was an exciting twist to the conclusion that I didn't see coming but made perfect sense once it was revealed.

Though there was no epilogue, the final chapter provided the perfect wrap-up for both book and series. I loved seeing how CJ's life changed and how she put her past to work for her. There were a couple of surprise announcements from members of Declan's Defenders. There was also a letter from the president with an unexpected result of their efforts stopping Trinity. As much as I liked that surprise, and the men's reaction to it, my favorite was the one about Charlie herself.

Engaging the Enemy - Reese Ryan (HD #2657 - Apr 2019)

Series: Bourbon Brothers (Book 2)

“That's the deal, Abbott. Take it…or leave it.”

How far will an ambitious heir go to secure his future?

Parker Abbott will do whatever it takes to be the next CEO of King's Finest Distillery, even play fake fiancé to his childhood nemesis, Kayleigh Jemison. Yet as he and the fiery redhead get reacquainted, sparks fly and real passion emerges. But when her ex wants a second chance, who will Kayleigh choose?

Good book. Parker and Kayleigh were good friends as children until Parker did something stupid that destroyed their friendship. To complicate matters further, Kayleigh is convinced that Parker's father cheated her mother when he bought their family property. Now Parker has shown up at Kayleigh's store wanting to buy her property! Parker needs this sale to show his father that he is the best choice to be the next CEO of the family business, but how far is he willing to go?

Having met Parker in Savannah's Secrets, I wasn't sure I was going to believe he was redeemable as a hero. He is focused on the bottom line and his goals, and doesn't come across as caring much about people other than his family. He certainly doesn't have much in the way of people skills. Kayleigh is Savannah's best friend, which has made some gatherings a little awkward now that Savannah has married Parker's older brother. Kayleigh is creative and independent. She never forgot the hurt of Parker's sixth-grade betrayal, which doesn't make her any more willing to sell her property to him.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Kayleigh is ready to send Parker packing when she gets a call from her ex-boyfriend's sister. Suddenly Kayleigh needs a plus-one to a wedding, and who better than wealthy, gorgeous, Parker Abbott? She basically blackmails him into agreeing to pose as her fiancé in exchange for agreeing to sell her property to him. I loved this scene because it not only showed the issues between them; it also crackled with the sparks of attraction that were there too. I also enjoyed his family's reaction to the plan. Neither Kayleigh nor Parker was particularly happy when Savannah pointed out that their attitudes would not convince anyone that they were madly in love. Savannah was a genius in coming up with a plan for Parker and Kayleigh to get to know each other again, enabling them to carry off their masquerade. I was also sure that she clearly saw that they belonged together, and it was her way to get them to see it too.

I loved that first "tell each other what you see as their good qualities." That got them looking at each other in a positive light. Then the "ten dates in ten weeks" plan was to enable them to get to know each other and become comfortable with each other. It was fun to see each of those dates and the changes each one made in their relationship. With each one, the sparks of attraction burned hotter until they finally burst into flame. There were also some fun and sweet scenes between them, from the mountain biking trip to the dance lessons. At the same time, their friendship returned and grew into something more, though neither one would admit it. Just as Parker realizes the truth about his feelings, they arrive at the wedding, and he discovers that her ex wants a second chance. I ached for Parker as he makes a rather boneheaded move, believing that she still loves the other man. Meanwhile, Kayleigh is devastated by what she sees as another betrayal. A little communication would have gone a long way to preventing heartbreak for both of them.

I loved the ending as Parker went after what he really wanted, though it took a kick in the pants to get him moving. The only obstacle left to their happiness was her grudge against his father about the land purchase. I loved that Parker had learned his lesson about communication and honesty. I liked the conversation between Parker and his father, and his insistence that it was time to tell the truth. The revelation at the end was a surprise and went a long way toward changing my opinion of Parker's father as well as Kayleigh's. I can't wait to see what's next for the remaining Abbotts.

 

Tactical Force - Elle James (HI #1900 - Jan 2020)

Series: Declan's Defenders (Book 5)

Their search for an assassin makes her the next target.

Two attacks on DC staffer Anne Bellamy's life are just the beginning of a terrorist threat from a group that aims to assassinate the US president. It's all-out war for former elite Force Recon Marine Jack Snow, who is tasked with keeping Anne alive. As his mission takes him undercover into Washington's power circles, can he protect his country and the woman who's become way more than just an asset to him?

Good book. Charlie Halverson and Declan's Defenders continue their quest to find the person who murdered Charlie's husband, and to shut down the domestic terror organization, Trinity. This book opens with Anne, a DC staffer working for the National Security Advisor, receiving mysterious texts telling her that she is in danger. She was recruited by John Halverson to watch for suspicious activity at the White House, but with his death believed she was no longer needed. When an attempted attack followed the mysterious texts, Anne called the emergency phone number John gave her before his death. That number was answered by Charlie, who sent Jack Snow to the rescue.

Jack is the youngest of Declan's Defenders and, in their Marine unit, was a jack-of-all-trades. On this night, Jack deals with the memories brought about by the anniversary of his high school girlfriend's murder. Her death, followed by the deaths of several other women close to him, has left Jack convinced that he is bad luck for any woman. He's glad to get the call from Charlie, as it pulls him out of his dark memories.

The suspense of this series amps up as Anne receives warning that something big is about to go down. Declan's Defenders are on the case, as they throw all their resources into stopping it before it can happen. It was fascinating to see how they took disparate events and found the threads that tied them together. I loved seeing Jack go undercover at the White House as Anne's assistant (loved the role reversal!) as he both protects her and attempts to ferret out who might be working for Trinity. The tension built as the NSC meeting grew closer, with both the President and Vice-President scheduled to attend. There were multiple twists as the mysterious informant stayed just out of sight, the attacks on Anne continued, and Trinity made their move. I loved seeing Anne keep her head and use her brains to aid in her rescue. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Jack and the others raced to get to Anne and the VP before it was too late. I can't wait for the next book, and hopefully the discovery and end of Trinity.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jack and Anne. Neither of them believes they are relationship material. Jack thinks he is a death curse for any woman he gets involved with. Since her husband's death, Anne has devoted all of her time and energy to her work. From the moment they met, Anne and Jack were drawn to each other, surprised by the sparks they felt. I liked the way that Jack respected Anne's intelligence and independence, even as his protectiveness wanted to keep her out of the line of fire. I liked how Anne's independence didn't keep her from listening to Jack when it came to her safety. The intensity of their situation amplified the feelings that grew between them. As Anne said to herself: "How many days had it been since she'd first met Jack? It hadn't been many, but it seemed like a lifetime."

Christmastime Cowboy - Maisey Yates (HQN - Oct 2017)

Series: Copper Ridge (Book 13)

It's Christmas in Copper Ridge, and love is waiting to be unwrapped…

Falling for a bad boy once is forgivable. Twice would just be foolish. When Sabrina Leighton first offered her teenage innocence to gorgeous, tattooed Liam Donnelly, he humiliated her, then left town. The hurt still lingers. But so does that crazy spark. And if they have to work together to set up her family winery's new tasting room by Christmas, why not work him out of her system with a sizzling affair?

Thirteen years ago, Liam's boss at the winery offered him a bribe -- leave his teenage daughter alone and get a full ride at college. Convinced he wasn't good enough for Sabrina, Liam took it. Now he's back, as wealthy as sin and with a heart as cold as the Oregon snow. Or so he keeps telling himself. Because the girl he vowed to stay away from has become the only woman he needs, and this Christmas could be just the beginning of a lifetime together…

Good second chance/enemies-to-lovers story, though frustration with both characters made it a little harder to invest in their story fully. Sabrina was the daughter of the local winery owner and Liam, the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. The summer she was seventeen, Liam came to work at the winery, where the two of them quickly became friends. That friendship developed into a big crush on Sabrina's part. Sabrina's father noticed and offered Liam a hefty chunk of change to leave town. Right after that offer, Sabrina offered herself to Liam. Knowing he wasn't good enough for her, he turned her down, took the money, and left town, breaking her heart.

Thirteen years later, Liam is back, a wealthy businessman who is working with his brothers at Laughing Irish ranch. He has plans to partner with Sabrina's family's winery. When Sabrina is tasked with partnering with Liam to get the new tasting room up and running, she is not happy. She has done her best to avoid him since his return, but now she has no choice. She plans to keep things professional and lock down any lingering feelings.

That viewpoint doesn't last past their first meeting. The sparks flew as they faced off over the past. I liked that they cleared the air between them, as that opened the door to a better working relationship. But physical attraction simmered under that improvement. It doesn't take too long before they decide to carry on a no-strings affair with an end-date of the tasting room's Christmas opening. The banter between them is quick-witted and fun. The more time they spend together, the closer they get, and some confidences are shared. There were some sweet scenes of the time they spent together, as well as some steamy ones. As the time for the opening grew closer, both Liam and Sabrina had to face the future. Sabrina chooses to protect her heart, while Liam was ready to keep going for as long as they could. I hurt for both of them as their roles reversed, and Sabrina was the one to walk away.

I ached for Liam. What he went through as a child was horrific, and it's not surprising that he holds back the way he does. It's hard for him to believe that anyone would want him for himself, including his family members. Be that as it may, I still became very frustrated with his attitude that he was good enough to sleep with Sabrina, but not for a relationship.  I liked seeing all three brothers call him out on his attitude, and try to break through the walls he built up. The confrontation between Liam and Alex finally opened his eyes and heart.

Sabrina provided some frustrating moments also. She was so stuck in the past that she didn't do much dating, much less form a relationship with anyone. She was much stronger than she believed she was, but it took her almost the whole book to realize it. I liked seeing her confront her father over the way he treated her, then and now. It didn't make me like him any better, but I was happy to see the effect it had on Sabrina. I did wish that she dared to tell Liam her feelings, but I understood her hesitation.

The ending was emotional as Liam was able to open himself up and show Sabrina that he was there for the long haul, that he was done walking away. Sabrina could finally trust that she didn't have to fear rejection any longer. I enjoyed the epilogue and seeing where all four brothers and their families are. It was a nice wrap-up to the quartet about the Donnelly brothers.

Let it Snow - Nancy Thayer (Ballantine - Oct 2019)

A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships . . . to warm the coldest of hearts -- and maybe even find love.

Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf.

Even so, Christina hopes there is a warm heart underneath Oscar's steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn't so cold after all. And with the help of Wink's uncle, who happens to be a charming and very handsome bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined.

Very sweet story that takes place in Nantucket at Christmas. Christina is a native of the island and owns a small toy store on the pier, one of several "shed shops." She loves her store and usually looks forward to Christmas and its holiday cheer and busyness. It's a little harder this year as she has lost her parents and her grandmother, leaving her alone for the holidays. Fortunately, she has her shop and good friends to ease the pain. One day, as she is unpacking merchandise, she catches a young girl shoplifting a small sticker book. Rather than turn her in, Christina offers nine-year-old Wink a job, giving the bored and lonely girl something fun to focus on.

I liked the quick bonding between Wink and Christina. Both were dealing with a tough holiday season, between Christina's losses and Wink's upset over her parents' upcoming divorce. It was fun to see Wink blossom under Christina's encouragement, as she went from sulky and bitter to outgoing and helpful. There were some terrific scenes of their time in the shop together.

A side effect of her friendship with Wink was getting to know Wink's bachelor Uncle Andy. Christina and Andy were drawn together from the moment they met. She was reluctant to get involved with him at first, as he was the son of local billionaire and landlord Oscar Bittlesman. But Andy was sweetly persistent and was soon spending as much time as he could with Christina. I liked Andy a lot. He's a nice man who hasn't inherited his father's ruthless streak. He's more interested in using his time and money on things that benefit the area.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Andy and Christina. They spend time together, with and without Wink, getting to know each other. I liked seeing the little things that he did for her to make her happy or her life a little easier. Christina gives Andy moral support as he works to convince his father to let him leave the family business in New York and move to Nantucket. It's easy to see the feelings growing between them. Things become complicated when the "Shedders" all receive notice from Oscar that he will raise their rents by ten percent after the first of the year. This is a blow to all of them, as their profit margins aren't all that high to begin with. Christina is faced with a dilemma - does she allow Andy to help her with his father, or does she rely on her business sense and intelligence to fight this battle? Decision made, she had to walk a fine line between her struggle with Oscar and her growing feelings for Andy. I loved that Andy respected her wishes and gave her support without taking over. I liked the way things worked out at the end, with everyone remaining true to themselves.

I enjoyed Christina's fellow merchants. They had an excellent friendship and support system going. Mimi was terrific with the way she watched over them all and kept them on track when they needed it. Jacob was the geeky guy with the kite and other sciency stuff. Sometimes he seemed like the awkward little brother, and other times he was far ahead of the others. Harriet grated on me through most of the book. She was catty and snobby and came across as a gold-digger. I hated her snide comments. She had a few redeeming moments, such as when she helped Christina at the hospital, but mostly she was a pill. When they all found out about the rise in rent, they looked to Christina to take advantage of her relationships with Wink and Andy to fix the problem, which bugged me. I was happy when they realized that wasn't fair to her, and enjoyed the idea they came up with to try to change his mind. The results were not what they expected.

There were a couple of things that disappointed me about the book. One was the lack of heat between Andy and Christina. Their romance was sweet, and I had no doubt about their feelings, but I never felt any sparks between them. The other problem I had was that there wasn't anything told from Andy's point of view. There were places that I would have liked to know what he was feeling or thinking. This would have given a little more depth to his character. This was my first book by Nancy Thayer, so this may be her style.

Love Overrules the Lawyer - Kerry Evelyn (CPC Publishing - Feb 2020)

Series: Cat's Paw Cove (Book 10)

Once upon a time, Rachel Saunders told Javier Consuelos she was truly, madly, deeply in love with him. And he ran. Fifteen years later, Javier still regrets breaking Rachel's heart, but watching her succeed as a corporate attorney confirmed he did the right thing. A long way from his troubled childhood, he's cooking for celebrities and giving back to the community that believed in him.

But Rachel has had a tougher fifteen years than she's let on. When she's offered an opportunity to start over, she realizes her dream job will put her in constant contact with Javier. Distraught, Rachel flees to Moon Mist Manor on Guinevere Island to connect with her long-time feline adviser, Ameerah, who has always steered her in the right direction.

When Javier unexpectedly shows up to make amends this Valentine's Day weekend, and with no vacancies in town, the trio are stuck together. That is, until mischievous visitors threaten to overtake the island. Can Rachel and Javier overcome magical forces and their painful past to save the resort and get a second chance at love?

Good second chance story that takes place in the magical world of Cat's Paw Cove and Guinevere Island. When Rachel and Javier were teenagers they were best friends, until Rachel confessed her love for him. Javier panicked and ran. He was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and felt she would be better off without him dragging her down. Javier leaving without a word broke Rachel's heart. For the next fifteen years, her track record in relationships was awful, with the most recent one being the last straw. She left her job in Atlanta and went home to Savannah, where she was offered a dream job. The only problem was that it would force her to see Javier almost every day. Torn over what to do, Rachel fled to Moon Mist Manor to reconnect with her magical feline advisor, and get some much-needed advice. She didn't expect Javier to follow her.

Javier regretted breaking Rachel's heart, but still thinks he did the right thing. He's never lost the feelings he had for her, and seeing her again stirs them up. He's no longer the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Instead, he is a renowned chef, cooking for the rich and famous and giving back to his community. When Javier's mother tasks him with convincing Rachel to take the job, he knows it's also his chance to make amends. So off he goes to Guinevere Island.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Javier and Rachel. She was not expecting him to show up at her hideout and was less than pleased that he would have to stay with her in her villa. Having him so close stirs up feelings she thought she buried long ago. Javier is determined to make amends and goes all out to win her over. Things get complicated when mischievous Pukwudgies threaten to take over the island and one of them attaches itself to Rachel. Javier is unaware of the magical side of the island and it takes some drastic measures to get him to see the truth. I liked seeing them get to know each other again as adults as they worked together to protect the island. But even after that problem is solved, Rachel's emotions are still all over the place. It takes a stern talking to from a fairy to open Rachel's eyes and reinvigorate her confidence. For Javier, it was a kick in the seat by a cat that opened his eyes. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic and bodes well for their future.

I also enjoyed the family and friends who made various appearances in the book. Family support for both Rachel and Javier is an important part of who they are, as knowing they have that security net gives them a little extra confidence. I also loved the scene with Jordyn and the kitties which showed another side of Rachel and gave Javier a little more insight into her. I loved the scene at the end when the whole family showed up on the island.

The Other Miss Bridgerton - Julia Quinn (Avon - Nov 2018)

Series: Bridgerton Prequels/Rokesbys (Book 3)

She was in the wrong place...

Fiercely independent and adventurous, Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers' hideaway tucked inside a cave. But her delight turns to dismay when two pirates kidnap her and take her aboard a ship, leaving her bound and gagged on the captain's bed…

He found her at the wrong time...

Known to society as a rascal and reckless privateer, Captain Andrew James Rokesby actually transports essential goods and documents for the British government. Setting sail on a time-sensitive voyage to Portugal, he's stunned to find a woman waiting for him in his cabin. Surely, his imagination is getting the better of him. But no, she is very real -- and his duty to the Crown means he's stuck with her.

Can two wrongs make the most perfect right?

When Andrew learns that she is a Bridgerton, he knows he will likely have to wed her to avert a scandal -- though Poppy has no idea that he is the son of an earl and neighbor to her aristocratic cousins in Kent. On the high seas, their war of words soon gives way to an intoxicating passion. But when Andrew's secret is revealed, will his declaration of love be enough to capture her heart…?

Good continuation of the adventures of the Rokesby and Bridgerton families. In this book, third son Andrew meets his match in the form of Poppy Bridgerton. Andrew appeared in the first book (Because of Miss Bridgerton) as a rogue and a flirt. He's light-hearted and cheerful, and no one in his family suspects that he is a spy/courier working for the British government. In this book, Andrew has a time-sensitive mission to Portugal. Beneath the cheerful exterior is a man who is deadly serious about carrying out his duties. There is also a small part of him that is weary of the demands that keep him away from his family, and he ponders the idea of giving it up and moving on to a more settled life.

Poppy Bridgerton is a woman who knows her own mind. She is independent and a bit impulsive, intelligent and forthright. She's had two Seasons, but none of the men she met have lived up to her exacting expectations. She escapes for a while to visit a friend, where she can take long walks and think about her future. On one walk she stumbles across a smugglers' cave filled with booty. Unfortunately for her, it also contained two pirates who were determined to keep her from revealing what she knows. They tie her up and take her aboard ship, where they leave her on the captain's bed for him to deal with.

I thoroughly enjoyed Poppy's encounter with Brown and Green, the two pirates in the cave. She talked rings around them, but it still wasn't enough to keep them from kidnapping her. Andrew's shock at finding her in his cabin was nothing compared to the shock he got when he found out who she was. He knew he was fortunate that they had never met, considering how close their families are - especially with her cousin Billie married to his brother George. I'm not sure why he didn't tell her who he was from the start, but it certainly made for some entertaining moments. He also knows that there is a good chance he will have to marry her to prevent a scandal.

I loved the development of the relationship between Poppy and Andrew. Poppy is, of course, upset about her abduction and worried about the effect it would have on her family, friends, and reputation. However, nothing she says convinces the captain to set her free, though he does allow her to send a letter to her friend with a story that will keep her family in the dark. I loved the back-and-forth between Poppy and Andrew as she pleads her case, and he counters every argument. I was impressed with her acceptance of her confinement, intelligent enough to realize that it was for her safety. I could also feel her frustration at being on an "adventure" and yet bored out of her mind. The only bright spots were meals with Andrew when their conversations ran the gamut of subjects. Andrew was impressed and intrigued by her intelligence and curiosity and finds that he wants to find ways to counter that boredom. Poppy responds as she realizes that he is a kind and decent man despite being a pirate and kidnapper. I loved watching them grow closer over that week.

Things look fairly promising between them since Andrew at least knows that they are a suitable match. But things go sideways when they reach Portugal. Andrew's attempt to give Poppy a pleasant interlude off the ship ends up with them both as captives. The situation is intense as Andrew bargains for Poppy's release, tells her the truth of why he is there, and sends her off to his contact for help. That scene was pretty funny as Poppy's stubbornness was no match for the needs of King and Country. I ached for Poppy, who was returned to England, not knowing if Andrew was safe or not. As a reader, you know very well that trouble is just around the corner when Andrew arrives at his parents' home, determined to stay only long enough to discover where Poppy is, not knowing that she and her family are coming to dinner that very night. That dinner scene was fantastic, with the soup incident being one of my favorites in the whole book. I loved Andrew's big moment and how they came together. The epilogue was terrific, too.

 

Nicholas: Lord of Secrets - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - May 2013)

Series: Lonely Lords (Book 2)

Nicholas Haddonfield has something to hide...

After a wild youth, Nicholas Haddonfield, Viscount Reston, has promised his ailing father he'll finally take a bride, though doing so will force Nick to make impossible choices and face old, painful wounds.

Leah Lindsey is glad to find refuge from her own desperate situation in a marriage of convenience with the gallant viscount. But soon convenience is not enough, and Leah can't understand why Nick remains so distant. What is he hiding, and will he never allow her into his heart?

Good book. This is the story of Nicholas and Leah. Leah is the sister of Darius, from the first book in the series, which takes place at the same time as this one. Both Nicholas and Leah appear in that book, and some things alluded to there are explained here.

Nicholas is a big man with an even bigger heart. Like most men of his time, he had a pretty wild youth and has quite a reputation among a particular group of ladies. He's lately tired of that life and has spent more time with his ailing father, learning what he needs to know when he becomes the Earl of Bellefonte. The earl's greatest wish is to see Nicholas married. Nicholas knows he needs to marry, but there are reasons he doesn't want to have a typical marriage.

Leah is a woman with a past. A scandal years ago has put her firmly on the shelf. Her father, a nasty, vicious man, hates her and can't wait to marry her off. He has the perfect candidate - one of his cronies. Lord Hellerington is a randy old goat who has buried three wives. Leah is unwilling, but her father's threats against her brothers keep her in line. All she wants is to marry someone she can love and who will love her.

Nicholas and Leah met one evening when both tried to escape an uncomfortable Society function. Nicholas was pursued by two women determined to capture him, and Leah was avoiding her father's choice for her. The room was dark, and neither could see the other, making it easier for them to talk. Leah's story raises Nicholas's protective instincts, but without knowing who she is, there's no way for him to help her. Before they part ways, they share a kiss that neither one can forget.

When they meet again, and Nicholas learns who she is, he is determined to find a way to help her. He finds ways to spend time with her and quickly comes to realize that she may be the answer to his problem. Nicholas can marry Leah, satisfying his father's wishes, while at the same time protecting her from her father's plans. He feels guilty about offering her a platonic marriage, knowing that most women at least want children from their unions. However, Nicholas is adamant that he will father no children, with her or anyone else. Though she has reservations, Leah accepts his proposal.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nicholas and Leah. There is a connection between them from the beginning that neither one can deny. I liked how easily they were able to talk to each other about anything, as long as they stayed away from Nicholas's reasons for staying out of Leah's bed. It doesn't take long for Leah to realize that she loves Nicholas. Unfortunately, getting him to reveal his secrets is an uphill battle, and one she isn't sure she can win.

Meanwhile, Nicholas's feelings for Leah grow stronger, as does his guilt. There were so many times I wanted to shake him and tell him to talk to her already. I ached for them both when they parted because it was so hard to be together under their current circumstances. I had to laugh at Nicholas because of the way he handled the separation.

The whole family knew that Nicholas and Leah were meant to be together, but getting through to Nicholas was much harder than anyone expected. I loved how his grandmother finally sat Nicholas down and got him to talk to her. Nicholas's shock when he discovered that he'd been wrong about his reasons for not having children left him speechless, then determined to return to Leah as quickly as possible. I loved their reunion, which was as sweet and intense as I expected. Even better was how Nicholas revealed that devastating secret he had kept for sixteen years. I ached for his pain, loved the big heart and sweet nature that showed the depth of who he is, and cheered for Leah's reaction. The icing on the cake was their visit to her brother Darius and the revelation of the secret he had kept.

I loved the importance of family in this book and series. I liked how Darius and Trent supported Leah when she needed them, and her determination to do what she must to protect them. Nicholas's love for his family was evident in everything he did. Even though he and his father had their differences, the love and desire for what was best were still there. He also loved his sisters and their families and was fantastic with the children. A big part of this book was also the reconciliation between Nicholas and his older, illegitimate brother Ethan. They were the best of friends as children and teens until they were driven apart by the earl. I liked seeing the steps they took to return to their old relationship. I also enjoyed seeing Nicholas confront Leah's father about his treatment of Leah and the things that Nicholas found out. I thought he got off rather easy, but it was still satisfying to see him get even a fraction of what he deserved.

The Story of Us - Teri Wilson (Hallmark - Feb 2020)

A bookstore owner… her former high school sweetheart… And a box of old love letters that could change everything.

Jamie always adored True Love Bookstore and Café, and now she's the owner. But businesses are struggling in her small town, and her beloved store is threatened by a new retail development scheme.

Sawyer, Jamie's former high school sweetheart, startles her when he comes to town for the first time in fifteen years. She soon learns he's the architect of the proposed development and he's there to sell local business owners on his plan. Sawyer had no idea that Jamie had bought the bookstore and poured everything she had into it. If he takes it over, he'll break her heart a second time.

Jamie's discovery of a box of old love letters and valentines might hold the key to saving her shop. And after all this time, could love be in the cards for Jamie and Sawyer, too?

Terrific second chance love story with slight enemies-to-lovers undertones. This is the book version of the Hallmark movie of the same name. I have not seen the movie. The book takes place in a small Oregon town where a bookstore owner finds herself going head-to-head with a development company's plans spearheaded by her old boyfriend.

Jamie grew up in Waterford, where the True Love Bookstore and Café was her favorite place as a child. She worked there as a teenager, and later when the owner decided to retire, Jamie bought the store. Jamie loves the historic atmosphere of the business district and the personal feeling of the shops there. But even she has to admit that the businesses are struggling, though she believes that everything will come around. That is until she receives a flyer from the town council advertising a meeting with a development company that wants to "revitalize" the area. She immediately thinks of a nearby town where the same thing happened, and what it did to the shops and owners there.

Sawyer is a freelance architect who grew up in Waterford. He hasn't been back since he left for college fifteen years earlier. He's tired of his nomadic life and wants a chance to set down roots. If he pulls off this redevelopment plan, the Ridley firm will hire him, and he will finally get that chance to stay in one place. He envisions a modern, multi-use development that will bring new business and more people to the town. The people he's talked to so far are onboard with the idea and he anticipates a quick approval.

Jamie and Sawyer have a history together. They were high school sweethearts until Sawyer left for college across the country. He broke up with Jamie, telling her they were too young for a permanent commitment. She hasn't seen him since then, so she is shocked when Sawyer suddenly appears in her bookstore. He is equally surprised to see her, as he didn't know that she owns the store. It's easy to see that the sparks are still there though neither wants to admit it. Jamie is on a "hiatus" from romance since the end of her last relationship, and Sawyer is focused on his project. Those sparks take on a different tone when Jamie discovers that Sawyer is the architect of what she calls "that hideous spaceship."

I loved the development of their relationship. Jamie is determined to keep Sawyer's proposed development from happening, and he is equally committed to getting it approved. I loved Jamie's creativity as she devised several plans to remind the people of Waterford of how special their town is, while Sawyer steps up his efforts to convince them of the benefits of his plan. It's a small town and Jamie and Sawyer find themselves in each other's company often. She is dismayed to see her old feelings for Sawyer resurfacing and afraid of getting her heart broken again. Sawyer discovers that being back in Waterford revives his memories of the good times, most of which involved Jamie, and his feelings for her reawaken. There were some delightful scenes between them as Jamie reintroduced Sawyer to Waterford. But the development plans still loom between them.

The box of old Valentines and love letters that Jamie found hidden away at the bookstore was an incredible discovery. The Valentines were written to the store from people who met their true loves there. It was sweet to see the history of the bookstore as revealed by those cards and their stories. However, it was the letters from the original owners of the bookstore that provided the most intense feelings. Jamie also couldn't help seeing the parallels between Mary and Harrison and herself and Sawyer. I ached for both of them as it looked like there was no way for one to win without the other losing. But one should never give up on true love, and Sawyer found inspiration in an unexpected source. I loved his big moment at the end and the creativity that won the day. I also adored Jamie's reaction. The epilogue was a great follow-up.

There was also a fun secondary romance going on. Restaurant owner Rick has it bad for Jamie's friend and coworker Lucy, but when they first met, he was dating someone else. Since he broke up with that woman, he hasn't been able to get up the courage to ask Lucy out. Meanwhile, Lucy seems oblivious to Rick's feelings and determined to find her "wow" moment. The interactions between Rick and Lucy were occasionally painful but always entertaining. It was easy to root for the two of them and cheer when it finally happened.

 

Ignite on Contact - Jaci Burton (Berkley - Feb 2020)

Series: Brotherhood by Fire (Book 2)

Relationships. Firefighter Rafe Donovan avoids them whenever possible. He loves dating women, but he makes sure they know up front that he's in it for fun, great sex and nothing more.

Fun. As an ER nurse and official caretaker of her disabled grandfather, Carmen Lewis doesn't have time for fun. But Rafe has been there for Carmen--and her grandfather--time and again, and he's clearly interested in her. She knows he's a player, but she's tempted by his charm and incredible body. And maybe a little fun isn't a bad thing, as long as she keeps her heart away from this fiery game she's enjoying with a very hot man.

Love. It doesn't take Rafe long to realize that until now he's only been playing at romance. With Carmen he feels searing passion and heart-tugging emotion for the first time. Now he has to convince Carmen that what they have together is the real deal.

This was a terrific story of family ties, letting go of the past, and finding love when you least expect it. Rafe is a firefighter with a reputation of giving the ladies a fun time, but not getting too close. His relationships rarely last more than a few weeks. Even his brothers have noticed and call him on the superficiality of it. That begins to change when he ends up in the ER under the care of his neighbor Carmen. He's been attracted to her for a while, but she shows no interest in him.

Carmen's life is busy. She has her job as an ER nurse that keeps her on her toes. She also lives with her grandfather and has been caring for him since his stroke. She appreciates the help that Rafe has provided, and he's certainly easy on the eyes. But she isn't so sure that getting involved with him would be a smart thing to do.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rafe and Carmen. Carmen avoids dating and men, having been burned by a cheating ex-husband and is not sure she can trust her heart or her judgment. I liked how her friend Tess gave her a bit of a nudge out of her safe little box and encouraged her to see where the sparks between her and Rafe might go. It was fun to see Carmen make the overtures when she took food to Rafe when he was on medical leave. Rafe is all-in when he realizes that Carmen returns his interest and also doesn't want anything serious.

Though they started out intending just to have fun together, it didn't take long for the lines to blur. The chemistry between them is strong, but they also find themselves just enjoying being together. Rafe knows about Carmen's divorce and realizes that it will take time for her to trust him. Though his reputation is that of a player, Rafe also has a caring nature. I loved watching the little things he did for her, from foot rubs to helping her around her house. Carmen doesn't quite know what to make of him because he is so different than her ex. As those differences start to break down her walls, Carmen finds herself growing closer to Rafe. Because their jobs are so similar, both she and Rafe understand the toll that it can sometimes take on them. There's a fantastic scene where Carmen helps Rafe through a traumatic event at work, something that emphasizes just how deep their feelings have grown.

Just as it looks like their future is assured, Carmen's grandfather experiences a medical crisis. Carmen is swamped with guilt and pulls back, leaving Rafe devastated. I ached for both of them as Carmen's fears come between them. I loved how Rafe's mom helped him see that he shouldn't give up on them. At the same time, Carmen's grandfather showed her that life is too short to let the past dictate the future. I loved the ending and seeing how Rafe shows Carmen that he's there for her no matter what happens.

I loved the importance of family to both Carmen and Rafe. Carmen's relationship with her grandfather is a close one. Her grandparents raised her after her mother died, and he is all the family she has. Carmen tends to be a little overprotective since his stroke which he has no trouble pushing back about. Rafe had a rough start to life with drug dealer parents. He, Jackson, and Kal met when they were homeless street kids, and were later rescued from a fire by Mr. Donovan. They were taken in and adopted by the Donovans. I loved seeing the closeness and love in the Donovan family. The three brothers are there for each other when needed. They also have a great time teasing each other about anything and everything. The guys will also drop everything if their parents need them for something.

Though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. That said, I want to go back and read Jackson's story, as it sounds like a good one, too. I also look forward to Kal's story.

Savannah's Secrets - Reese Ryan (HD #2580 - Mar 2018)

Series: Bourbon Brothers (Book 1)

Falling for the boss, or taking him down?

Savannah Carlisle had the perfect plan. By infiltrating the Abbott family's Tennessee bourbon empire as their events manager, she'd be one step closer to claiming half of the business they stole from her grandfather. Now she's not so sure. Because sexy Blake Abbott, heir to it all, is simply intoxicating. He's supposed to be the enemy. But after one long, stormy weekend, she's pregnant with his child…

Their grandfather raised Savannah and her sister after their parents died in a tragic fire. Finances were tight and Savannah grew up listening to her grandfather talk about how his moonshine partner cheated him. Joe Abbott went on to found the wildly successful King's Finest Bourbon Distillery, while Martin McDowell was poor and bitter.

Savannah is determined to find the proof necessary for her grandfather to claim half the business. The perfect opportunity arises when she is hired as the new event planner for the distillery. All she needs to do is keep under the radar until she discovers the truth. Having grown up hearing about how terrible the Abbotts are, Savannah doesn't expect the intense attraction she feels for Blake Abbott.

Blake has buried himself in his work since the end of his last relationship. He doesn't typically interview new employees, but with key members of the family out of town, it fell to him to interview the possible new event planner. To say that he was stunned by her beauty would be putting it mildly. He had a hard time concentrating on the interview, but it wasn't difficult for him to realize that her qualifications were excellent. The only downside was the unwritten rule that Abbotts don't get involved with employees.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Blake and Savannah. Both feel the intense attraction, but both have good reasons to resist it. Blake because of the prohibition against dating employees, and Savannah because of her secret agenda. That resistance becomes more difficult by the day, as Savannah discovers that Blake is not the heartless scum her grandfather described. Instead, he is sweet, thoughtful, and easy to work with. Blake is more impressed with Savannah's abilities every day, as well as more attracted to her.

They did well with their resistance until a storm trapped them together for a weekend. The combination of the sparks between them and Blake's kindness during a rough part of the storm blew their resistance to pieces. The immediate connection that went deeper than just the physical attraction surprised them both, making each of them wary of getting too close. Over the next weeks, they spent as much time together as they could while at the same time trying to keep it to themselves.

I ached for Savannah, who knew she was falling for Blake and was eaten up by guilt over her deception. She has a harder and harder time seeing how the situation will end well. The more time he spends with her, the harder Blake falls for Savannah, but he also feels that there is something more going on. I kept waiting for it to blow up in Savannah's face, and sure enough, it did. I hurt for both Savannah and Blake when it happened. Blake's feelings of betrayal were heartbreaking. Savannah knew she had earned his anger, but she also felt that her reasons were justified. An unexpected complication arose when Savannah discovered she was pregnant, and Blake had some choice words and accusations when he found out.

It was hard to see how any of this was going to have a positive outcome. This is where the strength of family and love came into play. There were some interesting twists and revelations on both the Abbott and McDowell sides. I liked seeing the support that both Savannah and Blake received, which included some tough love from their family members. The ultimate resolution was realistic and satisfying, making it possible for Blake and Savannah to find their happy ending.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and seeing Blake's siblings find love, too. Parker looks like he will be an especially tough nut to crack.

The Wild One - Ruth Cardello (Montlake - Feb 2020)

Series: Corisi Billionaires (Book 2)

After years of choosing safe over satisfying, a weeklong Paris fling sounds perfect to Wren Heath. And who better to have it with than Mauricio Romano, a billionaire with a reputation as a first-class heartbreaker. A few days. Fun, then done. What happens on vacation stays on vacation, right?

Paris was Mauricio’s playground, and love was never part of the game. Lust? Toujours. Then he meets a sweet woman who wants to be a sex kitten. He knows how to give her the wildest five days and nights of her life. No commitments. No strings. But the hotter it gets, the harder it is to remember his own rules.

What do you do when what happens in Paris stays in your heart and then shows up at home?

Are these two destined to clash or destined for love?

This was a fun book. It is the second in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the previous book do make an appearance and are easily explained. That said, the first chapter and another near the end are told from the point-of-view of Dominic Corisi. For someone unfamiliar with the Legacy series (I haven't read it) these chapters are puzzling, as is the name of the series. The brothers in this series so far are Romanos, not Corisis. By the end of the book, I did have an inkling of the connection so it will be interesting to see where it goes.

This book is the story of Wren and Mauricio. Mauricio is a billionaire with a playboy reputation. He was known to be quite wild when he was younger, though he's been more settled the past few years as he helped with the family business. Now that his brother is ready to retake the reins, Mauricio is at a crossroads, looking for what he wants to do next. In the meantime, he heads to Paris to visit friend and fellow bad-boy Felix.

I enjoyed my first meeting with Mauricio and Felix. Felix is late to a business meeting with Mauricio, who is losing patience. That changes when Felix calls to let Mauricio know that he's in the hospital and won't be released until the next day. The injury seems to be a case of karma, which I found to be satisfying as I learned more. Felix's misfortune leaves Mauricio stuck with helping Felix by finding a way to politely boot Felix's mistress from his apartment before Felix is released.

Wren is in Paris on her first trip to Europe and visiting her friend Cecile. After a lifetime of being the good girl, she's ready to cut loose just a little bit. After a slightly embarrassing first encounter, who better to play with than Felix's friend Mauricio? He's fun and sexy, and what happens in Paris stays in Paris, right?

I wasn't sure I was going to like the book at first. There seemed a lot more action in the bedroom than in developing an actual relationship between Mauricio and Wren. Thankfully it didn't take long for the "no-strings fling" to morph into something much deeper. Both fought it hard, but unsuccessfully. Wren won my heart first with her determination to step outside her comfort zone. She is smart, sassy, and has a terrific sense of humor. Her mixture of innocence and sexiness was fun to watch as it had an unexpected effect on Mauricio. Mauricio wasn't far behind as he quickly began to envision something permanent with Wren.

I loved the development of the relationship between Wren and Mauricio. The chemistry is off the charts, but they connect on a deeper level also. The interactions between them were fun. Wren doesn't have much of a filter, and some of the things she says amuse the heck out of Mauricio. I also enjoyed seeing Wren's reactions to some of his more outrageous claims and how she keeps him from being too full of himself. Each falls hard for the other but says nothing because of their earlier demands of no strings.  Just as Mauricio is ready to take the plunge, Wren gets bad news from home and leaves with no explanation. Mauricio is devastated and angry, believing that she did not share his feelings, and goes home to lick his wounds.

Mauricio's family has never met a situation that can't be helped by pulling together. Earlier advice from his father had helped Mauricio identify his feelings for Wren, and now his father is invested in seeing Mauricio happy. Unfortunately, his attempt to bring the two together backfires, with both Mauricio and Wren blindsided by an unexpected reunion. Mauricio has an especially boneheaded reaction before realizing how wrong he was. I loved the help he got to pull off his "cow" moment and the faith he showed in Wren and her abilities.

The importance of family is a key theme in this book. There are the bits with Dominic Corisi that have to do with long-standing issues involving his parents. As an only child, Wren feels responsible for her parents' happiness and well-being, which in turn has affected the way she leads her life. It's that love for her family that causes the misunderstanding between her and Mauricio. I loved his family and the boisterous love they have for each other. I loved their support of Mauricio and determination to help him win back Wren.

 

Finding Home Again - Brenda Jackson (HQN - Nov 2019)

Series: Catalina Cove (Book 3)

First love. Second chances. In Catalina Cove, anything can happen…

Bryce Witherspoon's heart races every time she sees Kaegan Chambray. Everyone in town knows they can't stand each other, but the truth is, even though the man broke her heart ten years ago, she still feels that irresistible, oh-so-familiar jolt of desire.

When Kaegan returned to Catalina Cove to run the family business, he knew there'd be no avoiding Bryce. The woman he thought he'd one day marry was instead the biggest heartbreak of his life. But when Bryce lets slip a devastating secret, he discovers just how wrong he was to let her go all those years ago.

He knows they both still feel the spark between them, but it'll take more than attraction to convince her. Kaegan will pull out all the stops to show Bryce he's the man who can give her the future they once dreamed of -- if only they give love a second chance.

Terrific story of second chances, friendship, and forgiveness. I have been waiting for this book ever since reading the first two in the series, Love in Catalina Cove and Forget Me Not. It was clear in both books that there is history between Bruce and Kaegan. The palpable animosity is only eclipsed by the sparks that are also there.

Bryce and Kaegan, along with Vashti, were best friends growing up. After Vashti moved away, Bryce and Kaegan's friendship evolved into love, which lasted through high school and into college. But a misunderstanding split them apart, and they have spent the last ten years hating each other because of it. With Kaegan's recent return to Catalina Cove, seeing each other nearly every day only aggravates the feelings.

I had to laugh and roll my eyes at Kaegan and Bryce. Though both insist that they detest each other and have moved on from their earlier relationship, it is evident to their friends (and the reader) that that is anything but the truth. As readers, we finally get the story of what drove the two apart. I must admit that though I sympathized somewhat with Kaegan, I leaned more toward Team Bryce on this issue. When Kaegan saw his girl in the arms of another man, he immediately jumped to the conclusion that she had betrayed him. Rather than confronting her and finding out the truth, he broke up with her in a cruel manner. When Bryce went to him to try to explain, he refused to listen and behaved even worse. Bryce was brokenhearted but also furious that he hadn't trusted her enough to even listen to what she had to say. That lack of trust crushed her.

I enjoyed the rekindling of their relationship. Since Bryce and Kaegan shared the same group of friends, they saw each other frequently and the sniping at each other was a constant. I liked Vashti's attempts to get them past it and at least repair their friendship. The most recent party at Kaegan's house was pretty much the last straw for Bryce after Kaegan's most recent attack. When he made some snide comment a few days later about the wedding that Bryce attended, she finally unloaded on him. It was immensely satisfying to see Kaegan realize just how big a mistake he'd made and what an utter ass he was. He also finally admitted to himself that he still cared for her and that he wanted back in her life.

Kaegan had a difficult task in front of him. He knows he has to earn back Bryce's trust before she risks her heart on him. He is patient and persistent. I loved watching him take the friendship road first. He works his way back into her life by offering to help her study for her real estate exam. There were some sweet scenes as he worked hard to keep his attraction under control and do what he can to help her. He's also a little devious as he finds ways to remind her of the good times in their past.

Bryce is understandably wary of Kaegan's about-face. She is glad that he knows the truth and has admitted his stupidity, but she's not willing to risk her heart on him again. Bryce expresses her forgiveness, and agrees to see if they can be friends again, but insists that there will be nothing more. But try as she might, it is hard to deny the way he still makes her feel.

I liked watching Kaegan and Bryce get to know the adult versions of each other. Both have changed. Bryce is more independent. Kaegan had been her focus before their breakup, and she now looks to herself for happiness and satisfaction. Kaegan is more confident in himself. He no longer has the insecurities of his childhood as the son on an abusive drunk and looked down on because of his heritage. I loved Kaegan's support of Bryce and his confidence in her professionally, especially when it came to the other agent he used. The attraction between them had also changed, and the heat between them was intense.

It took Bryce a bit longer to realize the truth of her feelings, and when she did, it was almost too late. Unknown to both Kaegan and Bryce, there was someone who did not like their rekindled romance. My mind went to two people when the incidents began but quickly settled on one of them. The tension increased as this person became more resentful. I was glued to the pages as Bryce ends up in extreme danger. I loved the presence of mind that helped her escape and provided a very satisfying resolution. I liked Kaegan and Bryce's big moment at the end.

One of the great things about this book was the depth of the friendships. I loved the give-and-take among the men as they gave Kaegan a hard time, but they were there for him when he needed them. Vashti's need to end the split between Kaegan and Bryce showed how much both meant to her. I loved seeing everyone come together at the end.

I hope that this isn't the last of the Catalina Cove books. I love the location and the people. I'm also intrigued by the brief mention of a Madaris coming to the Cove, and wondering if there is going to be a crossover book. I can't wait to see what's in store for the future.