Their Secret Summer Family - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2762 - May 2020)

Series: Bravos of Valentine Bay (Book 7)
            Bravo Family Ties (Book 58)

It’s the perfect summer: sun, surf, sand and a secret fling!

It’s just fun and games…

Until someone falls in love.

Officer Dante Santangelo doesn’t “do” relationships, but the busy single dad happily agrees to a secret summer fling with younger, free-spirited Gracie Bravo. It’s the perfect arrangement. Until Gracie falls for Dante, his adorable twins and their ever-present fur baby. Gracie wants a life with Dante. Either she can say goodbye at the end of the summer…or risk everything to make this family happen.

Fantastic book. I've been waiting for this story ever since that brief glimpse of Dante and Grace at the bar in The Husband SheCouldn't Forget. I had a feeling there was something there, and I was right.

Grace is the youngest of the Bravo clan and the last to move out of the family home. Now that her oldest brother Daniel is married (TheNanny's Double Trouble), she feels like a fifth wheel. She also butts heads with Daniel regularly because of his overprotectiveness. She's ready for a place of her own.

Dante is a divorced father of twin girls. He likes his job as a cop, has a terrific house, and sees his daughters regularly. He has a fairly active social life, but romantic love and marriage are not in his plans. Been there, done that, and failed, and has no intention of trying again.

I enjoyed the opening. Dante pulls Grace over for speeding, but after writing her the ticket, he invites her over for dinner and to talk about whatever it was that was bothering her. They are long-time friends, thanks to Dante's friendship with her brother, Connor. I loved seeing their mental processes, as each catalogs the non-friend attributes that they've noticed. I liked their conversation over dinner and their ability to talk about anything. However, this dinner is accompanied by a bottle of tequila, and it isn't long before inhibitions begin to fade, especially on Grace's side. Her method of making a point fanned the banked flames into an unexpected fire. Unfortunately, Dante was filled with regrets by the next morning and pulled back, while Grace was ready to run with it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of their relationship. It was fun to watch Grace tempt and torture Dante after he pulled away, hoping for a repeat performance. Dante's struggle to resist was formidable, but it was only a matter of time before he caved. They agree to a summer fling, but Dante insists on it being secret. He doesn't want to deal with family expectations when nothing will come of it.

With Dante's daughters visiting for six weeks, opportunities to be together were not easy to come by. It was amusing to see how they managed it and witnessing the growing intensity. Grace also spent time with Dante's daughters, getting to know them. It didn't take long for Grace to realize that she wanted more than just the secret summer fling. I ached for her when she accepted that Dante was never going to give her what she needed. There were many times when I wanted to bash Dante over the head or shake him until his teeth rattled. Grace makes him feel things that he's never felt before, but he refuses to admit it. I hurt a little for him, too, because it's his own fears that hold him back. I loved the "full circle" conversation that set him straight. Dante's big moment at the end was great, and I loved his daughters' reactions.

As always, I love the family relationships in these books. Dante is close to his family and has a marvelous relationship with his daughters. I found his history with his ex-wife interesting, especially the insight provided by Connor. He is also close to the Bravos, thanks to his friendship with Connor, who is married to Dante's sister, Aly. There have been occasional strains on the bond, and I loved seeing a little bit of "gotcha" at Connor and Aly's party. The Bravo family continues its traditions of family dinners and loving support. Grace knows that they have her back, even when she asserts her independence. I loved the time she spent with Hailey and Harper, and can't wait to read their stories.

A Highlander in a Pickup - Laura Trentham (St. Martin's - Feb 2020)

Series: Highland, Georgia (Book 2)

When a gorgeous new man - in a kilt - comes to town, life in Highland, Georgia will never be the same...

Iain Connors is the poster boy for the strong and silent type. Growing up a loner at Cairndow Castle in Scotland with only the cliffs and moors for company, it's understood Iain will assume the mantle of Cairndow groundskeeper when his father is ready to relinquish it. But his stint in Her Majesty's Armed Forces has opened up a whole new world - and now, rather than settle down, he accepts an invitation to travel to the States to take charge of the Highland Games. After all, he's led men into battle, how hard can planning a party be?

Anna Maitland is ready to step up for her best friend Isabel Blackmoor, who can't run the Games in their hometown this year. Surely Anna, a dance instructor with boundless energy, spirit, and charm, is up for the challenge? What she doesn't anticipate is a man in a kilt who turns up claiming he's the one in charge. What's worse about this Iain? He's so infuriatingly handsome that she can't help but fantasize about him whispering sweet-nothings in her ear in his rumbly, sexy brogue. . .

Another fun visit to Highland, Georgia. This one takes place a year after A Highlander Walks Into a Bar. At the end of that book, we find out that Izzy is pregnant and due at the same time as the yearly Highland Games. That means she won't be able to return to Georgia to help plan them, and that her mother will want to be in Scotland with her. Izzy asks her best friend Anna to fill in for her and later asks Iain to fly over and give her a hand.

Fast forward to the week before the games. Anna is a little stressed out, trying to run her dance studio and prepare for the games at the same time. She is determined to carry it off, thus showing the town that she also has what it takes to be the next mayor. She neither needs nor wants anyone else's help.

I loved the first meeting between Anna and Iain. She is dealing with the unexpected delivery of a highland cow and a sheep, arranged for by Alasdair. She is in a standoff with the sheep, which wakes up Iain, who arrived late the previous night. He expects to take over whatever needs to be done and is surprised to discover that Anna has no intention of relinquishing control. Instead, he finds himself relegated to animal wrangler.

I liked both Anna and Iain. Anna is feisty, fun, and full of energy. She has a big heart and loves her hometown. She has some emotional baggage, stemming from her father's abandonment and her struggles to please her mother. Iain is the strong, silent type, thanks to his upbringing at Cairndow. It's always been the plan for him to take over as castle groundskeeper, but he's no longer sure that's what he wants to do. Iain looks at this time in Georgia as a chance to consider all of his options. Iain also has some baggage resulting from his mother's departure from his life when he was a child.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Anna and Iain. It starts antagonistic as they butt heads over who is in charge of the games. Iain backs off but is prepared to step in if he's needed. I got a little frustrated with Anna and her refusal to accept any help from Iain, especially when she was clearly overwhelmed. Underneath the antagonism, sparks flew fast and furious between them. They tried to resist, of course. Iain Isn't going to be there long, and neither is looking for a relationship. I liked that Anna couldn't add to Izzy's stress by complaining about Iain, and instead began to include him. It didn't take too long for them to become friends and find ways to work together.

I loved watching Iain with Anna. He's never really been comfortable around women and tends to say the wrong things around them. That problem continues at the beginning, as he fumbles his words, making it easy for Anna to misunderstand him. But the more time they spend together, the more he relaxes in her company and the easier he can talk to her.

As the days passed, Anna and Iain grew closer, and the feelings between them stronger. Anna doesn't want to think about the end of the games and Iain leaving, but she's too afraid of his rejection to ask him to stay. Iain feels like he has finally found a place he can belong, but won't renege on his promise to his father. I ached for both of them as they faced a future without each other. I liked the lecture Anna got from Holt, though it took a while for it to sink in. Then a heartfelt talk between Iain and his father opened up a whole new life for Iain. I loved the ending and seeing how the problem was resolved. I enjoyed the epilogue and its lead-in to the next book. I can't wait to read it.

I loved spending more time in the small town of Highland. Small town stories are always fun with their closeness and quirky characters. I liked getting to know Loretta a little better. In the first book and the beginning of this one, she came across as something of a general pain in the butt. Her plans to run against Anna for mayor added to that impression. But a crisis involving her and her shop provided a more in-depth look at her and changed my opinion. I also enjoyed seeing more of Mr. Timmerman, the kiltmaker. He's such a dapper man that it was a bit of surprise to see him otherwise when he helped Anna, Iain, and Loretta with their problem. I also enjoyed the collaboration between him and Iain. One of the greatest things about Highland was the way they welcomed Iain. I loved their friendliness and how they included him and made him feel welcome.

 

Pursuit: Colorado to Alaska - Cindi Myers (Feathered Dreams - Mar 2020)

On the trail of a fugitive in the Alaska bush, U.S. Marshal Gillian Williams becomes the hunted as unseen enemies pursue her and her prisoner, Harrison Prescott, through the wilderness. When her fellow agents turn against her, Gillian and Harrison must work together to survive long enough to prove their innocence.

Terrific book that sucked me in from the start and didn't let go until I turned the last page. Gillian is a dedicated US Marshal sent to Alaska to bring in Harrison Prescott. He is wanted as a material witness against government officials with shady dealings in oil leases on public lands. Harrison left Colorado and went into hiding in Alaska to protect his family after his brother was murdered as a warning.

I liked both Gillian and Harrison. Gillian is confident, hard to fluster, and determined. I also thought that she was a little bit naïve in trusting her fellow agents after things started going wrong. Harrison is smart, loyal, and protective. He believes that the only way to protect his family is to disappear, but he misses them.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gillian and Harrison. There were sparks between them from the start, though they tried to ignore them. Gillian knows better than to get involved with a prisoner/protectee, and Harrison doesn't want to endanger anyone else. When the bullets start flying, Gillian and Harrison have to learn how to trust each other. I liked seeing them get to know each other and discover things they had in common that had affected who they were today. I also liked the conversations they had that changed Harrison's view of his actions. The sparks between them also continued to grow, complicating their situation. The danger forced both Gillian and Harrison to face their feelings and what they wanted to do about them. I loved the scene at the end with Gillian's father. The epilogue was a great wrap-up for the suspense and their future.

The suspense of the story was fantastic and kept me hooked from beginning to end. It started with a bang as Gillian and Harrison were attacked shortly after she arrived to take him back to Colorado. Their progress through the wilderness was full of danger, both natural and man-made. As they drew closer to civilization, things became even more complicated. There were twists and turns involving rogue marshals, and situations I didn't know how Harrison and Gillian would escape. The ending was a nail-biter, keeping me up way late so I could finish it. That final confrontation was intense, and I loved how it was resolved.

Besides Harrison and Gillian, my favorite character was Harrison's dog, Tally. From moose and bears to bad guys, she was right there protecting them. She also provided a few lighter moments to break up the tension.

Expecting...and in Danger - Eileen Wilks (SD #1472 - Nov 2002)

Series: Dynasties: The Connellys (Book 11)

HE WANTED HIS BABY....

When he learned Charlotte Masters was pregnant with his child, Rafe Connelly moved mountains to find her -- one step ahead of the killers who'd put a bounty on her head. Despite her protests, Rafe needed to keep Charlotte safe. For the sake of his unborn child, he'd do anything...even marry the woman who'd betrayed his family.

SHE WANTED HIM....

Oozing confidence and masculinity, Rafe was irresistible. Charlotte knew she could deny him nothing. Hadn't she already shed her prim facade and satisfied his every desire in a torrid night of pure pleasure? But she couldn't accept his proposal, for to a woman with secrets, Rafe was as dangerous as the killers at her heels....

Good book. It has been a very long time since I read any of the Connelly books, so the details of the overarching mystery were very fuzzy. There was enough information in this book that I never felt lost and found it easy to become invested in what happened.

Charlotte used to be the personal assistant to Grant Connelly, the family patriarch and head of the business. She disappeared a few months earlier, after being blackmailed into helping a crime family hack into the company's computers. Shortly after she disappeared, Charlotte discovered she was pregnant with Rafe's baby after a one-night passionate encounter. She went into hiding after an attempt on her life, and before telling Rafe he was going to be a father.

Rafe is the computer genius of the family and a man who works hard and plays hard. He was attracted to Charlotte from the moment he met her, but she didn't seem interested. That is until one night when he drove her home from his parents' house and discovered a passionate woman under the prim and proper façade. When he found out she was pregnant with his baby, he did everything he could to find her.

The book started when Charlotte was five months pregnant and working as a waitress in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and bar. The sense of danger is there right from the beginning as Charlotte narrowly escapes being the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Her evening continues to go downhill when Rafe suddenly appears and drags her out of there, insisting that she isn't safe. Rafe is furious that she has put herself in danger, and is determined to keep her safe. He is also determined to do the right thing and marry her. Independent to a fault, Charlotte has no intention of accepting his "proposal" for myriad reasons of her own.

I liked both Charlotte and Rafe. Charlotte is smart and independent and loyal to those she cares for. She is wracked with guilt over what she did but had had no choice. She is feisty and mouthy and has no trouble standing up for herself. Rafe is brilliant and intense and comes off as being a bit arrogant at the beginning. He is also very protective of Charlotte.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Rafe hasn't been able to forget the night they spent together. It freaked him out at first, which is why he snuck out of her apartment and didn't try to contact her for a long time. By the time he did, she wasn't interested in talking to him. Then she disappeared, and Rafe went into overdrive trying to find her. I loved how he surprised himself with his happiness at his impending fatherhood and that he wanted to be a full-time father. However, he wasn't exactly smooth in presenting his case to Charlotte, and she dug in her heels. Charlotte has reasons that she won't marry Rafe, not the least of which are a couple of secrets from her past that she feels make it impossible. It was charming to see how hard Rafe worked to show Charlotte how much he wanted her in his life. There were terrific scenes of the thoughtful things he did and emotional ones when his fears for her would explode over some foolish thing she did. Charlotte does her best to resist him, but it doesn't take long before he starts to wear her down. She fights against her feelings for him, as her belief that she's not good enough for him keeps her from believing they have a future together. But her heart cannot be denied. I loved the scene where she's looking for the perfect birthday present for him, but her issues keep getting in the way. I laughed out loud at her conversation with Dix and what it led to. The ending was terrific, and the epilogue a good wrap-up to this book and lead-in to the next one.

The suspense of the story was excellent and kept me hooked through the whole book. A big part of it was trying to find out what the bad guys were after when they attempted to hack into the Connelly computer system. Because of her role in it, there were some major trust issues between Charlotte and Rafe that had to be overcome. Rafe was torn because he couldn't believe that she would purposely betray the family and company that way, but the evidence was there. But there was also the undeniable fact that someone was out to kill her, and there had to be a reason. It was interesting to get a few instances from the bad guy's point of view, something that sheds a little light on the motivations. I loved it when Rafe finally decided to trust Charlotte and get her involved in helping find the truth. It was quite satisfying that she was the one who did. Just when it seemed that everything was going to be alright, the killer made his move. There were some very intense moments there that had me on the edge of my seat until it was over. Help came from an unexpected source and proved to be exactly what was needed. The finish was very satisfying.

 

A Hoboken Hipster in Sherwood Forest - Marianne Mancusi (Love Spell - Feb 2007)

Series: Timeless Love (Book 2)

If Chrissie Hayward knew that morning she'd be traveling back through time to rescue her crazy coworker Kat, she'd have worn better shoes. Doubly so if she'd expected to meet her true love.

Robin of Locksley is no Prince Charming. All he seems to do is mope. Nonetheless, he is loyal and brave and handsome as sin. If Chrissie can just get him with the program, she can get these boyz 'n the wood to be heroes of the realm instead of twerps in tights. Only then can this prince of thieves become king of her heart.

This was a fun bit of fluff. I read the first book, A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthur's Court, years ago. This one has languished on my TBR shelf for a long time, but I needed a dose of lightness, and this fit the bill.

Chrissie is wandering around an upstate NY Ren Faire, looking for her slacker coworker, Kat, when her cellphone rings. It's Kat, supposedly calling from the 22nd century, where she, Lancelot, and Guenevere ended up by mistake. She needs Chrissie to rescue them by notifying the gypsy fortuneteller, Nimue. Not really believing, but playing along, Chrissie finds the fortuneteller who confirms everything Kat says. The only way to help is to send Chrissie to the 12th century to retrieve a magic ingredient from King Richard. The next thing she knows, Chrissie is flat on her back in the woods, staring up at Sherwood Forest.

Only, things aren't quite as the stories portray them. Robin is moping around, mourning the loss of his lands and love. The Merry Men are just hanging around the forest. And King Richard still hasn't returned from the Crusades. Chrissie is confused and disgusted and wonders what she's going to do. The first thing is to hide the fact that she's a woman, which is a hilarious bit of misdirection itself. She then proceeds to whip Robin and the Merry Men into shape, turning them into the legends we know and love, while waiting for the king to show up.

It was fun to watch the relationship develop between Chrissie and Robin. It's all one-sided at first, of course, because Robin thinks she a guy (sort of). It doesn't take Chrissie long to realize that he's not as useless as she first thinks, he just has no purpose to motivate him. Once she gives him that, she also uncovers the good heart inside him. Unfortunately for her, it also increases the attraction she feels for the handsome outlaw. Things start to look up when she reveals the truth to Robin, and the feelings between them begin to grow. Things get complicated when Maid Marion comes on the scene. Chrissie's knowledge of the legends and her own jealousy has her putting some distance between herself and the couple. Some interesting twists and turns reveal an unexpected side to Marion and put Chrissie in the position of having to save the day. Yet, underneath her feelings for Robin is the knowledge that once she has fulfilled her quest, she will return to the future. All she wants is to stay in the past with him. The ending was fun and perfectly crafted.

I really liked both Chrissie and Robin. Chrissie is a bit down on men at the moment, thanks to her cheating husband. She's not really looking for a relationship, especially a 12th century one. She comes across a little bitchy at first when it comes to Kat, but that relationship changes as the book goes on. I also liked the way that she finds unexpected inner strength, finally losing her tendency to see herself as a victim. She rocked by the end of the book. Robin started out as a less-than-impressive character. He was just shy of a whiny crybaby, but not by much. I enjoyed his transformation into the Robin Hood of legend, thanks to his willingness to be guided by Chrissie. I was a little worried when Marion showed up, but he came through that with flying colors. I loved him at the end and how he expressed his feelings for Chrissie.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was stuffed full of cultural references that date it, but that didn't decrease my enjoyment. The basic legend of Robin and his Merry Men was there, with sometimes hilarious twists. Overall, it was a terrific way to escape from reality for a day.

The book was republished 01/09/2019 as Mojitos with the Merry Men. I haven't read this version, so I don't know if it has been updated. Either way, it's a fun read.

Colton's Deadly Disguise - Geri Krotow (HRS #2083 - Apr 2020)

Series: Coltons of Mustang Valley (Book 7)
            Coltons (Book 108)

For an undercover duo,

investigating a beauty pageant turns ugly.

When Bella Colton undergoes a makeover to enter a beauty pageant, she’s on a mission. She’s determined to find out why her best friend died. Enter undercover FBI agent Holden St. Clair. Holden’s hot on the heels of a serial killer, who has Bella in his crosshairs. As the chemistry between Bella and Holden sparks, can they capture the murderer in their midst?

Very good book that sucked me in early and didn't let go until the very end. Bella is a reporter for the local paper, as well as doing free-lance articles for other publications. She is currently investigating a story that is very personal to her. Her best friend recently died from an eating disorder, and Bella believes that the beauty pageant industry contributed to it. She plans to go undercover as a contestant for Ms. Mustang Valley in her search for the truth. On the first day of pageant auditions, she meets Holden St. Clair, the security guard hired to protect the contestants.

What Bella doesn't know is that Holden is more than a security guard. He is an FBI agent on the trail of a serial killer who has struck two other pageants. His gut tells him that the Ms. Mustang Valley pageant is the next target. Meeting Bella Colton is a distraction he doesn't want or need.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Bella and Holden. There were sparks from the moment they met, though both were determined to ignore them. Each had their goals, and neither wanted the distraction. But when Bella is attacked that same evening, she is thankful for Holden's presence. When they discover that each has an underlying reason to be there, it doesn't take long for them to agree to work together. Holden's protectiveness runs up against Bella's independence, and learning to trust each other is a big part of the battle. There is an added complication in that Holden was burned by a former girlfriend who was also a reporter. I liked seeing them get to know each other and discover that they had more than just attraction going for them. I especially enjoyed the birdwatching scene as they were able to get away from their troubles for a few hours. But as their feelings for each other grew, each also felt that there was no future in it. There were still those differences, plus the distance between their jobs. However, surviving the danger of the serial killer as they did gave them a new appreciation for what they had together, and the motivation to find a solution. I loved Holden's big moment at the end.

The suspense of the story was excellent. Bella's desire to discover the truth behind the pageant wouldn't allow her to give up, even when it became clear that she was the target of a killer. That first attack was frightening, and even more so when Holden found the hidden camera at her house. Bella's search for answers about the pageant also seemed to stir up some trouble, with attacks on and by other pageant personnel, leaving questions about who was behind the attacks. The tension built as the time for the pageant grew closer, knowing that's when the killer usually strikes. I was on the edge of my seat as the attack finally happened, and Bella's life was on the line. I loved the teamwork that had to happen between Bella and Holden to bring it to an end.

I haven't read any of the other Mustang Valley books yet, but this was easily read as a stand-alone. There were references made to what is probably the ongoing mystery, but they didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. I will read the others, though!

Beautiful Tempest - Johanna Lindsey (Gallery Books - July 2017)

Series: Malory-Anderson (Book 12)

The tempestuous story of Jacqueline Malory whose furious desire for revenge leads to a confrontation with the handsome pirate who abducted her and sparks a much steamier kind of desire.

For the first time, James Malory and his Anderson in-laws agree on something: It's payback time for the culprit who kidnapped James and Georgina's beloved daughter Jack from her American debutante party and whisked her away to the Caribbean, no matter that she escaped unscathed. James figured out who masterminded the dastardly plot and is leading a fleet of ships to the West Indies to deliver some Malory-style retribution.

More interested in revenge than in finding a husband during her first London Season, Jack is furious that her father left her behind. Then an intriguing stranger leads her and her older brother Jeremy to her mysterious abductor. But instead of capturing him, the Malory siblings wind up as his guests on a ship sailing away from England. As Jack re-engages in a battle of wills with her all too attentive captor, she realizes he is no ordinary pirate, perhaps no pirate at all, but a nobleman determined to settle a score that dates back to the days when her father was known as Captain Hawke and what endangers her most is the increasingly passionate attraction they feel for each other.

Terrific book. I am heartbroken at the knowledge there will be no more Malory books (RIP Johanna Lindsey). They are always full of emotion, fun, heat, and the importance of family. This book is the follow-on to Stormy Persuasion, in which Jack was kidnapped as part of a revenge plot. She escaped unharmed and now harbors an intense desire to get revenge of her own on the man who captured her.

As this book opens, James Malory prepares to set off with his fleet to settle the score with the old nemesis who was behind Jack's kidnapping. In typical Malory fashion, he looks forward to the confrontation. What he doesn't enjoy is being pestered by Jack, who feels it's also her right to go along and doesn't take well to being told no. An intriguing masked stranger gives Jack something else to concentrate on until she figures out why he fascinates her. Convinced he is the man she dubbed "Bastard," she and Jeremy and their friend Derek plot to capture him and bring him to justice. Their plans go awry when he captures them instead, and they find themselves headed back to the Caribbean.

This was a fast start to the book, and the pace didn't change much throughout the story. I loved the encounter between Jack and the masked man at the ball. The sparks between them were undeniable, and I was surprised that Jack didn't immediately suspect who he was. But then again, her anger over the whole kidnapping was just as intense as it had been, and likely overwhelmed the attraction. I loved what it was that gave it away and wasn't surprised that she threw herself into revenge mode. I was glad that she was smart enough to enlist Jeremy and Derek to help her. I was unsurprised that he was prepared for them, though that didn't lessen the intensity of the scene at the docks. Jack's fury is just as hot this time, and she doesn't give in easily. She certainly gets "Bastard's" attention with her impromptu swim, even though it didn't last long. She quickly realizes that she is stuck on board until they reach the islands and plans accordingly.

"Bastard," aka Damon Ross, has no intention of bringing any harm to Jack. She is a pawn in an elaborate game. Damon was forced into this kidnapping, but also uses it for his own ends. He has a score to settle with Jack's father and is willing to use her to make it happen. The problem is that she still fascinates and captivates him.

I loved watching their relationship develop. Jack is angry and delights in trying to push Damon's buttons. It's frustrating for her when she only gets amusement in return. Meanwhile, Damon's fascination with Jack continues to grow. He is also fairly blatant about his attraction to her and uses that to his advantage. It was fun to see Jack's attitude undergo a slow change as she began to realize that there were things that didn't add up. Though she calls him a pirate, he doesn't behave like one. He's let slip a few things that lead her to believe that there is more to her kidnapping than she knows. It isn't long before Jack's fascination with Damon matches his for her.

However, the growing feelings between Damon and Jack aren't all that is going on. The tensions on the ship are high because the crew is split between Damon's men and actual pirates. They were forced on him by the man behind Jack's kidnapping. There are quite a few intense scenes where Damon is all that stands between the pirates and Jack. As they draw closer to the islands, Damon finally reveals the truth to Jack, Jeremy, and Derek, as they seek a way to move the odds in their favor. And let's not forget James Malory, who is not happy (to put it mildly) to find out about Jack's abduction. The initial meeting between James and Damon was everything I expected and more. There are some exciting twists and turns as James and Damon have to work together to bring down their common enemy. That still doesn't help Damon get his heart's desire, as James whisks Jack back to England.

Damon isn't about to give up and follows as quickly as he can. The obstacles remain; however, the biggest being Jack's father. While hoping to let time soften the resistance (hah!), Damon visits his grandmother's home, where he receives one shock after another. In the meantime, Jack's mother plans another ball, which Jack requests to be a masquerade. I loved the feeling of closing a circle. There were some hilarious moments at the ball, as both Georgina and James get their licks in, but it's Jack who wins the day. I loved the ending as she and Damon get what they want. I also loved the last line, which went to James, "Where do they keep the bloody brandy here?"

The Secret Ingredient to a Happy Marriage - Shirley Jump (Forever - May 2018)

Series: O'Bannon Sisters (Book 2)

Nora has always been the sister who binds the O'Bannons together. No matter what crisis hits, smart, dependable Nora knows how to fix it. But for Nora, the pressure of perfection is taking its toll.

Nora's marriage is in trouble, and she has been reluctant to worry her sisters with just how dire her situation is. Now though, faced with losing her husband, her home, and the life she's worked so hard to build, Nora can no longer pretend.

As the O'Bannon women rally around her, Nora begins to see that failure is nothing to fear. It's like they say in the bakery: if you want to make something good, you can't be afraid to get messy. When her husband returns, asking Nora to give their family a second chance, Nora must decide if their relationship can be saved-or if it's time to throw out the old recipe and start from scratch.

Good story of love, forgiveness, and family. Nora has been the glue that holds her family together. Her father died when she was eight, leaving her mother overwhelmed as she became the sole support of the family. Nora became the second mother to her sisters, making sure things got done and doing her best to make everything go smoothly. She dealt with any problems, always insisting that everything was fine. This continued into adulthood, where everything looks perfect to those on the outside, looking in.

But things aren't perfect. Though Nora appears to have an ideal life, with a loving husband, two kids, and a lovely house, appearances are deceiving. Her marriage is in trouble, thanks to her husband's gambling addiction. They are about to have their home repossessed by the bank, and Nora holds Ben entirely responsible for it. He left her holding the bag, trying to pay the bills and keep the household going. Ben went to rehab, but Nora no longer trusts that he will put the family first and is ready to call quits on their marriage. Additionally, their eight-year-old daughter, Sarah, has been in trouble at school and was just suspended for fighting. Nora is at her wit's end but continues to maintain the façade of "everything's fine" to her sisters and mother. When her sister, Magpie, invites her and the kids to the beach for a week, Nora grabs the chance to get away from it all.

I started the book with a great deal of sympathy for Nora. She is the one trying to keep things as normal as possible for the kids, make ends meet, and find a way out of the mess. I was happy for her to have a chance to relax and recharge, away from all the reminders of her troubles. Her encounter with the neighbor, Will, seemed a heaven-sent look at what could be. I liked the way he treated her, restoring a little bit of her self-worth. But all the time she is with him, she is reminded of the love she had for Ben. There were times she remembered the good times, but she would allow the present to overshadow them. I quickly became frustrated with her consistently negative outlook on her future.

I was not a Ben fan at the beginning. Knowing he was responsible for the loss of their house was a big black mark against him. I softened toward him as I saw what a good dad he was, with excellent relationships with Sarah and Jake. The more I saw of him, the more sympathy I felt for him. He knew he screwed up and took himself to rehab. I ached for him when he came out because it's clear that Nora hasn't forgiven him. Ben wants to reconcile, but every time he brings it up, Nora shuts him down hard.

It was interesting to see the changes in both of them as the book went on, but especially the changes in Nora. She was so rigid and controlling in some things that it was no surprise that Ben had some resentment toward her. He still didn't give up on them, despite Nora's resistance. I ached a bit for Nora as the pressure she felt to hide her troubles kept building, and knew she would eventually break. That scene was a little heartbreaking as she realized how much she had lost by keeping that distance from her family. I loved how they came through with the support she needed. The confrontation she had with Ben also opened her eyes to the way she had treated him. I wasn't sure how much effect it would have on her since she was still focused on the past. I loved Ben's big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic and filled with hope.

There were also some things going on within the O'Bannon family. The girls' mother, Colleen, who has been a widow for twenty years, is spending a lot of time with Roger. He is the director of the shelter where she volunteers. He is a sweet and kind man with a painful backstory that had a significant impact on who he is today. He has it bad for Colleen. Unfortunately, she feels guilty for even thinking about him because she never believed there would be anyone other than her late husband. I liked Roger's persistence, and his realistic view of Colleen. She was prickly and judgmental, which irritated me quite often. That came to a head in her dealings with the bakery's intern, Iris. Though everything worked out, I do wonder if Colleen can genuinely change.

Nora's sister, Magpie, is the sister with wanderlust. She is a world traveler who rarely stays in one place for long. Throughout her and Nora's stay at the beach, it is evident that she has something she wants to talk to Nora about. But she also suffers from the family "I'm fine" disease, and can't get past it to confess her problems. I was pretty sure what the trouble was, which was confirmed by her conversation with her friend, Charlie. I liked her confession to her family, and the instant support she received. I hope that there will be a book for her.

I liked the bakery intern, Iris. Her need to please was heartbreaking, and I liked seeing her blossom as she worked there. There was a rough patch that wasn't her fault, and I ached for what she went through because of it. I'd like to see more of her.

 

The Bachelor - Sabrina Jeffries (Zebra - Mar 2020)

Series: Duke Dynasty (Book 2)

Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family's reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it's Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate's gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. But as a man, it's torment to be so very close to the beauty he's fought to ignore . . .

With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out. But Joshua is unmoved by her attempts at flirtation, and the threat of blackmail still hangs over her. With danger closing in, Gwyn must decide which is the greater risk: deflecting a scoundrel's attempts to sabotage her -- or revealing her whole heart to the rugged bodyguard she can't resist . . .

Good book. I've been looking forward to this story since seeing Gwyn and Joshua in the first book, Project Duchess. The sparks between them were evident even then and burst into full flame in this book.

The story opens as Gwyn attempts to deal with a past indiscretion that has come back to haunt her. Her confrontation with her blackmailer is interrupted by Joshua Wolfe, the estate gamekeeper. Believing that the man intends to kidnap Gwyn to gain her dowry, Gwyn's brother, the Duke of Thornstock, hires Joshua to act as a bodyguard for Gwyn while she is in London.

At thirty years old, Gwyn is no longer a naïve young miss. Past experience has made her cynical about men, a feeling reinforced by the parade of fortune hunters she meets in London. She is spunky and not afraid to stand up for herself and go after what she wants. And what she wants turns out to be Joshua.

Joshua is a gruff, grumpy war hero, injured in the war against Napoleon. On half-pay from the Royal Marines, he is determined to get back on active duty. In the meantime, he works as the gamekeeper on Thornstock's estate. He is attracted to Gwyn but believes that his injuries and the differences between them prevent a relationship.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gwyn and Joshua. The sparks are there from the beginning, and I loved watching them build. One of the things I liked best about Gwyn was that she didn't look down on Joshua for being the gamekeeper. He is the grandson of a duke and a war hero, and that is enough for her. She is also not put off by his injuries and is quite protective of him when she thinks he is being slighted. I liked how she saw the man beneath the grumpy exterior. I especially enjoyed her attempts to make him laugh and how good it made her feel when she succeeded. I loved Joshua's protectiveness toward Gwyn, which goes far beyond his bodyguard duties. He senses from the start that there is more to the story with Captain Malet than Gwyn or Thorn has shared with him. It was fun to see Joshua thwart Gwyn's attempts to get around him. I loved seeing them grow to trust each other and the boost that trust gave to the feelings that grew between them. I ached for Gwyn as her love for Joshua grew because she was afraid that if he knew everything about her past, he would reject her. The ending was great, as all the secrets were revealed and dealt with, and love conquered all.

The storyline with Captain Malet was excellent. His history with Gwyn created a lot of tension. There was Gwyn's fear that he would expose their past, not just ruining her, but also affecting her entire family. This wasn't his only run-in with Gwyn's family, as he also made an appearance in Seduction on a Snowy Night, Heywood and Cass's story. To complicate matters further, Joshua was also tasked with looking into Malet by the War Department. The final confrontation with Malet was intense. I loved how it worked out - Gwyn made me grin over what she did.

One of the best things about this series is the complexity of the family dynamics. One woman who has had three different husbands, all dukes. Five children by those three men, three of them now dukes in their own right. I loved the teasing and evident love among the family members and the way they support each other. The relationship between Gwyn and her brother has been strained, and we finally find out why. There are also ongoing questions and suspicions about the fathers' deaths that seem to run across the series. Looking forward to how that will play out.

 

Phoenix - Janie Crouch (Calamity Jane Publishing - Mar 2020)

Series: Linear Tactical (Book 8)

Adrenaline junky.

Adventure traveler.

Extreme sport sensation.

They’re all labels Riley Harrison—known to the world as Phoenix—wears as easily as the tattoos covering his body.

But it’s his role as undercover operative for Linear Tactical’s kidnap and ransom unit that makes his blood sing. Riley uses his celebrity status to help infiltrate locations and situations nobody else can get into.

In. Out. The fight is usually over before the bad guys know it’s begun or that Riley was involved.

But his skills and celebrity status won’t help when he discovers the woman he loves is keeping unbearable secrets and in a danger he never could’ve imagined.

She wants Riley to stay far away from her.

That’s not going to happen.

But he’ll have to be willing to lose everything to save her. To save them.

Phoenix will learn you have to burn before you can rise.

Fantastic book. I have been waiting to read the story of Girl Riley and Boy Riley, who have been part of the Linear Tactical team from the beginning, and this surpassed my expectations. As usual, Janie grabbed my attention from the first page and didn't let go until I finished. At least this time, I was smart enough to start reading it early in the day, so I didn't have to pull an all-nighter to finish it. However, nothing else got done...

Girl Riley, aka Riley Wilde, aka Wildfire, is a nurse at the local hospital and good friends with the other LT women. I've thoroughly enjoyed her parts in earlier books as she supported her friends. There were hints of trouble coming her way in Echo, and that trouble is identified in this book, changing her life forever. Wildfire is devastated at the news and has a bleak view of her future.

Boy Riley, aka Riley Harrison, aka Phoenix, is a well-known extreme sports figure. He loves the travel and adventure of his chosen work. Phoenix also occasionally provides help to the Linear Tactical team by providing cover for some of their trickier operations. The story opened with one of those operations, a gripping section that hooked me right from the start.

The relationship between Phoenix and Wildfire was a close one from the time they met three years earlier. I loved the part that chronicled that meeting. Phoenix was adorable in his bid to grab Wildfire's attention. A long-distance relationship isn't easy, but they have carried theirs out successfully by talking almost daily by phone or video chat. All of their friends can see how perfect they are for each other. When Wildfire receives some life-altering news, she takes a grim look at her future. Determined not to hold Phoenix back, she breaks up with him but doesn't tell him why. Phoenix is confused by her actions as he noticed no looming problems in their relationship. He returns to Oak Creek, determined to get to the bottom of it. The annual Wyoming Adventure Race is just the excuse he needs to work his way back into her life.

I ached so much for Wildfire. The news she received upended her life, and the uncertainty that faces her consumes her thoughts. She believes that staying with her would ruin Phoenix's life, but cutting him loose breaks her heart. It's a little easier when he's at a distance, but his arrival back in Oak Creek strains her determination to the breaking point. Seeing her in person, Phoenix quickly realizes that something serious is going on with Wildfire. The sparks between them are as hot as ever, giving him hope, but her belief in herself is gone. I loved his refusal to give up on them even though he didn't know what was wrong. The sunrise scenes were fantastic, romantic, and yet intense with Phoenix's desire to show her that he was there for her. The scene that started at one bridge and ended at another was heart-wrenching as Wildfire struggled to save Phoenix, then the celebration of life and love, and concluded with Wildfire's confession.

My heart broke for Phoenix as he struggled to come to terms with it all. The advice he received from Wyatt, Zac, and Annie was critical in helping him understand how best to help Wildfire. However, it took nearly losing him, and Phoenix's refusal to give up, for her to believe that they could be together. He completely won my heart when he said: "You're still going to be my Riley. My Wildfire. You'll just come with a set of wheels." By the time the ending came, there was no doubt in Wildfire's mind that she and Phoenix belonged together.

This wouldn't be a Linear Tactical book if it didn't come with some gripping suspense. The undercover rescue at the beginning was fantastic. I loved seeing Phoenix's quick wits in action. That was over and done pretty quickly, but Phoenix wasn't allowed to relax. His participation in the WAR was unplanned and created some unexpected trouble. His abilities are well-known and appear to have stirred up some resentment. A series of unexplained problems escalate in danger, putting Phoenix's life at risk. Just when I thought I had it figured out, an unexpected twist changed everything. The final confrontation with the perpetrator was intense and heartbreaking. But his troubles aren't over yet. Someone from the past is on a quest for revenge, and Wildfire ends up in the middle of it. Phoenix's fear for her leaped off the page and kept me riveted as he and the Linear Tactical team sprang into action. Their teamwork is always amazing, and this was no exception. The final face-off between Phoenix and his adversary was terrifying as the depths of his evil became clear. I swear I jumped as if I actually heard that last shot, and felt their relief as they made their escape.

And lastly, Janie, when it came to Wildfire and her diagnosis, you nailed it. The fear, the uncertainty, the dread of being a burden can eat away at self-confidence, as it did for her. I felt her pain as she tried to push Phoenix away "for his own good." Her frustration on those occasions when her body failed her was portrayed beautifully, as was her determination to hide her struggles. Her need to prove to herself that she could still do things was a critical step in moving forward, and resisting Phoenix's urge to help was part of it. And finally, learning how to ask for and accept help when she needed it would make her future much more satisfying. I also loved Phoenix and his resolve to win Wildfire back and find out what had changed her so drastically. His reactions were realistic and understandable. Above all, it was his love for her and belief in her that made their future together possible. I loved the peek into their future in the extra epilogue.

A Cowboy for all Seasons - Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm, Maisey Yates, Jackie Ashenden (HQN - Feb 2020)

Discover the power of family in this uplifting quartet by New York Times bestselling author Maisey Yates, USA TODAY bestselling author Caitlin Crews, Nicole Helm and Jackie Ashenden.

June Gable left each of her four granddaughters a handwritten bequest -- to spend a season at her beloved farmhouse in Jasper Creek, Oregon, before they sell it. These cousins were once as close as sisters, but time and family betrayals have pushed them apart.

In spring, polished city girl Keira must find her country roots -- and reconnect with an old flame. In the summer, tough tomboy JJ needs to tap into her softer side while helping a single dad and his daughters. Cheerful dreamer Lila has to help coordinate the town craft fair in autumn, under the stern eye of the handsome cowboy she loved as a girl. And as winter falls, headstrong, independent Bella must learn to ask for help from the one man she believes she can never have.

The four cousins will have to confront secrets from the past, deal with old wounds they'd rather hide, and tangle with their hardheaded cowboys before they can find love, healing and the true meaning of family…

This was a terrific collection of stories about second chances, self-discovery, and family. I loved seeing these four women overcome past hurts and find their ways back to the love and friendship they used to share.

Spring - Caitlin Crews

Keira and Remy

Keira is the first of June's granddaughters to arrive at the old homestead. Her task is to help with the cattle, which after five years of living in the city, will take some getting used to. Her partner in this endeavor is Remy, the former love of her life. Their relationship fell apart when he couldn't understand her need to move away for a while. It wasn't that she didn't love him or want to marry him, but that she had to get away from her parents and find out who she was without their influence. Remy was very cold to her at first, but it wasn't long before the old attraction rekindled. However, they are now older and better able to discuss the differences between them and see where things went wrong before. There were two scenes I especially liked: Remy being there to support Keira during her confrontations with her parents, and Keira facing off with Remy's mother about the way his family has treated him. I liked how they finally worked through their differences and were able to move forward together.

Summer - Nicole Helm

JJ and Cade

Grandma June's request of JJ was that she watches two little girls for the summer while their single dad does his work. JJ's parents divorced when she was young, leaving her with her father and her mother taking her little sister Lila. JJ's father was very anti-emotion and taught JJ to be the same way. She has spent years hiding and burying her emotions while trying to win her father's approval. Fulfilling her grandmother's request is the first time she's gone against him. JJ feels very much out of her depth at first with the two girls. I liked watching her relax with them, and begin to see similarities between Ellie and Lora and herself and Lila. There were sparks between Cade and JJ, but they tried to ignore them, as JJ wasn't planning to stay. They developed a very sweet friendship before the sparks started to burn out of control. I loved watching JJ learn to embrace her emotions and show them to those she cares about. It was sweet to see how Cade helped her express those emotions by not judging her when she did. The ending was terrific.

Fall - Maisey Yates

Lila and Everett

Fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants Lila was tagged to organize and run the yearly Red Sled Festival, something she feels is way beyond her capability. But that's okay because Grandma June has also asked neighbor Everett to help Lila. This forces Lila to face the man she had a crush on as a teenager, and who she made of fool of herself in front of at his engagement party. But Bella is an eternal optimist who does her best to see the bright side of everything, so she sucks it up and deals, only to discover that the feelings she had for Everett never died. Everett is a very pragmatic man who views everything with a jaundiced eye. The opposites attract development of their relationship was an interesting one to watch. I especially enjoyed the discussions of their different ways of looking at life and the effect on their dreams of the future. It takes Everett a little longer to recognize his feelings for Lila. I loved his big moment at the end. There was also a terrific scene between Lila and JJ as they mended the rift caused by their parents' actions.

Winter - Jackie Ashenden

Bella and Noah

Bella was the missing cousin, the one who didn't come to the funeral because no one knew where she was. The lawyers finally tracked her down, just in time for her to have her season in Grandma June's house. The timing was fortuitous for Bella, as she recently had her bank account cleaned out, leaving her with nothing. She showed up at the house with little more than the clothes on her back. Bella is very independent. Having grown up with a mother who used men for whatever she wanted, then leaving them when something better came along, Bella works hard at never asking for help. Her letter from June tells her to fix up the house and sell it if she wants to, and not to be afraid to ask for help. When Bella arrives at the house, she immediately runs into the last person she wanted to see - her ex-stepbrother, Noah. Her mom was married to Noah's dad the year Bella was thirteen. Bella had a massive crush on nineteen-year-old Noah, who never seemed to notice her. Lila asked Noah to check on Bella. He wasn't happy about it, as he had cut himself off from everyone. Years of taking care of his drunk father had drained him, and he doesn't want anyone to need him. But something about Bella draws him like a magnet. The development of the relationship between them was a rocky one. There was intense chemistry, but both of them feared getting too close. Noah fought it, but couldn't stop himself from wanting to help her. There were some sweet scenes of the things he did for her, things that showed he understood her. Bella was a bit lost at first, having a hard time accepting his help. Though both fought against their growing feelings, they also found it easy to talk to each other about stuff they'd never told anyone else. I ached for Noah, who was afraid of becoming addicted to Bella the way his dad was addicted to booze, and caused him to push her away. I cried for Bella, who had finally let someone in, just to be rejected. I loved the ending and the unexpected visitors who arrived at just the right time to give Bella the support and kick in the pants that she needed. Her and Noah's big moment at the end was deeply emotional and perfect for both of them.

 

Tucker - Emily March (St. Martin's - Feb 2020)

Series: McBrides of Texas (Book 2)
            Eternity Springs (Book 17)

Hope springs eternal in this enchanting Texas town.

Meet Gillian Thacker. Her business: Bliss Bridal Salon. Her passion: Weddings. Her own wedding: It’s complicated. Life isn’t turning out like she’d planned. The last thing she wants is for a real-life hero to ride to her rescue when an unexpected event puts her entire future in Redemption, Texas, at risk. So what’s a broken-hearted bridal expert to do? Maybe a new set of survival skills is exactly what she needs…

Tucker McBride has been proud to call himself a U.S. Army Ranger. But now that his days of service are over, he’s decided to put his expertise to use by founding a wilderness skills training school. He sets up shop in Redemption, next to Bliss Bridal, and so begins life: Part Two. Marriage has been pretty low on his agenda, but as soon as he meets Gillian, Tucker can’t help but contemplate the ultimate challenge: Convincing the reluctant bride to take his hand and leap into the adventure of a lifetime. . .until death do they part.

Terrific book. This is the story of the second McBride cousin, Tucker. Though he originally planned to make the military his career, his most recent posting convinced him otherwise. Pushing papers was a pain, but what got to him most was the backstabbing, political vipers he had to deal with. So he pulled the plug but is now feeling a bit lost and unsure of what comes next. So he heads for Redemption and the land that he and his cousins own, looking for peace and inspiration. He did not expect to come across a damsel in distress along the way.

Gillian is having a bad day. After an argument with her fiancé over wedding plans, she compounds her problems by wrecking her car in the middle of nowhere. Undeterred, she hikes off in the direction of town, high heels and all. She doesn't expect a knight on his trusty steed to come to her rescue.

I loved the first meeting between Gillian and Tucker. There are sparks, but Tucker doesn't act on them because he's an honorable guy, and she's engaged. However, there is plenty of banter between them, and he pours on the flirty charm. Several months pass with Gillian and Tucker seeing each other occasionally, including on New Year's Eve. The cracks in her relationship with Jeremy become more pronounced. The final betrayal comes when Jeremy, as the bank representative, sells a property that Gillian had plans for without telling her. I ached for Gillian but was happy that she finally saw Jeremy for the snake he was. What was most eye-opening for Gillian was the realization that she was less upset over the loss of Jeremy than she was the loss of the property and her dreams for it. To find out that it was Tucker who bought the property was an additional blow. I liked her face-off with him. Her enthusiasm for her plans made Tucker want her all the more. Now that she is no longer engaged, he is ready to go into pursuit mode.

I loved the development of the relationship between Tucker and Gillian. It was smooth, and it wasn't easy, but it was beautiful. Tucker has a good understanding of Gillian from the beginning. When Gillian went into a deep funk over the end of her dreams, Tucker conspired with her mother to pull her out of it. I loved what they came up with, and it certainly did the trick. Gillian regained a bit of her spark, and Tucker makes sure she knows of his interest. But Gillian's confidence in herself and her judgment is shot, and she is afraid to jump into a new relationship. I loved Tucker's patience as he agrees to be friends while she works through it. They spend some time together over the next few weeks, growing closer, but with Gillian always keeping that bit of distance between them. I thoroughly enjoyed it when Tucker introduced Gillian to the joys of hiking. Her resistance was funny, and his cajoling was sweet. It's so apparent that Tucker is head over heels for her, but Gillian can't let go of her fears.

Things take a turn when the proof of Jeremy's betrayal blindsides Gillian. I loved that she ran to Tucker, knowing in her heart that she could trust him. I loved how he took control of everything and gave Gillian the perfect escape experience. There ended up being more to the trip than planned, and though she was all-in at first, she freaked out the next day. I ached for Tucker, who thought that he had finally won his fair lady. His patience was incredible as he gave Gillian the time she wanted. I was frustrated with Gillian because she coasted along, not really giving the issue the time it deserved. I loved what finally opened her eyes and gave Gillian her confidence back. There were still some things to work out between them, but they talked them out with the result of coming out stronger on the other side. I loved that discussion and how it showed the changes they both experienced.

There was also a lead-in to the next book with Boone. I can't wait to read it and see how he handles that unexpected complication to his life.

Shanna - Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (Avon - Apr 1977)

A woman with surging desires of the spirit, the flesh, and the heart...

The only child of an 18th-century sugar baron, lovely Shanna Trahern is given a year to find a suitable husband in London or to be married off to a dull planter. Instead, she contrives to marry Ruark Beauchamp, condemned to die for the supposed murder of a barmaid.

Certain her concocted story of a romantic elopement and marriage, followed by Ruark's accidental death, will satisfy her father, Shanna embarks for home -- the lush, intrigue-filled Caribean island of Los Camellos. But unknown to Shanna, her husband has escaped the gallows and under another name is among the bondsmen purchased by her father's agent. Once home, Shanna is tormented by Ruark's playful taunts -- and his threat to collect "The night of love" she had promised him in prison. But when she is carried off by pirates; Ruark risks his life to save her. Now Shanna must deal with the searing passion the proud, virile Ruark has aroused...

RUARK

A man burning to possess her in vengeance and in ecstasy...

SHANNA

A romance of passion beyond wildest dreams!

This was a long overdue reread of an oldie but goodie. Shanna is more than just a classic historical romance; it is also an adventure story that goes from Newgate Prison to a Caribbean island to a pirate island and finally to the wilderness of the Colony of Virginia. The descriptions are rich with detail, making it easy to visualize each scene, and the characters are vividly portrayed.

Shanna is the daughter of a wealthy merchant who owns an island in the Caribbean. He sends her to London each year in hopes that she finds a titled husband, but each year she returns unwed. This year he gave her an ultimatum - find a husband, or he will find one for her. Unwilling to bow to his dictates, Shanna buys time to find the man she wants by marrying a man condemned to die.

Ruark is in prison for a murder he is sure he didn't commit but expects to die for. When Shanna makes her proposal to him, that in exchange for his name, she will ensure his final days are more comfortable, he counters with a requirement of his own. He will marry her, but she must grant him a wedding night.

In this first part of the book, Shanna is a spoiled brat, as well as being somewhat naïve. She makes promises to Ruark that she has no intention of keeping. Her attitude is arrogant, and she certainly looks down on him. She begins to sense that she has bitten off more than she can chew when she meets the "cleaned up" Ruark for the wedding. Ruark has understandably looked forward to the marriage and the aftermath and is in a cheerful, flirty mood throughout the wedding. There are sparks between them, though Shanna doesn't recognize the attraction for what it is. I loved Ruark's teasing and gentleness and couldn't help thinking about how lucky Shanna was. I was furious with the way she double-crossed Ruark and understood his fury. It was interesting to see how Shanna tried to justify her actions in her mind, but there was that niggling sense of guilt that gave me hope for her. She thinks she has it made because of his scheduled hanging, but Fate has other plans. It was an interesting plot twist that had Ruark avoiding the hangman and ending up bound for her home as a bondservant.

Once she reaches Los Camellos, the story picks up. Ruark, now going by the name John Ruark, is satisfied to be so close to Shanna, making it easier to plot his revenge. He is a smart and talented man and quickly makes himself indispensable to his employer. Shanna gets quite a shock the first time she sees him and realizes that she is not a widow after all and that her husband is determined to claim what he is owed. I loved watching his persistent actions as he gets closer to Shanna's father, and therefore closer to her. He also takes every opportunity to fan the sparks of attraction between them, until Shanna is desperate to stop him. She finally realizes that the only way is to pay her debt in full. That scene is romantic and steamy and opens her eyes to what is possible between a man and a woman. But the strength of those feelings also scares her, and she tries unsuccessfully to stay away. By this time, Ruark is head over heels for her, but can't make any headway in getting her to admit her feelings. She may claim that she doesn't want him, but certainly demonstrates a great deal of jealousy when she thinks he is with someone else. Her hotheaded behavior leads her into another rash action that has Ruark kidnapped and turned over to a pirate ship.

This is one of the most exciting parts of the book, as Ruark does what he must to stay alive. He tries to hedge his bets with the pirates, but it backfires and ends up with the pirates attacking the island and taking Shanna captive. I loved his quick mind as he found a way to bring her under his protection while preserving his cover with the pirates. Of course, Shanna is just as willful and stubborn as ever and nearly succeeds in getting them both killed. His confrontation with the pirate captain was intense, but the outcome was never really in doubt. He also knew that he had to get them away from the pirate island as soon as possible. I loved the unexpected help they received, and the escape was a real nail-biter. I was worried that Shanna was going to stand back and let him take the blame, but she did finally come through in the end. Her experiences on the pirate island opened her eyes, and she began to see just how spoiled and selfish she had been. I liked seeing the changes as they happened, and Ruark's reaction to them. He was understandably wary, but also hopeful.

A complication during this period was the presence of an Englishman, Sir Gaylord Billingsly, who is looking for financing for a shipyard his family owns. He is quite supercilious and has set his sights on marrying Shanna. He is a parasite of the worst sort and rapidly wears out his welcome as far as Shanna is concerned. There were some very satisfying moments when she finds ways to make her displeasure known. She doesn't know, however, that he has joined forces with Ralston, who has promised his help for a piece of Shanna's dowry. There are some devious and dangerous plans underway that could put a permanent end to Ruark's marriage to Shanna. There is also a visit from a sailing ship out of Virginia, where its captain is very interested in the story of Shanna's marriage. He also tells stories about life and opportunities in the colonies and invites the Traherns to visit them there.

My favorite part of the book is the visit to Virginia. Shanna and Ruark have come to an understanding, but she hasn't quite made that final leap. It was great fun to watch Shanna watch Ruark in his natural element of the Virginia wilderness. At last, she accepts what her heart has known all along, but there are still a few surprises in store for her. I enjoyed her growing appreciation for the land, and her acceptance by the family they visit makes her feel even more at home. There were some hilarious moments involving Ruark and various family members that all came home to roost with the arrival of one of the sisters. I ached a little for Shanna as the entire truth came out, as she felt foolish, but Ruark soon convinced her of the truth of his feelings. The excitement isn't over, however, as the murder charge against him rears its head once more, thanks to outside interference. There is more to the story still as the actual murderer uses Shanna as a hostage to attempt to escape. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, as Shanna's calm confidence in Ruark's rescue of her drives her kidnapper over the edge. The end to that was very satisfying, with nothing left but to tie up loose ends. I loved the epilogue and the surprise that Mr. Trahern received one morning at church.

Though Shanna spent a good bit of time on the disliked side of the tally sheet during the book, I enjoyed seeing the growth of her character. It wasn't fast, and it wasn't easy, but it was believable. On the other hand, I loved Ruark from the beginning. He is an honorable man, and that honor plays out again and again throughout the book. I loved his patience and persistence in winning Shanna.